CA2084170A1 - Carbonation device - Google Patents
Carbonation deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2084170A1 CA2084170A1 CA002084170A CA2084170A CA2084170A1 CA 2084170 A1 CA2084170 A1 CA 2084170A1 CA 002084170 A CA002084170 A CA 002084170A CA 2084170 A CA2084170 A CA 2084170A CA 2084170 A1 CA2084170 A1 CA 2084170A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- passage
- container
- cap
- pressurized gas
- piston
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
- B65B31/047—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper the nozzles co-operating with a check valve in the opening of the container or wrapper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
- B01F23/2361—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages within small containers, e.g. within bottles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
- B01F23/2376—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media characterised by the gas being introduced
- B01F23/23762—Carbon dioxide
- B01F23/237621—Carbon dioxide in beverages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
- B01F33/501—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use
- B01F33/5014—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use movable by human force, e.g. kitchen or table devices
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In a device for carbonating beverages including, a housing presenting a passage, a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to the housing at one end of the passage, and a beverage container releasably engageable with the housing at another end of the passage, a valve associated with the passage, and a switch for activating the valve to control the communication of pressurized gas from the CO2 container through the passage to the beverage container, and a pressure regulator for reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas from the CO2 container to the beverage container. The CO2 container and beverage container are disposed at an acute angle.
In a device for carbonating beverages including, a housing presenting a passage, a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to the housing at one end of the passage, and a beverage container releasably engageable with the housing at another end of the passage, a valve associated with the passage, and a switch for activating the valve to control the communication of pressurized gas from the CO2 container through the passage to the beverage container, and a pressure regulator for reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas from the CO2 container to the beverage container. The CO2 container and beverage container are disposed at an acute angle.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an appliance which uses C2 gas to carbonate beverages. These rype of devices are commonly termed as carbonatiun units.
Background of Invention Various types of carbonation units are known. One type available, although commercially unsuccessful, requires various dry ingredients, that are dissolved in water to forrn CO2 gas by chemical reactions so as to carbonate the water. The disadvantages of this type of unit includes messiness of working with a number of chemicals, residuals left from the chemical reactions, and the inconvenience of the required procedures. I~xamples of such prior art are described and illustrated in Canadian Patents Nos, 1,168,086; 1,160,893; 1,025,272; 1,025,272; and 1,004,591 to mention a select few.
Another type of carbonation unit uses small C2 canisters, which are suitable for a single charge, but then need to be replaced. l~xamples of such units include U.S. Patents No. 2,805,846, dated September 10, 1957, granted to Dewan for a '~evice for Carbonating Beverages;" and U.S. Patents No. 4,2æ,972, dated September 16, 1980, granted to Caldwell for a "Method and Means for Carbonating Liquids in Situ."
Many other single charge cartridge systems are known to exist, but their functionability is limited, due to the requirement of constantly needing ~o replace the CO, c_ter.
. ~ ,"
The present invention relates to an appliance which uses C2 gas to carbonate beverages. These rype of devices are commonly termed as carbonatiun units.
Background of Invention Various types of carbonation units are known. One type available, although commercially unsuccessful, requires various dry ingredients, that are dissolved in water to forrn CO2 gas by chemical reactions so as to carbonate the water. The disadvantages of this type of unit includes messiness of working with a number of chemicals, residuals left from the chemical reactions, and the inconvenience of the required procedures. I~xamples of such prior art are described and illustrated in Canadian Patents Nos, 1,168,086; 1,160,893; 1,025,272; 1,025,272; and 1,004,591 to mention a select few.
Another type of carbonation unit uses small C2 canisters, which are suitable for a single charge, but then need to be replaced. l~xamples of such units include U.S. Patents No. 2,805,846, dated September 10, 1957, granted to Dewan for a '~evice for Carbonating Beverages;" and U.S. Patents No. 4,2æ,972, dated September 16, 1980, granted to Caldwell for a "Method and Means for Carbonating Liquids in Situ."
Many other single charge cartridge systems are known to exist, but their functionability is limited, due to the requirement of constantly needing ~o replace the CO, c_ter.
. ~ ,"
-2- 208~17~
Moreover, United States Patent No. 1,958,938 discloses another carbonation unit while, United States Patent No. 4,999,140 illustrates a carbonator for gasifying liquid having an injsclion p~sag~ closed by a one-way non-return valve.
Increasing interest in home carbonation systerns has resulted in a number of units utilizing more substantial CO2 gas cylinders, with the capacity for carbonating a much larger volume of liquids. Examples of such systems in the prior art include U.S.
Patent No. 4,481,986, dated November 13, 1984, issued to Meyers for a '~e~hod and Apparatus for Making Carbonated Beverages;" and U.S. Patent No. 4,927,569, dated May 22, 1990, granted to Robinson for a "Carbonation Apparatus With CO2 Injection Into Serving Vessel." Although this art overcomes many of the difficulties inherent in much of its prior art, there are nevertheless a number of disadvantages associated, among which can be included a leaking bottle-cap, a sticking bottle-cap, and a unit prone to lcakageduetoineffirlontscaling.
It is an object of this invention to provide a carbonation device that can handle a range of beverage vessels, from 500 millilitres to 2 litres. It is a further object of this invention to provide a device having improved and increased safety controls.
' 20 The broadest aspect of this invention provides a device for carbonating beverages including: a housing presenting a passage means; a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to said housing at one end of said passage means; a beverage container releasably engageable with said housing for communication with another end of said passage means; valve means associated with said passage means;
means for activating said valve means for controlling the communication of pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said passage means to said beverage container; pressure regulating means for reduc;ng the pressure of said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a device for activating the release of pressurized gas from a CO2 container to a beverage container so as to carbonate said beverage, said activating device including: a switch moveable between 10 a first and second position; a first passage communicating with a second passage disposed at an obtuse angle relative said first passage; a first piston disposed within said first passage; a second piston disposed within said second passage; wherein said first piston moves within said first passage so as to engage and move said second piston towards said C2 container within said second passage for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container when said switch is moved to said first position and wherein said first and second pistons move aware from said C2 container to stop the release of pressurized gas from said C2 container when said switch is in said second position.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a cap for sealing the end of a beverage container to be carbonated by the release of pressurized gas from a nozzle having a valve, said cap including: thread means at one end of said cap for releasable securement to said beverage container; cavity means at another end of said cap for sealingly receiving and engaging said nozzle; cap passage means between said ~ 4 ~ 208417~
cavity means and said thread means; stem means disposed within said cavity means for engaging said valve to release said pressurized gas through said nozzle through said cap passage means into said beverage container when said cap engages said nozzle;
diaphragm valve means disposed within said cap passage means and moveable between an: open position when said pressurized gas opens said diaphragm valve when said stem engages said valve for releasing said pressurized gas through said cap passage means; and a closed position when said pressure of pressurized gas in said beverage container equals or exceeds the pressure of said gas in said CO2 container.
The axis of the C2 vessel and the bottle are at an acute angle with each other to allow for a unique, more compact design.
:~
Description of Drawings These and other objects and features shall now be described in relation to the following drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the carbonation device.
20 Figure 2 is a full cross-sectional view of the carbonation device.
Figure 3 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view of the cap and nozzle.
. ~ ' , Figure 4 is a full cross-sectional view of the cap.
`"~ 208~i7~
- s -Figure S is a view of the portal exits.
Description of the Invention Like parts have like numbers throughout the figures. Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown, a carbonation device or unit 1 comprises of a C2 vessel 2 which contains and supplies C2 gas to a second vessel 24 which holds the beverage to be carbonated.
The housing 3 includes a passage generally depicted as S. Moreover, the device 1 includes a switch 16, valve 4, a pressure regulator 18, and a bottle-cap 22 with a valve mechanism. The unit 1 includes a housing 3 which is adapted to receive the C2 :
container 2 and beverage container 24 in a manner to be more fully described herein.
~ ~ ' More specifically, the C2 canister 2 has a pressure release valve 4 ~
(constituted in accordance with prior art teachings) is inserted into housing 3 by turning ~ ~;
the vessel 2 by hand until tight into a threaded entry port 6, which is constructed of brass, plastic, or other suitable material. The pressure release valve 4 has a pin 7 which, ~ -when depressed, releases the CO2 gas out of the vessel 2.
The passage S communicates with the high pressure CO2 container 2 at one end 9 thereof. Another end 17 of the passage 5 presents an opening which communicates with the beverage container 24 in a malmer to be described herein. More .. . . .. ..... .. .
l x~
- 6 - 2~17~
particularly, the passage S specifically includes a first passage 11 and a second passage 13. The second passage 13 is disposed at an obtuse angle relative the first passage 11.
i The first passage 11 is adapted to slidingly receive a first piston 12 therein while the second passage 13 is adapted to slidingly receive a second piston 10 therein. ~ ~-~, ~ `', ,' ,,.
.J The opposite end of pistons 11 and 13 are rounded so as to assist in the -smooth operation of the movement of said parts to be described herein.
~" ~
10The second piston 10 is adapted to contact pin 7 of valve 4. One end of the first piston 12 is adapted to contact an end of the second piston 10 as best illustrated ;
in figure 3 while another end of the first piston 12 is adapted to contact the switch mèchanism 16.
,;
The switch mechanism 16 comprises of switch handle 40which pivots about pivot point 42. The svv~tch 16 also includes a cammed surface 44 which is adapted to contact an activator plunger 46 which is threadly received at one end of the first passage 11 as best illustrated in figure 5. More particularly, the handle 40 of switch 16 is adapted to move between a first or open position whereby the cammed surface bears against the ' 20 plunger 46 so as to move the first piston lZ within the first passage 11 towards the second piston 10 within the second passage 13 so as to bear against the pin 7 and thereby release pressurized gas from the CO2 container '~. Furthermore, the handle 40 is ;.adapted to move in a second or closed position whereby the pin 7 pushes against the .., second piston 10 which then pushes against the first piston 12 to shut off the low of !~
,:
~`
~7~ 2~84170 ,j~ pressurized gas. The pin 7 is biased so as to close the release of pressurized gas from ;;' the CO2 container. Moreover, the plunger 46 also carries a spring around the outside periphery thereof as best seen in Figure 3 which is adapted to urge the plunger and the first piston 11 towards the cammed surface 44 particularly when the carbon dioxide cannister is spent.
,;.,, The first piston includes a pair of O-rings retained within appropriate grooves so as to seal the escape of pressurized gas past the switch 16.
~ 10 Moreover, the circumferential surface of first and second pistons 12 and ~i 10 include grooves so as to permit the passage of pressurized gas thereabouts. The ~¦ grooves 15 in the first piston 12 start from the region adjacent the second piston 10 and ~¦ terrninate in the region adjacent the O-rings 14 as best illustrated in figure 3 The ~, pistons 10 and 12 are dimensioned so as to freely slide within their respective passages, -~ but also dimensioned so as to leave as small a space as possible to the escape of `
` pressurized gas. ~ ~
,., More particularly second piston 10 engages first piston 12 at an obtuse ;; angle. Both pistons are free to travel back and forth along their axis, with means of ' 20 allowing the CO2 gas to travel along their lengths. The first piston 12 also engages an :, external switch 16, which, when activated, moves the first piston 12 which in turn moves . piston 1() to then open the pin in the valve 4 to allow the release of the CO2 gas. ~he switch 16 is securely attached-to the unit to prevent the gas pressure to force it away .
~ from the unit.
.,;
,~ ,,,~...
` - 8 - 2~841~Q
~ ,; .
Partly along the length of piston 12, but before the 0-rings 14, an opening , 17 is placed, such that the gas is perrnitted to travel to a pressure regulator 18 (of prior ~ `
art) which will reduce the CO2 pressure of about 1700 p.s.i. within the CO2 vessel 2, to ~ :~
;~ the unit operating pressure of about 90 p.s.i.
"~ , ~,."
~i The passage S is defined by the co-operation of the grooves in second ~1 piston 10 and second passage 13 plus the grooves 15 in first piston 12 and first passage 11. One end 9 of the passage 5 is adjacent the CO2 container and the other end or opening 17 is adjacent the pressure regulator 18. The pressure regulator 18 includes a ~.~ 10 stem 21 having a groove 23 which cornmunicates with the opening 17 to permit the ~ passage of pressurized gas to the nozzle 20.
Beyond the pressure regulator 18 is nozzle 20 which contains a normally closed pressure valve 27, used as a safety control, to prevent any gas release if the switch 16 is depressed, without a bottle and cap are placed on the nozzle 20. Inside the nozzle 20 a plunger 29 protrudes from the inner valve mechanism, but does not protrude from the nozzle 20, to prevent accidental opening of the valve. The nozzle 20 is also encircled by double 0-rings 31 to ensure an air-tight fit between the nozzle 20 and a bottle-cap æ.
.
?.
' 20 The pressure regulator 18 operates in a manner well known to the art and ~ consists of a spring 33 which reduces the pressure of the pressurized gas referred to above.
'.
,.
' . ~ .
,'' ' 9 2~84~7~
~;
f,' The cap 22 closes the vessel 24 which contains the beverage to be carbonated. The vessel 24 may be a plastic bottle ranging in volume from 500 millilitres to 2 litres. The cap æ comprises of a fur-her valve mechanism for allowing the CO2 gas ; .
.
¢ to enter the bottle 24, while preventing its escape or that of the beverage from the bottle in a manner to be described herein.
,,.,, , -:
The bottle-cap 22 consists of a plastic one-piece moulded un~t which has a cavity or concave top 35, into which the nozzle 20 may be inserted. A stem 38 is located within cavity 35 which serves to depress the valve 27 in the nozzle 20 once the bottle 24 with cap 22 is inserted onto the nozzle 20. This serves to open the nozzle valve ~:! 27, allowing CO2 gas to enter the cap 22, but of course is prevented from exiting the $
system by means of the 0-rings on the nozzle 20. The CO2 gas thus exerts pressure on a check valve system 40 vwithin the bottle-cap 22, opening it, forcing the gas to enter the vessel 24, via at least one conduit or cap passage 42 to at least one portal exit 44, then through a simple rubber membrane valve systern or diaphragm valve 46. The diaphragm valve is moveable between an open position whereby the pressurized gas opens the valve .~ and a closed position. In the arrangement shown in figures 4 and S there are four portal exits 44 ...
:
' 20 The cap design allows the C2 gas to experience a violently turbulent interaction with the liquid inside the vessel 24, causing the carbonation of the beverage;
which occurs provided that the vessel 24 with cap 22 engages the nozzle 20, and the ~;
~i switch 16 causes pistons 12 and 10 respectively to open the pin inside the valve 4 on the ,.~, ,~ CO2 vessel 2.
.,,, :' , .i, ' ' ' '~' lO - 2~8417 0 The present carbonation unit further comprises of a lid 26, means for covering the internal workings and the C2 vessel 2, a hinge 32 which connects the lid 26 to the unit body 34. Inside the body 34 is a reservoir 30 which collects any liquid, should any ever essape from the bottle 24, and a storage space 28 for bottlecaps.
The majority of the components, where possible, are preferably made of hard resilient plastic which can be moulded. Such material is sufficiently strong for these purposes, but also fairly inexpensive to manufacture. However, the various components could also be made of other materials, such as certain metals, but this would tend to 10 increase the production costs of the units.
..
The features of this invention include: no leakage problems; no sticking of the bottles onto the nozzle; capability of handling various sizes of bottles, primarily the sizes of 500 millilitres, 1 litre, and 2 litres; a large CO2 vessel to offer a carbonation capacity of at least 200 litres of beverage; ease and simplicity of operation; the ability to make a consistent high quality drink. Safety controls of this invention include two mechanisms to control the release of the CO2 gas: firstly, the bottle with the cap must be engaged on the nozzle, opening the valve inside the nozzle; secondly, the switch must be activated, which through the two pistons opens the pin inside the valve on the C2 20 vessel. Another safety control is the fact that the pin inside the valve on the CO2 vessel is only open when the unit is in use; thus, there is never any high pressure inside the system when the unit is not in use. A further safety control is the pressure regulator, which ensures that the pressures which the beverage bottle is subjected are always at a , ~ .
`` 2o8~l7o controlled level. Finally, the design of the bottlecap prevents the escape of gas or liquid from the bottle.
Although only a single embbdiment of the present inYention has been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the clairns.
Accordingly, the invention described herein consists of a device or unit for carbonating beverages comprising a one-piece moulded unit which connects at an obtuse 10 angle a high pressure CO2 gas vessel to a sealed vessel containing the beverage to be carbonated, through at least one valve mecharism, a switching mechanism, and a pressure regulator. The switching mechanism comprises of two pistons, free to travel to and for along their long axes, which connect a switch to a valve on the high pressure C2 vessel, opening this valve upon closing of the switch. The sealed bottle has a bottle~cap which allows the CO2 gas to enter into the bottle when the bottle with cap is place onto the unit and the switch is engaged, but prevents the gas or liquid to escape the bottle.
This results in an extremely safe, very effective and exceedingly simple means for carbonating beverages inside a range of different bottle sizes.
Accordingly, the invention described herein provides the following advantages, namely: no leakage problems; substantially no sticking of the bottles;
capacity of at least 200 iitres; capability of handiing various sizes of bottles, prirnarily the sizes of 500 millilitres, 1 litre, and 2 litres; ease and simplicity of operation; increased safety features; and the ability to make a consistent high quality drink. The present . , invention delivers all of these benefits, and more, in a very cost-effective to the sonsumer unit.
Although the preferred embodiment as well as the operation and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings, it should be understood that variations in the preferred embodiment could be achieved by a person skilled in the trade without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed herein.
Moreover, United States Patent No. 1,958,938 discloses another carbonation unit while, United States Patent No. 4,999,140 illustrates a carbonator for gasifying liquid having an injsclion p~sag~ closed by a one-way non-return valve.
Increasing interest in home carbonation systerns has resulted in a number of units utilizing more substantial CO2 gas cylinders, with the capacity for carbonating a much larger volume of liquids. Examples of such systems in the prior art include U.S.
Patent No. 4,481,986, dated November 13, 1984, issued to Meyers for a '~e~hod and Apparatus for Making Carbonated Beverages;" and U.S. Patent No. 4,927,569, dated May 22, 1990, granted to Robinson for a "Carbonation Apparatus With CO2 Injection Into Serving Vessel." Although this art overcomes many of the difficulties inherent in much of its prior art, there are nevertheless a number of disadvantages associated, among which can be included a leaking bottle-cap, a sticking bottle-cap, and a unit prone to lcakageduetoineffirlontscaling.
It is an object of this invention to provide a carbonation device that can handle a range of beverage vessels, from 500 millilitres to 2 litres. It is a further object of this invention to provide a device having improved and increased safety controls.
' 20 The broadest aspect of this invention provides a device for carbonating beverages including: a housing presenting a passage means; a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to said housing at one end of said passage means; a beverage container releasably engageable with said housing for communication with another end of said passage means; valve means associated with said passage means;
means for activating said valve means for controlling the communication of pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said passage means to said beverage container; pressure regulating means for reduc;ng the pressure of said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a device for activating the release of pressurized gas from a CO2 container to a beverage container so as to carbonate said beverage, said activating device including: a switch moveable between 10 a first and second position; a first passage communicating with a second passage disposed at an obtuse angle relative said first passage; a first piston disposed within said first passage; a second piston disposed within said second passage; wherein said first piston moves within said first passage so as to engage and move said second piston towards said C2 container within said second passage for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container when said switch is moved to said first position and wherein said first and second pistons move aware from said C2 container to stop the release of pressurized gas from said C2 container when said switch is in said second position.
It is yet another aspect of this invention to provide a cap for sealing the end of a beverage container to be carbonated by the release of pressurized gas from a nozzle having a valve, said cap including: thread means at one end of said cap for releasable securement to said beverage container; cavity means at another end of said cap for sealingly receiving and engaging said nozzle; cap passage means between said ~ 4 ~ 208417~
cavity means and said thread means; stem means disposed within said cavity means for engaging said valve to release said pressurized gas through said nozzle through said cap passage means into said beverage container when said cap engages said nozzle;
diaphragm valve means disposed within said cap passage means and moveable between an: open position when said pressurized gas opens said diaphragm valve when said stem engages said valve for releasing said pressurized gas through said cap passage means; and a closed position when said pressure of pressurized gas in said beverage container equals or exceeds the pressure of said gas in said CO2 container.
The axis of the C2 vessel and the bottle are at an acute angle with each other to allow for a unique, more compact design.
:~
Description of Drawings These and other objects and features shall now be described in relation to the following drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the carbonation device.
20 Figure 2 is a full cross-sectional view of the carbonation device.
Figure 3 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view of the cap and nozzle.
. ~ ' , Figure 4 is a full cross-sectional view of the cap.
`"~ 208~i7~
- s -Figure S is a view of the portal exits.
Description of the Invention Like parts have like numbers throughout the figures. Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown, a carbonation device or unit 1 comprises of a C2 vessel 2 which contains and supplies C2 gas to a second vessel 24 which holds the beverage to be carbonated.
The housing 3 includes a passage generally depicted as S. Moreover, the device 1 includes a switch 16, valve 4, a pressure regulator 18, and a bottle-cap 22 with a valve mechanism. The unit 1 includes a housing 3 which is adapted to receive the C2 :
container 2 and beverage container 24 in a manner to be more fully described herein.
~ ~ ' More specifically, the C2 canister 2 has a pressure release valve 4 ~
(constituted in accordance with prior art teachings) is inserted into housing 3 by turning ~ ~;
the vessel 2 by hand until tight into a threaded entry port 6, which is constructed of brass, plastic, or other suitable material. The pressure release valve 4 has a pin 7 which, ~ -when depressed, releases the CO2 gas out of the vessel 2.
The passage S communicates with the high pressure CO2 container 2 at one end 9 thereof. Another end 17 of the passage 5 presents an opening which communicates with the beverage container 24 in a malmer to be described herein. More .. . . .. ..... .. .
l x~
- 6 - 2~17~
particularly, the passage S specifically includes a first passage 11 and a second passage 13. The second passage 13 is disposed at an obtuse angle relative the first passage 11.
i The first passage 11 is adapted to slidingly receive a first piston 12 therein while the second passage 13 is adapted to slidingly receive a second piston 10 therein. ~ ~-~, ~ `', ,' ,,.
.J The opposite end of pistons 11 and 13 are rounded so as to assist in the -smooth operation of the movement of said parts to be described herein.
~" ~
10The second piston 10 is adapted to contact pin 7 of valve 4. One end of the first piston 12 is adapted to contact an end of the second piston 10 as best illustrated ;
in figure 3 while another end of the first piston 12 is adapted to contact the switch mèchanism 16.
,;
The switch mechanism 16 comprises of switch handle 40which pivots about pivot point 42. The svv~tch 16 also includes a cammed surface 44 which is adapted to contact an activator plunger 46 which is threadly received at one end of the first passage 11 as best illustrated in figure 5. More particularly, the handle 40 of switch 16 is adapted to move between a first or open position whereby the cammed surface bears against the ' 20 plunger 46 so as to move the first piston lZ within the first passage 11 towards the second piston 10 within the second passage 13 so as to bear against the pin 7 and thereby release pressurized gas from the CO2 container '~. Furthermore, the handle 40 is ;.adapted to move in a second or closed position whereby the pin 7 pushes against the .., second piston 10 which then pushes against the first piston 12 to shut off the low of !~
,:
~`
~7~ 2~84170 ,j~ pressurized gas. The pin 7 is biased so as to close the release of pressurized gas from ;;' the CO2 container. Moreover, the plunger 46 also carries a spring around the outside periphery thereof as best seen in Figure 3 which is adapted to urge the plunger and the first piston 11 towards the cammed surface 44 particularly when the carbon dioxide cannister is spent.
,;.,, The first piston includes a pair of O-rings retained within appropriate grooves so as to seal the escape of pressurized gas past the switch 16.
~ 10 Moreover, the circumferential surface of first and second pistons 12 and ~i 10 include grooves so as to permit the passage of pressurized gas thereabouts. The ~¦ grooves 15 in the first piston 12 start from the region adjacent the second piston 10 and ~¦ terrninate in the region adjacent the O-rings 14 as best illustrated in figure 3 The ~, pistons 10 and 12 are dimensioned so as to freely slide within their respective passages, -~ but also dimensioned so as to leave as small a space as possible to the escape of `
` pressurized gas. ~ ~
,., More particularly second piston 10 engages first piston 12 at an obtuse ;; angle. Both pistons are free to travel back and forth along their axis, with means of ' 20 allowing the CO2 gas to travel along their lengths. The first piston 12 also engages an :, external switch 16, which, when activated, moves the first piston 12 which in turn moves . piston 1() to then open the pin in the valve 4 to allow the release of the CO2 gas. ~he switch 16 is securely attached-to the unit to prevent the gas pressure to force it away .
~ from the unit.
.,;
,~ ,,,~...
` - 8 - 2~841~Q
~ ,; .
Partly along the length of piston 12, but before the 0-rings 14, an opening , 17 is placed, such that the gas is perrnitted to travel to a pressure regulator 18 (of prior ~ `
art) which will reduce the CO2 pressure of about 1700 p.s.i. within the CO2 vessel 2, to ~ :~
;~ the unit operating pressure of about 90 p.s.i.
"~ , ~,."
~i The passage S is defined by the co-operation of the grooves in second ~1 piston 10 and second passage 13 plus the grooves 15 in first piston 12 and first passage 11. One end 9 of the passage 5 is adjacent the CO2 container and the other end or opening 17 is adjacent the pressure regulator 18. The pressure regulator 18 includes a ~.~ 10 stem 21 having a groove 23 which cornmunicates with the opening 17 to permit the ~ passage of pressurized gas to the nozzle 20.
Beyond the pressure regulator 18 is nozzle 20 which contains a normally closed pressure valve 27, used as a safety control, to prevent any gas release if the switch 16 is depressed, without a bottle and cap are placed on the nozzle 20. Inside the nozzle 20 a plunger 29 protrudes from the inner valve mechanism, but does not protrude from the nozzle 20, to prevent accidental opening of the valve. The nozzle 20 is also encircled by double 0-rings 31 to ensure an air-tight fit between the nozzle 20 and a bottle-cap æ.
.
?.
' 20 The pressure regulator 18 operates in a manner well known to the art and ~ consists of a spring 33 which reduces the pressure of the pressurized gas referred to above.
'.
,.
' . ~ .
,'' ' 9 2~84~7~
~;
f,' The cap 22 closes the vessel 24 which contains the beverage to be carbonated. The vessel 24 may be a plastic bottle ranging in volume from 500 millilitres to 2 litres. The cap æ comprises of a fur-her valve mechanism for allowing the CO2 gas ; .
.
¢ to enter the bottle 24, while preventing its escape or that of the beverage from the bottle in a manner to be described herein.
,,.,, , -:
The bottle-cap 22 consists of a plastic one-piece moulded un~t which has a cavity or concave top 35, into which the nozzle 20 may be inserted. A stem 38 is located within cavity 35 which serves to depress the valve 27 in the nozzle 20 once the bottle 24 with cap 22 is inserted onto the nozzle 20. This serves to open the nozzle valve ~:! 27, allowing CO2 gas to enter the cap 22, but of course is prevented from exiting the $
system by means of the 0-rings on the nozzle 20. The CO2 gas thus exerts pressure on a check valve system 40 vwithin the bottle-cap 22, opening it, forcing the gas to enter the vessel 24, via at least one conduit or cap passage 42 to at least one portal exit 44, then through a simple rubber membrane valve systern or diaphragm valve 46. The diaphragm valve is moveable between an open position whereby the pressurized gas opens the valve .~ and a closed position. In the arrangement shown in figures 4 and S there are four portal exits 44 ...
:
' 20 The cap design allows the C2 gas to experience a violently turbulent interaction with the liquid inside the vessel 24, causing the carbonation of the beverage;
which occurs provided that the vessel 24 with cap 22 engages the nozzle 20, and the ~;
~i switch 16 causes pistons 12 and 10 respectively to open the pin inside the valve 4 on the ,.~, ,~ CO2 vessel 2.
.,,, :' , .i, ' ' ' '~' lO - 2~8417 0 The present carbonation unit further comprises of a lid 26, means for covering the internal workings and the C2 vessel 2, a hinge 32 which connects the lid 26 to the unit body 34. Inside the body 34 is a reservoir 30 which collects any liquid, should any ever essape from the bottle 24, and a storage space 28 for bottlecaps.
The majority of the components, where possible, are preferably made of hard resilient plastic which can be moulded. Such material is sufficiently strong for these purposes, but also fairly inexpensive to manufacture. However, the various components could also be made of other materials, such as certain metals, but this would tend to 10 increase the production costs of the units.
..
The features of this invention include: no leakage problems; no sticking of the bottles onto the nozzle; capability of handling various sizes of bottles, primarily the sizes of 500 millilitres, 1 litre, and 2 litres; a large CO2 vessel to offer a carbonation capacity of at least 200 litres of beverage; ease and simplicity of operation; the ability to make a consistent high quality drink. Safety controls of this invention include two mechanisms to control the release of the CO2 gas: firstly, the bottle with the cap must be engaged on the nozzle, opening the valve inside the nozzle; secondly, the switch must be activated, which through the two pistons opens the pin inside the valve on the C2 20 vessel. Another safety control is the fact that the pin inside the valve on the CO2 vessel is only open when the unit is in use; thus, there is never any high pressure inside the system when the unit is not in use. A further safety control is the pressure regulator, which ensures that the pressures which the beverage bottle is subjected are always at a , ~ .
`` 2o8~l7o controlled level. Finally, the design of the bottlecap prevents the escape of gas or liquid from the bottle.
Although only a single embbdiment of the present inYention has been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the clairns.
Accordingly, the invention described herein consists of a device or unit for carbonating beverages comprising a one-piece moulded unit which connects at an obtuse 10 angle a high pressure CO2 gas vessel to a sealed vessel containing the beverage to be carbonated, through at least one valve mecharism, a switching mechanism, and a pressure regulator. The switching mechanism comprises of two pistons, free to travel to and for along their long axes, which connect a switch to a valve on the high pressure C2 vessel, opening this valve upon closing of the switch. The sealed bottle has a bottle~cap which allows the CO2 gas to enter into the bottle when the bottle with cap is place onto the unit and the switch is engaged, but prevents the gas or liquid to escape the bottle.
This results in an extremely safe, very effective and exceedingly simple means for carbonating beverages inside a range of different bottle sizes.
Accordingly, the invention described herein provides the following advantages, namely: no leakage problems; substantially no sticking of the bottles;
capacity of at least 200 iitres; capability of handiing various sizes of bottles, prirnarily the sizes of 500 millilitres, 1 litre, and 2 litres; ease and simplicity of operation; increased safety features; and the ability to make a consistent high quality drink. The present . , invention delivers all of these benefits, and more, in a very cost-effective to the sonsumer unit.
Although the preferred embodiment as well as the operation and use have been specifically described in relation to the drawings, it should be understood that variations in the preferred embodiment could be achieved by a person skilled in the trade without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed herein.
Claims (20)
1. A device for carbonating beverages including:
(a) a housing presenting a passage means;
(b) a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to said housing at one end of said passage means;
(c) a beverage container releasably engageable with said housing for communication with another end of said passage means;
(d) valve means associated with said passage means;
(e) means for activating said valve means for controlling the communication of pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said passage means to said beverage container;
(f) pressure regulating means for reducing the pressure of said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container.
(a) a housing presenting a passage means;
(b) a high pressure CO2 container releasably securable to said housing at one end of said passage means;
(c) a beverage container releasably engageable with said housing for communication with another end of said passage means;
(d) valve means associated with said passage means;
(e) means for activating said valve means for controlling the communication of pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said passage means to said beverage container;
(f) pressure regulating means for reducing the pressure of said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container.
2. In a device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said CO2 container is disposed at an acute angle relative to the beverage container.
3. In a device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said acute angle is between 20°
and 80°.
and 80°.
4. In a device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said pressure regulating means is associated with said other end of said passage means adjacent said beverage container.
5. In a device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said passage means includes a first passage communicating with a second passage disposed at an obtuse angle relative said first passage.
6. In a device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said activating means includes:
(a) a switch moveable between a first and second position;
(b) first and second piston means disposed within said first and second passage means respectively, said first piston means adjacent said switch and said second piston means adjacent said valve means;
wherein said first piston means moves within said first passage means so as to engage and move said second piston means within said second passage means for bearing against said valve means for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container when said switch is moved to said first position, and wherein said valve means moves such second piston means against said first piston means to stop the release of said pressurized gas when said switch is in said second position.
(a) a switch moveable between a first and second position;
(b) first and second piston means disposed within said first and second passage means respectively, said first piston means adjacent said switch and said second piston means adjacent said valve means;
wherein said first piston means moves within said first passage means so as to engage and move said second piston means within said second passage means for bearing against said valve means for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container when said switch is moved to said first position, and wherein said valve means moves such second piston means against said first piston means to stop the release of said pressurized gas when said switch is in said second position.
7, In a device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the first piston means includes sealing means for preventing the escape of pressurized gas past said switch.
8. In a device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said ends of said first and second pistons are rounded so as to enhance the movement of said pistons when activated.
9. In a device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said first and second pistons includes grooves for receiving said pressurized gas.
10. In a device as claimed in Claim 9 wherein said grooves in said first piston are disposed in the region between said sealing means and said second piston means.
11. In a device as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said device includes a nozzle adjacent said pressure regulating means and said beverage container includes a cap releasably threadedly securable to said beverage container and engageable with said nozzle so as to introduce pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container when said switch is in said first position.
12. In a device as claimed in Claim 11 wherein said nozzle includes a valve and said cap includes a stem for opening said valve when said cap engages said nozzle.
13. In a device as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said nozzle includes O-rings for sealing said cap against said nozzle.
14. In a device for activating the release of pressurized gas from a CO2 container to a beverage container so as to carbonate said beverage, said activating device including:
(a) a switch moveable between a first and second position;
(b) a first passage communicating with a second passage disposed at an obtuse angle relative said first passage;
(c) a first piston disposed within said first passage;
(d) a second piston disposed within said second passage;
wherein said first piston moves within said first passage so as to engage and move said second piston towards said CO2 container within said second passage for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container when said switch is moved to said first position and wherein said first and second pistons move away from said CO2 container to stop the release of pressurized gas from said CO2 container when said switch is in said second position.
(a) a switch moveable between a first and second position;
(b) a first passage communicating with a second passage disposed at an obtuse angle relative said first passage;
(c) a first piston disposed within said first passage;
(d) a second piston disposed within said second passage;
wherein said first piston moves within said first passage so as to engage and move said second piston towards said CO2 container within said second passage for releasing said pressurized gas from said CO2 container to said beverage container when said switch is moved to said first position and wherein said first and second pistons move away from said CO2 container to stop the release of pressurized gas from said CO2 container when said switch is in said second position.
15. In a cap for sealing the end of a beverage container to be carbonated by the release of pressurized gas from a nozzle having a valve stem, said cap including:
(a) thread means at one end of said cap for releasable securement to said beverage container;
(b) cavity means at another end of said cap for sealingly receiving and engaging said nozzle;
(c) cap passage means presented between said cavity means and said thread means;
(d) stem means disposed within said cavity means for engaging said valve to release said pressurized gas through said nozzle through said cap passage means into said beverage container when said cap engages said nozzle;
(e) diaphragm valve means disposed within said cap passage means and moveable between an:
(i) open position when said pressurized gas opens said diaphragm valve when said stem engages said valve for releasing said pressurized gas through said cap passage means; and (ii) a closed position when said pressure of pressurized gas in said beverage container equals or exceeds the pressure of said gas in said CO2 container.
(a) thread means at one end of said cap for releasable securement to said beverage container;
(b) cavity means at another end of said cap for sealingly receiving and engaging said nozzle;
(c) cap passage means presented between said cavity means and said thread means;
(d) stem means disposed within said cavity means for engaging said valve to release said pressurized gas through said nozzle through said cap passage means into said beverage container when said cap engages said nozzle;
(e) diaphragm valve means disposed within said cap passage means and moveable between an:
(i) open position when said pressurized gas opens said diaphragm valve when said stem engages said valve for releasing said pressurized gas through said cap passage means; and (ii) a closed position when said pressure of pressurized gas in said beverage container equals or exceeds the pressure of said gas in said CO2 container.
16. In a cap as claimed in Claim 15 wherein said stem means and said diaphragm valve means prohibits the release of liquid and carbonated gas.
17. In a device as claimed in Claim 13 further including a cover hingedly connected to said housing, said cover moveable between an open position to permit insertion of said CO2 container and a closed position to bar access to said CO2 container.
18. In a device as claimed in Claim 17 wherein said housing includes a storage chamber for said caps.
19. In a device as claimed in Claim 18 wherein said housing includes an overflow reservoir communicating with said beverage container for receiving any overflow of beverage.
20. In a device as claimed in Claim 19 wherein said cover includes an aperture for receiving said beverage container.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002084170A CA2084170A1 (en) | 1992-11-30 | 1992-11-30 | Carbonation device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002084170A CA2084170A1 (en) | 1992-11-30 | 1992-11-30 | Carbonation device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2084170A1 true CA2084170A1 (en) | 1994-05-31 |
Family
ID=4150767
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002084170A Abandoned CA2084170A1 (en) | 1992-11-30 | 1992-11-30 | Carbonation device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2084170A1 (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-11-30 CA CA002084170A patent/CA2084170A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |