WO2022013674A1

WO2022013674A1 - System for dispensing instantly prepared supplements

Info

Publication number: WO2022013674A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055978
Authority: WO
Inventors: Óscar RUÍZ LOERA
Original assignee: Ruiz Loera Oscar
Priority date: 2020-07-13
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2022-01-20
Also published as: MX2020007090A

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for dispensing instantly prepared supplements in the form of milkshakes or smoothies, which, in addition to having automatic washing, allows easy and user-friendly interaction. An aspect of the invention concerns a system for dispensing instantly prepared supplements, which comprises: (i) a cup-dispensing module that stores, secures and moves at least one cup to predetermined positions; (ii) a food-dosing module that stores and doses at least one food to each cup of the cup dispenser; (iii) a liquid-dosing module that controls the temperature of at least one liquid and doses each liquid to each cup of the cup-dispensing module; (iv) a mixing module that mixes the content of each cup; (v) a washing module that washes the mixing module after each use and discards the waste generated; (vi) a control module for measuring predetermined variables, for receiving, storing, processing and transmitting data for controlling and operating the beverage-dispensing system, and for determining the predetermined positions of each cup of the cup-dispensing module, wherein the positions coincide with the storage module to receive the raw material dosed by the storage module, with the temperature module to receive the base liquid or with the mixing module to secure each cup during mixing; (vii) power means that supply the power necessary to operate the dispensing system the power necessary for the functions of the modules of the dispensing system; and (viii) a case that covers the modules and supports the dispensing system.

Description

INSTANTLY PREPARED SUPPLEMENT DISPENSER SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to machines for the food industry and food supplements, such as smoothies, and more particularly is related to a dispensing system for instantly prepared supplements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food supplements are products that include various ingredients which are commonly found in the form of a drink, which are ingested by people who are looking for an alternative food source to acquire specific nutrients, or by people who seek to exercise constantly and who are looking for an increase in muscle mass, better recovery after exercise, decrease body fat or simply increase your caloric intake.

One of the main problems with this type of product is that it is very expensive, even more so in view of the fact that the consumer needs to buy the full container, and their points of sale need to pay salaries and rent, where said expenses are added to the price of the product. product. Another problem is that these products have to be prepared at the time of consumption, adding some liquid and beating until the supplement dissolves correctly, so when finishing an exercise routine in a gym or sports center it is necessary to go home or point sale of these products for consumption. Another additional problem is their accessibility, either because they are only sold in specialized stores or in large supermarkets, finally, as we mentioned before, the consumer has to buy the entire container, having to settle for a single flavor and brand until the purchased container is finished.

Currently there are beverage dispensing machines, such as carbonated drinks, or foods that do not require prior mixing, but rather their components are only mixed before being served to the user. However, said dispensing machines available on the market are not equipped to dispense beverages or foods that require a prior shake to properly dissolve their components, as is the case with food supplement beverages.

For example, document US10239742B2 describes a food or beverage product dispensing system, where the product falls onto rotating cups, which are exposed outside the machine. For the movement of the vessels they use a system of magnetism. For its part, document US9994340B2 describes a system with 4 stations: placement of cups; ice placement; beverage dispensing; and capping, by means of a linear rotation system in stages, it also has a printing system for the cups. However, both systems are not suitable for the preparation of food supplement drinks instantly, since they do not churn or clean automatically, but only dispense finished or prepared drinks, or that only require a simple mixture of components, but not milkshake. As a consequence of the foregoing, it has been sought to eliminate the drawbacks presented by the currently used beverage dispensing machines, developing a system for dispensing supplements prepared instantly prepared supplements that, in addition to dispensing beverages with food supplements prepared instantly in an automated manner and conveniently, allow for automated washing.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Taking into account the shortcomings of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system for instantly prepared supplements, in the form of smoothies or shakes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for instant prepared supplements with automated washing.

Another additional object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for instantly prepared supplements through an easy and friendly interaction with the user.

These and other objects are achieved through a dispensing system of supplements prepared instantly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

For this, a dispensing system for supplements prepared instantly, in the form of smoothies or shakes, has been invented, which in addition to having an automated wash, also allows easy and friendly interaction with the user.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention is an instantly prepared supplement dispensing system comprising: i) a cup dispensing module that stores, fixes and moves at least one cup to predetermined positions; ii) a food dosing module that stores and doses at least one food to each cup of the cup dispenser; iii) a liquid dosing module that controls the temperature of at least one liquid and doses each liquid to each cup of the cup dispensing module; iv) a mixing module that mixes the content of each glass; v) a washing module that washes the beating module after each use and discards the waste generated; vi) a control module to measure predetermined variables, and to receive, store, process and send data for the control and operation of the beverage dispensing system, as well as determining the predetermined positions of each glass of the glass dispensing module, where said positions coincide with the storage module to receive the raw material dosed by said storage module, with the temperature module to receive the base liquid or with the beating module to fix each glass while the beating is being carried out; vii) power means that provide the energy necessary for the operation of the dispensing system, as well as the energy necessary for the functions of the modules of the dispensing system; and viii) a casing that covers the previous modules and supports the dispensing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel aspects that are considered characteristic of the present invention will be set forth with particularity in the appended claims. However, some embodiments, features, and some objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the detailed description, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded left perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the instant supplement dispensing system (1000) of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the instant supplement dispensing system (1000) of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of the cup holder (1110) of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a front view of one of the food containers 1210 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a front view of the mixer (1410) of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A dispensing system for supplements prepared instantly in the form of smoothies or shakes has been invented, which in addition to having an automated wash, also allows easy and friendly interaction with the user.

To this end, one aspect of the present invention is a dispensing system for instantly prepared supplements comprising: i) a cup dispensing module that stores, fixes and moves at least one cup to predetermined positions; ii) a food dosing module that stores and doses at least one food to each cup of the cup dispenser; iii) a liquid dosing module that controls the temperature of at least one liquid and doses each liquid to each cup of the cup dispensing module; iv) a mixing module that mixes the content of each glass; v) a washing module that washes the beating module after each use and discards the waste generated; vi) a control module to measure predetermined variables, and to receive, store, process and send data for the control and operation of the beverage dispensing system, as well as determining the predetermined positions of each glass of the glass dispensing module, where said positions coincide with the storage module to receive the raw material dosed by said storage module, with the temperature module to receive the base liquid or with the beating module to fix each glass while beating; vii) power means that provide the energy necessary for the operation of the dispensing system, as well as the energy necessary for the functions of the modules of the dispensing system; and viii) a casing that covers the previous modules and supports the dispensing system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the prepared supplements are selected from food supplement drinks and/or shakes, and even more preferably they are they select from supplement drinks of protein, amino acids, creatine, caffeine, oxides, or a mixture thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cup dispensing module comprises a cup holder; a cup support movable by a band that supports, fixes and moves each cup to predetermined positions; and cup movement means that allow each cup to be expelled from the cup holder to fall into the movable cup holder, in addition to providing the necessary movement for the cup holder to reach predetermined positions.

Regarding the cup support, it is preferably made of a stainless and non-stick material.

Regarding the movement means, these preferably comprise a horizontal conveyor belt, which allows the horizontal movement of the cup holder to reach the predetermined positions; and a stepper motor that provides movement to the horizontal conveyor belt.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food dispensing module preferably comprises at least one food container that stores each food; and at least one food motor that allows the dosing of each food contained in each container to each cup.

Likewise, the food dispensing module preferably comprises more than two food containers.

Regarding each container, these are preferably composed of metal, polymer or a mixture thereof.

As for the food, it is selected from powders, syrups, tablets or food supplement concentrates, and more preferably it is selected from protein powder, amino acids, creatine, caffeine, oxides or a mixture thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mixing module comprises a mixer that mixes the content of each glass; and means of transport that allow the transport of the mixer.

In relation to the transport means, these preferably comprise a vertical conveyor belt, which allows the mixer to be transported vertically to introduce it into each glass that is in the predetermined position coinciding with said beating module to start beating the content of each glass.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid metering module comprises at least one liquid container that stores each liquid; supply means that are connected to an external liquid supply to the dosing system to receive liquid that will be stored in each container; a cooler that lowers the temperature of each stored liquid; and a dosing valve in each liquid container that allows dosing of the liquid stored inside each cup placed in a position coinciding with said liquid dosing module. Likewise, the liquid metering module preferably contains a liquid container and more preferably the stored liquid is water.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid stored in the liquid metering module is water.

For its part, the dispensing in the cup and food dispenser modules is preferably carried out by means of a rotational mechanism in each of said modules.

As for the dispensing of water, this is preferably done by means of a hose.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing module comprises a washing chamber where the mixer is inserted; a drain through which waste generated after each wash is discarded; a washing container that stores a washing agent, wherein the washing is performed by incorporating water from the liquid dispensing module and the washing agent into the washing chamber and driving the mixer inside said chamber.

In this sense, the washing chamber is preferably a vessel with an open bottom, through which it communicates with the drain.

For its part, the drain is preferably connected to a water outlet.

Likewise, the washing agent is any substance that has antimicrobial capacity, preferably it is a soap or detergent.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control module is wirelessly connected to an external electronic device to receive information from a user, and more preferably the electronic device is an intelligent telephone, also known as a "smartphone". Through said external electronic device, the user can select and make purchases of the available beverages and allows the user to give the instruction of the beverage to be dispensed to the dispensing system.

Additionally, the control module preferably comprises a central processor configured to perform the operations necessary for the operation of the dispensing system; an electronic reader that communicates with the external electronic device to receive the user's order, as well as the electronic payment information and send the information to the central processor, so that said processor initiates the process and moves the cup holder to the predetermined positions required to prepare the drink requested by the user instantly; sensors that detect that there are cups in the cup dispensing module, food in the food dispensing module and liquid in the liquid dispensing module to send the signal to the central processor so that it can give the order to start or not each of the stages.

In this sense, the steps for the preparation of a drink are to move the cup support under the cup dispenser module; eject a cup to be fixed by the cup holder; move the cup holder under the food dispensing module; dose the food chosen by the user to the fixed cup; move the cup holder under the liquid dispensing module; dispense the user-selected liquid; move the cup support under the blender module; lower the blender into the glass and blend according to the requirements of the drink selected by the user; raise the mixer; moving the cup support to a position of easy access for the user so that said user takes the cup with the drink inside; return the cup support to its initial position; dispense water to wash cup; lower the mixer into the washing glass and beat; raise the mixer to its starting position; and dispose of washing residue down the drain.

Now, the central processor is preferably a microcontroller.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shell is made of polymer, metal, or a combination of both.

Lastly, the power means preferably comprises a rechargeable battery or an electrical outlet.

One of the advantages of the dispensing system is that it is an automated system, so no rent or salary costs are added, in this way the customer can obtain the same quality product, at a lower price and without having to buy all the supplement container; in other words, the customer doses his purchase shot by shot.

Another advantage of the present invention is its easy accessibility, both its electronic payment method, and the availability and dosage of the drink in gyms or sports areas, as well as the variety of drinks available, since the dispensing system has a variety of Available flavors and different brands for each product.

Another advantage of the dispensing system is that it is programmed so that depending on the drink selected by the user, its preparation is optimal; dosing the cold water, the food and the shake time of the drink, each preparation is the ideal one to obtain the desired drink and without lumps based on parameters determined and previously fed to the control module.

Additionally, the system is more efficient in the following aspects: it does not use the movement of vessels through magnetism, but a more sophisticated system of orders through a server, and sensors that detect that each ordered action is fulfilled or restarted if there is an error (the cup does not fall into the cup holder), the cups are inside the machine for reasons of hygiene and restricted access to authorized personnel to handle the invention, production costs and maintenance of these in a professional manner . The dispensing of the beverage is also programmed with a duration of microseconds to obtain the optimal combination of each mixture of water with the selected food, and at the same time the selected beverage is the exact amount of one shot, since this varies between brands and kind of product. The shake is programmed with a duration of microseconds, so that each drink has the optimal shake duration and the shake is smooth, the shake is not only static, but also moves vertically during the shake to speed up the process. Finally, it is designed in a user-friendly way so that the user removes the drink once it is complete.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an exploded left perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the instant beverage dispensing system. 1000 of the present invention and a front perspective exploded view of the instant beverage dispensing system 1000 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, respectively. As can be seen in said figures, the casing (1800) covers and supports the modules of the dispensing system (1000), where the cup dispensing module (1100) stores a set of cups vertically. One by one the cups are ejected to a cup holder (1110) located below the cup dispensing module (1100) and moved by the horizontal conveyor (1120). Also shown is the food dispensing module (1200), which comprises 12 food containers (1210), to one side is the liquid dispensing module (1300), which comprises 2 liquid containers (1310), and to its side is the beating module (1400). The shaker module (1400) lowers the shaker (1410), by means of the vertical conveyor belt (1410), to place it inside the glass and shake its content, preparing the drink instantly. For its part, the washing module (1500) It is located below the mixer module (1400) to wash the mixer (1410). Lastly, control module 1600 is shown on top of dispensing system 1000 and power means 1700 assembled within housing surface 1800 .

Referring now to Figure 3, therein is shown a front view of the cup holder 1110 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. As can be seen in said figure, the cup holder 1110 comprises a ring ( lili) to be able to transport a glass inside said ring (lili) towards the different predetermined positions, as well as to fix said glass at the moment of the beating process. Figure 4 shows a front view of one of the food containers (1210) of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. As can be seen in said figure, the food container (1210) has an essentially rectangular prism shape. with a slightly narrower lower base face (1211) to improve the dosage of food and an empty upper base face (1212) to be able to pour the food to be contained through the valve (1213).

Figure 5 shows a front view of the mixer (1410) of the embodiment shown in figure 1. As can be seen in said figure, the mixer has a blade (1411) narrow enough to be inserted inside each glass.

In accordance with the above, it can be seen that the instantly prepared supplement dispensing system has been designed to facilitate access to food supplement drinks, making it more convenient for both the user and the owner of the establishment where the system will be installed. supplement dispensing system, and it will be evident to any person skilled in the art that the modalities of the instantly prepared supplement dispensing system as described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are only illustrative and not limiting of the present invention, since that numerous considerable changes in its details are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it is possible to use various types of materials and sizes, or alter the order of preparation, among others.

Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as restricted except as required by the prior art and by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A dispensing system for instantly prepared supplements characterized in that it comprises: i) a cup dispensing module that stores, fixes and moves at least one cup to predetermined positions; ii) a food dosing module that stores and doses at least one food to each cup of the cup dispenser; iii) a liquid dosing module that controls the temperature of at least one liquid and doses each liquid to each cup of the cup dispensing module; iv) a mixing module that mixes the content of each glass; v) a washing module that washes the beating module after each use and discards the waste generated; vi) a control module to measure predetermined variables, and to receive, store, process and send data for the control and operation of the beverage dispensing system, as well as determining the predetermined positions of each glass of the glass dispensing module, where said positions coincide with the storage module to receive the raw material dosed by said storage module, with the temperature module to receive the base liquid or with the beating module to fix each glass while beating; vii) power means that provide the energy necessary for the operation of the dispensing system, as well as the energy necessary for the functions of the modules of the dispensing system; and viii) a casing that covers the previous modules and supports the dispensing system.

2. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the prepared supplements are selected from food supplement drinks and/or shakes, and even more preferably they are selected from protein, amino acid, creatine supplement drinks, caffeine, oxides or a mixture thereof.

3. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the cup dispenser module comprises a cup container; a movable cup support that supports, fixes and moves each cup to predetermined positions; and cup movement means that allow each cup to be expelled from the cup holder to fall into the movable cup holder, in addition to providing the necessary movement for the cup holder to reach predetermined positions.

4. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the movement means comprise a horizontal conveyor belt, which allows the horizontal movement of the cup holder to reach the predetermined positions; and a stepper motor that provides movement to the horizontal conveyor belt.

5. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the food dispensing module comprises at least one food container that stores each food; and at least one food dispensing motor that allows the dosing of each food contained in each container to each cup.

6. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 5, further characterized in that the food dispensing module comprises more than two food containers.

7. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the food is selected from powders, syrups, tablets or food supplement concentrates.

8. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 7, further characterized in that the food is selected from protein powder, amino acids, creatine, caffeine, oxides or a mixture thereof.

9. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the beating module comprises a blender that beats the contents of each glass; and means of transport that allow the transport of the mixer.

10. The supplement dispensing system in accordance with claim 9, further characterized in that the transport means comprise a vertical conveyor belt, which allows the vertical transport of the mixer to insert it into each glass that is in the predetermined position coinciding with said beating module to start beating the contents of each glass.

11. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the liquid dosing module comprises at least one liquid container that stores each liquid; supply means that are connected to an external liquid supply to the dosing system to receive liquid that will be stored in each container; a cooler that lowers the temperature of each stored liquid; and a dosing valve in each liquid container that allows dosing of the liquid stored inside each cup placed in a position coinciding with said liquid dosing module.

12. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the liquid dosing module contains a liquid container.

13. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 12, further characterized in that the stored liquid is water.

14. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the liquid stored in the liquid dosing module is water.

15. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dispensing in the cup and food dispenser modules is carried out by means of a rotational mechanism in each of said modules, and the water dispensing is carried out by means of a hose.

16. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the washing module comprises a washing chamber where the mixer is inserted; a drain through which waste generated after each wash is discarded; a washing container that stores a washing agent, wherein the washing is performed by incorporating water from the liquid dispensing module and the washing agent inside the washing chamber and driving the mixer inside said chamber.

17. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 16, further characterized in that the washing chamber is a glass with an open bottom, through which it communicates with the drain.

18. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 16, further characterized in that the drain is connected to a water outlet.

19. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 16, further characterized in that the washing agent is a soap or detergent.

20. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control module connects wirelessly with an external electronic device to receive information from a user.

21. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 20, further characterized in that the electronic device is a smartphone.

22. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the control module comprises a central processor configured to perform the operations necessary for the operation of the dispensing system; an electronic reader that communicates with the external electronic device to receive the user's order, as well as the electronic payment information and send the information to the central processor, so that said processor initiates the process and moves the cup holder to the predetermined positions required to prepare the drink requested by the user instantly; sensors that detect that there are cups in the cup dispensing module, food in the food dispensing module and liquid in the liquid dispensing module to send the signal to the central processor so that it can give the order to start or not each of the stages.

23. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 22, further characterized in that the central processor is preferably a microcontroller.

24. The supplement dispensing system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the power means comprise a rechargeable battery or an electrical outlet.