Locking system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for holding a bottle (14) for carbonated beverage wherein the bottle (14) has atop part (30) having an opening adapted to receive the beverage, and wherein the top part (30) of the bottle has a flange (16) adjacent the opening, the device comprising: a) at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24) which moves radially from a first position (A) to a second position (B) and vice versa wherein the first position (A) defines an opening for receiving the top part (30) and the flange (16) and the second position (B) engages with the flange (16) to hold the bottle (14) in a position ready to start carbonation which position pre-vent withdrawal of the bottle, b) a separate locking element (28) engaging with the at least two holding parts (20,22, 24) wherein the locking element (28, 70) is movable from a first unlocked position (A) to a second locked position (B) in an axial direction and vice versa wherein the first unlocked position (A) allows the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24) to be in the first position (A) and the second locked position (B) allows the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24) to be in the second position (B), and c) a separate steering element (26, 100) in physical contact with and configured to guide the locking element (28) to move the locking element (28, 70) from the first unlocked position (A) to the second locked position (B) and vice versa wherein the separate steering element (26) is configured to rotate to allow moving the locking element (28) between the first unlocked position (A) and the second locked position (B).

Description

[0001] NOVEL LOCKING SYSTEM

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a novel locking system for holding a plastic bottle for carbonated beverage adapted to fit a carbonator or carbonating apparatus for producing carbonated beverage.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Carbonators or carbonating apparatuses for producing carbonated beverage are well known and all has different mechanisms for holding a bottle for producing a carbonated beverage, such as carbonated water, for instance sparkling water.

[0006] Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] The present inventors have experienced that there is an unmet need for a new carbonating apparatus (also referred to as a carbonator) having a locking mechanism that is simple, reliable, resilient, reduces the size of the carbonator, in particular the top part of the carbonator. The carbonator having the locking mechanism of the present invention provides a compliant, more compact and more user-friendly design suitable for fitting into a kitchen environment or similar.

[0008] The present invention concerns in one aspect a device for holding a bottle for carbonated beverage wherein the bottle has a top part having an opening adapted to receive the beverage, and wherein the top part of the bottle has a flange adjacent the opening, the device comprising: a) at least two holding parts which moves radially from a first position to a second position and vice versa wherein the first position defines an opening for receiving the top part and the flange and the second position engages with the flange to hold the bottle in a position ready to start carbonation which position prevent withdrawal of the bottle, b) a separate locking element engaging with the at least two holding parts wherein the locking element is movable from a first unlocked position to a second locked position in an axial direction and vice versa wherein the first unlocked position allows the at least two holding 10319PC00

[0009] 2 parts to be in the first position and the second locked position allows the at least two holding parts to be in the second position, and c) a separate steering element in physical contact with and configured to guide the locking element to move the locking element from the first unlocked position to the second locked position and vice versa wherein the separate steering element is configured to rotate to allow moving the locking element between the first unlocked position and the second locked position.

[0010] In an embodiment the separate steering element to guide the locking element to move the locking element from the first unlocked position to the second locked position and vice versa has a protruding element corresponding with a recession in the separate locking element. Typically, the separate steering element has an outer surface and an inner surface, the separate locking element has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the separate steering element faces the outer surface of the separate locking element, and the protruding element is located in the inner surface of the separate steering element and the recession is located in the outer surface of the separate locking element.

[0011] In a further embodiment the separate steering element to guide the locking element to move the locking element from the first unlocked position to the second locked position and vice versa has a recession corresponding with a protruding element of the locking element. Typically, the separate steering element has an outer and an inner surface, the separate locking element has an outer and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the separate steering element faces the outer surface of the separate locking element, and wherein the recession is located in the inner surface of the separate steering element and the protruding element is located in the outer surface of the separate locking element.

[0012] In a still further embodiment at least a part of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least a part of the separate locking element in any position of the separate steering element and the separate locking element, wherein the overlap is defined as the part where the inner surface of the separate steering element faces the outer surface of the separate locking element. Typically, at least 30% of the inner surface of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, for instance 100%, of the outer surface of the separate locking 10319PC00

[0013] 3 element when the locking element is in the second locked position. Typically, at least 40% of the inner surface of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, for instance 100%, of the outer surface of the separate locking element when the locking element is in the second locked position. Typically, at least 50% of the inner surface of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least 50%, such as at least 60%, for instance 70%, of the outer surface of the separate locking element when the locking element is in the second locked position. Typically, at least 50% of the inner surface of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least 80%, such as at least 90%, for instance 100%, of the outer surface of the separate locking element when the locking element is in the second locked position. Typically, at least 60% of the inner surface of the separate steering element is configured to overlap with at least 80%, such as at least 90%, for instance 100%, of the outer surface of the separate locking element when the locking element is in the second locked position.

[0014] In a further embodiment the separate locking element is an annular ring having a cylindrical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface and the separate steering element is an annular ring having a cylindrical inner surface and a cylindrical outer surface and the separate locking element is configured to move in the axial direction inside or partly inside the cylindrical inner surface of the separate steering element.

[0015] In a still further embodiment one or more of the at least two holding parts has a recession adapted to engage with a corresponding protrusion located at the inner surface of the separate locking element. Typically, each of the at least two holding parts has a recession adapted to engage with a corresponding protrusion located at the inner surface of the separate locking element.

[0016] In a further embodiment one or more of the at least two holding parts has a protrusion adapted to engage with a corresponding recession located at the inner surface of the separate locking element. Typically, each of the at least two holding parts has a protrusion adapted to engage with a corresponding recession located at the inner surface of the separate locking element. 10319PC00

[0017] 4

[0018] In a still further embodiment, the at least two holding parts comprises from 4 to 12 holding parts. Typically, the 4-12 holding parts defines an annular array of L-shaped or claw-like elements located with respect to each other at their root ends and each such element being resil- iently flexible in the radial sense about its root end. Typically, each of the L-shaped or clawlike elements has a recession adapted to engage with a corresponding protrusion located at the inner surface of the separate locking element.

[0019] In a further embodiment the at least two holding parts are constrained by the separate locking element.

[0020] The present invention concerns in a second aspect an apparatus for carbonation of a liquid, such as water, comprising a device of the above first aspect or any one of the embodiments of said first aspect.

[0021] Brief description of drawing

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates is a cross-sectional view of a device of the present invention wherein a bottle is shown with the device in an unlocked and locked position shown as A and B.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates the bottle of figure 1 as a cross-sectional view also showing the carbonator top and a nozzle adapted for submission into a liquid in the bottle.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates three elements separated a part constituting the device of the present invention seen as a 3D-like view.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates the elements of figure 3 engaging with each other.

[0026] Detailed description

[0027] Further embodiments of the device of the present invention are described herein and with reference to figures 1 -4.

[0028] As illustrated in figure 1 the present invention in one embodiment concerns a device (10) for holding a bottle (14) for carbonated beverage. The device is shown as a cross section. The device could be configured to fit into a carbonator as known in the prior art or into a new carbonator with a more customer compliant design. The bottle (14) has wall (12) defining the bottle (14) and a top part (30) having an opening adapted to receive the beverage, and the top 10319PC00

[0029] 5 part (30) of the bottle has a flange (16) adjacent the opening, which flange (16) is adapted to engage with at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24). The top part (30) of the bottle has a threaded part (18) adjacent the opening, which threaded part (18) is adapted to engage with a lid having a corresponding threaded part to close the bottle and avoid wasting the beverage. The two illustrations A and B are the same bottle and device of the present invention showing the unlocked position of the holding part (20, 22, 24) and the locked position of the holding part (20, 22, 24), respectively. Each of the holding parts (20, 22, 24) has a top part (22) a midsection (20) and a clow-like section (24) which clow-like section is designed to engage with the flange (16) to prevent the bottle from sliding out of the device during use of the carbonator. The holding parts are designed to move radially from a first position (A) to a second position (B) and vice versa. In the present embodiment the holding parts (20, 22, 24) defines an annular array of L-shaped or claw-like elements (20, 24) located with respect to each other at their root ends (22) and each such element being resiliently flexible in the radial sense about its root end (22). The first position (A) defines an opening for receiving the top part (30) of the bottle (14) and the flange (16) and the second position (B) illustrates when clow-like part (24) of the holding element (20, 22, 24) engages with the flange (16) to hold the bottle (14) in a position ready to start carbonation which position prevent withdrawal of the bottle. Further illustrated are a separate locking element (28) engaging with the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24). The locking element (28) is movable from a first unlocked position (A) to a second locked position (B) in an axial direction and vice versa. When the locking element (28) is in the first unlocked position (A) it may be in a position where the locking element (28) does not touch the holding elements (20, 22, 24) and allows the holding parts (20, 22, 24) to be in a resting stage pending flexing to the locked position (B) or where the locking element (28) touches the holding elements (20, 22, 24) and allows the holding parts (20, 22, 24) to be in a flexing stage and open for receiving the bottle and pending further flexing to the locked position (B). Further illustrated is a separate steering element (26) in physical contact with the locking element (28) in both the unlocked position (A) and the locked position (B) and during movement of the steering element (26). Thus, the steering element (26) is configured to guide the locking element (28) to move the locking element (28) from the first unlocked position (A) to the second locked position (B) 10319PC00

[0030] 6 and vice versa and wherein the separate steering element (26) is configured to rotate (without moving up or down relative to the locking element (28)) to allow moving the locking element (28) between the first unlocked position (A) and the second locked position (B) wherein said movement of the locking element (28) is in the axial direction.

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates the present invention as shown in figure 1 concerning a device (10) for holding a bottle (14) for carbonated beverage. The embodiment (20, 22, 24, 26, 28) is shown incorporated in a carbonator (40) said carbonator (40) having a top part (44) containing the device (10 in figure 1 consisting of features shown as 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) and shown in a locked position of the device wherein further details of the carbonator top part is shown, such as a nozzle (42) for carbonation of a liquid, such as water, and elements for operation of said carbonater (without specific references).

[0032] Figure 3A, 3B and 3C illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as indicated in figures 1 and 2, in greater details. The three key elements of the present invention are shown separate as (50), (70) and (100). The first element is the holding part element (50) comprising multiple holding parts (58a-58e, 60a-60e, 62a-62e) each shown having a root end (59a-59e) fixed to an annular ring (52), said ring (52) comprising an opening (54) allowing space for a hose to pass and four cavities (56a-56d) which consist of screw holes that are made to secure the holding element in the carbonation machine. Each holding part (58a-58e) is resiliently flexible in the radial sense about its root end (59a-59e) and further comprises an annular array of L- shaped or claw-like elements (60a-60e, 62a-62e) at the opposite end of the root end (59a-59e). Each L-shaped or claw-like elements (60a-60e, 62a-62e) has an opening or a recession (64a- 64e) creating a double claw-like element for gripping and holding the flange (16 in figure 1 and 2) of the bottle (12, 14 of figure 1 and 2). The opening or recession (64a-64e) is a feature that further strengthen the positioning of the holding parts configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion (88, 90, 92) shown in figure 3B and located at the inner surface (73) of the separate locking element (70) shown in figure 3B.

[0033] The second element is the locking element part (70) comprising an annular ring (72) having a cylindrical inner surface (73) and a cylindrical outer surface (71). Protrusions (88, 90, 92) are shown in the cylindrical inner surface (73) which protrusions are adapted to engage 10319PC00

[0034] 7 with the opening or recession (64a-64e) shown in figure 3A. Further the annular ring (72) comprises various protrusions (74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86) on the outer surface (71) which protrusions engage with guiding means of the third element being the steering element (100).

[0035] The third element is the steering element (100) comprising an annular ring (102) having a cylindrical inner surface (103) and a cylindrical outer surface (101). The annular ring (102) has protrusions (110, 112, 114, 116) on the cylindrical outer surface (101), which protrusions (110, 112, 114, 116) stabilize the annular ring (102) when in operation ensures that the mechanism (10) does not fall out of the carbonation machine while still allowing the steering element to rotate. In addition, the annular ring (102) has protrusions (104, 106, 108) pointing downwards at the edge of the annular ring (102) when in operation, which protrusions (104, 106, 108) fits into an outer ring (not shown) that is equipped with a handle (not shown), allowing the user to rotate the steering element (100) by using the handle. On the inner surface (103) the annular ring (102) has guiding tracks (122, 126) in the inner surface wall (120, 124) configured for guiding the protruding element (74, 76, 78, 80) adjacent the upper part of the annular ring (72) (figure 3B) when in operation. Further guiding tracks (128, 130) in the inner surface wall (120, 124) are configured for guiding the protruding element (82, 84, 86) adjacent the lower part of the annular ring (72) (figure 3B) when in operation.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as indicated in figure 3A-C. The three key elements are shown separate as (50), (70) and (100) now engaging with each other, such as explained above under description of figure 1, 2 and 3. When turning the steering element (100) either clockwise or counterclockwise it causes the holding element (70) to move up and down to move the holding parts of the holding element (50) in the radial direction to unlock and lock the bottle into the carbonator top part. As indicated in figure 4 the locking element (70) is fully constrained by the steering element (100) and the L-shaped or claw-like elements (shown as 60a-60e, 62a-62e in figure 3 A) of the holding element (50) are constrained by the locking element (70).

[0037] The particular embodiments as described in figures 1-4 have been optimized through extensive development work to produce a device that is made from polymeric material such as 10319PC00

[0038] 8

[0039] Polyoxymethylene, a plastic known for its high strength, stiffness, and low friction in operation. In some cases, silicone can be added to the plastic to further reduce friction.

[0040] All references, including publications, patent applications and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and was set forth in its entirety herein.

[0041] All headings and sub-headings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0042] Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0043] The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents as used in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Thus, the terms “a” and “an” means “one or more” or “at least one” and are used interchangeably during the text.

[0044] The term “and / or” as used herein is intended to mean both alternatives as well as each of the alternatives individually. For instance, the expression “xxx and / or yyy” means “xxx and yyy”; “xxx”; or “yyy”, all three alternatives are subject to individual embodiments.

[0045] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Unless otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement can be considered to also pro-vide a corresponding approximate measurement, modified by "about," where appropriate).

[0046] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0047] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”, “typically, “preferably”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated. No language in 10319PC00

[0048] 9 the specification should be construed as indicating any element is essential to the practice of the invention unless as much is explicitly stated.

[0049] The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the validity, patentability and / or enforceability of such patent documents.

[0050] The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having”, “including” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of’, “consists essentially of’, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).

[0051] This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the aspects or claims presented herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

[0052] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples that, however, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection. The features disclosed in the foregoing description and in the following examples may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

10319PC0010We Claim:

1. A device (10) for holding a bottle (14) for carbonated beverage wherein the bottle (14) has a top part (30) having an opening adapted to receive the beverage, and wherein the top part (30) of the bottle has a flange (16) adjacent the opening, the device comprising: a) at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) which moves radially from a first position (A) to a second position (B) and vice versa wherein the first position (A) defines an opening for receiving the top part (30) and the flange (16) and the second position (B) engages with the flange (16) to hold the bottle (14) in a position ready to start carbonation which position prevent withdrawal of the bottle, b) a separate locking element (28, 70) engaging with the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) wherein the locking element (28, 70) is movable from a first unlocked position (A) to a second locked position (B) in an axial direction and vice versa wherein the first unlocked position (A) allows the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) to be in the first position (A) and the second locked position (B) allows the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) to be in the second position (B), and c) a separate steering element (26, 100) in physical contact with and configured to guide the locking element (28, 70) to move the locking element (28, 70) from the first unlocked position (A) to the second locked position (B) and vice versa wherein the separate steering element (26, 100) is configured to rotate to allow moving the locking element (28, 70) between the first unlocked position (A) and the second locked position (B).

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the separate steering element (26, 100) to guide the locking element (28, 70) to move the locking element (28, 70) from the first unlocked position (A) to the second locked position (B) and vice versa has a protruding element corresponding with a recession in the separate locking element (28, 70).

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the separate steering element (26, 100) has an outer surface (101) and an inner surface (103), the separate locking element (28, 70) has an outer surface (71) and an inner surface (73), wherein the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) faces the10319PC0011 outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70), and the protruding element is located in the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) and the recession is located in the outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70).

4. The device of any one of claims 1-3 wherein the separate steering element (26, 100) to guide the locking element (28, 70) to move the locking element (28, 70) from the first unlocked position(A) to the second locked position (B) and vice versa has a recession (122, 126, 128, 130) corresponding with a protruding element (74, 76, 82, 84, 86) of the locking element (28, 70).

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the separate steering element (26, 100) has an outer and an inner surface, the separate locking element has an outer and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the separate steering element faces the outer surface of the separate locking element, and wherein the recession (122, 126, 128, 130) is located in the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) and the protruding element (74, 76, 82, 84, 86) is located in the outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70).

6. The device of any one of claims 1-5 wherein at least a part of the separate steering element (26, 100) is configured to overlap with at least a part of the separate locking element (28, 70) in any position of the separate steering element (26, 100) and the separate locking element (28, 70), wherein the overlap is defined as the part where the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) faces the outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70).

7. The device of claim 6 wherein at least 30% of the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) is configured to overlap with at least 50% of the outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70) when the locking element (28, 70) is in the second locked position(B).

8. The device of claim 6 wherein at least 50%, such as at least 60% of the inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100) is configured to overlap with at least 80%, such as at least10319PC001290%, for instance 100%, of the outer surface (71) of the separate locking element (28, 70) when the locking element (28, 70) is in the second locked position (B).

9. The device of any one of claims 1-8 wherein the separate locking element (28, 70) is an annular ring (70) having a cylindrical inner surface (73) and a cylindrical outer surface (71) and the separate steering element (26, 100) is an annular ring (100) having a cylindrical inner surface (103) and a cylindrical outer surface (101) and the separate locking element (28, 70) is configured to move in the axial direction inside or partly inside the cylindrical inner surface (103) of the separate steering element (26, 100).

10. The device of any one of claims 1-9 wherein one or more of the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) has a recession (64a-64e) adapted to engage with a corresponding protrusion (88, 90, 92) located at the inner surface (73) of the separate locking element (28, 70).

11. The device of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) comprises from 4 to 12 holding parts (58a-58e).

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the 4-12 holding parts (58a-58e) defines an annular array of L- shaped or claw-like elements (60a-60e, 62a-62e) located with respect to each other at their root ends (59a-59e) and each such element (60a-60e, 62a-62e) being resiliently flexible in the radial sense about its root end (59a-59e).

13. The device of claim 12 wherein each of the L-shaped or claw-like elements (60a-60e, 62a- 62e) has a recession (64a-64e) adapted to engage with a corresponding protrusion (88, 90, 92) located at the inner surface (73) of the separate locking element (28, 70).

14. The device of any one of claims 1-13 wherein the at least two holding parts (20, 22, 24, 50) are constrained by the separate locking element (28, 70).10319PC001315. An apparatus for carbonation of a liquid, such as water, comprising a device of any one of claims 1-14.

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