Abstract:
An improved venturi device and method for facilitating the mixture of fluid substances, such as wine and air. The device may be combined with a dispensing valve to further promote functionality. The improved venturi device is especially effective in drawing a second fluid into the primary flow of a first fluid, and when combined with a dispensing valve it obviates the need for a venturi independent from a valve to accomplish mixing at low flows and low liquid head pressure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/398,391, filed 16 Feb. 2012, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/443,370 filed 16 Feb. 2011. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to devices and methods used for mixing at least two fluids, wherein the fluids may be liquids or gases or a combination of both. Particularly, the present invention relates to a venturi device for use in the aeration of wine and a method of use. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a venturi device for use in the aeration of wine when dispensed from a bladder through a valve, such as that found in boxed wine, but should not be limited to that purpose only. Wine connoisseurs often expose wine to air, or aerate the wine, prior to drinking. Aeration may be used by connoisseurs to enhance the taste experience, for example, as a way to open up young wines to make them more balanced and smoother by softening tannins, or to improve the expression, harmony, and smoothness of the wine flavor. Aeration is also known to reduce the high carbon dioxide level often found in young wines and the accompanying odor that masks their true aroma. Many wine connoisseurs believe that the flavor of most wine, particularly red wine, improves with aeration by revealing the true complex personality. One method of wine aeration is to simply uncork the bottle and allow the open bottle to sit for the length of time deemed proper for the particular bottle. While this method has been used for years, it is inefficient and causes the drinker to wait for the requisite time, and further, the narrow bottleneck may encumber most air from opening up the wine. If time is not a concern, the connoisseur may simply let the wine aerate slowly in a glass. Another aeration method involves the use of a decanter and an aerating funnel. Since a decanter is essentially a pitcher with a wide opening, the increased decanter surface area permits more rapid aeration. The additional use of an aerating funnel during pouring further aids in aeration. 
         [0003]    Other methods of wine aeration include the use of aeration devices marketed specifically for the wine enthusiast. Some, such as those marketed under the RABBIT®, SOIREE™, and RESPIRER® trademarks, provide aeration using a vortex generator to swirl the wine. A popular device, marketed under the trademark VINTURI®, and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,614, produces an aerated wine using a venturi device that is hand-held or placed in a holding stand while the wine is poured through it. While devices such as this may have some applicability, they can be awkward to manipulate. For example, a drawback to designs such as these is that the user must be especially careful to control and limit the flow from the bottle to avoid overflow of the entrance section. Another problem is that the user must pour accurately into the entrance section to prevent wine from flowing out of the air entry passages. This creates an unsanitary and unpleasant experience for the user. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, rigid boxes containing a flexible bladder holding a liquid such as wine have become a popular method of marketing and selling such products. The containers are usually sold in 3 liter or larger sizes. While aeration of wine prior to consumption is desirable, oxidation and spoilage may occur if wine is in contact with oxygen for extended periods. Box wines are advantageous since the consumer is able to dispense “fresh” wine over a long period of time as compared with bottled wine which must be consumed relatively quickly or risk spoilage. The advantage of bladder-contained box wine results from the wine in the bladder being protected from exposure to oxygen prior to dispensing. This protection is furthered by incorporation of a valve mechanism that prohibits oxygen from entering the bladder. Although the bladder and valve system protects the non-dispensed wine from oxidation, from a taste perspective, the arrangement can also be seen as a disadvantage because, as mentioned, aeration of the wine immediately prior to consumption can greatly improve the character and complexity of the wine&#39;s flavor and aroma. Furthermore, such boxed wines are relatively large and difficult to maneuver while dispensing wine into a glass. The handling difficulty therefore encumbers the user from dispensing the wine through a hand-held aerator, such as those mentioned, or even through an aerator supported on a stand. Therefore, there is a need for an aeration device for use with bladder types, or other types of fluid dispensing devices, such as those used with box wine. 
         [0005]    The contemplated device provides an inexpensive, easy to produce and package, easy to handle, and reliable device and method for dispensing aerated wine from a bladder or other type of fluid container without the need for additional expensive and cumbersome external devices. Additionally, since initial aeration of box wine occurs during dispensation, the contemplated device provides a user friendly device for providing efficient and increased aeration and therefore an enhanced wine consumption experience when consuming box wine. The present invention provides a novel aeration device and an aeration device which is integrated with, or in-line with a valve, along with a method of using, to thereby improve the flavor of dispensed box wine and consumer perception of quality therewith. 
         [0006]    Venturi devices are well known in the art of measuring fluid flow and mixing fluids. Without exception, they include an entrance section, a constricted middle section, and an exit section. In operation, as a fluid flowing at a certain velocity in the entrance section encounters the constricted middle section, the fluid velocity will correspondingly increase according to the continuity equation: Q=V 1 A 1 =V 2 A 2 , where Q is the constant flow rate, V is the mean velocity of the flow, and A is the cross sectional area of the flow. Generally, a second fluid may be introduced into the fluid stream at the constricted middle section where the increased velocity has created a pressure differential between the outside of the venturi and the intermediate fluid passage. 
         [0007]    The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of known box wine dispensing arrangements, including those having valves, by providing an aeration device in the form of a novel venturi apparatus. The novel venturi apparatus includes unique air induction passages that minimize leaks or drips. The apparatus may be further integrated with a dispensing valve, such as that used with box wine. Furthermore, the apparatus creates new and unexpected results due to its ability to aerate wine that has not been previously exposed to air by using only the internal head pressure provided by the box wine or other container type. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to an improved venturi device that may be attachable to, or integrated with, a dispensing valve or spout of a fluid filled bladder, and a method of using. The device promotes the assimilation and mixing of the bladder fluid with another fluid, such as during aeration of wine. The device preferably includes a central bore and at least one induction passage which is arranged for either radial or tangential fluid connection from the periphery of the device to the central bore. The induction passage is preferably positioned at an angle greater than zero from the plane perpendicular to the direction of flow. 
         [0009]    It is an objective of the invention to provide a venturi which is adapted for use in providing an aerated fluid as it is dispensed from a container, obviating the need for an independent, secondary aeration device. 
         [0010]    It is another objective of the invention to provide a venturi which is adapted for use in combination with a valve to thereby provide an aerated fluid as it dispensed from a valved container. 
         [0011]    It is a further objective of the invention to provide a method of fluid aeration, at low fluid flows and low head pressure, during fluid dispensing from a bladder type container. 
         [0012]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to combine a valve with an attachable or integrally molded venturi, to provide an aerated fluid as dispensed from a bladder type container. 
         [0013]    Another objective of the invention is to provide a dispensing valve having an integrally formed venturi device that is easily produced at low cost using common molding technology. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a venturi device according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  and taken along lines  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2B . 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  and taken along line  2 B- 2 B thereof and showing an arrangement of induction passages. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device, similar to that of  FIG. 2B , but showing an alternative, tangential arrangement of induction passages. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  in combination with a dispensing valve. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the venturi device shown in  FIG. 1  showing an attachment means. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the venturi device, similar to that of  FIG. 4A , but showing an alternative attachment means. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the venturi device of  FIG. 1  in use. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the venturi device illustrated in  FIG. 1  in combination with a dispensing valve and illustrating fluid flow and mixing. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the venturi device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the venturi device illustrated in  FIG. 7  and taken along line  8 - 8  thereof. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the venturi device similar to that of  FIG. 7 , but showing an arrangement which may be integrally molded with a dispensing valve. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the venturi device of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of the venturi device illustrated in  FIG. 9  and taken along line  11 A- 11 A of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of the venturi device illustrated in  FIG. 9  and taken along line  11 B- 11 B of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 11C  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device, similar to that of  FIG. 11B , but showing an alternative arrangement of the induction passages. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a partial section view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 9  but showing the device integrally molded with a dispensing valve. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the venturi device shown with an alternative attachment means. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. 
         [0033]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the views,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a venturi device  10  according to the present invention having a body  14 , the body including a first end  16 , a second end  18 , an outer periphery  22 , a central bore  40 A, and at least one induction passage  20 A. The first end  16  further includes a mating interface portion  12 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the body  14  is preferably cylindrical, however, it should be noted that the body  14  may be fabricated in any number of shapes and designs without affecting the aerating performance of the device  10  or departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0034]    With reference now to  FIG. 2A , a cross-sectional view of the venturi device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  may be seen. As viewed, the central bore  40 A preferably includes a first diameter D 1 , a second diameter D 2 , and a third diameter D 3 . As may be further seen in  FIG. 2A , the third diameter D 3  is preferably larger than the second diameter D 2  and the first diameter D 1  is preferably larger than the third diameter D 3 . As further illustrated, a first induction passage  20 A and a second induction passage  20 B each having an entrance  24 A,  24 B and an exit  26 A,  26 B, respectively, provide pathways from the outer periphery  22  of the body  14  to the central bore  40 A. As shown, the induction passages  20 A,  20 B are preferably angled such that their respective entrances  24 A,  24 B are closer than the exits  26 A,  26 B to the first end  16  of the body  14  with the passages  20 A,  20 B being positioned at an angle greater than zero from the plane perpendicular to axis of the central bore  40 A. It may be further noted, and as seen in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , that the induction passages  20 A,  20 B may extend radially outward or alternatively, tangentially from the central bore  40 A to the outer periphery  22 . 
         [0035]    With particular attention to  FIG. 3 , the device  10  seen  FIG. 1  is shown attached to a dispensing valve  32 A on a box container  50  such as that used to dispense box wine. Such a container  50  typically houses a fluid retaining bladder  54  and includes known valves  32 A, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,157 and manufactured by Scholle Corporation, or those offered by Rapak, for example. The venturi device  10  may be attached to the output portion  13  (see  FIG. 6 ) of dispensing valve  32 A in several acceptable manners. For example, and as seen in  FIG. 4A , the mating interface  12  of device  10  may be provided with a threaded portion  34 . As shown, the threaded portion  34  may be adapted for mating engagement with a respective threaded portion (not shown) of a mating dispensing valve  32 A. Alternatively, and as seen in  FIG. 4B , the device  10  may include a mating interface  12  manufactured of a flexible elastomer and having a rib  38  or a groove (not shown) for mating engagement with a dispensing valve  32 A having a corresponding groove (not shown) or a rib (not shown), respectively, via a snap-fit. Other means of attachment include: friction welding, thermal welding, cementing, or press-fitting the mating interface  12  of the venturi device  10  to the dispensing valve  32 A, by way of non-limiting examples. Alternatively, and as seen in  FIG. 12 , the venturi device  10 ,  210  may be integrally molded with the dispensing valve  32 A. Further, and as viewed in  FIG. 13 , it is within the scope of the invention to attach the device  310  via external means, as when a beverage dispensing nozzle  52  is used. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a user&#39;s hand  60  is shown dispensing a fluid mixture  36 , such as aerated wine, from the dispensing valve  32 A, through the venturi device  10 , and into a glass  62 . The method of mixing a first and second fluid for dispensing as the fluid mixture  36  shown, is illustrated in detail in the view of  FIG. 6 . As shown, a first fluid  28 , such as wine, exits the dispensing valve  32 A in the direction of arrow A, and into the first end  16  of the venturi device  10 . According to the continuity equation, Q=V 1 A 1 =V 2 A 2 , the larger the first diameter D 1  is relative to the second diameter D 2 , the greater the velocity increase of the first fluid  28  flowing through the central bore  40 A in the direction of arrow A. Further, with a greater increase in velocity comes a greater reduction in pressure, thus allowing a greater induction of a second fluid  30 , such as ambient air, through the induction passages  20 A,  20 B in the direction of arrow B to form mixture  36 . The mixture  36  of the first fluid  28  and the second fluid  30  then exits through the second end  18  of the venturi device  10  in the direction of arrow C. It is to be understood that the larger the first diameter D 1  is relative to the second diameter D 2  the larger the increase in velocity of the first fluid  28  as it passes through the central bore  40 A, and thus the greater the mixing potential with the second fluid  30 . An example of non-limiting approximate relative diameters workable with the device  10  may be D 1 =0.28″, D 2 =0.17″, and D 3 =0.23″. It is to be understood that the listed diameters are meant for illustration only and not to limit the invention. The actual diameters D 1 , D 2 , D 3  useful with the present invention may be varied depending on factors such as the required interface of the venturi device  10  with various dispensing valves  32 A, the desired dispensation flow, or manufacturing and machining considerations. 
         [0037]    Now referring back to  FIG. 2C , a tangential orientation of the induction passages  20 A,  20 B may be seen. As viewed, the tangential arrangement with the central bore  40 A imparts a rotational effect, or vortex v, in the first fluid  28  (not shown in this view) as it mixes with the second fluid  30  (see  FIG. 6 ). The vortex v, if properly utilized, can increase the mixing of the two fluids  28 ,  30  providing better aeration. 
         [0038]    With reference now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative embodiment  110  may be seen. Similar to the device  10  shown and discussed with reference to FIGS.  1 - 6 , the device  110 , shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  includes a body  14  having a first end  16 , a second end  18 , an outer periphery  22 , a mating interface  12 , and at least one induction passage  20 . However, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the embodiment  110  shown includes a second end  18  having an elongated, tapered portion  48 , and a relatively larger central bore  40 B as compared to the previous embodiment. As may be further viewed, the device  110  may include at least one induction passage, seen in these views as  20 C, which is positioned relatively closer to the first end  16  as compared to passages  20 . The location of induction passage  20 C promotes additional aeration as the head pressure of the first fluid  28  drops due to the emptying of the box wine container  50  (see  FIG. 3 ) and thereby enables continued function of the device  110  under the low or falling head pressure head pressure associated with bladder type fluid containers  50 . It may also be seen that the position of the entrance  24 C of induction passage  20 C, in addition to its location nearer the first end  16  than passage  20 , may be advantageously positioned in the outer periphery  22  in line with the tapered portion  48 . Positioning the entrance  24 C of passage  20 C in line with the tapered portion  48  further facilitates complete dispensation of the fluid mixture  36  after the valve  32 A is closed, as will be further discussed. 
         [0039]    The embodiment  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8  provides an alternative device for more easily aerating wine from a wine box  50  or other type of bladder container in conjunction with a dispensing valve  32 A. The central bore  40 B having relatively larger diameters D′ 1 , D′ 2 , D′ 3 , along with the placement of passage  20 C, permits an increased flow rate if so desired. An example of non-limiting approximate relative diameters workable with the device  110  includes D′1=0.48, D′2=0.203, and D′3=0.30, however, it is to be understood that the actual diameters D′ 1 , D′ 2 , D′ 3  may be varied without departing from the invention. Further, the tapered end portion  48  of the device  110  promotes facile and complete wine dispensation after the dispensing valve  32 A (see  FIG. 6 ) is closed. The tapered portion  48  serves to direct residual mixed fluid  36  remaining in the central bore  40 B along the third diameter D′ 3 , to thereby collect any residual fluid  36  at the tapered portion  48  and allowing any residual mixed fluid  36  to gain mass and drop. This feature reduces post valve  32 A closure dripping of mixed fluid  36  and decreases the likelihood of delayed post dispensing drips and any mess that may follow. Improved efficiency of the tapered portion  48  may be observed when, as mentioned earlier, passage  20 C is positioned in line with the tapered portion  48 , to thereby promote more thorough collection of residual mixed fluid  36 . 
         [0040]    Another embodiment of the venturi device  210  is shown in  FIGS. 9-11C . Similarly to the devices  10 ,  110  shown and discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  and and  8 , the device  210 , shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , includes a body  14  having a first end  16 , a second end  18 , an outer periphery  22 , and at least one induction passage  20 A. The device  210  further includes a second end  18  having an elongated, tapered end portion  48 . However, and as may be seen particularly in  FIG. 11A , the device  210  includes a central bore  40 C having a first diameter D″ 1  and a second diameter D″ 2 , wherein the first and second diameters D″ 1 , D″ 2  are of substantially the same size. As shown, the device  210  may further include induction passages  20 C and  20 D. As viewed particularly in  FIG. 12 , the arrangement of alternative embodiment  210  is well suited to be integrally molded with the dispensing valve  32 A due to manufacturing and molding considerations. For example, with the first and the second diameters D″ 1 , D″ 2 , respectively, of substantially the same size, the use of a single molding pin (not shown) during manufacturing may be utilized. The molding pin may be extracted from the second end  18  after molding to permit a simpler manufacturing process. The modification of the device  210  as shown and compared to that in  FIG. 1 , permits a simpler manufacture since the device  10  would likely require two molding pins (not shown), one for each end  16 ,  18 . Further, and as currently envisioned, once molded, the device  10 ,  110 ,  210  could be attached to a valve  32 A by way of cementitious bonding, snap fit assembly, thermal welding, threading, press-fitting, or other attachment means known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention to mold the valve  32 A and the device  10  together as a singular unit. 
         [0041]    With further reference to  FIG. 11A , the device  210  may be seen to include induction passages  20 C and  20 D in addition to  20 A and  20 B. Since the alternative device  210  has a first diameter D″ 1  of substantially the same dimension as the second diameter D″ 2 , some loss of induction of the second fluid  30  into the first fluid  28  may be observed. As stated earlier, and with reference to  FIG. 6 , according to the continuity equation, Q=V 1 A 1 =V 2 A 2 , the larger the first diameter D 1  is relative to the second diameter D 2 , the greater the velocity of the first fluid  28  flowing through the central bore  40  in the direction of arrow A and the higher the level of aeration. Without a significant difference in relative diameters D″ 1 , D″ 2 , some aeration may be lost. However, the alternative embodiment  210  includes induction passages  20 C and  20 D to thereby ameliorate the velocity loss caused by the lack of a diameter D″ 1 , D″ 2  differential. The induction passages  20 C,  20 D cause the rate of induction of the second fluid  30  into the first fluid  28  to increase, and thereby allow the device  210  to provide the required increased aeration.  FIGS. 11B and 11C  further illustrate alternative relative positions of the induction passages  20 C and  20 D and the induction passages  20 A and  20 B to demonstrate that different passage  20 A,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D orientations are possible while remaining under the scope of the present invention. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment  310  is shown. As illustrated, the device  310  may be envisioned for use in combination with a beverage dispensing nozzle  52  and for use with an alternative dispenser  32 B. When used in the manner shown in  FIG. 13 , the device  310  preferably includes an external attachment means, such as the securing mechanism  42  shown. Similar to the devices  10 ,  110 ,  210  discussed previously, the device  310  shown in  FIG. 13  includes a body  14  with a first end  16  and a second end  18 , mating interface  12  at the first end  16 , and an elongated tapered end portion  48  at the second end  18 , and at least one induction passage  20 . However, as may be seen in  FIG. 13 , the embodiment  310  further includes a securing mechanism  42  to attach the device  310  to an alternative dispenser  32 B, such as the nozzle  52  shown. As illustrated, the device  310  preferably includes a portion  52  of the first end  16  configured to provide an interface between a portion of the outer periphery  22  and the external securing mechanism  42 . Additionally, the external securing mechanism  42  may be equipped with interlocking arms  44  or, in the alternative, a continuous loop configuration (not shown) made from an elastomeric material to provide a secure attachment of the device  310  to the dispensing valve  32 B. These two non-limiting examples of the external securing mechanism  42  further allow for attachment and removal of the device  310  from the dispensing valve  32 B. Furthermore, a seal may be provided between the device  310  and the dispensing valve  32 B by way of conformable elastomeric sealing means such as a gasket or the o-ring  46  shown. 
         [0043]    As previously mentioned, the present invention further provides a method of mixing two fluids and dispensing a mixture of the two fluids. A method according to the present invention, seen in particularly in the view of  FIG. 6 , may include the steps of: providing a first fluid  28 , the first fluid  28  being confined within a bladder  54 ; providing the bladder  54  with a dispensing valve  32 , the dispensing valve  34  being operable in open and closed positions and including an output portion  13 ; providing a venturi device  10 , the venturi device  10  including a body  14  having a first end  16 , a second end  18 , a central bore  40 , at least one induction passage  20 , and an outer periphery  22 ; providing the first end  16  of the venturi device  10  with a mating interface  12 ; providing the at least one induction passage  20  with an entrance  24  and an exit  26 , wherein the entrance  24  interfaces with the outer periphery  22  of the device  10  and wherein the exit  26  interfaces with the central bore  40 ; interfacing the mating interface  12  of the venturi device  10  with the output portion  13  of the dispensing valve  32 ; opening the dispensing valve  32 ; moving the first fluid  28  from the bladder  54  through the output  13  of the dispensing valve  32  and into the first end  16  of the venturi device  10 ; moving the first fluid  28  through the central bore  40  of the venturi device  10 ; providing a second fluid  30 ; moving the second fluid  30  through the entrance  24  of the at least one induction passage  20  and toward the central bore  40  of the venturi device  10 ; mixing the first fluid  28  and the second fluid  30  in the central bore  40  to thereby provide a third, mixed fluid  36 ; moving the third fluid  36  through the central bore  40  and toward the second end  18 ; and closing the dispensing valve  32 . 
         [0044]    As demonstrated, the present invention provides a device  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  and method for mixing a first fluid  28  with a second fluid  30  and to dispense a fluid mixture  36 . The design of the device  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  provides an inexpensive, easy to produce and package, easy to handle item, along with a reliable method of dispensing a fluid mixture  36  from a bladder type fluid container  50 . The device  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310  performs without the need for additional expensive and cumbersome external devices and functions under the low or falling head pressure head pressure associated with bladder type fluid containers  50 . 
         [0045]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed.