Beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle

The disclosure described herein relates to a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle and a process for making or repairing the same. Particular examples of the present disclosure include a manifold comprising multiple tubes where the manifold is inserted into and secured within a seat of the mixing nozzle. In some examples, multiple manifolds are inserted into and secured within a seat of the mixing nozzle. The tubes extend into the body of the manifold to form a leak proof connection.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to post-mix beverage dispensing systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a mixing nozzle for a beverage dispensing system and a method for assembling the same.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Beverage dispensing systems are relied on for dispensing a wide variety of beverages at various points of sale where large quantities of beverages are dispensed such as, by example, sports stadiums, bars, restaurants, or the like. More specifically, a post-mix beverage dispensing system is a system relied on to evenly and efficiently distribute and mix the various components of a beverage such as, by example, the syrup, concentrate, water, carbonated water, or the like. Present post-mix beverage dispensing systems rely on a mixing nozzle with multiple dispensing tubes clamped thereto. These mixing nozzles, however, are cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and the clamps are susceptible to failure and leakage. Also, when a dispensing tube fails at the mixing nozzle the entire mixing nozzle must be repaired or replaced. This can lead to lengthy downtimes and the loss of production and profits as the entire beverage dispensing would not be operable during this time. In one specific prior art example, there are fifty six (56) clamps used to secure 28 separate tubes to a mixing nozzle, with two clamps required for each tube, which ultimately creates fifty six (56) separate leak points. In view of these deficiencies, there is a need for an improved beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle and method for assembly of the same that is leak-proof and does not require any clamps.

The disclosure described herein relates to an apparatus and process to provide a post-mix beverage dispensing system having a mixing nozzle that is leak-proof.

In one example, a manifold for a beverage dispensing system is disclosed. The manifold comprises a body where the body includes a plurality of pathways. The plurality of pathways extend from a top side of the body to a bottom side of the body. A plurality of tubes are also disclosed. Each tube of the plurality of tubes extend into a respective pathway of the body. Each tube forms a leak proof connection between a respective pathway of the plurality of pathways.

Also disclosed is a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle. In one example, the beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle comprises a plurality of manifolds. Each manifold comprises a body where the body includes a plurality of pathways. The plurality of pathways extend from a top side of the body to a bottom side of the body. A plurality of tubes are also disclosed. Each tube of the plurality of tubes extend into a respective pathway of the body of a manifold. Each tube forms a leak proof connection between a respective pathway of the plurality of pathways. The beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle is free of any clamp or clamps for securing the tubes.

The beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle also comprises a seat. The seat is for receiving the body of each manifold of the plurality of manifolds. The seat comprises an open top for receiving each manifold of the plurality of manifolds and an open bottom where the plurality of pathways are open through the open bottom. The beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle may also comprise at least one securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is for securing each manifold of the plurality of manifolds to the seat.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular examples of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Examples of the present disclosure include a leak-proof mixing nozzle for a beverage dispensing system and a process for assembling the same. Specifically, the present disclosure includes various combinations of tubes, manifolds and a nozzle provided in a variety of orientations.

FIGS.1-6illustrate an example of a mixing nozzle100comprising multiple manifolds200. Each manifold200further comprises one or more tubes300extending therefrom.FIGS.7-12illustrate another variation of the above example of a mixing nozzle100also comprising multiple manifolds200and further illustrating one example of a securing mechanism.

FIGS.13-17illustrate the manifold200ofFIGS.1-6with the tubes300and the mixing nozzle100removed for clarity. Likewise,FIGS.18-22illustrate the manifold200ofFIGS.7-12with the tubes300and illustrating one example of a securing mechanism wherein the mixing nozzle100is removed for clarity.FIGS.23-25illustrate a manifold200ofFIGS.1-6with tubes300having the same interior dimensions. Although not illustrated, a manifold200with tubes having the same interior dimensions may also be provided in a manifold having a securing mechanism.

FIGS.26-29illustrate a manifold200ofFIGS.1-6with the mixing nozzle100and the tubes300removed for clarity. Likewise,FIGS.30-33illustrate a manifold ofFIGS.7-12with the mixing nozzle100and the tubes300removed for clarity and further illustrating one example of a securing mechanism.

FIGS.34-39illustrate a mixing nozzle100ofFIGS.1-6with the manifolds200removed for clarity. Likewise,FIGS.40-45illustrate a mixing nozzle100ofFIGS.7-12with the manifolds200removed for clarity and further illustrating one example of a securing mechanism. Each of the above components will now be described, independently and in combination, in greater detail below.

As indicated above,FIGS.1-6illustrate an example of a mixing nozzle100comprising multiple manifolds200. Extending from each manifold200are one or more tubes300. The manifold comprises one or more pathways214formed into a body210. Each tube300extends into a pathway214of the manifold200to form a leak-proof connection between the tube300and the body210of the manifold200. Because a leak-proof connection is formed, no clamps are required to secure the manifold200and the tubes300and/or the nozzle100. In other words, the mixing nozzle100is free of any clamp or clamps to secure the tubes300. This greatly reduces installation time and greatly increases the life of the assembly. In one example, the manifold200is overmolded around an end of each of the tubes300to form the leak-proof connection between the manifold200and each tube300. In this example, the tubes300are permanently secured to the manifold200. The process of overmolding is discussed in greater detail hereafter. Other types of methods may also form leak-proof connections such as thermal welding, for example.

With particular reference toFIG.1, each manifold200is inserted into and secured to a seat110of the mixing nozzle100. As illustrated byFIG.1the seat110may be formed in the mixing nozzle100. Alternatively, the seat may be further attached to the mixing nozzle100. A leak-proof connection is formed between the manifold200and the seat110. In specific examples, the manifold200is releasably secured to the seat110. In the example ofFIG.1, four (4) manifolds200are inserted into a respective seat110of the mixing nozzle100. Each manifold200comprises six (6) tubes300, thereby providing twenty-four (24) tubes300secured to the mixing nozzle100by way of one or more manifolds200. It is appreciated herein that any number of tubes300may be provided on any number of manifolds200in the mixing nozzle100.

Turning toFIGS.2-3, side views of the mixing nozzle100comprising the manifolds200and the tubes300are illustrated. The mixing nozzle100comprises a top side102and a bottom side104. The top side102receives the manifolds200and the tubes300for receiving the components of the beverage for mixing within the beverage dispensing system. The manifolds200(by way of the pathways214) and the tubes300extending through each manifold200are open through the bottom side104of the mixing nozzle100where they allow the mixture of the beverage-making contents within the beverage dispensing system. The mixing nozzle100, the manifolds200, and the tubes300facilitate flow and distribution into the beverage dispensing system. In the example ofFIGS.1-6the pathways214and tubes300are aligned in a single row along the length L200of the body of the manifold200. In other examples, several rows of pathways214for accommodating several rows of tubes300may be provided in a single manifold200.

As illustrated by the side views ofFIGS.2-3, the mixing nozzle100comprises various attachment structures for mating with and securing the mixing nozzle100to the beverage dispensing system. Such attachment structures may include a threaded sleeve106and/or various lips and ledges108for forming a leak-proof connection between the mixing nozzle100and the beverage dispensing system to which it attaches to. In one particular example, a quarter-turn mating connection may be provided at the nozzle to mate with the beverage dispensing system and provide a leak-proof connection there between. Moreover, the mixing nozzle100may also comprise a perimeter slot109for providing a gasket between the mixing nozzle100and the beverage dispensing system to provide such a leak-proof connection.

As illustrated byFIG.4, the manifolds200are placed in a side-by-side arrangement within a central section140of the mixing nozzle100. Additional tubes, such as water tubes400, may be attached by other means at other locations of the mixing nozzle as later described. The water tubes400may carry water and/or carbonated water. By example, inFIGS.2-4, the water tubes400are provided at the perimeter of the central section140of the mixing nozzle100. The water tubes400and their connection to the mixing nozzle100are discussed in greater detail below.

FIG.4displays a top view of the mixing nozzle100. In this view, the manifolds200are aligned in their side-by-side arrangement with tubes300evenly distributed and placed within the central section140of the mixing nozzle100where the seats110(as illustrated byFIG.1) are provided. The tubes300may be aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the direction along the length L200of manifold200when viewed from the top view or bottom view of the manifold200, as shown inFIG.15for example. The manifolds may be aligned parallel or substantially parallel to each other in the direction along the length L200of manifold200when viewed from the top view or bottom view of the mixing nozzle100, as shown inFIG.4for example. Four water tubes400are evenly distributed about the perimeter of the central section140as shown. In this example, the water tubes400are located 90 degrees apart from one another along the perimeter of the central section140, as viewed inFIG.4for example. However, the water tubes400may be distributed in other orientations.

As also illustrated by the top side102view of the mixing nozzle inFIG.4, the tubes300may comprise different interior diameters310in their cross section based on the wall thickness of each tube300. However, in this particular example, the tubes300maintain a consistent exterior diameter320in their cross section. By maintaining a consistent exterior diameter320, continuity in manufacturing (including using the same molds and molding process) may be maintained even though different interior diameter310tubes300are produced. The only change needed to be made in the molding process would be to change the size of the core pin to match the interior diameter310of the respective tube300during the molding process. Also, as illustrated by the top side102view ofFIG.4, additional attachment means may be provided on the mixing nozzle100, such as openings150for attaching fasteners and for securing the mixing nozzle100to the beverage dispensing system. In some examples, aside from these openings, as well as openings to the exterior of the beverage dispensing system, the manifolds200, by way of the tubes300, and/or the water tubes400provide the only pathways214through the mixing nozzle100into an interior of the beverage dispensing system for mixing the beverage components. This is additionally illustrated by a bottom side104view of the mixing nozzle100, as illustrated byFIG.5, where the manifolds200having their respective tubes300are positioned within their respective seats110. Also,FIG.5illustrates the water tubes400extending through the mixing nozzle100to the bottom side104(as illustrated inFIGS.2-3) of the mixing nozzle100.FIG.6further illustrates a perspective view from the bottom side104of the mixing nozzle100comprising the manifolds200, tubes300, and water tubes400as described above.

Turning now toFIGS.7-12, another example of the mixing nozzle100comprising manifolds200, tubes300, and water tubes400is provided. This particular example is the same as the example as described with respect toFIGS.1-6, above, with the addition of one or more securing pins120,130to illustrate an example of a securing mechanism. Alternative securing mechanisms are also contemplated herein. As illustrated byFIG.7, a first securing pin120and a second securing pin130are provided. The securing pins120,130each extend through one or more mixing nozzle pin openings160attached to, formed into, and/or molded into the mixing nozzle100. The securing pins120,130further extend through manifold pin openings260attached to, formed into, and/or molded into the manifolds200. When the manifold200is positioned within its respective seat110, the mixing nozzle pin openings160align with the manifold pin openings260. As best illustrated by the top side102view ofFIG.10, the manifold pin openings260are provided near each lateral end220,230of each manifold200, with the tubes300therebetween. By inserting the securing pins120,130and mating the securing pins120,130through the mixing nozzle pin openings160and the manifold pin openings260, each manifold200is forced into and/or secured in its respective seat110. In the example ofFIGS.7-12two securing pins120,130are provided at opposing ends220,230of the manifolds200where the securing pins120,130are relied on to secure each of the manifolds200to the mixing nozzle100. In other examples, a single securing pin120or130may be provided. By example, a single securing pin120or130may comprise two entry ends for securing opposing sides of each respective manifold200. In yet another example, a single securing pin120or130may be provided centrally within a manifold200to secure the manifold200. In still yet other examples, additional pins may be provided, by example, wherein each manifold200is secured to the mixing nozzle100independent of an adjacent manifold200. Aside from the securing mechanism,FIGS.7-12maintain the same features as illustrated and described with respect toFIGS.1-6.

Turning now toFIGS.10A-10B, cross-sectional views of the assembled mixing nozzle100are illustrated. InFIG.10A, taken at line10A-10A ofFIG.10, the cross-sectional view illustrates the mixing nozzle100bisected between manifolds200. In this example, the securing pins120,130extend through the manifold pin openings260and additionally rest on mixing nozzle pin openings160. Also illustrated are the water tubes400positioned in their respective water tube fittings170. InFIG.10B, taken at line10B-10B ofFIG.10, the cross-sectional view illustrates the mixing nozzle100bisecting the manifolds200between tubes300. In this example, each manifold200is secured to a seat110of the mixing nozzle100. In this example, one securing pin120is illustrated as extending through a manifold pin opening260at one end of each manifold200. The securing pin120additionally extends through mixing nozzle pin openings160. Like inFIG.10A, water tubes400are additionally positioned in their respective water tube fitting170.

FIGS.13-17illustrate the manifold200ofFIGS.1-6which has been removed from the mixing nozzle100for clarity. Illustrated byFIG.13, the tubes300extend into the body210of the manifold200forming a leak-proof connection between the manifold200and the tubes300without clamps. The tubes300also extend away from a top side202of the body210. In other words, an end of each tube300extends into the manifold, where the other end of the tube300connects to a beverage component source as described further herein. The top side202of a manifold200is illustrated inFIG.14. The tubes300may fully extend through the body210of the manifold or may partially extend through the body210of the manifold200. As illustrated by a bottom side204of the body210of the manifold inFIG.15, the tubes300extend partially through the body210of the manifold200but terminate at a recess212(FIG.28) prior to the bottom side204of the body210of the manifold200in this particular example. The recess212is further described later in the application. The opposing ends of the tubes300(opposite the terminating ends in the manifold), may extend to a beverage component source, such as a water line, a carbonated water line, a syrup line, a concentrate, or the like. These opposing tube ends may be connected to the beverage component source by any of the connections described herein or contemplated in the art including, but not limited to, a quarter-turn connection, a cam connection, a clamp, an overmold, a barb and/or the like. As illustrated by both the top side202view and the bottom side204view inFIGS.14-15respectively, the tubes300may comprise different interior diameters310while maintaining similar exterior diameters320, as described above. Different interior diameters310may help further control the amount of the beverage component source being dispensed. It is appreciated herein that the tubes300may, additionally or alternatively, comprise different exterior diameters320.FIG.16andFIG.17illustrate an end view and a side view, respectively, having the same features as described with respect toFIGS.13-15but at a different perspective.

Comparatively,FIGS.18-22illustrate the manifold200comprising the tubes300with a securing mechanism for receiving the securing pins120,130as shown inFIGS.7-12. The manifold200of this example comprise the pin openings260extending through the body210of the manifold200. In this particular example, the pin openings260extend through each respective shoulder216of the manifold200in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the tubes300as shown inFIGS.18and22. Aside from the securing mechanism,FIGS.18-22maintain the same features as described with respect toFIGS.13-17.

FIGS.23-25illustrate a manifold200comprising tubes300in the same manner asFIGS.13-17. The only difference is thatFIGS.23-25illustrate a manifold200comprising tubes300wherein the inside diameter310of each of the tubes300, in a respective manifold200, are the same. It is appreciated herein that the inside diameters310of the tubes300may be the same across one manifold200, may be different across one manifold200, may be different between manifolds200, or any combination thereof.

FIGS.26-29illustrate a manifold200without the tubes300. As illustrated byFIG.28the body210of the manifold may further comprise a recess212at the bottom of the tubes300. In some examples, the recess212is for accepting a gasket material. The gasket material may be overmolded onto the mating component of the beverage dispensing system prior to connecting the manifold200to the beverage dispensing system. The manifold provides multiple pathways214for the multiple tubes300. The pathways214of the manifold may be the same dimension, thereby, accommodating a consistent tube exterior diameter320. Alternatively, the pathways214may be different dimensions or of a combination of dimensions in order to accommodate a variety of tubes300having differing exterior diameters320. Comparatively,FIGS.30-33also illustrate a manifold200without the tubes300in the body, as described with respect toFIGS.26-29, and further illustrating an example of a securing mechanism, i.e. the pin openings260as described with respect toFIGS.7-12.

Although the manifold200illustrates six pathways214inFIGS.26-29andFIGS.30-33, it is appreciated that the manifold200may only have a need for five (or fewer) pathways and tubes300depending on the specific application. In order to reduce the number of pathways214in the manifold200, the same mold may still be used by placing a blank core pin in the mold where the pathway214is desired to be removed. The blank core pin will allow the pathway214to be sealed or closed during the molding process. Each pathway214to be sealed will require a separate blank core pin.

Turning now toFIGS.34-39, a mixing nozzle100, separate from the manifolds200and tubes300, is illustrated. InFIG.34, the mixing nozzle100comprises multiple seats110for receiving multiple manifolds. The seats110may be formed in the mixing nozzle100, as illustrated byFIGS.34-39. Alternatively, the seat110may be attached to the mixing nozzle100. As shown inFIG.34, each seat110includes side walls112that separate each seat110from one another, where adjacent seats110share a sidewall112. The seats110include a profile matching the profile of the bottom of each manifold200in order to properly seat the manifolds200in the seats110. In this example, the profile oval-shaped, but could be any number of shapes. As shown inFIGS.34and35, for example, the seats110may further include opposing shoulder walls114having a height shorter than the height of the sidewalls112. The opposing shoulder walls114act as a stop when the manifold200is fully inserted into the seat110and the shoulders216of the manifold200contact the respective shoulder walls114to ensure proper engagement. A leak-proof connection is formed between the manifold200and the seat110when the manifold200is secured in its respective seat110. In specific examples, the manifold200is releasably secured to the seat110. However, it is also contemplated that the manifolds200may be permanently secured to the seat110by way of fusion welding, a press fit or other known means in the art. In the example ofFIGS.34-39, four (4) manifolds200are capable of being inserted into a respective seat110of the mixing nozzle100.

As indicated above with respect toFIG.2, additional tubes, such as water tubes400, may be attached by other means to the mixing nozzle100. As illustrated inFIGS.34-35, water tube fittings170are additionally provided at the top side102of the mixing nozzle100. The water tube fittings170secure water tubes400to the mixing nozzle100. The water tube fittings170may provide for various types of a connection including a quarter-turn connection, a cam connector, a clamp, and/or the like. In yet other examples, the water tubes400may additionally be secured to the mixing nozzle100by way of the manifold200. A water tube aperture175extends from the water tube fitting170in through the bottom side104of the mixing nozzle100, as illustrated byFIG.36, for mixing with the components distributed through the manifolds200. LikeFIGS.34-39,FIGS.40-45also illustrate a mixing nozzle100, separate from the manifolds200and tubes300and further illustrating an example of a securing mechanism, as described with respect toFIGS.7-12.

Turning toFIGS.41A-41B, cross-sectional views of the mixing nozzle100are illustrated. InFIG.41A, taken at line41A-41A ofFIG.41, the cross-sectional view illustrates the mixing nozzle100bisected between seats110. In this example, the mixing nozzle pin openings160are illustrated. Also illustrated are the water tube fittings170. InFIG.41B, taken at line41B-41B ofFIG.41, the cross-sectional view illustrates the mixing nozzle100bisecting the seats110. In this example, the mixing nozzle pin openings160are additionally illustrated Like inFIG.41A, water tube fitting170are additionally illustrated.

In examples of the present disclosure, a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle comprises a plurality of manifolds inserted therein. The manifolds comprise a body having one or more pathways extending from a top side to a bottom side of the manifold. In one example, the manifold is overmolded around an end of the tubes to form a leak proof connection.

Each manifold is inserted into a seat of the mixing nozzle. The seat comprises an open top for receiving each manifold. The open top of the seat is positioned to the top side of the mixing nozzle. The seat further comprises an open bottom where the one or more pathways of the manifold open through the bottom side of the mixing nozzle. As indicated above, the seat may be formed in the mixing nozzle or may be separately formed and attached to the mixing nozzle. In one particular example, the plurality of manifolds are positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. The manifolds may additionally be collectively positioned centrally within the mixing nozzle. By having independent manifolds, a single manifold may be removed independent of any remaining manifolds. Therefore, the mixing nozzle is modifiable by providing the requisite manifold for the particular application. Additionally, the mixing nozzle is modifiable if a tube or a single manifold were to be damaged or require repair. This modifiability, alone, is a significant improvement over the prior art wherein each tube is independently clamped to a respective mixing nozzle where the entire mixing nozzle would require such modification or repair.

The tubes of each manifold may be of various sizes and configurations. By example, a single manifold may comprise multiple tubes where the interior dimension of the tubes vary, such as having varying diameters in a circular tube. In another example, a single manifold may comprise multiple tubes where the interior dimensions of the tubes are the same, such as having the same diameter in a circular tube. Additionally or alternatively, the interior dimensions (e.g. diameters) of the tubes may be the same or may vary between manifolds. This allows each manifold to be modified for the particular component being added to the beverage mixing system and further control the flow of the component by way of the interior dimension (e.g. diameter) of the tube. In addition to or alternatively, the exterior dimensions of the tubes may vary, be consistent, or a combination thereof by way of a single manifold and/or across a plurality of manifolds.

As indicated above, the beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle may further comprise at least one water tube fitting separate from a manifold for receiving a water tube.

When a manifold is positioned in each seat of the mixing nozzle and a water tube is positioned in each water tube fitting (or a blank core pin is provided in the alternative), the top side of the mixing nozzle is isolated from the bottom side of the mixing nozzle, except through the tubes and/or water tubes, when positioned within a beverage dispensing system.

The manifold may be removably secured to the mixing nozzle by way of a securing mechanism. Any manner of securing the manifold to the mixing nozzle is contemplated herein. In one specific example, one or more securing pins secure the manifold to the mixing nozzle. In this example, each manifold comprises one or more apertures, also referred to above as pin openings. In particular, each manifold may comprise an aperture positioned at each end of the manifold in a lateral direction, where the pathways are centrally positioned between the apertures. When positioned in the mixing nozzle, the aperture(s) align with corresponding aperture(s) formed in the mixing nozzle. The corresponding apertures of the mixing nozzle may be formed in the seat of the mixing nozzle. One or more apertures of the mixing nozzle may be positioned between each seating position of each manifold, thereby, providing a securing mechanism at each manifold. Alternative, the one or more apertures of the mixing nozzle may be positioned at the outermost manifolds thereby securing each manifold there between. A securing pin is then inserted through the one or more apertures of the manifold in combination with being inserted through the one or more apertures of the mixing nozzle. One or more securing pins (e.g. two securing pins) may be provided, such as where a securing pin may be inserted to each side of the manifolds. Additionally or alternatively, a securing pin may be provided at each manifold aperture, independent of another manifold aperture. When the securing pin is in place, the manifold is maintained within the seat of the mixing nozzle. A leak-proof connection may also be provided between the manifold and the mixing nozzle by way of the securing mechanism.

The present disclosure additionally provides a method for assembling the beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle as disclosed herein. In yet another example, the method for assembly may be further modified as a method for repair of a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle. In the method for assembling a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle comprises the steps of:providing a plurality of tubes;overmolding a manifold around an end of each of the plurality of tubes to form a leak proof connection;crosslinking the manifold and plurality of tubes as an assembly;securing the manifold and plurality of tubes into a seat of the mixing nozzle, wherein the plurality of tubes extend outwardly from a top side of the mixing nozzle.

The method for assembling the beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle may further comprise the step of securing each of the one of the one or more manifolds to the mixing nozzle by way of a releasable securing mechanism.

In the method for repairing or modifying a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle comprises the steps of:removing at least one of the one or more manifolds from a seat of the mixing nozzle;replacing the removed one or more manifolds by placing a repaired or a replacement manifold in the seat of the mixing nozzle where at least one of the one or more manifolds remains in a seat of the mixing nozzle.

Another step may be removing at least one of the one or more manifolds from the mixing nozzle without further removing the mixing nozzle from the beverage dispensing system. Yet another step may be replacing the removed one or more manifolds with a manifold having a different tube configuration than the removed one or more manifolds.

Examples of the present disclosure include apparatus and processes by which a leak-proof connection with one or more tubes, such as polymeric tubes, is achieved, such as when a leak-proof connection is formed between the manifold and tubes and when a leak-proof connection is formed between a water tube and a portion of a water tube fitting. As used in this application, the term “overmold” means the process of injection molding a second polymer over a first polymer, wherein the first and second polymers may or may not be the same. In one example of the disclosure, the composition of the overmolded polymer will be such that it will be capable of at least some melt fusion with the composition of the polymeric tube. There are several means by which this may be affected. One of the simplest procedures is to ensure that at least a component of the polymeric tube and that of the overmolded polymer is the same. Alternatively, it would be possible to ensure that at least a portion of the polymer composition of the polymeric tube and that of the overmolded polymer is sufficiently similar or compatible so as to permit the melt fusion or blending or alloying to occur at least in the interfacial region between the exterior of the polymeric tube and the interior region of the overmolded polymer. Another manner in which to state this would be to indicate that at least a portion of the polymer compositions of the polymeric tube and the overmolded polymer are miscible. In contrast, the chemical composition of the polymers may be relatively incompatible, thereby not resulting in a material-to-material bond after the injection overmolding process.

In one example of this disclosure, polymeric tubing is made from high density polyethylene which is crosslinked. Additionally, the manifolds may be crosslinked. Moreover, the entire nozzle assembly may be crosslinked. PEX contains crosslinked bonds in the polymer structure changing the thermoplastic into a thermoset. Crosslinking may be accomplished during or after the molding of the part. The required degree of crosslinking for crosslinking polyethylene tubing, according to ASTM Standard F 876, is between 65-89%. There are three classifications of PEX, referred to as PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. PEX-A is made by peroxide (Engel) method. In the PEX-A method, peroxide blending with the polymer performs crosslinking above the crystal melting temperature. The polymer is typically kept at high temperature and pressure for long periods of time during the extrusion process. PEX-B is formed by the silane method, also referred to as the “moisture cure” method. In the PEX-B method, silane blended with the polymer induces crosslinking during molding and during secondary post-extrusion processes, producing crosslinks between a crosslinking agent. The process is accelerated with heat and moisture. The crosslinked bonds are formed through silanol condensation between two grafted vinyltrimethoxysilane units. PEX-C is produced by application of an electron beam using high energy electrons to split the carbon-hydrogen bonds and facilitate crosslinking.

Crosslinking imparts shape memory properties to polymers. Shape memory materials have the ability to return from a deformed state (e.g. temporary shape) to their original crosslinked shape (e.g. permanent shape), typically induced by an external stimulus or trigger, such as a temperature change. Alternatively, or in addition to temperature, shape memory effects can be triggered by an electric field, magnetic field, light, a change in pH, or even the passage of time. Shape memory polymers include thermoplastic and thermoset (covalently crosslinked) polymeric materials.

Shape memory materials are stimuli-responsive materials. They have the capability of changing their shape upon application of an external stimulus. A change in shape caused by a change in temperature is typically called a thermally induced shape memory effect. The procedure for using shape memory typically involves conventionally processing a polymer to receive its permanent shape, such as by molding the polymer in a desired shape and crosslinking the polymer defining its permanent crosslinked shape. Afterward, the polymer is deformed and the intended temporary shape is fixed. This process is often called programming. The programming process may consist of heating the sample, deforming, and cooling the sample, or drawing the sample at a low temperature. The permanent crosslinked shape is now stored while the sample shows the temporary shape. Heating the shape memory polymer above a transition temperature Ttransinduces the shape memory effect providing internal forces urging the crosslinked polymer toward its permanent or crosslinked shape. Alternatively or in addition to the application of an external stimulus, it is possible to apply an internal stimulus (e.g., the passage of time) to achieve a similar, if not identical result.

A chemical crosslinked network may be formed by low doses of irradiation. Polyethylene chains are oriented upon the application of mechanical stress above the melting temperature of polyethylene crystallites, which can be in the range between 60° C. and 13° C. Materials that are most often used for the production of shape memory linear polymers by ionizing radiation include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and copolymers of polyethylene and poly(vinyl acetate). After shaping, for example, by extrusion or compression molding, the polymer is covalently crosslinked by means of ionizing radiation, for example, by highly accelerated electrons. The energy and dose of the radiation are adjusted to the geometry of the sample to reach a sufficiently high degree of crosslinking, and hence sufficient fixation of the permanent shape.

Another example of chemical crosslinking includes heating poly(vinyl chloride) under a vacuum resulting in the elimination of hydrogen chloride in a thermal dehydrocholorination reaction. The material can be subsequently crosslinked in an HCI atmosphere. The polymer network obtained shows a shape memory effect. Yet another example is crosslinked poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] produced by treating the radical initiator dicumyl peroxide with linear poly[ethylene-co-(vinyl acetate)] in a thermally induced crosslinking process. Materials with different degrees of crosslinking are obtained depending on the initiator concentration, the crosslinking temperature and the curing time. Covalently crosslinked copolymers made form stearyl acrylate, methacrylate, and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker.

Additionally, shape memory polymers include polyurethanes, polyurethanes with ionic or mesogenic components, block copolymers consisting of polyethyleneterephthalate and polyethyleneoxide, block copolymers containing polystyrene and poly(1,4-butadiene), and an ABA triblock copolymer made from poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and a poly(tetrahydrofuran). Further examples include block copolymers made of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide, block copolymers made of polystyrene and poly(1,4-butadiene) as well as ABA triblock copolymers made from poly(tetrahydrofuran) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline). Other thermoplastic polymers which exhibit shape memory characteristics include polynorbornene, and polyethylene grated with nylon-6 that has been produced for example, in a reactive blending process of polyethylene with nylon-6 by adding maleic anhydride and dicumyl peroxide.

In processing, several steps may be taken to secure an extruded polymeric tube to a manifold or fitting. The manifold or fitting may be overmolded around the ends of a set of tubes to form a leak proof connection. Alternatively, the tubes and manifold may be separately molded and crosslinked, and secured together by shape memory to form a leak proof connection. In another example, the tubes may comprise a fitting with one or more barbs that is inserted into a pathway of the manifold to form a leak proof connection. In yet another example, the fitting may further include an o-ring to form the leak proof connection.

While this disclosure has been described with reference to particular examples thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, while the disclosure has been described with reference to a beverage dispensing system mixing nozzle, it is appreciated that the present disclosure may have applications in other industries where a mixing nozzle is utilized with multiple tubes to mix various components, and leak proof connections are desired without the use of any clamp or clamps to secure the tubes to the mixing nozzle. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any specific example discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more examples otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.