IES20020213A2 - A beverage dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A temporary beverage dispensing system (1) for use at public events such as football matches, concerts and the like, includes a mobile beverage reservoir (2) such as a refrigerated container (7) on a trailer chassis. A plurality of kegs (8) of beer or other desired beverages are stored in the container (7). A beverage delivery line (5) comprising pythons (18,25) delivers the beer or other beverage from the keg (8) through a chiller (6) and then to one or more remotely located independent mobile bar units (3). Each mobile bar unit (3) has a number of beverage dispensing taps (35) the system can be quickly and easily set up on site before an event and removed after the event. <Figure 1>

Description

4**^^ “A beverage dispensing J This invention relates to a beverage dispensing system.

According to the invention there is provided a beverage dispensing system including a mobile beverage reservoir and an associated mobile bar unit having means for dispensing one or more beverages, with a beverage delivery line for connection between the beverage reservoir and the dispensing means of the bar unit.

In one embodiment of the invention chiller means is mounted in the beverage delivery line intermediate the beverage reservoir and the bar unit.

In another embodiment the bar unit has a plurality of dispensing outlets and the beverage delivery line has a plurality of beverage carrying pipes for connection to the dispensing outlet.

In a preferred embodiment a fluid distribution manifold is mounted on the bar unit having a plurality of inlets and associated outlets, said inlets for connection to beverage carrying pipes of the beverage delivery line and said outlet being connected to the dispensing outlets. Thus the bar is essentially pre-plumbed for ready and quick connection to the beverage delivery line.

Preferably the inlets of the fluid distribution manifold connect to the beverage carrying pipes by quick-release couplings.

In another embodiment the fluid distribution manifold has means for connection to a supply of cooling fluid and a cooling fluid circulation line extends between the manifold and one or more of the dispensing outlets for circulation of cooling fluid Ϊ I between said cooling fluid supply source and said one or more dispensing outlets.

The cooling fluid may be supplied from a local stand-alone chiller unit or may be ^ supplied through the beverage delivery line with the beverage carrying pipes. ί· ^ A In another embodiment one or more advertising and/or decorative panels are .» g| ^ provided on the bar unit. Some or all of these panels are demountably secured on § jgj ^ the bar unit to facilitate ready change of the advertising messages and/or the decorative look of the bar unit. For example, pockets may be provided on the bar unit for removably receiving advertising posters or the like.

In a further embodiment illumination means is provided on the bar unit. This may for example be for general illumination of the bar unit, illuminating advertising messages on the bar unit or illuminating dispensing taps at the dispensing outlets of the bar unit. Preferably the illumination means is a low voltage unit - say 24 volts - with a transformer for connection to and stepping down a conventional power supply.

In another embodiment the bar unit has a ground-engaging frame which is partially collapsible to facilitate storage and transport. The bar unit typically has a central fixed portion with collapsible side extensions which may be hinged or otherwise mounted on the central fixed portion. Storage shelving for glasses or the like is typically provided on the bar unit. Preferably the bar unit has a counter with a plurality, preferably eight, of spaced-apart tap units projecting upwardly from the counter for pouring beverages at the bar unit. A drip tray is mounted beneath dispensing outlets of the tap units. Conveniently the tap units may be provided with interchangeable handles. Thus the handles can be readily easily changed to indicate the name of the beverage to be dispensed from the tap unit.

In a further embodiment a removable bar top is provided comprising upstanding stanchions supporting a panel therebetween above the counter. Conveniently the stanchions are telescopic and can be collapsed for storage beneath the counter when removed from the top of the bar unit.

In a further embodiment the bar unit is provided with a gas ring main for connection to a gas supply source, the gas ring main being for delivery of gas to one or more of the dispensing taps on the bar unit.

In another embodiment one or more mobile bar extension units are provided. Typically the bar extension units will have a frame with a counter top and a storage area with or without shelving beneath the counter top.

In a particularly preferred embodiment each bar unit and/or each bar extension unit is mounted on wheels or castors.

In another embodiment the beverage delivery line comprises one or more pythons, that is a bundle of beverage carrying pipes and coolant carrying pipes encased in an insulated outer sheath. Preferably the outer sheath has a weather resistant outer cover.

In a particularly preferred embodiment quick release coupling members are provided on the pipes at each end of the python and optionally the pipes at one or both ends of the python are arranged in a “suzi” configuration, that is coiled to provide flexibility at each end of the python to facilitate ease of connection.

Conveniently each python is arranged on a reel so it can be readily wound up for storage and transport but can be easily fed out to a required length to connect between the beverage reservoir and the bar unit or units.

In another embodiment a plurality of pythons on reels are mounted on a mobile support frame. The frame may be provided with wheels.

In another embodiment the chiller means essentially comprises a chiller unit having a plurality of inlets and associated outlets for connection to the beverage delivery line to deliver a beverage or beverages through the chiller unit for cooling the beverages to a desired temperature. Preferably quick-release connectors are provided at the inlets and the outlets, for connection to a first python for delivery of the beverage from the chiller unit to the bar unit and to a second python for connection of the chiller unit to the beverage reservoir. The ends of both pythons may be in the “suzi” configuration if desired.

In another embodiment the mobile beverage reservoir comprises a bulk container which is preferably mounted on a trailer to facilitate transport. In a preferred embodiment the bulk container is thermally insulated. An outlet of the bulk container is adapted for connection to the beverage delivery line.

In another embodiment the mobile beverage reservoir comprises a container for reception and storage of a plurality of kegs of the beverage or beverages. Means is provided for connecting a keg to a fob board which in turn connects via the beverage delivery line to the chilling unit or directly to the bar unit as required. The gas supply for the beverage may also be conveniently stored in the container and connected to the fob board also. The connections between each keg and the gas supply and the fob board are preferably “suzi” connectors for ease of attachment.

In a preferred embodiment a plurality of fob boards are mounted in the container. The fob boards may conveniently be mounted on the walls of the container.

In another embodiment the fob boards are demountably secured in the container. For example the fob boards may be slideably mounted on associated rails on the container side walls. In a particularly preferred embodiment twelve fob boards are mounted along each side wall of the container.

Preferably the container is a refrigerated container having a refrigeration unit for chilling an interior of the container to thus maintain the kegs and hence the beverage in a chilled condition. Conveniently the container is mounted on a trailer.

In a preferred embodiment the beverage delivery line comprises one or more pythons.

In another aspect the invention provides a mobile bar unit of the type herein described .

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a beverage dispensing system according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a bar assembly of the beverage dispensing system; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a bar unit of the beverage dispensing sytem; Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the bar unit; Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the bar unit; Fig. 6 is another front elevational view of the bar unit; Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of the bar unit; Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the bar unit; Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a counter top of the bar unit; Fig. 10 is a front elevational view similar to Fig. 6 showing the bar unit in a collapsed position; Fig. 11 is a rear elevational view of the bar unit in the collapsed position; Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of an auxiliary bar unit forming portion of the beverage dispensing system; Fig. 13 is a rear elevational view of the auxiliary bar unit; Fig. 14 is a plan view of the auxiliary bar unit; Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the auxiliary bar unit; Fig. 16 is a plan view illustrating an alternative arrangement for the bar assembly; Fig. 17 is a plan view illustrating a further arrangement for the bar assembly; Fig. 18 is a plan view illustrating a still further arrangement of the bar assembly; Fig. 19 is a front elevational view of a fob board forming portion of the beverage dispensing system; Fig. 20 is a front elevational view of the bar unit which is shown encased in a removable transport cover; Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of the bar unit within the transport cover; Fig. 22 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 3 showing another bar unit with advertising panels thereon; Fig 23 is an elevational view of a back bar unit; and Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of the back bar unit of Fig. 23.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a beverage dispensing system according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The beverage dispensing system 1 includes a mobile beverage reservoir 2 and a number of associated mobile bar units 3 each having means for dispensing beverages. A beverage delivery line 5 connects between the beverage reservoir 2 and the dispensing means of the bar unit 3. A chiller 6 is mounted in the beverage delivery line 5 intermediate the beverage reservoir 2 and the bar unit 3 for cooling beverages prior to dispensing the beverages at the bar unit 3. It will be appreciated that the components of the beverage dispensing system 1 are all readily transportable and can be quickly assembled and interconnected on site to provide a temporary bar at a function, concert, sporting venue or the like.

The beverage reservoir 2 comprises a forty foot container 7 mounted on a trailer chassis to facilitate transport. The container 7 is a refrigerated container having a refrigeration unit for chilling an interior of the container. The container 7 is for reception and storage of a plurality of kegs 8 of a desired beverage such as beer, lager, stout and the like. For dispensing a beverage from a keg 8 the keg 8 is connected by a “suzi” connector to a fob board 10 (shown in Fig. 19). The fob board 10 has a number of spaced-apart fobs 11 with associated drains 12 and gas spurs 13. In this case the fob board 10 has four fobs 11 and four kegs 8 can be connected to each fob.

A pair of horizontal rails (not shown) is mounted along the inside face of each side wall 15 of the container 7 and 12 fob boards 10 can be mounted along each side 15 of the container 7 by sliding each of the fob boards 10 along the rails. Thus a total of 24 fob boards are provided in the container 7.

A number of pythons 18 connect between the fob boards 10 and inlets of the chiller 6. Typically two chillers 6 will be provided, one operating unit and one back-up unit. Each python 18 typically contains eight lines or pipes for delivery of the beverage from the fob boards 10 to the chiller 6. One or both ends of each python 18 may have the “suzi” configuration with quick-release connectors at both ends of each pipe for connection to the fob board 10 and the chiller 6.

Instead of, or in addition to the container 7 the mobile beverage reservoir may comprise a bulk container 20 which is preferably mounted on a trailer to facilitate transport. An outlet of the bulk container 20 is adapted for connection by one or more pythons 22 to the inlets of the chiller 6.

The chiller unit 6 has means for chilling the beverages as they pass through the chiller unit 6 and beverages chilled to the required temperature are discharged through outlets of the chiller unit 6 which are in turn connected to the inlet ends of a second set of pythons 25 forming the next leg of the beverage delivery line 5. In this case four pythons 25 are provided each of which is wound on a reel 26 which is rotatably mounted on a support frame 27 which can normally be conveniently mounted on top of the chiller unit 6. Wheels or castors are provided on the support frame 27 which would be inverted when mounted on the chiller unit 6. Each of the pythons 25 can be drawn off its associated reel 26 to a required length for connection up to an associated bar unit 3 which will be remote from the chiller unit 6 in a marquee, function room or the like.

The free end of each python 25 will typically have eight pipes which connect to a distribution manifold 30 mounted on the bar unit 3. The distribution manifold 30 has eight inlets 31 for attachment by quick-release connectors to each of the pipes of the python 25. The distribution manifold 30 is encased in foam and has eight outlets 32 corresponding to the inlets 31. A bar python 34 connects between the outlets 32 and eight associated fountain or tap assemblies 35 on the bar unit 3.

It will be appreciated that where chilling of the beverage is not required then the chiller unit 6 may be by-passed by pythons 38 which connect directly from a fob board 10 in the container 7 to a bar unit 3. Fig 2 shows a number of the bar units 3 together with auxiliary bar units 40, 41 arranged to make up a temporary bar for dispensing beverages.

The bar unit 3 is shown in more detail in Figs. 3 to 10. Each bar unit 3 has a tubular frame 44 mounted on wheels 45. The frame 44 has a fixed central portion 46 with collapsible side extensions 47 which collapse and fold inwardly against opposite sides of the central portion 46 for transport and storage, A counter 48 is provided on top of the frame 44. Eight tap unit 35 projects upwardly from the counter 48, each terminating in a dispensing tap 50. A drip tray 52 is mounted beneath the taps 50 and drains into a slops container 53 mounted on the bar unit 3 beneath the counter 48. Decorative panels 55, for example giving a mahogany finish, are mounted along the front of the frame 44. Alternatively advertising panels may be mounted along the front of the frame 44 if desired.

A removable bar top 57 is provided above the counter 48 comprising upstanding stanchions 58 connected at their upper ends by a cross-piece 59 a sign 60 or advertising panel may be mounted immediately below the cross-piece 59. A bar shelf 61 is mounted between the stanchions 58 adjacent a lower end of the stanchions 58. The bar top 57 is removable from the counter 48 and the stanchions 58 are telescopically collapsible to facilitate storage of the bar top 57 beneath the counter 48.

It will be appreciated that the bar units 3 are pre-plumbed so that the python 25 is simply connected to the distribution manifold 30 for connecting each of the tap units 35 to a beverage supply.

Figs. 12 to 15 show the auxiliary bar units 40 which essentially comprise a tubular frame 65 on wheels 66. A front decorative or advertising panel 67 is mounted at the front of the frame 65. A counter 68 is provided at the top of the frame to form a continuation of the counter 48 of the bar unit 3. A removable shelf 69 is provided within the frame 65 for storage of glasses and the like.

Fig. 2, and also Figs. 16, 17 and 18 show various arrangements for forming bars comprising assemblies of a number of the bar units 3 and auxiliary bar units 40. : Triangular comer units 41 may also be provided as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 16.

Figs. 20 and 21 show a bar unit 3 encased in-an outer cover 70 which encloses and protects the bar unit 3 when it is in the collapsed position, with the side extensions 47 collapsed, shown in Figs. 10 and 11 for transport and storage.

Fig. 22 shows another bar unit 3 similar to that shown in Fig. 3. In this case instead of the mahogany panels 55 advertising panels 75 are provided along a front of the bar unit 3 these can be readily easily and quickly changed as required.

Referring to Figs. 23 and 24 there is shown a back bar unit 80. This has the same tubular frame construction as the other bar units 3, 40 and provides a cabinet 81 with additional storage space for bottles or glasses beneath a counter 82. A rear upstanding frame 83 may also be provided carrying a mirror 84 or an advertising panel if desired.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides a modular beverage dispensing system which is readily transportable and can be easily and quickly assembled on site to provide temporary bar facilities at meetings, functions, concerts, sporting events and the like.

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