U.S. patent application number 11/622067 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for method and apparatus for gasifying and/or maintaining gasification in liquids.
Invention is credited to Christopher Lupfer.
Application Number | 20070158371 11/622067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38231792 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070158371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lupfer; Christopher |
July 12, 2007 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GASIFYING AND/OR MAINTAINING GASIFICATION
IN LIQUIDS
Abstract
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for gasifying and
maintaining gasification of a liquid contained in a resealable
container are provided herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery
system for gasifying a liquid is provided, including a storage
vessel for storing a gas; a controllable release mechanism; and an
output device for facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage
vessel via the controllable release mechanism.
Inventors: |
Lupfer; Christopher;
(Huntersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RAYMOND R. MOSER JR., ESQ.;MOSER IP LAW GROUP
1040 BROAD STREET
2ND FLOOR
SHREWSBURY
NJ
07702
US
|
Family ID: |
38231792 |
Appl. No.: |
11/622067 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60757974 |
Jan 11, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/402.13 ;
222/402.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 3/04801
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/402.13 ;
222/402.15 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A gas delivery system for gasifying a liquid comprising: a
storage vessel for storing a gas; a handheld controllable release
mechanism coupled to the storage vessel; and an output device for
facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage vessel via the
controllable release mechanism.
2. The gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the gas delivery
system is portable.
3. The gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the storage vessel
comprises at least one of a handheld tank, an industrial storage
tank, or a gas pipeline.
4. The gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the gas comprises at
least carbon dioxide.
5. The gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the storage vessel
further comprises a hose coupled to a gas supply.
6. The gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the output device
comprises at least a needle having an open end for delivering gas
to an exterior environment.
7. A liquid gasification system comprising: a container at least
partially filled with a liquid; a cap sealing an open section of
the container; and a gas delivery system comprising: a storage
vessel for storing a gas; a controllable release mechanism; and an
output device for facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage
vessel via the controllable release mechanism, to an interior of
the container.
8. The liquid gasification system of claim 7, wherein the cap
further comprises a seal provided against an inner top surface of
the cap.
9. The liquid gasification system of claim 8, wherein the seal
comprises at least a material approved by the United States Food
and Drug Administration for use in connection with food
products.
10. The liquid gasification system of claim 8, wherein the seal has
a thickness between about 1/32 inch to about 1/2 inch.
11. The liquid gasification system of claim 8, wherein a central
region of the seal is thicker than a peripheral region of the
seal.
12. The liquid gasification system of claim 8, wherein the seal
further comprises a lip circumscribing the seal and configured to
extend between the top of the cap and the container when the cap is
attached thereto.
13. The liquid gasification system of claim 7, wherein the cap
further comprises an access hole though a top surface of the
cap.
14. The liquid gasification system of claim 7, wherein the output
device comprises a needle having an open end for delivering gas to
the container.
15. A kit for gasifying a liquid contained in a resealable
container, comprising: a cap for a container having an opening
disposed in a top surface thereof; a seal configured to fit with
the cap and rest against an inner top surface thereof; and a gas
delivery system comprising: a controllable release mechanism; and
an output device for facilitating delivery of a gas via the
controllable release mechanism.
16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a gas storage
vessel.
17. The kit of claim 15, wherein the controllable release mechanism
is a trigger device.
18. The kit of claim 15, wherein the output device comprises a
needle having an open end for delivering gas to an exterior
environment.
19. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of caps and
a plurality of seals.
20. The kit of claim 15, wherein the seal has a central portion
that is thicker than a peripheral portion of the seal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/757,974, entitled "Method and Apparatus For
Gasifying and/or Maintaining Gasification in Liquids", filed Jan.
11, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a method and
apparatus for gasifying and maintaining gasification in liquids.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and
apparatus for carbonating and re-carbonating beverages sold in
conventional disposable and/or recyclable containers.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is known in the art that carbon dioxide gas may be
injected into certain liquids to create carbonated beverages. Some
liquids such as soda, water, and beer are sold to the general
public in a pre-carbonated form. However, soon after the consumer
opens the beverage container, the carbon dioxide gas slowly escapes
from the beverage, causing it to de-carbonate. This occurs even
when the container is re-sealed between uses. Many devices which
enable an ordinary consumer to carbonate or re-carbonate beverages
currently exist on the market. Nevertheless, such devices carry
several drawbacks such as a lack of portability and/or versatility
and high maintenance costs.
[0006] Two examples of "portable" or "home-use" carbonation devices
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,986, issued Nov. 13, 1984 to
Meyers and U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,894, issued Dec. 11, 1990 to
Robinson. The devices described in each of these patents are
portable tabletop carbonated beverage making apparatus. However,
these devices are bulky and are required to stand on a table during
operation due to the design and operation of the device. Also,
these devices require the user expend the high costs to purchase
and maintain the device in accordance with their intended use.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a device which can carbonate
and maintain carbonation in bottled beverages while remaining
versatile and economical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and
apparatus for gasifying and maintaining gasification of a liquid
contained in a resealable container, such as a bottled beverage. In
one embodiment, a gas delivery system for gasifying a liquid
comprises a storage vessel for storing a gas, a handheld
controllable release mechanism, and an output device for
facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage vessel via the
controllable release mechanism.
[0009] In another embodiment, a liquid gasification system
comprises a container at least partially filled with a liquid, a
cap sealing an open section of the container, and a gas delivery
system comprising a storage vessel for storing a gas, a
controllable release mechanism, and an output device for
facilitating delivery of a gas from the storage vessel via the
controllable release mechanism, to an interior of the
container.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a kit for gasifying a liquid
contained in a resealable container, comprises a cap for a
container having an opening disposed in a top surface thereof, a
seal configured to fit with the cap and rest against an inner top
surface thereof, and a gas delivery system comprising a
controllable release mechanism, and an output device for
facilitating delivery of a gas via the controllable release
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] So the manner in which the above recited features of the
present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular
description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had
by reference to the embodiments thereof, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this
invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its
scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a system in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a gas
delivery system of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the gas
delivery system depicted in FIG. 2A.
[0015] FIG. 3A depicts a top view of one embodiment of a cap and
seal of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the cap and
seal depicted in FIG. 3A.
[0017] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of another embodiment of a cap
and seal of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the cap and
seal depicted in FIG. 4A.
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart of a method of operation of one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of
injecting gas into a container.
[0021] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements
that are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention generally provides for a method and
apparatus for gasifying and/or maintaining the gasification of
liquids stored in resealable containers. In one exemplary
application, described in the embodiments depicted below, a method
and apparatus is provided for carbonating and/or maintaining
carbonation of a liquid, such as a beverage, stored in a resealable
container.
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a gas delivery system 100
suitable for transferring a gas, such as carbon dioxide, from a
storage vessel 102 to a fluid in a container (not shown) that is to
be gasified (e.g., carbonized). The gas delivery system 100
generally includes three main components: a storage vessel 102, a
controlled release mechanism 104, and an output portion 106.
[0024] The storage vessel 102 employed with the gas delivery system
100 may be any pressure vessel suitable for storing compressed gas
and may generally be any size and, for example, may range in size
from industrial-sized storage tanks, to medium-sized household
tanks, commonly referred to as "5 pound" tanks, to small handheld
tanks, such as those used with portable air-powered hand tools,
paintball guns, and other similar applications. The size of the
storage vessel 102 may be dependant upon the magnitude of the
number of applications required by the user. For example, to
utilize the present invention in a commercial setting, it may be
more cost effective to employ a large, industrial-sized tank.
However, most non-commercial household uses would only require a
medium-sized tank or a handheld tank, depending on frequency of
use, storage space available and/or economic practicality.
[0025] In some embodiments, the storage vessel 102 may include a
gas source 126 coupled to the controlled release mechanism 104 by a
hose (not shown). The gas source 126 may include, for example, a
large tank (not shown) or a gas pipeline (not shown). Any gas
source 126 is contemplated by embodiments of the present invention.
The storage vessel 102 may store any gas useful for gasification of
liquids. Exemplary gases include: carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen,
and the like.
[0026] The controlled release mechanism 104 generally comprises a
trigger release 108 for controllably releasing a gas from the
storage vessel 126. The trigger release 108 generally includes a
base 128, a trigger casing 110, and a trigger 112. The base 128 of
the trigger release 108 is generally hollow, or tubular, and is
provided with a threaded portion 124 that engages the storage
vessel 102 to couple the trigger release 108 thereto. This
connection allows the trigger release 108 to remain in constant
contact with the storage vessel 102 with a minimal likelihood of
accidental separation. Some embodiments of the present invention
may incorporate alternative controlled release mechanisms 104, such
as, for example, controllable valves, clamps, or the like.
[0027] The output portion 106 of the gas delivery system 100 is
coupled to the controlled release mechanism 104 to facilitate
delivery of the released gas to the liquid to be gasified. The
output portion 106 is a generally hollow member having a first end
for coupling to the controlled release mechanism 104 and a second
end that interfaces with a cap (described with respect to FIGS.
3A-4B) of the container having the liquid to be gasified. The
output portion 106 may be any length or configuration and may
include one or more rigid or flexible sections.
[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict one embodiment of a gas delivery
system 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention. The storage vessel 102 typically includes a valve for
selectively accessing the interior of the storage vessel 102 (for
example to let out the compressed gas contained in the container or
to fill/refill the container with compressed gas from an external
source of compressed gas.) In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the storage vessel 102 is a handheld carbon dioxide tank
202. Such type of tanks generally provide a pin valve as the means
to release the carbon dioxide gas from the tank. Other valves, such
as ball valves or any other gas-storing or pressure valve, may be
used depending on the tank employed in the gas delivery system
100.
[0029] The controlled release mechanism 104 is coupled to the
storage vessel 102, for example, via the threaded exterior 206 of
the storage vessel 102, and interfaces with the valve (e.g., the
valve 204) for controllably releasing the compressed gas through
the valve 204. It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be
utilized for coupling the controlled release mechanism 104 to the
storage vessel 102, such as clamps, straps, cams, levers, press
fittings, and the like. It is further contemplated that the
controlled release mechanism 104 may be an integral part of the
valve 204 of the storage vessel 102 (such as the handle of a ball
valve).
[0030] The trigger casing 110 has a hollow interior portion 212 and
is rotatably coupled to the base 128. A valve release rod 210
extends into the interior portion 212 of the trigger casing 110 and
is configured to protrude through the hollow base 128 and align
with the valve 204 of the storage vessel 102 when the trigger
release 108 is attached thereto, such that the valve release rod
210 contacts, or nearly contacts, the valve 204. The trigger 112 is
coupled to the trigger casing 110 such that operation of the
trigger 112 controls the degree of rotation of the trigger casing
110 with respect to the base 128. In operation, the trigger 112 is
depressed to rotate the trigger casing 110, thereby causing the
valve release rod 210 to further engage the valve 204 and release
the compressed gas from the storage tank 102 into the hollow
interior portion 212 of the trigger casing 110. The amount of gas
released is dependant upon the amount of force placed on the
trigger 112, the amount of time the valve 204 remains open, and the
pressure inside the storage vessel 102.
[0031] The output portion 106 includes a hollow fitting 114 and a
delivery adapter 122. The hollow fitting 114 is disposed at a first
end of the output portion 106. In one embodiment, the fitting 114
has a threaded portion at a first end that facilitates coupling
with the trigger casing 110. The fitting 114 further has a threaded
portion at a second end to facilitate coupling with the delivery
adapter 122.
[0032] The delivery adapter 122 generally includes a threaded
portion on a first end to facilitate coupling with the fitting 114
and means for penetrating a seal disposed on the container
(discussed below with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B) and delivering
the gas to the container, such as a hollow needle 118, disposed at
a second end. The hollow needle 118 has an open tip 120 configured
to penetrate the seal disposed in the cap of the liquid container
(as described below with respect to FIGS. 2A-B and FIG. 3) and
deliver the gas thereto.
[0033] The respective threaded portions and diameters of the
fitting 114 and the delivery adapter 122 may generally be any size
so long as they fit together and operate as described herein. One
convenient size that may be utilized is a 1/2 or 1/4 inch flare,
generally used by the brewing industry as a standard for pressure
connections. In one embodiment, the fitting 114 ends in a female
National Pipe Thread (NPT). In one embodiment, the fitting 114 is a
1/2 inch NPT fitting. In one embodiment, the delivery adapter 122
has a male NPT thread 214 on a first end that mates with the female
NPT thread on the fitting 21. Optionally, a thread sealant (not
shown), such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape or paste, or
the like, may be utilized to assist in creating a leak-free
connection. It is also contemplated that sealing methods other than
threaded pipe fittings may be used to connect the two fittings 114
and 122.
[0034] It is further contemplated that many other arrangements of
the output portion 106 may be devised in keeping with the scope of
the present invention, including those having fewer or greater
components that couple to the controlled release mechanism 104 and
provide a needle 118 or similar device for delivering the
compressed gas to the liquid container. For example, a flexible
hose or conduit may be provided to extend the reach of the output
portion with respect to the position of the storage vessel 102 and
to add flexibility and ease of use to the operation of the gas
delivery system 100.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict one embodiment of a cap 300 and a
seal 302 used in connection with the gas delivery system 100
depicted in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. The cap 300 is designed to replace
a standard bottle cap, such as those found on conventional plastic
and/or glass bottles. In one embodiment, the cap 300 has a
generally cylindrical top 304 and a continuous sidewall 308
extending from the perimeter of the top 304. The sidewall 308 has a
threaded inner surface 310 that mates with a corresponding threaded
surface of the container onto which the cap 300 is to be placed. A
hole 306 is formed through the top 304. In one embodiment, the hole
306 may be formed near or through a center of the top 304, as
indicated by axis A-A. While FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the hole 306
passing through the center of the top 304, the hole 306 may pass
through any portion of the top 304. It is contemplated that the cap
300 may take other forms suitable for capping containers having
tops with varying geometries. For example, the cap 300 may be a
steel cap, such as are used to seal glass soda and beer bottles.
Additional equipment, such as a crimping tool, may be required to
affix the steel cap to a glass bottle.
[0036] The seal 302 is formed so that it fits securely inside the
cap 300 against an inner surface 312 of the top 304 and such that a
peripheral edge of the seal 300 will be compressed between the
inner surface 312 of the top 304 and an upper edge of the container
when the cap 300 is secured to the container in order to form a
seal sufficient to withstand the pressure within the container. The
seal 302 is typically made of substantially thin plastic or
elastomeric material, however other materials may be used, such as
rubbers, elastomers, coated paperboard, and the like. The material
used may be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for
use in connection with food products. In one embodiment, the seal
302 comprises nitrile, or Buna N.
[0037] The material of the seal 302 may have any thickness or
hardness suitable to be placed between the cap 300 and the
container to be sealed. In one embodiment, the seal 302 comprises
an FDA Nitril material having a Duro 55 hardness. In one
embodiment, the thickness of the seal 302 is between about 1/32
inch to about 1/2 inch (about 0.8-2.4 mm). In one embodiment, the
seal is about 1/16 of an inch thick (about 1.6 mm).
[0038] Optionally, the thickness of the seal may be non-uniform. As
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, depicting a cap and seal in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention, the seal may be
thicker in a central portion 404 of the seal and thinner along the
periphery 402 of the seal. The thickness of the seal may vary
depending on the desired pressure in the container. In some
embodiments, the seal 302 may have a half sphere or other rounded
shape formed or disposed in the thicker central portion 404 of the
seal 302 to facilitate utilizing the pressure in the container to
better seal the orifice once the needle is removed. Alternatively
or in combination, the seal 302 may have a lip 406 that
circumscribes the seal 302 and is configured to extend between the
top 304 of the cap 300 and the container to which the cap 300 is
attached, thereby reducing the amount of deformation of the seal
when tightening the cap 300 to the container.
[0039] The seal 302 acts as a one-way valve when a small puncture
is made therethrough. In operation, when the seal 302 is penetrated
by a device (not shown) such as the needle 118 described above with
respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the seal 302 may tear slightly to form
a flap (not shown) that facilitates forming a one-way valve that
prevents fluid flow from the container through the seal due to the
pressure exerted against the flap by the contents of the container.
The seal 302 may further have elastic properties or hardness
characteristics that facilitate closing up the puncture hole once
the needle 118 is removed. It is further contemplated that the seal
302 may be fabricated with a slit or opening pre-formed therein.
The opening is biased towards a closed position that prevents the
pressurized contents of the container from escaping. The opening
may be penetrated by a device (e.g., the needle 118) to deliver the
pressurized gas to the container.
[0040] Although described with respect to conventional bottles or
containers, it is contemplated that the above described cap and
seal may be modified to be utilized in combination with other
containers. For example, instead of replacing the cap on a
conventional bottle, a seal, cap, and container combination may be
designed and used to store and gasify a liquid. In addition, caps
and seals may be configured to fit over conventionally
non-resealable containers such as beer bottles, champagne bottles,
and the like.
[0041] FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a method 500 of gasifying a
liquid using the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1-4B. At step 502, the
cap 300 and seal 302 are attached securely to a container having
liquid to be gasified. The cap 300 should be affixed firmly onto
the container, however the cap 300 should not be not
over-tightened. Over-tightening of the cap 300 may cause the seal
302 to pull away from the inner surface 312 of the cap 300,
potentially allowing the pressurized contents of the container to
leak. If over-tightening occurs, the cap 300 may be removed, the
seal 302 adjusted to its proper location, and the cap 300
retightened.
[0042] At step 504, the needle 118 is inserted into the container
through the seal 302 and the cap 300. The needle 118 may be used to
form a hole through the seal 302 via the hole 306 in the top 304 of
the cap 300. If the seal 302 has not been used before, or the seal
302 is not pre-punctured, the force required to puncture the seal
302 may be substantially more than one might expect. Due to the
thickness of the seal 302, it may be beneficial to pre-puncture the
seal 302, so that a needle may penetrate into a container during
use. If the seal 302 is pre-punctured and/or has been used in a
previous application, the needle 118 may be inserted in the same
location as the original puncture.
[0043] At step 506, the gas is injected into the container to
gasify the liquid contents of the container. If the gas delivery
system 100 provides a regulator (not shown) for adjusting the
pressure of the released gas, the regulator may be adjusted to
appropriate levels depending on the fluid being gasified (e.g.,
carbonated) and the level of gasification (e.g., carbonation)
desired. For example, for most beverages, a still fluid being
initially carbonated reacts well to a regulator set to
approximately 25 psi, whereas a previously carbonated fluid being
re-carbonated reacts well to a lower set point, such as
approximately 5 psi. Typically, small handheld carbon dioxide
delivery systems do not have regulators, in which case no
adjustments are necessary. After the gas is injected into the
container at step 506, the method 500 ends.
[0044] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a method 600 of injecting
gas into a container, suitable for use in conjunction with the
method 500 described with respect to FIG. 5. The method 600 begins
at step 602, where a gas is injected into the container using
short, controlled bursts. The gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) is
typically injected in short bursts into the container until the
container becomes firm to the touch. The amount of gas injected
into the container is dependant on many factors and may vary from
application to application.
[0045] As such, at step 604, the pressure of the container is
checked. The pressure of the container may be checked by hand, for
example by feeling if the container is firm to the touch. However,
a pressure gauge may be utilized to measure the pressure of the
container to ensure that it is properly gasified. Generally, for
carbonated beverages, 5-10 psi has been found to be sufficient for
temporary storage or transport of previously carbonated beverages,
and 20-30 psi has been found to be suitable for carbonating
previously non-carbonated beverages. However, it is contemplated
that other pressure levels may be utilized as well. If properly
used, the present invention may safely gasify bottled beverages up
to about 45 psi.
[0046] At step 606, a decision is made whether the process is done,
i.e., whether the pressure in the container is sufficient based
upon the guidelines detailed above. If the process is done, the
method ends at step 608. If the process is not done, the method
returns to step 602 to inject another quick burst of gas into the
container. When carbonating a previously non-carbonated beverage,
the process of injecting carbon dioxide may be repeated several
times over a 48 hour period. Typically, repeating the injection
process once every 12 hours for 48 hours will ensure proper
carbonation.
[0047] Since certain changes may be made in the above described
invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject
matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the
inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the
invention.
* * * * *