Abstract:
A bar gun handle having a housing assembly including an inlet in fluid communication with a valve bore, an outlet in fluid communication with the valve bore and in further fluid communication with an output nozzle, a valve element operatively mounted in the valve bore to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the output nozzle, with an actuator coupled to the valve element, and a cladding layer disposed on a side of the bar gun handle that substantially covers the side of the bar gun handle. The present invention also includes a kit used to provide a protective cladding to a bar gun handle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to beverage dispensers, and more specifically to providing a protective cladding to the beverage dispenser, or portions thereof. 
     Hand held bar guns that mix liquids from several sources into one beverage or dispense pre-mixed beverages are known in the restaurant industry. One such bar gun system is described in the assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,449, entitled: “Beverage Dispensing Apparatus,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Bar guns are typically used for beverages, such as soft drinks, that do not need to be mixed prior to dispensing or are already mixed. Bar guns typically contain valves and fluid passageways that convey liquids to a point where they are mixed just prior to being dispensed. However, the existing bar guns and handles are prone to damage from the rough handling they may receive in a typical busy bar or restaurant environment. Furthermore, existing bar guns and handles miss an opportunity for the promotion or branding of dispensed beverages. 
     There is therefore a need for a bar gun or a beverage dispensing handle which is protected from rough handling and is less prone to damage. Furthermore, there is a need for such a bar gun or beverage dispensing handle that can be used as a branding or advertising vehicle. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed toward a hand-held beverage dispensing device with a protective cladding layer, for example, a bar gun or a beverage dispensing handle. Such a bar gun or a beverage dispensing handle can be used to improve durability, to enhance brand identification, to increase the attraction of a particular beverage, and for novelty purposes. The protective cladding layer may be placed on the bar gun or beverage dispensing handle to prevent damage to the bar gun or beverage dispensing handle from rough handling during operation. Different types of protective cladding, for instance colored cladding, may be placed on the enhanced bar gun or the enhanced beverage dispensing handle housing. Such colored cladding may be used to enhance brand identification of the beverages being dispensed, or for novelty purposes. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a bar gun handle having a housing assembly, the housing assembly including inlets, valve bores, outlets, an output nozzle, valve elements, and valve actuators for controlling the flow of liquids from the inlets to the output nozzle. The bar gun handle also has a cladding layer disposed on at least one side of the housing assembly, the cladding layer substantially covering the at least one side of the housing assembly. 
     In one aspect, the thickness of the cladding layer increases from the top, front, and bottom edges to a constant value. For example, the top, front, and bottom edges may be beveled or rounded over, to eliminate the sharp edges of the cladding layer. In another aspect, the top edge of the cladding layer may be substantially perpendicular to the rear edge of the cladding layer and substantially non-perpendicular to the front edge of the cladding layer. The bottom edge of the cladding layer may also contain a step which may be arcuate in shape. This arrangement of the edges allows the cladding layer to conform to the shape of the underlying bar gun handle. 
     In another aspect, the cladding layer is disposed on at least two sides of the housing assembly. In yet another aspect, the cladding layer can be made of acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber, or combinations thereof. In yet another aspect, the housing assembly is made from a different material than the cladding layer. In yet another aspect, the cladding layer is bonded to the housing assembly using an adhesive, a solvent, an ultrasonic weld, or combinations thereof. 
     In yet another aspect, the cladding layer can be transparent, such that light from a lighting source within the bar gun handle or the cladding layer may be seen through the cladding layer. In yet another embodiment, the cladding layer can be translucent, such that light from a lighting source within the bar gun handle or the cladding layer may be seen through the cladding layer, while at the same time obscuring the internal mechanism of the bar gun handle. In yet another embodiment, the cladding layer may be at least one opaque color, such that the color can be used for purposes such as beverage branding or other suitable purposes. 
     In yet another aspect, the cladding layer may be shaped to have contour with enhanced grip. For example, the cladding layer may have beveled or rounded edges such that the bar gun handle is more comfortable for an operator to hold. As another example, the cladding layer may contain ridges and grooves that are shaped to be complementary to an operator&#39;s fingers, again allowing for a more comfortable grip. With the added comfort, it can be easier for an operator to maintain his grip on the bar gun handle. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for retrofitting a cladding layer onto a bar gun. The kit includes at least one cladding element, the cladding element configured to substantially cover at least one side of the bar gun. The kit can further include a bonding agent, wherein the bonding agent is used to adhere the cladding element to the side of the bar gun. 
     In one aspect, the thickness of the cladding element increases from the top, front, and bottom edges to a constant value. For example, the top, front, and bottom edges may be beveled or rounded over, to eliminate the sharp edges of the cladding element. In another aspect, the top edge of the cladding element may be substantially perpendicular to the rear edge of the cladding element and substantially non-perpendicular to the front edge of the cladding element. The bottom edge of the cladding element may also contain a step which may be arcuate in shape. This arrangement of the edges allows the cladding element to conform to the shape of the underlying bar gun handle. 
     In another aspect, the kit includes at least two cladding elements. In yet another aspect, the cladding element is made of an acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber, or combinations thereof. In yet another aspect, the cladding element is made from a different material than the bar gun. In yet another aspect, the bonding agent is an adhesive, a solvent, an ultrasonic weld, or combinations thereof. 
     In yet another aspect, the cladding element can be transparent, such that light from a lighting source within the bar gun handle or the cladding element may be seen through the cladding element. In yet another embodiment, the cladding element can be translucent, such that light from a lighting source within the bar gun handle or the cladding element may be seen through the cladding element, while at the same time obscuring the internal mechanism of the bar gun handle. In yet another embodiment, the element layer may be at least one opaque color, such that the color can be used for purposes such as beverage branding or other suitable purposes. 
     In yet another aspect, the cladding element may be shaped to have contour with enhanced grip. For example, the cladding element may have beveled or rounded edges such that the bar gun handle is more comfortable for an operator to hold. As another example, the cladding element may contain ridges and grooves that are shaped to be complementary to an operator&#39;s fingers, again allowing for a more comfortable grip. With the added comfort, it can be easier for an operator to maintain his grip on the bar gun handle. 
     For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary exploded view diagram showing a bar gun with a protective cladding layer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an assembled view diagram of a bar gun. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view diagram of a protective cladding layer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a bar gun with a protective cladding layer. Such a bar gun with a protective cladding layer can be used to improve device durability, improve device ergonomics, enhance brand identification, and for novelty purposes. Embodiments of the present invention provide for the protection of the multiple layers of lamination that can be caused to separate given enough impact at one of the bond seams. 
     A bar gun with a protective cladding as described in the present disclosure can provide for a device with increased durability. A bar gun is typically manufactured by laminating several machined or injection molded layers together to form fluid inlets, outlets, passageways and valve bores. Valve elements and actuators may then be used to control the flow of liquids from the inlets through the valve bores, outlets and passageways, to an output nozzle. In operation in a busy bar or restaurant environment, rough handling by bartenders and wait staff may eventually cause de-lamination of the layers. The result of such de-lamination can be leaks in the bar gun requiring frequent maintenance to repair the leaks and in some cases may require replacement of the entire bar gun. A protective cladding as described herein may provide an additional level of protection against de-lamination caused by rough handling. 
     In addition, the protective cladding layer on a bar gun may be molded or otherwise shaped so as to provide a more comfortable feel for the operators of the device. For example, the protective cladding may be shaped with rounded form or beveled edges, thus making it more comfortable for an operator to grasp. As another example, the cladding layer may contain ridges and grooves that are shaped to be complementary to an operator&#39;s fingers, again allowing for a more comfortable grip. The increase in comfort of the operator using the device may result in reduced strain on the operator&#39;s hand, thus reducing the potential for injury. 
     Furthermore, bar guns with a protective cladding layer as described in the present disclosure can also present an opportunity for beverage retailers and producers to enhance brand identification. Because the cladding layer can be manufactured in one or more colors, it may be possible for retailers to choose colors for the cladding layers in order to enhance brand recognition for certain brands of beverages. For example, a retailer who distributes Coke™ products may choose a red cladding, a color that is readily associated with that brand. Similar color choices may be made for other brands. In some embodiments the branding may be for the retailer selling beverages, as opposed to the beverage manufacturer. 
     In addition to branding, the protective cladding may be used for novelty or entertainment purposes. In some embodiments, the protective cladding may be transparent or translucent. Coupled with a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a power supply, the protective cladding can appear to be illuminated. Such an illuminated device may attract attention to the bar gun, and may result in increased sales of beverages. 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary exploded view diagram  1  showing a bar gun with a protective cladding in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1 , bar gun handle with a protective cladding  2  has a housing assembly  4  containing inlets, outlets, valve bores, fluid passageways and an output nozzle. A further description of bar gun handle  4  can be found with reference to  FIG. 2 . Bar gun with a protective cladding  1  further includes one or more protective cladding layers  6 ,  8 . A housing assembly, as used herein, can refer to an assembly that is used with bar guns that are used to mix liquids from several sources into one beverage or those that dispense pre-mixed beverages, such as juice, wine and other dispensers, such as the assignee&#39;s PREMIX line of beverage dispensers. 
     Each of the protective cladding layers  6 ,  8  may be adhered to a side of bar gun handle  4  using any number of bonding agents. For example, protective cladding layer  6 ,  8  may be adhered to a side of the bar gun handle  4  using an adhesive. Other examples of bonding agents can include ultrasonic welding or a solvent. Any form of bonding agent that would allow a substantially permanent bond to be formed between protective cladding layers  6 ,  8  and bar gun handle  4  are contemplated. 
     In some embodiments, protective cladding layers  6 ,  8  can be substantially the same shape as a side  10 ,  12  of the bar gun handle  4 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, protective cladding layer  6 ,  8  may be sized to substantially cover the side  10 ,  12  of the bar gun handle  4 . 
       FIG. 2  is an assembled view diagram corresponding to a bar gun. In some embodiments, bar gun  40  may be made up of several layers of material, such as an acrylic. Other materials suitable for this purpose may also be used. In one exemplary embodiment, bar gun  40  may have a first layer  42 , a second layer  44 , and a third layer  46 . Within each layer  42 ,  44 ,  46  may be formed portions of valve bores  48 , fluid inlets  50 , fluid outlets  52 , and fluid passageways  54 . Layers  42 ,  44 ,  46  may be formed through any number of techniques. One example of such a technique would be to machine the various elements described into a solid block of material. Another exemplary technique would be to form the layers  42 ,  44 ,  46  through an injection molding process. 
     When layers  42 ,  44 ,  46  are bonded together using known techniques such as adhesives, solvents, or ultrasonic welding, bar gun  40  may provide a path for a fluid to be communicated from the inlet  40 , through the valve bore  48 , to the outlet  52 , and through the fluid passageway  54 . The fluid can then be discharged through a nozzle  56 . Typically, the discharged fluid is a beverage, such as a soft drink or water. 
     Furthermore, valve assembly  58  may be installed within valve bore  48  to control the flow of fluid from the input  48  to the nozzle  56 . Valve actuator  60  may be used to control valve assembly  58 . Although  FIG. 2  depicts a single fluid path through the bar gun, a bar gun may have a plurality of fluid paths, each controlled by separate valve assemblies and actuators. 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view diagram of an exemplary protective cladding layer  60 . Cladding layer  60  may have a top edge  62 , a bottom edge  64 , a front edge  66 , and a rear edge  68 . In some embodiments, the rear edge  68  extends from the top edge  62  to the bottom edge  64 . In some embodiments, the rear edge  68  can be substantially perpendicular to the top edge  62  and the bottom edge  64 . The front edge  66  of protective cladding layer  60  may extend from the top edge  62  to the bottom edge  64 . In some embodiments, the front edge  66  is not substantially perpendicular to the top edge. In some embodiments, the top edge  62 , bottom edge  64 , front edge  66 , and rear edge  68  are arranged so as to substantially conform to the shape of the bar gun handle  4 . 
     Bottom edge  64  may have a step disposed along its edge. In some embodiments, the step is disposed substantially towards the end of the protective cladding  60  that is closer to the front edge  66 . In some embodiments, the step  70  is generally arcuate in shape. In some embodiments, the step  70  is generally shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the bar gun handle  4 . 
     Protective cladding  60  further may have a front surface  72  and a rear surface  74 . In some embodiments, rear surface  74  is disposed onto the bar gun handle. In some embodiments, rear surface  74  is shaped to be complementary to the shape of the side of bar gun handle  4 . Front surface  72  is generally the surface that will be gripped by an operator of the device. To increase the comfort of holding the device, in some embodiments, protective cladding  60  may increase in thickness to a constant value from rear surface  74  to front surface  72 . In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by beveling or forming a radius along top edge  62  and bottom edge  64 . In some embodiments, a bevel or radius may also be formed along front edge  66 . 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. These other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.