Beverage container cooling froster system for built-in refrigerator

Abstract

A froster system is provided that releases liquid CO from a high-pressure CO cylinder through a CO release nozzle located within a refrigerator. The froster system efficiently sterilizes, cools, freezes, or freezes a container placed in the nozzle. The froster system includes a high-pressure CO cylinder in fluid communication with the CO release nozzle, a cylinder-to-nozzle tubing connecting the CO cylinder and the CO release nozzle, and a controller that communicates user input to activate the froster system to release liquid CO.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a froster system that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to ice, freeze, and / or chill beverage containers, and more particularly to a froster system for incorporation into a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] Cold beverages served in frozen (frosted) glasses are refreshing and cool. Wine stemware, beer mugs, or soft drink tumblers may be advantageously frozen, chilled, iced, or refrigerated to enhance the visual presentation of the drink, improve the taste sensation, and increase the enjoyment of the drink.

[0003] A common method for obtaining frozen glasses for beverages is to place clean glasses in a freezer, wait a sufficient amount of time for the glasses to freeze, and then open the freezer and remove the frozen glasses. However, this method is operationally complex and requires preparation hours in advance of the desired time. This method requires several hours of freezing time and requires a large freezer to accommodate the number of glasses a household needs that day. Few households have enough freezer space to store one frozen glass per family member per day, and multiple frozen glasses are likely to be needed per day. Therefore, this method is impractical in most cases, and a faster frosting system is desirable.

[0004] To address the need to freeze, cool, and / or freeze glasses more quickly, liquid CO2 from high-pressure cylinders has been used. For example, a CO2 glass chiller sold under the trademark INNOVECO is commercially available at www.innoveco2.com. This countertop CO2 glass chiller is said to be able to cool glasses in 3 to 6 seconds. The device features an upper nozzle within a hood onto which glasses are elevated. Liquid CO2 is drawn from the high-pressure cylinder by a siphon tube (also known as a "dip tube") and delivered to the nozzle. When activated, the liquid CO2 is sprayed onto glasses positioned relative to the nozzle to be frozen.

[0005] Other known glass frosters / chillers include an apparatus for freezing, freezing, or frosting containers or hollow bodies, particularly drinking glasses, disclosed by Cherbland in U.S. Patent No. 4,237,697. In the Cherbland system, a tank containing pressurized liquefied gas is fed through a valve to a nozzle, which sprays the liquefied gas into a drinking glass. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Both the commercially available CO2 glass chiller and the Cherbland freezer use a liquefied gas jet to cool, freeze, or freeze beverage containers, but require ample counter space for the high-pressure cylinder, and both occupy a significant amount of counter space for the freezer itself. Since extra counter space is scarce in kitchens, these solutions are less than ideal. It would be advantageous for homeowners to be able to cool, freeze, or freeze beverage containers without sacrificing limited kitchen, countertop, or table space.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a froster system that can be installed with minimal loss of kitchen space and that provides a means for quickly and conveniently freezing beverage containers, thereby allowing the beverages to be presented in an attractive manner and maintained at a preferred low temperature for an extended period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a froster system that releases liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) through a CO2 release nozzle; the nozzle is placed within the water ice release area in the refrigerator door. In the froster system, CO2 is released to efficiently cool, freeze, or freeze a container placed in the nozzle. This froster system provides added value in that the container is also sanitized during freezing. Because the froster system is designed to be incorporated into a standard refrigerator (such as into the ice water release area (ice / water release area)), the froster does not require additional kitchen space and provides a convenient means of quickly freezing beverage containers for optimal beverage appeal.

[0009] The Froster system includes a high-pressure CO2 cylinder, a valve that allows or prevents the flow of CO2, a control device, a CO2 release nozzle located within the refrigerator, and a connecting gas flow tube for connecting the cylinder to the nozzle. The term "within the refrigerator" means contained within a part of the refrigerator, held by the refrigerator, supported by the refrigerator, for example, contained and supported inside the refrigerator (e.g., within the refrigerator door, within the refrigerator area, or within a refrigerator drawer), contained and held within the front area of ​​the refrigerator door behind the refrigerator facade door, supported on the front of the refrigerator door, or inserted (inset) within the front of the refrigerator door.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle of the froster system is installed in a conventional inset discharge space within the front of the refrigerator door. In one embodiment, the froster nozzle is installed where water, cubed ice, and crushed ice are discharged. In another embodiment, the froster nozzle is installed in a separate inset discharge area from the ice water dispenser. In a further embodiment, the froster nozzle is installed within the interior area of ​​the refrigerator. In a further embodiment, the froster nozzle is installed at the front of the refrigerator but behind the refrigerator facade door.

[0011] The release of CO2 may be activated manually or by an electronic control panel. In some versions of the invention, a safety shield can be manually or automatically closed over the opening in the release area to prevent the user from coming into direct contact with the liquid CO2.

[0012] Other embodiments provide different modes of release. In one embodiment of the present invention, cubed ice, crushed ice, water, and CO2 are released to freeze the container. In another embodiment of the present invention, carbonated water is also released. In this embodiment, a CO2 cylinder is utilized to both freeze the glass (frost) and generate the carbonated water. In a further embodiment, CO2 is released in two locations. A first CO2 release nozzle is located in the ice water release area. A second CO2 release nozzle is located on a freely movable handheld wand, which may be desired for freezing containers or objects that do not easily fit within the ice water release area.

[0013] Also disclosed are several aspects of the invention that can be utilized with the embodiments, including, among other things, variations in CO2 nozzle placement, means for positioning the container to be cooled, suitable locations for the CO2 cylinder, and alternative placements for the safety shield.

[0014] The installation of a froster system within a refrigerator provides a quick and convenient means for freezing serving containers while minimizing the loss of kitchen space. The containers to be cooled are typically drinking glasses, mugs, cups, cocktail glasses, etc. However, the froster system of the present invention can also be used to sterilize items or freeze other servingware (such as salad bowls), storage containers, food (e.g., to quickly cool food before serving, during cooking, or when leftovers are ready to be stored), or even containers or objects other than kitchen containers that can benefit from rapid cooling.

[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the replaceable CO2 cylinder is accessed from outside the refrigerator.

[0016] In a further aspect of the invention, the replaceable CO2 cylinder is accessed from inside the refrigerator.

[0017] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 cylinder is placed in the refrigerator door and accessed from the interior of the refrigerator.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the CO2 cylinder is placed in the refrigerator door and accessed from the exterior of the refrigerator.

[0019] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 cylinder is placed in the bottom of the refrigerator.

[0020] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 cylinder is located away from the refrigerator and not within the refrigerator. For example, the CO2 cylinder may be located in a cabinet near the refrigerator, under the sink, in the basement, or in a garage or other work area.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a dual conduit CO2 high pressure cylinder is provided, with one conduit providing liquid CO2 for freezing and one conduit providing CO2 gas for carbonated water.

[0022] An additional aspect of the present invention includes a safety shield. In this aspect, the safety shield either drops from the top of the discharge area, rises from the bottom of the discharge area, or slides from the side of the discharge area to surround the discharge area. In this aspect, the safety shield may be perforated or solid. Additionally, in this aspect, the safety shield can be extended and retracted manually or via electronic and mechanical means.

[0023] In a further aspect of the invention, there is no safety shield.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the floor platform of the discharge area can be raised and lowered.

[0025] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 release nozzle includes a guard to protect glasses and the like from damage.

[0026] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 nozzle is telescoping.

[0027] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 nozzle is located above the emission area.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the CO2 nozzle is located at the bottom of the emission area.

[0029] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 nozzle is positioned on the outside of the refrigerator door behind the refrigerator facade door.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the CO2 nozzle is located inside the refrigerator door.

[0031] In a further aspect of the invention, the CO2 nozzle is located on a handheld wand that can be manually moved a short distance from the refrigerator.

[0032] In an additional aspect of the invention, two CO2 nozzles may be located within the refrigerator, where both nozzles may be fixed, or one nozzle may comprise a fixed CO2 nozzle and one nozzle may comprise a handheld wand CO2 nozzle.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, an extendable glass holder is included near the CO2 nozzle.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the release of CO2 is manually actuated.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the release of CO2 is electrically actuated.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, a timer controls the time of CO2 release.

[0037] In an additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, the timing of the release of CO2 is manually controlled.

[0038] In a further aspect of the present invention, a safety code feature is provided to control the locking and unlocking of the freezing system, which can provide additional safety for children in the home.

[0039] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a froster system for cooling beverage containers incorporated into a refrigerator that provides improved performance over the prior art systems and methods discussed above.

[0040] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention, in which like designations refer to like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the dispenser portion of a glass froster system according to an embodiment of the present invention, having a froster CO2 release nozzle positioned in a conventional ice water release area inserted into the front of a refrigerator door. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a Glass Frost System according to an embodiment of the present invention located in the ice water discharge area of ​​a refrigerator door, showing an upper CO2 nozzle that can be extended downward into a container to be frozen, and a safety shield positioned above the discharge area that can be manually or mechanically manipulated. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a Glass Frost System according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned in a refrigerator door ice water discharge area, showing how a safety shield is manually or mechanically lowered from the top of the discharge area, where the Glass Frost System includes an extendable upper CO2 nozzle, with the nozzle extended. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of an embodiment of the Glass Frost System of the present invention positioned in an ice water discharge area, showing the upper extendable CO2 nozzle extended into the container to be frozen, where the discharge area is completely surrounded by a safety shield. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of an embodiment of the Glass Frost System of the present invention positioned in an ice water discharge area, showing how the discharge area floor platform can be raised to position a container to be frozen near the CO2 nozzles. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of a second embodiment of the Glass Frost System of the present invention positioned in an ice water discharge area, including an additional carbonated water dispenser, with the safety shield rising from the bottom, where the upper CO2 nozzle is positioned in a side region of the discharge area and is shown separated from the ice water dispenser. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a glass froster system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing how a CO2 nozzle is positioned below the emission area. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of a glass froster system of one embodiment of the present invention, showing how a CO2 nozzle is positioned on the floor platform of the discharge area, where a mechanical / robotic holder / gripper is positioned to hold a container to be cooled / frozen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the ice water discharge area of ​​FIG. 8, with a mechanical holder / gripper holding a container to be cooled / frozen. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of the interior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing how a CO2 cylinder is placed inside the refrigerator door. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator and a nearby cabinet according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing how a CO2 cylinder is positioned within the nearby cabinet, where a cylinder nozzle tube connects the CO2 cylinder to a CO2 release nozzle. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention showing how a CO2 cylinder is placed at the bottom of the refrigerator and / or under an openable refrigerator door. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with an open door showing CO nozzles of an embodiment of the present invention positioned in the ice water discharge area and inserted into the refrigerator interior door and behind the refrigerator facade door. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with the right refrigerator door closed, the left interior refrigerator door also closed, and only the refrigerator facade door open, showing a CO2 nozzle positioned in the ice water discharge area, provided on the refrigerator interior door, and located behind the refrigerator facade door. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open, showing how a CO nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention is positioned in the ice water discharge area and located on the inner portion of the refrigerator door. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with the door open, showing a CO2 nozzle of an embodiment of the present invention positioned within the ice water discharge area and positioned within the interior portion of the refrigerator door, and also showing an extendable holder for items to be frozen. [Figure 17]FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator showing a CO2 nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned within the ice water discharge area and further showing a separate handheld wand CO2 nozzle. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with only the refrigerator facade door open, showing CO2 nozzles of an embodiment of the present invention positioned in the ice water discharge area, on the refrigerator interior door, and behind the refrigerator facade door, as well as a separate handheld wand CO2 nozzle. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator with an open door, showing a CO2 nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned in an ice water discharge area located inside the refrigerator door, and also showing a separate extendable handheld wand CO2 nozzle. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a front view of a CO2 nozzle of a handheld wand according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the CO2 nozzle and nozzle guard are small enough to be received within the container to be frozen. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a front view of a CO2 nozzle of a handheld wand according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the CO2 nozzle and nozzle guard have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the container to be frozen. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a front view of a CO2 nozzle of a handheld wand according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the CO2 nozzle and nozzle guard have a diameter larger than the diameter of the container to be frozen. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the froster system in which a CO2 nozzle is positioned within an ice water discharge area in which ice cubes, crushed ice, water, and CO2 for cooling / freezing are discharged. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the froster system in which a CO2 nozzle is positioned within an ice water discharge area into which ice cubes, crushed ice, water, carbonated water, and CO2 for cooling / freezing are discharged. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a froster system of one embodiment of the present invention, where a first CO2 nozzle is positioned in the ice water discharge area and a second CO2 nozzle is held by a handheld wand that can extend the length of the CO2 hose from the refrigerator.

[0043] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] As shown throughout the drawings, the present invention is directed to a carbon dioxide (CO2)-based frosting system, generally designated 10, incorporated into a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 23, the frosting system 10 adds freezing, cooling, and / or freezing of a container 80 to be cooled to the ice and water release mechanism of the refrigerator 70, and a CO2 release nozzle 20 releases CO2 from a CO2 cylinder 60. In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 6-9 and 24, the frosting system 10 utilizes a CO2 cylinder 60 not only to add freezing (frosting) functionality but also to add carbonated water release functionality to the refrigerator 70. A further embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 17-22 and 25, provides a handheld wand 39 having a second handheld CO2 release nozzle 29 that can be used with other embodiments. Several aspects of the present invention are also disclosed, one or more of which may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in the figures, the froster system 10 of this embodiment releases liquid CO2 through a frosting nozzle 20 located within a refrigerator 70, which in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is integrated into the door 75 of the refrigerator 70. The CO2 nozzle may be located, for example, on the exterior of a standard exterior refrigerator door 75, on the exterior of an interior refrigerator door 76 (e.g., behind a facade door 74 (FIGS. 13, 14, 18)), on the interior of the refrigerator door 75, or in a shelf space within the refrigerator.

[0046] Froster system 10 efficiently sterilizes and / or cools, freezes, or freezes a container placed in nozzle 20. Froster system 10 includes a high-pressure CO2 cylinder 60 in fluid communication with froster nozzle 20, a valve 64 actuated by a flow controller 99 (FIGS. 23-25) to enable or disable the flow of CO2, and a cylinder-nozzle tube 67 (preferably insulated) for connecting cylinder 60 to froster nozzle 20.

[0047] In a further embodiment, carbonated water release is added to the above embodiment. A carbonated water storage tank 78 is fluidly connected to the CO2 cylinder 60 and to a carbonated water dispenser. The carbonated water dispenser is preferably located in the refrigerator's release area 50, but may be located elsewhere within the refrigerator. It releases carbonated water from the carbonated water tank 78, which stores water carbonated with CO2 from the CO2 cylinder 60. Thus, in this further embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 has dual use as both a means for providing freezing / cooling and a means for producing carbonated water.

[0048] An additional embodiment of the present invention adds a handheld wand 39 that holds a second CO2 release nozzle 29. The handheld wand 39 extends the length of the wand / CO2 connector hose 19 from the refrigerator, allowing non-standard containers or objects to be used with the froster system 10.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the discharge area 50 of the refrigerator door 75. The top surface, bottom floor platform, and sidewalls of the discharge area 50 define a discharge space 77 that is recessed into the refrigerator door 75 and is large enough to accommodate at least the top of a container, such as a beverage container 80, to be cooled. In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge space 77 is larger than the discharge space 77 of a conventional discharge area 50, which may be desirable to allow for freezing of larger beverage containers 80. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom floor platform of the discharge area 50 provides a substantially flat surface on which a beverage container to be frozen or filled with water or ice can be placed. In another aspect of the present invention, the discharge area 50 is smaller, and the container to be frozen may be manually held. Within the discharge area 50 is an ice water dispenser 45, which typically includes a water outlet for dispensing chilled water and a chute for dispensing cubed or crushed ice. In the froster system 10 of the present invention, a froster nozzle 20 for dispensing CO2 is further provided.

[0050] In a given type of refrigerator 70, the refrigerator 70 has an upper compartment accessed by a set of refrigerator doors 75 and may also have one or more lower compartments, such as a freezer compartment. Another type of refrigerator 70 is a side-by-side type, which has a first side compartment that is the refrigerated side and a second side compartment that is the freezer side. Other types of refrigerators are known in the art. Typically, in all types of refrigerators 70, the ice / water discharge system 45 includes an ice chute capable of discharging crushed ice, cubed ice, and water. The present invention adds CO2 for freezing / cooling the containers by a CO2 nozzle 20 positioned to discharge CO2 through an improved ice / water chute assembly or through a separate outlet.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing area includes a selection control panel 40 that allows a user to select between water, cubed ice, crushed ice, and glass freezing / cooling modes. The selection control panel 40 is typically located adjacent to or near the dispensing area. In one embodiment, the selection control panel 40 includes multiple manually inputtable selection activators for water, crushed ice, and cubed ice, and a CO2 activator 44 for initiating CO2 release for freezing; it may also include a display on the front for displaying data related to the operation of the froster system 10 and the refrigerator 70. When an input is made on the selection activator, the corresponding water, crushed ice, cubed ice, or CO2 is released into a beverage container held below the corresponding outlet or placed on the underside of the dispensing area 50.

[0052] In one embodiment, a safety code may be entered into a code entry device, such as the selection control panel 40, to unlock the froster system 10 to allow the release of CO2 for freezing. The code entry device is configured to restrict access to the CO2 release nozzle 20 and to receive a safety code that allows access to the CO2 release nozzle 20. The safety code feature may find particular use in homes with children. In one aspect, a safety shield may be locked in an extended position to prevent access to the CO2 release nozzle, and a safety code may also be required to retract the safety shield.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, an alternative selection means is disclosed in which levers 41, 42, and 43 are coupled to the top of the dispensing area 50. The levers are rotatable between at least a first position and a second position and are electrically connected to a controller 99. The controller 99 functions to receive signals identifying the lever positions and to control the ice water dispensing system 45 and the froster system 10 to respond with corresponding operations to the received signals. For example, levers 41, 42, and 43 may be pressed to select among water, cubed ice, crushed ice, and glass freeze modes, thereby dispensing the corresponding water, crushed ice, cubed ice, or CO2 into the beverage container. For example, when lever 41 is pressed on the beverage container, still water is dispensed, while lever 42 may be depressed to dispense carbonated water. The levers may be used alone for selection and dispensing, in which case the selection control panel 40 may preferably have a display on its front surface indicating the product to be dispensed (and other refrigerator information may also be displayed). The levers can also be used in conjunction with the selection control panel 40. For example, selection activator 49 (FIG. 6) may be activated to initiate the CO2 freezing process, while lever 41 may be used to initiate the release of water. This is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, where levers 41, 42, 43 are depressed to select between water, cubed ice, or crushed ice, while the glass freeze mode is activated by selecting CO2 activator 44.

[0054] FIGS. 1-6 and 11-19 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the CO2 discharge nozzle 20 is located above the discharge area 50. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 can be manually or mechanically lowered to a specific, desired position within the container 80 to be cooled to optimize the effectiveness of the CO2 for freezing. When controlled electronically and / or mechanically, a telescoping activator 22 (FIG. 6) (which may be one or more buttons or switches) is configured to cause the nozzle 20 (e.g., via a small electric motor) to extend the nozzle extension tube 21 or retract the nozzle extension tube 21 to raise or lower the nozzle 20. When manually controlled, the nozzle 20 can be manually lengthened, or the nozzle extension tube 21 may be retracted by a spring mechanism. The nozzle extension tube 21 may be flexible or rigid. This extendable nozzle 20 offers the advantage of being able to accommodate containers 80 of any size, including various glasses, mugs, and / or vessels.

[0055] Preferably, a nozzle guard 25 is attached to the CO2 release nozzle 20. The nozzle guard 25 serves to minimize engagement of the nozzle 20 with the container 80 to be cooled, preventing damage. The nozzle guard 25 may be circular (as shown) or may have other shapes; alternatively, it may be formed with protrusions extending outward from the nozzle 20. The nozzle guard 25 may be designed to fit over the container 80 to be cooled, as shown in FIGS. 1-9 and 20, or the nozzle guard 25 may be designed to fit into the top of the container 80, as shown in FIGS. 21-22. In embodiments where the nozzle guard 25 fits into the container 80, the nozzle guard 25 is preferably formed from a resilient material, such as silicone, natural or manufactured rubber-type material, a resilient or flexible plastic material, or a combination of materials that provide at least some degree of flexibility or resilience. In embodiments where the nozzle guard 25 fits over the container 80, the nozzle guard 25 may be made of a resilient material or a rigid material. The nozzle guard 25 may be transparent (as shown), translucent, or opaque.

[0056] 2-8 illustrate the retractable and extendable safety shield 30. In FIG. 2, the safety shield 30 is fully retracted. In FIG. 3, the safety shield 30 is shown partially extended and in FIG. 4, the safety shield 30 is shown fully extended. The safety shield 30 is sized to fit over the front of the inset release area 50. With the safety shield 30 enclosing the front, CO2 frost is prevented from posing a risk to the user of the froster system 10.

[0057] The safety shield 30 is preferably a plastic or acrylic sheet that can be easily moved to cover the opening in the release space 77 and prevent injury to personnel from CO2 liquid. The safety shield 30 can be solid (non-perforated) or, preferably, a perforated sheet. If the safety shield 30 is a perforated sheet, CO2 gas can vent through the perforations. The perforations are preferably small enough that children cannot insert their fingers into the release area 50 through the perforations. If the safety shield 30 is a solid sheet, CO2 vent holes are provided elsewhere in the release space 77.

[0058] In the retracted storage position, the safety shield 30 slides into a storage slot in the refrigerator door 75. In the extended use position, the distal portion of the safety shield 30 moves from or near the storage slot to a position that closes the front of the inset discharge area 50.

[0059] Extension of the safety shield 30 may be accomplished manually or may be automated. As seen in FIGS. 2-3, a shield lip 35 extends slightly forward from the distal end of the safety shield to provide an element that can be grasped or pulled to manually lower the safety shield 30. FIG. 4 illustrates the automatic extension and retraction of the safety shield 30. A shield extension / retraction activator 27 (FIG. 4), which may be one or more switches or buttons, may be activated to raise or lower the safety shield 30. The shield extension / retraction activator 27 operates a small electric motor located within the refrigerator or within the refrigerator door 75 that functions to raise and lower the shield 30.

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which a movable floor platform 15 is raiseable and lowerable to lift a container 80 to be cooled to a desired location. The floor platform 15 may be raised and lowered manually or may be repositioned automatically. In an automated embodiment, a platform control activator 24 (FIG. 5) is accessible to a user who can then raise or lower the floor platform 15 as needed. The platform control activator 24 activates a small electric motor located within the refrigerator, preferably within the refrigerator door 75. The motor functions to raise and lower the platform floor 15.

[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, the platform floor 15 is configured to move up and down while the CO2 discharge nozzle 20 remains fixed in place. In another embodiment of the invention, both the platform floor 15 and the nozzle 20 are movable.

[0062] 2-5 show an embodiment of the invention in which nozzle 20 is aligned with the ice chute and water outlet and can be considered part of the ice / water chute assembly. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention in which CO2 discharge nozzle 20 attached to nozzle extension tube 21 is offset and separated from water / ice outlet 45. This offset arrangement results in side-by-side discharge areas at inserted discharge area 50, which can provide a user advantage in ease of use due to the separate dispensers.

[0063] 6 also shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the safety shield 30 is stored in lower storage when not in use and raised when needed. The safety shield 30 in this embodiment may be raised or lowered manually or automatically.

[0064] 7 discloses one embodiment of the present invention in which a CO2 discharge nozzle 20 is located at the bottom of a discharge area 50. In this embodiment, a container 80 to be cooled is positioned above the nozzle 20 with its opening facing downward. The freeze section activator 44 is then activated to initiate the flow of CO2. In this embodiment, the nozzle 20 may be fixed or extendable. If extendable, the nozzle extension tube 21 is preferably rigid to better support the nozzle 20 than a flexible tube.

[0065] Optionally, if the nozzle 20 is positioned at the bottom of the discharge area 50, a flat mesh sheet 18 may be placed on the floor platform 15. This floor mesh 18 serves as a discharge point for CO2 introduced into the vessel 80 to be cooled and into the interior space 77 of the discharge area 50, thereby preventing vessel 80 from becoming unstable upon contact with a rather strong discharge of liquid CO2.

[0066] 8-9 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention in which a container 80 to be cooled is held in place by a gripper 65, which may be a manually operated gripper or a robotic gripper. The gripper 65 preferably has arms 62 and / or fingers 68 designed to fold around a portion of the container 80 and secure the container 80 in place. As seen in FIG. 9, the gripper 65 may extend toward the container 80 with articulating fingers 68 that encircle and / or secure a portion of the container 80. The floor platform may be fixed, or alternatively, may be vertically movable, as shown in FIG. 9, to be positioned upward to accommodate a particular glass, or to be positioned downward for larger containers 80 or removal of the container 80. In one embodiment, one or more sensors are incorporated into the gripper system to provide precise control of the opening, gripping, closing, opening, and release of the gripper arms 62 and / or fingers 68 and / or to provide control of the movable floor 15.

[0067] The gripper 65 is actuated by the user via a gripper activator 26 (FIG. 9) which functions to control the gripper 65. The use of the gripper 65 protects the user from unwanted exposure to CO2 liquid.

[0068] The CO2 cylinder 60 is fluidly attached to the CO2 discharge nozzle 20 via a preferably insulated cylinder nozzle tube 67 (FIGS. 23-25). The CO2 cylinder 60 can be placed in any convenient location based on factors such as available space, economic considerations, user accessibility to replace the cylinder 60, and the length of the cylinder nozzle tube 67 required.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the cylinder 60 is positioned inside the refrigerator 70, specifically, inside the refrigerator door 75. The interior of the refrigerator door 75 is configured with a recess sized and configured to receive the CO2 cylinder 60. In one embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 is installed in a vertical position with the CO2 cylinder 60 open at the top, as shown in FIGS. 10-11 and 23-24. In this embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 includes a siphon / dip tube 48, which allows liquid CO2 (typically about 700-800 PSI) to be drawn from the bottom of the CO2 cylinder 60. In this embodiment, a dark ring is typically placed around the top of the cylinder to indicate the presence of the siphon tube. Typically, a manual valve in fluid communication with the safety release valve is attached to the top of the cylinder 60. Typically, a pressure gauge may be provided near the pressure release valve to monitor the CO2 pressure exiting the cylinder. Even with the use of the siphon tube 48, not all of the CO2 in the cylinder / tank can be utilized as some CO2 remains in a gaseous state.

[0070] In another embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 is installed in an inverted orientation (FIG. 25). In this embodiment, the liquid CO2 is located at the bottom of the cylinder adjacent to the valve 61; this orientation allows for a design that does not require a siphon / dip tube.

[0071] The CO2 tank access door 73 is optional but improves appearance. While the cylinder 60 is shown in the door, other locations within the refrigerator are suitable. For example, the cylinder could be located at the rear of a refrigerator shelf, preferably at the upper back of the upper refrigerator compartment to minimize interference with stored food, or preferably at the lower back. Preferably, the cylinder 60 is not oriented strictly horizontally so that the siphon / dip tube 48 is efficient at allowing the release of liquid CO2 (or alternatively, the liquid CO2 flows downward to the valve area for use, as in FIG. 25). Locating the cylinder 60 inside the refrigerator offers the advantages of allowing a short cylinder nozzle tube 67 to be used and easy user access for replacement of the CO2 cylinder 60 when empty.

[0072] In another embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 is accessed from outside the refrigerator 70. One external location is within the refrigerator door 75, but is accessible from the outside of the door 75. In this embodiment, a CO2 tank access door 73 is preferably provided at the upper front of the refrigerator 70 for aesthetic reasons.

[0073] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the CO2 cylinder 60 is located within a cabinet 12 that is located near or adjacent to a refrigerator 70. Although the cylinder nozzle tube 67 is longer in this embodiment compared to the embodiment of FIG. 10, this embodiment maximizes the interior space of the refrigerator. While cabinet space is used, cabinet space is typically not as limited as refrigerator space. While the CO2 cylinder 60 is shown within the cabinet 12, it is within the scope of the present invention to locate it further from the refrigerator, such as in a closet, storage area, basement, garage, under the kitchen sink, or elsewhere.

[0074] FIG. 12 shows yet another suitable location for the CO2 cylinder 60 in the base of a refrigerator 70. In one preferred location in the refrigerator base, the CO2 cylinder resides adjacent to the refrigerator water filter 71. The CO2 cylinder 60 is accessible and easily replaceable from the front, similar to how the water filter 71 is typically accessed and replaced. This location configuration also requires a longer cylinder nozzle tube 67, but does not use internal refrigeration space. In this embodiment, the cylinder 60 is preferably not horizontal. To facilitate the release of liquid CO2 through the siphon / dip tube, it may be positioned at a greater angle to the front opening than the rear of the cylinder 60. To allow for the use of liquid CO2 without the siphon / dip tube 48, the cylinder 60 may be positioned at a predetermined angle with the front opening lower than the rear.

[0075] 13-14, the CO2 discharge nozzle 20 is positioned in the ice water discharge area on the front side of the inner refrigerator door 76, which is designed to be covered by the refrigerator facade door 74. This embodiment can be used with any of the three embodiments.

[0076] 15, the CO2 release nozzle 20 is positioned within an ice water discharge area located on the inside surface of the refrigerator door. In a further embodiment, the CO2 release nozzle 20 is positioned within an ice water discharge area located within the interior of the refrigerator, such as to the side or rear of the shelf area.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16 , a manual gripper 65 is provided, embodied as an extendable holder 37 for a container 80 to be cooled. The extendable holder 37 has a central opening sized to receive the item to be frozen. The item to be frozen may be positioned in the extendable / retractable holder 37, which will hold the item and protect the user's hands. In a preferred embodiment, a rubber flap 38 is disposed along the inner edge of the extendable holder 37, such as is known for use in car drink holders. The rubber flap 38 extends inward a distance shorter than the radius of the extendable holder 37. The use of the rubber flap 38 may be desirable to further secure the item to be frozen. Both the gripper 65 described above and the holder-type gripper described herein can be used when the ice water discharge area is located on the outside of the refrigerator door 75, on the outside of a refrigerator interior door 76 designed to be concealed by an exterior facade door 74, within the shelf area of ​​the refrigerator, or on the interior surface of the refrigerator door (as shown in FIG. 16).

[0078] 17-22 and 25 disclose one embodiment of the present invention, in which a handheld wand 39 is provided that holds a CO2 release nozzle 20 for freezing / chilling. The wand 39 has a housing suitable for manual holding. The wand 39 may optionally, but preferably, have a handle into which a user's fingers can be inserted. A first end of the housing of the wand 39 is fluidly connected to a wand-CO2 connector hose 19 (which is a specialized portion of the cylinder-nozzle tube 67), and a second end of the wand 39 is in fluid communication with a CO2 release nozzle 20. The CO2 release nozzle 20 may be connected directly to the housing of the wand 39 or may be connected via a neck, which may optionally be flexible (as shown). The wand-CO2 connector hose 19 may extend from the first end of the wand to the CO2 cylinder 60, or may connect to another portion of the cylinder nozzle tube 67 (which connects to the CO2 cylinder 60). In this way, the CO2 cylinder is fluidly connected to the CO2 discharge nozzle 20.

[0079] The wand 39 may be manually removed from the holder in the refrigerator and moved as needed, for example to frost a large container that does not fit into the ice water discharge area. After use, the wand 39 may be manually replaced in the holder / retainer.

[0080] It is advantageous to have two CO2 discharge nozzles 20 (as shown), one fixedly attached to the ice water discharge area and one manually removable from the holder / retainer for freezing items that may not fit in the ice water discharge area and / or may be too heavy to lift into the ice water discharge area. However, a single CO2 discharge nozzle 20 held by a manually extendable handheld wand 39 is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 17 shows an embodiment in which the handheld wand 39 is positioned in an inset on the outside of the refrigerator door 75. Figure 18 shows an embodiment in which the wand 39 is positioned on the outside of the interior refrigerator door 76. Figure 19 shows an embodiment in which the handheld wand 39 is positioned in an inset on the inside of the refrigerator door 75.

[0082] 20-22 show that the nozzle guard 25 may be small, medium, or large. In FIG. 20, the nozzle guard 25 is small and acts as a bumper guard to prevent the nozzle 20 from hitting the container 80. In FIG. 21, the nozzle guard 25 is medium and is similar in diameter to the container to be cooled. The medium nozzle guard 25 acts as a loose-fitting lid that partially retains the CO2 as it is released, which may allow for efficient cooling. FIG. 22 shows a large nozzle guard 25, which acts as a hood under which the container 80 to be cooled is placed. This embodiment of the invention may also provide more efficient cooling than the small nozzle guard 25.

[0083] 23, elements of one embodiment of froster system 10 are shown along with the standard elements of ice water dispenser 45. Controller 99 controls the function of froster system 10 and the associated ice water discharge system of the refrigerator. Control circuitry 98 connects controller 99 to selection control panel 40 and to the ice water discharge and various other elements of CO froster system 10.

[0084] Water from a potable water source (such as a municipal water source or a well) enters water purification filter 71 through line 91, where it is purified before entering water switching system 90. From filter 71, the water is routed through line 92 to diverter valve 94 (part of water switching system 90), which directs the water to ice maker 95 or line 97, through which it flows to a water outlet in discharge area 50. The water directed to ice maker 95 is frozen into ice cubes. Based on a user selection via selection control panel 40 or a lever, either CO2 is released for freezing and cooling, still water is released, or ice exits ice maker 95 through ice outlet 96 and is released as cubed ice or crushed ice.

[0085] In some embodiments of the invention, a CO2 cylinder 60 containing liquid CO2 has a siphon / dip tube 48 disposed therein. The siphon / dip tube 48 extends from the top of the cylinder to near the bottom of the cylinder 60, allowing liquid CO2 to be withdrawn from the cylinder 60 through a valve 64 (controlled by a controller 99) based on a selection made by a user at the selection control panel 40 or via a lever. When permitted by the controller 99 regulating the valve 61, the CO2 flows through the cylinder nozzle tube 67, through the nozzle extension tube 21, and out the CO2 discharge nozzle 20, freezing the container 80 to be cooled.

[0086] The CO2 cylinder 60 may contain approximately 700-800 psi of CO2. If the CO2 cylinder 60 weighs less than approximately 10 pounds, it may be appropriately stored within the refrigerator itself. If the CO2 cylinder 60 weighs more than approximately 20 pounds, it may be appropriately installed away from the refrigerator. It may be made of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, or the like. Preferably, the siphon / dip tube 48 is an internal tube, but may optionally be an external tube. The internal siphon / dip tube 48 resembles a straw that extends from the top of the cylinder 60 to or near the bottom of the cylinder 60. The CO2 gas stored in liquid form within the cylinder 60 is discharged in liquid form.

[0087] Figure 24 illustrates the embodiment shown in Figures 6-9, including a carbonated water tank 78 and a carbonated (sparkling) water dispenser. This embodiment includes the ice water release and CO2 dispenser elements of the previous embodiment shown in Figure 23. However, in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 23, a CO2 cylinder 60 supplies CO2 to both the froster system 10 and the carbonated water release system.

[0088] In this embodiment, the CO2 cylinder 60 is used to both freeze the drinking glass 80 and carbonate the water stored in the carbonated water tank 78. Filtered water travels from the diverter valve 94 to the carbonated water tank 78 via the water tank intake pipe 63. The CO2 cylinder 60 is fluidly connected to the CO2 discharge nozzle 20 via the cylinder nozzle pipe 67 and to the carbonated water tank 78 via the cylinder-to-water pipe 69. The carbonated water tank 78 is fluidly connected to the dispensing area 50 via the tank-to-dispenser piping 66. When carbonated water is selected by the user (e.g., via the lever 42), the carbonated water flows from the carbonated water tank 78 to the dispensing area 50 and is dispensed. In a preferred embodiment, both types of water are dispensed through the same outlet via the Y-shaped water selection connector 72. The type of water and ice may be selected by the user solely via the selection control panel 40, solely via the lever, or a combination of both.

[0089] In an additional aspect of this embodiment of FIG. 24, the CO2 cylinder 60 is configured with two supply conduits. The first conduit outputs CO2 gas for producing carbonated water. The second conduit outputs liquid CO2 for use in freezing. One end of the second conduit is fluidly connected to the siphon / dip tube 48, and the other end of the second conduit is fluidly connected to the liquid CO2 discharge nozzle 20 via a cylinder nozzle tube 67. The first conduit has a first end fluidly connected to the gaseous air space within the CO2 cylinder 60 and a second end fluidly connected to a carbonated water tank 78 via a cylinder-to-water tube 69. The cylinder 60 of the present invention thus serves a dual function by efficiently supplying either gaseous or liquid CO2. While a single CO2 cylinder 60 has been described for efficient use of space, two CO2 cylinders 60, one for supplying CO2 gas and the other for supplying liquid CO2, can optionally be used.

[0090] Figure 25 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment whose components are shown in Figures 17-22. This embodiment adds a handheld wand 39 to another aspect of the invention. The handheld wand 39 holds a second CO2 release nozzle 29. CO2 is delivered from a CO2 cylinder 60 through a CO2 wand connector hose 19, through the housing of the handheld wand 39, and into the CO2 nozzle 29.

[0091] Although shown in Figure 25 as including the ice water discharge and CO2 dispenser elements of the embodiment of Figure 23, handheld wand 39 may also be used in combination with elements of the ice / water / carbonated water embodiment of Figure 24. In another embodiment of the invention, handheld wand 39, without first CO2 nozzle 20, and carrying second CO2 nozzle 29, is used as the sole source of CO2 for freezing and cooling; in this embodiment, handheld wand 39 functions to provide CO2 for cooling, but is not integrated into a conventional ice water discharge area.

[0092] In an exemplary method of using the froster system 10 of the present invention, a user inserts a CO2 cylinder 60 containing a CO2 liquid that allows for the release of CO2 in a liquid state. The user selects a container 80 to be cooled, such as a mug, tumbler, or other drinking glass. In embodiments where a safety code is required to unlock the froster system function, the user first enters the safety code, such as by using the selection control panel 40.

[0093] The user then obtains the container 80 to be cooled. If the CO2 nozzle 20 is to be used in the discharge area for cooling, the user carries the container 80 near the refrigerator, positions the container 80 with at least a portion of the container 80 disposed within the discharge area 50, and points the nozzle 20 into the container or at a location within the container 80 suitable for cooling. In embodiments where a handheld wand is used for cooling, the user carries the container 80 near the refrigerator and points the nozzle 20 into the container or at a location within the container 80 suitable for cooling.

[0094] In embodiments where nozzle guard 25 is inserted into container 80, nozzle guard 25 protects container 80 if nozzle 20 is inadvertently struck against container 80.

[0095] In some versions of the invention, a user extends the nozzle 20 by lengthening the nozzle extension tube 21 or extends the wand-CO2 connector hose 19. This extension may be done manually or mechanically by actuating the extend and retract activator 22. This extension of the nozzle 20 allows for cooling of a wider variety of container sizes and shapes.

[0096] Preferably, the user positions the nozzle 20 in a preferred position just below the rim of the container 80. Depending on the size and thickness of the glass, CO2 is dispensed into the container 80 for approximately 3-10 seconds, the length of time depending on factors such as the amount of CO2 gas output and the thickness of the container 80 being frosted. For example, a mug is thicker than a drinking glass and will require a few additional seconds of freezing.

[0097] In embodiments of the invention that include a safety shield 30, a user may slide the safety shield 30 to the front of the release area 50 to cover the area and ensure the user's safety. The user may then manually slide the safety shield 30 from its storage slot (top, side, or bottom of the area 50), or the user may activate an electronic and / or mechanical sliding mechanism to extend the safety shield 30. After the front of the area 50 is closed, the user activates the froster system 10, causing liquid CO2 to be dispensed from the CO2 release nozzle 20. The container 80 is frozen. The user may manually depress a switch to control the length of time the CO2 delivery continues. Alternatively, a timer may be provided to control the length of time the CO2 is released. The user then manually or electronically / mechanically retract the safety shield 30 and remove the freezing container 80.

[0098] In one aspect of the invention, a user manually holds a container 80 within the release area 50 and activates the CO2 froster system 10, releasing liquid CO2 into the container 80 through the CO2 release nozzle 20. The user may rotate the container 80 to optimize and ensure uniform freezing. The user may use gloves, hot pads, or dish towels to protect their hands from the cold, if desired.

[0099] In another aspect of the invention, shown in Figures 7-8 and 16, a user may place a cooled container 80 within the discharge area 50 and activate a mechanical or robotic gripper 65 to grasp and hold the container during cooling. In one embodiment, the gripper's arms 62 and / or articulated fingers 68 are activated to hold, encircle, or otherwise secure the container 80. After freezing, the user deactivates the gripper 65 to release the container 80. In another embodiment, a rubbery flap 38 holds, encircles, or secures the container 80. After the container 80 is frozen, the user removes the container 80 from the rubbery flap 38.

[0100] In a further embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 5 , a user has the option of raising floor platform 15 and placing container 80 on upper surface 17. This optional embodiment of the present invention allows for convenient positioning. While a user may manually raise floor platform 15, preferably, the user activates floor platform activator 24 to automatically raise floor platform 15. After raising floor platform 15, the user properly positions container 80 for freezing (which may include maneuvering nozzle 20 to the desired position) and, optionally, closes discharge area 50 with safety shield 30 and activates froster system 10 to release CO2 into container 80, such as by activating CO2 activator 44. The length of freezing time may be manually controlled by the length of time the user presses CO2 activator 44, or automatically controlled by a timer. After container 80 is frozen, the user opens safety shield 30 (if closed) and removes frozen container 80.

[0101] The CO2 discharge nozzle 20 is placed on the floor platform 15 as shown in Figure 7, and the user places the container 80 on the mesh sheet 18 before closing the safety shield 30.

[0102] When the amount of CO2 in the CO2 cylinder 60 is exhausted, the user accesses the CO2 cylinder 60 and removes the emptied cylinder 60. If the cylinder 60 is behind the CO2 tank access door 73, the user opens the door 73 and retrieves the used cylinder 60. If the used cylinder 60 is located in the base of the refrigerator, the user removes it from the base of the refrigerator. If the CO2 cylinder 60 is located away from the refrigerator, the user retrieves the used cylinder 60 from this remote location. Removing the cylinder 60 typically involves removing a fitting from the neck of the cylinder 60. A replacement cylinder 60 filled with CO2 is then prepared and installed in the location where the used cylinder was removed.

[0103] The invention illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0104] Because many modifications, variations, and alterations to the details of the preferred embodiments described for this invention are possible, it is intended that all matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings be interpreted in an illustrative and not a limiting sense. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A froster system for cooling or freezing a container, comprising: a cylinder nozzle tube fluidly connectable to a CO2 cylinder containing liquid CO2; a CO2 release nozzle disposed within the refrigerator and fluidly connected to the cylinder nozzle tube, the CO2 release nozzle releasing liquid CO2 to cool or freeze the container; Equipped with a froster system.

2. The CO2 discharge nozzle is disposed in an ice water discharge area of ​​the refrigerator. The froster system of claim 1.

3. The ice water discharge area is located within the refrigerator door. The froster system of claim 2.

4. The ice water discharge area includes a liftable floor platform. The froster system of claim 2.

5. further comprising a safety shield extending over the ice water discharge area; The froster system of claim 1.

6. the safety shield is perforated; The froster system of claim 5.

7. a code entry device configured to restrict access to the CO2 discharge nozzle and configured to receive a safety code that enables access to the CO2 discharge nozzle; The froster system of claim 1.

8. Further comprising a CO2 cylinder, the CO2 cylinder comprising: a liquid CO2 conduit for supplying liquid CO2 for cooling or freezing the container; a gaseous CO2 conduit for supplying gaseous CO2 for carbonated water; The froster system of claim 1 , comprising:

9. further comprising the CO2 cylinder, the CO2 cylinder having a siphon tube disposed within an interior area of ​​the CO2 cylinder. The froster system of claim 1.

10. Further comprising a guard disposed on the CO2 discharge nozzle, the guard being formed of an elastic material. The froster system of claim 1.

11. The CO2 cylinder is removable and replaceable and is located within the refrigerator door. The froster system of claim 1.

12. The CO2 cylinder is removable and replaceable and is located in a remote location that is not inside the refrigerator. The froster system of claim 1.

13. Further comprising a handheld wand-style CO2 nozzle. The froster system of claim 1.

14. 1. A method for cooling or freezing a container, comprising: placing the container near a refrigerator; placing a CO2 release nozzle on or towards the container, the CO2 release nozzle being located within a refrigerator; activating the release of liquid CO from the CO release nozzle fluidly connected to a high-pressure CO cylinder to cause cooling or freezing of the container; 1. A method for cooling or freezing a container, comprising:

15. The CO2 discharge nozzle is disposed in an ice water discharge area of ​​the refrigerator.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. The ice water discharge area is located within the refrigerator door.

16. The method of claim 15.

17. and extending a safety shield to cover at least a portion of the ice water discharge area before activating the release of liquid CO2.

16. The method of claim 15.

18. further comprising the step of raising or lowering a floor platform of the ice water discharge area.

16. The method of claim 15.

19. further comprising entering a code into a code entry device configured to allow and restrict access to the liquid CO2.

15. The method of claim 14.

20. obtaining carbonated water from the refrigerator, wherein the high-pressure CO2 cylinder supplies CO2 to generate the carbonated water; 15. The method of claim 14.

21. removing the high pressure CO2 cylinder; installing a replacement high pressure CO2 cylinder; 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

22. The method further comprises opening a facade door of the refrigerator to access the CO2 release nozzle located behind the facade door of the refrigerator.

15. The method of claim 14.

23. Positioning a handheld wand-style CO2 nozzle into or towards an object to be cooled or frozen; activating a supply of liquid CO2 from the handheld wand CO2 nozzle fluidly connected to a high-pressure CO2 cylinder; The method of claim 14 further comprising:

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