MIXING NOZZLE FITMENT

Abstract

The invention concerns a mixing nozzle fitment for mixing a concentrate and a diluent, for dispensing the mixture and for fitting in a beverage preparation machine comprising: —a first shaft (10) defining a diluent inlet passage (11), and —a second shaft (20) defining a curved diluent passage (21) and attached to an end of the first shaft, and —a third shaft (30) attached to the second shaft, the third shaft defining a concentrate passage that leads into the curved diluent passage of the second shaft, and —a squeezable valve (40) positioned through the third shaft.

Claims

1. A mixing nozzle fitment for mixing a concentrate and a diluent, for dispensing the mixture and for fitting in a beverage preparation machine comprising: a first shaft defining a diluent inlet passage; a second shaft defining a curved passage and attached to an end of the first shaft, and a third shaft attached to the second shaft, the third shaft defining a concentrate passage that leads into the curved passage of the second shaft; and a squeezable valve positioned through the third shaft, the squeezable valve being dome shaped, the top of the dome being oriented in direction of the second shaft, and the top of the dome comprising a slit.

2. The mixing nozzle fitment of claim 1, wherein the second shaft is almost perpendicular to the first shaft near its end portion opposed to the attachment with the first shaft.

3. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the third shaft is positioned relatively to the second shaft so that the longitudinal axis of the third shaft extends through the internal part of the second shaft.

4. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the top of the dome comprises a flat area.

5. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the slit presents a shape selected from the group consisting of a line, a cross and a Y.

6. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the squeezable valve is made of silicon or elastomer material.

7. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the squeezable valve is able to withstand an opening pressure comprised between 0.25 and 0.5 psi.

8. The mixing nozzle fitment according to claim 1, wherein the fitment comprises a flexible tube attached to the third shaft.

9. Package comprising a concentrate container and a mixing nozzle fitment for mixing the concentrate and a diluent, for dispensing the mixture and for fitting in a beverage preparation machine comprising a first shaft defining a diluent inlet passage, a second shaft defining a curved passage and attached to an end of the first shaft, and a third shaft attached to the second shaft, the third shaft defining a concentrate passage that leads into the curved passage of the second shaft, and a squeezable valve positioned through the third shaft, the squeezable valve being dome shaped, the top of the dome being oriented in direction of the second shaft, and the top of the dome comprising a slit, wherein the container is in fluid communication with the flexible tube of the mixing nozzle fitment.

10. Package according to claim 9, wherein the container comprises multiple portions of a beverage concentrate.

11. Package according to claim 9, wherein the concentrate comprises pulp and/or seeds.

12. A beverage preparation machine comprising: a mixing nozzle fitment for mixing a concentrate and a diluent, for dispensing the mixture comprising a first shaft defining a diluent inlet passage, a second shaft defining a curved passage and attached to an end of the first shaft, and a third shaft attached to the second shaft, the third shaft defining a concentrate passage that leads into the curved passage of the second shaft, and a squeezable valve positioned through the third shaft, the squeezable valve being dome shaped, the top of the dome being oriented in direction of the second shaft, and the top of the dome comprising a slit positioned inside the dispensing device so that the first shaft is almost horizontal and the second shaft is almost vertical near its end portion opposed to the attachment with the first shaft; a concentrate container attached to the third shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment by means of a flexible tube; a diluent supply tube removably attached to the first shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment; and a pump operatively connected to the flexible tube.

13. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood in relation to the following figures

[0070] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixing nozzle fitment according to the present invention,

[0071] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fitment as taken along plane AA of FIG. 1,

[0072] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first, the second and the third shafts,

[0073] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve 40,

[0074] FIG. 4a illustrates different shapes of slit in the valve,

[0075] FIGS. 5a and 5b are perspective and exploded views of the mixing nozzle fitment according to the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a beverage preparation machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a mixing nozzle fitment according to the invention. The mixing nozzle fitment 1 includes: [0078] a first shaft 10 defining a first passage 11, and [0079] a second shaft 20 defining a second curved passage 21 and attached to the first shaft 10, and [0080] a third shaft 30 defining a third passage 31 and attached to the second shaft 20, [0081] a squeezable valve 40 positioned through the third passage 31.

[0082] Second shaft 20 includes a handle 70.

[0083] First shaft 10 and third shaft 30 act as a fluid inlet and second shaft 20 acts as a fluid outlet. In the illustrated embodiment, first shaft 10 has a cylindrical shape with a first end 111 that has a larger width or diameter than a second end 112 of first shaft. Similarly, second shaft 20 has a cylindrical shape having an oval or elliptical cross-section with a second end 212 that has a larger width or diameter than a first end 211 of second shaft. Second end 112 of first shaft is attached to second end first 211 of second shaft at joint 80.

[0084] The dimensions of mixing nozzle fitment 1 can be any suitable size. For example, a key diameter for mixing nozzle fitment can be based on the interface of a water valve it has to mate with. Other dimensions of mixing nozzle fitment can be based on manufacturing ease.

[0085] The present disclosure relates to mixing nozzle fitments and beverage preparation machines using the mixing nozzle fitments. In alternative embodiments, the present disclosure can provide low cost and disposable mixing nozzle fitments for hygienic mixing and delivery of beverage products from concentrates in a beverage dispensing system. The mixing nozzle fitments can be used to mix and dispense a diluent such as water and a beverage concentrate while avoiding dead zones in the mixing nozzle fitments where the beverage concentrate can accumulate. Because the mixing nozzle fitment can be disposed of when a depleted bag of concentrate is thrown away, the need for a dispensing system having an electrically operated mixing bowl or mixing chamber that requires specific cleaning-in-place or cleaning after disassembly can be eliminated.

[0086] In another embodiment, second shaft 20 can be designed to incorporate one or more fins or baffles (not shown) along its inner walls at an angle to enable better mixing of the concentrate.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, second shaft 20 may be designed to incorporate a circuitous path (e.g. passage) such that the concentrate and diluent is mixed well by going through a circular path with a downward gradient through second shaft 20.

[0088] First shaft 10 and/or second shaft 20 can include various suitable perimeter or cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, polygonal, ellipsoidal, square, oval, triangular, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the opposing ends of first shaft 10 and second shaft 20 can have the same width or diameter.

[0089] First shaft 10 is constructed and arranged to be removably attached to any suitable diluent dispensing nozzle or a bore of a diluent line from a dispensing device or machine. For example, first shaft 10 can surround an internal outlet of the diluent dispensing nozzle, which can be firmly fitted inside inlet passage 11 of first shaft. The diluent dispensing nozzle should form a tight seal with first shaft 10 to prevent any diluent from leaking at the connection point between first shaft 10 and the dispensing nozzle. As a result, the diluent will not accumulate (e.g. in a dead zone) in any part of inlet passage 11 of first shaft.

[0090] As illustrated second shaft 20 has a curved shape (e.g. continuously bending line, without angles) from first end 211 to second end 212, for example, in the form of a curved horn. In this regard, second shaft 20 defines a flow passage 21 that is also curved (e.g. continuously bending line, without angles) from first end 211 to second end 212. In addition, in an embodiment, second shaft 20 is designed so that the internal width or diameter of passage 21 steadily increases from first end to second end.

[0091] Third shaft 30 defines a passage 31 and is positioned downstream or below joint 80 between second end 112 of first shaft and first end 211 of second shaft. Passage 31 of third shaft leads into flow passage 21 of second shaft. In this manner, third shaft can act as a concentrate outlet for a concentrate to mix with a diluent inside the passage 21. Third shaft 30 is attached to the external part of the curved shape of the second shaft 20.

[0092] Third shaft 30 can be positioned anywhere along second shaft 20 for example, from second end 112 of first shaft to about half way down second shaft. Generally, the higher the inlet position of the concentrate inlet of third shaft, the better it is for mixing. Also, in an embodiment, the concentrate inlet should be positioned on the vertical portion of mixing nozzle fitment such that the concentrate does not land onto a horizontal portion of first shaft.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the squeezable valve 4 comprises a dome 41, this dome comprises a slit 42 at its top 411. The edges of the slit close the passage 31 the valve when no pressure is exerted on the dome. These edges move away and opens the passage 31 when pressure is exerted by a fluid circulating from the first end 32 of the third shaft to the second shaft. Preferably the top 411 of the dome is flat.

[0094] The valve comprise a lip 43 of which shape fits with the edge of the first end 32 of the third shaft so that the valve can lean on said edge. The valve comprises a raised ring 44 presenting the function an O ring.

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 4a, the slit 42 on the top 411 of the dome can present different designs: it can be a line, a cross or a Y shape or any other shape with a functional benefit on the dispensing of the beverage concentrate or the preparation of the beverage.

[0096] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fitment comprises a cover 60 for maintaining the valve 40 in the passage 31 of the third shaft. Said cover is configured for snap fitting with the first end 32 of the third shaft and simultaneously pressing the lip 43 of the valve against the edge of said first end of the third shaft. The cover comprises a fitment 61, a tube, configured for establishing a fluid communication of the concentrate with the third shaft.

[0097] Preferably the valve is positioned in the third shaft so that when diluent emerges from the first shaft 10, diluent flushes the concentrate below the valve and such that the diluent does not come in direct contact with the valve.

[0098] According to the embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b, a flexible tube 50 is attached at the first end of the third shaft by connection to the cover 60. For example, the open end of the tube can be stretched and placed over the tube 61 in the cover. The other end of the tube 50 be attached to a piercing fitment 100 designed to connect with a concentrate container.

[0099] The tube 50 usually is made of a flexible material so that it can be compressed by means of a pump device, which preferably is a peristaltic pump that is provided in a beverage preparation machine. The flexible material of the hose also allows it to resume its original shape after being compressed.

[0100] The valve 40 can be preferably operated in such way that it opens automatically when the pump device is operating and thereby increases the pressure in the tube and closes automatically when the pump device is disabled and the pressure thereby decreases in the tube. The pump device may be a peristaltic pump or a tube pump of another type that does not compress the tube when the tube is disabled.

[0101] In practice, this mixing nozzle fitment and the concentrate container can be provided to the operator either separated or fixed together. Generally the mixing nozzle fitment and the concentrate container are preferably separately provided to the operator. Then the operator connects the mixing nozzle fitment to the concentrate container only when the assembly of the mixing nozzle fitment and the container must be loaded in the dispenser. The piercing is usually made in a part of the container dedicated to and presenting an interface port adapted to receive the piercing fitment. Once the concentrate container is empty the whole assembly of the mixing nozzle fitment and the concentrate container is disposed.

[0102] The configuration of mixing nozzle fitment 10 solves the problem of product accumulation in dead zones within passage 32 of mixing nozzle fitment 10. For example, the curved horned shape of second shaft 30 and passage 32 (outlet end) of mixing nozzle fitment 10 is designed to minimize any beverage concentrate accumulation inside passage 32. In addition, by having concentrate outlet (passage 42) emerge in the diluent conduit (passage 32) downstream of joint 60, when the diluent flow enters in contact with the concentrate, the diluent presents a force sufficient to drag along the concentrate emerging from the concentrate outlet. As a result, no concentrate accumulation is observed in the mixing nozzle fitment 10, which maximizes the hygienicity of mixing nozzle fitment 10.

[0103] In alternative embodiments, the mixing nozzle fitment can include any suitable mechanism for attaching to the diluent dispensing nozzle or the diluent line of a dispensing device. For example, the mixing nozzle fitment can include a twist-to-lock feature (e.g. threading on the first shaft) to engage and lock the mixing nozzle fitment to the diluent dispensing nozzle or the diluent line of the dispensing device. Alternatively, the mixing nozzle fitment can include clamps or snap fits that engage with the diluent dispensing nozzle or the diluent line of the dispensing device to lock the mixing nozzle fitment in place.

[0104] Second shaft 20 can include a flange 90. Flange 90 can be used as the border when mixing nozzle fitment is used within a housing for a beverage preparation machine. For example, the housing containing a beverage device can be opened (e.g. through a front panel door) for receiving the mixing nozzle fitment. When the housing is closed, the only exposed portion of mixing nozzle fitment is a portion below flange 90.

[0105] Handle 70 can be any suitable shape that allows a user to securely hold mixing nozzle fitment. During use, handle 70 can be grasped by a user who is inserting mixing nozzle fitment into a beverage preparation machine. Handle 70 can also be grasped when removing mixing nozzle fitment from the machine.

[0106] In an embodiment, the three shafts 10, 20, 30 of the fitment can be in the form of a single unitary piece (e.g. molded). Alternatively, the mixing nozzle fitment can be made from a combination of separately made pieces that are attached together via process known in the art. It should be appreciated that the components of the mixing nozzle fitment can be made from any suitable material such as, for example, metal, rigid plastics or polymers or combinations thereof.

[0107] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the present disclosure provides a beverage preparation machine 120 including a concentrate container 110, a tube 50 having a first end that is attached to an outlet of concentrate container and a pump 121 operatively connected to tube 50. Pump 121 can be, for example, a peristaltic pump that pushes concentrate from concentrate container 110 through tube 50 via a plurality of rotating rollers.

[0108] The machine 120 further includes a mixing nozzle fitment 1 in an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The end portion of the tube 50 is removably attached to third shaft 30 of mixing nozzle fitment, for example, by being stretched and placed over retaining means 60. First shaft 10 of mixing nozzle fitment can be removably attached to a diluent supply line 126. Diluent supply line can be fluidly connected to any suitable diluent reservoir 124 and pump 123 for driving the diluent from the reservoir to mixing nozzle fitment. The machine can comprise devices for adjusting the temperature of the diluent like a heater or a cooler.

[0109] The mixing nozzle fitment 1 is positioned in the dispensing device so that the first shaft 10 attached to the diluent line is horizontal and the end portion 212 of the second shaft opposed to the attachment with the first shaft is almost vertical.

[0110] Concentrate container 110, tube 50, peristaltic pump 121, diluent supply line 126 and mixing nozzle fitment (or a portion thereof) can be contained within any suitable housing 125. As previously discussed, housing 125 containing the beverage device can be opened (e.g. through a front panel door) to receive removable mixing nozzle fitment. When housing is closed, for example, the exposed part of mixing nozzle fitment can be a portion below a flange of mixing nozzle fitment. Housing 125 can be constructed and arranged so that mixing nozzle fitment 1 dispenses the mixed concentrate and diluent directly into a cup or container 126. The housing 125 can also be a refrigerated compartment that isolates the concentrate container 110 from the ambient atmosphere to keep it cold. The flange can help in closing the passage at the bottom of the housing for introducing the mixing nozzle fitment and consequently in maintaining the refrigerated compartment isolated from ambient atmosphere and keeping it cold.

[0111] Mixing nozzle fitment 1 can seal tightly against diluent supply line 126 and be easily locked into place. Mixing nozzle fitment 1 permits a supply of hot or cold liquid such as water to dilute and mix with stable, packaged liquid concentrates, and dispense into cup 126. Mixing nozzle fitment 1 provides a way to keep the liquid concentrate from accumulating in any dead zones, which may create sanitary issues (e.g. microbial or quality issues) when the liquid concentrate resides there over time while the beverage dispenser is not in use.

[0112] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of making a beverage. The method comprises providing a dispensing device such as described above including [0113] a mixing nozzle fitment such as described above positioned inside the beverage preparation machine so that the first shaft is horizontal and the second shaft is almost vertical near its end portion opposed to the attachment with the first shaft and the third shaft is essentially vertical, [0114] a concentrate container attached to the end of the flexible tube, that is attached to the third shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment, [0115] a diluent supply line removably attached to the first shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment [0116] a pump operatively connected to the flexible tube.

[0117] A concentrate is dispensed through the concentrate tube, and a diluent is dispensed through the diluent dispenser nozzle. The concentrate and the diluent are mixed in and dispensed out of the curved outlet passage of the mixing nozzle fitment to form the beverage.

[0118] The diluent can be water.

[0119] The concentrate can be in a suitable form such as a paste, liquid or a combination thereof. The concentrate can have any suitable flavor or combination of flavors as well. The concentrate can even comprises particles, seeds, pulp. There is no risk that the particles remains blocked in the valve.

[0120] According to a first mode the method can comprise the preliminary steps of providing a mixing nozzle fitment as defined above and attaching the flexible tube to a concentrate container and the first shaft to the diluent dispenser nozzle.

[0121] According to a second mode the method can comprise the preliminary steps of providing a package as defined above and attaching the first shaft to the diluent dispenser nozzle.

[0122] The mixing nozzle fitment of the present invention can also be used as a simple dispensing nozzle without introducing diluent in the first shaft while dispensing the concentrate. Water may simply be introduced through the first shaft in order to rinse the second shaft after dispensing the concentrate.

[0123] The mixing nozzle fitment of the present invention improves the dosing accuracy of the concentrate compared to the fitment described in WO 2010/115888, even when concentrates comprise pulp and/or seeds.

[0124] In some tests, a whole bag-in-box was emptied by dosing successively portions of concentrate with a peristaltic pump as illustrated in FIG. 6. At each dosing the same rotation of the pump was applied. Each dosed portion of concentrate was weighed in order to evaluate the consistency of the successive dosing operations. The concentrate was orange concentrate comprising pulp. The standard deviation of doses with the mixing nozzle fitment of the present invention was smaller compared to the standard deviation of doses with the mixing nozzle fitment described in WO 2010/115888.

[0125] The mixing nozzle fitment presents the advantage of enabling the dispensing of concentrates that comprise pulp, seeds or particles.

[0126] Another advantage is that, depending on the choice of the slit in the valve, either foamed or flat beverages can be produced.

[0127] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

[0128] Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

[0129] As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to”.

LIST OF REFERENCES IN THE DRAWINGS

[0130] mixing nozzle fitment 1 [0131] first shaft 10 [0132] diluent inlet passage 11 [0133] first end 111 [0134] second end 112 [0135] second shaft 20 [0136] curved passage 21 [0137] first end 211 [0138] second end 212 [0139] third shaft 30 [0140] concentrate passage 31 [0141] first end 32 [0142] squeezable valve 40 [0143] dome 41 [0144] top 411 [0145] slit 42 [0146] lip 43 [0147] raised ring 44 [0148] flexible tube 50 [0149] cover 60 [0150] fitment 61 [0151] handle 70 [0152] joint 80 [0153] flange 90 [0154] piercing fitment 100 [0155] concentrate container 110 [0156] beverage preparation machine 120 [0157] peristaltic pump 121 [0158] diluent . . . 122 [0159] diluent pump 123 [0160] diluent reservoir 124 [0161] housing 125 [0162] diluent supply line 126