Patent Grant
10308494
The invention relates to a dispensing assembly for beverage. The invention especially relates to a dispensing assembly for use with a container comprising a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage, with a tap.
It is well known to provide beverages in containers for dispensing, for example at home or at events, such as at a picnic, or in small outlets, which containers are self dispensing, which means that the beverage is for example pressurized inside the container by an internal or container mounted pressurizer, such as a gas cartridge, or is dispensed by gravity. The containers are generally of a size such that they can be cooled inside a refrigerator, and contain for example a few liters of beverage. Such container is for example known from NL1012802, containing carbonated beverage, such as beer, and is provided with an internal pressurizing device. Another example of such container is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,571, disclosing a bottle containing gas-pressurized water. Other dispensing system comprise a pressure source external to the container, such as for example a CO2 cartridge, connected to the container by a pressure regulator.
These known containers comprise or are connected to a valve for dispensing the beverage from the container, with a spout connected to the valve, such that the beverage can be guided to a glass or such holder. Pressure of the beverage may lead to leaking of the tap. A spout can have the disadvantage that beverage may be trapped inside the spout when the valve is closed after dispensing. This beverage may later drip out, spilling for example inside a refrigerator or on a table top or the like. In fixed tapping devices such as in bars this dripping beverage can be collected in a drip tray. For non fixed containers, such as the self dispensing containers, such dip tray is not a suitable solution.
EP1506129 discloses a container similar to the container known from NL1012802, in which this dripping problem has been addressed by providing an air inlet opening close to the valve, that is spaced apart from the outlet end of the spout, which opening is closed when dispensing and open when the valve is closed, for letting air into the spout, behind the beverage inside the spout and thus equalizing pressure, allowing the beverage to flow out directly from the spout. A similar but more complicated solution is proposed in DE3514172.
GB1477476 discloses a dispensing tap in which the tap has a spout which extends substantially vertical during use, wherein the beverage valve mechanism of the tap is provided in the spout, defining a twisting beverage channel, and a complicated second valve mechanism is provided at the upper end of the spout, which again opens an air channel when the beverage valve is closed, and which is closed when the beverage valve mechanism is pulled up for opening the beverage channel.
Another problem with the known dispensing assemblies is that they may not always have an optimal flow pattern. Especially the jet when leaving the outlet or dispensing opening, such as the end of the spout may not be straight and well defined and can lead to for example splattering, drops of the beverage being dispensed having directions different from the predominant direction of the jet.
A further problem with the known valve systems is the complexity, and especially the necessity of using springs, especially metal springs, for biasing the valves in either an open or a closed position, or both.
A still further problem of these known dispensing systems may be that the tap will leak due to beverage pressure acting on a valve or valve body of the tap.
An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for an alternative dispensing assembly and/or a container provided with such alternative assembly. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative solution to the leaking and/or dripping problem as discussed. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a dispensing assembly and/or a container comprising such assembly, limiting or preventing leaking and/or dripping of beverage from the assembly during or after a prolonged period of time. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide for a dispensing assembly and/or a container comprising such assembly, preventing undesired leaking and/or dripping and which is easy of construction and use. An aim of the present invention is to provide an alternative dispensing assembly and/or container providing a proper, relatively concentrated jet of beverage.
One or more of these and other aims is obtained at least in part by a dispense assembly and/or container according to this disclosure.
In an aspect a dispensing assembly according to this disclosure can comprise a container, containing a pressurized beverage, and connected to or provided with a dispense assembly. The dispense assembly comprises an outlet channel closable by a valve body and a chamber between the container and the valve body, which chamber is at least partly closed by a movable and/or deformable wall part connected to the valve body or a valve seat. Pressurized beverage from the container filling the chamber can force the wall part into a position biasing the valve body or the valve seat in a position closing the outlet channel. By pushing the wall part the valve body or the valve seat can be forced into a position opening the outlet channel. Preferably at least during use there is an open connection between said chamber and a beverage compartment of the container. In this aspect either the valve body or the valve seat can be movable relative to the outlet channel, or both.
A dispensing assembly for beverage from a container according to the disclosure can comprise an outlet channel for beverage and a valve body operable to open and close said outlet channel. The channel defines a direction of flow of the beverage towards an outlet end. The valve body can be provided at or near the outlet end of the outlet channel and can have substantially a bullet shape with a base facing in a direction against the direction of flow and a tip with an end facing in the direction of flow. The tip, between the base and the end, can have an outwardly curved outer surface, such that beverage engaging the base can be guided from the base over the outer surface to the end forming a beverage jet when leaving the surface at or near said end.
In an aspect of the present disclosure the valve body is movable relative to a valve seat, between a closed position in which the valve body rests against the seat and an open position in which the valve body is spaced apart from the seat, wherein the valve body extends substantially outside the outlet channel, at least in the open position.
In another aspect in a dispense assembly in said outlet channel a chamber can be provided, at least partly closed by a movable and/or deformable wall part, such as a flexible membrane, connected to a stem connected to a valve body and/or valve seat closing off the outlet channel at or near a down stream outlet end. The chamber can be in fluid connection with pressurized beverage in a compartment of a container to which the assembly is connected or of which it forms a part. If a deformable wall is used it can be resilient, such that it biases the valve body and/or valve seat in a closed position. The beverage can pressurize the membrane such that it biases the valve body and/or valve seat in a closed position. For example the beverage can pressurize the membrane by maximizing the internal volume of the chamber, pulling or pushing the valve body onto a seat or vice versa closing the outlet channel. By pressuring the membrane from an opposite side, for example from outside the chamber, for example manually or by a lever or such artifact, the membrane can be deformed such that the valve body and/or seat are moved to a position in which the outlet channel is open. Similarly the valve seat could be movable by said wall part, especially said membrane and the stem.
In another aspect a container according to the disclosure can contain a pressurized beverage, connected to or provided with a dispense assembly. The dispense assembly comprises an outlet channel closable by a valve body and a chamber between the container and the valve body. The chamber is at least partly closed by a flexible membrane connected to the valve body and/or valve seat, such that pressurized beverage from the container filling the chamber forces the membrane into a position biasing the valve body and/or valve seat in a position closing the outlet channel. By pushing the membrane the valve body and/or the valve seat can be forced into a position opening the outlet channel. Preferably at least during use there is an open connection between said chamber and a beverage compartment of the container. There through the membrane can be maintained in a pressurized position by the pressure of the beverage.
In the following embodiments of a dispense assembly and a container according to the disclosure shall be discussed, with reference to the drawings, in which:
In this disclosure embodiments of a dispense assembly and container are shown by way of example only. These embodiments should not be considered as limiting the scope of disclosure in any way or form. In these embodiments the same or similar elements or features have the same or similar reference signs.
In this description beverage dispensing assemblies and containers shall be described with reference to dispensing carbonated beverages, such as but not limited to beer. However the same or similar assemblies and containers can be used for other beverages or different liquids. In this description pressurized beverage may be understood as at least including but not limited to beverages which comprise gas, such as carbonated beverages, for example beer or gaseous water, as well as beverages which are pressurized in the container, for example by an external pressuring gas source or mechanical means, or combinations of both.
In this description words like substantially or about should be understood as indicating that small deviations are possible for a value or position the word is used with, for example 20%, 15% or 10% deviations. This should include at least deviations which a person skilled in the art would normally understand as equivalent or leading to the same or similar results, or which such person would readily understand to be encompassed too, or which is within normal manufacturing ranges. For example the valve body can be substantially bullet shaped, wherein substantially bullet shaped should, with reference to the valve body, be understood as meaning to describe the shape of the valve body resembling the shape of a bullet, especially as shown in the drawings. Such bullet may have a non-spherical and non-cylindrical shape, but having a shape which is elongated, has a blunt first end, formed by a base, and a more pointed opposite second end, formed by a tip with an end which is preferably not sharp. The tip can have an outer surface which is at least partly curved outwardly. The shape of the tip may be such that in cross section the tip has a parabolic shape. In this description outwardly curved with respect to the outer surface of the tip of the valve body should be understood as including at least a surface which is convex at the outside over most of the surface.
In the present disclosure a dispense assembly or tap can be provided which is closed at least by pressure of beverage in the system, preferably such that with increasing pressure of the beverage the tap is closed tighter by said increasing pressure. To this end a membrane can be provided, such as shown in the drawings, closing off a beverage containing chamber in the outlet. Alternatively this can be a different movable and/or deformable wall, such as a piston, engaged and pressurized by the beverage.
At the end 9 of the tube 7 opposite the neck 5 a dispense assembly 10 is provided, for example connected to the tube 7 or partly part thereof. This dispense assembly comprises a housing 11 through which an outlet channel 12 extends, in
As can be seen in
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment shown in
During normal use when dispensing beverage the beverage will flow from the container towards the outlet end 13, which is here defined as the direction of flow F1 of the beverage through the channel 12, and, if applicable, channel 8. Upstream is considered a direction or side of an element against the direction of flow F1 through the channel 12 or channels 12, 8, whereas downstream will be considered a direction or side of an element in the direction of flow F1. Thus a part of an element upstream is considered in the direction of flow F1 to be closer to the container 1 than a downstream part thereof.
The valve body 16 has a shape with a base 21 facing in a direction against the direction of flow F1 and a tip 22 with an end 23 facing in the direction of flow F1, wherein the tip 22, between the base 21 and the end 23, has an outwardly curved outer surface 24. The end 23 is preferably rounded in the down stream direction and is more preferably substantially continuous with the outer surface 24. The base 21 is connected to the stem 17 and has a maximum cross section Cbase which is larger than the cross section Cseat of the opening 15A in the seat 15, such that the base 21 can close off the opening 15A of the seat and thus the outlet end 13. The base 21 can for example have a substantially truncated cone shape, reducing in cross section in the upstream direction, such that it fits partly inside the opening 15A. Alternatively the outer surface 21A of the base 21 could be curved, for example such that the base is substantially spherical or a segment of a sphere. In embodiments either the base 21 or the seat 15 can be of a pliable or compliant material, such as a relatively soft and/or flexible material, for example an elastomeric material or a rubber material. Preferably the other of the seat 15 and the base 21 is made of a harder material, such that in the closed position the base 21 seals firmly against the seat 15, preventing leaking of beverage. In an alternative embodiment both the base and the seat could be made of a pliable, flexible material.
The surface 24 of the tip 22 is substantially convex. The surface 24 is preferably such that the cross section Ctip of the tip 22 reduces ever faster in the direction of the end 23. The cross sections as mentioned herein are taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X-X of the valve body 16, which axis may be parallel to and preferably coincides with the direction of flow F1 through the opening 15A and/or with a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the channel part 12A at said opening 15A. The valve body 16 is preferably rotation symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis X-X. This can help a relatively even distribution of beverage over the surface 24 for forming the flow F.
The surfaces 21A and 24 are designed such that beverage engaging the base 21 when flowing through the opening 15A can be guided over the base surface 21A and from the base 21 over the outer surface 24 to the end 23, and forming a beverage flow or jet 25 when leaving the surface 24 at or near said end 23. It has been found that by the convex surface 24 connected to the base 21 the beverage will stay in contact with the surface 24 to at least close to the end 23, and will leave the surface 24 such that a jet 25 is obtained with a desirable profile. The jet 25 can be compact and well defined, flowing relatively straight downward, without splattering or sputtering of the beverage. Moreover, when the outlet opening 15A is closed by the valve body 16, any remaining beverage already passed said opening 15A will flow over said surface 24 to the end 23, such that it is concentrated at said end 23 and will fall down immediately. Especially when the surface 24 is relatively hard and smooth.
The material of the tip 22 is can have a relatively high surface tension, for example about 25 dyne/cm or higher, such as for example about 30 dyne/cm. The surface tension can for example be between 25 and 50 dyne/cm. The material of the tip 22 can for example be a hydrophobic material. The surface tension can for example be measured by the method of Zisman or Owens-Wendt. The material of one of the seat and the tip can be relatively hard, the other can be relatively soft. The material of the tip can for example have a Shore A hardness of more than 50, for example more than 60, such as for example between 60 and 100. Examples of materials which can be suitable for forming a tip 22 or seat can be a polypropylene block copolymer (impact copolymer), such as for example Moplen EP540P, a SEBS based thermoplastic elastomer (Shore A=61) such as for example Evoprene Super G931, or a SEBS based thermoplastic elastomer (Shore A=90), such as for example Cawiton MT990. In general TPE has shown to be a suitable material for the tip 22. These materials and different material properties have been disclosed by way of example and should not be considered as limiting.
In embodiments the tip 22 can have a maximum cross section Ctip(max) which is significantly larger than the cross section Cseat of the opening 15A. For circular cross sections the diameter of the maximum cross section Ctip(max) of the tip 22 can for example be at least one-third larger than the diameter of the cross section Cseat of the opening 15A, for example about twice as large. The cross sections are preferably chosen such that the beverage flowing through the opening 15A is forced to engage the base 21 and flow outward slightly over said base 21 before flowing onto the surface 24.
In the embodiments shown the stem 17 at least partly has a cross section such that beverage can flow passed it in the channel 12 but the stem 17 will be guided by an inner wall of said channel 12. The cross section of this part of the stem, 17 can for example be as shown in
In
In
In the embodiments shown by way of example only the housing 11 comprises a lower part 11A, comprising at least the first and second channel parts 12A, B and a lower part of the chamber 14, and an upper part 11B, which in these embodiments is shown as being generally ring shaped and bolted to the lower housing part 11A. A peripheral edge 31 of the wall 28 is enclosed between the two housing parts 11A, B for sealing and closing off the chamber 14. It will be clear that the same or similar configurations can be obtained in a different manner. In the embodiments shown by way of example only the valve body 16 is snapped onto a lower end 32 of the stem 17, by an opening 33 in the base 21. Alternatively other means for mounting the valve body to the stem can be used, such as bonding, screwing, welding or the like. In embodiments the valve body 16 may be made partly or entirely integral with the stem 17, for example by 2K molding or overmolding. Similarly the wall 28 may be made partly or entirely integral with the stem and/or the housing, for example by 2K molding or over molding.
In embodiments shown the wall 28, which may also be referred to as membrane, can for example be generally dome shaped, such that in a rest position with the valve closed, such dome shape exists with a top facing outward from the chamber, whereas for opening the valve the dome shape is pushed away by pressing it down, reducing the volume of the chamber 14. In all embodiments the wall 28 can be a membrane. By using a dome shape an advantage can be obtained that stress in the membrane or wall 28 is minimized, since when deforming the membrane it can be deformed from an outward bulging dome into an inward bulging dome, and does not have to be stretched significantly between or in such position. Moreover the dome shape can provide a biasing force closing the channel.
In the cross sectional views as shown the channel parts 12A and B extend at substantially right angles relative to each other, such that a main direction of flow of beverage through the first channel part 12A extends at substantially right angles to a main direction of flow of beverage through the second channel part 12B. As is shown schematically in
In the embodiments shown in
In the embodiment of
Between the first housing part 11A and the portion 37 of the further housing part 35 at least one aeration channel 39 can be provided, having an end 40 at the shoulder 38, and an opposite end 41 opening into ambient air. When the shoulder 38 seals against the first housing part 11A the first end 40 of the channel 39 is closed. No air can flow into the second channel 36 through said aeration channel 39. When closing the valve again the further housing part 35 may be released, such that the opening 40 of the aeration channel is opened again, allowing air to flow in through said aeration channel, behind any amount of beverage still present in the second channel when the valve body 16 closes against the seat 15. This means that said remaining beverage may even better flow away, preventing extended dripping after closing the valve.
As can be seen schematically in
In the embodiments shown the valve body has a smooth and continuous surface, though it could be possible to provide some texture on the surface, for example grooves and/or ridges on a surface part close to the end 23, similar to a citrus press, for further guiding the beverage over and along said surface. In the embodiments shown the valve body can be made of a single material, such as plastic or rubber, for example a soft plastic such as an elastomeric material, or a relatively hard plastic, as discussed. In embodiments the valve body can be made of two or more materials, such as a base made of a first material and a tip of a second, the second material being harder than the first. This can be made for example by co-injection, 2K molding or by assembling. The base could in embodiments be part of the stem.
In embodiments such as shown in
In an alternative embodiment as shown in
In the present disclosure different embodiments of dispense assemblies, and of containers with such dispense assemblies have been disclosed and discussed, by way of example only. Many different embodiments are possible with the scope of the present disclosure. For example a container can be provided without a dip tube. The container can be placed differently, for example with the opening 6 to a side or with the neck and opening facing downward. The neck 5 can be open, forming the opening 6 directly, with the channel 8 or channel 12 or chamber or junction 14 connected directly to the such opening 6. In embodiments the dip tube 9 can be formed by the channel 8 and/or 12. In embodiments the channel 8 and the channel 12 can at least in part have generally parallel main directions of flow. In all embodiments operation of the valve, that is movement of the stem and/or valve body, can be obtained by mechanical means such as but not limited to a lever construction. In the embodiments shown the stem 17 with the valve body is moved relative to the housing 11, especially relative to the seat 15. In other embodiments part of the housing 11 and/or the seat 15 can be moved relative to the valve body. In embodiments the valve body and/or seat could be provided differently, using a membrane as disclosed, pressurized by the beverage and/or material resilience, for biasing the valve into a closed position. In embodiments the valve and/or seat could be provided as disclosed herein, whereas the operating mechanism for moving the valve body and/or seat could be provided differently, for example mechanically or electro mechanically, wherein the valve body can still be shaped and positioned for guiding the flow of beverage along and over it's surface for forming a flow 25. These and many other variations, including but not limited to all combinations of examples, features and parts of the embodiments disclosed are considered to have been disclosed herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012200 | Feb 2014 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2015/050074 | 2/3/2015 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/147636 | 10/1/2015 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2035202 | Smith | Mar 1936 | A |
| 2236620 | Cornelius | Apr 1941 | A |
| 3168967 | Giampa | Feb 1965 | A |
| 4773571 | Hagan et al. | Sep 1988 | A |
| 5228604 | Lanini et al. | Jul 1993 | A |
| 5862996 | Crichton | Jan 1999 | A |
| 5878992 | Edwards | Mar 1999 | A |
| 6729507 | Nagahata | May 2004 | B2 |
| 7040359 | Younkle | May 2006 | B2 |
| 20110036807 | Landman | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| 20110038989 | Landman | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 544 609 | Jun 1985 | AU |
| 35 141 72 | Oct 1986 | DE |
| 0 480 346 | Apr 1992 | EP |
| 0 861 801 | Sep 1998 | EP |
| 1 506 129 | Dec 2003 | EP |
| 2 610 305 | Aug 1988 | FR |
| 1 477 476 | Jun 1977 | GB |
| 1 012 802 | Jun 2000 | NL |
| 9830490 | Jul 1998 | WO |
| 03101882 | Dec 2003 | WO |
| 2009126034 | Oct 2009 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Michael F. Ashby & David R. H. Jones, Engineering Materials I: An Introduction to Properties, Applications, and Design, Chapter 3, p. 34 (4th ed. 2012). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170174494 A1 | Jun 2017 | US |
