Abstract:
A cocktail ingredient dispenser can include engaging devices for creating a seal around an opening of a carbonated liquid container and for providing an openable and closeable opening which can retain the carbonation within the carbonated liquid when closed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/949,824, filed on Jul. 13, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/037,969, filed on Mar. 19, 2008, the entire contents of both are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Inventions 
         [0003]    The present inventions are directed to dispensers for liquids, such as ingredients of cocktails, and more particularly, carbonated ingredients or ingredients that are to be kept refrigerated or otherwise chilled in, for example, an ice-water bath or other cooled environments. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Aluminum cans have long been used for containing carbonated drinks, such as sodas, energy drinks, and other pressurized beverages. Typically, these cans include a tab-type opener in which the tab is used to depress a portion of the top of the can outlined by a frangible portion such that the frangible portion is broken when the can is opened. However, after the can is opened, the carbonation is released gradually over time. Thus, these cans are intended to be used in the manner in which the entire contents of the can are used soon after the can is opened. 
         [0006]    In order to slow the release of carbonation from such cans, various devices have been developed for forming a seal over the opening of these types of cans. Some of these devices include removable caps that fit on the top end of the beverage can and include lip seals that form a gas-tight seal over the top of a can so as to prevent carbonation from escaping from the beverage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0007]    In some embodiments, a dispenser is configured to extend around and engage a container which includes an opening. The dispenser can include a seal that surrounds the opening. Additionally, the dispenser can include at least one opening on a portion thereof, so as to allow fluid to move into thermal communication with the container. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another embodiment, a canned cocktail ingredient dispenser can comprise a metal can containing a carbonated cocktail ingredient, the metal can comprising a top portion and a frangible portion disposed on the top portion and configured to allow a user to open the top portion. A top tensioning member can have a first connector, the top tensioning member including a sealing arrangement configured to form a seal with the top portion of the metal can around the frangible portion. A bottom tensioning member can have a bottom abutment portion configured to abut against a bottom of the metal can. A second connector can be configured to releasably engage the first connector. A middle portion can be disposed between the bottom abutment portion and the second connector, the top tensioning member, the bottom tensioning member and the first and second connectors being arranged such that the bottom tensioning member presses the top portion of the metal can into engagement with the seal on the top tensioning member with sufficient force so as to maintain a gas tight seal between the seal and the top portion of the can that is sufficiently strong to maintain the carbonation in the can. The middle portion can be open such that fluid can freely flow into thermal communication with portions of the metal can below the seal. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment, a carbonated liquid dispenser can comprise a top member including a seal configured to form a seal with a top portion of a carbonated liquid container and around an opening in the top portion of the carbonated liquid container. A bottom member can have a bottom portion configured to abut against a bottom of the carbonated liquid container. A middle portion can connect the bottom portion and the top member. The middle portion can be open such that fluid can freely flow into thermal communication with portions of the carbonated liquid container. 
         [0010]    In accordance with yet another embodiment, a carbonated liquid dispenser can comprise a top member including a seal configured to form a seal with a top portion of a carbonated liquid container and around an opening in the top portion of the carbonated liquid container. A bottom member can have a bottom portion configured to abut against a bottom of the carbonated liquid container. A middle portion connecting the bottom member and the top member and the dispenser can also include means for allowing fluid to freely flow into thermal communication with portions of the carbonated liquid container. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a further embodiment, a method of sealing an opened carbonated liquid container can be provided. The method can comprise inserting the carbonated liquid container into a bottom member which includes at least one opening in a side thereof and abutting a bottom portion of the bottom member against a bottom of the carbonated liquid container. The method can further include connecting a top member to the bottom member with the carbonated liquid container disposed between the top and bottom members such that a seal is formed between the top member and a top of the carbonated liquid container, the seal being positioned around an opening in the top of the carbonated liquid container. The method can also include inserting at least the bottom member into a cooled fluid such that the cooled fluid flows through the at least one opening and into thermal communication with the carbonated liquid container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Certain embodiments of the present inventions are discussed below in detail with reference to the following figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective and partial exploded view of a cocktail ingredient dispenser in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged sectional view of a carbonated liquid container disposed within the ingredient dispenser of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view of a lower end of the dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is another partial sectional view of a lower end of the dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and including a drain. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of an upper end of the dispenser illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrate embodiments of a liquid dispenser  10 . The liquid dispenser  10  is illustrated and described in the context of a dispenser for use with carbonated beverages contained in aluminum cans. However, this is merely one exemplary environment in which the present inventions can be used. The inventions and embodiments disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well. 
         [0020]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a liquid dispenser  10  can include a lower portion  12  and an upper portion  14 . The lower and upper portions  12 ,  14  can be configured to retain a carbonated beverage container  16  therebetween. In some embodiments, the carbonated liquid container  16  can be a soda can, a juice container, etc. 
         [0021]    For example, with reference to  FIG. 2 , the carbonated liquid container  16  can be in the configuration of the long known and widely used “soda can” configuration. The illustrated container  16  can be an aluminum can having a top  18  connected to a sidewall  20 . The top  18  can include a frangible portion  22 . A snap top lever  24  can also be attached to the top  18  so as to provide a convenient device allowing a user to break the frangible portion  22  to open the top  18  of the container  16 . 
         [0022]    The dispenser  10  can be used with other types of cans. For example, pineapple juice cans are available in a large size format. Typically, these cans are opened with a piercing-type can opener. Once opened, however, bartenders often transfer this type of juice into an opaque plastic juice container with an elongated neck. However, because of the opacity of these types of plastic containers, it is difficult to determine the precise color of the contents. For example, it is difficult to distinguish pineapple juice from orange juice in the low-light environment of a bar or night club. 
         [0023]    Thus, by taking a large pineapple can which was opened using a piercing-type can opener, and placing it into the dispenser, the original label on the pineapple can is still visible to the bartender and thus more easily distinguishable from an orange juice container. Additionally, the bartender is not required to transfer the pineapple juice to another container, thereby saving time. Additionally, the dispenser  10  can be used with other types of cans as well. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , as is typical in the carbonated beverage container arts, the sidewall  20  of the container  16  can be connected to the top  18  along an upstanding wall  26 . The upstanding wall  26  can include a bead  28  along its top edge and inwardly facing wall  30 . 
         [0025]    The top  18  can also include a central area  32  upon which the frangible portion  20  and lever  24  ( FIG. 2 ) can be disposed. The central portion  32  and the inwardly facing wall  30  can meet along a channel  34 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the channel  34  can be defined by an outwardly facing wall  36  disposed along the peripheral edge of the central portion  32  and a lower portion  38  of the inwardly facing wall  30 . 
         [0026]    The container  16  can be any size. For example, the container  16  can be 8, 8.3, 12, 16, 24, or 32 fluid ounces, although any size container  16  can be used. Further, advantages can be achieved where the container  16  is about 32 ounces. For example, “on premises” alcohol establishments are serving many new cocktails. 
         [0027]    Energy drinks are now being used as mixers for cocktails. Many of these energy drinks come in various sized aluminum cans. Some of these energy drinks come in cans as small as 8 ounces. However, such a small can generates a large amount of waste, i.e., an 8 ounce can contains enough soda for only about 1-2 cocktails. In some establishments, bartenders keep large garbage cans behind the bars to collect used cans. 
         [0028]    Using a larger can greatly reduces the amount of used cans generated per cocktail. For example, a larger can has a greater volumetric efficiency than a smaller can. More particularly, the ratio of aluminum mass per fluid ounce is lower for a larger can than it is for a smaller can. As such, more aluminum is required to manufacture eight 8-ounce aluminum cans (totaling 64 ounces) than that required to make two 32-ounce cans (totaling 64 ounces). 
         [0029]    However, a 32 ounce can can be used to make as many as eight or more cocktails. Thus, once a 32-ounce can is opened, it may remain open for an extended period of time, until enough cocktails have been ordered to deplete the liquid from the 32-ounce can. The longer the can is opened, the more carbonation will be lost unless it is sealed. Additionally, the contents of the can will become warmer over time. Thus, in some embodiments, the liquid dispenser  10  can maintain the carbonation within the can and preferably allow the can to be cooled using equipment already existing in the on-premises alcohol market. Thus, with reference to  FIG. 1 , further advantages can be achieved where the dispenser  10  is configured to receive a container  16  that is larger than 16 fluid ounces, for example, cans having capacities up to about 32 ounces or more. 
         [0030]    Additionally, further advantages can also be achieved where the dispenser  10  is configured to allow fluid to flow into thermal communication with the container  16 . As such, a bartender can keep the container  16  chilled using existing equipment, such as refrigerators or ice water baths that are widely used in on-premises alcohol establishments. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the lower portion  12  can have an inner diameter configured to receive any size container  16 . In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the lower portion  12  is sized to receive a container of about 2½ inches. Further, in some embodiments, the lower portion  12  is configured to receive a container  16  having a diameter of 3 or more inches. In an exemplary embodiment, where the container  16  has a capacity of about 32 fluid ounces, the inner diameter of the lower portion  12  can be about 3½ inches. However, this is merely an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment. 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the lower portion  12  can include an abutment portion  40  that is configured to abut against a bottom  42  of the container  16 . In some embodiments, the abutment portion  40  can include a generally flat inner surface  44 . However, in other embodiments, the inner surface  44  can have any shape. Additionally, the lower portion  12  can include an outermost peripheral wall  48  that extends around the entire periphery of the lower surface  44 . 
         [0033]    When the container abuts against the surface  44 , it can contact the surface along a contact area, schematically represented by phantom line  49 . This contact area can form a liquid barrier when the container  16  is pressed against the surface  44 . As such, water or other liquids can accumulate between the peripheral wall  48  and the side of the container  16  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the lower portion  12  can include an opening  46  (illustrated in phantom line in  FIG. 4  and solid line in  FIG. 5 )). As such, any water that may flow into the lower portion  12 , can quickly drain out therefrom. Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the opening  46  can allow fluid, such as air or water, to contact a lower surface of the container  16 , in the vicinity of the recess  47 , and thereby aid in cooling the contents of the container  16 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower portion  12  can also include one or more drain holes  45  ( FIG. 5 ) so aid in draining water from the dispenser  10 . 
         [0035]    As noted above, water or other liquids can accumulate between the peripheral wall  48  and the side of the container  16  ( FIG. 4 ). Thus, in some embodiments, the dispenser  10  can be configured to allow such liquid pass across the contact area. 
         [0036]    For example, in some embodiments, the surface  44  can include a drain  51 . In some embodiments, the drain  51  can be in the form of a channel disposed in the surface  44  and extending across the contact area  49 . Water trapped between the peripheral wall  48  and the side wall of the container  16  can flow downwardly into the drain  51 , under the lower edge of the container  16  contacting the contact area  49 , and toward the opening  46 . As such, this water can drain out of the dispenser  10  more quickly. 
         [0037]    With reference again to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the peripheral wall  48  can be omitted (as illustrated in phantom line). Omitting the peripheral wall  48  can provide further advantages. For example, if the dispenser  10  is partially submerged in an ice-water bath, and water flows into the lower portion  12 , as noted above, the peripheral wall  48  can retain some of that water when the dispenser is raised out of the bath. Thus, when a user, such as a bartender, tips the dispenser over to pour out the contents of the container  16  into a cocktail glass, the water retained by the peripheral wall  48  will spill out onto the bar or possibly into the cocktail glass. Thus, eliminating the peripheral wall  48  reduces or eliminates such spillage. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the lower portion  12  can include a connector  50  at its upper end and at least one connection member  52  structurally connecting the lower surface  44  with the connector  50 . In some embodiments, the connector members  52  are in the form of struts  54 . However, this is merely one type of connector that can be used as the connector member  52 . 
         [0039]    Generally, the connector member  52 , in operation, will only be subjected to tensile forces. Thus, the connector  52  can take any form, such as, for example, but without limitation, cable, chain, strap, or any other device or structure that can provide resistance against tensile forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser  10  includes three struts  54 . However, any number of struts can be used. 
         [0040]    A further advantage is provided where the connector member  52  is configured so as to provide for a free flow of fluid, such as ice water or air, into thermal communication with an outer surface of the container  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of the three struts  54  creates three large openings  60  around the periphery of the lower portion  12 . 
         [0041]    Such a construction can allow fluids, such as ice water or refrigerated air, to freely flow into thermal contact with the outer surface of the container  16 . As such, when the container  16  is held within the dispenser  10 , the container  16  can be readily cooled in any manner, such as an ice water bath, a refrigerator, or any other cooling method. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the size of the openings  60  can be maximized so as to allow for the maximum thermal communication between the walls of the container  16  and the surrounding fluid. The larger the openings  60 , the higher the flow rate of fluid through the openings  60  and thus, the higher the rate thermal transfer between the liquid in the container  16  the fluid surrounding the container  16 . 
         [0043]    Additionally, the openings  60  allow a user to easily see the sides of the container  26  which will often include some type of description of the contents of the container  16 . This is advantageous in the environment of many types of on-premises establishments that are use low lighting which can make it more difficult for bartenders to see the labels on such containers. The label on a container  16  might indicate that the contents are a diet version of one particular liquid, but otherwise using the same logos and trademarks as the non-diet version of that liquid. Thus, using large openings  60  allows the bartenders to more easily see the labels on the container  16 , even in low light conditions and help prevent accidental mix-ups of cocktail ingredients. 
         [0044]    Thus, in some embodiments, the dimensions used for the connector members  52  can be minimized according to the minimum material thicknesses needed to withstand the tensile forces generated by the dispenser  10  when fully assembled. This allows the openings  60  to be made as large as possible. 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the connector  50  can be any type of connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector  50  includes internal threads on an inwardly facing surface thereof. These threads are configured to engage with external threads on a lower end of the upper portion  14 . However, any type of connection can be used. 
         [0046]    As noted above, the upper portion  14  can have a lower end  70  that is configured to engage with the connector  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end  70  includes a connector  72  which can be in the form of threads (not shown) configured to engage with internal threads in the connector  50 . These threads can be of any type, for example, national coarse or national fine, or have any other pitch and size. In some embodiments, other connectors are used, including but not limited to, an interference fit, slip fit, latches, or any other connector. As such, the upper portion  14  can be releasably engaged with the lower portion  12 . In some embodiments, the connection between the connector  50  and the connector  72  can have sufficient strength to prevent carbonation from escaping the container  16 , described below in greater detail. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the upper portion  14  can also include a sealing arrangement  80  that is configured to form a seal with the channel  34  on the top of the container  16 . The seal arrangement  80  can take any form. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal arrangement  80  includes an annular wall  82  extending downwardly from the lower end  70  of the upper portion  14 . 
         [0048]    The wall  82  can be made from any material. In some embodiments, the wall  82  can be made monolithically with the remainder of the upper portion  14  or it can be made from separate pieces connected to the remainder of the upper portion  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the annular wall  82  is made monolithically with the lower portion  70  of the upper portion  14 . In other words, it is molded as a portion of the upper portion  14 . Additionally, in this embodiment, the annular wall  82  is sized such that an inwardly facing surface  84  of the annular wall  82  contacts the outwardly facing surface  36  of the channel  34 . 
         [0049]    With this configuration, when the upper portion  14  is connected as a lower portion  12  through the interaction of the connectors  50 ,  72 , tension is generated in the connector member  52  so as to pull the annular wall  84  downwardly into the channel  34  to thereby create a seal between the inner surface  84  and the outwardly facing surface  36  and/or other portions of the channel  34 . 
         [0050]    Other configurations can also be used. For example, the wall  84  can be arranged to contact other parts of the channel  34  or other parts of the container  16  around the opening  22 . For example, some cans, such as large pineapple juice cans, do not have a deep channel  34 . Thus, in some embodiments, the wall  84  can be configured to press against an upstanding wall  30 , which is the type of wall that exists on the typical pineapple juice can. In this type of environment of use, the wall  84  does not need to generate a seal that is sufficiently strong to maintain carbonation in the associated container. 
         [0051]    However, as noted above, the seal generated by the wall  84  can be configured to be sufficiently strong to prevent carbonation within a carbonated liquid disposed in the container  16  from escaping the dispenser  10 . As such, the carbonation can be better maintained within such a carbonated liquid disposed in the container  16 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the upper portion can include an elongated neck  90 . The elongated neck  90  can have a height H configured to allow a human user to easily grasp the elongated neck  90 . For example, the height H can be about 4-6 inches. However, this is merely an exemplary dimension. Any height can be used. 
         [0053]    With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the elongated neck  90  can define an interior conduit  92  and an upper outlet opening  94 . As such, liquid from the container  16  can flow out of the container  16 , through the opening  22 , through the conduit  92 , and out of the opening  94 . 
         [0054]    Thus, a user of the dispenser  10  can grab the elongated neck  90  and pour liquid out of the container  16  and through the outlet  94 . In some embodiments, the conduit  92  can be restricted, to thereby reduce the interior volume of the conduit  92  which can aid in maintaining the level of carbonation in the carbonated liquid within the container  16 . 
         [0055]    Additionally, the dispenser  10  can include a cap  100 . The cap  100  can be configured to fit tightly over a top portion of the elongated neck  90 . Additionally, an interior surface  102  of the cap  100  can be configured to form a gas tight seal with an outer surface  104  of the elongated neck  90 . 
         [0056]    For example, the surfaces  102 ,  104  can be configured to form a slip fit such that when the cap  100  is disposed on the neck  90 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the surfaces  102 ,  104  contact each other and thereby generate a seal. In some embodiments, the surfaces  102 ,  104  can include ridges (not shown) or other surface features configured to form an interference fit. Regardless of the type of technique used to generate a seal between the surfaces  102 ,  104 , the seal can be configured to be sufficiently strong to retain carbonation within the carbonated liquid disposed within the container  16 . 
         [0057]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the neck  90  can include a recess  110  disposed on an upper end thereof, adjacent to the outlet opening  94 . Additionally, the cap  100  can include a complimentarily-shaped recess  112 . In some embodiments, the recesses  110 ,  112  can be arranged so as to nest with each other when the cap  100  is connected to the neck  90 . Such a nesting of the recesses  110 ,  112  can provide for a positive engagement of the cap  100  with the neck  90  when the cap  100  is oriented in the correct position to provide the desired seal therebetween. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cap  100  can be tethered to a portion of the dispenser so as to prevent the cap  100  from being lost. 
         [0058]    In use, for example, in an on-premises establishment such as a bar or night club, when a customer orders a cocktail with an ingredient that is not in the bartenders hose-dispenser, the bartender must open another type of container. Many such cocktail ingredients are delivered to the on-premises establishment in a can, such as a soda can or a juice can (e.g., pineapple juice). Thus, the bartender opens a can such as container  16 . 
         [0059]    Because the container  16  contains a sufficient amount of ingredient to make more than one cocktail, after the bartender makes one cocktail, the bartender inserts the container  16  into the lower portion  12 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The bartender then attaches the upper portion  14  to the lower portion  12  by connecting the connectors  50  and  70  to each other. As the connectors  50 ,  70  are brought into engagement with each other, the surface  44  abuts against the lower surface of the container  16 . This movement also brings the wall  84  into a sealing engagement with the wall  36  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0060]    In this configuration, the cap  100  seals the opening  94  and thus any liquid in the container  16  is preserved. For example, if the liquid is a juice, the cap  100  helps to keep the juice fresh. Additionally, if the liquid is a carbonated beverage, the cap  100  prevents or slows the loss of carbonation from the liquid. 
         [0061]    The bartender can then place the dispenser in an cooled environment, such as a refrigerator or an ice-water bath. The openings  60  in the sides of the dispenser  10  allow the cooled fluid, whether it is cooled air from a refrigerator or water from an ice-water bath, to freely flow into thermal communication with the sides of the container, and thus with any liquid in the container  16 . As such, the liquid can be further preserved and maintained at the desired temperature. 
         [0062]    When another customer orders a cocktail with the same ingredient, the bartender can remove the dispenser from the cooled environment. If the cooled environment is an ice-water bath, the water can drain out of the opening  46  ( FIG. 2 ), drain  45  ( FIG. 5 ), through the drain  51 , and/or through the opening  60  where the peripheral wall  48  has been omitted ( FIG. 4 ). The bartender can also remove the cap  100  and pour the liquid ingredient from the container  16  and into a cocktail glass. However, other methods can also be performed with the dispenser. 
         [0063]    Any features of the embodiments show and/or described in the figures that have not been expressly described in this text, such as distances, proportions of components etc. are also intended to form part of this disclosure. Additionally, although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain various embodiments, features, aspects, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments under uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.