US 2007/0164058 A1 · Pouring apparatus for carbonated beverages in bottles

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus which, when inserted into the neck of a bottle, facilitates the dispensing of carbonated beverages such as soda, beer and sparkling wines. The invention does so in a manner that prevents spillage of a carbonated beverage, while retaining the gas that gives the beverage its “fizz” within the bottle into which the beverage was originally placed. The cap valve, which creates a water tap inside the bottleneck maintains a secure seal that prevents material from escaping, even if the contents are under pressure. The cap functions like a faucet that opens or closes upon rotation. In the open state it regulates outflow and has structural safeguards to prevent accidental removal from the bottleneck. To put a secure seal on the bottle, the cap presses against the double neck outlet with its valve that has a gasket. Between the end of the moving part that directs the flow in the double neck and the inside of the cap exists a locking space, which enables the valve to securely cover the double neck outlet upon application of pressure by the cap on the bottle, thus impeding outflow. When the cap is unscrewed from the bottle, the valve frees the double neck outlet, creating a passageway that enables outflow of the container's contents. If the bottle contains carbonated liquids, the best method for pouring involves holding the container in such a way that its bottom is higher than the cap and the liquid covers the valve. Because liquid is heavier than gas, only liquid will flow through the cap's open valve. The rest of the gas will remain in the container. This will markedly improve the quality of carbonated soft drinks or similar products. There are added optional features to enable a user to drink directly from the bottle by utilizing: (1) a cone like cup or (2) a tube and nipple configuration.

Claims15

Dependent claims

The principle behind the invention described here is simple. An apparatus is placed inside the neck of a bottle which contains a carbonated beverage. This apparatus allows the beverage to be dispensed as desired, while retaining most of the pressurized gas inside the bottle. This allows the beverage to retain its “fizz” from the time the first sip is consumed until the last sip is consumed.

The apparatus is cylindrical in shape, and comprises a cylinder and a piston. In the practice of the invention, the piston is attached to a cap, which is fitted onto the bottle by means known in the conventional art. FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of the invention in use, while the bottle is closed, holding the beverage inside. Cap 1 sits on top of Bottle 8 in the usual manner, the inside threads of Cap 1 engaging the outside threads on Bottle 8. The visible difference between the present invention and a conventional soda bottle is Opening 12, located at the top of Cap 1. In the practice of the invention, the beverage is expelled from Bottle 8 through Opening 12. FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, through a specific diameter of the top of Cap 1. Piston 2 and Cap 1 are fixedly attached to each other in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit formed by Piston 2 and Cap 1 is moveable with respect to the cylindrical chamber in the neck of Bottle 8, as Cap 1 is loosened or tightened to open or close Bottle 8. At the bottom of Piston 2 (so designated because it is located closer to the bottom of Bottle 8 than is any other portion of Piston 2) is Valve 3. Valve 3 opens or closes during the operation of the invention, to either prevent or allow the beverage inside Bottle 8 to be poured from Bottle 8. Gasket 4 forms a bumper at the bottom end of Piston 2, to provide a tight seal when it is desired that the beverage and pressurized gas remain inside Bottle 8. Tube 5 is T-shaped and forms a path through which the beverage can be dispensed from Bottle 8, when desired. Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5 runs from the top of Piston 2, where it contacts Opening 12 in Cap 1, to a point slightly above the bottom of Piston 2. At that point, it connects to Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5. Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5 extends along the diameter of Valve 3, and has horizontally-oriented openings at each end of Valve 3. Valve 3 is the bottom portion of Piston 2, and is narrower than the main body of Piston 2. It should be noted that FIG. 1b shows a view along the particular diameter of Piston 2, which shows Horizontal Component 5b as perpendicular to Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5.
The cylindrical opening in the neck of Bottle 8 is shown as a separate component in FIG. 2. In the practice of the invention, it is mounted inside the neck of a beverage bottle (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) at the mouth of the bottle, or the bottle itself is manufactured with a cylindrical chamber as described. Opening 11 and is located at the center of the end (top) wall of the cylinder, and concentrically with the cylinder. Side Wall 16 goes all the way around the cylinder, and Ring Gasket 19 ensures a tight fit between the cylinder and the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Flange 17, located at the bottom edge of the cylinder, contacts the bottle at its opening and prevents the cylinder from being forced down into the bottle. Therefore, Flange 17 must be wider than the opening at the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 sits on the underside of Flange 17 and forms a ring around Side Wall 16, abutting Flange 17 as mentioned. In the practice of the invention, Gasket 18 is placed between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 forms a seal between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle containing the beverage to be stored. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Gasket 18 prevents carbonated liquid from escaping between the Side Wall 16 (the outer wall of the cylinder) and the inside surface of the neck of the bottle into which the invention is placed. In this invention, the length of the valve structure is made slightly longer then the cylinder depth into which it is inserted. This slightly longer valve structure is designed to push against the cylinder bottom, through Gasket 4, which causes the entire cylinder assembly to be seated fully into the bottle so that Gasket 18, through Flange 17 (see FIG. 4), can seal properly and prevent the escape of carbonated liquid. This effectively leaves a small gap between Cap 1 and the top of Flange 17 through which there is no escape possible of the pressurized carbonated liquid or its gas.
The prototype of the invention is made of polyethylene, although any sufficiently rigid plastic to hold its shape under the pressure exerted by the gas in the bottle will suffice. The measurements of the components in the prototype are also not critical, but they help to describe the operating principle of the invention in practice. Variations on the measurements described that do not impair the functioning of the invention and comport with current practice in the bottling industry are acceptable. In the prototype, the inside diameter of the cylinder is 12 mm and the outside diameter is 16 mm. Opening 5c is 1.5 mm wide and 4 mm long. Flange 17 overhangs the outside diameter of the cylinder by 6 mm.
FIG. 3a shows an exterior view of Piston 2 as a separate component for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 along a specific diameter of Piston 2, which has been rotated 90 degrees from the view shown in FIG. 3a. In the practice of the invention, Piston 2 would be attached to Cap 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, T-shaped tube 5 is formed inside Piston 2. FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 in such a position that the horizontal component of the T-shaped tubular path is shown. The horizontal component of the tubular path runs across the lower portion of the piston and ends at Openings 20. Vertical component 5a of the tubular path is concentric with the piston and runs from the center of the horizontal component of the tubular path (which runs between Openings 20), to the top of Piston 2. The tubular path does not extend to the bottom surface of the piston. Instead, Bumper 4 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the piston. Piston 2 is narrower near the bottom than it is along the rest of its length, with the narrower portion designated as Valve 3. This allows the liquid to enter T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 after entering the cylinder through Openings 20. With Bumper 4 in position, Piston 2 acts like a valve. In “open” position, the liquid can flow into the cylinder, into T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 through Openings 20, through Tubular Path 5 in Piston 2, and out of the bottle through Opening 11 and Opening 14 in Cap 1. In “closed” position, neither the liquid nor the pressurized gas can escape into the inside of the cylinder, because Bumper 4 at the end of Piston 2 prevents such passage. Additionally, Gasket 19 can further ensure a tight fit between the outside of Piston 2 and the inside of the cylinder during the pouring operation, although Gasket 19 is optional. A flange, located at the top of Piston 2, is the same width as Flange 17 on the cylinder. In the practice of the invention, the flange on Piston 2 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of Cap 1 (shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, but not in FIGS. 3a and 3b). This allows the opening and closing of the apparatus by loosening or tightening Cap 1. When Cap 1 has been sufficiently unscrewed to allow liquid to pass through the cylinder and Piston 2, the liquid passes through Opening 12 at the top of Cap 1 and out of the bottle.
FIG. 4 shows the components of the invention together, with the cap screwed tightly onto the bottle in “closed” position. Bottle 8 is shown right-side-up, since Cap 1 is tightened for continued storage of the beverage within Bottle 8. Except for Opening 12 in Cap 1, the assembly would look much like a conventional cap on a conventional soda bottle. Bottle flange 9 is in the same place as on conventional bottles. Bumper 4 forms a tight seal with the end wall of the cylinder, thereby covering Opening 11 and preventing the escape of any beverage or pressurized gas from Bottle 8. Valve 3, Bumper 4 and Horizontal Component 5a of Tube 5 are narrower than the main body of Piston 2, as shown by an annular empty space between those components and the inside of the cylinder wall.
FIG. 5 shows the same components, except that the cap has been loosened, in order to dispense the beverage. Bottle 8 is shown upside-down, since the opening through which the beverage is poured faces downward during the pouring operation. In FIG. 5, Cap 1 has been unscrewed about one turn from its position in FIG. 4. There is some empty space between the flanges on the cylinder and Piston 2, and the distance between the bottom edge of Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9 is greater than the distance between them as shown in FIG. 4. Cap 1 has not been removed, as is done in the conventional operation. Still, the bottle is “open” and the beverage can be poured into a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. The operation of unscrewing Cap 1 creates Compartment 7, between Opening 11 in the cylinder and Piston 2. Liquid flows from Bottle 8, through Opening 11, into Compartment 7, and into Tube 5 through Openings 5c. The liquid then flows through Horizontal Component 5a and Vertical Component 5b or Tube 5, through the opening at the end of Tube 5 and through Opening 14 in Cap 1, on its way into a glass or into the consumer's mouth.
The height of Piston 2 (from flange to tip) is greater than the depth of the cylinder. This assures tight closure between Bumper 4 and the end wall of the cylinder. This feature is necessary to keep the gas that carbonates the beverage from escaping from the bottle when the bottle is closed. In the practice of the invention, the user tightens Cap 1 in the customary manner. When Cap 1 is fully tightened, thereby tightly closing the bottle, Bumper 4 will sit snugly against the end wall of the cylinder and Opening 11. In the design of the invention, extra space is provided between Flange 17 of the cylinder and Cap 1, to accommodate the entire height of Piston 2. This way, the seal between the cylinder and Piston 2 is always tight when the bottle is closed, and no gas can escape.
In the prototype of the invention, the outside diameter of Piston 2 is 12 mm, except at the lower portion, Valve 3, where is it 11 mm. Total length of Piston 2 is 10 mm in the prototype, although this measurement is not critical. It is critical, however, that the length of Piston 2 below the flange be greater than the length of the inside chamber of the cylinder. Horizontal component 5a of T-shaped tube 5 measures about 1 mm in diameter, while Vertical Component 5b measures approximately 1.5 mm in diameter. The flange on Piston 2 is sufficiently wide to fit within the inside diameter of Cap 1. These components can be glued or otherwise joined together by any means known in the conventional art.
In the practice of the invention, the consumer of the beverage in question unscrews Cap 1 to access the beverage inside the bottle. This process occurs in the conventional manner, as Inside Threads 51 on Cap 1 are moved along complimentary outside threads (not shown) on the bottle containing the beverage. Only enough rotational motion to allow the beverage to pass through openings in all three components is needed. This action moves the apparatus from the “closed” position shown in FIG. 4 to the “open” position shown in FIG. 5.
Assuming the consumer wishes to pour the beverage into a glass, he or she turns the bottle containing the beverage upside-down over the glass and loosens Cap 1. Bumper 4 then becomes separated from the “top” surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 1, forming a chamber for the reception of the beverage. The pressure of the carbon dioxide or other gas present in the bottle and the gravity, forces the beverage through Opening 11, in Cylinder 16, into the newly-opened chamber in Cylinder 16, through the T-shaped tube in Piston 2, out of the bottle through Opening 12 in Cap 3, and into the glass (not shown). Using the same method, the consumer could also dispense the beverage directly into his or her mouth. When a sufficient amount of beverage has been dispensed, the consumer twists Cap 1 in the opposite direction to close the system, bringing Bumper 4 into contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 16 and cutting off the path through which the beverage would otherwise escape from the bottle. The pressurized gas is also prevented from escaping and kept inside the bottle until dispensing of more of the beverage is desired.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described. The descriptions of the preferred embodiment show an apparatus that could be added to plastic soda bottles during manufacture. A version for removable retrofitting the apparatus into a bottle after initial opening can also be manufactured. In this embodiment, a separate cylinder is a discrete component, separately manufactured. This cylinder is placed inside the throat of a bottle. A cap is force-fitted onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. Inside threads on the cap unit engage outside threads on a piston unit, with a point of opening and closing on the cylinder unit. It is expected that this embodiment will be used primarily on glass bottles used to store such beverages as beer and sparkling wine. The description of this embodiment assumes that the bottle in which the beverage is sold contains a flange, rather than screw threads, at its mouth. While this retrofitted device may not be as effective in ultimately keeping as much gas in the bottle as a similar structure added during manufacture, it will still keep more gas in the bottle than is feasible with conventional bottle caps.

8 more elements

FIGS. 6-10 show this embodiment of the invention as three components;

a cylindrical bottle throat, a piston rotatably engaging a bottle cap, and the cap unit itself. In this embodiment, the bottle and cap do not have complimentary inside and outside threads that engage each other. Instead, an indentation in Cap 61 receives Flange 63, which is part of Bottle 60 and allows free rotation of Cap 61 on Bottle 60. Cylinder 62 fits snugly inside the neck of Bottle 60 and contains a flange at its top to prevent it from falling inside Bottle 60. In the operation of the invention, Cylinder 62 is placed inside the neck of Bottle 60 and Cap 61 is forced onto the top of the neck of Bottle 60, until Flange 63 at the mouth of Bottle 60 mates securely with Slot 63A on Cap 61 allowing the cap to still rotate without falling off. Cap 61 has an opening at the center of its top surface, which allows room for Tube 64. Tube 64 is a part of the piston assembly that fits inside Cylinder 62. Inside Threads 65 on Cap 61 compliment Outside Threads 66, which are located on Tube 64. FIG. 6 shows these threads. Shank 68 is mounted at the center of Piston 67, and is solid, although spacers provide an opening between the bottom of Piston 67 and the top of Shank 68. Extending below Shank 68 is Tip 69, which extends through Opening 70 in the center of the bottom wall of Cylinder 62. FIGS. 7 and 10 show the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68 joining with Canal 5 on the center of Tube 64 and Piston 67, and the Opening 70 on the bottom wall of Cylinder 62 combine to form a continuous pathway along which the beverage travels when it is poured from Bottle 60 as shown on the FIG. 10. The cylindrical component is similar to that in the embodiment of the invention described previously, and a washer is located at the bottom of Shank 68 to ensure a tight fit between the Cylinder 62 and the bottom surface of Shank 68, when the bottle is “closed” and the beverage and pressurized gas are prevented from escaping. FIG. 7 shows the invention in “closed” position. Cap 62 has been rotated until Shank 68 has been lowered sufficiently to form a tight seal with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Tip 69 extends through and below Opening 70 in the center of Cylinder 62, but the seal between Shank 68 and Cylinder 62 prevents the beverage or gas from escaping. The flange of Cylinder 62 must be sufficiently wide to overlap Bottle 60 at its mouth (including the width of the structure of the bottle itself). In other respects, the cylinder and piston are similar to those in the first-described embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows a detail of Tip 69 in end view. The “up and down” movement of Piston 67 in turn causes Tip 69 to move in the same manner. To eliminate any rotational motion, Tip 69 has an “H” or “I” cross-section in this embodiment. Tip 69 fits through Opening 70 in Cylinder 62. In this embodiment, Opening 70 is square. In the practice of the invention, dimensions are not critical. Opening 70 and the cross-section of Tip 69 can be rectangular, or they can be any other noncircular shape. FIG. 9 also shows the cross-section of Tip 69 and Opening 70, as seen from the lower portion of Bottle 60 with the bottom cut on.
FIG. 10 shows this embodiment of the invention, when the bottle is “open” for dispensing the beverage inside. Before opening Cap 61 by rotating it, Bottle 60 should be first turned upside-down, the proper position for dispensing the beverage. Cap 61 is rotated in an opening direction and this moves Piston 67 and Shank 68 toward the mouth of Bottle 60, thereby breaking the seal formed by the washer at the end of Shank 68 and the end wall of Cylinder 62. Shank 68 does not come into contact with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Instead, the beverage flows through Opening 70 and around Tip 69, into Chamber 71. From there, it flows into the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68, into Canal 5 on the center of Piston 67 and Tube 64, and out of Bottle 60. The seal between Piston 67 and Cylinder 62 prevents the escape of fluid during the pouring operation except where it is intended. Rotating Cap 61 in the opposite direction again closes Bottle 60 after the beverage has been poured.
In this embodiment, Cap 61 is different from Cap 1 in the previously-described embodiment. It is designed to be force fit onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. The design allows for the bottle to be filled with a beverage before the apparatus is inserted or it can be filled through the apparatus after it has been inserted. The unit described in this embodiment is intended to replace the cap that originally formed part of the bottle. In the operation of the invention, the consumer opens the bottle in the conventional manner (probably with a bottle opener) and immediately presses the apparatus comprising the invention in a downward direction on the top of the beverage bottle, making sure that the apparatus locks into place on the bottle. The invention is then used as described. When the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed, the consumer can pull the apparatus out of the bottle and use it on another bottle, in the same manner.
While this particular embodiment is used with traditional bottles with pressure-fit caps, it is also possible to use this retrofitted apparatus with bottles that are made with screw-mounted caps but cylinder has to be like described on the FIG. 35 with the flange (like 63) instead of thread. The apparatus described as the preferred embodiment of the invention can be sold as a separate unit for retrofitting onto bottles with screw-mounted caps and used in the same manner.
The primary advantage of the embodiment of the invention in which the features of the “cylinder” are built into the bottle during manufacture is cost savings. For plastic bottles, which are widely used for soda, the cylinder-like features described could be added to the neck of the bottle during the injection molding process. This would be the only modification that would be made to the bottle during manufacture. It is expected that it would be less expensive to manufacture bottles in this manner than to manufacture the cylinder in the previous embodiment as a separate part.
In the practice of the invention, bottles can be made of plastic as practiced in the conventional art, glass, ceramic or metal. While the expected primary application for the invention is in the field of beverage manufacture, the anti-spill feature of the invention also makes it useful for packaging of hazardous liquids, such as cleaning fluids. While such liquids would not be packed under gas pressure, they could be packed in squeezable plastic bottles or metal cans for releasing a stream of liquid when desired. The spill-preventing feature of this invention renders it suitable for these applications.

4 more elements

An optional feature of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 11 through 14 (a, b and c). This feature is a siphon-like arrangement that is added to the apparatus that comprises the basic invention, which otherwise remains the same. FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of this embodiment in operation with the bottle closed and the beverage inside it remaining there for storage. Outlet Tube 39 extends below Opening 12 in Cylinder 16, toward the bottom of Bottle 8 and in such a position that all or essentially all of the liquid in Bottle 8 passes through it. Outlet Tube 39 is held in place within the cap assembly by Locking Ring 37 and Dummy 38. Hose 36 is attached to Valve Tube 35. Optional Shield 49 is attached to Bottle 8 by a band (shown on FIG. 50) that wraps around Bottle 8. Holding Ring 51 holds Tube 39 in a fixed position, so the stream of liquid passing through Tube 39 can be directed toward a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. Gasket 4 ensures a tight seal between Piston 2 and Valve Tube Opening 11. Space 20 is small, since Cap 1 is screwed tightly onto Bottle 8. Valve Tube 35 is closed;

Valve Tube Opening 11 is in contact with Gasket 4, which forms a seal between it and Valve 3.
FIG. 12 shows the same view of the same embodiment, but the bottle has been opened to allow the beverage to be discharged through Outlet Tube 39. The other structural components are the same, except that Cap 1 has been opened. This is shown by the enlargement (compared to FIG. 11) of Space 20 between Cap 1 and Cylinder Flange 17, as well as the greater distance between Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9. It should be noted that Cylinder 16 remains in the same position as in FIG. 11, as shown by Flange 17, Cylinder Gasket 18 and Sealing Rings 19 remaining in the same position that they occupy in FIG. 11. Rotating Cap 1 raises Piston 2 and its associated components, as well as the siphon assembly, relative to the bottle and cylinder assembly. The beverage stored in Bottle 8, pushed by gas, then travels through Siphon Tube 36 and Valve Tube 35, and into a compartment within Cylinder 16. From there, it travels upwardly through Outlet Tube 39 and into a glass (not pictured) presumably located below the outlet of Outlet Tube 39.
FIG. 13 shows a detail of the siphon tube and the means for maintaining it in position within the cap assembly. Siphon tube extends through Opening 12 of Plug 38, which is held in place on Piston 2 (not shown) by Locking Ring 37. These components are pictured as a one-piece unit, although they need not be manufactured that way. However, the one-piece unit can be easily injection molded, and will add strength to Outlet Tube 39 in use.
FIGS. 14a, b and c show details of the structure of Locking Ring 37. In FIG. 14a, it is shown as an annular extension of Plug 38. FIG. 14b shows Locking Ring 37 abutting a small, recessed channel in Piston 2. Alternatively, as pictured in FIG. 14c, Annular Mortise 42 abuts the recessed channel in Piston 2 and holds Plug 38 in place. Restraining Plate 49, which is securely attached to the bottle, prevents the rotation of siphon tube 39 during the rotational opening and closing of the cap.
In the operation of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer holds Cap 1 and turns Bottle 8 in such a manner as to unscrew Cap 1. The pressure of the gas in Bottle 8 pushes the beverage through Siphon Tube 36, through the rest of the system, and out through Outlet Tube 39. The stream of liquid coming form Outlet Tube 39 is then directed toward its intended place. The process is reversed for cutting off the further flow of liquid.

2 more elements

FIGS. 16 through 18 (a, b and c) show an alternate embodiment, featuring a wider opening in the neck of the bottle and in the cap than is present in the first described embodiment. This embodiment is particularly useful for providing the consumer with a cap assembly that allows drinking directly from the bottle. Opening 12 is wider than its counterpart in the first described embodiment of the invention, thereby forming a drinking chamber. An additional feature is a safeguard against accidental spilling. FIG. 16 shows this embodiment, in cross section taken along a diameter, when the bottle is closed and the beverage is stored inside the bottle. Opening 12 in the center of Cap 1 and Opening 11 in the center of the neck of Bottle 8 are shown as larger than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 is shown as molded as part of Cap 1, although any other method of fixedly attaching Piston 2 to Cap 1 that is known in the art is also suitable. Consequently, Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are larger in diameter than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention.

Gasket 4 forms a tight seal against the opening Throat 11 of Bottle 8 when Cap 1 is fully seated, thereby keeping the beverage and pressurized gas inside Bottle 8. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Space 21 is simply a small annular space between Valve 3 of Cap 1 and the Bottle Neck. Gap 20 is also formed at that time. A difference between this embodiment and the first described embodiment is the use of Passages 5, which are in the area located between Valve 3 and the bottom of the wall of Piston 2. The entire cap is constructed as one integral unit and is comprised of the outer Cap 1, Piston 2, the bottom Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 which are channels into Opening 12. The circumference of Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 is slightly smaller in diameter than the circumference of Piston 2. Passages 5 are spaced evenly along the circumference of their respective area. The beverage will flow through Gasket 4, through Space 21 through Passages 5 and into Opening 12 when the bottle is opened. Due to the structure of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can rotate Cap 1 to open the bottle to allow a small amount of the beverage into Opening 12 whereupon the consumer can continue to drink directly from the bottle through Opening 12.
FIG. 17 shows a similar view of this embodiment, except the bottle has been opened for release of the beverage inside. Cap 1 has been rotated in order to loosen it. Locking Space 20 is larger, and Safeguard 6 engages Flange 9 on the neck of Bottle 8. The operation of the safeguard feature will be described later. Gasket 4 (which is attached to the end of Valve 3) is now separated from Opening 11, in the neck of Bottle 8. This opens Compartment 7, for the reception of the beverage to be discharged from Bottle 8. Space 21 is contiguous with the rest of Compartment 7 and forms part of it. The beverage and pressurized gas that had been stored inside Bottle 8 travels through Opening 11, into Compartment 7 and into Space 21 (which is annular in shape). The beverage then travels through Holes 5 into Opening 12 in Cap 1, and out of the bottle.
A safeguard feature is added in this embodiment of the invention to prevent accidental opening of the bottle and escape of the gas that carbonates the beverage stored therein. Although this safeguard feature is described with this particular embodiment of the invention, it can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments described here. The central component of this feature is Safeguard Ring 6. Safeguard Ring 6 and its operation are shown in detail in FIGS. 18 a, b and c. These figures show Safeguard Ring 6 in cross section, and it should be remembered that it is a modified cylinder. At one end is annular Lip 6a, and at the other end is smaller cylindrical Surface 6b. Safeguard Ring 6 is pivotally attached at or near the circle that constitutes its central diameter to Extension Ring 1a, which forms a part of Cap 1.
FIG. 18a shows Safeguard Ring 6 as oriented when Bottle 8 is closed, as shown in FIG. 16. Safeguard Ring 6, Extension Ring 1a and Cap 1 are shown here as a single, molded unit. In the practice of the invention, any means for keeping these components together is suitable. Inside threads on Cap 1 engage outside threads on Bottle 8 in the usual manner. Safeguard Ring 6 engages Bottle Flange 9 at a point between Lip 6a and the pivot point where Safeguard Ring 6 is attached to Extension Ring 1a, which forms part of Cap 1. In order to rotate Cap 1 for the purpose of opening (removing Cap 1) or closing Bottle 8, the consumer pinches Surface 6b at two points diametrically opposite each other. FIG. 18b shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 during this operation, although the consumer's fingers are not pictured. Safeguard Ring 6 has pivoted about the pivot point where it connects with Extension Ring 1a, and it no longer comes into contact with Bottle Flange 9. The consumer then rotates Safeguard Ring 6, thereby rotating Cap 1, to which it is fixedly attached. For the purpose of this illustration, it is assumed that the consumer has opened the bottle and removed the cap. FIG. 18c shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 when Bottle 8 is open. It is a detail of Safeguard Ring 6 as shown in FIG. 17. Safeguard Ring 6 now engages Bottle Flange 9, at annular Lip 6a. Lip 6a is located at the end of Safeguard Ring 6, and acts to prevent Safeguard Ring 6 from moving beyond contact with Bottle Flange 9. This limits the rotation of Cap 1 when Bottle 8 is opened.

1 more element

An alternate structure for a piston assembly is shown in FIGS. 19-24. In this embodiment, a number of evenly-spaced plates provide structural support for the piston. FIG. 19 shows the cap and piston assembly cut along the plane of a plate that forms two oppositely-oriented ribs. FIG. 20 shows the same assembly cut along a different plane, so a chamber for holding liquid is shown. From FIG. 19, it can be seen that the plates (including Plate 14, as shown) and Cap 1 form a single, molded unit. This assembly contacts both the inner surface of the neck of the bottle and the screw threads on the outer surface of the neck of the bottle. In the description provided here, three such plates are placed 60 degrees apart, so there are six ribs to hold the cap and piston assembly in its proper place. The exact number of ribs or plates is not critical to the invention. The piston assembly is the same as previously described, and is located at the apex of the plate containing Ribs 14 and the other plates, as well. Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are the same as in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 in this embodiment is not solid, but is comprised or a cylinder and the plates that provide lateral support for it, including the plate that contains Ribs 14. Gasket 33 sits at the top edge of the cylindrical wall of Piston 2, to allow a tight fit with the cylinder (not shown). This keeps the pressurized gas for escaping when the during the beverage is discharged. FIG. 20 shows a similar view, along a different plane. The space inside the wall of Piston 2, between Ribs 14 connects with Tubes 5a, thru Openings 5 which lead into Opening 12. These spaces form the path used for discharge of the beverage when the bottle is opened and the beverage is poured out of the bottle.

FIG. 19a shows this structure in cross-section, with the bottle closed. FIG. 19b show the same structure, with the bottle open, ready for discharging the beverage. Features not described specifically with this embodiment are the same as described with the first described embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19c shows a detail of Piston wall 2, with Gasket 33 attached to it.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are transverse sectional views of the cap and piston assembly. FIG. 21 is taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19, near the top of Cap 1. Piston wall 2 is contiguous with Ribs 14, extending from Piston Wall 2, toward the center of the assembly. Six ribs (three plates) are shown here, but the number of ribs is not critical to the operation of the invention. Ribs 14 do not extend to the center of the assembly, since the location is close to the top of Cap 1 and Opening 12 is located there. FIG. 22 is taken along the line B-B, further from the top of Cap 1. Ribs 14 meet at the center, which is solid. Otherwise, the features are the same as in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 shows a view from the top of the bottle. Cap 1 covers most of the field of view, with Opening 12 in the center. The parts of Ribs 14 that are located near the center of the piston assembly can be seen. FIG. 24 shows a view of the Cap 1, from Valve 3. The features are otherwise the same as in other figures depicting this embodiment of the invention, although Passages 15 are also visible.

An optional feature can be added for ease of drinking the beverage contained in the bottle, especially soda. FIGS. 25 through 27 show this feature, which is an additional part that acts as a cup. This allows the consumer to drink directly and easily from the bottle, and especially useful for small, one-portion bottles of soda. FIG. 25 shows Cup 29, attached to and concentric with Cap 1. Cup 29 is shown as an extension to Cap 1, and it is expected that it would be manufactured as part of the cap assembly, which also includes the piston assembly. The structure of the piston assembly is similar to that shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, with the wide openings. Valve 3, Gasket 4 and Openings 11 and 12 are wide. FIG. 26 shows the same assembly, but Bottle 8 is open, for discharge of the beverage. Compartment 7 has been opened, and it is wider than in the first described embodiment of the invention. Perpendicular to Valve 3 and vertically oriented are Ribs 14, two of which are shown.

As shown, Cup 29 forms a single unit with Cap 1 and is in the shape of the frustum of a cone wider at the opening than at the cap end to allow one to drink more comfortably from the cup created. The inside surface of Cup 29 can be used for drinking the beverage inside the bottle. Rather than twisting Cap 1, as in conventional practice, the consumer of the beverage can twist Cup 29 to open and close the bottle for drinking purposes. As an additional feature, removable Lid 31 can be placed over the top of Cup 29. This feature is shown in FIG. 25. Lid 31 keeps the inside surface of Cup 29 clean and prevents spillage of any beverage that might be inside. Lid 31 also provides structural support for Cup 29 and helps to prevent breakage of Cup 29 until the beverage inside Bottle 8 is consumed.
FIG. 27 shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention that includes Cup 29, and with Lid 31 removed. Valve 3 can be seen at the center of the bottle. So can Openings 5, alternating with Ribs 14. Ribs 14 extend vertically, from Valve 3 and toward the top of Cap 1. Openings 5 are located between Ribs 14. When the consumer rotates Cap 1, the soda (or other beverage) inside the bottle travels through Compartment 7, around Valve 3 and Gasket 4, through Openings 5 between Ribs 14, into Opening 12 and further into Cup 29 to be consumed.

In addition, FIGS. 32 through 34 show a different assembly for preventing the total removal of the cap and piston assembly. FIGS. 32 through 34 are cross-sectional views showing various positions of Valve Stud 44. Opening 12 is narrow, and other features are the same as in previously described embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned here. Gasket 4 is located at the end of Valve Stud 44 and serves the usual purpose of providing a tight seal with Opening 11 in Bottle 8. Protruding Member 47 extends beyond Gasket 4 and into Opening 11. Its purpose is to help keep Valve Stud 44 centered within Opening 11 as the cap is removed or closed

FIG. 32 shows the same valve assembly as shown in FIG. 31, and with more structure added. Bottle 8 is shown, and two features are added. The first is a plurality of Reinforcing Plates 46, added to strengthen the neck area of Bottle 8. The second is a safeguard feature. Stopper 45 is attached to Stem 55, which extends from Protruding member 47, through Opening 11. Stopper 45 may be flat, it may have a round cross-section, it may consist of more than one flat member, or it may have any structure that prevents it from passing through Opening 11. In the present description of the invention, Stopper 45 is flat, with a triangular shape. FIG. 32 shows the assembly in place with the Bottle 8 closed and the beverage stored therein. Stem 55 and Stopper 45 are both inside the neck of Bottle 8.
FIG. 33 shows a view of the same assembly, with Bottle 8 open for discharging the beverage stored inside. Stopper 45 is in contact with the neck of Bottle 8, on the “inside” end of Opening 11. If Stopper 45 has a circular shape, it would completely cover Opening 11, and Cap 1 would have to be loosened to allow the beverage to escape from bottle 8. If Stopper 45 is flat, the beverage will travel around it, through Opening 11 and eventually out of Bottle 8. FIG. 34 shows a side view of the assembly. In that view, Stopper 45 is flat. Stem 55 extends through Opening 11, and the beverage will be discharged from Bottle 8.
It is also feasible to produce a cylinder assembly for retrofitting into a bottle containing a beverage. This embodiment is especially useful with glass bottles that hold beer or sparkling wine. This embodiment can also be used with glass soda bottles, however. It is expected that the bottle in which the beverage comes packed will have a pressure-fit cap that will be removed by the consumer prior to taking the first drink of the beverage. After that first drink has been poured, the consumer will press-fit the assembly that is described as this embodiment of the invention onto the upper part of the neck of the bottle, thus keeping the remaining beverage and pressurized gas inside the bottle, to be dispensed at a later time. This device can also be fiited to the bottle in the manufacturing or filling stages and used to control access to the contents of the bottle.

FIG. 35 shows the cylinder associated with this assembly. In effect, this part comprises a cylinder within a cylinder. Inner Cylinder 16 fits inside the throat of a bottle. The floor of Cylinder 16 is shaped the same as in previously described embodiments of the invention, and Opening 11 is located at its center. Rim 17 extends outwardly from Cylinder 16 in the same manner in which the cylinder flanges of previously described embodiments do. However, Rim 17 is sufficiently wide to cover the entire rim of the bottle onto which it will be placed. Outer Cylinder 24 extends downwardly from the outer edge of Rim 17, and contains outside threads. These threads replace those that are imparted onto bottles with “twist-off” caps during manufacture. Annular Mortise 43, located immediately below and “inside of” Rim 17 will receive the Flange 23 located at the mouth of the bottle onto which the assembly will be placed in the operation of the invention.

FIG. 36 shows the entire assembly, comprising Cap, Cylinder and Piston, in place on a bottle. Bottle 8 has a smooth-sided neck, which fits inside Annular Mortise 43 in the cylinder assembly. Cap 1 is wider than its counterpart in the other embodiments of the invention, because its inside threads must accommodate the width of the neck of Bottle 8, as well as Outside Cylinder 24, which contains outside threads to engage the inside threads on Cap 1. Otherwise, all features are the same as shown in previously described embodiments. In FIG. 36, Bottle 8 is closed, and the portion of the beverage that has not yet been consumed remains stored inside. FIG. 37 is a similar view, but with Bottle 8 open for dispensing more of the beverage. It should be noted that the operation of this embodiment of the invention is identical to that required for the other embodiments. When the rest of the beverage has been consumed, however, the assembly can be pulled away from the neck of the bottle. The assembly can be washed and reused, while the bottle will probably be discarded or returned for deposit.
It should be noted that the various embodiments and features described can be used in any combination, as long as that combination is feasible. For example, placing a cuplike extension to the bottle cap is not compatible with placing a nipple in the same location. However, either the cuplike extension or the nipple can be used with the siphoning feature. Either extension added to the cap (or the cap without an extension) can be used with either a narrow or wide opening in the neck of the bottle. The same is true for the siphoning feature.
The descriptions and embodiments of the invention contained here should be thought of as illustrative and not limiting. Other embodiments of the invention are also possible. Ribs running transversely from the center tube of Piston 2 to its outer wall can be used in construction, rather than making the piston out of a solid piece of plastic. A wider tube can be used in the invention for more viscous liquids than for water-based liquids. Other embodiments are possible and should be thought of as lying within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 41 and 42 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIGS. 38-40 with an additional feature, cap cover 74 added to bottle cap 1. Cap cover 74 has a central opening 72 and is placed on cap 1 to create an inner chamber 73 to direct flow of the carbonated beverage from holes 12 through inner chamber 73 out through opening 72.

FIG. 41 shows the apparatus in a closed position.
FIG. 42 shows the apparatus in an open position.
FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening 12 on bottle cap 1 and utilizes a bushing feature 75 to make it function like the previously described embodiment in FIG. 38. In FIG. 43 the bottle cap is in a closed position where the inner surface of bottle cap 1 presses against the cylindrical outer ring 76 which is a part of bushing 75. Gasket 4 seals against the bottle neck opening and the bottle neck wall thickness separates passages 5 from the inner volume of the bottle to prevent fluid escape. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion 2 is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threaded portion of bottle cap 1. The internal diameter of bottle cap 1 at the cylindrical portion 70 which is at the upper inner end of the cap is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threads on cap 1.
FIG. 44 shows this apparatus with the bottle in an inverted position for pouring with cap 1 in an opened position where the liquid can flow from the interior of the bottle through passages 5 to inner chamber 73 then exit through opening 12 in bottle cap 1.
The seal between piston 2 located on the bottle above the threads of bottle 8 and cylinder 70 inside the upper end of cap 1 above the cap threads prevent fluid from escaping the bottle through the threads when the cap is in this open position.
FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view of bushing 75 and gasket 4. Bushing 75, which is placed within bottle cap 1, has opening passages 5 placed around its outer circumference. The opening passages 5 are utilized in similar fashion to holes 12 in FIG. 38. It also shows gasket 4 that engages the bottle neck. Passages 5 and inner chamber 73 and the cylindrical outer ring 76 engage the inner top of cap 1.
FIG. 46 shows a view of bushing 75 only seen from the inside of cap 1 (not shown).
FIG. 47 shows a view of bushing 75 and gasket 4 superimposed on it seen from the bottle side (not shown).

5 more elements

FIG. 52 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where Cylinder 16 with its Outer Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17 is in a fully seated position held in place by the Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck. Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck is seated within the annular Ring Space 43 on Cylinder 24. Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a. The Threaded Portion 16a is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter to create Chamber 7 in Cylinder 16. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 that connect Chamber 7 with Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 seals Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 to prevent fluid flow through Passage 11. The only place where Cap 1 presses against Cylinder 16 is in the area of Valve Seat 4. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the Cylindrical Portion 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 has pressed seal against Cylinder 16. Cylinder 16 can be held in place with additional options (e.g. a wiring harness such as currently used on champagne bottles).

FIG. 53 is similar to FIG. 52 except that Cylinder 16 is held in place by threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.
FIG. 54 is similar to FIG. 53 except that it shows Cap 1 in an open position with Bottle 8 inverted. The beverage passes through Passage 11 into Chamber 7 through Radial Passages 5 into Outlet Passage 12 to exit the bottle. Piston 2 of Cap 1 engages with Cylinder 16 and prevents the escape of beverage past the threaded portion.
FIG. 55 shows a cross sectional view of Cylinder 16 with its Outer Threaded Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17. It shows the Threaded Inner Portion 16a which is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2 (not shown) of Cap 1. It also shows Passage 11 that opens into the bottle.
FIG. 56 shows Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a which is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a (not shown). The Threaded Portion 2a is larger in diameter than the Unthreaded Portion 2 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 (not shown) and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 which exit into Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 is designed to seal Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 (not shown) to prevent fluid flow. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the cylindrical portion of Piston 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 (not shown) so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 seals pressed against Cylinder 16 (not shown).
Bottle 8 can be originally manufactured in a manner that has the elements of this device already in place without the addition of Cylinder 16 later.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pouring apparatus for carbonated beverages in bottles

Life of this patent

Pouring apparatus for carbonated beverages in bottles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15