Patent Description:
Post-mix dispensers are typically limited to dispensing syrup or liquid concentrates from a bag-in-box package. The syrup or concentrate is introduced into the system through the use of a pump or a pressurized tank, e.g., CO<NUM>. Thus, a typical post-mix system requires a great deal of components and technical understanding to set up and maintain the system.

A syrup delivery system for carbonated beverages is described in <CIT>. Syrup is provided from a syrup container through a delivery line to a beverage mixer. The syrup container comprises a rigid drum with a collapsible bag inside. Double ended connector means including valve means, an external quick connect coupling and an internal male bag connector are provided. The syrup line can be connected, by means of a connector cap, to the external quick connect coupling. When syrup line it is connected to the external quick connect coupling, the valve means open a path through the double ended connector means.

The present invention provides a post-mix beverage dispensing system and method for dispensing a beverage as specified in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

One aspect permits a post-mix dispensing system that can deliver beverage liquid concentrates from a self-pressurized container. A further aspect includes connecting a self-pressurized container to post-mix equipment for the purpose of dispensing beverage flavor concentrates including, but not limited to, flavor shots, carbonated soft drinks, tea concentrate, coffee, lemonade, and other types of beverages. The dispensed beverage can be hot or cold.

In one aspect, the post-mix beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle, a diluent conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle, a concentrate conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle, a flow control valve in fluid communication with the concentrate conduit and a source conduit, and a self-pressurized concentrate source. The self-pressurized concentrate source can be connected to the source conduit by a connector and can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate, a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly. In one aspect, the concentrate chamber is a bag. Other embodiments of self-pressurized systems commonly known to those skilled in the art, such as piston cup containers, can also be used. The beverage concentrate and a diluent can mix at the nozzle to dispense a beverage.

In a further aspect, a method for dispensing a beverage from a post-mix beverage dispensing system can include connecting a self-pressurized concentrate source to a connector, the connector being in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle. The pressurized concentrate source can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate, a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly to provide the beverage concentrate to the source conduit. The method further includes mixing the beverage concentrate and a diluent at the dispensing nozzle to dispense a beverage.

In another aspect, a method of retrofitting a post-mix beverage dispensing system with a self-pressurized concentrate source can include connecting a connector to a source conduit, the source conduit being in fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle, and connecting a self-pressurized concentrate source to the connector. The pressurized concentrate source can include a concentrate chamber containing a beverage concentrate,
a pressurized outer container surrounding the concentrate chamber and exerting a pressure on the concentrate chamber, and a valve assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber, such that the connector opens the valve assembly to provide the beverage concentrate to the source conduit. The retrofit post-mix beverage dispensing system can mix the beverage concentrate and a diluent at the dispensing nozzle to dispense a beverage.

Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.

Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.

The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

In one aspect, a beverage liquid concentrate self-pressurized bag-on-valve container can be connected into a post-mix system, the internal pressure from the bag-on-valve system permits the liquid concentrate to be introduced into the post-mix system for dispensing at the nozzle. Upon connection to the system, the bag-on-valve output valve is opened, thus allowing liquid concentrate to flow into the system. Such a configuration simplifies the post-mix system and enables one without technical knowledge or expertise to provide beverages from liquid concentrate. Use of a beverage liquid concentrate in a self-pressurized bag-on-valve container also eliminates the need for a delivery pump or pressurized cylinder to propel the liquid concentrate.

The beverage liquid concentrate in a self-pressurized bag-on-valve container also provides for the ability to extend the yield and shelf life on beverage products as the liquid concentrate is isolated from the gas and pressurization contained within the bag-on-valve container. Current bag-in-box systems expose the beverage liquid concentrates to the atmosphere which causes more rapid oxidation of the syrup within.

The system also provides for beverage dispensing without the need for an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power source to draw the liquid concentrate from its container into the beverage dispensing system.

An aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to <FIG>. Throughout the system, conventional beverage tubing (FDA approved for use with food products) is used to connect the components of the system. Any of the beverage tubing conduits may be insulated to prevent heat loss or gain. In the beverage dispensing system <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a pressurized diluent source <NUM> supplies diluent <NUM>, e.g., water, to the system <NUM>. In one aspect, the diluent <NUM> can be at typical domestic water pressures, e.g., approximately <NUM>-<NUM> kPa (<NUM>-<NUM> pounds per square inch or psi). Diluent source <NUM> provides diluent <NUM> to a flow control valve <NUM> which is fluidly connected to diluent conduit <NUM>. Diluent conduit <NUM> delivers the diluent to nozzle <NUM> so that diluent <NUM> can be dispensed into a user's container, cup, or pitcher. Beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a housing <NUM> and a nozzle assembly <NUM>. Nozzle assembly <NUM> includes lever <NUM> and nozzle <NUM>. Beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> is supplied to beverage dispensing system <NUM> and mixes with diluent <NUM> at nozzle <NUM>. The use of a post-mix system that directly mixes the concentrate and diluent at the nozzle avoids cross contamination of multiple concentrate sources and can reduce the unwanted growth of bacteria within the beverage system.

Beverage dispensing system <NUM> can utilize a conventional bag-on-valve container to supply self-pressurized beverage liquid concentrate. As shown in <FIG>, self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> includes a beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> contained in a concentrate chamber <NUM>. Beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> and concentrate chamber <NUM> are surrounded by outer container <NUM>. In one aspect, concentrate chamber <NUM> and outer container <NUM> can be transparent to allow a user to view the amount of beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> remaining within concentrate chamber <NUM>.

Self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> also includes valve assembly <NUM> located at the top portion of outer container <NUM>. Valve assembly <NUM> retains beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> within self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>. The valve within valve assembly <NUM> permits beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> to be dispensed upon connection into beverage dispensing system <NUM>. In one aspect, valve assembly <NUM> includes a push valve.

In a typical filling process, concentrate chamber <NUM>, attached to valve assembly <NUM>, is inserted into outer container <NUM>. Next, outer container <NUM> is pressurized and valve assembly <NUM> is crimped onto outer container <NUM>, thus retaining the pressure within outer container <NUM>. In one aspect, outer container <NUM> can be an approximately <NUM> (<NUM> fluid ounce) container that is pressurized to approximately <NUM> kPa (<NUM> psi). Concentrate chamber <NUM> can then be pressure filled with beverage liquid concentrate <NUM>. In one aspect, after pressure filling concentrate chamber <NUM>, internal pressure within outer container <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> kPa (<NUM> psi). After a weight and pressure check, self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> is ready for transport and/or use in beverage dispensing system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, connector <NUM> interacts with self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> to deliver beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> into beverage dispensing system <NUM>. In one aspect, connector <NUM> can include a sealing collar <NUM> that engages valve cup <NUM> of valve assembly <NUM> that surrounds the top portion of outer container <NUM>. Sealing collar <NUM> can be fastened to valve cup <NUM> with a friction fit by pressing sealing collar <NUM> onto valve cup <NUM>. In an alternate aspect, sealing collar <NUM> can be clamped onto valve cup <NUM>. Sealing collar <NUM> can also include internal threading to receive valve cup <NUM>. In this aspect, self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> can be screwed into sealing collar <NUM>. Alternatively, sealing collar <NUM> can be bolted to or otherwise detachably attached to valve cup <NUM>.

Connector <NUM> can also include a valve activation device <NUM> that engages the valve stem <NUM> within valve assembly <NUM> to release beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> from within concentrate chamber <NUM>. Valve activation device <NUM> can include a through bore through which beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can flow. In one aspect, attachment of connector <NUM> to self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> pushes a proximal portion <NUM> of valve activation device <NUM> into valve stem <NUM>, thus releasing beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> from within concentrate chamber <NUM>. Valve activation device <NUM> can be attached to sealing collar <NUM> with fasteners <NUM>. In this aspect, connector <NUM> can include a gasket between valve activation device <NUM> and sealing collar <NUM>. In an alternate aspect, sealing collar <NUM> and valve activation device <NUM> can be formed as a unitary piece.

Connector <NUM> can be connected to beverage dispensing system <NUM> through transfer shaft <NUM>. In one aspect, transfer shaft <NUM> connects to the through bore in valve activation device <NUM>. Transfer shaft <NUM> can be fastened to valve activation device <NUM> with a friction fit by pressing transfer shaft <NUM> onto valve activation device <NUM>. In an alternate aspect, transfer shaft <NUM> can be clamped onto valve activation device <NUM> or can include threading to screw into valve activation device <NUM>. Transfer shaft <NUM> connects to source conduit <NUM> which directs the beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> into beverage dispensing system <NUM>. In another aspect, valve activation device <NUM> can include a barbed fitting area where a tube can be fitted over the barb and crimped to prevent leaks.

In another aspect, a beverage dispensing system can be retrofit to include connector <NUM> for use with self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>. In this aspect, the beverage dispensing system to be retrofit typically includes a non-pressurized concentrate source, e.g., a bag-in-box system, and a non-pressurized concentrate source dispenser, e.g., an electrical or pneumatic pump or pressurized cylinder, to draw the concentrate from within the non-pressurized concentrate source into the beverage dispensing system. The non-pressurized concentrate source and the non-pressurized concentrate source dispenser can be disconnected from the beverage dispensing system. The conduit that previously connected the non-pressurized concentrate source can then be attached to connector <NUM>. Connector <NUM> can in turn be attached to self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> to dispense beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> into the retrofit beverage dispensing system.

Referring now to <FIG>, upon attachment to connector <NUM>, beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> from within self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> flows through connector <NUM> to source conduit <NUM>. Source conduit <NUM> is fluidly connected to concentrate flow conduit valve <NUM> which is fluidly connected to concentrate conduit <NUM>. Concentrate conduit <NUM> is fluidly connected to nozzle <NUM> which dispenses beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> into a container or cup.

Concentrate flow control valve <NUM> controls the rate at which beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> enters concentrate conduit <NUM> and ultimately nozzle <NUM>. In one aspect, concentrate flow control valve <NUM> can restrict the flow of beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> ounces per second). thus creating a <NUM>:<NUM> capability. The flow rate of beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be modified at concentrate flow control valve <NUM> based on the concentration ratio of beverage liquid concentrate <NUM>.

The beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be any concentration ratio. In one aspect, the beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be up to approximately a <NUM>:<NUM> dilution ratio based on volume, allowing storage of a highly concentrated beverage within a relatively small space. In an alternate aspect, the beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be up to approximately a <NUM>:<NUM> dilution ratio based on volume. In a further aspect, the beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be up to approximately an <NUM>:<NUM> dilution ratio based on volume.

Concentrate flow control valve <NUM> and diluent flow control valve <NUM> can be a mechanical valve, e.g., a conventional plunger valve that is movable between fully-opened and fully-closed positions. In addition, each of valves <NUM> and <NUM> can contain an orifice restriction of a predetermined size to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. That is, based on the relative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correct proportion of the diluent <NUM> or beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be maintained regardless of the incoming pressure. In an alternate aspect, valves <NUM> and <NUM> can be electronic solenoid-operated valves. In this aspect, operation of valves <NUM> and <NUM> can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor. The programmable microprocessor (not shown) can provide intelligent control of the beverage system. The microprocessor can control the dispensing function (e.g., valve operation, etc.), monitor system status such as the diluent temperature, number of drinks dispensed, and sensors that determine the amount of concentrate remaining in the beverage dispensing system. The microprocessor can also provide service diagnostics, and the ability to remotely poll the electronic status.

At the end of concentrate conduit <NUM> and diluent conduit <NUM>, the respective liquids empty into the nozzle assembly <NUM>. A converging nozzle <NUM> is threaded onto the nozzle assembly <NUM>. Flow is directed through the nozzle <NUM> and into a container, cup, or pitcher of the user. The nozzle <NUM> may have internal flow vanes (not shown) to help straighten the flow and minimize splashing.

Nozzle assembly <NUM> can include a lever <NUM>. The user initiates the flow of beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> and diluent <NUM> by pulling on the lever <NUM>. Beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> and diluent <NUM> mix at the nozzle <NUM> and in vessel of the user.

Referring now to <FIG>, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a second self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> fluidly connected to a second source conduit <NUM>. Second source conduit <NUM> is in turn fluidly connected to concentrate flow control valve <NUM> which regulates the rate of flow of a second beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> into a second concentrate conduit <NUM> and in turn, nozzle <NUM>. In one aspect, the beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> and the second beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be mixed together with diluent <NUM> at nozzle <NUM> to form a beverage. In an alternate aspect, beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> and the second beverage liquid concentrate <NUM> can be mixed separately with diluent <NUM> at nozzle <NUM> to form separate beverages and provide additional beverage options to a user.

As shown in <FIG>, diluent <NUM> can be locally stored in beverage dispensing system <NUM> in a reservoir <NUM> contained within housing <NUM>. In this aspect, reservoir <NUM>, diluent conduit <NUM>, concentrate conduit <NUM>, concentrate flow control valve <NUM>, and self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> are all positioned within an interior area of housing <NUM>. Utilizing such a reservoir <NUM> with self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> allows for a self-contained beverage dispensing system <NUM> that can be placed on a countertop apart from water or electrical power sources. In an alternate aspect, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can be a mobile beverage dispensing system suitable for carrying. In a further aspect, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a manual pump, an electrical pump, or a pressure source to draw diluent <NUM> into diluent conduit <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a connector <NUM> adapted to retain and connect additional self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>. As shown, connector <NUM> can connect up to four self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>. However, connector <NUM> can be modified to accommodate additional self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM> including up to six self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>, up to eight self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>, and up to ten self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>. In an alternate aspect, the beverage dispensing system can utilize two or more connectors <NUM>. Connector <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and up to four concentrate source chambers <NUM>. A self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> can be placed within a concentrate source chamber <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Connector <NUM> also includes up to four valve activation devices <NUM>-one for each concentrate source chamber <NUM>.

Activation stem <NUM> is located at the bottom or proximal portion of valve activation device <NUM>. Activation stem <NUM> extends through an orifice in the top surface of housing <NUM> to engage the valve of self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> (discussed above with respect to <FIG>). Valve activation device <NUM> includes a through bore though which beverage liquid concentrate can flow after engagement with the valve of self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>. Valve activation device <NUM> also includes a handle <NUM>, a spring seat <NUM>, a helical spring <NUM>, and a spring housing <NUM>. The lateral portions of handle <NUM> can be threated or otherwise fastened onto the longitudinal shaft of valve activation device <NUM>. Alternatively, the lateral portions of handle <NUM> can be integrally formed with the longitudinal shaft of valve activation device <NUM>. Spring housing <NUM> is attached to the top surface of housing <NUM> and surrounds spring <NUM> and a portion of the longitudinal shaft of valve activation device <NUM> below handle <NUM>. The interaction of spring <NUM> with spring seat <NUM> and spring housing <NUM> pushes activation stem <NUM> downward into housing <NUM> and concentrate source chamber <NUM> to engage the valve of the self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>.

When a user wishes to connect a self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> to beverage system <NUM>, the user can pull upwards on handle <NUM> of valve activation device <NUM> to compress spring <NUM> against spring housing <NUM> and draw activation stem <NUM> upwards and out of concentrate source chamber <NUM>. The user can then insert a self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> into concentrate source chamber <NUM>. Once self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> is properly seated within chamber <NUM>, the user can lower valve activation device <NUM> such that activation stem <NUM> extends into chamber <NUM> to engage the valve of self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>, thus releasing beverage liquid concentrate into the beverage system <NUM>. Additional self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM> can be utilized with connector <NUM>. While connector <NUM> is shown to connect up to four self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>, connector <NUM> can be modified to accommodate any number of self-pressurized concentrate sources <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, beverage dispensing system <NUM> can include a first self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>, a second self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>, a third self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM>, and a fourth self-pressurized concentrate source <NUM> fluidly connected to first source conduit <NUM>, second source conduit <NUM>, third source conduit <NUM>, and fourth source conduit <NUM>, respectively. Source conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are in turn fluidly connected to first concentrate flow control valve <NUM>, second concentrate flow control valve <NUM>, third concentrate flow control valve <NUM>, and fourth concentrate flow control valve <NUM>, respectively. Flow control valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> regulate the rate of flow of beverage liquid concentrates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> into first concentrate conduit <NUM>, second concentrate conduit <NUM>, third concentrate conduit <NUM>, and fourth concentrate conduit <NUM>, respectively, and in turn, nozzle <NUM>. In one aspect, the beverage liquid concentrates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are mixed individually with diluent <NUM> at nozzle <NUM> to form a beverage and provide multiple beverage options to a user. In an alternate aspect, two or more of beverage liquid concentrates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be mixed together with diluent <NUM> at nozzle <NUM> to form a beverage.

Concentrate flow control valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and diluent flow control valve <NUM> can be a mechanical valve, e.g., a conventional plunger valve that is movable between fully-opened and fully-closed positions. In addition, each of valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can contain an orifice restriction of a predetermined size to meter the flow of liquid therethrough. That is, based on the relative sizes of the orifice restrictions of the valves, the correct proportion of the diluent or beverage liquid concentrate can be maintained regardless of the incoming pressure. In an alternate aspect, valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be an electronic solenoid-operated valve. In this aspect, operation of valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be controlled by an electronic control module that includes a programmable microprocessor.

The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.

The present invention(s) have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

Claim 1:
A post-mix beverage dispensing system (<NUM>) comprising:
a nozzle (<NUM>);
a diluent conduit (<NUM> in fluid communication with the nozzle (<NUM>);
a concentrate conduit (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the nozzle (<NUM>);
a flow control valve (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the concentrate conduit (<NUM>) and a source conduit (<NUM>); and
a concentrate source (<NUM>) connected to the source conduit (<NUM>) by a connector (<NUM>), the concentrate source (<NUM>) including:
a concentrate chamber (<NUM>) containing a beverage concentrate,
a pressurized outer container (<NUM>) surrounding the concentrate chamber (<NUM>), wherein a pressure retained within the pressurized outer container (<NUM>) is exerted on the concentrate chamber (<NUM>), and
a valve assembly (<NUM>) in fluid communication with an interior of the concentrate chamber (<NUM>), such that the connector (<NUM>) opens the valve assembly (<NUM>),
wherein the beverage concentrate and a diluent (<NUM>) mix at the nozzle (<NUM>) to dispense a beverage,
wherein the connector comprises a valve activation device configured to engage the valve assembly to release beverage the liquid concentrate from within the concentrate chamber (<NUM>), and
wherein the connector (<NUM>) further comprises:
a sealing collar (<NUM>) to surround a portion of the pressurized outer container (<NUM>); and
a shaft (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the source conduit (<NUM>).