INTERACTIVE DEVICE FOR DISPENSING BEER

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an interactive beer dispensing device (1), comprising a column (8) which is equipped with beer dispensing means (4, 5) and suitable for connection, through the lower part thereof, to a source for the storage of beer, comprising a safety casing (2) equipped with one or more housings (3') provided with means for insulation with respect to the dispensing column (8). Likewise, the device (1) comprises one or more touch screens (3) which are integrated in the housings (3') of the dispensing column (8) and connected to processing means suitable for reproducing multimedia content. The invention therefore provides interactive functionalities as a result of the integration of the touch screens (3), with a high degree of safety of the internal elements of the dispensing device (1) as a result of the insulating internal housings, the external casing (2), and the separation of the touch screen (3) and the electronic accessories thereof from the dispensing column (8).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is comprised in the technical field of beverage dispensing devices, preferably applied to the food and beverage sector. More specifically, the invention relates to a beer dispensing device with interactive functionalities equipped with safety and protection means for the elements integrated therein. Although the invention is mainly intended for dispensing beer, it can also be applied, in a non-limiting manner, to the dispensing of other types of beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional beverage dispensing devices available in bars and restaurants generally do not have integrated solutions which allow them to interact with customers or with the staff of the establishment where they are installed. For this purpose, the most widely used solution in food and beverage establishments (bars, restaurants, etc.) consists of installing digital displays, arranged in different locations, to provide customers with information about the products and/or services on offer. The use of this solution is usually linked to the marketing and the image of said establishments imparted to customers.

[0003] In this context, conventional systems provide audiovisual media for use by customers, where the brands of the beverage which can be dispensed, the different types of dispensing volume, etc., can be shown, for example. Nevertheless, said visual media have limitations in terms of the degree of direct interactivity they can achieve, related mainly to the fact that the displays used are passive information media that do not allow two-way interaction with customers. This therefore limits the ultimate user experience, with the subsequent impact on consumption and brand image.

[0004] With respect to this problem, solutions based on screens connected to beverage dispensing taps equipped with technologies suitable for interaction thereof through mobile applications have been contemplated in the state of the art, such as the technology described in US patent application US 2015/0368086 A1, for example, which includes a system for compiling and transmitting data by means of software so as to manage, through a mobile application, the selection of a specific brand of beer, as well as product status information.

[0005] Although this screen allows a higher degree of interactivity with respect to conventional systems, it has the technical problem of being rather unsafe. On one hand, the screen can be readily removed, which makes it susceptible to impacts, cracks, or theft. Furthermore, on the other hand, the electronic means associated with the screen are exposed to the moisture or to leakages from the beverage dispenser, which can lead to short-circuits, with the subsequent risk of malfunction or accident for users.

[0006] Another solution adopted in the state of the art to obtain a beer dispenser capable of interacting with customers or with the staff of the establishment is described in document GB 2521750 A. However, in said invention the movable terminal only has coupling means, such as a spring clip, for example, joining the electronic device with the dispenser, thereby giving the electronic device little protection against theft, impacts, moisture, temperature, and risk of short-circuit.

[0007] As described in the preceding paragraphs, it is therefore necessary to have a digital solution that can be integrated in the beverage dispenser and incorporates insulating means suitable for increasing the degree of safety and protection of the device. Likewise, it is also desirable that these devices allow including the following value-added functionalities:

• Expanding the multimedia offer available for customers today.
• Connecting several dispensing devices in a network.
• Exchanging data between the dispensing device and the Internet.
• Improving the ultimate user experience.
• Enhancing the safety conditions of the device with respect to risk of theft, malfunction, moisture damage, or short-circuit.

[0008] For the purpose of solving the problems and limitations of the state of the art, the present invention contemplates a beer dispensing device of high interactivity and safety, as a result of the integration of the interactive screen in a dispensing column by means of a casing equipped with insulating housings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the information contemplated in the preceding section, an object of the present invention is therefore to provide an interactive beer dispensing device which allows safe audiovisual interactivity of the elements integrated in said device with the surroundings.

[0010] To that end, the present invention proposes a beer dispensing device which comprises one or more touch screens offering multimedia content to customers and allows interactivity between said dispensing device and its surroundings. The mentioned touch screens are preferably integrated in a beer dispensing column by means of an insulating safety casing equipped with one or more housings for the screens, providing robustness and insulating the screens from the wet regions of the dispensing column.

[0011] More specifically, the object of the invention is an interactive beer dispensing system or column integrating elements which allow dispensing beer and are essentially a tap with a handle for manually dispensing same, an outlet nozzle for the exit of the beer when the dispensing device is operated with the handle, and a support structure which allows holding the elements. Said column is connected, through the lower part thereof by means of pipes especially manufactured for circulating beer, to cooling equipment which is in turn connected to a beer storage element (a barrel in most cases), such that the assembly allows cold beer to come out through the nozzle of the tap.

[0012] Additionally, from the interaction and connectivity viewpoint, said dispensing device comprises:

• a safety casing equipped with one or more housings provided with means for insulation with respect to the dispensing column;
• one or more touch screens which are integrated in the housings of the dispensing column and connected to processing means suitable reproducing interactive content for interaction between the dispensing device and its surroundings.

[0013] A solution which allows offering multimedia content to users is thereby achieved, where said content is offered in a manner that is safe for the elements of the device and with a high degree of interactivity between said users and the dispensing device by means of a touch screen integrated in the dispenser itself and a plurality of insulated internal housings, providing greater safety to the electronic components of the device.

[0014] More preferably, the plurality of insulated internal housings of the casing of the device are separated from one another by a front sub-casing, an intermediate, partition-like insulating sub-casing, and a rear sub-casing. The electronic components of the dispensing device and the protective accessories of the touch screen located in the insulated internal housings can therefore be more readily accessed by means of disassembling the sub-casings, and greater versatility is achieved as said accessories can be added to or removed from the space comprised between said sub-casings.

[0015] Likewise, as it has an intermediate sub-casing, the dispensing device preferably has two insulated internal housings separated by partitions, which allows housing the electronic components of the touch screen and the dispensing column in an insulated manner, increasing the safety of said electronic components by assuring insulation from possible dispensing column leakages or from the moisture and cold generated by said column.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the touch screen is located in at least one region opposite the dispensing means of the device. A configuration in which the interactive content will be shown to the customers, for example when said customers are in the public area of a bar counter, without hindering the staff of the establishment from performing their beer dispensing tasks, is thereby achieved.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the touch screen is made up of two or more sub-screens. The ability to offer different simultaneous multimedia content in the device is thereby achieved, therefore giving rise to greater content versatility. For example, one of the sub-screens may offer promotional content and the other may offer content relating to customer orders.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the external casing can be disassembled. The process of opening the dispensing device is therefore made easier as individual access to several sections of the device is allowed, eliminating risks associated with the process of opening said device. Likewise, it also allows the device to be adaptable to a standard beer dispensing column.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the beer dispensing device comprises a microphone connected to the multimedia content processing means. The device is thereby provided with acoustic interactivity with the surroundings.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the beer dispensing device comprises additional protective and/or coupling accessories for protecting and/or coupling the touch screen. The safety of the elements integrated in the device object of the invention is thereby even further reinforced. Use of the mentioned additional protective accessories may be particularly suitable in establishments visited by a large number of people (discotheques, fairs, festivals, etc.).

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device comprises a magnetic sensor which detects movement in the dispensing handle and communicates said movement through the touch screen or by sending the data to the Internet through the content processing means. The customers can therefore know the status of their order in real time.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the beer dispensing device comprises a wireless connection, for example a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. Interaction between two or more beer dispensing devices located in different places, as well as the exchange of data with users, for example through the Internet, are therefore achieved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] 

Figure 1 of the present document shows an oblique view of the dispenser object of the invention.

Figures 2a-2b show two exploded oblique perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows an exploded front oblique perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows an exploded rear oblique perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Reference numbers used in the drawings:

(1)	Beer dispensing device
(2)	Safety casing
(2')	Front sub-casing
(2")	Intermediate sub-casing
(2"')	Rear sub-casing
(3)	Touch screens
(3')	Housings of the screens
(4)	Handle/grip
(5)	Liquid outlet nozzle
(6)	Drip tray
(7)	Leak-tight attachments
(8)	Dispensing column
(9)	Retaining strips
(10)	Protective films
(11)	Microphone
(11')	Camera
(12)	External strip
(13)	Loudspeaker

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A detailed description of the invention, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, is set forth below in reference to a preferred embodiment thereof based on Figures 1-4 of the present document.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a general perspective view of the beer dispensing device (1) object of the invention, wherein said dispensing device (1) preferably comprises a safety casing (2) suitable for housing one or more touch screens (3) preferably located in the region opposite one or more beer dispensing means (4, 5) of the device (1), such that the customers/users will have access to said screens (3) when the device (1) is installed at the counter of a food and beverage establishment (bar, restaurant, etc.), without hindering the staff of said establishment from performing their dispensing tasks. To reproduce multimedia content, the screens (3) are preferably connected to processing means suited to that end, where said means can be, for example, integrated with the screens (3) in a computer or in a tablet- or smartphone-type device, or as an independent computing device that is also housed in the casing (2). Likewise, to assure the resistance of the device (1) to beer being splattered or spilled thereon, the touch screen (3) used can be a waterproof-type screen.

[0026] In turn, the dispensing means (4, 5) preferably comprise at least one handle/grip (4) for manually dispensing beer, and at least one liquid outlet nozzle (5). Likewise, the casing (2) can integrate a drip tray (6) for draining beer that spilled while being dispensed.

[0027] The invention therefore provides an interactive beer dispensing device (1) as a result of the integration of the touch screens (3) in the casing (2), with a high degree of safety for the internal elements of the device (1) and particularly its electronic components which are more at risk when exposed to moisture.

[0028] For the placement of the touch screens (3), the casing (2) preferably comprises one or more housings (3') adapted to the shape of said screens to make the installation thereof in the device (1) easier. Likewise, providing said housings (3') allows combining two or more screens (3) connected to one another, which allows displaying different simultaneous multimedia content in the dispensing device (1). Although Figures 1-4 of the present document show screens (3) in an inverted T-shaped configuration, other configurations are likewise possible in the scope of the invention, for example using a single screen arranged in a substantially vertical manner, or adopting other orientations.

[0029] Advantageously, as shown in the exploded perspective view depicted in Figures 2a-2b, the safety casing (2) can be disassembled into two or more sub-casings (2', 2", 2"') connected by preferably leak-tight attachments (7). The process of opening the dispensing device (1) is thereby made easier as individual access to the different areas thereof is allowed, and with the risks associated with the opening process, like the possibility of liquid seeping from the beer dispensing area to the housings (3) of the touch screens (3), being eliminated.

[0030] Likewise, the safety casing (2) houses therein a dispensing column (8) connected, through the lower part thereof, to a cooling source which is in turn connected to a beer storage system, such as a barrel, and through the upper part thereof, to the tap through the nozzle (5) of which the liquid exits, allowing the dispensing of the beer upon manually operating the handle or grip of said tap (4).

[0031] Optionally, as shown in Figures 2a-2b, 3, and 4, the external casing (2) can be disassembled into at least one front sub-casing (2'), one intermediate, partition-like insulating sub-casing (2"), and a rear sub-casing (2"'), preferably connected to one another by means of leak-tight attachments (7), such that the dispensing column (8) is contained between the front sub-casing (2') and the intermediate insulating sub-casing (2"). The insulated housings (3') of the safety casing (2) are thereby separated from the dispensing column (8), rendering greater safety of the device (1) and protection against moisture.

[0032] In other embodiments of the invention, the device (1) (Figures 3 and 4) may comprise additional protective accessories for protecting the touch screen (3), such as for example, one or more retaining strips (9) which allow better coupling of said touch screen (3) to the dispensing device (1), or protective films (10) which act as an insulating element and protect the touch screen (3) from scratches and impacts.

[0033] Optionally, the dispensing device (1) is equipped with a microphone (11) connected to the multimedia content processing means, which allows acoustic interactivity between the surroundings and the beer dispensing device (1) object of the invention. Likewise, the dispensing device (1) can also have one or more cameras (11') or movement sensors, connected to the processing means housed in the device (1) and configured for processing images or detecting movement of their surroundings. Different multimedia events (personalized messages, sounds, images, animations, etc.) can therefore be programmed according to whether or not said cameras (11') or sensors detect a certain type of predetermined or random movement.

[0034] Optionally, in another embodiment the dispensing device (1) comprises an external strip (12) to further couple and insulate the touch screen (3) and to provide the device (1) with a more robust finish.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device (1) may house one or more loudspeakers (13) connected to the processing means. Likewise and optionally, the dispensing device (1) may comprise one or more illuminating means that are autonomous or connected to the processing means. Said means can be based, for example, on LED (light emitting diode) technology the illumination patterns or color of which may be associated with specific events, configured by the processing means of the device (1).

[0036] Optionally, the beer dispensing device (1) object of the invention comprises wireless connectivity (for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like) which allows interaction between two or more beer dispensing devices (1) located at different points of a food and beverage establishment or even in different establishments, as well as the exchange of data and content with customers and users. Said interaction can take place, for example, through one or more software applications that are housed in the mobile terminals of said users and will allow the users to receive information generated by the device (1) as well as other external promotional-type content, informative-type content, status of their beer order, etc.

[0037] Additionally, in one embodiment of the invention, the tap (4) of the dispensing device (1) comprises a magnetic sensor connected to the content processing means. Said sensor is configured for detecting movements in the handle (4) and communicating said movements wirelessly to customers through the touch screen (3) or the Internet, so consumers will know the dispensing status of their beverage either through the touch screen (3) or through a mobile application suited to that end. Likewise, the magnetic sensor can also be configured for calculating the volumes associated with the dispensing of beer and transmitting them, for example, to the processing means of the device (1) for informative purposes, statistical purposes, promotional purposes, etc.

Claims

1. An interactive beer dispensing device (1), comprising a column (8) which is equipped with beer dispensing means (4, 5) and suitable for connection, through the lower part thereof, to a source for the storage of beer;
wherein the device additionally comprises:

- a safety casing (2) equipped with one or more housings (3') provided with means for insulation with respect to the dispensing column (8);

- one or more touch screens (3) which are integrated in the housings (3') of the dispensing column (8) and connected to processing means suitable for reproducing multimedia content;

and being characterized in that the casing (2) can be disassembled into at least one front sub-casing (2'), one intermediate, partition-like insulating sub-casing (2"), and one rear sub-casing (2"'), connected to one another by means of leak-tight attachments (7), such that the dispensing column (8) is contained between the front sub-casing (2') and the intermediate insulating sub-casing (2").

2. The dispensing device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the touch screens (3) are arranged in a region opposite the beer dispensing means (4, 5).

3. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means are integrated with the screens (3) in one or more computers, or in tablet- or smartphone-type devices, also housed in the housings (3') of the casing (2).

4. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a microphone (11) connected with the multimedia content processing means.

5. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more retaining strips (9) and/or protective films (10) for the touch screens (3).

6. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the casing (2) integrates a drip tray (6) for draining spilled beer during its being dispensation.

7. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beer dispensing means (4, 5) comprise a handle/grip (4) for manually dispensing beer, and/or an outlet nozzle (5).

8. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle/grip (4) comprises a magnetic sensor which is connected to the content processing means and configured by said processing means to detect movements in said handle (4).

9. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a wireless data connection connected to the multimedia content processing means.

10. The dispensing device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the wireless data connection is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

11. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the touch screen (3) is a waterproof screen.

12. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more cameras (11') or movement sensors connected to the processing means and configured for processing images or detecting movement in the surroundings of said device (1).

13. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more loudspeakers (13) connected to the processing means.

14. The dispensing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more illuminating means, said means being autonomous or connected to the processing means of the device (1).

Drawing