Patent Description:
Vending machines are commonly used to dispense canned or bottled beverages to consumers in an on-demand fashion at various locations, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, shopping malls, sporting or concert venues, gas stations, offices, and movie theaters, among others. While conventional vending machines may provide consumers with a convenient means for purchasing a beverage, vending machines have a number of drawbacks. Conventional vending machines are commonly used for storing and dispensing liquid beverages, and do not offer bottled or canned slush beverages. The liquid beverages are stored in a refrigerated area in the vending machine to maintain the stored beverages at a cool temperature. However, once a beverage is dispensed, the beverage can quickly become warm, which negatively impacts the taste of the beverage. While some consumers may choose to add ice to their beverage to maintain the beverage at a cool temperature, the beverage can become diluted as the ice melts, which is also undesirable. Further, conventional vending machines do not generally provide a unique or interesting consumer experience and simply dispense a beverage to an area accessible by a consumer. As a result, there may be little incentive for a consumer to purchase additional beverages from the vending machine or revisit a particular vending machine.

Therefore, a continuing need exists for methods and dispensers for automatically providing a slush beverage to a consumer upon the consumer's selection of a beverage without further manual intervention by the consumer. Further, there is a continuing need for a slush beverage dispenser that is easy-to-use and that provides a unique and entertaining experience.

<CIT> discloses a beverage vending machine and method for controlling temperature of a vending machine.

<CIT> discloses a method for batch freezing liquid product.

Some embodiments are directed to a method for providing a slush beverage to a consumer, including storing in a temperature regulated compartment a beverage container containing a beverage at a predetermined temperature at or below a freezing point of the beverage without consumer access to the beverage container; receiving a consumer selection for a beverage; based on the consumer selection, agitating the beverage container such that the beverage within the beverage container undergoes nucleation; and providing the beverage container to the consumer.

Some embodiments are directed to a method for providing a slush beverage to a consumer, including receiving a consumer selection for a beverage that is stored at a temperature at or below a freezing point of the beverage; based on the consumer selection, agitating the beverage so that the beverage without intervention by a consumer undergoes nucleation; and providing the beverage to a consumer.

Some embodiments are directed to a slush beverage dispenser, including a housing; a temperature regulated compartment within the housing configured to store one or more beverage containers such that the one or more beverage containers are not accessible by a consumer, wherein the temperature regulated compartment includes an inlet and an outlet; a cooling system for maintaining the temperature regulated compartment at a first predetermined temperature at or below a freezing point of a beverage within the one or more beverage containers; an agitator disposed at the outlet of the temperature regulated compartment that is configured to cause a beverage within the one or more beverage containers to undergo nucleation; and a delivery portal operatively connected to the agitator for providing the beverage container to the consumer.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a beverage container may be stored at a temperature of about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a beverage container may be agitated by subjecting the beverage container to a mechanical impact. According to claim <NUM>, the beverage container is agitated by subjecting the beverage container to a controlled gravitational drop.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, a beverage container may be provided to the user by moving the beverage container from the temperature regulated compartment to an area exterior to the temperature regulated compartment that is accessible by a consumer.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the slush beverage dispenser may include accepting a payment by a consumer prior to providing the beverage container to the consumer.

The slush beverage dispenser further includes a user interface configured to receive a user input, wherein the slush beverage dispenser selectively dispenses a beverage container based upon the user input.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the temperature regulated compartment may include a passageway configured to sequentially guide one or more beverage containers from the inlet to the outlet of the temperature regulated compartment. In some embodiments, the passageway may be defined by a plurality of shelves that are spaced from one another.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the slush beverage dispenser may further include a counter within the temperature regulated compartment for tracking a quantity of beverage containers held within the temperature regulated compartment.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the temperature regulated compartment may include a first zone maintained at a first predetermined temperature, and a second zone maintained at a second predetermined temperature, wherein the first predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the first zone and the second zone of the temperature regulated compartment may be separated by an insulated divider.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the housing of the slush beverage dispenser may include a base, one or more sidewalls, and an upper wall, defining an interior volume in which the temperature regulated compartment is positioned, and the delivery portal is positioned on the one or more sidewalls. In some embodiments, the housing may further include a selectively openable lid movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, such that an inlet of the temperature regulated compartment is accessible when the selectively openable lid is in an open configuration and the inlet is inaccessible when the selectively openable lid is in a closed configuration.

The agitator includes a chute configured to subject the beverage container to a gravitational drop onto a platform. The chute may be configured to allow a beverage container to slide thereon so as so as to cause a controlled gravitational drop of the beverage container onto the platform. In some embodiments, the chute includes a first portion that is inclined relative to a horizontal axis, a second portion that is arranged perpendicularly to the horizontal axis, and a shoulder region that is rounded and connects the first portion to the second portion.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the slush beverage dispenser may include a secondary temperature regulated compartment within the housing and that is configured to store one or more beverage containers such that the one or more beverage containers are not accessible by a consumer.

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.

Consumers may choose to purchase a packaged beverage, such as a bottled or canned beverage, rather than a fountain or draft beverage for a variety of reasons. Packaged beverages remain sealed until the consumer desires to open the beverage for consumption, and in many cases, the beverage can be resealed once opened. Thus, packaged beverages have improved portability relative to fountain or draft beverages which are often dispensed into cups. Additionally, some consumers may prefer the experience of drinking directly from a can or bottle rather than drinking from a plastic or paper cup.

However, packaged beverages are generally limited to liquid beverages, and packaged beverages do not commonly contain slush beverages. Slush beverages can be desirable where the consumer wishes to enjoy a cool and refreshing beverage with a unique texture. A slush beverage may remain cool for a longer period of time than a beverage that has simply been refrigerated. As the slush beverage is itself partially frozen, the slush beverage is not diluted when the frozen portion of the slush beverage melts.

Conventional vending machines generally dispense cold beverages, but generally do not dispense slush beverages. While some beverage dispensers are known that dispense slush beverages to consumers, such beverage dispensers generally require the consumer to carry out one or more steps of the dispensing process. The consumer may be required to select and manually retrieve a beverage or beverage container and place the beverage or beverage container in a particular location for the beverage container to be filled or for the beverage container to be chilled or frozen. The consumer may be required to perform additional tasks to carry out the steps of the dispensing process, such as manually shaking the beverage and/or actuating a lever or button to proceed with the dispensing process. Requiring the user to follow a series of steps in order to dispense the slush beverage may be viewed as time consuming and inconvenient, which may give the consumer a negative impression of the beverage dispenser. Requiring the user to manually perform various steps of the dispensing process also introduces the possibility of user error. The beverage dispenser may not function optimally if the steps of the process are not properly executed by the consumer. If the dispensing device does not function correctly, and fails to dispense a slush beverage, the consumer is likely to have a bad experience and may be unlikely to purchase additional beverages from the beverage dispenser.

Additionally, many conventional beverage dispensers and vending machines simply dispense a beverage for access by the consumer. Such beverage dispensers are purely functional and do not provide an entertaining or unique experience to entice the consumer to purchase additional beverages or return to the beverage dispenser after the initial beverage purchase. As a result, the consumer may have little incentive to return to a particular beverage dispenser and may instead choose to purchase beverages from other dispensers or stores.

Providing a slush beverage in a beverage container, such as a glass or plastic bottle or a can, is desirable to combine the convenience of a packaged beverage with the taste and experience of a slush beverage. Further, if the beverage dispenser allows the consumer to witness the process of a beverage changing from a liquid into a partially-frozen slush, the consumer can be provided with a unique experience. The unique experience may encourage or entice the consumer to purchase additional beverages and may cause the consumer to choose to use the slush beverage dispenser over competing beverage dispensers.

In some embodiments, slush beverage dispensers discussed herein automatically dispense a slush beverage to a consumer. In some embodiments, the slush beverage dispensers discussed herein automatically dispense a beverage container containing a slush beverage to a consumer upon receipt of a user input without further intervention by the consumer. Eliminating the need for the consumer to carry out steps of a process for preparing and dispensing a slush beverage can provide an intuitive and customer-friendly experience that reliably provides a slush beverage to the consumer.

In some embodiments, a slush beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> containing a temperature regulated compartment <NUM> for storing one or more beverage containers <NUM> at a predetermined temperature such that beverage containers <NUM> are not accessible by consumers. Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> further includes an agitator <NUM> for causing a beverage within a beverage container <NUM> to undergo nucleation, without the need for manual intervention by the consumer, so as to provide a user with a slush beverage within beverage container <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a slush beverage dispenser <NUM> is configured to provide a slush beverage to a consumer. Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be used to dispense any of various types of beverages. As used herein, the term "beverage" includes any consumable free-flowing liquid or semi-liquid product, which may be carbonated or non-carbonated, including but not limited to soft drinks, water, carbonated water, dairy beverages, juices, alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, smoothies, coffee beverages, tea beverages, and milkshakes. The term, "slush beverage" includes any beverage as described herein that is at least partially frozen, such that the beverage is part liquid and part solid.

In embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be sized and shaped such that it is suited for use as a countertop device. In other embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be positioned on any of various support surfaces, including a floor, for example. In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be mounted on or integrated with a support structure so that slush beverage dispenser <NUM> can be used as a stand-alone device. In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be integrated into a wall to provide a wall unit.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> including a base <NUM>, one or more sidewalls <NUM>, and an upper wall <NUM> defining an interior volume. Base <NUM> is configured to be positioned on a support surface, such as a countertop. Base <NUM> may include one or more feet <NUM> for contacting the support surface and stably maintaining slush beverage dispenser <NUM> at a desired location.

Housing <NUM> of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be formed from any of various materials, including but not limited to metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, polymer or polymer-based materials, including but not limited to polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or combinations thereof. Housing <NUM> may be of unitary construction or may be formed as an assembly of subparts. Housing <NUM> can be formed by molding, such as injection molding, blow molding, or compression molding, among others.

A delivery portal <NUM> is provided in housing <NUM> for providing a consumer with access to a dispensed beverage container. In some embodiments, delivery portal <NUM> is defined by a sidewall <NUM> of housing <NUM> and delivery portal <NUM> can be located in any of various positions on housing <NUM>. Delivery portal <NUM> may be formed as an opening on housing <NUM> that allows a beverage container within housing <NUM> to be accessed by a consumer. In some embodiments, housing <NUM> may include a door or lid for removably covering delivery portal <NUM> until the time that a beverage container is dispensed from slush beverage dispenser <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may define an oval-shaped delivery portal <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, however, in embodiments, delivery portal <NUM> may be formed so as to have any of various shapes, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, bottle-shaped, cylindrical, can-shaped, and other suitable shapes.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, housing <NUM> of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a selectively openable lid <NUM>. In some embodiments, upper wall <NUM> of housing <NUM> may be or may include selectively openable lid <NUM>. Selectively openable lid <NUM> is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, an inlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is accessible, such as for filling or refilling temperature regulated compartment <NUM> with beverage containers. In the closed configuration, lid <NUM> covers inlet <NUM> so that inlet <NUM> is not accessible by consumers. Preventing access to inlet <NUM> may help to prevent unauthorized users from attempting to steal a beverage container by removing a beverage container through inlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> or from inserting foreign materials into inlet <NUM>. Lid <NUM> may be fully removable from housing <NUM> or may be pivotally connected to housing <NUM>, such as by means of one or more hinges positioned along an edge of lid <NUM>. Lid <NUM> may further include a locking mechanism, such as a keyed lock, a combination lock or an electronic lock, among other locking devices known in the art so that only authorized individuals can move lid <NUM> from the closed to the open configuration.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> for receiving a user input, such as a beverage selection, as show for example in <FIG>. User interface <NUM> may be positioned on any of various portions of housing <NUM>, such as on a sidewall of housing <NUM>. User interface <NUM> may include an electronic display screen <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Electronic display screen <NUM> may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display, and electronic display screen <NUM> may be a touch screen display. In embodiments having an electronic display screen <NUM>, electronic display screen <NUM> is configured to display a graphical user interface <NUM>. However, in alternate embodiments, user interface <NUM> may be a series of actuators, such as buttons, levers or handles, with each actuator corresponding to a particular beverage. User interface <NUM> may include an electronic display screen <NUM> and a graphical user interface <NUM> that displays information and instructions for the consumer, such as a list of available beverages and optionally payment information and instructions. Where electronic display screen <NUM> is a touch screen display, graphical user interface <NUM> may display one or more icons <NUM> to be selected by the user by pressing a location on electronic display screen <NUM> at which an icon <NUM> is displayed. For example, graphical user interface <NUM> may display a series of icons <NUM> corresponding to different beverages, and each icon <NUM> may be an image of a beverage and/or a name or logo of a beverage. Where electronic display screen <NUM> is not a touch screen display, user interface <NUM> may further include one or more actuators, such as buttons, levers or handles for allowing a consumer to enter commands and navigate graphical user interface <NUM> using the actuators. Receipt of the user input by user interface <NUM> may be configured to initiate dispensing of a beverage container from slush beverage dispenser <NUM>.

In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may further include a payment processing system <NUM>. Payment processing system <NUM> may be separate from or integrated with user interface <NUM> such that user interface <NUM> displays information and instructions relating to how payment can be made and the types of payment accepted. Payment processing system <NUM> may include one or more slots <NUM> for accepting different types of payment, such as payment with paper money, coins, tokens, debit cards or credit cards. Payment processing system <NUM> may also include a scanner or reader to allow a user to make a payment using a mobile payment system. In some embodiments, payment processing system <NUM> may be configured to recognize a cashless payment via a consumer mobile phone, for example. In embodiments payment processing system <NUM> may comprise a near field communication or radio-frequency identification ("RFID") reader for receiving account information from a consumer mobile phone wirelessly. Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may require a consumer to make a payment prior to providing a beverage container to the consumer. In an exemplary embodiment, user interface <NUM> may prompt the user to make a beverage selection and subsequently make a payment for the selected beverage. Upon receipt and confirmation of a consumer's payment, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may initiate dispensing of the beverage container as selected by the consumer.

As shown, for example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, a temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is disposed within an interior volume <NUM> of housing <NUM> and is configured to store one or more beverage containers <NUM> such that beverage containers <NUM> are inaccessible by consumers. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> encloses beverage containers <NUM> so that they cannot readily be accessed, and temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is positioned within housing <NUM>, further limiting access to the stored beverage containers <NUM>. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is shown as being shaped substantially as a rectangular prism, however, the temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may have any of various shapes.

In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may include one or more additional secondary temperature regulated compartments <NUM>, such that each temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is configured for storing a particular beverage. For example, a first temperature regulated compartment <NUM> can store a first type of beverage, such as a soda, and a second temperature regulated compartment <NUM> can store a second type of beverage, such as a sports drink, water, or a different type of soda. In this way, a consumer selection of a beverage causes a beverage container to be dispensed from the corresponding temperature regulated compartment in which the selected beverage is stored. Each temperature regulated compartment <NUM> can have a different predetermined temperature at which any beverage containers therein are stored. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> and any secondary temperature regulated compartments <NUM> may be substantially identical in configuration and operation. Further, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> and any secondary temperature regulated compartments <NUM> may be positioned in a side-by-side manner within the housing <NUM>.

While it is understood that slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may include more than one temperature regulated compartment <NUM>, for simplicity the following discussion will refer to a single temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> defines an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, inlet <NUM> is located at an upper end <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> and outlet <NUM> is located at a lower end <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Inlet <NUM> provides access to an interior volume of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> such that temperature regulated compartment <NUM> can be filled or refilled with beverage containers <NUM> by means of the inlet <NUM>. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may optionally include an inlet door <NUM> for removably covering the inlet <NUM>.

Beverage containers <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> can exit temperature regulated compartment <NUM> via outlet <NUM> so as to move to an area of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> that is exterior to temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. A beverage container <NUM> is allowed to exit temperature regulated compartment <NUM> through outlet <NUM> upon receipt of a user input by user interface <NUM> of slush beverage dispenser <NUM>, such that a beverage container is dispensed that corresponds to the user input. In some embodiments, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> includes an outlet door <NUM> that removably covers the outlet <NUM> and which prevents beverage containers <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> from prematurely exiting compartment <NUM>. In some embodiments, a control unit <NUM> controls the operations of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> such as selectively allowing a beverage container <NUM> to exit temperature regulated compartment <NUM> via outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is configured for storing beverage containers <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical configuration, such as a plastic or glass bottle or a can. In some embodiments, cylindrical beverage containers <NUM> can be stored within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> in a sideways orientation in which a longitudinal axis of each cylindrical beverage container <NUM> is parallel to a surface on which beverage containers <NUM> are positioned so that beverage containers <NUM> are able to roll on the surface. In other embodiments, beverage containers <NUM> may be stored in other configurations, such as, vertical configurations, for example.

In an embodiment, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> defines a passageway <NUM> that guides beverage containers <NUM> from inlet <NUM> to outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Passageway <NUM> guides beverage containers <NUM> in a sequential manner, such that a first beverage container inserted into passageway <NUM> is the first beverage container to be dispensed from temperature regulated compartment <NUM> through outlet <NUM>, and a second beverage container inserted into temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is the second to be dispensed, and so on. This helps to ensure turnover of beverage containers <NUM> held within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>.

In embodiments, as shown for example in <FIG>, passageway <NUM> is defined by one or more shelves <NUM>. Shelves <NUM> are spaced from one another from an upper end <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> towards a lower end <NUM> of compartment <NUM>. In some embodiments, shelves <NUM> are spaced at a fixed interval such that a distance between each successive shelf <NUM> is the same or substantially the same. Each shelf <NUM> may be substantially planar and may extend from one side of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> towards an opposing side without reaching the opposing side. Shelves <NUM> may alternate between originating from a first side <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> and an opposing second side <NUM> so that passageway <NUM> defined thereby has a serpentine configuration. Shelves <NUM> may be sloped or inclined so as to form an angle, θ, with respect to a hypothetical horizontal axis X. In this way, the slope of each shelf <NUM> allows beverage containers <NUM> to roll along shelf <NUM> and towards outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> under the force of gravity.

Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may further include one or more movable gates <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> for selectively limiting movement of beverage containers <NUM> towards outlet <NUM> so as to further inhibit beverage containers <NUM> from prematurely escaping temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. A gate <NUM> may be positioned, for example, on a shelf <NUM> so as to inhibit the progress of a beverage container <NUM> along the shelf <NUM>. As a beverage container <NUM> is dispensed, a gate <NUM> may be lowered so as to allow beverage containers <NUM> to progress towards outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>, and once beverage containers <NUM> have progressed, gate <NUM> can be raised to inhibit further movement. In some embodiments, movement of gate <NUM> and other operations of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may be controlled by control unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may be divided into a first zone <NUM> maintained at a first predetermined temperature and a second zone <NUM> maintained at a second predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, second zone <NUM> is arranged above first zone <NUM> so that a beverage container <NUM> inserted into temperature regulated compartment <NUM> first enters second zone <NUM> and as beverage container <NUM> moves along passageway <NUM>, beverage container <NUM> will pass into first zone <NUM> where it may exit temperature regulated compartment <NUM> via outlet <NUM>. In embodiments, first zone <NUM> is maintained at a first predetermined temperature and second zone <NUM> is maintained at a second predetermined temperature, and the temperature of the first zone is lower than the temperature of the second zone. First zone <NUM> is maintained at a first predetermined temperature that is at or below a freezing point of a beverage to be held within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. The second zone <NUM> is maintained at a temperature above the freezing point of the beverage in beverage container <NUM> stored within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. In one embodiment, second zone <NUM> is maintained at a temperature of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In this way, second zone <NUM> serves to lower the temperature of beverage containers <NUM> inserted into temperature regulated compartment <NUM> so that beverage containers <NUM>, when moved from second zone <NUM> into first zone <NUM>, will more rapidly reach the first predetermined temperature. Maintaining second zone <NUM> at a higher temperature than first zone <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> helps to improve the energy efficiency of slush beverage dispenser <NUM> by eliminating the need to maintain the entire temperature regulated compartment <NUM> at the first predetermined temperature.

In embodiments, first zone <NUM> and second zone <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> are separated by an insulated divider <NUM>. Insulated divider <NUM> is formed in a similar manner as shelves <NUM> and may be substantially planar and sloped or inclined so as to form an angle with respect to a hypothetical horizontal axis X. In embodiments having an insulated divider <NUM>, insulated divider <NUM> and shelves <NUM> define passageway <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Insulated divider <NUM> is configured to help maintain first zone <NUM> at the first predetermined temperature by inhibiting heat transfer into first zone <NUM>. Insulated divider <NUM> differs from shelves <NUM> in that insulated divider <NUM> extends fully across the interior volume of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> from a first side <NUM> to an opposing second side <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. To provide an insulating effect, insulated divider <NUM> may have a greater thickness than shelves <NUM>, may be formed from a material having low thermal conductivity, and/or may have a double-walled construction.

Insulated divider <NUM> defines a divider opening <NUM> through which a beverage container <NUM> may pass from second zone <NUM> into first zone <NUM>. Divider opening <NUM> may be removably covered by an insulated door <NUM> that is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When insulated door <NUM> is in the closed configuration, insulated divider <NUM> and insulated door <NUM> provide a barrier between first and second zones <NUM>, <NUM>. Insulated door <NUM> may be biased towards the closed configuration to maintain first zone <NUM> at the first predetermined temperature. Insulated door <NUM> may be temporarily opened to allow a beverage container <NUM> to pass through divider opening <NUM> due to the weight of beverage container <NUM> on insulated door <NUM>, and once beverage container <NUM> has passed through divider opening <NUM>, insulated door <NUM> may automatically return to the closed configuration. Alternatively, in some embodiments, opening and closing of insulated door <NUM> may be controlled by control unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, temperature regulated compartment <NUM> further includes a counter <NUM> configured to track the number of beverage containers <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, counter <NUM> includes a rotatable axle <NUM> that can rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a plurality of baffles <NUM> arranged perpendicularly to axle <NUM> and extending radially therefrom. Counter <NUM> may have three baffles <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. However, in other embodiments, counter <NUM> may have additional or fewer baffles <NUM>. Counter <NUM> is positioned such that a beverage container <NUM> must engage counter <NUM> to reach outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. In operation, as a beverage container <NUM> moves along passageway <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>, beverage container <NUM> will encounter a baffle <NUM> and the movement of beverage container <NUM> against baffle <NUM> causes counter <NUM> to rotate, such that the counter <NUM> functions as a turnstile. In this way, counter <NUM> can track the number of beverage containers <NUM> within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> based upon the number of rotations of counter <NUM>. In some embodiments, counter <NUM> may further serve as a gate that inhibits progress of beverage containers <NUM> along passageway <NUM>. When a beverage container <NUM> is dispensed, counter <NUM> may allow a beverage container <NUM> to progress along passageway <NUM>. In some embodiments, counter <NUM> may be controlled by a control unit <NUM> so as to selectively allow counter <NUM> to rotate as beverage containers are dispensed. Further, if a beverage container <NUM> is dispensed from temperature regulated compartment <NUM>, and counter <NUM> does not rotate within compartment <NUM> as the remaining beverage containers <NUM> move towards outlet <NUM>, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may need to be refilled with additional beverage containers <NUM>.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> further includes a cooling system <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG>. Cooling system <NUM> is configured to maintain temperature regulated compartment <NUM> at a predetermined temperature. In embodiments in which temperature regulated compartment <NUM> includes a first zone and a second zone, cooling system <NUM> may be configured to maintain the first zone at the first predetermined temperature and the second zone at a second predetermined temperature. Further, in embodiments having multiple temperature regulated compartments <NUM>, the cooling system <NUM> may be used to maintain the multiple temperature regulated compartments <NUM> at the same, or at different temperatures.

In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may be at or below the freezing point of a beverage to be stored within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. The predetermined temperature is selected so that the beverage remains in a liquid state, such that the beverage is supercooled and does not turn into a solid prematurely within temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the freezing point may differ from one beverage to another and can select an appropriate temperature accordingly. For example, the freezing point of a sweetened, carbonated beverage is generally lower than that of flat, purified water, and as a result temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may need to be maintained at a lower temperature if used to store a sweetened, carbonated beverage than if temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is used to store flat, purified water. In some embodiments, the predetermined temperature of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may be from about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>, about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>, or about -<NUM> to about -<NUM>.

In embodiments, cooling system <NUM> comprises an evaporator <NUM> in communication with a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM> and an expansion valve (as best shown in <FIG>) via a plurality of conduits <NUM> for circulating a refrigerant. Evaporator <NUM> supplies cooled air through ducts <NUM> to temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Temperature regulated compartment <NUM> may have vents <NUM> through which the cooled air can flow from ducts <NUM> and into temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. Ducts <NUM> may further be connected to fans <NUM> for promoting circulation of cooled air through temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. In some embodiments, cooling system <NUM> may include one or more temperature sensors positioned within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> to determine a temperature within compartment <NUM>. Cooling system <NUM> may automatically adjust its operation to maintain temperature regulated compartment <NUM> at the predetermined temperature based on the reading of the temperature sensors. In alternate embodiments, other types of cooling systems <NUM> known in the art may be used so long as temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is maintained at a predetermined temperature as discussed herein.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> further includes an agitator <NUM> configured to cause a beverage within a beverage container <NUM> to undergo nucleation, as shown in <FIG>. Agitator <NUM> is disposed at outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> of slush beverage dispenser <NUM>. In some embodiments, upon receipt of a user input by slush beverage dispenser <NUM>, a beverage container <NUM> is allowed to pass from temperature regulated compartment <NUM> through outlet <NUM> to agitator <NUM>.

The beverages within beverage containers <NUM> in temperature regulated compartment <NUM> are stored at a temperature at or below the freezing point of the beverage in a supercooled state, and remain in liquid phase until agitated or disturbed. Agitator <NUM> is configured to subject a beverage container <NUM> to a mechanical impact to cause the beverage to undergo nucleation and begin a phase-change from a liquid to a solid or partial solid, i.e., a slush. The mechanical impact is provided by a, particularly controlled, gravitational drop of beverage container <NUM> onto a platform. Alternatively, the mechanical impact can be provided by striking beverage container <NUM>. Once the beverage within beverage container <NUM> is subjected to a mechanical impact, nucleation of the beverage begins to occur. Nucleation may occur more rapidly as the temperature of the liquid is decreased further below the freezing point. Thus, in some embodiments it is desirable to store the beverage at a temperature only slightly below the freezing point of the beverage, e.g., within <NUM> of the freezing point, within <NUM> of the freezing point, or within <NUM> of the freezing point, so that nucleation occurs more gradually, enabling the consumer to witness nucleation of the beverage within the dispensed beverage container.

Agitator <NUM> is configured to cause a beverage container <NUM> to undergo a, particularly controlled, gravitational drop onto a platform <NUM>. Agitator <NUM> includes a chute 172configured to subject the beverage container <NUM> to a gravitational drop onto a platform. Beverage container <NUM> can slide on the chute from outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM> onto platform <NUM>. In embodiments, chute <NUM> is formed in an interior portion of housing <NUM>, and, in some embodiments, may be integrally molded with housing <NUM>. The mechanical impact of beverage container <NUM> dropping onto platform <NUM> causes nucleation to occur. In embodiments, chute <NUM> has a smooth, continuous surface with a first portion <NUM> that is sloped or inclined relative to a hypothetical horizontal axis, Z, at an angle, θ, measured between the hypothetical horizontal axis, Z, and first portion <NUM> of chute <NUM>. Chute <NUM> further includes a shoulder region <NUM> that is a rounded transition region connecting first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of chute <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> may be arranged substantially vertically, such that second portion <NUM> of chute <NUM> is perpendicular to the hypothetical horizontal axis, Z. First portion <NUM> of chute <NUM> may be inclined so as to guide beverage container <NUM> toward platform <NUM>. In this way, a beverage container that exits temperature regulated compartment <NUM> rolls onto first portion <NUM> of chute <NUM> and slides on first portion <NUM> towards shoulder region <NUM>, and upon reaching shoulder region <NUM> beverage container <NUM> drops under the force of gravity along second portion <NUM> and onto a platform <NUM>. Chute <NUM> may be bound on a first side by a retaining wall <NUM> and by housing <NUM> on the opposing side of the chute <NUM> so that a beverage container <NUM> is retained on chute <NUM> and cannot move in an unanticipated or uncontrolled manner.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to dispense a beverage container <NUM> in an upright orientation, such that a longitudinal axis of the beverage container is perpendicular to a surface on which the beverage container is positioned, as shown for example in <FIG>. In such embodiments, chute <NUM> may be configured so as to reorient a beverage container <NUM> stored in a sideways orientation within temperature regulated compartment <NUM> into an upright or vertical orientation for presentation to a consumer.

In embodiments having two temperature regulated compartments <NUM>, agitator <NUM> may include two chutes <NUM>, with one chute <NUM> corresponding to each temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. In such embodiments, chutes <NUM> may each be configured to subject a beverage container to a controlled gravitational drop onto a shared platform <NUM>. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the two chutes <NUM> are mirror images of one another.

In an illustrative example, agitator <NUM> includes a striker that is configured to strike a beverage container <NUM> upon exiting outlet <NUM> of temperature regulated compartment <NUM>. The striker is configured to subject a beverage container <NUM> to a mechanical impact by acting on a beverage container <NUM> which may be substantially stationary. The use of a striker allows beverage container <NUM> to be agitated without the need to drop or shake the beverage container <NUM>. The striker may be in any of various forms, including a movable rod, bar, or hammer. The striker may be used to strike any of various portions of a beverage container <NUM> such as a sidewall, an upper end, or a lower end of beverage container <NUM>. The striker subjects a beverage container <NUM> to a mechanical impact to cause nucleation of a beverage within beverage container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mechanical impact imparted by the striker is of a minimum sufficient force to cause a beverage within the beverage container to undergo nucleation so as to promote nucleation while also avoiding any damage to beverage container <NUM> or the striker that may result from striking beverage container <NUM>. Operation of the striker may be controlled by a control unit <NUM> so as to strike a beverage container that has exited temperature regulated compartment <NUM>.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> provides beverage container <NUM> to a consumer once beverage container <NUM> has been agitated. Thus, delivery portal <NUM> of housing <NUM> is operatively connected to agitator <NUM> so that a consumer can retrieve beverage container <NUM> directly from agitator <NUM>, and specifically from platform <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, delivery portal <NUM> may be located distant from agitator <NUM> and slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may further include a distributor <NUM> that moves a beverage container <NUM> from agitator <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM>.

In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may further include a distributor <NUM> for moving a beverage container <NUM> from agitator <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Distributor <NUM> includes a movable platform <NUM> configured to move a beverage container <NUM> from agitator <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM>. Distributor <NUM> may be useful to allow delivery portal <NUM> to be positioned on slush beverage dispenser <NUM> in a location that is easily accessible by a consumer and that allows the dispensed beverage to be easily viewed by the consumer. Further, distributor <NUM> may be used to improve the user-experience when using slush beverage dispenser <NUM> by presenting a beverage container <NUM> to the consumer in a particular manner.

In an embodiment, distributor <NUM> includes a movable platform <NUM> on which a beverage container <NUM> can be positioned for moving beverage container <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM>. Movable platform <NUM> includes a support section <NUM> on which a beverage container <NUM> can be positioned, and a rod engagement section <NUM> that is movably connected to a guide rod <NUM>. Guide rod <NUM> has a lower end <NUM> and an upper end <NUM> and is arranged vertically so that upper end <NUM> is positioned at an elevation above lower end <NUM>. Movable platform <NUM> can move along guide rod <NUM> from lower end <NUM> toward upper end <NUM> for moving a beverage container <NUM> from agitator <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM>. A stop <NUM> may be positioned at each of lower end <NUM> and upper end <NUM> of guide rod <NUM> so that movable platform <NUM> is restrained so as to be capable of movement only along guide rod <NUM>. Movable platform <NUM> may be movable along guide rod <NUM> by means of a motor <NUM>, and motor <NUM> may be controlled by control unit <NUM>. Thus, in such embodiments, distributor <NUM> is configured to elevate a beverage container <NUM> from agitator <NUM> to delivery portal <NUM> where it can be retrieved by a consumer.

In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may further be configured to provide a dispensing effect upon dispensing a beverage container <NUM> from the slush beverage dispenser <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In this way, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> provides a consumer with a unique experience upon dispensing a beverage container <NUM> from slush beverage dispenser <NUM>. In an embodiment, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> is configured to dispense a mist <NUM> of water vapor through delivery portal <NUM> as a beverage container <NUM> reaches or moves to delivery portal <NUM>. Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may include an effects unit for providing a mist <NUM> of water vapor. Effects unit may include a selectively openable vent for releasing a mist <NUM>. Mist <NUM> may be supplied via a duct <NUM> from cooling system <NUM> that is operably connected to effects unit for supplying a mist <NUM>. In some embodiments, effects unit may include a sprayer adjacent to delivery portal <NUM> for supplying a mist <NUM> of water vapor that is cooled by air from temperature regulated compartment <NUM> or cooling system <NUM>. The release of mist <NUM> by an effects unit through delivery portal <NUM> may be controlled by control unit <NUM> so that the release of mist <NUM> is coordinated with dispensing of a beverage container <NUM> via delivery portal <NUM> to provide a unique visual effect. In some embodiments, effects unit may be alternatively or additionally configured to provide a lighting effect, such as by illuminating delivery portal <NUM> with a particular color of light, providing light in changing or alternating colors, or flashing lights to indicate a beverage container is being dispensed. Further, effects unit may be used to provide an audio effect, such as by playing a sound or greeting.

<FIG> shows a schematic diagram of the components of the slush beverage dispenser according to an embodiment. In an exemplary operation of a slush beverage dispenser <NUM> as described herein, a slush beverage dispenser <NUM> is provided with a user interface <NUM> and a payment processing system <NUM>. User interface <NUM> displays the name, logo, or other information about the beverage containers stored within slush beverage dispenser <NUM>. Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may include a single temperature regulated compartment <NUM> in which a single type of beverage is held, and may further include one or more secondary temperature regulated compartments <NUM> each configured to store a different beverage. The beverage containers are stored within temperature regulated compartment(s) <NUM> at a predetermined temperature at or below a freezing point of the beverage so that the beverages are supercooled liquids. A cooling system <NUM> serves to maintain temperature regulated compartment <NUM> at the predetermined temperature.

The consumer utilizes user interface <NUM> to make a selection and can provide any required payment via payment processing system <NUM>. Upon entering a consumer selection and any required payment, a beverage container corresponding to the consumer selection is allowed to exit temperature regulated compartment <NUM> positioned within housing <NUM>. The beverage container released from temperature regulated compartment <NUM> is communicated to an agitator <NUM> which subjects the beverage container to a mechanical impact so as to cause nucleation of the beverage within the beverage container. Agitator <NUM> is operably connected to a delivery portal <NUM> so that the beverage container is accessible by the consumer. In some embodiments, a distributor <NUM> is further provided to move the beverage container from the agitator <NUM> to the delivery portal <NUM> for access by the consumer. In some embodiments, slush beverage dispenser <NUM> is further configured to release a mist of water vapor as the beverage container reaches or is moved to delivery portal <NUM> to provide a unique visual effect when dispensing a beverage container <NUM>.

Slush beverage dispenser <NUM> may further include a control unit <NUM> and any necessary computer system and processing means including any hardware, software, and electronics for carrying out a dispensing operation according to the embodiments discussed herein. The embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular computer system for carrying out a dispensing operation, and a person having ordinary skill in the art would be able to readily implement the embodiments described herein using known computer and electronic components. A computer system may include a processor and a main memory, for example random access memory (RAM), for storing a computer program, such as operating software. The software can be executed via a user interface operably connected to the computer system. The computer system may include a communication interface for allowing software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. The computer system may include a secondary memory. Upon receipt of a user input by the user interface, the processor of the computer system may carry out a dispensing operation of a beverage container from the temperature regulated compartment according to the operating software. The dispensing operation may include actuating electronics to temporarily open an outlet door of a temperature regulated compartment so that a beverage container may pass through the outlet. Further, the remaining beverage containers within the temperature regulated compartment may be allowed progress towards the outlet so that a subsequent beverage container is ready to be dispensed, such as by actuating electronics to temporarily open a gate or an insulated door on an insulated divider within the temperature regulated compartment to allow a beverage container to progress towards an outlet of a temperature regulated compartment. Additionally, in embodiments having a distributor, the computer system may selectively actuate a motor for moving a platform on which a beverage container is positioned from the agitator to the delivery portal for access by the user.

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 inventors, 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, and without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents 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 herein.

Claim 1:
A method for providing a slush beverage to a consumer, comprising:
storing in a temperature regulated compartment of a beverage dispenser (<NUM>) a beverage container (<NUM>) containing a beverage at a predetermined temperature at or below a freezing point of the beverage without consumer access to the beverage container (<NUM>);
receiving, by the beverage dispenser (<NUM>), a consumer selection for a beverage;
based on the consumer selection, agitating the beverage container (<NUM>) via an agitator (<NUM>) of the beverage dispenser (<NUM>) such that the beverage within the beverage container (<NUM>) undergoes nucleation to form a slush beverage, wherein agitating the beverage container (<NUM>) comprises subjecting the beverage container (<NUM>) to a gravitational drop onto a platform (<NUM>); and
providing the beverage container (<NUM>) to the consumer via a delivery portal (<NUM>) of the beverage dispenser (<NUM>) after agitating the beverage container (<NUM>).