US3722756A - Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing effervescent beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for storing and dispensing effervescent beverages such as sparkling or effervescent wines and beverages for human consumption and the method of handling same. The apparatus includes a container having a head member engaged by peripheral edge portions of a resilient and distensible bladder having a web portion in engagement with one surface of the head member until a gas under a selected super atmospheric pressure is forced between the head member and the resilient member to expand same to receive a selected liquid under a pressure to fill the space in the bladder and expel the gas through a valve. The liquid is maintained under super atmospheric pressure during storage by the bladder and also during dispensing of the contents, a glass at a time, by opening a dispensing valve or spigot.

Description

Waited States ?atem n 1 Cranmer, Jr.

1 METHGD AND AP?ARATUS FOR STORING AND DISPENSING EFFERVESCENT BEVERAGES [76] Inventor: Roy A. Cramer, Jr., c/o Roycraft 1ndustries, 8100 Paseo, Kansas City, Mo.

[22] Filed: July 19, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 163,885

[52] US. Cl. ..222/212, 220/85 B, 222/3865 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 37/00 [58] Field of Search ...222/212, 386.5; 239/328, 330;

220/85 B, 85 TC 1 Mar.2'7,1973

Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Michael Mar Attorney-Claude A. Fishburn et al.

57 ABSTRACT Apparatus for storing and dispensing effervescent beverages such as sparkling or effervescent wines and beverages for human consumption and the method of handling same. The apparatus includes a container having a head member engaged by peripheral edge portions of a resilient and distensible bladder having a web portion in engagement with one surface of the head member until a gas under a selected super atmospheric pressure is forced between the head member and the resilient member to expand same to receive a selected liquid under a pressure to fill the space in the bladder and expel the gas through a valve. The liquid is maintained under super atmospheric pressure during storage by the bladder and also during dispensing of the contents, a glass at a time, by opening a dispensing valve or spigot.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 2,609,118 9/1952 Cattaneo ..220/85B 3,083,871 4/1963 Jepson 222/212X 3,158,296 11/1964 Cornelius ..220/8513 3,656,660 4/1972 Mueller ..222/212X 111 l l l 1 1'7 PATENTEUMARN m5 SHEET 1 BF 2 [UL III" II.

/6 I NVENTOR.

ay A Cramer' d,-

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AND DISPENSING EFFERVESCENT BEVERAGES The present invention relates to storing and dispensing of effervescent beverages and more particularly to a container anddispenser particularly adapted for use with sparkling or effervescent wines and beverages for human consumption.

Consumption and enjoyment of sparkling wines has heretofore been subject to quite a restrictive limitation, namely, that the sparkling wine must be kept bottled until the time of use and then all used in order to retain its sparkling quality, therefore, sales of sparkling wines by the glass in drinking establishments and restaurants have been substantially curtailed. Heretofore, in order to enjoy fresh sparkling wine, it was necessary to purchase it by the bottle, wherein the smallest available such bottle was a so-called split or one twentieth of a gallon.

The present invention contemplates containing and dispensing effervescent or sparkling beverages, such as wines and beverages containing gas, wherein the beverages are maintained under super atmospheric pressure during storing and dispensing thereof. Heretofore, the dispensing of effervescent or sparkling beverages and gas containing beverages by the single glass was impractical because opening a bottle of effervescent beverage requiring breaking of a seal releases the pressure and this permits bubbles of gas within the beverage to escape and even if the bottle is recapped, it is only a short period of time until the taste of the beverage lacks quality.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a dispenser container and a method of storing and dispensing effervescent or sparkling wines and other beverages by the individual glass without the risk that remaining wine in the container will turn flat or lose quality within a short time; to provide such a container having a pressurized distendable member for holding a quantity, such as a gallon or more of sparkling wines inert and which can be chilled and tapped to allow the sparkling wine or other effervescent beverage to flow evenly and unimpeded to a dispensing device thereby delivering such beverages in a desired quantity; to provide such a container and dispenser capable of withstanding pressures which are necessary to maintain the sparkling wines inert so as to retain freshness and sparkling quality; to provide such a dispenser container having operating parts thereof effective to insure a flow until complete evacuation of the container; to provide such a dispenser container involving a novel technique or method of filling, storing, dispensing, pressurizing and cleaning; and to provide such a method and a container which is sturdy in construction, positive in operation, durable in use, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary embodiment illustrating various objects and features of the liquid or beverage container and dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a liquid container and dispenser embodying features of the present invention with portions broken away to illustrate component parts thereof and shown in an in-use position for dispensing a selected liquid therefrom.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the liquid dispenser container in a position for filling with a gas and then with a selected liquid.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken on line 33, FIG. 2 and showing a resilient bladder in a collapsed or empty position prior to filling with the gas then liquid.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 3 except showing the resilient bladder being filled with the selectedliquid.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the bladder of the liquid container and dispenser in the inuse position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged'fragmentary sectional view showing clamping means for mounting of the resilient bladder on head member and adjacent an open end ofa shell member or housing to hermetically seal same together.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms that are different from those illustrative embodiments presented herein. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims actually defining the scope of this invention. In this regard, it is to be recognized that liquid dispenser containers, in accordance herewith, may be embodied in various forms and, furthermore, that such containers may be variously supported and shaped, however, the disclosure hereof is presented only as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate detailed structure.

ln the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a liquid dispenser container particularly adapted for use with champagne, cold duck, burgundy, and other sparkling or effervescent wines and beverages for human consumption. The liquid dispenser container 1 includes a head member 2 having peripheral edge portions thereof engaged by peripheral edge portions of a distensible resilient bladder 3 having a web portion 4 in engagement with one surface 5 of the head member 2, said web portion preferably being in prestressed condition to assure said web portion normally contacting said surface 5. The bladder is removably mounted on the head member 2 and when assembled is suitably sealed in a pressure tight relation whereby when the bladder is distended a chamber 6 is defined by the interior surface 7 of the bladder 3 and the surface 5 of the head member 2. Liquid or gas may be introduced into the chamber 6 through a valve controlled filling 8 secured in a bore 9 through the head member 2 preferably adjacent one side of the container. Gas under pressure may escape from the chamber 6 through a vent l0 controlled by a pressure relief valve 11 which is arranged to prevent any entry therethrough, to the chamber 6 and is loaded to permit escape of gas under a selected super atmospheric pressure.

The container 1 includes a shell member or housing 12 surrounding the resilient bladder 3 for protecting and confining same particularly when in an expanded or distended position and to form a shipable container. The illustrated shell memeber 12 has an end wall 13 and a side wall 14 extending from the end wall 13 and defining an open end adapted to be suitably secured to the head member 2. In the illustrated structure a flange 15 extends outwardly from the side wall 14 adjacent the open end of shell member 12 to provide a support for the head member 2 and the resilient bladder 3, as later described.

It is desirable that air within the shell member 12 be permitted to escape during distention or expansion of the resilient bladder 3, as later described. One or more vent ports 16 are provided in the shell end wall 13 to prevent pressure on an exterior surface 17 of the resilient bladder 3 which would tend to resist the expansion thereof and vary the flow of the liquid from the container 1 due to variations in pressures on the exterior surface 17 of the resilient bladder 3. V

The head member 2 is mounted in the open end of the shell member 12 to thereby close and support same. The form of connection may be any suitable structure to form a shipable container, however, the structure preferably permits ready disassembly for cleaning. in the illustrated structure, the head member 2 is a generally planar member having peripheral edges thereof engageable by peripheral edge portions of the resilient bladder3. The one surface of the head member 2 may be flat or level, however, it is desirable to effect substantially complete removal of the beverage, therefore, the one surface 5 may be slightly convex toward the web portion 4 of the bladder 3.

in the structure illustrated, the head member 2 has a flange 18 extending outwardly from a peripheral edge or edges 19 thereof to define a shoulder 20 facing the end wall 13 of the shell member or housing 12 to be engaged by peripheral edge portions of the resilient bladder 3 to form a fluid tight seal therebetween.

The resilient bladder 3 has a rim portion 21 extending from the periphery of the web portion 4 and defining an open end of the bladder 3 to be engageable with the peripheral edge 19 of the head member 2. A return flange 22 extends outwardly from the rim portion 21 and has one portion thereof engageable with the shoulder 20 defined by the flange 18 of the head member 2 and an other portion defines a recess 23 adapted to receive the flange extending outwardly from the side wall 14 of the shell member 12 for mounting the resilient bladder 3 and head member 2 on the housing 12, as later described.

It is desirable to provide means engageable with the resilient bladder 3 for mounting the peripheral edge portion thereof in hermetically sealing engagement with the peripheral edge of the head member 2 adjacent the open end of the shell member or housing 12. in the illustrated structure, a generally U or C-shaped band 24 is mounted on and extends around the periphery of the liquid dispenser container 1 to effect hermetically sealing engagement between the rim portion 21 of the resilient bladder 3 and the peripheral edge 19 of the head member 2. The U or C-shaped band 24 has spaced arm portions 25 and 26 engageable with the return flange 22 of the resilient bladder 3 and an exterior or end surface 27 of the head member 2. A

tightening clamp 28 has end portions mounted on opposite ends of the U or C-shaped band 24 whereby moving a handle 29 of a closed position effects tightening of the U or C-shaped band 24 about the shell member or housing 12 adjacent the open end thereof and effects clamping engagement of the rim portion 21 of the resilient bladder 3 between the side wall 14 of the shell member or housing 12 and the peripheral edge 19 of the head member 2.

The rim portion 21 of the bladder 3 is mounted on the peripheral edge 19 of the head member 2 to define a distensible variable space continually stressed to urge reduction of said space to substantially zero and maintain super atmospheric pressure on contents of said space. The flange 15 of the side wall 14 of the shell member 12 is mounted in the recess 23 in the return flange 22 and the band 24 is positioned with the arm positions 25 and 26 in engagement with the peripheral edge portions of the bladder 3 and the head member 2 and the handle 29 of the tightening clamp 28 is adjusted to effect clamping engagement between the peripheral edge portions of the bladder 3 and the head member 2. The shell member 12 establishes selected limits for the distention of the bladder 3 and a desired volume of the beverage therein. Air within the shell member 12 is permitted to escape through the vent ports 16 during the distention of the bladder 3 to thereby prevent pressure on the exterior surface 17 thereof above the super atmospheric pressure on the beverage within the bladder 3.

The bladder 3 is preformed and the web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 has a thickened portion 30 therein whereby the resilient bladder 3 is prestressed or stretched when the peripheral edge portion thereof and particularly the rim portion 21 of the bladder is in engagement with the peripheral edge 19 of the head member 2 whereby the web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 is movable into engagement with the one surface 5 of the head member 2 to thereby remove any space or chamber 6 between the resilient bladder 3 and the head member 2 to force substantially all of the selected liquid from said space or chamber 6.

A selected gas, such as nitrogen, is communicated between the web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 and the one surface S of the head member 2. The gas is under a selected pressure sufficient to distend or expand the resilient bladder 3 toward the end wall 13 and side wall 14 of the shell member or housing 12. In the illustrated structure, the valve controlled fitting 8 includes a valve 31 preferably operative to selectively permit flowing of the gas or liquids through the head member 2, as later described.

The valve 31 mounted on the head member 2 is operative for selectively communicating a selected liquid, such as sparkling or effervescent wines and beverages for human consumption, into and from the chamber 6. The valve 11 is a one way gas escape valve or pressure relief valve having operating parts thereof adjusted to preventescape of the gas when the pressure is above the selected opening pressure. The valve 11 acts as a check valve to prevent entry of air therethrough into the chamber 6.

The resilient bladder 3 should have a good memory and expand three or more times the size of the web portion 4 when in engagement with'the one surface 5. The.

resilient bladder 3 should also be inert to the selected beverage, therefore, a molded white rubber, injectionmolded butyrate, neoprene, or the like is employed to provide a chemically inactive material which imparts no taste to the wine or beverage. It is desirable that all fittings and valve surfaces contacted by the sparkling wine or beverage be stainless steel or other corrosion resistant and chemically inert to the beverage.

In using a container and dispenser, constructed as illustrated and described, the component parts thereof are suitably sterilized and the shell member or housing 12 is supported on the end wall 13 with the head member 2 above the end wall 13. It is preferred that all air be eliminated in the beverage receiving space and this is accomplished by introducing a gas with the chamber 6. A suitable gas conduit, shown in broken lines in FIG. 3, is connected to the valve 31 and and the selected gas, such as compressed nitrogen at a selected pressure is introduced into the container 1 between the web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 and the one surface 5 of the head member 2 to thereby distend or expand the resilient bladder 3. The gas conduit is removed and a suitable liquid conduit 32 is connected to the valve 31. The beverage is then introduced into the chamber 6 under pressure. During introduction of the selected beverage into the distended or expanded resilient bladder 3, the gas therein is expelled outwardly through the escape valve 11 until the space or chamber 6 between the web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 and the one surface 5 of the head member 2 is filled with the selected beverage. The liquid conduit 32 is removed and the container 1 may then be stored or shipped to a place of use as said container 1 is of suitable strength and shape for shipping. When at a point of use the container 1 is inverted and then supported on a suitable pad 33. The dispenser container 1 and beverage therein is preferably refrigerated to a temperature between twenty-four degrees Fahrenheit and twenty-eight degrees Fahrenheit (24 F. to 28 F.) to thereby maintain the sparkling wine fresh and retain a high degree of effervescence. A spigot 34 is connected to the two way valve 31 and when a control 35 is adjusted to position the two-way valve 31 to permit a desired quantity of the beverage to flow through a flow line 36 and into a suitable receptacle, such as a wine or champagne glass 37, the resilient bladder 3 retracts or collapses to urge the beverage through the two way valve 31 and the flow line 36. The bladder 3 is operative to maintain a super atmospheric pressure on the beverage at all times. There is pressure on any beverage in the chamber 6 until it is empty. The web portion 4 of the resilient bladder 3 moves into engagement with the one surface 5 of the head member 2 to thereby remove substantially all the selected beverage. The container and dispenser l is then suitably sterilized by moving the handle 29 to an open position to permit removing of the U or C-shaped band 24 and thereby removal of the head member 2 and resilient member 3 from the shell member or housing 12. The resilient bladder 3 is removed from the head member 2 and all the components are suitably cleaned and sterilized and re-assembled for reuse.

it is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent A liquid dispenser container comprising:

.a distensible resilient bladder having an open end;

.a substantially rigid head member;

. means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member with a fluid tight seal to define a variable chamber therebetween;

means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member;

e. means for removing gas from the chamber between said bladder and head member during introducing the selected liquid, said means for removing gas permitting flow in only one direction thereby preventing flow therethrough into said bladder, said bladder retaining the selected liquid under super atmospheric pressure and permitting selective dispensing of same,

f. valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn;

. means for introducing a gas under a selected pressure between said bladder and said head member to distend said bladder.

A liquid dispenser container comprising:

a distensible resilient bladder having an open end;

a substantially rigid head member;

means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member with a fluid tight seal to define a variable chamber therebetween;

. said head member being a generally planar member having one surface in facing relation with said bladder;

c. said bladder has a web portion in facing relation with the one surface of said head member;

f. means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member;

means for removing gas from the chamber between said bladder and head member during introducing the selected liquid, said means for removing gas permitting flow in only one direction thereby preventing flow therethrough into said bladder, said bladder retaining the selected liquid under super atmospheric pressure and permitting selective dispensing of same;

. valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn;

i. said bladder being pre-formed in size to have the web portion thereof normally movable into engagement with the one surface of said head member to remove the space therebetween and force substantially all the selected liquid from said space.

. A container as set forth in claim 2 including:

a. a shell member enclosing said bladder and defining a space into which said bladder may be distended to thereby confine same when distended to contain a desired volume of the selected liquid; and

. vent means in said shell member to permit escape of air from said shell member during distention of said bladder to thereby prevent pressure on an exterior surface thereof.

4. A container as set forth in claim 3 including means for introducing a gas under a selected pressure between the web portion of said bladder and the one surface of said head member to distend said bladder.

. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

. said one surface of the head member is convex toward the web portion of said bladder; and

. said web portion of said bladder has a thickened portion therein.

. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

. said head member has peripheral edge portions engageable by said bladder;

. said bladder has peripheral edge portions defining the open end thereof and engageable with the peripheral edge portions of said head member; and

. said bladder is preformed and sized to have the web portions thereof stressed when the peripheral edge portions thereof are mounted on the peripheral edge portions of said head member whereby said web portion of said bladder is in engagement with the one surface of said head member except when distended.

. A container as set forth in claim 3 wherein said means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and said head member includes parts operative for the introducing a gas under a selected pressure between web portion of said bladder and the one surface of said head member to distend said bladder.

. said means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member includes a clamp member extending around the periphery of the container and having portions movable in to clamping engagement with said portions of said head member and the peripheral edge portions of said bladder for effecting sealed engagement between portions of said head member and said bladder;

. said removable bladder and said head member being separable to effect disassembly of the container to permit cleaning and sterilizing the components thereof upon removal of said clamp means;

means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member;

i. means for removing gas from the chamber between 9. beverages comprising:

i valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn.

A method of storing and dispensing effervescent providing a distensible variable space continually stressed to urge reduction of said space to substantially zero;

. introducing a selected effervescent beverage into said space;

. retaining the beverage within said space and maintaining super atmospheric pressure on the beverage and absence of air in said space while any beverage remains therein;

. selectively dispensing the beverage from said space without introduction of air into the beverage within said space;

. introducing a gas under pressure into said space to distend same;

. confining said space within selected limits to establish a desired volume of the beverage; and

. permitting escape of air from the selected limits during distention of said space to thereby prevent pressure on said space above the super atmospheric pressure on the beverage within said space.

Claims (9)

1. A liquid dispenser container comprising: a. a distensible resilient bladder having an open end; b. a substantially rigid head member; c. means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member with a fluid tight seal to define a variable chamber therebetween; d. means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member; e. means for removing gas from the chamber between said bladder and head member during introducing the selected liquid, said means for removing gas permitting flow in only one direction thereby preventing flow therethrough into said bladder, said bladder retaining the selected liquid under super atmospheric pressure and permitting selective dispensing of same, f. valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn; g. means for introducing a gas under a selected pressure between said bladder and said head member to distend said bladder.

2. A liquid dispenser container comprising: a. a distensible resilient bladder having an open end; b. a substantially rigid head member; c. means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member with a fluid tight seal to define a variable chamber therebetween; d. said head member being a generally planar member having one surface in facing relation with said bladder; e. said bladder has a web portion in facing relation with the one surface of said head member; f. means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member; g. Means for removing gas from the chamber between said bladder and head member during introducing the selected liquid, said means for removing gas permitting flow in only one direction thereby preventing flow therethrough into said bladder, said bladder retaining the selected liquid under super atmospheric pressure and permitting selective dispensing of same; h. valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn; i. said bladder being pre-formed in size to have the web portion thereof normally movable into engagement with the one surface of said head member to remove the space therebetween and force substantially all the selected liquid from said space.

3. A container as set forth in claim 2 including: a. a shell member enclosing said bladder and defining a space into which said bladder may be distended to thereby confine same when distended to contain a desired volume of the selected liquid; and b. vent means in said shell member to permit escape of air from said shell member during distention of said bladder to thereby prevent pressure on an exterior surface thereof.

4. A container as set forth in claim 3 including means for introducing a gas under a selected pressure between the web portion of said bladder and the one surface of said head member to distend said bladder.

5. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said one surface of the head member is convex toward the web portion of said bladder; and b. said web portion of said bladder has a thickened portion therein.

6. A container as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said head member has peripheral edge portions engageable by said bladder; b. said bladder has peripheral edge portions defining the open end thereof and engageable with the peripheral edge portions of said head member; and c. said bladder is preformed and sized to have the web portions thereof stressed when the peripheral edge portions thereof are mounted on the peripheral edge portions of said head member whereby said web portion of said bladder is in engagement with the one surface of said head member except when distended.

7. A container as set forth in claim 3 wherein said means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and said head member includes parts operative for introducing a gas under a selected pressure between the web portion of said bladder and the one surface of said head member to distend said bladder.

8. A liquid dispenser container comprising: a. a distensible resilient bladder having an open end; b. a substantially rigid head member; c. means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member with a fluid tight seal to define a variable chamber therebetween; d. said head member has peripheral edge portions engageable by said bladder; e. said bladder has peripheral edge portions defining the open end thereof and engageable with portions of said head member; f. said means for securing the open end of said bladder on said head member includes a clamp member extending around the periphery of the container and having portions movable in to clamping engagement with said portions of said head member and the peripheral edge portions of said bladder for effecting sealed engagement between portions of said head member and said bladder; g. said removable bladder and said head member being separable to effect disassembly of the container to permit cleaning and sterilizing the components thereof upon removal of said clamp means; h. means for introducing a selected liquid between said bladder and head member; i. means for removing gas from the chamber between said bladder and head member during introducing the selected liquid, said means for removing gas permitting flow in only one direction thereby preventing flow therethrough into said bladder, said bladder retaining the selected liquid under super atmospheric pressure and permitting selectiVe dispensing of same; and j. valve means operative for selectively drawing liquid from said chamber which reduces in size in accordance with the volume withdrawn.

9. A method of storing and dispensing effervescent beverages comprising: a. providing a distensible variable space continually stressed to urge reduction of said space to substantially zero; b. introducing a selected effervescent beverage into said space; c. retaining the beverage within said space and maintaining super atmospheric pressure on the beverage and absence of air in said space while any beverage remains therein; d. selectively dispensing the beverage from said space without introduction of air into the beverage within said space; e. introducing a gas under pressure into said space to distend same; f. confining said space within selected limits to establish a desired volume of the beverage; and g. permitting escape of air from the selected limits during distention of said space to thereby prevent pressure on said space above the super atmospheric pressure on the beverage within said space.

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