EP1448472B1 - Beverage dispensing system and device - Google Patents
Beverage dispensing system and device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1448472B1 EP1448472B1 EP02803730A EP02803730A EP1448472B1 EP 1448472 B1 EP1448472 B1 EP 1448472B1 EP 02803730 A EP02803730 A EP 02803730A EP 02803730 A EP02803730 A EP 02803730A EP 1448472 B1 EP1448472 B1 EP 1448472B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- beverage
- vessel
- nozzle
- mouth
- beer
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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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
- B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
- B67D1/1405—Control taps
- B67D1/1411—Means for controlling the build-up of foam in the container to be filled
- B67D1/1422—Means for controlling the build-up of foam in the container to be filled comprising foam avoiding means
- B67D1/1433—Means for controlling the build-up of foam in the container to be filled comprising foam avoiding means by delivering the beverage using a helical movement
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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
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
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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
- B67D1/0872—Aesthetics, advertising
- B67D1/0875—Means for illuminating the beverage to be dispensed
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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
- B67D1/127—Froth control
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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
- B67D1/127—Froth control
- B67D1/1272—Froth control preventing froth
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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
- B67D2210/00065—Constructional details related to the use of drinking cups or glasses
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the dispensing of a pressured beverage and, in particular, to a novel dispensing device and system for dispensing pressurized, or carbonated beverages, especially beer in a consistent and uniform manner.
- beverage storage vessels such as fixed tanks or in many instances, replaceable kegs, to hold the beer.
- Such storage vessels are completely sealed except for openings to accommodate the fittings, which are required to connect the vessel to a conduit or pipe system and, usually, a pressure source, which drives the beer through the conduit system to a dispensing tap having a pouring nozzle.
- the flow of beer through the tap to a drinking vessel or pouring jug is usually controlled by a valve assembly located in the tap assembly. The valve assembly is maintained in a closed condition, and the dispensing system sealed and, pressurized until beer is required.
- the valve assembly is then opened usually by simple manual lever activation, whereupon the pressure in the system results in beer flowing from the vessel to and through the tap nozzle into a drinking vessel such as a glass.
- a drinking vessel such as a glass.
- U.S. Patent 4,676,400 A majority of the tap nozzles in such systems extend directly downward - refer for example to U.S. Patent 4,720,076. Others are angled slightly to the vertical - refer for example to U.S. Patents 1,944,811 and 5,431,302 which also show a drinking glass located directly thereunder. In other cases, especially when the glass is held in the hand, it is usually held by the operator at an angle to prevent or control foaming by having the beer drop onto and down the glass wall - refer for example to U.S.
- Patent 4,676,400 The tap used in these dispensing systems can take many forms. Refer for example to U.S. Patent 295,138; U.S. Patent 4,687,123; U.S. Patent 4,720,076; U.S. Patent 5,368,205 and U.S. Patent 5,842,617. Such dispensing taps are generally carried by a tower or stanchion attached to a bar counter by brackets mounted under or clamped to the counter to which the support for the tap is attached. The location means that the dispensing arrangement is visible to customers. Often, to enhance the appearance and make it more appealing to the patrons, the actual dispensing tap is hidden behind a cowl or the like which often carries brand information etc. Refer for example to U.S. Patent Nos., 2,631,393 and 4,094,647, which describe illuminated tap handles. There is, thereof, an advantage to making the tap dispenser interesting, informative and appealing to bar customers.
- Patent publication GB 1 073 445 describes improvements relating to taps for dispensing beverages containing gas, in which two passages for the liquid are provided which lead to a common tap outlet.
- a longer passage has a substantially unrestricted communication with the tap outlet, whereas the shorter passage communicates with the, outlet through one or more restricted orifices.
- the longer passage is preferably provided by a helical duct in the body of the tap or in an extension thereof.
- the outlet or nozzle of the tap is configured in a conventional manner.
- the actual dispensing of beer through these systems is effected and controlled by an operator i.e. bar person or server, who usually holds the glass or jug into which beer is being poured. Consequently, the operator controls the characteristics of pouring and of the resultant beer, especially as regards the head on the beer, by adjusting the angle of the glass to the vertical.
- the characteristics of the beer as presented to a patron of a bar is extremely important. Too much - or too little - head or if the beer is cloudy can readily cause a customer to become upset or frustrated and not purchase further beer in that establishment. It is therefore very important that consistency of presentation of the beer be good; interesting and maintained.
- the present invention provides a dispensing head for a device for dispensing a pressurized beverage into a vessel, comprising: a spout or nozzle having a mouth, for projecting pressurized beverage into the vessel; a conduit for providing pressurized beverage to said spout; and preferably support means for supporting said vessel and maintaining same in a fixed relationship to said mouth; said spout being adapted to project pressurized beverage downwardly into said vessel in such a manner that the beverage assumes a swirling motion around an interior of said vessel as it is being filled. At least the initial amount of the beverage preferably directly contacts a sidewall of said vessel and at an angle resulting in the liquid adapting the desired swirling motion as the vessel fills.
- the head may have more than one such nozzle.
- Dispensing a pressurized beverage into a vessel preferably comprises maintaining the vessel below said mouth, preferably on said support means, activating the flow of beverage through said spout or spouts thereby projecting the beverage downwardly into the vessel in a manner which causes it to swirl around the vessel as the latter fills.
- the pressurized beverage is beer and the pressurizing medium is a gas such as nitrogen or especially carbon dioxide.
- the present invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage into a serving vessel, said apparatus including a dispensing tap having a nozzle, a conduit for supplying beverage to said nozzle, said nozzle having a bore which is adapted to impart a circular motion to beverage passing therethrough and to project said beverage into said vessel directly toward an interior surface of a base of said vessel.
- the spout is adapted to project the beverage in a generally annular stream which contacts a circumferential zone along the sidewall of the vessel substantially simultaneously.
- the pressurized beverage is dispensed generally vertically downwardly in a simple stream where it contacts a cone-shaped member which converts the simple stream of beverage into an annular shaped stream which is arranged to fill the underlying vessel as described above.
- the pressurized beverage flows down substantially all of the interior wall of the vessel substantially simultaneously in contrast to the traditional method of pouring such a beverage such as beer where the stream of beverage contacts the interior wall of the vessel at only one location at a time.
- the annular stream may not be a complete annulus, but may comprise a series of spaced separate streams arranged around a 360° spread. This provides a different visual effect.
- the annular stream is arranged to contact said sidewall at an angle which causes said beverage to swirl around the glass as it fills the vessel.
- the serving vessel or glass be maintained in a fixed position relative to the nozzle and this may be achieved by mounting the vessel on a support tray, pedestal or the like lying directly underneath the nozzle mouth.
- a depression or marking can be provided on the support to receive each vessel to be filled and ensure it is always in the same location. This effectively removes the possibility of variances in the manner of pouring such as inconsistent location of vessel base relative to the nozzle caused, for example, by the level of skill of the tap operator.
- light is projected into the beverage, preferably from below or above and especially along the vertical axis of the vessel, as the beverage is being dispensed into the glass. This illuminates the swirling body of beverage filling the glass presenting a pleasing visual effect for the consumer.
- the pressurized beverage is beer and the pressurizing medium is a gas such as nitrogen or especially carbon dioxide or mixtures thereof such as beer gas.
- a gas such as nitrogen or especially carbon dioxide or mixtures thereof such as beer gas.
- other beverages such as soft drinks may be dispensed according to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a beer dispensing tap or faucet generally designated 10, which is usually carried by a tower or stanchion (29 in FIG. 3 ) in a conventional manner.
- the tap 10 includes a shank 14 and a conventional housing member 16.
- Shank 14 is connected to a beer supply conduit 12 which originates at a pressurized tank; keg or the like (not shown) containing the beer to be dispensed.
- Housing 16 encloses a conventional valve arrangement (not shown) but wherein a valve member is maintained against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer from conduit 12 through shank 14 to nozzle or spout 18 which has a mouth 21.
- valve arrangement is shut and the flow of beer to nozzle 18 is prevented.
- handle 20 is raised in the direction of the arrow A (in FIG. 1 ) the valve arrangement is opened and beer is able to flow to the nozzle 18 and out through mouth 21.
- nozzle 18 is angled downwards, at an angle of about 45° to the horizontal, and extends away from vertical axis C - C, shown as a dotted line, in an arcurate manner such that nozzle mouth 21 lies adjacent to the inner surface of wall 22 of glass 24.
- the pressurized beer is positively projected from the nozzle mouth 21 toward an interior surface of wall 22 of glass 24 i.e. it does not travel directly down wall 22 of the glass 24 but is at an angle to that wall resulting in the beer being urged around the wall 22 in a swirling motion as indicated by arrow B.
- a glass-supporting platform or pedestal 26 Located below tap 10 is a glass-supporting platform or pedestal 26.
- the pedestal has a shallow depression 28 which effectively ensures that the glass 24 placed therein is centered directly under the tap 10 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of the tap 10. Consequently, each similar glass placed on the pedestal 26 is located consistently in the same position relative to the tap 10 and in particular, the mouth 21 of nozzle 18.
- the glass-supporting surface of the tray 26 may be provided with other appropriately sized depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print", associated with each specific glass, serving jug or other serving vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass on its associated foot print ensuring that the nozzle mouth 21 is automatically located adjacent the interior surface of wall 22 of the glass.
- a "foot print” associated with each specific glass, serving jug or other serving vessel to be filled
- the pedestal 26 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown).
- the system described above is shown filling a consumer vessel namely a beer glass 24 which has a relatively small diameter. If it is desired to fill a jug or similar relatively larger diameter vessel, the foot print on the pedestal is chosen to position the nozzle mouth 21 adjacent the inner surface wall 22 of the jug. This means that the central axis of the jug will be positioned to a side of the axis C - C. Also, if the jug is taller than the glass, the tray 26 would be adjusted to maintain the described nozzle relationship.
- FIG. 2 this shows a further example of a beer dispensing tap wherein the tap has two similar nozzles 18 symmetrically located about the central axis C - C.
- the nozzles 18 each have an associated mouth 21 which are arranged to be positioned adjacent diametrically opposite sections of interior wall 22 of glass 24.
- Each is designed and configured to urge beer downwardly into the glass 24 to be filled and at an angle to the interior surface of glass wall 22 so that of the pouring, the beer adopts a swirling path around the inside of the glass sidewall and the swirling and rotation of the beer in the glass continues at least until filling ceases.
- FIG. 3 this illustrates a stanchion 29 which is adopted to carry two dispensing taps and including, in particular, the two-nozzle type as described with reference to FIG. 2 herein.
- the top valve operating levers 20 are shown in a vertical position which, in this example, indicates the valve closed condition.
- This arrangement is intended to handle beer glasses 24 and, in this case, the required location of the glass 24 is indicated by a cross-pattern on pedestal upper surface 25. Larger diameter, but similar, height glasses would fill the depression 28 on the pedestal surface 27.
- the single nozzle arrangement shown in FIG. 1 more conveniently handles serving jugs and similar very large diameter vessels because of the ease of locating the jug in the position required to ensure dispensing nozzle mouth 21 is located adjacent a jug wall inner surface to import the desired swirling motion in the beer in vessel.
- a beer dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing tap or faucet generally designed 40, which is carried by a tower or stanchion (not shown) in a conventional manner.
- the tap 40 includes a connector tube 42 and a conventional valve assembly (not shown) located in housing 44.
- Tube 42 is connected via flange 46 to a beer supply via conduit 48 the supply being a pressurized tank, keg or the like containing the beverage, in this case beer, to be dispensed.
- the conventional valve assembly (not shown) has a valve member biased against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer from conduit 48 through connector 42 and nozzle 50 to mouth 51.
- a groove or rifle 53 Extending along the length of bore 52 for six turns is a groove or rifle 53 having a pitch of 0.625 cm and a depth of 0.007 inch (i.e. about 0.2 mrii).
- the groove arrangement is a double groove configuration.
- the upper section 54 of nozzle 50 is provided with a thread 55 which engages an exterior threaded connector 56 (shown in part) of housing 44, section 56 being part of the beverage pathway from conduit 48, through housing 44 to nozzle 50.
- Section 54 ends at shelf 57 upon which is seated a sealing "O" ring 58.
- the nozzle 50 is secured to section 56 by engagement of threads 54 with threads 55. In the process of screwing those two parts together "O" ring 58 is compressed thereby creating a tight seal between the parts.
- the nozzle 50 is oriented vertically, along the central axis C - C and points toward the centre portion 59 of the base 60 of a serving vessel 61 located directly below. Consequently the pressurized beer is converted in the bore of nozzle 50 from a simple stream existing nozzle mouth 51 into a circular or swirling stream which is positively projected toward the centre portion 59 of (base 60) of glass 61 in a swirling motion which continues as the glass fills, the increasing volume of beverage in the glass being maintained in motion by the incoming swirling stream.
- Glass 61 is carried by supporting platform or drip tray 62. (shown in part).
- the tray 62 has a shallow depression 63 which effectively ensures that the glass 61 placed thereon is centered directly under the nozzle 50 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of the nozzle 50. Consequently, each similar sized glass placed on the tray 62 is located consistently in the same position or relationship relative to the tap assembly 40 and in particular, the mouth 51 of nozzle 50.
- the glass-supporting surface of the tray may be provided with other appropriately sized depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print", associated with each specific glass, serving jug or other vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass or other vessel on its associated foot print ensuring that the glass or vessel is automatically correctly located.
- the tray 62 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown).
- a server could hold the glass or other serving vessel but this is less preferred since it could introduce variables into the pouring process and the characteristics of resulting poured beverage.
- the groove 53 in nozzle 50 is replaced in the bore by the springlike helical element 64 shown in FIG. 6 which has the same swirl-producing effect.
- This element has an outside diameter which is approximately the same as the diameter of the bore 52 of nozzle 50 and which allows it to be inserted and engage by fit in bore 52. Its internal diameter "D” and ribbon width "W” are readily selected by simple experiments to provide the desired degree of circular motion to be imported to the beverage being dispensed to obtain the desired degree of swirl in glass 61.
- FIG. 7 A further alternative swirl-inducing element is shown in FIG. 7.
- This comprising a ribbon element 65 which has a fixed twist about its longitudinal axis A - A and has a width equal to the bore 52 diameter, in this specific case 1 cm.
- Element 65 is twisted about its central longitudinal axis C - C as shown. The number of twists required to provide the desired degree of circular motion or swirling to the beverage being dispensed might be obtained by simple experiment.
- beer exiting the nozzle mouth 51 is provided with an angular or circular motion via the rifling groove 53 in the nozzle bore 52 and, as it impacts on initially directly on the interior base 59 of the glass 61 it subsequently produces a vortex of beer swirling around the interior of the glass and provides an interesting visual and taste sensation effect for the consumer.
- the example of FIG. 4 also shows the support tray 62 provided with a light source, namely bulb 66, and associated reflector 67, which connects to a main electrical source (not shown) via cable 68.
- a light source namely bulb 66, and associated reflector 67
- at least that portion of tray 62 immediately beneath glass 61 is made of a transparent plastic on glass material. Consequently, a beam of light from bulb 66 is transmitted upwards through tray 62 and the glass 61 on thereon.
- the swirling effect of the filling action is illuminated and presents a pleasing visual mobile effect for the consumer.
- a glass 61 is set in position in depression 63 on tray 62, the tap handle 52 is part rotated in the direction of arrow A to its "on" position (shown in phantom) to allow passage of beer through nozzle 50 down into the glass 61.
- beer flows vertically downward directly toward the centre portion 59 of the base 60 of glass 61.
- Beer because of the swirl imported thereto by the rifling 53 in the nozzle bore 52, upon striking the central area 59 (and, subsequently beer in that location), swirls around the interior glass in the manner indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. This continues as the beer stream continues to enter the glass 61 until it is filled to the desired height.
- the beverage is dispensed generally vertically downwardly toward the base of the vessel in a simple stream where it, initially, contacts a preferably central portion of said base. Consequently the beverage flows down into the vessel filling same in a swirling or circular manner in contrast to a traditional method of pouring a beverage such as beer where the stream of beverage contacts and flows straight down the interior wall of the vessel,
- FIG. 8 there is shown a known beer dispensing tap or faucet generally designated 40, which is usually carried by a tower or stanchion (not shown) in a conventional manner.
- the tap 40 includes a shank 42 and a conventional valve housing member 44.
- Shank 42 is connected to a beer supply conduit 48 which originates at a pressurized tank; keg or the like containing the beverage such as beer, to be dispensed.
- Housing 44 encloses a conventional valve arrangement (not shown) but wherein a valve member is maintained against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer from conduit 48 through shank 42 to nozzle or spout 50.
- the movement of the valve is effected manually via lever 20.
- lever 52 When lever 52 is in the position shown in FIG. 8 the valve arrangement is shut and the flow of beer to nozzle 50 is prevented.
- the handle 52 is raised in the direction of the arrow, the valve arrangement is opened and beer is able to flow to the nozzle 44 and out through mouth 50.
- the nozzle assembly which includes nozzle 50 having a mouth 51.
- the nozzle 50 is oriented downwardly, where it connects to and carries, via spokes 70, a cone member 71 the upper surface of which is at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal, and extends away from vertical axis C-C (shown as a dotted line) of the nozzle 50 preferably in an arcuate manner such that it's lower extremity 72 lies toward the inner surface 73 of the wall of glass 61.
- the pressurized beer is transformed from the simple stream exiting nozzle mouth 51 into a relatively thin annular layer 74 by spread over the surface of the cone and it is positively projected off the cone outer surface 75 toward an interior surface 73 of the wall of glass 61 and travels directly down the wall surface 73 of the glass 61 providing a "waterfall" effect.
- a glass-supporting platform or pedestal 62 Located below tap 40 assembly is a glass-supporting platform or pedestal 62.
- the pedestal 62 has a shallow depression 63 which effectively ensures that the glass 61 placed therein is centered directly under the nozzle 50 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of the nozzle 50.
- each similar glass placed on the pedestal 62 is located consistently in the same position relative to the tap 40 and in particular, the mouth 51 of nozzle 50.
- the glass-supporting surface of the pedestal may be provided with other depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print" associated with each specific glass, jug or other vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass on its associated foot print ensuring, that the lower edge 72 of the cone 71 is automatically located evenly adjacent the interior surface of wall 73 of the glass 61 or other serving vessel being filled.
- the pedestal 62 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown).
- the hand of a server could hold the glass or other vessel but this is less preferred since it could introduce a variable into the pouring process and take up time.
- the system described above is shown filling a beer glass, which has a relatively small diameter. It is desired to fill a jug or similar relatively larger diameter vessel, the foot print on the pedestal is chosen to position the jug so that the central axis of the jug will coincide with the axis C - C. It will be appreciated that this is a practical consideration which allows a single dispensing nozzle 40 to be utilized with the various sized vessels.
- the cone 71 is provided with a shaft 78 adapted to be rotated as indicated by the arrow via drive means (not shown). Rotation of shaft 78 and associated cone 71 results in the beer stream leaving the surface of the cone with an angular motion and contacting interior wall 73 at an angle. As a consequence, the beer swirls in a circular motion as it fills the vessel 61.
- the outer surface 70 is provided with a series of angled raised vanes 76 - refer to FIG. 10. Beer flows down and around the cone exiting the cone perimeter edge 72 in the direction of the arrows and is provided with an angular thrust or motion and, as it impacts on the interior wall 73 of the glass 61, it swirls around the interior of the glass which provides the interesting visual effect for the consumer.
- FIG. 9 is also provided with a light source - namely bulb 66 and associated reflector 67 - which connects to main electrical source (not shown) via cable 68.
- a light source - namely bulb 66 and associated reflector 67 - which connects to main electrical source (not shown) via cable 68.
- that portion 62 of pedestal 62 is made of a transparent plastic material. Consequently, activation of the bulb 66 results in a beam of light being transmitted upwards through the glass 61 on the pedestal. As the glass fills, the waterfall effect of the filling action presents a pleasing visual effect for the consumer.
- FIG. 11 shows an example wherein the tap has an al-alternate nozzle design, this consisting of the usual delivery nozzle portion 50 which is then converted to an annular form section 79 which terminates in an annular-shaped mouth 80.
- FIG. 12 shows a bottom plan view of the latter.
- air ducts 81 may be provided to assist air being forced upwards during the filling process to escape from the interior 82 of section 79.
- the beer exiting the annular nozzle mouth 80 contacts the interior wall 73 of glass 61 simultaneously on a substantially full circumference basis and flows downwardly on the wall to the bottom of the glass.
- the interior of the annular chamber forming this nozzle 50 can be provided with a series of angular spiral vanes, the extremities 83 thereof being shown in FIG. 13 , which convert the annular chamber into a series of angled channels. Beer flowing down these channels exits the annular mouth 80 of the nozzle 79 at an angle. Consequently the beer following making contact with the interior wall 73 of glass 61, descends downwardly in the glass with a swirling or circular motion around the glass.
- FIG. 13 a further modification of the tap nozzle of F IG. 11 is shown.
- the nozzle mouth 80 is further modified so as to provide a series of smaller streams of the beverage, these flowing downwardly and outwardly to contact the inner surface 73 of glass 61.
- the streams could be angled as discussed above to cause a swirling motion to the beverage in the glass.
- a major advantage of the present invention is that, by standardizing a significant amount of the dispensing process, especially when the glass stands on a support while being filled, it allows for the production of a visibly consistent product, a characteristic highly desired by consumers, this is achieved even with less experienced bar staff.
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- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to the dispensing of a pressured beverage and, in particular, to a novel dispensing device and system for dispensing pressurized, or carbonated beverages, especially beer in a consistent and uniform manner.
- There are various systems which have been developed for dispensing pressurized beverages and, in particular, draft beer. Such systems utilize various types of beverage storage vessels such as fixed tanks or in many instances, replaceable kegs, to hold the beer. Such storage vessels are completely sealed except for openings to accommodate the fittings, which are required to connect the vessel to a conduit or pipe system and, usually, a pressure source, which drives the beer through the conduit system to a dispensing tap having a pouring nozzle. The flow of beer through the tap to a drinking vessel or pouring jug is usually controlled by a valve assembly located in the tap assembly. The valve assembly is maintained in a closed condition, and the dispensing system sealed and, pressurized until beer is required. The valve assembly is then opened usually by simple manual lever activation, whereupon the pressure in the system results in beer flowing from the vessel to and through the tap nozzle into a drinking vessel such as a glass. One such system is shown in U.S. Patent 4,676,400.
A majority of the tap nozzles in such systems extend directly downward - refer for example to U.S. Patent 4,720,076. Others are angled slightly to the vertical - refer for example to U.S. Patents 1,944,811 and 5,431,302 which also show a drinking glass located directly thereunder. In other cases, especially when the glass is held in the hand, it is usually held by the operator at an angle to prevent or control foaming by having the beer drop onto and down the glass wall - refer for example to U.S. Patent 4,676,400. The tap used in these dispensing systems can take many forms. Refer for example to U.S. Patent 295,138; U.S. Patent 4,687,123; U.S. Patent 4,720,076; U.S. Patent 5,368,205 and U.S. Patent 5,842,617. Such dispensing taps are generally carried by a tower or stanchion attached to a bar counter by brackets mounted under or clamped to the counter to which the support for the tap is attached. The location means that the dispensing arrangement is visible to customers. Often, to enhance the appearance and make it more appealing to the patrons, the actual dispensing tap is hidden behind a cowl or the like which often carries brand information etc. Refer for example to U.S. Patent Nos., 2,631,393 and 4,094,647, which describe illuminated tap handles. There is, thereof, an advantage to making the tap dispenser interesting, informative and appealing to bar customers. - From patent publication GB 1 367 354 a method for mixing, in a drink dispensing machine, dry and liquid ingredients in a cup of downwardly converging, frusto-conical form is known. The liquid ingredient is projected from a nozzle in a coherent jet into the cup which contains the dry ingredient at the bottom thereof. The jet impinges on the inner surface of the cup wall at a position above the dry ingredient and flows down the surface and along the bottom of the cup. At the same time a relative rotation between the cup and the jet is accomplished. According to this known method the rotational motion of the liquid is achieved by either rotating the cup or the nozzle.
- Patent publication GB 1 073 445 describes improvements relating to taps for dispensing beverages containing gas, in which two passages for the liquid are provided which lead to a common tap outlet. A longer passage has a substantially unrestricted communication with the tap outlet, whereas the shorter passage communicates with the, outlet through one or more restricted orifices. The longer passage is preferably provided by a helical duct in the body of the tap or in an extension thereof. The outlet or nozzle of the tap is configured in a conventional manner.
- The actual dispensing of beer through these systems is effected and controlled by an operator i.e. bar person or server, who usually holds the glass or jug into which beer is being poured. Consequently, the operator controls the characteristics of pouring and of the resultant beer, especially as regards the head on the beer, by adjusting the angle of the glass to the vertical. The characteristics of the beer as presented to a patron of a bar is extremely important. Too much - or too little - head or if the beer is cloudy can readily cause a customer to become upset or frustrated and not purchase further beer in that establishment. It is therefore very important that consistency of presentation of the beer be good; interesting and maintained. This can be difficult since it requires a skilled operator and there is often a large turnover of such workers and many new and unskilled entrants into the profession. Also, at times of high demand, quality of presentation can suffer in order to meet the demand in a timely manner. Moreover, bar and restaurant owners also understand the need to provide their customers with a social experience that goes beyond simple provision of food and drink. These considerations extend to offering visual interest. Each specific dispensing device is often used to advertise and promote the brand of beverage being dispensed therefrom but it could also be used to provide other features of interest to consumers. Obviously, all such presentations are visible from at least one side by seated or standing patrons. Consequently, it would be advantageous if the dispensing assembly could be involved in providing such features.
- It is an object at the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus and system which can be operated by unskilled operators and which provides a beer having consistent visible characteristics, such as the head on the beer at the time of presentation to the consumer.
- According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by a dispensing device according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims define preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.
- It has now been found, and this finding forms the basis for the present invention that the desired effect can be achieved by adapting the dispensing tap in a dispensing apparatus to import a circular or swirling motion to the beverage being dispensed as it passes through the tap nozzle and exits via the nozzle mouth into the vessel. Therefore the present invention provides a dispensing head for a device for dispensing a pressurized beverage into a vessel, comprising: a spout or nozzle having a mouth, for projecting pressurized beverage into the vessel; a conduit for providing pressurized beverage to said spout; and preferably support means for supporting said vessel and maintaining same in a fixed relationship to said mouth; said spout being adapted to project pressurized beverage downwardly into said vessel in such a manner that the beverage assumes a swirling motion around an interior of said vessel as it is being filled. At least the initial amount of the beverage preferably directly contacts a sidewall of said vessel and at an angle resulting in the liquid adapting the desired swirling motion as the vessel fills. The head may have more than one such nozzle.
- Dispensing a pressurized beverage into a vessel preferably comprises maintaining the vessel below said mouth, preferably on said support means, activating the flow of beverage through said spout or spouts thereby projecting the beverage downwardly into the vessel in a manner which causes it to swirl around the vessel as the latter fills. Preferably, the pressurized beverage is beer and the pressurizing medium is a gas such as nitrogen or especially carbon dioxide.
- The present invention provides a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage into a serving vessel, said apparatus including a dispensing tap having a nozzle, a conduit for supplying beverage to said nozzle, said nozzle having a bore which is adapted to impart a circular motion to beverage passing therethrough and to project said beverage into said vessel directly toward an interior surface of a base of said vessel.
- The spout is adapted to project the beverage in a generally annular stream which contacts a circumferential zone along the sidewall of the vessel substantially simultaneously. According to the invention, the pressurized beverage is dispensed generally vertically downwardly in a simple stream where it contacts a cone-shaped member which converts the simple stream of beverage into an annular shaped stream which is arranged to fill the underlying vessel as described above. Using this device and system, the pressurized beverage, flows down substantially all of the interior wall of the vessel substantially simultaneously in contrast to the traditional method of pouring such a beverage such as beer where the stream of beverage contacts the interior wall of the vessel at only one location at a time. This even filling provides a filled vessel having, for example, consistent visual and presentation characteristics, which is an important consideration from a customer viewpoint. In an alternative embodiment, the annular stream may not be a complete annulus, but may comprise a series of spaced separate streams arranged around a 360° spread. This provides a different visual effect. Of particular importance is that the annular stream is arranged to contact said sidewall at an angle which causes said beverage to swirl around the glass as it fills the vessel.
- An important aspect of the invention is that the serving vessel or glass be maintained in a fixed position relative to the nozzle and this may be achieved by mounting the vessel on a support tray, pedestal or the like lying directly underneath the nozzle mouth. A depression or marking can be provided on the support to receive each vessel to be filled and ensure it is always in the same location. This effectively removes the possibility of variances in the manner of pouring such as inconsistent location of vessel base relative to the nozzle caused, for example, by the level of skill of the tap operator.
- In this specification "directly" means without first contacting another side of the serving vessel. In this case, as the vessel fills, most of the beverage entering will join the beverage already swirling in the vessel rather than contacting the base of the vessel itself since only the initial portion of beverage will actually contact the base. However, the entire beverage will not initially contact a sidewall of the vessel: in other words, incoming beverage will contact the base or swirling beverage already in the vessel.
- In an embodiment, light is projected into the beverage, preferably from below or above and especially along the vertical axis of the vessel, as the beverage is being dispensed into the glass. This illuminates the swirling body of beverage filling the glass presenting a pleasing visual effect for the consumer.
- Preferably, the pressurized beverage is beer and the pressurizing medium is a gas such as nitrogen or especially carbon dioxide or mixtures thereof such as beer gas. However, other beverages such as soft drinks may be dispensed according to the present invention.
- The above and other features of the present invention are illustrated, by way of example by reference to the various embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, 5-7 and 11-13 illustrate prior art devices.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of part of a dispensing device.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a double nozzle arrangement for use in association with a tap device
- FIG. 3 is an angled front view of a bar tower or stanchion carrying two taps, each of which carries a double nozzle arrangement as shown in FIG. 2 and associated drinking glass supports.
- FIG. 4 is a beverage dispensing device showing in side elevation a dispensing tap device and in cross-section, a glass on a support.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section through a nozzle of a novel dispensing tap as shown as in FIG. 4.
- FIG. 6 is part perspective view of a helical or spiral element which is incorporated within the bore of another alternative dispensing tap.
- FIG. 7 is a part perspective view of a helical ribbon element as incorporated in the bore of a dispensing tap.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a standard dispensing tap device to which the novel nozzle may be attached.
- FIG. 9 details a cross-section of an embodiment of a novel tap nozzle device of the present invention and
- FIG. 10 is a variation of the cone component of the device of FIG. 9.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatical cross-section of an alternative tap dispensing nozzle device;
- FIG. 12 is a from-below plan view of the nozzle mouth of the device of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 13 is a from below plan views of the mouth of an alternative annular nozzle to that of FIG. 12, this showing the extremities of the dividing walls between adjacent helical channels in the nozzle.
- Referring to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1 there is shown a beer dispensing tap or faucet generally designated 10, which is usually carried by a tower or stanchion (29 in FIG. 3) in a conventional manner. The
tap 10 includes ashank 14 and aconventional housing member 16.Shank 14 is connected to abeer supply conduit 12 which originates at a pressurized tank; keg or the like (not shown) containing the beer to be dispensed.Housing 16 encloses a conventional valve arrangement (not shown) but wherein a valve member is maintained against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer fromconduit 12 throughshank 14 to nozzle or spout 18 which has amouth 21. The movement of the valve is effected manually vialever 20. Whenlever 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 the valve arrangement is shut and the flow of beer tonozzle 18 is prevented. When thehandle 20 is raised in the direction of the arrow A (in FIG. 1) the valve arrangement is opened and beer is able to flow to thenozzle 18 and out throughmouth 21. Of special importance is the orientation and configuration ofnozzle 18. As can be seen, it is angled downwards, at an angle of about 45° to the horizontal, and extends away from vertical axis C - C, shown as a dotted line, in an arcurate manner such thatnozzle mouth 21 lies adjacent to the inner surface ofwall 22 ofglass 24. Consequently the pressurized beer is positively projected from thenozzle mouth 21 toward an interior surface ofwall 22 ofglass 24 i.e. it does not travel directly downwall 22 of theglass 24 but is at an angle to that wall resulting in the beer being urged around thewall 22 in a swirling motion as indicated by arrow B. Located belowtap 10 is a glass-supporting platform orpedestal 26. Preferably the pedestal has ashallow depression 28 which effectively ensures that theglass 24 placed therein is centered directly under thetap 10 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of thetap 10. Consequently, each similar glass placed on thepedestal 26 is located consistently in the same position relative to thetap 10 and in particular, themouth 21 ofnozzle 18. If glasses of various base diameters are to be filled, the glass-supporting surface of thetray 26 may be provided with other appropriately sized depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print", associated with each specific glass, serving jug or other serving vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass on its associated foot print ensuring that thenozzle mouth 21 is automatically located adjacent the interior surface ofwall 22 of the glass. - Moreover, to accommodate glasses of significantly varying heights, the
pedestal 26 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown). The system described above is shown filling a consumer vessel namely abeer glass 24 which has a relatively small diameter. If it is desired to fill a jug or similar relatively larger diameter vessel, the foot print on the pedestal is chosen to position thenozzle mouth 21 adjacent theinner surface wall 22 of the jug. This means that the central axis of the jug will be positioned to a side of the axis C - C. Also, if the jug is taller than the glass, thetray 26 would be adjusted to maintain the described nozzle relationship. It will be appreciated that this is a practical consideration which allows asingle dispensing device 10 to be utilized with thesame nozzle 18 for filling a variety of vessels. If desired however, the length ofnozzle 18 could be adjusted to ensure that thenozzle mouth 21 lies proximate to the inner surface ofglass wall 22 and that the desired swirling action in the beer inglass 24 is always obtained. Turning to FIG. 2 this shows a further example of a beer dispensing tap wherein the tap has twosimilar nozzles 18 symmetrically located about the central axis C -C. The nozzles 18 each have an associatedmouth 21 which are arranged to be positioned adjacent diametrically opposite sections ofinterior wall 22 ofglass 24. Each is designed and configured to urge beer downwardly into theglass 24 to be filled and at an angle to the interior surface ofglass wall 22 so that of the pouring, the beer adopts a swirling path around the inside of the glass sidewall and the swirling and rotation of the beer in the glass continues at least until filling ceases. - Turning to FIG. 3, this illustrates a
stanchion 29 which is adopted to carry two dispensing taps and including, in particular, the two-nozzle type as described with reference to FIG. 2 herein. The top valve operating levers 20 are shown in a vertical position which, in this example, indicates the valve closed condition. This arrangement is intended to handlebeer glasses 24 and, in this case, the required location of theglass 24 is indicated by a cross-pattern on pedestalupper surface 25. Larger diameter, but similar, height glasses would fill thedepression 28 on thepedestal surface 27. The single nozzle arrangement shown in FIG. 1 more conveniently handles serving jugs and similar very large diameter vessels because of the ease of locating the jug in the position required to ensure dispensingnozzle mouth 21 is located adjacent a jug wall inner surface to import the desired swirling motion in the beer in vessel. - Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, there is shown a beer dispensing apparatus comprising a dispensing tap or faucet generally designed 40, which is carried by a tower or stanchion (not shown) in a conventional manner. The
tap 40 includes aconnector tube 42 and a conventional valve assembly (not shown) located inhousing 44.Tube 42 is connected viaflange 46 to a beer supply viaconduit 48 the supply being a pressurized tank, keg or the like containing the beverage, in this case beer, to be dispensed. As before the conventional valve assembly (not shown) has a valve member biased against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer fromconduit 48 throughconnector 42 andnozzle 50 tomouth 51. The movement of the valve is effected manually vialever 52. Whenlever 52 is in the position shown in solid in FIG. 4 the valve assembly is in the closed position and the flow of beer tonozzle 50 is precluded. When thehandle 52 is raised in the direction of the arrow A to the position where it is shown in phantom, the valve is opened and beer is able to flow to thenozzle 50 and out throughmouth 51. Of special importance, refer especially to FIG. 5, is the design of thenozzle 50 which includes acylindrical bore 52 and amouth 51. (FIG. 5 is shown enlarged compared with the dispensing tap assembly described above with respect to FIG. 4). Cylindrical bore 52 has a length of about 3.2 cm and a diameter of 1 cm. Extending along the length ofbore 52 for six turns is a groove orrifle 53 having a pitch of 0.625 cm and a depth of 0.007 inch (i.e. about 0.2 mrii). In this example, the groove arrangement is a double groove configuration. Theupper section 54 ofnozzle 50 is provided with athread 55 which engages an exterior threaded connector 56 (shown in part) ofhousing 44,section 56 being part of the beverage pathway fromconduit 48, throughhousing 44 tonozzle 50.Section 54 ends atshelf 57 upon which is seated a sealing "O"ring 58. Thenozzle 50 is secured tosection 56 by engagement ofthreads 54 withthreads 55. In the process of screwing those two parts together "O"ring 58 is compressed thereby creating a tight seal between the parts. As can be seen, thenozzle 50 is oriented vertically, along the central axis C - C and points toward thecentre portion 59 of thebase 60 of a servingvessel 61 located directly below. Consequently the pressurized beer is converted in the bore ofnozzle 50 from a simple stream existingnozzle mouth 51 into a circular or swirling stream which is positively projected toward thecentre portion 59 of (base 60) ofglass 61 in a swirling motion which continues as the glass fills, the increasing volume of beverage in the glass being maintained in motion by the incoming swirling stream.Glass 61 is carried by supporting platform ordrip tray 62. (shown in part). Preferably thetray 62 has ashallow depression 63 which effectively ensures that theglass 61 placed thereon is centered directly under thenozzle 50 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of thenozzle 50. Consequently, each similar sized glass placed on thetray 62 is located consistently in the same position or relationship relative to thetap assembly 40 and in particular, themouth 51 ofnozzle 50. As before if glasses of various base diameters are to be filled, the glass-supporting surface of the tray may be provided with other appropriately sized depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print", associated with each specific glass, serving jug or other vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass or other vessel on its associated foot print ensuring that the glass or vessel is automatically correctly located. Moreover, to accommodate glasses of significantly varying heights, thetray 62 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown). Alternatively, a server could hold the glass or other serving vessel but this is less preferred since it could introduce variables into the pouring process and the characteristics of resulting poured beverage. - In an alternative example the
groove 53 innozzle 50 is replaced in the bore by the springlikehelical element 64 shown in FIG. 6 which has the same swirl-producing effect. This element has an outside diameter which is approximately the same as the diameter of thebore 52 ofnozzle 50 and which allows it to be inserted and engage by fit inbore 52. Its internal diameter "D" and ribbon width "W" are readily selected by simple experiments to provide the desired degree of circular motion to be imported to the beverage being dispensed to obtain the desired degree of swirl inglass 61. - A further alternative swirl-inducing element is shown in FIG. 7. This comprising a
ribbon element 65 which has a fixed twist about its longitudinal axis A - A and has a width equal to thebore 52 diameter, in this specific case 1 cm.Element 65 is twisted about its central longitudinal axis C - C as shown. The number of twists required to provide the desired degree of circular motion or swirling to the beverage being dispensed might be obtained by simple experiment. - In summary, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, beer exiting the
nozzle mouth 51 is provided with an angular or circular motion via the riflinggroove 53 in the nozzle bore 52 and, as it impacts on initially directly on theinterior base 59 of theglass 61 it subsequently produces a vortex of beer swirling around the interior of the glass and provides an interesting visual and taste sensation effect for the consumer. The example of FIG. 4 also shows thesupport tray 62 provided with a light source, namelybulb 66, and associatedreflector 67, which connects to a main electrical source (not shown) viacable 68. In this example, at least that portion oftray 62 immediately beneathglass 61 is made of a transparent plastic on glass material. Consequently, a beam of light frombulb 66 is transmitted upwards throughtray 62 and theglass 61 on thereon. As the glass fills, the swirling effect of the filling action is illuminated and presents a pleasing visual mobile effect for the consumer. - In operation, a
glass 61 is set in position indepression 63 ontray 62, the tap handle 52 is part rotated in the direction of arrow A to its "on" position (shown in phantom) to allow passage of beer throughnozzle 50 down into theglass 61. As a consequence, beer flows vertically downward directly toward thecentre portion 59 of thebase 60 ofglass 61. Beer, because of the swirl imported thereto by the rifling 53 in the nozzle bore 52, upon striking the central area 59 (and, subsequently beer in that location), swirls around the interior glass in the manner indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. This continues as the beer stream continues to enter theglass 61 until it is filled to the desired height. - According to this example, the beverage is dispensed generally vertically downwardly toward the base of the vessel in a simple stream where it, initially, contacts a preferably central portion of said base. Consequently the beverage flows down into the vessel filling same in a swirling or circular manner in contrast to a traditional method of pouring a beverage such as beer where the stream of beverage contacts and flows straight down the interior wall of the vessel,
- Turning now to FIG. 8 there is shown a known beer dispensing tap or faucet generally designated 40, which is usually carried by a tower or stanchion (not shown) in a conventional manner. The
tap 40 includes ashank 42 and a conventionalvalve housing member 44. -
Shank 42 is connected to abeer supply conduit 48 which originates at a pressurized tank; keg or the like containing the beverage such as beer, to be dispensed.Housing 44 encloses a conventional valve arrangement (not shown) but wherein a valve member is maintained against a valve seat when the valve is closed and it lifts off the valve seat when open to allow the flow of beer fromconduit 48 throughshank 42 to nozzle orspout 50. The movement of the valve is effected manually vialever 20. Whenlever 52 is in the position shown in FIG. 8 the valve arrangement is shut and the flow of beer tonozzle 50 is prevented. When thehandle 52 is raised in the direction of the arrow, the valve arrangement is opened and beer is able to flow to thenozzle 44 and out throughmouth 50. Of special importance in this embodiment of the present invention, is the configuration of the nozzle assembly which includesnozzle 50 having amouth 51. Turning to FIG. 9. thenozzle 50 is oriented downwardly, where it connects to and carries, viaspokes 70, acone member 71 the upper surface of which is at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal, and extends away from vertical axis C-C (shown as a dotted line) of thenozzle 50 preferably in an arcuate manner such that it'slower extremity 72 lies toward theinner surface 73 of the wall ofglass 61. - Consequently the pressurized beer is transformed from the simple stream exiting
nozzle mouth 51 into a relatively thinannular layer 74 by spread over the surface of the cone and it is positively projected off the cone outer surface 75 toward aninterior surface 73 of the wall ofglass 61 and travels directly down thewall surface 73 of theglass 61 providing a "waterfall" effect. Located belowtap 40 assembly is a glass-supporting platform orpedestal 62. As before, preferably thepedestal 62 has ashallow depression 63 which effectively ensures that theglass 61 placed therein is centered directly under thenozzle 50 and in particular, the center axis of the glass includes the central axis C - C of thenozzle 50. Consequently, each similar glass placed on thepedestal 62 is located consistently in the same position relative to thetap 40 and in particular, themouth 51 ofnozzle 50. If glasses of various base diameters are to be filled, the glass-supporting surface of the pedestal may be provided with other depressions or simple indicia, such as a "foot print" associated with each specific glass, jug or other vessel to be filled, the placing of each glass on its associated foot print ensuring, that thelower edge 72 of thecone 71 is automatically located evenly adjacent the interior surface ofwall 73 of theglass 61 or other serving vessel being filled. Moreover, to accommodate glasses of varying heights, thepedestal 62 can be adjusted in a vertical direction by, for example, a simple lever and locking arrangement (not shown). Alternatively, the hand of a server could hold the glass or other vessel but this is less preferred since it could introduce a variable into the pouring process and take up time. - The system described above is shown filling a beer glass, which has a relatively small diameter. It is desired to fill a jug or similar relatively larger diameter vessel, the foot print on the pedestal is chosen to position the jug so that the central axis of the jug will coincide with the axis C - C. It will be appreciated that this is a practical consideration which allows a
single dispensing nozzle 40 to be utilized with the various sized vessels. - In an alternative embodiment, the
cone 71 is provided with ashaft 78 adapted to be rotated as indicated by the arrow via drive means (not shown). Rotation ofshaft 78 and associatedcone 71 results in the beer stream leaving the surface of the cone with an angular motion and contactinginterior wall 73 at an angle. As a consequence, the beer swirls in a circular motion as it fills thevessel 61. - In a modification of this embodiment, the
outer surface 70 is provided with a series of angled raised vanes 76 - refer to FIG. 10. Beer flows down and around the cone exiting thecone perimeter edge 72 in the direction of the arrows and is provided with an angular thrust or motion and, as it impacts on theinterior wall 73 of theglass 61, it swirls around the interior of the glass which provides the interesting visual effect for the consumer. - The embodiment of FIG. 9 is also provided with a light source - namely
bulb 66 and associated reflector 67 - which connects to main electrical source (not shown) viacable 68. - In this embodiment, that
portion 62 ofpedestal 62 is made of a transparent plastic material. Consequently, activation of thebulb 66 results in a beam of light being transmitted upwards through theglass 61 on the pedestal. As the glass fills, the waterfall effect of the filling action presents a pleasing visual effect for the consumer. - Turning to FIG. 11 this shows an example wherein the tap has an al-alternate nozzle design, this consisting of the usual
delivery nozzle portion 50 which is then converted to anannular form section 79 which terminates in an annular-shapedmouth 80. - FIG. 12 shows a bottom plan view of the latter. If desired,
air ducts 81 may be provided to assist air being forced upwards during the filling process to escape from the interior 82 ofsection 79. As described with reference to the FIG. 9 embodiment, the beer exiting theannular nozzle mouth 80 contacts theinterior wall 73 ofglass 61 simultaneously on a substantially full circumference basis and flows downwardly on the wall to the bottom of the glass. - In a modification of this example, the interior of the annular chamber forming this
nozzle 50, can be provided with a series of angular spiral vanes, theextremities 83 thereof being shown in FIG. 13, which convert the annular chamber into a series of angled channels. Beer flowing down these channels exits theannular mouth 80 of thenozzle 79 at an angle. Consequently the beer following making contact with theinterior wall 73 ofglass 61, descends downwardly in the glass with a swirling or circular motion around the glass. - Turning again to FIG. 13, a further modification of the tap nozzle of FIG. 11 is shown. In this example, the
nozzle mouth 80 is further modified so as to provide a series of smaller streams of the beverage, these flowing downwardly and outwardly to contact theinner surface 73 ofglass 61. In a modification, the streams could be angled as discussed above to cause a swirling motion to the beverage in the glass. - A major advantage of the present invention is that, by standardizing a significant amount of the dispensing process, especially when the glass stands on a support while being filled, it allows for the production of a visibly consistent product, a characteristic highly desired by consumers, this is achieved even with less experienced bar staff.
Claims (16)
- A device for dispensing a pressurized beverage into a vessel (61) maintained thereunder, said device comprising a nozzle (50), having a mouth (51) for projecting the beverage into the vessel (61) and a conduit (48) for providing the beverage to said nozzle (50), the nozzle (50) being adapted to project the beverage downwardly into said vessel (61) in such a manner that the beverage assumes a swirling motion around an interior surface of said vessel (61) as it is being filled, characterized in that said device includes a cone surface (71) located beneath said mouth (51) and on a common vertical axis therewith, wherein the cone surface (71) is adapted to convert a stream of beverage emanating from said mouth (51) into an annular stream by spread over the cone surface (71), and wherein said cone surface (71) is further adapted to rotate so as to impart an angled motion to said beverage stream.
- A device according to Claim 1 which includes support means for supporting said vessel (61) and maintaining same in a fixed relationship to said mouth (51).
- A device according to Claim 2 wherein the support means and said mouth (51) are arranged in such a manner that said mouth (51) is located to a side of a central longitudinal axis of the vessel (61) supported by said support means.
- A device according to Claim 2 wherein said support means comprises a platform (62) located below said nozzle (50).
- A device according to Claim 4 wherein said platform is adjustable in a vertical direction to accommodate vessels (61) having varying heights.
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein a cross-sectional area of the mouth (S1) of said nozzle (50) is the same or more than that of the conduit (48) for providing the beverage.
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein said mouth (51) is an opening of a bore (52) provided in said nozzle (50) and having a spiral groove (53) so as to impart a circular motion to the beverage passing therethrough.
- A device according to Claim 7 wherein said groove (53) has a pitch of from 0.25 cm to 1.00 cm.
- A device according to Claim 7 wherein said bore (52) has a diameter of from about 0.75 cm to 1.5 cm.
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein the beverage is a pressurized alcoholic brewery beverage.
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein said cone surface (71) carries at least one upstanding member (76) adapted to direct the beverage stream around said surface (71) as it travels down said cone (71).
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein said nozzle (50) has at least one internal vane member (64; 65).
- A device according to Claim 7 which includes support means for supporting the vessel (61) to be filled and maintaining same in a fixed relationship with said mouth (51).
- A device according to Claim 13 wherein the support means is adjustable vertically relative to said mouth (51) to provide for serving vessels (61) ofdifferent heights.
- A device according to Claim 1 wherein a light means (66) is provided to direct light into a vessel (61) being filled.
- A device according to Claim 15 and any one of Claim 2 or Claim 13 wherein said light means (66) is located below said support means which is translucent thereby allowing passage of light upward through said vessel (61).
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US33406601P | 2001-11-30 | 2001-11-30 | |
US334066P | 2001-11-30 | ||
US35613802P | 2002-02-14 | 2002-02-14 | |
US356138P | 2002-02-14 | ||
CA002392609A CA2392609A1 (en) | 2002-07-05 | 2002-07-05 | Beverage dispensing tap with rifled nozzle |
CA2392609 | 2002-07-05 | ||
PCT/CA2002/001850 WO2003045832A1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2002-11-29 | Beverage dispensing system and device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1448472A1 EP1448472A1 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
EP1448472B1 true EP1448472B1 (en) | 2006-11-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP02803730A Expired - Lifetime EP1448472B1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2002-11-29 | Beverage dispensing system and device |
Country Status (5)
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EP (1) | EP1448472B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE346822T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002364775A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60216502T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003045832A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
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GB2431395A (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-04-25 | Mars Inc | Method and apparatus for dispensing a beverage |
GB2493372A (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2013-02-06 | Rich Brown | An elongate pouring device which provides angled descent of a carbonated drink into a container |
SG11201507021TA (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2015-10-29 | Sapporo Holdings Ltd | Tap, server, pouring member, and attachment/detachment tool |
GB2524841B (en) * | 2014-04-04 | 2016-09-07 | Browne-Wilkinson Oliver | Drinking liquid dispensing device |
JP6595995B2 (en) * | 2014-07-23 | 2019-10-23 | アサヒビール株式会社 | Supply method of high carbonated drinks |
JP6595994B2 (en) * | 2014-07-23 | 2019-10-23 | アサヒビール株式会社 | High carbonated beverage supply equipment |
FR3035100B1 (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2021-01-29 | Olivier Bernard Sylvain Jammes | DEVICE FOR FILLING A BEVERAGE CONTAINER, IN PARTICULAR FROM ITS BOTTOM |
US20220274725A1 (en) * | 2019-07-26 | 2022-09-01 | Freezio Ag | Cartridge System and Method for Producing a Cartridge System |
BR112022003207A2 (en) * | 2019-08-22 | 2022-05-17 | Freezio Ag | Cartridge system to produce a drink |
CN111892002B (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2021-10-08 | 泉州市创智工业设计服务有限公司 | Automatic change filling device for cosmetics production |
CN111892004B (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2021-10-15 | 泉州市创智工业设计服务有限公司 | Quantitative filling device is used in cosmetics production |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2537119A (en) * | 1945-02-02 | 1951-01-09 | Dole Valve Co | Liquid dispenser for carbonated beverages |
GB1073445A (en) * | 1963-12-23 | 1967-06-28 | Guinness Son & Co Ltd A | Improvements in taps for dispensing beverages containing gas |
GB1367354A (en) * | 1972-10-19 | 1974-09-18 | Gkn Sankey Ltd | Drink dispensing machine |
US3986642A (en) * | 1974-10-02 | 1976-10-19 | All State Vending Equipment, Inc. | Adjustable nozzle assembly for dispensing liquid |
DE4030953A1 (en) * | 1990-09-29 | 1992-04-02 | Josef Gail | Automatic drinking glasses filling appts. - has position control for filling tap and movable feed for glasses |
GB2260310A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-04-14 | Mclennons Limited | Dispensing liquid from packaging |
EP0876293A1 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 1998-11-11 | Charles Wells Limited | Beverage dispensing apparatus |
DE19802291A1 (en) * | 1998-01-22 | 1999-08-05 | Mogler Gmbh & Co Geb | Drink tapping device for foaming drinks such as beer |
-
2002
- 2002-11-29 WO PCT/CA2002/001850 patent/WO2003045832A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-11-29 EP EP02803730A patent/EP1448472B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-11-29 AU AU2002364775A patent/AU2002364775A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-11-29 DE DE60216502T patent/DE60216502T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-11-29 AT AT02803730T patent/ATE346822T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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ATE346822T1 (en) | 2006-12-15 |
DE60216502D1 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
DE60216502T2 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
AU2002364775A1 (en) | 2003-06-10 |
EP1448472A1 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
WO2003045832A1 (en) | 2003-06-05 |
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