A carbonator nozzle and a carbonator having such carbonator nozzle

Abstract

The present disclosure presents a carbonator (100), e.g. a household carbonator, for producing carbonated beverage. A carbonator nozzle (1), which is advantageously made of metal, is provided with a metal portion at its downstream end and this metal portion includes either a plurality of orifices or, alternatively, an elongated orifice.

Description

[0001] A CARBONATOR NOZZLE AND

[0002] A CARBONATOR HAVING SUCH CARBONATOR NOZZLE

[0003] Priority

[0004] This patent application is an international PCT application, which claims priority to Swedish patent application no. 2350580-3 with the title “A carbonator nozzle and a carbonator nozzle having such carbonator nozzle” filed on May 12, 2023.

[0005] Technical Field

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to carbonators, or carbonation apparatuses.

[0007] Background

[0008] Carbonators are used for producing carbonated beverage, such as carbonated water. Carbonators for domestic use are typically designed to be placed on a table or bench and are operated manually by a person. The European patent specification EP 3 200 610 Bl describes that carbon dioxide (CO2) is typically pulsed from a gas canister via a carbonation head though a carbonation tube into a bottle of water in a home carbonation system. The carbonation head typically comprises an activator to press a pin on the gas canister in order to release gas when it is depressed and valves to regulate the pressure during the carbonation process. In view of this, EP 3 200 610 Bl proposed a home carbonation machine having a plastic carbonation tube having a metal tip molded to a distal end of the carbonation tube such that the metal tip is made an integral part of the carbonation tube. The metal tip proposed in EP 3 200 610 Bl has a single orifice configured to be immersed in the water of a bottle.

[0009] The United States patent US 5,458,165 was cited during the prosecution of the Swedish patent application no. 2350580-3. This patent relates to a gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container. This patent does not primarily focus on carbonators, but aims at preserving the quality of partially consumed containers of wine or other oxidizeable fluids by injecting an inert gas and evacuating air. Summary

[0010] It is in view of the above background and other considerations that the various embodiments of the present invention have been made.

[0011] A starting point for the inventors of the invention as proposed throughout this disclosure was to find a carbonator with improved durability.

[0012] A technical problem addressed by the embodiments of this disclosure is therefore to find a carbonator, and in particular a household or home carbonator (or, home carbonation apparatus - i.e., a carbonator for domestic use) which allows for improved durability.

[0013] The technical problem of providing a more durable carbonator is therefore addressed by the appended independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the appended dependent claims.

[0014] When aiming at finding a solution to this general technical problem, the inventors realized that the carbonator nozzle is a component which is particularly interesting to improve when it comes to durability. This is a part that can easily wear out and may need to be replaced after many repeated uses.

[0015] According to a first aspect, there is therefore provided a carbonator, e.g. a household carbonator, for producing carbonated beverage.

[0016] In one example embodiment, the carbonator comprises: a carbonation head; a CCh-container connectable to the carbonation head; and a carbonator nozzle extending from the carbonation head.

[0017] The carbonator nozzle may extend form the carbonation head such that the carbonator nozzle can be extended into a beverage container for introducing CCh-gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container when in operation (e.g., during use).

[0018] The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end removably attached (i.e., attachable), or irremovably attached, to the carbonation head and a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage. Furthermore, a conduit leads through the carbonator nozzle from the upstream end to the downstream end and is configured to transport CCh-gas into the beverage. The downstream end comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit comprises the metal portion including the plurality of orifices. The plurality of orifices may have cross sections which are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit.

[0019] Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metal portion including an elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit comprises the metal portion including the elongated orifice. The elongated orifice(s) may have a cross section(s) which is / are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit.

[0020] Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or, alternatively, the elongated orifice(s)) allow CCh-gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CCb-gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation.

[0021] It is not necessary that the portion including said plurality of orifices or said elongated orifice is made of metal. In alternative embodiments, this portion may be a non-metal portion such as a plastic portion.

[0022] In another example embodiment, the carbonator comprises: a beverage container connector to which a beverage container may be attached; a CCh-container connectable to the beverage container connector; and a carbonator nozzle extending from the beverage container connector.

[0023] The carbonator nozzle may extend from the beverage container connector such that the carbonator nozzle can be extended into a beverage container for introducing CCb-gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container when the beverage container is attached to the beverage container connector.

[0024] The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end removably attached (i.e., attachable), or irremovably attached, to the beverage container connector and a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage. Furthermore, a conduit leads through the carbonator nozzle from the upstream end to the downstream end and is configured to transport CCh-gas into the beverage. The downstream end comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices. That is, a most downstream end of the conduit comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices. Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metal portion including an elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit comprises the metal portion including the elongated orifice.

[0025] The plurality of orifices, or the elongated orifice(s), may have cross section(s) which is / are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit.

[0026] Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or, alternatively, the elongated orifice(s)) allow CCh-gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CCb-gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation.

[0027] Again, it is not necessary that the portion including said plurality of orifices or said elongated orifice is made of metal. In alternative embodiments, this portion may be a non-metal portion such as a plastic portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

[0029] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes three orifices together forming a shape of a triangle.

[0030] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes a plurality of orifices that together form a random pattern.

[0031] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes an elongated orifice in a shape of a straight line.

[0032] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes an elongated orifice being an annular orifice.

[0033] In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes at least two elongated orifices. In some embodiments, the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle includes two elongated orifices positioned to mirror each other.

[0034] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0035] According to a second aspect, there is provided a carbonator nozzle. The carbonator nozzle is suitable for introducing CCh-gas into a beverage by means of a carbonator. The carbonator nozzle comprises an upstream end attachable to the carbonator (e.g., a carbonation head thereof) and a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage. There is also a conduit leading through the carbonator nozzle from the upstream end to the downstream end and configured to transport injected CO2- gas into the beverage. The downstream end is provided with a metal portion including a plurality of orifices. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices. Alternatively, the downstream end comprises a metal portion including elongated orifice. That is, the most downstream end of the conduit comprises the metal portion including the elongated orifice. The plurality of orifices, or the elongated orifice(s), may have cross section(s) which is / are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit. Advantageously, the plurality of orifices (or, alternatively, the elongated orifice(s)) allow CCb-gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CCh-gas towards the bottom of the beverage container during operation. As discussed above, it is not necessary that the portion including said plurality of orifices or said elongated orifice is made of metal. In alternative embodiments, this portion may be a non-metal portion such as a plastic portion.

[0036] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices.

[0037] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes three orifices together forming a shape of a triangle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes a plurality of orifices that together form a random pattern.

[0039] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes an elongated orifice in a shape of a straight line.

[0040] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes an elongated orifice being an annular orifice.

[0041] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes at least two elongated orifices.

[0042] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes two elongated orifices positioned to mirror each other.

[0043] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0044] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacture of a carbonator nozzle for a carbonator, comprising: drilling a conduit from an upstream end to a downstream end of the carbonator nozzle; and drilling, or otherwise cutting, a plurality of orifices or an elongated orifice in a metal portion positioned at the downstream end.

[0045] Various aspects and embodiments described herein address the need or desire to improve the art of making more durable carbonators for home use. By using a plurality of orifices, or an elongated orifice(s), the risk of clogging is reduced. By reducing the risk of clogging, the nozzle needs fewer cleaning repetitions, if cleaning is at all possible, and it is made possible to repeat the usage of a same carbonator nozzle over and over again. Hence, the durability of the carbonator nozzle and the carbonator itself is improved. Additional, or alternative, effects and / or advantages will be detailed in the following detailed description of embodiments.

[0046] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] These and other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of various embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a carbonator having a carbonator nozzle according to various embodiments; and

[0049] Figs. 2-7 show various implementation examples of orifices provided at a distal end of the carbonator nozzle in Fig. 1.

[0050] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0051] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those persons skilled in the art. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0052] With reference to Figs. 1-7, various aspects and embodiments of a carbonator and a carbonator nozzle will now be described in further detail. A starting point for the inventors of the invention as proposed throughout this disclosure was to find a carbonator with an improved durability. A technical problem addressed by the embodiments of this disclosure is therefore to find a carbonator, and in particular a home carbonator (or, home carbonation apparatus) which provides improved durability. When aiming at finding a solution to this technical problem, the inventors realized that the carbonator nozzle is a component which is particularly interesting to improve when it comes to durability. This is a part that can easily wear out and may need to be replaced after many repeated uses.

[0053] Based on this realization, the durability and / or other considerations are addressed by the carbonator in the appended claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0054] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which illustrates a carbonator 100 for producing carbonated beverage. Carbonators 100 are sometimes also referred to as carbonation apparatuses or carbonation machines. The carbonator 100 in Fig. 1 is typically for home use and is therefore also sometimes referred to as a home carbonator, a household carbonator or a standalone carbonator. The carbonator 100 comprises a carbonation head. As will be described in further detail below, a carbonator nozzle 1 typically extends from the carbonation head 110 such that the carbonator nozzle 1 can be extended into a beverage container 200 (a.k.a. beverage bottle) for introducing CO2- gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container 200 when in operation (e.g., during use). In the example embodiment shown illustratively in Fig. 1, the carbonation head includes a beverage container connector 110 to which a beverage container 200 may be attached. In use, a CCh-container (not shown) is typically accommodated in a body portion 120 of the carbonator 100. The carbonator 100 typically also comprises a base portion 130 to be able to stand or otherwise rest on a surface such as a kitchen counter. The CO2 -container is attachable to the carbonator 100 to be connected to the beverage container connector 110. As can be seen in the illustration in Fig. 1, a carbonator nozzle 1 is also provided. It will be appreciated that during the carbonation process, the carbonator nozzle 1 may connect, or otherwise attach, to the beverage container connector 110. As can be seen in the illustration in Fig. 1, during a carbonation process the carbonator nozzle 1 generally protrudes downward from the beverage container connector 110 of the carbonator 100 to which a beverage bottle 200 is to be fastened, or otherwise connected. When a bottle is fastened to the beverage container connector 110, the carbonator nozzle 1 protrudes downward into the bottle to a position where the carbonator nozzle 1 is immersed in the beverage, typically water, within the bottle 200.

[0055] The carbonator nozzle 1 comprises an upstream end, which may also be referred to as the upper end or the inlet end, which is attached to the carbonator 100 by means of suitable mechanical fitting means. In the present disclosure, the upper end of the carbonator nozzle 1 advantageously comprises outer threads (not shown) whereas the carbonator 10, more precisely the beverage container connector 110, comprises cooperating inner threads (not shown).

[0056] Furthermore, a conduit is formed through the carbonator nozzle 1 from the upper end to the lower end thereof. The carbonator nozzle 1 may thus be tubular. The conduit may also be referred to as a gas conduit and provides CO2 from the carbonator 100 to the beverage contained in the beverage bottle 200 when the carbonator 100 is used. In advantageous implementations, the carbonator nozzle 1 has a circular outer cross section. For example, the outer form of the carbonator nozzle 1 may be a straight rod, apart from the upper end where the threads and the flat surfaces are located.

[0057] Still further, the carbonator nozzle 1 has an elongated shape with a length that may be approximately eight to ten times its outer diameter. The downstream end of the carbonator nozzle 1, which may also be referred to as the lower end or the outlet end, is rounded so as to not damage e.g. the beverage bottle 200 to be used with the carbonator 10, or the hand of a user.

[0058] The downstream end is provided with a metal portion including a plurality of orifices or, alternatively, an elongated orifice. While it is advantageous and preferred to use a metal portion when forming the plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice(s), it should be appreciated that this is not necessary nor essential. This portion could be provided in other materials such non-metal materials (e.g., plastic) in alternative implementations. An orifice is an outlet opening through which CO2 gas is ejected when the carbonator 10 is used. The plurality of orifices or the elongated orifice(s) is / are formed in the metal portion at the most downstream section of the conduit as explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2-7. Or said differently, the array of apertures, or the elongated aperture(s), is / are crafted within the metal portion (or, metal segment) at the terminal end of the conduit. Depending of the amount of water filled into the bottle 200, roughly half the nozzle 1 is generally immersed in water when the carbonator 10 is used.

[0059] Reference is now made to Figs. 2-7, which are illustrations of the metal portion at the most downstream end of carbonator nozzle 1 in Fig. 1. Figs. 2-7 show the carbonator nozzle 1 in a plan view, i.e. in a view from below with respect to how the carbonator nozzle 1 is shown in Fig. 1. In other words, Figs. 2-7 depict the carbonator nozzle 1 in a planar orientation, providing a view from beneath relative to the depiction of the carbonator nozzle 1 in Figure 1. As can be seen in the figures, the orifice(s) have cross sections which are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit. During operation, the orifice(s) allow CCh-gas to pass through the bottom end of the conduit and the orifice(s) direct the flow of CCh-gas towards the bottom of the beverage bottle 200. The embodiments of the present disclosure are all characterized in that the carbonator nozzle 1, and more precisely the metal portion in the illustrated examples, is provided with either:

[0060] (a) a plurality, i.e. two or more, of orifices; or

[0061] (b) one or more elongated orifices.

[0062] For example, the metal portion may include two (Fig. 2), three (Fig. 3), four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen (Fig. 4) orifices. The exact number of multiple orifices should preferably be tested and evaluated for the specific desired implementation depending on the system requirements of the carbonator 100 and / or end user demands.

[0063] Providing multiple orifices (i.e., more than one single orifice) may have several advantages:

[0064] • Reduced risk for clogging'. Multiple orifices can be less prone to clogging than one single orifice. Thus, if one orifice among the plurality of orifices clogs, this has little or no effect on the overall carbonation process and leads to a better quality product. • Facilitated cleaning'. Multiple orifices may be easier to clean thoroughly (compared to one single orifice). Having only one single orifice may instead lead to build-up of residue and bacteria over time. This can affect the taste and quality of the carbonated beverage.

[0065] As will be appreciated from the above discussion, the provision of multiple orifices improves the durability of the carbonator nozzle 1 and therefore also the carbonator 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes three orifices together forming a shape of a triangle (Fig. 3).

[0067] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes a plurality of orifices that together form a random pattern (Fig. 4).

[0068] As discussed above, the metal portion may alternatively include an elongated orifice(s). The inventors have realized that one or more elongated orifices may have the same advantages and effects as discussed above with respect to the plurality of orifices.

[0069] In some embodiments, the metal portion may include an elongated orifice in a shape of a straight line (Fig. 5).

[0070] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes an elongated orifice being an annular orifice (Fig, 6).

[0071] In some embodiments, the metal portion includes at least two elongated orifices (Fig. 7). For example, the metal portion may include two elongated orifices positioned to mirror each other.

[0072] In some embodiments, the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal, e.g. stainless steel or brass. Providing the entire (or substantially entire) carbonator nozzle 1 in metal contributes to the improved durability. That is, providing the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle 1 in metal may make the carbonator nozzle 1 more durable and longer-lasting (compared to plastic or other types of carbonator nozzle materials). Furthermore, the versatility may be improved. A metal carbonator nozzle 1 could potentially be used with a wider variety of liquids and beverages (compared to plastic or other types of carbonator nozzle materials). This is for example be useful in situations where it is desired to carbonate non-traditional beverages, such as fruit juice. Manufacturing the carbonator nozzle 1 in metal may also lead to cost savings.

[0073] As will be appreciated, the various embodiments of the carbonator nozzle 1 discussed herein may be used in carbonators of different types. One example is a carbonator 100 where a beverage container 200 can be attached to a beverage container connector 110 (Fig. 1). The Swedish patent SE 544 314 discloses a carbonator of this type. Another example where the carbonator nozzle 1 may advantageously be used is in a carbonator of the type disclosed in the Swedish patent applications 2051315-6, 2051363-6, and 2150296-8.

[0074] Numbered example embodiments

[0075] The technology described in this disclosure thus encompasses without limitation the following numbered example embodiments (NEE). It should be appreciated that the numbered example embodiments are listed for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of various aspects and embodiments of this disclosure. The numbered example embodiments are not claims that define the scope of protection conferred. The appended claims of the disclosure define the invention and, accordingly, the scope of protection conferred.

[0076] NEE1. A carbonator nozzle for introducing CCh-gas into a beverage by means of a carbonator, the carbonator nozzle comprising: an upstream end attachable to the carbonator; a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage; and a conduit leading through the carbonator nozzle from the upstream end to the downstream end and configured to transport CCh-gas into the beverage; characterized in that the downstream end comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices or an elongated orifice.

[0077] NEE2. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein metal portion includes two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, or thirteen orifices. NEE3. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE2, wherein the metal portion includes three orifices together forming a shape of a triangle.

[0078] NEE4. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE2, wherein the metal portion plurality of orifices together form a random pattern.

[0079] NEE5. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion includes an elongated orifice in a shape of a straight line.

[0080] NEE6. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion includes an elongated orifice being an annular orifice.

[0081] NEE7. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE1, wherein the metal portion includes at least two elongated orifices.

[0082] NEE8. The carbonator nozzle according to embodiment NEE7, wherein the metal portion includes two elongated orifices positioned to mirror each other.

[0083] NEE9. The carbonator nozzle according to any one of the embodiments NEE1-NEE8, wherein the entire or substantially entire carbonator nozzle is made of metal.

[0084] NEE10. A carbonator for producing carbonated beverage, comprising: a beverage container connector to which a beverage container may be attached; a CCb-container connectable to the beverage container connector; and a carbonator nozzle according to any one of the embodiments NEE1- NEE9, the carbonator nozzle extending from the beverage container connector and into a beverage container to carbonate a beverage contained in the beverage container by discharging CCb-gas through said plurality of orifices or said elongated orifice. Modifications and other variants of the described aspects and embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example aspects and embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. As used herein, the terms “comprise / comprises” or “include / includes” do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A household carbonator (100) for producing carbonated beverage, the carbonator (100) comprising: a carbonation head (110); a CCh-container connectable to the carbonation head (110); and a carbonator nozzle (1) extending from the carbonation head (110) such that the carbonator nozzle (1) can be extended into a beverage container (200) for introducing CCh-gas into a beverage contained in the beverage container (200) when in operation, wherein the carbonator nozzle (1) comprises:■ an upstream end attachable to the carbonation head (110);■ a downstream end adapted to be immersed in the beverage; and■ a conduit leading through the carbonator nozzle (1) from the upstream end to the downstream end and configured to transport CCh-gas into the beverage; characterized in that the downstream end comprises a metal portion including a plurality of orifices.

2. The household carbonator (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of orifices, during operation, allow CCh-gas to pass through a bottom end of the conduit to direct a flow of CCb-gas towards a bottom of the beverage container (200).

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

4. The household carbonator (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of orifices have cross sections which are perpendicular to the direction of the conduit.

5. The household carbonator (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the carbonation head includes a beverage container connector (110) to which a beverage container (200) may be attached, and wherein the CCh-container is connectable to said beverage container connector (110); and further wherein the carbonator nozzle (1) extends from the beverage container connector (110) such that the carbonator nozzle (1) can be extended into the beverage container (200) for introducing CCh-gas into the beverage contained in the beverage container (200) when the beverage container (200) is attached to the beverage container connector (110).

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

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

8. The household carbonator (100) according to claim 6, wherein the metal portion of the carbonator nozzle (1) includes a plurality of orifices that together form a random pattern.

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

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