Beverage dispenser consumable system and method

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include a water filter mount for a beverage dispenser. The water filter mount releasably mounts the water filter to the beverage dispenser using rotational motion that does not require any tool. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a gas canister mount for a beverage dispenser. The gas canister mount releasably mounts the water filter to the beverage dispenser using rotational motion that does not require any tool. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a concentrate vial mount for a beverage dispenser. The concentrate vial releasably mounts the water filter to the beverage dispenser using rotational motion that does not require any tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to beverage dispensers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for connecting consumables to beverage dispensers. Background Art

[0002] Beverage dispensers are used to provide beverages to users as needed. All beverage dispensers include some consumables that are consumed when dispensing beverages. Examples of beverage dispenser consumables include beverage concentrates, carbonation, and water filters. The time and effort required to replace these consumables affects the operating efficiency of the beverage dispenser because the beverage dispenser must have the appropriate consumables available for full functionality.

[0003] Some beverage dispensers are intended to be serviced by technicians, who are typically trained in the procedures required to replace consumables. Other beverage dispensers are intended for use in light commercial or home environments, where consumable replacement is typically done by an end user (e.g., an office manager or owner). In either case, reducing the time and effort required to replace consumables improves dispenser productivity and efficiency. In cases where maintenance is done by an end user, simplifying the consumable replacement process is even more important because end users are typically not trained in beverage dispenser maintenance. Therefore, there is a need for a simplified consumable installation system that improves consumable maintenance in beverage dispensers. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a water filter mount for a beverage dispenser, the water filter mount comprising a base; a manifold pivotally mounted to the base so that the manifold can be pivoted outwardly from the base from a closed position to a loading position; and a filter head attached to the manifold, the filter head being configured to receive an end of a water filter and fluidly connect the interior of the water filter to the manifold. The base includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to be received by a groove in the water filter when the water filter is inserted into the filter head and the water filter and the filter head are pivoted into the closed position.

[0005] One aspect of a method of installing a water filter in a beverage dispensing machine according to the present disclosure includes inserting an end of the water filter into a filter head that is part of a manifold that is pivotally attached to a base, and rotating the water filter and the filter head relative to the base from a loading position to a closed position so that a groove on the water filter receives a pair of protrusions provided on the base.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a gas tank mount for a beverage dispenser, the gas tank mount comprising a first side panel and a second side panel disposed parallel to each other; a manifold pivotally mounted to the first side panel and the second side panel so that the manifold can be pivoted outwardly from the first side panel and the second side panel from a closed position to a loading position; a gas tank receptacle disposed in the manifold, the gas tank receptacle being configured to receive a valve of a gas tank; a gas tank receiver linked to the manifold and configured to releasably receive the gas tank a flange of a body tank; a first track and a second track, the first track and the second track being respectively disposed in each of the first side plate and the second side plate; a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion, the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion being connected to the gas tank receiver, each of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion being respectively received by one of the first track and the second track; and a gas regulator, the gas regulator being disposed in the manifold and being configured to selectively fluidly connect the interior of the gas tank with the manifold.

[0007] One aspect of a method for installing a gas tank in a beverage dispensing machine according to the present disclosure includes inserting a valve of the gas tank into a receptacle provided in a manifold, the manifold being pivotally attached to a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein when the valve is inserted, a flange of the gas tank is seated in a receiver linked to the manifold; and rotating the gas tank and the manifold from a loading position to a closed position relative to the first side panel and the second side panel.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure includes a concentrate vial mount for a beverage dispenser, the concentrate vial mount comprising a base; a head pivotally mounted to the base such that the head can be pivoted outwardly from the base from a closed position into a loading position, wherein the head is configured to receive a vial cap to fluidly connect a concentrate vial with the beverage dispenser. The base includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to be received by a groove in the vial cap when the concentrate vial is inserted into the vial head pivoted into the closed position.

[0009] One aspect of a method of installing a concentrate vial in a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure includes inserting a cap of the concentrate vial into a head pivotally attached to a base; rotating the concentrate vial and the head relative to the base from a loading position to a closed position so that a groove on the cap receives a pair of protrusions provided on the base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser according to one aspect.

[0012] Figure 2 is a front view of a beverage dispenser according to one aspect.

[0013] Figure 3 is a side view of a beverage dispenser according to one aspect.

[0014] Figure 3A Based on one aspect Figure 3 , showing replaceable consumables.

[0015] Figure 4 is a rear view of a beverage dispenser according to one aspect.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a water filter assembly according to one aspect.

[0017] Figure 6 is a side view of a water filter assembly in a first configuration according to one aspect.

[0018] Figure 7 is a side view of a water filter assembly in a second configuration according to one aspect.

[0019] Figure 8 is a detailed view of a portion of a water filter assembly according to one aspect.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a cross-section of a portion of a water filter assembly according to one aspect.

[0021] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a gas tank assembly according to one aspect.

[0022] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a gas tank according to one aspect.

[0023] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a gas tank mount according to one aspect.

[0024] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a gas canister assembly in a first configuration according to one aspect.

[0025] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a gas canister assembly in a second configuration according to one aspect.

[0026] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of a gas tank regulator.

[0027] Fig.16is a perspective view of a concentrate vial assembly according to one aspect.

[0028] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a concentrate vial mount according to one aspect.

[0029] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a concentrate vial according to one aspect.

[0030] Fig.19 is a side view of a concentrate vial assembly in a first configuration according to one aspect.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a side view of a concentrate vial assembly in a second configuration according to one aspect.

[0032] Fig.21 is a side view of a concentrate vial assembly in a third configuration according to one aspect.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a cross-section of a portion of a concentrate vial assembly according to one aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative aspects illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "one aspect," "aspect," "exemplary aspect," etc. indicate that the described aspects may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each aspect may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same aspect. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an aspect, whether or not explicitly described, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other aspects.

[0035] Simplifying the replacement of beverage dispenser consumables improves dispenser operating efficiency by reducing system downtime. In situations where the beverage dispenser is maintained by the end user, such as in a light commercial or home environment, it also improves the end user's experience. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure include simplified connection systems and methods for water filters, gas tanks, and concentrate bottles. These connection systems provide a reliable liquid / gas-tight connection between the consumables and the beverage dispenser. The connection system is also easy to use, does not require separate tools for maintenance, and involves only a few movements that can be quickly completed to remove and replace the consumables. Finally, the connection system provides visual and tactile indications to confirm that the consumables are correctly connected, which further improves the replacement process.

[0036] refer to Figures 1 to 4, one aspect of the beverage dispenser 1 includes a housing 100. As shown, the housing 100 (also referred to as the envelope 100) can be formed as a rectangular prism, with a front wall 101, a rear wall 102, a right wall 103, a left wall 104, a top wall 105 and a bottom wall 106 (collectively referred to as "housing walls"). The housing 100 can also be formed in a non-rectangular shape (such as a cylindrical, spherical, or other prism shapes with more than six sides). The housing wall can be formed by a continuous element, or can be formed by a plurality of elements joined together (e.g., a metal sheet or a plastic partition). In addition, the housing wall may include an opening for accessing the interior of the housing 100, and may also include attachment points for elements mounted on the outer or inner surfaces of the wall. The housing wall can be formed by any suitable material (including, for example, aluminum, steel, and plastic materials). The housing wall can be joined together using any suitable method (such as an adhesive, welding, or mechanical fastening or connector).

[0037] For the purpose of this disclosure and for ease of reference only, Figures 2 to 3 The directions shown are defined as follows: the height direction is a direction extending perpendicularly to the top wall 105 and the bottom wall 106 , the width direction is a direction extending perpendicularly to the right wall 103 and the left wall 104 , and the depth direction is a direction extending perpendicularly to the front wall 101 and the rear wall 102 .

[0038] In some aspects, the size of the housing 100 can be set to be suitable for being placed in an atypical dispenser position, such as, for example, being placed on a countertop in an office pantry, a lounge, or a home kitchen. The counter has a standard depth of 60 cm (23.6 inches). Most kitchen counters have a closet built at a certain height above the counter, and in some cases, the height is as low as 16 inches. In addition, the space on the counter is limited and a dispenser greater than 18 inches will be too wide for most home kitchens. For these reasons, in some aspects, the housing 100 may not exceed 16 inches in height, may not exceed 18 inches in width, and may not exceed 23 inches in depth. In addition, in these aspects, in the absence of any onboard removable consumables, the weight of the beverage dispenser 1 may be less than 45 pounds. These aspects have advantages or are easily positioned in an atypical position (such as the above-mentioned countertop). As will be discussed in detail below, these compact aspects of the beverage dispenser 1 include all components required for dispensing beverages in the housing 100. In particular, none of the consumables (e.g., beverage concentrate, CO2 gas cartridge, alkaline chamber, and water filter) or dispensing elements (e.g., pumps, valves) are located outside of the housing 100. These aspects of the beverage dispenser 1 still require external connections to power and water sources to function.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As best shown in FIG. 1 , the beverage dispenser 1 includes a dispensing area 120 configured to receive a container 2. A nozzle 124 is disposed on the front wall 101 in the dispensing area 120. A drip tray 122 is also disposed on the front wall 101 in the dispensing area 120. The drip tray 122 includes a surface 123 configured to support the container 2 under the nozzle 124 when the container is filled. The surface 123 includes openings to form a grid that allows any water drips or spills to drain through the surface 123 into the body of the drip tray 122. A display 800 is also disposed on the front wall 101 above the nozzle 124. The display 800 can be used to control operational aspects of the beverage dispenser 1 and display information about the operation of the beverage dispenser 1.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 3A As shown, in some aspects, the housing 100 includes one or more removable panels or doors that allow access to the interior of the housing 100 from the outside. For example, in some aspects, the housing 100 includes access doors 107 and 108 (on the right wall 103). Access doors 107 and 108 (collectively referred to as "access doors") cover openings in their corresponding walls that enable a user to access the interior of the housing 100 to access replaceable consumables of the beverage dispenser 1. The access door can be made of any suitable material and is removably fastened to its corresponding wall using hinges, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable method for removably attaching the access door. The door can be locked in a closed position by a key or held in a closed position by a magnet or other latch mechanism. Figure 3A yes Figure 3 107 and 108 are removed to illustrate an exemplary arrangement of removable consumables accessible through the access doors. Figure 3A As shown, six concentrate containers 401 are shown within the access door 107, and a CO2 gas tank 301, an alkaline chamber 601, and a water filter 201 are shown within the access door 108. Each of these consumables can be easily accessed and quickly replaced by any unskilled user when empty or exhausted, as will be described in detail below. The number and type of consumables present in the housing 100 can vary depending on the features and capabilities present in a particular aspect of the beverage dispenser 1.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, in some aspects, the rear wall 102 can include various external connections. Figure 4Visible in the illustrated aspect is a power cord 130 that is configured to be plugged into a suitable outlet to provide power to the beverage dispenser 1. A power switch 131 and a hot water switch 132 control the flow of power to the elements of the beverage dispenser 1. A water inlet 134 is provided on the rear wall 102 to receive ambient water from a water source. A CO2 inlet 135 is also provided on the rear wall 102 to receive an external CO2 source for carbonation purposes (if the internal CO2 gas tank 301 is deemed insufficient for a large group of people in a large office space). A cold water drain 136 and a hot water drain 137 are also located on the rear wall 102 to drain the internal cooler water bath and the hot water from the hot water tank, respectively, whenever the dispenser must be moved, relocated, or repackaged and shipped. Finally, a drip tray drain 138 is also provided on the rear wall 102. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some aspects of the beverage dispenser 1, some of these connections may be optional. In addition, an access door 109 (on the rear wall 102) is used to provide maintenance access to service the internal components of the housing 100, such as the main PCB board and IoT communication board for cellular, wireless and Bluetooth connections.

[0042] One aspect of the water filter assembly 200 is Figures 5 to 9 The water filter assembly 200 includes a water filter mounting member 204 (eg, Figure 8 ). The water filter 201 is configured to receive water and filter harmful contaminants from the water to provide filtered water to us by the beverage dispenser 1. The water filter mount 204 includes a water filter base 206 that secures the water filter assembly 200 to the beverage dispenser 1. The water filter base 206 can be connected to the beverage dispenser 1 by any suitable method, such as a mechanical fastener that passes through the water filter base 206 and is secured to a suitable structure in the beverage dispenser 1.

[0043] The water filter base 206 may also pivotally or rotatably support the water filter manifold 210. Figure 6 to Figure 7 As shown, the water filter manifold 210 is attached to the water filter base 206 at the water filter manifold pivot 211. In these aspects, the cylindrical portion of the water filter manifold 210 is received in a corresponding cylindrical portion of the water filter manifold pivot 211 to allow the water filter manifold 210 to pivot relative to the water filter base 206. Figure 5 As shown, in some aspects, the water filter manifold pivot 211 is disposed in the upper portion of the water filter base 206. Specifically, as will be discussed in detail below, the water filter manifold pivot 211 is disposed above a pair of water filter groove protrusions 208 disposed in the lower portion of the water filter base 206.

[0044] The water filter head 212 is connected to the water filter manifold 210. The water filter head 212 is configured to receive the water filter 201. In one aspect, the water filter head 212 has a receptacle 213 that receives a corresponding protrusion 202 disposed at the end of the water filter 201. The water filter head 212 is configured to fluidly connect the interior of the water filter 201 to the water filter manifold 210. The water filter manifold 210 in turn has a pair of water filter fluid connectors 207 that are configured to fluidly connect the water filter assembly 200 to the pipe connectors of the beverage dispenser 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 5 to 9 In the aspect shown, the water filter fluid connector 207 is integrated into the water filter manifold pivot 211. Specifically, the cylindrical protrusion of the water filter manifold 210 extending into the water filter manifold pivot 211 also serves as the water filter fluid connector 207. Therefore, the water filter fluid connector 207 is coaxially positioned with the water filter manifold pivot 211. These water filter fluid connectors 207 can have appropriate fittings to interact with tubing or pipes (such as threads or push-to-connect elements). Aligning the water filter fluid connector 207 coaxially with the water filter manifold pivot 211 saves space and simplifies the pipe connectors required in the water filter base 206.

[0045] The water filter head 212 or water filter manifold 210 may also include one or more suitable valves that are configured to close the fluid connection between the water filter fluid connector 207 and the water filter head 212 when the water filter 201 is not inserted into the water filter head 212. This ensures that water from the beverage dispenser 1 does not leave the water filter head 212 during the replacement process. Actuation of the valve can be achieved by movement of the protrusion 202 of the water filter 201 into the water filter head 212 (e.g., the end of the water filter 201 pushes the valve open from a spring-loaded closed position).

[0046] exist Figures 8 to 9 In the illustrated aspect, three water filter seals 214 are provided around the protrusion 202 of the water filter 201. These water filter seals 214 cooperate with the inner surface of the receptacle 213 of the water filter head 212, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9202 and the receptacle 213 are shown in cross-section. In these aspects, the protrusion 202 and the receptacle 213 are both cylindrical in shape and have varying diameters along their lengths corresponding to the placement of each water filter seal 214 (i.e., the cylinders of the protrusion 202 and the receptacle 213 are stepped). For example, each water filter seal 214 may correspond to a different diameter, where the diameter decreases as each step is closer to the end of the protrusion 202. The receptacle 213 has a diameter corresponding to the different diameters of the protrusion 202, so that each water filter seal 214 contacts the inner surface of the receptacle 213. Although three water filter seals 214 are shown, there may be two, four, five, or more water filter seals 214. Arranging multiple seals in this manner has the following advantages: ensuring proper sealing of the water filter 201 in the water filter mount 204 while reducing the effort of inserting and removing the water filter 201 from the water filter head 212.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the water filter 201 is inserted into the water filter head 212 when the water filter head 212 (and the water filter manifold 210) is rotated outwardly away from the water filter base 206 into the loading position. The loading position is selected to allow easy removal of the water filter 201 without interference from other elements, including other parts of the water filter assembly 200 or other elements of the beverage dispenser 1 located near the water filter assembly 200. For example, the loading position can be rotated so that the centerline of the water filter head forms an angle between 20 and 60 degrees with the rear surface of the water filter base 206. In other examples, the loading position can be rotated so that the centerline of the water filter head forms an angle between 30 and 45 degrees with the rear surface of the water filter base 206. The angle associated with the loading position can be controlled by designing the contact points between portions of the water filter manifold 210 and the water filter base 206 or by including stops in the water filter manifold pivot 211.

[0048] After the water filter 201 is fixed in the water filter head 212, the water filter 201 and the water filter head 212 are rotated to Figure 6 In the closed position, the centerline of the water filter 201 is substantially parallel to the back surface of the water filter base 206. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the water filter groove protrusions 208 provided on either side of the water filter base 206 are received by the water filter groove 203 provided on the water filter 201. The water filter groove protrusions 208 and the water filter groove 203 are configured to prevent the water filter 201 from being moved relative to the water filter 201. Figure 5 and Figure 6The filter 201 is retained in the water filter assembly 200 by falling downward because the water filter groove protrusion 208 is captured by the water filter groove 203. The water filter groove protrusion 208 also helps prevent the water filter 201 from rotating out of the closed position by applying a clamping force on the water filter groove 203. In some aspects, the seating of the water filter groove protrusion 208 in the water filter groove 203 can be configured to produce an audible or tactile (i.e., physical feel) indication that the water filter 201 is fully seated. For example, the shape of the water filter groove 203 can be configured to produce a click sound when the water filter groove protrusion 208 is fully seated.

[0049] The components of the water filter assembly 200 described above may be constructed from any suitable material, including, for example, metals and plastic materials.

[0050] The method of replacing a water filter 201 from a water filter assembly 200 according to the above aspect begins with the used water filter 201 being connected to the water filter assembly 200 in a closed position, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 By grasping the used water filter 201 and pulling upward, the used water filter 201 is rotated upward to the loading position (such as Figure 7 The used water filter 201 is then removed from the water filter head 212 by pulling the water filter 201 away from the water filter head 212 (see Figure 8 ). A valve in the water filter head 212 or water filter manifold 210 prevents water from leaking out of the water filter assembly 200 after the used water filter 201 is removed. A new water filter 201 is then inserted into the water filter head 212. Finally, the new water filter 201 is rotated to the closed position (eg, Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), where the water filter groove protrusion 208 is captured by the water filter groove 203, thereby retaining the new water filter 201. This maintenance process does not require separate tools and can be completed by the end user in just a few seconds in practice.

[0051] Figures 10 to 15 , a gas tank assembly 300 according to one aspect is shown. The gas tank assembly 300 includes a gas tank 301 having a gas tank valve 302 disposed at one end of the gas tank 301. The gas tank 301 is configured to store pressurized gas for carbonating beverages in the beverage dispenser 1. In some aspects, the gas tank 301 can store a gas of interest (e.g., liquid CO2) in liquid form that is released from the gas tank valve 302 as a high-pressure gas.

[0052] The gas tank mount 310 is used to physically and fluidly connect the gas tank 301 to the beverage dispenser 1. The gas tank mount 310 is Fig.12312. The gas tank mount 310 includes a pair of side plates 312 oriented parallel to each other. The gas tank manifold 320 is mounted to the side plates 312 in a space defined between the side plates 312. The gas tank manifold 320 is rotatably or pivotally mounted to the side plates 312 at the gas tank manifold pivot 316. The gas tank manifold 320 includes a cylindrical protrusion that is received by the gas tank manifold pivot 316 disposed in the side plates 312 to facilitate pivotal mounting of the gas tank manifold 320. At least one of these protrusions is also a gas tank manifold fluid connector 318 that is configured to fluidly connect the interior of the gas tank manifold 320 to the beverage dispenser 1. The gas tank manifold fluid connector 318 is therefore coaxially positioned with the gas tank manifold pivot 316, which reduces the plumbing requirements and complexity of the gas tank mount 310. The gas tank manifold fluid connector 318 may be configured with a suitable gas-tight connector, such as a threaded or push-to-connect connector.

[0053] The gas tank manifold 320 includes a gas tank receptacle 322 disposed in the underside of the gas tank manifold 320 (e.g., Fig.12 ). The gas tank receptacle 322 is configured to receive the gas tank valve 302 to fluidly connect the gas tank manifold 320 with the interior of the gas tank 301 .

[0054] The gas tank manifold 320 is attached to a gas tank manifold plate 324 that extends downwardly from the gas tank manifold 320 (ie, in a direction that includes the gas tank receptacles 322). Fig.12 and Fig.13 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the gas tank tensioning assembly 330 includes a pair of supports 332 that are fixed to the bottom portion of the gas tank manifold support plate 324 and extend horizontally away from the gas tank support plate 324. A pair of springs 334 are fixed to each of the supports 332 so that all four springs 334 extend upward (i.e., toward the gas tank manifold 320). A gas tank receiver 326 is attached to the other end of the springs 334 below the gas tank manifold 320. The gas tank receiver 326 includes a U-shaped gas tank groove 327 that is configured to receive a corresponding gas tank flange 304 on the gas tank 301 when the gas tank 301 is loaded into the gas tank mount 310. The gas tank groove 327 is mounted to the end of the spring opposite the supports 332 so that the gas tank groove 327 is spring-loaded to move upward (i.e., toward the gas tank manifold 320). In this manner, the end of the gas tank 301 inserted into the gas tank receptacle 322 is pushed into the gas tank receptacle 322 by the action of the gas tank tensioning assembly 330 .

[0055] The gas tank tensioning assembly 330 also includes two guide tabs 336, one of which is disposed on each of the supports 332. The guide tabs 336 extend laterally outward from each tab 332 and extend through the track 314 in the gas tank side panel 312. The track 314 defines a position where the gas tank manifold 320 (and attached components) are pulled out of the closed position (e.g., Fig.13 ) to the loading position (as shown in Fig.14 314). For example, the loading position can be rotated so that the centerline of the gas tank manifold 320 forms an angle between 20 degrees and 60 degrees with the rear surface of the gas side plate 312. In other examples, the loading position can be rotated so that the centerline of the gas tank manifold 320 forms an angle between 30 degrees and 45 degrees with the rear surface of the gas side plate 312. The angle associated with the loading position is controlled by the range of the track 314. Fig.13 As shown, the closed position is positioned such that the centerline of the gas tank manifold 320 is substantially parallel to the rear surface of the gas side plate 312 .

[0056] The gas tank valve 302 also includes a gas tank seal 306 that is configured to contact an inner surface of the gas tank receptacle 322 to create a gas-tight seal when the gas tank 301 is loaded into the gas tank assembly 300 .

[0057] The gas manifold 320 also includes a gas regulator 340. The gas regulator 340 is configured to regulate the gas leaving the gas tank 301 to a usable pressure for the beverage dispenser 1. In one aspect, the gas leaving the gas tank 301 may have a pressure of up to 3000 PSI. The gas regulator 340 may be configured to reduce the pressure to between 60 PSI and 80 PSI. In one aspect, the gas regulator 340 may be a standard diaphragm regulator.

[0058] Fig.15Another aspect of the gas regulator 340 is schematically shown. In this aspect, the regulator pin 342 is actuated by the regulator actuator 344. The regulator pin 342 can be moved into and out of the receptacle 322 to contact the gas tank valve pin 308 disposed in the end of the gas tank 301. When the regulator pin 342 is extended, it contacts and depresses the gas tank valve pin 308 and allows gas to flow into the gas tank manifold 320 and to the gas tank manifold fluid connection 318. When the regulator pin 342 is withdrawn upward (i.e., toward the regulator actuator 344), the gas tank valve pin 308 is not depressed and gas does not flow out of the gas tank 301. The gas regulator 340 only activates gas flow to the beverage dispenser 1 when gas is needed (e.g., when dispensing a beverage). Once activated, this aspect of the gas regulator 340 regulates the pressure and flow of the gas passing through the gas tank assembly 300 by quickly actuating the regulator pin 342 back and forth to open and close the gas tank valve pin 308. The circulation of the gas tank valve pin 308 regulates the gas flow downward to the required pressure by allowing only a limited amount of gas to flow. This aspect of the gas regulator 340 only pressurizes the interior of the gas tank manifold 320 in the short period of time required for dispensing beverages. Gas is not allowed to flow out of the gas tank 301 at other times. This has the benefit of reducing the potential gas loss caused by the leakage in the gas system of the beverage dispenser 1. In addition, this also means that the seal between the gas tank valve 302 and the gas tank receptacle 322 is not subjected to the high pressure found in the gas tank 301, which is different from the standard diaphragm regulator. This means that the seal does not need to be so strong because it only needs to seal against much lower pressure. Then, when the gas tank 301 is installed in the gas tank assembly 300, the less strong seal causes a lower insertion force.

[0059] The gas tank manifold 320 may also include one or more suitable valves configured to close the gas connection between the gas tank fluid connector 318 and the gas tank manifold 320 when the gas tank 301 is not inserted into the manifold 320. This ensures that the gas from the beverage dispenser 1 does not leave the gas tank manifold 320 during the replacement of the gas tank 301. Actuation of the valve may be achieved by moving the regulator pin 342 by the regulator actuator 344. Alternatively, the presence of the gas tank valve 302 in the gas tank receptacle 322 may physically actuate the valve to open, while the absence of the gas tank valve 302 in the gas tank receptacle 322 may physically actuate the valve to close.

[0060] The components of the gas cylinder assembly 300 described above may be constructed from any suitable material, including, for example, metals and plastic materials.

[0061] The method of replacing a gas cylinder 301 in a gas cylinder assembly 300 according to the above aspect begins with the used gas cylinder 301 being connected to the gas cylinder assembly 300 in a closed position, such as Fig.10 and Fig.13By grasping the used gas cylinder 301 and pulling upward, the used gas cylinder 301 is rotated upward to the loading position (such as Fig.14 The used gas cylinder 301 is then removed from the gas cylinder manifold 320 by pulling the gas cylinder 301 away from the gas cylinder manifold 320 (see Fig.14 ). Then the new gas cylinder 301 is inserted into the gas cylinder manifold 320. Finally, the new gas cylinder 301 is rotated to the closed position (such as Fig.10 and Fig.13 ), where the gas tank groove 327 captures the gas tank flange 306, thereby retaining the new gas tank 301. The gas tank tensioning assembly 330 presses the gas tank 301 into the gas tank receptacle 322. This maintenance process does not require separate tools and can be completed by the end user in just a few seconds in practice.

[0062] Concentrate Vial Assembly 400 Figures 16 to 22 . The concentrate vial assembly 400 includes a concentrate vial 401 that is removably attached to a vial mount 410. The concentrate vial 401 is configured to store a beverage concentrate for dispensing a beverage from the beverage dispenser 1. Fig.18 As shown, concentrate vial 401 includes a vial cap 402 secured to one end of concentrate vial 401. Vial cap 402 interfaces with vial mount 410 as described below. Fig.18 Also shown in FIG. 4 is a vial cover cap 403. The vial cover cap 403 is attached to the vial cap 402 and acts as a removable cover to protect the interface area of ​​the vial cap 402 when the concentrate vial 401 is not attached to the vial mount 410.

[0063] Vial Mount 410 Fig.17 401 . It includes a vial base 411 that supports the other components of the vial mount 410. The vial base 411 is also configured to be attached to the beverage dispenser 1 by, for example, mechanical fasteners. The vial base 411 includes a pair of receiving arms 412 extending outwardly from the vial base 411. The receiving arms 412 are shaped to define a space between them that is configured to receive a concentrate vial 401 (such as Fig.16 ).

[0064] The vial head 420 is pivotally or rotatably attached to the vial base 411 at the vial head pivot 414. The cylindrical portion of the vial head 420 is captured by the vial head pivot 414 so that the vial head 420 can rotate relative to the vial base 411. The vial head 420 is configured to receive the vial cap 402 in the vial receptacle 421. The vial receptacle 421 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the vial cap 402. Fig.17As shown, the vial receptacle 421 also includes a vial head seal that provides a liquid-tight seal between the vial receptacle 421 and the vial cap 402. The vial head 420 fluidly connects the vial cap 402 (and therefore the concentrate vial 401) to the beverage dispenser 1 via the vial fluid connector 415. In this regard, the vial fluid connector 415 is coaxially positioned with the vial head pivot 414. This reduces space and plumbing complexity by minimizing the plumbing required in the vial base 411. The vial fluid connector 415 can have any suitable plumbing connector, such as a hose barb or thread, to interface with the plumbing of the beverage dispenser 1. As will be discussed below, in some aspects, there are two separate vial fluid connectors 415. One vial fluid connector 415 is used to deliver the concentrate from the vial assembly 400 to the beverage dispenser 1. Another vial fluid connection 415 is used to deliver pressurized gas from the beverage dispenser 1 to the vial assembly 400 to equalize the pressure of the concentrate vial 401 as it is being used.

[0065] The vial head 420 also includes a vial concentrate valve 424. The vial concentrate valve 424 is a normally closed valve that is actuated open by the presence of the vial cap 402 (i.e., when the vial cap 402 is loaded into the vial head 420, the vial cap physically opens the vial concentrate valve 424). This ensures that the internal tubing of the beverage dispenser 1 is not exposed to the external environment unless the concentrate vial 401 is loaded into the vial mount 410.

[0066] The vial cap 402 has a cap concentrate valve 404. The cap concentrate valve 404 controls the flow of concentrate from the concentrate vial 401 to the vial head 420. The cap concentrate valve 404 is a vacuum actuated valve that is normally closed, but opens when a vacuum is applied. This occurs when a beverage is dispensed through the beverage dispenser 1. Thus, the cap concentrate valve 404 ensures that concentrate is only allowed to flow out of the concentrate vial 401 during beverage dispensing, which reduces the possibility of concentrate leakage.

[0067] The vial receptacle 422 also includes a vial head gas valve 426. The vial cap 402 has a matching vial cap gas valve 405. These valves are similar in function and are vacuum-actuated normally closed valves. During dispensing of a beverage, they both open to connect the interior of the concentrate vial 401 with pressurized gas from the beverage dispenser 1, which causes a vacuum to appear in the concentrate vial 401 due to the reduction in concentrate volume. In this way, the vial cap gas valve 405 and the vial head gas valve 426 reduce gas leakage and prevent contamination of the gas system of the beverage dispenser 1.

[0068] The vial mount 410 has three separate features to hold the concentrate vial 401 in the vial head 420. First, the vial head 420 includes a vial cap receiving feature 429 (e.g., Fig. 22402 ), which is formed as a cylindrical flange with a recessed cylindrical area just below the flange. The flange faces outward and is above the recessed portion (i.e., when the concentrate vial 401 is installed, the flange is disposed closer to the vial cap 402). The vial cap 402 has a corresponding vial head engagement feature 409, which is formed as an inwardly facing flange disposed on the inner surface of the vial cap 402. When the vial cap 402 is pressed into the vial receptacle 422, the vial head engagement feature 409 flexes outward and snaps onto the vial cap receiving feature 429 as the vial cap 402 is fully seated in the vial head receptacle 422. This action serves to securely hold the vial cap 402 in the vial head receptacle 422 and also provides a tactile sensation for the user to confirm that the concentrate vial 401 is fully seated in the vial head receptacle 422.

[0069] The second retaining feature is the vial head magnet 428. Fig.17 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown, the vial head magnet 428 is fixed to the vial head 420 and thus pivots with the vial head 420. A corresponding vial cap magnet 408 is disposed in the vial cap 402. When the vial cap 402 is fully seated in the vial head receptacle 422, the vial cap magnet 408 and the vial head magnet 428 are aligned and attracted to each other. This attraction secures the vial cap 402 (and therefore the concentrate vial 401) in position relative to the vial head 420. This ensures that the vial cap 402 is properly sealed with the vial head 420 and also provides the user with additional tactical confirmation of proper seating.

[0070] The final retention feature includes a pair of vial cap engagement projections 418, each of which is disposed on one of the receiving arms 412. The vial cap engagement projections 418 extend inwardly into the space defined between the receiving arms 412 and are configured to be received by the vial cap grooves 406 disposed in the vial cap 402. Fig. 20 ) moves to the closed position ( Fig.19 ), the vial cap engagement projection 418 is captured by the vial cap groove 406 and restricts the vial cap 402 from moving upward and away from the vial head 420. The vial cap engagement projection 418 can also be formed to exert a radial force on the vial cap groove 406 and thus further provide a retaining force that prevents the concentrate vial 401 from moving from the closed position to the loading position.

[0071] The loading position can be rotated ( Fig. 20), such that the centerline of the concentrate vial 401 forms an angle between 20 and 60 degrees with the rear surface of the vial base 411. In other examples, the loading position can be rotated such that the centerline of the concentrate vial 401 forms an angle between 30 and 45 degrees with the rear surface of the vial base 411. The angle associated with the loading position is controlled by the interaction between components of the vial head 420 and the vial base 411 or by a stop incorporated into the vial head pivot 414. Fig.19 As shown, the closed position is positioned such that the centerline of the concentrate vial 401 is generally parallel to the rear surface of the vial base 411 .

[0072] The components of the vial assembly 400 described above may be constructed of any suitable material, including, for example, metals and plastic materials.

[0073] The method of replacing a concentrate vial 401 in a gas canister assembly 400 according to the above aspects begins with a spent concentrate vial 401 being connected to the vial assembly 400 in a closed position, such as Fig.16 and Fig.19 By grasping the spent concentrate vial 401 and pulling downward, the spent concentrate vial 401 is rotated downward to the loading position (eg Fig. 20 The spent concentrate vial 401 is then removed from the vial head 420 by pulling the concentrate vial 401 away from the vial head 420 (see Fig.21 ). The new concentrate vial 401 is then inserted into the vial head 420 until the vial head magnet 428 engages the vial cap magnet 408. Finally, the new concentrate vial 401 is rotated into the closed position (eg, Fig.16 and Fig.19 ), where the receiving arm 412 (and corresponding vial cap engaging protrusion 418) captures the vial groove 406, thereby retaining a new concentrate vial 401. This maintenance process does not require separate tools and can be completed by the end user in just a few seconds in practice.

[0074] It should be understood that it is the detailed description section, rather than the summary section and the abstract section, that is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary section and the abstract section may set forth one or more but not all exemplary aspects of the invention contemplated by the inventors and are therefore not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0075] The above description of specific aspects will fully reveal the general nature of the present invention, so that others can easily modify or adjust such specific aspects for various applications without departing from the overall concept of the present invention by applying the knowledge of the technical field without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance given herein, such adjustments and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalent forms of the disclosed aspects. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for the purpose of description rather than limitation, so that the terms or wording of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in accordance with the teachings and guidance herein.

[0076] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A water filter mounting member for a beverage dispenser, the water filter mounting member comprising: base; a manifold pivotally mounted to the base such that the manifold can be pivoted outwardly from the base from a closed position to a stowed position; and a filter head attached to the manifold, the filter head being configured to receive an end of a water filter and fluidly connect an interior of the water filter with the manifold; Wherein the base includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to be received by a groove in the water filter when the water filter is inserted into the filter head and the water filter and the filter head are pivoted into a closed position.

2. The water filter mounting member according to claim 1, further comprising: a receptacle disposed in the filter head, the receptacle being configured to receive the end of the water filter, wherein the end of the water filter comprises a first annular seal disposed at a first cylindrical portion of the end of the water filter and a second annular seal disposed at a second cylindrical portion of the end of the water filter, wherein the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion have different diameters, and A first cylindrical receiving portion configured to receive the first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical receiving portion configured to receive the second cylindrical portion are formed inside the receptacle, wherein the first cylindrical receiving portion and the second cylindrical receiving portion each have different diameters corresponding to the diameters of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, respectively.

3. The water filter mount of claim 1 , further comprising a fluid connector disposed in a pivot connecting the manifold and the base and coaxially aligned with the pivot, the fluid connector being configured to connect the manifold fluid to the beverage dispenser.

4. The water filter mounting member according to claim 3, further comprising a valve, wherein the valve is configured to selectively connect the fluid connector to the filter head only when the water filter is installed in the filter head, and to disconnect the fluid connector and the filter head when the water filter is not installed in the filter head.

5. The water filter mount of claim 3, wherein the filter head is disposed closer to the bottom of the base than to the axis of the pivot between the manifold and the base.

6. A method of installing a water filter in a beverage dispensing machine, the method comprising: inserting an end of a water filter into a filter head that is part of a manifold that is pivotally attached to the base; as well as The water filter and the filter head are rotated relative to the base from a loading position to a closed position such that the groove on the water filter receives a pair of protrusions disposed on the base.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein inserting the end of the water filter further comprises aligning a first seal on the end of the water filter with a first surface in the filter head, and aligning a second seal on the end of the water filter with a second surface in the filter head, wherein the first surface and the second surface are cylindrical and have different diameters.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein rotating the water filter and the filter head requires a rotation between 30 and 60 degrees measured between a centerline of the manifold and a rear surface of the base.

9. A gas cylinder mounting member for a beverage dispenser, the gas cylinder mounting member comprising: A first side plate and a second side plate, wherein the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged parallel to each other; a manifold pivotally mounted to the first side panel and the second side panel such that the manifold can be pivoted outwardly from the first side panel and the second side panel from a closed position to a loading position; a gas tank receptacle disposed in the manifold, the gas tank receptacle being configured to receive a valve of a gas tank; a gas tank receiver linked to the manifold and configured to releasably receive a flange of the gas tank; a first track and a second track, the first track and the second track being respectively disposed in each of the first side panel and the second side panel; a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion, the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion being connected to the gas tank receiver, each of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion being received by one of the first rail and the second rail, respectively; and A gas regulator is disposed in the manifold and is configured to selectively fluidly connect the interior of the gas tank with the manifold.

10. The gas cylinder mount according to claim 9, further comprising: a manifold support plate extending from the manifold; a tensioning assembly secured to the manifold support plate; and a spring secured to the tensioning assembly and the gas tank receiver such that the receiver is urged by the spring away from the tensioning assembly and toward the manifold, The first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion are arranged on the tensioning assembly.

11. A gas tank mount according to claim 9, wherein the first track and the second track are configured to limit the range of rotation of the manifold between the closed position and the loading position to between 30 degrees and 60 degrees as measured by the angle between the centerline of the manifold and the rear of one of the side panels.

12. The gas tank mount of claim 9, further comprising a fluid connector configured to fluidly connect the manifold and the beverage dispenser, wherein the fluid connector is coaxially aligned with a pivot connection between the manifold and the first side panel and the second side panel.

13. The gas cylinder mount of claim 9, wherein the gas regulator comprises: Gas regulator actuator; and a gas regulator pin linked to the gas regulator actuator such that the gas regulator pin can be extended and retracted by the gas regulator actuator, Wherein the gas regulator pin is configured to depress a valve pin disposed in a gas tank valve when the gas regulator pin is extended to fluidly connect the interior of the gas tank with the manifold.

14. The gas tank mount of claim 9, wherein the gas tank includes a seal that interfaces with a surface in the receptacle to provide a gas-tight seal between the gas tank and the manifold.

15. A method of installing a gas cylinder in a beverage dispensing machine, the method comprising: inserting a valve of the gas canister into a receptacle provided in a manifold pivotally attached to the first and second side panels, wherein a flange of the gas canister seats in a receiver linked to the manifold when the valve is inserted; and The gas tank and the manifold are rotated relative to the first side panel and the second side panel from a stowed position to a closed position.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The loaded gas can is pressed into the receptacle by providing a spring force on the receiver directed toward the manifold from a tensioning assembly connected to the manifold through a manifold support plate, wherein the spring force is provided by a spring disposed between the tensioning assembly and the receiver.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein rotating the gas tank requires a rotation between 30 and 60 degrees measured between a centerline of the manifold and a rear portion of the side plate.

18. The method 17 further includes constraining the movement of the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion arranged on the tensioning assembly by extending the first guide protrusion and the second guide protrusion into the first track and the second track arranged in the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively, thereby limiting the rotation of the gas tank.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising selectively regulating a flow rate and pressure of gas flowing between an interior of the gas tank and a fluid connection between the manifold and the beverage dispenser.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the selective regulation further comprises selectively extending and retracting a gas regulator pin disposed in the manifold using a gas regulator actuator, wherein when the gas regulator pin is extended to fluidly connect the interior of the gas tank with the manifold, the gas regulator pin opens a gas valve pin.

21. A concentrate vial mount for a beverage dispenser, the concentrate vial mount comprising: base; a head pivotally mounted to the base such that the head can be pivoted outwardly from the base from a closed position into a loading position, wherein the head is configured to receive a vial cap to fluidly connect a concentrate vial with the beverage dispenser; Wherein the base includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to be received by a groove in the vial cap when the concentrate vial is inserted into the vial head pivoted into the closed position.

22. The concentrate vial mount of claim 21, further comprising: a vial magnet connected to the vial head; and A vial cap magnet is disposed in the vial cap, wherein the vial magnet and the vial cap magnet are positioned to magnetically link with each other when the concentrate vial is loaded into the head in the loading position.

23. The concentrate vial mount of claim 22, wherein the vial magnet and the vial cap magnet are further positioned to magnetically link when the concentrate vial is loaded into the head such that the concentrate cap compresses a seal in the head.

24. The concentrate vial mount of claim 21, further comprising: a concentrate valve disposed in the head, wherein the concentrate valve is configured to fluidly connect the head to the vial cap only when the valve cap is loaded into the head; a vial cap concentrate valve disposed in the vial cap, wherein the vial cap concentrate valve is configured to align with the concentrate valve when the concentrate vial is loaded into the head; a gas valve disposed in the head; and a vial cap gas valve disposed in the vial cap, wherein the vial cap gas valve is configured to align with the gas valve when the concentrate vial is loaded into the head, wherein the vial cap concentrate valve is configured to fluidly connect the vial cap to the head only when a beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispenser; and Wherein the vial cap gas valve and the gas valve are configured to fluidly connect the concentrate vial and a gas source in the beverage dispenser only when a beverage is being dispensed by the beverage dispenser.

25. The concentrate vial mount of claim 21, further comprising: A fluid connection between the head and the beverage dispenser is coaxially aligned with a pivot connection between the head and the base.

26. A method of installing a concentrate vial in a beverage dispenser, the method comprising: inserting a cap of a concentrate vial into a head pivotally attached to the base; as well as The concentrate vial and the head are rotated relative to the base from a loading position to a closed position such that the groove on the cover receives a pair of protrusions disposed on the base.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising A vial head magnet connected to the vial head is linked with a vial cap magnet disposed in the vial cap while the cap is inserted into the head.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising When the vial cap is inserted into the head, a seal provided in the head is compressed with the vial cap, wherein the linking of the vial head magnet and the vial cap magnet occurs only when the seal has been compressed.

29. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: selectively opening a vial head concentrate valve fluidly connecting the vial head to the vial cap only when the vial cap is loaded into the vial head; selectively opening a vial cap concentrate valve fluidly connecting the interior of the concentrate vial with the vial head only when a beverage is dispensed by the beverage dispenser; A vial cap gas valve and a vial head gas valve are selectively opened to fluidly connect the interior of the concentrate vial with a gas source in the beverage dispenser only when a beverage is being dispensed by the beverage dispenser.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein rotating the concentrate vial requires a rotation between 30 and 60 degrees measured between a centerline of the head and a rear of the base.

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