Multi-directional tap handle for beverage dispensing system

Abstract

A beverage dispenser assembly (1) comprising a dispense head (2) having a tap handle (10) and a valve (8) arranged in the dispense head for controlling the flow of beverage from a beverage tube (9). The tap handle is configured to be tilted in at least two mutually exclusive directions from a non-dispensing position (P1) to a dispensing position (P2) to open the valve. The tap handle may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis (11) in the non-dispensing position. The dispensing of beverage may be limited to certain operating angles (A) within which the tap handle can be tilted. Between these operating angles there exists a non-operating angle (B) within which the tap handle cannot be tilted.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present disclosure) relates to a beverage dispensing system for providing beverages, and more particularly, to a beverage dispenser assembly having a tap handle for dispensing a beverage stored in a beverage tank from multiple directions.

[0002] Known beverage dispensing systems intended for commercial or personal use, such as the DraughtMaster system manufactured by the present applicant, are described, for example, in WO 2007 / 019848, WO 2007 / 019849, WO 2007 / 019850, WO 2007 / 019851 and WO 2007 / 019853.

[0003] Beverage dispensing systems are commonly used in beverage serving establishments to efficiently dispense large quantities of beverages, including carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draft beer and cider, non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, and non-carbonated beverages such as wine and fruit juice. Beverage dispensing systems are primarily used by commercial users such as bars, restaurants, and hotels, but are increasingly being used by private users in private homes as well.

[0004] Some beverage dispensing systems, such as the DraughtMaster system mentioned above, use a lightweight, collapsible, disposable beverage tank or beverage keg to contain the beverage and a pressurized system to enable the beverage to be forced from the beverage tank or keg to a dispensing system such as a dispense head. The collapsible beverage tank is typically made of a thin, flexible plastic material and may be in the form of a plastic bag. Beverage dispensing systems that use a collapsible beverage keg may have the beverage keg located or positioned within a pressure chamber.

[0005] To perform a dispense operation, the tap handle is typically tilted towards an operator, such as a bartender, which applies pressure to the pressure chamber. The applied pressure forces the beverage from the beverage keg into a beverage dispense line leading to the dispense head. The tap handle is typically associated with a tap valve and controls the beverage dispense operation. Typically the tap handle is part of a draft tower installed in the establishment, or, when using a smaller beverage dispensing system, such as a DraughtMaster, the tap handle is typically attached to the housing of the beverage dispensing system, typically mounted in front of the keg so that it is easily accessible to the operator to pour the beverage.

[0006] In many cases where there is limited space on the bar or cafe counter, the beverage dispensing system may have to be positioned with the tap handle beside the keg rather than in front of it, i.e., to the right or left of the keg. In such cases, it may be difficult to use the tap handle to dispense beverages in a traditional manner, as it cannot be offset relative to the operator. It may also be desirable to be able to easily operate the beverage dispensing system from both inside and outside the counter, or from different sides of a table.

[0007] To address these needs, tap handles require operators to use positions that are uncomfortable for the operator, which places additional strain on the operator as well as the tap handle, and may lead to malfunctions or damage to the tap handle over time. Furthermore, operating tap handles in an uncomfortable position may lead to accidents in home and business environments.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a beverage dispensing system in which the tap handle for a particular beverage can be comfortably and safely operated from any angle and which can be reliably used for extended periods of time without the need to replace or modify its operating mechanism.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved beverage dispensing system that allows for the dispensing of beverages from multiple angles.

[0010] These and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementations will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided a beverage dispenser assembly for dispensing a beverage, the beverage dispenser assembly comprising a dispense head supported by a draft tower or supportable by a body of a beverage dispensing system, the dispense head comprising a valve configured to control a flow of beverage through the dispense head and a tap handle coupled to the valve for controlling opening and closing thereof, the tap handle being operable between a non-dispensing position in which the valve is closed and a dispensing position in which the valve is at least partially open, the tap handle being further configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tap handle relative to the dispense head in the non-dispensing position and to be tiltable from the non-dispensing position in at least two mutually non-opposing directions to assume the dispensing position of the valve.

[0012] The beverage dispenser assembly according to this concept allows the beverage dispensing system to be comfortably operated from multiple angles for dispensing a particular type of beverage, thereby ensuring the safety of the user and avoiding undesirable working positions that may lead to accidents in home or professional environments. Also, a tap handle operable in the disclosed manner can prevent malfunctions or breakage of the tap handle caused by eccentric or sudden forces that may occur in uncomfortable operating positions.

[0013] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the tap handle is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis between a plurality of operating angles at which the tap handle is tiltable and a plurality of non-operating angles located between the plurality of operating angles and at which the tap handle is not tiltable.

[0014]

[0003] In some embodiments, the plurality of steering angles are evenly radially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of non-operating angles cover a range of 0° to 180°, more preferably a range of 45° to 90°.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of steering angles includes a first steering angle and a second steering angle disposed substantially 90 degrees from the first steering angle.

[0017] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the tap handle is configured to tilt about a pivot axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tap handle to transition between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pivot is a needle insert disposed in the tap handle.

[0019] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the dispense head comprises an actuator mechanism coupled to the tap handle so as to cooperate with the tap handle and coupled to the valve so as to cooperate with the valve, the actuator mechanism being configured to convert movement of the tap handle between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position into movement for changing the valve between closed and open states.

[0020] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the actuator mechanism includes a valve engaging element configured to open and close the valve, and a mechanical linkage configured to convert tilting of the tap handle about the pivot axis into translational motion of the valve engaging element.

[0021] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the actuator mechanism is connected to the tap handle via a joint having at least one rotational degree of freedom to enable rotation of the tap handle about the longitudinal axis relative to the valve engagement element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the joint is a pivot joint, hi other embodiments, the joint is a torsion joint.

[0023] In one further implementation of the first approach, the dispense head comprises a motion conversion means for converting pivotal motion of the tap handle between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position into reciprocating motion of the valve engagement element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the motion converter is a cam, a crank, or an eccentric element. The eccentric element may be an eccentric disk, an eccentric ball, or the like.

[0025] In one example of a further implementation of the first aspect, the motion conversion means is configured as part of the tap handle or the actuator mechanism and includes a pivot pin for pivotally connecting the tap handle and the actuator mechanism around the pivot axis.

[0026] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the motion conversion means includes a yoke configured to engage the pivot pin.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tap handle is a replaceable tap handle, and the top of the yoke is provided with a threaded portion that corresponds to a threaded hole in the tap handle, so that the tap handle can be easily removed by rotating it in the direction of the threads and a new one can be installed when required by rotating it in the opposite direction.

[0028] In another example of an implementation of the first approach, the tap handle has a curved surface and the actuator mechanism has a cable having one end fixed to the tap handle and extending from the curved surface, the curved surface being positioned to rest on a contact surface of the dispense head with the cable connected to the valve or the valve engaging element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cable is any object that is bendable or flexible but capable of exerting (or transmitting) axial tension, and may be any of, or other, a string, strap, rope, wire, cord, line, or tether.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cable is fixedly mounted or embedded in the tap handle, in other embodiments the cable is movably mounted within the tap handle, in other embodiments the cable is removably mounted within the tap handle.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cable is oriented concentrically with the longitudinal axis of the tap handle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tap handle comprises a tap handle hole terminating in a tap handle cavity, the tap handle hole having a smaller diameter than the tap handle cavity, the cable being partially disposed within the tap handle hole, and the cable being connected at one end to a stopper element rotatably disposed within the tap handle cavity.

[0033] In some embodiments, the stopper element is a knot, a ball, a disk, or an at least partially cylindrical object, and the tap handle cavity has an at least partially cylindrical, preferably spherical, inner surface configured to allow rotational movement of the stopper element but not translational movement.

[0034] In some embodiments, the curved surface is dome-shaped. In other embodiments, the curved surface is curved in only one direction to provide an angle that is easy to manipulate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the curved surface of the motion conversion means, the yoke, or the tap handle has a first flat surface configured to abut a corresponding second flat surface of the dispense head to provide mechanical stability to the tap handle in the non-dispensing position.

[0036] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the tap handle and the cable are configured such that translational movement of the cable caused by tilting the tap handle from the non-dispensing position, in which the tap handle is substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, to the dispensing position results in an opening movement of the valve, and moving the tap handle back from an angle other than perpendicular to the contact surface surrounding an opening toward the perpendicular angle results in a closing movement of the valve.

[0037] In some embodiments, the opening motion of the valve is a translational motion. In other embodiments, the opening motion of the valve is a rotational motion.

[0038] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the beverage dispenser assembly further comprises an elastic element arranged between the tap handle and the valve or between the tap handle and the valve engagement element and configured to bias the tap handle towards the non-dispensing position.

[0039] In some embodiments, the resilient element is a helical spring. In other embodiments, the resilient element is a spring clip. In other embodiments, the resilient element is a torsion spring.

[0040] In one further implementation of the first aspect, the valve comprises a valve body having a valve seat configured to cooperate with a valve needle, the valve body configured to move relative to the valve needle, thereby controlling opening and closing of the valve.

[0041] In some embodiments, the valve further comprises a spout for dispensing the beverage to a person receiving the beverage, the valve needle being disposed within the spout and the valve body being configured to move relative to the spout, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0042] In one example of a further implementation of the first approach, the valve includes a retaining element configured to keep the valve needle in contact with the valve seat when the valve body is not within the dispense head, thereby keeping the valve closed.

[0043] According to a second aspect, there is provided a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage dispenser assembly according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, said beverage dispensing system configured to receive at least one keg for containing a beverage, wherein said at least one keg has a closure having a beverage outlet.

[0044] The beverage dispensing system is configured to receive at least one beverage delivery line having a keg connection end that connects to the beverage outlet and a delivery end, the valve being connected to the beverage delivery line at the delivery end.

[0045] In one example implementation of the second approach, at least one of the keg, the valve and the drinking line are replaceable.

[0046] In some embodiments, the beverage tube is replaced together with the corresponding keg.

[0047] In one example of a further implementation of the second approach, the beverage dispensing system comprises a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the at least one keg and a lid at least partially removable from the receptacle, the receptacle together with the lid defining a sealable housing that functions as a pressure chamber for pressurizing the at least one keg.

[0048] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system comprises a compressor for pressurizing the at least one keg in the sealable enclosure, said compressor preferably being an air compressor.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one replaceable keg is a collapsible keg, adapted to at least partially collapse upon application of pressure to the sealable enclosure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the beverage line includes a beverage line connector disposed at the discharge end, and the valve includes a valve body including a valve seat and a valve connector, the valve connector configured to connect the valve body to the beverage line connector.

[0051] In some embodiments, the beverage line connector comprises a circular flange disposed around the outlet end of the beverage line and has an annular groove that enables the beverage line connector to cooperate with a corresponding circumferential recess in a valve connector of the valve body.

[0052] In some embodiments, the at least one keg is a dual-walled keg having a beverage bag inside an outer shell, and is configured such that pressurized fluid from a compressor can enter an interior space between the shell and the beverage bag.

[0053] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system comprises a cooling device for chilling the at least one keg and the beverage contained therein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the beverage is beer, a carbonated malt beverage (including non-alcoholic beer), or a cider.

[0055] These and other aspects will become more apparent from the examples described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] Various aspects, embodiments and implementations are described in detail below with reference to example embodiments illustrated in the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly with a tap handle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a detailed cross-section of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly with a tap handle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a detailed cross-section of a portion of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a three-dimensional cutaway front view of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly with a tap handle according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a beverage dispensing system including a beverage dispenser assembly and a replaceable keg, according to an embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system including a beverage dispenser assembly and a tap handle, according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of a beverage dispenser system including a beverage dispenser assembly and a tap handle according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing system having a tap handle and a replaceable keg according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing system having a tap handle and a replaceable keg according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A-13C show examples for implementing a threaded connection between a yoke and an interchangeable tap handle in some embodiments. Detailed explanation

[0057] 1 illustrates a dispense head 2 of a beverage dispenser assembly 1 for providing a beverage, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The dispensed beverage may be, for example, beer, a carbonated malt-based beverage, including non-alcoholic beer, or cider.

[0058] An exemplary beverage dispenser assembly 1 suitable for use with a dispense head 2 is illustrated in Figures 6 to 10. The dispense head 2 may be supported by a draft tower 5, as shown in Figure 6, or by the body 6 of the beverage dispensing system, as shown in Figure 10. In embodiments such as Figure 10, instead of using a draft tower, the dispense head 2 may be mounted directly to a housing that holds the beverage tank.

[0059] The dispense head 2 has a front face facing away from the draft tower 5 or body, an opposing rear face, and a valve cavity. The valve cavity is preferably located near the spout of the dispense head 2, more preferably at the front face of the dispense head 2, and is configured to receive a valve 8. The valve 8 may be fixed to the dispense head 2 or the valve 8 may be replaceable after use.

[0060] The dispense head 2 also comprises a tap handle 10 connected to the valve 8 so as to be operable to control the opening and closing of the valve 8 and thus ultimately the flow of beverage from the beverage pipe 9. As shown in Figures 1, 5, 6, 7 and 10, the tap handle 10 may be operable between a non-dispensing position P1, in which the valve 8 is closed, and a dispensing position P2, in which the valve 8 is at least partially open. In the dispensing position P2, beverage can be dispensed through the dispense head 2 and out of the beverage dispensing pipe 9. In particular, as will be shown in more detail later, the tap handle 10 is configured to be tiltable from the non-dispensing position P1 in at least two mutually non-opposite directions to assume the dispensing position P2.

[0061] In the non-dispensing position P1, the tap handle 10 is substantially vertical. The dispensing position P2 includes a state in which the tap handle 10 is at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 11. Note that the longitudinal axis 11 is defined as the vertical position of the tap handle 10.

[0062] One solution for achieving this is shown in Fig. 1. The tap handle 10 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the dispense head 2 in a non-dispensing position P1 and is arranged to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis 11. Thereby, the tap handle 10 can be tilted to the dispensing position P2 in several directions. This allows the beverage dispensing system to be operated comfortably independent of the operator's location, ensuring the safety of the user and thus avoiding undesirable working positions that may lead to accidents in the home or professional environment. A tap handle 10 operable in the disclosed manner also prevents malfunctions that may be caused by eccentric or sudden forces that may occur in uncomfortable operating positions if such operation is not possible.

[0063] The dispense head 2 may further comprise a beverage display located thereon for displaying information relating to the beverage being dispensed by the dispense head.

[0064] The dispense head 2 is coupled to the tap handle 10 so as to cooperate with the tap handle 10. The dispense head 2 also includes an actuator mechanism 13. The actuator mechanism 13 is coupled to the tap valve 8 so as to cooperate with the tap valve 8. The actuator mechanism 13 is configured to convert a change in position, i.e., a tilting movement, of the tap handle 10 between a non-dispensing position P1 and a dispensing position P2 into a movement for transitioning the valve 8 between a closed state and an open state.

[0065] The actuator mechanism 13 may comprise a valve engaging element 14 configured to open and close the valve 8, and a mechanical linkage 15 configured to convert tilting of the tap handle 10 about the pivot axis 12 into translational movement of the valve engaging element 14 to enable the valve 8 to be opened or closed.

[0066] The dispense head 2 may alternatively or additionally comprise a motion conversion means 3 for converting pivoting movement of the tap handle 10 between the non-dispensing position P1 and the dispensing position P2 into a reciprocating movement of the valve engaging element 14. In some embodiments, the motion conversion means 3 is a cam (e.g. as shown in Figures 1 and 2) or a crank, or an eccentric element such as an eccentric disk or sphere (e.g. as shown in Figure 5).

[0067] The motion conversion means 3 may be configured as part of the tap handle 10 or the actuator mechanism 13, depending on the desired configuration.

[0068] The valve 8 may further comprise a spout 17 for dispensing the beverage to a recipient, as will be described in more detail below.

[0069] 2 shows a detailed cross-section of a dispense head 2 of a beverage dispenser assembly 1 with a tap handle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiments presented below, features and functions similar to those already described or illustrated are designated with the same reference numerals as previously used.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the tap handle 10 can be configured to tilt about a pivot axis 12 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 11 of the tap handle 10 in order to move between a non-dispensing position P1 and a dispensing position P2. The pivot axis 12 may be configured using a needle insert in the tap handle 10 (such as pivot pin 4 shown in Figure 3), although any known solution providing a suitable pivot axis for such a tap handle may be used.

[0071] In this embodiment, the dispense head 2 may be mounted in a suitable draft tower 5 which is separate from the main body 6 of the system. The dispense head 2 houses at least a portion of a beverage line 9 which is attached at a distal end (keg connection end) 39 (not shown) to a beverage tank 32 (also not shown). A discharge end 38 of the beverage line 9 is located within the dispense head 2 and connects to a valve 8 such that when the valve 8 is in an open position, beverage is dispensed from the spout 17, as will be described in more detail below.

[0072] 3 shows a close-up detailed cross-section of the interior of a dispense head 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where the motion conversion means 3 comprises a pivot pin 4 for pivotally coupling the tap handle 10 and the actuator mechanism 13 about a pivot axis 12, and a yoke 21 configured to engage the pivot pin 4.

[0073] The actuator mechanism 13 is connected to the tap handle 10 via a joint 7. The joint 7 has at least one rotational degree of freedom to allow rotation about a longitudinal axis 11 of the tap handle 10 relative to the valve engaging element 14. In one example, the joint 7 is a pivot joint. In another example, the joint 7 is a torsional joint.

[0074] As further shown in FIG. 3, the beverage dispenser assembly 1 may comprise a resilient element 20 disposed between the tap handle 10 and the valve 8 or valve engaging element 14 (as in other embodiments, even if not explicitly described). The resilient element 20 is configured to bias the tap handle 10 towards the non-dispensing position P1. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient element 20 is a helical spring. The helical spring is disposed around the mechanical linkage 15, with one end abutting the valve engaging element 14 and the other end abutting the inner wall of the dispense head 2. In other embodiments, the resilient element 20 may be a spring clip or a torsion spring. Other resilient elements known in the art may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0075] The valve 8 is shown in detail in Figure 3. As shown, the valve 8 may comprise a valve body 16. The valve body 16 has a valve seat 18 arranged to cooperate with a valve needle 19. The valve body 16 is arranged to move relative to the valve needle 19, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve 8. The valve needle 19 may itself be located in the spout 17 mentioned above. In this case, the valve body 16 is arranged to move relative to the spout 17, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve 8.

[0076] The spout 17 may be an integral part of the valve body 16. The spout 17 may extend outside the dispense head 2 such that the spout 17 is the last point of contact for the beverage dispensed from the beverage dispenser assembly 1.

[0077] FIG. 4 shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional model of a dispense head 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to illustrate the above-mentioned features from another angle. As with the above embodiment, features and features similar to those already described or illustrated are numbered as previously used. As shown in FIG. 4, the valve 8 may include a retaining element 31. The retaining element 31 is configured to keep the valve needle 19 in contact with the valve seat 18 when the valve body 16 is not in the dispense head 2, thereby keeping the valve 8 closed. The retaining element 31 also allows the valve 8 to open when a pulling force is applied via the valve engagement element 14. The retaining element 31 is illustrated herein as a latch that engages with a corresponding groove in the valve body 16, but other solutions are possible as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0078] In this exemplary embodiment, the motion conversion means 3 of the tap handle 10 has a first flat surface 29. The first flat surface 29 is configured to abut a corresponding second flat surface 30 of the dispense head 2 to provide mechanical stability to the tap handle 10 in the non-dispensing position P1.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4, the beverage line 9 may have a beverage line connector 51 at its discharge end 38. As previously described, the valve 8 has a valve body 16 which may have a valve connector 52 which mates with the beverage line connector 51. This allows the beverage line 9 to be easily attached and detached from the valve 8 for replacement.

[0080] 4, the beverage line connector 51 comprises a circular flange disposed about the discharge end 38 of the beverage line 9 and has an annular groove that allows the beverage line connector 51 to cooperate with a corresponding circumferential recess in the valve connector 52 of the valve body 16.

[0081] As mentioned above, the actuator mechanism 13 may be connected to the tap handle 10 via a joint 7 having at least one rotational degree of freedom to allow rotation of the tap handle 10 about the longitudinal axis 11 relative to the valve engaging element 14. The joint 7 may be a circular disc integral with the linkage 15 and configured to rotate within a corresponding circumferential recess in the valve engaging element 14.

[0082] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispense head of a beverage dispenser assembly with a tap handle 10 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the tap handle 10 has a curved surface 22. In this alternative embodiment, the actuator mechanism 13 has a cable 23 fixed at one end to the tap handle 10 and extending from the curved surface 22.

[0083] To accomplish this, tap handle 10 may have a tap handle bore 26 terminating in a tap handle cavity 27. The diameter of tap handle bore 26 is smaller than the diameter of tap handle cavity 27. A cable 23 may be disposed within tap handle bore 26. Cable 23 may also be connected at one end to a stop element 28 rotatably disposed within tap handle cavity 27.

[0084] The stopper element 28 may be a knot, a ball, a disk, or an at least partially cylindrical object. The tap handle cavity may have an at least partially cylindrical, preferably spherical, inner surface configured to permit rotational movement of the stopper element 28 but not translational movement.

[0085] In some embodiments, the curved surface 22 is a dome-shaped surface. In some embodiments, the curved surface 22 is curved in only one direction to provide the steering angle A.

[0086] The curved surface 22 is disposed on a contact surface 24 of the dispense head 2. A cable 23 is connected to and operates in conjunction with the valve 8 or valve engaging element 14. This arrangement is a relatively simple configuration, has few moving parts and provides a rotatable tap handle 10 that is easy and inexpensive to replace or repair in the event of failure.

[0087] Cable 23 may be any object that is bendable or flexible but capable of exerting (or transmitting) tension in the axial direction, and may be any of or some of the following: a string, strap, rope, wire, cord, line, or tether.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cable 23 is fixedly mounted or embedded in the tap handle 1. In other embodiments, the cable 23 is movably mounted in the tap handle 1. In other embodiments, the cable 23 is removably mounted in the tap handle 1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 5, in an optimal configuration, the orientation of the cable 23 may be concentric with the longitudinal axis 11 of the tap handle 10.

[0090] As with the previously introduced embodiment, tilting the tap handle 10 from the non-dispensing position P1 to the dispensing position P2 creates a pulling force on the cable 23 due to the configuration of the curved surface 22 and the contact surface 24. This is translated into an upward translational (vertical) movement of the valve engaging element 14 and thus into an opening movement of the valve 8.

[0091] In particular, as shown in FIG. 5 , the tap handle 10 and cable 23 are configured such that translational movement of the cable 23 caused by tilting the tap handle 10 from a non-discharge position P1, in which the tap handle 10 is substantially perpendicular to the contact surface 24, to a discharge position P2 results in an opening movement of the valve 8, and moving the tap handle 10 back from an angle other than perpendicular to the contact surface surrounding the opening towards the perpendicular results in a closing movement of the valve 8.

[0092] As with the previously described embodiment, this embodiment may also comprise a resilient element 20 arranged to bias the tap handle 10 towards the non-dispensing position P1. The resilient element 20 is arranged between the tap handle 10 and the valve 8 or valve engaging element 14 and provides a closing movement of the valve 8 when the tap handle 10 is released.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient element 20 is a helical spring that is disposed around the cable 23 with one end contacting the valve engaging element 14 and the other end contacting the inner wall of the dispense head 2. In some embodiments, the resilient element 20 may be a spring clip or a torsion spring. Other resilient elements known in the art may be used as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0094] 6 is a side view of a beverage dispensing system 50 including a beverage dispenser assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system 50 is configured to receive at least one keg 32 for containing a beverage. The keg 32 includes a closure 33 having a beverage outlet 34, as shown in FIG.

[0095] As previously mentioned, the beverage dispensing system 50 comprises at least one beverage line 9 having a keg connection end 39 that connects to the beverage outlet 34 and a discharge end 38 .

[0096] The valve 8 of the dispense head 2 is connected at its discharge end 38 to a beverage pipe 9 .

[0097] Any or all of the keg 32, valve 8 and drinking tube 9 may be replaceable, i.e. may be replaced together with the keg 32 when it is emptied of beverage. In some embodiments the drinking tube 9 is replaced together with the corresponding keg 32.

[0098] 6, an upper portion of the beverage dispensing system body 6, defined as a lid 45, may be at least partially separated from a lower portion of the body 6, defined as a receptacle 44, thereby allowing a beverage container, such as a replaceable keg 32, to be removed from the body 6 and replaced.

[0099] When these two parts are connected using a pressure-tight connection, such as a bayonet mount, a pressure-tight sealable enclosure 47 is established that functions as a pressure chamber. Note that the terms "internal chamber" and "pressure chamber" are used interchangeably herein. The body housing is made of a pressure-tight material such as metal or hard plastic. A bayonet mount refers to a fastening mechanism well known in the art consisting of a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pins and a female side receiver with a corresponding L-shaped slot and spring to keep the two parts locked together.

[0100] The kegs 32 used in the system may be blow moulded to fit the shape and volume of the interior space of the housing 47 provided by the receptacle 44 and lid 45. This allows for mass production of both the kegs 32 and the beverage dispensing system 50. The pressure housing of the beverage dispensing system 50 and the corresponding kegs 32 may be provided in a variety of sizes.

[0101] The keg 32 may be recyclable or disposable after replacing an empty keg 32 with a new keg 32. In some embodiments, the keg 32 is a collapsible keg 32 and is configured to at least partially collapse when the sealable enclosure 47 is pressurized.

[0102] As shown in Figure 6, the receptacle 44 and the lid 45 are configured to be separable for inserting and removing the keg 32. Separation of the receptacle 44 and the lid 45 may be performed by tilting the draft tower 5 forward about a hinge (not shown) located at the bottom of the draft tower 5, thereby releasing a locking means that couples the receptacle 44 and the lid 45 in a pressure-tight connection. Tilting the draft tower 5 may further depend on the engagement of a pressure release means. The pressure release means may for example be a pressure release button located at the front side of the draft tower 5. The pressure release button triggers a pressure release in the pressure chamber, thereby allowing the separation of the lid 45 from the receptacle 44 by equalizing the pressure in the pressure-sealable enclosure 47 formed by the receptacle 44 and the lid 45 with the external environment of the beverage dispensing system.

[0103] In some embodiments, the receptacle 44 and the lid 45 are only partially separable such that the lid 45 remains connected to the body 6, for example via a hinge. The sealable housing 47 may define a volume between 2 and 100 liters, preferably between 5 and 50 liters, more preferably between 10 and 25 liters. The above volumes constitute typical volumes of the pressure chamber. The beverage container is made somewhat smaller to fit snugly into the pressure chamber.

[0104] In some embodiments, the beverage dispensing system 50 may have an additional housing part acting as a replacement for the lid 45. Such additional housing part has an additional volume and is connectable to the receiver 44 to establish a sealable enclosure 47 acting as a pressure chamber. In this way, the same base body 6 can be used with different sized additional housing parts and the beverage dispensing system can be modified for different beverage tank sizes, e.g. 5 liters, 10 liters or 20 liters. The additional housing part can be replaced by the user, e.g. by screwing.

[0105] 7 is a front view of a beverage dispensing system 50 including a beverage dispenser assembly 1 and a tap handle 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 6 and operates in a similar manner to that previously shown and described to change between a non-dispensing position P1 and a dispensing position P2. In this embodiment, similar features and functions to those already described or illustrated are designated by the same reference numerals as previously used.

[0106] As shown in Figure 7, the tap handle 10 can be tilted from a non-dispensing position P1 to a dispensing position P2 in a plane that is outside the plane of symmetry of the beverage dispensing system 50. That is, the tap handle 10 can be tilted to the side to open the valve 8 and dispense a beverage through the spout 17. Further details regarding the operating angle A of the tap handle 10 are disclosed below with respect to Figure 8.

[0107] 8 is a top view of a beverage dispensing system including a beverage dispenser assembly 1 and a tap handle 10 according to an embodiment. The tap handle 10 is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis 11 between an operating angle A and a non-operating angle B. At the operating angle A, the tap handle 10 is tiltable and can change its position from a non-dispensing position P1 to a dispensing position P2. However, at the non-operating angle B, the tap handle 10 is configured to be non-tiltable, i.e., locked in the non-dispensing position P1. As shown in the figure, there are at least two operating angles A that are not opposite each other (i.e., there are at least two operating angles A in an angle range greater than 0° and less than 180°), and the non-operating angle B covers the range between these operating angles A.

[0108] In some embodiments, the operating angles include a first operating angle A1 and a second operating angle A2 disposed in a direction substantially 90° from the first operating angle A1. In some embodiments, the operating angles also include a third operating angle A3. The third operating angle A3 is disposed substantially 90° from the first operating angle A1, but in an opposite direction to the second operating angle A2. The operating angles A may be uniformly radially disposed around the longitudinal axis 11.

[0109] The non-steered angle B covers an angle range greater than 0° and less than 180° (i.e., 0° and 180° are not covered), and preferably covers a range greater than 45° and less than 90°.

[0110] With this configuration, the tap handle 10 can be operated only at a predetermined angle, and it is possible to prevent the tap handle 10 from being inclined accidentally to the dispensing position P2, which would result in the beverage being unintentionally dispensed.

[0111] In some embodiments, the dispense head 2 may comprise a second elastic element (not shown), such as a spring, and a washer in which cuts or grooves corresponding to the operating angles A1, A2 and / or A3 are arranged. Such a washer is arranged between the tap handle 10 and the actuator mechanism 13. This washer allows the tap handle 10 to be tilted only when the tap handle 10 is in line with the cuts or grooves arranged in the washer, and not otherwise, thereby allowing the beverage to be dispensed only at the operating angle A.

[0112] Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-section of a beverage dispensing system having a tap handle and a replaceable keg according to another embodiment. The embodiment shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 6-8 and operates in a similar manner to that previously shown and described to change state between a non-dispensing position P1 and a dispensing position P2. In this embodiment, similar features and functions to those already described or shown are again given the same reference numerals as previously used.

[0113] The system may include a replaceable keg 32 for containing the beverage. The keg 32 has a closure 33 with a beverage outlet 34. A beverage pipe 9 extends from the beverage outlet 34, for example along the rear side of the draft tower 5, to the dispense head 2. The replaceable beverage pipe 9 has a discharge end 38 for connection to a replaceable valve 8, as shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4.

[0114] The body 6 of the beverage dispensing system comprises a receptacle 44 and a lid 45. The receptacle 44 is designed and shaped to receive at least a portion of a keg 32 when the keg 32 is in an inverted position, preferably a small portion of the keg 32 that comprises the closure 33. The lid 45 is configured to cover at least a portion, preferably a larger portion, of the keg 32 when at least one keg 32 is received in the receptacle 44.

[0115] At the bottom of the receptacle 44 a keg closure space may be provided which is designed to accommodate at least a part of a keg 32. The keg space receives at least one type of closure 33 of the replaceable keg 32 and also comprises a coupler for passing the replaceable beverage pipe 9. This coupler forms an access point for accessing the beverage outlet 34 of the beverage tank (e.g. the replaceable keg 32) and the beverage contained in the beverage container. Said coupler may be replaceable in order to adapt the beverage dispensing system to a replaceable beverage pipe 9 or a fixed beverage pipe, respectively.

[0116] A suitable keg 32 closure 33 may be insertable into the keg closure space and secured to the coupler with a sealed, pressure tight fit. Preferably, the closure 33 is secured to the coupler by means of, for example, a threaded, bayonet or similar means.

[0117] The keg connection end 39 of the replaceable beverage tube 9 may sealingly fit into the through hole of the coupler and act as a sealed interface to connect with the beverage outlet 34 of the keg 32 .

[0118] If the drinking tube 9 is configured to be replaceable, it may be inserted and guided through the through-hole of the coupler before the keg 32 is attached to the receiver 44, with the keg connection end 39 of the drinking tube 9 abutting and fitting in a sealing manner into the coupler 41 which is positioned to connect to the drinking outlet 34 when the keg 32 is attached to the receiver 44. The drinking tube 9 may be provided together with the keg 32 or may be a separate item which is attached to the closure 33 immediately prior to use, for example using a click connection mechanism. In some embodiments the drinking tube 9 may be permanently attached to the keg closure 33.

[0119] The coupler may be permanently installed within the keg closure space 40 if the beverage dispensing system 50 is always to be used with a particular type of keg 32. Alternatively, several types of couplers may be provided to the user, allowing the user to change the type of coupler in the field, so that the beverage dispensing system can be changed to use different types of kegs 32 depending on the particular beverage being consumed.

[0120] The pressure inlet may be configured to receive pressure medium and allow it to reach a gap between the outer wall of the keg 32 and the inner wall of the sealed housing 47. The gap is typically made as small as possible, for example a few millimetres wide, to allow a tight fit between the beverage container and the pressure chamber. The pressure inlet may for example form part of the receiver 44, the lid 45 or the coupler 41 and may comprise a one-way valve and / or an overpressure relief valve in some embodiments. The pressure medium is typically air, but any fluid such as CO2, N2, water etc. may be used.

[0121] As depicted in FIG. 9, the beverage dispensing system may have a compressor 43 and / or a gas bottle selectively connectable to the pressure inlet to supply pressure medium to the gap. To make the system more modular, the pressure inlet and the beverage dispensing system may be compatible with a variety of pressurization devices. The compressor 43 may be used when either mains or battery power is available, and may power the compressor 43 to take in atmospheric air from outside, pressurize it, and pressurize the pressure chamber by injecting the pressurized air into the pressure chamber gap. The gas bottle may be used when mains power is not available and / or when batteries are inconvenient. The gas bottle is pre-filled with pressurized gas, such as air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide.

[0122] The pressure chamber may be thermally insulated. The insulation may be used in combination with a chiller 49 for chilling at least one keg 32 and the beverage contained therein. Alternatively, the chiller 49 may not be used and instead the insulation may be used in combination with a pre-chilled beverage container, for example to save carry-on weight.

[0123] 10 illustrates a beverage dispenser assembly 1 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the dispense head 2 is mounted directly to the body 6 of the beverage dispensing system.

[0124] The tap handle 10 of this embodiment operates in a similar manner to the embodiment introduced in Figures 1-5, however the beverage dispenser assembly 1 does not have a draft tower 5, instead the dispense head 2 is supported directly on a body 6 configured to receive a replaceable keg 32. The replaceable keg 32, which may be the same in all disclosed embodiments, has a closure 33 with a beverage outlet 34. A (replaceable) beverage tube 9 may be arranged to extend from the beverage outlet 34 through the body 6 to the dispense head 2.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment depicted in Figure 10, the keg 32 may have a beverage-filled bag 35 within a shell 36. Pressurised fluid from a compressor 43 may then be applied to the space 37 between the shell 36 and the bag 35 to pressurise the at least one keg 32, thereby causing a flow of beverage through a replaceable beverage tube 9 to the dispense head 2.

[0126] 11 shows a detailed cross-section of the interior of the dispense head 2 with a possible solution for an easily replaceable tap handle 10. This solution can be implemented in any of the previously described embodiments. Such an exchangeable tap handle 10 is useful in combination with the previously described rotatable embodiments, since it allows the tap handle 10 to be exchanged depending on the tilting direction that is likely to be prevalent in the installation situation.

[0127] Here, the motion conversion means 3 comprises a pivot pin 4 for pivotally coupling the interchangeable tap handle 10 and the actuator mechanism 13 about a pivot axis 12, and a yoke 21 configured to engage with the pivot pin 4.

[0128] The upper part of the yoke 21 is provided with a threaded portion 40 which corresponds to a threaded hole 42 in the tap handle 10. In this way, the tap handle 10 can be easily removed by rotating it in the direction that corresponds to the orientation of the threads (the direction shown is merely an example) and a new one can be installed when required by rotating it in the opposite direction.

[0129] 12A to 12C show different alternatives for implementing the threaded connection between the yoke 21 and the interchangeable tap handle 10, the main difference being how tilting about the pivot axis 12 is permitted.

[0130] 12A, the pivot pin 4 is implemented so as to be hidden behind a cover on the yoke 21. In this case, the pivot pin 4 can be implemented as a large cylindrical cross-section element that fits into the arch of the yoke.

[0131] In the example of Figure 12B, the pivot pin 4 is only partially hidden behind a cover, with the small cylindrical cross-section end of the pivot pin 4 visible in this example, so that the pivot pin 4 can be manually adjusted depending on the force required for tilting and dispensing.

[0132] In the example of Fig. 12C, the pivot pin 4 is mounted in such a way that it is only partially hidden behind a cover. In this example, the smaller cylindrical cross-section end of the pivot pin 4 is visible, again with the possibility of manual adjustment.

[0133] All the beverage dispensing systems 50 introduced above may have a first power supply unit including a main power supply, a second power supply unit including a battery power supply, and in some embodiments may further have a third power supply unit including a solar power supply. To further increase the modularity of the system, it may be made compatible with various power sources. For fixed indoor installations, a main power supply, for example a 115V AC or 230V AC domestic power supply, is preferred as it provides the system with virtually unlimited power. Such a power supply powers both the cooling and pressurizing units, as well as other functions such as lighting. Batteries are advantageous for use in mobile devices. The batteries may be rechargeable, for example, by using a main power supply and a power converter. Solar power can be used to directly power the beverage dispensing system, but due to the limited output of solar cells in the absence of direct sunlight, it is mostly considered an auxiliary power unit to be used in combination with a rechargeable battery.

[0134] Various ways of thinking and implementation of the invention have been described with some examples. However, upon reviewing the specification, drawings, and claims of this application, a person skilled in the art will understand and be able to embody many variations in addition to the described examples in implementing the claimed invention. The words "comprise", "have", and "include" in the claims do not exclude the presence of elements or steps not recited. The absence of a plurality of elements recited in the claims does not exclude the presence of a plurality of the elements. The functions of several elements recited in the claims may be performed by a single processor or other unit. The fact that several items are recited in separate dependent claims does not exclude them from being implemented in combination, and may be implemented to advantage in combination. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0135] Reference signs used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are an integral part of this disclosure. In the specification, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and adjectival and adverbial forms thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "rightwardly," "upwardly," etc.) merely refer to the orientation of the structures illustrated in the drawings in the direction of the reader's view. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to a longitudinal axis or axis of rotation, depending on the context.

Claims

1. 1. A beverage dispenser assembly for dispensing a beverage, comprising: A dispense head that may be supported on a draft tower or on a body of a beverage dispensing system, the dispense head comprising: a valve configured to control the flow of beverage through the dispense head; a tap handle coupled to the valve for manipulating the valve to control opening and closing of the valve; the tap handle is operable between a non-dispensing position in which the valve is closed and a dispensing position in which the valve is at least partially open; the tap handle is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the tap handle relative to the dispense head in the non-dispensing position; the tap handle is configured to be tiltable in at least two mutually exclusive directions from the non-dispensing position to assume the dispensing position of the valve; Beverage dispenser assembly.

2. 2. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 1, wherein the tap handle is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis between a plurality of operating angles at which the tap handle is tiltable and a plurality of non-operating angles located between the plurality of operating angles at which the tap handle is not tiltable.

3. 3. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tap handle is configured to tilt about a pivot axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tap handle to transition between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position.

4. 4. A beverage dispenser assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dispense head comprises an actuator mechanism coupled to the tap handle so as to cooperate with the tap handle and coupled to the valve so as to cooperate with the valve, the actuator mechanism being configured to convert movement of the tap handle between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position into movement for changing the valve between closed and open states.

5. 5. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 4, wherein the actuator mechanism comprises a valve engaging element configured to open and close the valve, and a mechanical linkage configured to convert tilting of the tap handle about the pivot axis into translational movement of the valve engaging element.

6. 6. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 5, wherein the actuator mechanism is connected to the tap handle via a joint, the joint having at least one rotational degree of freedom to allow rotation of the tap handle about the longitudinal axis relative to the valve engaging element.

7. 7. A beverage dispenser assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the dispense head comprises motion conversion means for converting pivotal movement of the tap handle between the non-dispensing position and the dispensing position into reciprocating movement of the valve engaging element.

8. 8. The beverage dispenser assembly according to claim 7, wherein the motion conversion means is configured as part of the tap handle or the actuator mechanism and includes a pivot pin for pivotally coupling the tap handle and the actuator mechanism about the pivot axis.

9. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 8 , wherein the motion converting means comprises a yoke configured to engage the pivot pin.

10. 10. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 7, wherein the tap handle has a screw hole and the motion conversion means has a threaded portion corresponding to the screw hole, whereby the tap handle is easily replaceable on the dispense head.

11. 8. A beverage dispenser assembly as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the tap handle comprises a curved surface, and the actuator mechanism comprises a cable having one end fixed to the tap handle and extending from the curved surface, the curved surface being positioned to rest on a contact surface of the dispense head with the cable connected to the valve or the valve engaging element.

12. 12. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 11, wherein the tap handle and the cable are configured such that translational movement of the cable caused by tilting the tap handle from the non-dispensing position, in which the tap handle is substantially perpendicular to the contact surface, to the dispensing position results in an opening movement of the valve, and moving the tap handle back from an angle other than perpendicular to the contact surface surrounding an opening towards the perpendicular angle results in a closing movement of the valve.

13. 13. A beverage dispenser assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 12, further comprising a resilient element arranged between the tap handle and the valve or between the tap handle and the valve engaging element and configured to bias the tap handle towards the non-dispensing position.

14. 14. A beverage dispenser assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve comprises a valve body having a valve seat configured to cooperate with a valve needle, the valve body configured to move relative to the valve needle, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

15. 15. The beverage dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises a retaining element configured to keep the valve needle in contact with the valve seat when the valve body is not within the dispense head, thereby maintaining the valve in a closed state.

16. A beverage dispenser system comprising a beverage dispenser assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The beverage dispensing system is configured to receive at least one keg for containing a beverage, the at least one keg having a closure with a beverage outlet; the beverage dispensing system is further configured to receive at least one beverage dispensing line having a keg connection end connected to the beverage outlet and a dispensing end; the valve is connected to the beverage pipe at the discharge end; Beverage dispensing system.

17. 17. The beverage dispensing system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the keg, the valve and the beverage line are replaceable.

18. 18. The beverage dispenser system of claim 16 or 17, comprising a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the at least one keg and a lid at least partially removable from the receptacle, the receptacle together with the lid defining a sealable housing that functions as a pressure chamber for pressurizing the at least one keg.

19. the at least one keg having a beverage-filled bag within an outer shell; pressurized fluid from a compressor is applied to the space between the shell and the bag to pressurize the at least one keg, thereby generating a flow of beverage through the beverage tube to a dispense head; 18. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 16 or 17.

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