US 5,135,137 A · Simplified micro-gravity pre-mix package

Abstract

A package for dispensing a carbonated beverage pre-mix in the micro-gravity conditions of outer space comprises a rigid container, a collapsible bag affixed to the container, a valve in communication with the bag and a cap for enclosing the valve. Between the bag and rigid container, a space is defined in which pressurized gas is injected. The pressurized gas maintains the carbonation in solution during storage. Upon removal of the cap from the container, the pressurized gas is automatically vented from the space. The valve is then opened and the pre-mix can be sucked from the package by a consumer. An elastomeric spring in the valve will return the valve to a closed position when the valve is released and the cap may be replaced on the rigid container. While the pre-mix can be dispensed in the micro-gravity conditions of outer space, the package can be filled with the pre-mix on earth. First, the valve is opened and carbonated pre-mix is filled into the bag. The valve is then closed and the safety cap is screwed on the package. Finally, pressurized gas is injected in the space through a filling port which is then sealed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A package for dispensing a carbonated beverage pre-mix comprising:

a rigid container;
a collapsible bag disposed within the rigid container, said bag containing the pre-mix and a space being defined between the bag and rigid container, the space housing a pressurized gas for keeping the carbonated beverage pre-mix in solution;
means for affixing the bag to the container, said means for affixing having a passageway defined therein connecting said space to ambient environment outside the package;
a valve mounted in said means for affixing in fluid communication with the interior of said bag, said valve being movable between an open position and a closed position, pre-mix from the bag being dischargeable from said package when the valve is moved to the open position;
and
a safety cap for enclosing the valve, said cap being positioned adjacent the means for affixing and covering the passageway when the cap encloses the valve, said cap being removable for discharge of the pre-mix through the valve, the pressurized gas in the space being discharged in response to removal of the cap from the means for affixing, enabling subsequent discharge of the pre-mix from the collapsible bag when the valve is moved to the open position.

3 more elements

A method for dispensing a carbonated beverage pre-mix from a package in micro-gravity conditions of outer space, comprising the steps of:

providing a rigid container with a collapsible bag therein, said collapsible bag containing the pre-mix and a space being defined between the bag and rigid container, the space housing a pressurized gas;
maintaining the carbonated beverage pre-mix in the bag in solution by the pressurized gas in the space;
removing a cap from the rigid container to expose a valve in the rigid container, said valve being in fluid communication with the interior of said collapsible bag and being in a closed position, a pre-mix passageway in the valve being sealed when the valve is in the closed position;
venting the pressurized gas from the space in response to the step of removing the cap;
moving the valve from the closed to an open position after the step of venting to thereby open the pre-mix passageway;
and
discharging the carbonated beverage pre-mix from the collapsible bag through the open pre-mix passageway.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Simplified micro-gravity pre-mix package

Life of this patent

Simplified micro-gravity pre-mix package

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20