GB2049106A - A Tap - Google Patents

Abstract

A tap for dispensing carbonated liquids comprises a removable spout 14 into the upstream end of which part of a valve closure member 24 extends to define an annular channel. Downstream of the annular channel the spout cross-section is reduced. As the tap is progressively opened the valve member 24 is moved relative to the spout 14 to reduce the length of the annular channel. The dimensions of the channel can be altered by changing the spout to one of different dimensions in the upstream part. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION ATap This invention relates to a tap for dispensing carbonated liquids.

In addition to the older methods of dispensing the product which are by beer engines, pumps and beer measurers, etc., it is now common practice for carbonated beverages such as beer, lager, cider, lemonade and the like to be stored in containers pressurised by gas, normally carbon dioxide, at pressures from 5 p.s.i. to 40 p.s.i. It is important, however, that when liquid is dispensed from such a pressurised container or system that a sufficient quantity of gas remains dissolved so that the dispensed liquid is still "fizzy" and that the speed of dispense is as fast as possible with a minimum of wasteful overflow.

Where the point of dispense is at some distance from the container it has become the practice to increase the gas pressure in the container to try and prevent gas coming out of solution between container and the point of dispense but that often produces undesirable effects at the dispense point.

More recently flow regulators have been adopted which have the effect of reducing dynamic pressures when the dispense tap is opened. Such regulators rely upon surface tension and are based upon bringing a relatively small quantity of liquid into contact with a large surface area. If the flow regulator is fixed, i.e. not adjustable then the results obtained may be unsuitable for particular conditions at the point of dispense.

Adjustable flow regulators depend, for efficient operation, upon the skill of the person using it.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of the aforementioned difficulties.

According to the invention there is provided a tap for dispensing carbonated liquids comprising a body, a spout removably fixed to the body, the internal diameter of which determines the overall flow rate, a valve which extends into-the spout and which is movable to open and close the tap.

Spouts of different internal diameters are provided, any one of which may suit the particular conditions of dispense.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a vertical section through tap.

Referring to the drawing the tap comprises a Tshaped body 10, the side branch 12 of which forms an inlet. A spout (flow controller) 14 has one end received in the body and is held in place by a nut 1 6 threadedly connected to the body and engaging on a flange around the spout. The proper positioning of the spout end 1 5 in the body is determined by engagement of the flange 1 6 with the body. The outer end 1 8 of the spout is of reduced cross-section, the transition 20 between the parts of different cross-section not being abrupt but rather gradual and rounded as illustrated. A plurality of ribs, one of which 22 is shown in the drawing extend along the inner surface of that part of the spout of larger crosssection parallel to the spout axis. Generally three ribs are provided with equal spacing between them.The ribs act to straighten flow of liquid through the spout.

A flow regulator (valve) 24 has one end 25 received with clearance in the part of larger crosssection 1 5 of the spout. A flange 26 extends around the regulator which forms a sealing surface engageable with the inner end 28 of the spout to close off the tap. The regulator is adapted for sliding movement in the body by operation of the handle 30 in a way which is known per se and, therefore, not described.

The tap just described operates as follows.

When the tap is moved to raise the regulator 24 the flange 26 lifts off the end 28 of the spout permitting liquid to flow through the annular channel defined between part 15 of the spout and the end 25 of the regulator. As the tap is progressively opened and the regulator moved upwardly the length of the aforesaid annular channel is reduced and the volume within the spout at the transition point 20 is increased.

These automatic adjustments within the tap enable it to be used by unskilled operators for dispense of carbonated liquids. Moreover by changing the spout for one of a different diameter in the part of larger cross-section it is possible to alter the cross-sectional area of the annular channel and hence the flow characteristics of the tap. Thus by choosing a spout of appropriate diameter the tap can be matched to suit the liquid to be dispensed.

Claims

1. A tap for dispensing carbonated liquids comprising a body, a spout removably fixed to the body the internal diameter of which determines the overall flow rate, a valve a part of which extends into the spout, said valve being movable to open and close the tap.

2. A tap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout includes a first part of larger cross-section into which the said valve part extends to define a channel between said valve part and said first part and a second part of smaller cross-section downstream of the first part, movement of the valve to open the tap being adapted to move the valve part relative to said first part and reduce the length of the channel.

3. A tap as claimed in claim 2, wherein ribs are provided on said first part for straightening liquid flow through said channel.

4. A tap as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the transition between the different sections of said first and second spout parts is gradual.

5. A tap as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the spout is replaceable by a spout having a first part of larger or smaller crosssection so that the dimensions of the channel can be varied.

6. A tap as claimed in any preceding claim,

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION ATap This invention relates to a tap for dispensing carbonated liquids. In addition to the older methods of dispensing the product which are by beer engines, pumps and beer measurers, etc., it is now common practice for carbonated beverages such as beer, lager, cider, lemonade and the like to be stored in containers pressurised by gas, normally carbon dioxide, at pressures from 5 p.s.i. to 40 p.s.i. It is important, however, that when liquid is dispensed from such a pressurised container or system that a sufficient quantity of gas remains dissolved so that the dispensed liquid is still "fizzy" and that the speed of dispense is as fast as possible with a minimum of wasteful overflow. Where the point of dispense is at some distance from the container it has become the practice to increase the gas pressure in the container to try and prevent gas coming out of solution between container and the point of dispense but that often produces undesirable effects at the dispense point. More recently flow regulators have been adopted which have the effect of reducing dynamic pressures when the dispense tap is opened. Such regulators rely upon surface tension and are based upon bringing a relatively small quantity of liquid into contact with a large surface area. If the flow regulator is fixed, i.e. not adjustable then the results obtained may be unsuitable for particular conditions at the point of dispense. Adjustable flow regulators depend, for efficient operation, upon the skill of the person using it. The present invention has been made from a consideration of the aforementioned difficulties. According to the invention there is provided a tap for dispensing carbonated liquids comprising a body, a spout removably fixed to the body, the internal diameter of which determines the overall flow rate, a valve which extends into-the spout and which is movable to open and close the tap. Spouts of different internal diameters are provided, any one of which may suit the particular conditions of dispense. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a vertical section through tap. Referring to the drawing the tap comprises a Tshaped body 10, the side branch 12 of which forms an inlet. A spout (flow controller) 14 has one end received in the body and is held in place by a nut 1 6 threadedly connected to the body and engaging on a flange around the spout. The proper positioning of the spout end 1 5 in the body is determined by engagement of the flange 1 6 with the body. The outer end 1 8 of the spout is of reduced cross-section, the transition 20 between the parts of different cross-section not being abrupt but rather gradual and rounded as illustrated. A plurality of ribs, one of which 22 is shown in the drawing extend along the inner surface of that part of the spout of larger crosssection parallel to the spout axis. Generally three ribs are provided with equal spacing between them.The ribs act to straighten flow of liquid through the spout. A flow regulator (valve) 24 has one end 25 received with clearance in the part of larger crosssection 1 5 of the spout. A flange 26 extends around the regulator which forms a sealing surface engageable with the inner end 28 of the spout to close off the tap. The regulator is adapted for sliding movement in the body by operation of the handle 30 in a way which is known per se and, therefore, not described. The tap just described operates as follows. When the tap is moved to raise the regulator 24 the flange 26 lifts off the end 28 of the spout permitting liquid to flow through the annular channel defined between part 15 of the spout and the end 25 of the regulator. As the tap is progressively opened and the regulator moved upwardly the length of the aforesaid annular channel is reduced and the volume within the spout at the transition point 20 is increased. These automatic adjustments within the tap enable it to be used by unskilled operators for dispense of carbonated liquids. Moreover by changing the spout for one of a different diameter in the part of larger cross-section it is possible to alter the cross-sectional area of the annular channel and hence the flow characteristics of the tap. Thus by choosing a spout of appropriate diameter the tap can be matched to suit the liquid to be dispensed. Claims

1. A tap for dispensing carbonated liquids comprising a body, a spout removably fixed to the body the internal diameter of which determines the overall flow rate, a valve a part of which extends into the spout, said valve being movable to open and close the tap.

2. A tap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spout includes a first part of larger cross-section into which the said valve part extends to define a channel between said valve part and said first part and a second part of smaller cross-section downstream of the first part, movement of the valve to open the tap being adapted to move the valve part relative to said first part and reduce the length of the channel.

3. A tap as claimed in claim 2, wherein ribs are provided on said first part for straightening liquid flow through said channel.

4. A tap as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the transition between the different sections of said first and second spout parts is gradual.

5. A tap as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the spout is replaceable by a spout having a first part of larger or smaller crosssection so that the dimensions of the channel can be varied.

6. A tap as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve is adapted to seat onto the end of the spout.

7. A tap for dispensing carbonated liquids substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.