EP2727878A1

EP2727878A1 - Portable rechargeable device for preserving and dispensing wine

Info

Publication number: EP2727878A1
Application number: EP13425143.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefano Baracco; Pietro Baracco
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: BARACCO, PIETRO; BARACCO, STEFANO
Priority date: 2012-11-01
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-07
Also published as: ITMI20121875A1

Abstract

Portable device (100) for dispensing and preserving a beverage (400) contained in a container (300) provided with a neck (181) and a mouth, said portable device (100) being connectable to said container (300) for introducing a low pressure inert gas that, in combination with the force of gravity, drives said beverage (400) in dispensing when said device (100) is inclined with respect to the vertical and said beverage (400) contacts said device (100), said inert gas introduced in said container (300) being furthermore adapted to preserve the residual beverage (400) remaining in the container (300), said device (100) comprising:
- coupling means (103) to the container (300) neck (181) to firmly and hermetically connect the device (100) to the container (300);
- a reservoir (102) for containing inert gas under pressure;
- a beverage channel (104) adapted to the beverage (400) transit from the container (300) to the external for the beverage dispensing;
- a gas channel (106) adapted to the inert gas transit from the reservoir (102) to the inner of container (300);
- pressure reducing (107) means settled in said gas channel (106) configured to reduce the inert gas outflow pressure from the device (100);
- flow regulation means (108) in the gas and beverage channels (106, 104) for regulating respectively the inert gas and beverage (400) flows;

wherein said reservoir (102) is built-in said device (100) and comprises a inlet valve (109) connectable to a recharging device (200) to charge the reservoir (102), said reservoir (102) could be charged to a predetermined charge pressure.

This device (100) is particularly indicated for dispensing and preserving a bottle of wine.

Furthermore could be used on a table to serve individual glasses of wine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the filed of device for dispensing beverage in the glass and in particular it relates to the field of devices for dispensing and preserving the beverage from degradation effects due to the contact with the air.
In particular, the present invention relates to a device that could be used with bottles and for dispensing still or sparkling wines.
The invention relates to a device having compact dimensions that could be connected and transported with the bottle, for optimizing the overall size of the system device-bottle and allowing the use directly at the table.
More in particular the present invention relates to a device that is rechargeable and allows the dispense of the beverage contained in one-by-one bottle.

BACKGROUND ART

In the state of the art there are several examples of systems and devices for dispensing and preserving beverages, especially having great dimensions.
One of the most appreciated example is the device produced and commercialised by the company "Enomatic", that allows to dispense the wine contained in bottles by means of injection of inert gas in them, and preserving the remaining wine by means of the injected inert gas.
This solution is mainly thought for a commercial use (bar and restaurant) and it looks like a refrigerated wine cellar having a plurality of slots for the bottles. This system is appreciated because it shows the bottles of the wine that can be dispensed, allowing a better choice for the consumer; however this machine is very large and it requires a feeding tank placed in a room next to that of machine.
In the state of the art it exits more compact devices that allow the detaching of the bottle from the dispensing device. An example is the device described in the patent application WO2010029381 .
In this document, the described dispensing device is joint to the bottle and it's detachable from the inert gas supplying machine.
For dispensing the wine, the device has to be connected to the machine, in order to allow the introduction of inert gas inside the bottle and the preservation of the beverage.
This solution, despite the compact dimensions, it's not portable with the bottle, and moreover, it needs an electric connection to the electric grid and a feeding tank having medium dimensions.
In the state of the art are also present devices for dispensing wine or beverages, from containers or bottles, having compact dimensions so to be directly attached to the container and be transported with-it. An example is represented by the patent US3883043 that describes a device fittable to the neck of a bottle, having a member insertable in the cork of the bottle and comprising two conduits, the first for the passage of an inert gas to be introduced in the bottle and the second for the transit of wine toward the external thanks to the introduced gas in the bottle.
This solution, like some other known in the state of the art, adopts a disposable cartridge containing inert gas at high pressure (50-100 bar) as source for supplying the gas.
This solution has a first problem connected to the reservoir dimension. In fact, smaller is the volume of the reservoir containing the gas, higher is the pressure of the gas contained in the reservoir.
The typical capacity of a disposable cartridge is 10 ml, at most 15 ml, consequently that cartridge needs a pressure of at least 50 bar to fill a bottle having a volume of 75 cl with the inert gas and consequently empty the bottle of its wine.
Devices using disposable cartridges are subjected to very high pressures that expose the user to high risks, and impose observance of cogent rules regarding the use and transportation of high-pressure vessels.
Moreover, the design of such devices is very complex and onerous, since they use pressure regulators more elaborated and expensive, for example multiple-stage diaphragm pressure regulators to sufficiently reduce the cartridge output pressure.
Moreover, the cartridges have to be trashed when are empty, with a consequent mark up of dispensing price due to the cartridge container cost; and with the unavoidable production of a waste to be disposed of or recycled.
A similar system of supply of the gas with cartridge is adopted by the devices described in the patents US4702396 , FR2945526 , US4674662 , US4473174 and in other systems known in the state of the art.
A second problem of device described in the patent US3883043 is the fact that the gas and beverage conduits have the same length, and the output hole of the gas in the container is at the same height of the beverage input hole for the pouring. De facto, this solution doesn't allow the dispensing of wine from the bottle, because when the gas enters in the container it tends to increase its pressure, and, when the pressure grows up, the further introduced gas searches the easiest and shorten way to exit form this under pressure ambient, going back up the beverage conduit instead of gurgle in the beverage toward the bottom of the container.
Other solutions kwon in the state of the art solve this problem dispensing the wine only when the bottle is disposed in a vertical position, that is with the mouth directed toward the sky, and comprising a dip tube for the beverage that ends near to bottom of the bottle and a feeding gas conduit, however shorter than the dip tube of the beverage, that ends in the upper or intermediate portion of the bottle. This type of solution is adopted in the patents FR2945526 , US4702396 and in other systems known in the state of the art.
In these solutions is de facto impossible to dispense the beverage tilting the bottle as usually happen. These solutions envisage a dip tube for the beverage that reaches the bottom of a bottle and a gas under pressure that pushes the beverage toward the bottom and then into the dip tube, up to exit from the bottle and from the device. This type of solution implies the presence of a long dip tube that, apart from being unpleasant-looking, increases the overall dimensions of the device compromising its portability. Moreover, the required pressure of the gas, with respect to the tilting version described in the document US3883043 , has to be higher to win the force of gravity acting on the beverage going back up the dip tube.
A long dip tube is difficult to clean and is a den of bacteria that can contaminate the wine.
A different solution is represented by the patent US4706847 , wherein a bottle remains inclined on a base to facilitate the introduction of beverage in a beverage channel.
In this solution, an apparatus not described supplies a inert gas under pressure in the bottle by means of the device attached to the bottle, and dispenses the beverage.
During this process, the bottle remains inclined on the base with the mouth downward oriented.
In this solution the bottle is not moveable from the support during the dispensing.
A third problem of the device described in the patent US3883043 is represented by the opening/closing system in the beverage channel of device. This system has three main problems: 1) the air can flowback through the beverage channel up to the container, contamining the beverage; 2) the beverage continues to exit from the bottle even when the supply of gas is interrupted, because the beverage is pushed toward the external by the combined effect of gravity and the gas compressed in the bottle; 3) if the user replaces the bottle in a vertical position to stop the beverage flow, the beverage in the final portion of the channel is squirted out the device due to the residual pressure in the bottle, with the undesired effect of plotting the user and the space around the device.
The same inconvenient can be observed in the patents US4674662 and FR2945526 , in which is used a valve for the gas supplying but is not used a opening/closing valve for the beverage channel, that remains always open.
This problem is partially solved in the patent US4473174 , in which is described a dispensing device comprising a flowmeter for opening the beverage channel when the beverage pressure in the channel reaches and overcomes a predetermined value. Even in this case the leakage of wine continues for some instants after the interruption of gas supplying due to the residual pressure inside the bottle, interrupting the wine dispense later with respect to the user desire. If that flowmeter would be calibrate for promptly closing the beverage channel, at the subsequent introduction of gas in the bottle, the pressure would rise until the opening pressure of the flowmeter, with an initial sudden and copious beverage stream that could trash the user or waste the wine.
A further partial solution to the problem is provided in the patent US4702396 , in which is described a dispensing device comprising an opening/closing valve in the beverage channel independent from the regulation valve of the gas channel. The container has to be pre-emptively pressurized for dispensing the beverage, otherwise opening the beverage channel the beverage should not come out of device.
In this solution, the container is under pressure during its functioning, exposing the user to several risks and creating sealing problems for the device.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned devices, attachable to the container and transportable with it, describe ineffective fastening systems of the device to the container, generating probable leaks of gas and possible detachments of the device from the container, with a consequent degradation of the beverage and/or risks for the user.
In example, the devices described in the patents US4473174 , US4706847 , FR2945526 and US4702396 don't provide an anchoring system to the external wall of the bottle neck or to the annular rib of the typical bottle of wine, but an attachment to the entrance of the bottle as it happens with the traditional corks. In the other hand, the patent US4674662 provides an anchorage system to the large portion of the bottle, while the device of patent US3883043 is attached to the bottle by penetrating means of the bottle cork. Finally, dense beverages like wines, in particular old wines, could have some difficulties to flow through a beverage channel too narrow, like that described in the patent US3883043 , with the risk of a closing of that channel due to the beverage debris.
There is therefore a need for a solution to the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a compact and portable device connectable to a container suitable for preserving a beverage in a container and dispensing it, that avoids the use of disposable inert gas cartridges and that results easily rechargeable with inert gas.
It is within the scope of the present invention to provide a compact rechargeable device that allows to preserve a wine for several weeks and to store the container and the device connected with it in any cellar or refrigerator.
A further scope of the invention is to provide a portable safe rechargeable device that minimize the risks for the user.
A further scope of the invention is to provide a portable rechargeable device economic to produce and usable at home.
These and other scopes are achieved, according to the invention, by means of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in an open container provided with a neck and a mouth, said portable device being connectable to said container for introducing a low pressure inert gas that, in combination with the force of gravity, dispenses said beverage when said device is inclined with respect to the vertical and said beverage contacts said device, said inert gas introduced in said container being furthermore adapted to preserve the residual beverage remaining in the container, said device comprising:

coupling means with the container neck to firmly and hermetically connect the device to the container;
a reservoir for containing inert gas under pressure;
a beverage channel adapted to beverage flowing from the container to the external for the beverage dispensing;
a gas channel adapted to inert gas flowing from the reservoir to the inner of container;
pressure reducing means settled in said gas channel configured to reduce the outflow pressure of inert gas from the device;
flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels configured to regulate respectively the inert gas and beverage flow;

In particular, said reservoir inlet valve could be a check-valve suitable to allow the reservoir charging and/or to prevent an external gas leaks from the device.
The reservoir could have a capacity comprised between 25 ml and 250 ml, preferably between 30 ml and 200 ml, more preferably between 80 ml and 170 ml.
While the predetermined charge pressure which is used to charge the reservoir could be comprised between 1,5 and 35 bar, preferably between 3 and 15 bar, more preferably between 4 and 10 bar.
The indicated pressure values, typical for the use of device, are referred to the temperature ranges commonly known for preserving and tasting the wine, preferably to the temperature range 1-35°C, more preferably to the temperature range 4-24°C.
Advantageously said capacity values of the reservoir allow to maintain, if the container to be voided is the same, the predetermined charge pressure within moderate values, in example in the case of a container having a volume of 75 cl and of a reservoir having a volume of 100 ml, the predetermined charge pressure required to void the container is less than 10 bar.
The volume and pressure are inversely correlated, consequently said values of capacity and charge pressure of the reservoir permit to fill with gas all containers having 37,5, 50, 75,100 or 150 cl of volume, dispensing consequently all the beverage contained in them.
Furthermore, moderate values of pressure enable an easier manufacturability of the device with a consequent economic saving.
Advantageously, the reservoir could surround at least in part said container to reduce the overall size when the device is connected to the container. In this way, the combination of device and container is more compact, transportable and storable. When the container is a typical bottle of wine, for example a Bordeaux bottle, the reservoir could surround the bottle neck so that device connected to the bottle have substantially the shape of a cylinder having an height and a diameter similar to those of the bottle.
The coupling means could be connectable to a rim present on the container neck and/or to the neck itself, to firmly connect the device to the container, and could comprise a seal adapted to guarantee the internal container isolation from the external environment when said device is connected to said container. Advantageously said coupling means create a tide bond between device and container, realizing a system device-container. Moreover, by means of the sealing element the inner of container remains isolated from the external ambient, in particular when the inert gas is introduced in the container.
The coupling means could comprise a first ring insertable on the container neck and provided with a plurality of flexible elements engageable with the external layer of container neck, a second ring shiftable over said first ring to engage and stop said flexible elements to said external layer of neck; said device being mechanically connectable to said first ring to firmly connect the device to the container. Advantageously said first and second rings, cooperating one another, allow to clench the neck of the container creating a solid support, firmly connect to the container, for coupling the device.
Alternatively, said coupling means could comprise a third ring insertable around the container neck and provided with a plurality of flexible elements engageable with the external layer of container neck, a fourth ring screwable, with opposite sense of rotation, respectively on said third ring and on said device, to engage and stop said flexible elements to said external layer of neck when said device is rotated with respect to said third ring screwing said fourth ring on said third ring and on the device.
Advantageously, a fourth ring could be configured to fix and engage said third ring when said device rotates respect to said third ring, simplifying the connection between the device and the container.
When said device is connected to said container, gas and beverage channels could protrude at least in part into said container, said gas channel protruding deeply in the container with respect to said beverage channel.
Advantageously both channels protrude at least partially in the container and in particular the gas channel protrudes deeply in the container for avoiding that inert gas introduced in the container refluxes externally through the beverage channel, instead of gurgle in the liquid toward the container bottom.
The beverage channel could terminate in a dispensing element, preferably insertable and extractable from said device for facilitating the cleaning.
Advantageously said dispensing element permits an easier cleaning of the beverage channel from the beverage impurities, in example when an old wine leaves sediments in the device.
In the device, the pressure reducing means positioned in said gas channel could comprise a calibrated orifice, or a needle valve, or a membrane pressure regulator.
Advantageously, a calibrated orifice is an element characterised by a constriction of the passage, having a predetermined section, suitable for reducing the pressure and the flow rate of a gas entering in the orifice. The output pressure of the orifice is proportional to the inlet pressure and to the flow rate of the gas entering in the orifice.
At the contrary respect to a calibrate orifice, a needle valve allows a regulation of the hole where the inert gas passes. This solution produces the same effect of the orifice, and furthermore allows to regulate the device to different kind of inert gases.
In a membrane pressure regulator the output pressure is substantially constant, and a high pressure reduction is achievable when input pressure has medium-high values, for example when the reservoir is charged and the pressure that passes through the regulator is at its peak.
In particular, the low pressure that enters in the container is function of the reduction actuated by said pressure reducing means, and is however comprised between 0,05 bar and 1 bar, preferably between 0,1 bar and 0,6 bar.
Said flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels are simultaneously movable to control the dispensing of gas and beverage and to avoid undesired air entry and/or beverage leaks from the device. Advantageously, this solution allows to open and close the gas and beverage channels contemporary, avoiding beverage leaks and/or air penetration in the container.
Said flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels could comprise at least a piston moveable inside the device between a first position in which said gas and beverage channels are closed and a second position in which said gas and beverage channels are open.
Advantageously one or more pistons, moving between said first and second positions, allow a gradual regulation of the gas and beverage channels vents, avoiding excesses of the gas or beverage.
Said piston comprises a knob and an helical coupling means to the device, to regulate said gas and beverage flows when the knob is rotated.
Advantageously, the piston, handled by means of said knob, could rototranslate for a fine regulation of the gas supply and beverage dispense.
Said piston could be operated by the movement of a lever, or of a button, or of a electromechanical device.
Advantageously, a lever allows to reduce the load that the user has to exercise to open the gas and beverage channels. As an alternative, a button encumbers less space and is simpler for the user.
The device results particularly simple to be used when the piston is operated by an electromechanical device.
An electromechanical device, like a solenoid, could be controlled by a small control unit connected with an user interface and could be powered by a small battery internal to the device.
Said piston could have a conical end suitable to regulate the gas channel passage when said piston moves between said first and second positions.
Advantageously the conic end, in particular when this end is sharp like an end of a pin, allows an extremely fine regulation of the gas flow when the piston moves.
A conic end allows a gradual regulation of the inert gas passage.
Said flow regulation means could comprise at least an obturator revolvable inside the device and provided with at least an internal passage, to open/close said gas and beverage channels when said obturator revolves.
Advantageously, a revolvable obturator guarantees a better seat leakage, in particular in the gas channel. The device could comprise second coupling means to said inert gas source.
Advantageously the device could comprise second coupling means to connect it to the inert gas source and to make the recharge process safer.
In particular, said inert gas could be nitrogen, or argon, or carbon dioxide, or their mixtures. Advantageously said gases guarantee the preservation of the beverage, preserving it from oxidation without degrading its taste, in particular if the beverage is wine.
In particular, the reservoir of a portable device according to present invention, could be charged with a recharging device comprising:

an internal reserve of inert gas;
connection means to the device;
gas supply means suitable for the passage and the regulation of gas from the internal reserve to the reservoir of device.

Advantageously said internal reserve of the recharging device could be a tank.
This solution allows an economic and fast charge of the portable device even in a domestic ambient. Alternatively, said recharging device could be a base of charge conveniently configured to receive the portable device and simplify the recharge process.
Advantageously said internal reserve has a quantity of inert gas sufficient to provide several charges, said connection means allow a fast and firm engagement of the device with the base, while said gas supply means supply the inert gas to the reservoir.
Said recharging device could comprise second pressure reducing means configured to reduce the outflow pressure of inert gas coming from said internal reserve to said predetermined charge pressure of reservoir.
Advantageously said second pressure reducing means allow a reduction of the inert gas pressure, coming from the internal reserve, to the predetermined charge pressure used to fill the reservoir of the device.
A second object of the present invention is a method for dispensing a beverage from a device connectable to a container containing the beverage, comprising the steps of:

charging said device with inert gas under pressure to a predetermined charge pressure;
inclining the container and the device connected to it with respect to the vertical to put the beverage in contact with the device;
introducing the inert gas of device in the container;
dispensing the beverage contained in the container through the device;
preserving the residual beverage contained in the container with the inert gas introduced. Advantageously said method permits to preserve the beverage, and furthermore to dispensing it in a glass, rendering the device independent once it is recharged with inert gas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical features and the advantages of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in an open container according to the present invention, will be clearer in the following description, illustrative and nonlimiting, with reference to the schematic drawings attached, wherein:

figure 1 shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in an open container, when is dispensing a beverage;
figure 2 shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in an open container, when is preserving a beverage;
figure 3 shows a further schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in an open container;
figure 4a shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 3, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane, during the recharging phase with inert gas of the reservoir;
figure 4b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 3, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane, when the device is charged of inert gas under pressure;
figure 4c shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 3, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane, when the beverage is dispensing and the inert gas is entering in the container;
figure 4d shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 3, according to a plane parallel to the x-z plane, when the beverage is dispensing and the inert gas is entering in the container;
figure 4e shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 3, according to a plane parallel to the x-y plane, when the beverage is dispensing and the inert gas is entering in the container;
figure 5a shows a further schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of recharging device;
figure 5b shows the device of figure 5a connected to a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage, for the charge of reservoir;
figure 5c shows a further schematic prospectic view of a further embodiment of recharging device;
figure 5d shows the device of figure 5c connected to a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage, for the charge of reservoir;
figure 6a shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage connected to a container and having a reservoir surrounding in part the container;
figure 6b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 6a, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane;
figure 7a shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage connected to a container, provided with a lever for operating the flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels;
figure 7b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 7a, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane;
figure 8a shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage connected to a container, provided with a button for operating the flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels;
figure 8b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 8a, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane;
figure 9a shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage connected to a container, provided with an obturator revolvable inside the device for operating the flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels;
figure 9b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 9a, according to a plane parallel to the y-z plane;
figure 10a shows a schematic prospectic view of an embodiment of a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage connected to a container, comprising two moveable pistons operated by a button for regulating the flow regulation in the gas and beverage channels;
figure 10b shows a schematic view in section of the device of figure 10a, according to a plane parallel to the x-y plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of exemplary embodiments refer to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention.
Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed.
Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or "in some embodiments", in various places through the specification, is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment/s.
Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics could be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
With reference to the figures is indicated with the number 100 a portable device for dispensing and preserving a beverage contained in a open container.
With reference to the figure 1 is shown a portable device 100 for dispensing and preserving a beverage 400 connectable a container 300 containing a beverage 400 during its dispensing phase, wherein a user 500, acting the regulating means 108 (not show in figure 1), allows the introduction of inert gas in the container 300 and the dispensing of beverage 400 in a glass 600.
When the user 500 decides that the glass 600 is sufficiently fill of beverage 400, he could close the regulating means 108 (not shown in figure 1) stopping the dispense of beverage 400 from the device 100 and the introduction of inert gas in the container 300.
Figure 2 shows the device 100 in vertical position after the dispensing phase, when the beverage 400 is preserved with the inert gas introduced in the container 300.
Said conservation is maintained for days or weeks, thanks to the inert gas introduced.
The beverage 400 could be preserved even if the container 300 and the connected device 100 are positioned horizontally.
The flow regulating means 108 (not show in the figure 2), once they are closed, avoid undesired leakages of inert gas or beverage 400 from the device 100.
With reference to the figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 is represented a portable device 100 for dispensing and preserving a beverage 400 contained in an open container 300 having a neck 181 and a mouth, said portable device 100 being connectable to said container 300 for introducing a low pressure inert gas that, in combination with the force of gravity, pushes said beverage 400 during dispensing of the latter when said device 100 is inclined with respect to the vertical and the beverage 400 is in contact with said device 100, said inert gas introduced in the container 300 being furthermore adapted to preserve the residual beverage 400 contained in the container 300, said device 100 comprising:

coupling means 103 to the container neck for hermetically and firmly connecting the device 100 to the container 300;
a reservoir 102 for containing an inert gas under pressure;
a beverage channel 104 suitable for the beverage 400 transit from the container 300 to the external for dispensing the beverage 400;
a gas channel 106 suitable for an inert gas transit from the reservoir 102 to the inner of the container 300;
pressure reducing means 107 settled in said gas channel 106 suitable to reduce the inert gas outflow pressure from the device 100 and entering in the container 300;
flow regulating means 108 in the gas an beverage channel 106, 104 suitable to regulate respectively the flow of inert gas and the beverage 400;

reservoir

device

inlet valve

reservoir

In particular, with reference to the figures 3 and 4 is shown a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
In figure 4a, the device 100 comprises a inlet valve 109, in particular a check-valve, that enables the reservoir 102 charging, avoiding the inert gas flowbak outside the device 100.
Said check-valve, shown in figures 6 and 9 could comprise a moveable elements 133 having a seal 134 pushed against the device 100 by a spring 135. The pressure inside the reservoir 102 and the load of spring 135 allow the seal 134 to provide the sufficient hermeticity.
Vice versa, when the recharging device 200 is connected to the device 100 and inert gas under pressure is introduced in the reservoir 102, the moveable element 133 moves distancing the seal 134 and opening the inlet valve 109.
Once the reservoir 102 is recharged to the predetermined charging pressure as shown in figure 4b, the inert gas remains in the device 100 as long as the flow regulating means 108 are maintained closed.
In particular said flow regulating means 108, shown in the figures 4, are a piston 118 moveable inside the device 100 between a first position in which said gas and beverage channels 106,104 are closed, as shown in figure 4b, and a second position in which said gas an beverage channels 106,104 are open, as shown in figure 4c.
Said flow regulation means 108 and in particular said piston 118, are actionable simultaneously to control the dispensing of gas and beverage 400 and to avoid the entry of air or leakages of beverage 400 from the device 100. In particular, said piston 118 comprises second sealing elements 124 that could abut on the device 100 for closing said gas and beverage channels 106, 104.
Said piston 108 could further comprise a sealing ring 125 to avoid the reflux of inert gas in the beverage channel 104 instead of flowing along the gas channel 106.
Said second sealing elements 124 and said sealing rings 125 could be made of an elastic material, preferably polymeric, more preferably polyurethane or NBR.
In a particular embodiment (not shown) said piston 118 could have a planar shape and said sealing elements 124 could have a planar shape too, for reducing the overall dimensions of device 100. In this particular version, the piston 118 slides on said second sealing element 124 and comprises two passages for respectively open/close the gas and beverage channels 106,104.
In said first embodiment of the device 100, the piston 118, shown in figure 3 and figures 4, comprises a knob 119 and helical coupling means 120 to the device 100.
Rotating said knob 119 said piston 118 rotates and, by means of the helical coupling means 120, could rototraslate for providing a fine regulation of the gas and beverage flows.
For example, if it is considered the same rotational angle of the knob 119, selecting a fine thread as helical coupling means 120, the flows regulation becomes extremely gradual, while selecting a threading having a large screw pitch, the flows regulation is more abrupt.
With reference to the figures 4b and 4c, said flow regulating means and in particular said piston 118, moving between said first and second position, allows the regulation of gas and beverage 400 flows between a minimal value and a maximal value.
Said gas and beverage channel 106, 104 could be conduits realize in the body of device 100, as shown in figure 4, and could protrude at least in part in the container 300.
In particular said gas channel 106 protrudes deeply in said container 300 (portion 117) than said gas beverage channel 104 (portion 116).
This solution avoids that the inert gas introduced in the container 300 flowbacks in the beverage channel 104.
In particular, when the container 300 is in a stand vertical position, said portion 117 of the gas channel 106 protrudes in the container 300 without plunging in the beverage 400.
With reference to the figures 4d, it is shown the device 100 with both gas channel 106 (not visible) and beverage channel 104 open. The beverage 400 is free to flow along the beverage channel 104 up to the dispensing element 105 and to come out the device 100.
In figure 4e is shown the device 100 with both gas and beverage channels 106, 104 open for allowing the introduction of inert gas in the container 300 and the contemporaneous dispensing of the beverage 400 with the dispensing element 105.
In particular said dispensing element 105 is extractable from the device 100 for simplifying its cleaning. Indeed, in case of rich and full of the sediments beverages, likes wines, the rinsing of beverage channel 104 could be necessary after the device 100 utilization.
To reduce the pressure of the inert gas outflowing from the reservoir 102 and intended to be introduced in the container 300, that is used to push in dispensation the beverage 400 and to preserve it, the device 100 could comprise different kind of pressure reducing means 107 settled in said gas channel 106. In particular, said pressure reducing means 107 could be a calibrated orifice 132 or a needle valve (not shown), or a membrane pressure regulator (not shown).
A calibrated orifice 132 has the advantage to be more compact and to drastically reduce the reservoir 102 outlet pressure of the gas, in particular when the device 100 is used after the charging of the reservoir 102.
The pressure reduction operated by the calibrated orifice 132 is proportional to the pressure and to the flow rate of the inert gas flow entering in the calibrated orifice 132. The pressure trend downstream the calibrated orifice 132 is decreasing over time with a initial maximum, corresponding to the first opening of the gas channel 106 after the charging of the reservoir 102. To reduce the initial value of pressure downstream the calibrated orifice 132 is possible to regulate manually the inert gas flow, operating directly the regulation means 108.
Preferably said pressure reducing means 107 are positioned in said gas channel 106 and in particular downstream said pressure regulation means 108.
Alternatively, the inert gas pressure entering in the container 300 could be stabilized over time, installing a membrane pressure regulator instead of a calibrated orifice 132.
Furthermore is possible to substitute the calibrate orifice 132 with a needle valve that, like the calibrate orifice 132, allows a severe reduction of the inert gas pressure coming from the reservoir 102.
Said pressure reducing means 107 reduce the inert gas pressure of the reservoir 102 to values comprise between 0,05 bar and 1 bar.
In particular, the average diameter of the gas channel 106 could be between 1 and 3 mm, while that of the beverage channel 104 could be between 2,5 and 6 mm.
Said calibrate orifice 132 could be an element having a passing hole that converges to a diameter of some microns, to allow a drastic reduction of the inert gas pressure outflowing from the reservoir 102. Preferably the calibrated orifice could be a mini flow restrictor from The Lee Company.
The pressure required to fill of inert gas the container 300, and consequently necessary to empty it of the contained beverage, is function of the volumes of the container 300 and of the reservoir 102.
When the container 300 is a 75 cl bottle and the reservoir 102 has a capacity comprises between 25 ml and 250 ml, said predetermined charge pressure, necessary to completely fill the bottle, could vary between a minimum of 4 bar to a maximum of 30 bar.
In case of smaller containers, said predetermined charge pressure could be lower, while in case of bigger containers it is higher, but in any case not above 35 bar.
Similarly, the required pressure to dispense the beverage 400 contained in a container 300 having a volume of 150 cl is about double respect to that required to empty a container having a volume of 75 cl. In this case, the device 100 could be used to dispense an only container 300 having a volume of 150 cl or two containers having a volume of 75 cl.
With reference to a second embodiment of the device 100 shown in figure 6, the reservoir 102 surrounds at least in part said container 300 to reduce the overall size, when the device 100 is connected to the container 300. This solution could be particularly useful when the container 300 is a glass bottle for wine, that has the typical flared shape in correspondence of the neck and is enlarged in the other portion.
To optimize the overall size, the device 100 could be large like the bottle, so that, when it is joint to the bottle, this set has about the same height and width of the bottle.
Moreover, when the reservoir 102 surrounds at least in part the container 300, the highness of the set device-container is reduced at a minimum, further optimizing the overall size.
In particular, in the second embodiment of the device 100, shown in figure 6b, said piston 118 is moved in said first stop position by means of an elastic element 126. Said elastic element 126 could be a torsion spring coupled to the device 100 and to the piston 118.
Said coupling means 103 provide an integral and airtight connection to firmly anchor the device 100 to the container 300 and to insulate the inner of the container 300 form the external ambient.
In particular, said coupling means 103 are connectable to a rim 182 of the neck 181 of the container 300 and/or to the neck 181 itself, to firmly connect the device 100 to the container 300.
With reference to figures 4, 6, 7 and 9, said coupling means 103 may comprise a sealing element 110 adapted to ensure, when the device 100 is connected to the container 300, the isolation of the container 300 from the outside ambient. Said sealing element 110 may have a hollow mushroom shape to ensure a double tight, both with the inner mantle of the neck 181 and the upper edge of the container 300, as shown in figures 4, 7b and 9b, or may have a cylindrical crown shape to ensure only a tight with the upper edge of the container 300, as shown in figure 6b.
In particular, said sealing element 110 may be a silicon gasket or a gasket in another polymeric elastic material, to adapt it to the container 300 when said device 100 is connected to it.
The neck 181 of the container 300, for example a glass bottle for wine, and in particular said rim 182 of the neck 181 ensures a firm point of coupling for the device 100.
In one particular embodiment, said coupling means 103, shown in figures 3, 4, 7 and 9, may comprise: a first annular ring 111 able to be fitted to the neck 181 of the container 300 and provided with a plurality of flexible elements 112 engageable with the outer mantel of the neck 181 and/or with the rim 182 on the neck 181 of the container 300; a second annular ring 113 movable on said first annular ring 111 to engage and block said flexible elements 112 to said outer mantel of the neck 181. Once said first and second ring 111 and 113 are blocked to the container 300, said device 100 may be mechanically coupled to said first 111 to adhere the sealing element 110 to the container 300 and make the device 100 integral with the container 300.
The mechanical coupling between the device 100 and the first ring 111 may be a first threaded coupling 127.
Said second ring 113 may move on said first ring 111 and remain united to it by means of a second threaded coupling 128.
A portion of the inner surface of the second ring 113 may internally converge to throttle flexible elements 112 when said second ring 113 screws on said first ring 111.
In another embodiment, shown in figure 6b, said coupling means 103 comprise a third annular ring 114, able to be fitted to the to the neck 181 of the container 300 and provided with a plurality of flexible elements 112' engageable with the outer mantel of the neck 181 of the container 300 and/or with edge 182 on the neck 181 of the container 300; a fourth annular ring 115 screwable, with opposite sense of rotation, on said third annular ring 114 and said device 100, to engage and block said flexible elements 112' to said outer mantle of the neck 181 when said device 100 is rotated with respect to said third ring 114, screwing said fourth ring 115 on said third ring 114 and on said device 100.
In particular, said fourth ring 115 is adapted to be coupled to said third ring 114 by a third threaded coupling 129 on its outer surface, and is adapted to be coupled to the device 100 by a fourth threaded coupling 130 on its outer surface. In particular, said fourth threaded coupling 130 has an opposite sense of screwing and a greater interfit with respect to the third threaded coupling 129.
Said flexible elements 112' have an enlarged shape toward the outside in their terminal part, adapted to flex toward the inside said flexible elements 112' when said fourth ring 115 enters in contact with said flexible elements 112'.
In particular, said fourth ring 115 screwing on said third ring 114 enters in contact with said flexible elements 112', tightening on the neck 181 of the container 300.
Since said third and fourth threaded coupling 129, 130 have opposite sense of screwing, the device 100, rotating with respect to said fourth ring 114, allows the shift of said fourth ring 115 along his rotation axis. Said fourth ring 115 shifting may enter in contact with said flexible elements 112' forcing them to flex and to adhere to the outside mantle of the neck 181.
This solution allows to reduce the number of actions the user must carry out to connect the device 100 to the container 300, obtaining however an integral and tight link of the device 100 to the container 300.
With reference to figure 7, a third embodiment of the device 100 is shown, wherein flow regulation means comprise a piston 118 operated by effect of the movement of a lever 121.The use of lever 121 allows the user to reduce the effort to exercise to operate the piston 118, in particular when the operation is opposed by the thrust provided by an elastic element 126 adapted to bring said piston 118 in said first closed position of the gas channel 106 and of the beverage 104. For example, the lever 121 may be operated with the only force given by the thumb of the user, while the left of the hand may handle the glass.
In this way, just one hand is needed to use the device 100 when the latter is connected to the container 300.
Said lever 121 allows furthermore a greater sensibility in the regulation of said flow regulation means. Said lever 121 is mechanically connected to said piston 118 and hinged to the device 100. Said piston 118 may slide in the device 100 when said lever 121 moves imposing to the piston 118 a shift.
Said piston 118 is provided with second sealing elements 124 that may be in abutment with the device 100 to stop said gas channel 106 and of the beverage 104.
Said piston 118 furthermore comprises sealing rings 125 to avoid that inert gas reflows in the beverage channel 104 or outside.
In particular, in figure 7b, the inlet valve 109 is a non return valve provided with a sphere 136 driven in abutment by a spring 135 against the valve body 139 that is included in the device 100. Properly selecting the spring 135 is possible to regulate the opening pressure of said inlet valve 109.
With reference to figure 8, is shown a fourth embodiment of the device 100, wherein said flow regulation means 108 comprise a piston 118 operated by a button 122.
The use of a button 122 allows to obtain a more safe and compact device 100, reducing its size. Pressing the button 122 the piston 118 may shift from said first to said second position.
In particular as shown in figure 8b, the piston 118 may be divided in two portions axially connected to simple the installation inside the device 100.
The piston 118 has second sealing elements 124 that may be in abutment with the device 100 when said piston 118 moves in said first position.
Said piston 118 furthermore comprises sealing rings 125 to avoid that inert gas reflows in the beverage channel 104 or outside.
In this embodiment of the device 100, shown in figure 8b, coupling means may comprise a hollow body 138, adapted to be fitted to the device 100 and insertable in the mouth of the neck 181, provided with a plurality of flexible fins to connect the same to the container 300 and ensure the tight.
In another embodiment of the device 100 (not shown) said flow regulation means 108 comprise an electromechanical device (not shown) to operate the piston 118.
Said electromechanical device, for example an actuator with electromagnetic control, may be mechanically connected to the piston 118 to operate and shift from said first closed position to said second open position said gas channel 106 and of the beverage 104.
In another embodiment of the device 100 (not shown), said piston 118 has a conic end adapted to regulate the opening of said gas channel when said piston 118 from said first to said second position.
In particular, said conic end (not shown) may have a shape extremely sharp and, moving, opens and closes said gas channel modifying the opening of the same, as occur in a needle valve.
For the same amount of axial movement of the piston 118, the gas channel 106 may open less than the channel of the beverage 104, in function of the acute angle of said conic end.
The more is acute the shape of the conic end of the piston 118, that obstructs said gas channel 106, the greater is the sensibility of the flow regulation means 108 to regulate the inert gas flow in the gas channel 106.
With reference to figure 9, is shown a fifth embodiment of device 100 wherein said flow regulation means 108 comprise an obturator 123 rotatable inside the device 100, provided of at least an inner medium to open/close said gas and beverage channels 106, 104 when said obturator rotates.
Said obturator 123 has preferably two mediums: one for the regulation of the gas channel 106 and one for the regulation of the beverage channel 104.
Rotating said obturator 123, said mediums may put in fluid communication the sections upstream and downstream of said gas channel 106 and of the beverage 104.
In particular said obturator 123 may be realized in polymeric material to crawl tight on said device 100 and avoid pressure inert gas leakage. Alternatively said obturator 123 may crawl tight on sealings (not shown) on the body of the device 100.
Said obturator 123 may have spherical shape, cylindrical or truncated cone, so as to easily rotate around his rotation axis.
Alternatively, said obturator 123 may comprise two holed spheres (not shown) axially connected to give a common regulation movement, so as said obturator 123 acts as two sphere valves axially connected. Using determined materials for the realization of the obturator 123, for example PTFE, the friction between the obturator 123 and the device is reduced and tight improved.
To rotate said obturator 123 a knob 119 may be used, with a cross shape or bar shape, connected to the obturator 123 along his rotation axis.
With reference to figure 10, is shown a sixth embodiment of the device 100 wherein said flow regulation means 108 comprise two pistons 118a, 118b parallels between them and operated for the effect of the common movement of a button 122.
Said pistons 118a, 118b move simultaneously inside the device 100, according to axis parallel between them, regulating respectively the opening/closure of the beverage channel 104 and gas 106.
In particular said button 122, instead of a shift, as in the embodiment of figure 8b, may rotate around a hinge 131, to allow a quicker opening of the beverage channel 104 with respect to the gas channel 106, for partially compensate the density difference between inert gas and beverage 400.
Both pistons 118a, 118b are brought back in the closing position of the respective channels by means of respective elastic means 126.
In this position, second sealing elements 124, positioned on the pistons 118a, 118b, allow a tight closure of the beverage and gas channel 104, 106.
A couple of sealing rings 125 allow to avoid reflux of gas or beverage 400 outside the device 100.
In particular, in the embodiment of figure 10a the dispensing element 105 is fix and integrated in the device 100.
The device 100 according to the present invention may comprise a first security valve (not shown) arranged on said gas channel 106, to avoid that said container 300, in case of obstruction of the beverage channel 104, goes in pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure threshold, preferably not greater than 1 or 2 bar, and avoiding the vent of a possible exceed of pressure.
The device 100 according to the present invention may comprise second coupling means 137 to said inert gas source 200.
Said second coupling means 137 may be a threaded surface, as shown in figures 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, adapted to be coupled to said recharge device 200 or, alternatively, a surface configured to realize a quick coupling (not shown) with said recharge device.
Said second coupling means 137 allow to couple the device 100 to the recharge device 200 and ensure the tight during the recharge phase of the device 100, to avoid waste and leakage of the inert gas. Preferably inert gas used in the device 100 and in the source of inert gas 200 is nitrogen, or argon or carbon dioxide or their mix.
The device 100 according one of the preceding embodiments may be realized in metal, for example steel, aluminium or their alloy, or in polymeric material, for example polyethylene, nylon or polypropylene.
With reference to figure 5, are shown two embodiments of a recharge device 200. In particular, said recharge device 200 of the reservoir 102 of a device 100 according to the present invention comprises:

an internal reserve 202 of inert gas;
connection means 201 to the device 100;
gas supply means 203 of the gas adapted to the passage and the regulation of the gas from the internal reserve 202 of the reservoir 102 of the device 100.

In particular, in figure 5a and 5b is shown a first embodiment of the recharge device 200, indicated with the reference number 200a, wherein said internal reserve is a disposable tank 202', provided with connection means 201 to connect with the reservoir 102 of the device 100.
In this embodiment the disposable tank 202' may connect to the device 100 by means of connecting means 201 to recharge the reservoir 102. In particular said connecting means 201 are united, preferably by means of a threaded coupling, to said gas supply means 203 to allow the passage and the regulation of the inert gas from the disposable tank 202' to the reservoir 102.
Furthermore, when the inner pressure of the tank 202' is higher than a predetermined charging pressure, said recharge device 200a comprises second pressure reducing means to reduce the pressure flowing outside the tank 202' to said predetermined charging pressure.
In figure 5a, is shown a recharge device 200a with gas supply means 203 closed since disconnected from the device 100, while in figure 5b is shown the recharge device 200a connected to the device 100 and with gas supply means 203 open to recharge the reservoir 102 of the device 100.
With reference to figures 5c and 5d, is shown a second embodiment of the recharge device 200, wherein said recharge device 200, is a recharge base indicated with the number 200b.
In particular, said recharge base 200b comprises an internal reserve 202 of inert gas, connecting means 201 adapted to couple said device 100 and hold it during recharge of the reservoir 102, gas supply means 203 adapted to the passage and the regulation of the gas from the internal reserve 202 to the reservoir 102 of the device 100.
In particular, said internal reserve 202 may be a rechargeable reservoir, or alternatively, a tank of inert gas. Furthermore, said internal reserve 202 may be an nitrogen generator, filtering the air around the recharge base 200b to obtain nitrogen.
Said gas supply means 203 comprise some ducts (not shown) to vehiculate the inert gas from the internal reserve 202 to the device 100 and at least a valve to regulate the passage of the inert gas in said ducts. May be connected to said gas supply means 203 an interface system 207 adapted to inform the user on the recharge status of the device 100.
Said recharge base 200b may furthermore comprise second pressure reducing means (not shown) to reduce the pressure of the inert gas outflowing from the internal reserve 202 to said predetermined recharge pressure of the reservoir 102.
Said second pressure reducing means may be a membrane pressure reducer at one or more stage(s). Said connection means 201 allow to couple said device 100 to the recharge base 200b.
In particular, said connection means 201 comprise a threaded surface adapted to be coupled to said second coupling means 137 or alternatively quick coupling means with said second coupling means 137, configured as quick pneumatic fitting. In another embodiment (not shown), said connection means 201 may comprise an element adapted to be coupled tight with said inlet valve 109 and a system of resilient arms (not shown) suitable for spearing and holding in position the device 100 during the recharge phase of the reservoir 102.
Said recharge base 200b may comprise a support 206 adapted to support said connection means 201, said internal reserve 202 of inert gas and contain said gas supply means 203.
One particular embodiment (not shown) of said recharge base 200b comprises more connection means 201 to connect and to recharge at the same time more devices 100.
In particular, in said embodiment, said recharge base 200b may be managed by an electronic unit (not shown) and may interact with the user by means of interface electronic means (not shown).
In another embodiment (not shown), said recharge base 200b may be a built-in household appliance with an internal reserve of inert gas, preferably a tank; connection means with the device 100 and gas supply means adapted to provide inert gas to the reservoir 102 of the device 100.
In figure 5c is shown the recharge base 200b with gas supply means 203 closed, while in figure 5d is shown the recharge base 200b connected to the device 100 and with gas supply means 203 open to recharge the reservoir 102. The interface system 207 is raised to inform the user that the reservoir 102 of the device 100 is charged to said predetermined charging pressure.
In one particular embodiment, said recharge device 200 comprises a second safety valve to avoid that, in case of malfunction of said second reduction means, the pressure exceed a predetermined safety value. It is objet of the present invention a dispensing method of a beverage 400 from a device 100 adapted to be coupled to a container 300 containing the beverage 400 comprising the phases of:

recharging said device 100 with pressurized inert gas to a predetermined recharge pressure;
inclining the container 300 and the device 100 connected to it with respect to vertical to bring about the beverage 400 in contact with the device 100;
introducing inert gas of the device 100 in the container 300;
dispensing the beverage 400 in the container 300 through the device 100;
preserving the beverage 400 left in the container 300 with the inert gas introduced.

In particular, the recharge allows to the device 100 to be moved freely, even far from the recharge source. The phase of inclining the container 300 and the device 100 facilitates the next dispensing phase.
The introduction of the inert gas in the container 300 allows to dispense the beverage 400 and at the same time to protect of the beverage 400 from oxidation according to the next preserving phase.
Initially said device 100 is charged of inert gas at said predetermined charging pressure through said recharge device 200.
Once the reservoir 102 is charged of inert gas at said predetermined charging pressure, the device 100 is disconnected from said recharge device 200 and is ready to use.
Firmly and tightly connecting said device 100 to a container 300, as for example a glass bottle, said device 100 may dispense and then preserve the beverage 400.
In particular, inclining the container 300 and the device 100 to it connected, the beverage 400 moves toward the device 100, until enters in contact with it, and in particular with his beverage channel 104.
At this point is possible to open said flow regulation means in the gas and beverage channels 106, 104, to introduce in the container 300 the inert gas in the reservoir 102, provided a suitable reduction of the pressure through said pressure reducing means 107; said inert gas at low pressure introduced in the container 300, gurgling in the beverage 400 at the bottom part of the container 300, pushes the beverage 400 to enter in the beverage channel 104 and to reach dispensing element 105 and then the glass 600. Once said glass 600 is filled, closing said flow regulation means 108 the flows in the gas and beverage channel 106, 104 are interrupted and the dispensing ends.
The container 300, with the inert gas introduced and the beverage 400 left, may be stored, in horizontal or in vertical, in a fridge or in a cellar, since the inert gas introduced ensures the preservation of the beverage 400 from oxidation until the next use of the device 100.
Once the container 300 is emptied of the beverage 400, said device 100 may be recharged again through said recharge device 200, or used again, if it has a sufficient amount if pressurized inert gas.
It is clear that the device so conceived can be susceptible of various modifications and variations, all covered by the scope of the invention; furthermore all the details are replaceable by elements technically equivalent. In practice, the materials used and the dimensions may be any according to the technical requirements.

Claims

Portable device (100) for dispensing and preserving a beverage (400) contained in an open container (300) provided with a neck (181) and a mouth, said portable device (100) being connectable to said container (300) for introducing a low pressure inert gas that, in combination with the force of gravity, dispenses said beverage (400) when said device (100) is inclined with respect to the vertical and said beverage (400) contacts said device (100), said inert gas introduced in said container (300) being furthermore adapted to preserve the residual beverage (400) remaining in the container (300), said device (100) comprising:
- coupling means (103) with the container (300) neck (181) to firmly and hermetically connect the device (100) to the container (300);

- a reservoir (102) for containing inert gas under pressure;

- a beverage channel (104) adapted to beverage (400) flowing from the container (300) to the external for the beverage dispensing;

- a gas channel (106) adapted to inert gas flowing from the reservoir (102) to the inner of container (300);

- pressure reducing (107) means settled in said gas channel (106) configured to reduce the outflow pressure of inert gas from the device (100);

- flow regulation means (108) in the gas and beverage channels (106, 104) configured to regulate respectively the inert gas and beverage (400) flow;
characterized in that said reservoir (102) is built-in said device (100) and comprises a inlet valve (109) connectable to a recharging device (200) to charge the reservoir (102), said reservoir (102) being chargeable to a predetermined charge pressure.
Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said inlet valve (109) is a check-valve suitable to allow the reservoir (102) charging and/or to prevent external gas leaks.
Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said reservoir (102) has a capacity comprise between 25 ml and 250 ml.
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said predetermined charge pressure is comprised between 1,5 and 35 bar.
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said reservoir (102) surrounds at least in part said container (300) to reduce the overall size when the device (100) is connected to the container (300).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said coupling means (103) are connectable to a rim (182) present on the container neck (181) and/or to the neck (181) itself, to firmly connect the device (100) to the container (300), and comprise a seal (110) adapted to guarantee the internal container (300) isolation from the external environment when said device (100) is connected to said container (300).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said coupling means (103) comprise:
- a first ring (111) insertable on the container (300) neck (181) and provided with a plurality of flexible elements (112) engageable with the external layer of container (300) neck (181);

- a second ring (113) shiftable over said first ring (111) to engage and stop said flexible elements (112) to said external layer of neck (181);
said device (100) being mechanically connectable to said first ring (111) to firmly connect the device (100) to the container (300).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein, when said device (100) is connected to said container (300), said gas and beverage channels (106, 104) protrude at least in part (117, 116) into said container (300), said gas channel (106, 117) protruding deeply in the container (300) with respect to said beverage channel (104, 116).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said pressure reducing means (107) positioned in said gas channel (106) comprise a calibrated orifice (132), or a needle valve, or a membrane pressure regulator.
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said flow regulation means (108) in the gas and beverage channels (106, 104) are simultaneously movable to control the dispensing of gas and beverage (400) and to avoid undesired air entry and/or beverage (400) leak from the device (100).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, comprising second coupling means (137) to said inert gas source (200).
Device (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said inert gas is nitrogen, or argon, or carbon dioxide, or their mixtures.
Recharging device (200) of reservoir (102) of a portable device (100) according to any of the claims from 1 to 12, comprising:
- an internal reserve (202) of inert gas;

- connection means (201) to the device (100);

- gas supply means (203) suitable for the passage and the regulation of gas from the internal reserve (202) to the reservoir (102) of device (100).
Recharging device (200) according to claim 13, comprising second pressure reducing means configured to reduce the outflow pressure of inert gas coming from said internal reserve (202) to said predetermined charge pressure of reservoir (102).
Method for dispensing a beverage from a device (100) connectable to a container (300) containing the beverage (400), comprising the steps of:
- charging said device (100) with inert gas under pressure to a predetermined charge pressure;

- inclining the container (300) and the device (100) connected to it with respect to the vertical to put the beverage (400) in contact with the device (100);

- introducing the inert gas of device (100) in the container (300);

- dispensing the beverage (400) contained in the container (300) through the device (100);

- preserving the residual beverage (400) contained in the container (300) with the inert gas introduced.