Patent Publication Number: US-9415993-B2

Title: Systems and methods for dispensing one or more beverages

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/723,318 filed Nov. 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The illustrative embodiments relate generally to beverage dispensing systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for dispensing one or more alcoholic beverages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In settings such as bars, restaurants, and other locations where beverages are served, the system used to dispense beverages is important for a variety of reasons, including customer satisfaction, business efficiency, beverage integrity, etc. For example, when beer is the beverage being dispensed, it may be important to ensure that the beer container is filled in an effective and convenient manner. Also, when dispensing beer into certain types of beer containers, such as beer growlers, it may be important to fill the beer container in a manner that minimizes the beer&#39;s exposure to air. Current beverage dispensing systems fail to effectively or efficiently dispense beverages for these and other reasons. Current beverage dispensing systems may also fail to provide suitable sanitation of beverage dispensing devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an illustrative embodiment, a beverage dispensing system includes a plurality of beverage dispensing devices, and a plurality of beverage hoses, each of the beverage hoses to provide fluid communication between one of the beverage dispensing devices and a beverage source, each of the beverage hoses passing through an aperture formed in a surface. Each of the beverage dispensing devices is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, a beverage dispensing device is moved toward a beverage container and a beverage hose is pulled through the aperture and toward a user-facing side of the surface, the beverage dispensing device adapted to dispense a beverage into the beverage container while in the extended position. 
     In another embodiment, a beverage dispensing system includes a plurality of beverage dispensing devices adapted to selectively dispense a beverage and a gas, and a plurality of beverage hoses, each of the beverage hoses to provide fluid communication between one of the beverage dispensing devices and a beverage source, and a plurality of gas hoses, each of the gas hoses to provide fluid communication between one of the beverage dispensing devices and a gas source. Each of the beverage dispensing devices is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the beverage dispensing device is moved toward a beverage container, the beverage dispensing device adapted to dispense at least one of the gas or the beverage into the beverage container while in the extended position. 
     In another embodiment, a method for dispensing a beverage includes extending at least one of a plurality of beverage dispensing devices from a surface, the at least one beverage dispensing device coupled to a beverage hose providing fluid communication between the at least one beverage dispensing device and a beverage source, the beverage hose passing through an aperture in the surface, positioning the at least one beverage dispensing device adjacent a beverage container, and dispensing beverage into the beverage container using the beverage dispensing device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, pictorial representation of a beverage dispensing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic, block diagram of a beverage dispensing device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic, pictorial representation of a beverage dispensing system capable of dispensing a beverage or gas in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic, block diagram of a beverage dispensing device for dispensing a beverage or gas in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a process for dispensing a beverage in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for dispensing a beverage and a gas in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic, perspective view of a beverage dispensing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative embodiment of a beverage dispensing system  100  includes beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  that are extendable and retractable out of and into a surface  106 . Each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  is coupled to a respective beverage hose  108 ,  109 ,  110  that provides fluid communication between each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  and one or more beverage sources  112 . Each of the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  passes through a respective aperture  114 ,  115 ,  116  formed in the surface  106 . The beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  may move into and out of the respective apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  so as to allow the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  to be extended and retracted from the surface  106 . 
     The apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be any shape or size suitable for allowing any size hose to pass therethrough. The rim forming the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be covered in plastic, rubber, a grommet, or any other material so as to prevent damage to the hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  when the hoses are moved between the extended and retracted positions. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , the beverage dispensing device  102  has been moved into the extended position, and the beverage dispensing devices  103 ,  104  are in a retracted position. When moved into the extended position, as the beverage dispensing device  102  has been, the beverage hose  108  is pulled through the aperture and toward the user facing side  118  of the surface  106  so as to move the beverage dispensing device  102  towards a beverage container  120 . Once the beverage dispensing device  102  has been moved to the extended position and adjacent the beverage container  120 , a beverage  122  may be dispensed into the beverage container  120 . After the beverage  122  has been dispensed into the beverage container  120  the beverage hose  108  may be retracted back into the surface  106  through the aperture  114  so as to move the beverage dispensing device  102  towards the surface  106 . 
     The beverage container  120  may be any container capable of holding a fluid, such as a beer growler, bottle, can, mug, cup, flask, case, keg, etc. Also, while three beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are shown in  FIG. 1 , any number of beverage dispensing devices may be used to implement the beverage dispensing system  100  (e.g., 1, 6, 10, 20, 30, 50, 72, 100, etc.). For example, only a single beverage dispensing device may be used, as well as a single beverage hose and/or gas hose. 
     The beverage hose  108  has a first end  124  and a second end  126 . The first end  124  is fluidly coupled to the beverage dispensing device  102 , while the second end  126  may be coupled to one or more beverage sources  112 . Each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be fluidly coupled to different beverage sources. For example, in a beer dispensing system, each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be fluidly coupled to a different keg or container of beer. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , different lengths of beverage hose  108 ,  109 ,  110  are exposed on the user-facing side  118  of the surface  106  depending on whether the respective beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are in the extended or retracted position. When one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  is in the extended position, more beverage hose is exposed on the user-facing side  118  of the surface  106  than when the beverage dispensing device is in the retracted position. The additional length of hose exposed to the user-facing side  118  of the surface  106  allows the user to extend the beverage dispensing device  102  toward the beverage container  120  to allow for the beverage container  120  to be filled with the beverage  122 . Exposing less of the beverage hose when the beverage dispensing devices  103 ,  104  are in the retracted position allows the beverage dispensing devices  103 ,  104  to be out of the way of the user when the beverage dispensing devices  103 ,  104  are not in use. Because each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are extendable or retractable at any time by a user, and each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be fluidly coupled to a different beverage source, a user may select one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  based on the desired beverage to be dispensed, and extend the beverage dispensing device associated with the desired beverage from the surface  106  and toward the beverage container  120  so that the beverage container  120  may be filled with the desired beverage. Also, more than one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be in the extended position at any given time. For example, a person or persons may extend more than one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  at a given time in order to fill more than one beverage container at a time. Thus, the illustrative embodiments allow for the convenient selection of a beverage out of a selection of multiple beverages. 
     In one embodiment, the surface  106  may be a wall that provides full or partial separation from the space at which the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are located. In another embodiment, the surface  106  may be a wall, ceiling, or countertop. In one non-limiting example, the surface  106  may be one of a plurality of walls forming a cooler  124 . In this example, the one or more beverage sources  112  may be located within the cooler  124 . Also, the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may provide a space within which the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  are movable into and out of the cooler  124 . 
     In another embodiment, the cooler  124  may be remote from the area at which the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are located. For example, the beverage dispensing system  100  is compatible for use in a glycol-based beer dispensing system in which glycol is used to cool beer over certain distances. In this embodiment, the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  may extend relatively larger distances to reach a remote cooler any distance away (e.g., 30 feet, 50 feet, 200 feet, etc.). 
     In one embodiment, one or more of the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be at least partially covered by an air flow restriction barrier to reduce air flow through the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116 . Any type of material may be used as the air flow restriction barriers, such as flexible flaps or fins, grommets, corks or stoppers, etc. For example, one or more rubber flaps may be located at each of the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  to allow for movement of the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110 , yet still restrict at least some of the airflow through the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116 . In yet another example, a stopper may be coupled onto one or more of the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  such that the stopper at least partially fills the respective aperture  114 ,  115 ,  116  when the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are in the retracted position. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 2 , the beverage dispensing device  102  may include a stem portion  127  that may be inserted into the beverage container  120  when the beverage dispensing device  102  is in an extended position. The beverage  122  may be dispensed into the beverage container  120  while the stem portion  127  is inserted into the beverage container  120 . In one non-limiting example, more than half of the stem portion  127  may be inserted into the beverage container  120  while the beverage  122  is dispensed into the beverage container  120 . The stem portion  127  may also comprise a dispensing end  128  from which the beverage  122  may be dispensed; in this example, dispensing end  128  may be adapted to be adjacent the bottom of the beverage container  120  while the beverage  122  is dispensed into the beverage container  120 . However, in other embodiments, the dispensing end  128  of the beverage dispensing device  102  need not be adjacent the bottom of the beverage container  120  while the beverage  122  is dispensed into the beverage container  120 , and need not be submerged at all in the beverage as the beverage is being dispensed. 
     The beverage dispensing device  102  may also include a beverage release selector  130  that may be selected to release the beverage  122  from the beverage dispensing device  102 . The beverage release selector  130  may be a button, trigger, digital input, or any other mechanism by which a user may cause the beverage  122  to be dispensed from the beverage dispensing device  102 . In some non-limiting examples, the beverage may be pushed out of the beverage dispensing device  102  when the beverage release selector  130  is selected using a motivating force such as gas pressure, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, or any combination there. 
     The beverage dispensing device  102  may also include a grip portion  132 . The user may grasp the grip portion  132  to move the beverage dispensing device  102  between the extended and retracted positions. 
     In operation, a user may select one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  and extend the selected beverage dispensing device from the surface  106 . The user may then position the extended beverage dispensing device adjacent the beverage container  120 . The user may then dispense the beverage  122  into the beverage container  120  using the extended beverage dispensing device. In positioning the beverage dispensing device adjacent the beverage container  120 , the stem portion  127  of the beverage dispensing device may be inserted into the beverage container  120 . After the user has dispensed the beverage  122  in the beverage container  120 , the beverage dispensing device may be retracted back toward the surface  106 . 
     In placing the beverage dispensing device “adjacent” the beverage container  120 , the beverage dispensing device may be placed anywhere relative to the beverage container  120  that allows the beverage to move into the beverage container  120 . As mentioned above, this may include inserting the stem portion  127  fully or partially into the beverage container  120 . This may also include holding the beverage dispensing device near the top, or open, portion of the beverage container  120 . As can be seen from these examples, the term “adjacent” is meant to be construed broadly in this context to include many different positions at which the beverage may be dispensed. 
     The beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be manually extended and retracted from the surface  106 . In yet another embodiment, each of the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  may be slidably or movably coupled to a respective hose retraction device that biases the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  and beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  into the retracted position. Movement of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  between the extended and retracted positions may be achieved using motorized devices. 
     In another embodiment, the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  do not retract and extend within the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116 , and the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  remain substantially stationary when in use to dispense a beverage and when not in use. In one example of this embodiment, a beverage container may be moved toward the substantially stationary position of one of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  so that the beverage may be dispensed into the beverage container. In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing system  100  may lack apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  through which the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  are movable, such that a pre-determined amount of each beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  is non-changeably exposed on the user-facing side  118  of the surface  106 . This fixed amount of exposed beverage hose may be long enough to allow maneuverability of the beverage dispensing device(s) to fill a beverage container. 
     In another embodiment, the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be formed from pipes or channels that extend through a wall or surface. For example, the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be PVC tubes that extend through the wall of a walk-in cooler or other wall. However, the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  may be any type or shape of hole formed in any manner. 
     In another embodiment, at least a portion of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be insertable in the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  or into the surface  106  when in the retracted position. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be inserted into the cooler  125  when in the retracted position. In the embodiment in which the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  are substantially stationary and do not move between extended and retracted positions, the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104  may be positioned at least partially in the apertures  114 ,  115 ,  116  or the cooler  125 . 
     In another embodiment, a monitoring mechanism may be used to monitor the amount of beverage poured from each of the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104 . Such a monitoring system may include a fluid flow meter operatively coupled to one or more of the beverage hoses  108 ,  109 ,  110  or the beverage dispensing devices  102 ,  103 ,  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an illustrative embodiment of the beverage dispensing system  200  includes the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204  that are capable of dispensing both a gas and the beverage  222 . Elements of  FIGS. 3 and 4  that are analogous to elements in  FIGS. 1 and 2  have been shown by indexing the reference numerals by 100. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204  may also dispense a gas from one or more gas sources  236 . Each of the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204  is fluidly coupled to a respective gas  238 ,  239 ,  240 . In a manner similar to that described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , both the beverage and gas hoses may be retracted into and out of respective apertures to allow the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204  to be moved between an extended and retracted position. 
     The beverage hose and gas hose for each respective beverage dispensing device may be coupled to one another in a variety of ways. For example, the beverage hose and gas hose may be at least partially encased in a tape, mold, or other material, such as shrinkable Teflon. The beverage hose and gas hose may also be individual lumens, or ducts, of a single hose. In another example, a hose may have an inner lumen and a circumferential, outer lumen (a hose within a hose) to allow for the passage of both a beverage and gas (one pathway for gas, and the other for a beverage). In yet another embodiment, the beverage hose and gas hose may not be coupled to one another at all. In yet another embodiment, instead of two hoses, both the gas and the beverage may be selectively dispensed through the same hose. 
     The gas source  236  may be any container or device capable of storing and/or delivering a gas, including, but not limited to, a carbon dioxide tank, a nitrogen tank, a nitrogen generator, a carbon dioxide generator, any combination of these, etc. 
     In another embodiment, a gas source  236  may be in each of the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204 . For example, each of the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204  may include a carbon dioxide cartridge from which carbon dioxide may be dispensed into the beverage container in the manner described. 
     When utilizing this embodiment, the beverage dispensing device  202  may be moved adjacent the beverage container  220  by moving the beverage dispensing device  202  into the extended position. Before dispensing the beverage  222  into the beverage container  220 , a gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, may be dispensed into the beverage container  220 . The gas may be dispensed from the beverage dispensing device  202  using a gas release selector  244 , which may be a button, trigger, digital input, or any other mechanism that causes gas to be released from the beverage dispensing device  202 . After the beverage container  220  has been fully or partially filled with the gas, the beverage  222  may be dispensed into the beverage container  220  using the beverage dispensing device  202 . 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4  may be useful in a large variety of beverage dispensing scenarios. For example, when filling beer growlers or containers, the injection of gas, such as carbon dioxide, into the beer container before dispensing beer into the beer container may help to prevent or reduce contact of the beer with air, thereby helping to preserve the freshness of the beer within the beer container. Such beer containers may be sealed after being injected with gas and/or beer so as to allow for transport and/or preservation of the beer after filling. 
     It will be appreciated that the beverages able to dispensed by the beverage dispensing system  100  are numerous, including, but not limited to, any carbonated beverage (e.g., beer, kombucha, soda, carbonated water, etc.), any alcoholic beverage (liquor, wine, beer, pre-mixed drinks, etc.), or any other drinkable liquid. 
     The gas hoses  238 ,  239 ,  240  may each transmit the same or different pressures of gas. In another embodiment, a monitoring mechanism may be used to monitor the amount of gas dispensed from each of the beverage dispensing devices  202 ,  203 ,  204 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a process for dispensing a beverage may include extending at least one of a plurality of beverage dispensing devices from a surface (step  303 ). The process may also include positioning the at least one beverage dispensing device adjacent a beverage container (step  305 ). The process may also include dispensing beverage into the beverage container using the beverage dispensing device (step  307 ). The process may also include retracting the beverage dispensing device toward the surface after dispensing beverage into the beverage container (step  309 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a process for dispensing a beverage includes extending at least one of the plurality of beverage dispensing devices from a surface (step  403 ). The process may include positioning the at least one beverage dispensing device adjacent a beverage container (step  405 ). The process may include dispensing a gas into the beverage container (step  407 ). The process may also include dispensing a beverage into the beverage container using the beverage dispensing device (step  409 ). The process may also include retracting the beverage dispensing device toward the surface after dispensing the beverage into the beverage container (step  411 ). 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatus, methods and computer program products. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified function or functions. In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an illustrative embodiment of a beverage dispensing system  700  includes a plurality of beer dispensing devices  702 . Beer dispensing device  702   a  is shown in the extended position, while the remaining beer dispensing devices are shown in the retracted position. The stem  727  of beer dispensing device  702   a  is shown to be inserted into a beer growler  720  such that the dispensing end  728  of the beer dispensing device  702   a  is adjacent the bottom of the beer growler  720 . In this example, the beer growler  720  may also be any sealable or non-sealable container. In another embodiment, a beer glass may also be used. The beverage dispensing system  700  also includes a sanitation tray  799 . When a beer dispensing device is in the retracted position, the stem portion of the beer dispensing device may be at least partially submerged in a liquid contained in the sanitation tray  799 . The liquid may be water, sanitizer, or any other liquid for rinsing or cleaning the stem portion of the beer dispensing device. By submerging the stem portion of the beer dispensing device in this manner, the stem portion may be kept sanitized or rinsed when in the retracted position. Such rinsing/sanitizing may be useful to reduce odors or contamination sometimes found in other beverage, including beer, dispensing systems. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” may include coupling via a separate object and may also include direct coupling. The term “coupled” may also encompass two or more components that are continuous with one another by virtue of each of the components being formed from the same piece of material. Also, the term “coupled” may include chemical, such as via a chemical bond, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, or electrical coupling. 
     Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have been disclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any feature that is described in a connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment.