WO2024133556A1

WO2024133556A1 - Cooling device

Info

Publication number: WO2024133556A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/087093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin MYLER
Original assignee: Kennedy REfrigeration Limited
Priority date: 2022-12-21
Filing date: 2023-12-20
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: GB202219377D0; GB2623842A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) for cooling items (30), having a chamber (2) for receiving an item (30) to be cooled, an airflow generation means (4) for forcing refrigerated (5) air from the external environment over an item (30) received within the chamber (2) and one or more outlets (6) for allowing air to exit the chamber (2), wherein the cooling device (1) is suitable to be removably placed within a refrigeration system. Thereby, the cooling device (1) enables rapid cooling of items by forcing cool air over items received in the chamber (2) at a speed higher than the basic speed of airflow found within a refrigeration system.

Description

COOLING DEVICE

The present invention relates to cooling devices, in particular to portable cooling devices.

It is often desirable to chill food and beverages to prevent spoiling of the food or beverage or to improve the experience of consuming the food or beverage. For example, it is often desirable to drink white wine and soft drinks chilled. Typically, food and beverages are chilled by storing them in a fridge. However, the cooling process in a fridge can take some time and fridges are often overpacked which further increases the cooling time and limits the number of items that can be chilled at once. In addition, it is more beneficial to cool food quickly after cooking to prevent bacteria growth or multiplication of microorganisms that were not killed during the cooking process. To overcome the long cooling periods required to cool items in fridges, it has been known to place items in the freezer to cool in a shorter amount of time. However, the problem with this is that the items are often forgotten about which causes them to freeze. In turn, this requires a defrosting time or, in the case of some beverages, can result in the item exploding which is messy and wasteful.

Attempts have been made to overcome this problem which have involved manufacturing refrigeration systems with blast chillers. Blast chillers increase heat exchange rates by forcing air over items placed within the blast chiller. However, these result in bulky systems and unnecessarily reduce the storage capacity of the system when blast chilling is not required. Furthermore, these systems are often expensive and require replacement of the entire existing refrigeration system which is wasteful.

It is a therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned problems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device capable of quick chilling.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

According to the invention, there is provided a cooling device for cooling of items, the cooling device being suitable to be placed within a refrigeration system, the cooling device comprising a chamber for receiving an item to be cooled, an airflow generation means operable to force cold air from the refrigeration system over the item received within the chamber so as to cool the item and one or more outlets for allowing air to exit the chamber, wherein the item is cooled from a starting temperature to a lower temperature.

By refrigeration system we mean a fridge, freezer, cooler or any other cool environment. By cool, cooling, cooled we mean in relation to the temperature of the item before the cooling device is operated i.e., cooling means to decrease the temperature of the item compared to its temperature prior to operation of the cooling device. The terms cool and chill are used interchangeably throughout the specification.

Advantageously, this prevents the requirement to completely replace current refrigeration systems, thereby reducing costs.

Preferably, the cooling device is configurable to be removably placed within a refrigeration system.

Preferably, the cooling device is configurable to be retrofitted within a refrigeration system.

Preferably, the cooling device is removably retrofittable.

Ideally, the device is portable.

Advantageously, the cooling device can be removed and stored between uses. Therefore, this enables maximisation of storage space within a refrigeration system. Further advantageously, this enables the cooling device to be moved between different refrigeration systems. Thereby, should the refrigeration system have a shorter life span than the cooling device, the cooling device need not be retired or disregarded with the refrigeration system.

Preferably, the cooling device is suitable to cool the item from a starting temperature to a target cooler temperature.

Preferably, the airflow generation means comprises inlets to allow air to enter into the chamber via the airflow generation means.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is operable to force air from the external environment over an item received in the chamber.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is configurable circulate air into the chamber from the external environment. By external environment, we mean external to the chamber.

Advantageously, this will induce contact between the air and the item. Thereby, this will induce heat exchange between the item and the air.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is operable to circulate air within or throughout the chamber.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is operable to maintain a fluid flow within the chamber.

Advantageously, this prevents the air stagnating in the chamber.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is operable to increase airflow speed across an item received in the chamber to enable an increased heat exchange rate between the item received and the air flowing across the item, in use.

Advantageously, this reduces the cooling time. This is in comparison to placing the item in a refrigeration device wherein airflow speed is basic or normal or of room standard. In particular, this is in comparison to refrigeration devices which are without any airflow generation means.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is operable to produce an airflow speed of approximately 200 cubic feet per min (CFM)/ 6 cubic meter per minute (m3/min).

Preferably, the one or more outlets are configurable to enable exit of air that has already passed over an item received in the chamber.

Ideally, the one or more outlets are configurable to enable exit of air that has absorbed heat from an item received in the chamber of the cooling device.

Advantageously, this prevents heated air from stagnating within the chamber. Further advantageously, this enables the heated air to pass back into the refrigerated external environment to be re-cooled for recirculation into the chamber by the airflow generation means.

Preferably, the one or more outlets are suitable for allowing air to exit the chamber for recirculation within the refrigeration system.

Ideally, the cooling device is suitable for rapid cooling of items.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item between approximately 13° Celsius and 7° Celsius in less than ten minutes. However, the skilled person will understand that the degree of temperature reduction and time required may or may not vary depending on the type of item to be cooled.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item between approximately 13° Celsius and 7° Celsius in approximately five to ten minutes.

Ideally, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item by approximately 12° Celsius in less than 10 minutes or in approximately seven minutes when placed in a refrigeration system having an air temperature of -18 ° Celsius.

Ideally, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item by approximately 8° Celsius in less than 10 minutes or in approximately five minutes when placed in a refrigeration system having an air temperature of -18 ° Celsius.

Preferably, the amount of time required to cool an item does not increase even when the number of items to be cooled at the same time is increased. Preferably, the airflow generation means is suitable to for forcing cold air from the refrigeration system over an item received in the chamber of the cooling device to cool the item rapidly.

Ideally, the cooling device is suitable for rapidly cooling an item received in the chamber of the cooling device from a starting temperature to a lower temperature or to a target cooler temperature.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to blast chill an item received in the chamber of the cooling device.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to cool items in approximately or less than ten minutes.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to cool items in approximately or less than seven minutes.

Ideally, the cooling device is operable to cool items in approximately five minutes.

Preferably, in use, the chamber is enclosed by at least one wall.

Ideally, the one or more outlets are locatable on the at least one wall or a first portion of the at least one wall of the chamber.

Preferably, the airflow generation means is locatable on a second wall or a second portion of the at least one wall.

Preferably, the one or more outlets are located on a wall or portion of the chamber opposite to the airflow generation means.

Preferably, the one or more outlets and the airflow generation means are mutually opposing.

Advantageously, this creates a fluid flow path across the chamber. Thereby, this prevents airflow bypassing an item received within the chamber, in use.

Ideally, the one or more outlets and the airflow generation means are located on mutually opposing walls or portions of the chamber such that a fluid flow path is formed between the airflow generation means and the one or more outlets, thereby creating an airflow across an item placed in the chamber, in use. In particular, the outlets are preferably located on a wall or portion opposite to the inlets.

Advantageously, this enables a heat exchange rate that is four times faster than simply placing the item in a standard refrigeration system.

Preferably, the air being forced over the item by the airflow generation means is refrigerated or cold air.

Preferably, the cooling device is suitable for use in a refrigeration system to induce heat exchange between the refrigerated air and an item placed within the chamber of the cooling device so that the temperature of the item is reduced, in use.

Ideally, the cooling device is suitable for use in a freezer to induce heat exchange between the freezer air and an item placed within the chamber of the cooling device, in use.

Advantageously, heat exchange between the refrigeration system, such as a freezer, enables blast chilling or blast freezing of an item.

Preferably, the airflow generation means comprises one or more fans.

Preferably, the one or more fans are operable to produce an airflow speed of approximately or at least 200 cubic feet per min (CFM)/ approximately 6 cubic meters per minute (m3/min).

Preferably, the cooling device comprises an activating means for activating the airflow generation means.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises a deactivating means for deactivating the airflow generation means.

Ideally, the activating means and/or the deactivating means comprises a switch.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises an on/off switch for activating and/or deactivating the airflow generation means.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises a shut-off means for enabling automatic shut off of the airflow generation means.

Ideally, the shut-off means comprises a timer operable to shut off the airflow generation means at a pre-set time after activation of the airflow generation means.

Advantageously, this prevents over chilling or over freezing.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises an audio signalling device for indicating that a pre-set cooling time has passed.

Advantageously, this provides an alert to inform a person that the cooling time is done. This obviates the need to keep checking the cooling device. Further advantageously, this provides a reminder to remove the cooling device from the refrigeration system or to remove the item from the cooling device. Thereby, this further prevents over freezing or over chilling.

Ideally, the audio signalling device comprises a buzzer, beeper or any other suitable alarm.

Ideally, the chamber comprises an opening to enable items to be placed into and removed from the chamber.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises means for releasably closing the opening.

Ideally, wherein the opening is releasably sealable. Preferably, the cooling device comprises lid for releasably closing or sealing the opening.

Ideally, the lid is a hinged lid.

Preferably, the lid forms a wall of the chamber when the opening is closed.

Alternatively, a third wall or a third portion of the at least one wall is moveable or removable to releasably close the opening.

Ideally, the third wall or third portion of the at least one wall is hinged to enable releasable closing of the opening.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to be battery powered.

Advantageously, this obviates the need for connecting the cooling device to mains power. Further advantageously, this enables use of the cooling device in remote locations for example, outside in cold conditions or in unpowered coolers.

Preferably, one or more component parts of the cooling device is suitable to be battery powered.

Ideally, the airflow generation means, timer and/or audio signally device is suitable to be battery powered.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to be powered by DC battery power.

Preferably, the one or more fans are DC fans, operable to be powered by DC battery power.

Ideally, the one or more fans are 12V DC fans.

Ideally, the cooling device comprises a power source.

Preferably, the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

Advantageously, this reduces waste. This is in comparison to using primary batteries that cannot be re-used after all power has been depleted.

Preferably, the power source comprises rechargeable 8no 1 .5V batteries. However, the skilled person will understand that any suitable batteries may be used.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises a charge port.

Advantageously, this enables the cooling device to be recharged without removal of the battery.

Ideally, the cooling device comprises a battery holder for holding one or more batteries to power one or more parts of the cooling device.

Preferably, the battery holder is suitable to protect the one or more batteries from degradation or damage due to conditions within the refrigeration system.

Preferably, the cooling device comprises a vapour proof insulated enclosure for housing the one or more batteries. Advantageously, this protects the batteries from degradation or damage due to the conditions within the refrigeration system.

Preferably, the chamber is suitable to receive food and/or drink items.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item received in the chamber by forcing low temperature air over the item.

By low temperature air we mean air from the refrigeration system, typically having a temperature between approximately -18° and 4° Celsius or between -18° and 0° Celsius. Alternatively, the low temperature air may be approximately 2 or 3° Celsius.

Preferably, the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of an item received in the chamber by forcing air over the item that is has a lower temperature than the item.

Ideally, the chamber is configurable to receive a bottle of wine.

Ideally, the chamber is configurable to receive two cans, for example beer cans.

Preferably, the chamber is formable by injection moulding.

Ideally, when the opening of the chamber is closed and excluding the outlets, the chamber is sealed.

Advantageously, this prevents airflow being misdirected to openings other than the outlets such that air bypasses the item received in the chamber, in use.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a refrigeration system comprising a removably storable cooling device according to a first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the refrigeration system is a fridge, freezer or other cooling unit.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of a cooling device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the cooling device of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 a perspective view showing the chamber of the cooling device of figure 1 ;

Figure 4 a perspective view showing the chamber of the cooling device having an item received therein;

Figure 5 is a further perspective view showing the cooling device having an item received within the chamber of the cooling device of figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cooling device according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cooling device according to the present invention;

Figure 8 is a second perspective view of the third embodiment, showing an external wall of the cooling device.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a cooling device, indicated generally by reference numeral 1 , having a chamber 2 for receiving one or more items to be cooled (for example bottle 30 illustrated in figures 4 and 5). The cooling device 1 further has an airflow generation arrangement 4 operable to force air from an external environment over an item received in the chamber 2 and one or more outlets 6 for allowing air to exit the chamber 2, wherein the cooling device is suitable to be removably placed within a refrigeration system (not illustrated). The refrigeration system may be a fridge, freezer, cooler or any other cool environment. This prevents the requirement to completely replace current refrigeration systems, thereby reducing costs. The cooling device illustrated in figures 1 to 5 has four outlets, however any number of outlets may be used as is evidenced by the embodiments illustrated in figure 6 which has eight outlets and figures 7 and 8 which have more. The outlets 6 illustrated in figures 1 to 6, 7 and 8 are in the form of circular openings, however, the one or more outlets may be in the form of perforations or vents or any other suitable form of any suitable shape or size.

The cooling device 1 may be removably retrofitted within a refrigeration system. The cooling device 1 is also portable such that it can be removed and stored between uses, thereby enabling maximisation of storage space within the refrigeration system. Further the cooling device 1 may be moved between different refrigeration systems. This means that should the refrigeration system have a shorter life span than the cooling device, the cooling device 1 need not be retired or disregarded with the refrigeration system. The airflow generation arrangement 4 is configured to force air over an item 30 received in the chamber 2 of the cooling device 1 . This will induce contact between the air and the item 30. Thereby, this will induce heat exchange between the item 30 and the air being forced over the item. Airflow is illustrated by arrows 8 in figure 6. The airflow generation arrangement 4 is operable to maintain a fluid flow within the chamber 2. This prevents the air stagnating in the chamber 2. The airflow generation arrangement 4 is operable to increase the speed of airflow 8 across an item 30 received in the chamber 2 to enable an increased heat exchange rate between the item 30 received and the air flowing across the item 30, in use. This reduces the cooling time. This is in comparison to placing the item in a refrigeration device wherein speed of airflow is basic or normal.

The one or more outlets 6 are configured to enable exit of air in the airflow 8 that has already passed over an item 30 received in the chamber 2. The one or more outlets 6 are configured to enable exit of air that has absorbed heat from an item 30 received in the chamber 2 of the cooling device 1. This prevents heated air from stagnating within the chamber 2. Further, this enables the heated air to pass back into the refrigerated external environment to be re-cooled for recirculation into the chamber 2 by the airflow generation arrangement 4. The cooling device 1 is operable to enable rapid cooling of items 30. The cooling device 1 is operable to blast chill an item 30 received in the chamber 2 of the cooling device 1 . The cooling device 1 is operable to cool items 30 in approximately five minutes. Test results have been included in Table 1 below showing example cooling times of items using the invention. Table 2 has also been included showing cooling times of the same items without the invention, for comparison. Referring to the third row of each table, it is clear that the invention enables cooling of an item in less than half the amount of time that it takes to reduce the temperature of the same item by the same degree.

Table 1- Cooling times using invention

Table 2- Cooling times without invention

Similar test results were obtained when using plastic bottled water and glass bottled wine as the product/item.

In use, the chamber 2 is enclosed by at least one wall 10, in the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the chamber is enclosed by a plurality of walls 10a-1 Oe. The one or more outlets 6 are locatable on a first wall 10a and the airflow generation arrangement 4 is locatable on a second wall 10b such that the one or more outlets 6 and the airflow generation arrangement 4 are mutually opposing. This creates a fluid flow path 8 across the chamber 2. Thereby, this prevents airflow 8 bypassing an item 30 received within the chamber, in use. This fluid flow path 8 over the item 30 enables a heat exchange rate that is four times faster than simply placing the item in a standard refrigeration system. Alternatively, the one or more outlets 6 and the airflow generation arrangement 4 may be located on mutually opposing portions of the chamber 2 which has one single continuous wall. In particular, the outlets 6 are located opposite to the inlets 5 resulting in fluid flow across the chamber.

The cooling device 1 is suitable for use in a refrigeration system to induce heat exchange between the refrigerated air in the airflow 8 and an item 30 placed within the chamber 2 of the cooling device 1 so that the temperature of the item 1 is rapidly reduced, in use. In particular, the cooling device 1 is suitable for use in a freezer to induce rapid heat exchange between the freezer air in the airflow 8 and an item 30 placed within the chamber 2 of the cooling device 1 , in use. Heat exchange between the refrigeration system, such as a freezer, enables blast chilling or blast freezing of an item 30.

The airflow generation arrangement 4 has one or more fans 4a, 4b. In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the airflow generation arrangement 4 has two fans 4a, 4b. However, any suitable number of fans may be used such as three fans or more. The one or more fans are capable of producing an airflow speed of 200 CFM/ 6 cubic meters per minute (m3/min). The one or more fans operated at a speed of approximately 4000 RPM. However, the skilled person will understand that the CFM or RPM may be decreased or increased as required. An example of a suitable fan is EZDIY FAB (RTM) 120mm fan or Keyingmen Parts Co., Ltd. 12 V DC fan model number 3612JL-04W-S49. However, the skilled person will understand that any suitable fan may be used. The cooling device 1 has an activating arrangement for activating the airflow generation arrangement. The cooling device 1 also has deactivating arrangement for deactivating the airflow generation means. The one or more fans 4a, 4b, 4c have one or more blades for generating a current of air and one or more inlets or inlet vanes to allow the entry of air into the chamber. However, the skilled person will understand that the fans may be located in any suitable area. The inlets may be independent of the fans and located on a wall or portion of the chamber opposing the outlets. The inlets may also be located on any other suitable portion or wall of the chamber. As illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the cooling device has an on/off switch 12 for activating and/or the deactivating the airflow generation arrangement 4. However, any activating and/or deactivating arrangement may be used. It is preferable if the cooling device 1 has a shut-off arrangement for enabling automatic shut off of the airflow generation arrangement 4. The shut-off arrangement (not illustrated) having a timer operable to shut off the airflow generation arrangement 4 at a pre-set time after activation of the airflow generation arrangement 4. This prevents over chilling or over freezing. The cooling device 1 has an audio signalling device (not illustrated) for indicating that a pre-set cooling time has passed. This provides an alert to inform a person that the cooling time is done which obviates the need to keep checking the cooling device. Further, this provides a reminder to remove the cooling device from the refrigeration system or to remove the item from the cooling device to prevents over freezing or over chilling. The audio signalling device may be a buzzer, beeper or any other suitable alarm.

The chamber 2 has an opening 3 to enable items to be placed into and removed from the chamber 2. The cooling device 1 also has an arrangement for releasably closing the opening 14. In the embodiments illustrated, the cooling device 1 has a lid 14 for releasably closing or sealing the opening. The lid 14 illustrated is removable and forms one of the walls of the chamber 2. However, the lid may be slidable or may be on a hinge. Alternatively, a third wall or a third portion of a continuous single wall is moveable or removable to releasably close the opening.

The cooling device 1 is battery powered. This obviates the need for connecting the cooling device to mains power and enables use of the cooling device in remote locations for example, outside in cold conditions or in unpowered coolers. The cooling device 1 is operable to be powered by DC battery power. One or more parts of the cooling device 1 , for example, airflow generation arrangement 4, timer and or audio signalling device are suitable to be battery powered, in particular by DC battery power. The fans 4a, 4b are DC fans, operable to be powered by DC battery power. The cooling device 1 has a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery. This reduces waste in comparison to using primary batteries that cannot be re-used after all power has been depleted. The cooling device 1 also has a charge port. This enables the cooling device to be recharged without removal of the battery. As illustrated in figures 1 , 3 and 4, the cooling device 1 has a battery holder 16 for holding one or more batteries to power one or more parts of the cooling device 1 . The battery holder 16 is suitable to protect the batteries from degradation or damage due to conditions within the refrigeration system. As illustrated in figure 7, the power source and circuit board may be enclosed within a compartment 7 of the device that is separated from the airflow by one or more walls 9 or any other suitable enclosure. The battery holder may be in the form of a compartment of the device that is separated from the airflow by one or more walls or any other suitable enclosure. The power source may also be connected to a switch 12 located on an external portion of the device such as an external portion of one of the walls of the chamber or power source enclosure/compartment, as illustrated in figure 7.

The chamber 2 is suitable to receive food and/or drink items 30. Figure 4 and 5 illustrates a bottle 30 received in chamber 2, however, any food or drink item may be placed within the chamber 2. The cooling device 1 is operable to reduce the temperature of the item 30 received in the chamber by forcing low temperature air in the airflow 8 over the item 30 or by forcing air having a temperature that is lower than the item 30 over the item 30. The chamber 2 is configured to receive a bottle of wine or two cans, for example beer cans. The chamber 2 is formable by injection moulding. When the opening 3 of the chamber 2 is closed and excluding the outlets and inlets 5, the chamber 2 is sealed. This prevents airflow 8 being misdirected to openings other than the outlets 6 and openings to allow air inlet by the inlets 5 such that airflow 8 bypasses the item 30 received in the chamber 2, in use. The walls 10 of the chamber 2 illustrated in the drawings are transparent to enable visualisation of the chamber 2 and contents/items received within the chamber 2 even when the opening 3 is closed. However, the walls may be of any suitable form or material, they may be opaque, translucent, with surface decoration or of any suitable appearance. The fans 4a, 4b may be secured to a wall or portion of the chamber 2 via any suitable means or fastening arrangement. Fastening arrangements in the form of screws 17 are illustrated in figures 1 and 5, however, any suitable arrangement may be used.

In use, the cooling device 1 , containing an item 30, is placed in a cool environment such as inside a fridge, freezer, cooling unit or outside in the cold. The airflow generation arrangement 4 is activated to circulate cool air into and throughout the chamber 2 towards one or more outlets 6 through which it exits the chamber 2. Thereby, a fluid flow path of air 8 is formed between the airflow generation arrangement 4 and the one or more outlets 6. In particular, a fluid flow path is formed between the inlets 5 and outlets 6. The airflow generation arrangement 4, in particular inlets 5, and the one or more outlets 6 are mutually opposing such that the item 30 received within the chamber 2 is located between the airflow generation arrangement inlets and the one or more outlets 6. This forced the cold airflow 8 over the item 30 received in the chamber 2. As the air passes over the item 30, there is a heat exchange between the item 30 and the air in the airflow 8 such that the item 30 gives up its heat. This causes the item 30 to cool. After passing over the item 30, the air exits the chamber 2 via one or more outlets 6. Meanwhile, new cold air is being circulated into the chamber 2 via the airflow generation arrangement 4 so that there is a steady flow of cool air being forced over the item 30. Therefore, the air does not stagnate within the chamber 2. A steady flow of cool air being forced over the item 30 by the airflow generation arrangement 4 enables the item 30 to give up more heat and thereby further reduces the temperature of the item 30. After a sufficient cooling time has passed, the item may be removed from the cooling device. When use of the cooling device is no longer required, the cooling device is removed from the cool environment and can be stored elsewhere or can be transported to another location due to its portability.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A cooling device for rapid cooling of items, the cooling device being suitable to be removably placed within a refrigeration system, the cooling device comprising a chamber for receiving an item to be cooled, an airflow generation means comprising a plurality of fans for forcing cold air from the refrigeration system over an item received within the chamber and inlets to allow the air from the refrigeration system to enter into the chamber and the cooling device comprising one or more outlets for allowing air to exit the chamber, wherein the one or more outlets are located on a wall or portion of the chamber opposite to the inlets and wherein the item is rapidly cooled from a starting temperature to a lower temperature.

2. A cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling device is portable.

3. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow generation means is operable to circulate air from the refrigeration system into and throughout the chamber of the cooling device to induce heat exchange between the item and the air, in use.

4. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow generation means is operable to maintain a fluid flow of air within the chamber to prevent air stagnating in the chamber.

5. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow generation means is operable to increase airflow speed across an item received in the chamber to enable an increased heat exchange rate between the item and the air flowing across the item, in use.

6. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device is operable to blast chill an item received within the chamber of the cooling device.

7. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device is operable to cool an item received in the chamber in approximately five minutes.

8. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device is suitable for use in a freezer to induce heat exchange between the freezer air and an item placed within the chamber of the cooling device, in use.

9. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device comprises an activating means for activating the airflow generation means.

10. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device comprises a shut-off means for enabling automatic shut off of the airflow generation means.

11. A cooling device according to claim 10, wherein the shut-off means comprises a timer operable to shut off the airflow generation means at a pre-set time after activation of the airflow generation means.

12. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device comprises an audio signalling device for indicating that a pre-set cooling time has passed.

13. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device comprises an opening to enable items to be removably placed in the chamber.

14. A cooling device according to claim 13, wherein the cooling device comprises means for releasably closing the opening.

15. A cooling device according to claim 14, wherein the means for releasably closing the opening comprises a lid.

16. A cooling device according to claim 13, wherein a wall of the chamber or a portion of a wall of the chamber is moveable or removable to enable releasable closing of the opening.

17. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device is operable to be battery powered.

18. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device comprises a power source.

19. A cooling device according to claim 18, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

20. A cooling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cooling device is suitable to receive food and drink items.

21 . A cooling device according to claim 20, wherein the cooling device is operable to reduce the temperature of a food or drink item received within the chamber by forcing low temperature air over the item.

22. A refrigeration system comprising a removably storable cooling device having a chamber for receiving an item to be cooled, an airflow generation means comprising a plurality of fans operable to circulate refrigerated air within the chamber, and inlets to allow the refrigerated air to enter the chamber and the cooling device comprising one or more outlets for allowing air to exit the chamber, wherein the one or more outlets are located on a wall or portion of the chamber opposite to the inlets and wherein the airflow generation means is operable to force refrigerated air over an item received in the chamber to increase the rate of heat exchange between the air and the item.