Portable carbon dioxide dispenser

Abstract

The portable carbonation dispenser utilizes an onboard supply of carbonating gas and a carbonation control module to allow a user to carbonate a base liquid stored in an onboard base liquid container. The carbonation control module may include a user-actuated button for selectively activating carbonation. The base liquid container may include an extension for increasing the exposure of the base liquid to the carbonating gas. A vertical viewing window allows a user to visualize the carbonation and level of the base liquid in the container. In applications where the dispenser utilizes an additive cartridge, an isolation component may be useful for isolating the additive cartridge from carbonation pressure during carbonation. A safety vent and locking feature may be provided on the mode selector to prevent a user from accidentally pressurizing the cartridge space. A refill station may be provided for refilling the portable carbonation dispenser.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 (Claim of Priority) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 052,348, filed July 15, 2020, entitled "PORTABLE CARBONATION SYSTEM", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 【0002】 (Field of the Invention) The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and related methods for forming and dispensing beverages. Such devices, systems, and methods may provide a portable (i.e., handheld) beverage dispenser having an on-board user-controlled carbonation feature, and may utilize a cartridge for adding additives such as flavorings or adjuvants to a base liquid when the base liquid is dispensed. These devices, systems, and methods may further relate to a refill station for refilling an on-board supply of carbonation gas on a portable carbonation dispenser. 【Background Art】 【0003】 Recent advancements in the art include beverage forming and dispensing systems that may utilize an interchangeable cartridge for mixing an additive with a dispensed base liquid (water). Such systems may mix a flavoring or other additive with the base liquid (water) when the base liquid is dispensed from a container. Examples of such systems are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,888,826, entitled "ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE CARTRIDGE SYSTEMS AND METHODS", issued January 12, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0291065(A1), entitled "ADJUSTABLE ADDITIVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND DISPENSING CLOSURE VALVES FOR THE SAME", published September 26, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 【0004】 Systems and methods for carbonated beverages are known in the art. For example, tabletop soda preparation systems are known that allow users to carbonate their own beverages. However, known systems and techniques are not particularly suitable for portable beverage dispensers. Furthermore, multi-use beverage forming and dispensing systems that may utilize replaceable additive cartridges present additional challenges in adapting carbonation systems and techniques to such environments. In the art, there is a need for improvements to address these and other challenges. [Overview of the Initiative] 【0005】 Aspects of the present disclosure provide a portable (i.e., handheld) carbon dioxide injection dispenser with onboard carbon dioxide injection features and components that are modular and suitable for integration, while enabling a compact form factor for the dispenser. For example, in some embodiments, the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser may include a compact portable arrangement of an onboard base liquid container, an onboard carbon dioxide injection module which may include a carbon dioxide injection gas container or container, and a carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly, all of which are compactly arranged within an ergonomic housing. The base liquid container closure may be seal-engaged to the base liquid container so that its interior can be pressurized for carbon dioxide injection. The onboard base liquid container may have an alcove or recess molded to allow for a compact arrangement of a carbon dioxide injection gas container. The carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly may include flow and pressure control components integrated into a module disposed at the base of the housing for ease of assembly and compactness, and may also include a user-operated flow control component including a button accessible from outside the housing for controlling the flow of carbon dioxide injection gas to the base liquid feed contained in the base liquid container, and thus the level of carbon dioxide injection. The carbonation flow control assembly may include a refilling connector for receiving refill carbonation gas from a refilling station supply and refilling it into an onboard carbonation gas container. A portable carbonation dispenser allows users to carbonate a base liquid to a desired level within the dispenser itself in a portable manner, eliminating the need for larger (i.e., tabletop) carbonation systems. The portable carbonation dispenser also allows for refilling of the base liquid and carbonation gas for multiple uses in carbonating and dispensing carbonated water or carbonated beverages. 【0006】 Aspects of the present disclosure provide a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser equipped with features for isolating a discharge passage from exposure to carbon dioxide pressure during carbon dioxide injection. For example, in some embodiments, the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser may include a base liquid container closure having a discharge passage and an isolation component, the isolation component may be integrated with the base liquid container closure to isolate the discharge passage from the base liquid feed and the inside of the base liquid container to facilitate pressurization of the base liquid container and carbon dioxide injection of the base liquid. In one embodiment, the isolation component may include a closure insert that can be operated by a mode selector lever on the closure to configure the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser in carbon dioxide injection mode or dispensing mode. The insert may rotate within a journal formed within the container closure and may have one or more insert ports and blocking surfaces, which, in cooperation with their respective journal ports, selectively block the journal ports, or, aligned with the journal ports, selectively isolate the discharge passage from the inside of the base liquid container (carbon dioxide injection mode), or expose the discharge passage to the inside of the base liquid container (dispensing mode). By operating the mode selector lever, the user can selectively configure the portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser to either carbon dioxide infusion mode or dispensing mode. The dispensing passage can be isolated and protected from exposure to the carbon dioxide infusion gas pressure in the base liquid container during carbon dioxide infusion. 【0007】 Aspects of the present disclosure provide a carbonation feature particularly suitable for dispenser environments utilizing replaceable additive cartridges, the feature being capable of selectively isolating and protecting the additive cartridge during carbonation operation. For example, in some embodiments, a portable carbonation dispenser may be used with an additive cartridge installed in a container or container closure, for example, in a cartridge receiving space within a container closure dispensing passage. The isolation component of the portable carbonation dispenser may isolate and protect the additive cartridge from exposure during carbonation mode, and allow the base liquid to flow through the dispensing passage and through the cartridge during dispensing mode. In one embodiment, the isolation component may include a closure insert that can be operated by a mode selector lever on the closure to configure the portable carbonation dispenser into carbonation mode or dispensing mode. The insert may rotate within a journal formed in the container closure and may have one or more insert ports and sealing surfaces, which, in cooperation with their respective journal ports, selectively seal off the journal ports or align with the journal ports to selectively isolate the additive cartridge from the base liquid container (carbonation injection mode) or expose the dispensing passage to the base liquid container (dispensing mode). By operating a mode selector lever, the user can selectively configure the portable carbonation dispenser to carbonation injection mode or dispensing mode. The additive cartridge may be isolated and protected from exposure to the carbonation gas pressure in the base liquid container during carbonation injection. 【0008】 Aspects of the present disclosure provide features for enhancing carbonation in a base liquid container of a portable carbonation infusion dispenser. In some embodiments, the portable dispenser may include features for enhancing carbonation. In one embodiment, the onboard base liquid container may be provided in an asymmetrical shape, including an expanded portion or well that accommodates a deep column of feed liquid, which is deeper than the rest of the base liquid container. A carbonation gas injector or nozzle may be positioned at the bottom of the expanded portion of the base liquid container so that the carbonation gas is exposed to the base liquid feed for an extended period as it travels through the expanded portion, thereby enhancing carbonation. 【0009】 Aspects of this disclosure provide simplified user operation and control of carbonation in a portable carbonation dispenser. In some embodiments, the portable carbonation dispenser may include additional features to prevent exposure of the dispensing passage and additive cartridge, if present, to carbon dioxide pressure during carbonation operation. For example, a closure may include a vent hole, which may be operated to release pressure from the base liquid container after carbonation operation and before the portable carbonation dispenser is configured in carbonation mode. The vent hole may be a push-button valve located on the container closure. Furthermore, the mode selector lever may include an inclined surface or other surface for operating a vent push-button valve when the mode selector lever is moved from the carbonation mode position to the dispensing mode position. Thus, venting of the base liquid container may occur automatically when the user operates the mode selector lever so that any residual carbon dioxide pressure in the base liquid container is released before the user dispenses and consumes the base liquid from the container. 【0010】 In some embodiments, the portable carbonation dispenser may include other features to prevent the dispensing passage and additive cartridge from being exposed to carbon dioxide pressure, if present. For example, the closure may include a carbonation level indicator, which may be a spring-loaded post or flag extending upward by the base liquid container pressure when the base liquid feed is pressurized. The indicator may then visually indicate to the user that the base liquid feed is under pressurization. In a further embodiment, the mode selector lever may include a stop tab positioned to prevent the mode selector lever from moving from the carbonation position by engaging with the carbonation level indicator post or flag when the base liquid container is under pressurization. This feature, in particular in combination with a vent hole, provides additional protection against the dispensing passage and additive cartridge being exposed to excessive pressure from the base liquid container, if present. In a further embodiment, the container closure may include a relief valve to ensure that the pressure in the base liquid container never exceeds a threshold safety level. The relief valve may also allow the user to control the carbonation by ensuring that the carbon dioxide pressure remains substantially constant during carbonation. 【0011】 In another embodiment, the portable carbonation dispenser includes user interface features to assist the user when performing a carbonation operation. For example, an axially extending, elongated viewing window may be provided on the base liquid container and positioned to extend through the portable carbonation dispenser housing, so that the inside of the base liquid container and the contained base liquid are visible to the user. The viewing window may be located above a user-operated carbonation button on the housing. The carbonation gas nozzle may be positioned so that the carbonation bubbles are visible through the viewing window during the carbonation operation. These features can provide the user with a visual indicator that carbonation is occurring in the base liquid container. In another embodiment, the container closure may include an alignment projection aligned with the mode selector lever to indicate to the user that the lever is in the carbonation mode position or the dispensing mode position. 【0012】 In another embodiment, the container lid or closure comprises a feature for supporting carbon dioxide injection within the associated container. In one embodiment, the container closure may comprise: a closure base having a journal, the journal including at least one journal port defined in the journal; and a closure insert disposed within the closure base journal and having a closure insert wall defining a cartridge receiving space, the closure insert wall having at least one insert port and at least one sealing surface defined on the insert port, the closure insert being adapted to rotate within the journal to a carbon dioxide injection position where at least one sealing surface seals at least one journal port and isolates the cartridge receiving space, and the closure insert being adapted to rotate to a discharge position where at least one insert aligns with at least one journal port to allow flow into the cartridge receiving space. 【0013】 In another embodiment, several embodiments provide a method for preparing a carbonated beverage using a portable carbonation system. The portable carbonation system may comprise an onboard base liquid container, a container closure including a discharge passage, a gas container for containing a supply of carbonation gas, a carbonation flow control assembly comprising a user-operated flow control component for controlling the flow of carbonation gas into the base liquid supply, and an isolation component that allows the user to selectively prevent pressurization of the discharge passage by isolating the discharge passage when the base liquid supply is pressurized by the carbonation gas. The method may comprise filling the onboard base liquid container on the portable carbonation system with the base liquid supply, operating the isolation component to isolate the discharge passage from the base liquid container, and carbonating the base liquid supply with gas from the onboard gas container. The method may further comprise, during the step of carbonating the base liquid supply, securing a cartridge to the container closure and isolating the cartridge from the base liquid container. The method may further include operating an isolation component to configure a portable carbon dioxide dispenser to dispensing mode after carbon dioxide has been injected into a base liquid feed. The method may further include operating a vent hole on a container closure to release pressure from the base liquid feed after carbon dioxide has been injected into the base liquid feed. The method may further include operating an isolation component by operating a mode selector lever on a container closure. The method may further include operating a vent hole by moving a mode selector lever. 【0014】 Aspects of this disclosure provide a multi-use portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser that can be refilled with carbon dioxide injection gas from a refilling station. In a further aspect, the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser can be used in conjunction with a refilling station. The refilling station may include a housing for supporting components of the refilling station, a refilling gas container disposed within the housing, a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser interface for connecting the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser to the refilling station and for enabling the flow of gas from the refilling gas container to the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser, and a refilling gas flow control assembly including a flow control valve for controlling the flow of gas from the refilling station gas container to the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser interface, further including a user-operated lever for selectively operating the flow control valve. In some embodiments, the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser can be refilled (carbon dioxide injection gas can be refilled) using the refilling station. The refilling station may include a dispenser dock for supporting the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser. The dispenser dock may have an alignment recess for receiving and centering the lower part of the container so as to align and engage the quick connector with the refill station connector on the dispenser carbon dioxide injection control module. An unlock button on the dispenser dock may allow locking and unlocking the quick connector and the refill station connector. The refill gas container 510 may be positioned and adapted to contain carbon dioxide injection gas, such as liquefied or gaseous carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide injection gas is supplied from the refill gas container to the refill valve. The user may operate the refill valve using an actuation lever once the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser is locked in place. Thus, during the refill operation, the carbon dioxide injection gas is supplied from the refill gas container to the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser through the onboard gas container refill manifold in the onboard carbon dioxide injection gas flow control assembly to the onboard gas container.During refilling, the pressure in the onboard gas container can be controlled using a relief valve on the container closure, which can provide the user with an auditory indicator that the onboard container has been fully refilled. 【0015】 In a further embodiment, several embodiments provide a method for refilling a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser using a refilling station. The refilling station may comprise a housing, a refilling gas container disposed within the housing, a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser interface for connecting the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser to the refilling station and for enabling the flow of gas from the refilling gas container to the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser, and a refilling gas flow control assembly including a flow control valve for controlling the flow of gas from the refilling station gas container to the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser interface, further comprising a user-operated lever for selectively operating the flow control valve. The method may include fixing the portable carbon dioxide injection system to the refilling station, filling the onboard gas container on the portable carbon dioxide injection system with the refilling gas container, removing the portable carbon dioxide injection system from the refilling station, carbon dioxide injection into a base liquid feed with the gas from the onboard gas container, re-fixing the portable carbon dioxide injection system to the refilling station, and refilling the onboard gas container with the refilling gas container. 【0016】 The above embodiments and examples are schematic. These and other embodiments will become apparent from the following description, including the drawings, and the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the described invention relates. Preferred exemplary implementations are described below, but the invention can be practiced using other implementations similar to those described herein. All publications, patent applications, and other references referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference. In case of any inconsistency, the definitions provided herein shall prevail. In addition, the examples described herein are illustrative and not intended to limit in any way. Details of one or more exemplary implementations of the invention are provided in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, purposes, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0017】 The above and other incidental advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, similar reference numerals represent similar elements. It will be understood that the description and embodiments are intended as exemplary examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set out in the claims appended herein. The following drawings illustrate exemplary apparatus, systems, or methods in exemplary embodiments and in aspects of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated. [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of an exemplary portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded front perspective view of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded rear perspective view of the embodiment. [Figure 4] These are cross-sectional views of the housing, base liquid container, carbon dioxide injection module, and other components illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, taken along plane 4-4 in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Front perspective view of the carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly of the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser of FIGS. 1-4. [Figure 6] Side perspective view of the carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] Block diagram of the components of a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser. [Figure 8.1] Schematic diagram of an exemplary cartridge isolation component in the discharge mode and the isolation mode. [Figure 8.2] Schematic diagram of an exemplary cartridge isolation component in the discharge mode and the isolation mode. [Figure 9] Side perspective view of a container closure featuring a cartridge isolation component. [Figure 10] Side perspective view of the container closure of FIG. 9 with the handle and shroud assembly removed to illustrate additional features. [Figure 11] Exploded side perspective view of the container closures of FIGS. 9 and 10. [Figure 12] Exploded side perspective view of the container closures of FIGS. 9-11. [Figure 13] Flowchart of a method of using a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser. [Figure 14] Front perspective view of a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser in a refilling position on a refilling station. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser and the refilling station of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] Block diagram of the components of a refilling station. [Figure 17] Flowchart of a method of refilling a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser. 【BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION】 【0018】 An exemplary portable carbonation dispenser according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated in Figures 1 to 11. Referring more specifically to Figures 1 to 3, the portable carbonation dispenser 50 may include the following main components: a housing 10, a base liquid container 100, a carbonation module 200, and a closure 300 capable of receiving an additive cartridge 400. The base liquid container 100 and the carbonation module 200 may be installed in the housing 10 in a compact manner. The housing 10 may include an outer wall 12 having a substantially cylindrical or constricted ergonomic shape suitable for a user to grasp, and a separate housing base 13 that can be detachably fixed to the bottom portion of the housing 10. The outer wall 12 and the housing base 13 may define an internal space 14 for accommodating other system components. The housing 10 may include an elongated, axially extending cutout 18 for a viewing window, which may receive a complementary, transparent base liquid container viewing window 118 formed in the base liquid container 100 to allow the user to view its interior. The housing 10 may further include a button cutout 20 for receiving a carbonation control button 262 on the carbonation module 200. The carbonation control button 262 may be recessed within the housing 10 to prevent accidental operation. The recessed top portion 16 of the housing 10 may be aligned to receive a complementary, circumferentially extending overhang 116. These complementary fitting elements may provide a secure fit, assist in positioning during assembly, and add a visually interesting effect to the overall portable carbonation dispenser 50. The female threaded top end 120 of the base liquid container 100 can receive and secure the male threaded base 310 of a closure 300, which may include an O-ring seal adapted to maintain pressure within the base liquid container 100. 【0019】 The internal housing space 14 may house a base liquid container 100 for containing a feed of a base liquid, such as water or another beverage precursor liquid. The base liquid container 100 may include an internal chamber 102 having an asymmetrical shape that favorably enhances the carbonation of the base liquid. More specifically, the internal chamber 102 may include an extended section or well 104 having increased depth. A carbonation gas nozzle container 110 may be located below the base liquid container extended section 104 and may also receive a carbonation nozzle 256 of a carbonation flow control assembly 220. A small passage in the carbonation gas nozzle container allows the flow of carbonation gas to be introduced into the base liquid in the bottom portion of the extended section 104. Thus, the extended section provides the base liquid with a longer exposure to the carbonation gas as the carbonation gas travels upward through the extended depth of the base liquid, thereby increasing the level of carbonation achieved compared to a base liquid container without this feature. In addition, as best shown in the cross-section of Figure 4, the asymmetrical shape of the base liquid container 100, including the extended portion 104 and the intermediate floor 108, can define an alcove or recess 106, which can accommodate an onboard carbon dioxide injection gas container 210 and provide a compact arrangement of the carbon dioxide injection gas container 210 and the base liquid container 100 within the housing 10. 【0020】 Referring more specifically to Figures 5-7, the carbonation module 200 may include an onboard carbonation gas container 210 and a carbonation gas flow control assembly 220, which, as described below, may have components for controlling the flow and pressure of carbonation gas delivered to the base liquid contained in the base liquid container 100, and may also provide refilling of the carbonation gas container 210 from an external refilling station. The carbonation module 200 may be a compact module, which is fitted and arranged to fit into the housing 10, with one or more components disposed in the lower part of the housing 10 and fixed to a floor plate 222 which can be mounted on the container base 13. This arrangement provides ease of assembly of the portable carbonation dispenser, as the carbonation module can be pre-assembled before being inserted as a unit into the housing 10. 【0021】 The carbon dioxide injection gas flow control assembly 220 may include a refill connector 230 located in a circular recess 224 within a floor plate 222 to allow alignment of the refill connector with a mating component on the refill station. Figure 7 illustrates exemplary fluid (gas) circuits and interconnections between components of the carbon dioxide injection module 200. Physically, these components may be connected by piping suitable for transporting carbon dioxide injection gas between them. The refill connector 230 may receive the refill carbon dioxide injection gas, which then flows through a check valve 232 to prevent backflow. The carbon dioxide injection gas then flows through a four-port manifold 240 of the container, which may house an onboard gas container fitting 248 (see also Figure 4) for connection to the onboard gas container 210. Thus, the container manifold 240 allows for refilling into and out of the onboard gas container 210. The container manifold 240 may also include an integrated burst disc 246 that functions as a safety relief valve for excess pressure in the onboard gas container 210 and other components in the circuit. The container manifold 240 also transports gas from the onboard gas container 210 to a pressure regulator 250, which can modulate (i.e., maintain constant pressure) the carbon dioxide injection gas supplied to the circuit downstream of the regulator 250 and to the dispenser carbon dioxide injection valve 260, which can be actuated by a user push button to allow the carbon dioxide injection gas to flow through a nozzle check valve 254 to a carbon dioxide injection nozzle 256, thereby providing a flow of carbon dioxide injection gas to the base liquid container 100 and the base liquid contained therein. Thus, the carbon dioxide injection module 200 allows the user to provide a desired level of carbon dioxide injection to the base liquid by activating a user-operated button 262. 【0022】 Figure 7 illustrates additional components that may be included in the base liquid container closure or lid 300. The closure 300 provides a suitable seal for the base liquid feed to allow the inside of the base liquid container 100 to be pressurized to a sufficient level to dissolve the carbon dioxide injection gas into the base liquid. The closure 300 may also include components for controlling and indicating (sensing) the carbon dioxide pressure inside the base liquid container 100. These components may include a gas vent hole 380 (to the environment), a carbon dioxide injection level indicator 386, and a relief valve 390. The functions of these components will be described in more detail later in this disclosure. 【0023】 The carbonation injection system according to this disclosure may be particularly adaptable to a dispenser utilizing a replaceable additive cartridge. For example, the closure 300 may provide a place for a replaceable flow-through additive cartridge 400. Such a cartridge 400 may include features similar to those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,888,826, referenced above. The cartridge 400 may be installed in the container lid or the dispensing passage of the closure and may have configurations and features for mixing the additive with the base liquid as the base liquid flows through the cartridge. Such a cartridge may also provide user adjustment of the amount of additive added to the base liquid flow by turning a flavor dial on the cartridge. Referring to Figures 2 to 4 of this disclosure, the cartridge 400 may have a dispensing spout 402, an opposite inlet end 404 having one or more passages for allowing the base liquid to flow in, and a threaded base 406 for securing the cartridge 400 to the threaded dispensing passage 302 in the closure 300. 【0024】 According to aspects of this disclosure, a feature is provided to support carbonation in a dispenser environment, including the additive cartridge described above. More specifically, the feature is provided to isolate the additive cartridge from the base liquid feed and to apply higher pressure to the base liquid container during carbonation. It will be understood that the isolation component described herein may also be used to isolate the discharge passage 302 of the closure 300 and thus when the additive cartridge is not in use or is not located in the discharge passage 302 (i.e., when the user is carbonating and dispensing only water in a portable carbonation container). Figures 8.1 and 8.2 schematically illustrate the arrangement of the isolation component, in which the feature may comprise a container closure 300 provided for selective isolation of the additive cartridge (or the discharge passage, which may be represented by the same block 400) during the carbonation operation of a portable carbonation dispenser. The isolation component 320 may provide a selective permeable barrier, which in the discharge mode (Figure 8.1) is positioned and adapted to allow the discharge operation of the container closure 300, exposing the cartridge to the flow of the base liquid, resulting in the base liquid flow (long dashed line) 120 giving rise to the additive flow 420 (short dashed line) and the mixed flow 330 (short dashed / long dashed line) from the cartridge spout. In this mode, the isolation barrier is permeable and is represented by the dotted line defining the isolation component 320. The isolation component 320 may also be configured in the carbonation injection mode (Figure 8.2), in which the permeable barrier is positioned and adapted to isolate the cartridge from the base liquid feed and container so that the cartridge 400 is not exposed to the carbon dioxide pressure generated within it by the carbonation injection module 200. In this mode, the isolation barrier is impermeable and can isolate the discharge passage from the pressure of the base liquid container 100, and is represented by the solid line defining the isolation component 320. 【0025】 In a further aspect of this disclosure, exemplary implementations of isolation components may be provided within a container closure 300, as illustrated in Figures 9 to 11. The main components of the closure 300 may include a closure base 310, a closure shroud 330, a closure insert 350, an insert seal 360, and an operating lever 340. Figures 9 and 12 show the closure shroud 330, while Figures 10 and 11 omit the closure shroud for clarity. The closure shroud 330 may include an integrated handle 332. The closure base 310 may include a closure insert 350 positioned to allow the flow of base liquid from inside the base liquid container into the journal 312, and an annular journal 312 for receiving one or more journal ports 314. Figure 11 shows two journal ports 314 (a third is hidden from view). The closure base 310 may include a vent hole 3, which may be a spring-driven button 381 adapted to release pressure in the base liquid container when pressed against the closure base 310 by a user or by an inclined surface 346 on the operating lever 340, as will be further described later in this disclosure. A relief valve 390 may also be included in the closure base 310 and may feature a poppet or other type of valve that releases pressure when a threshold pressure is reached, thereby allowing control and maintenance of the limiting pressure in the base liquid supply container. The closure base 310 may include an overmolded grip ring 318 to allow the user to grasp the closure 300 and to remove or install it on the base liquid container 100. 【0026】 The closure insert 350 may include a cylindrical outer wall 351 extending to an end wall 353 to define an internal cartridge receiving space 352 for receiving the inlet end 404 of the cartridge 400 (see Figures 2 and 3). As recognized, the cartridge receiving space 352 also provides part of the discharge passage. The threaded end 356 of the insert 350 may engage with the threaded cap 406 of the cartridge 400 to secure the cartridge 400 to the insert. Several snap-fit ​​recesses 358 may be provided on the cylindrical lever receiving surface 357 for securing the mode selector lever 340 to the closure insert 350 after assembly within the closure base 310. The closure insert 350 may include several (in this case, three) insert ports 354 that may allow the flow of base fluid from the outside into the internal cartridge receiving space 352. Several barrier surfaces 35 are scattered between the insert ports 354. The insert 350 may include a seal-retaining channel 370 having two circumferentially extending upper segments 372 and lower segments 374, and several axially extending segments 376 extending between the upper segments 372 and lower segments 374. The seal-retaining channel 370 may receive an elastic (i.e., improved O-ring) insert seal 360 having a shape complementary to two rings 362 and 364 and several axially extending transverse members 366. 【0027】 As can be seen from this disclosure, when the closure insert 350 is installed and seated within the closure base journal 312, the insert port 354 and the sealing surface 355 are positioned to cooperate with the journal port 314 on the closure base 310. Rotation of the insert 350 to the discharge position aligns the insert port 354 with the journal port 314, and thus the base liquid can flow into the internal cartridge receiving space 352. Rotation of the insert 350 to the carbonation injection position aligns the sealing surface 355 with the journal port 314, and thus the internal cartridge receiving space 352, and therefore the installed cartridge 400, is isolated from the base liquid container, and thus carbonation pressure can be applied thereto without affecting the cartridge 400. In this embodiment, the described features of the insert 350 and the closure base 310 cooperate to provide an isolation component that allows the user to selectively isolate the cartridge from the pressure in the base liquid container 100. As recognized, the insert seal 360 provides sealing of the insert within the closure base journal 312 while rotation is occurring. The insert seal 360 also provides sealing engagements between each of the sealing surfaces 355 and the inner wall of the closure base journal 312, and also provides a seal that completely surrounds the journal vent hole 314 when the insert 350 is in the carbonation position, thus providing a seal against the relatively high pressure of the base liquid container 100 during the carbonation operation. 【0028】 The mode selector lever 340 provides user operation (rotation) of the closure insert 350 for configuring the closure 300 to dispensing mode or carbon dioxide injection mode. The mode selector lever 340 may include an operating handle 342 and an annular ring 344 adapted to surround the lever engagement surface 357 of the insert 350 when installed thereon. The installation position of the mode selector lever 340 on the insert 350 is best illustrated in Figure 10. Several snap-fit ​​projections 348 may be provided on the inner surface of the annular ring 344 to engage with an equal number of snap-fit ​​recesses 358 on the lever engagement surface 357 and to provide easy assembly and fastening of these components. 【0029】 As best seen in Figure 9, when the mode selector lever 340 and closure shroud 330 are mounted on the closure base 310, the mode selector lever handle 342 may extend through the guide slot 336 of the closure shroud 330, which guides the mode selector lever 340 and can restrict its movement (rotation). The alignment projection 316 may extend from the closure base 310 and may be contoured to engage with a similar surface of the mode selector lever handle 342. The alignment projection may provide visual and tactile indicators that the mode selector lever handle 342 is in the carbon injection mode, which is the position shown in Figures 9 and 10. 【0030】 According to aspects of this disclosure, the closure 300 may include additional features for controlling carbon dioxide pressure during operation and ensuring that the cartridge 400 is not exposed to carbon dioxide pressure. The closure 300 may include an interlock feature to prevent the user from switching to drinking mode when the base liquid supply is pressurized. In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector lever 340 has a stop tab 347 (Figures 9-11) Equipped with , Closure base 310 is,Equipped with a retractable carbonation level indicator flag or post 387 that is positioned to protrude upward from the closure base 310 when a suitable carbonation pressure is achieved in the base liquid container 100. do In Figure 10, the carbon dioxide injection level indicator post 387 is shown in a retracted position within the container base 310. When the base liquid container is pressurized with carbon dioxide injection gas, the post 387 extends upward to prevent the movement of the stop tab 347, and thus may prevent the user from switching the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser to dispensing mode. To ensure recognition, the carbon dioxide injection level indicator post 387 may be positioned so that the user can view it through the transparent observation lens 334 (Figure 9) of the closure shroud 330. 【0031】 In a further embodiment, the closure 300 may be provided with a vent hole 381 for releasing pressure from the base liquid container 100. The vent hole 381 may be a push-button type valve with an exposed operating surface, extending from the closure base 310 and housed within a pedestal on the closure base. The vent surface may be positioned and adapted to engage with an inclined surface 346 on the mode selector lever 340, which engages with the surface when the mode selector lever 340 is rotated (counterclockwise in Figures 9 and 10) to press the button. Thus, the vent hole 381 can ensure that pressure is released from the base liquid container 100 to the environment / atmosphere when the user switches the dispenser to dispensing mode and before the internal cartridge receiving space 352 of the insert 350 is exposed to the base liquid supply. The vent hole 381 can also be operated directly by the user (i.e., by engaging the surface of the vent hole 381 with the user's finger, thumb, pencil point, or other element) to release any pressure accumulated in the base liquid container 100. 【0032】 According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the closure 300 may include a relief valve 390 which can be set to a threshold pressure for limiting the maximum pressure in the base liquid supply container. The relief valve 390 may be of a known structure having a spring-forced sealing element which is set to disseat and relieve the pressure when a predetermined limit, typically 60 psi, is exceeded. 【0033】 Figure 13 illustrates the steps of an exemplary method for operating a portable carbonation dispenser as described above. In step 1310, the user may fill the base liquid container 100 and then secure the container closure 300. In step 1320, the isolation component is switched to carbonation mode. In step 1330, the user presses the carbonation button 262 (Figure 1), thereby carbonating the base liquid feed by releasing carbonation gas from the onboard gas container 210 into the base liquid feed. Then, in step 1340, the isolation component is switched to dispensing mode. This step may include an intermediate step of first releasing the pressure in the base liquid container. Then, in step 1350, the carbonated beverage is dispensed from the dispenser and may be flavored by additives from the cartridge as the base liquid flows through the closure 300. 【0034】 According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the portable carbon injection dispenser may be refilled using a refill station (the carbon injection gas may be refilled). An exemplary arrangement of a refill station 500 is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of exemplary components of the refill station and their functional relationships. The refill station 500 may include a main housing 505 having a dispenser dock 507 for housing system components and for supporting the portable carbon injection dispenser 50. The dispenser dock 507 may have an alignment recess 509 for receiving and centering the container bottom 13 (see Figure 1) so that a quick connector 528 aligns and engages with a refill station connector 230 on the dispenser carbon injection flow control assembly 220 (see Figure 6). An unlock button 510 on the dispenser dock 507 may enable locking and unlocking the quick connector 528 and the refill station connector 230. 【0035】 The refill gas container 510 may be positioned and adapted to contain carbon dioxide injection gas, such as liquefied or gaseous carbon dioxide. Typically, if the carbon dioxide injection gas is stored in liquid form, the upper part of the internal space of the gas container 510 contains the gaseous supply in equilibrium with the liquid form present in the lower part of the internal space. The refill gas container 510 may have an outlet fitting fixed to its upper portion to allow for the supply of carbon dioxide injection in gaseous form, regardless of the form in which it is stored in the container. The carbon dioxide injection gas is supplied from the refill gas container 510 to the refill valve 526. The user can actuate the refill valve 526 using the actuation lever 524 once the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser 50 is locked in place. Thus, during the refill operation, the carbon dioxide injection gas is supplied from the refill gas container 510, through the control valve 526, and through the onboard gas container refill manifold (Figures 5 and 7) in the onboard carbon dioxide injection gas flow control assembly 220 to the onboard gas container 210 (Figure 4). During refilling, the pressure inside the onboard gas container 210 can be controlled using a relief valve 390, which can provide the user with an auditory indicator that the onboard container 210 has been fully refilled. 【0036】 Figure 17 illustrates an exemplary method of refilling a portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser with carbon dioxide injection gas using a refilling station according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In step 1710, the onboard base liquid container 100 (Figure 4) may be filled with base liquid. This may be an optional step, as refilling of the onboard carbon dioxide injection system may occur regardless of the state of the base liquid container (full or empty). In step 1720, the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser is secured to the refilling station 500, including, for example, a locking connection to a quick-connect fitting 528. In step 1730, the user may operate the refill valve actuation lever 524 to open the refill valve 526 and cause a gas flow from the refill gas container 510 to the onboard gas container 210. In step 1740, after the gas flow has been interrupted, the user may remove the portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser 50 from the refilling station, for example, by pressing the unlock button 510. In step 1750, carbonation of the base liquid is performed on the portable carbonation dispenser by configuring the dispenser to carbonation mode as described above and by the user activating the carbonation button 262 (Figure 1) to achieve the desired level of carbonation. 【0037】 It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments and forms described herein are intended to be part of the scope of this disclosure and intended. The scope of the invention may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in its various forms, and the invention is not limited to any particular embodiments or forms described herein, but is intended to encompass all possible modifications, variations, or equivalents that may become apparent from this disclosure.

Claims

[Claim 1] A portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser, A base liquid container for containing the base liquid supply, A container closure including a cartridge receiving space and a discharge passage for discharging base liquid from the base liquid container, A carbon dioxide injection gas container for containing the supply of carbon dioxide injection gas, A carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly for transporting the carbon dioxide injection gas from the carbon dioxide injection gas container to pressurize the base liquid feed, the carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly including a user-operated flow control component for controlling the flow of the carbon dioxide injection gas to the base liquid feed, The system includes an isolation component that allows the user to selectively isolate the discharge passage when the base liquid supply is pressurized by the carbon dioxide injection gas, thereby preventing pressurization of the discharge passage. A portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser in which the cartridge receiving space extends into the internal space of the base liquid container, and the isolation component is adapted to isolate the cartridge receiving space from the base liquid container. [Claim 2] The isolation component includes a mode selector lever on the container closure, The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a closure insert that defines the cartridge receiving space. [Claim 4] The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide injection flow control assembly includes a gas container refilling connection for transporting a gas refill supply from an external refilling station to the carbon dioxide injection gas container. [Claim 5] The portable carbonation dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a carbonation level indicator for indicating the carbonation level of the base liquid supply. [Claim 6] It further includes a gas vent hole for releasing pressure from the base liquid container. The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 1. [Claim 7] The portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a relief valve adapted to reduce the carbon dioxide pressure in the base liquid container when the carbon dioxide pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. [Claim 8] The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the relief valve is set to reduce carbon dioxide pressure exceeding 60 psi. [Claim 9] The portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the base liquid container includes an extended portion for containing the base liquid to a first depth, and the carbon dioxide infusion flow control assembly includes a nozzle arranged to supply the carbon dioxide infusion gas to the base liquid in the extended portion of the base liquid container. [Claim 10] The portable carbon dioxide infusion dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the base liquid container includes a carbon dioxide infusion viewing window positioned to allow the user to view the base liquid supply. [Claim 11] The portable carbon dioxide dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the isolation component is operated by a mode selector lever that enables the user to switch the portable carbon dioxide dispenser between dispensing mode and carbon dioxide dispenser mode. [Claim 12] The portable carbon dioxide injection dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the mode selector lever is arranged to activate a gas vent hole to release pressure in the base liquid container when the mode selector lever is switched to the dispensing mode. [Claim 13] The portable carbonation dispenser according to claim 11, further comprising a post positioned to protrude from the container closure when the base liquid container is pressurized, thereby preventing the mode selector lever from moving to the dispensing mode. [Claim 14] The portable carbon dioxide dispenser according to claim 11, further comprising an alignment projection on the container closure, which is positioned to align with the mode selector lever when the mode selector lever is in the carbon dioxide injection mode position. [Claim 15] A method for preparing a carbonated beverage in a portable carbonation system, wherein the portable carbonation system comprises an onboard base liquid container for containing a base liquid feed, a container closure including a discharge passage, a gas container for containing a supply of carbonation gas, a carbonation flow control assembly comprising a user-operated flow control component for controlling the flow of the carbonation gas to the base liquid feed, and an isolation component for enabling a user to selectively isolate the discharge passage when the base liquid feed is pressurized by the carbonation gas, thereby preventing pressurization of the discharge passage, and the method is as follows: Filling the onboard base liquid container on the portable carbonation system with the base liquid supply, The isolation component is operated to isolate the discharge passage from the onboard base liquid container, The process involves injecting carbon dioxide into the base liquid supply using the gas from the aforementioned gas container, This includes, when carbon dioxide is injected into the base liquid supply, securing the additive cartridge to the container closure and operating the isolation component to isolate the additive cartridge from the onboard base liquid container, A method wherein a cartridge receiving space, which is arranged to receive the additive cartridge, extends into the internal space of the onboard base liquid container. [Claim 16] The method of claim 15, further comprising operating the isolation component to configure the portable carbonation system into dispensing mode after carbonation has been injected into the base liquid supply. [Claim 17] The method according to claim 15, further comprising operating a vent hole on the container closure to release pressure from the base liquid supply after carbon dioxide has been injected into the base liquid supply. [Claim 18] The method according to claim 15, further comprising operating the isolation component by operating the mode selector lever on the container closure. [Claim 19] The method according to claim 18, further comprising operating a gas vent hole by moving the mode selector lever.

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