A Beverage Dispense Apparatus

Abstract

A beverage dispense apparatus and associated method, comprises a frame (11) for removably locating and holding a sealed beverage unit package (C) in a vertical orientation. A first piercing element (14) punctures a vent opening into a headspace of the beverage package (C) and, subsequently as the first piercing element is driven downward, a second piercing element (15) punctures an outlet opening into the beverage package so that beverage can flow through a nozzle (17) under gravity. An ultrasonic transducer (16) against the nozzle (17) may supply excitation energy that breaks gas out of solution so that a creamy head is formed on the beverage in a delivery vessel underneath the frame. Control of the vent opening/vale (13) enables flow to be slowed or stopped through the nozzle (17) enabling a settle time and two-part pour.

Claims

1. A beverage dispense apparatus, comprising: a receiving structure for removably locating and holding a sealed beverage package over a delivery vessel; a dispense nozzle for dispensing beverage therethrough; a first piercing element configured for puncturing a vent opening into a headspace of the beverage package; and a second piercing element configured for puncturing an outlet opening into the beverage package below a level of beverage contained therein; wherein the outlet opening is aligned with a dispense end of the dispense nozzle for enabling a direct flow path of beverage, for minimising turbulence therethrough toward the delivery vessel; and, wherein the first piercing element is configured to puncture the vent opening prior to puncturing of the outlet opening by the second piercing element.

2. (canceled)

3. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, including an ultrasound generation element for transmitting ultrasound to the beverage.

4. (canceled)

5. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first piercing element comprises a hollow channel that is in communication with a closeable valve.

6. (canceled)

7. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first piercing element is configured to control dispense speed out of the package by advancing and/or withdrawing relative to the vent opening.

8. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second piercing element comprises a hollow channel, in communication with the beverage through the outlet opening.

9. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, including a first seal element configured for location over and about the vent opening.

10. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, including a second seal element configured for location over and about the outlet opening.

11. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first seal element is annular, surrounding the first piercing element.

12. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 5, wherein the closeable valve is actuated via a biasing element with a resilient force greater than a force required to puncture both the vent opening and outlet opening.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, including a controller for controlling a dispense sequence that forms the vent opening by the first piercing element prior to forming the outlet opening by the second piercing element.

16. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 15, wherein the controller controls a duration and/or speed of dispense by actuating the first piercing element and/or by operating a valve to close or restrict airflow through the vent opening.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, comprising a cradle for supporting the vessel underneath the beverage package, wherein the cradle is pivotally mounted and includes a bias element to bias the cradle, with a vessel in place, in a tilted position, being configured to move toward an upright position when beverage fills the vessel.

22. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first piercing element is moveable toward the package to form the vent opening and translates compressive force through the package to the second piercing element to form the outlet opening.

23. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least one telescopic strut or leg spanning a gap between the first and second piercing elements, configured for collapsing for storage and/or to adjust to the size of the beverage package.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. A method of dispensing beverage from a beverage package, including the sequential steps of: locating and holding a sealed beverage package in a receiving device over and proximate a dispense nozzle; puncturing a vent into a headspace of the beverage package; puncturing an outlet into the beverage package below a level of beverage contained within the package; wherein the outlet is aligned with a dispense end of the dispense nozzle to enable beverage to pour in a direct flow path under gravity through the dispense nozzle for minimizing turbulence, into a drinking vessel.

27. The method of dispensing beverage of claim 26, including the step of applying ultrasonic excitation to the beverage.

28. The method of dispensing beverage of claim 27, wherein the ultrasonic excitation is applied at the nozzle.

29. The method of dispensing beverage from a beverage package according to claim 26, wherein a dispense flow rate is controlled by adjusting the effective vent size between zero and a maximum.

30. (canceled)

31. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 10, wherein and the second seal element is annular, surrounding the second piercing element.

32. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealed beverage package defines a longitudinal axis and at least the second piercing element moves substantially along the longitudinal axis to puncture the outlet opening and in line with the dispense nozzle for dispensing beverage vertically therefrom.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation/section view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a first series of operational filling steps associated with the first embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a second series of the filling steps associated with the first embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a pictorial view of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation/section view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed section view of the valve assembly from the second embodiment

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an overview of the motor/valve assembly of the second embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a first series of operational filling steps associated with the second embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a second series of the filling steps associated with the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0044] Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term comprising as used in this specification means consisting at least in part of such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term comprising, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as comprise and comprises are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as vertical, horizontal, up, down, upper and lower are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

[0045] The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

[0046] FIG. 1 broadly illustrates a first embodiment of dispense device 10 according to the invention. Functional elements are visible, namely: a support structure/housing 11 comprising a main strut/leg, an actuation mechanism 12, air valve 13, an upper moving cannula and seal assembly 14, a lower fixed cannula and seal assembly 15, ultrasonic transducer 16, nozzle 17, cradle 18. Not explicitly visible in the figures is an electronic circuit to control power to transducer, motor and air valve. A beverage container C is shown in place between cannulas 14/15, held above a glass G within which beverage is ultimately served for consumption.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a first series of steps (i) to (iii) that exemplify use of the device. Particularly, between steps (i) and (ii) the actuation mechanism 12, triggered by the control circuit, causes the top cannula 14 to move toward an end of container C. This action pierces the top end of the container C at step (ii), releasing pressure by venting the liquid in the container to atmosphere.

[0048] The top cannula, which is surrounded by a deformable bush 19, continues to move downward, pushing the container C downwardly against a second deformable bush 20 and, ultimately, onto upstanding cannula 15 at a dispense end of the device. Continued downward movement causes the bottom end of the container to be pierced by cannula 15 and liquid to flow under atmospheric pressure. It is notable that the liquid flow is substantially laminar (rather than turbulent) due to the open vent into the headspace, enabling air to freely enter without disturbing the liquid. Avoiding turbulent flow is a key consideration for producing a high quality, consistent pour for a stout beer such as Guinness.

[0049] At step (iii) liquid has begun to fall/pour through nozzle 17 into glass G. Liquid flows past the ultrasonic transducer 16 located against nozzle 17 on its journey into glass G. The high frequency vibration of the transducer 16 causes nitrogen to break out of solution in a controlled and efficient manner, producing a surge in the glass, such that a desirable head can form after settling.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a second series of steps (iv) to (vi). Particularly, between step (iii) and (iv), as the glass G fills, a spring-loaded mechanism associated with cradle 18 slowly pivots from an approximately 45 degree starting position to a vertical position at the end of the first pour. This cradle movement may automatically provide an ideal dynamic incidence angle throughout the pour to avoid liquid turbulence which would detract from the pour quality. In the illustrated form, cradle 18 is biased to a titled position and the tension in the bias is calculated to support a glass G in a tilted position. As extra weight is added to the glass G via liquid beverage, the bias is overcome and allows a smooth transition to a vertical position. Further, in a preferred form, the natural return bias to a tilt position is dampened to slow the return movement when a glass is removed from cradle 18.

[0051] At the end of the first pour, at step (iv), the valve 13 is shut, thereby creating a back pressure in the headspace which slows the liquid flow through nozzle 17. This allows the poured liquid in glass G to settle and a head to form in a familiar way. In an alternative form, where puncturing device 14 has a solid core, the size of the vent (between a zero cross section and an upper size) may be controlled by its movement relative to the hole formed in the package. The puncturing device may have surface features such as indents or channels. In one form the device may have resilient side walls, to provide a sealing function against an edge of the vent hole.

[0052] At step (v), after the liquid has settled, the air vent 13 and/or punctured hole may be reopened, allowing the remaining liquid within container C to flow, topping up the glass and recreating a classic two-part draught pour.

[0053] When the glass G is removed from the cradle 18, which returns to a tilted position, the system resets in advance of the next dispense cycle.

[0054] Step (vi) represents that the height of the structure 11 can be adjusted telescopically to accommodate various beverage container serve sizes. The structure can also be fully retracted when not in use to create a more compact form for storage, providing a particular space-saving advantage for home consumers.

[0055] The illustrated form of the invention shows a single strut or leg 11 comprised of telescoping shafts. Alternative forms may feature additional supporting struts/legs, e.g. a two-strut configuration where legs are arranged on opposite sides of the package, for improved stability. Alternative structures may provide an analogous collapsible configuration such as a scissor structure, reciprocating picton, threaded shaft or concertina. The height may be fixed in place by a pin or other braking device. Height may be adjusted by a threaded shaft arrangement in conjunction with or separate from telescoping leg(s).

[0056] The beverage container C may be any volume, e.g. a common 440 or 568 mL aluminium can volume as made by numerous suppliers, but preferably with a blank can end suitable for being pierced for dispense, i.e. no pull tab. It is noteworthy that orientation of the beverage container (shown inverted) is arbitrary since suitable engaging features can be built into a new package design or retrofit into more conventional container shapes.

[0057] Compression and engagement features of the device may be automated by use of at least one actuator, preferably controlled by a processor/electronics housed within or separately from the main enclosure. Nozzle 17 may be supplied as a removable device with the main unit for cleaning.

[0058] It will be apparent from the operational method of the exemplary embodiment that a timed sequence of steps is required for most effective use. The timing of the sequence of piercing the can for dispense and introduction of atmospheric air can be achieved mechanically by an elastomer bushing 19 (or equivalent deformable structure such as a spring-biased telescopic bush with a sealing face in contact with the can end) provided proximate the upper end to create a liquid/airtight seal around piercing element 14 against container C as downward pressure is initiated.

[0059] A second elastomer or spring-loaded bushing 20 located proximate to the dispense cannula 15 is provided to create an airtight seal at the bottom end of the device against container C. The deformable bushes 19 and 20 may have different elastomeric properties, so that the venting cannula is engaged first, to form a vent, before dispense cannula 15. In other words, a weak bushing 19 may give way first under a compressive force to engage piercing element 14 downwardly into the top end of container C, while it forms a seal over the opening driven through the end. Headspace pressure escapes via closeable valve 13.

[0060] Cannula 15 (in a fixed position) subsequently pierces the base/bottom of container C moving onto it, while bush 20 creates a seal over the dispense opening formed to prevent leakage.

[0061] Linear actuation of each spike/cannula 14/15 may be automated by electronic means with separate actuator devices or as a single actuator moving a first cannula against a fixed second cannula. In principle the movement/actuation may originate with the lower part of the device, i.e. where a hard bush 20 surrounding cannula 15 presses container C against a soft bush 19 that deforms and enables piercing by cannula 14, before continued force engages cannula 15 for opening the dispense end.

[0062] The exemplary embodiment results in a filled secondary vessel (glass G) where a creamy head forms as a result of gravity flow through an ultrasonically enhanced nozzle 18. It is known in the art that head formation may be improved by a two-step dispense procedure which can be replicated by temporarily closing flow through nozzle 18, via valve 13, and allowing the poured liquid to settle if desired.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative form of the invention, where the piercing/pouring sequence is manually actuated by a handle 21. In this form no motorisation is necessary, but otherwise follows the same general steps for dispense. For example, handle 21 leverages force onto a piercing/sealing assembly 14 in contact with the upper end of a beverage container (not shown). The container headspace is vented, prior to engagement and puncturing by a dispense end piercing/sealing assembly 15, which occurs naturally by further force applied from lever 21.

[0064] Flow initiates through nozzle 17 and fills glass G. Cradle 18, supporting glass G, is biased toward a tilted position where increasing weight in the filling glass overcomes the bias and begins to move it upright.

[0065] A valve 13, in communication with the container headspace, may close the vent and temporarily halt dispense, to allow for settling and head formation. Alternatively or in addition, as previously mentioned, venting and flowrate may be controlled by advancing and withdrawing the first puncturing device to act as a partial or full plug over the vent hole.

[0066] In further supplemental forms, a display may provide a visual indicator and/or stepwise guidance to a user operating the device. Such guidance includes a prompt to insert or remove a container and timing information, pouring characteristics and temperature.

[0067] It is notable that specific steps/sequence/valve operation executed by firmware, including operating ranges etc., is a useful aspect of the invention. Therefore, an algorithm of steps and associated control may form the basis of an independent invention.

[0068] A second motorised embodiment of the invention is illustrated by FIGS. 5 to 9, namely a motorised valve system enabling both ends of a can to be pierced while opening and closing a top valve with one vertical motion. Laminar flow of the liquid can be achieved. In common with previous embodiments, closing of the top valve prevents liquid flow while opening to varying degrees provides accurate open flow control.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates components mostly familiar from the first embodiment of FIG. 1, e.g. an actuation mechanism 12, air valve 13, an upper moving cannula and seal assembly 14, a lower fixed cannula and seal assembly 15, ultrasonic transducer 16 and nozzle 17. The embodiment of FIG. 5 features two telescopic legs, either side of the dispense mechanism. As in FIG. 1, the dispenser can be expanded and retracted to adapt to the size of a loaded beverage package (e.g. aluminium can). Further detail of the seal and valve arrangement is provided by FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0070] An operating sequence for the second embodiment is outlined by steps (i) to (vii) of FIGS. 8 and 9. Particularly: [0071] (i) Shows a starting position. [0072] (ii) A motor advances a plunger assembly downwards which in turn drives the top cannula 14 downwards through a spring 22. It keeps advancing until the top cannula pierces the top of the can, releasing pressure and venting the liquid in the can to atmosphere. The spring bias 22 is such that it resists compression while cannula 14 is driven into the can C. [0073] (iii) The motor advances until the top cannula assembly 14 bottoms out, sealing the top cannula to the can via annular flange/skirt 23. As the motor continues to advance it pushes the can C downwards until the bottom cannula 15 pierces through the bottom of the can. At this point the bottom seal 20 is also sealed to the can. As the motor continues to advance, compressing spring 22, the plunger assembly drives downward until the top valve 13 (a pancake shaped diaphragm ordinarily biased toward an open position) is moved to close against an upper channel of cannula 14. This closes airflow to the headspace and creates a vacuum within the can, preventing liquid flow through nozzle 17. [0074] (iv) The motor retracts to pull the plunger upwards opening the top valve 13. This disengages valve 13 from the upper channel of cannula 14 and permits air (see FIG. 6 and airflow denoted A through an opening around cannula) into the can again via cannula, which allows liquid to flow under atmospheric pressure through nozzle 17. It is noteworthy that the liquid flow is laminar (rather than turbulent) as the can has been vented at the top allowing air to freely enter without disturbing the liquid. Liquid flows past the ultrasonic transducer in the nozzle and into glass. Avoiding turbulent flow is a key part of producing a high quality, consistent pour for a nitrogenated beverage using ultrasonics. The high frequency vibration of the transducer causes nitrogen to break out of solution in a controlled and efficient manner, producing a desirable surge in the glass, i.e. small bubbles are encouraged, while minimising turbulence discourages large bubble formation that may more quickly collapse a head formed. As the glass fills, the spring-loaded mechanical 18 cradle slowly pivots from a 45-degree starting position to a vertical position at the end of the first pour (better visible in FIGS. 2 and 3). This cradle movement provides the ideal dynamic incidence angle throughout the pour to avoid liquid turbulence which would detract from the pour quality. [0075] (v) At the end of a first pour, the motor advances and the top seal 13 is closed (no airflow A) which slows the liquid flow significantly. This allows the liquid to settle in a glass and a head to form. [0076] (vi) After the liquid has settled, the motor retracts and the top seal is reopened, allowing the remaining liquid to flow topping up the glass. This two-part pour is desirable to recreate dispense of some nitrogenated beverage products such as Guinness. [0077] (vii) Once the glass is removed from the cradle, the can may be ejected. This retracts the top assembly completely allowing any remaining liquid to evacuate and the can to be removed.

[0078] It will be apparent that features from the embodiments described herein can be interchangeable or replaced by equivalent features without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0079] The method and apparatus according to the present invention as hereinbefore described is advantageous because it is simple to use and can be manufactured in a number of guises using available materials. Ideally the unit will be compact and fit comfortably into a commercial bar type of environment. It provides not only a practical benefit in that the appearance and taste of the beer is enhanced, but also a uniqueness by virtue of the process that may catch the attention of the consumer. A form of the invention may be particularly developed for home use.

[0080] The invention can be summarised as an apparatus, system and method for dispensing beverage from a single serve beverage package, e.g. an aluminium can C, particularly for the purpose of forming a head on the beverage poured from said package, although a key objective is to replicate draught dispense in a compact device, minimising cost and quality issues, to be deployed easily. In operation the sealed package C is located and held in a receiving enclosure 11 where, firstly, a headspace end of the package is vented by a piercing element 14 and, secondly, a dispense end is opened for dispense by gravity into a drinking vessel G. An ultrasonic means acts on liquid flowing at the dispense end.

[0081] Use of a valve or closure means (e.g. at the headspace vent end, but could alternatively or additionally be at the dispense end) advantageously improves control of beverage delivery to implement a pause to allow a settle time.

[0082] An aspect of the invention can also be broadly described as a beverage dispense apparatus and associated method, comprising a frame for removably locating and holding a sealed beverage unit package. A first piercing element punctures a vent opening into a headspace of the beverage package and, subsequently, a second piercing element punctures an outlet opening into the beverage package so that beverage can flow through a nozzle (in communication with the opening) under gravity. An ultrasonic transducer against the nozzle supplies excitation energy that breaks gas out of solution. Accordingly, a creamy head is formed on the beverage in a delivery vessel underneath the frame. A valve, or other form of controlling the vent opening, enables flow to be slowed or stopped enabling a settle time and two-part pour.