초록 ▼

A beverage container suitable for use in outer space comprising a beverage-containing chamber which expands with the introduction of fluid therein and collapses to a negligible volume when beverage is dispensed therefrom. In a first embodiment, the chamber is an elastic bag. In a second embodiment,

A beverage container suitable for use in outer space comprising a beverage-containing chamber which expands with the introduction of fluid therein and collapses to a negligible volume when beverage is dispensed therefrom. In a first embodiment, the chamber is an elastic bag. In a second embodiment, the chamber is a flexible bag surrounded by a compressible gas. In a third embodiment, the chamber is an accordion-type container. In a fourth embodiment, the chamber is a tube having a rolled tail portion which is naturally biased by the elastic properties of the material from which the tube is formed, to roll up on itself to a negligible volume in the absence of beverage therein and assumes the volume of the beverage as the beverage is introduced.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for filling a container with a carbonated beverage in the zero gravity conditions of outer space without the creation of a headspace and for dispensing said carbonated beverage therefrom directly into a consumer\s mount, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an expandable chamber in the co

A method for filling a container with a carbonated beverage in the zero gravity conditions of outer space without the creation of a headspace and for dispensing said carbonated beverage therefrom directly into a consumer\s mount, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an expandable chamber in the container having means for normally biasing the expandable chamber to a minimal volume, said expandable chamber having an outlet opening with a normally closed valve therein; (b) connecting the outlet opening in operative association with a beverage filling device; (c) opening the valve to fill the expandable volume chamber from the minimal volume to a maximum volume against the force of the means for biasing; (d) removing the beverage filling device from operative association with the outlet opening; (e) connecting the outlet opening to a straw assembly; and (f) opening the valve to permit the dispensing of the carbonated beverage through the straw assembly into the consumer\s mouth; whereby essentially no headspace is formed in the carbonated beverage during either the filling of the container or the dispensing of the beverage therefrom.