GB2266702A

GB2266702A - Beverage dispense point

Info

Publication number: GB2266702A
Application number: GB9210073A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Paul Bennett; David Michael Viner
Original assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc
Current assignee: Cornelius Inc
Priority date: 1992-05-09
Filing date: 1992-05-09
Publication date: 1993-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-09
Also published as: GB9210073D0; GB2266702B

Abstract

At a dispense point beverage, e.g. beer, flows from nipple 1, Fig. 1, to flow straightener 3 via a gas-releasing, head- forming cap 7 located on the nipple or straightener. Mount 5 is screwed to nipple 1, so that manual mount rotation axially moves the straightener, and possibly cap 7, to vary the gas-releasing effect. Nipple 1 has lugs 21, Fig. 2, co-acting with straightener catches 23 to limit rotation, and thus adjustment, in both directions. Lugs 21 are deflectable, using severe hand pressure or a tool, to allow further rotation. Alternatively (Fig. 3, not shown) cap 7 is located on an oval mount 5 with an oval straightener 3. Co-action between the oval mount ends and the straightener wall limits relative rotation, although the straightener may be flexible to allow further forced rotation. <IMAGE>

Description

Beverage Dispense Point The present invention relates to a beverage dispense point and more particularly but not exclusively to a beverage dispense point for beer.

A beverage such as beer is dispensed either through a beer tap or a beer nozzle and can be either metered or free flow. A beer tap usually has a handle arranged to lift a plunger to allow beer to be dispensed. A nozzle is a fixed outlet usually coupled to a metered dispense system with its flow controlled through electrical switching of a solenoid or electric valve. Both taps and nozzles currently include a variety of devices to agitate the beer and so enhance gas break out from the liquid. This gas break out creates a foam head. Obviously, it is highly desirable in view of local custom/practice and the brewers' optimum dispense conditions to allow some differential in the agitator elements. Thus, there may be a range of agitator caps or sparklers dependent upon desired results along with the ability to adjust the tap in use.The necessity to provide a range of agitator caps may not be consistant with good manufacturing/production procedures along with the necessity to store each cap type.

A typical dispense nozzle configuration in cross-section is illustrated in Figure 1. A supply X of a beverage (beer) is propelled by a pump possibly through a meter to the nozzle in the direction illustrated by the broken arrowheads path. Flow is controlled by a solenoid switch which controls the pump. The nozzle comprises a screwed end nipple 1, a straightener 3, a sparkler mount 5 and a sparkler cap 7. The mount 5 and cap 7 may be an integral component. It will be appreciated that the beverage flow illustrated by the broken arrowhead path encounters the sparkler cap 7 which constricts and diverts this flow. The cap 7 generally agitates the beverage and causes gas break-out. This agitated beverage, illustrated by solid arrow 9 passes through the straightener 3 into a glass or similar for presentation.

A typical beer tap can operate in a similar fashion to the nozzle described above with regard to agitation. However, flow is controlled by a handle and plunger valve, the handle lifting the plunger valve to allow beverage to pass by or through it. The beverage is propelled generally by gas press sure so simple operation of the handle allows beverage flow.

It will be understood from above that both dispense nozzles and taps are severely limited with regard to agitation by the sparkler cap 7 chosen.

Furthermore, marginal adjustment in operation is limited as the sparkler cap is substantially fixed by a screw thread.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a beverage dispense point that substantially relieves the above problems.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a beverage dispense point including engagement means arranged to allow displacement of agitator means and/or straightener means relative to a nipple within a defined agitation range under hand pressure, the agitation range being determined by abutment between respective elements of the engagement means at each end of the agitation range.

Preferably, the engagement means is either lugs arranged about the agitator means or ends of an oval element along with catches or an oval constriction space.

Preferably, the engagement means is displaceable to allow change of agitation range by use of severe hand pressure or through use of a tool.

The agitator means or straightener means may be substantially fixed whilst the other rotates or is displaced relative to it. Alternatively the sparkler means and straightener means can be secured together and that assembly displaced relative to a beverage entry nipple of the dispense point.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 2 illustrates in plan schematic view a dispense point in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 3 illustrates in plan schematic view a dispense point in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

Consider Figures 1 and 2. In order to improve clarity, the straightener 3 below the cap 7 in Figure 1 is not illustrated in Figure 2. The sparkler cap 7' is centrally located and bonded to the nipple 1 or straightener 3'. Although obscured by the cap 7' the nipple end 1 (Figure 1) is arranged behind the cap 7' but has lugs 2' (not illustrated in Figure 1). The straightener 3' can rotate radially relative to the nipple 1 to facilitate axial travel along the screw thread. However, such rotation is limited under hand pressure by catches 23 of the straightener 3' interacting with lugs 21. Thus, rotation of the straightener 3' provides relative displacement of the sparkler cap 7' with respect to the nipple 1 or straightener 3'. This axial or longitudinal adjustment slightly alters the degree of beverage agitation.This adjustment allows accommodation for operational variations in order to ensure the beverage is dispensed in a condition that the manufacturer/brewer desires.

In order to allow adjustment between agitation ranges, the lugs 21 are deflectable to allow the catches 23 to slip past lugs 21 under severe hand pressure or preferably, a tool may be used to facilitate range transfer.

Referring to Figure 3, a sparkler cap 7" is again centrally located with an oval mount 5 with an oval straightener 3". Ends 31 of the mount 5" engage the straightener 3" side to inhibit hand pressure rotation and effectively limit rotation to ISO0. The rotation as previously described moves the sparkler 7" axially relative to the nipple 1 and so adjusts agitation across an agitation range defined by the ends 31 engaging the straightener 3".

The straightener 3" is sufficiently flexible to allow the ends 31 of the mount 5" to slide past the straightener 3" side under severe hand pressure or using a tool.

It will be appreciated that beverage (beer) passes through orifices 25 in both embodiments described in Figures 2 and 3. Furthermore, further lugs 21, catches 23 or ends 31 could be provided to define more limited agitation ranges.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A beverage dispense point including engagement means arranged to allow displacement of agitator means and/or straightener means relative to a nipple within a defined agitator range under hand pressure, the agitation range being determined by abutment between respective elements of the engagement means at each end of the agitation range.

2. A dispense point as claimed in claim 1 wherein the engagement means are lugs arranged about the agitator means to limit rotation.

3. A dispense point as claimed in claim 1 wherein the engagement means comprises an oval element whose ends engage catches or are within an oval constriction space to limit rotation.

4. A dispense point as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the engagement means is displaceable to allow change of agitation range by use of severe hand pressure or through use of a tool.

5. A dispense point as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the agitator means or straightener means may be substantially fixed whilst the other rotates or is displaced relative to it.

6. A beverage dispense point substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

6. A dispense point as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the sparkler means and straightener means can be secured together and that assembley displaced relative to a beverage entry nipple of the dispense point.