GB2620104A

GB2620104A - Material dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2620104A
Application number: GB2206961.1A
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: GB202206961D0

Abstract

The dispenser has an additive manifold (14, Fig. 1) for receiving additives and is in fluid communication with a source (e.g., water) for flushing additives from the manifold. A dispensing head is in communication with the manifold for dispensing the additive. The dispenser may have multiple additive coupling modules 10 for coupling additive containers 160 (containing, e.g., flavouring syrups, flowable solids) to the dispenser. A user may be presented additive options and make their selection. These selected additives may be pumped to the manifold and dispensed into a vessel. The coupling 10 may have a container support 112, a connector 114, an actuator 116 such that pivotably (un)locking the actuator (dis)engages the connector 114. The support 112 may ensure correct positioning of an additive container.

Description

MATERIAL DISPENSER

[1] The present invention relates to a material dispenser, and in particular to a dispenser for liquids containing additives, such as a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages such as carbonated and uncarbonated soft drinks.

[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 beverage dispenser for which coupling and uncoupling additive containers is easy to perform with minimal training, whilst being reliable in preventing unwanted disconnects and leaks.

[6] The present invention seeks to provide a material dispenser which can overcome disadvantages of conventional dispensers.

[7] According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a material dispenser comprising: a plurality of additive coupling modules for coupling additive containers to the dispenser; an additive manifold in communication with the coupling modules for receiving additives from the coupling modules, and in fluid communication with a water source for flushing the additives from the manifold; and a dispense head in fluid communication with the manifold for dispensing the additives.

[8] The present invention thus provides a material dispenser wherein a plurality of different additives can be delivered, for example mixed with water. The additives are preferably liquid additives, but may be any flowable material, such as dry solids. The material dispenser of the present invention is preferably a beverage dispenser, for dispensing carbonated or uncarbonated beverages containing one or more additives. The dispenser can thus be used to deliver beverages containing, for example, flavour syrups, in accordance with the preferences of the user, and/or in accordance with a particular flavour recipe. Flushing the additive(s) from the manifold with water upstream of the dispense head has the advantage that the additives are more thoroughly mixed, which can reduce the appearance of surface residues and films on the dispensed material, and the need to stir the material after dispense.

[9] Thus, the material dispenser of the present invention comprises a plurality of additive coupling modules for coupling additive containers to the dispenser. Preferred additives are flavour syrups, for adding to carbonated or uncarbonated water. It is to be noted that whilst the dispenser of the present invention comprises a plurality of additive coupling modules for coupling a plurality of additive containers containing different additives to the dispenser, the actual additive(s) which are dispensed in any given dispensing operation is/are dependent upon the selection of the user. Thus, for example, in preferred embodiment of the present invention which is a beverage dispenser, the additives may be different flavour syrups, presenting the user with a number of options for different beverage flavours/recipes. From these options, the user may select a beverage which contains a single flavour additive, a beverage which contains a plurality of flavour additives, or no additive at all (i.e. the user may select plain water, carbonated or uncarbonated).

[0010] The coupling modules preferably each comprise: a container support for supporting and positioning an additive container; a connector for engaging with the container outlet of a container positioned on the container support to allow the additive 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.

[0011] An advantage of the preferred coupling module described hereinabove is that it 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.

[0012] Preferably, the coupling module 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The positioning means may comprise a slot or channel into which a container may be inserted and held in position. For example, 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. 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.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling module also comprises a connector for engaging with the outlet of an additive container positioned on the container support to allow flow of additive from the container.

[0016] Preferred connectors engage with the container outlet through insertion into the outlet, with additive 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 additive from the container, which male element is received by the connector outlet (forming the female element). The connector preferably forms an additive-tight seal with the container outlet to prevent leakages.

[0017] A preferred connector is referred to in the art as a QCD ("Quick-Connect-Disconnect") push-fit type connector. These push-fit 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 an additive-tight seal therewith, and may be disconnected from the container by simply pulling it free. These connectors thus have the advantage of requiring no manual screwing or tightening.

[0018] Preferred containers for use with the coupling module are preferably 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, a controller may provide a user with information as to which different flavours and flavour combinations are available, according to the information provided by the containers being used. Particular beverage "recipes" comprising a plurality of different additives 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 module may thus comprise an electronic communication reader, such a near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, for reading information provided by a container.

[0019] In the preferred coupling module, the connector has an outlet for passage of additive from the container through the connector to the manifold.

[0020] The preferred coupling module preferably 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.

[0021] 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, in which the container is held in position on the support by the actuator. 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the coupling module, 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.

[0024] The material dispenser of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of coupling modules. Each coupling module can be used to deliver a different additive, and the number of coupling modules to be used will thus depend upon the number of different additives which are to be delivered. For example, six coupling modules would allow for up to six different additives to be delivered. The dispenser may for example comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more coupling modules. A preferred dispenser comprises six coupling modules.

[0025] The material dispenser of the first aspect of the present invention preferably comprises at least one additive pump, for pumping additives from the coupling modules to an additive manifold. Whilst a single pump may be used in connection with the plurality of coupling modules, it is preferred that each coupling module has its own pump.

[0026] For beverage dispensing, the amounts of beverage additives used per beverage serving is typically small (e.g. 1 to 5m1), and must be accurately controlled to provide the correct beverage mix, recipe or formulation. Suitable pumps include stepper motor driven pumps, and peristaltic pumps. Peristaltic pumps are often used where the flow of material needs to be carefully metered, i.e. where small amounts of material need to be accurately delivered.

[0027] A 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.

[0028] A preferred peristaltic pump for use with the material dispenser 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 3600 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 360° 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.

[0029] The additive pump is preferably located downstream of the additive coupling module. Thus, in preferred embodiments, additive can flow from the container through the connector to the pump, via tubing. The pump is preferably a peristaltic pump, as described herein. The pump is preferably located adjacent the additive coupling module, for example in preferred embodiments adjacent the container support and actuator. For example, the coupling module may comprise a housing or frame to which the container support, the actuator and the pump 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 the coupling module and pump to form a discrete unit, which can for example be retrofitted into beverage dispensers.

[0030] The at least one additive pump is for pumping additives from the coupling modules to the additive manifold. The additive manifold is in communication with the coupling modules for receiving and mixing additives from the coupling modules, and is in fluid communication with a water source for flushing the additives from the manifold. In use, the additives mix within the manifold, and are then flushed from the manifold to the dispense head through the manifold outlet by passing water through the manifold.

[0031] The additive manifold preferably comprises a plurality of additive inlets in communication with the coupling modules for receiving additives, and a water inlet for receiving water from a water source. The manifold preferably comprises an additive inlet for each coupling module, i.e. each coupling module is preferably connected separately to the manifold. In this way, cross-contamination of additives upstream of the manifold is avoided.

[0032] Preferably, the manifold comprises a chamber into which the additive inlet or inlets feed, for mixing of additives. The chamber is also preferably in fluid communication with the water inlet, for flushing additives from the chamber by water entering the water inlet and through an outlet to the dispense head.

[0033] The manifold water inlet is in fluid communication with a water source. The water is typically sourced from a mains water supply, and is preferably uncarbonated. The water supplied to the manifold is for flushing the additive mixture from the manifold to the dispense head; the main body of water, either carbonated or uncarbonated, which is to form the majority of the beverage, is preferably provided by a separate water supply directly to the dispense head. The water inlet may be controlled by an inlet valve, such as a rocker valve, by a controller. The beverage dispenser may be configured so that in use multiple flushes of water through the manifold occur for each beverage serve. Thus, an initial flush may carry the majority of the additives from the manifold towards the dispense head, another flush may remove any residual additives remaining in the manifold, and a further flush may assist with cleaning the manifold and tubing between the manifold and the dispense head to reduce cross-contamination for future beverage serves. It may be desirable for the additives to be dispensed sequentially, as opposed to being mixed together in the manifold. Thus, for example, a first additive may enter the manifold and be flushed to the dispense head, then a second additive may enter the manifold and be flushed to the dispense head, and so on. Alternatively, as described hereinabove, all the additives may be mixed together in the manifold before being flushed together to the dispense head.

[0034] The material dispenser of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a dispense head in fluid communication with the manifold for dispensing the additive-containing water. Thus, the dispense head may be connected to the manifold through appropriate tubing, piping, and the like, through which in use the water-additive mixture is delivered to the dispense head. The dispense head may take different forms, according to the intended use. For example, in a beverage dispenser the dispense head may form part of a hand-held soda gun, or may form part of a counter-top beverage dispenser. The dispense head preferably comprises a flow straightener. Flow straighteners are known in the art, and typically comprise multiple channels (for example, a "honeycomb" structure) for reducing disturbances in the fluid flow.

[0035] The dispense head is also preferably in fluid communication with a water source, for example for providing the main body of water forming a beverage. The water is preferably sourced from a mains water supply, and may be filtered, chilled and/or carbonated upstream of the dispense head. The dispense head may comprise an additive outlet adjacent a separate water outlet for dispensing additives and water into a vessel. For example, the additive outlet may be positioned adjacent a flow straightener through which water is dispensed. Alternatively, additives received from the manifold may be mixed with water prior to being dispensed, for example by passing through a flow straightener.

[0036] The material dispenser of the first aspect of the present invention may thus be a counter-top beverage dispenser comprising a tap, for example an arch tap, comprising the dispense head, below which in use a vessel is placed to receive a beverage dispensed from the dispense head. The dispenser may comprise a vessel support for receiving and supporting a vessel under the dispense head. Thus, the vessel support may be configured to ensure correct positioning of a vessel under the dispense head, for example by comprising a seat or recess into which a vessel is to be placed. The vessel support may comprise a pressure sensor, such as a strain gauge, for detecting the presence or absence of a vessel on the support. In this way, the dispenser may be configured so that material will only be dispensed if a vessel is detected on the vessel support by the pressure sensor, i.e. dispensing is prevented unless a vessel is detected on the support, and will cease when a vessel is removed from the support. The dispenser may be configured so that the weight of the vessel as measured by the pressure sensor assigns a pre-determined identity to the vessel, for example "glass", "bottle", "small", "large", and the like, and is configured to dispense a pre-determined volume of material according to that identity.

[0037] The material dispenser may comprise other sensors to detect the presence of a vessel under the dispense head, the volume of the vessel and/or Its fill level. For example, the dispenser may comprise one or more ultrasonic sensors and/or image capture devices, such as cameras, to detect the presence of a vessel under the dispense head. The ultrasonic sensor(s) and/or image capture device(s) may also be used to monitor the height and fill level of a vessel, to monitor the fill level in real time as material is dispensed, with the dispenser configured to cease dispensing if the fill level reaches a pre-determined maximum relative to the height of the vessel. Ultrasonic sensors and/or image capture devices may also be used to estimate the volume of a vessel positioned under the dispense head, with the dispenser configured to dispense a volume of material appropriate for that volume. The dispenser may comprise means for cleaning the vessel support area, to reduce bacterial contamination, such as a UVC light, for example located in or adjacent the dispense head to illuminate an area beneath the dispense head. When using UVC light in this way, the dispenser may comprise UV shielding to prevent or restrict leakage of UV light from the area under illumination, and/or the PVC light source may be configured to operate under a timer for specific limited time periods.

[0038] The material dispenser preferably comprises a controller for controlling operation of the dispenser. Thus, the controller preferably controls the types and volumes of additives which enter the manifold from the additive coupling modules, or for example the sequence in which additives enter the manifold, for example through controlling appropriate additive pumps. The controller preferably controls the volume and frequency of water flushes through the manifold to deliver the additives to the dispense head, and, for example for beverage dispensing, whether the main water forming the beverage delivered to the dispense head is carbonated or uncarbonated. In preferred embodiments, the controller may prevent material from being dispensed if no vessel is detected under the dispense head, and may control the volume of material to be dispensed according to the volume of the vessel detected. The controller may provide the user with information regarding the different additives which are available, for example different flavour syrups, through a user interface. For example, when an additive container is coupled to the dispenser by a coupling module, a user may manually input information regarding the additive (e.g. the type and/or volume of additive) to the controller, or as discussed hereinabove the container may electronically communicate information regarding its contents to the controller via, for example, an NFC tag and reader. The controller may then use this information to convey to a user which different additives and additive combinations are available. In this way, the controller may also provide information as to when an additive container needs replacing, according to the volume of additive initially contained in the container and the amount which has been subsequently dispensed. The controller preferably comprises a computer running appropriate software.

[0039] The material dispenser of the first aspect of the present invention preferably comprises a user interface, for conveying information to the user, and for the user to input information to the dispenser, such as beverage selections. The user interface may comprise a display screen, preferably a touch screen. Thus, in the case of a beverage dispenser the user Interface may provide the user with information regarding the selection of beverages which are available, according to the different additives which have been coupled to the dispenser. The user interface may allow the user to make various selections as to the beverage they wish to dispense, for example the flavour and/or volume of beverage, and/or whether the beverage is to be carbonated or uncarbonated. The user interface may provide the user with other information, such as the additive levels within the additive containers, and whether a container needs replacing. The user interface may further provide the user with nutritional information regarding their selection. The user interface may provide the user with sustainability information, such as the equivalent number of plastic bottles they have saved by avoiding the use of single serve bottles. The controller may be configured to record personal profiles for different users, which may be accessed through the user interface, to provide the user with information regarding their beverage selection history.

[0040] According to the present invention in a second aspect there is also provided a method of dispensing a material which comprises the steps of: presenting a user with a plurality of additive options; the user making a selection from the available additive options; pumping a predetermined amount of each of the selected additives to a manifold; flushing the one or more additives from the manifold to a dispense head; dispensing the additives from the dispense head into a vessel.

[0041] The material being dispensed in the method of the second aspect of the present invention is preferably a beverage.

[0042] The method of the second aspect of the present invention is preferably performed using a dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0043] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a material dispenser according to the present invention; [0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing two coupling modules for use in an embodiment of a material dispenser according to the present invention, with a first coupling module holding an additive container in a locked position, and a second coupling module in an unlocked position with no additive container; [0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the two coupling modules shown in Figure 2, with the first coupling module holding an additive container in a locked position, and the second coupling module holding an additive container in an unlocked position; [0047] Figure 4 is a close up perspective view of one of the coupling modules shown in Figures 2 and 3 in an unlocked position with no additive container; [0048] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of the coupling module shown in Figure 4; [0049] Figure 6A is a simplified perspective view of an additive container for use with an embodiment of a material dispenser according to the invention, and Figure 6B is a simplified front view of the container in position on the container support; [0050] Figures 7A and 7B show side and front views of an additive manifold for use in an embodiment of the material dispenser according to the invention; [0051] Figure 8 shows a front view of the manifold shown in Figures 7A and 7B including dashed lines to show-the internal structure of the manifold, together with cross-sectional views along lines A-A and B-B.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a material dispenser according to the present invention. A preferred embodiment of the material dispenser of the present invention as described with reference to the accompanying drawings is a beverage dispenser, but it is to be noted that dispensers for materials other than beverages are within the scope of the present invention. The beverage dispenser comprises a plurality of additive coupling modules 10A to 1OF for coupling additive containers to the dispenser. In the illustrated embodiment, the beverage dispenser comprises six additive coupling modules 10A to 10F, holding six additive containers, indicated by the letters A to F respectively. Each of the additive coupling modules 10A to 1OF has an additive pump 12A to 12F respectively, for pumping additives A to F from the coupling modules 10A to 1OF to additive manifold 14. The additive manifold 14 is in fluid communication with each of the coupling modules 10A to 1OF for receiving additives A to F, and is in fluid communication with a water source 16 for flushing the additives A to F from the manifold. The beverage dispenser further comprises a dispense head 18 in fluid communication with the manifold 14 and water source 16 for dispensing the additives A to F and water into a vessel. The water from water source 16 may be chilled and/or carbonated by chiller 20 and carbonator 22 respectively upstream of dispense head 18. The beverage dispenser further comprises a controller 24 which is configured to control operation of the dispenser, and a user interface 26 for conveying information to and receiving instructions from a user to be conveyed to and actioned by the controller 24 [0053] In use, information regarding the different additive containers which are coupled to the beverage is communicated to the controller 24, either through a user manually inputting the information or as described herein through electronic communication via, for example, NFC tag and readers. The controller may then use this information to convey to a user which different additives and additive combinations are available. The different beverage options are presented to the user through the user interface 26, such as a touchscreen, and the user makes a selection through the user interface 26 which is conveyed to and actioned by the controller 24. The controller 24 activates the appropriate pump(s) 12A to 12F according to the selection made by the user, to pump an appropriate volume of one or more of additives A to F to the manifold 14. For example, if a user selected beverage "AEC" (a hypothetical beverage comprising equal volumes of additives A, B and C), then the controller 24 would activate pumps 12A, 12B and 12C to deliver equal volumes of additives A, B and C to the manifold 14. The controller 24 then activates an appropriate pump and inlet valve (e.g. a rocker valve, not shown) to flush water from water source 16 through the manifold 14 to convey the one or more additives within the manifold 14 to the dispense head 18. The beverage dispenser may be configured so that in use multiple flushes of water through the manifold 14 occur for each beverage serve. Thus, an initial flush may carry the majority of the additives from the manifold 14 towards the dispense head 18, another flush may remove any residual additives remaining in the manifold 14, and a further flush may assist with cleaning the manifold 14 and tubing between the manifold 14 and the dispense head 18 to reduce cross-contamination for future beverage serves. It may be desirable for the additives to be dispensed sequentially, as opposed to being mixed together in the manifold 14. Thus, for example, the controller 24 may be configured such that for certain beverage selections a first additive may enter the manifold 14 and be flushed to the dispense head 18, then a second additive may enter the manifold 14 and be flushed to the dispense head 18, and so on. The controller 24 further activates the system to pump water from water source 16 to the dispense head 18 via chiller 20 and/or carbonator 22, according to the selection made by the user. The additive/water mixture and water are dispensed as a beverage into a vessel provided by the user.

[0054] Individual components of the beverage dispenser embodiment will now be described in more detail, illustrated by Figures 2 through to 8.

[0055] Thus, Figures 2 to 5 show an embodiment of additive coupling modules 10 for use in the beverage dispenser embodiment of the present invention. The coupling module 10 comprises a housing 111, a container support 112 for supporting and positioning a container 160, a connector 114 for engaging with the container outlet of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112 to allow material to flow from the container, 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 2 a first coupling module 10 is shown holding an additive container 160 with the actuator 116 in a locked position, and a second coupling module 10 shown with no additive container 160 and the actuator in an unlocked position; in Figure 3 the first coupling module 10 is shown holding an additive container 160 with the actuator 116 in the locked position, and the second coupling module 10 with the actuator 116 in the unlocked position but with an additive container 160 positioned on the container support 112; and Figure 4 is a close up perspective view of one of the coupling modules 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3 with the actuator 116 in an unlocked position with no additive 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.

[0056] As is best shown in Figure 4, the coupling module 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 160 relative to the connector 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the container support 112 comprises a channel 118 for receiving the neck portion (not shown in Figures 2 and 3) of a container 160, i.e. the container 160 opening 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 of a container 160, to restrict movement of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112. The arms 120 are configured so that the shoulders of the container body are supported on upper surfaces of the arms 120. 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 16 in the locked position.

[0037] The coupling module 10 also comprises a connector 114 for engaging with the outlet of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112 to allow flow of material from the container 160.

[0058] As is best shown in Figure 4, 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 pushes into the outlet of a container 160 positioned on the container support 112. This type of connector 114 has the advantage of requiring no manual screwing or tightening.

[0059] The connector 114 has an outlet (not shown) which connects to a pump 128 (shown in Figure 5) by tubing 130, for passage of material from the container 160 through the connector 114 to the manifold 14 (shown in more detail in Figures 6A through to 7C). In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 128 is a peristaltic pump, which enables the flow of material from the container 160 to be carefully metered. The additive is pumped from pump 128 to the manifold 14 via tubing 132 (partially shown in Figure 5).

[0060] 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 2 and 3 show adjacent first and second coupling modules 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 to the housing 111, via pivot 135, within the housing 111, to as to be pivotable relative thereto. The bracket portion 134 comprises substantially parallel side portions 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 comprises releasable locking means (not shown), for maintaining the actuator 116 in the locked position.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, 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 modules 10 to each form a discrete unit. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each coupling module 10 may be attached to the 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 the beverage dispenser. This allows coupling module 10 units to be added or removed from a beverage dispenser as desired. The beverage dispenser of the present invention comprises a plurality of coupling modules 10, each module capable of providing a different additive (e.g. syrup or flavour).

[0062] Figure 6A is a simplified perspective view of an additive container 160 for use with the beverage dispenser embodiment of the present invention. Suitable additive containers 160 include those which are known in the art for use in hag-in-box dispensing systems, and typically comprise a flexible, collapsible additive-containing bag (not shown in the Figures) in a box 161. The additive 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 additive containers are known in the art, and the structure of the bag and outlet will not be discussed in detail here.

[0063] Figure 6B is a simplified front view of an additive container 160 in position on the container support 112 (for clarity the connector 114 and actuator 116 are not shown in Figures 6B or 6C). 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 to the locked position, and to disengage with the connector 114 when the actuator 116 returns to the unlocked position.

[0064] Figures 7A, 7B, and 8 show an embodiment of an additive manifold 14 for use in the beverage dispenser embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7A and 7B show side and front views respectively of the manifold 14, and Figure 8 shows a front view of the manifold 14 including dashed lines to show the internal structure of the manifold 14, together with cross-sectional views along lines A-A and B-B.

[0065] The manifold 14 comprises a plurality of additive inlets 202 for fluid communication with the coupling modules 10 to receive additives therefrom. The manifold embodiment 14 shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 8 comprises multiple additive inlets 202, to allow for connection to multiple coupling modules 10 in various configurations, according to requirements. Multiple coupling modules 10 may thus be independently connected to the manifold 14.

[0066] The manifold 14 comprises an elongate tubular chamber 204 into which the additive inlets 202 can feed via chamber inlets 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 204 comprises four chamber inlets 206 on each side of the manifold 14. Chamber inlets 206 are connectable to additive inlets 202 via suitable connectors (not shown), for example appropriate tubing, for mixing of additives within the chamber 204. The chamber inlets 206 themselves may be connected directly to coupling modules 10.

[0067] The manifold 14 further comprises a water inlet 208 at a first end of the elongate tubular chamber 204 for receiving water from a water source, and an outlet 210 at an opposing second end of the chamber 204 in fluid communication with the dispense head 18. It is to be noted that the illustrated embodiment of the manifold 14 is reversible, in the sense that the water inlet 208 may equally be employed as the outlet 210, and the outlet 210 may be employed as the water inlet 208. The water inlet 208 is in fluid communication with a water source (not shown). The water is typically sourced from a mains water supply, and is preferably uncarbonated. The water supplied to the manifold 14 is for flushing the additive mixture from the manifold 14 to the dispense head 18 via outlet 210; the main body of water, either carbonated or uncarbonated, which is to form the majority of the beverage, is preferably provided by a separate water supply directly to the dispense head 18. The water inlet 208 may be controlled by an inlet valve (not shown), such as a rocker valve, by the controller 24. The beverage dispenser may be configured so that in use multiple flushes of water through the manifold 14 occur for each beverage serve. Thus, an initial flush may carry the majority of the additives from the chamber 204 via outlet 210 to the dispense head 18, another flush may remove any residual additives remaining in the chamber 210, and a further flush may assist with cleaning the chamber 210 and tubing between the manifold 14 and the dispense head 18 to reduce cross-contamination for future beverage serves. It may be desirable for the additives to be dispensed sequentially, as opposed to being mixed together in the manifold 14. Thus, for example, a first additive may enter the manifold 14 and be flushed to the dispense head 16, then a second additive may enter the manifold 14 and be flushed to the dispense head 18, and so on. Alternatively, as described hereinabove, all the additives for a particular beverage may be mixed together in the manifold 14 before being flushed together to the dispense head 18.

[0068] 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 material dispenser comprising: a plurality of additive coupling modules for coupling additive containers to the dispenser; an additive manifold in communication with the coupling modules for receiving additives from the coupling modules, and in fluid communication with a water source for flushing additives from the manifold; and a dispense head in communication with the manifold for dispensing the additives.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1 which is configured to deliver beverages containing combinations of flavour syrups in accordance with the preferences of the user, and/or in accordance with a particular flavour recipe.
3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the coupling modules each comprise: a container support for supporting and positioning an additive container; a connector for engaging with a container outlet of a container positioned on the container support to allow the additive 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.
4. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the coupling modules each comprise positioning means for ensuring correct positioning of a container on the support, wherein the positioning means comprises a channel into which a portion of a container may be inserted and held in position.
5. A dispenser according to claim 4 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.
6. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the coupling modules each comprise a connector for engaging with a container outlet through insertion into the outlet, with material passing out of the container through the connector.
7. A dispenser according to claim 6 wherein the connector is a push-fit type connector.
6. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the coupling modules each comprise an electronic communication reader.
9. A dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the actuator comprises a lever which can pivot towards and away from the container support between locked and unlocked positions.
10. A dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the coupling modules each comprise 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.
11. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which comprises a pump for pumping additives from the coupling modules to the manifold.
12. A dispenser according to claim 11 wherein each coupling module comprises a pump.
13. A dispenser according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the or at least one pump is a peristaltic pump.
14. A dispenser according to claim 14 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.
15. A dispenser according to any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the coupling modules each comprise a housing to which the container support, the actuator and the pump are commonly attached or form part of, to form a discrete unit.
16. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the additive manifold comprises a plurality of additive inlets in communication with the coupling modules for receiving additives, and a water inlet for receiving water from a water source.
17. A dispenser according to claim 16 wherein the manifold comprises an additive inlet for each coupling module.
18. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the manifold comprises a chamber into which the additive inlet or inlets feed.
19. A dispenser according to claim 18 wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the water inlet, for flushing additives from the chamber by water entering the water inlet and through an outlet to the dispense head.
20. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is configured so that in use multiple flushes of water through the manifold occur for each material dispense.
21. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is configured to dispense a plurality of additives sequentially.
22. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is configured to dispense a plurality of additives which are mixed together in the manifold before being flushed together to the dispense head.
23. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the dispense head comprises a flow straightener.
24. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the dispense head is in fluid communication with a water source.
25. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the dispense head comprises an additive outlet adjacent a separate water outlet for dispensing additives and water into a vessel.
26. A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 24 configured so that additives received from the manifold are mixed with water prior to being dispensed.
27. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is a counter-top dispenser comprising a tap below which in use a vessel is placed to receive additives from the dispense head.
28. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which comprises a vessel support for receiving and supporting a vessel under the dispense head.
29. A dispenser according to claim 28 wherein the vessel support comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a vessel on the support.
30. A dispenser according to claim 29 configured so that the weight of the vessel as measured by the pressure sensor assigns a pre-determined identity to the vessel and is configured to dispense a pre-determined volume of material according to that identity.
31. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which comprises sensors to detect the presence of a vessel under the dispense head, the volume of the vessel and/or its fill level.
32. A dispenser according to claim 31 which comprises one or more ultrasonic sensors and/or image capture devices for detecting the presence of a vessel under the dispense head; for measuring the height and fill level of a vessel, and/or for estimating the volume of a vessel positioned under the dispense head.
33. A dispenser according to any one of claims 28 to 32 which comprises means for cleaning the vessel support area to reduce bacterial contamination.
34. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which comprises a controller for controlling operation of the dispenser.
35. A dispenser according to claim 34 wherein the controller is configured to control one of more of the following: the types and volumes of additives which enter the manifold from the additive coupling modules; the sequence in which additives enter the manifold; the volume and frequency of water flushes through the manifold to deliver the additives to the dispense head; whether water delivered to the dispense head is carbonated or uncarbonated.
36. A dispenser according to claim 34 or 35 which comprises means for detecting whether or not a vessel is positioned under the dispense head, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent material from being dispensed if no vessel is detected under the dispense head.
37. A dispenser according any one of claims 34 to 36 which comprises means for estimating the volume of a vessel positioned under the dispense head, and wherein the controller is configured to control the volume of material to be dispensed according to the volume of the vessel detected.
38. A dispenser according to any one of claims 34 to 37 wherein the controller is configured to provide the user with information regarding the different additives which are available.
39. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which comprises a user interface, for conveying information to the user, and for the user to input information to the dispenser.
40. A dispenser according to claim 39 wherein the user interface comprises a touch screen.
41. A dispenser according to any preceding claim which is a beverage dispenser.
42. A method of dispensing a material which comprises the steps of: presenting a user with a plurality of additive options; the user making a selection from the available additive options; pumping a predetermined amount of each of the selected additives to a manifold; flushing the one or more additives from the manifold to a dispense head; dispensing the additives from the dispense head into a vessel.
43. A method according to claim 42 wherein the material being dispensed is a beverage.
44. A method according to claim 42 or 43 which is performed using a dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 41.