WO2024057346A1

WO2024057346A1 - Adjustable supporting device for beverage dispensing columns

Info

Publication number: WO2024057346A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean Fortune; Sam Jones; Graham Hyde
Original assignee: Celli S.P.A.
Priority date: 2022-09-12
Filing date: 2023-09-11
Publication date: 2024-03-21
Also published as: IT202200018483A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supporting device (D) of a column (C) for dispensing beverages comprising: a base element (1), for supporting said column (C) on a supporting surface (S); a main element (2), for coupling with a tap (R) for dispensing said beverage and with said base element (1); at least one locking device (3, 3', 3") capable of coupling said at least one base element (1) with said at least one main element (2), wherein in said base element (1) and/or in said main element (2) at least three holes (13; 24) are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, and wherein said locking device (3, 3', 3") is capable of inserting into at least two of said three holes (13; 24).

Description

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORTING DEVICE FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING COLUMNS

★ ★★★★

The present invention relates to a supporting device of columns for dispensing beverages, particularly for tapping beer.

Field of the invention

More in detail, the invention relates to a device of the type mentioned, designed and manufactured in particular to support the columns for tapping beer, but which can be used for the dispensing of any beverage, for which dispensing is performed, necessarily, by means of a column.

In the following, the description will be directed to a beer tapping column, but it is well evident how the same should not be considered limited to this specific use. Background art

It is well known that currently tapping columns comprise a supporting device or structure, to which tubes carrying the beer are connected.

These structures rest on a supporting base, such as a table, and provide support to the tubes until they reach a tap from which the beer is tapped.

These structures are then covered with external casings or cover casing that carry signs or advertising messages, such as images, words, trademarks and the like, identifying the beer or beverage that passes within the column of the dispenser.

When it is necessary to modify the advertising message, or it is necessary to modify the external structure of the tapping column, such as the height, it is necessary to remove all the external casing.

Therefore, it has become widespread the use of tapping columns comprising modular structures that make it possible to carry out different adjustments.

These known modular structure comprise several modules, which can slide telescopically with each other and provided with coupling holes for coupling between the modules, so as to allow the variation of the final height of the column.

These structures therefore allow only height adjustments, since the modules are linear and these rigid structures that cannot assume other forms.

Aim Of The Invention

In view of the above, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a supporting device or structure for a column for dispensing beverages which can assume different final configurations.

It is another object of the invention to provide a modular structure in which the addition or removal of a module occurs in a very simple and rapid manner.

Object Of The Invention

Therefore, a specific object of the present invention is a supporting device of a column for dispensing beverages, comprising a base element, for supporting said column on a supporting surface, a main element, for coupling with a tap for dispensing said beverage and with said base element, at least one locking device capable of coupling said at least one base element with said at least one main element, said supporting device being characterized in that in said base element and/or in said main element at least three holes are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, and in that said locking device is capable of inserting into at least two of said three holes.

Furthermore, according to the invention, on said base element and main element are obtained several plurality of holes arranged along at least one arc of circumference, so that said base element and main element are capable to slide telescopically each other and rotate relative to each other.

Preferably, according to the invention, said locking device is arranged on said base element, and in that in said main element at least three holes are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, said locking device being insertable into two of said at least three holes.

Still according to the invention, said locking device is arranged on said base element, and in that in said main element at least three holes are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, said locking device being insertable into two of said at least three holes.

Always according to the invention, said base element comprises a first flange, in which a plurality of holes is obtained, and a second flange, in which a plurality of holes is obtained.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said main element comprises a first flange, in which a plurality of holes is obtained, and a second flange, in which a plurality of holes is obtained.

Preferably, according to the invention, said device comprises at least one intermediate element capable of being coupled between said base element and said main element.

Still according to the invention, said at least one intermediate element comprises a first face, in which at least one first plurality of holes, for coupling with said base element, and one second plurality of holes, for coupling with said main element, are obtained, in that said at least one intermediate element comprises a second face, in which at least one first plurality of holes, for coupling with said base element, and one second plurality of holes, for coupling with said main element, are obtained.

Always according to the invention, on said at least one intermediate element, several plurality of holes are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, so that said at least one intermediate element, said base element and said main element are capable to slide telescopically each other and rotate relative to each other.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said locking device comprises a base on which two or more pins are solidly arranged.

Preferably according to the invention, said base has a rectilinear and elongated shape, or an arc of a circumference shape.

Still according to the invention, said locking device comprises a plurality of single pins.

Always according to the invention, the chord of said at least one arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 90°.

Furthermore, according to the invention, in said base element and/or in said main element and/or in said at least one intermediate element, four holes are obtained, arranged along an arc of circumference.

Brief Description Of The Figures

The present invention will now be described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 shows a side view of the supporting device of columns for dispensing beverages, object of the present invention; figure 2 shows an isometric view of a component of the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 3 shows an isometric view of a further component of the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 4 shows a side view of a securing device employed in the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 5 shows a top view of the device shown in figure 4; figure 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the securing device employed in the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 7 shows a top view of the device shown in figure 6; figure 8 shows a top view of a third embodiment of the securing device employed in the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 9 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of the securing device employed in the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 10 shows an isometric view of a module of the device shown in figure 1 ; figure 1 1 shows an isometric view of the supporting device including multiple intermediate modules; figure 12 shows a side isometric view of a beverage dispensing column including the supporting device shown in figure 1 ; and figure 13 shows an isometric view of a plurality of supporting devices.

Detailed Description

In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

With reference to figures 1 -3, the supporting device D of columns for dispensing beverages basically comprises a base element 1 , for resting the column on a supporting surface S, a main element 2, for coupling the supporting device D with a tap R for dispensing a beverage and with said base element 1 , and at least one blocking device 3, capable of coupling said at least one base element 1 with said at least one main element 2.

In said base element 1 , at least one group of at least three holes 13 is obtained, arranged along an arc of circumference.

In particular, said base element 1 has a substantially parallelepiped structure and is provided with a first 1 1 and a second 12 flange.

A plurality of holes 13 for coupling with said main element 2 is obtained on each of said first 11 and second 12 flange.

Said plurality of holes 13 comprises at least three holes arranged on an arc of circumference.

Therefore, said plurality of holes 13 takes a shape of an arc of circumference or an entire circumference.

The chord of said arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 90°. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the chord of said at least one arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 180° or 270° or 360°.

Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, each of said first 1 1 and second 12 flange can also comprise a plurality of holes.

Moreover, without departing from the scope of the present invention, said plurality of holes 13 or more pluralities of holes may comprise a number of holes greater than three, in particular four.

Said main element 2 has a substantially parallelepiped structure on which an opening 21 is made for the passage of said tap R.

At least one group of at least three holes 24 arranged along an arc of circumference is obtained in said main element 2.

In addition, said main element 2 comprises a first flange 22 and a second flange 23.

A plurality of holes 24 for coupling with said base element 1 is obtained on each of said first 22 and second 23 flange.

Said plurality of holes 24 comprises at least three holes arranged on an arc of circumference.

Therefore, said plurality of holes 24 takes a shape of an arc of circumference or an entire circumference.

The chord of said arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 90°.

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the chord of said at least one arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 180° or 270° or 360°.

Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, each of said first 22 and second 23 flange can also comprise a plurality of holes.

Moreover, without departing from the protection scope of the present invention, said plurality of holes 24 or more plurality of holes may comprise a number of holes greater than three, in particular four.

When said base element 1 and main element 2 are coupled to each other, said first 1 1 and second 12 flange of said base element 1 and said first 22 and second 23 flange of said main element 2 are arranged facing each other, so that said plurality of holes 13 and 24 are superimposed on each other.

Said base element 1 and main element 2 can slide telescopically one inside the other, so as to vary the final height of the supporting device D.

Several groups of at least three holes 13; 24 are obtained on said base element 1 and main element 2, which are arranged along a respective arc of circumference, so that said base element 1 and main element 2 are able to rotate with respect to one another and in which said base element 1 and main element 2 are able to slide telescopically with respect to each other.

Furthermore, since said base element 1 and main element 2 are coupled together by means of a plurality of holes 13 and 24 having an arc shape of a circumference or a whole circumference, said base element 1 and main element 2 can also rotate with respect to one another, so that the final shape of the supporting device D is inclined with respect to said supporting surface S.

With reference to figures 4-7, said blocking device 3 is able to couple said base element 1 and main element 2.

Particularly, said locking device 3 is capable of being inserted into the holes of the plurality of holes 13 and 24, when they face each other.

Said blocking device 3 comprises a base 31 on which two or more pins 32 are solidly arranged.

Said base 31 has a straight and elongated shape.

Said blocking device 3 is inserted by an operator in the respective holes of said plurality of holes 13 and 24.

In particular, when said pins 32 are two, as shown in figures 4 and 5, these are arranged on said base 31 so as to engage two holes diametrically opposite each other with respect to a central hole of the circumference obtained by said plurality of holes 13 and 24.

When said pins 32 are three, as shown in figures 6 and 7, these are arranged on said base 31 so as to engage either two holes diametrically opposite each other with respect to a central hole, and the central hole itself, of the circumference obtained by said plurality of holes 13 and 24.

Referring to figure 8, a second embodiment of said blocking device 3' differs from the first embodiment described above for the structure of the base 31 '.

In fact, said base 31 ' has a shape of arc of circumference, so as to overlap with the plurality of holes 13 and 24.

With reference to figure 9, a third embodiment of said locking device 3 is different from the first embodiment described above in that the pins 32 are not individual elements and are not solidly fixed to a base.

In this case, the pins 32 are individually inserted by an operator in the respective holes of the plurality of holes 13 and 24.

It is also possible for said blocking device 3, 3’ and 3” to be solidly fixed to said base element 1 .

In this case, the plurality of holes 13 is not obtained in said base element 1 , since the blocking device 3, 3’ and 3” fits directly into the respective holes of the plurality of holes 24 of the main element 2.

It is also possible for said blocking device 3, 3’ and 3” to be solidly fixed to said main element 2.

In this case, the plurality of holes 24 is not obtained in said main element 2, since the blocking device 3, 3’ and 3” fits directly into the respective holes of the plurality of holes 13 of the base element 1 .

With now reference to figures 10 and 1 1 , said supporting device 1 may also comprise one or more intermediate elements 4.

Each intermediate element 4 has a substantially parallelepiped structure provided, among other things, with a first face 41 and a second face 42.

A first plurality of holes 41 1 for coupling with said base element 1 and a second plurality of holes 412 for coupling with said main element 2 are obtained on said first face 41 .

Similarly, at least one first plurality of holes 421 is obtained on said second face 42 for coupling with said base element 1 and a second plurality of holes 422 for coupling with said main element 2.

Each of said first 411 , 421 and second 412, 422 plurality of holes comprises at least three holes arranged on an arc of circumference.

Therefore, said first 41 1 , 421 and second 412, 422 plurality of holes take a shape of an arc of circumference or an entire circumference.

The chord of said arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 90°.

Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, said intermediate element 4 can also comprise more than two plurality of holes on each of said first 41 and second 42 face.

Moreover, without departing from the scope of the present invention, said first 411 , 421 and second 412, 422 plurality of holes may comprise a number of holes greater than three, in particular four. Said intermediate element 4 is able to slide telescopically inside said base element 1 , main element 2 or even other intermediate elements 4.

When at least one intermediate element 4 is present, said blocking device 3 can be solidly arranged on said intermediate element 4, and inserted into the respective holes of the plurality of holes 13 of said base element 1 and/or of the plurality of holes 24 of said main element 2.

Referring to figures 12-17, said supporting device D allows to support a column C and an associated tap R for tapping beer of different heights and also forming angles with respect to the supporting surface S. Advantages

As is evident from the above description, said supporting device D allows to support adjustable dispensing columns for dispensing beverages in a simple and rapid manner, both at different heights but also forming angles with the support surface. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims

Claims

CLAIMS Supporting device of columns for dispensing beverages. ★ ★★★★

1. Supporting device (D) of a column (C) for dispensing beverages comprising:

- a base element (1 ), for supporting said column (C) on a supporting surface (S);

- a main element (2), for coupling with a tap (R) for dispensing said beverage and with said base element (1 );

- at least one locking device (3, 3’, 3”) capable of coupling said at least one base element (1 ) with said at least one main element (2), said supporting device (D) being characterized in that in said base element (1 ) and/or in said main element (2) at least three holes (13; 24) are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, and in that said locking device (3, 3’, 3”) is capable of inserting into at least two of said three holes (13; 24).

2. Supporting device (D) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that on said base element (1 ) and main element (2) are obtained several plurality of holes (13; 24) arranged along at least one arc of circumference, so that said base element (1 ) and main element (2) are capable to slide telescopically each other and rotate relative to each other.

3. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking device (3, 3’, 3”) is arranged on said base element (1 ), and in that in said main element (2) at least three holes (24) are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, said locking device (3, 3’, 3”) being insertable into two of said at least three holes (24).

4. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said locking device (3, 3’, 3”) is arranged on said main element (2), and in that in said base element (1 ) at least three holes (13) are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, said locking device (3, 3’, 3”) being insertable into two of said at least three holes (13).

5. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base element (1 ) comprises a first flange (1 1 ), in which a plurality of holes (13) is obtained, and a second flange (12), in which a plurality of holes (13) is obtained.

6. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main element (2) comprises a first flange (22), in which a plurality of holes (24) is obtained, and a second flange (23), in which a plurality of holes (24) is obtained.

7. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate element (4) capable of being coupled between said base element (1 ) and said main element (2).

8. Supporting device (D) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one intermediate element (4) comprises a first face (41 ), in which at least one first plurality of holes (411 ), for coupling with said base element

(1 ), and one second plurality of holes (412), for coupling with said main element (2), are obtained, in that said at least one intermediate element (4) comprises a second face (42), in which at least one first plurality of holes (421 ), for coupling with said base element (1 ), and one second plurality of holes (422), for coupling with said main element (2), are obtained.

9. Supporting device (D) according to anyone of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that on said at least one intermediate element (4), several plurality of holes (412; 422) are obtained, arranged along at least one arc of circumference, so that said at least one intermediate element (4), said base element (1 ) and said main element

(2) are capable to slide telescopically each other and rotate relative to each other.

10. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking device (3, 3’) comprises a base (31 , 31 ’) on which two or more pins (32) are solidly arranged.

1 1 . Supporting device (D) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said base (31 ) has a rectilinear and elongated shape, or an arc of a circumference shape.

12. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the claims 1 -9, characterized in that said locking device (3”) comprises a plurality of single pins (32").

13. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chord of said at least one arc of circumference subtends an angle of at least 90°.

14. Supporting device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said base element (1 ) and/or in said main element (2) and/or in said at least one intermediate element (4), four holes (13; 24; 411 ; 412; 421 ; 422) are obtained, arranged along an arc of circumference.