BEVERAGE DISPENSE APPARATUS

Abstract

A beverage dispense apparatus is provided having a tap casing (20) movably mounted to a font housing (1) to enable access between openings in the font housing (1) and tap casing (20), to facilitate insertion of a beverage delivery line (4) into the tap casing (20).

Description

The present invention relates to beverage dispense, particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, for the hotel, restaurant and catering market.

Commonly, in beverage dispense apparatus for the hotel, restaurant and catering market, a beverage reservoir, e.g. a keg, is connected by a consumer or installation engineer to a font using a beverage delivery line. The font comprises a housing, with an inner chamber, and a tap assembly, with an inner conduit. The delivery line is a flexible pipe that has a coupler at one end for connection with the keg, and a nozzle at the other end, which, during connection of the delivery line, is extended through the chamber of the font housing and through the conduit of the tap assembly. The arrangement is such that the beverage can travel through the delivery line from the reservoir to the point of dispense (i.e. the nozzle at the tap assembly), without contacting any other parts of the apparatus. With known apparatuses, however, manipulation of the delivery line to direct it between the font housing and the tap assembly during connection has been found to be difficult.

It is known to use disposable delivery lines for hygiene reasons. After use with one keg, the delivery line can simply be disposed of, and replaced with a new delivery line, for use with another keg. No costly disposal or meticulous cleaning of the font housing and the tap assembly is required to keep the path of the beverage sterile.

However, intentional or accidental re-use of the delivery line can take place with known beverage dispense apparatuses. Such re-use of the delivery line can seriously compromise the cleanliness of the apparatus, leading to possible contamination of the beverage.

The keg is commonly located in a refrigeration housing, to cool the beverage prior to dispense via the delivery line. The font can be located on top of the refrigeration housing. It is desirable to cool the delivery line outside of the refrigeration housing in order to maintain the temperature of the delivery line outside of the refrigerator housing, e.g. cool the delivery line as it extends through the font housing and/or the tap assembly. In some systems, cold air from the refrigerator housing is blown into the font housing and tap assembly to achieve this. However, this arrangement can be expensive and complicated to implement.

During use of the known beverage dispense apparatuses, the nozzle of the delivery line may develop a coating of beverage. Problems can occur with insects such as fruit flies being attracted to the beverage. It is possible that, after a period of time, the nozzle can become infested with insects.

At its most general, the following aspect of the invention provides a beverage dispense apparatus with a tap casing movably mounted to a font housing to enable access between openings in the font housing and tap casing, for easier insertion of a beverage delivery line into the tap casing.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispense apparatus comprising:

• • a font housing surrounding a font chamber, and having an input opening in the font housing through which a flexible beverage delivery line can enter the font chamber and an output opening through which the delivery line can exit the font chamber;
  • a tap assembly having a tap casing surrounding a tap conduit, the tap casing having an input opening through which the delivery line can enter the tap conduit and an output opening through which the delivery line can exit the tap conduit;
  • wherein the tap casing is movably mounted to the font housing such that it is movable between:
    • (i) a dispense position in which the tap casing input opening is coupled with the font housing output opening; and
    • (ii) an access position in which a gap is provided between the tap casing input opening and the font housing output opening.

Since the tap casing is movable between the dispense position and the access position, inserting the delivery line through the apparatus may be facilitated, as explained below.

To deploy the delivery line in the apparatus, it must be extended through the font housing chamber and through the conduit of the tap assembly. The general direction that the delivery line travels through the font housing chamber may be substantially different (e.g. 90 degrees different) to the general direction it travels through the tap conduit, the change in direction occurring predominantly at the transition between the output opening of the font housing and the input opening of the tap casing. Accordingly, during deployment of the delivery line, considerable manipulation of the delivery line may be necessary to extend the delivery line between the font housing chamber and the tap conduit.

When the tap casing is in the dispense position, access to the delivery line between the output opening of the font housing and the input opening of the tap casing will be limited or unavailable. Accordingly, it may be that manipulation of the delivery line can only be performed at a position relatively remote from the two openings and therefore remote from the position at which the change in direction of the delivery line must occur. This may make it difficult or impossible to manipulate the delivery line to direct it between the font housing and the tap assembly.

However, since, according to the present invention, the tap casing can be moved to the access position, access to the delivery line between the font housing output opening and the tap casing input opening is possible via the gap between these two openings. This makes it to easier for a person to manipulate the delivery line between the font housing and the tap assembly

Preferably, the tap casing is pivotable between the dispense position and access position. This can be achieved for example by the provision of a fitting/mounting element, e.g. a hinge, for fixing between the tap casing and font housing. The fitting/mounting element may be provided on the tap assembly.

Preferably, the font housing has an input end, an output end and sidewalls extending between the input end output ends. The input and output openings are located adjacent the input and output ends of the font housing respectively. The sidewalls may be cylindrical sidewalls, providing the font housing with a cylindrical configuration. Preferably, in the dispense position, the tap assembly projects from the sidewalls of the casing. The tap assembly may be movably (e.g. pivotally) mounted to the sidewalls.

The output opening of the font housing may be provided partially or entirely by an aperture in the sidewalls (‘side aperture’), adjacent the output end of the housing.

Preferably, the output opening of the font housing is provided partially by the side aperture and partially by an aperture at the output end of the housing (‘end aperture’). This arrangement may be achieved by, for example, having the sidewalls extend to a rim at the output end of the font housing, the rim defining the edges of the end aperture, and the side aperture being provided by a cut-out or slot in the rim. The rim adjacent the cut-out or slot may be a raised rim section. Essentially, the side aperture and the end aperture may merge into one another to create a larger aperture, the larger aperture extending across two planes. Preferably, in the dispense position, the input opening of the tap casing is arranged to couple with the side aperture.

This arrangement may further improve the ease with which the delivery line can be extended between the font housing and the tap assembly, as explained below.

When the delivery line is fed through the input opening of the font housing, it will be inclined to move through the font chamber toward the output end of the font housing. This makes manipulation of the delivery line, to cause it to project out of the font chamber via the end aperture, straightforward. In particular, it may be more straightforward than manipulating the delivery line to extend out of the font chamber via the side aperture. Subsequently a person can take hold of the delivery line projecting out of the font chamber and, with the tap assembly in the access position, feed the end (e.g. the nozzle) of the delivery line directly into the input opening of the tap casing. This may be done after, or prior to, pushing the delivery line into the side aperture. The delivery line is pushed into the side aperture so that the tap assembly can be moved to the dispense position, ready for use, with the input opening of the tap casing being coupled with the side aperture of the font housing and the delivery line extending neatly through the side aperture.

Most preferably, a cap is provided to close the end aperture in the dispense position. The cap may be pivotally mounted to the rim at the output end of the font housing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a font housing for a beverage dispense apparatus, the font housing surrounding a font chamber and having an input opening at an input end through which a flexible beverage delivery line can enter the font chamber and an output opening at an output end through which the delivery line can exit the font chamber, wherein the output opening comprises an end aperture and a side aperture.

This end aperture and side aperture arrangement improves the ease with which a delivery line can be extended through the font housing as explained above for the first aspect.

Preferably, the font housing has sidewalls extending between the input end output ends. The sidewalls may be cylindrical sidewalls, providing the font housing with a cylindrical configuration.

The output opening of the font housing is provided partially by the side aperture and partially by an aperture at the output end of the housing. This arrangement may be achieved by, for example, having the sidewalls extend to a rim at the output end of the font housing, the rim defining the edges of the end aperture, and the side aperture being provided by a cut-out or slot in the rim. The rim adjacent the cut-out or slot may be a raised rim section. Essentially, the side aperture and the end aperture may merge into one another to create a larger aperture, the larger aperture extending across two planes.

Most preferably, a cap is provided to close the end aperture of the font housing. The cap may be pivotally mounted to the rim at the output end of the font housing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tap assembly for a beverage dispense apparatus, the tap assembly having a tap casing surrounding a tap conduit, an input opening in the tap casing through which a delivery line can enter the tap conduit and an output opening in the tap casing through which a delivery line can exit the tap conduit, wherein the tap assembly comprises a fitting for movably mounting the tap casing to a font housing of the beverage dispense apparatus.

The fitting allows the tap casing to be movably mountable to the font housing such that it is movable between:

• • (iii) a dispense position in which the tap casing input opening is coupled with a font housing output opening; and
  • (iv) an access position in which a gap is provided between the tap casing input opening and the font housing output opening.

Since the tap casing is movable between the dispense position and the access position, inserting the delivery line into the tap assembly may be facilitated, as explained above for the first aspect.

Preferably, the tap assembly comprises a fitting for pivotally mounting the tap casing to a font housing of the beverage dispense apparatus.

Preferably, the tap assembly comprises a fitting/mounting element, e.g. a hinge, for fixing between the tap casing and the font housing.

The tap assembly according to the third aspect may be combined with the font housing of the second aspect.

The apparatus, font housing and tap assembly previously described are designed particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, for use with a flexible, disposable delivery line. Typically, such a line will have one end for connection to a beverage reservoir, such as a keg, the other end having a nozzle with a nozzle opening through which beverage can be dispensed. The arrangement is such that the beverage can travel through the delivery line from the reservoir to the point of dispense (i.e. the nozzle), without contacting any other apparatus. Typically, the nozzle of the delivery line is resiliently deformable. Accordingly, the nozzle may be squeezed or pinched to close the beverage delivery line to prevent dispense of the beverage, and pressure on the delivery line may be released to open the delivery line to permit dispense.

Preferably, the tap assembly described above for the first and third aspects comprises a handle mechanism to pinch the nozzle. Essentially, this may provide a “pinch valve” arrangement. By using a pinch valve arrangement, no contact needs to be made between the handle mechanism and the beverage itself, improving the cleanliness of the tap assembly.

Preferably the handle mechanism comprises an overcentre mechanism and/or a snap mechanism.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tap assembly for a beverage apparatus, the tap assembly comprising a tap casing surrounding a tap conduit, and a handle mechanism for releasably pinching a delivery line nozzle to prevent dispense of beverage through the delivery line, wherein the handle mechanism comprises an overcentre and/or snap mechanism.

By providing the handle mechanism with an overcentre and/or snap mechanism, the handle mechanism may be moved quickly between a position in which it squeezes or pinches the delivery line, and a position in which it releases pressure on the delivery line. Accordingly, significant propulsion of the beverage along the delivery line, which could occur if the nozzle delivery line were squeezed or pinched slowly, and which could cause unwanted dispense of beverage, may be reduced.

The tap assembly according to the fourth aspect may be combined with the font housing of the second aspect.

In typical beverage dispense apparatuses, the delivery line is arranged to connect to a beverage reservoir, e.g. a keg, which is located in a refrigeration chamber of a refrigeration housing. The refrigeration housing will keep the reservoir, and therefore the beverage located therein, cool.

In the beverage apparatus of the first aspect and the font housing of the second aspect, the font housing may be mounted to a top surface of a refrigeration housing surrounding a refrigeration chamber. An opening in the top surface of the refrigeration housing may be provided to allow feeding of a delivery line from the refrigeration chamber into the font chamber via the input opening of the font housing.

Preferably, a heat conductive element is arranged to extend between the refrigeration chamber and the font chamber, the heat conductive element located partially in the refrigeration chamber and partially in the font chamber, in order to cool the font chamber. The part of the heat conductive element located within the refrigeration chamber will cool to the temperature of the refrigeration chamber. Due to the heat conductivity of the element, this will also cause the part of the heat conductive element located within the font chamber to cool which in turn will cool the atmosphere in the font chamber and thus the delivery line extending through the font chamber and any beverage located within the delivery line.

Preferably, the heat conductive element extends from the refrigeration chamber, through the font chamber, and connects to the tap assembly of the first aspect. Accordingly, in addition to cooling the font chamber as described above, the heat conductive element may also cool the tap conduit of the tap assembly.

The heat conductive element may comprise a heat conductive tube, e.g. a metal tube, which extends between the refrigeration chamber and the font chamber. The delivery line may extend through the tube. Insulating material may be provided to surround the tube within the font chamber.

The heat conductive element may be connected to a heat sink located within the refrigeration chamber, to increase or quicken the cooling of the heat conductive element. The refrigeration housing may comprise a fan to blow cool air around the refrigeration chamber. Preferably, the heat sink is located adjacent the fan so that cold air blown from the fan is immediately incident on the heat sink. The heat sink may comprise a plurality of fins or thin-walled tubes to give it increased surface area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispense apparatus comprising a font housing surrounding a font chamber, a refrigeration housing surrounding a refrigeration chamber, and a heat conductive element located partially within the font chamber and partially within the refrigeration chamber.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a font housing surrounding a font chamber, and a heat conductive element, the heat conductive element being partially located within the font chamber and having a part projecting outside the font chamber for locating within a refrigeration chamber of a refrigeration housing.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided refrigeration housing for a beverage dispense apparatus, the refrigeration housing surrounding a refrigeration chamber, and having a heat conductive element, the heat conductive element being partially located within the refrigeration chamber and having a part projecting outside the chamber for locating within a font chamber of a font housing.

The part of the heat conductive element located/locatable within the refrigeration chamber will cool to the temperature of the refrigeration chamber. Due to the heat conductivity of the element, this will also cause the part of the heat conductive element located/locatable within the font chamber to cool which in turn will cool the atmosphere in the font chamber and thus the delivery line extending through the font chamber and any beverage located within the delivery line.

Preferably, the heat conductive element extends from the refrigeration chamber, through the font chamber, and connects to a tap assembly provided on the font housing. Accordingly, in addition to cooling the font chamber as described above, the heat conductive element may also cool the tap conduit of the tap assembly. The tap assembly may be as described for the third and/or fourth aspects.

The heat conductive element may comprise a heat conductive tube, e.g. a metal tube that extends between the refrigeration chamber and the font chamber. The delivery line may extend through the tube. Insulating material may be provided to surround the tube within the font chamber.

The heat conductive element may be connected to a heat sink located within the refrigeration chamber, to increase or quicken the cooling of the heat conductive element. The refrigeration housing may comprise a fan to blow cool air around the refrigeration chamber. Preferably, the heat sink is located adjacent the fan so that cold air blown from the fan is immediately incident on the heat sink. The heat sink may comprise a plurality of fins or thin-walled tubes to give it increased surface area.

Preferably, the font housing or tap assembly described in any of the first to sixth aspects comprises a vent to exhaust cold air from the font chamber and/or tap conduit. This may ensure that there is a continuous cycle of cool air through the font chamber and/or tap conduit, preventing the air therein from becoming stagnant and warming to atmospheric temperature. Preferably, the vent is arranged such that, in use, a stream of expelled air is directed onto the nozzle of a delivery line extending through the tap conduit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispense apparatus having an outlet through which beverage is dispensed, and a means for directing a stream of air onto the outlet.

By directing a stream of air (preferably a jet of cooled air) onto the outlet (e.g. the output opening of the tap casing of a tap assembly as described in any one of the first, third and fourth aspects) where, in use, the nozzle of a beverage delivery line will be positioned, possible insect infestation at the nozzle may be prevented. The stream of air may force insects away from the nozzle, preventing infestation. Furthermore, the stream of air may actually prevent the beverage from coating the nozzle, removing the attraction for the insects, and preventing infestation.

The present invention also relates to a coupler for connecting a delivery line to a valve mechanism of a beverage reservoir, e.g. a keg.

According to an ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupler for connecting a beverage delivery line to a beverage reservoir, the coupler having a keg adapter for fixing to a valve mechanism of the beverage reservoir, and a line adapter, integral with the delivery line, for connecting to the keg adapter and for actuating the valve mechanism.

Preferably the line adapter is connectable to the keg adapter such that the keg and line adapters are movable relative to one another. Accordingly, when the keg adapter is fixed to the valve mechanism, the line adapter may move relative to the valve mechanism to actuate the valve mechanism (i.e. open the valve mechanism to dispense beverage therefrom).

Preferably, the line adapter has a push surface for pushing against the valve mechanism in order to actuate the valve mechanism.

Preferably, the line adapter is disposable. Preferably, the keg and line adapters are disposable. The keg and/or line adapters are preferably plastic. Preferably the keg and line adapters are each one-piece.

Preferably, the keg adapter is fixable to the valve mechanism such that a consumer cannot remove the keg adapter from the valve mechanism. To achieve this, the keg adapter may fix to the valve mechanism via snap fittings. The keg adapter may be fixed to the valve mechanism such that a bespoke tool is required to remove it, the bespoke tool being kept only by the supplier and/or manufacturer of the beverage reservoir (e.g. a brewery).

Preferably, the line adapter is connectable to the keg adapter such that it cannot be disconnected from the keg adapter by the consumer. To achieve this, the line adapter may be connected to the keg adapter via snap fittings.

Preferably, the keg adapter has an opening to receive the line adapter to connect the keg and line adapters together, which opening is bespoke to the shape of the line adapter. Accordingly, the consumer may be prevented from using other line adapters, i.e. other line adapters, with any beverage reservoir having the keg adapter fixed to its valve mechanism.

In general, the above-described coupler arrangement may be employed to prevent re-use of a delivery line and may be used to ensure that only one type of line adapter can be used with a beverage reservoir.

In more detail, a supplier of the beverage reservoir may provide the reservoir to the consumer with the keg adapter of the coupler fixed to its valve mechanism, along with a separate line adapter with integral delivery line. Since the keg and line adapters may be bespoke to one another, the user may only be able to use the supplied line adapter with the keg adapter in order to dispense beverage. This may prevent the consumer using another (possibly contaminated) delivery line. A person setting up the system, e.g. the consumer or installation engineer, may subsequently connect the line adapter to the keg adapter. However, since, after connection, the line adapter cannot be removed from the keg adapter, and since the keg adapter cannot be removed from the valve mechanism without a bespoke tool, the consumer cannot subsequently remove the delivery line and coupler from the beverage reservoir for re-use with another beverage reservoir.

It is conceived that the beverage reservoir may be supplied with the keg adapter disconnected from the valve mechanism, leaving the consumer or installation engineer to connect the keg adapter to the valve mechanism, and/or supplied with the first and line adapters already connected together.

The above-described coupler having keg and line adapters is considered particularly appropriate for use with certain standard valve arrangements of kegs. Commonly, kegs employ standard valve mechanisms such as the “A-system”, “D-system”, “G-system”, “U-system” and “S system”. By separating the keg adapter of the coupler, which fixes to the valve mechanism, from the line adapter of the coupler, which is adapted to actuate the valve mechanism, the coupler may be particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, appropriate for use with the “A system” and “G system”.

These two systems employ a metal annular disc and a depressable valve plate that is surrounded by the annular disc. The outer edges of the metal annular disc sit above the surrounding surface of the keg. In a non-depressed state, the valve plate remains relatively flush with the annular disc. Accordingly, it is desirable for the keg adapter to fit around the raised outer edges of the annular disc in order to obtain a good connection thereto. By separating the two parts, whilst the keg adapter is connected to the outer edges of the annular disc, the line adapter can easily be arranged to position above the depressable valve plate, and can easily be arranged to move relative to the keg adapter in order to press the valve plate to dispense beverage from the keg.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keg adapter configured as the keg adapter described above with respect to the ninth aspect of the present invention.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line adapter configured as the line adapter described above with respect to the ninth aspect of the present invention.

The coupler, line adapter and keg adapter described above can be used in conjunction with any of the previously described aspects of the present invention.

An example embodying the present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a beverage dispense apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a beverage delivery line used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show an enlarged oblique view and side view respectively of the font housing and tap assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tap assembly in the access position;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged oblique view of the tap assembly and font housing of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6a and 6b show an oblique view and cross-sectional oblique view respectively of the tap assembly of FIG. 1 in an access position;

FIGS. 7a shows a cross-sectional, general, side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a beverage delivery line inserted therein, and FIG. 7b shows an enlarged view of the font housing and tap assembly of FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of an “A-system” valve mechanism situated on the top surface of a keg;

FIGS. 9a and 9b show two oblique top views of the keg adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGS. 9c and 9d show two oblique bottom views of the keg adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGS. 9e and 9f show two side views of the keg adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 9g shows a top view of the keg adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9h shows a cross-sectional side view of the keg adapter along line A-A of FIG. 9g;

FIGS. 10a and 10d show two oblique top views of the line adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGS. 10b and 10c show two oblique bottom views of the line adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; FIGS. 10e and 10f show a side view and a bottom view respectively of the line adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and FIG. 10g shows a cross-sectional side view of the line adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11c show a side view, a cross-sectional oblique view and a cross-sectional side view of the CO₂ adapter, line adapter and keg adapter of the apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to a valve mechanism of a keg.

Beverage dispense apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The beverage dispense apparatus comprises a font housing 1, a tap assembly 2 mounted to the font housing 1, and a refrigeration housing 3. Beverage is delivered from a beverage reservoir (a keg (not shown) in this embodiment), to the tap assembly 2 via a beverage delivery line 4 (see FIG. 2). The delivery line has a nozzle 41 at one end, and line adapter 7 at the other end for coupling to a valve mechanism 5 of a keg.

In the following description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upwards” and “downwards” etc. are intended to refer to the relative positioning and movement of elements of the dispense apparatus in normal use.

A close-up of the font housing 1 and tap assembly 2 is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The font housing 1 has an elongate font casing 10 with sidewalls 11 extending between top and bottom ends 10a, 10b of the font casing. The font casing surrounds a font chamber 12, which can be seen in FIG. 5. The font casing 10 has a top opening 13 and a bottom opening 131, at its top and bottom ends 10a, 10b respectively, to allow the beverage delivery line 4 to enter and exit the font chamber 12 respectively. The font casing is mounted at its bottom end 10b to a top surface 31 of the refrigerator housing 3.

The size of the top opening 13 of the font casing 10 is adjustable. To adjust the size, a pivotable font cap 14 is provided at the top end of the font housing 1. In a closed “dispense” position (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3a (and 3b), the font cap 14 is arranged to locate on a rim 15 at the top end 10a of the font casing 10, whereupon it covers the top end 10a of the font casing 10. When in this dispense position, a slot in the sidewalls 11 of the font casing 10 at a raised section of the rim 15, providing a side aperture 13a, forms the only part of the top end opening 13. However, the font cap 14 can be pivoted to an open “access” position (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), where it is separated from the rim 15, leaving the entire top end of the font casing 10 open, providing it with an end aperture 13b, increasing the size of the top end opening 13, and notably providing the top end opening 13 with a section that extends generally perpendicular to the path the delivery line 4 travels when inserted through the font casing 10.

The tap assembly 2 can be seen best in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The tap assembly 2 comprises a tap casing 20 with sidewalls 21 extending between proximal and distal ends 20a, 20b of the tap casing. The tap casing 20 surrounds a tap conduit 22. The tap casing 20 has proximal and distal openings 23a, 23b at its proximal and distal ends 20a, 20b respectively, to allow the beverage delivery line 4 to enter and exit the tap conduit 22 respectively. The proximal end 20a of the tap casing is mounted to the sidewalls of the font casing 10 via a tap mounting plate 24, at a position adjacent the top end 10a of the font casing 10.

The tap mounting plate 24 is connected to the tap casing 20 via a hinge 25. Accordingly, the tap casing 20 can pivot relative to the tap mounting plate 24, and thus relative to the font casing 10. In particular, the tap casing 20 can pivot between a dispense position (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3a, and 3b) and an access position (as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6a and 6b). In the dispense position, the proximal opening 20a is coupled with the side aperture 13a of the top opening 13 of the font casing 10, via the tap mounting plate 24, having a hole 241 therein. In the access position, the proximal opening 20a is no longer coupled with the side aperture 13a of the font housing 10, via the tap mounting plate 24, rather it is spaced from the side aperture 13a of the font casing 10, and the mounting plate 24, with a gap provided therebetween.

To deploy the delivery line 4 in the apparatus, the delivery line must be extended through the font chamber 12 and through the tap conduit 22. A delivery line connected to a keg and extended through the font chamber is shown very generally in FIGS. 7a and 7b. However, a considerable change in the direction that the delivery line 4 travels is required for it to extend from the font chamber 12 into the tap conduit 22, since the directions of elongation of these two parts are substantially perpendicular to each other. In view of this, in this embodiment, to insert the delivery line 4 through the font chamber 12 and into the tap conduit 22, the font cap 14 and tap casing 20 are placed in their respective access positions. Subsequently, the nozzle 41 of the delivery line is fed into the font chamber 12 via the bottom opening 131, and pushed through the font chamber 12 such that it projects from the end aperture 13a of the font casing 10. It is then possible for a person to take hold of the nozzle 41 and insert it into the tap conduit 22 via the exposed proximal opening 23a of the tap casing 20. Once inserted into the tap conduit 22, the delivery line 4 can be guided into the side aperture 13a of the font casing 10, and the font cap 14 and the tap casing 20 can subsequently be placed in their respective dispense positions.

By using a delivery line 4 as mentioned above, beverage can travel from the keg to the point of dispense (i.e. the end of the nozzle 41), without contacting any other apparatus, such as the font housing 1 or tap assembly 2. By using a disposable delivery line 4, dispense of the beverage may more hygienic since, after a use with one keg, the delivery line 4 can simply be disposed of and replaced with a new delivery line for use with another keg. No costly disposal or meticulous cleaning of the font housing and the tap assembly may be required to keep the dispense system sterile, for example.

The refrigeration housing 3 comprises a refrigeration chamber, accessible via a door 32, in which the keg can be located. The temperature of the refrigeration chamber is kept cool by a refrigeration unit (not shown). This in turn keeps beverage located in the keg cool. The refrigeration housing 3 is mounted on wheels 33 so that it can be easily transported. The temperature of the refrigeration chamber can be manually adjusted using a lever 34 located underneath the door 32, adjacent a hot air vent 35.

The tap assembly 2 comprises a handle mechanism 26 operable to start and stop beverage dispense. In this embodiment, the handle mechanism 26 is arranged to be operable to pinch the nozzle 41 of the delivery line inserted into the tap conduit 22, the nozzle 41 being of resiliently flexible material. The handle mechanism (best seen in FIG. 6b) comprises a handle 261, an overcentre snap mechanism 262 and a piston 263. The overcentre snap mechanism 262 ensures that, when the handle 261 is pushed or pulled, the handle 261 will move quickly between a position in which the piston 263 is forced to press against the nozzle 41, closing the nozzle 41 and preventing flow of beverage through the nozzle 41, and position in which the pressure of the piston 263 against the nozzle 41 is released, opening the nozzle 41 and allowing flow of beverage through the nozzle 41. Since the piston 263 can move quickly to a position in which it closes the nozzle 41, potential pushing of beverage out of the end opening 411 of the nozzle 41 during the closure process, and therefore unwanted spillage from the nozzle 41, can be reduced.

The nozzle 41 is a laminar flow nozzle, having a cross-sectional diameter, perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the nozzle that increases toward the end opening 411 of the nozzle 41. This arrangement means that the speed of the beverage travelling through the nozzle 41 will reduce as the beverage approaches the nozzle 411 opening, reducing potential foaming of the beverage.

The delivery line is connected to the valve mechanism of the keg via a coupler. In this embodiment, the valve mechanism is an “A-system” mechanism 5, as shown in FIG. 8, although it can conceivably be used with other keg systems, such as the “G-system”. The A-system mechanism 5 comprises a metal annular disc 51 and a depressable annular valve plate 52 that is surrounded by the annular disc 51. The outer edges 521 of the metal annular disc sit above the surrounding top surface 53 of the keg. In a non-depressed state, the annular valve plate 52 remains relatively flush with the annular disc 51. Upon depression of the valve plate 52, access to the inside of the keg is provided, meaning CO₂ can be forced inside the keg and beverage can be forced out of the keg for dispense. The valve mechanism 5 is shown in FIGS. 11a to 11c connected to a spear for extending to the bottom of a keg.

The coupler comprises a keg adapter 6 arranged to fix the coupler to the annular disc 51 of the valve mechanism 5. With reference to FIGS. 9a to 9h, the keg adapter 6 comprises a ring-shaped body 61, with a circular central aperture 62. A plurality of inwardly directed lugs 63 (eight in this embodiment) extend from rim of the central aperture 62. A circumferential CO₂ seal 611 is provided on the bottom surface of the ring-shaped body 61, around the central aperture 62. A downwardly directed flange 64 extends from the perimeter of the ring-shaped body 61. A plurality of inwardly directed lugs 65 (five in this embodiment) extend from the flange 64. The keg adapter 6 is arranged to be pressed over the annular disc 51 of the valve mechanism 5, whereupon the lugs 65 snap-fit underneath edges of the annular disc 51, the CO₂ seal 611 presses against the top surface of the annular disc 51, and the central aperture 62 of the ring-shaped body 61 is lined up with the depressable annular valve plate 52 of the valve mechanism 5.

The snap fitting is such that a consumer cannot separate the keg adapter 6 from the valve mechanism 5. Nevertheless, a plurality of lug openings 66 are provided in the ring-shaped body 61 to give access to the lugs 65 through the top surface of the ring-shaped body 61. Fingers of a bespoke tool (not shown) may extend through the lug openings 66 to contact the lugs 65 and press the lugs 65 away from the annular disc 51, in order to separate the keg adapter 6 and the annular disc 51. It is intended that the bespoke tool is kept by the manufacturer and/or supplier of the keg only, such that the consumer cannot separate the keg adapter 6 from the valve mechanism 5.

The coupler further comprises a line adapter 7, integral with (i.e. irremovably fixed to) the delivery line 4. With reference to FIGS. 10a to 10g, the line adapter 7 comprises a substantially cylindrical element 71, having cylindrical sidewalls 711 extending between top and bottom openings 72a, 72b, in the elongation direction of the cylindrical element 71. The top and bottom openings 72a, 72b are surrounded by top and bottom rims 73a, 73b. A key purpose of the line adapter 7 is to separate the flow of CO₂ into the keg from the flow of beverage out of the keg.

The cylindrical element 71 has a substantially hollow interior. A central wall 74 extends inside the cylindrical element, across a plane perpendicular to its elongation direction, intermediate the top and bottom openings 72a, 72b of the cylindrical element 71. The central wall 74 blocks off fluid flow between the top and bottom openings 72a, 72b of the cylindrical element and divides the hollow interior into top and bottom hollow sections 75a, 75b.

The bottom end of the cylindrical element 71 has a circumferential bottom flange 76a, projecting outwardly from the sidewalls 711 of the cylindrical element, in a direction perpendicular to the elongation direction of the cylindrical element 71. The bottom flange 76a has a bottom surface, providing the bottom rim 73a of the cylindrical element, for engaging, and sealing against, the depressable annular valve plate 52 of the valve mechanism 5.

The top end of the cylindrical element 71 has a circumferential top flange 76b, projecting outwardly from sidewalls 711 of the cylindrical element 71 in a direction perpendicular to the elongation direction of the cylindrical element 71. The top surface of the top flange 76b provides the top rim 73a of the cylindrical element 71. A circumferential CO₂ sealing element 761 is located on the top rim.

A circumferential intermediate flange 76c, configured similarly to the top flange 76b, is provided intermediate the top and bottom ends of the cylindrical element 71. A circumferential CO₂ seal 762 is provided on the bottom surface of the intermediate flange 76c.

With reference to FIG. 10e, a top cavity 77a is provided between the top and intermediate flanges 76b, 76c and the section of the sidewalls 711 extending therebetween. A bottom cavity 77b is provided between the bottom and intermediate flanges 76a, 76c and the sidewalls 711 extending therebetween.

The bottom rim 73b of the cylindrical element 71 is arranged to be pushed into the central aperture 62 of the keg adapter 6, whereupon the lugs 63 of the central aperture 62 snap fit into the bottom cavity 77b, causing the line adapter 7 to connect to the keg adapter 6. The size and shape of the central aperture 62 is bespoke to the size and shape of the line adapter 7. Relative movement of the line adapter 7 and keg adapter 6 is limited by the distance between the bottom and intermediate flanges 76a, 76c. The line adapter 7 can be pressed downwardly, relative to the keg adapter 6, to a dispense position, whereupon it presses against the valve plate 52 of the valve mechanism 51, enabling CO₂ to travel into the keg and beverage to travel out of the keg. The snap fitting is such that a consumer cannot separate the line adapter 7 from the keg adapter 6.

A first beverage tube opening 78a is provided on the bottom side of the central wall 74. The first tube opening 78a provides one end opening to a beverage tube 78 that extends through the central wall 74 and through the top hollow section 75a of the cylindrical element 71, to a second tube opening 78b in the sidewalls 711 of the cylindrical element 71 between the top and intermediate flanges 76b, 76c, The delivery line 4 is connected to the second tube opening 78b (as shown in FIG. 2). The arrangement is such that, when the line adapter 7 is moved to the dispense position, beverage will travel into the bottom hollow section 75b of the cylindrical element 71, through the beverage tube 78, and into the beverage delivery line 4 for dispense.

A first conduit opening 79a is provided in the top surface of the central wall 74. The first conduit opening 79a provides one end to a CO₂ conduit 79. The CO₂ conduit 79 extends through the central wall 74 and through the intermediate flange 76c to a second conduit opening 79b in the side of the intermediate flange 76c facing toward the bottom cavity 77b. The arrangement is such that, when the line adapter 7 is moved to the dispense position, CO₂ can be forced into the top hollow section 75a of the cylindrical element, through the first conduit opening 79a, through the CO₂ conduit 79, and through the second conduit opening 79a into the bottom cavity 77b. The CO₂ can then flow between the CO₂ seal 611 of the keg adapter 6 and the bottom rim 73b of the cylindrical element 71, into the keg. CO₂ is prevented from flowing upwards through the central aperture 62 of the keg adapter 6, by the CO₂ seal 762 on the bottom surface of the intermediate flange 76c, which seals around the rim of the central aperture 62 of the keg adapter 6 when the line adapter 7 is in the dispense position.

To force CO₂ into the top hollow section 75a of the cylindrical element 71, the coupler comprises a CO₂ adapter 8. With reference to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the CO₂ adapter 8 includes an adapter housing 81, comprising a bottom open section 81a and a side open section 81b. These open sections 81a, 81b enable the adapter housing 81 to be slid over the keg and line adapters 6, 7, whereupon the keg and line adapters 6, 7 locate within an inner cavity of the adapter housing 81, and a bottom lip 811 of the adapter housing 81 engages underneath the edges of the keg adapter 6.

The CO₂ adapter 8 comprises a piston 82 with an inner piston cavity 821. The piston cavity 821 extends in the elongation direction of the piston 82. A bottom piston cavity opening 822 is provided at the bottom end of the piston 82. A seal 823 is provided on a bottom rim of the piston, surrounding the bottom piston opening 822, which seals with the top rim 73a of the cylindrical element 71. The piston 82 is movable upwards and downwards within a vertical piston chamber 83 of the CO₂ adapter housing 81. The piston 82 is moved downwards to force the line adapter 7 into the dispense position. When in this dispense position, bores 824 in walls of the piston surrounding the piston cavity 821 are arranged to align with bores 831 in walls of the CO₂ adapter housing 81. The bores 831 are supplied with CO₂, via a CO₂ inlet 84 of the adapter housing 81. Upon alignment, CO₂ will flow through the two sets of bores 824, 831 into the piston cavity 821, and into the top hollow section 75a of the cylindrical element 71 of the line adapter 7. CO₂ will subsequently be transferred to the keg as described above.

The piston is moved upwards and downwards using a handle (not shown) mounted to a pivot point 85 of the adapter housing 81. The handle engages with a handle slot 851 adjacent the top end of the piston 82.

In general, the keg adapter 6 and line adapter 7 arrangement described above may be employed to prevent re-use of a delivery line with a plurality of kegs and may be used to ensure that only one type of line adapter 7 can be used with a keg.

In more detail, a supplier of the beverage reservoir may provide the keg to the consumer with the keg adapter 6 fixed to the valve mechanism 5, along with a line adapter 7 with integral delivery line 4. Since the keg adapter 6 and line adapter 7 may be bespoke to one another, the user may only be able to use the supplied line adapter 7, with its integral delivery line 4, to dispense beverage. This may prevent the consumer using another (possibly contaminated) delivery line. A person setting up the system, e.g. the consumer or installation engineer may subsequently connect the line adapter 7 to the keg adapter 6. However, since, after connection, the line adapter 7 cannot be removed from the keg adapter 6 by the consumer, and since the keg adapter cannot be removed from the valve mechanism 5 of the keg by the consumer without a bespoke tool, the consumer cannot subsequently remove the line adapter 7 and keg adapter 6 from the keg for re-use with another keg.

Claims

1-31. (canceled)

32. A beverage dispense apparatus, comprising:

a font housing comprising a font chamber, a font input opening, and a font output opening, each of said font input and output openings providing access to the font chamber;

a tap casing movably mounted to said font housing, said tap casing comprising a tap conduit, a tap input opening, and a tap output opening, each of said tap input and output openings providing access to the tap conduit;

wherein said tap casing is movable between a dispense position and an access position, such that in said access position said tap input opening is farther from said font output opening than in said dispense position.

33. The beverage dispense apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tap casing is pivotally mounted to said font housing.