US20160251208A1 - Beverage maker - Google Patents
Beverage maker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160251208A1 US20160251208A1 US15/152,171 US201615152171A US2016251208A1 US 20160251208 A1 US20160251208 A1 US 20160251208A1 US 201615152171 A US201615152171 A US 201615152171A US 2016251208 A1 US2016251208 A1 US 2016251208A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pouch
- beverage dispensing
- beverage
- dispensing device
- fitment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 286
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 160
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims description 78
- -1 Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 13
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 abstract description 77
- 235000008504 concentrate Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 60
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 abstract description 28
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 abstract description 23
- 235000020965 cold beverage Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 22
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 60
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 52
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 34
- 239000000306 component Substances 0.000 description 31
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 23
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 19
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 17
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 17
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 16
- 235000020357 syrup Nutrition 0.000 description 11
- 239000006188 syrup Substances 0.000 description 11
- 229920005669 high impact polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 10
- 239000004797 high-impact polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 10
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 description 9
- 235000012171 hot beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 9
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000005033 polyvinylidene chloride Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 4
- YMWUJEATGCHHMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dichloromethane Chemical compound ClCCl YMWUJEATGCHHMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000012041 food component Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000005428 food component Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 3
- NSGXIBWMJZWTPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)CC(F)(F)F NSGXIBWMJZWTPY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UJPMYEOUBPIPHQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,1-trifluoroethane Chemical compound CC(F)(F)F UJPMYEOUBPIPHQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonia Chemical compound N QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QUSNBJAOOMFDIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylamine Chemical compound CCN QUSNBJAOOMFDIB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XPDWGBQVDMORPB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fluoroform Chemical compound FC(F)F XPDWGBQVDMORPB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- BAVYZALUXZFZLV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methylamine Chemical compound NC BAVYZALUXZFZLV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pentane Chemical compound CCCCC OFBQJSOFQDEBGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 244000299461 Theobroma cacao Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- NEHMKBQYUWJMIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloromethane Chemical compound ClC NEHMKBQYUWJMIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- RWRIWBAIICGTTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N difluoromethane Chemical compound FCF RWRIWBAIICGTTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- NBVXSUQYWXRMNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N fluoromethane Chemical compound FC NBVXSUQYWXRMNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- NNPPMTNAJDCUHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N isobutane Chemical compound CC(C)C NNPPMTNAJDCUHE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QWTDNUCVQCZILF-UHFFFAOYSA-N isopentane Chemical compound CCC(C)C QWTDNUCVQCZILF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000021056 liquid food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- TZIHFWKZFHZASV-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl formate Chemical compound COC=O TZIHFWKZFHZASV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007142 ring opening reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- VZGDMQKNWNREIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetrachloromethane Chemical compound ClC(Cl)(Cl)Cl VZGDMQKNWNREIO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000021260 warm beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- LVGUZGTVOIAKKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane Chemical compound FCC(F)(F)F LVGUZGTVOIAKKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NPNPZTNLOVBDOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-difluoroethane Chemical compound CC(F)F NPNPZTNLOVBDOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- XWCDCDSDNJVCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorofluoromethane Chemical compound FCCl XWCDCDSDNJVCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000599 Cr alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000640 Fe alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000282412 Homo Species 0.000 description 1
- PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Manganese Chemical compound [Mn] PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- GXCLVBGFBYZDAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-N-methylprop-2-en-1-amine Chemical compound CN(CCC1=CNC2=C1C=CC=C2)CC=C GXCLVBGFBYZDAG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004341 Octafluorocyclobutane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005679 Peltier effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000009470 Theobroma cacao Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910021529 ammonia Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- GRCDJFHYVYUNHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N bromodifluoromethane Chemical compound FC(F)Br GRCDJFHYVYUNHM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- HRYZWHHZPQKTII-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloroethane Chemical compound CCCl HRYZWHHZPQKTII-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000788 chromium alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000012864 cross contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- AFABGHUZZDYHJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl butane Natural products CCCC(C)C AFABGHUZZDYHJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960003750 ethyl chloride Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 235000021554 flavoured beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013355 food flavoring agent Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UKACHOXRXFQJFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N heptafluoropropane Chemical compound FC(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)F UKACHOXRXFQJFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VHHHONWQHHHLTI-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexachloroethane Chemical compound ClC(Cl)(Cl)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl VHHHONWQHHHLTI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WMIYKQLTONQJES-UHFFFAOYSA-N hexafluoroethane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(F)(F)F WMIYKQLTONQJES-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001802 infusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003999 initiator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001282 iso-butane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940035415 isobutane Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014666 liquid concentrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- BCCOBQSFUDVTJQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N octafluorocyclobutane Chemical compound FC1(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)C1(F)F BCCOBQSFUDVTJQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019407 octafluorocyclobutane Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- QYSGYZVSCZSLHT-UHFFFAOYSA-N octafluoropropane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)F QYSGYZVSCZSLHT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010943 off-gassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015205 orange juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- KQKBWZDTYSQPMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentachlorofluoroethane Chemical compound FC(Cl)(Cl)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl KQKBWZDTYSQPMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960004624 perflexane Drugs 0.000 description 1
- KAVGMUDTWQVPDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N perflubutane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)F KAVGMUDTWQVPDF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229950003332 perflubutane Drugs 0.000 description 1
- ZJIJAJXFLBMLCK-UHFFFAOYSA-N perfluorohexane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)C(F)(F)F ZJIJAJXFLBMLCK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960004065 perflutren Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- CYRMSUTZVYGINF-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichlorofluoromethane Chemical compound FC(Cl)(Cl)Cl CYRMSUTZVYGINF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940029284 trichlorofluoromethane Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium Chemical compound [V]#[V] GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004078 waterproofing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
- B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
- A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
- A23L2/54—Mixing with gases
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/4492—Means to read code provided on ingredient pod or cartridge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
- B65D47/2031—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure the element being formed by a slit, narrow opening or constrictable spout, the size of the outlet passage being able to be varied by increasing or decreasing the pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5805—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness
- B65D75/5811—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a side strip parallel and next to the edge, e.g. by means of a line of weakness and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
- B65D75/5872—Non-integral spouts
- B65D75/5883—Non-integral spouts connected to the package at the sealed junction of two package walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0001—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught by squeezing collapsible or flexible storage containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
- B67D1/0043—Mixing devices for liquids
- B67D1/0051—Mixing devices for liquids for mixing outside the nozzle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
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- B67D1/0058—In-line carbonators
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- B67D1/0085—Dispensing valves electro-mechanical
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- B67D1/0462—Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B67D1/0882—Devices for controlling the dispensing conditions
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
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- B67D1/101—Pump mechanism of the piston-cylinder type
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
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- G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
- G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
- G06Q30/0269—Targeted advertisements based on user profile or attribute
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23V—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION
- A23V2002/00—Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs
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- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
- B65D1/0223—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents characterised by shape
- B65D1/023—Neck construction
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- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/09—Ampoules
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- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
- B65D35/28—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices for expelling contents
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- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
- B65D35/28—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices for expelling contents
- B65D35/285—Co-operating squeezing supporting rollers
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- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5816—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion
- B65D75/5822—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
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- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
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- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
- B67D2001/0811—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs provided with coded information
Definitions
- the invention relates to a single serve beverage maker and dispenser, including the disposable beverage containers and removable water pitcher used therein. More particularly, the current invention relates to a device for preparing, making and dispensing single servings of a selected beverage from an associated refrigerating device or a removable water pitcher, wherein the beverage may or may not be carbonated, using a disposable beverage pouch or cartridge that avoids flavor contamination of the device by the beverage being dispensed, and may provide precise mixing ratios in order to dispense high quality beverages.
- the invention relates to a single serve dispenser for cooled beverages that use individual disposable beverage pouches or cartridges and in which the dispensed beverage may, or may not, be carbonated.
- Single serve dispensers for hot beverages are popular as they allow individuals to quickly brew a fresh cup of their favorite flavored hot beverage in a reasonably economic way.
- a significant problem is serving temperature. While coffee is best made at about 195 degrees Fahrenheit, even hot coffee is only drunk at about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The flavor of the coffee is, therefore, not diminished when the boiling hot water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit is cooled significantly as it comes into contact with the contents of the disposable beverage cartridge.
- sodas and juices such as, but not limited to, Coca-ColaTM, PepsiTM, or Minute MadeTM Orange juice
- sodas and juices such as, but not limited to, Coca-ColaTM, PepsiTM, or Minute MadeTM Orange juice
- This temperature is important both because warm drinks are less able to maintain carbonation, and warm drinks melt more ice, diluting the optimum syrup/water ratio.
- the best refrigeration unit is only going to maintain water at a temperature of about 33-34 degrees Fahrenheit, and the disposable beverage cartridge or pouch is at room temperature, i.e., 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the device has to be carefully constructed so that the single serve beverage is not dispensed at an unpleasantly—or at least, sub-optimal—warm temperature.
- a second problem is the nature of the contents of the disposable beverage pouch or cartridge.
- the contents of the pouch or cartridge are typically granules or powders that are easily dissolved into the hot water, making the system essentially self cleaning.
- the contents of the pouch or cartridge are typically concentrated, often sugary, syrups. These syrups can, if the device is not carefully designed, re-coagulate and contaminate the dispensing elements. Not only may this reduce the efficiency of the process, but it may lead to cross-contamination of the flavor of the beverage, spoiling the user experience.
- a third problem is the mix ratio, i.e., the ratio of the volumes of water to syrup or concentrate that must be combined for the optimum taste experience. These ratios tend to be more exacting for cold beverages because the resultant cold beverage is a combination of the two kinds of liquid, rather than an infusion of an ingredient into the primary liquid as in a hot drink.
- a fourth problem is dispensing time.
- dispensing time is usually 30 to 60 seconds, the water flows through the cartridge where it fuses with the dry ingredients, sits for a few seconds to steep, then exists into the users cup.
- dispensing time should take between 4 to 6 seconds, especially with carbonated beverages, because the CO 2 gas starts to leave the liquid as soon as it is mixed which will affect drink quality.
- a fifth problem is the method of dispensing. With hot drinks the liquid flows through the cartridge or pouch and mixes inside a brewing compartment where the ingredients fuse. With a cold beverage, especially carbonated ones, this method will cause excessive off-gassing of the carbonated liquid when it mixes with the syrup/concentrate causing the mixture to excessively bubble and foam which creates a mess and affects the quality of the drink.
- My cold beverage dispensing method is constructed to avoid these issues.
- the preferred method of dispensing a beverage according to the present invention is with a pouch, which is preferred over a beverage cartridge.
- a pouch is preferred for several reasons.
- Pouches generally have longer shelf stability than cups or cartridges due to the impermeable material they are made from, foil vs. plastic.
- Pouches offer a better shipping and packaging footprint than their cartridge/cup counterparts. Storage and handling is much more efficient for a pouch since pouches can be displayed on racks for the retail countertop and refrigerator racks for the consumer to hang the pouches on.
- the pouch offers the best method to dispense the syrup contents in a metered way that lends itself to the post mix dispensing technology disclosed herein.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,555 granted to Scheer, et al. on Feb. 6, 2001 entitled “Apparatus and methods for brewing and dispensing beverages” that describes a brewing machine that freshly brews a single-serving of coffee or tea to be served hot or cold.
- the machine preferably includes a housing assembly, with a window therein to permit the viewing of the brewing of a fresh serving of coffee or tea, a water supply, a dry coffee or tea storage area, a brewer, and a flavor additive storage area.
- the coffee or tea is preferably brewed in a condensed form which becomes diluted to drinking strength by the addition of hot or cool water, and/or by the addition of hot or cool flavorings.
- the cool drink can subsequently be served over ice to provide a cold serving of iced coffee or tea.
- Mixing the various ingredients to obtain the final cup of coffee or tea preferably occurs in the user's cup.
- Preferred methods of making a freshly brewed single-serving of coffee or tea are disclosed.
- the system includes a beverage-forming concentrate and an aroma or aroma-providing component separated from the concentrate; wherein the concentrate and aroma are combinable upon reconstitution for providing the beverage.
- One method includes delivering a fresh beverage taste to an on-premise beverage at a point of dispensation, by delivering at least one aroma or aroma-providing component in an amount sufficient to enhance the organoleptic properties of a beverage separately from a beverage concentrate prior to when the beverage is dispensed, and mixing the aroma or aroma-providing compound with a liquid and the beverage concentrate or with a mixture of a beverage concentrate and a liquid when the beverage is being dispensed.
- the resulting beverage may be coffee, tea, carbonation, a juice, milk, or a non-dairy creamer-based component; or a combination thereof, while the aroma or aroma-providing component is coffee aroma, tea aroma, chocolate or cocoa aroma, malt, Maillard reaction flavor, or a combination thereof.
- the present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage which may or may not be carbonated.
- the beverage dispensing device may have a liquid container that is fluidly connected to a liquid refrigeration unit or a removable container that may be put into a refrigerator.
- the beverage dispensing device may also include a beverage cartridge or pouch holder.
- the beverage dispensing device may be designed such that a beverage dispensing pouch or a beverage dispensing cartridge may be fitted into the holder.
- a disposable beverage dispensing cartridge may have a body that is substantially impermeable to light and to liquids at room temperature.
- the impermeable, cylindrical body may have an open top end and a closed lower end.
- the beverage dispensing cartridge preferably also contains an upper and a lower piston, both sized and shaped to be a sliding, sealing, pressure fit to an inside of the impermeable body.
- the lower piston may also have a spout protruding from its lower surface. The spout may have an open lower end that is in fluid connection with an upper surface of the lower piston.
- the lower end of the spout may also be covered by, contained within, or attached to, a pressure rupturable diaphragm that may be shaped to have a base and a funnel like attachment.
- the lower end of the spout may act as a self-piecing nozzle of the pressure rupturable diaphragm, and of the base of the cartridge.
- Pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate may be contained in the beverage dispensing cartridge, disposed between the upper and lower pistons in a substantially hermetically sealed environment.
- beverage concentrates may have a self life of up to twelve months, even without refrigeration.
- a concentrate dispensing mechanism may operate to move the upper piston downwards towards the lower piston. In doing so the liquid outlet of the lower piston, acting as a self piercing nozzle, breaks the pressure rupturable diaphragm and the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge. The concentrate contained in the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge may then be discharged through the liquid outlet into a mixing nozzle structure.
- a beverage dispensing pouch comprises a pouch void enclosed in an impermeable seal that is substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature.
- the pouch void has an open lower end while the beverage dispensing pouch further comprises a pouch fitment sealing the open lower end of the pouch void.
- the pouch fitment has an interior, an interior wall, an upper opening, and a lower opening and comprises a snap-in ring attached to the upper opening, the snap-in ring having a snap-in ring opening; a first pressure rupturable diaphragm sealing the snap-in ring opening; a pouch fitment sealing the lower opening of the pouch.
- the pouch fitment further comprises a plunger having a top aperture, a plunger piston, and a liquid outlet; and a second pressure rupturable diaphragm sealing the top aperture of the plunger. While the plunger resides in the interior of the pouch fitment, the liquid outlet is above the pouch fitment, the top aperture of the plunger is below the upper opening of the pouch fitment, the plunger piston stays abut the interior wall of the pouch fitment, forming a slidable seal.
- beverage dispensing pouch Similarly to the beverage dispensing cartridge, a pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate may be contained in the beverage dispensing pouch, stored in the pouch void in a substantially hermetically sealed environment. In such an environment, beverage concentrates may have a shelf life of up to twelve months, even without refrigeration.
- a mixing nozzle structure may be fluidly connected to the liquid container so that a predetermined amount of liquid may also flow into the mixing nozzle structure as the beverage concentrate is being ejected into the mixing nozzle structure from the beverage dispensing pouch or the beverage dispensing cartridge.
- the mixing nozzle structure may be sized and shaped such that the concentrate being dispensed mixes with the liquid flowing into the mixing nozzle structure, but does not contact the walls of the mixing nozzle structure during the mixing process.
- the mixing preferably occurs outside and beneath the mixing nozzle structure, essentially in mid-air between the mixing nozzle structure and a beverage container. This type of mixing in the air is sometimes referred to as “post-mixing”.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single serve, cold beverage dispenser that requires a minimum of maintenance.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a single serve, cold beverage container that keeps the beverage concentrates fresh for an extended period of time.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cartridge or pouch that can withstand normal pressures occurred during shipping and handling which resists accidental rupturing.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing container with rupturable diaphragms that control the flow of liquid.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing device that combines rupturable diaphragms and a pouch fitment to further control the flow of liquid. It is a further object of the invention to provide an economic, easy to manufacture, easy to change, disposable pouch or cartridge for creating and dispensing cold beverages.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows an X-ray view of another preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention while a beverage dispensing cartridge is used.
- FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use.
- FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use.
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use.
- FIG. 7A shows a front cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use.
- FIG. 7B shows a partial side view and partial side cross section view, of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use.
- FIG. 7C shows a cross-section exploded view of a first preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 7D shows a side cross section view of the first preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- FIG. 7E shows a cross-section exploded view of a second preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 7F shows a side cross section view of a second preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- FIG. 7G shows a cross-section exploded view of a third preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 7H shows a side cross section view of the third preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- FIG. 8A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 8B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 8C shows a side exploded cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 8D shows a top view of a outflow valve having a “+” shaped outlet.
- FIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G show a side cross section view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to, during, and after use.
- FIG. 9A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 9B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 9C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 9D shows a side cross section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- FIG. 10A shows a front cross-section view of yet another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 10B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 10C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 10D shows a side cross section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- FIG. 11 A-C show, in a side view, the pouch being pressed by rollers and the liquid being released from the beverage dispensing pouch.
- FIG. 12 A-C show another preferred embodiment of the beverage dispensing pouch wherein the pouch is sealed with a pressure rupturable seal and a tear-off pouch tip.
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are front sectional views.
- FIG. 12C is a side view.
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure and a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure of the present invention during use.
- FIG. 15 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a first preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a second preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a third preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fourth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fifth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser having a main unit and a removable water pitcher.
- FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of a dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is closed.
- FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of a dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is opened and a beverage pouch is inserted.
- FIG. 21C shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is opened.
- FIG. 21D shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is closed but before the rollers engage the pouch.
- FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a dispensing pouch and a pouch fitment.
- FIG. 22B shows a front view of a dispensing pouch and a front sectional view of a pouch fitment.
- FIG. 23A shows a perspective view of a pouch fitment.
- FIG. 23B shows a front sectional view of the pouch fitment.
- FIG. 23C shows a top view of a pouch fitment.
- FIG. 23D shows a bottom view of a pouch fitment.
- FIG. 23E shows a perspective view of the outflow valve.
- FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the rollers press the pouch.
- FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the rollers finish a pouch-pressing process.
- FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a pitcher that can be connected to a main unit of a beverage dispenser.
- FIG. 25B shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit as part of the main unit of a beverage dispenser when the flipping inlet unit is flipped down.
- FIG. 25C shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit as part of the main unit of a beverage dispenser when the flipping inlet unit is flipped up.
- FIG. 25D shows a side sectional view of an outlet channel and a flipping inlet unit before the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged.
- FIG. 25E shows a side sectional view of an outlet channel and a flipping inlet unit after the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged.
- FIG. 26 shows a back view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser having a main unit and a removable water pitcher.
- FIG. 27A shows a first perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser.
- FIG. 27B shows a second perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser.
- FIG. 27C shows a schematic diagram of the internal structures and their connections in the main unit.
- FIG. 28A shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser with a CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO 2 cylinder gate is closed.
- FIG. 28B shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO 2 cylinder gate is open.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the single serve, chilled beverage dispensing device 100 of the present invention.
- the beverage dispensing device 100 may have a product shell 105 housing the functional components of the beverage dispensing device 100 .
- FIG. 1 also shows a mixing nozzle structure 195 that may be used to prepare the cold beverage, typically by mixing a beverage concentrate with chilled water, on its way to it being served into a beverage container 205 .
- FIG. 2 shows an “X-ray view” of a preferred embodiment of the single serve cold beverage dispenser of the present invention, in which aspects of the invention are displayed, though not all in their entirety or with fully functional connectivity.
- FIG. 2 shows important components of the invention, but they are not intended to limit the invention to the specific elements shown, the way they are connected or the functionality they contribute to the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a liquid container 210 that is preferably filled with water, connected via a liquid pump 245 to an insulated liquid container 290 .
- the insulated liquid container 290 may be cooled by a liquid refrigeration unit 220 such as, but not limited to, a Peltier device, a conventional compression based refrigeration device or some combination thereof.
- the liquid refrigeration unit 220 may also act as a recirculation device, extracting liquid from the insulated liquid container 290 , cooling it, and then returning the liquid to the insulated liquid container 290 .
- the insulated liquid container 290 may then be connected via an optionally selectable carbonation device 280 that may, for instance, be activated by the CO2 cylinder 270 .
- the liquid may then be transported to the mixing nozzle structure 195 .
- the user may select to have either a carbonated or an un-carbonated beverage, and may, in certain embodiments, select a degree of carbonation of the drink delivered to the beverage container 205 , and a preferred temperature of the dispensed beverage.
- Core ingredients of the beverage delivered to the beverage container 205 may be determined by the contents of the disposable beverage dispensing cartridge 110 that would typically be selected by the user.
- FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention.
- the disposable beverage dispensing cartridge 110 may have a substantially impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 with a top end that may be covered with an air tight, sealing diaphragm 135 .
- the bottom of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 may be closed.
- the bottom of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 may be partially closed bottom that may be temporarily sealed with a ruptureable foil covering.
- the top end may be sealed with a suitable metal or plastic foil that forms an air tight, sealing diaphragm 135 , or, in alternate embodiment, it may be sealed by an upper piston 160 .
- the upper piston 160 is preferably a sliding, pressure fit to the inside of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 and may also provide a hermetic or airtight seal.
- the lower piston 170 may also be a sliding, pressure fit to the inside of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 and may also provide an airtight seal.
- the sealing of the bottom of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 may also include a pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 .
- the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 may be made of a suitable material that is substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature such as, but not limited to, a metal foil or a plastic such as, but not limited to, HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or paperboard coated with a suitable waterproof coating such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, or some combination thereof.
- a suitable material that is substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature such as, but not limited to, a metal foil or a plastic such as, but not limited to, HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvin
- the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 may also be made of a recyclable material such as, but not limited to, paperboard coated with suitable water proofing such as, but not limited to, polyethylene. Such a construction is well known in the milk carton industry.
- the machine readable identification element 190 may for instance be a machine readable printed label such as, but not limited to, a bar code or a Quick Response (QR) code or it may be an electronically readable chip such as, but not limited to, an RFID tag.
- the machine readable identification element 190 may be read by optics and/or electronics in the beverage dispensing device 100 and used to adjust mixing of the drink by making selections such as, but not limited to, the quantity of water to be added, whether or not to provide carbonated water, the degree of carbonation and the temperature of the water being used to mix with the concentrate or some combination thereof.
- FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention.
- the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 is shown in a dispensed state, i.e., the upper piston 160 has been forced down towards the lower piston 170 by a suitable dispensing initiator such as, but not limited to, a mechanically controlled cylinder, an electrically or magnetically operated solenoid or a pneumatically operated cylinder, or some combination thereof.
- a suitable dispensing initiator such as, but not limited to, a mechanically controlled cylinder, an electrically or magnetically operated solenoid or a pneumatically operated cylinder, or some combination thereof.
- the liquid outlet 180 has been impressed against the pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 , and, acting as a self piercing nozzle, breaking it.
- the liquid outlet 180 may then have encountered and, once more acting as a self piercing nozzle, ruptured the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 . Having ruptured both the base and the diaphragm 150 the liquid outlet 180 may then dispense the beverage concentrate stored in the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 via the liquid outlet 180 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 (not shown in FIG. 4 ).
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use.
- the beverage concentrate 175 is shown contained in the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 between the upper piston 160 and the lower piston 170 .
- the pistons may form air-tight, pressure seals with the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 , and may have groves 310 to facilitate the air-tight, sliding pressure sealing.
- the grooves 310 may incorporate O-rings that may also facilitate a sliding but air-tight seal, though this option may be more expensive to manufacture.
- the lower piston 170 preferably has a liquid outlet 180 that may be used both to penetrate the pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 and thereby deliver the beverage concentrate 175 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 (not shown in FIG. 5 ).
- the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 , the upper piston 160 , the lower piston 170 and the pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 may be made from any suitable materials such as, but not limited to a metal foil such as, but not limited to, nickel/manganese/silicone alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, brass, copper and copper alloys, nickel/chromium alloys, nickel/iron alloys, nickel, phosphor bronze, stainless steels, titanium, vanadium and zirconiumn, or some combination thereof, or a plastic such as, but not limited to, HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or water-proofed paperboard, such as, but not
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use.
- the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 is shown with the upper piston 160 moved into contact with the lower piston 170 which itself is shown at the bottom of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 .
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 are shown as having been ruptured by the liquid outlet 180 of the lower piston 170 , so that all the beverage concentrate 175 that had been contained between the upper piston 160 and the lower piston 170 has been dispensed through the liquid outlet 180 .
- FIG. 7A shows a front cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use.
- the beverage dispensing pouch may replace the beverage dispensing cartridge in FIG. 2 .
- the beverage dispensing pouch 20 serves similar roles as the cartridge in that these containers are used to dispense the “central” ingredients of the beverage.
- the pouch or the cartridge may be used to dispense beverage concentrates that would typically be selected by the user.
- FIG. 7A Shown in FIG. 7A is a pouch void 22 enclosed in an impermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown in FIG. 7A is that the pouch void 22 has an open lower end 24 which is sealed by a pouch fitment 30 .
- the pouch fitment 30 has positioning fins 32 that help to anchor the pouch fitment 30 to the impermeable seal 25 .
- the detailed structures of the pouch fitment 30 are shown in FIG. 7C .
- FIG. 7B shows a partial side view and partial side cross section view, of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use.
- FIG. 7B shows the pouch fitment 30 in a sectional view while demonstrating the side view of the impermeable seal 25 .
- the impermeable seal 25 encloses the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIG. 7A , and forms a wide margin around the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- the shape of the beverage dispensing pouch 20 and its pouch void 22 shown here is only supposed to be illustrative.
- the beverage dispensing pouch 20 and the pouch void 22 may be any shape that is necessary and desirable. While FIGS. 7A and 7B show the beverage dispensing pouch 20 with a flat side view, it does not necessarily have to be like that.
- the beverage dispensing pouch 20 may also have a round shape or any other shape that allows easy manufacturing and implementation.
- the pouch void 22 here refers to the space enclosed within the impermeable seal 25 , which is impermeable to liquids at room temperature.
- the impermeable seal 25 may be formed by heating or sonic welding the proper materials so that an empty space is created.
- the impermeable seal 25 is made of thin, flexible, and impermeable materials that are non-toxic to humans.
- the impermeable seal 25 may be made from rubber, leather, fabric with waterproof coating, metal foil or plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), vinyl polymer, polystyrene (PS), and polypropene, or paper coated with a suitable waterproof coating such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, or some combination thereof.
- the impermeable seal 25 may be one layer of material or a multi-layer structure. For a multi-layer impermeable seal 25 , each layer may be made from the same or different materials indicated as above.
- the pouch fitment 30 is preferably permanently attached to the impermeable seal 25 and fluidly connected to the pouch void 22 . However, it may also be desirable to have a pouch fitment 30 that is removable and may be asserted to a pouch void 22 having a receiving slot.
- the pouch fitment 30 has positioning fins 32 to help to anchor the pouch fitment 30 to the impermeable seal 25 .
- the positioning fins 32 are integrally welded, glued, molded or co-molded with the impermeable seal 25 .
- the design may be altered here as long as the pouch void 22 is hermetically sealed by the impermeable seal 25 and the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 7C shows a cross-section exploded view of a first preferred pouch fitment 30 prior to use.
- the detailed structure of the pouch fitment 30 included in FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrated here. Shown in 7 C is the pouch fitment 30 having a fitment body 31 having an upper opening 36 , a lower opening 37 , an interior 33 , and positioning fins 32 , a pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 , and a sealing member 35 .
- the upper opening 36 of the fitment body 31 is sealed by the first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and the lower opening 37 of the fitment body 31 is sealed by the sealing member 35 .
- FIG. 7D shows a side cross section view of the first preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. All the structures shown in FIG. 7C are included in FIG. 7D .
- the arrow in FIG. 7D indicates the transition from a sealed unused pouch fitment 30 to an open used pouch fitment 30 . While in the left panel of FIG. 7D the sealing member 35 is securely lodged on the lower opening 37 and the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is intact, in the right panel of FIG. 7D the sealing member 35 is removed and the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is ruptured.
- the sealing member 35 may be made from all kinds of materials, including but not limited to plastic, foil, and metals.
- a user may remove the sealing member 35 prior to use. Then pressure is applied to the pouch void 22 and the pressure is partially transmitted to the pouch fitment 30 , with the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 being the focus. When the pressure increases, the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 ruptures and liquid may flow through the upper opening 36 , the interior 33 , and the lower opening 37 of the pouch fitment 30 to be dispensed. Alternatively, a user may apply pressure to rupture the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and then remove the sealing member 35 to allow liquid to flow out of the pouch void 22 .
- the sealing member 35 is a screw cap. There are screw threads 38 on the exterior of the fitment body 31 , allowing the sealing member 35 to be screw on the fitment body 31 to the seal the lower opening 37 .
- the screw threads 38 may be on the interior wall 34 and the sealing member 35 may have a protruding part that having corresponding screw threads. Then the sealing member 35 may be screwed not to “cover,” but to “plug” the fitment body 31 .
- the sealing member 35 may take different formats, while goals to have an easy-to-seal and easy-to-remove sealing member 35 and to form a hermetic seal remain consistent.
- the fitment body 31 of the pouch fitment 30 is preferably a single-molded plastic piece. It may be made from plastic such as but not limited to HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC). It may also be made from other materials such as a metal, wood, rigid plastic or rubber or some combination thereof.
- plastic such as but not limited to HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyren
- the fitment body 31 of the pouch fitment 30 is preferably a cylindrical shape in general, with the horizontal cross-section being a circle or an oval. However, it should be noted that the fitment body 31 may take any shape and the horizontal cross-section may be a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or any other shape that allows easy manufacturing and handling.
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 may be made from many kinds of materials, such as but not limited to: foil, paper or fabric with waterproof coatings, thin layers of plastic, and synthetic or natural membranes, or any combination thereof. The key is that the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 should have a consistent and measurable resistance to fluid pressure. When a certain threshold is passed, the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 should be ruptured to allow the through flow of fluids.
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 may be welded, glued, molded, or co-molded with the fitment body 31 .
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is sonic-welded with the fitment body 31 .
- the key is to have the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 securely attached to the fitment body 31 and hermetically sealing the upper opening 36 . As long as this goal may be attained, the specific method to attach the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to the fitment body 31 may vary.
- the sealing member 35 may be made of the same or different material as the fitment body 31 .
- the sealing member 35 may be made from foil, metal, paper and fabric with waterproof coatings, wood, rubber, plastic such as but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), HDPE, TPE, polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or some combination thereof.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- HDPE high-density polyethylene
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
- LDPE low-density polyethylene
- PP polypropylene
- PS polystyrene
- HIPS high impact polystyrene
- PC polycarbonate
- FIG. 7E shows a cross-section exploded view of a second preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 7F shows a side cross section view of a second preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- the components shown FIGS. 7E and 7F are the same as FIGS. 7C and 7D , except that the sealing member 35 takes a different form and there are no screw threads 38 on the fitment body 31 .
- the sealing member 35 is a detachable cap that may be used to seal the lower opening 37 of the fitment body 31 .
- the sealing member 35 is attached to the fitment body 31 by a circle of weakened connections 41 .
- the weakened connections 41 may be produced by making the connecting layer of plastic between the cap sealing member 35 and the fitment body 31 particularly thin.
- a user may break the cap from the fitment body 31 and apply pressure to the pouch void 22 to cause the first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in the pouch void 22 to flow from the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 7G shows a cross-section exploded view of a third preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 7H shows a side cross section view of the third preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- the components shown FIGS. 7G and 7H are the same as FIGS. 7C and 7D , except that the sealing member 35 takes a different form and there are no screw threads 38 on the fitment body 31 .
- the sealing member 35 is a cover that has a peel-away tab 39 .
- the sealing member 35 is a foil cover.
- the sealing member 35 may be glued or welded to the fitment body 31 .
- the key here is to allow the sealing member 35 to be removed peeling the peel-away tab 39 . Therefore, as long as this goal can be achieved, the sealing member 35 may be attached to the fitment body 31 with any suitable method.
- a user may peel away the sealing member 35 from the fitment body 31 and apply pressure to the pouch void 22 to cause the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in the pouch void 22 to flow from the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 8A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Shown in FIG. 8A is a pouch void 22 enclosed in an impermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown in FIG. 8A is that the pouch void 22 has a lower end 24 which is sealed by a pouch fitment 30 . The pouch fitment 30 has positioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor the pouch fitment 30 to the pouch void 22 . The detailed structures of the pouch fitment 30 are shown in FIG. 8C .
- FIG. 8B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 8B shows the pouch fitment 30 in a side sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of the impermeable seal 25 .
- the impermeable seal 25 encloses the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIG. 8A , and forms a wide margin around the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- FIG. 8C shows a side exploded cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- the pouch fitment 30 having a fitment body 31 having an upper opening 36 , a lower opening 37 , an interior 33 , and positioning fins 32 , a pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 , and a sealing member 35 .
- the upper opening 36 of the fitment body 31 is sealed by the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and the lower opening 37 of the fitment body 31 is sealed by the sealing member 35 .
- the sealing member 35 takes the form of a cover having a peel-away tab 39 , as shown in FIGS. 7G and 7H .
- FIG. 7G and 7H The difference of FIG.
- the pouch fitment 30 further comprises a outflow valve 50 , which also covers the lower opening 37 and stays above the sealing member 35 . From this side view, the outflow valve 50 is shown to flex upward with its center portion protruding closer to the interior 33 of the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 8D shows a top view of the outflow valve 50 .
- the outflow valve 50 is shown as round and this is a preferred shape.
- the outflow valve 50 must fit the horizontal-sectional shape of the pouch fitment 30 , especially at the lower opening 37 . Therefore, from a top view, the outflow valve 50 may be round or square, or any other shape that fits the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 8D is a “+” shaped outlet 49 at the center of the outflow valve 50 .
- the “+” shaped outlet 49 allows liquid in the pouch void 22 to flow through.
- the “+” shape is preferred here. However, it is still possible to make the outlet other shapes such as a “T” shape, a “ ” shape, or any other shape that may be used to control liquid flow.
- the outflow valve 50 is preferably made of silicon-based polymeric materials known as silicones.
- the key features of the outflow valve are impermeability to water, low friction, and flexibility. Therefore, when other materials, such as carbon-based plastics, meet the requirements, they may also be used to make the valve 50 .
- FIG. 8E shows the pouch fitment 30 prior to use
- FIG. 8F shows the pouch fitment 30 during use
- FIG. 8G shows the pouch fitment 30 after use.
- the arrows between FIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G indicate the transitions from a sealed pouch fitment 30 , to a pouch fitment 30 allowing flow through, and finally to a pouch fitment 30 having an outflow valve 50 that prevents dripping.
- a user may peel away the sealing member 35 from the fitment body 31 by pulling the peel-away tab 39 and apply pressure to the pouch void 22 to cause the pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in the pouch void 22 to flow from the pouch fitment 30 to reach the outflow valve 50 .
- pressure from the liquid is applied to the outflow valve 50 from the top, it flexes downward with the center portion of the outflow valve 50 protruding to a direction away from the interior 33 of the pouch fitment 30 , as shown in FIG. 8F .
- the continued pressure from the liquid further opens the “+” shaped outlet 49 , allowing the liquid to flow through the outlet.
- the outflow valve 50 flexes back to its original position, with the center portion of the outflow valve 50 protruding to the interior 33 of the pouch fitment 30 .
- the “+” shaped outlet 49 is closed, preventing the remaining liquid in the pouch void 22 from dripping out.
- FIG. 9A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- This pouch fitment 30 is fundamentally different from what is shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 since the pouch fitment 30 further comprises a plunger 40 .
- Shown in FIG. 9A is a pouch void 22 enclosed in an impermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown in FIG. 9A is that the pouch void 22 has a lower end 24 which is sealed by a pouch fitment 30 .
- the pouch fitment 30 has positioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor the pouch fitment 30 to the pouch void 22 .
- Shown also in FIG. 9A is a plunger 40 , which is considered part of the pouch fitment 30 .
- the detailed structures of the pouch fitment 30 and the plunger 40 are shown in FIG. 9C .
- FIG. 9B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 9B shows the pouch fitment 30 comprising a plunger 40 in a sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of the impermeable seal 25 .
- the impermeable seal 25 encloses the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIG. 9A , and forms a wide margin around the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B .
- FIG. 9C shows a side cross-sectional exploded view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use, demonstrating the individual components. Shown in FIG. 9C is a the pouch fitment 30 having a pouch void 22 having a upper opening 36 , an interior 33 , an interior wall 34 , positioning fins 32 , and a lower opening 37 . Also shown in FIG. 9C is that the pouch fitment 30 further comprises a plunger 40 having a top aperture 42 , a liquid outlet 43 , and plunger pistons 43 . The pouch fitment 30 further comprises a second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 that seals the top aperture 42 of the plunger 40 .
- the plunger 40 resides in the interior of the pouch fitment 30 and the plunger pistons 43 form slidable seal with the interior wall 34 of the pouch fitment 30 .
- the interior wall 34 of the pouch fitment 30 and the plunger pistons 43 are not completely in contact.
- the interior wall 34 and the plunger pistons 43 abut each other and form a slidable but fluid-tight seal.
- the pouch fitment 30 further comprises a sealing member 35 that seals the lower opening 37 of the fitment body 31 .
- FIG. 9D shows a side cross section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- the arrow in FIG. 9D indicates the transition from an unused sealed pouch fitment 30 to an open used pouch fitment 30 .
- the sealing member 35 securely seals the lower opening 37
- the plunger 40 completely resides in the interior 33 of the fitment body 31
- the sealing member 35 is pierced by the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40
- the liquid outlet 43 protrudes of the interior 33 of the fitment body 31
- the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is ruptured.
- the sealing member 35 is preferably a foil or paper that may be pierced.
- the sealing member 35 may also be any material that was referred to during the discussion of FIG. 7 .
- the addition of the plunger 40 removes the necessity for a user to remove the sealing member 35 .
- the sealing member 35 may simply be compromised by the penetration of the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40 . Such a design reduces the chance that the liquid exit portion of the device may be touched by human hand or otherwise contaminated, thus raising the hygienic standard of the beverage dispensing device.
- a user may apply pressure to the pouch void 22 and the pressure will be partially transmitted to the pouch fitment 30 . Since the plunger pistons 43 of the plunger 40 form a slidable but fluid-tight seal with the interior wall 34 of the fitment body 31 , the pressure pushes the plunger 40 to move downward so that the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40 may pierce the sealing member 35 and the liquid outlet 43 is exposed. When the plunger 40 reaches its lower-most position, the increase of pressure may rupture the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 , allowing the liquid in the pouch void 22 to flow through the interior 33 of the fitment body 31 and out of the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40 .
- the “prior” and “after” states of the pouch fitment 30 are illustrated in FIG. 9D
- the threshold pressure for making the plunger 40 slide downward should be lower than the threshold pressure to rupture the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 .
- the design allows the plunger 40 to pierce the sealing member 35 before the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is ruptured and the fluid in the pouch void 22 flows out of the liquid outlet 43 . If the sequence is reversed and second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 ruptures first, then the fluid from the pouch void 22 will be pushed through the plunger before the plunger pierces the sealing member 35 . The likely outcome is that the sealing member 35 will be ruptured and the fluid flows through the plunger 40 while the liquid outlet 43 does not protrude out of the fitment body 31 .
- FIG. 10A shows a front cross-section view of yet another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Shown in FIG. 10A is a pouch void 22 enclosed in an impermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown in FIG. 10A is that the pouch void 22 has an open lower end 24 which is sealed by a pouch fitment 30 . The pouch fitment 30 has positioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor the pouch fitment 30 to the pouch void 22 . Shown also in FIG. 10A is a plunger 40 , which is considered part of the pouch fitment 30 . The detailed structures of the pouch fitment 30 and the plunger 40 are shown in FIG. 10C .
- FIG. 10B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use.
- FIG. 10B shows the pouch fitment 30 comprising a plunger 40 in a sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of the impermeable seal 25 .
- the impermeable seal 25 encloses the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIG. 10A , and forms a wide margin around the pouch void 22 , as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B .
- FIG. 10C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use, demonstrating the individual components of the pouch fitment 30 .
- FIG. 10D shows a side cross section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use.
- the pouch fitment 30 has an interior 33 , interior wall 34 , upper opening 36 , and lower opening 37 .
- the lower opening 37 is sealed by a sealing member 35 .
- the upper opening 36 encircles a snap-in ring 54 , which is sealed by the first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 .
- a plunger 40 Positioned in the interior 33 of the pouch fitment 30 is a plunger 40 , which has a top aperture 42 , a plunger piston 44 , and a liquid outlet 43 .
- the plunger piston 44 forms a slidable but fluid-tight seal with the interior wall 34 of the pouch fitment 30 .
- the top aperture 42 of the plunger 40 is positioned below the snap-in ring 54 and the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 and is sealed by a first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 .
- the interior wall 34 of the pouch fitment 30 and the plunger pistons 43 are not completely in contact. However, it should be noted that the interior wall 34 and the plunger pistons 43 abut each other and form a slidable but fluid-tight seal.
- the snap-in ring 54 and first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 in combination, seal the upper opening 36 of the fitment body 31 . This design separates the plunger 40 from the liquid kept in the pouch void 22 , thus decreasing the chances of contamination even further.
- the plunger 40 is pushed to pierce the sealing member 35 before the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 ruptures.
- Such a design ensures that the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40 protrudes out of the interior 33 of the fitment body 31 before liquid is dispensed.
- this feature is not indispensible.
- the snap-in ring 54 may be made of the same of different materials as the fitment body 31 . In general, it may be made from foil, metal, paper and fabric with waterproof coatings, wood, rubber, plastic such as but not limited to HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or some combination thereof.
- the snap-in ring 54 may be welded, glued, molded, or co-molded to the fitment body 31 .
- the snap-in ring 54 is sonic welded to the fitment body 31 .
- the first pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 may be attached to the snap-in ring 54 in similar ways that the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is attached to the plunger.
- FIGS. 11 A-C show, in a side view, the process of how the beverage dispensing pouch 20 is pressed by rollers and the liquid is released from the beverage dispensing pouch.
- the sixth preferred embodiment of the pouch fitment 30 shown in FIG. 10 is used as an example to demonstrate how pressure may be applied to the pouch void 22 and how liquid may be dispensed.
- any of the pouch fitments 30 may be used.
- the plunger Since the plunger has plunger pistons 43 , as shown in FIG. 10 , that slidably abut the interior wall 34 of the pouch fitment 30 and form a fluid-tight seal, the entire plunger is driven away from the pouch void 22 .
- the liquid outlet 43 of the plunger 40 then pierces the sealing member 35 , which is sealing the lower opening 37 of the pouch fitment 30 .
- the pressure builds up on the second pressure rupturable diaphragm 48 , eventually rupturing it, allowing the beverage concentrate 175 that was kept in the pouch void 22 to flow out from the liquid outlet 43 .
- FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show that rollers 55 are pressed against the impermeable seal 25 and the two rollers stay very close to each other. When the rollers 55 roll downward, they apply pressure on the pouch void 22 and that pressure is at least partially transmitted to all the parts that are fluidly connected to the pouch void 22 .
- the mechanism to apply pressure shown in FIG. 11 is not the only way to achieve the goal. As long as a continuous pressure may be applied to the pouch void 22 , any mechanism may be employed. For example, an alternative design puts two inflatable bags on the front and back of the pouch void 22 . With the inflation of the bags, pressure is applied to the pouch void 22 and the sequence of events leading to the outflow of liquid may be triggers by continuous inflation of the bags.
- the pouch may be squeezed by a press plate.
- the press plate can have two or more plates which push against the front and back of the pouch. Each press plates could be one single piece or several pieces, and the pieces or plates could be hinged together.
- a combination of rollers and plates could also be used, for example, a single roller which presses a pouch along its length, while the pouch is supported on the other side by a plate. Alternatively, the pressure could be applied pulling the pouch through stationary rollers.
- FIG. 12 A-C show another preferred embodiment of the beverage dispensing pouch 20 wherein the pouch is sealed with a pressure rupturable seal and a tear-off pouch tip. While FIGS. 12A and 12B are front sectional views, FIG. 12C is a side view.
- the pouch void 22 is sealed with an impermeable seal 25 having a hanger hole 27 .
- the lower end 24 of the pouch void 22 is sealed with a pressure rupturable seal 28 and a pouch tip 29 .
- the pressure rupturable seal 28 is preferably asserted into the lower end 24 and partly into the pouch void to ensure effective seal. However, the pressure rupturable seal 28 may stay completely outside the pouch void 22 and still prevent the liquid from flowing out of the pouch void 22 .
- the pressure rupturable seal 28 may be made of any material that is non-toxic to human. It may comprise a strip made of plastic or other materials and be glued or heat-bonded to the impermeable seal 25 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Or, the pressure rupturable seal 28 may just be made of pressure-sensitive material as a whole. The key feature here is that the pressure rupturable seal 28 may be ruptured and removed with the increase of pressure applied from the inside of the pouch.
- the pouch tip 29 is an optional structure. While it is preferable to have the pouch tip 29 , which further seals the lower end 24 of the pouch void 22 and present the lower end 24 to be contaminated, it is possible to only use the pressure rupturable seal 28 to seal the lower end 24 .
- the pouch tip 29 may be made of any material that can be used to make the impermeable seal 25 or the pouch fitment 30 .
- the pouch tip 29 may be glued, riveted, welded, heat-bonded to the impermeable seal 25 or fastened to the impermeable seal 25 using any means that allow a forceful removal. Shown here in FIG. 12A , between the pouch tip 29 and the impermeable seal 25 is a tear notch 26 that facilitates the removal of the pouch tip 29 .
- the pouch tip 29 is removed by tearing it away at the tear notch 26 .
- pressure is applied to the pouch void 22 .
- pressure is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12C .
- the pressure may be applied using the methods discussed in the description for FIG. 11 , or any methods that achieve the same result.
- the pressure rupturable seal 28 is then ruptured under the pressure and the beverage concentrate 175 in the pouch void 22 is released into the mixing nozzle 195 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure and a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention.
- a beverage dispensing cartridge is shown as an example.
- a beverage dispensing pouch 20 as shown in FIGS. 7-11 may also be used for dispensing beverage concentrates.
- the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 may be located above the mixing nozzle structure 195 so that beverage concentrate 175 dispensed from the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 may enter the mixing chamber along with a suitable mixing fluid that may be supplied via the mixing liquid inlet 320 .
- FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure of the present invention during use.
- FIG. 14 shows how the beverage concentrate 175 may be dispensed through the beverage concentrate inlet 330 of the mixing nozzle structure 195 , resulting in a flow that may be a substantially vertically downward jet of dispensed concentrate 360 .
- the view of FIG. 14 also shows how a mixing fluid may be introduced to the mixing nozzle structure 195 via the mixing liquid inlet 320 .
- This mixing fluid may enter the upper vortex chamber 340 where it may be constrained into a cylindrical vortex before exiting into the lower mixing chamber 350 .
- the downward jet of dispensed concentrate 360 may combine with the downward spiraling vortex of mixing liquid 370 in such a way the two combine at a mixing zone 810 that may be external to the mixing nozzle structure 195 .
- the mixing of the diluting liquid with the beverage concentrate may occur without the concentrate contacting the walls of the lower mixing chamber 350 of the mixing nozzle structure 195 .
- This type of mixing in the air is sometimes referred to as “post-mixing”.
- the mixing nozzle structure 195 may, for instance, be designed in accordance with the inventive principals detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,266, issued on Nov. 24, 1987 to Ruddick, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.
- FIG. 15 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a first preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- Elements of the beverage dispensing device 100 include a liquid reservoir 410 , a liquid refrigeration unit 220 , a chilled liquid container 480 , an insulated carbonation dispensing tank 610 , a beverage dispensing cartridge 110 and a beverage container 205 .
- beverage dispensing pouch 20 may be used instead of the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 .
- the liquid reservoir 410 may, for instance, be a 1 gallon refillable water tank, having a liquid level sensor 430 and a liquid filter 420 . Water from the liquid reservoir 410 may be moved to the chilled liquid container 480 by a suitable liquid pump 245 . The transfer may be done via a check valve 530 and a solenoid activated flow valve 540 .
- the chilled liquid container 480 may, for instance, be a stainless steel tank having a insulation jacket 470 .
- the chilled liquid container 480 may be cooled by a liquid refrigeration unit 220 that circulates a chilled refrigerant liquid or gas through refrigeration coils 490 that may surround the chilled liquid container 480 .
- the liquid refrigeration unit 220 may include a refrigeration compressor 440 that compresses the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid, generating heat.
- the refrigerant may then pass through a refrigeration evaporator 450 that allows the liquid to evaporate and cool.
- the cold gas or liquid may then be circulated through the refrigeration coils 490 via a refrigerated liquid accumulator 460 .
- the refrigerant may be any suitable chemical compound such as, but not limited to, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorofluoromethane, bromodifluoromethane, trifluoromethane, dichloromethane, chlorofluoromethane, difluoromethane, chloromethane, fluoromethane, methane, hexachloroethane, pentachlorofluoroethane, hexafluoroethane, trifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, trifluoroethane, difluoroethane, chloroethane, ethane, octafluoropropane, heptafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, propane, octafluorocyclobutane, decafluorobutane, tetradecafluorohexane, is
- the carbonation system 600 may include an insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 into which refrigerated water may be pumped via a check valve 530 .
- the liquid in the insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 may be carbonated by CO2 provided from a CO2 cylinder 270 .
- the carbonated water in the insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 may be kept under pressure by an air pump 620 that may be regulated by a vent valve 630 .
- the carbonated water may be supplied under the pressure in the carbonation tank via a check valve 530 to the mixing nozzle structure 195 to mix with the concentrate from the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 .
- the cold liquid may be pumped to the beverage container 205 by a circulation pump 570 , or the cold liquid may be dispensed by means of the pressure in the container.
- the circulation pump 570 may, when beverages are not being dispensed, circulate water around a loop back to the cold liquid container 480 via the solenoid activated flow valve 540 and the check valve 530 . This may, for instance, be done to keep the plumbing and other components of the beverage dispensing device 100 at a sufficiently low temperature to ensure that the mixing fluid is dispensed at an optimal temperature.
- FIG. 16 shows a schematic layout of the components of a second preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- the schematic design shown in FIG. 16 is substantially similar to the design shown in FIG. 15 , except that the liquid refrigeration unit 220 now consists of a Peltier device 240 that may be mounted on the wall of the chilled liquid container 480 that may be a plastic container.
- the temperature may be monitored by a suitable temperature sensor 580 , such as, but not limited to, a thermocouple device.
- FIG. 16 also differs from that of FIG. 15 in that the carbonation unit may now be an inline carbonation device.
- a Peltier device 240 produces thermoelectric cooling using the Peltier effect in which a current flow across the junction of two different types of materials causes a transfer of heat across the junction.
- the main advantages of a Peltier cooler compared to a vapor-compression refrigerator are its lack of moving parts or circulating liquid, and its small size and flexible shape or form factor. Its main disadvantages are that it is relatively expensive and inefficient.
- Peltier devices 240 are generally 5-10% as efficient as the ideal refrigerator, as determined by the Carnot cycle, compared with 40-60% achieved by conventional compression cycle systems. Due to the low efficiency, thermoelectric cooling is most useful in environments where the benefits of having a refrigerator with no moving parts, that is maintenance-free and of a compact size outweigh pure efficiency.
- a user may instruct the beverage dispensing device 100 via the internal electronics controller 550 to direct the mixing liquid either directly to the mixing nozzle structure 195 or to send it via the carbonation device 280 , or to send a portion of the liquid via both of these paths.
- the user may select how carbonated the beverage concentrate 175 in the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 will be when dispensed into the beverage container 205 .
- the carbonation device 280 may, for instance, be an inline Venturi carbonator activated using a refillable CO2 cylinder 270 and controlled by a CO 2 gas regulator 510 .
- the carbonation system 600 may, for instance, allow the user to select one of three options.
- the first may be complete carbonation of the mixing fluid, in which essentially all the mixing fluid flow through the carbonation device 280 .
- the second may be no carbonation, in which essentially all the mixing fluid flows through the bypass assembly 590 .
- the third may be partial carbonation in which a possibly variable amount of the mixing fluid flows through the carbonation device 280 , while the reminder of the mixing fluid flows through the bypass assembly 590 .
- FIG. 17 shows a schematic layout of the components of a third preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- the schematic design of FIG. 17 is substantially similar to that of FIG. 16 except that the carbonation of the liquid may now be done using the carbonation system 600 , as described in connection with FIG. 15 .
- the carbonation system 600 may, for instance, include an insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 into which refrigerated water may be pumped via a check valve 530 .
- the liquid in the insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 may be carbonated by CO 2 provided from a CO 2 cylinder 270 .
- the carbonated water in the insulating carbonation dispensing tank 610 may be kept under pressure by an air pump 620 that may be regulated by a vent valve 630 .
- the carbonated water may be supplied by a check valve 530 to the mixing nozzle structure 195 to mix with the concentrate from the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 .
- beverage concentrate cooler 640 there may also be a beverage concentrate cooler 640 .
- the beverage concentrate cooler 640 may, for instance, be a Peltier device whose functioning is described in greater detail above.
- FIG. 18 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fourth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- the schematic design shown in FIG. 18 is substantially similar to the design described in connection with FIG. 17 , except that the liquid refrigeration unit 220 may now be a pass through device with a liquid reservoir 485 .
- the liquid refrigeration unit 220 may now include one or more Peltier devices 240 , placed alongside water blocks 730 .
- the water block 730 may, for instance, be flattened portions of pipe that allow the water being re-circulated to the cold liquid reservoir 485 to be cooled by the Peltier devices 240 .
- the water block 730 may, for instance, include baffles to slow the passage of the water in those regions so as to more effectively cool the water.
- the Peltier devices 240 may be cooled by a combination of a heat sink 720 and a heat dispensing fan 710 .
- FIG. 19 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fifth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention.
- the schematic design shown in FIG. 19 is substantially similar to the design described in connection with FIG. 17 , except that the liquid refrigeration unit 220 may now be a vapor compression refrigeration unit similar to that described above in, for instance, the description of FIG. 15 .
- the carbonation system 600 may, however, be a carbonation device 280 such as, but not limited to, an inline Venturi device similar to that described above in, for instance, the description of FIG. 18 .
- a user may first ensure the liquid reservoir 410 is sufficiently full with water. The user may then place a beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or a beverage dispensing pouch 20 in the beverage dispensing device 100 . In various alternate embodiments, a user may then use the user interface 560 to select a desired quantity to be dispensed into the beverage container 205 . The user may also use the user interface and controller 560 to select other attributes of the drink to be dispensed such as, but not limited to, the temperature the drink is to be dispensed at and the degree, if any, of carbonation of the drink.
- the user may then use the user interface 560 to initiate dispensing of the drink.
- This may, for instance, activate the internal electronics controller 550 to initiate a sequence of events such as, but not limited to, water being transferred from the liquid reservoir 410 by the liquid pump 245 to the chilled liquid container 480 , and when the temperature sensor 580 registers the appropriate temperature, transferring chilled liquid to carbonation/dispensing tank 610 , where the water may or may not be carbonated, and then transferring liquid to the mixing nozzle structure 195 by means of circulation pump 570 , or by the pressure within the carbonation tank.
- a sequence of events such as, but not limited to, water being transferred from the liquid reservoir 410 by the liquid pump 245 to the chilled liquid container 480 , and when the temperature sensor 580 registers the appropriate temperature, transferring chilled liquid to carbonation/dispensing tank 610 , where the water may or may not be carbonated, and then transferring liquid to the mixing nozzle structure 195 by means of circulation pump 570 , or by the pressure within the
- This transfer may be timed with an activation of the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or the beverage dispensing pouch 20 , i.e., with a manual or automatic action in which the upper piston 160 of the beverage dispensing cartridge 110 may be driven towards the lower piston 170 , or in which rollers 55 are pressing against the impermeable seal 25 of the beverage dispensing pouch 20 to apply pressure to the pouch void 22 .
- the liquid outlet 180 of the lower piston 170 may penetrate the pressure rupturable diaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge 120 and release the beverage concentrate 175 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 .
- the sealing member 35 is removed or pierced by the liquid outlet 43 , first and/or second pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 / 48 are ruptured, and the beverage concentrate 175 may be released from the pouch void 22 into the mixing nozzle 195 .
- This release of the beverage concentrate 175 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 may be timed to coincide with chilled, possibly carbonated, liquid entering the mixing nozzle structure 195 and mixing with the beverage concentrate 175 so that a suitably chilled and mixed beverage is dispensed into the beverage container 205 .
- the mixing nozzle structure 195 may be designed so that the mixing of water and concentrate occurs at a mixing zone 810 that is beneath and outside the mixing nozzle structure 195 .
- This is often called “post mixing” and has the advantage of the concentrate not contacting the surface of the mixing nozzle structure 195 , avoiding residue and possible flavor contamination from serving to serving, and provides a well mixed drink, formed from accurately predetermined mix ratios resulting in predictable Brix values for the dispensed beverage.
- beverage dispensing technology disclosed here may also be used to a refrigerator or a water cooler.
- the beverage dispensing device may replace the refrigeration unit with a container, such as a removable pitcher, that may be put into a refrigerator to chill the liquid in the container and use the cold liquid for making the beverage.
- FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser. Shown in FIG. 20 is the beverage dispenser 800 having a main unit 801 and a pitcher 802 .
- the main unit 801 includes a main unit housing 803 , a dripping pad 805 suitable for placement of beverage containers such as a cup 806 , and a dispenser head compartment 810 with a dispensing nozzle 804 .
- the main unit 801 and the pitcher 802 are connected by engaging a flipping inlet unit 873 from the main unit 801 with an outlet channel in a bottom concave 860 of the pitch 802 .
- FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of the dispensing head compartment 810 , as illustrated in FIG. 20 . Shown in FIG. 21A is the dispensing head compartment 810 having a head compartment side housing 811 , a head compartment drawer 812 , and a head compartment cover 816 , and the dispensing nozzle 804 . As shown in FIG. 21A , the head compartment drawer 812 is closed, shielding the interior of the head compartment 810 .
- FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of the dispensing head compartment 810 , as illustrated in FIG. 20 .
- the dispensing head compartment 810 having a head compartment side housing 811 , a head compartment drawer 812 , a head compartment cover 816 , and the dispensing nozzle 804 .
- the head compartment drawer 812 is open, exposing the internal structures of the head compartment 810 .
- a pouch groove 830 accommodating a beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- FIG. 21C shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment 810 when the head compartment drawer is opened.
- the head compartment cover 816 , a front part of the head compartment side housing 811 , and the head compartment drawer 812 are not in FIG. 21C .
- Shown in FIG. 21C is the pouch groove 830 including a pouch groove cassette 832 , a front rack 835 , and a back rack 837 .
- the lower part of the front rack 835 connects to the groove cassette 832 with a front rack hinge 836 .
- the lower part of the back rack 837 connects to the groove cassette 832 with a back rack hinge 838 .
- the pouch groove 830 embraces the beverage dispensing pouch 880 having a pouch seal body 882 and pouch seal side strips 883 .
- the pouch seal side strips 883 are embraced by the groove cassette 832 .
- the upper parts of the front rack 835 and back rack 837 are conformed to generally fit the outer contours of the pouch seal body 883 , while the lower parts of the front rack 835 and back rack 837 arch away from the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- the combination of the front rack 835 , back rack 837 , and the groove cassette 832 ensures that the dispensing pouch 880 is securely disposed in the pouch groove 830 .
- the lower end of the dispensing pouch 880 is sealed by a pouch fitment that engages the dispensing nozzle 804 , further securing the dispensing pouch 880 in place.
- a set of vertical gear tracks 846 , rollers 850 , and roller gear wheels 855 are shown in details in FIGS. 24A and 24B .
- FIG. 21D shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment 810 when the head compartment drawer is closed but before the rollers 850 engage the dispensing pouch 880 .
- the same components are shown in FIG. 21D as FIG. 21C .
- the head compartment drawer (not shown in FIG. 21C ) is closed as in FIG. 21A .
- the shielding components are removed to illustrate the internal structures.
- the pouch groove 830 and accordingly the dispensing pouch 880 are positioned right beneath the rollers 850 .
- FIGS. 21A-21D demonstrate how the beverage dispensing pouch 880 may be added to the dispenser.
- a user of the dispenser may pull the head compartment drawer 812 open, exposing the pouch groove 830 , which is empty before the insertion.
- the user may then put the dispensing pouch 880 into the pouch groove 830 , push the pouch all the way down, and be sure that the pouch groove cassette 832 , the front rack 835 , and the back rack 837 secure the pouch in place.
- the user pushes the head compartment drawer 812 back so that the head compartment 810 closes and the components are as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21D .
- the pouch-loading process may be either manual or automated. In an automated model, the user may electronically control the opening and closing of the head compartment 810 by pushing buttons or adjusting switches.
- FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a dispensing pouch 880 and a pouch fitment 890 .
- a pouch seal 881 having a pouch seal body 882 and a pouch seal side strips 883 .
- a hanger hole 884 On the top strip of the pouch seal side strips 883 there is a hanger hole 884 .
- the pouch seal 881 encloses pouch void (not shown in FIG. 22A ), which has an open lower end that is sealed by a pouch fitment 890 .
- FIG. 22B shows a front view of a dispensing pouch 880 and a front sectional view of a pouch fitment 890 .
- a pouch seal 881 having a pouch seal body 882 and a pouch seal side strips 883 .
- the pouch seal 881 encloses pouch void (not shown in FIG. 22B ), which has an open lower end that is sealed by a pouch fitment 890 .
- the pouch fitment 890 has position fins that help to attach the pouch fitment 890 to the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- FIGS. 22A and 22B show similar structures as illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B , though the specific design of the pouch seal and pouch fitment may be different.
- the beverage dispensing pouch 880 is used to store syrup/concentrate for the dispensing device. The syrup/concentrate may be mixed and/or diluted with other liquid in the dispensing process.
- the pouch fitment 890 is used to seal the pouch and, when necessary, control the flow of the content of the pouch. The specific design of the pouch fitment 890 is discussed in FIG. 23 .
- Pouches housing different concentrates may be distinguished by shape, color, label, surface texture, bar code, and/or any combination thereof.
- Other aspects of the dispenser may be adjusted according to the contents of the pouch. Factors such as the multitude of dilution, the temperature of the final beverage, whether to carbonate, may all be set or programmed by the seller and/or the user of the dispenser.
- the individual parameters may be set individually. Or a series of parameters may be programmed for a specific beverage. The user may rely on his/her eyes to choose the right pouch and right program. Or the dispenser may sense the type of pouch, for example, by reading a bar code on the pouch, to automatically trigger a beverage-making program.
- FIG. 23A shows a perspective view of the pouch fitment 890 .
- the pouch fitment 890 having a fitment body 892 with a pair of positioning fins 885 , a horizontal flange 893 and a fitment nozzle 894 .
- the fitment body 892 encircles a fitment interior channel (not shown in FIG. 23A ) having a top opening that is sealed by a pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 .
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 comprises a surrounding ring 915 and a rupturable membrane 916 attached to the middle of the surrounding ring 915 .
- FIG. 23B shows a front sectional view of the pouch fitment 890 .
- the pouch fitment 890 having a fitment body 892 with a pair of positioning fins 885 , a horizontal flange 893 and a fitment nozzle 894 .
- the fitment body 892 encircles a fitment interior channel 895 .
- the top opening of the fitment interior channel 895 is sealed by a pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 .
- the pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 comprises a surrounding ring 915 and a rupturable membrane 916 attached to the middle of the surrounding ring 915 .
- the surrounding ring 915 and the rupturable membrane 915 covers the top opening of the fitment interior channel 895 .
- the surrounding ring 915 is preferably made from hard plastic; the rupturable membrane 915 is preferably made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or foil, though both elements may be made from different materials.
- TPE thermoplastic elastomer
- the rupturing of the pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 refers to the rupturing of the rupturable membrane.
- outflow valve 896 covering the bottom opening of the fitment interior channel 895 .
- FIG. 23C shows a top view of the pouch fitment 890 .
- the pouch fitment 890 having a fitment body 892 with a pair of positioning fins 885 and a horizontal flange 893 .
- the fitment body 892 encircles a fitment interior channel (not shown in FIG. 23C ) having a top opening that is sealed by a pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 .
- FIG. 23D shows a bottom view of a pouch fitment 890 . Shown in FIG. 23D is the pouch fitment 890 having a fitment body 892 with a horizontal flange 893 and a fitment nozzle 894 . There is an outflow valve 896 disposed at the bottom opening of the fitment interior channel 895 (not shown in FIG. 23D ).
- FIG. 23E show a top perspective view of the outflow valve 896 . Shown in FIG. 23E are the “+” shaped outlet 897 and the triangular leave 898 .
- the outflow valve 896 is the same structure as the outflow valve in FIGS. 8C-8G and the descriptions to FIGS. 8C-8G also apply here.
- the outflow valve 896 has an arcuate portion that arches upward toward the direction of the pouch, as shown in FIG. 23B .
- the arcuate portion of the outflow valve 896 membrane may be provided with intersecting slits to define a plurality of generally triangular leaves 898 .
- the triangular leaves bend to allow the liquid to pass through the fitment's lower orifice.
- the triangular leaves 898 spring back to their original position and operate to block passage of liquid through the fitment orifice.
- the leaves of the valve are sufficiently resilient that they do not bend open unless the applied pressure exceeds the hydraulic static pressure generated by a full pouch, therefore prevent dripping.
- FIGS. 23A-23E illustrate an embodiment of the pouch fitment 890 .
- the embodiment here is generally similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8C-8G , without the sealing member 35 . Therefore, the descriptions provided for FIGS. 8C-8G should be considered included by the current embodiment, as long as the descriptions do not conflict with the specific structures shown here.
- FIGS. 24A and 24B show how the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 are dispensed by the rollers 850 .
- the roller system is similar to what is shown in FIGS. 11A-11C , with more details to the structures of the various components and controlling mechanisms.
- the rollers 850 include a pair of rollers aligned horizontally opposite to each other and held close to each other. When the roller system moves down, the rollers squeeze the beverage dispensing pouch 880 so that one roller presses against the front side and the other against the back side of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment 810 when the rollers 850 squeeze the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- the head compartment cover 816 , the head compartment side housing 811 , and the head compartment drawer 812 are not in FIG. 24A .
- Shown in FIG. 24A is the pouch groove 830 including a pouch groove cassette 832 , a front rack 835 , and a back rack 837 .
- the lower part of the front rack 835 connects to the groove cassette 832 with a front rack hinge 836 .
- the lower part of the back rack 837 connects to the groove cassette 832 with a back rack hinge 838 (not shown in FIG.
- the pouch groove 830 embraces the beverage dispensing pouch 880 having a pouch seal body 882 and pouch seal side strips 883 .
- the pouch seal side strips 883 are embraced by the groove cassette 832 .
- rollers 850 are also shown in FIG. 24A , rollers 850 , a set of vertical gear tracks 846 , and roller gear wheels 855 that are co-axially connected to the roller 850 and engage the vertical gear tracks 847 .
- the rollers 850 are moving down to press against the beverage dispensing pouch 880 through the engaged rotation of the rollers gear wheels 855 along the vertical gear tracks 846 .
- the upper parts of the front rack 835 and back rack 837 are tilting away from the beverage dispensing pouch 880 , making way for the rollers 850 and the roller gear wheels 855 .
- FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment 810 when the rollers 850 finish a pouch-pressing process. Shown in FIG. 24B are essentially the same elements as FIG. 24A . For clarity purposes, not all components are marked.
- the rollers 850 have moved all the way down and have finished pressing against the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- the upper parts of the front rack 835 and back rack 837 are back in their original positions to embrace the beverage dispensing pouch 880 , while the lower parts of the front rack 835 and back rack 837 arch away from the beverage dispensing pouch 880 , making room to accommodate the rollers 850 .
- the rollers 850 may then move back up to their original positions, ready for the next dispensing process.
- the process of dispensing the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 may be described as the following: As shown in FIGS. 21B-D , after inserting the beverage dispensing pouch 880 into the pouch groove 830 , the user may push back the head compartment drawer 810 , positioning the beverage dispensing pouch 880 beneath the rollers 850 .
- a user may cause the roller gear wheels 855 to rotatably move down the vertical gear tracks 846 , making the rollers 850 to move down as well and press again the front and back sides of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 .
- the pressing motion is similar to what is shown in FIGS. 11A-11C , though the specific design of the pouch fitment may be different. Referring to FIGS. 22A-B and FIGS. 23A-D , the pressing of the roller 850 causes the pressure on the pressure rupturable diaphragm 891 to increase.
- the outflow valve 896 is the same structure as the outflow valve 50 shown in FIGS. 8C-8G .
- the outflow valve 896 flexes down and allows the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 to flow through its “+” shaped outlet.
- the outflow valve 896 serves at least two goals: (1) it directs the liquid flowing out of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 in a straight precise stream, and (2) it prevents dripping after the dispensing process is completed. Through the outflow valve, under certain pressure, the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 then reaches the dispenser nozzle 804 , where such contents, most likely syrup/concentrates are mixed with other liquid.
- FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a pitcher 802 that can be connected to a main unit 801 of a beverage dispenser 800 , as illustrated in FIG. 20 .
- the pitcher 802 Shown in FIG. 25A is the pitcher 802 having an upper compartment 863 , a lower compartment 864 , a pitcher cover 861 , a pitcher filter 862 , a pitcher handle 869 , and a bottom concave 860 located at the bottom of the lower compartment 864 .
- the bottom concave 860 there is an outlet channel 865 .
- the general design of the pitcher 802 may vary.
- the key feature is that the pitcher 802 may be fluidly and removably connected to the main unit 801 so that the liquid in the pitcher may be conveniently provided to the main unit 801 .
- the pitcher 802 with the liquid inside, may be refrigerated so that the liquid may become chilled or maintained at a low temperature.
- the pitcher 802 may receive hot liquid and be kept in an insulated environment to maintain the high temperature for the liquid. No matter cold or hot, when the pitcher 802 is connected to the main unit 801 , the liquid in the pitcher may be extracted and used for making the beverage dispensed from the main unit 801 .
- the removable picture concept eliminates the need for the beverage dispenser to have its own refrigeration and/or heating system.
- FIG. 25B shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit 870 as part of the main unit 801 of a beverage dispenser 800 when the flipping inlet unit 870 is flipped down, as illustrated in FIG. 20 .
- the flipping inlet unit 870 comprising a flipping base 871 , an inlet tube 872 , and an inlet nozzle 873 .
- the flipping inlet unit 870 may be flipped down to an open position from the side walls of the main unit 801 , as illustrated in FIG. 25B .
- FIG. 25C shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit 870 as part of the main unit 801 of a beverage dispenser 800 when the flipping inlet unit 870 is flipped up. Shown in FIG. 25B is the flipping inlet unit 870 having a flipping base 871 . The flipping inlet unit 870 may be flipped up to a closed position into the side walls of the main unit 801 , as illustrated in FIG. 25C .
- FIG. 25D shows a side sectional view of the outlet channel 865 and the flipping inlet unit 870 before the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged.
- the pitcher 802 having a lower compartment 864 , a bottom concave 860 , and an outlet channel 865 .
- the flipping inlet unit 870 having a flipping base 871 , an inlet tube 872 , and an inlet nozzle 873 .
- residing in the outlet channel 865 is a spring valve 866 .
- An O-ring 867 is attached to the spring valve 866 and disposed on the top of the outlet channel 865 .
- the adapter 874 is a rod structure pointing upward. Before engagement, the O-ring 867 seals the outlet channel 865 because the spring valve 866 pulls the O-ring 867 down to be held flush against the top surrounding walls of the outlet channel 865 .
- FIG. 25E shows a side sectional view of the outlet channel 865 and the flipping inlet unit 870 after the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged. Essentially the same elements are shown in FIG. 25E as FIG. 25D . For clarity purposes, not all elements are marked in FIG. 25E .
- the adapter 874 is inserted into the outlet channel 865 , pushing the spring valve 866 upward, thereby also pushing the O-ring 867 up so that the O-ring 867 is no longer held flush against the top surround walls of the outlet channel 865 .
- the liquid in the lower compartment 864 of the pitcher 802 may then flow through the outlet channel 865 into the inlet nozzle 873 , resulting in a fluid connection between the pitcher 802 and the main unit 801 (not shown in FIG. 25E ).
- liquid such as water may be poured into the upper compartment 863 and filtered by pitcher filter 862 .
- the pitcher 802 may be put into a refrigerator to chill the liquid. Then a user may flip down the flipping inlet unit 870 and position the bottom concave 860 on the flipping inlet unit 870 , making sure that the outlet channel 865 engages the inlet nozzle 873 , establishing a fluid connection between the pitcher 802 and the main unit 801 .
- the indentation of the bottom concave 860 , the position and length of the outlet channel 865 , and the height of the inlet nozzle 873 are designed so that when the outlet channel 865 operatively engages the inlet nozzle 873 , the pitcher 802 is properly evenly positioned on the surface where the main unit 801 is placed. Moreover, with a proper connection between the pitcher 802 and the main unit 801 , the two components are positioned side by side on a shared flat surface.
- FIG. 26 shows a back view of the internal structures of the main unit 801 of the beverage dispenser 800 . Shown in FIG. 26 are the main unit 801 having a head compartment 810 , and the pitcher 802 having a bottom concave 860 and an outlet channel 865 . Here the outlet channel 865 and the inlet nozzle 873 are engaged so that liquid in the pitcher may flow throw the inlet tube 872 into main unit 801 .
- the dispensing housing 803 as illustrated in FIG. 20 , is not shown in FIG. 26 , exposing the internal components, the details of which are described in FIGS. 27A and 27B .
- FIG. 27A shows a first perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown in FIG. 27A are the head compartment 810 , the inlet tube 872 , a first solenoid 901 , a second solenoid 902 , a third solenoid 903 , an air pump 904 , a CO2 cylinder 905 , a liquid pump 906 , a CO2 supply line 907 , a carbonation/dispensing tank 908 , a main manifold supply line 909 , a CO2 valve release lever 920 , and a dripping pad 805 .
- FIG. 27B shows a second perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown in FIG. 27B are the head compartment 810 , the flipping inlet unit 870 , the inlet tube 872 , an air pump 904 , a liquid pump 906 , a CO 2 supply line 907 , a carbonation/dispensing tank 908 , a main manifold supply line 909 , a CO 2 valve release lever 920 , a CO 2 valve body 921 , a pressure relief valve 922 , a valve plunger 923 , and a dripping pad 805 .
- FIG. 27C shows a schematic diagram of the internal structures and their connections in the main unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown in FIG. 27C are the pitcher 802 connected with a inlet tube 872 the internal structures, including a first solenoid 901 , a second solenoid 902 , a third solenoid 903 , an air pump 904 , a CO2 cylinder 905 , a liquid pump 906 , a CO2 supply line 907 , a carbonation/dispensing tank 908 , a main manifold supply line 909 , a pressure relief valve 922 , a check valve 924 , and a vent valve 925 . Also shown in FIG. 27C is the beverage dispensing pouch 880 , the dispensing nozzle 804 , and the cup 806 .
- the beverage to be dispensed by the dispenser nozzle 804 is a mixture of concentrates from the beverage dispensing pouch 880 and liquid, e.g. water, from the pitcher 801 .
- liquid e.g. water
- FIGS. 27A and 27B Some of the internal elements in FIGS. 27A and 27B are included to ensure that the liquid coming from the pitcher 802 may be carbonated so that the eventual beverage may be carbonated.
- the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 are identified by distinguishing factors such as a bar code on the pouch so that it may be determined what type of drink is to be produced.
- the first solenoid 901 which is connected to the vent valve 925 , activates to allow the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 to attain atmospheric pressure.
- the water pump 906 then pumps the water out of the removable pitcher 802 and into the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 . After the water is pumped into the tank 908 , first solenoid 901 deactivates the vent valve to seal the tank 908 from atmospheric pressure.
- the second solenoid 902 which is connected to the CO 2 valve release lever 920 , activates and pushes the CO 2 valve release lever 920 to depress the valve plunger 923 on the CO 2 valve body 921 attached to the CO 2 cylinder 905 , which in turn allows the CO 2 to go through the CO 2 supply line 907 into the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 .
- This carbonation cycle happens 2 to 4 times until the pressure relief valve registers that full carbonation is attained. This whole carbonation process takes less than 15 seconds, preferably less than 4 seconds. If the beverage is non-carbonated, then no carbonation cycle is triggered.
- the air pump 904 turns on and applies constant air pressure to the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 .
- the third solenoid 903 opens to allow the carbonated or non-carbonated water in the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 to flow out the main manifold supply line 909 and into the dispensing nozzle 804 .
- the rollers 850 are compressing the beverage dispensing pouch 880 so that the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 are dispensed, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B .
- the contents of the beverage dispensing pouch 880 flows into the dispensing nozzle 804 .
- the carbonated or non-carbonated water and syrup/concentrate from the beverage dispensing pouch 880 flow at the same time through the dispensing nozzle 804 and post-mix in the air as they flow into the users glass.
- the air pump 904 continues to pump air for a few seconds after dispensing is complete in order to flush out the residues from any left over water.
- the user can dispose of the used beverage dispensing pouch 880 and remove the water pitcher 802 and place it back in the refrigerator to continue to chill the water for the next use.
- the user can fill the pitcher 802 as needed with fresh water.
- the user may also use ice to chill the water in the pitcher 802 . Overall, not including a refrigerating unit in the dispenser may save significant cost.
- FIG. 28A shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser 800 with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO 2 cylinder gate 927 is closed. Shown in FIG. 28A are the pitcher 802 and the main unit 801 , wherein on a side wall of the main unit 801 there is a CO 2 cylinder gate 927 that is closed.
- FIG. 28B shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser 800 with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO 2 cylinder gate 927 is open.
- Shown in FIG. 28A are the pitcher 802 and the main unit 801 , wherein on a side wall of the main unit 801 there is a CO 2 cylinder gate 927 that is open by flipping down.
- the CO 2 cylinder 905 is rotated from a vertical position as shown in FIG. 27A to a horizontal position, allowing the user to change the CO 2 cylinder 905 with ease.
- the CO 2 cylinder 905 is attached to frame with a hinge, allowing the CO 2 cylinder 905 to pivot and protrude out of the CO 2 cylinder gate 927 when the gate is open.
- the opening of the gate and the pivoting of the CO 2 cylinder may be controlled manually or automatically.
- the beverage dispensing device may also include a telemetry control and data retrieval system.
- a WiFi card or a similar transmitting device may be implanted into the circuits of the beverage dispensing device, allowing it to communicate with the internal IC board and connect to the user's home WiFi network and the Internet.
- the user may register his/her machine and MAC Address with a designated website and create a user profile.
- This connectivity may allow the beverage dispensing device to communicate with the supplier's back end servers to track the user's personal consumption and allow an automated re-order system to know when to send out the user's next order of consumables. It may also help to identify what flavors of beverage are selling best and allow the manufacturing facility to streamline what is manufactured to avoid excessive warehousing of inventory.
- the supplier may also be able to target users with special offerings based on this data.
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Abstract
A device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage, either having a refrigeration unit to chill the beverage or a removable pitcher that may be put in a refrigerator. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. A dispensing mechanism puts pressure on the cartridge or the pouch to break the pressure rupturable seal or diaphragm to discharge the concentrate into a mixing structure. The mixing structure also receives chilled liquid from the refrigeration unit or the pitcher, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.
Description
- This utility patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/686,867, filed on Apr. 15, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/620,423, filed on Feb. 12, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/604,825, filed on Sep. 6, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,985,395, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/532,692, filed on Sep. 9, 2011, and 61/581,722, filed on Dec. 30, 2011. The contents of all of these applications, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/641,013, filed on Mar. 6, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/620,423, filed on Feb. 12, 2015, are hereby fully incorporated by reference.
- The invention relates to a single serve beverage maker and dispenser, including the disposable beverage containers and removable water pitcher used therein. More particularly, the current invention relates to a device for preparing, making and dispensing single servings of a selected beverage from an associated refrigerating device or a removable water pitcher, wherein the beverage may or may not be carbonated, using a disposable beverage pouch or cartridge that avoids flavor contamination of the device by the beverage being dispensed, and may provide precise mixing ratios in order to dispense high quality beverages.
- The invention relates to a single serve dispenser for cooled beverages that use individual disposable beverage pouches or cartridges and in which the dispensed beverage may, or may not, be carbonated.
- Single serve dispensers for hot beverages are popular as they allow individuals to quickly brew a fresh cup of their favorite flavored hot beverage in a reasonably economic way.
- Having a similar device for cold flavored beverages should be as popular. There are, however, problems in producing cold beverages from single serve cartridges, and currently, there are no single serve container/delivery systems for serving cold beverages.
- A significant problem is serving temperature. While coffee is best made at about 195 degrees Fahrenheit, even hot coffee is only drunk at about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The flavor of the coffee is, therefore, not diminished when the boiling hot water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit is cooled significantly as it comes into contact with the contents of the disposable beverage cartridge.
- With cold drinks, a problem is that sodas and juices such as, but not limited to, Coca-Cola™, Pepsi™, or Minute Made™ Orange juice, taste best when consumed at a temperature of around 34-36 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is important both because warm drinks are less able to maintain carbonation, and warm drinks melt more ice, diluting the optimum syrup/water ratio. As the best refrigeration unit is only going to maintain water at a temperature of about 33-34 degrees Fahrenheit, and the disposable beverage cartridge or pouch is at room temperature, i.e., 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the device has to be carefully constructed so that the single serve beverage is not dispensed at an unpleasantly—or at least, sub-optimal—warm temperature.
- A second problem is the nature of the contents of the disposable beverage pouch or cartridge. With hot drinks, the contents of the pouch or cartridge are typically granules or powders that are easily dissolved into the hot water, making the system essentially self cleaning. With cold drinks, the contents of the pouch or cartridge are typically concentrated, often sugary, syrups. These syrups can, if the device is not carefully designed, re-coagulate and contaminate the dispensing elements. Not only may this reduce the efficiency of the process, but it may lead to cross-contamination of the flavor of the beverage, spoiling the user experience.
- A third problem is the mix ratio, i.e., the ratio of the volumes of water to syrup or concentrate that must be combined for the optimum taste experience. These ratios tend to be more exacting for cold beverages because the resultant cold beverage is a combination of the two kinds of liquid, rather than an infusion of an ingredient into the primary liquid as in a hot drink.
- A fourth problem is dispensing time. With hot drinks dispensing time is usually 30 to 60 seconds, the water flows through the cartridge where it fuses with the dry ingredients, sits for a few seconds to steep, then exists into the users cup. With a cold beverage, dispensing time should take between 4 to 6 seconds, especially with carbonated beverages, because the CO2 gas starts to leave the liquid as soon as it is mixed which will affect drink quality.
- A fifth problem is the method of dispensing. With hot drinks the liquid flows through the cartridge or pouch and mixes inside a brewing compartment where the ingredients fuse. With a cold beverage, especially carbonated ones, this method will cause excessive off-gassing of the carbonated liquid when it mixes with the syrup/concentrate causing the mixture to excessively bubble and foam which creates a mess and affects the quality of the drink. My cold beverage dispensing method is constructed to avoid these issues.
- The preferred method of dispensing a beverage according to the present invention is with a pouch, which is preferred over a beverage cartridge. A pouch is preferred for several reasons. Pouches generally have longer shelf stability than cups or cartridges due to the impermeable material they are made from, foil vs. plastic. Pouches offer a better shipping and packaging footprint than their cartridge/cup counterparts. Storage and handling is much more efficient for a pouch since pouches can be displayed on racks for the retail countertop and refrigerator racks for the consumer to hang the pouches on. The pouch offers the best method to dispense the syrup contents in a metered way that lends itself to the post mix dispensing technology disclosed herein.
- It is these, and related, problems associated with dispensing small quantities of cold beverages from a disposable beverage container that our inventive disposable beverage pouch or cartridge and dispensing device address.
- The relevant prior art involving single serving beverage dispensers includes:
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,555 granted to Scheer, et al. on Feb. 6, 2001 entitled “Apparatus and methods for brewing and dispensing beverages” that describes a brewing machine that freshly brews a single-serving of coffee or tea to be served hot or cold. The machine preferably includes a housing assembly, with a window therein to permit the viewing of the brewing of a fresh serving of coffee or tea, a water supply, a dry coffee or tea storage area, a brewer, and a flavor additive storage area. The coffee or tea is preferably brewed in a condensed form which becomes diluted to drinking strength by the addition of hot or cool water, and/or by the addition of hot or cool flavorings. The cool drink can subsequently be served over ice to provide a cold serving of iced coffee or tea. Mixing the various ingredients to obtain the final cup of coffee or tea preferably occurs in the user's cup. Preferred methods of making a freshly brewed single-serving of coffee or tea are disclosed.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,352 granted to Sher, et al. on Feb. 16, 2010 entitled “Method and system for in-cup dispensing, mixing and foaming hot and cold beverages from liquid concentrates” that describes a liquid food dispensing device (1) for dispensing hot or cold beverages or other liquid foods without using any mixing or whipping chambers comprising at least one liquid component source (30, 31) and a diligent source (18), a delivery device and at least one diligent nozzle and one food component nozzle wherein the delivery device and diligent and food component nozzles are configured for ejecting at least one stream (6a, 6b) of diligent at a predetermined spatial configuration inside a container (10) and within a velocity range effective to create turbulence and mix the food component so to produce the food product such as the hot or cold beverage.
- US Patent Application 20110020508 by Santoiemmo; Carl published on Jan. 27, 2011 entitled “Select Serving and Flavored Sparkling Beverage Maker” that describes a method and a device to make a single or a multiple repeated single servings of a select flavored, carbonated beverage.
- US Patent Application 20100003386 by Cheng; Pu-Sheng et al, published on Jan. 7, 2010 entitled “System, Method and Compositions for Dispensing a Liquid Beverage Concentrate” that describes a beverage system for providing a beverage, methods of making the beverage and the resulting beverage are disclosed herein. The system includes a beverage-forming concentrate and an aroma or aroma-providing component separated from the concentrate; wherein the concentrate and aroma are combinable upon reconstitution for providing the beverage. One method includes delivering a fresh beverage taste to an on-premise beverage at a point of dispensation, by delivering at least one aroma or aroma-providing component in an amount sufficient to enhance the organoleptic properties of a beverage separately from a beverage concentrate prior to when the beverage is dispensed, and mixing the aroma or aroma-providing compound with a liquid and the beverage concentrate or with a mixture of a beverage concentrate and a liquid when the beverage is being dispensed. The resulting beverage may be coffee, tea, carbonation, a juice, milk, or a non-dairy creamer-based component; or a combination thereof, while the aroma or aroma-providing component is coffee aroma, tea aroma, chocolate or cocoa aroma, malt, Maillard reaction flavor, or a combination thereof.
- Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.
- The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing device for dispensing individual servings of a cold beverage which may or may not be carbonated. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispensing device may have a liquid container that is fluidly connected to a liquid refrigeration unit or a removable container that may be put into a refrigerator. The beverage dispensing device may also include a beverage cartridge or pouch holder. The beverage dispensing device may be designed such that a beverage dispensing pouch or a beverage dispensing cartridge may be fitted into the holder.
- In an embodiment, a disposable beverage dispensing cartridge may have a body that is substantially impermeable to light and to liquids at room temperature. The impermeable, cylindrical body may have an open top end and a closed lower end. The beverage dispensing cartridge preferably also contains an upper and a lower piston, both sized and shaped to be a sliding, sealing, pressure fit to an inside of the impermeable body. The lower piston may also have a spout protruding from its lower surface. The spout may have an open lower end that is in fluid connection with an upper surface of the lower piston. The lower end of the spout may also be covered by, contained within, or attached to, a pressure rupturable diaphragm that may be shaped to have a base and a funnel like attachment. The lower end of the spout may act as a self-piecing nozzle of the pressure rupturable diaphragm, and of the base of the cartridge.
- Pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate may be contained in the beverage dispensing cartridge, disposed between the upper and lower pistons in a substantially hermetically sealed environment. In such an environment, beverage concentrates may have a self life of up to twelve months, even without refrigeration.
- In an embodiment with the cartridge, a concentrate dispensing mechanism may operate to move the upper piston downwards towards the lower piston. In doing so the liquid outlet of the lower piston, acting as a self piercing nozzle, breaks the pressure rupturable diaphragm and the base of the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge. The concentrate contained in the impermeable, cylindrical cartridge may then be discharged through the liquid outlet into a mixing nozzle structure.
- In another embodiment, a beverage dispensing pouch comprises a pouch void enclosed in an impermeable seal that is substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. The pouch void has an open lower end while the beverage dispensing pouch further comprises a pouch fitment sealing the open lower end of the pouch void. The pouch fitment has an interior, an interior wall, an upper opening, and a lower opening and comprises a snap-in ring attached to the upper opening, the snap-in ring having a snap-in ring opening; a first pressure rupturable diaphragm sealing the snap-in ring opening; a pouch fitment sealing the lower opening of the pouch. In addition, the pouch fitment further comprises a plunger having a top aperture, a plunger piston, and a liquid outlet; and a second pressure rupturable diaphragm sealing the top aperture of the plunger. While the plunger resides in the interior of the pouch fitment, the liquid outlet is above the pouch fitment, the top aperture of the plunger is below the upper opening of the pouch fitment, the plunger piston stays abut the interior wall of the pouch fitment, forming a slidable seal.
- Similarly to the beverage dispensing cartridge, a pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate may be contained in the beverage dispensing pouch, stored in the pouch void in a substantially hermetically sealed environment. In such an environment, beverage concentrates may have a shelf life of up to twelve months, even without refrigeration.
- When pressure is applied to the pouch void, it is partially transmitted to push against the pouch fitment. When the pressure increases, the first pressure rupturable diaphragm ruptures, then the plunger is pushed downward so that the liquid outlet pierces the sanitary foil cover, and the second pressure rupturable diaphragm ruptures to allow the beverage concentrate in the pouch void to flow from the liquid outlet into a mixing nozzle structure.
- A mixing nozzle structure may be fluidly connected to the liquid container so that a predetermined amount of liquid may also flow into the mixing nozzle structure as the beverage concentrate is being ejected into the mixing nozzle structure from the beverage dispensing pouch or the beverage dispensing cartridge. The mixing nozzle structure may be sized and shaped such that the concentrate being dispensed mixes with the liquid flowing into the mixing nozzle structure, but does not contact the walls of the mixing nozzle structure during the mixing process. The mixing preferably occurs outside and beneath the mixing nozzle structure, essentially in mid-air between the mixing nozzle structure and a beverage container. This type of mixing in the air is sometimes referred to as “post-mixing”.
- Therefore, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, desirable and useful benefits and objectives.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy to use, single serve dispenser for cold beverages.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that provides exact, predetermined mixing ratios of water and concentrate.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a single serve, cold beverage dispenser in which the end product may, or may not, be carbonated.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single serve, cold beverage dispenser that requires a minimum of maintenance.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a single serve, cold beverage container that keeps the beverage concentrates fresh for an extended period of time.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing device with a pouch fitment.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge or pouch for use in containing and dispensing a measured quantity of concentrate or syrup.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a cartridge or pouch for metering the discharge of contents over a predetermined period of time.
- Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cartridge or pouch that can withstand normal pressures occurred during shipping and handling which resists accidental rupturing.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing container with rupturable diaphragms that control the flow of liquid.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing device that combines rupturable diaphragms and a pouch fitment to further control the flow of liquid. It is a further object of the invention to provide an economic, easy to manufacture, easy to change, disposable pouch or cartridge for creating and dispensing cold beverages.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide a reliable method of producing exact mixing ratios of soda water and concentrates as measured by Brix standards set by beverage and concentrate purveyors.
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows an X-ray view of another preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention while a beverage dispensing cartridge is used. -
FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use. -
FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use. -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use. -
FIG. 7A shows a front cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use. -
FIG. 7B shows a partial side view and partial side cross section view, of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use. -
FIG. 7C shows a cross-section exploded view of a first preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 7D shows a side cross section view of the first preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. -
FIG. 7E shows a cross-section exploded view of a second preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 7F shows a side cross section view of a second preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. -
FIG. 7G shows a cross-section exploded view of a third preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 7H shows a side cross section view of the third preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. -
FIG. 8A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 8B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 8C shows a side exploded cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 8D shows a top view of a outflow valve having a “+” shaped outlet. -
FIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G show a side cross section view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to, during, and after use. -
FIG. 9A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 9B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 9C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 9D shows a side cross section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. -
FIG. 10A shows a front cross-section view of yet another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 10B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 10C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. -
FIG. 10D shows a side cross section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. -
FIG. 11 A-C show, in a side view, the pouch being pressed by rollers and the liquid being released from the beverage dispensing pouch. -
FIG. 12 A-C show another preferred embodiment of the beverage dispensing pouch wherein the pouch is sealed with a pressure rupturable seal and a tear-off pouch tip.FIGS. 12A and 12B are front sectional views.FIG. 12C is a side view. -
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure and a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure of the present invention during use. -
FIG. 15 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a first preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a second preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a third preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fourth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 19 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fifth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. -
FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser having a main unit and a removable water pitcher. -
FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of a dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is closed. -
FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of a dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is opened and a beverage pouch is inserted. -
FIG. 21C shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is opened. -
FIG. 21D shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the head compartment drawer is closed but before the rollers engage the pouch. -
FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a dispensing pouch and a pouch fitment. -
FIG. 22B shows a front view of a dispensing pouch and a front sectional view of a pouch fitment. -
FIG. 23A shows a perspective view of a pouch fitment. -
FIG. 23B shows a front sectional view of the pouch fitment. -
FIG. 23C shows a top view of a pouch fitment. -
FIG. 23D shows a bottom view of a pouch fitment. -
FIG. 23E shows a perspective view of the outflow valve. -
FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the rollers press the pouch. -
FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensing head compartment when the rollers finish a pouch-pressing process. -
FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a pitcher that can be connected to a main unit of a beverage dispenser. -
FIG. 25B shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit as part of the main unit of a beverage dispenser when the flipping inlet unit is flipped down. -
FIG. 25C shows a perspective view of a flipping inlet unit as part of the main unit of a beverage dispenser when the flipping inlet unit is flipped up. -
FIG. 25D shows a side sectional view of an outlet channel and a flipping inlet unit before the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged. -
FIG. 25E shows a side sectional view of an outlet channel and a flipping inlet unit after the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged. -
FIG. 26 shows a back view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser having a main unit and a removable water pitcher. -
FIG. 27A shows a first perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser. -
FIG. 27B shows a second perspective view of the internal structures of the main unit of the beverage dispenser. -
FIG. 27C shows a schematic diagram of the internal structures and their connections in the main unit. -
FIG. 28A shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser with a CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO2 cylinder gate is closed. -
FIG. 28B shows a prospective view of the beverage dispenser with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO2 cylinder gate is open. - The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals.
- Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the single serve, chilledbeverage dispensing device 100 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, thebeverage dispensing device 100 may have aproduct shell 105 housing the functional components of thebeverage dispensing device 100.FIG. 1 also shows a mixingnozzle structure 195 that may be used to prepare the cold beverage, typically by mixing a beverage concentrate with chilled water, on its way to it being served into abeverage container 205. -
FIG. 2 shows an “X-ray view” of a preferred embodiment of the single serve cold beverage dispenser of the present invention, in which aspects of the invention are displayed, though not all in their entirety or with fully functional connectivity. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the elements ofFIG. 2 show important components of the invention, but they are not intended to limit the invention to the specific elements shown, the way they are connected or the functionality they contribute to the invention. -
FIG. 2 shows aliquid container 210 that is preferably filled with water, connected via aliquid pump 245 to an insulatedliquid container 290. The insulatedliquid container 290 may be cooled by aliquid refrigeration unit 220 such as, but not limited to, a Peltier device, a conventional compression based refrigeration device or some combination thereof. As described in more detail below, theliquid refrigeration unit 220 may also act as a recirculation device, extracting liquid from the insulatedliquid container 290, cooling it, and then returning the liquid to the insulatedliquid container 290. - The insulated
liquid container 290 may then be connected via an optionallyselectable carbonation device 280 that may, for instance, be activated by theCO2 cylinder 270. The liquid may then be transported to the mixingnozzle structure 195. In this way the user may select to have either a carbonated or an un-carbonated beverage, and may, in certain embodiments, select a degree of carbonation of the drink delivered to thebeverage container 205, and a preferred temperature of the dispensed beverage. Core ingredients of the beverage delivered to thebeverage container 205 may be determined by the contents of the disposablebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 that would typically be selected by the user. -
FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention. - In a preferred embodiment, the disposable
beverage dispensing cartridge 110 may have a substantially impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 with a top end that may be covered with an air tight, sealingdiaphragm 135. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 may be closed. In an alternate embodiment, however, the bottom of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 may be partially closed bottom that may be temporarily sealed with a ruptureable foil covering. - The top end may be sealed with a suitable metal or plastic foil that forms an air tight, sealing
diaphragm 135, or, in alternate embodiment, it may be sealed by anupper piston 160. Theupper piston 160 is preferably a sliding, pressure fit to the inside of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 and may also provide a hermetic or airtight seal. - The
lower piston 170 may also be a sliding, pressure fit to the inside of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 and may also provide an airtight seal. The sealing of the bottom of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 may also include a pressurerupturable diaphragm 150. - In a preferred embodiment, the impermeable,
cylindrical cartridge 120 may be made of a suitable material that is substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature such as, but not limited to, a metal foil or a plastic such as, but not limited to, HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or paperboard coated with a suitable waterproof coating such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, or some combination thereof. - The impermeable,
cylindrical cartridge 120 may also be made of a recyclable material such as, but not limited to, paperboard coated with suitable water proofing such as, but not limited to, polyethylene. Such a construction is well known in the milk carton industry. - Also shown in
FIG. 3 is a machinereadable identification element 190. The machinereadable identification element 190 may for instance be a machine readable printed label such as, but not limited to, a bar code or a Quick Response (QR) code or it may be an electronically readable chip such as, but not limited to, an RFID tag. The machinereadable identification element 190 may be read by optics and/or electronics in thebeverage dispensing device 100 and used to adjust mixing of the drink by making selections such as, but not limited to, the quantity of water to be added, whether or not to provide carbonated water, the degree of carbonation and the temperature of the water being used to mix with the concentrate or some combination thereof. -
FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention. - In
FIG. 4 , thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 is shown in a dispensed state, i.e., theupper piston 160 has been forced down towards thelower piston 170 by a suitable dispensing initiator such as, but not limited to, a mechanically controlled cylinder, an electrically or magnetically operated solenoid or a pneumatically operated cylinder, or some combination thereof. - In a preferred embodiment, as the
upper piston 160 has been compressed downward, theliquid outlet 180 has been impressed against the pressurerupturable diaphragm 150, and, acting as a self piercing nozzle, breaking it. Theliquid outlet 180 may then have encountered and, once more acting as a self piercing nozzle, ruptured the base of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120. Having ruptured both the base and thediaphragm 150 theliquid outlet 180 may then dispense the beverage concentrate stored in the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 via theliquid outlet 180 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 (not shown inFIG. 4 ). -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention prior to use. - In
FIG. 5 , thebeverage concentrate 175 is shown contained in the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 between theupper piston 160 and thelower piston 170. The pistons may form air-tight, pressure seals with the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120, and may havegroves 310 to facilitate the air-tight, sliding pressure sealing. In an alternate embodiment thegrooves 310 may incorporate O-rings that may also facilitate a sliding but air-tight seal, though this option may be more expensive to manufacture. - The
lower piston 170 preferably has aliquid outlet 180 that may be used both to penetrate the pressurerupturable diaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 and thereby deliver thebeverage concentrate 175 into the mixing nozzle structure 195 (not shown inFIG. 5 ). - The
beverage dispensing cartridge 110, theupper piston 160, thelower piston 170 and the pressurerupturable diaphragm 150 may be made from any suitable materials such as, but not limited to a metal foil such as, but not limited to, nickel/manganese/silicone alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, brass, copper and copper alloys, nickel/chromium alloys, nickel/iron alloys, nickel, phosphor bronze, stainless steels, titanium, vanadium and zirconiumn, or some combination thereof, or a plastic such as, but not limited to, HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or water-proofed paperboard, such as, but not limited to, paperboard coated with polyethylene, or some combination thereof. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention after use. - In
FIG. 6 , thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 is shown with theupper piston 160 moved into contact with thelower piston 170 which itself is shown at the bottom of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120. The pressure rupturablediaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 are shown as having been ruptured by theliquid outlet 180 of thelower piston 170, so that all thebeverage concentrate 175 that had been contained between theupper piston 160 and thelower piston 170 has been dispensed through theliquid outlet 180. -
FIG. 7A shows a front cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use. The beverage dispensing pouch may replace the beverage dispensing cartridge inFIG. 2 . Thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 serves similar roles as the cartridge in that these containers are used to dispense the “central” ingredients of the beverage. In some cases, the pouch or the cartridge may be used to dispense beverage concentrates that would typically be selected by the user. - Shown in
FIG. 7A is apouch void 22 enclosed in animpermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown inFIG. 7A is that thepouch void 22 has an openlower end 24 which is sealed by apouch fitment 30. Thepouch fitment 30 haspositioning fins 32 that help to anchor thepouch fitment 30 to theimpermeable seal 25. The detailed structures of thepouch fitment 30 are shown inFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 7B shows a partial side view and partial side cross section view, of a preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch of the present invention prior to use. For clarity,FIG. 7B shows thepouch fitment 30 in a sectional view while demonstrating the side view of theimpermeable seal 25. Theimpermeable seal 25 encloses thepouch void 22, as shown inFIG. 7A , and forms a wide margin around thepouch void 22, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B . - It should be noted that the shape of the
beverage dispensing pouch 20 and itspouch void 22 shown here is only supposed to be illustrative. Thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 and thepouch void 22 may be any shape that is necessary and desirable. WhileFIGS. 7A and 7B show thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 with a flat side view, it does not necessarily have to be like that. Thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 may also have a round shape or any other shape that allows easy manufacturing and implementation. - The
pouch void 22 here refers to the space enclosed within theimpermeable seal 25, which is impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Theimpermeable seal 25 may be formed by heating or sonic welding the proper materials so that an empty space is created. Preferably, theimpermeable seal 25 is made of thin, flexible, and impermeable materials that are non-toxic to humans. Theimpermeable seal 25 may be made from rubber, leather, fabric with waterproof coating, metal foil or plastic such as, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), vinyl polymer, polystyrene (PS), and polypropene, or paper coated with a suitable waterproof coating such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, or some combination thereof. Theimpermeable seal 25 may be one layer of material or a multi-layer structure. For a multi-layerimpermeable seal 25, each layer may be made from the same or different materials indicated as above. - The
pouch fitment 30 is preferably permanently attached to theimpermeable seal 25 and fluidly connected to thepouch void 22. However, it may also be desirable to have apouch fitment 30 that is removable and may be asserted to apouch void 22 having a receiving slot. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B , thepouch fitment 30 haspositioning fins 32 to help to anchor thepouch fitment 30 to theimpermeable seal 25. Thepositioning fins 32 are integrally welded, glued, molded or co-molded with theimpermeable seal 25. The design may be altered here as long as thepouch void 22 is hermetically sealed by theimpermeable seal 25 and thepouch fitment 30. -
FIG. 7C shows a cross-section exploded view of a firstpreferred pouch fitment 30 prior to use. The detailed structure of thepouch fitment 30 included inFIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrated here. Shown in 7C is thepouch fitment 30 having afitment body 31 having anupper opening 36, alower opening 37, an interior 33, andpositioning fins 32, a pressurerupturable diaphragm 45, and a sealingmember 35. Theupper opening 36 of thefitment body 31 is sealed by the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and thelower opening 37 of thefitment body 31 is sealed by the sealingmember 35. -
FIG. 7D shows a side cross section view of the first preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. All the structures shown inFIG. 7C are included inFIG. 7D . The arrow inFIG. 7D indicates the transition from a sealedunused pouch fitment 30 to an open usedpouch fitment 30. While in the left panel ofFIG. 7D the sealingmember 35 is securely lodged on thelower opening 37 and thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is intact, in the right panel ofFIG. 7D the sealingmember 35 is removed and thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is ruptured. The sealingmember 35 may be made from all kinds of materials, including but not limited to plastic, foil, and metals. - In the process of making a beverage, a user may remove the sealing
member 35 prior to use. Then pressure is applied to thepouch void 22 and the pressure is partially transmitted to thepouch fitment 30, with thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 being the focus. When the pressure increases, thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 ruptures and liquid may flow through theupper opening 36, the interior 33, and thelower opening 37 of thepouch fitment 30 to be dispensed. Alternatively, a user may apply pressure to rupture thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and then remove the sealingmember 35 to allow liquid to flow out of thepouch void 22. - In
FIGS. 7C and 7D , the sealingmember 35 is a screw cap. There arescrew threads 38 on the exterior of thefitment body 31, allowing the sealingmember 35 to be screw on thefitment body 31 to the seal thelower opening 37. Alternatively, thescrew threads 38 may be on theinterior wall 34 and the sealingmember 35 may have a protruding part that having corresponding screw threads. Then the sealingmember 35 may be screwed not to “cover,” but to “plug” thefitment body 31. As clearly demonstrated byFIGS. 7E-7H , the sealingmember 35 may take different formats, while goals to have an easy-to-seal and easy-to-remove sealingmember 35 and to form a hermetic seal remain consistent. - The
fitment body 31 of thepouch fitment 30 is preferably a single-molded plastic piece. It may be made from plastic such as but not limited to HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC). It may also be made from other materials such as a metal, wood, rigid plastic or rubber or some combination thereof. - The
fitment body 31 of thepouch fitment 30 is preferably a cylindrical shape in general, with the horizontal cross-section being a circle or an oval. However, it should be noted that thefitment body 31 may take any shape and the horizontal cross-section may be a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or any other shape that allows easy manufacturing and handling. - The pressure rupturable
diaphragm 45 may be made from many kinds of materials, such as but not limited to: foil, paper or fabric with waterproof coatings, thin layers of plastic, and synthetic or natural membranes, or any combination thereof. The key is that thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 should have a consistent and measurable resistance to fluid pressure. When a certain threshold is passed, thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 should be ruptured to allow the through flow of fluids. - The pressure rupturable
diaphragm 45 may be welded, glued, molded, or co-molded with thefitment body 31. Preferably, thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 is sonic-welded with thefitment body 31. The key is to have thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 securely attached to thefitment body 31 and hermetically sealing theupper opening 36. As long as this goal may be attained, the specific method to attach thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to thefitment body 31 may vary. - The sealing
member 35 may be made of the same or different material as thefitment body 31. In general, the sealingmember 35 may be made from foil, metal, paper and fabric with waterproof coatings, wood, rubber, plastic such as but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), HDPE, TPE, polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or some combination thereof. The choice of material of the sealingmember 35 will depend on the ease of manufacturing and the specific design of the sealingmember 35. -
FIG. 7E shows a cross-section exploded view of a second preferred pouch fitment prior to use.FIG. 7F shows a side cross section view of a second preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. The components shownFIGS. 7E and 7F are the same asFIGS. 7C and 7D , except that the sealingmember 35 takes a different form and there are noscrew threads 38 on thefitment body 31. - In
FIGS. 7E and 7F , the sealingmember 35 is a detachable cap that may be used to seal thelower opening 37 of thefitment body 31. The sealingmember 35 is attached to thefitment body 31 by a circle of weakenedconnections 41. The weakenedconnections 41 may be produced by making the connecting layer of plastic between thecap sealing member 35 and thefitment body 31 particularly thin. Prior to use, a user may break the cap from thefitment body 31 and apply pressure to thepouch void 22 to cause the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in thepouch void 22 to flow from thepouch fitment 30. -
FIG. 7G shows a cross-section exploded view of a third preferred pouch fitment prior to use.FIG. 7H shows a side cross section view of the third preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. The components shownFIGS. 7G and 7H are the same asFIGS. 7C and 7D , except that the sealingmember 35 takes a different form and there are noscrew threads 38 on thefitment body 31. - In
FIGS. 7G and 7H , the sealingmember 35 is a cover that has a peel-awaytab 39. Preferably the sealingmember 35 is a foil cover. The sealingmember 35 may be glued or welded to thefitment body 31. The key here is to allow the sealingmember 35 to be removed peeling the peel-awaytab 39. Therefore, as long as this goal can be achieved, the sealingmember 35 may be attached to thefitment body 31 with any suitable method. Prior to use, a user may peel away the sealingmember 35 from thefitment body 31 and apply pressure to thepouch void 22 to cause thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in thepouch void 22 to flow from thepouch fitment 30. -
FIG. 8A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Shown inFIG. 8A is apouch void 22 enclosed in animpermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown inFIG. 8A is that thepouch void 22 has alower end 24 which is sealed by apouch fitment 30. Thepouch fitment 30 haspositioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor thepouch fitment 30 to thepouch void 22. The detailed structures of thepouch fitment 30 are shown inFIG. 8C . -
FIG. 8B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. For clarity,FIG. 8B shows thepouch fitment 30 in a side sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of theimpermeable seal 25. Theimpermeable seal 25 encloses thepouch void 22, as shown inFIG. 8A , and forms a wide margin around thepouch void 22, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B . -
FIG. 8C shows a side exploded cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Shown in 8C is thepouch fitment 30 having afitment body 31 having anupper opening 36, alower opening 37, an interior 33, andpositioning fins 32, a pressurerupturable diaphragm 45, and a sealingmember 35. Theupper opening 36 of thefitment body 31 is sealed by thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 and thelower opening 37 of thefitment body 31 is sealed by the sealingmember 35. Here the sealingmember 35 takes the form of a cover having a peel-awaytab 39, as shown inFIGS. 7G and 7H . The difference ofFIG. 8 is that thepouch fitment 30 further comprises aoutflow valve 50, which also covers thelower opening 37 and stays above the sealingmember 35. From this side view, theoutflow valve 50 is shown to flex upward with its center portion protruding closer to the interior 33 of thepouch fitment 30. -
FIG. 8D shows a top view of theoutflow valve 50. Here theoutflow valve 50 is shown as round and this is a preferred shape. However, it should be noted that theoutflow valve 50 must fit the horizontal-sectional shape of thepouch fitment 30, especially at thelower opening 37. Therefore, from a top view, theoutflow valve 50 may be round or square, or any other shape that fits thepouch fitment 30. Also shownFIG. 8D is a “+” shapedoutlet 49 at the center of theoutflow valve 50. The “+” shapedoutlet 49 allows liquid in thepouch void 22 to flow through. The “+” shape is preferred here. However, it is still possible to make the outlet other shapes such as a “T” shape, a “” shape, or any other shape that may be used to control liquid flow. - The
outflow valve 50 is preferably made of silicon-based polymeric materials known as silicones. The key features of the outflow valve are impermeability to water, low friction, and flexibility. Therefore, when other materials, such as carbon-based plastics, meet the requirements, they may also be used to make thevalve 50. -
FIG. 8E shows thepouch fitment 30 prior to use;FIG. 8F shows thepouch fitment 30 during use; andFIG. 8G shows thepouch fitment 30 after use. The arrows betweenFIGS. 8E, 8F, and 8G indicate the transitions from a sealedpouch fitment 30, to apouch fitment 30 allowing flow through, and finally to apouch fitment 30 having anoutflow valve 50 that prevents dripping. - Prior to use, a user may peel away the sealing
member 35 from thefitment body 31 by pulling the peel-awaytab 39 and apply pressure to thepouch void 22 to cause thepressure rupturable diaphragm 45 to rupture, thus allowing liquid in thepouch void 22 to flow from thepouch fitment 30 to reach theoutflow valve 50. When pressure from the liquid is applied to theoutflow valve 50 from the top, it flexes downward with the center portion of theoutflow valve 50 protruding to a direction away from theinterior 33 of thepouch fitment 30, as shown inFIG. 8F . The continued pressure from the liquid further opens the “+” shapedoutlet 49, allowing the liquid to flow through the outlet. - As shown in
FIG. 8G , when the pressure is removed or significantly reduced, theoutflow valve 50 flexes back to its original position, with the center portion of theoutflow valve 50 protruding to the interior 33 of thepouch fitment 30. The “+” shapedoutlet 49 is closed, preventing the remaining liquid in thepouch void 22 from dripping out. -
FIG. 9A shows a front cross-section view of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Thispouch fitment 30 is fundamentally different from what is shown inFIG. 7 andFIG. 8 since thepouch fitment 30 further comprises aplunger 40. Shown inFIG. 9A is apouch void 22 enclosed in animpermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown inFIG. 9A is that thepouch void 22 has alower end 24 which is sealed by apouch fitment 30. Thepouch fitment 30 haspositioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor thepouch fitment 30 to thepouch void 22. Shown also inFIG. 9A is aplunger 40, which is considered part of thepouch fitment 30. The detailed structures of thepouch fitment 30 and theplunger 40 are shown inFIG. 9C . -
FIG. 9B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. For clarity,FIG. 9B shows thepouch fitment 30 comprising aplunger 40 in a sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of theimpermeable seal 25. Theimpermeable seal 25 encloses thepouch void 22, as shown inFIG. 9A , and forms a wide margin around thepouch void 22, as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B . -
FIG. 9C shows a side cross-sectional exploded view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment prior to use, demonstrating the individual components. Shown inFIG. 9C is a thepouch fitment 30 having apouch void 22 having aupper opening 36, an interior 33, aninterior wall 34,positioning fins 32, and alower opening 37. Also shown inFIG. 9C is that thepouch fitment 30 further comprises aplunger 40 having atop aperture 42, aliquid outlet 43, andplunger pistons 43. Thepouch fitment 30 further comprises a secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 that seals thetop aperture 42 of theplunger 40. Theplunger 40 resides in the interior of thepouch fitment 30 and theplunger pistons 43 form slidable seal with theinterior wall 34 of thepouch fitment 30. Here, for clarity purposes, theinterior wall 34 of thepouch fitment 30 and theplunger pistons 43 are not completely in contact. However, it should be noted that theinterior wall 34 and theplunger pistons 43 abut each other and form a slidable but fluid-tight seal. Moreover, thepouch fitment 30 further comprises a sealingmember 35 that seals thelower opening 37 of thefitment body 31. -
FIG. 9D shows a side cross section view of the fifth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. The arrow inFIG. 9D indicates the transition from an unused sealedpouch fitment 30 to an open usedpouch fitment 30. While in the left panel ofFIG. 9D the sealingmember 35 securely seals thelower opening 37, and theplunger 40 completely resides in theinterior 33 of thefitment body 31, in the right panel ofFIG. 9D the sealingmember 35 is pierced by theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40, theliquid outlet 43 protrudes of the interior 33 of thefitment body 31, and the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is ruptured. - Here the sealing
member 35 is preferably a foil or paper that may be pierced. However, the sealingmember 35 may also be any material that was referred to during the discussion ofFIG. 7 . The addition of theplunger 40 removes the necessity for a user to remove the sealingmember 35. With theplunger 40, the sealingmember 35 may simply be compromised by the penetration of theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40. Such a design reduces the chance that the liquid exit portion of the device may be touched by human hand or otherwise contaminated, thus raising the hygienic standard of the beverage dispensing device. - To use the
beverage dispensing pouch 20, a user may apply pressure to thepouch void 22 and the pressure will be partially transmitted to thepouch fitment 30. Since theplunger pistons 43 of theplunger 40 form a slidable but fluid-tight seal with theinterior wall 34 of thefitment body 31, the pressure pushes theplunger 40 to move downward so that theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40 may pierce the sealingmember 35 and theliquid outlet 43 is exposed. When theplunger 40 reaches its lower-most position, the increase of pressure may rupture the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48, allowing the liquid in thepouch void 22 to flow through the interior 33 of thefitment body 31 and out of theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40. The “prior” and “after” states of thepouch fitment 30 are illustrated inFIG. 9D - It is preferred that the threshold pressure for making the
plunger 40 slide downward should be lower than the threshold pressure to rupture the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48. The design allows theplunger 40 to pierce the sealingmember 35 before the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is ruptured and the fluid in thepouch void 22 flows out of theliquid outlet 43. If the sequence is reversed and secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 ruptures first, then the fluid from thepouch void 22 will be pushed through the plunger before the plunger pierces the sealingmember 35. The likely outcome is that the sealingmember 35 will be ruptured and the fluid flows through theplunger 40 while theliquid outlet 43 does not protrude out of thefitment body 31. Although this scenario is not preferred, it does not fundamentally affect the ability of thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 to dispense the liquid in thepouch void 22.FIG. 10A shows a front cross-section view of yet another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. Shown inFIG. 10A is apouch void 22 enclosed in animpermeable seal 25 substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature. Also shown inFIG. 10A is that thepouch void 22 has an openlower end 24 which is sealed by apouch fitment 30. Thepouch fitment 30 haspositioning fins 32 that may be used to anchor thepouch fitment 30 to thepouch void 22. Shown also inFIG. 10A is aplunger 40, which is considered part of thepouch fitment 30. The detailed structures of thepouch fitment 30 and theplunger 40 are shown inFIG. 10C . -
FIG. 10B shows a partial side view and partial cross section view, of another preferred embodiment of a single serve disposable beverage pouch using a sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use. For clarity,FIG. 10B shows thepouch fitment 30 comprising aplunger 40 in a sectional view while it demonstrates the side view of theimpermeable seal 25. Theimpermeable seal 25 encloses thepouch void 22, as shown inFIG. 10A , and forms a wide margin around thepouch void 22, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B . -
FIG. 10C shows a side exploded cross-section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment prior to use, demonstrating the individual components of thepouch fitment 30.FIG. 10D shows a side cross section view of the sixth preferred pouch fitment both prior to and after use. - As shown in
FIGS. 10C and 10D , thepouch fitment 30 has an interior 33,interior wall 34,upper opening 36, andlower opening 37. Thelower opening 37 is sealed by a sealingmember 35. Theupper opening 36 encircles a snap-inring 54, which is sealed by the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45. Positioned in theinterior 33 of thepouch fitment 30 is aplunger 40, which has atop aperture 42, aplunger piston 44, and aliquid outlet 43. Theplunger piston 44 forms a slidable but fluid-tight seal with theinterior wall 34 of thepouch fitment 30. Thetop aperture 42 of theplunger 40 is positioned below the snap-inring 54 and the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 and is sealed by a firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45. Here, for clarity purposes, theinterior wall 34 of thepouch fitment 30 and theplunger pistons 43 are not completely in contact. However, it should be noted that theinterior wall 34 and theplunger pistons 43 abut each other and form a slidable but fluid-tight seal. - The key difference between the sixth preferred embodiment of the
pouch fitment 30, which is shown inFIG. 10 , and the further preferred embodiment, which is shown inFIG. 9 , is the addition structure of snap-inring 54 and the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45. The snap-inring 54 and firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45, in combination, seal theupper opening 36 of thefitment body 31. This design separates theplunger 40 from the liquid kept in thepouch void 22, thus decreasing the chances of contamination even further. - Similar to the discussion for
FIG. 9 , it is preferred that theplunger 40 is pushed to pierce the sealingmember 35 before the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 ruptures. Such a design ensures that theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40 protrudes out of the interior 33 of thefitment body 31 before liquid is dispensed. However, this feature is not indispensible. - The snap-in
ring 54 may be made of the same of different materials as thefitment body 31. In general, it may be made from foil, metal, paper and fabric with waterproof coatings, wood, rubber, plastic such as but not limited to HDPE, TPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and polycarbonate (PC), or some combination thereof. The snap-inring 54 may be welded, glued, molded, or co-molded to thefitment body 31. Preferably, the snap-inring 54 is sonic welded to thefitment body 31. - The first
pressure rupturable diaphragm 45 may be attached to the snap-inring 54 in similar ways that the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48 is attached to the plunger. -
FIGS. 11 A-C show, in a side view, the process of how thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 is pressed by rollers and the liquid is released from the beverage dispensing pouch. Here, the sixth preferred embodiment of thepouch fitment 30 shown inFIG. 10 is used as an example to demonstrate how pressure may be applied to thepouch void 22 and how liquid may be dispensed. However, it should be noted that any of thepouch fitments 30 may be used. - As shown in
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C , when pressure is applied to thepouch void 22, since thepouch fitment 30 is fluidly connected to thepouch void 22, pressure is also applied to thepouch fitment 30, and specifically, to the top of thepouch fitment 30 where there is aupper opening 36 that encircles a snap-inring 54, which is sealed by the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45. When the pressure increases, the firstpressure rupturable diaphragm 45 ruptures and theplunger 40 becomes fluidly connected to thepouch void 22. The pressure is then directly applied to the top of theplunger 40, which is sealed by the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48. Since the plunger hasplunger pistons 43, as shown inFIG. 10 , that slidably abut theinterior wall 34 of thepouch fitment 30 and form a fluid-tight seal, the entire plunger is driven away from thepouch void 22. Theliquid outlet 43 of theplunger 40 then pierces the sealingmember 35, which is sealing thelower opening 37 of thepouch fitment 30. When theplunger 40 moves to the lowest possible position, the pressure builds up on the secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 48, eventually rupturing it, allowing thebeverage concentrate 175 that was kept in thepouch void 22 to flow out from theliquid outlet 43. -
FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show thatrollers 55 are pressed against theimpermeable seal 25 and the two rollers stay very close to each other. When therollers 55 roll downward, they apply pressure on thepouch void 22 and that pressure is at least partially transmitted to all the parts that are fluidly connected to thepouch void 22. - It should be noted that the mechanism to apply pressure shown in
FIG. 11 is not the only way to achieve the goal. As long as a continuous pressure may be applied to thepouch void 22, any mechanism may be employed. For example, an alternative design puts two inflatable bags on the front and back of thepouch void 22. With the inflation of the bags, pressure is applied to thepouch void 22 and the sequence of events leading to the outflow of liquid may be triggers by continuous inflation of the bags. In another method of applying pressure, the pouch may be squeezed by a press plate. The press plate can have two or more plates which push against the front and back of the pouch. Each press plates could be one single piece or several pieces, and the pieces or plates could be hinged together. A combination of rollers and plates could also be used, for example, a single roller which presses a pouch along its length, while the pouch is supported on the other side by a plate. Alternatively, the pressure could be applied pulling the pouch through stationary rollers. -
FIG. 12 A-C show another preferred embodiment of thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 wherein the pouch is sealed with a pressure rupturable seal and a tear-off pouch tip. WhileFIGS. 12A and 12B are front sectional views,FIG. 12C is a side view. - Shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B , thepouch void 22 is sealed with animpermeable seal 25 having ahanger hole 27. Instead of apouch fitment 30, here thelower end 24 of thepouch void 22 is sealed with a pressurerupturable seal 28 and apouch tip 29. - The pressure rupturable
seal 28, as shown inFIGS. 12A and 12B , is preferably asserted into thelower end 24 and partly into the pouch void to ensure effective seal. However, the pressurerupturable seal 28 may stay completely outside thepouch void 22 and still prevent the liquid from flowing out of thepouch void 22. - The pressure rupturable
seal 28 may be made of any material that is non-toxic to human. It may comprise a strip made of plastic or other materials and be glued or heat-bonded to theimpermeable seal 25 with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Or, the pressurerupturable seal 28 may just be made of pressure-sensitive material as a whole. The key feature here is that the pressurerupturable seal 28 may be ruptured and removed with the increase of pressure applied from the inside of the pouch. - The
pouch tip 29 is an optional structure. While it is preferable to have thepouch tip 29, which further seals thelower end 24 of thepouch void 22 and present thelower end 24 to be contaminated, it is possible to only use the pressurerupturable seal 28 to seal thelower end 24. Thepouch tip 29 may be made of any material that can be used to make theimpermeable seal 25 or thepouch fitment 30. Thepouch tip 29 may be glued, riveted, welded, heat-bonded to theimpermeable seal 25 or fastened to theimpermeable seal 25 using any means that allow a forceful removal. Shown here inFIG. 12A , between thepouch tip 29 and theimpermeable seal 25 is atear notch 26 that facilitates the removal of thepouch tip 29. - In actual use, as shown in
FIGS. 12B and 12C , thepouch tip 29 is removed by tearing it away at thetear notch 26. Then pressure is applied to thepouch void 22. Here pressure is indicated by the arrows inFIG. 12C . The pressure may be applied using the methods discussed in the description forFIG. 11 , or any methods that achieve the same result. The pressure rupturableseal 28 is then ruptured under the pressure and thebeverage concentrate 175 in thepouch void 22 is released into the mixingnozzle 195 as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure and a single serve disposable beverage cartridge of the present invention. Here a beverage dispensing cartridge is shown as an example. However, it should be clear that abeverage dispensing pouch 20 as shown inFIGS. 7-11 may also be used for dispensing beverage concentrates. - The
beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 may be located above the mixingnozzle structure 195 so that beverage concentrate 175 dispensed from thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 may enter the mixing chamber along with a suitable mixing fluid that may be supplied via the mixingliquid inlet 320. -
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a mixing nozzle structure of the present invention during use. - The cross-sectional view of
FIG. 14 shows how thebeverage concentrate 175 may be dispensed through thebeverage concentrate inlet 330 of the mixingnozzle structure 195, resulting in a flow that may be a substantially vertically downward jet of dispensedconcentrate 360. - The view of
FIG. 14 also shows how a mixing fluid may be introduced to the mixingnozzle structure 195 via the mixingliquid inlet 320. This mixing fluid may enter theupper vortex chamber 340 where it may be constrained into a cylindrical vortex before exiting into thelower mixing chamber 350. As it exits thelower mixing chamber 350, the downward jet of dispensedconcentrate 360 may combine with the downward spiraling vortex of mixing liquid 370 in such a way the two combine at amixing zone 810 that may be external to the mixingnozzle structure 195. In this way the mixing of the diluting liquid with the beverage concentrate may occur without the concentrate contacting the walls of thelower mixing chamber 350 of the mixingnozzle structure 195. This type of mixing in the air is sometimes referred to as “post-mixing”. - The mixing
nozzle structure 195 may, for instance, be designed in accordance with the inventive principals detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,266, issued on Nov. 24, 1987 to Ruddick, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference. -
FIG. 15 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a first preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. - Elements of the
beverage dispensing device 100 include aliquid reservoir 410, aliquid refrigeration unit 220, a chilledliquid container 480, an insulatedcarbonation dispensing tank 610, abeverage dispensing cartridge 110 and abeverage container 205. Again, it should be noted thatbeverage dispensing pouch 20 may be used instead of thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110. - In a preferred embodiment, the
liquid reservoir 410 may, for instance, be a 1 gallon refillable water tank, having aliquid level sensor 430 and aliquid filter 420. Water from theliquid reservoir 410 may be moved to the chilledliquid container 480 by asuitable liquid pump 245. The transfer may be done via acheck valve 530 and a solenoid activatedflow valve 540. - The chilled
liquid container 480 may, for instance, be a stainless steel tank having ainsulation jacket 470. The chilledliquid container 480 may be cooled by aliquid refrigeration unit 220 that circulates a chilled refrigerant liquid or gas throughrefrigeration coils 490 that may surround the chilledliquid container 480. Theliquid refrigeration unit 220 may include arefrigeration compressor 440 that compresses the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid, generating heat. The refrigerant may then pass through arefrigeration evaporator 450 that allows the liquid to evaporate and cool. The cold gas or liquid may then be circulated through the refrigeration coils 490 via a refrigeratedliquid accumulator 460. - The refrigerant may be any suitable chemical compound such as, but not limited to, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorofluoromethane, bromodifluoromethane, trifluoromethane, dichloromethane, chlorofluoromethane, difluoromethane, chloromethane, fluoromethane, methane, hexachloroethane, pentachlorofluoroethane, hexafluoroethane, trifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, trifluoroethane, difluoroethane, chloroethane, ethane, octafluoropropane, heptafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, propane, octafluorocyclobutane, decafluorobutane, tetradecafluorohexane, isobutane, pentane, isopentane, diethyl ether, methyl formate, methylamine, ethylamine, hydrogen, helium, ammonia, or some combination thereof.
- The
carbonation system 600 may include an insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 into which refrigerated water may be pumped via acheck valve 530. The liquid in the insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 may be carbonated by CO2 provided from aCO2 cylinder 270. The carbonated water in the insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 may be kept under pressure by anair pump 620 that may be regulated by avent valve 630. When the user elects to dispense a beverage, the carbonated water may be supplied under the pressure in the carbonation tank via acheck valve 530 to the mixingnozzle structure 195 to mix with the concentrate from thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20. - From the cold
liquid container 480, the cold liquid may be pumped to thebeverage container 205 by acirculation pump 570, or the cold liquid may be dispensed by means of the pressure in the container. Thecirculation pump 570 may, when beverages are not being dispensed, circulate water around a loop back to the coldliquid container 480 via the solenoid activatedflow valve 540 and thecheck valve 530. This may, for instance, be done to keep the plumbing and other components of thebeverage dispensing device 100 at a sufficiently low temperature to ensure that the mixing fluid is dispensed at an optimal temperature. -
FIG. 16 shows a schematic layout of the components of a second preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. The schematic design shown inFIG. 16 is substantially similar to the design shown inFIG. 15 , except that theliquid refrigeration unit 220 now consists of aPeltier device 240 that may be mounted on the wall of the chilledliquid container 480 that may be a plastic container. The temperature may be monitored by asuitable temperature sensor 580, such as, but not limited to, a thermocouple device. - The design of
FIG. 16 also differs from that ofFIG. 15 in that the carbonation unit may now be an inline carbonation device. - A
Peltier device 240 produces thermoelectric cooling using the Peltier effect in which a current flow across the junction of two different types of materials causes a transfer of heat across the junction. The main advantages of a Peltier cooler compared to a vapor-compression refrigerator are its lack of moving parts or circulating liquid, and its small size and flexible shape or form factor. Its main disadvantages are that it is relatively expensive and inefficient.Peltier devices 240 are generally 5-10% as efficient as the ideal refrigerator, as determined by the Carnot cycle, compared with 40-60% achieved by conventional compression cycle systems. Due to the low efficiency, thermoelectric cooling is most useful in environments where the benefits of having a refrigerator with no moving parts, that is maintenance-free and of a compact size outweigh pure efficiency. - Using the user interface 560 a user may instruct the
beverage dispensing device 100 via theinternal electronics controller 550 to direct the mixing liquid either directly to the mixingnozzle structure 195 or to send it via thecarbonation device 280, or to send a portion of the liquid via both of these paths. In this way, the user may select how carbonated thebeverage concentrate 175 in thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 will be when dispensed into thebeverage container 205. - The
carbonation device 280 may, for instance, be an inline Venturi carbonator activated using arefillable CO2 cylinder 270 and controlled by a CO2 gas regulator 510. - The
carbonation system 600 may, for instance, allow the user to select one of three options. The first may be complete carbonation of the mixing fluid, in which essentially all the mixing fluid flow through thecarbonation device 280. The second may be no carbonation, in which essentially all the mixing fluid flows through thebypass assembly 590. The third may be partial carbonation in which a possibly variable amount of the mixing fluid flows through thecarbonation device 280, while the reminder of the mixing fluid flows through thebypass assembly 590. -
FIG. 17 shows a schematic layout of the components of a third preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. - The schematic design of
FIG. 17 is substantially similar to that ofFIG. 16 except that the carbonation of the liquid may now be done using thecarbonation system 600, as described in connection withFIG. 15 . Thecarbonation system 600 may, for instance, include an insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 into which refrigerated water may be pumped via acheck valve 530. The liquid in the insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 may be carbonated by CO2 provided from a CO2 cylinder 270. The carbonated water in the insulatingcarbonation dispensing tank 610 may be kept under pressure by anair pump 620 that may be regulated by avent valve 630. When the user selects to dispense a beverage, the carbonated water may be supplied by acheck valve 530 to the mixingnozzle structure 195 to mix with the concentrate from thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20. - In the embodiment shown schematically in
FIG. 17 , there may also be abeverage concentrate cooler 640. The beverage concentrate cooler 640 may, for instance, be a Peltier device whose functioning is described in greater detail above. -
FIG. 18 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fourth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. - The schematic design shown in
FIG. 18 is substantially similar to the design described in connection withFIG. 17 , except that theliquid refrigeration unit 220 may now be a pass through device with aliquid reservoir 485. Theliquid refrigeration unit 220 may now include one or morePeltier devices 240, placed alongside water blocks 730. Thewater block 730 may, for instance, be flattened portions of pipe that allow the water being re-circulated to the coldliquid reservoir 485 to be cooled by thePeltier devices 240. Thewater block 730 may, for instance, include baffles to slow the passage of the water in those regions so as to more effectively cool the water. - The
Peltier devices 240 may be cooled by a combination of aheat sink 720 and aheat dispensing fan 710. -
FIG. 19 shows a schematic lay out of the components of a fifth preferred embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser of the present invention. - The schematic design shown in
FIG. 19 is substantially similar to the design described in connection withFIG. 17 , except that theliquid refrigeration unit 220 may now be a vapor compression refrigeration unit similar to that described above in, for instance, the description ofFIG. 15 . Thecarbonation system 600 may, however, be acarbonation device 280 such as, but not limited to, an inline Venturi device similar to that described above in, for instance, the description ofFIG. 18 . - To use the
beverage dispensing device 100, a user may first ensure theliquid reservoir 410 is sufficiently full with water. The user may then place abeverage dispensing cartridge 110 or abeverage dispensing pouch 20 in thebeverage dispensing device 100. In various alternate embodiments, a user may then use theuser interface 560 to select a desired quantity to be dispensed into thebeverage container 205. The user may also use the user interface andcontroller 560 to select other attributes of the drink to be dispensed such as, but not limited to, the temperature the drink is to be dispensed at and the degree, if any, of carbonation of the drink. - The user may then use the
user interface 560 to initiate dispensing of the drink. This may, for instance, activate theinternal electronics controller 550 to initiate a sequence of events such as, but not limited to, water being transferred from theliquid reservoir 410 by theliquid pump 245 to the chilledliquid container 480, and when thetemperature sensor 580 registers the appropriate temperature, transferring chilled liquid to carbonation/dispensing tank 610, where the water may or may not be carbonated, and then transferring liquid to the mixingnozzle structure 195 by means ofcirculation pump 570, or by the pressure within the carbonation tank. - This transfer may be timed with an activation of the
beverage dispensing cartridge 110 or thebeverage dispensing pouch 20, i.e., with a manual or automatic action in which theupper piston 160 of thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110 may be driven towards thelower piston 170, or in whichrollers 55 are pressing against theimpermeable seal 25 of thebeverage dispensing pouch 20 to apply pressure to thepouch void 22. In doing so, for thebeverage dispensing cartridge 110, theliquid outlet 180 of thelower piston 170 may penetrate the pressurerupturable diaphragm 150 and the base of the impermeable,cylindrical cartridge 120 and release thebeverage concentrate 175 into the mixingnozzle structure 195. For thebeverage dispensing pouch 20, the sealingmember 35 is removed or pierced by theliquid outlet 43, first and/or secondpressure rupturable diaphragm 45/48 are ruptured, and thebeverage concentrate 175 may be released from thepouch void 22 into the mixingnozzle 195. This release of thebeverage concentrate 175 into the mixingnozzle structure 195 may be timed to coincide with chilled, possibly carbonated, liquid entering the mixingnozzle structure 195 and mixing with thebeverage concentrate 175 so that a suitably chilled and mixed beverage is dispensed into thebeverage container 205. As detailed above, the mixingnozzle structure 195 may be designed so that the mixing of water and concentrate occurs at amixing zone 810 that is beneath and outside the mixingnozzle structure 195. This is often called “post mixing” and has the advantage of the concentrate not contacting the surface of the mixingnozzle structure 195, avoiding residue and possible flavor contamination from serving to serving, and provides a well mixed drink, formed from accurately predetermined mix ratios resulting in predictable Brix values for the dispensed beverage. - In addition to applications indicated above, the beverage dispensing technology disclosed here may also be used to a refrigerator or a water cooler. In addition, the beverage dispensing device may replace the refrigeration unit with a container, such as a removable pitcher, that may be put into a refrigerator to chill the liquid in the container and use the cold liquid for making the beverage.
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FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the single serve beverage dispenser. Shown inFIG. 20 is thebeverage dispenser 800 having amain unit 801 and apitcher 802. Themain unit 801 includes amain unit housing 803, adripping pad 805 suitable for placement of beverage containers such as acup 806, and adispenser head compartment 810 with a dispensingnozzle 804. Themain unit 801 and thepitcher 802 are connected by engaging a flippinginlet unit 873 from themain unit 801 with an outlet channel in a bottom concave 860 of thepitch 802. -
FIG. 21A shows a perspective view of the dispensinghead compartment 810, as illustrated inFIG. 20 . Shown inFIG. 21A is the dispensinghead compartment 810 having a headcompartment side housing 811, ahead compartment drawer 812, and ahead compartment cover 816, and the dispensingnozzle 804. As shown inFIG. 21A , thehead compartment drawer 812 is closed, shielding the interior of thehead compartment 810. -
FIG. 21B shows a perspective view of the dispensinghead compartment 810, as illustrated inFIG. 20 . Shown inFIG. 21B is the dispensinghead compartment 810 having a headcompartment side housing 811, ahead compartment drawer 812, ahead compartment cover 816, and the dispensingnozzle 804. As shown inFIG. 21B , thehead compartment drawer 812 is open, exposing the internal structures of thehead compartment 810. Inside thehead compartment 810, there is apouch groove 830 accommodating abeverage dispensing pouch 880. -
FIG. 21C shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensinghead compartment 810 when the head compartment drawer is opened. For clarity purposes, thehead compartment cover 816, a front part of the headcompartment side housing 811, and thehead compartment drawer 812, as shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B , are not inFIG. 21C . Shown inFIG. 21C is thepouch groove 830 including apouch groove cassette 832, afront rack 835, and aback rack 837. The lower part of thefront rack 835 connects to thegroove cassette 832 with afront rack hinge 836. Similarly, the lower part of theback rack 837 connects to thegroove cassette 832 with aback rack hinge 838. As a whole, thepouch groove 830 embraces thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 having apouch seal body 882 and pouch seal side strips 883. The pouch seal side strips 883 are embraced by thegroove cassette 832. The upper parts of thefront rack 835 and back rack 837 are conformed to generally fit the outer contours of thepouch seal body 883, while the lower parts of thefront rack 835 and back rack 837 arch away from thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. The combination of thefront rack 835, backrack 837, and thegroove cassette 832 ensures that the dispensingpouch 880 is securely disposed in thepouch groove 830. In addition, though not shown inFIG. 21C , the lower end of the dispensingpouch 880 is sealed by a pouch fitment that engages the dispensingnozzle 804, further securing the dispensingpouch 880 in place. Also shown inFIG. 21C is a set of vertical gear tracks 846,rollers 850, androller gear wheels 855. The specific structures and functions of these components are shown in details inFIGS. 24A and 24B . -
FIG. 21D shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensinghead compartment 810 when the head compartment drawer is closed but before therollers 850 engage the dispensingpouch 880. Essentially the same components are shown inFIG. 21D asFIG. 21C . Here, the head compartment drawer (not shown inFIG. 21C ) is closed as inFIG. 21A . As inFIG. 21C , the shielding components are removed to illustrate the internal structures. InFIG. 21D , thepouch groove 830 and accordingly the dispensingpouch 880 are positioned right beneath therollers 850. -
FIGS. 21A-21D demonstrate how thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 may be added to the dispenser. A user of the dispenser may pull thehead compartment drawer 812 open, exposing thepouch groove 830, which is empty before the insertion. The user may then put the dispensingpouch 880 into thepouch groove 830, push the pouch all the way down, and be sure that thepouch groove cassette 832, thefront rack 835, and theback rack 837 secure the pouch in place. In the next step, the user pushes thehead compartment drawer 812 back so that thehead compartment 810 closes and the components are as shown inFIGS. 21A and 21D . It should also be noted that the pouch-loading process may be either manual or automated. In an automated model, the user may electronically control the opening and closing of thehead compartment 810 by pushing buttons or adjusting switches. -
FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a dispensingpouch 880 and apouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 22A is a pouch seal 881 having apouch seal body 882 and a pouch seal side strips 883. On the top strip of the pouch seal side strips 883 there is ahanger hole 884. The pouch seal 881 encloses pouch void (not shown inFIG. 22A ), which has an open lower end that is sealed by apouch fitment 890. -
FIG. 22B shows a front view of a dispensingpouch 880 and a front sectional view of apouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 22B is a pouch seal 881 having apouch seal body 882 and a pouch seal side strips 883. On the top strip of the pouch seal side strips 883 there is ahanger hole 884. The pouch seal 881 encloses pouch void (not shown inFIG. 22B ), which has an open lower end that is sealed by apouch fitment 890. Thepouch fitment 890 has position fins that help to attach thepouch fitment 890 to thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. - Generally,
FIGS. 22A and 22B show similar structures as illustrated inFIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B , though the specific design of the pouch seal and pouch fitment may be different. As indicated in the discussions for beverage dispensing pouch in general, thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 is used to store syrup/concentrate for the dispensing device. The syrup/concentrate may be mixed and/or diluted with other liquid in the dispensing process. Also as indicated above, thepouch fitment 890 is used to seal the pouch and, when necessary, control the flow of the content of the pouch. The specific design of thepouch fitment 890 is discussed inFIG. 23 . - Having individual pouches allow the user to choose and change what beverage the dispenser makes with ease. Pouches housing different concentrates may be distinguished by shape, color, label, surface texture, bar code, and/or any combination thereof. Other aspects of the dispenser may be adjusted according to the contents of the pouch. Factors such as the multitude of dilution, the temperature of the final beverage, whether to carbonate, may all be set or programmed by the seller and/or the user of the dispenser. The individual parameters may be set individually. Or a series of parameters may be programmed for a specific beverage. The user may rely on his/her eyes to choose the right pouch and right program. Or the dispenser may sense the type of pouch, for example, by reading a bar code on the pouch, to automatically trigger a beverage-making program.
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FIG. 23A shows a perspective view of thepouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 23A is thepouch fitment 890 having afitment body 892 with a pair ofpositioning fins 885, ahorizontal flange 893 and afitment nozzle 894. Thefitment body 892 encircles a fitment interior channel (not shown inFIG. 23A ) having a top opening that is sealed by a pressurerupturable diaphragm 891. The pressure rupturablediaphragm 891 comprises asurrounding ring 915 and arupturable membrane 916 attached to the middle of thesurrounding ring 915. -
FIG. 23B shows a front sectional view of thepouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 23B is thepouch fitment 890 having afitment body 892 with a pair ofpositioning fins 885, ahorizontal flange 893 and afitment nozzle 894. Thefitment body 892 encircles a fitmentinterior channel 895. The top opening of the fitmentinterior channel 895 is sealed by a pressurerupturable diaphragm 891. The pressure rupturablediaphragm 891 comprises asurrounding ring 915 and arupturable membrane 916 attached to the middle of thesurrounding ring 915. As a whole the surroundingring 915 and therupturable membrane 915 covers the top opening of the fitmentinterior channel 895. The surroundingring 915 is preferably made from hard plastic; therupturable membrane 915 is preferably made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or foil, though both elements may be made from different materials. The rupturing of the pressurerupturable diaphragm 891 refers to the rupturing of the rupturable membrane. Also shown inFIG. 23B isoutflow valve 896 covering the bottom opening of the fitmentinterior channel 895. -
FIG. 23C shows a top view of thepouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 23C is thepouch fitment 890 having afitment body 892 with a pair ofpositioning fins 885 and ahorizontal flange 893. Thefitment body 892 encircles a fitment interior channel (not shown inFIG. 23C ) having a top opining that is sealed by a pressurerupturable diaphragm 891. -
FIG. 23D shows a bottom view of apouch fitment 890. Shown inFIG. 23D is thepouch fitment 890 having afitment body 892 with ahorizontal flange 893 and afitment nozzle 894. There is anoutflow valve 896 disposed at the bottom opening of the fitment interior channel 895 (not shown inFIG. 23D ). -
FIG. 23E show a top perspective view of theoutflow valve 896. Shown inFIG. 23E are the “+” shapedoutlet 897 and thetriangular leave 898. Theoutflow valve 896 is the same structure as the outflow valve inFIGS. 8C-8G and the descriptions toFIGS. 8C-8G also apply here. Preferably, theoutflow valve 896 has an arcuate portion that arches upward toward the direction of the pouch, as shown inFIG. 23B . The arcuate portion of theoutflow valve 896 membrane may be provided with intersecting slits to define a plurality of generally triangular leaves 898. When contents of the pouch are pressurized for dispensing, the triangular leaves bend to allow the liquid to pass through the fitment's lower orifice. When the dispensing pressure is released, the triangular leaves 898 spring back to their original position and operate to block passage of liquid through the fitment orifice. The leaves of the valve are sufficiently resilient that they do not bend open unless the applied pressure exceeds the hydraulic static pressure generated by a full pouch, therefore prevent dripping. -
FIGS. 23A-23E illustrate an embodiment of thepouch fitment 890. The embodiment here is generally similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8C-8G , without the sealingmember 35. Therefore, the descriptions provided forFIGS. 8C-8G should be considered included by the current embodiment, as long as the descriptions do not conflict with the specific structures shown here. -
FIGS. 24A and 24B show how the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 are dispensed by therollers 850. The roller system is similar to what is shown inFIGS. 11A-11C , with more details to the structures of the various components and controlling mechanisms. Preferably, therollers 850 include a pair of rollers aligned horizontally opposite to each other and held close to each other. When the roller system moves down, the rollers squeeze thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 so that one roller presses against the front side and the other against the back side of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. -
FIG. 24A shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensinghead compartment 810 when therollers 850 squeeze thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. For clarity purposes, thehead compartment cover 816, the headcompartment side housing 811, and thehead compartment drawer 812, as shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B , are not inFIG. 24A . Shown inFIG. 24A is thepouch groove 830 including apouch groove cassette 832, afront rack 835, and aback rack 837. The lower part of thefront rack 835 connects to thegroove cassette 832 with afront rack hinge 836. Similarly, the lower part of theback rack 837 connects to thegroove cassette 832 with a back rack hinge 838 (not shown inFIG. 24A ). As a whole, thepouch groove 830 embraces thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 having apouch seal body 882 and pouch seal side strips 883. The pouch seal side strips 883 are embraced by thegroove cassette 832. Also shown inFIG. 24A arerollers 850, a set of vertical gear tracks 846, androller gear wheels 855 that are co-axially connected to theroller 850 and engage the vertical gear tracks 847. Here inFIG. 24A , therollers 850 are moving down to press against thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 through the engaged rotation of the rollers gearwheels 855 along the vertical gear tracks 846. In the mean time, the upper parts of thefront rack 835 and back rack 837 are tilting away from thebeverage dispensing pouch 880, making way for therollers 850 and theroller gear wheels 855. -
FIG. 24B shows a perspective view of the internal structures of the dispensinghead compartment 810 when therollers 850 finish a pouch-pressing process. Shown inFIG. 24B are essentially the same elements asFIG. 24A . For clarity purposes, not all components are marked. Here inFIG. 24B , therollers 850 have moved all the way down and have finished pressing against thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. In the mean time, the upper parts of thefront rack 835 and back rack 837 are back in their original positions to embrace thebeverage dispensing pouch 880, while the lower parts of thefront rack 835 and back rack 837 arch away from thebeverage dispensing pouch 880, making room to accommodate therollers 850. Therollers 850 may then move back up to their original positions, ready for the next dispensing process. - Referring to
FIGS. 21A-D ,FIGS. 22A-B ,FIGS. 23A-D , andFIGS. 24A-B , the process of dispensing the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 may be described as the following: As shown inFIGS. 21B-D , after inserting thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 into thepouch groove 830, the user may push back thehead compartment drawer 810, positioning thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 beneath therollers 850. Here, preferably through an automated process (such as pushing a “pour” button), a user may cause theroller gear wheels 855 to rotatably move down the vertical gear tracks 846, making therollers 850 to move down as well and press again the front and back sides of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880. The pressing motion is similar to what is shown inFIGS. 11A-11C , though the specific design of the pouch fitment may be different. Referring toFIGS. 22A-B andFIGS. 23A-D , the pressing of theroller 850 causes the pressure on the pressurerupturable diaphragm 891 to increase. Above a certain threshold, the pressurerupturable diaphragm 891 ruptures and the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 flows into the fitmentinterior channel 895. Theoutflow valve 896 is the same structure as theoutflow valve 50 shown inFIGS. 8C-8G . Theoutflow valve 896 flexes down and allows the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 to flow through its “+” shaped outlet. Theoutflow valve 896 serves at least two goals: (1) it directs the liquid flowing out of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 in a straight precise stream, and (2) it prevents dripping after the dispensing process is completed. Through the outflow valve, under certain pressure, the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 then reaches thedispenser nozzle 804, where such contents, most likely syrup/concentrates are mixed with other liquid. -
FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of apitcher 802 that can be connected to amain unit 801 of abeverage dispenser 800, as illustrated inFIG. 20 . Shown inFIG. 25A is thepitcher 802 having anupper compartment 863, alower compartment 864, apitcher cover 861, apitcher filter 862, apitcher handle 869, and a bottom concave 860 located at the bottom of thelower compartment 864. In the bottom concave 860 there is anoutlet channel 865. - The general design of the
pitcher 802 may vary. The key feature is that thepitcher 802 may be fluidly and removably connected to themain unit 801 so that the liquid in the pitcher may be conveniently provided to themain unit 801. Thepitcher 802, with the liquid inside, may be refrigerated so that the liquid may become chilled or maintained at a low temperature. Alternatively, thepitcher 802 may receive hot liquid and be kept in an insulated environment to maintain the high temperature for the liquid. No matter cold or hot, when thepitcher 802 is connected to themain unit 801, the liquid in the pitcher may be extracted and used for making the beverage dispensed from themain unit 801. The removable picture concept eliminates the need for the beverage dispenser to have its own refrigeration and/or heating system. -
FIG. 25B shows a perspective view of a flippinginlet unit 870 as part of themain unit 801 of abeverage dispenser 800 when the flippinginlet unit 870 is flipped down, as illustrated inFIG. 20 . Shown inFIG. 25B is the flippinginlet unit 870 comprising a flippingbase 871, aninlet tube 872, and aninlet nozzle 873. The flippinginlet unit 870 may be flipped down to an open position from the side walls of themain unit 801, as illustrated inFIG. 25B . -
FIG. 25C shows a perspective view of a flippinginlet unit 870 as part of themain unit 801 of abeverage dispenser 800 when the flippinginlet unit 870 is flipped up. Shown inFIG. 25B is the flippinginlet unit 870 having a flippingbase 871. The flippinginlet unit 870 may be flipped up to a closed position into the side walls of themain unit 801, as illustrated inFIG. 25C . -
FIG. 25D shows a side sectional view of theoutlet channel 865 and the flippinginlet unit 870 before the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged. Shown inFIG. 25D is thepitcher 802 having alower compartment 864, a bottom concave 860, and anoutlet channel 865. Also shown inFIG. 25D is the flippinginlet unit 870 having a flippingbase 871, aninlet tube 872, and aninlet nozzle 873. More particularly, residing in theoutlet channel 865 is aspring valve 866. An O-ring 867 is attached to thespring valve 866 and disposed on the top of theoutlet channel 865. There is anadapter 874 residing in the middle of theinlet nozzle 873. Theadapter 874 is a rod structure pointing upward. Before engagement, the O-ring 867 seals theoutlet channel 865 because thespring valve 866 pulls the O-ring 867 down to be held flush against the top surrounding walls of theoutlet channel 865. -
FIG. 25E shows a side sectional view of theoutlet channel 865 and the flippinginlet unit 870 after the outlet channel and the inlet unit are engaged. Essentially the same elements are shown inFIG. 25E asFIG. 25D . For clarity purposes, not all elements are marked inFIG. 25E . As shown inFIG. 25E , after theoutlet channel 865 andinlet nozzle 873 are engaged, theadapter 874 is inserted into theoutlet channel 865, pushing thespring valve 866 upward, thereby also pushing the O-ring 867 up so that the O-ring 867 is no longer held flush against the top surround walls of theoutlet channel 865. The liquid in thelower compartment 864 of thepitcher 802 may then flow through theoutlet channel 865 into theinlet nozzle 873, resulting in a fluid connection between thepitcher 802 and the main unit 801 (not shown inFIG. 25E ). - According to
FIGS. 25A-E , liquid such as water may be poured into theupper compartment 863 and filtered bypitcher filter 862. Thepitcher 802 may be put into a refrigerator to chill the liquid. Then a user may flip down the flippinginlet unit 870 and position the bottom concave 860 on the flippinginlet unit 870, making sure that theoutlet channel 865 engages theinlet nozzle 873, establishing a fluid connection between thepitcher 802 and themain unit 801. The indentation of the bottom concave 860, the position and length of theoutlet channel 865, and the height of theinlet nozzle 873 are designed so that when theoutlet channel 865 operatively engages theinlet nozzle 873, thepitcher 802 is properly evenly positioned on the surface where themain unit 801 is placed. Moreover, with a proper connection between thepitcher 802 and themain unit 801, the two components are positioned side by side on a shared flat surface. -
FIG. 26 shows a back view of the internal structures of themain unit 801 of thebeverage dispenser 800. Shown inFIG. 26 are themain unit 801 having ahead compartment 810, and thepitcher 802 having a bottom concave 860 and anoutlet channel 865. Here theoutlet channel 865 and theinlet nozzle 873 are engaged so that liquid in the pitcher may flow throw theinlet tube 872 intomain unit 801. The dispensinghousing 803, as illustrated inFIG. 20 , is not shown inFIG. 26 , exposing the internal components, the details of which are described inFIGS. 27A and 27B . -
FIG. 27A shows a first perspective view of the internal structures of themain unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown inFIG. 27A are thehead compartment 810, theinlet tube 872, afirst solenoid 901, asecond solenoid 902, athird solenoid 903, anair pump 904, aCO2 cylinder 905, aliquid pump 906, aCO2 supply line 907, a carbonation/dispensing tank 908, a mainmanifold supply line 909, a CO2valve release lever 920, and adripping pad 805. -
FIG. 27B shows a second perspective view of the internal structures of themain unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown inFIG. 27B are thehead compartment 810, the flippinginlet unit 870, theinlet tube 872, anair pump 904, aliquid pump 906, a CO2 supply line 907, a carbonation/dispensing tank 908, a mainmanifold supply line 909, a CO2valve release lever 920, a CO2 valve body 921, apressure relief valve 922, avalve plunger 923, and adripping pad 805. -
FIG. 27C shows a schematic diagram of the internal structures and their connections in themain unit 801 of the beverage dispenser. Shown inFIG. 27C are thepitcher 802 connected with ainlet tube 872 the internal structures, including afirst solenoid 901, asecond solenoid 902, athird solenoid 903, anair pump 904, aCO2 cylinder 905, aliquid pump 906, aCO2 supply line 907, a carbonation/dispensing tank 908, a mainmanifold supply line 909, apressure relief valve 922, acheck valve 924, and avent valve 925. Also shown inFIG. 27C is thebeverage dispensing pouch 880, the dispensingnozzle 804, and thecup 806. - Referring to
FIGS. 27A-C and also consideringFIGS. 20-26 , it is clear that the components of themain unit 801 are inter-connected. The beverage to be dispensed by thedispenser nozzle 804 is a mixture of concentrates from thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 and liquid, e.g. water, from thepitcher 801. Some of the internal elements inFIGS. 27A and 27B are included to ensure that the liquid coming from thepitcher 802 may be carbonated so that the eventual beverage may be carbonated. - In a dispensing process, the contents of the
beverage dispensing pouch 880 are identified by distinguishing factors such as a bar code on the pouch so that it may be determined what type of drink is to be produced. Thefirst solenoid 901, which is connected to thevent valve 925, activates to allow the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 to attain atmospheric pressure. Thewater pump 906 then pumps the water out of theremovable pitcher 802 and into the carbonation/dispensing tank 908. After the water is pumped into thetank 908,first solenoid 901 deactivates the vent valve to seal thetank 908 from atmospheric pressure. - If the beverage is carbonated, such as soda, the following process applies: the
second solenoid 902, which is connected to the CO2valve release lever 920, activates and pushes the CO2valve release lever 920 to depress thevalve plunger 923 on the CO2 valve body 921 attached to the CO2 cylinder 905, which in turn allows the CO2 to go through the CO2 supply line 907 into the carbonation/dispensing tank 908. This carbonation cycle happens 2 to 4 times until the pressure relief valve registers that full carbonation is attained. This whole carbonation process takes less than 15 seconds, preferably less than 4 seconds. If the beverage is non-carbonated, then no carbonation cycle is triggered. - When the water in the carbonation/
dispensing tank 908 is ready, theair pump 904 turns on and applies constant air pressure to the carbonation/dispensing tank 908. Then, thethird solenoid 903 opens to allow the carbonated or non-carbonated water in the carbonation/dispensing tank 908 to flow out the mainmanifold supply line 909 and into the dispensingnozzle 804. At the same time in the dispensinghead 810, therollers 850 are compressing thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 so that the contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 are dispensed, as shown inFIGS. 24A and 24B . The contents of thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 flows into the dispensingnozzle 804. In this process, the carbonated or non-carbonated water and syrup/concentrate from thebeverage dispensing pouch 880 flow at the same time through the dispensingnozzle 804 and post-mix in the air as they flow into the users glass. Theair pump 904 continues to pump air for a few seconds after dispensing is complete in order to flush out the residues from any left over water. Once the drink is dispensed the user can dispose of the usedbeverage dispensing pouch 880 and remove thewater pitcher 802 and place it back in the refrigerator to continue to chill the water for the next use. The user can fill thepitcher 802 as needed with fresh water. The user may also use ice to chill the water in thepitcher 802. Overall, not including a refrigerating unit in the dispenser may save significant cost. -
FIG. 28A shows a prospective view of thebeverage dispenser 800 with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO2 cylinder gate 927 is closed. Shown inFIG. 28A are thepitcher 802 and themain unit 801, wherein on a side wall of themain unit 801 there is a CO2 cylinder gate 927 that is closed. -
FIG. 28B shows a prospective view of thebeverage dispenser 800 with the CO2 cylinder replacement mechanism when the CO2 cylinder gate 927 is open. Shown inFIG. 28A are thepitcher 802 and themain unit 801, wherein on a side wall of themain unit 801 there is a CO2 cylinder gate 927 that is open by flipping down. The CO2 cylinder 905 is rotated from a vertical position as shown inFIG. 27A to a horizontal position, allowing the user to change the CO2 cylinder 905 with ease. The CO2 cylinder 905 is attached to frame with a hinge, allowing the CO2 cylinder 905 to pivot and protrude out of the CO2 cylinder gate 927 when the gate is open. The opening of the gate and the pivoting of the CO2 cylinder may be controlled manually or automatically. - The beverage dispensing device may also include a telemetry control and data retrieval system. For example, a WiFi card or a similar transmitting device may be implanted into the circuits of the beverage dispensing device, allowing it to communicate with the internal IC board and connect to the user's home WiFi network and the Internet.
- The user may register his/her machine and MAC Address with a designated website and create a user profile. This connectivity may allow the beverage dispensing device to communicate with the supplier's back end servers to track the user's personal consumption and allow an automated re-order system to know when to send out the user's next order of consumables. It may also help to identify what flavors of beverage are selling best and allow the manufacturing facility to streamline what is manufactured to avoid excessive warehousing of inventory. The supplier may also be able to target users with special offerings based on this data.
- It is also within the realm of this disclosure to include a specific program, or application, for smart phones such as the iPhone®, and/or other hand-held computing devices such as iPad®, to allow the users to see their consumptions and be notified when they are running low on consumables such as beverage pouches, filter cartridges and CO2 gas cylinders.
- Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Claims (24)
1. A beverage dispensing pouch, comprising:
a pouch body enclosed in an impermeable seal substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature, the pouch body having a pouch void and a lower end;
a hanger hole;
a machine-readable identification element suitable to be read by optics or electronics in a beverage dispensing device;
a pressure rupturable seal that seals the lower end, wherein
when pressure is applied to the pouch void, the pressure rupturable seal is ruptured, allowing liquid in the pouch void to flow through the lower end.
2. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein pressure is applied to the pouch void with a press plate located in the beverage dispensing device.
3. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein said beverage is a single-serve beverage.
4. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein the machine-readable identification element is a QR code.
5. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein the pouch body is made from foil or plastic.
6. The beverage dispensing pouch of claiml, where in the pouch body has at least one layer selected from the group consisting of Foil, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE).
7. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 6 , wherein the pouch body is multi-layered.
8. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein the lower end has a pressure rupturable seal.
9. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein the lower end has a tear off pouch strip.
10. The beverage dispensing pouch of claim 1 , wherein the impermeable seal is continuous around the pouch body.
11. A beverage dispensing device comprising:
a pouch holder;
a dispensing mechanism, operative to apply pressure to the beverage dispensing pouch to discharged a beverage: and
a transmitting device located in the beverage dispensing device, wherein the transmitting device communicates with the Internet.
12. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the beverage dispensing device can read a machine readable identification element on a pouch.
13. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the beverage dispensing device can read a machine readable identification element on a pouch using optics or electronics.
14. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein beverage dispensing device may also include a telemetry control and a data retrieval system.
15. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the beverage dispensing device has a WiFi card or a transmitting device implanted into the circuits of the beverage dispensing device, allowing it to communicate and connect to the user's home WiFi network and the Internet.
16. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 , wherein the user may register their machine and MAC Address with a designated website or application and create a user profile.
17. The beverage dispensing device of claim 16 , wherein the beverage dispensing device communicates with a supplier's back end servers to track a user's personal consumption.
18. The beverage dispensing device of claim 17 , wherein the beverage dispensing device allows an automated re-order system to know when to send out the user's next order of consumables.
19. The beverage dispensing device of claim 18 , wherein the beverage dispensing device helps to identify what flavors of beverage are selling best and allow a manufacturing facility to streamline what is manufactured to avoid excessive warehousing of inventory.
20. The beverage dispensing device of claim 19 , wherein the beverage dispensing device allows a supplier to target a user with special offerings.
21. The beverage dispensing device of claim 15 , wherein the beverage dispensing device communicates with a specific program for smart phones or other hand-held computing devices to allow the users to see their consumption and receive notifications when they are running low on consumables such as beverage pouches.
22. The beverage dispensing device of claim 21 wherein said beverage dispensing device dispenses juice.
23. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 wherein pressure is applied to a pouch with a press plate located in the beverage dispensing device.
24. The beverage dispensing device of claim 11 further comprising a beverage dispensing pouch having:
a pouch body enclosed in an impermeable seal substantially impermeable to liquids at room temperature, the pouch body having a pouch void and a lower end;
a hanger hole;
a machine-readable identification element suitable to be read by optics or electronics in a beverage dispensing device;
a pressure rupturable seal that seals the lower end, wherein
when pressure is applied to the pouch void, the pressure rupturable seal is ruptured, allowing liquid in the pouch void to flow through the lower end.
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US12017900B2 (en) * | 2014-07-22 | 2024-06-25 | BIBO Barmaid LLC | Cold beverage dispenser and pouch |
US20160376139A1 (en) * | 2014-07-22 | 2016-12-29 | BIBO Barmaid LLC | Cold beverage dispenser and flexible pouch |
US11021360B2 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2021-06-01 | BIBO Barmaid LLC | Cold beverage dispenser and cutter assembly for cold beverage dispenser |
US10470605B2 (en) | 2017-04-21 | 2019-11-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Single-serving beverage machine with high-capacity and compact cooling-carbonation system |
US11891294B2 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2024-02-06 | Be the Change Labs, Inc. | Custom beverage creation device, system, and method |
US10829359B2 (en) | 2018-01-08 | 2020-11-10 | Be the Change Labs, Inc. | Custom beverage creation device, system, and method |
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US11634314B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-04-25 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Dosing accuracy |
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US11738988B1 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2023-08-29 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient container valve control |
US12084334B2 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2024-09-10 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient container |
US12103840B2 (en) | 2022-11-17 | 2024-10-01 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Ingredient container with sealing valve |
US11871867B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-01-16 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with bottom cover |
US11925287B1 (en) | 2023-03-22 | 2024-03-12 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Additive container with inlet tube |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150151956A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
WO2016131065A1 (en) | 2016-08-18 |
US9783403B2 (en) | 2017-10-10 |
EP2782485A2 (en) | 2014-10-01 |
EP2782485B1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
WO2013036564A3 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
EP2782485A4 (en) | 2016-01-20 |
WO2013036564A2 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
US9701527B2 (en) | 2017-07-11 |
CN103841862A (en) | 2014-06-04 |
CN103841862B (en) | 2017-10-20 |
US20160376140A1 (en) | 2016-12-29 |
US20150183627A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
US9809437B2 (en) | 2017-11-07 |
US20130062366A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
US8985395B2 (en) | 2015-03-24 |
US10513424B2 (en) | 2019-12-24 |
US20150217986A1 (en) | 2015-08-06 |
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