| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for improving the carbonation in a soda fountain drink when served in a cup. A carbonation concentrator is inserted between the fountain head and the bottom portion of the cup (e.g., at the top of the ice) to cause backpressure at a point within the fluid in the cup as the soda is poured, increasing the absorption of the CO2 carbonation into the poured fluid. The carbonation concentrator may be integrated into the fountain head, adapted to attach to an otherwise conventional fountain head, or integrated within the cup (i.e., disposable form). The carbonation concentrator may be attached to an otherwise conventional fountain head, formed integrally therewith, or to a lid. In disclosed embodiments, the carbonation concentrator is slid over the spout of a hand-held or wall-mounted fountain head and secured in an appropriate fashion. The carbonation concentrator includes a hollow interior passage allowing relatively unrestricted passage of the mixed drink directly toward the bottom of the cup (e.g., preferably directly to the bottom⅓of the cup, e.g., to a point at the top of the ice). A localized loosely sealed "chamber' is formed in a lower portion of the cup and pressurized with back pressure from the pouring of the soda, causing an increased pressure thereat and increased absorption of the CO2 into the syrup and fluid of the drink. Accordingly, carbonation is improved within the drink by pressurizing a portion of the poured drink as it is poured, increasing the carbonation, providing more consistent carbonation, and generally improving the taste of a soda fountain drink, allowing for greater absorption of syrup, e.g., 10-15% greater absorption.
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