阅读说明：本技术 饮料分配器系统和方法 (Beverage dispenser system and method ) 是由 G·S·布塔尼 P·德斯潘德 于 2019-02-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了一种饮料分配系统,该饮料分配系统包括：主体,主体包括适于接纳饮料容器的内部空腔；适配器模块；和受控气体系统。适配器模块被构造成提供从饮料容器到受控气体系统的流体耦合,使得可在设置在饮料容器内的饮料表面上的正气体压力的辅助下通过连接到适配器的龙头分配饮料。受控气体系统在饮料容器中的饮料的表面上施加正压力,使得当打开龙头以分配饮料时,在饮料的表面上的正压力与环境压力之间的相对压力差导致从龙头分配饮料。(The present disclosure provides a beverage dispensing system comprising: a body including an interior cavity adapted to receive a beverage container; an adapter module; and a controlled gas system. The adapter module is configured to provide fluid coupling from the beverage container to a controlled gas system such that a beverage may be dispensed through a tap connected to the adapter with the aid of a positive gas pressure disposed on a surface of the beverage within the beverage container. The controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure on the surface of the beverage in the beverage container such that when the tap is opened to dispense the beverage, a relative pressure differential between the positive pressure on the surface of the beverage and ambient pressure results in the beverage being dispensed from the tap.)

1. A beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing system comprising:

a body, the body comprising:

an interior cavity adapted to receive a beverage container therein;

an adapter module; and

a controlled gas system, wherein the adapter module is configured to provide fluid coupling from a resealable beverage container to the controlled gas system such that a beverage can be dispensed from a tap operatively connected to the adapter with the aid of a positive gas pressure disposed on a beverage surface within the beverage container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the adapter module further comprises:

an adapter configured to couple to an opening of a beverage container; and

a beverage tube coupled to the adapter and configured to receive a beverage from the beverage container.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a lid configured to close the internal cavity; and wherein the controlled gas system further comprises:

a one-way gas valve comprising a switch configured to prevent the controlled gas system from flowing gas to the beverage container when the lid is removed from the body.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled gas system further comprises:

a gas tank containing one of CO2 or compressed air;

a gas line connecting the gas canister to a one-way gas valve;

a second gas line connecting the one-way gas valve to a manifold, wherein the manifold is connected to the adapter and allows fluid communication between the gas canister and the beverage container.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled gas system further comprises:

a gas tank; and is

Wherein the adapter module further comprises:

an adapter configured to couple to the beverage container and configured to provide a gas flow path between the gas canister and the beverage container.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure on a surface of the beverage in the beverage container, such that when the tap is opened to dispense the beverage, a relative pressure differential between the positive pressure on the surface of the beverage and ambient pressure causes the beverage to be dispensed from the tap.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a bottle.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a manifold configured to establish a gas flow path between the gas canister and within a beverage container and configured to establish a beverage flow path between the beverage container and a faucet to dispense the beverage.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

a locking member connected to the manifold and configured to retain the adapter such that the adapter is coupled to the manifold.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the manifold further comprises:

a gas outlet configured to be coupled to a gas inlet of the adapter; and

a beverage inlet configured to couple to the beverage outlet of the adapter.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on a surface of the beverage within the beverage container.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second adapter module, wherein the second adapter module is configured to provide fluid coupling from a second beverage container to the controlled gas system such that a second beverage can be dispensed through a second tap connected to the second adapter with the aid of a positive gas pressure disposed on a beverage surface within the second beverage container.

13. A ready-to-drink beverage dispensing system, the ready-to-drink beverage dispensing system comprising:

a product limiting element comprising a base profile disposed on an interior surface of a body of a beverage dispenser, wherein the base profile is shaped to match a profile of a particular brand of beverage container.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a locking member configured to retain a beverage container within a body of the system, wherein the locking member is positioned such that the locking member limits a height of the beverage container to match a height of a particular brand of beverage container.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the beverage container is a bottle.

16. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a gas tank; and

an adapter configured to couple to the beverage container and configured to provide a gas flow path between the gas canister and the beverage container.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the gas flow path exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on a surface of the beverage within the beverage container.

18. A method of dispensing a beverage from a ready-to-drink dispenser, the method comprising:

providing a gas flow path from a gas canister configured to provide a fluid coupling to a gas inlet of an adapter;

providing a beverage flow path from the beverage outlet of the adapter to the faucet; and

maintaining a positive pressure in the gas flow path relative to ambient pressure such that when the tap is actuated, the pressure in the gas flow path pushes the beverage through the beverage outlet of the tap.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

providing a one-way gas valve in the gas flow path such that pressure from the gas canister is regulated to flow in one direction toward the gas inlet of the adapter.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the gas flow path exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on a surface of the beverage within the beverage container.

Technical Field

The embodiments relate generally to beverage dispensers. In particular, embodiments relate to a ready-to-drink system that utilizes a controlled gas system to assist in dispensing.

Background

Various systems and methods for beverage dispensing systems may be used. Beverage dispensing units have become a popular means for catering establishments to make or dispense fountain cooler (fountain) beverages on-site. Typically, these units include several bag-in-box containers, each containing syrup, a liquid source to dispense the liquid, a mixing unit, and a dispensing unit. The syrup is pumped from the bag-in-box container to a mixing unit where the syrup is mixed with a liquid to form a beverage, which is then dispensed through a dispensing unit. Typically, a pump causes syrup to be released from the bag-in-box container into the mixing unit.

However, in developing countries and emerging markets, the operators of the market or roadside stalls may not be able to obtain reliable electricity, tap water, or refrigeration. In these markets, owners of such stores may purchase beverage bottles that are available for sale (e.g., can be resealable PET soft drink bottles) and resell to customers while pouring into cups or glasses. In this manner, the store owner can still provide the beverage, and the original beverage manufacturer can still sell the marketable product. However, current systems (which include manual opening and pouring) suffer from slow pouring times, loss of carbonation in carbonated beverages, sanitary difficulties in open systems, and other problems described herein. There is a need for improved systems and methods that overcome these and other problems with existing systems.

Disclosure of Invention

Some embodiments are directed to a beverage dispensing system that includes a body. The body includes an interior cavity adapted to receive a beverage container therein. The system may also include an adapter module and a controlled gas system. In some embodiments, the adapter module is configured to provide fluid coupling from the beverage container to a controlled gas system such that the beverage can be dispensed with the aid of a positive gas pressure on a beverage surface disposed within the beverage container through a tap connected to the adapter.

In some embodiments, the adapter module comprises: an adapter configured to couple to an opening of a beverage container; and a beverage tube coupled to the adapter and configured to receive a beverage from the beverage container.

In some embodiments, the system includes a lid configured to close the internal cavity. The controlled gas system may include a one-way gas valve including a switch configured to restrict or prevent the controlled gas system from flowing gas to the beverage container when the lid is removed from the body. In some embodiments, the controlled gas system includes a gas tank containing, for example, one of CO2 or compressed air. In some embodiments, a gas line connects the gas canister to a one-way gas valve, and a second gas line connects the one-way gas valve to a manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold is connected to the adapter and allows fluid communication between the gas canister and the beverage container. In some embodiments, an adapter is configured to couple to the beverage container and configured to provide a gas flow path between the gas canister and the beverage container.

In some embodiments, the controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure on the surface of the beverage in the beverage container such that when the tap is opened to dispense the beverage, a relative pressure differential between the positive pressure on the surface of the beverage and ambient pressure results in the beverage being dispensed from the tap. In some embodiments, the beverage container is a bottle.

In some embodiments, the system includes a manifold configured to establish a gas flow path between the gas canister and within the beverage container, and configured to establish a beverage flow path between the beverage container and the faucet to dispense the beverage. In some embodiments, the system includes a locking member connected to the manifold and configured to retain the adapter such that the adapter is coupled to the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold further comprises: a gas outlet configured to be coupled to the gas inlet of the adapter; and a beverage inlet configured to couple to the beverage outlet of the adapter.

In some embodiments, the controlled gas system exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on the surface of the beverage within the beverage container. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a second adapter module, wherein the second adapter module is configured to provide fluid coupling from the second beverage container to the controlled gas system such that the second beverage can be dispensed through a second tap connected to the second adapter with the aid of a positive gas pressure disposed on a surface of the beverage within the second beverage container.

Some embodiments are directed to a ready-to-drink, ready-to-drink beverage dispensing system that includes a product restriction element. The product restriction element may include a base profile disposed on an interior surface of a body of the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the base profile is shaped to match the profile of a particular brand of beverage container.

In some embodiments, the system includes a locking member configured to retain the beverage container within a body of the system. In some embodiments, the locking member is positioned such that the locking member limits the height of the beverage container to match the height of a particular brand of beverage container. In some embodiments, the system includes a gas canister and an adapter configured to couple to the beverage container and configured to provide a gas flow path between the gas canister and the beverage container.

Some embodiments are directed to a method of dispensing a beverage from a ready-to-drink dispenser. The method can comprise the following steps: providing a gas flow path from a gas canister configured to provide a fluid coupling to a gas inlet of an adapter; providing a beverage flow path from the beverage outlet of the adapter to the faucet; and maintaining a positive pressure in the gas flow path relative to ambient pressure such that when the tap is actuated, the pressure in the gas flow path pushes the beverage through the beverage outlet of the tap.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a one-way gas valve in the gas flow path such that pressure from the gas canister is regulated to flow in a direction towards the gas inlet of the adapter. In some embodiments, the gas flow path exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on the surface of the beverage within the beverage container.

Drawings

The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a front assembly perspective view of a beverage dispensing system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a rear assembly perspective view of the beverage dispensing system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a rear assembly perspective view of the beverage dispensing system of FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing a portion of the outer housing removed.

Fig. 2 shows a partially exploded assembly perspective view of the beverage dispensing system shown in fig. 1A-1C including a beverage container.

Fig. 3 illustrates the configuration of a beverage container and the connection of a beverage container adapter according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 illustrates a configuration of a locking mechanism connecting a beverage container adapter to a manifold according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of a beverage dispensing system having a beverage validation system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a beverage dispensing system according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

As discussed above, beverage dispensing units have become a popular means for catering establishments to make or dispense on-site fountain cooler beverages. Typically, these units include several bag-in-box containers, each containing syrup, a liquid source to dispense the liquid, a mixing unit, and a dispensing unit. The syrup is pumped from the bag-in-box container to a mixing unit where the syrup is mixed with a liquid to form a beverage, which is then dispensed through a dispensing unit. Typically, a pump causes syrup to be released from the bag-in-box container into the mixing unit.

However, in developing countries and the pyramid market, beverages can be poured out and offered to customers by packaging bottles of higher capacity (e.g., 1.25 to 2.25 liter bottles). This process may be referred to as "instant drink". Previous methods and systems include manual brewing by a service person by tilting the bottle, pouring through a special tap, etc. However, assigning by these means has problems associated with them. For example, manual pouring is inefficient and cumbersome for the operator/store owner. Furthermore, if the beverage is a carbonated beverage, these methods tend to reduce the carbonation therein because the contact of air with the beverage causes the beverage to lose carbonation. Uneven pouring of carbonated beverages may release further carbonic acid and foam may form in the glass into which the carbonated beverage is poured.

In a system where the bottle is inverted vertically, the loss of carbonation is also a problem when air is rapidly passed through the beverage to transfer the beverage. When air passes quickly through the beverage, the beverage loses its carbonation and therefore consumers complain that the beverage is tasteless. Moreover, dispensers for fixed, vertically inverted bottles have their own challenges of attaching the bottle without spillage. Other systems can be overly complex, making it difficult to clean the dispenser valve periodically, which can be cumbersome for the operator/store owner. Previous systems and methods do not allow for quick service, which results in the operator having to squeeze the bottle during dispensing to quickly pour out, and even in many cases not completely empty the bottle.

What is needed is an improved ready-to-drink beverage dispensing system that improves upon existing systems to provide a reasonably priced, simple, effective, quick-pour, convenient, and ergonomic dispenser on the market in developing countries. Embodiments of the systems described herein address one or more of these issues, in part, due to their novel control gas systems and bottle locking systems, and reduce spillage and improve carbonation retention. These systems are well suited for use with non-carbonated beverages. The disclosed system is generally low service demanding. Furthermore, with the disclosed system, hands-on installation is achieved without any training.

In some embodiments, the beverage container may be a single serving package and may be provided to the consumer by a store attendant. In other embodiments, the beverage may be dispensed to the consumer through a refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the system may be refrigerated and may include an integrated point of sale ("POS") payment system that will dispense the beverage with little interaction from store attendants other than refilling the beverage container and periodically cleaning the valve.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific embodiments presented herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Referring to fig. 1A-1C, the beverage dispensing system 10 may include a body 100. The beverage dispensing system 10 may include a drip tray 103 disposed below one or more valves 104. As shown, the valve 104 includes a handle 105 and an outlet 106. In some embodiments, the valve 104 may be a self-tapping faucet. To dispense a beverage, the individual may actually valve the handle 105, thereby allowing the beverage to flow out of the outlet 106. The body 100 may include a cavity that is fully or partially enclosed by a lid 101, which may include a lid handle 102.

The body 100 may be constructed as a plastic body that advantageously allows for portable and rugged installation, such as for use in roadside stalls in developing countries and emerging markets. In some embodiments, the walls of the body 100 and the lid 101 may be made of plastic, for example, and may include an insulating material, such as polyurethane. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may include a stainless steel skin such that the appearance of the stainless steel is achieved by merely making the stainless steel compliant without increasing cost manufacturing issues. The body 100 may be configured as a housing to house the internal components of the system.

Turning to fig. 1B, the beverage dispensing system may then include a controlled gas system 200. The controlled gas system 200 may include, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) or compressed air. Other food-safe gases are also contemplated. As shown in the figure, the controlled gas system 200 may include a gas tank 201 coupled to a regulator 202. The regulator 202 can be coupled to a gas line 203, which can extend from the regulator through a wall or lid 101 of the beverage dispensing system body 100, for example. In some embodiments, the regulator 202 may be a micro-regulator. The regulator 202 may limit the pressure supplied to the gas line 203 to, for example, between about 0 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 30psi, more preferably between about 10psi and 15 psi. The gas canister 201 may be self-contained, separate from the main body 100, and may be connected to the main body 100, for example, by a support frame or other positioning mechanism.

As shown in fig. 1C, an ice container may be provided within the cavity of the body 100 inside the beverage dispensing system 10 in order to keep the inner body 100 cool. In some embodiments, if an ice container is provided, the ice container may be removable. If an ice container is provided, in some embodiments, the ice container may be molded such that one or more walls are shaped to partially or completely surround a beverage container, such as a bottle. As the ice melts, the fluid outlet 107 is configured to allow the melted ice to exit the body 100. The fluid outlet 107 may be connected, for example, to an extension hose so that melted ice, condensate, or other fluid may be further diverted away from the beverage dispensing system 10. In some embodiments, fluid outlet 107 may include an on/off valve configured to allow an individual to control the discharge of melted ice or water from body 100.

In embodiments of the beverage dispensing system 10 that include different cooling systems (e.g., vapor compression refrigeration systems, thermoelectric systems, etc.), an ice container is not required and the fluid outlet 107 may be omitted, or simply unsealed. In order to keep the interior of the body 100 cool, the walls and lid of the beverage dispensing system 10 may include an insulating material.

Turning to fig. 2, a partially exploded assembly perspective view of the beverage dispensing system shown in fig. 1A-1C including a beverage container is shown. As shown, a gas tank 201 is coupled to a regulator 202. The regulator 202 is then coupled to a gas line 203, which can extend from the regulator through a wall or lid of the beverage dispensing system body 100. The gas line 203 can be connected to a quick connector 204 that connects to an internal gas line 205. One or more quick connectors and or frame members may be provided for mounting purposes within the body 100. The internal gas line 205 can then be connected to, for example, a one-way gas valve 206 as shown in the figure. The one-way gas valve 206 acts as a check valve and allows gas to flow only in the direction of the final manifold and beverage container, as described further below. In some embodiments, the one-way gas valve ensures that gas (e.g., CO2 or compressed air) is not introduced into the bottle prior to the cap 101 being secured over the opening in the body 100 by interaction of the cap 101 to actuate the switch to allow the one-way gas valve 206 to open. In this way, no additional gas from the gas canister 201 will be introduced through the one-way gas valve 206 when the lid 101 is removed. This switch/valve combination serves, in part, as a safety feature to avoid unwanted pressure when the lid 101 is open in order to change the beverage container when they are empty.

As shown, the one-way gas valve 206 causes one or more additional internal gas lines 207/208 to eventually connect to the manifold 400. Suitable frame and support for gas line 207/208 is provided within body 100. The manifold 400 allows for the connection of an adapter module 300 that allows for the dispensing of beverage from a beverage container from the valve 104 with the aid of the controlled gas system 200. Because the controlled gas system provides a positive pressure above ambient at a sufficient level, when the tap is opened, the pressure differential causes beverage from the beverage container to be dispensed when the system is opened via the tap. Further discussion of the adapter module 300 with reference to fig. 3 is now provided.

As shown in fig. 3, the configuration of the adapter module 300 is shown, including how the adapter module is connected to a beverage container 301. In configuration a, on the left side of fig. 3, a beverage container 301 is shown with a schematic arrow indicating that the cap 302 is removed. In some embodiments, the beverage container 301 may be a vended bottle, such as a soft drink PET bottle, which may be a carbonated or non-carbonated beverage. In some embodiments, an operator may remove the cap 302 on the beverage container 301 in order to couple the beverage container 301 to the adapter 303. In some embodiments, the system 10 may alternatively pierce the beverage container, such as by piercing means within the adapter 303.

In some embodiments, the beverage container is a bottle. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 is coupled to an opening of a beverage container 301 in a first, loading configuration and is positioned in a second, beverage dispensing configuration such that the opening of the beverage container in the second, beverage dispensing configuration is positioned at an angle offset from vertical. This configuration will reduce the vertical footprint of the system 10.

As shown in fig. 2, for example, in some embodiments, the system includes a second adapter module 300 configured to connect to a second beverage container 301 that includes a second beverage to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the second adapter module 300 includes a corresponding second valve 104 that mirrors the first dispensing component mentioned above. This may allow for a variety of different beverages to be dispensed without changing the configuration of the system 10. In some embodiments, the same beverage may be configured to be dispensed, or different beverages may be configured to be dispensed.

As shown in fig. 2, for example, in some embodiments, a plurality of beverage containers may be disposed in the interior of the body 100, either in stock, cooled within the body 100, or connected to allow beverage to be dispensed therefrom. In some embodiments, beverage containers connected to the system for dispensing may be separated from beverage containers not currently connected to the system for dispensing, e.g., using other insulated walls. In some embodiments, for example, a plurality of valves 104 and adapter modules 300 may be connected to the beverage containers 301 behind the counter, and when a customer desires a particular beverage, the beverage container coupled to the valve 104 via the adapter module 300 may be obtained and the particular beverage dispensed into a cup or glass.

As shown in fig. 3, configuration B shows adapter 303 connected to beverage tube 306 via adapter inlet 307. As shown in configuration B, adapter 303 includes a manifold gas inlet 304 and a beverage outlet 305. Once adapter 303 is connected to beverage tube 306, beverage tube 306 may be inserted into open beverage container 301 and extend into beverage container 301, and adapter 303 may cover beverage container 301, as shown in configuration C. In some embodiments, the adapter 303 can include the same internal threads as the cap 301 so as to be screwed onto the beverage container 301 in the same manner. The adapter 303 may be variable such that the adapter may be adjustable to fit a variety of beverage containers 301 that may have different bottle openings, thread sizes, etc. The length of the beverage tube 306 may be optimized to provide fluid communication between within the beverage container 301 and the adapter 303. For example, the adapter 303 may include an insert, or include a flexible portion to account for variations in the threads of the beverage container. In some embodiments, the adapter 303 may include a quick-connect type fluid connection, or other suitable flow-tight seal. In other embodiments, the adapter 303 may be press fit onto the beverage container 301 opening through an acceptable sealing element. In configuration D, the beverage container 301 is shown assembled into the adapter module 300 via the adapter 303. A seal may be constructed between the adapter 303 and the beverage container 301 to ensure a good seal and to minimize leakage at the inlet portion when the system 10 is in use.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the connection of the adapter module 300 to the manifold 400 is depicted. An adapter 303 coupled to the beverage container 301 allows communication between the controlled gas system 200 and the interior of the beverage container 301 through the manifold 400. The manifold 400 includes channels therein to facilitate the flow of gas from the controlled gas system 200 and the flow of beverage from the adapter module 300. As shown, the manifold 400 includes a gas outlet 401 and a beverage inlet 402. Each of the gas outlet 401 and the beverage inlet 402 is coupled to the adapter 303, the gas inlet 304 and the beverage outlet 305, respectively. In this way, fluid communication is achieved between the beverage and beverage container 301 and the controlled gas system 200. The controlled gas system 200 provides a controlled positive pressure to the manifold gas inlet 304 through a regulator, one-way gas valves, and various gas lines. This positive pressure enters the beverage container 301 through the adapter 303 and actually provides pressure to the fluid surface of the beverage within the beverage container 301. Due in part to this positive pressure, the beverage may be pushed through the beverage tube 306 near the bottom of the beverage container 301 and exit the adapter module 300 through the beverage outlet 305.

As shown in fig. 4, in configuration a', the adapter module 300 coupled with the beverage container 301 may be placed adjacent to the manifold 400 and slid forward, thereby positioning the gas inlet 304 and the beverage outlet 305 (collectively, lock adapters "LA") toward the gas outlet 401 and the beverage inlet 402 (collectively, lock interfaces "LI"). In this way, the gas outlet 401 may be coupled to the gas inlet 304; and the beverage inlet 402 may be coupled to the beverage outlet 305. The adapter module may have a flange or other locating feature that may engage one or more surfaces of the manifold 400 to locate the two components relative to each other. Once the adapter module 300 is slid into place, it can be locked in place, for example, by a hinge mechanism. An example of such a mechanism is shown in fig. 4. Extension member 403 may be mounted to manifold 400, thereby securing the manifold in place. The extension member 403 may extend from the manifold 400 and may be attached to the locking member 405 via a pin connection 404. In this regard, the locking member 405 may pivot about the pin connection 404 and partially or completely enclose the adapter 303.

As shown in fig. 4, in configuration B', the adapter module 300 is shown coupled to the manifold 400 with the locking member 405 in an open configuration ("OM"). To secure the adapter module 300 to the manifold 400, for example, the locking member 405 may be rotated to a closed configuration ("CM"), as shown in configuration C'. In this closed configuration, the beverage dispensing system 10 is already available for use. In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system 10 may require that the locking member 405 be in a closed configuration prior to dispensing a beverage from one of the valves. In some embodiments, if there are multiple adapter modules 300, each having a corresponding locking member 405, then only those adapter modules 300 from which it is desired to dispense a beverage may need to have their respective locking members 405 in a closed configuration.

Turning to fig. 5, an embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 10 including a product restriction element is shown. The beverage dispensing system 10 may include a drip tray 503 disposed below one or more valves 504. As shown, the valve 504 includes a handle 505 and an outlet 506. In some embodiments, the valve 504 may be a self-tapping faucet. To dispense a beverage, the individual may actually valve handle 505, thereby allowing the beverage to flow out of outlet 506.

The product limiting element may comprise, for example, one or more of a base profile 508 or a height device 509. As shown in the figures, the base profile 508 is shaped to match the profile 303 of a particular beverage container 301. Indeed, for a given brand, the profile 303 formed on the bottom of a particular brand of beverage container 301 may be standardized, but may be different from the profile of a competitor's beverage container. By specifically shaping base profile 508 to match the particular profile 303 of a particular brand of beverage container 301, a consumer may be protected from purchasing a beverage that is different from a beverage that may be advertised, for example, on an exterior surface of body 100.

Additionally, the height apparatus 509 may interact with the manifold 400 having the locking member 405 such that the beverage container 301 height is controlled. Similar to the base profile, the height of a particular brand of beverage container may vary, but may be standardized for a given brand or manufacturer. Also, this protects consumers from purchasing beverages other than the beverage they desire to purchase.

Turning to fig. 6, a schematic view of a beverage dispensing system 600 is shown. As shown, a gas tank 601 (which may include a regulator) allows gas to pass through a one-way valve 602. The gas flow path is indicated by element number 700. As shown, gas 700 flows through the one-way valve 602 and into the inlet 603 of the adapter. Within the adapter, gas 700 flows into the open space above the surface of beverage 800. During operation, positive pressure 700 exerted on the fluid surface of beverage 800 within the bottle pushes beverage 800 into the adapter and out outlet 604. The beverage 800 flows into the valve body 605, which can be actuated to dispense the beverage 800 into the glass 606. When the valve body 605 is closed, the gas is maintained at an equilibrium pressure.

Once the valve body 605 is actuated by moving the dispensing valve handle 105 as described above, the gas exerts pressure on the beverage head inside the bottle, as the open valve handle 105 opens the one-way system to ambient pressure and disturbs the equilibrium. This opens the system so that the beverage in the bottle is diverted through the outlet of the dispensing valve body 605 towards a path of lower pressure. The controlled pressure of the gas flow path 700 allows the individual greater flexibility and control in dispensing the beverage than other methods such as gravity feeding, mechanical squeezing of the bottle, and the like. In some embodiments, due to the manifold features described herein, the gas flow path 700 is connected to an additional gas flow path 700 such that the pressure from the gas in the gas tank 601 is maintained at the same value regardless of which gas flow path 700 the bottle is connected to.

Advantageously, for carbonated beverages, the gas in the gas flow path 700 is maintained at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, thereby enabling dissolved CO2 to be retained in the carbonated beverage, which ultimately maintains the beverage carbonation required for beverage taste quality. Similarly, the flow rate and amount of foam (e.g., bubbles or head) in the dispensed beverage is controlled by providing a pressure regulator to control the pressure of the gas provided to the bottle (e.g., between about 10psi and 15 psi). Additional control may be achieved by using a ball valve in the dispensing valve. This improves the cleanliness of the system if CO2 is used as the gas, since CO2 acts as a disinfectant. This reduces the overall required maintenance of the beverage dispensing system 10.

Some embodiments are directed to a method of dispensing a beverage from a ready-to-drink dispenser. The method can comprise the following steps: providing a gas flow path from a gas canister configured to provide a fluid coupling to a gas inlet of an adapter; providing a beverage flow path from the beverage outlet of the adapter to the faucet; and maintaining a positive pressure in the gas flow path relative to ambient pressure such that when the tap is actuated, the pressure in the gas flow path pushes the beverage through the beverage outlet of the tap.

In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a one-way gas valve in the gas flow path such that pressure from the gas canister is regulated to flow in a direction towards the gas inlet of the adapter. In some embodiments, the gas flow path exerts a positive pressure of between about 10 pounds per square inch ("psi") and about 15psi on the surface of the beverage within the beverage container.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the beverage container may be a single serving package and may be provided to the consumer by a store or restaurant attendant. The beverage container may be a resealable bottle, such as a 1.5L or 2L bottle. In other embodiments, the beverage containers may be dispensed to consumers through vending machines or stored on shelves. In some embodiments, the vending machine may be refrigerated and may include an integrated point of sale ("POS") payment system that will dispense beverages, requiring little interaction by store attendants.

The individual may remove the lid of the beverage dispensing system to gain access to the cavity. Once open, the one-way gas valve shuts off further gas to prevent the gas from entering the system through the one-way gas valve. In this regard, an individual may safely purchase the remaining gas from the pipeline through the one-way gas valve. Once the remaining gas from the line through the one-way gas valve has been safely purged, any beverage container (e.g., resealable bottle) may be disconnected from the system by removing any locking mechanism from the adapter connected to the bottle. Once any locking mechanism is disengaged, the adapter assembly coupled to the vial may be removed from the internal cavity of the body of the dispensing system. The adapter can then be removed from the bottle connected to the adapter, and any beverage can be removed from the interior of the bottle. To continue dispensing the beverage, a new beverage container may be opened, a beverage tube inserted into the beverage container, and an adapter coupled to the beverage container. Once so coupled, the adapter may be reconnected to the beverage dispensing system, i.e., to the manifold in the control gas system. The individual can then replace the lid, actuating a switch, which allows the one-way gas valve to effect fluid coupling between the gas tanks in the remaining components.

Once the gas canister is connected to the system, the flow of gas exerts a positive pressure on the surface of the beverage within the beverage container. When an individual, such as a customer, wishes to dispense a beverage, they may actuate a valve in the form of a tap and open fluid communication between the beverage liquid in the beverage container and ambient pressure. Due to the pressure differential provided by the positive pressure applied by the gas canister, beverage liquid in the beverage container is pushed through the system and dispensed through the faucet, for example, into a cup or glass.

In some embodiments, the system may be operated entirely by an attendant rather than a consumer.

The described configuration optimizes the center of gravity balance and integrates the entire beverage dispensing system such that the system 10 is a stable desktop unit. In some embodiments, a support pad disposed below the body 100 may be included, such as a leveling support pad, to balance on a relatively uneven surface.

Features of each embodiment described herein are equally applicable to each other embodiment.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Not all of the specific details described are required to practice the embodiments.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing teachings that many modifications and variations are possible and that various applications/specific embodiments may be readily modified and/or adapted by applying knowledge within the skill of the art without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.