A method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage distribution unit

Abstract

 A method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage distribution unit comprises the steps of providing the beverage distribution unit including a receptacle defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and a support surface located above and outside the rim of the receptacle. The collapsible beverage container defines a cylindrical body fitting inside the receptacle, a convex shaped first end and a convex shaped second end. The method further comprises performing the steps of positioning the collapsible beverage container in a sloped first position, pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position in a rotational motion around the support surface to a second position, and sliding the collapsible beverage container on the support surface and on the inner cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to a third position inside the receptacle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ergonomically shaped beverage dispensing unit, a corresponding collapsible beverage container for use with the beverage dispensing unit and a method for ergonomically correct installation of a collapsible beverage container.

[0002] Beverage dispensing units are used in many establishments to provide beverages such as draught beer. Such beverage dispensing units are mostly used in professional establishments such as in bars or restaurants, however, increasingly also for private users such has in private homes. In many beverage dispensing units such as e.g. the Draftmaster^™ produced by the applicant company the beverage is typically provided in a plastic or metallic beverage container or keg. The beverage container is typically positioned upright, i.e. the beverage outlet is facing upwardly, and the beverage is drawn from the beverage container through an ascending pipe. The beverage is usually propelled from the beverage container to a dispensing tap by a pressure fluid, typically compressed air. To avoid direct contact between the pressure fluid and the beverage, a collapsible beverage container may be used. The use of collapsible beverage containers usually including pre-carbonated beverage is well-known in the art of beverage dispensing. When using a collapsible beverage container the pressure fluid acts on the outside of the beverage container, decreases the volume of the beverage container and thereby forces the beverage out of the beverage container. The upright position, in connection with an ascending pipe will not constitute any problem in connection with rigid containers, however, when using collapsible beverage containers there may be a risk that the beverage container may collapse into the ascending pipe during dispensing. If the beverage container collapses into the ascending pipe, the ascending pipe may break or jam during dispensing, and as a result leave residual beverage inside the beverage container. Such residual beverage constitutes a loss, since the beverage container must then be disposed and replaced. Thus, ascending pipes in connection with collapsible beverage containers constitute a problem.

[0003] The problem in connection with ascending pipes may be solved by dispensing the beverage having the beverage container arranged in an upside down position, i.e. having the beverage outlet facing downwards. By positioning the beverage container in an upside down position in the beverage dispensing unit the ascending pipe may be excluded. Thereby the risk of leaving any residual beverage in the beverage container is eliminated since the beverage container may collapse completely without blocking the beverage outlet.

[0004] Irrespective of the orientation of the beverage container, i.e. irrespective of whether the beverage container is used in an upright orientation or in an upside-down orientation, the step of arranging the beverage container in the beverage dispensing unit may require a lot of effort of the operator, since beverage containers used in professional beverage dispensing units are very heavy due to the amount of beverage such as an amount of 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 litres, i.e. 15, 20, 25, 30 or even 40-50 kilos of beverage. Too small beverage containers would be uneconomical and lead to frequent changing of the beverage container, which takes up time for the operator and prevents dispensing over a certain time period. Consequently, there is a need for technologies for ergonomic installing and positioning of beverage containers in the beverage dispensing unit.

[0005] The installation procedure of a new beverage container should preferably be made quick and efficient in order to shorten the time period in between the dispensing operations. Additionally the installation procedure should be easy and simple to avoid any failures during installation. Further, the installation procedure must be safe and healthy for the operator. Dangerous installation procedures may lead to serious accidents including personal injury, which may result from e.g. dropping the beverage container or trying to lift the heavy beverage container in an uncontrolled way. Unhealthy installation procedures also include ergonomically unhealthy installation procedures such as lifting the beverage container in an ergonomically unsafe way. Such ergonomically unsafe installation procedures may cause injuries to the operator such as strain injuries or other painful injuries causing extended recovery periods.

[0006] Collapsible beverage containers used for the beverage dispensing purpose are typically blow moulded in one piece from a pre-form. The shape of the mould largely determines the shape of the beverage container. Typically, the shape of the beverage container is cylindrical and any edges are typically rounded, e.g. to form a substantially circular cross section. The blow moulding technology makes it very difficult to make any changes of the beverage container such as providing handles or the like directly onto the beverage container. Thus, any modifications for improving the ergonomics of the installation procedure must necessarily be made in connection with the beverage dispensing unit.

[0007] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide technologies for installing a beverage container in a beverage dispensing unit in a quick and efficient way and at the same time ergonomically safe for avoiding personal injuries.

[0008] The above need and the above object together with numerous other needs and objects, which will be evident from the below detailed description, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage distribution unit comprising the steps of providing:

the beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle, the support surface defining a curvature which has an opposite orientation relative to the adjacent curvature of the rim , and

the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body fitting inside the receptacle, a convex shaped first end defining a first contact area, and a convex shaped second end defining a second contact area, the second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the support surface,

and performing the steps of:

positioning the collapsible beverage container in a sloped first position such that the first contact area is contacting the horizontal plane and the second contact area is contacting the support surface,

pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position in a rotational motion around the support surface to a second position in which the convex shaped first end is elevated while the second contact area remains contacting the support surface, and

sliding the collapsible beverage container on the support surface and on the inner cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to a third position inside the receptacle, in which the convex shaped second end is positioned juxtaposed the closed downwardly facing end.

[0009] The method according to the first aspect of the present invention may be used in connection with beverage containers positioned upright, or alternatively upside-down as in this context, the terms upright, upside-down, top and bottom, etc. refer to the orientation of the relevant entity such as the beverage container or the receptacle prior to use, i.e. as far as the beverage container is concerned, the orientation while transporting the beverage container to the location for dispensing the beverage from the beverage container by means of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0010] The sloped first position is typically a position in which the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container is deviating up to 45 degrees from the vertical orientation such as typically an angle relative to the vertical orientation of the order of 10-45 degrees such as 10-20, 20-30, 30-45 degrees. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container may coincide with or parallel with the longitudinal axis defined by the receptacle, however, in specific applications, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the beverage container will deviate as much as 15 degrees, 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 degrees from the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. It is a characteristic feature of the present invention that the transition from the sloped first position to the second position is performed while maintaining linear or facial contact between the second contact area and the support surface and optionally providing a mutual shifting of the second contact surface and the support surface.

[0011] The support surface located at a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle may be provided by a component of the receptacle itself such as a handle or a bar connected to the receptacle. Alternatively, the support surface may be provided by a separate component such as an upright post constituting a separate component or alternatively an upright post constituting a component of the beverage distribution unit.

[0012] In the step of sliding the collapsible beverage container on the support surface and on the cylindrical surface of the receptacle from the second position to the third position, it may be relevant to use a mechanical shock absorber such as a foamed material pad or a synthetic or natural rubber pad positioned at the closed downwardly facing end of the receptacle serving to prevent the collapsible beverage container from being mechanically deteriorated as the collapsible beverage container is impacting the closed downwardly facing end when reaching the third position.

[0013] According to a first embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the receptacle having a beverage outlet at the closed downwardly facing end, the convex shaped first end constituting a convex shaped bottom, the convex second end constituting a convex shaped top, and the convex shaped top having an outlet connector centrally fixated thereto adjacent to the second contact area, the outlet connector of the collapsible beverage container facing the rim of the receptacle in the second position and the outlet connector contacting and sealing against the beverage outlet in the third position, consequently, according to this embodiment, the collapsible beverage container is positioned upside down in the third position received within the receptacle.

[0014] According to a second or an alternative embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the convex shaped first end constituting a convex shaped top, the convex shaped second end constituting a bottom, the convex shaped top having an outlet connector centrally fixated thereto, consequently, according to this alternative or second embodiment, the collapsible beverage container is received and positioned upright within the receptacle.

[0015] The beverage distribution unit may in the above context be used in a beverage dispensing system for dispensing beverage. The beverage distribution system may further include a dispensing line for transporting the beverage to a suitable location, and a dispensing tap for a controlled dispensing of the beverage into a glass. The beverage distribution unit may preferably be used as a beverage dispensing module, i.e by connecting the beverage distribution unit to one or more similar beverage distribution units for making up a modular beverage distribution system such as the system described in applicant's European patent application EP 07388059.3. Alternatively, the beverage distribution unit may be used as a single stand-alone unit. Using a plurality of beverage distribution units in a beverage distribution system has the added benefit of redundancy, such that when one beverage distribution unit is being installed or otherwise out of service, the others may still be in service, i.e. able to dispense beverage.

[0016] The beverage distribution unit is preferably positioned on a horizontal and stable plane surface such as on the floor of a restaurant or a bar or an otherwise flat and stable surface. The beverage distribution unit may be placed in direct connection to the beverage tap, or alternatively in another nearby location such as in a basement below the restaurant or the bar.

[0017] The receptacle should be made having a size and shape corresponding to the beverage container. Thus, when the beverage container is installed, the receptacle should encapsulate the beverage container at least partly such that a stable position is achieved. Provided the beverage container is received in an upside down position in the receptacle, the beverage outlet is positioned at the bottom of the receptacle and when the installation is completed the beverage outlet should be in fluid communication with the outlet connector of the beverage container such that beverage may be dispensed through the beverage outlet into a dispensing line or the like mounted to the beverage outlet.

[0018] The support surface is used for achieving a correct positioning of the beverage container and for avoiding any sideward movement from the first position to the second position of the beverage container during installation and especially during elevation. The curvature of the support surface should have an opposite orientation relative to the adjacent rim curvature to be able to hold the beverage container in a stable position. The support surface may thus provide an inwardly shaped concave surface relative to the receptacle. The support surface may e.g. form a semicircle or similar geometric shape for a stable positioning of the beverage container and for a simple positioning of the beverage container. The support surface is preferably fixated to the beverage dispensing unit, however it may also be an accessory provided as a separate part. The support surface may e.g. comprise a plate extending from the receptacle upwards and outwards. The distant end of the plate should then have the curvature as mentioned above. Alternatively and even simpler, the support surface may comprise a wire loosely fixated above and outside the rim for achieving the curvature mentioned above.

[0019] The collapsible beverage container may be provided with a convex shaped bottom to be able to pivot against the support surface, i.e. assume the sloped initial position. The convex shaped top is used to position the beverage container in a correct initial position in relation to the support surface. With convex should be understood to mean a half spherical shape or the like such as a half ellipsoid shape. The beverage container, and especially the convex shaped bottom and top should be made rigid enough to be able to support the weight of the beverage container. By collapsible is meant that the beverage container has a beverage space which may reduce its volume during dispensing such that pressure fluid is not in direct contact with the beverage. The beverage container may preferably be longer than the receptacle, or alternatively equal or shorter than the receptacle.

[0020] The initial position of the beverage container is sloped, i.e. tilted. The horizontal plane, e.g. the ground plane or floor, and the support surface, holds the beverage container. In the initial position, the beverage container thus forms an angle in relation to the vertical plane. The beverage container may be delivered from a storage facility and placed in the initial position by the operator, preferably manually or alternatively by using a crane. The initial position is preferably a stable position, i.e. not requiring any additional support from e.g. the operator. The beverage container may then be left in the initial position unattended until the installation procedure starts. The curvature of the support surface prevents any sideward or downward movement of the beverage container, thus ensuring the stable position.

[0021] Starting the installation procedure, the beverage container is preferably rotated or pivoted by grabbing the convex shaped first end and lifting it to an elevated position. Alternatively, a crane may be used for the lifting. The elevated position corresponds to the second position, i.e. a certain pivoting angle of the beverage container in relation to the horizontal plane. In the second position, most of the weight of the beverage container is supported by the support surface. In the second position the beverage container is assuming a position substantially in registration with the inner surface of the receptacle such that when the beverage container slides towards the rim of the receptacle to the third position within the beverage container. When a proper second position is achieved, the outer surface of the beverage container may slide on the support surface towards the rim of the receptacle such that the collapsible beverage container is received within the rim of the beverage container. When the beverage container enters the receptacle, the beverage container will be further guided by the inner surface of the receptacle to achieve a correct position within the receptacle. A perfect alignment is thus not necessary in the second position. When the beverage container has travelled a certain distance into the receptacle, the inner surface alone guides the beverage container, and the support surface will thus stop contacting the beverage container. The exact travelling path of the beverage container from the second position to the third position depends on the dimensions of the receptacle, the dimensions of the beverage container and the distance between the support surface and the rim.

[0022] The hands of the operator may be kept at the convex shaped first end for allowing a high angular momentum to be applied by the operator. A high angular momentum implies that a smaller lifting force needed as compared to a situation in which the entire collapsible beverage container is lifted without any supplementary support, thus the work of the operator may be considered ergonomic correct. Additionally, the operator never has to support or carry the whole weight of the beverage container since it is being partly supported by the support surface at all time.

[0023] In a further embodiment according to the present invention the receptacle is tiltable from a vertical position to a tilted position where the receptacle assumes an angel between 0 and 60 degrees in relation to the vertical position and preferably and angle between 0 and 45 degrees such as 0-15 degrees, 15-30 degrees and 30-45 degrees. By tilting the receptacle a certain angle towards the beverage container before installation, the required pivoting angle of the beverage container is reduced, i.e. the beverage container must not be elevated to as high elevation as it would if the receptacle would remain in a vertical position.

[0024] Having a vertical receptacle, the beverage container must be elevated to a pivoting angle such as around 70-90 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. By tilting the receptacle to an angle around 30 degrees in relation to the vertical direction, the beverage container must be elevated much less such as e.g. a rotation to around 40-60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane. Extensive tilting angles may not be beneficial since even though the elevation of the beverage container may be reduced, the beverage container and receptacle must be pivoted back to its original vertical position before beverage dispensing is possible. This requires more effort when the receptacle is tilted away from its vertical position.

[0025] In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the support surface comprises a tubular body. Shaping the support surface as a tubular body will form a surface, which may correspond better to the beverage container than a flat surface will do.

[0026] In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the outlet connector comprises an outlet flange for establishing a third contact area for contacting the support surface while pivoting the collapsible beverage container from the first position to the second position. A properly shaped flange may be used in connection with the outlet connector to grasp the support surface at the third contact area which is different from the second contact area. The third contact area will additionally support the beverage container and primarily prevent the beverage container from slipping during positioning and pivoting. The flange may preferably diverge in an outward direction from the surface of the convex shaped top. This will allow the connector to grasp in a higher angel on the support surface. Additionally, the outlet flange may assist in achieving the correct third position and it may help sealing the beverage container to the beverage outlet.

[0027] In a further embodiment according to the present invention, reaching the second position, the sliding of the collapsible beverage container to the third position is generated by the gravitational force acting on the collapsible beverage container. The surface parameters and shapes of the support surface and beverage container may allow the sliding motion to initiate when reaching the second position without any translatory force required by the operator. The operator may thus pivot the beverage container until the sliding motion starts. This will simplify the installation procedure and avoid any mistakes during installation.

[0028] In a further embodiment according to the present invention a pressure chamber is provided by the receptacle cooperating with a pressure lid for sealing against the receptacle at the rim. In this way the pressure fluid may be introduced into the receptacle to collapse the complete beverage container. The pressure lid preferably has a pressure fluid inlet for pressurizing the receptacle. Alternatively, the pressure fluid inlet may be situated elsewhere on the receptacle.

[0029] In a further embodiment according to the present invention, the collapsible beverage container constitutes a multilayer container. A multilayered container typically has a collapsible inner container, such as a bag or the like, holding the beverage. The inner container is encapsulated by a rigid outer container. The pressure fluid is introduced in the space formed between the inner and the outer container. In this way, the beverage container may be made to sustain higher forces from the outside while maintaining the collapsible properties.

[0030] The above need and the above object together with numerous other needs and objects which will be evident from the below detailed description are according to a second aspect of the present invention obtained by a collapsible beverage container included in a package in a beverage distribution unit comprising the steps of providing:

the beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle,

the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body fitting inside the receptacle,

the package defining sets of oppositely positioned rectangular sidewalls and oppositely positioned rectangular top and bottom walls connected to the sidewalls through rectilinear edges, at least the top wall being openable, a first contact area being defined by a bottom edge of the package at one sidewall of the package and a second contact area being defined by the one sidewall adjacent to the openable top wall,

the collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body, a convex shaped first end and a convex shapes second end, the cylindrical body fitting inside the receptacle, the collapsible beverage container fitting inside the package having the cylindrical body supported by the oppositely positioned rectangular sidewalls and having the convex shaped first end supported by the bottom of the package and having the convex shaped second end positioned below the openable top wall and being exposable by the opening of the openable top wall,

and performing the steps of:

opening the openable top wall of the package,

positioning the open package including the beverage container, in a sloped first position such that the first contact area is contacting the horizontal plane and the second contact area is contacting the support surface,

pivoting the package from the first position in a rotational motion around the support surface to a second position in which the bottom of the package is elevated while the second contact area remains contacting the support surface, the openable top wall facing the rim of the receptacle in the second position, and

sliding the collapsible beverage container out from the package to a position inside the receptacle in which the convex shaped second end is positioned juxtaposed the closed downwardly facing end.

[0031] The above considerations in relation to the method according to the first aspect of the present invention also apply to the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0032] The above need and the above object together with numerous other needs and objects which will be evident from the below detailed description are according to a third aspect of the present invention obtained by a beverage distribution unit for use with a beverage container, the beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end having a beverage outlet, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside the rim of the receptacle.

[0033] The above beverage distribution unit is preferably used in connection with the methods described in connection with the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] The above need and the above object together with numerous other needs and objects which will be evident from the below detailed description are according to a fourth aspect of the present invention obtained by a beverage container for use with a beverage distribution unit according to the above third aspect, the beverage container defining a cylindrical body for fitting inside a receptacle of the beverage dispensing unit, the beverage container having a convex shaped bottom defining a first contact area, a convex shaped top defining a second contact area, the second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of a support surface of a beverage distribution unit.

[0035] The above beverage distribution unit is preferably used in connection with the methods described in connection with the first and second aspect of the present invention and/or with the beverage distribution system described in connection with the third aspect of the present invention.

[0036] The present invention will now be further described by reference to the figures, in which:

Figs. 1a-1b show a presently preferred embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit in a side view and a 3D perspective view, respectively,

Figs. 2a-2g show the steps of installing a first embodiment of a beverage container in the beverage dispensing unit,

Figs. 3a-3h show the steps of installing a second embodiment of a beverage container in a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit, and

Figs. 4a-4g show the steps of installing a beverage container included in a package in a modified variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit.

[0037] Figs. 1a and 1b show a beverage dispensing unit 10 for use primarily in a professional beverage dispensing establishment such as a bar or restaurant. The beverage dispensing unit 10 comprises a frame 12 which includes a horizontally oriented base plate 14 and a vertically mounted back plate 16. The base plate 14 has a centrally located fixation plate 20 attached on its upwards facing surface. The plate 20 constitutes the lower part of a hinge 30. The lower surface of the base plate 14 rests on a mounting rack 22 providing a stable position. Alternatively, wheels may be provided for easy transportation of the beverage dispensing unit 10. The back plate 16 is mounted at the edge of the base plate and extending vertically. For added stability of the frame 12 a reinforcement rod 18 is used to connect the distant end of the base plate 14 and the distant end of the back plate 16.

[0038] The frame 12 accommodates a receptacle 26 located in the space defined within the frame 12 and extending upwards from the base plate 14. The lower part of the receptacle 26 is mounted on a support 28, which forms the upper part of the hinge 30. Thus, the receptacle 26 is mounted pivotally in relation to the frame 12, as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows the vertical position of the receptacle 26, in which the receptacle 26 is held in a stable position by a support rod 41. The support rod 41 is fixated to the receptacle 26 and extends downwardly onto the base plate 14. The support rod 41 comprises a pressure inlet 44 and thereby allows dispensing of the beverage by collapsing the beverage container. The pressure inlet 44 is designed to receive a pressure fluid such as compressed air from a compressor. A pressure lid 32 seals the top of the receptacle 26 and defines together with the receptacle 26 a sealed, inner chamber to be pressurized. The pressure lid 32 comprises a pair of grips 34 for removing the pressure lid 32 from the receptacle 26. The back plate 16 has a joint 24 providing a secure positioning of the receptacle 26 in the frame 12. The pressure lid 32 is sealed onto the rim 27 of the receptacle 26 by a seal, e.g. a rubber seal or the like, and fixated onto the rim 27 of the receptacle 26 by means of a locking mechanism, both not shown in the figure but well known in the art per se. The pressure lid 32 may further comprise a safety valve 36. The safety valve 36 may be used to limit the pressure in the receptacle.

[0039] The receptacle is designed to accommodate a beverage container in an inverse orientation. The beverage container is shown in Fig. 2.

[0040] The lower part of the receptacle 26 further comprises a beverage outlet 40. The beverage outlet 40 is used for providing fluid communication between the beverage container located inside the receptacle 26 and a beverage dispensing line used for transporting beverage from the beverage dispensing unit to a dispensing unit such as a dispensing tap of a bar or the like. The dispensing line and the dispensing tap not shown in the drawings, however, well known per se, may be permanently installed within the establishment or alternatively provided as an accessory of the beverage dispensing unit 10.

[0041] A plurality of beverage dispensing units 10 may be used together as a beverage dispensing system. Such beverage dispensing systems may be configured for different purposes, e.g. for sharing a common compressor, dispensing line or dispensing tap.

[0042] The receptacle 26 further comprises a handle 38 having a rounded support surface 39. The handle 38 is primarily used for installing the beverage container using the support surface 39 as will be shown in connection with Fig. 2, and secondarily used for pivoting the receptacle 26 and for transporting the beverage dispensing unit 10. The support surface has a rounded concave shape to prevent a sideward movement of the beverage container.

[0043] The beverage dispensing unit 10 is preferably placed on a substantially flat and rigid ground surface such as a concrete floor or the like. The beverage dispensing unit 10 is further preferably placed indoors and in close connection to the dispensing unit. Occasionally, the beverage dispensing unit 10 may be used outdoors as well, preferably in close connection to an outdoor bar.

[0044] The beverage dispensing unit 10 is preferably made of solid materials such as metal or plastic. Most preferably light and durable materials such as aluminium and/or PVC may be used. For chilled beverages, such as draught beer, either the receptacle itself may be cooled or alternatively the beverage may be cooled to an appropriate temperature in the dispensing line during dispensing, both principles which as well known in the art per se.

[0045] When installing a new beverage container the beverage container 10 may be pivoted around the hinge 30 and the pressure lid 32 may be removed.

[0046] Fig. 2a shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 including a receptacle 26 without the pressure lid 32. The receptacle 26 is tilted from its original vertical position into a tilted position of about 30 degrees relative to the vertical direction. In its tilted position the receptacle 26 is not supported by the back plate 16 or the support rod 41, instead it is supported by a support piece 42 constituting a protrusion of the support 28. When the receptacle 26 is tilted, the support piece 42 limits the pivoting angle of the receptacle 26 by contacting against the base plate 14 in the pivoted position. The mounting rack 22 preferably has an elongation in the tilting direction of the receptacle 26 for avoiding overturning the frame 12 and the mounting rack 22 when shifting the centre of gravity when the receptacle 26 is tilted.

[0047] The beverage dispensing unit 10 has the beverage container 50 positioned tilted about 30 degrees in relation to the vertical direction in a in a stable first installation position. The beverage container 50 comprises a rounded bottom part 52 such that the beverage container 50 may be easily pivoted into the first installation position. The beverage container 50 further comprises a rounded top part 56 having a centrally located outlet flange 54. The outlet flange 54 provides an outlet for the beverage in the beverage container 50. The top part 56 and the outlet flange 54 is designed to rest against the rounded support surface 39 of the handle 38. The rounded support surface 39 is shaped having a curvature to provide a stable positioning of the beverage container 50 and prevent movement of the beverage container 50 both in the direction towards the receptacle 26 and in the sideward directions.

[0048] The beverage container 50 is of the collapsible type and may have a volume of typically around 25-50 litres for allowing about 100 servings of the beverage before needing to install a new beverage container 50. Typical height of the beverage container for professional beverage dispensing units is between 0.5m and 1 m, preferably 0.7m.

[0049] Fig. 2b shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a tilted receptacle 26. By lifting the bottom part 52 of the beverage container 50, the beverage container 50 may be pivoted in a rotational motion around the handle 38 to an elevated position. Preferably, an operator such as a bartender or barmaid performs the lifting. Alternatively, when using large and heavy beverage containers, a lifting device such as a crane may be used to lift the bottom part 52 of the beverage container 50 in order to avoid personal injuries. During the pivoting operation, the support surface 39 of the handle 38 remains in contact with the top part of the beverage container 50. The rounded support surface 39 of the handle 38 simplifies the rotational movement of the beverage container 50. The curvature of the support surface 39 of the handle 38 and the corresponding curvature of the top part 56 and the outlet flange 54 of the beverage container avoids any sideward movement of the beverage container 50. The outlet flange 54 is used to grasp the support surface 39 of the handle 38 at a higher angle along the support surface 39 to avoid slipping of the beverage container 50.

[0050] Fig. 2c shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a tilted receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 has been further elevated to an intermediate position. The support surface 39 of the handle 38 now supports most of the weight of the beverage container 50. The beverage container 50 primarily rests on the top part 56 of the beverage container 50 and occasionally against the outlet flange 54 if needed for the pivoting stability. Accordingly the top part 56 of the beverage container 54 and the outlet flange 54 must be made rigid enough to support the weight applied. Preferably, the above mentioned parts may be reinforced to avoid any risk of breakage, such as by using a double or dual layered keg. A double layered keg has an inner collapsible beverage container which is protected by an outer rigid container. Having such a double layered beverage container will in some embodiments make the pressure lid 32 unnecessary, since the pressurized fluid is then kept in the space between the outer container and the beverage bag.

[0051] A breakage of any of the handle 38, the outlet flange 54 or the top part of the beverage container 50 at the intermediate position shown in Fig. 2c may lead to an uncontrolled drop of the beverage container 50 towards the ground with a possible damage or equipment or personal injury of the operator.

[0052] Fig. 2d shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a tilted receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 has been further elevated to a high elevated position. The weight of the beverage container 50 now mainly rests on the top surface of the beverage container 50, and the outlet flange 54 of the beverage container 50 is now facing against the rim of the receptacle 26 towards the bottom part of the receptacle.

[0053] Fig. 2e shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a pivoted receptacle 26. By continuing the rotational movement of the beverage container 50 and if required providing a horizontal translatory force onto the beverage container 50 in a direction towards the receptacle 26, the rounded top part 56 will commence a sliding motion on the support surface 39 of the handle 30 towards the receptacle 26. The operator should for safety reasons avoid any contact with the rim 27 of the receptacle 26, the top part 56 of the beverage container 50 and the outlet flange 54, since the beverage container 50 is about to slide in direction towards the rim 27. Any interference by the operator during the sliding motion onto the above mentioned parts should be avoided since it may result in possible injuries to the operator.

[0054] It should be further noted that the beverage container 50 must not be in perfect registration with the rim 27 of the receptacle 26. It is sufficient if the outlet flange 54 is in registration with the rim 27, since the positioning of the beverage container 50 will be corrected as described further below.

[0055] Fig. 2f shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a tilted receptacle 26. After the sliding motion has started the beverage container 50 will continue by its own motion into the receptacle 26. The receptacle is directed by the curvature of the handle 30 and as the beverage container enters the receptacle it is guided by the inner walls of the receptacle 26 and the top part 56 of the beverage container 50 for a correct positioning. Thus, the beverage container 50 may enter the receptacle being slightly out of registration. The inner walls of the receptacle 26 will orient the beverage container 50 such that the outlet flange 54 is positioned juxtaposed of the beverage outlet 40.

[0056] Fig. 2g shows the beverage dispensing unit 10 having a tilted receptacle 26. Before the beverage container 50 has come to a resting position at the bottom of the receptacle 26, the beverage container 50 is separated from the handle 38 and completely supported by the inner walls of the receptacle 26. Upon reaching the resting position at the bottom of the receptacle 26, the outlet flange 54 of the beverage container 50 is connected fluid tight to the beverage outlet 40 inside the receptacle 26. The beverage container 50 will protrude slightly outside the receptacle. After the beverage container 50 has reached its resting position, the pressure lid 32 may be replaced and locked onto the rim 27 of the receptacle 26, and the assembly of the receptacle 26 and the pressure lid 32 may be pivoted back to its vertical orientation. Thereby the installation procedure is concluded, and after the inner chamber defined within the assembly of the receptacle 26 and the pressure lid 32 has been pressurized, the beverage may be dispensed from the beverage dispensing unit.

[0057] In order to prevent that the beverage container is deteriorated at the time the beverage container reaches its resting position at the bottom of the receptacle 26 which may cause impact to the beverage container, a shock absorber may be provided inside the receptacle such as a foamed plastic pad or a natural or synthetic rubber pad serving to prevent the beverage container from being deteriorated or even broken or smashed.

[0058] When the beverage container 50 is emptied, the receptacle 26 is depressurized, the receptacle 26 may is pivoted, and the pressure lid is removed. This allows the beverage container 50 to be removed and replaced. The beverage container 50 will typically be completely collapsed and will therefore be easy to remove and dispose.

[0059] In Figs. 3a-3g views similar to the views of Figs. 2a-2g illustrate a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit and the beverage container. In Figs. 3a-3g, components and elements identical to components and elements, respectively, described above with reference to Figs. 1a, 1b and 2a-2g are designated the same reference numerals as used above, whereas components or elements serving the same purpose as components and elements, respectively, described above, however differing from the previously described components and elements, respectively, in the geometrical shape are designated the same integer, however, added a marking for identifying the geometrical difference or difference in shape.

[0060] The beverage dispensing unit 10' shown in Figs. 3a-3h serve to receive the beverage container 10' which is positioned upright, and consequently, the pressure lid 32' of the pressure dispensing unit 10' as shown in Fig. 3h includes a pressure inlet and a beverage outlet, together designated the reference numeral 58.

[0061] Since the beverage container 50' is positioned in an upright position in the beverage dispensing unit 10', the bottom part of the beverage container 50' is designated the reference numeral 56' whereas the top part of the beverage container 50' is designated the reference numeral 52'. In addition, the beverage container 50' shown in Figs. 3a-3g is provided with a top outlet flange 54'.

[0062] In Figs. 4a-4d, an alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10" shown in Figs. 1a, 1b and 2a-2g is shown together with the beverage container 50, however included in a package 60. The package has a bottom edge 62 defined by a sidewall 64 of the package and further a top part 66 positioned below a top flap 68 which together with a further top flap 70 serve to seal and close off the package 60 during storage and transportation.

[0063] The beverage dispensing unit shown in Figs. 4a-4d is designated the reference numeral 10" and comprises a handle 38' differing from the above described handle in that the support surface 39' of the handle 38' is defining a plane outer support surface as distinct from the rounded support surface of the first and second embodiment 10 and 10' of the dispensing unit shown in Figs. 1a, 1b, 2a-2g and Figs. 3a-3g, respectively. The support surface 39' corresponds to the top part 66 of the package 60. When the package 60 including the beverage container 50 has been elevated, the beverage container 50 may slide from inside the package 60 into the receptacle 26 while the package 60 remains in its elevated position as shown in Fig. 4c. After the beverage container 50 has reached its final position, the package 60 may be disposed and the pressure lid 32 may be replaced as shown in Fig. 4d.

[0064] In the second embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit and the above described alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10", the ergonomic lifting technique described in greater details above with reference to Figs. 2a-2g is employed as is readily perceivable from the drawings figures.

[0065] In the above alternative variant of the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10", the beverage container 50 is positioned in an upside-down position similar to the position of the beverage container 10 in the first embodiment of the beverage dispensing unit 10 described above with reference to Figs. 1a, 1b and to Figs. 2a-2g. It is, however, contemplated that the technique of sliding the beverage container 50 out from the package 60 into the beverage dispensing unit 10" may also be used for dispensing the beverage container in an upright position such as described above with reference to Figs. 3a-3g. As will be readily understood, this further alternative embodiment is simply established by combining the above described alternative components and elements of the beverage dispensing unit 10' described above with reference to Figs. 3a-3g in combination with the modified handle 38' of the alternative variant of the first embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 4a-4g and the package 60 described above, however, including the beverage container 50' so as to slide out the beverage container 50' from the package from a bottom opening rather than from a top opening as described above with reference to Figs. 4a-4g.

[0066] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that numerous alternative embodiments according to the present invention exist.

[0067] Below is a list of parts with reference to the figures:

10, 10', 10". Beverage dispensing unit

12. Frame

14. Base plate

16. Back plate

18. Reinforcement rod

20. Plate

22. Mounting rack

24. Joint

26. Receptacle

27. Rim

28. Support

30. Hinge

32, 32', 32". Pressure lid

34. Grip

36. Safety valve

38, 38'. Handle

39, 39'. Support surface

40. Beverage outlet

41. Support rod

42. Support piece

44. Pressure inlet

50, 50'. Beverage container

52, 56'. Bottom part (of the beverage container)

54, 54'. Outlet flange

56, 52'. Top part (of the beverage container)

58. Pressure inlet and beverage outlet assembly

60. Package

62. Bottom edge

64. Sidewall of package

66. Top part

68, 70. Flap

Claims

1. A method for installing a collapsible beverage container in a beverage distribution unit comprising the steps of providing:

said beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside said rim of said receptacle, said support surface defining a curvature which has an opposite orientation relative to the adjacent curvature of said rim , and

said collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body fitting inside said receptacle, a convex shaped first end defining a first contact area, and a convex shaped second end, said convex shaped second end defining a second contact area, said second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of said support surface,

and performing the steps of:

positioning said collapsible beverage container in a sloped first position such that said first contact area is contacting said horizontal plane and said second contact area is contacting said support surface,

pivoting said collapsible beverage container from said first position in a rotational motion around said support surface to a second position in which said convex shaped first end is elevated while said second contact area remains contacting said support surface, and

sliding said collapsible beverage container on said support surface and on said inner cylindrical surface of said receptacle from said second position to a third position inside said receptacle, in which said convex shaped second end is positioned juxtaposed said closed downwardly facing end.

2. The method according to claim 1, said receptacle having a beverage outlet at said closed downwardly facing end, said convex shaped first end constituting a convex shaped bottom, said convex second end constituting a convex shaped top, and said convex shaped top having an outlet connector centrally fixated thereto adjacent to said second contact area, said outlet connector of said collapsible beverage container facing said rim of said receptacle in said second position and said outlet connector contacting and sealing against said beverage outlet in said third position.

3. The method according to claim 1, said convex shaped first end constituting a convex shaped top, said convex shaped second end constituting a convex shaped bottom, said convex shaped top having an outlet connector centrally fixated thereto.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said receptacle is tiltable from a vertical position to a tilted position where said receptacle assumes an angel between 0 and 60 degrees in relation to said vertical position and preferably and angle between 0 and 45 degrees such as 0-15 degrees, 15-30 degrees and 30-45 degrees.

5. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein said support surface comprises a tubular body.

6. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sliding of the collapsible beverage container to said third position is generated by the gravitational force acting on said collapsible beverage container.

7. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a pressure chamber is provided by said receptacle cooperating with a pressure lid for sealing against said receptacle at said rim.

8. The method according to any of the previous claims, wherein said collapsible beverage container constitutes a multilayer container.

9. The method according to claim 2 and any of the claims 4-8 referring to claim 2, wherein said outlet connector comprises an outlet flange for establishing a third contact area for contacting said support surface while rotating said collapsible beverage container from said first position to said second position.

10. A method for installing a collapsible beverage container included in a package in a beverage distribution unit comprising the steps of providing:

said beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside said rim of said receptacle,

said collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body fitting inside said receptacle,

said package defining sets of oppositely positioned rectangular sidewalls and oppositely positioned rectangular top and bottom walls connected to said sidewalls through rectilinear edges, at least said top wall being openable, a first contact area being defined by a bottom edge of said package at one sidewall of said package and a second contact area being defined by said one sidewall adjacent to said openable top wall,

said collapsible beverage container defining a cylindrical body, a convex shaped first end and a convex shapes second end, said cylindrical body fitting inside said receptacle, said collapsible beverage container fitting inside said package having said cylindrical body supported by said oppositely positioned rectangular sidewalls and having said convex shaped first end supported by the bottom of said package and having said convex shaped second end positioned below said openable top wall and being exposable by the opening of said openable top wall,

and performing the steps of:

opening said openable top wall of said package,

positioning said open package including said beverage container, in a sloped first position such that said first contact area is contacting said horizontal plane and said second contact area is contacting said support surface,

pivoting said package from said first position in a rotational motion around said support surface to a second position in which the bottom of said package is elevated while said second contact area remains contacting said support surface, said openable top wall facing said rim of said receptacle in said second position, and

sliding said collapsible beverage container out from said package to a position inside said receptacle in which said convex shaped second end is positioned juxtaposed said closed downwardly facing end.

11. The method according to claim 10 further having any of the features of the method according to claims 2-8.

12. A beverage distribution unit for use in carrying out the methods according to any of the claims 1-11 with a beverage container, said beverage distribution unit including:

a receptacle positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and defining an inner surface, an open upwardly facing curved rim and a closed downwardly facing end having a beverage outlet, and

a support surface located a specific distance above and outside said rim of said receptacle.

13. A collapsible beverage container for use, with a beverage distribution unit according to claim 12, said beverage container defining a cylindrical body for fitting inside a receptacle of said beverage dispensing unit, said beverage container having a convex shaped bottom defining a first contact area, a convex shaped top and an outlet connector centrally fixated to said convex shaped top, said convex shaped top defining a second contact area adjacent said outlet connector, said second contact area having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of a support surface of a beverage distribution unit.

14. A collapsible beverage container according to claim 13 further comprising any of the features of claims 8 or 9.

Drawing