Handheld beverage dispenser and related functions and accessories

Abstract

A hand-held beverage dispenser includes a handle body having a plurality of valve units contained therein. Two sets of fluid flow paths are provided in the handle body. The two sets of fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive. Each flow path in the first set of fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each valve unit, while only one predetermined flow path in the second set of fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each valve unit. Each valve unit includes a flow control valve and a selection valve. The selection valve determines which of the first set of flow paths will be used at any given time on a particular basis, while the flow control valve provides single action on-off control of fluid flow through the selected flow path and the predetermined flow path.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all available benefits under 35 U.S. SC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 129,380, filed December 22, 2020, relating to a handheld beverage dispenser and related functions and accessories, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 034,762, filed June 4, 2020, relating to a handheld beverage dispenser and methods thereof, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if each were now separately set forth in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the dispensing of mixed beverages, and more specifically, but not limited to, a handheld beverage dispenser for delivering mixed beverages, and functions and accessories for the handheld beverage dispenser, including arrangements for removing or attaching a mixed beverage dispenser assembly from or to the handheld beverage dispenser; a connector assembly for connecting a flow control assembly to the handheld beverage dispenser; and a flow control assembly for use in conjunction with the handheld beverage dispenser. Background Technology

[0004] Post-mixing handheld beverage dispensers, often referred to as bar guns or soda guns, are well-known and convenient devices in the food and bar service industry, enabling beverages to be prepared by mixing a beverage product (such as a syrup or similar concentrate) with a diluent (such as plain water or carbonated water). While each of the various diluents used is generally suitable for use with a variety of beverage products, any given beverage product is typically only compatible with a specific diluent. Unfortunately, this is a problem for currently available handheld dispensers made with current technology. In particular, currently available handheld beverage dispensers simply cannot easily change the diluent to be used for any particular fluid flow path through the dispenser.

[0005] Therefore, handheld post-mixing beverage dispensers can be easily configured to dispense any available diluent associated with any beverage product flow path, which will create and meet new demands in the beverage dispensing industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A handheld beverage dispenser for selectively dispensing one desired beverage from a variety of post-mixed beverages typically includes a handle body; a plurality of valve units substantially contained within the handle body; a plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths from the outside to the inside of the handle body; and a plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths from the outside to the inside of the handle body. The plurality of second fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive, and the plurality of first fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive.

[0007] Each of the plurality of first fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each valve unit, while only one of the plurality of second fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each valve unit. Each valve unit includes a flow control valve and a selection valve. The selection valve determines, on a specific basis, which of the plurality of first flow paths will be used at any given time, while the flow control valve provides a single action to simultaneously open and close control the flow paths through the selected flow path and the predetermined flow path.

[0008] Many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, especially in light of the foregoing discussion and the following drawings, exemplary description and appended claims.

[0009] Brief description of the attached figures

[0010] Although the scope of this invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments is provided in the appendix. Figure 1 The same reference numerals refer to the same components, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a right-side view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a bottom perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded bottom perspective view showing the removable nozzle housing of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the removable nozzle housing of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The front view of the cross section taken by line 8-8 shows the reduced piping system within the handle body of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional top view showing the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a partial sectional bottom view showing the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 The right view is a partial cross-sectional view showing the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 The left view is a partial cross-sectional view of the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional top view showing the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a partial sectional bottom view showing the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 It is along Figure 13 The main view of the cross section taken by line 15-15 shows the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a schematic piping diagram illustrating the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 It is along Figure 11 The top view of the cross section taken by line 17-17 shows the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18A It is taken from Figure 16 The first detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18B It is taken from Figure 16 The second detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18C It is taken from Figure 16 The third detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 18D It is taken from Figure 16 The fourth detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional perspective view, showing separately the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 The right-side perspective view of the cross-section shows a reduced piping system for the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 21 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional rear perspective view, showing separately the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 22 It is along Figure 13 The main view of the cross section taken by line 22-22 shows the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 23 It is along Figure 11 The top view of the cross section taken by line 23-23 shows the reduced piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 24 This is a partial sectional top view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 25 This is a partial sectional bottom view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 26 This is a partial sectional right view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 27 This is a partial sectional top view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 28 This is a partial cross-sectional rear perspective view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 29 This is a partial sectional front perspective view showing a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 30 It is along Figure 27 A perspective view of a cross-section taken from line 30-30 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 31 It is along Figure 27 The perspective view of the cross section taken by line 31-31 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 32 It is along Figure 27 The perspective view of the cross-section taken by line 32-32 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 33 This is a top perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0047] Figure 34 It is along Figure 33 A perspective view of a cross-section taken from line 34-34 shows a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0048] Figure 35 This is a top perspective view showing the valve core of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 36 This is a right perspective view showing the valve core of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 37 It is along Figure 35 The cross-sectional view taken by line 37-37 shows the valve core of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 38 This is a top perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment in the second assembly stage.

[0052] Figure 39 This is a bottom-view perspective view of the handheld beverage dispenser in the second assembly stage according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 40 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment in the third assembly stage.

[0054] Figure 41 This is a top perspective view of the handheld beverage dispenser in the fourth assembly stage according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 42 This is a top perspective view of the handheld beverage dispenser in the fifth assembly stage according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 43 This is a right-side perspective view of the handheld beverage dispenser in the fifth assembly stage according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 44 This is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of the handheld beverage dispenser in the sixth assembly stage according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 45 This is a top perspective view showing the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 46 This is a bottom perspective view of the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 47 This is a top view showing the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 48 This is a bottom view showing the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 49 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment in the seventh assembly stage.

[0063] Figure 50 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment at the eighth assembly stage.

[0064] Figure 51This is a partially exploded bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment at the eighth assembly stage.

[0065] Figure 52 This is a top view showing the base plate of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 53 This is a bottom perspective view showing the base plate of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 54 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment in the ninth assembly stage.

[0068] Figure 55 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 56 This is a top perspective view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 57A This is a bottom view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of the handheld beverage dispenser in a first configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 57B This is a top view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of the handheld beverage dispenser in a first configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0072] Figure 58A This is a bottom view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of the handheld beverage dispenser in a second configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 58B This is a top view showing the coordinated adaptation of the base plate and valve cup of the handheld beverage dispenser in a second configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0074] Figures 59A-59E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in a first operating state is shown, wherein:

[0075] Figure 59A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0076] Figure 59B It is along Figure 59A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 59B-59B;

[0077] Figure 59C It is a top view;

[0078] Figure 59D It is along Figure 59C A cross-sectional view taken from line 59D-59D; and

[0079] Figure 59E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0080] Figure 60A-60E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in a second operating state is shown, wherein:

[0081] Figure 60A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0082] Figure 60B It is along Figure 60A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 60B-60B;

[0083] Figure 60C It is a top view;

[0084] Figure 60D It is along Figure 60C A three-dimensional view of the cross-section taken from line 60D-60D; and

[0085] Figure 60E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0086] Figures 61A-61E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in a third operating state is shown, wherein:

[0087] Figure 61A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0088] Figure 61B It is along Figure 61A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 61B-61B;

[0089] Figure 61C It is a top view;

[0090] Figure 61D It is along Figure 61C A three-dimensional view of the cross-section taken from line 61D-61D; and

[0091] Figure 61E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0092] Figures 62A-62E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment in a fourth operating state is shown, wherein:

[0093] Figure 62A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0094] Figure 62B It is along Figure 62AA top view of the cross-section taken by line 62B-62B;

[0095] Figure 61C It is a top view;

[0096] Figure 62D It is along Figure 62C A three-dimensional view of the cross-section taken from line 61D-61D; and

[0097] Figure 62E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0098] Figure 63 It is a partially exploded bottom isometric view showing a first preferred embodiment of a removable arrangement of the mixer assembly, as implemented in an extension of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the first embodiment.

[0099] Figure 64 This is a top perspective view showing a removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to a first embodiment.

[0100] Figure 65 This is a bottom perspective view showing a removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0101] Figure 66 It is a bottom isometric view showing a partially disassembled arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0102] Figure 67 This is a perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0103] Figure 68 This is a right-side perspective view of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0104] Figure 69 This is a bottom perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0105] Figure 70 This is a partially exploded bottom perspective view showing the removable nozzle housing of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0106] Figure 71 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the removable nozzle housing of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0107] Figure 72 This is a top perspective view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0108] Figure 73 This is a rear view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0109] Figure 74 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0110] Figure 75 This is a bottom view showing the handle body of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0111] Figure 76 It is along Figure 72 The front view of the cross section taken by line 76-76 shows the reduced piping system within the handle body of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0112] Figure 77 This is a schematic piping diagram illustrating the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0113] Figure 78A It is taken from Figure 77 The first detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0114] Figure 78B It is taken from Figure 77 The second detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0115] Figure 78C It is taken from Figure 77 The third detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0116] Figure 78D It is taken from Figure 77 The fourth detailed view shows the details of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0117] Figure 79 This is a partial cross-sectional top view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0118] Figure 80 This is a partial cross-sectional bottom view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0119] Figure 81 This is a partial cross-sectional right view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0120] Figure 82 This is a partial cross-sectional top view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0121] Figure 83 This is a partial cross-sectional rear perspective view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0122] Figure 84 This is a partial cross-sectional front perspective view of a representative valve body of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0123] Figure 85 It is along Figure 82 The perspective view of the cross-section taken by line 85-85 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0124] Figure 86 It is along Figure 82 The perspective view of the cross-section taken by line 86-86 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0125] Figure 87 It is along Figure 82 The perspective view of the cross section taken by line 87-87 shows a representative valve body of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0126] Figure 88 This is a top perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0127] Figure 89 It is along Figure 88 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view taken from line 89-89 shows a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0128] Figure 90 This is a top left isometric view of the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0129] Figure 91 This is a right-side isometric view of the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0130] Figure 92 This is a bottom view showing the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0131] Figure 93 It is along Figure 91 A perspective view of a cross-section taken from line 93-93 shows the valve cup of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0132] Figure 94 This is a top isometric view showing the valve in-valve components of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0133] Figure 95 This is a right perspective view showing the valve assembly of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0134] Figure 96 It is along Figure 94 The cross-sectional view taken by line 96-96 shows the in-valve components of the piping system of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0135] Figure 97 This is a top perspective view showing the upper seal of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0136] Figure 98 This is a bottom perspective view showing the upper seal of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0137] Figure 99 This is a side perspective view showing the upper seal of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0138] Figure 100 It is along Figure 97 A perspective view of a cross-section taken from line 100-100 shows the upper seal of the valve unit of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0139] Figure 101 This is an exploded top perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0140] Figure 102 This is a top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment during the first assembly stage.

[0141] Figure 103 It is along Figure 102 A perspective view of a cross-section taken from line 103-103 shows a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0142] Figure 104 This is a top perspective view showing a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the first assembly stage.

[0143] Figure 105 This is an exploded top perspective view showing the pre-assembled internal valve component arrangement of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0144] Figure 106 This is an exploded bottom perspective view showing the pre-assembled internal valve component arrangement of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0145] Figure 107 This is a top perspective view showing the pre-assembled internal valve component arrangement of the valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0146] Figure 108 It is along Figure 107 The perspective view taken from line 108-108 shows the pre-assembled internal valve component arrangement of the valve unit of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0147] Figure 109 This is a partially exploded bottom isometric view showing a handheld beverage dispenser in the second assembly stage according to the second embodiment.

[0148] Figure 110 This is a bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment during the second assembly stage.

[0149] Figure 111 This is a top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment during the second assembly stage.

[0150] Figure 112 This is a bottom view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment during the second assembly stage.

[0151] Figure 113 This is a top perspective view showing the valve inlet component retaining member of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0152] Figure 114 This is a top view showing the valve inlet component retaining member of the piping system of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0153] Figure 115 This is a partially exploded bottom perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the third assembly stage.

[0154] Figure 116 This is a bottom view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the third assembly stage.

[0155] Figure 117 This is a top perspective view showing the bottom cover of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second design.

[0156] Figure 118 This is a top view showing the bottom cover of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0157] Figure 119 This is a perspective view showing the rear end of the bottom cover of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0158] Figure 120 This is a partially exploded bottom isometric view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the fourth assembly stage.

[0159] Figure 121 This is a top perspective view showing a first exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0160] Figure 122 This is a cross-sectional view showing a first exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0161] Figure 123 It is along Figure 121 The cross-sectional view taken by line 123-123 shows a first exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0162] Figure 124 This is a top perspective view showing a second exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0163] Figure 125 This is a bottom view showing a second exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0164] Figure 126 It is along Figure 125 The cross-sectional view taken by line 126-126 shows a second exemplary button cap of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0165] Figure 127 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the fifth assembly stage.

[0166] Figure 128 This is a top view showing the top cover of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0167] Figure 129 This is a bottom perspective view showing the top cover of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment.

[0168] Figure 130 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment in the sixth assembly stage.

[0169] Figure 131 This is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment at the sixth assembly stage.

[0170] Figure 132A-132E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment in a first operating state is shown, wherein:

[0171] Figure 132A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0172] Figure 132B It is along Figure 132A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 132B-132B;

[0173] Figure 132C It is a top view;

[0174] Figure 132D It is along Figure 132C A cross-sectional view taken from line 132D-132D; and

[0175] Figure 132E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0176] Figure 133A-133E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment in a second operating state is shown, wherein:

[0177] Figure 133A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0178] Figure 133B It is along Figure 133A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 133B-133B;

[0179] Figure 133C It is a top view;

[0180] Figure 133D It is along Figure 133C A cross-sectional view taken from line 133D-133D; and

[0181] Figure 133E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0182] Figure 134A-134E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment in a third operating state is shown, wherein:

[0183] Figure 134A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0184] Figure 134B It is along Figure 134A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 134B-134B;

[0185] Figure 134C It is a top view;

[0186] Figure 134D It is along Figure 134C A three-dimensional view of the cross-section taken from line 134D-134D; and

[0187] Figure 134E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0188] Figure 135A-135E A representative valve unit of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment in a fourth operating state is shown, wherein:

[0189] Figure 135A It is a right-view stereoscopic image;

[0190] Figure 135B It is along Figure 135A A top view of the cross-section taken by line 135B-135B;

[0191] Figure 135C It is a top view;

[0192] Figure 135D It is along Figure 135C A three-dimensional view of the cross-section taken from line 135D-135D; and

[0193] Figure 135E This is a diagram of the pipeline.

[0194] Figure 136 This is a partially exploded bottom isometric view showing a second preferred embodiment of a removable arrangement of the mixer assembly, as implemented in an extension of the handheld beverage dispenser according to the second embodiment.

[0195] Figure 137 It is a bottom isometric view showing a partially disassembled arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0196] Figure 138 It is a bottom isometric view showing a partial breakdown of various details of the removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0197] Figure 139 This is a partially exploded right-hand perspective view showing various details of the removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0198] Figure 140 It is along Figure 139 The bottom front view partial sectional view taken by line 140-140 shows various details of the removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0199] Figure 141 This is a top view showing various details of an exemplary mixer component suitable for an exemplary implementation of a removable arrangement of the mixer component according to the second embodiment.

[0200] Figure 142 This is a rear perspective view showing a removable cover of the mixer assembly according to a second embodiment.

[0201] Figure 143 It is along Figure 139 The top main view partial sectional view taken by line 143-143 shows various details of the removable arrangement of the mixer assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0202] Figure 144 This is a partially exploded right view illustrating a preferred exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly that may form an extension of a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment, a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment, or another handheld beverage dispenser.

[0203] Figure 145 This is a top rear perspective view showing a heel plate of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0204] Figure 146 This is a rear view showing the base plate of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0205] Figure 147 This is a bottom front perspective view of the upper housing member of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0206] Figure 148 This is a top front perspective view showing the lower housing member of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0207] Figure 149 It is along Figure 146 The cross-sectional view taken by line 149-149 shows the base plate of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0208] Figure 150 This is an exploded perspective view showing an exemplary quick-connect accessory for a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0209] Figure 151 This is a perspective view showing a quick-connect fitting for a connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0210] Figure 152 This is a side view showing a quick-connect fitting for a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0211] Figure 153 This is a partially exploded top perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary suitable sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0212] Figure 154 This is a top perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0213] Figure 155 This is a right-hand perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0214] Figure 156 This is a partially exploded right-hand perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0215] Figure 157 This is a right-hand perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0216] Figure 158 This is a right-hand perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0217] Figure 159 This is a top perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0218] Figure 160 This is a top perspective view illustrating the integration of a connector assembly with an exemplary sheathed fluid line assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0219] Figure 161 This is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment and an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser.

[0220] Figure 162 This is a perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment and an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser.

[0221] Figure 163 This is a right-side perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment and an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser.

[0222] Figure 164 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly secured to an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0223] Figure 165 This is a partially exploded right perspective view showing a connector assembly fixed to an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0224] Figure 166 This is a bottom view showing various details of the tubular sheath flange capture device of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0225] Figure 167 It is along Figure 166 The front view of the cross section taken by line 167-167 shows various details of the tubular sheath flange capture device of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0226] Figure 168 This is a perspective view showing a connector assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment, fixed to an exemplary suitable handheld beverage dispenser.

[0227] Figure 169 This is a side view illustrating a preferred exemplary embodiment of a flow control component that can be suitably used in conjunction with a handheld beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment, a handheld beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment, or more generally, other handheld beverage dispensers.

[0228] Figure 170 This is a side view showing the splash guard of an exemplary flow control component.

[0229] Figure 171 This is a perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow controller component.

[0230] Figure 172 This is a perspective view showing various details of an inverted exemplary flow control component.

[0231] Figure 173 This is a top view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0232] Figure 174 This is a perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0233] Figure 175 This is a front view of the backend, showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0234] Figure 176 It is along Figure 173 The cross-sectional side view taken by lines 176-176 shows various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0235] Figure 177 It is along Figure 173 The cross-sectional side view taken by line 177-177 shows various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0236] Figure 178 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0237] Figure 179 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0238] Figure 180 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0239] Figure 181 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing various details of an exemplary flow control component.

[0240] Figure 182 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing various details of a fluid line connector assembly, particularly suitable for use in conjunction with an exemplary flow control assembly.

[0241] Figure 183 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing an exemplary fluid line connector assembly.

[0242] Figure 184 This is a bottom view showing various details of the top housing of an exemplary fluid line connector assembly.

[0243] Figure 185 This is a top plan view showing various details of the bottom housing of an exemplary fluid line connector assembly.

[0244] Figure 186 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing an exemplary fluid line connector.

[0245] Figure 187 This is a bottom view showing an exemplary fluid line connector.

[0246] Figure 188 This is a partially exploded perspective view showing an exemplary fluid line connector assembly.

[0247] The best way to implement the specific method:

[0248] While those skilled in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, particularly based on the description provided herein, this detailed description is an exemplary depiction of a preferred embodiment of the invention—a handheld beverage dispenser and related features and accessories—and its scope is limited only by the appended claims; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be enlarged to show details of specific components or steps.

[0249] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein as needed; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be enlarged to show details of specific components or steps.

[0250] Now refer to the attached diagram, especially Figure 1-3 According to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 is shown to generally include a handle body 11, which, as will be better understood further herein, houses a novel piping system 22 (in... Figure 7-6 (As shown in detail in Figure 2) and the post-mix beverage dispenser assembly 104, as shown, are located at the front end 18 adjacent to the handle body 11. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the depicted handheld beverage dispenser 10 is a well-known type of dispenser, commonly referred to as a bar gun or soda gun. In any case, like similar dispensers, the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention is used to dispense any post-mix beverage as needed.

[0251] As is well known to those skilled in the art, such post-mixed beverages are prepared by dispensing a beverage product (e.g., syrup or other concentrate) and a diluent (e.g., plain water or carbonated water) together. Although, and as will be described in further detail herein, at least some preferred embodiments of the invention contemplate providing a universal handle body 11 and piping system 22 suitable for use with any of the wide range of embodiments for a post-mixed beverage dispenser assembly 104, details of which are exemplary post-mixed beverage dispenser assemblies operating in accordance with the present invention for dispensing post-mixed beverages, as shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 394,889, filed April 25, 2019, entitled *METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POST-MIX DRINK DISPENSING*, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, regardless of the technical details involved in post-mixed beverage mixing, it should be noted that while each of the various diluents used is generally suitable for use with a variety of beverage products, any single beverage product is typically only compatible with a particular diluent.

[0252] In the leaps in related technologies, the novel piping system 22 of the present invention has multiple fluid inlets 23 leading to the piping system 22 and from the piping system 22 (e.g., as...). Figure 7Various flow paths are provided between the multiple liquid outlets 36 (shown) via the handheld beverage dispenser 10, wherein at least some flow paths are selectively established. Particularly low, as better understood in the details further set forth herein, the novel piping system 22 of the present invention is adapted to enable simultaneous dispensing of a selected diluent with each of the multiple offered beverage products.

[0253] As shown in the figure, a plurality of fluid inlets 23 are provided at the rear end 20 of the handle body 11, and for the exemplary embodiment shown, a first diluent inlet 24 and a second diluent inlet 25 are included. However, it should be noted that, within the scope of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the number of diluent inlets can be extended to three or more based on the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, some aspects of the present invention are applicable to beverage systems using only one diluent. In any case, the plurality of fluid inlets 23 also include a plurality of beverage product inlets 26a-26h, each of which provides a beverage product outlet 26a-26h for each of the number of beverage products that can be dispensed on demand in the embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number of beverage product inlets implemented according to this exemplary description can vary widely depending on considerations such as the requirements of the anticipated commercial market, desired limitations on the size or shape of the handheld beverage dispenser 10, manufacturing costs, etc.

[0254] In this respect, for clarity, it is noted that the rear end 20 of the exemplary handle body 11 is depicted without aesthetic covering and, for generality, is depicted as having no specific interface with an external flow control and manifold system. As is known in the relevant art, dispensers of the class to which the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention belongs typically operate to dispense a mixture of a desired beverage product and its corresponding appropriate diluent in a single button, switch-type operation, and therefore generally do not include features for pressure regulation, etc. As a result, as is known in the relevant art, such dispensers supply fluid via any of a number of readily commercially available zero-flow control and manifold components. These components are used to supply fluid at appropriately regulated pressure and are typically connected to the handheld beverage dispenser via multiple separate fluid lines.

[0255] Individual fluid lines from the flow control and manifold assembly are typically collected within an elongated sleeve that terminates along with the fluid lines at a connector whose size, shape, and other aspects are adapted to provide a sealed interface between each fluid line and each fluid inlet of the handheld beverage dispenser. In this case, fluid inlet 23 is located at the rear end 20 of the handle body 11 of the handheld beverage dispenser 10. As those skilled in the art will understand, fluid inlet 23 can be readily provided with any additional connector hardware required to connect to the fluid lines from the flow control and manifold system. However, it should also be noted that the flow control and manifold system provides the ability to change the specific beverage product associated with a particular fluid line on a specific basis and thus supply it to the corresponding beverage product inlets 26a-26h. While such changes can be made without affecting the operation of any other fluid lines through the dispenser, any particular change depends on the ability of the newly supplied beverage product to be mixed with a suitable diluent.

[0256] As will be described and illustrated further in this article, for example, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, the aforementioned plurality of fluid outlets 36 are located at the bottom 15 of the handle body 11, adjacent to the front end 18, wherein the outlets 36 are positioned and arranged to direct the dispensed fluid to the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. For the exemplary embodiment shown, the fluid outlets 36 include a single common diluent outlet 37 and a plurality of beverage product outlets 38a-38h, providing one beverage product outlet and providing one beverage product 38a-38h for and corresponding to each of the provided beverage product inlets 26a-26h.

[0257] As will be described in further detail herein, the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention is adapted to dispense beverage fluid from one of the beverage product outlets 38a-38h, which is supplied at a suitable pressure from the flow control and manifold assembly and through one of the beverage product inlets 26a-26h, and enters the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. Furthermore, the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention is adapted to simultaneously dispense a first diluent supplied at a suitable pressure from the flow control and manifold assembly or other sources and through a first diluent inlet 24, or, optionally, a second diluent supplied at a suitable pressure from the flow control and manifold assembly and through a second diluent inlet 25, from a single common diluent outlet 37 into the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104, in which the first or second diluent selected by the end user is mixed with the beverage product dispensed concurrently. Although as... Figure 7 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a single common diluent outlet 37, but multiple separate diluent outlets (e.g., one for each diluent) may also be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0258] Because, if reference Figure 7-63 As discussed in detail, the provision of the first or second diluent is selectable by the end user, and the correct diluent can be easily dispensed for any beverage product flowing through any beverage product inlet 26a-26h (or beverage product outlet 38a-38h) based on each beverage product inlet 26a-26h (equivalent to based on each beverage product outlet 38a-38h). More importantly, compared to the prior art, the end-user selection of the first or second diluent is accomplished without removing the handheld beverage dispenser 10, depressurizing any flow path through the handheld beverage dispenser or other fluid supply flow control and manifold assembly, or any other interruption to the operation of the handheld beverage dispenser 10.

[0259] Finally, the general operation of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention essentially follows the simple operation familiar to countless service industry workers worldwide. As shown, a set of flow controllers 14a-14h are disposed on the top 12 of the handle body 11 of the handheld beverage dispenser 10. Each flow controller 14a-14h is used and corresponds to a beverage product introduced through each of the provided beverage product inlets 26a-26h, for dispensing from the corresponding beverage product outlets 38a-38h. However, as will be better understood further herein, the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention also includes a pair of flow controllers 14i and 14j, each flow controller being used solely for dispensing diluent. Furthermore, at least in the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the provision of a first or second diluent is also selectable by the end user for each flow controller 14i and 14j. In any case, simply pressing a flow controller 14a-14j will result in the flow of the beverage product and its corresponding selected diluent or a single diluent.

[0260] To ensure ease of operation and comfortable use of the handheld beverage dispenser 10, the sides 16 and bottom 15 of the handle body 11 are most ergonomically designed to provide a safe, ambidextrous grip 17 for the end user, as the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 remains stable above the beverage container while activating any of the flow control devices 14a-14j (typically via thumb press), such as... Figure 4-5As specifically shown, and typical of the dispenser category to which the handheld beverage dispenser 10 belongs, the nozzle housing 122 of the mixer 105 (described in further detail herein) for the implemented exemplary post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 is easily removable to facilitate periodic cleaning of the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. For this purpose, as shown, a plurality of locking tabs 125 are provided on the upper portion 124 of the inner surface 123 of the nozzle housing 122, which are operatively adapted to engage mating nozzle housing locking members 112 disposed around a portion of the mixer 105. As shown, and as is familiar to those skilled in the art and general service industry personnel, the nozzle housing 122 is locked in place by a clockwise rotation around a portion of the mixer 105, and similarly released by a counter-clockwise rotation around a portion of the mixer 105.

[0261] Despite the efforts made above, the applicant has ensured that the preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention maintains a familiar mode of operation, exceeding the maintainability level of prior art dispensers. For example, although prior art dispensers include, Figure 4-5 The removable nozzle housing 122 shown above represents a feature of conventional dispensers of the relevant category, but at most, it achieves limited maintainability of the remaining parts of the provided beverage dispenser assembly. Dispenser assemblies, in typical prior art devices, are either integral with or highly integrated with the handle body, making removal or non-assembly for future maintenance impractical, if not entirely impossible. It is certainly known to the applicant that there are no prior art implementations of bar guns in which the provided nozzle assembly can be easily removed from the bar gun. As will be better understood further herein, in the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, means are provided for simply removing the entire post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 from the handle body 11, after which the removed dispenser assembly 104 can be replaced or repaired. In addition to significantly increasing the maintainability of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, this aspect of the invention also enables flexibility in commercial product development by allowing the use of any number of dispenser assemblies with different designs, each having a single handle body and piping system.

[0262] As previously described, the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention includes a novel piping system 22 housed within the aforementioned handle body 11. More broadly, the piping system 22 includes a plurality of fluid conduits located at various fluid inlets 23, such as... Figure 6 As shown, or terminated at various fluid outlets at 36 locations, such as Figure 7As shown. However, additionally, piping system 22 includes multiple valve units 39a-39j, each of which will be shown and described in more detail herein, inserted between a fluid conduit from fluid inlet 23 and a fluid conduit to fluid outlet 36. In an exemplary embodiment, each such valve unit 39a-39j is implemented around a corresponding valve body 40a-40j, as... Figure 7-8 As shown, and, as will be better understood further herein, together implement the novel flow paths selectively established by the end user through the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention.

[0263] While other manufacturing methods are possible according to the teachings of the invention, the complex structure of the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the invention is produced using additive manufacturing. Particularly advantageously, all fluid conduits of the valve bodies 40a-40j and the piping system 22 are 3D printed, except for the substrate 92, and these fluid conduits are integral with all handle bodies 11 (described further herein). Most preferably, these components are printed with stainless steel, which eliminates many concerns about the use of potentially hazardous materials, as opposed to the use of many other possible manufacturing materials (e.g., plastics or resins). Furthermore, the use of stainless steel facilitates daily cleaning and also makes the product durable, even though the handheld beverage dispenser 10 will be used in challenging environments.

[0264] However, regardless of the structural material chosen, such as Figure 6-8 As shown, the preferred method for additionally manufacturing the housing 11 of the machine's overall internal structure includes providing an internal mesh or mesh structure 21. As illustrated, the implemented internal mesh 21 suspends and secures the valve bodies 40a-40j and fluid conduits in appropriate locations substantially outside the handle body 11. The implementation of the internal mesh 21 not only saves material costs but also reduces the weight of the handheld beverage dispenser 10, thereby increasing end-user satisfaction with the handheld beverage dispenser. As will be further better understood herein, the operation and / or maintenance of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention involves at least some limited access to the various valve bodies 40a-40j housed within the handle body 11, from the absence of the handle body 11. For this purpose, as... Figure 6 As specifically shown, multiple valve stem holes 13 are provided on the top 12 of the handle body 11 to allow the end user to interact with the piping system 22 via the flow control devices 14a-14j discussed earlier, which is necessary for the normal operation of the handheld beverage dispenser 10. Similarly, as Figure 7 As specifically shown in the document, and with reference to Figure 3To be best understood, the base plate 92 that essentially forms the bottom 15 of the handle body 11 can be selectively removed from the handle body 11, which may be necessary for maintenance or deep cleaning of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 and facilitates the assembly of the valve units 39a-39j, which will be described in further detail herein.

[0265] To ensure clarity in the following discussion, it is noted that in an exemplary embodiment of the belt beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, as now described, beverage inlet 26a is in fluid communication with valve body 40a via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 40a is in fluid communication with beverage outlet 38a via a further correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage inlet 26b is in fluid communication with valve body 40b via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 40b is in fluid communication with beverage outlet 38b via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage inlet 26c is in fluid communication with valve body 40c via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 40c is in fluid communication with beverage outlet 38c via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage inlet 26d is in fluid communication with valve body 40d via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 40a is in fluid communication with valve body 40d via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; and beverage inlet 26d is in fluid communication with valve body 40d via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 40a is in fluid communication with valve body 40a via a further correspondingly provided fluid conduit. 0d is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 38d via a separately configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 26e is fluidly connected to valve body 40e via a separately configured fluid conduit, and valve body 40e is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 38e via a separately configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 26f is fluidly connected to valve body 40f via a separately configured fluid conduit, and valve body 40f is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 38f via a separately configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 26g is fluidly connected to valve body 40g via a separately configured fluid conduit, and valve body 40g is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 38g via a separately configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 26h is fluidly connected to valve body 40h via a separately configured fluid conduit, and valve body 40h is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 38h via another separately configured fluid conduit. Furthermore, the first diluent inlet 24 is fluidly connected to each valve body 40a-40j via a corresponding shared fluid conduit, and the second diluent inlet 25 is fluidly connected to each of valve bodies 40a-40j via a separate corresponding shared fluid conduit. Finally, each of the valve bodies 40a-40j is in fluid communication with a single common diluent outlet 37 via another fluid conduit.

[0266] Now for reference Figure 9-15 The document shows and describes various details of the fluid conduits between valve bodies 40a-40j and various fluid inlets 23 and fluid outlets 36. In particular, Figure 9-15The structural arrangement of the fluid conduits implemented between beverage product inlets 26a-26h and valve bodies 40a-40h, and between valve bodies 40a-40b and beverage product outlets 38a-38h, is described in detail. However, for clarity, the piping system 22 is depicted in these figures as partial sectional views, each of which "cuts out" or otherwise omits the outer extent of the handle body 11 and the interconnection network 21. That is, it should be noted that... Figure 9 The view usually corresponds to Figure 6 The view; Figure 10 The view roughly corresponds to Figure 7 The view; Figure 15 The view roughly corresponds to Figure 8 The view. Furthermore, it should be noted that, Figure 9-15 and Figure 6-8 Similarly, the exemplary preferred embodiment of the piping system 22 is depicted, wherein valve bodies 40a-40j are completely reduced, that is, all details of valve units 39a-39j are omitted, the additional details of which will be fully shown and further described herein.

[0267] Such as combinations Figure 9-15 As shown, separate beverage product supply conduits 31a-31h are disposed between a corresponding one of each beverage product inlet 26a-26h and valve body 40a-40h. Although other shapes or embodiments are possible, each beverage product supply conduit 31a-31h in the exemplary preferred embodiment includes an elongated tubular member arranged within the handle body 11 between one of the beverage product inlets 26a-26h and its corresponding valve body 40a-40h. Specifically, beverage supply conduit 31a is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26a and valve body 40a; beverage supply conduit 31b is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26b and valve body 40b; beverage supply conduit 31c is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26c and valve body 40c; beverage supply conduit 31d is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26d and valve body 40d; beverage supply conduit 31e is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26e and valve body 40e; beverage supply conduit 31f is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26f and valve body 40f; beverage supply conduit 31g is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26g and valve body 40g; and beverage supply conduit 31h is shown providing fluid communication between beverage inlet 26h and valve body 40h.

[0268] As shown in the figure, each beverage product supply pipe 31a-31h can connect to its respective valve body 40a-40h at any radial position around it, with the circumferential arrangement primarily accommodating each pipe within very limited available space. However, on the other hand, as will be better understood further herein, it should be noted that, for the exemplary embodiments of the invention now shown and described, each beverage product supply pipe 31a-31h connects to its respective valve body 40a-40h at substantially the same vertical position from one valve body 40a-40h to another. For this purpose, as... Figure 11 , 12 As most clearly depicted in Figure 15, the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h are shown terminating at a uniform vertical position in the upper middle section of the valve body 40a-40h.

[0269] And also combinations Figure 9-15 As shown, individual beverage product dispensing conduits 35a-35h are disposed between each valve body 40a-40h and a corresponding beverage product outlet 38a-38h. Although other shapes or embodiments are possible, each beverage product dispensing conduit 35a-35h in the exemplary preferred embodiment includes an elongated tubular member arranged within the handle body 11 between one of the valve bodies 40a-40h and one of its corresponding beverage product outlets 38a-38h. Specifically, beverage product dispensing conduit 35a is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40a and beverage product outlet 38a; beverage product dispensing conduit 35b is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40b and beverage product outlet 38b; beverage product dispensing conduit 35c is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40c and beverage product outlet 38c; beverage product dispensing conduit 35d is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40d and beverage product outlet 38d; beverage product dispensing conduit 35e is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40e and beverage product outlet 38e; beverage product dispensing conduit 35f is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40f and beverage product outlet 38f; beverage product dispensing conduit 35g is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40g and beverage product outlet 38g; and beverage product dispensing conduit 35h is shown providing fluid communication between valve body 40h and beverage product outlet 38h.

[0270] As shown in the figure, each beverage product dispensing pipe 35a-35h (similar to the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h) can engage with its respective valve body 40a-40h at any radial position around the corresponding valve body 40a-40h. The circumferential arrangement is primarily a problem in accommodating each pipe within the very limited available space. However, on the other hand, as will be better understood further herein, it should be noted that, for the exemplary embodiments of the invention as now shown and described, each beverage product dispensing pipe 35a-35h (similar to the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h) engages with its respective valve body 40a-40h at substantially the same vertical position from one valve body 40a-40h to another. However, the vertical position of the beverage product dispensing pipes 35a-35h is perpendicularly separate from the vertical position of the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h discussed previously. Therefore, as... Figure 11 , 12 As most clearly depicted in 15, the beverage product dispensing pipes 35a-35h are shown to begin at a uniform vertical position adjacent to the upper end of the valve body 40a-40h, as shown, and this position is perpendicularly separated from the position where the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h terminate.

[0271] As previously stated, the first diluent inlet 24 and the second diluent inlet 25 are each in fluid communication with each valve body 40a-40j via a corresponding shared fluid conduit. Specifically... Figure 16 As shown, the first diluent inlet manifold 126 includes a common trunk 127 in fluid communication with the first diluent inlet 24, and the second diluent inlet manifold 28 includes a common trunk 29 in fluid communication with the second diluent inlet 25. Figure 17 As shown, multiple valve supply branches 27a-27j, or otherwise provided, are formed, which are in fluid communication with and supply a first diluent to the common trunk 127, and multiple valve supply branches 30a-30j, or otherwise provided, are formed, in fluid communication with and supply a second diluent to the common trunk 29. As will be better understood further herein, each implemented valve unit 39a-39j is provided with a valve supply branch 27a-27j and a valve supply branch 30a-30j. Although other shapes or embodiments are possible, the exemplary preferred embodiment of the first common trunk 127 and its corresponding valve supply branches 27a-27j of the first diluent inlet manifold 126 includes an arrangement of a generally elongated tubular member within the handle body 11 between the first diluent inlet 24 and the valve body 40a-40j, as in Figure 9-15 As shown in the combinations of 17 and 19-23. Similarly, as in the combinations Figure 9-15As shown in 17 and 19-23, the second common trunk 29 and its corresponding valve supply branches 30a-30j of an exemplary preferred embodiment of the second diluent inlet manifold 28 include generally elongated tubular members arranged within the handle body 11 between the second diluent inlet 25 and the valve bodies 40a-40j.

[0272] like Figure 17-21 As shown, valve supply branch 27a provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40a for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39a is installed around valve body 40a. Valve supply branch 30a provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40a for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27b provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40b for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39b is arranged around valve body 40b. Valve supply branch 30b provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40b for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27c provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40c for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39c is installed around valve body 40c. Valve supply branch 30c provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40c for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27d provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40d for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39d is installed around valve body 40d. Valve supply branch 30d provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40d for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27e provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40e for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39e is installed around valve body 40e. Valve supply branch 30e provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40e for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27f provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40f for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39f is installed around valve body 40f. Valve supply branch 30f provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40f for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25.

[0273] Valve supply branch 27g provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40g for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39g is installed around valve body 40g. Valve supply branch 30g provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40g for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27h provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40h for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39h is installed around valve body 40h. Valve supply branch 30h provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40h for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27i provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40i for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39i is installed around valve body 40i. Valve supply branch 30i provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40i for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25. Valve supply branch 27j provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 127 and valve body 40j for the first diluent introduced into the common trunk line 127 through the first diluent inlet 24. Valve unit 39j is installed around valve body 40j. Valve supply branch 30j provides fluid communication between the common trunk line 29 and valve body 40j for the second diluent introduced into the common trunk line 29 through the second diluent inlet 25.

[0274] As shown in the figure, and as will be further better understood herein, it should be noted that, for the exemplary embodiments of the invention now shown and described, each valve supply branch 27a-27j from the common trunk 127 of the first diluent inlet manifold 126 and each valve supply branch 30a-30j from the common trunk 29 of the second diluent inlet manifold 28, like the beverage product supply conduits 31a-31h, engages with its respective valve body 40a-40j at substantially the same vertical position from one valve body 40a-40j to another. However, in contrast to the beverage product supply pipes 31a-31h, for the exemplary embodiment of the invention now shown and described, at the radial position surrounding the valve body 40a-40j at the junction of each corresponding valve supply branch 27a-27j and the corresponding valve body 40a-40j, at an angular interval from one valve body 40a-40j to another at that radial position, each corresponding valve supply branch 30a-30j is substantially the same. Therefore, as... Figure 15As shown, each valve supply branch 27a-27j and each valve supply branch 30a-30j terminates at a uniform vertical position in the lower part of the valve body 40a-40j. Similarly, as Figure 17 As most clearly shown, the angular interval between the radial position of each valve supply branch 27a-27j and the radial position where the corresponding valve supply branch 30a-30j connects to the valve body 40a-40j is shown to be uniform from one valve body 40a-40j to another, although such uniformity is not required in at least some other embodiments.

[0275] As previously mentioned, each valve body 40a-40j is fluidly connected to the common diluent outlet 37 via a common fluid conduit. Specifically... Figure 16 As shown, the common diluent outlet manifold 32 includes a common trunk 33 in fluid communication with a single common diluent outlet 37. (As indicated...) Figure 22-23 As shown, multiple valve distribution branches 34a-34j are formed or otherwise provided, which are in fluid communication with and supply diluent to the common trunk 33. As will be better understood further herein, each implemented valve unit 39a-39j is provided with a valve distribution branch 34a-34j. Although other shapes or implementations are possible, the common trunk 33 and its corresponding valve distribution branches 34a-34j of an exemplary preferred embodiment of the common diluent outlet manifold 32 comprise generally elongated tubular members arranged within the handle body 11 between the valve bodies 40a-40j and the common diluent outlet 37, such as in combination. Figure 10-12 As shown in 14-15 and 22-23.

[0276] Such as combinations Figures 18A-18DAs shown in Figures 22-23, valve distribution branch 34a provides fluid communication between valve body 40a and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39a. Valve unit 39a is mounted around valve body 40a, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39a and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34b provides fluid communication between valve body 40b and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39b. Valve unit 39b is mounted around valve body 40b, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39b and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34c provides fluid communication between valve body 40c and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39c. Valve unit 39c is mounted around valve body 40c, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39c and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34d provides fluid communication between valve body 40d and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39d. Valve unit 39d is installed around valve body 40d, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39d and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34e provides fluid communication between valve body 40e and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39e. Valve unit 39e is installed around valve body 40e, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39e and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34f provides fluid communication between valve body 40f and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39f. Valve unit 39f is installed around valve body 40f, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39f and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34g provides fluid communication between valve body 40g and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39g. Valve unit 39g is installed around valve body 40g, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39g and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34h provides fluid communication between valve body 40h and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39h. Valve unit 39h is installed around valve body 40h, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39h and a single common diluent outlet 37. Valve distribution branch 34i provides fluid communication between valve body 40i and common trunk line 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39i. Valve unit 39i is installed around valve body 40i, and common trunk line 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39i and a single common diluent outlet 37.Valve distribution branch 34j provides fluid communication between valve body 40j and common trunk 33 for the diluent released from valve unit 39j. Valve unit 39j is mounted around valve body 40j, and common trunk 33 provides fluid communication between the diluent released from valve unit 39j and a single common diluent outlet 37.

[0277] As shown in the figure, each valve distribution branch 34a-34j of the common trunk 33 leading to the diluent outlet manifold 32, such as beverage product supply conduits 31a-31h and 35a-35h, can connect to its respective valve body 40a-40j at any radial position around the corresponding valve body 40a-40j. The circumferential arrangement is primarily a matter of accommodating each conduit within a very limited available space. However, on the other hand, as will be better understood further herein, it should be noted that each valve distribution branch 34a-34j, such as beverage product supply conduits 31a-31h and 35a-35h, and each valve supply branch 27a-27j and 30a-30j connect to its respective valve body 40a-40j at approximately the same vertical position from one valve body 40a-40j to the other. However, the vertical positions of valve distribution branches 34a-34j are perpendicularly separate from the vertical positions of valve supply branches 27a-27j and 30a-30j discussed earlier. Therefore, as... Figure 15 As most clearly depicted, valve distribution branches 34a-34j are shown as originating from a uniform vertical position in the lower middle section of valve body 40a-40j, as shown in the figure. This position is perpendicularly separated from the position where valve supply branches 27a-27j and 30a-30j terminate.

[0278] As previously described, the novel piping system 22 of the present invention enables the end user to selectively establish various flow paths through the handheld beverage dispenser 10 to select one of a plurality of available diluents on a per-beverage-product basis, thereby dispensing beverage products from the handheld beverage dispenser 10. In particular, as will be better understood further herein, each provided valve unit 39a-39j inventively implements two distinct valves surrounding a single valve body 40a-40j, thereby enabling the novel arrangement of the present invention to implement flow control valves 54a-54j and diluent selection valves 82a-82j for at least each beverage product dispensed by the handheld beverage dispenser 10, all of which are substantially within the scope of the handle body 11 of the handheld beverage dispenser 10. For clarity, the term “substantially within scope” as used herein with respect to any handle body 11, 151 of the invention, whether in describing or claiming any aspect of the invention, should be understood to mean that any said or claimed feature is generally within the outer scope of the handle body, including any portion of the feature that also forms any aspect of the outer scope of the handle body. The term explicitly excludes any aspect that protrudes beyond the normal grip of the handle body or interferes with the control of the handheld beverage dispenser 10, 150, but includes aspects that extend where necessary to form or interact with controls, or form an inlet or outlet with the handle body, or are otherwise included in a cap or the like, as attached to the handle body in use. It should also be noted that when referring to various valves, whether in the description or claim of any aspect of the invention, the term "functionally independent" means that each of the plurality of valves can be activated, operated, or otherwise used for its normal function without regard to the state of any other such valve, and that activation, operation, or other use of any such valve should not cause any change in the state of any other such valve. Similarly, when referring to various valves, whether in the description or claim of any aspect of the invention, the term "different" means that each of the plurality of valves performs a mutually exclusive function; for example, when neither valve has the ability to perform the function of the other, the first valve opens or closes the flow, and the second valve selects one source from multiple sources.

[0279] In any case, in the use of the present invention, as will be further better understood herein, the previously described fluid inlet 23 is generally positioned in fluid communication with an outlet from the flow control and manifold assembly or any other similar source of the beverage product and various diluents, and the previously described fluid outlet 36 is positioned in fluid communication with any suitable post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly known in the relevant art.

[0280] Furthermore, as will be better understood further herein, for at least each beverage product provided, the end user will utilize one of the corresponding diluent selection valves 82a-82j of this invention to select one of a variety of diluents for dispensing with the corresponding beverage product.

[0281] Now for reference Figure 1-3 As discussed above, considering the flow paths of the piping system 22 through the exemplary embodiment, 16 and 18A-18D, and the aforementioned discussion, for the handheld beverage dispenser 10 to be operated as described, the end user will press or otherwise operate one of the flow controllers 14a-14j to activate the corresponding flow control valve 54a-54j and dispense the desired beverage product with the diluent of their choice, or, as better understood further herein, dispense the desired beverage product with only the diluent. Specifically, when the end user operates the flow control device 14a to activate the flow control valve 54a, the beverage product entering the handheld beverage dispenser 10 through the beverage product inlet 26a is allowed to flow through the beverage product supply conduit 31a, and the flow control valve 54a is "ON" allowed to enter the beverage product dispensing conduit 35a through the valve unit 39a, after which the beverage product flows from the beverage product outlet 38a into the provided post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. Simultaneously, the "ON" flow control valve 54a allows the diluent of the end user's choice to flow through the valve unit 39a. Specifically, and depending on the position of the diluent selection valve 82a selected by the end user according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a first diluent entering through the first diluent inlet 24 flows through the common trunk 127 of the first diluent inlet manifold 126 and the valve supply branch 27a, and then through the diluent selection valve 82a; or a second diluent enters through the second diluent inlet 25, flows through the common trunk 29 of the second diluent inlet manifold 28 and the valve supply branch 30a, and then through the diluent selection valve 82a. In either case, the selected first or second diluent is delivered from the "open" flow control valve 54a, through the valve distribution branch 34a and the common line 33 of the common diluent outlet manifold 32, and then the selected diluent flows from a single common diluent outlet 37 into the provided post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 to mix with the simultaneously dispensed beverage product as conventionally.

[0282] As shown in the figure, the above operation method is the same for each additional beverage product inlet 26b-26h.

[0283] When the end user operates the flow controllers 14b-14h to activate the corresponding flow control valves 54b-54h, the beverage product entering the handheld beverage dispenser 10 through the corresponding beverage product inlet 26b-26h flows through the corresponding beverage product supply pipe 31b-31h, and is then allowed by the corresponding "open" flow control valve 54b-54h to enter the corresponding beverage product distribution conduit 35b-35h through the corresponding valve unit 39b-39h. Subsequently, the beverage product flows from the corresponding beverage product outlet 38b-38h into the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. Simultaneously, the corresponding "open" flow control valve 54b-54h allows the diluent selected by the end user to pass through the corresponding valve unit 39b-39h. Specifically, and according to the end-user selection position of the corresponding diluent selection valves 82b-82h of the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first diluent entering through the first diluent inlet 24 will flow through the valve supply branches 27b-27h of the common trunk 127 and the corresponding first diluent inlet manifold 126 and through the corresponding diluent selection valves 82b-82h; or the second diluent entering through the second diluent inlet 25 will flow through the valve supply branches 30b-30h of the common trunk 29 and the corresponding second diluent inlet manifold 28 and through the corresponding diluent selection valves 82b-82h. In either case, the selected first or second diluent will flow from the corresponding "open" flow control valves 54b-54h through the corresponding valve distribution branches 34b-34h and the common trunk 33 of the common diluent outlet manifold 32, after which the selected diluent will flow from a single common diluent outlet 37 into the provided post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 to mix with the beverage product dispensed simultaneously as conventionally.

[0284] like Figure 18D As shown in the details, see reference. Figure 16 The present invention also considers and provides selective dispensing of individual diluents from a handheld beverage dispenser 10. As shown, auxiliary valve units 39i and 39j are configured without corresponding beverage product supply conduits and beverage product dispensing conduits. As will be better understood further herein, no other changes are required to achieve this feature, and therefore, no additional or different valve components are required. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this not only greatly simplifies the implementation of the invention but also saves manufacturing and maintenance costs and improves usability. In any case, for each of valve units 39i-39j, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the end user will utilize the corresponding diluent selection valves 82i-82j to select one of a variety of diluents for dispensing flow controls 14i-14j.

[0285] When an end user operates one of the flow controllers 14i-14j to activate flow control valve 54i or flow control valve 54j respectively, "opening" flow control valve 54i or flow control valve 54j allows the diluent selected by the end user to pass through the corresponding valve unit 39i-39j. Specifically, and depending on the position of the corresponding diluent selection valve 82i-82j selected by the end user, the first diluent entering through the first diluent inlet 24 will flow through the common trunk 127 of the first diluent inlet manifold 126 and the inlets of the corresponding valve supply branches 27i-27j, and through the corresponding diluent selection valve 82i-82j; or the second diluent entering through the second diluent inlet 25 will flow through the common trunk 29 of the second diluent inlet manifold 28 and the corresponding valve supply branches 30i-30j, and through the diluent selection valve 82i-82j. In any case, the selected first or second diluent will flow from the corresponding “open” flow control valve 54i-54j through the corresponding valve distribution branch 34i-34j and the common trunk 33 of the common diluent outlet manifold 32, and then the selected diluent will flow from a single common diluent outlet 37 into the provided post-mix beverage dispenser assembly 104 for dispensing.

[0286] As previously described, each provided valve unit 39a-39j creatively implements two distinct valves surrounding a single valve body 40a-40j, allowing the flow control valves 54a-54j and diluent selection valves 82a-82j to be substantially housed within the handle body 11 of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 for dispensing each beverage product. Then refer to... Figure 24-32 Referring to the novel valve bodies 40a-40j described in detail with reference to the representative valve body 40d shown, the inventive valve units 39a-39j of the exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention are implemented therearound. In an important aspect of the invention, it is noted that the internal shape and structure of at least each valve body 40a-40j, and any implemented ports or other openings for entering or exiting the internal space of the valve body 40a-40j, are preferably substantially identical from one valve body to another. On the other hand, the external shape and other details can vary widely within the scope of the invention. Nevertheless, as Figure 24-25As specifically shown, a representative valve body 40d (typically tubular, as will be better understood further herein) is shown comprising a control stem orifice 42 at the top 41 of the cylindrical flow valve body 40d and a larger circular opening end 53 at the bottom 52 of the valve body 40d, each of which will be better understood further herein. As previously described, multiple tubular conduits typically provide fluid communication for inflow and outflow from each valve body 40a-40j. As shown, the beverage product supply conduit 31d, the beverage product dispensing conduit 35d, the valve supply branch 27d of the common trunk 127 from the first diluent inlet manifold 126, the valve supply branch 30d of the common trunk 29 from the second diluent inlet manifold 28, and the valve dispensing branch 34d of the common trunk 33 leading to the common diluent outlet manifold 32 are all connected to the valve body 40d.

[0287] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each tubular conduit of the common type is most preferably connected to its respective valve body 40a-40j in a vertical position, and for this type, this vertical position is consistent from one valve body to another. Therefore, as... Figure 26-29 As shown, the beverage product supply conduit 31d is connected to the valve body 40d in the horizontal plane P1 through which it passes, the beverage product distribution conduit 35d is connected to the valve body 40d in the horizontal plane P2 through which it passes, the valve supply branch 27d from the common trunk 127 of the first diluent inlet manifold 126 and the valve supply branch 30d from the common trunk 29 of the second diluent inlet manifold 28 are each connected to the valve body 40d in the horizontal plane P3 through which they pass, and the valve distribution branch 34d of the common trunk 33 leading to the common diluent outlet manifold 32 is connected to the valve body 40d in the horizontal plane P4 through which it passes.

[0288] Specifically, such as Figure 30-32As shown in Figure 34, the internal space of the valve body 40d generally forms an upper cylindrical chamber 43 and a lower cylindrical chamber 48. The diameter of the lower cylindrical chamber 48 is approximately twice the diameter of the upper cylindrical chamber 43 by a distance equal to twice the thickness of the cylindrical sidewall 84 of the opening cup 83 of the valve 54d and 82d that forms the integral part of the valve unit 39d, as will be further understood herein. Similarly, as shown, an upper groove 47 for receiving the flow control valve seal 75 is formed in the top 41 of the valve body 40d around the cylindrical flow control valve stem orifice 42, as will be further understood herein. Likewise, a lower groove 51 for receiving the diluent selector valve seal 77, as will be further understood herein, is formed in the bottom 52 of the valve body 40d around the circular opening 53 formed therein. Finally, multiple valve ports are formed through the sidewall of the valve body 40d to provide selective fluid communication from or outside the valve body 40d. Specifically, as shown, a beverage product inlet port 44 is formed in...

[0289] A first diluent inlet 49 is formed at plane P1, passing through the upper middle section of the sidewall of valve body 40d and aligned with the beverage product supply conduit 31d. Similarly, a second diluent inlet 50 is formed at plane P2, passing through the sidewall adjacent to the upper end of valve body 40d and aligned with the beverage product dispensing conduit 35d. Furthermore, a first diluent inlet 49 is formed at plane P3, passing through the lower part of the sidewall of valve body 40d and aligned with the valve supply branch 27d, and a second diluent inlet 50 is also formed at plane P3, but aligned with the valve supply branch 30d. Further, a second diluent outlet port 46 is formed at plane P4, passing through the lower middle part of the sidewall of valve body 40d and aligned with the valve dispensing branch 34d. It should be noted that, for any particular valve body, the first diluent inlet port 49 does not necessarily correspond specifically to the first diluent inlet manifold 126, and similarly, the second diluent inlet port 50 does not necessarily correspond specifically to the second diluent inlet manifold 28. It is certain that the distribution of any given diluent inlet will depend to a great extent on the ability of the very limited available space around valve bodies 40a-40j to accommodate each valve supply branch.

[0290] like Figures 33-34 As shown, each valve body 40a-40j, such as that disposed within the handle body 11 and supported by the internal mesh 21 or otherwise along with the rest of the piping system 22, is filled with various valve components when implementing the aforementioned valve units 39a-39j. Specifically, as Figures 35-37 As shown in detail, in each implementation of flow control valves 54a-54j, a valve core 55 is provided as a spool valve. Similarly, as Figures 45-48As shown in detail, in each embodiment of the diluent selection valves 82a-82j, a specially formed open cup 83 is provided, surrounding a novel cylindrical gate valve. However, it should also be noted that in the inventive embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the cylindrical sidewall 84 of each open cup 83 cooperates with and adapts to the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of each valve body 40a-40j to form part of the cylinder in which the slide valve 55 operates. In any case, these and other constituent parts of the valve units 39a-39j are now described in detail in the following exemplary process for constructing the valve units 39a-39j.

[0291] like Figures 35-37 As shown, each slide valve 55 typically includes a generally cylindrical slide valve core 56 having an upper platform 70 thereon for controlling the flow of a beverage product and a lower platform 71 for controlling the flow of a diluent selected by the end user. The dimensions, shape, and other aspects of the slide valve core 56 and platforms 70, 71 are adapted to operate within a valve cylinder formed by a cooperative arrangement between the upper cylindrical chamber 43 of the valve body 40a-40j and the cylindrical sidewall 84 of the open cup 83, since the open cup 83 is operably accommodated in a suitable position within the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of the valve body 40a-40j. For operation of the slide valve 55, an external thread 59 is formed around the top 57 of the slide valve core 56. As will be better understood further herein, the top 57 of the slide valve core 56 serves as a valve stem 58, and as... Figure 33 As shown, the external thread 59 is adapted to be received within the threaded hole 81 passing through each button cap 80. However, based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to providing threads, other methods can be used to attach the button caps 80 to their respective valve stems 58.

[0292] In the exemplary embodiment shown, a first groove 61 is formed around the middle portion 60 of the spool valve 56 to independently support the upper platform 70 and includes an upper ridge 62 and a lower ridge 64 adapted to secure the platform 70 in place. During the assembly of the spool valve 55, the upper platform 70, which may include a disc of rubber or similar material having a central hole passing through it, slides downwards from the top 57 of the spool valve 56 and slides past the upper ridge 62 into the appropriate position within the first groove 61. To facilitate placement without damaging the upper platform 70, a protrusion 63 is preferably formed around the top edge of the upper ridge 64. Similarly, a second groove 66 is formed around the bottom portion 65 of the spool valve 56 to independently support the lower platform 71 and includes an upper ridge 67 and a lower ridge 68 adapted to secure the platform 71 in place. In the assembly of the slide valve 55, similar to the upper platform 70, the lower platform 71 may comprise a disc of rubber or similar material through which a central hole passes. It slides upward from the bottom portion 65 of the slide valve core 56 and over the lower ridge 68 into a suitable position within the second groove 66. To facilitate placement without damaging the lower platform 71, a protrusion 69 is preferably formed around the bottom edge of the lower ridge 68. However, based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will recognize that other manufacturing techniques, such as overmolding, can be used to realize the slide valve 55. Figures 38-39 As shown, the assembly of valve units 39a-39j implemented in the exemplary preferred embodiment begins with placing the upper seal 75 and the lower seal 77 within the valve body 40d. The upper seal 75, which may include an O-ring 76 of rubber or a similar material, is pressed through the valve stem bore 13 corresponding to the valve body 40d and independently received within the aforementioned upper groove 47 formed in the upper cylindrical chamber 43, wherein the upper seal 75 serves to prevent fluid leakage during operation using the valve stem 58. The lower seal 77, which may include an O-ring 78 of rubber or a similar material, is inserted through the cylindrical open end 53 of the valve body 40d and positioned within the previously described lower groove 51 formed in the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of the valve body 40d, wherein the lower seal 77 serves to prevent fluid leakage during operation of the implemented diluent selector valve 82d and will also help hold the open cup 83 forming the diluent selector valve 82d in place.

[0293] like Figure 40 As shown, after the valve body 40d is prepared, the assembled slide valve 55 is inserted into the cylindrical open end 53 of the valve body 40d, and the valve spring 79 is placed on the valve stem 58, as shown. Figure 41 As shown. Then, the button 80, having a threaded hole 81 passing through it, is secured to the external thread 59 located at the top 57 of the slide valve 55. (As shown) Figures 42-43As shown, spring 79 and button 80 mate with the top surface 12 of handle body 11 to secure the slide valve in place. The aforementioned steps are then repeated for each of the remaining valve units 40a-40c and 40e-40f, as follows. Figures 42-43 As shown above, when each valve body 40a-40j is equipped with a fixedly positioned slide valve 55, when the opening cup 83 is installed in the appropriate position in the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of the valve body 40a-40j, the opening cup 83 is inserted through the circular opening end 53 of each valve body 40a-40j to surround the bottom portion 65 of the fixedly positioned slide valve 55, including the lower platform 71.

[0294] like Figures 45-48 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of an open cup 83 suitable for forming a novel diluent selection valve 82a-82j according to the invention generally includes a cylindrical sidewall 84 that serves as a valve gate, having a first flow hole 85 and a second flow hole 86 passing through it, and a closed bottom 89. A stop 88 is formed at the lower outer portion 87 of the open cup 83, and a blind groove 91 is provided on the bottom surface 90 of the cup for engaging with tools such as a flathead screwdriver. As will be further better understood herein, each cup 83 is partially rotatable when received within the valve body 40a-40j, and rotation in one direction will position the implemented diluent selection valve 82a-82j to allow the flow of a first diluent while blocking the flow of a second diluent, and rotation in the opposite direction will position the implemented diluent selection valve 82a-82j to cause blockage of the first diluent while allowing the flow of the second diluent.

[0295] like Figure 49 As shown, an open cup 83 is installed in the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of each valve body 40a-40j, and is temporarily fixed in place by a lower seal 77 disposed within the valve body 40a-40j. A base plate 92 is fixed around the cup 83 and the bottom 52 of the valve body 40a-40j. Figures 50-51 As shown, the substrate 92 is properly secured in place using conventional mounting hardware, for example, screws 51 are inserted through mounting holes 100 and received in threaded mounting bosses 128 formed in the handle body 11. Although the removable substrate 92 provides access to the valve bodies 40a-40j for maintenance, and for cleaning purposes that may require access to the interior space of the handle body 11 from time to time, the substrate 92 also forms an integral part of the preferred embodiment of the diluent selection valves 82a-82j.

[0296] As previously described, each provided cup 83 is only partially rotated into place within the lower cylindrical chamber 48 of the valve body 40a-40j. For this purpose, as previously described, each cup 83 includes a stop 88 at the lower outer portion 87 of its cylindrical sidewall 84. Figure 52 As shown, see Figure 50 In the perspective view, the top surface 93 of the substrate 92 is specifically formed with a recess 94 corresponding to each valve body 40a-40j, the size, shape, and other aspects of which are adapted to compliantly receive the outer lower portion 87 of each cup 83 mounted within the valve body 40a-40j, including a provided stop 88. As shown, each recess 94 has an arcuate portion 95 between the first stop 96 and the second stop 97. Figure 54 As shown, since the base plate 92 is fixed around the cup 83 to close the bottom 15 of the handle body 11, care must be taken to ensure that each cup 83 is correctly aligned with its corresponding groove 94 so that the stop piece 88 of the cup 83 is located between the first stop 96 and the second stop 97, opposite the arc portion 95, so that the lower outer portion 87 of the cup 83 is completely accommodated within the groove 94. Figures 55-56 As shown. It should also be noted that although the invention can be implemented with an open cup 83 comprising only a single flow hole through the cylindrical sidewall 84, providing a first flow hole 85 and a second flow hole 86 can greatly reduce the degree of rotation between the first stop 96 and the second stop 97, thereby helping to place the cup 83 within the limited available space.

[0297] Now for reference Figures 57A-58B The cooperative arrangement of cup 83 and substrate 92 is described in more detail. For example... Figure 57A and 58A As shown, when the cup 83 and the groove 94 of the substrate 92 are correctly positioned, as Figure 56 As shown, a blind groove 91 provided on the bottom side 90 of the cup 83 can pass through one side of the substrate 92, i.e., the outer side of the handle body 11, from the bottom near the diluent selection hole 99. Figure 57A As shown, the blind groove 91 has been rotated counterclockwise to the full rotation limit of the cup 83, as shown in Figure STB, by the stop 88 of the cup 83 abutting against the first stop 96 in the groove 94 of the substrate 92. It should be noted that in this position, the first flow hole 85 passing through the cylindrical sidewall 84 of the cup will be aligned with the second diluent inlet port 50 of the valve body 40d. Figure 58A As shown, the blind groove 91 has rotated clockwise to the full rotation limit of the cup 83, as... Figure 58B As shown, the stop 88 of the cup 83 abuts against the second stop 97 in the groove 94 of the substrate 92. It should be noted that in this position, the second flow hole 86 passing through the cylindrical sidewall 84 of the cup will align with the first diluent inlet port 49 of the valve body 40d. Also as shown in Figures STB and 58B, the arcuate portion 95 of the groove 94, surrounding the lower outer portion 87 of the cup 83, serves to stabilize the axial alignment of the cup 83 and the diluent selection hole 99.

[0298] Now for reference Figures 59A-59EExamples 60A-60E, 61A-61E, and 62A-62E show and describe four operating states of a representative valve unit 39d. Figures 59A-59E In this configuration, the diluent selection valve 82d is positioned to align the second flow orifice 86 of the cup 83 with the first diluent inlet 49 of the valve body 40d, thereby selecting the first diluent to reach the flow control valve 54d via the valve supply branch 27d. However, the flow control device 14d is not activated; therefore, the upper platform 70 of the flow control valve 54d prevents beverage product from the beverage product supply pipe 31d from entering the valve body 40d, while the lower platform 71 prevents the first diluent from the valve supply branch 27d from entering the valve body 40d.

[0299] exist Figure 60A-60E In this configuration, the diluent selection valve 82d is positioned to align the second flow orifice 86 through the cup 83 with the first diluent inlet 49 of the valve body 40d, thereby selecting the first diluent to reach the flow control valve 54d via the valve supply branch 27d. Because the flow controller 14d is activated, the upper platform 70 moves downward within the valve body 40d to allow beverage product from the beverage product supply line 31d through the valve body 40d into the beverage product distribution line 35d, and the lower platform moves downward within the valve body 40d to allow the first diluent from the valve supply branch 27d to pass through the valve body 40d and enter the valve distribution branch 34d leading to the common diluent trunk 33.

[0300] exist Figures 61A-61E In this configuration, the diluent selection valve 82d is positioned to align the first flow orifice 85 of the cup 83 with the second diluent inlet 50 of the valve body 40d, thereby selecting the second diluent to reach the flow control valve 54d via the valve supply branch 30d. However, the flow controller 14d is not activated; therefore, the upper platform 70 of the flow control valve 54d prevents beverage product from the beverage product supply pipe 31d from entering the valve body 40d, while the lower platform 71 prevents the second diluent from the valve supply branch 30d from entering the valve body 40d.

[0301] exist Figures 62A-62E In this configuration, the diluent selection valve 82d is positioned such that the first flow orifice 85 passing through the cup 83 aligns with the second diluent inlet 50 of the valve body 40d, thereby selecting the second diluent to reach the flow control valve 54d via the valve supply branch 30d. Because the flow controller 14d is activated, the upper platform 70 moves downward within the valve body 40d to allow beverage product from the beverage product supply line 31d through the valve body 40d into the beverage product distribution line 35d, and the lower platform moves downward within the valve body 40d to allow the second diluent from the valve supply branch 30d to pass through the valve body 40d and enter the valve distribution branch 34d leading to the common diluent trunk 33.

[0302] Finally, in the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, a means for easily removing the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 from the handle body 11 is provided. As previously stated, this provision is quite different from the long-standing practice in the prior art of providing post-mixing beverage dispenser assemblies that are integrally formed with or highly integrated with the handle body, making disassembly or removal for maintenance not entirely impossible. To surpass the level of maintainability available in prior art dispensers, the applicant has developed the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104, which can be easily removed from the handle body 11 as a module.

[0303] However, to facilitate the connection of the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 of the present invention, the applicant found it desirable to provide a connecting pipe 101, such as... Figure 63 and 66 As specifically shown, the connecting tubes are preferably securely received in a press-fit manner in each fluid outlet 36 of the piping system 22 of each exemplary preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention. However, it should be noted that while the provided connecting tubes 101 are preferably securely attached to the fluid outlets 36, they are most preferably received easily, removably, but sealingly together with the corresponding connecting tube orifice 108 provided in the implemented post-mixing beverage dispenser 104. In any case, the connector tubes 101 provided, as consistent with the previously described exemplary embodiments of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, include a plurality of product paths 102 and diluent paths 103.

[0304] As previously stated, details of an exemplary post-mix beverage dispenser assembly operating in a manner consistent with the present invention to provide post-mixed beverages are shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 394,889, filed April 25, 2019, for a method and apparatus for dispensing post-mixed beverages, which is incorporated herein by reference. At least in the most preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the multi-stage bodies of such a dispenser assembly are press-fitted together or otherwise integrally formed and mounted within a preferably aesthetically pleasing mounting body 118. In this way, service industry workers who typically handle the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention will not be burdened by multiple parts that are easily lost or cumbersome to assemble, while still enjoying the benefits of the removable nozzle assembly 104. In any case, the removable post-mix beverage dispenser assembly 104 includes a plurality of connection tube orifices 108 for receiving each distal end of a connection tube 101. Figure 64As shown, each product channel 102 is provided with a product tube orifice 109 and a diluent channel is provided with a diluent orifice 110. However, it should be noted that in at least some embodiments of the invention, the previously described connecting tube 101 may be provided integrally or integrally with the removable nozzle assembly 104 and as a component of the removable nozzle assembly 104, in which case the fluid outlet 36 of the connecting tube 101 is easily removed but is sealed within the fluid outlet 36, or otherwise connected to fluid communication with the fluid outlet 36. Finally, as Figure 66 As shown, mounting holes 119 pass through the aesthetic body 118, and conventional mounting hardware 120, such as screws 121, passes through mounting holes 119 and is secured to the provided beverage dispenser assembly mounting holes 19 within the handle body 11.

[0305] Now for specific reference Figures 67-71 A preferred embodiment of a second embodiment of the bar-gun-style handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to the invention is shown, generally comprising a handle body 151, which, like the first embodiment, houses a novel piping system 158 having many of the features described with respect to the first embodiment, and for example in Figure 7-6 The first embodiment shown in detail in Figure 2, and the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104, as shown, are independently connected to the bottom 154 of the handle body 151 at a position adjacent to the front end 156 of the handle body 151.

[0306] Similar to the first embodiment described above, at least some preferred embodiments of the second embodiment of the invention contemplate providing a universal handle body 151 and piping system 158 suitable for any of the beverage dispenser components 104 in a wide range of post-mixing type embodiments. That is, the exemplary post-mixing type beverage dispenser component shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 394,889, filed April 25, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference, and the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the invention described hereto, operate in a manner consistent with the post-mixing beverage dispenser component.

[0307] A second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment, dispensing a mixture of the desired beverage product and its corresponding suitable diluent via a single-button, on-off operation, and therefore does not include features such as pressure regulation. Thus, the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention supplies fluid via any of a number of commercially available flow control components. As is generally conventional in the art, appropriately selected components are connected to the handheld beverage dispenser 150 via multiple separate fluid lines through which the components supply fluid at appropriately regulated pressure.

[0308] The single-button, on-off operation implemented in the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 meets the applicant's expectations that the invention should substantially meet the simple operation expected by countless service industry workers worldwide.

[0309] For this purpose, the top 152 of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 is typically provided with multiple on-off flow controllers 153a-153j. Furthermore, the handle body 151 is preferably designed with an ergonomic profile around the sides 155 and bottom 154 to provide the end user with a secure, dexterous grip 178, as the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 remains stable on the beverage container while any on-off flow controller 153a-153j is activated (typically by thumb press), thereby increasing hand comfort and ease of use of the handheld beverage dispenser 150.

[0310] Similarly, like the first embodiment described above, a second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes all the basic operating and maintenance features that a user would typically expect. For example, as... Figures 70-71 As specifically shown herein, the nozzle housing 122 of the mixer 105 of the implemented exemplary post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 (described in further detail herein) is easily removable to facilitate periodic cleaning of the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. To this end, as shown, a plurality of locking tabs 125 are provided on the upper portion 124 of the inner surface 123 of the nozzle housing 122, operatively adapted to engage a mating nozzle housing locking member 112 provided around a portion of the mixer 105. As shown, and as is familiar to those skilled in the art and general service industry personnel, the nozzle housing 122 is locked in place by twisting a portion of the mixer 105 clockwise, and similarly released by twisting a portion of the mixer 105 counterclockwise.

[0311] Although, as stated above, the applicant has made efforts to ensure that the preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention maintains a familiar mode of operation, the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, like the previously described first embodiment, exceeds the maintainability level of prior art dispensers. In particular, in the most preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, an alternative arrangement different from that shown and described in the first embodiment is provided for simply removing the entire post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104 from the handle body 151. As will be further shown and described herein, the implementation not only facilitates flexibility in commercial product development but also provides enhanced product safety.

[0312] Now for reference Figures 72-76This illustrates the novel piping system 158 of the present invention, comprising various flow paths substantially housed within the handle body 151 of a belt beverage dispenser 150. For clarity, Figures 72-76 Only the handle body 151 and those components generally formed integrally with or otherwise tightly integrated into the handle body 151 are depicted. Therefore, as... Figures 67-71 Or as shown elsewhere in this exemplary disclosure, such as aesthetic coverings, any particular interface with external flow control components, on / off flow controllers 153a-153j, post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104, and any other features or components not fixed to the handle body 151, from Figures 72-76 The text is omitted. In any case, the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the invention, like the first embodiment, provides various flow paths via the handheld beverage dispenser 150 between a plurality of fluid inlets 159 leading to the piping system 158 and a plurality of liquid outlets 174 from the piping system 158, wherein at least some flow paths are selectively established. As will be better understood in the details set forth further herein, the novel piping system 158 of the invention is adapted to provide each of a variety of provided beverage products with the end user's ability to select any of the various provided diluents, which is then dispensed simultaneously with the selected beverage product.

[0313] like Figures 72-73 As specifically shown, a plurality of fluid inlets 159 are provided at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151, and for the described exemplary embodiment, include a first diluent inlet 160 and a second diluent inlet 161. Furthermore, the plurality of fluid inlets 159 include a plurality of beverage product inlets 162a-162h, providing one beverage product inlet 162a-162h for each of a variety of beverage products that can be dispensed on demand by the implementation of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. However, as discussed with respect to the first embodiment, the number of diluent inlets can be extended to three or more, some aspects of the invention are applicable to beverage systems using only one diluent, and / or the number of beverage product inlets implemented can vary considerably, taking into account the requirements of the anticipated commercial market, desired limitations on the size or shape of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, manufacturing costs, etc. Also as discussed with respect to the first embodiment, all such adjustments or modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this exemplary description.

[0314] In any case and as previously stated, the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention can supply fluid via any of a number of commercially available flow control components. Specifically, the individual fluid lines from the flow control components are typically collected within an elongated sleeve that terminates together with the fluid lines at a set of connectors whose size, shape, and other aspects are adapted to provide a fluid-sealed interface between each fluid line and a corresponding fluid inlet 159 located at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the fluid inlets 159 are readily provided with any additional connector hardware that may be required to connect to the fluid lines from the flow control components.

[0315] Specifically, such as Figures 74-75 As shown, the aforementioned plurality of fluid outlets 174 are located at the bottom 154 and adjacent to the front end 156 of the handle body 151. Similar to the first embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10, the outlets 174 are positioned and arranged to direct the dispensed fluid to the post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. In the exemplary embodiment described for the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, the fluid outlets 174 include a single common diluent outlet 175 and a plurality of beverage product outlets 176a-176h, with one beverage product outlet 176a-176h provided for and corresponding to each of the provided beverage product inlets 162a-162h.

[0316] Similar to the previously described first embodiment, a second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention is adapted to dispense pressurized beverage fluid, such as from a flow control component supplied at a suitable flow rate through one of the beverage product inlets 162a-162h, from a corresponding beverage product outlet 176a-176h, and into a post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104. Furthermore, the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 is adapted to simultaneously dispense a first pressurized diluent, such as from a flow control component or other source supplied at a suitable flow rate through a first diluent inlet 160, or alternatively, a second pressurized diluent, supplied at a suitable flow rate from a flow control component or other source through a second diluent inlet 161, from a single common diluent outlet 175, and into a post-mixing beverage dispenser assembly 104, whereby the first or second diluent selected by the end user is mixed with the simultaneously dispensed beverage product. Although as... Figures 74-75 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a single common diluent outlet 175, but within the scope of the present invention, multiple separate diluent outlets (e.g., one for each diluent) may also be implemented therein.

[0317] Specifically, such as Figure 67 and71 As shown, a set of on / off flow controllers 153a-153h is provided at the top 152 of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. Each on / off flow controller 153a-153h is used to correspond to and corresponds to the beverage product inlets I62a-162h provided (e.g., Figure 73 Each of the introduced beverage products (as shown) is used for export from the corresponding beverage product 176a-176h (e.g. Figure 75 (As shown) Dispensing. However, the most preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention also includes a pair of on-off flow controllers 153i-153j, each controller dedicated to dispensing diluent. More importantly, at least in the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the provision of the first or second diluent is also selectable by the end user for each of the on-off flow controllers 153i-153j. In any case, simply pressing the on-off flow controllers 153a-153j will cause the beverage product and its corresponding selected diluent or separate diluent to flow.

[0318] In this respect, it is noted again that readily available flow control components typically provide the ability to change the specific beverage product associated with a particular fluid line on a specific basis. Therefore, in the case of the described exemplary embodiment, the beverage of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention is supplied to the corresponding beverage product inlets 162a-162h. While, as discussed with respect to the first embodiment, such changes can be made without affecting the operation of any other fluid lines through the dispenser, any particular change depends on the ability of the newly supplied beverage product to be mixed with a suitable diluent. However, as will be discussed in detail herein, the provision of the first or second diluent is user-selectable based on each beverage product inlet 162a-162h (equivalently described as based on each beverage product outlet 176a-176h), and the correct diluent can be easily dispensed for any beverage product flowing through any beverage product inlet 162a-162h (beverage product outlet 176a-176h). More importantly, like the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 also achieves significant advancements over the prior art, enabling end users to depressurize any flow path of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 or its fluid supply flow control component, or to avoid any other interruption of the operation of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, without disassembling the handheld beverage dispenser 150.

[0319] As previously described, the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes a novel piping system 158 housed within the previously described handle body 151. Broadly speaking, the piping system 158 includes a plurality of fluid conduits originating from various fluid inlets 159, such as... Figures 72-73 As shown, or terminated at various fluid outlets 174, such as Figures 74-75 As shown. However, additionally, the piping system 158 includes multiple valve units 177a-177j, such as Figure 77 and 78A -78D is schematically shown and described in further detail herein. As will be described in further detail herein, each of the plurality of valve units 177a-177j is inserted between a fluid conduit from fluid inlet 159 and to fluid outlet 174, as... Figure 77 and 78A -78D. Furthermore, each such valve unit 177a-177j is creatively implemented around a corresponding valve body 179a-179j, wherein the corresponding flow control valve 180a-180j and the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j are integrally formed, as... Figure 77 and Figures 78A-78D As shown schematically, and in part in Figures 74-76 The appropriate location within the exemplary handheld beverage dispenser 150, and will be described further in more detail herein. Finally, as will be better understood further herein, the implemented valve units 177a-177j work together to provide the previously mentioned novel end-user selective establishment of various flow paths through the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention.

[0320] In this regard, it should be noted again that when referring to various valves, whether in the description or claim of any aspect of the invention, the term "functionally independent" means that each of the plurality of valves can be activated, operated, or otherwise used in its normal function, regardless of the state of any other such valve, and that the activation, operation, or other use of any such valve should not cause any change in the state of any other such valve. Similarly, when referring to various valves, whether in the description or claim of any aspect of the invention, the term "distinct" means that each of the plurality of valves performs a mutually exclusive function; for example, when neither valve is capable of performing the function of the other, the first valve opens or closes the flow, and the second valve selects one source from multiple sources.

[0321] To ensure clarity in the following discussion, it is noted at this crucial juncture that, in an exemplary embodiment of the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, as... Figure 77 and Figures 78A-78D As schematically shown and now described, beverage product inlet 162a is in fluid communication with valve body 179a via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 179a is in fluid communication with beverage product outlet 176a via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162b is in fluid communication with valve body 179b via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 179b is in fluid communication with beverage product outlet 176b via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162c is in fluid communication with valve body 179c via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 179c is in fluid communication with beverage product outlet 176c via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162d is in fluid communication with valve body 179d via a correspondingly provided fluid conduit, and valve body 179d is in fluid communication with beverage product outlet 176a via another correspondingly provided fluid conduit. 76d is fluidly connected; beverage product inlet 162e is fluidly connected to valve body 179e through a correspondingly configured fluid conduit, and valve body 179e is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 176e through another correspondingly configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162f is fluidly connected to valve body 179f through a correspondingly configured fluid conduit, and valve body 179f is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 176f through another correspondingly configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162g is fluidly connected to valve body 179g through a correspondingly configured fluid conduit, and valve body 179g is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 176g through another correspondingly configured fluid conduit; beverage product inlet 162h is fluidly connected to valve body 179h through a correspondingly configured fluid conduit, and valve body 179h is fluidly connected to beverage product outlet 176h through another correspondingly configured fluid conduit. Furthermore, a first diluent inlet 160 is in fluid communication with each valve body 179a-179j via a corresponding shared fluid conduit, and a second diluent inlet 161 is in fluid communication with each valve body 179a-179j via a separate corresponding shared fluid conduit. Finally, each of the valve bodies 179a-179j is in fluid communication with a single shared diluent outlet 175 via another shared fluid conduit.

[0322] To double ensure the clarity of the following discussion, various details of the structure of the representative valve body 179d are provided below. Figures 79-87Various views are shown, specifically illustrating a teaching implementation of a second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to the invention. In an important aspect of at least the most preferred embodiment of the invention, it is noted that the internal shape and structure of at least each valve body 179a-179j, and at least some aspects of the ports or other openings of any embodiment entering or exiting the internal space of valve bodies 179a-179j, are substantially identical from one valve body to another. However, the external shape and other details of the ports or other openings of any embodiment entering or exiting the internal space of valve bodies 179a-179j, as well as some other aspects, can vary extensively from one valve body to another. However, any such differences from the representative exemplary valve body 179d, as described now or later, will be clearly pointed out in the subsequent discussion. That is, it needs to be reiterated that the representative arrangement of the particular structure, openings, and other details of valve body 179d, as with the whole of this specification, is merely exemplary, and other embodiments within the scope of the invention may require, prefer, or allow for more or less uniformity from one valve body to another.

[0323] like Figures 79-87 As best shown, in a second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to the invention, a representative valve body 179d typically comprises a tubular structure having a stepped bore passing between the top 182 and the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d. As will be further better understood herein, a central axis 206 extending from the top 182 to the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d is defined by various cylindrical structures of the stepped bore centered on the central axis 206. Additionally, and as will be further better understood herein, the central axis 206 establishes the origin or center point of radial vectors, central arcs, etc., along which various features of the exemplary valve unit 177d run, align, or otherwise orient. Unless otherwise stated, the center point, radial vector, etc., of any structure of the valve body 179d or any other component or structure of the valve unit 177d should be understood relative to the central axis 206, as such structure or component is operatively integrated into the valve unit 177d.

[0324] In any case, and as in combination Figures 79-81As specifically shown in sections 85-87, the stepped bore of the exemplary valve body 179d is formed or otherwise configured as a preferably cylindrical upper chamber 185, having a first inner diameter, located at the top of an intermediate chamber 187. The intermediate chamber 187 includes a cylindrical inner wall 188 formed around a central axis 206 and having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter of the upper chamber 185, located at the top of a lower chamber 192. The lower chamber 192 includes a cylindrical inner wall 193 formed around the central axis 206 and having a third inner diameter greater than the second inner diameter of the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187. Furthermore, in any implementation of the upper chamber 185 with the preferred cylindrical internal shape, the cylindrical upper chamber 185 is also formed around the central axis 206.

[0325] As also shown in the figure, multiple valve ports are formed through the sidewall of valve body 179d to selectively provide fluid communication with valve body 179d, or communication between valve bodies 179d from within valve body 179d, or no fluid communication between valve bodies 179d, depending on the operating state of valve unit 177d, as will be better understood further herein. Therefore, as Figures 83-87 As shown, by way of example only, the beverage product inlet 189 is formed through the side wall of the valve body 179d and enters the uppermost part of the intermediate chamber 187, and the beverage product outlet 186 is formed through the side wall of the valve body 179d and flows out from the upper chamber 185. Furthermore, both the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197 are formed through the side wall of the valve body 179d and enter the uppermost part of the lower chamber 192. Further, the diluent outlet port 191 is formed through the side wall of the valve body 179d and exits from the lower part of the intermediate chamber 187. In this respect, it should be noted that for any particular valve body, the first diluent inlet port 196 does not necessarily correspond specifically to the first diluent inlet 160, and similarly, the second diluent inlet port 197 does not necessarily correspond specifically to the first diluent inlet 161. It is certain that the allocation of any given diluent inlet port will depend largely on the ability of a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between each of the first diluent inlet 160 and the second diluent inlet 161, as well as between the first diluent inlet 196 and the diluent inlet 197. The second diluent inlet port 197 is located within a very limited available space around any one of the valve bodies I79a-179j, which will be further understood herein.

[0326] As previously described, the novel piping system 158 of the present invention enables end users to selectively establish various flow paths through the handheld beverage dispenser 150 to select, on a per-beverage-product basis, a variety of available diluent beverage products for dispensing from the handheld beverage dispenser 150. In particular, as will be better understood further herein, each provided valve unit 177a-177j creatively implements two different valves around a single valve body 179a-179j, thereby enabling the novel arrangement of the present invention to realize flow control valves 180a-180j and diluent selection valves 181a-181j for at least each beverage product dispensed by the handheld beverage dispenser 150. Furthermore, for each beverage product to be dispensed, the flow control valves 180a-180j and diluent selection valves 181a-181j implemented according to the teachings of the present invention can be substantially housed within the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. Therefore, many details of the exemplary preferred embodiment of the representative valve body 179d are intended to accommodate or otherwise form the novel structure of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j and the flow control valves 180a-180j, particularly in the limited available area.

[0327] Still referencing Figures 79-87 According to a second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the invention, numerous features of the representative valve body 179d are shown as being most preferably provided for overall use in the preferred embodiment for the diluent selection valve 181d and the flow control valve 180d, and as will be better understood further herein. Based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will recognize possible variations in the described features. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, as now and further described herein, each structure is most preferably implemented, provided, arranged, and otherwise adapted and optimized to facilitate precise and reliable operation of each valve unit 177a-177j, while also contributing to the necessary efficient use of available space, all of which will be better understood herein.

[0328] Starting here, which will be further and better understood in this document as being specifically for implementing the previously determined features of the diluent selection valve 181d, it should first be noted that, as previously stated, the lower chamber 192 of the implemented stepped orifice includes a cylindrical inner wall 193 formed around a central axis 206 and has the largest inner diameter of any chamber of the valve body 179d, which forms part of the stepped orifice. Specifically, as... Figure 80 and 82As shown in Figure -84, the valve body 179d also includes a circular opening end 199 located at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d and opening to the lowermost part of the lower chamber 192. As will be better understood further herein, the dimensions of the provided circular opening end 199 are proportionate to the third and largest inner diameter of the stepped bore established by the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192. Like the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192, the circular opening end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d is also concentric with the central axis 206 and thus aligned with the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192.

[0329] As will be described in further detail herein, the open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d provides a passage to the interior of the valve body 179d for insertion into the entire valve internals 177d of the essentially valve unit of the valve body 179d. However, the provided circular open end 199, together with the lower chamber 192, serves not only to receive the valve internals in the assembly of the valve unit 177d, but also provides a passage to the open cup 207, which will serve as a key component of the diluent selection valve 181d, described in further detail herein, for the user to manipulate the opened open cup 207 during operation of the diluent selection valve 181d. As will also be better understood herein, it is precisely by providing the circular open end 199 that the stop 217, which at least forms an important aspect of the open cup 207, remains operable without the valve body 179d, wherein, along with other components in the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, the stop 217 forms an element of the error-proof mechanism, providing the basic function of the diluent selection valve 181d.

[0330] For use with the stop piece 217 formed or otherwise provided as part of the open cup 207, a notch 201 is formed in the circular open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d, specifically as follows: Figures 79-80As shown in Figures 83-84 and 86-87, the notch 201 intersects a portion of the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d to define a first stop 202 and a second stop 204 integral with the valve body 179d. Also as shown, the first stop 202 includes a preferably planar edge 203, most preferably located in a vertical plane intersecting the central axis 206. Similarly, the figures also show the second stop 204, which includes a preferably planar edge 205, most preferably also located in a vertical plane intersecting the central axis 206. As a preferred embodiment, the edges 203 of the first stop 202 and 205 of the second stop 204 are arranged radially in an arc around the circular opening end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d. Accordingly, the size of the arc is characterized by the central angle of the central axis 206 that coincides with the arc, which is the central angle of the central axis 206 that intersects the endpoint of the arc of the groove 201 at the edge 203 of the first stop 202 and the edge 205 of the second stop 204. This is referred to as the congruent central angle of the notch 201.

[0331] Furthermore, to facilitate a preferred embodiment of the diluent selection valve 181d of the exemplary valve unit 177d of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, the valve body 179d includes a shoulder 194 surrounding a cylindrical inner wall 192 located at the top of the lower chamber 192 and projecting inwardly from the cylindrical inner wall 192 along a central axis 206. As will be further better understood herein, the provided shoulder 194 is adapted to operatively hold a previously introduced open cup 207 in a suitable position substantially within the lower chamber 192, and more specifically, to provide an upper barrier against which the cylindrical upper edge 211 of the side wall 208 of the open cup 207 abuts. In this way, the shoulder 194 rigidly restricts insertion into the valve body 179d of the open cup 207, as will be shown in further detail herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that when using the present invention, the open cup 207 will rotate from time to time about the central axis 206 while being operably positioned within the lower chamber 192. For this purpose, the shoulder 194 surrounding the cylindrical inner wall 192 at the top of the lower chamber 192 preferably includes a downward-facing, horizontally oriented flat surface located in a plane transverse to the central axis 206 of the valve body 179d.

[0332] As previously described, multiple valve ports are formed through the sidewalls of valve body 179d to selectively provide fluid communication to or from valve body 179d or not to valve body 179d. A preferred embodiment of the diluent selection valve 181d of the exemplary valve unit 177d is particularly relevant, and as... Figures 83-87As shown, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 are formed through the sidewall of the valve unit, respectively. The valve body 179d enters the uppermost part of the lower chamber 192. Also as shown, and as will be better understood further herein, the fluid conduit of the piping system 158 of the second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes a valve supply branch 165d that connects the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179d integrally or otherwise connected with the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179d for supplying a first diluent to the valve unit 177d, which originates from an additional upstream fluid conduit of the piping system 158, which will be described in further detail herein. Similarly, the fluid conduit of the piping system 158 includes a valve supply branch 168d, which is connected to the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179d, integral with or otherwise connected to the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179d, for supplying the second diluent to the valve unit 177d, and also originating from another upstream fluid conduit of the piping system 158, which is also described in further detail herein.

[0333] In addition, such as Figures 85-87 As best shown, a single diluent outlet port 191 extends through the sidewall of the valve body 179d and exits from the lower part of the intermediate chamber 187. Also as shown, and as will be better understood further herein, the fluid conduit of the piping system 158 of the second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes a valve dispensing branch 172d, which is integrally or otherwise connected to the diluent outlet port 191 of the valve body 179d. The valve dispensing branch 172d, connected to the diluent outlet port 191 of the valve body 179d, guides a first or second diluent from the valve unit 177d through an additional downstream fluid conduit of the piping system 158 for dispensing from the handheld device. The beverage dispenser 150, as described in further detail herein. The first or second diluent supplied to valve unit 177d via a corresponding one of the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197 is selected to operate through diluent outlet 191 of valve body 179d according to the diluent selection valve 181d of the exemplary valve unit 177d, as will be better understood further herein.

[0334] Although a full understanding of the features provided by the valve body 179d in implementing the diluent selection valve 181d can only be achieved through the following further discussion, particularly regarding the provision and use of the diluent selection valve 181d, it is now noted that some more important constraints imposed on the valve body 179d by a particular embodiment of the diluent selection valve 181d designed to implement the valve unit 177d are helpful to the following discussion. For example, as shown in this exemplary description, a specific implementation of the diluent selection valve 181d requires: (1) the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197 to be arranged in the same vertical position around the valve body 179d; and (2) the second diluent inlet 197 to be formed in a suitable position through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, away from the suitable position formed by the first diluent inlet port 196 through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, around a predetermined arc length of the sidewall of the valve body 179d.

[0335] To meet the first requirement mentioned above, both the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197 are formed at the intersection of the valve body sidewall 179d and the horizontal plane P23, as shown above. Figures 85-87 As shown. Regarding the second requirement, note that when the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 are positioned separately, each position intersects plane P23. With respect to the sidewall of valve body 179d, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 are arranged radially in an arc around the sidewall of valve body 179d. Therefore, the magnitude of the arc is the central angle of the central axis 206 previously defined as coinciding with the arc—that is, the central angle at which the central axis 206 intercepts the arc endpoint of the sidewall. At the positions of the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197, valve body 179d is referred to hereinafter as the consistent central angle of diluent inlets 196 and 197.

[0336] It should be noted that the foregoing discussion also requires placing the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 in “suitable” positions. As previously mentioned, the piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention is implemented substantially within the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, which will also be discussed in more detail herein. This constraint is similarly shared by all the previously described valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, making a pair of suitable positions around the sidewall of the valve body 179d necessary, each position also intersecting plane P23 to regulate each of the valve supply branch 165d, which interfaces with the first diluent inlet 196, and the valve supply branch 168d, which interfaces with the second diluent inlet 197, away from the valve body 179d and in fluid communication with the corresponding other fluid conduits of the piping system. Figure 158As shown, all are essentially within the area of ​​the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. However, it is important to further examine the establishment of the consistent central angle of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197, whose positions are subject to the aforementioned constraints, which will have a cascading effect on the implementation of many aspects of the invention, as will be better understood in the following discussion. That is, the full meaning of the established or determined value of the consistent central angle of the diluent inlets 196 and 197 should be fully understood before positioning the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197. It is certain that other limitations on the affected components of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention will likely extend to the actual "suitable" positions constituting the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet 197.

[0337] We will now move from examining the features of valve body 179d, which are specifically designed for the implementation of diluent selection valve 181d, to examining the features of valve body 179d, which will be further and better understood in this paper as typical of valve unit 177d, specifically for the previously identified flow control valve 180d, but still mainly focusing on Figures 79-87 In the various figures, note again the stepped orifice through the valve body 179d previously described. However, it is important to first note that, in the most general terms, the flow control valve 180d is implemented with a novel valve structure comprising what can be considered a set of linked lift valves. Thus, it is further noted that the transition or step between the cylindrical upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d forms the upper valve seat 190 for the flow control valve 180d, and the transition between the intermediate chamber 187 and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d forms the lower valve seat 195 for the flow control valve 180d.

[0338] Isolation between the upper and lower fluid flows of the lift valve is achieved within the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d. The intermediate chamber 187 also additionally accommodates an operable linkage of the linked lift valve. According to the exemplary valve unit 177d now described, the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d is therefore sized, shaped, and otherwise adapted to operably support a customized reciprocating wipe seal implemented within the intermediate chamber 187. Furthermore, the intermediate chamber 187, together with the upper chamber 185 and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d, forms the basic structure, and each must be substantially sized, shaped, and otherwise adapted to accommodate the various components and the valve internals constituting the valve unit 177d. According to the present invention, the valve unit 177d, as shown in this detailed description, resolves any conflicting requirements or other tensions between components in a different manner, so as to provide the highly optimized novel valve unit 177d at the core of the piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention.

[0339] like Figure 79 and 85 As specifically shown in section -87, the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 is located at the top 182 of the valve body 179d and, as will be better understood further herein, must accommodate the leak-proof reciprocating motion of a portion 229 of the cylindrical valve stem 228 through which it passes. For this purpose, the valve body 179d includes an annular space 184 surrounding the realized cylindrical flow control valve actuator orifice 183 and projectes inwardly from the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 in the direction of the central axis 206. As... Figures 85-87 Most specifically, the annular space 184 slightly reduces the diameter of the flow control valve actuator orifice 183, which is typically located within the upper chamber of the valve body 179d, to receive and retain the upper seal 259 of the flow control valve 180d for the valve unit 177d. Consequently, the dimensions, shape, and other aspects of the provided annular space 184 must be adapted to accommodate the upper seal 259, the implementation of which and its full functionality will be further detailed herein.

[0340] As previously described, the transition between the upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d realizes the upper valve seat 190 of the flow control valve 180d, and the transition between the intermediate chamber 187 and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d realizes the lower valve seat 195 for the flow control valve 180d. In a preferred embodiment of the valve body 179d according to the second embodiment of the invention, the upper chamber 185 is cylindrical around the central axis 206 of the valve body 179d. Therefore, the upper valve seat 190 for the flow control valve 180d can easily be chamfered or otherwise operatively shaped within the valve body 179d to achieve a sealing engagement through the corresponding structure of the flow control valve 180d, between the wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 and the cylindrical upper chamber 185 within the cylindrical interior.

[0341] As previously described, the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d operably receives the open cup 207 therein, which forms a key component of the diluent selection valve 181d of the valve unit 177d. Also as previously described, the open cup 207 is operably held in place substantially within the lower chamber 192 by a shoulder 194 surrounding the cylindrical inner wall 192 at the top of the lower chamber 192, and for the purposes of the diluent selection valve 181d, the shoulder 194 is most preferably formed as a horizontally oriented surface transverse to the plane passing through the central axis 206 of the valve body 179d. However, in addition to its function with respect to the diluent selection valve 181d, in the innovative valve unit 177d of the present invention, the open cup 207 is also integrated into the implementation of the flow control valve 180d. Specifically, various aspects of the internal space 213 of the open cup 207, partially defined by the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the previously mentioned cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207, interoperate with various aspects of the flow control valve internals assembly 227 of the flow control valve 180d to realize the flow control valve 180d of the valve unit 177d.

[0342] In order to accommodate the implementation of both the diluent selection valve 181d and the flow control valve 180d, as will be further better understood herein, the inner edge 200 of the shoulder 194 at the top of the lower chamber 192 and in the transition section between the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d must have a diameter around the central axis 206, i.e. (1) smaller than the third inner diameter of the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192 by at least twice the radial thickness of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 and any gap space to be provided between the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 and the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192, and (2) larger than the second inner diameter of the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187. However, preferably, the diameter of the inner edge 200 of the shoulder 194 around the central axis 206 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 around the central axis 206, because the open cup 207 is operably assembled within the valve body 179d when the valve unit 177d is formed.

[0343] While satisfying the constraint of the shoulder 194 at the top of the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d, the lower valve seat 195 of the flow control valve 180d can easily be formed in the valve body 179d as a slope or other profile of the flow control valve 180d, between the inner edge 200 of the shoulder 194 formed in the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d and the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d.

[0344] In retrospect, when discussing the characteristics of the representative valve body 179d, particularly with respect to the diluent selection valve 181d of at least the specific embodiment presented in this exemplary description, several limitations were determined regarding the arrangement of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197, and more generally regarding each of the aforementioned valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d. Specifically, it has been determined that, at least for the specific embodiment of the diluent selection valve 181d, as described herein, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 must be formed at corresponding locations around the container sidewall. The valve body 179d intersects the horizontal plane P23, as... Figures 85-87As shown. Furthermore, it is determined that the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 must be arranged in an arc around the sidewall of the valve body 179d and radially separated from each other by a value, which is designated as the center angle of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197. The center angle of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197 is established based on careful consideration of the necessary interoperability between the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197, which are positioned relative to each other, and many other components or associated valve units 177d, and its implementation will be further understood herein as depending on or otherwise influenced by the predetermined value of the center angle of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197.

[0345] Finally, considering the general requirements of a “suitable” location, it is determined that each valve port formed by the sidewall of the valve body 179d, as described above, must be positioned within the range of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, substantially interfacing with any fluid conduit at any valve port, and any fluid conduit between the interface conduit and the fluid inlet 159 or fluid outlet 174 leading to or exiting the handle body 151. Based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will recognize that the final limitations on the characteristics of the exemplary valve body 179d also apply to the overall use of the flow control valve 180d, and equally to the overall application of the diluent selection valve 181d.

[0346] Each of the aforementioned constraints on the previously determined valve ports formed through the sidewall of valve body 179d is, of course, still unaffected by any constraints imposed for the effective overall use of flow control valve 180d, each of which is in addition to the previously determined constraints. That is, it should now be noted that, apart from the general constraints on the wiring of the piping system 158, which is essentially housed within the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, and the constraints on the relative vertical position, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197, within the horizontal plane P23, do not impose any restrictions on the absolute vertical position of any of the previously described valve ports formed through the sidewall of valve body 179d, relative to the exemplary valve body 179d, the absolute vertical position of which determines the horizontal planes P21-P24. Furthermore, apart from the general constraints on the routing of components of the piping system 158 within the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, the constraints on the relative vertical positions of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 do not impose any limitations on the absolute radial position around any of the aforementioned valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, since the diluent inlet 197 is within the horizontal plane P23 and a specific radial separation needs to be established between the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197.

[0347] Still referencing Figures 85-87 Note the subsequent detailed description of the diluent selection valve 181d and the flow control valve 180. More specifically, the integration of the diluent selection valve 181d and the flow control valve 180 in the valve body 179d will be shown. As implemented in the flow control valve 180, the upper of a linked set of lift valves will reciprocate in operation within the space between the intermediate chambers 187 of the valve body 179d. An upper valve seat 190 is formed at the transition between the cylindrical upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d, and in the middle of the intermediate chamber 187 above the diluent outlet port 191 of the valve body 179d. Similarly, as will be shown in the following detailed description, as the invention is implemented in the flow control valve 180, when the open cup 207 is operably assembled in the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d, the lower of a linked set of lift valves will reciprocate in operation within the internal space 213 of the previously introduced open cup 207, between the lower valve seat 195 formed at the transition between the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body and the bottom 214 of the internal space 213 of the open cup 207.

[0348] Furthermore, in an important aspect of the invention, the following detailed description will clearly show that the most advantageous integration of the flow control valve 180 within the valve body 179d is achieved by positioning the beverage product inlet port 189 through the sidewall of the valve body 179d. The valve body 179d is positioned at the uppermost part of the intermediate chamber 187 and as close as possible to the upper part of the upper valve seat 190, a location marked as horizontal plane P21. Simultaneously, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet 197 are positioned at the uppermost part of the lower chamber 192 through the sidewall of the valve body 179d and as close as possible to the lower valve seat 195, a location marked as horizontal plane P23. Further, as previously stated, the upper seal 259 of the flow control valve 180d is independently received and held in place within the flow control valve actuator orifice 183, but also extends a certain distance into the upper chamber 185 of the valve body 179d, as will be clarified in the following discussion. Then consider the arrangement of the first diluent inlet 196, the second diluent inlet 197, and the beverage product inlet 189, and the combined direction of the corresponding fluid flow through the valve body 179d; provide operating clearance for the reciprocating elements of the flow control valve 180; avoid blockage by the upper seal 259; and consider the general constraints on all valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d. The beverage product outlet 186 passes through the sidewall of the valve body 179d and is located in the middle of the upper chamber 185 of the valve body 179d, which is marked as horizontal plane P22, and the diluent outlet 191 passes through the valve body 179d to form part of the intermediate chamber 187 of the lower valve body sidewall 179d, which is marked as horizontal plane P24.

[0349] In summary, the restrictions imposed on the position around the valve body 179d for accommodating the valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d are specifically as follows: (1) the beverage product inlet port 189 must be vertically located on the horizontal plane P21; (2) the beverage product outlet port 186 must be vertically located on the horizontal plane P22; (3) the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 must (a) each be vertically located on the horizontal plane P23, and (b) be radially separated from each other at a fixed angle compatible with other elements of the implemented diluent selection valve 181d; (4) the diluent outlet 191 must be vertically located on the horizontal plane P24. Furthermore, the restrictions imposed on the position around the valve body 179d for accommodating the valve ports formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d generally include ensuring that each specific valve port around the valve body 179d allows any interface fluid conduit to be moved away from the valve body 179d, while also keeping the fluid conduit substantially within the range of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150.

[0350] It should be clarified that these constraints stem from the applicant's consideration and balancing of the relative advantages or disadvantages of various design options, particularly relating to the applicant's preferred embodiments of other components of the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the invention. Considering the other components of the novel piping system 158, all embodiments that, when meeting the proposed constraints, include the diluent selection valve 181d and the flow control valve 180d, as each of them is integrated with the valve body 179d to form the innovative valve unit 177d, are implemented according to the applicant's preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the invention. However, furthermore, and as will be better understood from the discussion of the relevant considerations, other factors, such as mass, the size of the user interface components, construction materials, etc., also affect at least the identified constraints.

[0351] It is important to note that each of the aforementioned vertical constraints, which restricts the valve ports to a position around a specific horizontal or transverse plane passing through the valve body 179d, derives at least in part from the “inlet” and “outlet” portions of the diluent selection valve 181d and flow control valve 180d, which are required to be operably aligned, and some vertical constraints are more tolerant of variations than others. For example, and as will be better understood further herein, the constraints on the position of the beverage product outlet port 186 to the horizontal plane P22 and the constraints on the position of the diluent outlet port 191 to the horizontal plane P24 stem from the common requirement of the destructive valves that the valve body 179d be located in a position where there are no reciprocating moving parts within the respective valve chambers, and can have larger tolerances than other constraints. On the other hand, the constraints on the horizontal plane P21 imposed by the location of the beverage product inlet port 189, and on the horizontal plane P23 imposed by the locations of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197, stem from the common need to break the valve body 179d at a location aligned with or adjacent to the valve gate and / or lift valve disc, and may have only modest tolerances compared to other constraints. Furthermore, restricting the locations of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 to any other suitable set of locations radially separated from each other at a fixed angle stems from the need for operational compatibility with other components; they themselves are constrained by necessary or desired optimizations, and may need to be implemented within very limited tolerances compared to other constraints.

[0352] It is evident that some differences in implementation may simply be a matter of tolerance. However, it should also be noted that greater variations in the configuration depicted by the exemplary valve body 179d can be implemented without altering several features of the valve internals or exterior of the valve unit 177d to be described, which will be further understood herein as being directly connected to the valve unit 177d, and still entirely within each of the aforementioned limitations established by the applicant for an exemplary preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Certainly, limited to the general requirement that all fluid conduits be substantially housed within the handle body 151, the beverage product inlet port 189 may be located at any radial position around the valve body 179d within horizontal plane P21, as shown; the beverage product outlet port 186 may be located at any radial position around the valve body 179d within horizontal plane P22; and the diluent outlet port 191 may be located at any radial position around the valve body 179d within horizontal plane P24. In practice, the radial position of each should be established to help meet the general requirements.

[0353] As stated above, these modifications, which fully comply with the constraints, not only facilitate the general wiring requirements of the fluid conduits entering and exiting valve body 179d, but may actually be crucial for meeting the general wiring requirements of all valve bodies 179a-179j. As has been repeatedly pointed out and will be reiterated when discussing the relevant considerations for optimizing the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, the available space within the optimized handle body 151 will necessarily be very limited. In this regard, it should be noted that implementing each of the various valve bodies 179a-179j having a corresponding beverage product inlet port 189, a corresponding beverage product outlet port 186, and a corresponding diluent outlet port 191 may be highly advantageous, as they are commonly optimal for meeting general containment requirements for a particular valve body among the valve bodies 179a-177j, with each fluid conduit connecting to all valve bodies 179a-179j. Although this change is from one valve body to another, it should be noted that for additive manufacturing, etc., such changes may be undesirable without additional manufacturing or maintenance costs. Of course, these modifications are widely implemented in the first preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention, for example in Figure 9-15 As specifically shown in the text.

[0354] Furthermore, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 can be located at any set of radial positions around the valve body 179d, i.e., within the horizontal plane P22, and for these positions, they are separated from each other as needed to be compatible with the elements of the implemented diluent selection valve 181d, as previously described, any affected features outside the valve unit 177d rotate accordingly about axis 206. Although this change requires some adjustments to the auxiliary components of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, such as aspects of the invention intended to facilitate the configuration or reconfiguration of diluent selection, it does not require modification of any valve internals of the valve unit 177d as further described herein.

[0355] As described above, in particular, the variation in the radial position of the individual valve ports formed by the sidewalls of valve body 179d may be critical for meeting the general routing requirements of all fluid conduits connected to each valve body 179a-179j. While a set of radial positions around each valve body 179a-179j varies between valve bodies to place its corresponding first diluent inlet port 196 and second diluent inlet port 197, it generally needs to conform to at least some auxiliary components associated with the individual radial orientation of each valve body 179a-179j, as will be better understood further herein. It should be noted that any cost can be compensated by achieving a more optimized handheld beverage dispenser 150. However, furthermore, based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will understand that, to some extent, such auxiliary components are monolithic or other single components, any of which are associated with all valve units 170a-170j, and the variations now described may be the same as those previously described, without additional manufacturing or maintenance costs. Similarly, similar to the variations previously described, it should be noted that these variations are implemented at least to some extent in the first preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the invention, as specifically shown in the example shown Figure 9-15 .

[0356] Finally, at least the broad teachings of the invention can be implemented, including variations among multiple valve unit groups, or, in the most extreme case, on a per-valve-unit basis. However, as becomes very clear from this exemplary detailed description, such extreme variations are not necessary for realizing the operable handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to the second embodiment of the invention, or for any embodiment of the invention in this respect. However, while such variations are not encouraged, all such variations are considered to be at least within the broad scope of the invention.

[0357] As mentioned earlier, many fluid conduits typically provide fluid communication to and from each valve body 179a-179j, such as Figures 77-87 As shown, an exemplary preferred embodiment of the representative valve body 179d will now be described in further detail. Figure 78B and 79As specifically shown in Figure -87, and similar to the first embodiment of the second embodiment of the previously described handheld beverage dispenser 150, a dedicated beverage supply conduit 169d is disposed between the beverage inlet 162d and the beverage inlet port 189 of the corresponding valve body 179d for conveying the supplied beverage product from the beverage inlet 162d to the valve body 179d. Also as shown, a dedicated beverage dispensing conduit 173d is disposed between the beverage outlet port 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet port 176d of the valve body 179d for selectively conveying the beverage product supplied through the beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179d from the valve body 179d to the beverage outlet 176d. This selective conveying is influenced by the operation of the flow control valve 180d, as will be further understood herein.

[0358] like Figure 77 and 78A As specifically shown in -78D, and similar to the previously described first embodiment, a second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 includes a set of manifolds for efficiently providing fluid communication for diluent inflow and outflow to each valve body 179a-179j. As schematically shown in the figure, the first diluent inlet manifold 163 includes a common trunk 164 located between a first diluent inlet 160 and a plurality of valve supply branches 165a-165j, each valve supply branch 165a-165j corresponding to one of the valve bodies 179a-179j. Similarly, a provided second diluent inlet manifold 166 includes a common trunk 167 between a second diluent inlet 161 and a plurality of valve supply branches 168a-168j, each valve supply branch 168a-168j corresponding to one of the valve bodies 179a-179j. Finally, the common diluent outlet manifold 170 includes a common trunk 171 located between a plurality of valve distribution branches 172a-172j, each valve distribution branch 172a-172j corresponding to one of valve bodies 179a-179j, and a single common diluent outlet 175.

[0359] Then return to Figures 77-87An exemplary preferred embodiment of a representative valve body 179d of a second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, along with various fluid conduits of the beverage dispenser, is particularly depicted in other aspects of the invention. A piping system 158 is connected to or otherwise fluidly communicates with the valve body 179d. In the most preferred embodiment of the piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, similar to the piping system 22 of the first embodiment of the previously described handheld beverage dispenser 10, a valve supply branch 165d is provided between a common conduit 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 corresponding to the valve body 179d for conveying diluent supplied to the common conduit 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179d. Similarly, a valve supply branch 168d is provided between a common conduit 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 corresponding to the valve body 179d for conveying diluent supplied to the common conduit 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179d. Furthermore, valve distribution branch 172d is disposed between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179d and the common main line 171 for selectively delivering either the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179d or a single selected one of the supplied diluents through the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179d from the valve body 179d to the common diluent outlet 175. The selection of either the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 or the diluent supplied through the second diluent inlet 197 to selectively deliver one or the other from the valve body 179d to the common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of the diluent selection valve 181d, as will be better understood further herein.

[0360] On the other hand, the selective delivery of the selected diluent from valve body 179d to the common diluent outlet 175 is affected by the operation of the flow control valve 180d, which will also be better understood further herein. Similar to the first embodiment described previously, the teachings of the invention illustrated with reference to the representative valve body 179d of the second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the invention are generally extendable to each of valve bodies 179a-179c and 179e-179j, which are slightly different, as further noted herein. That is, now again referring to… Figures 77-87 In conjunction with the detailed discussion of valve body 179d above, the details of the fluid conduits of the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the present invention are 179a-179c and 179e-179j, which are related to the valve body, thereby further ensuring the clarity of the following discussion.

[0361] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169a is disposed between the beverage inlet 162a and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179a, for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162a to the valve body 179a. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173a is disposed between the beverage outlet 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet 176a of the valve body 179a, for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet 189 of the valve body 179a from the valve body 179a to the beverage outlet 176a, with selective delivery achieved by the operation of the flow control valve 180a. A valve supply branch 165a is disposed between a common pipeline 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179a, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179a. A valve supply branch 168a is disposed between a common pipeline 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179a, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179a. A valve distribution branch 172a is disposed between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179a and a common main line 171, for selectively conveying diluent supplied via the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179a or via the second diluent inlet 197 of the valve body 179a to the common diluent outlet 175. The selective delivery of diluent from valve body 179a to common diluent outlet 175, selected by one or the other through first diluent inlet port 196 or second diluent inlet port 197, is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181a. The selective delivery of the selected diluent from valve body 179a to common diluent outlet 175 is achieved by the operation of flow control valve 180a.

[0362] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169b is disposed between the beverage inlet 162b and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179b to deliver the supplied beverage product from the beverage inlet 162b to the valve body 179b. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173b is disposed between the beverage outlet 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet 176b of the valve body 179b to selectively deliver the beverage product supplied through the beverage inlet 189 of the valve body 179b from the valve body 179b to the beverage outlet 176b, with selective delivery achieved by the operation of the flow control valve 180b. A valve supply branch 165b is disposed between a common pipeline 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179b, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179b. A valve supply branch 168b is disposed between a common pipeline 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179b, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179b. A valve distribution branch 172b is disposed between a diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179b and a common trunk line 171, for selectively conveying diluent supplied via the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179b or via the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179b to the common diluent outlet 175. The selective delivery of diluent from valve body 179b to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181b, which allows for the selection of one or the other diluent supplied via first diluent inlet 196 or second diluent inlet 197. The selective delivery of the selected diluent from valve body 179b to common diluent outlet 175 is achieved by the operation of flow control valve 180b.

[0363] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169c is disposed between the beverage inlet 162c and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179c, for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162c to the valve body 179c. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173c is disposed between the beverage outlet 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet 176c of the valve body 179c, for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet 189 of the valve body 179c from the valve body 179c to the beverage outlet 176c, with selective conveying achieved by the operation of the flow control valve 180c. A valve supply branch 165c is disposed between a common pipeline 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179c, for conveying diluent supplied to the common main pipeline 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179c. A valve supply branch 168c is disposed between a common pipeline 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179c, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179c. A valve distribution branch 172c is disposed between a diluent outlet port 191 of the corresponding valve body 179c and a common main pipeline 171, for selectively conveying 1% of the diluent supplied via the first diluent inlet port of the valve body 179c, or a single selected type of diluent. The diluent flows from the valve body 179c through the second diluent inlet port 197 and reaches the common diluent outlet 175. The selective delivery of diluent from valve body 179c to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181c, which allows for the selective delivery of diluent from valve body 179c to common diluent outlet 175 via either the first diluent inlet port 197 or the second diluent inlet port 197. The selected diluent is selectively delivered from valve body 179c to common diluent outlet 175 via the operation of flow control valve 180c.

[0364] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169e is provided between the beverage inlet 162e and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179e for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162e to the valve body 179e. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173e is provided between the beverage outlet 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet 176e of the valve body 179e for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet 189 of the valve body 179e from the valve body 179e to the beverage outlet 176e, with selective delivery achieved by the operation of the flow control valve 180e. A valve supply branch 165e is disposed between a common pipeline 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179e, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179e. A valve supply branch 168e is disposed between a common pipeline 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179e, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179e. A valve distribution branch 172e is disposed between a diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179e and a common trunk line 171, for selectively conveying one of a individually selected diluent, supplied via the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179e, or via the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179e from the valve body 179e to the common diluent outlet 175. The selective delivery of one or more of the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197 from valve body 179c to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181e. The selective delivery of the selected diluent from valve body 179e to common diluent outlet 175 is affected by the operation of flow control valve 180e.

[0365] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169f is provided between the beverage inlet 162f and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179f for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162f to the valve body 179f. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173f is provided between the beverage outlet 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet 176f of the valve body 179f for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet 189 of the valve body 179f from the valve body 179f to the beverage outlet 176f. This selective conveying is influenced by the operation of the flow control valve 180f. A valve supply branch 165f is disposed between a common pipeline 164 and a first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179f, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 via the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179f. A valve supply branch 168f is disposed between a common pipeline 167 and a second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179f, for conveying diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 via the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179f. A valve distribution branch 172f is disposed between a diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179f and a common trunk line 171, for selectively conveying one of a individually selected diluent, supplied via the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179f, or via the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179f to the common diluent outlet 175. The selection of diluent supplied via either the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197 to be selectively delivered from valve body 179f to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181f. The selective delivery of the selected diluent from valve body 179f to common diluent outlet 175 is influenced by the operation of flow control valve 180f.

[0366] A dedicated beverage supply conduit 169g is positioned between the beverage inlet 162g and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179g, for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162g to the valve body 179g. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173g is positioned between the beverage outlet port 186 and the corresponding beverage outlet port 176g of the valve body 179g, for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179g from the valve body 179g to the beverage outlet 176g. Selective delivery is achieved through the operation of the flow control valve 180g. A valve supply branch 165g is provided between the common pipeline 164 and the first diluent inlet 196 of the corresponding valve body 179g, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 through the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179g. A valve supply branch 168g is provided between the common pipeline 167 and the second diluent inlet 197 of the corresponding valve body 179g, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 through the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179g. A valve distribution branch 172g is provided between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179g and the common trunk line 171, for selectively conveying the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179g or from the valve body 179g to the common diluent outlet 175 through the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179g. The selection of one or the other of the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197 for selective delivery from valve body 179g to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181g. The selected diluent is selectively delivered from valve body 179g to common diluent outlet 175 by operation of flow control valve 180g.

[0367] A dedicated beverage supply pipeline 169h is located between the beverage inlet 162h and the corresponding beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179h, for conveying the supplied beverage from the beverage inlet 162h to the valve body 179h. A dedicated beverage distribution conduit 173h is located between the beverage outlet port 186 of the valve body 179h and the corresponding beverage outlet port 176h, for selectively conveying the beverage supplied through the beverage inlet port 189 of the valve body 179h from the valve body 179h to the beverage outlet 176h, with selective conveying achieved through the operation of the flow control valve 180h. A valve supply branch 165h is provided between the common pipeline 164 and the first diluent inlet 196 of the corresponding valve body 179h, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 through the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179h. A valve supply branch 168h is provided between the common pipeline 167 and the second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179h, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 through the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179h. A valve distribution branch 172h is provided between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179h and the common trunk line 171, for selectively conveying a single selected diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179h, or diluent supplied from the valve body 179h through the second diluent inlet port 197 to the common diluent outlet 175h. The choice of whether to supply diluent via the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197 to selectively deliver diluent from valve body 179h to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 181h. The selected diluent is selectively delivered from valve body 179h to common diluent outlet 175 by operation of flow control valve 180h.

[0368] As previously stated, the most preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes a pair of on-off flow controllers 153i-153j, each specifically designed for dispensing only diluent. Also as previously stated, the most preferred embodiment of the invention takes into account that providing only a first diluent or only a second diluent is also an option for the end user. To meet these requirements, the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the invention omits beverage product supply piping and beverage product dispensing piping that would otherwise lead to the corresponding auxiliary valve units 177i-177j, and each corresponding valve body 179i-179j forms or otherwise provides a beverage product inlet port 189 or beverage product outlet port 186. Alternatively, the valve bodies 179i-179j form or otherwise have the same internal structure as the valve bodies 179a-179h, thus eliminating the need for additional or different valve components to achieve the desired features.

[0369] In other words, valve supply branch 165i is located between the common main trunk 164 and the first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179i, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common main trunk 164 through the first diluent inlet 160 to the valve body 179i. Valve supply branch 168i is located between the common pipeline 167 and the second diluent inlet 197 of the corresponding valve body 179i, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 through the second diluent inlet 161 to the valve body 179i. Valve distribution branch 172i is located between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179i and the common main trunk 171, for selectively conveying one of the individually selected diluents, which is supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179i, or from the valve body 179i to the common diluent outlet 175 through the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179i. The selection of whether to supply diluent via the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197 to the common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of the diluent selection valve 181i. The selective delivery of the selected diluent from the valve body 179i to the common diluent outlet 175 is achieved through the operation of the flow control valve 180i.

[0370] Similarly, a valve supply branch 165j is provided between the common pipeline 164 and the first diluent inlet port 196 of the corresponding valve body 179j, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 164 through the first diluent inlet 160 from the common pipeline 164 to the valve body 179j. A valve supply branch 168j is provided between the common pipeline 167 and the second diluent inlet 197 of the corresponding valve body 179j, for conveying the diluent supplied to the common pipeline 167 through the second diluent inlet 161 from the common pipeline 167 to the valve body 179j. A valve distribution branch 172j is provided between the diluent outlet 191 of the corresponding valve body 179j and the common main line 171, for selectively conveying the diluent supplied through the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179j or from the valve body 179j to the common diluent outlet 175 through the second diluent inlet port 197 of the valve body 179j. The choice of whether to supply diluent via the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197 to selectively deliver diluent from valve body 179j to common diluent outlet 175 is determined by the state of diluent selection valve 18lj. The selected diluent is selectively delivered from valve body 179j to common diluent outlet 175 by operation of flow control valve 180j.

[0371] Turning now to the materials and construction of the frame of the handle body 151, including the various fluid conduits of the novel piping system 158 of the second embodiment of the invention, and the valve bodies 179a-179j, which, in addition to the frame of the handle body 151, also form part of the novel piping system 158, it is noted that the materials and construction are subject to a number of potential competing constraints. In particular, these potential competing constraints include at least those arising from: (1) the necessary location and minimum necessary fluid flow rate of each valve port; (2) the necessary location and minimum necessary fluid flow rate of each fluid conduit; (3) the ergonomically acceptable shape and maximum acceptable size of the handheld beverage dispenser; and (4) the maximum acceptable mass of the handheld beverage dispenser, as previously described or further understood herein. More specifically, in this exemplary or any other embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to the invention, the concerns discussed below must be considered.

[0372] As previously stated, beverage product inlet port 189 and beverage product outlet port 186 must be arranged vertically around each valve body 179a-179h due to the operational requirements of flow control valves 180a-180h. Similarly, the first diluent inlet port 196, the second diluent inlet port 197, and the diluent outlet port 191 must be arranged vertically around each valve body 179a-179j according to the flow operation requirements of control valves 180a-180j. Furthermore, the vertical arrangement of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 around each valve body 179a-179j must meet the operational requirements of diluent selection valves 181a-181j. Moreover, the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 must also be radially separated from each other around valve bodies 179a-179j according to the operational requirements of diluent selection valves 181a-181j. The restrictions on the radial arrangement of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 have a minor impact, but not on the radial arrangement of each other valve port of valve bodies 179a-179j. However, this is further exacerbated by the requirement that each fluid conduit connect to any valve port of valve bodies 179a-179j be substantially within the range of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. The required arrangement of each valve port of valve bodies 179a-179j is also limited to the ability of the beverage dispenser assembly 104 to provide at least the minimum necessary fluid flow rate for each valve port to support proper operation of the implemented post-mixing type, within other constraints, and most preferably also to have a flow rate that meets performance expectations, such as the dispensing rate from the handheld beverage dispenser 150.

[0373] Each of the aforementioned issues regarding fluid flow rate, and the requirements of the novel piping system 158 implementing the second embodiment of the invention essentially within the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, apply to all other fluid conduits in any flow path between the fluid inlet 159 at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151 and the fluid outlet 174 at the front end 156 of the bottom 154 of the handle body 151, having the same or similar forces. That is, it should be noted that the constraints applied to the valve ports compete with the constraints applied to the fluid conduits; at least to some extent, the valve ports of the flow control valves 180a-180j and the regulation of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j, and the limitations of each of the numerous fluid conduits, each having a strict minimum fluid flow rate requirement for wiring within the limited area of ​​the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. However, the need to produce a commercially acceptable product further exacerbates the need to meet these requirements. Specifically, it is necessary to manufacture the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 with an ergonomically acceptable shape within an acceptable maximum size and to meet the minimum requirements for acceptable tactile comfort and ease of use of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, and similarly, to manufacture the handheld beverage dispenser 150 within an acceptable total weight to achieve acceptable tactile comfort and ease of use. Maintaining the beverage dispenser 150 inevitably limits the range of the handle body 151. In general, the aforementioned issues increase the importance of selecting suitable materials and construction methods for at least the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 and the components of the novel piping system 158 integrally or tightly integrated with the handle body 151.

[0374] Although other shapes or implementations are possible, each beverage product supply conduit 169a-169h of an exemplary second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention includes an elongated tubular member or other suitable shaped member within the scope of the handle body 151, substantially between one of the beverage product inlets 162a-162h and a corresponding beverage product inlet 189 of one of the valve bodies 179a-179h; each beverage product dispensing conduit 173a-173h of an exemplary preferred embodiment includes an elongated tubular member or other suitable shaped member within the scope of the handle body 151, located between a beverage product outlet port 186 of one of the valve bodies 179a-179h and its corresponding beverage product outlet 176a-176h; the first common trunk 164 and its corresponding valve supply branches 165a-165j of an exemplary preferred embodiment of the first diluent inlet manifold 163 include generally elongated tubular members or other suitable shaped members. The arrangement of components of various shapes, generally within the handle body 151, between the first diluent inlet 160 and each valve supply branch 165a-165j, corresponding to the first diluent inlet port 196 of valve bodies 179a-179j; the second common trunk 167 of the exemplary preferred embodiment of the second diluent inlet manifold 166 and its corresponding valve supply branches 168a-168j, comprising the arrangement of generally elongated tubular or other suitably shaped components, generally within the handle body 151, between the second diluent inlet 161 and each valve supply branch 168a-168j, corresponding to the second diluent inlet 197 of valve bodies 179a-179j; the common trunk 171 of the exemplary preferred embodiment of the common diluent outlet manifold 170 and its corresponding valve distribution branches 172a-172j, comprising the arrangement of generally elongated tubular or other suitably shaped components, generally within the handle body, such as... Figure 151 As shown, between the diluent outlet ports 191 of each valve body 179a-179j, the diluent outlet 175 is reached through the corresponding valve distribution branches 172a-172j.

[0375] Although other manufacturing methods are possible according to the teachings of the present invention, the complex structure of the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention is produced using additive manufacturing. More specifically, it is particularly advantageous to 3D print all fluid conduits of the valve bodies 179a-179j and the piping system 158, integrating them with all fixing parts of the handle body 151. The first preferred embodiment corresponding to the handheld beverage dispenser 10 of the present invention is as follows: Figure 9-15As shown, elongated tubular members or other suitably shaped members placed within the limited area of ​​the handle body 151 of an exemplary second preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention would occupy most of the available space. Therefore, it is desirable to remove, to the extent possible, any support structures not essential for the operation of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 from the construction. Although the support structures (e.g., internal mesh 21) provided in the first preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 10 could be readily incorporated using additive manufacturing, the applicant has found that using suitable construction materials generally reduces the need for any such support structures.

[0376] Most preferably, the aforementioned components are printed with stainless steel. This eliminates many concerns about using potentially hazardous materials, as opposed to the use of many other possible manufacturing materials such as plastics or resins. It also facilitates providing structural strength to eliminate the need for additional support structures, while allowing for manufacturing within suitable quality requirements. Furthermore, the use of stainless steel facilitates daily cleaning and makes the product durable, even though the handheld beverage dispenser 150 will be used in challenging environments. However, in the most preferred manufacturing, the space within the handle body 151 and the gaps, voids, and other similar spaces between the valve bodies 179a-179j and the provided fluid conduit are generally filled with food-safe antifungal foam or similar filler. This not only simplifies cleaning the handheld beverage dispenser 150 but also provides additional, lightweight stability to the valve bodies 179a-179j and the fluid conduit, reducing the likelihood of damage to the handheld beverage dispenser 150 during use.

[0377] However, aside from the careful selection of materials for the handle body 151, valve bodies 179a-179j, and fluid conduits of the piping system 158 for the handheld beverage dispenser 150, other optimizations are possible; the meticulous wiring of the fluid conduits, essentially within the handle body 151, can also be achieved through auxiliary additive manufacturing techniques, etc.; and creative arrangements of additional components implementing the valve units 177a-177j within the valve bodies 179a-179j. For example, as... Figures 79-87 As shown, the exemplary valve body 179d, the first diluent inlet 196, the second diluent inlet 197, and the diluent outlet 191 of each valve body 179a-179j, and each corresponding interface fluid conduit are implemented in a horizontally oriented elongated oval shape. In this way, the corresponding fluid conduits can be placed within a smaller vertical span than could be achieved using a circular shape in a conventional implementation, without sacrificing fluid flow capacity.

[0378] Now for reference Figures 88-89As in the most preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 is generally shown in its "stripped-down" state, as previously described in Figures 72-76 As shown and referenced Figures 72-76 Detailed description. Although Figures 72-76 The handle body 151 shown is completely devoid of the other components of the beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, but Figures 88-89 The view shows the handle body 151, in which the complete valve internals of the valve unit 177d are housed. A single exemplary representative valve body 179d, in a state that will be further understood herein, represents an early stage of assembly around the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. Furthermore, as will be better understood herein, the depicted early assembly stage includes the combination of each valve body 179a-179j with an upper seal 259 for use with the flow control valves 180a-180j of the corresponding valve units 177a-177j. Although not discussed further here, the upper seal 259 of the present invention... Figure 97-100 Detailed information is shown in the text and can also be referenced. Figure 97-100 It was described in detail and showed, as follows Figures 88-89 The upper seal 259 shown is placed in Figures 101-104 China and also refer to Figures 101-104 A detailed description was provided. However, in addition to these features, the handle body 151, as... Figures 72-76 As shown and described. Similarly, the representative valve body 179d is in Figures 88-89 Presented in, such as in Figures 79-87 As specifically shown in the text, and refer to Figures 79-87 It is described in great detail along with other figures.

[0379] As mentioned above, and specifically in Figure 89 As shown in the front cross-sectional view, valve body 179d is... Figures 88-89 The image depicts the complete valve internals of valve unit 177d housed therein. The assembly and placement of the valve internals of valve unit 177d... Figure 105-112 The details are shown in the text and also refer to the reference. Figure 105-112 Detailed description. However, it is noteworthy that valve unit 177d is shown as including a diluent selection valve 181d and a flow control valve 180d. The previously mentioned open cup 207, as described above, is also a key component of the diluent selection valve 181d, and is shown facing the bottom 154 of the handle body 151. The open cup 207 of the present invention... Figures 90-93 The details are shown in the middle and also refer to the middle. Figures 90-93As will be further understood herein, the open cup 207 is co-fitted with the valve body 179d to implement the diluent selection valve 181d as a novel cylindrical gate valve. As will also be further understood herein, the open cup 207 is further co-fitted with the valve body 179d and the valve internal assembly 227, which, as discussed below, serves as part of the valve body 180d when flow control is implemented, thereby creatively achieving a physical volume of the multi-valve unit 177d of the present invention that is much smaller than the physical volume otherwise required. The briefly mentioned valve internal assembly 227, as will be further understood herein as a key component of the flow control valve 180d, is shown as extending generally from the top 152 to the bottom 154 of the handle body 151 and partially accommodated in the space 213 of the cup 207 with its internal top opening. The valve internal assembly 227 in Figures 94-96 The details are shown in the middle and also refer to the middle. Figures 94-96 It is described in detail.

[0380] See now Figures 90-93 A preferred embodiment of the novel top-opening cup 207, as will be better understood further herein, is adapted to cooperate with a specially formed valve body 179d, as described in detail herein, to form the valve unit 177d of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, which is used to form the diluent selection valve 181d. As shown, the opening cup 207 generally includes cylindrical sidewalls 208 having a cylindrical outer surface 209 and a cylindrical inner surface 210, and protrudes upward from the closed bottom 221 of the opening cup 207 to form a defined internal space 213, which is largely formed by the cylindrical inner surface 210. As suggested, if not most, in the previously described portions of the exemplary valve body 179d, many features of the opening cup 207 must be provided according to specifications to cooperate with the valve body 179d for implementing the diluent selection valve 181d. However, as already noted but will be further better understood herein, the open cup 207 further mates with the valve internals assembly of the exemplary valve body 179d and the flow control valve 180d to form the flow control valve 180d, for the inventive valve unit 177d of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention. The requirement that the specially formed cup 207 operate simultaneously as a component of a very different valve structure, as will be further understood herein, is merely a reiteration of the requirement that the top open cup 207 must be supplied to specifications.

[0381] As noted in the previous detailed description of the exemplary valve body 179d, the open cup 207 is received by a circular open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d and is substantially held in place within the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d. Also as noted in the previous detailed description of the exemplary valve body 179d, the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 abuts a shoulder 194 formed at the top of the lower chamber 192. Because, as will be better understood further herein, the open cup 207 is at least partially rotatable when held in place, the shoulder 194 is formed as a flat surface at the top of the lower chamber 192. As a result, the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 is also most preferably planar.

[0382] As also described in the previous detailed description of the exemplary valve body 179d, the dimensions of the shoulder 194 are specified according to the dimensions of various aspects of the open cup 207. In practice, considering the relative importance of one or another feature to the implementation of one or another cooperating component, the exemplary valve body 179d and the open cup 207 are cooperatively formed within the specific range set forth in the previous detailed description. For example, it can be considered that the exemplary valve body 179d must be formed with a largely predetermined total height, the inner surface must be stepped, the exemplary valve body 179d must have sufficient volume to maintain an acceptable fluid flow rate, and it must accommodate the valve internals required in addition to the diluent selection valve 181d, etc. Similarly, it can be considered that, in addition to the components required to implement the diluent selection valve 181d, the open cup 207 must also accommodate components, the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 must have a structurally reasonable thickness, etc. However, with the aid of this exemplary detailed description and the guidance presented herein, all these considerations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0383] In all cases, the cylindrical outer surface 209 and the cylindrical inner surface 210 are formed according to the specifications set forth in the previous detailed description of the exemplary valve body 179d. However, while meeting the specifications, it should be noted that a circumferential groove 220 is provided around the lower outer surface 216 of the open cup 207. As will be better understood herein, the dimensions, shape, and other aspects of this circumferential groove 220 are adapted to operatively retain the lower seal 225, such as an O-ring, for the diluent selection valve 181d. As will be further described herein, this is actually the open cup 207, with the lower seal 225 located within the circumferential groove 220 surrounding the lower outer surface 216 of the open cup 207. As a result, there must necessarily be some gap between the cylindrical outer surface 209 of the open cup 207 and the cylindrical inner wall 193 of the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d, and this gap must be taken into account at least within the guidelines given in the previous detailed description of the exemplary valve body 179d regarding the relative dimensions of the open cup 207 and the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0384] Finally, when implementing the flow control valve 180d, a final setting was made in the open cup 207.

[0385] like Figure 93 As specifically shown, a cylindrical container 215 is formed at the center of the bottom 214 of the internal space 213 of the open cup 207. As will be fully understood further herein, the cylindrical container 215 is sized and otherwise adapted to uniformly receive the fixed end of the lift valve spring 273, for example, as is well known in the relevant art for the operation of the flow control valve 180d. In addition to conforming to the outer circumference of the lift valve spring 273, the cylindrical container 215 should have sufficient depth to stably secure the receiving end of the lift valve spring and at least maintain the receiving end of the lift valve spring around the central axis 206 of the valve body 179d.

[0386] Then turn to the remaining features of the open cup 207 specifically provided in the embodiment of the diluent selection valve 181d, and in particular refer to Figure 90 , 91 Figures 93 and 94 show a notch 212 formed or otherwise provided near the upper edge 211 and a portion of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207. As will be better understood further herein, the notch 212 cooperates with the larger, intact portion of the upper edge 211 of the sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 to form a cylindrical gate for the implementation of the diluent selection valve 181d, and specifically, for alternately allowing or preventing fluid flow through one or the other of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197. Figures 85-87As best shown, each of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 is formed or otherwise disposed at the uppermost part of the lower chamber 192 through the sidewall of the exemplary valve body 179d and as close as possible to the lower valve seat 195, a position marked as horizontal plane P23. As shown, a specific position places each of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 slightly below the shoulder 194, with the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall abutting the shoulder 194, so that the open cup 207 can be operatively received in the appropriate position within the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0387] As previously described, when operably positioned within the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d, the opening cup 207 is at least partially rotatable about the central axis 206. In particular, the opening cup 207 must be sufficiently rotatable to selectively align a notch 212 in the upper edge 211 of the sidewall 208 of the opening cup 207 with either the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197 formed through the sidewall of the exemplary valve body 179d. To this end, it is observed that a notch 212 is formed horizontally along the upper edge 211 of the sidewall 208 of the open cup 207, and specifically formed to completely surround either the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197, and also to fully conform to either the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197, to ensure that flow from one of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 is allowed through the aligned notch 212, while the other of the first diluent inlet port 196 and the second diluent inlet port 197 is blocked by the entire portion of the sidewall 208 of the open cup 207, and vice versa.

[0388] Although, as previously stated, the open cup 207 must be able to rotate sufficiently to selectively align the notch 212 with either the first diluent inlet 196 or the second diluent inlet 197, the applicant found it desirable to restrict the rotation of the capped open cup 207 to only the rotation necessary for the operation of the diluent selection valve 191d. As will be further better understood herein, this restriction also contributes to the error-proofing mechanism of the most preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, as will be further better understood herein. For this purpose, it should be noted that the most preferred embodiment of the exemplary valve body 179d includes a notch 201 formed in the circular open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d, specifically as follows: Figures 79-80 83-84 and Figures 86-87 As shown, Figure 90 and 92 As shown, the stop piece 217 is disposed or otherwise formed at the lower outer portion 216 of the open cup 207. Figure 92 As shown in the optimal configuration, the stop piece 217 includes a first edge 218 and a second edge 219, as... Figure 90 and 92 As shown.

[0389] like Figure 90 and 92 As clearly shown, the stop 217 extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical outer surface 209 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207, and therefore cannot be accommodated within the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d. Instead, the size, shape, and other aspects of the stop 217 are adapted to move freely substantially within the range of the recess 201 previously described as formed in the circular open end 199 of the exemplary valve body 179d. In particular, the operably positioned capped open cup 207 can be rotated counterclockwise about the central axis 206 until the first edge 218 of the stop 217 of the capped open cup 207 makes blocking contact with the edge 203 of the first stop 202 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d. Similarly, the operable capped open cup 207 can be rotated clockwise about the central axis 206 until the second edge 219 of the stop 217 of the capped open cup 207 makes blocking contact with the edge 205 of the second stop 204 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0390] To ensure that the contact between the first edge 218 of the stop 217 of the capped open cup 207 and the edge 203 of the first stop 202 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d is predictable and causes the open cup 207 to rotate at a calculated or otherwise determined desired rotation angle, the first edge 218 of the stop 217 of the open cup 207 is formed to lie in a vertical plane R1 intersecting the central axis of the open cup 207, as shown below. Figure 92 As shown, the central axis 206 ensures that the first edge 218 of the stop 217 of the open cup 207 will meet face-to-face with the edge 203 of the first stop 202 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d. Similarly, to ensure predictable contact between the second edge 219 of the stop 217 of the open cup 207 and the edge 205 of the second stop 204 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d, resulting in the desired rotation of the open cup 207, the second edge 219 of the stop 217 of the open cup 207 is formed to lie in a vertical plane R2 intersecting the central axis of the open cup 207, as shown. Figure 92 As shown, and therefore, the central axis 206 ensures that the second edge 219 of the stop 217 of the open cup 207 will meet face-to-face with the edge 205 of the second stop 204 at the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0391] As previously stated, the establishment of the consistent central angles of the diluent inlets 196 and 197 has a ripple effect, which limits or even largely restricts the implementation of many aspects of the invention. As implemented, it is evident that the rotation angle of the open cup 207 required for operation of the diluent selection valve 191d is equal to the consistent central angles of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197. To achieve the fully desired rotation, the consistent central angle of the stop plate 217 must be considered. Using the consistent central angle of the stop plate 217, the desired rotation of the open cup 207 is achieved by setting the consistent central angle of the notch 210 to be equal to the sum of the consistent central angles of the diluent inlet ports 196 and 197 and the consistent central angle of the stop plate 217.

[0392] Finally, as will be better understood further herein, when using the handheld beverage dispenser of the present invention, operation of the diluent selection valve 181d requires manual rotation of the open cup 207 when it is installed in place with the exemplary valve body 179d. To facilitate this task, a blind groove 223 or similar device is formed on the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 for engagement with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool, such as... Figures 90-92 As shown, however, in order to further facilitate the operation of the diluent selection valve 181d, Figure 92 The alignment mark 224 may be formed, printed, or otherwise applied to the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207. As an exemplary embodiment now shown and described, the arrow-shaped mark 224 is applied to the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207, and as will be better understood further herein, the mark 224 is used to point to one of a set of marks located at or near the bottom 198 of the exemplary valve body 179d, and the mark is adapted to distinguish the first diluent and the second diluent.

[0393] Now for reference Figures 94-96A preferred embodiment of the novel valve internal assembly 227, as will be better understood further herein, is cooperatively adapted to a specially formed valve body 179d, as described in detail herein, and to the previously described open cup 207, to form a flow control valve 180d of an inventive valve unit 177d for the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention, which is now shown and described in detail. As will be better understood further herein, the valve internal assembly 227 is designed to operate within an internal space formed by the cooperative arrangement between the previously described exemplary valve body 179d and the similarly previously described open cup 207. In particular, the upper portion of the internal space is formed generally by the cylindrical inner walls 188 of the upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the exemplary valve body 179d, while the lower portion of the internal space is formed generally by the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 and the bottom 214 of the internal space 213 defined by the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the open cup 207. As will be better understood in the following discussion, the novel and inventive use of the space created for implementing the first type of valve, when implementing entirely different types of valves, enables the applicant not only to provide on-demand diluent selection, but also to provide at least as many beverage options as many other bar guns that lack the novel on-demand diluent selection of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention.

[0394] In any case, as shown in the figure, a preferred embodiment of the valve internals assembly 227 of the flow control valve 180d of the valve unit 177d for the handheld beverage dispenser 150 generally includes a most preferred cylindrical valve stem 228 on which a first upper reciprocating sealing member 243 and a second lower reciprocating sealing member 252 are disposed. As will be further better understood herein, each of the first upper reciprocating sealing member 243 and the second lower reciprocating sealing member 252 implements a lift valve type valve, and the first upper reciprocating sealing member 243 also implements a specially formed scraping seal. Specifically, as... Figure 96 As shown, the middle portion 232 of the valve stem 228 includes a preferred integral first retainer 234 for independently supporting the upper reciprocating sealing member 243. Importantly, the integral first retainer 234 also provides precise positioning of the upper reciprocating sealing member 243 along the valve stem 228. Figure 96 As shown, the first retainer 234 includes a first upper annular disc 235 and a second lower annular disc 236. As will be better understood further herein, the first upper annular disc 235 provides positioning and structure for the valve face 248 of the upper reciprocating sealing member 243, while the second lower annular disc 236 provides structure and stability for the upper reciprocating sealing member 243.

[0395] And especially Figure 96As shown, the lower portion 237 of the valve stem 228 includes a preferably integrated second retainer 238 for independently supporting the lower reciprocating sealing member 252. Importantly, the integrated second retainer 238 also provides precise positioning of the lower reciprocating sealing member 252 along the valve stem 228. Figure 96 As shown, the second retainer 238 includes a first upper annular disk 239 and a second lower annular disk 240. As will be better understood further herein, the first upper annular disk 239 provides positioning and structure for the valve face 257 of the lower reciprocating sealing member 252, while the second lower annular disk 240 provides structure and stability for the lower reciprocating sealing member 252.

[0396] See now Figures 94-96 Each of these figures describes in detail a first upper reciprocating seal member 243, which is cooperatively adapted to abut against an upper valve seat 190 at the transition between an upper chamber 185 surrounding a valve body 179d and an intermediate chamber 187 of a valve body 179d for a flow control valve 180d. As shown, the first upper reciprocating seal member 243 includes a first-configured annular body 244, which is generally in the form of a valve core and is most preferably provided as an integral element comprising rubber or a similar material. In any case, the upper reciprocating seal member 243 is preferably formed as an overmolding of the valve stem 228 between a first upper annular disc 235 and a second lower annular disc 236 of a first retainer 234, thereby not only simplifying the manufacture of the valve internals assembly 227 but also avoiding leakage problems along the valve stem 228. As also shown in the figure, the annular body 244 of the first configuration includes an upper edge 245 and a lower edge 249, which are separated by a preferably deeply curved cylinder 251. The arrangement of the cylinder 251 avoids excessive friction between the first upper reciprocating sealing member 243 and the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0397] The upper edge 245 of the annular body 244 in the first configuration includes a cylindrical outer edge 246 that loosely conforms to the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the exemplary valve body 179d to provide stability for the upper reciprocating sealing member 243 and centering around the central axis 206. Additionally, a downwardly sloping top surface 247 is formed on the upper edge 245 to achieve a raised valve face 248 for the upper reciprocating sealing member 243. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the top surface 247 may slope downward as shown, or may take any other profile operatively sized, shaped, and otherwise adapted to produce a valve face 248 suitable for precise fitting. In the exemplary implementation of the flow control valve 180d, the transition portion between the upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d seals against the previously described upper valve seat 190.

[0398] The lower edge 249 of the annular body 244 of the first configuration mates, in size, shape, and other respects, with the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the exemplary valve body 179d to serve as a customized reciprocating wipe seal for isolation, and to provide fluid isolation between the internal space of the exemplary valve body 179d above the lower edge 249 and the internal space of the exemplary valve body 179d below the lower edge 249 as the valve internal assembly 227 reciprocates within the exemplary valve body 179d. For this purpose, the outer edge 250 surrounding the lower edge 249 is formed to tightly fit the cylindrical inner wall 188 of the intermediate chamber 187 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0399] Still refer to Figures 94-96 The second lower reciprocating seal member 252 is described in detail as cooperatively adapted to abut against a lower valve seat 195 disposed at the transition between the intermediate chamber 187 and the lower chamber of the valve body 179d, operating the valve body 179d as a flow control valve 180d. As shown, the second lower reciprocating seal member 252 includes a second-configured annular body 253, which is typically in the form of a plug and is most preferably provided as a single element comprising rubber or a similar material. In any case, the lower reciprocating seal member 252 is preferably formed as a secondary molding of the valve stem 228 between the first upper annular disc 239 and the second lower annular disc 240 of the second retainer 238, thereby not only simplifying the manufacture of the valve internals assembly 227 but also avoiding leakage problems along the valve stem 228. As also shown in the figure, the second configuration of the annular body 253 includes a circumferential shoulder 254 surrounding the top of the second configuration of the annular body 253 and is formed on a low profile base 258, which provides to prevent excessive friction between the second lower reciprocating sealing member 252 and the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207, and is operatively accommodated within the lower chamber 192 of the exemplary valve body 179d.

[0400] The circumferential shoulder 254 of the second configuration annular body 253 includes a cylindrical outer edge 255 that loosely conforms to the cylindrical inner surface 210 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 implemented in the diluent selection valve 181d, providing stability and centering for the lower reciprocating sealing member 252 around the central axis 206. Additionally, a downwardly sloping top surface 256 is formed on the circumferential shoulder 254 to realize a raised valve face 257 for the lower reciprocating sealing member 252. As understood by those skilled in the art, the dimensions, shape, and other aspects of the downwardly sloping top surface 256 must be adapted to produce the valve face 257, which is adapted to precisely mate with the lower valve seat 195 provided around the transition between the valve body 195 and the lower valve seat 195. The intermediate chamber 187 and the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d are used for the flow control valve 180d.

[0401] In an important aspect of the synergistic integration of the valve internals assembly 227 and the open cup 207, the bottom end 241 of the valve stem 228 is... Figures 95-96 Specifically, this includes a downwardly extending protrusion 242 that causes the valve stem 228 to extend beyond the second lower annular disc 240 of the second retainer 338. On the other hand, it can be recalled that a cylindrical container 215 is centrally formed in the bottom 214 of the internal space 213 of the open cup 207 of the diluent selector valve 181d. Furthermore, the detailed description of the open cup 207 indicates that the dimensions and other aspects of the provided cylindrical container 215 are adapted to conformally accommodate the fixed end of the lift valve spring 273 for operation of the flow control valve 180d. The protrusion 242 is adapted to receive the reciprocating end of the lift valve spring 273 around it, and therefore its dimensions and other aspects should be adapted to engage uniformly with the internal portion of the lift valve spring 242.

[0402] Finally, the upper part 229 of the valve stem 228 is... Figures 94-96 The valve stem 228 is shown to be substantially narrower relative to the rest of the valve stem 228. The narrowed upper portion 229 of the valve stem 228 is adapted to easily pass through the flow control valve actuator bore 183 shown at the top 182 of the exemplary valve body 179d, as described in detail herein, including through the upper seal 259, as provided for the exemplary flow control valve 180d. Figure 97-100 As shown, the seal 259 is adapted to conformally and sealingly fit within the flow control valve actuator orifice 183, and then sealingly receives the narrow portion 229 of the valve stem 228 through a provided central orifice 262, making the uppermost part of the valve stem 228 available as an actuator for the flow control valve 180d. For this purpose, a retaining groove 231 is formed circumferentially around the tip 230 of the valve stem 228. As will be further detailed herein, the retaining groove 231 mates with various push-button caps to securely but removably retain the push-button cap in place at the tip 230 of the valve stem 228.

[0403] Now for reference Figure 97-100 Various details of the upper seal 259 for the exemplary flow control valve 180d of the present invention are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment of the flow control valve 180d of the present invention, the upper seal 259 is formed as a gasket-shaped plug 260 comprising rubber or similar material. The plug 260 is provided with a circumferential shoulder 261 around its top, which, as will be better understood further herein, can rest on the top 182 of the exemplary valve body 179d around the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 during use. As previously described, the plug 260 includes a central bore 262 extending from top to bottom through the plug 260, and its size, shape, and other aspects are adapted to sealably engage the outer surface of the upper portion 229 of the generally cylindrical valve stem 288. Figure 97 , 98As specifically shown in Figure 100, the bottom edge of the central orifice 262 is preferably chamfered or otherwise removed to prevent loss of integrity or further damage to the upper seal 259 during assembly of valve unit 177d, and the top edge of the central orifice 262 may also be chamfered or otherwise removed, as shown and may be desired. Finally, the plug 260 has a retaining groove 263 formed around the center of the plug 260. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the size, shape, and other aspects of the retaining groove 263 are adapted to engage an annular space 184 formed within the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 of the exemplary valve body 179d, and this annular space 184 is provided for this purpose.

[0404] Turn now Figures 101-104 Assembly of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention begins with inserting the upper seal 259 for the flow control valve 180d into the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 of the exemplary valve body 179d. When a gentle, top-down force is applied, such as by thumb pressure, the upper seal 259 of the flow control valve 180d will easily occupy the correct position within the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 of the exemplary valve body 179d, having a retaining groove 263 fully engaged with the annular space 184 formed within the flow control valve actuator orifice 183, as... Figures 102-103 As shown, the circumferential shoulder 261 is securely supported at the top 182 of the exemplary valve body. This process is repeated to operatively place the upper seal 259 within the exemplary valve body 179d, inserting the upper seal 259 into the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 at the top 182 of each of the remaining valve bodies 179a-179c and 179e-179j of the handle body 151, as shown in the diagram. Figure 104 As shown.

[0405] In the next assembly stage, each valve body 179a-179j is fully filled with its corresponding valve internals. According to a preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the valve internals that mate with a corresponding valve body 179a-179j to form each valve unit 177a-177j are as follows: Figures 105-106 As shown, it includes a top-opening cup 207; a valve internals assembly 227 for the flow control valve 180d; a lower seal 225 for the diluent selection valve 181d, which may include, for example, an O-ring 226; and a lift valve spring 273. These individual valve internals assemblies are assembled in a corresponding one within the valve body 179a-179j to form a compact, integrated valve internals arrangement 308, such as... Figures 107-108As shown separately. As will be further and better understood herein, each valve body 179a-179j is assembled in conjunction with valve internals 308, although as already noted and will be further and better understood herein, some functions may be limited relative to one or more valve units 177a-177j if intended.

[0406] In any case, the implementation of any of the full-function valve units 177a-177j will now be described with reference to the representative exemplary valve unit 177d. As will be better understood further herein, valve body 179d cooperates with valve internals 308 to form a corresponding valve unit 177d, which includes a corresponding dual flow control valve 180d and a separately operating corresponding diluent selection valve 181d. The dual flow control valve 180d implements a single simultaneous flow control over two isolated flow paths through valve unit 177d, while the separately operating diluent selection valve 181d implements a three-way / two-position valve adapted to selectively place one of the two isolated flow paths into valve unit 177d, which is in fluid communication with one of the two isolated flow paths via valve unit 177d controlled by flow control valve 180d. Importantly, flow control valve 180d and diluent selection valve 181d, and all fluid flow paths between them, are implemented essentially within the compact space of valve body 179d.

[0407] As previously stated, the assembly of valve units 177a-177j of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 in the second embodiment begins with the placement of the upper seal 259 of the flow control valves 180a-180j. Figure 101 Specifically, regarding the representative exemplary valve unit 177d, the upper seal 259 of the flow control valve 180d is inserted into the valve body 179d through the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 located at the top 182 of the valve body 179d. However, as... Figure 109 As specifically shown, each valve internal component of the previously described valve internals arrangement 308 is introduced into the valve body 179d through a circular opening end 199 located at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d. Although other processes may be determined based on the teachings of this exemplary disclosure, in the preferred method of the valve units 177a-177j of the present invention, as described again with reference to the representative exemplary valve unit 177d, the valve internals assembly 227 for the flow control valve 180d continues to be inserted through the circular opening end 199 of the valve body 179d and substantially into the chamber of the valve body 179d.

[0408] If not pre-assembled, the O-ring 226 or similar valve seal 225 is then operably positioned within the circumferential groove 220 around the lower outer portion 216 of the open cup 207 to receive the lower seal 225 for the diluent selection valve 181d. In any case, with the O-ring 226 or other equivalent seal 225 properly positioned within the circumferential groove 220, the lift valve spring 273 descends into the internal space 213 of the open cup 207, its bottom end inserted into the cylindrical container 215 formed in the bottom 214 of the internal space 213 of the open cup. During this stage of assembly, the open cup 207 of the lower seal 225 with diluent selection valve 181d is suitably located within the circumferential groove 220, the lift valve spring 273 is located within the cylindrical container 215, and the sub-assembly surrounding the open cup 207 is then also inserted into the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d through the circular open end 199 of the valve body 179d, wherein the free end of the lift valve spring 273 engages the protrusion 242 around the bottom end 241 of the valve inner assembly 227. As the complete valve internal assembly 308 is initially inserted through the circular opening end 199 of the valve body 179d and substantially accommodated therein, sufficient force is applied to the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the opening cup 207, causing the valve internal assembly 308 to pass through the chamber of the valve body 179d until the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 of the valve internal assembly 227 passes through the previously placed upper seal 259 for the flow control valve 181d and exits from the flow control valve actuator orifice 183, as... Figure 111 As shown, the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 is substantially located within the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d, as... Figure 110 As shown. As initially described, the valve internals 308 is substantially placed within the exemplary valve body 179d, and then the process is repeated to place the valve internals 308 through the circular opening 199 at the bottom 198 of each of the remaining valve bodies 179a-179c and 179c-179j of the handle body 151, operating each valve internal 308 through the corresponding internal chamber of each valve body 179a-179b and 179e-179j, until all valve bodies are initially in place, as... Figure 112 As shown.

[0409] Before proceeding with the description of the assembly process of valve units 177a-177j, it is important to emphasize that it is crucial not to tear or otherwise damage the lower seal 225 when handling and placing it, whether by placing the valve seal 225 within the circumferential groove 220 of the lower outer part 216 of the open cup 207 or by inserting the top-capped open cup 207 with the valve seal 225 secured thereto into the valve body 179d through the circular opening end 199. It is certainly important to note that any damage to the integrity of the valve seal 225 may result in leakage of beverage fluid from the valve unit 177d, potentially rendering the handheld beverage dispenser 150 temporarily unusable until the valve body is replaced, pending replacement of the damaged valve seal 225. In other words, the assembly, use, and maintenance of the handheld beverage dispenser 151 of the present invention are generally very easy, thus the lower seal 225 can be easily and properly placed within the circumferential groove 220. For example, to place the exemplary O-ring 226 from below the open cup 207, the hole of the O-ring 226 is positioned above and around the stop 217 protruding from the lower outer portion 216 of the open cup 207, thereby allowing the O-ring 226 to securely engage adjacent portions of the circumferential groove 220. The distal portion of the O-ring 226 is then simply stretched around the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 to fully engage the circumferential groove 220. Alternatively, the O-ring 226 can be carefully placed above and around the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 and then pushed downwards to distribute the O-ring 226 within the circumferential groove 220. In any case, to reduce the risk of damage during assembly, it is recommended that the O-ring 226 or similar valve seal 225 be pre-assembled with the open cup 207 to provide additional attention to the task.

[0410] Then continue the assembly process of valve units 177a-177j, and again note that, Figure 112 As shown, each valve internal arrangement 308 is only initially placed. At this moment, most of the valve internal assembly 308 is merely stationary in place, and the complete valve internal assembly 308 of each valve unit 177a-177j must be operably secured in place within its respective valve body 179a-179j. This is achieved using a specially designed valve internal holding member 274, such as... Figures 113-115 Specifically, as will be better understood further herein, the novel dedicated valve internals retaining member 274, implemented as in the second embodiment of the invention, not only holds each valve internals device 308 in place, but also, as applied to other components of the handheld beverage dispenser 151, collaboratively implements the aforementioned error-proofing mechanisms to provide the basic functionality of each diluent selection valve 181a-18lj, as already described or to be described.

[0411] Then refer to special references Figures 113-114A novel valve internals retaining member 274 of a special formation is now shown, which typically includes a rigid plate 275 having various integral, machined, milled, drilled, or otherwise provided or formed holes, slots, and recesses for interoperability with the handle body 151, the valve units 177a-177j of the handle body 151, and the bottom cover 287, as will be further described herein. The primary function of the specially formed novel valve internals retaining member 274 is to securely hold the valve internals of each valve unit 177a-177j in the proper position within each corresponding valve body 179a-179j, while allowing the open cup 207 held within each valve body 179a-179j to fully rotate the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, i.e., to operate the diluent selection valve 179a-179j held within each valve body 179a-179j, enabling the user to select a first or second diluent for each corresponding valve body 179a-179j. However, furthermore, as will be better understood herein, the valve internals retaining member 274 also collaborates with the bottom cover 287 of the handle body 151 and the integrally formed features of the valve bodies 179a-179j and the open cup 207 of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j to creatively implement enhanced functionality in the operation of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j.

[0412] In fulfilling its primary function of providing operable retention of valve internals for each valve unit 177a-177j, valve internals retention member 274 first retains the valve internals. Based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will understand that the top side 277 of the valve internals retention member 274 abuts the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 of each diluent selection valve 181a-181j. To operatively hold the valve internals of each valve unit 177a-177j in the proper position within its corresponding valve body 179a-179j, wherein each adjacent open cup 207 is fully inserted into the lower chamber of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, such that when the valve internal holding member 274 is operatively fixed in place, the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the adjacent open cup 207 contacts the shoulder 194 located around and at the top of the corresponding lower chamber 192 at the valve body 179a-179j, and a smooth mounting hole 279 passes through the rigid plate 275 of the valve internal holding member 274. Figure 115 As shown, screws 280 or other suitable conventional mounting hardware are partially inserted through the provided mounting hole 279 to engage the corresponding threaded hole 285 in the bottom 154 of the handle body 151, thereby removably securing the valve internal retaining member 274 in the appropriate position near the bottom 154 of the handle body 151, as... Figure 116 As shown.

[0413] In a further implementation of the primary function of providing operably accessible valve interior retention for each valve unit 177a-177j, the valve interior retention member 274 also provides operably accessible access to the valve interior, retaining it in place as described above. Figure 113 , 114 As specifically shown in 116, the rigid plate 275 of the valve internals retaining member 274 includes a selection access recess 278 for each implementation of the valve unit 177a-177j. Each selection access recess 278 is primarily configured to allow a screwdriver or similar tool to enter a blind groove 223 or similar device, as previously described, located on the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 of each diluent selection valve 181a-181j, and... Figure 116 It is clearly shown in the text as operable access.

[0414] However, in addition to and as previously stated, the most preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 of the present invention contemplates providing various alignment marks to assist the user in selecting a specific diluent. For this purpose, the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the most preferred embodiment of the open cup 207 of each diluent selection valve 181a-181j has previously been described as including an alignment mark 224 in the form of an arrow. Therefore, the size, shape, or other manner of the selection access notch 278 is most preferably through and around the valve internal retaining member 274 to provide visual access to use such an alignment mark 224 or similar mark, and to provide physical access, such as… Figure 116 As clearly shown, the valve internal retaining member 274 extends from its bottom side 283 to the blind groove 223 or similar device. To apply the previously described alignment mark 224 to the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of each open cup 207 of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j, a functionally corresponding alignment mark 224 is formed, printed, or otherwise applied to the bottom side 283 of the valve internal retaining member 274. In this exemplary description, the letter W, for example, may represent a diluent comprising ordinary water, and is applied to the bottom side 283 of the valve internal retaining member 274 as a first alignment mark 284 on one side of each provided selection entry notch 278; the letter S, for example, may represent a diluent comprising soda water, and is applied to the bottom side 283 of the valve internal retaining member 274 as a second alignment mark 284 on the opposite side of each provided selection entry notch 278. It is noteworthy that the valve internal retaining member 274 is easily removable and replaceable to accommodate any desired alignment mark 284.

[0415] At this moment, especially based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will understand that, Figure 116In the configuration shown, the top open cup 207 of each diluent selection valve 18a-181j is freely rotatable about the central axis 206 within the lower chamber 192 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, with the stop 217 of the rotating open cup 207 being restricted only by an arc around the circular open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j between the edge 203 of the first stop 202 and the edge 205 of the second stop 204 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, minus the width of the inclined label 217. Now referring to the specific implementation of the exemplary diluent selection valve 181d described herein, it should be noted that, as Figure 90 and 92 As shown, specifically, a stop piece 217 is disposed at the lower outer portion 216 of the open cup 207, with the arrow of the alignment mark 224 applied to the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207, and a horizontally oriented notch 212 formed on the upper edge 211 and a portion of the cylindrical sidewall 208 surrounding the open cup 207, all three being aligned with the common radial line of the central axis 206. Although other embodiments are possible, for illustrative purposes, the following discussion will assume a particular arrangement of the exemplary embodiment.

[0416] Now for reference Figure 116 And refer to as needed Figure 112 and Figures 79-87 In Figures 93-93, the operable valve unit 177d is shown as having a first edge 218 with a stop 217 protruding from the lower exterior 216 of the opening cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 179d, located near the edge 203 of the first stop 202, formed by a slot 201 in the circular opening end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d. Based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned alignment within the exemplary valve body 179d aligns the horizontally oriented notch 212 in the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the opening cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 181d with the first diluent inlet port 196 formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, and can be referred to as the first operable state of the diluent selection valve 181d. Figure 116 As specifically shown, the aforementioned alignment within the exemplary valve body 179d also aligns the arrow of the alignment mark 224 formed on the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 with the letter W of the alignment mark formed on the bottom side 283 of the valve internals retaining member 274, indicating that the diluent is ordinary water when the diluent selection valve 191d is in the selected state.

[0417] Then, to enable valve unit 177d to use baking soda as a diluent, a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool is inserted into the selection inlet 278 around the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 18ld to engage the blind groove 223 formed on the bottom surface 222 of the closed bottom 221. In this embodiment, from Figure 116 From this angle, a flathead screwdriver or other suitable tool is used only to rotate the open cup 207 counterclockwise until the second edge 219 of the stop 217 blocks further rotation of the valve body 179d, wherein the second edge 219 of the second stop 217, protruding from the lower outer 216 of the open cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 179d, contacts the edge 205 of the second stop 204 formed by the notch 201 in the circular open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the valve body 179d. Based on this exemplary description, those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned alignment within the exemplary valve body 179d aligns the horizontally oriented notch 212 in the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 181d with the second diluent inlet port 197 formed through the sidewall of the valve body 179d, and may be referred to as the second operable state of the diluent selection valve 181d. Furthermore, the aforementioned alignment within the exemplary valve body 179d also aligns the arrow of the alignment mark 224 formed on the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207 with the letter S of the alignment mark formed on the bottom side 283 of the valve internal retaining member 274, indicating that soda water is selected as the diluent as needed when the diluent selection valve 191d is in the selected state.

[0418] As previously described, in addition to the functions mentioned above, the novel dedicated valve internal retaining member 274 also cooperates with other components of the handheld beverage dispenser 151 to collaboratively implement the various error-proofing mechanisms mentioned, thereby providing the basic functionality of each diluent selection valve 181a-181j. Specifically, the error-proofing mechanisms implement fail-safe measures to ensure that the horizontally oriented notch 212 of the opening cup 207 of each implemented diluent selection valve 181a-181j is correctly and completely aligned with the first diluent inlet port 196 or the second diluent inlet port 197 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j during use of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. For this purpose, the most preferred embodiment of the valve internal retaining member 274 is particularly suitable for accommodating the features of the bottom cover 287 for the handle body 151.

[0419] like Figures 113-114As best shown, the valve core retaining member 274 includes a plurality of arcuate grooves 276 corresponding to at least an equal number of locking tabs 291 disposed on the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 of the handle body 151, as will be further understood herein. Specifically, for each valve unit 177a-177j implemented in the handheld beverage dispenser 151, an arcuate groove 276 is provided through the rigid plate 275 of the valve core retaining member. The dimensions, shape, mutual positioning, and other aspects of each provided arcuate groove 276 are adapted to allow a corresponding locking tab 291 disposed on the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 to pass through.

[0420] As will be further better understood herein, each locking piece 291, which generally defines the form and position of the arcuate groove 276, is sized, shaped, and positioned according to the form, position, and size of the arc surrounding the circle. The open end 199 at the bottom 198 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j is located between the edge 203 of the first stop 202 and the edge 205 of the second stop 204 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, and furthermore, by the size and shape of the stop piece 217 protruding from the lower outer 216 of the opening cup 207 of the corresponding diluent selection valve 179a-179j. In any case, to facilitate the required tight fit between the bottom cover 287 of the handle body 151 and the valve core retainer 274, a hardware through hole 281 and a hardware clearance slot 282 are formed through the rigid plate 275 of the valve core retainer 274. The size and position of each of them are designed to allow free passage through the valve core retainer 274 of the connecting hardware 296 of the bottom cover 287 of the handle body 151.

[0421] Turn now Figures 117-120 As provided in a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 151 according to the invention, the specially formed bottom cover 287 for the handle body 151, mentioned above, is shown as being integrally manufactured and generally comprises a substantially flat base plate 289 having aesthetically pleasing wings 288 extending symmetrically upward from each side of the base plate 289. The exterior of the bottom cover 287 may and preferably has features for enhancing the user experience of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. For example, such as... Figure 120 As shown in the figure, the outer portion of the bottom cover 287 may be provided with knurling 297 or other features to facilitate a user's firm grip on the handle body 151. Although handheld beverage dispensers 150 are typically deployed and used in fast-paced and often humid environments, they are generally expected to be used.

[0422] like Figures 118-119As shown, the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 includes a plurality of upwardly projecting locking tabs 291, and specifically, one locking tab 291 corresponds to each valve unit 177a-177j implementing the diluent selection valves 181a-181j. As previously described, each of the provided locking tabs 291 is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding arcuate groove 276 provided through the rigid plate 275 of the valve internal retaining member 275, and further inserted to selectively prevent the opening cup 207 of the corresponding diluent selector valve 181a-181j from rotating from the first operable state of the diluent selector valve 181a-181j to the second operable state of the diluent selector valve 181a-181j, or switching to any transitional state between the first operable state and the second operable state, which in any way reduces or otherwise interferes with the fluid flow capability established for the first operable state, and similarly prevents the opening cup 207 of the corresponding diluent selector valve 181a-181j from rotating from the second operable state of the diluent selector valve 181a-181j to the first operable state of the diluent selector valve 181a-181j, or switching to any transitional state between the second operable state and the first operable state, which in any way reduces or otherwise interferes with the fluid flow capability established for the second operable state.

[0423] To achieve the required fail-safe conditions, the size, shape, and position of each locking piece 291 are designed such that when the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j is in the “correct selection state”, that is, when the first edge 218 or the second edge 219 of the stop piece 217 of the opening cup 207 of the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j is operably adjacent to the first stop 202 or the second stop 204 at the end of the notch 201 formed in the circular opening end 199 at the bottom 198 of the corresponding valve body 179a-179j, the locking piece 291 is adapted to pass through the corresponding one of the arcuate grooves 276 provided in the valve inner part retainer 274 and extend sufficiently beyond the valve inner part retainer 274 to substantially occupy the arcuate shape surrounding the corresponding notch 201. In order to substantially occupy the arc around the notch 201, when the locking piece 291 is inserted under the aforementioned conditions in the correct selection state, a portion of the locking piece 291 must be positioned sufficiently adjacent to either the first edge 218 or the second edge 219 of the stop piece 217 of the open cup 207, which is operatively adjacent to either the first stop 202 or the second stop 204 formed at the end of the notch 201. However, in addition, in order to "substantially occupy" the arc around the notch 201, a portion of the locking piece 291, because the locking piece 291 is inserted under any transition or other conditions of the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j, must also sufficiently occupy the middle portion of the arc around the notch 201, such as between those arc portions occupied by the stop piece 217 when operably adjacent to the first stop, in the correct selection state of the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j, the first stop 202 or the second stop 204 of the notch 201, so that the locking piece 291 is prevented from fully engaging the valve body 179a-179j corresponding to the notch 201 formed in the circular opening end 199 at the bottom 198, thereby warning the user that the diluent selection valve 181a-181j is misconfigured.

[0424] As described above, the implementation of the upwardly protruding locking tab 291, including its relationship to each other, is primarily determined by the implementation of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j and the corresponding valve bodies 179a-179j, including the required positioning of the first diluent inlet 196 and the second diluent inlet 197. As previously stated, and explained more clearly above, it is the implementation of the upwardly protruding locking tab 291 that drives the implementation of the arcuate groove 276 through the rigid plate 275 of the valve internal retainer 274. On the other hand, several features are implemented in the bottom cover 287 to facilitate the required tight fit between the bottom cover 287 for the handle body 151 and the valve internal retainer 274.

[0425] like Figures 118-119 As best shown, thin, outwardly oriented gusset plates 292 are formed on the convex side of each upwardly projecting locking tab 291. These gusset plates 292 together form a distributed spacing between the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 and the bottom side 283 of the valve internal retaining member 274. As distributed, the gusset plates 292 provide a uniform contact surface for attaching the cover 287 to the handle body 151, while also providing and maintaining such a spacing between the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 and the valve internal retaining member 274 to accommodate, for example, decorative retaining members 274 for valve connection hardware, such as the head of a screw 280. However, to minimize the required spacing, the inner side 290 of the bottom panel 289 also includes a pair of hardware recesses 293, sized, shaped, and positioned arcuately, for additionally accommodating at least a portion of the head of a screw 280 for attaching the valve internal retainer 274 to the bottom 154 of the handle body 151.

[0426] On the other hand, the distal ends of a pair of upwardly projecting bosses 294 formed along the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 are respectively accommodated in a hardware through-hole 281 and a hardware clearance slot 282 provided through the rigid body 275 of the valve internal retainer 274. Figure 118 and 120 As shown, elongated mounting holes 295 pass through the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 and through each boss 294. Similarly... Figure 120 As shown, the outer end of each mounting hole is preferably countersunk to allow flush insertion of conventional mounting hardware for the bottom cover 287, such as screws 296, thereby ensuring a comfortable grip on the handle body 151 by the user. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the presence of boss 294 facilitates the insertion of screws 296 or similar mounting hardware into threaded holes 286 to removably attach the bottom cover 287 to the bottom 154 of the handle body 151. Figure 115 As shown, it is located in the bottom 154 of the inner side 290 of the base plate 289 of the bottom cover 287 or in the handle body 151. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, for embodiments where the bottom cover 287 is formed of plastic or similar materials, the provision of the boss 294 not only prevents the bottom cover 287 from cracking or breaking, but may also, more importantly, prevent the bottom cover 287 from bending, as this could interfere with the cooperative arrangement between the bottom cover 287, the valve internals retaining member 274, the valve bodies 179a-179j, and the diluent selection valves 181a-181j.

[0427] Refer again Figure 120It should be noted that the next assembly stage of the preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 151 in the second embodiment—the placement of the bottom cap 287—must first ensure that the opening cups 207 of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j are correctly positioned for each valve unit 177a-177j in either the first or second operable state of the corresponding diluent selection valve 181a-181j, so as to properly select the first diluent of any second diluent. On the other hand, as previously mentioned, if any of the diluent selection valves 181a-181j has an unsuitable opening cup 217, the implemented error-proofing mechanism will prevent the bottom cap 287 from attaching to the handle body 151, thereby alerting the assembler to misconfiguration. More importantly, the same result will be obtained if the user of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 inadvertently misconfigures one of the multiple diluent selection valves 181a-181j. For example, if misconfiguration occurs during changing diluent selection, entering the interior space for cleaning, or even satisfying curiosity during a slow shift at a bar, the user will be warned of misconfiguration.

[0428] In all cases, the diluent selection valves 181a-181j are correctly configured, the bottom cover 287 of the handle body 151 is positioned around the bottom 154 of the handle body 151 and held in place by screws 296, as shown, for example, in Figure 69 In this context, it should be understood that the preferred embodiment of the belt beverage dispenser 150 of the second embodiment of the present invention is typically assembled into the aforementioned stage, as described above and for example... Figures 67-69 As shown, the implemented error-proofing mechanism prevents any accidental change in the diluent selected for any diluent selection valve I81a-181j. More specifically, in any such handheld beverage dispenser 150, in the operable state, an upwardly projecting locking tab 291 inserts into the travel arc of a stop tab 217 protruding from the lower exterior 216 of each open cup 207, as described in detail above, making it impossible for any diluent selection valve 181a-181j to unintentionally change from its first operable state to its second operable state or any other misconfigured state, or from its second operable state to its first operable state or any other misconfigured state.

[0429] To allow the user to operate the diluent selection valves 181a-181j, that is, to change the selected diluent selection valves 181a-181j from their first operable state to their second operable state, or from their second operable state to their first operable state, the user must first remove the bottom cover 287 from the bottom 154 of the handle body 151. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this can be easily achieved by conventionally removing the screws 296 or other provided mounting hardware and, if necessary, pulling open the bottom cover 287. Figure 120As shown in the image. The relevant components of the handheld beverage dispenser are at least in... Figure 116 The assembly stage is shown, and then the user can change the selection of any one or more diluent selection valves 181a-181j as needed, as referenced above. Figure 112 and 116 As described above. In any case, once any desired changes are made, and preferably the correct configuration of each diluent selection valve 181a-181j is visually or otherwise verified, the user will then reassemble the bottom cover 287 with the bottom 154 of the handle body 151 as described above.

[0430] Turn now Figures 121-123 The exemplary button cap 264 is particularly suitable for attachment to the tip 230 of the cylindrical valve stem 228 of the exemplary flow control valve 180d, because the valve internals for the valve unit 177d are operably held within the valve body 179d, such that the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 protrudes through the upper seal 259 of the flow control valve 180d, as... Figure 127 As shown, holding the flow control valve actuator orifice 183 within the flow control valve and then connecting the button cap 264 will enable the on / off operation of the flow controller 153d for user manual actuation of the flow control valve 180d. As shown, a preferred embodiment of the button cap 264 has a drooping side 265, or, depending on the shape of the button cap 264, a drooping side 265 may be present. In either case, the drooping side 265 is provided to cooperate with the top 182 of the valve body 179d to facilitate low-profile valve control 153d and also helps prevent entry into the button cap 264 and the top 230 of the valve stem 228 surrounding the upper seal 259 and for flow control valve 180d and beverage fluids or similar substances.

[0431] Specifically, such as Figures 122-123 As shown, a retaining ring 267 for engaging the top of the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 is formed within the internal space 266 of the button cap 264, typically defined by the overhanging side 265. As shown, the implemented retaining ring 267 includes a pair of spaced-apart tabs 268, each tab including a short, arc-shaped notch to collectively form a longitudinally oriented central hole 269 between the tabs 268. Additionally, as shown, each tab 268 has an internally projecting foot 270 formed around the bottom edge of the hole, its size, shape, and other manner adapted to engage a retaining groove 231 disposed around the tip 230 of the cylindrical valve stem 228, as previously described and specifically shown. Figures 94-96In addition, the implemented button cap 264 includes a pair of opposing alignment and retaining tabs 271, as will be further understood herein, which cooperate with corresponding tab guide grooves 303 formed within the top cover 300 for the handle body 151 to retain the button cap 264 on the top tip 230 of the valve stem 228 and about the valve stem 228 for desired rotation, thereby ensuring that any printing applied to the top of the button cap 264 is correctly visible.

[0432] like Figures 124-126 As shown, an alternative shape of button cap 272 is shown as comprising a functionally identical structure within an internal space 266 defined by an alternating shape of overhanging sides 265. As illustrated, the alternative shape of button cap 272 similarly implements a retaining ring 267 within the internal space 266 of button cap 272. The retaining ring 267 is formed by spaced-apart flaps 268, forming a central hole 269 with an inwardly projecting foot 270 adapted to engage with a locating groove 231 at the tip 230 of valve stem 228. Alignment and retaining tabs 271 are also provided around the alternatively shaped overhanging sides 265, but do not need to have the same shape or configuration as the button cap 264 described first.

[0433] like Figure 127 As shown, by simply aligning the center hole 269 with the central axis 206 of the target valve body 179d and pressing the button cap 164 downwards above and around the tip 230 of the valve stem 228, the button cap 164 connects to the tip 230 of the protruding portion of the valve stem 228. This contact with the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 causes the spaced-apart flaps 268 to bend slightly upwards, allowing the center hole 269 to receive the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 as the button cap continues to move downwards until the inner protruding foot 270 engages the positioning groove 231 around the tip 230 of the valve stem 228 and the spaced-apart flaps 268 spring back into place, initially securing the button cap 264 in position. Figure 130 As shown, repeat the process to apply the selected button cap 264 to each of the remaining flow control valves 180a-180c and 180e-180h. Similarly, as... Figure 130 As shown, the flow control valves 180i-180j that only dispense diluent, as previously described, form a subset 299 of flow control. As shown, it may be necessary to provide a button cap 272 of an alternative shape to more prominently distinguish the subset 299 of flow control.

[0434] In any case, a top cap 300 is provided for the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 to conventionally close the top 182 of the valve bodies 181a-181j and various otherwise exposed elements of the implemented piping system 158, as best shown in the diagram. Figures 128-130However, the provided top cover 300 is also particularly well-suited to operably hold each attached button cap 264, 272 in place. In any case and as shown, the implemented top cover 300 is generally formed as a substantially flat monolithic structure with aesthetically pleasing wings 306 extending symmetrically downward from each side of the top cover 300. The bottom surface 301 of the top cover 300 is provided with a pair of downwardly projecting bosses 304 to provide the required spacing between the bottom surface 301 of the top cover 300 and the top 152 of the handle body 151, and to prevent bending or breakage during attachment to the handle body 151, facilitating easy removal and replacement of the top cover 301. Mounting holes 305 are provided for the bosses 304 of the top cover 300 to pass through the top cover 300 and through each provided boss 304. Figures 130-131 As shown in the best embodiment, the end of the mounting hole through the top cover 300 is particularly preferably countersunk so that conventional mounting hardware provided for the top cover 300, such as screws 307, can be inserted flush with it, thereby ensuring that the user can comfortably hold the handle body 151.

[0435] like Figure 129 As best shown, the button cap guide 302 for each implementation of the on / off flow controller 153a-153j protrudes downward from the bottom side 301 of the top cover 300, and its size and shape are designed to allow passage for each specific button cap 264, 272, the specific top cover 300 being manufactured to support the button cap. Similarly, as... Figure 129As best shown, each downwardly projecting button cap guide 302 includes a pair of tab guide grooves 303, the size, shape, and arrangement of which surround each button cap guide 302 to operably receive and retain the provided alignment tabs 271 with respect to a particular button cap 264, 272 that has been adapted to receive a particular button cap 264, 272. It should be noted that the button caps 264, 272, in addition to conventional printing or coloring, can take any number of shapes or be provided with any number of surface treatments, such as ridges, protrusions, recesses, or similar features and / or other visual, tactile, or similar easily perceptible features, and that replacing one button cap with another button cap of a different shape or other feature is simply a matter of removing the top cover 300, removing the first button cover 264 from the valve body 179a-179j that requires a change, fixing the second button cover 272 of the desired shape, and replacing the removed top cover 300 with a different top cover 300 having a button cap guide 302 corresponding to the updated button cap configuration. The ease of making such changes is particularly useful in relation to a handheld beverage dispenser 150 preferably implemented according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the ability to select any available diluent for use on demand by any valve unit 177a-177j only increases the likelihood that the user will change the beverage product dispensed by a particular valve unit 177a-177h, which also increases the likelihood that the user will also want to change the shape of a particular button cap valve unit 177a-177h.

[0436] In any case, the button cap 264 is connected to the top 230 of each valve stem 228, as... Figure 130 As shown, a button cap 272 of an alternative shape is included for a subset 299 of the flow control 153i-153j for on / off control, and the flow control valves 180i-180j for actuating valve units 177i-177j are configured to dispense only diluent, with a top cap disposed on the top 152 of the handle body 151. Figure 131 As shown, the button cap guide 302 protrudes downward from the bottom side 301 of the top cover 300, correspondingly receiving each button cap 264, 272. However, additionally, when each button cap 264, 272 is received within the corresponding button cap guide 302, a tongue guide groove 303 arranged around the button cap guide 302 also captures the alignment and holding tab 271 provided on the received button cap 264, 272. The top cover 300 is then conventionally connected to the top 152 by inserting a provided screw 307 through a mounting hole 305 in the top cover 300 and engaging a corresponding threaded hole 298 provided at the top 151 of the handle body 151, as shown. Figure 127 and 130 As shown.

[0437] Now for reference Figure 132A-132EFigures 133A-133E, 134A-134E, and 135A-135E, and various other figures to be identified herein, are found to be particularly instructive, showing and describing four main exemplary operating states of the representative valve unit 177d. Specifically, the following discussion will describe in detail the various flow paths through valve unit 177d, the fluid flow within or associated with valve unit 177d, the relationships between the components of valve unit 177d and other components of piping system 158, specifically and / or the handheld beverage dispenser 150 or even generally external components, and user interaction with valve unit 177d, wherein... Figure 132A The discussion of -I32E will describe valve unit 177d being configured to utilize the first diluent, while on-off flow control 153d is not activated; Figure 133A-133E The discussion will describe valve unit 177d, which is configured to utilize a first diluent when on-off flow control 153d is activated; Figure 134A-134E The discussion will describe valve unit 177d, which is configured to utilize a second diluent when the on-off flow control 153d is not activated; and Figure 135A-135E The discussion will describe valve unit 177d, which is configured to utilize a second diluent when on-off flow control 153d is activated.

[0438] like Figure 132A As shown in Figure -I32E, in the first operating state of the integrated valve unit 177d, the diluent selection valve 181d is configured to select a first diluent known to the user, who may not be aware that this diluent is supplied under pressure to the handheld beverage dispenser 150 through the first diluent inlet 160 at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151 for dispensing a beverage product associated with the user and having an on-off flow control 153d. This is also not necessarily known to the user, as it activates the flow control valve 180d of the valve unit 177d. However, as shown, the on-off flow controller 153d for activating the flow control valve 180d of the valve unit 177d is not operational.

[0439] If the desired first diluent has not yet been selected, the user can make the selection by removing the bottom cover 287 from the handle body 151, as described above. Figure 120 As described in detail, the valves 181a-181d of each valve unit 177a-177j are arranged such that the bottom 154 of the exposed handle body 151 and the bottom 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the diluent selection open cup 207 are exposed. Figure 116As specifically shown, the diluent can be selected by approaching the selection access slot 278 provided in the rigid plate 275 of the valve internal retaining member 274. As fully understood from the foregoing detailed disclosure, the diluent selection valve 181d corresponds to the on-off flow control 153d. However, users are generally unaware of the internal arrangement of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, but will be informed that the correct user interface for selecting one or another diluent is located at the bottom 154 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, the handle body 151, and directly aligned below and with the on-off flow control 153d of interest. However, the flow control 153d of interest may similarly be known to the user only by some identification markings, etc., corresponding to the beverage product dispensed using the on-off flow control 153d of interest. In any case, the user will utilize the alignment mark 224 provided on the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the open cup 207, such as Figure 92 As shown, in conjunction with a specific alignment mark 284 on the bottom side, part of the valve internal retaining member 274, also as... Figure 114 As shown, it is adjacent to and surrounds the bottom side 222 of the closed bottom 221 of the topped open cup 207 to achieve the desired selection, as previously described in detail with reference to Figure 112 and 116 However, when making the desired selection, the user typically identifies the desired diluent by the alignment mark 284 on the underside of the valve internal retaining member 274, such as the letter W, which in an exemplary embodiment represents plain water, and in an exemplary embodiment, the letter S represents soda water. Figure 116 As shown in the exemplary representation, plain water is the first diluent, and soda water is the second diluent. The diagram illustrates the first diluent, as correctly selected. After selecting the desired diluent, the user will replace the bottom cap 287, as referenced above. Figure 120 As described in detail.

[0440] When selecting a first diluent for dispensing a beverage product with on-off flow control 153d, the user, or another party responsible for configuring an exemplary preferred embodiment of the handheld beverage dispenser 150 according to a second embodiment of the invention, operatively aligns the horizontally oriented slot 212 of the upper edge 211 of the cylindrical sidewall 208 of the open cup 207 through the diluent selection valve 181d with the first diluent inlet 196 of the valve body 179d, as follows. Figure 132B As shown in the details. For example... Figure 132B and 132E As shown, and in previous references Figure 112 and 116As described, in the first operable state of the diluent selection valve 181d, this alignment of the horizontally oriented notch 212 with the first diluent inlet port 196 creates an opening between the first diluent supply branch 165d through the diluent selection valve 181d and the first diluent inlet port 196 of the valve body 179d, thereby allowing the first diluent to flow through the diluent selection valve 181d and introduce the first diluent into the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d. However, simultaneously, selecting the first diluent for dispensing the beverage product using the on-off flow control 153d also results in the complete operative alignment of the side wall 208 of the open cup 207 of the diluent selection valve 181d with the first diluent. The second diluent inlet 197 of the valve body 179d, as well... Figure 132B As shown in the details. For example... Figure 132B and 132E As shown, this alignment of the entire portion of the sidewall 208 with the second diluent port 197 creates a flow-blocking gate valve 181d between the second diluent supply branch 168d and the second diluent, thereby preventing the second diluent from flowing through the diluent selection valve 181d and introducing the second diluent into the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d.

[0441] In the first operating state of the integrated valve unit 177d, as previously defined and still in Figure 132A As depicted in I32E, the beverage product is supplied under pressure from any suitable flow control component in fluid communication with the beverage product to the beverage product inlet 162d. The inlet 162d, located at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150, will be conveyed via a dedicated beverage product supply conduit 169d provided prior to the start or use of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. As previously described, this conduit is located between the beverage product inlet 162d and the beverage product inlet port 189, disposed via the side wall of the valve body 179d, and introduced into the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body through the beverage product inlet end 189. (As...) Figure 85 , 87 As specifically shown in 132D, the beverage product inlet port 189 introduces the beverage product into the intermediate chamber 187, which is located upstream of the upper valve seat 190 of the previously described flow control valve 180d, which forms part of the upper lift valve core for controlling the fluid flow of the beverage product.

[0442] Because in the first operating state defined by the integrated valve unit 177d, the ON-OFF flow control 153d is not operated, the valve stem 228 and the upper reciprocating sealing member 243, which are fixed in place around the valve stem as previously described, are held in their respective highest operable positions by at least the upward biasing force applied to the bottom end 241 of the valve stem 228 by the operation of the flow control valve 180d initiated by the operation of the on-off flow controller 153d. Figure 132A and 132D As shown. During positioning, the valve face 248 is sealed against the valve seat 190 formed by the top surface 247 of the upper reciprocating sealing member 243, which is formed at a fixed transition point between the cylindrical upper chamber 185 and the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d. Although beverage product will enter the intermediate chamber 187 of the valve body 179d, it will be contained within the volume surrounding the upper reciprocating scale member 243, partially passing through the lower edge 249 of the upper reciprocating sealing member 243 and reciprocating within the intermediate chamber 187, between the implemented lift valve and the previously described custom reciprocating scraping seal. In any case, no beverage product will flow from the intermediate chamber 187 to the upper chamber 185 of the valve body 179d, which is the beverage product outlet port 186 of the valve body 179d.

[0443] Furthermore, in the first operating state of the integrated valve unit 177d, as previously defined and also... Figure 132A-132EAs depicted, a first diluent is supplied under pressure from any suitable flow control component in fluid communication with the first diluent inlet 160, which is located at the rear end 157 of the handle body 151 of the handheld beverage dispenser 150. Before starting or using the handheld beverage dispenser 150, the diluent inlet manifold 163 and the valve supply branch 165d corresponding to the valve unit 177d are in fluid communication from the common trunk 164 of the first diluent inlet manifold 163. As previously described, between the first diluent inlet 160 and the first diluent inlet port 196, the diluent enters the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179a through the side wall of the valve body 179d. Because, as defined in the first operating state of the integrated valve unit 177d, the diluent selection valve 181d is configured to select the first diluent, i.e., the diluent selection valve 181d is in its first operable state, and as previously described, a path is established from the common trunk 164 of the first diluent inlet manifold 163 through the diluent selection valve 181d between the valve supply branch 165d and through the first diluent inlet port 196 into the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d. Therefore, the first diluent is further supplied from the valve supply branch 165d and introduced into the lower chamber 192 of the valve body 179d through the first diluent inlet port 196. Figure 85 , 87 As specifically shown in 132A-132B, the first diluent inlet port 196 introduces the first diluent into the lower chamber 192 of the flow control valve 180d, which is located upstream of the lower valve seat 195 of the previously described flow control valve 180d and is part of the flow control valve 180d. A lower lift valve is used to control the flow of the diluent fluid. This is before further processing of the first diluent flow in the first operating state of the integrated valve unit 177d. It should be noted that the previous discussion of the operation of the diluent selection valve 181d in this state has determined that the diluent selection valve 181d completely prevents the second diluent from entering the valve unit 177d, and further discussion regardin...

Claims

1. A handheld beverage dispenser for selectively dispensing one of a variety of mixed beverages as desired, said handheld beverage dispenser comprising: handle body; Multiple valve units, each of which is substantially contained within the range of the handle body; Multiple first normally closed fluid flow paths, which extend from the outside to the inside of the handle body; Multiple second normally closed fluid flow paths extend from the outside to the inside of the handle body, and the multiple second normally closed fluid flow paths and multiple first normally closed fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive. as well as in: Each of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each of the valve unit; For each valve unit, a predetermined corresponding one of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with the valve unit; and Each valve unit includes: a single-acting flow controller adapted to: Open one of the predetermined corresponding second normally closed fluid flow paths, thereby allowing fluid to be discharged outside the handle body through the predetermined normally closed fluid flow path; and Open one of the plurality of normally closed fluid flow paths, allowing fluid to exit the handle body through that user-selectable normally closed fluid flow path; and A fluid flow selector that allows a user to select any one of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths to open when the corresponding flow controller is activated, the user selection being independent of any user selection corresponding to any other valve unit.

2. The handheld beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary valve unit of the plurality of valve units, the auxiliary valve unit being substantially contained within the handle body.

3. The handheld beverage dispenser according to claim 2, wherein one of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with the auxiliary valve unit.

4. The handheld beverage dispenser according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths are in fluid communication with the auxiliary valve unit.

5. The handheld beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary valve units, wherein: The plurality of auxiliary valve units are mutually exclusive with the plurality of valve units; as well as Each of the auxiliary valve units is substantially contained within the range of the handle body.

6. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least four valve units.

7. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 6, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least six valve units.

8. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 7, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least eight valve units.

9. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 8, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least ten valve units.

10. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein for each valve unit: A first fluid discharge flow path, in fluid communication with the valve unit, is provided from the inside of the handle body to the outside. A second fluid discharge flow path is provided, which is in fluid communication with the valve unit and extends from the inside of the handle to the outside. The second fluid discharge flow path is discrete from the first fluid discharge flow path. and The flow controller of the valve unit is then activated; One of the multiple first normally closed fluid flow paths that the user can select is placed in fluid communication with the first fluid discharge flow path; as well as One of the predetermined corresponding paths of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with the second fluid discharge flow path.

11. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of valve units comprises a flow path shared by all the first fluid discharge flow paths.

12. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of valve units has a discrete second fluid discharge flow path.

13. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 10, wherein each of the second fluid discharge flow paths of each of the plurality of valve units is discrete.

14. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a manually operated valve.

15. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 14, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a plurality of manually operated valves.

16. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each fluid flow selector of the valve unit includes a manually operated valve.

17. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 16, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a manually operated valve.

18. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 17, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a plurality of manually operated valves.

19. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a slide valve.

20. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors of the valve unit comprises a gate valve.

21. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 20, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a slide valve.

22. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a lift valve.

23. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 22, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors of the valve unit comprises a gate valve.

24. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 22, wherein each flow controller of the valve unit comprises a lift valve.

25. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 24, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors of the valve unit comprises a gate valve.

26. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of the valve units comprises a valve body.

27. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 26, wherein each of the valve bodies is adapted to surround a plurality of functionally independent valves.

28. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 27, wherein each functionally independent valve implements a different operating mode relative to the others.

29. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 26, wherein each of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths includes a fluid conduit extending from a corresponding inlet into the handle body and through a corresponding one of the plurality of inlet branches, one of the inlets providing a branch for each of the valve bodies and in fluid communication with each of the valve bodies.

30. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 26, wherein each of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths includes a fluid conduit extending from the corresponding inlet into the handle body and terminating in fluid communication with the corresponding valve body.

31. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths includes a fluid conduit extending from a corresponding inlet into the handle body and through a corresponding one of the plurality of inlet branches, one of the inlets providing a branch for each of the valve bodies and in fluid communication with each of the valve bodies.

32. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 31, wherein each of the fluid conduits comprises a tubular member.

33. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 32, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

34. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 32, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

35. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 34, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

36. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 31, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

37. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 31, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

38. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 37, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

39. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 26, wherein for each valve unit: A first fluid discharge flow path, in fluid communication with the valve unit, is provided from the inside of the handle body to the outside. A second fluid discharge flow path is provided, which is in fluid communication with the valve unit and extends from the inside of the handle to the outside. The second fluid discharge flow path is discrete from the first fluid discharge flow path.

40. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 39, wherein each of the first fluid discharge flow paths includes a fluid conduit passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of discharge branches and extending from the handle body to a corresponding outlet, one of the discharge branches being configured for and in fluid communication with each of the valve bodies.

41. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 39, wherein each of the second fluid discharge flow paths includes a fluid conduit originating in fluid communication with the corresponding valve body and extending from the handle body to the corresponding outlet.

42. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 41, wherein each of the first fluid discharge flow paths includes a fluid conduit passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of discharge branches and extending from the handle body to a corresponding outlet, one of the discharge branches being configured for and in fluid communication with each of the valve bodies.

43. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 42, wherein each of the fluid conduits comprises a tubular member.

44. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 43, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

45. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 43, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

46. ​​The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 45, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

47. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 42, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

48. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 42, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

49. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 48, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

50. The handheld beverage dispenser according to claim 42, wherein: Each of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths includes a fluid conduit extending from a corresponding inlet into the handle body and passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of inlet branches, one of the inlets providing a branch for each valve body and in fluid communication with each valve body; and Each of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths includes a fluid conduit extending from the corresponding inlet into the handle body and terminating in fluid communication with the corresponding valve body.

51. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 50, wherein each of the fluid conduits comprises a tubular member.

52. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 51, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

53. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 51, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

54. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 53, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

55. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 50, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

56. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 50, wherein each of the fluid conduits is additively manufactured.

57. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 56, wherein each of the fluid conduits further comprises a stainless steel material.

58. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 26, wherein each of the valve bodies includes a stepped hole extending from a first end of the valve body through the valve body to a second end of the valve body.

59. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 58, wherein each valve body comprises: The first inlet port and the second inlet port, each of the first inlet port and the second inlet port being in one-to-one fluid communication with a different one of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths; The third inlet port is in fluid communication with one of the predetermined corresponding second normally closed fluid flow paths; First exit port and second exit port; and Each of the ports is in fluid communication with the stepped orifice through the valve body.

60. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 59, wherein each stepped hole comprises: A cylindrical first chamber with a first inner diameter; as well as A cylindrical second chamber having a second inner diameter, the second chamber being adjacent to the first chamber and the second inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter.

61. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 60, wherein for each of the valve units: The first inlet port and the second inlet port each penetrate the stepped hole within the first chamber; and The first outlet port breaks through the stepped hole in the second chamber.

62. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 61, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors includes a gate valve.

63. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 61, wherein for each valve unit: The valve body includes a circular opening at the first end of the valve body; The circular opening extends into the first chamber and has a diameter proportional to the first inner diameter.

64. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 63, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors comprises a gate valve having an arc-shaped valve gate.

65. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 63, wherein each of the fluid flow selectors comprises a gate valve having a circular valve gate.

66. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 65, wherein for each valve unit: The gate valve includes an open cup, which has a closed bottom, a circular outer wall, and a circular inner wall. The circular outer wall has a diameter proportional to the first inner diameter, and the circular inner wall and the closed bottom define the internal space of the open cup; and The open cups are all integrated within the first chamber.

67. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit, the open cup has a notch formed at the lower edge of the circular outer wall.

68. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit, the open cup has a hole formed through the circular outer wall.

69. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit, the open cup has a plurality of holes formed through the circular outer wall.

70. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit, the hole formed through the circular outer wall of the open cup is equidistant from the top edge of the circular outer wall.

71. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit: The gate valve can be accessed during use through the circular opening at the first end of the valve body; and The gate valve is activated by the rotation of the open cup through the first chamber of the stepped orifice via the valve body.

72. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 71, further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to hold each of the fluid flow selectors in its respective operable state.

73. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 72, wherein the locking mechanism is operable to simultaneously prevent rotation of each open cup.

74. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 66, wherein for each valve unit: the circular inner wall of the open cup and the inner wall of the stepped hole through the valve body together form an adjacent working chamber for the flow controller, the working chamber including the internal space of the open cup and the second chamber of the stepped hole.

75. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 74, wherein for each of the valve units, the second outlet port breaks through the stepped orifice within the second chamber.

76. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 75, wherein each of the flow controllers includes a slide valve.

77. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 76, wherein for each valve unit, the slide valve comprises: A slide valve core that extends at least from the internal space of the open cup through the stepped hole to the second chamber of the stepped hole; as well as Multiple platforms are fixed to the valve core, and the platforms are operablely reciprocating within the working chamber via the valve core.

78. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 77, for each of the valve units: The valve body includes a flow controller start port that enters the second chamber at the second end of the valve body; A portion of the valve core extends a first distance through the flow controller's activation port; and The slide valve is activated by manually inserting a portion of the slide valve core through a second distance into the second chamber via the flow controller activation port, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.

79. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 74, wherein each of the stepped holes further includes a third chamber adjacent to the second chamber.

80. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 79, wherein each of the third chambers: It is cylindrical and has a third inner diameter, and The third inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter.

81. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 80, wherein for each valve unit, the second outlet port breaks through the stepped hole in the third chamber.

82. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 79, wherein each of the flow controllers includes an associated lift valve assembly.

83. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 82, wherein for each valve unit, the linked lift valve assembly comprises: A valve stem that extends at least from the interior space of the open cup through the stepped hole and into the second chamber of the stepped hole; as well as Multiple valve faces are fixed to the valve stem, and the valve faces are operable to reciprocate within the working chamber via the valve stem.

84. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 83, wherein for each valve unit: The valve body includes a flow control start port that enters the third chamber at the second end of the valve body; A portion of the valve stem extends a first distance through the flow control actuation port; and The linked lift valve assembly is activated by manually inserting the portion of the valve stem into the second chamber at a second distance less than the first distance through the flow control start port.

85. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 84, wherein for each of the valve units, the linked lift valve assembly includes a biasing spring operably disposed within the internal space of the opening cup of the gate valve.

86. A handheld beverage dispenser for selectively dispensing one of a plurality of desired mixed beverages, said handheld beverage dispenser comprising: handle body; Multiple valve units, each of which is substantially contained within the range of the handle body; Multiple first normally closed fluid flow paths from the outside to the inside of the handle body; Multiple second normally closed fluid flow paths from the outside to the inside of the handle body, the multiple second normally closed fluid flow paths and the multiple first normally closed fluid flow paths are mutually exclusive; as well as in: Each of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with each of the valve units; as well as For each valve unit, a predetermined corresponding one of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths is in fluid communication with the valve unit.

87. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 86, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least six valve units.

88. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 86, wherein each of the plurality of valve units is adapted to selectively open any single normally closed fluid flow path of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths, and simultaneously with the selective opening of the single normally closed fluid flow path of the plurality of first normally closed fluid flow paths, selectively open a predetermined corresponding normally closed fluid flow path of the plurality of second normally closed fluid flow paths.

89. The handheld beverage dispenser of claim 88, wherein the plurality of valve units comprises at least six valve units.

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