Pouring apparatus for carbonated beverages in bottles

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus which, when inserted into the neck of a bottle, facilitates the dispensing of carbonated beverages such as soda, beer and sparkling wines. The invention does so in a manner that prevents spillage of a carbonated beverage, while retaining the gas that gives the beverage its “fizz” within the bottle into which the beverage was originally placed. The cap valve, which creates a water tap inside the bottleneck maintains a secure seal that prevents material from escaping, even if the contents are under pressure. The cap functions like a faucet that opens or closes upon rotation. In the open state it regulates outflow and has structural safeguards to prevent accidental removal from the bottleneck. To put a secure seal on the bottle, the cap presses against the double neck outlet with its valve that has a gasket. Between the end of the moving part that directs the flow in the double neck and the inside of the cap exists a locking space, which enables the valve to securely cover the double neck outlet upon application of pressure by the cap on the bottle, thus impeding outflow. When the cap is unscrewed from the bottle, the valve frees the double neck outlet, creating a passageway that enables outflow of the container's contents. If the bottle contains carbonated liquids, the best method for pouring involves holding the container in such a way that its bottom is higher than the cap and the liquid covers the valve. Because liquid is heavier than gas, only liquid will flow through the cap's open valve. The rest of the gas will remain in the container. This will markedly improve the quality of carbonated soft drinks or similar products. There are added optional features to enable a user to drink directly from the bottle by utilizing: (1) a cone like cup or (2) a tube and nipple configuration.

Description

This application claims the benefit of earlier files, Provisional Application US60/750,513, dated Dec. 15, 2005

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an apparatus which, when inserted into the neck of a bottle, facilitates the dispensing of carbonated beverages such as soda, beer and sparkling wines. The invention does so in a manner that prevents spillage of a carbonated beverage, while retaining the gas that gives the beverage its “fizz” within the bottle into which the beverage was originally placed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carbonated beverages are extremely popular. Soda retains its popularity among the products with the largest sales nationally. Beer and sparkling wines have been consumed for centuries, but the entire bottle must be consumed immediately upon opening, or the special “bubbly” character of the beverage is lost. One feature common to all carbonated beverages is the presence of a gas, typically carbon dioxide, imparted into the beverage as part of the manufacturing process. This pressurized gas contributes to the texture of carbonated beverages, which is one of the most desirable and unique features of such beverages. This gas pressure can also cause the beverage to be rapidly ejected from the bottle in which it had been contained, causing a mess. This situation can occur especially if beer or sparkling wine is not handled properly. With any carbonated beverage, the pressurized gas begins to escape into the atmosphere as soon as the bottle is opened, beginning the process of the beverage going “flat” and losing the special character of carbonated beverages.

It is, therefore, the primary objective of the present invention to allow the pouring of carbonated beverages without spillage of the beverage and without rapid ejection of the beverage from the bottle in which it had been stored. It is a further objective of the invention to retain as much of the pressurized gas as possible within the bottle containing the beverage in question, so that the consumer of the beverage can drink all of the beverage in the bottle over several occasions, rather than all at once, without losing the pleasure of the experience delivered by the texture of the beverage while carbonation is present.

It is a still further objective of the invention to allow retrofitting of the apparatus described into an existing beverage bottle, without requiring modification of the bottle. In this embodiment of the invention, which will be described, a consumer will be able to place the invention into the neck of a bottle containing a carbonated beverage immediately after opening the bottle and enjoy the benefits that the invention will deliver. The apparatus may be used until the entire contents of a bottle has been consumed, and then reused on other beverage bottles. An alternative embodiment of the invention comprises a bottle that is specifically modified to contain structural features associated with the invention. These features can be imparted into plastic bottles during the injection molding process, or later, at low cost. Bottles made from other materials, including glass, are also suitable for the practice of the invention. It is, then, an objective of that particular embodiment of the invention to produce the benefits of the invention at low cost.

The utility of this invention need not be limited in its use to bottles containing beverages. It can also be used for hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning fluids. It is, therefore, a yet further objective of the invention to provide a spill-proof apparatus for containing a hazardous liquid inside a bottle until time of use, and then allowing a person to dispense only the amount of such chemical that is needed at a particular time.

The invention described here is different from the prior art, both functionally and with respect to simplicity of construction. Other means for bottle closure known in the art (e.g. Ladina, U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,515 (2002)) are useful for preventing spraying of non-carbonated beverages, but are not as useful for keeping the pressurized gas within a beverage bottle, specifically a soda bottle. Many of the known inventions in this field (e.g. Ladina 515 and Stonebend, et. al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,329 (2000)) are far more complex mechanically than the present invention. The mechanical simplicity of the present invention improves function and reliability, which saves on manufacturing costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the principle of a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder is placed inside a bottle containing a carbonated beverage, such as soda, beer or sparkling wine. Alternatively, the structural features of the “cylinder” can be imparted onto the bottle during the manufacturing process, with the same functional result. The cylinder forms a double neck for the bottle and remains fixed in position. An opening in the bottom of the cylinder allows the beverage (and the pressurized gas dissolved within the beverage) to pass into the chamber of the cylinder and toward the mouth of the bottle, when the beverage is consumed or dispensed. A gasket placed around the outer circumference of the cylinder places it firmly within the neck of the bottle and prevents passage of beverage or pressurized gas around the outside of the cylinder.

The piston fits snugly inside the cylinder for most of its length, and a gasket placed around the outer circumference of the piston assures a tight fit inside the inner circumference of the cylinder. Within the piston is a T-shaped tubular path (in the preferred embodiment) with a vertical component running concentrically with the piston for most of its length. A horizontal component of the tubular path is located near the bottom of the cylinder, with openings diametrically oriented on the wall of the piston. The piston is narrower at its tip, where the openings are located, than along the rest of its length. This allows the beverage and gas to enter the T-shaped tubular path in the piston, prior to being poured from the bottle.

In the practice of the invention, the piston is attached to a bottle cap with a hole in its top surface, through which the beverage can be poured. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a traditional bottle cap with threads along its inside wall engages outside threads on the neck of the bottle. In the practice of the invention, the consumer of the beverage unscrews the cap on the bottle to raise the piston sufficiently to form a chamber on the inside of the cylinder, into which the beverage then flows. This action also opens a passageway through the T-shaped tube in the piston, through which the beverage flows on its way out of the bottle. The consumer can either hold the bottle upside down to pour the beverage into a glass, or can similarly hold the bottle to pour the beverage directly into his or her mouth. Screwing the cap in the tightening direction immediately after pouring the beverage into a glass or taking a sip of the beverage keeps the pressurized gas inside the bottle with the remaining liquid, thereby preserving the “bubbly” texture of the beverage for later, when the consumer wishes to take another drink.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a bottle is manufactured with a narrow opening in the neck, to simulate the structure of the cylinder described here. The cap and piston would form a single unit and operate in the same manner as in the embodiment that includes a cylinder manufactured for insertion into the neck of the bottle that contains the beverage to be consumed.

There are also a number of alternate embodiments of the invention, as well as alternate features of the invention, that will affect the practice of the invention. These embodiments will be described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a view of the major cap component of the invention, in front elevation views.

FIG. 1b shows a view of the major cap and piston components of the invention, in vertical cross-section.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cylinder component of the invention, along the diameter thereof.

FIG. 3a shows an elevation view of the piston component of the invention.

FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of the piston component of the invention, along a specific diameter thereof.

FIG. 4 shows the three components shown in FIG. 1 in the “closed” position. The bottle is positioned right-side-up for storage of the beverage contained inside.

FIG. 5 shows the three components shown in FIG. 1 in the “open” position. The bottle is positioned upside-down for dispensing of the beverage contained inside.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, for retrofitting into a bottle after the bottle has been opened. This is a partial cross-section view, with the screw threads of the piston not shown in cross-section. In this view, the cap assembly is in “closed” position. This apparatus can also be used when the bottle is filled and sealed for the first time commercially.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, with the piston depicted in cross-sectional view.

FIG. 8 shows the H-shaped cross-section of the end member of the piston assembly, which prevents rotation of the piston during opening or closing operation within the lower square (rectangular) opening of the cylinder. The openings at the ends of the H-shaped piston are the passages though which the beverage could flow.

FIG. 9 shows a view of the components of the piston assembly as seen from a plane located in the middle of the bottle (direction A).

FIG. 10 shows the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, except when the bottle is open.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, with the addition of a tube and nozzle to produce a siphon effect. In this view, the assembly is “closed” to prevent the liquid from leaving the bottle.

FIG. 12 shows a similar view to that shown in FIG. 11, except that the assembly is “open” to allow liquid to leave the bottle.

FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of detail of the plug for the siphon cap shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIGS. 14a, 14b and 14c show the engagement of the plug for the siphon cap and the cap itself. FIG. 14a shows a detail of the plug at the engagement point. FIG. 14c shows a detail of the cap at the engagement point. FIG. 14b shows the detail of the plug and cap when they are engaged.

FIG. 15a shows a cross-sectional view, taken along a diameter, of an alternate form of only the bottle cap used in the invention that must be used in conjunction with a separate valve.

FIG. 15b shows a bottom view of the bottle cap depicted in FIG. 15a, taken along the line B-B in FIG. 15a, as used in the invention.

FIG. 16 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention, using a different means for allowing the liquid to move into a chamber for being consumed, and also with the addition of a safeguard feature to prevent accidental opening of the bottle used in conjunction with the invention, when the assembly is in “closed” position to prevent liquid from leaving the bottle. The bottle is positioned “right side up” to show that the beverage is being stored inside the bottle.

FIG. 17 shows the same embodiment as shown in FIG. 16, when the assembly is in “open” position to allow liquid to be consumed. The bottle is positioned “upside down” to show that the safeguard feature that allows the cap to be opened has been disengaged, and the cap has been loosened to allow the beverage to be discharged from the bottle.

FIG. 18a shows a detail of the components of the safeguard feature in position when the bottle is “closed” to prevent liquid from leaving the bottle.

FIG. 18b shows the same components, in position for the operation of screwing or unscrewing the bottle cap to open or close the bottle enabling the cap to be completely removed or reinstalled.

FIG. 18c shows the same components, in position when the bottle is “open” to allow the liquid to be consumed.

FIG. 19 shows an alternate structure for the piston assembly, where structural reinforcement is provided by plates within the piston assembly and valve, in cross-sectional view through one of these plates.

FIG. 19a shows the structure depicted in FIG. 20 in use with a bottle cap assembly, with the bottle in “closed” position.

FIG. 19b shows the structure depicted in FIG. 19, in use with a bottle cap assembly, with the bottle in “open” position.

FIG. 19c shows a detail of the ring sealing portion of the piston assembly where it creates a seal with respect to the cylinder.

FIG. 20 shows the same structure depicted in FIG. 19, in cross-sectional view, through a plane other than the plane of one of these plates.

FIG. 21 shows a transverse view of the same structure, cut along the line A-A in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 shows a transverse view of the same structure, cut along the line B-B in FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 shows a view of the flat surface of the bottle cap (the top of the bottle), showing the portion of the reinforcement structure that is visible through the opening in the center of the bottle cap.

FIG. 24 shows a view of the structural support for the piston assembly, as seen from inside the bottle.

FIG. 25 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention, with a cup added to the bottle cap, with the piston assembly in “closed” position to keep the liquid within the bottle.

FIG. 26 shows the same embodiment of the invention, with the piston assembly in the “open” position, to allow drinking of the liquid from the bottle, through the use of the cup attached to the bottle cap.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of the cup assembly, as shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 shows the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17, with the added feature of an internal mushroom shaped stopper that prevents the cap and piston assembly from becoming separated from the bottle, this feature replacing the safeguard feature shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. This view shows the cap and piston in the “closed” position.

FIG. 29 shows the same embodiment, with the cap and piston in the “open” position.

FIG. 30 shows the same embodiment with the stopper holding the cap onto the bottle, after the cap has been loosened to the maximum extent possible.

FIG. 31 shows an alternate embodiment of the cap and piston assembly, using a central shaft for structural support, rather than solid piston construction or reinforcement plates.

FIG. 32 shows the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 31 with the added detail of the bottle showing the addition of an internal arrow like safeguard feature to prevent the piston and cap assembly from becoming separated from the bottle. This view shows the bottle in “closed” position.

FIG. 33 shows the same embodiment, when the bottle is in “fully open” position restrained by the internal arrow-like safeguard feature.

FIG. 34 shows the same embodiment in an “open” position (not “fully open” to its maximum restrained position), except showing a side view of the safeguard subassembly.

FIG. 35 shows a cylinder assembly “double neck” for retrofitting onto a bottle that does not have a neck containing outside threads for engaging a bottle cap.

FIG. 36 shows this cylinder assembly, in addition to a cap and piston assembly for retrofitting onto a bottle, in the “closed” position.

FIG. 37 shows the same assembly as in FIG. 36, in the “open” position.

FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of this apparatus in place on a bottle. Bottle has a neck pre-manufactured to the configuration shown where the external cylindrical structure of the bottle neck is designed to act as one part of the piston configuration that moves against the internal cylindrical structure of the bottle cap in close position.

FIG. 39 shows another embodiment of this apparatus in place on a bottle. Bottle has a neck pre-manufactured to the configuration shown where the external cylindrical structure of the bottle neck is designed to act as one part of the piston configuration that moves against the internal cylindrical structure of the bottle cap in open position.

FIG. 40 the top view of the cop shown on FIGS. 38 and 39.

FIG. 41 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIGS. 38-40 with an additional feature, cap cover with central opening added to bottle cap, the apparatus in a closed position.

FIG. 42 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIGS. 38-40 with an additional feature, cap cover with central opening added to bottle cap, the apparatus in an open position.

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening on bottle cap and utilizes a bushing feature to make it function like the previously described embodiments in FIG. 41-42, in a closed position.

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening on bottle cap and utilizes a bushing feature to make it function like the previously described embodiments in FIG. 41-42, in a open position.

FIG. 45 shows a side, cross-sectional view of bushing and gasket.

FIG. 46 shows a view of bushing a cowered by gasket only seen from the inside of cap.

FIG. 47 shows a view of bushing superimposed on it seen from the bottle side.

FIG. 48 shows a cross-sectional view another embodiment of this apparatus that has cap with neck in closed position.

FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional view another embodiment of this apparatus that has cap with neck in open position.

FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional 3-dimensional view previously described embodiments in FIG. 11-12 with the bottle, in a open position.

FIG. 51 shows a cross-sectional 3-dimensional view previously described embodiments in FIG. 11-12, in a closed position.

FIG. 52 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where the cylinder is in a fully seated position held in place by the ring flange on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.

FIG. 53 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where the cylinder is in a fully seated position held in place by the threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.

FIG. 54 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where the cylinder is in a fully seated position held in place by the threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a open position.

FIG. 55 shows a cross sectional view of the cylinder with internal threads in two places. The outermost threads hold the cylinder in place on the bottle neck (this could also be sealed by a ring flange on the bottle neck without a threaded portion—not shown). The threads inside of the cylinder hold the cap in place (not shown). These threads are slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the unthreaded cylindrical portion beneath them. It also shows the opening.

FIG. 56 shows a cross sectional view of the cap with its valve, the inner and outer passages, the piston and the threaded portion which is slightly larger than the piston diameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principle behind the invention described here is simple. An apparatus is placed inside the neck of a bottle which contains a carbonated beverage. This apparatus allows the beverage to be dispensed as desired, while retaining most of the pressurized gas inside the bottle. This allows the beverage to retain its “fizz” from the time the first sip is consumed until the last sip is consumed.

The apparatus is cylindrical in shape, and comprises a cylinder and a piston. In the practice of the invention, the piston is attached to a cap, which is fitted onto the bottle by means known in the conventional art. FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of the invention in use, while the bottle is closed, holding the beverage inside. Cap 1 sits on top of Bottle 8 in the usual manner, the inside threads of Cap 1 engaging the outside threads on Bottle 8. The visible difference between the present invention and a conventional soda bottle is Opening 12, located at the top of Cap 1. In the practice of the invention, the beverage is expelled from Bottle 8 through Opening 12. FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, through a specific diameter of the top of Cap 1. Piston 2 and Cap 1 are fixedly attached to each other in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit formed by Piston 2 and Cap 1 is moveable with respect to the cylindrical chamber in the neck of Bottle 8, as Cap 1 is loosened or tightened to open or close Bottle 8. At the bottom of Piston 2 (so designated because it is located closer to the bottom of Bottle 8 than is any other portion of Piston 2) is Valve 3. Valve 3 opens or closes during the operation of the invention, to either prevent or allow the beverage inside Bottle 8 to be poured from Bottle 8. Gasket 4 forms a bumper at the bottom end of Piston 2, to provide a tight seal when it is desired that the beverage and pressurized gas remain inside Bottle 8. Tube 5 is T-shaped and forms a path through which the beverage can be dispensed from Bottle 8, when desired. Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5 runs from the top of Piston 2, where it contacts Opening 12 in Cap 1, to a point slightly above the bottom of Piston 2. At that point, it connects to Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5. Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5 extends along the diameter of Valve 3, and has horizontally-oriented openings at each end of Valve 3. Valve 3 is the bottom portion of Piston 2, and is narrower than the main body of Piston 2. It should be noted that FIG. 1b shows a view along the particular diameter of Piston 2, which shows Horizontal Component 5b as perpendicular to Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5.

The cylindrical opening in the neck of Bottle 8 is shown as a separate component in FIG. 2. In the practice of the invention, it is mounted inside the neck of a beverage bottle (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) at the mouth of the bottle, or the bottle itself is manufactured with a cylindrical chamber as described. Opening 11 and is located at the center of the end (top) wall of the cylinder, and concentrically with the cylinder. Side Wall 16 goes all the way around the cylinder, and Ring Gasket 19 ensures a tight fit between the cylinder and the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Flange 17, located at the bottom edge of the cylinder, contacts the bottle at its opening and prevents the cylinder from being forced down into the bottle. Therefore, Flange 17 must be wider than the opening at the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 sits on the underside of Flange 17 and forms a ring around Side Wall 16, abutting Flange 17 as mentioned. In the practice of the invention, Gasket 18 is placed between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 forms a seal between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle containing the beverage to be stored. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Gasket 18 prevents carbonated liquid from escaping between the Side Wall 16 (the outer wall of the cylinder) and the inside surface of the neck of the bottle into which the invention is placed. In this invention, the length of the valve structure is made slightly longer then the cylinder depth into which it is inserted. This slightly longer valve structure is designed to push against the cylinder bottom, through Gasket 4, which causes the entire cylinder assembly to be seated fully into the bottle so that Gasket 18, through Flange 17 (see FIG. 4), can seal properly and prevent the escape of carbonated liquid. This effectively leaves a small gap between Cap 1 and the top of Flange 17 through which there is no escape possible of the pressurized carbonated liquid or its gas.

The prototype of the invention is made of polyethylene, although any sufficiently rigid plastic to hold its shape under the pressure exerted by the gas in the bottle will suffice. The measurements of the components in the prototype are also not critical, but they help to describe the operating principle of the invention in practice. Variations on the measurements described that do not impair the functioning of the invention and comport with current practice in the bottling industry are acceptable. In the prototype, the inside diameter of the cylinder is 12 mm and the outside diameter is 16 mm. Opening 5c is 1.5 mm wide and 4 mm long. Flange 17 overhangs the outside diameter of the cylinder by 6 mm.

FIG. 3a shows an exterior view of Piston 2 as a separate component for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 along a specific diameter of Piston 2, which has been rotated 90 degrees from the view shown in FIG. 3a. In the practice of the invention, Piston 2 would be attached to Cap 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, T-shaped tube 5 is formed inside Piston 2. FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 in such a position that the horizontal component of the T-shaped tubular path is shown. The horizontal component of the tubular path runs across the lower portion of the piston and ends at Openings 20. Vertical component 5a of the tubular path is concentric with the piston and runs from the center of the horizontal component of the tubular path (which runs between Openings 20), to the top of Piston 2. The tubular path does not extend to the bottom surface of the piston. Instead, Bumper 4 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the piston. Piston 2 is narrower near the bottom than it is along the rest of its length, with the narrower portion designated as Valve 3. This allows the liquid to enter T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 after entering the cylinder through Openings 20. With Bumper 4 in position, Piston 2 acts like a valve. In “open” position, the liquid can flow into the cylinder, into T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 through Openings 20, through Tubular Path 5 in Piston 2, and out of the bottle through Opening 11 and Opening 14 in Cap 1. In “closed” position, neither the liquid nor the pressurized gas can escape into the inside of the cylinder, because Bumper 4 at the end of Piston 2 prevents such passage. Additionally, Gasket 19 can further ensure a tight fit between the outside of Piston 2 and the inside of the cylinder during the pouring operation, although Gasket 19 is optional. A flange, located at the top of Piston 2, is the same width as Flange 17 on the cylinder. In the practice of the invention, the flange on Piston 2 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of Cap 1 (shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, but not in FIGS. 3a and 3b). This allows the opening and closing of the apparatus by loosening or tightening Cap 1. When Cap 1 has been sufficiently unscrewed to allow liquid to pass through the cylinder and Piston 2, the liquid passes through Opening 12 at the top of Cap 1 and out of the bottle.

FIG. 4 shows the components of the invention together, with the cap screwed tightly onto the bottle in “closed” position. Bottle 8 is shown right-side-up, since Cap 1 is tightened for continued storage of the beverage within Bottle 8. Except for Opening 12 in Cap 1, the assembly would look much like a conventional cap on a conventional soda bottle. Bottle flange 9 is in the same place as on conventional bottles. Bumper 4 forms a tight seal with the end wall of the cylinder, thereby covering Opening 11 and preventing the escape of any beverage or pressurized gas from Bottle 8. Valve 3, Bumper 4 and Horizontal Component 5a of Tube 5 are narrower than the main body of Piston 2, as shown by an annular empty space between those components and the inside of the cylinder wall.

FIG. 5 shows the same components, except that the cap has been loosened, in order to dispense the beverage. Bottle 8 is shown upside-down, since the opening through which the beverage is poured faces downward during the pouring operation. In FIG. 5, Cap 1 has been unscrewed about one turn from its position in FIG. 4. There is some empty space between the flanges on the cylinder and Piston 2, and the distance between the bottom edge of Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9 is greater than the distance between them as shown in FIG. 4. Cap 1 has not been removed, as is done in the conventional operation. Still, the bottle is “open” and the beverage can be poured into a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. The operation of unscrewing Cap 1 creates Compartment 7, between Opening 11 in the cylinder and Piston 2. Liquid flows from Bottle 8, through Opening 11, into Compartment 7, and into Tube 5 through Openings 5c. The liquid then flows through Horizontal Component 5a and Vertical Component 5b or Tube 5, through the opening at the end of Tube 5 and through Opening 14 in Cap 1, on its way into a glass or into the consumer's mouth.

The height of Piston 2 (from flange to tip) is greater than the depth of the cylinder. This assures tight closure between Bumper 4 and the end wall of the cylinder. This feature is necessary to keep the gas that carbonates the beverage from escaping from the bottle when the bottle is closed. In the practice of the invention, the user tightens Cap 1 in the customary manner. When Cap 1 is fully tightened, thereby tightly closing the bottle, Bumper 4 will sit snugly against the end wall of the cylinder and Opening 11. In the design of the invention, extra space is provided between Flange 17 of the cylinder and Cap 1, to accommodate the entire height of Piston 2. This way, the seal between the cylinder and Piston 2 is always tight when the bottle is closed, and no gas can escape.

In the prototype of the invention, the outside diameter of Piston 2 is 12 mm, except at the lower portion, Valve 3, where is it 11 mm. Total length of Piston 2 is 10 mm in the prototype, although this measurement is not critical. It is critical, however, that the length of Piston 2 below the flange be greater than the length of the inside chamber of the cylinder. Horizontal component 5a of T-shaped tube 5 measures about 1 mm in diameter, while Vertical Component 5b measures approximately 1.5 mm in diameter. The flange on Piston 2 is sufficiently wide to fit within the inside diameter of Cap 1. These components can be glued or otherwise joined together by any means known in the conventional art.

In the practice of the invention, the consumer of the beverage in question unscrews Cap 1 to access the beverage inside the bottle. This process occurs in the conventional manner, as Inside Threads 51 on Cap 1 are moved along complimentary outside threads (not shown) on the bottle containing the beverage. Only enough rotational motion to allow the beverage to pass through openings in all three components is needed. This action moves the apparatus from the “closed” position shown in FIG. 4 to the “open” position shown in FIG. 5.

Assuming the consumer wishes to pour the beverage into a glass, he or she turns the bottle containing the beverage upside-down over the glass and loosens Cap 1. Bumper 4 then becomes separated from the “top” surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 1, forming a chamber for the reception of the beverage. The pressure of the carbon dioxide or other gas present in the bottle and the gravity, forces the beverage through Opening 11, in Cylinder 16, into the newly-opened chamber in Cylinder 16, through the T-shaped tube in Piston 2, out of the bottle through Opening 12 in Cap 3, and into the glass (not shown). Using the same method, the consumer could also dispense the beverage directly into his or her mouth. When a sufficient amount of beverage has been dispensed, the consumer twists Cap 1 in the opposite direction to close the system, bringing Bumper 4 into contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 16 and cutting off the path through which the beverage would otherwise escape from the bottle. The pressurized gas is also prevented from escaping and kept inside the bottle until dispensing of more of the beverage is desired.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described. The descriptions of the preferred embodiment show an apparatus that could be added to plastic soda bottles during manufacture. A version for removable retrofitting the apparatus into a bottle after initial opening can also be manufactured. In this embodiment, a separate cylinder is a discrete component, separately manufactured. This cylinder is placed inside the throat of a bottle. A cap is force-fitted onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. Inside threads on the cap unit engage outside threads on a piston unit, with a point of opening and closing on the cylinder unit. It is expected that this embodiment will be used primarily on glass bottles used to store such beverages as beer and sparkling wine. The description of this embodiment assumes that the bottle in which the beverage is sold contains a flange, rather than screw threads, at its mouth. While this retrofitted device may not be as effective in ultimately keeping as much gas in the bottle as a similar structure added during manufacture, it will still keep more gas in the bottle than is feasible with conventional bottle caps.

FIGS. 6-10 show this embodiment of the invention as three components; a cylindrical bottle throat, a piston rotatably engaging a bottle cap, and the cap unit itself. In this embodiment, the bottle and cap do not have complimentary inside and outside threads that engage each other. Instead, an indentation in Cap 61 receives Flange 63, which is part of Bottle 60 and allows free rotation of Cap 61 on Bottle 60. Cylinder 62 fits snugly inside the neck of Bottle 60 and contains a flange at its top to prevent it from falling inside Bottle 60. In the operation of the invention, Cylinder 62 is placed inside the neck of Bottle 60 and Cap 61 is forced onto the top of the neck of Bottle 60, until Flange 63 at the mouth of Bottle 60 mates securely with Slot 63A on Cap 61 allowing the cap to still rotate without falling off. Cap 61 has an opening at the center of its top surface, which allows room for Tube 64. Tube 64 is a part of the piston assembly that fits inside Cylinder 62. Inside Threads 65 on Cap 61 compliment Outside Threads 66, which are located on Tube 64. FIG. 6 shows these threads. Shank 68 is mounted at the center of Piston 67, and is solid, although spacers provide an opening between the bottom of Piston 67 and the top of Shank 68. Extending below Shank 68 is Tip 69, which extends through Opening 70 in the center of the bottom wall of Cylinder 62. FIGS. 7 and 10 show the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68 joining with Canal 5 on the center of Tube 64 and Piston 67, and the Opening 70 on the bottom wall of Cylinder 62 combine to form a continuous pathway along which the beverage travels when it is poured from Bottle 60 as shown on the FIG. 10. The cylindrical component is similar to that in the embodiment of the invention described previously, and a washer is located at the bottom of Shank 68 to ensure a tight fit between the Cylinder 62 and the bottom surface of Shank 68, when the bottle is “closed” and the beverage and pressurized gas are prevented from escaping. FIG. 7 shows the invention in “closed” position. Cap 62 has been rotated until Shank 68 has been lowered sufficiently to form a tight seal with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Tip 69 extends through and below Opening 70 in the center of Cylinder 62, but the seal between Shank 68 and Cylinder 62 prevents the beverage or gas from escaping. The flange of Cylinder 62 must be sufficiently wide to overlap Bottle 60 at its mouth (including the width of the structure of the bottle itself). In other respects, the cylinder and piston are similar to those in the first-described embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of Tip 69 in end view. The “up and down” movement of Piston 67 in turn causes Tip 69 to move in the same manner. To eliminate any rotational motion, Tip 69 has an “H” or “I” cross-section in this embodiment. Tip 69 fits through Opening 70 in Cylinder 62. In this embodiment, Opening 70 is square. In the practice of the invention, dimensions are not critical. Opening 70 and the cross-section of Tip 69 can be rectangular, or they can be any other noncircular shape. FIG. 9 also shows the cross-section of Tip 69 and Opening 70, as seen from the lower portion of Bottle 60 with the bottom cut on.

FIG. 10 shows this embodiment of the invention, when the bottle is “open” for dispensing the beverage inside. Before opening Cap 61 by rotating it, Bottle 60 should be first turned upside-down, the proper position for dispensing the beverage. Cap 61 is rotated in an opening direction and this moves Piston 67 and Shank 68 toward the mouth of Bottle 60, thereby breaking the seal formed by the washer at the end of Shank 68 and the end wall of Cylinder 62. Shank 68 does not come into contact with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Instead, the beverage flows through Opening 70 and around Tip 69, into Chamber 71. From there, it flows into the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68, into Canal 5 on the center of Piston 67 and Tube 64, and out of Bottle 60. The seal between Piston 67 and Cylinder 62 prevents the escape of fluid during the pouring operation except where it is intended. Rotating Cap 61 in the opposite direction again closes Bottle 60 after the beverage has been poured.

In this embodiment, Cap 61 is different from Cap 1 in the previously-described embodiment. It is designed to be force fit onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. The design allows for the bottle to be filled with a beverage before the apparatus is inserted or it can be filled through the apparatus after it has been inserted. The unit described in this embodiment is intended to replace the cap that originally formed part of the bottle. In the operation of the invention, the consumer opens the bottle in the conventional manner (probably with a bottle opener) and immediately presses the apparatus comprising the invention in a downward direction on the top of the beverage bottle, making sure that the apparatus locks into place on the bottle. The invention is then used as described. When the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed, the consumer can pull the apparatus out of the bottle and use it on another bottle, in the same manner.

While this particular embodiment is used with traditional bottles with pressure-fit caps, it is also possible to use this retrofitted apparatus with bottles that are made with screw-mounted caps but cylinder has to be like described on the FIG. 35 with the flange (like 63) instead of thread. The apparatus described as the preferred embodiment of the invention can be sold as a separate unit for retrofitting onto bottles with screw-mounted caps and used in the same manner.

The primary advantage of the embodiment of the invention in which the features of the “cylinder” are built into the bottle during manufacture is cost savings. For plastic bottles, which are widely used for soda, the cylinder-like features described could be added to the neck of the bottle during the injection molding process. This would be the only modification that would be made to the bottle during manufacture. It is expected that it would be less expensive to manufacture bottles in this manner than to manufacture the cylinder in the previous embodiment as a separate part.

In the practice of the invention, bottles can be made of plastic as practiced in the conventional art, glass, ceramic or metal. While the expected primary application for the invention is in the field of beverage manufacture, the anti-spill feature of the invention also makes it useful for packaging of hazardous liquids, such as cleaning fluids. While such liquids would not be packed under gas pressure, they could be packed in squeezable plastic bottles or metal cans for releasing a stream of liquid when desired. The spill-preventing feature of this invention renders it suitable for these applications.

An optional feature of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 11 through 14 (a, b and c). This feature is a siphon-like arrangement that is added to the apparatus that comprises the basic invention, which otherwise remains the same. FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of this embodiment in operation with the bottle closed and the beverage inside it remaining there for storage. Outlet Tube 39 extends below Opening 12 in Cylinder 16, toward the bottom of Bottle 8 and in such a position that all or essentially all of the liquid in Bottle 8 passes through it. Outlet Tube 39 is held in place within the cap assembly by Locking Ring 37 and Dummy 38. Hose 36 is attached to Valve Tube 35. Optional Shield 49 is attached to Bottle 8 by a band (shown on FIG. 50) that wraps around Bottle 8. Holding Ring 51 holds Tube 39 in a fixed position, so the stream of liquid passing through Tube 39 can be directed toward a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. Gasket 4 ensures a tight seal between Piston 2 and Valve Tube Opening 11. Space 20 is small, since Cap 1 is screwed tightly onto Bottle 8. Valve Tube 35 is closed; Valve Tube Opening 11 is in contact with Gasket 4, which forms a seal between it and Valve 3.

FIG. 12 shows the same view of the same embodiment, but the bottle has been opened to allow the beverage to be discharged through Outlet Tube 39. The other structural components are the same, except that Cap 1 has been opened. This is shown by the enlargement (compared to FIG. 11) of Space 20 between Cap 1 and Cylinder Flange 17, as well as the greater distance between Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9. It should be noted that Cylinder 16 remains in the same position as in FIG. 11, as shown by Flange 17, Cylinder Gasket 18 and Sealing Rings 19 remaining in the same position that they occupy in FIG. 11. Rotating Cap 1 raises Piston 2 and its associated components, as well as the siphon assembly, relative to the bottle and cylinder assembly. The beverage stored in Bottle 8, pushed by gas, then travels through Siphon Tube 36 and Valve Tube 35, and into a compartment within Cylinder 16. From there, it travels upwardly through Outlet Tube 39 and into a glass (not pictured) presumably located below the outlet of Outlet Tube 39.

FIG. 13 shows a detail of the siphon tube and the means for maintaining it in position within the cap assembly. Siphon tube extends through Opening 12 of Plug 38, which is held in place on Piston 2 (not shown) by Locking Ring 37. These components are pictured as a one-piece unit, although they need not be manufactured that way. However, the one-piece unit can be easily injection molded, and will add strength to Outlet Tube 39 in use.

FIGS. 14a, b and c show details of the structure of Locking Ring 37. In FIG. 14a, it is shown as an annular extension of Plug 38. FIG. 14b shows Locking Ring 37 abutting a small, recessed channel in Piston 2. Alternatively, as pictured in FIG. 14c, Annular Mortise 42 abuts the recessed channel in Piston 2 and holds Plug 38 in place. Restraining Plate 49, which is securely attached to the bottle, prevents the rotation of siphon tube 39 during the rotational opening and closing of the cap.

In the operation of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer holds Cap 1 and turns Bottle 8 in such a manner as to unscrew Cap 1. The pressure of the gas in Bottle 8 pushes the beverage through Siphon Tube 36, through the rest of the system, and out through Outlet Tube 39. The stream of liquid coming form Outlet Tube 39 is then directed toward its intended place. The process is reversed for cutting off the further flow of liquid.

A variation on the cap is shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b. In the first-described embodiment Cap 1 was a conventional bottle cap, with an opening at the top to allow liquid to pass there through. Cap 1 in FIG. 15a contains these features, with the addition of Nipple 52. In the practice of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can place his or her lips around Nipple 52 for ease of drinking the beverage inside the bottle. A short length of tube extending upward from the cap will serve the same purpose. As in the first described embodiment of the invention, Piston 2 is fixedly attached to or molded with Cap 1. Piston Gasket Ring 33 keeps a tight seal with other piston components (not shown) when the bottle is closed. The bottom view, shown in FIG. 15b, shows how Nipple 52 surrounds Opening 12 in the center of Cap 1.

FIGS. 16 through 18 (a, b and c) show an alternate embodiment, featuring a wider opening in the neck of the bottle and in the cap than is present in the first described embodiment. This embodiment is particularly useful for providing the consumer with a cap assembly that allows drinking directly from the bottle. Opening 12 is wider than its counterpart in the first described embodiment of the invention, thereby forming a drinking chamber. An additional feature is a safeguard against accidental spilling. FIG. 16 shows this embodiment, in cross section taken along a diameter, when the bottle is closed and the beverage is stored inside the bottle. Opening 12 in the center of Cap 1 and Opening 11 in the center of the neck of Bottle 8 are shown as larger than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 is shown as molded as part of Cap 1, although any other method of fixedly attaching Piston 2 to Cap 1 that is known in the art is also suitable. Consequently, Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are larger in diameter than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention.

Gasket 4 forms a tight seal against the opening Throat 11 of Bottle 8 when Cap 1 is fully seated, thereby keeping the beverage and pressurized gas inside Bottle 8. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Space 21 is simply a small annular space between Valve 3 of Cap 1 and the Bottle Neck. Gap 20 is also formed at that time. A difference between this embodiment and the first described embodiment is the use of Passages 5, which are in the area located between Valve 3 and the bottom of the wall of Piston 2. The entire cap is constructed as one integral unit and is comprised of the outer Cap 1, Piston 2, the bottom Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 which are channels into Opening 12. The circumference of Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 is slightly smaller in diameter than the circumference of Piston 2. Passages 5 are spaced evenly along the circumference of their respective area. The beverage will flow through Gasket 4, through Space 21 through Passages 5 and into Opening 12 when the bottle is opened. Due to the structure of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can rotate Cap 1 to open the bottle to allow a small amount of the beverage into Opening 12 whereupon the consumer can continue to drink directly from the bottle through Opening 12.

FIG. 17 shows a similar view of this embodiment, except the bottle has been opened for release of the beverage inside. Cap 1 has been rotated in order to loosen it. Locking Space 20 is larger, and Safeguard 6 engages Flange 9 on the neck of Bottle 8. The operation of the safeguard feature will be described later. Gasket 4 (which is attached to the end of Valve 3) is now separated from Opening 11, in the neck of Bottle 8. This opens Compartment 7, for the reception of the beverage to be discharged from Bottle 8. Space 21 is contiguous with the rest of Compartment 7 and forms part of it. The beverage and pressurized gas that had been stored inside Bottle 8 travels through Opening 11, into Compartment 7 and into Space 21 (which is annular in shape). The beverage then travels through Holes 5 into Opening 12 in Cap 1, and out of the bottle.

A safeguard feature is added in this embodiment of the invention to prevent accidental opening of the bottle and escape of the gas that carbonates the beverage stored therein. Although this safeguard feature is described with this particular embodiment of the invention, it can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments described here. The central component of this feature is Safeguard Ring 6. Safeguard Ring 6 and its operation are shown in detail in FIGS. 18a, b and c. These figures show Safeguard Ring 6 in cross section, and it should be remembered that it is a modified cylinder. At one end is annular Lip 6a, and at the other end is smaller cylindrical Surface 6b. Safeguard Ring 6 is pivotally attached at or near the circle that constitutes its central diameter to Extension Ring 1a, which forms a part of Cap 1.

FIG. 18a shows Safeguard Ring 6 as oriented when Bottle 8 is closed, as shown in FIG. 16. Safeguard Ring 6, Extension Ring 1a and Cap 1 are shown here as a single, molded unit. In the practice of the invention, any means for keeping these components together is suitable. Inside threads on Cap 1 engage outside threads on Bottle 8 in the usual manner. Safeguard Ring 6 engages Bottle Flange 9 at a point between Lip 6a and the pivot point where Safeguard Ring 6 is attached to Extension Ring 1a, which forms part of Cap 1. In order to rotate Cap 1 for the purpose of opening (removing Cap 1) or closing Bottle 8, the consumer pinches Surface 6b at two points diametrically opposite each other. FIG. 18b shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 during this operation, although the consumer's fingers are not pictured. Safeguard Ring 6 has pivoted about the pivot point where it connects with Extension Ring 1a, and it no longer comes into contact with Bottle Flange 9. The consumer then rotates Safeguard Ring 6, thereby rotating Cap 1, to which it is fixedly attached. For the purpose of this illustration, it is assumed that the consumer has opened the bottle and removed the cap. FIG. 18c shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 when Bottle 8 is open. It is a detail of Safeguard Ring 6 as shown in FIG. 17. Safeguard Ring 6 now engages Bottle Flange 9, at annular Lip 6a. Lip 6a is located at the end of Safeguard Ring 6, and acts to prevent Safeguard Ring 6 from moving beyond contact with Bottle Flange 9. This limits the rotation of Cap 1 when Bottle 8 is opened.

An alternate structure for a piston assembly is shown in FIGS. 19-24. In this embodiment, a number of evenly-spaced plates provide structural support for the piston. FIG. 19 shows the cap and piston assembly cut along the plane of a plate that forms two oppositely-oriented ribs. FIG. 20 shows the same assembly cut along a different plane, so a chamber for holding liquid is shown. From FIG. 19, it can be seen that the plates (including Plate 14, as shown) and Cap 1 form a single, molded unit. This assembly contacts both the inner surface of the neck of the bottle and the screw threads on the outer surface of the neck of the bottle. In the description provided here, three such plates are placed 60 degrees apart, so there are six ribs to hold the cap and piston assembly in its proper place. The exact number of ribs or plates is not critical to the invention. The piston assembly is the same as previously described, and is located at the apex of the plate containing Ribs 14 and the other plates, as well. Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are the same as in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 in this embodiment is not solid, but is comprised or a cylinder and the plates that provide lateral support for it, including the plate that contains Ribs 14. Gasket 33 sits at the top edge of the cylindrical wall of Piston 2, to allow a tight fit with the cylinder (not shown). This keeps the pressurized gas for escaping when the during the beverage is discharged. FIG. 20 shows a similar view, along a different plane. The space inside the wall of Piston 2, between Ribs 14 connects with Tubes 5a, thru Openings 5 which lead into Opening 12. These spaces form the path used for discharge of the beverage when the bottle is opened and the beverage is poured out of the bottle.

FIG. 19a shows this structure in cross-section, with the bottle closed. FIG. 19b show the same structure, with the bottle open, ready for discharging the beverage. Features not described specifically with this embodiment are the same as described with the first described embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19c shows a detail of Piston wall 2, with Gasket 33 attached to it.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are transverse sectional views of the cap and piston assembly. FIG. 21 is taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19, near the top of Cap 1. Piston wall 2 is contiguous with Ribs 14, extending from Piston Wall 2, toward the center of the assembly. Six ribs (three plates) are shown here, but the number of ribs is not critical to the operation of the invention. Ribs 14 do not extend to the center of the assembly, since the location is close to the top of Cap 1 and Opening 12 is located there. FIG. 22 is taken along the line B-B, further from the top of Cap 1. Ribs 14 meet at the center, which is solid. Otherwise, the features are the same as in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 shows a view from the top of the bottle. Cap 1 covers most of the field of view, with Opening 12 in the center. The parts of Ribs 14 that are located near the center of the piston assembly can be seen. FIG. 24 shows a view of the Cap 1, from Valve 3. The features are otherwise the same as in other figures depicting this embodiment of the invention, although Passages 15 are also visible.

An optional feature can be added for ease of drinking the beverage contained in the bottle, especially soda. FIGS. 25 through 27 show this feature, which is an additional part that acts as a cup. This allows the consumer to drink directly and easily from the bottle, and especially useful for small, one-portion bottles of soda. FIG. 25 shows Cup 29, attached to and concentric with Cap 1. Cup 29 is shown as an extension to Cap 1, and it is expected that it would be manufactured as part of the cap assembly, which also includes the piston assembly. The structure of the piston assembly is similar to that shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, with the wide openings. Valve 3, Gasket 4 and Openings 11 and 12 are wide. FIG. 26 shows the same assembly, but Bottle 8 is open, for discharge of the beverage. Compartment 7 has been opened, and it is wider than in the first described embodiment of the invention. Perpendicular to Valve 3 and vertically oriented are Ribs 14, two of which are shown.

As shown, Cup 29 forms a single unit with Cap 1 and is in the shape of the frustum of a cone wider at the opening than at the cap end to allow one to drink more comfortably from the cup created. The inside surface of Cup 29 can be used for drinking the beverage inside the bottle. Rather than twisting Cap 1, as in conventional practice, the consumer of the beverage can twist Cup 29 to open and close the bottle for drinking purposes. As an additional feature, removable Lid 31 can be placed over the top of Cup 29. This feature is shown in FIG. 25. Lid 31 keeps the inside surface of Cup 29 clean and prevents spillage of any beverage that might be inside. Lid 31 also provides structural support for Cup 29 and helps to prevent breakage of Cup 29 until the beverage inside Bottle 8 is consumed.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention that includes Cup 29, and with Lid 31 removed. Valve 3 can be seen at the center of the bottle. So can Openings 5, alternating with Ribs 14. Ribs 14 extend vertically, from Valve 3 and toward the top of Cap 1. Openings 5 are located between Ribs 14. When the consumer rotates Cap 1, the soda (or other beverage) inside the bottle travels through Compartment 7, around Valve 3 and Gasket 4, through Openings 5 between Ribs 14, into Opening 12 and further into Cup 29 to be consumed.

An alternative safeguard feature is shown in FIGS. 28 through 30. This feature is designed for use with the any assembly previously described, and it can be used instead of the safeguard ring shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 28 shows this embodiment of the invention with the bottle closed. The features are the same as in FIG. 17, with the addition of Stopper 22 and Stem 54. Stem 54 extends from the center of Valve 3, through Opening 11. At its end is Stopper 22. Stopper 22 prevents loss of the cap and piston assembly by preventing Cap 1 to be loosened so much that it can be completely removed from Bottle 8 and lost or misplaced. Stopper 22 can be any shape. It can be a flat triangle, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It can also be solid, such as an “umbrella” shape with a triangular cross-section. It can be conical, spherical, flat with a triangular face, a linear member situated perpendicularly to Stem 54 in a “T” shape, or any other form that will prevent passage through Opening 11. In the practice of the invention, Stem 54 and Stopper 22 must be sufficiently strong to prevent breakage in the normal operation of loosening a cap. A sufficiently strong plastic, such as that used to hold tags onto merchandise in a clothing store, will serve the purpose.

FIG. 29 shows the position of Stopper 22 when Bottle 8 has been opened in the conventional manner. The beverage can pass through Opening 11 and through its normal path out of Bottle 8. It should be noted that there is room for the beverage to flow around Stopper 22 in the neck of Bottle 8. In FIG. 30, Cap 1 has been loosened to the maximum extent possible. Stopper 22 now contacts the neck of Bottle 8, just below Opening 11. The beverage cannot flow out of Bottle 8, since Stopper 22 is preventing such flow. In order to pour more of the beverage from Bottle 8, the consumer must tighten Cap 1 to move Stopper 22 away from Opening 11.

FIGS. 31 through 34 show a different valve that is shaped differently from that shown in previously-described embodiments of the invention (and designated as Valve 3). In addition, FIGS. 32 through 34 show a different assembly for preventing the total removal of the cap and piston assembly. FIGS. 32 through 34 are cross-sectional views showing various positions of Valve Stud 44. Opening 12 is narrow, and other features are the same as in previously described embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned here. Gasket 4 is located at the end of Valve Stud 44 and serves the usual purpose of providing a tight seal with Opening 11 in Bottle 8. Protruding Member 47 extends beyond Gasket 4 and into Opening 11. Its purpose is to help keep Valve Stud 44 centered within Opening 11 as the cap is removed or closed FIG. 32 shows the same valve assembly as shown in FIG. 31, and with more structure added. Bottle 8 is shown, and two features are added. The first is a plurality of Reinforcing Plates 46, added to strengthen the neck area of Bottle 8. The second is a safeguard feature. Stopper 45 is attached to Stem 55, which extends from Protruding member 47, through Opening 11. Stopper 45 may be flat, it may have a round cross-section, it may consist of more than one flat member, or it may have any structure that prevents it from passing through Opening 11. In the present description of the invention, Stopper 45 is flat, with a triangular shape. FIG. 32 shows the assembly in place with the Bottle 8 closed and the beverage stored therein. Stem 55 and Stopper 45 are both inside the neck of Bottle 8.

FIG. 33 shows a view of the same assembly, with Bottle 8 open for discharging the beverage stored inside. Stopper 45 is in contact with the neck of Bottle 8, on the “inside” end of Opening 11. If Stopper 45 has a circular shape, it would completely cover Opening 11, and Cap 1 would have to be loosened to allow the beverage to escape from bottle 8. If Stopper 45 is flat, the beverage will travel around it, through Opening 11 and eventually out of Bottle 8. FIG. 34 shows a side view of the assembly. In that view, Stopper 45 is flat. Stem 55 extends through Opening 11, and the beverage will be discharged from Bottle 8.

It is also feasible to produce a cylinder assembly for retrofitting into a bottle containing a beverage. This embodiment is especially useful with glass bottles that hold beer or sparkling wine. This embodiment can also be used with glass soda bottles, however. It is expected that the bottle in which the beverage comes packed will have a pressure-fit cap that will be removed by the consumer prior to taking the first drink of the beverage. After that first drink has been poured, the consumer will press-fit the assembly that is described as this embodiment of the invention onto the upper part of the neck of the bottle, thus keeping the remaining beverage and pressurized gas inside the bottle, to be dispensed at a later time. This device can also be fitted to the bottle in the manufacturing or filling stages and used to control access to the contents of the bottle.

FIG. 35 shows the cylinder associated with this assembly. In effect, this part comprises a cylinder within a cylinder. Inner Cylinder 16 fits inside the throat of a bottle. The floor of Cylinder 16 is shaped the same as in previously described embodiments of the invention, and Opening 11 is located at its center. Rim 17 extends outwardly from Cylinder 16 in the same manner in which the cylinder flanges of previously described embodiments do. However, Rim 17 is sufficiently wide to cover the entire rim of the bottle onto which it will be placed. Outer Cylinder 24 extends downwardly from the outer edge of Rim 17, and contains outside threads. These threads replace those that are imparted onto bottles with “twist-off” caps during manufacture. Annular Mortise 43, located immediately below and “inside of” Rim 17 will receive the Flange 23 located at the mouth of the bottle onto which the assembly will be placed in the operation of the invention.

FIG. 36 shows the entire assembly, comprising Cap, Cylinder and Piston, in place on a bottle. Bottle 8 has a smooth-sided neck, which fits inside Annular Mortise 43 in the cylinder assembly. Cap 1 is wider than its counterpart in the other embodiments of the invention, because its inside threads must accommodate the width of the neck of Bottle 8, as well as Outside Cylinder 24, which contains outside threads to engage the inside threads on Cap 1. Otherwise, all features are the same as shown in previously described embodiments. In FIG. 36, Bottle 8 is closed, and the portion of the beverage that has not yet been consumed remains stored inside. FIG. 37 is a similar view, but with Bottle 8 open for dispensing more of the beverage. It should be noted that the operation of this embodiment of the invention is identical to that required for the other embodiments. When the rest of the beverage has been consumed, however, the assembly can be pulled away from the neck of the bottle. The assembly can be washed and reused, while the bottle will probably be discarded or returned for deposit.

It should be noted that the various embodiments and features described can be used in any combination, as long as that combination is feasible. For example, placing a cuplike extension to the bottle cap is not compatible with placing a nipple in the same location. However, either the cuplike extension or the nipple can be used with the siphoning feature. Either extension added to the cap (or the cap without an extension) can be used with either a narrow or wide opening in the neck of the bottle. The same is true for the siphoning feature.

The descriptions and embodiments of the invention contained here should be thought of as illustrative and not limiting. Other embodiments of the invention are also possible. Ribs running transversely from the center tube of Piston 2 to its outer wall can be used in construction, rather than making the piston out of a solid piece of plastic. A wider tube can be used in the invention for more viscous liquids than for water-based liquids. Other embodiments are possible and should be thought of as lying within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of this apparatus in place on a bottle. Bottle 8 has a neck pre-manufactured to the configuration shown where the external Cylindrical Structure 2 of the bottle neck is designed to act as one part of the piston configuration that moves against the internal cylindrical structure of the bottle cap 70. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion 2 is slightly larger that the external diameter of the bottle neck at the threaded portion which is at the upper end of the bottle 8.

The internal diameter of the bottle cap 1 at the cylindrical portion 70 which is at the lower end of the cap is slightly larger that the external diameter of the threads on the bottle. At the upper opening of the bottle 8, the wall configuration 71 is designed to be thicker to allow adequate separation between the inner bottle and the holes 12 in bottle cap 1. Holes 12 in bottle cap 1 are located on the cap at the internal corner of the cap vertical threaded portion and are made smaller than wall thickness 71 of the bottle neck. In FIG. 38 the bottle cap 1 is shown fully seated where gasket 4 seals bottle cap 1 and bottle 8.

FIG. 39 shows the bottle in an inverted position with bottle cap 1 unscrewed to release the carbonated beverage through holes 12. The seal between piston 2 on bottle neck and cylinder 70 on the bottle cap will prevent escape of the carbonated beverage which can get past the threaded portion of the bottle neck.

FIG. 40 shows a possible configuration for the placement of holes 12 around the circumference of bottle cap 1

FIGS. 41 and 42 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIGS. 38-40 with an additional feature, cap cover 74 added to bottle cap 1. Cap cover 74 has a central opening 72 and is placed on cap 1 to create an inner chamber 73 to direct flow of the carbonated beverage from holes 12 through inner chamber 73 out through opening 72.

FIG. 41 shows the apparatus in a closed position.

FIG. 42 shows the apparatus in an open position.

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening 12 on bottle cap 1 and utilizes a bushing feature 75 to make it function like the previously described embodiment in FIG. 38. In FIG. 43 the bottle cap is in a closed position where the inner surface of bottle cap 1 presses against the cylindrical outer ring 76 which is a part of bushing 75. Gasket 4 seals against the bottle neck opening and the bottle neck wall thickness separates passages 5 from the inner volume of the bottle to prevent fluid escape. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion 2 is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threaded portion of bottle cap 1. The internal diameter of bottle cap 1 at the cylindrical portion 70 which is at the upper inner end of the cap is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threads on cap 1.

FIG. 44 shows this apparatus with the bottle in an inverted position for pouring with cap 1 in an opened position where the liquid can flow from the interior of the bottle through passages 5 to inner chamber 73 then exit through opening 12 in bottle cap 1. The seal between piston 2 located on the bottle above the threads of bottle 8 and cylinder 70 inside the upper end of cap 1 above the cap threads prevent fluid from escaping the bottle through the threads when the cap is in this open position.

FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view of bushing 75 and gasket 4. Bushing 75, which is placed within bottle cap 1, has opening passages 5 placed around its outer circumference. The opening passages 5 are utilized in similar fashion to holes 12 in FIG. 38. It also shows gasket 4 that engages the bottle neck. Passages 5 and inner chamber 73 and the cylindrical outer ring 76 engage the inner top of cap 1.

FIG. 46 shows a view of bushing 75 only seen from the inside of cap 1 (not shown).

FIG. 47 shows a view of bushing 75 and gasket 4 superimposed on it seen from the bottle side (not shown).

FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 shows an embodiment of this apparatus that is designed for use on a regular bottle In this embodiment bottle cap 1, which seals this apparatus to a regular bottle, has neck 81 that is used in conjunction with cap 80. Neck 81 and cap 80 can utilize all the previously described uses of this invention for the sealing and pouring of the liquid in the bottle.

FIG. 52 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where Cylinder 16 with its Outer Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17 is in a fully seated position held in place by the Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck. Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck is seated within the annular Ring Space 43 on Cylinder 24. Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a. The Threaded Portion 16a is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter to create Chamber 7 in Cylinder 16. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 that connect Chamber 7 with Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 seals Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 to prevent fluid flow through Passage 11. The only place where Cap 1 presses against Cylinder 16 is in the area of Valve Seat 4. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the Cylindrical Portion 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 has pressed seal against Cylinder 16. Cylinder 16 can be held in place with additional options (e.g. a wiring harness such as currently used on champagne bottles).

FIG. 53 is similar to FIG. 52 except that Cylinder 16 is held in place by threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.

FIG. 54 is similar to FIG. 53 except that it shows Cap 1 in an open position with Bottle 8 inverted. The beverage passes through Passage 11 into Chamber 7 through Radial Passages 5 into Outlet Passage 12 to exit the bottle. Piston 2 of Cap 1 engages with Cylinder 16 and prevents the escape of beverage past the threaded portion.

FIG. 55 shows a cross sectional view of Cylinder 16 with its Outer Threaded Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17. It shows the Threaded Inner Portion 16a which is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2 (not shown) of Cap 1. It also shows Passage 11 that opens into the bottle.

FIG. 56 shows Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a which is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a (not shown). The Threaded Portion 2a is larger in diameter than the Unthreaded Portion 2 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 (not shown) and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 which exit into Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 is designed to seal Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 (not shown) to prevent fluid flow. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the cylindrical portion of Piston 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 (not shown) so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 seals pressed against Cylinder 16 (not shown).

Bottle 8 can be originally manufactured in a manner that has the elements of this device already in place without the addition of Cylinder 16 later.

Claims

1. The principle behind the invention described here is simple. An apparatus is placed inside the neck of a bottle which contains a carbonated beverage. This apparatus allows the beverage to be dispensed as desired, while retaining most of the pressurized gas inside the bottle. This allows the beverage to retain its “fizz” from the time the first sip is consumed until the last sip is consumed.

The apparatus is cylindrical in shape, and comprises a cylinder and a piston. In the practice of the invention, the piston is attached to a cap, which is fitted onto the bottle by means known in the conventional art. FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of the invention in use, while the bottle is closed, holding the beverage inside. Cap 1 sits on top of Bottle 8 in the usual manner, the inside threads of Cap 1 engaging the outside threads on Bottle 8. The visible difference between the present invention and a conventional soda bottle is Opening 12, located at the top of Cap 1. In the practice of the invention, the beverage is expelled from Bottle 8 through Opening 12. FIG. 5b shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, through a specific diameter of the top of Cap 1. Piston 2 and Cap 1 are fixedly attached to each other in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit formed by Piston 2 and Cap 1 is moveable with respect to the cylindrical chamber in the neck of Bottle 8, as Cap 1 is loosened or tightened to open or close Bottle 8. At the bottom of Piston 2 (so designated because it is located closer to the bottom of Bottle 8 than is any other portion of Piston 2) is Valve 3. Valve 3 opens or closes during the operation of the invention, to either prevent or allow the beverage inside Bottle 8 to be poured from Bottle 8. Gasket 4 forms a bumper at the bottom end of Piston 2, to provide a tight seal when it is desired that the beverage and pressurized gas remain inside Bottle 8. Tube 5 is T-shaped and forms a path through which the beverage can be dispensed from Bottle 8, when desired. Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5 runs from the top of Piston 2, where it contacts Opening 12 in Cap 1, to a point slightly above the bottom of Piston 2. At that point, it connects to Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5. Horizontal Component 5b of Tube 5 extends along the diameter of Valve 3, and has horizontally-oriented openings at each end of Valve 3. Valve 3 is the bottom portion of Piston 2, and is narrower than the main body of Piston 2. It should be noted that FIG. 1b shows a view along the particular diameter of Piston 2, which shows Horizontal Component 5b as perpendicular to Vertical Component 5a of Tube 5.

The cylindrical opening in the neck of Bottle 8 is shown as a separate component in FIG. 2. In the practice of the invention, it is mounted inside the neck of a beverage bottle (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) at the mouth of the bottle, or the bottle itself is manufactured with a cylindrical chamber as described. Opening 11 and is located at the center of the end (top) wall of the cylinder, and concentrically with the cylinder. Side Wall 16 goes all the way around the cylinder, and Ring Gasket 19 ensures a tight fit between the cylinder and the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Flange 17, located at the bottom edge of the cylinder, contacts the bottle at its opening and prevents the cylinder from being forced down into the bottle. Therefore, Flange 17 must be wider than the opening at the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 sits on the underside of Flange 17 and forms a ring around Side Wall 16, abutting Flange 17 as mentioned. In the practice of the invention, Gasket 18 is placed between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket 18 forms a seal between Flange 17 and the mouth of the bottle containing the beverage to be stored. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Gasket 18 prevents carbonated liquid from escaping between the Side Wall 16 (the outer wall of the cylinder) and the inside surface of the neck of the bottle into which the invention is placed. In this invention, the length of the valve structure is made slightly longer then the cylinder depth into which it is inserted. This slightly longer valve structure is designed to push against the cylinder bottom, through Gasket 4, which causes the entire cylinder assembly to be seated fully into the bottle so that Gasket 18, through Flange 17 (see FIG. 4), can seal properly and prevent the escape of carbonated liquid. This effectively leaves a small gap between Cap 1 and the top of Flange 17 through which there is no escape possible of the pressurized carbonated liquid or its gas.

The prototype of the invention is made of polyethylene, although any sufficiently rigid plastic to hold its shape under the pressure exerted by the gas in the bottle will suffice. The measurements of the components in the prototype are also not critical, but they help to describe the operating principle of the invention in practice. Variations on the measurements described that do not impair the functioning of the invention and comport with current practice in the bottling industry are acceptable. In the prototype, the inside diameter of the cylinder is 12 mm and the outside diameter is 16 mm. Opening 5c is 1.5 mm wide and 4 mm long. Flange 17 overhangs the outside diameter of the cylinder by 6 mm.

FIG. 3a shows an exterior view of Piston 2 as a separate component for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 along a specific diameter of Piston 2, which has been rotated 90 degrees from the view shown in FIG. 3a. In the practice of the invention, Piston 2 would be attached to Cap 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, T-shaped tube 5 is formed inside Piston 2. FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view of Piston 2 in such a position that the horizontal component of the T-shaped tubular path is shown. The horizontal component of the tubular path runs across the lower portion of the piston and ends at Openings 20. Vertical component 5a of the tubular path is concentric with the piston and runs from the center of the horizontal component of the tubular path (which runs between Openings 20), to the top of Piston 2. The tubular path does not extend to the bottom surface of the piston. Instead, Bumper 4 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the piston. Piston 2 is narrower near the bottom than it is along the rest of its length, with the narrower portion designated as Valve 3. This allows the liquid to enter T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 after entering the cylinder through Openings 20. With Bumper 4 in position, Piston 2 acts like a valve. In “open” position, the liquid can flow into the cylinder, into T-shaped tubular path 5 in Piston 2 through Openings 20, through Tubular Path 5 in Piston 2, and out of the bottle through Opening 11 and Opening 14 in Cap 1. In “closed” position, neither the liquid nor the pressurized gas can escape into the inside of the cylinder, because Bumper 4 at the end of Piston 2 prevents such passage. Additionally, Gasket 19 can further ensure a tight fit between the outside of Piston 2 and the inside of the cylinder during the pouring operation, although Gasket 19 is optional. A flange, located at the top of Piston 2, is the same width as Flange 17 on the cylinder. In the practice of the invention, the flange on Piston 2 is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of Cap 1 (shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, but not in FIGS. 3a and 3b). This allows the opening and closing of the apparatus by loosening or tightening Cap 1. When Cap 1 has been sufficiently unscrewed to allow liquid to pass through the cylinder and Piston 2, the liquid passes through Opening 12 at the top of Cap 1 and out of the bottle.

FIG. 4 shows the components of the invention together, with the cap screwed tightly onto the bottle in “closed” position. Bottle 8 is shown right-side-up, since Cap 1 is tightened for continued storage of the beverage within Bottle 8. Except for Opening 12 in Cap 1, the assembly would look much like a conventional cap on a conventional soda bottle. Bottle flange 9 is in the same place as on conventional bottles. Bumper 4 forms a tight seal with the end wall of the cylinder, thereby covering Opening 11 and preventing the escape of any beverage or pressurized gas from Bottle 8. Valve 3, Bumper 4 and Horizontal Component 5a of Tube 5 are narrower than the main body of Piston 2, as shown by an annular empty space between those components and the inside of the cylinder wall.

FIG. 5 shows the same components, except that the cap has been loosened, in order to dispense the beverage. Bottle 8 is shown upside-down, since the opening through which the beverage is poured faces downward during the pouring operation. In FIG. 5, Cap 1 has been unscrewed about one turn from its position in FIG. 4. There is some empty space between the flanges on the cylinder and Piston 2, and the distance between the bottom edge of Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9 is greater than the distance between them as shown in FIG. 4. Cap 1 has not been removed, as is done in the conventional operation. Still, the bottle is “open” and the beverage can be poured into a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. The operation of unscrewing Cap 1 creates Compartment 7, between Opening 11 in the cylinder and Piston 2. Liquid flows from Bottle 8, through Opening 11, into Compartment 7, and into Tube 5 through Openings 5c. The liquid then flows through Horizontal Component 5a and Vertical Component 5b or Tube 5, through the opening at the end of Tube 5 and through Opening 14 in Cap 1, on its way into a glass or into the consumer's mouth.

The height of Piston 2 (from flange to tip) is greater than the depth of the cylinder. This assures tight closure between Bumper 4 and the end wall of the cylinder. This feature is necessary to keep the gas that carbonates the beverage from escaping from the bottle when the bottle is closed. In the practice of the invention, the user tightens Cap 1 in the customary manner. When Cap 1 is fully tightened, thereby tightly closing the bottle, Bumper 4 will sit snugly against the end wall of the cylinder and Opening 11. In the design of the invention, extra space is provided between Flange 17 of the cylinder and Cap 1, to accommodate the entire height of Piston 2. This way, the seal between the cylinder and Piston 2 is always tight when the bottle is closed, and no gas can escape.

In the prototype of the invention, the outside diameter of Piston 2 is 12 mm, except at the lower portion, Valve 3, where is it 11 mm. Total length of Piston 2 is 10 mm in the prototype, although this measurement is not critical. It is critical, however, that the length of Piston 2 below the flange be greater than the length of the inside chamber of the cylinder. Horizontal component 5a of T-shaped tube 5 measures about 1 mm in diameter, while Vertical Component 5b measures approximately 1.5 mm in diameter. The flange on Piston 2 is sufficiently wide to fit within the inside diameter of Cap 1. These components can be glued or otherwise joined together by any means known in the conventional art.

In the practice of the invention, the consumer of the beverage in question unscrews Cap 1 to access the beverage inside the bottle. This process occurs in the conventional manner, as Inside Threads 51 on Cap 1 are moved along complimentary outside threads (not shown) on the bottle containing the beverage. Only enough rotational motion to allow the beverage to pass through openings in all three components is needed. This action moves the apparatus from the “closed” position shown in FIG. 4 to the “open” position shown in FIG. 5.

Assuming the consumer wishes to pour the beverage into a glass, he or she turns the bottle containing the beverage upside-down over the glass and loosens Cap 1. Bumper 4 then becomes separated from the “top” surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 1, forming a chamber for the reception of the beverage. The pressure of the carbon dioxide or other gas present in the bottle and the gravity, forces the beverage through Opening 11, in Cylinder 16, into the newly-opened chamber in Cylinder 16, through the T-shaped tube in Piston 2, out of the bottle through Opening 12 in Cap 3, and into the glass (not shown). Using the same method, the consumer could also dispense the beverage directly into his or her mouth. When a sufficient amount of beverage has been dispensed, the consumer twists Cap 1 in the opposite direction to close the system, bringing Bumper 4 into contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder 16 and cutting off the path through which the beverage would otherwise escape from the bottle. The pressurized gas is also prevented from escaping and kept inside the bottle until dispensing of more of the beverage is desired.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described. The descriptions of the preferred embodiment show an apparatus that could be added to plastic soda bottles during manufacture. A version for removable retrofitting the apparatus into a bottle after initial opening can also be manufactured. In this embodiment, a separate cylinder is a discrete component, separately manufactured. This cylinder is placed inside the throat of a bottle. A cap is force-fitted onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. Inside threads on the cap unit engage outside threads on a piston unit, with a point of opening and closing on the cylinder unit. It is expected that this embodiment will be used primarily on glass bottles used to store such beverages as beer and sparkling wine. The description of this embodiment assumes that the bottle in which the beverage is sold contains a flange, rather than screw threads, at its mouth. While this retrofitted device may not be as effective in ultimately keeping as much gas in the bottle as a similar structure added during manufacture, it will still keep more gas in the bottle than is feasible with conventional bottle caps.

2. FIGS. 6-10 show this embodiment of the invention as three components; a cylindrical bottle throat, a piston rotatably engaging a bottle cap, and the cap unit itself. In this embodiment, the bottle and cap do not have complimentary inside and outside threads that engage each other. Instead, an indentation in Cap 61 receives Flange 63, which is part of Bottle 60 and allows free rotation of Cap 61 on Bottle 60. Cylinder 62 fits snugly inside the neck of Bottle 60 and contains a flange at its top to prevent it from falling inside Bottle 60. In the operation of the invention, Cylinder 62 is placed inside the neck of Bottle 60 and Cap 61 is forced onto the top of the neck of Bottle 60, until Flange 63 at the mouth of Bottle 60 mates securely with Slot 63A on Cap 61 allowing the cap to still rotate without falling off. Cap 61 has an opening at the center of its top surface, which allows room for Tube 64. Tube 64 is a part of the piston assembly that fits inside Cylinder 62. Inside Threads 65 on Cap 61 compliment Outside Threads 66, which are located on Tube 64. FIG. 6 shows these threads. Shank 68 is mounted at the center of Piston 67, and is solid, although spacers provide an opening between the bottom of Piston 67 and the top of Shank 68. Extending below Shank 68 is Tip 69, which extends through Opening 70 in the center of the bottom wall of Cylinder 62. FIGS. 7 and 10 show the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68 joining with Canal 5 on the center of Tube 64 and Piston 67, and the Opening 70 on the bottom wall of Cylinder 62 combine to form a continuous pathway along which the beverage travels when it is poured from Bottle 60 as shown on the FIG. 10. The cylindrical component is similar to that in the embodiment of the invention described previously, and a washer is located at the bottom of Shank 68 to ensure a tight fit between the Cylinder 62 and the bottom surface of Shank 68, when the bottle is “closed” and the beverage and pressurized gas are prevented from escaping. FIG. 7 shows the invention in “closed” position. Cap 62 has been rotated until Shank 68 has been lowered sufficiently to form a tight seal with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Tip 69 extends through and below Opening 70 in the center of Cylinder 62, but the seal between Shank 68 and Cylinder 62 prevents the beverage or gas from escaping. The flange of Cylinder 62 must be sufficiently wide to overlap Bottle 60 at its mouth (including the width of the structure of the bottle itself). In other respects, the cylinder and piston are similar to those in the first-described embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of Tip 69 in end view. The “up and down” movement of Piston 67 in turn causes Tip 69 to move in the same manner. To eliminate any rotational motion, Tip 69 has an “H” or “I” cross-section in this embodiment. Tip 69 fits through Opening 70 in Cylinder 62. In this embodiment, Opening 70 is square. In the practice of the invention, dimensions are not critical. Opening 70 and the cross-section of Tip 69 can be rectangular, or they can be any other noncircular shape. FIG. 9 also shows the cross-section of Tip 69 and Opening 70, as seen from the lower portion of Bottle 60 with the bottom cut on.

FIG. 10 shows this embodiment of the invention, when the bottle is “open” for dispensing the beverage inside. Before opening Cap 61 by rotating it, Bottle 60 should be first turned upside-down, the proper position for dispensing the beverage. Cap 61 is rotated in an opening direction and this moves Piston 67 and Shank 68 toward the mouth of Bottle 60, thereby breaking the seal formed by the washer at the end of Shank 68 and the end wall of Cylinder 62. Shank 68 does not come into contact with the end wall of Cylinder 62. Instead, the beverage flows through Opening 70 and around Tip 69, into Chamber 71. From there, it flows into the Canal 5a on the top of Shank 68, into Canal 5 on the center of Piston 67 and Tube 64, and out of Bottle 60. The seal between Piston 67 and Cylinder 62 prevents the escape of fluid during the pouring operation except where it is intended. Rotating Cap 61 in the opposite direction again closes Bottle 60 after the beverage has been poured.

In this embodiment, Cap 61 is different from Cap 1 in the previously-described embodiment. It is designed to be force fit onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. The design allows for the bottle to be filled with a beverage before the apparatus is inserted or it can be filled through the apparatus after it has been inserted. The unit described in this embodiment is intended to replace the cap that originally formed part of the bottle. In the operation of the invention, the consumer opens the bottle in the conventional manner (probably with a bottle opener) and immediately presses the apparatus comprising the invention in a downward direction on the top of the beverage bottle, making sure that the apparatus locks into place on the bottle. The invention is then used as described. When the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed, the consumer can pull the apparatus out of the bottle and use it on another bottle, in the same manner.

While this particular embodiment is used with traditional bottles with pressure-fit caps, it is also possible to use this retrofitted apparatus with bottles that are made with screw-mounted caps but cylinder has to be like described on the FIG. 35 with the flange (like 63) instead of thread. The apparatus described as the preferred embodiment of the invention can be sold as a separate unit for retrofitting onto bottles with screw-mounted caps and used in the same manner.

The primary advantage of the embodiment of the invention in which the features of the “cylinder” are built into the bottle during manufacture is cost savings. For plastic bottles, which are widely used for soda, the cylinder-like features described could be added to the neck of the bottle during the injection molding process. This would be the only modification that would be made to the bottle during manufacture. It is expected that it would be less expensive to manufacture bottles in this manner than to manufacture the cylinder in the previous embodiment as a separate part.

In the practice of the invention, bottles can be made of plastic as practiced in the conventional art, glass, ceramic or metal. While the expected primary application for the invention is in the field of beverage manufacture, the anti-spill feature of the invention also makes it useful for packaging of hazardous liquids, such as cleaning fluids. While such liquids would not be packed under gas pressure, they could be packed in squeezable plastic bottles or metal cans for releasing a stream of liquid when desired. The spill-preventing feature of this invention renders it suitable for these applications.

3. An optional feature of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 11 through 14 (a, b and c). This feature is a siphon-like arrangement that is added to the apparatus that comprises the basic invention, which otherwise remains the same. FIG. 11 shows a cross-section view of this embodiment in operation with the bottle closed and the beverage inside it remaining there for storage. Outlet Tube 39 extends below Opening 12 in Cylinder 16, toward the bottom of Bottle 8 and in such a position that all or essentially all of the liquid in Bottle 8 passes through it. Outlet Tube 39 is held in place within the cap assembly by Locking Ring 37 and Dummy 38. Hose 36 is attached to Valve Tube 35. Optional Shield 49 is attached to Bottle 8 by a band (shown on FIG. 50) that wraps around Bottle 8. Holding Ring 51 holds Tube 39 in a fixed position, so the stream of liquid passing through Tube 39 can be directed toward a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. Gasket 4 ensures a tight seal between Piston 2 and Valve Tube Opening 11. Space 20 is small, since Cap 1 is screwed tightly onto Bottle 8. Valve Tube 35 is closed; Valve Tube Opening 11 is in contact with Gasket 4, which forms a seal between it and Valve 3.

FIG. 12 shows the same view of the same embodiment, but the bottle has been opened to allow the beverage to be discharged through Outlet Tube 39. The other structural components are the same, except that Cap 1 has been opened. This is shown by the enlargement (compared to FIG. 11) of Space 20 between Cap 1 and Cylinder Flange 17, as well as the greater distance between Cap 1 and Bottle Flange 9. It should be noted that Cylinder 16 remains in the same position as in FIG. 11, as shown by Flange 17, Cylinder Gasket 18 and Sealing Rings 19 remaining in the same position that they occupy in FIG. 11. Rotating Cap 1 raises Piston 2 and its associated components, as well as the siphon assembly, relative to the bottle and cylinder assembly. The beverage stored in Bottle 8, pushed by gas, then travels through Siphon Tube 36 and Valve Tube 35, and into a compartment within Cylinder 16. From there, it travels upwardly through Outlet Tube 39 and into a glass (not pictured) presumably located below the outlet of Outlet Tube 39.

FIG. 13 shows a detail of the siphon tube and the means for maintaining it in position within the cap assembly. Siphon tube extends through Opening 12 of Plug 38, which is held in place on Piston 2 (not shown) by Locking Ring 37. These components are pictured as a one-piece unit, although they need not be manufactured that way. However, the one-piece unit can be easily injection molded, and will add strength to Outlet Tube 39 in use.

FIGS. 14a, b and c show details of the structure of Locking Ring 37. In FIG. 14a, it is shown as an annular extension of Plug 38. FIG. 14b shows Locking Ring 37 abutting a small, recessed channel in Piston 2. Alternatively, as pictured in FIG. 14c, Annular Mortise 42 abuts the recessed channel in Piston 2 and holds Plug 38 in place. Restraining Plate 49, which is securely attached to the bottle, prevents the rotation of siphon tube 39 during the rotational opening and closing of the cap.

In the operation of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer holds Cap 1 and turns Bottle 8 in such a manner as to unscrew Cap 1. The pressure of the gas in Bottle 8 pushes the beverage through Siphon Tube 36, through the rest of the system, and out through Outlet Tube 39. The stream of liquid coming form Outlet Tube 39 is then directed toward its intended place. The process is reversed for cutting off the further flow of liquid.

4. A variation on the cap is shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b. In the first-described embodiment Cap 1 was a conventional bottle cap, with an opening at the top to allow liquid to pass there through. Cap 1 in FIG. 15a contains these features, with the addition of Nipple 52. In the practice of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can place his or her lips around Nipple 52 for ease of drinking the beverage inside the bottle. A short length of tube extending upward from the cap will serve the same purpose. As in the first described embodiment of the invention, Piston 2 is fixedly attached to or molded with Cap 1. Piston Gasket Ring 33 keeps a tight seal with other piston components (not shown) when the bottle is closed. The bottom view, shown in FIG. 15b, shows how Nipple 52 surrounds Opening 12 in the center of Cap 1.

5. FIGS. 16 through 18 (a, b and c) show an alternate embodiment, featuring a wider opening in the neck of the bottle and in the cap than is present in the first described embodiment. This embodiment is particularly useful for providing the consumer with a cap assembly that allows drinking directly from the bottle. Opening 12 is wider than its counterpart in the first described embodiment of the invention, thereby forming a drinking chamber. An additional feature is a safeguard against accidental spilling. FIG. 16 shows this embodiment, in cross section taken along a diameter, when the bottle is closed and the beverage is stored inside the bottle. Opening 12 in the center of Cap 1 and Opening 11 in the center of the neck of Bottle 8 are shown as larger than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 is shown as molded as part of Cap 1, although any other method of fixedly attaching Piston 2 to Cap 1 that is known in the art is also suitable. Consequently, Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are larger in diameter than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention.

Gasket 4 forms a tight seal against the opening Throat 11 of Bottle 8 when Cap 1 is fully seated, thereby keeping the beverage and pressurized gas inside Bottle 8. When Cap 1 is fully seated, Space 21 is simply a small annular space between Valve 3 of Cap 1 and the Bottle Neck. Gap 20 is also formed at that time. A difference between this embodiment and the first described embodiment is the use of Passages 5, which are in the area located between Valve 3 and the bottom of the wall of Piston 2. The entire cap is constructed as one integral unit and is comprised of the outer Cap 1, Piston 2, the bottom Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 which are channels into Opening 12. The circumference of Valve 3 and the area of Passages 5 is slightly smaller in diameter than the circumference of Piston 2. Passages 5 are spaced evenly along the circumference of their respective area. The beverage will flow through Gasket 4, through Space 21 through Passages 5 and into Opening 12 when the bottle is opened. Due to the structure of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can rotate Cap 1 to open the bottle to allow a small amount of the beverage into Opening 12 whereupon the consumer can continue to drink directly from the bottle through Opening 12.

FIG. 17 shows a similar view of this embodiment, except the bottle has been opened for release of the beverage inside. Cap 1 has been rotated in order to loosen it. Locking Space 20 is larger, and Safeguard 6 engages Flange 9 on the neck of Bottle 8. The operation of the safeguard feature will be described later. Gasket 4 (which is attached to the end of Valve 3) is now separated from Opening 11, in the neck of Bottle 8. This opens Compartment 7, for the reception of the beverage to be discharged from Bottle 8. Space 21 is contiguous with the rest of Compartment 7 and forms part of it. The beverage and pressurized gas that had been stored inside Bottle 8 travels through Opening 11, into Compartment 7 and into Space 21 (which is annular in shape). The beverage then travels through Holes 5 into Opening 12 in Cap 1, and out of the bottle.

A safeguard feature is added in this embodiment of the invention to prevent accidental opening of the bottle and escape of the gas that carbonates the beverage stored therein. Although this safeguard feature is described with this particular embodiment of the invention, it can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments described here. The central component of this feature is Safeguard Ring 6. Safeguard Ring 6 and its operation are shown in detail in FIGS. 18 a, b and c. These figures show Safeguard Ring 6 in cross section, and it should be remembered that it is a modified cylinder. At one end is annular Lip 6a, and at the other end is smaller cylindrical Surface 6b. Safeguard Ring 6 is pivotally attached at or near the circle that constitutes its central diameter to Extension Ring 1a, which forms a part of Cap 1.

FIG. 18a shows Safeguard Ring 6 as oriented when Bottle 8 is closed, as shown in FIG. 16. Safeguard Ring 6, Extension Ring 1a and Cap 1 are shown here as a single, molded unit. In the practice of the invention, any means for keeping these components together is suitable. Inside threads on Cap 1 engage outside threads on Bottle 8 in the usual manner. Safeguard Ring 6 engages Bottle Flange 9 at a point between Lip 6a and the pivot point where Safeguard Ring 6 is attached to Extension Ring 1a, which forms part of Cap 1. In order to rotate Cap 1 for the purpose of opening (removing Cap 1) or closing Bottle 8, the consumer pinches Surface 6b at two points diametrically opposite each other. FIG. 18b shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 during this operation, although the consumer's fingers are not pictured. Safeguard Ring 6 has pivoted about the pivot point where it connects with Extension Ring 1a, and it no longer comes into contact with Bottle Flange 9. The consumer then rotates Safeguard Ring 6, thereby rotating Cap 1, to which it is fixedly attached. For the purpose of this illustration, it is assumed that the consumer has opened the bottle and removed the cap. FIG. 18c shows the position of Safeguard Ring 6 when Bottle 8 is open. It is a detail of Safeguard Ring 6 as shown in FIG. 17. Safeguard Ring 6 now engages Bottle Flange 9, at annular Lip 6a. Lip 6a is located at the end of Safeguard Ring 6, and acts to prevent Safeguard Ring 6 from moving beyond contact with Bottle Flange 9. This limits the rotation of Cap 1 when Bottle 8 is opened.

6. An alternate structure for a piston assembly is shown in FIGS. 19-24. In this embodiment, a number of evenly-spaced plates provide structural support for the piston. FIG. 19 shows the cap and piston assembly cut along the plane of a plate that forms two oppositely-oriented ribs. FIG. 20 shows the same assembly cut along a different plane, so a chamber for holding liquid is shown. From FIG. 19, it can be seen that the plates (including Plate 14, as shown) and Cap 1 form a single, molded unit. This assembly contacts both the inner surface of the neck of the bottle and the screw threads on the outer surface of the neck of the bottle. In the description provided here, three such plates are placed 60 degrees apart, so there are six ribs to hold the cap and piston assembly in its proper place. The exact number of ribs or plates is not critical to the invention. The piston assembly is the same as previously described, and is located at the apex of the plate containing Ribs 14 and the other plates, as well. Valve 3 and Gasket 4 are the same as in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston 2 in this embodiment is not solid, but is comprised or a cylinder and the plates that provide lateral support for it, including the plate that contains Ribs 14. Gasket 33 sits at the top edge of the cylindrical wall of Piston 2, to allow a tight fit with the cylinder (not shown). This keeps the pressurized gas for escaping when the during the beverage is discharged. FIG. 20 shows a similar view, along a different plane. The space inside the wall of Piston 2, between Ribs 14 connects with Tubes 5a, thru Openings 5 which lead into Opening 12. These spaces form the path used for discharge of the beverage when the bottle is opened and the beverage is poured out of the bottle.

FIG. 19a shows this structure in cross-section, with the bottle closed. FIG. 19b show the same structure, with the bottle open, ready for discharging the beverage. Features not described specifically with this embodiment are the same as described with the first described embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19c shows a detail of Piston wall 2, with Gasket 33 attached to it.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are transverse sectional views of the cap and piston assembly. FIG. 21 is taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19, near the top of Cap 1. Piston wall 2 is contiguous with Ribs 14, extending from Piston Wall 2, toward the center of the assembly. Six ribs (three plates) are shown here, but the number of ribs is not critical to the operation of the invention. Ribs 14 do not extend to the center of the assembly, since the location is close to the top of Cap 1 and Opening 12 is located there. FIG. 22 is taken along the line B-B, further from the top of Cap 1. Ribs 14 meet at the center, which is solid. Otherwise, the features are the same as in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 shows a view from the top of the bottle. Cap 1 covers most of the field of view, with Opening 12 in the center. The parts of Ribs 14 that are located near the center of the piston assembly can be seen. FIG. 24 shows a view of the Cap 1, from Valve 3. The features are otherwise the same as in other figures depicting this embodiment of the invention, although Passages 15 are also visible.

7. An optional feature can be added for ease of drinking the beverage contained in the bottle, especially soda. FIGS. 25 through 27 show this feature, which is an additional part that acts as a cup. This allows the consumer to drink directly and easily from the bottle, and especially useful for small, one-portion bottles of soda. FIG. 25 shows Cup 29, attached to and concentric with Cap 1. Cup 29 is shown as an extension to Cap 1, and it is expected that it would be manufactured as part of the cap assembly, which also includes the piston assembly. The structure of the piston assembly is similar to that shown in FIGS. 16 through 18, with the wide openings. Valve 3, Gasket 4 and Openings 11 and 12 are wide. FIG. 26 shows the same assembly, but Bottle 8 is open, for discharge of the beverage. Compartment 7 has been opened, and it is wider than in the first described embodiment of the invention. Perpendicular to Valve 3 and vertically oriented are Ribs 14, two of which are shown.

As shown, Cup 29 forms a single unit with Cap 1 and is in the shape of the frustum of a cone wider at the opening than at the cap end to allow one to drink more comfortably from the cup created. The inside surface of Cup 29 can be used for drinking the beverage inside the bottle. Rather than twisting Cap 1, as in conventional practice, the consumer of the beverage can twist Cup 29 to open and close the bottle for drinking purposes. As an additional feature, removable Lid 31 can be placed over the top of Cup 29. This feature is shown in FIG. 25. Lid 31 keeps the inside surface of Cup 29 clean and prevents spillage of any beverage that might be inside. Lid 31 also provides structural support for Cup 29 and helps to prevent breakage of Cup 29 until the beverage inside Bottle 8 is consumed.

FIG. 27 shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention that includes Cup 29, and with Lid 31 removed. Valve 3 can be seen at the center of the bottle. So can Openings 5, alternating with Ribs 14. Ribs 14 extend vertically, from Valve 3 and toward the top of Cap 1. Openings 5 are located between Ribs 14. When the consumer rotates Cap 1, the soda (or other beverage) inside the bottle travels through Compartment 7, around Valve 3 and Gasket 4, through Openings 5 between Ribs 14, into Opening 12 and further into Cup 29 to be consumed.

8. An alternative safeguard feature is shown in FIGS. 28 through 30. This feature is designed for use with the any assembly previously described, and it can be used instead of the safeguard ring shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 28 shows this embodiment of the invention with the bottle closed. The features are the same as in FIG. 17, with the addition of Stopper 22 and Stem 54. Stem 54 extends from the center of Valve 3, through Opening 11. At its end is Stopper 22. Stopper 22 prevents loss of the cap and piston assembly by preventing Cap 1 to be loosened so much that it can be completely removed from Bottle 8 and lost or misplaced. Stopper 22 can be any shape. It can be a flat triangle, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It can also be solid, such as an “umbrella” shape with a triangular cross-section. It can be conical, spherical, flat with a triangular face, a linear member situated perpendicularly to Stem 54 in a “T” shape, or any other form that will prevent passage through Opening 11. In the practice of the invention, Stem 54 and Stopper 22 must be sufficiently strong to prevent breakage in the normal operation of loosening a cap. A sufficiently strong plastic, such as that used to hold tags onto merchandise in a clothing store, will serve the purpose.

FIG. 29 shows the position of Stopper 22 when Bottle 8 has been opened in the conventional manner. The beverage can pass through Opening 11 and through its normal path out of Bottle 8. It should be noted that there is room for the beverage to flow around Stopper 22 in the neck of Bottle 8. In FIG. 30, Cap 1 has been loosened to the maximum extent possible. Stopper 22 now contacts the neck of Bottle 8, just below Opening 11. The beverage cannot flow out of Bottle 8, since Stopper 22 is preventing such flow. In order to pour more of the beverage from Bottle 8, the consumer must tighten Cap 1 to move Stopper 22 away from Opening 11.

9. FIGS. 31 through 34 show a different valve that is shaped differently from that shown in previously-described embodiments of the invention (and designated as Valve 3).

10. In addition, FIGS. 32 through 34 show a different assembly for preventing the total removal of the cap and piston assembly. FIGS. 32 through 34 are cross-sectional views showing various positions of Valve Stud 44. Opening 12 is narrow, and other features are the same as in previously described embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned here. Gasket 4 is located at the end of Valve Stud 44 and serves the usual purpose of providing a tight seal with Opening 11 in Bottle 8. Protruding Member 47 extends beyond Gasket 4 and into Opening 11. Its purpose is to help keep Valve Stud 44 centered within Opening 11 as the cap is removed or closed

FIG. 32 shows the same valve assembly as shown in FIG. 31, and with more structure added. Bottle 8 is shown, and two features are added. The first is a plurality of Reinforcing Plates 46, added to strengthen the neck area of Bottle 8. The second is a safeguard feature. Stopper 45 is attached to Stem 55, which extends from Protruding member 47, through Opening 11. Stopper 45 may be flat, it may have a round cross-section, it may consist of more than one flat member, or it may have any structure that prevents it from passing through Opening 11. In the present description of the invention, Stopper 45 is flat, with a triangular shape. FIG. 32 shows the assembly in place with the Bottle 8 closed and the beverage stored therein. Stem 55 and Stopper 45 are both inside the neck of Bottle 8.

FIG. 33 shows a view of the same assembly, with Bottle 8 open for discharging the beverage stored inside. Stopper 45 is in contact with the neck of Bottle 8, on the “inside” end of Opening 11. If Stopper 45 has a circular shape, it would completely cover Opening 11, and Cap 1 would have to be loosened to allow the beverage to escape from bottle 8. If Stopper 45 is flat, the beverage will travel around it, through Opening 11 and eventually out of Bottle 8. FIG. 34 shows a side view of the assembly. In that view, Stopper 45 is flat. Stem 55 extends through Opening 11, and the beverage will be discharged from Bottle 8.

It is also feasible to produce a cylinder assembly for retrofitting into a bottle containing a beverage. This embodiment is especially useful with glass bottles that hold beer or sparkling wine. This embodiment can also be used with glass soda bottles, however. It is expected that the bottle in which the beverage comes packed will have a pressure-fit cap that will be removed by the consumer prior to taking the first drink of the beverage. After that first drink has been poured, the consumer will press-fit the assembly that is described as this embodiment of the invention onto the upper part of the neck of the bottle, thus keeping the remaining beverage and pressurized gas inside the bottle, to be dispensed at a later time. This device can also be fiited to the bottle in the manufacturing or filling stages and used to control access to the contents of the bottle.

11. FIG. 35 shows the cylinder associated with this assembly. In effect, this part comprises a cylinder within a cylinder. Inner Cylinder 16 fits inside the throat of a bottle. The floor of Cylinder 16 is shaped the same as in previously described embodiments of the invention, and Opening 11 is located at its center. Rim 17 extends outwardly from Cylinder 16 in the same manner in which the cylinder flanges of previously described embodiments do. However, Rim 17 is sufficiently wide to cover the entire rim of the bottle onto which it will be placed. Outer Cylinder 24 extends downwardly from the outer edge of Rim 17, and contains outside threads. These threads replace those that are imparted onto bottles with “twist-off” caps during manufacture. Annular Mortise 43, located immediately below and “inside of” Rim 17 will receive the Flange 23 located at the mouth of the bottle onto which the assembly will be placed in the operation of the invention.

FIG. 36 shows the entire assembly, comprising Cap, Cylinder and Piston, in place on a bottle. Bottle 8 has a smooth-sided neck, which fits inside Annular Mortise 43 in the cylinder assembly. Cap 1 is wider than its counterpart in the other embodiments of the invention, because its inside threads must accommodate the width of the neck of Bottle 8, as well as Outside Cylinder 24, which contains outside threads to engage the inside threads on Cap 1. Otherwise, all features are the same as shown in previously described embodiments. In FIG. 36, Bottle 8 is closed, and the portion of the beverage that has not yet been consumed remains stored inside. FIG. 37 is a similar view, but with Bottle 8 open for dispensing more of the beverage. It should be noted that the operation of this embodiment of the invention is identical to that required for the other embodiments. When the rest of the beverage has been consumed, however, the assembly can be pulled away from the neck of the bottle. The assembly can be washed and reused, while the bottle will probably be discarded or returned for deposit.

It should be noted that the various embodiments and features described can be used in any combination, as long as that combination is feasible. For example, placing a cuplike extension to the bottle cap is not compatible with placing a nipple in the same location. However, either the cuplike extension or the nipple can be used with the siphoning feature. Either extension added to the cap (or the cap without an extension) can be used with either a narrow or wide opening in the neck of the bottle. The same is true for the siphoning feature.

The descriptions and embodiments of the invention contained here should be thought of as illustrative and not limiting. Other embodiments of the invention are also possible. Ribs running transversely from the center tube of Piston 2 to its outer wall can be used in construction, rather than making the piston out of a solid piece of plastic. A wider tube can be used in the invention for more viscous liquids than for water-based liquids. Other embodiments are possible and should be thought of as lying within the scope of the invention.

12. FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of this apparatus in place on a bottle. Bottle 8 has a neck pre-manufactured to the configuration shown where the external Cylindrical Structure 2 of the bottle neck is designed to act as one part of the piston configuration that moves against the internal cylindrical structure of the bottle cap 70. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion 2 is slightly larger that the external diameter of the bottle neck at the threaded portion which is at the upper end of the bottle 8.

The internal diameter of the bottle cap 1 at the cylindrical portion 70 which is at the lower end of the cap is slightly larger that the external diameter of the threads on the bottle. At the upper opening of the bottle 8, the wall configuration 71 is designed to be thicker to allow adequate separation between the inner bottle and the holes 12 in bottle cap 1. Holes 12 in bottle cap 1 are located on the cap at the internal corner of the cap vertical threaded portion and are made smaller than wall thickness 71 of the bottle neck. In FIG. 38 the bottle cap 1 is shown fully seated where gasket 4 seals bottle cap 1 and bottle 8.

FIG. 39 shows the bottle in an inverted position with bottle cap 1 unscrewed to release the carbonated beverage through holes 12. The seal between piston 2 on bottle neck and cylinder 70 on the bottle cap will prevent escape of the carbonated beverage which can get past the threaded portion of the bottle neck.

FIG. 40 shows a possible configuration for the placement of holes 12 around the circumference of bottle cap 1

13. FIGS. 41 and 42 shows the same apparatus as shown in FIGS. 38-40 with an additional feature, cap cover 74 added to bottle cap 1. Cap cover 74 has a central opening 72 and is placed on cap 1 to create an inner chamber 73 to direct flow of the carbonated beverage from holes 12 through inner chamber 73 out through opening 72.

FIG. 41 shows the apparatus in a closed position.

FIG. 42 shows the apparatus in an open position.

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening 12 on bottle cap 1 and utilizes a bushing feature 75 to make it function like the previously described embodiment in FIG. 38. In FIG. 43 the bottle cap is in a closed position where the inner surface of bottle cap 1 presses against the cylindrical outer ring 76 which is a part of bushing 75. Gasket 4 seals against the bottle neck opening and the bottle neck wall thickness separates passages 5 from the inner volume of the bottle to prevent fluid escape. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion 2 is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threaded portion of bottle cap 1. The internal diameter of bottle cap 1 at the cylindrical portion 70 which is at the upper inner end of the cap is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threads on cap 1.

FIG. 44 shows this apparatus with the bottle in an inverted position for pouring with cap 1 in an opened position where the liquid can flow from the interior of the bottle through passages 5 to inner chamber 73 then exit through opening 12 in bottle cap 1.

The seal between piston 2 located on the bottle above the threads of bottle 8 and cylinder 70 inside the upper end of cap 1 above the cap threads prevent fluid from escaping the bottle through the threads when the cap is in this open position.

FIG. 45 shows a cross-sectional view of bushing 75 and gasket 4. Bushing 75, which is placed within bottle cap 1, has opening passages 5 placed around its outer circumference. The opening passages 5 are utilized in similar fashion to holes 12 in FIG. 38. It also shows gasket 4 that engages the bottle neck. Passages 5 and inner chamber 73 and the cylindrical outer ring 76 engage the inner top of cap 1.

FIG. 46 shows a view of bushing 75 only seen from the inside of cap 1 (not shown).

FIG. 47 shows a view of bushing 75 and gasket 4 superimposed on it seen from the bottle side (not shown).

14. FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 shows an embodiment of this apparatus that is designed for use on a regular bottle In this embodiment bottle cap 1, which seals this apparatus to a regular bottle, has neck 81 that is used in conjunction with cap 80. Neck 81 and cap 80 can utilize all the previously described uses of this invention for the sealing and pouring of the liquid in the bottle.

15. FIG. 52 shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where Cylinder 16 with its Outer Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17 is in a fully seated position held in place by the Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck. Ring Flange 23 on the bottle neck is seated within the annular Ring Space 43 on Cylinder 24. Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a. The Threaded Portion 16a is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter to create Chamber 7 in Cylinder 16. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 that connect Chamber 7 with Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 seals Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 to prevent fluid flow through Passage 11. The only place where Cap 1 presses against Cylinder 16 is in the area of Valve Seat 4. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the Cylindrical Portion 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 has pressed seal against Cylinder 16. Cylinder 16 can be held in place with additional options (e.g. a wiring harness such as currently used on champagne bottles).

FIG. 53 is similar to FIG. 52 except that Cylinder 16 is held in place by threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.

FIG. 54 is similar to FIG. 53 except that it shows Cap 1 in an open position with Bottle 8 inverted. The beverage passes through Passage 11 into Chamber 7 through Radial Passages 5 into Outlet Passage 12 to exit the bottle. Piston 2 of Cap 1 engages with Cylinder 16 and prevents the escape of beverage past the threaded portion.

FIG. 55 shows a cross sectional view of Cylinder 16 with its Outer Threaded Cylindrical Portion 24 connected by Flange 17. It shows the Threaded Inner Portion 16a which is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder 16 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 and Piston 2 (not shown) of Cap 1. It also shows Passage 11 that opens into the bottle.

FIG. 56 shows Cap 1 with its Threaded Portion 2a which is threaded into Cylinder 16 with its corresponding Threaded Portion 16a (not shown). The Threaded Portion 2a is larger in diameter than the Unthreaded Portion 2 to allow sealing of Cylinder 16 (not shown) and Piston 2. Piston 2 is connected to Valve Section 3 where Valve Section 3 is narrower in diameter. Between Piston 2 and Valve Section 3 there are Radial Passages 5 which exit into Central Outlet Passage 12 of Cap 1. Valve Seal 4 is designed to seal Cap 1 into Cylinder 16 (not shown) to prevent fluid flow. The entire length of the Threaded Portion 2a, the cylindrical portion of Piston 2, and the Valve Section 3 up to Valve Seal 4 of Cap 1 is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder 16 (not shown) so that Valve Seal 4 is the only place that Cap 1 seals pressed against Cylinder 16 (not shown).

Bottle 8 can be originally manufactured in a manner that has the elements of this device already in place without the addition of Cylinder 16 later.