bottle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bottle, and in particular to a CO 2 that can be carbonated and stored in the bottle. 2 The present invention relates to a reusable and refillable bottle for CO2-containing beverages. A bottle with better usage characteristics is to be achieved. The problem is solved by a bottle that is attached or flanged to the base of a liquid container (1) and that contains CO2. 2 The problem is solved by providing an openable liquid container (1) having an adapter (6) containing a tank (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bottle, particularly a reusable bottle for carbonated beverages that can be carbonated and stored in the bottle.

Background Art

[0002] EP3263512A1 discloses a container for liquids with a carbonation unit attached. The container comprises a bottle-shaped closable container body which has, at its base, a protrusion suitable for receiving a gas cartridge in the form of a disposable cartridge that can be placed inside the carbonation unit. When the container body is placed on the carbonation unit, the gas cartridge is opened by a pin and gas flows from the carbonation unit into the container body without decompression. One gas cartridge is required for each filling, but it is also possible to refill the gas repeatedly without replacing the cartridge. No specific solution to this is disclosed. Optionally, a pressure relief valve can be provided as a safety element.

[0003] An equivalent device is shown in DE102015012963A1, in which the carbonation unit and the liquid container are connected (integrated) to each other so that the liquid container can be filled with liquid without separating it from the carbonation unit. When the bottom is removed, access from below and replacement of the gas storage unit, similar to a button that causes carbonation of the liquid, is possible. However, to do this, one has to reach from below around the gas storage unit. The possibility of refilling the gas storage unit is not mentioned.

[0004] Another device of this type is described in US2019 / 0351376A1, which also includes a retractable container and a base for receiving a gas cartridge. The gas cartridge stands upside down at the bottom due to a recess in the container. This significantly reduces the usable volume inside the container and makes cleaning around the recess more difficult. A button for controlling the gas flow is located protruding from the bottom of the base. Options for refilling the gas cartridge are not described here.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that the carbonation unit may be placed on top of the bottle or in the lid, as disclosed in EP2279786A2, while the gas storage tank may again be placed inside the bottle (CH712153A1).

[0006] A complex and transportable system for manufacturing carbonated beverages is disclosed in WO2020077137A1. In this system, multiple interacting containers containing CO2, flavorings, vitamins, and other additives are arranged in a system container that also includes a gas tank. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] There are various designs for devices that carbonate tap water at home. For example, CN207270263U discloses an embodiment in which CO2 is injected directly into the bottle body via the bottom of a reusable beverage bottle. Similar embodiments are also described, for example, in EP0946273B1. These systems do not offer the option of carbonated water on the go.

[0008] The present invention aims to further improve bottles for carbonating and storing beverages and other liquids, particularly reusable bottles for CO2-containing beverages, while simultaneously avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art described above and providing particularly superior usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0010] The bottle according to the present invention comprises a liquid container that can be opened and closed, and a gas tank that can be repeatedly refilled. The liquid container is connectable to an adapter that is attached to or flanged to the bottom of the liquid container, the adapter preferably includes a permanently mounted CO2 tank.

[0011] The adapter's CO2 tank is refillable. The CO2 tank may be accessible and replaceable.

[0012] In conventional technology, CO2 for carbonation is mostly obtained from disposable cartridges, but the gas supply for bottles according to the present invention is obtained from a refillable gas tank, making it more environmentally friendly, easier to use, and cheaper. The cost per bottle fill or per liter of carbonated water can be reduced by approximately 1 / 5.

[0013] Therefore, the bottle according to the present invention can be used not only for commuting or work, but also for hiking or cycling tours, by supplying high-quality drinking water. Furthermore, the carbonation makes drinking water or spring water obtained while out and about healthier.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0015] The liquid container can be advantageously connected or coupled to an adapter, for example, by a screw, which facilitates thorough cleaning of the bottle.

[0016] However, it is also possible to permanently connect liquid containers and adapters to each other or to form a unit.

[0017] If necessary, a UV light or other adapter, such as a tea strainer, can be attached to or flanged onto the liquid container.

[0018] The adapter advantageously includes a gas flow regulating valve corresponding to the gas tank, a push button for its operation, and a pressure reducer disposed downstream of the gas flow regulating valve. On the one hand, since the pressure in the liquid container cannot exceed a certain value, the pressure reducer functions as a safety element. On the other hand, since a specified carbonated water strength can always be achieved, the usability for the user of the bottle according to the present invention is increased.

[0019] It is also possible to reverse the order of the pressure reducer and the gas flow regulating valve. Instead of the pressure reducer, a pressure relief valve can also be disposed downstream of the gas flow regulating valve. Further, or alternatively, a mechanism for reducing excessive pressure can also be attached to the bottle cap.

[0020] The adapter can also have a check valve corresponding to the liquid container (or another component having a similar function, such as a silicone valve) and a check valve corresponding to the CO2 tank. The latter is for refilling the CO2 tank or the gas tank.

[0021] Advantageously, the residual pressure in the liquid container can be relieved via a rotatable closure at the neck of the bottle after the carbonation process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] A bottle having an adapter according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] The bottle according to FIG. 1 is shown separated into main components. [Figure 3] A bottle according to the present invention in a second embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] A bottle according to the present invention in a third embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] A bottle according to the present invention in a fourth embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] A bottle according to the present invention having a refilling device is shown. [Figure 7]Shows the second embodiment of the refill.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The bottle (Figure 1) according to the present invention for providing a beverage containing CO2 that is carbonated and stored in a bottle is flanged to a virtual base 5 of a liquid container 1 and includes an adapter 6 that includes a permanently attached CO2 tank 11. It has an openable and closable liquid container 1. The liquid container 1 opens towards the bottom, and the adapter 6 also forms the bottom 5 of the liquid container 1.

[0024] In other embodiments, the CO2 tank 11 may be reversibly replaceable, or a refillable gas cartridge (Figure 3) may be attached instead of the CO2 tank 11. In order to compensate for the reduction in the usable volume of the bottle when using a gas cartridge, the liquid container 1 may be lengthened.

[0025] In this example, the liquid container 1 can be closed by a rotatable screw-on closure 2 on the bottle neck 7 of the liquid container 1. For this purpose, in this example, the bottle neck 7 has a male thread 4 and the closure 2 has a female thread 3. Further, the closure 2 includes a seal element 17, such as a ring seal or a flat seal, placed on the bottle neck 7.

[0026] In this example, the liquid container 1 has a female thread 16 at the bottom 5 that can be screwed into the male thread 15 of the adapter 6 (Figures 1, 2). Similar to the closure 2, a seal ring 8 is inserted (Figures 1, 2).

[0027] Instead of the threads 15, 16, other forms of connection, such as a bayonet or a similar mechanism, are also possible.

[0028] The liquid container 1 may be single-walled or double-walled and, like the adapter 6, is preferably made of light metal, preferably aluminum, or stainless steel, plastic, or glass.

[0029] In this example, the CO2 tank 11 is permanently attached to the adapter 6, but it can optionally be designed as a removable tank (e.g., via a screw connection). In both embodiments, it is refillable. Figure 4 further shows an embodiment in which the adapter case 18 may also serve as a CO2 storage / tank.

[0030] CO2, or optionally other food-safe gases, are discharged from the gas tank 11 into the liquid container 1 in a controlled manner via a gas line / connection. The gas flow rate is regulated by a pressure reducer 10, which can be optionally installed between the gas tank 11 and the liquid container 1, and a push button 14 connected to a gas flow control valve 13, thereby ensuring that the pressure inside the liquid container does not exceed, for example, 5-10 bar.

[0031] By pressing the push button 14, the mechanical blockage of the gas flow control valve 13 is released, allowing gas to flow from the gas tank 11 into the liquid container 1.

[0032] To allow gas to flow into the liquid or liquid container 1 without liquid backflow, it is preferable that a check valve 9 or a silicone valve be positioned as an inlet valve in the adapter 6 near the base 5. Other embodiments for preventing liquid backflow are also possible.

[0033] In another embodiment, a "diffuser" can be placed downstream of the check valve 9 to reduce the size of the bubbles penetrating into the liquid container 1, thereby increasing the gas dissolution process. The improved dissolution process can also be achieved by increasing the residence time of the bubbles rising in the liquid, for example, by cleverly positioning the gas inlet horizontally rather than vertically.

[0034] As an additional safety feature, a pressure relief valve having a relief pressure higher than that of the pressure reducer 10, for example 12 bar, can be placed between the gas flow control valve 13 and the check valve 9, which functions as an inlet valve. The pressure reducer 10 can also be replaced with a pressure relief valve. Figures 4 and 5 further show an embodiment in which a sealing element 19 within the bottle cap performs the function of pressure relief. This embodiment can be supplemented at predetermined limit points in the pressure reducer and / or pressure relief valve and / or adapter.

[0035] Thus, the pressure reducer 10 and the aforementioned pressure relief unit are both setting elements for achieving the desired carbonation level and safety elements. A short press of the push button 14 produces a beverage with a low CO2 content, while a long press of the push button 14 produces a beverage with a high CO2 content. Furthermore, shaking the bottle promotes the dissolution of gas into the beverage, reduces the pressure inside the bottle, and allows more gas to be supplied to the bottle.

[0036] In addition to the depressurization device 10 and the aforementioned relief unit, another advantage of functional safety is that when the closure 2 is loosened and the bottle is opened, the pressure accumulated in the liquid container 1 during the carbonation process can be quickly released. This ensures that the closure 2 is not yet completely loosened and cannot be lifted during depressurization. Depressurization can be achieved, for example, by the grooves of a screw thread.

[0037] Figure 4 shows another possible embodiment of the bottle in which the adapter 18 also functions as a CO2 tank. A similar embodiment is shown in Figure 5, in contrast to Figure 4, where the gas tank 24 represents a separate element. Connection to the adapter case 25 can be made, for example, by a screw connection. The push button 20 in Figure 4, connected to a gas flow control valve, allows CO2 to flow into the bottle by the action of force on a mechanical pressure point. In the non-operating position, the control valve remains closed by a reset mechanism 21, for example, a spiral spring, and does not allow the flow of CO2 in the flow direction. The seal element 19 combines sealing and pressure relief functions. The sealing function is ensured by the shape and degree of elasticity of the material used. The functional principle corresponds to conventional elastomer seals (flat seals, O-rings, etc.). A specified overpressure inside the bottle body leads to a change in the geometric shape of the seal element. This allows the specified overpressure to be released. The excess pressure is released through the threads of the bottle neck 22 or through a specially designed opening in the bottle cap. The sealing element can optionally be manually removed and cleaned by the user. Other embodiments of pressure relief within the lid are also possible. The combination of a pressure reducer and / or a pressure relief valve and / or adapter with predetermined limit points is advantageous from a safety standpoint. Since pressure relief via the relief unit within the bottle cap is advantageous due to the reduced CO2 concentration, the safety element within the adapter should have a higher relief pressure.

[0038] According to Figure 1, the check valve 12 at the base of the adapter 6 functions as an inlet valve for refilling the gas tank 11. Similarly, the check valve 23 in Figures 4 / 5 functions for refilling the gas storage 18 or gas tank 24. The refilling station 26 / adapter 31 is external and allows for refilling of the gas tanks 11, 18, or 24 (Figures 6, 7) via a corresponding part that fits the check valve 12.

[0039] The gas tank has a volume of less than 0.5 liters, a maximum pressure of 60 bar, and, combined with a wall thickness of at least 3.5 mm, meets standards EN7866 and EN12862. Like the bottle itself, it may be made of light metal. Other embodiments (shape, wall thickness) of the gas tank and the standards it conforms to are also possible.

[0040] In the example described above, all functions are performed mechanically. Electromechanical implementation is possible.

[0041] A single tank fill can produce up to 10 liters of sparkling water.

[0042] CO2 tanks 11, 18, or 24 can be repeatedly refilled via check valves 12 or 23 and an external refilling station 26 (Figure 6). The refilling station 26 can be equipped with a larger, commercially available CO2 gas cylinder 27. Connection to the charging station is made using a threaded fitting 28 or similar mechanism with a seal to prevent CO2 loss. The connection may be unpressurized, i.e., the check valve in the CO2 gas cylinder 27 is manually operated by the user applying force, for example, by pushing down the CO2 gas cylinder or operating an external mechanism (e.g., lever, push button, etc.). Alternatively, pressurized implementation is also possible, i.e., the check valve in the CO2 gas cylinder 27 operates automatically when connected to the threaded fitting 28. The contents and pressure of the CO2 gas cylinder flow to the refilling and check valve 29. When force is applied to a mechanical release mechanism (e.g., pin, ball, plug), the filling and check valve 29 allows gas to flow from the CO2 gas cylinder 27 through the gas line 30 to the adapter and CO2 storage / tank 18. The force is applied by fixing the bottle to the refilling station 26 and pressing it down. Other forms of force that cause gas flow are also possible. Since the CO2 will not exceed the maximum allowable pressure of 60 bar in the gas tanks 11, 18, or 24 for physical reasons, no pressure reduction / relief is required to fill the gas tanks 11, 18, or 24.

[0043] In another portable embodiment for refilling CO2 tanks 11, 18, or 24, an adapter 31 for a large CO2 gas cylinder 27 is provided instead of a refilling station (Figure 7). The CO2 gas cylinder 27 is attached to the adapter 31, for example, via a threaded fitting, and a check valve inside the CO2 gas cylinder 27 is automatically activated (pressurized). When a needle protruding from the adapter 32 is inserted into the check valve 12 of the adapter 6 and pressure is applied, the physical blockage of the gas flow control valve 33 is released and the gas begins to flow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 liquid container 2 closures 3 Female thread 4 Male screws 5 Virtual Base / Bottom 6 adapters 7. Bottleneck 8 sealing rings 9. Check valve 10 Pressure reducer 11 CO2 tanks 12 Check valve 13. Gas flow control valve 14 Push buttons 15 Male screw 16 Female thread 17 Sticker elements 18 Adapter and CO2 Storage / Tank 19. Seal element (with pressure relief function) 20 Push buttons with connected gas flow control valves 21 Reset mechanism 22 Bottleneck screws 23 Check valve 24 CO2 tanks 25 Adapter Case 26 Refill Station 27 CO2 gas cylinders 28 Screw fittings 29 Filling and check valve 30 Gas lines 31. Adapter (as a refill station) 32 Adapter Needle 33 Gas flow control valve

Claims

1. A reusable bottle, particularly one for carbonated beverages stored inside, comprises a liquid container and a gas tank. The bottle is attached to or flanged to the base of the liquid container (1) CO ２ It includes an openable liquid container (1) having an adapter (6) including a tank (11), or the adapter (6) itself is CO ２ It is designed to be suitable as a tank / reservoir (18). The bottle is characterized in that the adapter has a check valve (9) corresponding to the liquid container (1) and a check valve (12) corresponding to the CO2 tank (11).

2. The liquid container (1) and the adapter (6) are characterized in that they are detachably connected to each other. The bottle according to claim 1.

3. The liquid container (1) and the adapter (6) are permanently connected to each other or form a unit. The bottle according to claim 1.

4. A feature is that other adapters can be flanged onto the liquid container (1). The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The adapter (6) is characterized by having a gas flow control valve (13) and a push button (14) corresponding to the gas tank (11). The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The pressure reducer (10) is positioned between the gas flow control valve (13) and the check valve (9), or the pressure reducer (10) is provided in front of the gas flow control valve (13). The bottle according to claim 5.

7. The liquid container (1) can be depressurized via a rotatable closure (2), characterized in that The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The CO2 tank (11) is permanently installed in the adapter (6), or is arranged to be replaceable, or the adapter itself is CO2 ２ It is characterized by being designed to be suitable as a tank / reservoir. The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The sealing element (19) of the closure (2) is designed to be suitable for pressure relief, and / or the closure (2) and adapter (6) are designed to be suitable for pressure relief. The bottle according to claim 7.

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