ES2857106T3 - A procedure for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of installing a collapsible beverage container (50) in a beverage dispensing unit (10) comprising the steps of providing: said beverage dispensing unit (10) including: a receptacle (26) placed in a plane substantially horizontal and defining an inner cylindrical surface, an open curved edge facing upwards (27) and a closed end facing downwards, and a bearing surface (39) located at a specific distance above and outside said edge ( 27) of said receptacle (26), said bearing surface (39) defining a curvature having an opposite orientation with respect to the adjacent curvature of said edge (27), and said collapsible beverage container (50) defining a cylindrical body that fits inside said receptacle (26), a first end (52) of a convex shape that defines a first contact area, and a second end (56) of a convex shape, said second end of a c-shape. onvex a second contact area, said second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of said support surface, and performing the steps of: placing said collapsible beverage container (50) in a first inclined position so that said first contact area is in contact with said horizontal plane and said second contact area is in contact with said bearing surface, pivoting said collapsible beverage container (50) from said first position in a rotational movement around said bearing surface ( 39) to a second position in which said first convex shaped end (52) is raised while said second contact area remains in contact with said abutment surface, and sliding said collapsible beverage container (50) over said surface of bearing (39) and on said inner cylindrical surface of said receptacle (26) from said second position to a third position within said receptacle or (26), wherein said second convex shaped end (56) is placed juxtaposed to said closed end facing downward.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A method of installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing unit The present invention relates to an ergonomically shaped beverage dispensing unit, a corresponding collapsible beverage container for use with the beverage dispensing unit, and a method for the economically correct installation of a collapsible drink container.

Beverage dispensing units are used in many establishments to provide beverages such as draft beer. Such beverage dispensing units are mainly used in professional establishments such as bars or restaurants, however increasingly also for private users such as private homes. In many beverage dispensing units such as, for example, the Draftmaster ™ produced by the applicant company, the beverage is typically provided in a plastic or metal beverage container or keg. The beverage container is typically placed in an upright position, that is, the beverage outlet faces upward, and the beverage is drawn out of the beverage container through a riser tube. The beverage is normally propelled from the beverage container to a dispensing tap by a pressurized fluid, typically compressed air. To avoid direct contact between the pressurized fluid and the beverage, a collapsible beverage container can be used. The use of collapsible beverage containers that typically include precarbonated beverages is well known in the beverage dispensing art. When using a collapsible beverage container, the fluid under pressure acts on the exterior of the beverage container, decreasing the volume of the beverage container, and therefore forces the beverage out of the beverage container. The vertical position, relative to a riser will not be a problem in relation to rigid containers, however, when using collapsible beverage containers, there may be a risk that the beverage container may collapse in the riser during dispensing. . If the beverage container collapses in the riser tube, the riser tube may break or become jammed during dispensing and, as a result, leave residual beverage within the beverage container. Such residual beverage constitutes a waste, as the beverage container must be discarded and replaced. Thus risers in connection with collapsible beverage containers are a problem.

The problem related to risers can be solved by dispensing the beverage with the beverage container arranged in an inverted position, that is, with the beverage outlet pointing downward. By placing the beverage container in an inverted position in the beverage dispensing unit, the riser tube can be excluded. In this way, the risk of leaving any residual beverage in the beverage container is eliminated, since the beverage container can completely collapse without blocking the beverage outlet.

Regardless of the orientation of the beverage container, i.e. regardless of whether the beverage container is used in a vertical orientation or an inverted orientation, the step of placing the beverage container in the beverage dispensing unit may require a lot of effort from the operator, as the beverage containers used in professional beverage dispensing units are very heavy due to the amount of beverage, such as a quantity of 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 liters, i.e. 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 kilos of drink. Too small beverage containers would not be economical and would result in frequent beverage container changes, which takes time for the operator and prevents dispensing for a certain period of time. Consequently, there is a need for technologies for the installation and ergonomic positioning of beverage containers in the beverage dispensing unit. WO 2007/019851 A describes a method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage dispensing system.

Document WO02 / 085774 describes a device for lifting and placing jugs in a drinking fountain. In this way, the jugs are raised on a platform to an elevated position and subsequently slid over a guide channel towards the drinking fountain.

The applicant's document WO2004 / 099060 describes a collapsible beverage container for use in a beverage dispensing system.

The installation procedure of a new beverage container should preferably be carried out quickly and efficiently to shorten the period of time between dispensing operations. Also, the installation procedure should be easy and straightforward to avoid failures during installation. Also, the installation procedure must be safe and healthy for the operator. Hazardous installation procedures can lead to serious accidents, including personal injury, which can result from, for example, dropping the beverage container or attempting to lift the heavy beverage container in an uncontrolled manner. Installation procedures Unhealthy also include economically unhealthy installation procedures, such as lifting the beverage container in an economically unsafe manner. These economically unsafe installation procedures can cause injury to the operator, such as strain injuries or other painful injuries that cause long recovery periods.

Collapsible beverage containers that are used for the purpose of dispensing beverages are typically blow molded in one piece from a blank. The shape of the mold largely determines the shape of the beverage container. Typically, the shape of the beverage container is cylindrical and the edges are typically rounded, for example, to form a substantially circular cross section. Blow molding technology makes it very difficult to make changes to the beverage container, such as placing handles or the like directly on the beverage container. Therefore, any modification to improve the ergonomics of the installation procedure must necessarily be made in relation to the beverage dispensing unit.

Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide technologies for installing a beverage container in a beverage dispensing unit in a fast and efficient manner and at the same time ergonomically safe to avoid personal injury.

The above need and the above objective together with numerous other needs and objectives, which will be apparent from the detailed description below, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a unit. distribution system comprising the steps of providing:

the beverage distribution unit that includes:

a receptacle positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner cylindrical surface, an open curved edge facing upward and a closed end facing downward, and

a bearing surface located at a specified distance above and outside the edge of the receptacle, the bearing surface defining a curvature having an opposite orientation with respect to the adjacent curvature of the edge, and

the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body that fits within the receptacle, a convex-shaped first end defining a first contact area, and a convex-shaped second end defining a second contact area, the second contact area having

a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the support surface, and carry out the steps of:

placing the collapsible drink container in a first inclined position so that the first contact area is in contact with the horizontal plane and the second contact area is in contact with the supporting surface,

pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position in a rotational movement around the bearing surface to a second position in which the first convex shaped end is raised while the second contact area remains in contact with the bearing surface support, and

sliding the collapsible beverage container on the bearing surface and on the inner cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to a third position within the receptacle, in which the second convex-shaped end is placed juxtaposed with the closed end facing downward.

The method according to the first aspect of the present invention can be used in relation to beverage containers placed in a vertical position, or alternatively upside down, since in this context, the terms vertical, inverted, upper and lower, etc. refer to the orientation of the relevant entity such as the beverage container or receptacle prior to use, i.e., as regards the beverage container, the orientation during transportation of the beverage container to the place to dispense the beverage from the beverage container by means of the beverage dispensing unit.

The first inclined position is typically a position in which the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container deviates up to 45 degrees from the vertical orientation, as typically an angle from the vertical orientation on the order of 10-45 degrees like 10 -20, 20-30, 30-45 degrees. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container may coincide or be parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the container, however, in specific applications, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container will deviate as much as 15 degrees, 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 degrees from the orientation of the long axis of the receptacle. It is a characteristic feature of the present invention that the transition from the first inclined position to the second position is made while maintaining linear or facial contact between the second contact area and the surface. bearing and, optionally, mutual displacement of the second contact surface and the bearing surface is provided.

The bearing surface located at a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle can be provided by a component of the receptacle itself, such as a handle or a bar connected to the receptacle. Alternatively, the bearing surface may be provided by a separate component such as a vertical post that constitutes a separate component or alternatively a vertical post that constitutes a component of the beverage dispensing unit.

In the step of sliding the collapsible beverage container on the supporting surface and on the cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to the third position, it may be relevant to use a mechanical shock absorber such as a foam pad or a synthetic material or pad. of natural rubber placed in the downward-facing closed end of the receptacle which serves to prevent the collapsible beverage container from mechanically deteriorating when the collapsible beverage container impacts the downward-facing closed end when it reaches the third position.

According to a first embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the receptacle having a beverage outlet at the closed end facing downwards, the first convex-shaped end constituting a convex-shaped bottom, the second convex end constituting a part convex-shaped top, and the convex-shaped top having an outlet connector centrally attached thereto adjacent to the second contact area, the outlet connector of the collapsible beverage container oriented toward the edge of the receptacle in the second position and by contacting and sealing the outlet connector against the beverage outlet in the third position, accordingly, according to this embodiment, the collapsible beverage container is placed upside down in the third position received within the receptacle.

According to a second embodiment or alternative of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first convex-shaped end constituting a convex-shaped upper part, the second convex-shaped end constituting a bottom, the convex upper part having a connector outlet centrally fixed thereto, consequently, according to this alternative or second embodiment, the collapsible beverage container is received and placed in a vertical position within the receptacle.

The beverage dispensing unit can be used in the above context in a beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverages. The beverage distribution system may further include a dispensing line for conveying the beverage to a suitable location and a dispensing tap for controlled dispensing of the beverage into a glass. The beverage dispensing unit can preferably be used as a beverage dispensing module, that is, connecting the beverage dispensing unit to one or more similar beverage dispensing units to form a modular beverage dispensing system such as the described system. in the applicant's European patent application EP 07388059.3. Alternatively, the beverage dispensing unit can be used as a single self-contained unit. Using a plurality of beverage dispensing units in a beverage dispensing system has the added benefit of redundancy, so that when one beverage dispensing unit is being installed or out of service, the others can remain in service. , that is, capable of dispensing beverages.

The beverage dispensing unit is preferably placed on a flat, horizontal and stable surface, such as a restaurant or bar floor, or on an otherwise stable, flat surface. The beverage dispensing unit can be placed in direct connection to the beverage tap, or alternatively in another nearby location, such as in a basement below the restaurant or bar.

The receptacle must be made in a size and shape to match the beverage container. Therefore, when the beverage container is installed, the receptacle should encapsulate the beverage container at least in part so that a stable position is achieved. As long as the beverage container is received in an inverted position in the receptacle, the beverage outlet is positioned at the bottom of the receptacle and when installation is complete, the beverage outlet must be in fluid communication with the outlet connector of the receptacle. beverage container such that the beverage can be dispensed through the beverage outlet to a dispensing line or the like mounted on the beverage outlet.

The support surface is used to achieve correct positioning of the beverage container and to prevent any lateral movement from the first position to the second position of the beverage container during installation and especially during lifting. The curvature of the bearing surface must have an opposite orientation with respect to the curvature of the adjacent edge in order to hold the beverage container in a stable position. By Thus, the abutment surface can provide a concave surface shaped inwardly with respect to the receptacle. The support surface can, for example, form a semicircle or similar geometric shape for stable positioning of the beverage container and for simple positioning of the beverage container. The support surface is preferably attached to the beverage dispensing unit, however it can also be an accessory provided as a separate piece. The bearing surface may comprise, for example, a plate extending from the receptacle upward and outward. The distal end of the plate should have the curvature mentioned above. Alternatively, and even simpler, the bearing surface may comprise a loose wire attached above and outside the edge to achieve the aforementioned curvature.

The collapsible beverage container can be provided with a bottom of convex shape to be able to pivot against the bearing surface, that is to say, assume the initial inclined position. The convex shaped top is used to place the beverage container in a correct initial position in relation to the supporting surface. By convex it should be understood to mean a hemispherical or similar shape, such as a semi-ellipsoid shape. The beverage container, and especially the bottom and the convex shaped top, must be made rigid enough to support the weight of the beverage container. By collapsible it is meant that the beverage container has a beverage space that can reduce its volume during dispensing so that the pressurized fluid is not in direct contact with the beverage. The beverage container may preferably be longer than the receptacle, or alternatively equal to or shorter than the receptacle.

The initial position of the beverage container is sloping, that is, inclined. The horizontal plane, for example the plane of the floor or the floor, and the supporting surface, supports the beverage container. In the initial position, the beverage container thus forms an angle with respect to the vertical plane. The beverage container can be delivered from a storage facility and placed in the initial position by the operator, preferably manually or alternatively using a crane. The initial position is preferably a stable position, that is, it does not require any additional support, for example from the operator. The beverage container can then be left in the home position unattended until the installation procedure begins. The curvature of the supporting surface prevents any lateral or downward movement of the beverage container, thus ensuring the stable position.

Starting the installation procedure, the beverage container is preferably rotated or pivoted by grasping the first end in a convex manner and lifting it to a raised position. Alternatively, a crane can be used for lifting. The raised position corresponds to the second position, that is, a certain pivot angle of the beverage container in relation to the horizontal plane. In the second position, most of the weight of the beverage container is supported by the bearing surface. In the second position, the beverage container is assuming a position substantially aligned with the interior surface of the receptacle, such that when the beverage container is slid towards the edge of the receptacle to the third position within the beverage container. When a second suitable position is achieved, the outer surface of the beverage container can slide over the abutment surface toward the edge of the receptacle so that the collapsible beverage container is received within the edge of the beverage container. When the beverage container enters the receptacle, the beverage container will be further guided by the interior surface of the receptacle to achieve a correct position within the receptacle. Therefore, a perfect alignment in the second position is not necessary. When the beverage container has traveled a certain distance within the receptacle, the inner surface alone guides the beverage container and the bearing surface will therefore cease to come into contact with the beverage container. The exact path of travel of the beverage container from the second position to the third position depends on the dimensions of the receptacle, the dimensions of the beverage container, and the distance between the bearing surface and the edge.

The operator's hands can be held at the first end in a convex manner to allow the operator to apply a high angular momentum. A high angular momentum implies that a lower lifting force is needed compared to a situation where the entire collapsible beverage container is lifted without any additional support, so that the operator's work can be considered ergonomically correct. Furthermore, the operator never has to support or carry the full weight of the beverage container, as it is being partially supported by the supporting surface at all times.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the receptacle is tiltable from a vertical position to an inclined position where the receptacle assumes an angle between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the vertical position and preferably an angle between 0 and 45 degrees such as 0- 15 degrees, 15-30 degrees and 30-45 degrees. By tilting the receptacle a certain angle towards the beverage container prior to installation, the required pivot angle of the beverage container is reduced, i.e. the beverage container should not be raised to as high a height as it would if the receptacle remain in an upright position.

Having a vertical receptacle, the beverage container should be raised to a pivot angle, such as around 7090 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. By tilting the receptacle at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to the vertical direction, the beverage container must be raised much less, such as a rotation of about 40-60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. Wide tilt angles may not be beneficial, as although the elevation of the beverage container may be reduced, the beverage container and receptacle must be pivoted back to their original upright position before dispensing of the beverage is possible. This requires more effort when the receptacle is tilted away from its upright position.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the bearing surface comprises a tubular body. Shaping the bearing surface as a tubular body will form a surface that may better correspond to the beverage container than a flat surface.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the outlet connector comprises an outlet flange for establishing a third contact area for contacting the bearing surface while pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position to the second position. A flange can be suitably used in relation to the outlet connector to grip the abutment surface at the third contact area that is different from the second contact area. The third contact area will further support the beverage container and will mainly prevent the beverage container from slipping during positioning and pivoting. The flange can preferably diverge in an outward direction from the top surface in a convex manner. This will allow the connector to grip at a higher angle on the bearing surface. Also, the outlet flange can help to achieve the correct third position and can help to seal the beverage container to the beverage outlet. In a further embodiment according to the present invention, upon reaching the second position, the sliding of the collapsible beverage container to the third position is generated by the gravitational force acting on the collapsible beverage container. The parameters of the surface and the shapes of the support surface and the beverage container can allow the sliding movement to start when the second position is reached without any translation force required by the operator. Therefore, the operator can pivot the beverage container until the sliding movement begins. This will simplify the installation procedure and avoid errors during installation. In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the receptacle cooperating with a pressure cap provides a pressure chamber to seal against the receptacle at the rim. In this way, fluid under pressure can be introduced into the receptacle to collapse the entire beverage container. The pressurized cap preferably has a pressurized fluid inlet to pressurize the receptacle. Alternatively, the pressurized fluid inlet may be located in another part of the receptacle.

In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the collapsible beverage container constitutes a multi-layer container. A multilayer container typically has a collapsible inner container, such as a bag or the like, that contains the beverage. The inner container is encapsulated by a rigid outer container. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the space formed between the inner and outer container. In this way, the beverage container can be made to withstand greater forces from the outside while maintaining the collapsible properties.

The above need and the above objective together with numerous other needs and objectives, which will be apparent from the detailed description below, are according to a second aspect of the present invention obtained by a collapsible beverage container included in a one-unit packaging. distribution system comprising the steps of providing:

the beverage distribution unit that includes:

a receptacle positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an interior surface, an open curved edge facing upward and a closed end facing downward, and

a bearing surface located at a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle, the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body that fits within the receptacle, the packaging defining sets of opposite positioned rectangular side walls and positioned upper and lower rectangular walls opposite sides connected to the side walls through rectilinear edges, at least the top wall being openable, a first contact area being defined by a lower edge of the package on a side wall of the package and a second contact area being defined by the wall side adjacent to the openable top wall,

the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body, a first convex-shaped end and a second convex-shaped end, the cylindrical body fitting within the receptacle, the collapsible beverage container fitting within the packaging having the cylindrical body supported by the walls Rectangular sides positioned opposite and having the first convex shaped end supported by the bottom of the package and having the second convex shaped end positioned under the top wall that can be opened and can be exposed through the opening in the wall top that can be opened, and perform the steps of:

open the openable top wall of the packaging,

placing the open packaging, including the beverage container, in a first inclined position so that the first contact area is in contact with the horizontal plane and the second contact area is in contact with the supporting surface,

pivoting the package from the first position in a rotational movement around the bearing surface to a second position in which the bottom of the package rises while the second contact area remains in contact with the bearing surface, facing the top wall openable toward the edge of the receptacle in the second position, and

sliding the collapsible beverage container out of the package to a position within the receptacle where the second convex shaped end is placed juxtaposed with the closed end facing downward. The above considerations in relation to the process according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the process according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The above need and the above objective together with numerous other needs and objectives, which will be apparent from the detailed description below, are according to a third aspect of the present invention obtained by a beverage dispensing unit and a beverage container, the beverage dispensing unit including: a receptacle positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open curved edge facing upward and a closed end facing downward, and

a bearing surface located a specified distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle. The abutment surface defines a curvature having an opposite orientation with respect to the adjacent curvature of said edge or a flat outer abutment surface.

The above beverage dispensing unit is preferably used in connection with the procedures described in connection with the first aspect of the present invention.

The above need and the above objective along with numerous other needs and objectives that will be apparent from the detailed description below, are according to a fourth aspect of the present invention obtained by a beverage container for use with a dispensing unit of beverages according to the third previous aspect, the beverage container defining a cylindrical body to fit within a receptacle of the beverage dispensing unit, the beverage container having a convexly shaped bottom defining a first contact area, an upper part of convex shape defining a second contact area, the second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of a bearing surface of a beverage dispensing unit. The above beverage dispensing unit is preferably used in connection with the procedures described in connection with the first and second aspects of the present invention and / or with the beverage dispensing system described in connection with the third aspect of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures, in which:

Figures 1a-1b show a currently preferred embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit in a side view and a 3D perspective view, respectively,

Figures 2a-2g show the installation steps of a first embodiment of a beverage container in the beverage dispensing unit,

Figures 3a-3h show the installation steps of a second embodiment of a beverage container in a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit, and

Figures 4a-4g show the steps of installing a beverage container included in a package in a modified variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit.

Figures 1a and 1b show a beverage dispensing unit 10 for use primarily in a professional beverage dispensing establishment, such as a bar or restaurant. The beverage dispensing unit 10 comprises a frame 12 that includes a horizontally oriented base plate 14 and a vertically mounted back plate 16. The base plate 14 has a centrally located fixing plate 20 attached on its surface oriented upwards. Plate 20 forms the bottom of a hinge 30. The bottom surface of base plate 14 rests on a mounting frame 22 that provides a stable position. Alternatively, wheels may be provided to facilitate transportation of the beverage dispensing unit 10. The back plate 16 is mounted on the edge of the base plate and extends vertically. For added stability of the frame 12, a reinforcing rod 18 is used to connect the distal end of the base plate 14 and the distal end of the back plate 16.

Frame 12 houses a receptacle 26 located in the space defined within frame 12 and extending upward from base plate 14. The bottom of receptacle 26 is mounted on a bracket 28, which forms the top of hinge 30 Thus, the receptacle 26 is pivotally mounted relative to the frame 12, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 1 shows the vertical position of the receptacle 26, in which the receptacle 26 is held in a stable position. by means of a support rod 41. The support rod 41 is fixed to the receptacle 26 and extends downward over the base plate 14. The support rod 41 comprises a pressure inlet 44 and therefore allows the dispensing of the collapsing beverage the drinking container. Pressure inlet 44 is designed to receive a pressurized fluid, such as compressed air, from a compressor. A pressure cap 32 seals the top of the canister 26 and defines together with the canister 26 a sealed inner chamber to be pressurized. The pressure cap 32 comprises a pair of lugs 34 for removing the pressure cap 32 from the receptacle 26. The back plate 16 has a joint 24 that provides a secure positioning of the receptacle 26 in the frame 12. The pressure cap 32 is sealed onto the edge 27 of the socket 26 by means of a seal, for example a rubber seal or the like, and is attached to the edge 27 of the socket 26 by means of a locking mechanism, both not shown in the figure but well known in the art per se. Pressure cap 32 may further comprise a relief valve 36. Relief valve 36 may be used to limit pressure in the receptacle. The receptacle is designed to house a beverage container in a reverse orientation. The beverage container is shown in Figure 2.

The bottom of the receptacle 26 further comprises a beverage outlet 40. The beverage outlet 40 is used to provide fluid communication between the beverage container located within the receptacle 26 and a beverage dispensing line used to transport beverages from the dispensing unit. drinks to a dispensing unit such as a bar dispenser tap or the like. However, the dispensing line and dispensing tap not shown in the drawings, well known per se, may be permanently installed within the establishment or, alternatively, provided as an accessory to the beverage dispensing unit 10. A plurality of dispensing units of Beverages 10 can be used together as a beverage dispensing system. Such beverage dispensing systems can be configured for different purposes, for example, to share a common compressor, dispensing line, or dispensing tap.

The receptacle 26 further comprises a handle 38 having a rounded bearing surface 39. The handle 38 is primarily used to install the beverage container using the bearing surface 39 as will be shown in relation to Figure 2, and secondly it is used to pivot the receptacle 26 and to transport the beverage dispensing unit 10. The support surface has a rounded concave shape to prevent lateral movement of the beverage container.

The beverage dispensing unit 10 is preferably placed on a substantially flat and rigid floor surface, such as a concrete floor or the like. The beverage dispensing unit 10 is further preferably positioned indoors and in close connection with the dispensing unit. Occasionally, the beverage dispensing unit 10 can also be used outdoors, preferably in close connection with an outdoor bar.

The beverage dispensing unit 10 is preferably made of solid materials such as metal or plastic. Most preferably lightweight and durable materials such as aluminum and / or PVC can be used. For chilled beverages, such as draft beer, the receptacle itself may be cooled or alternatively the beverage may be cooled to an appropriate temperature in the dispensing line during dispensing, both principles well known in the art per se.

When a new beverage container is installed, the beverage container 10 can pivot around the hinge 30 and the pressure cap 32 can be removed.

Figure 2a shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 including a receptacle 26 without the pressure cap 32. The receptacle 26 is tilted from its original vertical position to an inclined position of approximately 30 degrees from the vertical direction. In its inclined position, the receptacle 26 is not supported by the back plate 16 or the support rod 41, but is supported by a support part 42 which constitutes a projection of the support 28. When the receptacle 26 is inclined, the part Support bracket 42 limits the pivot angle of receptacle 26 by abutting against base plate 14 at the pivot position. The mounting frame 22 preferably has an elongation in the direction of inclination of the receptacle 26 to avoid overturning the frame 12 and the mounting frame 22 when the center of gravity is changed when the receptacle 26 is inclined.

The beverage dispensing unit 10 has the beverage container 50 positioned inclined approximately 30 degrees relative to the vertical direction in a first stable installation position. The beverage container 50 comprises a rounded bottom portion 52 so that the beverage container 50 can easily be pivoted to the first installation position. The beverage container 50 further comprises a rounded top 56 having an outlet flange 54 located in the center. The outlet flange 54 provides an outlet for the beverage in the beverage container 50. The top 56 and outlet flange 54 are designed to rest against the rounded bearing surface 39 of the handle 38. The rounded bearing surface 39 has a shape having a curvature to provide stable positioning of the beverage container 50 and prevent movement of the beverage container 50 both in the direction toward the receptacle 26 and in the lateral directions.

The beverage container 50 is of the collapsible type and may have a volume of typically about 25-50 liters to allow for approximately 100 servings of the beverage before needing to install a new beverage container 50. The typical height of the beverage container for units professional beverage dispensers is between 0.5m and 1m, preferably 0.7m.

Figure 2b shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having an inclined receptacle 26. By lifting the bottom 52 of the beverage container 50, the beverage container 50 can pivot in a rotational motion about the handle 38 to a raised position. Preferably, an operator, such as a waiter or waitress, performs the lift. Alternatively, when using large and heavy beverage containers, a lifting device such as a crane can be used to lift the bottom 52 of the beverage container 50 in order to avoid personal injury. During the pivoting operation, the bearing surface 39 of the handle 38 remains in contact with the top of the beverage container 50. The rounded bearing surface 39 of the handle 38 simplifies the rotational movement of the beverage container 50. The curvature of the the bearing surface 39 of the handle 38 and the corresponding curvature of the top 56 and outlet flange 54 of the beverage container prevent any lateral movement of the beverage container 50. The outlet flange 54 is used to grip the bearing surface 39 of handle 38 at a higher angle along bearing surface 39 to prevent slipping of beverage container 50.

Figure 2c shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having an inclined receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 has been raised further to an intermediate position. The bearing surface 39 of the handle 38 now supports most of the weight of the beverage container 50. The beverage container 50 rests primarily on the top 56 of the beverage container 50 and occasionally against the outlet flange 54 if necessary to pivot stability. Accordingly, the top 56 of the beverage container 54 and the outlet flange 54 must be made rigid enough to support the applied weight. Preferably, the aforementioned parts can be reinforced to avoid any risk of breakage, for example by using a double or double-layered barrel. A double layer keg has a collapsible inner drink container that is protected by an outer rigid container. Having such a double-layered beverage container will in some embodiments make pressure cap 32 unnecessary, since the pressurized fluid is then held in the space between the outer container and the beverage bag.

A breakage of any of the handles 38, the outlet flange 54 or the top of the beverage container 50 in the intermediate position shown in Figure 2c can lead to an uncontrolled drop of the beverage container 50 towards the ground with possible damage. or operator equipment or personal injury.

Figure 2d shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having an inclined receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 has been raised further to a very high position. The weight of the beverage container 50 now rests primarily on the upper surface of the beverage container 50, and the outlet flange 54 of the beverage container 50 is now oriented against the edge of the receptacle 26 toward the bottom of the receptacle.

Figure 2e shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a pivot receptacle 26. By continuing the rotational movement of the beverage container 50 and, if necessary, providing a horizontal translation force on the beverage container 50 in a direction toward the receptacle 26, the rounded top 56 will begin a sliding motion on the surface of the container. support 39 of the handle 30 towards the receptacle 26. For reasons safety, the operator must avoid any contact with the edge 27 of the receptacle 26, the top 56 of the beverage container 50 and the outlet flange 54, since the beverage container 50 is about to slide in the direction of the edge. 27. Any operator interference during the sliding motion over the above-mentioned parts should be avoided as it may cause possible injury to the operator.

It should further be noted that the beverage container 50 must not be perfectly aligned with the edge 27 of the receptacle 26. It is sufficient if the outlet flange 54 is aligned with the edge 27, since the position of the beverage container 50 will be corrected as shown. described later.

Figure 2f shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having an inclined receptacle 26. Once the sliding movement has begun, the beverage container 50 will continue by its own movement into the receptacle 26. The receptacle is guided by the curvature of the handle 30 and as the beverage container enters the receptacle, it is guided along the inner walls of the receptacle 26 and the top 56 of the beverage container 50 for correct positioning. Thus, the beverage container 50 can enter the receptacle while being slightly misaligned. The inner walls of the receptacle 26 will orient the beverage container 50 so that the outlet flange 54 is placed juxtaposed with the beverage outlet 40.

Figure 2g shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having an inclined receptacle 26. Before the beverage container 50 reaches a home position at the bottom of the receptacle 26, the beverage container 50 is detached from the handle 38 and is fully supported by the inner walls of the receptacle 26. Upon reaching the home position At the bottom of the receptacle 26, the outlet flange 54 of the beverage container 50 is tightly connected to the beverage outlet 40 within the receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 will protrude slightly out of the receptacle. Once the beverage container 50 has reached its home position, the pressure cap 32 can be repositioned and locked on the edge 27 of the receptacle 26, and the assembly of the receptacle 26 and the pressure cap 32 can be pivoted. back to its vertical orientation. Thus the installation procedure is concluded, and after the inner chamber defined within the assembly of the receptacle 26 and the pressure cap 32 has been pressurized, the beverage can be dispensed from the beverage dispensing unit.

In order to prevent the beverage container from deteriorating at the time the beverage container reaches its rest position at the bottom of the receptacle 26, which may cause an impact on the beverage container, a shock absorber within the receptacle, such as a plastic pad or a natural or synthetic rubber pad that serves to prevent the beverage container from deteriorating or even breaking or crushing. When the beverage container 50 is emptied, the canister 26 is depressurized, the canister 26 can pivot, and the pressure cap is removed. This allows the beverage container 50 to be removed and replaced. The beverage container 50 will typically be completely collapsed and therefore easy to remove and dispose of.

In Figures 3a-3g, views similar to the views of Figures 2a-2g illustrate a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit and the beverage container. In Figures 3a-3g, components and elements identical to the components and elements, respectively, described above with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and 2a-2g are designated with the same reference numerals as those used above, while the components or elements that have the same purpose as the components and elements, respectively, described above, which, however, differ from the components and elements described above, respectively, in the geometric shape are designated with the same integer, added however, a mark to identify the geometric difference or the difference in shape.

The beverage dispensing unit 10 'shown in Figures 3a-3h serves to receive the beverage container 10' which is placed in a vertical position and, consequently, the pressure cap 32 'of the pressure dispensing unit 10' as shown. shown in Figure 3h includes a pressure inlet and a beverage outlet, designated together as reference numeral 58.

Since the beverage container 50 'is positioned vertically in the beverage dispensing unit 10', the lower part of the beverage container 50 'is designated by the reference numeral 56' while the upper part of the beverage container 50 'is designated by the reference number 52'. Furthermore, the beverage container 50 'shown in Figures 3a-3g is provided with an upper outlet flange 54'.

In Figures 4a-4d, an alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10 '' shown in Figures 1a, 1b and 2a-2g is shown together with the beverage container 50, however included in a package 60. The package has a lower edge 62 defined by a side wall 64 of the package and further an upper portion 66 positioned under an upper flap 68 which together with an additional upper flap 70 serve to seal and close the package 60 during storage and transportation.

The beverage dispensing unit shown in Figures 4a-4d is designated by the reference numeral 10 '' and comprises a handle 38 'which differs from the handle described above in that the bearing surface 39' of the handle 38 'defines a surface flat outer bearing surface other than the rounded bearing surface of the first and second embodiments 10 and 10 'of the dispensing unit shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a-2g and Figures 3a-3g, respectively. The abutment surface 39 'corresponds to the top 66 of the package 60. When the package 60 including the beverage container 50 has been raised, the beverage container 50 can slide from inside the package 60 into the receptacle 26 while the package 60 remains in its raised position as shown in Figure 4c. Once the beverage container 50 has reached its final position, the package 60 can be discarded and the pressure cap 32 can be replaced as shown in FIG. 4d.

In the second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit and the above-described alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10 '', the ergonomic lifting technique described in greater detail above with reference to Figures 2a-2g is employed. as easily perceived from the figures in the drawings.

In the above alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10 '', the beverage container 50 is placed in an inverted position similar to the position of the beverage container 10 in the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10 described above with reference to Figures 1a, 1b and Figures 2a-2g. However, it is contemplated that the technique of sliding the beverage container 50 out of the package 60 into the beverage dispensing unit 10 '' may also be used to dispense the beverage container in an upright position as described above with reference to Figures 3a-3g. As will be readily understood, this further alternative embodiment is established simply by combining the alternative components described above and the elements of the beverage dispensing unit 10 'described above with reference to Figures 3a-3g in combination with the modified handle 38' of the variant. alternative of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figures 4a-4g and the package 60 described above, however including the beverage container 50 'for sliding the beverage container 50' from the package from a lower opening instead of an upper opening as described above with reference to Figures 4a-4g.

It is obvious to one skilled in the art that there are numerous alternative embodiments according to the present invention, the invention being defined by the appended claims.

Below is a list of parts with reference to the figures:

10, 10 ', 10 ". Beverage dispensing unit

12. Frame

14. Motherboard

16. Back plate

18. Reinforcing rod

20. Plate

22. Mounting frame

24. Union

26. Receptacle

27. Edge

28. Support

30. Hinge

32, 32 ', 32 ". Pressure cap

34. Potholder

36. Safety valve

38, 38 '. Handle

39, 39 '. Support surface

40. Drink outlet

41. Support rod

42. Support piece

44. Pressure inlet

50, 50 '. Drink container

52, 56 '. Bottom (of the beverage container)

54, 54 '. Output tab

56, 52 '. Top (of the beverage container)

. Pressure inlet and beverage outlet assembly. Packaging

. Bottom edge

. Side wall of packing

. Upper part

, 70. Lapel

Claims (15)

A method of installing a collapsible beverage container (50) in a beverage dispensing unit (10) comprising the steps of providing: said beverage distribution unit (10) including: a receptacle (26) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner cylindrical surface, an upward-facing open curved edge (27) and a downward-facing closed end, and a bearing surface (39) located at a specified distance above and outside said edge (27) of said receptacle (26), said bearing surface (39) defining a curvature having an opposite orientation with respect to the adjacent curvature of said edge (27), and said collapsible beverage container (50) defining a cylindrical body that fits within said receptacle (26), a first end (52) of convex shape defining a first contact area, and a second end (56) of convex shape, said second end defining in a convex shape a second contact area, said second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of said bearing surface, and carry out the stages of: placing said collapsible beverage container (50) in a first inclined position so that said first contact area is in contact with said horizontal plane and said second contact area is in contact with said bearing surface, pivoting said collapsible beverage container (50) from said first position in a rotational movement around said bearing surface (39) to a second position in which said first convex shaped end (52) is raised while said second area contact remains in contact with said support surface, and sliding said collapsible beverage container (50) on said bearing surface (39) and on said inner cylindrical surface of said receptacle (26) from said second position to a third position within said receptacle (26), wherein said second convex shaped end (56) is placed juxtaposed to said downward facing closed end. The method according to claim 1, said receptacle (26) having a beverage outlet at said closed end facing downwards, said first convex shaped end (52) constituting a convex shaped bottom, said second convex end (56) constituting ) a convex-shaped top, and said convex-shaped top having an outlet connector (54) centrally attached thereto adjacent to said second contact area, said outlet connector (54) of said collapsible beverage container oriented (50) towards said edge (27) of said receptacle (26) in said second position and contacting and sealing said outlet connector (54) against said beverage outlet in said third position. The method according to claim 1, said first convex-shaped end (52) constituting a convex-shaped upper part, said second convex-shaped end (56) constituting a convex-shaped bottom, said convex-shaped upper part having a output connector (54) centrally fixed thereto. The method according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle (26) is tiltable from a vertical position to an inclined position wherein said receptacle (26) assumes an angle between 0 and 60 degrees relative to said vertical position and preferably an angle between 0 and 45 degrees, such as 0-15 degrees, 15-30 degrees, and 30-45 degrees. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said bearing surface (39) comprises a tubular body. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding of the collapsible beverage container (50) to said third position is generated by gravitational force acting on said collapsible beverage container. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein said receptacle (26) cooperating with a pressure cap (32) provides a pressure chamber for sealing against said receptacle (26) at said edge (27). The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said collapsible beverage container (50) constitutes a multi-layer container. The method according to claim 2 and any of claims 4-8 with reference to claim 2, wherein said outlet connector (54) comprises an outlet flange for establishing a third contact area for contacting said bearing surface ( 39) while rotating said collapsible beverage container (50) from said first position to said second position. 10. A method of installing a collapsible beverage container (50) included in a package (60) in a beverage dispensing unit (10) comprising the steps of providing: said beverage distribution unit (10) including: a receptacle (26) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an interior surface, an upward-facing open curved edge (27) and a downward-facing closed end, and a bearing surface (39) located at a specific distance above and outside said edge (27) of said receptacle (26), said collapsible beverage container (50) defining a cylindrical body that fits within said receptacle (26), said packaging defining sets of opposite positioned rectangular side walls (64) and opposite positioned upper and lower rectangular walls connected to said side walls (64) through rectilinear edges, at least said upper wall being able to be opened, a first contact area being defined by a lower edge of said package on a side wall of said package and a second contact area being defined by said a side wall adjacent to said top openable wall, said collapsible beverage container (50) defining a cylindrical body, a convex-shaped first end (52) and a convex-shaped second end, said cylindrical body fitting inside said receptacle (26), said collapsible beverage container (50) fitting ) within said packaging having said cylindrical body supported by said opposite positioned rectangular side walls (64) and having said convex-shaped first end (52) supported by the bottom of said packaging and having said convex-shaped second end (56) positioned under said openable top wall and exposeable through the opening of said openable top wall, and carry out the stages of: opening said openable top wall of said packaging, placing said open package (60) including said beverage container (50) in a first inclined position so that said first contact area is in contact with said horizontal plane and said second contact area is in contact with said bearing surface , pivoting said package (60) from said first position in a rotational movement around said bearing surface (39) to a second position in which the bottom of said package rises while said second contact area remains in contact with said abutment surface (39), said openable top wall facing said edge (27) of said receptacle (26) in said second position, and sliding said collapsible beverage container (50) out of said packaging (60) to a position within said receptacle (26) in which said second convex shaped end (56) is placed juxtaposed to said closed end facing downward. The method according to claim 10 further having any of the features of the method according to claims 2-8. A beverage dispensing unit (10) for carrying out the processes according to any of claims 1-9 with a beverage container, said beverage dispensing unit (10) including: a receptacle (26) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an interior surface, an upward-facing open curved edge (27) and a downward-facing closed end, and a bearing surface (39) located at a specific distance above and outside said edge (27) of said receptacle (26), said bearing surface (39) defining a curvature having an opposite orientation with respect to the adjacent curvature of said edge (27). A collapsible beverage container (50) for use with a beverage dispensing unit (10) according to claim 12, said beverage container (50) defining a cylindrical body to fit within a receptacle (26) of said beverage dispensing unit, said beverage container (50) having a convex-shaped bottom (52) defining a first contact area, a convex-shaped top (56) and an outlet connector (54) centrally attached to said convex-shaped upper part, said convex-shaped upper part (56) defining a second contact area adjacent to said outlet connector, said second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of a support surface (39) of a beverage dispensing unit (10). A collapsible beverage container (50) and a beverage dispensing unit (10) having the features of claim 13, wherein said collapsible beverage container (50) constitutes a multilayer container. A beverage dispensing unit (10) for carrying out the processes according to any of claims 10-11 with a beverage container, said beverage dispensing unit (10) including: a receptacle (26) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and defining an interior surface, an upward-facing open curved edge (27) and a downward-facing closed end, and a bearing surface (39) located at a specific distance above and outside said edge (27) of said receptacle (26), said bearing surface (39) defining a flat outer bearing surface.