CA2425856A1 - Dispensing a beverage - Google Patents
Dispensing a beverage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2425856A1 CA2425856A1 CA 2425856 CA2425856A CA2425856A1 CA 2425856 A1 CA2425856 A1 CA 2425856A1 CA 2425856 CA2425856 CA 2425856 CA 2425856 A CA2425856 A CA 2425856A CA 2425856 A1 CA2425856 A1 CA 2425856A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- beverage
- light
- moving part
- display
- vessel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0872—Aesthetics, advertising
- B67D1/0875—Means for illuminating the beverage to be dispensed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
Abstract
A method of dispensing draught beverage comprises delivering draught beverage (which may be alcoholic, for example lager) from a nozzle 2 into a drinking glass 5 which is being rotated by a rotatably driven platform 8. The nozzle 2 and platform can be part of a font or beverage dispensing apparatus at a drinks bar. In the vicinity of the rotating glass is a rotating visual display which is provided by a cylinder 9 which rotates with the platform and bears a succession of cinematographic representations or pictures 10 which move within an enclosure 6 having a viewing window 4 through which the moving representations are viewed as an animated display.
Description
I
IJ1SPENSiNG A BE~ER,AGE
lField of the inventiora This invention concerns dispensing draught beverage artd also apparatus for dispensing draught beverage.
~ackgz-ound to the invention 'The sale of beverages, far example in bars, generally entails a custorxtex earning to a bar counter and ordering the beverage, which is dispensed at tkte bar frorra a font. The font is generally functional in nature although it may also be designed to be visually attractive and to convey some form of xnforrnation to the custorner.
Summary of the Ynvention IS The present invention aims to provide a method of, and apparatus for, dispensing draught beverage which makes the process of dispense more interesting and enjoyable.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispezrsing a beverage cvmpr~ising providing a vessel, rotating the vessel, delivering beverage into the vessel at a point o-f dispense, and in response to dispense of the beverage, providing a visua~I display in the vicinity of the point of dispense_ Preferably the display is a moving display. For example the visual display may be a rotating display. More preferably the vessel is rotated while the beverage is being dispensed_ Preferably the beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle and the visual display is started at a predeierrrained point in the dispense cycle. The visual display may last a predetermined tune, or end at a pz~cdeterrrzzaed time in the dispense cycle_ Preferably the method i.z~cludes producing at least one moving beam of light to provide the visual display_ This can be achieved by the method including providing a light source having at least one rxrovirtg part, projecting the beams ~of light from the moving part, and moving the moving part so as to provide the display. Said movintg part may be arranged to emit the beams of light. Alternatively the source may be arranged to produce light and said rrroving part reflects the. Light to form the beams. ADterrratively the source may be arranged to produce light and the moving part corrrprise an obstacle past which at least some of the light is projected to form the beams. For example the obstacle may define art aperture through which some of the light passes to foxxxt the beams.
In an alternative arrangernent said moving loam comprises a rnoving member having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of rnirrors which produce a plurality of said xight beams by reflection, such a mirror ball, Preferably the vessel is rotated on a rotating support and said moving part is rotated by rotation od~ the support. The moving part rnay Fortz~ part of the supporn, or be znvunted on it. For example the support may have a surface on which tire vessel is supported, and the moving part be situated on the surface so drat the beams of light are trarrsrrriited through the vessel. Alternatively the moving part rz-ray be mounted orr the suppoz~t at a position to one side of the vessel, The moving part may be provided on a collar surrounding the vessel. tn 3U this case the collar is preferably rotated as the beverage xs dispensed.
Preferably the at least one beam of light is projected to provide the display, for example onto a sur~faee which may be a screen specifically provided for the purpose, or rxaay be a wall or ceiling of a room in which tree appauatus is located, The method rnay fur~taer include providing a rvtatabie rnernber associated with the rotating vessel, tlae mezxrber bearing a succession of einernatographic representations and rotating the rotatable rnernber to provide the visual display as an animated display Preferably tire bevexage is alcoholic, for example being selected from the group consisting of beer and cider.
Preferably the method oomprises grod~idiz~g an enclosure having a window therethrough, and a rotatable member within the enclosure which has representations thereon, and xotating the rotatable rnember within the enclosure such that the representations are visible through the window to provide the visual display.
Preferably the display is controlled by a cvntr oller which also controls dispense of the beverage. The visual display may conveniently tie provided on a video screen.
The pxesen.t invention still further provides apparatus for dispensing a beverage and providing a visual display, the apparatus comprising a support for a vessel, a dispense nozzle arranged tydispense bevez~age into the vessel, and a display arranged to provide a visual display in the vicinity of the rotating vessel in respanse to dispense of the beverage, Preferably the apparatus is arranged to dispense tlae beverage in a dispense cycle and to the start the visual display at a predetermined point 4 ..
in the dispense cycle. The visual display may be arranged to .last a predeterrnirred tune, or to errd at a predetermined tinne in the dispense cycle.
Preferably the display is arranged to pxoduce at ;least one beam of light to provide the visual display. Conveniently the apparatus may include a light source havirrg at least orre moving part, the moving part being arranged to project the bearx~ of light so as to provide the dlisplay. Said moving part may be arranged to emat the beam of light. Alternatively the souxcc may be arranged to produce Iight and said moving part be arranged tv reflect the light to form the beam- A,s a irrther alternative the source rosy be arraztged to produce light aztd the moving part comprise an obstaole past which at least some of tk~e light can be projected t~ ~orm the beams.
Preferable the obstacle defixaes an aperture through which some of the ~5 light can pass to form the beams. Said moving par~i may comprise a moving member, such as a mirror ball having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of mirrors which produce a plurality of said light beams by reflection. Prefexably said moving part is arranged to be rotated by rotation of the support.
The apparatus may include a rotatable member associated with the support, the rrrernber bearing a succession of cinematographic representations and being rotatable to provide said visual display as an animated display. F'unhermore the apparatus ~a~ay f'uz~thex comprise an enclosure sur~roundirag the rotatable rrretxtber and having a window therein through which the representations can be viewed.
Preferably the apparatus Further coFnprises control means arranged to control dispense of the beverage and tlae display.
. , a ..
Preferably the apparatus is arranged to be able to dispense any of a plurality of beverages, and to display az~y of a plurality of visual displays, azzd tlae visual display selected depends on the beverage selected.
5 The draught beverage rnay be cooled pr~ioz~ to delivery into the vessel, for example using beverage cooling means in a beverage dispensing system which may convey beverage from a supply of beverage to the nozzle, which may be in a font, at, for example a drinks bar.
Attention is drawn co two International patent applications, namely International Application No. PCT.~B991038~?4 (published under No.
X001/36582) and Znierna8ional application No. PCTIGB99101551 (published under No. 'W099/60092~. Any individual feature or any combination of such features of any beverage disclosed in either of these ~5 International Applications, and any method or apparatus or part of any rnethod or apparatus disclosed in ezther of those international Applicatxoxas may be utilized in the dispense of beverage wl~zieh is the subject of this current application.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of ttie Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic section through apparatus according a fzr5t embodirraent of the lIIVerltlOrl;
Figure 2 is a schematic uepresentation of apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;
6 ....
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of- apparatus according to a third embodiment of flee invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of apparatus according to a fourth ernbvdiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view ofi apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
1F'igure 6 shows elre embodiment of Figure 3 i.n use in a bar; azad Figure '7 shows an apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
Description of tiae Preferred Embodiments Witlr referer<cc to Figure '1, in a first embodiment of the invention beverage is dispensed into a glass 5 from a dispensing nozzle 2 which forms part of a font or ~~ever~age dispensing apparatus at a drinks bar.
The glass S is suppoz-ted on a rotating platform 8 having a cylinder 9 mounted thereon to rotate with the platform. ~'he cylinder 9 bears a number of. cinematographic representations of pictures 10 viewable in succession through an opening 4 in a stationary cover or' enclosure 6, A
light 3 is provided in the cover 6 and is directed onto the cylinder 9 at a position which is visible through the opening ~. The light 3 f~Iashes oz~
each tiTne one of the pictures 10 is cezatz~ally located opposite the opening so that the consecutively visible pictures form an animated display as the cylizzder revolves.
7 . ..
Wzth reference to Figure 2, in a second embodirnerrt o~ the invention a beverage dispensing apparatus 11 includes a font 12, a platform 14 and a motor 15. The dispensing apparatus 11 is az~ranged so that it rz~ay be provitdcd at a drinks bar, foz~ example on the bar counter.
'1'h.e font 12 has a cooling unit 16 which is znouni~ed under the bax for cooling the beverage, an elongate stem 18 extending upwards from the bar and asz arrzi 20, containing a valve 22, projectirtg perpendicularly from the upper end of the steal 18. In use, the valve 22 regulates the flow of a beverage from the cooling unit 16 to a nozzle 24 at the free end of the .
arm 20.
Tlxe platfoz~nn J.4 is in the form of a horizontal cxr~cular disc 26 which is free to rotate about its vertical central axis. The disc 26 is drivingly connected to the motor J.5 by means of a belt drive 28, so as to effect the rotation of the disc 2b, in use. Other driving connections, for. example gearing arrangements, such as a worm gear, could also be used.
The fozit 12 has light sources 30, 32 in the forrrr of light bulbs rnvunted respectively on the stexxz J.8 and at the junction of the stem 18 and tire arm 20, A mirror-ball 34 depends from the arm 20 and is connected Co a drive unit 36 which rotates the ball 34.
1n use, a beverage container or drinking vessel, typically a glass 38, is placed upon' the platform 14 and the motor 15 is actuated, either manually or by means of a pressure sensor on the platform 14, causing the platform 14 to rotate.
'fhe light bulbs 30, 32 are activated and produce light which is directed towards the mirror ball 34. The drive unit 36 is also activated causing the rrorror ball to rotate. Ttie bulbs 30, 32 and drive unit 36 can either be ..
activated by the same actuation means as tire motor 15, by another rfianual actuation means or alternatively by the actiozz of opening tire vale ?2.
Upon the opening of the valve 22 the beverage :is dz~a~.~n, under pressure frozrr a keg (not shown), tlrrough tlZC cooling unit 16, through tubes (riot shown) housed in the stem 18, along the arrrz 20 and exits from the nozzle 24. The beverage l7.ows into the glass 38 as it rol:ates on the platform 14.
Light from the bulbs 30, 32 is directed onto ttae mirror-ball 34 and is reflected as a number of beams, sore of wtzickr pass through the glass 38 and beverage contained in it, and some of which are directed back at the font '12. As the mix-ror ball 34 rotates the beams of light rotate to provide a zzzoving visual display. A legend may be etched, stuck or printed in the glass suelr that it will be illuminated by the light reflected from the mirror-ball 34. Also the rnirror bass itself, because xt is brightly lit, will act as a rotating visual display.
The mirror ball 34 is arranged to rotate, and the bulbs 30, 32 to be lit, only while the beverage is being 'dispensed, and the platform 15 is arranged to z~otate only while the beverage is being dispensed. This can be rotating the mirror ball 34 and platform 15 and powering the bulbs for a predetermined time from when dispense is started, or by controlling starting and stopping of the rotation and bulbs in response to operation of the tap 22.
Refer~z~irzg to Fxgurc 3 a third embodiment of the invention has a number of parts which are the sarrze as the first embodiment and these are indicated by the same reference numerals as they are in Figure 3. A firsI
mirror 40 is mounted upon the platform I4 extending radially outwards ~ and upwards so tlrat it is inclined at an angle to the platform 14 and faces radially inwards and upwards. A, second mirror 42 is mounted centrally on the platform 14. 'I't~e rraixrors 40, 42 are configured so as to reflect light frorn a light source 30a, mounted on the stem 18 of the font, through the glass 38 and the beverage as the glass is filled. The light source 30a and the motor 15 are actuated by similar aceuation means as in the first S embodiment.
Although shown respectively mounted upon the stem x8 azrd platCorrn 14 it will be appreciated that the Light source 30a and mirror 40 rnay be mounted in any convenient manner such tlaat there is relative rotational movement therebetween and such that Light reflected froraz the mirror ~d0, , passes througlx the glass 38 and bevertage.
Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of dispensing apparatus 11 iri which light sources in the form of LEDs 44Y 46 are mounted upon the platfor~rros 14 in order to shine light through the beverage as the glass 38 i,s Billed.
One of the LEDs 44 is mounted centrally in the top surface 14a of the platform 14 so that the glass 38 rests on tap of it as it is being filled with beverage. This LED 46 therefore directs light beams upwards through the base of the glass 38 and through the beverage in the glass. The other of the LEDs 46 are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the platform 14 to the side of the glass, and direct beams od~ light in a direction which is upwards and towards the centre of the glass.
A further set of LEDs 48, 50 are mounted on a rotating annular collar 52 through whictx tk~e glass 38 is placed arid svl~xch sits appzoximately half-way up the glBSS 38. The cellar 52 is of a larger diaxrxetez ttzan the glass 38 so that it is not in contact with the glass but spaced from it. Rotation of the collar 5z is effected by linking it to the platform 14, so that it will rotate at the same speed as the platform 14. As su alternative a further independent drive means (not shown) can be provided which can rotate 3U the collar 52 at the same speed as the platform 14, or at a different speed.
I f3 As the LEDs rotate tlZey provide a rotating display in two ways. Firstly the LEDs themselves will be clearly visible aatd can be seen to rotate with the platform 114. Secondly they will produce beaams of ligln which, will slxine through the glass 38 and the beverage it contains and then either onto the form 12 or past it into the broader volume of the room in which the font is situated.
It will furthea~ be appreciated that fluorescent, photoluminescent yr ' electroluminescent nnaterials may be applied directly onto any or all of the i0 font 12, the platform I4 or the glass 3$ in order to pass light through the glass 38 as it is filled with beverage. I7ependimg vn the type of light source used the visual display may differ. If the lights source is a diffuse source, it will itself be visible and provide a rotating display, if the light source produces beaxrzs of light these can project away from the fwnt and provide a larger scale visual display.
Referring tv Figure 5, in a fifth embodiment of the invention a font 112 comprises a rotating table 114 for supporting a glass and support arm 112 which arches over the platform 114 arid supports the dispense nozzle 124.
The platform is formed from a rmrnber of radially extending blades 11.4a and a circurnferential ring 114b wlaieh between them define a number of apex-tures 1 T4c through the platform. The platform 11.4 is supported on a vertical dz~ive shaft i60, Around the drive shaft 160 a stationary light support ring 162 is provided which supports a mamber of lights 164 which direct light upwards towards the bottom of the platform 114, Any of the light that is not blocked by the platform passes through the apertures 1,14c to form a number of broad beams which shine upwards through the glass 13F and the beverage it contains. As the piat.form rotates these beams rotate also, forming a moving visual effect. Sorne of the beams will be direcred onto the top of the support arm 112, arid some will be directed past it. The platform I14 is rotated by means of a motor 115 controlled by a control unit 11G which also controls the dispense of beverage from the nozzle 1.24, >;n one mode of operation when the font I12 is activated to dispense a beverage the lights 164 are illuminated acrd the platform 114 z-otated while the beverage is being dispensed. The rotation of the platforrn and illuminatiorr of tire lights can be started at the beginning of the dispense cycle and stopped at the end of the dispense cycle.
Alternatively they can ~ be started at a predetermined point in the dispense cycle az~d continue for a predetermined time, which may be shorter than, or longer than, the dispense cycle.
x0 Referring to Figure 6, each of the fonts of figures 2 to 5 is generally used in a bar, which will usually be a roorn 200 having walls 202 and a ceiling 204. The font 212 is mounted on a bar counter 206 having a front , 208 at whickr a customer 210 stands to be sErved and a rear 214 where the bar staff will stand to serve the Customers 210. If the font is arranged to produce beams of light 216 that are projected away form the font, these can be used in various ways to produce a visual effect which is visible to the custorner 210 or to other potential customers in tire bar.
The beams 21 G ttrerrrselves may be visible by virtue of the atrnosphere in the roorrx 2UU, which may either be naturally smoky or rnay have artificial 'srnoke' provided in it. As the source of the beams rotates the beazzrs themselves will be seem to rotate, which will produce a large scale visual effect above and around the bar 206.
Alternatively, or in additiorr, the beams 21,6 can be projected onto a surface, which may be one or more of the walls 202 or the ceiling 204 of the bar, or zzray be a screen 218 provided specifi.calIy f~or~ the purpose and positioned so as to be visible froixr a wide area within the bar, lra this case the beams array be formed so as to provide inforrrration or a ~cmessage to those who can see it.
Referring to Figure 7, in a sixth errrbvdirx~ent of the invention the font 312 includes a control unit 312a which controls dispense of the beverage from the font into a drinking vessel 338, and also controls the display of images orr a display screen 318, The beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle, and the display starts when the dispense cycle starts and continues for a predetermined time, irr this case until the beverage has been dispensed_ Cleaxly the display could be started and stopped ai any predeterrrrined tirzze in the dispense cycle, yr indeed at predetermined tizmes before or after il. The image displayed cart be advertising or video footage of a spvrtizrg event or a great historic moment, or it can simply be an eye-catchirrg visual display.
rn a modification to ttris ernbodirzzent the font 31.2 is arranged to dispense a plurality of different beverages in a plurality of different voluzz~es.
3'l~e control unit 31.2 controls the selection of the beverage and the wolurxre of beverage. 'hhe control unit 312 is also arranged to select one of a plurality.
of arxaages foz~ display on the screen 318, the selected irrrage depending on which beverage and which volume of that bevexage has been dispensed.
3'lae images rnay z~elate to the beverages, for example including advertising material, or be of a nature whzckr corresponds to the type of beverage dispensed.
IJ1SPENSiNG A BE~ER,AGE
lField of the inventiora This invention concerns dispensing draught beverage artd also apparatus for dispensing draught beverage.
~ackgz-ound to the invention 'The sale of beverages, far example in bars, generally entails a custorxtex earning to a bar counter and ordering the beverage, which is dispensed at tkte bar frorra a font. The font is generally functional in nature although it may also be designed to be visually attractive and to convey some form of xnforrnation to the custorner.
Summary of the Ynvention IS The present invention aims to provide a method of, and apparatus for, dispensing draught beverage which makes the process of dispense more interesting and enjoyable.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispezrsing a beverage cvmpr~ising providing a vessel, rotating the vessel, delivering beverage into the vessel at a point o-f dispense, and in response to dispense of the beverage, providing a visua~I display in the vicinity of the point of dispense_ Preferably the display is a moving display. For example the visual display may be a rotating display. More preferably the vessel is rotated while the beverage is being dispensed_ Preferably the beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle and the visual display is started at a predeierrrained point in the dispense cycle. The visual display may last a predetermined tune, or end at a pz~cdeterrrzzaed time in the dispense cycle_ Preferably the method i.z~cludes producing at least one moving beam of light to provide the visual display_ This can be achieved by the method including providing a light source having at least one rxrovirtg part, projecting the beams ~of light from the moving part, and moving the moving part so as to provide the display. Said movintg part may be arranged to emit the beams of light. Alternatively the source may be arranged to produce light and said rrroving part reflects the. Light to form the beams. ADterrratively the source may be arranged to produce light and the moving part corrrprise an obstacle past which at least some of the light is projected to form the beams. For example the obstacle may define art aperture through which some of the light passes to foxxxt the beams.
In an alternative arrangernent said moving loam comprises a rnoving member having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of rnirrors which produce a plurality of said xight beams by reflection, such a mirror ball, Preferably the vessel is rotated on a rotating support and said moving part is rotated by rotation od~ the support. The moving part rnay Fortz~ part of the supporn, or be znvunted on it. For example the support may have a surface on which tire vessel is supported, and the moving part be situated on the surface so drat the beams of light are trarrsrrriited through the vessel. Alternatively the moving part rz-ray be mounted orr the suppoz~t at a position to one side of the vessel, The moving part may be provided on a collar surrounding the vessel. tn 3U this case the collar is preferably rotated as the beverage xs dispensed.
Preferably the at least one beam of light is projected to provide the display, for example onto a sur~faee which may be a screen specifically provided for the purpose, or rxaay be a wall or ceiling of a room in which tree appauatus is located, The method rnay fur~taer include providing a rvtatabie rnernber associated with the rotating vessel, tlae mezxrber bearing a succession of einernatographic representations and rotating the rotatable rnernber to provide the visual display as an animated display Preferably tire bevexage is alcoholic, for example being selected from the group consisting of beer and cider.
Preferably the method oomprises grod~idiz~g an enclosure having a window therethrough, and a rotatable member within the enclosure which has representations thereon, and xotating the rotatable rnember within the enclosure such that the representations are visible through the window to provide the visual display.
Preferably the display is controlled by a cvntr oller which also controls dispense of the beverage. The visual display may conveniently tie provided on a video screen.
The pxesen.t invention still further provides apparatus for dispensing a beverage and providing a visual display, the apparatus comprising a support for a vessel, a dispense nozzle arranged tydispense bevez~age into the vessel, and a display arranged to provide a visual display in the vicinity of the rotating vessel in respanse to dispense of the beverage, Preferably the apparatus is arranged to dispense tlae beverage in a dispense cycle and to the start the visual display at a predetermined point 4 ..
in the dispense cycle. The visual display may be arranged to .last a predeterrnirred tune, or to errd at a predetermined tinne in the dispense cycle.
Preferably the display is arranged to pxoduce at ;least one beam of light to provide the visual display. Conveniently the apparatus may include a light source havirrg at least orre moving part, the moving part being arranged to project the bearx~ of light so as to provide the dlisplay. Said moving part may be arranged to emat the beam of light. Alternatively the souxcc may be arranged to produce Iight and said moving part be arranged tv reflect the light to form the beam- A,s a irrther alternative the source rosy be arraztged to produce light aztd the moving part comprise an obstaole past which at least some of tk~e light can be projected t~ ~orm the beams.
Preferable the obstacle defixaes an aperture through which some of the ~5 light can pass to form the beams. Said moving par~i may comprise a moving member, such as a mirror ball having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of mirrors which produce a plurality of said light beams by reflection. Prefexably said moving part is arranged to be rotated by rotation of the support.
The apparatus may include a rotatable member associated with the support, the rrrernber bearing a succession of cinematographic representations and being rotatable to provide said visual display as an animated display. F'unhermore the apparatus ~a~ay f'uz~thex comprise an enclosure sur~roundirag the rotatable rrretxtber and having a window therein through which the representations can be viewed.
Preferably the apparatus Further coFnprises control means arranged to control dispense of the beverage and tlae display.
. , a ..
Preferably the apparatus is arranged to be able to dispense any of a plurality of beverages, and to display az~y of a plurality of visual displays, azzd tlae visual display selected depends on the beverage selected.
5 The draught beverage rnay be cooled pr~ioz~ to delivery into the vessel, for example using beverage cooling means in a beverage dispensing system which may convey beverage from a supply of beverage to the nozzle, which may be in a font, at, for example a drinks bar.
Attention is drawn co two International patent applications, namely International Application No. PCT.~B991038~?4 (published under No.
X001/36582) and Znierna8ional application No. PCTIGB99101551 (published under No. 'W099/60092~. Any individual feature or any combination of such features of any beverage disclosed in either of these ~5 International Applications, and any method or apparatus or part of any rnethod or apparatus disclosed in ezther of those international Applicatxoxas may be utilized in the dispense of beverage wl~zieh is the subject of this current application.
The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of ttie Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic section through apparatus according a fzr5t embodirraent of the lIIVerltlOrl;
Figure 2 is a schematic uepresentation of apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;
6 ....
Figure 3 is a schematic representation of- apparatus according to a third embodiment of flee invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of apparatus according to a fourth ernbvdiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view ofi apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
1F'igure 6 shows elre embodiment of Figure 3 i.n use in a bar; azad Figure '7 shows an apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
Description of tiae Preferred Embodiments Witlr referer<cc to Figure '1, in a first embodiment of the invention beverage is dispensed into a glass 5 from a dispensing nozzle 2 which forms part of a font or ~~ever~age dispensing apparatus at a drinks bar.
The glass S is suppoz-ted on a rotating platform 8 having a cylinder 9 mounted thereon to rotate with the platform. ~'he cylinder 9 bears a number of. cinematographic representations of pictures 10 viewable in succession through an opening 4 in a stationary cover or' enclosure 6, A
light 3 is provided in the cover 6 and is directed onto the cylinder 9 at a position which is visible through the opening ~. The light 3 f~Iashes oz~
each tiTne one of the pictures 10 is cezatz~ally located opposite the opening so that the consecutively visible pictures form an animated display as the cylizzder revolves.
7 . ..
Wzth reference to Figure 2, in a second embodirnerrt o~ the invention a beverage dispensing apparatus 11 includes a font 12, a platform 14 and a motor 15. The dispensing apparatus 11 is az~ranged so that it rz~ay be provitdcd at a drinks bar, foz~ example on the bar counter.
'1'h.e font 12 has a cooling unit 16 which is znouni~ed under the bax for cooling the beverage, an elongate stem 18 extending upwards from the bar and asz arrzi 20, containing a valve 22, projectirtg perpendicularly from the upper end of the steal 18. In use, the valve 22 regulates the flow of a beverage from the cooling unit 16 to a nozzle 24 at the free end of the .
arm 20.
Tlxe platfoz~nn J.4 is in the form of a horizontal cxr~cular disc 26 which is free to rotate about its vertical central axis. The disc 26 is drivingly connected to the motor J.5 by means of a belt drive 28, so as to effect the rotation of the disc 2b, in use. Other driving connections, for. example gearing arrangements, such as a worm gear, could also be used.
The fozit 12 has light sources 30, 32 in the forrrr of light bulbs rnvunted respectively on the stexxz J.8 and at the junction of the stem 18 and tire arm 20, A mirror-ball 34 depends from the arm 20 and is connected Co a drive unit 36 which rotates the ball 34.
1n use, a beverage container or drinking vessel, typically a glass 38, is placed upon' the platform 14 and the motor 15 is actuated, either manually or by means of a pressure sensor on the platform 14, causing the platform 14 to rotate.
'fhe light bulbs 30, 32 are activated and produce light which is directed towards the mirror ball 34. The drive unit 36 is also activated causing the rrorror ball to rotate. Ttie bulbs 30, 32 and drive unit 36 can either be ..
activated by the same actuation means as tire motor 15, by another rfianual actuation means or alternatively by the actiozz of opening tire vale ?2.
Upon the opening of the valve 22 the beverage :is dz~a~.~n, under pressure frozrr a keg (not shown), tlrrough tlZC cooling unit 16, through tubes (riot shown) housed in the stem 18, along the arrrz 20 and exits from the nozzle 24. The beverage l7.ows into the glass 38 as it rol:ates on the platform 14.
Light from the bulbs 30, 32 is directed onto ttae mirror-ball 34 and is reflected as a number of beams, sore of wtzickr pass through the glass 38 and beverage contained in it, and some of which are directed back at the font '12. As the mix-ror ball 34 rotates the beams of light rotate to provide a zzzoving visual display. A legend may be etched, stuck or printed in the glass suelr that it will be illuminated by the light reflected from the mirror-ball 34. Also the rnirror bass itself, because xt is brightly lit, will act as a rotating visual display.
The mirror ball 34 is arranged to rotate, and the bulbs 30, 32 to be lit, only while the beverage is being 'dispensed, and the platform 15 is arranged to z~otate only while the beverage is being dispensed. This can be rotating the mirror ball 34 and platform 15 and powering the bulbs for a predetermined time from when dispense is started, or by controlling starting and stopping of the rotation and bulbs in response to operation of the tap 22.
Refer~z~irzg to Fxgurc 3 a third embodiment of the invention has a number of parts which are the sarrze as the first embodiment and these are indicated by the same reference numerals as they are in Figure 3. A firsI
mirror 40 is mounted upon the platform I4 extending radially outwards ~ and upwards so tlrat it is inclined at an angle to the platform 14 and faces radially inwards and upwards. A, second mirror 42 is mounted centrally on the platform 14. 'I't~e rraixrors 40, 42 are configured so as to reflect light frorn a light source 30a, mounted on the stem 18 of the font, through the glass 38 and the beverage as the glass is filled. The light source 30a and the motor 15 are actuated by similar aceuation means as in the first S embodiment.
Although shown respectively mounted upon the stem x8 azrd platCorrn 14 it will be appreciated that the Light source 30a and mirror 40 rnay be mounted in any convenient manner such tlaat there is relative rotational movement therebetween and such that Light reflected froraz the mirror ~d0, , passes througlx the glass 38 and bevertage.
Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of dispensing apparatus 11 iri which light sources in the form of LEDs 44Y 46 are mounted upon the platfor~rros 14 in order to shine light through the beverage as the glass 38 i,s Billed.
One of the LEDs 44 is mounted centrally in the top surface 14a of the platform 14 so that the glass 38 rests on tap of it as it is being filled with beverage. This LED 46 therefore directs light beams upwards through the base of the glass 38 and through the beverage in the glass. The other of the LEDs 46 are positioned circumferentially around the edge of the platform 14 to the side of the glass, and direct beams od~ light in a direction which is upwards and towards the centre of the glass.
A further set of LEDs 48, 50 are mounted on a rotating annular collar 52 through whictx tk~e glass 38 is placed arid svl~xch sits appzoximately half-way up the glBSS 38. The cellar 52 is of a larger diaxrxetez ttzan the glass 38 so that it is not in contact with the glass but spaced from it. Rotation of the collar 5z is effected by linking it to the platform 14, so that it will rotate at the same speed as the platform 14. As su alternative a further independent drive means (not shown) can be provided which can rotate 3U the collar 52 at the same speed as the platform 14, or at a different speed.
I f3 As the LEDs rotate tlZey provide a rotating display in two ways. Firstly the LEDs themselves will be clearly visible aatd can be seen to rotate with the platform 114. Secondly they will produce beaams of ligln which, will slxine through the glass 38 and the beverage it contains and then either onto the form 12 or past it into the broader volume of the room in which the font is situated.
It will furthea~ be appreciated that fluorescent, photoluminescent yr ' electroluminescent nnaterials may be applied directly onto any or all of the i0 font 12, the platform I4 or the glass 3$ in order to pass light through the glass 38 as it is filled with beverage. I7ependimg vn the type of light source used the visual display may differ. If the lights source is a diffuse source, it will itself be visible and provide a rotating display, if the light source produces beaxrzs of light these can project away from the fwnt and provide a larger scale visual display.
Referring tv Figure 5, in a fifth embodiment of the invention a font 112 comprises a rotating table 114 for supporting a glass and support arm 112 which arches over the platform 114 arid supports the dispense nozzle 124.
The platform is formed from a rmrnber of radially extending blades 11.4a and a circurnferential ring 114b wlaieh between them define a number of apex-tures 1 T4c through the platform. The platform 11.4 is supported on a vertical dz~ive shaft i60, Around the drive shaft 160 a stationary light support ring 162 is provided which supports a mamber of lights 164 which direct light upwards towards the bottom of the platform 114, Any of the light that is not blocked by the platform passes through the apertures 1,14c to form a number of broad beams which shine upwards through the glass 13F and the beverage it contains. As the piat.form rotates these beams rotate also, forming a moving visual effect. Sorne of the beams will be direcred onto the top of the support arm 112, arid some will be directed past it. The platform I14 is rotated by means of a motor 115 controlled by a control unit 11G which also controls the dispense of beverage from the nozzle 1.24, >;n one mode of operation when the font I12 is activated to dispense a beverage the lights 164 are illuminated acrd the platform 114 z-otated while the beverage is being dispensed. The rotation of the platforrn and illuminatiorr of tire lights can be started at the beginning of the dispense cycle and stopped at the end of the dispense cycle.
Alternatively they can ~ be started at a predetermined point in the dispense cycle az~d continue for a predetermined time, which may be shorter than, or longer than, the dispense cycle.
x0 Referring to Figure 6, each of the fonts of figures 2 to 5 is generally used in a bar, which will usually be a roorn 200 having walls 202 and a ceiling 204. The font 212 is mounted on a bar counter 206 having a front , 208 at whickr a customer 210 stands to be sErved and a rear 214 where the bar staff will stand to serve the Customers 210. If the font is arranged to produce beams of light 216 that are projected away form the font, these can be used in various ways to produce a visual effect which is visible to the custorner 210 or to other potential customers in tire bar.
The beams 21 G ttrerrrselves may be visible by virtue of the atrnosphere in the roorrx 2UU, which may either be naturally smoky or rnay have artificial 'srnoke' provided in it. As the source of the beams rotates the beazzrs themselves will be seem to rotate, which will produce a large scale visual effect above and around the bar 206.
Alternatively, or in additiorr, the beams 21,6 can be projected onto a surface, which may be one or more of the walls 202 or the ceiling 204 of the bar, or zzray be a screen 218 provided specifi.calIy f~or~ the purpose and positioned so as to be visible froixr a wide area within the bar, lra this case the beams array be formed so as to provide inforrrration or a ~cmessage to those who can see it.
Referring to Figure 7, in a sixth errrbvdirx~ent of the invention the font 312 includes a control unit 312a which controls dispense of the beverage from the font into a drinking vessel 338, and also controls the display of images orr a display screen 318, The beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle, and the display starts when the dispense cycle starts and continues for a predetermined time, irr this case until the beverage has been dispensed_ Cleaxly the display could be started and stopped ai any predeterrrrined tirzze in the dispense cycle, yr indeed at predetermined tizmes before or after il. The image displayed cart be advertising or video footage of a spvrtizrg event or a great historic moment, or it can simply be an eye-catchirrg visual display.
rn a modification to ttris ernbodirzzent the font 31.2 is arranged to dispense a plurality of different beverages in a plurality of different voluzz~es.
3'l~e control unit 31.2 controls the selection of the beverage and the wolurxre of beverage. 'hhe control unit 312 is also arranged to select one of a plurality.
of arxaages foz~ display on the screen 318, the selected irrrage depending on which beverage and which volume of that bevexage has been dispensed.
3'lae images rnay z~elate to the beverages, for example including advertising material, or be of a nature whzckr corresponds to the type of beverage dispensed.
Claims (65)
1. A method of dispensing a beverage comprising providing a vessel, rotating the vessel, delivering beverage into the vessel at a point of dispense, and in response to dispense of the beverage, providing a visual display in the vicinity of the point of dispense.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the visual display is a moving display.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the visual display is a rotating display.
4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the vessel is rotated while the beverage is being dispensed.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle and the display is started at a predetermined point in the dispense cycle.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the visual display lasts a predetermined time.
7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the visual display ends at a predetermined time in the dispense cycle.
8. A method according to claim 1 including producing at least one moving beam of light to provide the visual display.
9. A method according to claim 8 including providing a light source having at least one moving part, projecting the beams of light from the
10 moving part, and moving the moving part so as to provide the visual display.
20. A method according to claim 9 wherein said moving part is arranged to emit the beams of light.
20. A method according to claim 9 wherein said moving part is arranged to emit the beams of light.
11. A method according to claim 9 wherein the source is arranged to produce light and said moving part reflects the light to form the beams.
12. A method according to claim 9 wherein the source is arranged to produce light and the moving part comprises an obstacle past which at least some of the light is projected to form the beams.
13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the obstacle defines an aperture through which some of the light passes to form the beams.
14. A method according to claim 11 wherein said moving part comprises a moving member having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of mirrors which produce a plurality of said light beams by reflection.
15. A method according to claim 34 in which said moving part is a mirror ball.
16. A method according to claim 9 wherein the vessel is rotated on a rotating support and said moving part is rotated by rotation of the support.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein the moving part forms part of the support,
18. A method according to Claim 16 wherein the moving part is mounted on the support.
19. A method according to claim 16 wherein the support has a surface on which the vessel is supported, and the moving part is situated on the surface so that the beams of light are transmitted through the vessel.
20. A method according to claim 16 wherein the moving part is mounted on the support at a position to one side of the vessel.
21. A method according to claim 16, in which the moving part is provided on a collar surrounding the vessel.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the collar is rotated as the beverage is dispensed.
23. A method according to claim 8 wherein the at least one beam of light is projected to provide the display.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein the at least one beam of light is projected onto a surface to provide the visual display,
25. A method according to claim 24 including providing a screen having a surface which forms said surface.
26. A method according to claim 24 wherein the method is carried out in a room having a wail and a ceiling and at least one of the wall and the ceiling forms said surface.
27. A method according to claim 1 including providing a rotatable member associated with the vessel, the member bearing a succession of cinematographic representations and rotating the rotatable member to provide the visual display as an animated display.
28. A method according to claim 1, in which the vessel is a drinking glass.
29. A method according to claim 1 in which the beverage is alcoholic.
30. A method according to claim 29, in which the beverage is selected from the group consisting of beer and cider.
31. A method according to claim 30, in which the beverage is lager.
32. A method according to claim 1 comprising providing an enclosure having a window therethrough and a rotatable member within the enclosure which has representations thereon, and rotating the rotatable member within the enclosure such that the representations are visible through the window to provide the visual display,
33. A method according to claim 1 wherein the display is controlled by a controller which also controls dispense of the beverage.
34. A method according to claim 1 wherein the display is provided on a video screen.
35. Apparatus for dispensing a beverage and providing a visual display, the apparatus comprising a support for a vessel, a dispense nozzle arranged to dispense beverage into the vessel, and a display arranged to provide a visual display in the vicinity of the rotating vessel in response to dispense of the beverage.
36. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the visual display is a moving display.
37. Apparatus according to claim 36 wherein the visual display is a rotating display.
38. Apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the vessel is rotated while the beverage is being dispensed.
39. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the beverage is dispensed in a dispense cycle and the visual display is arranged to start at a predetermined point in the dispense cycle.
40. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the visual display is arranged to last a predetermined time.
41. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the visual display is arranged to end at a predetermined time in the dispense cycle.
42. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the display is arranged to produce at least one beam of light to provide the visual display.
43. Apparatus according to claim 42 including a light source having at least one moving part, the moving part being arranged to project the beam of light so as to provide the visual display.
44. Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein said moving part is arranged to emit the beam of light.
45. Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the source is arranged to produce light and said moving part is arranged to reflect the light to form the beams.
46. Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the source is arranged to produce light and the moving part comprises an obstacle past which at least some of the light can be projected to form the beams.
47. Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the obstacle defines an aperture through which some of the light can pass to form the beams.
48. Apparatus as claimed in claim 45 wherein said moving part comprises a moving member having a surface at least partly formed from a plurality of mirrors which produce a plurality of said light beams by reflection.
49. Apparatus method as claimed in claim 48 in which said moving part is a mirror ball.
50. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43 wherein said moving part is arranged to be rotated by rotation of true platform.
51. Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein the moving part forms part of the support.
52. Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein the moving part is mounted on the support.
53. Apparatus according to claim 52 wherein the support has a surface on which the vessel is supported, and the moving part is situated on the surface so that the beams of light are transmitted through the vessel.
54. Apparatus according to claim 52 wherein the moving part as mounted on the platform at a position to one side of the vessel.
55. Apparatus according to claim 54 further comprising a collar arranged to surround the vessel, wherein the moving part is provided on the collar.
56. Apparatus according to claim 55 wherein the collar is arranged to be rotated as the beverage is dispensed.
57. Apparatus as claimed in claim 42 further comprising a surface onto which the at least one beam of light can be projected.
58. Apparatus according to claim 57 including a screen which forms said surface.
59. Apparatus according to claim 57 including a room having a wall and a ceiling wherein at least one of the wall and the ceiling forms said surface.
60. Apparatus according to claim 35 including a rotatable member associated with the support, the member bearing a succession of cinematographic representations and being rotatable to provide said visual display as an animated display.
61. Apparatus according to claim 60 further comprising an enclosure surrounding the rotatable member and having a window therein through which the representations can be viewed.
62. Apparatus according to claim 35 further comprising control means arranged to control dispense of the beverage and the display.
63. Apparatus according to claim 62 wherein the display is a video screen.
64. Apparatus according to claim 35 which is arranged to be able to dispense any of a plurality of beverages, and to display any of a plurality of visual displays, wherein the visual display selected depends on the beverage selected.
65. A method according to claim 1 including selecting the beverage from a plurality of beverages and selecting the visual display from a plurality of visual displays depending on the selected beverage.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2425856 CA2425856A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2003-04-17 | Dispensing a beverage |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2425856 CA2425856A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2003-04-17 | Dispensing a beverage |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2425856A1 true CA2425856A1 (en) | 2004-10-17 |
Family
ID=33163765
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2425856 Abandoned CA2425856A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2003-04-17 | Dispensing a beverage |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2425856A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1688390A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-09 | Achim Philippe Zapp | Illuminated beverage doser |
| EP3468911B1 (en) * | 2016-06-09 | 2023-06-28 | Bieg, Ralf | Apparatus for the machine-controlled production of multi-component beverages |
-
2003
- 2003-04-17 CA CA 2425856 patent/CA2425856A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1688390A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-09 | Achim Philippe Zapp | Illuminated beverage doser |
| EP3468911B1 (en) * | 2016-06-09 | 2023-06-28 | Bieg, Ralf | Apparatus for the machine-controlled production of multi-component beverages |
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