US3584764A - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved float valve for dispensing syrup at a constant head and hence at a constant rate of flow to a soda fountain mixing valve in which the syrup is to be mixed with carbonated water.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Vance V. Elklns Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

[2] 1 Appl. No. 807,735

[22] Filed Mar. 17, 1969 [45] Patented June 15, 1971 [73] Assignee The G 8: W Manufacturing Company Conshohocken, Pa.

[54] BEVERAGE DISPENSER 9Claims,6DnwingFigs.

[52] 03. CL 222/67, 137/433,277/165 [51] Int. Cl. B67d 5/08 [50] Field ofSear-ch 222/67, 129.1,129.3, 56; 137/430, 431, 433; 277/165,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,673,005 3/ 1954 Brown 222/67 X 2,733,567 2/1956 Zellweger.... 277/205 X 2,904,062 9/1959 Techler 137/433 2,991,514 7/1961 Cotchett 277/205 X 3,078,013 2/1963 Forbes, Jr. 222/67 3,144,963 8/1964 Savage 222/67 X Primary Examiner-Evon C, B1unk Assistant Examiner-1'1. S. Lane Attorney-Lawrence 1. Field ABSTRACT: An improved float valve for dispensing syrup at a constant head and hence at a constant rate of flow to a soda fountain mixing valve in which the syrup is to be mixed with carbonated water.

PATENTEU JUN] 5 I971 SHEET 1 [IF 2 FIG. 2.

I N VENTOR ATTORNEY PATENTEDJUNISIBYI I 3584.764

sum 2 OF 2 IIIIII'IIII'IIIJ INVENTOR Vance \[Elkins 1/ ATTORNEY BEVERAGE DISPENSER This invention relates to an improvement in soda fountain merchandising dispensers for dispensing mixed drinks consisting of flavored syrup and carbonated water mixed and dispensed as a single stream in an appropriate and specific predetermined ratio of syrup to carbonated water into a drink ing cup or glass. The specific ratio of the two beverage components is obtained by providing means for insuring a controlled constant rate of flow of each of the two components into a device which mixes and discharges them as a single stream.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an improvement in a float controlled valve which provides for dispensing the syrup by gravity flow under a constant head or pressure and which achieves the desired constant rate of flow of the syrup component of the beverage.

Prior art dispensers into which the present invention may be incorporated are illustrated by the description in U.S. Pat. 2,673,005 issued Mar. 23, I954, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is to be understood that the present invention is equally applicable to other beverage dispensers in which it is necessary to obtain a gravity discharge of syrup at a constant rate from a syrup reservoir in which the pressure head would normally diminish as the level of syrup in the reservoir diminishes and that will operate equally as well under field conditions and variables as it will under best laboratory setups.

The invention will be more readily apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspectiveshowing the float valve of the present invention installed in a fountain dispenser;

FIG. 2 is a view partly in section of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view ofa portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2, seen from above;

FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2, seen from below;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken along plane 5-5 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section taken along plane 66 of FIG. 3.

In broken lines in the schematic view in perspective of FIG. 1, there is shown an elongated dispenser box 10 of the type shown in the above noted U.S. Patent and ofa size and shape suitable for mounting on a soda fountain counter or jug rail. It has two sidewalls, two end walls and a bottom, all insulated, leaving an open top on which rests a removable lid or cover. The box interior volume accommodates a removable syrup container 14 shaped to fit into one end of the box. Extending from the syrup container bottom 22, which is substantially flat and horizontal, is a downwardly projecting spout 26 which permits gravity discharge of the syrup from the lower part of the syrup container. The remainder of the box interior volume is usually filled with crushed or cubed ice which will chill the syrup. The dispenser box bottom is provided with two vertical tubes, one of which is a drain tube 18 which is flush with the box bottom interior and forms a port for the purpose of draining off melted ice water, and the other of which is a syrup tube 16 which projects upward a short distance above the box bottom interior so that ice-melt water is prevented from entering into it. This second vertical tube forms a second port and its location in the box bottom is such as to permit it to receive a syrup container spout 26 which is of size to fit freely down inside it. A faucet unit 72, mounted underneath the box bottom, also has an upwardly projecting tube (not shown) which fits up into the syrup tube and connects to and seals with the syrup container spout extending downward within the syrup tube. This connection is achieved by a sliding telescopic fit of the upwardly projecting faucet tube (not shown) within the downwardly projecting syrup container spout and the seal between the two is achieved by means of a rubber O-ring (not shown) mounted in a groove on the faucet tube. Thus syrup is conducted by gravity from the bottom of the syrup container and through the spout and into the faucet mounted on the box bottom exterior. In the bottom of the syrup container 14 is the improved removable float valve mechanism for the present invention, provided for maintaining constant syrup pressure head on the syrup as it enters the faucet. By means hereinafter described, the rate of flow of syrup through the faucet will be constant regardless of the height of syrup in the syrup container whenever the faucet isoperated, until the syrup container is emptied of syrup down to a level which corresponds with the height in the syrup jug at which the syrup enters and flows through the opening 50 of the float valve mechanism.

As best seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the syrup container 14 comprises upwardly and outwardly sloping sidewalls 20 which merge smoothly into a syrup container bottom 22 which is essentially flat and horizontal. Located at a side of the syrup container bottom, nearest to the dispenser box end wall, is the downwardly extending spout 26 and discharge port 24. This spout fits into and is freely received by the syrup tube 16 heretofore mentioned in the description of FIG. 1.

The syrup container 14 is preferably formed of synthetic resinous material which is resistant to any chemical attack by the constituents normally present in carbonated beverages so that the container does not contaminate the syrup or impart off-flavors thereto. The lower portion of the syrup container preferably has a horizontal cross section which is substantially round. The upper portion of the syrup container may be of any shape that will conform to the box interior and will be manufactured by currently available techniques.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken through the lower center of the syrup container 14 and including spout 26 and also through the center of a float mechanism which is in its normal position at the bottom of the syrup container. It shows the float enclosed within the space defined by the syrup container bottom and a horizontal disc or roof supported above the syrup container bottom by means of legs 34 which are integral with the disc, and which serve as a cage to confine float 52 while permitting limited vertical and horizontal movement of the float, as well as any practical degree. of tilt from perpendicular.

Supported on the interior bottom surface of the base 22 of the syrup container is the improved float valve mechanism of the present invention. This mechanism consists of two principal parts: the float 80 and cage 30, both also preferably made of inert synthetic resin. Cage 30 comprises a generally round horizontal disc or roof member 32 with a downwardly extending skirt 33 from which a suitable number oflegs 34 extend downwardly so as to rest on base 22 and support the disc at a definite distance above base 22. In FIG. 4, four legs 34 are shown, but it will be understood that any number of legs may be utilized to afford a stable footing to support roof 32.

As best seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the skirt 33 is provided with a peripheral groove 40 which is adapted to receive a washer 42 which is originally in the form of an annular disc inexpensively diecut or molded from a preferably relatively stiff sheet of inert rubber. The inner diameter of washer 42 is somewhat smaller (roughly 10 percent) than the diameter of the circle defined by the inside surface of the peripheral groove 40. Thus, the rubber washer will of necessity be in a stretched condition when it is in its normal position in the peripheral groove and one corner 44 will be firmly held against the inside surface of groove 40 creating a seal all the way around the groove past which liquids cannot pass. The washer tends to take on the shape of a conical section when it is in its stretched position in the peripheral groove and lies against a corresponding conical configuration 46 which forms the upper side of the peripheral groove 40 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. When washer 42 is in its normal position in the peripheral groove, its outer diameter is somewhat greater than the inner diameter of the round horizontal cross section of the syrup container at the point which is opposite the outer extremity of the washer. The washer is of sufficient thickness and stiffness so that its outer extremity exerts mechanical force against the wall of the syrup container and creates a seal past which liquid will notpass. Thus, the space at the bottom of the syrup container below the cage-roof 32 and its washer is hermetically sealed off from the syrup reservoir in the upper part of the syrup container above the cage-roof 32 and washer 42, except for the cage-disc opening 50 mentioned below.

At one side of the disc there is, extending in an upward direction, a boss 38 ported through the disc which is adapted to receive a vent tube 48, the upper end of which communicates with the atmosphere causing any liquid in the bottom of the syrup container below cage-roof 32 and washer 42 to be subjected to atmospheric pressure at all times. This vent tube can also be used as a handle" by use of which the entire cagefloat mechanism can be lifted and removed from the syrup container 14 for cleaning and servicing.

The float valve includes a horizontally round float member 52 which is of sufficient diameter to be contained within the space below the cage roof and between the cage legs and will thus be free to move up and down even with some tilt to the cage roof and float. lts top surface slopes downward from the center outward so that syrup or liquid will quickly drain off to the sides. Float 52 comprises a hollow body portion from which there extends a centrally located upwardly pointing boss 54 which reduces to a smaller diameter post 56. Post 56 is of a diameter smaller than an opening 50 located at the center of the cage disc. Post 56 can protrude upward and through opening 50. Near the upper end of post 56, a transverse bore 62 is formed through the post designed to receive a removable pin 66 which insures that float 52 cannot fall out of the cage when the float-cage mechanism is removed from the syrup container for cleaning, etc.

A flat shoulder 58 extending inwardly toward post 56 is adapted to receive a rubber O-ring 60 which is of a diameter so as to be stretched slightly when seated around post 56 and thereby creating a seal with post 56. On the underside of the cage roof 32, opening 50 is of a spherical configuration and size, as shown in FIG. 6, so that O-ring 60 will fit up into and seal against the sides of opening 50 when the float rises to its raised position. It is to be noted that O-ring 60 will fit against and seal with the sides of opening 50 even when the float and its boss are tilted from a true vertical because of the spherical configuration of the sides of opening 50.

From the above description, it is believed that the operation of the float valve will be readily apparent. Syrup, which has flowed downward through the opening 50 and around post 56 which protrudes upward through opening 50, collects in the bottom of the syrup container causing the float to move upward so that boss 54, with its O-ring 60, fits up into and seals against the spherical configuration of opening 50 bringing syrup flow down through opening 50 to a halt when the syrup has reached a specific, definite, and consistent height within the chamber defined by the syrup container and the cage roof with its washer. This syrup which collects in this chamber having constant height and having constant exposure to atmospheric pressure by means of the vent tube will thus have a constant head of pressure until syrup in reservoir above cageroof 32 runs empty.

When handle 70 is actuated, a faucet valve 72 is moved so as to open a port connecting passage 24 at the lowermost end of the syrup chamber with an outlet 74 through which a mixture of syrup and carbonated water is to be dispensed. As a result, syrup begins to flow from the chamber defined by the cage-disc 32 and the bottom portion of the syrup container sealed by means of washer 42. This causes float 52 to sink a little with the result that the seal between O-ring 60 and cageroof opening 50 is broken. Syrup then flows into the cage chamber and maintains the height of syrup within the chamber substantially constant. This, of course, also has the effect of maintaining the desired constant syrup pressure head assuring a constant rate of syrup flow into faucet 72 when handle 70 is actuated.

The above description effects for the first time positive seals of the float chamber to a predetermined level when dispenser is not being operated. All other previous construction allows the float chamber and vent tube to fill to the level of the syrup in its container, because manufacturing tolerances are such that true concentricity, flatness and level are not achieved on production runs and installations.

I claim:

1. ln a fountain dispenser for intermittently or continuously dispensing syrup comprising:

a syrup container molded with a flat bottom portion, said bottom having a discharge port for discharging the contents of said container when a faucet connected to said port is opened;

a float cage within said container and resting on the bottom of said container, said float cage including a roof portion and an annular skirt depending from said roof and legs supporting said roof a fixed distance from the bottom of said container, there being a passage extending through said roof portion of said cage;

a float within said cage, said float including a buoyant body portion defined by a bottom wall, a cover and sidewalls connecting the bottom to the cover, and a post extending upwardly from the central axis of said cover of said float and passing through the passage in said roof;

an O-ring secured to said post, the opening in said roof being a concave hemispherical shape so that said O-ring will effect a seal even when said float is in its raised position, even when said roof is not level;

a port in the roof of said cage and a venting tube extending upwardly from said port and exposed to the atmosphere at its upper end;

said skirt having a groove formed in its periphery closely adjacent to said roof; and

a normally flat annular washer in said groove, dimensioned to conically flex into contact with said chamber and hermetically seal the space between the cage and the inner wall of said container and to thereby define a float chamber at the bottom of said container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the groove has a recessed vertical portion and an upwardly inclined face extending toward said roof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the washer is under stretch stress.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover of the float slopes outwardly and downwardly to achieve rapid drainage of liquid lying on top of said float.

5. In a device such as a fountain beverage dispenser, where a liquid component is to be dispensed from a container through a spout by means of gravity flow and where it is desirable or necessary to maintain a substantially constant rate of discharge of the liquid through the spout which comprises:

a container for liquid formed with a flat bottom portion and a lower section formed by sidewalls extending upwardly from said bottom, said sidewalls having a horizontal cross section which is round, and said sidewalls restricted to defining a cylinder or a section of a cone sloping upwardly and outwardly from said bottom, and an upper section which may be of any shape and size but with no internal part of it projecting inwardly of any vertical line which may extend upward from any part of the said sidewalls which form the said lower section of said container, said bottom having a discharge port for discharging the liquid contents of said container when a faucet connected to said port is opened;

a float cage within said container including a substantially flat and horizontal roof portion with a surrounding skirt depending from said roof, said skirt sloping downwardly and inwardly from a plane at or above the plane of the upper surface of said roof to a plain below the lower surface of said roof, said skirt having a recessed groove around its exterior with its open side facing outwardly, the plane of said groove being slightly below the plane of said cage roof, legs descending from said cage roof near or from said skirt, said legs supporting said roof at a fixed distance above said bottom of said container, there being an opening through said cage roof which is located in said cage roof, there also being a port in said cage roof and a venting tube which communicates with and extends upwardly from said port and is exposed to the atmosphere at its upper end above the liquid in the said container;

a float within said cage being positioned below said cage roof and between said cage legs, said float including a buoyant body portion defined by a bottom wall, a cover and sidewalls connecting the bottom to the cover and a post extending upwardly from the central axis of said cover of said float and passing through the said opening in said cage roof, said float being limited to vertical motion between said bottom of said container for liquid and said cage roof, and to horizontal movement between said cage legs, even if dispenser and cage roof lacks a few degrees of being level;

an O-ring or quad ring secured around said float post in a stretched condition, the said opening in said cage roof being of size and shape to be completely sealed by said O- ring mounted onsaid float post when said float is in its highest vertical position; and

an originally flat annular washer positioned in said groove in said skirt and conically flexed into contact with said container sidewalls, which seals the space between the said skirt depending from said cage roof and the inner wall surface of said lower section of said container and to thereby define a float chamber at the bottom of said container.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the opening in the cage roof is of a smaller diameter on the upper side of the cage roof than on the underside of same and the inside surface of the cage roof opening is of a configuration which defines a section of a sphere against the surface of which the Oring mounted on the float post will seal when the float is in its maximum raised position.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the post is provided with a horizontal bore extending transversely through the post, said bore adapted to receive a pin extending through said post.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the groove in the cage skirt has a recessed vertical portion and an upwardly and outwardly inclined upper side.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the washer is under stretch stress.

Claims (9)

1. In a fountain dispenser for intermittently or continuously dispensing syrup comprising: a syrup container molded with a flat bottom portion, said bottom having a discharge port for discharging the contents of said container when a faucet connected to said port is opened; a float cage within said container and resting on the bottom of said container, said float cage including a roof portion and an annular skirt depending from said roof and legs supporting said roof a fixed distance from the bottom of said container, there being a passage extending through said roof portion of said cage; a float within said cage, said float including a buoyant body portion defined by a bottom wall, a cover and sidewalls connecting the bottom to the cover, and a post extending upwardly from the central axis of said cover of said float and passing through the passage in said roof; an O-ring secured to said post, the opening in said roof being a concave hemispherical shape so that said O-ring will effect a seal even when said float is in its raised position, even when said roof is not level; a port in the roof of said cage and a venting tube extending upwardly from said port and exposed to the atmosphere at its upper end; said skirt having a groove formed in its periphery closely adjacent to said roof; and a normally flat annular washer in said groove, dimensioned to conically flex into contact with said chamber and hermetically seal the space between the cage and the inner wall of said container and to thereby define a float chamber at the bottom of said container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the groove has a recessed vertical portion and an upwardly inclined face extending toward said roof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the washer is under stretch stress.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover of the float slopes outwardly and downwardly to achieve rapid drainage of liquid lying on top of said float.

5. In a device such as a fountain beverage dispenser, where a liquid component is to be dispensed from a container through a spout by means of gravity flow and Where it is desirable or necessary to maintain a substantially constant rate of discharge of the liquid through the spout which comprises: a container for liquid formed with a flat bottom portion and a lower section formed by sidewalls extending upwardly from said bottom, said sidewalls having a horizontal cross section which is round, and said sidewalls restricted to defining a cylinder or a section of a cone sloping upwardly and outwardly from said bottom, and an upper section which may be of any shape and size but with no internal part of it projecting inwardly of any vertical line which may extend upward from any part of the said sidewalls which form the said lower section of said container, said bottom having a discharge port for discharging the liquid contents of said container when a faucet connected to said port is opened; a float cage within said container including a substantially flat and horizontal roof portion with a surrounding skirt depending from said roof, said skirt sloping downwardly and inwardly from a plane at or above the plane of the upper surface of said roof to a plain below the lower surface of said roof, said skirt having a recessed groove around its exterior with its open side facing outwardly, the plane of said groove being slightly below the plane of said cage roof, legs descending from said cage roof near or from said skirt, said legs supporting said roof at a fixed distance above said bottom of said container, there being an opening through said cage roof which is located in said cage roof, there also being a port in said cage roof and a venting tube which communicates with and extends upwardly from said port and is exposed to the atmosphere at its upper end above the liquid in the said container; a float within said cage being positioned below said cage roof and between said cage legs, said float including a buoyant body portion defined by a bottom wall, a cover and sidewalls connecting the bottom to the cover and a post extending upwardly from the central axis of said cover of said float and passing through the said opening in said cage roof, said float being limited to vertical motion between said bottom of said container for liquid and said cage roof, and to horizontal movement between said cage legs, even if dispenser and cage roof lacks a few degrees of being level; an O-ring or quad ring secured around said float post in a stretched condition, the said opening in said cage roof being of size and shape to be completely sealed by said O-ring mounted on said float post when said float is in its highest vertical position; and an originally flat annular washer positioned in said groove in said skirt and conically flexed into contact with said container sidewalls, which seals the space between the said skirt depending from said cage roof and the inner wall surface of said lower section of said container and to thereby define a float chamber at the bottom of said container.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the opening in the cage roof is of a smaller diameter on the upper side of the cage roof than on the underside of same and the inside surface of the cage roof opening is of a configuration which defines a section of a sphere against the surface of which the O-ring mounted on the float post will seal when the float is in its maximum raised position.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the post is provided with a horizontal bore extending transversely through the post, said bore adapted to receive a pin extending through said post.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the groove in the cage skirt has a recessed vertical portion and an upwardly and outwardly inclined upper side.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the washer is under stretch stress.

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