Patent Abstract:
Systems and methods for preserving oxidizable substances such as liquids or foodstuffs are disclosed. These systems incorporate a sealing device and an oxygen scavenging chemical or agent coupleable to the system. The oxygen scavenging agent can remove the oxygen from the headspace of a container such as a bottle of wine without reducing the pressure in the headspace to the extent that the flavor of the wine is adversely affected.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/102,461 filed Jan. 12, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Certain foodstuffs, liquids, pharmaceuticals, and other substances are sensitive to atmospheric conditions such that exposure to the atmosphere affects shelf life or product quality. For example, once a bottle of wine is “un-corked” its shelf life before spoilage is limited. While corked and unopened, a bottle of wine may last for years, decades, or more. Once opened, however, the shelf life can be as short as a day and last up to a week or so and the wine takes on a different, unpleasant taste. 
         [0003]    It is generally understood that oxygen degrades exposed wine, and that degradation occurs due to a chemical reaction with the wine and oxygen and/or the presence of oxygen which enables bacterial growth that then degrades the wine. In either scenario, the culprit to spoliation is oxygen. 
         [0004]    For users who intend to open a bottle of wine and not consume the entire bottle, there are a handful of methods commercially available to extend the opened shelf life of the wine. These can be classified into two general categories: vacuum preservation and “air displacement.” 
         [0005]    In vacuum preservation methods, a low grade vacuum is applied to the headspace above the wine, removing as much air as possible from the headspace created as wine was removed from the bottle. This technique has gained mainstream acceptance for extending the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine. The duration is arguable, but it is generally believed that this method chemically alters the wine. Wines that have been preserved via this methodology are often believed to become “flat” and “tasteless” compared to their native state. 
         [0006]    Air Displacement is a second method of wine preservation that can be employed. There are a number of manners in which this method is being accomplished commercially:
       1) Replace the air void with an inert “hard” material and reseal. Examples of this method include:
           a. Pumping an “air-bladder” into the headspace of the wine bottle. In this method the air is replaced with an inert plastic (or other material) bladder that presses up against the top of the wine in the bottle.   b. Filling a bottle with “marbles” or an equivalent. By putting hard spheres (or other shapes) into the bottle, the wine and hard object displace air from the bottle. By placing enough of these into the bottle the residual air space can be eliminated and the bottle “corked” in the absence of air.   
           2) Displacing the “air” with an inert gas. This is done from small home systems to large commercial systems. Nitrogen and Argon gases have been utilized to displace air from the wine bottles in order to preserve the shelf life of the wine.       
 
         [0011]    While the air displacement methods have proven effective at extending the shelf life of opened bottles of wine as well as preserving their original tastes and aromaticity, there are various drawbacks ranging from cleaning, appearance and cost. There remains a need for a simpler, cost effective system for preservation of oxygen-sensitive substances, including, but not limited to, wine. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    According to embodiments, a system for preserving oxygen-sensitive substances, such as, but not limited to foodstuffs (e.g. avocadoes or potatoes), liquids (e.g. wine), pharmaceuticals, and other oxygen-sensitive substances, includes a sealing device coupleable to a vessel, such as a container or bottle, containing the oxygen-sensitive substance to seal the contents from the surrounding atmosphere to limit or inhibit the entry of additional oxygen into the vessel. For sake of simplicity, the preservation of wine is discussed throughout the specification in detail. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the systems and methods described herein can be applied to any oxygen-sensitive substance for which preservation or storage is desired. For example, foodstuffs, other liquids, pharmaceuticals or drugs, chemicals, paints, adhesives, or any of a variety of materials can be contemplated. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, a sealing device for sealing a vessel, such as a bottle or container, containing an oxygen-sensitive substance can have a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical sidewall extending between its first end and second end, such as a cork or stopper shaped sealing device. A channel passes through the sealing device and extends between the first end and the second end. A canister or container having an oxygen scavenging or absorbing agent or deoxidizer (hereinafter “oxygen scavenging agent”) is configured to be coupled, either removably or permanently, to the sealing device such that when coupled to the sealing device, the oxygen scavenging agent is in fluidic contact with the channel, and therefore an interior of the vessel containing the oxygen sensitive substance for removing oxygen therefrom. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the sealing device can comprise a lid, cap, or cover for coupling to a container body. The lid or cap can have a cross section defining a square, rectangle, circle, triangle, or any other shape complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the container body. The lid or cap is removably coupleable to the container body by snap or friction fit, or can include threads for threaded engagement with complementary threads formed on the container body. A canister or container having an oxygen scavenging or absorbing agent or deoxidizer (hereinafter “oxygen scavenging agent”) is configured to be coupled, either removably or permanently, to either the cover or the container body such that the oxygen scavenging agent is in fluidic contact with the interior of the container body for removing oxygen therefrom. 
         [0015]    In embodiments, the oxygen scavenging agent is capable of removing substantially all of the unwanted oxygen from the headspace of a bottle or in a container sealed by the sealing device in a relatively short amount of time so that the oxygen does not adversely affect the substance. This method, which removes oxygen selectively, inhibits the occurrence of an undesirable flavor profile of a foodstuff or liquid, such as the changes associated with vacuum sealing a wine bottle, because the partial pressure in the container is only reduced a relatively small amount. Furthermore, it avoids the undesirable difficulty in cleaning, appearance, and cost associated with air displacement methods, such as those associated with wine storage. 
         [0016]    The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The detailed description and claims that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a cutaway side view of a system for de-oxygenating the contents of a container, according to an embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a cutaway side view of a system for de-oxygenating the contents of a container, according to another embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a cutaway side view of a system for de-oxygenating the contents of a container, according to another embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a sealing device and canister arrangement, according to an embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device, according to an embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device having a threaded internal cavity, according to an embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device having a threaded internal cavity, and a canister threadably engaged with the internal cavity, according to an embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a canister, according to an embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 7B-7E  shows a series of steps for filling or refilling a canister, according to an embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8A-8D  depict a series of steps by which a canister having a removable seal can be activated and used to de-oxygenate the head space of a bottle, according to an embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 8E-8G  depict a series of steps by which a canister having a screw-cap can be activated and used to de-oxygenate the head space of a bottle, according to an embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a system for de-oxygenating the headspace of a container, and having a decorative topper, according to an embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict a consumable sealing device according to an embodiment; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  depicts a container with lid of a system for de-oxygenating the interior of a container, according to an embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a system for de-oxygenating the contents of the container of  FIG. 11 , according to an embodiment; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 12B  is a close-up cutaway view of the lid of  FIG. 12A  having a threaded internal cavity, and a canister threadably engaged with the internal cavity. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    While embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    Conventional storage devices and methods for oxygen-sensitive substances such as wine wine, can include corks or stoppers, vacuum preservation, and/or air displacement. However, as discussed supra, wine is degraded by the presence of oxygen in the headspace of its container. Selective removal of oxygen allows the wine to retain substantially all or most of its native characteristics without the complications and limitations of conventional vacuum or air displacement preservation methods described above. Approximately 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen, which is not harmful to wine. Conversely, the 21% of the atmosphere that is made up of oxygen results in degradation of wine. Selective de-oxygenation of the headspace air in a bottle of wine will therefore enable extended shelf life of an opened bottle, leaving nitrogen and other non-harmful components of the atmosphere remaining in the bottle at their respective partial pressures. These partial pressures are much higher than those employed in vacuum preservation techniques, and thus the detrimental impact on taste and aromaticity left by vacuum preservation and/or residual oxygen are reduced. 
         [0036]    There are a variety of chemistries and technologies that are readily commercially available that can selectively react with oxygen to consume the oxygen, leaving atmospheric nitrogen untouched. Agents or oxygen absorbers that can be used to de-oxygenate the headspace via chemical reaction include, but are not be limited to, metal-based substances that remove oxygen by reacting with it by chemical bonding, generally forming a metal oxide component (e.g. an iron based material such as iron powder with sodium chloride). Metal-based substances include elemental iron as well as iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron carbide and the like. Other metals for use as oxygen absorbers include nickel, tin, copper and zinc. Metal-based oxygen absorbers are typically in the form of a powder to increase surface area. Other suitable oxygen absorbing material can comprise ascorbic acid, ascorbate such as sodium ascorbate, catechol and phenol, activated carbon and polymeric materials incorporating a resin and a catalyst, ferrous carbonate in conjunction with a metal halide catalyst, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and/or citrus or citric acid. 
         [0037]    The most common food-safe technology today is iron-based powder with sodium chloride, which can chemically react with the oxygen to remove it for food packaging. More specifically, when the oxygen absorber comprising iron powder with sodium chloride is removed from protective packaging, the moisture in the surrounding atmosphere begins to permeate into the iron particles. The moisture activates the iron, and it oxidizes to form iron oxide. To assist in the process of oxidation, sodium chloride is added to the mixture, acting as a catalyst or activator, causing the iron powder to be able to oxidize even with relative low humidity. As oxygen is consumed to form iron oxide, the level of oxygen in the surrounding atmosphere is reduced. Absorber technology of this type may reduce the oxygen level in the surrounding atmosphere to below 0.01%. For example, complete oxidation of 1 gram of iron can remove 300 cm 3  of oxygen in standard conditions. 
         [0038]    According to embodiments, these oxygen removal techniques are combined with bottle or vessel sealing techniques to produce powerful systems and methods for wine preservation, in a manner which simulates “nitrogen flushing” but at a fraction of the cost and achieved via a very different route. 
         [0039]    According to an embodiment,  FIG. 1  shows a system S 1  including a bottle  1  sealed with a sealing device  2 , such as an air-tight cork or stopper. Attached to sealing device  2  is a vessel or canister  3 , which can contain an oxygen scavenging agent for oxygen removal. Bottle  1  is Tillable, such that in normal use it contains a liquid or other substance and a headspace. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , an arbitrary amount of liquid L, which can be a wine or any other oxygen sensitive liquid or other material, is shown, and the remainder of bottle  1  defines a headspace H in which liquid L is not present. In alternative embodiments, the amount of the interior of bottle  1  that is the liquid region L and the amount that is headspace H can vary. 
         [0040]    In embodiments where the liquid in liquid region L is oxidizable, it is desirable to seal off headspace H from the surrounding atmosphere and sequester or absorb the oxygen therein. System S 1  facilitates this using an oxygen scavenging agent in or on canister  3 . In an embodiment, prior to placing the sealing device  2  into a neck N of bottle  1 , the oxygen scavenging agent can be positioned in or on the canister  3 . For example, this oxygen scavenging agent can be stored in an air tight storage package until use. Alternatively, the canister  3  comprises a replacement canister  3  pre-filled and sealed with the oxygen scavenging agent, such as a sachet or filament or granular agent, and upon use, the canister is unsealed and coupled to sealing device  2  before being placing the sealing device  2  into the neck N of the bottle. In yet another alternative embodiment, the oxygen scavenging agent can comprise a sachet or filament or consumable that is either coupled directly onto the sealing device or within canister  3  before use. In yet other embodiments, the entire system, i.e. the device  2  and canister  3  or filament is consumable and replaceable such that upon use, the system is removed from a sealed package. In still further embodiments, a liquid oxygen scavenging agent can be a coating or polymer applied to an interior wall of canister  3 . The sealing device  2  can be inserted into the bottle  1 , with the oxygen scavenging agent exposed to headspace H, in such a way that the oxygen removal canister  3  is interior to the bottle  1 . In embodiments in which canister  3  is present to contain the oxygen scavenging agent, canister  3  is formed from an oxygen permeable or porous material such that oxygen can pass through the canister  3  and into contact with the oxygen scavenging agent contained within the canister  3 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  depicts an alternative embodiment, system S 2 , in which canister  103  is arranged opposite from bottle  101 , across sealing device  102 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , parts that are functionally similar to those previously described with respect to  FIG. 1  are labeled with reference numerals iterated by 100. For example, bottle  101  is substantially similar to 1 as shown in  FIG. 1  in that it can be used to contain a liquid such as wine, and depletion of the liquid leaves a headspace H that is normally filled with ambient atmosphere. Sealing device  102 , like its counterpart sealing device  2  of  FIG. 1 , can form a hermetic seal with bottle  101  to prevent or inhibit ingress or egress of air to headspace H. Canister  103  can include an oxygen scavenging agent, such as in granular or other form, and, when placed in fluidic contact with the headspace H of bottle  101 , can be used to remove oxygen from headspace H that would otherwise cause degradation of the wine or other liquid contained in bottle  101 , without causing a large decrease in vapor pressure in headspace H that could result in changes to the flavor profile of the liquid L. 
         [0042]    Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , prior to placing the sealing device  102  into a neck N of bottle  101 , the oxygen scavenging agent can be positioned in or on the canister  103 . For example, this oxygen scavenging agent can be stored in an air tight storage package until use. Alternatively, the canister  103  comprises a replacement canister  103  pre-filled and sealed with the oxygen scavenging agent, such as a sachet or filament or granular agent, and upon use, the canister is unsealed and coupled to sealing device  102  before or after being placing the sealing device  102  into the neck N of the bottle  101 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the oxygen scavenging agent can comprise a sachet, filament pouch, canister, capsule, label, sticker, strip, patch, cartridge or consumable container that is either coupled directly onto the sealing device or within canister  103  before/during use. In yet other embodiments, the entire system, i.e. the device  102  and canister  103  or filament is consumable and replaceable such that upon use, the system is removed from a sealed package. In still further embodiments, a liquid oxygen scavenging agent can be a coating or polymer applied to an interior wall of canister  103 . In this embodiment, the canister is not formed of an oxygen permeable or porous material such that the oxygen scavenging agent is only exposed to the air in headspace H. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , unlike the embodiment previously described with respect to  FIG. 1 , a channel  104  is defined within and through sealing element  102 . Channel  104  enables fluidic contact between the air of headspace H of bottle  101  and the oxygen scavenging agent contained within canister  103 . However, as described in further detail below, the oxygen scavenging agent is contained within canister  103 , e.g. by a porous plug, such that it is prevented from entering bottle  101  or liquid L. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a sealing device  302  and canister  303 , according to an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , sealing device  302  is substantially frustoconical, although cylindrical or other suitable shapes can also be contemplated, such that it can fit into a bottle such as those depicted in previous figures, or any other container having a circular aperture for sealing and/or pouring. Canister  303  interfaces with or is seated onto sealing device  302  between two ridges  302 R. Canister  303  can be coupled, either permanently or removably, to sealing device  302  by any of a variety of mechanism including, but not limited to, friction fit, snap fit (e.g. sealing ring or ridge within sealing device  302 ), corresponding threading for threaded engagement, or combinations thereof. 
         [0045]    Opposite from ridges  302 R is the bottle end  302 B, which can be inserted into the sealing or pouring aperture of a bottle or other container. In embodiments, as previously described with respect to  FIG. 3 , a channel traverses sealing device  302  to facilitate the sequestration of oxygen or oxidizing compounds from the headspace of an adjacent bottle. 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of sealing device  302  of  FIG. 4 , not including ridges  302 R. Sealing device  302  is substantially frustoconical, extending from a width of  302 W 1  at its widest point to a width of  302 W 2  at its narrowest point, and having a height  302 H extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a channel  304  extends along height  302 H, fluidically coupling one end of sealing device  302  to the other. As shown previously, channel  304  can be used to couple an oxygen-scavenging chemical or device at one end having a width  302 W 1  to the head space of a bottle or other container at the other end having width  302 W 2 . The frustoconical shape of sealing device  302  allows for sealing of bottles or other containers having apertures with a diameter of anywhere between about equal to  302 W 1  to about  302 W 2 . 
         [0047]    In embodiments, width  302 W 1  can be between about 20 mm and about 28 mm, width  302 W 2  can be between about 12 mm and about 20 mm, height  302 H can be between about 26 mm and about 34 mm, and channel width  304 W can be between about 4 mm and about 8 mm. In one embodiment, for use with a standard wine bottle, width  302 W 1  can be about 24 mm, width  302 W 2  can be about 16 mm, height  302 H can be about 30 mm, and channel width  304 W can be about 6 mm. In various alternative embodiments, these dimensions can vary in order to more closely match the size of an expected pouring or sealing aperture of any container. For example, a wine cask, firkin, or barrel may have different sized apertures therein, and the dimensions described above could be scaled to fit the requirements of any particular container. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict a system S 4  in which a replaceable or otherwise reusable scavenging system can be used. In particular,  FIG. 6A  depicts a sealing device  402  configured to be coupled to an adjacent canister  403 , which can be threadably engaged as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
         [0049]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of sealing device  402 , including threaded adapter  407 . Threaded adapter  407  includes either external (male) or internal (female) threads  408  defined on an interior wall  409 . Threaded adapter  407  therefore provides a mechanical coupling via threaded engagement that allows for mating to an adjacent canister with cooperating threading, much like the frustoconical sidewall of sealing device  402  provides a mechanical coupling to the interior of the aperture in an adjacent bottle or other container.  FIG. 6B  depicts the same sealing device  402  of  FIG. 6A , and also includes canister  403 . Canister  403  has a threaded neck  410  with either external (male) or internal (female) threads  411  that engage with the threads  408  on the inner wall  409 . Although not depicted in  FIG. 6A or 6B , threaded adapter  407  or canister  403  can include, for example, an o-ring or pliable construction that results in a hermetic seal between canister  403  and sealing device  402 . In embodiments, for example, sealing device  402  can comprise a rubber cylindrical stopper with channel  404  and interior cavity  407  defined therein. In this particular embodiment, threads  408  of sealing device  402  are internal, whereas threads  411  of canister  403  are external; however, opposite configurations are contemplated. 
         [0050]    In embodiments, threads  408  can also be made from rubber, whereas in other embodiments threads  408  can be constructed of plastic, metal, or other suitable materials. Threads  408  can be integral with sealing device  402  (e.g. molded with) or can be a discrete piece attached or inserted into sealing device  402 . 
         [0051]    In any of the embodiments, sealing device  402  can comprise a polymer such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), silicone rubber, natural cork, synthetic cork, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide (PA), or other such materials or combinations thereof that provide a pliable outer surface that seals to an aperture in a bottle, while maintaining structural support for threading, a channel through the center, or other features described herein. In any of the embodiments, canister  403  can be formed of a sufficient oxygen barrier material such as, for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide (PA), glass, metal metalized film, aluminum foil, oxide coated films, or combinations thereof. 
         [0052]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a canister  503 , according to an embodiment. Canister  503  includes a housing  511  defined by a sidewall and bottom, an oxygen scavenging agent, such as scavenger granules  512 , snap ring  513 , porous plug  514 , and removable seal  515 . In this embodiment, granules  512  are preferred to increase surface area of the agent, thereby increasing the reactive surface area. 
         [0053]    When assembled together and prior to use, housing  511  and removable seal  515  form a sealed-off barrier around scavenger granules  512 , snap ring  513 , and porous plug  514 . This prevents or inhibits deterioration of scavenger granules  512 , which can only absorb a set amount of oxygen, due to inadvertent or unwanted exposure to air before use. Optional snap ring  513  holds porous plug  514  in housing  511 , and ensures that the only route for fluid ingress or egress of air in headspace H to the interior of housing  511  is through porous plug  514  when removable seal  515  is removed. 
         [0054]    Prior to use, removable seal  515  can be peeled off of canister  503 . At this point, the ambient environment is fluidically connected to the scavenger granules  512  through porous plug  514 . Porous plug  514 , while permitting flow of oxygen or air, does not permit granules  512  to pass. Therefore, if canister  503  is upended and attached to a sealing device as shown with respect to the previous figures, scavenger granules  512  can sequester oxygen from the headspace of a bottle while preventing the scavenger granules  512  themselves from falling out, of housing  511 . 
         [0055]    In alternative embodiments, scavenger granules  512  could be replaced by a gel, or a coating on the interior of housing  511 , or any other suitable scavenger material. Likewise, porous plug  514  could take various alternative forms, such as a mesh or film. Snap ring  513  and housing  511  can vary in dimension and shape, in embodiments. For example, housing  511  could include threading to connect to an adjacent sealing member. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 7B-7E  shows a series of steps that can be taken to refill canister  503  with a refill  512 R, such as a sachet or stick of oxygen scavenging granules. Refill  512 R can be a single-use or reusable oxygen-scavenging material, and can be easily handlable by a user. For example, in a stick form, refill  512 R can be a single piece of material (or a “stick”) that is opened and inserted into housing  511  prior to use. As shown in  FIG. 7C , porous plug  514  can be inserted into housing  511  such that refill  512 R is contained within housing  511 . Subsequently, if desired, a reusable cap  515 R can be applied above porous plug  514  to prevent or inhibit premature exposure of refill  512 R to ambient atmosphere or oxygen. In alternative embodiments, reusable cap  515 R need not be applied at all, and canister  503 , including refill  512 R, can be used to de-oxygenate the headspace of a container immediately by coupling canister  503  to the sealing device. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 8A-8D  show four steps of a method that can be used to preserve wine in a bottle  601 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , a removable seal  615  is peeled off of canister  603 . In  FIG. 8B , the unsealed canister  603  is attached to sealing device  602 , such as by threaded engagement, with the oxygen scavenger agent therein (such as granules as described with respect to  FIG. 7A ). In  FIG. 8C , the canister  603  and headspace H of bottle  601  are fluidically coupled from one end of the sealing member  602  to the other by an interior passage (as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6A, and 6B ).  FIG. 8D  is a photograph of a wine bottle container  601  fully sealed and with canister  603  in fluidic contact with a headspace of container  601  through sealing device  602 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8E-8H  show a similar method to the one previously described with respect to  FIGS. 8A-8D , respectively. In contrast to the previously-described method, however,  FIG. 8E  shows a cap  615 B rather than a removable seal  615 . Cap  615 B can be used for canisters  603  that are refillable, for example, or can be re-sealed after use with a container  601  where the oxygen-absorbing capacity of canister  603  is not fully depleted. Alternatively, a combination of cap and seal can be contemplated. 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sealed system S 6  comprising bottle  601 , sealing member  602 , and canister  603  (hidden in  FIG. 9 ) can further include a decorative topper  616 . Decorative topper  616  can be coupled to the canister  603  and/or sealing member  602  by friction fit, threaded engagement, snap fit, or any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. Decorative topper  616  can be used to identify or label bottles, and can include various useful features such as an indication of the date that the wine was sealed, or easily grippable features for reopening bottle  601 . In one embodiment, decorative topper  616  can comprise an indicator to indicate when the oxygen scavenging agent is depleted. In another embodiment, decorative topper  616  can include an oxygen monitor to measure oxygen levels present within headspace H. 
         [0060]    Now referring back to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is an extension or alternative embodiment in which a pouring element  205  is incorporated into the system S 3 , in addition to the elements with counterparts previously described in detail with respect to the preceding figures. In this embodiment, a liquid L such as wine can be poured from bottle  201  without removing the air tight sealing device  202 . An airtight seal remains at the interface between sealing device  202  and neck N of bottle  201 , even when a user pours. An exact volume equivalent of ambient air replaces the liquid volume in bottle  201 . In this way the oxygen scavenging agent present in canister  203  only needs to counteract the oxygen equivalent of the airspace of the volume created by the pouring out of liquid (and corresponding increase in volume of headspace H), because headspace H is not left open to the outside, ambient environment before and after pouring as would be the case using conventional systems. This requires less oxygen sequestration to be effective, as compared to a conventional system, and results in greater longevity of the chemical in canister  3 . 
         [0061]    The ability to pour without replacing the entire contents of the headspace H of the bottle  201  is facilitated by a branching channel  204 , which traverses the region between pouring element  205 , headspace H of bottle  201 , and canister  203  when sealing device  202  is in contact with bottle  201 . In embodiments, channel  204  can fluidically couple headspace H to canister  203  while bottle  201  is upright (that is, not pouring). Conversely, when bottle  201  is inverted (that is, pouring), liquid can traverse channel  204  to pouring element  205 . 
         [0062]    Various mechanical systems are contemplated which can accomplish these goals; for example, one-way flow valves can be used to permit fluid egress only through pouring element  205 , and air ingress only through canister  203 . In other embodiments, one-way valves can be used that only permit fluid flow through pouring element  205  when bottle  201  is inverted. In some embodiments, canister  203  can be fluidically coupled to the interior of bottle  201  at all times, such that air flow through canister  203  is not necessary, whereas in alternative embodiments air can flow through canister  203  to replenish headspace H. In still further embodiments, the transition between open (pouring) and closed (sealed) states can be made manually by a user, for example by moving a switch or actuator that causes pouring element  205  to open or close. 
         [0063]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, and referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , sealing device  1000  includes a first end  1001 , a second end  1002 , and a sidewall  1003  extending between. A channel or cavity  1004  extends from second end  1002 , and part way within a length of sidewall  1003 , but does open on first end  1001 . An annular space or housing  1005  is formed within the sidewall and surrounds cavity  1004 . An amount of oxygen scavenging agent  1006 , such as those described above, is contained within space  1005 , and is contained therein by a porous or oxygen permeable material  1007  or membrane, similar to that described above with respect to the plug of the canister. Optionally, material  1007  can extend along a portion of bottom end  1002 . A removable seal  1008  seals cavity  1004  and therefore oxygen scavenging agent  1006  from the atmosphere until use. 
         [0064]    Upon use, seal  1008  is removed, and second end  1002  is placed within neck N of vessel V to seal headspace H and therefore liquid L from the atmosphere. Cavity  1004  and space  1005  containing oxygen scavenging agent  1006  is in fluidic communication with headspace H such that oxygen scavenging agent  1006  can scavenge and remove oxygen from headspace H, as described above with respect to the other embodiments. After use, sealing device  1000  is disposed. 
         [0065]    According to another embodiment, and referring to  FIGS. 11-12B , a container system  1200  includes a container body  1202  for containing an oxygen-sensitive substance, such as a foodstuff, and a removably coupleable sealing device  1204  in the form of a cover or lid for sealing the substance within container body  1202 . Cover  1204  and container body  1202  can be formed of the same or different materials, and can be formed of high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamide (PA), glass, metal, metalized film, aluminum foil, oxide coated films, or a combination thereof. 
         [0066]    Cover  1204  can couple to body  1202  by friction fit, snap fit, threaded engagement, or any of a variety of coupling mechanisms. For example, in an alternative embodiment not shown, container and cover can comprise a bottle with a threaded cap. 
         [0067]    In an embodiment, cover  1204  can include structure defining an opening or channel  1206  that opens into the interior of body  1202 . Similar to the other embodiments, an oxygen scavenging agent, such as in the form of canister  1208  can be coupled to channel  1206 , either removably or permanently. In a particular embodiment,  FIG. 11  depicts cover  1204  configured to be coupled to canister  1208 , which can be threadably engaged as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . 
         [0068]      FIG. 12B  is a close-up cross-sectional view of an embodiment of cover  1204 , including threaded adapter  1207 . Threaded adapter  1207  includes either external (male) or internal (female) threads  1209  defined on an interior wall  1211 . Threaded adapter  1207  therefore provides a mechanical coupling via threaded engagement that allows for mating to an adjacent canister  1208  with cooperating threading. More particularly, canister  1208  has a threaded neck  1213  with either external (male) or internal (female) threads  1215  that engage with the threads  1209  on the inner wall  1211 . In this particular embodiment, threads  1209  of cover  1204  are internal, whereas threads  1215  of canister  1208  are external; however, opposite configurations are contemplated. Alternatively, canister  1208  can be coupled to cover  1204  by friction fit, snap fit, or any of a variety of removable or permanent coupling configurations as described above or recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0069]    Optionally, a cap  1216  with plug  1218  can be hingedly coupled to or can comprise a discrete cap or plug for sealing cover  1204  when not in use, or if used without canister  1208 . Plug  1218  fits and seals channel  1206  when canister  1208  is not coupled thereto. Alternatively, a threaded plug can be threadably engaged within channel  1206 . 
         [0070]    In this embodiment, canister  1208  containing oxygen scavenging agent can be similar to the canisters described with respect to other embodiments, and can be sealed before use as described above. In another embodiment, any of the sealing devices described with respect to other embodiments can be used to seal channel  1216 , rather than coupling the canister  1208  directly thereto. For example, sealing device  2  of  FIG. 1, 102  of  FIG. 2, 202  of  FIG. 3, 302  of  FIG. 4, 402  of  FIG. 6A, 602  of  FIGS. 8A-8H, 1003  of  FIG. 10A  and be placed within channel  1216 , and if applicable, a canister or other form of oxygen scavenging agent can be coupled thereto. 
         [0071]    In alternative embodiments (not shown), the channel can be formed within a sidewall of the container body for coupling the canister (or other oxygen scavenging containing element) to the sidewall rather than or in combination with the cover. Similarly coupling mechanisms (e.g. threaded engagement, snap fit, friction fit) can be contemplated. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the canister (or other oxygen scavenging containing element) can be coupled (either permanently or removably) to the base of the container body such that the canister is within the interior of the container body. 
         [0072]    In yet another embodiment (not shown), the container cover or lid includes a resealable chamber formed within the cover or extending from the cover. The chamber can include a first surface or removable cap (such as a hinged cap) formed of a sufficient oxygen barrier material which is the same or similar material which forms the cover. A bottom surface of the chamber, which is facing the interior of the container body with the cover is coupled to the container body, is formed of a oxygen-permeable or porous material such as a oxygen permeable film or membrane. To use, an oxygen scavenging agent, such as in the form of a sachet, pouch, capsule, free granules, label, strip, patch, canister, cartridge, lining, sticker, or combinations thereof, is placed within the chamber, and the removable cap is replaced to seal the oxygen scavenging agent within the chamber. The oxygen scavenging agent is then in fluid communication or fluid contact with the interior of the container body to scavenge oxygen therefrom. 
         [0073]    In yet another embodiment, the cover or lid is either precoated and sealed until use, or coated immediately prior to use with a coating containing the oxygen scavenging agent. The cover is coated on an interior surface of the cover such that the oxygen scavenging agent is in contact with the interior of the container body when the cover is coupled thereto to scavenge oxygen therefrom. 
         [0074]    Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention. 
         [0075]    Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended also to include features of a claim in any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim. 
         [0076]    Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
         [0077]    For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112(f) of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1