Pouring apparatus for carbonated beverages in bottles

Abstract

The present invention comprises an apparatus which, when inserted into the neck of a bottle, facilitates the dispensing of carbonated beverages such as soda, beer and sparkling wines. The invention does so in a manner that prevents spillage of a carbonated beverage, while retaining the gas that gives the beverage its “fizz” within the bottle into which the beverage was originally placed. The cap valve, which creates a water tap inside the bottleneck maintains a secure seal that prevents material from escaping, even if the contents are under pressure. The cap functions like a faucet that opens or closes upon rotation. In the open state it regulates outflow and has structural safeguards to prevent accidental removal from the bottleneck. To put a secure seal on the bottle, the cap presses against the double neck outlet with its valve that has a gasket. Between the end of the moving part that directs the flow in the double neck and the inside of the cap exists a locking space, which enables the valve to securely cover the double neck outlet upon application of pressure by the cap on the bottle, thus impeding outflow. When the cap is unscrewed from the bottle, the valve frees the double neck outlet, creating a passageway that enables outflow of the container's contents. If the bottle contains carbonated liquids, the best method for pouring involves holding the container in such a way that its bottom is higher than the cap and the liquid covers the valve. Because liquid is heavier than gas, only liquid will flow through the cap's open valve. The rest of the gas will remain in the container. This will markedly improve the quality of carbonated soft drinks or similar products. There are added optional features to enable a user to drink directly from the bottle by utilizing: (1) a cone like cup or (2) a tube and nipple configuration.

1 . The principle behind the invention described here is simple. An apparatus is placed inside the neck of a bottle which contains a carbonated beverage. This apparatus allows the beverage to be dispensed as desired, while retaining most of the pressurized gas inside the bottle. This allows the beverage to retain its “fizz” from the time the first sip is consumed until the last sip is consumed. 
 The apparatus is cylindrical in shape, and comprises a cylinder and a piston. In the practice of the invention, the piston is attached to a cap, which is fitted onto the bottle by means known in the conventional art.  FIG. 4  shows a partial cutaway view of the invention in use, while the bottle is closed, holding the beverage inside. Cap  1  sits on top of Bottle  8  in the usual manner, the inside threads of Cap  1  engaging the outside threads on Bottle  8 . The visible difference between the present invention and a conventional soda bottle is Opening  12 , located at the top of Cap  1 . In the practice of the invention, the beverage is expelled from Bottle  8  through Opening  12 .  FIG. 5   b  shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 , through a specific diameter of the top of Cap  1 . Piston  2  and Cap  1  are fixedly attached to each other in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit formed by Piston  2  and Cap  1  is moveable with respect to the cylindrical chamber in the neck of Bottle  8 , as Cap  1  is loosened or tightened to open or close Bottle  8 . At the bottom of Piston  2  (so designated because it is located closer to the bottom of Bottle  8  than is any other portion of Piston  2 ) is Valve  3 . Valve  3  opens or closes during the operation of the invention, to either prevent or allow the beverage inside Bottle  8  to be poured from Bottle  8 . Gasket  4  forms a bumper at the bottom end of Piston  2 , to provide a tight seal when it is desired that the beverage and pressurized gas remain inside Bottle  8 . Tube  5  is T-shaped and forms a path through which the beverage can be dispensed from Bottle  8 , when desired. Vertical Component  5   a  of Tube  5  runs from the top of Piston  2 , where it contacts Opening  12  in Cap  1 , to a point slightly above the bottom of Piston  2 . At that point, it connects to Horizontal Component  5   b  of Tube  5 . Horizontal Component  5   b  of Tube  5  extends along the diameter of Valve  3 , and has horizontally-oriented openings at each end of Valve  3 . Valve  3  is the bottom portion of Piston  2 , and is narrower than the main body of Piston  2 . It should be noted that  FIG. 1   b  shows a view along the particular diameter of Piston  2 , which shows Horizontal Component  5   b  as perpendicular to Vertical Component  5   a  of Tube  5 .    The cylindrical opening in the neck of Bottle  8  is shown as a separate component in  FIG. 2 . In the practice of the invention, it is mounted inside the neck of a beverage bottle ( FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 ) at the mouth of the bottle, or the bottle itself is manufactured with a cylindrical chamber as described. Opening  11  and is located at the center of the end (top) wall of the cylinder, and concentrically with the cylinder. Side Wall  16  goes all the way around the cylinder, and Ring Gasket  19  ensures a tight fit between the cylinder and the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Flange  17 , located at the bottom edge of the cylinder, contacts the bottle at its opening and prevents the cylinder from being forced down into the bottle. Therefore, Flange  17  must be wider than the opening at the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket  18  sits on the underside of Flange  17  and forms a ring around Side Wall  16 , abutting Flange  17  as mentioned. In the practice of the invention, Gasket  18  is placed between Flange  17  and the mouth of the bottle into which the cylinder is placed. Gasket  18  forms a seal between Flange  17  and the mouth of the bottle containing the beverage to be stored. When Cap  1  is fully seated, Gasket  18  prevents carbonated liquid from escaping between the Side Wall  16  (the outer wall of the cylinder) and the inside surface of the neck of the bottle into which the invention is placed. In this invention, the length of the valve structure is made slightly longer then the cylinder depth into which it is inserted. This slightly longer valve structure is designed to push against the cylinder bottom, through Gasket  4 , which causes the entire cylinder assembly to be seated fully into the bottle so that Gasket  18 , through Flange  17  (see  FIG. 4 ), can seal properly and prevent the escape of carbonated liquid. This effectively leaves a small gap between Cap  1  and the top of Flange  17  through which there is no escape possible of the pressurized carbonated liquid or its gas.    The prototype of the invention is made of polyethylene, although any sufficiently rigid plastic to hold its shape under the pressure exerted by the gas in the bottle will suffice. The measurements of the components in the prototype are also not critical, but they help to describe the operating principle of the invention in practice. Variations on the measurements described that do not impair the functioning of the invention and comport with current practice in the bottling industry are acceptable. In the prototype, the inside diameter of the cylinder is 12 mm and the outside diameter is 16 mm. Opening  5   c  is 1.5 mm wide and 4 mm long. Flange  17  overhangs the outside diameter of the cylinder by 6 mm.      FIG. 3   a  shows an exterior view of Piston  2  as a separate component for illustrative purposes.  FIG. 3   b  shows a cross-sectional view of Piston  2  along a specific diameter of Piston  2 , which has been rotated 90 degrees from the view shown in  FIG. 3   a . In the practice of the invention, Piston  2  would be attached to Cap  1 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, T-shaped tube  5  is formed inside Piston  2 .  FIG. 3   b  depicts a cross-sectional view of Piston  2  in such a position that the horizontal component of the T-shaped tubular path is shown. The horizontal component of the tubular path runs across the lower portion of the piston and ends at Openings  20 . Vertical component  5   a  of the tubular path is concentric with the piston and runs from the center of the horizontal component of the tubular path (which runs between Openings  20 ), to the top of Piston  2 . The tubular path does not extend to the bottom surface of the piston. Instead, Bumper  4  is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the piston. Piston  2  is narrower near the bottom than it is along the rest of its length, with the narrower portion designated as Valve  3 . This allows the liquid to enter T-shaped tubular path  5  in Piston  2  after entering the cylinder through Openings  20 . With Bumper  4  in position, Piston  2  acts like a valve. In “open” position, the liquid can flow into the cylinder, into T-shaped tubular path  5  in Piston  2  through Openings  20 , through Tubular Path  5  in Piston  2 , and out of the bottle through Opening  11  and Opening  14  in Cap  1 . In “closed” position, neither the liquid nor the pressurized gas can escape into the inside of the cylinder, because Bumper  4  at the end of Piston  2  prevents such passage. Additionally, Gasket  19  can further ensure a tight fit between the outside of Piston  2  and the inside of the cylinder during the pouring operation, although Gasket  19  is optional. A flange, located at the top of Piston  2 , is the same width as Flange  17  on the cylinder. In the practice of the invention, the flange on Piston  2  is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of Cap  1  (shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , but not in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ). This allows the opening and closing of the apparatus by loosening or tightening Cap  1 . When Cap  1  has been sufficiently unscrewed to allow liquid to pass through the cylinder and Piston  2 , the liquid passes through Opening  12  at the top of Cap  1  and out of the bottle.      FIG. 4  shows the components of the invention together, with the cap screwed tightly onto the bottle in “closed” position. Bottle  8  is shown right-side-up, since Cap  1  is tightened for continued storage of the beverage within Bottle  8 . Except for Opening  12  in Cap  1 , the assembly would look much like a conventional cap on a conventional soda bottle. Bottle flange  9  is in the same place as on conventional bottles. Bumper  4  forms a tight seal with the end wall of the cylinder, thereby covering Opening  11  and preventing the escape of any beverage or pressurized gas from Bottle  8 . Valve  3 , Bumper  4  and Horizontal Component  5   a  of Tube  5  are narrower than the main body of Piston  2 , as shown by an annular empty space between those components and the inside of the cylinder wall.      FIG. 5  shows the same components, except that the cap has been loosened, in order to dispense the beverage. Bottle  8  is shown upside-down, since the opening through which the beverage is poured faces downward during the pouring operation. In  FIG. 5 , Cap  1  has been unscrewed about one turn from its position in  FIG. 4 . There is some empty space between the flanges on the cylinder and Piston  2 , and the distance between the bottom edge of Cap  1  and Bottle Flange  9  is greater than the distance between them as shown in  FIG. 4 . Cap  1  has not been removed, as is done in the conventional operation. Still, the bottle is “open” and the beverage can be poured into a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. The operation of unscrewing Cap  1  creates Compartment  7 , between Opening  11  in the cylinder and Piston  2 . Liquid flows from Bottle  8 , through Opening  11 , into Compartment  7 , and into Tube  5  through Openings  5   c . The liquid then flows through Horizontal Component  5   a  and Vertical Component  5   b  or Tube  5 , through the opening at the end of Tube  5  and through Opening  14  in Cap  1 , on its way into a glass or into the consumer's mouth.    The height of Piston  2  (from flange to tip) is greater than the depth of the cylinder. This assures tight closure between Bumper  4  and the end wall of the cylinder. This feature is necessary to keep the gas that carbonates the beverage from escaping from the bottle when the bottle is closed. In the practice of the invention, the user tightens Cap  1  in the customary manner. When Cap  1  is fully tightened, thereby tightly closing the bottle, Bumper  4  will sit snugly against the end wall of the cylinder and Opening  11 . In the design of the invention, extra space is provided between Flange  17  of the cylinder and Cap  1 , to accommodate the entire height of Piston  2 . This way, the seal between the cylinder and Piston  2  is always tight when the bottle is closed, and no gas can escape.    In the prototype of the invention, the outside diameter of Piston  2  is 12 mm, except at the lower portion, Valve  3 , where is it 11 mm. Total length of Piston  2  is 10 mm in the prototype, although this measurement is not critical. It is critical, however, that the length of Piston  2  below the flange be greater than the length of the inside chamber of the cylinder. Horizontal component  5   a  of T-shaped tube  5  measures about 1 mm in diameter, while Vertical Component  5   b  measures approximately 1.5 mm in diameter. The flange on Piston  2  is sufficiently wide to fit within the inside diameter of Cap  1 . These components can be glued or otherwise joined together by any means known in the conventional art.    In the practice of the invention, the consumer of the beverage in question unscrews Cap  1  to access the beverage inside the bottle. This process occurs in the conventional manner, as Inside Threads  51  on Cap  1  are moved along complimentary outside threads (not shown) on the bottle containing the beverage. Only enough rotational motion to allow the beverage to pass through openings in all three components is needed. This action moves the apparatus from the “closed” position shown in  FIG. 4  to the “open” position shown in  FIG. 5 .    Assuming the consumer wishes to pour the beverage into a glass, he or she turns the bottle containing the beverage upside-down over the glass and loosens Cap  1 . Bumper  4  then becomes separated from the “top” surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder  1 , forming a chamber for the reception of the beverage. The pressure of the carbon dioxide or other gas present in the bottle and the gravity, forces the beverage through Opening  11 , in Cylinder  16 , into the newly-opened chamber in Cylinder  16 , through the T-shaped tube in Piston  2 , out of the bottle through Opening  12  in Cap  3 , and into the glass (not shown). Using the same method, the consumer could also dispense the beverage directly into his or her mouth. When a sufficient amount of beverage has been dispensed, the consumer twists Cap  1  in the opposite direction to close the system, bringing Bumper  4  into contact with the upper surface of the bottom wall of Cylinder  16  and cutting off the path through which the beverage would otherwise escape from the bottle. The pressurized gas is also prevented from escaping and kept inside the bottle until dispensing of more of the beverage is desired.    The invention is not limited to the embodiment previously described. The descriptions of the preferred embodiment show an apparatus that could be added to plastic soda bottles during manufacture. A version for removable retrofitting the apparatus into a bottle after initial opening can also be manufactured. In this embodiment, a separate cylinder is a discrete component, separately manufactured. This cylinder is placed inside the throat of a bottle. A cap is force-fitted onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. Inside threads on the cap unit engage outside threads on a piston unit, with a point of opening and closing on the cylinder unit. It is expected that this embodiment will be used primarily on glass bottles used to store such beverages as beer and sparkling wine. The description of this embodiment assumes that the bottle in which the beverage is sold contains a flange, rather than screw threads, at its mouth. While this retrofitted device may not be as effective in ultimately keeping as much gas in the bottle as a similar structure added during manufacture, it will still keep more gas in the bottle than is feasible with conventional bottle caps.    
   
   
       2 .  FIGS. 6-10  show this embodiment of the invention as three components; a cylindrical bottle throat, a piston rotatably engaging a bottle cap, and the cap unit itself. In this embodiment, the bottle and cap do not have complimentary inside and outside threads that engage each other. Instead, an indentation in Cap  61  receives Flange  63 , which is part of Bottle  60  and allows free rotation of Cap  61  on Bottle  60 . Cylinder  62  fits snugly inside the neck of Bottle  60  and contains a flange at its top to prevent it from falling inside Bottle  60 . In the operation of the invention, Cylinder  62  is placed inside the neck of Bottle  60  and Cap  61  is forced onto the top of the neck of Bottle  60 , until Flange  63  at the mouth of Bottle  60  mates securely with Slot  63 A on Cap  61  allowing the cap to still rotate without falling off. Cap  61  has an opening at the center of its top surface, which allows room for Tube  64 . Tube  64  is a part of the piston assembly that fits inside Cylinder  62 . Inside Threads  65  on Cap  61  compliment Outside Threads  66 , which are located on Tube  64 .  FIG. 6  shows these threads. Shank  68  is mounted at the center of Piston  67 , and is solid, although spacers provide an opening between the bottom of Piston  67  and the top of Shank  68 . Extending below Shank  68  is Tip  69 , which extends through Opening  70  in the center of the bottom wall of Cylinder  62 .  FIGS. 7 and 10  show the Canal  5   a  on the top of Shank  68  joining with Canal  5  on the center of Tube  64  and Piston  67 , and the Opening  70  on the bottom wall of Cylinder  62  combine to form a continuous pathway along which the beverage travels when it is poured from Bottle  60  as shown on the  FIG. 10 . The cylindrical component is similar to that in the embodiment of the invention described previously, and a washer is located at the bottom of Shank  68  to ensure a tight fit between the Cylinder  62  and the bottom surface of Shank  68 , when the bottle is “closed” and the beverage and pressurized gas are prevented from escaping.  FIG. 7  shows the invention in “closed” position. Cap  62  has been rotated until Shank  68  has been lowered sufficiently to form a tight seal with the end wall of Cylinder  62 . Tip  69  extends through and below Opening  70  in the center of Cylinder  62 , but the seal between Shank  68  and Cylinder  62  prevents the beverage or gas from escaping. The flange of Cylinder  62  must be sufficiently wide to overlap Bottle  60  at its mouth (including the width of the structure of the bottle itself). In other respects, the cylinder and piston are similar to those in the first-described embodiment of the invention. 
   FIG. 8  shows a detail of Tip  69  in end view. The “up and down” movement of Piston  67  in turn causes Tip  69  to move in the same manner. To eliminate any rotational motion, Tip  69  has an “H” or “I” cross-section in this embodiment. Tip  69  fits through Opening  70  in Cylinder  62 . In this embodiment, Opening  70  is square. In the practice of the invention, dimensions are not critical. Opening  70  and the cross-section of Tip  69  can be rectangular, or they can be any other noncircular shape.  FIG. 9  also shows the cross-section of Tip  69  and Opening  70 , as seen from the lower portion of Bottle  60  with the bottom cut on.      FIG. 10  shows this embodiment of the invention, when the bottle is “open” for dispensing the beverage inside. Before opening Cap  61  by rotating it, Bottle  60  should be first turned upside-down, the proper position for dispensing the beverage. Cap  61  is rotated in an opening direction and this moves Piston  67  and Shank  68  toward the mouth of Bottle  60 , thereby breaking the seal formed by the washer at the end of Shank  68  and the end wall of Cylinder  62 . Shank  68  does not come into contact with the end wall of Cylinder  62 . Instead, the beverage flows through Opening  70  and around Tip  69 , into Chamber  71 . From there, it flows into the Canal  5   a  on the top of Shank  68 , into Canal  5  on the center of Piston  67  and Tube  64 , and out of Bottle  60 . The seal between Piston  67  and Cylinder  62  prevents the escape of fluid during the pouring operation except where it is intended. Rotating Cap  61  in the opposite direction again closes Bottle  60  after the beverage has been poured.    In this embodiment, Cap  61  is different from Cap  1  in the previously-described embodiment. It is designed to be force fit onto the neck of the bottle containing the beverage to be consumed. The design allows for the bottle to be filled with a beverage before the apparatus is inserted or it can be filled through the apparatus after it has been inserted. The unit described in this embodiment is intended to replace the cap that originally formed part of the bottle. In the operation of the invention, the consumer opens the bottle in the conventional manner (probably with a bottle opener) and immediately presses the apparatus comprising the invention in a downward direction on the top of the beverage bottle, making sure that the apparatus locks into place on the bottle. The invention is then used as described. When the entire contents of the bottle have been consumed, the consumer can pull the apparatus out of the bottle and use it on another bottle, in the same manner.    While this particular embodiment is used with traditional bottles with pressure-fit caps, it is also possible to use this retrofitted apparatus with bottles that are made with screw-mounted caps but cylinder has to be like described on the  FIG. 35  with the flange (like  63 ) instead of thread. The apparatus described as the preferred embodiment of the invention can be sold as a separate unit for retrofitting onto bottles with screw-mounted caps and used in the same manner.    The primary advantage of the embodiment of the invention in which the features of the “cylinder” are built into the bottle during manufacture is cost savings. For plastic bottles, which are widely used for soda, the cylinder-like features described could be added to the neck of the bottle during the injection molding process. This would be the only modification that would be made to the bottle during manufacture. It is expected that it would be less expensive to manufacture bottles in this manner than to manufacture the cylinder in the previous embodiment as a separate part.    In the practice of the invention, bottles can be made of plastic as practiced in the conventional art, glass, ceramic or metal. While the expected primary application for the invention is in the field of beverage manufacture, the anti-spill feature of the invention also makes it useful for packaging of hazardous liquids, such as cleaning fluids. While such liquids would not be packed under gas pressure, they could be packed in squeezable plastic bottles or metal cans for releasing a stream of liquid when desired. The spill-preventing feature of this invention renders it suitable for these applications.    
   
   
       3 . An optional feature of the invention is depicted in  FIGS. 11 through 14  ( a, b  and  c ). This feature is a siphon-like arrangement that is added to the apparatus that comprises the basic invention, which otherwise remains the same.  FIG. 11  shows a cross-section view of this embodiment in operation with the bottle closed and the beverage inside it remaining there for storage. Outlet Tube  39  extends below Opening  12  in Cylinder  16 , toward the bottom of Bottle  8  and in such a position that all or essentially all of the liquid in Bottle  8  passes through it. Outlet Tube  39  is held in place within the cap assembly by Locking Ring  37  and Dummy  38 . Hose  36  is attached to Valve Tube  35 . Optional Shield  49  is attached to Bottle  8  by a band (shown on  FIG. 50 ) that wraps around Bottle  8 . Holding Ring  51  holds Tube  39  in a fixed position, so the stream of liquid passing through Tube  39  can be directed toward a glass or directly into the consumer's mouth. Gasket  4  ensures a tight seal between Piston  2  and Valve Tube Opening  11 . Space  20  is small, since Cap  1  is screwed tightly onto Bottle  8 . Valve Tube  35  is closed; Valve Tube Opening  11  is in contact with Gasket  4 , which forms a seal between it and Valve  3 . 
   FIG. 12  shows the same view of the same embodiment, but the bottle has been opened to allow the beverage to be discharged through Outlet Tube  39 . The other structural components are the same, except that Cap  1  has been opened. This is shown by the enlargement (compared to  FIG. 11 ) of Space  20  between Cap  1  and Cylinder Flange  17 , as well as the greater distance between Cap  1  and Bottle Flange  9 . It should be noted that Cylinder  16  remains in the same position as in  FIG. 11 , as shown by Flange  17 , Cylinder Gasket  18  and Sealing Rings  19  remaining in the same position that they occupy in  FIG. 11 . Rotating Cap  1  raises Piston  2  and its associated components, as well as the siphon assembly, relative to the bottle and cylinder assembly. The beverage stored in Bottle  8 , pushed by gas, then travels through Siphon Tube  36  and Valve Tube  35 , and into a compartment within Cylinder  16 . From there, it travels upwardly through Outlet Tube  39  and into a glass (not pictured) presumably located below the outlet of Outlet Tube  39 .      FIG. 13  shows a detail of the siphon tube and the means for maintaining it in position within the cap assembly. Siphon tube extends through Opening  12  of Plug  38 , which is held in place on Piston  2  (not shown) by Locking Ring  37 . These components are pictured as a one-piece unit, although they need not be manufactured that way. However, the one-piece unit can be easily injection molded, and will add strength to Outlet Tube  39  in use.      FIGS. 14   a, b  and  c  show details of the structure of Locking Ring  37 . In  FIG. 14   a , it is shown as an annular extension of Plug  38 .  FIG. 14   b  shows Locking Ring  37  abutting a small, recessed channel in Piston  2 . Alternatively, as pictured in  FIG. 14   c , Annular Mortise  42  abuts the recessed channel in Piston  2  and holds Plug  38  in place. Restraining Plate  49 , which is securely attached to the bottle, prevents the rotation of siphon tube  39  during the rotational opening and closing of the cap.    In the operation of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer holds Cap  1  and turns Bottle  8  in such a manner as to unscrew Cap  1 . The pressure of the gas in Bottle  8  pushes the beverage through Siphon Tube  36 , through the rest of the system, and out through Outlet Tube  39 . The stream of liquid coming form Outlet Tube  39  is then directed toward its intended place. The process is reversed for cutting off the further flow of liquid.    
   
   
       4 . A variation on the cap is shown in  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b . In the first-described embodiment Cap  1  was a conventional bottle cap, with an opening at the top to allow liquid to pass there through. Cap  1  in  FIG. 15   a  contains these features, with the addition of Nipple  52 . In the practice of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can place his or her lips around Nipple  52  for ease of drinking the beverage inside the bottle. A short length of tube extending upward from the cap will serve the same purpose. As in the first described embodiment of the invention, Piston  2  is fixedly attached to or molded with Cap  1 . Piston Gasket Ring  33  keeps a tight seal with other piston components (not shown) when the bottle is closed. The bottom view, shown in  FIG. 15   b , shows how Nipple  52  surrounds Opening  12  in the center of Cap  1 .  
   
   
       5 .  FIGS. 16 through 18  ( a, b  and  c ) show an alternate embodiment, featuring a wider opening in the neck of the bottle and in the cap than is present in the first described embodiment. This embodiment is particularly useful for providing the consumer with a cap assembly that allows drinking directly from the bottle. Opening  12  is wider than its counterpart in the first described embodiment of the invention, thereby forming a drinking chamber. An additional feature is a safeguard against accidental spilling.  FIG. 16  shows this embodiment, in cross section taken along a diameter, when the bottle is closed and the beverage is stored inside the bottle. Opening  12  in the center of Cap  1  and Opening  11  in the center of the neck of Bottle  8  are shown as larger than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston  2  is shown as molded as part of Cap  1 , although any other method of fixedly attaching Piston  2  to Cap  1  that is known in the art is also suitable. Consequently, Valve  3  and Gasket  4  are larger in diameter than their counterparts in the first described embodiment of the invention. 
 Gasket  4  forms a tight seal against the opening Throat  11  of Bottle  8  when Cap  1  is fully seated, thereby keeping the beverage and pressurized gas inside Bottle  8 . When Cap  1  is fully seated, Space  21  is simply a small annular space between Valve  3  of Cap  1  and the Bottle Neck. Gap  20  is also formed at that time. A difference between this embodiment and the first described embodiment is the use of Passages  5 , which are in the area located between Valve  3  and the bottom of the wall of Piston  2 . The entire cap is constructed as one integral unit and is comprised of the outer Cap  1 , Piston  2 , the bottom Valve  3  and the area of Passages  5  which are channels into Opening  12 . The circumference of Valve  3  and the area of Passages  5  is slightly smaller in diameter than the circumference of Piston  2 . Passages  5  are spaced evenly along the circumference of their respective area. The beverage will flow through Gasket  4 , through Space  21  through Passages  5  and into Opening  12  when the bottle is opened. Due to the structure of this embodiment of the invention, the consumer can rotate Cap  1  to open the bottle to allow a small amount of the beverage into Opening  12  whereupon the consumer can continue to drink directly from the bottle through Opening  12 .      FIG. 17  shows a similar view of this embodiment, except the bottle has been opened for release of the beverage inside. Cap  1  has been rotated in order to loosen it. Locking Space  20  is larger, and Safeguard  6  engages Flange  9  on the neck of Bottle  8 . The operation of the safeguard feature will be described later. Gasket  4  (which is attached to the end of Valve  3 ) is now separated from Opening  11 , in the neck of Bottle  8 . This opens Compartment  7 , for the reception of the beverage to be discharged from Bottle  8 . Space  21  is contiguous with the rest of Compartment  7  and forms part of it. The beverage and pressurized gas that had been stored inside Bottle  8  travels through Opening  11 , into Compartment  7  and into Space  21  (which is annular in shape). The beverage then travels through Holes  5  into Opening  12  in Cap  1 , and out of the bottle.    A safeguard feature is added in this embodiment of the invention to prevent accidental opening of the bottle and escape of the gas that carbonates the beverage stored therein. Although this safeguard feature is described with this particular embodiment of the invention, it can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments described here. The central component of this feature is Safeguard Ring  6 . Safeguard Ring  6  and its operation are shown in detail in  FIGS. 18    a, b  and  c . These figures show Safeguard Ring  6  in cross section, and it should be remembered that it is a modified cylinder. At one end is annular Lip  6   a , and at the other end is smaller cylindrical Surface  6   b . Safeguard Ring  6  is pivotally attached at or near the circle that constitutes its central diameter to Extension Ring  1   a , which forms a part of Cap  1 .      FIG. 18   a  shows Safeguard Ring  6  as oriented when Bottle  8  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 16 . Safeguard Ring  6 , Extension Ring  1   a  and Cap  1  are shown here as a single, molded unit. In the practice of the invention, any means for keeping these components together is suitable. Inside threads on Cap  1  engage outside threads on Bottle  8  in the usual manner. Safeguard Ring  6  engages Bottle Flange  9  at a point between Lip  6   a  and the pivot point where Safeguard Ring  6  is attached to Extension Ring  1   a , which forms part of Cap  1 . In order to rotate Cap  1  for the purpose of opening (removing Cap  1 ) or closing Bottle  8 , the consumer pinches Surface  6   b  at two points diametrically opposite each other.  FIG. 18   b  shows the position of Safeguard Ring  6  during this operation, although the consumer's fingers are not pictured. Safeguard Ring  6  has pivoted about the pivot point where it connects with Extension Ring  1   a , and it no longer comes into contact with Bottle Flange  9 . The consumer then rotates Safeguard Ring  6 , thereby rotating Cap  1 , to which it is fixedly attached. For the purpose of this illustration, it is assumed that the consumer has opened the bottle and removed the cap.  FIG. 18   c  shows the position of Safeguard Ring  6  when Bottle  8  is open. It is a detail of Safeguard Ring  6  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Safeguard Ring  6  now engages Bottle Flange  9 , at annular Lip  6   a . Lip  6   a  is located at the end of Safeguard Ring  6 , and acts to prevent Safeguard Ring  6  from moving beyond contact with Bottle Flange  9 . This limits the rotation of Cap  1  when Bottle  8  is opened.    
   
   
       6 . An alternate structure for a piston assembly is shown in  FIGS. 19-24 . In this embodiment, a number of evenly-spaced plates provide structural support for the piston.  FIG. 19  shows the cap and piston assembly cut along the plane of a plate that forms two oppositely-oriented ribs.  FIG. 20  shows the same assembly cut along a different plane, so a chamber for holding liquid is shown. From  FIG. 19 , it can be seen that the plates (including Plate  14 , as shown) and Cap  1  form a single, molded unit. This assembly contacts both the inner surface of the neck of the bottle and the screw threads on the outer surface of the neck of the bottle. In the description provided here, three such plates are placed 60 degrees apart, so there are six ribs to hold the cap and piston assembly in its proper place. The exact number of ribs or plates is not critical to the invention. The piston assembly is the same as previously described, and is located at the apex of the plate containing Ribs  14  and the other plates, as well. Valve  3  and Gasket  4  are the same as in the first described embodiment of the invention. Piston  2  in this embodiment is not solid, but is comprised or a cylinder and the plates that provide lateral support for it, including the plate that contains Ribs  14 . Gasket  33  sits at the top edge of the cylindrical wall of Piston  2 , to allow a tight fit with the cylinder (not shown). This keeps the pressurized gas for escaping when the during the beverage is discharged.  FIG. 20  shows a similar view, along a different plane. The space inside the wall of Piston  2 , between Ribs  14  connects with Tubes  5   a , thru Openings  5  which lead into Opening  12 . These spaces form the path used for discharge of the beverage when the bottle is opened and the beverage is poured out of the bottle. 
   FIG. 19   a  shows this structure in cross-section, with the bottle closed.  FIG. 19   b  show the same structure, with the bottle open, ready for discharging the beverage. Features not described specifically with this embodiment are the same as described with the first described embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 19   c  shows a detail of Piston wall  2 , with Gasket  33  attached to it.      FIGS. 21 and 22  are transverse sectional views of the cap and piston assembly.  FIG. 21  is taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 19 , near the top of Cap  1 . Piston wall  2  is contiguous with Ribs  14 , extending from Piston Wall  2 , toward the center of the assembly. Six ribs (three plates) are shown here, but the number of ribs is not critical to the operation of the invention. Ribs  14  do not extend to the center of the assembly, since the location is close to the top of Cap  1  and Opening  12  is located there.  FIG. 22  is taken along the line B-B, further from the top of Cap  1 . Ribs  14  meet at the center, which is solid. Otherwise, the features are the same as in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 23  shows a view from the top of the bottle. Cap  1  covers most of the field of view, with Opening  12  in the center. The parts of Ribs  14  that are located near the center of the piston assembly can be seen.  FIG. 24  shows a view of the Cap  1 , from Valve  3 . The features are otherwise the same as in other figures depicting this embodiment of the invention, although Passages  15  are also visible.    
   
   
       7 . An optional feature can be added for ease of drinking the beverage contained in the bottle, especially soda.  FIGS. 25 through 27  show this feature, which is an additional part that acts as a cup. This allows the consumer to drink directly and easily from the bottle, and especially useful for small, one-portion bottles of soda.  FIG. 25  shows Cup  29 , attached to and concentric with Cap  1 . Cup  29  is shown as an extension to Cap  1 , and it is expected that it would be manufactured as part of the cap assembly, which also includes the piston assembly. The structure of the piston assembly is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 16 through 18 , with the wide openings. Valve  3 , Gasket  4  and Openings  11  and  12  are wide.  FIG. 26  shows the same assembly, but Bottle  8  is open, for discharge of the beverage. Compartment  7  has been opened, and it is wider than in the first described embodiment of the invention. Perpendicular to Valve  3  and vertically oriented are Ribs  14 , two of which are shown. 
 As shown, Cup  29  forms a single unit with Cap  1  and is in the shape of the frustum of a cone wider at the opening than at the cap end to allow one to drink more comfortably from the cup created. The inside surface of Cup  29  can be used for drinking the beverage inside the bottle. Rather than twisting Cap  1 , as in conventional practice, the consumer of the beverage can twist Cup  29  to open and close the bottle for drinking purposes. As an additional feature, removable Lid  31  can be placed over the top of Cup  29 . This feature is shown in  FIG. 25 . Lid  31  keeps the inside surface of Cup  29  clean and prevents spillage of any beverage that might be inside. Lid  31  also provides structural support for Cup  29  and helps to prevent breakage of Cup  29  until the beverage inside Bottle  8  is consumed.      FIG. 27  shows a top view of the embodiment of the invention that includes Cup  29 , and with Lid  31  removed. Valve  3  can be seen at the center of the bottle. So can Openings  5 , alternating with Ribs  14 . Ribs  14  extend vertically, from Valve  3  and toward the top of Cap  1 . Openings  5  are located between Ribs  14 . When the consumer rotates Cap  1 , the soda (or other beverage) inside the bottle travels through Compartment  7 , around Valve  3  and Gasket  4 , through Openings  5  between Ribs  14 , into Opening  12  and further into Cup  29  to be consumed.    
   
   
       8 . An alternative safeguard feature is shown in  FIGS. 28 through 30 . This feature is designed for use with the any assembly previously described, and it can be used instead of the safeguard ring shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  FIG. 28  shows this embodiment of the invention with the bottle closed. The features are the same as in  FIG. 17 , with the addition of Stopper  22  and Stem  54 . Stem  54  extends from the center of Valve  3 , through Opening  11 . At its end is Stopper  22 . Stopper  22  prevents loss of the cap and piston assembly by preventing Cap  1  to be loosened so much that it can be completely removed from Bottle  8  and lost or misplaced. Stopper  22  can be any shape. It can be a flat triangle, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It can also be solid, such as an “umbrella” shape with a triangular cross-section. It can be conical, spherical, flat with a triangular face, a linear member situated perpendicularly to Stem  54  in a “T” shape, or any other form that will prevent passage through Opening  11 . In the practice of the invention, Stem  54  and Stopper  22  must be sufficiently strong to prevent breakage in the normal operation of loosening a cap. A sufficiently strong plastic, such as that used to hold tags onto merchandise in a clothing store, will serve the purpose. 
   FIG. 29  shows the position of Stopper  22  when Bottle  8  has been opened in the conventional manner. The beverage can pass through Opening  11  and through its normal path out of Bottle  8 . It should be noted that there is room for the beverage to flow around Stopper  22  in the neck of Bottle  8 . In  FIG. 30 , Cap  1  has been loosened to the maximum extent possible. Stopper  22  now contacts the neck of Bottle  8 , just below Opening  11 . The beverage cannot flow out of Bottle  8 , since Stopper  22  is preventing such flow. In order to pour more of the beverage from Bottle  8 , the consumer must tighten Cap  1  to move Stopper  22  away from Opening  11 .    
   
   
       9 .  FIGS. 31 through 34  show a different valve that is shaped differently from that shown in previously-described embodiments of the invention (and designated as Valve  3 ).  
   
   
       10 . In addition,  FIGS. 32 through 34  show a different assembly for preventing the total removal of the cap and piston assembly.  FIGS. 32 through 34  are cross-sectional views showing various positions of Valve Stud  44 . Opening  12  is narrow, and other features are the same as in previously described embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned here. Gasket  4  is located at the end of Valve Stud  44  and serves the usual purpose of providing a tight seal with Opening  11  in Bottle  8 . Protruding Member  47  extends beyond Gasket  4  and into Opening  11 . Its purpose is to help keep Valve Stud  44  centered within Opening  11  as the cap is removed or closed 
   FIG. 32  shows the same valve assembly as shown in  FIG. 31 , and with more structure added. Bottle  8  is shown, and two features are added. The first is a plurality of Reinforcing Plates  46 , added to strengthen the neck area of Bottle  8 . The second is a safeguard feature. Stopper  45  is attached to Stem  55 , which extends from Protruding member  47 , through Opening  11 . Stopper  45  may be flat, it may have a round cross-section, it may consist of more than one flat member, or it may have any structure that prevents it from passing through Opening  11 . In the present description of the invention, Stopper  45  is flat, with a triangular shape.  FIG. 32  shows the assembly in place with the Bottle  8  closed and the beverage stored therein. Stem  55  and Stopper  45  are both inside the neck of Bottle  8 .      FIG. 33  shows a view of the same assembly, with Bottle  8  open for discharging the beverage stored inside. Stopper  45  is in contact with the neck of Bottle  8 , on the “inside” end of Opening  11 . If Stopper  45  has a circular shape, it would completely cover Opening  11 , and Cap  1  would have to be loosened to allow the beverage to escape from bottle  8 . If Stopper  45  is flat, the beverage will travel around it, through Opening  11  and eventually out of Bottle  8 .  FIG. 34  shows a side view of the assembly. In that view, Stopper  45  is flat. Stem  55  extends through Opening  11 , and the beverage will be discharged from Bottle  8 .    It is also feasible to produce a cylinder assembly for retrofitting into a bottle containing a beverage. This embodiment is especially useful with glass bottles that hold beer or sparkling wine. This embodiment can also be used with glass soda bottles, however. It is expected that the bottle in which the beverage comes packed will have a pressure-fit cap that will be removed by the consumer prior to taking the first drink of the beverage. After that first drink has been poured, the consumer will press-fit the assembly that is described as this embodiment of the invention onto the upper part of the neck of the bottle, thus keeping the remaining beverage and pressurized gas inside the bottle, to be dispensed at a later time. This device can also be fiited to the bottle in the manufacturing or filling stages and used to control access to the contents of the bottle.    
   
   
       11 .  FIG. 35  shows the cylinder associated with this assembly. In effect, this part comprises a cylinder within a cylinder. Inner Cylinder  16  fits inside the throat of a bottle. The floor of Cylinder  16  is shaped the same as in previously described embodiments of the invention, and Opening  11  is located at its center. Rim  17  extends outwardly from Cylinder  16  in the same manner in which the cylinder flanges of previously described embodiments do. However, Rim  17  is sufficiently wide to cover the entire rim of the bottle onto which it will be placed. Outer Cylinder  24  extends downwardly from the outer edge of Rim  17 , and contains outside threads. These threads replace those that are imparted onto bottles with “twist-off” caps during manufacture. Annular Mortise  43 , located immediately below and “inside of” Rim  17  will receive the Flange  23  located at the mouth of the bottle onto which the assembly will be placed in the operation of the invention. 
   FIG. 36  shows the entire assembly, comprising Cap, Cylinder and Piston, in place on a bottle. Bottle  8  has a smooth-sided neck, which fits inside Annular Mortise  43  in the cylinder assembly. Cap  1  is wider than its counterpart in the other embodiments of the invention, because its inside threads must accommodate the width of the neck of Bottle  8 , as well as Outside Cylinder  24 , which contains outside threads to engage the inside threads on Cap  1 . Otherwise, all features are the same as shown in previously described embodiments. In  FIG. 36 , Bottle  8  is closed, and the portion of the beverage that has not yet been consumed remains stored inside.  FIG. 37  is a similar view, but with Bottle  8  open for dispensing more of the beverage. It should be noted that the operation of this embodiment of the invention is identical to that required for the other embodiments. When the rest of the beverage has been consumed, however, the assembly can be pulled away from the neck of the bottle. The assembly can be washed and reused, while the bottle will probably be discarded or returned for deposit.    It should be noted that the various embodiments and features described can be used in any combination, as long as that combination is feasible. For example, placing a cuplike extension to the bottle cap is not compatible with placing a nipple in the same location. However, either the cuplike extension or the nipple can be used with the siphoning feature. Either extension added to the cap (or the cap without an extension) can be used with either a narrow or wide opening in the neck of the bottle. The same is true for the siphoning feature.    The descriptions and embodiments of the invention contained here should be thought of as illustrative and not limiting. Other embodiments of the invention are also possible. Ribs running transversely from the center tube of Piston  2  to its outer wall can be used in construction, rather than making the piston out of a solid piece of plastic. A wider tube can be used in the invention for more viscous liquids than for water-based liquids. Other embodiments are possible and should be thought of as lying within the scope of the invention.    
   
   
       12 .  FIG. 38  shows another embodiment of this apparatus in place on a bottle. Bottle  8  has a neck pre-manufactured to the configuration shown where the external Cylindrical Structure  2  of the bottle neck is designed to act as one part of the piston configuration that moves against the internal cylindrical structure of the bottle cap  70 . The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion  2  is slightly larger that the external diameter of the bottle neck at the threaded portion which is at the upper end of the bottle  8 . 
 The internal diameter of the bottle cap  1  at the cylindrical portion  70  which is at the lower end of the cap is slightly larger that the external diameter of the threads on the bottle. At the upper opening of the bottle  8 , the wall configuration  71  is designed to be thicker to allow adequate separation between the inner bottle and the holes  12  in bottle cap  1 . Holes  12  in bottle cap  1  are located on the cap at the internal corner of the cap vertical threaded portion and are made smaller than wall thickness  71  of the bottle neck. In  FIG. 38  the bottle cap  1  is shown fully seated where gasket  4  seals bottle cap  1  and bottle  8 .      FIG. 39  shows the bottle in an inverted position with bottle cap  1  unscrewed to release the carbonated beverage through holes  12 . The seal between piston  2  on bottle neck and cylinder  70  on the bottle cap will prevent escape of the carbonated beverage which can get past the threaded portion of the bottle neck.      FIG. 40  shows a possible configuration for the placement of holes  12  around the circumference of bottle cap  1     
   
   
       13 .  FIGS. 41 and 42  shows the same apparatus as shown in  FIGS. 38-40  with an additional feature, cap cover  74  added to bottle cap  1 . Cap cover  74  has a central opening  72  and is placed on cap  1  to create an inner chamber  73  to direct flow of the carbonated beverage from holes  12  through inner chamber  73  out through opening  72 . 
   FIG. 41  shows the apparatus in a closed position.      FIG. 42  shows the apparatus in an open position.      FIG. 43  shows another embodiment of this apparatus that has a central opening  12  on bottle cap  1  and utilizes a bushing feature  75  to make it function like the previously described embodiment in  FIG. 38 . In  FIG. 43  the bottle cap is in a closed position where the inner surface of bottle cap  1  presses against the cylindrical outer ring  76  which is a part of bushing  75 . Gasket  4  seals against the bottle neck opening and the bottle neck wall thickness separates passages  5  from the inner volume of the bottle to prevent fluid escape. The external diameter of the bottle neck at the cylindrical portion  2  is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threaded portion of bottle cap  1 . The internal diameter of bottle cap  1  at the cylindrical portion  70  which is at the upper inner end of the cap is slightly smaller that the internal diameter of the threads on cap  1 .      FIG. 44  shows this apparatus with the bottle in an inverted position for pouring with cap  1  in an opened position where the liquid can flow from the interior of the bottle through passages  5  to inner chamber  73  then exit through opening  12  in bottle cap  1 .    The seal between piston  2  located on the bottle above the threads of bottle  8  and cylinder  70  inside the upper end of cap  1  above the cap threads prevent fluid from escaping the bottle through the threads when the cap is in this open position.      FIG. 45  shows a cross-sectional view of bushing  75  and gasket  4 . Bushing  75 , which is placed within bottle cap  1 , has opening passages  5  placed around its outer circumference. The opening passages  5  are utilized in similar fashion to holes  12  in  FIG. 38 . It also shows gasket  4  that engages the bottle neck. Passages  5  and inner chamber  73  and the cylindrical outer ring  76  engage the inner top of cap  1 .      FIG. 46  shows a view of bushing  75  only seen from the inside of cap  1  (not shown).      FIG. 47  shows a view of bushing  75  and gasket  4  superimposed on it seen from the bottle side (not shown).    
   
   
       14 .  FIG. 48  and  FIG. 49  shows an embodiment of this apparatus that is designed for use on a regular bottle In this embodiment bottle cap  1 , which seals this apparatus to a regular bottle, has neck  81  that is used in conjunction with cap  80 . Neck  81  and cap  80  can utilize all the previously described uses of this invention for the sealing and pouring of the liquid in the bottle.  
   
   
       15 .  FIG. 52  shows a cross sectional view of the neck of the bottle where Cylinder  16  with its Outer Cylindrical Portion  24  connected by Flange  17  is in a fully seated position held in place by the Ring Flange  23  on the bottle neck. Ring Flange  23  on the bottle neck is seated within the annular Ring Space  43  on Cylinder  24 . Cap  1  with its Threaded Portion  2   a  is threaded into Cylinder  16  with its corresponding Threaded Portion  16   a . The Threaded Portion  16   a  is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder  16  to allow sealing of Cylinder  16  and Piston  2 . Piston  2  is connected to Valve Section  3  where Valve Section  3  is narrower in diameter to create Chamber  7  in Cylinder  16 . Between Piston  2  and Valve Section  3  there are Radial Passages  5  that connect Chamber  7  with Central Outlet Passage  12  of Cap  1 . Valve Seal  4  seals Cap  1  into Cylinder  16  to prevent fluid flow through Passage  11 . The only place where Cap  1  presses against Cylinder  16  is in the area of Valve Seat  4 . The entire length of the Threaded Portion  2   a , the Cylindrical Portion  2 , and the Valve Section  3  up to Valve Seal  4  of Cap  1  is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder  16  so that Valve Seal  4  is the only place that Cap  1  has pressed seal against Cylinder  16 . Cylinder  16  can be held in place with additional options (e.g. a wiring harness such as currently used on champagne bottles). 
   FIG. 53  is similar to  FIG. 52  except that Cylinder  16  is held in place by threads on the bottle neck. The cap is in a closed position.      FIG. 54  is similar to  FIG. 53  except that it shows Cap  1  in an open position with Bottle  8  inverted. The beverage passes through Passage  11  into Chamber  7  through Radial Passages  5  into Outlet Passage  12  to exit the bottle. Piston  2  of Cap  1  engages with Cylinder  16  and prevents the escape of beverage past the threaded portion.      FIG. 55  shows a cross sectional view of Cylinder  16  with its Outer Threaded Cylindrical Portion  24  connected by Flange  17 . It shows the Threaded Inner Portion  16   a  which is wider than the unthreaded portion of Cylinder  16  to allow sealing of Cylinder  16  and Piston  2  (not shown) of Cap  1 . It also shows Passage  11  that opens into the bottle.      FIG. 56  shows Cap  1  with its Threaded Portion  2   a  which is threaded into Cylinder  16  with its corresponding Threaded Portion  16   a  (not shown). The Threaded Portion  2   a  is larger in diameter than the Unthreaded Portion  2  to allow sealing of Cylinder  16  (not shown) and Piston  2 . Piston  2  is connected to Valve Section  3  where Valve Section  3  is narrower in diameter. Between Piston  2  and Valve Section  3  there are Radial Passages  5  which exit into Central Outlet Passage  12  of Cap  1 . Valve Seal  4  is designed to seal Cap  1  into Cylinder  16  (not shown) to prevent fluid flow. The entire length of the Threaded Portion  2   a , the cylindrical portion of Piston  2 , and the Valve Section  3  up to Valve Seal  4  of Cap  1  is slightly longer than the inner depth of Cylinder  16  (not shown) so that Valve Seal  4  is the only place that Cap  1  seals pressed against Cylinder  16  (not shown).    Bottle  8  can be originally manufactured in a manner that has the elements of this device already in place without the addition of Cylinder  16  later.