WO2008124881A1

WO2008124881A1 - Refrigerating apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008124881A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Woodleigh
Original assignee: Ronald Woodleigh
Priority date: 2007-04-13
Filing date: 2008-04-14
Publication date: 2008-10-23

Abstract

A refrigerating apparatus (50) for cooling an object comprises a receptacle (61) including a chamber (120) for receiving the object, and a duct (93, 96) through which a cooling fluid is able to flow into the chamber (120) to cool the object. The receptacle (61) is connectable to a cooling fluid source (51) such that the cooling fluid is able to flow from the source (51) and into the duct (93, 96).

Description

REFRIGERATING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a refrigerating apparatus and method.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to the refrigeration of beverage containers, it will be appreciated that the invention is not necessarily limited to refrigerating objects of that type, and that it may be used to refrigerate other types of objects.

Background to the Invention

There is sometimes a need to rapidly chill objects such as beverage containers. This is usually difficult to accomplish using a traditional refrigerator or freezer as they are usually not able to chill objects within the time required. It would therefore be desirable to provide a refrigerating apparatus or method which can be used to rapidly chill objects.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In a first broad form, the present invention resides in a refrigerating apparatus for cooling an object, the apparatus comprising a receptacle including a chamber for receiving the object, and a duct through which a cooling fluid is able to flow into the chamber to cool the object, the receptacle being connectable to a cooling fluid source such that cooling fluid is able to flow from the source and into the duct.

The cooling fluid which flows into the chamber of the receptacle is able to rapidly cool an object which is contained in the chamber of the receptacle because the fluid is able to come into direct contact with the object.

The apparatus may be adapted to cool a variety of objects. However it is preferred that the apparatus is adapted to cool a beverage container such as, for example, a bottle, carton, or can. In a particular preferred form, the apparatus is specifically adapted to cool a wine bottle.

Preferably, the receptacle includes a bottom section, a middle section mounted on the bottom section, and a top section mounted on the middle section. The middle section preferably includes a plurality of modules stacked on top of each other. It is preferred that the receptacle includes a lid for covering the chamber.

The receptacle may include a seal for inhibiting cooling fluid from leaking out of the chamber.

In a preferred form, the apparatus also includes a pressure relief valve for relieving pressure in the chamber. Preferably, the receptacle also includes a platform in the chamber for the object to rest on, and a biasing member for elevating the platform relative to the chamber. The biasing member is preferably a spring. The spring is preferably a compressible coil spring.

The receptacle may include any suitable number of chambers. In a preferred form, the receptacle includes a single chamber. In another preferred form, the receptacle includes a plurality of chambers so that the apparatus is able to cool a plurality of objects simultaneously. In a particular preferred form, the receptacle includes four chambers.

The receptacle may include any suitable number of ducts. It is preferred that the receptacle includes a plurality of ducts. In a particular preferred form, at least one of the ducts includes a blockage.

The duct preferably includes a primary duct, and a plurality of secondary ducts extending from the primary duct to the chamber. Each of the secondary ducts preferably includes a first circular portion extending from the primary duct, a tapered portion extending from the first circular portion, and a second circular portion extending from the tapered portion.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes an equaliser valve for equalising the pressure of the fluid flowing to the duct from the cooling fluid source.

In a preferred form, the apparatus also includes a single valve operable to control the flow of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to the duct. The valve may be any suitable type of valve. Preferably, the valve is a stopcock valve. It is particularly preferred that the apparatus also includes a first valve and a second valve, wherein the first valve and the second valve are operable to control the flow of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to the duct. Both the first valve and the second valve may be any suitable type of valve. In a first particular preferred form, both the first valve and the second valve are stopcock valves. In a second particular preferred form, the first valve includes a valve body that includes a fixed pin, and the second valve is a stopcock valve. In a third particular preferred form, the first valve is a stopcock valve, and the second valve is a flow control valve that is incorporated into the receptacle.

The apparatus may also include a support for supporting the receptacle. The support may comprise a stand, or a plurality of individual legs, for example.

The receptacle may be connectable to any suitable source of cooling fluid. Preferably, the receptacle is connected to a source of cooling fluid selected from the group comprising: liquid carbon dioxide; liquid nitrogen; and Freon gas. The cooling fluid may be stored in any suitable type of container. It is preferred that the cooling fluid is stored in a bottle. The container in which the cooling fluid is stored may be upstanding or inverted. If the container is upstanding, it is preferred that the container includes a stem for allowing the heavier fluid at the bottom of the container to flow out of the container.

In a second broad form, the present invention resides in a method of cooling an object, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) inserting the object into a receptacle that includes a chamber for receiving the object, and a duct through which a cooling fluid is able to flow into the chamber; and

(ii) connecting the receptacle to a cooling fluid source such that cooling fluid is able to flow from the source and into the duct. Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying illustrations, in which: Figure 1 depicts a refrigerating apparatus according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a portion of the bottom section of the receptacle which forms part of the refrigerating apparatus depicted in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the complete bottom section; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the receptacle without its top section;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the receptacle without its top section;

Figure 6 is an enlarged plan view of the secondary duct depicted in figure 5;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation of part of the middle section of the receptacle; Figure 8 is a reverse plan view of the top section of the receptacle;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the top section;

Figure 10 depicts a refrigerating apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 depicts a soft drink can which has been partially inserted into the receptacle of a refrigerating apparatus according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the middle section of the receptacle depicted in figure 11 ;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the middle section depicted in figure 12; Figure 14 is a side elevation of a valve which may be incorporated into the receptacle depicted in figure 11 ;

Figure 15 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevation of a top section and a middle section module of a receptacle which belongs to a refrigerating apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a reverse plan view of the middle section module depicted in figure 15;

Figure 17 is a plan view of a rubber seal placed on the middle section module depicted in figure 15;

Figure 18 depicts a wine cooler which includes a refrigerating apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 19 depicts a multi-chambered refrigerating apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 depicts a refrigerating apparatus 50 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 50 can be used to cool a beverage container such as, for example, a bottle or a can, as well as the contents of the container.

Apparatus 50 is connected to an inverted gas storage cylinder or bottle 51 which contains compressed carbon dioxide. Inverting the cylinder 51 allows liquid carbon dioxide in the cylinder 51 to more easily flow out of the cylinder 51 since the liquid is heavier than carbon dioxide gas which is also stored in the cylinder 51. This contributes to increasing the cooling capability of the apparatus 50.

The storage cylinder 51 is not limited to holding carbon dioxide gas, and it may contain any other suitable fluid which can be used to cool a beverage container.

For example, the cylinder 51 may hold liquid nitrogen or Freon gas. An outlet 52 of the cylinder 51 is connected to an inlet of a first stopcock 53.

The first stopcock 53 is of a conventional type and is operable to regulate the flow of carbon dioxide from the outlet 52 of the cylinder 51.

An outlet of the first stopcock 53 is connected to an inlet of a second stopcock 54. The second stopcock 54 is of a unique design and includes a handle 55 and a body 56 from which the handle 55 extends. The flow of carbon dioxide through the second stopcock 54 can be regulated by rotating the handle 55 in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction as depicted by the arrows 57 in figure 1.

An inlet of an equaliser valve 58 is connected to an outlet of the second stopcock 54 by a hose 59. The equaliser valve 58 has a pair of outlets which are connected to inlet connectors 60 of a receptacle 61. In particular, each outlet of the equaliser valve 58 is connected to a respective inlet connector 60 of the receptacle 61 by a respective hose 62. The inlet connectors 60 are part of a bottom section 63 of the receptacle 61. The size of the orifices in the equaliser valve 58 which extend between the inlet and outlets thereof regulates the pressure of fluid which flows through the equaliser valve 58.

Referring to figures 2 and 3, the bottom section 63 has a cylindrical body 70 which includes a central circular recess 71 and a central circular opening 72 which extends through the body 70. A shaft 73 is received by the opening 72 such that the shaft 73 is able to be extended and retracted relative to the body 70. A disk-shaped platform 74 which is concentric with both the recess 71 and the opening 72 is secured to the shaft 73 so that the platform 74 is able to be elevated and lowered relative to the body 70 by respectively extending and retracting the shaft 73 relative to the opening 72. The diameter of the platform 74 is slightly less than the diameter of the recess 71 so that the platform 74 is able to be received by the recess 71 when the shaft 73 is fully retracted relative to the opening 72. A compressive coil spring 75 biases the shaft 73 away from the body 70. The body 70 also has a circular channel 76 which is concentric with the centre of the body 70. Two circular inlet openings 77 extend through the body 70. The inlet openings 77 are located diametrically opposite each other and at the bottom of the channel 76. The inlet connectors 60 of the bottom section 63 are screwed into the inlet openings 77. Body 70 includes an inner groove 78 located on one side of the circular channel 76, and an outer groove 79 located on the other side of the channel 76. Both the inner groove 78 and the outer groove 79 are concentric with the channel 76. An inner O-ring seal 80 is received by the inner groove 78, and an outer O-ring seal 81 is received by the outer groove 79. A plurality of circumferentially spaced securing holes 82 extend through the body 70. Some of the securing holes 82 are located between the inner O-ring seal 80 and the recess 71, while others are located between the outer perimeter of the body 70 and the outer O-ring seal 81.

Two vent holes 83 extend through the body 70 of the bottom section 63. Referring again to figure 1, the receptacle 61 also has a middle section 90. A lower end of the middle section 90 rests on top of the bottom section 63 such that the middle section 90 covers the channel 76 and rests against the inner O-ring seal 80 and the outer O-ring seal 81.

As shown in figure 4, the middle section 90 includes a hollow circular body 91. A circular passage 92 extends through the centre of the body 91. The diameter of the passage 92 is the same as the diameter of the circular recess 71 in the body 70 of the bottom section 63. Also, the diameter of the passage 92 is such that a beverage container is able to be inserted into the passage 92. Although not visible in figure 4, the circular passage 92 is aligned with the circular recess 71 so that the platform 74 of the bottom section 63 is able to be extended into and retracted from the passage 92 of the middle section 76. A lower end of the body 91 rests against the inner O-ring seal 80 and the outer O-ring seal 81 of the bottom section 63.

A plurality of parallel circular primary ducts 93 extend through the body 91 of the middle section 90. The primary ducts 93 are circumferentially spaced around the circular passage 92. A blockage 94 is located midway along one of the ducts 93. A lower end of each duct 93 is located over the channel 76 of the bottom section 63. Referring to figure 5, a plurality of circumferentially spaced securing holes

95 extend through the body 91 of the middle section 90. Some of the securing holes 95 are located between the primary ducts 93 and the passage 92, while others are located between the outer perimeter of the body 91 and the primary ducts 93. The locations of the securing holes 95 in the body 91 is such that the holes 95 are able to be aligned with the holes 82 in the body 70 of the bottom section 63 when the middle section 90 is positioned on top of the bottom section 63 as depicted in figure 1.

As can be seen in figures 5, 6 and 7, a plurality of secondary ducts 96 extend through the body 91 of the middle section 90. In particular, a plurality of parallel secondary ducts 96 extend perpendicularly from each of the primary ducts 93 to an inner wall 97 of the body 91. With particular reference to figure 6, each secondary duct 96 has a first circular portion 98, a tapered portion 99, and a second circular portion 100. The number of secondary ducts 96 in the body 91 can be varied as appropriate.

Referring back to figure 1, each inlet opening 77 in the body 70 of the bottom section 63 is aligned with a respective one of the primary ducts 93 in the body 91 of the middle section 90. In particular, one of the inlet openings 77 is aligned with the primary duct 93 which contains the blockage 94. The primary duct 93 which contains the blockage 94 is the shorter of the two primary ducts 93 which are illustrated in figure 1.

The receptacle 61 also has a top section 110. A lower end of the top section 110 rests on top of the middle section 90 such that the top section 110 covers all of the primary ducts 93 in the body 91 of the middle section 90.

Referring to figures 8 and 9, the top section 110 has a cylindrical body 111 which includes a central circular opening 112. The diameter of the opening 112 is the same as that of the passage 92 which extends through the body 91 of the middle section 90. The body 111 also has a circular channel 113 which is concentric with the circular opening 112, an inner groove 114 located on one side of the channel 113, and an outer groove 115 located on the other side of the channel 113. Both the inner groove 114 and the outer groove 115 are concentric with the channel 113. An inner O-ring seal 116 is received by the inner groove 114, and an outer O-ring seal 117 is received by the outer groove 115. A plurality of circumferentially spaced securing holes 118 extend through the body 111. Some of the securing holes 118 are located between the inner O-ring seal 116 and the opening 112, while others are located between the outer perimeter of the body 111 and the outer O-ring seal 117. The locations of the securing holes 118 in the body 111 are such that the holes 118 are able to be aligned with the holes 95 when the top section 110 is positioned on top of the middle section 90 as depicted in figure 1.

A plurality of long bolts (not shown) extend through the openings 82, 95 and 118, and a plurality of nuts (not shown) secure the bolts relative to the bottom section 63, middle section 90 and the top section 110 so that the bottom section 63, middle section 90 and the top section 110 are thereby secured together. The nuts are tightened so that the ends of the middle section 90 are forced against the inner O-ring seals 80, 116 and the outer O-ring seals 81, 117 to form watertight seals.

Referring again to figure 1, the bottom section 63, middle section 90 and top section 110 define a cylindrical chamber 120 whose dimensions are such that the chamber 120 is able to accommodate a beverage container such as, for example, a bottle or a can.

In use, a beverage container such as, for example, a bottle or a can is inserted into the chamber 120 of the receptacle 61 so that the bottom of the beverage container rests against the platform 74 which forms part of the bottom section 63 of the receptacle 61. If the height of the beverage container is such that the top of the container protrudes through the top of the receptacle 61, the container can be pushed downwardly against the bias of the compression spring so that the platform 74 is lowered relative to the body 70 of the bottom section 63 until the beverage container no longer protrudes through the top of the receptacle 61.

A lid 121 can be used to cover the opening 112 in the top section 110 so as to prevent the beverage container from protruding through the top of the receptacle 61, and to inhibit carbon dioxide or another cooling fluid which flows into the chamber 120 from escaping from the chamber 120 through the opening 112. The Hd 121 has a generally cylindrical body 122 and a plurality of bayonet pins 123 which extend radially from the body 122. The diameter of the body 122 is slightly less than the diameter of the opening 112 of the top section 110. When the lid 121 is used to cover the opening 112 of the top section 110, the body 122 is inserted into the opening 112 as depicted in figure 1, and each of the bayonet pins 123 is received by a respective groove in an inner wall 124 of the body 111 of the top section 110 so that the lid 121 is thereby secured relative to the receptacle 61.

Once the beverage container has been inserted into the chamber 120 and the opening 112 has been covered by the lid 121, the stopcocks 53 and 54 are operated so that liquid carbon dioxide from the storage cylinder 51 is forced under pressure out of the cylinder 51, through the hoses 59, 62, equaliser valve 58, and inlet connectors 60. The liquid carbon dioxide than flows through the inlet openings 77 into the channel 76 which distributes the carbon dioxide to the primary ducts 93 of the middle section 90. The liquid is forced upwardly through the primary ducts 93. Some of the liquid which passes through the primary ducts 93 is forced through the secondary ducts 96 and into the chamber 120 where it contacts the beverage container and cools it.

The design and placement of the secondary ducts 96 is such that the ducts 96 are able to distribute the liquid into the chamber 120 and over the beverage container in an optimal manner. The number of primary ducts 93 and secondary ducts 96 is based upon the internal diameter and height of the chamber 120.

Some of the liquid which is forced up into the primary ducts 93 does not pass into the secondary ducts 96, but continues to be forced upward until it reaches the channel 1 13 of the top section 1 10. The channel 113 distributes the liquid to the various primary ducts 93 so that the liquid is able to travel down through the primary ducts 93. Some of the liquid which flows down through the primary ducts 93 then passes into the secondary ducts 96 and into the chamber 120 where it contacts and cools the beverage container and its contents.

The blockage 94 is located approximately half-way along one of the primary duct 93. It has been found that such a blockage will improve the cooling efficiency of the apparatus 50 in some refrigerating applications as it allows for an increased flow of carbon dioxide fluid to the top of the chamber 120 through the primary ducts 93 which do not contain a blockage, and is believed to more equally distribute the carbon dioxide amongst the various ducts.

If the pressure inside the chamber 120 exceeds a predetermined pressure, carbon dioxide is bled from the chamber 120 by a conventional waste-gate or pressure relief valve 125 until the pressure inside the chamber 120 no longer exceeds the predetermined pressure. The valve 125 also helps to ensure that sufficient carbon dioxide is maintained in the chamber 120. The valve 125 is secured to the body 70 of the bottom section 63, and communicates with the chamber 120 through the venting holes 83. It has been found that the cooling efficiency of the apparatus 50 can be increased, and that the amount of carbon dioxide used by the apparatus 50 can be minimized by having the lid 121 in place and by maintaining a constant pressure in the chamber 120.

Once a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide has flowed from the storage cylinder 51 into the receptacle 61, the stopcocks 53, 54 are operated so that carbon dioxide ceases flowing from the storage cylinder 51. Also, once the beverage container and its contents have been cooled to the desired temperature, the lid 121 is twisted relative to the receptacle 61 so that the bayonet pins 123 disengage with the grooves of the top section 110, and the lid 121 is then removed from the receptacle 61. Upon removal of the lid 121, the compression spring 75 of the bottom portion 63 elevates the platform 74 relative to the body 70 of the bottom portion 63. This in turn elevates the beverage container relative to the receptacle 61 so that the beverage container protrudes from the top of the receptacle 61. This makes it easier to remove the beverage container from the receptacle 61. The cooled beverage container can then be removed from the receptacle 61 so that its cooled contents can be consumed.

Figure 10 depicts a refrigerating apparatus 130 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 130 and the apparatus

50 share many features in common. Therefore, for convenience, features of the apparatus 130 which are common to the apparatus 50 have been referenced using like reference numerals.

The apparatus 130 differs from the apparatus 50 in that it does not have a first stopcock 53 connected to a second stopcock 54. Instead, the apparatus 130 has a valve body 131 connected to a stopcock 54. Also, the storage cylinder outlet 52 of the apparatus 130 has a male thread and includes a pressure pin release valve (not depicted). The pressure pin release valve has a movable centre pin which is able to be pushed towards the storage cylinder 51. Pushing the centre pin towards the storage cylinder 51 opens the pressure pin release valve so that the carbon dioxide stored in the cylinder 51 is able to flow out of the cylinder 51 through the outlet 52.

The valve body 131 has a female threaded recess 132, and a fixed pin 133 which is located inside and secured relative to the recess 132. The threaded outlet 52 of the storage cylinder 51 is able to be screwed into the recess 132 such that the centre pin which forms part of the pressure pin release valve of the storage cylinder outlet 52 strikes the fixed pin 133 so that the centre pin is pushed into the cylinder 51. When the fixed pin 133 strikes the centre pin, the carbon dioxide stored in the cylinder 51 is able to flow out of the outlet 52 and through the valve body 131. If the stopcock 54 of the apparatus 130 is open, the carbon dioxide can also flow out of the valve body 131 and through the stopcock 54, and then into the chamber 120 of the receptacle 61 in the same manner as described in connection with the apparatus 50.

The outlet 52 of the cylinder 51 may be connected to an automatic stopcock assembly so that when the cylinder is screwed down into the valve body 131, it pierces a pin in the centre of the cylinder outlet 52 to allow a constant flow of carbon dioxide liquid out of the cylinder 51. Alternatively, a bayonet style device may be fitted to the cylinder 51 which would be able to release carbon dioxide from the cylinder 51. Both of the aforementioned cylinder fittings will not be discussed any further here as they are of a conventional type and are widely available.

Referring to figure 11, a soft drink can 140 is shown partially inserted into the chamber 141 of a receptacle 142 which belongs to a beverage container cooling apparatus 149 according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in figures 12 and 13, the receptacle 142 has a middle section 150 which includes a hollow cylindrical body 151. A circular passage 152 extends the length of the body 151, and a circular channel 153 extends along an end of the body 151. A plurality of parallel and circumferentially spaced primary ducts 154 extend through the body 151. With reference to figures 11 and 12, the middle section 150 is secured to a bottom section 155 by a plurality of nuts and bolts 156. The bottom section 155 has a hollow body 157 which is secured to a stopcock valve 158. The stopcock valve 158 includes a valve body 159, and a handle 160 for operating the stopcock valve 158. An inlet of the stopcock valve body 159 is connected to a source of cooling fluid such as, for example, a storage cylinder containing compressed carbon dioxide, by a hose 161.

The body 157 of the bottom section 155 has a duct 162 which connects the primary ducts 154 of the middle section 150 to the stopcock valve 158 so that cooling fluid is able to pass through the stopcock valve body 159, into the duct 162 and then into the primary ducts 154. The cooling fluid which flows through the primary ducts 154 can flow into secondary ducts (not depicted) which extend through the body 151 of the middle section 150 from the primary ducts 154 to the chamber 141. Cooling fluid which flows into the secondary ducts can inflow into the chamber 141 where it can contact the beverage container 140 and thereby cool the beverage container 140 as well as its contents. Similarly to the apparatus 50, some of the cooling fluid which flows through the primary ducts 154 does not flow into the secondary ducts but instead continues to flow upwards through the receptacle 142 until it reaches the channel 153 in the upper end of the middle section body 151. The cooling fluid which reaches the channel 153 is distributed by the channel 153 to the various primary ducts 154.

The receptacle 142 also has a top section 163 which is shown in figure 11 and which includes a body 164. The top section 163 covers the top of the middle section 150 to prevent cooling fluid from leaking out of the top of the middle section 150.

All of the joins between the middle section 150, bottom section 155 and the top section 163 are sealed to prevent the cooling fluid from leaking out of the receptacle 142 from between the various sections 150, 155, 163. For example, O-ring seals which are located between the middle section 150, bottom section 155 and the top section 163 may be used to prevent leakage of cooling fluid from between the various sections 150, 155, 163.

Referring to figure 14, a flow control valve 170 can be incorporated into the receptacle 142. The flow control valve 170 includes a valve body 171 which receives a shaft 172. The shaft 172 is able to be extended and refracted relative to the valve body 171. The shaft 172 is biased upwardly by a compression coil spring 173. A platform 174 is secured to an upper end of the shaft 172. An inlet nozzle 175 extends outwardly from the valve body 171. Pressurised cooling fluid is able to flow into the valve 170 through the nozzle 175. Refracting the shaft 172 relative to the valve body 171 against the bias of the compression spring 173 causes the valve 170 to open so that a cooling fluid is able to flow into the valve 170 through the inlet nozzle 175 and then out through an outlet nozzle (not shown) of the valve 170. Conversely, allowing the compression spring 173 to extend the shaft 172 relative to the valve body 171 has the effect of closing the valve 170 so that fluid is unable to flow through the valve 170.

The flow control valve 170 could, for example, be incorporated into the bottom section 155 of the receptacle 142 so that the platform 174 extends upwardly into the passage 152 of the receptacle middle section 150, and so that the inlet nozzle 175 and the outlet of the valve 170 are respectively connected to the source of cooling fluid and the duct 162 of the bottom section 155. In order to allow the cooling fluid to flow through the valve 170 and into the chamber 141, the shaft 172 would need to be moved downwardly relative to the valve body 171. The required downward movement of the shaft 172 could be achieved by inserting the beverage container 140 into the chamber 141 and then pressing the container 140 against the platform 174 with sufficient force to cause the container 140 and the shaft 172 to move downwardly against the bias of the spring 173. The beverage container 140 may be moved downwardly to such an extent that the container 140 is located below the top of the receptacle 142. While the valve 170 is open, the cooling fluid would flow through the valve 170 and into the chamber 141 where it would cool the beverage container 140 and its contents. Once the beverage container 140 and its contents have been cooled to the desired temperature, the force pressing the container 140 against the bias of the compression spring 173 is removed so that the compression spring 173 elevates the shaft 172 and the beverage container 140 relative to the valve body 171 and the receptacle 142, and close the valve 170 to prevent further cooling fluid from flowing through the valve 170 and into the receptacle 142. The container 140 could be elevated to such an extent that at least a portion of the container 140 protrudes from the top of the receptacle 142 to make it easier to remove the container 140 from the receptacle 142.

Figure 15 depicts a portion of a receptacle 180 for a refrigerating apparatus according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. The receptacle 180 has one or more middle section modules 181 which are stacked on top of each other. The receptacle 180 also has a top section 182 which is stacked on top of the middle section modules 181, and a bottom section (not shown) on top of which the middle section modules 181 are stacked. Referring also to figure 16, the middle section modules 181 each have a hollow cylindrical body 183. A circular passage 184 extends through the body 183. The diameter of the passage 184 is such that a beverage container is able to be received by the passage 184. A plurality of parallel primary ducts 185 extends through the body 183. The primary ducts 185 are circumferentially spaced around the circular passage 184. A plurality of circumferentially spaced securing holes 186 extend through the body 183. Some of the securing holes 186 located between the primary ducts 185 and the passage 184, while others are located between the outer perimeter of the body 183 and the primary ducts 185. Although not depicted in the illustrations, a plurality of secondary ducts extend through the body 183 from the primary ducts 185 to an inner wall 187. A respective O-ring seal 188 extends around each of the primary ducts 185 on each side of the body 183. The O-ring seals 188 prevent fluid from leaking between the middle section modules 181, the top section 182, and the bottom section. A recess 189 and a protrusion 190 extend around the circumference of the body 183 on opposite sides thereof. The recesses 189 and protrusions 190 of the various sections and modules of the receptacle 180 are able to engage with each other. The top section 182 includes a hollow cylindrical body 191. Body 191 is identical to the body 183 of the middle section module 181 except that it does not have primary ducts 185, secondary ducts, or O-ring seals 188.

Figure 17 depicts a circular rubber seal 192 which can be placed between the various sections or modules of the receptacle 180. Seal 192 is the shaded region in figure 17. The seal 192 includes a circular opening 193. It may also have a plurality of cuts which extend radially outward from the opening 193 to make it easier for a beverage container to be inserted and removed from the opening 193. The purpose of the seal 192 is to inhibit cooling fluid from leaking out of the chamber of the receptacle 180 and to assist in confining the fluid to particular areas within the chamber. The receptacle 180 may have any suitable number of the seals 192 at various locations along the height of the cooling chamber of the receptacle 180.

The bodies of the various sections and section modules disclosed herein can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, they may be formed using an injection molding process such as, for example, a plastic injection molding process. Alternatively, the bodies may be formed by a machining process. For example, the bodies may be formed by suitably machining plastic.

Rather than the cylinder or bottle of cooling fluid of the apparatus being inverted, the cylinder or bottle may instead be in an upright position. A stem/pick-up tube may be inserted into a cylinder valve of the cylinder or bottle in a conventional manner to allow the carbon dioxide or other cooling fluid to be picked up from the bottom of the cylinder or bottle.

The various refrigerating apparatus disclosed herein may be used to refrigerate various types of objects. For example, they may be used to refrigerate containers. In particular, they may be used to chill beverage containers. In one particular preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a wine chiller for chilling one or more bottles of wine. An example of such a wine chiller/cooler apparatus 200 is depicted in figure 18. The apparatus 200 includes a receptacle 201 which includes a chamber 202 for receiving a wine bottle 203. It also includes a stand 204 on which the receptacle 201 is mounted. A bottle 205 containing liquid carbon dioxide is secured to the stand 204 beneath the receptacle 201 such that the bottle 205 is upside down. A hose 206 extends between the bottle 205 and the receptacle 201 so that liquid carbon dioxide is able to flow from the bottle 205 and into the receptacle 201 where it can chill the bottle 203 and its contents. A gas release button (not depicted) which is located at the top of the receptacle 201 needs to be depressed in order for the liquid carbon dioxide from the bottle 205 to flow into the receptacle 201. Also, instead of having a single chilling chamber, the apparatus may have multiple chilling chambers which are connected to the same or different sources of cooling fluid such as, for example, bottles of compressed carbon dioxide or another suitable type of cooling fluid. An example of a multi-chambered apparatus 210 of this type is depicted in figure 19. Apparatus 210 includes a receptacle 211 which includes a plurality of cooling chambers 212. The receptacle 211 is supported in an elevated position by a plurality of legs 213. A bottle 214 containing liquid carbon dioxide is located adjacent to the receptacle 210. The bottle 214 is a large commercial carbon dioxide cylinder which is in an upright position. The liquid carbon dioxide contained in the cylinder is drawn from the bottom of the cylinder with the aid of a stem 217. A hose 216 extends between the bottle 214 and the receptacle 211 so that liquid carbon dioxide is able to flow from the bottle 214 and into the chambers 212 through ducts 217 in the body of the receptacle 211.

Apparatus 210 is particularly suitable for use in applications where a relatively large number of bottles, cans or other drinking containers need to be chilled at the same time. For example, it would be particularly suitable for use in mobile food vans, and at entertainment venues.

The cooling fluid which is employed by the apparatus according to the present invention does not necessarily need to be of a food grade quality. This is particularly the case if, for example, the apparatus is to be used to cool the contents of a sealed container so that the contents of the container does not come in to contact with the cooling fluid during the refrigerating process.

It has been found that the apparatus is able to chill the contents of a beverage container such as, for example, a soft drink, beer can, or water bottle down to a temperature of approximately 7°C in approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Thus, the apparatus is particularly suitable in rapid cooling applications.

Preferably, the number of ducts which direct cooling fluid into the chilling chamber is such that the pressure of the cooling fluid inside the chamber is balanced between an inlet and an outlet of the chamber so that the cooling fluid does not freeze the object which is to be refrigerated using the apparatus. However, if required, the receptacle of the apparatus can be configured so that the object is able to be frozen by the apparatus. The apparatus may include a timer so that the amount of cooling fluid which flows to the receptacle can be controlled. In particular, the timer is able to control the amount of cooling fluid which flows to the receptacle by controlling the period of time that cooling fluid flows to the ducts of the receptacle from the source of cooling fluid. For example, the timer may allow cooling fluid to flow to the receptacle for approximately 10 seconds (or any other suitable period of time) before the timer causes a valve or some other device of the apparatus to close and prevent any more liquid from flowing to the receptacle.

The apparatus may include an ice tray which can be filled with water and then placed in the chilling chamber of the apparatus or in close proximity to the chamber so that the cooling fluid which flows into the chamber can freeze the water in the tray and thereby produce ice. The tray could slide into the receptacle and, when the tray is slid into the receptacle, this may activate a valve which causes cooling fluid to flow into the chamber and freeze the water in the fray.

Throughout the specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A refrigerating apparatus for cooling an object, the apparatus comprising a receptacle including a chamber for receiving the object, and a duct through which a cooling fluid is able to flow into the chamber to cool the object, the receptacle being connectable to a cooling fluid source such that the cooling fluid is able to flow from the source and into the duct.

2. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a bottom section, a middle section mounted on the bottom section, and a top section mounted on the middle section.

3. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the middle section includes a plurality of modules stacked on top of each other.

4. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle further includes a lid for covering the chamber.

5. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle includes a seal for inhibiting cooling fluid from leaking out of the chamber.

6. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes a pressure relief valve for relieving pressure in the chamber.

7. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle further includes a platform in the chamber for the object to rest on, and a biasing member for elevating the platform relative to the chamber.

8. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle includes a plurality of ducts.

9. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the ducts includes a blockage.

10. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the duct includes a primary duct, and a plurality of secondary ducts extending from the primary duct to the chamber.

11. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the secondary ducts includes a first circular portion extending from the primary duct, a tapered portion extending from the first circular portion, and a second circular portion extending from the tapered portion.

12. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes an equaliser valve for equalizing the pressure of fluid flowing to the duct from the cooling fluid source.

13. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes at least one valve operable to control the flow of cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to the duct.

14. The refrigerating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one valve comprises a first valve and a second valve.

15. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 14, wherein both the first valve and the second valve are stopcock valves.

16. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first valve includes a valve body that includes a fixed pin, and the second valve is a stopcock valve.

17. The refrigerating apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first valve is a stopcock valve, and the second valve is a flow control valve that is incorporated into the receptacle.

18. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes a support for supporting the receptacle.

19. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is connectable to a source of cooling fluid selected from the group comprising: liquid carbon dioxide; liquid nitrogen; and Freon gas.

20. The refrigerating apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes a timer for controlling the amount of time that cooling fluid is able to flow from the source of cooling fluid to the duct.

21. A method of cooling an object, the method comprising the steps of: (i) inserting the object into a receptacle that includes a chamber for receiving the object, and a duct through which a cooling fluid is able to flow into the chamber; and

(ii) connecting the receptacle to a cooling fluid source such that cooling fluid is able to flow from the source and into the duct.