IE20081020U1 - Improvements in or relating to a beverage dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a device that is suitable For use with a beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage. for example beer. The advantage oI‘thc present invention is that the device serves as an interface and adapter between 21 control How and :1 shank having different dimensions that can be easily fitted and removed.

Description

Field of the Invention The on-ran -« in a beverage dispensing apparatus. In particular the invention relates by a device for use in dispensing beer or other draught beverages and the like. n;vwL (Earn) E Background to the Invention ‘ Beverage dispensers are well known in the art. One of most common types of beverage dispensers is for dispensing alcoholic drinks, for example beer. Typically a beer dispensing apparatus is designed to dispense beer which is delivered from a beer storage area, for example a keg, to a dispensing point under pressure for dispensing. Dispensing apparatus of this type typically comprises a standard flow control faucet and a valve which is movable from an off position to an on position to allow beer to flow through the valve. This type of dispensing apparatus is well known throughout the beverage dispensing industry.

There are various types of known flow control faucets, for example the Universal or SI tap allows a user to adjust the flow rate of the beverage at the front end of the tap.

Another type of tap is the Celli, IMI or the SK tap, which allows a user to adjust the flow rate of the beverage at the side of the tap by adjusting a lever up or down depending on the rate of speed at which the beverage is being dispensed. usomzoi A problem in the beverage dispensing industry is that there is no common standard for the flow control faucet. example, For for draught beer dispensers the standard European flow control faucet is not the same as the American or Asian beverage dispensing apparatus as they are of different dimension.

This is problematic in the industry as there is no way of installing a standard European flow control faucet to replace a faucet conforming with American/Asian standard. In practice what is required is that the entire shank has to be changed to confornn with the particular faucet dimension. In some cases this is not possible where the font/tower is factory made or sealed on site resulting in the necessity for a complete replacement of the beverage dispenser.

PCT Patent Application number PCT/EP2008/003828, filed by the applicant of the present invention, discloses a device that overcomes the above mentioned problems. However it has been found that the device can be difficult to attach (or remove) from the faucet and shank for operation. It is also desirable to provide a tight seal when the device is in operation.

There is therefore a need to provide a device to overcome the above mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is provided, as set out in the appended claims, device, suitable for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage, said device comprises a first opening at one end adapted to IE03102i0_' cooperate with a control flow faucet having a first dimension, and a second opening at the opposite end of the device adapted to cooperate with a shank having a second dimension to provide a flow path for dispensing a beverage from said shank through said control flow faucet wherein the end of the first opening is elongated tts provide a surface to secure said device to the control flow faucet and/or the shank.

Suitably, the elongated surface comprises at least one opening or positioned around a circumference of said device. Ideally the at least one opening is adapted to receive a securin means, for exam le a s anner, such that P the device can be secured to said control flow faucet and shank by operation of said securing means. Preferably, the securing means is a C-spanner.

In another embodiment of the present invention the device comprises a threaded portion and a rubber washer for cooperating with a flange of the control flow faucet.

In a further embodiment the device comprises a tapered portion tapered towards the opposite end to said second opening to connect with said shank, said tapered portion comprises a truncated cone and at one end a straight edge, such that the tapered end connects with said shank to provide a seal. Suitably, the straight edge is at least lmm in length and comprises a rubber washer.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by ‘--< IE031020i way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 illustrates a faucet and a shank of a known beverage dispensing apparatus; Figure 2 illustrates the device of the present invention in operation with part of a beverage dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 according to one aspect of the invention; and Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a typical prior art control flow faucet (4) having an outlet (5) for a beverage to be dispensed. Associated with the control flow faucet is a threaded portion (6). A shank (7) is provided with a locking means (8), for example a locking nut. The shank (7) is typically attached via tubing or some conveying means to a beverage storage area, for example a keg (not shown).

Figure 2 shows the device of the present invention in operation. A threaded portion (1) of the device is dimensioned to fit to the threaded portion (6) of the tap (4). The threaded portion (1) can be dimensioned to fit the standard flow control faucet either using European or US standard dimensions. Suitably the threaded portion (1) co—operates with the threaded portion (6) of the faucet (4) by threading to secure onto a flange. The end of the first opening is elongated (30) to provide a surface to secure the device to the control flow faucet and the shank. The threaded portions (1) and (6) forms an airtight seal around the faucet. The elongated surface (30) comprises at least [J LI: M:'0a1020_ (31) The one opening and positioned around a circumference of said device. (31) is opening adapted to receive a securing means, for example a C—spanner, such that the device can be secured to said control flow faucet and shank by operation of a C-spanner. The elongated surface (30) adapted to receive the C—spanner provides an effective way of securing (or removing) the device to the faucet to provide an air tight seal. It will be appreciated other types of securing means can be used.

The tapered portion (2) connects to the threaded portion (1) either using a snap on connection or a further threaded portion to securely attach to the inside surface of the (J-)0 tapered at one end to connect with the shank (7). A threaded portion Finally, the tapered portion (2) is locking means (8), for example a locking nut, is provided to ensure the tapered portion (2) connects with the shank (7) to form an airtight seal. The tapered portion (2) comprises a truncated cone (21); (20) and at one end a straight edge such that the tapered end connects with said shank to provide the airtight seal. Suitably, (21) the straight edge is at least 1mm in length and comprises a rubber washer (22).

The device of the present flow invention allows the standard control faucet (4) to be fitted directly to a different dimensioned shank (7). The device is designed to accommodate various standard flow control faucet (4) and other products, which have a flow restriction valve to fit other standard dimensioned shanks. It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention can be made from any type of suitable metal or hard plastics material.

E08102‘) 6 It will be appreciated that the purpose of the device is to install with ease and without replacing the standard American/Asian shank to any standard flow control faucet (4) or dispensing tap in Europe. This is especially advantageous for a sealed beverage dispensing unit where access to the shank (7) is not permitted.

The design of the device does not allow the break out of gas which typically causes foaming. Due to the design of the device, the device can be inserted inside the existing standard American/Asian shank (7) and held in place by the existing faucet (4) threaded portion or flange. Thus the device of the present invention serves as an interface between standard flow control tap and the standard American/Asian shank. The device allows a straight path for the product to the dispense point at outlet (5). In effect the device of the present invention acts as a type of flow regulator.

Typical dimensions of the control flow faucet and the shank can vary. For example, European standard faucets have a 3/8 inch thread such as the Celli, IMI and SK taps mentioned above. The standard SI tap typically comprises a £3 inch thread. /23: For US and Asian shanks typically have 1 inch or inch thread. These dimensions can vary and are known in the beverage industry.

It will be appreciated the device of the present invention enables the standard flow control faucet (4) to be inserted into the standard American/Asian shank (7) and connected by the American/Asian threaded portion or flange, hence creating a seal and allowing a beverage to be dispensed without gas breakout in the form of foam. The resulting IE?31020 flow in the control and reduction flow rate allows the pressure of the beverage to be increased to the desired equilibrium pressure for each individual product.

It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention can be dimensioned to operate in reverse to the above and be adapted to fit a European standard shank to an American standard faucet.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the threaded portion (1) and the tapered portion (2) forms a single piece and may be integrally formed. The threaded portion is adapted to securely screw onto a thread of the faucet or tap of a first dimension. The tapered portion (2) engages a shank of a second dimension in a similar fashion as set out above. (10) A washer increases the strength of the seal and prevents any (11) (6) in use. possible leaks. An additional washer is provided to seal the device to the faucet The elongated surface (30) comprises at least one opening (31) and positioned around a (circumference of said device. The opening (an is adapted to receive a securing means, for example a C-spanner, such that the device can be secured to said control flow faucet and shank by operation of a C—spanner. (20) The tapered portion (9) comprises a truncated cone (21), and at one end a straight edge such that the tapered end connects with said shank to provide the airtight seal. It will be appreciated that the truncated cone can be smooth or curved. Suitably, the straight edge (21) is at least lHm1 in length and comprises a rubber washer (22). ’ 8 Reference numeral (12) illustrates a cross sectional view It will be appreciated that the design of the device can be designed to fit any fau of the device (1, 2). :et/tap.

For example, the CELLI or SK faucets have a wider flange and a shorter neck where a washer is placed over a flow connection and compressed against the have of the tap to from a seal.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in (3 single embodiment. Conversely, various features cf the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub—combination.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims (10)

1. Claims for use with a beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage, said device comprises a first opening at one end adapted to cooperate with a control flow faucet having a first dimension, and a second opening at the opposite end of the device adapted to cooperate with a shank having a second dimension to provide a flow path for dispensing a beverage from said shank through said control flow faucet wherein the end of the first opening is elongated to provide a surface to secure said device to the control flow faucet and/or the shank.

2. .The device of claim 1 wherein elongated surface comprises at least one opening or positioned around a circumference of said device.

3. .The device of claim 2 wherein the at least one opening is adapted to receive a securing means, for example a spanner, such that the device can be secured to said control flow faucet and shank by operation of said securing means.

4. .The device of claim 3 wherein said securing means is a C- spanner.

5. .The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device comprises a threaded portion and a rubber washer for cooperating with a flange of the control flow faucet

6. .The device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device comprises a tapered portion tapered towards the opposite end to said second opening to connect with said

7. .A beverage dispensing apparatus shank, said tapered portion comprises a truncated cone and at one end a straight edge, such that the tapered end connects with said shank to provide a seal.

8. .The device as claimed in clann 6 wherein the straight edge is at least 1mm in length and comprises a rubber washer. comprising a device according to any of claims 1 to 8.

9. .A kit of parts comprising a device of any of claims 1 to 8, a faucet and a shank for use in a beverage dispensing system.

10.A device as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to accompanying description and/or drawings. The following revised Claims were filed on