Carbonator nozzle and carbonator having such carbonator nozzle

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a carbonator (100), such as a household carbonator, for producing a carbonated beverage. A carbonator nozzle (1) advantageously made of metal is provided at its downstream end with a metal portion, and the metal portion comprises a plurality of orifices or alternatively an elongate orifice.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application is an international PCT application that claims priority to Swedish patent application no. 2350580-3, filed on May 12, 2023, entitled “A carbonator nozzle and a carbonator nozzle having such carbonator nozzle”. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to carbonators or carbonation apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Carbonators are used to produce carbonated beverages, such as carbonated water. Carbonators for home use are typically designed to be placed on a table or workbench and operated manually. European Patent Specification EP 3 200 610 B1 describes carbon dioxide (CO2) typically being pulsed from a gas canister through a carbonation head and carbonation tube into a water bottle in a home carbonation system. The carbonation head typically includes an activator for pressing a pin on the gas canister to release gas when the pin is pressed down, and a valve for regulating pressure during the carbonation process. In view of this, EP 3 200 610 B1 proposes a home carbonation machine with a plastic carbonation tube having a metal tip molded to the distal end of the carbonation tube, such that the metal tip is integrally formed into the carbonation tube. The metal tip proposed in EP 3 200 610 B1 has a single orifice configured to be immersed in water in a bottle.

[0005] US Patent 5,458,165 was cited during the application period of Swedish Patent Application No. 2350580-3. This patent relates to a gas actuator assembly for supplying compressed gas to a container. The patent does not primarily focus on a carbonator, but rather aims to maintain the mass of a container for partially consumed wine or other oxidizable fluids by injecting an inert gas and venting air. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above "technical background" and other considerations, various embodiments of the present invention have been made.

[0007] For the inventors of this invention, the starting point as presented throughout this disclosure is to find a carbonator with improved durability.

[0008] Thus, the technical problem addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure is to find a carbonator, and in particular a domestic or home carbonator (or home carbonation device, i.e. a carbonator for home use), which allows for an improved durability.

[0009] Thus, the accompanying independent claim 1 addresses the technical problem of providing a more durable carbonator. Advantageous embodiments are described in the accompanying dependent claims.

[0010] When aiming at finding a technical solution to this general technical problem, the inventors realized that, in terms of durability, the carbonator nozzle is a particularly interesting component. This is a component which can be easily worn out and which can need to be replaced after a number of repeated uses.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is thus provided a carbonator for producing a carbonated beverage, e.g. a domestic carbonator.

[0012] In one example embodiment, the carbonator comprises:

[0013] - a carbonation head;

[0014] - a CO2 container, the CO2 container being connectable to the carbonation head; and

[0015] - a carbonator nozzle, the carbonator nozzle extending from the carbonation head.

[0016] The carbonator nozzle can extend from the carbonation head such that the carbonator nozzle can extend into a beverage container for introducing CO2 gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container when in operation, e.g. during use.

[0017] The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end removably attached, i.e. attachable, or non-removably attached to an upstream end of the carbonation head, and a downstream end adapted to be immersed in a beverage. Further, a conduit passes through the carbonator nozzle from the upstream end to the downstream end and is configured to deliver CO2 gas into the beverage. The downstream end comprises a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has the metal portion comprising the plurality of orifices. The plurality of orifices can have a cross-section perpendicular to the conduit direction. Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metal portion comprising an elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has the metal portion comprising the elongated orifice. The elongated orifice(s) can have cross-section(s) perpendicular to the conduit direction.

[0018] Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or alternatively, the elongated orifice(s)) allow CO2 gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CO2 gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation.

[0019] The portion comprising the plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice does not necessarily have to be made of metal. In alternative embodiments, the portion can be a non-metallic portion (e.g. a plastic portion).

[0020] In another example embodiment, the carbonator comprises:

[0021] - a beverage container connector to which a beverage container can be attached;

[0022] - a CO2 container connectable to the beverage container connector; and

[0023] - a carbonator nozzle extending from the beverage container connector.

[0024] The carbonator nozzle can extend from the beverage container connector such that the carbonator nozzle can extend into a beverage container to introduce CO2 gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container when the beverage container is attached to the beverage container connector.

[0025] The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end removably attached (i.e. attachable) or non-removably attached to the beverage container connector and a downstream end adapted to be immersed in a beverage. Furthermore, a conduit leads from the upstream end through the carbonator nozzle to the downstream end and is configured to deliver CO2 gas into a beverage. The downstream end comprises a metallic portion comprising a plurality of orifices. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has a metallic portion comprising a plurality of orifices. Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metallic portion comprising an elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has the metallic portion comprising the elongated orifice.

[0026] The plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice(s) can have a cross-section(s) perpendicular to the conduit direction.

[0027] Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or alternatively, the elongated orifice(s)) allow CO2 gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CO2 gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation.

[0028] Likewise, the portion including the plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice does not have to be made of metal. In alternative embodiments, the portion can be a non-metallic portion (e.g., a plastic portion).

[0029] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

[0030] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes three orifices that together form a triangular shape.

[0031] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes a plurality of orifices that together form a random pattern.

[0032] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes an elongated orifice that is in a linear shape.

[0033] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes an elongated orifice that is a ring-shaped orifice.

[0034] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes at least two elongated orifices. In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes two elongated orifices positioned in mirror image to each other.

[0035] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially the entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0036] According to a second aspect, there is provided a carbonator nozzle. The carbonator nozzle is suitable for introducing CO2 gas into a beverage by means of a carbonator. The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end which is attachable to the carbonator (e.g. a carbonation head of the carbonator) and a downstream end which is adapted to be immersed in the beverage. There is also a conduit which leads from the upstream end through the carbonator nozzle to the downstream end and which is configured to deliver injected CO2 gas into the beverage. The downstream end is provided with a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices. Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metal portion comprising an elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit has the metal portion comprising the elongated orifice. The plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice(s) can have a cross-section(s) perpendicular to the conduit direction. Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or alternatively the elongated orifice(s)) allow CO2 gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CO2 gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation. As discussed above, the portion comprising the plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice does not have to be made of metal. In alternative embodiments, the portion can be a non-metal portion (such as a plastic portion).

[0037] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

[0038] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises three orifices together forming a triangular shape.

[0039] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises a plurality of orifices together forming a random pattern.

[0040] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises an elongated orifice in the shape of a straight line.

[0041] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises an elongated orifice which is a ring-shaped orifice.

[0042] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises at least two elongated orifices.

[0043] In some embodiments, the metal portion comprises two elongated orifices positioned mirror to each other.

[0044] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially the entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0045] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a carbonator nozzle for a carbonator, the method comprising:

[0046] - drilling a conduit from an upstream end portion to a downstream end portion of the carbonator nozzle; and

[0047] - drilling or otherwise cutting a plurality of orifices or elongated orifices in a metal portion positioned at the downstream end portion.

[0048] The various aspects and embodiments described herein address the need or desire for improvements in the technology of manufacturing more durable carbonator nozzles for home use. By using a plurality of orifices or elongated orifice(s), the risk of clogging is reduced. By reducing the risk of clogging, the nozzle requires less cleaning repetitions if cleaning is at all possible, and the same carbonator nozzle can be repeatedly reused. Thus, the durability of the carbonator nozzle and the carbonator itself is improved. Additional or alternative effects and / or advantages will be described in detail in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION” below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] These and other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0050] Figure 1 schematics of carbonators having carbonator nozzles according to various embodiments are shown; and

[0051] Figures 2 to 7 various implementation examples of orifices provided at the distal end of a carbonator nozzle in Figure 1 are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present application will now be described more fully hereinafter. However, the application can take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0053] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 7 Various aspects and embodiments of carbonators and carbonator nozzles will now be described in further detail.

[0054] For the inventors of the present invention, the starting point as set forth throughout this disclosure is to find a carbonator with improved durability. Thus, the technical problem addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure is to find a carbonator, in particular to provide a home carbonator (or home carbonation device) that makes improvements in durability. When aiming to find a technical solution to this technical problem, the inventors realized that, in terms of durability, the carbonator nozzle is a particularly interesting component. This is a component that can be susceptible to wear and tear and can need to be replaced after a number of repeated uses.

[0055] Based on this realization, durability and / or other considerations are addressed by the carbonator of appended claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0056] Reference is now made to Figure 1 , which Figure 1 shows a carbonator 100 for producing carbonated beverages. The carbonator 100 is sometimes also referred to as a carbonation device or carbonation machine. Figure 1 The carbonator 100 in Figure 1 illustratively shown in the example embodiment comprises a beverage container connector 110 to which a beverage container 200 can be attached. In use, a CO2 container (not shown) is typically housed in a main body portion 120 of the carbonator 100. The carbonator 100 typically also comprises a base portion 130 that can stand or otherwise rest on a surface, such as a kitchen counter. The CO2 container can be attached to the carbonator 100 to be connected to the beverage container connector 110. From Figure 1 it can be seen in the illustration of a carbonator nozzle 1 is also provided. It will be appreciated that this carbonator nozzle 1 can be connected or otherwise attached to the beverage container connector 110 during the carbonation process.

[0057] As can be seen in the illustration in Figure 1 during the carbonation process, the carbonator nozzle 1 typically protrudes downward from the beverage container connector 110 of the carbonator 100 to which the beverage bottle 200 is to be fastened or otherwise connected. When the bottle is fastened to the beverage container connector 110, the carbonator nozzle 1 protrudes downward into the bottle to a point where the carbonator nozzle 1 is immersed in the beverage (typically water) within the bottle 200.

[0058] The carbonator nozzle 1 comprises an upstream end, which can also be referred to as an upper end or an inlet end, which is attached to the carbonator 100 by means of suitable mechanical cooperation means. In the present disclosure, the upper end of the carbonator nozzle 1 advantageously comprises an external thread (not shown), whereas the carbonator 10, more precisely the beverage container connector 110, comprises a co-operating internal thread (not shown).

[0059] Furthermore, a conduit is formed through the carbonator nozzle 1, from its upper end to its lower end. The carbonator nozzle 1 can thus be tubular. The conduit can also be referred to as a gas conduit, and CO2 is provided from the carbonator 100 to the beverage contained in the beverage bottle 200 when the carbonator 100 is in use. In an advantageous embodiment, the carbonator nozzle 1 has a circular outer cross-section. For example, apart from the upper end where the thread and the flat surface are located, the carbonator nozzle 1 can be a straight rod in its outer form.

[0060] Furthermore, the carbonator nozzle 1 has an elongated shape, which can be about eight to ten times its outer diameter in length. The downstream end of the carbonator nozzle 1, which can also be referred to as the lower end or the outlet end, is rounded so as not to damage, for example, the beverage bottle 200 to be used with the carbonator 10 or to injure the hand of a user.

[0061] Said downstream end is provided with a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices, or alternatively, an elongated orifice. Although it is advantageous and preferred to use a metal portion when forming the plurality of orifices or elongated orifice(s), it should be appreciated that this is neither mandatory nor necessary. In alternative embodiments, the portion can be provided by other materials, such as non-metallic materials (e.g. plastic). The orifices are the outlet openings through which CO2 gas is ejected when the carbonator 10 is in use. The plurality of orifices or elongated orifice(s) are formed in the metal portion at the most downstream section of the conduit, as explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 7 In other words, the array of holes or elongated hole(s) is made within the metal portion (or metal section) at the terminal end of the conduit. About half of the nozzle 1 is typically submerged in water when the carbonator 10 is in use, depending on the amount of water filled into the bottle 200.

[0062] Reference is now made to Figures 2 to 7 , which Figures 2 to 7 is Figure 1 a diagrammatic illustration of the metal portion at the most downstream end of the carbonator nozzle 1 in Figures 2 to 7 The carbonator nozzle 1 is shown in plan view, i.e. viewed from above with respect to Figure 1 , which is a diagrammatic illustration of the carbonator nozzle 1 viewed from below. In other words, Figures 2 to 7A carbonator nozzle 1 in a planar orientation is depicted, thereby providing an illustration from below of Figure 1 the carbonator nozzle 1 in the carbonator 100. As can be seen from the figure, the aperture(s) have a cross-section perpendicular to the conduit direction. During operation, the aperture(s) allow CO2 gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit and the aperture(s) direct the flow of CO2 gas towards the bottom of the beverage bottle 200. All features of embodiments of the present disclosure are characteristic of the carbonator nozzle 1 and more precisely the metal part in the illustrated example, are provided with any of the following:

[0063] (a) multiple (i.e. two or more) apertures; or

[0064] (b) one or more elongated apertures.

[0065] For example, the metal part can comprise two (see Figure 2 ), three (see Figure 3 ), four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen (see Figure 4 ) apertures. The exact number of apertures should preferably be tested and evaluated for a specific desired implementation in view of the system requirements of the carbonator 100 and / or end user needs.

[0066] Providing multiple apertures (i.e. more than a single aperture) can have multiple advantages:

[0067] • reduced risk of clogging: multiple apertures can be less prone to clogging than a single aperture. Thus, if clogging occurs in one of the multiple apertures, this has little impact on the overall carbonation process and results in a better quality product.

[0068] • facilitates cleaning: (compared to a single aperture) multiple apertures can be easier to clean thoroughly. In contrast, having only a single aperture can result in residues and bacteria accumulating over time. This can affect the taste and quality of the carbonated beverage.

[0069] From the discussion above it can be appreciated that providing multiple apertures improves the durability of the carbonator nozzle 1 and thus also of the carbonator 100.

[0070] In some embodiments, the metal part comprises three apertures together forming a triangular shape (see Figure 3 ).

[0071] In some embodiments, the metal part comprises multiple apertures together forming a random pattern (see Figure 4 ).

[0072] As discussed above, the metal part can instead comprise elongated aperture(s). The inventors have realized that one or more elongated apertures can have the same advantages and effects as discussed above in relation to multiple apertures.

[0073] In some embodiments, the metal part can comprise an elongated aperture in the shape of a straight line (see e.g. Fig. 1 1 ). Figure 5 )。

[0074] In some embodiments, the metal part comprises an elongated aperture which is an annular aperture (see e.g. Fig. 12). Figure 6 )。

[0075] In some embodiments, the metal part comprises at least two elongated apertures (see e.g. Fig. 13). Figure 7 For example, the metal part can comprise two elongated apertures positioned in mirror image to each other.

[0076] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal, e.g. stainless steel or brass. Providing the entire (or substantially entire) carbonator nozzle 1 in metal contributes to improved durability. That is, providing the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle 1 in metal can make the carbonator nozzle 1 more durable and more long-lasting (compared to a carbonator nozzle made of plastic or other types of carbonator nozzle material). Furthermore, versatility can be improved. The metal carbonator nozzle 1 can potentially be used with a larger range of liquids and beverages (compared to a carbonator nozzle made of plastic or other types of carbonator nozzle material). This is useful e.g. in situations where it is desired to carbonate non-traditional beverages, such as fruit juices etc. Manufacturing the carbonator nozzle 1 in metal can also result in cost savings.

[0077] As will be appreciated, the various embodiments of the carbonator nozzle 1 discussed herein can be used in different types of carbonators. One example is a carbonator 100 where a beverage container 200 can be attached to a beverage container connector 1 10 (see e.g. Fig. 1 1 ). Figure 1 Swedish patent SE 544 314 discloses a carbonator of this type. Another example where the carbonator nozzle 1 can be advantageously used is in a carbonator of the type disclosed in Swedish patent applications 2051315-6, 2051363-6, and 2150296-8. Numbered example embodiments

[0078] Accordingly, the technology described in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following numbered example embodiments (NEEs, in English). It should be appreciated that the numbered example embodiments are listed for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure. The numbered example embodiments are not limiting claims. The appended claims of the disclosure define the invention and, as such, define the scope of the protection afforded.

[0079] NEE1. A carbonator nozzle for introducing CO2 gas into a beverage by means of a carbonator, the carbonator nozzle comprising:

[0080] - an upstream end attachable to the carbonator;

[0081] - a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage; and

[0082] - a conduit leading from the upstream end through the carbonator nozzle to the downstream end and configured to deliver CO2 gas into the beverage; characterized in that the downstream end comprises a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices or elongated orifices.

[0083] NEE2. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

[0084] NEE3. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE2, wherein the metal portion comprises three orifices together forming a triangular shape.

[0085] NEE4. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE2, wherein the plurality of orifices of the metal portion together form a random pattern.

[0086] NEE5. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion comprises elongated orifices in a straight line shape.

[0087] NEE6. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion comprises elongated orifices that are annular orifices.

[0088] NEE7. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion comprises at least two elongated orifices.

[0089] NEE8. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE7, wherein the metal portion comprises two elongated orifices positioned as mirror images of each other.

[0090] NEE9. The carbonator nozzle of any one of embodiments NEE1-NEE8, wherein the entire or substantially the entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0091] NEE10. A carbonator for producing a carbonated beverage, the carbonator comprising:

[0092] - a beverage container connector to which a beverage container can be attached;

[0093] - a CO2 container connectable to the beverage container connector; and

[0094] - a carbonator nozzle according to any one of embodiments NEE1-NEE9 extending from the beverage container connector and into a beverage container to carbonate a beverage contained in the beverage container by discharging CO2 gas through the plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice.

[0095] Modifications and other variants of the described aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example aspects and embodiments described herein and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications and other variations are still possible within the scope of the appended claims. 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Claims

1. A domestic carbonator (100) for producing carbonated beverages, the carbonator (100) comprising: - a carbonation head (110); - a CO2 container connectable to the carbonation head (110); and - a carbonator nozzle (1) extending from the carbonation head (110) such that the carbonator nozzle (1) is extendable into a beverage container (200) for introducing CO2 gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container (200) when in operation, wherein the carbonator nozzle (1) comprises: - an upstream end attachable to the carbonation head (110); - a downstream end adapted to be immersed in a beverage; and - a conduit guiding from the upstream end through the carbonator nozzle (1) to the downstream end and configured to deliver CO2 gas into a beverage; characterized in that the downstream end comprises a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices.

2. The domestic carbonator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, During operation, the plurality of orifices allows CO2 gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a CO2 gas flow towards the bottom of the beverage container (200).

3. The domestic carbonator (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The most downstream end of the conduit comprises a metal portion comprising a plurality of orifices.

4. The domestic carbonator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of orifices has a cross-section perpendicular to the conduit direction.

5. The domestic carbonator (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The carbonation head comprises a beverage container connector (110) to which a beverage container (200) is attachable, and wherein the CO2 container is connectable to the beverage container connector (110); and further wherein the carbonator nozzle (1) extends from the beverage container connector (110) such that when the beverage container (200) is attached to the beverage container connector (110), the carbonator nozzle (1) is extendable into the beverage container (200) for introducing CO2 gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container (200).

6. A domestic carbonator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The metal portion of the carbonator nozzle (1) comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

7. The domestic carbonator (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The metal portion of the carbonator nozzle (1) comprises three orifices together forming a triangular shape.

8. The domestic carbonator (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The metal portion of the carbonator nozzle (1) comprises a plurality of orifices together forming a random pattern.

9. A domestic carbonator (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The entire or substantially the entire carbonator nozzle (1) is made of metal.

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