GB2283299A

GB2283299A - Beverage dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2283299A
Application number: GB9322359A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denis Martin Edward Rawling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-10-29
Filing date: 1993-10-29
Publication date: 1995-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-29
Also published as: GB9322359D0; GB2283299B

Abstract

A beverage dispenser for dispensing a pressurised beverage such as beer, lager or a sparkling drink incorporates a chamber (46) communicating with an inlet (45) and an outlet (47). A first flow path is provided between a lower region of the chamber (46) and the outlet for the flow of beverage, and a second flow path is provided from an upper region of the chamber (46), for example also to the outlet (47), to release accumulated gas. In the embodiment shown the flow paths are respectively located on the outside and inside of a tapered member (52) which is displaceable by means of a further member (53) respectively to open and close the flow paths. In another embodiment the first flow path is provided round the outside of a tapered valve member and the second path is provided internally of its actuating spindle. A third embodiment disposed upstream of the tap has a spindle with an internal second flow path, the first path extending around the foot of the spindle. The actuating member (53) has a third position for closing the outlet and there is lost motion on passing from the third position to a position of engagement with the member (52). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN BEVERAGE DISPENSING The present invention relates to improvements in beverage dispensing and, more particularly, is concerned with the control of frothing or foaming of the dispensed beverage.

In pressurised systems for the dispense of gasified, for example carbonated, beverages such as beers, lagers, sparkling drinks or the like it is generally required to dispense the beverage quickly and accurately, often in legally defined measures, with a minimum of waste whilst controlling the presentation of the beverage in respect of the desired amount of so called 'head'.

Frothing or foaming, known in the art as 'fobbing', of the beverage can occur as a result of uncontrolled release of dissolved carbon dioxide of other propellant gas during flow and is a major problem, giving rise to wastage of the beverage by spillage, delay in dispensing the beverage, and an inability to serve a legal measure because of too large a head (or alternatively an unacceptably 'flat' beverage as a result of too great a reduction in the pressure of the propellant gas).

To achieve quick and accurate dispense of the required measure of beverage using a manually operable (free flow as compared with metered) system it is necessary to be able to increase the flow rate of the beverage to a maximum prior to the onset of fobbing which, in turn, is determined by the 'condition' of the beverage, for example its temperature, pressure, level of agitation and carbonation and indeed the nature of the beverage itself, and the characteristics of the system for delivering the beverage from its keg or other container to the glass or other receptacle. Since the condition of the beverage may vary, even during the dispense of one measure, it is desirable that the delivery system should allow continuous adjustment of the flow rate.

The presence of gas bubbles in the beverage can cause violent agitation and thus fobbing during dispense. It is therefore desirable to collect any such gas bubbles and to provide an hygienic mechanism for their release.

It is also desirable for the operator to be able to vary the flow rate of the beverage in a controlled manner for topping up a measure, that is for the accurate adjustment of the amount of the dispensed beverage, without overspill.

A further desired feature is for the operator to be able to control the amount of fob or head on the beverage without wastage of beverage.

Dispense systems commonly in use consist of two components, the sealing device and an associated flow control device to prevent fobbing. The flow control device may be a long capillary supply pipe which restricts flow to a predetermined rate depending on the dispense pressure and the pipe characteristics, the pipe reducing the pressure of the beverage at the sealing device and eliminating to a large degree violent agitation of the beverage.

Alternatively, a mechanically variable flow control device can be used, the flow control device typically consisting of a conical flow restrictor mounted coaxially within a conical housing and being manually adjustable by the operator to reduce the pressure at the sealing device.

However, these known dispense systems have a number of disadvantages. The capillary supply pipe does not allow any adjustment of the flow rate of the beverage, and the manual system does not allow adjustment of the flow rate during operation to speed dispense. Neither system allows topping up of the measure; attempts to top up give rise to throttling within the system raising the pressure at the sealing device with consequent uncontrolled fobbing.

Neither system provides any measure of head control on the dispensed beverage, and neither system provides any means for preventing fobbing which may arise as a result of gas bubbles in the beverage.

It is also known to detect and trap bubbles in carbonated beverages, but known systems are located in cellars close to the keg or other container and are used in metered systems in order to prevent gas, particularly when a keg is exhausted, entering sealed dispense meters which would cause the meters to deliver short measure. Such known traps are not installed close to or incorporated at the point of dispense of the beverage nor do they, or are they intended to, trap any gas bubbles liberated in the supply pipe.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispenser which is able to control frothing or foaming of the dispensed beverage.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage dispenser for dispensing a pressurised beverage, the dispenser comprising: a chamber communicating with an inlet port for the entry of beverage into the chamber; an outlet port for dispensing beverage from the dispenser; means defining in use a first flow path between a lower region of the chamber and the outlet port; means defining in use a second flow path from an upper region of the chamber; and a flow control member movable between a first position and a second position and operable such that: when the flow control member is in the second position it co-operates with the means defining the first flow path to permit beverage flow from the lower region of the chamber out of the chamber along the first flow path and out through the outlet port and it co-operates with the means defining the second flow path to close the second flow path; and when the flow control member is in the first position it cooperates with the means defining the first flow path to close the first flow path and it co-operates with the means defining the second flow path to permit flow from the upper region of the chamber out of the chamber along the second flow path.

Preferably, the flow control member is movable between a third position and the first position and operable such that when the flow control member is in the third position the dispenser is closed to the flow of beverage.

The inlet port may be positioned to or may be configured to direct the flow of incoming beverage into the upper region of the chamber.

The means defining the first flow path may comprise an externally tapered member co-operable with an internally tapered duct positioned between the chamber and the outlet port, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the externally tapered member and the internally tapered duct increasing as the flow control member is moved from its first position towards its second position. The flow control member may comprise a spindle operably connected to a control lever and movable between first and second positions, the spindle passing substantially coaxially through the externally tapered member and being engageable therewith for effecting movement thereof.In embodiments where the flow control member is movable between a third position and the first position, the spindle may be engageable with the externally tapered member by way of a lost motion connection which permits movement of the spindle between its first and third positions without any movement of the externally tapered member. The spindle may be biased towards its third position. The second flow path may comprise a bore provided within the spindle and communicating between the upper region of the chamber and the outlet port when the spindle is in its first position.

In an alternative embodiment, the flow control member may comprise a spindle within the chamber and the second flow path may comprise a bore provided within the spindle and communicating between the upper region of the chamber and the outlet port when the spindle is in its first position.

In a further embodiment of the invention which incorporates an externally tapered member, the means defining the second flow path may comprise an internally tapered surface provided in the externally tapered member and co-operable with a stationary externally tapered surface provided within the externally tapered member, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the internally tapered surface and the externally tapered surface increasing as the flow control member is moved from its second position towards its first position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage dispenser for dispensing a pressurised beverage, the dispenser comprising: an inlet port for the entry of beverage into the dispenser and an outlet port for dispensing beverage from the dispenser; means defining a flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a flow control member engageable with the flow path defining means for controlling the flow of beverage out of the outlet port, the flow control member being movable between a first position in which the flow of beverage out of the outlet port is substantially prevented and a second position in which beverage is permitted to flow out of the outlet port; wherein the flow control member is movable between the first position and a third position in which the flow control member is dis-engaged from the flow path defining means so as to provide a lost motion connection which permits limited movement of the flow control member from its third position prior to engagement with the flow path defining means.

The flow control member may be provided with a seal for sealing the outlet port in the third position thereof.

The flow path defining means may comprise an externally tapered member co-operable with an internally tapered duct positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the externally tapered member and the internally tapered duct increasing as the flow control member is moved from its first position to its second position.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present invention; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the invention.

The beverage dispenser shown in Figure 1 comprises a head 1 which is secured to a supporting bracket 2 by means of a locking nut 3. The head 1 incorporates an inlet port 4 to convey a beverage under pressure from a supply pipe (not shown) to a chamber 5 within the head 1, a flow deflector 19 being provided to deflect the flow of incoming beverage towards the upper region of the chamber 5. A spout 6 incorporating an outlet port of the dispenser is secured to the head 1, for example by means of one or more threaded connections, and an elastomeric seal 7 is positioned between the head and the spout in order to provide a fluidtight seal.A flow control member in the form of a spindle 8 passes through an aperture provided in the head 1 and is provided with an upper elastomeric seal 9 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the spindle 8 and the head 1 and with a lower elastomeric seal 10 to provide, at least in certain positions of the spindle 8, a fluid-tight seal between the spindle 8 and the spout 6. A helical spring 11 is provided around the spindle 8 within the chamber 5 and bears against the inner surface of the head 1 and against a shoulder or collar 12 provided on the spindle 8 so as to bias the spindle towards a third position thereof in which the lower seal 10 bears against a seat formed on the inner surface of the spout 6 and provides a fluid-tight seal between the spout 6 and the spindle 8 so as to close the dispenser.

Provided within the spout 6 and co-operating with the inner surface thereof is an externally tapered member in the form of a flow restricting member 13. The flow restricting member 13 is provided with a central bore and is slidably mounted on the spindle 8 so as to be axially movable relative to the spout 6 between first and second positions.

The flow restrictor 13 as shown in Figure 1 is circular in cross-section and is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of the flow restrictor is greater in its upper region than in its lower region. Thus the overall shape of the flow restrictor is generally conical, although other shapes are possible.The external surface of the flow restrictor 13 is shaped to conform closely to the shape of the internal surface of the spout 6 such that the flow restrictor forms with the spout a generally annular first flow path the cross-sectional area of which is variable depending on the relative axial positions of the spout and the flow restrictor, the dimensions of the generally annular first flow path being selectable so as to control the flow rate of the beverage therethrough (for example, the flow rate may be accelerated or decelerated as necessary in order to secure optimum flow conditions).

The spindle 8 is hollow along part of its length, the bore 14 of the spindle 8 being provided with an upper port 15 and with a lower port 16 so as to define a second flow path, the ports 15 and 16 being positioned such that in the first position of the spindle 8, when the lower seal 10 bears against, or is closely adjacent to, the sealing seat formed on the inner surface of the spout 6, the lower port 16 opens between the lower seal 10 and the flow restrictor 13 and the upper port 15 opens into the upper region of the chamber 5 such that the upper region of the chamber 5 communicates with a space between the lower seal 10 and the flow restrictor 13. The lower end of the spindle 8 is provided with flow guides which are generally cross-shaped in section, while a control lever 17 is pivotably mounted at the upper end of the spindle by way of a hinge pin 18.

The control lever 17 bears against an annular profiled portion of the upper surface of the head to provide a pivot point such that downward movement of the control lever 17 causes upward movement of the spindle 8 and vice versa.

In operation of the beverage dispenser shown in Figure 1, beverage from a keg or other container (not shown) enters the chamber 5 in the head 1 as a result of gas pressure being applied to the container in known manner. The beverage flows into the chamber 5 by way of the inlet port 4 and is directed into the upper region of the chamber 5 by means of deflector 19. The chamber is configured such that the flow rate of the beverage is slowed and this allows any gas bubbles in the beverage to rise towards the top of the chamber 5 before the beverage passes downwardly along the first flow path towards the spout 6. At this stage the gas accumulates in the upper region of the chamber 5.

The operator dispenses the beverage by applying a downward pressure on the control lever 17 sufficient to exceed the combined resistance of the spring 11 and the frictional forces associated with the upper seal 9 and in this phase the lever 17 and thus the spindle 8 move relatively quickly and easily from the third position of the spindle, through the first position of the spindle, until the lower seal 10 bears against the lower end of the flow restrictor 13 (which is in its first position). This provides a form of lost motion connection between the spindle 8 and the flow restrictor 13. The lower seal 10 then forms with the flow restrictor a relatively streamlined shape to reduce as far as possible any disturbance of the flow of the beverage as it flows past the lower seal 10.

In the next phase an increased downward force on the control lever 17 is necessary to overcome the opposing force exerted by the pressurised beverage on the upper surface of the flow restrictor 13 in order to move the flow restrictor from its first position, thus creating 'feel' for the operator. Further downward movement of the control lever 17 and corresponding upward movement of the spindle 8 causes a similar upward movement of the flow restrictor 13 as a result of the lower seal 10 bearing against the lower end of the flow restrictor. As movement takes place, a generally annular first flow path in the form of a gap is created between the external surface of the flow restrictor 13 and the inner surface of the spout 6 through which passes a controlled flow of the beverage from the lower region of the chamber 5 to the spout 6.Further downward movement of the control lever 17 progressively increases the cross-sectional area of the annular gap allowing progressively increasing beverage flow up to a maximum flow rate determined by the extent of movement available in the control lever 17, the flow restrictor 13 and the spindle 8 then being in their second positions. Any bubbles in the beverage continue to accumulate in the upper region of the chamber 5.

Upward movement of the control lever 17 produces a corresponding reduction in beverage flow (to allow topping up of a measure) and eventually returns the flow restrictor 13 to its first position in which it engages with the internal surface of the spout 6 to stop beverage flow.

Further upward movement of the control lever 17 causes the spindle 8 alone to move downwardly towards its first position and this causes the lower seal 10 to unseat from the lower end of the flow restrictor 13 and opens the lower port 16. The pressurised beverage in the lower region of the chamber 5 urges any accumulated gas in the upper region of the chamber to flow through the second flow path provided by upper port 15, bore 14 in the spindle 8, and lower port 16 and thereafter out of the spout 6 into the beverage receptacle. When there is no further accumulated gas in the chamber 5 the pressurised beverage itself flows through the spindle 8 and out of the spout 6, the second flow path being such as to cause gas dissolved in the beverage to form bubbles and create fob thus enabling the operator to produce a head on the beverage as required.

The beverage dispenser is sealed by returning the control lever 17 to its uppermost position thus causing the spindle 8 to return to its third position and lower seal 10 to bear against the seat within the spout 6.

Clearly numerous modifications can be made to the beverage dispenser shown in Figure 1 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a rotary control lever could be provided in place of the control lever described or the control lever could be provided with a cam arrangement to operate the spindle, the cam arrangement optionally incorporating a ratchet mechanism so that the control lever remains in position if the control lever is released by the operator. Moreover, according to the second aspect of the present invention the bore 14 can be omitted from the spindle 8.In this case the dispenser is effective to reduce or eliminate undesired frothing or foaming of the dispensed beverage because the lower seal 10 initially bears against the seat within the spout 6 and, in use, is first moved away from the seat before bearing against the lower end of the flow restrictor 13 and subsequently moving the flow restrictor from its first position. The lost motion connection between the lower seal 10 and the flow restrictor 13 permits effective sealing of the spout 6 and allows adjustment of the flow rate of the beverage because the sealing of the spout 6 is independent of the operation of the flow restrictor.

The beverage dispenser shown in Figure 2 comprises a conventional tap arrangement 21 (shown in dashed lines) secured to or arranged closely adjacent to a device 22 for eliminating, or at least reducing, frothing or foaming of the dispensed beverage. As shown in Figure 2 the open end of a generally cup-shaped chamber 23, for example of transparent or translucent plastics material, is secured as by a screw thread to a housing 24 and a fluid-tight seal is provided by means of an elastomeric seal 25. A shaft 26 passes through the housing 24 and is sealed in a fluidtight manner therewith by means of elastomeric seals 27 and 28. This arrangement is not essential but permits rotational movement of the housing 24 relative to the shaft 26 which is convenient for adjusting the orientation of the chamber 23.The shaft 26 is connected to the tap 21 by way of an internal thread formed in the shaft, the shaft having a first bore 29 formed therein connecting the tap with an outlet port in the form of an aperture 30 formed in the housing substantially at the axis of the chamber 23. An annular wall 34 is provided around the aperture 30 and extends into the chamber 23, the exposed end of the annular wall being provided with guides 38 in its radially outer portion as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

The other end of the shaft 26 is formed with both an internal thread and with an external thread. The external thread permits the dispenser to be secured to a supporting bracket 31 by way of a locking nut 32, while the internal thread permits connection of the shaft 26 to a supply of pressurised beverage in known manner. The shaft is formed with a second bore 33 which permits the beverage to flow into the chamber 23 by way of an inlet port in the form of an aperture 35 formed in the housing 24 at a position laterally offset from the axis of the housing.

The second bore 33 and the aperture 35 permit flow of beverage into the chamber 23 towards the upper region of the chamber and generally in the axial direction thereof, while the first bore 29 and the aperture 30 permit the flow of beverage out of the chamber again generally in the axial direction of the chamber thus requiring the beverage to change flow direction through approximately 180 between the aperture 35 and the aperture 30.

A flow control member in the form of a spindle 36 passes through an aperture formed in the closed end of the chamber 23 and is sealed therewith in a fluid-tight manner by an elastomeric seal 37 allowing movement of the spindle 36 relative to the chamber 23 in the axial direction of the chamber. Spindle 36 is provided with a shoulder which restricts axial movement of the spindle such that the end of the spindle adjacent to the aperture 30 is at all times supported by guides 38. A knob 39 is secured to the upper end of spindle 36, for example by means of a screw, and a helical spring 40 acts between the outer surface of the chamber 23 and the knob 39 so as to bias the knob and thus the spindle 36 towards its second position, that is in a direction away from the aperture 30.Spindle 36 is formed with a second flow path in the form of a bore 41 which opens at the free end of the spindle and which extends along part of the length thereof and with a port 42 on that side of the shoulder remote from the aperture 30. The port 42 is positioned such that it communicates between the bore 41 and the interior of the chamber 23 when the knob 39 is depressed such that the free end of the spindle 36 is moved to its first position and bears against the annular wall 34.

In operation of the beverage dispenser shown in Figure 2, pressurised beverage from a keg or other container (not shown) enters the chamber 23 by way of the second bore 33 and the aperture 35 flowing generally upwardly. On entering the chamber 23, with its greater cross-sectional area, the flow rate slows and, coupled with the change in flow direction, permits any bubbles to rise towards the upper region of the chamber. Beverage flows out of the chamber to the tap 21 by way of a first flow path in the form of the space between the free end of the spindle 36 and the annular wall 34 and between the guides 38.

The bubbles accumulate in the chamber 23 and the amount of accumulated gas can be determined by the operator due to the transparent or translucent nature of the material of the chamber.

When it is desired to expel the accumulated gas from the chamber 23, the tap 21 is opened and manual pressure on the knob 39 causes the spindle 36 to move downwardly until it is in its first position and the free end thereof bears and seals against the annular wall 34 of the housing 24. This opens the port 42 and permits the accumulated gas in the chamber 23 to flow through the port 42 and bore 41 to the aperture 30 and subsequently to flow out of the tap 21.

Once the accumulated gas has been released, continued pressure on the knob 39 allows beverage to flow through the port 42 and bore 41, the flow path being such as to cause gas dissolved in the beverage to form bubbles and create fob thus enabling the operator to produce a head on the beverage as required.

When the knob 39 is released the helical spring 40 returns the spindle to its second position and flow of beverage resumes directly through the space between the free end of the spindle 36 and the annular wall 34.

The beverage dispenser shown in Figure 3 is similar to that shown in Figure 1 and comprises a head 43 and a locking nut 44 for securing the dispenser to a supporting bracket (not shown). The head 43 incorporates an inlet port 45 to convey a beverage under pressure from a supply pipe (not shown) to a chamber 46 within the head 43. A spout 47 incorporating an outlet port of the dispenser is secured to the head 43, for example by means of a screw-threaded securing member 48 which engages with a corresponding screw thread formed internally of the head 43.

Formed internally of the head 43 is a cylindrical spring housing 49 and secured to the free end of the spring housing 49 is a frustoconical member 50 which is formed with an internal bore communicating with the interior of the spring housing 49. Frustoconical member 50 is pressfitted within the cylindrical spring housing 49 and is sealed therewith in a fluid tight manner with the aid of elastomeric seal 51.

Positioned around the spring housing 49 and the frustoconical member 50 is a flow-path defining member 52, the function of which will be described in detail hereinafter. The flow-path defining member 52 is dimensioned so as to be capable of movement in a generally axial direction relative to the spring housing 49 and frustoconical member 50 and relative to the spout 47, the arrangement being such that movement in one axial direction (upwards as shown in Figure 3) reduces the spacing between the frustoconical member 50 and the flow-path defining member 52 and increases the spacing between the flow-path defining member 52 and the spout 47, whereas movement in the opposite axial direction (downwards as shown in Figure 3) increases the spacing between the frustoconical member 50 and the flow-path defining member 52 and decreases the spacing between the flow-path defining member 52 and the spout 47. The flow-path defining member 52 extends into the upper part of the chamber 46 for reasons that will be explained in detail hereinafter.

Movement of the flow-path defining member 52 is controlled by means of a flow control member 53 which is slidably mounted in the bore of the frustoconical member. One end of the flow control member extends through the interior of the spring housing 49 and protrudes beyond the top of the head 43, while the other end of the flow control member 53 extends through the lower end of the flow-path defining member 52 and into the interior of the spout 47. Flow control member 53 is movable between a lower (third) position as illustrated in Figure 3 in which the dispenser is closed and an upper (second) position (not shown) in which the dispenser is fully open, by way of an intermediate (first) position in which gas is released from the upper region of the chamber 46.

The lower end of the flow control member 53 is provided with flow guides 54 which are generally cross-shaped in section and with an elastomeric seal 55 which is engageable with a shoulder 56 provided internally of the spout 47 in order to close the dispenser when the seal is engaged with the shoulder.

Above the lower end of the flow control member 53 and engaging with the internal surface of the frustoconical member 50 there is provided an elastomeric seal 57 so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the flow control member and the frustoconical member.

Towards the upper end of the flow control member 53, the flow control member is formed with a shoulder which carries a washer 58 or the like. A helical coil spring 59 is positioned between the washer and the upper end of the spring housing 49 and urges the flow control member 53 towards the closed position of the dispenser.

The upper end of the flow control member 53 is formed as a T-piece, with the arms 60 of the T-piece being substantially cylindrical. The arms 60 engage with a handle 61 which is pivotable on the upper surface of the head 43 so as to operate the flow control member 53. The handle is formed with first and second planar surfaces 62 and 63 which define, in addition to the closed position illustrated, further positions at which the handle can be left unattended if desired.

In operation of the beverage dispenser shown in Figure 3, beverage from a keg or other container (not shown) enters the chamber 46 in the head 43 as a result of gas pressure being applied to the container in known manner. The beverage flows into the chamber by way of inlet port 45, the chamber being configured such that the flow rate of the beverage is slowed so as to allow any gas bubbles in the beverage to rise towards the top of the chamber 46 before the beverage passes downwardly towards the spout 47. At this stage the gas accumulates in the upper region of the chamber 46.

The operator dispenses beverage by rotating the lever 61 (in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in Figure 3) with sufficient force to overcome the combined resistance of spring 59 and frictional forces and in this phase the lever 61, and thus the flow control member 53, moves relatively easily from the upright position as shown to a position in which the planar surface 62 bears against the upper surface of the head 43 and the seal 55 is raised from the third position in which it bears against shoulder 56 to the first position in which the seal 55 lies close to the end of the flow-path defining member 52. This provides a form of lost-motion connection between the flow control member 53 and the flow-path defining member 52.In this first position, the flow-path defining member bears against the internal surface of the spout and is effectively sealed therewith so as to prevent flow along a first flow path between the flow-path defining member and the inner surface of the spout. However, the flow-path defining member is spaced from the frustoconical member 50 and defines therewith a second flow path between the upper region of the chamber 46 and the spout 47 by way of a spacing between the flow-path defining member and the flow control member.

The spacing may take the form, for example, of a relatively narrow annular space or of axial notches in the flow-path defining member. In this phase, bubbles from the upper region of the chamber 46 are able to flow out of the camber and through the spout, for example to provide a 'head' on the beverage. If there are no bubbles in the chamber, a 'head' can still be created due to the relatively small dimensions of the second flow path and the resulting nature of the fluid flow.

In the next phase, an increased anti-clockwise force is required to overcome the opposing force exerted on the flow-path defining member 52 by the pressurised beverage, thus creating 'feel' for the operator. Further anticlockwise movement of the lever 61 causes a similar upward movement of the flow control member 53, brings the seal 55 into sealing contact with the lower end of the flow-path defining member 52 and progressively raises the flow-path defining member so as to create a generally annular gap between the outer surface of the flow-path defining member and the internal surface of the spout. The annular gap allows a controlled flow of beverage to pass from the lower region of the chamber 46 to and out of the spout.Further anti-clockwise movement of the handle 61 progressively increases the area of the gap as the flow-path defining member is raised, allowing a progressively increasing beverage flow up to a maximum flow rate determined by the maximum extent of movement available in the handle. In the maximum flow rate position the handle is below the horizontal in the illustrated embodiment. Any bubbles in the beverage accumulate in the upper region of the chamber 46 as a result of the decrease in flow rate as the beverage flows into the chamber.

If the handle is then released it will return to a flow position, with the handle substantially horizontal in the illustrated embodiment, in which the planar surface 63 engages with the upper surface of the head 43. Any bubbles in the beverage will continue to accumulate in the upper region of the chamber 46.

In this phase, continued adjustment of the flow rate is possible.

Clockwise movement of the handle 61 results in a corresponding reduction in beverage flow (to allow topping up of a measure) and eventually allows the flow-path defining member to return to its original position in contact with the inner surface of the spout 47 so as to close the flow path between the flow-path defining member and the inner surface of the spout.

Further clockwise movement of the handle causes the seal 55 to become separated from the flow-path defining member and to open the flow path between the flow-path defining member 52 and the frustoconical member 50. The pressurised beverage in the lower region of the chamber 46 urges any accumulated gas in the upper region to flow out of the chamber and out through the spout 47 into the beverage receptacle to create a 'head' on ther beverage. When there is no further accumulated gas in the chamber 46, the pressurised beverage itself flows out of the upper region of the chamber and out through the spout, the flow path being such as to cause gas dissolved in the beverage to form bubbles and create fob, thus enabling the operator to produce a 'head' on the beverage as required.

The beverage dispenser is closed by returning the handle to the upright position thus causing the seal 55 to bear against the shoulder 56 within the spout.

It will be appreciated that the beverage dispensers described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 accomplish more than the elimination or reduction of undesired frothing or foaming of the dispensed beverage. The beverage dispensers described with reference to each of Figures 1, 2 and 3 permit the controlled production of a head on the beverage as required, while the beverage dispensers described with reference to Figures 1 and 3 additionally permit a progressive increase and decrease in the flow rate of the beverage.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser for dispensing a pressurised beverage, the dispenser comprising: a chamber communicating with an inlet port for the entry of beverage into the chamber; an outlet port for dispensing beverage from the dispenser; means defining in use a first flow path between a lower region of the chamber and the outlet port; means defining in use a second flow path from an upper region of the chamber; and a flow control member movable between a first position and a second position and operable such that: when the flow control member is in the second position it co-operates with the means defining the first flow path to permit beverage flow from the lower region of the chamber out of the chamber along the first flow path and out through the outlet port and it co-operates with the means defining the second flow path to close the second flow path; and when the flow control member is in the first position it cooperates with the means defining the first flow path to close the first flow path and it co-operates with the means defining the second flow path to permit flow from the upper region of the chamber out of the chamber along the second flow path.

2. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow control member is movable between a third position and the first position and operable such that when the flow control member is in the third position the dispenser is closed to the flow of beverage.

3. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet port is positioned to or is configured to direct the flow of incoming beverage into the upper region of the chamber.

4. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the means defining the first flow path comprises an externally tapered member co-operable with an internally tapered duct positioned between the chamber and the outlet port, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the externally tapered member and the internally tapered duct increasing as the flow control member is moved from its first position towards its second position.

5. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flow control member comprises a spindle operably connected to a control lever and movable between first and second positions, the spindle passing substantially coaxially through the externally tapered member and being engageable therewith for effecting movement thereof.

6. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 5 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the spindle is engageable with the externally tapered member by way of a lost motion connection which permits movement of the spindle between its first and third positions without any movement of the externally tapered member.

7. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spindle is biased towards its third position.

8. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the second flow path comprises a bore provided within the spindle and communicating between the upper region of the chamber and the outlet port when the spindle is in its first position.

9. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow control member comprises a spindle within the chamber and wherein the second flow path comprises a bore provided within the spindle and communicating between the upper region of the chamber and the outlet port when the spindle is in its first position.

10. A beverage dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the means defining the second flow path comprises an internally tapered surface provided in the externally tapered member and co-operable with a stationary externally tapered surface provided within the externally tapered member, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the internally tapered surface and the externally tapered surface increasing as the flow control member is moved from its second position towards its first position.

11. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

12. A beverage dispenser for dispensing a pressurised beverage, the dispenser comprising: an inlet port for the entry of beverage into the dispenser and an outlet port for dispensing beverage from the dispenser; means defining a flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a flow control member engageable with the flow path defining means for controlling the flow of beverage out of the outlet port, the flow control member being movable between a first position in which the flow of beverage out of the outlet port is substantially prevented and a second position in which beverage is permitted to flow out of the outlet port; wherein the flow control member is movable between the first position and a third position in which the flow control member is dis-engaged from the flow path defining means so as to provide a lost motion connection which permits limited movement of the flow control member from its third position prior to engagement with the flow path defining means.

13. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flow control member is provided with a seal for sealing the outlet port in the third position thereof.

14. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the flow path defining means comprises an externally tapered member co-operable with an internally tapered duct positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port, the cross-sectional area of the gap between the externally tapered member and the internally tapered duct increasing as the flow control member is moved from its first position to its second position.

15. A beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 12 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.