US20110278297A1 - Device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid - Google Patents
Device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid Download PDFInfo
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- US20110278297A1 US20110278297A1 US13/098,673 US201113098673A US2011278297A1 US 20110278297 A1 US20110278297 A1 US 20110278297A1 US 201113098673 A US201113098673 A US 201113098673A US 2011278297 A1 US2011278297 A1 US 2011278297A1
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- Prior art keywords
- bladder
- container
- state
- consumable liquid
- sealing device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/12—Vessels or pots for table use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/245—Internal membrane, floating cover or the like isolating the contents from the ambient atmosphere
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12H—PASTEURISATION, STERILISATION, PRESERVATION, PURIFICATION, CLARIFICATION OR AGEING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; METHODS FOR ALTERING THE ALCOHOL CONTENT OF FERMENTED SOLUTIONS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- C12H1/00—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages
- C12H1/12—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation
- C12H1/16—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation by physical means, e.g. irradiation
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a device and method of preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid and, more particularly, to the oxidation of a bottle of consumable liquid.
- Oxidation is generally a chemical reaction in which oxygen and/or other elements in the air impregnate the consumable liquid, rendering it unappetizing to a consumer.
- Manufacturers of consumable liquids understand this process and implement several procedures to preserve the quality of the consumable liquid until it is ready to be consumed. For example, manufacturers will select a suitably sized and shaped container for the consumable liquid so that the container is mostly filled with the consumable liquid with little-to-no air space within the container above the consumable liquid. Additionally, manufacturers may include a seal at an opening of the container, with or without pressurizing the air within the air space that is residing between the consumable liquid and the seal.
- one conventional method includes placing a cover or seal over an opening of the container of the consumable liquid.
- the air space is still present in that container.
- the volume of the air space increases after at least a portion of the consumable liquid is removed from the container. The increased volume of air space furthers the process of oxidation and the degradation of the consumable liquid.
- Another conventional method includes freezing the consumable liquid after the container has been opened and the consumable liquid has been initially exposed and/or partially consumed.
- this method is also undesirable as it takes considerable time for the consumable liquid to be thawed or otherwise unfrozen.
- the freezing and thawing process may lead to degradation of the consumable liquid through mechanisms other than oxidation.
- Still another conventional method includes transferring the consumable liquid to a smaller container.
- this method requires the user to maintain a supply of containers of various sizes.
- an exact match of any particular container to the amount of consumable liquid is rarely, if ever, achieved.
- Another conventional method includes replacing the air within the air space of the container with an inert gas and/or evacuating the air from the air space with a pump.
- air is introduced into the container during the time it takes to remove the source of the inert gas from the opening of the container and placement of the seal.
- the former method also does not allow the user to visually inspect or otherwise determine whether that air within the air space of the container has been fully displaced.
- a vacuum is unattainable, particularly with vacuum pumps available for consumer use. Thus, it is inevitable that significant amounts of air will remain within the container.
- the present invention overcomes the foregoing problems and other shortcomings, drawbacks, and challenges of preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. To the contrary, this invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- a sealing device configured to reduce the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container and includes an inflation source, a bladder, and a flexible tubing connecting the inflation source to the bladder.
- the bladder is configured to reside on a surface of the consumable liquid and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bladder is configured to enter the container. In the second state, the bladder forms a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- a sealing device for reducing the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container.
- the sealing device includes a collapsible bladder and an actuator.
- the collapsible bladder has an expanded state and a collapsed state.
- the actuator transitions the collapsible bladder between the expanded and collapsed states.
- the bladder is configured to enter the container.
- the bladder is configured to form a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- a method of preserving a consumable liquid within a container includes inserting an expandable bladder through an opening of the container.
- the expandable bladder is directed to a surface of the consumable liquid within the container and expanded so as to form a seal with an inner surface of the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of a consumable liquid, wherein at least a portion of the consumable liquid has been removed from the container.
- FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of a sealing device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate inflation sources for use with the sealing device of FIG. 2 in accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 3A-3C are side-elevational views partially in cross-section of one exemplary method of using the sealing device of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the sealing device of FIG. 2 configured to preserve the portion of consumable liquid remaining within the container.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a cap for use with a sealing device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 6A-6E are perspective views partially in cross-section of compressible bladders in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention configured to preserve the portion of consumable liquid remaining within the container.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an inflation source in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- the container 10 may be a conventional bottle used for transporting liquids, such as wine, carbonated beverages, oils, liquor, gelatinous food stuffs, or other liquids 12 .
- the container 10 includes at least one wall 14 , a bottom 16 , and an opening 18 .
- the at least one wall 14 and bottom 16 enclose a volume 20 for holding the liquid 12 , which is inserted into the volume 20 via the opening 18 .
- the volume 20 within the container 10 is largely comprised of air space 22 in additional to some liquid 12 .
- a sealing device 24 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated as a disassembled state.
- the disassembled state may be useful for purposes of transport (such as after purchase) and/or storage of the sealing device 24 .
- the sealing device 24 includes an inflation source 26 having a valve 28 that is configured to be pneumatically coupled to a first end 30 of a flexible tube 32 .
- a second end 34 of the tube 32 is configured to be pneumatically coupled to an inflatable bladder 36 via a connector 38 .
- the inflation source 26 may be, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a pump bulb that is compressible and configured to expel a volume of air (or gas) through an opening 40 with each successive compression.
- Conventional pump bulbs 26 may be used, including those constructed from a generally polymeric material that is sufficiently rigid so as to return to an expanded state ready for subsequent compression.
- it may be advantageous to construct the pump bulb 26 from a material that is highly expandable, non-allergenic, and highly sustainable material, such as a guayule-based rubber or like material.
- the pump bulb 26 may include a novelty shape that is associated with the liquid 12 to be preserved.
- the pump bulb may be shaped as a cluster of grapes, or if the liquid to be preserved is a carbonated beverage (such as an orange flavored soda pop), then the pump bulb may be shaped as a wedge of an orange.
- these novelty shapes are not necessary to the function of the pump bulb and the invention should be not be so limited to a particular shape as described or illustrated herein.
- the valve 28 coupled to the opening 40 of the pump bulb 26 is configured to couple the flexible tube 32 to the pump bulb 26 .
- the valve 28 may include a pressure release 42 having an open state and a closed state.
- the pressure release 42 may be constructed from a metallic, plastic, or other suitable materials and may include a screw-type or push button operation.
- In the closed state each compression of the pump bulb 26 forces the expelled air through the opening 40 in the pump bulb 26 , through the pressure release 42 and the valve 28 , and into the flexible tube 32 ; in the open state, the expelled air from each compression of the pump bulb 26 may be otherwise diverted away from the flexible tube 32 .
- FIG. 2A illustrates a self-contained pressurized gas source, such as a cylinder 50 of compressed air, which may be coupled to the flexible tubing 32 ( FIG. 2 ) via a tank regulator 52 .
- the cylinder 50 and the regulator 52 may be any suitable commercially-available tank and regulator 52 known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the cylinder 50 which is sealed to prevent premature release of compressed air from the cylinder 50 , may be coupled to the regulator 52 when the user desires to preserve the consumable liquid 12 , in a way that breaches the seal and allows compressed air to enter the regulator 52 .
- the cylinder 50 may be a single-use device.
- the cylinder 50 and the regulator 52 may include a valve (not shown) that enables multiple uses of the same cylinder 50 of compressed air.
- the inflation source 26 may be an air pump 54 that is configured to be coupled to the flexible tube 32 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the air pump 54 may be any suitable commercially-available air pump that is externally powered, such as via an electric plug (not shown) to an electrical outlet (not shown) or may be battery-powered and thus portable.
- the power source (not shown) may include a switch (not shown) for activating the air pump 54 .
- the flexible tubing 32 may be constructed with any tube-like shape having a passageway extending through the tube 32 between the first and second ends 30 , 34 so as to allow the passage of air or compressed gas therethrough. While any rubber or polymeric material may be used, the flexible tube 32 may be constructed from the guayule-based rubber or like material suitable for use with food and beverage products.
- the inflatable bladder 36 may be a balloon-like device having a deflated state and an inflated state.
- a deflated state as shown in FIG. 2 , the inflatable bladder 36 is configured to have a narrow profile so that it may slide through the opening 18 of the container 10 with relative ease.
- the cross-sectional dimension of the inflatable bladder 36 in the deflated state need only be less than the diameter, or other cross-sectional dimension, of the opening 18 .
- the inflatable bladder 36 In an inflated state, which is shown in FIG. 4 , the inflatable bladder 36 may be substantially spheroid in shape.
- the spheroid inflated state may have a dimension, positioned within a plane 60 extending transversely through the inflatable bladder 36 that substantially matches a cross-sectional dimension of the volume 20 within the container 10 .
- the spheroid inflated state may have a diameter, which is maximal within the plane 60 , that substantially matches the inner cross-sectional diameter of the container 10 .
- an inflation bladder have an elliptical or oval-shaped inflated state may be appropriate for a container having an oval cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, other shapes and sizes of the inflation bladder may be used.
- the inflatable bladder 36 may be constructed of various elastic polymeric materials, and it may be advantageous to construct the inflatable bladder from a guayule-based rubber material.
- the inflatable bladder may be constructed from a natural rubber, latex, MYLAR, YULEX, VYTEX, polyisoprene synthetic rubber or other like material.
- the pump bulb 26 and/or the inflatable bladder 36 may be manufactured to be a color that is similar to the liquid to be preserved.
- the pump bulb 26 and the inflatable bladder 36 may be a dark red or purple color for red wines, while the pump bulb 26 and the inflatable bladder 36 may be a light yellow or greenish color for white wines.
- the connector 38 is shaped and sized to be received by an opening 62 of the inflatable bladder 36 and to extend between the second end 34 of the flexible tube 32 and the inflatable bladder 36 .
- the connector 38 may be permanently coupled to the opening 62 of the inflatable bladder 36 or to the second end of the flexible tube 32 .
- FIGS. 3A-3C one exemplary method of using the sealing device 24 is described in greater detail.
- the sealing device 24 is assembled and the inflatable bladder 36 in the deflated state is inserted through the opening 18 of the container 10 holding the liquid 12 , respectively.
- the inflatable bladder 36 in its deflated state, is lowered into the volume 20 of the container 10 until the inflatable bladder 36 resides on a surface 64 of the liquid 12 .
- the user may repeatedly actuate the pump bulb 26 so as to expel air from the pump bulb 26 . Because the pressure release 42 is in the closed position, the air enters the flexible tube 32 and ultimately the inflatable bladder 36 .
- the fluidic-pressure within the inflatable bladder 36 increases and applies an outwardly-directed force to the inside surfaces of the inflatable bladder 36 . Accordingly, the inflatable bladder 36 expands to the inflated state.
- the user continues increasing the fluidic-pressure by further compressing the pump bulb 26 until an outer surface of the inflatable bladder 36 touches the inside surface of the container 10 , thereby creating an air-tight seal at the surface 64 of the liquid 12 .
- the pressure release 42 may be opened. In this way, the air within the inflatable bladder 36 may be expelled from the inflatable bladder 36 and the fluidic-pressure within the inflatable bladder 36 decreases. With sufficient pressure release, the inflatable bladder 36 returns to a deflated state and is easily removed from the surface 64 of the liquid 12 and from the volume 20 within the container 10 via the opening 18 of the container 10 .
- the sealing device 24 may further include a cap 70 having a top portion 72 and a cylindrical portion 74 extending away from the top portion 72 .
- the cap 70 is configured to cover the opening 18 of the container 10 while the sealing device 24 is in use.
- the cap 70 may be moveable along the flexible tube 32 so that the proper amount of tube 32 may be positioned within the volume 20 of the container 10 and to accommodate any portion of liquid 12 within the container 10 (i.e., a nearly full container versus a nearly empty container) and/or any size or shape of container 10 .
- the inflatable bladder 36 FIG. 4
- the cap 70 may slide along the flexible tube 32 and loosely sit at the opening 18 such that the top portion 72 resides above the opening 18 and the cylindrical portion resides loosely within the opening 18 .
- FIG. 5B illustrates yet another embodiment of a cap 80 also configured to cover the opening 18 of the container 10 while further sealing the container 10 .
- the cap 80 may be constructed from a plastic or rubber material and includes a top portion 82 and cylindrical portion 84 extending away from the top portion 84 .
- a compression fitting 86 such as a plurality of flexible ribs, may be coupled to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 84 .
- the compression fitting 86 may be sized and shaped to accommodate all standard bottle sizes.
- the cap 80 is configured to slide along the length of the flexible tube 32 . In use, once the inflatable bladder 36 ( FIG. 4 ) is inflated, the cap 80 may slide along the flexible tube 32 to the opening 18 of the container 10 . The cap 80 is then pressed into the opening 18 such that the compression fitting 86 seals the opening 18 of the container 10 .
- FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate various alternative embodiments of inflatable bladders, all within the scope of the invention. While various specific embodiments are shown, the invention should not be limited to only those inflation bladder shapes that are specifically illustrated.
- FIG. 6A illustrates one alternative embodiment of a compressible bladder 90 having an O-ring shape that is configured to form a seal around the insider perimeter surface of the container 10 .
- the O-ring shaped compressible bladder 90 may be comprised of a solid, compressible material forming an outer tube portion 92 that is generally circular in its resting state.
- a thin elastic-type film 94 may span within the tube portion 92 .
- An actuator 96 illustrated herein as one or more rods, may be coupled to either of the tube portion 92 or the elastic film 94 , and may extend proximally away from the compressible bladder 90 .
- the compressible bladder 90 is compressed, or otherwise folded, to a dimension that is sufficiently small to enter the opening 18 in the container 10 .
- the compressible bladder 90 After the compressible bladder 90 is within the volume 22 of the container 10 , the compressible bladder 90 expands to its unconstrained, O-ring shape, which may seal against an inner surface of the container 10 .
- the user may then apply a downwardly-directed force onto one or more rods 96 to advance the compressible bladder 90 to the surface 64 of the liquid 12 .
- one of the one or more rods 96 may be directed downwardly such that the compressible bladder 90 is tilted within the volume 22 of the container 10 .
- the compressible bladder 90 may then be pulled proximally to the opening 18 ( FIG. 1 ) of the container 10 and pulled through the opening 18 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the O-ring shape of the compressible bladder 90 is coupled to the flexible tube 32 ( FIG. 4 ), as described previously. Accordingly, the compressible bladder 90 is inserted into the container 10 in a deflated state and then inflated as described above. Because only the O-ring shape of the compressible bladder 90 need be inflated, inflation of the compressible bladder 90 would need less air (or successive compressions of the pump bulb 26 ) to seal the liquid 12 at its surface 64 .
- FIG. 6B another embodiment of a compressible bladder 100 that is similar to the compressible bladder of FIG. 6A but that includes an umbrella shape is shown.
- the umbrella shape may include a plurality of ribs 102 having an elastic or rubber covering 104 that covers an outer surface of the plurality of ribs 102 and is configured to form a seal at the surface 64 of the liquid 12 .
- a tube 106 extends away from the ribs 102 and film 104 and is coupled to the ribs 102 by way of collapsible stretchers (not shown) that extend to a runner (not shown) that slides with respect to the tube 106 .
- a natural rubber or like material may cover the ribs 102 , the collapsible stretchers, and runner so as to protect the internal mechanical workings of the compressible bladder 100 .
- the compressible bladder 100 operates in a manner that is similar to an umbrella. That is, the compressible bladder 100 , in a closed state, is lowered into the container 10 and to the surface 64 of the liquid 12 . The compressible bladder 100 would then be moved to an open state from an external mechanism (not shown) that would slide the runner downwardly along the tube 106 , which radially expands the collapsible stretchers and forces the plurality of ribs 102 outwardly until the film 104 contacts the inner surface of the container 10 .
- Removing the compressible bladder 100 would include reversing the operation such that the runner is advanced upwardly along the tube 106 (i.e., toward the opening 18 of the container 10 ), which releases the collapsible stretchers and plurality of ribs to the closed state.
- FIG. 6C yet another embodiment of a compressible bladder 110 that is similar to the compressible bladder 90 of FIG. 6A , is shown. Accordingly, similar parts are labeled within similar reference numerals.
- three rods 96 ′ are shown and that are coupled directly to the outer tube 92 ′.
- the three rods 96 ′ are configured to be retracted and extended with respect to a tube 112 in order to compress, or otherwise collapse, the outer tube 92 ′ to a dimension that allows the outer tube 92 ′ to be inserted through the opening 18 of the container 10 .
- the rods 96 ′ may also be used to position the outer tube 92 ′ within the volume 20 of the container 10 , to advance the compressible bladder 110 to the surface 64 of the liquid 12 , to position the collapsible bladder 110 within the container 10 , and to remove the collapsible bladder 110 as was described above.
- FIGS. 6D-6E illustrate still another embodiment of an inflatable bladder 114 , having a sleeve 115 a of sealing rubber surrounding a central tube 116 .
- the sleeve 115 a rests on top of a ring 117 .
- a plunger 118 residing above the sleeve 115 a and moveable along the length of the tube 116 may be advanced downwardly, thereby causing the sleeve 115 a to expand radially outwardly to a ring 115 b that substantially covers the ring 117 and forms a seal with the container 10 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an inflation source 120 .
- the inflation source 120 may include a thumb-style mechanical pump having a thumb tab 122 extending proximally from a holder 124 . Accordingly, the user holds the holder 124 between two or more fingers while the user's thumb actuates the thumb tab 122 . Successive compressions of the thumb tab 122 inflate an inflation bladder, which may be any embodiment within the scope of the invention.
Abstract
A sealing device for reducing the degradation of a consumer liquid within a container. The sealing device includes an inflation source, a bladder, and a flexible tubing connecting the inflation source to the bladder. The bladder is configured to reside on a surface of the consumable liquid and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bladder is configured to enter the container. In the second state, the bladder forms a seal with the container at the search of the consumable liquid.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/333,872, filed on May 12, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to a device and method of preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid and, more particularly, to the oxidation of a bottle of consumable liquid.
- Some consumable liquids, such as wine or carbonated beverages, often suffer a loss of quality, taste, and composition due to oxidation. Oxidation is generally a chemical reaction in which oxygen and/or other elements in the air impregnate the consumable liquid, rendering it unappetizing to a consumer. Manufacturers of consumable liquids understand this process and implement several procedures to preserve the quality of the consumable liquid until it is ready to be consumed. For example, manufacturers will select a suitably sized and shaped container for the consumable liquid so that the container is mostly filled with the consumable liquid with little-to-no air space within the container above the consumable liquid. Additionally, manufacturers may include a seal at an opening of the container, with or without pressurizing the air within the air space that is residing between the consumable liquid and the seal.
- However, there exists the problem of preserving the quality of the consumable liquid after the container has been opened and at least a portion of the consumable liquid remains. Several conventional devices and methods have been developed to reduce and/or prevent the oxidation of consumable liquids after the container has been opened. For example, one conventional method includes placing a cover or seal over an opening of the container of the consumable liquid. However, the air space is still present in that container. In fact, the volume of the air space increases after at least a portion of the consumable liquid is removed from the container. The increased volume of air space furthers the process of oxidation and the degradation of the consumable liquid.
- Another conventional method includes freezing the consumable liquid after the container has been opened and the consumable liquid has been initially exposed and/or partially consumed. However, this method is also undesirable as it takes considerable time for the consumable liquid to be thawed or otherwise unfrozen. Furthermore, the freezing and thawing process may lead to degradation of the consumable liquid through mechanisms other than oxidation.
- Still another conventional method includes transferring the consumable liquid to a smaller container. However, this method requires the user to maintain a supply of containers of various sizes. Moreover, an exact match of any particular container to the amount of consumable liquid is rarely, if ever, achieved.
- Another conventional method includes replacing the air within the air space of the container with an inert gas and/or evacuating the air from the air space with a pump. In the former, air is introduced into the container during the time it takes to remove the source of the inert gas from the opening of the container and placement of the seal. The former method also does not allow the user to visually inspect or otherwise determine whether that air within the air space of the container has been fully displaced. In the latter method, a vacuum is unattainable, particularly with vacuum pumps available for consumer use. Thus, it is inevitable that significant amounts of air will remain within the container.
- Therefore, there remains a need for a device and method of preserving consumable liquids that overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of the conventional methods.
- The present invention overcomes the foregoing problems and other shortcomings, drawbacks, and challenges of preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. To the contrary, this invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- According to one embodiment of the invention, a sealing device is described. The sealing device is configured to reduce the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container and includes an inflation source, a bladder, and a flexible tubing connecting the inflation source to the bladder. The bladder is configured to reside on a surface of the consumable liquid and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the bladder is configured to enter the container. In the second state, the bladder forms a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- According to another embodiment of the invention, a sealing device is described for reducing the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container. The sealing device includes a collapsible bladder and an actuator. The collapsible bladder has an expanded state and a collapsed state. The actuator transitions the collapsible bladder between the expanded and collapsed states. When the bladder is in the collapsed state, the bladder is configured to enter the container. In the expanded state, the bladder is configured to form a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of preserving a consumable liquid within a container is described. The method includes inserting an expandable bladder through an opening of the container. The expandable bladder is directed to a surface of the consumable liquid within the container and expanded so as to form a seal with an inner surface of the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
- The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of a consumable liquid, wherein at least a portion of the consumable liquid has been removed from the container. -
FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of a sealing device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate inflation sources for use with the sealing device ofFIG. 2 in accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention. -
FIGS. 3A-3C are side-elevational views partially in cross-section of one exemplary method of using the sealing device ofFIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 1 with the sealing device ofFIG. 2 configured to preserve the portion of consumable liquid remaining within the container. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a cap for use with a sealing device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. -
FIGS. 6A-6E are perspective views partially in cross-section of compressible bladders in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention configured to preserve the portion of consumable liquid remaining within the container. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an inflation source in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. - Turning now to the figures, and in particular to
FIG. 1 , acontainer 10 of a consumable liquid (“liquid” 12) is shown. Thecontainer 10 may be a conventional bottle used for transporting liquids, such as wine, carbonated beverages, oils, liquor, gelatinous food stuffs, orother liquids 12. Accordingly, thecontainer 10 includes at least onewall 14, a bottom 16, and anopening 18. The at least onewall 14 and bottom 16 enclose avolume 20 for holding the liquid 12, which is inserted into thevolume 20 via theopening 18. - As is shown, a seal (not shown) of the
container 10 that was positioned by the manufacturer for shipment of thecontainer 10 has been removed and at least a portion of the liquid has been removed and/or consumed. As a result, thevolume 20 within thecontainer 10 is largely comprised ofair space 22 in additional to some liquid 12. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 , a sealingdevice 24 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated as a disassembled state. The disassembled state may be useful for purposes of transport (such as after purchase) and/or storage of the sealingdevice 24. The sealingdevice 24 includes aninflation source 26 having avalve 28 that is configured to be pneumatically coupled to afirst end 30 of aflexible tube 32. Asecond end 34 of thetube 32 is configured to be pneumatically coupled to aninflatable bladder 36 via aconnector 38. - The
inflation source 26 may be, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , a pump bulb that is compressible and configured to expel a volume of air (or gas) through anopening 40 with each successive compression.Conventional pump bulbs 26 may be used, including those constructed from a generally polymeric material that is sufficiently rigid so as to return to an expanded state ready for subsequent compression. However, it may be advantageous to construct thepump bulb 26 from a material that is highly expandable, non-allergenic, and highly sustainable material, such as a guayule-based rubber or like material. - In some embodiments, the
pump bulb 26 may include a novelty shape that is associated with the liquid 12 to be preserved. For exemplary purposes only, if the liquid to be preserved is wine, the pump bulb may be shaped as a cluster of grapes, or if the liquid to be preserved is a carbonated beverage (such as an orange flavored soda pop), then the pump bulb may be shaped as a wedge of an orange. However, these novelty shapes are not necessary to the function of the pump bulb and the invention should be not be so limited to a particular shape as described or illustrated herein. - The
valve 28 coupled to theopening 40 of thepump bulb 26 is configured to couple theflexible tube 32 to thepump bulb 26. In some embodiments, thevalve 28 may include apressure release 42 having an open state and a closed state. Thepressure release 42 may be constructed from a metallic, plastic, or other suitable materials and may include a screw-type or push button operation. In the closed state, each compression of thepump bulb 26 forces the expelled air through theopening 40 in thepump bulb 26, through thepressure release 42 and thevalve 28, and into theflexible tube 32; in the open state, the expelled air from each compression of thepump bulb 26 may be otherwise diverted away from theflexible tube 32. - It would be readily understood that alternative embodiments of
inflation sources 26 may also be used. For example,FIG. 2A illustrates a self-contained pressurized gas source, such as acylinder 50 of compressed air, which may be coupled to the flexible tubing 32 (FIG. 2 ) via atank regulator 52. Thecylinder 50 and theregulator 52 may be any suitable commercially-available tank andregulator 52 known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thecylinder 50, which is sealed to prevent premature release of compressed air from thecylinder 50, may be coupled to theregulator 52 when the user desires to preserve theconsumable liquid 12, in a way that breaches the seal and allows compressed air to enter theregulator 52. Thus, thecylinder 50 may be a single-use device. In other embodiments, thecylinder 50 and theregulator 52 may include a valve (not shown) that enables multiple uses of thesame cylinder 50 of compressed air. - In yet another alternative embodiment, and as shown in
FIG. 2B , theinflation source 26 may be anair pump 54 that is configured to be coupled to the flexible tube 32 (FIG. 2 ). Theair pump 54 may be any suitable commercially-available air pump that is externally powered, such as via an electric plug (not shown) to an electrical outlet (not shown) or may be battery-powered and thus portable. The power source (not shown) may include a switch (not shown) for activating theair pump 54. - Returning again to
FIG. 2 , theflexible tubing 32 may be constructed with any tube-like shape having a passageway extending through thetube 32 between the first and second ends 30, 34 so as to allow the passage of air or compressed gas therethrough. While any rubber or polymeric material may be used, theflexible tube 32 may be constructed from the guayule-based rubber or like material suitable for use with food and beverage products. - Referring still to
FIG. 2 , theinflatable bladder 36 is described with some detail. Theinflatable bladder 36 may be a balloon-like device having a deflated state and an inflated state. In a deflated state, as shown inFIG. 2 , theinflatable bladder 36 is configured to have a narrow profile so that it may slide through theopening 18 of thecontainer 10 with relative ease. Thus, the cross-sectional dimension of theinflatable bladder 36 in the deflated state need only be less than the diameter, or other cross-sectional dimension, of theopening 18. In an inflated state, which is shown inFIG. 4 , theinflatable bladder 36 may be substantially spheroid in shape. Accordingly, the spheroid inflated state may have a dimension, positioned within aplane 60 extending transversely through theinflatable bladder 36 that substantially matches a cross-sectional dimension of thevolume 20 within thecontainer 10. For example, the spheroid inflated state may have a diameter, which is maximal within theplane 60, that substantially matches the inner cross-sectional diameter of thecontainer 10. It would be readily understood that, while not shown, an inflation bladder have an elliptical or oval-shaped inflated state may be appropriate for a container having an oval cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, other shapes and sizes of the inflation bladder may be used. - The
inflatable bladder 36 may be constructed of various elastic polymeric materials, and it may be advantageous to construct the inflatable bladder from a guayule-based rubber material. In still other embodiments, the inflatable bladder may be constructed from a natural rubber, latex, MYLAR, YULEX, VYTEX, polyisoprene synthetic rubber or other like material. - Further, while not required, the
pump bulb 26 and/or theinflatable bladder 36 may be manufactured to be a color that is similar to the liquid to be preserved. For example, thepump bulb 26 and theinflatable bladder 36 may be a dark red or purple color for red wines, while thepump bulb 26 and theinflatable bladder 36 may be a light yellow or greenish color for white wines. - The
connector 38 is shaped and sized to be received by anopening 62 of theinflatable bladder 36 and to extend between thesecond end 34 of theflexible tube 32 and theinflatable bladder 36. In some embodiments, theconnector 38 may be permanently coupled to theopening 62 of theinflatable bladder 36 or to the second end of theflexible tube 32. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-3C , one exemplary method of using thesealing device 24 is described in greater detail. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the sealingdevice 24 is assembled and theinflatable bladder 36 in the deflated state is inserted through theopening 18 of thecontainer 10 holding the liquid 12, respectively. Theinflatable bladder 36, in its deflated state, is lowered into thevolume 20 of thecontainer 10 until theinflatable bladder 36 resides on asurface 64 of the liquid 12. Then, as shown inFIG. 3C , the user may repeatedly actuate thepump bulb 26 so as to expel air from thepump bulb 26. Because thepressure release 42 is in the closed position, the air enters theflexible tube 32 and ultimately theinflatable bladder 36. With successive compressions of thepump bulb 26, the fluidic-pressure within theinflatable bladder 36 increases and applies an outwardly-directed force to the inside surfaces of theinflatable bladder 36. Accordingly, theinflatable bladder 36 expands to the inflated state. The user continues increasing the fluidic-pressure by further compressing thepump bulb 26 until an outer surface of theinflatable bladder 36 touches the inside surface of thecontainer 10, thereby creating an air-tight seal at thesurface 64 of the liquid 12. - When the user desires to further consume or otherwise dispose of the liquid 12, the
pressure release 42 may be opened. In this way, the air within theinflatable bladder 36 may be expelled from theinflatable bladder 36 and the fluidic-pressure within theinflatable bladder 36 decreases. With sufficient pressure release, theinflatable bladder 36 returns to a deflated state and is easily removed from thesurface 64 of the liquid 12 and from thevolume 20 within thecontainer 10 via theopening 18 of thecontainer 10. - Turning now to
FIG. 5A , an alternate embodiment of the sealingdevice 24 is described. As shown, the sealingdevice 24 may further include acap 70 having atop portion 72 and acylindrical portion 74 extending away from thetop portion 72. Thecap 70 is configured to cover theopening 18 of thecontainer 10 while the sealingdevice 24 is in use. Thecap 70 may be moveable along theflexible tube 32 so that the proper amount oftube 32 may be positioned within thevolume 20 of thecontainer 10 and to accommodate any portion ofliquid 12 within the container 10 (i.e., a nearly full container versus a nearly empty container) and/or any size or shape ofcontainer 10. In use, when the inflatable bladder 36 (FIG. 4 ) is in the inflated state, thecap 70 may slide along theflexible tube 32 and loosely sit at theopening 18 such that thetop portion 72 resides above theopening 18 and the cylindrical portion resides loosely within theopening 18. -
FIG. 5B illustrates yet another embodiment of acap 80 also configured to cover theopening 18 of thecontainer 10 while further sealing thecontainer 10. In this embodiment, thecap 80 may be constructed from a plastic or rubber material and includes atop portion 82 andcylindrical portion 84 extending away from thetop portion 84. Acompression fitting 86, such as a plurality of flexible ribs, may be coupled to the outer surface of thecylindrical portion 84. Thecompression fitting 86 may be sized and shaped to accommodate all standard bottle sizes. Like thecap 70 ofFIG. 5A , thecap 80 is configured to slide along the length of theflexible tube 32. In use, once the inflatable bladder 36 (FIG. 4 ) is inflated, thecap 80 may slide along theflexible tube 32 to theopening 18 of thecontainer 10. Thecap 80 is then pressed into theopening 18 such that the compression fitting 86 seals theopening 18 of thecontainer 10. -
FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate various alternative embodiments of inflatable bladders, all within the scope of the invention. While various specific embodiments are shown, the invention should not be limited to only those inflation bladder shapes that are specifically illustrated. -
FIG. 6A illustrates one alternative embodiment of acompressible bladder 90 having an O-ring shape that is configured to form a seal around the insider perimeter surface of thecontainer 10. The O-ring shapedcompressible bladder 90 may be comprised of a solid, compressible material forming an outer tube portion 92 that is generally circular in its resting state. A thin elastic-type film 94 may span within the tube portion 92. Anactuator 96, illustrated herein as one or more rods, may be coupled to either of the tube portion 92 or theelastic film 94, and may extend proximally away from thecompressible bladder 90. In use, and according to one embodiment, thecompressible bladder 90 is compressed, or otherwise folded, to a dimension that is sufficiently small to enter theopening 18 in thecontainer 10. After thecompressible bladder 90 is within thevolume 22 of thecontainer 10, thecompressible bladder 90 expands to its unconstrained, O-ring shape, which may seal against an inner surface of thecontainer 10. The user may then apply a downwardly-directed force onto one ormore rods 96 to advance thecompressible bladder 90 to thesurface 64 of the liquid 12. To remove thecompressible bladder 90, one of the one ormore rods 96 may be directed downwardly such that thecompressible bladder 90 is tilted within thevolume 22 of thecontainer 10. Thecompressible bladder 90 may then be pulled proximally to the opening 18 (FIG. 1 ) of thecontainer 10 and pulled through the opening 18 (FIG. 1 ). - In an alternate embodiment, though not shown, the O-ring shape of the
compressible bladder 90 is coupled to the flexible tube 32 (FIG. 4 ), as described previously. Accordingly, thecompressible bladder 90 is inserted into thecontainer 10 in a deflated state and then inflated as described above. Because only the O-ring shape of thecompressible bladder 90 need be inflated, inflation of thecompressible bladder 90 would need less air (or successive compressions of the pump bulb 26) to seal the liquid 12 at itssurface 64. - In
FIG. 6B , another embodiment of acompressible bladder 100 that is similar to the compressible bladder ofFIG. 6A but that includes an umbrella shape is shown. Accordingly, the umbrella shape may include a plurality ofribs 102 having an elastic or rubber covering 104 that covers an outer surface of the plurality ofribs 102 and is configured to form a seal at thesurface 64 of the liquid 12. A tube 106 extends away from theribs 102 andfilm 104 and is coupled to theribs 102 by way of collapsible stretchers (not shown) that extend to a runner (not shown) that slides with respect to the tube 106. A natural rubber or like material may cover theribs 102, the collapsible stretchers, and runner so as to protect the internal mechanical workings of thecompressible bladder 100. - In use, the
compressible bladder 100 operates in a manner that is similar to an umbrella. That is, thecompressible bladder 100, in a closed state, is lowered into thecontainer 10 and to thesurface 64 of the liquid 12. Thecompressible bladder 100 would then be moved to an open state from an external mechanism (not shown) that would slide the runner downwardly along the tube 106, which radially expands the collapsible stretchers and forces the plurality ofribs 102 outwardly until thefilm 104 contacts the inner surface of thecontainer 10. Removing thecompressible bladder 100 would include reversing the operation such that the runner is advanced upwardly along the tube 106 (i.e., toward theopening 18 of the container 10), which releases the collapsible stretchers and plurality of ribs to the closed state. - Turning now to
FIG. 6C , yet another embodiment of acompressible bladder 110 that is similar to thecompressible bladder 90 ofFIG. 6A , is shown. Accordingly, similar parts are labeled within similar reference numerals. - In this particular embodiment, three
rods 96′ are shown and that are coupled directly to the outer tube 92′. The threerods 96′ are configured to be retracted and extended with respect to atube 112 in order to compress, or otherwise collapse, the outer tube 92′ to a dimension that allows the outer tube 92′ to be inserted through theopening 18 of thecontainer 10. Therods 96′ may also be used to position the outer tube 92′ within thevolume 20 of thecontainer 10, to advance thecompressible bladder 110 to thesurface 64 of the liquid 12, to position thecollapsible bladder 110 within thecontainer 10, and to remove thecollapsible bladder 110 as was described above. -
FIGS. 6D-6E illustrate still another embodiment of aninflatable bladder 114, having asleeve 115 a of sealing rubber surrounding acentral tube 116. Thesleeve 115 a rests on top of aring 117. Aplunger 118 residing above thesleeve 115 a and moveable along the length of thetube 116 may be advanced downwardly, thereby causing thesleeve 115 a to expand radially outwardly to aring 115 b that substantially covers thering 117 and forms a seal with thecontainer 10. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of aninflation source 120. In particular, theinflation source 120 may include a thumb-style mechanical pump having athumb tab 122 extending proximally from aholder 124. Accordingly, the user holds theholder 124 between two or more fingers while the user's thumb actuates thethumb tab 122. Successive compressions of thethumb tab 122 inflate an inflation bladder, which may be any embodiment within the scope of the invention. - Various embodiments of a device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid have been described and may be used to reduce and/or prevent the degradation and/or or oxidation of gelatinous materials, solid materials, or gaseous materials. Moreover, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the invention may be used in other shaped containers and should not be limited to the particular shaped container illustrated or described herein.
- While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The various features of the invention may be used alone or in any combination depending on the needs and preferences of the user. This has been a description of the present invention, along with methods of practicing the present invention as currently known. However, the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. A sealing device for reducing the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container, the sealing device comprising:
an inflation source;
a bladder configured to reside on a surface of the consumable liquid within the container, the inflatable bladder have a first state and a second state; and
a flexible tubing connecting the pump to the inflatable bladder,
wherein the bladder in the first state is configured to enter the container and in the second state forms a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
2. The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the inflation source is one of a pump bulb, a compressed air source, or an air pump.
3. The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the inflation source further comprises:
a pressure release configured to retain a fluidic-pressure within the bladder and the flexible tubing.
4. The sealing device of claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes a balloon or an outer tube.
5. A sealing device for reducing the degradation of a consumable liquid within a container, the sealing device comprising:
a collapsible bladder having an expanded state and a collapsed state; and
an actuator coupled to the collapsible bladder and configured to transition the collapsible bladder between the expanded and collapsed states,
wherein the bladder in the collapsed state is configured to enter the container and in the expanded state forms a seal with the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
6. The sealing device of claim 5 , wherein the actuator includes one or more rods extending away from the collapsible bladder.
7. A method of preserving a consumable liquid within a container, the method comprising:
inserting an expandable bladder through an opening and into the container;
directing the expandable bladder to a surface of the consumable liquid within the container; and
expanding the expandable bladder so as to form a seal with an inner surface of the container at the surface of the consumable liquid.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the expandable bladder is inflatable and expanding the expandable bladder further comprises:
pumping air into the expandable bladder.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein pumping air into the expandable bladder includes a actuating a pump bulb, releasing air from a cylinder of compressed air, or activating an air pump.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the expandable bladder is compressible and the method further comprises:
compressing the expandable bladder to a first, collapsed state so as to direct the expandable bladder through the opening; and
releasing the expandable bladder to a second, extended state to form the seal.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
releasing the seal by collapsing the expandable bladder; and
removing the expandable bladder from the volume within the container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/098,673 US20110278297A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-05-02 | Device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US33387210P | 2010-05-12 | 2010-05-12 | |
US13/098,673 US20110278297A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-05-02 | Device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid |
Publications (1)
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US20110278297A1 true US20110278297A1 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
Family
ID=44910856
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US13/098,673 Abandoned US20110278297A1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-05-02 | Device and method for preventing the degradation of a consumable liquid |
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US (1) | US20110278297A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
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US20120125930A1 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2012-05-24 | Michelle Arney | Fluid preservation system and method for use |
FR2992633A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-03 | Andre Benaroya | Closing device for isolating contents of liquid bottle from external atmosphere, has cylindrical chuck whose outer periphery forms deployable peripheral obturator to occupy deployed state and retracted state in which chuck traverses neck |
WO2014091188A1 (en) * | 2012-12-13 | 2014-06-19 | Tlc Design Limited | A storage container |
WO2014133704A1 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2014-09-04 | Stonevale Products, Ltd. | Closures for sealing or pressurizing partially-filled beverage containers and methods related thereto |
WO2015192236A1 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2015-12-23 | Murrell-Cole Carlyle | Apparatus and method for preserving carbonated beverages or other liquids |
ES2565017A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-30 | Parcitank, S.A. | Floating device that can be installed as a lid in tanks for the always full technique (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US9914573B2 (en) * | 2015-03-05 | 2018-03-13 | Planetary Designs | Internal vent handle cover arrangement; and methods |
WO2018193636A1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2018-10-25 | 英介 加藤 | Pet bottle cap |
US20240025619A1 (en) * | 2022-07-21 | 2024-01-25 | John C. Mazza | Beverage bladder system and apparatus |
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Cited By (19)
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US9533797B2 (en) | 2010-11-18 | 2017-01-03 | Michelle Arney | Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use |
US8820551B2 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2014-09-02 | Smart Assets, Inc. | Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use |
US20120125930A1 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2012-05-24 | Michelle Arney | Fluid preservation system and method for use |
US9834338B2 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2017-12-05 | Smart Assets, Inc. | Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use |
US9238533B2 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2016-01-19 | Smart Assets, Inc. | Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use |
US20170073120A1 (en) * | 2010-11-18 | 2017-03-16 | Smart Assets, Inc. | Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use |
FR2992633A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-03 | Andre Benaroya | Closing device for isolating contents of liquid bottle from external atmosphere, has cylindrical chuck whose outer periphery forms deployable peripheral obturator to occupy deployed state and retracted state in which chuck traverses neck |
WO2014091188A1 (en) * | 2012-12-13 | 2014-06-19 | Tlc Design Limited | A storage container |
US9676530B2 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2017-06-13 | Tlc Design Limited | Storage container |
WO2014133704A1 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2014-09-04 | Stonevale Products, Ltd. | Closures for sealing or pressurizing partially-filled beverage containers and methods related thereto |
US9452875B2 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2016-09-27 | Stonevale Products, Llc | Closures for sealing or pressurizing partially-filled beverage containers and methods related thereto |
WO2015192236A1 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2015-12-23 | Murrell-Cole Carlyle | Apparatus and method for preserving carbonated beverages or other liquids |
US10287087B2 (en) | 2014-06-18 | 2019-05-14 | Carlyle Murrell-Cole | Apparatus and method for preserving carbonated beverages or other liquids |
ES2565017A1 (en) * | 2014-09-26 | 2016-03-30 | Parcitank, S.A. | Floating device that can be installed as a lid in tanks for the always full technique (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US9914573B2 (en) * | 2015-03-05 | 2018-03-13 | Planetary Designs | Internal vent handle cover arrangement; and methods |
US10633152B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2020-04-28 | Planetary Design | Internal vent handle cover arrangement; and methods |
US11370586B2 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2022-06-28 | Planetary Design | Internal vent handle cover arrangement; and methods |
WO2018193636A1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2018-10-25 | 英介 加藤 | Pet bottle cap |
US20240025619A1 (en) * | 2022-07-21 | 2024-01-25 | John C. Mazza | Beverage bladder system and apparatus |
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Legal Events
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