Container sealing overpressure relief mechanism

Abstract

The container assembly includes a container and a lid removably coupled to the container. The lid includes a circumferential rim at an interface with the container, the circumferential rim being separated from the container by a gap, the gap being open to the atmosphere outside the container. The container includes a gasket disposed in a sealing position between the lid and the container and sealing a reservoir of the container from the gap. The rim includes a recess extending circumferentially along a first portion of the rim. The recess forms a portion of the gap and defines a discharge zone extending circumferentially along the first portion of the rim. In response to the container's internal reservoir reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap, causing fluid held in the reservoir to be discharged past the gasket through the discharge zone, reducing the pressure in the reservoir.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 110,797, filed November 6, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to multi-component containers for holding carbonated liquids, and more particularly to sealing interfaces between components of the container. [Background technology]

[0004] Carbonated beverages, such as carbonated water, are becoming increasingly popular with consumers. Typically, carbonated beverages are prepared in a factory and distributed to stores in disposable bottles or cans. Preparing and distributing carbonated beverages in disposable bottles or cans can increase costs for consumers and result in more waste. Therefore, consumers may desire to prepare carbonated beverages using their own carbonation systems and store the carbonated beverages in their own reusable bottles that are operably compatible with the carbonation systems.

[0005] Bottles used for carbonation typically consist of a single-piece construction. However, the single-piece construction does not allow for easy cleaning of the bottle or the addition of ice to the bottle's container. Meanwhile, multi-piece beverage bottles are typically not constructed to withstand the pressure required to fit into a carbonator. There is a need for a multi-piece, reusable bottle that can be used with a carbonator while having improved integrity and safety measures that effectively vent fluid to alleviate excessive pressure buildup. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure includes various embodiments of the container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the container comprises a container and a lid removably coupled to the container. In some embodiments, the lid comprises a circumferential rim at an interface with the container. In some embodiments, the rim is separated from the container by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is open to the atmosphere outside the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises an annular gasket disposed in a sealing position between the container and the lid to seal an internal reservoir of the container from the gap. In some embodiments, in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap such that fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) held within the reservoir is expelled through the gap, reducing the pressure in the reservoir.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rim includes a recess extending circumferentially along a first portion of the rim. In some embodiments, the recess forms a portion of the gap and defines a discharge zone extending circumferentially along the first portion of the rim. In some embodiments, a portion of the gasket is located along the discharge zone such that fluid discharged through the gap is directed through the discharge zone.

[0009] In some embodiments, the recess has a first end located forward of the inner edge of the rim and a second end located at the outer edge of the rim, hi some embodiments, the recess has a first height proximate the first end and a second height proximate the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0010] In some embodiments, in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching a threshold pressure, the second portion of the gasket remains in a sealing position along the second portion of the rim to maintain a seal between the reservoir of the container and the gap along the second portion of the rim.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lid includes upper and lower sidewalls defining a chamber, and the rim extends radially from the lower sidewall to the upper sidewall, hi some embodiments, the upper sidewall extends above the sidewall of the container, and the lower sidewall projects into the container such that the chamber of the lid opens into the reservoir of the container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower sidewall comprises a helical thread configured to engage the sidewall of the container, the thread including a plurality of notches defining a fluid passageway aligned with the recess in the rim.

[0013] In some embodiments, the container is made of stainless steel and the lid is made of a polymer-based material. In some embodiments, the polymer-based material is transparent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the container comprises a container and a lid removably coupled to the container. In some embodiments, the lid comprises a circumferential rim at an interface with the lid. In some embodiments, the rim is separated from the container by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is open to atmosphere outside the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises an annular gasket disposed in a sealing position between the container and the lid to seal an internal reservoir of the container from the gap. In some embodiments, in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap along a discharge zone such that fluid held in the reservoir is discharged through the gap, reducing the pressure in the reservoir.

[0015] In some embodiments, the interface defines a drainage zone extending circumferentially along a first portion of the interface and a non-drainage zone extending circumferentially along a second portion of the interface. In some embodiments, the gap along the drainage zone is vertically larger than the gap along the non-drainage zone. In some embodiments, a portion of the gasket is located along the drainage zone such that fluid draining through the gap is directed through the drainage zone.

[0016] In some embodiments, the lid includes upper and lower sidewalls defining a chamber, and the rim extends radially between the upper and lower sidewalls, hi some embodiments, the upper sidewall extends above the sidewall of the container, and the lower sidewall projects into the container such that the chamber of the lid opens into the reservoir of the container.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lower sidewall comprises a helical thread configured to engage the sidewall of the container, the thread including a plurality of cuts that define the fluid passageway, hi some embodiments, the cuts are aligned with the discharge zone.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rim includes a recess located along the discharge zone of the interface, the recess having a first end located forward of the inner edge of the rim and a second end located at the outer edge of the rim, hi some embodiments, the recess has a first height proximate the first end and a second height proximate the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0019] In some embodiments, in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching a threshold pressure, the second portion of the gasket remains in a sealing position along the non-discharge zone of the interface to maintain a seal between the reservoir of the container and the gap along the non-discharge zone.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container comprises a bottom and a container sidewall extending from the bottom to define a reservoir. In some embodiments, an upper end of the container sidewall comprises a recess located along the discharge zone of the interface, the recess having a first end located forward of the inner surface of the container sidewall and a second end located on the outer surface of the container sidewall. In some embodiments, the recess has a first height adjacent to the first end and a second height adjacent to the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0021] In some embodiments, the container is made of a metal-based material and the lid is made of a polymer-based material, hi some embodiments, the polymer-based material is transparent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to further explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the lid of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 1 taken along the central longitudinal axis 500 of the container. [Figure 5] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 5-5 of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the non-drain zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 8-8 of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the non-drain zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 9-9 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge zone interface between the lid and the container taken along dashed line 6-6 of FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection interface between the side wall of the container and the lower side wall of the lid shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lid of the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 14] 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection interface between the side wall of the container and the lower side wall of the lid shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15]A carbonation system for introducing carbon dioxide into the container shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 2 is a plot showing the range of pressures that actuate gasket movement in the container shown in FIG. 1 versus the shape of the rim of the lid of the container shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] Features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numbers identify corresponding elements throughout and generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the present disclosure as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References such as "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, the impact of such feature, structure, or characteristic on other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, is intended to be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0025] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art which are obvious to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Compared to disposable bottles and cans, reusable bottles have container walls made of more rigid materials and thicker dimensions. Additionally, reusable bottles may feature multi-piece assemblies to facilitate cleaning and filling the bottles with ice.

[0027] Some in-home systems allow users to carbonate beverages in reusable bottles. This may involve introducing carbon dioxide into the bottle at a controlled pressure to reach a target pressure for carbonation in the beverage contained therein. Such systems typically have a safety device to prevent over-pressurization of the bottle. As shown in the embodiments described herein, the internal pressure of the bottle can also be managed by the bottle itself, thereby providing an over-pressure safety device independent of the carbonation system itself. As described in more detail below, such pressure management can be easy to implement and reusable (e.g., without additional dedicated or disposable components).

[0028] According to various embodiments described herein, a container of the present disclosure may include a container and a lid removably coupled to the container. The lid may include a circumferential rim at an interface with the container, the rim being separated from the container by a gap open to the atmosphere outside the container. The container may include an annular gasket disposed in a sealing position between the container and the lid to seal an internal reservoir of the container from the gap. The interface may define a venting zone extending circumferentially along a first portion of the interface and a non-venting zone extending circumferentially along a second portion of the interface. A height of the portion of the gap along the venting zone may be greater than the height of the gap along the non-venting zone. In response to the container reservoir reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the gasket may move from the sealing position through the gap and along the venting zone. When the gasket moves from the sealing position, fluid communication is established between the discharge zone defined by the interface and the container's reservoir, and fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) held in the reservoir passes through the gasket and is discharged through the discharge zone, reducing the container's internal pressure. At the same time, a second portion of the gasket remains in the sealing position along the non-discharge zone to maintain a seal between the container's reservoir and the gap along the non-discharge zone. Thus, pressure is released from the container in a controlled manner, thereby maintaining the container's structural integrity.

[0029] In some embodiments, the container can include a bottom and a sidewall of the container that define a reservoir for holding a fluid. The rim can be aligned with an upper edge of the sidewall of the container such that a gap height is defined between the rim of the lid and the upper edge of the sidewall of the container. In some embodiments, the geometry of the rim can expand the gap height along the discharge zone to weaken the seal between the gasket and the corresponding portion of the rim and the upper edge of the sidewall of the container, thereby allowing the gasket to move into the gap along the discharge zone and relieve pressure inside the container before it reaches an unacceptably high level (e.g., a level that may risk damaging the container).

[0030] In some embodiments, the lid can define a top lid opening positioned above the rim and configured to interface with a carbonation system for injecting gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) into the container's reservoir. Unlike a bottle cap seal, the gasket can remain in a sealing position between the container and the lid as the carbonation system injects gas into the container's reservoir. If reservoir pressure exceeds a threshold pressure when gas is injected into the container's reservoir, a portion of the gasket along the discharge zone can move from the sealing position through a gap to relieve the pressure increase within the container. When the lid is operably connected to the carbonation system, the location of the discharge zone along the circumference of the bottle can be oriented to allow fluid to flow out of the user filling the container with a carbonator.

[0031] Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, for example, in some embodiments, container 10 may include a vessel 100, a lid 200, and a cap 300. In some embodiments, vessel 100 may be configured to hold a fluid, such as a carbonated beverage. Lid 200 may be configured to be removably coupled to vessel 100 such that lid 200 accommodates the fluid held within vessel 100. Lid 200 may include a lid opening 204 for dispensing the fluid into and out of vessel 100. Cap 300 may be removably coupled to lid 200 to surround lid opening 204, thereby sealing the fluid collectively held by vessel 100 and lid 200.

[0032] In some embodiments, the container 100 can be formed from one or more metal-based materials. For example, the container 100 can be formed from stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, galvanized tin, chromium, or any other suitable metal alloy. In some embodiments, the container 100 can be constructed from any suitable metalworking process, such as, for example, rolling, stamping, casting, forming, drilling, grinding, or forging.

[0033] In some embodiments, the container 100 can include a bottom 110 and a container sidewall 120 extending from the bottom 110 to define a reservoir 102 for holding a liquid, such as a beverage. The container sidewall 120 can include an upper end 121 that defines an opening to the reservoir 102. The container sidewall 120 can be substantially cylindrical in shape and symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the container sidewall 120 can define other shapes (e.g., raised or rounded edges). The container 100 can be configured to hold a carbonated beverage at a pressure above atmospheric pressure (e.g., an internal pressure of 70 PSI to 120 PSI). The container sidewall 120 can include radially spaced, axially extending ribs or other types of protrusions to facilitate gripping by a user.

[0034] 4 , for example, in some embodiments, the container sidewall 120 may include an exterior sidewall 122 defining an outer surface of the container sidewall 120 and an interior sidewall 124 defining an inner surface of the container sidewall 120. The interior sidewall 124 and the exterior sidewall 122 may be concentrically arranged about the central longitudinal axis. The exterior sidewall 122 and the interior sidewall 124 may be spatially separated by an insulating gap 126 to inhibit heat transfer between the reservoir 102 and the ambient air surrounding the container 100. In some embodiments, the gap 126 may define a sealed vacuum. In some embodiments, the gap 126 may be filled with air. In some embodiments, the gap 126 may be filled with an insulating material, such as a polymeric material or a polymeric foam material, to reduce thermal conductivity between the exterior sidewall 122 and the interior sidewall 124.

[0035] In some embodiments, the container sidewall 120 can include a connection interface for engaging the lid 200 to secure the lid 200 to the container 100. For example, the container sidewall 120 can include threads 128 spirally wound along the inner surface of the interior sidewall 124. The threads 128 can be located proximate the top end 121 of the container sidewall 120 to engage corresponding threads on the lid 200.

[0036] In some embodiments, the container 100 can be configured to hold a liquid volume of fluid in the range of 450 ml to 550 ml, such as approximately 500 ml or 18 fluid ounces. The dimensions of the bottom 110 and the container sidewall 120 can be varied to vary the volume of fluid held within the reservoir 102. For example, the container sidewall 120 can include a lateral dimension (e.g., inner diameter) in the range of 65 mm to 85 mm, such as 72 mm to 75 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the container sidewall 120 can be in the range of 78 mm to 85 mm. In some embodiments, the container sidewall 120 can include a height in the range of 170 mm to 220 mm, such as approximately 200 mm. These ranges of lateral dimensions configure the container 100 to limit the reaction forces exerted from containing a carbonated beverage while retaining a sufficient volume of fluid within the container 10.

[0037] In some embodiments, the lid 200 can be formed from a polymer-based material. For example, the lid 200 can be formed from a copolyester such as Tritan, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene glycol fumarate (PEF), or any other suitable polymer.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lid 200 may be transparent (e.g., the polymer-based material used to form the lid 200 may be transparent) so that at least a portion of the chamber 202 and reservoir 102 are visible to a user when the lid 200 is secured to the container 100. In the context of this disclosure, transparent may include various degrees of transparency, including being colored with any combination of colors. Visibility into the interior of the container 10 may aid a user in filling the container 10 with a liquid beverage or carbonated fluid, provide a way for the user to view the carbonation process when the bottle is connected to a carbonation system, or measure the fill from a food service fountain of pre-carbonated liquid to control overflow. A transparent polymer-based material may also enhance the visual aesthetics of the container 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lid 200 can be formed from a metal-based material, such as the same material used to form the container 100. For example, the lid 200 can be formed from stainless steel.

[0040] 2 and 3, for example, the lid 200 can include an upper sidewall 210 and a lower sidewall 220. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper sidewall 210 and the lower sidewall 220 collectively define the chamber 202. The upper sidewall 210 can have a substantially dome shape, whereby the diameter of the lower portion of the upper sidewall 210 is larger than the diameter of the upper portion of the upper sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the upper sidewall 210 can have other shapes (e.g., rounded or raised edges). The lid 200 can be configured to contain carbonated beverages at an applied pressure of 70 PSI to 120 PSI.

[0041] In some embodiments, the lower sidewall 220 can be substantially cylindrical in shape and symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis 500. When the lid 200 is secured to the container 100, the lower sidewall 220 can be concentrically disposed relative to the container sidewall 120. The lower sidewall 220 can include a connection interface configured to engage an inner surface of the container sidewall 120 to secure the lid 200 to the container 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower sidewall 220 can include threads 222 spirally wound along an outer surface of the lower sidewall 220 for engaging threads 128 of the container sidewall 120. As shown in FIG. 4, when the lower sidewall 220 is threadedly engaged with the container sidewall 120, the upper sidewall 210 can extend above the container sidewall 120 and the lower sidewall 220 can protrude into the container 100 such that the chamber 202 of the lid 200 opens into the reservoir 102 of the container 100.

[0042] The length of thread 128 and / or thread 222 can be adjusted to adjust the sealing strength of the connection interface between the inner surface of container sidewall 120 and the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. For example, thread 222 can wrap multiple times along the outer surface of lower sidewall 220, such as at least 720 degrees (e.g., two turns) along the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. In some embodiments, thread 222 can wrap multiple times along the outer surface of lower sidewall 220 as a continuous thread without any breaks. In some embodiments, thread 222 can wrap multiple times along the outer surface of lower sidewall 220 with breaks 223, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 . In another example, the length of thread 222 can be limited such that thread 222 wraps 360 degrees (e.g., one turn) or less along the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. Increasing the length of threads 128 and / or threads 222 increases the sealing strength of the connection interface between the inner surface of container sidewall 120 and the outer surface of lower sidewall 220 .

[0043] The pitch between adjacent turns of thread 128 and / or thread 222 (such as, for example, pitch 228 shown in FIG. 13 ) can be adjusted to adjust the sealing strength of the connection interface between the inner surface of container sidewall 120 and the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. The pitch between adjacent turns of thread 128 and / or thread 222 can range from 2 mm to 8 mm, such as from 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0044] The profile of thread 128 and / or thread 222 can be adjusted to adjust the sealing strength of the connection interface between the inner surface of container sidewall 120 and the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the profile of thread 128 and / or thread 222 can each have a symmetrical shape such that the upper and lower sides of thread 128 and thread 222 are inclined at the same angle relative to a plane extending perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 500. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14 , the profile of thread 222 can have an asymmetrical shape such that the upper and lower sides are inclined at different angles relative to a plane extending perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 500. For example, thread 222 can be angled at a first angle θ relative to a plane A extending perpendicular to central longitudinal axis 500. A and a second angle θ with respect to a plane B extending perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 500. B and an upper side 227 that is sloped at a first angle θ A is the second angle θ B 13 and 14 facilitates a greater contact force against thread 128 of container sidewall 120, increasing the contact surface area between thread 128 and thread 222, thereby increasing the sealing strength of the connection interface between the inner surface of container sidewall 120 and the outer surface of lower sidewall 220. Adjusting the length, pitch, and geometry of thread 128 and / or thread 222 to increase the sealing strength of the connection interface configures lid 200 to remain secured to container 100 even when the internal pressure of container 100 reaches undesirably high levels (e.g., 115 PSI to 145 PSI).

[0045] In some embodiments, the lid 200 may include a neck 230 protruding from an upper end of the upper sidewall 210. The neck 230 may be substantially cylindrical and symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the neck 230 may define a passageway 206 that opens into the chamber 202. The neck 230 may define a lid opening 204 that may interface with a carbonation system to inject gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) into the reservoir 102 of the container 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, neck 230 includes a height suitable for providing a seat for a user's lower lip while drinking. The upper end of neck 230 can support a user's lips while the user drinks the fluid held within reservoir 102 of container 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, neck 230 may include an engaging connection interface configured to engage cap 300 such that cap 300 is secured to lid 200. For example, neck 230 may include threads spirally wound along an exterior surface of neck 230 for engaging cap 300. Neck 230 may include other structure, such as a flange, for engaging cap 300 or other components associated with the carbonation system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the lid 200 can be configured to accommodate a volume along the chamber 202 ranging from 140 ml to 180 ml (e.g., approximately 160 ml). The dimensions of the upper sidewall 210 and the lower sidewall 220 can be varied to vary the volume of fluid accommodated within the chamber 202. For example, the lid 200 can include a lateral dimension (e.g., inner diameter) ranging from 60 mm to 80 mm. The lid 200 can include a height ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm. The upper sidewall 210 can include a lateral dimension (e.g., thickness) ranging from 4 mm to 8 mm, such as approximately 6 mm. These ranges of lateral dimensions can be useful for allowing the lid 200 to provide sufficient headspace for carbonation or shaking to mix concentrates. These ranges of lateral dimensions help to allow lid 200 to maintain sufficient vertical height and volume between the liquid fill line in container 100 and the internal components of the carbonation system (e.g., the overpressure valve) located above the lid during the carbonation process. This can help to keep carbonation rise during the carbonation process from contacting the carbonation system components, while still allowing the carbonation system's carbonation wand to extend below the liquid fill line.

[0049] 3-9, the lid 200 can include a circumferential rim 240 extending radially between the upper sidewall 210 and the lower sidewall 220. The rim 240 can include a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper end 121 of the container sidewall 120. For example, the rim 240 can be annular in shape to correspond to the cylindrically shaped container sidewall 120 such that the rim 240 is aligned with the upper end 121 of the container sidewall 120 when the lid 200 is secured to the container 100. When the lid 200 is secured to the container 100 (e.g., the lower sidewall 220 is threadedly engaged with the container sidewall 120), the rim 240 can be spatially separated from the upper end 121 of the container sidewall 120 by a gap 250 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5-9). The gap 250 may extend along the entire circumference of the container 100 and lid 200 to define a spatial interface along the periphery between the rim 240 of the lid 200 and the top edge 121 of the container sidewall 120.

[0050] In some embodiments, lid 200 may include a carbonator alignment feature to facilitate alignment and positioning with a carbonator system. Carbonator alignment feature may include a protrusion 280 that protrudes radially from rim 240. Protrusion 280 may be located along a portion of rim 240 (e.g., discharge zone 260) that is configured to allow movement of a gasket (e.g., gasket 400) when pressure within reservoir 102 exceeds a threshold pressure level, releasing the pressure within reservoir 102. In use, a user may align protrusion 280 toward (away from) their carbonator system so that protrusion 280 can engage with a mechanism on the carbonator system to activate the system.

[0051] The container 10 further includes a gasket 400 that is fitted between the container sidewall 120 and the lid 200 when coupled to the container 100, such that the gasket 400 seals the reservoir 102 from the gap 250 (e.g., seals the interface between the container 100 and the lid 200). The gasket 400 can be formed from an elastically compressible material (e.g., silicone rubber or a silicone-based material, etc.). In the context of the present disclosure, a compressible material refers to a material that can be elastically strained, thinned, or deformed by the application of a compressive force and that substantially returns to its previous configuration when the compressive force is removed.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the lid 200 is secured to the container 100, the gasket 400 may be disposed in a sealing position in which the gasket 400 seals the reservoir 102 from the gap 250. The gap 250 may be open to the atmosphere outside the reservoir 102. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 , for example, the sealing position of the gasket 400 may be located between the intersection of the lower sidewall 220 and the lid rim 240 and the intersection of the inner surface of the container sidewall 120 and the top end 121 of the container sidewall 120. In the sealing position, the gasket 400 may extend in a vertical direction Y (e.g., axially) between a portion of the lower sidewall 220 and a portion of the inner surface of the container sidewall 120. In the sealing position, the gasket 400 may extend in a transverse direction X (e.g., radially) between a portion of the top end 121 of the container sidewall 120 and a portion of the rim 240. 6 and 9, for example, when gasket 400 is fitted between lid 200 and container sidewall 120, gap 250 extends radially laterally from sealing edge 402 of gasket 400 to the outer surface of top sidewall 210 and container sidewall 120. In some embodiments, the length of radial gap 250 can range from 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, such as having a radial length of about 1.75 mm.

[0053] The carbonation system may introduce carbon dioxide and cause an associated increase in pressure within container 10. For example, carbonation system 50 may be attached to neck 230, form a seal with opening 204, and then introduce carbon dioxide into container 10 through opening 204 to carbonate the beverage within container 10, as shown in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the carbonation system may include a carbonator wand, such as carbonator wand 52 shown in FIG. 15, that extends below the liquid fill line of container 100 to diffuse carbon dioxide into the liquid held within container 100. The desired internal pressure for carbonating a beverage within a reusable bottle, such as container 10, may be in the range of, for example, approximately 70 PSI to 115 PSI. Carbonation systems generally have safety devices to maintain a pressure range for the carbonated beverage held within the reusable bottle, but to further improve such safety devices and provide redundancy, the shape of the spatial interface defined between the rim 240 of the lid 200 and the top end 121 of the container 100 provides a method for releasing pressure before the internal pressure of the container 10 reaches a threshold overpressure, such as 160 PSI to 205 PSI, at which there may be a risk of the container 100 unintentionally separating from the lid 200.

[0054] The dimensions and geometry of the rim 240 of the lid 200 and the upper end 121 of the container sidewall 120 may be configured to allow the gasket 400 to move along a selected portion of the container 10 when the pressure in the reservoir 102 reaches a threshold pressure level, thereby establishing fluid communication between the reservoir 102 and a portion of the gap 250 (e.g., the discharge zone 260), thereby allowing fluid held within the container 10 to be discharged through the portion of the gap 250. By discharging fluid at the threshold pressure, the spatial interface between the container 100 and the lid 200 allows the container assembly 10 to be directly connected to a carbonation device and receive carbon dioxide gas within the reservoir 102 without risking unintended separation between the container 100 and the lid 200 due to pressure buildup.

[0055] 3 , for example, in some embodiments, the spatial interface between the container 100 and the lid 200 can define a discharge zone 260 extending circumferentially along a first portion of the circumference of the container 100 and the lid 200 and a non-drain zone 270 extending circumferentially along a second portion of the circumference of the container 100 and the lid 200. The first portion of the circumference defining the discharge zone 260 can form a smaller percentage of the circumference of the container 100 (e.g., approximately 10% of the circumference of the container 100) compared to the second portion of the circumference defining the non-drain zone 270 (e.g., approximately 90% of the circumference of the container 100). The first portion of the circumference defining the discharge zone 260 can define an arcuate segment ranging from 20 degrees to 60 degrees of the circumference along the container 10. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the circumference defining the discharge zone 260 can span from 20 degrees to 40 degrees of the circumference along the container 10. In some embodiments, the first portion of the circumference defining the discharge zone 260 can span 40 to 60 degrees of the circumference along the container 10. In some embodiments, the spatial interface between the container 100 and the lid 200 can define a plurality of discharge zones 260 extending circumferentially along a portion of the circumference of the container 100 and the lid 200, and a plurality of non-discharge zones 270 extending circumferentially along a portion of the circumference of the container 100 and the lid 200.

[0056] For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the gap 250 along the discharge zone 260 can have a first vertical dimension 262 (e.g., a height defined in direction Y), and as shown in FIG. 9 , the gap 250 along the non-discharge zone 270 can have a second vertical dimension 272 that is smaller than the first vertical dimension 262 of the discharge zone 260. The vertical dimension of the gap 250 can be set within a range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the first vertical dimension 262 can be in a range of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first vertical dimension 262 can be in a range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the gap 250 along the discharge zone 260 can have a first radial dimension 264 (e.g., length), and the gap 250 along the non-discharge zone 270 can have a second radial dimension 274 that is smaller than the first radial dimension 264 of the discharge zone 260. In some embodiments, the difference in the vertical dimension of the gap 250 between the discharge zone 260 and the non-discharge zone 270 is achieved by the gasket 400 having a thinner portion (in the vertical dimension) in the discharge zone 260 than in the non-discharge zone 270. This thinner portion may be formed, for example, as a cutout in the gasket 400.

[0057] By having a larger vertical dimension (e.g., first vertical dimension 262) and / or radial dimension (e.g., first radial dimension 264), gap 250 along discharge zone 260 includes more space that establishes a weaker seal between gasket 400 and corresponding portions of rim 240 and top end 121 of container 100 compared to the seal established between gasket 400 and corresponding portions of rim 240 and top end 121 of container 100 along non-discharge zone 270. Because the seal between gasket 400 and corresponding portions of rim 240 and top end 121 of container 100 is weaker along discharge zone 260 compared to the seal established along non-discharge zone 270, the spatial interface between container 100 and lid 200 allows at least a portion of gasket 400 to move from its sealed position into gap 250 along discharge zone 260 at a lower internal pressure compared to the portion of gasket 400 disposed along non-discharge zone 270.

[0058] For example, as pressure increases within reservoir 102 (represented by arrow 620 in FIG. 6 ), fluid pressure is applied to gasket 400 in a vertical direction Y toward lid opening 204 and a radial direction X away from the central longitudinal axis of container 10. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 , for example, when reservoir 102 reaches a threshold pressure, the applied pressure causes a portion of gasket 400 to move along discharge zone 260 and into gap 250, establishing fluid communication between reservoir 102 and gap 250 along discharge zone 260, and discharging fluid (e.g., carbon dioxide) along passage 702 through discharge zone 260, reducing the pressure in reservoir 102. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 9 , the spatial interface between rim 240 and top end 121 maintains gasket 400 in a sealing position along non-discharge zone 270 when subjected to the same threshold pressure. Because only a portion of the gasket 400 along the discharge zone 260 moves past the sealing position to discharge fluid held within the container 10, the spatial interface between the container 100 and the lid 200 relieves pressure before the internal pressure of the container 10 rises to a level that could unintentionally separate the container 100 from the lid 200, thereby preserving the integrity of the container 10.

[0059] In some embodiments, dimensions, such as vertical, radial, or circumferential dimensions, of gap 250 along ejection zone 260 can be adjusted to release pressure at a predetermined pressure level below that which may result in unintended separation between container 100 and lid 200, but above that which provides a desired carbonation level for the beverage. Increasing at least one of the vertical, radial, and circumferential dimensions of gap 250 along ejection zone 260 can lower the threshold pressure level for actuating movement of gasket 400 into gap 250. Reducing at least one of the vertical, radial, and circumferential dimensions of gap 250 along ejection zone 260 can increase the threshold pressure level for actuating movement of gasket 400 into gap 250.

[0060] In some embodiments, the predetermined pressure for actuating gasket 400 and moving it from its sealing position along discharge zone 260 can be set in the range of 100 PSI to 160 PSI, such as 116 PSI to 145 PSI. Because the spatial interface between vessel 100 and lid 200 begins to release pressure at a predetermined threshold pressure (e.g., a pressure between 100 PSI and 160 PSI), container 10 still has a safety mechanism for venting fluid before the internal pressure reaches a level that poses a risk of damaging (e.g., rupturing) container 10, while still allowing the carbonator to inject gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) into reservoir 102 at a suitable pressure (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI) to dissolve the gaseous carbon dioxide in the liquid held within reservoir 102.

[0061] In some embodiments, the geometry of the rim 240 along the discharge zone 260 can be configured to allow radial and / or vertical movement of the gasket 400 before the pressure in the reservoir 102 reaches a level that poses a risk of damaging the container 10. The geometry of the rim 240 of the lid 200 can expand or contract the gap 250 along the discharge zone 260 to a predetermined vertical, radial, and / or circumferential dimension that provides a sufficient amount of space between the top end 121 and the rim 240 to allow movement of the gasket 400 at a predetermined threshold pressure while still retaining the gasket 400 at a pressure suitable for carbonating the beverage held within the reservoir 102 (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI). For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rim 240 can include a recess 242 located along the discharge zone 260 of the spatial interface between the lid 200 and the container 100. In some embodiments, recess 242 extends circumferentially along rim 240 to define a boundary of discharge zone 260. Recess 242 may open into gap 250 such that the height of gap 250 is greater along recess 242. Recess 242 may be formed by any suitable process, such as, for example, molding or post-processing, to provide additional void space along discharge zone 260.

[0062] In some embodiments, recess 242 may include a first end 243 located along rim 240 forward of lower sidewall 220 and a second end 244 located near the outer edge of rim 240 proximate upper sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the depth of recess 242 may vary radially such that the height of gap 250 varies radially along discharge zone 260. For example, in some embodiments, recess 242 may define a first depth 245 proximate first end 243 and a second depth 246 proximate second end 244, where second depth 246 is greater than first depth 245. By reducing the depth of the recess 242 proximate the first end 243 compared to the depth of the recess 242 proximate the second end 244, the geometry of the rim 240 provides sufficient support to maintain the gasket 400 in a sealed position during a pressure range suitable for carbonation (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI) while allowing movement of the gasket 400 into the gap 250 at a threshold pressure (e.g., 116 PSI to 145 PSI) that prevents unintended separation between the container 100 and the lid 200. In some embodiments, the depth of the recess 242 may remain constant along a radial direction while providing sufficient support to maintain the gasket 400 in a sealed position during a pressure range suitable for carbonation (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI) while allowing movement of the gasket 400 into the gap 250 at a threshold pressure (e.g., 116 PSI to 145 PSI) that prevents unintended separation between the container 100 and the lid 200. The depth of the recess 242 in the axial direction may range from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, such as from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and is configured to provide more space along the gap 250, thereby establishing a weaker seal between the gasket 400 and corresponding portions of the rim 240 and top end 121 of the container 100 along the discharge zone 260.

[0063] In some embodiments, the length of the radial recess 242 can be adjusted to provide sufficient support to maintain the gasket 400 in a sealed position during a pressure range suitable for carbonation (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI), while allowing the gasket 400 to move into the gap 250 at a threshold pressure that prevents unintended separation between the container 100 and the lid 200. For example, the rim 240 can have a sealing seat 248 that extends from the outer surface of the lower sidewall 220 to the first end 243 of the recess 242. The sealing seat 248 is configured to engage the gasket 400 when the gasket 400 is disposed in the sealed position, thereby establishing a seal between the gap 250 and the reservoir 102 of the container 100. When a portion of the gasket 400 disposed along the discharge zone 260 moves through the gap 250 in response to the reservoir 102 reaching a threshold pressure level, the sealing seat 248 is spatially separated from the gasket 400, thereby establishing fluid communication between the reservoir 102 and the gap 250. Increasing the length of the sealing seat 248 in the radial direction reduces the length of the recess 242, which strengthens the seal between the gasket 400 and the rim 240 of the lid 200, thereby raising the threshold pressure for actuating movement of the gasket 400 into the gap 250. Decreasing the length of the sealing seat 248 in the radial direction increases the length of the recess 242, which weakens the seal between the gasket 400 and the lid 200, thereby lowering the threshold pressure for actuating movement of the gasket 400 into the gap 250. The length of the sealing seat 248 along the discharge zone 260 in the radial direction may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm (such as 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm).

[0064] In some embodiments, the geometry of the top end 121 along the discharge zone 260 can be configured to allow the gasket 400 to move radially and / or vertically before the pressure in the reservoir 102 reaches a level that poses a risk of damaging the container 10. The geometry of the top end 121 of the container sidewall 120 can expand or contract the gap 250 along the discharge zone 260 to a predetermined vertical, radial, and / or circumferential dimension that provides a sufficient amount of space between the top end 121 and the rim 240 to allow movement of the gasket 400 at a predetermined threshold pressure, while still retaining the gasket 400 at a pressure suitable for carbonating the beverage held within the reservoir 102 (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI). For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the top end 121 can include a recess 130 located along the discharge zone 260 of the spatial interface between the lid 200 and the container 100. In some embodiments, the recesses 130 may be formed by using any suitable process, such as molding or post-processing, to provide additional void space along the discharge zone 260 .

[0065] In some embodiments, recess 130 can include a first end 132 located along top end 121 forward of the inner surface of vessel sidewall 120 and a second end 134 located around the outer surface of vessel sidewall 120. In some embodiments, the depth of recess 130 can vary radially such that the height of gap 250 varies radially along discharge zone 260. For example, in some embodiments, recess 130 can define a first depth proximate first end 132 and a second depth proximate second end 134, where the second depth is greater than the first depth. By reducing the depth of recess 130 adjacent first end 132 compared to the depth of recess 130 adjacent second end 134, the geometry of top end 121 provides sufficient support to maintain gasket 400 in a sealed position during a pressure range suitable for carbonation (e.g., 70 PSI to 115 PSI), while allowing movement of gasket 400 into gap 250 at a threshold pressure (e.g., 116 PSI to 145 PSI) that prevents unintentional separation between container 100 and lid 200. Locating recess 130 along top end 121 of container sidewall 120 minimizes the amount of vertically displaced liquid, thereby configuring container 10 to prevent rapidly cooling liquids from freezing when pressure within container 10 is reduced during draining.

[0066] 11 , for example, the threads 222 of the lower sidewall 220 can include gaps 223 that define fluid passageways 224 along the lower sidewall 220. The fluid passageways 224 can extend vertically and traverse the threads 222. The gaps 223 in the threads 222 can be aligned with the discharge zone 260 defined along the rim 240 so that fluid can escape from the reservoir 102 to the discharge zone 260 at a faster rate. By increasing the flow rate of fluid from the reservoir 102 to the discharge zone 260, the gaps 223 along the threads 222 can relieve pressure in the discharge zone 260 and lower the threshold pressure for actuating movement of the gasket 400 along the discharge zone 260, thereby speeding up the response time of the container 10. The fluid passageways 224 can ensure movement of the gasket 400 along the discharge zone 260 before internal pressure disrupts the threaded connection between the container 100 and the lid 200. In some embodiments, the sidewall 220 includes through holes aligned with a discharge zone 260 defined along the rim 240, which can increase the flow rate of fluid escaping from the reservoir 102 to the discharge zone 260.

[0067] FIG. 16 shows a plot 600 illustrating the threshold pressures for actuating gasket movement according to various embodiments of prototype lids tested during the development of the container 10. As shown along the x-axis of plot 600, the geometry of the rim 240 of the various lids was varied by adjusting the length of the sealing seat 248 along the discharge zone 260 (i.e., indicated by "offset" in plot 600 of FIG. 15) and the depth of the recess 242 (i.e., indicated by "depth" in plot 600 of FIG. 15). Adjusting the length of the sealing seat 248 and the depth of the recess 242 varied the volume of void space along the discharge zone 260, weakening or strengthening the sealing strength of the gasket interface between the rim 240 and the lower sidewall 220 of the lid 200, resulting in lid prototypes actuating gasket movement at different pressures. During the testing procedure, the prototype lids 200 listed in plot 600 were subjected to a range of pressures indicated along the vertical axis of plot 600. By adjusting the length of the sealing seat 248 and the depth of the recess 242 along the discharge zone 260 to specific parameters, embodiments of the lid 200 achieved actuation of gasket movement at pressures ranging from 116 PSI to 145 PSI (i.e., 8 bar to 10 bar) that prevented unintentional separation between the container 100 and the lid 200, while maintaining the gasket 400 in a sealing position at suitable pressures, such as 72 PSI to 102 PSI (i.e., 5 bar to 7 bar), to dissolve gaseous carbon dioxide into the liquid held within the reservoir 102. In comparison, a prototype lid including a rim 240 without a recess (e.g., as indicated by the markers with a depth of 0.0 mm and an offset of 5.0 mm in the plot 600 of FIG. 15 ) did not allow movement of the gasket up to pressures such as 203 PSI (i.e., 14 bar), which posed a risk of unintentional separation of the container 100 from the lid 200. The pressure range shown between the upper and lower threshold pressure lines in plot 600 of FIG. 16 corresponds to a threshold pressure range suitable for adequately relieving pressure before the internal pressure of container 10 reaches a pressure at which there may be a risk of unintentional separation of container 100 from lid 200, while maintaining an internal pressure suitable for diffusing carbonation within container 10.

[0068] It is understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may describe one or more, but not all, example embodiments of the present embodiments as contemplated by the inventors, but in no way limit the scope of the present embodiments and the appended claims.

[0069] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will enable others, by applying their knowledge, to readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concepts of the disclosure, making the general nature of the disclosure fully apparent. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation; consequently, the terminology or terminology used herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.

[0070] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A beverage container, A container and a lid removably coupled to the container, the lid having a drinking spout defining a passage for dispensing liquid to and from an internal reservoir of the container, the lid including a circumferential rim at an interface with the container, the rim separated from the container by a gap, the gap being open to the atmosphere outside the beverage container; an annular gasket disposed in a sealing position between the container and the lid to seal the internal reservoir of the container from the gap; In response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the annular gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap, causing fluid held within the internal reservoir to be expelled through the gap, reducing the pressure in the internal reservoir.

2. the rim includes a recess extending circumferentially along a first portion of the rim, the recess forming a portion of the gap and defining a discharge zone extending circumferentially along the first portion of the rim; 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the portion of the annular gasket is located along the discharge zone such that the fluid discharged through the gap is directed through the discharge zone.

3. 3. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein the recess has a first end located forward of an inner edge of the rim and a second end located at an outer edge of the rim.

4. 4. The beverage container of claim 3, wherein the recess has a first height adjacent the first end and a second height adjacent the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

5. 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching the threshold pressure, a second portion of the annular gasket remains in the sealing position along a second portion of the rim to maintain a seal between the internal reservoir of the container and the gap along the second portion of the rim.

6. the lid having an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall that together define a chamber, the rim extending radially between the lower sidewall and the upper sidewall; 2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the upper sidewall extends above the sidewall of the container and the lower sidewall projects into the container such that the chamber in the lid opens into the internal reservoir of the container.

7. 7. The beverage container of claim 6, wherein the lower sidewall comprises a helical thread configured to engage the sidewall of the container, the thread including a plurality of cuts that define a fluid passageway.

8. 10. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the vessel is formed from stainless steel and the lid is formed from a polymer-based material.

9. The beverage container of claim 1 , wherein the lid is transparent.

10. A beverage container as described in claim 6, wherein the drinking spout protrudes from the upper end of the upper side wall of the lid, and the passage of the drinking spout opens into the chamber of the lid.

11. A container assembly comprising: A container and a lid removably coupled to the container, The lid is an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall defining a chamber; the upper sidewall extends above the sidewall of the container; the lower sidewall projects into the container such that the chamber of the lid opens into an internal reservoir of the container; The lid also a circumferential rim extending radially between the upper and lower sidewalls and positioned at an interface with the container; the rim is separated from the container by a gap; a lid, the gap being open to the atmosphere outside the container assembly; an annular gasket disposed in a sealing position between the container and the lid to seal the internal reservoir of the container from the gap; In response to the internal reservoir of the vessel reaching a threshold pressure, a portion of the annular gasket moves from the sealing position through the gap, causing fluid retained in the internal reservoir to be expelled through the gap, reducing the pressure in the internal reservoir.

12. The interface defines an ejection zone extending circumferentially along a first portion of the interface and a non-ejection zone extending circumferentially along a second portion of the interface, the gap along the ejection zone being vertically larger than the gap along the non-ejection zone; 12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the portion of the annular gasket is located along the discharge zone such that the fluid discharged through the gap is directed through the discharge zone.

13. 12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the lower sidewall comprises a helical thread configured to engage the sidewall of the container, the thread including a plurality of cuts that define a fluid passageway.

14. 13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the rim includes a recess located along the discharge zone of the interface, the recess including a first end located forward of an inner edge of the rim and a second end located at an outer edge of the rim.

15. 15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the recess has a first height adjacent the first end and a second height adjacent the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

16. 13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein in response to the internal reservoir of the container reaching the threshold pressure, a second portion of a gasket remains in the sealing position along the non-drainage zone of the interface to maintain a seal between the internal reservoir of the container and the gap along the non-drainage zone.

17. 13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the container comprises a bottom and the sidewall of the container extending from the bottom defines the interior reservoir.

18. 18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein the upper end of the side wall of the container includes a recess located along the discharge zone of the interface, the recess having a first end located forward of the inner surface of the side wall of the container and a second end located on the outer surface of the side wall of the container.

19. 20. The container assembly of claim 18, wherein the recess defines a first height proximate the first end and a second height proximate the second end, the second height being greater than the first height.

20. 12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the vessel is made of a metal-based material and the lid is made of a transparent polymer-based material.

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