WO2006006160A1

WO2006006160A1 - Bottled carbonated beverage dispenser and method

Info

Publication number: WO2006006160A1
Application number: PCT/IL2005/000734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoseph Feldman
Original assignee: E.D. (Easy Dispenser) Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-07-11
Filing date: 2005-07-10
Publication date: 2006-01-19
Also published as: WO2006006160B1; IL162948A0

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing standard carbonated beverage bottles comprising a portable base (12) to which open bottles (18) can be sealingly mounted in up-side-down position by their screw threaded mouth (20) with a vent tube (22) reaching next to the bottom of the bottle. A first, normally closed valve (46-48) communicates the tube (22) to a venting outlet (40a). A second, normally closed valve (30-32) communicates the bottle to a dispensing outlet (31). The first and the second valves are successively opened in a delayed order so as to first relieve the CO2 gas pressure within the bottle (18) and the allow the beverage to pour through the outlet (31) while air is allowed to flow into the bottle through the tube (22).

Description

BOTTLED CARBONATED BEVERAGE DISPENSER AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carbonated beverage dispensers. More specifically the invention concerns a dispenser for standard, "family" sized soft drink bottles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bottled carbonated soft drinks for domestic consumption are served as; js, namely that one opens the bottle, pours the desired quantity into a glass and closes the bottle by the screw-threaded cap, and so-forth until the bottle is exhausted.

This most common routine suffers the drawback that the concentration of the CO₂ gas disolved in the liquid decreases every time the bottle is opened. Moreover, it happens often that the user neglects to tighten the cap back and the gas leaks away under the pressure prevailing in the bottle.

It is well known in the art that the main problem encountered in carbonated beverages (including beer) dispensers is how to avoid over-foaming of the poured drink once relived from the pressurized storage thereof of the atmosphere (glass or cup). This is probably the reason that, to the best knowledge of Applicant, and despite of the above mentioned disadvantages, no equipment has yet been proposed suitable to be used for domestic bottles, but only in connection with industrial installation, e.g. bars and restaurants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the prime object of the present invention to provide a

simple, low cost, apparatus for dispensing carbonated "family" sized bottles that will better preserve the quality of the beverage. It is a further object of the invention that the apparatus be small enough to be stored, with the bottle, in ordinary domestic refrigerators.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of dispensing bottled carbonated beverages comprising the steps of unscrewing the cap of the bottle; providing a dispensing apparatus onto which the bottle is adapted to be screwed in a sealed manner and in an up-side-down position; establishing communication between the space above the level of the beverage

within the bottle and the atmosphere via first, normally closed valve means until the pressure within said space drops below a pre-determined level; establishing communication between the bottle and a beverage discharge outlet via a second, normally closed valve means; and allowing ingress of air into the bottle through the first valve means for as long as beverage discharge is

maintained.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for dispensing standard carbonated beverage bottles comprising a bottle mounting member; a stand member with leg(s) onto which the bottle mounting is releasably mounted; the bottle mounting member comprising a female screw threaded depression into which the screw threaded mouth of the bottle is adapted to be inserted in a sealed manner; a vent tube extending into the bottle a vent passage between the vent tube and the atmosphere; a discharge outlet for the beverage; first valve means for controlling the flow of

CO₂ gas through the passage from the space above the beverage level within the bottle to the atmosphere in one direction and the flow of air into the said space in the opposite direction; and second valve means for controlling the discharge of the beverage through the outlet; and means for opening the first valve means whereby the opening of the second valve means follows in a delayed order. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and additional constructional features and advantages of the invention will become more clearly understood in the light of the ensuing description of three preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein -

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus representing

the characteristic features of the present invention in the stand-by or preparatory position;

Fig. 2 illustrates a first operational stage of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken along line Ill-Ill of Fig. 2 Fig. 4 illustrates the second operational stage of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to a first alternative embodiment of the invention in the preparatory stage;

Fig. 6 illustrates a first operational stage of the apparatus of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 illustrates the second operational stage of the apparatus of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to a second alternative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figs. 1-4, the bottles dispenser generally designated 10 comprises a block-shaped bottle stand member denoted 12, supported by an L- shaped leg 14 so as to leave space for placing a cup 16 which is to be filled by carbonated beverage contained in bottle 18. The bottle 18 is of the standard

"family" size (mostly 1.5 lit.), mounted in an up-side down position as shown.

The bottle 18 is mounted to the stand-member 12 intermediate a bushing or plug shaped member 12a. The plug member 12a serves both as a stopper of the bottle 18 when stored, e.g. in a household refrigerator between consumptions, and as a carrier of the various components which take part in the controlled discharging of the beverage according to the principles of the present invention. Hence, the plug member 12a is releasably seated, by friction, by snap lock, or otherwise, in a suitably shaped depression formed in the stand member 12. The plug member 12a thus comprises, or is associated with: a female screw thread 20 matching the thread of the bottle 18; primary and secondary

valves operators 26 and 40; vent tube 22; and beverage outlet spout 31. Further details of construction and operation will be described below.

The mounting of the bottle 18 to the stand 12 is perfected by unscrewing the standard cap of the bottle 18 (not shown) when the bottle is normally positioned; threading the plug 12a tightly to the bottle with the tube 22 projecting thereinto; turning the assembly up-side down; and placing it on the stand 12.

The vent tube 22 extends within the bottle 18, being of a length such that its end reaches almost to the bottom (now top) of bottle 18. The tube 22 is made of a yieldable material such as plastic or rubber, connected via the nipple 24. The nipple 24 is screw threaded to the operator 26. The operator 26 is in the form of a stepped sleeve which is adapted to move a short distance up and down. The outer step, provided with O-ring 32, constitutes a beverage discharge valve (hereinafter referred to as "the secondary valve"). The inner step 48 serves as valve seat for O-ring 46 ("the primary valve").

The secondary valve functions as the beverage dispensing valve when the operator 26 moves upward within bore 28 to open valve seat portion 30

(Fig. 4) leading to discharge outlet 31. The outlet 31 is normally closed by the

O-ring 32 as seen in Figs. 1 and 2. The upwards (valve opening) movement of the valves operator 26 is delimited by slot 34 into which extends the end of set-screw 36 or by any other stop arrangement.

A primary valve operator is provided, in the form of a rod or stem 40. The operator 40 is also slideable up and down (with certain tolerance) to enable relative movement within the lower, small diameter part of operator 26.

Alternatively, or in addition, one or more elongated cutouts 40a may be formed therearound for enabling flow of CO₂ during the initial pressure release or venting stage, and for replenishing air during the pouring stage, all as will be described below in further detail. Normally, the primary valve closes down by O-ring 46 against valve seat portion 48 (Fig. 1) which is integrally formed with the secondary valve operator

26.

The primary valve 46-48 is pressed downwards by first and second coil springs 42 and 44, the later in fact also acting upwards against the valve operator 26. The primary valve operator 40 is displaceable in the opening, upwards direction by external means such as pivotable lever 50 adapted to be pushed down manually using operator member 52 against the combined forces of the coil springs 42 and 44.

In the position depicted in Fig. 1 , the internal, relatively high pressure prevailing within the bottle (above the level of the carbonated beverage) is equally applied against both the primary and secondary valves. It will be noted that should it be attempted to open only the secondary valve - the liquid would burst through the outlet 31 and be mostly converted into foam. To avoid that, it is necessary to first relieve the pressure by opening (i.e. lifting) the primary, venting, valve through tilting the lever 50 by operator 52. As depicted in Fig. 2, the secondary valve remains closed in-spite of the force of the coil spring 44 having been somewhat increased. The excessive CO₂ pressure becomes vented by flowing through the passages 40a as well as around the rod 40 as denoted by the bold arrows in Fig. 2. Only after most of the pressure has been relieved, the force of the spring 44 will overcome the reduced pressure now applied to the secondary valve and lift the operator 26 so that the beverage can freely flow through the dispending spout 31 - see Fig. 4.

In order not to disturb the smooth and unimpeded discharge of the beverage, due to the formation of sub-pressure at the top (bottom) of the bottle 18, constant supply of air should be admitted to the space above the liquid level for as long as beverage flow is desired. To this end, replenishing air is allowed to freely flow through the passages 40a and upwards through the tube 22 as denoted by the broken-line arrows in Fig. 4. As already mentioned the upwards movement of the operator 26 is limited by the screw 36 and slot 34.

When the flow of the beverage needs to be stopped, the operator member 52 is relieved (by removal of the pushing force of the user's hand). The combined force of both springs 42 and 44 will cause both the primary and secondary valves to close. The flow of the beverage is interrupted and so is the supply of air into the bottle through the vent passages 40a. Pressure will soon build up within the bottle to maintain the quality (gas concentration) of the carbonated beverage until the next consuming cycle is provoked as above described.

According to the alternative embodiment of Figs. 5-7 there is again provided a block-like body 112 supported on legs 114 for placing cup 116. Bottle 118 is threadably receivable at seat 120. Vent tube 122 extends within the bottle. As further seen, the tube 122 connects to conduit or passage 124 leading to valve chamber 126 of valve 128.

The valve 128 (the "primary valve") is shown as being of the solid rubber- block type, namely self-tightened to valve seat 130 by having an integrally formed ring 132 clamped therearound, using insert 134 welded or bonded to the base 112, as shown.

Obviously, other types of normally closed valves, such as of the ball-and- spring type, can be used.

In the example shown, the valve 128 can be opened by tilting a first lever 136 (see Fig. 6), conveniently by pressing button 138. The lever 136 is preferably constantly biased in the closing direction of the valve 128 by a first coil-spring 140.

From the valve seat 130 a passage 142 leads to vent outlet 144.

The bottle seat 120 is communicated to a similar, rubber valve 146 (the "secondary valve") via passage 148 and therefrom to beverage outlet 150.

The secondary valve 146 is operable by tilting a second lever 152.

The coupling of the first lever 136 to the second lever 152 is established intermediate coil-spring 154 compressed therebetween around headed rod 156 as better seen in Fig. 7. The spring 154 is softer then the spring 140. The operation of the apparatusi 10 is analogous to that of the preceding embodiment. As evident from Fig. 6 there is first preformed a venting stage enabled by opening the primary valve 128. Only after most of the CO₂ pressure has been relieved, the increased force applied by the spring 154 and after the pressure drop within the bottle 118 (Fig. 7) will suffice to open the secondary valve 146 for dispensing the beverage therethrough.

According to the modified embodiment shown in Fig. 8 (wherein similar reference numerals have been used) the lever 236 is displaceable by vertically extending rod and push button 238. In all other respects the construction and mode of operation are the equivalent to those of the preceding embodiment. It will thus be appreciated that the invention presents a novel and efficient solution to a problem of preserving the quality of bottled carbonated beverages during intermitted consumptions down to the last drop.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in and by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of dispensing bottled carbonated beverages characterized by the steps of:

unscrewing the cap of the bottle (18); providing a dispensing apparatus (10) onto which the bottle (18) is adapted to be screwed in a sealed manner and in an up-side-down position; establishing communication between the space above the level of the beverage within the bottle (18) and the atmosphere via first, normally closed valve means (46-48) until the pressure within said space drops below a pre-determined level; establishing communication between the bottle (18) and a beverage discharge outlet (31) via a second, normally closed valve means (30-32); and allowing ingress of air into the bottle (18) through the first valve means (46-48) for as long as beverage discharge is maintained.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 further characterized in that the said communication of the space above the level of the beverage within the bottle (18) and the atmosphere is established through a vent tube (22) extending within the bottle (18).

3. The method as claimed in Claim 1 further characterized in that the operation of the first valve is attained by manipulating a pivotable lever (50).

4. The method as claimed in Claim 3 further characterized in that the lever (50) is directly coupled to the first valve (46-48) and indirectly coupled via spring means (44) to the second valve (30-32).

5. The method as claimed in Claim 3 further characterized in that the first valve (46-48), the second valve (30-32), the venting tube (22) and the discharge outlet (31) are installed in a plug member (12a) releasably mounted to a portable stand member (12).

6. The method as claimed in Claim 5 further characterized in that the said stand member (12) is provided with a leg for placing the apparatus

(10) on a table or the like flat surface.

7. An apparatus for dispensing standard carbonated beverage bottles characterized by:

(i) a bottle mounting member (12a);

(11) a stand member (12) with leg(s) (14) onto which the bottle mounting (12a) is releasably mounted;

(iii) the bottle mounting member (12a) comprising: a female screw threaded depression (20) into which the screw threaded mouth of the bottle (18) is adapted to be inserted in a sealed manner; a vent tube (22) extending into the bottle (18); a vent passage (40a) between the vent tube (22) and the atmosphere; a discharge outlet (31) for the beverage; first valve means (46-48) for controlling the flow of CO₂ gas through the passage (40a) from the space above the beverage level within the bottle (18) to the atmosphere in one direction and the flow of air into the said space in the opposite direction; and second valve means (30-32) for controlling the discharge of the beverage through the outlet (31); and

(iv) means (50; 52) for opening the first valve means (46-48) whereby the opening of the second valve means (30-32) follows in a delayed order.

8. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 further characterized by a first valve operator (40) and a second valve operator (26), first spring means (42) being provided for urging the first operator (40) in the closing direction of the first valve and second spring means (44) being provided for urging the second operator (26) in the opening direction of the second

valve.

9. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 further characterized in that the first valve operator (40) is displaceable to open the first valve (46-48) by manually rocking a lever (50), whereby the second valve operator (26) becomes displaced to open the second valve (30-32) by the urge of the second spring (44) after reduction of the CO₂ gas pressure within the bottle (18).

10. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 further characterized in that the second valve operator (26) is comprised of a sleeve having an inner shoulder forming a seat (48) for first valve seal-ring (46), and an other shoulder forming a seat for second valve seal-ring (32).

11. The apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 further characterized in that the first valve operator (40) is in the form of a rod slidable with the second valve operator sleeve (26).