Beverage cooler

Abstract

Beverage cooler comprising an airtight, pressurised container (1). The container comprises wet ice (2) and dry ice (3) sublimated at the pressure of the container. The dry ice may be solid carbon dioxide. The wet ice may have a density of at least 0.92 g / cm. The wet ice can have a shape selected between spherical, cubic, diamond and crushed. The airtight, pressurised container (1) may have a pressure between 2 and 4 atm. The wet ice (2) may be individually packaged. The container (1) may be in the form of a polygonal container with a lid (5), a zip-lock bag (5) or a cylindrical can with a lid (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BEVERAGE COOLER

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The object of this description is a beverage cooler whose configuration and design allows it to cool the liquid placed inside and keep the liquid refrigerated for longer due to the special combination of dry ice and wet ice contained within.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Nowadays, when you want a cold drink, you either go to a bar or to a vending machine that provides a specific cold drink.

[0007] Also, if you want to go on an excursion or go to the beach / mountains, it is necessary to be able to keep the drink refrigerated in a cooler to maintain its temperature.

[0008] On the other hand, traditional beverage cans do not keep the drink cold for very long and do not offer the possibility of resealing the can once opened.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] The object of this description is a beverage cooler whose configuration and design allows the liquid placed inside to remain refrigerated.

[0011] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, a beverage cooler is disclosed, comprising a hermetically sealed and pressurized container. This hermetically sealed and pressurized container contains wet ice and sublimated dry ice, which generates pressure within the container. Introducing wet ice and a small amount of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) into the container causes the dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) to sublimate, thus creating pressure within the beverage cooler.

[0012] In one embodiment, dry ice is solid carbon dioxide.

[0013] In another embodiment, wet ice has a density of at least 0.92 g / cm³ 3 Wet ice with a density equal to or greater than 0.92 g / cm³ 3 It is considered "high-density ice", being completely crystalline and with a density higher than conventional ice (0.88 gr / cm³). 3 ).

[0014] In another, and preferred, embodiment, the wet ice has a shape selected from spherical, cubic, diamond, and crushed. However, any shape of wet ice would be acceptable. The advantages of spherical wet ice over other geometric shapes are:

[0015] • Smaller Contact Surface: The spheres have a smaller contact surface in relation to their volume, which reduces the rate of dilution of the ice in the drink.

[0016] • Uniform Cooling: The spherical shape allows for more uniform cooling of the liquid.

[0017] • Aesthetics: Ice spheres offer a more attractive and sophisticated appearance compared to cubes or other geometric shapes.

[0018] • Easy insertion into the beverage cooler container.

[0019] In another embodiment, the beverage cooler container maintains a pressure between 2 and 4 atm. Specifically, the container has a pressure between 2.95 atm at -18°C and 3.44 atm at 25°C. These pressures are due to the pressure exerted by the sublimation of dry ice, which will be in the range of 2 to 4 atm. Maintaining the internal pressure within an optimal range is crucial for balancing safety, product quality, and the consumer's sensory experience. This reduces the risk of splashing and provides a more controlled and pleasant opening experience for the consumer.

[0020] In another embodiment, the beverage cooler has a pressure resistance of 6 atm due to its physical construction. Furthermore, the beverage cooler has a container that, together with the lid, forms a watertight vessel capable of withstanding the pressure generated by the sublimation of dry ice and ensuring the cooler's airtight seal.

[0021] In another embodiment, the wet ice is individually packaged. This leaves more free space in the container, which optimizes the sublimation of the dry ice.

[0022] The beverage cooler container can take any shape, configuration, and material desired, as long as it is airtight and pressurized to allow for the sublimation of dry ice and to prevent leaks between the dry ice and the wet ice.

[0023] In another embodiment, the container is a cylindrical can with a lid selected from a resealable lid, a standard-opening lid, a wide-opening lid, and a fully opening, disposable lid. Specifically, when the lid is resealable, it allows the container to be opened and closed multiple times, maintaining the beverage's freshness.

[0024] In another embodiment, the container has the form of a rigid polygonal container with a lid.

[0025] In another embodiment, the container is in the form of a zip-lock bag.

[0026] In another embodiment, the beverage cooler comprises a liquid to be cooled by dry ice and wet ice.

[0027] It's important to note that the sublimation of solid carbon dioxide efficiently cools the beverage, generates controlled internal pressure that doesn't damage the cooler's container, keeping it intact, and creates a visual effect upon opening (a popping sound and white smoke). Furthermore, carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas, meaning it doesn't alter the beverage's flavor, smell, or color. It also has antiseptic properties, helping to keep the beverage free of bacteria and other microorganisms.

[0028] The beverage cooler with sublimated CO2 will maintain the lower temperature for longer due to the additional cooling effect of the sublimated CO2.

[0029] The CO2 beverage cooler can maintain a low temperature for 20-30% longer compared to a standard container (can) without CO2.

[0030] As mentioned above, the wet ice used in the beverage cooler of the present invention can be high-density ice, being completely crystalline and having a higher density than conventional ice.

[0031] This wet ice is produced through a one-way freezing process with constantly moving water to create large blocks of ice, eliminating air bubbles and other impurities. This process produces crystalline ice with a density of 0.92 g / cm³. 3 , significantly higher than that of domestic and commercial ice, which has a density of 0.88 gr / cm 3 It should be noted that a block of ice weighing approximately 100 kilograms takes 72 hours to form, resulting in a more solid and durable ice. This wet ice has the following properties:

[0032] • Transparency and Purity: produced with purified water through filtration, reverse osmosis, ozone and UVA processes, guaranteeing crystal clear ice without impurities;

[0033] • Durability: Thanks to their size and density, these ice cube formats melt more slowly, keeping the drink cold for longer without compromising its flavor.

[0034] Specifically, the Water Filtration process includes:

[0035] • Reverse Osmosis: removes impurities and contaminants from the water, ensuring maximum purity;

[0036] • Ozone: disinfects water, eliminating bacteria and viruses;

[0037] • Activated Carbon Filters: remove chlorine, organic compounds and other contaminants that can affect the taste;

[0038] • Ultraviolet light (UVA): sterilizes the water, eliminating any remaining microorganisms.

[0039] The advantages of wet ice obtained by a unidirectional freezing process are:

[0040] • Higher Density (melts more slowly, keeping drinks cold for longer): o Commercial industrial ice: 0.88 g / cm 3 ; or Unidirectional Slow Freezing Ice: 0.92 g / cm 3 .

[0041] • Clarity (improves the visual presentation of beverages): o Industrial Ice: may contain air bubbles and be opaque; o Unidirectional Ice: is crystal clear due to the removal of air bubbles during freezing.

[0042] • Sensory Quality (improves flavor quality by being much more neutral than industrial or domestic ice, and enhances beverage freshness): o Industrial Ice: Can affect the flavor of beverages due to trapped impurities. o Unidirectional Ice: Provides a purer and fresher sensory experience. Durability (extends the duration of beverage cooling): o Industrial Ice: Melts more quickly. o Unidirectional Ice: Lasts longer due to its greater density.

[0043] On the other hand, regarding dry ice, it should be noted that:

[0044] • Sublimation: dry ice changes from solid to gas without leaving liquid residue.

[0045] • Efficient Cooling: keeps the drink cold for longer due to its low temperature (-78.5°C), prolonging the duration of wet ice.

[0046] • Visual Effect: The sublimation of dry ice creates a white smoke effect when opening the can (or any other form of beverage cooler), enhancing the user experience.

[0047] • Antioxidant: CO2 acts as an antioxidant, helping to preserve the quality of the beverage.

[0048] • Flavor and aroma enhancer: CO2 can enhance the flavor and aroma of beverages.

[0049] • Consumer Sensory Experience both “visual” (fog effect when opening the can - or any other form of the beverage cooler) and acoustic: effervescent sound due to the release of CO2.

[0050] The amount of dry ice introduced is proportional to the volume of the beverage cooler container and the volume of the ice pieces inside, to ensure that the desired pressure range is reached inside the can.

[0051] By introducing ice and solid carbon dioxide into the can (or any other beverage cooler), sealing it, and placing it in the freezer, the necessary pressure is generated to maintain the can's shape and the ice's properties. Using high-density, clear ice ensures greater durability and cooling efficiency.

[0052] Regarding the beverage cooler, it is important to highlight its watertightness and durability. The beverage cooler is watertight, capable of withstanding the pressure generated by the sublimation of dry ice (2 to 4 atm).

[0053] In the pressure range of 2 to 4 atm generated by the sublimation of dry ice, a high, optimal and calibrated pressure is obtained with the following advantages: ■ The higher internal pressure improves rapid cooling and uniform distribution of cold, providing a cold drink in less time and maintaining a uniform temperature;

[0054] ■ Greater effervescence and a feeling of freshness;

[0055] ■ It maintains the external structure of the beverage cooler, preventing deformation from external pressure.

[0056] Above the maximum pressure of 4 atm, the risk of rupture increases due to excessive pressure and can compromise the structural integrity of the beverage cooler if not properly calibrated. This results in a violent opening and loud noise. Conversely, a "low pressure" (less than 2 atm) makes the beverage cooler open extremely smoothly, with less noise and no sensation of effervescence, along with a reduced feeling of coolness.

[0057] Beverage cooler containers, such as cans, contain dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released as bubbles when the can is opened. This gas is responsible for the fizz and can cause the liquid to spill if the pressure is too high.

[0058] In the present invention, and preferably, the internal pressure of the can varies between 2.95 atm at -18°C and 3.44 atm at 25°C. This range is relatively safe to prevent the liquid from spilling out abruptly when the can is opened.

[0059] Furthermore, the beverage cooler of the present invention can be a "can" that can be manufactured in different sizes according to customer demand, from large sizes for soft drinks or mixed drinks to small sizes for spirits, coffee or infusions.

[0060] The following advantages are obtained by means of the beverage cooler of the present invention:

[0061] - Keep the drink cold for longer.

[0062] - Allow resealing the beverage cooler (can, rigid polygonal container, zip-type airtight bag, or any alternative) to preserve the freshness of the beverage.

[0063] - Create a unique visual and sensory experience upon opening the chilled container (can, rigid polygonal container, zip-top bag, or any alternative). - Allow the user to enjoy cold liquids, extending the time they remain at low or room temperature. When the beverage is placed in the cooler (can, rigid polygonal container, zip-top bag, or any alternative), the chilled container will be cold in a very short time.

[0064] - Offer refrigerated containers (cans, rigid polygonal containers, zip-type bags, or any alternative) of different capacities, including smaller sizes with less ice, ideal for spirits or liquids that are consumed in smaller quantities, such as coffee or spirits.

[0065] - Offer refrigerated containers (cans, rigid polygonal containers, bags with airtight zip closures, or any alternative) with dense, crystalline ice, sublimated carbon dioxide and spirits already prepared to only need to add soda or be taken alone, since spirits with more than 20 degrees of alcohol do not freeze in domestic freezers.

[0066] The beverage cooler (such as a can, a rigid polygonal container, a zip-top bag, or any other alternative) of the present invention contains ice (wet + dry). In another embodiment, it contains ice (wet + dry) and distilled spirit (vodka, gin, etc.).

[0067] The instructions for use would be as follows: open the beverage cooler container (with the visual and auditory experience for the user) and fill it with the liquid to be cooled.

[0068] When making the beverage cooler container with distilled spirit, you can drink the distilled spirit itself or add a beverage to make a mixed drink.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] To complete the description of the invention and to aid in a better understanding of its characteristics, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following figures have been represented:

[0071] Figure 1 schematically represents a beverage cooler according to the present invention in the form of a can, along with representations of dry ice, wet ice, and dry ice sublimation. Figure 2 schematically represents a beverage cooler according to the present invention.

[0072] The following is a list of the references used in the figures:

[0073] 1.- Refrigerated container;

[0074] 2.- Wet ice;

[0075] 3. Dry ice;

[0076] 4.- Gases by sublimation of dry ice;

[0077] 5.- Lid.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 schematically represents (2D simulating 3D) a can-shaped beverage cooler comprising container 1 and lid 5 with a standard opening. Inside container 1, the beverage cooler contains wet ice 2, dry ice 3, and sublimated dry ice 4. In this case, Figure 1 shows that inside container 1 there are three wet ice balls 2 of the same size, but they could be of different sizes, and the number of wet ice balls 2 could be greater or less than three, depending on the size of the can and the cooling requirement. Dry ice 3 is also visible at the bottom of container 1, the sublimation 4 of which causes an increase in pressure in the container 1 and lid 5 assembly, resulting in a pressurized can where the lid 5 hermetically seals container 1.

[0079] Figure 2 schematically represents (2D simulating 3D) a beverage cooler according to the present invention. The schematic representation shown in Figure 2 serves to represent any type of beverage cooler in the form of a polygonal container 1 with a lid 5, or in the form of a bag 1 with a zip closure 5. The wet ice cubes 2 shown in Figure 2 are cubic in shape and individually vacuum-packed. Dry ice 3 is also visible at the bottom of the container 1, whose sublimation 4 causes an increase in pressure in the container 1 and lid 5 assembly, resulting in a pressurized beverage cooler where the lid 5 hermetically seals the container 1.

[0080] In all embodiments of the can (or any other embodiment of the beverage cooler) shown below, the can is sealed and placed in the freezer, where solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) sublimates, generating the pressure necessary to maintain the consistency of the can and the qualities of the ice.

[0081] Examples of implementation.

[0082] The following different sizes of cans (refrigerated containers) are disclosed as concrete examples of the implementation of the refrigerated container:

[0083] A 530 ml can of soda

[0084] 1. Process Description:

[0085] Can Specifications: a) Capacity: 530 ml;

[0086] 2. Behavior of Dry Ice: a) Dry Ice: Carbon dioxide (CO2) in a solid state that sublimates directly to gas at -78.5°C; b) Pressure in the Can:

[0087] • At -18°C: 2.95 atm

[0088] • At -15°C: 2.98 atm

[0089] • At 4°C: 3.22 atm

[0090] • At 10°C: 3.28 atm

[0091] • At 25°C: 3.44 atm.

[0092] 3. Amount of CO2 Released:

[0093] • 2 grams of Dry Ice: Sublimes to release approximately 1.11 liters of CO2 at room temperature.

[0094] 4. Density of CO2 at Different Temperatures

[0095] • At -18°C: 2.16 kg / m 3

[0096] • At -15°C: 2.14 kg / m 3

[0097] • At 4°C: 1.98 kg / m 3

[0098] • At 10°C: 1.95 kg / m 3

[0099] • At 25°C: 1.84 kg / m 3

[0100] 5. Type of Wet Ice:

[0101] Ice Density: 0.92 gr / cm 3a) Shape and Size: three spheres, each 51 mm in diameter (207 ml in total). The 51 mm diameter spheres can be easily inserted into the can through a 52 mm opening.

[0102] 6. Percentage of Ice Volume in the Can: a) Can Volume: 530 ml; b) Ice Volume: 207 ml (three spheres of 51 mm in diameter each); c) Percentage of Ice Volume: Approximately 40%;

[0103] 7. Reasons for the Optimal Percentage: a) Balance between Ice and Drink; b) Advantage: Provides enough ice to keep the drink very cold without taking up too much space, and allowing the user to add an adequate amount of liquid.

[0104] 250ml can for wet ice, dry ice and spirits

[0105] 1. Can Specifications

[0106] • Total Capacity: 250 ml

[0107] • Contents: o Two ice spheres (51 mm in diameter each, 138 ml in total) o 60 ml of alcoholic distillate (e.g., Vodka) o 0.32 grams of dry ice

[0108] 2. Content Percentages

[0109] • Wet Ice: 55.2%

[0110] • Alcoholic Distillate: 24%

[0111] 3. Behavior at Different Temperatures

[0112] • At -18°C: 2.95 atm

[0113] • At -15°C: 2.98 atm

[0114] • At 4°C: 3.22 atm

[0115] • At 10°C: 3.28 atm

[0116] • At 25°C: 3.44 atm 4. CO2a Densities at Different Temperatures

[0117] • At -18°C: 2.05 kg / m 3

[0118] • At -15°C: 2.00 kg / m 3

[0119] • At 4°C: 1.84 kg / m 3

[0120] • At 10°C: 1.79 kg / m 3

[0121] • At 25°C: 1.67 kg / m 3

[0122] 5. Sublimation of Dry Ice at Room Temperature:

[0123] • 0.32 grams of dry ice sublimates at 25°C and turns into approximately 0.16 liters of CO2 gas at 1 atm.

[0124] 6. Description of contents and carbonation:

[0125] • Distilled spirit (e.g., vodka) (60 ml): The spirit in the can would benefit from carbonation, acquiring an effervescent texture that can enhance its freshness and flavor. Sublimation will carbonate the spirit, making it more refreshing and palatable.

[0126] Since the distilled spirit makes up 24% of the can's total capacity and is surrounded by ice, it's unlikely to escape when the can is opened, even if it has been shaken vigorously. Internal pressure and proper handling of the can (tapping it gently and opening it slowly) will help release the gas without drawing in the liquid.

[0127] 530ml can for making mixed drinks with spirits

[0128] 1. Can Specifications:

[0129] • Total Capacity: 530 mi;

[0130] • Contents: o Three ice spheres (51 mm in diameter each, 207 ml in total); o 60 ml of alcoholic distillate (e.g., gin); o 1.8 grams of dry ice.

[0131] 2. Content Percentages:

[0132] Wet Ice: 39.06%;

[0133] Alcoholic Distillate: 11.32%. 3. Behavior at Different Temperatures:

[0134] • At -18°C: 2.95 atm;

[0135] • At -15°C: 2.98 atm;

[0136] • At 4°C: 3.22 atm;

[0137] • At 10°C: 3.28 atm;

[0138] • At 25°C: 3.44 atm.

[0139] 4. CO2a Densities at Different Temperatures:

[0140] • At -18°C: 2.05 kg / m 3 ;

[0141] • At -15°C: 2.00 kg / m 3 ;

[0142] • At 4°C: 1.84 kg / m 3 ;

[0143] • At 10°C: 1.79 kg / m 3 ;

[0144] • At 25°C: 1.67 kg / m 3 ;

[0145] 5. Sublimation of Dry Ice at Room Temperature:

[0146] • 1.8 grams of dry ice sublimates at 25°C and turns into approximately 0.90 liters of CO2 gas at 1 atm.

[0147] 6. Description of Content and Carbonation:

[0148] • Distilled spirit (60 ml): The distilled spirit in the can would benefit from carbonation, acquiring an effervescent texture that can enhance its freshness and flavor. Carbonation can make the spirit more refreshing and palatable, especially when mixed with soda.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Beverage cooler, characterized in that it comprises a hermetically sealed and pressurized container (1), which comprises wet ice (2) and dry ice (3) sublimated at the pressure of the container.

2. Beverage cooler, according to claim 1, characterized in that dry ice is solid carbon dioxide.

3. Beverage cooler, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wet ice has a density of at least 0.92 g / cm³ 3 .

4. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wet ice has a shape selected from spherical, cubic, diamond and crushed.

5. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the airtight and pressurized container (1) has a pressure between 2 and 4 atm.

6. Beverage cooler, according to claim 5, characterized in that the airtight and pressurized container (1) has a pressure between 2.95 atm at -18°C and 3.44 atm at 25°C.

7. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the container (1) has a maximum pressure resistance of 6 atm.

8. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wet ice (2) is individually packaged.

9. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a liquid.

10. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container (1) has the shape of a polygonal container with a lid (5).

11. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container (1) is in the form of a bag with a zip closure (5).

12. Beverage cooler, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container (1) has the shape of a cylindrical can with a lid (5).

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