ES2874094T3 - Liquid container associated with a carbonator - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for liquids (1) and a carbonator comprising: - a containment body (3); - a base (2); - said containment body (3) and said base (2) defining a first internal volume (1a) for a liquid, - an opening (4) that can be closed by means of a lid (5), suitable to allow access to said liquid in said first internal volume (1a), and - including said base (2): - holding means (6) for holding a gas container (7) inside said first internal volume, said gas container (7) defining a second internal volume (7a) for containing gas, - a connection (8), different from said opening (4), configured to put said second internal volume (7a) in connection for the passage of fluid with said first internal volume (1a) - a valve (9) suitable for obstructing or releasing said connection (8), in which - said base (2) and said containment body (3) define an operative configuration in which said base (2) and said body of containment (3) are mutually coupled and a non-operative configuration in which said base (2) and said body of c retention (3) are mutually decoupled, wherein in said non-operative configuration said gas container (7) is accessible and a user can fasten or release said gas container (7) to/from said fastening means (6) , characterized in that said base (2) further includes control means (10) configured to control said valve (9) from outside said first interior volume (1a), and in that said holding means (6) are configured to hold said gas container (7) inside said first interior volume (1a).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Liquid container associated with a carbonator

The present invention relates to a container for liquids associated with a carbonator of the type indicated in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the present invention relates to a device that can contain and add a gas to liquids of different types such as water. Various types of liquid containers associated with a carbonator are known from the prior art.

These include devices intended substantially for home use and portable devices. Household devices are characterized by large structures suitable for accommodating bottles or bottle-shaped containers that are available and operably connectable with an insufflation nozzle on the device.

This nozzle allows a gas, typically CO2, to flow into the bottle under pressure from a pre-filled bottle.

On the other hand, portable devices are connected externally to the bottle in general, in the cap and are characterized by being of smaller dimensions than carbonators for domestic use, although not negligible.

An example of this type is described, for example, in patent application US-A-2003 / -9227827.

The described prior art has several significant drawbacks.

In particular, as already mentioned, known devices have large dimensions or, in the case of portable devices, in any case have characteristics that make them uncomfortable to carry.

In fact, all the devices described have the drawback of being external to the bottle containing the liquid to be carbonated and, therefore, during their use, they require a dedicated space in which to house the same. This drawback appears to be extremely relevant for the use of devices that involve additional household activities, such as hiking or otherwise.

Another major drawback is that all devices require a setup procedure to carry out the activity that the device is for.

In fact, the bottles must be placed on the insufflation nozzle or portable devices must be installed on the lid of the containers.

Therefore, after the carbonation procedure, it is necessary to store or remove the carbonator to be able to use the liquid inside the bottles.

As a result, prior art devices are difficult to handle and do not allow immediate use of the handled liquid.

Patent application GB-A-206199 describes a more portable device than the previous ones.

However, even this device has, in the first place, a device external to the bottle that contains the liquid.

Furthermore, the means for holding and connecting the various components are complex and the gas placed inside the cylinder must pass through at least two intermediate chambers before coming into contact with the liquid. On the other hand, once the gas inside the cylinder runs out, it has to be refilled, with consequent disadvantages from the point of view of portability, as occurs with the prior art devices mentioned above.

Also the patent application EP-A-1454843 describes a device internal to the bottle that contains the gas that can be opened only once.

In this situation, the technical object of the present invention is to devise a container for liquids associated with a carbonator capable of substantially overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above.

Within the scope of said technical object, an important objective of the invention is to provide a container for liquids associated with a carbonator that is portable and compact.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a container for liquids that makes it possible to handle a liquid in a simplified and therefore faster way compared to prior art devices. The technical object and the specified objectives are achieved by a container for liquids associated with a carbonator, as claimed in appended claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearly apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows the container for liquids;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the container for liquids;

Fig. 3 is a cross section of the base of the liquid container; and

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the liquid container.

In this invention, geometric measurements, values, shapes, and references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when used with words such as "About" or other similar terms, such as "approximately" or "substantially," are to be understood , except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, except for a slight divergence of the value, the measure, the shape or the geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% from said value.

Furthermore, when terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "main" and "secondary" are used, they do not necessarily refer to an order, a priority relation or a relative position, but rather they can simply be used to more clearly distinguish the various components from each other.

With reference to the drawings, reference numeral 1 globally indicates the container for liquids associated with a carbonator.

The container for liquids 1 comprises a base 2, a containment body 3 and an opening 4.

In particular, the base 2 and the containment body 3 define a first interior volume 1a.

Consequently, the first interior volume 1a preferably assumes substantially the shapes and size defined by the base 2 and the containment body 3.

Base 2, for example, defines a main axis 2a.

The base 2 preferably comprises a concave surface 20 within which a cavity 21 is formed. The cavity 21 is therefore, for example, a portion of the first interior volume 1a and, in particular, the portion of the first interior volume 1a enclosed by the base 2.

The concave surface 20 can be of any shape and size and is preferably a cylinder centered on the main axis 2a open at one of the two bases and comprising a compartment 22 at the opposite base.

The compartment 22 is, for example, of a substantially cylindrical shape centered along the main axis 2a protruding into the base 2.

Consequently, the cavity 21 can also be of any shape and size depending on the characteristics of the surrounding surface and, therefore, in a substantially complementary manner to the interior shape of the concave surface 20 and the compartment 22.

Base 2 further comprises means for introducing a substance into base 2. In particular, the substance can be a gas. The gas is preferably carbon dioxide (CO2).

The base 2 comprises clamping means 6, a connection 8, a valve 9 and control means 10.

The clamping means 6, the connection means 8, the valve 9 and the control means 10 mentioned above are preferably arranged inside the cavity 21.

The fastening means 6 are preferably suitable for fastening the base 2 to a gas container 7.

The gas container 7 can be of any shape or size and is preferably made of a structure similar to the compressed gas cartridges used in soda bottles.

The gas container 7 thus defines a second interior volume 7a.

The second inner volume 7a is preferably delimited by the walls of the gas container 7 and is also, for example, suitable for housing a substance to be introduced into the first inner volume 1a and therefore comprises a gas.

The gas can be any gas preferably used for adding to a liquid, such as common beverages, and is therefore, for example, carbon dioxide.

It is also hermetically sealed in its opening by an occlusion device 70.

The occlusion device 70 is, for example, a rubber stopper of the type commonly used, for example, for injectable drugs and is suitable to be pierced to allow access to the second interior volume 7a defined by the gas container 7. Alternatively, the Occlusion device 70 is a very thin metal wall similar to that used in compressed gas cartridges used in soda bottles.

The gas container 7 can be coupled, as mentioned, to the base 2 by the restriction means 6 and therefore can have locking tabs or threads or something else.

Preferably, the restriction means 6 consist of a hollow cylinder centered on the main axis 2a comprising smooth walls.

As a result of the above, the gas container 7 comprises, for example, a neck adjacent to the occlusion device 70 provided within the cylinder defined by the clamping means 6 and having a suitable geometry to engage the clamping means 6.

In an alternative configuration, the clamping means 6 consist of a hollow cylinder centered on the main axis 2a comprising corresponding parts threaded inside it.

Furthermore, the gas container 7 comprises, for example, a neck adjacent to the occlusion device 70 provided within the cylinder defined by the clamping means 6 and having corresponding threaded parts suitable for engaging corresponding parts of the clamping means 6 .

This configuration allows, for example, the gas container 7 to be replaceable.

In fact, the gas container 7 is preferably connectable and removable for easy replacement in case of complete emptying of the gas contained therein.

In particular, the clamping means 6 therefore have a hole, which coincides, for example, with a base of the cylinder, of dimensions compatible with the neck of the gas container 7 and suitable for inserting at least part of the gas container. gas 7 in it, and a connection 8.

The connection 8 is located, for example, in the clamping means 6 on the base opposite the inlet base of the gas container 7.

Preferably, the connection 8 is, for example, a hole or a conduit suitable for operatively connecting the first interior volume 1a and the second interior volume 7a.

In particular, for example, the connection 8 operatively connects the gas container 7 and the cavity 21 and preferably the connection 8 is a conduit comprising an inlet port 80 and an outlet port 81. The inlet port 80 is, therefore, For example, directly connected with the clamping means 6 and therefore with the gas container 7 while the outlet port 81 is directly connected with the cavity 21 and therefore with the first inner volume 1a.

The connection 8 is also preferably operatively connected with a valve 9.

The valve 9 may comprise various apparatus such as a solenoid valve or a tap or something else.

Preferably, the valve 9 comprises a control chamber 90, a plunger 91 and an elastic element 92.

The control chamber 90 can be of any shape or size as long as it is suitable to house the internal control elements and, in particular, the plunger 91.

The control chamber 90 is also operatively connected to the connection 8 and, in particular, is arranged between the inlet port 80 and the outlet port 81.

The inlet port 80 preferably, as mentioned, faces the inlet of the gas container 7 and therefore the occlusion device 70 allowing the control chamber 90 to communicate with it.

In fact, the gas container 7 is preferably partially located within a space, such as the cylinder mentioned above, that defines the clamping means 6.

The outlet port 81 is preferably suitable for operatively connecting the control chamber 90 and the cavity 21.

As a result, the control chamber 90, for example, substantially comprises an interference member located at the connection 8 and therefore between the first interior volume 1a and the second interior volume 7a.

Plunger 91 can be of any shape and size and is preferably suitable for closing and opening inlet port 80.

In other words, the plunger 91 preferably has the function of obstructing or releasing the connection 8 and, in particular, of allowing or preventing the passage of the gas comprised in the gas container 7 between the inlet port 80 and the outlet port 81 Consequently, the plunger 91 comprises at least one portion geometrically complementary to the inlet hole 80 and is suitable to occupy the same completely, for example hermetically.

The control chamber 90 and the plunger 91 are thus structured in such a way that, when open, they form a direct passage or conduit between the inlet port 80 and the outlet port 81.

Therefore, in this configuration, the second inner volume 7a and the first inner volume 1a are in direct connection for the passage of fluid.

The term direct connection for the fluid passage means that there are no chamber spaces or collection reservoirs between the two volumes 1a, 7a.

Preferably, a tip 910 is also located in the portion geometrically complementary to the inlet port 80 of the plunger 91.

The tip 910 is, for example, suitable for piercing the opening of the gas container 7 and therefore preferably the occlusion device 70 in such a way as to allow the gas, contained within the gas container 7, to flow into the Exterior.

Control chamber 90 and plunger 91 preferably comprise a structure substantially similar to that of a jack-type actuator.

Plunger 91 is also operatively connected to elastic member 92.

The elastic element 92 is, for example, a spring and is suitable to keep the plunger 91 in its closed configuration, that is, in such a way that it fully occupies the inlet port 80.

At least a portion of plunger 91 is preferably external to control chamber 90.

The aforementioned portion is thus, for example, operatively connected to the control means 10. The control means 10 can comprise, for example, a control knob, or even a push-button or other element that ensures the controlled movement of the plunger 91 .

In particular, preferably the control means 10 comprise a first component 11 and a second component 12.

The first component 11 is, for example, a lever articulated at the base 2 preferably half its extension, and movably coupled at one end to the outer section of the plunger 91.

The portion of the first component 11 opposite the plunger 91 is preferably movably coupled with the second component 12.

Therefore, the first component 11 is, for example, similar to a first-class lever.

The second component 12 is more preferably a lever movably coupled to the first component 11 at one end.

The second component 12 pivots, for example, on the base 2 at the opposite end with respect to the connection with the first component 11 and is therefore similar, for example, to a third-class lever.

The second component 12 and the first component 11 preferably allow movement of the plunger 91 such that the inlet port 80 is opened or closed.

Said inlet port 80, as mentioned, allows, for example, the control chamber 90 to communicate with the second interior volume 7a, while the outlet port 81 allows the control chamber 90 to communicate with the first interior volume 1a.

Therefore, the opening and closing of the inlet port 80 preferably involves the opening and closing of the connection 8 and, therefore, the obstruction or release of the passage of gas from the second interior volume 7a to the first interior volume. 1st. The base 2 just described is also preferably restricted to the container body 3, for example by threading or locking.

In particular, the base 2 can be arranged depending on different configurations and is therefore, for example, below the containment group, or above, or even laterally or internally to it.

The containment body 3, for example, is arranged in the cavity 21 of the base 2. The body 3 is preferably substantially a bottle body hermetically connectable to the base 2 to trap a volume comprised within the base 2 and the body 3.

Therefore, this volume is constituted, for example, by the first interior volume 1a. In greater detail, the base 2 and said containment body 3 define an operational configuration in which the base 2 and the containment body 3 are mutually restrained.

Furthermore, they define a non-operative configuration in which the base 2 and the containment body 3 are mutually decoupled.

In the non-operational configuration, the gas container 7 is accessible.

As a result, a user can, for example, easily access the gas container 7.

In fact, the non-operative configuration is preferably suitable to allow restriction or removal of the gas container 7 from the clamping means 6.

In this way, the gas container 7, as already mentioned above, can be easily replaced. Therefore, the body 3 can be provided above the cavity 21 and interlocked above the base 2.

On the other hand, the body 3 can be empty, or it can have in its interior corresponding parts suitable to house the gas container 7 therein or even grids, or perforated surfaces, that separate its internal volume and the cavity 21.

Preferably, the gas container 7 is inside the device for liquids and, therefore, the body 3 comprises a corresponding part substantially complementary to the gas container 7 and suitable to constitute a containment casing 30.

In particular, the containment shell 30 is, for example, suitable to allow separation between the liquid contained in the liquid container 1 and the outer surface 7 of the gas container.

Furthermore, the containment housing is preferably suitable for keeping the gas container 7 in position, that is, as it is arranged, for example, in the clamping means 6.

As a result, the containment shell is, for example, suitable for forming a tight shell with the holding means 6.

Body 3 is also operatively connected to opening 4.

Therefore, such an opening 4 is, for example, a narrowing at the end opposite the base 2.

Such a constriction is, for example, a bottleneck of the type commonly known in the art and used for pouring the liquid or directly for drinking.

Preferably, the body 3 has in the aforementioned constriction suitable fastening elements to connect with a cover 5.

As a result, for example, the fasteners can be threads of the type commonly known in the art.

The lid 5 can be of the common type and is suitable, for example, to hermetically close the liquid container 1, and thus allow the trapping, within the volume described by the base 2 and the containment body 3, of a quantity of liquid , for example, 75 cl.

The liquid is, for example, water.

Therefore, the container for liquids, for example, is suitable for containing water and is preferably suitable for generating carbonated water.

Finally, the lid 5 may comprise, for example, a safety element 50 suitable for reducing the pressure within the first inner volume 1a.

Such a safety element 50 is preferably a valve of the common vent type and, therefore, suitable to allow venting of excess gas into the first interior volume 1a of the container for liquids 1.

The above-mentioned ventilation valve can also be arranged, for example, alternatively in the containment body 3 or even in the base 2.

The operation of the container for liquids 1 associated with a carbonator, described above in structural terms, is as follows.

The second component 12, once pressed, allows the extraction of the plunger 91 from the inlet port 80 by means of a lever mechanism (fig. 4).

In particular, the movement of the second component rotates the first component 11 around its own hinge.

The first component 11 thus pulls the plunger 91 away from the inlet port 80 overcoming the elastic resistance force of the elastic element 92.

Upon removal of the plunger 91 from the orifice 80, the gas inside the gas container 7 is released by flowing from the second inner volume 7a to the first inner volume 1a through the connection 8.

In particular, the gas passes through the inlet port 80, passing through part of the control chamber 90 and escaping through the outlet port 81.

In more detail, the gas is released from the cylinder through a hole made in the occlusion device 70 by the tip 910.

Once outside the outlet orifice, the gas enters the cavity 21 and, thus, the first interior volume 1a, within which the liquid is partially located inside the liquid container 1.

The gas is then mixed with the liquid, and thus the liquid is manipulated from the original state to the liquid state with the addition of gas.

Beyond a given rotation (definable depending on the constructive configuration) the second component 12 is released from the first component 11 and, therefore, the elastic element 92, comprised within the control chamber 90, allows the released plunger 91 return to its closed configuration avoiding inadvertent gas dispersion.

As a result of the above, the liquid container 1 allows gas to enter into the cavity 21 both impulsively through the mechanisms of the control means 10 and continuously by lightly pressing the second component 12.

Finally, once the gas in the gas container 7 is exhausted, it is possible to refill said container 7 or replace it entirely with another.

The container for liquids 1 associated with a carbonator according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the container for liquids 1 incorporates inside the base 2 that includes the means for adjusting a gas that has to be introduced into a liquid at will and, therefore, is very compact, ensuring portability and greater comfort in comparison with available devices of the prior art.

Furthermore, the shape of the container for liquids 1 enables it to perform the required functions of the device in any situation.

It allows, for example, that even users who perform sports activities take advantage of its characteristics. In conclusion, the operation of the device is simplified and fast.

As a result, the liquid container 1 is extremely competitive both from an economic point of view, compared to much more complex household devices, and from a use point of view.

Variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims.

For example, the shapes and dimensions of the liquid container 1 may be different depending on the objects for which the device is provided.

In this area all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be as desired.

Claims (9)

1.- A container for liquids (1) and a carbonator comprising: - a containment body (3); - a base (2); - said containing body (3) and said base (2) defining a first interior volume (1a) for a liquid, - an opening (4) that can be closed by means of a lid (5), suitable to allow access to said liquid in said first interior volume (1a), and - including said base (2): - clamping means (6) for clamping a gas container (7) within said first inner volume, said gas container (7) defining a second inner volume (7a) to contain gas, - a connection (8), different from said opening (4), configured to connect said second interior volume (7a) with said first interior volume (1a) for the passage of fluid, - a valve (9) suitable to obstruct or release said connection (8), in which - said base (2) and said containment body (3) define an operative configuration in which said base (2) and said containment body (3) are mutually coupled and a non-operative configuration in which said base (2) and said containment body (3) are mutually decoupled, in which in said non-operative configuration said gas container (7) is accessible and a user can hold or release said gas container (7) to / from said holding means (6), characterized because said base (2) further includes control means (10) configured to control said valve (9) from outside said first interior volume (1a), and because said clamping means (6) are configured to clamp said gas container (7) within said first inner volume (1a). 2. The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second inner volume (7a) and said first inner volume (1a) are in direct connection for the passage of fluid. 3. - The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said valve (9) comprises a control chamber (90), a plunger (91) and an elastic element (92). 4. - The container (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said connection (8) comprises an inlet port (80) and an outlet port (81), and in which said control chamber is placed between said inlet port and said outlet port and said plunger (91) is suitable for opening or obstructing said inlet port (80). 5. The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said plunger (91) comprises a tip (910) and said gas container (7) comprises an occlusion device (70), being arranged said occlusion device in said entry port (80) and said tip (910) being adapted to pierce said occlusion device (70). 6. The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control means (10) comprise a first component (11) and a second component (12) and wherein said plunger (91) is movably coupled to said first component (11), said first component (11) being movably coupled to said second component (12), said second component (12) being suitable for moving said plunger (91) by means of said first component (11) from the outside of said first inner volume (1a). 7. The container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising said lid (5), wherein said lid (5) comprises a safety element (50), said safety element (50) being a valve air vent. 8. The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said plunger (91) is held in the configuration that occludes said inlet hole (80) by said elastic element (92). 9. The container (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said containment body (3) it comprises a containment casing (30) suitable for including and keeping in position said gas container ⁽ 7 ⁾ and suitable for defining with said fastening means (6) a hermetically sealed casing.