Carbonation machine with rotatable carbonation head

Abstract

A carbonater includes a rotatable carbonate head, comprising: at least one pressure-reducing valve; a carbonate tube connectable via a conduit to a gas cylinder; and a flange for engaging the neck of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing it into or onto the flange, thereby securely holding the bottle and the carbonate tube held within the bottle, and for separating the neck from the flange by unscrewing the neck of the bottle from the flange. The rotatable carbonate head is configured to rotate from a release position to a locked position when the neck is screwed into or onto the flange, and is configured to rotate from the locked position to the release position when the neck is unscrewed from the flange. In the release position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve is operated to open to release overpressure in the event of overpressure in the bottle, and in the locked position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve remains closed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a carbonated beverage machine. More specifically, this invention relates to a carbonated beverage machine having a rotatable carbonate head and decompression features. [Previous Technology]

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004] Carbonation machines are commonly used in homes, offices, cafeterias, and other locations. A typical carbonation machine operates to carbonate water or another liquid by injecting carbon dioxide into a bottle that can be attached to the machine. Other types of carbonation machines can be assembled to dispense carbonated beverages into cups or other containers.

[0005] Carbon dioxide gas, injected into a liquid to carbonize it, is typically provided in a compressed or liquefied gas canister. The carbonator includes a user-operable mechanism for releasing gas from a cylinder and directing the gas to the liquid to be carbonized. Typically, operation of the gas release mechanism causes the mechanism to open a valve in the cylinder. When a gas canister is installed in the carbonator, a valve head, including the valve, is connected to the carbonator's gas canister connector.

[0006] To carbonate water or another liquid (hereinafter referred to as water), a bottle containing the liquid is connected to the carbonation head of the carbonator. Once the bottle is securely attached to the carbonation head, the user can press a control lever or otherwise initiate the carbonation process. During this process, compressed carbon dioxide from the tank is guided into the bottle via a conduit and a controllable valve. When carbonation is complete, the bottle is released from the carbonation head, but not before the overpressure within the bottle is typically released via a controlled pressure relief valve. Overpressure needs to be released to prevent uncontrolled release of the bottle upon separation from the carbonation head and accidental ejection from the carbonator.

[0007] Various known mechanisms exist for releasing overpressure from a self-filled bottle containing carbonated liquid after carbonation is complete. One such mechanism involves tilting a bottle containing carbonated liquid, previously (before carbonation) screwed to the carbonation position on a carbonator to actuate a pressure relief valve, followed by unscrewing the bottle and separating it from the carbonation head. Another known overpressure release mechanism is incorporated into a carbonation head with forked teeth. The forks are used to hold the bottle, and a retaining ring holds the forks in place to prevent accidental release of the bottle during carbonation. When carbonation is complete, the mechanism is configured to release overpressure before releasing the forks, allowing the bottle to be removed from the carbonation head. [Summary of the Invention]

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a carbonater is provided, comprising a rotatable carbonate head, the rotatable carbonate head including: at least one pressure reducing valve; a carbonate tube connectable via a conduit to a gas tank; and a flange for engaging the neck of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing it into or onto the flange, thereby securely holding the bottle and the carbonate tube held inside the bottle, and for separating the neck from the flange by unscrewing the neck of the bottle from the flange. The rotatable carbonate head is configured to rotate from a release position to a locked position when the neck is screwed into or onto the flange, and from the locked position to the release position when the neck is unscrewed from the flange. In the release position, the at least one pressure reducing valve is operated to open to release overpressure in the event of overpressure in the bottle, and in the locked position, the at least one pressure reducing valve remains closed.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one pressure reducing valve includes two pressure reducing valves.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonation machine includes an activator for operating one of the at least one pressure reducing valve.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the activator is configured to operate the at least one pressure reducing valve by pressing a plunger of each of the at least one pressure reducing valve.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a cam is provided adjacent to the rotatable carbonate head, the cam including at least one inclined wall defining a wedge-shaped space between the cam and the plunger of each of the at least one pressure valve, the inclined wall contacting the plunger body when the carbonate head is in the release position.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonate head is restricted when rotating to a rotating sector.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the carbonate head is rotated to the first end of one of the rotating sectors, the carbonate head is in a released position.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the carbonate head rotates away from the first end of the rotating sector, the carbonate head is in the locked position.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the carbonate head is rotated to the second end of one of the rotating sectors, the carbonate head is in the locked position.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the carbonate head is in the locked position, a plurality of locking teeth are configured to engage a rim that protrudes laterally from the neck of the bottle.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonater includes a wall surface surrounding the flange, the wall surface being used to prevent the retraction of the locking teeth and to keep the neck gripped by the locking teeth.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of recesses are provided in the wall surface surrounding the flange, such that when the carbonate head is rotated to the release position, the locking teeth are allowed to retract into the recesses and release the laterally projecting flange of the neck of the bottle.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a stop is provided to be coupled to the rotatable carbonate head, the stop being restricted to movement within a groove, wherein opposite ends of the groove define the locked position and the released position.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the groove is provided with a first notch around one of the grooves, such that when the carbonate head reaches the release position, one of the protrusions on the stop member can slide into the first notch.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the groove is provided with a second recess around one of the grooves, such that when the carbonate head is rotated to the locked position, one of the protrusions on the stop member can slide into the second recess.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonation machine further includes a housing mounted on a base and provided with a gas tank chamber, wherein the housing includes a lateral extension suspended above the base and receiving the carbonation head.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonate head is configured to rotate only when the bottle is fully screwed into or over the flange.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, the carbonater further includes one or more activation teeth for causing the carbonate head to rotate only when the bottle is fully screwed into or over the flange.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a rotatable carbonate head is provided, comprising: at least one pressure reducing valve; a carbonate tube that can be connected via a conduit to a gas cylinder; and a flange for engaging the neck of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing the neck into or onto the flange to securely hold the bottle and the carbonate tube held inside the bottle, and for separating the neck from the flange by unscrewing the neck of the bottle from the flange. The rotatable carbonate head is configured to rotate from a release position to a locked position when the neck is screwed into or onto the flange, and from the locked position to the release position when the neck is unscrewed from the flange, wherein in the release position, the at least one pressure reducing valve is operated to open to release overpressure in the event of overpressure in the bottle, and wherein in the locked position, the at least one pressure reducing valve remains closed.

Implementation Method

[0041] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0042] In the following embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, modules, units, and / or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0043] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, the use of terms such as “processing,” “calculation,” “operation,” “determination,” “establishment,” “analysis,” “inspection,” or similar terms may refer to the operation and / or processing of a computer, computing platform, computing system, or other electronic computing device, which manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic) in the computer’s temporary storage and / or memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer’s temporary storage and / or memory or other information non-temporary storage media (e.g., memory) that can store instructions to perform the operation and / or processing. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more.” The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the method embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular order or sequence. Furthermore, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or in parallel. Unless otherwise indicated, the conjunction "or" as used herein should be understood as inclusive (any or all of the stated options).

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a novel carbonation machine is introduced. According to some embodiments, the carbonation machine includes a carbonation head having a stand configured to receive a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing it into a locking position, where carbonation can be performed.

[0045] When the bottle is screwed into the holder of the carbonate head, the carbonate head is configured to rotate around a predetermined rotation sector in the direction of the screwing action (e.g., within the range of 15 to 60 degrees, such as 45 degrees), thereby bringing the carbonate head to a locked position. When the bottle is in the locked position and securely attached, the user can perform carbonation by pressing the carbonation button or lever, thereby releasing carbon dioxide (or any other carbonic acid gas) from the gas tank into the carbonate bottle through a designated conduit terminated in a carbonate tube maintained inside the bottle. A limiter may be provided to restrict the rotation of the carbonate head within a predetermined rotation sector, wherein a first end of the rotation sector is located where the bottle is in the locked position, and a second end of the rotation sector opposite to the first end is located where the bottle is in the released position, in which a controlled depressurization mechanism releases overpressure within the bottle. Any end position of the rotary sector may be located at any different end of the sector or at the end portion of a sub-sector of the sector (e.g., allowing some movement within a sub-sector, but still remaining in a locked or released position). In some embodiments of the invention, the locked position may be configured as any position of the carbonate head along the non-release position of the rotary sector.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonate head may include one or more pressure-reducing valves for releasing any overpressure in the carbonated bottle. In some embodiments of the present invention, the carbonate head includes a main pressure-reducing valve and an additional pressure-reducing valve that acts as a safety valve for releasing pressure in the carbonate bottle in the event of a failure of the main pressure-reducing valve. The pressure-reducing mechanism may include an activator positioned adjacent to the rotatable carbonate head to activate the one or more pressure-reducing valves when the rotatable carbonate head rotates back to the end of the release position sector.

[0047] Each of the one or more pressure reducing valves may include a pressable plunger mounted on the carbonate head for actuating the valve. In some embodiments of the invention, the activator may include a cam, such as an inclined wall, which defines a wedge-shaped space between the cam and each of the plungers, the inclined wall eventually contacting the plunger body when the carbonate head rotates and reaches the release position.

[0048] When the carbonation process is complete (e.g., the user can decide when the carbonation process is complete), the user can then loosen the bottle by rotating it in the opposite direction to the rotation direction when the bottle was screwed into the holder. As the user begins to loosen the bottle, the carbonate head rotates from the locked position across the rotation sector back to the release position. In the release position, one or more pressure relief valves are activated to release overpressure in the bottle. The user can further twist the bottle to further loosen it and eventually detach the bottle from the carbonate head holder. During the remaining time of loosening the bottle, the carbonate head remains in the release position, with the pressure relief valves remaining open.

[0049] Figure 1 is a general view of a carbonate machine with a rotatable carbonate head according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] The carbonation machine 100 includes a base 101 having a generally flat support surface 103 for supporting the bottle before and / or after engagement with the carbonation head. A tower-shaped housing 104 is supported on the base 101. The housing 104 includes a gas tank chamber 102 in which a gas tank (e.g., a cylinder, not shown in this figure) containing compressed carbon dioxide or other carbonic acid gas (hereinafter referred to as gas) in gaseous or liquefied form can be placed and connected to pipelines and an actuation mechanism (not shown in this figure) for conveying the gas from the gas tank to a bottle containing water or other liquid (hereinafter referred to as water) to carbonate the water.

[0051] A lateral extension of the housing 104 is suspended above the support surface 103 and houses a rotatable carbonate head 110, which is configured to engage with the bottle by screwing the neck of a water-filled bottle into a flange (220, see FIG. 3) (or alternatively, onto the flange in some embodiments), thereby securely fixing the bottle to the carbonate head. When the bottle is securely fixed to the carbonate head, the carbonate tube 108 remains inside the bottle to facilitate carbonation of the water by directly delivering gas to it. The carbonate head 110 has two pressure-reducing valves, namely a first pressure-reducing valve 112 and a second pressure-reducing valve 114, for releasing overpressure after carbonation is complete and before the bottle is separated from the carbonate head. The use of two pressure-reducing valves is designed to ensure that overpressure is released even if one valve fails.

[0052] Figure 2 is a view of the stand 106 of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1.

[0054] The holder 106 includes an opening 219 through which the neck 212 of a water-filled bottle 210 can be inserted and attached to the carbonated head. The neck 212 may include external threads 214 that mate with the internal threads 206 of the flange 220. To increase the security of the device, peripheral locking teeth 202 are designed to hold the neck 212 by gripping the rim 216 that projects laterally from the neck 212. In any position of the rotatable carbonated head except in the released position, the inner wall surface 107 of the holder 106 prevents the locking teeth 202 from retracting, thereby keeping the neck 212 gripped by the locking teeth 202.

[0055] When the carbonated head is rotated to the release position, each of the locking teeth 202 can retract outward into a designated recess within the holder 106, thereby allowing the neck of the bottle 210 to be inserted into the flange 220 before being screwed into the flange 220, or to be removed after the neck of the bottle 210 has been completely unscrewed from the flange 220.

[0056] Figure 4 is an upper view of the carbonation head component of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1.

[0057] In some embodiments of the invention, a pressure-reducing mechanism may be provided, which includes an activator adjacent to the rotatable carbonate head positioning. In some embodiments of the invention, the activator may include, for example, a cam 300 in the form of two inclined walls, each inclined wall defining a wedge-shaped space between the cam and a respective plunger 306 (of either pressure-reducing valves 112 and 114), which ends in a position ensuring direct physical contact between the inclined wall and the plunger when the carbonate head rotates and reaches the release position. Thus, when carbonation is complete and the user begins to rotate the bottle in the unscrewing direction, the carbonate head rotates from the locked position to the release position. In this position, any overpressure within the bottle is released because the plunger is pressed down by the inclined walls. The locking teeth 202 that previously gripped the rim 216 around the neck 212 of the bottle 210 retract upon reaching the corresponding recess 204, thereby releasing the rim of the bottle neck.

[0058] From that point on, the user may continue to loosen the bottle until it is completely separated from the carbonated head and can be removed.

[0059] Figure 5A is a top view of the (transparent) upper part of the carbonation machine in Figure 1, showing the cross-sections of the pressure reducing valves 112 and 114 and the components of the carbonation head when it is in the locked position.

[0060] Figure 5B is a top view of the (transparent) upper part of the carbonation machine in Figure 1, showing the cross-section of the pressure reducing valves 112 and 114 when the carbonation head is in the sensing pressure reducing position.

[0061] The top of the gas tank 400 is shown attached to the gas tank holder 404. When the gas tank 400 is securely mounted in the gas tank chamber 102 of the carbonator 100, the actuator pin 406 is configured to release gas from the gas tank 400 during operation, which flows into the bottle through a designated conduit via the carbonation tube 108.

[0062] Pressing the carbonation button, lever or any such designated mechanical device to release gas from the gas tank (not shown) will release compressed gas from the gas tank and flow through the tubing and through the carbonation tube into the water inside the bottle.

[0063] The rotation of the carbonate head 110 can be restricted within a predetermined rotation sector by one or more limiters, which are configured to limit the rotation of the sector within a predetermined angular range, such as 10 degrees to 25 degrees or other predetermined angular ranges. For example, the carbonate head 110 may include a stop 408 coupled to the rotatable carbonate head, the movement of which is restricted within an arcuate groove 410 between two opposite ends of a groove defining a release position and a locking position.

[0064] The stop 408 may include a protrusion 409 that matches either of two stop recesses in the periphery of the groove 410, namely the first stop recess 411a and the second stop recess 411b.

[0065] The first stop recess 411a can be assembled to hold the protrusion 409 of the stop member 408 in a locked position. When the rotatable carbonate head 110 reaches the release position, the protrusion can slide into the first stop recess. The second stop recess 411b can hold the protrusion 409 of the stop member 408 in a locked position. When the rotatable carbonate head 110 reaches the opposite end of the rotary sector or other positions on the rotary sector, the protrusion can slide into the second stop recess.

[0066] The stop recesses 411a and 411b may be designed to engage the stop 408 in either a locked or released position, thereby providing an enhanced user sensory experience. In some embodiments of the invention, the stop and the recess may be designed to induce a clicking sound when the stop is engaged in the locked or released position.

[0067] When the rotatable carbonate head is in the locked position, the plungers 306 of the pressure reducing valves 112 and 114 are spaced apart from the inclined wall of the cam 300. When the user rotates the bottle to attempt to unscrew it from the holder, the rotatable carbonate head first rotates to the release position. At this time, the plunger is pressed down by the inclined wall of the cam 300, thereby releasing the passage in the lifting valve 402 of each of the pressure reducing valves 112 and 114, thereby allowing the overpressure in the carbonate bottle to escape to the ambient air.

[0068] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1, wherein the locking teeth are in the locked position.

[0069] When the locking tooth 202 is in the locked position, the rim 216 on the neck 212 of the bottle 210 remains in an unreleased position between the flange 220 and the upper surface of the locking tooth 202. This is because the inner wall 107 of the seat 106 prevents the locking tooth 202 from retracting to release the rim 216.

[0070] Figure 6B is a bottom view of the holder of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1, wherein the locking tooth 202 is in the locked position (the cross-sectional view in Figure 6A is shown along line AA in Figure 6B). The state of the carbonate head 100 shown in Figure 5A corresponds to this locked position.

[0071] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1, wherein the locking teeth are in the unlocked position.

[0072] In this position, the locking teeth 202 are positioned such that the recesses 204 in the wall of the holder 106 are behind each of the locking teeth. Therefore, when the bottle is unscrewed from the carbonated head, the rim 216 can press the locking teeth 202 backward into their corresponding recesses 204, thereby allowing the bottle neck 212 to be completely unscrewed and separated from the holder 106.

[0073] Figure 6D is a bottom view of the seat of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1, in which the locking teeth are in the unlocked position, showing the locking teeth and the activation teeth held in their corresponding recesses 204.

[0074] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the carbonate head of the carbonater shown in Figure 1, in which the bottle is about to be inserted and screwed onto the carbonate head holder and the activation tooth is in the deactivated position.

[0075] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the carbonate head of the carbonater shown in Figure 1, wherein the bottle is fully screwed onto the carbonate head holder and the activation tooth is in the off position.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the invention, the purpose of the activation tooth 205 is to prevent the carbonate head from rotating during screwing or due to interference with the carbonate head, unless the bottle neck 212 is substantially screwed completely onto the holder. The bottle 210 can be screwed without rotating the carbonate head simply by pressing the rim 216 of the bottle 210 against the activation tooth 205. A stop 222, a protrusion on the carbonate head holder, prevents the carbonate head from rotating; this stop is blocked by the body of the tooth 205, thereby preventing the carbonate head from rotating.

[0077] The activation tooth 205 retracts only when the rim 216 presses against the activation tooth 205, allowing the stop 222 to pass through the gap, thereby allowing the carbonate head to rotate.

[0078] The activation tooth 205 may have an inclined front surface 208, which defines a wedge-shaped gap between the activation tooth body and the carbonate head holder. Therefore, the rim 216 of the bottle 210 will only press against the tooth 205 when the rim 216 of the bottle 210 reaches the highest screw position, that is, when it is fully screwed into the holder, thereby pushing the tooth back into the recess 207 to create a gap between the tooth and the carbonate head, thereby allowing the carbonate head to rotate.

[0079] Therefore, when the bottle is inserted into the holder and screwed into (or onto) the flange 220 of the carbonate head 110 (which is initially in the released position), the carbonate head will not rotate until the bottle is securely screwed in, as long as the activation tooth remains in its initial position. When the bottle reaches the fully screwed position, the rim 216 on the neck 212 of the bottle 210 pushes against the activation tooth 205, thereby releasing the stop 222 on the carbonate head, so that the final screwing motion applied by the user to the bottle causes the carbonate head to rotate to the locked position (see also Figures 5A and 5B and their corresponding descriptions in this invention). When the carbonate head is in the locked position, carbonation can be performed when the user activates the carbonation button or similar mechanism. The user can then rotate the bottle in the opposite direction to loosen the bottle and release it from the holder.

[0080] The following is an index of the components shown in the figures: 100 - Carbonator; 101 - Base; 102 - Gas tank chamber; 103 - Support surface; 104 - Housing; 106 - Stand; 107 - Inner wall surface; 108 - Carbonation tube; 110 - Carbonation head; 112 - Pressure reducing valve; 114 - Safety pressure reducing valve; 202 - Locking tooth; 204 - Recess; 205 - Activation tooth; 206 - Internal thread; 207 - Recess; 208 - Inclined surface of activation tooth; 210 - Bottle; 212 - Bottle neck; 214 - External thread; 216 - Flange; 218 - Flange base; 219 - Stand opening; 220 - Flange; 221 - Top of carbonic acid head; 222 - Limiter; 300 - Cam; 302 - First inclined wall; 304 - Second inclined wall; 306 - Plunger; 400 - Gas tank; 402 - Lift valve; 404 - Gas tank holder; 406 - Gas tank outlet; 408 - Stop; 409 - Protrusion; 410 - Groove; 411a - First stop recess; 411b - Second stop recess;

[0081] Different embodiments are disclosed herein. Features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments; thus, certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications, variations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as belonging to the true spirit of the invention.

[0082] Although certain features of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, various modifications, substitutions, variations, and equivalents will appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as being true to the spirit of the invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0028] To better understand the present invention and its practical application, the following figures are provided and referred to below. It should be noted that the figures are given by way of example only and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. Similar components are indicated by similar reference numerals.

[0029] Figure 1 is a general view of a carbonate machine with a rotatable carbonate head according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a view of the stand of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 4 is an upper view of the carbonation head component of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 5A is a top view of the (transparent) upper part of the carbonation machine in Figure 1, showing the cross-section of the pressure reducing valve when the carbonation head is in the carbonation position.

[0034] Figure 5B is a top view of the (transparent) upper part of the carbonation machine in Figure 1, showing the cross-section of the pressure reducing valve when the carbonation head is in the induction pressure reducing position.

[0035] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1, wherein the locking teeth are in the locked position.

[0036] Figure 6B is a bottom view of the stand of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1, in which the locking teeth are in the locked position.

[0037] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of the carbonation head of the carbonation machine shown in Figure 1, wherein the locking teeth are in the unlocked position.

[0038] Figure 6D is a bottom view of the stand of the carbonate head of the carbonate machine shown in Figure 1, in which the locking teeth are in the unlocked position.

[0039] Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the carbonate head of the carbonater shown in Figure 1, in which the bottle is about to be inserted and screwed into the carbonate head holder and the activation tooth is in the deactivated position.

[0040] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the carbonate head of the carbonater shown in Figure 1, wherein the bottle is fully screwed into the carbonate head holder and the activation tooth is in the off position.

Claims

1. A carbonation generator comprising: a rotatable carbonation head, comprising: At least one pressure-reducing valve, a carbonated tube connected via a conduit to a gas cylinder, and a flange for engaging the neck of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing it into or onto the flange to securely hold the bottle and the carbonated tube held inside the bottle, and for separating the neck from the flange by unscrewing the neck of the bottle from the flange. A rotatable carbonated head is configured to rotate from a release position to a locked position when the neck is screwed into or onto the flange, and is configured to rotate from the locked position to the release position when the neck is unscrewed from the flange. In the release position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve is operated to open to release overpressure in the event of overpressure in the bottle, and in the locked position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve remains closed.

2. The carbonation machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure reducing valve comprises two pressure reducing valves.

3. The carbonation machine of claim 1 or claim 2 further includes an activator for operating one of the at least one pressure reducing valve.

4. The carbonation machine of claim 3, wherein the activator is configured to operate the at least one pressure reducing valve by pressing a plunger of each of the at least one pressure reducing valve.

5. The carbonater of claim 4 further includes a cam adjacent to the rotatable carbonate head, the cam including at least one inclined wall defining a wedge-shaped space between the cam and the plunger of each of the at least one pressure reducing valve, the inclined wall contacting the plunger body when the carbonate head is in the release position.

6. The carbonater of claim 1, wherein the carbonate head is restricted when rotating into a rotary sector.

7. The carbonater of claim 6, wherein the carbonate head is in the release position when it rotates to the first end of one of the rotating sectors.

8. The carbonater of claim 7, wherein the carbonate head is in the locked position when it rotates away from the first end of the rotary sector.

9. The carbonater of claim 8, wherein the carbonate head is in the locked position when it rotates to the second end of one of the rotary sectors.

10. The carbonater of claim 1, wherein when the carbonated head is in the locked position, a plurality of locking teeth are configured to engage one of the rims projecting laterally from the neck of the bottle.

11. The carbonator of claim 10 further includes a wall surface surrounding the flange, the wall surface being used to prevent retraction of the locking teeth and to retain the neck by the locking teeth.

12. The carbonater of claim 11, wherein a plurality of recesses are provided in the wall surface surrounding the flange such that when the carbonate head is rotated to the release position, the locking teeth are allowed to retract into the recesses and release the laterally projecting flange of the neck of the bottle.

13. The carbonater of claim 1, wherein a stop is configured to be coupled to the rotatable carbonate head, the stop being restricted to movement within a groove, wherein opposite ends of the groove define the locked position and the released position.

14. The carbonation machine of claim 13, wherein the groove has a first notch on one periphery such that when the carbonation head reaches the release position, a protrusion on the stop slides into the first notch.

15. The carbonater of claim 14, wherein the groove has a second recess on one periphery such that when the carbonate head is rotated to the locked position, a protrusion on the stop slides into the second recess.

16. The carbonation machine of claim 1, further comprising a housing mounted on a base and having a gas chamber thereon, wherein the housing includes a lateral extension suspended above the base and receiving the carbonation head.

17. The carbonater of claim 1, wherein the carbonate head is configured to rotate only when the bottle is fully screwed into or above the flange.

18. The carbonater of claim 17 further includes one or more activation teeth for causing the carbonate head to rotate only when the bottle is fully screwed into or over the flange.

19. The carbonater of claim 1, wherein the carbonate tube extends downward into one of the internal volumes of a bottle.

20. The carbonation machine of claim 1, wherein the carbonation tubing is configured to deliver gas from the gas tank to the liquid in the bottle.

21. A rotatable carbonate head comprising: at least one pressure reducing valve; a carbonate tube connected via a conduit to a gas cylinder; and a flange for engaging the neck of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated by screwing it into or onto the flange, thereby securely holding the bottle and the carbonate tube held within the bottle, and for separating the neck from the flange by unscrewing the neck of the bottle from the flange, wherein the rotatable carbonate head is configured to rotate from a release position to a locking position when the neck is screwed into or onto the flange, and is configured to rotate from the locking position to the release position when the neck is unscrewed from the flange, wherein... In the release position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve is operated to open in order to release the overpressure in the event of an overpressure in the bottle, and wherein, in the locked position, the at least one pressure-reducing valve remains closed.

22. The rotatable carbonate head of claim 19, wherein the carbonate head is configured to rotate only when the bottle is fully screwed into or over the flange.

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