CA2958165A1 - Carbonation device with an automatic pressurizing system - Google Patents
Carbonation device with an automatic pressurizing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2958165A1 CA2958165A1 CA2958165A CA2958165A CA2958165A1 CA 2958165 A1 CA2958165 A1 CA 2958165A1 CA 2958165 A CA2958165 A CA 2958165A CA 2958165 A CA2958165 A CA 2958165A CA 2958165 A1 CA2958165 A1 CA 2958165A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- container
- carbon dioxide
- lid
- outlet end
- 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
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
- A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
- A23L2/54—Mixing with gases
-
- 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
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/45—Magnetic mixers; Mixers with magnetically driven stirrers
- B01F33/452—Magnetic mixers; Mixers with magnetically driven stirrers using independent floating stirring elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nutrition Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
A carbonation device comprising a conduit with a normally closed outlet end that is opened upon coupling with a container and lid assembly. The container and lid assembly also comprises a normally closed aperture that prevents the escape of carbon dioxide. In a method, the container and lid assembly are coupled with the conduit and the coupling automatically permits the flow of carbon dioxide from the conduit into the container. Magnetic mixing increases the rate at which the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved into the liquid.
Description
TITLE OF INVENTION
CARBONATION DEVICE WITH AN AUTOMATIC PRESSURIZING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the carbonation of beverages. In particular, the invention relates to a carbonation system which automatically allows the flow of carbon dioxide into the top of a portable container and lid assembly only when the assembly is coupled with an outlet end of a conduit on a carbonation device.
A magnetic mixer stirs the liquid to effect dissolution of the carbon dioxide above io the surface of the liquid into the liquid itself.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Carbonation systems are commercially available to prepare carbonated beverages. Some household carbonation systems are available for use by consumers. In such systems, a beverage container with an open top or neck is provided. The top or neck is screwed, snapped or otherwise brought into engagement with a receiver located on a carbonation machine. A tube extends from the carbonation machine downward such that when a container is engaged onto the receiver, the tube reaches through the top or neck into the body of the container to a depth that would normally be below the surface of the liquid in the container. Carbon dioxide is dispensed within the liquid in the container from a carbon dioxide source associated with the machine. To initiate the dispensing of carbon dioxide, the user presses on a trigger mounted on the machine.
Because of the risk of viscous or sweet liquids clogging the feed tube, systems that involve the immersion of the feed tube into the liquid should not be used for carbonating anything but plain water. For the same reason, flavouring should not
CARBONATION DEVICE WITH AN AUTOMATIC PRESSURIZING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the carbonation of beverages. In particular, the invention relates to a carbonation system which automatically allows the flow of carbon dioxide into the top of a portable container and lid assembly only when the assembly is coupled with an outlet end of a conduit on a carbonation device.
A magnetic mixer stirs the liquid to effect dissolution of the carbon dioxide above io the surface of the liquid into the liquid itself.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Carbonation systems are commercially available to prepare carbonated beverages. Some household carbonation systems are available for use by consumers. In such systems, a beverage container with an open top or neck is provided. The top or neck is screwed, snapped or otherwise brought into engagement with a receiver located on a carbonation machine. A tube extends from the carbonation machine downward such that when a container is engaged onto the receiver, the tube reaches through the top or neck into the body of the container to a depth that would normally be below the surface of the liquid in the container. Carbon dioxide is dispensed within the liquid in the container from a carbon dioxide source associated with the machine. To initiate the dispensing of carbon dioxide, the user presses on a trigger mounted on the machine.
Because of the risk of viscous or sweet liquids clogging the feed tube, systems that involve the immersion of the feed tube into the liquid should not be used for carbonating anything but plain water. For the same reason, flavouring should not
2 be added until after the liquid has been carbonated. It is an object of the present invention to overcome those limitations.
In the prior art systems, once plain water has been carbonated to a desired level, the beverage container is detached from the machine. Doing so exposes the carbonated water in the container to atmospheric air through the open top or neck of the container. That in turn results in the degasification of the carbonated water as the carbon dioxide that was added to the water bubbles out. Even if the beverage container is promptly capped, the initial pressure above the surface of the carbonated liquid will be substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, o resulting in further degasification as further carbon dioxide from the liquid bubbles into the air space between the surface of the liquid and the cap.
It is therefore also an object of this invention to provide a carbonation device which prevents the loss of carbonation upon removal of container from the carbonation device.
is It is a further object of the invention to provide a carbonation device that automatically introduces carbon dioxide into a container when the container and a lid are coupled to the carbonation device so as to avoid the need to manually trigger the carbonation process.
These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to 20 the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows. Note that the objects referred to above are statements of what motivated the invention rather than promises. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below or by the invention defined by each of the claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
25 In one aspect, the invention comprises a countertop-sized carbonation system having a carbon dioxide gas dispenser and a portable beverage container with a
In the prior art systems, once plain water has been carbonated to a desired level, the beverage container is detached from the machine. Doing so exposes the carbonated water in the container to atmospheric air through the open top or neck of the container. That in turn results in the degasification of the carbonated water as the carbon dioxide that was added to the water bubbles out. Even if the beverage container is promptly capped, the initial pressure above the surface of the carbonated liquid will be substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, o resulting in further degasification as further carbon dioxide from the liquid bubbles into the air space between the surface of the liquid and the cap.
It is therefore also an object of this invention to provide a carbonation device which prevents the loss of carbonation upon removal of container from the carbonation device.
is It is a further object of the invention to provide a carbonation device that automatically introduces carbon dioxide into a container when the container and a lid are coupled to the carbonation device so as to avoid the need to manually trigger the carbonation process.
These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to 20 the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows. Note that the objects referred to above are statements of what motivated the invention rather than promises. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below or by the invention defined by each of the claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
25 In one aspect, the invention comprises a countertop-sized carbonation system having a carbon dioxide gas dispenser and a portable beverage container with a
3 sealing lid. The dispensing unit includes a feed conduit for dispensing carbon dioxide through an aperture in the container lid. The conduit is normally closed but is automatically opened upon coupling the conduit to the aperture in the lid.
The aperture similarly includes a valve that is normally closed, i.e. when the lid is not coupled to the conduit, to preserve the carbonation pressure after the container and lid assembly are uncoupled from the dispenser. The conduit and the coupling arrangement are configured such that the carbon dioxide gas is " released in the topmost area of the container, i.e. above where the surface of the liquid would normally be, to avoid clogging the feed conduit. A magnetic mixer io and implement is used to stir the liquid within the container so as to cause the carbon dioxide to dissolve into the liquid, assisted by the fact that the sealed lid maintains the pressurization of the carbon dioxide within the container during mixing.
In another aspect of the invention, a carbonation device comprises a source of is pressurized carbon dioxide, a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit, and a normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed. The valve is configured to automatically open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when a removable 20 container and lid assembly is coupled with the outlet end of the conduit.
In another aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a poppet valve.
In further aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a duckbill valve.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a pivotable lever connected to the conduit. The pivot of the lever from a rest 25 position to an engaged position causes the outlet end of the conduit to couple with a removable container and lid assembly.
The aperture similarly includes a valve that is normally closed, i.e. when the lid is not coupled to the conduit, to preserve the carbonation pressure after the container and lid assembly are uncoupled from the dispenser. The conduit and the coupling arrangement are configured such that the carbon dioxide gas is " released in the topmost area of the container, i.e. above where the surface of the liquid would normally be, to avoid clogging the feed conduit. A magnetic mixer io and implement is used to stir the liquid within the container so as to cause the carbon dioxide to dissolve into the liquid, assisted by the fact that the sealed lid maintains the pressurization of the carbon dioxide within the container during mixing.
In another aspect of the invention, a carbonation device comprises a source of is pressurized carbon dioxide, a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit, and a normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed. The valve is configured to automatically open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when a removable 20 container and lid assembly is coupled with the outlet end of the conduit.
In another aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a poppet valve.
In further aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a duckbill valve.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a pivotable lever connected to the conduit. The pivot of the lever from a rest 25 position to an engaged position causes the outlet end of the conduit to couple with a removable container and lid assembly.
4 In another aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a support for supporting a removable container and lid assembly.
In a further aspect of the invention, the support is vertically movable for coupling and decoupling a container and lid assembly resting on the support with the outlet end of the conduit.
In a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is an inlet end of a conduit connectable to an external pressurized gas source.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is a removable gas cylinder.
io In another aspect of the invention, a liquid carbonation assembly comprises a carbonation device and a removable container and lid assembly.
The carbonation device comprises a source of pressurized carbon dioxide and a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit. The conduit does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when a is removable container and lid assembly is coupled to the outlet end. The removable container and lid assembly comprises a container for holding liquid, a lid for sealing the top of the container, and a normally closed aperture in the lid for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of the container when the aperture is closed.
The carbonation device and the container and lid assembly is configured to allow 20 coupling of the container and lid assembly to the outlet end of the conduit. The conduit and the aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from the conduit into the container when the removable container and lid assembly is coupled to the outlet end of the conduit.
In a further aspect of the invention, the removable container and lid assembly 25 further comprises an unattached magnetic mixing implement at the bottom of the container.
In another aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a first normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed.
In a further aspect of the invention, the support is vertically movable for coupling and decoupling a container and lid assembly resting on the support with the outlet end of the conduit.
In a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is an inlet end of a conduit connectable to an external pressurized gas source.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is a removable gas cylinder.
io In another aspect of the invention, a liquid carbonation assembly comprises a carbonation device and a removable container and lid assembly.
The carbonation device comprises a source of pressurized carbon dioxide and a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit. The conduit does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when a is removable container and lid assembly is coupled to the outlet end. The removable container and lid assembly comprises a container for holding liquid, a lid for sealing the top of the container, and a normally closed aperture in the lid for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of the container when the aperture is closed.
The carbonation device and the container and lid assembly is configured to allow 20 coupling of the container and lid assembly to the outlet end of the conduit. The conduit and the aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from the conduit into the container when the removable container and lid assembly is coupled to the outlet end of the conduit.
In a further aspect of the invention, the removable container and lid assembly 25 further comprises an unattached magnetic mixing implement at the bottom of the container.
In another aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a first normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed.
5 In another aspect, the invention is a method of introducing carbon dioxide gas into a liquid in a portable beverage container. The method comprises the steps of introducing liquid into the container, providing a lid on the container to form a container and lid assembly, coupling the container and lid assembly to a conduit on a carbonation device, and decoupling the container and lid assembly from the to conduit. The lid has a normally closed aperture for the introduction of carbon dioxide gas through the aperture and the conduit has an outlet end that is normally closed. Coupling the container and the lid assembly to the conduit automatically causes the aperture and the outlet end to open and allow carbon dioxide gas to flow from the conduit into the container. The decoupling is automatically causes the aperture and the outlet end to close.
In a further aspect, the method further comprises the step of mixing the liquid contained within the container while the lid is installed on the container.
In another aspect of the invention, a magnetic mixer and magnetic stirring implement are used for the step of mixing the liquid contained within the 20 container.
In another aspect of the invention, the aperture contains a first normally-closed valve and the outlet end contains a second normally-closed valve and the coupling causes the first and second normally-closed valves to open.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the carbon dioxide gas from the conduit 25 flows into the air space above the surface of the liquid introduced in the container.
In a further aspect, the method further comprises the step of mixing the liquid contained within the container while the lid is installed on the container.
In another aspect of the invention, a magnetic mixer and magnetic stirring implement are used for the step of mixing the liquid contained within the 20 container.
In another aspect of the invention, the aperture contains a first normally-closed valve and the outlet end contains a second normally-closed valve and the coupling causes the first and second normally-closed valves to open.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the carbon dioxide gas from the conduit 25 flows into the air space above the surface of the liquid introduced in the container.
6 The foregoing may cover only some of the aspects of the invention. Other aspects of the invention may be appreciated by reference to the following description of at least one preferred mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more examples. The following mode(s) for carrying out the invention is not a definition of the invention itself, but is only an example that embodies the inventive features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
At least one mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more o examples will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with lid wherein the gas conduit is disengaged from the lid.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with lid wherein the gas conduit is engaged with the lid.
Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the lid in closed positions according to a first aspect of the invention.
Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the lid in opened positions according to the first aspect of the invention.
=
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
At least one mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more o examples will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with lid wherein the gas conduit is disengaged from the lid.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with lid wherein the gas conduit is engaged with the lid.
Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 1 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the lid in closed positions according to a first aspect of the invention.
Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the lid in opened positions according to the first aspect of the invention.
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7 Fig. 5 is a partial exploded view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 1 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the lid according to a second aspect of the invention.
Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 5 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the lid in closed positions according to the second aspect of the invention.
Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2 io showing valves in the gas conduit and on the lid in opened positions according to the second aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT
THE INVENTION IN TERMS OF EXAMPLE(S) As used herein, the term "conduit" means a channel for conveying gas. For example, the conduit may be an elongated tube.
As used herein, the term "valve" means a device that is movable between an opened position which allows the flow of a gas through it and a closed position which obstructs the flow of a gas through it.
Fig. 1 shows a carbonation device 2 and beverage container and lid assembly 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The carbonation device 2 has a body 4 extending over a container receiving area 9. A support platform 8 for the beverage container may be provided below the receiving area 9. Without the support platform 8, the beverage container may rest directly on a countertop within the receiving area 9.
Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 5 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the lid in closed positions according to the second aspect of the invention.
Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with lid shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2 io showing valves in the gas conduit and on the lid in opened positions according to the second aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT
THE INVENTION IN TERMS OF EXAMPLE(S) As used herein, the term "conduit" means a channel for conveying gas. For example, the conduit may be an elongated tube.
As used herein, the term "valve" means a device that is movable between an opened position which allows the flow of a gas through it and a closed position which obstructs the flow of a gas through it.
Fig. 1 shows a carbonation device 2 and beverage container and lid assembly 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The carbonation device 2 has a body 4 extending over a container receiving area 9. A support platform 8 for the beverage container may be provided below the receiving area 9. Without the support platform 8, the beverage container may rest directly on a countertop within the receiving area 9.
8 A source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas is .provided for the device 2. In the preferred embodiment, the source is a pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder connectable to an inlet socket on the device.
According to the preferred embodiment, a rigid gas feed conduit 12 extends downwardly from the body 4. Gas from the source is directed to and into the feed conduit 12. Gas feed conduit 12 is dimensioned such that at least its outlet end 13 is couplable to an aperture 5 on the lid 14.
In an alternate embodiment, the gas conduit 12 may extend in an alternate direction from the body 4 of the carbonation device, such as horizontally from the to body 4 toward the receiving area 9 at such a height as is designed to couple to a suitable inlet on a beverage container 10 placed in the receiving area 9.
In one embodiment, the gas conduit 12 is movable between two positions. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 1, the gas conduit is retracted toward the body 4 so as to be disengaged or decoupled from the lid 14. In the second position, as is shown in Fig. 2, the gas conduit is extended into the receiving area 9 so as to be engaged or coupled with the lid 14 when the container 10 is suitably positioned within the receiving area 9.
There are various ways in which the gas conduit and lid may be physically coupled or engaged. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, a pivotable lever 16 is 20 used to retract or extend the gas conduit 12 toward the lid 14. The lever 16 is directly or indirectly attached, by gear means or other means, to the gas conduit 12 such that pivoting the lever 16 in the direction 18 causes the gas conduit 12 to lower. In the lowered position, the conduit 12 is seated in an aperture 5 in the lid.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the carbonation device has a 25 stationary gas conduit 12 relative to the body 4. In this embodiment, the support
According to the preferred embodiment, a rigid gas feed conduit 12 extends downwardly from the body 4. Gas from the source is directed to and into the feed conduit 12. Gas feed conduit 12 is dimensioned such that at least its outlet end 13 is couplable to an aperture 5 on the lid 14.
In an alternate embodiment, the gas conduit 12 may extend in an alternate direction from the body 4 of the carbonation device, such as horizontally from the to body 4 toward the receiving area 9 at such a height as is designed to couple to a suitable inlet on a beverage container 10 placed in the receiving area 9.
In one embodiment, the gas conduit 12 is movable between two positions. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 1, the gas conduit is retracted toward the body 4 so as to be disengaged or decoupled from the lid 14. In the second position, as is shown in Fig. 2, the gas conduit is extended into the receiving area 9 so as to be engaged or coupled with the lid 14 when the container 10 is suitably positioned within the receiving area 9.
There are various ways in which the gas conduit and lid may be physically coupled or engaged. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, a pivotable lever 16 is 20 used to retract or extend the gas conduit 12 toward the lid 14. The lever 16 is directly or indirectly attached, by gear means or other means, to the gas conduit 12 such that pivoting the lever 16 in the direction 18 causes the gas conduit 12 to lower. In the lowered position, the conduit 12 is seated in an aperture 5 in the lid.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the carbonation device has a 25 stationary gas conduit 12 relative to the body 4. In this embodiment, the support
9 8 may be raised manually, electrically, or by other means to raise the beverage container 10 and to bring the lid 14 into contact with the gas conduit 12.
In another embodiment, threads are provided on the outer surface of the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. The aperture 5 in the lid 14 has internal threads for engaging the gas conduit 12. In this embodiment, a user connects the container and lid assembly with the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit by threading the outlet end of the gas conduit into the aperture in the lid 14. While the threaded receiving portion is preferably located on the lid 14, it may also be located on the container 10 with mating threads to engage the container.
o In all embodiments of the invention, conduit 12 does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when the outlet end 13 of conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5.
In order to provide for automatic dispensing of carbon dioxide when the conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5, a valving arrangement is provided in both the conduit 12 and the aperture 5. Referring to Fig. 3, a normally closed conduit valve 20 is used within the outlet end of conduit 12 and a normally closed lid valve 22 is used within or immediately below the aperture 5. Coupling of the conduit 12 with the aperture 5 causes the valves 20 and 22 to open, thereby allowing the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit 12 and through the aperture 5. Conduit valve 20 is biased towards a closed position by means of a zo spring 32 and lid valve 22 is biased towards the closed position by means of spring 54.
Aperture 5 preferably includes a well 21 for receiving the outlet end 13 of conduit 12. The well 21 and the outlet end 13 are dimensioned for a snug fit if the outlet end 13 is inserted into the well 21. One or more 0-rings 25 between the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 and inner circumference of the well 21 provide an air-tight seal between the two surfaces. The 0-rings 25 may be retained on the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 as shown in Fig. 3.
Lid valve 22 is preferably at the base of the well 21. Physical engagement or coupling between the gas conduit 12 (or conduit valve 20) and the lid 14 (or lid valve 22) compresses springs 32 and 54 causing both the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 to open. The opening of both valves 20, 22 permits the flow of 5 pressurized carbon dioxide gas out of the gas conduit 12 and into the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 immediately below the lid 14, in the topmost part of the container 10.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the conduit valve 20 is a poppet valve. The conduit valve 20 contains a plug 24, a shaft 26, and a piston 28.
The io shaft 26 is movable within a channel 30. A spring 32 is provided around the shaft 26 between the channel 30 and the piston 28. The spring 32 is biased such that the plug 24 exerts a force on a seat 34. An 0-ring 35 may be attached to the plug 24 to provide a seal between the plug 24 and seat 34. When the plug 24 (or 0-ring 35) is tightly compressed against the seat 34, the space 36 within the gas conduit 12 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38 and pressurized carbon dioxide located within the space 36 is prevented from escaping the gas conduit 12.
Referring still to Figs. 3 and 4, the lid valve 22 of the lid 14 is also a poppet valve.
The lid valve contains a plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50. The shaft 48 is movable within a channel 52. A spring 54 is provided around the shaft 48 between the channel 52 and the piston 50. Spring 54 is biased such that the plug 46 exerts a force on a seat 56. An 0-ring 58 may be attached to the plug to provide a seal between the plug 46 and seat 56. When the plug 46 (or 0-ring 58) is tightly compressed against the seat 56, the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38. This prevents air from entering or exiting the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10.
As shown in Fig. 4, the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 are opened when they bear against one another. The piston 50 of the lid valve 22 exerts an upward force on the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 exerts and opposing downward force on the piston 50 of the lid valve 22. This results in the upwards movement of the plug 24, shaft 26, and piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the downwards movement of the plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50 of the lid valve 22 as springs 32, 54 are compressed.
Referring to the opened conduit valve 20 shown in Fig. 4, a gap 40 is created between the plug 24 and the seat 34. The gap 40 allows pressurized carbon io dioxide to pass from the space 36 through the channel 30, and around the piston 28. Referring now to the opened lid valve 22, a gap 60 is. created between the plug 46 and the seat 56. The gap 60 allows pressurized carbon dioxide flowing from the space 36 and through the opened conduit valve 20 to pass through the channel 52 and into the internal air space 23 of the beverage container. The pressurized carbon dioxide travels along paths 44 through the opened conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22.
The beverage container may have a fill line near the top of the container to indicate the maximum amount of liquid that should be carbonated. The fill line is located at a sufficient depth below the top of the beverage container to provide an internal air space above the surface of the liquid added up to the fill line.
Such internal air space is large enough that any carbon dioxide gas supply components (such as valve components) extending into the container and lid assembly will not come into contact with the liquid to be carbonated.
While the conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22 are physically connected and both valves 20, 22 are opened, carbon dioxide gas will automatically pass from the gas conduit 12 and into the beverage container 10 until the pressure within space 36 equals the pressure in internal space 23. Some of the carbon dioxide gas entering internal space 23 will dissolve into the liquid contained in the beverage container. The rate at which the carbon dioxide gas dissolves into the liquid may be enhanced by mixing or stirring the liquid within the beverage container.
In a preferred embodiment, mixing is by magnetic mixing means. An unattached magnetic mixing implement may be placed within a container and rest at the bottom of the container. The mixing implement contains one or more internal magnets and may also have apertures or projections for better mixing. A
magnetic mixer may be housed within the support 8 of the carbonation device or may be a separate unit attached directly underneath the base of the beverage container. When the magnetic mixer is powered below the base of the container, the rotating magnetic field it creates projects through the base of the container and causes magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. The spinning of the magnetic mixing implement causes a vortex to form in the liquid.
This vortex increases the surface area between the liquid and the carbon dioxide gas, which results in rapid carbonation.
During mixing and the creation of a vortex, liquid rises up the interior sides of the beverage container and may come into contact with the peripheral portion of the underside of the lid. Accordingly, the aperture 5 for receiving pressurized carbon dioxide gas is preferably located at or near the centre of the lid. The centre of the lid does not come into contact with the spinning liquid during mixing and therefore any carbon dioxide feed components located there remain dry and will not become sticky or clogged.
The magnetic mixer may also have logic contained in software stored on a microcontroller located within the magnetic mixer. Such logic may control the mixing speed or mixing duration of the magnetic mixer which may be selected by a user by pressing buttons on the magnetic mixer. Varying mixing speeds and durations will result in varying rates of carbonation according to a user's preference.
Although the embodiment of the conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22 shown in Figs.
3 and 4 are opened by physically bearing upon one another, it will be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments a different component of the gas conduit 12 may bear on the lid valve 22 to cause it to open and a different component of the lid 14 may bear on the conduit valve 20 to cause it to open.
After gas has been supplied to the beverage container 10, the container 10 is then removed from the carbonation device 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs.
io 1 and 2, the lever 16 is returned to its resting position and the gas conduit 12 is raised and decoupled or disengaged from the lid 14. This causes both the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 to automatically close. The closure of the conduit valve 20 prevents pressurized gas from existing the gas conduit. The closure of the lid valve prevents pressurized gas now contained in internal space is 23 from escaping the beverage container 10 and lid 14 assembly. If the carbon dioxide in the internal space 23 has not reached an equilibrium with the carbon dioxide in the liquid, carbon dioxide gas will continue gradually to dissolve into the liquid.
Figs. 5-7 show an alternate embodiment of the invention which uses duckbill 20 valves. A conduit duckbill valve 70 is attached to the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. Conduit duckbill valve 70 has a connecting end 72 that is roughly the same diameter as the conduit 12 and a flattened end 73 that contains opposing walls 74 and a slit 76. The conduit duckbill valve is directionally orientated at the outlet end 13 of the conduit 12 with the flattened end 74 directed 25 into the conduit 12. In this orientation, the conduit duckbill valve 70 prevents pressurized gas contained within space 36 from exiting the gas conduit 12.
The lid 14 also has a duckbill valve 80 at the location of the lid aperture 5.
Connecting end 82 of lid duckbill valve 80 is connected to the underside of the lid 14, that is the side of the lid 14 that faces into the beverage container 10 when the lid 14 is placed over the container 10. The flattened end 83 of lid duckbill valve 80 lies below the lid 14 and projects into the space 23 of the container
In another embodiment, threads are provided on the outer surface of the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. The aperture 5 in the lid 14 has internal threads for engaging the gas conduit 12. In this embodiment, a user connects the container and lid assembly with the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit by threading the outlet end of the gas conduit into the aperture in the lid 14. While the threaded receiving portion is preferably located on the lid 14, it may also be located on the container 10 with mating threads to engage the container.
o In all embodiments of the invention, conduit 12 does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when the outlet end 13 of conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5.
In order to provide for automatic dispensing of carbon dioxide when the conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5, a valving arrangement is provided in both the conduit 12 and the aperture 5. Referring to Fig. 3, a normally closed conduit valve 20 is used within the outlet end of conduit 12 and a normally closed lid valve 22 is used within or immediately below the aperture 5. Coupling of the conduit 12 with the aperture 5 causes the valves 20 and 22 to open, thereby allowing the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit 12 and through the aperture 5. Conduit valve 20 is biased towards a closed position by means of a zo spring 32 and lid valve 22 is biased towards the closed position by means of spring 54.
Aperture 5 preferably includes a well 21 for receiving the outlet end 13 of conduit 12. The well 21 and the outlet end 13 are dimensioned for a snug fit if the outlet end 13 is inserted into the well 21. One or more 0-rings 25 between the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 and inner circumference of the well 21 provide an air-tight seal between the two surfaces. The 0-rings 25 may be retained on the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 as shown in Fig. 3.
Lid valve 22 is preferably at the base of the well 21. Physical engagement or coupling between the gas conduit 12 (or conduit valve 20) and the lid 14 (or lid valve 22) compresses springs 32 and 54 causing both the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 to open. The opening of both valves 20, 22 permits the flow of 5 pressurized carbon dioxide gas out of the gas conduit 12 and into the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 immediately below the lid 14, in the topmost part of the container 10.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the conduit valve 20 is a poppet valve. The conduit valve 20 contains a plug 24, a shaft 26, and a piston 28.
The io shaft 26 is movable within a channel 30. A spring 32 is provided around the shaft 26 between the channel 30 and the piston 28. The spring 32 is biased such that the plug 24 exerts a force on a seat 34. An 0-ring 35 may be attached to the plug 24 to provide a seal between the plug 24 and seat 34. When the plug 24 (or 0-ring 35) is tightly compressed against the seat 34, the space 36 within the gas conduit 12 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38 and pressurized carbon dioxide located within the space 36 is prevented from escaping the gas conduit 12.
Referring still to Figs. 3 and 4, the lid valve 22 of the lid 14 is also a poppet valve.
The lid valve contains a plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50. The shaft 48 is movable within a channel 52. A spring 54 is provided around the shaft 48 between the channel 52 and the piston 50. Spring 54 is biased such that the plug 46 exerts a force on a seat 56. An 0-ring 58 may be attached to the plug to provide a seal between the plug 46 and seat 56. When the plug 46 (or 0-ring 58) is tightly compressed against the seat 56, the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38. This prevents air from entering or exiting the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10.
As shown in Fig. 4, the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 are opened when they bear against one another. The piston 50 of the lid valve 22 exerts an upward force on the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 exerts and opposing downward force on the piston 50 of the lid valve 22. This results in the upwards movement of the plug 24, shaft 26, and piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the downwards movement of the plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50 of the lid valve 22 as springs 32, 54 are compressed.
Referring to the opened conduit valve 20 shown in Fig. 4, a gap 40 is created between the plug 24 and the seat 34. The gap 40 allows pressurized carbon io dioxide to pass from the space 36 through the channel 30, and around the piston 28. Referring now to the opened lid valve 22, a gap 60 is. created between the plug 46 and the seat 56. The gap 60 allows pressurized carbon dioxide flowing from the space 36 and through the opened conduit valve 20 to pass through the channel 52 and into the internal air space 23 of the beverage container. The pressurized carbon dioxide travels along paths 44 through the opened conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22.
The beverage container may have a fill line near the top of the container to indicate the maximum amount of liquid that should be carbonated. The fill line is located at a sufficient depth below the top of the beverage container to provide an internal air space above the surface of the liquid added up to the fill line.
Such internal air space is large enough that any carbon dioxide gas supply components (such as valve components) extending into the container and lid assembly will not come into contact with the liquid to be carbonated.
While the conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22 are physically connected and both valves 20, 22 are opened, carbon dioxide gas will automatically pass from the gas conduit 12 and into the beverage container 10 until the pressure within space 36 equals the pressure in internal space 23. Some of the carbon dioxide gas entering internal space 23 will dissolve into the liquid contained in the beverage container. The rate at which the carbon dioxide gas dissolves into the liquid may be enhanced by mixing or stirring the liquid within the beverage container.
In a preferred embodiment, mixing is by magnetic mixing means. An unattached magnetic mixing implement may be placed within a container and rest at the bottom of the container. The mixing implement contains one or more internal magnets and may also have apertures or projections for better mixing. A
magnetic mixer may be housed within the support 8 of the carbonation device or may be a separate unit attached directly underneath the base of the beverage container. When the magnetic mixer is powered below the base of the container, the rotating magnetic field it creates projects through the base of the container and causes magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. The spinning of the magnetic mixing implement causes a vortex to form in the liquid.
This vortex increases the surface area between the liquid and the carbon dioxide gas, which results in rapid carbonation.
During mixing and the creation of a vortex, liquid rises up the interior sides of the beverage container and may come into contact with the peripheral portion of the underside of the lid. Accordingly, the aperture 5 for receiving pressurized carbon dioxide gas is preferably located at or near the centre of the lid. The centre of the lid does not come into contact with the spinning liquid during mixing and therefore any carbon dioxide feed components located there remain dry and will not become sticky or clogged.
The magnetic mixer may also have logic contained in software stored on a microcontroller located within the magnetic mixer. Such logic may control the mixing speed or mixing duration of the magnetic mixer which may be selected by a user by pressing buttons on the magnetic mixer. Varying mixing speeds and durations will result in varying rates of carbonation according to a user's preference.
Although the embodiment of the conduit valve 20 and lid valve 22 shown in Figs.
3 and 4 are opened by physically bearing upon one another, it will be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments a different component of the gas conduit 12 may bear on the lid valve 22 to cause it to open and a different component of the lid 14 may bear on the conduit valve 20 to cause it to open.
After gas has been supplied to the beverage container 10, the container 10 is then removed from the carbonation device 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs.
io 1 and 2, the lever 16 is returned to its resting position and the gas conduit 12 is raised and decoupled or disengaged from the lid 14. This causes both the conduit valve 20 and the lid valve 22 to automatically close. The closure of the conduit valve 20 prevents pressurized gas from existing the gas conduit. The closure of the lid valve prevents pressurized gas now contained in internal space is 23 from escaping the beverage container 10 and lid 14 assembly. If the carbon dioxide in the internal space 23 has not reached an equilibrium with the carbon dioxide in the liquid, carbon dioxide gas will continue gradually to dissolve into the liquid.
Figs. 5-7 show an alternate embodiment of the invention which uses duckbill 20 valves. A conduit duckbill valve 70 is attached to the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. Conduit duckbill valve 70 has a connecting end 72 that is roughly the same diameter as the conduit 12 and a flattened end 73 that contains opposing walls 74 and a slit 76. The conduit duckbill valve is directionally orientated at the outlet end 13 of the conduit 12 with the flattened end 74 directed 25 into the conduit 12. In this orientation, the conduit duckbill valve 70 prevents pressurized gas contained within space 36 from exiting the gas conduit 12.
The lid 14 also has a duckbill valve 80 at the location of the lid aperture 5.
Connecting end 82 of lid duckbill valve 80 is connected to the underside of the lid 14, that is the side of the lid 14 that faces into the beverage container 10 when the lid 14 is placed over the container 10. The flattened end 83 of lid duckbill valve 80 lies below the lid 14 and projects into the space 23 of the container
10 towards the base of the container. In its resting state without any physical force applied to the lid duckbill valve 80, the walls 84 of the valve are flattened and the slit 86 is squeezed closed to prevent the flow of gas in or out of the container 10 through the aperture 5 of the lid 14.
lo Similar to the well 21 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the well 90 shown in Fig.
6 also has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the gas conduit 12. 0-rings 92 are also preferably provided on the outer circumference of the gas conduit as described above. However, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 5-7, the base of the well contains a rigid structure 94 extending upwards. When the conduit 12 is is coupled with the lid 14, rigid structure 94 physically bears on the conduit duckbill valve 70 to cause that valve's walls 74 to separate and the slit 76 to open.
The rigid structure 94 is configured to allow pressurized carbon dioxide to flow around or through it from the conduit space 36, through the lid aperture 5, and into the space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80. For example, the rigid structure may be 20 tubular shaped with one end of the tube opening to space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80.
As pressurized carbon dioxide enters the space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80, the pressure causes a force to be exerted on the walls 84 of that valve and slit 86 is opened. This allows the pressurized carbon dioxide to enter into the 25 container.
When the conduit 12 is decoupled or disengaged from the lid 14, the conduit duckbill value 70 automatically closes as the rigid structure 94 no longer bears on the valve 70 to keep it open. The pressure in the space 96 within lid duckbill valve 80 will also return to atmospheric pressure. As this occurs, the pressure within space 23 of the container will be greater than the pressure of space 96 and the lid duckbill valve 80 will automatically close.
5 Since the carbon dioxide gas is introduced above the level of the liquid contained within the container rather than through an element extending below the surface of the container, flavoured liquids may be carbonated. If drink flavours are provided in solid or liquid form to be mixed within water, the mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic stirring implement and magnetic io mixer as described above. Any sugars or other substances contained within flavoured liquids do not come into contact with the gas conduit or valves.
This prevents the clogging, stickiness, or choking of the gas delivery structures that may occur in other carbonation devices which contain a carbon dioxide gas feed tube that comes into contact with the liquid being carbonated.
15 To prepare a carbonated beverage, a user introduces liquid into a beverage container. The beverage container containing the liquid is then sealed with a lid.
The user couples the beverage container and lid assembly with a conduit on a carbonation device. The coupling causes a normally closed outlet end of the conduit to open and a normally closed aperture on the beverage container and lid to open. Carbon dioxide then flows from a source of pressurized carbon dioxide, through the conduit, and into the container. After a desired amount of carbon dioxide gas has been added, the user decouples the beverage container and lid from the conduit of the carbonation device. This automatically closes the outlet end of the conduit and the normally closed aperture on the beverage container and lid assembly.
During and/or after the flow of carbon dioxide into the container, the liquid contained within the container is mixed. Mixing is done while the lid is installed on the container to prevent the release of carbonated gas from the carbonated liquid.
The mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container. If mixing is done by magnetic mixing means, an unattached magnetic mixing implement is placed into the container before the lid is sealed on top of the container. When the magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container is powered, a rotating magnetic field extends across the base of the container and causes the magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. This magnetic coupling generates a vortex within the container and the pressurized carbon dioxide introduced above the surface of the liquid dissolves into the liquid at a more rapid rate than without mixing.
In the foregoing description, exemplary modes for carrying out the invention in terms of examples have been described. However, the scope of the claims Is should not be limited by those examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
=
lo Similar to the well 21 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the well 90 shown in Fig.
6 also has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the gas conduit 12. 0-rings 92 are also preferably provided on the outer circumference of the gas conduit as described above. However, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 5-7, the base of the well contains a rigid structure 94 extending upwards. When the conduit 12 is is coupled with the lid 14, rigid structure 94 physically bears on the conduit duckbill valve 70 to cause that valve's walls 74 to separate and the slit 76 to open.
The rigid structure 94 is configured to allow pressurized carbon dioxide to flow around or through it from the conduit space 36, through the lid aperture 5, and into the space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80. For example, the rigid structure may be 20 tubular shaped with one end of the tube opening to space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80.
As pressurized carbon dioxide enters the space 96 within the lid duckbill valve 80, the pressure causes a force to be exerted on the walls 84 of that valve and slit 86 is opened. This allows the pressurized carbon dioxide to enter into the 25 container.
When the conduit 12 is decoupled or disengaged from the lid 14, the conduit duckbill value 70 automatically closes as the rigid structure 94 no longer bears on the valve 70 to keep it open. The pressure in the space 96 within lid duckbill valve 80 will also return to atmospheric pressure. As this occurs, the pressure within space 23 of the container will be greater than the pressure of space 96 and the lid duckbill valve 80 will automatically close.
5 Since the carbon dioxide gas is introduced above the level of the liquid contained within the container rather than through an element extending below the surface of the container, flavoured liquids may be carbonated. If drink flavours are provided in solid or liquid form to be mixed within water, the mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic stirring implement and magnetic io mixer as described above. Any sugars or other substances contained within flavoured liquids do not come into contact with the gas conduit or valves.
This prevents the clogging, stickiness, or choking of the gas delivery structures that may occur in other carbonation devices which contain a carbon dioxide gas feed tube that comes into contact with the liquid being carbonated.
15 To prepare a carbonated beverage, a user introduces liquid into a beverage container. The beverage container containing the liquid is then sealed with a lid.
The user couples the beverage container and lid assembly with a conduit on a carbonation device. The coupling causes a normally closed outlet end of the conduit to open and a normally closed aperture on the beverage container and lid to open. Carbon dioxide then flows from a source of pressurized carbon dioxide, through the conduit, and into the container. After a desired amount of carbon dioxide gas has been added, the user decouples the beverage container and lid from the conduit of the carbonation device. This automatically closes the outlet end of the conduit and the normally closed aperture on the beverage container and lid assembly.
During and/or after the flow of carbon dioxide into the container, the liquid contained within the container is mixed. Mixing is done while the lid is installed on the container to prevent the release of carbonated gas from the carbonated liquid.
The mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container. If mixing is done by magnetic mixing means, an unattached magnetic mixing implement is placed into the container before the lid is sealed on top of the container. When the magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container is powered, a rotating magnetic field extends across the base of the container and causes the magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. This magnetic coupling generates a vortex within the container and the pressurized carbon dioxide introduced above the surface of the liquid dissolves into the liquid at a more rapid rate than without mixing.
In the foregoing description, exemplary modes for carrying out the invention in terms of examples have been described. However, the scope of the claims Is should not be limited by those examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
=
Claims (16)
1. A carbonation device comprising:
a source of pressurized carbon dioxide;
a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from said source to an outlet end of said conduit;
a normally closed valve connected to said outlet end of said conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through said conduit when said valve is closed;
said valve being configured to automatically open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide through said conduit when a removable container and lid assembly is coupled with said outlet end of said conduit.
a source of pressurized carbon dioxide;
a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from said source to an outlet end of said conduit;
a normally closed valve connected to said outlet end of said conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through said conduit when said valve is closed;
said valve being configured to automatically open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide through said conduit when a removable container and lid assembly is coupled with said outlet end of said conduit.
2. The carbonation device of claim 1, wherein said normally closed valve is a poppet valve.
3. The carbonation device of claim 1, wherein the normally closed valve is a duckbill valve.
4. The carbonation device of claim 1, further comprising a pivotable lever connected to said conduit wherein the pivot of the lever from a rest positon to an engaged position causes the outlet end of said conduit to couple with a removable container and lid assembly.
5. The carbonation device of claim 1, further comprising a support for supporting a removable container and lid assembly.
6. The carbonation device of claim 5, wherein said support is vertically movable for coupling and decoupling a container and lid assembly resting on said support with said outlet end of said conduit.
7. The carbonation device of claim 1, wherein said source of pressurized carbon dioxide is an inlet end of a conduit connectable to an external pressurized gas source.
8. The carbonation device of claim 1, wherein said source of pressurized carbon dioxide is a removable gas cylinder.
9. A liquid carbonation assembly comprising:
a carbonation device comprising:
a source of pressurized carbon dioxide;
a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from said source to an outlet end of said conduit;
said conduit not allowing the flow of carbon dioxide except when a removable container and lid assembly is coupled to said outlet end;
a removable container and lid assembly comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a lid for sealing the top of said container;
a normally closed aperture in said lid for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of said container when said aperture is closed;
said carbonation device and said container and lid assembly being configured to allow coupling of said container and lid assembly to said outlet end of said conduit;
wherein said conduit and said aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from said conduit into said container when said removable container and lid assembly is coupled to said outlet end of said conduit.
a carbonation device comprising:
a source of pressurized carbon dioxide;
a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from said source to an outlet end of said conduit;
said conduit not allowing the flow of carbon dioxide except when a removable container and lid assembly is coupled to said outlet end;
a removable container and lid assembly comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a lid for sealing the top of said container;
a normally closed aperture in said lid for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of said container when said aperture is closed;
said carbonation device and said container and lid assembly being configured to allow coupling of said container and lid assembly to said outlet end of said conduit;
wherein said conduit and said aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from said conduit into said container when said removable container and lid assembly is coupled to said outlet end of said conduit.
10. The liquid carbonation assembly of claim 9, wherein the removable container and lid assembly further comprises an unattached magnetic mixing implement at the bottom of said container.
11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said carbonation device further comprises a first normally closed valve connected to said outlet end of said conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through said conduit when said valve is closed.
12. A method of introducing carbon dioxide gas into a liquid in a portable beverage container comprising the steps of:
introducing liquid into said container;
providing a lid on said container to form a container and lid assembly, said lid having a normally closed aperture for the introduction of carbon dioxide gas through said aperture;
coupling said container and lid assembly to a conduit on a carbonation device, said conduit having an outlet end that is normally closed;
wherein said coupling automatically causes said aperture and said outlet end to open and allow carbon dioxide gas to flow from the conduit into said container; and decoupling said container and lid assembly from said conduit, said decoupling automatically causing said aperture and said outlet end to close.
introducing liquid into said container;
providing a lid on said container to form a container and lid assembly, said lid having a normally closed aperture for the introduction of carbon dioxide gas through said aperture;
coupling said container and lid assembly to a conduit on a carbonation device, said conduit having an outlet end that is normally closed;
wherein said coupling automatically causes said aperture and said outlet end to open and allow carbon dioxide gas to flow from the conduit into said container; and decoupling said container and lid assembly from said conduit, said decoupling automatically causing said aperture and said outlet end to close.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of mixing said liquid contained within said container while said lid is installed on said container.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein a magnetic mixer and magnetic stirring implement are used for said step of mixing said liquid contained within said container.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein said aperture contains a first normally-closed valve and said outlet end contains a second normally-closed valve and said coupling causes said first and second normally-closed valves to open.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein said carbon dioxide gas from said conduit flows into an air space above the surface of said liquid introduced in said container.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2958165A CA2958165A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Carbonation device with an automatic pressurizing system |
| PCT/CA2018/050183 WO2018148843A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2018-02-16 | Pressurized beverage system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2958165A CA2958165A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Carbonation device with an automatic pressurizing system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2958165A1 true CA2958165A1 (en) | 2018-08-16 |
Family
ID=63166006
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2958165A Abandoned CA2958165A1 (en) | 2017-02-16 | 2017-02-16 | Carbonation device with an automatic pressurizing system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2958165A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018148843A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109396142B (en) * | 2018-10-29 | 2024-09-13 | 南京迈拓园区管理服务有限公司 | Cleaning device for artwork pigment bottle |
| CN210520791U (en) * | 2019-05-14 | 2020-05-15 | 关进业 | Pneumatic system of aerated water machine with adjustable pressure |
| CN111772464B (en) * | 2019-08-16 | 2024-09-03 | 上海爱餐机器人(集团)有限公司 | Auxiliary material bottle with valve type bottle cap, auxiliary material device, frying pan device and cooking machine |
| US11807513B2 (en) | 2021-11-03 | 2023-11-07 | Craft Standard Enterprises, Inc. | Apparatus, system and method for mixing liquid in a beverage container |
| CN116182488A (en) * | 2021-11-26 | 2023-05-30 | 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 | Mixing assembly applied to bubble water assembly and refrigerator with mixing assembly |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3744764A (en) * | 1971-02-02 | 1973-07-10 | Coca Cola Co | Agitating apparatus |
| GB2477756A (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2011-08-17 | Ingazzi Ltd | A carbonating apparatus |
| US8888073B2 (en) * | 2011-10-11 | 2014-11-18 | Conair Corporation | Carbonated beverage appliance |
-
2017
- 2017-02-16 CA CA2958165A patent/CA2958165A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-02-16 WO PCT/CA2018/050183 patent/WO2018148843A1/en active Application Filing
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|---|---|
| WO2018148843A1 (en) | 2018-08-23 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20230516 |