Refrigeration and Freezer Pot

Abstract

This present application relates to a portable consumer convenience appliance that uses refrigeration coils to cool or freeze a consumer food product. The appliance of the present invention has an outer supporting base and an inner removable container made from ceramic. The outer base has an integrated refrigeration unit, and the inner container may be filled with a food or beverage. The refrigeration coils of the integrated refrigeration unit are used to chill or freeze the food or beverage stored in the inner container until consumed.

Claims

1. A consumer appliance comprising: a supporting base comprised of an inner wall, an outer wall and a bottom defining a space, wherein the inner wall defines an inner area that is closed at an inner area bottom and open at a top end; an inner container sized and configured to fit within the inner area of the supporting base, wherein the inner container is removable from the supporting base. at least one refrigeration coil positioned in the space for providing refrigeration to the inner container; a thermostat disposed on the outer wall of the supporting base for adjusting a temperature created by the at least one refrigeration coil; and a power switch for turning on and off a condenser pump, wherein the condenser pump is in fluid communication with the at least one refrigeration coil.

2. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 1, wherein the consumer appliance operates in one of a cooling range or a freezing range.

3. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 2, wherein the cooling range is between 34° F. and 40° F.

4. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 2, wherein the freezing range is between 0° F. and 32° F.

5. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 1, wherein the inner container is closed at a bottom end and open at a top end, and further wherein the top end comprises a sealable perimeter.

6. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 1 further comprising a lid sized and configured to fit within the inner area, wherein the lid is comprised of a seal extending around a perimeter of the lid.

7. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 6, wherein the lid fits on the inner container and the seal is adjacent to the sealable perimeter.

8. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 1, wherein the inner container is comprised of a ceramic.

9. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 8, wherein the ceramic is comprised of at least one of a bail clay, a China clay, a feldspar, a silica, a dolomite, a talc, a calcite, and a nepheline.

10. The consumer appliance as recited in claim 1, wherein the supporting base comprises a pair of handles disposed along the outer wall, and at least one of a battery or an electric cord to provide power to the consumer appliance.

11. A portable cooling appliance comprising: an outer supporting structure comprising a plurality of coils and a condenser pump for providing refrigeration; an inner vessel, wherein the inner vessel is removable from the outer supporting structure and the inner vessel is comprised of a wall, a closed end and an open end with the open end having a lip for grasping and removing the inner vessel from the outer supporting structure; and a power source for providing energy to the condenser pump, wherein the inner vessel is comprised of ceramic and is capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from 0° F. and 40° F.

12. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 11, wherein the outer supporting structure is comprised of an inner area comprised of a sidewall and a bottom for receipt of the inner vessel.

13. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 11, wherein the outer supporting structure is comprised of a thermostat and a power switch.

14. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 11 further comprising a lid which provides a sealing engagement with the open end of the inner vessel.

15. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 11, wherein the outer supporting structure comprises at least two handles.

16. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 14, wherein the sealing engagement is provided by a flexible seal disposed on a periphery of the lid.

17. The portable cooling appliance as recited in claim 11 further comprising a consumer food product disposed within the inner vessel, wherein the consumer food product changes from a first state to a second state while within the inner vessel.

18. A combination consumer appliance and consumer food product comprising: an appliance operating in one of a first operating range or a second operating range, wherein the appliance is comprised of a cylindrical supporting base, a refrigeration coil disposed within the cylindrical supporting base, and a cylindrical inner container sized and configured to fit within the cylindrical supporting base; and a consumer food product capable of changing from a first state to a second state when placed within the cylindrical inner container.

19. The combination consumer appliance and consumer food product as recited in claim 18, wherein the consumer food product is one of a food or a beverage.

20. The combination consumer appliance and consumer food product as recited in claim 18, wherein the first state is a liquid and the second state is a solid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pair of refrigeration and freezer pots of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and being utilized to maintain two separate food items in two separate refrigerated states (i.e., refrigerated and freezing);

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the control panel is clearly illustrated;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the lid has been removed and the inner container is partially separated from the supporting base;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the lid has been removed and the inner container is filled with a food product to be refrigerated or frozen; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective and cut away view of one potential embodiment of the sidewall of the outer supporting structure of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and showing the refrigeration unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As stated above, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved appliance that provides both refrigeration and freezer capabilities in a relatively small and portable arrangement, and that has a removable interior that facilitates easy cleaning, and prevents the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and the like. There is also long felt need in the art for a refrigeration/freezer appliance that eliminates the need for ice cubes and/or frozen ice packs, which tend to prematurely melt and leave the contents of the cooler without adequate temperature maintenance, and for an appliance in which ice does not accumulate on the sidewalls thereof. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a refrigeration/freezer appliance that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and both safe and easy to use. The refrigeration/freezer appliance of the present invention satisfies all of the above stated needs and more.

[0026] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a pair of refrigeration and freezer pots 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and being utilized to maintain two separate food items in two separate refrigerated states (i.e., refrigerated and freezing) on a table 105, as part of a festive display. More specifically, each of the pair of refrigeration and freezer pots 100 are identical, but the first pot 100 is being used to keep a first consumer product 120 in a first condition, namely frozen. By comparison, in this instance, the second refrigeration and freezer pot 100 is being used to keep a second consumer product 130 in a second condition, namely refrigerated. In this manner, individuals at the festive event can enjoy the second consumer product 130, such as a pasta or potato salad, cheese spreads or the like, in a refrigerated condition, and the first consumer product 120 in a near frozen condition, such as a daiquiri, margarita or the like.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot 200 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the refrigeration and freezer pot 200 is generally comprised of an outer supporting base 205, a refrigeration unit 235 and an inner container 240. The outer supporting base 205 is further comprised of at least one handle 210, which can be used to grip and lift or otherwise transport the refrigeration and freezer pot 200 from one location to another, thereby adding to the portability and convenience of the refrigeration and freezer pot 200. As best shown in FIG. 1, the at least one handle 210 is disposed along an outer surface 208 of the supporting base 205, and the supporting base may have multiple handles 210. For example, handles 210 may be positioned on each side of the supporting base 205. The handles 210 may be permanently affixed to the supporting base 205, or may be removable depending on the type of design of the pot or appliance 200.

[0028] The refrigeration unit 235 is preferably positioned within the outer wall of the supporting base 205, and may be powered via an electrical cord 212 plugged into a traditional wall outlet, or the same may be powered by one or more batteries or a battery pack 215. If a battery 215 is used, it may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and may be easily replaced or removed if necessary, for recharging. Suitable batteries include alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc. Throughout this specification the terms “battery”, “battery pack”, and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used. The refrigeration unit is described more fully below in relation to the description of FIG. 6.

[0029] The inner container 240 is shown with a lid 220 having a lid handle 230 for easy repositioning of the lid 220 with respect to the inner container 240. The lid 220 forms a tight seal with the inner container 240 around a periphery 225 of the lid 220, thereby helping to efficiently maintain the refrigerated condition of the inner container 240 when in use. The seal may be accomplished by the use of a flexible material, such as rubber, foam, plastic, or the like positioned along the periphery 225 of the lid 220 for contacting the inner container 240. FIG. 2 also illustrates a control panel 250 positioned on the outer surface 208 of the supporting base 205, which may include a power switch 252, a timer 254, and a temperature control 256 so that the interior temperature of the inner container 240 may be selected, monitored and controlled. More specifically, the control panel 250 is in electrical communication with each of the power source and the refrigeration unit. The refrigeration and freezer pot 200 may also be provided with indicia 260 that may relate to the brand owner, may be personalized for the purchaser, or may include names, logos, symbols or the like for teams, events, etc.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot 300 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein an instrument/control panel 320 is clearly illustrated. More specifically, the instrument panel 320 may be disposed on the outside of the support base 310, and be in electrical communication with both a power supply (e.g., wall outlet, battery or the like) and the refrigeration unit. The instrument panel 320 may also comprise indicia relating to the state of operation of the refrigeration and freezer pot 300, such as a snowflake 330 showing, for example, that the freezing mode is on, and a refrigeration indicator 335 in a different color, such as blue. A power indicator 325 is also provided showing that the refrigeration and freezer pot 300 is operating. Notwithstanding, it should be understood that any sort of symbols may be used for any of the forgoing, as well as color schemes or the like. In addition, other controls may be used such as slider bars, dials, or the like to show the temperature change and preference of the user.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot 400 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the lid (not shown) has been removed and an inner container 410 is partially separated from the supporting base/outer container 402. More specifically, the outer container 402 has an interior space or area 405, which is sized and configured to receive the inner container 410. The inner container 410 also has an inner space 430, which is used to receive and hold the consumer product, such as food or beverage to be held at a refrigerated or frozen temperature. The inner container 410 has a lip or ridge 420, which helps seat the inner container 410 on a top edge 407 of the base or outer container 402. The lip or ridge 420 helps the user to lift the inner container 410 from the supporting base 402, such as when the inner container 410 needs to be emptied, filled, cleaned, etc., separate and apart from the supporting base 402. The inner container 410 is preferably made from a ceramic material and is dishwasher safe, such that after each use the individual may simply place the inner container 410 into a dishwasher for cleaning, thereby adding to the overall convenience of the refrigeration and freezer pot 400.

[0032] In addition, the user may also place the inner container 410 in a larger refrigerator, such as one found in the kitchen or other food preparation area. The ceramic material will hold the temperature when removed from the refrigerator, thereby facilitating the cooling of the contents contained therein. More specifically, bail clay, China clay, feldspar, silica, dolomite, talc, calcite, nepheline and combinations thereof are used for most ceramic products, wherein each raw material used contributes a certain property, such as dry strength, plasticity, shrinkage, etc., to the ceramic end product, in this case the inner container 410. Depending on the specific criteria of the ceramic container, different components or ratios may be used to make the ceramic inner vessel or liner of the present invention, Notwithstanding, the ceramic inner container 410 of the present invention should be capable of withstanding temperature changes ranging from elevated or near boiling of around 212° F. to around 0° F. By being able to accommodate a wide temperature range, a user can take products from the stove or cook top directly to the inner container 410, and then commence the cooling process to chill the product to a first refrigeration zone ranging from about 34° F. to 40° F. The appliance may also operate in a second range, or a freezing range, of about 0° F. to 32° F. This allows the consumer food product to undergo a change from a first state (e.g., a liquid) to a second state (e.g., a solid) such as in the freezing range described above.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the refrigeration and freezer pot 500 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the lid (not shown) has again been removed, and an inner container 520 is filled with a food product 510 to be refrigerated or frozen. More specifically, the refrigeration and freezer pot 500 is comprised of a supporting base 515, a refrigeration unit (not shown) and an inner container 520. A user interactive indicator or other control panel 506 is positioned on an exterior of the supporting base 515 and is in electrical communication with each of a power source (e.g., a wall outlet, battery or the like) and the refrigeration unit. The user (not shown) uses the control panel 506 to for, example, turn the pot 500 ON/OFF, select the appropriate mode of operation (e.g., refrigerator/freezer), set a timer, etc. FIG. 5 also shows first and second handles 530, 535 positioned along an exterior surface of the supporting base 515, which enable the pot/appliance 500 to be moved from location to location, making the same highly portable and adding to its overall convenience.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective and cut away view of one potential embodiment of the sidewall of the outer supporting structure 600 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and showing the refrigeration unit contained therein. More specifically, the supporting structure 600 is comprised of a base 601, an inner wall 605, and an outer wall 607. Positioned within the enclosure created by the base 601, inner wall 605 and outer wall 607 are a plurality of refrigeration coils 610, which are used to facilitate the cooling or evaporation of heat from the inner container 210. Also, positioned therein is a condenser pump 620 that is powered by an energy source, such as a battery 630, or is plugged 640 into a traditional wall outlet in a home or office. At least one of the plurality of refrigeration coils 610 is provided with a valve 650 to allow gas to be added/removed when necessary. The outer supporting structure 600 may also comprise a wireless communication module (e.g., Bluetooth, RFID, NFC or the like) and related software 660, so that the appliance temperature may be controlled remotely, such as by a smart phone or other intelligent device. While the figures have depicted the appliance in a generally cylindrical configuration it should be understood that other geometric shape are possible such as oval, square, rectangular and the like.

[0035] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “consumer product” is interchangeable with and refers to food or beverage products used with the present invention. Likewise, “vessel,” “support,” “base,” and “container” are all interchangeable terms used described the components of the present invention.

[0036] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the components of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the improved consumer appliance as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of components of the containers or appliance are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0038] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.