Container sealing and pressurizing system and method

Abstract

Beverages such as beer and soda which contain carbon dioxide or other gases may degrade in quality when subjected to atmospheric pressure, oxygen, and/or light. It may be desirable to store such beverages in containers which prevent exposure to these conditions. An aluminum can is one such container but is associated with the problem of resealing the can after breaking the seal. The described utilities provide for resealing, pressurizing, and/or dispensing from an aluminum can or similar beverage container.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sealing a beverage can, comprising: a lid sized for at least partial receipt within a recess disposed at an end portion of the beverage can, wherein the end portion comprises an opening between an interior volume of the beverage can and an exterior environment; a gasket disposable within the recess to extend continuously about the opening, the gasket defining an enclosed volume between the end portion of the beverage can and a bottom portion of the lid that extends continuously relative to a portion of the end portion circumscribed by the recess; a locking mechanism configured to engage a portion of the lid and a portion of the beverage can to compress the gasket between the lid and the beverage can to seal the opening to isolate the interior volume from the exterior environment; and a pressurization port in fluid communication with the enclosed volume and the interior volume of the beverage can, the pressurization port is engageable with a gas source to inject a gas into the enclosed volume and the interior volume of the beverage can.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to engage a seam defining a perimeter of the end portion of the beverage can to apply a force to the lid, the force having a vector component normal to the end portion of the beverage can to compress the gasket.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gasket is disposable within a groove disposed upon the end portion and extending about the opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a strap, the strap having a generally C-shaped cross section, wherein the strap is sized and shaped to extend about the perimeter of the end portion and engage the seam.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the strap comprises a fastening mechanism that fastens a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap, the fastening mechanism comprising: a hinged lever disposed adjacent the first end; a hook operatively engaged with the hinged lever and configured to pivot therewith in relation to the first end; and a catch on the second end configured for receipt of the hook.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of latches disposed around a perimeter of the lid, each latch of the plurality of latches comprising a hinged clip configured to engage the seam.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a threaded portion engageable with corresponding threads on a beverage can.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a purge valve, the purge valve configured to vent high pressure gas from the interior volume of the can upon rapid injection of the gas from the gas source to purge ambient air from the interior volume of the can and replace the ambient air with the gas.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressurization port comprises an orifice passing from a first side of the lid to a second side of the lid opposite the first side, wherein a first portion of the orifice adjacent a first end of the orifice on the first side of the lid is defined by a threaded wall configured for receipt of corresponding threads of the gas source, and wherein a second end of the orifice on the second side of the lid is in fluid communication with the interior volume to supply gas from the gas source through the opening.

10. The apparatus claim 9, further comprising: a valve disposed between the first end and the second end of the orifice; and a valve handle configured for manual manipulation of the valve; wherein the valve is operable to selectively establish the fluid communication between the gas source and the interior volume of the beverage can.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a beverage dispenser in fluid communication with the interior volume of the beverage can.

12. The apparatus of claim of claim 11, wherein the beverage dispenser comprises: a nozzle disposed on the first side of the lid; a tube extending from the lid and in fluid communication with the nozzle, wherein the tube is configured for insertion of an end of the tube opposite the lid into the interior volume of the beverage can; a second valve disposed within the nozzle; and a second valve handle configured for manual manipulation of the second valve; wherein the second valve is operable to selectively establish fluid communication between the interior volume of the can and a dispensing port in the nozzle, wherein a flow of beverage from the interior volume through the dispensing port is drivable by a gas pressure in the interior volume of the beverage can which exceeds an ambient air pressure outside the beverage can.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a strap used in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 provides a cross-section of the strap of FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a lid for use in sealing an opened beverage container.

(5) FIG. 5 provides a cross-section of the lid of FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing a plurality of opened beverage containers.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing an opened beverage container that includes for pressurization of the container with a gas.

(9) FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing and pressurizing an opened beverage container that includes a dispensing port, in which the apparatus is secured to the opened beverage container using a threaded interface.

(10) FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for sealing and pressurizing an opened beverage container that includes a dispensing port, in which the apparatus is secured to the opened beverage container using a threaded interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

(12) With regard to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 for sealing an opened beverage container is shown. In the illustration, the beverage container is a beverage can 102, however, it is envisaged that any compatible beverage container may be used. A lid 106 may be sized and shaped for receipt within a recessed portion of beverage can 102. For example, recess 116 may be defined by a raised lip formed by a rolled seam 110 between the can lid 115 and sidewall 103 of beverage can 102. A gasket 108 may be provided to ensure an airtight seal to prevent gas from escaping the beverage 104 and ultimately, the beverage can 102. The gasket 108 may be sized for receipt within a groove 112 formed in the beverage can 102 between a top panel 117 and a chuck wall 119. Such a groove 112 is typical on many standard cans and extends around the opening 114 adjacent to the chuck wall 119. A means for securing the lid 106 to the beverage can 102 is contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the means provided is a strap 118 configured to encircle the lid 106 and rolled seam 110 to apply a force normal to the top of the beverage can 102 to squeeze the gasket 108 between the bottom side of the lid 106 and the top of the beverage can 102.

(13) The above description of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is contemplated as being a standalone device in some embodiments. In other embodiments, additional features may be included. In one such embodiment, a gas source is provided to pressurize the inside volume of the beverage can 102 after a seal is formed (e.g., securing the lid 106 to the beverage can 102 in a manner which sandwiches the gasket 108). In the illustrated embodiment, the gas source is a pressurized cartridge 120. It is contemplated that any suitable gas source may be used, for example, a hose connected to a remote tank or compressor. The pressurized cartridge 120 may contain CO.sub.2, nitrogen, or any other suitable gas. The pressurized cartridge 120 or other gas source may be threaded for mating engagement with corresponding threads on a pressurization port (not shown) comprising an orifice extending from the gas source on the top side of the lid 106 through the bottom side of the lid 106 and into the interior volume of the beverage can 102. A valve handle 124 may be provided to control the flow of gas from the gas source into the interior volume.

(14) Additionally, an apparatus 100 may comprise a dispensing mechanism, such as nozzle 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the point of attachment for the pressurized cartridge 120 is integrally formed with nozzle 122, however, it should be appreciated that these two features may be standalone components. For instance, in FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment to that depicted in FIG. 1 is shown in which an apparatus 100 includes a pressurized cartridge 120, but no dispensing mechanism. In this regard, the embodiment of the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 8 may have all features common to the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 with the exception of the dispensing mechanism. With returned reference to FIG. 1, valve handle 128 may be operable to control a flow of beverage 104 from the interior volume of the beverage can 102 through tube 130, into nozzle 122, and out dispensing port 126.

(15) Opening the valve controlled by valve handle 124 may release high pressure gas (e.g., CO.sub.2, nitrogen, etc.) from the gas source (e.g., pressurized cartridge 120) and into the interior volume of the can. Notably a volume of space between the top panel 117 of the can and the bottom of lid 106 may also be pressurized. The gas may maintain an elevated pressure inside the beverage can 102 relative to ambient air outside the beverage can 102. Operation of the valve controlled by valve handle 128 may cause the high pressure to force a flow of beverage 104 through tube 130 and out dispensing port 126.

(16) FIG. 2 illustrates strap 118 as shown in FIG. 1. Strap 118 may be made from any suitable material including, inter alia, rubbers, plastics, metals, and fabrics. Strap 118 may be split (e.g., not a continuous loop) to allow expansion of the diameter for positioning over an end portion of the can. Lever 202 may be hingedly affixed to strap 118 for reciprocating movement and leverage of hook 204. A user may dispose hook 204 over catch 206, disposed near an opposite end of strap 118, when lever 202 is in an extended position. By manipulating lever 202 into a retracted position (e.g., tangent to strap 118) the user may reduce the diameter of strap 118 thereby tightening it around the lid.

(17) FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of strap 118 in relation to a beverage can and lid. Strap 118 may have a substantially C-shaped cross-section to engage the top side of the lid 106, and/or a beveled edge 107 of lid 106, and the bottom side of rolled seam 110. Rolled seam 110 may form a raised lip around the outer perimeter of the end portion of a can 102. The rolled seam 110 may be formed by rolling the outer edge of a can lid 115 with the flange of a can sidewall 103, as is common is standard aluminum cans. Tightening of strap 118 may exert a downward force (normal to top panel 117) on lid 106 causing gasket 108 to be compressed, forming a seal. Notably, gasket 108 is preferable but may be optional in some embodiments.

(18) FIG. 4 illustrates a lid 400 which has an alternate mechanism for securing the lid 400 to a beverage can which is an alternative to strap 118. Lid 400 may include a plurality of latches 402a-c. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 5, each latch 402 may comprise a hinged clip 404 with a length corresponding to a standard dimension of a beverage can to allow the tip of each clip 404 to snap onto a rolled seam 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, lid 400 is sized for receipt within the recess 116 formed on the end portion of the beverage can 102. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the lid 106 may have a larger diameter allowing it to rest on top of the raised lip formed by the rolled seam 110.

(19) FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 900 that may be used to seal and pressurize a beverage container 900. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the container 900 may include a threaded interface 912 near or about an opening of the container 900. In turn, the apparatus 900 may be secured in sealing engagement with the container 900 by way of a corresponding threaded portion 910 of the apparatus 900. As shown in FIG. 9, such an embodiment may include a dispensing mechanism as described above in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment in which an apparatus 1000 includes a threaded portion 910 for sealing engagement with a container, but which does not include a dispensing mechanism. In this regard, the embodiment of the apparatus 1000 may allow for sealing and pressurization of a container through a threaded interface without dispensing capability.

(20) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 600 for sealing, pressurizing, and/or dispensing from a beverage container 102. In this embodiment, lid 604 may have features similar to those of either lid 106 of FIG. 1 and/or lid 400 of FIG. 4 (e.g., gas source, nozzle, etc.). However, lid 604 is configured for engagement with housing 602 rather than direct engagement of a beverage container 102. Housing 602 may define a chamber 608. Chamber 608 may correspond in size and shape to a beverage container 102, such as a can, for receipt of the beverage container 102 within chamber 608. As illustrated, a top end 606 of the beverage container 102 may be disposed within chamber 608 such that a gap exists between the top end 606 of the beverage container 102 and the bottom side of lid 604. Alternatively, chamber 608 may be sized such that the top end 606 rests against the bottom side of lid 604. A gasket (not shown) may optionally be disposed between lid 604 and housing 602 or between lid 604 and the top end 606 of beverage container 102. Any suitable means may be used to secure lid 604 to housing 602 such as a strap, latches, threads, snap-fitting, etc. The walls of housing 602 may be formed from a thermally insulating material to maintain the temperature of the beverage.

(21) FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus 700 for sealing, pressurizing, and/or dispensing from a plurality of beverage containers. Within housing 702 may be disposed a plurality of chambers 710a-b defined by thermally insulating walls 704a-b. Each chamber 710a-b may be enclosed using a lid which compresses a beverage container against a plate 706a-b biased by a spring 708a-b. In this regard, a beverage container may be sandwiched between the lid and plate 706a-b to aid in creating a seal. Moreover, such a design may also allow for use with beverage containers having a variety of heights.

(22) While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character. For example, certain embodiments described hereinabove may be combinable with other described embodiments and/or arranged in other ways (e.g., process elements may be performed in other sequences). Accordingly, it should be understood that only the preferred embodiment and variants thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.