A beverage pouring device

Abstract

A pouring device (10) for a disposable package of beverage, e.g. an aluminium can (C). The device includes upper and lower housing parts (11, 12) for enclosing the beverage package, which may, when coupled, have the appearance of a cocktail shaker. The upper part (11) seals to the package and houses a flow channel (24) and a piercing mechanism, e.g. with a cannula (20), configured for piercing the package. Activation of the piercing function is via rotation of a control element, e.g. a collar (15), and translation of that rotational motion of the collar into linear motion of the cannula (20). After piercing, the cannula may retract by action of a torsion spring primed by the activating turning motion. Furthermore, a lid (16) may pop up to open the flow channel for pouring by tilting the device. Electronics within the device may control a visual indicator, e.g. a strip of LEDs (19), to provide user feedback and prompt steps of use. An agitation means (23, 28 / 30) may be provided, proximate the flow channel, for encouraging dissolved gas out of solution in the beverage to facilitate a desirable head on the poured beverage.

Description

Technical field The present invention relates to a pouring device for a beverage, especially for pouring from a single serve package supplied in a sealed form, where the beverage is infused with a gas that is to be encouraged out of solution for forming a creamy head thereon. Background to the invention A gas infused beverage, such as stout beer (e.g. Guinness®), requires agitation at the time of dispense to form a desirable, creamy head. In a bar environment, beverage is delivered under pressure to a glass from a storage vessel with a multi-serve volume, such as a keg. The delivery line passes through a "creamer plate", i.e. a plurality of restricted apertures, where gas (for example, nitrogen) breaks out of solution and encourages further nucleation to form tiny bubbles. In the glass, after pouring, these bubbles rise to the surface and result in a desirable and characteristic creamy head. A known alternative foaming method, as may be incorporated into a device for home use, involves use of an ultrasonic transducer. In such a system the beverage is exposed to ultrasonic waves that cause agitation and, hence, formation of foam. WO2022180050 describes use of an ultrasonic transducer built into a pouring attachment device for a beverage container. The transducer, being located against a flow path of the beverage, causes agitation in the nitrogenated beverage such that when it reaches a glass, the poured beverage eventually settles and forms a desirable head. Further "bubbler" type devices, such as JP2018122892, are known for coupling to the opening end of an aluminium can package. A beverage, e.g. carbonated lager, is poured through the bubbler device where it is subjected to ultrasound, enhancing froth formation as it is delivered to a glass. The pour can drain the pack all at once, with ultrasound / foam applied by the press of a button when needed, or in multiple pours so long as carbon dioxide remains dissolved in the liquid. It is noteworthy that a "nitrogenated" or other gas-infused beverage as discussed herein often includes a mix of gases in solution, such as a mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. However, small bubbles and a creamy head are characteristic of the presence of particular gases (e.g. nitrogen) in an effective concentration. In recent times, a creamy head has become desirable in connection with other beverage types, such as cocktails. Therefore, a need has been identified for a pouring device that is suited to use with such beverages. Summary of the invention The present invention seeks to provide a pouring device that, in one form, is an evolution over known "bubbler" devices, suitable for re-use with a single unit pack of beverage, particularly a gas infused beverage. At least the invention will provide the public with an alternative delivery means for a beverage. In a broad aspect of the invention, a pouring device for a disposable or unit container / package of beverage is provided according to claim 1. A corresponding method is outlined by claim 18. Further features are described by the dependent claims. The embodiments disclosed herein are unified by a common inventive concept, namely provision of a package puncturing means that further enables pouring through a flow channel that may be configured for applying agitation / nucleation (e.g. by mechanical stirring and / or sonication), such that the device is particularly suited for delivering gas-infused beverages. The selection of beverage type is up to a user, but may at least include beer, cider or a ready to drink ("RTD") cocktail. The pouring device may consist of a sealed electronic assembly within a housing configured to securely enclose a beverage pack. During use / pouring, the pack may be sealed in communication with the flow channel to avoid unintended leakage. The pouring device incorporates a structure to pierce the package (e.g. a blank can end) and open communication with a flow channel for pouring. In one form, the piercing structure may be manually activated, e.g. by rotational / turning movement of an externally accessible annular wall portion, e.g. a collar. Rotational movement may be translated (e.g by a helical guide surface) into linear motion of a cannula or other sharp, needle-like, element which subsequently forms an opening in the package (e.g. through a blank can end). Other forms of gaining mechanical advantage for piercing, other than rotation, may be contemplated, such as over-centre-levers, etc. Indeed, piercing may be activated by direct manual force applied by the user, via a push button or palm operated arrangement directly acting to press down on a sharp piercing means, Accordingly, the present invention may not be limited to precise details of the mechanism to activate piercing. The diameter of the opening should be such as to achieve a desirable flow velocity. A suitable diameter of opening formed into the package may be 8 to 18 mm, e.g. 12 mm, but could be larger. The cannula may be retracted via a resilient member, e.g. a torsion spring tightened by rotation of the activation control (annular portion) in an activation direction when puncturing the package. The activation direction could be clockwise or anti clockwise. In embodiments, the activation control is configured to return to a starting point when release by a user; i.e. it is the action of the user releasing the activation control (and the activation control then returning to its original position - as a result of the torsion spring) that causes the piercing element to retract. In other words, rotation of the activation control in one direction causes extension / lowering of the cannula (to engage with the can end for piercing), while rotation (either automatic via a spring or manually) of the activation control in the opposite direction causes retraction / raising of the piercing element. In a particular form, the device housing is a closeable container, e.g. resembling a cocktail shaker. The sealed unit package of beverage may be inserted / loaded into a first body part of the housing to enclose a first portion thereof, while a second body part of the housing encloses a second portion of the package. The container parts may be fitted together with mating threaded surfaces. The action of closing the container preferably couples, via a seal, the sealed beverage package with the pouring channel of the device at the upper part of the closeable container. The device housing may take various forms, such as an elongate sleeve that substantially encloses the side walls of a disposable beverage package inserted from one end of the housing. In this way, the single use beverage package (such as an aluminium can) may not be fully enclosed on all sides. Indeed a window / opening may be provided in a side of the dispenser housing so that the package is at least partially visible. The device described herein at least encloses a pierced opened end of the can / package and facilitates a flow path to an outlet end. As mentioned, the device may seal to the can end, e.g. by virtue of an o-ring seal or the like, such that tilting the device (and package fixed therewithin) allows the liquid to be poured into a glass via the flow path / outlet without leakage in any other direction. In one form a vent to atmosphere is provided, e.g. distant to the outlet / nozzle, for venting the container volume to atmosphere. In one form, at least part of the device assembly is fully sealed against moisture ingress and houses an electronic circuit. The electronics may be associated with an agitation means, e.g. an ultrasonic transducer / actuator or motorised propeller / impeller / stirrer able to cause agitation of beverage flowing into / through the pouring channel. In the case of an ultrasonic device, a surface thereof preferably contacts (e.g. by an adhesive) the wall of a resonance chamber / flow path such that, while pouring, ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the wall of the chamber to the beverage flowing inside. This has the effect of breaking the dissolved gas out of solution simultaneously with pouring of the beverage into a vessel. Subsequent flow through the flow path toward an outlet, downstream of agitation, is relatively smooth to mitigate large bubble formation. Ultrasonic transmittance may be direct to the flow path / beverage or indirect via an intermediate structure. In the case of a motorised agitation means, such a motorised agitation device may be located at an inlet end to the flow path, proximate the pierced / formed opening of the beverage package / unit. In this way, beverage passing into the flow path is agitated, encouraging gas out of solution and the formation of fine bubbles. However, as above, subsequent flow through the flow path toward an outlet, downstream of agitation, is relatively smooth to mitigate large bubble formation. In embodiments, the inlet to the flow path may comprise or be through a perforated wall, i.e. a partition of many apertures. There may be a specific pattern of perforations for flow control. The motorised agitation means, e.g. impeller, may draw beverage through the perforation which controls agitation in a way that produces desirable head formation. It is likely that the apertures may be specific to the shape and dimension of the propeller / impeller. As mentioned, a perforation pattern controls and regulates the liquid flow into the resonance chamber / flow path, and past the agitation device. In preferred forms, the beverage path after agitation and onwards to the delivery vessel consists of a smooth walled conduit to generally minimise turbulence. In the production of a creamy head, it has been found desirable to minimise turbulence because this produces consistency and small bubbles in the head that ultimately forms in the glass. Undue turbulence at the pouring end, by contrast, results in inconsistency, larger bubbles and a head that is poorly formed and / or more quickly collapses. In a particular embodiment, the beverage outlet includes a closure element. The closure may be a pop-up lid with a flow path facing engagement surface that moves toward and away from the outlet to perform a closing and opening operation respectively. Operation of the closure may be manual or as a step in an automated dispense procedure, i.e. the closure may open the outlet for beverage flow therefrom after a piercing element has formed an opening into the sealed package and / or has subsequently retracted. In one form, the flow path / channel downstream of the inlet has a relatively planar cross section, e.g. a letterbox or square cross section. The channel may smoothly transition to an outlet end whereupon, at a closure end, it may be directed in another direction, such as perpendicularly to the substantive flow path. As mentioned, a design consideration of the flow channel is to minimise turbulence while ensuring sufficient agitation proximate the inlet. A narrowed outlet, compared to upstream sections of the flow channel, slows flow to increase contact time between the beverage and the agitation means. According to an expression of the invention, a pouring device for enclosing a disposable beverage package is provided. The device comprises: a housing for substantially enclosing at least a dispense end of the beverage package. A coupling feature can be provided for coupling to an end of the package. A flow channel can be defined by an inlet, for location proximate to the dispense end of the package. An outlet can be provided, distal from the dispense end of the package. A piercing mechanism can be configured for activation when the disposable beverage package is enclosed in the housing. In this way, the disposable beverage package is first located into and / or surrounded by the housing, e.g. secured thereinto, before a piercing mechanism is activated which forms an opening into the beverage package (which will be pressurised by dissolved gas). Beverage can then be poured by tilting the housing and enabling beverage to flow through the flow channel under gravity toward a vessel. In a particular form, beverage is subjected to agitation within or at the inlet to the flow channel, however, the piercing aspect can operate independently of agitation. In a particular form, the piercing mechanism is activated through a mechanical advantage, i.e. where a user's manual input is amplified and / or translated to enable piercing of a sealed package wall. Preferably, the user's input simultaneously activates any electronic features of the device. In embodiments, the coupling feature comprises a sealing element for sealing an end of the beverage package into communication with the flow channel. It is noteworthy that the common inventive concept of the various embodiments described herein generally revolves around a pour facilitating device that serves as an enclosure for a disposable beverage package, and provides an internally operable means to form an opening through a wall (e.g. an end) of the package to deliver beverage therefrom through a flow path and into a drinking vessel. Pouring steps may be automated and / or indicated by a visual prompt. The visual prompt may comprise a lighting sequence or display. The visual display / prompt may additionally or alternatively be used to indicate charging status to a user (e.g., blinking green light may indicate recharging is in process; solid green light indicates recharging is complete; blinking red light indicates battery is low; and blinking orange light indicates error). Such a visual display may function independently of the piercing mechanism of the invention. In other words, providing a visual display / prompt for a user in the context of a pouring device is an independent invention from the specific embodiments described herein, such as comprising a mechanism activated through mechanical advantage (e.g. rotatable collar) to activate / move a cannula. In various forms, actuation of the piercing mechanism may be achieved by motorised means or physical manipulation of the device. For example, an externally accessible annular member (i.e. activation control in the form of a collar) may be turned to engage the piercing element into the package. The piercing element may be withdrawn to open communication to the flow channel and / or include a hollow section to form part of the flow path. A coupling feature of the pouring device, e.g. that integrates a sleeve and / or seal for coupling with a beverage pack, may be a fixed size (e.g. diameter) or, in alternative forms, be configured to couple with a range of beverage pack sizes / diameters. The pouring device disclosed herein enables a user to pour smaller volumes than the full volume of the package for consumption, such as a "half-pint" from a pint package (a "pint" being approximately 0.57 L in metric units). Smaller volumes are envisaged, such as 250mL suitable for a pre-mixed cocktail. Any remaining beverage can be poured at a later time and still successfully foam, so long as gas remains in solution. The beverage may be a premix or component of a cocktail, beer, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage products / analogues. Pouring from a device according to the present disclosure is intuitive to use and easy to control, resulting in a high-quality dispense and, where agitation is applied, excellent head formation. These factors combine to create an improved experience for the consumer compared to other known approaches. Furthermore, the pouring device is especially suited to nitrogenated or other gas infused beverages. After use, the used / empty package is easily removed from the device housing for loading with a next package or for cleaning of the device. The package, e.g. aluminium beverage can, being substantially one material and preferably not including a plastic insert, is easily recyclable. To aid cleaning of the device, some parts may be removeable from the assembly and cleaned. The remaining electronic assembly is preferably sealed to IP67 standards, and so can be easily cleaned under a running tap without risk of damage. In forms of the device utilising motorisation and / or ultrasound, rechargeable NiMh cells may be installed that can be easily charged via a common USB port. Such a port preferably has a waterproof rubber cover. By its nature the device is reusable and, with energy saving considerations, agitation may be activated to create a head on dozens of pours before recharge is needed. Energy can be conserved, for example, by using pulsed agitation spread over a period of time to create a consistent pour of liquid. Other variants may allow for a manual switch to allow for different pouring effects, foam / head depths, and length. Compared to a mains-powered "surger" device where ultrasound must travel through several layers (e.g. a metal platform, pooled water, thick glass base, beverage), a pouring device according to the invention consumes a fraction of the energy. The device described herein may be particularly adapted for encouraging a chain reaction of bubble nucleation in beverages infused with nitrogen or other gases for production of a smooth, creamy head. However, the apparatus can be employed as an alternative to known bubbler devices that foam carbonated beverages. Indeed, the package-enclosing housing with in-built piercing function is not limited to use with gas infused beverages requiring pouring of a creamy head. Brief description of the drawings Figures 1 to 4 illustrate front, side, rear and perspective external views of a general embodiment of pouring device according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 illustrates a section view showing internal detail of the device according to a first embodiment, being an embodiment capable of providing agitation means by sonication (such as through the incorporation of an ultrasonic transducer / actuator); Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a series of section views showing internal detail and outlining sequential steps for use of the device according to a first embodiment; Figure 9 illustrates a perspective section view of the first embodiment; Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative agitation means according to a second embodiment, being an embodiment capable of providing agitation through mechanical agitation by incorporation of a motorised propeller / impeller / stirrer and / or apertured plate; Figure 12 illustrates a view of the inlet chamber into a flow channel of the second embodiment; and Figures 13 to 15 illustrate a series of section views showing internal detail and outlining sequential steps for use of the device according to the second embodiment. Detailed description of the invention The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all components, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" may be used for convenience of explanation, usually with reference to the illustrations, and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension, orientation and / or direction. The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination to have advantages over prior art. Figures 1 to 4 show external views of a general embodiment of pouring device according to the present disclosure. Particularly, the device 10 may be embodied by a reusable housing configured for receiving a separate disposable beverage package to be accommodated therewithin (not visible). The housing may be comprised of two separable, upper 11 and lower 12, parts which couple together, e.g. by a screw thread, to enclose the beverage package. The join between parts 11,12 is designated 13. A base 14 may be flat for standing upright on a tabletop surface. The lower part 12 may substantially accommodate the beverage package, while upper part 11 may house mechanisms and / or electronics for operating the pouring features described hereinafter. Certain components required for operation are externally visible such as a twistable activation control / ring / section 15 (which may comprise surface features to facilitate manual gripping thereof), a lid 16, an outlet closure 17, and charging port 18 (e.g. USB-C). Also visible is a thin strip 19 where a visual indicator such as LED lighting may be located. The strip 19 may be activated to provide visual prompts during operation. Referring to Figures 5, internal detail of a first embodiment is visible. For example, the lower part 12 and base 14 of the housing may be coupled by a screw thread which is either permanently fixed or only decoupled for cleaning etc. Lower part 12 and base 14 securely hold a sealed package (e.g. a 250mL slimline beverage can C) in place which includes a blank can end B. In alternate forms, can end B may be provided with a weakened wall portion or other features to facilitate piercing. Can end B may be a conventional pull tab where the piercing means is configured to puncture a blank part of the wall or form, by a blunt ram, an opening by utlising a pre-existing mouth shape scored into the end (e.g. without lifting the pull tab). In this way, the term "piercing means" may be analogous and interchangeable with a general "hole-forming means." Upper housing 11 comprises / houses a mechanical piercing feature (e.g. cannula 20), a package seal 21 (e.g. an annular wipe seal), control electronics (e.g. PCB 22), transducer 23 (e.g. for activating gas-infused beverage), liquid flow path 24 (e.g. for regulating / controlling flow during a pour), top cover / lid 16 (e.g. for enabling an open / pouring function), activation control 15 (e.g. for activating the cannula 20 and switching on electronically controlled aspects), illumination elements 19 (e.g. for providing user feedback and prompts), charging port 18 (e.g. a USB-C format or equivalent socket) and one or more air vents 25 (e.g. for pressure equalisation and controlling the speed of liquid flow). Features and associated function of the device are best understood by reference to a method of its use. A suggested sequence of use for the first embodiment is outlined with reference to Figures 5 to 8 and the following steps: Step 1.1 (Figures) • Place a sealed beverage package C with a blank can end B into the lower part 12 and base housing 14; • Secure the upper part 11 to the lower part 12 of the housing through the coupling of their respective screw threads to form a closed container. In this state, a beverage package C is securely housed within the device 10, which may have an external appearance analogous to a cocktail shaker. Step 1.2 (Figure 6) • Manually rotating the activation control 15, e.g. in a clockwise direction, may engage the control electronics, i.e. functions as a switch; • Halo illumination 19 may be configured to flash intermittently indicating a "ready" state. It is noteworthy that activation control 15 may be in the form of an annular sleeve / moveable sidewall / collar of the device which rotates about a central longitudinal axis. While activation control 15 turns about an axis, other external wall parts of the device remain static, e.g. an uppermost portion 26. Step 1.3 (Figure 7) • Continued rotation (e.g. through 90 degrees) of the activation control 15 may mechanically engage the cannula 20 to pierce the blank can end B; • Halo Illumination 19 may flash repeatedly to indicate an "in use" state. Mechanical advantage enabling actuation of the cannula 20 may be achieved by engagement of an internal surface of activation control 15 with a helical surface feature (i.e. screw thread) associated with the cannula or its mounting structure. For example, rotationa movement (that is otherwise spatially fixed along the longitudinal axis) of activation control 15 causes a translation to linear motion of the cannula 20 along the longitudinal axis and toward can end B. Step 1.4 (Figures) • Once the cannula 20 has pierced the blank can end B it may retract, e.g. release of the activation control 15 by the user allows the activation control to return to its original position, causing the cannula 20 to retract automatically via a torsion spring (not visible) that is tensioned during manual rotation of the control 15; • Lid 16 opens, away from uppermost portion 26, which correspondingly opens a liquid flow path to outlet 17 indicated by dotted directional arrows; • Illumination 19 may be fully solid indicating the unit is ready to pour; • Upon tilting the device with outlet 17 pointing toward a receiving vessel (e.g. glass), liquid is able to flow via the liquid flow path 24, past transducer 23 which has been energised according to the control electronics, optionally in response to the tilting motion; • It is noteworthy that vent 25 enables equalizing airflow into a volume above and within the package C and effectively controls the speed of the pour and / or mitigates any "glugging" which might affect smooth pouring and bubble formation. Lid 16 may "pop-up" automatically under spring loading, e.g. when released at the end of the activating rotational movement of control 15. In a case where the beverage is infused with a dissolved gas, transducer 23 excites the liquid in the flow path 24 and encourages nucleation / bubbles out of solution. Such nucleation is propagated during the pour and continues in the poured beverage. At least part of the flow path may be designated a resonance chamber. The user may finish pouring when the package is empty or at any desirable time. If empty, the illumination may indicate such a state, i.e. flash red for "empty" or the like. The device is returned to an upright position. Lid 16 may be pressed back down and held with a latch or like element (not shown), loading a spring element for future use. The container 10 may be twisted open, i.e. separating parts 11 and 12, to expose spent package C for substituting with a replacement sealed package or for cleaning of the device. All electronics are reset for next use. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of internal detail in accordance with the first embodiment, except that an alternative form of seal 21 is shown, specifically a compression seal that is sandwiched between a rim of the beverage package and an annular ledge of the device itself. Force applied during closing (e.g. via screw threaded mating parts) enables the housing to maintain a seal and prevents leakage into the lower portion 12 of the housing or out of the join 13 in the housing wall. Figures 10 to 15 show a second embodiment / variation of pouring device 10 where the agitation method does not require a transducer 23. Instead, agitation is achieved by fluid movement through a perforated partition 30 at the inlet and / or mechanical agitation (such as through the action of a motorised propeller / impeller / stirrer 28). Figures 10 and 11 respectively show an example of a rotatable agitator 28 and perforated wall 30 which may be fitted across an opening to the flow channel 24 shown in Figure 12. In this way, spinning of agitator 28 may draw beverage through the openings in wall 30 and encourage dissolved gas out of solution. Wall 30 may be a part that is removeable for cleaning or replacement. As above, with reference to Figures 13 to 15, a suggested sequence / method of use best highlights functional aspects and features. Components in common with the first embodiment are labelled with the same reference numerals and steps 1 and 2 are analogous in both embodiments. The main difference is, instead of transducer 23, adoption of the propeller / impeller 28 driven by a motor 29 for affecting flow through the perforated wall 30. The propeller / impeller or agitator may have two functions: (i) to draw liquid through the perforated wall; and / or (ii) to agitate the liquid mechanically. A suggested sequence of use for the second embodiment may be as follows: Step 2.1 • Place a sealed beverage package C with a blank can end B into the base 14 and / or lower part 12; • Secure the upper part 11 of the housing onto the lower part 12 through the coupling of their respective screw threads to form a closed container. In this state, analogous to the first embodiment, a beverage package C is securely housed within the device 10, which may have the external appearance of a cocktail shaker. Step 2.2 (Figure 13) • Manually rotating the activation control 15, e.g. in a clockwise direction, may engage the control electronics, i.e. functions as a switch; • Halo illumination 19 may be configured to flash intermittently indicating a "ready" state. Step 2.3 (Figure 14) • Continued rotation (e.g. through 90 degrees) of the activation control 15 may mechanically engage the cannula 20 to pierce the blank can end B; • Halo illumination 19 may flash repeatedly to indicate an "in use" state. Step 2.4 (Figure 15) • Once the cannula 20 has pierced the blank can end B it may retract, e.g. release of the activation control 15 by the user allows the activation control to return to its original position, causing the cannula 20 to retract automatically by action of a torsion spring loaded with tension during manual turning of control 15; • Lid 16 opens, away from uppermost portion 26, which correspondingly opens a liquid flow path to outlet 17 indicated by dotted directional arrows. It is notable that the lid may preferably pop up when the cannula is fully extended, which lets a user know that the can has been pierced; • Illumination 19 may be fully solid indicating the unit is ready to pour; • Upon tilting the device with outlet 17 pointing toward a receiving vessel (e.g. glass), liquid is able to flow via the liquid flow path 24 toward a vessel (not visible); • Propeller / impeller / stirrer 28 is activated according to the control electronics (optionally in response to tilting) and beverage passes (or is drawn) through the perforated wall 30 (defining a liquid chamber 31 above the package C) and the propeller / impeller / stirrer 28, thereby influencing liquid flow and bubble formation; • Particularly, liquid is agitated before or as it passes through the liquid flow path 24 for subsequent dispense. • It is noteworthy that vent 25 enables pressure equalizing airflow into the volume 31 above and within the package C and effectively controls the speed of the pour and / or mitigates any "glugging" which might affect smooth pouring and bubble formation. It will be apparent from the foregoing that the first and second embodiments are configured to obtain analogous results, i.e. provision of a sealed package-holding device that has a user-operable internal piercing mechanism for enabling a controlled pour. Optionally, the device may include an agitation means such as an ultrasonic transducer and / or mechanical device (e.g. propeller / pump and creamer plate type arrangement). By way of summary, the embodiment(s) described herein outlines a pouring device for a disposable package of beverage, e.g. an aluminium can. The device includes upper and lower housing parts for enclosing the beverage package which may, when coupled, have the appearance of a cocktail shaker. The upper part seals with the package proximate where it will be punctured and houses a flow channel and a piercing mechanism, e.g. a cannula, configured for piercing the package. Activation of the piercing function is via rotation of a control element, e.g. a collar, and translation of that rotational motion into linear motion of the cannula. After piercing, the cannula may retract by action of a torsion spring primed by the activating turning motion. Furthermore, a lid may pop up to open the flow channel for pouring into a glass by tilting the device. Electronics within the device may control a visual indicator, e.g. a strip of LEDs, to provide user feedback and prompt steps of use. An agitation means may be provided, proximate the flow channel, for encouraging dissolved gas out of solution in the beverage to facilitate a desirable head on the poured beverage. It is notable that the mechanical agitation approach, i.e. motorised agitator and / or 5 apertured plate, described herein may function independently as an invention from the first aspect where an internal piercing means is activated after a package is securely enclosed by a housing. As such, a pouring device may be provided which comprises: a device for attaching to a beverage package, e.g. to an end of a cannister, wherein the device provides a flow path between an inlet and an outlet; and a mechanical agitation means to cause 10 localised agitation to beverage flowing through the flow channel and encourage dissolved gas out of solution. The agitation means may be located within or at an entrance to the flow path. 15

Claims

1. A pouring device for a disposable beverage package comprising:a housing for enclosing at least a dispense end of the beverage package;a flow channel defined by an inlet, for location proximate to the dispense end of the package, and an outlet, distal from the dispense end of the package;a piercing mechanism configured for piercing the dispense end when the disposable beverage package is enclosed in the housing; andan activation control for activating the piercing mechanism.

2. The pouring device of claim 1, wherein the housing substantially encloses the beverage package in its entirety.

3. The pouring device of claim 2, wherein the housing is comprised of:an upper part enclosing the flow channel and piercing mechanism; and a lower part enclosing a base end of the package;wherein the upper and lower parts are separable for access to load and unload a beverage package.

4. The pouring device of any preceding claim, wherein the activation control is externally accessible by a user.

5. The pouring device of any preceding claim, wherein the activation control applies, through the piercing mechanism, a mechanical advantage to increase and / or translate a force provided by a user.

6. The pouring device of any preceding claim, wherein the activation control is comprised of a rotatable collar and the piercing mechanism is configured to translate rotational movement of the collar into linear movement of a sharp element for puncturing the dispense end of the package.

7. The pouring device of claim 6, wherein the rotatable collar is spring-biased to reverse the rotational movement and retract the sharp element from the dispense end of the punctured package.

8. The pouring device of any preceding claim, wherein the activation control additionally activates an electronic circuit.

9. The pouring device of claim 8, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a visual indicator.

10. The pouring device of claim 9, wherein the indicator comprises a lighting sequence or display.

11. The pouring device of any preceding claim, further comprising a coupling feature for coupling the inlet of the flow channel to the dispense end of the package.

12. The pouring device of claim 11, wherein the coupling feature comprises a sealing element for sealing against a side wall of the package, thereby facilitating communication between the dispense end and the flow channel.

13. The pouring device of any preceding claim, further comprising an agitator for encouraging a dissolved gas out of solution at a location within or at the inlet to the flow channel.

14. The pouring device of claim 13, wherein the agitator comprises an ultrasonic wave generator device.

15. The pouring device of claim 13, wherein the agitator comprises a perforated wall and / or a rotatable element / pump for facilitating directional flow and / or mechanical agitation of the liquid.

16. The pouring device of any preceding claim, further comprising a lid with closure features that interface with the outlet to form a closure thereof.

17. The pouring device of claim 16, wherein the lid is spring biased to pop up to disengage the closure features.

18. The pouring device of claim 17, wherein the lid is configured to pop up following activation of the piercing mechanism.

19. A method of dispensing beverage from a disposable package, comprising steps of: loading a disposable beverage package into the housing of a pouring device, the pouring device being comprised of a piercing mechanism configured for piercing a wall of the disposable beverage package and a flow channel configured for directing beverage flow from the package toward an outlet; andactivating the piercing mechanism to pierce the wall of the disposable beverage package inside the housing.

20. The method of dispensing beverage according to claim 19, wherein activation of the piercing mechanism comprises rotating a collar and translating rotational movement to linear movement of a sharp element toward the package.

21. The method of dispensing beverage according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a spring biased element to retract the sharp element from the wall of the punctured package.

22. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 21, wherein loading comprises interfacing a seal element of the device with a surface of the package.

23. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 22, comprising opening a lid of the pouring device.

24. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 23, comprising tilting the pouring device and pouring beverage through the flow channel into a receiving vessel.

25. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 24, comprising applying agitation to the beverage at an inlet to or within the flow channel.

26. The method of dispensing beverage according to claim 25, wherein the agitation is providing by ultrasonic waves and / or a perforated surface and / or a rotatable element / pump for facilitating directional flow and / or mechanical agitation of the liquid.

27. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 26, comprising providing user feedback in the form of a visual prompt.

28. The method of dispensing beverage according to claim 27, wherein the visual prompt comprises a lighting sequence or display.

29. The method of dispensing beverage according to any preceding claim 19 to 28, comprising removing an empty beverage package from the housing for loading with a next package or for cleaning of the pouring device.

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