WO2018148843A1

WO2018148843A1 - Pressurized beverage system

Info

Publication number: WO2018148843A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/050183
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charn Rai
Original assignee: Ibev Holdings Inc
Current assignee: Ibev Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2017-02-16
Filing date: 2018-02-16
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-16
Also published as: CA2958165A1

Abstract

A carbonation device comprising a normally closed outlet end that is opened upon coupling with a container and cap assembly. The container and cap assembly also comprises a normally closed aperture that prevents the escape of carbon dioxide. In a method, the container and cap assembly is coupled with the conduit and the coupling automatically permits the flow of carbon dioxide from the conduit into the container. Magnetic mixing increases the rate at which the carbon dioxide gas is dissolved into the liquid.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

PRESSURIZED BEVERAGE SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a beverage conditioning apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to a system which automatically allows the flow of pressurized gas into the top of a portable container only when the container is coupled with a pressurized beverage system. A magnetic mixer stirs the liquid to effect dissolution of the pressurized gas above the surface of the liquid into the liquid itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carbonation systems are commercially available to prepare carbonated beverages. Some household carbonation systems are available for use by consumers. In such systems, a beverage container with an open top or neck is provided. The top or neck is screwed, snapped or otherwise brought into engagement with a receiver located on a carbonation machine. A tube extends from the carbonation machine downward such that when a container is engaged onto the receiver, the tube reaches through the top or neck into the body of the container to a depth that would normally be below the surface of the liquid in the container. Carbon dioxide is dispensed within the liquid in the container from a carbon dioxide source associated with the machine. To initiate the dispensing of carbon dioxide, the user presses on a trigger mounted on the machine.

Such systems suffer the disadvantage that when attempting to carbonate liquids that contain dissolved materials such as powder, or sugar or syrup, the high-pressure gas injection and the release of excess gas before removing the container can cause splash-back of the liquid and the eventual clogging of the pressurized gas inlet in the cap receiving unit. If a separate water inlet is also provided, that inlet can also get clogged.

Because of the risk of viscous or sweet liquids clogging the feed tube, systems that involve the immersion of the feed tube into the liquid should not be used for carbonating anything but plain water. For the same reason, flavouring should not be added until after the liquid has been carbonated.

In the prior art systems, once plain water has been carbonated to a desired level, the beverage container is detached from the machine. Doing so exposes the carbonated water in the container to atmospheric air through the open top or neck of the container. That in turn results in the degasification of the carbonated water as the carbon dioxide that was added to the water bubbles out. Even if the beverage container is promptly capped, the initial pressure above the surface of the carbonated liquid will be substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, resulting in further degasification as further carbon dioxide from the liquid bubbles into the air space between the surface of the liquid and the cap.

The prior art offers a partial solution that involves an infuser cap that is removably attached to the portable beverage container and that removably mates with a cap receiving unit on the countertop carbonation device. For instance, Figs. 8 to 11 shows a prior art countertop carbonization device 100 for a take-away beverage container 106.

An infuser cap 104 is removably attachable to container 106 as best appreciated by reference to Figs. 10 and 11. The attachability of cap 104 to container 106 is by pressing down on the cap 104 and rotating slightly, as is known. The prior art infuser cap 104 includes an injector tube 105 that extends downward into the beverage container 106.

As seen in Fig. 8, the infuser cap 104 is brought into mating engagement with the cap receiving unit 102 of the carbonation device 100. Pressurized carbon dioxide gas can flow from the cap receiving unit 102 into the infuser cap 104 by a gas outlet on the cap receiving unit 102, the flow being enabled when the container is in a vertical orientation under the cap receiving unit 102 and a dispensing button (not shown) on the top of the carbonation device 100 is manually pressed by the user.

During operation, a user pivots the prior art container 106 at an angle before sliding the infuser cap 102 out of engagement with the cap receiving unit 102 as best shown in Figs. 9 and 10. When disconnected from the prior art carbonation device 100, the infuser cap 104 remains attached to the takeaway beverage container 106.

Infuser cap valves serve to maintain pressure in the container 106 as it is removed from the carbonation device 100. As a result, the gas outlet and if applicable, water outlet on the carbonation device 100 do not get clogged from the release of pressure from the container 106, which is done after the container 106 and its infuser cap 104 have been removed. However, clogging of the infuser cap 104 may occur.

The latter system has the potential to be used to inject pressurized gas, notably to carbonate, many beverages, including milk, yogurt drinks and others, but also beverages that also require blending. Such beverages include for example chocolate milk made using powder in milk, orange juice from powder, smoothies, etc. The injection of pressurized gas into the beverage can carbonate the beverage and can be spectacular but it fails to effectively blend the beverage.

Additionally, the interior of the prior art infuser cap 104 includes intricate and complex internal components. As a result, the prior art infuser cap 104 is not designed to be opened and disassembled by consumers. Instead, the entire assembled infuser cap 104 is meant to be rinsed under running water after each use. This results in less than adequate cleaning and the buildup of sugars, proteins, and other substances within the infuser cap which can lead to clogging within the infuser cap 104 and to the undesired growth of bacteria, fungi and other unwanted microorganisms.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an alternate carbonation device which prevents the loss of carbonation upon removal of container from the carbonation device.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a carbonation device that automatically introduces carbon dioxide into a container when the container and a cap are coupled to the carbonation device so as to avoid the need to manually trigger the carbonation process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for blending beverages in portable containers that are being carbonated or being injected with other pressurized gases.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an alternate infuser cap system that can easily be disassembled and cleaned to prevent clogging and the growth of unwanted microorganisms within the infuser cap.

These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment which follows. Note that the objects referred to above are statements of what motivated the invention rather than promises. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below or by the invention defined by each of the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention comprises a countertop-sized carbonation system having a carbon dioxide gas dispenser and a portable beverage container with a sealing cap. The dispensing unit includes a feed conduit for dispensing carbon dioxide through an aperture in the container cap. The conduit is normally closed but is automatically opened upon coupling the conduit to the aperture in the cap. The aperture similarly includes a valve that is normally closed, i.e. when the cap is not coupled to the conduit, to preserve the carbonation pressure after the container and cap assembly are uncoupled from the dispenser. The conduit and the coupling arrangement are configured such that the carbon dioxide gas is released in the topmost area of the container, i.e. above where the surface of the liquid would normally be, to avoid clogging the feed conduit. A magnetic mixer and implement is used to stir the liquid within the container so as to cause the carbon dioxide to dissolve into the liquid, assisted by the fact that the sealed cap maintains the pressurization of the carbon dioxide within the container during mixing.

In another aspect of the invention, a carbonation device comprises a source of pressurized carbon dioxide, a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit, and a normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed. The valve is configured to automatically open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when a removable container and cap assembly is coupled with the outlet end of the conduit.

In another aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a poppet valve.

In further aspect of the invention, the normally closed valve is a duckbill valve.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a pivotable lever connected to the conduit. The pivot of the lever from a rest position to an engaged position causes the outlet end of the conduit to couple with a removable container and cap assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a support for supporting a removable container and cap assembly. In a further aspect of the invention, the support is vertically movable for coupling and decoupling a container and cap assembly resting on the support with the outlet end of the conduit.

In a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is an inlet end of a conduit connectable to an external pressurized gas source.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, the source of the pressurized carbon dioxide is a removable gas cylinder.

In another aspect of the invention, a liquid carbonation assembly comprises a carbonation device and a removable container and cap assembly. The carbonation device comprises a source of pressurized carbon dioxide and a conduit for delivering carbon dioxide from the source to an outlet end of the conduit. The conduit does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when a removable container and cap assembly is coupled to the outlet end. The removable container and cap assembly comprises a container for holding liquid, a cap for sealing the top of the container, and a normally closed aperture in the cap for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of the container when the aperture is closed. The carbonation device and the container and cap assembly are configured to allow coupling of the container and cap assembly to the outlet end of the conduit. The conduit and the aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of carbon dioxide from the conduit into the container when the removable container and cap assembly is coupled to the outlet end of the conduit.

In a further aspect of the invention, the removable container and cap assembly further comprises an unattached magnetic mixing implement at the bottom of the container.

In another aspect of the invention, the carbonation device further comprises a first normally closed valve connected to the outlet end of the conduit for inhibiting the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit when the valve is closed.

In another aspect, the invention is a method of introducing carbon dioxide gas into a liquid in a portable beverage container. The method comprises the steps of introducing liquid into the container, providing a cap on the container to form a container and cap assembly, coupling the container and cap assembly to a conduit on a carbonation device, and decoupling the container and cap assembly from the conduit. The cap has a normally closed aperture for the introduction of carbon dioxide gas through the aperture and the conduit has an outlet end that is normally closed. Coupling the container and the cap assembly to the conduit automatically causes the aperture and the outlet end to open and allow carbon dioxide gas to flow from the conduit into the container. The decoupling automatically causes the aperture and the outlet end to close.

In a further aspect, the method further comprises the step of mixing the liquid contained within the container while the cap is installed on the container.

In another aspect of the invention, a magnetic mixer and magnetic stirring implement are used for the step of mixing the liquid contained within the container.

In another aspect of the invention, the aperture contains a first normally- closed valve and the outlet end contains a second normally-closed valve and the coupling causes the first and second normally-closed valves to open.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the carbon dioxide gas from the conduit flows into the air space above the surface of the liquid introduced in the container.

In another aspect of the invention, a countertop pressurized gas dispenser mates with an infuser cap removably attached to a portable beverage bottle to allow the dispensing of the gas into the infuser cap and from the infuser cap into liquid in the bottle. A magnetic stirrer, preferably a removable one, attaches to the bottom of the beverage bottle to drive a magnetic stirring implement that is retained at the bottom of the beverage bottle only by magnetic attraction with the base of the bottle or with the magnetic stirrer itself when the latter is installed on the base. Actuation of the magnetic stirrer causes the magnetic stirring implement to spin and blend the contents of the bottle, while facilitating the absorption of the gas into the liquid. This allows the production of a properly blended, gas-infused or carbonated beverage in a portable bottle using a countertop gas dispensing unit thereby increasing the range of beverages that can be prepared using the gas dispenser.

In another aspect, a removably attachable magnetic stirrer may be used during carbonation or other gas infusion and may also be used portably with the take-away beverage bottle.

In a further aspect of the invention, an infuser cap having a normally closed valve engages with a cap receiving unit having another normally closed valve such that the engagement opens the two normally closed valves to permit the flow of pressurized gas from a gas dispensing device into a bottle connected to the infuser cap.

In a further aspect, an infuser cap valve can be easily disassembled from the infuser cap to allow for cleaning.

In yet a further aspect, the invention comprises an assembly for introducing gas into a beverage. The assembly comprises a device, a cap having a normally closed cap valve that is removably attachable to the device, and a bottle for holding one or more beverage ingredients that is attachable to the cap. The device comprises a source of pressurized gas, a normally closed gas supply valve, and a conduit for delivering pressurized gas from the source to the normally closed gas supply valve. The normally closed gas supply valve and the normally closed cap valve are both automatically opened when the cap is coupled with the device. In another aspect, the normally closed gas supply valve is contained within a cap receiving unit of the device and the cap receiving unit is removable from the device.

In another aspect, the bottle is a convertible bottle comprising an upper bottle portion having a neck and a lower bottle portion having an opening that is wider than the neck.

In another aspect, the lower bottle portion comprises a magnetic stirrer for magnetically mixing the one or more beverage ingredients.

In another aspect, the lower bottle portion comprises a blender for chopping and blending the one or more beverage ingredients.

In another aspect, the lower bottle portion comprises an interior base, an exterior base, an enclosure between the interior base and the exterior base, and a magnetic coupler within the enclosure.

In another aspect, the lower bottle portion comprises a tap for dispensing the beverage.

In further aspect, the invention comprises a method of preparing a beverage using pressurized gas. The method comprising the steps of introducing one or more beverage ingredients into a bottle, securing an infuser cap having a normally closed cap valve to the bottle to create an infuser cap and bottle assembly, and securing the infuser cap to a pressurized gas device having a normally closed gas supply valve. Upon securing the infuser cap to the pressurized gas device, the cap valve and the gas supply valve bear upon one another causing both valves to open and allow pressurized gas to enter the bottle.

In another aspect, the bottle comprises a magnetic stirrer and the method further comprising the steps of introducing a magnetic stirring implement into the bottle with the one or more beverage ingredients and powering the magnetic stirrer. The powering causes the magnetic stirring implement to spin within the bottle to mix the one or more beverage ingredients.

In another aspect, the bottle comprises a blender and the method further comprising the step of powering the blender to chop and blend the one or more beverage ingredients.

In another aspect, the bottle comprises an interior base, an exterior base, an enclosure between the interior base and the exterior base, and a magnetic coupler within the enclosure. The method further comprises the steps of introducing a magnetic stirring implement into the bottle with the one or more beverage ingredients, placing the bottle over a magnetic stirrer, and powering the magnetic stirrer. The powering causes the magnetic coupler to spin within the enclosure and the spinning magnetic coupler causes the magnetic stirring implement to spin within the bottle to mix the one or more beverage ingredients.

In another aspect, the bottle comprises a tap and the method further comprises the step of dispensing the beverage through the tap.

In further aspect, the invention comprises an infuser cap connectable to a bottle and to a device having a pressurized gas supply. The infuser cap comprises a body having a bottle side and a device side, a channel through the body from the bottle side to the device side, and a normally closed valve within the channel. The normally closed valve automatically opens upon coupling the infuser cap with the device having a pressurized gas supply.

In another aspect, the normally closed valve comprises a shaft extending through the channel from a first end on the device side of the body to a second end on the bottle side of the body, a piston attached to the first end of the shaft, a spring around the shaft at the first end and adjacent to the piston, and a plug attached to the second end of the shaft. In another aspect, the normally closed valve further comprises an O-ring around the shaft at the first end and adjacent to the plug.

The foregoing may cover only some of the aspects of the invention. Other aspects of the invention may be appreciated by reference to the following description of at least one preferred mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more examples. The following mode(s) for carrying out the invention is not a definition of the invention itself, but is only an example that embodies the inventive features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

At least one mode for carrying out the invention in terms of one or more examples will be described by reference to the drawings thereof in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with cap wherein the gas conduit is disengaged from the cap.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a carbonation device and beverage container with cap wherein the gas conduit is engaged with the cap.

Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with cap shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig.

1 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the cap in closed positions according to a first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with cap shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig.

2 showing valves in the gas conduit and in the cap in opened positions according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a partial exploded view of the carbonation device and beverage container with cap shown in Fig. 1 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the cap according to a second aspect of the invention. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with cap shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A of Fig. 5 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the cap in closed positions according to the second aspect of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the carbonation device and beverage container with cap shown in Fig. 2 taken along line B-B of Fig. 2 showing valves in the gas conduit and on the cap in opened positions according to the second aspect of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a prior art carbonation device with an infuser cap and a bottle.

Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the prior art carbonation device of Fig. 8 with the infuser cap and bottle tilted.

Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of the prior art carbonation device of Fig. 8 with the infuser cap and bottle removed from the device.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the infuser cap of the prior art carbonation device shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a carbonation device with a cap receiving unit and a bottle with an infuser cap.

Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of the carbonation device of Fig. 12 showing the bottle and infuser cap engaged with the device.

Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view showing the cap receiving unit of the carbonation device and the infuser cap shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing part of the carbonation device, the infuser cap, and part of the bottle shown in Fig. 12 in a disengaged and disassembled state with the cap receiving unit valve and the infuser cap valve in closed positions. Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing part of the carbonation device, the infuser cap, and part of the bottle shown in Fig. 12 in an engaged and assembled state with cap receiving unit valve and the infuser cap valve in opened positions.

Fig. 17 is an exploded, perspective view of a convertible bottle having an upper bottle portion, a lower bottle portion, and a gasket.

Fig. 18 a perspective view of an alternate lower bottle portion having a magnetic stirrer.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate lower bottle portion having a blender.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an alternate lower bottle portion having a magnetic coupler retained within an enclosure at the base of the lower bottle portion.

Fig. 21 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the alternate lower bottle portion shown in Fig. 20 taken along line C-C and showing the magnetic coupler retained at the base.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate lower bottle portion having a tap near the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION IN TERMS OF EXAMPLES

As used herein, the term "conduit" means a channel for conveying gas. For example, the conduit may be an elongated tube.

As used herein, the term "valve" means a device that is movable between an opened position which allows the flow of a gas through it and a closed position which obstructs the flow of a gas through it. Additionally, while the terms "carbonation", "carbonation device", and "carbon dioxide" are used herein, it will be appreciated that the device of the present invention may be used with pressurized gases other than carbon dioxide. For instance, a nitrogen cartridge may be used with the invention for making nitrogen-infused beverages such as cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas (nitro coffee) and beer infused with nitrogen gas (nitro beer).

Carbonation Device with a Feed Conduit Valve

Fig. 1 shows a carbonation device 2 and beverage container and cap assembly 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The carbonation device 2 has a body 4 extending over a container receiving area 9. A support platform 8 for the beverage container may be provided below the receiving area 9. Without the support platform 8, the beverage container may rest directly on a countertop within the receiving area 9.

A source of pressurized carbon dioxide gas is provided for the device 2. In the preferred embodiment, the source is a pressurized carbon dioxide cylinder connectable to an inlet socket on the device.

According to the preferred embodiment, a rigid gas feed conduit 12 extends downwardly from the body 4. Gas from the source is directed to and into the feed conduit 12. Gas feed conduit 12 is dimensioned such that at least its outlet end 13 is couplable to an aperture 5 on the cap 14.

In an alternate embodiment, the gas conduit 12 may extend in an alternate direction from the body 4 of the carbonation device, such as horizontally from the body 4 toward the receiving area 9 at such a height as is designed to couple to a suitable inlet on a beverage container 10 placed in the receiving area 9.

In one embodiment, the gas conduit 12 is movable between two positions. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 1 , the gas conduit is retracted toward the body 4 so as to be disengaged or decoupled from the cap 14. In the second position, as shown in Fig. 2, the gas conduit is extended into the receiving area 9 so as to be engaged or coupled with the cap 14 when the container 10 is suitably positioned within the receiving area 9.

There are various ways in which the gas conduit and cap may be physically coupled or engaged. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, a pivotable lever 16 is used to retract or extend the gas conduit 12 toward the cap 14. The lever 16 is directly or indirectly attached, by gear means or other means, to the gas conduit 12 such that pivoting the lever 16 in the direction 18 causes the gas conduit 12 to lower. In the lowered position, the conduit 12 is seated in an aperture 5 in the cap.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the carbonation device has a stationary gas conduit 12 relative to the body 4. In this embodiment, the support 8 may be raised manually, electrically, or by other means to raise the beverage container 10 and to bring the cap 14 into contact with the gas conduit 12.

In another embodiment, threads are provided on the outer surface of the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. The aperture 5 in the cap 14 has internal threads for engaging the gas conduit 12. In this embodiment, a user connects the container and cap assembly with the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit by threading the outlet end of the gas conduit into the aperture in the cap 14. While the threaded receiving portion is preferably located on the cap 14, it may also be located on the container 10 with mating threads to engage the container.

In all embodiments of the invention, conduit 12 does not allow the flow of carbon dioxide except when the outlet end 13 of conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5. In order to provide for automatic dispensing of carbon dioxide when the conduit 12 is coupled to the aperture 5, a valving arrangement is provided in both the conduit 12 and the aperture 5. Referring to Fig. 3, a normally closed conduit valve 20 is used within the outlet end of conduit 12 and a normally closed cap valve 22 is used within or immediately below the aperture 5. Coupling of the conduit 12 with the aperture 5 causes the valves 20 and 22 to open, thereby allowing the flow of carbon dioxide through the conduit 2 and through the aperture 5. Conduit valve 20 is biased towards a closed position by means of a spring 32 and cap valve 22 is biased towards the closed position by means of spring 54.

Aperture 5 preferably includes a well 21 for receiving the outlet end 13 of conduit 12. The well 21 and the outlet end 13 are dimensioned for a snug fit if the outlet end 13 is inserted into the well 21. One or more O-rings 25 between the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 and inner circumference of the well 21 provide an air-tight seal between the two surfaces. The O-rings 25 may be retained on the outer circumference of the gas conduit 12 as shown in Fig. 3.

Cap valve 22 is preferably at the base of the well 21. Physical engagement or coupling between the gas conduit 12 (or conduit valve 20) and the cap 14 (or cap valve 22) compresses springs 32 and 54 causing both the conduit valve 20 and the cap valve 22 to open. The opening of both valves 20, 22 permits the flow of pressurized carbon dioxide gas out of the gas conduit 12 and into the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 immediately below the cap 14, in the topmost part of the container 10.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the conduit valve 20 is a poppet valve. The conduit valve 20 contains a plug 24, a shaft 26, and a piston 28. The shaft 26 is movable within a channel 30. A spring 32 is provided around the shaft 26 between the channel 30 and the piston 28. The spring 32 is biased such that the plug 24 exerts a force on a seat 34. An O-ring 35 may be attached to the plug 24 to provide a seal between the plug 24 and seat 34. When the plug 24 (or O-ring 35) is tightly compressed against the seat 34, the space 36 within the gas conduit 12 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38 and pressurized carbon dioxide located within the space 36 is prevented from escaping the gas conduit 12.

Referring still to Figs. 3 and 4, the cap valve 22 of the cap 14 is also a poppet valve. The cap valve contains a plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50. The shaft 48 is movable within a channel 52. A spring 54 is provided around the shaft 48 between the channel 52 and the piston 50. Spring 54 is biased such that the plug 46 exerts a force on a seat 56. An O-ring 58 may be attached to the plug 46 to provide a seal between the plug 46 and seat 56. When the plug 46 (or O-ring 58) is tightly compressed against the seat 56, the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10 is not in fluid connection with atmospheric air 38. This prevents air from entering or exiting the internal space 23 of the beverage container 10.

As shown in Fig. 4, the conduit valve 20 and the cap valve 22 are opened when they bear against one another. The piston 50 of the cap valve 22 exerts an upward force on the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 exerts and opposing downward force on the piston 50 of the cap valve 22. This results in the upwards movement of the plug 24, shaft 26, and piston 28 of the conduit valve 20 and the downwards movement of the plug 46, shaft 48, and piston 50 of the cap valve 22 as springs 32, 54 are compressed.

Referring to the opened conduit valve 20 shown in Fig. 4, a gap 40 is created between the plug 24 and the seat 34. The gap 40 allows pressurized carbon dioxide to pass from the space 36 through the channel 30, and around the piston 28. Referring now to the opened cap valve 22, a gap 60 is created between the plug 46 and the seat 56. The gap 60 allows pressurized carbon dioxide flowing from the space 36 and through the opened conduit valve 20 to pass through the channel 52 and into the internal air space 23 of the beverage container. The pressurized carbon dioxide travels along paths 44 through the opened conduit valve 20 and cap valve 22.

The beverage container may have a fill line near the top of the container to indicate the maximum amount of liquid that should be carbonated. The fill line is located at a sufficient depth below the top of the beverage container to provide an internal air space above the surface of the liquid added up to the fill line. Such internal air space is large enough that any carbon dioxide gas supply components (such as valve components) extending into the container and cap assembly will not come into contact with the liquid to be carbonated.

While the conduit valve 20 and cap valve 22 are physically connected and both valves 20, 22 are opened, carbon dioxide gas will automatically pass from the gas conduit 12 and into the beverage container 10 until the pressure within space 36 equals the pressure in internal space 23. Some of the carbon dioxide gas entering internal space 23 will dissolve into the liquid contained in the beverage container. The rate at which the carbon dioxide gas dissolves into the liquid may be enhanced by mixing or stirring the liquid within the beverage container.

In a preferred embodiment, mixing is by magnetic mixing means. An unattached magnetic mixing implement may be placed within a container and rest at the bottom of the container. The mixing implement contains one or more internal magnets and may also have apertures or projections for better mixing. A magnetic mixer may be housed within the support 8 of the carbonation device or may be a separate unit attached directly underneath the base of the beverage container. When the magnetic mixer is powered below the base of the container, the rotating magnetic field it creates projects through the base of the container and causes magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. The spinning of the magnetic mixing implement causes a vortex to form in the liquid. This vortex increases the surface area between the liquid and the carbon dioxide gas, which results in rapid carbonation.

During mixing and the creation of a vortex, liquid rises up the interior sides of the beverage container and may come into contact with the peripheral portion of the underside of the cap. Accordingly, the aperture 5 for receiving pressurized carbon dioxide gas is preferably located at or near the centre of the cap. The centre of the cap does not come into contact with the spinning liquid during mixing and therefore any carbon dioxide feed components located there remain dry and will not become sticky or clogged.

The magnetic mixer may also have logic contained in software stored on a microcontroller located within the magnetic mixer. Such logic may control the mixing speed or mixing duration of the magnetic mixer which may be selected by a user by pressing buttons on the magnetic mixer. Varying mixing speeds and durations will result in varying rates of carbonation according to a user's preference.

Although the embodiment of the conduit valve 20 and cap valve 22 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 are opened by physically bearing upon one another, it will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments a different component of the gas conduit 12 may bear on the cap valve 22 to cause it to open and a different component of the cap 14 may bear on the conduit valve 20 to cause it to open.

After gas has been supplied to the beverage container 10, the container 10 is then removed from the carbonation device 2. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the lever 16 is returned to its resting position and the gas conduit 12 is raised and decoupled or disengaged from the cap 14. This causes both the conduit valve 20 and the cap valve 22 to automatically close. The closure of the conduit valve 20 prevents pressurized gas from existing the gas conduit. The closure of the cap valve prevents pressurized gas now contained in internal space 23 from escaping the beverage container 10 and cap 14 assembly. If the carbon dioxide in the internal space 23 has not reached an equilibrium with the carbon dioxide in the liquid, carbon dioxide gas will continue to gradually dissolve into the liquid.

Figs. 5-7 show an alternate embodiment of the invention which uses duckbill valves. A conduit duckbill valve 70 is attached to the outlet end 13 of the gas conduit 12. Conduit duckbill valve 70 has a connecting end 72 that is roughly the same diameter as the conduit 12 and a flattened end 73 that contains opposing walls 74 and a slit 76. The conduit duckbill valve is directionally orientated at the outlet end 13 of the conduit 12 with the flattened end 74 directed into the conduit 12. In this orientation, the conduit duckbill valve 70 prevents pressurized gas contained within space 36 from exiting the gas conduit 12.

The cap 14 also has a duckbill valve 80 at the location of the cap aperture 5. Connecting end 82 of cap duckbill valve 80 is connected to the underside of the cap 14, that is the side of the cap 14 that faces into the beverage container 10 when the cap 14 is placed over the container 10. The flattened end 83 of cap duckbill valve 80 lies below the cap 14 and projects into the space 23 of the container 10 towards the base of the container. In its resting state without any physical force applied to the cap duckbill valve 80, the walls 84 of the valve are flattened and the slit 86 is squeezed closed to prevent the flow of gas in or out of the container 10 through the aperture 5 of the cap 14.

Similar to the well 21 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the well 90 shown in Fig. 6 also has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the gas conduit 12. O-rings 92 are also preferably provided on the outer circumference of the gas conduit as described above. However, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 5-7, the base of the well contains a rigid structure 94 extending upwards. When the conduit 12 is coupled with the cap 14, rigid structure 94 physically bears on the conduit duckbill valve 70 to cause that valve's walls 74 to separate and the slit 76 to open. The rigid structure 94 is configured to allow pressurized carbon dioxide to flow around or through it from the conduit space 36, through the cap aperture 5, and into the space 96 within the cap duckbill valve 80. For example, the rigid structure may be tubular shaped with one end of the tube opening to space 96 within the cap duckbill valve 80.

As pressurized carbon dioxide enters the space 96 within the cap duckbill valve 80, the pressure causes a force to be exerted on the walls 84 of that valve and slit 86 is opened. This allows the pressurized carbon dioxide to enter into the container.

When the conduit 12 is decoupled or disengaged from the cap 14, the conduit duckbill value 70 automatically closes as the rigid structure 94 no longer bears on the valve 70 to keep it open. The pressure in the space 96 within cap duckbill valve 80 will also return to atmospheric pressure. As this occurs, the pressure within space 23 of the container will be greater than the pressure of space 96 and the cap duckbill valve 80 will automatically close.

Since the carbon dioxide gas is introduced above the level of the liquid contained within the container rather than through an element extending below the surface of the container, flavoured liquids may be carbonated. If drink flavours are provided in solid or liquid form to be mixed with water, the mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic stirring implement and magnetic mixer as described above. Any sugars or other substances contained within flavoured liquids do not come into contact with the gas conduit or valves. This prevents the clogging, stickiness, or choking of the gas delivery structures that may occur in other carbonation devices which contain a carbon dioxide gas feed tube that comes into contact with the liquid being carbonated.

To prepare a carbonated beverage, a user introduces liquid into a beverage container. The beverage container containing the liquid is then sealed with a cap. The user couples the beverage container and cap assembly with a conduit on a carbonation device. The coupling causes a normally closed outlet end of the conduit to open and a normally closed aperture on the beverage container and cap to open. Carbon dioxide then flows from a source of pressurized carbon dioxide, through the conduit, and into the container. After a desired amount of carbon dioxide gas has been added, the user decouples the beverage container and cap from the conduit of the carbonation device. This automatically closes the outlet end of the conduit and the normally closed aperture on the beverage container and cap assembly.

During and/or after the flow of carbon dioxide into the container, the liquid contained within the container is mixed. Mixing is done while the cap is installed on the container to prevent the release of carbonated gas from the carbonated liquid.

The mixing may be done by magnetic mixing means using a magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container. If mixing is done by magnetic mixing means, an unattached magnetic mixing implement is placed into the container before the cap is sealed on top of the container. When the magnetic mixer under the base of the beverage container is powered, a rotating magnetic field extends across the base of the container and causes the magnetic mixing implement at the base of the container to spin. This magnetic coupling generates a vortex within the container and the pressurized carbon dioxide introduced above the surface of the liquid dissolves into the liquid at a more rapid rate than without mixing.

Carbonation Device with an Improved Infuser Cap

Figs. 12 to 16 show an alternate embodiment of the invention, comprising a countertop carbonation device 120, an infuser cap 124, and a bottle 126.

The carbonation device 120 has a cap receiving unit 122 mounted to the underside surface 136 of a bottle receiving area. The carbonation device 120 may also have a support platform 138 underneath the bottle receiving area. A pressurized gas canister 128, such as a carbon dioxide canister in a carbonation application, is housed within the device 120 and is in fluid communication with the cap receiving unit 122 via gas conduit 130. While the cap receiving unit 122 is shown as being attached to the underside surface 136 of the carbonation device, the cap receiving unit 122 may also be selectively detachable and removable from the carbonation device which allows for easier and improved cleaning.

Portable beverage bottle 126 is attachable to an infuser cap 124, preferably by the use of corresponding threads. The bottle 126 or a portion thereof can be exchanged with alternate bottles and bottle components such as those shown in Figs. 17-22 (described further below) and can be used with both the carbonation device 120 and with other carbonation devices. Additionally, soft drink bottles and other bottles that exist in the marketplace may be attachable to the infuser cap 124.

Now referring to Figs. 15 and 16, the cap receiving unit 122 contains a cap receiving unit valve 140. Valve 140 has a shaft 152 that extends through internal channel 144 of the cap receiving unit 122. At one end of shaft 152 is a plug 142 and an O-ring 150. At the opposing end of the shaft 152 is a piston 154 and spring 146.

Infuser cap 124 contains an infuser cap valve 160 having a shaft 172 that extends through internal channel 164 of the infuser cap 124. One end of shaft 172 has a plug 162 and an O-ring 170 and the opposing end of the shaft 172 has a piston 174 and spring 166.

In a preferred embodiment, bottle 126 is screwed into the infuser cap 124 by means of threads 180 on the bottle neck and corresponding threads 182 on the infuser cap. Bottle 126 and infuser cap 124 may then be raised upwards into the cap receiving unit 122 of the carbonation device 120. Bayonet pins 132 may be placed around the exterior surface of the infuser cap 124. As the infuser cap 124 and bottle 126 are raised upwards into the cap receiving unit 122, the bayonet pins 132 enter into L-shaped slots 134 contained on the interior wall of the cap receiving unit 122. A slight rotation of the bottle 126 and infuser cap 124 then results in the bayonet pins 132 moving into locked position within the L-shaped slots 134. As the infuser cap 124 and bottle 126 are coupled with the cap receiving unit 122, valves 140 and 160 automatically open and result in the flow of pressurized air from the carbonation device 120 into the bottle 126. A user does not need to trigger a gas supply button to supply pressurized gas to the bottle as in prior art systems.

In the uncoupled state as shown in Fig. 15, springs 146 and 166 are extended and valves 140 and 160 are closed. O-ring 150 of the cap receiving unit valve 140 is forced tightly against surface 148 and obstructs channel 144 such that air cannot flow out of conduit 130. Similarly, O-ring 170 of the infuser cap valve 160 is forced tightly against surface 68 and obstructs channel 164 such that air cannot escape an attached bottle 126.

In the coupled state as shown in Fig. 16, pistons 154 and 174 bear upon one another resulting in the compression of springs 146 and 166 respectively. As O-rings 150 and 170 sit within a groove on shafts 152 and 172 near plugs 142 and 162, the O-rings 150 and 170 move away from surfaces 148 and 168 respectively during the compression of springs 146 and 166. Channels 144 and 164 are then no longer obstructed and pressurized air is permitted to flow from the carbonation device's gas conduit, through the two valves 140 and 160, and into bottle 126.

While a bayonet coupling system is shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that other coupling systems are possible. Alternately the infuser cap and bottle assembly may be lifted up into the cap receiving unit and held there by a user while carbonation occurs. The pistons 154 and 174 may have one or more extended arms 156 and 176 that extend towards interior surfaces 158 and 178 respectively. The full compression of springs 146 and 166 could problematically restrict or block the air flowing from the carbonation device into the bottle 126. Extended arms 156 and 176 provide a solution and will eventually touch interior surfaces 158 and 178 and prevent such full compression of springs 146 and 166 respectively.

As the infuser cap 124 and cap receiving unit 122 have minimal internal components, they are both easy for a user to disassemble and clean. Referring again to Fig. 15, the infuser cap valve 160 is disassembled by stretching O-ring 170 over the plug 162. A user may then pull piston 174 away from the plug end of the valve. Such pulling draws the shaft 172 and plug 162 through channel 164. Spring 166 may also be removed from the shaft 172. This results in four easy to clean pieces, namely the valve-less infuser cap 24, the spring 166, the O-ring 170, and the piston-shaft-plug 174- 172-162. It will be appreciated that valve 140 of cap receiving unit 122 may be as easily disassembled and cleaned after the cap receiving unit 122 is removed from the carbonation device 120.

In additional to infuser cap valve 160, the infuser cap 124 may have a second valve. Such a second valve could be manually pushed by a user while the infuser cap is still engaged with the cap receiving unit 122 of the carbonation device. The second valve is used to remove some of the atmospheric air that is trapped within the bottle 126 when the infuser cap 124 is sealed on it. This trapped atmospheric air above the liquid within the bottle is commonly referred to as headspace air.

In a method, a user adds beverage ingredients to the bottle 126, seals bottle 126 with the infuser cap 124, and then inserts the infuser cap 124 and bottle 126 assembly into the cap receiving unit 122 of the carbonation device 120. Pressurized gas, such as carbon dioxide, then automatically enters the bottle 126 and mixes with the headspace air above the liquid. After air within the bottle is pressurized to a certain level, the user could then manually trigger the second valve and release some of the pressurized air within the bottle 126 (which would be a mixture of the pressurized air from the carbonation device and the original headspace air). During that process, the carbonation device 120 would continue to supply pressurized gas into the bottle 126. This process results in the headspace air being closer in composition to the source of the pressurized gas.

It is also contemplated that the infuser cap 124 and bottle 126 could be used with a smaller, portable carbonation device for camping, hiking, or other activities away from the home. In one embodiment, the smaller, portable carbonation device includes a cap receiving unit 122 in fluid connection with a gas conduit retained in a body that can easily fit within a backpack. The body is adapted to receive a pressurized gas cartridge which could be smaller than the cartridges used in the countertop carbonation device 120. Similar to the countertop carbonation device, the pressurized gas cartridge of the portable carbonation device automatically supplies gas into the bottle through the gas conduit, the cap receiving unit valve, and the infuser cap valve when the infuser valve is engaged with the cap receiving unit.

Convertible Bottle Fig. 17 shows a convertible bottle 200 having an upper bottle portion 202, a lower bottle portion 204, and a gasket 206. The upper bottle portion 202 has threads 210 at the neck for screwing the upper bottle portion 202 to the infuser cap 124 having corresponding threads 182 (shown in Fig. 15). The upper bottle portion 202 also has threads 203 at the opposite, wider end for screwing the upper bottle portion 202 to the lower bottle portion 204 having corresponding threads 208.

The gasket 206 is preferably made of rubber, silicone or a similar material. The gasket 206 is placed between the lower bottle portion 204 and the upper bottle portion 202 to create an airtight seal between the two components such that pressured gas cannot escape out of the assembled convertible bottle 200. It will be appreciated that if the connection between the lower bottle portion 204 and upper bottle portion 202 (whether by threads or otherwise) is sufficiently tight, the use of a gasket 206 to create an airtight seal may not be required.

The interior wall of the lower bottle portion 202 may also have one or more ribs that extend vertically when the lower bottle portion is upright. During mixing, such as magnetic mixing if a magnetic mixer is placed under the base of the lower bottle portion, the ribs cause the substances being mixed to have a vortex with a rougher surface and a greater surface area in comparison to the vortex generated in a bottle having a smooth interior wall without such ribs. The interior ribs therefore can result in a more rapid carbonation.

The convertible bottle 200 may be a single-walled bottle, or it may usefully be a double-walled bottle to help maintain the temperature of the beverage. For example, carbonation is more effective at lower temperatures. The bottle and the cap may be of any food-grade and food-safe material.

One advantage of the convertible bottle 200 is that a user can choose whether to consume a mixed beverage from the narrow neck opening of the upper bottle portion 202 or from the wider opening of the lower bottle portion 204 by simply unscrewing the upper bottle portion 202. A second advantage is that the wider opening of the lower bottle portion 204 allows a user to easily add substances (such as eggs or powdered protein formulas) into the bottle without the use of a funnel or other device that may be required for the non- convertible bottles of the prior art having only a narrow opening.

Convertible Bottle with a Magnetic Stirrer

One alternate lower bottle portion 220 shown in Fig. 18 has a magnetic stirrer 224 underneath the base 222. The magnetic stirrer may be selectively detachable from the bottle and may be powered by pressing a push button 226.

A magnetic stirring implement 230 is retained on the base 222 of the beverage bottle only by magnetic attraction, either by means of a magnet that may be embedded in the base of the bottle, or by the proximity of the magnetic stirrer 224. The magnet stirring implement 230 may therefore be retained in the bottle as the liquid contents are poured out. Alternately, the magnetic stirring implement 230 may be removed by withdrawing it or by removing the magnetic stirrer 224 and allowing the magnetic stirring implement 230 to fall out of the bottle upon tilting.

The mixing using the magnetic stirring implement 230 can be powered while the infuser cap and bottle assembly is engaged with the cap receiving unit 122 or after the infuser cap and bottle assembly is removed from it. The result is a well-blended, gas-infused or carbonated beverage. This embodiment of the invention effectively extends the range of beverages that can be usefully carbonated by countertop units.

In a method of preparing a mixed beverage, a user places a magnetic stirring implement 230 into the lower bottle portion 220 with the beverage ingredients to be mixed. A gasket 206 is then placed over the threads 228 of the lower bottle portion 220 and an upper bottle portion 202 having corresponding threads 203 is securely screwed onto the lower bottle portion 220. Alternately, the gasket 206 may be placed within the end of the upper bottle portion 202 opposite the neck prior to securing the upper bottle portion 202 to the lower bottle portion 204.

The assembled convertible bottle with a magnetic stirrer 224 is then securely screwed into an infuser cap 124. The bottle and infuser cap 124 are then inserted into the cap receiving unit 122 of the carbonation device 120 and the magnetic stirrer 224 can be powered to mix the beverage ingredients while the pressurized gas enters the bottle from the carbonation device 120. The magnetic stirring implement 230, such as a magnetic stir bar, within the bottle rotates as a result of the powered magnetic stirrer 224. This powering of the magnetic stirrer 224 and rotation of implement 230 mixes the substance(s) within the bottle and reduces the time and amount of gas required to carbonate the substance(s). The resulting mixed and carbonated beverage may be consumed either through the narrow neck opening of the upper bottle portion 202 or the wider opening of the lower bottle portion 220 according to the user's preference.

Convertible Bottle with a Blender

Another alternate lower bottle portion 240 shown in Fig. 19 has a blender 244 underneath the base 242. Like the magnetic stirrer 224, the bender 224 may also be selectively detachable from the bottle and may be powered by pressing a push button 246. Threads 248 may be used to screw the lower bottle portion 240 to corresponding threads 203 on the upper bottle portion 202.

Blades 250 extend upwards above the base 242 of the lower bottle portion 240. When the blender 244 is powered, the blades 250 rotate to chop ice, lemon peels, fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients for various types of beverages including smoothies and alcoholic cocktails. This chopping can be done before, after, and/or during carbonation when the lower bottle portion 240 is assembled with the upper bottle portion 202 and the infuser cap 124 and when the infuser cap 124 and the bottle assembly is attached to carbonation device 120.

It will be appreciated that the blender 244 and magnetic stirrer 224 may be powered by internal batteries, a USB connection, or other means.

Convertible Bottle with a Magnetic Coupler

A further alternate lower bottle portion 260 shown in Figs. 20 and 21 includes a magnetic coupler 270 retained within a space between interior base 262 and exterior base 264. Threads 268 may be used to screw the lower bottle portion to corresponding threads 203 on the upper bottle portion 202.

In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic coupler 270 has a disc 274 held within a plus-shaped retaining element 272. The disc 274 contains one or more internal magnets and rotates within the retainer element 272 on bearings 276. It will be appreciated that other shapes and configurations of the magnetic coupler 270 are possible.

In operation, a magnetic stirrer is placed underneath exterior base 264 and a magnetic stirring implement, such as implement 230 shown in Fig. 18, is dropped into the lower bottle portion 260. The magnetic stirrer may be a stand-alone magnetic stirrer, a magnetic stirrer that is attachable to the lower bottle portion 260 beneath the exterior base 264, or a magnetic stirrer unit within support platform 138 of the carbonation device 120 shown in Fig. 12. In any case, the powering of the magnetic stirrer causes the disc 274 of the magnetic coupler 270 to rotate within the retaining element 272. This causes the magnetic stirring implement 230 resting on the interior base 262 inside the bottle to spin and results in the mixture of the bottle's contents.

Ideally the interior base 262 is flat. However, when bottles are pressurized, a force is exerted on the interior base 262. If the interior base 262 is too thin, the introduction of pressurized gas can result in the bowing or distortion of the interior base 262.

The magnetic coupler 270, including the plus-shaped retaining element 272, may be made from a variety of materials include strong plastics, sheet metal, and stainless steel. If the interior base 262 and exterior base 264 are in close proximity to the retaining element 272, the retaining element 272 can provide additional strength to the bottom of the bottle. The interior base 262 can therefore be flat and thinner with such as arrangement of the retaining element 272 which acts as a truss compared to an arrangement with without the retaining element 272 and compared to an arrangement with greater spaces between the retaining element and the interior base 262 and exterior base 264.

Convertible Bottle with a Tap

A further alternate lower bottle portion 280 shown in Fig. 22 has a tap 284 near the bottom and threads 288 for attaching the lower bottle portion to upper bottle portion 202.

Tap 284 is used for dispensing the carbonated (or other gas infused) liquid and may be of a variety of designs known in the art.

In a method, beverage ingredients are introduced into the lower bottle portion 280 and an upper bottle portion 202 is secured to the lower bottle portion 280. An infuser cap 124 is then screwed onto the bottle and the infuser cap and bottle assembly is coupled to the cap receiving unit 122 of the carbonation device 120. Once carbonation is complete, the infuser cap and bottle assembly may be removed from the carbonation device 120 and the contents will remain under pressure since the infuser cap valve 160 will return to a closed position.

A user can then place a cup underneath the tap 284 and dispense as much of the carbonated contents as desired out of the infuser cap and bottle assembly. During this step, there is no substantial loss of pressure as the infuser cap 124 remains sealed over the bottle. A user may then place the infuser cap 124 and bottle assembly with the remaining contents onto a counter, into a refrigerator, or elsewhere to store for later consumption without loss of the pressurised gas. After the contents are dispensed one or more times, the user may place the infuser cap and bottle assembly back on the carbonation device to add further pressurized gas. The added pressure results in a better flow of the liquid out of the tap 284.

While the lower bottle portions 204, 220, 240, 260, and 280 shown in Figs. 17 to 22 may be combined with upper bottle portion 202 to form a convertible bottle, it will be appreciated that non-convertible bottles that do no separate into upper and lower portions may also be used with the present invention. Such non-convertible bottles may have a magnetic mixer 224, a blender 244 and blade 250, a magnetic stirring implement 270, or a tap 284 as discussed above.

Beer Kegs and Growlers

It will be appreciated that the combination of carbonation and magnetic mixing may have other applications. For instance, in the beer industry, a beer keg or beer growler connectable to a carbon dioxide source such as a carbon dioxide cylinder may be adapted to utilize magnetic mixing. The beer keg or growler may be made of stainless steel as is known in the prior art. However, the base of the keg or growler may be adapted to receive or house a magnetic stirrer. A magnetic stirring implement, such as a magnetic stir bar, may be placed within the beer keg or beer growler to magnetically couple with the magnetic stirrer. When the magnetic stirrer is powered, the magnetic stirring implement spins and results in the rapid carbonation of the beer within the keg or growler.

In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that the magnetic stirrer may be mounted to the top of the keg or growler. In such an embodiment, a rod attached to stirring implement may extend from the top of the keg or growler downwards into the cavity of the keg or growler. When the magnetic stirrer is powered, magnetic coupling causes the rod and stirring implement to spin and mix the contents of the keg or growler.

In the foregoing description, exemplary modes for carrying out the invention in terms of examples have been described. However, the scope of the claims should not be limited by those examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

A device for introducing pressurized gas into a beverage comprising: a source of pressurized gas; a conduit for delivering pressurized gas from said source to an outlet end of said conduit; a normally closed valve between said source of pressurized gas and said outlet end of said conduit for inhibiting the flow of pressurized gas through said conduit when said valve is closed; said valve being configured to open to allow the flow of pressurized gas through said conduit when a removable container and lid assembly is coupled with said outlet end of said conduit.

The device of claim 1 , wherein said normally closed valve is a poppet valve.

The device of claim 1 , wherein the normally closed valve is a duckbill valve.

The device of claim 1 , further comprising a pivotable lever connected to said conduit wherein the pivot of the lever from a rest positon to an engaged position causes the outlet end of said conduit to couple with a removable container and cap assembly.

The device of claim 1 , further comprising a support for supporting a removable container and cap assembly.

The device of claim 5, wherein said support is vertically movable for coupling and decoupling a container and cap assembly resting on said support with said outlet end of said conduit.

The device of claim 1 , wherein said source of pressurized gas is an inlet end of a conduit connectable to an external pressurized gas source.

The device of claim 1 , wherein said source of pressurized gas is a removable gas cylinder.

A assembly for introducing pressurized gas to a liquid comprising: a device comprising: a source of pressurized gas; a conduit for delivering pressurized gas from said source to an outlet end of said conduit; said conduit not allowing the flow of pressurized gas except when a removable container and cap assembly is coupled to said outlet end; removable container and cap assembly comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a cap for sealing the top of said container; a normally closed aperture in said cap for inhibiting the flow of gas in or out of said container when said aperture is closed; said device and said container and cap assembly being configured to allow coupling of said container and cap assembly to said outlet end of said conduit; wherein said conduit and said aperture are configured to open to allow the flow of pressurized gas from said conduit into said container when said removable container and cap assembly is coupled to said outlet end of said conduit.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the removable container and cap assembly further comprises an unattached magnetic mixing implement at the bottom of said container.

11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said device further comprises a first normally closed valve connected to said outlet end of said conduit for inhibiting the flow of pressurized gas through said conduit when said valve is closed.

12. A method of introducing pressurized gas into a liquid in a portable beverage container comprising the steps of: introducing liquid into said container; providing a cap on said container to form a container and cap assembly, said cap having a normally closed aperture for the introduction of pressurized gas through said aperture; coupling said container and cap assembly to a conduit on a device, said conduit having an outlet end that is normally closed; wherein said coupling automatically causes said aperture and said outlet end to open and allow pressurized gas to flow from the conduit into said container; and decoupling said container and cap assembly from said conduit, said decoupling automatically causing said aperture and said outlet end to close.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of mixing said liquid contained within said container while said cap is installed on said container.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein a magnetic mixer and magnetic stirring implement are used for said step of mixing said liquid contained within said container.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said aperture contains a first normally- closed valve and said outlet end contains a second normally-closed valve and said coupling causes said first and second normally-closed valves to open.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein said pressurized gas from said conduit flows into an air space above the surface of said liquid introduced in said container.

An assembly for introducing gas into a beverage, said assembly comprising: a device comprising: a source of pressurized gas; a normally closed gas supply valve; and a conduit for delivering pressurized gas from said source to said normally closed gas supply valve; a cap having a normally closed cap valve, said cap being removably attachable to said device; and a bottle for holding one or more beverage ingredients, said bottle being removably attachable to said cap; wherein said normally closed gas supply valve and said normally closed cap valve are both automatically opened when said cap is coupled with said device.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said normally closed gas supply valve is contained within a cap receiving unit of said device and wherein said cap receiving unit is removable from said device.

19. The assembly of claim 17 wherein said bottle is a convertible bottle comprising an upper bottle portion having a neck and a lower bottle portion having an opening that is wider than said neck.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said lower bottle portion comprises a magnetic stirrer for magnetically mixing said one or more beverage ingredients.

21. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said lower bottle portion comprises a blender for chopping and blending said one or more beverage ingredients.

22. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said lower bottle portion comprises: an interior base; an exterior base; an enclosure between said interior base and said exterior base; and a magnetic coupler within said enclosure.

23. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said lower bottle portion comprises a tap for dispensing said beverage.

24. A method of preparing a beverage using pressurized gas, said method comprising the steps of: introducing one or more beverage ingredients into a bottle; securing an infuser cap to said bottle to create an infuser cap and bottle assembly, said infuser cap having a normally closed cap valve; and securing said infuser cap to a pressurized gas device, said pressurized gas device having a normally closed gas supply valve; wherein upon securing said infuser cap to said pressurized gas device, said cap valve and said gas supply valve bear upon one another causing both of said valves to open and allow pressurized gas to enter said bottle.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said bottle comprises a magnetic stirrer and said method further comprising the steps of: introducing a magnetic stirring implement into said bottle with said one or more beverage ingredients; and powering said magnetic stirrer, said powering causing said magnetic stirring implement to spin within said bottle to mix said one or more beverage ingredients.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein said bottle comprises a blender and said method further comprising the step of powering said blender to chop and blend said one or more beverage ingredients.

27. The method of claim 24 wherein said bottle comprises: an interior base; an exterior base; an enclosure between said interior base and said exterior base; and a magnetic coupler within said enclosure; and wherein said method further comprises the steps of: introducing a magnetic stirring implement into said bottle with said one or more beverage ingredients; placing said bottle over a magnetic stirrer; and powering said magnetic stirrer, said powering causing said magnetic coupler to spin within said enclosure, said spinning magnetic coupler causing said magnetic stirring implement to spin within said bottle to mix said one or more beverage ingredients.

28. The method of claim 24 wherein said bottle comprises a tap and wherein said method further comprises the step of dispensing said beverage through said tap.

29. An infuser cap connectable to a bottle and to a device having a pressurized gas supply, said infuser cap comprising: a body having a bottle side and a device side; a channel through said body from said bottle side to said device side; a normally closed valve within said channel, said normally closed valve automatically opening upon coupling said infuser cap with said device having a pressurized gas supply.

The infuser cap of claim 29 wherein said normally closed valve comprises: a shaft extending through said channel, said shaft extending from a first end on said device side of said body to a second end on said bottle side of said body; a piston attached to said first end of said shaft; a spring around said shaft at said first end and adjacent to said piston; and a plug attached to said second end of said shaft.

31. The infuser cap of claim 30 wherein said normally closed valve further comprises an O-ring around said shaft at said first end and adjacent to said plug.