Beverage dispensing system and method

A beverage dispensing system is disclosed that includes a container assembly configured to store two liquids (e.g., liquor and a mixer) that is couplable to a head assembly. The head assembly includes one or more pumps configured to draw the different liquids from the assembly, to mix variable ratios of the two liquids together, and to dispense the drink. In some configurations, the drink may be dispensed from the beverage dispenser into a glass or directly to the mouth of an individual.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to systems and methods for dispensing a beverage. More particularly, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for creating and dispensing a beverage which may be a mixture of liquor and a mixer.

BACKGROUND

Making cocktails and mixed alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks (referred to in combination simply as “mixed drinks”) is a common and widespread activity. However, the ability to mix various drink components, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, in a way that creates a beverage that consistently tastes good is difficult enough to be considered an art, referred to as ‘mixology.’ It requires enough training and practice to obtain skilled proficiency that mixology is taught in expensive trade schools. Those who have dedicated the time and other resources to master this skill are revered as skilled mixologists.

For the average mixed-drink consumer, it is difficult to prepare, share, and enjoy high quality custom drinks in private, non-retail environments. Most individuals do not have the experience or skill to make a wide variety of mixed drinks correctly. If they are making drinks for all their guests or attendees to a private event, the host or amateur ‘bartender’ is burdened by making drinks rather than enjoying the event. Consequently, the drinks are often of sub-par quality. Additionally, making individual mixed drinks in environments outside of a home bar or kitchen is difficult and messy without proper bar/kitchen utensils. Another option has been to make “batch” mixed drinks in volume which presents more difficulty in achieving proper ingredient proportions along with difficulty storing and dispensing the batch mixed drink. Melting ice rapidly dilutes the mix, damaging the quality and taste of the beverage. If the drink includes alcohol, the expensive alcohol may be wasted when too much beverage is made. The above applies to virtually all environments in which mixed drinks are consumed outside of a bar, restaurant, or entertainment venue.

SUMMARY

At least one method and a system of dispensing a drink, which may include a mixture of liquor and a mixer is illustrated. The system may include a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may include a container assembly configured to store liquor and a mixer. The container assembly may be coupled to a head assembly. The head assembly may further include battery-operated one or more pumps (illustrated in detail in successive configurations) configured to draw liquor and a mixer from the assembly, to create the drink. Further, the drink may be dispensed from the beverage dispenser, either directly to the mouth of an individual, or into a vessel. While specific examples, configurations, and/or applications of the present beverage dispensers are provided, it is to be understood that granted claims ultimately define the breadth and depth of the present disclosure. The following example(s) are meant to illustrate the present beverage dispenser.

In one illustrative configuration of the present disclosure, a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The beverage dispenser may be configured to dispense a mixed drink of liquor and a mixer. The beverage dispenser may include a container assembly defining an opening. The container assembly may include a mixer chamber configured to store the mixer, and a liquor chamber inserted within the mixer chamber, which may be configured to store the liquor. The container assembly may further include a separator plate adjacent to the opening of the container assembly. The separator plate may further include a liquor fill hole in fluid communication with the liquor chamber, a liquor conduit defining a proximal end and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. The proximal end of the liquor conduit may be in fluid communication with the liquor chamber. The separator plate may further include a mixer fill hole in fluid communication with the mixer chamber, and a mixer conduit defining a proximal end and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. The proximal end of the mixer conduit may be in fluid communication with the mixer chamber. The beverage dispenser may further include a head assembly configured to be removably connected to the container assembly. The head assembly may further include a turbulator configured to combine the liquor and the mixer. The turbulator may include a liquor inlet, a mixer inlet, and a mixed drink outlet. The head assembly may include a liquor pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of the liquor conduit and the liquor inlet of the turbulator. The head assembly may also include a mixer pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of the mixer conduit and the mixer inlet of the turbulator, a nozzle in fluid communication with the mixed drink outlet, and an electronics circuit board in electrical communication with the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The electronics circuit board may further include a mix adjuster. The mix adjuster may be configured to adjust the ratio of the liquor and the mixer. The beverage dispenser may further include a battery configured to power the electronics circuit board, the liquor pump, and the mixer pump. The electronics circuit board may be configured to controllingly operate the liquor pump and the mixer pump to draw the liquor and the mixer from the liquor chamber and the mixer chamber, respectively, and combine the liquor and the mixer in the turbulator to create the drink and dispense the mixed drink from the nozzle.

In one configuration, a beverage dispenser container assembly for components of a mixed beverage is disclosed. The beverage dispenser container assembly may include a mixer chamber configured to store a mixer, the mixer chamber may further include a finish formed at an entrance of the mixer chamber and coaxial to a centerline. The finish may further include a sealing surface formed at the entrance of the mixer chamber, an external thread formed on an outside surface thereof, and a bore formed at the entrance and coaxial to the centerline. The beverage dispenser container may include a liquor chamber configured to store the liquor. The liquor chamber may further include a separator plate. Further, a liquor opening may be formed in the separator plate. Further, a seal may be adjoined to the separator plate of the liquor chamber and either the bore or the sealing surface of the mixer chamber. A head assembly may be attached to the beverage dispenser container and may include an internal thread engagingly coupled to the external thread of the mixer chamber, a cap adjoining the seal, and the liquor and the mixer separated by at least the liquor chamber and the seal.

In one configuration, a beverage creation method for creating a mixed drink of liquor and a mixer is disclosed. The beverage creation method may include the first step of providing a container assembly. The container assembly may include a mixer chamber configured to store the mixer. The mixer chamber may include an opening, a liquor chamber removably positioned in the mixer chamber, and the liquor chamber configured to store the liquor. The beverage dispenser may include a separator plate adjacent to the opening, and the separator plate may further include a liquor fill hole in fluid communication with the liquor chamber. The container assembly may further include a liquor conduit defining a proximal end, and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. The proximal end of the liquor conduit may be in fluid communication with the liquor chamber. The separator plate may further include a mixer fill hole which may be in fluid communication with the mixer chamber. The container assembly may include a mixer conduit defining a proximal end and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end, and the proximal end of the mixer conduit may be in fluid communication with the mixer chamber. The beverage creation method may include the next step of filling the liquor into the liquor chamber through the liquor fill hole. The beverage creation method may include the next step of filling the mixer into the mixer chamber through the mixer fill hole. beverage creation method may include the next step of providing a head assembly. The head assembly may include a turbulator configured to combine the liquor and the mixer, and the turbulator may further include a liquor inlet, a mixer inlet, and a mixed drink outlet. The head assembly may include a liquor pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of the liquor conduit and the liquor inlet of the turbulator, and a mixer pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of the mixer conduit and the mixer inlet of the turbulator. The head assembly may further include a nozzle, which may be in fluid communication with the mixed drink outlet. The head assembly may further include an electronics circuit board in electrical communication with the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The electronics circuit board may include a mix adjuster configured to adjust the ratio of the liquor and the mixer. The head assembly may include a battery configured to power the electronics circuit board, the liquor pump, and the mixer pump. The head assembly may further include a trigger configured to activate the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The beverage creation method may include the next step of attaching, after filling the liquor and the mixer, the head assembly to the container assembly. The beverage creation method may include the next step of adjusting, using the mix adjuster, the ratio of the liquor, and the mixer. The beverage creation method may include the next step of operating, controllingly, in response to the ratio of the liquor and the mixer, the liquor pump, and the mixer pump for drawing the liquor and the mixer from the liquor chamber and the mixer chamber, respectively. The beverage creation method may include the next step of combining, the liquor and the mixer in the turbulator, for creating the mixed drink of the liquor and the mixer. The beverage creation method may include the next step of dispensing the mixed drink from the nozzle.

In one configuration, a sealing method for a beverage container assembly for components of a mixed beverage is disclosed. The sealing method may include the first step of inserting a liquor chamber in a finish formed at an entrance of a mixer chamber. The mixer chamber may be configured to store a mixer, and the mixer chamber may further include a finish formed at an entrance of the mixer chamber and coaxial to a centerline. The finish may further include a sealing surface formed at the entrance of the mixer chamber, an external thread formed on an outside surface thereof, and a bore formed at the entrance and coaxial to the centerline. The beverage dispenser container may include a liquor chamber configured to store the liquor. The liquor chamber may further include a separator plate. Further, a liquor opening may be formed in the separator plate. The sealing method may include the next step of adjoining the separator plate of the liquor chamber and either the bore or the sealing surface of the mixer chamber using a seal. The sealing method may include engaging a head assembly to the beverage container assembly. The head assembly may include an internal thread engagingly coupled to the external thread of the mixer chamber, and an adjoining the seal, The sealing method may include the next step of sealing the liquor chamber from the mixer chamber using the seal.

In one configuration, an adjustment method for adjusting a flow rate of a mixed drink of liquor and a mixer is disclosed. The adjustment method may include the first step of providing a container assembly. The container assembly may include a mixer chamber configured to store the mixer. The mixer chamber may include an opening, a liquor chamber removably positioned in the mixer chamber, and the liquor chamber configured to store the liquor. The beverage dispenser may include a separator plate adjacent to the opening, and the separator plate may further include a liquor fill hole in fluid communication with the liquor chamber. The container assembly may further include a liquor conduit defining a proximal end, and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end. The proximal end of the liquor conduit may be in fluid communication with the liquor chamber. The separator plate may further include a mixer fill hole which may be in fluid communication with the mixer chamber. The container assembly may include a mixer conduit defining a proximal end and a distal end oppositely disposed to the proximal end, and the proximal end of the mixer conduit may be in fluid communication with the mixer chamber. The adjustment method may include the next step of filling the liquor into the liquor chamber through the liquor fill hole. The adjustment method may include the next step of filling the mixer into the mixer chamber through the mixer fill hole. adjustment method may include the next step of providing a head assembly. The head assembly may include a turbulator configured to combine the liquor and the mixer, and the turbulator may further include a liquor inlet, a mixer inlet, and a mixed drink outlet. The head assembly may include a liquor pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of liquor conduit and the liquor inlet of the turbulator, and a mixer pump in fluid communication with the proximal end of the mixer conduit and the mixer inlet of the turbulator. The head assembly may further include a nozzle, which may be in fluid communication with the mixed drink outlet. The head assembly may further include an electronics circuit board in electrical communication with the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The electronics circuit board may include a mix adjuster configured to adjust a ratio of the liquor and the mixer. The head assembly may include a battery configured to power the electronics circuit board, the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The head assembly may further include a trigger configured to activate the liquor pump and the mixer pump. The head assembly may further include a rate adjuster connected to the electronics circuit. The adjustment method may include the next step of attaching, after filling the liquor and the mixer, the head assembly to the container assembly. The adjustment method may include the next step of adjusting, using the mix adjuster, the ratio of the liquor and the mixer. The adjustment method may include the next step of operating, controllingly, in response to the ratio of the liquor and the mixer, the liquor pump and the mixer pump for drawing the liquor and the mixer from the liquor chamber and the mixer chamber, respectively. The adjustment method may include the next step of combining, the liquor and the mixer in the turbulator, for creating the mixed drink of the liquor and the mixer. The adjustment method may include the next step of dispensing the mixed drink from the nozzle. Further, the adjustment method may include the next step of engaging the rate adjuster to increase the flow rate of the mixed drink from the nozzle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that while the following description is configured for a beverage dispenser and methods of dispensing the beverage, the beverage dispenser may be filled with various types of liquor and suitable mixers for the liquor selected. The beverage dispenser may be utilized to create and dispense a drink which may include a mixture of the liquor and the mixer. Additionally, various components have been identified with reference to ‘liquor’ and ‘mixer’ before reference labels, these terms may be reversed and/or substituted with other liquid materials (e.g., carbonated liquid, juice, sweet water, etc.).

Mixed drinks (e.g., liquor-bearing ‘cocktails’ or non-alcoholic ‘mocktails’) are created by manual devices such as a shaker. The shaker is a two-part assembly into which liquor and mixer are poured (along with ice, sugar, spirits, carbonated liquid, juice, etc.). As the name suggests, after filling, the two-part assembly may be sealed to form a single cavity and shaken vigorously for a period (e.g., 15 to 20 seconds). After shaking, the contents of the shaker are poured into a glass, and thus a beverage is created. This process is laborious since creating a perfect cocktail requires manual measurement of the liquids, mixing, and dispensing.

As an alternative, a dispensing system described herein stores, mixes, and dispenses drinks. A removable lid assembly contains equipment to pump, mix, and dispense drinks. This pumping, mixing, and dispensing provides a device that is portable, reliable, time-efficient, effective, and easy-to-use to minimize necessity of mixology skill(s). Regardless of mixology skill(s), a user can easily create, store, transport, consume, serve, and share many types of mixed drinks in any environment.

In one configuration, the beverage dispenser may include a container assembly and a head assembly. The container assembly may be configured to store liquor and a mixer. The head assembly may be, removably, attached to the container assembly. The head assembly may include at least one pump configured to draw the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly in a fixed and/or variable ratio and to transmit the liquor and the mixer to a mixing unit. The ratio of the liquor and the mixer may be set by an adjuster, which is described later herein. Further, the liquor and the mixer may be mixed in the mixing unit to create a drink (interchangeably referred to as beverage, drink, cocktail drink, mocktail, mixed drink, or the like). The drink is further transmitted from the mixing unit and dispensed from the head assembly using a nozzle. Liquor may include an alcoholic drink such as vodka, gin, whiskey, etc. The mixers may include a mixer suitable for the liquor, i.e., flavored fluids which may easily be combined with the liquor. Examples of mixers may include instant pre-mixes for cocktail drinks such as pre-mixes for margarita, which may be easily combined with tequila, vodka, gin, etc. Other examples of mixers may also include sour mixes or syrups such as agave syrup, sugar syrups, triple sec/Cointreau, and the like. The beverage dispenser may, for example, be electrically powered using a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion battery). The head assembly may also include a power switch to control power to at least one pump. The head assembly may also include a trigger that, when actuated, may be configured to cause the drink to dispense from the head assembly.

With reference toFIG.1illustrating a side-elevation view100of a beverage dispenser102dispensing a drink104, the beverage dispenser102may be configured to store liquor and mixer. By mixing the liquor and the mixer, the beverage dispenser102creates the drink104dispensed in a laminar flow (or a near-laminar flow).

Referring now toFIG.2illustrating a perspective view200of the beverage dispenser102, the beverage dispenser102may be provided with a container assembly202and a head assembly204. The container assembly202may be configured as a single-wall or double-wall insulated bottle which may be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, brass, etc.), plastic (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, etc.), or other structural material (e.g. glass). The head assembly204may include a housing206. The housing206may be made of metal or plastic and configured to enclose items such as, for example, an electronic circuit, a pump(s), a mixing unit, a battery, and a nozzle. The head assembly204may be engaged to the container assembly202by a helical thread320(FIG.3) or other removable mechanism for sealingly engaging the head assembly204to the container assembly202.

With reference toFIG.3illustrating a front view300of the container assembly202provided with a liquor chamber302and a mixer chamber304. The liquor chamber302is configured to store liquor while the mixer chamber304is configured to store the mixer. In one configuration, the mixer chamber304may include a bore306near an opening of the container assembly202. Further, the liquor chamber302may include a semi-circular surface308(also shown inFIGS.4and6) coaxial to a centerline310of the container assembly202, and a liquor chamber diameter DL (FIG.4) may be less than a mixer chamber diameter DM (FIG.4) of the bore306. The dimensions of the liquor chamber diameter DL and the mixer chamber diameter DM allow the liquor chamber302to pass through the bore306and be inserted into the mixer chamber304. As illustrated in the front view300, a volume of the liquor chamber302may be less than that of the mixer chamber304. Additionally, the mixer chamber304of the container assembly202may be provided with an engagement mechanism such as a helical thread320.

FIG.4illustrates a top view400of the container assembly202provided with a liquor fill hole402, a mixer fill hole404, and a separator plate406. The liquor fill hole402and the mixer fill hole404may be formed in the separator plate406. The liquor chamber302is in fluid communication with liquor fill hole402. The mixer chamber304is in fluid communication with mixer fill hole404. As illustrated, the container assembly202may include a liquor port408and a mixer port410. The liquor port408and the mixer port410may be formed in the separator plate406. The liquor fill hole402may be adjacent to the liquor port408. The mixer fill hole404may be adjacent to the mixer port410.

FIG.5illustrates a filling method500for filling the container assembly202. To fill the liquor chamber302, the user may pour liquor into the liquor chamber302through the liquor fill hole402. To fill the mixer chamber304, the user may pour mixer into the mixer chamber304through the mixer fill hole404. It is noted that partial filling of the liquor of the mixer may occur depending on the number of drinks to be created and/or mix ratio of the liquor-to-mixer.

FIG.6is an exploded view600of an illustrative configuration of the container assembly202wherein the liquor chamber302is inserted into the mixer chamber304. The container assembly202may be provided with a liquor conduit610and a mixer conduit612. The liquor conduit610may be fluidically connected to the liquor fill hole402. The mixer conduit604may be fluidically coupled to the mixer port410. As illustrated, the liquor conduit610may include a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the liquor conduit610may be deeply inserted into the liquor chamber302, and the proximal end may be connected to liquor port408. The mixer conduit612may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the mixer conduit604may be inserted in the mixer port410, and the distal end of the mixer conduit604may be deep inside the mixer chamber304.

With continued reference toFIG.6, the container assembly202may be further provided with a top seal602and a bottom seal608. The top seal602may adjoin a top surface of the separator plate406. The bottom seal608may adjoin a bottom surface of the separator plate406. As illustrated, the separator plate406may be sandwiched between the top seal602and the bottom seal608. In one configuration, the separator plate406is removably adjoined to the liquor chamber302. The separator plate406, the top seal602, and the bottom seal608may be configured to compartmentalize the mixer chamber304from the liquor chamber302(i.e., the mixer and the liquor are not in fluid communication with each other while stored in the container assembly202).

Still referring toFIG.6, the container assembly202may further include a bezel620formed at the top of the liquor chamber302. The bezel620may include an O-ring groove622formed to receive an O-ring624. The O-ring624seals the bezel620to the mixer chamber304as illustrated. If configured as illustrated, the separator plate406is received by the bezel620such that the liquor fill hole402is aligned with the mixer chamber304, and the liquor fill hole402is aligned with the liquor chamber302. The bezel620be formed with detents as illustrated for aligning the separator plate406. In this configuration, the semi-circular surface308of the mixer chamber304is co-axial to the centerline310of the container assembly202.

In one illustrative configuration, the dimensions of the separator plate406may be less than or equal to the dimensions of the opening or entrance of the of the mixer chamber304such that the separator plate406may be positioned on the finish of the mixer chamber304. The separator plate406may include a clocking partition606, such as a bridge, which may be configured to separate the opening of the container assembly202into liquor fill hole402and mixer fill hole404(and all related components in fluid communication therewith). In the same configuration, the liquor port408and the mixer port410may be provisioned on the separator plate406. The liquor port408and the mixer port410may be configured with a liquor port seal614and a mixer port seal616, respectively. The liquor port seal614may be configured as an O-ring, and the mixer port seal616may be configured as an O-ring. In another configuration, the liquor port408and the mixer port410may be connected to inlets of a mixing unit which is described in detail in conjunction with successive configurations.

In another illustrative configuration, with continued reference toFIG.6, the top seal602and the bottom seal608may be formed to include a torrid, a planer profile, or a flange seal. It should be noted that the top seal602and the bottom seal608may be manufactured in accordance with the dimensions and structure of the separator plate406. By way of an example, the top seal602and the bottom seal608may also include a circular profile with a bridge dividing the circular profile into (approximately) halves for separating the liquor fill hole402and the mixer fill hole404. In another configuration, the top seal602may include a groove formed into the face. By way of an example, the upper surface of the top seal602may be partially indented to tightly/sealingly receive the head assembly204. In another configuration, the separator plate406may be ultrasonically welded to the liquor chamber302(specifically a bezel630described inFIG.6) either with a top seal602positioned therebetween or without the top seal602. On the separator plate406, the bottom seal608may be positioned.

With reference toFIG.7illustrating a cross-sectional view700of the container assembly202taken across plane7-7(ofFIG.4), the container assembly202may be, partially, filled with liquor (noted by ‘L’) and mixer (noted by ‘M’) though the liquor fill hole402and the mixer fill hole404. As configured with the liquor chamber302inserted in mixer chamber304and the separator plate406positioned as illustrated, the mixer conduit612is positioned in mixer chamber304. Likewise, the liquor conduit610is positioned in the liquor chamber302.

FIG.8illustrates a rear perspective view800of the head assembly204that may be provided with a mix adjuster802, a threaded collar804, a handle806, a dispense trigger810, a power switch812, a rate adjuster814, and a charging port816. In the same configuration, the head assembly204may also include the housing206. The housing206may be formed by joining a first half808aand a second half808b, and it may be configured to accommodate the components of the head assembly204. The first half808aand the second half808bmay be clipped together, interlocked with each other using any snap fastening, or other fastening methods commonly known in the art (e.g., threaded hi-low screws for plastic). The head assembly204may be attached to the container assembly202such that the head assembly casing may act as a cap to the container assembly202. The bottom seal608may seal the head assembly204and the container assembly202.

With continued reference toFIG.8, the mix adjuster802may be configured to set a ratio of the liquor and the mixer to increase or decrease the liquor concentration in the drink. The mix adjuster802may be further configured to set the ratio in accordance with a mix value ranging from 1 to 13+‘S’ (14 total settings) with 1 being the ratio at which the drink may include the lowest concentration of the liquor and ‘S’ being the ratio at which the drink may include the highest permissible concentration of the liquor (i.e., 100% liquor). The lowest mix value 1 may correspond to a ratio of liquor to mixer of 1:4.5, i.e., 1 part of liquor to 4.5 parts mixer (18.1%), and the highest numerical mix value of 13 may correspond to the ratio of liquor to mixer being 4.5:1, i.e., 4.5 parts liquor to 1 part mixer (81.8%). In one configuration, the mid-point of the scale (e.g., 7) may correspond to a ratio of liquor to mixer being 1:1, i.e., 1 part liquor to 1 part mixer (50%). The mix value may be selected by the user using a lever switch, knob, or any other multiple switching devices known in the art. The assembly of the mix adjuster may be explained in detail in conjunction withFIGS.17-18. Below is one illustrative configuration of dial settings:

Dial SettingRatio Liquor to MixerAlcohol Ratio11 to 4.50.18121 to 3.50.22231 to 2.50.28641 to 20.33351 to 1.50.40061 to 1.250.44471 to 10.50081.25 to 10.55691.5 to 10.600102 to 10.667112.5 to 10.714123.5 to 10.778134.5 to 10.818S1 to 01

As illustrated inFIG.8, the head assembly204may include the handle806may include a protrusion to which a grip may be adjoined. In the same configuration, the head assembly204may also include at least one electric battery, which may be accommodated in the handle806or generally supported inside the housing206. The power switch812may be electrically connected to the at least one electric battery directly or via circuitry and configured such that actuating the power switch812may power the beverage dispenser ON/OFF accordingly. The at least one battery may be further connected to the charging port816directly or via circuitry (e.g., a charge control application-specific circuit). The charging port816may include a USB-type charging port commonly available in the state of the art such as a USB-C port. The charging port816may be connected to an external power plug via a USB cable and the like. In the same configuration, the dispense trigger810may be configured to activate when actuated the dispensing of the mixed drink at a predefined flow rate from the head assembly204. In the same configuration, to increase the flow rate, the rate adjuster814may be actuated. The electric connection of the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814may be illustrated in detail in conjunction withFIGS.17-18.

With reference toFIG.9illustrating a bottom perspective view900of the head assembly204, the head assembly204may include a nozzle902, an internal screw threads904, a clocking groove906, an illuminator908, and base plate910. The nozzle902may be fluidically connected to the mixing unit and may be configured to discharge the mixed drink from the head assembly204. The internal screw threads904is further illustrated, for example, inFIGS.13-16. The clocking groove906is configured to interface with clocking partition606(FIG.6) to align the head assembly204with the container assembly202. The illuminator908is further described inFIGS.33and34. The base plate910may formed with the clocking groove906. The clocking groove906may be configured to align the head assembly204to the container assembly202by engaging with the clocking partition606(refer toFIG.6).

With continued reference toFIG.9, in one illustrative configuration, the head assembly204may include an illuminated branding of the beverage dispenser. The branding may be configured as ‘PNU’, which is a symbolic applicant's word mark of PNUMIX. The branding may be illuminated using a panel of RGB-LEDs. In another configuration, the branding may be illuminated when the power switch812is triggered. The illuminated branding may provide an operational status of the beverage dispenser102, i.e., the beverage dispenser102is turned ON or the creation of the drink is in process. The illuminated branding may indicate that batter, mixer, and/or liquor are depleted. In the same configuration, the illuminated branding may be covered by a protective layer912. The protective layer912may include a thin transparent sheet attached to the housing206.

With reference toFIG.10illustrating a side view1000of the head assembly204, the mix adjuster802is selectable adjustable such as the illustrated positions indicated by both solid and dashed lines.

Referring toFIG.11of a bottom view1100of the head assembly204, the head assembly204may further include a liquor protrusion1102, and a mixer protrusion1104. The liquor protrusion1102and the mixer protrusion1104pay be formed in the base plate910and may be configured to interface with the liquor port408(FIG.6) and the mixer port410(FIG.6) respectively, when the container assembly202is connected to the head assembly204. In the same configuration, the liquor protrusion1102and the mixer protrusion1104may be connected to the at least one pump. The at least one pump may be operated to draw the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly202through the liquor protrusion1102, the mixer protrusion1104, the liquor conduit610, and the mixer conduit612, respectively, and to transmit the drawn liquor and mixer to the mixing unit.

Referring toFIG.12of a top view1200of the head assembly204, the head assembly204may further include an indica cover1202provided with indica of the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814. The indica cover1202may include an adhesive surface for bridging across the first half808aand the second half808b. Features such as cantilevered tabs (not shown) may be positioned underneath the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814. The cantilevered tabs deflect in response to force exerted by the user, the deflected cantilevered tabs interact with switches located inside the head assembly204. In one configuration, the indicia cover1202may also include an indicator (e.g. an LED) that changes color to indicate dial setting or other status of the beverage dispenser102.

InFIG.13, an illustrates a perspective view1300of a configuration of the threaded collar804may be provided with the internal screw threads904to engage the external threads configured as, for example, helical thread320(FIG.3) on the mixer chamber304(FIG.3). The threaded collar804may include an internal surface and an external surface. The internal surface may be configured to accommodate the internal screw threads904, and the external surface may define a grip1302. The user may hold the grip1302and to rotate the threaded collar804in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the threaded collar804in clockwise direction may advance the threaded collar804vertically downward to affix the container assembly202to the head assembly204. To separate the container assembly202and the head assembly204, the threaded collar804may be rotated in counterclockwise direction, which may further advance the threaded collar804vertically upward, thereby releasing the container assembly202from the head assembly204.FIG.14illustrates a side view1400of the threaded collar804formed with a conical shape.

With reference toFIG.15showing a bottom view of the threaded collar804, the threaded collar804may have a circular profile with an internal ring1502formed along the internal surface. The internal ring1502may be provided for capturing the threaded collar804to the housing206of the head assembly204.

With reference toFIG.16showing a cross-sectional view of the threaded collar804taken across plane16-16(FIG.15), the internal screw threads904may be formed on one end of the threaded collar804with the internal ring1502centrally located.

FIG.17illustrates a left-side exploded view1700of the head assembly204wherein the head assembly204may include at least one pump. Or, as illustrated two pumps such as a liquor pump1702and a mixer pump1704. The liquor pump1702may include a liquor pump inlet1734and a liquor pump outlet1735. Similarly, the mixer pump1704may include a mixer pump inlet1736and a mixer pump outlet1737. In another configuration, the liquor pump inlet1734may be connected to liquor protrusion1102(FIG.11), and the mixer pump inlet1736may be connected to the mixer protrusion1104(FIG.11). The liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be held in a pump flange1706. The pump flange1706may include two circular grooves formed adjacent to each other. In this configuration, the pump flange1706may be configured to hold the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704within the circular grooves. In the same configuration, the pump flange1706may be supported using three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c). Each pillar support from among the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c) may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c) may be screwed or integrally formed on the base plate, and the distal ends of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c) may be fixedly attached to the pump flange1706. The assembly of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c), the base plate910, and the pump flange1706may be presented as a head assembly frame, which may be further explained in detail in conjunction withFIGS.19-24.

With continued reference toFIG.17, the head assembly204may include the mixing unit. The mixing unit may include a turbulator1708. The turbulator1708may be configured to receive and combine the liquor and the mixer to create a drink. In the same configuration, the turbulator1708may be formed as a T-shaped hollow member. The T-shaped hollow member may include a turbulator liquor inlet1712, a turbulator mixer inlet1714, and a mixed drink outlet1716. The turbulator1708may be configured to receive the liquor from the turbulator liquor inlet1714and the mixer from turbulator mixer inlet1712, and it may discharge the mixed drink through the mixed drink outlet1716.

As further illustrated inFIG.17, the base plate may include a liquor transfer conduit1710(a) and a mixer transfer conduit1710(b). The liquor transfer inlet1710(a) may be connected to liquor protrusion1102, and the mixer transfer conduit1710(b) may be connected to mixer protrusion1104. To the liquor transfer conduit1710(a), the liquor pump inlet1734may be connected (referFIG.17), and in a similar fashion, the mixer pump inlet1736may be connected to the mixer transfer conduit1710(b). Further, the liquor pump outlet1735may be connected to the turbulator liquor inlet1712, and the mixer pump outlet1737may be connected to the turbulator mixer inlet1714. In the same configuration, a first liquor transfer seal1730may be accommodated between the liquor pump inlet1734and the liquor transfer conduit1710(a), and a second liquor transfer seal1732may be accommodated between the liquor pump outlet1735and the turbulator liquor inlet1712. The first liquor transfer seal1730may be configured to fluidically seal the connection between the liquor pump inlet1734and the liquor transfer conduit1710(a), and the second liquor transfer seal1732may be configured to fluidically seal the connection between the liquor pump outlet1735and the turbulator liquor inlet1712. In a similar fashion, a first mixer transfer seal1726may be accommodated between the mixer pump inlet1736and the mixer transfer conduit1710(b), and a second mixer transfer seal1728may be accommodated between the mixer pump outlet1737and the turbulator mixer inlet1714. The first mixer transfer seal1726may be configured to fluidically seal the connection between the mixer pump inlet1736and the mixer transfer conduit1710(b), and the second liquor transfer seal1732may be configured to fluidically seal the connection between the mixer pump outlet1737and the turbulator mixer inlet1714.

In another illustrative configuration, the left-side exploded view1700of the head assembly204also illustrates an exploded view of the mix adjuster802. As seen from earlier configurations, and by way of an example, the mix adjuster802may utilize a rotary-input based sensor1718such as a potentiometer or an optical encoder. The mix adjuster802may include a rotary input adjuster such as a dial lever1720that is mechanically coupled using a fastener1724and a gasket1738to the rotary-input based sensor1718. The rotary-input based sensor1718may be configured to generate a sensor signal in accordance with the rotation of the dial lever1720. As illustrated in the configuration ofFIG.8, the mix adjuster802may be configured to set the ratio of liquor to mixer. With reference toFIGS.17-18, the ratio of liquor to mixer may be set in a range from 1 to S, and the value may be selected by rotating the dial lever1720over the ranges of mix values. The rotary-input based sensor1718may be configured to sense the rotation of the dial lever1720, and it may be configured to generate the signal. By way of an example, when the mix value of “1” is selected, a sensor signal may be generated by the rotary-input based sensor1718to represent the requirement to mix 1 part liquor and 1 part mixer.

With reference toFIG.18, in another illustrative configuration, the head assembly204may include at least one electronic circuit board. The at least one electronic circuit board may include a main circuit board1802and a daughter circuit board1804. The main circuit board1802may be connected to the daughter circuit board1804using a wired connection or any wireless connection known in the art. The main circuit board1802may include a main processing unit (not shown in the figure), and the daughter circuit board1804may include a daughter processing unit (also not shown in the figure). The processing units of the main circuit board1802and the daughter circuit board1804may include microprocessors or systems on chips (SoC). The main circuit board1802may be connected to the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704. The main circuit board1802may be further connected to the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814. Further, the main circuit board1802may be fixated to a support block1810. The support block may be formed in either the first head assembly casing808(a) or the second head assembly casing808(b) (referFIG.17). Similarly, the daughter circuit board1804may be accommodated in the second head assembly casing808(b). The second head assembly casing808(b) may include a circular profile into which the daughter circuit board1804may be accommodated. Further, the main circuit board1802and the daughter circuit board1804may be fastened to the support block1810and to the circular profile using any fasteners known in the art.

Referring again toFIG.17, in another configuration, the sensor signals generated by the rotary-input based sensor1718may be received by the daughter circuit board1804, which may be connected to the rotary-input based sensor1718. The daughter circuit board1804may be configured to process the sensor signal and may be configured to generate at least one operational signal for the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704. The at least one operational signal may be transmitted to the main circuit board1802. The main processing unit of the main circuit board1802may be configured to process the at least one operational signal, and it may be configured accordingly to controllingly operate the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704. In the same configuration, the sensor signals generated by the rotary-input based sensor1718may be an electric voltage signal. Further, the at least one operating signal generated by the daughter processing unit by processing the sensor signal may be a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal. More particularly, the operational signal transmitted to the main circuit board1802may include a liquor pump PWM signal and a mixer pump PWM signal. After receiving the liquor pump PWM signal and the mixer pump PWM signal, the main circuit board1802may be configured to operate the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704to draw the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly202in a ratio as selected by the user using the mix adjuster802.

In another configuration, the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814may be connected to the main circuit board1802. The dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814, when actuated, may generate a voltage signal to activate the liquor pump1702or the mixer pump1704, to turn ON/OFF the beverage dispenser102to conserve power from the electric battery, or to increase the flow rate of the dispensed drink, respectively.

Referring again toFIG.18, in another illustrative configuration, and as illustrated by way of an example, the illuminated branding may include an LED array1806. The LED array1806may be connected to and controlled by the main circuit board1802whereby the state (e.g., on/off) of the beverage dispenser102can be displayed and the brightness, color output, flash frequency, and other parameters can be varied in order to communicate information to the user. By way of an example, the LED array1806may be controlled to display a pattern and/or temporal sequence of colors which communicates information to the user. In another example, the LED array1806may be controlled to flash the illuminated branding with a range of frequencies to communicate information to a viewer. Such an implementation may function primarily as a symbolic user interface. In one example, the LED array1806may initiate an LED behavior to remind the user to dispense the drink after the drink has been created by the turbulator1708. In another example, the LED array1806may initiate another LED behavior to confirm an action. For example, it might indicate that the electric batteries need to be recharged, or it might indicate the absence or depletion of liquor and/or mixer in the container assembly202.

FIG.19illustrates a top view1900of one configuration of a head assembly frame wherein the base plate910may include at least one air vent. The at least one air vent may include a first air vent1902and a second air vent1904. The first air vent1902and the second air vent1904may be formed on the base plate910to allow recovery air to enter containers holding of the liquor and the mixer within the beverage dispenser102. For example, the first air vent1902and the second air vent1904may allow equilibrium of the pressures within and outside of the beverage dispenser102. Such equilibrium may allow easy separation of the container assembly202and the head assembly204, which may not be possible if vacuum may be present in the beverage dispenser102.

FIG.20illustrates a perspective view2000of the head assembly frame wherein a head assembly frame is illustrated. As explained earlier, and by way of an example, the head assembly frame may include the assembly of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c), the base plate910, and the pump flange1706.

FIG.21illustrates a side view2100of the head assembly frame. As illustrated, the pump flange1706may be offset to the base plate910by a length of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c), thereby providing sufficient space to accommodate the liquor pump1702, the mixer pump1704, and the turbulator1708therebetween. Referring toFIG.20, and by way of an example illustrated by the configuration ofFIG.18, the pump flange1706may be offset to the base plate910by affixing the proximal end of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c) to the base plate and affixing the distal ends of the three pillar supports1808(a),1808(b), and1808(c) to the pump flange1706.

FIG.22illustrates a sectional view2200of the head assembly frame taken across plane22-22(FIG.19).FIG.23illustrates a right-side exploded view2300of the head assembly frame.FIG.24illustrates another right-side exploded view2400of the head assembly frame. With reference toFIG.22, in an illustrative configuration, the turbulator1708may be disposed between the base plate910and the pump flange1706. The turbulator1708, as explained earlier, may include a T-shaped hollow member. Now, referring toFIG.22, the T-shaped member may include an upper plate2204. The upper plate2204may include the turbulator liquor inlet1714, the turbulator mixer inlet1712, and the mixed drink outlet1716. The upper plate2204may be placed on a T-shaped profile2304(refer toFIG.23) formed on the base plate910and at an offset from the base plate910to create a mixing chamber2202therebetween. As explained earlier, and by way of exemplary arrows illustrated in the configuration ofFIG.22, the mixer may be received by the turbulator mixer inlet1712, and the liquor may be received by the liquor inlet1714. Further, the liquor and the mixer may be mixed or combined in the mixing chamber2202to create the drink. Further, the drink may be transmitted to the nozzle902through the mixed drink outlet1716.

In one illustrative configuration,FIG.25illustrates a perspective view2500of an internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.26illustrates a bottom-perspective view2600of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.27illustrates a top view2700of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.28illustrates a bottom view2800of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.29illustrates a right view2900of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.30illustrates a left view3000of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.31illustrates a rear view3100of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.FIG.32illustrates a front view3200of the internal assembly of the head assembly204.

In one illustrative configuration, referring toFIGS.25-32, and by way of an example illustrated earlier, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be held in the pump flange1706. Further, the liquor pump1702and mixer pump1704may include electronic terminals which may be soldered to the main circuit board1802so that an electric connection may be established between the liquor pump1702, mixer pump1704, and the main circuit board1802. In the same configuration, the dial lever1720may be connected to the rotary-input based sensor1718(not shown in the figure). In the same configuration, the rotary-input based sensor1718may be soldered to the daughter circuit board1804, and as explained earlier, the dial lever1720may be mechanically coupled to the rotary-input based sensor1718. Further, the charging port816may be electrically connected to the daughter circuit board1804.

In one illustrative configuration, with continued reference toFIG.25, the head assembly204may further include a connector hose2502. The connector hose2502may be configured to connect the mixed drink outlet1716and the nozzle902. In an exemplary configuration, the drink created in the turbulator1708may be transmitted to the nozzle902through the connector hose2502. Further, and as explained earlier, the nozzle902may be configured to dispense the mixed drink.

In one illustrative configuration, referring toFIGS.26-32, the head assembly204may further include an LED circuit2602. The LED circuit2602may be configured to control the illumination of LED array1806. The LED circuit2602may be connected to the main circuit board1802through a wired connection. In another configuration, the processor unit may receive an input status from the dispense trigger810, the power switch812, and the rate adjuster814to control the brightness, color output, flash frequency, and other parameters that can be varied to communicate information to the user as already explained in conjunction withFIG.18.

FIG.33illustrates a right view3300of an illustrative configuration of the head assembly204.

FIG.34illustrates an operational view3400of a configuration of the head assembly204wherein the user may charge the electric batteries through the charging port816. Ensuring that the electric batteries have been charged as desired, the status thereof may be illustrated by an LED array1806. The user may actuate the power switch812to turn the beverage dispenser102ON. Further, the user may be configured to adjust a ratio of liquor and mixer by selecting a mix value, i.e., by rotating the dial lever1720to a mix value between 1 and S. After selection of the mix value, the user may be configured to actuate the dispense trigger810, and as a result, the rotary-input based sensor1718may be configured to generate a sensor signal which may be processed by the daughter circuit board1804. The daughter circuit board1804, may be configured to generate the at least one operational signal for the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704and to transmit the at least one signal to the main circuit board1802based on the processing. After receiving the signal, the main circuit board1802may be configured to operate the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704to draw the liquor and mixer from the container assembly202in the ratio defined by the mix value. Under the action of the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704, the liquor may be drawn from the assembly of the liquor conduit610through the liquor port408, liquor protrusion1102, and the liquor transfer inlet1710(a) to the liquor pump inlet1734of the liquor pump1702. Similarly, the mixer may be drawn from the assembly of the mixer conduit612, mixer port410, mixer protrusion1104, and the mixer transfer conduit1710(b) to the mixer pump inlet1736of the mixer pump1704. The liquor pump1702may be configured to transmit the liquor received from the liquor pump1734to the liquor pump outlet1735. Similarly, the mixer pump1704may be configured to transmit the mixer received from the mixer pump inlet1736to the mixer pump outlet1737. As illustrated earlier, the liquor pump outlet1735may be connected to the turbulator liquor inlet1714and the mixer pump outlet1737may be connected to the turbulator mixer inlet1712. Liquor from the liquor pump outlet1743(b) may be transmitted to the turbulator1708through the turbulator liquor inlet1714, and mixer from the mixer pump outlet1737may be transmitted to the turbulator1708through the turbulator mixer inlet1712. The liquor and the mixer may be combined in the mixing chamber2202, thereby creating the mixed drink. Further, during and/or after actuation of the dispense trigger810, the mixed drink may be transmitted to the nozzle902from the mixed drink outlet1716under the action of the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704through the connector hose2502. The drink may be dispensed from the nozzle in a laminar flow, thereby avoiding any spillage. Further, the user may actuate rate adjuster814to increase the flow rate of the dispensed drink. After the drink may be completely dispensed and the container assembly202may be completely depleted, the LED array1806may indicate the status of depletion to the user, who may then turn off the beverage dispenser102by actuating the power switch812or refill the container assembly202as desired.

FIG.35illustrates a flow chart3500of a beverage creation method to create a mixed drink of liquor and mixer using the beverage dispenser102. The beverage dispenser102may be configured to create a mixed drink of liquor and mixer which may be obtained from the container assembly202. While mixing the drink, the beverage dispenser102may be configured to dispense the mixed drink.

At step3502, a container assembly202may be provided. The container assembly202may include a mixer chamber304configured to store the mixer. The mixer chamber304may further define a mixer fill hole404. Further, a liquor chamber302may be inserted into the mixer chamber304. To the mixer fill hole404, the separator plate406may be adjoined using ultrasonic welding. The container assembly202may include a liquor fill hole402in fluid communication with the liquor chamber302. The container assembly202may include the liquor fill hole402with the mixer chamber304. Further, a liquor conduit610may be connected to the liquor port408. The liquor conduit610may include a proximal end and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the liquor conduit610may be placed deeply in the liquor chamber302, and the distal end of the liquor conduit610may be in fluid communication with the liquor port408. Similarly, a mixer conduit612may be connected to the mixer port410. The mixer conduit612may also include a proximal end and a distal end disposed opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end of the mixer conduit612may be placed deeply within the mixer chamber304, and the distal end may be in fluid communication with the mixer port410.

At step3504, the liquor chamber302may be filled with liquor. Liquor may include an alcoholic drink such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and the like. The liquor chamber302may be filled through the liquor fill hole402in a configuration explained in conjunction withFIG.5. Further, at step3506, the mixer chamber304may be filled with a mixer suitable for the liquor, i.e., flavored fluids which may easily be combined with the liquor. Examples of mixers may include instant pre-mixes for cocktail drinks such as pre-mixes for margarita, which may be easily combined with vodka/gin. Other examples of mixers may also include sour mixes or syrups such as agave syrup, sugar syrups, triple sec/Cointreau, and the like.

At step3508, a head assembly204may be provided. The head assembly204may include a liquor pump1702and a mixer pump1704. The head assembly204may further include a turbulator1708. The turbulator1708may include a turbulator liquor inlet1714, a turbulator mixer inlet1712, and a mixed drink outlet1716. The liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be fluidically connected to the turbulator1708, the turbulator liquor inlet1714, and the turbulator mixer inlet1712as explained in conjunction withFIGS.17-18. The liquor pump1702may be in fluid communication with the liquor conduit610, and the mixer pump1704may be in fluid communication with the mixer conduit612. Using this fluid communication, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be configured to draw and transmit the liquor and the mixer to the turbulator1708. The turbulator1708may be configured to mix the liquor and the mixer, and it may be configured to transmit the mixed drink to the mixed drink outlet1716. A nozzle902may be fluidically communicated with the mixed drink outlet1716, and it may be configured to dispense the mixed drink received from the mixed drink outlet1716. The head assembly204may further include an electronics circuit board. The electronics circuit board may be further connected to the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704. The electronics circuit board may include a main circuit board1802connected to the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704and a daughter circuit board1804connected to the main circuit board1802. To the daughter circuit board1804, a mix adjuster802may be connected. The mix adjuster802may be configured to adjust the ratio of the liquor and the mixer and to generate a sensor signal. The sensor signal may be processed by the daughter circuit board1804to generate at least one operational signal, and the daughter circuit board1804may transmit the operational signal to the main circuit board1802.

At step3510, the head assembly204may be attached to the container assembly202after the container assembly202may have been filled with liquor and mixer. The head assembly204may include a threaded collar804which may be rotated vertically downwards and may tighten the head assembly204onto the container assembly202.

At step3512, the ratio of the liquor and the mixer may be adjusted and set using the mix adjuster802. The mix adjuster802may be further configured to generate the sensor signal representative of the set ratio of liquor to mixer. The sensor signal may be processed by the daughter circuit board1804to generate at least one operational signal, and the daughter circuit board1804may transmit the operational signal to the main circuit board1802.

At step3514, in response to the operational signal, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be operated by the main circuit board1802to draw the liquor and the mixer in accordance with the ratio. As illustrated earlier, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be configured to draw and transmit the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly202to the turbulator1708. As illustrated earlier, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be configured to draw and transmit the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly202to the turbulator1708.

At step3516, the liquor and the mixer received in the turbulator1708may be combined to create a mixed drink. The mixed drink may be further transmitted to the nozzle902from the mixed drink outlet1716through the connector hose2502connecting the nozzle902and the mixed drink outlet1716. At step3518, the mixed drink may be discharged from the nozzle902in a laminar flow as illustrated byFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.36, a flow chart3600of a method of sealing the liquor chamber302and the mixer chamber304in the container assembly202may be illustrated. At step3602, a liquor chamber302may be inserted into a mixer chamber304. The mixer chamber304may define a bore or a mixer chamber opening. The mixer chamber opening may include a finish, which may be coaxial to the central axis of the container assembly202. The finish may further include a sealing surface and external thread which may engage the threaded collar804of the head assembly204. The liquor chamber302may further include a separator plate406ultrasonically welded thereto.

At step3604, a separator plate406may be adjoined either to the sealing surface or to the mixer chamber opening using a seal. The seal may include a top seal602between the separator plate406and the finish and a bottom seal608positioned above the separator plate406. The top seal602and the bottom seal608may include custom-made torrid seal, the planer profile, or a flange seal. Further, at step3606, the head assembly204may be engaged to the container assembly202. The head assembly204may include the threaded collar804. The threaded collar804may include internal screw threads904, which may be configured to engage the external threads on the finish of the mixer chamber opening. At step3608, after attaching, the liquor chamber and the mixer chamber may be separated and sealed using the top seal602and the separator plate406.

FIG.37illustrates a flow chart3700of a method of adjusting the flow rate of a mixed drink being dispensed from the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser102may be configured to create a mixed drink of liquor and mixer which may be obtained from the container assembly202by the head assembly204. After the creation of the mixed drink, the beverage dispenser102may be configured to dispense the mixed drink. The head assembly204may include a rate adjuster814which may be configured to increase the flow rate of the mixed drink dispensed from the head assembly204.

At step3702, a container assembly202may be provided. The container assembly202may include a mixer chamber304configured to store the mixer. The mixer chamber304may further define a mixer chamber opening. Further, a liquor chamber302may be inserted into the mixer chamber opening. To the mixer chamber opening, the separator plate406may be adjoined using ultrasonic welding. The container assembly202may include a liquor fill hole402in fluid communication with the liquor chamber302. The container assembly202may include the liquor fill hole402with the mixer chamber304. Further, a liquor conduit610may be connected to the liquor fill hole402. The liquor conduit610may include a proximal end and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the liquor conduit610may be placed deeply in the liquor chamber302, and the distal end of the liquor conduit610may be in fluid communication with the liquor fill hole402. Similarly, a mixer conduit612may be connected to the liquor fill hole402. The mixer conduit612may also include a proximal end and a distal end disposed opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end of the mixer conduit612may be placed deeply within the mixer chamber304, and the distal end may be in fluid communication with the liquor fill hole402.

At step3704, the liquor chamber302may be filled with liquor. The liquor chamber302may be filled through the liquor fill hole402in a configuration explained in conjunction withFIG.5. Further, at step3706, the mixer chamber304may be filled with a mixer.

At step3708, a head assembly204may be provided. The head assembly204may include a liquor pump1702and a mixer pump1704. The head assembly204may further include a turbulator1708. The turbulator1708may include a turbulator liquor inlet1714, a turbulator mixer inlet1712, and a mixed drink outlet1716. The liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be fluidically connected to the turbulator1708, the turbulator liquor inlet1714, and the turbulator mixer inlet1712as explained in conjunction withFIGS.17-18. The liquor pump1702may be in fluid communication with the liquor conduit610, and the mixer pump1704may be in fluid communication with the mixer conduit612. Using this fluid communication, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be configured to draw and transmit the liquor and the mixer to the turbulator1708. The turbulator1708may be configured to mix the liquor and the mixer, and it may be configured to transmit the mixed drink to the mixed drink outlet1716. A nozzle902may be fluidically communicated with the mixed drink outlet1716, and it may be configured to dispense the mixed drink received from the mixed drink outlet1716. The head assembly204may further include an electronics circuit board. The electronics circuit board may be further connected to the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704. The electronics circuit board may include a main circuit board1802connected to the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704, and it may include a daughter circuit board1804connected to the main circuit board1802. To the daughter circuit board1804, a mix adjuster802may be connected. The mix adjuster802may be configured to adjust the ratio of the liquor and the mixer and to generate a sensor signal. The sensor signal may be processed by the daughter circuit board1804to generate at least one operational signal, and the daughter circuit board1804may transmit the operational signal to the main circuit board1802.

At step3710, the head assembly204may be attached to the container assembly202after the container assembly202may have been filled with liquor and mixer. The head assembly204may include a threaded collar804which may be rotated vertically downwards, and which may tighten the head assembly204onto the container assembly202.

At step3712, the ratio of the liquor and the mixer may be adjusted and set using the mix adjuster802. The mix adjuster802may be further configured to generate the sensor signal representative of the set ratio of liquor to mixer. The sensor signal may be processed by the daughter circuit board1804to generate at least one operational signal, and the daughter circuit board1804may transmit the operational signal to the main circuit board1802.

At step3714, in response to the operational signal, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be operated by the main circuit board1802to draw the liquor and the mixer in accordance with the ratio. As illustrated earlier, the liquor pump1702and the mixer pump1704may be configured to draw and transmit the liquor and the mixer from the container assembly202to the turbulator1708.

At step3716, the liquor and the mixer received in the turbulator1708may be combined to create a mixed drink. The mixed drink may be further transmitted to the nozzle902from the mixed drink outlet1716through the connector hose2502connecting the nozzle902and the mixed drink outlet1716. At step3718, the mixed drink may be discharged from the nozzle902in a laminar flow as illustrated byFIG.1. At step3720, the rate adjuster814may be used to increase the flow rate of the dispensed mixed drink.

In an alternative configuration, more than one chamber may be formed within the mixer chamber304in a fashion like that of the insertion of the liquor chamber302in the mixer chamber304. This configuration may be beneficial for preparation of cocktails requiring multiple ingredients such as the 3-ingredient Negroni. It is well known that Negroni is a classic cocktail drink formed by mixing gin as liquor, sweet vermouth as a first mixer, and Campari as a second mixer in a ratio of 2:1:1. The mixer chamber304may be divided into separate chambers by inserting a second mixer chamber in the mixer chamber304. Sweet vermouth may be poured into mixer chamber304, and Campari may be poured into the second mixer chamber. Also, gin may be filled in liquor chamber302. Such assemblies may also require additional mixer conduits corresponding to the mixer chambers inserted in the mixer chamber304. Each of the mixer conduits may be further converged to form a single outlet. For example, in the case of Negroni preparation, two mixer conduits may be separately used for the second mixer chamber and the mixer chamber304. A Y-shaped tube may be used to connect the distal ends of the two mixer conduits. The two mixer conduits may converge into one combined mixer outlet, thereby making no structural changes to the separator plate406.

In another alternative configuration, the beverage dispenser102may be operated remotely using a user interactive device such as a mobile phone, laptop, personal computer, and the like. The user interactive device may include a web-based application or software which may further include a user interactive interface such as application-program-interfaces (APIs) for mobile phones. In this configuration, the main circuit board1802or the daughter circuit board1804may include a communication module (not shown in the figure) which may be configured to connect the beverage dispenser102to the user interactive devices. A communication may be established with the user interactive devices wirelessly using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LTE connections. The user interactive interfaces may provide a variety of options for the user to select such as a ratio of liquor to mixer, powering ON/OFF the beverage dispenser102, dispensing the mixed drink, etc. In another alternative configuration, the user interactive interfaces may be configured to display various recipes for cocktail drinks. Upon reading one of these, the user may change the liquor and the mixer and fill the container assembly202accordingly. The user interactive interfaces may also be configured to suggest a mix value.

In another alternative configuration, apart from indication by the LED array1806, the beverage dispenser102may also include a sound-based alarm system. The alarm system may include level-audile alarms such as piezo-electric horns. Alarms may be triggered based on changes in operation of the beverage dispenser102such as the electric battery getting discharged, the complete dispensing of the mixed drink, etc.

In another alternative configuration, the beverage dispenser102may include an external mount. The external mount may be positioned on the container assembly202or the head assembly204(not illustrated by the figures). The external mount may enable the mounting of devices such as a laser sight that may be configured to identify targets into which the drink may be dispensed, especially in areas affected with low light.

In another alternative configuration, the beverage dispenser102may be configured wherein the dispense trigger810(FIG.8) is configured to dispense a maximum amount of liquid per each press. In one configuration, momentary-press or long-press of the810may cause only 1.5 ounces of liquid to be mixed & dispensed.

With reference toFIGS.38-45, an ornamental appearance of a container assembly202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated. For example, the internal components of the head assembly204and the container assembly202may not be illustrated, etc.

With reference toFIGS.46-48, an ornamental appearance of a container assembly202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated. For example, the internal components of the head assembly204and the container assembly202may not be illustrated, etc.

With reference toFIGS.49-51, an ornamental appearance of a container assembly202may include features as illustrated or may have various features not illustrated. For example, the internal components of the head assembly204and the container assembly202may not be illustrated, etc.

With reference toFIG.52illustrating a top perspective view5200of an integrated liquor container5210, the integrated liquor container5210may be formed with a separator plate5212integrally formed with part-of or all-of a liquor chamber5214(and other features/components such as the previously described bezel620, top seal602, bottom seal608, various O-rings, etc.). In this configuration, the separator plate5212may be over-molded with various features. The over molding may be any of a variety of compounds such as thermoplastic urethane, thermoplastic rubber, thermosetting silicone (e.g. silicone 35-50 Shore A durometer). If required for manufacturing, the over-molding may be on the integrated liquor container5210and the liquor cup may be in 2-parts that are adhered (e.g. ultrasonically welded) together as best described inFIG.54. A user may insert the integrated liquor container5210into the mixer chamber (e.g. mixer chamber304previously described herein) and silicone features would compressed against the bore306of the mixer chamber304, the straws, the head assembly, etc. to provide a liquid-impervious seal(s). The user may then insert straws (e.g. mixer straw5216) from a top-side and securely/sealingly held by silicone ports (e.g. mixer port5218) that are backed by a rigid body of the separator plate5212. The head assembly may be provided with a seal plate that seal against the separator plate5212. This face seals against the top silicone face of the reservoir and the protrusions insert into the silicone ports, forming a seal against the sides of the protrusions. As the collar (e.g. threaded collar804) is torqued into place, the silicone is compressed forming a seal around the perimeter of the seal plate and down the center divider between reservoirs as well as an additional vertical seal between the thermos and reservoir ring and an additional vertical seal between the pump nipples and straw ports. In one configuration, the straws may be slightly larger (e.g., ⅜″OD, 5/16″ ID) to fit through the silicone ports without getting stuck, but the open surface area of the filter may need to be 15.9 mm{circumflex over ( )}2 (the surface area of a 4.5 mm diameter circle) to not impede flow.

With reference toFIG.53illustrating a side elevation view5300of the integrated liquor container5210, the integrated liquor container5210maybe further provided with a liquor straw5310that is parallel to (and offset from) the mixer straw5216.

With reference toFIG.54illustrating a front elevation view5400of the integrated liquor container5210, the liquor chamber5214may be provided with a top5410and a bottom5412that are separated by a split5414. In some configurations and with some manufacturing limitations, it is difficult to form all features of the integrated liquor container5210without splitting the part, such as the split5414separating the top5410from the bottom5412. The bottom5412may be adhered to the top5410by any of a variety of methods such as ultrasonic welding, solvent welding, mechanical fastening, interface fit, etc.

With reference toFIG.55illustrating a side elevation view5500of the integrated liquor container5210, the integrated liquor container5210may be provided with a plurality of overmolded features5510such as a top face seal5512formed on a top surface of the separator plate5212.

With reference toFIG.56illustrating a back elevation view5600of the integrated liquor container5210, the integrated liquor container5210may further include the overmolded features5510such as bore rings5610. The bore rings5610may be slightly larger than the bore of the mixer container (previously described) in order to contain the liquid.

With reference toFIG.57illustrating a bottom plan view5700of the integrated liquor container5210, the overmolded features5510may include a plurality of straw rings5710. The straw rings5710may include mixer rings5712.

With reference toFIG.58illustrating a top plan view5800of the integrated liquor container5210, the integrated liquor container5210may be provided with one or more of a liquor ring5810of the straw rings5710. In a similar manner as the other overmolded features5510, the liquor ring5810may be utilized to seal the liquor straw5310(FIG.53) or protrusions from the head assembly that are in fluid communication with a pump.

With reference toFIG.59illustrating a cross-sectional view5900of the integrated liquor container5210taken across plane59-59inFIG.58, the overmolded features5510may include the previously described bore rings5610, the top face seal5512, etc. The cross-sectional view5900also illustrates that the split5414may be formed with a rib for aligning the top5410to the bottom5412.

In another configuration, the mixer container and the liquor container may be formed in a single container. While any of a larger variety of configurations could create this multi-chamber container, a fluid-impervious wall may be formed that divides a circular profile into two chambers. The wall may be inserted, molded, attached, etc. to create the two separate containers in an otherwise larger volume.

In another configuration, the beverage dispenser may include a container assembly and a head assembly to store liquor and a mixer, to mix the liquor and mixer together and to pass through one pump as it travels towards a nozzle. The ratio of mixer to liquor may be controlled by an adjuster configured, for example, as a needle valve, a pinch valve (e.g. against a compressible tube), or other method depending on the configuration. The ratio of the liquor and the mixer may be set once or variable and dispense continuously or for a set period of time. In a single pump configuration, a controller may be wired directly to the pump, a batter, and a trigger.

As used herein, including in the claims, “and” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” or “one or more of” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of “at least one of A, B, and C” may also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except as limited by the prior art. While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.