Creamy foam beer dispensing system

A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a beer dispensing system. More particularly, the beer dispensing system allows an operator to pour beer with or without creamy foam. In addition, the components of the beer dispensing system contacted by dispensed beer are disposable thereby removing the need for sanitation.

2. Description of the Related Art

In many parts of the world, consumers desire creamy foam on top of their beer. As such, beer dispensers that pour beer smoothly without foam followed by the ability to add creamy foam on top have been developed. These beer dispensers traditionally employ separate dispensing paths within a dispensing faucet. Opening of a first path delivers unfoamed beer, while opening of a second path delivers creamy foam. Although two path faucets operate adequately, they are complicated and costly to manufacture. Moreover, cleaning is labor intensive and, if not performed often or properly, leads to off-taste and unsanitary conditions in the beer dispensing system. Accordingly, a beer dispensing system employing a single dispensing path that is also disposable would improve over traditional beer dispensing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet. The transportation tube is disposable and includes a fitment engageable with the coupler, whereby beer flows from the keg through the transportation tube when the fitment is engaged with the coupler. The transportation tube further includes a tine connected with the fitment and with a compression tube engageable with the faucet.

The faucet includes a compression tube receiver adapted to receive the compression tube therethrough such that the compression tube delivers beer from the faucet, a plunger communicating with the compression tube receiver, and a handle coupled with the plunger. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.

The faucet further includes a first housing body defining the compression tube receiver and a plunger shaft communicating with the compression tube receiver and adapted to receive at least a portion of the plunger therein. The first housing body includes a stage therein adjacent to the compression tube receiver. The compression tube receiver includes a taper that contacts a stop on the compression tube to arrest the insertion of the compression tube into the compression tube receiver. The plunger includes a plunger head normally biased against the compression tube in the closed position whereby the plunger head squeezes the compression tube against the stage such that no beer flows from the faucet. The plunger head includes a groove such that, in the creamy foam position, the groove of the plunger head facilitates creation of the aperture that produces creamy foam flow from the faucet. The faucet further comprises a second housing body that supports the first housing body therein.

The handle is adjustable such that the distance the plunger lifts off the transportation tube is adjustable. The handle includes a lens, an insert adapted to receive a label, and a main body adapted to receive the insert therein. The main body further is adapted to receive the lens therein such that the lens retains the insert in the main body, wherein the lens and the insert are removable from the main body such that a new label may be received by the insert.

The coupler includes a body having a top end, a keg engagement end engageable with the keg, and a bore therethrough. The fitment of the transportation tube removably inserts through the top end and into the bore. The coupler further includes a lever pivotally connected with the body, wherein the lever is movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position that pushes the fitment downward within the bore such that the fitment opens a keg valve assembly thereby facilitating beer flow from the keg through the transportation tube. The body further includes a gas inlet communicating with the bore, wherein opening of the keg valve assembly by the fitment facilitates gas flow through the bore and into the keg. The coupler still further includes a spring pin that maintains the fitment within the bore.

The creamy foam beer dispensing system further includes a refrigeration module having a body adapted to receive a keg therein. The body includes a top with an opening, and a tower mounted onto the top of the body over the opening such that cool air from the body flows into the tower. The faucet mounts to the tower and includes a passage therethrough communicating with the tower such that cool air flows from the tower through the faucet thereby cooling the faucet.

The dispensing of a creamy foam beer into a suitable container is accomplished as follows. The handle is moved to its open position whereby the plunger lifts substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows from the faucet. The handle is maintained in its open position until beer exiting the faucet fills the container to a desired level. The handle is then released and moves to its closed position, thereby preventing beer flow from the faucet. Next, the handle is moved to its creamy tram position whereby the plunger lifts off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet. The handle is maintained in its creamy foam position until creamy foam exiting the faucet fills the container to a desired level. Finally, the handle is again released and moves to its closed position, thereby preventing beer flow from the faucet.

Replacing a used transportation tube with a new transportation tube is accomplished as follows. First, the coupler le vet is moved from its engaged position to its disengaged position such that the fitment of the transportation tube releases the keg valve assembly thereby preventing beer flow from the keg through the transportation tube. Second, the fitment is removed from the top end of the coupler and the transportation tube is removed from the faucet. Third, the transportation tube is removed from a tower of the beer dispensing system and the removed transportation tube is disposed. Fourth, a new transportation Lube is inserted into the tower of the beer dispensing system. Fifth, a beer dispensing end of the new transportation tube is inserted into the faucet, and a fitment of the new transportation tube is inserted through the top end of the coupler and into the bore of the coupler. Finally, the coupler lever is moved from its disengaged position to its engaged position, whereby the lever pushes the fitment downward within the bore such that the fitment opens the keg valve assembly thereby facilitating beer flow from the keg through the transportation tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.

The Figures illustrate a creamy foam beer dispensing system5according to the preferred. embodiment of the present invention. The creamy foam beer dispensing system5delivers beer from a keg7and includes a refrigeration module6, a transportation tube9, a coupler8, and a faucet11.

FIG. 1illustrates the refrigeration module6. The refrigeration module6includes a base70, a body71, a door72, and a tower73. The base70has wheels76that allow the refrigeration module6to be easily moved. The body71mounts on the base70while the door72attaches to the body71. The body71and the door72define a chamber that receives the keg7therein. The body71includes a top74with an opening communicating with the chamber. The tower73mounts on the top74over the opening such that cool air within the chamber travels to the tower thereby cooling the tower73. The tower73provides the attachment point for the faucet11and includes a body90with an opening for the faucet11and a top78. While the faucet11has been shown as attached to the tower73, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the faucet11may be located at any suitable dispensing point and then connected. with the refrigeration module6through a hose.

The production of creamy foam typically requires beer to be kept at a specific temperature, 34 degrees Fahrenheit in the preferred embodiment. As such, the refrigeration module6includes a refrigeration unit that maintains the keg7housed therein at the desired specific temperature.

FIGS. 2,3, and4illustrate the keg7which is a standard keg well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The keg7includes a shell15having an opening407, a self-closing valve assembly16disposed in the opening407, and a spear406connected with the self-closing valve assembly16and extending into the shell. The shell15of the keg7can be made of any material, but typical keg shells are constructed from stainless steel or aluminum. The self-closing valve assembly16allows pressurized gas to flow into the keg7and beer to flow out through the spear406. The self-closing valve assembly16includes a body408mounted within the opening407of the shell. The body408includes a slot404and a ramp405that function as the securing point for the coupler8. The body408includes apertures409that communicate gas into the shell15. The self-closing valve assembly16further includes a spring-loaded valve410disposed in the body408for maintaining the body408normally closed. The self-closing valve assembly116still further includes a ball valve411disposed in the spear406for maintaining the spear406normally closed.

FIGS. 2,3,4,6,7, and8illustrate the transportation tube9. The transportation tube9is disposable, and is the only component of the creamy foam beer dispensing system5that contacts the beer. As such, the transportation tube9may be discarded after the keg7has been emptied, and replaced when a new keg7is tapped. This disposability eliminates the cleaning normally associated with non-disposable systems, thereby reducing labor for the end user. While the transportation tube9may be discarded after each keg, it should be understood that the transportation tube9may be employed with multiple kegs provided the kegs are used during a limited time period, such as within the same day.

The transportation tube9includes a line600, a compression tube601, and a fitment602. The fitment602includes a first end701securable with the transportation tube9, a second end702configured to engage the ball valve411of the keg7, and a beer passage703therethrough. The fitment602includes a groove705that receives a seal706that is configured to engage the spring-loaded valve410of the keg7. The seal706includes a groove707that allows the seal706to expand over the spring-loaded valve410when contacted by beer. The fitment602resides in the coupler8and includes a shoulder704that provides the coupler8with an engagement point. Once the coupler8has been secured to the keg7, the fitment602engages the self-closing valve assembly16of the keg7to allow gas flow into the keg7and beer flow from the spear406into the line600. In the preferred embodiment, the fitment is formed from any suitable material such as plastic.

The line600of the transportation tube9attaches at a first end to the first end701of the fitment602and at a second end to the compression tube601. The connection of the line600to the fitment602and the compression tube601may be accomplished through a press fit, an adhesive, a molding process, or any other suitable attachment method. The line600may be plastic or any suitable material formed in a diameter and length that optimizes the flow rate of beer from the fitment602to the compression tube601. In particular, the length and diameter of the line600relates to a pressure drop in the beer flow that produces a smooth pour. If the line600is too short, the pressure drop is insufficient resulting in a turbulent pour and foaming. Alternatively, if the line600is too long, the pressure drop is excessive resulting in an undesirable flow rate. Consequently, the length and diameter of the line600is selected in a range that produces an optimal pressure drop a beer flow rate. In the preferred embodiment, the line600is 66 inches in length.

The compression tube601includes a first end710that receives the second end of the line600therein and a second end711that delivers beer from the compression tube601. The first end710of the compression tube601includes a stop712that aids in positioning the compression tube601within the faucet11. In particular, the compression tube601inserts into the faucet11until the stop712contacts the faucet11and arrests the forward motion of the compression tube601. Once positioned in the faucet11, the second end711of the compression tube601extends from the faucet11to deliver beer from the faucet11. The compression tube601may be rubber or any similar elastic material that conforms to the curved shape of the faucet11, thereby providing a smooth flow.

In the preferred embodiment, the line600and the compression tube601essentially provide a smooth hose that furnishes a smooth flow path for the beer delivered from the keg7. As such, the line600and the compression tube601are free from the expansions, contractions, and turns that normally produce carbonation break-out.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate the coupler8. The coupler8includes a body499having atop end511, a keg engagement end512, a spring pin503, a tab504, and a gas inlet500. The body499includes a bore510therethrough and grooves950and951that receive o-rings therein. The coupler8further includes a lever501pivotally connected with the body499such that the lever is movable from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the engaged position, a biased locking member of the lever501engages the body499to secure the lever501with the body499. The coupler8is attached to the keg7in the following manner. The tab504is lined up with the slot404of the keg7and inserted through the slot404until the tab504aligns with the ramp405. The coupler8is then rotated such that the tab504travels along the ramp405, thereby securing the coupler8to the keg7.

The body499includes the bore510for receipt therein of the transportation tube fitment602. The fitment602inserts into the coupler8through the top end511of the body499until the fitment resides substantially, completely within the bore510. Prior to insertion of the fitment602, the spring pin503is pulled back to allow the fitment602unrestricted access into the bore510. After insertion of the fitment602, the spring pin503is released thereby securing the fitment602within the bore510. The ability of the coupler8to receive the fitment602from the top improves over other couplers. Conventional couplers receive fitments from underneath. in addition, the fitments must be threadably secured to the couplers. The coupler8accordingly eliminates the labor-intensive features of prior couplers because the fitment602is insertable into the coupler8from the top and without tools.

While affixing the coupler8to the keg7via the tab504secures the coupler8with the keg7, it does not open the self-closing valve assembly16of the keg7. The opening of the self-closing valve assembly16requires the movement of the lever501from its disengaged position to its engaged position. As the lever501moves to its engaged position, the lever501engages the shoulder704of the fitment602and pushes the fitment602downward within the bore510such that the fitment602opens the self-closing valve assembly16. In particular, the seal706engages the spring-loaded valve410and depresses the spring-loaded valve410downward away from the body408, thereby creating an entrance into the keg for gas. Similarly, the second end702engages the ball valve411and depresses the ball valve411downward into the spear406, thereby creating a flow path from the keg7into the beer passage703of the fitment602. Once the lever501locks in its engaged position, the fitment602maintains the self-closing valve assembly16open.

With the self-closing valve assembly16open, gas, carbon dioxide gas in the preferred embodiment, flows through the gas inlet500into the bore510between the bore510and the fitment602. The gas flows between o-ring in the groove951and the fitment602and into the body408of the self-closing valve assembly16. The gas flows from the body408and into the e keg7via the apertures409in the body408. The gas pressurizes the beer and further serves as the driving force for the delivery of beer from the keg7into the beer passage703via the spear406. When the lever501moves from its engaged position to its disengaged position, the spring-loaded valve410returns to its closed position against the body408, and the ball valve411returns to its closed position at the top of the spear406. This pushes the fitment602upward within the bore510until the fitment engages the o-ring within the groove951, thereby preventing any escape of gas or beer from the coupler8.

FIGS. 1,2,5,6,7, and8illustrate the faucet11. The faucet11includes an inner or first housing body32, an outer or second housing body80, and a handle140.FIGS. 5,6,7, and8illustrate the components of the inner or first housing body32. The inner or first housing body32includes an inner or first left housing33, an inner or first right housing34, a spout50, a plunger30, a stage20, o-rings70and71, and a spring40. The inner or first left housing33has a plunger shaft35, a spout groove54, a tube shaft56, a stage groove62and o-ring grooves58and59. The inner or first right housing34has a plunger shaft36, a spout groove55, a tube shaft57, a stage groove63and o-ring grooves60and61. The tube shaft56and the tube shaft57come together to form a compression tube receiver800. The compression tube receiver800has a first end801that is the entry point for the compression tube601. The compression tube receiver800also includes a taper802that engages the stop712of the compression tube601and aids in final positioning of the compression tube601. The spout50is conically shaped and has a nozzle end51and a tube end52. After final assembly, the spout50will face down and allow a uniform pour of beer.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the plunger30has a top end101, a plunger head102, a stem103, and an inner roll pin hole104. The plunger head102has a groove105, which is conical in the preferred embodiment. While the groove105is conical in the preferred embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other shapes for the groove105. The groove105has a tube entrance106and a spout exit107. The stage20has a top surface21and a bottom surface22. Both the plunger30and the stage20engage the compression tube601to create the desired beer flow.

Assembly of the inner or first housing body32is as follows. The stage20is placed into the stage groove62of the inner or first left housing33and the stage groove63of the inner or first right housing34. The tube and52of the spout50is placed into the spout groove54of the inner or first left housing33and the spout groove55of the inner or first right housing34. The spring40is placed over the stem103. The plunger30and the spring40are placed within the plunger shaft35of the inner or first left housing33and the plunger shaft36of the inner or first right housing34. The plunger30is oriented so that the plunger head102is facing the top surface21of the stage20. The tube entrance106of the groove105is oriented away from the spout50. The spout exit107of the groove105is oriented towards the spout50. For final assembly the inner or first left housing33and the inner or first right housing34are then snapped together. The o-rings70and71are then placed over the o-ring grooves58-61of the inner or first left housing33and the inner or first right housing34. Placing the o-rings70and71over the o-ring grooves58-61locks the inner or first left housing33and the inner or first right housing34together into one piece thereby forming the inner or first housing body32. When assembled the inner or first housing body32will have slots200-204. The inner or first housing body32will be placed inside the outer or second housing body80.

The outer or second housing body80includes an outer or second left housing81, an outer or second right housing82, screws100-101, an outer body shim mating surface400, and plugs110-111. The outer or second left housing81has grooves204-207, screw channels300-301, and a passage900. The outer or second right housing82has grooves208-211, screw channels302and303, and a passage901, The outer or second housing body80is assembled in the following manner. The inner or first housing body32is placed inside the outer or second left housing81. This is accomplished by lining up the slots200-204of the inner or first housing body32with the grooves204-207of the outer or second left housing81. The grooves208-211of the outer or second right housing82are lined up with slots200-204of the inner or first housing body32. The screw channels302and303of the outer or second right housing82are lined up with the screw channels300-301of the outer or second left housing83. The outer or second right housing82and the outer or second left housing83are then snapped together. The screws100-101are inserted into the screw channels300-303of the outer or second left housing81and the outer or second right housing82. The plugs110and111are then placed inside the screw channels300and301. Once the outer or second left housing81and the outer or second right housing82have been fitted together, the passage900and the passage901align to form an outlet902from outer or second housing body80. It should be understood that the outer or second housing body80provides the enclosure that supports the inner or first housing body32and the nozzle50. The shape of the outer or second housing body80accordingly is not critical to the dispensing of beer from the faucet11. As such, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the outer or second housing body80may have any aesthetically pleasing shape that provides support for the inner or first housing body32and the nozzle50.

The handle140includes a main body141, labels160-161, inserts180-181, lens190-191, a set screw170, a shim120, and a roll pin150, The main body141has a main gripping surface142, a set screw hole143, a plunger channel144, and an outer roll pin hole145. The shim120includes an outer body mating surface121, a handle mating surface122, and a plunger hole123.

The handle140is assembled in the following manner, The labels160and161are placed into the inserts180and181, The inserts180and181are then placed into the main body141of the handle140. The lenses190and191are placed over the inserts180and181and snapped into the main body141. The stem103of the plunger30is placed through the plunger hole123of the shim120. The outer body mating surface121of the shim120is placed on top of the outer body shim mating surface400. The top end101of the plunger30is placed into the plunger channel144of the handle140. The outer roll pin hole145of the handle140is lined up with the inner roll pin hole104of the plunger30. The roll pin150is fed through the outer roll pin hole145and the inner roll pin hole104. The set screw170is threaded into the set screw hole143to provide an adjustment in the distance the handle140may be rotated aft.

The handle140provides several useful functions. The handle140is the control point for the operator of the creamy foam beer dispensing system5. The handle also allows labels160and161to be placed inside the main body141of the handle140. The placing of the labels160and161allows an operator to advertise the beer for sale as well as provide a visual indication of the beer at the faucet11.

After assembly the faucet11is attached to the body90of the tower73over the opening in the body90using any suitable means such as a friction fit, screws, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the top78separates from the body90, which remains secured to the top74of the body71, in order to permit easy access to the faucet11. The compression tube601enters the faucet11via the opening in the body90of the tower73. It should be understood that the handle140of the faucet11must be placed forward in a full open position in order for the compression tube601to be inserted into the faucet11. The compression tube601then feeds into the first end801of the compression tube receiver800of the faucet11. The compression tube601is pushed. towards the spout50until the stop712engages the taper802halting progress of the compression tube601through the compression tube receiver800. The compression tube601is held firmly in place by friction with the surface of the compression tube receiver800. The compression tube601will be straight where the plunger30and the stage20meet and curved as it feeds through the spout50. After the compression tube601is fed into the faucet11, the line600and the fitment602are fed through the body90of the tower73and ultimately enter the chamber of the refrigeration module6via the opening in the top of the body71. In that position, the fitment602is ready for placement in the coupler8. The top78of the tower73is replaced, and the creamy foam beer dispensing system5thus is ready to dispense beer.

The refrigeration unit of the refrigeration module6not only provides cooling for the keg7but also operates to cool the faucet11. Cool air from the chamber of the refrigeration module6travels into the tower73through the opening in the top74of the body71. The cool air travels from the tower73into the faucet11via the opening in the tower73. Once the cool air enters the faucet11, it flows through the faucet11and out therefrom via the outlet902, thereby providing a continuous flow of cool air through the faucet11.

FIGS. 6,7,8and9illustrate the operation of the creamy foam beer dispensing system5. The handle140of the faucet11controls the delivery of beer from the creamy foam beer dispensing system5through three operating positions—off or closed, forward or open, and aft or creamy foam. The handle140is spring-loaded such that, when the handle140is manipulated either forward or aft, it acts upon the plunger30resulting in the delivery of beer. However, once pressure on the handle140is released, the spring40returns the plunger30and the handle140to the off or closed position as illustrated inFIG. 6. When the handle140is in the off or closed position, the spring40maintains the plunger30squeezed against the compression tube601with sufficient force to seal the compression tube601shut. In particular, the plunger30and the stage20create a pinch valve prevents beer flow through the compression tube601.

FIG. 7illustrates the forward or open position of faucet11. When the handle140is rotated forward, the handle140pivots around the roll pin150and towards the operator. This action raises the plunger30completely off the compression tube601, thereby releasing the pressure on the compression tube601. As a result, the compression tube601expands to its full diameter. With the compression tube at its full diameter and with no restriction to the flow, beer pours uniformly and without foam from the. spout50and into a suitable container. In particular, beer flows from the keg7into the spear406, from the spear406into the fitment602, from the fitment602into the line600, from the line600into the compression tube601, and from the compression tube601into a suitable container. Return of the handle140to the off or closed position stops the flow of beer from the faucet11.

FIG. 8illustrates the aft or creamy foam position of the faucet11. When the handle140is rotated aft, the handle140pivots around the roll pin150and away from the operator. This action raises the plunger30slightly off the compression tube601. Specifically, as the plunger30is raised slightly, the pinch point created on the compression tube601by the plunger head102is released such that the compression tube601opens at the spout exit107thereby creating a small diameter aperture. This allows beer to flow through the compression tube601following a path within the compression tube601defined by the tube entrance106, the groove105, and the spout exit107. As the beer moves towards the spout exit107, the small diameter aperture restricts the beer flow prior to the delivery of the beer from the small diameter aperture into the full diameter of the compression tube601. By traversing from the small diameter aperture into the full diameter of the compression tube601, the gas within the beer is allowed to expand rapidly, thereby forming creamy foam upon exit from the spout50. Return of the handle140to the off or closed position stops the flow of creamy foam from the faucet11.

The size of the small diameter aperture created through the slight raising of the plunger30determines the density of the foam, which may vary from light to heavy. In particular, density of the foam decreases as the diameter of the small aperture increases. Since different operators may desire different densities of the creamy foam, the faucet11includes the set screw170within the handle140. Adjustment of the set screw170changes the distance the handle140may be rotated aft and therefore how far the plunger30rises off the compression tube601.

The creamy foam beer dispensing system5improves over conventional dispensing systems because it provides a disposable transportation tube9in combination with a faucet11that pours both a smooth flow beer and a creamy foam from a single line. Furthermore, the use of a disposable transportation tube9including a fitment602that loads from the top into a coupler8eliminates labor intensive cleaning.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, irony alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.