EP1236675A1 - Bottled liquid dispensers - Google Patents
Bottled liquid dispensers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1236675A1 EP1236675A1 EP01204648A EP01204648A EP1236675A1 EP 1236675 A1 EP1236675 A1 EP 1236675A1 EP 01204648 A EP01204648 A EP 01204648A EP 01204648 A EP01204648 A EP 01204648A EP 1236675 A1 EP1236675 A1 EP 1236675A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- bottle
- liquid
- air
- tube
- 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.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- 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
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
- B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
- B67D1/1243—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount comprising flow or pressure sensors, e.g. for controlling pumps
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- 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
- B67D1/0003—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid
- B67D1/0009—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid the beverage being stored in an intermediate container connected to a supply
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- 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
- B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
- B67D1/0412—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container
- B67D1/0425—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container comprising an air pump system
- B67D1/0431—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers the whole dispensing unit being fixed to the container comprising an air pump system power-operated
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- 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
- B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
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- 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
- B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
- B67D1/0869—Cooling arrangements using solid state elements, e.g. Peltier cells
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- 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
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
- B67D1/1204—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed for ratio control purposes
- B67D1/1222—Pressure gauges
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- 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
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1277—Flow control valves
-
- 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
- B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
- B67D2001/0822—Pressurised rigid containers, e.g. kegs, figals
- B67D2001/0824—Pressurised rigid containers, e.g. kegs, figals with dip tubes
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- 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
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
- B67D2210/00005—Filters
- B67D2210/00007—Filters for gas
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- 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
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00099—Temperature control
Definitions
- This invention relates to bottled liquid dispensers.
- EP 0 581 491 A describes a water dispenser having a vertically elongate housing which supports an inverted bottle.
- a feed tube projects upwardly into the neck of the bottle through which liquid discharges under gravity into a reservoir in the form of a flexible bag.
- the feed tube is incorporated in unit which can be removed together with the bag and relaced during a maintenance operation.
- the present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive form of bottled liquid dispenser which is smaller and more compact than known dispensers of the kind described in the aforementioned patent.
- the present invention provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains a draw tube for removing liquid from the reservoir to supply said discharge outlet, said draw tube having a main outlet port adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir and an auxiliary outlet port adjacent to the top of the reservoir.
- the auxiliary port allows air to purge from the reservoir without having to use a bleed valve or similar means. Furthermore, when the bottle becomes empty and air starts to enter the reservoir, air is discharged as soon as the auxiliary port is uncovered. The reservoir therefore remains filled with liquid so that delivery recommences almost immediately after the bottle is changed.
- the invention also proposes a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, including an air pump means arranged to supply pressurised air to the bottle to cause movement of liquid from the bottle to said reservoir, and a pressure sensor responsive to the pressure of air supplied to the bottle to limit the rise in air pressure produced by said air pump means.
- the arrangement also has the following advantages:
- the pressure sensor is preferably arranged to switch off the air pump means when the sensed air pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
- the invention also proposes a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir
- the dispenser includes means for holding the bottle, a bottle connector for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed at the top of the bottle, the bottle connector being provided with an air inlet for supplying air to an upper region of the bottle, a dip tube for removing liquid from a lower region of the bottle, and a transfer tube for supplying liquid to the reservoir, thermal means for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir, and an outlet tube for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a discharge outlet, wherein the reservoir is removably received within the thermal means such that, for hygiene purposes, the reservoir and the bottle connector can be removed together with associated tubes and replaced with clean components.
- the replaceable components can be changed at intervals.
- the air inlet is preferably connected to a releasable coupling which incorporates an air filter whereby the air filter is replaced with the bottle connector and reservoir.
- the air tube preferably supplies air under pressure to the bottle.
- the bottle connector preferably incorporates a rotatable connection, which prevents kinking of the tubes.
- the invention also provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, wherein:
- the holder preferably only embraces part of the reservoir.
- the thermoelectric means acts to cool the liquid in the reservoir
- the thermoelectric means preferably only embraces an upper part of the reservoir.
- the bottom portion of the reservoir is preferably stepped inwardly relative to the upper part.
- thermoelectric means may include a peltier element.
- the holder is preferably provided with a plurality of heat-conducting fins for improved efficiency.
- the thermoelectric means is preferably disposed between the fins and the holder.
- the holder is preferably provided with a fan or other means for creating an air flow over said fins.
- the invention also provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, and said dispenser includes thermal means for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir, and mixer means for mixing liquid from the reservoir with liquid from the bottle to supply said discharge outlet.
- the bottled water dispenser shown in the drawings is suitable for use on a kitchen work surface or the like.
- the dispenser comprises a moulded plastics housing 1 having a base 2 and side walls 3.
- a lid 4 is connected to the side walls by a single hinge 5 at the rear of the housing.
- the base 2 projects from the wall 3, best seen in Fig. 2, to form a platform 6 for supporting a water bottle (not shown), which may be a 5 litre capacity bottle of the kind which can be purchased from supermarkets and other retail outlets.
- the lid 4 projects over the platform 6 to cover the neck of the bottle.
- the wall 3 is formed with a recess 7 for receiving a drinking vessel, which is normally held by hand during filling.
- a water outlet, indicated generally at 8, is located at the top of the recess for dispensing water into the drinking vessel under the control of a valve which is operated by a lever 9.
- the bottom of the recess is formed by the base 2, which may be slightly concave and may also be provided with drainage apertures 10 to collect any small spillages of water.
- a bottle connector 12 is coupled to the neck of the water bottle B .
- the connector 12 incorporates a flexible dip tube 13 which is connected to a transfer tube 14 leading to the upper part of a reservoir 15.
- the reservoir is provided with an external cooling device 16 for cooling liquid in the reservoir.
- the draw tube is connected to an outlet tube 19 for transferring cooled liquid to the discharge valve 8. It will be noted that the draw tube 17 has an auxiliary outlet opening 21 at the top of the reservoir, of smaller diameter than the main opening 18.
- the bottle B and reservoir 15 are located alongside each other at substantially the same level.
- An air pump 22 supplies atmospheric air via an air filter 23 and air tube 24, through the connector 12 into the top of the bottle B . This pressurises the bottle so that when the discharge valve 8 is opened water flows from the bottle B into the reservoir 15 displacing cooled water from the reservoir through the openings 18 and 21.
- the pump 22 is provided with a pressure sensitive switch 122 which shuts off the pump when the pressure at the pump outlet rises above a predetermined level.
- the cutoff pressure is set to ensure that there is sufficient pressure in the system to dispense a useable quantity of liquid when the valve 8 is opened. Normally the pump will start as soon as the pressure drops, thereby ensuring a continuous discharge of cooled water at an acceptable rate.
- the dispenser is also useful for cooling fizzy soft drinks since the carbonation is maintained by the pressurisation of the bottle.
- the auxiliary outlet port 21 allows air to purge from the reservoir 15 as the reservoir fills with liquid for the first time. Furthermore, when all the water has been removed from the bottle B and air therefore starts to enter the reservoir, air will start to discharge from the reservoir as soon as the port 21 is uncovered. The reservoir therefore remains filled with water so that when the bottle is replaced with a full bottle, delivery recommences almost immediately.
- Bottled water should be supplied free from bacteria and impurities. In order to maintain a high level of hygiene all of the components which come into contact with the water can be periodically replaced with a new set of clean components.
- Fig. 4 shows the replaceable parts of the dispenser in more detail. Components which correspond to those of Fig. 3 are referenced similarly.
- the air filter 23 is housed within a twist-lock connector 25 for releasable connection with the air pump 22.
- the bottle connector 12 incorporates a moulded cap 26 to which the tubes 24, 13 and 14 are coupled.
- the cap has an angled through-connector 27 to which the dip tube 13 and transfer tube 14 are coupled while the air tube 24 is pushed onto a tubular spigot 28.
- the cap 26 is held onto the neck of the bottle by a screw-threaded flanged ring 29, with a sealing ring 30 interposed between the cap and the rim of the bottle.
- the ring 29 thus allows the cap 26 to be connected with the bottle without twisting the tubes which are connected to the cap.
- the cap 26 and/or the ring 29 can be changed, if required, for use with different kinds of bottle.
- the dip tube 13 and the transfer tube 14 are formed of corrugated-wall plastic to allow them to be easily stretched and flexed during bottle replacement without being longer than necessary. The volume of water which they hold is thus kept to a minimum.
- a tip moulding 31, also shown in Fig. 5, prevents the dip tube 13 from being obstructed by contact with the bottle B.
- the moulding has a generally cylindrical portion 32 which is a press-fit into the end of the dip tube 13 and is provided with an external flange 33.
- the flange carries an arcuate projection 34 which prevents the entry hole 35 from being obstructed.
- the reservoir 15 is moulded of polythene or a similar semi-rigid thermoplastic and is vertically elongate, being of square or rectangular cross section.
- the bottom portion 36 of the reservoir is stepped inwardly for ease of insertion into the cooling device 16.
- the tubes 14, 17 and 19 are connected to the reservoir via coupling spigots 37 formed on a screw-threaded plug 38.
- a flow spreader 39 shown also in Fig. 6 is inserted into the water inlet spigot of the plug 38.
- the spreader has a cruciform section 40 which is inserted into the spigot and which carries an external end plate 41.
- the cooling device includes a heat-conducting metal sleeve 42 which snugly receives the upper part of the reservoir 15, being shaped such that there is a minimal air gap between the reservoir and the sleeve.
- the sleeve 42 is formed with an integral vertically extending T-section head 43, which is coupled to the cold side of a thermostatically controlled peltier cooling unit 44.
- the opposite hot side of the peltier unit is thermally coupled with a heatsink plate 45 having an array of closely spaced parallel vertical cooling fins 46 projecting away from the reservoir.
- a fan 47 is mounted on the fins adjacent to the air vent 11 to force air between them.
- the peltier unit 44 removes heat from the water in the reservoir, which is dissipated into the atmosphere. Since warmer water will tend to move to the top of the reservoir by convention currents, cooling of the reservoir is very efficient.
- Fig. 3 shows the auxiliary outlet port 21 as a hole in the draw tube 17 it is preferably formed in the plug moulding 38.
- the outlet port may comprise an axial groove 48 which extends along the external surface of the spigot 37' on which the draw tube 17 is received.
- the groove also extends for a short distance 49 along the top wall 50 of the plug, beyond the wall of the draw tube, so that air and water can pass from the highest part of the reservoir into the draw tube 17 via the groove sections 49 and 48. This arrangement ensures complete purging of air from the reservoir.
- the temperature of the dispensed water can be instantly controlled by means of a mixer valve 51.
- the mixer valve is connected in the tube 19 and receives water at ambient temperature through a bypass tube 52 from the bottle B through transfer tube 14.
- the user can vary the relative proportions of cooled and ambient water issuing from the discharge valve 8.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to bottled liquid dispensers.
- Large floor-standing bottled water dispensers are well known in offices and other commercial premises. For example, EP 0 581 491 A describes a water dispenser having a vertically elongate housing which supports an inverted bottle. A feed tube projects upwardly into the neck of the bottle through which liquid discharges under gravity into a reservoir in the form of a flexible bag. For hygienic purposes the feed tube is incorporated in unit which can be removed together with the bag and relaced during a maintenance operation.
- The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive form of bottled liquid dispenser which is smaller and more compact than known dispensers of the kind described in the aforementioned patent.
- The present invention provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, wherein the reservoir contains a draw tube for removing liquid from the reservoir to supply said discharge outlet, said draw tube having a main outlet port adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir and an auxiliary outlet port adjacent to the top of the reservoir.
- The auxiliary port allows air to purge from the reservoir without having to use a bleed valve or similar means. Furthermore, when the bottle becomes empty and air starts to enter the reservoir, air is discharged as soon as the auxiliary port is uncovered. The reservoir therefore remains filled with liquid so that delivery recommences almost immediately after the bottle is changed.
- The invention also proposes a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, including an air pump means arranged to supply pressurised air to the bottle to cause movement of liquid from the bottle to said reservoir, and a pressure sensor responsive to the pressure of air supplied to the bottle to limit the rise in air pressure produced by said air pump means.
- With such an arrangement the height of the dispenser is minimised since the dispenser can operate with little or no pressure head. The arrangement also has the following advantages:
- A high instantaneous discharge rate can be achieved compared with a liquid pump.
- An air filter can be included in the air supply to the bottle.
- If the bottle contains carbonated soft drinks, pressurisation of the bottle reduces the risk of the contents becoming flat as the bottle becomes empty.
- Low cost.
- The pressure sensor is preferably arranged to switch off the air pump means when the sensed air pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
- The invention also proposes a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, wherein the dispenser includes means for holding the bottle, a bottle connector for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed at the top of the bottle, the bottle connector being provided with an air inlet for supplying air to an upper region of the bottle, a dip tube for removing liquid from a lower region of the bottle, and a transfer tube for supplying liquid to the reservoir, thermal means for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir, and an outlet tube for conducting liquid from the reservoir to a discharge outlet, wherein the reservoir is removably received within the thermal means such that, for hygiene purposes, the reservoir and the bottle connector can be removed together with associated tubes and replaced with clean components.
- To maintain hygiene the replaceable components can be changed at intervals.
- The air inlet is preferably connected to a releasable coupling which incorporates an air filter whereby the air filter is replaced with the bottle connector and reservoir. The air tube preferably supplies air under pressure to the bottle.
- The bottle connector preferably incorporates a rotatable connection, which prevents kinking of the tubes.
- The invention also provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, wherein:
- the reservoir is pre-formed of plastics material and is provided with a closure which incorporates a fluid inlet and a draw tube having a fluid outlet disposed adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir,
- the reservoir is removably received in a heat-conducting holder which embraces the reservoir, and
- said holder includes thermoelectric means for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir.
- For optimum efficiency and reduced size the holder preferably only embraces part of the reservoir. Where the thermoelectric means acts to cool the liquid in the reservoir the thermoelectric means preferably only embraces an upper part of the reservoir. The bottom portion of the reservoir is preferably stepped inwardly relative to the upper part.
- The thermoelectric means may include a peltier element.
- The holder is preferably provided with a plurality of heat-conducting fins for improved efficiency. The thermoelectric means is preferably disposed between the fins and the holder. The holder is preferably provided with a fan or other means for creating an air flow over said fins.
- The invention also provides a bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, and said dispenser includes thermal means for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir, and mixer means for mixing liquid from the reservoir with liquid from the bottle to supply said discharge outlet.
- The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:
- Figure 1 is a general view showing the front, top and one side of a bottled water dispenser in accordance with the invention;
- Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the dispenser;
- Figure 3 is a schematic drawing showing the internal components of the dispenser;
- Figure 4 is a more detailed general view of the replaceable components of the dispenser;
- Figure 5 is a general view of a single component of the dispenser, namely a tip moulding;
- Figure 6 is a general view of another component of the dispenser, namely a flow spreader;
- Figure 7 is a general view of the reservoir and cooling unit of the dispenser; and
- Figure 8 is a bottom view of another component, namely the plug of Fig. 4.
-
- The bottled water dispenser shown in the drawings is suitable for use on a kitchen work surface or the like. Referring to Fig. 1, the dispenser comprises a
moulded plastics housing 1 having abase 2 andside walls 3. Alid 4 is connected to the side walls by asingle hinge 5 at the rear of the housing. At one side of the housing thebase 2 projects from thewall 3, best seen in Fig. 2, to form aplatform 6 for supporting a water bottle (not shown), which may be a 5 litre capacity bottle of the kind which can be purchased from supermarkets and other retail outlets. Thelid 4 projects over theplatform 6 to cover the neck of the bottle. - At the front of the housing the
wall 3 is formed with arecess 7 for receiving a drinking vessel, which is normally held by hand during filling. A water outlet, indicated generally at 8, is located at the top of the recess for dispensing water into the drinking vessel under the control of a valve which is operated by alever 9. The bottom of the recess is formed by thebase 2, which may be slightly concave and may also be provided withdrainage apertures 10 to collect any small spillages of water. - On the opposite side of the housing relative to the
platform 6 there is anair vent 11. - The main internal components of the water cooler are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3. A
bottle connector 12 is coupled to the neck of the water bottle B. Theconnector 12 incorporates aflexible dip tube 13 which is connected to atransfer tube 14 leading to the upper part of areservoir 15. The reservoir is provided with anexternal cooling device 16 for cooling liquid in the reservoir. Adraw tube 17, having a main outlet opening 18 at the bottom of the reservoir, extends through the top of thereservoir 15. The draw tube is connected to anoutlet tube 19 for transferring cooled liquid to the discharge valve 8. It will be noted that thedraw tube 17 has an auxiliary outlet opening 21 at the top of the reservoir, of smaller diameter than themain opening 18. - The bottle B and
reservoir 15 are located alongside each other at substantially the same level. Anair pump 22 supplies atmospheric air via anair filter 23 andair tube 24, through theconnector 12 into the top of the bottle B. This pressurises the bottle so that when the discharge valve 8 is opened water flows from the bottle B into thereservoir 15 displacing cooled water from the reservoir through theopenings - The
pump 22 is provided with a pressuresensitive switch 122 which shuts off the pump when the pressure at the pump outlet rises above a predetermined level. The cutoff pressure is set to ensure that there is sufficient pressure in the system to dispense a useable quantity of liquid when the valve 8 is opened. Normally the pump will start as soon as the pressure drops, thereby ensuring a continuous discharge of cooled water at an acceptable rate. - The dispenser is also useful for cooling fizzy soft drinks since the carbonation is maintained by the pressurisation of the bottle.
- The
auxiliary outlet port 21 allows air to purge from thereservoir 15 as the reservoir fills with liquid for the first time. Furthermore, when all the water has been removed from the bottle B and air therefore starts to enter the reservoir, air will start to discharge from the reservoir as soon as theport 21 is uncovered. The reservoir therefore remains filled with water so that when the bottle is replaced with a full bottle, delivery recommences almost immediately. - Bottled water should be supplied free from bacteria and impurities. In order to maintain a high level of hygiene all of the components which come into contact with the water can be periodically replaced with a new set of clean components. Fig. 4 shows the replaceable parts of the dispenser in more detail. Components which correspond to those of Fig. 3 are referenced similarly. The
air filter 23 is housed within a twist-lock connector 25 for releasable connection with theair pump 22. Thebottle connector 12 incorporates a mouldedcap 26 to which thetubes connector 27 to which thedip tube 13 andtransfer tube 14 are coupled while theair tube 24 is pushed onto atubular spigot 28. Thecap 26 is held onto the neck of the bottle by a screw-threadedflanged ring 29, with a sealingring 30 interposed between the cap and the rim of the bottle. Thering 29 thus allows thecap 26 to be connected with the bottle without twisting the tubes which are connected to the cap. Thecap 26 and/or thering 29 can be changed, if required, for use with different kinds of bottle. - The
dip tube 13 and thetransfer tube 14 are formed of corrugated-wall plastic to allow them to be easily stretched and flexed during bottle replacement without being longer than necessary. The volume of water which they hold is thus kept to a minimum. Atip moulding 31, also shown in Fig. 5, prevents thedip tube 13 from being obstructed by contact with the bottle B. The moulding has a generallycylindrical portion 32 which is a press-fit into the end of thedip tube 13 and is provided with anexternal flange 33. The flange carries anarcuate projection 34 which prevents theentry hole 35 from being obstructed. - Referring back to Fig. 4, the
reservoir 15 is moulded of polythene or a similar semi-rigid thermoplastic and is vertically elongate, being of square or rectangular cross section. Thebottom portion 36 of the reservoir is stepped inwardly for ease of insertion into thecooling device 16. Thetubes coupling spigots 37 formed on a screw-threadedplug 38. Aflow spreader 39, shown also in Fig. 6 is inserted into the water inlet spigot of theplug 38. The spreader has acruciform section 40 which is inserted into the spigot and which carries anexternal end plate 41. Thus, when water enters the reservoir through theplug 38 it hits theplate 41 and is dispersed into the top region of the reservoir to reduce mixing of the warmer water entering the reservoir with the cooled water at the bottom of the reservoir. - Referring to Fig. 7, the cooling device includes a heat-conducting
metal sleeve 42 which snugly receives the upper part of thereservoir 15, being shaped such that there is a minimal air gap between the reservoir and the sleeve. Thesleeve 42 is formed with an integral vertically extending T-section head 43, which is coupled to the cold side of a thermostatically controlledpeltier cooling unit 44. The opposite hot side of the peltier unit is thermally coupled with aheatsink plate 45 having an array of closely spaced parallelvertical cooling fins 46 projecting away from the reservoir. Afan 47 is mounted on the fins adjacent to theair vent 11 to force air between them. Thus, thepeltier unit 44 removes heat from the water in the reservoir, which is dissipated into the atmosphere. Since warmer water will tend to move to the top of the reservoir by convention currents, cooling of the reservoir is very efficient. - Although Fig. 3 shows the
auxiliary outlet port 21 as a hole in thedraw tube 17 it is preferably formed in theplug moulding 38. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the outlet port may comprise anaxial groove 48 which extends along the external surface of the spigot 37' on which thedraw tube 17 is received. The groove also extends for ashort distance 49 along thetop wall 50 of the plug, beyond the wall of the draw tube, so that air and water can pass from the highest part of the reservoir into thedraw tube 17 via thegroove sections - In a modification to the basic cooler shown in Fig. 3, the temperature of the dispensed water can be instantly controlled by means of a
mixer valve 51. The mixer valve is connected in thetube 19 and receives water at ambient temperature through abypass tube 52 from the bottle B throughtransfer tube 14. Thus, the user can vary the relative proportions of cooled and ambient water issuing from the discharge valve 8. - It will be appreciated that the features disclosed herein may be present in any feasible combination. Whilst the above description lays emphasis on those areas which, in combination, are believed to be new, protection is claimed for any inventive combination of the features disclosed herein.
Claims (6)
- A bottled liquid dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle (B) to a discharge outlet (8) via a reservoir (15), wherein the dispenser includes:means for supporting the bottle;a bottle connector (12) for releasable sealing engagement with a neck formed at the top of the bottle, the bottle connector being provided with an air inlet (24) for supplying air to an upper region of the bottle, a dip tube (13) for removing liquid from a lower region of the bottle, and a transfer tube (14) for supplying liquid to the reservoir;thermal means (42, 44) for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir; andan outlet tube (19) for conducting liquid from the reservoir to the discharge outlet;
- A bottled liquid dispenser according to Claim 1, in which the air inlet (24) is connected to a releasable coupling which incorporates an air filter (23) whereby the air filter is replaced with the bottle connector (12).
- A bottled liquid dispenser according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the bottle connector (12) incorporates a rotatable connection.
- A bottled liquid dispenser according to any of Claims 1 to 3,
wherein:the reservoir (15) is pre-formed of plastics material and is provided with a closure (38) which incorporates a fluid inlet for connection with the transfer tube (14) and a draw tube (17) for connection with the outlet tube (19) and having a fluid outlet (18) disposed adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir,the reservoir is removably received in a heat-conducting holder (42) which embraces the reservoir, andsaid holder includes thermoelectric means (44) for controlling the temperature of liquid in the reservoir. - A bottled liquid dispenser according to Claim 4, in which the thermoelectric means (44) acts to cool the liquid in the reservoir and the holder embraces (42) only an upper part of the reservoir.
- A bottled liquid dispenser according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the holder (42) is provided with a plurality of heat-conducting fins (46) and the thermoelectric means (44) is disposed between the fins and the holder.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9929742.6A GB9929742D0 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 1999-12-16 | Bottled liquid dispensers |
GB9929742 | 1999-12-16 | ||
GB0005836 | 2000-03-13 | ||
GB0005836A GB2358624A (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2000-03-13 | A bottled liquid dispenser |
EP00311025A EP1118582B1 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2000-12-11 | Bottled liquid dispenser |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00311025A Division EP1118582B1 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2000-12-11 | Bottled liquid dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1236675A1 true EP1236675A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 |
EP1236675B1 EP1236675B1 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
Family
ID=10866435
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01204648A Expired - Lifetime EP1236675B1 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2000-12-11 | Bottled liquid dispensers |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1236675B1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB9929742D0 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200007534B (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10723609B1 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2020-07-28 | Designetics, Inc. | Portable bottle filling station |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6871015B2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2005-03-22 | Nestec S.A. | Compartmentalized dispensing device and method for dispensing a flowable product therefrom |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2160501A (en) * | 1936-04-01 | 1939-05-30 | Edward G Hedges | Method of filling liquid dispensing systems |
US2929535A (en) * | 1957-10-08 | 1960-03-22 | United Refrigerator Company | Dispenser for beverages |
EP0299767A1 (en) * | 1987-07-14 | 1989-01-18 | The Coca-Cola Company | Premix dispensing system |
EP0581491A1 (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1994-02-02 | Ebac Limited | Liquid dispensers |
US5833096A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-11-10 | Dasan C&I Co. Ltd. | Water dispenser |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB101265A (en) * | 1916-04-27 | 1916-08-31 | Harry Chester Lyons | Improvements in or relating to Liquid Dispensing Apparatus. |
US1460209A (en) * | 1921-11-07 | 1923-06-26 | Mohn John | Beverage-dispensing apparatus |
GB342216A (en) * | 1929-04-16 | 1931-01-29 | British Thomson Houston Co Ltd | Improvements in compression refrigerating apparatus particularly applicable to watercoolers |
GB1143742A (en) * | 1966-03-02 | 1969-02-26 | Allen Electronics Inc | Liquid dispensing unit |
US4030634A (en) * | 1976-03-16 | 1977-06-21 | Osborn David R | Bottled water transfer device |
US4518104A (en) * | 1983-01-14 | 1985-05-21 | Gerlach Industries | Wine dispensing apparatus and method |
GB2268925B (en) * | 1992-07-23 | 1995-11-29 | Kwong Kan Ng | Beverage dispensers |
US5390826A (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 1995-02-21 | Ebtech, Inc. | Bottled water station with removable reservoir and manifolded support platform |
US5495725A (en) * | 1994-11-25 | 1996-03-05 | Middlemiss; William | Water transfer assembly for water cooler |
-
1999
- 1999-12-16 GB GBGB9929742.6A patent/GB9929742D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2000
- 2000-03-13 GB GB0005836A patent/GB2358624A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-12-11 EP EP01204648A patent/EP1236675B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-12-15 ZA ZA200007534A patent/ZA200007534B/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2160501A (en) * | 1936-04-01 | 1939-05-30 | Edward G Hedges | Method of filling liquid dispensing systems |
US2929535A (en) * | 1957-10-08 | 1960-03-22 | United Refrigerator Company | Dispenser for beverages |
EP0299767A1 (en) * | 1987-07-14 | 1989-01-18 | The Coca-Cola Company | Premix dispensing system |
EP0581491A1 (en) | 1992-07-17 | 1994-02-02 | Ebac Limited | Liquid dispensers |
US5833096A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-11-10 | Dasan C&I Co. Ltd. | Water dispenser |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10723609B1 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2020-07-28 | Designetics, Inc. | Portable bottle filling station |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ZA200007534B (en) | 2001-06-19 |
GB2358624A (en) | 2001-08-01 |
GB9929742D0 (en) | 2000-02-09 |
GB0005836D0 (en) | 2000-05-03 |
EP1236675B1 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
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