Container, keg, system and method for storing and dispensing a beverage

A generally cuboid-shaped container having general footprint dimensions of a milk crate and an aperture configured to receive an input valve for introducing pressurised gas into the container such that milk stored therein can be dispensed under pressure, and an output valve for dispensing milk from the container, the output valve being attachable to a tube positionable in the container to extract milk therefrom, the aperture being closable to facilitate storage and transportation of the milk.

The entire contents of the patent specifications of Australian provisional patent application nos. 2021901039 and 2021904055 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to containers, kegs, systems and methods for providing, storing and dispensing a beverage.

BACKGROUND

Given the delicate, perishable and easily contaminated nature of milk, industry bodies such as Dairy Australia and statutory authorities such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand seek to develop standards and/or regulations relating to the safe handling, storage, distribution, transportation, consumption etc. of milk.

Modern industry and safety standards are thus biased toward systems and methods that utilise single-use and dispensable containers. The prospect of milk being spoiled also inclines systems and methods to utilise relatively low volume milk containers, such as 2-litre bottles and small bladders.

The inventor has identified inefficiencies in the processes of providing, transporting, storing, and dispensing milk, particularly for high volume beverage outlets such as at restaurants, hospitals, cafés and canteens.

In this context, there is a need for improved containers, systems and methods for transporting, storing and/or dispensing milk.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a generally cuboid-shaped container having general footprint dimensions of a milk crate and an aperture configured to receive an input valve for introducing pressurised gas into the container such that milk stored therein can be dispensed under pressure, and an output valve for dispensing milk from the container, the output valve being attachable to a tube positionable in the container to extract milk therefrom, the aperture being closable to facilitate storage and transportation of the milk.

In certain embodiments, the container is between about 250 mm and 250 mm wide and between about 300 mm and 400 mm deep. For example, the container may be about 300 mm wide and about 350 mm deep. It is envisaged that the container may have a volume of between about 17 litres and about 21 litres.

The container may further comprise a spout extending upwardly from a top face of the container, the spout comprising said aperture. The spout may comprise a circumferentially extending lip configured to releasably engage a closure in a snap-fitting manner to close the aperture.

A bottom of the container may comprise an indent configured to receive the spout of a like container upon which it is stacked. A top face of the container may comprise one or more recesses and a bottom of the container may comprise one or more downwardly extending feet, the or each foot being configured to be received by a respective recess of a like container upon which it is stacked. The or each downwardly extending foot may define a well in a bottom interior surface of the container in which milk can collect, and from which milk can be extracted via arrangement of a distal end of the tube adjacent to or in the well(s).

In embodiments of the container, internal surfaces thereof are tapered to facilitate drainage and cleaning of the container through the aperture. The aperture of the container may be elliptical.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keg for dispensing a beverage, comprising:a container according to a first aspect of the present invention; anda dispenser fitting receivable in the aperture of the container, the dispenser fitting comprising the input valve and the output valve and a lid for closing the aperture, the input and output valves being fitted to the lid such that in use, with the lid closing the aperture, pressurised gas can be introduced into the container through the lid via the input valve and milk can be extracted from the container through the lid and dispensed via the output valve.

In embodiments of the keg, the lid comprises an elliptical cover receivable through the aperture of the container such that when the pressurised gas is supplied to the container, the cover is urged upwardly against an inner surface of the container to seal the aperture. The lid of the dispenser fitting may be in the form of a Cornelius keg lid. In certain embodiments, the input and output valves at least partially extend through the lid.

In certain embodiments, the keg also comprises a tube that is configured to be, in use, immersed in the milk and in fluid communication with the output valve so as to facilitate dispensing of milk therethrough. A distal end of the tube may be weighted such that, in use, the distal end of the tube sits on a bottom interior surface of the container. In one example configuration, the tube is formed from a first tubular portion that is substantially transparent and securable to the output valve, and a second tubular portion securable to and in fluid communication with the first tubular portion, the second tubular portion defining the weighted distal end of the tube and terminating in a milk inlet end via which milk can enter the tube.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for dispensing a beverage, comprising:a keg according to a second aspect of the present invention;a refrigerator configured to store the keg while in use, the refrigerator comprising a gas port and an output port;a gas conduit configured to be received in the gas port and to be connected at one end to a gas compressor and at another end to said input valve; andan output conduit configured to be received in the output port and connected at one end to a dispenser and at another end to said output valve.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing, storing and dispensing a beverage using a container according to a first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:filling the container with milk and sealing the aperture with a closure;transporting the container to a user;removing the closure and connecting the input valve and the output valve via the aperture;introducing pressurised gas into the container via the input valve; anddispensing the milk via the output valve.

It certain embodiments of the method, said introduction of pressurised gas into the container and said dispensing of the milk via the output valve are performed while said container is refrigerated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1and6illustrate a keg100for storing and dispensing a beverage. In one application, the keg100is used to store and dispense milk in a beverage retail outlet.

The keg100comprises a container1and a dispenser fitting50. The container1is defined by a top face2, side faces4,6,8,10and a bottom face12.

The container1has the overall form of a cuboid or rectangular prism, although there may be minor indentations, protrusions, curvatures, etc., as described in further detail below, that do not detract from this overall form. The cuboidal configuration of the container1is of importance, particularly where it is used to store milk, as it approximates the shape and/or size of the footprint of a standard milk crate and may therefore be incorporated relatively seamlessly into existing infrastructure and processes of dairy processing plants, in milk transportation and storage facilities, and at beverage retail outlets. Further, as will be described, the shape facilitates secure and stable stacking of the containers1upon one another to facilitate storage and transportation thereof.

Accordingly, the container1has general footprint dimensions of a milk crate. For example, the container1may be between about 250 mm and 350 mm wide and between about 300 mm and 400 mm deep. In a preferred embodiment, the footprint of the container1is about 290 mm by about 350 mm, being slightly smaller in width than a milk crate to allow it to fit easier in fridges.

The height of the cuboid shape of the container1may vary depending on volumetric requirements. In one embodiment, the height of the container1is between about 170 mm and 270 mm, preferably about 213 mm. In this embodiment, the volumetric capacity of the container1may be between about 17 litres and about 21 litres, preferably about 18 litres. This capacity is comparable to that of a standard milk crate, which holds nine 2-litre bottles of milk. When used to store milk, the 18-litre container1weighs about 20.5 kg when full, ensuring that the container1may still be carried with relative ease. In another embodiment, the container1has half the volumetric capacity, i.e., 9 litres, but the footprint of the container1remains substantially the same (i.e., about 300 mm by about 350 mm).

Referring toFIG.2, the container1comprises an aperture14through which the beverage can be dispensed. The aperture14may also be used to fill, refill, wash and/or dry the container1. The aperture14may be sufficiently large to permit visual inspection of the inside of the container1, including at least the internal sidewalls and floor thereof. Preferably, the aperture14is sufficiently large such that one's hand, or at least cleaning and/or testing equipment can be inserted through the aperture14to clean and/or test the cleanliness of the container1. For example, dairies and the like that rely on swab tests to maintain milk safety and hygiene standards can readily swab internal surfaces of the container1through the aperture14.

In the depicted embodiment, a spout16extends upwardly from the top face2of the container1and comprises the aperture14. In preferred embodiments, the spout16is configured to receive or engage the dispenser fitting50. To this end, the spout comprises an inwardly extending radial lip21(e.g., seeFIG.4(a)). The internal circumference of the lip21defines the aperture14of the container1. An underside of the lip21defines an internal collar22configured as an abutment or engagement surface for the dispenser fitting50, as will be discussed.

Referring toFIGS.3and6, the bottom face12of the container1comprises an indent19configured to receive the upwardly extending spout16of another container1upon which it is stacked for secure and efficient stacking. The indent19may be provided with reinforcing ribs34to increase a strength of the bottom12and/or the indent19of the container1to help withstand the repeated pressurisation that the container1is subjected to.

The container1may further comprise one or more downwardly extending feet26to facilitate stable stacking of the containers1. In preferred embodiments, the container1comprises four such feet26. The four feet26may be defined in and disposed adjacent respective corners of the bottom face12of the container1. With reference toFIG.2, the top face2of the container1comprises correspondingly positioned and shaped recesses30configured to receive respective feet26from a container1stacked thereon. As such, secure stacking of containers1is facilitated not only by reception of the spout16of one container1into the lower indent19of a container1stacked thereon, but also by reception of the feet26of the upper container1into respective recesses30in the top face2of the lower container1. The container1may also comprise handles28defined, e.g., moulded, into the bottom face12and/or side faces4,6,8,10, to facilitate carrying and stacking of the containers1.

The aperture14of the container1is configured to receive an input valve for introducing pressurised gas into the container1to dispense the beverage therefrom. In preferred embodiments, particularly where the beverage is milk, the gas is compressed air generated by a tabletop or portable compressor. A hose or similar conduit connects the source of pressurized gas to the input valve. Although other pressurised gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide may be used, it has been found that compressed air is ideal for use with milk as it does not have any undesirable effects on milk under pressure and does not require an additional supply of a consumable gas. The dispensing pressure may be between about 100 kPa to about 140 kPa, preferably around 117 kPa. The aperture14is also configured to receive an output valve via which the beverage can be dispensed from the container1.

It is envisaged that at least some of the internal surfaces of the container1may be tapered so as to promote drainage of liquid from the container1toward the aperture14. For example, it is envisaged that the internal surfaces of the container1may be sufficiently sloped such that, when the container1is held upside down (i.e., with the aperture14facing towards the ground), liquid would naturally flow, under the influence of gravity, along the sloped surfaces and toward the aperture14. For example, with reference toFIGS.4(a) and4(b), at least the internal upper surface2′ of the container1slopes toward the aperture14to promote drainage theretoward. While not visible fromFIG.4(a), one or more of the internal sidewalls4′,8′,10′ and/or the bottom wall12′ of the container1may have an outward bulge or curvature such that these interior walls of the container1define respective convex surfaces. This convex form provides a smooth and continuous interior surface that can be easily visually inspected and/or cleaned. This is contrast to containers or kegs with relatively sharp edges and corners in which gunk may collect, which internal edges and corners may not be easy to access or clean without more expensive and/or specialist equipment and processes. While further features of the container1will be described, it will be appreciated that a preferable embodiment of the present container1is one wherein the interior thereof is substantially defined by relatively smooth and/or curved surfaces to permit easy inspection and cleaning of the inside of the container1.

Unlike the relatively simple construction of the present container1, known kegs have additional structures and openings configured to be fitted with input and output valves and tubing to facilitate the pressurisation of the kegs and beverage dispensing therefrom. Such structures and openings of known kegs, along with the associated dispenser fittings, tubing and the keg itself, may be relatively difficult to visually inspect, clean and/or test for cleanliness (e.g., via a swab test), and thus may not satisfy the various milk safety standards and regulations required of milk containers before they can be used (let alone reused) to store milk for human consumption. As such, known kegs are rejected by dairies and the like because such kegs cannot be reliably and/or efficiently tested for hygiene and cleanliness.

The present keg100does not suffer the cleanliness and hygiene drawbacks faced by common kegs. As previously discussed, the container1of the present keg100, and particularly the interior thereof, is configured such that it is easy to visually assess, clean and test for cleanliness. The container1is not configured with relatively complicated, small or otherwise hard to test/clean/see structures, features or openings, and thus dairies can readily ascertain the cleanliness of the present containers1. Indeed, peak dairy bodies (including Dairy Australia) have authorised the present containers1for reusably storing milk.

To achieve the present container1which can function as part of a keg100, the container1is configured to be fitted with a dispenser fitting50which is separable from the container1.FIG.5shows the dispenser fitting50of the keg100. The dispenser fitting50functions not only to close the aperture14of the container1, but also facilitates the introduction of compressed gas into the container1and dispensing of the beverage therefrom. To this end, the depicted dispenser fitting50comprises a lid54for closing the aperture14, as well as an input valve17and an output valve18. The input valve17and the output valve18are each fitted to the lid54such that, in use, when the dispenser fitting50is fitted to the container1such that the lid54fluidically seals the aperture14, pressurised gas can be introduced into the container1through the lid54via the input valve17and the beverage can be extracted from the container1through the lid54and dispensed via the output valve18. In the depicted embodiment, the input and output valves17,18extend through the lid54of the dispenser fitting50such that in use, the valves17,18protrude through the aperture14of the container1.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid portion54of the dispenser fitting50is generally in the form of and functions like a Cornelius keg lid (i.e., the type of lids used to seal Cornelius kegs). However, while Cornelius keg lids commonly have a metal body and are used to close metallic Cornelius kegs containing carbonated beverages, the lid54of the present dispenser fitting50is preferably formed from a relatively rigid plastic. For example, the lid54may be formed from a freezer grade plastic suited to the refrigerated environments in which the keg may be stored. The lid54has a generally elliptical form and comprises an elliptical collar52configured to carry thereon a correspondingly shaped sealing ring (not shown). Similar to a Cornelius keg lid, the present lid54also comprises a handle or lever36that is manually pivotal to operate the lid54to effect opening and closing of the aperture14of the container1.

Referring toFIG.2, in preferred embodiments, the aperture14of the container1is generally elliptical. Referring toFIG.5, the lid54and sealing O-ring of the dispenser fitting50is also generally elliptical, though larger than the ellipse circumscribed by the aperture14. To fit the dispenser fitting50to the container1, the lid54can first be held generally level above the aperture14and oriented so that the major axis of the elliptical lid54is offset from the major axis of the elliptical aperture14. For example, the respective major axes could be perpendicular to one another. One of the two opposed longer ends of the elliptical lid54can then be tilted downwardly into and through the aperture14, thereby permitting the entire elliptical lid54to be inserted through the aperture14and into the container1. The lid54can then be aligned with the elliptical aperture14such that their respective major axes are substantially aligned with one another. The lid54can then be pulled upwardly such that it engages against the interior collar22of the spout16. As such, the O-ring of the lid54engages against the abutment surface defined by the interior collar22. Finally, the handle36of the lid50can be levered to urge the lid54and thus the sealing ring upwardly into a sealing engagement against the collar22of the spout16, as shown inFIG.7, so as to fluidically seal the aperture14.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the output valve18is configured to be attached to, or at least in fluid communication with, a tube20that is positioned, in use, within the container1to extract the beverage therefrom. The other end of the output valve18is configured to be connected to a dispenser head (not shown) via a hose or similar conduit. Flow through the output valve18to the dispenser head may be controlled via any suitable mechanism such as a tap, clamp, lever locking mechanism, etc.

The depicted tube20comprises two tubular portions25,55in fluid communication with one another. A first tubular portion25of the tube20is substantially transparent and formed from a flexible material, such as a relatively soft plastic or rubber. An upper end of this transparent portion25is secured to the dispenser fitting50, either directly or indirectly via the output valve18. The second tubular portion of the tube20may comprise a metallic end fitting55. The end fitting can be joined to the first tubular portion25by, for example, urging the metallic end fitting55into the opening of the first portion25. The second portion55is configured to function as a weight or anchor so that the tube20sits or rests on the floor12′ of the container1and is able to more completely extract milk from inside the container1.

Referring toFIGS.4and6, the four feet26define small wells26in respective corners of the floor12′ of the container1. Milk may thus collect in one or more of these wells26. Advantageously, and with reference toFIG.6, the weighted tubular end fitting55is configured to sit adjacent or in the well of a foot26and thus extract milk therefrom, thereby reducing milk wastage. Referring toFIG.5, it will be appreciated that the weighted tubular portion55of the tube20defines a milk inlet end60via which milk enters the tube20. Although the weighted portion55is substantially cylindrical, opposed walls at the inlet end of the weighted tube are recessed such that, when viewed from one side, the milk inlet end60has a C-shaped mouth. Referring toFIG.6, this ensures that even if the milk inlet end60sits directly on a relatively flat surface of the floor12′ of the container1, milk is still able to enter the tube20since the C-shaped mouth prevents the milk inlet end60from sitting flush on the floor12′ of the container1.

In use, the dispenser fitting50, along with associated tubing and other fittings, may be provided to and maintained and cleaned by the end-user (e.g., a beverage retail outlet, such as a café), whereas the container1is transported back-and-forth between a dairy (for refilling with milk) and the end-user (for dispensing of milk). The container1may therefore be closed with a simple closure, such as a lid, cover or cap (not shown) for transportation and storage. The cap may be attached to the spout16via an interference fit. For example, with reference toFIG.2, the spout16comprises an outwardly extending circumferential lip24and the cap may comprise a correspondingly shaped and sized circumferential groove or recess configured to reversibly receive the lip24of the spout16to facilitate closing and opening of the aperture14via application and removal of the cap. The end-user may also be provided with a funnel that can be snap-lockingly secured to the spout16. If for whatever reason the dispenser fitting50and/or associated components of the keg system are not functioning or available (e.g., the café has run out of compressed gas), the funnel can be fitted to the spout16and the container1may be oriented upside-down such that the milk therein can still be dispensed from the container1via the funnel.

While a threaded engagement between the spout16and a closure for closing the aperture14is within the scope of the present specification, it has been found that gunk can collect in the screw thread and thus cleaning of the threaded spout14and corresponding closure may be more difficult. The dispenser fitting50is easily washed at the end-user premises (an example process for cleaning the dispenser fitting50is described below) and can be reused with multiple containers1.

The container1is preferably manufactured of a plastic material such that it is suitably lightweight yet substantially rigid and durable, and able to be washed, sterilised and reused multiple times. Preferably, the container1is recyclable at end of life. The container1may be rotationally moulded from high-density polypropylene and rated to be reused for up to eight years. Alternatively, the container1may be manufactured of a metal or metallic alloy such as stainless steel.

The container1may be provided with a tracking tag (not shown), for example, a barcode, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, etc., to facilitate identification, tracking and inventory management.

A method of storing and dispensing a beverage using the container1and associated dispenser fitting50will now be described using the example of supplying milk to a café.

The container1is first filled (or refilled) at a dairy processing plant and sealed with a removable cover, lid or cap (not shown) before being transported to the café. As described above, because the container1is of the approximate size and shape of a milk crate, it fits into existing infrastructure at these facilities and eliminates the need for separate milk crates.

At the café, the containers1may be stacked and stored in a refrigerator102. When milk is to be dispensed from a container1, the cover can be removed, a dispenser fitting50fitted, and milk can be dispensed directly from the refrigerated container1. One embodiment of the end-user infrastructure at the café, including a clean-in-place system for cleaning the dispenser fitting50, will now be described with reference toFIG.8. The refrigerator102may be an existing refrigerator102configured for storing standard milk crates and retrofitted with ports/connectors described below or may be a customised refrigerator102provided with such ports.

Compressed gas port108is configured to receive a gas conduit106connected at one end to compressor104and connectable at the other end to the refrigerated keg100in use. Output port110is configured to receive an output conduit112connected at one end to a dispenser116for the user to dispense the milk, e.g., directly at a counter or coffee machine, and connectable at the other end to the refrigerated keg100in use.

In certain embodiments, cleaning port120may be provided and is configured to receive a cleaning conduit122selectively connectable (via a switch121) at one end to a water supply128or to a supply of cleaning agent124, and connectable at the other end the output conduit112to clean the conduit112and the dispenser116.

Before use, the cap is removed from the container1and the dispenser fitting50is fitted to the container1via the aperture14thereof. The input valve17of dispenser fitting50is then connected to gas conduit106to supply compressed gas to the container1. The output valve18of dispenser fitting50is connected to output conduit112, and therefore to dispenser116. To dispense the milk, compressed gas from compressor104is supplied into the container1so that milk is extracted via the tube20to flow through output valve18and output conduit112to dispenser116.

In certain embodiments, to clean the dispensing subsystem (i.e., the dispenser fitting50, the output conduit112and the dispenser116), output conduit112may be removed from the dispenser fitting50and connected to the cleaning port120(in embodiments where the cleaning port120are provided). The output conduit112and dispenser116may be cleaned with a cleaning agent from supply124and rinsed with water from water supply128. According to one example cleaning protocol, a cleaning agent is firstly fed through the outlet conduit112and dispenser116, and dispenser116is opened to allow the cleaning agent to run through the dispensing line. The dispenser116is then shut and the cleaning agent left in the dispensing line for three minutes. The switch121is then switched to the water supply128and the dispenser116opened to allow water to run through and out of the dispensing line to flush the line of any remaining cleaning agents. Dispenser fitting50may be removed and cleaned in a dishwasher or manually.

Once milk has been extracted from the container1, the dispenser fitting50is removed from the container1and connected to a new container1. The empty container1may be returned to appropriate facilities to be washed and reused or recycled. For example, since the footprint of the container1is of a similar size and shape to the footprint of a milk crate, the container1may be cleaned using existing crate washing facilities and/or existing cleaning in place (CIP) facilities at dairy processing plants.

It will be appreciated that the container1may provide numerous advantages over conventional milk bottles. Instead of a 2-litre capacity, a single container1(in preferred embodiments) has a capacity of about 18 litres, resulting in a significant reduction in manufacturing and handling costs. The similarity in size and shape of the container1to a conventional milk crate and the stackability of the container1ensures that it can be incorporated into existing dairy production, transport, warehousing and storage facilities. At high volume beverage outlets, continuous dispensing from the 18-litre container1greatly improves efficiency, reducing the need to store, replace, open and dispose of individual bottles. Further, where the container1stays refrigerated in use, for example in refrigerator102as described above in relation toFIG.8, this reduces the risk of contamination and spoilage of the milk, in contrast to conventional settings where individual milk bottles may be left on countertops and at room temperature for several hours.

Substituting nine 2-litre bottles with a single container1, particularly where the container1is also reusable and recyclable, additionally reduces the environmental costs associated with disposing individual conventional milk bottles. Further, in preferred embodiments, the cap for closing the aperture14is manufactured of the same material(s) as the container1(e.g., polypropylene) and is therefore recyclable at the same facilities for recycling the container1. In contrast, screw caps of conventional milk bottles and the milk bottles themselves are not recyclable at the same facilities.

While the examples provided above relate to providing, storing and dispensing milk in the containers1, it is envisaged that the containers1could alternatively be used with other beverages such as water, juice, kombucha and alcoholic beverages such as wine, gin and other spirits.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.