MXPA98008216A - Combined valve cup assembly and fund for container autohealth - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-inflating container that includes a combined valve cup and bottom assembly to securely attach the heat exchange unit to the bottom of the can where the user activation occurs, the valve is bent directly to the valve cup on the combined valve and bottom cup assembly: the heat exchange unit is attached to the combined valve cup and bottom assembly of the present invention for cooling the beverage as will be explained below, preferably, the combined valve cup assembly and bottom is integrally fixed to the body or side wall of the container, thus forming a two-piece assembly, alternatively, the combined valve cup, valve and bottom assembly is fixed by bending towards the body or side wall of the container, thus forming a three-piece assembly

Description

COMBINED VALVE CUP AND BACKGROUND FOR AUTQENFPIABT CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to self-cooling containers for cooling a product, such as a beverage »and very particularly to the retention of heat exchange units in said containers.

DESCRIPTION PE U? PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE It has long been desirable to provide a simple »effective and safe device that can be housed within a container» such as a beverage container, for the purpose of cooling a product, such as a beverage, on demand. Such self-cooling devices »even when they are effe vos. they will normally cool the product with all the disadvantages thereof such as dangerous to the environment, volumetric, expensive and the like. Various types of devices have been developed to achieve the desired self-cooling, such as devices that rely on endothermic and exothermic chemical reactions, "devices that require pneumatic circuits," devices that use desiccant and water absorbing agents, and devices that rely on.

Well-known electrical effects for both heating and cooling. Typical self-cooling devices known to the applicant for cooling beverages and the like are illustrated in US Patents. Nos. 2.4S0.765; 3,373,581; 3,636,726; 3,726,106; 4.5B4,848; 4,656,838; 4,784,678; 5,214,933! 5,285,812; 5 »325» 680; and 5,331,817. The self-supporting devices used in the prior art illustrated by the previously identified patents have generally not been satisfactory. One of the problems associated with conventional self-cooling devices has been to secure the fixing of the heat exchange unit (UIC), particularly the valve assembly »to the container. In particular, the conventional means for fixing the UIC, including its valve, to the container typically requires some form of glue that requires expensive machinery to apply and must be leak-proof and food-grade compatible. In addition »a typical UIC includes a separate valve cup to hold its valve, thus also increasing the cost and complexity of the finished container. Consequently, some of the difficulties that have been encountered are that the devices (1) accidentally ventilate thus producing overpressure of the container »(2) can not be discharged» (3) are not held in place after activation »(4) they are ineffective »(5) they produce leaks and (6) their fixation is expensive. Therefore, what is needed is a device that securely connects the heat exchange unit, particularly the valve assembly, with the container and that is simple, effective and safe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The above and other disadvantages of the prior art products are confronted and overcome by the present invention which provides a self-enclosing container that includes a combined valve cup and bottom assembly for securely coupling the UIC to the bottom of the can where it occurs activation by the user. The valve is bent directly into the valve cup in the combined valve and bottom cup assembly. The UIC is then attached to the combined valve cup and bottom assembly of the present invention to cool the beverage as will be explained later herein. Preferably, the combined valve cup and bottom assembly is integrally attached to the body or side wall of the container, thereby forming a two-piece assembly. Alternatively, the combined valve cup, valve and bottom assembly is fixed by bending towards the body or side wall of the container, thus forming a three-piece assembly. The above and features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the following annexed drawings. In the Figures and in the written description, the numbers indicate the various characteristics of the invention, similar numbers refer to similar characteristics both for the figures and for the written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF IQS DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-cooling beverage container incorporating a combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly, with a valve assembly disposed within the valve cup and a heat exchange unit (UIC) fixed to said assembly, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly, with the valve assembly disposed within said valve cup and the UIC attached to said assembly, as illustrated in Figure i; Figure 3 is a view of the bottom cover of the combined valve and bottom cup assembly, illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the UIC before being assembled to the combined cup assembly; valve and bottom cap »with the valve assembly assembled in the assembly» as illustrated in figure i; Figure 5 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the valve cup with the valve seated therein as illustrated in Figure i; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a self-infusing beverage container incorporating a combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly, with a valve assembly disposed within said valve cup and a UIC attached to said assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly, with the valve assembly disposed within said valve cup and the UIC attached to said assembly, as illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a bottom view of the bottom portion of the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the UIC before being assembled to the combined valve cup and bottom cover assembly, with the valve assembly mounted on the assembly, as illustrated in the figure 6; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a self-infusing beverage container including a UIC mounted in the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly illustrated in Figure i; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the UIC shown in Figure i; and Figure 12 (a) is a top view of the liner member of the UIC; and Figure 12 (b) is a side view of the liner member as illustrated in Figure 12 (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is generally shown a self-confining container 12 incorporating a combined valve cup assembly and bottom cover 10, with a valve assembly 20 disposed within said valve cup 34 (shown in detail in FIG. Figure 5) and a heat exchange unit (UIC) 16 fixed to said assembly. Referring now more specifically to Figure 2, the container 12 including the UIC 16 mounted thereon is illustrated in detail. As shown therein, the upper end of the UIC 16 coincides with the combined valve cup and bottom cover 10 of the container 12. In accordance with an advantage of the present invention, with the UIC 16 mounted in this configuration , the mine is the need for a device and methods of filling specifically designed. The container 12 designed in accordance with the present invention is virtually transparent during the bottling process, thus allowing the use of conventional beverage filling apparatus. In accordance with another advantage of the present invention, the combined valve and bottom cup assembly 10 reliably holds UIC 16 and valve assembly 20 to container 12 without the need for adhesives or expensive machinery. The self-supporting container 12 contains a product (not shown), such as beer »soft drinks, fruit drinks and the like, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the present invention is illustrated and described herein using a conventional beverage container. The present invention can be implemented in conventional and specially designed beverage containers. However, the present invention is not limited to providing self-cooling for beverage type containers. Rather, the present invention can be used to provide self-cooling for a variety of different applications. including but not limited to cooling beverage containers »food, chemical and industrial compounds, of various sizes and shapes as well as conventional refrigeration systems. As shown in Figure 1, the UIC 16 is disposed within the container 12, preferably bent over the spout cup and bottom cover combined assembly 10 of the present invention for cooling the beverage as will be explained below. The valve and bottom cup assembly 10, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 and as described herein, shown being mounted to the bottom cover 14 of the container 12, can alternatively be adapted to be assembled to another portion of the container. 12, such as an upper or lateral portion. However, the present invention is not limited to the UIC described herein or to any related reference. Rather, the present invention can be used to securely retain any conventional heat exchange unit disposed in a container-type device. Referring to Figures 1 and 2. UIC 16 includes a camera 18 and actuator subassembly (not shown) which, as explained in detail below, is coupled with the valve assembly 20. The valve assembly includes a valve 22 that it has a valve stem 24. The chamber 18 contains one or more gases which are used to cool the beverage and are contained under pressure in a compressed or liquefied state. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the gas mixture will vary depending on several factors, including but not limited to the degree of cooling desired, the nature of the gas "UIC 16 pressure" and the size of the container with which uses the UIC 16. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 »the valve assembly 20 is initially mounted on the valve cup 34 of the valve and bottom cup combined assembly 10. The uic 16 is then attached to the outer perimeter of the valve. the valve cup 34. When the valve cup 34 is disposed, the valve assembly 20 interacts with the sub-assembly on the UIC 16 to drive the UIC 16. The valve cup 34 and the bottom cover 14 » is integrally connected to the container 12 »form a two-piece assembly 10. When the valve assembly 20 is axially tilted» the valve assembly 20 opens and closes to allow the gas to discharge through the valve stem. valve 24. Valve rod 24 is substantially tubular in construction and projects axially through the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly 10 at one end and cooperates with valve 22 at the other end. Referring now more specifically to Figures 2 and 3, the combined assembly of valve cup and bottom cover 10 is illustrated in detail. The bottom cover 14 of container 12 is integrally formed with side walls 26 of container 12 and it is preferably made of aluminum, although other materials may also be used including but not limited to steel. As shown in detail in Figure 5, the valve cup or inner receiving portion 34 of the bottom portion 14 includes an opening 2B defined in the central portion thereof for receiving a portion of the valve stem 24. As shown in FIG. shows in detail in figure 3 »the opening 2B includes an internal support ring 30 arranged concentric with the valve stem 24 in such a manner that it surrounds and closes the portion of the valve rod 24 projecting from the bottom portion 14. The support ring 30 can be a conventional ring, such as an elastomeric ring or packing. Alternatively, the opening 28 may include an integrally formed outwardly extending lip that is rolled or bent inward during manufacture to provide a rounded guide for the valve rod 24. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 receiver 34 extends in a generally longitudinal direction (relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem 24) from the opening 28"along the shoulder portion 30 of the valve 22. The inner receiving portion 34 then extends into a parallel direction with the valve stem 24 and along the valve body portion 22, thus forming a seat for the valve 22 to be mounted thereto. With a specially configured valve, the internal receiving portion 34 is also preferably cylindrical in shape. The particular dimensions of the inner receiving portion of the valve cup 34 will therefore be defined by the particular geometry of the valve assembly 20 including the valve 22 and the valve rod 24. The inner receiving portion 34 then extends in one direction latitudinal outward (in relation to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem 24), in a direction parallel with the valve stem 24 and then continuing in a latitudinal direction extending away from the central portion of the bottom portion 14, forming a shoulder portion 36 and an outer periphery of the inner receiving portion 34 of which the UIC 16 is bent thereto. The shoulder portion 36 then extends longitudinally away from the center before forming an annular ring 38. From the annular rim 38, the bottom portion 14 is integrally formed with the side walls 26 of the container, which when combined with the valve assembly 20, integrated and mounted thereto »forms the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly 10 of the present invention. The valve assembly 20 is preferably secured to the inner receiving portion 34 of the container 12 by bending inwardly. In particular, the shoulder and body portions 30 and 32 of the valve 22 are bent over the outer periphery of the inner receiving portion 34 by conventional means during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the valve assembly 20 can be secured to the bottom portion 14 by other means, such as adhesion, welding, snap fit and the like. Those skilled in the art recognize that any adhesive that can be used to adhere the valve assembly 20 to the inert receiving portion 34 is compatible with the various coatings that are inside the container 12 and the product "for example a beverage" contained in the container. its interior, thus ensuring that there is no organic or toxic contamination in regard to the product. The bottom cover 14 of the container 12, which is completely integrated with the body or the side walls 26 of the container 12, is preferably manufactured from the same material as the container 12. Since most conventional containers are constructed of aluminum, the bottom cover 14 is also typically constructed of aluminum. Those skilled in the art know that other materials, such as steel, can be used. Valve rod 24 and valve 22 are preferably made of polyester (PET), although other types of plastic can be used, including but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene and nylon. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the dimensions of the bottom cover 14 and the valve assembly 20 will vary depending on several factors. including but not limited to the size of the UIC 16 and the dimensions of the container 12. The UIC is designed to cool. As shown in Figure 4, the body portion 17 of the UIC 16 includes a downward portion 40 terminating in an outwardly extending lip 42 to secure the UIC 16 to the valve cup assembly and bottom 10 of the present invention. In particular, the lip 42 of the UIC 16 is secured to the shoulder portion 36 of the inner receiving portion of the valve seat 34 of the combined valve and bottom assembly 10 preferably by inward bending. Alternatively, other means of retaining the UIC 16 can also be used to the combined valve and bottom cup assembly 10, such as by clamping, welding, snap fit, adhesion. The extender lip 14 is preferably manufactured from the same material as the container 12 and / or the UIC 16, although other materials such as aluminum or steel can also be used. With reference to figures 6 to 9, an alternative embodiment of a combined valve cup assembly and bottom 50 for retaining the UIC 16 is illustrated. As shown in detail in Figure 6, the assembly 50 is bent to the body or the side walls 52 of the container 54, in Instead of being integrally formed as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, thereby forming a three-piece assembly 50. Referring now more speci fi cally to Figs. 7 and 8, the combined valve cup and bottom portion of three Parts 50 is illustrated in detail. According to Ta present invention, the valve cup 56 of the assembly 50 is configured like the valve cup 34 of the assembly 10. Of the outer perimeter 58 of the valve cup 56, in the shoulder portion 74, the bottom cap 68 extends in a generally latitudinal direction 60, then in a generally longitudinally upward direction 62 and in a generally downwardly latitudinal direction 64 terminating in a retaining lip 66 to secure the bottom cap 68 on the side wall 26 of the container 12 preferably by bending inwards although other methods such as sewing can also be used. The valve cup 56, the bottom cap 68 and the container 54 together form the three-piece assembly 50 which securely holds the valve assembly 20 and the UIC 16 in place in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the body portion of the UIC 16 includes a downward portion 40 terminating in an outwardly extending lip 42 to secure the UC 16 to the valve cup assembly and bottom cover 50 of the present invention. In particular, the lip 42 of the UIC 16 is secured to the shoulder portion 74 of the inner receiving portion or valve seat 56 of the combined valve and bottom cover assembly 50 preferably by inward bending. Alternatively, other means of retaining the UIC 16 can also be used to the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly 50 »such as by clamping» weld »snap fit» adhesion. The extension cap 42 is preferably made of the same material as the container 12 and / or UIC 16, although other materials such as aluminum or steel can also be used. Referring to Figures 10-12, the operation of the UIC with the assembly 10 is illustrated and described herein. The operation of the UIC with the assembly 10 is for illustrative purposes only. The same operational conditions are applied for the assembly 50. Referring to Figure 10, as is known in the art, the conventional beverage container 12 shown in Figure 1 includes a body portion 120, an upper portion 118 and a portion bottom 114. Top portion 118 includes a lid 112 with a pull tab. The container 12 is disposed in an inverted or turned upward position for activation, it includes a heat exchange unit (UIC) 16 mounted to the assembly 10 to facilitate the cooling of the beverage as explained hereinafter. As shown therein, the upper end of the UIC 16 is made to coincide with the combined valve cup and bottom cap assembly 10. Referring now very particularly to Figures 11, 12 (a) and 12 (b), a more detailed illustration of the UIC 16 is provided. As shown here, the UC 16 includes a chamber 128. a liner member 134 and an actuator subassembly 144. The chamber 128 contains a gas 130. preferably a liquid gas, which it is used to cool the beverage 126 and is contained under pressure in a compressed or liquefied state. A variety of gases can be used, including but not limited to isobutane, propane, carbon dioxide, CFCs. HCFC's and similar. The preferred gas 130 used to cool the beverage 126 is HFC 152A (difluoroethane), typically stored at a pressure of 5.97 Kg / cm2 at 23.8 ° C. A gas mixture that can be used to cool the beverage 126 is a mixture of butane and HFC (tetrafluoroethane) 134A in a ratio of 60:40 (butane: HFC 134A). Alternatively, the chamber 128 may contain a compressed gas 130 such as air, carbon dioxide, a mixture of ai e / C0a or simlar. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the mixture of the gases will vary depending on several factors. including but not limited to the degree of cooling desired the nature of the gas 130. the pressure of the UIC 16 and the size and shape of the container with which the UIC 16 is used. As illustrated in FIGS. and 11, the chamber 18 is enclosed by a base 131, an upper end 156 and a wall 132. The UIC 16 absorbs heat from the beverage 126 through the wall 132 which is preferably made of a heat conducting material such as aluminum. Alternatively, the wall of the UIC 16 132 can be made of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene and polyester and the like. Referring now more specifically to Figures 12 (a) -12 (b), liner member 134 is illustrated in greater detail. How is it? > As will be described more fully hereinafter, the liner member 134 increases the effective heat transfer surface, thus isolating the evaporation process and reducing the time for the gas to evaporate. As a result of this process, the time required for the heat transfer process is reduced, thus allowing a more effective cooling of the product. As shown »the liner member 134 is arranged concentric with the wall of the UIC 132 and surrounds the inner surface 136 of the UIC wall 132 to facilitate the flow of gas 130 through the UIC 16. The liner 134 is preferably made of a material such as polypropylene, which can be wetted by liquid gas 130 to increase gas flow 130 between liner member 134 and wall 132 of UIC 16. Other plastics including but Without being limited to polyester (PET) and the like, it can also be used. The liner member 134 includes a plurality of rib 138. spaced apart along the outer surface 140 of the liner member 134 to form a plurality of channels 42 along the internal surface 136 of the UIC wall 132. channels 142 extend substantially from base 131 to top 156 of UIC 16. In the preferred embodiment »ribs 13B are disposed sub-substantially vertically, ie substantially perpendicular to base 130 of UIC 16. Experts It will be understood in the art that the ribs 13B may be arranged in alternative configurations to provide effective cooling of the beverage 126. For example, the ribs 138 may alternatively be coiled to form a series of channels that are spirally extended along the length of the ribs. the wall 132 of the UIC 16. Typically, each rib 138 extends from the liner member 134 to approximately 0.51 mm and has a width of approx. approximately 0.51 m "and the liner member 134 is approximately 56.6 mm in height and has a length sufficient to engage the entire inner surface of the UIC wall 132. The costs 138 are preferably spaced at a distance of about 10. degrees »thus creating a lining member 134 containing approximately 136 ribs. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the dimensions of the ribs 138 and channels 142 will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, the dimensions of the UIC 16 in which the liner member 134 is used and the dimensions of the container 12. of UIC 16 is designed to cool. To activate the UIC 16 »the container is inverted or arranged upwards as illustrated in Figure 10 and the UIC 16 is activated through this portion of the valve stem 24 which projects axially beyond the assembly 10 of the container 12. Once the UIC 16 has been activated, the pressure of the liquefied gas 130 in the chamber 128 decreases which causes the liquefied gas 130 to flow to the bottom 131 of the chamber 128. The initial heat transfer between the beverage 126 and the liquefied gas 130 occurs within the plurality of channels 142. The heat of beverage 126 is absorbed by the liquefied gas 130 through the wall 132 of the chamber 128 as the liquefied gas 130 is vaporized by means of adiabatic expansion. As the temperature of the liquefied gas 130 increases, the liquefied gas 130 begins to boil because of bubbles that are pumped up into the channels 142. This boiling action thus pushes the liquefied gas 130 upwards into the channels 142 and causes virtually all of the interior surface area of the UIC 132 wall is flushed with liquefied gas "even when the liquefied gas level drops to small amounts. For example, even though the gas level when 130 drops to .635 cm, the liquefied gas 130 will continue to be pumped upward and will bathe virtually all of the interior surface area of the UIC 132 wall. The subsequent exposure of the liquefied gas flowing up 130 to the heat exchange surface of the chamber 128 causes the liquefied gas 130 to boil. The progressive boiling and propagation of the liquefied gas 130 ensures that the entire inner surface of the wall 132 and the base 131 of the chamber 128 is flushed with liquefied gas 130. The lining member 134 thus increases the effective heat transfer surface, thus isolating the evaporation process and reducing the time for the gas to evaporate. As a result of this process »the time required for the heat transfer process to be reduced» thus allowing a faster cooling of the product. Normally, when a pressurized container containing liquefied gas is allowed to vent to the atmosphere, the liquefied gas will evaporate. During and after the time it cools to a new temperature corresponding to its new vapor pressure, it absorbs heat from its surroundings. This heat causes the liquefied gas to evaporate. The cooling itself also generates some gas. After the self-cooling takes place, all the gas that is generated is the result of heat being transferred through the skin of the container from its surroundings. The speed at which the heat is transferred to the container determines the speed at which the gas is generated. Since steam has a poor heat coefficient, the only surface that has effective heat transfer is the portion of the surface that is in contact with the liquefied gas. As evaporation continues, the level of liquefied gas decreases in the container, so the rate at which the heat can be transferred decreases. Where the pressurized container is inside a beverage container surrounded by the beverage, there is a portion of the surface on the side of the pressurized container in contact with the beverage where little heat transfer takes place because the evaporated gas is immediately on the other side of the container's membrane. In accordance with an advantage of the present invention »by incorporating the liner within the pressurized container» essentially all the surface area on the sides can be maintained to transfer heat until almost all the liquefied gas has evaporated. Since evaporation can only occur where the required heat is available, evaporation on the sides will only occur in the vertical channels. The gas that is generated forms bubbles that travel to the channels to the top. When it explodes »the gas is collected in the upper part of the container and finally exits through the opening of the valve into the atmosphere. As the bubbles travel upwards, they carry liquefied gas with them, thus keeping the entire side wall bathed in liquefied gas regardless of the level of liquefied gas in the container. The entire side of the wall remains effective during the heat transfer procedure. As the gas evaporates, it is replaced by liquefied gas that flows to the bottom of the channels. The net result is a significant decrease in the time required to cool the beverage. In accordance with an advantage of the present invention, when a mixture of gases is desired, the present invention does not require the gases to suffer azeotropy because local agitation occurs. In other words, as a result of the bubbling that occurs and the isolation of the evaporation process, a mixture of gases will still evaporate and maintain its initial percentages throughout the evaporation process without having to undergo azeotropy. During operation, the valve system 24, when axially oscillated, will open and close the valve 22 to allow the gas to be discharged through the rod 24. For activation of the UIC 16, the container 12 is as illustrated in figure 10, inverted or located upwards, in such a way that the assembly 10 of the container 12 is exposed for activation. In typical operation, when the valve 22 is closed, that is, when an elastomeric ring or packing covers the openings in the valve stem 24, the chamber 128 is sealed and neither the liquefied gas nor the evaporated 130 can escape the UIC 16. When the actuator mechanism is activated, it contacts the valve stem 24 and causes the valve rod 24 to move up relative to the elastomeric ring. Valve designs are also possible, wherein the actuator mechanism produces lateral displacement of the rod 24 in the packing which allows the gas to flow. When the rod 24 is moved upwards, the openings are no longer blocked by the elastomeric ring or packing and a fluid communication between the gas in the chamber 12B and the axial passage in the rod 24 is established. In this way, the movement rising of the rod 24 releases the pressure in the chamber 12B and allows the gas 130 to expand and evaporate and evaporative cooling occurs in the UIC 16. The UIC 16 absorbs heat from the beverage through the external wall of the UIC 16 which it is preferably formed from a heat conductor such as aluminum. The gas 130 flows through the passage and finally escapes from the container 10 through the opening produced by the valve stem 24. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been shown and described above, nor the size dimensions of the physical implementation previously described above. The scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (26)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A self-cooling container apparatus having an upper portion »a body and a bottom for containing a medium to be cooled, comprising: a heat exchange unit; a valve assembly that includes a valve and a valve stem; and a retaining assembly, comprising: a bottom connected to said container; and an internal receiving portion centrally deposited on one side of said assembly, said inner receiving portion including a central opening disposed »wherein said internal receiving portion retains the valve and said valve stem projects through said opening.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 »further characterized in that said internal receiver portion is integrally connected to said connector.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 »further characterized in that said heat exchange unit also comprises: a liner arranged concentric and internal to the wall of the heat exchange unit to facilitate the flow of gases throughout the heat exchange unit.

4. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 2 »further characterized in that said opening includes an internal support ring arranged concentric with the valve stem in such a manner that it surrounds and encloses the portion of the valve stem projecting from the bottom.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that said ring is an elastomeric ring.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2 »further characterized in that said opening comprises an integrally formed inwardly extending lip that is rolled during manufacture to provide a round guide for the valve stem.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2 »further characterized in that said internal receiver portion extends in a generally long direction, relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve stem» from the opening »along a portion of the valve shoulder, said inner receiving portion extending thereafter in a direction generally parallel to the valve stem and along a portion of the valve body, thereby forming a seat for the valve to be mounted thereto.

8. The apparatus in accordance with the rei indication 7. further characterized in that said internal receiving portion extends in a generally latitudinal direction outwardly "relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve stem" in a direction generally parallel to the rod. of the valve and then continues in a generally latitudinal direction extending away from a center portion of the bottom, forming a shoulder portion and an outer periphery of said inner receiving portion from which the heat exchange unit is fixed to the same.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8. further characterized in that said shoulder portion extends generally latitudinal away from the center portion before forming an annular rim, and from said annular rim the bottom is integrally formed with the walls side of the container »that when combined with the valve assembly» integrated and mounted to it »forms the device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 »further characterized in that said return assembly is preferably secured to the internal receiving portion of the container by bending inwardly.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 »further characterized in that said shoulder portions and body of the valve are bent over the outer periphery of the internal receiving portion during manufacture.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9 »further characterized in that said valve assembly is secured to the bottom by adhesive compatible with said container and medium.

13.- The device in accordance with the claim 8 »further characterized in that said bottom is made of the same material as the container.

14. The apparatus according to claim 3, further characterized in that said retainer assembly is a valve cup.

15. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 14, further characterized in that said retainer assembly is bent toward the container.

16. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 15, further characterized in that from an outer perimeter of said valve cup »to a shoulder portion» said bottom extends in a generally latitudinal direction »then in a generally longitudinal direction upwards and in a generally latitudinal direction downwards, terminating in a retaining lip to secure the bottom on said container.

17. The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that said heat exchange unit also comprises a body portion including a portion extending downward that terminates in the retainer assembly.

18. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 17, further characterized in that said lip of the heat exchange unit is secured to the shoulder portion of the valve cup by inward bending.

19. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 18, further characterized in that said lip is made of the same material as the container.

20. A self-cooling container apparatus for containing a medium to be cooled, comprising: a heat exchange unit containing at least one gas for cooling said medium, comprising: a valve assembly for delivering said gas (at least one) through said bottom portion of the container.

21. The autoenfriable container apparatus according to claim 20, further characterized in that said heat exchange unit comprises: an actuator for actuating the release of said gas (at least one).

22. The self-cooling container apparatus according to claim 21, further characterized in that said valve assembly also comprises a valve and valve stem, and said self-enclosing container further comprises: a retainer assembly comprising: a bottom connected to the container: and an internal receiving portion disposed centrally on an internal side of the bottom, said inner receiving portion including a centrally disposed aperture, wherein said internal receiving portion retains the valve and the valve stem projects through said aperture.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, further characterized in that said retaining assembly is bent toward the container.

24. - The apparatus according to claim 22, further characterized in that said internal receiving portion is integrally connected to said con- tractor.

25. The apparatus according to claim 21, further characterized in that said heat exchange unit also comprises: a liner arranged concentric and internal to the wall of the heat exchange unit to facilitate the flow of said gas (so minus one) throughout the heat exchange unit. 26.- The device in accordance with the claim 22, further characterized in that said heat exchange unit also comprises: a liner disposed concentrically and internally to the wall of the heat exchange unit to facilitate the flow of said gas (at least one) throughout the heat exchange unit. hot.