Refrigeration Apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to a freezing receptacle for use within a cooling apparatus. The receptacle is configured to hold part of a beverage container to be contained within the receptacle. The freezing receptacle includes a mechanism to assist cooling of the beverage container. The invention also includes a method of cooling using a cooling apparatus having a refrigeration compartment and a freezing receptacle, the method includes the steps of a) placing a beverage container within the freezing receptacle configured to hold a part of the beverage container; b) freezing the contents of the beverage container with the freezing receptacle; and c) refrigerating the contents of the beverage container within the refrigeration compartment.

1 . A freezing receptacle for use within a cooling apparatus, wherein the freezing receptacle is configured with a channel to hold a part of a beverage container to be contained within the receptacle, the freezing receptacle comprises:
 componentry to assist cooling of the beverage container, and   a biasing means to allow the receptacle to be temporarily expanded to receive the beverage container under a force and return to substantially an original position when the beverage container is within the receptacle.   
     
     
         2 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the freezing receptacle is in the form of a shelf. 
     
     
         3 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel includes at least one feeding channel. 
     
     
         4 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the channel includes at least one display channel. 
     
     
         5 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  which includes barriers at open ends of display channels. 
     
     
         6 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the channel is configured to be substantially complementary to part of dimensions of the beverage container so the beverage container can be fitted into the freezing receptacle while maintaining physical contact between at least a part of the beverage container and the freezing receptacle. 
     
     
         7 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1 , including insulation to its base and sides and incorporates thermal breaks where required to reduce condensation forming on outside surfaces. 
     
     
         8 . The freezing receptacle as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the componentry to assist cooling of the beverage container includes a thermal conduction plate. 
     
     
         9 . A cooling apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
 a refrigeration compartment; and   a freezing receptacle wherein the freezing receptacle is configured with a channel to hold a part of a beverage container to be contained within the receptacle, the freezing receptacle including:
 componentry to assist cooling of the beverage container; and 
 a biasing means to allow the freezing receptacle to be temporarily expanded to receive the beverage container under a force and return to substantially its original position when the beverage container is within the receptacle 
   
     
     
         10 . A method of cooling using a cooling apparatus, wherein the cooling apparatus includes a refrigeration compartment and a freezing receptacle, wherein the freezing receptacle is configured with a channel to hold a part of a beverage container to be contained within the receptacle, the freezing receptacle including componentry to assist cooling of the beverage container; and a biasing means to allow the receptacle to be temporarily expanded to receive the beverage container under a force and return to substantially its original position when the beverage container is within the receptacle, said method comprising the following steps:
 a) placing a beverage container within the freezing receptacle configured to hold a part of the beverage container,   b) freezing the contents of the part of the beverage container within the freezing receptacle,   c) refrigerating the contents of the beverage container within the refrigeration compartment.   
     
     
         11 . The method of cooling as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the atmosphere within the refrigeration compartment is between −1-5° C. 
     
     
         12 . The method of cooling as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the freezing receptacle operates in a temperature range of −40 to −10° C. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)