Method of disassembling dispenser and method of assembling dispenser

Abstract

A method of disassembling a dispenser and a method of assembling a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a first compartment configured to receive a product package and a pump configured to pump product from the product package through an aerator to a dispensing nozzle, the method comprising: opening a lid to access the first compartment; separating the distribution nozzle from the aerator; disengagement of the retainer from the pump; and removing the pump and the aerator from the first compartment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase patent application with application number 201980078055.5 after entering the Chinese national phase on May 24, 2021, corresponding to the international application number PCT / US2019 / 056295, the international application date of October 15, 2019, and the invention name of the PCT application "Food Product Dispenser with Temperature Control".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 745,851, filed on October 15, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] The present disclosure relates to product dispensers, and more particularly to temperature controlled product dispensing machines for dispensing consumable food or beverage products, such as whipped toppings.

[0005] Conventional whipped topping dispensing machines typically include containers, bins, or other reservoirs for storing large quantities of the product to be dispensed. Thoroughly cleaning and refilling the reservoir can be difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, to keep the product in the reservoir cool, conventional whipped topping dispensing machines typically utilize compression refrigeration systems, which are often complex, relatively expensive to produce, and require regular maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a dispenser configured to dispense a product from a product package. The dispenser includes an inlet configured to receive the product from the product package; a dispensing nozzle downstream of the inlet; a pump in fluid communication with the inlet and operable to pump the product from the product package to the dispensing nozzle; and a temperature control assembly including a temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the product package and the dispensing nozzle to heat or cool the product package and the dispensing nozzle.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a dispenser configured to dispense a product from a product package. The dispenser includes a housing including a first compartment configured to receive the product package and a second compartment separated from the first compartment; a motor positioned in the second compartment, the motor including an output shaft defining an axis; an inlet configured to receive the product from the product package; a dispensing nozzle downstream of the inlet; a pump positioned in the first compartment, the pump being in fluid communication with the inlet and driven by the output shaft to pump the product from the product package to the dispensing nozzle; and a temperature control assembly configured to heat or cool the product package when the product package is received in the first compartment.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for disassembling a dispenser comprising a first compartment configured to receive a product package and a pump configured to pump the product from the product package to a dispensing nozzle through an aerator. The method comprises: opening a lid to access the first compartment; separating the dispensing nozzle from the aerator; disengaging a retainer from the pump; and removing the pump and aerator from the first compartment.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a dispenser configured to dispense a product from a product package, the dispenser comprising: an inlet configured to receive the product from the product package; a dispensing nozzle downstream of the inlet; a pump in fluid communication with the inlet and operable to pump the product from the product package to the dispensing nozzle via a fluid flow path; and a temperature control assembly comprising a first region configured to heat or cool the fluid flow path and a second region configured to heat or cool the product package. The second region has a greater heating or cooling capacity than the first region.

[0010] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2A It is intercepted along Route 2A-2A Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a distributor with internal components omitted.

[0013] Figure 2B It is intercepted along line 2B-2B Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a dispenser with the dispenser cover omitted.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the dispenser.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another exploded perspective view of the dispenser.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a dispenser is shown, illustrating an embodiment of a cap assembly of the dispenser.

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a method according to another embodiment and capable of being used with Figure 1 Part of the cap assembly for use with the dispenser.

[0018] Figure 7is a perspective view showing a method according to another embodiment and capable of being used with Figure 1 Part of the cap assembly for use with the dispenser.

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a method according to another embodiment and capable of being used with Figure 1 Part of the cap assembly for use with the dispenser.

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the fluid delivery assembly of a dispenser.

[0021] Figure 10 is according to another embodiment and can be used with Figure 1 A perspective view of a fluid transfer assembly for use with a dispenser.

[0022] Before explaining any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A dispenser 10 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The dispenser 10 shown is a tabletop dispenser and includes a housing 14 having a body 18, a base 22 configured to be positioned on a table or other support surface, and a cover 26 coupled to the body 18. In various embodiments, the dispenser 10 can be free-standing or can be integrated into or otherwise mounted within another structure, such as a cabinet, an enclosure, or the like. The housing 14 shown includes a front side 30, a rear side 34, and a top side 38 and a bottom side 42 extending therebetween. Figure 1 Directional terms such as front, back, etc. are used with reference to the orientation of the dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that the dispenser 10 can be positioned in other orientations and such terminology should not be construed as limiting.

[0024] The illustrated dispenser 10 includes a recess 46 formed in the front side 30 to provide a platform 50 on the base 22. Figure 2A , the housing 14 includes a dispensing opening 52 above a platform 50. A cup or other receiving device for receiving product from the dispenser (through the dispensing opening) can be positioned on the platform 50. The platform 50 can include a drip tray having one or more removable components to facilitate cleaning.

[0025] Continue to refer Figure 2A , the housing 14 is shown to include an upper compartment 54 and a lower compartment 58. The compartments 54 and 58 can be at least partially separated by one or more walls or other structures, or can be open to each other. Figure 3 ) and closed positions (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2A ) between the lid 26 and the lower compartment 54, providing access to the upper compartment 54 when in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 62 at least partially separates the upper compartment 54 from the lower compartment 58. The sidewall 66 extends around the periphery of the upper compartment 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 26 and the sidewall 66 each have a multi-layer construction including a first shell 70a and a second shell 70b and a space 70c defined between the shell 70a and the shell 70b. The multi-layer construction of the sidewall 66 and the lid 26 can insulate the upper compartment 54 from the environmental conditions surrounding the dispenser 10. In some embodiments, the space 70c can be filled with an insulating material (e.g., polyurethane foam or any other suitable insulating material).

[0026] refer to Figures 4 to 8 The housing 14 and the cover 26 can be configured in a variety of different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 14 can include a plurality of panels 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d coupled to a frame 14e. In some embodiments, one or more of the panels 14a-d can be removably coupled to the frame 14e to facilitate access to the lower compartment 58 and the components therein for maintenance, repair, or other purposes.

[0027] In various embodiments, the cover 26 may be opened and closed by hinges 28a ( Figure 5 ), hinge 28c ( Figure 5 ) or a similar hinge (not shown) located at the rear side 34 of the housing 14 is pivotally coupled to the body 18 of the housing 14. In other embodiments, the cover 26 may be pivotally coupled to the body 18 of the housing 14 by a rolling hinge or a sliding hinge 29 ( Figure 7 ) is coupled to the body 18. In such embodiments, the cover 26 can be rotatably coupled to the body 18 and / or slide relative to the body 18 between an open position and a closed position of the cover 26. In other embodiments, the cover 26 can include two flaps or doors 26a, 26b, each pivotally coupled to the body 18 ( Figure 8 ).

[0028] Now refer to Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, dispenser 10 includes a drive assembly 74, a fluid transfer assembly 78, and a temperature control assembly 82. Drive assembly 74 is shown to include an electric motor 86 (e.g., a brushed or unbrushed DC motor or an AC induction motor) having a motor shaft or rotor 90 and a drive shaft 98 coupled to motor shaft 90. Motor shaft 90 and drive shaft 98 define an output shaft of motor 86 that can rotate about axis of rotation 94. In some embodiments, motor shaft 90 and drive shaft 98 can be integrally formed as a single shaft.

[0029] Preferably, the motor 86 is housed within the lower compartment 58 and is therefore isolated from the insulated upper compartment 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 86 is oriented vertically. That is, the axis of rotation 94 is generally transverse to the top side 38 and the bottom side 42 ( Figure 1 ) extends from the motor shaft 90. The drive shaft 98 is shown coaxial with the motor shaft 90 and rotates together with the motor shaft 90 about the axis 94. However, in other embodiments, a transmission, gear reduction, conveyor belt, etc. can be disposed between the motor shaft 90 and the drive shaft 98. In addition, the drive assembly 74 can include one or more intermediate shafts disposed between the motor shaft 90 and the drive shaft 98, and the orientation of the motor shaft 90 and the drive shaft 98 can be varied. By way of example only, in other embodiments, the motor 86 and the motor shaft 90 are oriented horizontally and are still mechanically connected to the fluid transfer assembly through suitable mechanical power transmission components such as a gearbox, conveyor belt, or chain.

[0030] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the fluid transfer assembly 78 shown includes: a pump 102 drivably coupled to the drive shaft 98 (e.g., via an input shaft 163 of the pump 102); an aerator 106 coupled to the outlet of the pump 102; and a dispensing nozzle 110 disposed downstream of the aerator 106. The pump 102 can be a gear pump or any other relatively compact liquid pump. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 102 is coupled to the housing 14 by a retainer or clip 165. A user can disengage the retainer 165 from the pump 102 (e.g., by pivoting the retainer 165) to allow the pump 102 to be removed from the housing 14 for cleaning or maintenance purposes.

[0031] The illustrated aerator 106 provides a fluid flow path from the pump 102 to the nozzle 110 and includes an elongated mixing chamber 114; a front plug 118 disposed at the downstream end of the mixing chamber 114; and a support 122 supporting the mixing chamber 114. In some embodiments, the dispenser 10 may include a gas source (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, etc.) coupled to the aerator 106. In other embodiments, the aerator 106 may be omitted, and the fluid delivery assembly 78 may include a suitable fluid passage for delivering the fluid from the pump 102 to the nozzle 110. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery assembly 78 may include multiple aerators 106.

[0032] The illustrated fluid transfer assembly 78 also includes a quick-release connection inlet 126 disposed at the inlet of the pump 102. The connection inlet 126 engages an interchangeable product package 130 that contains a quantity of liquid product to be dispensed. For example, the product package 130 may contain dairy or non-dairy creamer, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, cheese product, or any other desired product to be dispensed. Any pumpable product may be stored in the product package 130 and dispensed by the dispenser 10.

[0033] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the product package 130 includes a fitting 134 that can be coupled to the connection inlet 126 to establish fluid communication between the product package 130 and the pump 102. In particular, the connection inlet 126 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the fitting 134 to establish fluid communication between the pump 102 and the interior of the product package 130 via the connection inlet 126. In some embodiments, the connection inlet 126 may include a bayonet-type fitting 127 ( Figure 9 ). Thus, when the product package 130 is coupled to the connection inlet 126, the pump 102 can draw liquid product directly from the product package 130 without the product needing to be in contact with or stored in any other reservoir.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, product packaging 130 is a flexible bag. Bag 130 can be made of any suitable food safety material (such as polypropylene, polyethylene etc.), and in some cases, bag 130 comprises one or more layers of thermally conductive material (such as metal foil). The fitting 134 on the product packaging 130 can comprise valve (not shown), cover, seal or prevent product from flowing out from packing 130 until fitting 134 is coupled to the similar that connects entrance 126. In certain embodiments, product packaging 130 is to use up disposable packaging so that the content of product packaging 130 is not refilled once dispensed by dispenser 10. In other embodiments, product packaging 130 can be reusable, refillable packaging. Dispenser 10 can also be able to accept other types of product packaging 130, including but not limited to carton, aseptic brick packaging etc.

[0035] refer to Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the connection inlet 126 is removable from the pump 102, which can facilitate cleaning of the connection inlet 126 and the pump 102. For example, the connection inlet 126 can be removably coupled to the pump 102 via one or more retaining clips or other fasteners accessible to a user of the dispenser 10, or the connection inlet 126 can be coupled to the pump 102 via an interference fit or any other suitable connection, such as a threaded connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection inlet 126 includes a handle 129 to facilitate removal of the connection inlet 126 from the pump 102 and / or coupling of the connection inlet 126 to the pump 102.

[0036] The connection inlet 126 can be interchanged with other connection inlets, such as Figure 10 . This can advantageously allow the pump 102 to be coupled to a variety of product packaging. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection inlet 126a includes a handle 129 to facilitate removing the connection inlet 126a from the pump 102 and / or coupling the connection inlet 126a to the pump 102. The connection inlet 126a shown also includes a tube 127a that can be inserted into a product packaging (such as product packaging 130 or other types of product packaging). In some embodiments, the tube 127a can be configured to be inserted into a sterile product brick package (e.g., through a hole in the product packaging). In some embodiments, the tube 127a can be made of a flexible material so that the tube 127a is aligned with the product packaging and the tube 127a is inserted into the product packaging. In some embodiments, the tube 127a can include a sharp tip for piercing the product packaging. In other embodiments, the tube 127a can be configured to draw product from an open reservoir.

[0037] refer to Figure 2B and Figure 3, the temperature control assembly 82 will now be described. The temperature control assembly 82 is operable to regulate the temperature of the upper compartment 54, the components therein, and the product package 130 (when installed therein). The temperature control assembly 82 may include a thermoelectric device 138 (e.g., a Peltier device) in heat transfer relationship with a temperature control element or thermal conductor 142 (such as a thermally conductive plate, strip, or other body). The thermoelectric device 138 can be configured to heat and / or cool the thermal conductor 142. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric device 138 can be replaced by any other suitable temperature control device, including but not limited to a vapor compression refrigeration device, a cold and / or hot water circulation device, etc.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 142 is configured as a plate extending transversely within the upper compartment 54. The thermal conductor 142 can be positioned generally near the bottom of the upper compartment 54 and below the components of the fluid transfer assembly 78. In other words, the thermal conductor 142 is disposed between the components of the fluid transfer assembly 78 and the lower compartment 58. In this regard, the thermal conductor 142 can be positioned between any or all of the mixing chamber 114, the plug 118, and the pump 102 and the bottom of the upper compartment or the lower compartment 58. In some embodiments, the thermal conductor 142 can also be positioned between the support 122 and the bottom of the upper compartment or the lower compartment 58. In some embodiments, the temperature control assembly 82 also includes a heat sink 146 below the plate 142.

[0039] A controller (e.g., a microprocessor-based controller, not shown) may be provided to control the operation of the temperature control assembly 82, and one or more temperature sensors (e.g., a thermistor, thermocouple, etc., not shown) may provide feedback to the controller. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric device 138 may be operated to cool or heat the thermal conductor 142, depending on whether the controller applies a positive or negative voltage to the thermoelectric device 138. In such embodiments, when the thermoelectric device 138 cools the thermal conductor 142, excess heat is rejected to the ambient environment via the heat sink 146, and when the thermoelectric device 138 heats the thermal conductor 142, the heat sink 146 may extract heat from the ambient environment.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the entirety of the fluid delivery assembly 78 and the interchangeable product packaging 130 are housed within the insulated upper compartment 54. Furthermore, the product packaging 130, aerator support 122, and pump 86 of the illustrated embodiment are all in thermally conductive contact (e.g., in direct abutting contact) with the thermally conductive body 142 of the temperature control assembly 82, although in other embodiments, fewer than all of the components of the fluid delivery assembly 78 are in such thermally conductive contact with the thermally conductive body 142.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, thermally conductive body 142 includes an aperture 150, and nozzle 110 extends at least partially within or through aperture 150, such that nozzle 110 is in thermally conductive contact (e.g., in direct abutting contact) with at least a portion of an inner wall of aperture 150. In other embodiments, nozzle 110 is in thermally conductive contact with one or more other surfaces of thermally conductive body 142. Thus, thermoelectric device 138 can transfer heat to or from fluid delivery assembly 78, including nozzle 110, and product contained in product packaging 130, by conduction. Thermoelectric device 138 can also transfer heat to or from fluid delivery assembly 78 and product packaging 130 by convection, for example, by heating or cooling air contained within insulated upper compartment 54.

[0042] Continue to refer Figure 3 In some embodiments, the thermoelectric device 138 includes a plurality of heating / cooling elements 139 disposed below the thermally conductive body 142. Each heating / cooling element 139 can provide localized heating and / or cooling to heat or cool a corresponding area of ​​the thermally conductive body 142 near the hot spot element 139. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric device 138 includes three heating / cooling elements 139 disposed below the aerator 106 and one heating / cooling element 139 disposed below the body 142, where the product package 130 can be positioned. In other embodiments, the heating / cooling elements 139 can be arranged differently, and in some embodiments, the thermoelectric device can include only a single heating / cooling element 139. In some embodiments, the body 142 can be heated or cooled as a single area.

[0043] although Figure 3 A single thermal conductor 142 is shown, but in other embodiments, the dispenser 10 may include a plurality of thermal conductors 142 having Figure 3In one embodiment, the present invention provides two or more heat conductors (not shown) of the shape identical or different in shape shown in the dispenser 10. Heat conductor can be positioned to be positioned above another, so that two or more product packagings 130 are placed into and contact with each heat conductor heat conduction positioned above and / or below (for example, with stacking relationship) the product packaging. Alternatively, heat conductor can be positioned with the relationship side by side, to cool down each product packaging 130 conductively. Any other positional relationship between two or more heat conductors (and their respective product packaging) is all possible, and falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In same dispenser 10, using two or more heat conductors 142 can make dispenser 10 can be maintained in different temperatures by different product packagings 130 (for example, comprising different food products to be distributed). For example, a heat conductor 142 can make a food product packaging keep cooling, and another heat conductor 142 can make another food packaging 130 keep warm or hot. As another example, two heat conductors 142 can make two corresponding food packaging remain in different low temperatures.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 In operation, the user opens the lid 26 and connects the product package 130 to the connection inlet 126. This sets up fluid communication between the product package 130 and the pump 102. The user can then start the dispensing operation. The drive assembly 74 drives the pump 102, which draws the product from the product package 130 and optionally draws additives such as spices or other products from other packages, reservoirs, etc. (not shown). The product and any additives can be mixed together in the mixing chamber 114 before being dispensed by the nozzle 110. In some embodiments, gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air, etc.) can be added to the product when passing through the mixing chamber 114, and in some embodiments, the mixing chamber 114 can include a flow channel and a restriction so that emulsification homogenization is provided. In other words, the liquid product drawn from the product package 130 can be whipped by the aerator 106 and discharged through the nozzle 110 as a whipped product (such as whipped cream or other whipped topping materials). In some embodiments, one or more liquids (including, for example, coloring or flavoring additives) may additionally or alternatively be mixed with the product while passing through the mixing chamber 114 .

[0045] The temperature control assembly 82 provides precise temperature control of the product in the product package 130 and all downstream components of the fluid transfer assembly 78 that come into contact with the product via conduction. This precise temperature control is particularly advantageous when the dispenser 10 is used to dispense temperature-sensitive products, such as dairy-based products.

[0046] When the product is pumped through the aerator 106 at high pressure, the aerator 106 generates heat. For example, the discharge pressure of the pump 102 at the inlet of the aerator 106 may be at least 40 psi in some embodiments, between 40 psi and 200 psi in some embodiments, or between 80 psi and 160 psi in some embodiments. These high pressures may be desirable for the aeration / whipping performance of the aerator 106.

[0047] Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control assembly 82 can provide different temperature-controlled zones. For example, the zone adjacent to the aerator 106 can have a stronger heating / cooling capacity than the zone adjacent to the product packaging 130 to cope with the higher heat load generated by the aerator 106. The controller can be configured to independently control the temperature of these zones (e.g., by independently controlling each heating / cooling element 139). Because the thermoelectric device 138 in the illustrated embodiment includes a large number of heating / cooling elements 139 adjacent to the aerator 106, the illustrated temperature control assembly 82 can provide a stronger cooling capacity to quickly and effectively remove the heat generated by the aerator 106. This can advantageously maintain the aerator 106 at a food-safe temperature during and / or after operation of the dispenser 10.

[0048] refer to Figures 2B to 3 The positioning of the components of the fluid transfer assembly 78 in the upper compartment 54 also facilitates access to these components for easy cleaning (i.e., simply by opening the lid 26). By using interchangeable product packaging 130 ( Figure 3 ), cleaning also becomes more efficient and convenient. When the product is used up, the existing product packaging 130 can be disconnected from the inlet 126 and quickly replaced with a new product packaging 130 without having to clean any reservoir. In addition, the enhanced access to the components of the fluid transfer assembly 78 enables the user to, in some cases, remove the pump 102, mixing chamber 14, plug 118, nozzle 110 and / or support 122 from the dispenser 10 simply by disconnecting the nozzle 110 from the front plug 118 of the aerator 106 and disconnecting the input shaft 163 of the pump 102 from the drive shaft 98. In some embodiments, a quick connect interface can be provided between the nozzle 110 and the front plug 118 and / or between the input shaft 163 and the drive shaft 98. This convenient removal and replacement enables the user to clean any or all of these components in an appropriate location or outside the dispenser 10, such as in a cleaning area (e.g., a sink), a dishwasher, or other cleaning machine.

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may provide a method of disassembling the dispenser 10 (e.g., for cleaning or maintenance purposes) that may include: (a) opening the lid 26 to access the upper compartment 54, (b) separating the dispensing nozzle 110 from the aerator 106, (c) disengaging the retainer 165 from the pump 102, and (d) removing the pump 102 and aerator 106 from the upper compartment 54. In some embodiments, the pump 102 and aerator 106 may be removed from the upper compartment 54 together as an assembly.

[0050] Finally, the vertically stacked arrangement of the motor 86, heat sink 146, thermal conductor 142, product packaging 130, and fluid transfer assembly 78 allows the thermal conductor 142 and partition wall 62 to spatially separate the heat-generating components (i.e., the motor 86 and heat sink 146) from the temperature-controlled components in the upper compartment 54 along the axis 94. Furthermore, this vertically stacked arrangement saves a significant amount of space in the dispenser 10. For example, by locating the pump 102, mixing chamber 114, and / or stopper 118 in a common plane and / or vertically above the thermal conductor 142 (which itself is located vertically away from the plane of the motor 86), the dispenser 10 has a compact and efficient design. This efficiency is further enhanced by locating the product packaging 130 in a plane vertically away from the plane of the thermal conductor 142 and the plane of the pump 102, mixing chamber 114, and / or stopper 118. This space efficiency also reduces the energy necessary to maintain the components and product packaging 130 at a desired temperature that differs from the ambient temperature.

[0051] In some embodiments, to clean the dispenser 10, a package of cleaning solution having the same type of fitment 134 as the product package 130 can be coupled to the connection inlet 126. The dispenser 10 can then be operated in an automatic cleaning cycle in which the cleaning solution is pumped from the package and through the fluid transfer assembly 78. To enhance cleaning and disinfection, the temperature control assembly 82 can be operated to heat the heat conductor 142, thereby heating the cleaning solution and the fluid transfer assembly 78 by conduction.

[0052] Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of disassembling a dispenser comprising a first compartment configured to receive a product package and a pump configured to pump a product from the product package through an aerator to a dispensing nozzle, the method comprising: opening the lid to access the first compartment; separating the distribution nozzle from the aerator; disengaging the retainer from the pump; as well as Remove the pump and the aerator from the first compartment.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump and the aerator are removable from the first compartment as an assembly. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein removing the pump and the aerator comprises decoupling the pump from a motor.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the motor is supported in a second compartment of the dispenser separate from the first compartment.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump includes an inlet insertable into the product packaging, and wherein the method further comprises detaching the inlet from the pump.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a temperature control assembly having a temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the dispensing nozzle for heating or cooling the dispensing nozzle, the temperature control element comprising a thermally conductive plate defining an aperture, and wherein the method further comprises removing the dispensing nozzle from the aperture.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the distributor further comprises a plug that selectively couples the aerator to the distribution nozzle, and wherein removing the distribution nozzle from the aperture further comprises removing the plug and the distribution nozzle as an assembly.

8. A method of disassembling a dispenser comprising a first compartment configured to receive a product package and a pump configured to pump product from the product package through an aerator to a dispensing nozzle, the method comprising: separating the distribution nozzle from the aerator; decoupling the pump from the motor; as well as The pump and the aerator are removed as an assembly from the first compartment.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising disengaging a retainer from the pump.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising opening a lid to access the first compartment.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the motor is supported in a second compartment of the dispenser separate from the first compartment.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the pump includes an inlet insertable into the product packaging, and wherein the method further comprises detaching the inlet from the pump.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the dispenser further comprises a temperature control assembly having a temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the dispensing nozzle for heating or cooling the dispensing nozzle, the temperature control element comprising a thermally conductive plate defining an aperture, and wherein the method further comprises removing the dispensing nozzle from the aperture of the thermally conductive plate.

14. A method of assembling a dispenser comprising a first compartment configured to receive a product package and a pump configured to pump product from the product package through an aerator to a dispensing nozzle, the method comprising: inserting the pump and the aerator into the first compartment; engaging a retainer with the pump; attaching the distribution nozzle to the aerator; as well as Close the cover.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pump and the aerator are insertable into the first compartment as an assembly.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein inserting the pump and the aerator comprises attaching the pump to a motor.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the motor is supported within a second compartment of the dispenser separate from the first compartment.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the pump includes an inlet insertable into the product packaging, and the method further comprises attaching the inlet to the pump.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the dispenser further comprises a temperature control assembly having a temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the dispensing nozzle for heating or cooling the dispensing nozzle, the temperature control element comprising a thermally conductive plate defining an aperture, and wherein the method further comprises inserting the dispensing nozzle into the first compartment, wherein the dispensing nozzle extends through the aperture of the thermally conductive plate.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the dispenser further comprises a plug that selectively couples the aerator to the dispensing nozzle, and wherein inserting the dispensing nozzle into the first compartment further comprises inserting the plug and the dispensing nozzle as an assembly.

Images