Ventilator

Abstract

This invention relates to a ventilator and related methods and systems. The ventilator includes: an elongated body and a plurality of channels; the body has a central aperture extending between a proximal and a distal end of the body; the plurality of channels are formed in an outer surface of the body, extending between the proximal and distal ends, and include at least two bends along their length. The bends in the channels facilitate a smoother flow of fluid through the ventilator.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 906,371, filed on September 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to the ventilation of a fluid, and more specifically to a ventilator for ventilating wine. Background Technology

[0004] Some beverages, such as wine, benefit from aeration before drinking. Aeration refers to the process of exposing wine to air or giving it a chance to "breathe" before consumption. The reactions between gases in the air and the wine alter its flavor. Exposing wine to air leads to two important processes within the wine: evaporation and esterification. Allowing these processes to occur can improve the quality of the wine by altering its chemical composition.

[0005] Many wines contain volatile compounds that evaporate easily in the air. One such compound is ethanol. The presence of ethanol can give wine an undesirable medicinal taste, thus suppressing other desirable aromas. Aerating the wine helps to disperse some of the initial aromas, making the wine smell better. Allowing some alcohol to evaporate allows the wine to become more expressive, so that people smell the wine and not just the alcohol.

[0006] In addition, many wines contain sulfites, which can be present naturally or added to help preserve the wine. Sulfites can often have an undesirable odor, and aerating the wine can help dissipate them.

[0007] Oxidation is a chemical reaction between certain molecules in wine and oxygen from the air. Compounds in wine that are easily oxidized include catechins, anthocyanins, phenotypic catechins, and other phenolic compounds. Some wines benefit from the flavor and aroma changes brought about by oxidation, as it can contribute to the wine's fruity and nutty notes. However, excessive oxidation can ruin the wine's flavor.

[0008] Several methods exist for aerating wine. The simplest method is to simply pour the wine into a glass or decanter and allow it to breathe. However, this method can be inconsistent and time-consuming. Others have developed aerators that attach to the wine bottle. The aerator aerates the wine as it is poured from the bottle into the glass. One such aerator is described in a U.S. patent, patent number 10,258,939. The aerator in this document has a cylindrical shape and includes a central axial hole that creates turbulence within the wine as it is poured into the glass. The outer surface of the aerator includes grooves intended to allow air to enter the bottle as the wine is poured. However, these grooves quickly fill with wine, resulting in uneven pouring and "sloppy" pouring. This is undesirable.

[0009] Therefore, there are still ventilators that need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention can solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] In one embodiment, an embodiment of the present invention provides a ventilator including an elongated body and a plurality of channels; the body having a central aperture extending between a proximal and a distal end of the body; the plurality of channels being formed in an outer surface of the body, extending between the proximal and distal ends, and including at least two bends along their length. As discussed below, the at least two bends contribute to providing a ventilator that improves both the flow of fluid through the ventilator and ventilation compared to prior art ventilators.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ventilator includes at least two bends that collectively include an angle formed in a channel. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two bends includes a curved surface. In some embodiments, the at least two bends include a repeating pattern of alternating convex and concave bends. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of channels includes two 180° bends.

[0013] The bend, or at least two bends, may define an angle from about 20° to 180° within the channel. In some embodiments, the angle may be measured relative to the central axis of the ventilator, which extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends of the ventilator body. In some embodiments, the at least two bends comprise four consecutive angles, each approximately 45°.

[0014] The number of channels on the outer surface of the ventilator body can be from 2 to 12, and specifically from 2 to 8. In some embodiments, the length of the plurality of channels is from about 50 mm to 250 mm, such as from about 60 mm to 200 mm, and specifically from about 70 mm to 130 mm, or from about 100 mm to 120 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the radius of these outer channels may be from about 0.020 to 0.080 mm, such as from about 0.03 mm to about 0.060 mm. In one embodiment, the radius of the plurality of channels is about 0.050 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of channels have a hemispherical shape.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of channels may have a total volume of less than 0.60 mm. 3 Multiple channels, such as those ranging from approximately 0.20 to 0.55 mm. 3 From approximately 0.30 to 0.50 mm 3 From approximately 0.40 to 0.48 mm 3 Or from approximately 0.42 to 0.45 mm 3 .

[0018] In some embodiments, the ratio of channel length to outer channel radius is greater than 1200, such as from about 1500 to 5500, from about 2000 to 2750, or from 1200 to 2500. In one embodiment, the ratio of channel length to outer channel radius is from about 1750 to 2750, such as from about 2000 to 2500.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a system comprising: a container and a ventilator; the container including a neck; the ventilator being integrally disposed within the container and at least partially disposed within the neck; the ventilator including: a body and a plurality of channels; the body having a length extending from a first end to a second end, the body defining an aperture extending through the entire body; the plurality of channels being formed in an outer surface of the body, the plurality of channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and including at least two bends along their length.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container is a wine bottle. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Therefore, the invention has been described in general terms, and reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0022] Figure 1A An example of a ventilator according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figures 2A-2E Examples of alternative embodiments of the ventilator according to the invention are shown; and

[0024] Figure 3 A system comprising a bottle and a ventilator according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, embodiments of the invention. In fact, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used in the specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] definition

[0027] For the purposes of this application, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

[0028] As used herein, the term “bend” refers to an overall curved surface or an angled section that includes a change in direction relative to a central axis.

[0029] As used herein, the term "container" refers to any object having an internal space for storing a liquid and including a narrow neck with an opening through which the liquid can be poured. Examples of suitable containers include bottles, reservoirs, vessels, flasks, etc., adapted to contain liquids. In a preferred embodiment, the container includes a wine bottle. In some embodiments, the container may have an opening between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0030] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the extent of an object from end to end along the larger of the two dimensions or the largest dimension of the object.

[0031] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction relative to the length of an object.

[0032] As used herein, the term "laterally" refers to a direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the length of an object.

[0033] As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers such as block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, trimers, and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise precisely limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible geometries of the material, including isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries.

[0034] As used herein, the term "pouring" refers to the act of allowing liquid to flow out of a container in a steady stream by holding the container at an angle.

[0035] Unless otherwise clear from the context, the terms “about” and “substantially” cover values ​​within the specified value or variations from the specified value by ±0.5%, 1%, 5%, or 10%.

[0036] Furthermore, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are similarly interpreted accordingly.

[0037] As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the invention relate to a vent configured to be inserted into an opening in a container.

[0038] Figure 1A A perspective view of a ventilator according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is shown, the ventilator being indicated and designated by reference numeral 10. Figure 2A It shows Figure 1A A side plan view of the ventilator 10. The ventilator 10 includes a generally elongated body 12. The body 12 includes a proximal end 14, an opposing distal end 16, and an outer surface 18. The body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a central axis 20 extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends of the body. In some embodiments, the body may have a tapered shape, wherein the diameter of the body gradually increases from the distal end toward the proximal end. In other words, the diameter of the body near the proximal end may be larger than the diameter of the body near the distal end. In other embodiments, the diameter of the body may be constant or substantially constant along the length of the body.

[0039] A central axial bore 22 extends through the body 12 from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16. The bore 22 includes a plurality of blades 24 that extend laterally from the inner surface 26 of the bore toward the central axis of the body across the radius of the bore. These blades define a plurality of sub-boreholes (e.g., boreholes 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) extending from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16 of the body. Generally, these blades 24 meet each other in a central region 28 near or adjacent to the central axis of the body and are interconnected at this point.

[0040] The ventilator 10 may include any number of blades, as long as the desired level of ventilation occurs during fluid pouring, while ideally maintaining a relatively smooth pouring of fluid through the ventilator. For example, the ventilator may include 2 to 12 blades, and specifically, 3 to 8 blades, and more specifically, 4 to 6 blades. In a preferred embodiment, the ventilator includes 4 blades. The blades are not limited to any particular shape or configuration. In some embodiments, the surface of the blades may be relatively flat or straight. In other embodiments, the blades may have a curved shape.

[0041] The outer surface 18 of the vent includes a plurality of channels or recesses 40 extending along the length of the body 12 between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16. The channels or recesses 40 provide fluid passages through which air can be introduced into the container during pouring. Preferably, these channels are non-linear, i.e., they do not follow a relatively linear or continuous curved path between the distal and proximal ends of the body. Instead, the channels 40 include two or more bends that cause a change in the orientation of the channel relative to its previous orientation. Typically, the bends can define angles from about 20° to 180° within the channel.

[0042] It has been found that by including a channel with at least two bends, the flow of fluid poured from a container can be improved, and better venting can be achieved. Specifically, the bends in the channel help to restrict the flow of liquid through the channel during pouring. That is, the bends slow down or delay the flow of liquid through the channel. Therefore, the residence time required for liquid to flow from the distal end of the channel before it flows out during pouring is increased. Advantageously, this helps to improve the smoothness of the flow of liquid through the vent as liquid flows from the container into a glass or other reservoir. Conversely, vents that do not include at least two bends in the outer channel will typically have multiple liquid flows from the central orifice and from the channels on the outer surface of the vent. Such multiple flows lead to poor pouring and are therefore undesirable. Furthermore, the liquid flowing through the outer channel prevents air from passing through the channel, which prevents the channel from performing its intended function.

[0043] Figures 2A-2E An embodiment of the ventilator 10 is shown, wherein the channel includes two or more bends. Figure 2A-2B The ventilator includes two bends 42a and 42b, each approximately 180° apart. Each of these bends causes a reversal of the direction of the channel passage relative to the previous passage of the channel. Although Figure 2A The curved portion is depicted as a curved surface, but the curved portion can be completed by two or more consecutive angles, such as two consecutive 90° angles, three consecutive 60° angles, or four consecutive 45° angles.

[0044] It should also be noted that, Figure 2Aand Figure 2B The channel may further include discrete segments: a first segment 44a, an intermediate segment 44b, and a third segment 44c. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 44a extends from the proximal end 14 of the body toward the first bend 42a; the intermediate segment 44b extends from the first bend 42a toward the second bend 42b; and the third segment extends from the second bend 42b toward the distal end 16 of the body. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the intermediate section has a fluid path that is opposite to that of the first and third sections. The length of each section can be selected to increase or decrease the residence time of the liquid flowing through the channel. In this regard, it should be noted that... Figure 2A A channel 40 with an intermediate segment 44b is shown, the length of which is less than [missing information]. Figure 2B The length of the middle section 40b of channel 40 shown in the figure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the channel 40 may include a plurality of alternating convex and concave surfaces extending longitudinally on the surface of the body 12. In this respect, Figure 2C and Figure 2D An embodiment of the ventilator is shown, wherein the channel includes alternating convex bends 46a and concave bends 46b. Figure 2C In the illustrated embodiment, the channel includes a repeating pattern of convex and concave bends extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends of the channel. Furthermore, when measured near the apex of the bend, in Figure 2C The bend shown is defined at an angle between approximately 80 and 90°.

[0046] exist Figure 2D In one embodiment, the channel includes multiple bends 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d, each with an angle of approximately 45°. Figure 2E The embodiment of the ventilator shown in the figure is similar to Figure 2D The embodiments of the ventilator are similar, except that the ventilator does not include both the concave bend and the convex bend.

[0047] The number of bends in each channel is not limited to any particular number, although embodiments with 2 to 20 channels have been found to perform particularly well. In one embodiment, each channel may have from about 2 to 10 bends, and specifically from about 2 to 4 bends.

[0048] Although each channel in the illustrated embodiments includes at least two bends, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the ventilator may include one or more channels that do not include bends, or include a single bend, such as a continuous curved surface.

[0049] Overall, it has been found that the volume and length of these channels affect the residence time of wine in these channels during pouring. Specifically, by balancing the volume and length of the channels, a vent can be provided with improved liquid flow.

[0050] In one embodiment, the length of the channel may be in the range of about 50 to 250 mm, and more specifically in the range of about 60 to 200 mm, and even more specifically in the range of about 70 to 130 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the channel may have a length of about 100 to 120 mm, and more preferably, a length of about 105 to 115 mm.

[0051] In one embodiment, these channels have a radius from about 0.020 to 0.080 mm, and specifically from about 0.030 mm to about 0.060 mm. In some embodiments, the channels have a radius of about 0.050 mm. Regarding the radius of the channels, it should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the channels have a hemispherical shape and therefore a measurable radius; however, it should be recognized that the channels can have different shapes, such as squares, rectangles, etc. Therefore, embodiments of ventilators that do not include the radius may exist.

[0052] The total volume of the channel is generally less than 0.60 mm. 3 And more generally less than 0.50mm 3 Specifically, the total volume of the channel can range from approximately 0.20 to 0.55 mm. 3 0.30 to 0.50 mm 3 And specifically, 0.040 to 0.048 mm 3 In a preferred embodiment, the total volume of the channel is from approximately 0.042 to 0.045 mm. 3As previously discussed, limiting the volume of liquid that can enter the channel helps provide vents with improved flow during pouring. The volume limitation can be controlled based on the selection of the channel length and radius. It has been found that vents with a channel length-to-radius ratio greater than 1000 help improve flow during pouring. In some embodiments, the channel length-to-radius ratio is greater than 1200, such as greater than 1500. In some embodiments, the channel length-to-radius ratio is from about 1000 to 3000, such as from 1000 to 2750. In some embodiments, this ratio is from about 1200 to 3000, such as from 1200 to 2500 or about 1500 to 3000. In some embodiments, this ratio is from about 1500 to 5500, and specifically from about 1750 to 2750, and more specifically from about 2000 to 2500. In a preferred embodiment, the ventilator has a channel length-to-radius ratio of about 1750 to 2500, and specifically a channel length-to-radius ratio of about 1800 to 2500.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the ventilator includes a central aperture with multiple blades. However, it should be recognized that other configurations are also within the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the central aperture may be non-linear, such as having a helical aperture extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends of the ventilator. Such a configuration is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,258,939, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the central aperture may include one or more interruptions disposed along the length of the aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture has a diameter that varies along its length; for example, the aperture may include one or more regions where the diameter is smaller than that of adjacent regions, or it may include tapering portions.

[0054] Vents can be formed from a variety of polymers and inert materials, including materials commonly used for corks. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, Affinity, available from Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. TM Polyolefin plastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing styrene-vinyl butadiene-styrene (SEES) block copolymers, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), and polysiloxanes are just some of the possibilities. Other materials include biodegradable or compostable materials such as PLA or other sustainable polymers. One such polymer is produced by the polymerization of the comonomers 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate, which is available from KANEKA under the trade name PHBH. TMThe disclosed ventilator can also be formed from recyclable materials, allowing it to be disposed of / recycled along with the bottle without consumer interaction. Another alternative material is a ventilator made from natural cellulose materials, such as oak bark microaggregates extruded or injection molded into the ventilator. The ventilator can also be formed by stamping out oak or araffinite wood.

[0055] The venting device according to embodiments of the present invention can be formed by a variety of manufacturing processes, including, for example, extrusion, injection molding, and machining. In a pre-sales implementation, the venting device can be incorporated into the container using standard bottling equipment with minimal or no modification to the machinery.

[0056] The ventilator according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the ventilator can be inserted into the neck of the bottle just before use. For example, a user can open the bottle containing liquid and then insert the ventilator into the bottle before pouring out the liquid.

[0057] In other embodiments, the vent can be inserted into the container during the manufacturing process. For example, the vent can be inserted into the neck of the container before filling or after the container has been filled with liquid. The container can then be sealed resealably with a suitable closure device, such as a screw cap. This method is particularly advantageous in situations where it is desirable to use a vent pre-installed in the container for filling and transporting liquids.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 A system incorporating a vent 10 is provided. System 60 includes a container 62 having an internal space 64 for containing liquid. The upper part of the container includes a neck 66 and an opening 68 through which liquid can be dispensed from the internal space of the container. A vent 10 is disposed within the neck of the container. As previously described, the vent includes a central orifice (not shown) and a plurality of channels 40 formed on the outer surface of the vent. During the pouring of liquid from the container, the liquid flows through the central orifice of the vent and out of the opening of the container. The plurality of channels 40 allow air to be introduced into the container during pouring. These channels help improve the venting of the liquid and provide a smoother pouring of the liquid. Although not shown, the opening of the container can be closed with a screw cap or other conventional means for closing the container.

[0059] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for venting a liquid. For example, the venting method includes inserting a vent into the neck or throat of a container and pouring liquid from the container through the throat, the container including the vent disposed therein. The presence of the vent in the throat of the container causes turbulence within the container, thereby mixing air with the liquid. As the liquid is poured through the lower part of the vent, outside air passes through a channel located on the outer surface of the vent to fill the gas space within the container.

[0060] The liquid can be any liquid, including wine, whiskey, and / or liquids containing tannins and polyphenols. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid is wine.

[0061] In one embodiment, the container is a wine bottle. In some embodiments, the length of the vent is configured to be fully received within the neck of the container.

[0062] Example

[0063] The following examples are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0064] In the following embodiments, the aerator according to the claimed invention will be compared with an aerator available from Jetsstream Wine Technologies. The Jeststream aerator is similar to that of U.S. Patent No. 10,258,929. Figure 3 The ventilator depicted includes a groove on its outer surface. The groove on the ventilator extends linearly between the top and bottom of the ventilator. The ventilator of the present invention includes an outer channel comprising at least two bends and designed to correspond with… Figure 1A The ventilator shown is similar.

[0065] In this example, each aerator is inserted into a non-pourable wine bottle. The bottle is then held at an angle of approximately 30° relative to the glass. Wine is then poured from the bottle into the glass for one minute. During pouring, the jet aerator exhibits uneven pouring, with multiple streams of wine flowing through the aerator's orifice and grooves on the aerator's outer surface. In contrast, the aerator of the present invention provides smooth pouring, where wine does not flow out of the outer channel during pouring.

[0066] Furthermore, compared to the venting device of this invention, the wine is poured out rapidly through the jet venting device. As shown in Table 1, almost the entire 750mL wine bottle was poured during a 1-minute test. This rapid flow of wine is undesirable and results in poor ventilation during pouring.

[0067] The characteristics of the ventilator are provided in Table 1 below.

[0068] Table 1: Comparison of the present invention and the jet venting device

[0069]

[0070] Interestingly, the outer channel of the ventilator 2 of the present invention has approximately the same radius as the outer groove on the jet ventilator, but exhibits a uniform and smooth pouring. Furthermore, the ratio of the outer channel length to the radius of the ventilator 2 of the present invention is 1883. This is approximately 125% of the percentage difference between the jet ventilator and the ventilator 2 of the present invention. Moreover, the percentage increase in this ratio is approximately 338%. Compared to prior art ventilators, increasing the ratio of outer channel length / radius to outer channel radius significantly improves the pouring of liquid through the ventilator.

Claims

1. A ventilator comprising an elongated body and a plurality of channels for gas flow; the body having a central aperture for liquid flow extending between a proximal and a distal end of the body; the plurality of channels being formed in an outer surface of the body, the plurality of channels extending between the proximal and distal ends, and including at least two bends along their length.

2. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the at least two bends includes an angle formed in the channel.

3. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the at least two curved portions includes a curved surface.

4. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, At least two curved sections include a repeating pattern of alternating convex and concave curved sections.

5. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of channels includes two 180° bends.

6. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two curved portions define angles ranging from 20° to 180° within the channel.

7. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two curved portions include four consecutive angles, each angle being 45°.

8. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The number of channels is 2 to 8.

9. The ventilator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lengths of the plurality of channels range from 50 mm to 250 mm.

10. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The radii of the plurality of channels range from 0.020 mm to 0.080 mm.

11. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The radii of the plurality of channels range from 0.03 mm to 0.060 mm.

12. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple channels have a hemispherical shape.

13. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The total volume of the multiple channels is less than 0.60 mm. 3 .

14. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the length to the radius of the channel is greater than 1200.

15. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the length to the radius of the channel ranges from 1500 to 5500.

16. The ventilator according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the length to the radius of the channel is between 2000 and 2500.

17. A system comprising: A container and a ventilator; the container includes a neck; the ventilator is integrally disposed within the container and at least partially disposed within the neck; The ventilator includes: a body and a plurality of channels for gas flow, the body having a length extending from a first end to a second end, the body defining an orifice for liquid flow extending through the entire body; the plurality of channels are formed in an outer surface of the body, the plurality of channels extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and including at least two bends along their length.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The container is a wine bottle.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The lengths of the plurality of channels range from 50 to 250 mm, the radii of the plurality of channels range from 0.20 to 0.80 mm, and the total volume of the plurality of channels ranges from 0.20 to 0.55 mm. 3 The ratio of channel length to radius ranges from 1500 to 3000.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The multiple channels have a hemispherical shape.

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