Beverage dispensing assembly and beverage container
阅读说明:本技术 饮料分配组件和饮料容器 (Beverage dispensing assembly and beverage container ) 是由 A·M·帕尤韦 P·G·怀特 于 2018-05-18 设计创作,主要内容包括:饮料分配组件(1),包括分配器(2)和饮料容器(3),其中饮料容器(3)具有颈部部分(7)和与颈部部分(7)相邻的肩部部分(8),其中颈部部分(7)设有至少流出开口和至少一个气体入口开口(9),并且其中分配器(2)包括壳体(4),其中壳体(4)设置有用于接收容器(3)的至少部分的接收部(5),其中,容器(3)定位在分配器(2)中,并且颈部部分(7)和肩部部分(8)面向下,使得颈部部分(7)和至少一部分肩部部分(8)被接收在接收部(5)中,其中,肩部部分(8)的一部分靠近接收部(5)的壁延伸和/或与接收部(5)的壁接触,其中,优选地,在容器(3)的上方设置盖(12),封闭容器(3)的在延伸到接收部(5)之外的部分。(Beverage dispensing assembly (1) comprising a dispenser (2) and a beverage container (3), wherein the beverage container (3) has a neck portion (7) and a shoulder portion (8) adjacent to the neck portion (7), wherein the neck portion (7) is provided with at least an outflow opening and at least one gas inlet opening (9), and wherein the dispenser (2) comprises a housing (4), wherein the housing (4) is provided with a receiving portion (5) for receiving at least part of the container (3), wherein the container (3) is positioned in the dispenser (2) and the neck portion (7) and the shoulder portion (8) are facing downwards such that the neck portion (7) and at least part of the shoulder portion (8) are received in the receiving portion (5), wherein a part of the shoulder portion (8) extends close to and/or is in contact with a wall of the receiving portion (5), wherein preferably a lid (12) is provided above the container (3), closing the portion of the container (3) extending beyond the receiving portion (5).)
1. Beverage dispensing assembly comprising a dispenser and a beverage container, wherein the beverage container has a neck portion and a shoulder portion adjacent to the neck portion, wherein the container, preferably the neck portion, is provided with at least an outflow opening and at least one gas inlet opening, and wherein the dispenser comprises a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a receiving portion for receiving at least part of the container, wherein the container is positioned in the dispenser, preferably such that at least part of the container is received in the receiving portion, which part preferably has a portion extending close to and/or in contact with a wall of the receiving portion, wherein a lid is provided above the container closing a portion of the container extending outside the receiving portion, wherein the lid is transparent at least to the extent that: i.e. at least so that a significant part of the container extending outside the receptacle is visible through the lid.
2. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lid is at least partially transparent such that at least a part of the container extending outside the receptacle can be seen from the lid, preferably from at least two opposite sides, more preferably at an angle of at least about 270 degrees around the longitudinal axis, more preferably at an angle of at least about 360 degrees around the longitudinal axis.
3. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid rests on the housing sealing a space between the lid and an outer surface of the container, wherein the lid isolates the container from the surrounding space.
4. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is a double-walled lid.
5. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is made of plastic and/or glass.
6. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a plastic container, in particular a BIC type container.
7. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container is provided with a dispensing unit comprising at least a dispensing line and the housing comprises a tap for connecting to and/or cooperating with the dispensing line, wherein the dispensing line is preferably a disposable line.
8. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises cooling means for cooling at least a part of the wall of the receptacle, preferably for contact cooling at least a part of the shoulder portion of the container.
9. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is substantially bowl-shaped, preferably hemispherical, wherein the container is supported by at least a part of the wall of the receptacle.
10. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving portion is provided with a recess at its lower end for receiving the neck portion of the container.
11. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is provided with a closure ring closing the neck of the container, and wherein preferably the closure ring and/or the neck portion of the container is provided with at least one gas inlet opening for introducing a fluid, preferably a gas, under pressure into the container, preferably between an inner container and an outer container of the container, wherein preferably a beverage valve is provided within or over a dispensing opening of the container, which dispensing opening is provided by the closure ring.
12. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an adapter is provided at the neck portion of the container.
13. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the adapter is an adapter fitting on at least part of the neck portion of the container, wherein the adapter comprises at least part of a dispensing unit, including at least a dispensing line, wherein the dispensing line is provided at a first end with a connector or a dispensing adapter for connecting to the outflow opening or a beverage dispensing valve provided in the outflow opening, and at an opposite end with a beverage dispensing opening, preferably provided by a dispensing valve integral with or connected to the dispensing line, more preferably the dispensing valve is disposable with the dispensing line.
14. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the adapter is arranged for connecting a gas connection of the dispenser with the at least one gas inlet opening.
15. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the container is a BIC type container comprising an outer container and an inner container, wherein at least one gas inlet opening is provided in the neck portion of the container, in a peripheral wall portion of the container, preferably in a peripheral wall portion of the neck portion of the outer container, leading to a space between the inner container and the outer container, wherein the adapter covers at least the at least one gas inlet opening and is provided with at least one adapter opening, which adapter opening extends radially outwards, in fluid communication with the at least one gas inlet opening and in fluid connection with a gas connection of the distributor, wherein the housing is provided with a supply for pressurized gas, in particular a gas compressor connected to a gas connection.
16. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 12-15, wherein the receiving portion has a recess at an end thereof for receiving the neck part of the container and the adapter, wherein the adapter and the recess are preferably provided with orientation defining elements such that the position of the adapter within the recess is defined in a desired orientation with respect to a gas connection of the dispenser.
17. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser is provided with at least one gas connection which is movable relative to the container and/or the receptacle, preferably substantially radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the neck portion of the container.
18. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the gas connection is mechanically movable, preferably electromechanically movable.
19. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser is provided with at least one sensing element movable relative to the container and/or receptacle, which sensing element engages with the container and/or an adapter mounted thereon for sensing the correct position of the container and/or adapter in the receptacle, wherein the sensing element may be part of or form a locking element for locking the container inside the dispenser.
20. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claims 18 and 19, wherein the sensing element and the at least one gas connection are coupled such that the gas connection can enter the extended state only if:
-the sensing element detects the correct position of the container and/or its adapter; or
-the sensing element detects the correct position of the container or its adapter or does not detect a container or its adapter.
21. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is provided with a channel extending from a recess near its lower end upwards in a wall portion of the receptacle, wherein a dispensing line extends in the channel.
22. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a BIC type container comprising an outer container and an inner container, wherein the inner container is substantially filled with the beverage, and wherein the inner container has at least a flexible shoulder portion such that the beverage pushes the shoulder portion of the inner container against an inner surface of the outer container within the receiving portion.
23. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an illumination device is provided to illuminate at least a part of the lid, wherein the illumination device is preferably provided in the housing emitting light into the lid from its lower end resting on the housing.
24. Beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is placed in the dispenser with the neck portion facing downwards such that at least a part of the container comprising the neck portion is received in the receiving portion, preferably having a portion extending close to and/or in contact with a wall of the receiving portion, preferably at least a portion of a shoulder portion of the container.
25. A beverage container for use in a beverage dispensing assembly according to any of the preceding claims.
26. Beverage container according to claim 25, wherein the container is a BIC type container, preferably integrally blow moulded from a preform assembly made of plastic, more preferably a crystalline or semi-crystalline plastic such as PET and/or PEN and/or PEF, wherein the container is provided with an adaptor, preferably at a neck portion of the container, wherein the adaptor:
-a gas inlet opening connected to the container and provided with at least one adapter opening extending radially outwards in fluid communication with the at least one gas inlet opening; and/or
-a dispensing unit is provided comprising at least a dispensing line; and/or
-providing a non-circular outer portion for a specific orientation of the adapter within the housing.
27. A container according to claim 26, wherein the adapter is provided with an end face with a slot or channel for receiving a dispensing line or a part of the dispensing line, preferably such that the container can be placed on the end face without restricting the beverage flow through the dispensing line.
28. The beverage dispensing assembly and bar counter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the dispensing assembly is placed on the bar counter such that at least the portion of the container extending above the housing is located substantially at the eye level of a person standing at the bar counter.
29. Beverage dispenser for receiving a beverage container, wherein the dispenser comprises a housing provided with a receiving portion for receiving at least a part of the container such that at least a part of the container is received in the receiving portion when the container is positioned in the dispenser, wherein a cover is provided for positioning over the container to enclose a part of the container extending outside the receiving portion, wherein the cover is at least transparent to the extent that at least a significant part of the container extending outside the receiving portion is visible through the cover during use.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing assembly for dispensing carbonated beverages from plastic containers. The invention also relates to a container for the beverage dispensing assembly of the invention.
Background
EP1003686 discloses a beverage dispensing assembly comprising a dispenser and a beverage container having a neck portion and a shoulder portion adjacent to the neck portion, wherein the neck portion is provided with an outflow opening for the beverage. The container is a compressible container that is inserted into the interior space of the dispenser and closed by a lid portion attached to the container. During use, a pressure is established within the inner space, causing the container to be compressed and thus pressurise the beverage for dispensing. EP2448858 discloses a similar dispensing assembly with an upwardly facing outflow opening, wherein a closure for a pressure space is sealingly connected to a neck portion of a container, while suspending the container within said space.
WO2004099060 discloses a beverage dispensing assembly similar to NL1006949, wherein the container is inverted during use, with the outflow opening facing downwards. Also, the container is provided with a closure ring cooperating with the closure means of the dispenser for closing a pressure space in which the container is compressed for pressurizing and dispensing the beverage.
Such an assembly is complex in design and use, as it requires a container and a dispenser adapted to cooperate to close the pressure space.
EP2448734 discloses a BIC type container having a closure provided with a beverage valve. A gas inlet opening is provided in the closure for connecting a gas supply device to the container, in particular to the space between the inner and outer container of a BIC type container. The container is positioned with the outflow opening with the closure facing upwards.
It is further known, for example, from Heineken' s
) It is known and disclosed in WO00/03944 to dispense beverages from a bag-in-container type container in which the beverage is contained within a flexible inner container which is suspended within a more rigid outer container. In such systems, a pressurized gas may be introduced into the container between the inner and outer containers, thereby compressing the bag or inner container and squeezing out the beverage without the pressurized gas coming into direct contact with the beverage.In EP2148771 an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container for containing and dispensing a beverage is disclosed, wherein at least one vent opening is provided extending parallel to the interface between the inner container and the outer container, which vent opening is vented to atmosphere at a position adjacent to and oriented approximately coaxially with the mouth of the bag-in-container. EP2148771 does not disclose how the container is used in a dispensing assembly, in particular how it is connected to a tap line or tap set.
WO2011/002294 discloses an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container, wherein an opening is provided in the neck region of the inner container, which opening opens into the space between the inner container and the outer container. A closure may be provided having a valve and a gas supply passage connected to the opening to supply gas under pressure into the space. Wherein all the gas pressure is exerted on the neck region of the outer container in the neck region. In alternative embodiments, the opening may be in the neck of the outer preform or container.
WO2006/087148 discloses a dispensing system wherein a container is placed on its bottom on a bottom part of a dispenser, wherein after placing a lid on the container it is enclosed in a cooling chamber formed by the lid. The container is a single wall container known as a party barrel or party container and is provided with a tap near the bottom for gravity dispensing of the beverage from the container. The lid is a thick-walled, closed, isolated mantel that separates the container from the environment.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention aims to provide a beverage dispensing assembly which is an alternative to known assemblies. The present invention aims to provide a beverage dispensing assembly which is relatively easy to use. The present invention aims to provide a beverage dispensing assembly that is relatively easy to manufacture and maintain. The present invention aims to provide a container suitable for use in the claimed dispensing assembly. The present invention aims in particular to provide a dispensing assembly with which a container can be used, which assembly in use provides a pleasing appearance to users, such as the beverage purchasing public and staff, which is easy to use and/or energy efficient, particularly in terms of cooling and dispensing.
In one aspect, a beverage dispensing assembly features a dispenser and a beverage container. The beverage container has a neck portion and a shoulder portion adjacent to the neck portion, wherein the container, preferably the neck portion, is provided with at least one outflow opening and at least one gas inlet opening. The dispenser comprises a housing, wherein the housing is provided with a receiving portion for accommodating at least a part of the container. The container is placed in the dispenser such that at least a portion of the container is received in the receptacle, the portion preferably having a portion extending close to and/or in contact with a wall of the receptacle. According to the invention, during use, a cover is provided over the container, closing off a portion of the container extending to the outside of the receiving portion, wherein the cover is transparent at least to such an extent that at least a significant portion of the container extending outside the receiving portion is visible through said cover.
In an embodiment, the cover may be partially transparent such that only a portion of the container extending outside the receptacle is visible through the cover. In an embodiment, the cover may be substantially completely transparent, such that the entire portion of the container extending outside the receptacle may be seen through the cover. The cover may rest on the housing, sealing the space between the cover and the outer surface of the container, wherein the cover isolates the container from the surrounding space. The cover may be a double-layer cover and the cover may be made of plastic and/or glass. In an embodiment, a lighting device may be provided to illuminate at least a portion of the cover, wherein the lighting device is preferably provided in the housing to emit light into the cover from a lower end of the cover resting on said housing.
In an embodiment, the lid may be substantially dome-shaped, having a hemispherical and/or circular or semi-circular wall portion, preferably extending over a portion of the container having a similar shape. The lid and the container may be formed such that an air gap is provided between an inner surface of the lid and an outer surface of a portion of the container extending outside the receptacle, the air gap having a substantially uniform width over said inner and outer surfaces, the width being measured as the shortest distance between said surfaces. In other words, such an air gap may have substantially the same width over the entire said inner surface of the cover.
The container is provided with a dispensing unit comprising at least a dispensing line and the housing comprises a tap for connecting to and/or cooperating with the dispensing line, wherein the dispensing line is preferably a disposable line. Disposable is understood to mean at least that it is designed for use with a limited number of containers to be emptied, in particular only one container. In an embodiment, the dispensing unit may be connected to the container and/or an adapter connected to the container such that it cannot be removed from the container without damage, meaning that it cannot be reused with another container.
The housing may comprise cooling means for cooling at least a portion of the wall of the receiving portion. Preferably, the cooling means is for contact cooling of at least a portion of the shoulder portion of the container. The receiving portion may be substantially bowl-shaped, preferably hemispherical. In an embodiment, the container may be supported by at least a portion of the wall of the receptacle. In an embodiment, the receiving portion may be provided with a recess at a lower end thereof for receiving the neck portion of the container. The recess can also receive an adapter if the adapter is disposed at the neck portion of the container.
The container may be provided with a closure ring closing the outflow opening. The beverage valve may be arranged in and/or on the closed ring. Preferably, the closure ring and/or the neck portion of the container is provided with at least one gas inlet opening for introducing a fluid, preferably a gas, under pressure into the container, preferably between the inner and outer container of the container,
in an embodiment, an adapter is provided at the neck portion of the container. The adapter is an adapter that fits over at least a portion of the neck portion of the container, wherein the adapter comprises at least a portion of a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit may in embodiments comprise at least a dispensing line, wherein the dispensing line is provided at a first end with a connector or a dispensing adapter for connection to an outflow opening or a beverage dispensing valve provided in said outflow opening, and at an opposite end with a beverage dispensing opening, which beverage dispensing opening is preferably provided by a dispensing valve integral with or connected to said dispensing line, more preferably being disposable together with the dispensing line. The adapter may be arranged for connecting the gas connection of the distributor with the at least one gas inlet opening.
In an embodiment, the beverage dispensing assembly may comprise a container, which is a BIC type container, comprising an outer container and an inner container. At least one gas inlet opening may be provided, for example, in the neck portion of the container, in a peripheral wall portion of the container, preferably in a peripheral wall portion of the neck portion of the outer container. Alternatively, such a gas inlet opening may be provided at a different location, e.g. opposite the dispensing opening of the container, e.g. opposite the neck portion of the container. The gas inlet opening may open into the space between the inner container and the outer container. The adapter may cover at least the at least one gas inlet opening and is provided with at least one adapter opening extending radially outwardly, being in fluid communication with the at least one gas inlet opening and being in fluid connection with the gas connection of the distributor. In such an embodiment, the distributor may be provided with a supply for pressurised gas, in particular a gas compressor connected to the gas connection.
In an embodiment, the receiving portion may have a recess at a lower end thereof for receiving the neck portion of the container and the adapter. The adapter and the recess are preferably provided with orientation defining elements such that the position of the adapter within the recess is defined in a desired orientation relative to the gas connection of the dispenser. In an embodiment, an adapter may be provided to connect the gas line to the container. In an embodiment, an adapter may be provided to connect the beverage dispensing line to the container. In an embodiment, adapters may be provided to connect the gas line and the beverage dispensing line to the container.
In an embodiment, the dispenser may be designed to receive the container in an upright position. In an embodiment, the dispenser may be designed to receive the container in a flat position. In an embodiment, the dispenser may be designed for receiving the container in an inclined position. In an embodiment, the dispenser may be designed for receiving a container in an upside down position. The position of the container may be defined by the orientation of a longitudinal axis of the container extending through at least one of the neck portion, the beverage dispensing opening and/or the gas inlet opening of the container, wherein an upright position of the container is defined with the beverage dispensing opening at an upper end of the container, an upside down position meaning with the dispensing opening facing substantially downwards.
In an embodiment, the dispenser may be provided with at least one gas connection which is movable, preferably substantially radially movable, relative to the longitudinal axis of the neck portion of the container and/or the receptacle. The gas connection is preferably mechanically movable, more preferably electromechanically movable.
In an embodiment, the dispenser may be provided with at least one sensing element movable relative to the container and/or receptacle, the sensing element engaging with the container and/or an adapter mounted on a neck portion of the container for sensing the correct position of the container and/or adapter in the receptacle. The sensing element may be part of or form the locking element for locking the container inside the device. The sensing element and the at least one gas connection may be coupled such that the gas connection can enter the extended state only if: the sensing element detects the correct position of the container and/or its adapter; or the sensing element detects the correct position of the container or its adapter or does not sense the container or its adapter. Obviously, other types and positions of sensing elements may be used for sensing the presence and/or correct positioning of the container. Based on the signal from such a sensing element, an activation signal may be provided, for example for starting cooling, starting pressure fluid supply, starting illumination and other functions.
In an embodiment, the receiving portion may be provided with a channel extending upwards in the wall of the receiving portion from the recess near its lower end, wherein the dispensing line extends inside the channel.
In an embodiment, the container is a plastic container, in particular a BIC type container. The container may be a BIC type container comprising an outer container and an inner container, wherein the inner container is substantially filled with the beverage, and wherein the inner container has at least a flexible shoulder portion such that the beverage pushes the shoulder portion of the inner container against an inner surface of the outer container within the receptacle.
In an embodiment, the beverage container according to the present disclosure may be a BIC type container, preferably a preform assembly made of plastic, preferably integrally blow molded, more preferably made of a crystalline or semi-crystalline plastic such as PET and/or PEN and/or PEF. The container may be provided with an adapter at a neck portion of the container, wherein the adapter is connected to the gas inlet opening of the container and is provided with at least one adapter opening extending radially outward in fluid communication with the at least one gas inlet opening; and/or with a dispensing unit comprising at least a dispensing line; and/or provided with a non-circular exterior for a particular orientation of the adapter within the housing. In an embodiment, the adapter is provided with an end face with a slot or channel for receiving a dispensing line or a part of a dispensing line, preferably such that the container can be placed on the end face without restricting the beverage flow through the dispensing line.
In an embodiment, the invention relates to a faucet assembly located or locatable on a bar counter surface, wherein a container is visible from at least two opposing sides of the bar counter, at least for a portion of the assembly extending above a housing in which the container is partially inserted. The portion extending above the housing may include a brand.
Drawings
To further clarify the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed and discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In which it is shown that:
FIG. 1 is a rear view of the beverage dispensing assembly, i.e., from the side where the dispensing assembly is operated, with a branded container visible through the lid;
FIG. 1A shows a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the assembly of FIG. 1, from a rear perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively;
figures 3A and 3B are a rear view and a cross-sectional side view of a dispensing assembly according to the present disclosure;
figure 4 is an exploded view of a dispensing unit of an assembly for dispensing a beverage;
FIG. 5 is an eight step schematic using the dispensing assembly of the present invention;
6A-6D are perspective and cross-sectional views of a portion of a first embodiment including a container with an adapter, showing a portion of a dispensing unit including a dispensing line;
6E-6G are portions of a second embodiment including a container with an adapter, showing a portion of a dispensing unit including a dispensing line in perspective and cross-sectional views;
FIG. 6H is a perspective view of a neck portion of an embodiment of a container;
FIG. 7 is a cut-away section schematically showing the container in the receiving portion of the housing of the dispensing unit;
fig. 8 schematically shows a cross-section of a container with adjacent shoulder portions positioned in the housing, in particular in the receiving portion;
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an adapter for mounting on a container in an end view;
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the recess at the lower end of the receiving portion showing a portion of the gas connector and its operating mechanism;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle and container in the recess, showing the air connector in an extended position;
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a portion of a housing and cover having a light source, such as an LED with a light guide;
FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a tap mated with an in-line valve of a dispensing unit;
fig. 14 and 15 schematically show a cross-sectional portion of a housing having a tap with a dispensing unit, wherein the tap is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.
FIGS. 16A-16C are cross-sectional side views of a dispensing adapter with a portion of the dispensing line in a straight condition (FIG. 16A) and a bent condition (FIG. 16B), with a cover for placement over the adapter, as shown in FIG. 16C;
FIG. 17 is an in-line valve installed on the dispensing line of the dispensing unit; and
18-20 are related portions of alternative embodiments of containers having adapters or closures for use in systems according to the present invention;
21A and 21B schematically illustrate an alternative embodiment of a dispensing assembly in which the container has an upwardly facing outlet opening;
FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a dispensing assembly in which the container has a side-facing outlet opening; and
23A and 23B schematically illustrate an alternative preform assembly and container embodiment;
FIGS. 24A and 24B are embodiments of a dispensing device with alternative illumination;
fig. 25A and 25B are another alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT (S) OF INVENTION
In this specification, embodiments of the invention have been shown and disclosed, simply by way of example. These should in no way be construed or interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. In the present specification, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. In this specification, embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to carbonated beverages, in particular beer. However, other beverages may be used in the present invention.
In this specification, references to upper and lower, top and bottom, and the like are to be considered as normal orientations of the dispensing unit unless explicitly stated otherwise. The rear part of the dispensing unit should be considered as one side of a tap handle or the like arranged for operating the system, in particular for operating to dispense a beverage contained in a container arranged in and/or on the unit. The container may have a base and a neck region comprising an orifice for filling and/or dispensing. The neck region may be an integral part of the container or may be assembled to the container. During use of an embodiment, the aperture in the assembly may be substantially downward, upward, or sideways. For example, a downward orientation is shown in the figures, particularly in FIG. 1, where top, bottom, upper and lower are indicated by arrows and appropriate wording, for indication purposes only. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which the disclosed faucet assembly or portions thereof must be used. An alternative orientation is shown, for example, in fig. 21A and 21B and fig. 22. For containers, the normal position may be bottom-down and neck-up. In the disclosed faucet assembly, the bottom of the container may face upward, downward, and/or to the side.
In the present disclosure, with respect to the visibility of the container through the lid, a significant portion of the container (significant part) is understood to comprise at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50% of the outer surface area of the container. In an embodiment, this may be understood as at least 60% of the outer surface area. In the present disclosure, with respect to the visibility of the container through the lid, a significant portion of the container may alternatively or additionally be understood to include at least: in a container having a longitudinal axis extending from a neck region of the container to an opposite end, the container is visible through the cap at least over more than 180 degrees, preferably over more than 220 degrees, more preferably over more than 270 degrees, even more preferably over more than 360 degrees, measured in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, over at least 30% of the longitudinal length measured along such longitudinal axis. As shown, such a longitudinal axis may, for example, extend substantially horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, such as, but not limited to, extending diagonally.
For example, transparency can be measured, but is not exclusively measured, according to ASTM-D1746-15. The transparency of the cover may for example, but not limited to, be at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, measured according to said standard. The transparency of the cover may be at least 75%. The container or at least the outer container of the container may be transparent, having (but not limited to) a transparency of at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, measured according to said standard. The transparency of the container or at least the outer container of the container may be at least 75%. To the extent that the cover is transparent, at least to the naked human eye, the cover may be substantially colorless or at least substantially colorless over at least a portion of the transparent portion of the cover.
In the present disclosure, a lid is understood to mean a closure which can be detached from another dispenser, for example lifted off and placed on a container, or can be hinged to another dispenser, for example. The lid may be a single entity or may comprise two or more parts which may for example be hinged or may be assembled to close a portion of the container.
In the present description, a BIC-type or bag-in-container type container must be understood to mean at least a container comprising an outer holder and an inner holder, wherein the inner holder is designed to hold a beverage and is more flexible or more compressible than the outer holder. The outer holder may for example be a container, such as a bottle-like container having a neck and a body, while the inner holder may be a flexible container, such as a bag. The inner holder and/or the outer holder may be made of a single material or a mixture of materials, and may be made wholly or partly by injection and/or blow moulding, rotational moulding, etc. In embodiments, the inner and outer containers may be made of the same polymer or blend, or at least made such that the container may be recycled in its entirety. The same materials are to be understood at least as (but not limited to): the material from which the inner and outer containers are made comprises at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% by volume of the same polymer, such as PET, PEN or PEF or another semi-crystalline polymer, regardless of the grade of polymer. Preferably, the bag-in-container according to the invention is made by integral blow moulding. In an embodiment, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by: at least one preform is inserted into another preform and then they are blown together into a bag-in-container type container. In an embodiment, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by: at least one preform forming the multilayer preform is over-moulded and then they are blown together into a bag-in-container type container. In an embodiment, the bag may be suspended inside the outer container after the outer container and the bag, respectively, are at least partially formed.
In the present disclosure, a bag-in-container (BIC) will be described by way of example, which is integrally blow-moulded from a preform set comprising two superimposed plastic preforms, it being understood that one of the preforms is inserted into the other of the preforms, which are then blow-moulded together into the BIC in a known manner. In an embodiment, before said blow-moulding, a closure ring is mounted on the preforms, connecting them together and closing a space between the preforms, which space may also be referred to as a seam or gap, so that at least after blow-moulding, said space is in communication with the environment only through or may only be through one or more openings (in particular outward openings) provided in the neck region of the container, extending through the outer preform and/or the wall of the neck region of the container. The at least one opening may be provided during the manufacture of the preform, in particular during the injection moulding of the preform, but may also be provided later, for example by punching, drilling or otherwise machining into the container during or after the blow moulding.
In an alternative embodiment, the or each opening for introducing a pressurised fluid (such as air) into the space between the inner container and the outer container or between the inner bag and the outer container may be provided between the inner container and the neck portion of the outer container or between the inner bag and the neck portion of the outer container, for example as shown in fig. 18-20.
In an alternative embodiment, a similar BIC may be provided, however wherein a dispensing opening for the beverage is provided at the end of the container opposite the gas inlet opening. Such a container is shown, for example, in fig. 23. In a further alternative embodiment, the container for the present dispensing assembly may be provided with an internal pressurizer, for example known per se from netherlands patent application NL1008601, which pressurizer may for example be mounted in the beverage chamber of the container or in the space between the inner container and the outer container when a BIC type container is used.
In this specification, a faucet assembly may include a housing containing a cooling device and a pressure device for supplying a pressurized gas, such as air, to a vessel. The container may be a plastic beverage container, preferably a BIC type container. The system further comprises a cover, preferably an at least partially transparent cover, which fits over the container when the cover is properly placed in the housing. The cover provides visibility of the container within the dispensing device comprising the housing and the cover, so that for example the degree of filling can be determined and the brand of the container can be seen from the outside. In this case, transparent is to be understood as being sufficiently clear to allow the container to be viewed and inspected through the lid, preferably without being disturbed by, for example, coloration or fogging. In an embodiment, the container is visible through the lid over at least a majority of the lid (e.g., over 50% of the surface area of the lid). In an embodiment, the container is visible from at least two opposite sides through the lid. In an embodiment, the container is visible through the lid over 360 degrees (i.e., from all sides) over at least a portion of the height or axial length of the lid. In an embodiment, the container is visible through the cap over more than 50% of its axial length over an angle between 180 and 360 degrees. Setting the container visible, in particular at least the brand of the container, may be beneficial for: allowing different brands to be used in the same system without having to re-brand the allocation unit. Arranging the container to be visible, in particular at least the brand of the container, may be beneficial for the appearance of the dispensing unit. It may be beneficial to arrange the container to be visible, in particular at least the brand of the container, for the purpose of inspecting the container and/or its contents. Arranging the container to be visible through the lid may be beneficial for assessing the filling of the container, especially when using a partially transparent container or a BIC with an at least partially transparent outer container. Providing the container visible through the lid may be beneficial to increase the appeal of the system to the consumer.
By using a lid according to the present disclosure, a significant portion of the container may be visible to the consumer or user during use, while the container may still be sealed to isolate the container from the environment. This may be advantageous, for example, but not limited to, cooling and maintaining a desired temperature of the beverage, preventing contamination, preventing damage to the container or other system components, and/or preventing contamination.
In this specification, the dispensing assembly may be placed on top of a bar counter or table or the like so that a portion of the container is visible through the lid, for example a portion extending above the housing at approximately eye level when an average adult is standing in a bar counter. The visible parts are preferably visible from at least two opposite sides, for example from the front and back of such a bar counter.
In this description, the dispensing assembly (which may also be referred to as a tap assembly) may be designed such that the container may be placed on and/or in the housing of the dispensing unit in an "upside down" position, such that at least a part of the container, in particular at least a part of the shoulder portion of the container, is introduced into a receiving portion on the housing, the neck, which comprises the downwardly directed outflow opening. Preferably, a part of the container extending into the receptacle is close to or at least partially in contact with the wall of the receptacle, wherein the wall of the receptacle is cooled, in particular actively cooled. In the "inverted" position, this may be, for example, part of the shoulder portion of the container. In the "upright position", the shoulder portion may for example face upwards, whereby the bottom may be accommodated in the receiving portion, in particular for cooling. In the flat position or the inclined position, the side of the container can be accommodated in the receptacle for cooling.
In this specification, with respect to the distance between the wall of the receptacle and the associated container part, relatively close is to be understood that the distance is small enough to allow efficient cooling of said part of the container and its contents. Preferably, the beverage is dispensed from an area of the container next to said portion of the cooled wall. In these embodiments, preferably, the part of the wall for cooling in the receiving portion is a lower part of the container. In such an embodiment, the advantage is obtained that, even if the container is partially empty, the content of the container is at least partially located in the area cooled by the wall of the receiving portion, which cooled content is close to and in particular directly adjacent to the outflow opening, or at least at the location from which the beverage is dispensed. Thus, the temperature of the dispensed beverage can be well controlled even if a portion of the container extending outside the receiving portion is not cooled or is cooled very little.
When positioning the container in the receiving portion, at least one line contact is preferably obtained between the container and the wall of the receiving portion for contact cooling. Such line contact may for example be formed by a circular or oval line or any line, for example depending on the shape of the container and the receiving portion and the orientation of the container. Preferably, the contact is established over a relatively large portion of the container, for example over a shoulder portion, a bottom portion or a wall portion of the container extending inside the receiving portion, or the wall of the container is at least very close relative to the wall of the receiving portion. The distance between the container and the relevant part of the receptacle, measured as the minimum distance between adjacent surfaces, is preferably 0 to 1mm, more preferably 0 to 0.5mm, even more preferably 0 to 0.25 mm, which is an average over at least a part of the circumferential surface area of the receptacle, has a height measure along the vertical axis of the receptacle, which may be, for example, the height of a part of the container extending in said receptacleAt least about 1/4 degrees or diametersth. For example, in the inverted orientation, at least about one quarter of the axial height of the shoulder portion of the container may extend into the receptacle, the height being measured directly adjacent the neck portion. For example, the height value is between one quarter of the height of the shoulder portion and the entire height.
Fig. 1 and 1A show an exemplary embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 1 of the present disclosure, comprising a
The orientation of the container in the dispensing device may be defined at least on the basis of the orientation of the longitudinal axis X-X of the container, wherein in the upside down position the axis will extend substantially vertically and in the upright position the axis will extend substantially horizontally and in the inclined position the axis is angled both horizontally and vertically. In the upright position the bottom of the container may face downwards, in the upside down position the bottom of the container may face upwards, and in the flat position the bottom of the container may face sideways.
For example, the dispensing assembly 1 is placed on
The
In the embodiment shown, a
In a preferred embodiment, the
In the embodiments shown for example in fig. 1 and 1A, 3 and 3A, the
The
In a preferred embodiment, the
Alternatively, other means for opening and/or closing the dispensing
As can be seen for example from fig. 3A and 3B and 8 and 11, the receiving
As shown in fig. 6A to 6G, the dispensing
As can be seen schematically in fig. 6A-6G, 7-9 and 11, the
Fig. 6H shows, by way of example, the
Alternatively, the
In fig. 18 to 20, the
In fig. 18, a
In the centre of the
Spaced from the
Fig. 19 shows the
In a preferred embodiment, the
In fig. 20, instead of the
In a preferred embodiment, the
In these embodiments of fig. 18-20, too, the dispensing
Fig. 21A and 21B schematically show an embodiment of the dispensing system 1, in which the
In the embodiment shown in fig. 21A and 21B, the dispensing
In an alternative embodiment not shown, a dispensing unit may be provided which extends through the top end of the
In embodiments in which the
Fig. 22 schematically shows another alternative embodiment of the dispensing system 1, wherein the
As can be seen, again, cooling means 26, 95, such as, but not limited to, one or more channels conducting a cooling liquid, are provided in the
As shown again in fig. 22, a
Fig. 23A schematically illustrates, in side view and cross-sectional view, a
In embodiments, the
In the present disclosure, transparent should be understood to also include translucent, as long as the container is visible through the lid and/or
In the disclosed embodiment, the
As shown, for example, in fig. 6A-6G, the
Fig. 6E-6G illustrate an alternative embodiment, wherein in fig. 6E,
Fig. 16A-16C and 17 show an example of a dispensing
Fig. 17 shows in cross-section a valve, in particular an in-
As shown in fig. 10, a
Fig. 14 shows the position of the
Referring to fig. 10 and 11, the housing comprises an operating mechanism 80 for operating the at least one gas connection 53 of the tap arrangement 1. The operating mechanism 80 is particularly designed for moving the at least one gas connection 53 between the retracted position and the extended position, extending at least partially radially into the
In the embodiment shown, the or each link 53 is carried by a
Figure 10 shows the retracted position of the one or more slides 81. In this position, the
In the embodiment shown, the blade 91 is connected to at least one
As discussed, a
As shown in fig. 3B, 7, 9, 11 and 13-15, the
Typically, the
In the illustrated embodiment, the housing may include an illumination element such as an LED77 in a rim portion of the
Fig. 24A and 24B illustrate an embodiment of a dispensing assembly 1 according to the present disclosure, the dispensing assembly 1 being shown here as an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown, for example, in fig. 1-3. However, the
As shown in FIG. 24A, when the
In embodiments where the
In an embodiment, portions of the inner and/or
In fig. 25A and 25B, the system 1 is shown, again with a
Fig. 5 schematically shows how the system 1 of the present disclosure may be used, reference being made here to the embodiments of fig. 1-4, for example. The disclosed alternative embodiments may be used in a similar manner. The
After the
During use, pressurized gas will be supplied into the
In fig. 7, the advantageous position of the
The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed and discussed herein above. Many variations thereof are possible, including but not limited to combinations of parts of the embodiments shown and described. For example, the at least one
These and many other modifications are also considered to be disclosed herein within the scope of the invention as set forth, including but not limited to all combinations of elements of the disclosed invention.
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