WO2011148182A1

WO2011148182A1 - Cooling unit

Info

Publication number: WO2011148182A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/050995
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Jabou
Original assignee: Kevin Jabou
Priority date: 2010-05-28
Filing date: 2011-05-26
Publication date: 2011-12-01

Abstract

A cooling unit, such as for chilling wines, comprising a chamber with an, in use, top end and an in use, bottom end, the bottom end being substantially or completely closed, and the top end being open and comprising a weight-bearing lip of a greater exterior perimeter than the rest of the chamber, said lip being arranged so as to be preferably substantially concentric with the said rest of the chamber, and being of sufficient strength to bear the mass of substantially the entire cooling unit which is attached to said lip via the container, and hangs in use, below said lip,and a cooling device, for cooling the chamber, wherein the cooling device is located at or adjacent the far end of the chamber.

Description

Cooling Unit

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to cooling units. Specifically the invention relates to table top coolers for drinks such as champagne .

Prior Art and Problems to be Solved

Where drinks are being consumed in hot temperatures there is a need to keep them cool. On a hot day or in an environment such as a nightclub where temperatures are high, drinks rapidly become warm and this is detrimental to consumers' enjoyment of them. Where the drink is an expensive one, such as champagne or a bottle of chilled spirits, the consumer expects to enjoy the entire bottle, and to be refreshed by a cool drink, rather than made nauseous by a warm one.

The common solution has been to provide a consumer at a table with a champagne bucket or similar. The disadvantages of the conventional champagne bucket are multiple.

The first is that the champagne bucket is bulky and will tend to clutter the table top, bar-top or similar. Its unusual shape means that it may often spill, for it is ungainly and it is being used in the context of alcoholic drinking, wherein

individuals tend to be more clumsy. Moreover, in environments where the aesthetic is ^minimalist' , the presence of a bucket on the table is not necessarily desirable.

Second, even if the bucket is not spilt, the exterior of the bucket, being significantly cooler than its surroundings, tends to generate condensation, which then drips causing an unsightly, unhygienic and potentially dangerous mess.

The third problem is that a champagne bucket is generally filled with ice, and it can be difficult for the user to properly imbed the drinks bottle in the ice between uses. The consumer often has to coax the bottle into position, and may get his hands wet and even spill the contents of the bucket during this procedure .

The fourth disadvantage of the conventional ice bucket is that it neither chills at a constant temperature nor necessarily lasts for long enough; ice in a hot environment melts quickly and the melted water subsequently rises in temperature. As such, without constantly re-filling the ice bucket it is impossible to keep a drink contained therein at a constant temperature.

Research shows that champagne is best enjoyed at 7 degrees Celsius. It is the case that when a bottle of champagne is placed within an ice bucket, the champagne is chilled to a temperature below 7 degrees Celsius which over-chills the champagne and mars its flavour, which is of concern to at least some consumers of champagne. Further, towards the end of the life of the ice bucket, drinks are not chilled at all, for they are effectively being kept in a bucket of tepid water. It is a perception of other consumers of champagne and sparkling wines that these should be served very cold, even below the recommended temperature of 7 °C. Thus, control over the temperature to which the champagne or wine is cooled, in particular over extended time periods, is desirable.

Further, it is desirable to provide a means of cooling items to below 0 °C at a table rather than in a freezer in a bar area. Drinks such as vodka, which are desirably served very cold, such as at sub-zero temperatures, may thus be maintained at the desired temperature at a table. It is not possible to maintain a sub-zero temperature of such a beverage for any significant time period by placing it in a traditional ice bucket. Further, it may be desired to provide a container for ice at a table and to minimise its melting, for example for addition to drinks or for use in an "ice shisha". Subzero cooling may also find

application for serving shellfish or displaying shellfish in a restaurant .

It is amongst the aims the invention to provide solutions to these and other problems. Summary of the invention

In a first broad, independent aspect, the invention

comprises a cooling unit, comprising a chamber with an, in use, top end and an in use, bottom end, the bottom end being

substantially or completely closed, and the top end being open and comprising a weight-bearing lip of a greater exterior perimeter than the rest of the chamber, said lip being arranged so as to be preferably substantially concentric with the said rest of the chamber, and being of sufficient strength to bear the mass of substantially the entire cooling unit which is attached to said lip via the container, and hangs in use, below said lip, and a cooling device, for cooling the chamber, wherein the cooling device is located at or adjacent the far end of the chamber .

The cooling unit provides a solution to at least some of the problems discussed above. The cooling unit is designed to be housed in an aperture made in a piece of furniture such as a table or in a compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, it may be clipped to the side of a table. In the former case, the cooling unit, which may be an originally intended feature of the

furniture item or vehicle, or may alternatively be retro-fitted by the simple process of fashioning an aperture for the installer to place the cooling unit in, is housed in an aperture which is not big enough to accept the weight-bearing lip, thereby ensuring that the rest of the cooling unit will hang below the table or similar out of the sight of the consumer and that only the lip and (if it is empty) the interior of the chamber will be visible, creating a pleasingly minimalist effect. By providing a cooling unit within a table the clutter and associated dangers of placing bottles of fluid and buckets of ice and water on the table will be removed.

The provision of an in situ cooling unit also dispenses with the problems associated with ice - the bottled drinks, (or food such as oysters) may be kept at a constant temperature, because the cooling unit may itself maintain a constant temperature.

The provision of the lip, which supports the mass of substantially the entire cooling unit, means that the whole device is suspended through the aperture by the lip - no

supplementary support means, which might otherwise clutter up the underside of the table are required. Although supplementary attachment means, such as a sealant may be used to keep the cooling unit in place, a frictional fit between the unit and the walls of the aperture may be sufficient.

In a first subsidiary aspect, the weight-bearing lip comprises a bezel portion.

The provision of a bezel portion advantageously allows for a stronger lip. Moreover the material of the bezel, being that part of the cooling unit which most people will see, may be made of a material that is advantageous in context, perhaps in terms of hygiene or aesthetics.

In a second subsidiary aspect, the top end of the chamber and the underside of the bezel form a trench which runs around the interior perimeter of said chamber.

The trench feature provides an area in which to locate a light source and/or a space to locate means of attachment for attaching said cooling unit to its surrounding environment.

In a third subsidiary aspect, the cooling unit further comprises a light source, which illuminates at least a part of the interior of the chamber.

The provision of a light source helps to display the bottle, making it visible to all in a darkened environment such as a nightclub .

A further technical effect of the provision of the light source is that viewers are able to see better what they are drinking, in a darkened environment. This saves users from the wasteful and potentially dangerous practice of mixing their drinks, or of selecting the wrong drink.

Preferably, the light source is so arranged as to project a substantially even brightness around a section of the interior perimeter of the chamber.

This particularly desirable effect allows a portion of the chamber and a portion of the contents of the chamber to be highlighted. In practice, a particularly desirable effect is to highlight an area of the neck on the champagne bottle higher producing a halo which draws attention to the fact that the bottle is expensive, prestigious and/or of a specifically coveted brand .

Preferably, the light source comprises one or more

translucent windows, situated between the trench and the interior wall of the chamber.

The window or windows serve to protect the light source from damage but also advantageously comprise a means for diffusing the light, so that it produces a halo effect; that is to say an even ring of light around the whole cross-section of the interior perimeter of the chamber.

In a fourth subsidiary aspect, the cooling device is attached to the unit via a cradle suspended from the near end of the chamber.

The cooling unit provides a pleasing effect because even when retro-fitted it will appear to be an integral part of its surrounding - the cradle facilitates this. Further, the cradle protects the internal workings of the cooling unit which would otherwise be fully exposed to the under-table environment, and serves to protect it from damage caused by, for example, being kicked .

The cradle feature is further a particularly preferred means of ensuring that the components of the cooling unit are suspended in such a manner that weight is distributed evenly about the lip. In a fifth subsidiary aspect, the cooling unit further comprises a heat sink and a fan which are also suspended from said cradle.

The heat sink and fan each then allow for heat to be transferred effectively away from the cooling unit thus enabling it to work more efficiently and for longer.

In a sixth subsidiary aspect, the cooling device is so configured as to cool towards a single temperature, and that temperature is set and cannot be adjusted by the user.

The setting of the temperature not only simplifies the construction of the cooling unit, but also ensures that it cases where a drink is reputed to be best drunk at a particular temperature (as in the previously discussed case of Champagne) , a user cannot interfere with the unit or make it deviate from cooling to or towards that axiomatic perfect temperature.

Suitable temperatures in this context may be 7 °C, for example, when the cooling unit is to contain a bottle or bottles of champagne, between 3 and 7 °C for general cooling of drinks, around 0 °C to replicate the cooling from ice, for example for shellfish, or temperatures between -10 and 0 °C, such as -5 °C, where the cooling unit is to contain a bottle or bottles of vodka .

In a seventh subsidiary aspect, the cooling device comprises a peltier device.

The Peltier device is preferred, because it is compact and efficient .

Preferably, the cooling unit comprises a cooling device (preferably a peltier device) , a heat sink in the form of a water block, a radiator through which the water in the water block is circulated, and a fan to assist in heat dissipation from the radiator. It has been found by the present inventors that this arrangement provides superior cooling properties compared with other known bottle coolers such as ice buckets. In particular, using this combination it is possible to maintain the contents of the cooling unit at sub zero temperatures for a significant period, due to the highly efficient heat dissipation from the peltier device obtainable using the water block, radiator and fan arrangement. The use of a water block and radiator is

facilitated by the integration of the cooling unit into an item of furniture, so that the water block, radiator and fan are concealed from the user within the item of furniture. Such a cooling unit is particularly suitable for containing and cooling items that are desirably maintained at sub-zero temperatures, in particular drinks such as vodka.

In a eighth subsidiary aspect, at least a portion of the wall or walls of the chamber is enrobed in an insulating shroud.

The insulating shroud serves to keep the chamber cooler for longer .

In a ninth subsidiary aspect, both the chamber and bezel are cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

The cylindrical cross-section provides a close and secure fit with the generally circular cylindrical bottles or cans which may be placed within it.

In a tenth subsidiary aspect, the chamber is of a single piece construction.

The single piece construction of the chamber militates against leaks and further provides a smooth, aesthetically pleasing design. Further, the single piece chamber, being the part which will interact most regularly with the food or drink or container, receives the most wear; the single piece construction is more durable than a multi-part chamber construction.

Preferably, the cooling unit further comprises a clamp which acts together with the lip to hold the cooling unit firmly in position by gripping the edges of the aperture in which the unit is placed between the clamp and the lip. The invention also comprises a cooling unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying text and / or drawings .

The invention also comprises an item of furniture comprising a cooling unit as described herein.

The invention also comprises a vehicle comprising a cooling unit as described herein.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, of which;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooling unit of the invention ,

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cooling unit of the invention broken down into its constituent parts,

Figure 4 is a first side view of a cooling unit of the invention ,

Figure 5 is a second side view of a cooling unit of the invention ,

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a detail of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a further detail of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 9 is a top down view of a bezel portion of the invention ,

Figure 10 is a view of the bottom of a cooling unit of the invention, showing its fan, Figure 11 is a view of a cradle, being a part of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 12 is a top down view of a cooling unit of the invention situated in context, with a non-concentric chamber and lip,

Figure 13 is a top down view of a further cooling unit of the invention situated in context with a non-continuous lip,

Figure 14 is a side view of a further cooling unit of the invention in combination with a solar panel,

Figure 15 is a side view of a further cooling unit of the invention clipped to a table,

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a further cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 17 is a perspective view of yet a further cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 18 is an exploded diagram of a cooling unit of the invention showing its constituent parts, which diagram is split into an upper half Figure 18A and a lower half Figure 18B,

Figure 19 shows a cooling unit of the invention mounted in an item of furniture,

Figure 20 shows two cooling units of the invention mounted to a rack for supporting spirit bottles behind a bar,

Figure 21 shows a detail of the upper end of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 22 shows a lid that may be used in conjunction with the cooling units of the invention,

Figure 23 shows an alternative lid that may be used in conjunction with the cooling units of the invention,

Figure 24 shows a further alternative lid that may be used in conjunction with the cooling units of the invention, Figure 25 shows yet a further alternative lid that may be used in conjunction with the cooling units of the invention,

Figure 26 shows a detail of the upper end of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 27 shows a perspective view of a supporting cage that may form part of a cooling unit of the invention,

Figure 28 shows a perspective view of a variant of the cooling unit shown in Figure 16,

Figure 29 shows a cross-section through a cooling unit of the invention, and a detailed view of the upper edge and lip of the cross-section,

Figure 30 shows an insulating sleeve that may form part of a cooling unit of the present invention,

Figure 31 shows a partial cross-section through a cooling unit of the invention showing details of the mounting of

components of the cooling assembly to the chamber,

Figure 32 shows a bezel of a cooling unit of the invention as it would be seen by a user when mounted to an item of

furniture ,

Figure 33 shows one method of suspension of the radiator, fan and fan guard from the chamber of the cooling unit of the invention, and

Figure 34 shows an alternative construction of the upper end of the unit and of the bezel.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

At figure 1 there is indicated generally a cooling unit 2. The cooling unit 2 comprises a chamber 4, which in this

embodiment is circular cylindrical, but may be other shapes in other embodiments. The chamber 4 is hollow, having an interior cavity 6. The cavity 6 may be of many different shapes and sizes, and need not be related in shape to the chamber 4 or the bezel 16. In this embodiment, a champagne bottle of conventional (70 cl) size and shape will be comfortably housed so that the neck of the bottle will protrude from the mouth 8 of cavity 6. Thus the identity of the bottle is displayed to all, through its silhouette, branding and general get-up.

It is possible to produce variants of cooling unit 2 for food products such as, for example, oysters. The cooling unit 2 may also be sized and shaped so as to fit part or all of a shisha pipe, in order that iced tobacco can be enjoyed. The item most commonly put in such a cooler will be one or more bottles or cans of drinks.

Chamber 4 is in this embodiment made of aluminium, and has been spun into shape from a single sheet. Other materials such as metal and polymers may be used. A chamber 4 fashioned from these materials could equally well be stamped, moulded or extruded into the correct shape. Chamber 4 has a top end or mouth 8 and a bottom end or base 10. In this embodiment the base 10 is closed, and orientated perpendicular to the wall 12 of chamber 4. In other embodiments the base 10 may be perforated in order to provide drainage for fluids and may be orientated in a non-perpendicular fashion to wall 12, in order to change the orientation of the contents of chamber 4 relative to said chamber 4, for example, to better display the branding of the bottle. Chamber 4 is thus of one integrally formed piece, which is advantageous in terms of strength, durability and porousness. Chamber 4 may also be made of multiple pieces, which may then be welded together. Where it is of a multiple piece construction the chamber 4 may comprise a removable base 10 in the form of a cup or similar. This may ease drainage and/ or cleaning of the cooling unit 2 - however it is not problematic to clean out cavity 6 of chamber 4 with a conventional cloth.

In this embodiment, chamber 4 is surrounded by a close fitting sheet of insulation 14, which aids the keeping cool of chamber 4. In this embodiment, the insulation 14 is neoprene, but other forms may be used. The cooling unit 2 further comprises bezel 16. Bezel 16 may be formed of the same piece of material as chamber 4 and may simply been seen as an extension of top-end 8 of chamber 4.

Alternatively bezel 16 as here may be a separate part of the cooling unit 2 and as such may be made of different materials to the rest of the cooling unit 2.

Particularly favoured materials are aluminium and other metals and alloys, materials with metal plating (particularly gold plating) overlaid, polymers, wood and wood-based substances and stone substances such as marble. When cooling unit 2 is installed into a table or similar bezel 16 will be the partially visible to the onlooker (along with cavity 6 if chamber 4 is empty) .

Bezel 16 comprises lip 20. In use, lip 20 is the part of the cooling unit 2 which engages with a surround. In this embodiment, it has the greatest circumference or perimeter of any component of the cooling unit 2; it need not necessarily be circular in shape. When the cooling unit 2 is to be installed, the installer will make a hole in the surround into which it is to be installed, the said hole being big enough that all parts of the elongate, substantially canister-shaped cooling unit 2 may be placed into the hole except for lip 20 which is fashioned so as to bear the weight of the rest of the cooling unit 2, as it hangs down from said lip 20. The attachment to the surround may be merely frictional; alternatively a sealant and/or further attachment means may be utilised.

At the bottom end 10 of chamber 4 is shown adjacent cooling assembly 22. The cooling assembly 22 comprises a cooling device 24 which cannot be seen in this diagram. The cooling device is obscured by further insulating layer 26. Insulating layer 26 surrounds the perimeter of cooling device 24 completely except for two narrow channels 28 which are used for running power to said cooling device 24. The top and bottom of cooling device 24, which in this preferred embodiment is a Peltier device, are exposed, with the top of cooling device 24 being in contact with bottom end 10 of chamber 4, drawing heat away from the chamber, and transferring it to heat sink 30

The cooling assembly 22 is held together by a cradle 36 comprising a plurality of rods 38. These rods run between the trench 40, formed between bezel 16 and top-end 8 (which is discussed at length later in the description), and fan guard 34; they run through fan 32, heat sink 30 and insulating layer 26. The rods 38 terminate in threaded portions upon which are found nuts 44; the nuts 44 ultimately hold the cooling assembly 22 on the rods 38. The cradle 36 therefore permits disassembly. The cooling assembly 22 is thereby held together - in tension - by the cradle 36. There is therefore no need for any part of the cooling unit 22 to be attached to the surround by any

supplementary means; the cooling assembly 22 is securely

suspended. However, in certain embodiments, the attachment will be supplemented by the use of an adhesive.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below of the cooling unit shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, this view shows more clearly the construction of cooling assembly 22 and the fixings for the bezel 16 to the top end 8 of the chamber 4.

At figure 2 it can be seen that bezel 16 is attached to mouth 8 of chamber 4 via nuts and bolts 18, although other fasteners may be used.

It can also be seen in Figure 2 that the lowermost component of the cooling unit 2 is the fan guard 34, which protects fan 32 from damage by contact with objects. Rods 38 pass through holes in the fan guard 34, the casing of the fan 32, the outer edge of the heat sink 30, and through the insulating layer 26, extend along the side wall 12 of chamber 4, and pass through holes in the top end 8 of chamber 4 to hold these components in their required positions relative to the chamber 4. Fan 32 is

positioned below heat sink 30 and fan guard 34 below fan 32, such that fan 32 can freely spin and cause movement of air around the heat sink 30 while preventing the interaction of objects with fan 32 that might prevent its function or damage it. The view at figure 3 shows the cooling unit 2 in disassembled form.

At figure 3 there is shown the aperture 56 in the insulating layer 26 into which cooling device 24 may be fitted. Further smaller apertures 58 in the elements of the cooling assembly 22 are also visible and it is through these that the rods 38 constitutive of the cradle 36 run. Cooling device 24 is held in place between the base 10 of chamber 4 and the heat sink 30, and is surrounded by insulation 26, by means of the shape of the insulating layer 26 and the rods 38 holding the elements 34, 32, 30, and 26 to the chamber 4. In this way, the cooling device is held in thermal contact with the base 10 of chamber 4 and with the heat sink 30.

Also shown in this Figure is more detail regarding the construction of the upper end of the cooling unit. It can be seen that top end 8 of chamber 4 comprises a wider portion 48 and a shelf 50. In this embodiment bezel 16 is joined to top-end 8 with screws 18. The combination of mouth 8 and bezel 16 when assembled forms a trench 40 which runs around the interior wall of chamber 4. A light source 52 which in this embodiment comprises a powered PCB studded with LEDs but may equally comprise one or more bulbs or any other light generating means is housed in the trench 40, or the shelf 50. RGB LEDs are

particularly favoured. The light source 52 is sealed in by translucent band 54. Translucent band 54 is of a plastics material, but may equally well be glass. It has sufficient opacity and other such properties to ensure that when the LEDs shine the light is diffused in such a way as it appears to one viewing it through the translucent band 54 to be continuous strip of light. This strip of light will form a "halo" around the neck of the bottle placed within the chamber 4. Alternatively, the translucent band 54 or "lens" is of a transparent material with an opaque coating. The light source 52 may project light of any colour or colours deemed appropriate, and the light source 54 may be able to produce several different colours. The translucent band 54 is in preferred embodiments of acrylic and has a frosted finish to aid diffusion of individual LED lamps.

When the light source 52 is on, the light it produces indicates that the cooling unit 2 is on and indicates that any bottle held within the chamber 4 is being cooled.

Optionally, cooling device 24 is attached to a switching circuit 46, which is triggered if the cooling device 24 begins to overheat, and turns it off before it damages itself, turning it back on again when the cooling device 24 has returned to a safe temperature .

At figure 10 it is shown that fan 32 is overlaid by fan guard 34, which prevents objects from interfacing with said fan 32, protecting both fan 32 and objects. It can be seen that in this embodiment lip 20 is the part of cooling unit 2 with greatest circumference. It can also be seen generally that parts of cooling unit 2 are concentrically stacked in order to provide a compact unit. Also clarified here is the location of switching unit 46; it is adjacent the heat sink 30.

At figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that in this embodiment lip 20 comprises both the bezel 16 and the top end 8 of chamber 4.

At figure 13 is shown a configuration of cooling unit 2 in the context of a table 102 wherein the lip 20 is not continuous around cavity 6 of chamber 4.

At figure 9, bezel 16 is shown to be circular and concentric with chamber 4. This need not be the case. At figure 12 a non- concentric bezel 16 is shown with the cooling unit generally being shown as part of a bar surface 100.

In use the heat is transferred in the following way; the cooling device 24 moves heat from the chamber 4 which creates a natural convection between inner wall of the chamber 4 and its contents. The heat is moved away via the connection between cooling device 24 and base 10 of chamber 4. The heat is conducted through the cooling device 24 into heat sink 30, and the forced convection generated by the fan 32 serves to dissipate the heat. Each side of the cooling device 24 may have its conductivity enhanced with an application of silicone grease or the like.

Referring now to Figure 16, a second embodiment of the invention is shown.

Figure 16 shows cooling unit 2 comprising, as for the previous embodiment, a chamber 4 which is circularly cylindrical and has an interior cavity 6. An exploded diagram of the embodiment of cooling unit 2 shown in Figure 16 is shown in Figure 18 (without the cooling assembly 22) . The general construction of this embodiment is similar to that described for the previous embodiment. Accordingly, only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiment are

explained .

First, the cooling assembly 22 is arranged differently in the present embodiment as shown in Figure 16. The cooling assembly in this embodiment comprises a cooling device 24, preferably a peltier device, in thermal contact with the base 10 of chamber 4, a water block 202 in thermal contact with cooling device 24, radiator 208 connected by hoses 206 to water block 202, fan 210 and fan guard 34. This arrangement allows the radiator, fan and fan guard to be positioned at a distance from the cooling device 24, and so they may for example be mounted on part of the table or other furniture item in which cooling unit 2 is mounted. This reduces the weight that needs to be borne by the lip 20 of cooling unit 2. Alternatively, the radiator, fan and fan guard may be suspended from cooling unit 2 by means of a bracket 284, as depicted in Figure 28. The mounting of the radiator, fan and fan guard in the manner shown in Figure 16 or Figure 28 allows a larger fan to be used compared with the embodiment of Figure 1, as the fan need not be sized such that its diameter is similar to or smaller than that of the chamber 4 of cooling unit 2. Accordingly the cooling assembly 22 as a whole is more efficient and may run more quietly. A further alternative is to suspend the radiator 208, fan 210 and fan guard 34 by means of straps 308 either from the bottom cap 214 of the unit 2, or from the furniture in which the unit 2 is mounted. In the former case, the straps may be attached to the bottom cap by means of keyhole openings in the straps 308 engaging with knobs 306 provided on the bottom cap 214, as shown in Figure 33.

However, other means of securing the straps 308 to the bottom cap 214 are contemplated, such as magnets, buttons, snaps or other known fastenings. In the latter case, the straps 308 are suitably screwed or otherwise fixed to the side of the table.

It is found that the arrangements of the radiator and fan for the present embodiment have the advantages that the weight of the fan and radiator are more evenly distributed, and the unit takes up less vertical space when the fan and radiator are not provided directly on the lower end of unit 2. Placing the fan and radiator on part of the table, such as a side wall, rather than attaching them to the lower end of unit 2 lessens the likelihood of the unit being damaged for example by being kicked. In addition, vents can be provided in the part of the table to which the fan is attached and so the air circulation around the radiator is improved, in turn improving the heat dissipation.

In use, the cooling device 24 moves heat away from the base 10 of chamber 4 which creates a natural convection between inner wall of the chamber 4 and its contents. The heat is moved away via the connection between cooling device 24 and base 10 of chamber 4. The heat is conducted through the cooling device 24 into the water of water block 202, and a water pump (not shown) circulates the water through the water block 202 and radiator 208 via hoses 206. The forced convection generated by the fan 210 serves to dissipate the heat from radiator 208. Each side of the cooling device 24 may have its conductivity enhanced with an application of silicone grease or the like. The water block 202 may comprise an inbuilt water pump for circulation of the water to the radiator, or alternatively a water pump may be separately provided. It is found that this arrangement permits the

temperature of the chamber 4 to be maintained at subzero temperatures due to the increased efficiency of heat dissipation from the chamber 4.

Second, the outside of the chamber 4 is provided with an insulating layer of polyurethane foam 200, in place of the neoprene insulation 14 of the embodiment of Figure 1. The polyurethane foam 200 surrounds the chamber 4, rods 38, cooling device 24, and water block 202, and so as well as insulating all of these components, and protecting them from damage if contact is accidentally made with the unit 2, the foam layer 200 improves the appearance of the unit by concealing its components . The polyurethane foam layer 200 may be formed by placing the unit 2 in a cylindrical rig and filling the rig with foam, which expands to fill the space between the outside of chamber 4 and water block 202 and the inside of the cylindrical rig. Once the foam has set, the rig can be removed. The foam layer 200 is in turn surrounded by a layer of heat shrinkable tubing 250 to further protect the unit and improve its appearance. The heat shrinkable tubing 250 is seamless and provides a tight fit to the foam layer 200 once heated to size and attached via the adhesive 252 on the inner lining of heat shrinkable tubing 250.

A bottom cap 214 may further be provided to protect the lower end of the cooling unit 2. This may suitably be formed of two parts with openings provided for the hoses 206 projecting from the water block 202. The bottom cap 214 has holes 254 through which screws may pass to affix the cap to the cooling unit 2, and air holes 256 to permit air escape from the foam layer 200. The bottom cap 214 protects the foam layer 200, and also provides a flat surface onto which a power switch 260 may be mounted. Where such a switch is mounted, a switch hole 258 is provided. As explained above, and shown in Figure 33, the bottom cap may also have a knob or other suitable fastening thereon to which straps 308 supporting the fan 210 and radiator 208 may be attached. The bottom cap 214 is made of a solid material such as acrylic to give the cooling unit a tough, sealing base.

Suitably, the heatshrinkable tubing 250 is applied to the cooling unit 2 after installation of the bottom cap 214 in order that the tubing 250 also acts to hold the bottom cap in place.

A third difference is in the provision of a clamp 240 and brace 212 towards the upper end of chamber 4. Brace 212

surrounds an upper portion of chamber 4 proximal to top end 8, and has a threaded outer surface 246, and holes 58 running vertically through the brace. Thus, when cooling unit 4 is assembled, rods 38 of the supporting cradle 36 pass through brace 212, or alternatively pass through the lower surface of brace 212 and terminate. Clamp 240 has a threaded inner surface 244 and is of a size such that the threaded inner surface 244 can engage with threaded outer surface 246 of brace 212. On the upper surface of clamp 240 is located sealing ring 242, suitably of rubber .

When fitting cooling unit 2 into an opening in a piece of furniture such as a table top, the cooling unit 2 without the clamp 240 is lowered into the opening, which is of a size such that the chamber 4 surrounded by insulating layer 200, heat shrink layer 250 and brace 212 can be inserted into it but that lip 20 does not pass through the opening, and the cooling unit is suspended in the opening by the contact of the lip 20 on the upper side of the table top. The clamp 240 is then brought into engagement with brace 212 and rotated with the threaded surfaces 244 and 246 in cooperation until the sealing ring 242 engages with the lower surface of the table top. This ensures that the forces imposed by the cooling unit 2 on the lip 20 are evenly distributed, especially when items are placed or dropped into the chamber 4, and prevents the deformation of lip 20 over time.

Further, the clamp ensures that the cooling unit 2 is stably located in the opening in the table top and cannot easily shift in the opening or be lifted out of the opening inadvertently. The construction of the clamp and brace with co-operating screw threads allows the clamping of the cooling unit 2 to a range of thicknesses of surface. The sealing ring 242 improves the grip between the clamp 240 and the underside of the table top, and also prevents damage to the underside of the table top.

Also visible at figure 18 is plate 234 which sits inside the chamber 4 attached via a thermal compound, which functions to prevent deformation of the chamber 4, for example by the forces exerted on the chamber by placing items in the chamber 4, by distributing those forces over a greater area. The plate may be sealed in place using a silicone sealant of fabricated silicone seal. The plate 234 also includes a metal marking 236, through the process of thermal bonding, to brand the cooling unit 2, which can also be marked by processes such as etching, engraving, stamping and anodising. An alternative to providing plate 234 would be to form the chamber 4 by casting to create a thicker bottom end 10 than walls 12.

In Figure 18, and in greater detail in Figures 21 and 29, is shown the construction of the upper end of chamber 4 and of the bezel 16. The insulating wall 200 is not shown in Figure 29.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the bezel 16 may be attached to the brace 212 by means of screws 18, and holds translucent band 54 between them in tension. It is preferred that the screws 18 are made of a material that is not an

efficient thermal conductor, such as nylon, in order that the bezel does not become cold and thus condense water on its surface while cooling unit 2 is in operation.

Also in order to insulate the bezel 16 and prevent it from becoming cold during operation of cooling unit 2, shelf 50 has a plurality of large holes 58 therein to reduce surface contact between the chamber 4 and the bezel 16, and insulating region 216 is provided between the mouth 8 of chamber 4 and the bezel 16. The insulating region may suitably be formed from polyurethane, or a similar insulator, and is shaped to provide a ledge 232 on which the bezel is supported, and screw holes through which screws 18 pass. Where a light source 52 is to be provided, a trench 218 is formed in the insulating region to accommodate the light source, and the insulating region must be transparent or translucent in order that the light is transmitted from light source 52 to translucent band 54.

As shown in Figure 21, a flexible rubber seal 238 is provided between the upper edge of side wall of cooling unit 2, immediately below lip 20, and the table to prevent moisture or spilled liquids leaking through to the underside of the table, to reduce any movement of cooling unit 2 relative to table, and to allow greater tolerance in the cut size of the opening in the table relative to the size of cooling unit 2. The rubber seal 238 is flexible and can form a water tight seal in gaps of various sizes.

Figure 31 shows detail of the construction of the cradle 36 supporting the cooling assembly 22 beneath chamber 4. In particular, it can be seen that the lower end of rods 38

terminate in springnuts 204, in which the upper end of the springs bear against the underside of the bracket 286 supporting waterblock 202 . The springnuts 204 are therefore able to absorb the forces applied to the chamber 4, for example, by placing a bottle in the chamber, and prevent damage to the cooling device 24 or water block 202 that are in contact with the base 10 of chamber 4. The upper end of rods 38 are attached to brace 212, which is itself attached to lip 20 by screws 18 as shown in Figure 21.

A further alternative construction of the upper end 8 of chamber 4 is shown in Figure 34. Shelf 50 supports lens 54, support ring 300 and light source 52. On lens 54 rests

insulation layer 304, and on the insulation layer 304, lens 54 and support ring 300 is supported bezel 16. Surrounding support ring 238 is provided rubber seal 238, which, when cooling unit 2 is fitted into an aperture in a surface, is compressed in the aperture to provide a close and secure fit as explained above. A groove 302 is provided in the underside of the bezel 16 in order to allow expansion of the rubber seal 238 where necessary, allowing the outer edge of bezel 16 to rest on the upper side of the surface when the unit 2 is fitted into the aperture, even where the rubber seal is significantly deformed. Accordingly, a flush finish between the underside of the bezel 16 and the surface into which the unit 2 is fitted can be achieved. The support ring 238 further protects the light source 52 from damage. The lens 54 is of large diameter and is made of an insulating substance, and so is able both to diffuse and transmit the light from the light source to the interior of the chamber 4 and to insulate the bezel 16 from the cooled chamber 4. This, in conjunction with the insulation layer 304, minimises the

formation of condensation on the bezel 16. Insulation layer 304 and lens 54 together act as a buffer between the shelf 50 and bezel 16 in order that the bezel and shelf can be fixed tightly together without the bezel being deformed by the fixings.

The subsequent description is relevant to both the first and second embodiments of the invention. Indeed, the first and second embodiments of the invention need not be produced exactly as described, but may contain modifications from other embodiments where appropriate.

Figure 14 shows a cooling unit 110, embedded in a custom built item of furniture, which in this case is a table 112, but could as easily be a bar or sideboard, the dashboard of a car, part of a trolley, or any other item of furniture into which it is desirable to place a cooling unit 110. Here the table 112 is adapted for the outdoors. The cooling device is a powered by a solar panel or panels 114, to which it is attached via a cable 116. The solar panel 114 is here advantageously situated in a parasol 118, in order to optimise its exposure to sunshine. In other embodiments, the bezel 119 of cooling unit 110 may comprise a solar panel. These "outdoors" embodiments need not comprise a light source, or if they do, the light source may be switchable or on a timer (not shown) so that light is not ineffectively on in daylight hours when it is all but invisible.

At figure 15 there is shown a cooling unit 120 attached to a table which is not part of the invention. The cooling unit 120 has attachment means 122, which in this embodiment is a simple clip, allowing it to be temporarily clipped to the side of a table (not part of the invention) . Cooling unit 120 has the dual advantages of being portable, and not requiring the user to modify the item of furniture or vehicle in which it is placed. This embodiment of the cooling unit 120 draws power from a rechargeable power source (not shown) such as a rechargeable cell .

Figure 17 shows a cooling unit 2 in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, except that the form of chamber 4 and bezel 16 is square in horizontal cross-section instead of circular. In this case, the unit 2 might perhaps be intended for a bottle or other item to be cooled that is itself square in cross-section, or the square shape may simply be preferred for aesthetic reasons. Other cross-sectional shapes may of course be substituted.

Figure 19 shows a cooling unit 2, embedded in an item of furniture, which in this case is a table 220, but could as easily be a bar or sideboard, or any other item of furniture into which it is desirable to place a cooling unit 2. Here the cooling unit 2 is powered by a rechargeable power source 222, which connects to cooling unit 2 via a cable 226. The rechargeable power source 222 can be charged whilst in the table 220 or can be removed and charged independently from the table 220, for example, in a charging dock.

At figure 20 there is shown a cooling unit 2 attached to a display unit 228 enabling the cooling unit 2 to be fixed upside down for the use of back bar optic dispensers and other similar uses. The bottle contained within the cooling unit 2 is suspended via a standard adjustable optic attachment 230. The cooling unit 2 in this embodiment allows bottles to be cooled upside down.

Figure 22 represents an embodiment of a lid 224 that fits flush to the mouth of the bezel 16 inclusive of a central axis 252 in the centre panel 288 which in this embodiment is

concentric with the lid 224 and the bezel 16, but can also be of another shape. In use, pressure is applied to one half of the centre panel 288, causing it to pivot on the central axis 252 to create a hole in the lid 224. This permits the user to grip the lid, for example by inserting a finger into the hole, and to lift it from the bezel 16. The lid 224 enables the bezel 16 to be closed off when the cooling unit is not occupied by a bottle, to prevent the disposal of waste in the cooling unit and to provide a flat surface for something to rest on if need be.

Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment of a lid 224 comprising a spring-operated button 262 that appears when compressed and relieved, to enable the lid 224 to be grasped and removed from the bezel 16.

Figure 24 shows a further embodiment of a lid 224 that comprises a handle 264. The handle is mounted such that it can be pivoted between a horizontal stowed position (shown in the Figure) and an operating position in which the handle is

vertical, by means of a user grasping the handle. A finger groove 266 enables the user to grasp the handle more easily when in its stowed position. The lid 224 simply rests on an inner circumference of bezel 16 and may be lifted off using the handle 264.

Figure 25 shows a further embodiment of a lid 224 which in this case is secured to the bezel by means of engagement of the interior bezel threading 268 with the co-operating exterior lid threading 270. This embodiment of the lid 224 keeps it secure to the bezel 16 at all times when required and is removable through the use of an indent 272 enabling the lid 224 to be rotated and unscrewed.

At figure 26 there is shown an alternative method of attachment of the bezel 16 to the chamber 4, enabling

interchangable bezels for the user's individual requirements, or for repair or cleaning. The inside of the vertical section of the top end of the chamber 48 is provided with threading 274, and the bezel 16 is provided with co-operating threading 276 on a vertical wall beneath, and recessed from, lip 20. Engagement of the co-operating threading 274 and 276 enables simple fixing and removal of bezel 16. As the threading provides a possible area of thermal contact between the bezel 16 and chamber 4, it is preferred to insulate the threading to prevent the bezel becoming cold, or to form the bezel from an insulating material such as a polymer .

Figure 27 shows a skeleton 278 to be constructed around the chamber 4 in order to protect and secure in place components that become engulfed in the insulating wall 200 during its

manufacture. The skeleton 278 features channels for screws or rods 38, attached boxes 280 for protecting thermal switch 46, and a skeleton base 282 which allows for the water block 202.

Figure 30 shows the construction of an insulating layer 200 formed to accommodate rods 38 in channels 290, springnuts 204 in cavities 294, wires in channels 296 and a thermal switch in cavity 292.

In certain preferred embodiments the unit will further comprise a sensor, which could be an optical switch, or a pressure sensor in the base 10 of the chamber 4, which allows the unit 2 to detect whether or not an item has been placed in the chamber. Such means could be used to turn the light source 52 on and off or to operate the cooling device 24.

A further alternative may be to associate the light source 52 with a temperature-measuring device (not shown) . In this embodiment the light source will glow more intensely the nearer the temperature measuring device finds that the temperature of the chamber 4 is to the desired temperature, thus informing the user when the drink is at its optimum drinking temperature.

Optionally, the light source could be music sensitive.

It is contemplated that the light source may be capable of producing more than one visual effect, such as steady lighting, intermittent lighting, successive illumination of the individual elements comprised in the light source for a "chasing" effect, and/or or may comprise more than one different element producing light of a different colour. Where that is the case, it may be desirable for the light source to be programmable such that the state of the device may be indicated by the light display produced by the light source. For example, the light source could produce steady white light when the unit is functioning correctly, blinking white light if the cooling device is

malfunctioning, or red light if the fan malfunctions. It may also or alternatively be desirable for the light source to be programmable to act in concert with other light sources in the surrounding environment, such as wall or ceiling lights in the vicinity of the cooling unit, such that the lighting may be altered synchronously, for example to create a desired ambiance or to react to music. In order to achieve this, the light sources of one or more cooling units and one or more other light sources in the surrounding environment may be centrally

controlled, by known means, including wireless means.

In certain cases it may be desirable to include means for controlling the lighting effect produced by the light source in the table or other item of furniture in which the cooling unit is mounted, or in the upper part of the cooling unit such as in the bezel 16, in order that the user of that unit can control the lighting as desired. If such control means are included, they may also permit the user to control the temperature or other settings of the unit. Further, the control means may comprise means for communicating with a remote device, preferably

wirelessly, which permits, for example, the user in a bar, club or restaurant to summon a member of staff to the user's location. Suitably, the control means may comprise a touchscreen for input of commands.

In certain cases it may be desirable that the translucent band 54 bears markings or has applied to it a film or transfer to affect the appearance of the light produced by the light source 52. For example, the markings could result in a logo or design appearing in silhouette on the bottle placed in the chamber 4 of the cooling unit. It is further contemplated that the cooling unit may comprise a projector, for example a laser projector, that may be arranged within the upper part of chamber 4 such as to project an image, logo or design on to the bottle or other item placed in the chamber 4.

The power source of the cooling unit is typically a 12-volt mains source but specific provision is made for an embodiment with a rechargeable battery. The cooling unit 2 may be adapted to work with other power sources, such as a solar panel.

In certain embodiments, it may be preferred to provide a number of cooling units with a single common radiator and fan. Each cooling unit would in this case have its own individual water block 202, and the water blocks would be connected in series between the units and to the common radiator. This may be preferred where a number of cooling units are to be installed into a single piece of furniture, for example, in the situation depicted in Figure 20, and it is most convenient to have a single radiator and fan for all of the units. The radiator and fan may also be positioned at some distance from the units if that is advantageous. In such a system, it is preferred that each chamber 4 is fitted with a detection system, such as that described above, that detects the presence of a bottle or other item to be cooled within the chamber 4, and that this detection system communicates with a switching system such that the cooling devices 24 of cooling units into which no item to be cooled has been placed are not switched on, whereas when a bottle or other item is placed into the chamber 4 and detected by the detection system, the cooling device 24 is activated and the unit 2 cools the item.

Claims

1. A cooling unit, comprising a chamber with an, in use, top end and an in use, bottom end,

the bottom end being substantially or completely closed, and the top end being open and comprising a weight-bearing lip of a greater exterior perimeter than the rest of the chamber, said lip being arranged so as to be preferably substantially concentric with the said rest of the chamber, and being of sufficient strength to bear the mass of substantially the entire cooling unit which is attached to said lip via the container, and hangs in use, below said lip,

and a cooling device, for cooling the chamber, wherein the cooling device is located at or adjacent the far end of the chamber .

2. A cooling unit, according to claim 1, wherein the weight-bearing lip comprises a bezel portion.

3. A cooling unit according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the top end of the chamber and the underside of the bezel form a trench which runs around the interior perimeter of said chamber .

4. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling unit further comprises a light source, which illuminates at least a part of the interior of the chamber .

5. A cooling unit according to claim 4 wherein the light source is so arranged as to project a substantially even

brightness around a section of the interior perimeter of the chamber .

6. A cooling unit according to claim 5, wherein the light source comprises one or more translucent windows, situated between the trench and the interior wall of the chamber.

7. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device is attached to the unit via a cradle suspended from the near end of the chamber.

8. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cooling unit further comprises a heat sink and a fan which are also suspended from said cradle.

9. A cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cooling unit further comprises a water block in thermal contact with the cooling device, a radiator in fluid communication with the water block, and a fan.

10. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device is so configured as to cool towards a single temperature, and that temperature is set and cannot be adjusted by the user.

11. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling device comprises a peltier device.

12. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the wall or walls of the chamber is enrobed in an insulating shroud.

13. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein both the chamber and bezel are cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

14. A cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is of a single piece construction.

15. A cooling unit substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying text and / or drawings .

16. An item of furniture comprising a cooling unit according to any of the preceding claims .

17. A vehicle comprising a cooling unit according to any of claims 1 to 15.