BOTTLE COOLING OR HEATING DEVICE

Abstract

A bottle cooling or heating device (1) for suspension from a support surface. The device (1) comprises a receptacle including a vessel (50), a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating (60) in contact with the vessel (50), and a support structure (20) connected to the vessel (50). The support structure (20) comprises a hanging lip (25) which projects away from the support structure (20) and supports the device (1) in use. Magnets (33) are supported by the support structure and a crown (6) is removably connectable to the support structure (20), held in place by the magnets (33). The crown (6) comprises a plurality of keys configured to engage with a support fixture (20) mounted on the underside of the support surface. One or more wedge devices which are moveable with respect to the support structure (20) may be connected to the support structure (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for maintaining the temperature of drinks bottles at a desired temperature. More specifically, the invention relates to a device capable of keeping beverage bottles cool for extended periods of time in hot environments, for maintaining the temperature of beverage bottles at a specified level, and to a device capable of heating beverage bottles.

BACKGROUND

Luxury spirits and fine wines are best experienced under specific conditions. For example, it is well known that champagne should be drunk at a temperature in the range of 7° C. and 10° C. It is therefore desirable to maintain the contents of a bottle within a desired temperature range. Moreover, the bottle must also be correctly cooled or warmed, as rapid change may damage the contents, rendering them unpleasant to consume or even undrinkable.

Prior to opening, bottle temperatures may be regulated by storing the bottle in a wine fridge or cellar for example. However, as the environment in which the beverage is to be drunk is likely to be different to that in which the bottle is stored, removing the bottle from its storage location immediately begins a temperature change process. The temperature of the beverage should ideally be regulated correctly during this period between opening and pouring/drinking.

An effective approach to solving the above-mentioned problems is seen in the Applicant's earlier applications WO 2011/148182, WO 2017/137774 and WO 2020/095063 which describe powered bottle heating/cooling devices which are suspended from a work surface—or other support surface—by a supporting lip. In each case the disclosed bottle heating/cooling devices have an open-topped internal vessel that is cooled or heated thermoelectrically. The devices disclosed in these earlier applications are efficient in operation but may nevertheless be improved.

The bottle heating/cooling devices disclosed in WO 2011/148182 and WO 2017/137774 each have a crown (or bezel) which comprises the supporting lip from which the device is supported in use. In each case the crown is manufactured from a solid piece of metal such as aluminium or stainless steel. The crowns are therefore expensive to manufacture and wasteful of material. In addition, the crowns cannot be easily removed once the device is installed in a work surface.

WO 2020/095063 discloses a crown which is not weight bearing thus allowing the crown to be manufactured from inexpensive sheet material, for example by press stamping. The crown may be fitted or removed by the user or fitter by means of a clipping mechanism which allows the crown to be changed and facilitates maintenance of components of the device located beneath the crown. Nonetheless, the device of WO 2020/095063 may only be installed by suspension from a work surface or the like.

The present invention has been devised to address or overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising a crown and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall; a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel; a support structure connected to the vessel, wherein the support structure comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in use such that a major portion of the device is located below the support surface; and one or more magnets supported by the support structure, wherein the crown is configured to be removably connectable to the support structure, and wherein the crown is configured to be held in place by the one or more magnets.

The bottle cooling and/or heating device described above is advantageous as the magnetic attachment of the crown allows for quick and easy installation and/or replacement thereby reducing maintenance and installation time.

Optionally the size and/or shape and/or location of the one or more magnets is configured so that crowns of differing shapes may be interchangeably connected to the support structure. This is advantageous as all of the parts forming the receptacle may be common to a number of different crown configurations thereby reducing production costs and complexity.

The one or more magnets are optionally each supported by a boss which projects away from the open end of the vessel. The inclusion of such bosses provides a useful way of elevating the magnets above the open end of the vessel to a suitable height for engaging with the crown.

In one example each boss comprises a hole within which the magnet is supported. This helps to prevent the magnets being lost or moved out of position during manufacture and installation of the device.

An insert may be located in the hole below the magnet, wherein the insert is sized to constrain the depth to which the magnet can penetrate into the hole. The precise height of the magnets may therefore be readily adjusted without having to change the boss height, hole depth or magnet specifications.

Optionally the support structure comprises a spacer which is connected to a support bracket, wherein the spacer is configured to surround the open end of the vessel immediately adjacent the open end of the vessel. The spacer allows for a modular construction of the support structure so that the spacer may be chanced out for an alternative spacer. This provides design choice to the end user.

The spacer is optionally a transparent or translucent lens which allows light to pass through thereby providing yet another design choice.

In one example each boss is integrally formed with the spacer. This allows design flexibility as the boss size, shape and position may be readily changed without having to alter any other aspect of the receptacle.

The bottle cooling and/or heating device may comprise a light ring supported by the spacer and/or the support bracket. The provision of a light ring allows for an attractive appearance of the device in use.

Optionally the spacer is located adjacent to the crown so that the portion of the spacer visible in use is sandwiched between the open end of the vessel and the crown thereby providing an attractive appearance.

In another aspect the present invention provides a bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising a crown and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall; a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel; and a support structure connected to the vessel, wherein the crown is connected to the support structure, and wherein the crown comprises a plurality of keys which are configured to engage with a support fixture mounted on the underside of the support surface.

The bottle cooling and/or heating device described above is advantageous as it allows for the device to be installed entirely beneath a support surface.

Optionally the support structure comprises a plurality of holes which are each configured to receive a mechanical fixing, wherein the crown is connected to the support structure by a plurality of mechanical fixings which are received in the holes. This provides a secure method of attaching the crown the receptacle to the crown from which the receptacle will be suspended.

The support structure optionally comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in an alternative use mode in which the device is suspended from the support surface by the hanging lip. This allows the device to be used in an entirely under surface mounted mode of use or in an in-surface mode of use in which the device is suspended by the hanging lip from a top, or recessed, surface of the support surface.

In one example the bottle cooling and/or heating device may comprise one or more magnets supported by the support structure, wherein the crown is removably attached to the support structure. This is advantageous as it allows the receptacle to be used together with a magnetically attached crown or a mechanically attached crown. The magnets may be omitted or removed when a mechanically attached crown is used if desired.

The plurality of keys may project away from the support structure in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the open end of the vessel. This provides a key formation which does not impinge of the support surface.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a kit of parts comprising a bottle cooling and/or heating device as described above and a support fixture, wherein the support fixture comprises a plurality of key engagement elements which are configured to engage with the keys of the cooling and/or heating device to support the cooling and/or heating device in use.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a bottle cooling and/or heating device comprising a receptacle as described above in relation to the first and/or second aspects of the invention mentioned above and a crown connected to the support structure, wherein the crown comprises a plurality of keys which are configured to engage with a support fixture mounted on the underside of the support surface in use. Such a device provides full flexibility in terms of both design choices and installation mode.

In another aspect the present invention provides a method of suspending a bottle cooling and/or heating device as described above from a support surface, the method comprising: attaching a support fixture to the underside of a support surface, wherein the support fixture comprises a plurality of key engagement features which are configured to engage with the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device to support the cooling and/or heating device in use; and engaging the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device with the key engagement features.

Optionally the support fixture comprises an annular ring and the key engagement features comprise a plurality of radially inwardly projecting lugs, wherein the plurality of lugs are separated from one another by a plurality of key holes which are configured to receive the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device, wherein the method comprises inserting the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device into the keyholes before rotating the bottle cooling and/or heating device to cause the keys to engage with the inwardly projecting lugs.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall; a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel; a support structure connected to the vessel, wherein the support structure comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in use such that a major portion of the device is located below the support surface; and one or more wedge devices connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the one or more wedge devices is moveable with respect to the support structure.

The bottle cooling and/or heating device described above is advantageous as it allows the device to be wedged in place when installed in a support surface preventing unintended relative movement between the device and the support surface. This may be particularly beneficial in highly dynamic installation locations such as boat or aircrafts.

Optionally the one or more wedge devices comprises: a fixed support connected to the support structure; a wedge element pivotally connected to the fixed support, and an actuator, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the wedge element to pivot with respect to the fixed support. This arrangement advantageously facilitates an appropriate setting of the wedge by the fitter.

The actuator is optionally a bolt or screw supported by the support structure, wherein a distal end of the bolt or screw is configured to engage with a cam surface of the wedge element to cause the wedge element to pivot with respect to the fixed support when the bolt or screw is actuated. Preferably the bolt or screw is located beneath the crown so that a fitter has easy access to the bolt or screw by simple removal of the crown.

In one example the wedge element is biased towards an unengaged position. This is beneficial as the wedge element will tend to return to its unengaged position when the actuator is disengaged thereby facilitating removal or adjustment of the device.

The support structure may comprise one or more openings configured to receive a wedge element of the one or more wedge devices. The wedge element may thus be located within the support structure while still allowing access to the support surface by the wedge element.

Optionally the support structure comprises a plurality of fins located on an outer surface of the support structure to help secure the device within the support surface.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a bottle cooling and/or heating device as described above, wherein the bottle cooling and/or heating device comprises a device according to the first, second or fourth mentioned aspects of the invention as described above.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a bottle cooling and/or heating device as described above, wherein the side wall and/or the closed end of the vessel comprises a plurality of openings, and wherein a light source is located adjacent the plurality of openings, wherein the light source is supported by the support structure, or wherein the light source is supported within insulation surrounding the side wall of the vessel or located beneath the closed base of the vessel. This arrangement provides many options for and attractive arrangement of lighting thereby creating greater design choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bottle temperature control device;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 with the outer casing shells and the crown removed;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the crown of the device as seen from above;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the crown of FIG. 3 as seen from below;

FIG. 5 is device of FIG. 1 with the outer casing shells, the crown and the insulation surrounding the vessel removed;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the vessel and support brace as viewed from below with the Peltier electronic device shown along with fixings for holding the heat exchanger in place;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the vessel and support brace as viewed from below;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the vessel;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the lens;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the lens attached to the support brace as seen from above;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the lens attached to the support brace as seen from below;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the lens connected to the support brace by fixings with the vessel and crown in place;

FIG. 13 is an isometric sectional view of the device;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an upper portion of the device comprising an alternative crown;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 corresponds to the device of FIG. 14 with an under-counter seal and locking ring in place;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 16 as viewed from below installed under a work surface;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 16 as viewed from above when installed under a work surface;

FIG. 19 is an isometric sectional view of the top portion of an alternative device configuration;

FIG. 20 is an isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 19 with the support brace removed;

FIG. 21 is an alternative isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 19 showing an alternative vessel and lighting arrangement;

FIG. 23 is an isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 19 showing a further alternative vessel and lighting arrangement;

FIG. 24a is an isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 19 comprising an alternative crown when installed in a work surface;

FIG. 24b is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 24a as viewed from above;

FIG. 25a is an isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 24a when installed in a work surface in an alternative way;

FIG. 25b is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 25a as viewed from above;

FIG. 26a is an isometric sectional view of the device of FIG. 25a with a cover in place; and

FIG. 26b is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 26a as viewed from above;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general terms embodiments of the invention relate to a device for regulating the temperature of beverage bottles. The device is designed to be integrated seamlessly into items of furniture or the like. The device has a receptacle that defines a chamber for receiving a beverage bottle. The temperature of the chamber is regulated by a temperature regulating means, such as a thermoelectric device such that the temperature of the beverage bottle may be maintained at a desired drinking temperature.

A support structure is connected to the receptacle such that the receptacle hangs beneath the supporting structure. The support structure has a hanging shoulder protruding radially outwardly which is configured to engage a supporting surface, such as a table top, work surface, vehicle interior, yacht fitting or any other planar surface on a piece of furniture, such that the receptacle is supported beneath the supporting surface. The support structure may alternatively be attached to the underside of said supporting surface.

The device further comprises a crown positioned, when assembled, such that it covers the support structure and hanging shoulder. The crown provides an aesthetically appealing finish to the device such that it may be elegantly integrated with, an item of furniture, a vehicle interior, a yacht fitting or any similar surface. Furthermore, the crown may be easily removed by the user such that it may be changed for a crown with a different appearance or it may be removed for maintenance without removing the remainder of the device.

Throughout the description which follows relative terms such as top, bottom, inner, outer etc. are used to describe the device. It will be understood that these terms are with reference to the orientation of the device in normal use when installed in or under a work surface or similar. Use of such terms is not to be considered as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a bottled beverage cooling and/or heating device 1. The device 1 comprises a vessel 50 for receiving a bottled beverage in use. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the vessel 50 comprises closed bottom end 51 and an open top end 56 which are connected by a substantially cylindrical side wall 54. The top end of the side wall 54 located proximate the open end 56 of the vessel 50 comprises an outwardly projecting lip 55. The closed end 51 of the vessel comprises a substantially square central heat transfer portion 52 which is thicker in cross-section than the surrounding areas of the closed end 51. The closed end 51 also comprises four raised bosses 53 surrounding the heat transfer portion 52 each of which is configured to receive a bolt for securing a heat sink to the closed end 51 of the vessel 50 as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring once again to FIG. 1, the exterior of the device 1 comprises a pair of shells 3 which clip together via clip formations 4 to form an outer casing 2. A base guard 11 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the bottom of the outer casing 2 and the upper end of the outer casing 2 is attached to a support bracket 20 as will be described in greater detail below.

A crown 6 is located at the top of the device 1. FIG. 3 shows an isometric top view of the crown 6 and FIG. 4 shows an isometric underside view of the crown 6. In this embodiment the crown 6 comprises a substantially flat outermost and upper most portion 16 and a curved innermost and lowermost portion 15. The underside side of the flat portion 16 comprises surface 17 and the top side of the flat portion 16 comprises surface 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a pair of insulating shells 8 surround the vessel 50 and engage with each other to form a substantially cylindrical insulator 7. The closed end 51 of the vessel 50 is located above a substantially circular base insulator 12 (see also FIG. 5). As best shown in FIG. 13, the base insulator 12 comprises a central opening configured to receive the heat transfer portion 52 of the closed end 51 of the vessel 50, a thermoelectric cooling/heating device 60 (such as a Peltier device) and a central portion of heat sink 9 as will be described in greater detail below.

A heat sink 9 is positioned below the base insulator 12 and an electrically operated fan 10 is located below the heat sink 9. The fan 10 is configured to draw air in from the top such that, in use, air is drawn into the device 1 via openings 5 in the outer casing 2 (see FIG. 1) and across the fins of the heat sink 9. The airflow exits the device 1 via the base guard 11.

As best shown in FIG. 13, the top end of the cylindrical insulator 7 and outer shell 2 are received within the bottom end of the support bracket 20. If desired, the cylindrical insulator 7 and/or the base insulator 12 may be adhered to the vessel 50 and/or the outer casing 2. The outer casing 2 may be adhered to the support bracket 20.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 13, the heat sink 9 is attached to the closed end 51 of the vessel 50 by bolts 61 which pass through the top portion of the heat sink 9 and the circular insulator 12 into the bosses 53 which are formed on the closed end 51 of the vessel 50. The thermoelectric cooling/heating device 60 is located between the bottom of the central heat transfer portion 52 and the central portion of the heat sink 9 such that it is sandwiched between the closed base 5 of the vessel 50 and the heat sink 9. This sandwiching of the thermoelectric cooling/heating device 60 provides excellent contact, and therefore heat transfer, between the closed base 51 of the vessel 50 and the heat sink 9. The bolts 61 may be tightened to apply a compressive force to the thermoelectric cooling/heating device 60. Each bolt 61 is surrounded by an insulating sleeve 62.

The top end of the support bracket 20 houses a lens assembly comprising a transparent or translucent lens 30 and a light ring 40 (FIG. 12). The light ring 40 may, for example, be an LED light ring. However, any suitable source of light may be used. Power is supplied to the light ring via electrical cabling 13 which is connected to an external power source (not shown). In an alternative embodiment the light ring 40 may be omitted and the lens 30 may optionally be opaque.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the lens 30 is substantially annular in form and comprises an internal rim 37 which is configured to engage with an upper seal 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 12). The outer periphery of the lens 30 comprises a plurality of key holes 35 which are configured to receive lugs 22 of the support bracket 20 as will be described in greater detail below. The lens 30 further comprises a plurality of upwardly extending bosses 32 which are each configured to receive a magnet 33 in holes 38 located in the bosses 32. Bolt holes 36 are located around the periphery of the lens 30 for attaching the lens 30 to the support bracket 20 as will be described below.

With reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the support bracket 20 comprises a substantially annular body 24. A support lip 25 surrounds the top end of the annular body 24 and projects radially outwardly from the annular body 24. A plurality of fins 21 project radially outwardly from the outer surface of the annular body 24. In the embodiment shown the fins 21 abut the underside of the support rim 25. However, in an alternative embodiment the fins 21 may be located spaced from the support rim 25.

The annular body 24 comprises a radially inwardly projecting shelf 28 located between the top and bottom of the annular body 24. The upper surface 26 of the shelf 28 is located approximately half-way between the top and bottom of the annular body 24. The shelf 28 extends from its upper surface 26 downwardly such that the shelf 28 has a depth of approximately one third of the depth of the annular body 24. It will be understood that this is an example only and that any other suitable depth of shelf may be used. The radially innermost surface of the shelf 28 comprises a plurality of radially inwardly extending projections 29.

As best shown in FIG. 10, the annular body 24 comprises a plurality of radially inwardly extending lugs 22 each of which comprises a bolt hole 23. The lugs 22 extend in an axial direction from near the support rim 25 to the upper surface 26 of the shelf 28. The bolt holes 23 extend through the lugs 22 and the depth of the shelf 28 such that the lower end of the bolt holes are located on the underside of the shelf 28 (see FIG. 11). A plurality of additional both holes 42 extend through the depth of the shelf 28 between the lugs 22. Each of the additional bolt holes 42 has an enlarged portion at the bottom of the bolt hole 42 for receiving a threaded insert 41. The bolt holes 23 are similarly formed for the same reason.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in the assembled device a lower seal 39 is positioned on the periphery of the shelf 28. The lower seal 39 comprises a substantially flat radially innermost portion 43 and a bulbous radially outermost portion 44 which is received in a circumferential channel 45 in the upper surface 26 of the shelf 28. The upper end of the vessel 50 is received within the annular body 24 of the support bracket 20 such that the outwardly projecting lip 55 of the vessel 50 rests on the flat portion 43 of the lower seal 39. The light ring 40 is supported by the upper surface 26 of the shelf 28 radially outwardly of the lower seal 39. The lens 30 is positioned above the light ring 40 such that the radially innermost portion of the lens 30 abuts the projecting lip 55 of the vessel 50 and the upper seal 31 is located on the rim 37 of the lens 30.

The projections 29 on the shelf 28 of the support bracket 20 help to facilitate placement of the vessel 50 in the support bracket and help to support the vessel 50 in use. However, the projections 29 are not essential and may be omitted if desired.

The lens 30 is secured to the support bracket 20 by means of bolts 34 which pass through the bolt holes 36 in the lens 30 and the corresponding bolt holes 42 in the shelf 28 of the support bracket 20. The bolts 34 engage with the threaded inserts 41 so that a compressive force may be applied to the lip 55 of the vessel 50 and the lower seal 39. In this way the vessel 50 is securely attached to the support bracket 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the lugs 22 of the support bracket 20 are received within the keys 35 of the lens 30. This helps to properly locate the lens 30 within the support bracket 20 to ensure correct alignment of the respective bolt holes 36, 42.

Magnets 33 are located in the upwardly extending bosses 32 of the lens 30. The magnets may be secured to the bosses 32 with an adhesive for example. In this embodiment the magnets are received within holes formed in the bosses 32. In an alternative embodiment the magnets 33 may be located on top of the bosses 32, or the bosses 32 may be dispensed with such that the magnets 33 are attached directly to the top of the lens 30.

The crown 6 is positioned on top of the support bracket assembly such that the lower surface 17 of the flat portion 16 of the crown 6 abuts the magnets 33 which act to hold the crown 6 in place. The skilled person will understand that in this embodiment the crown 6 must comprise a magnetic material such as steel which may be provided as a layer or coating. In an alternative embodiment the crown 6 may attach to the lens 30 by alternative means such as adhesive, clips or other mechanical fastenings. It is preferred, but not essential that that any connections or fastenings are not visible from the top of the crown 6. If magnets are not used to secure the crown 6 in place the material of the crown need not be magnetic.

The curved portion 15 of the crown 6 extends downwardly into the lens 30 and engages with the upper seal 31. As best seen in FIG. 12, part of the lens 30 is sandwiched between the lip 55 of the vessel 50 and the crown 6. In use, when power is supplied to the light ring 40, light passes through the lens 30 to illuminate a ring at the top of the device 1.

Referring once again to FIG. 2, a resilient spring 70 is connected to the top of the lens 30 and attached to electrical cabling 14. When the crown 6 is in place the spring 70 is compressed by the crown and an electrical connection is made therebetween. The electrical cabling 13, 14 is connected to an external power source (not shown) and optionally to a control system (not shown) which allows a user to turn on the light ring 40 by touching the crown 6. Other functions such as temperature adjustment and turning on/off of the device 1 may also be performed in this way. An external power source is also connected to the thermo electric cooling/heating device 60 and fan 10.

In use, the device 1 may be installed in an opening in a work surface, or any suitable support surface, by placing the device 1 into a suitably sized hole in the support surface so that the support lip 25 of the support bracket 20 engages with the periphery of the hole. In this way the device 1 may be hung from the support surface via the support lip 25.

When the device 1 is installed in a support surface as described above, the fins 21 of the support bracket 20 engage with material throughout the depth of the support surface to hold the device 1 in position and to prevent rotation of the device 1 relative to the support surface. The fins 21 may be rigid such that they do not deform (to any significant extent) when engaged with the material of the support surface. In some cases the fins 21 may cut into the material of the support surface, or the hole in the support surface may be configured to receive the fins 21. In a further alternative, the fins 21 may be configured to deform elastically or plastically when the device 1 is installed in a support surface.

FIG. 14 shows a modification 100 of the device 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. The device 100 may be suspended beneath a support surface as will be described in greater detail below.

In this embodiment the crown 6 is replaced by a crown 106 which is secured to the support bracket 20 by a plurality of bolts 110 which pass through bolt holes located in a flat radially outermost portion 116 of the crown 106. The bolts 110 pass through the bolt holes 23 located in the lugs 22 of the support bracket 20 and fix to threaded inserts (not shown) located in the lowermost portion of the bolt holes 23. It will be noted that all components of the device 100 are common with the device 1 described above with the exception of the crown 106. For simplicity, like reference numerals have been used to reference like components throughout the description.

As shown in FIG. 15, the crown 106 of the device 100 comprises a radially outermost portion 116 and a radially innermost curved portion 115. The radially innermost portion 115 of the crown 106 is dimensionally similar to the curved portion 15 of the crown 6 of device 1. As best shown in FIG. 15 the radially innermost curved portion 115 of the crown 106 engages with the upper seal 31 in the same way as the curved portion 15 of the crown 6 of the device 1.

The radially outermost portion 116 of the crown 106 is surrounded by an annular key formation 117 which comprises a plurality of outwardly extending keys 118. The annular key formation is located slightly above the level of the outermost portion 116 of the crown 106.

As shown in FIG. 16, a support surface seal 120 is located on top of the outermost portion 116 of the crown 106. The support surface seal may comprise a plurality of holes 121 which surround the heads of the bolts 110.

An annular locking ring 130 is provided in addition to the device 100. The annular locking ring 130 comprises a plurality of key holes 131 and a plurality of radially inwardly extending lugs 132. The radially outermost portion 133 of the locking ring 130 comprises a substantially flat annular ring located slightly above the level of the radially inwardly extending lugs 132.

As shown in FIG. 17, the device 100 is installed beneath a support surface 140 by attaching the radially outermost portion 133 of the annular locking ring 130 to the underside of the support surface. The device 100 is then attached to the locking ring 130 by placing the lugs 118 of the crown 106 in the key holes 131 of the locking ring and rotating the device 100 so that the lugs 118 of the crown 106 rest on top of the lugs 132 of the locking ring. Plugs or stops may be placed in the key holes 131 once the device 100 is installed to prevent unintentional detachment. Alternatively or additionally and adhesive may be used to secure the device 100 to the locking ring 130.

The locking ring 130 may be attached to the underside of the support surface by adhesive and/or by screws which pass through holes (not shown) in the radially outermost portion 116 of the crown 106 provided for this purpose.

FIG. 18 shows an isometric topside view of the device 100 when installed beneath a support surface 140. A hole 141 is provided in the support surface 140 to provide access to the vessel 50.

The embodiment of FIGS. 14 to 18 may optionally be modified to exclude certain features such as the bosses 32 on the lens 30, the magnets 33 and/or fins 21 on the support bracket 22. However, in order to standardise components and thereby reduce manufacturing costs it is preferred that the bosses 32 and fins 21 are included on the lens 30 and support bracket 20 respectively regardless of the intended installation method. The magnets 33 may be included or omitted as desired.

FIG. 19 shows an isometric sectional view of the support bracket 220 and lens 230 assembly of an alternative device 200. Where components of the device 200 are common with components described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18 the same reference numerals have been used for simplicity.

In this embodiment the support bracket 220 comprises a substantially annular body 224. A support lip 225 surrounds the top end of the annular body 224 and projects radially outwardly from the annular body 224. A plurality of fins 221 (see FIG. 21) project radially outwardly from the outer surface of the annular body 224. In the embodiment shown the fins 221 are spaced from the underside of the support rim 225. However, in an alternative embodiment the fins 221 may abut the underside of the support rim 225.

The annular body 224 comprises a radially inwardly projecting shelf 228 located between the top and bottom of the annular body 224. A radially outermost upper surface 226 of the shelf 228 is located approximately a third of the way between the top and bottom of the annular body 224. The shelf 228 is T-shaped in cross-section with the outermost radial portion 222 being relatively thin and the innermost radial portion 223 extending from a level above the outermost radial portion 222 downwardly to a level below the outermost radial portion 222. It will be understood that this is an example only and that any other suitable depth and/or profile of shelf may be used.

The annular body 224 comprises a plurality of radially inwardly extending lugs 227 each of which comprises a bolt hole (not shown). The lugs 227 extend in an axial direction from the surface 226 of the shelf 228 upwardly to a position approximately half-way between the surface 226 and the support rim 225. The bolt holes extend through the lugs 227 and the depth of the radially outermost portion 222 of the shelf 228 such that the lower end of the bolt holes are located on the underside of the shelf 228. A plurality of additional both holes (not shown) extend through the depth of the radially outermost portion 222 of the shelf 228 between the lugs 227.

The lens 230 is substantially annular in form with a substantially flat radially outermost portion 231 and a substantially flat downwardly sloping radially innermost portion 235. The radially outermost portion 231 of the lens 230 comprises a plurality of bolt holes (not shown) which are configured to receive bolts 234 to connect the lens 230 to the support bracket 220 as will be described in greater detail below. The lens 230 further comprises a plurality of bolt holes 236 configured to receive adjustment screws 260 as will be described in greater detail below.

The lens 230 comprises a plurality of upwardly extending bosses 232 which are each configured to receive a magnet 33. The underside of the lens 230 comprises a downwardly extending annular wall 237 located towards the radially innermost end of the radially outermost portion 231 of the 230. An annular channel 238 is formed between the annular wall 237 and the radially innermost portion 235 of the lens 230. An annular light ring 240 is located in the channel 237. Electrical power is provided to the light ring by electrical cabling (not shown). A lower seal 239 is positioned in an annular recess in the lowermost surface of the radially innermost portion 235 of the lens 230.

In the assembled device 200 the upper end of the vessel 50 is received within the annular body 224 of the support bracket 220 such that the outwardly projecting lip 55 of the vessel 50 rests on a flat portion of the radially innermost portion 223 of the shelf 228. The bottom surface of the annular wall 237 of the lens 230 is supported by the upper surface 226 of the shelf 228 and the lower surface of the radially outermost portion 231 of the lens is supported by the lugs 227 of the support bracket 220. The lowermost surface of the radially innermost portion 235 of the lens 230 abuts the projecting lip 55 of the vessel 50.

The lens 230 is secured to the support bracket 220 by means of bolts 234 which pass through the bolt holes (not shown) in the lens 230 and the corresponding bolt holes (not shown) in the lugs 227 of the support bracket 220. The bolts 234 engage with threaded inserts (not shown) so that a compressive force may be applied to the lip 55 of the vessel 50 and the lower seal 239. In this way the vessel 50 is securely attached to the support bracket 220. Magnets 33 are located in the upwardly extending bosses 232 of the lens 230.

Referring to FIG. 21, a crown 206 is positioned on top of the support bracket assembly such that the lower surface of the crown 206 abuts the magnets 33 which act to hold the crown 206 in place. In this embodiment the crown 206 comprises a substantially flat radially innermost portion 215 and a curved radially outermost portion 216. However, any shape of crown may be used as desired including the crowns 6, 106 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 18. To ensure a secure connection of the crowns 6, 206 and the top of the support bracket and lens assembly, the depth of the magnets 33 may be selected accordingly or inserts may be placed beneath the magnets to constrain the depth to which the magnet can penetrate into the hole. In a further alternative, bosses may be provided on the underside of the crown to ensure suitable proximity of the crown to the magnets. As discussed above, other connection methods may be used to connect the crown to the support bracket and lens assembly such as clips or adhesive or any other suitable connection method.

FIG. 20 shows an isometric sectional view of the top portion of the device 200 with the support bracket 220 removed. The outer casing 2 and cylindrical insulation 7 are also shown in FIG. 20.

A plurality of wedge devices are 261 is provided on the underside of the radially outermost portion 231 of the lens 230 at a location below the plurality of bolt holes 236. Preferably three wedge devices 261 are provided with equal spacing around the periphery of the lens 230.

Each wedge device 261 comprises an uppermost block 262 and a lowermost wedge 263 which is connected to the uppermost block 262 by a pivot connection 264. Slots (not shown) are provided in the body 224 of the support bracket 220 to allow the radially outermost edge of the wedge 263 to pass through the body 224 of the support bracket 220 (see FIG. 21). The lowermost end of bolts 260 located in the bolt holes 236 of the lend 230 abut a cam surface 265 of the wedge 263. In use, when the device 200 is installed in a support surface. The bolts 260 are turned so that they descend relative to the lens 230 causing the wedges 263 to pivot outwardly and engage with the material of the support surface. In this way the device 200 can be secured in the support surface. The fins 221 of the support bracket 220 also act as wedges and serve to support the device 200 in the support surface. As above, the fins 221 may be rigid, or they may be plastically or elastically deformable.

The wedge devices 261 may comprise resilient members such as springs which bias the wedge 263 radially inwardly so that when the bolts 260 are withdrawn the wedges 263 move radially inwardly away from the support surface to an unengaged position. The wedge devices 261 may be used with the device 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 if desired.

FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of a modified device 300 with a modified vessel 350 and lighting arrangement. In this embodiment the vessel 350 comprises a plurality of openings 351 in the side wall 354 of the vessel 350. An annular recess 308 is provided in the cylindrical insulation 307 and an annular light ring 340 is located in the annular recess 308. In use, when power is supplied to the annular light ring 340, light shines into the interior of the vessel 350 through the openings 351. Any pattern of openings 351 as desired may be used. One or more additional light rings and corresponding sets of openings 351 may be provided along the length of the vessel 350. The light ring(s) 340 may be provided instead of or in addition to the light ring 40. The device 300 has a curved crown 306 which has a continuously curved uppermost surface which extends from the radially outermost edge of the crown 306 to the radially innermost edge.

FIG. 23 shows a sectional view of an alternative modified device 400 with an alternative modified vessel 450 and lighting arrangement. In this embodiment the vessel 450 comprises a plurality of openings 451 in the side wall 454 of the vessel 450. In this example, the openings 451 are located adjacent the radially innermost surface of the shelf 428 of the support bracket 420. An annular recess is provided in the shelf 428 and an annular light ring 440 is located in the annular recess. In use, when power is supplied to the annular light ring 440, light shines into the interior of the vessel 450 through the openings 451. Any pattern of openings 351 as desired may be used. The light ring 440 may be provided instead of or in addition to the light ring 40 and or light ring(s) 340.

FIG. 24a shows an isometric sectional view of a device 500 mounted within a support surface 510. The device 500 is the same in all respects to the device 200 described above in relation to FIGS. 19 to 21 except that the crown 6 of the device 500 is the crown 6 of the device 1 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 13.

A hole 511 has been cut into the support surface 510. The hole 511 has a lowermost portion with a radius which suitably conforms to the outer radius of the body 224 of the support bracket 220. An uppermost portion of the hole has a larger diameter which suitably conforms to the radius of the radially outermost portion 16 of the crown 6. The depth to the uppermost portion of the hole is substantially equal to the combined depth of the radially outermost portion 16 of the crown 6 and the support rim 225 of the support bracket 220 so that the radially outermost portion 16 of the crown 6 is substantially level with the uppermost surface of the support surface 510. FIG. 24b shows an isometric view of the device 500 installed in the support surface 510.

FIG. 25a shows an isometric sectional view of an alternative installation of device 500 within support surface 510. In this example the hole 511 again has a lowermost portion with a radius which suitably conforms to the outer radius of the body 224 of the support bracket 220. However, the depth of the uppermost portion of the hole is approximately half of the depth of the support surface 510 so that the crown 6 is recessed into the support surface. FIG. 25b shows an isometric view of the device 500 installed recessed in the support surface 510.

FIG. 26a shows an isometric sectional view of the device 500 when recessed into the support surface 510 as shown in FIG. 25a. In this view a lid 520 is shown positioned in the hole 511. The underside of the lid 520 substantially conforms to the crown 6 of the device 500 and the depth of the lid 520 is selected so that, when in place on top of the device 500, the top of the lid 520 is level with the top of the support surface 510. As shown in FIG. 26b, a cut-out 521 is provided at the periphery of the lid 520 to facilitate removal of the lid 520.

It will be understood that the above described embodiments are examples only and that many different configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be understood that the device need not be circular in cross-section and the crown, the outer casing, the support bracket and/or the vessel may be any other shape as desired such as square, hexagonal or any other suitable shape. The device may be sized and shaped to contain more than one bottled beverage.

Claims

1. A bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising a crown and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall;a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel;a support structure connected to the vessel, wherein the support structure comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in use such that a major portion of the device is located below the support surface; andone or more magnets supported by the support structure, wherein the crown is configured to be removably connectable to the support structure, and wherein the crown is configured to be held in place by the one or more magnets.

2. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the size and/or shape and/or location of the one or more magnets is configured so that crowns of differing shapes may be interchangeably connected to the support structure.

3. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more magnets are each supported by a boss which projects away from the open end of the vessel.

4. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the or each boss comprises a hole within which the magnet is supported.

5. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 4, wherein an insert is located in the hole below the magnet, wherein the inset is sized to constrain the depth to which the magnet can penetrate into the hole.

6. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a spacer which is connected to a support bracket, wherein the spacer is configured to surround the open end of the vessel immediately adjacent the open end of the vessel.

7. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spacer is a transparent or translucent lens.

8. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the or each boss, when present, is integrally formed with the spacer.

9. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a light ring supported by the spacer and/or the support bracket.

10. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the spacer is located adjacent to the crown.

11. A bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising a crown and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall;a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel; anda support structure connected to the vessel,

12. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of holes which are each configured to receive a mechanical fixing, wherein the crown is connected to the support structure by a plurality of mechanical fixings which are received in the holes.

13. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the support structure comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in an alternative use mode in which the device is suspended from the support surface by the hanging lip.

14. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising one or more magnets supported by the support structure, wherein the crown is removably attached to the support structure.

15. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the plurality of keys project away from the support structure in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the open end of the vessel.

16. A kit of parts comprising a bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 and a support fixture, wherein the support fixture comprises a plurality of key engagement elements which are configured to engage with the keys of the cooling and/or heating device to support the cooling and/or heating device in use.

17. A bottle cooling and/or heating device comprising a receptacle according to any one of claim 1 to 10 or 12 and a crown connected to the support structure, wherein the crown comprises a plurality of keys which are configured to engage with a support fixture mounted on the underside of the support surface in use.

18. A method of suspending a bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in anyone of claim 11 to 15 or 17 from a support surface, the method comprising: attaching a support fixture to the underside of a support surface, wherein the support fixture comprises a plurality of key engagement features which are configured to engage with the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device to support the cooling and/or heating device in use; andengaging the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device with the key engagement features.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the support fixture comprises an annular ring and the key engagement features comprise a plurality of radially inwardly projecting lugs, wherein the plurality of lugs are separated from one another by a plurality of key holes which are configured to receive the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device, wherein the method comprises inserting the keys of the bottle cooling and/or heating device into the keyholes before rotating the bottle cooling and/or heating device to cause the keys to engage with the inwardly projecting lugs.

20. A bottle cooling and/or heating device which is configured to be suspended from a support surface in use, the device comprising: a vessel having a closed end and an open end located opposite one another and connected by a side wall;a thermoelectric cooling and/or heating device in thermally conductive contact with the vessel;a support structure connected to the vessel, wherein the support structure comprises a hanging lip which projects away from the support structure, wherein the hanging lip is configured to support the device in use such that a major portion of the device is located below the support surface; andone or more wedge devices connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the one or more wedge devices is moveable with respect to the support structure.

21. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the one or more wedge devices comprises: a fixed support connected to the support structure;a wedge element pivotally connected to the fixed support, andan actuator, wherein the actuator is operable to cause the wedge element to pivot with respect to the fixed support.

22. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the actuator is a bolt or screw supported by the support structure, wherein a distal end of the bolt or screw is configured to engage with a cam surface of the wedge element to cause the wedge element to pivot with respect to the fixed support when the bolt or screw is actuated.

23. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the wedge element is biased towards an unengaged position.

24. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the support structure comprises one or more openings configured to receive a wedge element of the one or more wedge devices.

25. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of fins located on an outer surface of the support structure.

26. A bottle cooling and/or heating device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the bottle cooling and/or heating device comprises a device according to any one of claim 1 to 15, or 17.

27. A bottle cooling and/or heating device according to claim 26, wherein the side wall and/or the closed end of the vessel comprises a plurality of openings, and wherein a light source is located adjacent the plurality of openings, wherein the light source is supported by the support structure, or wherein the light source is supported within insulation surrounding the side wall of the vessel or located beneath the closed base of the vessel.