Abstract:
Systems for storing beverages are disclosed, which include a container for storing, transporting and dispensing a beverage, e.g. beer. In some implementations the container includes a pressure-tight lid closure system including wire bails.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/515,394, filed Oct. 15, 2014, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/931,038, filed Jun. 28, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,959, granted on Nov. 18, 2014, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/766,048, filed Feb. 18, 2013, U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/766,941, filed Feb. 20, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/766,949, filed on Feb. 20, 2013. The complete disclosure of each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Pressurized beverage containers (containers that are capable of maintaining internal pressure, e.g., from carbonation or compressed gas) are typically of single use design, e.g. a can or bottle of beer. These containers are generally constructed of glass or an aluminum alloy. Closure mechanisms range from caps, twist off or pressed, to tabs which are integrally formed with the lid or top of the vessel. 
         [0003]    Some larger containers for carbonated beverages, e.g. kegs, while reusable, and in some cases pressurizable, are not easily transportable or easily cleaned due to their large size and valve/dispensing system. 
         [0004]    Medium sized (e.g., 32 or 64 ounce) beer containers, commonly known as “growlers,” are generally not capable of maintaining carbonation or pressurization, and thus if the entire contents are not consumed at one sitting the remaining beer will go flat. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Generally, the present disclosure pertains to systems for storing and dispensing beverages. In some implementations, the systems are configured for storing carbonated beverages, and include a container capable of maintaining an internal pressure. Preferred systems also include a delivery device configured to allow a user to easily dispense a liquid from the container under pressure and/or a device configured to allow the container to be repressurized as the contents of the container are exhausted. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, the beverage storage systems described herein include a system for storing carbonated or pressurized beverages comprising: a container having a rim defining an opening, a lid configured for sealing engagement with the rim, and a closure system comprising a pair of wire bails that are pivotably mounted on the container and configured to toggle between an open position in which the lid can be moved away from the opening, and a closed position in which the bails latch over-center causing the lid to apply a downward force to the rim. 
         [0007]    Some implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the container may have a double walled metal construction. The lid could include a pair of channels configured to receive lid-retaining portions of the bails. 
         [0008]    In some cases the container includes a neck region and the system further comprises a band fixedly mounted on the neck region and configured for pivoting attachment of the bails. The band can include apertures configured to receive the ends of the bails. In addition, the band can include features to which a handle is fixedly attached. 
         [0009]    Some implementations of the beverage system can comprise an elastomeric seal interposed between a bottom surface of the lid and the rim of the container. Furthermore, the beverage system can feature a rim that has a non-planar surface and an elastomeric seal that has a beveled surface configured for engagement with the non-planar surface. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the system for storing beverages can comprise a container having a rim defining an opening, a lid configured for sealing engagement with the rim, and a closure system comprising a wire bail that is pivotably mounted on the container and configured to toggle between an open position in which the lid can be moved away from the opening, and a closed position in which the lid is sealed against the rim. In this aspect of the invention, the lid and wire bail include cooperating features configured to retain the lid on the bail when the bail is in its open position. 
         [0011]    Furthermore, the lid can include a groove having a retention feature configured to engage a corresponding feature on the bail. In some implementations, a portion of the groove can be undercut. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the beverage storing system can comprise a double-walled steel container body having a rim that is arcuate in cross-section; and a closure system including a lid having a beveled seal having an angled surface configured to engage the rim. 
         [0013]    Some implementations can include one or more of the following features. For example, the rim that is arcuate in cross-section can comprise a bend in the double-walled material. Furthermore, the seal can be formed of an elastomeric material. 
         [0014]    In some implementations, the seal can be disposed in an angular channel in the lid. The container body can include a generally cylindrical neck region and the channel can include a sidewall configured to abut an outer surface of the neck region. 
         [0015]    In some cases, the closure system comprises a pair of bails configured to be in an over center position in the closed position and thereby apply a downward force between the rim and the angled surface of the seal. 
         [0016]    In another aspect of the invention, the beverage storage and dispensing system can comprise a container body, a lid having a dispensing port, a pressure relief valve, and a gas inlet valve; a tubular conduit configured to be sealingly retained in the dispensing port and extend above and below the lid; and a dispensing device at a distal end of the conduit. 
         [0017]    Some implementations can include one or more of the following features. The pressure relief valve can comprise an umbrella valve. The gas inlet valve can comprise an elastomeric duckbill valve and a fitting configured to receive a gas delivery device. Furthermore, the fitting can comprise a portion configured to actuate a pressure delivery device. 
         [0018]    The container body can comprise a double walled metal vessel. In some cases, the container body can have a volume of less than 3 liters. For example, the container may be a “growler” or other vessel having a volume of from about 0.9 to 2 liters. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the beverage storage and dispensing system can comprise a wire bail closure system. Furthermore, the closure system can comprise a pair of wire bails configured to toggle to a closed position in which the bails apply a downward force to the lid. 
         [0020]    The invention also features methods of using the systems described herein to store, transport and dispense beverages, e.g., carbonated beverages. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pressurized beverage storage system according to one implementation, with the lid in a closed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of the system with the lid in the closed position, taken from another angle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, detail cross-sectional view of the lip-seal-lid interaction in the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is an exploded, sectional view of the lid, seal and upper aspect of the container. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the system with the lid in the closed position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the system with one bail open and the lid lifted away from the rim. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the system with one bail open and the lid swung back on the bail, out of the way of the mouth of the container. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a top, perspective view of the device with the lid in the position shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the retention channel of the lid. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the retention channel of the lid with the retention bail engaged. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lid with repressurizing and dispensing devices. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the lid shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the underside of the lid shown in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a sectional, perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the lid. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the conduit seal. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the duckbill valve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The present disclosure relates generally to pressurized beverage storage systems. In some implementations, the beverage storage systems described herein include a container comprising a double-walled vessel constructed of stainless steel, a handle for transportation and manipulation of the container, a lid designed to be removably attached to the container, and a closure system designed to provide a pressure-tight engagement between the lid and the rim of the container. Preferably, all components of the system that come into contact with the beverage are formed of food-grade materials, e.g., stainless steel, silicone, TYGON® polymer, and the like. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , in one implementation a beverage storage system  10  includes a container  12 , a handle  15 , a lid  40 , and a closure system that includes a pair of wire bails  50  and  51  disposed on either side of the lid in an over-center configuration. This closure system, and the manner in which it provides pressure-tight sealing, will be discussed further below. 
         [0040]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the container  12  is a double-walled, vacuum-sealed vessel, which is preferably constructed of food-grade stainless steel. The double wall provides a chamber that can be evacuated creating a vacuum. The vacuum provides temperature insulation for liquids held in the container  12 . The container  12  is designed with a flat bottom so that it can securely rest on a surface without tipping. The container  12  has an upper section that is tapered, tapering through a shoulder to a wide-mouthed neck  13 . The neck terminates at a rim  14  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) which, due to the double-walled construction, is in the form of a bend rather than a flat surface. The container  12  preferably has a volume of about 30 to 70 ounces, for example the container may be a 64 ounce or 2 liter “growler” container. 
         [0041]    The handle  15  is constructed of a rigid material, e.g. metal, wood or plastic, and is sufficiently strong to allow for manipulation of the container  12  when full of liquid. The handle  15  is connected to the container  12  at the neck  13  by band  22  and near the base by band  20  that encircle the container  12 . The bands  20 ,  22  are connected to the handle  15  by nut-bolt interaction or similar at attachment points  17  and  18  ( FIG. 1 ). The bands  20 ,  22  are constructed of metal that is sufficiently strong to prevent deflection or deformation of the bands when under load, e.g. when manipulating the container  12 . Band retention features  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , are configured above and below the bands  20 ,  22 . The band retention features  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , are raised (embossed) rings which protrude from the surface of the container  12  and are configured to minimize or eliminate slippage of the bands when the container is under load, e.g. during transportation or while pouring. Minimizing slippage is important not only for safety and durability, but also to maintain the correct positioning of the upper band  22  on the neck for proper over-center closing of the bails and thus pressure-tight sealing of the lid. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , band  22  has four raised areas  30 . Each raised area  30  provides a space between the band  22  and the outer wall of container  12  and includes an aperture  31  ( FIGS. 6, 8, 9 ,). Apertures  31  are configured to receive legs  33  of the latch portions  56  of the bails into the space behind the raised area. Apertures  31  thus serve as an attachment and pivoting point  35  for legs  33  which are integrally formed with the latch portions  56  of the bails. Each latch portion  56  can be pivoted by a user between an upward-facing open position ( FIG. 7 ), and a downward-facing locked position ( FIG. 2 ) in which it is generally flush against the neck  13 . A pivot point  36  for bails  50 ,  51  is defined by a loop  37  between the latch portion  56  and legs  33  ( FIGS. 2, 7, 8 ). 
         [0043]    The outer surface of the lid  40  includes two channels  44 ,  46  that are configured to receive bails  50 ,  51 . In the locked position, lid retention portions  52  and  54  of bails  50  and  51  are received in the channels  44  and  46 , and each retention portion applies an over-center force to the lid  40  providing a downward force against the rim  14  of the container  12 . This over-center engagement provides sufficient hold-down force to resist the internal pressure of the container and maintain the lid in place with an airtight seal. This over-center closing results from the relationship of the length of the vertical portions of bails  50  and  51  to the distance between the apertures  31  and the channels  44  and  46 , making it important that the band  22  stay securely in place as discussed above. The length of the bails  50 ,  51  in combination with the length of legs  33  dictates the amount of lift of the lid and the amount of compressive force on the lid. If the vertical portions of bails  50 ,  51  are too long and/or the legs  33  are too short, there will not be sufficient tension in the closed position to compress the lid to provide an air-tight seal. The amount of force required to toggle the vertical portions of the bails  50 ,  51  over center is determined by the radius of curvature of the latch portions  56 , with a longer radius providing more leverage for closing the bails. 
         [0044]    When the bails are closed, the positioning of the two bails on either side of the lid allows a uniform force to be applied by the beveled surface of the seal  42  to the lip of the container  14  creating an air-tight seal ( FIG. 4 ). The two-bail arrangement also prevents the lid from flying off when the closure system is opened, as could occur with a single bail when the contents are under pressure. In some implementations, the bails are constructed to withstand an internal pressure of up to about 35 psi without bending. For example, the bails may be constructed of 316L stainless steel wire, and may have a diameter of at least 3 mm, e.g. 3.5 mm. Preferably, the bails are constructed of a material that has a sufficiently low modulus of elasticity to deform elastically when placed under tension by the over center closing of the bail. This characteristic enhances the performance of the closure mechanism because the tension in the stretched wire increases the pressure applied by the bail to the lid. 
         [0045]    The pressure-tight engagement between the lid and the rim is enhanced by the construction of the underside of the lid. Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the lid  40  includes a channel  39  ( FIG. 5 ) that is dimensioned to receive the rim  14 . Within the channel is a recess  43 , which receives and retains an annular seal  42 . The seal  42  is generally triangular in cross-section but includes a retention portion  49  that is dimensioned to fit into the recess  43 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the beveled surface  41  of the seal  42  allows the lid to seal positively against the non-flat surface of rim  14 . The seal  42  is a preferably formed of a food-grade elastomer, e.g. food-grade silicone, of durometer hardness 45 to 55 Shore A, e.g. 50 Shore A. The inner sidewall  45  of the channel  39  also contributes to the security of the seal, by extending downwardly along the outer surface of neck  13  adjacent the rim and thereby holding the rim  14  against beveled surface  41  of the seal  42 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 , the lid  40  is opened by toggling latch portions  56  upwards from the locked, down position ( FIG. 6 ). When the latch portions  56  are in open position ( FIG. 7 ), the lid  40  can be released and pivots away from the container opening ( FIG. 8 ). The length of the vertical portions of the bails  50 ,  51  is preferably sufficient to allow the lid to easily swing past the rim  14  during opening. Channel  46  ( FIGS. 10, 11 ) features semi-eliptoid, undercut area  48  designed to receive a complementary shaped, arcuate section  47  of lid retention portion  52  of bail  51 . When the container is closed, section  47  extends in a similar plane as the lid. As the lid  40  rotates away from the container opening, arcuate section  47  received into undercut area  48 . The keyed engagement between the complementary surfaces serves to retain the lid  40  when the container  12  is open ( FIGS. 8, 9 ). The lid  40  may be removed from bail  51 , e.g. during cleaning or refitting, by appropriately aligning the retention portion  52  with channel  46 . If desired, similar features may be provided on the other bail, so that the lid will be retained in place regardless of which side of the closure is opened first. Also, other types of retention features may be included in the channel, for example other areas may be undercut and/or of reduced diameter. 
         [0047]    While the closure system described above allows pressure to be retained in the container, it does not allow the user to add a gas to further pressurize the contents of the container. Referring to  FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 , an alternate lid embodiment includes features that allow the user to pressurize the system and to easily dispense the contents of the container under pressure. In addition to providing a means to dispense liquid from the container, pressurizing the system also aids in preserving the beverage in the container and preventing it from losing its carbonation. 
         [0048]    Pressurization is achieved by adding a gas to the container, while the lid  140  is sealed in its closed position, via pressure port  70 . The pressure port  70  may be, for example, any standard pressurization valve, e.g. a Schrader or Presta valve or any other type of pressurization valve. However, in preferred embodiments the pressure port  70  is an elastomeric duckbill valve (as shown from below in  FIGS. 14, 15 ) that deforms to an open position allowing one-way passage of gas into the container. The duckbill valve  72  is configured to naturally return to a closed position when gas is not passing through it. The strength of seal of the duckbill valve  72  is further increased when the beverage system is closed and under pressure because the external pressure in the headspace of the container urges the duckbill towards its closed position. The duckbill valve  72  is secured in place by a pressure inlet fitting  74  which is removably secured in place, e.g. by threads or barbs. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the pressure inlet fitting  74  includes a pin  76  that is configured to allow gas to be injected into the closed beverage system using a standard pressure inlet system, e.g. a Schrader fitting. The removability of the pressure inlet fitting  74  allows the user to easily replace or interchange the fitting as needed, and also clean or replace the duckbill valve  72 . 
         [0049]    The lid  140  is also configured with a pressure relief valve  80 . The relief valve is designed to release excess pressure from the closed container, thereby minimizing the possibility of explosion or deformation of the container due to over-pressurization. In preferred embodiments the relief valve is a miniature elastomeric umbrella valve having an “umbrella” portion that pops up to relieve pressure and resets itself to a closed (lowered) position when pressure returns to a predetermined value. Such valves are commercially available, for example, from Minivalve Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. Preferred valves are calibrated to open when an internal pressure of from about 8 to 35 psi is reached, e.g., from about 10 to 15 psi. It is generally preferred that pressure be released before an internal pressure is reached that would deform the bails. Additionally, the relief valve  80  is designed to be removable for cleaning or replacement. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 13, 14, 15 , liquid is dispensed through conduit  60  via spigot  62 . The conduit  60  passes through the lid  140  via port  64 . Conduit seal  63  provides a press-fit engagement with the outer surface of the conduit. Port  64  allows a single length of conduit to be used (rather than a segment above the lid and a separate segment below the lid), and permits the conduit to be easily removed from the lid for cleaning or replacement. The conduit may be, for example, TYGON® polymer tubing or other food-grade polymer tubing. Conduit seal  63  is designed to be replaceable. Beveled edge  66  aids assembly of conduit seal  63  in port  64  of the lid  140  by allowing the upper portion of the conduit seal  63  to more easily pass through the lid. Conduit seal  63  is preferably formed of a food-grade elastomer, e.g. food-grade silicone, with Durometer hardness 45 to 55 Shore A, e.g. 50 Shore A. Conduit seal  63  has an inner passage way  67  with a diameter that is slightly less than the outer diameter of the conduit  60  ensuring an air tight seal which is enhanced when the beverage system is under pressure, e.g. when storing or dispensing a liquid via the spigot. Surface  69  of the conduit seal  63  is sufficiently large to create an air-tight seal with a corresponding surface of the inner surface  41  of the lid. The corresponding areas of the lid where the seal makes contact should generally have very smooth and flat surface finishes. The seal is designed and dimensioned such that it has a consistent surface contact on the underside of the lid and has sufficient surface area on the underside portion so that the pressure impinging on the conduit seal from the inside of the vessel presses the seal against the lid surface. 
       OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         [0052]    For example, the band retention features ( FIG. 1 )  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 , can have any desired geometry that will minimize or eliminate slippage of the bands  20 ,  22 . For example, the raised features described above can be replaced by recessed features, e.g., recessed rings dimensioned to receive the bands. As another example, the circumferential raised rings may be replaced by discrete raised features, e.g., buttons or other protrusions, disposed at intervals around the circumference of the container. In some implementations, the retention features  24 ,  25  for the lower band  20  may be omitted, or all retention features may be omitted if friction between the inner surface of the bands and outer surface of the container is sufficient to prevent slippage. 
         [0053]    Moreover, the features described above can be used with larger or smaller containers, and in some cases may be used with containers of materials other than double-walled stainless steel, e.g., glass or other rigid materials. 
         [0054]    The features described herein can be used with other types of closure systems. For example, the pressurization and dispensing features and/or the beveled seal can be used with threaded lids or lids with other closure features. 
         [0055]    In other embodiments, the features described above (e.g., the pressurization and dispensing features) could be combined with an alternative type of closure mechanism. For example, the bails or a similar closure mechanism could be pivotably attached to the lid rather than to the container. In this case, the bails could be dimensioned to engage a lip, ledge or other retention feature on the container, handle, band or any combination thereof, with the resulting interaction creating a pressure-tight seal when the lid is closed. As another example, a twist or cam-type retention feature could be integrally formed into the lid and/or the neck of the container. Alternatively, the bail(s) could be dimensioned to rotate upward, remaining in and pivoting around the holes in the upper band, and snap into a latch on the lid. Another type of closure mechanism could feature spring-loaded or squeeze-type latches built into the lid or neck of the container that could be actuated with hand or finger pressure. 
         [0056]    Another embodiment could feature a container that is insulated in another manner. For example, the chamber created by the double-wall could be filled with other insulative materials, such as foam or a gas. 
         [0057]    Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.