Beverage dispensing system

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system for use with a beverage container includes a base with lower, side and upper external surfaces, a vertically-inclined bore within the base extending a first pre-defined distance into the base from the upper external surface and defines an upper opening in the base, a horizontally-inclined bore within the base extending into the base from the side external surface and defining a side opening in the base connected to the vertically-inclined bore forming a continuous internal channel, an outlet valve secured at the side opening in the base, an adapter assembly accessible from the upper opening in the base including a rigid cap, elastic sleeve and vent line. A flexible tubing extending through the continuous internal channel connects the outlet valve to the adapter assembly.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system for use with a beverage container, comprising: a base with lower, side and upper external surfaces; a vertically-inclined bore within the base extending a first pre-defined distance into the base from the upper external surface and defining an upper opening in the base; a horizontally-inclined bore within the base extending a second pre-defined distance into the base from the side external surface and defining a side opening in the base in connection with the vertically-inclined bore; an outlet valve secured at the side opening in the base; an adapter assembly, accessible from the upper opening in the base, having an elastic sleeve with opposing first and second ends, a rigid cap having an one-way valve wherein the first end of the elastic sleeve is in airtight contact with the rigid cap, the second end of the elastic sleeve defining a flexible opening to receive the neck portion of a beverage container; and a flexible tubing with first and second ends, extending within the horizontally-inclined and vertical-inclined bores; wherein, the first end of the flexible tubing is connected to the outlet valve and the second end of the flexible tubing is connected to the rigid cap.

2. The beverage dispensing system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the rigid cap comprises at least two openings, a first opening to receive the flexible tubing and a second opening to receive a one-way valve with a vent line extending outwards from the second end of the elastic sleeve.

3. The beverage dispensing system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the one-way valve is a check valve.

4. The beverage dispensing system in accordance with any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first end of the flexible tubing is threaded connector for attachment to the outlet valve or has a pressure fit adapter to receive the outlet valve.

5. The beverage dispensing system in accordance with any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the second end of the flexible tubing is threaded or has a pressure fit adapter to receive the rigid cap.

6. The beverage dispensing system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base is constructed from a sealant coated wood, tree trunk, or tree trunk section.

7. A beverage dispensing system, comprising: a base with lower, side and upper external surfaces; a vertically-inclined bore within the base extending a first pre-defined distance into the base from the upper external surface and defining an upper opening in the base; a horizontally-inclined bore within the base extending into the base from the side external surface and defining a side opening in the base in connection with the vertically-inclined bore; an outlet valve secured at the side opening in the base; an adapter assembly, accessible from the upper opening in the base, having an elastic sleeve with opposing first and second ends, a rigid cap having an one-way valve wherein the first end of the elastic sleeve is in airtight contact with the rigid cap, the second end of the elastic sleeve defining a flexible opening to receive the neck portion of a beverage container a flexible tubing with first and second ends, extending within the horizontally-inclined and vertical-inclined bores, wherein the first end of the flexible tubing is connected to the outlet valve and the second end of the flexible tubing is connected to the rigid cap; and a beverage container, wherein a neck of the beverage container is engaged with elastic end of the tubular sleeve forming a liquid tight seal.

8. The beverage dispenser system of claim 6, wherein the beverage is an alcoholic liquor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawing(s), which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the beverage dispenser system of the present invention made of a tree trunk section showing lower, side and upper external surfaces, an outlet valve, an adapter assembly protruding from vertically-inclined bore in the upper external surface.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the beverage dispenser system of the present invention showing lower, side and upper external surfaces, an outlet valve, an adapter assembly protruding from vertically-inclined bore in the upper external surface.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the beverage dispenser system of the present invention showing lower, side and upper external surfaces, a vertically-inclined bore in the upper external surface and a horizontally-inclined bore in the side surface.

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of beverage dispenser system of FIG. 1, 2 or 3 having an outlet valve, coiled flexible tubing and adapter assembly with vent line disposed within the continuous internal channel defined by the connecting horizontal and vertical bores.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible tubing and the adapter assembly of the beverage dispenser system of the present invention having threaded airtight outlet valve connector, coiled flexible tubing and an airtight push fit connector suitable for engagement with the adapter assembly including cap, elastic sleeve, one-way valve and vent line.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the outlet valve of the beverage dispenser system of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of beverage dispenser system of FIG. 1, 2 or 3 having an outlet valve, the extended flexible tubing partly disposed within the continuous internal channel defined by the connecting horizontal and vertical bores, and adapter assembly with vent line engaged with an upright beverage container.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of beverage dispenser system of FIG. 1, 2 or 3 having an outlet valve, coiled flexible tubing and adapter assembly with vent line disposed within the continuous internal channel defined by the connecting horizontal and vertical bores, and an inverted beverage container engaged with the elastic sleeve and positioned to be supported by the upper external surface of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The beverage dispenser system of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the beverage dispenser system 10 of the present invention having a base 11 with a flat lower surface 12 suitable for resting the base 11 on a horizontal surface, a side face 13 with an outlet valve 16, a flat upper external surface 14 with a vertically inclined bore 15 extending into the base 11 and a vent line 26 extending out of the vertically inclined bore 15.

[0036] In one embodiment the base is constructed from a natural tree trunk section, side face 13 is patterned by the natural texture of tree bark. In another embodiment the base is constructed from a plastic imitation tree trunk section, side face 13 is patterned to reproduce the texture of tree bark.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the beverage dispenser system 10 of the present invention having a base 11 with a flat lower surface 12 suitable for resting the base 11 on a horizontal surface, a side face 17 with an outlet valve 16, a flat upper external surface 14 with a vertically inclined bore 15 extending into the base 11 and a vent line 26 extending out of the vertically inclined bore 15. The base is constructed from a plastic, metal, stone or wooden block. The side face 17 can be smooth, textured or adorned with designs, images or other artistic features.

[0038] In FIGS. 1 and 2 the outlet valve 16 is a faucet, it is contemplated that other outlet valves known in the art can be substituted to serve the same purpose of providing controlled release of the beverage.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the base 11 of the beverage dispenser system 10 of the present invention. The base 11 having a flat lower external surface 12 suitable for resting on a horizontal surface, a side face 13 with a horizontally inclined bore 18 extending into the base 11, a flat upper external surface 14, suitable for resting an inverted beverage container thereon, with a vertically inclined bore 15 extending into the base 11.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 4 the horizontally inclined bore 18 and vertically inclined bore 15 form a continuous internal channel within the body of the base 11. The continuous channel of bores 15 and 18 houses a flexible tubing 19 constructed from PVC or other beverage compatible flexible plastic. The flexible tubing 19 is coiled, within the continuous internal channel defined by bores 15 and 18, to increase the length of tubing held within the base 11.

[0041] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment of the beverage dispenser system 10 of the present invention has a flexible tubing 19 terminated at a first end with a male threaded connector 20 for airtight engagement with the outlet valve 16 and terminated at a second end by a barbed push fit elbow joint connector 21 for airtight engagement with the one of the openings 27 available at rigid cap 23 in frictional airtight contact with elastic sleeve 22.

[0042] In other embodiments it is contemplated that connectors 20 and 21 can each independently be in the form of screw thread, push fit or other airtight connectors known in the art.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8 illustrate one embodiment of adapter assembly having an elastic sleeve 22, a rigid cap 23 constructed from a hard plastic material, such as PVC, having two openings 27 to receive connector 21 of tubing 19 and one-way valve 24. In one embodiment the one-way valve 24 is a check valve, a suitable example is a KYNAR diaphragm check valve. In other embodiments the one-way valve 24 is any other valve known in the prior art that allows one way flow of air.

[0044] The one-way valve 24 is connected to vent line 26 that extends through the internal body of elastic sleeve 22 and outerwards from opening 25 and continues into the internal recess of the beverage container 30. Opening 25 of elastic sleeve 22 defines a ring shaped opening for receiving the neck or opening of a beverage container. Elastic sleeve 22 is constructed from a material such as latex or other watertight synthetic material capable of recovering their original shape after being stretched. The elasticity of sleeve 22 allows the formation of a beverage liquid tight and airtight seal between opening 25 and the neck of a wide variety of beverage containers irrespectively of shape or size.

[0045] With reference to FIG. 6, illustrates one embodiment of the outlet valve 16 of the present invention, possessing a threaded female connector 201, to receive threaded male connector 20 of the elastic tubing 19, and a valve 202 for controlled release of the beverage via channel 203. Valve 202 being reversibly opened and closed by rotation of handle 204. The outlet valve 16 is attached to the side external face 13 by means of adhesive, nails or screws.

[0046] In one embodiment the base 11 having a flat lower external surface 12, for placement on a horizontal surface such as a table or sideboard, and the flat upper external surface 14, a side face 13 with a horizontally inclined bore 18 extending into the base 11, a flat upper external surface 14, suitable for resting an inverted beverage container thereon, with a vertically inclined bore 15 extending into the base 11 is constructed from a section of a tree trunk. Thus trees are harvested and sawn into trunk sections using a saw or chainsaw, the trunk sections have a preferred height of 8-11 inches. Trunk sections are subsequently pressured washed with water, treated with one or more agents selected from an anti-fungal, insecticide and heat treatment. The post-treatment trunks sections are left open to the atmosphere to dry.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 4, the horizontally inclined bore 18 and vertically inclined bore 15 are formed by use of a core drill boring a first pre-defined distance 150 into the upper external face 14 and a second pre-defined distance 180 into side external face 13 to create the base 11. The first and second pre-defined distances can be chosen by the user or manufacturer and depend on the preferred position of the outlet valve 16, diameter and height of the base 11. Bore diameters can be varied according to the size of the trunk section and size of the outlet valve 16 and beverage container intended for use. Boring is completed on creation of the continuous internal channel formed by joining both bores. Optionally the openings to one or both bores are beveled and each bore is smoothed by use of a cylinder sander or equivalent abrasive device known in the art. Lower external face 12 and upper external face 14 can be smoothed by use of a sander to avoid contact of the user with rough sections of the tree trunk.

[0048] With the base 11 in hand the beverage dispensing system of the present invention can be completed by inserting flexible tubing 19 in to the continuous internal channel, engaging male threaded connector 20 into female connector 201 of outlet valve 16, affixing outlet valve 16 securely to external side face 13 or 17.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 5, the adapter assembly is constructed by selecting a suitable length of latex tubing, or other watertight synthetic material, for use as the elastic sleeve 22, one end of the elastic sleeve is pushed over the rigid cap 23 to form a watertight seal. A check valve 24, vent line 26 and the push fit connector 21, of flexible tubing 19, are inserted into openings 27 of the rigid cap.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 1-8 the horizontally inclined bore 18 and vertically inclined bore 15 are shown to form an internal L-shaped continuous internal channel within base 11. It is contemplated that the bores can be angled away from the horizontal plane or vertical plane without the need to form an exact L-shaped continuous channel. In other embodiments of the beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention a curved or straight continuous internal channel extending from the upper external face 14 to the side external face 13 is used.

[0051] In one embodiment the base 11 lower external face 12 and upper external face 14, and tree bark present on the side face 13 are treated with an acrylic primer or sealant.

[0052] The use of the beverage dispenser system 10 of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

[0053] With reference FIGS. 1 and 4, 7 and 8, in the resting configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 the flexible tubing 19 is coiled within the continuous internal channel defined by horizontally inclined bore 18 and vertically inclined bore 15. Vent line 26 and elastic sleeve 22 protrude from the opening of vertically inclined bore 15 in upper external surface 14 and are accessible to the user allowing the flexible tubing 19 to be extended, as illustrated in FIG. 7, until the opening 25 of the elastic sleeve 22 reaches and is engaged with the opening of an upright beverage container 30 providing a beverage liquid tight and airtight seal, and with the vent line 26 inserted into the beverage container 30.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 8, the beverage container 30 is inverted and placed on to the upper external surface 14. The flexible tubing 19 reverts back to a coiled configuration. FIG. 10 illustrates the position of the beverage container 30 in the beverage dispenser system 10 prior to dispensing of the beverage.

[0055] To dispenser the beverage held within the beverage container 30, the user rotates handle 204 of outlet valve 16 to open valve 202, as a result beverage flows from the container 30 through connector 21, then onwards through flexible tubing 19, connector 20 and out of channel 203. As the beverage flows out of the container 30, air enters into the one-way valve 24 then through vent line 26 into beverage container 30 to avoid formation of a vacuum therein and thus maintaining flow of the beverage.

[0056] The airtight beverage dispenser system described herein prevents access by environmental agents detrimental to the quality and safety of the beverage stored therein such as bacteria, insects, viruses and other agents.

[0057] It should be understood according to the preceding description of the present invention that the same is susceptible to changes, modifications and adaptations, and that the said changes, modifications and adaptations fall within scope of the appended claims.