Patent Description:
Carbonators are used for producing carbonated beverage, such as carbonated water. Carbonators for domestic use are typically designed to be placed free-standing on a table or kitchen countertop and are operated manually by a person. Such a carbonator, also known as a soda water machine, typically comprises a carbon dioxide cylinder that is connected to a nozzle that is inserted into a beverage bottle containing liquid. The carbonator further comprises an operating arrangement that allows the user to open a valve in the carbon dioxide cylinder to introduce carbon dioxide into the beverage bottle. The carbon dioxide dissolves in the liquid in the pressurised beverage bottle.

Even though unlikely, the beverage bottle may burst due to the pressure. Especially if a glass bottle is used, the carbonator need be adapted to protect the user from glass fragments should the bottle burst.

The prior art documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> all relate to this problem. The prior art solutions either fail to sufficiently protect the user in the event of a bursting bottle, or involve complex, bulky and costly designs for enclosing the bottle.

<CIT> discloses a carbonator for carbonating a beverage in a beverage container. The carbonator comprises a rotating or sliding protective door which together with the an upright body of the carbonator may define a space in which a refillable bottle may be located, as well as a mechanical interlock that prevents the door from being opened by a user during the carbonation process.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a carbonator that solves at least one of the above problems.

Such a carbonator is according to the present disclosure provided in form of a carbonator for carbonating a beverage in a beverage container, wherein the carbonator comprises a beverage container compartment that comprises a first portion and a second portion that is rotatably mounted to the first portion. The first portion comprises a first groove and the second portion comprises a second groove, wherein the carbonator further comprises a retaining ring that is adapted to be arranged in the grooves to rotatably mount the second portion to the first portion.

The first and second portion thus engage in a form-fit connection, thereby providing a particularly safe beverage container compartment. In the unlikely event that the beverage container would burst inside the beverage container compartment, high separating forces acting on the first and second portion will be tolerated by the form-fit connection.

The second portion is rotatable with respect to the first portion, but is hindered from translatory movement with respect to the first portion. The rotation of the second portion may be used to lock the second portion to another component that closes the beverage container compartment. The rotation of the second portion enables a secure form-fit connection between the second portion and such component.

The grooves and the retaining ring offer a form-fit connection that tolerates large forces. The grooves may extend around the entire circumference of the first and second portions. The first and second portions may have a circular cross section thereby evenly distributing separating forces evenly along the circumferences.

The retaining ring may have a rectangular cross-section. The grooves of the first and second part may jointly form a groove of rectangular cross section. Such rectangular cross sections offer large abutment surfaces.

The grooves of the first and second part may jointly form a groove of a cross section that is slightly larger than the cross section of the retaining ring, such that the second portion may rotate at low friction.

The retaining ring may be a spiral retaining ring free from ears or other radially protruding elements that may interfere with the grooves.

The retaining ring, the first portion and/or the second portion may be made of metal. The first portion may be made of plastic.

The second portion may radially surround the first portion in the area of the first groove such that radial forces transmitted from the first portion via the retaining ring will be absorbed by the second portion.

The first portion may be provided with an inner lining that is made of metal. The inner lining may comprise a radial expansion, i.e. a portion of the inner lining that expands in a radial direction, that is adapted to bear against an end edge of the holder.

The first groove may be open radially outwards with respect to the beverage container compartment and the second groove may be open radially inwards with respect to the beverage container compartment. In the area of the first and second portions, the beverage container compartment may have a circular cross section.

The first portion, the retaining ring and the second portion form a tortuous path from inside the bottle compartment to the environment. The tortuous path may include at least two right-angled turns. Such a path may hinder beverage container fragments from exiting the beverage container compartment.

The carbonator may further comprise a compartment lid portion that is adapted to cooperate with the second portion to close the beverage container compartment. The rotatable mounting of the second portion may advantageously be used to obtain a form-fit connection between the second portion and the compartment lid portion.

The second portion and the compartment lid portion may form a tortuous path from inside the bottle compartment to the environment.

The carbonator may comprise a carbonating head comprising a dissolver nozzle for introducing carbonating medium into the beverage container, a support part for movably supporting the carbonating head between a first position and a second position, a locking mechanism operable between an unlocked state and a locked state in which the carbonating head is retained in the second position, and a base part connected to the support part and comprising a beverage container stand for the beverage container. The second portion may be comprised in the locking mechanism.

The locking mechanism may comprise members arranged on the carbonating head and on the base part, respectively. The second portion may form the locking mechanism member that is arranged on the carbonating head. The first portion may be comprised in the carbonating head. The above described rotatable mounting of the second portion to the first portion enables the second portion to engage the base part in a form-fit connection.

The base part may comprise a member of the locking mechanism, which the second portion may engage in a form-fit connection. The compartment lid portion may be comprised in the base part.

The movement of the carbonating head from the first position to the second position may be a translatory movement. The translatory movement may occur from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. The first vertical position may be vertically higher than the second vertical position. The first position may be a vertically highest position. The second position may be a vertically lowest position.

The beverage container compartment may be formed by a carbonating head together with a beverage container stand. The second portion may be locked to the beverage container stand by a rotative movement of the second portion in relation to the beverage container stand. The second portion may be locked to the beverage container stand by a rotative and translatory movement of the second portion in relation to the beverage container stand.

The carbonating head may comprise a carbonating head housing made of metal. Such a housing provides a layer of protection around the beverage container compartment.

The carbonating head housing may circumferentially surround the upper portion of the beverage container when the carbonating head is in the second position. The area radially surrounding the upper portion of the beverage container may be especially subject to beverage container fragments in the unlikely event that the beverage container would burst inside the beverage container compartment.

The carbonating head housing may comprise a lining made of metal that circumferentially surrounds the upper portion of the beverage container when the carbonating head is in the second position. In this way, an additional protective layer may be provided in the area that is especially subject to beverage container fragments in the unlikely event that the beverage container would burst inside the beverage container compartment.

Thus, the carbonator may comprise a carbonating head and a compartment lid portion that together form the carbonator compartment. The first and second portions may be comprised in the carbonating head to securely lock the carbonating head to the compartment lid portion. The first and second components may alternatively be comprised in the compartment lid portion to securely lock the carbonating head to the compartment lid portion.

The present invention will be described further below by way of example and with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the description and figures.

In the figures is shown a carbonator <NUM> with a carbonating head <NUM>, a support part <NUM>, a locking mechanism <NUM> and a base part <NUM>. In some of the figures, a beverage container <NUM> is also illustrated.

The carbonating head <NUM> comprises a dissolver nozzle (not shown) which during operation is immersed in liquid, typically water, contained in the beverage container <NUM> in form of a bottle <NUM>. The carbonating head <NUM> has a generally cylindrical shape with a central longitudinal axis oriented in the vertical direction when the carbonator <NUM> is in operation position, see <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a method of operating the carbonator <NUM>. The components and features of the carbonator <NUM> will be described further down below.

In a first step A, a user places the bottle <NUM> on a stationary and horizontal bottom of a bottle (beverage container) stand <NUM> of the base part <NUM>. The bottle stand <NUM> has a bottle guiding structure that by means of gravity guides the bottle <NUM> to a vertical orientation straight beneath the carbonating head <NUM>. A biasing arrangement <NUM>, described below, within support part <NUM> biases the carbonating head <NUM> towards its vertically highest position as shown in <FIG>.

In a second step B, the user moves the carbonating head <NUM> downwards until the carbonating head <NUM> is locked to the bottle stand <NUM> of the base part <NUM> in its vertically lowest position, see <FIG>. Most conveniently, the carbonating head <NUM> is moved downwards by the user pushing it atop its housing by hand. The bottle <NUM> is now enclosed in a protecting bottle compartment <NUM> (see <FIG>). At the end of the movement, the carbonating head <NUM> is automatically locked to the bottle stand <NUM> by means of a locking mechanism <NUM> having cooperating locking members <NUM>, <NUM> arranged on the carbonating head <NUM> and on the bottle stand <NUM>, respectively.

Preferably, the second step B involves exercising a venting valve arrangement <NUM> by setting it in an open state and in a closed state in succession.

In a third step C, the user presses a push button <NUM> on the support part <NUM> downwards to introduce carbonating medium into the bottle <NUM> via the dissolver nozzle. The pressure within the bottle <NUM> increases and CO<NUM> is dissolved in the water. When the pressure inside the bottle <NUM> reaches a predetermined value, e.g. <NUM>-<NUM> bar, the venting valve arrangement <NUM> opens and emits a sound generated by the gas flow through the valve arrangement <NUM>. The pressure inside the bottle <NUM> remains at the predetermined value and the push button <NUM> may be pressed repeatedly should the user desire strongly carbonated beverage.

In a fourth step D, the user moves a release manipulator <NUM> of the carbonating head <NUM> downwards until the overpressure within the bottle has been completely relieved, by the venting valve arrangement <NUM> opening, and subsequently the locking mechanism <NUM> has been unlocked. The carbonating head <NUM> will next be biased back to its vertically highest position (<FIG>) by the arrangement <NUM> of the support part <NUM>.

The method is now complete and the user may remove the bottle <NUM> with the carbonated liquid from the bottle stand <NUM>.

After these method steps A-D, the carbonator <NUM> is ready to carbonate again without any preparation. The carbonating head <NUM>, the release manipulator <NUM> and the push button <NUM> are all automatically returned to their respective vertically highest positions.

Importantly, all method steps A-D may be executed using one hand only. The bottle <NUM> is conveniently placed on and retrieved from a stationary horizontal surface provided by the bottle stand <NUM>, the carbonating head <NUM>, push button <NUM> and release manipulator <NUM> are all pushed downwards whereby the free-standing carbonator <NUM> needs not be held still.

The valve exercise that may form part of step B reduces the risk of the venting valve arrangement <NUM> becoming clogged. The opening of the venting valve arrangement <NUM> in step D to completely relieve the overpressure within the bottle <NUM>, before unlocking the locking mechanism <NUM>, prevents opening the bottle compartment <NUM> while there is an overpressure in the bottle <NUM>.

The components and features of the carbonator <NUM> will now be described in more detail.

The carbonating head <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG>. The carbonating head <NUM> is vertically movably supported by the support part <NUM> between a vertically highest position and a vertically lowest position.

The carbonating head <NUM> is largely a thin-walled cylindrical structure and forms a recess extending from below into the structure. The recess forms the side and top of the above-mentioned bottle compartment <NUM> that is sized to enclose essentially the whole bottle <NUM>. More precisely, the carbonating head <NUM> and the bottle stand <NUM> together form the bottle compartment <NUM>. The bottle stand <NUM> may be referred to as a compartment lid portion. There is a risk that the bottle <NUM> may break upon introduction of carbonating medium into the bottle <NUM> and in such an event, the bottle compartment <NUM> may effectively protect the user from ejected liquid and larger bottle fragments. This is of particular importance should a glass bottle <NUM> be used.

The carbonating head <NUM> comprises sealing means (not shown) which are adapted to sealingly couple the mouth of the bottle <NUM> to the carbonating head <NUM> without requiring the bottle <NUM> being manually screwed or otherwise moved with respect to the carbonating head <NUM>. The carbonating head <NUM> may conveniently be sealingly coupled to the mouth of the bottle <NUM> by the movement of the carbonating head <NUM> to its vertically lowest position. Suitable dissolver nozzles and sealing means are known per se, see for example <CIT>.

A sliding lever <NUM>, which forms the release manipulator, of the carbonating head <NUM> protrudes out from a lateral side thereof. As most users are right handed, most users will appreciate the sliding lever <NUM> being positioned on the right hand side. The sliding lever <NUM> is located essentially vertically centrally on the carbonating head <NUM>. The sliding lever <NUM> is conveniently used both to relieve the pressure within the bottle <NUM> by opening the venting valve arrangement <NUM> and to subsequently unlock the locking mechanism <NUM>.

The sliding lever <NUM> travels in a vertical track provided in the carbonating head <NUM>. The sliding lever <NUM> may be biased towards the vertically highest position by means of a sliding lever tension spring <NUM>. The sliding lever tension spring <NUM> is however optional, as the sliding lever <NUM> is biased towards is vertically highest position by the locking sleeve return spring <NUM>, as is described below with reference to <FIG>.

The venting valve arrangement <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises two venting valves 8a, 8b (see <FIG>) fluidly connected in parallel. If a user were to fill too much liquid in the bottle <NUM>, upon carbonation some of the excess liquid may be transferred via the dissolver nozzle to the venting valve arrangement <NUM> and be ejected therefrom. Should a user carbonate other liquids than water, such liquids may clog the valve arrangement <NUM> after a period of use. The provision of two venting valves 8a, 8b in parallel reduces the risk of venting valve malfunction. Furthermore, the dual venting valves 8a, 8b reduce the time needed to completely relieve the overpressure within the bottle <NUM> by the sliding lever <NUM>.

A first venting valve 8a is set to open at a first pressure of e.g. <NUM>-<NUM> bar and emit a sound as has been described above. A second venting valve 8b is set to open at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure, e.g. <NUM>-<NUM> bar. The second venting valve 8b may thus be referred to as a safety valve. The venting valve arrangement <NUM> of the carbonating head <NUM> is operable between a closed state and an open state. Each venting valve 8a, 8b of the valve arrangement <NUM> is furnished with a compression spring biasing the valve 8a, 8b towards the closed state. In the open state of the venting valve arrangement <NUM>, the bottle <NUM> is in fluid connection with the surrounding. More precisely the upper part, not filled with liquid, of the bottle <NUM> is in fluid connection with the surrounding.

The venting valve arrangement <NUM> is advantageously positioned to eject any liquid onto the upper part of the bottle <NUM>. Thereby the user is informed of the inappropriate overfilling of the bottle <NUM>.

The two venting valves 8a, 8b are in the present embodiment actuated by a single pivoting valve actuator <NUM> located at the top of the carbonating head <NUM>. The pivoting valve actuator <NUM> is pivotally journalled on the carbonating head <NUM> by means of a hinge connection. A vertically movable rod actuator <NUM> is arranged to actuate the pivoting valve actuator <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. The rod actuator <NUM> is in turn actuated by the locking mechanism <NUM>.

Thus, both venting valves 8a, 8b are opened and closed (exercised) when the carbonating head <NUM> is moved downwards until being locked to the bottle stand <NUM> by the locking mechanism <NUM> (step B). More precisely, the venting valves 8a, 8b are exercised at the end of the stroke of the carbonating head, i.e. when the bottle stand <NUM> rotates the locking sleeve <NUM>, as is described below. After the push button <NUM> has been depressed to carbonate the water, only the first venting valve 8a will open and signal to the user that a carbonation has been completed (step C). During carbonation, the second valve 8b is a redundant valve (safety valve). Both venting valves 8a, 8b are opened when the sliding lever <NUM> is moved downwards to relieve the overpressure within the bottle <NUM> and unlock the carbonating head from the bottle stand <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the support part <NUM> is largely a hollow cylindrical structure receiving a CO<NUM> cylinder (not shown) that provides carbon dioxide to the dissolver nozzle of the carbonating head <NUM>. At the top, the support part <NUM> is furnished with a pressurizing manipulator <NUM>, which may be referred to as a push button <NUM>, operable by a user between a vertically highest position and a vertically lowest position. The pressurizing manipulator <NUM> is biased towards the vertically highest position by means of the pressure within the CO<NUM> cylinder, a spring within the CO<NUM> cylinder, and/or additional biasing means (not shown).

The carbonating head <NUM> is carried by the support part <NUM> by means of a carrier unit <NUM>. The support part <NUM> supports the carbonating head <NUM> such that it is translatory movable, more precisely linearly movable, from its vertically highest position to its vertically lowest position. A biasing arrangement <NUM> (see <FIG>) within support part <NUM> biases the carbonating head <NUM> towards its vertically highest position.

The base part <NUM> essentially comprises two sections, a first section (left in <FIG>) with the bottle stand <NUM> and a second section (right in <FIG>) that forms a foundation for the support part <NUM>. The base part <NUM> provides a stable basis for the support part <NUM> and thus the carbonating head <NUM>. The base part <NUM> is adapted to be placed on a flat surface such as a table or a kitchen countertop and may comprise rubberised feet or similar. <FIG> illustrates a bottle <NUM> placed on the bottle stand <NUM> of the base part <NUM>. The bottle stand <NUM> generally has the shape of a circular trough, a standing closed-bottom cylinder with a diameter greater than the height.

The locking mechanism <NUM> comprises members arranged on the carbonating head <NUM> and on the base part <NUM>, respectively, which engage in a bayonet-fitting manner when in the locked state.

The carbonating head <NUM> comprises a first locking member in form of a locking sleeve <NUM> that is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the carbonating head <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> is rotatable around the central axis of the carbonating head <NUM>. i.e. in a horizontal plane. The locking sleeve <NUM> comprises an upper, or proximal, portion 20a and a lower, or distal, portion 20b. The proximal portion 20a has an outer diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the carbonating head <NUM>. The distal portion 20b has a smaller diameter and is provided with a number of, in this example three, locking protrusions <NUM>. The locking protrusions <NUM> are of cylindrical form and protrude normal to distal portion 20b.

The base part <NUM> is configured to receive, rotate and lock the locking sleeve <NUM>. The rotation of the locking sleeve <NUM> in turn causes a vertical motion of the rod actuator <NUM>.

In more detail, the bottle stand <NUM> of the base part <NUM> is configured to receive the distal portion 20b of the locking sleeve <NUM>. The bottle stand <NUM> has a second locking member in form of a receiving structure <NUM>. The receiving structure <NUM> protrudes inwards from the cylindrical wall of the bottle stand <NUM> and has three passages forming protrusion receivers <NUM>. The protrusion receivers <NUM> are formed and positioned to receive the three locking protrusions <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, each protrusion receiver <NUM> comprises an inclined guide surface <NUM>. As the respective locking protrusion <NUM> slides along the respective guide surface <NUM> the locking sleeve <NUM> is rotated counter clockwise, as seen from above. The guide surface <NUM> thus translates a vertical movement into a horizontal movement. When the locking protrusions <NUM> have travelled passed the protrusion receivers, the locking sleeve is rotated clockwise by the action of a locking sleeve return spring <NUM> (spring shown in <FIG>, spring force F<NUM> indicated in <FIG>). The locking protrusions <NUM> are now axially locked beneath the receiving structure <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> cooperates with the receiving structure <NUM> of the bottle stand <NUM> similar to a bayonet fitting, i.e. in a form-fitting manner.

<FIG> illustrate the function of the sliding lever <NUM> that is used to unlock the locking sleeve <NUM> from the receiving structure <NUM>. In <FIG> the sliding lever <NUM> is in its vertically highest position. In <FIG>, the sliding lever <NUM> has been pushed down halfway towards its vertically lowest position, which is shown in <FIG>.

The sliding lever <NUM> comprises a sliding plate that cooperates with a release member in form of a release sleeve <NUM>. The release sleeve <NUM> is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the carbonating head <NUM>, above the locking sleeve <NUM>. As is clear from <FIG> and <FIG>, the release sleeve <NUM> is covered by the carbonating head housing <NUM> whereas the locking sleeve <NUM> forms the lowermost visible part of the carbonating head <NUM> and adjoins the lowermost edge of its housing <NUM>.

The locking sleeve <NUM> and the release sleeve <NUM> cooperate such that the venting valves 8a, 8b are opened before the locking mechanism <NUM> is unlocked, and such that the venting valves 8a, 8b are exercised when the locking mechanism <NUM> is engaged.

When the sliding lever <NUM> is pushed down, the lower end of the sliding plate travels along a release cam surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the release sleeve <NUM> and causes the release sleeve <NUM> to rotate counter clockwise as seen from above. The release sleeve <NUM> further comprises an actuator cam surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) that cooperates with the rod actuator <NUM>. When the release sleeve <NUM> rotates counter clockwise, the actuator cam surface <NUM> causes the rod actuator <NUM> to move upwards.

The release cam surface <NUM> and the actuator cam surface <NUM> are configured such that the rod actuator <NUM> starts travelling upwards soon after the sliding lever <NUM> leaves its vertically highest position, since the lower end of the rod actuator <NUM> rests against a short horizontal surface of the release sleeve <NUM> to the right of the actuator cam surface <NUM>, as is clear from <FIG>. When the sliding lever <NUM> has been pushed down halfway (<FIG>), the rod actuator <NUM> has opened the venting valves 8a, 8b via the valve actuator <NUM>. Should either one of the venting valves 8a, 8b not function properly, e.g. be clogged, a movement downwards of the sliding lever <NUM> is hindered. The sliding lever <NUM> is hindered from being moved to its vertically lowest position (<FIG>) before the venting valves 8a, 8b have been opened by the rod actuator <NUM> and the pivoting valve actuator <NUM>. Thus, an opening of the bottle compartment <NUM> while there is an overpressure in the bottle <NUM> is prevented.

The release sleeve <NUM> comprises a first abutment means in form of an axial projection <NUM> that is caught between second and third axial projections 25a, 25b of the locking sleeve <NUM>. When the sliding lever <NUM> has been pushed down halfway, the first axial projection <NUM> of the release sleeve <NUM> abuts against the third axial projection 25b of the locking sleeve (see <FIG>) and causes the locking sleeve <NUM> to rotate along with the release sleeve <NUM> counter clockwise. When the sliding lever <NUM> has reached its lowermost position, the locking sleeve <NUM> has rotated to align its locking protrusions <NUM> with the protrusion receivers <NUM>, and thus the locking sleeve <NUM> is no longer retained axially by the receiving structure <NUM>. The carbonating head <NUM> can now be biased back to its vertically highest position by the biasing arrangement <NUM>.

When the locking sleeve <NUM> is rotated counter clockwise during locking the carbonating head <NUM> to the bottle stand <NUM> as described above, the second axial protrusion 25a of the locking sleeve <NUM> abuts against the first axial protrusion <NUM> of the release sleeve and causes the release sleeve <NUM> to rotate along with the locking sleeve <NUM> counter clockwise. By means of the actuator cam surface <NUM>, the rod actuator <NUM> and the valve actuator <NUM>, such rotation of the release sleeve <NUM> opens the venting valves 8a, 8b. When the release sleeve <NUM> is subsequently rotated clockwise by the locking sleeve tension spring <NUM> (see force F<NUM> in <FIG>), the venting valves 8a, 8b are again closed by a reverse motion of the actuator cam surface <NUM>, the rod actuator <NUM> and the valve actuator <NUM>. Thus, when the carbonating head is brought down to be locked to the base part <NUM>, the venting valves 8a, 8b are exercised by being opened and closed in succession.

When the carbonating head <NUM> is locked to the base part <NUM>, the bottle stand <NUM> closes the bottle compartment <NUM>. As the compartment is dimensioned to enclose essentially the whole bottle <NUM> and is brought down over the bottle <NUM>, the joint between the carbonating head <NUM> and the base bottle stand <NUM> is located close to the bottom of the bottle <NUM>. Such a location of the joint may be particularly beneficial, as it is believed that the bottle <NUM> is more likely to break at an upper portion thereof, which upper portion is located remote from the joint. Furthermore, no matter where the bottle <NUM> breaks, a substantial pressure energy is stored in the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>, where a compressive gas (air and CO<NUM>) is located.

The carbonating head <NUM>, release manipulator <NUM> and pressurizing manipulator <NUM> are all operable by a user from a respective vertically higher position to a respective vertically lower position. In the embodiments of this disclosure, they are all adapted to move downwards in the vertical direction during operation, more precisely straight downwards in the vertical direction. As will be appreciated, the respective movements need not be straight nor exactly vertical. The carbonator <NUM> may in other embodiments be configured such that at least one of the movements follows a curve and/or deviates to some extent, for example up to <NUM> degrees, from the vertical direction.

Importantly, though, the movements are from a vertically higher position to a vertically lower position such that one-hand use is allowed. The forces applied by a user to the carbonating head <NUM>, to the pressurizing manipulator <NUM> and to the release manipulator <NUM> are all directed downwards whereby one-hand use is possible. Such forces press the carbonator <NUM> towards the surface on which it rests and thus there is no need to hold the carbonator <NUM> or fix it to the surface.

Throughout this disclosure, the direction "downward" is to be understood as referring to the orientation of the carbonator <NUM> when positioned for operation, as depicted. The arrows B, C and D, in <FIG>, <FIG> are hence directed downward.

The above described support part <NUM> and base part <NUM> are stationary whereas the carbonating head <NUM> is movable. With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a guiding assembly <NUM> that movably connects the carbonating head <NUM> to the support part <NUM> will now be described.

The guiding assembly <NUM> comprises a first and a second guide rod <NUM>, <NUM> of metal, more precisely of stainless steel.

By the provision of two guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>, the support part <NUM> may support the carbonating head <NUM> such that the latter cannot rotate around the longitudinal (axial in <FIG> and <FIG>) direction of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. The guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> extend in parallel in an imaginary guide rod plane. The guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned at a distance from each other, allowing a portion of the CO<NUM> cylinder to be received in-between the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned <NUM> to <NUM> apart.

As is particularly clear from <FIG>, the lower ends of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are rigidly supported by the base part <NUM>. The base part <NUM> internally comprises a foundation structure <NUM> supporting the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the foundation structure <NUM> is made of plastic. ABS plastic is a suitable material for the foundation structure <NUM> and for all plastic components of this disclosure.

The foundation structure <NUM> is a rigid structure reinforced by a number of reinforcing ribs <NUM>. The foundation structure <NUM> has a cylindrical through-opening (not shown) formed by a tubular wall section <NUM>. When the CO<NUM> cylinder is inserted into the support part <NUM>, the CO<NUM> cylinder is inserted from below through the through-opening formed by the tubular wall section <NUM>. A number of reinforcing ribs <NUM> extend radially from the tubular wall section <NUM>.

The foundation structure <NUM> further comprises two lower rod receiving openings <NUM> receiving the lower ends of the first and second guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> (only one opening <NUM> is visible in <FIG>). The lower rod receiving openings <NUM> are furnished with a reinforcing rib structure and are formed in one piece with the tubular wall section <NUM>. Each lower rod receiving opening <NUM> have a depth that exceeds the width of the opening, the depth is in this embodiment approximately three times the width. Any transverse forces acting on the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> and any torques around axes that are normal to the longitudinal axes of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are absorbed by the foundation structure <NUM>. Thus, the lower ends of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are rigidly supported by the base part <NUM> which, in turn, is firmly connected to the support part <NUM>. The lower rod receiving openings <NUM> may be blind holes of circular cross-section.

<FIG> shows the carbonator <NUM> with the base part housing <NUM> and the support part housing <NUM>. The base part housing <NUM> and the support part housing <NUM> are made of metal, more precisely of stainless steel, and thereby the housings <NUM>, <NUM> offer the carbonator <NUM> a great deal of rigidity. Other conceivable metals include steel and aluminium. As is indicated, the housings <NUM>, <NUM> may be riveted or screwed together (see screw heads <NUM> at lower and upper ends of support part <NUM> housing). Through-holes for the rivets or screws are formed in tubular housing portions, one of which snugly fit into the other.

The support part housing <NUM> is thus rigidly supported by the base part housing <NUM>. The support part housing <NUM> in turn rigidly supports an upper support structure <NUM> provided internally of the support part housing <NUM> at the upper end thereof.

The upper support structure <NUM> is provided with a threaded element (not shown) receiving the CO<NUM> cylinder outlet in a manner known per se, and comprises CO<NUM> valve means (not shown) controlled by the pressurizing manipulator <NUM>. The upper support structure <NUM> is a rigid structure, in this embodiment made of plastic, strengthened by a lattice of reinforcing ribs <NUM>. The upper support structure <NUM> comprises upper rod receiving openings <NUM> receiving the upper ends of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. Even though not shown in detail, the upper rod receiving openings <NUM> have a depth that exceeds the width. Thus, the upper ends of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are rigidly supported by the support part <NUM>. The upper rod receiving openings <NUM> may be blind holes of circular cross-section.

The guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> are thus rigidly supported by the carbonator <NUM>. There are support structures <NUM>, <NUM> rigidly supporting the upper and lower guide rod ends, and the support structures <NUM>, <NUM> are firmly connected with respect to each other by housings <NUM>, <NUM>. The upper and lower guide rod ends are supported such that no displacement and no rotation is allowed. As expressed in beam theory terms, the upper and lower guide rod ends have fixed or build-in support, both displacement (normal to the guide rods) and slope can be set to zero.

As has been mentioned, the carbonating head <NUM> is carried by the support part <NUM> by means of the carrier unit <NUM>. The carrier unit <NUM> carries the carbonating head <NUM> along the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. The carrier unit <NUM> comprises a number of guide rod engagement means in the form of slide bearings 53a-b, 54a-b.

In other embodiments (not shown), the guide rod engagement means may be guide holes, guide cylinders, a number of angularly distanced rollers, slide bushings or ball bushing bearings.

The slide bearings are constructed to avoid any drawer effect. In the present embodiment, the length of the bearings 53a-b, 54a-b along the longitudinal direction of the assigned guide rod <NUM>, <NUM> is approximately four times the inner diameter of the bearings 53a-b, 54a-b.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the carrier unit <NUM> comprises two pairs of slide bearings <NUM>, <NUM>. There is a first pair of slide bearings <NUM> arranged on a first lateral side (left in <FIG>) of the carrier unit <NUM> that are adapted to slide along the first guide rod <NUM>. There is a second pair of slide bearings <NUM> arranged on a second lateral side (right in <FIG>) of the carrier unit <NUM> that are adapted to slide along the second guide rod <NUM>. Thus, the carrier unit <NUM> comprises four slide bearings 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b in total.

The slide bearings 53a-b, 54a-b of the respective pair <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged coaxial at a distance from each other along the longitudinal axis of the respective guide rod <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, the said distance approximately equals <NUM> times the guide rod radius. By providing a pair of slide bearings to travel along a guide rod, a torque transmitted to the guide rod via the carrier unit <NUM> will be distributed as transverse forces acting on the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> even more rigidly support the carrier unit <NUM> and thus the carbonating head <NUM>. Also, the bending of the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> will be minimised. Furthermore, two slide bearings arranged at a longitudinal distance from each other will minimise any drawer effect, and may allow the use of slide bearings of shorter individual length.

The guiding assembly <NUM> further comprises a biasing arrangement <NUM> biasing the carrier unit <NUM>, and thus the carbonating head <NUM>, towards its vertically highest position. The biasing arrangement <NUM> extends in parallel with the first and second guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. As is can be seen in <FIG>, a projection of the biasing arrangement <NUM> onto the guide rod plane is positioned between the first and second guide rods <NUM>, <NUM>. As is can be seen in <FIG>, the biasing arrangement <NUM> is positioned between the guide rods <NUM>, <NUM> and the carbonating head <NUM>, as seen from a lateral side of the support part <NUM>.

The biasing force, or spring force, of the biasing arrangement <NUM> is generated by two gas springs 56a, 56b as is best shown in <FIG>. Each gas spring 56a, 56b comprises a tube body 57a, 57b and a piston rod 58a, 58b, as is known per se. The piston rod 58a, 58b is reciprocally movable in and out of a piston opening of the tube body 57a, 57b.

The gas springs 56a, 56b are arranged in opposite directions. As is understood from <FIG>, the piston opening of the first gas spring 56a is directed upwards whereas the piston opening of the second gas spring 56b is directed downwards. The tube bodies 57a, 57b are arranged overlapping, more precisely such that they extend over the same longitudinal distance. Thereby, the biasing arrangement <NUM> occupies the same longitudinal space as one single gas spring, but provides twice the stroke.

The tube bodies 57a, 57b are attached to one another by coupling means in the form of tube brackets <NUM> at both ends of the biasing arrangement <NUM>. Each tube bracket <NUM> is an elongated plate shaped element with two through-openings, one for each tube body 57a, 57b. The tube bracket <NUM> is made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminium. Both ends of the respective tube bodies 57a, 57b comprise threaded protrusions (not shown) that when assembled pass though the respective through-openings of the tube brackets <NUM>. The threaded protrusions are fixed to the tube brackets <NUM> by nuts 59a, 59b.

The carrier unit <NUM> is in this embodiment made of plastic and comprises a lattice of reinforcing ribs. The carrier unit <NUM> has a receiving space <NUM> for the biasing arrangement <NUM>, into which the biasing arrangement <NUM> moves when in the compressed state, as is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where the carbonating head is located in its vertically lowest position. When the biasing arrangement <NUM> is in its extended state (not shown), i.e. when the carbonating head is located in its vertically highest position, the biasing arrangement will be moved out from the receiving space <NUM> and be located between the carrier unit <NUM> and the base part <NUM>.

The biasing arrangement <NUM> biases the carrier unit <NUM> and thus the carbonating head <NUM> away from the foundation structure <NUM>, and thus the base part <NUM>, towards the vertically highest position of the carbonating head <NUM>. The distal end of the first piston rod 58a abuts against the carrier unit <NUM>. The distal end (not shown) of the second piston rod 58b (not shown) abuts against the foundation structure <NUM>.

More precisely, the distal end of the first piston rod 58a abuts against an upper wall <NUM> of the receiving space <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the upper wall <NUM> comprises a through-opening for the distal end of the first piston rod 58a. The distal end of the first piston rod 58a is threaded and an internally threaded blocking structure connects the distal end of the first piston rod 58a to the through-opening such that the distal end is fixed from axial displacement in relation to the upper wall <NUM>. The distal end of the second piston rod 58b is received in a blind-hole (not shown) in the foundation structure <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, next will be described how the locking sleeve <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the carbonating head <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> of the carbonating head forms part of the bottle compartment <NUM>.

The carbonating head <NUM> comprises a head support structure <NUM> arranged internally the carbonating head housing <NUM>. In this embodiment, the head support structure <NUM> is made of plastic and comprises a lattice of reinforcing ribs. The present head support structure <NUM> comprises two half shells that are screwed together. The two half shells for this reason comprise longitudinal flanges <NUM> with screw or bolt openings, see especially <FIG>.

At the upper end, the head support structure <NUM> comprises fastening elements for the metal lining <NUM> (described below), for the valve arrangement <NUM> (only the second venting valve 8b is shown in <FIG>), for the valve actuator <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) and for the dissolver nozzle (not shown). Furthermore, the head support structure comprises fastening elements, e.g. screw holes, for the carrier unit <NUM>. The fastening elements consist of screw holes and abutment surfaces, not discussed in detail.

Towards the lower end, the head support structure <NUM> supports the release sleeve <NUM> that is illustrated by the dotted rectangle in <FIG> and <FIG>. The release sleeve <NUM> surrounds the head support structure <NUM>. The release sleeve <NUM> is rotatably supported on a horizontal flange <NUM> of the head support structure <NUM>. The horizontal flange <NUM> comprises a cut-out (not shown) along its circumference, for the first axial projection <NUM> of the release sleeve <NUM>.

The lowermost part of the head support structure <NUM> is a holder <NUM> for the locking sleeve <NUM>. The holder <NUM> has the form of a collar or sleeve and is attached to the horizontal flange <NUM> by a screw connection. In another embodiment (not shown), the holder <NUM> is an integrated part of the head support structure <NUM>.

The upper cylindrical end face of the holder <NUM> is of essentially the same dimension as the horizontal flange <NUM>. As is shown, the upper half of the holder <NUM> comprises inner and outer cylindrical walls connected by a number of strengthening ribs <NUM> (<FIG>). The lower half of the holder <NUM> is solid. A first groove in form of a holder groove <NUM> is formed in the holder <NUM>. The holder groove <NUM> runs around the outer periphery of the holder <NUM>, more precisely around the lower half of the holder <NUM>. The holder groove <NUM> has a rectangular cross section, and is open radially outwards, see <FIG>.

As is most clearly shown in <FIG>, the proximal (upper) portion 20a of the locking sleeve <NUM> comprises a second groove in form of a locking sleeve groove <NUM>. The locking sleeve groove <NUM> runs around the inner periphery of the proximal portion 20a. The locking sleeve groove <NUM> has a rectangular cross section, and is open radially inwards.

In the assembled condition of the carbonator <NUM>, the locking sleeve <NUM> has been passed over the holder <NUM> to a position in which the locking sleeve groove <NUM> is aligned with the holder groove <NUM>. The sleeve groove <NUM> and the holder groove <NUM> face each other. A retaining ring <NUM> positioned in-between the locking sleeve and the holder now occupies the space jointly provided by the holder groove <NUM> and locking sleeve groove <NUM> such that the locking sleeve <NUM> can no longer be moved axially with respect to the holder <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> forms a first portion and the locking sleeve <NUM> forms a second portion and these two portions are rotatably connected by the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and the retaining ring <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the retaining ring <NUM> has a rectangular cross section. More precisely, the retaining ring is a spiral retaining ring. The retaining ring has no ears or other radially protruding elements that may interfere with the holder <NUM> or the locking sleeve <NUM> in an unwanted manner. The cooperating grooves <NUM>, <NUM> may then be manufactured to closely enclose the retaining ring <NUM>, with no additional room for ears or other radially protruding elements. A certain play, as is illustrated in <FIG>, is beneficial for low-friction rotation of the locking sleeve <NUM>.

The retaining ring is annular with a short break forming a gap <NUM> in the circumferential direction. The extension of the gap <NUM> may be increased or decreased by hand, such that the circumference, and thus the diameter, of the retaining ring <NUM> may be altered. The retaining ring <NUM> is made of a resilient metal, in this example of stainless steel.

The retaining ring <NUM> is manufactured with a diameter selected between the diameter of the holder groove <NUM> and the locking sleeve groove <NUM>. During assembly, the diameter of the retaining ring <NUM> is temporarily increased by extending the gap <NUM> such that the retaining ring <NUM> can be passed over the lower end of the holder <NUM>. When the extended retaining ring <NUM> reaches the holder groove <NUM>, the retaining ring <NUM> resiliently reassumes its default diameter and is fitted in the holder groove <NUM>.

The diameter of the retaining ring <NUM> is next temporarily decreased by a user applying external radial forces, e.g. by a suitable tool, such that the gap <NUM> is reduced. The locking sleeve <NUM> may now be passed over the holder <NUM> and the holder groove <NUM> until the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned. The retaining ring <NUM> may now reassume its default diameter and thus lock the locking sleeve <NUM> to the holder <NUM>.

For disassembly, the locking sleeve <NUM>, more precisely the proximal portion 20a thereof, may be provided with a number of circumferentially separated through-openings (not shown) leading from an external side of the locking sleeve <NUM> to the locking sleeve groove <NUM>. A pin may be inserted into each through-opening to reduce the gap <NUM> of the retaining ring <NUM>. When the diameter of the retaining ring <NUM> has been decreased, the locking sleeve <NUM> may be removed from the holder <NUM>.

When the locking sleeve <NUM> is mounted to the holder <NUM> by means of the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and the retaining ring <NUM>, the locking sleeve cannot move axially in relation to the holder <NUM> but may rotate. Since the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> extend around the entire circumferences of the locking sleeve <NUM> and the holder <NUM>, they offer large abutment surfaces for the retaining ring <NUM>. There is very little friction hindering the locking sleeve <NUM> from rotation with respect to the holder <NUM> and thus the carbonating head <NUM>. The assembly is tamper further proof and compact.

It is to be understood that the connection provided by the first and second grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and the ring <NUM> can also be used to form beverage container compartments in carbonators of another design. To mention one example, the holder <NUM> and the locking part <NUM> may be arranged on a stationary part (similar to the beverage container stand <NUM> described herein) and cooperate with a moving part (similar to the carbonating head <NUM> described herein).

In the present embodiment, the head support structure <NUM> comprises a metal lining <NUM>. The metal lining <NUM> is a thin-walled and hollow and is adapted to align with the inner shape of the head support structure <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the metal is stainless steel. The upper end of the metal lining <NUM> is screwed to the head support structure <NUM>. The lower end of the metal lining <NUM> comprises a radial expansion <NUM> essentially forming a bell mouth. The radial expansion <NUM> is adapted to bear against the lowermost edge of the holder <NUM> as is most clearly shown in <FIG>.

The solid lower half of the holder <NUM> forms the holder groove <NUM> and also the lowermost edge of the holder <NUM>. As the radial expansion <NUM> bears against the lowermost edge, the radial expansion <NUM> securely connects the metal lining <NUM> to the locking sleeve <NUM> via the retaining ring <NUM>. In the event of a sudden pressure increase within the container (or bottle) compartment <NUM>, resulting from a bursting bottle, the metal lining <NUM> will be forced upwards. As is clear from <FIG>, upwards movement of the metal lining <NUM> will involve the radial expansion <NUM> being forced against the lowermost edge of the holder <NUM>. As this portion of the holder is solid, very large compressive forces will be tolerated without the holder being crushed, also if the holder <NUM> is made of plastic. The proximal portion 20a of the locking sleeve <NUM> will be subject to tension forces. The locking sleeve <NUM>, including its locking protrusions <NUM>, is in this embodiment advantageously made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminium.

As is clear from the right part of <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> radially surrounds the holder <NUM> in the area where then holder groove <NUM> is formed. The locking sleeve <NUM> further extends axially above and below the holder <NUM> in the area where the holder groove is formed. Thus, radial and axial forces transmitted from the holder <NUM> via the retaining ring <NUM> will be absorbed by the metal locking sleeve <NUM>.

As is also clear from <FIG>, the holder <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM> are shaped such that bottle fragments and water resulting from a bursting bottle will be hindered from escaping through the joint between the holder <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM>. Any escaping bottle fragments will be small and have a low kinetic energy such that there is a low risk that a user be harmed.

In this connection, first of all there is only a small gap between the outer periphery of lower half of the holder <NUM> and the inner periphery of the proximal portion 20a of the locking sleeve <NUM>. Further, the space (or joint groove) jointly provided by the holder groove <NUM> and the locking sleeve groove <NUM>, which space is occupied by the retaining ring <NUM>, will form an obstacle to the bottle fragments. In addition, the holder <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM> overlap each other forming a path from inside the bottle compartment <NUM> to the environment (outside the bottle compartment) having two right-angled turns. Thus, the holder <NUM>, the retaining ring <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM> form a tortuous path from inside the bottle compartment <NUM> to the environment. Finally, the carbonating head housing <NUM> radially covers most of the outer gap between the holder <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM>.

As is understood especially from <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking sleeve <NUM> and the bottle stand <NUM> are shaped such that bottle fragments and water resulting from a bursting bottle <NUM> will be hindered from escaping through the joint there between. Any escaping bottle fragments will be small and have a low kinetic energy such that there is a low risk that a user be harmed.

In this connection, first of all the locking sleeve <NUM>, more precisely the distal portion 20b thereof, is received in the bottle stand <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> and the bottle stand <NUM> form a path from inside the bottle compartment <NUM> to the environment having two right-angled turns. There is only a small gap between the outer periphery of the distal portion 20b of the locking sleeve <NUM> and the inner periphery of the bottle stand <NUM>. The inner periphery of the bottle stand <NUM> may be formed by the above-mentioned cup-shaped trough-structure (not shown). Furthermore, as is best shown in <FIG>, the receiving structure <NUM> is located above the lower edge of the locking sleeve <NUM> when the carbonating head <NUM> is locked to the bottle stand <NUM>. Thus, along most of the periphery (apart from the location of the protrusion receivers <NUM>) any fragments must travel pass the receiving structure <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> and the bottle stand <NUM> form a tortuous path from inside the bottle compartment <NUM> to the environment.

The tortuous paths leading from inside the bottle compartment <NUM> to the environment comprise sharp turns, such as right-angled turns, such that any bottle fragments either are trapped in the paths, or loose a major part of their kinetic energy before leaving the paths.

The circular shapes of the holder <NUM> and the locking sleeve <NUM> will contribute to their ability to absorbed large forces, as the forces will be evenly distributed along the circumferences.

In the present embodiment, the locking sleeve <NUM> comprises a sleeve lining <NUM> made of metal, more precisely stainless steel. The sleeve lining <NUM> is attached to the locking sleeve <NUM> by a sleeve radial expansion <NUM>, which bears against the radial shelf between the proximal portion 20a and the distal portion 20b of the locking sleeve <NUM>, see <FIG>.

The above-described receiving structure <NUM> of the bottle stand <NUM> may be made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminium. Returning to <FIG>, the receiving structure <NUM> may form part of a cup-shaped trough-structure that is screwed to the foundation structure <NUM>. The cup-shaped trough-structure may be made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminium.

A few alternatives on the bottle compartment <NUM> construction will now be discussed.

In the present embodiment, the major portion of the bottle compartment <NUM> is surrounded by the metal lining <NUM>, the plastic head support structure <NUM> and the metal carbonating head housing <NUM>. Importantly, the metal lining <NUM> provides a metal surface that circumferentially surrounds the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>. Experiments performed on glass bottles have shown that the area radially surrounding the upper portion of the bottle <NUM> is especially subject to glass fragments in the unlikely event that the bottle <NUM> would burst. As an additional layer of protection, the plastic head support structure <NUM> radially surrounds the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>. As yet an additional layer of protection, the metal carbonating head housing <NUM> radially surrounds the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>.

The experiments performed involved subjecting the glass bottle to pressures substantially higher than normal use pressures.

Thus, in the present embodiment the bottle compartment <NUM> provides a two-layer metal protection, and one layer of plastic protection, in the in the area that circumferentially surrounds the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>.

The above-mentioned experiments have shown that there is a substantial vertical force acting to separate the locking mechanism <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the metal lining <NUM> is securely locked to the metal locking sleeve <NUM> by means of the metal retaining ring <NUM>. In the event of a bursting bottle <NUM>, the holder <NUM> is in the area of the holder groove <NUM> only subject to compressive forces which allows the holder to be made from plastic. The metal locking sleeve <NUM> surrounds the holder <NUM> in the area of the holder groove <NUM>. The locking sleeve <NUM> is securely locked to the metal cup-shaped trough-structure of the bottle stand <NUM> by means of the locking mechanism <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment the bottom end of the bottle compartment <NUM>, formed by bottle stand <NUM>, more precisely the metal cup-shaped trough-structure, also provides a metal layer protection.

As has been mentioned, the upper end of the metal lining <NUM> and the head support structure <NUM> have openings for the dissolver nozzle and other components. However, there is virtually no risk that bottle fragments will escape through theses openings in the event of a bursting glass bottle <NUM> within the bottle compartment <NUM>. Firstly, experiments have shown that it is the area radially surrounding the upper portion of the bottle <NUM> that is especially subject to glass fragments, and not the upper or lower ends of the bottle compartment <NUM>. Secondly, the openings are occupied by the assigned components (e.g. the dissolver nozzle) and thus closed. The openings will be closed either by metal components or by relatively thick and solid plastic components. Furthermore, the metal carbonating head housing <NUM> forms an ultimate layer of protection.

To compensate for any stress concentrations caused by the openings made in the upper end of the head support structure <NUM>, the upper end of the head support structure <NUM> may be of increased wall thickness.

In a second embodiment (not shown) the metal lining <NUM> is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the major portion of the bottle compartment <NUM> is surrounded by the plastic head support structure <NUM> and the metal carbonating head housing <NUM>. The metal carbonating head housing <NUM> and the plastic head support structure <NUM> circumferentially surrounds the upper portion of the bottle <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is made of metal, such as steel, in particular stainless steel, or aluminium.

Claim 1:
A carbonator (<NUM>) for carbonating a beverage in a beverage container (<NUM>), wherein
the carbonator (<NUM>) comprises a beverage container compartment (<NUM>) that comprises a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) that is rotatably mounted to the first portion (<NUM>), characterized in that
the first portion (<NUM>) comprises a first groove (<NUM>) and the second portion (<NUM>) comprises a second groove (<NUM>), and in that
the carbonator (<NUM>) comprises a retaining ring (<NUM>) that is adapted to be arranged in the grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>) to rotatably mount the second portion (<NUM>) to the first portion (<NUM>).