DEVICE FOR PRESERVING CARBONATED BEVERAGES IN GENERAL, WHETHER ALCOHOLIC OR NON-ALCOHOLIC, CONTAINED IN PLASTIC, GLASS OR OTHER TYPE OF BOTTLES OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS

Abstract

This present invention is a device which may be used by bottling companies to replace the cap which is currently used by them or as an accessory to be sold directly to consumers. The device increases internal pressure by injecting air into the bottle and prevents gas from escaping the beverage. The abovementioned device includes a cap which is similar to the original one and which has a fixed or removable pair of bellows with an air chamber, a bulb, capsule or other similar mechanism attached to its top and is characterized in that such air chamber has check valves or any other similar mechanism which may be used as a substitute therefor, allowing air to flow into the chamber and from the chamber into the bottle in order to increase its internal pressure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0004] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] This invention consists of a device for preserving carbonated beverages in general, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, contained in plastic, glass or other types of bottles or similar containers.

[0007] In order for this invention to be understandable and easily put into practice, the following paragraphs include a detailed description of a preferred mode of embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, which description and drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in this disclosure.

[0008] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.

[0009] The consumption of carbonated beverages of all types, flavored, cola, tonic, soft, low-fat and diet drinks, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and a wide range of variations thereof, has increased and is still increasing steadily in the whole world.

[0010] In order to cut costs and cause their products to become more competitive, bottling companies have increased the size of containers, which nowadays may hold up to 3 liters, depending on the product.

[0011] Even though it is true that such practice results in cost savings, thus leading to a price/volume ratio which is more advantageous to consumers, it is also true that in most cases the product is not fully consumed, leaving undesirable amounts of beverage in the original container. Even where the bottle is properly closed with the original cap, as soon as the container is opened and its content is partially consumed, the concentration of beverage carbonation decreases until the pressure in the empty space of the bottle becomes equal to the pressure at which carbon dioxide flows out of the beverage.

[0012] Such pressure or counter-pressure to the liquid (beverage) is produced by the loss of carbon dioxide in the beverage. The larger the empty space is, the greater the loss of carbonation in the beverage.

[0013] Thus, the beverage loses carbonation, which is an essential part thereof. Where such beverage contains few or no gases, it is discarded by the consumer since it has lost the typical charm of carbonated beverages.

[0014] This represents an economic loss to the consumer, which may be significant in some cases bearing in mind the price of the beverage.

[0015] This invention may be applied to all types of carbonated beverages, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, including beers, sparkling wines, and similar beverages, contained in plastic, glass or other types of bottles or similar containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is the purpose of this invention to provide a device which will make it possible for beverages containing carbon dioxide (carbonated beverages) to be perfectly preserved, preventing both the loss of carbonation and that consumers be forced to discard the product due to the loss of the qualities which led them to purchase it, thus avoiding economic losses to them. It is in pursuance of this goal that an original product was developed, which will be described hereinbelow. By means of a simple pneumatic device, the abovementioned product makes it possible to raise the pressure in the air chamber which is created when opening the bottle (or other similar container to which this invention may be applied) and consuming part of its content, and to generate enough pressure in the air chamber to prevent the loss of gases in the beverage, thus preserving the product and its original properties in terms of flavor and texture on the palate (bubbles).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings constitute the diagrams of the device.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the Device "A" of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the Device "B" of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] This invention basically includes a pneumatic device which replaces the original cap of the container.

[0021] The practical example and diagrams provided herein have been prepared on the basis of the device for preserving non-alcoholic carbonated beverages.

[0022] Containers for the abovementioned beverages have been standardized and the mouth and cap of those sold by the different brands (mainly Coca-Cola, Pepsi and less well-known brands) are compatible irrespective of the size of the container.

[0023] With regard to other containers, the cap must only be adapted to their respective mouths. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the concept of the device is the same as the one explained hereinbelow.

[0024] Two devices which operate in exactly the same manner are introduced below. All references made herein are related to the accompanying drawings.

Device "A"

[0025] It is intended to replace the original cap which is used nowadays on bottles and to be implemented by bottling companies. This device (1A) includes a cap which is similar to the original one and has a pair of bellows attached to (mounted on) its top, which creates an air chamber (3A) between the top part or top wall of the device (6A) and the base of the cap (4A) which forms a hermetic seal when pressed against the mouth of the bottle (5A). The top wall of the device contains a check valve (7A) which allows air to flow into the air chamber (3A) and prevents it from escaping such chamber. The base of the cap (4A) contains a check valve (8A) which allows air to flow into the bottle (9A) and prevents it from flowing into the air chamber (3A).

Device "B"

[0026] It is intended to be sold directly to consumers to replace the original cap of bottles. This device (1B) includes a cap which is similar to the original one. Such cap has a silicone rubber or other similar type of bulb or bladder (2B) attached to (mounted on) its top, which bulb has an air chamber inside (3B) and is attached to the cap base (4B), which forms a hermetic seal when pressed against the mouth of the bottle (5B). The bulb (2B) has a check valve (6B) which allows air to flow into the air chamber (3B) and prevents it from escaping. The base of the cap (4B) contains a check valve (7B) which allows air to flow into the bottle (8B) and prevents it from flowing into the air chamber (3B).

Operation

[0027] Upon describing the different components which explain the nature of the invention, this description is now supplemented with the functional and operational explanation of its parts and the result produced thereby. Even though the two versions are very similar in terms of design and operation, both of them are explained in isolation.

Device "A"

[0028] Once the device (1A) has been screwed onto the mouth of the bottle (5A), gentle pressure is applied to the top wall of such device (6A) by pushing downwards. As a result, when the pair of bellows (2A) is compressed, the check valve of the base (8A) opens, thus causing air to flow into the bottle (9A). When pressure is released, the pair of bellows (2A) returns to its original position and as the air inlet valve to the chamber (7A; located at the top of the device) opens, the air chamber (3A) is refilled with air. By repeating this process a few times, the air pressure in the empty space of the bottle (9A) increases, thus preventing gases from escaping the beverage.

Device "B"

[0029] Once the device (1B) has been screwed onto the mouth of the bottle (5B), gentle pressure is applied to the bulb (2B), thus opening the check valve on the cap base (7B) and causing air to flow into the bottle (8B). When pressure is released, the bulb (2B) returns to its original position and as the air inlet valve to the chamber (6B; located on the bulb (2B)) opens, the air chamber (3B) is refilled with air. By repeating this process a few times, the air pressure in the empty space of the bottle (8B) increases, thus preventing gases from escaping the beverage.

[0030] Two of the construction possibilities which lead to the implementation of the invention and explain the manner in which it works have been hereinabove described. The documentation is supplemented with a summary of the invention as contained in the claims, which are included below.

[0031] Upon describing and establishing the nature of the invention, its scope and the manner in which it may be basically put into practice, the following is claimed as an invention and exclusive property.

Claims

1. A device for preserving carbonated beverages in general, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, contained in plastic, glass or other type of bottles or similar containers which, by injecting air into the bottle, increases internal pressure and prevents gases from escaping the beverage.

2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that a pair of bellows with an air chamber, a bulb, capsule or other similar mechanism is attached to the original cap of the container or any other cap which may be used as a substitute therefor.

3. The device of claim 2, characterized in that said air chamber may be fixed or removable.

4. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the device may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or any other material which allows it to be fully operational.

5. The device of claim 2, characterized in that the air chamber has fixed or removable check valves or any other similar mechanism which may be used as a substitute therefor, which allow air to flow into the chamber and from the chamber into the bottle in order to increase its internal pressure.

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