Reusable ice substitute in a can

Abstract

A container filled with a freezable mixture for use in refrigeration or temporary cooling purposes. The container of the invention is generally one of the common metal cylindrical containers or cans but may also include both plastic and glass bottles. Normally such containers are unsuitable for holding a freezable mixture due to the expansion of the freezing mixture causing the deformation or rupture of said container. By using a fully soluble eutectic mixture, such as propylene glycol and water mixed at a ratio of 20% propylene glycol, an ice slurry is formed at the temperatures normally present in home freezers. A small gas space is also needed for expansion and contraction of the container contents. When a can or other inwardly flexible container is utilized, a positive pressure within the container, relative to the external pressure, can be maintained with a gas charge. Alternative to the use of a fully soluble eutectic mixture and a gas space, a compressible member may be inserted into the container to protect the container from the expansion and contraction of the freezing liquid. In addition to the advantages achieved through the use of containers filled with freezable liquid over using water/ice coolant which have been found in the prior art, use of containers as prescribed by the present invention provide for reduced production costs, easier storage in existing coolers which are designed to hold similar packaging, increased cooling effectiveness, and a sealed bio-resistant exterior.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.