Beverage dispensing machines and subsequent modules

Abstract

A beverage dispensing machine and a rear assembly thereof are disclosed, the rear assembly comprising a body having a cavity connected to an inlet and an outlet. A spindle is positioned so that a first end is located within the cavity and a second end has a tab located outside the body. A latch plate is configured for translational movement relative to the body. The latch plate comprises a keyhole having a bore and a passage. The bore is sized to receive the spindle, and the passage is sized to receive the tab. The latch plate has a first latch position proximate the body and a second latch position spaced from the body. When the tab is aligned with the passage, the latch plate can translate around the tab to the second latch position. When the tab is not aligned with the passage, the tab holds the latch plate in the first latch position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 193,800 filed on May 27, 2021, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 743,007 filed on May 12, 2022, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to beverage dispensing machines and, more particularly, to a rear block that facilitates dispensing of a beverage through a beverage dispensing valve. Background Art

[0004] Beverage dispensing machines are widely used to dispense beverages to operators in different environments (e.g., restaurants, convenience stores), and the machines can be configured to dispense a variety of beverages. In some instances, the machine includes a beverage dispensing valve, each of which is configured to dispense a specific mixed beverage to the operator. The valve receives and dispenses one or more diluents or base fluids (e.g., still water, carbonated water) and one or more concentrates (e.g., soda concentrate syrup) that are mixed together and thus form a mixed beverage. The valve is typically detachably connected to the machine by a conventional rear block, through which the fluid flows from the fluid source to the valve.

[0005] Examples of known machines, valves and / or back-end blocks are disclosed in the following patent references, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] US Patent No. 4,932,564 discloses a post-mix dual-flavor carbonated beverage dispensing head having a mounting block and a valve body having a triple rapid separation device for water and two syrups.

[0007] US Patent No. 5,285,815 discloses a post-mix beverage dispensing valve having a quick disconnect mounting arrangement. Summary of the invention

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that will be further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] An example of a rear block for beverage dispensing includes a body. The body includes an inlet configured to receive a fluid; an outlet configured to dispense the fluid; and a cavity defined within the body, the cavity being open to the inlet and the outlet. A spindle is elongated in an axial dimension between a first end and a second end. The spindle is positioned so that the first end is within the cavity and the second end is outside the body to allow the spindle to rotate around the axial dimension within the cavity. A tab is located at the second end of the spindle. A latch plate is configured for translational movement relative to the body. The latch plate includes a keyhole having a bore and a channel. The bore is sized to receive the spindle and the channel is sized to receive the tab. The latch plate has a first latch position proximate the body and a second latch position spaced apart from the body. When the tab is aligned with the channel, the latch plate can translate around the tab to the second latch position. The tab retains the latch plate in the first latched position when the tab is not aligned with the channel.

[0010] In a further example of the rear block, the spindle includes a passageway therethrough, the passageway being configured to fluidically connect the inlet to the outlet. The spindle is rotatable within the cavity about the axial dimension between a first spindle position, wherein the passageway is oriented within the cavity to block fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second spindle position, wherein the passageway is aligned with the inlet and the outlet to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The lug is aligned with the channel in the first spindle position, and the lug is not aligned with the channel in the second spindle position. The inlet may be a fresh water inlet for receiving fresh water, and the body may further include a carbonated water inlet that opens toward the cavity and is configured to receive carbonated water. The spindle is rotatable to a third spindle position within the cavity, wherein the passageway is aligned between the carbonated water inlet and the outlet to allow carbonated water to flow from the carbonated water inlet to the outlet through the passageway. The lug is not aligned with the channel in the third spindle position. The latch plate may include at least one engagement feature configured to be releasably connected to the valve. The body may include a first side having the outlet and a second side having the fresh water inlet and the carbonated water inlet. The body may include a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side. The third side and the fourth side extend orthogonally between the first side and the second side. The latch assembly may include a pair of latch plates and a rod extending between the pair of latch plates. The latch assembly translates as a unit between the first latch position and the second latch position. The body includes a bore extending through the body from the third side to the fourth side, and the rod extends through the bore between the pair of latch plates. The spindle may include a first spindle stop located on a portion of the spindle received in the cavity. The spindle may include a stop tab located on a portion of the spindle that is external to the body. The first spindle stop and the stop tab may engage portions of the body, respectively, to limit rotation of the spindle toward the second spindle position and the third spindle position.

[0011] Another example of a rear block includes a body. The body has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. The third side and the fourth side extend between the first side and the second side. A first inlet through the second side is configured to receive a first fluid. A second inlet through the second side is configured to receive a second fluid. A third inlet through the second side is configured to receive a third fluid. A first outlet on the first side is fluidically connected to the first inlet and the second inlet through a first cavity in the body. A second outlet on the first side is fluidically connected to the third inlet through a second cavity in the body. A first spindle can be rotationally positioned in the first cavity. A second spindle can be rotationally positioned in the second cavity. The first spindle and the second spindle are each elongated in an axial dimension between a first end located in the respective cavity and a second end extending outside the body. A first tab is located at the second end of the first spindle. A second tab is located at the second end of the second spindle. The latch assembly is configured for integral translational movement relative to the body between a first latch position in which the first latch plate is spaced from the third side of the body and the second latch plate is proximate to the fourth side of the body, and a second latch position in which the first latch plate is proximate to the third side of the body and the second latch plate is spaced from the fourth side of the body. The latch assembly includes a first latch plate adjacent to the third side of the body and a second latch plate adjacent to the fourth side of the body. The second latch plate includes a first keyhole having a first bore and a first channel, wherein the first bore is sized to receive the first spindle and the first channel is sized to receive the first tab. The second latch plate includes a second keyhole having a second bore and a second channel, wherein the second bore is sized to receive the second spindle and the second channel is sized to receive the second tab. When the first tab is not aligned with the first channel or the second tab is not aligned with the second channel, the first tab or the second tab holds the latch assembly in the first latched position. When the first tab is aligned with the first channel and the second tab is aligned with the second channel, the latch assembly is translatable between the first latched position and the second latched position.

[0012] In a further example of the rear block, the first tab extends radially away from the axial dimension of the first spindle, and the second tab extends radially away from the axial dimension of the second spindle. The first spindle includes a first passage therethrough. The first passage is configured to selectively connect the first inlet or the second inlet to the first outlet. The first spindle can rotate around the axial dimension in the first cavity between a first spindle position, a second spindle position, and a third spindle position, wherein in the first spindle position, the first passage is oriented in the first cavity to block fluid from the first inlet or the second inlet to the first outlet, in the second spindle position, the first passage is aligned with the first inlet and the first outlet to allow the first fluid to flow from the first inlet to the first outlet through the first passage, and in the third spindle position, the first passage is aligned with the second inlet and the first outlet to allow the second fluid to flow from the second inlet to the first outlet through the first passage. In the first spindle position, the first tab is aligned with the first passage. In the second spindle position or the third spindle position, the first tab is not aligned with the first passage. The second spindle includes a second passage therethrough, and the second passage is configured to selectively connect the third inlet to the second outlet. The second spindle is rotatable within the second cavity about the axial dimension between a fourth spindle position, wherein the second passage is oriented within the second cavity to block fluid flow from the third inlet to the second outlet, and a fifth spindle position, wherein the second passage is aligned with the third inlet and the second outlet to allow the third fluid to flow from the third inlet to the second outlet through the second passage. In the fourth spindle position, the second tab is aligned with the second passage. In the fifth spindle position, the second tab is not aligned with the second passage.

[0013] In some further examples, the first inlet is a fresh water inlet and the first fluid is fresh water, the second inlet is a carbonated water inlet and the second fluid is carbonated water, the third inlet is a syrup inlet and the third fluid is a beverage syrup. The first outlet and the second outlet are each configured to be releasably connected to a valve, the valve being configured to dispense one or more of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. The first latch plate and the second latch plate each include at least one engagement feature configured to releasably secure the rear block to the valve. The latch assembly is configured to be secured to the valve when the latch assembly is in the second latch position, and the latch assembly is configured to engage or disengage with the valve when the latch assembly is in the first latch position. The body also includes a bore extending through the body from the third side of the body to the second side of the body. The latch assembly includes a rod extending through the bore, the rod connecting the first latch plate to the second latch plate. A first sleeve is positioned within the first cavity and the first spindle rotates within the first sleeve. A second sleeve is positioned within the second cavity and the second spindle rotates within the second sleeve. At least one post extends from a third surface in a direction away from the third surface. At least one opening through the first latch plate is configured to receive the at least one post therein when the latch assembly translates between the first latch position and the second latch position.

[0014] An example of a beverage dispensing system includes a valve configured to receive a diluent and a syrup and to dispense a mixed beverage containing the diluent and the syrup through a nozzle. A frame is configured to provide structural support. A rear block of any of the examples provided above is physically and fluidly connected to the valve in a releasable manner.

[0015] Various other features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 An example of a beverage dispenser is depicted in schematic form.

[0017] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a rear assembly of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a rear perspective view of the rear block.

[0019] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the rear panel without the latch plate.

[0020] Figure 5This is an exploded view of the rear block.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The following blocks are shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG.

[0022] Figure 7 is a front view of the rear block in the unlocked configuration.

[0023] Figure 8 is a front view of the rear block in the latched configuration.

[0024] Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of the rear block with the spindle in different opening positions.

[0025] Fig.11 is an end view of the rear assembly block.

[0026] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 The following blocks are shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG.

[0027] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Detailed view of the sleeve and spindle shown.

[0028] Fig.14 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 is shown.

[0029] Fig.15 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 is shown.

[0030] Fig.16 It is a further partial decomposition diagram of the rear block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 An example of a beverage dispenser 10 is depicted in schematic form. The dispenser includes a dispensing valve 14 that can be physically or electronically actuated by an operator. The beverage dispenser 10 includes or is otherwise connected to a plurality of fluid sources, including a fresh water source 11 (e.g., a facility water line), a carbonated water source 12 (e.g., a carbonator disposed within the beverage dispenser 10), and one or more concentrated beverage flavor syrup sources 13 (e.g., refillable or replaceable concentrated fluid containers).

[0032] The back block 20 provides fluid connections from the fresh water source 11, the carbonated water source, and the syrup source 13 to the valve 14. The combination of fluids passing through the back block 20 determines the beverage dispensed from the valve when actuated by the operator. The valve 14 can be actuated by the operator's input to the lever 19, and other forms of actuation including buttons, touch screens, or wireless inputs are also within the scope of the present disclosure. When the operator actuates the valve 14, the dispensing valve 14 mixes fresh water from the fresh water source 11 or carbonated water from the carbonated water source 12 with the concentrated beverage flavor syrup from the syrup source 13 in the nozzle 16 to dispense as a post-mix beverage (e.g., carbonated cola soda). A drip tray 17 below the nozzle 16 collects any overflowing dispensed beverage.

[0033] The back block 20 is connected to the frame 18 of the beverage dispenser 10, and the valve 14 is connected to the back block 20. In an example, the fresh water source 11, the carbonated water source 12, and the one or more syrup sources 13 are fluidly connected to the back block 20 through a cold plate 15, which cools the fluid before it reaches the back block 20 and the valve 14.

[0034] Figures 2 to 4 A detailed example of the rear block 20 is depicted. Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the rear assembly block 20. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the rear block 20 . Figure 4 4 is a front perspective view of the rear block 20 with latch plates 41, 42 removed for greater clarity (described in further detail herein). The rear block 20 receives a variety of different fluids from fluid sources, including a fresh water source 11, a carbonated water source 12, and the one or more concentrated flavor syrup sources 13. The rear block 20 includes a fresh water inlet 23 configured to be fluidly connected to the fresh water source 11 to receive fresh water. The carbonated water inlet 24 is configured to be fluidly connected to the carbonated water source 12, and the syrup inlet 25 is configured to be fluidly connected to a concentrated flavor syrup source of the one or more concentrated flavor syrup sources 13. Such fluid connections may be provided by flexible tubing, rigid tubing, or a combination thereof.

[0035] The rear block 20 has a body 21, a first surface 31 of the body 21 facing the valve 14 and a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31, the second surface 32 facing away from the valve 14, for example, toward the frame 18 ( Figure 1 A plurality of bores 22 extend through the body 21 such that fasteners (not shown; for example, screws) extend through the bores 22 from one side of the first surface 31 to secure the rear block 20 to the frame 18 .

[0036] Fig.12 It is the rear block 20 along Figure 212-12. The fresh water inlet 23 and the carbonated water inlet 24 are fluidly connected to a first cavity 26 defined in the body 21, and the syrup inlet 25 is fluidly connected to a second cavity 27 defined in the body 21. For clarity, the water sleeve 51 and the syrup sleeve 52 are hatched and the first ends 67 of the spindles 61, 62 are cross-hatched. The O-rings 69 on the spindles 61, 62 form a fluid seal between the respective spindles 61, 62 and the sleeves 51, 52. The clamp 29 (at Figure 6 Represented as a shaded square in , see also Figure 5 ) fixes the spindle 61,62 to the body 21 and prevents axial movement of the sleeve 51,52 within the cavity 26,27. The sleeve 51,52 includes a rib 55 that fits into the channel 59, the engagement of which fixes the sleeve 51,52 to prevent rotation within the cavity 26,27. Fig.13 is with Fig.12 The same figure illustrates in detail the separation of the spindles 61 , 62 from the sleeves 51 , 52 .

[0037] The water jacket 51 is located in the first cavity 26. The water jacket 51 includes three openings through the side wall 54 into the open interior 56 of the water jacket 51. When the water jacket 51 is located in the first cavity 26, the fresh water opening 53A opens toward the fresh water inlet 23, the carbonated water opening 53B opens toward the carbonated water inlet 24, and the diluent outlet 53C opens toward the diluent outlet 33. The syrup sleeve 52 is located in the second cavity 27. The syrup sleeve 52 includes two openings through the side wall 54 into the open interior 57 of the syrup sleeve 52. The inlet opening 58A opens toward the syrup inlet 25, and the outlet opening 58B opens toward the syrup outlet 34. The water control spindle 61 is rotatably located in the water jacket 51, and the syrup control spindle 62 is rotatably located in the syrup sleeve 52.

[0038] Rotation of the water control spindle 61 within the water jacket 51 and rotation of the syrup control spindle 62 within the syrup jacket 52 respectively control the flow of fluid through the rear block 20. Each spindle 61, 62 has a body 65 extending from a first end 67 to a second end 68 along an axis 64. The first end 67 is configured to be received within the body 21 of the rear block 20, and the second end 68 is configured to extend outside the body 21. The tab 66 is located at the second end 68 and extends radially outward from the axis 64. Each spindle 61, 62 can be rotated about its own axis 64 into and between different positions to control the flow of fluid through the rear block 20. The tab 66 illustratively provides a feature that an operator can apply a rotational force to the corresponding spindle 61, 62 to move the spindle 61, 62 to the position described herein. As shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Fig.12As shown in the drawings, the water passage 70 extends through the water spindle 61, and the syrup passage 72 extends through the syrup spindle 62. The syrup passage 72 is an exemplary straight passage configured to fluidly connect the syrup inlet 25 to the syrup outlet 34 when the syrup spindle 62 is rotated to an open position in which the syrup passage 72 is aligned therewith. As shown, the syrup spindle 62 is in a closed position when the syrup passage 72 blocks the flow of syrup from the syrup inlet 25 to the syrup outlet 34. The water passage 70 is illustratively curved or angled to provide at least three operating positions. As shown in the drawings, the syrup spindle 62 is in a closed position when the syrup passage 72 blocks the flow of syrup from the syrup inlet 25 to the syrup outlet 34. Fig.12 , the first operating position is a closed position, in which the water passage 70 is not fluidly connected to the fresh water inlet 23 or the carbonated water inlet 24. Rotation of the water spindle 61 in the direction of arrows R7 or R8 positions the water spindle 61 in the open position, and the water passage 70 provides a fluid connection between the fresh water inlet 23 or the carbonated water inlet 24 and the diluent outlet 33, respectively.

[0039] Figures 9 and 10 The water spindle 61 is shown in two different opening positions. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The syrup spindle 62 is shown in the same open position. Figure 6 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 The syrup spindle 62 is rotated 90 degrees about the axis 64 in a first direction (see arrow R1) relative to the aforementioned closed position. However, it will be appreciated that other rotation angles may be used illustratively between the open position and the closed position, including but not limited to 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees.

[0040] Fig. 9 The water spindle 61 is depicted in a first open position, wherein the water spindle 61 fluidly connects the fresh water inlet 23 to the diluent outlet 33 through the rear block 20. An exemplary 65 degree rotation of the water spindle 61 about the axis 64 in the direction indicated by arrow R3 relative to the closed position of the water spindle 61 moves the water spindle 61 to the first open position. An exemplary 65 degree rotation of the water spindle 61 about the axis 64 in the direction indicated by arrow R4 relative to the closed position of the water spindle 61 moves the water spindle to a second open position. In the second open position, the water spindle 61 fluidly connects the carbonated water inlet 24 to the diluent outlet 33 through the rear block 20. It will be appreciated that other rotation angles may be used, including but not limited to rotation angles between 45 and 85 degrees or between 60 and 70 degrees.

[0041] Fig.14 It is the rear block 20 along Figure 814-14. In this view, the spindle stops 71 on the two spindles 61, 62 can be better seen. The syrup spindle 62 includes two spindle stops 71 that are diametrically opposed to each other. In the closed position, the spindle stops 71 each engage one of the two stop projections 73 of the body 21. Rotation of the syrup spindle 90 degrees to the open position causes the two stop projections 73 to engage with the other of the two spindle stops 71. Thus, at the two end positions of the rotation of the syrup spindle 62, the spindle stops 71 engage with the respective stop projections 73. The stopping force that prevents further rotation of the spindle in either direction is distributed between the two spindle stops 71.

[0042] Due to the different operation of the spindles 61, 62 and the different rotation angles between the terminal positions of the water spindle 61, the water spindle 61 is arranged differently from the syrup spindle 62. The water spindle 61 includes a single spindle stop 71, which rotates an exemplary 65 degrees in the first direction to reach the terminal position for fresh water opening, and rotates an exemplary 65 degrees in the second direction to reach the terminal position for carbonated water opening. Two corresponding stop protrusions 74 of the body 21 define each terminal position, and the spindle stop 71 engages one of the stop protrusions 74 when the spindle 61 is in one of the terminal positions. The closed position of the spindle 61 is further defined by two ribs 75 of the body 21, and the two ribs block or interfere with the movement of the spindle stop 71, but do not hinder the movement of the spindle stop, so as to resistively define the stop position of the spindle 61, wherein the spindle stop 71 is located between the ribs 75.

[0043] Fig.15 It is the rear block 20 along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 is shown. Fig.16 is an exploded view of the detailed features discussed herein. The latch plate 42 includes a recess 80 that extends approximately 180 degrees around the water spindle 61 around the bore 58 of the keyhole 47. Stops 82 project outwardly from the fourth surface 38 of the body 21 on either side of the cavity 26. When the latch plate 42 is seated against the fourth surface 38, the stop 82 is received within the recess 80. The water spindle 61 also includes a stop tab 84 that projects radially outwardly from the body 65 of the water spindle 61. When the latch plate 42 is seated against the fourth surface 38, the stop tab 84 is also received within the recess 80.

[0044] The stop tab 84 of the water spindle 61 is radially aligned with the spindle stop 71 of the water spindle 61 described above. Similarly, the stop 82 defines the same terminal position as the stop protrusion 74. The internal angle between the stop 82 matches the internal angle between the stop protrusions 74. Therefore, the two terminal opening positions of the water spindle 61 are defined by the engagement between the spindle stop 71 and one of the stop protrusions 74 and the engagement between the stop tab 84 and one of the stop 82. This distributes the stopping force to prevent the water spindle 61 from rotating further in either direction beyond the terminal opening position between the stop tab 84 and the spindle stop 71 and their respective engagement with the stop 82 and the stop protrusion 74.

[0045] The diluent outlet 33 is fluidly connected to the first cavity 26 and extends away from the first cavity 26 in a direction opposite to the fresh water inlet 23 and the carbonated water inlet 24. The syrup outlet 34 is fluidly connected to the second cavity 27 and extends away from the second cavity 27 in a direction opposite to the syrup inlet 25. The outlets 33, 34 further protrude from the first surface 31 of the body 21 (see the direction indicated by arrow A). When the valve 14 is coupled to the rear block 20, the outlets 33, 34 are received in corresponding inlets (not shown) of the valve 14 to physically and fluidically connect the valve 14 to the rear block 20. As described herein, fluid passing through the rear block 20 is allowed to flow to the valve 14 through the outlets 33, 34. The O-ring 35 surrounding each outlet 33, 34 is compressed when the valve 14 is connected to the rear block 20 to increase the friction connection and create a fluid seal therebetween.

[0046] Return to reference Figures 2 to 4 The body 21 of the rear assembly block 20 further includes a third surface 37 and a fourth surface 38 opposite to the third surface 37. The first cavity 26 and the second cavity 27 are open to the fourth surface 38. The third surface 37 is opposite to the fourth surface 38. The third surface 37 and the fourth surface 38 are generally perpendicular to the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 and extend therebetween. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the rear assembly block 20 . Figure 6 It is the rear block 20 along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 is shown. A bore 39 extends through the body 21 of the rear block 20 between the third surface 37 and the fourth surface 38. A pair of cylindrical posts 36 extend in a direction away from the third surface 37 (see the direction indicated by arrow B).

[0047] The rear block 20 also includes a first latch plate 41 and a second latch plate 42, which function to connect the rear block 20 to the valve. The first latch plate is adjacent to the third surface 37, and the second latch plate 42 is adjacent to the fourth surface 38. Although the latch plates 41, 42 are spaced apart from each other and the body 21 is located between the latch plates 41, 42, the latch plates 41, 42 are connected by a rod 43 extending through the bore 39 in the body 21. Specifically, each end of the rod 43 is connected to one of the locking plates 41, 42. Therefore, the rod 43 and the latch plates 41, 42 form a latch assembly 48 that is movable relative to the body 21. Specifically, the latch assembly 48 is movable relative to the body 21 in the unlocked configuration ( Figure 7 ) and the latch configuration of the rear block 20 ( Figure 1 and Figure 8 ) between the rear block 20; in the unlocked configuration, the latch plate is in a position that enables the valve 14 to be connected to or disconnected from the rear block 20; in the latched configuration of the rear block 20, the latch plates 41, 42 are in a position to engage the valve 14, thereby fixing the valve 14 to the rear block 20. In the described example, the screw 44 fixes each of the latch plates 41, 42 to the respective ends of the rod 43, while it should be recognized that other fixing methods including welding, fasteners or adhesives can be used. In one example, the engagement arm 86 extends away from the fourth surface 38 of the body 21. When the latch assembly 48 is in the latched configuration and the latch plate 42 contacts the fourth surface 38, the engagement arm 86 is received in the slot 88 in the latch plate 42. The engagement arm 86 is resiliently fixed to the engagement rod 90 therein to form a positive connection indicating that the latch assembly is in the latched position. The engagement arm 86 and engagement rod 90 further provide resistance to movement of the latch assembly to the unlocked position to prevent inadvertent or unintentional unlocking of the rear block 20 .

[0048] Each latch plate 41, 42 has at least one, or as shown, two, engagement features 45 that are configured to be releasably connected to the valve 14. In the illustrated example, the engagement features 45 extend as a trapezoidal protrusion away from the latch plates 41, 42 in the direction of the valve 14 (see the direction indicated by arrow A). However, it will be appreciated that the engagement features may take other numbers, forms, or shapes while being within the scope of the present disclosure. In a further example, the engagement feature may include a slot (e.g., a gap, a cutout) that is configured to receive a protrusion extending from the valve. In use, after the operator engages the valve 14 to the outlets 33, 34 as described above, the operator moves the latch plates 41, 42 from an unlocked position (see the direction indicated by arrow B) in a first direction (see the direction indicated by arrow B). Figure 7 ) moves to the latch position ( Figure 1 and Figure 8). This movement causes the engagement feature 45 of the latch plates 41, 42 to translate relative to the valve 14 to position the engagement feature 45 to contact a slot (not shown) in the valve 14 that is configured to retain the engagement feature 45. The shape of the slot corresponds to the shape of the engagement feature 45 so that the engagement feature 45 is retained within the slot. Thus, the interference engagement of the engagement feature 45 prevents the valve 14 from being inadvertently disconnected from the rear block 20. In some examples, the engagement feature 45 and the cutout form a dovetail connection. To unlock or disconnect the valve 14 from the rear block 20, the operator moves the latch plates 41, 42 in a second direction (see the direction indicated by arrow C) that is opposite to the first direction so that the engagement feature 45 moves out of the cutout. The operator can then move the valve away from the rear block 20 (e.g., pull the valve 14 in a direction away from the rear block 20).

[0049] As previously described, the post 36 extends away from the third surface 37 of the body 21 of the rear block 20. Although the post 36 is illustrated as being cylindrical, it should be appreciated that the post 36 may take other shapes, and may also be tapered such that the diameter of the fixed end of the post 36 is greater than the diameter of the free end of the post 36, or other configurations that will be appreciated from this disclosure. The first latch plate 41 has an opening 46 through which the post 36 is received. When the rear block 20 is operated from the unlocked configuration to the latched configuration, the first locking plate 41 moves from an unlocked position in contact with or very close to the third surface 37 to an unlocked position away from the third surface 37 by translation along the post 36 received in the opening 46. Figure 8 ).

[0050] Now refer to Figures 5 to 11 , the second latch plate 42 has two keyholes 47 defined therein. The keyholes 47 are shaped to receive the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 therethrough, respectively. More specifically, the keyhole 47 is shaped to have a bore 58 configured to receive the body 65 of the spindle and a channel 49 configured to receive the tab 66 of the spindle therethrough when the tab 66 is positioned to align with the keyhole 47 of the channel 49. Fig.11 is an end view of the rear block 20 with the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 in the closed position, which also aligns the corresponding tabs 66 of those spindles with the corresponding keyholes 47 through the second latch plate 42. This is similar to Fig. 9 and 10 In contrast, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 are in an exemplary open position, and the tab 66 of each spindle is not aligned with the corresponding keyhole 47 of the second latch plate 42.

[0051] The water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 are configured to interact with the second latch plate 42 to restrict the operation of the rear block 20. As previously described, when the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 are in the closed position, the tabs of the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 are only aligned with the channel 49 of the keyhole 47, thereby blocking any fluid flow through the rear block 20. Therefore, when the water spindle 61 and the syrup spindle 62 are both in the closed position, the second latch plate can only translate on the tab 66 to move the latch assembly 48 to the unlocked position. (See Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.11 ) When either spindle is in the open position, the tab 66 of that spindle is not aligned with the corresponding channel 49 of the keyhole 47. (See Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) The engagement of the second latch plate 42 against the tab surface 63 prevents translation of the second latch plate 42 and the latch assembly 48 from the latched position to the unlatched position. Therefore, the latch assembly 48 cannot move from the latched position to the unlatched position unless fluid flow through the rear block 20 is blocked. Similarly, fluid flow through the rear block 20 does not begin until the latch assembly 48 moves to the latched position such that the tab 66 has completely passed through the passage 49 and can rotate out of alignment with the passage 49.

[0052] To disconnect the valve 14 from the rear block 20, the operator must ensure that the water control spindle 61 is in the closed position, blocking the flow of fresh or carbonated water through the rear block 20 to the diluent outlet 33. The closed position of the water control spindle 61 also aligns the tab 66 with the passage 49. The operator must also ensure that the syrup control spindle 62 is in the closed position, blocking the flow of syrup through the rear block 20 to the syrup outlet 34. The closed position of the syrup control spindle 62 also aligns the tab 66 with the passage 49. When the water control spindle 61 and the syrup control spindle 62 are in the closed position and the respective tabs 66 extend therefrom and align with the passage 49 of the keyhole 47, the latch assembly 48 can be moved from the latched position to the unlocked position, and the second latch plate 42 of the latch assembly 48 translates around the tab 66.

[0053] A large number of references are cited herein. The cited references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. If the definition of a term in the specification is inconsistent with the definition of a term in the cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification.

[0054] In this specification, certain terms are used for the sake of brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations beyond the requirements of the prior art should be inferred therefrom because these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly interpreted. The various devices, systems and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other devices, systems and methods. Various equivalents, substitutes and modifications are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims.

[0055] The written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to a person skilled in the art. If these other examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if these other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, then these other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claim number.

Claims

1. A rear assembly block for beverage dispensing, comprising: A main body, the main body having: an inlet configured to receive a fluid; an outlet configured to dispense the fluid; as well as a cavity defined within the body, the cavity being open to the inlet and the outlet; a spindle elongated in an axial dimension between a first end and a second end, the spindle positioned with the first end within the cavity and the second end outside the body to allow the spindle to rotate within the cavity about the axial dimension; a tab located at the second end of the spindle; as well as A latch plate configured for translational movement relative to the body, the latch plate including a keyhole having a bore and a channel, wherein the bore is sized to receive the spindle and the channel is sized to receive the tab, the latch plate having a first latched position proximate the body and a second latched position spaced from the body, wherein the latch plate is capable of translating about the tab to the second latched position when the tab is aligned with the channel, and the tab retains the latch plate in the first latched position when the tab is not aligned with the channel.

2. The rear block according to claim 1, wherein: The spindle includes a passage therethrough configured to fluidly connect the inlet to the outlet.

3. The rear block according to claim 2, wherein: The spindle is rotatable about the axial dimension within the cavity between a first spindle position in which the passage is oriented within the cavity to block fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet and a second spindle position in which the passage is aligned with the inlet and the outlet to allow fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein in the first spindle position the tab is aligned with the passage and in the second spindle position the tab is not aligned with the passage.

4. The rear block according to claim 3, wherein: The inlet is a fresh water inlet for receiving fresh water, and the body further includes a carbonated water inlet that opens toward the cavity and is configured to receive carbonated water.

5. The rear block according to claim 4, wherein: The spindle is rotatable to a third spindle position within the cavity wherein the passage is aligned between the carbonated water inlet and the outlet to allow carbonated water to flow through the passage from the carbonated water inlet to the outlet, and wherein in the third spindle position the tab is not aligned with the channel.

6. The rear block according to claim 5, wherein: The spindle includes a first spindle stop located on a portion of the spindle received in the cavity, and the spindle includes a stop tab located on a portion of the spindle outside the body, wherein the first spindle stop and the stop tab respectively engage portions of the body to limit rotation of the spindle toward the second spindle position and the third spindle position.

7. The rear block according to claim 6, wherein: The body includes a first side including the outlet and a second side including the fresh water inlet, and the carbonated water inlet is located on the second side, and the body includes a third side and a fourth side opposite the third side; The third side and the fourth side extend orthogonally between the first side and the second side, and the rear block further comprises: a latch assembly including a pair of latch plates, the latch assembly including the latch plates and a rod extending between the pair of latch plates such that the latch assembly translates as a unit between the first latch position and the second latch position; wherein the body includes a bore extending through the body from the third side to the fourth side, and the rod extends through the bore between the pair of latch plates.

8. A rear assembly for beverage dispensing, comprising: A main body, the main body having: a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, wherein the third side and the fourth side extend between the first side and the second side; a first inlet through the second side, the first inlet configured to receive a first fluid; a second inlet through the second side, the second inlet configured to receive a second fluid; a third inlet through the second side, the third inlet configured to receive a third fluid; a first outlet on the first side, the first outlet fluidly connected to the first inlet and the second inlet through a first cavity in the body; a second outlet on the first side, the second outlet being fluidly connected to the third inlet through a second cavity in the body; a first spindle rotatably positionable within the first cavity and a second spindle rotatably positionable within the second cavity, each of the first spindle and the second spindle being elongated in an axial dimension between a first end positioned within the respective cavity and a second end extending outside of the body; a first tab located at the second end of the first spindle; a second tab located at the second end of the second spindle; as well as A latch assembly configured for unitary translational movement relative to the body between a first latch position in which the first latch plate is spaced from the third side of the body and the second latch plate is proximate to the fourth side of the body, and a second latch position in which the first latch plate is proximate to the third side of the body and the second latch plate is spaced from the fourth side of the body, the latch assembly comprising: the first latch plate, the first latch plate being adjacent the third side of the body; and The second latch plate, the second latch plate being adjacent to the fourth side of the body and comprising: a first keyhole having a first bore and a first passage, wherein the first bore is sized to receive the first spindle and the first passage is sized to receive the first tab; and a second keyhole having a second bore and a second passage, wherein the second bore is sized to receive the second spindle and the second passage is sized to receive the second tab; wherein the first tab or the second tab holds the latch assembly in the first latched position when the first tab is not aligned with the first channel or the second tab is not aligned with the second channel, and wherein the latch assembly is capable of translating between the first latched position and the second latched position when the first tab is aligned with the first channel and the second tab is aligned with the second channel.

9. The rear block according to claim 8, wherein: The first tab extends radially away from an axial dimension of the first main shaft, and the second tab extends radially away from an axial dimension of the second main shaft.

10. The rear block according to claim 9, wherein: The first spindle includes a first passage therethrough, the first passage being configured to selectively connect the first inlet or the second inlet to the first outlet.

11. The rear block according to claim 10, wherein: The first spindle is rotatable about the axial dimension within the first cavity between a first spindle position, a second spindle position, and a third spindle position, wherein in the first spindle position the first passage is oriented within the first cavity to block fluid flow from the first inlet or the second inlet to the first outlet, in the second spindle position the first passage is aligned with the first inlet and the first outlet to allow the first fluid to flow from the first inlet to the first outlet through the first passage, and in the third spindle position the first passage is aligned with the second inlet and the first outlet to allow the second fluid to flow from the second inlet to the first outlet through the first passage.

12. The rear block according to claim 11, wherein: The first tab is aligned with the first channel in the first spindle position, and the first tab is not aligned with the first channel in the second spindle position or the third spindle position.

13. The rear block according to claim 12, wherein: The second spindle includes a second passage therethrough configured to selectively connect the third inlet to the second outlet.

14. The rear block according to claim 13, wherein: The second spindle is rotatable about the axial dimension within the second cavity between a fourth spindle position in which the second passage is oriented within the second cavity to block fluid flow from the third inlet to the second outlet, and a fifth spindle position in which the second passage is aligned with the third inlet and the second outlet to allow the third fluid to flow from the third inlet to the second outlet through the second passage, wherein the second tab is aligned with the second passage in the fourth spindle position, and the second tab is not aligned with the second passage in the fifth spindle position.

15. The rear assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first inlet is a fresh water inlet and the first fluid is fresh water, the second inlet is a carbonated water inlet and the second fluid is carbonated water, the third inlet is a syrup inlet and the third fluid is beverage syrup.

16. The rear block according to claim 8, wherein: The first outlet and the second outlet are each configured to be releasably connected to a valve configured to dispense one or more of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the first latch plate and the second latch plate each include at least one engagement feature configured to releasably secure the rear block to the valve; and The latch assembly is configured to be secured to the valve when the latch assembly is in the second latch position, and the latch assembly is configured to engage or disengage with the valve when the latch assembly is in the first latch position.

17. The rear block according to claim 8, wherein: The body also includes a bore extending through the body from the third side of the body to the second side of the body, and the latch assembly includes a rod extending through the bore, the rod connecting the first latch plate to the second latch plate.

18. The rear block according to claim 8, further comprising: a first sleeve positioned within the first cavity, wherein the first spindle rotates within the first sleeve; as well as A second sleeve is positioned within the second cavity, wherein the second spindle rotates within the second sleeve.

19. The rear block according to claim 8, further comprising: at least one post extending from the third surface in a direction away from the third surface; as well as At least one opening is formed through the first latch plate and is configured to receive the at least one post therein as the latch assembly translates between the first latch position and the second latch position.

20. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a valve configured to receive a diluent and a syrup and to dispense a mixed beverage comprising the diluent and the syrup through a nozzle; a frame configured to provide structural support; as well as A rear assembly block connected to the frame, the rear assembly block comprising: a body having: a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, wherein the third side and the fourth side extend between the first side and the second side; a fresh water inlet passing through the second side and configured to receive fresh water; a carbonated water inlet passing through the second side and configured to receive carbonated water; a syrup inlet passing through the second side and configured to receive syrup; a diluent outlet on the first side, the diluent outlet being fluidly connected to the fresh water inlet and the carbonated water inlet through a water cavity in the body and dispensing fresh water or carbonated water therefrom as the diluent; and a syrup outlet on the first side, the syrup outlet being fluidly connected to the syrup inlet through a syrup cavity in the body; a water spindle rotatably positionable within the water cavity and a syrup spindle rotatably positionable within the syrup cavity, each of the water spindle and the syrup spindle being elongated in an axial dimension between a first end positioned within the respective cavity and a second end extending outside of the body; a first lug located at the second end of the water spindle; a second tab located at the second end of the syrup spindle; and A latch assembly configured for unitary translational movement relative to the body between a first latch position in which the first latch plate is spaced from the third side of the body and the second latch plate is proximate to the fourth side of the body, and a second latch position in which the first latch plate is proximate to the third side of the body and the second latch plate is spaced from the fourth side of the body, the latch assembly comprising: the first latch plate, the first latch plate being adjacent the third side of the body; and The second latch plate, the second latch plate being adjacent to the fourth side of the body and comprising: a first keyhole having a first bore and a first passage, wherein the first bore is sized to receive the water spindle and the first passage is sized to receive the first tab; and a second keyhole having a second bore and a second passage, wherein the second bore is sized to receive the syrup spindle and the second passage is sized to receive the second tab; wherein the first tab or the second tab holds the latch assembly in the first latched position when the first tab is not aligned with the first channel or the second tab is not aligned with the second channel, and wherein the latch assembly is capable of translating between the first latched position and the second latched position when the first tab is aligned with the first channel and the second tab is aligned with the second channel.

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