Bottle refrigeration device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) for beverages in a container, comprising: a cooling tank (2) having an internal volume (20) and a cooling means, and an opening (3) on its upper surface (21) having a receptacle (4) forming a sleeve for receiving a beverage container; and means for fastening the receptacle (4) through the opening (3) having a bag (40) made of a flexible material extending downward into the tank (2) from the opening (3), wherein the fastening means is made to ensure that the receptacle (4) is airtightly sealed to the corresponding opening (3) by a removable ring (5) integral with the periphery of the opening (3), and a collar (6) having an upper end (60) for snap-fitting with the ring (5) and a lower end (61) for press-fitting onto the upper peripheral wall of the pouch (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the cooling and refrigeration of beverages in containers such as bottles.

[0002] The present invention will find a preferential but in no way limited use in the refrigeration of beverages in bottle containers, particularly glass or plastic bottle containers, or metal cans.

[0003] The beverage can be of any type, preferably wine or distilled liquor, but can also be beer, juice or soda.

Background Art

[0004] As is well known, refrigeration involves reducing the temperature by artificial means.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,261,255 relates to a device for fractionating a pouch of cold-settling material that includes a membrane providing a barrier inside, the membrane receiving the pouch of cold-settling material therein. The interior of the device contains a sump storing a heat transfer fluid and maintained at a temperature achieved by the cold-settling material when circulating between freezing and thawing. After the pouch of material is placed inside the membrane, it is (through the membrane) exposed to the hydrostatic pressure associated with the heat transfer fluid in the sump, the membrane on the pouch collapses, while the pulsating jet indirectly impacts the pouch through the membrane. In this way, when the contents in the pouch change temperature, circulation of the fluid in the pouch occurs, and the circulation target temperature of the cold-settling material in the pouch is more rapidly achieved.

[0006] Regarding bottled beverages such as wine, refrigeration is performed by storage in a refrigerated housing such as a refrigerator or wine cellar.

[0007] However, once outside the refrigerated housing, the bottle rapidly returns to room temperature.

[0008] To maintain a lowered temperature, cooled bottles are traditionally placed in a bucket or bag filled with ice and / or cold water, or in a specific tubular receptacle known as a "wine tile," the material of which (such as terracotta) allows the bottle to stay cold for a longer period.

[0009] Additionally, there are cooling pouches in the form of sleeves made of flexible material that enclose the gel, which are placed around the bottle.

[0010] The main drawback of such a solution is that the container becomes wet due to its immersion, particularly due to the development of a dew point. The container becomes slippery, especially in the case of glass bottles, so a cloth is needed to wipe it clean or to prevent it from dripping.

[0011] Furthermore, labels on bottles can be damaged or even peel off due to moisture, which is detrimental to the proper presentation of the beverage, especially in the case of wine.

[0012] An alternative solution consists of an electric cooling device having a housing for holding the bottle so that the bottle can be cooled.

[0013] This operation can be carried out by a thermoelectric cooling system, such as the Peltier effect, applied to the walls in contact with the container being cooled, particularly the bottom of the housing. One example is the CLIMADIFF® bottle cooler.

[0014] However, this cooling remains limited to contact with the cooling wall.

[0015] For example, U.S. Patent No. 4715195 describes a device for rapidly cooling bottles, cans, or other containers of liquid or solid material. The device consists of a top-opening cabinet having a tub for holding the liquid and a refrigeration unit for cooling the liquid within the tub. A plate with an opening is positioned across a tube, and a bag is placed in the opening, extending into the liquid (alcohol). The bag is made of a thin, flexible, waterproof material (nylon, latex, or silicone) and is sealed across the opening in the plate to prevent direct access to the liquid. The container is placed inside the bag, which substantially conforms to the shape of the portion of the container below the liquid surface. The contents of the container are cooled without the container coming into direct contact with the liquid.

[0016] Alternatively, a refrigerant bath, such as a glycol-based bath, can be used to distribute the cooling contact zone more uniformly across the walls of the container being cooled. For this purpose, the tank has an internal volume filled with a coolant and means for cooling the internal volume, in particular the liquid contained therein. The container also has an upper opening to a receptacle that forms a sleeve for receiving a beverage container. To improve contact between the fluid contained in the tank and the walls of the container inserted into the receptacle, such a sleeve is formed from a pouch of a flexible material. In this way, fluid pressure is applied to the pouch membrane so as to enclose the container, and the heat exchange surface is optimized. Furthermore, since the pouch encloses the container, heat transfer is by conduction, and dew points are prevented from forming across the entire surface of the contact zone.

[0017] Furthermore, a metal support can be inserted into the sleeve. In the form of a rod with orthogonal bases, such a support ensures that the container is held in place by the bottom and that damage to the lower end of the pouch is avoided.

[0018] While this type of sleeve cooling device limits condensation and increased humidity on the container, refrigeration can cause frost to form on the top of the receptacle, around the opening, and along the support. This frost can damage the pouch membrane, reduce contact with the container, limit the surface area to be replaced, increase condensation, and ultimately lead to more ice formation.

[0019] Furthermore, frost may adhere to the container and / or pouch, and when the container is removed, the frost may be kicked up, which is undesirable and can damage the pouch, especially if it comes into contact with the base of the holder where the pouch is torn. [Overview of the project]

[0020] The object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the current state of the art by providing a cooling device comprising a cooling tank into which a receptacle in the form of a sleeve is immersed, such a device providing a removable and airtight fixation of the receptacle, in particular its sleeve.

[0021] For this purpose, a cooling device for beverages in a container is provided. - A cooling tank having an internal volume having at least one opening on its upper surface and equipped with means for cooling the internal volume, - Receptacles that form sleeves for receiving beverage containers at each opening, -Means for fastening the receptacle through the corresponding opening, -Each sleeve further comprises a pouch of flexible material that is immersed in the tank through the opening.

[0022] Advantageously, the cooling device is - The fastening means is removable and designed to ensure airtightness of the receptacle with respect to the corresponding opening. The fastening means is intended for that purpose, -On the one hand, a ring that is integrated with the perimeter of the opening, - On the other hand, it is characterized by comprising a collar having an upper end for snap-fitting with the ring and a lower end for forming a tube for fitting on the upper peripheral wall of the pouch.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention enables the cooling device to be embedded in the kitchen.

[0024] For this purpose, the upper surface is preferably designed to be embedded, and for this purpose, it comprises a raised section of the at least one opening.

[0025] In this way, the raised section can be inserted into a complementary notch in the worktop, particularly in a fitted kitchen.

[0026] According to an additional non-limiting feature, the ring may comprise at least one internal snap-fitting means, while the collar may externally comprise at least one pin shaped to complement the snap-fitting means. [[ID=,18]]The snap-fitting means comprises a vertical slot extended by a horizontal housing. Thereby - On the one hand, the vertical insertion and extraction of the corresponding pin along the slot are - On the other hand, the vertical retention of the pin inserted into the housing through the rotation of the snap-fitting collar with respect to the ring, as well as the horizontal movement of the pin along the housing, are ensured.

[0027] In one embodiment, the housing can comprise a stopper for limiting the stroke of the horizontal movement of the pin along the housing, opposite the slot.

[0028] In one embodiment, the fastening means may comprise a gasket, and the collar comprises a groove at the bottom for forming a space for receiving the gasket in an airtight manner against the complementary wall of the ring.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cooling device may include an annular hoop having a convex, rounded wall that is fixedly attached to the collar.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ring and collar are made of plastic or a composite material.

[0031] In one embodiment, the receptacle may include a support extending inward from the pouch, the support comprising a base on which at least two rods, each having a distal end for attachment to the ring, are mounted.

[0032] In one embodiment, the support can be made of plastic or a composite material.

[0033] In this way, this fastening of each receptacle significantly reduces the formation of dew and frost within the receptacle.

[0034] Furthermore, the removable, airtight, and improved fasteners facilitate the replacement of pouches within each receptacle.

[0035] In one embodiment, height-adjustable legs are provided on the underside of the tank.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a cover that is mounted to be rotatably articulated with respect to the raised section.

[0037] In this way, the cooling device can be adapted to any type of kitchen and fit perfectly onto the countertop. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the cooling device is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of a cooling device tank with three openings is shown, in particular, that one of the openings is equipped with a receptacle, and that one of the other openings is equipped with a sleeve-type receptacle. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of a single receptacle is shown, in particular, illustrating the upper assembly of the pouch on the ring sleeve for forming the receptacle. [Figure 4] A schematic exploded perspective view of the receptacle is shown, in particular illustrating the assembly by inserting the support into the receptacle and covering it with a hoop. [Figure 5] A schematic perspective view of a ring attached to an opening is shown, and in particular, an example of a means for snap-fitting the ring to a fastening means is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the means for fastening the receptacle to the opening is shown, with the ring in a snap-on position, the hoops fixed on the upper end of the support to hold them in place, and the fastening means with gaskets is enlarged. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a cooling device when installed under a worktop is shown, in particular, showing a raised section on the top surface that allows the opening to pass through the worktop and become coplanar with the surface of the worktop. [Figure 8] A schematic perspective view of a cooling device according to one embodiment is shown after the raised section has been installed to pass through a cutout in the worktop, and in particular, the hood is shown in the open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] The present invention relates to a device 1 for cooling (or refrigerating) a beverage in a container.

[0040] Such containers can be any type, such as bottles, especially glass or plastic bottles, or metal cans.

[0041] The beverage contained in the container may be of any type, preferably wine or spirits, but may also be beer, juice, or soda.

[0042] According to the present invention, the cooling device 1 comprises a cooling tank 2. Such a tank 2 has an internal volume 20. In this way, the tank 2 is closed at the bottom by a base, laterally by peripheral walls, and at the top by a top surface 21 that forms a fixed ceiling, or is further covered by a removable or hinged lid.

[0043] Preferably, tank 2 is made of metal or composite material.

[0044] Furthermore, the tank 2 is equipped with means for cooling its internal volume 20.

[0045] Such cooling means may be of any type.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling means comprises a coolant or refrigerant liquid, such as a liquid mixed with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, to partially fill the internal volume 20 of the tank 2, and in the case of a built-in version of the cooling device 1, it has a capacity of about 20 L (liters) or 17 L when embedded. For example, the mixture may be in a ratio of 45% glycol to 55% water, which allows the freezing point to be lowered to -40°C (degrees Celsius).

[0047] In one embodiment, the tank 2 may include a drain hole at its bottom, particularly one that penetrates the bottom of the tank 2, for maintenance purposes when replacing the refrigerant liquid.

[0048] The cooling means further comprises a heat exchanger for the refrigerant liquid, which penetrates the interior of the tank 2. On the one hand, this heat exchanger ensures that the refrigerant liquid in the tank 2 is cooled by absorbing its heat, and on the other hand, it ensures that the heat is dissipated to the outside by a heat sink such as a radiator that comes into contact with the atmosphere, in particular, with or without a ventilation system.

[0049] Furthermore, device 1 may include means for adjusting the cooling temperature. In particular, this control is implemented in the factory during the manufacturing and assembly of device 1. Preferably, the target cooling temperature is set to the nearest temperature between -30°C and -40°C, preferably -35°C, or -30°C if the cooling device 1 is embedded.

[0050] In addition, the cooling device 1 may include control means having an interface in the form of a control panel 101, which allows the user to set several parameters such as cooling time, particularly by a timer having an audible alarm at the end of the elapsed time, or a cooling acceleration mode which forces the cooling means, in particular a heat exchanger, to start in order to lower the temperature of the refrigerant liquid.

[0051] For this purpose, the cooling device 1 may include a housing 100 having a casing, inside which various components such as cooling means and a tank 2 are arranged. The control panel 101 can be placed on the top surface of such housing 100.

[0052] The tank 2 further comprises at least one upper opening 3 on its upper side 21. In other words, each opening 3 is formed by penetrating the ceiling or lid of the tank 2.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the tank 2 has three upper openings 3. In other words, the openings 3 form holes in the upper part of the housing 100, ensuring communication between the outside and inside of the tank 2.

[0054] The opening 3 may be of any shape, preferably circular or oval. The openings 3 may have the same dimensions, i.e., equal or equivalent diameters, or they may have different dimensions. In particular, one diameter of the opening 3 may fit a standard 75 centiliter (cL) capacity bottle, while the other opening 3 may have a smaller diameter to fit smaller containers such as cans or 33 cL capacity bottles, or a larger diameter for larger capacity bottles such as magnums (1.5 L).

[0055] Furthermore, the tank 2 has a shape that complements the number of openings 3. In the case of three openings 3, the tank 2 may have the shape of a parallelepiped prism with a triangular base, and in the case of two or four openings 3, the tank 2 may have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0056] Furthermore, the shape of the tank 2 ensures that the internal volume 20 extends downward around the opening 3, leaving space around the object inserted through the opening 3.

[0057] For this purpose, the cooling device 1 includes a receptacle 4 at each opening 3 that forms a sleeve for receiving a beverage container such as a bottle.

[0058] In other words, in order to receive such a container, especially a bottle, such a receptacle 4 has a complementary shape, preferably an elongated, hollow, tubular, or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0059] Furthermore, this receptacle 4 forms a blind hole with an open top and a closed bottom. Therefore, by inserting a container into it from the open top, the container becomes surrounded by the receptacle 4.

[0060] Advantageously, to optimize heat exchange with the refrigerant liquid, each sleeve further comprises a pouch 40 made of a flexible material that is immersed in the tank 2 through the opening 3. Such a pouch 40 can be made of any type of material in film form, preferably a plastic or composite material such as polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polycarbonate (PC).

[0061] Therefore, once the container is inserted into the receptacle, it is ultimately surrounded by the pouch 40, and the flexible material of the pouch 40 is pressed against the periphery of the container by the force of the refrigerant liquid contained in the tank 2. This contact around the entire circumference of the container increases the heat exchange surface and ensures a peripheral contact zone that limits condensation on the container.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to secure the receptacle 4 to the tank 2, the cooling device 1 includes means for fastening the receptacle 4 through the corresponding opening 3.

[0063] Due to the flexible nature of the pouch 40, it can be attached to the top of the tank 2, the rigid elements, and the walls.

[0064] Advantageously, the fastening means are removable and designed to ensure airtight sealing of the receptacle 4 with the corresponding opening 3. In this way, once the receptacle 4 is inserted into the opening 3, the fastening means prevent the refrigerant liquid from leaking out of the tank 2 or into the pouch 40. These means also prevent gaseous discharge from leaking from the tank 2.

[0065] For this purpose, the fastening means comprises complementary elements designed to be assembled with one another.

[0066] On the one hand, they include a ring 5 that is integral with the perimeter of the opening 3. Thus, such a ring 5 is attached to the top of the tank 2, i.e., at the height of its ceiling or lid. In this way, the tank 2 is fitted into the ring 5 of the fastening means.

[0067] On the other hand, the collar 6 has an upper end portion 60 for snap-fitting with the ring 5.

[0068] In this way, the collar 6 can be inserted into and fastened within the ring 5, or conversely, removed.

[0069] Furthermore, the collar 6 is provided with a lower end portion 61 that forms a tube for press-fitting onto the upper peripheral wall of the pouch 40. In particular, the external dimensions of the press-fit tube are equal to the internal dimensions of the pouch 40, ensuring that the tube of the collar 6 is inserted into the inside of the pouch 40, and its wall is then pressed against the tube by the close fit or plastic deformation of the flexible material of the pouch 40.

[0070] In one embodiment, the tube at the lower end 61 of the collar 6 is a frustoconical shape that widens upward from the bottom, making it easier to press-fit the pouch 40 onto the collar 6.

[0071] In one embodiment, the pouch 40 is held in place by a retaining means press-fitted into the tube of the color 6. Such a retaining means may be of any type, and may be in a mechanical form, particularly by an additional ring, or preferably in an adhesive form, such as an adhesive applied to the outer wall of the tube and / or an adhesive tape applied to cover the wall portion of the pouch 40 that is press-fitted into the tube.

[0072] This press-fitting of the pouch 40 into the lower end of the collar 6 can be seen in Figure 3.

[0073] As a result, the pouch 40 attached to the collar 6 of the fastening means forms a receptacle 4, and the receptacle 4 includes the collar 6.

[0074] In this way, the collar 6 is airtightly sealed to the pouch 40. This assembly can then be inserted into one of the openings 3 and airtightly and removably fastened to the ring 5 of the opening 3.

[0075] In one embodiment, the ring 5 comprises at least one internal snap-fitting means 50. In a complementary embodiment, the collar 6 comprises at least one external pin 62 molded to complement the snap-fitting means 50.

[0076] In this way, once the receptacle 4 is inserted through the opening 3 and the ring 5, the pouch 40 is immersed in the coolant until the collar 6 is at the same height as the ring 5. The pin 62 then engages with the snap-fitting means 50, providing a mechanical link between these two elements.

[0077] Preferably, to ensure that the elements are positioned accurately, particularly horizontally, there may be three or four snap-fitting means 50 and pins 62 evenly distributed around the opening 3.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the snap-fitting means 50 includes a vertical slot 51 extended by a horizontal housing 52. The snap-fitting means 50 has a hollow L-shape (or inverted L-shape).

[0079] In particular, the housing 52 is formed by internal protrusions on the inner wall of the ring 5, and the slots 51 are formed between the protrusions.

[0080] In this way, the shape of the latching mechanism 50 ensures, on the one hand, the vertical insertion and withdrawal of the corresponding pin 62 along the slot 51.

[0081] On the other hand, the shape of the latching mechanism 50 ensures that the pin 62 inserted into the housing 52 is held vertically and moves horizontally along the housing 52 through the rotation of the snap-fitting collar 6 relative to the ring 5. In this way, the housing 52 restricts the freedom of vertical movement of the pin 62 and allows only the freedom of horizontal rotational movement.

[0082] Furthermore, depending on the orientation of the housing 52, the pin 62 can be locked in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and unlocked in the opposite direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the lock is clockwise.

[0083] In one embodiment, the housing 52 may be provided with a stopper 53 facing the slot 51 that limits the horizontal stroke of the pin 62 along the housing 52.

[0084] In one embodiment, to improve the tightening of the ring 5 with the collar 6, particularly in the snap-fit ​​position, the fastening means is equipped with a gasket 7. This gasket 7 is pressed between the surface of the ring 5 and the underside of the collar 6.

[0085] Such a gasket 7 may be of any type, preferably toroidal, that resists the rotation of the collar 6 together with the ring 5 during snap fitting.

[0086] Preferably, the collar 6 has a groove 63 at its bottom that forms a space for receiving the gasket 7, which is airtightly pressed against the complementary wall 54 of the ring 5. In short, the gasket 7 is positioned inside the groove 63, pressed against the complementary wall 54, and forms a protrusion around the central space of the ring 5.

[0087] In one embodiment, the cooling device 1 comprises an annular hoop 8 having a rounded convex wall. This hoop 8 forms a rounded funnel-shaped flange to protect the ring 5 and collar 6 and the area around the opening 3 from impacts that may occur during insertion and removal of the container. The hoop 8 is also aesthetically pleasing and visually conceals the aforementioned elements.

[0088] In one embodiment, the hoop 8 is made of a metal, preferably aluminum, whose thermal and physical properties are suitable for low-temperature use. In particular, aluminum helps to limit frost formation despite being made of a metal.

[0089] Furthermore, the hoop 8 is fastened to the collar 6. In particular, this fastening is performed by screwing it in from the underside of the collar 6 through a through hole formed through the thickness of the collar 6, and the hoop 8 cooperates within a complementary female thread formed on the underside of the hoop 8.

[0090] This type of screw-in can be performed at three or preferably four fastening points to ensure that the hoop fits snugly and flatly into the collar 6.

[0091] Such fastening by screwing can be seen in particular in Figure 4.

[0092] In one embodiment, the ring 5 and collar 6 are made of plastic or composite material, preferably a plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Although resistance to impact and low temperatures is limited (compared to metal, for example), such plastic materials limit the formation of dew points, particularly frost formation at the opening 3.

[0093] In one embodiment, the receptacle 4 includes a support 9 extending into the interior of the pouch 40. Such a support 9 helps maintain the elongated shape of the flexible pouch 40 when it is inserted into and removed from the refrigerant-filled tank 2, and when it is removed from the container. In fact, the pressure of the refrigerated liquid in the tank 2 tends to cause the walls of the pouch 40 to adhere to the periphery of the container, which causes the pouch 40 to curl up during withdrawal from the container. The support 9 thus holds the pouch 40 in place within the tank 2.

[0094] For this purpose, the support 9 comprises a base 90 having at least two rods 91 on top, each having a distal end 92 for attachment to the collar 6. Such a support 9 is generally U-shaped. In this way, the base 90 forms a bottom for receiving a container into an upper support surrounded on both sides by each of the two rods 91. The spacing of the rods 91 diametrically opposed to the base 90 allows the walls of the flexible pouch 40 to press against the container inserted into the receptacle 4, ensuring its cooling while limiting condensation.

[0095] In one embodiment, the support 9 is block-mounted by being inserted between the collar 6 and the hoop 8. To achieve this, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 has an outer offset 93 that forms a laterally projecting lug that interlockingly supports the upper part of the collar 6 from below, while the hoop 8 internally supports the upper part of the offset 93. In this way, the support 9 is integrated with the assembly by fastening the ring 8 to the collar 6.

[0096] Such an assembly can be seen in particular in Figure 6.

[0097] In one embodiment, below the offset 93, the distal end 92 of each rod 91 is provided with a groove 94 having a height complementary to the thickness of the collar 6, particularly at the level of the tube located below it, in order to ensure that the support 9 is clipped onto the collar 6.

[0098] Such an assembly can be seen in particular in Figure 6.

[0099] In one embodiment, the support 9 is made of plastic or a composite material to further limit condensation.

[0100] Therefore, the cooling device 1, having its particular fastening of its receptacle 4 with a seal secured by a gasket 7 between the collar 6 snap-fitted to the ring 5, facilitates the replacement of the pouch 40 while limiting heat exchange, particularly the thermal bridge between the tank 2 filled with the refrigerant liquid and the receptacle 4. In this way, condensation is significantly reduced, and in particular, the formation of frost around the top of the opening 3, which has the largest surface area in contact with the atmosphere, is prevented.

[0101] Advantageously, the present invention provides a recessed cooling device 1, that is, it enables the cooling device 1 to be inserted into a reserved space between furniture or cabinets that is covered by a worktop 10 or the like. In particular, the shape and dimensions of the cooling device 1 are such that it can be inserted under the worktop 10, but at least one opening 3 is accessible from above through a cutout 12 of the thickness of the worktop 10.

[0102] For this purpose, the upper surface 21 of the device 1 is designed to be embedded and, for this purpose, comprises a raised section 22 of the at least one opening 3. Preferably, the upper surface 21 comprises each of the raised sections of the opening 3.

[0103] In other words, the opening 3 protrudes from the upper surface 21 via the raised section 22. In short, the latter raises the opening 3 above the upper surface 21.

[0104] In one embodiment, the height of the raised section 22 corresponds to a standard thickness of the worktop 10, for example, at least 10, 12, 14, or 16 mm, or 21, 29, or 38 mm, or even 40, 48, or 58 mm.

[0105] In this case, it should be noted that the raised section 22 may be selected during the manufacturing and assembly of the cooling device 1 to match the thickness of the worktop 10.

[0106] Furthermore, this raised section 22 can be designed to be removable from the top surface 21 of the cooling device 1, allowing for quick and easy disassembly and modification to match the thickness of the worktop 10.

[0107] The cooling device 1, thus sized, can be introduced and positioned within a reserved space 11 beneath the worktop 10, for example, between two cabinets that function as support and / or furniture for the worktop 10. Once positioned, the raised section 22 allows the opening 3 to pass through the worktop 10 and through a complementary cutout 12 in the worktop 10.

[0108] In this regard, the length and width of the notch 12 correspond to the length and width of the raised section 22, with a gap necessary to allow insertion and withdrawal through the notch 12.

[0109] Therefore, by having complementary height, length, and width, the raised section 22 can be positioned perfectly flush with the surface of the worktop 10, giving it an integrated aesthetic feature, similar to some household appliances.

[0110] In one embodiment, means may be provided to ensure a seal between the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 21 of the worktop 10 during the installation of the cooling device 1. Such sealing means are preferably arranged around the entire circumference of the raised section 22 on the upper surface 21.

[0111] These sealing means may be of any type, and in particular may be in the form of strips or seals made of compressible materials such as foam, or elastic materials such as synthetic or natural rubber.

[0112] The seal may also be achieved by additional sealing, particularly silicone-based or similar, between the edge of the notch 12 and the periphery of the raised section 22.

[0113] In one embodiment, if the openings 3 are not located on the same plane, the cooling device 1 may include a cover 24 that is rotatably hinged to the raised section 22.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, the cover 24 may be rotatably hinged to the worktop 10 directly.

[0115] In either case, when closed, the cover 24 is coplanar with the surface of the worktop 10.

[0116] In one embodiment, the cover 24 can be placed on the raised section 22 or in a groove formed on the surface of the worktop 10.

[0117] In this way, opening 3 can be closed to enhance cooling and prevent temperature loss, but it is also possible to close device 1 and restrict access to device 1.

[0118] In one embodiment, the cooling device 1 is provided with height-adjustable legs 23 on the underside of the tank 2, in order to ensure that the cooling device 1 not only remains in a predetermined position after installation but also ensures its stability and further ensures that the position of the opening 3 can be adjusted whether or not it is on the same plane.

[0119] Preferably, these legs 23 are in number three and form a support triangle in a single plane to facilitate the positioning of the cooling device 1.

[0120] Furthermore, these height-adjustable legs 23 allow the cooling device 1 to be inserted into the reserved space 11 and then mounted by inserting the raised section 22 into the notch 12.

[0121] Furthermore, by adjusting the height of the legs 23, sealing means such as foam strips or gaskets can be compressed to ensure a complete connection with the underside of the worktop 10.

[0122] It should be noted that, depending on the specific layout configuration, a groove or tongue-and-groove groove can be formed around the lower notch 12 of the worktop 10 to receive the sealing means and improve the airtightness between the device 1 and the worktop 10. Furthermore, this groove or tongue-and-groove reduces the thickness of the worktop 10 to be traversed, and as a result reduces the required height of the raised section 22.

[0123] In this way, the cooling device 1 can be embedded, like a household electrical appliance, in particular, in a built-in kitchen, bar, or any other space having a worktop 10, indoors or outdoors.

[0124] In particular, depending on the configuration of the space 11 secured between the two kitchen furniture units, it is possible to add a front closure such as a door. In this configuration, the cooling device 1 can provide control means accessible from the upper side 21, in particular an interface in the form of a control panel 101 that allows the user to set the operating parameters of the cooling device 1.

[0125] Similarly, when installed in a built-in kitchen, the cooling device 1 may have standard dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the cabinet box, particularly the width of the front or front of the cooling device 1, and its depth. For example, the device 1 may have a width of 44 cm or less for a depth of less than 60 cm, preferably about 55 cm.

Claims

1. A cooling device (1) for beverages in a container, - A cooling tank (2) having an internal volume (20) having at least one opening (3) on its upper surface (21), and having means for cooling the internal volume (20), - Receptacles (4) that form sleeves for receiving beverage containers at each opening (3), - Means for fastening the receptacle (4) through the corresponding opening (3), - A device comprising each sleeve further having a pouch (40) of a flexible material that is immersed in the tank (2) through the opening (3), - The fastening means is removable and designed to ensure airtightness of the receptacle (4) with respect to the corresponding opening (3), and for that purpose, - On the one hand, the ring (5) which is integral with the periphery of the opening (3) - On the other hand, the device (1) is characterized by comprising a collar (6) having an upper end (60) for snap-fitting with the ring (5) and a lower end (61) for forming a tube for fitting onto the upper peripheral wall of the pouch (40).

2. - The cooling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface (21) is designed to be embedded and for this purpose comprises a raised section (22) of the at least one opening (3).

3. - The ring (5) is provided with at least one internal snap-fitting means (50), - The collar (6) is externally provided with at least one pin (62) that is shaped to complement the snap fitting means (50), The snap-fitting means (50) includes a vertical slot (51) extended by a horizontal housing (52), - On the one hand, the vertical insertion and withdrawal of the corresponding pin (62) along the slot (51) - On the other hand, the vertical retention of the pin (62) inserted into the housing (52) and the horizontal movement of the pin (62) along the housing (52) are achieved through the rotation of the snap-fit ​​collar (6) relative to the ring (5). A cooling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is reliable.

4. The cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (52) is provided with a stopper (53) that is opposite to the slot (51) and limits the stroke of the horizontal movement of the pin (62) along the housing (52).

5. The fastening means is - Gasket (7), - The cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a collar (6) having a groove (63) at its bottom that airtightly contacts the complementary wall of the ring (5) to form a space for receiving the gasket (7).

6. The cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising an annular hoop (8) having a convex, rounded wall fixedly attached to the collar (6).

7. The cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ring (5) and the collar (6) are made of plastic or composite material.

8. The aforementioned receptacle (4) is - The pouch (40) is characterized by having a support (9) that extends inside it. - The cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support (9) comprises a base (90) having at least two rods (91) with distal ends (92) for attachment to the collar (6) on top.

9. - The support (9) is made of plastic or composite material. A cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. - Height-adjustable legs (23) located on the underside of the tank (2) A cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by comprising:

11. - A cover (24) that is rotatably hinged to the raised section (22) A cooling device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by comprising:

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