Abstract:
A device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure as liquid is being poured from the bottle and includes one or more relatively short air tubes. The air tubes are situated with an upper inlet rim of the air tubes located flush with or relatively near the bottle rim. Whether an insert or integrated into the manufacture of a container, the one or more air tubes that extend partially into the container allow air to pass into the container as the liquid exits the container. The pressure equalizer not only minimizes or prevents the common glugging effect, but it allows liquid from a bottle to be poured smoothly at any angle and orientation. A cap incorporating a detachable pressure equalizer is also described.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/301,133 filed on Feb. 3, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/319,030 filed on Mar. 30, 2010; the contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the one or more present inventions are related to a device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure, as liquid is being poured from the bottle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A person pouring liquid from a bottle is often faced with the liquid pouring erratically and even splashing due to “glugging” (that is, uneven flow during pouring) caused by unbalanced pressures between the atmospheric air pressure outside the bottle and the air pressure within the bottle. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a bottle  100  is shown in a cross-sectional view, wherein the cross-sectional alignment is taken along line  1 - 1  of the top elevation view of the bottle  100  depicted in  FIG. 2 . The bottle  100  includes a bottle wall  104  having an exterior surface  108 . The bottle wall  104  includes a base  112  and extends from the base  112  to the top  116  of the bottle  100 . The top  116  of the bottle  100  further includes a bottle opening  120  that leads to the bottle interior  124 . The bottle interior  124  is defined by an interior surface  128  of the bottle wall  104 . The bottle  100  has a bottle length B L , wherein the bottle length B L  is defined herein as the height of the bottle interior  124 ; that is, the distance between the interior surface  128  of the bottle wall  104  at the deepest portion of the base  112  of the bottle  100  and a top edge  132  of the bottle rim  136  at the top  116 . 
         [0004]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion  140  of the bottle  100  is shown. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a variety of sealing mechanisms may be used to seal a bottle. By way of example, a threaded cap may be used to seal the bottle. Such a configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , wherein a threaded cap  148  is depicted directly above the bottle  100 . The upper portion  140  of the bottle  100  includes a bottleneck  152 . Threads  156  along the exterior surface  108  of the bottleneck  152  are configured to engage threads within cap  148 . 
         [0005]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the bottleneck  152  includes a substantially constant bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . The bottleneck  152  itself extends from the bottle rim  136  to a location where the bottle  100  begins its taper outward. That is, where the diameter of the bottle  100  increases from the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . Accordingly, the bottleneck  152  has a bottleneck length L Bottleneck  that is defined as the distance between the bottle rim  136  and the bottleneck base  160 , which is the location where the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck  no longer remains substantially constant. 
         [0006]    Prior devices for attempting to provide for smooth fluid pouring have performance issues, require significant materials, and/or have other limitations, such as extending above the bottle top, thereby complicating or even preventing recapping/resealing of the bottle. Accordingly, there is a need for other devices to address the glugging problem associated with pouring liquids from a bottle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    It is to be understood that the present invention includes a variety of different versions or embodiments, and this Summary is not meant to be limiting or all-inclusive. This Summary provides some general descriptions of some of the embodiments, but may also include some more specific descriptions of other embodiments. 
         [0008]    One or more embodiments of the one or more present inventions are directed to a device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure, as liquid is being poured from the bottle. Various embodiments of the pressure equalizers described herein can accommodate various bottle shapes, bottle sizes, liquids, and pouring angles. By way of example, the pressure equalizers are suitable for beverages, chemicals, solutions, suspensions, mixtures, and other liquids. In its most basic form, the pressure equalizer comprises two main fluid flow paths: (a) a channel that allows liquid to pass out of the bottle; and (b) one or more air tubes or air ducts to allow air to enter the bottle. 
         [0009]    At least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions described herein utilizes one or more relatively short air tubes, as compared to the bottle length. The air tubes function by pressure differential and are not required to be in contact with an air cavity at the bottom of the bottle of liquid. In at least one embodiment, the pressure equalizer comprises at least one air tube with an air tube rim located substantially flush with the top of the bottle, or at least within 5% of the bottle rim relative to the length of the bottleneck. Unlike an insert used for alcohol bottles at a bar where the insert appears to be meant to slow the flow of liquid, embodiments described herein increase the flow of liquid and better facilitate air/gas entry into the bottle. More particularly, the pressure equalizers described herein mitigate or prevent the glugging effect that occurs when liquid is attempting to exit a bottle at the same time that air is attempting to enter the bottle. At least some embodiments of the pressure equalizers can be incorporated directly into a current bottle mold design, a new bottle mold, or as an inserted device. The device, regardless of how it is incorporated into a bottle, involves one or more air tubes that extend partially into the bottle and allow air to pass into the bottle as the liquid exits the bottle. This device not only minimizes or prevents the common glugging effect, but it can allow liquid from a bottle to be poured smoothly at any angle. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, a bottle insert for substantially equalizing atmospheric air pressure with air pressure within a bottle when pouring a liquid from the bottle is provided, the bottle having a bottle length B L , the bottle including a bottleneck and a bottle opening having an opening diameter, the bottleneck having an interior bottleneck wall and a bottleneck length L Bottleneck  extending between a bottle opening rim at the bottle opening to a bottleneck base at a top of a bottle taper of the bottle, the bottle opening rim circumscribing the bottle opening, the bottle insert comprising:
       a perimeter member adapted for contacting at least a portion of the interior bottleneck wall; and   an air tube attached to the perimeter member, the air tube including an upper inlet rim and a lower end edge, the air tube including an air tube length L Air Tube  extending between the upper inlet rim and the lower end edge, wherein the upper inlet rim is configured for positioning within a rim proximity distance of about 0% to 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  above or below the bottle opening rim, and wherein the air tube length L Air Tube  is equal to or greater than the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  and equal to or less than about 25% of the bottle length B L .       
 
         [0013]    In at least one embodiment, the perimeter member engages the bottle by a friction fit. In at least one embodiment, the air tube comprises a flared portion. In at least one embodiment, the flared portion includes a flared portion base that does not extend distally beyond the bottleneck base. In at least one embodiment, the bottle insert further comprises at least one additional air tube. In at least one embodiment, the at least one additional air tube includes a length equal to or greater than the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  and equal to or less than about 25% of the bottle length B L . 
         [0014]    One or more additional embodiments may comprise an air inlet channel in fluid communication with an air tube. Accordingly, a bottle insert for substantially equalizing atmospheric air pressure with air pressure within a bottle when pouring a liquid from the bottle is provided, the bottle having a bottle length B L , the bottle including a bottleneck and a bottle opening having an opening diameter, the bottleneck having an interior bottleneck wall and a bottleneck length L Bottleneck  extending between a bottle opening rim at the bottle opening to a bottleneck base at a top of a bottle taper of the bottle, the bottle opening rim circumscribing the bottle opening, the bottle insert comprising:
       an air inlet channel adapted for contacting at least a portion of the interior bottleneck wall and extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the interior bottleneck wall, the air inlet channel including a perimeter member contacting at least a portion of the interior bottleneck wall, the air inlet channel including a distal base and an interior channel wall located substantially parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter member and offset radially to the interior of the perimeter member by the distal base; and   an air tube attached to the air inlet channel and having a distal end extending equal to or less than about 25% of the bottle length B L , at least a portion of the air tube in fluid communication with the air inlet channel.       
 
         [0017]    In at least one embodiment, a top of the air inlet channel is situated within a rim proximity distance above or below the bottle opening rim, the rim proximity distance equal to or less than about 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck . In at least one embodiment, the bottle insert further comprises at least one additional air tube wherein the at least one additional air tube has an air tube diameter D AirTube  between about 2% to 50% of the opening diameter of the bottle. In at least one embodiment, the bottle insert further comprises at least one additional air tube, the at least one additional air tube fluidly contiguous with the air inlet channel. In at least one embodiment, the bottle insert further comprises a flow block within the air inlet channel and situated between the air tube and the at least one additional air tube. 
         [0018]    One or more additional embodiments are directed to a liquid containment and delivery device that mitigates the glugging phenomena. Accordingly, a liquid containment and delivery device is provided, comprising:
       (a) a bottle having a bottle length B L , the bottle including a bottleneck and a bottle opening having an opening diameter, the bottleneck having an interior bottleneck wall and a bottleneck length L Bottleneck  extending between a bottle opening rim at the bottle opening to a bottleneck base at a top of a bottle taper of the bottle, the bottle opening rim circumscribing the bottle opening; and   (b) a pressure reliever comprising an air tube attached to the interior bottleneck wall, the air tube including an upper inlet rim and a lower end edge, the air tube including an air tube length L Air Tube  extending between the upper inlet rim of the air tube and the lower end edge of the air tube, wherein the upper inlet rim is positioned within about 0% to 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  above or below the bottle opening rim, and wherein the air tube length L Air Tube  is equal to or greater than the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  and equal to or less than about 25% of the bottle length B L .       
 
         [0021]    In at least one embodiment, the air tube comprises a flared portion. In at least one embodiment, the flared portion includes a flared portion base that does not extend distally beyond the bottleneck base. 
         [0022]    One or more embodiments include a pressure equalizer that includes an air tube having a flared portion. Accordingly, an article for holding and pouring a liquid is provided, comprising:
       a bottle including a bottle wall having an interior surface defining a chamber, the chamber extending between a bottle opening and an interior bottom of the bottle, wherein the bottle opening is located at an end of a bottleneck of the bottle, the bottleneck including a bottleneck diameter smaller than a chamber diameter located along a bottle length extending between the bottle opening and the interior bottom; and   a pressure equalizer located within the bottleneck and including at least one air tube with a flared proximal end having an inlet rim situated within a rim proximity distance of the bottle opening, the rim proximity distance equal to about 5% of the bottleneck length.       
 
         [0025]    In at least one embodiment, the air tube has an air tube length no greater than about 25% of the bottle length. In at least one embodiment, a distal portion of the air tube extends into a handle of the bottle. In at least one embodiment, multiple air tubes are used and are situated substantially equidistant around an interior perimeter of the bottleneck. In at least one embodiment, the article further comprises a cap, the cap being detachably connected to the pressure equalizer for installation in the bottleneck when the cap is applied to the bottle. 
         [0026]    In accordance with embodiments of the one or more present inventions, the air inlet tube variations can be combined. As an example, it is possible to combine one relatively small circular air inlet tube with one rectangular air inlet tube of larger size and two small triangular tubes that curve, all in one pressure equalizer device. 
         [0027]    In use, if a bottle does not include a pressure equalizer that is integrally made with the bottle, an embodiment of a pressure equalizer insert can be inserted into the bottleneck of the subject bottle. The bottle is then tilted to pour the liquid contained in the bottle. While pouring the liquid, air enters the bottle via the one or more air tubes of the pressure equalizer as liquid exits the bottle via the open space situated around the one or more air tubes. 
         [0028]    Various components are referred to herein as “operably associated.” As used herein, “operably associated” refers to components that are linked together in operable fashion, and encompasses embodiments in which components are linked directly, as well as embodiments in which additional components are placed between the two linked components. 
         [0029]    As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
         [0030]    As used herein, a bottle, jug or similar container device may simply be referred to as a “bottle.” 
         [0031]    Various embodiments of the present inventions are set forth in the attached figures and in the Detailed Description as provided herein and as embodied by the claims. It should be understood, however, that this Summary does not contain all of the aspects and embodiments of the one or more present inventions, is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner, and that the invention(s) as disclosed herein is/are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto. 
         [0032]    Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the one or more present inventions, a more particular description of the one or more present inventions is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the one or more present inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The one or more present inventions are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  is a side cross-sectional view (taken along line  1 - 1  as shown in  FIG. 2 ) of a bottle; 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  is a top elevation view of the bottle depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the bottle depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a side cross-sectional view (taken along line  4 A- 4 A as shown in  FIG. 5 ) of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a detailed view of a bottleneck illustrating a rim proximity distance; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4C  is another detailed view of a bottleneck illustrating a rim proximity distance; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the bottle depicted in  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the upper portion of the bottle depicted in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a top side perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a bottom side perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0053]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0054]      FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0056]      FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0058]      FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0060]      FIG. 25  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 26  is a side cross-sectional of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0062]      FIG. 27  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0064]      FIG. 29  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0066]      FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein and forming a portion of the device shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 32  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0068]      FIG. 33  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 32 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 34  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0070]      FIG. 35  is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0071]      FIG. 36  is a top elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 37  is a side cross-sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 34  (taken along line  37 - 37  as shown in  FIG. 36 ); 
           [0073]      FIG. 38  is a side perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0074]      FIG. 39  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0075]      FIG. 40  is a side perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0076]      FIG. 41  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0077]      FIG. 42  is a side perspective view of an embodiment described herein; 
           [0078]      FIG. 43  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein; and 
           [0079]      FIG. 44  is a top perspective view of an embodiment described herein. 
       
    
    
       [0080]    The drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0081]    One or more embodiments of the one or more present inventions include a pressure equalizer insert for placement in a bottle to allow a liquid to be poured from the bottle while at the same time substantially equalizing air pressure within the bottle with atmospheric air pressure. As a result, the liquid can be poured from the bottle without the typical glugging phenomena that generally accompanies pouring liquid from a bottle that does not possess the pressure equalizer. One or more additional embodiments include bottles having bottlenecks with the pressure equalizer device integrally formed within the bottle during manufacture of the bottle. For example, a plastic bottle or jug can be manufactured with the pressure equalizer device integrally formed in the bottleneck of the bottle or jug when the bottle or jug is produced. The various embodiments of the one or more present inventions are described in the text below and are illustrated in the attached drawings. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a bottle  100  is shown that includes an embodiment of a pressure equalizer  400  inserted into the bottle  100 . More particularly,  FIG. 4A  depicts a bottle  100  and a pressure equalizer  400  in a cross-sectional view, wherein the cross-sectional alignment is taken along line  4 A- 4 A of the top elevation view of the bottle  100  and pressure equalizer  400  depicted in  FIG. 5 . The pressure equalizer  400  is located, at least in part, in the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . In at least one embodiment, the pressure equalizer  400  includes at least one air tube  404 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4A-10 , the pressure equalizer  400  is shown with four air tubes  404 ; however, it is to be understood that embodiments of the pressure equalizer  400  may include more or less than four air tubes  404 . More specifically, and as will be discussed in more detail below, one or more embodiments include a single air tube  404 , while other embodiments include two or more air tubes  404 . Accordingly, the number of air tubes  404  may vary for a given application. 
         [0083]    With continued reference now to  FIGS. 4A-10 , each air tube  404  is sized to have an air tube diameter D AirTube  of between about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . Here it is noted that for pressure equalizers using small air tubes, multiple air tubes are preferably used for situations where the air tube diameters D AirTube  are at or around 2% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . Although air tubes may occupy the entire interior space of the bottleneck (as shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43  and discussed below), for any given air tube  404  the diameter or equivalent diameter (allowing for different shaped air tubes, also discussed below) for the air tubes  404  preferably does not exceed 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . In addition, any given air tube  404  should not be so small as to induce capillary rise of the liquid within the bottle. Accordingly, by way of example and not limitation, a bottle having a bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck  (that is, an inside diameter) of approximately 0.875 inches could receive a pressure equalizer  400  with a variety of number and size air tubes, such as air tubes  404  whose diameters vary between about 0.0018 inches (2% of 0.875 inches) and about 0.438 inches (50% of 0.875 inches). 
         [0084]    Referring still to  FIGS. 4A-10 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, the air tubes  404  include an upper inlet rim  408  and a lower end edge  412 . Accordingly, the air tubes  404  have an air tube length L Air Tube  extending between the upper inlet rim  408  and the lower end edge  412 . In at least one embodiment, the upper inlet rim  408  is configured for positioning substantially even with the bottle rim  136 . Alternatively, in at least one embodiment the upper inlet rim  408  of the air tubes  404  is situated within a rim proximity distance  414  of about 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  either above (as best seen in  FIG. 4B ) or below (as best seen in  FIG. 4C ) of the bottle rim  136 . In addition, in at least one embodiment, the air tube length L Air Tube  is equal to or greater than the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  and equal to or less than about 25% of the bottle length B L  (i.e., L Bottleneck ≦L Air  Tube≦25% B L ). Accordingly, by way of example and not limitation, a bottle having a bottleneck length L Bottleneck  of 1.0 inch and a bottle length B L  of 8.0 inches could receive a pressure equalizer  400  that includes one or more air tubes  404  whose upper inlet rim  408  is within 0.05 inches (5% of 1.0 inch) above or below the bottle rim  136 , and whose air tube length L Air Tube  is greater than or equal to 1.0 inch (the value of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck ) and less than or equal to about 2.5 inches (25% of 8.0 inches). 
         [0085]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , perspective views of pressure equalizer  400  are shown. As described above, the pressure equalizer  400  includes a plurality of air tubes  404 , and more specifically, four air tubes  404  are shown arranged substantially equidistant around the circumference and within a perimeter member  416 . For embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  400  is an insert, the perimeter member  416  is configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  400  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then the air tubes  404  may be positioned directly around the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in at least one embodiment the thickness of the perimeter member  416  includes a portion of the wall of the air tube  404 . More particularly, each air tube  404  includes a tube wall thickness T Air Tube Wall . The tube wall thickness T Air Tube Wall  forms a portion of the perimeter member  416 . Or, said differently, a portion of the perimeter wall thickness T Perimeter Wall  forms a portion of the air tube  404 . 
         [0087]    As noted above, pressure equalizers with one or more air tubes comprise various embodiments of the one or more present inventions. With reference now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a pressure equalizer  1100  is shown comprising a plurality of air tubes  404 , and more specifically, three air tubes  404 . The air tubes  404  of pressure equalizer  1100  are situated substantially at equal distances from one another around the circumference of the perimeter member  416 . Again, for an insert, the perimeter member  416  is adapted to engage at least a portion of the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of a bottle  100 . If made integrally with the bottle  100 , then the three air tubes  404  of pressure equalizer  1100  are attached to a portion of the interior surface  128  of the bottle wall  104  of the bottleneck  152  of a bottle  100 . 
         [0088]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment, a pressure equalizer  1300  is shown that includes a plurality of air tubes  1304 , wherein the air tubes have a cross-sectional shape other than circular. More specifically, the air tubes  1304  comprises a perimeter section  1308  having an arc  1310  that substantially matches the curvature of a portion of the perimeter member  416  (for an insert) or the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  (for an integrally formed pressure equalizer). The air tubes  1304  further include a substantially planar interior portion  1312 . In cross section, the air tubes  1304  are substantially that of a segment of a circle. Although of a different cross-sectional shape, the air tubes  1304  preferably include an equivalent diameter (by measuring the cross-sectional area of the air tube  1304  and solving for an equivalent diameter) that resides within the prescribed range of about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . In addition, the length of the air tubes  1304  preferably also be within the prescribed values given above (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). Use of a portion of the perimeter member  416  as part of the air tubes  1304  is advantageous because less materials are used in the manufacturing process. 
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , in at least one embodiment a pressure equalizer  1500  comprises air tubes  404  that include curved portions along their longitudinal length, such as along distal portions of their length. Such distal curved portions  1504  may provide advantageous routing of air as fluid exits the liquid flow channel of the pressure equalizer and air enters the bottle through the air tubes  404 . 
         [0090]    With reference now to  FIG. 17 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a bottle in the form of a jug  1700  is shown that includes a pressure equalizer  1704  comprising a single air tube  404  having a curved distal portion  1504 . The curved distal portion  1504  extends into a handle  1708  of the jug  1700 . Accordingly, a single air tube located opposite the side of pour can prevent the glugging effect.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an insert type of pressure equalizer  1704 . 
         [0091]    Referring now to  FIGS. 20-23 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment, a series of pressure equalizers are shown that include a single air tube having cross-sectional area shapes different from a circle. More particularly,  FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a pressure equalizer  2000  with air tubes  2004 , wherein the air tubes  2004  comprise a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area shape.  FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate a pressure equalizer  2200  with air tubes  2204 , wherein the air tubes  2204  comprise a substantially triangular cross-sectional area shape. Here, it noted that the air tubes  2004  and  2204  comprise a perimeter portion  2008  and  2208  that substantially match the curvature of a portion of the perimeter member  416 . That is, an arc  1310  is associated with the perimeter portions  2008  and  2208  that substantially match the curvature of a portion of the perimeter member  416  (for an insert) or the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  (for an integrally formed pressure equalizer). 
         [0092]    Referring now to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , a pressure equalizer  2400  is shown that includes a single air tube  404 , wherein the air tube is interiorly offset from perimeter wings, the perimeter wings constituting modified perimeter member. For pressure equalizer  2400 , the air tube  404  resides along struts  2408  that interconnect the air tube  404  to a first perimeter wing  2404   a  and a second perimeter wing  2404   b . As with other embodiments described herein, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  2400  is an insert, the perimeter wings  2404   a  and  2404   b  are configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  2400  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then struts  2408  interconnect the air tube  404  to the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . 
         [0093]    For the various embodiments of the pressure equalizers described above, the cross-sectional areas of the air tubes are depicted as being substantially constant from the upper inlet rim  408  to the lower end edge  412  of each air tube  404 . However, it is to be understood that the cross-sectional areas may vary. Moreover, with reference now to  FIGS. 26-29 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a pressure equalizer  2600  is provided having one or more air tubes  2604 , wherein the air tubes  2604  include a proximal end  2608  with a flared portion  2612 . Accordingly, because of the presence of the flared portion  2612 , the cross-sectional area of the air tube  2604  decreases along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the air tube  2604 . That is, from the upper inlet rim  408  to the flared portion base  2616 . In at least one embodiment, the flared portion  2612  extends distally no further than the bottleneck base  160  of the bottleneck  152 . From the flared portion base  2616  of the flared portion  2612  to the lower end edge  412  of the air tubes  2604 , the air tubes  2604  have a substantially constant air tube diameter D Air Tube  that resides within the prescribed range of about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . In addition, the length of the air tubes  2604  preferably also be within the prescribed values given above (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). Use of a flared portion  2612  as part of the air tubes  2604  is advantageous because it assists in routing the liquid away from the top of the air tubes, thereby mitigating the top of the air tubes from being flooded by the liquid exiting the container, allowing air to more easily enter the air inlet tubes. 
         [0094]    With reference now to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the pressure equalizer  2600  is depicted as an insert. Accordingly, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  2600  is an insert, the perimeter member  416  is configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  2600  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then the air tubes  2604  are positioned directly around the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . 
         [0095]    Referring now to  FIG. 30 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a bottle  100  is shown that includes pressure equalizer  3000  that includes a single air tube  3004 . As best seen in  FIG. 31 , the single air tube  3004  includes a flared portion  2612 . In at least one embodiment, the flared portion includes an arc  1310  associated with a perimeter portion  3008  that substantially matches the curvature of a portion of the perimeter member  416  (for an insert) or the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  (for an integrally formed pressure equalizer). Use of a flared portion  2612  as part of the air tube  3004  is advantageous because a single air tube  3004  can be associated with a bottle without a handle and the liquid can be poured without glugging and without regard to the direction that the bottle is oriented. 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , in at least one embodiment a pressure equalizer  3200  includes a perimeter air inlet channel  3204  and one or more air tubes  3208 . The air tubes  3208  are in fluid communication with the perimeter air inlet channel  3204  to facilitate flow of air from the perimeter air inlet channel  3204  to the one or more air tubes  3208  when liquid is being poured from a bottle having the pressure equalizer  3200 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , the perimeter air channel  3204  includes a perimeter member  416 , a base  3300  (as best seen in  FIG. 33 ), and an interior channel wall  3216  that is substantially parallel to the perimeter member  416 , but offset radially to the interior of the perimeter member  416 . The base  3300  may be a sloped region between the perimeter member  416  and the interior channel wall  3216 . Again, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  3200  is an integral portion of a bottle, the perimeter member  416  may be a portion of the bottle wall  104 , such as a portion of the bottleneck  152 . In at least one embodiment, an upper rim  3228  of the perimeter air inlet channel  3204  substantially corresponds to the bottle rim  136  when the pressure equalizer  3200  is associated with a bottle  100 . 
         [0097]    Referring now to  FIG. 33 , in at least one embodiment, the upper extent  3304  of the air tube  3208  terminates at the base  3300  of the perimeter air channel  3204 . Alternatively, the upper extent  3304  of the air tube may be situated above the base  3300  of the perimeter air channel  3204 , but below the upper rim  3228  of the perimeter air channel  3204 . 
         [0098]    As depicted in  FIG. 32 , a channel top  3220  of the perimeter air inlet channel  3204  may be open. Alternatively, at least portions of the channel top  3220  may be closed (not shown) while one or more other portions of the channel top are open. 
         [0099]    Still referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , in use, regardless of the direction the bottle is oriented for pouring of the liquid relative to the one or more air inlet tubes  3208 , air can enter the bottle via the perimeter air inlet channel  3204  and the one or more air tubes  3208  as fluid is poured from the bottle via exit channel  3224 . 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIGS. 34-37 , in at least one embodiment, a pressure equalizer  3400  includes a plurality of air tubes  3208  fluidly interconnected to a perimeter air channel  3204 , wherein the perimeter air channel  3204  may comprise one or more flow blocks  3404 . More particularly, the pressure equalizer  3400  includes a plurality of air tubes  3208  that are interconnected to the perimeter air channel  3204  at its base  3300 . The perimeter air channel  3204  includes flow blocks  3404  for preventing migration of liquid around the perimeter air channel  3204  when a bottle using the pressure equalizer  3400  is tipped for pouring a liquid from the bottle. At least one air tube of the plurality of air tubes  3208  is situated circumferentially between the flow blocks  3404  around the perimeter air channel  3204 . 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , in at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a pressure equalizer  3800  is shown that includes a plurality of air tubes  3804 . Although not required, the air tubes are shown clustered within approximately one half of the bottleneck  152 . The air tubes  3804  preferably have an air tube length L Air Tube  within the prescribed values given above (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). In addition, each of the air tubes  3804  preferably has an air tube diameter D Air Tube  of between about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . For the pressure equalizer  3800  shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , there are ten separate air tubes  3804  shown. However, it is to be understood that greater or fewer than ten separate air tubes  3804  are within the scope of the present embodiment. The air tubes  3804  may have uniform air tube diameters, or they may have differing air tube diameters. In addition, one or more of the air tubes  3804  may have flared portions. At least a portion of the upper inlet rim  408  of the air tubes  3804  is preferably situated within a rim proximity distance that is less than or equal to 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck . 
         [0102]    Referring still to  FIGS. 38 and 39 , and as with other embodiments described and shown herein, when in use, air may enter the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  3804 . In addition, liquid may exit the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  3804  as air enters other air tubes  3804 . However, the existence of multiple air tubes  3804  facilitates separate flow paths for air to enter the bottle  100 , thereby enabling air to find a path into the bottle  100  while the liquid exits the bottle  100 . 
         [0103]    With reference to  FIG. 39 , the pressure equalizer  3800  is depicted as an insert. Accordingly, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  3800  is an insert, the perimeter member  416  is configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  3800  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then the air tubes  3804  are positioned around a portion of the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 , and a number of the air tubes  3804  may be connected or interconnected to each other, particularly those air tubes  3804  residing within the inner interior portion of the bottleneck  152  and not situated directly adjacent the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . 
         [0104]    Referring now to  FIGS. 40 and 41 , in at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a pressure equalizer  4000  is shown that includes a plurality of air tubes  4004 . The pressure equalizer  4000  has particular application to situations wherein a high volume and/or a high flow rate of liquid is anticipated. As can be seen, the plurality of air tubes  4004  occupies a significant portion of the bottleneck  152 . The air tubes  4004  preferably have an air tube length L Air Tube  within the prescribed values given above (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). In addition, each of the air tubes  4004  preferably has an air tube diameter D Air Tube  of between about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . For the pressure equalizer  4000  shown in  FIGS. 40 and 41 , there are nineteen separate air tubes  4004  shown. However, it is to be understood that greater or fewer than nineteen separate air tubes  4004  are within the scope of the present embodiment. The air tubes  4004  may have uniform air tube diameters, or they may have differing air tube diameters. In addition, one or more of the air tubes  4004  may have flared portions. 
         [0105]    With reference to  FIG. 41 , the pressure equalizer  4000  is depicted as an insert. Accordingly, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  4000  is an insert, the perimeter member  416  is configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  4000  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then the air tubes  4004  are positioned around a portion of the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 , and a number of the air tubes  4004  may be connected or interconnected to each other, particularly those air tubes  4004  residing within the inner interior portion of the bottleneck  152  and not situated directly adjacent the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . 
         [0106]    Referring still to  FIGS. 40 and 41 , and as with other embodiments described and shown herein, when in use, air may enter the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  4004 . In addition, liquid may exit the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  4004  as air enters other air tubes  4004 . However, the existence of multiple air tubes  4004  facilitates separate flow paths for air to enter the bottle, thereby enabling air to find a path into the bottle  100  while the liquid exits the bottle  100 . 
         [0107]    Referring now to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , in at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a pressure equalizer  4200  is shown that includes a plurality of air tubes  4204  that resided within an air tube assembly  4208 . As with pressure equalizer  4000 , the pressure equalizer  4200  has particular application to situations wherein a high volume and/or a high flow rate of liquid is anticipated. As can be seen, the plurality of air tubes  4204  occupy a significant portion of the bottleneck  152 . The air tubes  4204  preferably have an air tube length L Air Tube  within the prescribed values given above (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). In addition, each of the air tubes  4204  preferably has an air tube diameter D Air Tube  (or equivalent air tube diameter as described herein) of between about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . For the pressure equalizer  4200  shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , there are three concentric rings of air tubes with a further central air tube. The air tubes  4204  may have substantially uniform cross-sectional areas, or they may have differing cross-sectional areas with differing shapes. In addition, the air tubes  4204  residing within the air tube assembly  4208  may form a pattern or they may be randomly arranged. In addition, one or more of the air tubes  4204  may have flared portions. 
         [0108]    With reference to  FIG. 43 , the pressure equalizer  4200  is depicted as an insert. Accordingly, for embodiments wherein the pressure equalizer  4200  is an insert, the perimeter member  416  is configured to fixedly engage (e.g., by friction fit, threads, welding, adhesive, and/or fastener) the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152  of the bottle  100 . Alternatively, if the pressure equalizer  4200  is integrally formed as part of the bottle  100 , then the air tubes  4204  are positioned around a portion of the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 , and a number of the air tubes  4204  may be connected or interconnected to each other, particularly those air tubes  4204  residing within the inner interior portion of the bottleneck  152  and not situated directly adjacent the interior surface  128  of the bottleneck  152 . Sidewalls between the air tubes  4204  may be shared. 
         [0109]    Referring still to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , and as with other embodiments described and shown herein, when in use, air may enter the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  4204 . In addition, liquid may exit the bottle  100  through one or more of the air tubes  4204  as air enters other air tubes  4204 . However, the existence of multiple air tubes  4204  facilitates separate flow paths for air to enter the bottle, thereby enabling air to find a path into the bottle  100  while the liquid exits the bottle  100 . 
         [0110]    Referring now to  FIG. 44 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a carrier cap  4400  is shown that incorporates a cap  148  with a pressure equalizer, such as any one of the pressure equalizers described herein. By attaching a pressure equalizer to the inside of a bottle cap  148 , a snap-capper or a rotary-chuck capping machine can install the pressure equalizer at the same time as the bottle is being capped, using the same machinery. Such a configuration provides time and cost savings for utilization of the pressure equalizers described herein. The pressure equalizer insert is attached to the cap in a similar way as the safety strip that is currently used to secure caps on bottles, such as two-liter beverage bottles. Accordingly, caps with pressure equalizer inserts are operatively associated with a bottle  100  when the caps  148  are applied with capping machines that insert the pressure equalizers with the caps  148  after filling the bottles  100 . The bottle  100  is then ready for use by the consumer, and the previously installed pressure equalizer is in place for mitigating glugging when the liquid is poured from the bottle  100 . Accordingly, in use, the pressure equalizer breaks free from the cap  148  when the consumer twists off the cap  148  for the first time in the same way that the consumer breaks the safety strip. 
         [0111]    In at least one embodiment of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, the top rim of the one or more air tubes associated with the pressure equalizer do not extend above the bottle rim  136  of the bottle  100 . Advantageously, a cap associated with the bottle can be reused with the pressure equalizer in the bottle  100 . 
         [0112]    Air tubes described herein preferably include solid, non-perforated tubing walls. That is, there are no holes along the side walls of the air tubes between the upper inlet rims  408  and the lower end edges  412  of the air tubes. In at least one embodiment of all of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, there are no holes along the side walls of the air tubes between the upper inlet rims  408  and the lower end edges  412  of the air tubes. In at least one embodiment of all of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, and as someone of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, if present, any holes within the sidewalls of the air tubes preferably do not materially impact the flow characteristics of the subject pressure equalizer. 
         [0113]    In at least one embodiment of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, the lower end edges  412  of the air tubes do not extend below about 25% of the bottle length B L . 
         [0114]    In at least one embodiment of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, at least a portion of the upper inlet rim  408  of at least one air tube is situated within a rim proximity distance that is less than or equal to 5% of the bottleneck length L Bottleneck . 
         [0115]    In at least one embodiment of the various pressure equalizers ( 400 ,  1100 ,  1300 ,  1500 ,  1704 ,  2000 ,  2200 ,  2400 ,  2600 ,  3000 ,  3200 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  4000  and  4200 ) described herein, even if having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the air tubes preferably include a diameter or equivalent diameter (by measuring the cross-sectional area of the air tube and solving for an equivalent diameter) that resides within a range of about 2% to 50% of the bottleneck diameter D Bottleneck . In addition, the air tube length L Air Tube  of the air tubes is greater than or equal to the bottleneck length L Bottleneck  and less than or equal to about 25% of the bottle length B L (that is, L Bottleneck ≦L Air Tube ≦25% B L ). 
         [0116]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
         [0117]    The one or more present inventions, in various embodiments, include components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. 
         [0118]    The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes (e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation). 
         [0119]    The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         [0120]    Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention (e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure). It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.