Anti-drip device for beverage dispensing assembly

Abstract

An anti-drip device for a beverage dispensing assembly (100). A dispensing line component (102) for a beverage dispensing assembly, the dispensing line component (102) comprising:-a beverage conduit (150) having a passage for conveying a non-alcoholic beverage through the conduit; -an upstream connector (130) for connecting the beverage conduit (150) to a beverage container (104) containing a non-alcoholic beverage, where the upstream connector (130) has a beverage contact surface which, in use, comes into contact with the beverage; and-a downstream connector (140) for connecting the beverage conduit (150) to a beverage dispensing system; wherein the beverage conduit (150) extends between the upstream connector (130) and the downstream connector (140), and wherein the dispensing line component (102) further comprises an external liquid trap (160) for preventing a flow of liquid flowing through an outer surface of the beverage conduit (150) to a beverage contact surface of the upstream connector (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of beverage dispensing assemblies, and in particular to hygiene improvements in beverage dispensing assemblies. Background Art

[0002] There are various beverage dispensing assemblies available on the market for dispensing various beverages. A common beverage dispensing assembly is typically used to dispense beverages in foodservice establishments and the hospitality industry (such as bars and restaurants), and it includes a beverage container containing the beverage, and a beverage dispensing line extending between the beverage container and a beverage dispenser (such as a faucet with a tap handle) for dispensing the beverage at the dispensing outlet of the dispenser. The assembly is also provided with coupling means for connecting the beverage dispensing line to the beverage container, wherein a piston in the coupling means is movably arranged to open a beverage container sealing member, thereby establishing a fluid connection between the beverage container and the beverage dispensing line.

[0003] With a known beverage dispensing assembly, first, the piston in the coupling means is activated to open the beverage container sealing member, and then the beverage can be dispensed, which is called broaching of the beverage container. After broaching, the beverage contained in the beverage container can freely flow through the opened sealing member, enter the beverage dispensing line through the coupling means, and reach the dispensing valve, which is usually arranged in the dispenser.

[0004] The dispenser can be operated as needed to open and close the dispensing valve. When the dispensing valve is open, a certain amount of beverage can flow from the beverage container through the coupling means and the dispensing line to the dispensing opening of the dispenser, so as to dispense the beverage into a suitable container, such as a drinking glass or a cup.

[0005] During use, the dispensing assembly is exposed to microorganisms in its environment. These microorganisms may particularly infiltrate the dispensing line and the coupler, for example when replacing the beverage container. When the coupler is removed from the first container and the coupling means is connected to a new beverage container containing fresh beverage, these microorganisms may migrate from the dispensing line into the beverage in the beverage container, providing an abundant and suitable nutrient source for the rapid reproduction of microorganisms. Therefore, the shelf life of the beverage contained in the beverage container (i.e., the time during which the beverage in the container can usually be consumed normally) may be shortened, and / or the beverage may deteriorate prematurely.

[0006] In addition, if the alcohol content (by volume percentage) of the beverage is low, or it is completely alcohol-free, and / or the sugar content is relatively high (such as some non-alcoholic beers), then the beverage is particularly vulnerable to contamination by fermenting microorganisms such as wild yeast, which may cause the alcohol content in the beverage to increase due to fermentation.

[0007] WO2022093018 proposes a solution for preventing the beverage contained in the beverage container of such a beverage dispensing assembly from being contaminated by microorganisms. Specifically, WO2022093018 proposes to prevent the liquid and microorganisms from flowing back from the beverage dispensing pipeline into the beverage container of such a beverage dispensing assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Although the solution proposed in WO2022093018 can effectively prevent the beverage contained in the beverage container from being contaminated by microorganisms through the dispensing pipeline, it has been observed that microbial contamination may also come from outside the dispensing pipeline, especially when the coupling device of the beverage dispenser assembly is used improperly and / or cleaned improperly.

[0009] It has been observed that when the dispensing pipeline component of the coupling device is disconnected from the beverage container, the beverage may leak out in the form of liquid and / or foam from the dispensing pipeline component. The leaked beverage may flow down along the outside of the dispensing pipeline component, especially through the beverage conduit, to the upstream connector of the dispensing pipeline component, for example under the action of gravity. If the leaked beverage reaches the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector and the upstream connector is reconnected to the beverage container (which may violate the manufacturer's instructions), the beverage dispensed by the beverage dispensing assembly after reconnection may be contaminated. In particular, the beverage in the beverage container may be contaminated. Preferably, it is necessary to prevent the non-alcoholic beverage in the beverage container from being contaminated by, for example, yeast cells.

[0010] In order to prevent or at least reduce the possibility of the beverage in the beverage container being contaminated by the leaked beverage flowing down along the outside of the dispensing pipeline component, the present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a dispensing pipeline component for a beverage dispensing assembly. The dispensing pipeline component includes: a beverage conduit having a channel for conveying non-alcoholic beverage through the conduit; an upstream connector for connecting the beverage conduit to a beverage container containing non-alcoholic beverage, wherein the upstream connector has a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage during use; and a downstream connector for connecting the beverage conduit to a beverage dispensing system.

[0011] The beverage conduit extends between the upstream connector and the downstream connector, and the dispensing pipeline component further includes an external liquid collector for preventing the liquid flowing through the outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector.

[0012] By means of the external liquid collector, by preventing the liquid flowing through the outer surface of the beverage conduit from flowing to the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector, the possibility of the beverage in the beverage container being contaminated by the leaked beverage flowing through the outside of the dispensing pipeline component can be reduced (preferably to zero).

[0013] The external drip collector is preferably arranged to capture, redirect, absorb or otherwise interact with the fluid flowing through the beverage conduit before it reaches the upstream connector. It should be understood that generally, the liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit can consist of single droplets, or can also consist of multiple droplets and / or a continuous liquid stream. The fluid can generally be in a liquid and / or foamy state and can include beverages such as non-alcoholic beer.

[0014] The external drip collector can be connected to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, for example, by a clamping connection or a form-fitting connection. In a clamping connection, the external drip collector can be at least partially elastically deformed to provide a clamping force to the beverage conduit. In a form-fitting connection, the external drip collector can, for example, at least partially wrap around a portion of the beverage conduit. Generally, for a form-fitting connection, at least one of the beverage conduit and the external drip collector needs to undergo plastic and / or elastic deformation to disconnect the external drip collector from the beverage conduit.

[0015] Thus, the external drip collector can be a component manufactured independently of the beverage conduit. By connecting the external drip collector to the beverage conduit, the beverage conduit can be manufactured using conventional production processes, while the external drip collector can be manufactured using other production processes. For example, the beverage conduit can be formed by an extrusion process to obtain a beverage conduit with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. Additionally or alternatively, the beverage conduit can be manufactured to have a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0016] In any embodiment of the dispensing line component, the beverage conduit can be embodied as a flexible tube, such as a flexible plastic tube. Generally, the length of the beverage conduit can be 5 cm or longer, 10 cm or longer, 20 cm or longer, 30 cm or longer, but can also be less than 100 cm, even less than 50 cm. Preferably, the length of the beverage conduit is about 10 cm.

[0017] In addition to clamping the external drip collector to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, or as an alternative thereto, the external drip collector can be glued to the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Gluing can provide a convenient and durable connection method for connecting the external drip collector to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0018] In addition to clamping the external drip collector to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, or as an alternative thereto, the external drip collector can be adhered to the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Adhesion is generally defined as firmly fixing or adhering by means such as gluing, suction, gripping or welding.

[0019] The liquid flow through the beverage conduit and reaching the external liquid collector can be directed away from the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector. Generally, due to the adhesion force, the liquid flow may adhere to the external liquid collector. The term "adhesion" can be used to describe the tendency of a liquid to be attracted to other materials, such as the material on the outer surface of the dispensing line component, particularly the outer surfaces of the beverage conduit and the external liquid collector. Due to adhesion, gravity may not be sufficient to pull the liquid out of the beverage conduit.

[0020] As a special option, the external liquid collector is or includes a section of tape that at least partially wraps around the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Preferably, but not necessarily, a part of the section of tape extends away from the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Tape can generally be defined as a thin substrate with glue or adhesive coated on at least a part of its surface. Specifically, the tape can be an adhesive tape. For example, the thickness of the thin substrate can be less than 1 mm, especially less than 0.5 mm. The glue or adhesive can be suitable for bonding the tape to itself.

[0021] When the external liquid collector includes a section of tape, the section of tape can at least partially fold on the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Preferably, the two outer ends of the section of tape are connected to each other or close to each other. The two outer ends of the section of tape can be connected at a certain distance from the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Thus, the section of tape can fold back on itself. This can provide an additional form-fitting connection between the tape and the beverage conduit in addition to the adhesive connection.

[0022] As an alternative or supplement, the external liquid collector can be or include a cord, rope, or string that wraps around the outer surface of the beverage conduit. As an alternative or supplement, the external liquid collector can be formed on the outer surface of the beverage conduit by melting, printing, or otherwise adding materials on the outer surface. Any of these options can be easily applied in any combination to any dispensing line component disclosed herein.

[0023] In addition to changing the flow direction of the liquid flowing through the outer surface of the beverage conduit, or as an alternative to it, at least part of the liquid flow can be absorbed by the external liquid collector, especially when the external liquid collector includes a liquid-absorbing material. With the help of the liquid-absorbing material, the external liquid collector can direct the liquid into itself, thereby preventing or reducing the liquid from flowing from the downstream connector through the outer surface of the beverage conduit to the upstream connector.

[0024] As an option, the external liquid collector can include a hydrophobic outer surface. Such a hydrophobic outer surface can reduce the adhesion between the liquid and the outer surface. Thus, for example, the liquid can be pulled away from the outer surface by gravity. When the liquid is pulled away from the outer surface of the conduit, one or more droplets may form, and these droplets may fall from the external liquid collector. These falling droplets may land at a certain distance from the upstream connector, thereby preventing the upstream connector from being contaminated.

[0025] Any hydrophobic outer surface can be formed by an external liquid collector that is at least partially made of a hydrophobic material and / or by coating a hydrophobic material on at least a portion of the outer surface of the external liquid collector.

[0026] Examples of materials that can be used to form at least a partially hydrophobic outer surface include cellulose acetate, polypropylene, and silicone. However, it should be understood that any other hydrophobic material can be used.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, any external liquid collector can be at least partially substantially non-porous to liquids (especially non-alcoholic beer). This can prevent the liquid from remaining in the external liquid collector, thereby causing the external liquid collector to become saturated with the liquid. A saturated external liquid collector may not function effectively as a liquid collector.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, any external liquid collector can be at least partially impermeable to liquids (especially non-alcoholic beer). This can prevent the liquid from remaining in the external liquid collector, thereby causing the external liquid collector to become saturated with the liquid. A saturated external liquid collector may not function effectively as a liquid collector.

[0029] It can be understood that a single external liquid collector can have a hydrophobic outer surface and can also be substantially non-porous to liquids and / or substantially impermeable to liquids.

[0030] As another option, the external liquid collector can be arranged to capture at least a portion of the liquid flow that flows from the downstream connector through the outer surface of the beverage conduit to the upstream connector. Capturing at least a portion of the liquid flow means that at least a portion of the liquid flow that flows from the downstream connector through the outer surface of the beverage conduit to the upstream connector is blocked by the external liquid collector. For example, any external liquid collector disclosed herein can include a reservoir for containing the captured liquid. The reservoir can be arranged to hold a certain amount of the captured liquid.

[0031] The opening of the reservoir can generally face the downstream connector and / or generally face away from the upstream connector. Additionally or alternatively, the opening of the reservoir can face in the downstream direction so that the beverage flows through the beverage conduit. Regardless of where the opening of the reservoir faces, the liquid flow that flows from the direction of the downstream connector through the outer surface of the beverage conduit can be captured by the reservoir.

[0032] As an option for any external liquid collector disclosed herein, the external liquid collector may have one or more visible markings on its outer surface. These markings may represent, for example, one or more letters, words, images, colors, or any other visually distinguishable markings, such as arrows, symbols, or any other shapes. For example, the marking may be used to allow a user to identify the external liquid collector and / or, for example, to allow the user to correctly position the external liquid collector, particularly relative to one or more of a downstream connector, an upstream connector, and gravity.

[0033] For any dispensing line component according to the first aspect, at least a portion of the external liquid collector may be spaced apart from the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Additionally or alternatively, for any dispensing line component according to the first aspect, the beverage conduit may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and / or a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0034] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a beverage dispensing assembly that includes: a beverage container having a container body that defines a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, the container body including a beverage outlet; a beverage dispenser, such as a faucet with a faucet handle, for dispensing the beverage at a dispensing outlet of the dispenser; and a dispensing line component, wherein the dispensing line component is connected between the beverage container and the beverage dispenser.

[0035] The beverage dispenser assembly includes any dispensing line component disclosed herein. The upstream connector of the dispensing line component may be connected to the beverage container, such as to the beverage outlet of the beverage container, or to another dispensing line component. The downstream connector of the dispensing line component may be connected to the beverage dispenser, or to another dispensing line component. In use, the beverage flows through the dispensing line component from the upstream connector to the downstream connector.

[0036] The upstream connector of the dispensing line component is generally located below the downstream connector of the dispensing line component, such as when the beverage container is generally located below the beverage dispenser. When the upstream connector is located below the downstream connector, gravity may cause liquid located at or near the downstream connector to flow downwardly toward the upstream connector along the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0037] When the upstream connector of the dispensing line component is below the downstream connector of the dispensing line component in use, the external liquid collector may be located at any height between the upstream connector and the downstream connector. Thus, the external liquid collector may be placed in the flow path of liquid flowing from the downstream connector downwardly toward the upstream connector along the outside of the beverage conduit.

[0038] The beverage chamber of the beverage container can hold a certain amount of non-alcoholic beverage, especially non-alcoholic beer. In use, the beverage container can be placed in a refrigerated environment, such as a refrigerator, or in a non-refrigerated environment at room temperature. The beverage container can be, for example, a traditional metal barrel or a bagged container. The definition of non-alcoholic beverage may depend on local or regional legislation. In the present disclosure, a non-alcoholic beverage refers to a beverage with an alcohol volume content lower than 1%, lower than 0.5%, lower than 0.1%, even lower than 0.05% or even lower than 0.00%.

[0039] Any beverage chamber disclosed herein can hold carbonated beverages. When the beverage chamber holds carbonated beverages, the beverage may form foam, especially when exposed to ambient pressure. When the beverage changes from liquid to foam, the volume of the beverage expands, causing the beverage to leak from the downstream connector. The leaked beverage may then flow downstream along the beverage conduit towards the upstream connector. It is preferably to use an external liquid collector to prevent this from happening. In the present disclosure, whenever carbonated beverages are mentioned, it should be understood that other beverages containing dissolved gases, such as beverages containing nitrogen, are also contemplated. Carbonated beverages are usually pressurized by the gas contained in the beverage and / or external pressure to contain the required beverage gas content.

[0040] In use, the beverage conduit of the dispensing line component can be completely downward and / or in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the lowest point of the beverage conduit is not lower than the upstream connector. If a part of the beverage conduit is located below the upstream connector, due to gravity, the liquid may not be able to flow through this lower point towards the upstream connector. The part of the beverage conduit located below the upstream connector may thus form an external liquid collector. Description of the Drawings

[0041] In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1A An embodiment of the dispensing line component in the beverage dispensing assembly is schematically shown;

[0043] Figure 1B is shown Figure 1A a schematic cross-section of the beverage conduit in

[0044] Figure 2A Another embodiment of the dispensing line component in the beverage dispensing assembly is schematically shown;

[0045] Figure 2B and Figure 2C is shown Figure 2A a schematic cross-section of the beverage conduit in

[0046] Figure 3A Another embodiment of the dispensing line component is shown;

[0047] Figure 3Bshows Figure 3A a schematic cross-section of a beverage conduit in

[0048] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows two views of a dispense line component;

[0049] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a coupling device; and

[0050] Figure 5B and Figure 5C shows Figure 5A a detailed view of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1A An embodiment of a dispense line component 102 in a beverage dispensing assembly 100 is schematically shown. The dispense line component 102 includes an upstream connector 120, a downstream connector 140, and a beverage conduit 150 having a passageway 152 and extending between the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140. In use, the beverage conduit 150 with the passageway 152 fluidly connects the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140 to each other. Preferably, the beverage flows from the upstream connector 130 to the downstream connector 140 through the beverage conduit 150.

[0052] It should be noted that Figure 1A the figures are only schematic and the different elements shown therein (such as beverage containers, beverage dispensers, and dispense line components) are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] The beverage dispensing assembly 100 includes a beverage container 104 having a container body 106 that defines a beverage chamber 107 for containing a beverage. The beverage container 104 has a beverage container interface 108 to which the upstream connector 120 of the dispense line component 102 can be connected. The beverage can flow from the beverage chamber 107 through a beverage outlet 109 to the upstream connector 130. Although Figure 1A the upstream connector 120 is shown directly connected to the beverage container interface 108 in

[0054] Generally, applicable to any embodiment of a beverage container 104 and any embodiment of a beverage dispensing assembly, the coupler can be connected to the container interface 108 in a twisting, rotating, translating, and / or sliding manner. For example, the container interface 108 can form a bayonet connection with the coupler, such as a Sankey interface, or alternatively, the container interface 108 can form a sliding connection, such as a Micro Matic connection.

[0055] As an option for any beverage dispensing assembly disclosed herein, when the beverage dispensing assembly includes a coupler, the coupler can be reused while the dispensing line components can be disposable. Specifically, the dispensing line components come into contact with the beverage during use, and thus if reused, would need to be cleaned to prevent contamination of the beverage after reusing the dispensing line components (e.g., after disconnecting the dispensing line components from a first beverage container and connecting them to another beverage container). Even if the dispensing line components are temporarily disconnected from the beverage container and subsequently reconnected to the beverage container, contamination can occur - which may violate recommended practices. The external drip collector disclosed herein can reduce the transfer of contamination. The coupler can be used to open the beverage container through an upstream connector of the dispensing line components.

[0056] To form a beverage stream, a pressurized gas can be used. In Figure 1A the example of, the beverage dispensing assembly 100 includes a pressurized gas source 190 that is connected to a gas inlet 103 of the beverage container 104 to supply a stream of pressurized gas 192. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, the gas inlet 103 is included by the beverage container 104, specifically by the beverage container interface 108, but in other examples, it can also be included by the upstream connector 130.

[0057] For example, pressurized gas can be supplied into the beverage chamber 107 to force the beverage through a conventional conduit inside the beverage chamber and out of the beverage chamber through the beverage outlet 109. Or, for example, when the beverage container 104 is a bag-in-bag container, pressurized gas can be pumped into the space between the outer container of the beverage container and the collapsible inner container of the beverage container located within the outer container.

[0058] Figure 1A The beverage dispensing assembly 100 schematically shown in also includes a beverage dispenser 170. The beverage dispenser 170 includes a beverage dispenser interface 172 to which a downstream connector 140 of the dispensing line component 102 can be connected.

[0059] Figure 1A A liquid stream 200 flowing on the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 152 is schematically shown in dashed line 200. Specifically, the liquid stream 200 flows upstream to the connector 130, for example, by gravity.

[0060] The dispensing line component 102 includes an external drip collector 160 for preventing the liquid stream 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 from reaching the upstream connector 130. Figure 1B A schematic cross-section of the beverage conduit 150 is shown, where a specific embodiment of the external drip collector 160 can be readily incorporated into any other dispensing line component and beverage dispensing assembly of the present disclosure.

[0061] In Figure 1B the embodiment, the external liquid collector 160 is formed by a section of tape (shown in hatched lines) that is wound around the beverage conduit 150. This section of tape can be adhered to the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. For example, the tape can be an adhesive tape, preferably having one adhesive side.

[0062] As Figure 1B shown, the section of tape 160 has two free ends 161 and 162. These two free ends 161 and 162 are located at a certain distance from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. Some embodiments can also be envisioned where only one free end is located at a certain distance from the outer surface 154, and the other free end can be adhered to the outer surface 154, for example.

[0063] In Figure 1B the embodiment, between the two free ends 161, 162, the extension part 603 is formed by a section of tape 600 that extends away from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. When the liquid flow 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 reaches the section of tape 600, the liquid flow flows through this section of tape, particularly through the extension part 603, and flows towards at least one of the ends 161, 162. In this way, the liquid flow 200 can be prevented from reaching the upstream connector 130. Therefore, the liquid flow 200 can adhere to this section of tape, similar to the way the liquid flow 200 previously adhered to the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150.

[0064] Figure 2A Another embodiment of the dispensing line component 102 as shown in another embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly 100 is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, a pressurized gas source 190 is connected to the upstream connector 130 of the dispensing line component 102. In this way, a pressurized gas flow 192 can be provided to the beverage container 104 via the upstream connector 130. In the present disclosure, the pressurized gas can be directly fed into the beverage chamber 107, or used to fold the collapsible inner container or collapsible bag of the beverage container 104, for example when the beverage container 104 is a container of the type of bag-in-container or bag-in-bottle.

[0065] Figure 2B And Figure 2C shows Figure 2A an alternative cross-section of the beverage conduit 150 as shown in Figure 2BIn an embodiment, the external liquid collector 160 completely surrounds the beverage conduit 150, particularly the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. The external liquid collector 160 may comprise or be made of a liquid-absorbing material such that an external liquid stream 200 can be at least partially absorbed when contacting the external liquid collector 160. It should be understood that any embodiment of the external liquid collector 160 disclosed herein may comprise a liquid-absorbing material. Generally, regardless of the material constituting the external liquid collector 160, the external liquid collector 160 may be in the form of an O-ring.

[0066] In Figure 2C In the alternative shown, the external liquid collector 160 only partially surrounds the beverage conduit 150. Thus, for example, the external liquid collector 160 can be conveniently clamped or snapped onto the beverage conduit 150. The external liquid collector 160 may, for example, have a discontinuity 165 which enables the external liquid collector 160 to elastically deform when clamped or snapped onto the beverage conduit 150.

[0067] As Figure 2C shown in the option shown, the external liquid collector 160 includes a plurality of protrusions 166 spaced away from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. The protrusions 166 can be used to direct the liquid stream 200, particularly in a direction away from the outer surface 154, when the liquid stream 200 adheres to the protrusions 166. When using a plurality of protrusions 166, the rotational orientation of the external liquid collector 160 relative to gravity may become less important.

[0068] It should be understood that any external liquid collector disclosed herein may comprise any number of protrusions 166, such as two, three, four or more. These protrusions can be angularly spaced from each other, for example, at a constant angular interval. For example, as Figure 2C shown, when the external liquid collector 160 comprises three protrusions 166, the spacing between these protrusions can be 120 degrees. Further, it should be understood that the protrusions 166 and the discontinuity 165 are considered separate options which can be applied individually or together in any embodiment of the external liquid collector 160.

[0069] Figure 3A Another embodiment of the dispensing line component 102 is schematically shown, which component includes an upstream connector 130, a downstream connector 140, and a beverage conduit 150 located between the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140.

[0070] In Figure 3A the embodiment, the dispensing line component 102 is depicted as including another embodiment of the external liquid collector 160. Like all external liquid collectors disclosed herein, Figure 3A the external liquid collector shown can be readily incorporated into any dispensing line component disclosed herein. Figure 3BA cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit 150 and the external liquid collector 160 connected to the beverage conduit 150 is shown.

[0071] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The external liquid collector 160 shown is specifically configured to capture at least a portion of the liquid flow 200 that flows from the downstream connector 140, over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150, to the upstream connector 130. To this end, the external liquid collector 160 includes a reservoir 168 for holding a volume of captured liquid. The reservoir 168 has an opening 163 through which the liquid can be received.

[0072] Figure 3A In, the opening 163 of the reservoir 168 faces in the downstream direction so that the beverage flows through the beverage conduit. In other words, the opening 163 generally faces the downstream connector 140 and / or away from the upstream connector 130.

[0073] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Two isometric views of a specific embodiment of the dispensing line component 102 are shown respectively. Specifically, on both sides of the downstream connector 140 can be seen in these two views. In Figure 4A On the first side visible, the downstream connector 140 includes a beverage outlet 142 through which the beverage can flow to the beverage dispenser in use. In Figure 4B On the second side best visible, the downstream connector 140 may include a handle 143 by which a user can hold to adjust the position of the downstream connector 140. For example, the handle 143 can be pinched by the user's fingers.

[0074] Figure 4A Schematically shows how the liquid flow 200 (specifically the beverage flow) flows out from the beverage outlet 142 of the downstream connector, through the beverage conduit 150, and towards the upstream connector 130. The external liquid collector 160 is shown in the figure, which blocks the liquid flow 200 from flowing towards the upstream connector 130, specifically by deflecting the liquid flow 200 onto the protrusion 166 of the external liquid collector 160. The protrusion 166 can be made of, for example, a section of tape as the external liquid collector 160.

[0075] It can be understood that the beverage can flow through the beverage conduit 150 generally upward and / or generally against the direction of gravity, for example due to the beverage foaming and flowing out of the beverage outlet 142 caused by the gas dissolved in the beverage.

[0076] Figure 5AA cross-sectional view of a coupling device 300 of a beverage dispensing assembly is shown, which can be used to connect a dispensing line component 102 to a beverage container. An embodiment of the dispensing line component 102 is shown as being partially connected to the coupling device 300. Specifically, an upstream connector 130 is connected to the coupling device 300, while a downstream connector 140 is shown as being disconnected from the coupling device 300. The coupling device 300 has a connector 302 for connecting the coupling device 300 to a beverage container (such as a keg), particularly to the neck of the beverage container.

[0077] If the downstream connector 140 is disconnected from the coupler device 300, especially after having been previously connected to the coupler device 300, a beverage flow 200 may flow out from the downstream connector 140, particularly from the beverage outlet 142 of the downstream connector 140. As Figure 5A shown, this beverage flow 200 may flow over the downstream connector 140 and the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150, generally towards the upstream connector 130. Figure 5A An external collector 160 is schematically shown therein for preventing the fluid 200 from flowing to the upstream connector 130.

[0078] For any external collector 160 in the present disclosure, the external collector can be arranged to prevent a liquid flow 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 from flowing to the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector 130. Generally, the beverage contact surface can be defined as any part of the upstream connector 130 that contacts the beverage during normal use, such as the beverage flowing out from a beverage container connected to the upstream connector, and / or the beverage received by the upstream connector from the beverage container, which is further conveyed via the passage of the beverage conduit to a downstream conduit and ultimately to a beverage dispenser.

[0079] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A a detailed view of the components of Figure 5C Shows the same view as Figure 5B but highlights at least a portion of the beverage contact surface 139. Generally, it should be understood that the purpose of the external collector 160 is to prevent the beverage flowing outside the beverage conduit 150 from reaching the beverage contact surface 139, especially when the upstream connector 130 is not connected to the beverage container and the beverage contact surface 139 may be exposed (i.e., cannot be protected from external contaminants by the connected beverage container).

[0080] Although the external drip tray shown in the figures is directly connected to the beverage conduit, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the external drip tray may be connected to other parts of the dispensing line component. For example, the external drip tray may be connected to an upstream connector or a downstream connector. In general, for any embodiment of the dispensing line component, the dispensing line component may include a plurality of external drip trays according to any of the external drip trays disclosed herein. When the external drip tray is not directly connected to the beverage conduit, in use, the external drip tray may contact the outer surface of the beverage conduit or at least be located in the vicinity of the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0081] It will be understood that the different options disclosed in connection with a particular embodiment and / or the figures may also be applied to other embodiments. This applies in particular (but is not limited to) the optional features disclosed in connection with the dispensing line component, the external drip tray, and the upstream connector.

[0082] Specifically, for any external drip tray 160 shown in any of the Figure 1A - Figure 5C figures, the external drip tray may include a hydrophobic outer surface. Additionally or alternatively, the external drip tray may be at least partially substantially non-porous to liquids, particularly non-alcoholic beer. Additionally or alternatively, the external drip tray may be at least partially substantially impermeable to liquids, particularly non-alcoholic beer.

Claims

1. A dispensing line component for a beverage dispensing assembly, the dispensing line component comprising: - a beverage conduit having a passage for conveying a non-alcoholic beverage through the conduit; - an upstream connector for connecting the beverage conduit to a beverage container containing a non-alcoholic beverage, wherein the upstream connector has a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage in use; and - a downstream connector for connecting the beverage conduit to a beverage dispensing system; wherein the beverage conduit extends between the upstream connector and the downstream connector, and wherein the dispensing line component further comprises an external liquid collector for preventing liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector.

2. The distribution pipeline component according to claim 1, wherein, The external liquid collector is connected or connectable to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

3. The distribution pipeline component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The external liquid collector is adhered or adhesively attached to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

4. The distribution pipeline component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external liquid collector is or comprises a strip of tape that at least partially wraps around the outer surface of the beverage conduit, and wherein a portion of the strip of tape extends away from the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

5. The distribution pipeline component according to claim 4, wherein, The strip of tape is at least partially folded over the outer surface of the beverage conduit, and wherein the two strips of tape are self-connected, in particular, wherein the outer ends of the strip of tape are connected to or near each other.

6. The distribution pipeline component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The external liquid collector is clamped to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

7. The distribution pipeline component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The external liquid collector is arranged to capture at least a portion of the liquid flowing from the downstream connector to the upstream connector and flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

8. The distribution pipeline component according to claim 7, wherein, The external liquid collector comprises a liquid-absorbing material.

9. The dispensing line component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The external liquid collector comprises a hydrophobic outer surface.

10. The distribution pipeline component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The external liquid collector has one or more visible markings on the outer surface of the external liquid collector.

11. A beverage dispensing assembly, comprising: - a beverage container having a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, the container body including a beverage outlet; - a beverage dispenser, such as a faucet with a faucet handle, for dispensing a beverage at a dispensing outlet of the dispenser; and - a dispensing line component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing line component is connected between the beverage container and the beverage dispenser.

12. The beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 11, wherein, In use, the position of the upstream connector of the dispensing line component is lower than the position of the downstream connector of the dispensing line component.

13. The beverage dispensing assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The external liquid collector of the dispensing line component is located at a height between the upstream connector and the downstream connector.

14. The beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The beverage chamber contains a non-alcoholic beverage, in particular a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage, such as non-alcoholic beer.

15. The beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising coupling means for connecting the dispensing line component to the beverage container.

Images