Method and apparatus for converting barrel type units into free standing

Abstract

A method and apparatus for converting a barrel type unit into an assembly for holding chilled products, particularly, barrel units having an upper annular portion of a smaller circumference as compared to other annular portions thereof, the barrel unit also including top and bottom end closure walls, the method including supplying a kit of separate components including a tub member adapted to hold ice and product positioned therein, and a sizing device for determining the proper location for severing the barrel side wall, the tub member having an annular support flange associated with the upper portion thereof adapted to be cooperatively engageable with a peripheral edge portion of the barrel unit when the barrel unit is severed at a particular location therearound, the sizing device enabling a user to locate the particular location on the barrel side wall at which to sever the same such that the annular edge resulting therefrom will be compatible with the annular support flange associated with the tub member. Once the proper severance location is determined, the barrel unit is severed at such predetermined location and the tub member is positioned therewithin such that the annular support flange engages the severed edge portion of the barrel unit. The tub member may also include a fluid outlet to drain the waste water from the melted ice which will accumulate therein, and drain tubing can be provided and attached to conduct the waste water from the tub member to a suitable location exterior the assembly.