A device for dispensing a beverage and enveloped portions of a beverage

Abstract

 A device for dispensing a beverage comprises a tap (14) for dispensing the beverage and a storage compartment (1) for storing the beverage to be dispensed. Transporting means are present for transporting individually enveloped portions (3) of the beverage from the storage compartment (1) to opening means (46, 47) for opening each envelope (3) of a portion of the beverage. Guiding means are present for guiding the beverage from said opening means (45, 46) to said tap (14) for dispensing the beverage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is related to a device for dispensing a beverage, comprising a tap for dispensing the beverage and a storage compartment for storing the beverage to be dispensed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Publication WO-A-2004/051163 describes such device, which device is a domestic beer dispensing apparatus, whereby a metal keg containing the beer can be placed in the storage compartment of the device. Before the beer is dispensed, the keg containing the beer is cooled down by means of a cooling system in the storage compartment. Inside the keg, the beer is enveloped in a plastic bag and during the tapping operation, the beer is pressed out of the keg by pumping air into the space around the plastic bag inside the keg.

[0003] The content of a keg for holding the beverage to be dispensed by means of such dispensing device is usually 4 to 6 liters or more. Therefore, it takes a relative long period of time to cool down the keg and the beverage from environmental temperature to the desired drinking temperature, being for example 3°C. Furthermore, the cooling operation takes a lot of energy and the same applies for keeping the keg at the desired drinking temperature. However, in particular when the device is a domestic beverage dispenser, the electric current being supplied to such device has to be limited. Furthermore, the keg has to be strong and therefore relative heavy in order to withstand the pressure of the carbonated beverage, and therefore the keg is usually relative expensive and not a disposable container. Hence, a system for collecting the used kegs has to be organized and preparations on the keg are required to refill the keg.

[0004] In order to keep the beverage fresh, contact between the beverage and the environmental air has to be avoided or limited. After a keg containing the beverage is opened, air is pumped into the keg around the bag containing the beverage, in order to drive the beverage out of the keg. Unless special and relative expensive material is used as material of the bag inside the keg, the compressed air will diffuse through the material of the bag, whereby the life time of the beverage is reduced. Furthermore, air may contact the beverage through the seals of the outflow opening of the bag.

[0005] A further disadvantage of the known beverage dispensing device is the noise produced by the means for pumping air, or an other gas, into the keg in order to drive the beverage out of the keg.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the invention is a device for dispensing a beverage, comprising a tap for dispensing the beverage and a storage compartment for storing the beverage, whereby one or more of the above disadvantages are avoided.

[0007] Another object of the invention is a relative inexpensive and efficient system for storing a beverage, whereby the packing material can be disposable.

[0008] In order to accomplish with one or both these objects, transporting means are present for transporting individually enveloped portions of the beverage from the storage compartment of the dispensing device to opening means for opening each envelope of a portion of the beverage, whereby guiding means are present for guiding the beverage from said opening means to said tap for dispensing the beverage. Preferably, an enveloped portion of the beverage is equal to a drinking portion to be tapped into a glass or cup or the like, but a drinking portion may also be equal to more enveloped portions of the beverage, or equal to less then an enveloped portion.

[0009] By making use of separate enveloped portions of the beverage, each portion can be cooled in a relative short period of time before it is dispensed, whereby the cooling means may have a relative small capacity. Furthermore, the portions of the beverage can be airtight packed up to the moment of dispensing. The device is preferably a domestic beer dispensing apparatus, wherein one or more enveloped portions of the beer can be cooled down, just before it is dispensed.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the opening means comprise a tube-like member for punching through the wall of the envelope and for guiding the beverage out of the envelope. Therefore, the tube-like member may have a sharp edge and/or a sharp tip, and sealing means in order to avoid leakage of the beverage, so that the beverage can be correctly guided out of the envelope towards the tap of the dispensing device.

[0011] Preferably, squeezing means are present for squeezing the envelope in order to press the beverage out of the envelope. Such squeezing means preferably comprise two contacting surfaces that can move towards each other at two sides of the envelope.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, cooling means are present for contacting the envelope of the portion of the beverage before it is opened. Thereby, one or more envelopes may be contacted by the cooling means at the same time. Preferably, the squeezing means comprise a cooling member having a surface for contacting the outer surface of the envelope, whereby the squeezing means are incorporated in the cooling means resulting in a compact structure for cooling and squeezing the enveloped beverage. The squeezing means and/or the cooling means can be cooled down before contacting the envelope, whereby a fast transfer of heat from the beverage to the cooling/squeezing means is ensured.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling member comprises a Peltier cooling element. Advantages of the Peltier cooling element are the limited dimension of it and the fact that it can operate anywhere where electric power is available, without making any noise. Because only a relative small quantity of beverage has to be cooled at the time, the relative low cooling capacity of the Peltier element is not a problem, in particular if the cooling member has a temperature storing capacity, so that it can continuously be cooled, also during the time that it does not contact the enveloped portion of the beverage.

[0014] The material of the envelopes of the portions of beverage is preferably flexible, such as flexible plastic, so that the wall of the envelope will make good contact with the cooling member, and whereby the beverage can easily be driven out of the envelope. The enveloped portions of the beverage may be stored separate from each other in the storage compartment of the beverage dispensing device, but in a preferred embodiment, the enveloped portions are mutually connected to each other. Thereby, the handling of the enveloped portions is facilitated, whereby a train of interconnected envelopes can be moved from the storage compartment of the beverage dispensing device to the opening means for opening the envelopes.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the portions of beverage are enveloped in a tube-like holder, which holder is sealed between the portions so that in the holder interlinked compartments (envelopes) having equal contents are formed. Preferably, between each two neighboring envelopes there is a flat part of the tube-like holder, which flat part is preferably provided with one or more holes in order to facilitate the engagement of the train of envelopes and the positioning of the envelopes relative to the opening means. Such flat parts also enables the zigzag position of the envelopes in a storage container, for example in a cardboard box, which box can be placed in the storage compartment of the beverage dispensing device.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the individual envelopes containing the beverage are placed in a holder element, so that the envelopes are mutually interconnected by the holder element, like cartridges in a feed-strip for a machine-gun. Before the opening operation of a envelope, it can be removed from the holder element, or the envelope can stay in it during the opening operation of the envelope.

[0017] The invention is also related to a method of dispensing a beverage, whereby the beverage is guided from a storage compartment to a tap for dispensing the beverage, whereby individually enveloped portions of the beverage are transported from said storage compartment to opening means where each envelope of a portion of the beverage is opened, and whereby the beverage is guided from said opening means to said tap for dispensing the beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will now be further elucidated by means of a description of an embodiment of a domestic beer dispensing device, whereby reference is made to the drawing comprising diagrammatical figures, whereby:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a beer dispensing device;

Fig. 2 and 3 show the enveloping of the beer;

Fig. 4 shows the packing of the enveloped portions of beer;

Fig. 5 and 6 show the means for cooling the beer;

Fig. 7, 8 and 9 show the opening operation of the enveloped portion of beer;

Fig. 10 shows the squeezing operation for pressing the beer out of the envelope, and

Fig. 11, 12 and 13 show different ways of interlinking the enveloped portions of beer.

[0019] The figures are very schematic representations, only showing parts that contribute to the elucidation of the described embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The domestic beer dispensing device shown in figure 1 is provided with a storage compartment 1 for storing a cardboard box 2 containing enveloped portions of beer 3. After the box 2 is empty, it can be removed out of the compartment 1 as is shown with arrow 4 in order to replace it by a new box 2 with enveloped portions of beer.

[0021] The enveloped portions of beer 3 are interlinked, as will be elucidated hereinafter, so that a train of envelopes 3 can be pulled out of the cardboard box 2, as is indicated with arrow 5. The train of enveloped portions of beer 3 is pulled along guiding members 6,7 through a cooling member 8, as is indicated with arrow 9. The last part of the cooling member 8 is provided with a squeezing member 10, which squeezing member 10 can move as is indicated with arrow 11. The squeezing member 10 comprises a tube-like punching member 12 for making an opening in the envelope 3 before the portion of beer is squeezed out of its envelope. A flexible tube 13 guides the beer from the squeezing member 10 to the tap 14, as is indicated with arrow 15. The tap 14 has a handle 16 to open and close the tap 14, so that drinking portions of beer flow out of the tap 14, as is indicated with arrow 17.

[0022] The train of emptied envelopes leaves the cooling member 8 and is coiled up around a driven shaft 18, whereby the rotation of the shaft 18 pulls the train of envelopes 3 through the cooling member 8, as is indicated with arrows 9, 19 and 20.

[0023] The device further includes a unit 21 comprising control means for controlling the operation of the dispensing device. Furthermore, the unit 21 may comprise means for cooling, for example a compression cooling device or a Peltier cooling element, whereby a cooling medium flows to and from the cooling member 8 through pipes (arrows 24 and 25 respectively). In another embodiment, the cooling member 8 is provided with a Peltier cooling element for cooling down the cooling member 8. In order to supply electric current to the dispensing device, the device comprises an electric contact plug 26.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 show the manufacturing of the train of enveloped portions of beer 3. Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a flexible plastic tube 30 having a circular cross section, filled with beer 31. At spaced apart locations, the tube 30 is sealed, so that flat parts 32 are created, which flat parts 32 connect the envelopes 3 containing a portion of beer, as is shown in the longitudinal sectional view of figure 3. Thereby, each flat part 32 is provided with a hole 33, so that the train of envelopes 3 can be engaged by handling means for moving the envelopes 3.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a cardboard box 35 containing a number of interlinked envelopes 3, each filled with a portion of beer. The train of interlinked envelopes 3 is stored in the box 35 in a zigzag configuration, which configuration is possible because the presence of the flat parts 32 between the envelopes 3. In the embodiment of figure 4, the envelopes 3 are produced separately, and each sealed end of the envelope 3 is engaged by a connection member 36 in order to create the train of envelopes 3. Thereby, each two neighboring envelopes 3 are interlinked by a connection member 36. The train of interconnected envelopes 3 can be pulled out of the box 35 as is indicated with arrow 37.

[0026] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic sectional views of the cooling member 8. The longitudinal sectional view of figure 5 shows two envelopes 3 filled with beer which are pulled through the longitudinal opening 38 in the cooling member 8. The transverse sectional view of figure 6 shows the lower part 39 of the cooling member 8, which lower part 39 has a relative large surface 40 contacting the envelope 3 in order to facilitate the heat flow from the envelope 3 to the cooling member 8. The upper part 41 of the cooling member 8 borders the opening 38 at the upper side.

[0027] Figures 7, 8 and 9 show schematically the operation of opening the envelope 3 in order to create a beer flow out of the envelope 3. After the envelope 3 containing the beer is arrived at the location where it has to be opened (see figure 7), a sealing ring 43 is moved (arrow 44) against the outer surface of the envelope 3 by means of a spring 45 (see figure 8). Inside the sealing ring 43 is a tube-like punching member 46 having a sharp edge 47, which punching member 46 pierces the wall of the envelope 3 (arrow 48). After the piercing operation has taken place (see figure 9), the beer can flow out of the envelope (arrow 49).

[0028] Figure 10 shows the squeezing operation, whereby the beer is pressed out of its envelope 3. A squeezing member 50 moves downwards (indicated with arrows 51), towards a support member 52, which support member 52 is part of the cooling member 8 (see figure 1). The opening means (sealing ring 43 and punching member 46) are located in the squeezing member 50 and move downwards with the squeezing member 50, so that the beer can flow out of its envelope (arrow 49). Arrows 53 indicate the pressure of the beer opposing the downward movement of the squeezing member 50.

[0029] Figures 11, 12 and 13 show different ways of interlinking the envelopes 3 containing the portions of beer. Figure 11 represent a train of envelopes 3, whereby the envelopes 3 are interconnected at their longitudinal ends by flat sealed parts 32, as is also shown in figure 3. Figure 12 shows an alternative train of envelopes 3, whereby the envelopes 3 are interconnected at their longitudinal sides by flat sealed parts 56, so that a shorter train comprises more envelopes 3. Figure 13 shows an embodiment, whereby the individual envelopes 3 containing the beer are placed in a holder element 55, so that the envelopes 3 are mutually interconnected by the holder element 55, like cartridges in a feed-strip for a machine-gun, whereby the envelopes 3 are fixed by strips 58. Holes 57 in the holder 55 facilitates the handling of the train of envelopes 3. Before the opening operation of the envelopes 3, they can be removed from the holder element 55, or they can stay in it.

[0030] The shown embodiments of the inventions are only examples, many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0031] It is noted that other types of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages may be dispensed with the device according to the invention, and may be comprised in the enveloped portions according to the invention.

[0032] Such beverages may comprise for example fizzy softdrinks or fruit juice.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a beverage, comprising a tap (14) for dispensing the beverage and a storage compartment (1) for storing the beverage to be dispensed, characterized in that transporting means are present for transporting individually enveloped portions (3) of the beverage from said storage compartment (1) to opening means (46, 47) for opening each envelope (3) of a portion of the beverage, whereby guiding means are present for guiding the beverage from said opening means (45, 46) to said tap (14) for dispensing the beverage.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the opening means comprise a tube-like member (46) for punching through the wall of the envelope (3) and for guiding the beverage out of the envelope (3).

3. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by squeezing means (10) for squeezing the envelope (3) in order to press the beverage out of the envelope (3).

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by cooling means (8) for contacting the envelope (3) of the portion of the beverage before it is opened.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 and 5, characterized in the squeezing means (10) comprise a cooling member having a surface for contacting the outer surface of the envelope (3).

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the cooling member (8) comprises a Peltier element.

7. Enveloped portions of a beverage to be dispensed by means of the device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enveloped portions (3) are mutually connected to each other.

8. Enveloped portions of a beverage as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the portions are enveloped in a tube-like holder (30), which holder (30) is sealed between the portions so that interlinked compartments (3) having equal contents are formed.

9. Enveloped portions of a beverage as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that individual envelopes (3) containing the beverage are placed in a holder element (55), so that the envelopes (3) are mutually interconnected by the holder element (55).

10. A method of dispensing a beverage, whereby the beverage is guided from a storage compartment (1) to a tap (14) for dispensing the beverage, characterized in that individually enveloped portions (3) of the beverage are transported from said storage compartment (1) to opening means (46, 47) where each envelope (3) of a portion of the beverage is opened, and whereby the beverage is guided from said opening means (46, 47) to said tap (14) for dispensing the beverage.

Drawing