Rapid Cooling Dock

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for accelerating the cooling of at least one beverage can and/or ice tray including at least one body that presents a thermal conductivity, defines a receiving receptacle preferably configured to form a minimum contact surface area of engagement with the can(s) and/or tray, and further including an air compressor operable to cause an airflow adjacent the can(s) and/or tray, so as to promote the accelerated cooling through conduction, and convection within a chilled compartment.

Claims

1. A rapid cooling dock adapted for use within a compartment producing chilled air encased within the compartment, and for causing a flow of said chilled air adjacent at least one standard beverage can defining a continuous side wall, so as to accelerate the cooling of said at least one can when said at least one can is placed therein, wherein the air presents an average temperature, the temperature produces a first heat transfer rate from said at least one can and to the air when said at least one can is placed within the air, and the flow produces a second and greater heat transfer rate from said at least one can and to the air when said at least one can is placed within the dock, said dock comprising: at least one body having a first surface defining a receptacle, said receptacle being configured to enable the placement and removal of said at least one can within the receptacle, said at least one body and said at least one can cooperatively defining at least one channel adjacent said at least one can, when said at least one can is placed within the receptacle; and an air compressor fixedly connected to the body, communicatively coupled to said at least one channel, and operable to selectively cause the chilled air to flow adjacent the sidewall of said at least one can, when said at least one can is placed within the receptacle.

2. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one body is tubular, said at least one can is longitudinally placed within the receptacle, and the chilled air flows in parallel with the longitudinal axis of said at least one can.

3. The dock as claimed in claim 2, wherein the body and said at least one can are cooperatively configured to define a gap therebetween when said at least one can is placed within the receptacle, the gap presents a maximum thickness not more than the diameter and not less than two percent of the diameter of said at least one can, and the chilled air is caused to flow within the gap by the compressor.

4. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive a plurality of cans stacked laterally.

5. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body, receptacle, and compressor are configured to cause the chilled air to flow transversely to the longitudinal axis of said at least one can.

6. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressor is operable to cause an airflow of at least 20 CFM.

7. The dock as claimed in claim 1, further including a protective overlay configured to protect the compressor.

8. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second heat transfer rate is at least twenty-five percent greater than the first heat transfer rate.

9. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the can comprises a continuous sidewall, the sidewall presents an outside surface area, the receptacle is cooperatively configured with the sidewall to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least five percent of the outside surface area when the can is placed within the receptacle, and said at least one body presents a mass, density, and thermal conductivity operable to cause a third heat transfer rate greater than the second heat transfer rate when the can is placed within the receptacle and said at least one body is at the average temperature.

10. The dock as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third heat transfer rate is at least fifty percent greater than the first heat transfer rate.

11. The dock as claimed in claim 9, wherein the receptacle is cooperatively configured with the can to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least ten percent of the outside surface area of the can, when the can is placed within the receptacle.

12. The dock as claimed in claim 11, wherein the receptacle is cooperatively configured with the can to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least twenty percent of the outside surface area of the sidewall, when the can is placed within the receptacle.

13. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one body is formed of a metallic material.

14. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one body is treated to prevent rust.

15. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dock is integrated with and cooperatively defines the compartment.

16. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body defines first and second receptacles configured to engage first and second cans comprising sidewalls having differing radii, outside surface areas, and/or lengths respectively, and said first and second receptacles are each configured to form a contact surface area of engagement with at least five percent of the outside surface area of first and second cans having differing radii.

17. The dock as claimed in claim 1, said receptacle defining a complex profile, wherein said profile is cooperatively configured with a plurality of cans having differing radii, so as to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least five percent of the outside surface area of each can, when either can is placed within the receptacle.

18. The dock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive an ice cube tray, and the airflow is operable to accelerate the cooling of the tray.

19. A rapid cooling dock adapted for use within a compartment producing chilled air encased within the compartment, and for causing a flow of said chilled air adjacent at least one standard beverage can defining a continuous side wall, so as to accelerate the cooling of said at least one can when said at least one can is placed therein, wherein the air presents an average temperature, the temperature produces a first heat transfer rate from said at least one can and to the air when said at least one can is placed within the air, and the flow produces a second and greater heat transfer rate from said at least one can and to the air when said at least one can is placed within the dock, said dock comprising: at least one body presenting a tubular configuration, having a first surface defining a receptacle, said receptacle being configured to enable the placement and removal of said at least one can within the receptacle, said at least one body and said at least one can cooperatively defining at least one channel adjacent said at least one can, when said at least one can is placed within the receptacle; an air compressor fixedly connected to the body, communicatively coupled to said at least one channel, and operable to selectively cause the chilled air to flow adjacent the sidewall of said at least one can, when said at least one can is placed within the receptacle; and a protective overlay fixedly connected to said at least one body adjacent the compressor.

20. The dock as claimed in claim 19, wherein first and second mated parts compose said at least one body, and are manually separable so as to facilitate can removal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0006] A preferred embodiment(s) of the invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures of exemplary scale, wherein:

[0007] FIGS. 1A-d are prior art elevations and top views of a variety of conventional aluminum beverage cans, wherein can (1), e.g., a standard size 16-ounce (e.g., Coca-Cola®) can, presents an outside diameter of aprx. 2.5 in, and a height of 4.75 in, can (2), e.g., a standard size Red-Bull® can, presents an outside diameter of aprx. 2.25 in, and a height of 5.85 in., can (3) is a standard 15 oz can presenting an outside diameter of 2.5 in, and a height of 5.85 in., and can (4) is a standard 24 oz can presenting an outside diameter of 2.8 in., and height of 7.35 in.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded elevation of a rapid cooling assembly comprising stackable individual sections or docks, wherein the sections in this embodiment include a lowermost ice tray dock, a middle can dock, and an uppermost fan section, wherein the number of a particular type of section is at the discretion of the consumer and depends upon such factors as available space, wherein the ice tray dock presents a height and width, and defines a tray receiving receptacle having a depth and sloped side walls, wherein the height, width, depth and sloped walls match the sloped walls of the compatible ice tray shown intermediate the lowermost and middle sections, wherein the middle section comprises articulating can engaging parts operable to engage cans or similar rounded containers of various diameters, wherein each section defines thru-holes through which air is drawn by a low pressure region produced by the fan, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a collapsed view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2, particularly illustrating a gap between the middle and lower sections less than the thickness of the tray flange, such that the flange causes the upper sections of the assembly to lift as it is slidably inserted therein;

[0010] FIGS. 4A-C are front, and side elevations, and a top view of an exemplary ice tray adapted for use with the ice dock shown in FIG. 2, wherein the ice tray defines 15 ice cube receptacles and 22 thru-holes interposed between adjacent receptacles, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0011] FIGS. 5A-D are front, and side elevations, a top view of the tray dock shown in FIG. 2, and a cross-section taken along the line A shown in FIG. 5A, wherein 22 larger thru-holes are defined corresponding to the hole pattern defined by the tray;

[0012] FIGS. 6A-C are front, and side elevations, and a top view of the can dock shown in FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a rapid cooling dock with a superimposed aluminum beverage can disposed therein, wherein the dock defines a curvilinear surface having the same radius of curvature as a standard size can, and sloped walls congruent with the sloped walls and depth of a compatible ice tray, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an ice tray adapted for use with the dock shown in FIG. 7;

[0015] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional elevation of the dock of FIG. 7, tray of FIG. 7A disposed therein, and can;

[0016] FIG. 7C is a bottom perspective view of the dock shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating second and third can receiving receptacles, each having a different radius of curvature than the other two, so as to facilitate engagement with cans of 3 different sizes;

[0017] FIGS. 8A-D are perspective views of a rapid cooling dock having opposite can-engaging receptacles, and a compatible ice tray and beverage can superimposed therein, wherein a first receptacle runs the full length of the dock and has a first radius equal, for example, to that of a 24 oz can, wherein second and third receptacles are formed in a stair-cased configuration within the opposite surface of the dock, and define radii of curvature smaller than the first, and equal, for example, to that of a 12 oz standard can and a 12 oz thin can, and wherein the ice tray is configured to form superjacent layers with the first receptacle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIGS. 9A,B are plan views of the top and bottom surfaces of the dock shown in FIGS. 8A-D;

[0019] FIGS. 10A-C are perspective, side elevation, and top planar views of the ice tray shown in FIGS. 8A-D, particularly illustrating 9 ice cube receptacles, 8 thru-holes intermediate the receptacles, and extended longitudinal flanges for handling, wherein each ice cube receptacle matches the depth and profile of the first can receptacle defined by the dock, and more preferably, defines a flat central region at the bottom to promote stability when placed upon a flat surface, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional elevation of a tray having a flat region, and the ice dock shown in FIGS. 8A-D;

[0021] FIGS. 11A-C are perspective, top planar, and a side elevational view of a rapid chilling dock having a single tray/can receiving receptacle defined in the top surface, wherein the single receptacle is formed of plural radii, for example, a first radius of curvature to match a 12 oz standard can along the outer regions of the profile, and a second central radius of curvature to match a 12 oz thin can;

[0022] FIGS. 11D,E are elevations of a dock having a single tray/can receiving receptacle defined in the top surface, wherein the single receptacle is formed by three different radii, for example, a first radius of curvature to match a 24 oz can along the outermost regions of the profile formed by 30 degree angles, a second central radius of curvature to match a 12 oz thin can formed by 45 degree angle, and a third radius of curvature to match a 12 oz standard can along intermediate regions of the profile formed also by 30 degree angles;

[0023] FIGS. 12A-C represent a perspective view, top planar, and side or end elevation of a rapid cooling dock having a complex profile comprising outer regions defined by a first radii and 41 degree angles, and an intermediate region defined by a second radii and an 89 degree angle; and

[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rapid cooling dock comprising a complex profile, wherein the dock is formed via an extrusion process; and

[0025] FIG. 14 (a)-(d) is a tubular rapid cooling dock in an (a) isometric, (b) partial end profile, (c) cross-sectional, and (d) end view, comprising a fan at one end of the open receptacle, and a protective grate overlaying the fan, wherein standard size beverage cans are shown (in hidden line type) disposed within the receptacle of the dock in the cross-sectional (c) view, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention concerns a method of and apparatus for accelerating the cooling of standard beverage cans (FIG. 1), and/or formation of ice cubes in chilled air enclosed within a compartment, such as defined by a cooling appliance 100, such as a commercial or residential freezer, refrigerator, or cooler, etc. as variously depicted in the illustrated embodiments (FIGS. 1-14). More particularly, the rapid cooling dock 10 includes at least one body 12 that presents a profile configured to form superjacent contact areas of engagement with at least one conventional or standard-size beverage can, and/or an ice tray 14 of suitable configuration. The body(s) 12 and tray 14 are preferably monolithic bodies formed of material suitable for the intended use, such as a non-reactive (non-rusting) metal or alloy. The increased contact surface area of engagement is preferably at least 5 percent, more preferably, at least 10 percent, and most preferably at least 20 percent of the outside surface area of the can or tray 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, multiple bodies may be used to engage the cans and tray (FIG. 2-6), or a singular dual-purpose dock 10 (FIGS. 7-11E) may be used. It is appreciated that dual singular docks may be used to engage, for example the upper and lower hemispheres of the beverage can.

[0027] In operation, the dock 10 is placed in a compartment (e.g., freezer) (not shown) so that its core temperature is caused to lower to that of the air contained in the compartment through conventional refrigeration means understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The can and/or tray is then placed in a matching receptacle 16 defined by the dock and allowed to cool. Accelerated cooling, in comparison to conventional practices, occurs, because of conduction, and in some embodiments forced convection, in addition to normal heat transfer that would occur in the compartment. To promote conduction the dock is preferably formed of a material offering a predetermined thermal conductivity, and mass, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, or more preferably, steel). It is appreciated that the tray may be, likewise, formed of a thermally conductive metal, such as aluminum. The body is preferably treated to prevent rust, corrosion, and other deleterious effects from being placed and stored within the compartment. It is appreciated that other metals offering greater thermal conductivity, corrosive resistance, and/or durability may be used. To promote convection along the side walls of the ice cube receptacles and/or can one or more through holes 18 are preferably defined by the dock, and configured to direct air flow along these areas. In a preferred embodiment, the ice tray defines a flat lowermost region that, in addition to offering stability when not used with the dock, further allows chilled air to flow beneath and adjacent the ice cube receptacles. The dock 10 and tray 14 preferably present chamfered and/or filleted edges so as to facilitate handling, and placement/removal of adjacent items in the freezer.

[0028] In an example, the dock may present a width of approximately 8 cm, a maximum height of approximately 3 cm, and a length of approximately 20 cm, so as to facilitate manual handling (e.g., removing from and placement within a freezer, etc.).

[0029] The dock 10 has been described as a stand-alone item. Alternatively, it is appreciated that the dock 10 may be integrated with a fixture or otherwise compartment defining surface, for example, a fixed or pull-out shelf, bin, drawer, or the lower floor of a cooling appliance, such as a cooler, merchandiser, freezer, refrigerator, etc. The dock may be uniformly constructed therewith or may be affixed thereto, such that the receptacle composes an inner surface of the compartment. The refrigerator or freezer may be a stand-alone or a walk-in type, and may be commercial or residential. In such permanent configurations, it is appreciated that the extents and mass of the dock may be drastically increased by tying it into the framework or structure of the appliance itself, thereby, enabling multiple dedicated receptacles, and providing greater heat sink ability.

[0030] More particularly, the invention includes a rapid cooling dock adapted for use within chilled air encased, enclosed, or otherwise conditioned within a compartment, and for accelerating the cooling of a standard beverage can, wherein the air presents an average temperature less than room temperature. Conventional residential freezer, refrigerator achievable temperatures are suitable for use herein. The can presents an outside surface area, including the side walls, bottom and top caps. The can and the air cooperatively produce a first heat transfer rate from the can and to the air when the can is placed within the air conventionally.

[0031] The dock 10 comprises at least one body 12 defining a first surface. The body is generally illustrated as an elongated rectangular cube, with the first surface being a coplanar top surface; however, it is well within the ambit of the invention to use bodies of differing configuration. The first surface defines at least one receptacle 16 for receiving the can and/or ice tray 14. The receptacle 16 is cooperatively configured with the can (e.g., present generally congruent radii of curvature, wherein the “generally” equals, for example, within 3% of each other) to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least 5 percent, more preferably at least 10 percent, and most preferably at least 20 percent of the outside surface area of the can (“outside can surface area”) when the can is placed within the receptacle and the receptacle has been caused to achieve the average temperature of the encased air.

[0032] The preferred body presents a mass, density, composition, and thermal conductivity that causes heat transfer from the can and to said at least one body at a second heat transfer rate greater than, more preferably 25 percent greater than, and most preferably 50 percent greater than the first heat transfer rate when the can is placed within the receptacle 16 and said at least one body 12 is at the average temperature.

[0033] More preferably, where the can is formed in part by a sidewall having a width, and presents a cylinder defined by a first radius and a first length, the receptacle 16 defines a concavity defined by a second radius generally equal to the first radius plus the width of the sidewall and a second length greater than the first length.

[0034] More preferably, and as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the at least one body 12 defines first and second receptacles 16 configured to engage first and second cans having differing radii and/or lengths (FIG. 1). The first and second receptacles 16 may be defined within the first surface; or where the at least one body 12 defines first and second opposite surfaces, the first and second receptacles 16 are defined in the first and second opposite surfaces, respectively.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle 16 defines a complex profile 20 (e.g., FIG. 11-14). The profile 20 is cooperatively configured with multiple standard beverage cans having differing radii, so as to present a contact surface area of engagement with at least 5 percent of the outside surface area of each can, when either can is placed within the receptacle 16 at any one time, and where length allows, concurrently. In yet another embodiment, the at least one body 12 may further define an array of cups (not shown) configured to form ice cubes at an accelerated rate, when the dock is placed within the air, so as to be caused to achieve the temperature, and a liquid is placed therein after the dock has achieved the temperature. That is to say, the dock 10 may define an array of cups for forming ice within the profile itself, such that the dock and ice tray are combined into a single, integral body.

[0036] Continuing in part, and as shown in FIGS. 14 (a)-(d), the body 12 may define a tubular cooling dock 10, wherein the receptacle 16 is laterally enclosed, so as to define a channel or conduit through which chilled airflow may be conveyed, and a can(s) placed therein may be further cooled via convection. In a stand-alone embodiment, the tubular dock 10 is configured to be placed horizontally within a chilled compartment (e.g., a residential or commercial freezer), and as such, preferably defines a flat lowermost surface for stability; alternatively, it is appreciated that the tubular dock 10 may be integrated with the compartment (e.g., a refrigerator or freezer). At least one can is placeable longitudinally within the receptacle 16, and preferably forms a contact surface area with the receptacle 16 so as to promote conductive heat transfer, as previously described. As such, the tubular dock 10 presents a length sufficient to longitudinally place at least one can therein, and more preferably, 2 to 4 cans longitudinally stacked therein (FIG. 14(a)); in a residential embodiment, the dock is configured to fit inside conventional refrigerator/icebox/freezer compartments, and is therefore, preferably less than 3 feet in total length. Here again, a complex profile operable to form superjacent layers with at least 5% and more preferably 10% of the surface area of thin and standard-size beverage cans is preferably defined by the upward facing side (or lower hemisphere) of the receptacle (as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14(c)) as previously described with respect to FIGS. 11(a)-13. The remainder of the body 12 may be formed by extending the sloped sides of the base angularly outward, so as to form a gap with the cans, and then enclose the receptacle with a cylindrical portion interconnecting the sloped sides (FIG. 14(c)). In other words, an inverted U-shaped body may be configured to be seated atop the body shown in FIGS. 11(a)-13; corner skirts (not shown) could be added to laterally secure the two bodies when engaged. It is well within the ambit of the invention, for the dock 10 to present different cross-sectional shapes and/or a varying dimensions longitudinally, e.g., to further receive an ice tray, as previously described. At one end of the dock 10, an air compressor (e.g., a fan) 30 is fixedly connected to the body 12 (e.g., via bonding, fasteners, etc.), communicatively coupled to the receptacle or channel(s) 16, and operable to cause a pressure gradient at the end and chilled air to flow within the receptacle or channel(s) 16 and out to the compartment (FIGS. 14(b)(d)). For example, for standard 16-oz cans, the fan and its housing may be made of plastic, measure 2.4 inches by 2.4 inches, produce an airflow of 24 CFM, be ball bearing DC type, and present a rating of 0.15 A and a minimum operating temperature of −10 C (e.g., such as the Orion, OD6025-12HB, made by Knight Electronics, Inc. or similar). More preferably, the compressor 30 presents a variable speed compressor, to enable different rates of cooling. A protective overlay, such as a grate 32 is preferably provided to overlay and protect the compressor 30, internally and/or externally, when in operation, and may be formed of hard plastic. An actuator (e.g., an electric switch) 34 and power source, e.g., batteries (not shown) are connected to the compressor 30 and operable to selectively actuate the compressor 30. It is appreciated that a timer may be added to automatically interrupt power after a predetermined or selected time. The fan may abut the body 12 externally (FIG. 14(d)) or may be an in-line fan disposed within the tubular receptacle near or adjacent the end (FIG. 14(b)). The dock 10 is configured to withstand the intended environment and is formed of durable, chemically non-reactive, anti-rust material, such as hard plastic. All electronic components are therefore sealed in an enclosure, so as to prevent the infiltration of moisture and condensation. As shown in FIG. 14, the dock 10 is configured such that the receptacle 16 defines a minimal gap or channel between the inner surface of the body's 12 upper hemisphere, and the outer lateral surface of a standard beverage can, when the can is seated in the receptacle 16. More preferably the thickness of the gap is not more than the diameter, and most preferably, the gap is not more than 10% of the radius of a standard beverage can, so as to promote a funneling effect that creates sufficient chilled air velocity (e.g., at least twice the air flow velocity of the compartment otherwise) adjacent the can. As such, for a standard 16-oz can having a 2.5 inch outside diameter, the receptacle 16 may present an aprox. 3 inch diameter. It is appreciated that different size cans may require different sized tubular docks 10. To promote heat transfer, a maximum gap thickness not less than two percent of the diameter is preferred, so that sufficient air is able to flow passed the can. As a result, the can will undergo both conductive and convective heat transfer, thereby resulting in more rapid cooling than conventional radiant methods of simply placing the can upright in the compartment, more preferably at least 25% more rapid, and most preferably at least 50% more rapid. Alternatively, in a larger or commercial embodiment, the body 12 may define a receptacle 16 having a diameter equal to or greater than a multiple of the can's diameter, so as to enable said multiple of said cans to be stacked laterally within the receptacle 16. Here, the gaps that form between the cans define plural channels through which chilled air can be caused to flow, when the compressor 30 is actuated. It is appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 also discloses convection cooling through channels defined by the body 12; in that embodiment, however, the airflow channel(s) run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the inserted can(s). Lastly, and as shown in FIGS. 14(a) and (b), the tubular dock may be assembled from separate upper and lower sections that mate to form the receptacle 16. At the distal end, a chamfer may be presented to facilitate the upper section's ability to flip upward thereby facilitating can removal.

[0037] This invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments; it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.