GB2620103A

GB2620103A - Coupling system for a flowable material container

Info

Publication number: GB2620103A
Application number: GB2206958.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mackenzie Scott; Baile Darron; Morse Simon
Original assignee: Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd
Current assignee: Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-12
Filing date: 2022-05-12
Publication date: 2024-01-03
Also published as: GB202206958D0

Abstract

A coupling system 10 for coupling and uncoupling a flowable material container 160. A container support 112 supports and positions the container 160. A connector 114 engages with the outlet of the container 160 to allow material to flow therefrom. An actuator 116 moves (e.g., pivots) between an unlocked position, wherein the connector 114 is disengaged from the container 160 and the container 160 can be placed onto/ removed from the support 112; and a locked position, wherein the actuator 116 holds the container 160 in position and engages the connector 114 with the container 160 to allow material to flow from the container 160. The container 160 may hold additive (e.g., flavouring syrups, flowable solids) for dispensing soft-drink beverages.

Description

COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A FLOWABLE MATERIAL CONTAINER

[1] The present invention relates to a coupling system for coupling a flowable material container to a dispenser to dispense flowable material from the container and uncoupling the container from the dispenser.

[2] In retail outlets such as bars and restaurants, flavoured beverages are commonly dispensed from a dispensing head attached to a flexible hose (often referred to as a "soda gun"), or from a beverage fountain, where a beverage container (e.g. a glass) is positioned under a dispensing head to receive a beverage. Soda guns and beverage fountains typically dispense a plurality of different beverages, which are supplied through individual supply tubes to the dispensing head.

[3] Pre-mix systems use containers pre-filled with readyto-drink beverages (e.g. pressurized containers, in the case of carbonated beverages). The containers are stored remotely from the dispense point, and the beverage passes through a chiller prior to delivery. Pre-mix systems have the advantage that the perceived and actual quality of the dispensed beverage is high, compared to the same product as sold in sealed, single-serving containers, but have the disadvantage of transportation, logistics and storage of the containers.

[4] Post-mix systems have cooling and carbonating systems for water, and containers with pumps for additives, such as flavour syrups, remote from the dispense point. The additive is pumped to the dispenser head separately from the water, and the additive and (un)carbonated water are mixed together at the dispenser head. Alternatively, the additive can be dispensed into a vessel which already contains water. An advantage of the post-mix system is that It uses a concentrated additive, typically mixed in a ratio of about 5 parts water to 1 part additive, and a mains water supply. There is thus no need to transport and store large volumes of liquid. The disadvantages of post-mix systems include the perceived and actual lower quality of the dispensed beverage compared to the same product as sold in sealed, single-serving containers. In addition, the dispenser head can be a complicated structure incorporating valves for supplying either premixed drinks, or for mixing (un)carbonated water and additives, for example to produce beverages of different flavours.

[5] Another disadvantage of both pre-mix and post-mix systems is that beverage and additive containers can be complicated to couple and uncouple correctly from the dispenser, for example when a container needs replacing. Accordingly, in a restaurant or bar, staff members may require training in how to correctly couple and uncouple a container to/from a dispenser, and these tasks may consequently be performed by more senior or specially trained staff. However, dispensers such as beverage fountains are increasingly being used in other settings, such as offices and domestic dwellings, where appropriate training may not be desirable or available. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a coupling system for coupling and uncoupling containers to dispensers which is easy to use with minimal training, whilst being reliable in preventing unwanted disconnects and leaks.

[6] The present invention seeks to provide such a coupling system.

[7] Thus, according to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a coupling system for coupling and uncoupling a flowable material container having a material outlet to a dispenser, the coupling system comprising; a container support for supporting and positioning a container; a connector for engaging with the container outlet of a container positioned on the container support so as to allow material to flow from the container; an actuator which is moveable relative to the container support between an unlocked position in which a user can position a container on and remove a container from the container support, and a locked position in which the actuator can hold a container in position on the container support, wherein the actuator engages with the connector such that when a container is positioned on the container support and the actuator is in the unlocked position the connector is disengaged from the container outlet, and when the actuator is in the locked position the connector is engaged with the container outlet so as to allow material to flow from the container.

[8] The first aspect of the present invention thus provides a coupling system for coupling and uncoupling a flowable material container to a dispenser which is reliable and simple to operate, through the use of an actuator which both holds the container in position on the container support and simultaneously ensures correct engagement of the connector with the container outlet. In this way, a user wishing to couple a container to the dispenser, for example, to replace an empty container, merely needs to correctly position the container on the container support and lock it in position by moving the actuator to the locked position, without needing to manually fit the connector to the container outlet.

[9] The coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention may be used to couple any suitable container containing a flowable material to a dispenser, such as liquids and flowable dry solids, and its preferred use is with containers containing beverages, such as soft drink syrups.

[0010] The coupling system thus comprises a container support. The container support is for supporting the container whilst coupled to the dispenser and for ensuring correct positioning of the container relative to the connector. The container support may be configured to support a container with the container outlet facing upwards or downwards. However, preferably the container support is configured to support a container with the container outlet facing downwards, whereby the flow of material from the container is assisted by gravity.

[0011] The container support preferably comprises positioning means for ensuring correct positioning of a container on the support. The positioning means may thus comprise, for example, a holder into which a container may be placed, the holder having dimensions corresponding to one or more dimensions of the container to restrict movement of the container on the support. For example, the container support may comprise a holder having a cross-sectional profile which corresponds to that of the container being used, into which the container may be placed with the container outlet facing downwards, the holder having a base opening through which the container outlet may be engaged by the connector.

[0012] The positioning means may comprise a slot or channel into which a container may be inserted and held in position. For example, in embodiments where the container outlet is formed within a neck portion which extends from shoulders of the container body, then the positioning means may comprise a slot for receiving the neck portion of the container and a support for supporting the shoulders of the container body. For example, the positioning means may comprise opposing arms defining a gap into which the neck portion of the container may be received, the arms configured so that the shoulders of the container body are supported on upper surfaces of the arms. In such embodiments, the connector may engage with the container outlet from below through the gap defined by the arms.

[0013] The coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention also comprises a connector for engaging with the outlet of a container positioned on the container support to allow flow of material from the container.

[0014] Preferred connectors for use in the coupling system of the present invention engage with the container outlet through insertion into the outlet, with material passing out of the container through the connector. For example, the connector may comprise a male element having a flow-through passage for flow of material from the container, which male element is received by the connector outlet (forming the female element). The connector preferably forms a material-tight seal with the container outlet to prevent leakages.

[0015] A preferred connector is referred to in the art as a QCD ("Quick-Connect-Disconnect") push-fit type connector. These connectors comprise a domed or substantially hemispherical male element having a flow-through passage which may be pushed into the outlet of a container, to form a material-tight seal therewith, and may be disconnected from the container by simply pulling them free. These connectors thus have the advantage of requiring no manual screwing or tightening.

[0016] Preferred containers for use with the coupling system of the present invention are configured to reseal when the connector is withdrawn from the container outlet. For example, the container may have an internal membrane or valve which recloses when the connector is withdrawn. For oxygen-sensitive materials, the container may be configured so that material flows from the container through the connector without any air entering the container. The container may further comprise communication protocol technology, such a

near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency

identification (RFID) technology. The use of these technologies allows the container to communicate information to another compatible local communication protocol reader. For example, the container may electronically communicate information to a local reader regarding the identity and/or volume of its contents. This information may be used by an appropriate controller (such as a computer) to control and manage flow of material from the container. For example, with beverage dispensers comprising a plurality of coupling systems providing different ingredients, a controller may provide a user with information as to which different flavours, and thus flavour combinations, are available, based upon the information provided by the containers being used. Particular beverage "recipes" comprising a plurality of different ingredients may be selected by a user according to the containers being used. The information provided by the container may also be used by a controller to inform a user when a container is empty and needs replacing, when hardware may require servicing, about inventory management, and so forth. The coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention may thus comprise an electronic communication reader, such a near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency identification (RFTD) reader, for reading information provided by a container.

[0017] The connector preferably has an outlet which may be connected to a dispenser, for example by tubing, for passage of material from the container through the connector to the dispenser, for dispensing the material to the end user.

[0018] The coupling system of the present invention further comprises an actuator which is moveable relative to the container support between an unlocked position in which a user can position a container on and remove a container from the container support, and a locked position in which the actuator can hold a container in position on the container support. The actuator engages with the connector such that when a container is positioned on the container support and the actuator is in the unlocked position the connector is disengaged from the container outlet, and when the actuator is in the locked position the connector is engaged with the container outlet to allow material to flow from the container. The actuator thus both holds the container in position on the container support and simultaneously ensures and maintains correct engagement of the connector with the container outlet. In this way, a user wishing to couple a container to the dispenser, for example, to replace an empty container, merely needs to correctly position the container on the container support and lock it in position by moving the actuator to the locked position, without needing to manually fit the connector to the container outlet.

[0019] The actuator is moveable relative to the container support between locked and unlocked positions. The actuator may comprise a lever which can pivot towards and away from the container support between locked and unlocked positions. For example, the container support and the actuator may be attached to or form part of a common housing or frame, with the container support fixed in position relative to the housing or frame and the actuator pivotally attached to the housing or frame. Thus, in preferred embodiments, to lock a container in position on the support, the container is positioned on the support (for example, by a neck portion of the container slotting into a gap defined by opposing arms of positioning means of the support, as described above) with the actuator in the unlocked position, and when the container is in position on the support the actuator is pivoted towards the container support from the unlocked position into the locked position, to thus hold the container in position on the support. When a container is to be removed, the actuator is pivoted back to the unlocked position away from the container support, and the container is removed from the support. The actuator preferably comprises releasable locking means, for maintaining the actuator in the locked position.

[0020] As described above, the actuator not only serves to hold and preferably lock a container in position on the container support, but also engages and disengages the connector with the outlet of a container positioned on the support. Thus, the connector engages and disengages with the outlet of a container positioned on the support through movement of the actuator between the unlocked and locked positions. In those embodiments in which the actuator comprises a lever which pivots towards and away from the container support between unlocked and locked positions, the connector may be attached to and move with the lever.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention the container support comprises positioning means comprising a slot for receiving a neck portion of a container with the container outlet facing downwards, the connector is a push-fit connector comprising a domed or substantially hemispherical male element having a flow-through passage for fitting into the outlet of a container positioned on the support, and the actuator comprises a lever which can pivot towards and away from the container support about a pivot point positioned below the container support, the connector being attached to the lever such that, when a container is positioned on the container support, moving the lever towards the support from the unlocked to the locked position causes the male element of the connector to engage with and enter into the container outlet from below. The actuator preferably releasably locks in the locked position. When the container is to be removed, the lever is released from the locked position, and moved away from the container support to the unlocked position, which disengages the male element from the container outlet and allows the container to be slid out of the slot in the positioning means.

[0022] The coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention is for coupling and uncoupling a flowable material container a dispenser for dispensing the material to an end user. As described herein, when a container is positioned on the container support, the container opening preferably faces downwards, so that gravity will assist with flow of material from the container. However, material is preferably pumped from the container using a pump. For example, for beverage dispensers such as soda guns and beverage fourtains, the amount of flavour syrup being dispensed may be small (e.g. 1 to 5m1) and must be accurately controlled to provide the correct beverage mix, recipe or formulation. Suitable pumps for use in a beverage dispenser Include stepper motor driven pumps, and peristaltic pumps. Peristaltic pumps are often used where the flow of fluid needs to be carefully metered, i.e. where small amounts of fluid need to be accurately delivered.

[0023JA typical peristaltic pump comprises a flexible tube for conveying material through compression of the tube in a peristaltic manner. Material is pushed or pulled through the tube by moving the region of compression along the length of the tube. Compression of the tube is typically achieved by mechanically driven rollers which pinch off a section of the tube. A typical peristaltic pump thus comprises a plurality of rollers between which material is trapped: as the rollers rotate, the trapped material is transported through the tube towards the pump outlet.

[0024JA preferred peristaltic pump for use with the coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a fluid inlet and outlet; a carrier member having an outer surface; flexible tubing for conveying the flowable material which extends at least partially around the outer surface of the carrier member; and a drivable compression roller; wherein the carrier member and compression roller can be positioned adjacent one another to compress the flexible tubing therebetween, and the compression roller rotated about an axis of rotation to thereby cause the carrier member and flexible tubing to rotate about an axis of rotation, by which flowable material within the flexible tubing can be conveyed along the flexible tubing between the inlet and outlet. This preferred peristaltic pump conveys material using the same principles as a conventional peristaltic pump, i.e. flowable material is conveyed along flexible tubing by compressing the flexible tubing and moving the point of compression along the flexible tubing. However, unlike a conventional peristaltic pump, rollers do not rotate about an internal central axis relative to flexible tubing which is fixed in position, for example within and relative to a housing or manifold. Instead, the flexible tubing moves relative to the compression roller, through rotation of the carrier member about its rotational axis, on which the flexible tubing is positioned, driven by rotation of the compression roller. Thus, in use when the compression roller and carrier member are positioned to convey flowable material through the flexible tubing, with the flexible tubing compressed therebetween, the axis of rotation of the carrier member and the axis of rotation of the compression roller/flexible tubing are in fixed positions relative to each other. In this way, greater accuracy of material delivery can be achieved compared to conventional peristaltic pumps. For example, the compression roller may have a circumference substantially smaller than that of the carrier member, meaning that rotation of the compression roller through a full 360° rotation corresponds to rotation of the carrier member, and hence the flexible tubing, through only a fraction (arc) of the circumference of the carrier member. For example, the ratio of the circumference of the compression roller to the carrier member may be from 1:10 to 1:15 or 1:20, meaning that, for these ratios, a full 3600 rotation of the compression roller would rotate the carrier member through 36°, 27° and 18° respectively. This arrangement allows for very accurate control of the amount of material being conveyed through the flexible tubing. However, the relative sizes of the compression roller and carrier member are not limited, and may be selected as desired according to the requirements of the pump.

[0025] The coupling system of the present invention preferably comprises a pump to pump material from a container to a dispenser. The pump is preferably located downstream of the connector. Thus, in preferred embodiments, material can flow from the container through the connector to the pump, for example via tubing. The pump can pump the material to a dispenser for dispensing to an end user. The pump is preferably a peristaltic pump, as described herein. The pump is preferably located adjacent the container support and actuator. For example, the coupling system may comprise a housing or frame to which the container support, the actuator and the pump (and optionally an electronic communication reader) are commonly attached or form part of. Such an arrangement has the advantage of compactness, thus reducing the length of tubing which is required. It also allows for a preferred coupling system comprising the container support, connector, actuator and a pump to form a discrete unit, which can for example be retrofitted into dispensers for use with soda guns and beverage fountains. It also allows for a plurality of coupling system units to be used in the same dispenser, for example for use with different flowable materials. For example, a beverage dispenser may comprise a plurality of coupling system units, each unit for providing a different beverage ingredient (e.g. syrup or flavour). In this way, different containers containing different ingredients may be provided via individual connectors and pumps, thus reducing cross-contamination of ingredients.

[0026] The coupling system of the first aspect of the present invention is for use with an appropriate material dispenser as is known in the art. For example, beverage dispensers, such as soda guns and beverage fountains, typically comprise a chiller, a connection to a water source, a water filtration system and carbonator.

[0027] According to the present invention there is also provided in a second aspect a material dispenser comprising a coupling system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0028] The material dispenser of the second aspect of the present invention is preferably a beverage dispenser.

[0029] An embodiment of the coupling system of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing two coupling systems of an embodiment of the present invention, with a first coupling system holding a flowable material container in a locked position, and a second coupling system in an unlocked position with no container; [0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the two coupling systems shown in Figure 1, with the first coupling system holding a flowable material container in a locked position, and the second coupling system holding a flowable material container in an unlocked position; [0032] Figure 3 is a close up perspective view of one of the coupling systems shown in Figures 1 and 2 in an unlocked position with no container; [0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the coupling system shown in Figure 3; [0034] Figure 5A is a simplified perspective view of a flowable material container embodiment for use with the coupling system according to the invention, and Figure SB is a simplified front view of the container in position on the container support; [0035] Thus, Figure 1 shows two coupling systems 10 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The coupling systems 10 each comprise a housing 111, a container support 112 for supporting and positioning a container, a connector 114 for engaging with the container outlet 162 of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112 to allow material to flow from the container 160, and an actuator 116 which is moveable relative to the container support 112 between an unlocked position in which a user can position a container 160 on and remove a container 160 from the container support 112, and a locked position in which the actuator 116 can hold a container 160 in position on the container support 112. In Figure 1 a first coupling system 10 is shown holding a flowable material container 160 with the actuator 116 in a locked position, and a second coupling system 10 shown with no container 160 and the actuator 116 in an unlocked position; in Figure 2 the first coupling system 10 is shown holding a flowable material container 160 with the actuator 116 in the locked position, and the second coupling system 10 with the actuator 116 in the unlocked position but with a flowable material container 160 positioned on the container support 112; and Figure 3 is a close up perspective view of one of the coupling systems 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the actuator 116 in an unlocked position with no container 160. Thus, when the actuator 116 in the unlocked position, a container 160 can be positioned on the container support 112. The actuator 116 engages with the connector 114 such that when a container 160 is positioned on the container support 112 and the actuator 116 is in the unlocked position the connector 114 is disengaged from the container outlet, and when the actuator 116 is in the locked position the connector 114 is engaged with the container outlet to allow material to flow from the container 160.

[00361 As described herein, the coupling system 10 of the first aspect of the present invention may be used to couple any container 160 containing a flowable material to a dispenser, and its preferred use is with containers 160 containing beverages, such as soft drink syrups.

[0037] The coupling system 10 thus comprises a container support 112. The container support 112 is for supporting the container 160 whilst coupled to the dispenser and for ensuring correct positioning of the container relative to the connector 114. In the illustrated embodiment (best shown in Figure 3), the container support 112 comprises a channel 118 for receiving the neck portion 166 of a container 160, i.e. the container opening 162 faces downwards, so that gravity can assist with flow of material from the container 160. The channel 118 is defined by opposing arms 120, the width W of the channel corresponding to the width/diameter of the neck portion 166 of a container, to restrict movement of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112. The arms 120 are configured so that the shoulders 164 of the container body 161 are supported on upper surfaces of the arms 20. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector 114 is positioned below the container support 112 in the unlocked position and engages with a container outlet from below through the channel 118 defined by the arms 120. The container support 112 may also comprise a back plate (not shown) against which a container 160 positioned on the container support 112 may be pressed when held in place by the actuator 116 in the locked position.

[0038] The coupling system 10 of the first aspect of the present invention also comprises a connector 114 for engaging with the outlet of a container 16 positioned on the container support 112 to allow flow of material from the container 160.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 114 is a QCD ("Quick-Connect-Disconnect") push-fit type connector. The connector 114 comprises a domed male element 124 having a flow-through passage 126 which fits into the outlet of a container positioned on the container support 112. This type of connector 114 has the advantage of requiring no manual screwing or tightening.

[0040] The connector has an outlet (not shown) which connects to a pump 128 (shown in Figure 4) by tubing 130, for passage of material from the container 160 through the connector 114 to a dispenser (not shown), for dispensing the material to the end user. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 128 is a peristaltic pump, which enables the flow of material from the container to be carefully metered. Material is pumped from pump 128 to a dispenser (not shown) via tubing 132 (partially shown in Figure 4).

[0041] The actuator 116 is moveable relative to the container support 112 between an unlocked position in which a user can position a container 160 on and remove a container 160 from the container support 112, and a locked position in which the actuator 116 holds a container 160 in position on the container support 112. Figures 1 and 2 show adjacent first and second coupling systems 10 having actuators 116 in locked and unlocked positions respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 116 is an essentially L-shaped member, having a pivotally mounted bracket portion 134 and a substantially orthogonal handle portion 136. The bracket portion 134 is pivotally attached by pivot 135 to the housing 111 within the housing 111, to as to be pivotable relative thereto. The bracket portion 134 comprises substantially parallel side portions 138 between which a connector support member 140 is fixed, upon which connector 114 is mounted. The connector 114 thus raises and lowers as the actuator 116 is raised and lowered between the unlocked and locked positions. The handle portion 136 is for a user to hold when moving the actuator 116 between the unlocked and locked positions. The actuator 116 preferably comprises releasable locking means (not shown), for maintaining the actuator 116 in the locked position.

[0042] As shown in the Figures, the pump 128, container support 112 and actuator 116 are located within or attached to the housing 111 for compactness. This allows for the illustrated coupling systems 10 to each form a discrete unit, which can for example be retrofitted into dispensers for use with soda guns and beverage fountains. It also allows for a plurality of coupling system units 10 to be used in the same dispenser, for example for use with different flowable materials. For example, a beverage dispenser may comprise a plurality of coupling system units 10, each unit for providing a different beverage ingredient (e.g. syrup or flavour). In this way, different containers containing different ingredients may be provided via individual connectors 14 and pumps 28, thus reducing cross-contamination of ingredients. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 for example, each coupling system 10 may be attached to a beverage dispenser as a unit by slotting into a rack 150. In the illustrated embodiment, lugs 152 on the housing 111 distal from the handle portion 136 may be positioned within slots 154 on the rack 150 to position the coupling module 10 on a beverage dispenser. This allows coupling module 10 units to be added or removed from a beverage dispenser as desired.

[0043] Figure 5A is a simplified perspective view of a flowable material container 160 for use with coupling system of the present invention. Suitable containers 160 include those which are known in the art for use in bag-in-box dispensing systems, which comprise a flexible, collapsible additive-containing bag (not shown in the Figures) in a box 161. The flowable material container 160 comprises an outlet 162 through which additive is dispensed (and through which the bag within the container 160 may also be filled with additive). The container box 161 has a neck portion 166, for example a spout, which comprises the outlet 162, and shoulders 164. As noted, bag-in-box type containers 160 are known in the art, and a detailed description of the structure of the bag and outlet 162 will not be provided here.

[0044] Figure 5B is a simplified front view of a flowable material container 160 in position on the container support 112 (for clarity the connector 114 and actuator:16 are not shown in Figure 5B). Thus, the shoulders 164 of the container box 161 rest upon the opposing arms 120 of the container support 112, with the neck portion 166 positioned within the channel 118 with the container outlet 162 facing downwards, available to receive the connector 114 when the actuator 116 moves from the unlocked tc the locked position, and to disengage with the connector 114 when the actuator 116 returns to the unlocked position.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the embodiment illustrated above describes the invention for the purposes of illustration only. In practice the invention may be applied to many different configurations, the detailed embodiments being straightforward for those skilled in the art to implement.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupling system for coupling and uncoupling a flowable material container having a material outlet to a dispenser, the coupling system comprising; a container support for supporting and positioning a container; a connector for engaging with the container outlet of a container positioned on the container support to allow material to flow from the container; an actuator which is moveable relative to the container support between an unlocked position in which a user can position a container on and remove a container from the container support, and a locked position in which the actuator can hold a container in position on the container support, wherein the actuator engages with the connector such that when a container is positioned on the container support and the actuator is in the unlocked position the connector is disengaged from the container outlet, and when the actuator is in the locked position the connector is engaged with the container outlet to allow material to flow from the container.
2. A coupling system according to claim 1 configured for use with a container containing a beverage or beverage additive.
3. A coupling system according to claim 2 wherein the beverage is a soft drink flavour or syrup.
4. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the container support is configured to support a container with the container outlet facing downwards.
5. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the container support comprises positioning means for ensuring correct positioning of a container on the support.
6. A coupling system according to claim 5 wherein the positioning means comprises a holder into which a container may be placed, the holder having dimensions corresponding to one or more dimensions of the container to restrict movement of the container on the support.
7. A coupling system according to claim 6 wherein the container support comprises a holder having a cross-sectional profile which corresponds to that of the container being used, for receiving the container with the container outlet facing downwards, the holder having a base opening through which the container outlet may be engaged by the connector.
8. A coupling system according to claim 5 wherein the positioning means comprises a channel into which a portion of a container may be inserted and held in position.
9. A coupling system according to claim 8 configured for use with a container comprising a neck portion, wherein the positioning means comprises a channel for receiving the neck portion of the container.
10. A coupling system according to claim 9 wherein the channel is defined by opposing arms configured so that shoulders of the container body are supported on upper surfaces of the arms.
11. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the connector engages with the container outlet through insertion into the outlet, with material passing out of the container through the connector.
12. A coupling system according to claim 11 wherein the connector comprises a male element having a flow-through passage for flow of material from the container, which male element is in use received by the connector outlet.
13. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the connector forms a material-tight seal with the container outlet.
14. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the connector is a push-fit type connector.
15. A coupling system according to claim 14 wherein the connector comprises a domed male element having a flow-through passage which can be pushed into the outlet of a container.
16. A coupling system according to any preceding claim configured so that in use the connector engages with the outlet of a container without any manual screwing or tightening.
17. A coupling system according to any preceding claim which comprises an electronic communication reader.
18. A coupling system according to claim 17 wherein the electronic communication reader comprises a near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, for reading information provided by a container.
19. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator comprises a lever which can pivot towards and away from the container support between locked and unlocked positions.
20. A coupling system according to claim 19 wherein the container support and the actuator are attached to or form part of a common housing, the container support is fixed in position relative to the housing, and the actuator is pivotally attached to the housing.
21. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator comprises releasable locking means, for maintaining the actuator in the locked position.
22. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the connector is attached to and moves with the actuator.
23. A coupling system according to any preceding claim wherein the container support comprises positioning means comprising a channel configured to receive a neck portion of a container with the container outlet facing downwards; the connector is a push-fit connector comprising a domed male element having a flow-through passage for fitting into the outlet of a container positioned on the support; and the actuator comprises a lever which can pivot towards and away from the container support about a pivot point positioned below the container support, the connector being attached to the lever such that, when a container is positioned on the container support, moving the lever towards the support from the unlocked to the locked position causes the male element of the connector to engage with and enter into the container outlet from below.
24. A coupling system according to any preceding claim which further comprises a pump.
25. A coupling system according to claim 24 wherein the pump is a peristaltic pump.
26. A coupling system according to claim 25 wherein the peristaltic pump comprises a fluid inlet and outlet; a carrier member having an outer surface; flexible tubing for conveying the flowable material which extends at least partially around the outer surface of the carrier member; and a drivable compression roller; wherein the carrier member and compression roller can be positioned adjacent one another to compress the flexible tubing therebetween, and the compression roller rotated about an axis of rotation to thereby cause the carrier member and flexible tubing to rotate about an axis of rotation, by which flowable material within the flexible tubing can be conveyed along the flexible tubing between the inlet and outlet.
27. A coupling system according to any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein the pump is located downstream of the connector.
28. A coupling system according to any one of claims 24 to 27 which comprises a housing to which the container support, the actuator and the pump are commonly attached or form part of, to form a discrete unit.
29. A coupling system according to any preceding claim configured for use with a beverage dispenser.
30. A flowable material dispenser comprising a coupling system according to any preceding claim.
31. A flowable material dispenser according to claim 30 which is a beverage dispenser.
32. A flowable material dispenser according to claim 30 or 31 which comprises a plurality of coupling systems according to any one of claims 1 to 29.
33. A flowable material dispenser according to claim 32 which is a beverage dispenser wherein each coupling system provides a different beverage ingredient