BEVERAGE DISPENSING CONDUIT REDUCING MICROBIAL BACKFLOW

Abstract

A fluid conduit 100 is provided for providing a fluid connection between a beverage container 201 and a beverage dispenser, comprising a conduit body 102 with a container side 103 and a dispenser side 105, in use downstream of the container side 103, wherein the conduit body 102 defines a flow path 107 through the fluid conduit 100 between the container side 103 and the dispenser side 105, and a flow restrictor 104 provided in the flow path arranged to allow a flow of fluid from the container side 103 to the dispenser side 105, and at least substantially restrict passage of microorganisms through the conduit body 102 from the dispenser side 105 to the container side 103.

Claims

1. Fluid conduit for providing a fluid connection between a beverage container and a dispensing line of a beverage dispenser, comprising a conduit body with a container side and a dispenser side, in use downstream of the container side, wherein the conduit body defines a flow path through the fluid conduit between the container side and the dispenser side; and a flow restrictor provided in the flow path arranged to allow a flow of fluid from the container side to the dispenser side; and at least restrict passage of micro-organisms through the conduit body from the dispenser side to the container side.

2. Fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the flow restrictor comprises a filter for at least substantially restricting passage of micro-organisms through the filter from the dispenser side to the container side.

3. Fluid conduit according to claim 2, wherein the filter has pores with a pore size between 0.2 and 40 μm.

4. Fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the flow restrictor comprises a one-way valve, operable by virtue of a downstream fluid pressure on the container side of the valve.

5. Fluid conduit according to claim 4, wherein the one-way valve is a duckbill valve.

6. Fluid conduit according to claim 5, wherein the duckbill valve, in an opened state, provides a substantially oval flow-through area.

7. Fluid conduit according to claim 4, wherein the one-way valve is an umbrella valve.

8. Fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit is arranged to be fitted to an extractor tube head of a beverage container.

9. Fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the container side of the conduit body is essentially free of wild yeast.

10. Fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the flow path at a coupling end of the conduit body for coupling to the dispensing line is sealed off by a seal.

11. Fluid conduit according to claim 10, wherein the seal comprises a peel seal.

12. A disposable coupler arranged to be fitted to a beverage container, comprising a coupler body, arranged to be fitted to a fluid outlet of the beverage container, a beverage dispensing line extending from the coupler body to provide a flow path for a beverage; and a fluid conduit according to claim 1, provided in the flow path of the beverage dispensing line.

13. Beverage container assembly, comprising a beverage container with a storage body for containing a beverage and an extractor tube, arranged to provide a fluid outlet for a beverage inside the storage body and comprising an extractor tube head, and comprising a fluid conduit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit is fitted to the extractor tube head in fluid connection with the fluid outlet.

14. Beverage container assembly, comprising a beverage container with a storage body for containing a beverage and an extractor tube, arranged to provide a fluid outlet for a beverage inside the storage body and comprising an extractor tube head, comprising a disposable coupler arranged to couple the beverage container to a dispensing line, the coupler comprising a coupler body, fitted to the extractor tube head, and comprising a beverage channel extending from the coupler body, provided in fluid connection with the fluid outlet of the extractor tube to provide a flow path through the disposable coupler, and comprising a disposable fluid conduit according to claim 1, provided in the flow path through the disposable coupler.

15. Beverage container assembly according to claim 13, wherein the beverage container comprises one of: a beverage comprising carbohydrates; a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 2%; a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 0.2%.

16. A beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a beverage container, a dispenser with an outlet opening for dispensing a beverage; and a dispensing line, arranged to be provided between the beverage container and the dispenser to form a flow path enabling a flow of beverage from the container to the dispensing opening; wherein the dispensing line comprises a fluid conduit according to claim 1.

17. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the dispensing line comprises a coupler, and the disposable fluid conduit is provided between the beverage container and the coupler.

18. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the beverage container contains a beverage having an alcohol by volume percentage of 2% or less.

19. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 18, wherein the beverage is essentially free of alcohol.

20. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 19, wherein the beverage is an alcohol-free malt-based beverage.

21. Method for refilling a beverage container according to claim 13, comprising the steps of: removing the fluid conduit from the beverage container; refilling the beverage container with beverage which is one of: a beverage comprising carbohydrates; a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 2%; and a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 0.2%; and providing a new fluid conduit according to claim 1 to the fluid outlet of the beverage container, such that the fluid conduit at least substantially restricts passage of microorganisms through the conduit body from the dispenser side to the container side into the beverage container.

22. Method for refilling a beverage container of a beverage container assembly according to claim 14 comprising the steps of: removing the disposable coupler from the beverage container; refilling the beverage container with beverage which is one of: a beverage comprising carbohydrates; a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 2%; and a beverage with an alcohol by volume content of less than 0.2%; and fitting a new disposable coupler according to claim 12 to a fluid outlet of the beverage container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The various aspects and embodiments will be elaborated on in conjunction with figures. In the figures,

[0042] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an embodiment of a fluid conduit in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0043] FIGS. 1C and 1D depict a further embodiment of a fluid conduit in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2C depict a front view of an embodiment of a duckbill valve, in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0045] FIGS. 2B and 2D depict a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the duckbill valve, in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0046] FIGS. 3A and 3C depict a front view of another embodiment of a duckbill valve, in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0047] FIGS. 3B and 3D depict a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the duckbill valve, in a closed state and an opened state, respectively;

[0048] FIG. 4 shows part of an embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly; and

[0049] FIG. 5 shows part of another embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a piece of tubing 100 as a fluid conduit for providing a fluid connection between a beverage container and a beverage dispenser. The tubing 100 comprises a tubing body 102 as a conduit body, with a container side 103 and a dispenser side 105. The tubing body 102 defines a fluid flow path 107 through the tubing 100 between the container side 103 and the dispenser side 105, in an opened state as shown in FIG. 1B. In the closed state as shown in FIG. 1B, a duckbill valve 104 as a flow restrictor at least substantially restricts passage of micro-organisms such as yeast through the tubing body 102 from the dispenser side 103 to the container side 105.

[0051] FIGS. 1C and 1D depict a further embodiment of a piece of tubing 100 as a fluid conduit, wherein the flow restrictor is an umbrella valve 104. The umbrella valve 104 is in FIGS. 1C and 1D respectively shown in a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the umbrella valve 104 substantially restricts passage of micro-organisms such as yeast through the tubing body 102 from the dispenser side 103 to the container side 105. In the opened state, the umbrella valve 104 allows a flow path 107 for fluid through the tubing 100 between the container side 103 and the dispenser side 105.

[0052] Further embodiments of the fluid conduit are envisioned wherein the flow restrictor 104 is embodied different than an umbrella valve of a duckbill valve. For example, the flow restrictor may comprise a filter for at least substantially restricting passage of micro-organisms through the filter from the dispenser side to the container side. In other examples, the flow restrictor may comprise a one-way valve, check valve, non-return valve, reflux valve, retention valve, clack valve, any other component arranged to restrict flow, or any combination thereof.

[0053] Embodiments of fluid conduits are also envisioned comprising more than one flow restrictor, provided in series, parallel, or in a combination thereof. In such embodiments, one or more flow restrictors according to one or more of the embodiments of flow restrictors as disclosed herein may be used.

[0054] The flow restrictor, for example embodied as the duckbill valve 104 and umbrella valve 104 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 1C and 1D, respectively, may be operable by virtue of a pressure difference between the pressure in the fluid at the container side 103, and the pressure in the fluid at the dispenser side 105. When the pressure in the fluid at the container 103 is higher than the pressure in the fluid at the dispenser side 105, the flow restrictor may be pressed into the opened state by virtue of this pressure difference. When a filter is used as a flow restrictor, the filter may not be opened or closed, but remains in a single state independent of a pressure difference over the filter.

[0055] In FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D an embodiment of a duckbill valve 104 is depicted. FIGS. 2A and 2C show a front view of the duckbill valve 104, in a closed state and an opened state respectively. FIGS. 2B and 2D show a cross-sectional view of the duckbill valve 104, in a closed state and an opened state respectively.

[0056] The duckbill valve 104 comprises a base 191 and a mouth 192. In the closed state, the mouth 192 may at least substantially restrict passage of micro-organisms. In the particular embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in the opened state, the mouth 192 provides a substantially oval flow-through area 193, shown hatched. As such, the duckbill valve 104 has a flow-through area with a substantially oval shape perpendicular to the flow direction 107. The base 191 of this particular embodiment of the duckbill valve 104 is also substantially oval.

[0057] In FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D another embodiment of a duckbill valve 104 is depicted. FIGS. 3A and 3C show a front view of the duckbill valve 104, in a closed state and an opened state respectively. FIGS. 3B and 3D show a cross-sectional view of the duckbill valve 104, in a closed state and an opened state respectively.

[0058] The duckbill valve 104 comprises a base 191 and a mouth 192. In the closed state, the mouth 192 may at least substantially restrict passage of micro-organisms. In the particular embodiment of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, in the opened state, the mouth 192 provides a substantially oval flow-through area 193, shown hatched. As such, the duckbill valve 104 has a flow-through area with a substantially oval shape perpendicular to the flow direction 107. The base 191 of this particular embodiment of the duckbill valve 104 is substantially circular. As such, the flow through area transitions from being substantially circular at the base 191 to being substantially oval at the mouth 192.

[0059] The oval shape may allow a faster closure of the one-way valve when the pressure at the container side does not exceed the pressure at the dispenser side anymore, and may thus further decrease risk of contamination.

[0060] In other embodiments of the one-way valve, the flow-through area at any point between the base 191 and the mouth 192 may have a different shape, such as a substantially round or circular shape, a rectangular shape, optionally with rounded edges, any other shape, or any combination thereof.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows part of an embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 200, comprising a beer keg 201 as a beverage container. The keg 201 comprises a keg body 202 as a storage body for containing beer as a beverage, with a carrying rim 203. The keg 201 further comprises an extractor tube 204 arranged to provide a fluid outlet 206 for beer in the keg body 202. At least part of the extractor tube 204 is inserted into the keg body 202. The extractor tube 204 comprises a head 208, which in this particular embodiment as an option extends out of the keg body 202.

[0062] Connected to the head 208 is a coupler 210, arranged to connect the keg 201 to a dispensing line 220 and via the dispensing line 220 to a tap 230 as a dispenser. For clarity and conciseness of the figure, the dispensing line 220 and tap 230 are only schematically shown.

[0063] The coupler 210 comprises a fluid inlet 212, arranged to receive a beverage as a fluid from the fluid outlet 206 of the keg 201. The coupler 210 further comprises a pressurised gas inlet 214, and when the coupler 210 is coupled to the keg 201, via the pressurised gas inlet 214, pressurised gas may be provided into the keg body 202 for pressurising the beverage in the keg body 202.

[0064] In the particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, a fluid conduit 100 is provided between the fluid outlet 206 of the keg 201 and the fluid inlet 212 of the coupler 210. The fluid conduit 100 comprises a conduit body 102 and a duckbill valve 104 as a flow restrictor. The duckbill valve 104 is in FIG. 4 shown in a closed state. In the closed state, the duckbill valve 104 at least substantially restricts passage of micro-organisms through the conduit body 102 from the dispenser side to the container side.

[0065] If the tap 230 is opened, by virtue of the gas pressure on the beverage in the keg body 202, beverage may flow via the extractor tube 204, through the keg fluid outlet 206 to the duckbill valve 104, which will open by virtue of the pressurised beverage. The beverage then flows out of the fluid conduit 100 into the coupler fluid inlet 212, and via the coupler 210 and the dispensing line 220 out of the tap 230.

[0066] When the tap 230 is closed again, the flow of beverage is halted, and the pressure on both sides of the duckbill valve 104 is substantially equalised. By virtue of the resilient material comprised by the duckbill valve 104, the duckbill valve returns in the closed state, and in this closed state substantially or entirely restricts or blocks passage of micro-organisms through the conduit body 102 from the dispenser side of the conduit body 102 to the container side of the container body 202.

[0067] Even if the keg 201 is not used for a longer time and the keg 201 is not cooled, no path is provided for micro-organisms to migrate into the keg 201 via the keg fluid outlet 206 because the flow of micro-organisms through the fluid conduit is at least substantially restricted and/or blocked.

[0068] A coupler 210 may comprise a check ball 216 for preventing beer to flow out of the coupler 210 through the coupler fluid inlet 212 when the coupler 210 is removed from the keg 201 and there is still fluid left in the dispensing line 220.

[0069] When the coupler 210 is not coupled to a keg 201, part of the check ball 216 and other parts of the coupler 210 may be exposed to ambient air, which may contain wild yeast cells and/or other micro-organisms, or touched by a person handling the coupler 210, who may have wild yeast cells and/or other micro-organisms on his hands. As such, the check ball 216 and/or other parts of the coupler 210 may be contaminated.

[0070] When a coupler 210 with a contaminated check ball 216 and/or other parts is again coupled to a keg 201, a fluid conduit 100 according to the first aspect may prevent or at least substantially restrict contaminants such as wild yeast from migrating into the keg 201.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows part of another embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly 200. The beverage dispensing assembly 200 comprises the keg 201 as a beverage container, comprising keg body 202 as the storage body for containing e.g. alcohol-free beer as a beverage. The keg 201 comprises extractor tube 204, which provides the keg fluid outlet 206, and comprises head 208, which in this particular embodiment extends out of the keg body 202.

[0072] Fitted to the head 208 of the keg body 202 is a disposable coupler 210 arranged to couple the keg 201 to a dispensing line 220. The disposable coupler 210 comprises a coupler body 231 fitted to the head 208 when the assembly 200 is assembled.

[0073] The disposable coupler 210 further comprises a beer tube 211 as a beverage tube extending from the coupler body 231, which beer tube 211 is provided in fluid connection with the keg fluid outlet 206 when the coupler 210 is coupled to the keg 201.

[0074] The disposable coupler 210 is provided with an embodiment of the fluid conduit 100, here provided at a distal end of the beer tube 211, and as such provided in a flow path for beverage through the disposable coupler 210. The fluid conduit 100 as shown in FIG. 5 comprises a duckbill valve 104 as the flow restrictor and is shown in the closed state.