Bottle filler

An improved bottle filler assembly for filling bottles from kegged carbonated or non carbonated beverages without carbonation loss or oxidation that is intuitive to use, sanitize, and keep free of bacteria. In the preferred embodiment, a long hose gradually reduces the pressure of the beverage on the way to the filler. Two tubes are placed inside each other forming an annulus where CO2 can be forced to the bottom of the bottle via a CO2 valve thereby purging the bottle of air (O2). A valve seat placed on the bottom of the tubes allows the beverage to flow into the bottle from the bottom by depressing a trigger.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to bottle filling devices, specifically to bottle filling devices for home made beer and other liquid carbonated beverages.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

It is well known in the home made beer (homebrew) market to utilize a specialized filler to transfer carbonated beer from a pressurized keg into a bottle for portability, gifts, entering into competitions and the like. The alternate to filling from a keg is natural carbonation in the bottle; but this leaves undesirable yeast sediment in the bottom of each bottle. Simply pouring the beer into a bottle from a tap is possible, but too much carbonation is lost from foaming leaving the beer flat. In addition, the presence of oxygen (O2) in the bottle during transfer causes staling of the beer adversely affecting the flavor and shelf life. The common solution to this is a device called a counter-pressure bottle filler (CPBF), which is very common in both the commercial bottling and homebrew industry. A typical homebrew counter-pressure bottle filler is a simplified manual version of the commercial equivalents intended for rapid sequential bottle filling. U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,740 (Yun), U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,835 (Copping), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,450,175 (Norwood) show several commercial high speed fillers. Numerous suppliers such as Foxx Equipment, MoreBeer™ and others manufacture and sell these traditional CPBF fillers. Also, many homebrewers make their own fillers. The typical process to fill a bottle utilizing a homebrew type counter-pressure bottle filler (CPBF) requires a very cumbersome process of turning several valves in a prescribed sequence in order to purge the bottle of air (O2), pressurize the bottle to the same pressure as the keg (to reduce foaming and carbonation loss), turn on the beer flow valve, gradually open the CO2relief valve to allow beer to flow, turn the beer valve off at the correct fill level, relieve the CO2pressure in the bottle, and remove the filler assembly, and lastly cap the bottle. If any operations are missed or done in the incorrect order, the bottle could be too foamy (lost carbonation), not at the correct fill level, inadequately purged of air or accidentally sprayed out of the bottle leaving an undesirable mess. The pressurization of the bottle is necessary to prevent foam creation (loss of carbonation) from a sudden pressure change whereby the dissolved CO2would come out of solution and create foaming. This sudden pressure loss is due to the sharp turns from numerous fittings and elbows, in addition to the throttling nature of valves that would otherwise cause excessive foaming if the bottle was not pressurized prior to filling.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly is an object of this invention to overcome the cumbersome nature of current homebrew counter-pressure bottle fillers.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a filler that reduces or eliminates sharp bends and valves in the beer flow path.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a filler that does not require pressurization of the bottle to function.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a filler that is easy to sanitize.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a filler that has few cavities for bacteria to collect or mold to grow.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a filler that is easy to connect and intuitive to use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to prior artFIG. 3, prior art numerical appear as primed numbers (′) a common prior art counter-pressure bottle filler (CPBF)10′ is shown. CPBF10′ is comprised of commercially available valves, fittings and tubing. Beer valve140′ is connected to the liquid out2′ on a keg1′. CO2valve12′ is connected to CO2tank3′ which is also connects CO2to the keg1′. A bleed valve6′ is connected to a beer stem7′ and also to a CO2bleed stem8′. A stopper9′ seals against bottle5′.

Referring toFIG. 1having sections A-A and B-B andFIG. 2, the preferred embodiment is shown. A keg or container1of liquid to be drained having an outlet2, a CO2tank3having an outlet4and a bottle5are partially shown. A bottle filler assembly10is shown. The bottle filler assembly includes a CO2valve12of conventional construction. In this application, the CO2valve12is made of a brass material, but as an alternative could be stainless steel or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. The CO2valve has as a body14on which are attached a first internally threaded end16and a second internally threaded end18. A passage20extends between the first internally threaded end16and the second internally threaded end18. An arrow, designated by reference numeral21is cast or engraved on the body14and points toward the second internally threaded ends18. A valve actuator22is positioned within the body14and the passage20between the first internally threaded end16and the second threaded end18and is movable between an open position, in which a flow can occur within the passage20between the first internally threaded end16and the second internally threaded end18, and a closed position in which a flow is prevented from occurring within the passage20between the first internally threaded end16and the second internally threaded end18. A biasing means28, such as a spring maintains the valve actuator22in the closed position26.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the bottle filler assembly10includes an elbow or fitting40having a body42. In this application, the elbow40is made of a brass material, but as an alternative could be stainless steel or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. The elbow40has a first externally threaded end44and a second externally threaded end46positioned on the body42of the elbow40. The second externally threaded end46also has a flared portion48thereon. The elbow40, in this application, has a 90 degree configuration, but as an alternative could be of another configuration such as a 60 or 45 degree angle. A passage50extends between the first externally threaded end44and the second externally threaded end46and follows the configuration of the elbow40with a 90 degree configuration. The first externally threaded end44is threadedly attached to CO2valve12at the second internally threaded end18. An axis52being perpendicular to the second externally threaded end46extends along a portion of the passage50in the elbow40but remains at a 180 degree angle. A hole or bore54is positioned within the body42, along the axis52and extends externally of the body42to within the passage50. The bore54has a preestablished size or diameter. In this application, the passage50and the bore54have similar sizes or diameters.

The bottle assembly10includes a first or gas or CO2tube60, has a preestablished inside bore or size or diameter formed about an axis61, a preestablished outside size or diameter, and a length extending between a first end62and a second end64. In this application, the first tube60is made of a stainless steel material, but as an alternative could be brass or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. The first end62of the first tube60has a flared portion66positioned thereon and the second end64has a seat portion68positioned thereon. Spaced a preestablished distance from the second end64is a groove70. The groove70has a preestablished width and depth. The depth of the groove70forms a preestablished diameter “D1” about the first tube60. A nut72is also a part of the bottle filler assembly10. The nut72has an external surface74, which in this application has a hexagonal configuration, but as an alternative could be square or include a serrated surface. A first end76of the nut72has an internally threaded portion78and a second end79of the nut72has a sealing portion80formed thereon. The nut72is positioned on the first tube60. As the nut72is tightened, the sealing portion80of the nut72is sealingly connected with the flared portion66of the first tube60and the flared portion66of the tube is sealingly connected with the flared portion48of the elbow40by tightening the internally threaded portion78of the nut72with the second externally threaded end18of the elbow40.

A second or liquid or beer tube90is included in the bottle filler assembly10. The second tube90is made of a stainless steel material, but as an alternative could be brass or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. The second tube90has a preestablished inside bore, size or diameter, a preestablished outside size or diameter, and a preestablished length extending between a first end92and a second end94. The preestablished outside size or diameter slidably fits within the preestablished inside bore, size or diameter of the first tube60. And, the preestablished outside size or diameter of the second tube90slidably and sealingly fits within the bore or hole54of the elbow40. The first end92of the second tube90has a flared portion96thereon. A groove98is spaced a preestablished distance from the second end94of the second tube90and is interposed the first and second ends92,94. The groove98has a preestablished width and depth. The preestablished depth of the groove98forms a preestablished diameter “D2” about the second tube90. The second end94of the second tube90is positioned within the second end64of the first tube60, slid along the inside bore or diameter, slid along the axis52and through the bore or hole54of the elbow40until the groove98extends beyond the body42of the elbow40.

The bottle filler assembly10includes a spring or biasing means100and a trigger mechanism102. The spring100and the trigger mechanism102is made of stainless steel, but as an alternative, at least the trigger mechanism102, could be brass or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. The spring100has a preestablished inside diameter which slidably attaches over the preestablished size or diameter of the first tube60, and a preestablished spring rate. The spring100has a preestablished length. The trigger mechanism has a generally “U” shaped configuration including a base member104, a first end member106and a second end member108. The base member104has a rectangular configuration and includes a length and a width. The length of the base member104is greater that the length of the spring100and the width of the base member104is greater than or about twice that of the size or diameter of the first tube60. The first end member106extends at a 90 degree angle from the base member104and has an end110which extends from the base a preestablished distance. The first end member106includes a first side112and a second side114. A slot116extends from the first side112and is positioned a preestablished distance from the end110. The slot116include a pair of angling side members118extending from the first side112and terminating within a cylindrical portion120. The cylindrical portion120has a size or diameter being substantially identical to the size or diameter “D2” of the groove98in the second tube90. The cylindrical portion120is positioned about a center and is formed by a radius forming a circumference. The center is spaced from the base member104a preestablished distance. The pair of angling side members118intersect the circumference of the cylindrical portion120and the intersection thereof forms a circumference being greater than 180 degrees. Extending from the circumference toward the second side114is a notch122. The notch122has a preestablished width and length. The notch122is spaced from the second side114a preestablished distance. A portion of the first end member106interposed the first side112and one of the pair of angling side members118has been removed. A radiused portion124extends between one of the pair of angling side member118and the end110. The second end member108of the trigger mechanism102extends at a 90 degree angle from the base member104and has an end126. The second end member108includes a first side128and a second side130. Positioned in the second end member108is a bore132. The bore132is spaced from the base a distance being substantially equal to the preestablished distance the center of the circumference of the cylindrical portion120is spaced from the base member104. Extending from the end126toward the base member104is a trigger portion134. The trigger portion134is necked down from the first side128and the second side130; however, as an alternative the trigger need not be necked down. An anti-slip covering136is formed about the trigger portion134. With the slot116of the first end106pointed toward the nut72, the bore132of the trigger mechanism102is positioned over the preestablished size or diameter of the first tube60and the trigger mechanism102is slid toward the nut72.

The bottle filling mechanism10further includes a sealing mechanism or beer valve assembly140. The sealing mechanism140has a generally “U” shaped configuration. The sealing mechanism140has a base portion142having a first end144and a second end146positioned within a width. A pair of fingers148extends from the first end144at a 90 degree angle. The pair of fingers148have an accurate configuration and are formed to define a cylindrical circumference having a preestablished diameter being substantially equal to the preestablished diameter “D1” about the first tube60. A slit150is interposed the pair of fingers148and extends from the first end144toward the second end146of the base portion142a preestablished distance. The slit150is positioned generally equally spaced within the width of the base portion142. An attaching end152extends from the second end146at a 90 degree angle. The attaching end152has an end154and a pair of sides156. The end154has a radiused portion157and the pair of sides156each have a notch158therein. The radiused portion156and the notch158in each of the pair of sides156are positioned from the second end146of the base portion142a preestablished distance. Each of the base portion142, the pair of fingers148and the attaching end152is made of a stainless steel material, but as an alternative could be brass or copper or another material being resistant to corrosion. A seal member160is made of a silicone material, but could be of an alternative sealing material, and is attached to the end154. The seal member160has a flat end162and a spherical end164. A recess166is formed intermediate the flat end162and the spherical end164. The recess166is positioned about the radiused portion156and the notches158securing the seal member160to the attaching end152in a prefixed relationship. With the flared portion96of the second tube90in contact with the second end64of the first tube60, the sealing mechanism140is attached within the bottle filler assembly10. The pair of fingers148are positioned within the groove70of the first tube60and the sealing member160is precisely locate to be capable of being in sealing relationship with the flared portion96of the second tube90.

The bottle filling assembly10will require a first or beer hose170, has a preestablished inner diameter being about the same or about the equivalent of the preestablished outside size or diameter of the second tube90and has a preestablished length. The first hose170has a first end172which is attached to the second end94of the second tube90and extends over and past the second end90. A second end174of the first hose is attached to the outlet2of the keg1in a conventional manner. A second or CO2hose176has a preestablished inner diameter and length. The second hose176has a first end178connected to the first internally threaded end16of the CO2valve12in a conventional manner. A second end180of the second hose176is connected to the CO2tank3in a conventional manner.

Many ramifications of the invention are possible. For example, a ball valve, foot operated valve, or other style of valve can be used in lieu of the push valve used for the CO2valve12as shown in the drawings. In lieu of elbow40, a “Tee” could be used with a close fitting hole in a cap nut, or compression ferrule to seal against beer tube90and still provide sufficient clearance for free movement of beer tube90. Numerous fitting types and combinations are possible in lieu of flare type fittings such as ferrule type compression fittings and pipe threads which accomplish the same functionality. Also, many ramifications of the beer valve seating geometry are possible to adequately seal and provide a non turbulent flow of the beer such as cones, bugle shapes, o-ring and similar. The beer valve assembly140and trigger mechanism102can also be fastened to their respective tubes via numerous means such as welding, clamping, interference fits etc., or incorporated as an integral part of the tube. Yet another method would be to employ a mechanism similar to existing “push-type” bottle fillers, well known in the art, in lieu of the aforementioned beer valve assembly140. This would be used in conjunction with the CO2tube60to add the CO2bottle purging feature. It is also possible to install a small seltzer bottle CO2cartridge on CO2valve12in lieu of the second or CO2hose176from a larger CO2tank typically used in beer dispensing. Often, these CO2seltzer type assemblies include a valve and pressure reducing mechanism wherein CO2valve12can be eliminated. In addition to CO2, it is also possible to use other commonly acceptable purging gasses such as N2or argon etc. The filler can be used with either a carbonated or non carbonated liquid. When using with a carbonated liquid, the length of hose between the keg and the filler should be increased, about 10 feet in length, to reduce undesirable foaming. Lastly, it is possible to use this filler for other fluids such as wine, beverages, or chemicals where purging of the container is desirable prior to filling.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Referring to the prior art drawing ofFIG. 3, the prior art CPBF operation is very complicated and not at all intuitive as mentioned earlier. After connecting CPBF10′ to keg1′ and CO2tank3′, CPBF10′ is inserted into bottle5′. Stopper9′ is firmly placed on a lip of bottle5′. CO2valve12′ is opened to allow CO2to fill bottle5′ through beer stem7′. Since CO2is heavier than air, it stays at the bottom of the bottle5′. Bleed valve6′ is then opened to allow air to escape through vent tube8′ and out of bleed valve6′. Bleed valve6′ is then closed to allow bottle5′ to pressurize to the same pressure as keg1′. When CO2stops flowing, bottle5′ and keg1′ are now at the same pressure and CO2valve12′ is then closed. Beer valve140′ is then opened, but will not flow since no pressure differential exists from keg1′ to bottle5′. To allow beer to enter bottle5′, bleed valve6′ is then slightly opened to gradually reduce pressure in bottle5′. Beer will begin to slowly fill the bottle5′. Since the bottle5′ and the keg1′ are at nearly the same pressure little foaming (carbonation loss) will be experienced. When the bottle5′ is close to full, beer valve140′ is closed. When bleed valve6′ has fully released the remaining CO2pressure, the filler7′ is removed from bottle5′ and capped. If any of the numerous above steps are missed or done in an incorrect sequence, excessive foaming, oxidation of the beer, or explosive spraying of beer from the bottle5′ can occur.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. The bottle filling assembly10is assembled as follows. The first externally threaded end44of the elbow40is threadedly attached to the second internally threaded end18of the CO2valve12. Thus, with the arrow21points toward the elbow40, the elbow40and the CO2valve12are securely tightened. The nut72is placed over the seat portion66of the first tube60and the sealing portion80of the nut72is slid into contact with the flared portion66of the first tube60. The internal threaded portion78of the nut72is threadedly engaged with the second externally threaded end46of the elbow40. With the axis52of the bore54and passage50coinciding with the axis61of the first tube, the nut72and the elbow40are hand tightened causing the seat portion66of the first tube60to contact the flared portion48of the elbow40and the sealing portion80of the nut72to contact the seat portion66of the first tube60. Next, the second end94, having the groove98thereon, of the second tube90is inserted within the preestablished inside bore of the second end64of the first tube60. The second end94is slid along the inner bore, within the passage50and into the bore54within the elbow40. The second tube90is extended through the bore54until the groove98extends beyond the body42of the elbow40. At this time the nut72is secured snugly onto the elbow40. With the nut72snugly fitted the second tube90should slide freely within the bore54and the inner bore of the first tube60. Now, slide the inside diameter of the spring100over the second end64and the preestablished outside diameter of the first tube60until the spring100contacts the second end79of the nut72. Slide the bore132of the second end member108of the trigger mechanism102over the second end64of the first tube60with the first end member106, having the slot116, pointing toward the nut72. Extend the slot116past the elbow40and with the groove98extended beyond the body42of the elbow40press the angling side members118into the groove98and snap the cylindrical portion120into the groove98. The circumference of the cylindrical portion120and preestablished diameter “D2” should form a tight rather rigid connection. With the seal member160positioned on the attaching end152of the sealing mechanism140, position the seal member160in contact with the flared portion96at the first end92of the second tube90. Press the sealing mechanism140and the first end92of the second tube90toward the nut72until the pair of fingers148are aligned with the groove70and snap the preestablished diameter of the cylindrical circumference onto the preestablished diameter “D1” of the groove70. The cylindrical circumference of the pair of fingers148and the preestablished diameter “D1” should form a tight rather rigid connection keeping the seal member160aligned with the flared portion96of the second tube90forming a seal therebetween.

Prior to operation, the bottle filling assembly10is connected as follows. Attach the first end172of the first hose170to the second end94of the second tube90. Do not place the first end172of the first hose170more than ⅜ of an inch past the second end94. Attach the second end174of the first hose to the outlet2of the keg1in a conventional manner. Placing the first hose170further on the second tube90makes disassembly more difficult. Connect the first end178of the second hose176to the first internally threaded end16of the CO2valve12in a conventional manner. And, connect the second end180of the second hose176to the CO2tank3in a conventional manner. And, place the sealing mechanism140, the second end62of the first tube60and the flared portion96of the second tube90within the bottle5until the sealing member140contact a bottom of the bottle5to be filled.

In operation, with the second hose176affixed to CO2valve12of bottle filler assembly10the pressure in the keg1should approximately ½ that of the dispensing pressure (about 4-8 PSI). An external pressurizing device may be require to apply such a pressure to the keg. The second hose176is interposed the second tube90and the outlet2of the keg1and experimentation has shown that the long length of hose (approximately 1 Oft) of small diameter hose (approximately 3/32″ ID) will reduce the pressure gradually from line restriction and minimize foaming, although other lengths and diameters may provide satisfactory results. The valve actuator22is depressed moving the CO2valve12into an open position24in which a flow of CO2occurs. After several seconds the oxygen or air in the bottle is purged by CO2gas filling the bottle5with CO2. Since no stopper9′ or bleed valve6′ is utilized in this embodiment, the oxygen or air naturally flows out of the top of bottle5with no intervention. The trigger mechanism102is then quickly actuated allowing beer (wine, soda or other product) to flow into the bottle5. In actuality, the trigger portion134is moved toward the nut72and the spring100is compressed. The cylindrical portion120within the groove98cause the flared portion96of the second tube90to move away from the spherical end164of the seal member160, unseating the sealing mechanism140and allowing a flow of beer to occur. When the bottle5is completely full, trigger mechanism102is then quickly released stopping the flow of beer. The bottle filler assembly10is then removed from the bottle5. The volume displaced by the bottle filler assembly creates an ideal bottle fill level (head space). With sealing mechanism140placed mid-way into the remaining head space, CO2valve12is momentarily depressed to clear any oxygen from the head space, providing a completely oxygen free bottle. The bottle5is then capped.

To clean the bottle filler assembly, simply disassemble and soak in sanitizing solution, no scrubbing or brushing is required. Since no valves or fittings with interstitial cavities are exposed to the beer, contamination from bacteria and mold are all but eliminated.

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that the improved bottle filler assembly provides an extremely intuitive, simple method to fill bottles with little foaming or oxidation. The bottle filler assembly is also very simple to clean, assemble and sanitize. Once connected, one actuator or button is pressed for CO2purge, and a second trigger mechanism is pressed for bottle fill, so the operation is very simple and intuitive. The lack of sharp turns and throttling type valves in the present invention eliminates these sources of foaming. The long length of hose gradually reduces the beer pressure, also reducing foaming. In addition, eliminating the need to pressurize the bottle forgoes the complicated valves, fittings and stoppers that complicate the operation and introduces areas of possible bacterial contamination. While my description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations of the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.

LIST OF DRAWING NUMERALS