WO2014146031A1

WO2014146031A1 - Valve for extracting coconut water

Info

Publication number: WO2014146031A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/030903
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul DE POO
Original assignee: De Poo Paul
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-17
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

Systems and methods for accessing and removing liquid within a coconut may employ an apparatus comprising a valve. The valve may include a plunger constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut shell. The valve may also include a grommet constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut husk and to stop insertion of the plunger into the coconut at a predetermined point.

Description

VALVE FOR EXTRACTING COCONUT WATER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims benefit/priority of provisional patent application No. 61/800,791 , this is also a continuation-in-part of application No. 13/839,516, filed March 15, 2013, published as US2014/0044848A1 , all of which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

Aspects herein are directed to valves and systems and methods associated with such valves, such as innovations for safely, easily, and sustainably tapping coconuts for drinking.

Description of Related Information:

Freshly tapping young coconuts is the best way to enjoy the health benefits, nutrients, and pure taste of coconut water. Yet, few coconut water drinkers have ever had the pleasure of drinking coconut water straight from the coconut— an experience thought only as a novelty while on vacation. In coconut-indigenous regions, creating a hole in the shell and inserting a straw is how coconut water is usually enjoyed. No pasteurization is needed because the coconut water is naturally sterile from being housed in the fruit and shell— its natural packaging.

It is impossible to open a coconut without tools. Conventionally, the tools used to access the coconut water and flesh are dangerous, inefficient, and too difficult for everyday supermarket consumers to adopt— even as they adopt the taste for coconut water. There is also a significant labor shortage in the prime coconut producing areas such as Vietnam and Thailand and it has become increasingly difficult to find skilled laborers that can correctly open the coconuts. It is a trade and skill that is passed along generation to generation and is not something that is easily picked up. There are several methods to extract coconut water from both brown and green coconuts. These include, for example, cracking the coconut on a hard, sharp object such as a rock, the drain before opening method, the tap and rotate method using a heavy knife, and the machete method for young coconuts. All of these methods are practiced in coconut-indigenous areas. While each of these methods accomplishes the harvesting of coconut for drinking, they require special skills and tools to that increase the time and money spent tapping coconuts for consumption.

Typically, coconut water drinkers buy industrially packaged, pasteurized coconut water— trading eco-consciousness (and some argue taste and nutrition) for convenience. This convenience and portability has driven coconut water's growth in popularity as a natural sports beverage. Consumers in non- indigenous regions can purchase coconut water in glass bottles, cans, and plastic bottles— all of which increase environmental impact. Unfortunately, the environmental impact of global canning, processing, and distribution systems involved in providing convenient access to coconut water can be substantial. And this impact is increasing as both global beverage giants seek to claim an increasing share of the coconut water market.

Processing coconut water for packaging diminishes taste and nutrition. Processed coconut water is pasteurized through heating (or cooking), which degrades the taste and nutritional potency of the coconut. This is a necessary step once the water and flesh of the coconut are exposed to oxygen.

Furthermore, concentration and packaging alters taste. Most consumers consider freshly tapped coconut water from young coconuts to be the tastiest. Yet, some producers of "processed" coconut water evaporate the water to create a concentrate in order to lower cost in shipping and increase margins.

Concentrating coconut water is a heat-intensive processing step - more heat intense than pasteurization (something done by all brands of packaged coconut water). This processing step further removes coconut water from its original natural state, which degrades its taste and nutritional value. The best industrial methods for processing coconut water still fall short. High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP), which is the best way to kill bacteria while preserving the flavor, is still too expensive and limited a technology for mass adoption in the beverage industry. Currently, HPP coconut water struggles for profitability in coconut beverage category, since they are often two or three times the price per volume than traditionally pasteurized competitors. Even though HPP coconut water delivers close to fresh taste and nutrition it contributes to the production waste with its bottling and packaging process. HHP processing of liquids requires durable plastic bottles to withstand the high pressure

environment. These plastics do not biodegrade.

OVERVIEW OF SOME ASPECTS

Among other things, various systems and methods consistent with aspects of the present inventions may address the aforementioned limitations and/or other limitations associated with methods for extracting coconut water.

The valve and the systems and methods associated with using the coconut valve described herein may allow coconut water drinkers to safely tap young coconuts in a matter of seconds, with no environmental waste. The coconut valve, which may be made entirely of cornstarch or some other biodegradable material, may be set into a young coconut during coconut packaging or processing. The consumer then punctures the flesh of the coconut with the valve to tap the coconut and drink the pure young coconut water.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as described. Further features and/or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the present invention may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of several further features disclosed below in the detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various implementations and aspects of the innovations herein and, together with the description, help illustrate the principles of the present inventions. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A are sectional and perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 1 B is a sectional view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIGs. 2A-2C are perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIGs. 4A-4D are side views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 6A-6D are cross-sectional schematic views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coconut valve mold consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

FIG. 9 is a side and cross-sectional view of a coconut and coconut valve of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS

Reference will now be made in detail to the inventions herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The implementations set forth in the following description do not represent all implementations consistent with the claimed inventions. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with certain aspects related to the present innovations. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The systems, methods, valve, and installation process disclosed herein efficiently enables everyone to enjoy the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious coconut water possible. The disclosed coconut valve will bring freshly tapped coconut water to the masses while minimizing the environmental impact of global distribution.

The success of coconut water should not have such a high environmental cost, and coconut water is tastiest and most nutritious when enjoyed directly from the coconut itself. Accordingly, a compostable valve is disclosed that enables the enjoyment of freshly tapped coconut water worldwide while minimizing the environmental impact of global distribution.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a compostable valve may be used to sustainably enable one-step access to the coconut water inside fresh coconuts. In certain embodiments, the user may simply press the valve and drink freshly tapped coconut water straight from the coconut. The user may also compost the coconut and the compostable valve, which results in a reduced amount of waste from that presently associated with many other methods and systems currently used to extract coconut water from coconuts.

It is contemplated that coconuts are selected, shaved, and dipped in fungicide per industry standards.

Certain embodiments disclose a coconut valve that may be set into the freshly picked and shaved coconut, allowing the user to directly consume coconut water from its natural packaging, the coconut itself. In this way, the coconut valve system or method avoids the processing steps typically used in today's coconut water extraction and distribution business. By employing certain embodiments, producers no longer have to harvest coconut water in large batches for pasteurization, packaging, and distribution.

Certain embodiments of the disclosed coconut valve dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of the industrial supply chain for coconut water, by providing a more sustainable method of harvesting, packaging, and distributing coconut water for mass consumption.

Nature's packaging (i.e. the coconut itself) preserves the coconut water better and longer than even the best industrial methods. A fresh coconut kept in a cool environment can have a shelf life of up to 90 days. This exceeds the shelf life of industrially package alternatives by 30 to 60 days, depending on the manufacturer. Certain embodiments of the disclosed valve remove the industrial bottling processes and the factories from the supply chain.

Coconut water is naturally sterile inside the coconut. Therefore, pasteurization is not a necessary step when drinking freshly tapped coconut water. Moreover, via certain embodiments of the disclosed coconut valve, consumers do not have to settle for diminished nutrition and taste to safely drink coconut water. They can enjoy the raw coconut water safely from its source (assuming coconuts are selected, shaved, and dipped in fungicide per industry standards).

Certain embodiments of the disclosed valve enable the pure taste and nutritional value of coconut water to be preserved in nature's packaging. Utilizing the coconut itself as a drinkable container reduces the cost of production and the carbon footprint in satisfying the growing demand for coconut water worldwide.

Certain embodiments of the disclosed valve offer a relatively simple method for tapping fresh, young coconuts. Consumers may press the valve into the coconut to puncture the coconut flesh bladder and drink from the coconut like a bottle. No other equipment or skills are required. The above-described embodiments may allow easy access to unprocessed coconut water for many consumers, including mainstream shoppers who otherwise would not buy a whole, fresh coconut.

In certain embodiments, the coconut valve is made from compostable bioplastics, which allows for a 100% compostable finished product to provide access to unprocessed, mass-market coconut water. The coconut husk and valve can biodegrade, reducing the amount of ongoing pollution of the environment. There is little-to-no environmental waste when consuming coconut water using the compostable coconut valve.

Certain embodiments of the coconut valve enable the use of the coconut itself as the container for convenient consumption. Using the natural package for coconut water greatly reduces the industrial packaging necessary in producing mass-market coconut water. With these embodiments, there is no need for canning, bottling, or printing that is typically associated with today's conventional processes and systems for packaging coconut water.

In certain embodiments, branding can be achieved through the use of a laser etching or other marking on the husk of the coconut, which may reduce or eliminate environmental waste associated with the branding process.

Certain embodiments of the coconut valve provide safe ways to tap a coconut. These embodiments eliminate the use of large knives in tapping fresh coconuts, as are often used today. With the safer methods afforded by certain embodiments of the coconut valve, more consumers may feel comfortable tapping coconuts themselves.

Coconut valves such as those described in greater detail below may be inserted into coconuts during processing for later use by consumers. A coconut may have an aperture placed within the coconut wall having a predetermined diameter so that a valve plug seats within said aperture with a valve plug collar substantially engaging the wall of the aperture. The valve plug may include a valve plug bore for receiving a plunger sleeve having a plunger sleeve bore with a based positioned plunger sleeve membrane that seals the coconut's contents until a plunger stopper having a plunger-stopper lance and plunger-stopper lance tip is used to puncture a plunger sleeve membrane, thereby providing access to the coconut water contained within the coconut. The plunger-stopper may be tethered to the plunger sleeve. The plunger-stopper may provide access to the coconut's contents and also serve as a stopper to seal any remaining coconut contents for future use, as the plunger-stopper may seal the plunger sleeve bore.

A coconut may be provided with a tooled aperture placed through the seed wall having a predetermined diameter so that a valve plug can be pressed into said aperture so that the valve plug collar engages the top periphery wall of said coconut aperture while the valve plug flange engages the interior periphery wall of said coconut aperture. A plunger sleeve may be seated within the valve plug bore having a base positioned plunger sleeve membrane that seals the coconut's contents.

The coconut water can be selectively accessed by a user once the membrane has been punctured using the plunger-stopper tip. The plunger- stopper may also provide a collar having a similar diameter as the plunger sleeve bore so that the bore spout can be resealed to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption.

FIGS. 1A-9 illustrate coconut valves which may be used as described above. The illustrated embodiments may provide disposable valves for safely, easily, and sustainably tapping coconuts for drinking.

FIG. 1A are sectional and perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. As set forth in FIG. 1A, various dimensions A1 , B1 , C1 , D1 , E1 , F1 , G1 , H1 , 11 , J1 , K1 of the plunger, hinge and cap of valve may be equal or approximately equal to the values shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., A1 =22 mm, B1 =11.7 mm, C1=10 mm, etc.). Perspective views of the valve L1 , M1 illustrate the plunger, cap and grommet of the valve. A1 , B1 , C1 , H1 illustrate dimensions of the cap, K1 is a dimension of a hinge portion connecting the cap and plunger, and D1 , E1 , F1 , G1 , 11 , and J1 are dimensions of the plunger portion of the valve.

FIG. 1 B is a sectional view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. As set forth in FIG. 1 B, various dimensions N1 , 01 , P1 , Q1 , R1 , S1 , T1 , U1 , V1 , of a grommet of a valve may be equal or approximately equal to the values shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., N1 =19.5 mm, 01 =12.7 mm, P1 =24 mm, etc.).

FIGs. 2A-2C are perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. As set forth in FIGS. 2A, various dimensions, D2, E2, J2, K2 of a plunger of a valve may be equal to or approximately equal to the values shown in FIG. 2A (e.g., D2=28 mm, E2=15.6mm, J2=10.4 mm, etc.). As set forth in FIG. 2B and 2C, various dimensions, P2, N2, R2, Q2, X2, Y2, Z2 of a plunger and grommet of a valve may be equal to or approximately equal to the values shown in FIGs. 2B-2C (e.g., P2=24.1 mm, N2=18.3 mm, X2=15.8 mm, etc.)

FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. FIGs. 3A-3C show different possible perspectives and configurations of the plunger A3, hinge B3, and grommet C3. In FIG. 3A, elements A3, B3 and C3 are separated. In FIG. 3B, the plunger A3 is aligned over the grommet C3. In FIG. 3C, the plunger A3 is inserted through the hole in the grommet C3.

FIGs. 4A-4D are side views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. Similar to FIGs. 3A-3C, different possible perspectives and configurations of the valve are illustrated in FIGs. 4A- 4D. FIG. 4A shows a separated position. The grommet C4 may include a thin membrane that is pierced by the plunger and lies flat on a coconut surface. The thin membrane (e.g., 0.2 mm) of the grommet may be pierced and pushed aside on insertion of the plunger. FIG. 4B shows the plunger aligned over the grommet. In FIG. 4C, the plunger A4 is pushed downwards, breaking the seal of the thin membrane. The plunger may act as a cap, also resealing the coconut when inserted again. In FIG. 4D, D4 illustrates that the membrane is pierced and pushed aside on insertion of the plunger. The hinge tab B4 may remain attached to the grommet and plunger without any torn away parts or creation of waste.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. The valve may include a ledge A5 to help the valve lock in place and ensure a snug fit against the coconut once inserted into the coconut husk.

FIG. 6A-6D are cross-sectional schematic views of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. FIG. 6A illustrates the plunger A6, hinge B6, and grommet C6. Illustrative dimensions are provided in FIG. 6B, where a hinge length D6 of 41 mm and plunger length E6 of 33 mm are depicted. In FIG. 6C, a plan view of the plunger inserted into grommet is illustrated. FIG. 6D illustrates illustrative dimensions where a diameter G6 of 16.4 mm and a thin membrane F6 of 0.6 mm are provided.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coconut valve mold A7 consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. Material may be placed in the mold and formed into a coconut valve consistent with the descriptions provided herein. For example, a liquid may be poured into the mold and allowed to cool or cure into a coconut valve.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. A coconut valve A8 is illustrated as piercing the husk B8 and shell C8 to allow access to the coconut meat D8 within. A 5/8w countersunk hole E8 may be drilled into the husk B8 by the valve, and a 5/8w hole may be drilled through the shell as well.

FIG. 9 is a side and cross-sectional view of a coconut and coconut valve of a coconut valve consistent with certain aspects related to the innovations herein. C9 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger through the grommet and membrane. A9 points to the plunger hole where a user may push a straw through, and B9 illustrates that the membrane is pierced with the plunger so that the plunger remains inserted to hold the straw.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

Although certain presently preferred implementations of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the inventions pertain that variations and modifications of the various implementations shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the innovations herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the inventions be limited only to the extent required by the applicable rules of law.

Claims

1. An apparatus for accessing and removing liquid within a coconut, the apparatus comprising:

a valve comprising:

a plunger constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut shell; and

a grommet constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut husk and to stop insertion of the plunger into the coconut at a predetermined point.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top lip having an outer diameter D1 of 22 mm, a top inner diameter F1 of 12 mm, a bottom inner diameter G1 of 10.5 mm, and a depth of 2 mm;

a top tapering portion disposed below the top lip, the top tapering portion having an outer diameter E1 of 17.5 mm and a depth of 2 mm; and a shaft extending below the top lip and the top tapering portion, the shaft having an outer diameter J 1 of 12 mm.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top lip having an outer diameter D2 of 28 mm and a depth of 2 mm;

a second portion disposed below the top lip, the second portion having an outer diameter E2 of 15.6 mm and a depth of 2.5 mm; and

a shaft extending below the top lip and the second portion, the shaft having an outer diameter J2 of 10.4 mm;

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top tab having a length of 27 mm and a depth of 2 mm; a second portion disposed below the top lip; and

a shaft extending below the top lip and the second portion, the shaft having an outer diameter of 10.4 mm;

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top lip having an outer diameter of 28 mm;

a second portion disposed below the top lip; and

a shaft extending below the top lip and the second portion, the shaft having an outer diameter of 12 mm;

wherein a total depth E6 of the plunger is 33 mm.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger further comprises a spike-tip constructed and arranged to enable insertion of the plunger through the coconut meat into the coconut cavity.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter J1 of 12 mm and is tapered at a 30 degree angle 11.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter J2 of 10.4 mm and comprises:

a longest side having a depth of 6.5 mm; and

a shortest side having a depth of 2.0 mm.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter of 10.4 mm.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter of 12 mm.

11.The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet further comprises a membrane constructed and arranged to prevent tampering and contamination of the cavity prior to piercing by the plunger.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 or any claim herein, wherein the membrane is 0.2 mm thick.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or any claim herein, wherein the membrane is 0.6 mm thick.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the valve further comprises a plunger cover coupled to a top end of the plunger.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 or any claim herein, further comprising a hinge coupling the plunger and the plunger cover.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 or any claim herein, wherein the hinge is 7 mm long.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger cover comprises:

a top surface having an outer diameter A1 of 22 mm and a depth of 1 .5 mm; and

an insert portion disposed below the top surface, the insert portion having a top outer diameter B1 of 1 1.7 mm and a bottom outer diameter C1 of 10 mm.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion having an outer diameter N1 of 19.5 mm, a top inner diameter 01 of 12.7 mm, and a depth of 6 mm;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having an outer diameter P1 of 24 mm and a depth of 2 mm; and

a bottom portion disposed below the top portion and the lip, the bottom portion having a depth of 7.5 mm, an outer diameter R1 of 16 mm, and a ledge at the bottom of the bottom portion having an outer diameter Q1 of 17.5 mm.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 or any claim herein, wherein the top portion comprises an tapered portion that tapers from the outer diameter N1 to the inner diameter 01 .

20. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion having an outer diameter N2 of 18.3 mm;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having an outer diameter P2 of 24.1 mm; and

a bottom portion disposed below the top portion and the lip, the bottom portion having a depth of 9 mm, an outer diameter R2 of 15.9 mm, and a ledge at the bottom of the bottom portion having an outer diameter Q2 of 16.5 mm.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having a depth of 2.5 mm; and a bottom portion disposed below the top portion and the lip, the bottom portion having a depth of 7mm and a ledge at the bottom of the bottom portion having a depth of 1.9 mm;

wherein a total depth of the grommet is 11.2 mm.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion having an outer diameter of 20 mm;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having an outer diameter of 24.2 mm and a depth of 2.5 mm; and

a bottom portion disposed below the top portion and the lip, the bottom portion having an outer diameter of 16 mm, a ledge having an outer diameter of 16.8 mm, and a portion below the ledge having an outer diameter of 16.4 mm.

23. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, further comprising a hinge coupling the plunger and the grommet.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the hinge is 50 mm long.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the hinge is 4.5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet further comprises a ledge constructed and arranged to lock the grommet in place in the coconut.

27. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger defines a cavity for insertion of a straw.

28. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet defines a cavity for insertion of the plunger or a straw.

29. The apparatus of claim 1 or any claim herein, wherein the predetermined point is a coconut shell.

30. A method for accessing and removing liquid within a coconut, the coconut comprising a cavity containing the liquid surrounded by coconut meat, the method comprising:

inserting a valve into the coconut such that an open end of the valve is embedded into the coconut meat, the valve comprising:

a plunger constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut shell; and

31. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein inserting the valve comprises:

inserting the grommet into the coconut husk; and

inserting the plunger through the grommet to pierce the coconut shell and the coconut meat.

32. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top tapering portion disposed below the top lip, the top tapering portion having an outer diameter E1 of 17.5 mm and a depth of 2 mm; and a shaft extending below the top lip and the top tapering portion, the shaft having an outer diameter J1 of 12 mm.

33. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top lip having an outer diameter D2 of 28 mm and a depth of 2 mm;

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

34. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

35. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger comprises:

a top lip having an outer diameter of 28 mm;

a second portion disposed below the top lip; and

wherein a total depth E6 of the plunger is 33 mm.

36. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger further comprises a spike-tip constructed and arranged to enable insertion of the plunger through the coconut meat into the coconut cavity.

37. The method of claim 36 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter J1 of 12 mm and is tapered at a 30 degree angle 11.

38. The method of claim 36 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter J2 of 10.4 mm and comprises:

a longest side having a depth of 6.5 mm; and

a shortest side having a depth of 2.0 mm.

39. The method of claim 36 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter of 10.4 mm.

40. The method of claim 36 or any claim herein, wherein the spike tip has an outer diameter of 12 mm.

41.The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, further comprising providing a membrane for the grommet to prevent tampering and contamination of the cavity prior to piercing by the plunger.

42. The method of claim 41 or any claim herein, wherein the membrane is 0.2 mm thick.

43. The method of claim 41 or any claim herein, wherein the membrane is 0.6 mm thick.

44. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, further comprising providing a plunger cover for the valve, the plunger cover coupled to a top end of the plunger.

45. The method of claim 44 or any claim herein, wherein a hinge couples the plunger and the plunger cover.

46. The method of claim 45 or any claim herein, wherein the hinge is 7 mm long.

47. The method of claim 44 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger cover comprises:

a top surface having an outer diameter A1 of 22 mm and a depth of 1 .5 mm; and

48. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

49. The method of claim 48 or any claim herein, wherein the top portion comprises an tapered portion that tapers from the outer diameter N1 to the inner diameter 01 .

50. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion having an outer diameter N2 of 18.3 mm;

51. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having a depth of 2.5 mm; and

a bottom portion disposed below the top portion and the lip, the bottom portion having a depth of 7mm and a ledge at the bottom of the bottom portion having a depth of 1.9 mm;

wherein a total depth of the grommet is 11.2 mm.

52. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet comprises:

a top portion having an outer diameter of 20 mm;

53. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein a hinge couples the plunger and the grommet.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the hinge is 50 mm long.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the hinge is 4.5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick.

56. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet further comprises a ledge constructed and arranged to lock the grommet in place in the coconut.

57. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the plunger defines a cavity for insertion of a straw.

58. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the grommet defines a cavity for insertion of the plunger or a straw.

59. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, wherein the predetermined point is a coconut shell.

60. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, further comprising drilling a hole into a husk of the coconut.

61. The method of claim 60 or any claim herein, where the hole is a 5/8w countersunk hole.

62. The method of claim 30 or any claim herein, further comprising drilling a hole into a shell of the coconut.

63. The method of claim 62 or any claim herein, where the hole is a 5/8w countersunk hole.

64. A mold for forming an apparatus for accessing and removing liquid within a coconut, the mold being constructed and arranged to form:

a valve comprising:

a plunger constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut shell; and

65. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

66. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

a top lip having an outer diameter D2 of 28 mm and a depth of 2 mm;

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

67. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

68. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

a top lip having an outer diameter of 28 mm;

a second portion disposed below the top lip; and

wherein a total depth E6 of the plunger is 33 mm.

69. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter J1 of 12 mm and is tapered at a 30 degree angle 11.

70. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter J2 of 10.4 mm and comprises:

a longest side having a depth of 6.5 mm; and

a shortest side having a depth of 2.0 mm.

71. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter of 10.4 mm.

72. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter of 12 mm.

73. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising a membrane that is 0.2 mm thick.

74. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising a membrane that is 0.6 mm thick.

75. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a plunger cover coupled to a top end of the plunger.

76. The mold of claim 75 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the plunger cover, wherein the hinge is 7 mm long.

77. The mold of claim 75 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger cover comprising:

a top surface having an outer diameter A1 of 22 mm and a depth of 1 .5 mm; and

78. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion having an outer diameter N1 of 19.5 mm, a top inner diameter 01 of 12.7 mm, and a depth of 6 mm; a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having an outer diameter P1 of 24 mm and a depth of 2 mm; and

79. The mold of claim 78 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet wherein the top portion comprises an tapered portion that tapers from the outer diameter N1 to the inner diameter 01.

80. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion having an outer diameter N2 of 18.3 mm;

81. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having a depth of 2.5 mm; and

wherein a total depth of the grommet is 11.2 mm.

82. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion having an outer diameter of 20 mm;

83. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the grommet, wherein the hinge is 50 mm long.

84. The mold of claim 64 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the grommet, wherein the hinge is 4.5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick.

85. A method for forming an apparatus for accessing and removing liquid within a coconut, the method comprising:

placing a material into a mold constructed and arranged to form: a valve comprising:

a plunger constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut shell; and

a grommet constructed and arranged to pierce a coconut husk and to stop insertion of the plunger into the coconut at a predetermined point;

allowing the material to set; and

removing the material from the mold.

86. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

87. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

a top lip having an outer diameter D2 of 28 mm and a depth of 2 mm;

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

88. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

wherein a total depth of the plunger is 32 mm.

89. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising:

a top lip having an outer diameter of 28 mm; a second portion disposed below the top lip; and a shaft extending below the top lip and the second portion, the shaft having an outer diameter of 12 mm;

wherein a total depth E6 of the plunger is 33 mm.

90. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter J1 of 12 mm and is tapered at a 30 degree angle 11.

91. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter J2 of 10.4 mm and comprises:

a longest side having a depth of 6.5 mm; and

a shortest side having a depth of 2.0 mm.

92. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter of 10.4 mm.

93. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a spike-tip having an outer diameter of 12 mm.

94. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising a membrane that is 0.2 mm thick.

95. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising a membrane that is 0.6 mm thick.

96. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger comprising a plunger cover coupled to a top end of the plunger.

97. The method of claim 96 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the plunger cover, wherein the hinge is 7 mm long.

98. The method of claim 96 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the plunger cover comprising:

a top surface having an outer diameter A1 of 22 mm and a depth of 1 .5 mm; and

99. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

100. The method of claim 99 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet wherein the top portion comprises an tapered portion that tapers from the outer diameter N1 to the inner diameter O1.

101. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion having an outer diameter N2 of 18.3 mm;

102. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion;

a lip disposed below the top portion, the lip having a depth of 2.5 mm; and

wherein a total depth of the grommet is 11.2 mm.

103. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form the grommet comprising:

a top portion having an outer diameter of 20 mm;

104. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the grommet, wherein the hinge is 50 mm long.

105. The method of claim 85 or any claim herein, wherein the mold is sized to form a hinge coupling the plunger and the grommet, wherein the hinge is 4.5 mm wide and 1.5 mm thick.