BEVERAGE BLADDER SYSTEM AND APPARATUS

Abstract

A preservation device allows for the safe storage of wine and other liquids subject to change over time. When wine is stored in a partially filled container, the wine degrades due to the presence of oxygen. The preservation device has an integral inelastic low mass barrier bag that fits within the wine bottle, in an unexpanded or collapsed form. The barrier can be expanded into the headspace of the container by introducing air into the bag from a pump, excluding ambient gasses and reducing the amount of air in contact with the stored fluid. Because of its low mass, the inelastic barrier bag remains substantially expanded in the container due to the surface attraction with the container walls as well as the rigidity imparted to the barrier bag by its material characteristics. No stopper is required to maintain the barrier in an expanded state.

Claims

1. A preservation device comprising: an inert, inelastic, and conformable, barrier that collapses and expands with the introduction and removal of air; a rigid, hollow collar comprising an inner sealing surface and an outer sealing surface; a substantially cylindrical body comprising (1) a retaining ring, (2) an inner sealing surface that hermetically seals to the inner sealing surface of the rigid, hollow collar, and (3) an outer sealing surface that hermetically seals to the outer sealing surface of the collar; a rigid or semi-rigid inserter that facilitates introduction of the barrier into a fluidic container.

2. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the inert, inelastic barrier is a bag comprising a synthetic polymer.

3. The preservation device of claim 2 wherein the bag comprises retention features at distal corners.

4. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the inserter and the rigid, hollow collar are integrally formed into a single component.

5. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the inserter comprises a nesting strain relief that provides centering and support for the inserter as the inserter is inserted into the barrier.

6. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the inserter comprises bifurcated arms flexibly attached at their proximal ends, said bifurcated arms further comprising an outward bias.

7. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the collar comprises flexible tapered, terraced, or variable length retaining features that flexibly and reversibly engage the bottle.

8. The preservation device of claim 7 wherein the collar further comprises opposing vents located at an upper annular surface of the collar.

9. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein a length of the inserter from a distal end of the inserter to a top feature of the inserter is marginally less than a length of an overall distance from a proximal end of the collar to a sealed, distal end of the barrier.

10. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the collar further comprises a series of opposing features that non-sealingly engage bottle necks of varying diameters.

11. The preservation device of claim 1 further comprising a pour cap comprising: a dispensing aperture that allows fluids to pass through the pour cap; an air inlet and an exhaust that allow the air to pass through the pour cap into and out of the barrier; and an air tight seal that allows the pour cap to be reversibly attached to the fluidic container.

12. The preservation device of claim 1 wherein the preservation device is free from a valve and is free from an air canister.

13. A bladder system comprising: a container containing an air-sensitive fluid; a preservation device comprising: an inert, inelastic, and conformable barrier that collapses and expands with the introduction and removal of air; a rigid, hollow collar to which the barrier is hermetically sealed; and an inserter to facilitate the introduction of the barrier into the container; and an air path that begins at an inlet near the collar and terminates at an entrance to the barrier; a fluid path that begins at an outlet of the container and terminates at a dispense aperture externally located with respect to the container; wherein when a volume of the air-sensitive fluid exits the bottle through the fluid path, the volume of the air-sensitive fluid is replaced with an equal volume of the air entering the barrier through an air inlet without the use of a valve.

14. The bladder system of claim 13 wherein the barrier comprises a bag located within another bag.

15. The bladder system of claim 14 further comprising a bulb pump that permits flow of the air one-way, said bulb pump having a pressure side that exhausts the air and a suction side that receives the air.

16. The bladder system of claim 15 wherein the bulb pump comprises tapered surfaces at the pressure side and the suction side that match tapered surfaces located at a proximal end of the collar.

17. The bladder system of claim 13 further comprising a sensor that: i. measures temperature; ii. measures pressure integrated into the collar; or iii. reports an oxidation state of a fluid within the container.

18. The bladder system of claim 13 further comprising an integrated pour cap that allows fluid to pass therethrough to the dispense aperture without having to remove the barrier from the container.

19. The bladder system of claim 13 wherein the air-sensitive fluid is wine.

20. A bottle comprising an air-sensitive fluid comprising: an annular aperture comprising an inner circumference and an outer circumference formed between a reversibly retained collar and a bottle neck; wherein when the bottle is tilted to pour, wine starts exiting the bottle under the influence of gravity, a dynamic fluid seal forms in the annular aperture between the collar and the bottle neck; wherein the seal in conjunction with a loss of liquid in the container, caused by pouring, forms an increasing negative pressure in the bottle which in turn draws air into a barrier, thereby expanding the barrier into a newly created headspace; wherein the bottle is free from a valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated and described in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like components throughout the several views. The drawings are presented for exemplary purposes and may not be to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0083] FIG. 1 shows an assembled, perspective view of a first example of a preservation device with the bulb pump oriented to pump more air into the barrier bag. The barrier bag is shown in an expanded state.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the preservation device of FIG. 1, sans the barrier bag.

[0085] FIG. 3 shows an assembled, perspective view of a second example of a preservation device.

[0086] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the preservation device of FIG. 3, sans the barrier bag.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows an assembled, perspective view of a third example of a preservation device with the bulb pump oriented to remove air from the barrier bag. The barrier bag is shown in an expanded state.

[0088] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the preservation device of FIG. 5, sans the barrier bag.

[0089] FIG. 7 shows an example method for using the preservation device of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows an example method for using an air pump in combination with the preservation device of FIG. 1. A similar method can be used in connection with the preservation device of FIG. 5.

[0091] FIG. 9 shows a subsystem incorporating a hollow, rigid collar and an inserter that is usable with the preservation devices of FIG. 1 and various detailed views of components contained therein. For example, the top row shows a front elevation view of the inserter (left); a side elevation view of the inserter (center); and a perspective view of the hollow, rigid collar (right). The center row shows a side elevation view of the rigid, hollow collar (left); a front elevation view of a subassembly incorporating the hollow, rigid collar and the inserter (center); and another front elevation view of the subassembly emphasizing view of arms of the inserter being in a fully expanded position (right). The bottom row shows a front, detailed section view of the subassembly (left); an environmental view of the hollow rigid collar being inserted into a neck of a bottle (center); and a top plan view of the subassembly (right). The hollow, rigid collar and the inserter are shown as being removably attached to one another, though it is contemplated that the subsystem could also be integrally formed into a single component.

[0092] FIG. 10 details aspects of how the inert, inelastic barrier relates to the subsystem of FIG. 9.

[0093] FIG. 11 shows an example method for using the preservation device of FIG. 3.

[0094] FIG. 12 shows an example method for using the preservation device of FIG. 5.

[0095] FIG. 13 shows an example method for using a fourth example of a preservation device.

[0096] FIG. 14 shows a detailed, perspective view of a one-piece compound inserter with two vent channels through the head of the inserter, the articulated inserter being usable with the preservation devices of FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0097] FIG. 15 shows a detailed, perspective view of an articulated inserter having secondary flexible joints and a tertiary flexible joint, the articulated inserter being usable with the preservation devices of FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0098] FIG. 16 shows a detailed, perspective view of a looped inserter having a, distal end suitable for a star sealed or gathered sealed barrier, the articulated inserter being usable with the preservation devices of FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0099] FIG. 17 shows a detailed, perspective view of a looped inserter having a distal end suitable for sealing (e.g., heat sealing), the articulated inserter being usable with the preservation devices of FIGS. 1 and 5.

[0100] FIG. 18 shows an example method of hermetically sealing the articulated inserter shown through FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 5-6 to an inert, inelastic barrier.

[0101] FIG. 19 shows an example method of hermetically sealing the articulated inserter of FIG. 17 to an inert, inelastic barrier.

[0102] FIG. 20 shows an example method of hermetically sealing the articulated inserter of FIG. 18 to an inert, inelastic barrier.

[0103] FIGS. 21A-D show an alternative embodiment for the collar wherein the collar also includes deformable and variable length retention features integrally molded into the collar to engage the inner bottle neck and prevent the collar from exiting the neck during pouring. FIG. 21A shows a detailed view of the collar; FIG. 21B shows a partially assembled view of the collar attached to an insert; FIG. 21C shows an assembled view of the collar, insert, and an inert, inelastic barrier; and FIG. 21D shows an environmental view of the assembly of FIG. 21C within a bottle of wine.

[0104] FIG. 22 shows a method of using the collar of FIGS. 21-21D. As the bottle is tilted to pour and liquid begins exiting the bottle under the influence of gravity the dynamic fluid seal forms in the annular aperture; further, as incremental fluid continues to exit the bottle negative pressure builds up in the headspace but the seal prevents air flow into the headspace through the annular space; and even further, the negative pressure consequently draws air into the barrier through the collar thus expanding the barrier into the dynamically forming headspace.

[0105] An artisan of ordinary skill in the art need not view, within isolated figure(s), the near infinite number of distinct permutations of features described in the following detailed description to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] The present disclosure is not to be limited to that described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and/or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. No features shown or described are essential to permit basic operation of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated.

[0107] FIGS. 1-2 depict the primary components of a first example of a preservation device, hereinafter referred to as preservation device 100. The preservation device 100 includes an inert, inelastic barrier 102, a collar 104, a sealing member 106, an articulated insert 108, and a bulb pump 110.

[0108] In FIG. 1, the inert, inelastic barrier 102 is shown as a collapsible/expandable polymer bag and therefore these terms are interchangeably used in reference to the description of FIG. 1. It however should be appreciated that there exist other types of inert, inelastic barriers that can be used in lieu of the collapsible/expandable polymer bag described here. Specifically, the barrier bag 102 is shown in an expanded state. In FIG. 2, the inert, inelastic barrier 102 is removed to better reveal the articulated inserter 108.

[0109] The collar 104 is shown as a hollow, rigid component. The collar 104 can be formed by molding and/or any other suitable method from polypropylene and/or other suitable material(s). The sealing member 106 seals the inert, inelastic barrier 102 to the collar 104. The diameter of a barrier end of the 104 and the diameter of the sealing member 106 can be sufficiently close such so as to form a friction fit when one is slid onto or into the other. Either a single or a double compression seal can be used to facilitate sealing amongst the collar 104 and the sealing member 106. A double compression seal allows more secure and airtight mechanical attachment to the inert, inelastic barrier 102. Features within the collar 104 allow for the integration and alignment of the collar 104 and the inserter 108 during assembly of the preservation device 100 and also allow the ability to mold the collar 104, the sealing member 106, and/or the inserter in a single part.

[0110] The articulated inserter 108 is shown as an elongated component split from a head 108C at a proximate end into two arms 108A, 108B, which extend toward distal ends, as shown in FIG. 2. The articulated inserter also can include radiused tips 108D and 108E at the distal ends and can further include first and second protrusions 108G and 108H at the head 108C (shown in FIG. 9).

[0111] The bulb pump 110 is a pump that allows one way airflow therethrough. The bulb pump 110 includes a pressure side 110A and a suction side 110B. The bulb pump 110 relies on the use of internal check valves to facilitate the one-way flow.

[0112] The primary components of the preservation device 100 are coaxially arranged about a central, longitudinal axis 112. In some embodiments, each and every component of the preservation device 100 is symmetrical about at least one plane that includes said central, longitudinal axis 112.

[0113] FIG. 3-4 depict the primary components of a second example of a preservation device, hereinafter referred to as preservation device 200. The preservation device 200 comprises a conformable (e.g., collapsible and expandable) polymer barrier bag 202, an injection molded collar 204, a sealing member 206, and a removable inserter 208. In FIG. 4, the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 is removed to better reveal the remaining portions of the inserter 208, which in this instance is shown as a bamboo stick.

[0114] The conformable polymer barrier bag 202 is gathered and hermetically sealed at its distal end via the sealing member 206. The conformable polymer barrier bag 202 is therefore hermetically sealed to the injection molded collar 204. Optionally, the material of the distal end of the bag can be fitted with a nesting strain relief 214 (shown in FIG. 11) that provides centering and support for the removable inserter 208 when it is inserted into the conformable polymer barrier bag 202. The length of the inserter 208 from its distal end to the top feature (knob 210) is marginally less than the length of the overall distance from the proximal end of the injection molded collar 204 to the sealed distal end of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202. The marginal difference in lengths allows the knob 210 to contact the injection molded collar 204 aperture during insertion of the preservation device 200 into a bottle 1000 thus reducing the amount of force directly applied by the distal end of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 during insertion.

[0115] Like the first example preservation device 100, the primary components of the second preservation device 200 can be coaxially arranged about a central, longitudinal axis 212. Moreover, each and every component of the preservation device 200 can be symmetrical about at least one plane that includes said central, longitudinal axis 212.

[0116] FIG. 5-6 depict the primary components of a second example of a preservation device, hereinafter referred to as preservation device 300. The preservation device 300 comprises an inert, inelastic barrier 302, a hollow rigid, collar 304, a sealing member 306, an articulated inserter 308, a bulb pump 310 having air needles 312 at each end, and a stay-in pour cap 314. The details of the inert, inelastic barrier 302, such as the materials, configuration, geometry and sealing method used in connection with same, as well as the details of the articulated internal, articulated inserter 308 can be the same as the first example of the preservation device 100.

[0117] The pour cap 314 may be formed monolithically or as an assembly either by injection molding or any suitable forming method. The pour cap 314 includes bottle seals 316. The bottle seals 316 shown are a series of ridges which extend outwardly from a hollow cylindrical body of the stay in pour cap 314. The pour cap 314 can further include a circular body 316 with a diameter greater than a bottle neck 1008.

[0118] Unlike the other components of the assembly, the pour cap 314 is in many embodiments specifically intended to be an asymmetrical component with respect to each plane that incorporates the central axis 326. This is because the pour cap 314 includes unique fluid paths. A first fluid path is an air flow path that begins the air entryway and exhaust 320 of the pour cap 314 and extends until at least an air inlet/outlet 322 of the inert, inelastic barrier 302. A second fluid path is used for transporting an air-sensitive liquid such as wine from a remainder of the bottle 1000 (outside of the inert, inelastic barrier 302) to a dispense aperture 324.

[0119] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an example method 500 of using first example of preservation device 100. Moving along the top row, FIG. 7 depicts the initial step of the inserting the preservation device 100 along a direction of insertion 118A into a neck 1008 of a partially filled bottle 1000 of wine. The distal end of an arm 108A/B of the articulated inserter 108 is wedged into the neck 1008 where a distal end of the other arm 108A/B of the preservation device 100 soon follows.

[0120] As shown in the middle row, the barrier bag 102 remains taut along a longitudinal axis of tension 116 while the preservation device 100 is inserted into and removed (along the direction of removal 118B) from said bottle 1000. Slack in the barrier bag 102 renders it flexible along its horizontal axis. The barrier bag 102 continues to enter the bottle 1000 without gathering due to tension from the articulated inserter 108 until the articulated inserter 108 is fully inserted into the bottle 1000. In so doing, an annular opening/air channel 114 in the bottle neck 1008 remains unimpeded.

[0121] Specifically, the middle illustration in the middle row shows the preservation device 100 partially inserted into a bottle 1000 wherein the barrier bag 102 has some slack along its horizontal axis. The slack is partially pulled through the bottle neck 1008 by force applied by a user. The user force is transmitted through the inserter 108 and the taut, vertical axis 116 of the barrier bag 102 such that the slack in the horizontal axis is dragged into the bottle.

[0122] After the inserter 108 is fully inserted into the bottle 1000, air may be pumped into the barrier 102 from outside of the preservation device 100. The center illustration in the bottom row shows a fully inserted preservation device 100 wherein air flow in the area of the bottle neck 1008 is unimpeded by the barrier 102 the right (final) illustrations in the bottom row shows a fully inserted preservation device 100 being withdrawn from bottle 1000 in direction 118A.

[0123] FIG. 8 shows an example method 600 of using the bulb pump 110 with the first example of preservation device 100. The bulb pump 110 can be used to pump air into and remove air from the inert, inelastic barrier 102. The direction of airflow through the bulb pump 110 depends on the orientation of how the bulb pump 110 is inserted into and thus engages the rigid, hollow collar 104.

[0124] The check valve 110D is a pump intake valve and the check valve 110C is an exhaust valve. These valves 110C, 110D and therefore the structures that can help define the orientation of the bulb pump 110, i.e., which side is the pressure side 110A and which side is the suction side 110B. The exhaust end 110A of the pump engages the collar 104 of the preservation device 100. The tapered surfaces on the intake and exhaust nozzles match the taper on the collar 104 thus providing a tight seal.

[0125] The illustration in the middle of the top row of FIG. 8 shows air 1004 in the headspace 1006 is significantly reduced by the fully expanded inert, inelastic barrier 102. After the pump 110 is removed from the collar 104, the barrier 102 remains expanded due to its close contact with the bottle walls. Contact is maintained by surface attraction between the walls and the inert, inelastic material of the barrier 102, as well as the geometry of the preservation device 100.

[0126] Air 1004 in the headspace 1006 can move through the annular opening 114 between the collar 104 and the neck 1008 of the bottle 1000. Air channels in the gathered inert, inelastic barrier 102 in the body to neck transition of the bottle 1000 facilitate the exit of headspace 1006 air 1004 from the bottle 1000.

[0127] in the upper righthand illustration of FIG. 8, the pressure side 110A of the pump can be exposed to the environment and the suction side 110B of the pump is inserted into the hollow rigid collar 104. As a compressive force 110E is applied to the bulb pump 110, air 1004 is sucked at the suction side 110B from the barrier bag 102 and is exhausted from the pressure side 110A to the environment.

[0128] The pump 110 has a squeezable elastic bulb, an air intake, and an air exhaust. The exhaust end 110A of the pump 110 can be used to force air into the preservation device 100 thus expanding the flexible barrier 102 and affecting the displacement of the headspace air from the bottle 1000. The illustrations on the left and middle of the bottom row in FIG. 8 shows that as the bulb pump 110 is released and/or a release force 110F is applied, the bulb pump 110 is allowed to rebound into its original position (e.g., is allowed to decompress back into a fully expanded position. As this occurs, the way one valves 110C, 110D prevent air from being sucked back into the bottle 1000.

[0129] The illustration in the upper righthand illustration of FIG. 8 therefore shows the collapsing the inert, inelastic barrier 102 prior to removal of the preservation device 100 from a bottle. Specifically, air 1004 in the inert, inelastic barrier 102 is removed by the suction side 110B of the pump 110. As air 1004 is pulled out of the inert, inelastic barrier 102 displacing air 1004 enters the headspace 1006 through the annular opening 114 between the collar 104 and the bottle 1000. Alternately the barrier bag 102 can be collapsed by the user sucking the air out of the barrier 102; or simply by grasping the collar 104 and pulling the barrier out of the bottle. In all cases, expelling the air in the barrier causes air to reenter the headspace of the bottle.

[0130] If however the bulb pump 110 is inserted into the bottle 1000 in an opposite orientation, the suction side 110B will become exposed to the environment and the pressure side 110A will engage the hollow, rigid collar 104. In other words, the exhaust side 110A the bulb pump 110 attaches to the collar 104 and the initial process of expanding the barrier bag 102 into the headspace 1006 of the bottle 1000. Using a compressive force 110E on the bulb pump 110E will cause the air 1004 to be sucked into the suction side 110B from the environment and forced through the pressure side 110A into the inert, inelastic 102. In other words, air 1004 from the pump 110A enters through the collar 104 thus expanding the barrier bag 102. As the barrier 102 expands air 1004 escapes from the headspace 1006 of the bottle 1000 via the annular channel 114.

[0131] In some embodiments, the barrier bag 102 can also be expanded by the user by blowing into the collar and/or by any other suitable means of expansion in lieu of using bulb pump 110.

[0132] FIG. 9 illustrates a subsystem 700 for integrating the articulated inserter 108 and the collar 104.

[0133] As shown in the left and middle illustrations in the top row, the subsystem 700 includes a bifurcated articulated inserter 108. The inserter 108 is a substantially rigid (al dente) structure that imparts structure and integrity and shape to the inert, inelastic barrier 102. The inserter 108 and the inert, inelastic barrier 102 work together to give the inert, inelastic barrier 102 an appropriate geometry which significantly reduces or eliminates fluid path occlusion caused by the gathering of inert, inelastic barrier 102 in the neck 1008 of the bottle 1000 during insertion. The inserter arms 108A, 108B are resiliently joined on their proximal end 108C such that there is a restorative force on each arm 108A, 108B that compresses same toward each other. The proximal end 108C of the inserter 108 also has a retention feature 108G, 108H that engages with a corresponding retention feature 124 on the collar 104. The retention features 108G, 108H facilitate the joining of the inserter 108 into the collar 104. Joining of the collar 104 and the inserter 108 may also be accomplished by compression, latching heat staking or other suitable joining means. The distal ends of the arms 108A, 108B have radiused tips 108D, 108E to prevent puncturing of the inert, inelastic material 102.

[0134] The right illustration in the top row and the left illustration of the middle row of FIG. 9 show stand-off features 120 on the collar 104. Tapered surfaces 120 on the proximal end of the collar 104 match the taper on both the intake and exhaust ends 110A, 110B of the pump 110. The tapered surfaces 120 facilitate the air seal between the collar 104 and the pump 110. Deflation vents 122 on the proximal end of the collar 104 assure ease of air escape from the inert, inelastic barrier 102 during insertion or reinsertion of the preservation devices 100, 200 that may have residual air in the inert, inelastic barrier 102/barrier bag 202. The distal end of the collar 104 has an internal retention feature 124 that facilitates connection and hermetic sealing of the barrier bag 102/202.

[0135] During reinsertion, a previously used perseveration device 100 can be placed into a bottle 1000 from which a portion of the liquid 1002 has been removed. Any residual air in the barrier bag 102 of a new or previously used preservation device 100 will be forced out of the barrier bag 102 as the user pushes the preservation device 100 through a neck 1008 of the bottle 1000. The air escape vents 122 in the collar 104 facilitate escape of this air should the users hand or finger occlude the primary opening in the collar 104.

[0136] The tapered standoffs 120 maintain a gap between the collar 104 and the bottle 1000 so that as the inert, inelastic barrier 102 expands, air 1004 from the headspace 1006 can flow unimpeded through the annular opening 114 between the bottle 1000 and the collar 104. An internal retention feature 124 on the inner diameter of the collar 104 provides a means to engage with a corresponding retention features 108G, 108H of the articulated inserter 108.

[0137] The collar 104 may also have non-occluding, tapered or terraced or other alignment features which facilitate the centering of the collar in the bottle neck and reversibly secure the collar in the bottleneck 1008.

[0138] The middle illustration in the middle row and the right illustration in the middle row illustrate a comparison amongst an articulated inserter 108 with partially compressed arms 108A, 108B retained in the collar 104 and the inserter assembly 700 when the arms 108A, 108B are in is relaxed planar geometry, i.e., where the arms 108A, 108B are uncompressed and fully expanded.

[0139] The left illustration on the bottom row illustrates details of an inserter 108 being retained in the collar 104 by the engagement of the respective retention features 124, 108G, 108H on the collar 104 and the inserter 108. The middle illustration of the bottom row shows the collar 104 positioned in the neck 1008 of a bottle 1000. The collar 104 can be formed by molding or other suitable method using polypropylene or other suitable material. The right illustration in the bottom row illustrates that air can follow an air path through the inserter 108 and the collar 104 by passing air through a central aperture through the collar 104 and the inserter 108 that allows air 1004 to enter or exit the barrier bag 102.

[0140] FIG. 10 generally shows dimensional aspects of the barrier bag 102 in a relative manner. A planar barrier bag 102 is illustrated with retention features 126 at the distal corners of the bag 102 prior to sealing the barrier bag 102 to the distal end of the collar 104. The retention features 125 can provide engagement between and the barrier bag 102 and the members of the inserter 108. The function of the retention features 126 may also be provided by tape, adhesive or any other appropriate retention means.

[0141] The inserter 108 inside the barrier bag 102 with the arms 108A, 108B of the inserter 108 engaged with the retention features 126 at the distal corners of the barrier bag 102. When the arms 108A, 108B of the inserter 108 are fully expanded, the barrier bag 102 is substantially planar. The length of the arms 108A, 108B is designated as I and the angle between the arms 108A, 108B is about 60. Because of the restorative force between the arms 108A, 108B and the fact that the length I is substantially the same as the diagonal length D of the barrier bag, the barrier bag 102 is kept substantially taut in both dimensions. The width of the barrier bag 102 is denoted B and the height of the barrier bag 102 is denoted C. Note that Width B is substantially the same as the diameter of the Inserter. Note that I is greater that C, (I>C).

[0142] In the middle illustration in the middle row, the two arms 108A, 108B show two members of the inserter 108 are collapsed to about 15 by an inward force applied by the user during insertion. Note that reduction of the angle between the arms 108A, 108B causes the vertical height C of the barrier bag 102 to increase to C. Slack appears in the barrier bag 102 in the horizontal direction with a corresponding reduction of the width A. For this configuration, the corresponding width B. The barrier bag 102 in this configuration is substantially taut in only the vertical dimension because the angle reduction between the arms 108A, 108B caused width B to increase to B with a corresponding appearance of slack in the horizontal dimension. Note that C>C and A<A, and I>C.

[0143] In the illustrations of the bottom row, the arms 108A, 108B are further collapsed to an angle of about 3.5 from an additional force applied by the user. Further reduction of the angle between the arms 108A, 108B causes the further reduction of width A to become width A. There is also an increase in the barrier bag vertical height from C to C in this configuration. The angle reduction between the arms 108A, 108B causes width B to increase to B with an increase in slack in the horizontal dimension. In this configuration, the barrier bag 102 continues to be taut in only the vertical dimension. Note that C=I and A<A.

[0144] FIG. 11 then depicts several stages of a method 800 for inserting the preservation device 200 into a bottle of wine 1000. For example, the illustration in the center of the top row depicts the initial stage of a user inserting the preservation device 200 into the bottle 1000 along a direction of insertion 218A. As the method 800 proceeds to the illustration on the upper right, completion of the insertion of the preservation device 200 into the bottle 1000 occurs. User(s) are allowed to remove the preservation device 200 from the bottle 1000 along a direction of removal 218B.

[0145] As shown in the illustration on the left in the top row of FIG. 11, the strain relief feature 214 at the end of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 acts to distribute the forces applied to the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 during insertion. During the insertion process, the distal end 216 of the inserter 208 rests on the inside of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 which in turn is supported by the strain relief feature 214. The strain relief 214 is secured at the distal end 216 of the barrier bag 202 by heat sealing or another appropriate means. The strain relief feature 214 functions to distribute the insertion forces applied to the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 by the inserter 208.

[0146] As the method 800 nears the step occurring at the middle illustration of the middle row of FIG. 11, a fully inserted preservation device 200 is ready to allow for the expansion of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202. After the user has removed the inserter 208 form the second preservation device 200, the user can expand the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 with a pump or other similar type of means for expanding the conformable polymer barrier bag 202. The illustration on the right of the middle row therefore depicts the preservation device 200 in the bottle 1000 of wine, wherein the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 has been partially expanded by air 1004 entering from the pump. As the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 expands in the bottle 1000, air 1004 escapes from the headspace 1006 and exits an annular opening between the bottle neck 1006 and the injection molded collar 204. The illustration on the left of the bottom therefore depicts the preservation device 200 in a partially filled bottle 1000 of wine with a fully expanded conformable polymer barrier bag 202.

[0147] For example, during the preservation of an air sensitive liquid, the preservation device 200 is able to maintain position of a hermetically sealed distal end 216 of the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 by way of the strain relief 214, as is illustrated in the illustration in the middle of the bottom row.

[0148] The illustration on the right of the bottom row shows two detailed views of the removable inserter 208 in the injection molded collar 204 with the knob 210 resting in the aperture of the injection molded collar 204. The air-escape vents 222 allow any residual air in the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 to escape the conformable polymer barrier bag 202 past the knob 210 as the preservation device 200 is inserted into a bottle 1000.

[0149] A method 900 of using the third example of a preservation device 900 is shown in FIG. 12. The dispense aperture 324 that allows fluids to pass through the stay in pour cap 314, the air entryway and exhaust 320 allow air to pass through the stay in pour cap 314 into or out of an attached inert, inelastic barrier 302, and a fluid and airtight sealing means 304 allow the pour cap 314 to be reversibly attached to the bottle 1000 and/or other suitable fluidic containers.

[0150] The fluid flow 1010 passing through the pour cap 314 allows free passage of the fluid content of the attached bottle. The air path passes air through the pour cap 314 and around the inserter retention feature and articulated inserter 308 into the barrier bag 302. Because the pour cap 314 and bottle 1000 are an air and fluid tight assembly, when a volume of fluid exits the bottle through the fluid path, it is replaced by and equal volume of air entering the barrier bag 302 through the air inlet.

[0151] The illustration on the left in the upper row of the method 900 depicts a user inserting the preservation device 300 into a bottle 1000 along a direction of insertion 328, and as detailed in the illustrations in the middle and right of the upper row, the stay in pour cap 314 should be oriented at an end of the collar 304 opposite an end where the barrier bag 302, sealing member 306, and articulated inserter 308 attach to said collar 304.

[0152] The illustration on the left in the middle row of the example method 900 depicts the preservation device 300 fully inserted into the bottle 1000. The illustration in the middle of the middle row of the method 900 depicts a bulb pump 310 attached to the air inlet/exit 322 of the preserver pour cap 314. As air 1004 from the exhaust side 310A of the pump enters the inert, inelastic barrier 302, the barrier bag 302 expands. As a result, air 1004 in the headspace 1006 above the fluid is displaced. Displaced air from the headspace 1006 exits the system through dispense aperture 324.

[0153] As can be seen in the middle and right illustrations in the middle row of the method 900, the user continues to add air to the barrier bag 302 until all of the air in the headspace above the fluid has been displaced by the barrier bag 302. It is to be appreciated that if the preservation device is inserted into a full or substantially full bottle with little headspace there is no need for the user to expand the barrier bag 302.

[0154] The left illustration in the bottom row shows the pouring of a consumable fluid 1010 (such as wine) from a bottle 1000 containing the preservation device 300 into a glass 1012. Because the bottle and preservation device create a closed volumetric system, as fluid 1010 exists the system an equal volume of displacing air enters the barrier 302. Pouring incremental fluid 1010 from the bottle 1000 allows the barrier 302 to expand incrementally with each pour.

[0155] The middle illustration on the bottom row depicts a bottle 1000 of wine after pouring out a portion of its contents. The barrier bag 302 fully excludes the headspace air. The right illustration on the bottom row depicts a bottle of wine wherein the entire headspace above the wine has been displaced by the barrier bag 302 of the preservation device 300. The right illustration also depicts an empty bottle 1000 containing the preservation device 300 from which all fluid 1010 has been dispensed. In other words, after repeated pouring of the fluid 1010, the barrier bag 302 expands to substantially displace the entire volume of the bottle 1000.

[0156] When a bottle 1000 is empty, the barrier bag 302 can be collapsed by attaching the intake side 310B of the pumps 310 and removing the contained air 1004. Once the barrier bag 302 is collapsed, the barrier bag 302 can be removed, rinsed, dried and reused.

[0157] FIG. 13 depicts a fourth example of a preservation device, hereinafter referred to as preservation device 400 and an associated method of use 400M. The form and function of the fourth example preservation device 400 is substantially similar to the third example preservation device 300. For example, the fourth preservation device includes an inert, inelastic barrier 402, a collar 404, a sealing member 406, and a stay in pour cap 408 that has a pour aperture 410, an air inlet/outlet 412 to the barrier bag 402, a flat circular surface 414, and bottle seals 416 (e.g., a series of parallelly oriented ridges, a single helical ridge, etc.).

[0158] The fourth example preservation device 400 however does not include an inserter. The stay in pour cap 408 is also shown as a flap cap. The fourth example preservation device 400 is intended to be inserted into an empty bottle either at the time of bottle manufacturing or at the time of fluid dispense into the bottle. The fourth example preservation device 400 is sealed in the bottle and is immediately available for used upon removal of the bottle seal.

[0159] The middle illustration on the top row of the method 400M depicts a detailed view of the pour cap 408. The pour aperture 410 is fluidly connected to the inside of the bottle 1000. The air inlet/outlet 412 allows air to enter the barrier bag 402 as fluid is dispensed from the bottle 1000. The flat pour cap 408 facilitates the capping of the bottle with a crimpable screw-cap closure or other suitable closure. The right illustration of the top row depicts the preservation device 400 being inserted into an empty in a bottle.

[0160] The illustrations of the middle row and the bottom row show a fluid filling nozzle 418 used with the preservation device 400. Specifically, the illustration on the left of the middle row depicts the filling nozzle 418 inserted through the pour aperture 410, the illustration in the middle of the middle row depicts the bottle 1000 during filling, the illustration on the right of the middle row depicts a bottle 1000 containing the preservation device 400 at the completion of filling, the illustration on the left of the bottom row depicts a filled bottle 1000 containing the preservation device 400 before capping, the illustration on the middle of the bottom row depicts a filled bottle containing the preservation device 400 after a cap 408 is applied.

[0161] Similar to the stay in pour cap 314 of the third example preservation device 300, the pour cap 408 of the fourth example preservation device 400 is in many embodiments specifically intended to be an asymmetrical component with respect to each plane that incorporates a central, coaxial of major components within the fourth example preservation device 400.

[0162] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate various types of inserters 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 usable with the first and third example preservation devices 100, 300. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate different approaches to forming inserters where the overall relative vertical height of the inserter increases as the inserter is laterally compressed. In some embodiments, this increase in length can be critical for reducing the gathering of barrier bag 102, 302 in the neck 1008 of a bottle 1000 during insertion through the neck 1008 of the bottle 1000.

[0163] It is worth mentioning again that the bifurcated inserters 108, 308 previously described include a central aperture therethrough that allows air to pass through the heads (tops) of same. In contrast thereto, the inserters 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 usable with the first and third example preservation devices 100, 300 include a set of opposed vents. Specifically:

[0164] FIG. 14 illustrates a one-piece bifurcated inserter 1400 with two arms 1400A-B, a head 1400C, radiused tips 1400D-E, and the two vent channels 1400F in the top 1400C of the inserter 1400. The inserter 1400 can also be retainably inserted at the top 1400C into a distal end of the collar(s) 104, 304 or molded integrally with the collar(s) 104, 304. Air 1004 passes through the collar aperture and vent channels 1400F into, or out of, the barrier bag(s) 102, 302.

[0165] FIG. 15 illustrates a one-piece compound inserter 1500 with two arms 1500A-B, a head 1500C, radiused tips 1500D-E, the two vent channels 1500F in the top 1500C of the inserter 1500, secondary flexible joint(s) 1500G, tertiary flexible joints 1500H, a first inner arm 15001, and a second inner arm 1500J.

[0166] The inserter 1500 provides additional restitution force on the barrier bag 102, 302 after insertion into the bottle 1000. This inserter 1500 can also be retainably inserted into the distal end of the collar 104, 304 or molded with the collar 104, 304.

[0167] FIG. 16 illustrates a one piece looped inserter 1600 with two halves 1600A, 1600B of the loop, the head 1600C, a secondary flexible joint 1600D, a force distributor 1600E, and the two vent channels 1600F in the top 1600C of the inserter 1600. This inserter 1600 is appropriate for use with various barrier seal configurations such as star or gathered. 102, 302. The inserter 1600 can also be retainably inserted into the distal end of the collar 104, 304 or molded with the collar 104, 304.

[0168] FIG. 17 illustrates a one piece looped inserter 1700 with two halves 1700A, 1700B of the loop, the head 1700C, a secondary flexible joint 1700D, a force distributor 1700E, and the two vent channels 1700F in the top 1700C of the inserter 1700. The inserter 1700 includes a distal end suitable for heat sealing the distal end of a barrier bag 102, 302 formed from polymer tubing.

[0169] The various features represented in FIGS. 14-17 describe functions that are not necessarily unique to specific designs shown but may be employed in various combinations to achieve the desired overall functions. The inserters 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 can be comprised of injection molded polypropylene part(s).

[0170] FIG. 18 illustrates the assembly sequence for the bifurcated inserter 108 and a double seal collar 104. Specifically, the bifurcated inserter 108 begins in a lay flat poly bag 102PB; then, an open proximal end of the barrier bag 102 gathered and inserted through the sealing member 106. The sealing member includes an inner sealing surface 106A, a retainer ring 106B, and an outer sealing surface 106C. Then, the gathered end of the inert, inelastic barrier 102 is folded over the outside of the retainer ring 106B and slid over the proximal end of the bifurcated inserter 108. Specifically, the distal end of the double seal collar 104 is slid into the annular space between the proximal end of the bifurcated inserter 108 and the inert, inelastic barrier 102 surfaces on the inside of the retainer ring 106B. Finally, the retainer ring 106B is compressed between the two corresponding sealing surfaces (inner surface 104A and outer surface 104B) of the collar 104.

[0171] FIG. 19 illustrates an assembly sequence for the looped inserter 1600 with a double seal collar 104 assembled into a lay flat poly bag 102PB. The looped inserter 1600, retaining ring 106B, and double seal collar 104 are first coaxially arranged before the looped inserter 1600 is inserted into the collar 104. This assembly can be molded as a single part.

[0172] The proximal end of a lay flat poly barrier bag 102PB is gathered and inserted through the retainer ring 106B. The bag 102PB is then folded over the outside of the retainer ring 106B such that the assembly as a whole is positioned to be slid into the barrier bag 102 through the retainer ring 106B. The distal end of the collar's two sealing surfaces 104A, 104B are compressed at the sealing surfaces 106A, 106C. As a result, the bag 102PB wraps over the retainer ring 106B.

[0173] FIG. 20 illustrates illustrate the assembly sequence for a looped inserter 1700 configured for heat sealing to a blow molded polymer tube 102BT (a proto-barrier bag) with a collar 104 that is also configured for heat sealing to the blow molded polymer tube 102BT.

[0174] A length of polymer tubing appropriate to form the inert, inelastic barrier 102 by closing the proximal and distal ends is shown in the illustration on the left of FIG. 20. The heat sealable looped inserter 1700 can be molded as a single part. The proximal end of the polymer tubing 102BT is heat sealed to the distal end of the collar 104. The distal end of the polymer tubing 102BT is heat sealed to the distal end of the inserter 108 thus forming a closed barrier bag 102.

[0175] FIGS. 21A-D and FIG. 22 show deformable and variable length retention features 132 that are integrally molded into the collar 104 to engage the inner bottle neck 1008 and prevent the collar 104 from exiting the neck 1008 during pouring. These retention features 132 work in conjunction with the standoffs 120 to position the collar 104 optimally relative to the bottle 1000 neck to limit and manage the flow 1010 of fluid 1002 from the container during pouring and allowing the formation of a dynamic fluid seal in the annular space 114 between the collar 104 and the bottle neck 1008.

[0176] When the bottle 1000 is tilted to pour and liquid 1002 begins exiting the bottle 1000 under the influence of gravity the dynamic fluid seal forms in the annular aperture 114. As incremental fluid continues to exit the bottle 1000 negative pressure builds up in the headspace but the seal prevents air flow into the headspace 1006 through the annular space 114. The negative pressure consequently draws air into the barrier 102 through the collar 104 thus expanding the barrier 102 into the dynamically forming headspace 1006.

[0177] It is to be appreciated that the expandable bag(s) described above can be integrated and potentially automated air pressure source.

[0178] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present disclosure accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0179] The following table of reference characters and descriptors are not exhaustive, nor limiting, and include reasonable equivalents. If possible, elements identified by a reference character below and/or those elements which are near ubiquitous within the art can replace or supplement any element identified by another reference character.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 List of Reference Characters 100 preservation device, first example 102 inert, inelastic barrier 102PB flat polymer bag 102BT blow molded polymer tube 104 collar 104A inner sealing surface 104B outer sealing surface 106 sealing member 106A inner sealing surface 106B bag retainer 106C outer sealing surface 108 articulated inserter 108A first bifurcated arm 108B second bifurcated arm 108C head 108D first radiused tip 108E second radiused tip 108F first protrusion 108G second protrusion 110 bulb pump 110A pressure side/exhaust end 110B suction side/intake end 110C exhaust valve 110D intake valve 110E pressure force 110F release force 112 central, longitudinal axis 114 annular opening 116 axis of tension 118A direction of insertion/reinsertion 118B direction of removal 120 tapered standoffs 122 vents 124 internal retention feature 126 retention features at distal corners of bag 128 compressive force 130 angle 132 variable length retention features 200 preservation device, second example 202 conformable polymer barrier bag 204 collar 206 sealing member 208 removable inserter (e.g., bamboo stick) 210 top feature of inserter (e.g. knob) 212 central, longitudinal axis 214 strain relief 216 hermetically sealed end 218A direction of insertion 218B direction of removal 220 tapered standoffs 222 vents 300 preservation device, third example 302 inert, inelastic barrier 304 collar 306 sealing member 308 articulated inserter 310 bulb pump 310A pressure side 310B suction side 312 air needle 314 stay-in pour cap 316 bottle seals (e.g., ridges) 318 circular body with diameter greater than bottle neck 320 air entryway and exhaust 322 barrier inlet/outlet 324 dispense aperture 326 central, longitudinal axis 328 direction of insertion 330 annular opening 332 fluid path for air-sensitive fluid 334 air path 336 hermetic seal between bottle and preserver 338 internal retention feature 400 preservation device, fourth example 400M example method of using fourth example of preservation device 402 inert, inelastic barrier 404 collar 406 sealing member 408 pour cap for reusing/refilling fluidic container 410 pour aperture 412 air inlet to barrier bag 414 flat, circular surface 416 bottle seals (e.g., ridges) 418 fluid filling nozzle 420 bottle enclosure 500 example method of using first example of preservation device 600 example method of using bulb pump with first example of preservation device 700 subsystem incorporating a hollow, rigid collar and an inserter 800 example method of using second example of preservation device 900 example method of using third example of preservation device 1000 fluidic container (e.g. wine bottle) 1002 air-sensitive liquid (e.g. wine) 1004 air 1006 headspace (or lack thereof) 1008 bottle neck 1010 air-sensitive liquid flow 1012 glass 1100 example method of hermetically sealing an articulated inserter to a polymer bag laid flat 1200 example method of hermetically sealing a looped inserter to a polymer bag laid flat 1300 example method of hermetically sealing a looped inserter to a blow molded polymer tube and heat sealing the looped inserter at another end 1400 articulated inserter 1400A first bifurcated arm 1400B second bifurcated arm 1400C head 1400D first radiused tip 1400E second radiused tip 1400F vent channel 1500 articulated inserter 1500A first outer arm 1500B second outer arm 1500C head 1500D first radiused tip 1500E second radiused tip 1500F vent channel 1500G secondary flexible joint 1500H tertiary flexible joint 1500I first inner arm 1500J second inner arm 1600 looped inserter 1600A first half of loop 1600B second half of loop 1600C head 1600D secondary flexible joint 1600E force distributor 1600F vent channel 1700 looped inserter 1700A first half of loop 1700B second half of loop 1700C head 1700D secondary flexible joint 1700E distal bag sealing surface 1700F vent channel

Glossary

[0180] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present disclosure pertain.

[0181] The terms a, an, and the include both singular and plural referents.

[0182] The term or is synonymous with and/or and means any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0183] As used herein, the term exemplary refers to an example, an instance, or an illustration, and does not indicate a most preferred embodiment unless otherwise stated.

[0184] The term about as used herein refer to slight variations in numerical quantities with respect to any quantifiable variable. Inadvertent error can occur, for example, through use of typical measuring techniques or equipment or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components.

[0185] The term substantially refers to a great or significant extent. Substantially can thus refer to a plurality, majority, and/or a supermajority of said quantifiable variable, given proper context.

[0186] The term generally encompasses both about and substantially.

[0187] The term configured describes structure capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term configured can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

[0188] Terms characterizing sequential order, a position, and/or an orientation are not limiting and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0189] The invention is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The scope of the disclosure is further qualified as including any possible modification to any of the aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein which would result in other embodiments, combinations, subcombinations, or the like that would be obvious to those skilled in the art.