Method of, and apparatus for, making frozen beverages, ice cream and other frozen confections

Abstract

A frozen beverage device to convert a liquid beverage into a semi-frozen or frozen form has inner and outer walls forming at least one refrigerant cavity containing a refrigerant material with a freezing point below the freezing point of the liquid, the refrigerant material occupying at least 60% of the volume of the refrigerant cavity. The walls of the device can be squeezed to accelerate the heat transfer from the liquid to the refrigerant material; and the device may be placed in a squeezing apparatus. Where the device is to be disposable, the device can be placed in a flexible sheath or outer container before being squeezed to protect the device and/or insulate the user from the refrigerant material. A freezing spoon or stirrer can be used to assist, or accelerate, the freezing process.

Claims

1. An apparatus for converting a liquid into an at least partially frozen form including: an outer container, and a freezing device receivable within said outer container, the freezing device being at least partially filled with a refrigerant material and configured to define a compartment into which the liquid is to be received, the refrigerant material being able to be cooled below a freezing temperature of the liquid; wherein, both of said outer container and said freezing device are deformable to promote contact between the liquid and the freezing device and facilitate conversion of said liquid into the at least partially frozen form, wherein the freezing device includes a peripheral rim around an inner mouth, wherein upper portions of an outer wall and an inner wall of the freezing device are sealed together, and wherein the outer container includes an outer mouth which has a peripheral flange, wherein the peripheral rim of the freezing device is secured to the peripheral flange and includes at least one stabilizing ring configured to limit deformation of the inner mouth and the outer mouth when the outer container and the freezing device are deformed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the freezing device includes the outer wall and the inner wall sealably connected together to form at least one refrigerant cavity.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the freezing device includes the outer wall and the inner wall sealably connected together to form a plurality of refrigerant cavities, the outer wall and the inner wall each has an upper end and a lower end, and the plurality of refrigerant cavities extend between the upper end and the lower end.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the plurality of refrigerant cavities is formed by a plurality of columns around the inner wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the plurality of columns are semi-closed.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the plurality of columns are open on at least one of the lower end and the upper end of the freezing device.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: each of the columns has one of a semi-circular, triangular, and convex shape, inwardly directed towards the freezing compartment.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: a longitudinal axis of each of the columns lies parallel with a central axis of the freezing device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the freezing device includes a base wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the outer container comprises an insulating material chosen from foam, rubber, silicone rubber, EVA and thick plastics; the freezing device is manufactured from one of a flexible plastic, flexible aluminum, and flexible composite material; and the refrigerant material is an antifreeze mix chosen from water mixed with at least one of salts, sugar, alcohols, propylene glycol and calcium chloride.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the freezing device is configured as one of a cup, can, tub and cone and the outer container has the configuration of one of a cup, can and cone.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the freezing device and the outer container each has a cylindrical configuration which tapers inwardly towards a lower end of the freezing device and the outer container, respectively.

13. An apparatus for converting a liquid into an at least partially frozen form including: an outer container, and a freezing device including an inner mouth, wherein upper portions of an outer wall and an inner wall of the freezing device are sealed together and the liquid is able to be poured into the inner mouth, the freezing device being receivable within said outer container, the freezing device further being at least partially filled with a refrigerant material being able to be cooled below a freezing temperature of the liquid; wherein, both of said outer container and said freezing device are deformable to promote contact between the liquid and the freezing device and facilitate conversion of said liquid into the at least partially frozen form; wherein the freezing device includes a peripheral rim around the inner mouth, and said peripheral rim includes at least one stabilizing ring configured to limit deformation of the inner mouth when the freezing device is deformed; and wherein the outer container includes an outer mouth which has a peripheral flange secured to the peripheral rim.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the stabilizing ring forms a portion of the peripheral rim and a locking assembly secures the peripheral rim of the freezing device to the peripheral flange of the outer container.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the locking assembly includes a first ring engageable with the peripheral flange and a second ring engageable, directly or indirectly, with the peripheral rim.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the locking assembly secures a lid or a cover.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the locking assembly includes a third ring to limit deformation of the inner mouth of the freezing device and the outer mouth of the outer container when the freezing device is deformed.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the freezing device includes the outer wall and the inner wall sealably connected together to form a plurality of refrigerant cavities, the outer wall and the inner wall each has an upper end and a lower end, and the plurality of refrigerant cavities extend between the upper end and the lower end; the plurality of refrigerant cavities is formed by a plurality of columns around the inner wall.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of columns are semi-closed.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of columns are open on at least one the lower end and the upper end of the freezing device.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of the columns has one of a semi-circular, triangular, and convex shape, inwardly directed towards the freezing compartment.

22. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the freezing device includes a base wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To enable the invention to be fully understood, and to enable the skilled addressee to put the invention into practice, a number of preferred embodiments will now be described, with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 are respective top and side perspective views of a first embodiment of a beverage freezing device in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 containing a semi-frozen liquid;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the beverage freezing device;

(5) FIGS. 5 to 8 show the steps of combining the freezing device of FIG. 4 with a sheath or outer container;

(6) FIG. 8A is sectional side view showing a locking assembly to secure the freezing device in the sheath or outer container;

(7) FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a third embodiment of the freezing device, where the liquid in FIG. 9 is semi- or fully frozen;

(8) FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the freezing device;

(9) FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of the third embodiment combined with an off-the-shelf cup or container;

(10) FIGS. 14 and 15 are similar views showing the third embodiment combined with a disposable cup or container;

(11) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device in a disposable container;

(12) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a plurality of fifth embodiments of the device;

(13) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the device;

(14) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment combined with a conical container for ices or ice cream;

(15) FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the device;

(16) FIG. 21 is a similar showing a container to receive the seventh embodiment;

(17) FIG. 22 is a schematic view of an alternative method for securing the lid and body of the container of FIG. 21;

(18) FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing a plurality of devices of the seventh embodiment nested in a freezer;

(19) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of frozen ices made using the container and freezing devices of FIGS. 21 and 20, respectively;

(20) FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a combination of a container with an eighth embodiment of the device;

(21) FIG. 26 is a schematic top plan view of a PRIOR ART freezing device;

(22) FIG. 27 is a similar view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

(23) FIG. 28A is a top plan view of a PRIOR ART device;

(24) FIG. 28B is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention;

(25) FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate the increased wall area for heat transfer from the liquid in the freezing device;

(26) FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a disposable freezing device provided with a disposable liner of plastics sheet;

(27) FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing the freezing liquid in a freezing device being stirred, and additional cooled, by a freezing spoon;

(28) FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the frozen beverage formed on a stirred with a spherical head;

(29) FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate the stirrer of FIG. 32;

(30) FIG. 35 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative stirrer;

(31) FIG. 36 schematic sectional side view of a spoon-like stirrer;

(32) FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the stirrer of FIG. 36;

(33) FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a stirrer with a character head;

(34) FIGS. 39A to 39D illustrate, a stirrer of the type illustrated in FIG. 38, in use e.g. to freeze a tub of yoghurt;

(35) FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a freezer device with a handle;

(36) FIG. 41 is a side perspective view of a first embodiment of a freezing apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

(37) FIG. 42 is a front perspective view thereof;

(38) FIG. 43 is a top plan view thereof, with the squeezing mechanism retracted;

(39) FIG. 44 is a similar view, with the squeezing mechanism extended;

(40) FIG. 45 is a view showing alternative mixes suitable for use in the freezing apparatus;

(41) FIG. 46 is a top perspective view showing an ice cream mix being poured into a freezing device, in the form of a squeeze cup, before the squeeze cup is placed in the squeezing apparatus;

(42) FIG. 47 is a top perspective view of batches of ice cream manufactured in the squeezing apparatus;

(43) FIGS. 48 to 52 show similar views of the manufacture of the ice cream using the squeezing apparatus;

(44) FIG. 53 is a schematic side view of a squeeze cup and a second embodiment of the squeezing apparatus;

(45) FIG. 54 shows respective top and bottom perspective views of a cone-shaped sheath, or outer cup, for use with the squeezing apparatus;

(46) FIG. 55 shows a bottom perspective view of the sheath, or outer cup, provided with an optional removable cover or lid;

(47) FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a ice cream or iced confection manufactured using the sheath of FIGS. 54 and 55;

(48) FIG. 57 is a top perspective view of a freezer bag for manufacturing frozen beverages or the like;

(49) FIG. 58 is a similar view showing the freezer bag being manually squeezed during the manufacturing method; and

(50) FIG. 59 is a similar view of ice manufactured in the freezer bag of FIGS. 57 and 58.

(51) NB: Any notations, comments, dimensions, volumes, ranges, percentages, trade marks, labels or other material on the FIGS, are by way of illustration only, and are not limiting to the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(52) In a first embodiment of the freezing device 10 in accordance with the present invention, the device 10 has an outer wall 11 and an inner wall 12 which are e.g. radio frequency welded together to form at least one refrigerant cavity 13.

(53) The walls 11, 12 may be formed from PE (polyethylene) or other suitable plastics-material.

(54) The device 10 has a mouth 14 at the upper end which provides access to the freezing compartment 15 which receives the liquid e.g. a beverage to be at least partially-frozen.

(55) The refrigerant cavity 13 is separated into substantially-vertical columns by the welded portions 16 of the walls 11, 12; and extends from just below the mouth 14 to, and extends over, the lower end wall 17. The longitudinal axes of the columns lie substantially parallel with a central axis of the device.

(56) As illustrated, the freezing compartment 15 is at least slightly convergent downwardly from the mouth 14 towards the lower end wall 17.

(57) The refrigerant cavity 13 is partially filled (preferably in the range of 80%-95%) with a refrigerant material 20, such as brine.

(58) Preferably, the volume of the refrigerant material 20 is approximately 60% to 80% of the volume of the liquid to be received in the freezing compartment 15, with the refrigerant material 20 preferably evenly distributed throughout the refrigerant cavity 13. (If preferred, each column may be isolated from its neighboring columns, each column forming a respective refrigerant cavity 13.)

(59) For example, the at least partially-freeze a carbonated beverage with a volume of 375 mL to 400 mL, there may be 320 mL of refrigerant material 20 provided in 40 mL volumes in eight columns in the refrigerant cavity 13.

(60) After being cooled in a refrigerator or freezer, the device 10 is retrieved and the liquid beverage is poured into the freezing compartment 15. On contact with the inner wall 12, the liquid beverage commences being converted to an at least semi-frozen beverage 30, the user squeezing the walls 11, 12 as the freezing occurs. The squeezing assists in causing the semi-frozen beverage particles to be released or moved away from the inner wall 12 to enable heat transfer from the beverage to the refrigerant material 20.

(61) A tubular extension 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, on the outer wall 11, above the mouth 14, can provide a folding cover to enclose the liquid and/or frozen beverage 30.

(62) FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment, where the device 10 has outer- and inner walls 111, 112, and a refrigerant cavity 113, substantially hereinbefore described for the first embodiment.

(63) A peripheral rim 140 surrounds the mouth 114 and is designed to minimise and deformation, or closing, of the mouth 114 when the device 110 is being squeezed while liquid is being at least partially-frozen in the freezing compartment 115.

(64) The peripheral rim 140 is formed by outwardly-turned upper portions of the outer- and inner walls 111, 112 radio frequency welded together and to a stabilizing ring 141.

(65) As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, the device 110 can be combined with a sheath, cup or outer container 150 e.g. formed of silicone rubber, where the cup 150 has a mouth 151 surrounded by a peripheral flange 152. The cup 150 has a downwardly convergent side wall 153 and a bottom wall 154.

(66) As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the device 110 is secured in the cup 150 by a locking assembly 160 having top- and bottom rings 161, 162 and an optional third ring 163. The bottom ring 162 has external screw-threads 164 engageable by complementary internal screw-threads 165 on the top ring 161. External screw-threads 166 on the top ring 161 are engaged by internal screw-threads 167 on a cover 170, with a top-opening 171 for access to the frozen beverage in the device 110.

(67) As illustrated, the device 110 is inserted in the mouth 151 of the cup 150 and the peripheral rim 140 engages the peripheral flange 152. The top- and bottom rings 161, 162 are screw-threadably engaged to secure the device 110 in the cup 150.

(68) In certain applications, the third ring 163, which is of substantially inverted-L section, may be engaged in the mouth 114 of the device 110, and be clamped between the peripheral rim 140 and the top ring 161 to provide additional strength opposing deformation of the mouth 114 (and mouth 151) as the side wall 153 of the cup 150 is squeezed after the liquid has been placed in the device 110.

(69) The device 210 of the third embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 15, has a generally similar construction to the device 110 of the second embodiment, except that a pair of stabilizing rings 241, 242 are secured together e.g. by sonic welding, to clamp together the upper portions of the outer- and inner walls 211, 212, to provide additional strength to the mouth 214.

(70) FIG. 9 illustrates the device 210 before the refrigerant material has been frozen; while FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the device 210 on removal from the freezer, ready for use.

(71) The skilled addressee will particularly note that the mouth 214 is substantially unobstructed, to allow easy removal of the at least partially-frozen liquid from the freezing compartment 215 (see FIG. 10).

(72) In addition, as will be hereinafter described, the freezing compartment 215 is surrounded by a maximum area of inner wall 212 to provide best heat transfer from the liquid to the refrigerant material 220. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the device 210 combined with a conventional i.e. off-the-shelf cup 250 e.g. formed from PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The cup 250 is provided with a cover 270, which may have a central hole to enable access to the at least-partially frozen liquid via a spoon (e.g. of the type illustrated in FIG. 16.)

(73) The peripheral rim 240 is secured between the peripheral flange 251 on the cup 250 and an annular wall 271 on the cover 270; where the cup 250 and cover 270 may screw-threadably, welded, clamped or otherwise secured together.

(74) FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the device 210 combined with a disposable cup 280, where a paper- or plastics label 290 is placed in the cavity defined between the device 210 and the side wall of the cup 280.

(75) In FIG. 15, the liquid L is able to be retained within the device combined with the disposable cup 280 by a removable cover (not shown).

(76) FIG. 16 illustrates a fourth embodiment where the device 310 is welded into a disposable cup 350. The mouth of the device is welded to the mouth 351 of the cup 350 and has a tubular extension 318 which may be folded out, as illustrated, or folded in e.g. to protect and/or retain the slurry within the device 310.

(77) FIG. 17 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the device 410, which may also be used with the cup 350, the peripheral rim 440 being welded or otherwise secured to the peripheral flange 351 on cup 350.

(78) The devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 are of substantially cylindrical configuration, with preferably a small degree of taper downwardly from the respective mouths.

(79) FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a sixth embodiment where the device 510 is of substantially conical configuration.

(80) This device 510 is particularly suitable for producing ice cream or frozen ices from suitable liquid mixes.

(81) As illustrated, the device 510 may have a foldable extension 518 or be closed by a cover 570.

(82) In this device 510, each of the refrigerant cavities 513 are downwardly tapered, ensuring most of the refrigerant material 520 surrounds the portion of the freezing chamber, which contains the bulk of the liquid mix (or water) to be frozen.

(83) The device 610 of the seventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 is similar to the device 510, and may be disposable or reusable.

(84) As illustrated in FIG. 23, the devices 610 may be nested together in a freezer (or in storage).

(85) The device 610 may be used with a disposable container 650, fitted with a screw-threaded cover 670, as illustrated in FIG. 21; or an alternative cover 670A, with a peripheral lip flange 671 A, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a can engage the container 650 to retain the device 610 within the container 650.

(86) FIG. 24 illustrates frozen ices/frozen confections made using the device 610 and container 650 of FIGS. 21 and 20, respectively.

(87) FIG. 25 illustrates a container 750 provided with an eighth embodiment of the device 710, where the device 710 is welded to the container 750 in the manner hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 16.

(88) A small tap may be provided at the bottom of the container 750 to drain off any unfrozen liquid within the device 710. [0 06] The advantages of the present invention over the PRIOR ART will now be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29B.

(89) As illustrated in FIG. 26, the saline solution or other refrigerant material, r in the PRIOR ART device d is provided within the refrigerant cavity c between the outer- and inner walls ow, iw.

(90) In the present invention, the device D has the refrigerant material R in the pluralities of refrigerant cavities C about the freezing chamber F. The refrigerant cavities C extend into the freezing chamber F, where the inner wall IW can have a semi-circular, substantially-triangular (as shown in dashed lines), or other convex configuration.

(91) The advantages of the present invention over the PRIOR ART include (but are not limited to):

(92) a) faster freezing of the liquid e.g. by up to 4 times, due to the increased effective surface area in contact with the liquid;

(93) b) the refrigerant material extends substantially the full height of the freezing chamber;

(94) c) the mouth of the device is not restricted by the inward collapse of the inner wall when the refrigerant is added to the refrigerant cavities;

(95) d) the actual volume of the freezing chamber is maintained at a maximum, so that more liquid can be placed in the device, and frozen, each operating cycle;

(96) e) the semi-frozen slurry can be more easily removed for consumption, as the freezing chamber is not constricted by the inner wall adopting an hour-glass shape due to gravity;

(97) f) the device is easier to clean;

(98) g) the device is easier to use;

(99) h) the device can be used with disposable or off-the-shelf containers or cups;

(100) i) the device can be manufactured at a cost making it a disposable item itself, or can be manufactured for re-use many times;

(101) j) the device and/or the cup or container can be produced from a wide range of plastics- or rubber materials, metal (e.g. aluminium) foils, or other flexible heat-transferable materials, including those described above with respect to the Prior Art devices; and the cups may even be made from materials such as paper or cardboard;
k) the device can be provided to be fitted to, or be integral with, the cup or container; and
l) the placement of the device in the freezer and/or the orientation of the device as the liquid is being frozen, is not critical, as the refrigerant material will always be substantially evenly distributed about the freezing chamber, for maximum heat transfer.

(102) After the freezing device is used each time, it must be cleaned. To overcome this problem, a temporary liner 180, formed of thin plastics-sheet, e.g. sold under the GLAD WRAP, can be fitted into the freezing device D, thereby keeping the liquid out of contact with the wall of the freezing compartment; and the liner 180 may be used as temporary storage of the frozen beverage for later consumption.

(103) To improve the freezing rate of the liquid in the freezing device, a spoon or stirrer, examples of which will be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 39D, may be used. The spoon or stirrer provides an additional source of refrigerant material, while assisting in dislodging the frozen particles from the wall(s) of the freezing compartment to allow fresh liquid to contact the wall(s).

(104) A PRIOR ART machine has enabled the manufacture of ice cream, or like products, using two cup-like vessels having rigid (e.g. stainless steel) walls. The first vessel is filled with an ice cube/rock salt/water mix to produce brine with a freezing point below 0 C.; and the second vessel, containing the liquid mixture to be frozen, is inserted on the top of the first

(105) vessel to contact the brine. The second vessel is shaken or scraped by a spoon, and the resultant frozen slurry formed on the inner surface of the wall of the rigid second vessel is scraped off as the frozen product e.g. ice cream. This machine is complicated to operate, as it requires a precise mixture of ice/rock salt/water to produce an effective brine; and can only produce a very small volume of frozen product each operating cycle.

(106) Where the volume of liquid to be frozen is small, the spoon or stirrer may act as the freezing device itself. In this embodiment, the frozen beverage will form on the spoon or stirrer and can be consumed directly therefrom. This method is possible with any vessel or container which can hold a liquid.

(107) As will be described in more detail, the spoon or stirrer can come in many shapes and/or sizes; and preferably includes an insulated handle.

(108) FIG. 31 illustrates how the freezing spoon 202 is placed in a cup 201 containing a liquid beverage 205 to be frozen. The heat transfer from the beverage to the frozen external surface s of the spoon bowl 204 enables a frozen slurry to be formed, which the user can consume. The user's hand 210 is protected by the insulated handle 206.

(109) FIG. 32 illustrates a stirrer 220, where the frozen slurry 222 is formed on a spherical ball 221 connected to an insulated handle 223 by a screw-connection device 224. The insulated handle 223 protects the fingers 225 of the user.

(110) FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate a further freezing stirrer 230, where a sphere 231 and the handle 232 are filled with refrigerant material 234; where the handle 232 has an insulating cover or sheath 233.

(111) FIG. 35 illustrates a single, tube-like, freezing stirrer 236, with a hollow body 235, filled with refrigerant material 234, having an insulated handle 232.

(112) FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate a spoon-like freezing stirrer 250, where a annular, bowl-like head 252, has a central hole 251, where the head 252 and the handle 253 are filled with refrigerant material 255. The handle 253 * has an insulated cover 254. The hole 251 in the heads 252 allows any unfrozen liquid to drain back into the container (not shown) before the user brings the stirrer 250, and frozen slurry, to his/her mouth.

(113) FIG. 38 illustrates a freezing stirrer 260, where a character-shaped freezing head 261 is covered by frozen slurry (not shown), created by the heat transfer from the liquid in a container to refrigerant material contained within the handle 263 (and, optionally, the freezing head 261).

(114) FIGS. 39A to 39D illustrate the use of a freezing stirrer 270, having a construction as hereinbefore described, where the stirrer 270 has a hollow-body 271, filled with refrigerant material 273, and an insulated character handle 272. The body 271 of the stirrer 270 is dipped into a tub of yoghurt 274 to create a slurry of frozen yoghurt 275 on the body 271.

(115) FIG. 40 illustrates a freezing apparatus 280, where a freezing device containing liquid to be frozen, is placed in a hollow-body 281, provide with a handle 282, the freezing apparatus 280 having the appearance of a hammer or mallet. Gripping the handle 282, the user strikes the end face 284 of the body 281 against a surface (not shown), e.g. a bench or table, to agitate the liquid as it is converted to frozen slurry, in the manner as hereinbefore described.

(116) To manufacture ice cream and similar confections e.g. jelly, greater heat transfer rates are required to reduce the time period for the freezing of the beverage or other confection or food to be consumed.

(117) Referring to FIGS. 41 to 44, and FIGS. 48 to 51, the squeezing apparatus 1010 of a first preferred embodiment has a hollow machine body 1020, e.g. formed of metal- or plastics material, with a top wall 1021 having a hole 1022 therein to provide access to the squeezing compartment 1023 in the machine 1010.

(118) With regard to FIG. 41, operating controls 1024, e.g. an On-Off switch and/or adjustable timer are provided on a control panel 1025 forming an upper portion of the front wall of the machine body 1020. (The operating controls may also include adjustable controls for the distance of travel of the squeezing mechanism and/or the rotational speed of the turning mechanism (both to be hereinafter described) and/or other optional mechanism(s) (to be hereinafter described).

(119) The apparatus 1010 may be either battery- or mains-electrically powered; and the machine body 1020 is preferably tough and easy to clean.

(120) As will be described in more detail with reference to the second embodiment of FIG. 43, a turning mechanism 1030 is mounted at the bottom of the squeezing compartment 1023, co-axially aligned with the hole 1022 in the top wall 1021. The turning mechanism 1030 has a rotary platen (or turntable) 1031 connected, either directly or indirectly, to a variable speed motor (not shown), the motor being controlled by the operating controls 1024 (see FIG. 42).

(121) The squeezing mechanism 1040 in the squeezing compartment 1023 has a pair of jaws (or plates) 1041, which are diametrically-opposed in the squeezing compartment 1023, and are mounted on reciprocating actuators 1042, also controlled by the operating controls 1024.

(122) The turning mechanism 1030 and squeezing mechanism 1040 are operably linked, so that the rotary turntable 1031 will rotate a squeeze cup 1060, placed in the squeezing compartment 1023, through e.g. 30/45/60/90/120/180 each time after the squeezing mechanism 1040 has been operated and the squeezing jaws 1041 are in their retracted positions.

(123) As will be hereinafter described, the turntable 1031 and the squeezing jaws 1041 may operate directly on a reusable form of the squeeze cup 1060 (see FIG. 41 and FIG. 42) containing the mixture to be at least semi-frozen; or may operate indirectly on a disposable squeeze cup via a sheath or outer cup 1050 (see FIGS. 41 and 42) received in the squeezing compartment, the sheath or outer cup 1050 receiving a disposable form of the squeeze cup 1060 and being releasably securable to a rim about the mouth of the disposable squeeze cup 1060 via a two-part releasable locking ring assembly 1051, see FIGS. 41 and 46, (which can be cleaned after each use.)

(124) The sheath or outer cup 1050 can be cylindricalsee FIG. 52; or conicalsee FIGS. 54 and 55; or other suitable shape; and may be formed from e.g. silicone plastics (or the other materials hereinbefore described).

(125) With reference to FIGS. 48 and 49, the squeeze cup 1060, whether as a re-usable cup, or as a disposable cup, can have a shape similar to the sheath 1050. When the squeeze cup 1060 is reusable cup, the outer wall may be formed of e.g. silicone rubber or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); while the inner wall may be formed of e.g. thermal polyurethane (TPU); whereas when the squeeze cup 1060 is a disposable cup, both the outer wall and inner wall formed from TPU or like material as hereinbefore described.

(126) The outer and inner walls are sealed together at the rim e.g. by radio frequency welding; and are also welded together, along downwardly extending joints, at spaced locations, to form a plurality of (hollow) columns which form a portion of the refrigerant cavity defined by the outer & inner walls, where the outer and inner bottom walls are not interconnected to form a lower refrigerant cavity portion operably connected to the columns.

(127) A freezing compartment 1069 (see FIGS. 46 and 47) in the squeeze cup 1060 is defined by the inner wall and the mouth.

(128) The refrigerant cavity is partially filled (preferably in the range of 80%-95%) with a refrigerant material, such as brine. Preferably, the volume of the refrigerant material is approximately 60% to 80% of the volume of the liquid to be received in the freezing compartment 1069 (see FIGS. 46 and 47), with the refrigerant material preferably evenly distributed throughout the refrigerant cavity.

(129) By way of example, the at least partially-freeze a carbonated beverage with a volume of 375 mL to 400 mL, there may be 320 mL of refrigerant material provided in the refrigerant cavity.

(130) The ice cream 1070 which is produced using the machine 1010, and squeezing cups 1060, is made from a liquid mixture 1071 comprising water and/or milk (or milk powder), to which is added a flavour mix (or mixture) sold in packs P as illustrated in FIG. 45.

(131) As illustrated in FIG. 46, the liquid ice cream mixture 1071 is poured into the disposable squeeze cup 1060 received in the sheath 1050; and after processing in the machine 1010 (see FIGS. 41 and 42), to be hereinafter described, produces ice cream 1070 ready for consumption, as illustrated in FIG. 47. The disposable squeeze cup 1060 will have been taken from a freezer (not shown) where the refrigerant material has been cooled below e.g. 20 C.

(132) As illustrated in FIG. 48, the sheath 1050 and the disposable squeeze cup 1060 (with the liquid ice cream mixture) are placed in the machine 1010, with the major (lower) portion received in the freezing compartment 1023.

(133) The machine 1010 is set into operation/and the squeezing mechanism 1040 and the turning mechanism 1030 are selectively operated so that the sheath 1050/squeeze cup 1060/liquid ice cream mixture 1071 are squeezed/rotated/squeezed/rotated e.g. for 4 minutes (see FIGS. 46 to 52) until the liquid ice cream mixture 1071 has been processed to ice cream, as illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 56.

(134) During the operation of the machine 1010, the operator may stir the mixture 1071, as it becomes frozen, with a spoon 1079 (see FIG. 46), to assist in the aeration of the final ice cream 1070, as illustrated in FIG. 51. Alternatively, the mixture may be aerated by a suitable aerator and/or by the addition of a small amount of an ingredient, such as sodium bicarbonate, which enhances the aeration of the liquid.

(135) The sheath 1050 and disposable squeeze cup 1060 are removed from the machine 1010; and the disposable squeeze cup 1060 is withdrawn from the sheath 1050. The sheath 1050 can be cleaned, ready to receive a disposable squeeze cup 1060 with the next liquid ice cream mixture 1071 to be processed. The ice cream 1070 may be consumed directly from the squeeze cup 1060 or be transferred to a container 1069 for consumption.

(136) After the disposable squeeze cup 1060 has been emptied, it can be disposed of e.g. in a waste bin.

(137) When the squeeze cup 1060 is reusable, and the ice cream 1070 have been consumed or placed in another container 1069, the reusable squeeze cup 1060 can be washed, dried, and then placed back in the freezer to refreeze the refrigerant material 1068. If the reusable squeeze cups 1060 are conical in shape, or have tapered walls, they may be nested together in the freezer to reduce storage space.

(138) FIG. 53 schematically illustrates a second embodiment, showing the disposable squeeze cup 1160 being received in a substantially cylindrical sheath 1150 in the freezing compartment of the machine 1110. The turntable 1131 of the turning mechanism 1130 supports the sheath 1150, which is squeezed inwardly by the jaws 1141 of the squeezing mechanism 1140. The sheath 1150 may be fixed to the turntable 1131, and be sealably connected to the top wall of the body of the machine 1110 to protect the interior of the machine 1110 against leakage of the liquid mixture.

(139) In this embodiment, where the squeezing apparatus 1110 is to be used for production of batches e.g. 5 liters+, the refrigerant material may be circulated via hoses 1180 connected to at least one refrigerant cavity surrounding the freezing compartment, the refrigerant material being cooled, and circulated, by a condenser/heat exchanger/pump assembly 1190.

(140) The liquid to be frozen may be formed by mixing a powder flavour or essence stored in a first tank 1191 and water or milk stored in a second thank 1192, the tanks 1191 and 1192 being connected to a mixer unit 193 (via optional pumps 1194, 1195), where the output 196 supplies the mixture ton the squeeze cup 1160. The mixer unit 1193 may incorporate an aerator, such as a small fan or air pump, which forces a steady stream of ambient air through the liquid as it is being mixed and/or as it is being frozen to increase the volume of the final frozen (ice cream) product (which may be 30% (v/v) to 50% (v/v) of air. Alternatively, a stirrer mechanism may be provided to aerate the liquid as it is frozen.

(141) In alternative embodiments of the squeezing apparatus 1010, 1110, the turning mechanism 1030, 1130 may be omitted; and the apparatus is provide with a pair of the squeezing mechanisms 1040, 1140, arranged at 90; where the pairs of squeezing mechanisms 1040, 1140 preferably operate alternately to squeeze opposed pairs of side walls of the squeeze cups 1060, 1160. The timing of the actuator(s) for the respective pairs of jaws 1041, 1141, may be controlled by the control system for the apparatus 1010, 1110.

(142) FIGS. 54 and 55 illustrate a sheath 1250 of substantially conical shape, with a side wall 1251 closed at the bottom, and surmounted by a peripheral rim 1252 about a mouth 1253 to the compartment 1254 which receives the disposable squeeze cup. An optional lid 1255 e.g. in the shape of an ice cream twist, can be secured to the sheath 1250 via a two-part releasable locking assembly 1256 which engages the peripheral rim 1252.

(143) The sheath 1250, which is designed to be reused many times, is manufactured from a tough flexible material e.g. silicone rubber or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).

(144) The embodiments described and illustrated in FIGS. 41 to 56 are generally directed to the production of ice cream, or other frozen food or beverage, for individual consumption.

(145) FIGS. 57 to 59 illustrate a freezer bag 1360 suitable for producing larger volumes per batch.

(146) The freezer bag 1360 is of generally cylindrical shape, with outer and inner walls 1363, 1364 (and outer and inner bottom walls) manufactured from the same materials/in the same manner as for the disposable squeeze cup 1060. The refrigerant cavity 1367 has interconnected (hollow) columns 1366, and contains refrigerant material 1368, as per disposable squeeze cup 1060. The freezing compartment 1369 can be sealably closed by removable and/or releasable clip or slide means which selectively seal the mouth 1362. Alternatively, flexible cover or lid may be used to seal the mouth 1362.

(147) After the refrigerant material 1368 has been frozen in a freezer, the freezer bag 1360 is removed from the freezer; the liquid to be frozen is placed in the freezing compartment 1369; and the mouth 1362 is sealed.

(148) As illustrated in FIG. 59, the operator squeezes the freezer bag 1360 until the heat in the liquid in the freezing compartment is transferred to the refrigerant material 1368, and the liquid is at least semi-frozen to a slurry e.g. to produce ice 1390, or other frozen food or beverage, as required.

(149) The ice 1390, which may be flavoured, may be moulded into shape(s) e.g. snowman, ball, in suitable mould(s) not shown.

(150) When the at least semi-frozen slurry has been removed, the freezer bag 1360 can be washed, dried and returned to the freezer for the next batch operation.

(151) It would be possible to design a machine 1010 with a freezing compartment having a capacity to receive, and squeeze, the freezer bag 1360, as in the manner hereinbefore described for the machines 1010, 1110.

(152) Consumers have enjoyed making and consuming coffees (or like beverages) at home, through such products as Nespresso, whereby many varieties of coffee powders are available in different flavours or coffee blends, with each powder being provided in a plastics- or metal-foil frangible capsule. The capsule for a selected coffee blend is placed in a purpose built coffee machine, and is mixed with water and/or milk, to make a specialized serve of coffee at home.

(153) Similarly, the present invention can provide the same experience and enjoyment as Nespresso for the making of frozen desserts, slushy drinks, frozen yoghurts, jellies, puddings; and especially ice cream in hard or soft serve form and in a variety of flavours.

(154) In particular, the mixes could be provided in liquid- or powder form in frangible capsules or cartridges; or in a bulk container or tank connected to a mixing chamber in the freezing machine; where the mixing chamber can also draw water and/or milk from suitable storage compartment(s) or tank(s) associated with the machine. The machine could also have an associated freezer unit for the squeeze cups.

(155) The operator would select a flavour, and either place a corresponding flavour mix capsule or cartridge in the machine, or select the flavour from the options available. The operator would take a squeeze cup from the freezer unit and place the squeeze cup in a sheath or outer cup in the freezing compartment of the machine; and commence the freezing cycle (e.g. selecting the squeezing period for the desired consistency of the desired product). The machine would mix the flavour mix released from the capsule or cartridge, or from the bulk container or tank, with the water and/or milk in the mixing chamber; and dispense the liquid mixture into the squeeze cup. The machine then squeezes and rotates the sheath and squeeze cup for the selected period, until the liquid mixture becomes at least semi-frozen. The squeeze cup can be removed and the operation repeated to produce the next consumable product.

(156) The skilled addressee will appreciate that the apparatus of the present invention provides a simple, efficient, cost-effective method for the production of at least semi-frozen foods or beverages of the types hereinbefore described; and the method can be applied to a single product being produced; or be effected by a specialised dispensing/freezing machine; or anywhere in between. The invention also provides machine(s) suitable for affecting the method.

(157) In addition, while a consumer may only purchase a single freezing machine, the sale of the flavour powders or liquids can provide an ongoing source of revenue.

(158) For many years, jelly has been made by mixing powdered gelatine with hot water, which is then cooled in a refrigerator to make Jelly. In the USA, a common product is known as Jell-O, which is sold in powder form, and which is available in many different colors and flavors.

(159) The jelly product comes in a powder and contains powdered gelatin and flavorings including sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as Equal. It is dissolved in very hot water, then chilled, and allowed to set. Fruit, vegetables, whipped cream, or other ingredients can be added to make elaborate snacks that can be molded into various shapes. Jell-O must be refrigerated until served, and once fully set, it is normally eaten with a spoon.

(160) There are also non-gelatin pudding and pie filling products similar to jelly. To make puddings, these are cooked on a stove top with milk, and then either eaten warm or chilled until more firmly set. Jell-O also has an instant pudding product, which is simply mixed with cold milk and then chilled. To make pie fillings, the same products are simply prepared with less liquid.

(161) The disadvantage of this form of product is the time that it takes to cool the resulting mixture that is placed in a refrigerator to cool. In many cases, this can take up to 6 hours before the heat is removed from the mixture and the jelly has solidified and is formed.

(162) Using the freezing devices of the present invention, the jelly is formed by the quick cooling provided by the invention; and the jelly can be made in 1 to 5 minutes, with- or without squeezing the outside of the flexible cup.

(163) The jelly that is made instantly can be consumed directly from the freezing cup, or turned upside down and removed from the freezing cup or other container for immediate consumption or storage.

(164) The freezing cup can be washed for re-use; or be disposed of. The re-usable version of the freezing cup can be placed back in the freezer for re-use.

(165) To make the jelly, it is preferred that the refrigerant cavity, or cavities, of the freezing cup or container is filled with an antifreeze freeze.

(166) The volume of the antifreeze mix is in the range of 60% to 00% of the total volume of the cup; and the preferred volume is 66% percent of the total volume. If more antifreeze (saline) is provided, then more freezing potential is available, which means more jelly mixture (at boiling temperature) can be added to the cup to be frozen.

(167) Another preferred antifreeze mix uses a mix of water at 87% (v/v) and Food Grade Propylene Glycol and Sodium Chloride (Salt) Composite mix at 13% (v/v).

(168) During manufacture of the freezing cup, when the void is filled with * the antifreeze mix, any excess air is purged out and a semi-vacuum is formed in the refrigerant cavity.

(169) The freezer cup is frozen by refrigeration or cryogenic means. Once the antifreeze in the cup is frozen, the cup is filled with a jelly mixture by pouring the hot liquid into the top of the cup.

(170) At this time, or during the pouring, the freezing cup can be agitated mechanically or manually by squeezing, shaking, vibrating, rotating or similar means, to agitate the mixture and convert the jelly mixture into a consumable jelly or other confectionery in a short period of time. This time can be as low as 15 seconds; but 60 seconds to 180 seconds is the average when the antifreeze mix is fully frozen at 20 C. and the jelly mixture is initially at 100 C.

(171) Once the hot liquid is converted into a jelly, the product can be placed in refrigerated storage or be consumed immediately.

(172) The time taken to create the jelly (or any other frozen product) is dependent on the quantity, type and temperature of the liquid to be frozen and the overall percentage that is desirable to be frozen.

(173) In another preferred embodiment, not illustrated, the freezing cup or container is formed from either a roll of plastic, cardboard or aluminium sheet, that is folded and thermally welded to form the freezing container that is then filled with the antifreeze of salt and soft drink, or salt and water.

(174) In another alternative embodiment, the freezing containers are formed as individual flat packs, which are then manually- or machine-folded and thermally-joined or welded to create the container that can be easily filled and sealed by a beverage filling and sealing machine to finish the product manufacture.

(175) The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the present invention provides methods of, and apparatus for, the production of a wide range of frozen (or semi-frozen) beverages, confections or foods, on either a single-user scale to at least semi-commercial production scale, simply, efficiently and inexpensively.

(176) It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention