초록 ▼

Apparatus and method for compressing a collapsible container to adjust an internal volume thereof in order to, for example, preserve carbonation of a liquid in the container. In one embodiment, a base section having a bottom surface and a skirt is adapted to receive and support a lower portion of th

Apparatus and method for compressing a collapsible container to adjust an internal volume thereof in order to, for example, preserve carbonation of a liquid in the container. In one embodiment, a base section having a bottom surface and a skirt is adapted to receive and support a lower portion of the container. An upper section having a top surface and an upper skirt engages the base section and surrounds at least part of an upper portion of the container. Interlocking means are operative to interlock the base and upper sections in response to an applied compressive force, and to retain the container in a compressed state after the removal of the force. Other exemplary embodiments may utilize a threaded interlocking means, or a telescoping arrangement with a middle section between the base section and upper section, or may eliminate either the base section or the upper section and utilize interlocking means formed on the container itself.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus comprising:a compressible container for storing a quantity of a substance, the container having a first end and a second end, wherein the substance is removed from or added to the container via an opening near one of the ends of the container, at least a portion of the

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus comprising:a compressible container for storing a quantity of a substance, the container having a first end and a second end, wherein the substance is removed from or added to the container via an opening near one of the ends of the container, at least a portion of the container having a flexible surface such that an effective volume of the container can be altered; anda retainer including at least one of a first section and a second section, the first section surrounding at least a portion of the first end of the container and the second section surrounding at least a portion of the second end of the container, and at least one of the first and second sections having an opening therein through which the substance passes when being removed from or added to the container, wherein the effective volume of the container is altered by applying a force thereto, such that the container is altered in height, upon application of the force, relative to its height prior to application of the force, and wherein the retainer is operative to retain the container in a particular state after removal of the force, the particular state corresponding to a particular container volume not subject to further alteration based on an amount of the substance removed from or added to the container.