Beverage dispensing assembly

Abstract

A beverage dispensing assembly comprises a beverage container for containing a beverage, the container body comprising a beverage outlet provided with a beverage container sealing member arranged to enable opening of the beverage outlet. A beverage dispensing line extends between the beverage container and a dispenser for dispensing the beverage at a dispensing outlet of the dispenser. A coupler device is detachable coupled to the container body and coupled to a second beverage conduit of the beverage dispensing line, with a first beverage conduit of the beverage dispensing line extending between the beverage container and the coupler device. The first beverage conduit at a first end thereof comprises an adapter body fittingly arranged on the beverage container covering the beverage container sealing member. A piston is movably arranged in the coupler device for acting on the adapter body that is configured to open the beverage container sealing member upon actuation by the piston causing the beverage container sealing member to open the beverage outlet to provide a fluid connection between the beverage chamber and the first beverage conduit.

Claims

1. Beverage dispensing assembly comprising: a beverage container with a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, the container body comprising a beverage outlet provided with a beverage container sealing member arranged to enable opening of the beverage outlet; a beverage dispensing line extending between the beverage container and a dispenser for dispensing the beverage at a dispensing outlet of the dispenser; and a coupler device comprising a coupler housing arranged for detachable coupling to the container body and for coupling the beverage dispensing line, the coupler housing defining a piston space in which a piston is movably arranged for causing the beverage container sealing member to open the beverage outlet to provide a fluid connection between the beverage chamber and the beverage dispensing line; wherein the beverage dispensing line comprises a first beverage conduit and a second beverage conduit separate from the first beverage conduit; the first beverage conduit with a first end thereof connected to the beverage container in fluid communication with the beverage outlet and a second end thereof connected to the coupler device to form at least part of a first beverage flow path arranged to guide flow of beverage from the beverage chamber to the coupler device when the beverage outlet is open, the second beverage conduit connected to the coupler device to form a second beverage flow path arranged to guide flow of beverage from the coupler device to the dispenser, and wherein the first beverage conduit at the first end thereof comprises an adapter body through which the first beverage flow path extends, the adapter body being fittingly arranged on the beverage container covering the beverage container sealing member, which adapter body is configured to open the beverage container sea ling member upon movement of the piston of the coupler device acting on the adapter body.

2. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the beverage container sealing member comprises a beverage valve movable arranged in the beverage outlet opening between a closed position in which the beverage chamber is closed off and an open position in which the beverage chamber is open for beverage dispensing.

3. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the adapter body comprises an annular flange sealingly arranged in the beverage outlet of the beverage container, the adapter body comprising a protruding member extending axially from the annular flange and arranged to displace in an axial direction upon movement of the piston of the coupler device acting on the adapter body to engage the sealing member for opening and closing of the beverage chamber.

4. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 3, wherein the adapter body comprises a gas flow channel extending through the annular flange from a gas inlet opening on a first face of the adapter body facing the piston of the coupler device to a gas outlet opening on a second face of the adapter body facing the beverage chamber.

5. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the coupler device comprises a gas flow path from a gas conduit inlet opening arranged to couple a gas conduit to the coupler device to a gas outlet opening in fluid communication with the gas inlet opening of the adapter body for supplying gas to the beverage container wherein the gas flow path extends from the inlet opening through the movable piston to the gas outlet.

6. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupler device comprises inside the coupler housing a cooling body arranged to thermally connect with the first beverage conduit to cool at least part of the first beverage conduit when the first beverage conduit is coupled to the coupler device.

7. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the cooling body comprises a cooling plate with a cooling surface adjacent to the at least part of the first beverage conduit.

8. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 7, wherein the at least part of the first beverage conduit is provided with a conduit spiral section spiraling in a plane adjacent to the cooling plate cooling surface for cooling at least the conduit spiral section.

9. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 6, the assembly further comprising a coolant circuit for circulating a coolant fluid from a coolant fluid source along the cooling body for cooling the cooling body.

10. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 9, wherein the coolant circuit includes a coolant chamber inside the coupler housing adjacent the cooling body, which coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a coolant supply channel of the coolant circuit coupled with one end to the coolant fluid source and with an opposite end coupled to the coupler device for supplying the coolant to the coolant chamber and wherein the coupler device contains a coolant drain channel for draining the coolant from the coolant chamber to a coolant return channel of the of the coolant circuit.

11. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 10, wherein the coolant return channel is coupled with one end to the coupler device and with an opposite end to the coolant fluid source, and wherein at least one of the coolant supply channel and coolant return channel extends at least partly coaxially with the second beverage conduit for cooling a beverage flow through the second beverage conduit.

12. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupler device comprises a securing mechanism for securing a connection between the coupler device and the first end of the first beverage conduit.

13. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the securing mechanism includes a securing state in which the connection between the coupler device and the first end of the first beverage conduit is secured, and an unsecured state in which the connection between the coupler device and the first end of the first beverage conduit is unsecured, wherein the securing mechanism is operatively coupled to the first blocking mechanism in such a way that the first blocking mechanism is brought into the unblocking state upon bringing the securing mechanism in the secured state, and the first blocking mechanism is brought into the blocking state upon bringing the securing mechanism in the unsecured state.

14. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a detector mechanism for detecting the presence of a connection between the coupler device and the first end of the first beverage conduit, wherein the detector mechanism is configured to cooperate with the securing mechanism in such a way that the detector mechanism enables the securing mechanism to be brought in the secured state in case the detector mechanism detects the presence of said connection, and to cooperate with the securing mechanism in such a way that the detector mechanism precludes the securing mechanism to be brought in the secured state in case the detector mechanism detects an absence of said connection.

15. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first end of the first beverage conduit comprises a connecting body arranged to connect the first beverage conduit to the coupler device, the connecting body comprising a detection member arranged to be detected by the detector mechanism when the first end of the first beverage conduit is connected to the coupler device to bring the securing mechanism in the secured state.

16. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a movable securing body coupled to the coupler housing, the movable securing body in a closed state enclosing a space defined between the movable cover body and the coupler housing and in an open state providing access to the space, wherein the first end of the first beverage conduit is arranged to fit in the space when connected to the coupler device.

17. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, the coupler device comprising a broach lever coupled to the movable piston for actuating the movable piston to move in the piston space between an unbroached position in which the piston does not act on the adapter body and a broached position in which the piston acts on the adapter body to open the beverage container sealing member, wherein the coupler device comprises a first blocking mechanism arranged for preventing the broach lever from actuating the piston.

18. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupler device comprises a valve between the first beverage flow path and second beverage flow path, the valve being operable by means of a valve operating device to move the valve between an open position in which the valve opens fluid communication between the first beverage flow path and second beverage flow path, and a closed position in which the valve stops fluid communication between the first beverage flow path and second beverage flow path.

19. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 18, the coupler device comprising a second blocking mechanism for blocking the actuation of the movable piston from the broached position to the unbroached position in case the valve is in the open state.

20. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 19, wherein the second blocking mechanism is movable between a blocking state in which the second blocking mechanism blocks the actuation of the piston and an unblocking state in which the second blocking mechanism unblocks the actuation of the piston to enable movement of the piston from the broached position to the unbroached position through actuation by the broach lever, the second blocking mechanism being movable from the blocking state to the unblocking state by moving the valve from the open position to the closed position, and the second blocking mechanism being movable from the unblocking state to the blocking state by moving the valve from the closed position to the open position.

21. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 19, the coupler device comprising a third blocking mechanism arranged for blocking the operation of the valve from the closed position to the open position, in case the broach piston is in the broached position.

22. Beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 19, wherein the second blocking mechanism comprises a second blocking body arranged for engaging the piston in the blocking state of the second blocking mechanism, to block a movement of the piston from the broached position to the unbroached position, the second blocking body comprising a second shaped through-hole configured to align with a cross sectional shape of part of the movable piston in the unblocking state of the second blocking body to allow said part of the movable piston to extend in the second through-hole and to physically block the movable piston from moving when the second blocking body is in the blocking state.

23. Beverage conduit for use as a first beverage conduit in a beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the beverage conduit defines a first beverage flow path and comprises a first end for coupling to a beverage container and an opposite second end for coupling to a coupler device of the beverage dispensing assembly, wherein the first end comprises an adapter body through which the first beverage flow path extends, the adapter body configured to fit in a beverage outlet of a beverage container of the beverage dispensing assembly to cover a beverage container sealing member, wherein the second end of the beverage conduit comprises a conduit spiral section spiraling in a plane within a conduit connecting body for connecting to the coupler device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other aspects of the present invention are hereinafter further elucidated by the appended drawing and the corresponding embodiment, which form part of the present application. The drawing is not in any way meant to reflect a limitation of the scope of the invention, unless this is clearly and explicitly indicated. In the drawing:

(2) FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 show a cross-sectional view of respective states of a beverage dispensing assembly;

(3) FIG. 3 shows two respective perspective views of a first beverage conduit of the beverage dispensing assembly;

(4) FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 show a detailed perspective view of a part of a coupler device of the beverage dispensing assembly;

(5) FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 show a cross-sectional view of respective states of the coupler device; and

(6) FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the coupler device of the beverage dispensing assembly.

(7) In this application similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs. The description of the embodiment is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and the reference numbers used in the detailed description and the claims are not intended to limit the description of the embodiments, but are included to elucidate the embodiment by referring to the examples shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) The figures show a cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing assembly 1. The assembly 1 comprises a beverage container for containing a beverage, for example a conventional metal keg for containing a beverage such as beer, of which an upper part 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-2. The upper part 100 of the keg comprises a top wall 101 delimiting a beverage chamber of the beverage container at an upper side. The top wall 101 of the keg comprises a neck portion 105 defining a beverage outlet 103 in which a beverage container sealing member 104, here a valve, is provided for opening and closing of the beverage chamber. The valve is spring loaded in a closed position by means of a spring 106. The upper part 100 of the keg further comprises a carrying skirt 107 extending upwards from a periphery of the top wall 101 to allow easy carrying of the keg.

(9) The beverage dispensing assembly 1 further comprises a coupler device 200 with a coupler housing 201 which is releasably coupled to the neck portion 105 of the beverage container. The coupler housing 201 defines a piston space 202 in which a piston 203 is movably arranged. The coupler device 200 may typically be used in a bar or other type of beverage dispensing establishment where beverage dispensing assemblies are used, where the coupler device 200 is used to conveniently and safely connect a beverage container to a faucet or other type of dispenser at the bar. The coupler device 200 can be easily released from the neck portion 105 of the beverage container to allow an exchange of such beverage container with another beverage container, for example to replace an emptied beverage container for a new beverage container carrying a fresh amount of beverage.

(10) The beverage container prior to use is typically sealed by means of the sealing member 104 to conserve the beverage in the beverage chamber. Opening of the beverage container provides a risk of contaminating the beverage contained in the beverage chamber, as microorganisms may enter the beverage chamber through the opened beverage outlet 103. To limit occurrence of contamination of the beverage contained in the beverage container, the beverage dispensing assembly 1 further comprises an adapter body 300 arranged for cooperating with the beverage container sealing member 104. The adapter body 300 is preferably associated with the beverage container 100, i.e. each beverage container 100 is provided with its own adapter body. The adapter body 300 forms one end of a first beverage conduit 401 of a beverage line 400 of the beverage dispensing assembly, which first beverage conduit 401 comprises a flexible tube extending from the beverage chamber 102 to the coupler device 200. The adapter body 300 is configured to fluidly connect the beverage chamber 102 with the flexible tube when the beverage container sealing member 104 is open. The adapter body 300 comprises an annular sealing flange 302 with which the adapter body 300 is sealingly coupled in the beverage outlet 103 of the beverage container. Extending axially with respect to the annular flange 302 is a protruding member 301 of the adaptor body 300 which is arranged to engage the sealing member 104 for opening and closing of the beverage chamber.

(11) Provided in the coupler housing 201 is a piston 203 which is movably arranged in a piston space 203 that is formed by the coupler housing 201. The piston 203 can be actuated by a user, by means of a broach lever 204. The piston 203 of the coupler device 200 is arranged to engage the adapter body 300 to provide the fluid connection between the beverage chamber 102 and the first dispensing line 401. In this example, the piston 203 is vertically movable in the piston space 202 relative to the coupler housing 201, wherein a downward movement of the piston 203 pushes down on the adapter body 300 which in turn pushes with the protruding member on the valve 104 to move the valve 104 from its closed position in the beverage outlet 103 to the open position, compressing the spring 106, thereby providing a passage for the beverage contained by the beverage container 100 to flow out of the outlet 103 and into the first beverage conduit 401.

(12) In the coupler housing 201 a passage for a propellant gas, e.g. carbon dioxide gas, is provided so as to allow the propellant gas from an external gas source to flow into the beverage chamber 102 to pressurize the beverage contained in the beverage container. Hereto, the coupler device 200 comprises a gas flow path from a gas conduit inlet opening 207, for connecting thereto a gas conduit extending from an external gas source, to a gas outlet opening. The gas flow path extends from the inlet opening 207 through the movable piston 203 to the gas outlet opening. The adapter body 300 comprises a gas flow channel extending through the annular sealing flange 302 from a gas inlet opening 310 on a first face of the adapter body facing the gas outlet opening in the piston of the coupler device to a gas outlet opening on a second face of the adapter body facing the beverage chamber.

(13) The coupler device 200, being at one end of the coupler housing 201 coupled to the beverage container, is coupled at another end of the coupler housing 201 to a second beverage conduit 402 of the beverage line 400. The second beverage conduit 402 for example comprises a flexible beverage tube extending between the coupler housing 201 and a faucet for dispensing the beverage into a beverage receptacle.

(14) The coupler device 200 is further arranged to be coupled to a coupling member 403 of the first beverage conduit 401. The coupling member 403 is provided at a second end of the first beverage conduit 401, opposite the one end of the first beverage conduit 401 comprising the adapter body 300.

(15) In this example, the first beverage conduit 401 comprises at or near the second end, a spiraling section 404, where the first beverage conduit 401 defines a spiraling beverage line section. The spiraling section 404 poses a barrier for micro-organisms to migrate from the coupler device 200 into the beverage chamber 102. To obtain a particular compact setup, the first beverage conduit 401 comprises a connecting body 404 in which the first beverage flow path spirals in the spiraling section 404 within a plane around an axis, wherein the first beverage conduit 401 ends with a male coupling organ 403 of the connecting body that extends substantially from the spiral plane along the axis. The male coupling member 403 is configured to snappingly mate with a female coupling organ of the coupler device 200. For accommodating the spiraling section 404 of the first beverage conduit 201, the coupler device 200 comprises a seat complementary to the spiraling section 404. A securing body 205 may be provided for securing the coupling between the first beverage conduit 401 and the coupler device 200. The securing body 205 comprises a cover or door 206 that is hingedly connected to a remainder of the coupler housing 201, and movable between an open state in which the cover 206 uncovers the spiral seat for allowing coupling of the first beverage conduit 401 with the coupler housing 201, and a closed state in which the cover 206 latches to the coupler housing 201 to secure said coupling of the first beverage conduit 401 with the coupler housing 201.

(16) The securing body 205 is part of a securing mechanism that comprises a detector mechanism 406 for detecting the presence of a connection between the coupler device 200 and the first end of the first beverage conduit 401. The detector mechanism 406 is configured to cooperate with the securing mechanism in such a way that the detector mechanism enables the securing mechanism to be brought in the secured state, i.e. closure of the cover 206 against the coupler housing, in case the detector mechanism detects the presence of said connection, and to cooperate with the securing mechanism in such a way that the detector mechanism precludes the securing mechanism to be brought in the secured state in case the detector mechanism detects an absence of said connection. Accordingly, the cover 206 cannot be brought in the closed state, latching to the coupler housing, when there is no first beverage conduit 401 connected to the coupler device 200.

(17) The connecting body of the first beverage conduit 401 further comprises a detection member 405 arranged to be detected by the detector mechanism 406 when the first end of the first beverage conduit is connected to the coupler device to bring the securing mechanism in the secured state. As best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 13 the detection member is formed by a wing-like body 405 extending from a side of the connecting body 404 opposite the male coupling member 403. When the first beverage conduit 401 is connected to the coupler device 200 the wing-like body 405 is positioned such that a spring-biased movable latch 406 of the detector mechanism is moved upon closure of the cover 206. The movable latch 406 to this end has an inclined surface against which the wing-like body 405 acts to move the latch from the unsecured state into the secured state.

(18) A valve, here a ball valve 500, is provided in the coupler device between the first beverage conduit 401 and the second beverage conduit 402, which ball valve 500 is movable between an open position in which the ball valve 500 opens the beverage line 400 to allow a beverage passage, and a closed position in which the ball valve 500 closes the beverage line 400. The ball valve 500 is manually operable by a user by means of a ball valve lever 501, which is pivotally connected to the coupler housing 201. The ball valve 500 includes a ball valve body 502 having a ball valve channel 503 extending therethrough. The ball valve body 502 is rotatable within housing 505, between the open position in which the ball valve channel 503 aligns with the second beverage conduit 402, allowing a passage for the beverage, and the closed position in which the ball valve body 501 is rotated about 90 degrees with respect to the open position, such that the valve body 501 occludes the second beverage conduit 402. It will be appreciated that other type of valves can be used as well.

(19) The coupler device 200 comprises a cooling body, particularly a cooling plate 210. The cooling plate 210 is here substantially annular shaped, wherein a central opening of the cooling plate 210 is configured for receiving the male coupling organ of the first beverage conduit 401 therethrough. The cooling plate 210 contacts the first beverage conduit 401, when the first beverage conduit 401 is coupled to the coupler device 200. More particular, in the coupled state, spiral plane of the spiraling section of the first beverage conduit, extends parallel to a plane in which the cooling plate 210 extends, such that a large contact surface is obtained between the cooling plate and the first beverage conduit 401. Hence, the first beverage conduit 401 is cooled, for cooling the beverage therein. Cooling of the beverage in first beverage conduit's spiraling section 404 poses a barrier for micro-organism to migrate from the coupler device 200, towards the beverage chamber 102, preventing contamination of the beverage. Moreover, for obtaining a refreshing beverage, the cooling plate 210 cools the beverage while the beverage is conducted through the first beverage conduit 401, which obviates the need to cool the entire beverage container.

(20) A coolant conduit circuit is provided for circulating a coolant fluid from a cooled fluid source along the cooling plate 210 for cooling the cooling plate 210. The coolant circuit includes a coolant chamber 510 inside the coupler housing 201 adjacent the cooling plate 210, which coolant chamber 510 is in fluid communication with a coolant inflow channel 511 of the coolant circuit for supplying the coolant to the coolant chamber 510. A coolant drain channel 512 of the coolant circuit is arranged for draining the coolant from the coolant chamber 510. The coolant drain channel 512 is in fluid communication with a coolant return conduit 513 of the coolant circuit that is coupled with one end to the coupler device 200 and with another end to the cooled fluid source. The coolant return conduit 513 at least partly extends coaxially with the second beverage conduit 402 for cooling a beverage flow through the second beverage conduit 402.

(21) To ensure a safe connection of the beverage container 100 with the dispensing line 400, the coupler device 200 is provided with one or more blocking mechanisms. For example, it is preferred to broach the beverage container sealing member 104, only after the first beverage conduit 401 has been connected to the second beverage conduit 402. The one or more blocking mechanisms thus impose a predetermined order of actions to a user prior to fluidly connecting the beverage container 100. In particular, the blocking mechanisms impose the user to: firstly couple the coupling member 403 of the first beverage conduit 401 to the coupler housing 201, secondly broach the sealing member 104 of the beverage container 100 by pushing down on the adapter body 300 with the piston 203, and thirdly open the ball valve 500. Similarly, the one or more blocking mechanisms impose a predetermined order of actions to a user prior to disconnecting the beverage container 100, in opposite order as for connecting the beverage container 100. In particular, the blocking mechanisms impose the user to: firstly close the ball valve 500, secondly move the piston 203 upward with the piston lever 204 to the unbroached position, and thirdly disconnecting the coupling member 403 of the first beverage conduit 401 from the coupler housing 201.

(22) A first blocking mechanism is arranged for blocking the actuation of the piston 203 from an unbroached position to a broached position, in case the coupling member 403 of the first beverage conduit 401 is uncoupled from the coupler device 200. As best seen in FIGS. 4, the piston 203 is in the unbroached position, here in an upward most position relative to the adapter body 300, and the first beverage conduit 401 is disconnected from the coupler device 200. A first key hole plate 601 cooperates with a first shoulder 602 of the piston, thereby blocking an axial motion of the piston 203 in a downward direction towards the adapter body 300. The first key hole plate comprises a plate body with key hole shaped opening therein. Accordingly, the first key hole plate 601 prevents the broaching of the sealing member 104, in case the first beverage conduit 401 is disconnected from the coupler device 200. As best seen in FIG. 5, now the first beverage conduit 401 has been coupled to the coupler device 200. Said coupling affected a translation of the first key hole plate 601 thereby releasing the piston 203, so as to allow for an axial movement of the piston 203 downward towards the adapter body 300. In FIG. 5, the piston 203 is in the broached position, here in an downward most position relative to the adapter body 300. The piston 203 is movable by actuation of the broach lever 204. As best seen in FIGS. 10-12, the broach lever 204 comprises a lever locking mechanism that includes a movable first lever locking member 611 associated with the broach lever 204 and a second lever locking member 612 associated with the coupler housing 201. The broach lever 204 is hingedly connected to the coupler housing 201, and actuates the piston 203 to move between the broached and unbroached positions. The lever 204 can be moved by axially retracting the first lever locking member 611 by means of manually operable broach lever latch 410 to such an extent that the first locking member 611 clears the second locking lever 612. The first locking member 611 can be extended once the piston 203 has reached the broached position, wherein the first locking member 611 and the second locking member 612 interlock to prevent the broach lever 204 and thus the piston 203 to move back to the unbroached position.

(23) A second blocking mechanism is provided for blocking a motion of the movable broach piston from the broached position to the unbroached position. The second blocking mechanism comprises a second key hole plate 603 arranged for cooperating with a second shoulder 604 of the piston 203. The second blocking mechanism is operable by the ball valve lever 501. As best seen in FIGS. 7-9, the ball valve lever 501 is coupled to the second key hole plate 603, by means of a cam 605 that is associated with the ball valve lever 501 and a slot that is associated with the second 603 key hole plate. By turning the ball valve lever 501, the cam 605 engages the slot 606 and translates the second key hole plate 503 in a plane transverse to the axial direction of the piston 203. As best seen in FIG. 9, the second key hole plate 603 cooperates with the second shoulder 604 of the piston 203, such that the piston 203 is locked in the broached position. In the blocking state of the second blocking mechanism, as shown in FIG. 9, the ball valve 500 is in the open state to allow a flow of beverage through the beverage line 400. Accordingly, the piston 203 can only be moved from the broached position to the unbroached position in case the ball valve 500 is brought into the closed position first. Similarly, due to the key hole shaped opening of the second key hole plate 603, the ball valve 501 can only be opened in case the piston 203 is in the broached position.

(24) Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications, variations, alternatives and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged and understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. The specifications, figures and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

(25) In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word comprising does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words a and an shall not be construed as limited to only one, but instead are used to mean at least one, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. 1 Beverage dispensing assembly 100 beverage container 101 container body 102 beverage chamber 103 beverage outlet 104 sealing member 105 neck portion 106 spring 107 container carrying skirt 200 coupler device 201 coupler housing 202 piston space 203 piston 204 broach lever 205 securing body 206 cover 207 gas conduit inlet opening 210 cooling plate 300 adapter body 301 protruding member 302 annular sealing flange 310 gas inlet opening 400 beverage dispensing line 401 first beverage conduit 402 second beverage conduit 403 coupling member 404 spiraling section 405 detection member 406 detection mechanism 410 broach lever latch 500 ball valve 501 ball valve lever 503 ball valve body 504 ball valve channel 510 coolant chamber 511 coolant inflow channel 512 coolant drain channel 513 coolant return conduit 601 first key hole plate 602 first shoulder 603 second key hole plate 604 second shoulder 605 cam 606 slot 611 first lever locking member 612 second lever locking member