Pouring attachment for a beverage container

Abstract

A pour attachment device for single-use packages (e.g. aluminum cans P) of nitrogenated beverages, which device obtains the desired top foam when the beverage is poured into a glass. The attachment comprises a main body or housing (11), an ultrasonic generator (27) and means for connecting the device to the package, such as a rim seal (2). The flow channel has a contoured inlet (26) configured for conveying the beverage from the package to an outlet (21) via a resonance chamber (28) and in particular configured for minimizing turbulent flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouring attachment device for beverage containers, particularly for nitrided beverage containers, such as aluminum cans. Background Technology

[0002] Nitrogenous beverages, such as strong beer (e.g.) This process requires stirring during dispensing to create the desired top foam. In a bar setting, the beverage is pressurized from a storage container (such as a jug) with a multi-serve volume into glasses. The delivery line passes through a "creamer plate," which consists of multiple confined orifices where nitrogen escapes from the solution and promotes further nucleation to form tiny bubbles. In the glass, these bubbles rise to the surface, creating a satisfying and distinctive top foam.

[0003] Top foam can be replicated in standardized beverage forms (i.e., aluminum cans and bottles) by providing a "widget" inside the packaging—which typically floats on the liquid. The widget creates internal pressure during the filling / sealing process, which causes a jet to provide agitation when the packaging is opened. However, the widget is a "disposable" solution, complicating packaging recycling. Furthermore, while consumers are generally satisfied, the final pouring experience is not optimal, and no top foam is formed.

[0004] One known alternative foaming method involves using an ultrasonic transducer. In this system, the beverage is subjected to ultrasonic waves, causing agitation and thus foam formation. WO2004011362 describes the use of an ultrasonic plate that agitates a nitrated beverage within a glass to form top foam. For the ultrasonic waves to effectively penetrate the thick bottom of the glass, the ultrasonic plate must be accompanied by a pool of water or other means to form good contact. The resulting top foam is generally satisfactory but not optimal. Furthermore, as with small parts, it is impossible to replicate the "two-part pour," which is the method used to achieve... The desired optimal characteristics of a strong beverage like dark beer.

[0005] Ultrasonic devices are also known to aid in the foaming of other beverage products. For example, a "foamer" device is known to be attached to the open end of an aluminum can package. The beverage (e.g., carbonated beer) is poured through the foaming device, where it is subjected to ultrasonic waves, thereby enhancing foam formation as it is delivered into a glass. Pouring can be done by emptying the package once, applying ultrasound / foam as needed by pressing a button, or by multiple pours, as long as carbon dioxide remains dissolved in the liquid.

[0006] This type of device also induces agitation and subsequent bubble formation in nitrogenous beverages; however, the resulting top foam has been found to be far from ideal. Currently, there is no can-attached ultrasonic solution for delivering nitrogenous beverages into containers while simultaneously achieving the desired top foam.

[0007] It is worth noting that the "nitrogenous beverages" discussed here typically include another gas in the solution, such as carbon dioxide. However, small bubbles and top foam are characteristic of nitrogen being present at an effective concentration. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention seeks to provide an alternative stirring device for small components and to improve upon known "foamer" devices, making them suitable for reuse with individual unit packaging of nitrogenous beverages. At the very least, this invention will provide the public with an alternative stirring device for nitrogenous beverages.

[0009] In a broader sense, claim 1 provides a pouring attachment for a disposable beverage container. Claim 14 defines an alternative expression of the invention. Both are unified by a common inventive concept: providing a flow channel configured to minimize turbulence, making the device particularly suitable for conveying nitrogenous beverages, although the choice of beverage is up to the user.

[0010] A pouring attachment is a device consisting of a sealing electronic component configured to securely attach to the beverage packaging, i.e., to be sealed to prevent accidental leakage. Preferably, the pull tab has been opened by the consumer before connection; however, alternative forms may include a structure that pierces the end of the can and opens communication with the pouring attachment.

[0011] In one form, the lower portion (underside) of the component includes a hollow chamber aligned with the opening of the can and facilitating a flow path to an outlet (e.g., a protruding nozzle). Once in place, the lower portion is sealed to the end of the can, for example by an O-ring seal, allowing the can to be tilted to allow liquid to be poured into a glass through the nozzle. In another form, an vent is provided diametrically opposite the outlet / nozzle to connect the container to the atmosphere.

[0012] In one form, at least a portion of the component is completely sealed to prevent moisture ingress and houses electronic circuitry with an ultrasonic transducer / actuator. The actuator preferably contacts (e.g., via an adhesive) the wall of the liquid chamber / flow path, such that upon pouring, ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the chamber wall to the beer flowing inside. This has the effect of separating nitrogen gas from the solution while the beverage is being poured into the container.

[0013] According to the present invention, the beverage path from the container to the glass consists of smooth-walled conduits to minimize turbulence. Minimizing turbulence has been found important in producing ideal top foam, as it contributes to consistency in the top foam and the small bubbles that ultimately form in the glass. In contrast, turbulence results in inconsistent, larger bubbles and poorly formed and / or faster-collapsed top foam.

[0014] It has been found that, in this invention, turbulence is controlled by features incorporated into the beverage flow path. For example, the inlet (i.e., the recessed and / or chamber-forming part) should have contoured walls to smoothly guide the flow with minimal turbulence to a first length (or portion) of a flow channel having a substantially constant cross-section, preferably mailbox-shaped, positioned near an ultrasonic transducer for efficient energy transfer. The first length and cross-section of the flow channel / orifice serve as a “resonance chamber” downstream of the first length, where the cross-sectional area can increase (e.g., through tapered walls and a widened cross-section), which serves to reduce the fluid velocity. The widened region (or directly from the first portion) can then transition downstream (e.g., to a third length with a reduced cross-sectional area) to a minimum size at the outlet end. For example, the resonance chamber can have approximately 9.2 × 4.2 mm (38.6 mm). 2 The size was increased to a 10.5mm diameter hole (86.6mm). 2 The outlet diameter can be narrowed to 5.0 mm (19.6 mm). 2 Thus, the transition cross-sectional area of ​​the second length can be increased approximately twofold, for example, from 1:1.5 to 1:3. One example increases it to 1:2.24. In this example, the width-to-height ratio of the resonant chamber is 1:2.2, which is in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:2.5.

[0015] In another configuration, the first section of the channel downstream of the inlet has approximately 40 mm of space following the ultrasonic unit. 2 The mailbox cross-section, this first section can smoothly transition to the outlet end over a length sufficient to minimize turbulence. For example, the outlet end could be 12mm. 2 That is, approximately one-quarter of the cross-sectional area.

[0016] The primary design consideration for the flow channel is to minimize turbulence while ensuring sufficient contact time in the resonant chamber. The narrowing outlet, compared to the upstream section of the flow channel, slows the flow to increase contact time.

[0017] As described above, the flow path can integrate an optional removable conical nozzle that converges the liquid flow into a stable flow at its outlet end. In one form, the nozzle defines a third section of the flow channel, but the second section can be omitted, and the narrowed nozzle section can directly interface with the mailbox shape of the first section / resonance chamber. As mentioned above, reduced turbulence combined with a suitable nozzle minimizes large bubbles, which are known to reduce the ideal foam top for nitrogenous beverages during dispensing. The nozzle can be positioned horizontally, vertically, or at any angle in between; including the possibility of adjustable-angle nozzles via hinges or the like.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, a pouring attachment device for a disposable beverage container can be provided, comprising: a housing; an ultrasonic generator; a connection feature for attaching to the container; a flow channel configured to minimize turbulence of the poured beverage, the flow channel comprising: an inlet recess located upstream of the ultrasonic generator and configured to convey the beverage from the container to an outlet, the inlet recess having contoured walls for guiding the beverage flow in a manner that minimizes turbulence; a resonant chamber having a first cross-sectional area located downstream of the inlet recess, the surface of the ultrasonic generator being arranged to at least partially overlap the resonant chamber; and a nozzle having a distal outlet end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first cross-sectional area; wherein the walls of the flow channel are configured to smoothly transition from the resonant chamber to the distal outlet end in a manner that minimizes turbulence.

[0019] Optional detachable nozzles may include an upstream generally elongated / mailbox-shaped cross-section to engage with a generally elongated / mailbox-shaped resonant chamber. In one embodiment, the downstream distal outlet end of the nozzle has a different cross-sectional shape, such as circular, reducing the area from the upstream generally elongated / mailbox-shaped cross-section.

[0020] It is worth noting that the common inventive concept of the various embodiments described herein generally revolves around the understanding of minimizing turbulence between the inlet recess / resonance chamber and the outlet. This is particularly suitable for devices used for pouring nitrogenous beverages and forming a consistent top foam of small bubbles on top, as opposed to those also including larger bubbles formed due to turbulence. The concept of the invention is achieved by ensuring that the transition between varying cross-sectional areas in the flow path is gradual, without abrupt or semi-abrupt visible steps that would cause disturbances in the liquid and introduce turbulence.

[0021] The connection features of the pouring attachment, such as the integrated sleeve and / or seal for connection with beverage packaging, may be of a fixed size (e.g., diameter), or, in an alternative form, configured to connect with a range of beverage packaging sizes / diameters.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies such as widget solutions, the present invention is "on-demand," allowing consumers to replicate a two-part pour that is typically associated only with the transaction experience. Smaller quantities can also be poured for consumption, such as a "half-pint" from a pint package (a "pint" is approximately 0.57 liters in metric units). As long as the nitrogen remains in the solution, the remaining beverage can be poured later and will still successfully effervesce. The beverage can be a spirit beer, cocktail, or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage product.

[0023] The pouring method using the attachment according to the invention is intuitive and easy to control, resulting in high-quality dispensing, continuous flow, and good top foam formation. These factors combined create a better user experience for consumers compared to component-based packaging. Furthermore, the pouring attachment of the invention is particularly suitable for nitrogenous beverages, where prior art frothers for carbonated beverages are not applicable.

[0024] After use, the device can be easily removed from the can for the next packaging unit or for cleaning. The aluminum beverage can packaging is essentially a single material and does not include plastic inserts, making it easy to recycle. For easy cleaning, the nozzle can be detached from the assembly. The remaining electronic components are preferably sealed to IP67 standards, so they can be easily cleaned under tap water without the risk of damage.

[0025] In one form, the device utilizes a rechargeable NiMH battery, which can be easily charged via a micro USB port. This port preferably has a waterproof rubber cap. By its very nature, the invention is reusable, and for energy conservation, it can be activated to produce dozens of drops before needing recharging. Energy can be saved, for example, by using pulse activation over a period of time to produce a consistent liquid pour. Other variations may allow for manual switching to allow for different pouring effects and lengths. Compared to power-powered "surger" devices where ultrasound must pass through several layers (e.g., metal platforms, pooled water, thick glass substrates, beverages), the pouring accessory according to the invention consumes a fraction of the energy.

[0026] The device described herein is particularly suitable for promoting a chain reaction of bubble nucleation in nitrogen-treated beverages to produce a smooth top foam. However, this device can be used as an alternative to known foaming devices that effervesce carbonated beverages. In one form as described above, the ultrasonic transducer does not need to be activated throughout the pouring process. The ultrasonic energy can be pulsed or activated, lasting for a limited, short pouring time, suitable for promoting a chain reaction. Control of the surge can be achieved manually by pressing and holding an accessible button on the device, and / or by a processor programmed with appropriate time-based distribution instructions. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of a tipping attachment device having surging capability according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of the device is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A rear view of the device is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 The plan view of this view is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 The device is shown along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of centerline BB;

[0032] Figure 6 The device is shown along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the center line AA, further showing enlarged details of the exhaust and seals;

[0033] Figure 7 A bottom view of the device is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 The device is shown along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along the center line AA, further showing magnified details of the O-ring seal;

[0035] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the device is shown, with further magnification of the flow path and transducer details;

[0036] Figure 10 A bottom-view perspective view of the device is shown;

[0037] Figure 11 An overview of the pouring attachment of the present invention, attached to the aluminum can packaging, is shown;

[0038] Figure 12 An optional bottom-view perspective view of the device is shown; and

[0039] Figure 13 An exploded view is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A cross-sectional perspective view of the device shown;

[0041] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 Side cross-sectional view of the device shown;

[0042] Figure 16 Showing from Figure 14 A planar cross-sectional view of the device, including cross-sectional slices passing through the flow path;

[0043] Figure 17 A cross-section of another pouring device is shown, which has a straight flow path from the packaging opening to the outlet; a cross-sectional slice through the flow path is also shown.

[0044] Figure 18 Another sealing device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following description provides exemplary embodiments, and is consistent with the appendix. Figure 1 This description serves to explain the principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or to exact conformity with all components, as variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to be covered by the description. The terminology used for components herein should be given a broad interpretation, including equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) have been provided for structural features, but these terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0046] Descriptive terms should also be interpreted as broadly as possible; for example, the term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting of at least partially”, thus interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising” may also include features other than those beginning with that term. Related terms such as “comprising” and “including” will be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” and “above” are used for convenience of interpretation, generally with reference to the illustrations, and are not intended to ultimately limit whether equivalent functionality can be achieved with alternative dimensions and / or orientations. The description herein relates to embodiments with specific combinations of features; however, it is conceivable that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. In fact, individual features may function as an invention independently of other features and do not necessarily need to be implemented as a complete combination to have an advantage over the prior art.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The general components of the tilting attachment according to the invention are visible in the exploded view. A body 11, having a cover 12 and an inner bottom / wall 13, forms a cavity to accommodate a component inaccessible to the user, such as a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 14. A USB port / PCB 15 provides charging capability for the PCBA's battery 16 and can be sealed externally by a gasket 17. On the rear of the device, adjacent to the retaining ring 17, a button 18 allows the user to input / control the device. Other components associated with the PCBA 14 will be discussed further below.

[0048] The base 19 of the device may be attached (and / or welded) to a mating feature at the lower end of the body 11 and a sealing element 20 (e.g., in the form of an O-ring having surface features that mate with the base 19) is mounted. The base 19 provides a rigid annular structure for engaging with the element 20 in connection with a generally cylindrical beverage package having an inner diameter smaller than the package for an interference fit.

[0049] The removable nozzle 21 may have internal threads at the device coupling end 22 for removably attaching to the outlet 23 of the body 11. Replaceable, detachable connection mechanisms, such as bayonet connections, are also possible. Formed on the exterior of the bottom 13 of the body 11 (in...) Figure 1 The liquid / resonance chamber / inlet 26 (visible on the other side) is connected to the outlet 23 and the nozzle 21 for dispensing, which will be described below.

[0050] For decorative and identification purposes, a nameplate 24 and / or badge 25 are provided for attaching or embossing into the cover 12.

[0051] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown of a device mounted on and sealing the annular edge of a beverage package P. The beverage package P is opened using a conventional pull tab, which forms an opening through which the beverage flows into a recessed liquid chamber 26 formed in the bottom 13 of the body 11. The opening of the package P should be aligned with the recess 26, possibly by means of external markings on the shell and / or the beverage package itself. For example, a vertical line on the beverage package can be aligned with the nozzle, as the opening of the package will be concealed once the pouring device is in place. The inlet beverage flow path from the package P is denoted as Fi.

[0052] The ultrasonic generator assembly 27 is positioned against the bottom wall 13 / chamber 26 and very close to the flow path F1. The excitation surface of the generator 27 overlaps or completely coincides with at least the first length / cross-section 28 of the flow channel extending from the chamber 26. In the form shown, the cross-section 28 is rectangular (i.e., as shown in the figure). Figure 9 The recess 26 (best shown in the mailbox shape) provides a resonant cavity in which one of its wide sides is substantially in direct contact with the generator 27 via the wall of the recess 26 to ensure efficient energy transfer. In one form, the generator 27 may be directly bonded to the wall forming the flow path. The profile of the wall of the recess 26 smoothly guides the beverage flow F1 to the cross section 28 in a manner that minimizes turbulence.

[0053] according to Figure 2 Downstream of cross section 28, the flow path widens at F2. In other words, as the duct flows from the mailbox structure (such as...) Figure 9As shown, the flow path transitions to a circular cross-section associated with the outlet end of nozzle 21, which optionally tapers outwards. As shown, the first length of the flow path extending from chamber 26 maintains a constrained cross-section, then transitions to a second cross-section / length where the cross-sectional area increases along the flow direction, resulting in a decrease in flow velocity.

[0054] Nozzle 21 is conical with a correspondingly truncated conical inner tubular wall 29 that gradually tapers towards the final outlet F3 of the beverage before being conveyed to the outer container (not shown). Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​this third length portion of the flow path gradually decreases, always in order to minimize the overall turbulence of the poured liquid and the associated "large" bubbles, as opposed to the much smaller bubbles associated with ultrasonic excitation.

[0055] In an alternative form, the second widening length / section can be omitted. The main design consideration is that the beverage can flow smoothly from the packaging to the outlet end of nozzle 21 due to the smooth transition of the flow channel walls between cross-sectional areas. Ultimately, the cross-sectional area at the nozzle outlet (e.g., circular) is much smaller than the elongated region of the resonant chamber.

[0056] In terms of the cross-section transverse to the flow direction, according to the first embodiment shown, the flow channel F1, having a first uniform cross-section, begins near the ultrasonic transducer, transitions to a second widened cross-section F2, and then transitions to a third narrowed cross-section F3. In terms of profile, the flow path begins at a constant height in the first portion, gradually tapers outward in the second portion, and then gradually tapers inward in the third portion. In terms of scale, the length of the flow path from the transducer center to the distal / outlet end of the nozzle 21 is approximately 40 mm and should be long enough to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize turbulence.

[0057] In the example shown, the resonant chamber (the first length / part of the flow path) can have approximately 9.2 × 4.2 mm (38.6 mm) at F1. 2 The dimensions of the cross-sectional area. In this example, the width-to-height ratio of the resonant chamber is 1:2.2, that is, in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:2.5. During the second length, the cross-section widens at 23, F2 to form a 10.5 mm diameter hole (86.6 mm). 2 The diameter of the outlet nozzle 21 can be narrowed to 5.0 mm (19.6 mm). 2 Thus, the transition cross-sectional area of ​​the second length section from the resonant chamber to the internal outlet 23 can be increased by approximately two times, for example, from 1:1.5 to 1:3. The illustrated example increases it to 1:2.24.

[0058] As described above, the overall flow path from F1 to F3 (i.e., from the inlet to the device, from the packaging to the final outlet) is primarily designed to maintain a smooth transition and minimize turbulence. Simultaneously, generator 27 introduces nitrogen cavitation into the flowing beverage via ultrasound, and promotes the formation of small, controlled bubbles whenever the generator is powered on.

[0059] The illustrative representation of the invention shows a "horizontal" nozzle / jet structure relative to a stationary device (and not necessarily during a tipping operation). However, alternative forms (see...) Figure 17 The nozzle can have a vertical or angled nozzle structure for dispensing. In other words, the flow path can coincide with or be angled to the longitudinal axis of the beverage packaging. During pouring, the flow path in all embodiments can be tilted toward the delivery container for dispensing in order to empty the contents of the packaging.

[0060] Figure 5 The flow path from F1 to F3 is also shown, and in particular, in Figure 7 and 10 The bottom view shows the cross-section of the recess 26 / the entrance to the resonant chamber 28. (As shown...) Figure 8 As shown, there is a small gap between the bottom of the main body 13 and the top of the packaging P, allowing some liquid to flow into this space. However, since most of the beverage is directed directly into the recess 13 and the conduit 28, this gap is relatively small. In an alternative form, the flow path F1 to F3 can be a straight line starting from the beverage packaging, such as a vertical straight line (see...). Figure 17 The ultrasonic device 27 is positioned directly against the vertical wall of the flow path.

[0061] As the beverage exits the opening of the packaging P and enters the orifice 28, the flow path F1 to F3 in the illustrated embodiment exhibits a 90-degree turn. Future embodiments may have an upright nozzle with a substantially straight flow path from the packaging P to the distal end of the nozzle 21. In practice, any or variable-angle flow path can be implemented while maintaining the aforementioned principle of smooth transition.

[0062] Figure 6 and Figure 8Details of the connection mechanism for sealing the pouring attachment to the beverage packaging are shown. Sealing of the edge and / or sidewalls of the top of the packaging P is achieved by deformable washers 20. The washers may have specific profiles, such as wipe seals 31, to receive and accommodate the can end in an interference fit. Specifically, two radially projecting wipe seals 31 provide greater flexibility and better accommodate can dimensional tolerances. In use, when the aluminum can is pushed into contact with the seal 20, the double annular flange 31 deforms to allow the can end to pass through and receive / seal the neck of the container. The innermost seal 31 (relative to the housing 11) may engage below the edge of the can end rolled onto the aluminum can (in... Figure 6 and 8 (The dashed line is visible in the middle).

[0063] The seal 20 mates with a surface feature on the underside of the wall 13 and is secured by a molded base 19, which can be welded into place against the wall 13. In one example, the seal described herein is made of silicone rubber with a Shore hardness of 50%.

[0064] according to Figure 6 In one form of the invention, an L-shaped (cross-section) vent 32 is incorporated upstream of the seal 20 and opposite to the beverage outlet side of the device, providing fluid communication between the lower side of the wall 13 and the air gap between the can / packaging top. One or more vents 32 may be present (e.g., Figure 10 (as shown), but preferably at a position approximately opposite the nozzle along the diameter direction. In this way, an atmospheric pathway is provided into the packaging, and back pressure during tilting / pouring is avoided, which can slow the outflow of liquid, especially causing chaotic agitation, resulting in large bubbles and undesirable foamy tops in the poured product.

[0065] Figure 12 A bottom view of an alternative form of the accessory is shown, in which a pair of downwardly extending alignment flanges / protrusions 30 engage with the package-facing side of the device. These flanges, by rotating about the longitudinal axis of the package, facilitate direct positioning of the inlet chamber / recess 26 directly above the opening of the package.

[0066] Figures 13 to 16 An alternative embodiment is shown, in which the "second section" of the cross-sectional area widening in the flow path is typically omitted.

[0067] from Figure 13 It can be seen that the device connection end 22 of the nozzle 21 can be connected to the outlet 23 of the main body 11 via a bayonet type connection. The connection end 22 also includes an interface opening ( Figure 13(Not shown in the image), the shape of this interface opening matches the elongated, mailbox-shaped, or stadium-shaped flow channel cross-section of the device outlet 23. Thus, according to... Figure 14 The resonant chamber (first part 28) can communicate directly with the inner tubular wall 29 of the nozzle 21. The profile of the wall 29 smoothly transitions from the interface mailbox cross-sectional shape of the joint 33 to the substantially narrowed nozzle outlet 34, which is circular in the illustrated embodiment.

[0068] flat Figure 16 The flow path / wall 29 is shown to narrow towards the outlet 34. The nozzle 21 should be of sufficient length to ensure a gradual transition of the narrowing cross-sectional area, thereby minimizing turbulence in the poured liquid. Figure 16 The diagram shows a series of cross-sections from the outlet end to the resonant chamber, from left to right. It is clear that the mailbox 28 (far right) will deform along the length of the nozzle 21 towards the circular outlet 34 (far left); via an intermediate transition shape. The relative cross-sectional area of ​​the resonant chamber 28 at the outlet 34 is, for example, 40 mm. 2 Up to 12mm 2 A transition of approximately 3 or 4:1.

[0069] It has been found that the smooth wall transition from inlet 26 to resonant chamber 28, and the smooth and narrow downstream flow path from the resonant chamber, are the optimal way to minimize turbulence and are suitable for devices used to dispense nitrogen-containing beverages. Initial turbulence entering the resonant chamber is also avoided by using the vent as described above. Any unwanted turbulence is eliminated by the length of the nozzle and its walls, which reduces the volumetric flow rate of the beverage and provides time for stabilization. The beverage is not expelled from the nozzle because it flows solely under gravity.

[0070] Figure 13 An optional "vertical nozzle" embodiment, or more specifically, a form of the invention, is shown, having a straight flow path from the packaging opening to the outlet, with components and operation similar to the foregoing embodiments outlined above, i.e., the transducer 27 is arranged closely against the resonant chamber 28 in the flow path from the beverage in the single-use package to apply ultrasonic energy to it. The inlet 26 of the flow path, aligned with the opening of the package, provides a smooth transition to minimize turbulence in the beverage flowing towards the transducer 27. Notably, the wide, smooth inlet transitions to a first portion of the flow path near the transducer, which is typically mailbox / stadium shaped and has a constant cross-section, and then narrows along the outlet length of the flow path (corresponding to the wall 29 of the nozzle 21). Figure 17The image shows a series of cross-sections from outlet 34 to resonant chamber 28, from left to right. The resonant chamber 28 (far right), with a relatively large cross-sectional area and a roughly stadium shape, transitions through a middle cross-section to the roughly circular outlet 34 (far left), whose total cross-sectional area decreases significantly. This maintains the core inventive concept of minimizing turbulence.

[0071] The venting area 32 downstream of the beverage packaging leads to a chamber near the inlet of the flow path, at atmospheric pressure, and generally minimizes the possibility of turbulence. It is noteworthy that, in use, the device will tilt counterclockwise (to the pre-use rest position shown), so that the "vertical" flow path is horizontally oriented and towards the inverted vertical configuration. During this movement, the vent will remain in an "upward" position, preventing beverage from flooding the vent and leaking as it exits the flow path in a generally "downward" position.

[0072] When the device is reoriented at an angle from the illustrated position to the "inverted" position during pouring, outlet 34 (opposite to the extended nozzle) at the distal end of the device housing provides an outlet for the beverage, which has been ultrasonically agitated as it flows through the flow path. Other features of the device may include: an activation button, a battery, a grip strap, a USB port, and indicator lights (e.g., a translucent material communicating with LEDs on an internal circuit board).

[0073] Figure 18 Another sealing structure is shown (which can be presented as an invention and combined with the embodiments described above). In particular, the seal 40 may have a “stepped” construction to accommodate at least two sizes of package diameters.

[0074] In practice, the first upper (scratching) seal 41 shown in the figure allows for the fitting of smaller (e.g., 50 mm diameter, industrial code "202") can ends therein and accommodates their edges to form a liquid-impermeable scraping seal on the can, preventing liquid from dripping from the sides of the can.

[0075] The second, lower seal 42 allows a larger (e.g., 52 mm diameter, industrial code "200") can end to be fitted into it at a lower position, and uses its bottom to create a scraping seal under the edge of the can, as shown. The second seal 42 is generally concentric with the first seal, and each seal may have a double annular flange that deforms to allow the can end to pass through and receive / seal the neck of a container of a corresponding size.

[0076] The unique sealing structure 40 is beneficial because it creates a multi-purpose product that allows standard containers ranging from 150mL to 568mL and in between to be poured out through the unit in a similar manner without requiring changes or additions to parts or complexity.

[0077] In summary, the invention described herein outlines a pouring attachment device for single-use packaging (e.g., aluminum can P) of nitrogen-containing beverages to achieve desired top foam when the beverage is poured into a glass. In one form, the attachment includes a body or housing 11, control circuitry 14, an ultrasonic generator 27, and means for attaching the device to the packaging, such as an edge seal 20 / 31. A flow channel 28 has an inlet configured to convey the beverage from the packaging to an outlet 21 and is particularly suited to minimize turbulence. Turbulence is minimized by the flow channel having smooth inlet walls / recesses, resulting in a constant cross-sectional area over a first length, eventually transitioning (e.g., through a widening section) to a narrowing cross-section accommodated in a removable outlet nozzle 21.

Claims

1. A pouring attachment device for a disposable beverage container, comprising: case; Ultrasonic generator; Connection features are used to connect to containers; A flow channel configured to minimize turbulence of the poured beverage, the flow channel comprising: An inlet recess, located upstream of the ultrasonic generator and configured to convey beverage from the container to the outlet, has contoured walls to guide the beverage flow in a manner that minimizes turbulence. A resonant chamber having a first cross-sectional area is located downstream of the inlet recess, and the surface of the ultrasonic generator is arranged to at least partially overlap the resonant chamber. The nozzle has a distal outlet end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first cross-sectional area; wherein the walls of the flow channel are configured to smoothly transition from the resonant chamber to the distal outlet end in a manner that minimizes turbulence.

2. The tilting attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flow channel also includes: In the second channel section downstream of the resonant chamber, the second channel section increases toward a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is removable.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first cross-sectional region is typically elongated / mailbox-shaped, with its wide side facing the surface of the ultrasonic generator that emits ultrasonic waves.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The connection features include a sleeve and / or a seal for receiving the outer wall of the container.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The connection feature includes at least one annular seal for engaging near the edge structure of the disposable container.

7. The device of claim 6, comprising at least two annular seals, wherein a first annular seal closer to the device has a first diameter and a second annular seal farther from the device has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, thereby configuring the connection feature to accommodate at least two different diameters of disposable containers.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The annular seal includes a double flange.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a vent located away from the inlet recess for communicating atmospheric pressure to the container.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising an alignment feature for engaging with or indicating the position of a container opening.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the alignment feature comprises at least one upright flange or protrusion located near the flow channel.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a processor and / or control circuitry configured to release pulse energy from an ultrasonic generator.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a user-accessible button for activating the ultrasonic generator.

14. The tilting attachment device according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle is removable and includes an upstream generally elongated / mailbox-shaped cross section to interface with the generally elongated / mailbox-shaped cross section of the resonant chamber.

15. The tilting connection device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow channel is configured to create a straight flow path from the resonant chamber to the outlet in the poured beverage.

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