Process for supplying beverages

The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for continuously filling and dispensing large numbers of cups with beverages, such as beer. The cups are positioned in rows in suitable containers and conducted underneath dispensing nozzles likewise arranged in a row, the dispensing direction of which may be adjustable.

The retail sale of beverages takes place in general in bottles of different 
size, while tinned beverages are also customary at present. 
The increasing vandalism and behavior of spectators in stadiums where 
sports events take place have resulted in the prohibition of packings of 
beverages as mentioned above. 
In order to remove the above objections, the present invention provides a 
process for retail supply of beverages in receptacles that are unsuitable 
to be thrown to other people or otherwise may result in injuries. 
According to the invention the beverage is dispensed in a plastic cup or 
the like receptacle advanced in rows of a specific number of pieces 
underneath a corresponding number of nozzles. 
Although not restricted thereto, it is the object of the invention to 
dispense beer in the above mentioned form. It is thus possible in a very 
short period of time to meet the demand of large numbers of units. 
A further substantial advantage of the new process is that the beer can be 
tapped directly from the keg. It is well known that the taste of beer 
dispensed in this manner is better than that of beer which is bottled or 
tinned. 
The technique in the manufacturing of plastic receptacles has been so 
developed that the cups to be used in the new process cannot or hardly be 
distinguished from the conventional beer glasses. The weight is 
considerably less so that such a "glass" cannot easily be used as a 
throwing weapon or may otherwise cause injuries. 
When applying the new process, containers may be used that are suitable for 
receiving one or more rows of receptacles, which containers are then 
advanced underneath the nozzles. In the simplest form, the nozzles can be 
arranged above a platform over which the receptacles are moved underneath 
the nozzles. The receptacles, in the present case plastic cups, can be 
moved close together over the platform. It will then not be necessary to 
close the tap after filling a row. The loss of beverage is negligible. 
As already observed, it is the object to tap the beer directly from the 
keg. As soon as a keg is empty, it is possible to start a full keg within 
a few seconds through application of a suitable connection. Here too the 
loss of beverage is minimal. 
When beer is introduced at a specific angle in receptacles, there is 
produced the required froth collar, naturally when the proper temperature 
and pressure are maintained. The latter condition can be simply met. The 
above mentioned angle can be obtained by either making the nozzles 
adjustable or selecting the place of supply adjacent the wall of the 
receptacle. Instead of a platform for moving the rows of receptacles 
underneath the nozzles, the transport surface might be formed by the top 
part of an endless conveyor belt. The transport speed should then be 
adapted to the speed, the time respectively within which a glass can be 
filled. 
The apparatus by means of which the new process can be performed is of a 
simple construction and may be designed inexpensively. 
The new apparatus substantially comprises a platform provided with upright 
longitudinal edges, above which there is mounted a transversely oriented 
multiple nozzle.

By 1 is indicated a platform the top face 2 of which is smooth. 
The platform 1 is provided with upright edges 3 and 4. Above platform 1 
there is present a manifold 5 having a plurality of outlet openings, one 
of which being indicated by 6. By 7 is indicated a valve which is operable 
by a handle 8. 
The supply line to the manifold 5 is numbered 9. As shown in the drawing, a 
plurality of containers 10, 11 and 12 is disposed on platform 1. These 
containers are suitable for receiving and holding drinking receptacles 
arranged in rows. The number of cups arranged in rows, in this case made 
of plastic, which are similar as regards shape and aspect to a normal 
glass, corresponds to the number of outlet openings 6 in the manifold 5. 
Twenty-four cups may be received per each container 10, 11 and 12. This 
number may naturally vary. As container are used initially flat boxes 
which are unfolded at the tapping location. Each container may be provided 
with handles 13 or the like for facilitating the transport of the 
respective container. 
The top face 2 of the platform 1 might be designed as the top part of a 
conveyor belt. 
The apparatus according to the invention is adapted for retail dispensing 
beverages, for instance beer, which has the considerable advantage that 
the beer can be tapped in fresh condition, the taste of which is better 
than of beer from glasses, bottles or tins. The dispensing is effected per 
cup having a low weight. The importance thereof has been already discussed 
in the above in connection with the application of the invention, for 
instance in stadiums. 
The apparatus is operated as follows: 
The supply line 9 is connected to a beer keg. Valve 7 is opened and the 
beer now flows continuously via the nozzles 6 into the cups 14 present 
thereunder in containers. Said containers are pushed forward in the 
direction of the arrows A as soon as a row of cups 14 is filled. It will 
be clear that in this manner a large quantity of beverages can be tapped 
in a short period of time. During the advancement of the containers 10, 11 
and 12, the nozzles 6 continue to dispense beverage but the resulting loss 
is negligible. Instead of in straight rows, the cups in each row may also 
be arranged in offset relationship, so that the container could be 
slightly smaller. 
As already stated, the top face 2 of the platform 1 might also be designed 
as the top part of an endless conveyor belt. The motion rhythm is then 
adapted to the time required to fill a row of cups. 
Although not shown, the nozzles are either inclined or they are disposed 
adjacent the wall of the drinking receptacle to be filled, so as to form 
the required froth collar during beer tapping. The nozzles may be 
adjustable. 
After a keg has been emptied, the next may be tapped. To this end, there 
are provided quick-acting couplings which enable this operation to be 
carried out in a few seconds, so that the tapping need hardly be 
interrupted. Instead of moving the cups 14 in containers 10, 11 or 12 
underneath nozzles 6, it is naturally also possible to arrange the 
drinking receptacles in rows while pushing same underneath the nozzles.