BEVERAGE DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES - Patent application

Abstract

There is provided a beverage dispenser comprising a housing, the dispenser being connected or connectable to a beverage source and / or comprising at least one fluid source and at least one source for beverage ingredients and / or connectable thereto and including a mixing system for mixing beverage fluid from the at least one fluid source and at least one beverage ingredient from the beverage ingredient source, the dispenser further comprising a dispensing system for dispensing a beverage, the dispensing system including at least a spout having an outlet end, the beverage dispenser further comprising at least one positioning element for positioning a rim of a drinking container relative to the outlet end of the spout.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispenser. The present disclosure further relates to a method for dispensing a beverage. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser. [Background technology]

[0002] In the art, beverage dispensers are known, for example for dispensing beer, soft drinks, or coffee or tea. Beverage dispensers are known for dispensing a beverage provided in a ready-to-dispense state. Beverage dispensers are also known for dispensing a post-mixed beverage. Beverage dispensers are known to provide a beverage ingredient, such as coffee, tea, or a beverage concentrate, in a cartridge that can be inserted into the beverage dispenser, extracting the beverage ingredient, or at least a portion of the beverage ingredient, from a container after a fluid, such as water, has passed along or through the cartridge and mixing the extracted beverage ingredient with the beverage to form a beverage.

[0003] Beverage dispensers are known in which a drinking container, such as a glass or cup, is placed under the dispenser's spout directed toward the bottom of the container, and the process of dispensing the beverage begins after a start button is pressed.

[0004] In other beverage dispensers, a person holds the drinking container during dispensing and presses the drinking container substantially horizontally against a lever, whereby pressing the lever with the drinking container results in dispensing of the beverage into the drinking container.

[0005] When dispensing carbonated beverages, particularly beverages where a foam head is desired, such beverage dispensers may be at a disadvantage when dispensing into a drinking container because the dispensing method may lead to excessive or insufficient foaming depending on the type of drinking container used and the position of the drinking container relative to the dispensing spout. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative beverage dispenser. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a beverage dispenser in which the position of the drinking container is predetermined during the dispensing of the beverage, such that dispensing can be optimized even by people with little or no training in dispensing such beverages. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a dispenser and method in which the position of the drinking container is predetermined during the dispensing of the beverage, such that dispensing can be optimized even when using different types of drinking containers. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a beverage dispenser capable of dispensing a carbonated beverage with a desired foam head. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative method for dispensing a beverage, such as a post-mixed beverage. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method capable of dispensing a beverage with an appropriate foam head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] At least one of these objectives is attained, at least in part, by a dispenser or method according to the present disclosure.

[0008] The beverage dispenser of the present disclosure comprises a housing, where the dispenser is connected or connectable to a beverage source, or where the dispenser includes and / or is connectable to at least one fluid source and at least one source of beverage ingredients, and includes a mixing system for mixing in the beverage fluid from the at least one fluid source and in the at least one beverage ingredient from the beverage ingredient source, or both. In other words, the dispenser may be a dispenser for dispensing a beverage delivered to the dispenser prepared in a state ready for dispensing, or may be a post-mixed beverage dispenser, or a combination thereof.

[0009] The dispenser further comprises a dispensing system for dispensing a beverage, the dispensing system including at least a spout having an outlet end. According to the present disclosure, the beverage dispenser further comprises at least one positioning element for positioning a rim of a drinking container relative to the outlet end of the spout.

[0010] Defining the position of the rim relative to the outlet end of the spout has the advantage that dispensing, and in particular the flow of beverage dispensed into the drinking container, can be more precisely controlled.

[0011] Preferably, at least two positioning elements are provided spaced apart from one another so as to better define and control the position of the rim of the drinking vessel during use.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the dispenser, the spout has a longitudinal axis of at least the outlet end and an axial discharge direction along said longitudinal axis. In such an embodiment, preferably the or each positioning element is positioned such that a rim engages the at least one positioning element and a plane defined by said rim is at an angle to said longitudinal axis of the spout, such that the discharge direction is directed towards an inner surface area of ​​the drinking vessel adjacent the rim.

[0013] The or each positioning element can be designed to extend over at least a portion of the opening of the drinking vessel defined by the rim. This allows different drinking vessels to be easily positioned relative to one or more positioning elements. Even if only a single such positioning element is provided, the position of the rim can be defined because the rim is curved to provide at least three points of contact between the rim and such positioning element.

[0014] This may be advantageous if at least one positioning element has a substantially flat or stepped engagement surface for engaging the rim of the drinking vessel. The or at least one of the positioning elements may be provided with a guide element extending from said engagement surface for engaging an outer surface portion of the drinking vessel adjacent the rim. This may make it even easier to align the rim of the drinking vessel with the or each positioning element.

[0015] The dispenser according to the present disclosure can be designed to dispense a beverage in a ready-to-serve state, for example by connecting the dispenser to a container, such as a keg or bottle, containing the beverage. Alternatively or additionally, the dispenser can be designed to dispense a post-mixed beverage, for example by mixing at least one beverage ingredient with at least one base liquid. The beverage ingredient can be provided, for example, from an ingredient container, for example a cartridge, which can be received in the beverage dispenser. To that end, the dispenser can be provided with a cartridge receiving space.

[0016] In a dispenser having a beverage ingredient cartridge, also more commonly referred to as an ingredient container, such as a pod, capsule, or pouch, or similar terms, the spout or at least a part thereof may be part of the cartridge. The spout may be provided so that it can be placed and removed with the cartridge. Preferably, the beverage mixed with the beverage ingredient from the cartridge exits the cartridge through the spout without further contacting the dispenser. Thus, the need to clean the dispenser may be significantly reduced. In an embodiment, the cartridge may comprise a valve, for example, allowing the base liquid to enter the cartridge or the beverage ingredient and / or the base liquid to exit the cartridge mixed with the ingredient.

[0017] The dispenser may comprise at least a valve, and the dispensing system further comprises a valve actuation system for opening the at least one valve to dispense a beverage into the drinking container. The valve actuation system further preferably comprises a drinking container detection system including at least said at least one positioning element, the drinking container detection system being arranged to detect, in use, the position of the drinking container, in particular the rim of the drinking container, relative to at least one part of the beverage dispenser.

[0018] The drinking vessel detection system is preferably arranged to detect, in use, the position of a drinking vessel relative to the outlet end of the spout, which may be part of the valve actuation system.

[0019] In a dispensing system according to the present disclosure, the valve actuation system may comprise at least first and second positioning elements spaced apart from one another, in such an embodiment, at least one of the first and second positioning elements is movable relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements and / or the first and second positioning elements are movable relative to the housing, and at least one valve is opened to dispense the beverage only when said one of the first and second positioning elements is moved relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements and / or when the first and second positioning elements are moved relative to the housing.

[0020] In such an embodiment, the dispense of the beverage depends on the position of the drinking container relative to at least one, preferably at least two of the positioning elements, and movement of at least one, preferably at least two, spaced apart positioning elements enables the beverage to be dispensed.

[0021] In such an embodiment, the first positioning element may have a first contact surface and the second positioning element may have a second contact surface, the first contact surface and the second contact surface lying in a plane inclined relative to the horizontal such that the drinking vessel must be tilted in order to press against both the first and second contact surfaces simultaneously.

[0022] In a dispenser according to the present disclosure, during use, a dispenser suitable for post-mixing and dispensing of at least a beverage may comprise a mixing chamber for mixing at least one fluid with at least one beverage ingredient and / or for receiving a beverage mixed from said at least one fluid and said at least one beverage ingredient prior to dispensing a beverage. The mixing chamber may be part of the beverage dispenser. Alternatively, the mixing chamber may be part of a cartridge. Alternatively, the mixing chamber may be provided in both the dispenser and the cartridge and / or may be formed by cooperation of the dispenser and said at least one cartridge.

[0023] The mixing chamber can have a volume substantially equal to or greater than the volume of the drinking vessel. The volume of the mixing chamber or the combined mixing chambers can be, for example, but not limited to, 0.15 to 1 liter, such as 0.2 to 0.5 liters. Alternatively, the mixing chamber can be very large, for example, large enough to contain multiple servings. In such an embodiment, the mixing chamber or the combined mixing chambers can have a volume of, for example, 0.5 to 10 liters.

[0024] In an embodiment, the mixing chamber may be an expandable mixing chamber, having a smaller internal volume in a first state than in a second state, the internal volume being to be understood as a mixing chamber suitable for accommodating a beverage mixed from at least a base liquid and a beverage ingredient.

[0025] The present disclosure is further directed to a method for dispensing a beverage into a drinking container, the beverage being provided from a beverage source or formed from at least a fluid and at least one beverage component, and the beverage being dispensed from a beverage dispenser. In the method according to the present disclosure, an open end, in particular a rim, of the drinking container is held against at least one positioning element of the dispenser, the one or more positioning elements defining a position of the drinking container relative to a dispensing spout of the dispenser.

[0026] By means of the method according to the present disclosure, a user is assisted by the beverage dispenser, in particular by the at least one positioning element, in holding the drinking container in a suitable position for dispensing the beverage into the drinking container, which is particularly important for dispensing beverages, such as, but not limited to, beer, which are intended to form a foam layer or head on the beverage in the drinking container.

[0027] In the method according to the present disclosure, preferably the at least one positioning element is part of a drinking container detection system, and a beverage is dispensed or can be dispensed when the drinking container is detected by the drinking container detection system of the dispenser, in particular the proper position of the drinking container is preferably detected at least at the start of a beverage dispense cycle.

[0028] The method according to the present disclosure may use at least a first positioning element and a second positioning element, the first positioning element including at least a first positioning surface and the second positioning element including at least a second surface, and when the drinking container is pressed against the first positioning surface and the second positioning surface, a valve actuation mechanism of the beverage dispenser is actuated to dispense a beverage into the drinking container. In an embodiment, movement of at least one of the positioning elements by the container may result in dispensing a beverage or at least enabling dispensing of a beverage.

[0029] In the method according to the present disclosure, the dispenser may comprise at least a detector for detecting an inner wall surface of the drinking container, and when said surface of the drinking container is pressed against the detector, a beverage is dispensed or a beverage can be dispensed.

[0030] The present disclosure is further directed to a cartridge containing a beverage component for use in a beverage dispenser, the cartridge preferably comprising at least an inlet for a fluid to be mixed with the beverage component and a spout for dispensing a beverage formed from the fluid and the beverage component. Alternatively, the cartridge may be designed to allow dispensing the beverage component from the cartridge into the fluid stream, for example by pressurizing the cartridge, by suction, by using the Venturi effect obtained by the fluid stream, or by any other suitable manner. A cartridge for use in a system or method according to the present disclosure may also be designed without a spout, as known in the art. Throughout the present disclosure, the beverage component may also be referred to as a beverage ingredient, beverage concentrate, etc.

[0031] When the beverage component is a beverage concentrate, the beverage concentrate may be based on a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine, or cider. The beverage concentrate itself may include a liquid, such as water, in which the particles are mixed, suspended, and / or dispersed. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be an aqueous liquid.

[0032] Alternatively, the beverage component may be essentially free of ethanol or may contain a particular concentration of ethanol, such as 25% or less by volume, 10% or less by volume, 5% or less by volume, or even 1% or less by volume. As a further option, the beverage concentrate may contain any other gas, such as dissolved carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen.

[0033] In examples, the beverage concentrate may include or consist of solid particles. Thus, the beverage concentrate may be, for example, a powder or tablet. The solid beverage concentrate may be dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in one or more base liquids. To form a post-mix beverage, multiple beverage concentrates may be used, and the multiple beverage concentrates may be in liquid and / or solid form. The one or more base liquids may be, for example, water, carbonated water, ethanol, ethanol dissolved in water, and / or any combination thereof. Specifically, when the one or more base liquids are mixed with the beverage concentrate inside the cartridge, the beverage concentrate may include or consist of solid particles that can be dissolved in the one or more base liquids.

[0034] A beverage concentrate based on a fermented beverage may be obtained by concentrating the fermented beverage and / or by brewing the fermented beverage with a high concentration of flavoring. The high concentration of flavoring may be higher than the typical concentration of flavoring for the fermented beverage. For example, if a beverage concentrate contains four times more flavoring per volume than a conventional beverage, the concentrate must be diluted four times to obtain the desired concentration of flavoring.

[0035] A high concentration of flavoring may result in a high dry matter content in the beverage concentrate that is higher than the typical dry matter content of a conventional beverage. A high concentration of flavoring may be obtained by brewing a fermented beverage with a higher concentration of raw materials, such as grains, e.g., malted barley, wheat, or corn, and / or hops, compared to the concentrations of raw materials used to brew conventional beverages that are not typically mixed with a base liquid before consumption.

[0036] A beverage concentrate may generally include one or more flavorings, for example, intended to mimic the taste of another beverage. In particular, flavorings may be used to mimic the taste of a fermented beverage, such as beer, wine, or cider. The flavorings may be, for example, aromatic compounds, esters, or alcohols. By mixing one or more flavorings, particularly in an aqueous solution, a beverage concentrate may thus be obtained. It will therefore be understood that a beverage concentrate may also be formed without brewing or fermentation processes.

[0037] It will be understood that the cartridge may be a single-serve disposable cartridge. By "single-serve" it is meant that the cartridge can be used to dispense a single amount of post-mixed beverage, preferably in one continuous action. The single amount may correspond to the amount of beverage concentrate required to obtain a typical fill volume of a beverage container, such as a glass, which may be, for example, 200 mL, 250 mL, 300 mL, 500 mL, or 568 mL (i.e., one pint) when the beverage concentrate is mixed with a volume of base liquid.

[0038] The cartridge may further be a single use cartridge, i.e. not arranged to be refilled with beverage concentrate after it has been used to dispense beverage concentrate from the cartridge.Preferably the cartridge comprises recyclable materials.

[0039] Alternatively, the cartridge may be a multi-serve disposable cartridge from which a number of different volumes of beverage concentrate can be dispensed.

[0040] The cartridge according to the present disclosure may comprise a chamber for containing the beverage prior to dispensing, which may be a mixing chamber. The chamber may be an expandable chamber. For example, the chamber may be designed to be capable of holding at least a single serving of the beverage.

[0041] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, different embodiments of the dispenser, method and cartridge will be discussed with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of example only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the following are shown diagrammatically: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1A]There are two types of beverage dispensers, one for post-mix dispensing and one for dispensing from a beverage container, respectively. [Figure 1B] There are two types of beverage dispensers, one for post-mix dispensing and one for dispensing from a beverage container, respectively. [Diagram 2] 1 is a first embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser showing a spout and a positioning element, as well as a beverage drinking container; [Figure 2A] 1 shows a portion of the rim engaging the locating surface. [Diagram 3] 2 is a second embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser showing a spout and two positioning elements as well as a beverage drinking container. [Figure 4A] 4A and 4B show top and partial side views of a positioning element of a beverage dispenser, for example according to FIG. 3, in which the upper part of the drinking vessel has a different shape. [Figure 4B] 4A and 4B show top and partial side views of a positioning element of a beverage dispenser, for example according to FIG. 3, in which the upper part of the drinking vessel has a different shape. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 shows a top view and a partial side view of a positioning element of a beverage dispenser, for example according to FIG. 3, in which the positioning element has a stepped surface and the upper parts of the drinking vessels have different sizes. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 shows a top view and a partial side view of a positioning element of a beverage dispenser, for example according to FIG. 3, in which the positioning element has a stepped surface and the upper parts of the drinking vessels have different sizes. [Figure 6A] 11A-11C are side views of a further embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure, with the valve actuation system in a rest position and an actuated position, respectively; [Figure 6B] 11A-11C are side views of a further embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure, with the valve actuation system in a rest position and an actuated position, respectively; [Figure 7A] 11A-11C are side views of a further embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure, with an alternative valve actuation system in rest and actuated positions, respectively; [Figure 7B]11A-11C are side views of a further embodiment of a portion of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure, with an alternative valve actuation system in rest and actuated positions, respectively; [Figure 8A] 11 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an activation mechanism; [Figure 8B] 11 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an activation mechanism; [Figure 8C] 11 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an activation mechanism; [Figure 9A] 1 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an expandable mixing chamber; [Figure 9B] 1 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an expandable mixing chamber; [Figure 9C] 1 is a portion of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout and an expandable mixing chamber; [Figure 10A] 1 is a portion of yet a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout, a positioning element, and an expandable mixing chamber. [Figure 10B] 1 is a portion of yet a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout, a positioning element, and an expandable mixing chamber. [Figure 10C] 1 is a portion of yet a further alternative embodiment of a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for post-mix dispensing, showing a cartridge having a spout, a positioning element, and an expandable mixing chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are represented by the same or corresponding reference numbers. The drawings are only schematic representations of embodiments of the invention or parts thereof, given by way of non-limiting example.

[0044] In Fig. 1A a beverage dispenser 1 is shown in a schematic manner, suitable for at least post-mix dispensing. The dispenser 1 comprises a housing 2, which in this embodiment is provided by way of example with a fluid source 3, here shown as a fluid chamber 4 for containing a base liquid 5, e.g. water for a base beverage, such as beer, lemonade, wine, cider, etc. In an embodiment, the fluid chamber 4 may be a replaceable chamber, such as a container, which can be refilled outside the housing or replaced with a different container. In an embodiment, the fluid chamber 4 may be connected by an inlet line 6 to a source of base liquid outside the housing 2, e.g. water mains. Cooling means may be provided, such as an in-line cooler or contact cooling (not shown), for cooling the base liquid 5. In an embodiment, a plurality of chambers 4 may be provided for containing base liquids, e.g. different base liquids to be selected or combined when preparing a beverage. Cooling means may further be provided for cooling the cartridge 8, or more generally for cooling the cartridge chamber 7.

[0045] The housing 2 of Figure 1A further comprises at least one cartridge chamber 7 into which a cartridge 8 containing a beverage ingredient 9, such as a beverage concentrate, may be placed. The cartridge 8 may also be referred to as a pod, capsule, container, pouch, ampoule, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the dispenser 1 comprises a gas container 10 for supplying a pressurized gas, e.g. CO2 or N2 or another gas or gas mixture, which is mixed with at least one base liquid 5 and at least one beverage ingredient 9 to form a gaseous beverage, also commonly referred to as a carbonated beverage.

[0047] The dispenser 1 further comprises a dispensing system 11 for dispensing the formed beverage, including at least a spout 12 for dispensing the beverage 13 mixed in the beverage dispenser 1 into a beverage container 14, such as, for example, a glass, cup, beaker, jug, etc. The spout 12 has an outlet end 15 through which the beverage 13 may exit the spout 12. At least at said end 15, the spout has a longitudinal axis AA, such that the beverage 13 may be dispensed substantially in said axial direction AA, as indicated by arrow 16.

[0048] A first line or conduit 17 extends from the fluid chamber 4 to the ingredient chamber 7. A second line or conduit 18 extends from the gas container 10 to the ingredient chamber 7. The first line 17 and the second line 18 may be separate or partly the same, as shown in FIG. 1A, and a third line 19 extends from the ingredient chamber 7 to the spout 12. Inside the ingredient chamber, at least one ingredient 9, at least one base liquid 5, and at least one gas from the gas container 10 are combined to form a beverage 13 for dispensing by the dispensing system 11 in said chamber and / or in the third line 19. Further mixing providers may be provided (not shown) for mixing the fluids, ingredients, and gas, such as, for example, mechanical mixers, mixing chambers, jets and / or jet chambers (not shown). The first line 17 and / or the second line 18 may be provided with valves 20. In Fig. 1A, two such valves 20A, 20B are shown for blocking and allowing the passage of fluids and gases flowing in lines 17, 18. Of course, one or both of these valves can be omitted. Furthermore, a pump 21 is provided in the first line 17 for pressurizing the base liquid 5. It will become clear that the or each base liquid can be pressurized in different ways, for example by squeezing it out of the liquid chamber 4, by an external pressure source, by delivering gas, for example from a gas container 10, into the base liquid in the chamber 4, or by similar methods known in the art. Of course, in an embodiment, the gas container 10 can be omitted or blocked during post-mixing of the beverage if such gas is not needed or desired in such beverage.

[0049] In the embodiment of Figure 1A, the dispenser 1 further comprises a dispense valve 22 which in this embodiment is part of the dispensing system. At least the dispense valve 22 and the control panel 23 are connected to a control unit 24 of the beverage dispenser 1 for controlling the dispense valve 22 to dispense a supply of beverage 13. In an embodiment, the valves 20A, 20B and / or the pump 21 may also be connected to the control unit 24.

[0050] In the ingredient chamber 7, the beverage ingredients 9 can be released from the container 8 into the base liquid in any suitable manner. For example, the base liquid and gas can be introduced into the cartridge 8 and mixed with the beverage ingredients 9 to form the beverage 13 inside the cartridge 8 and / or after exiting the cartridge again. In an embodiment, the cartridge can be compressed to squeeze the beverage ingredients out of the cartridge into the mixture of base liquid and gas passing from the first line 17 / second line 18 to the third line 19. In an embodiment, the beverage ingredients can be released by creating a pressure difference between the cartridge and the ingredient chamber 7 and / or lines 17, 18 and / or 19, for example by creating a Venturi effect. The beverage ingredients 9 can have any suitable consistency, for example, powder, liquid, pellet, freeze-dried, suspension, etc., or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the beverage ingredients or at least the beverage ingredients 9 are or include a beverage concentrate, or a beverage syrup, or alcohol, or combinations thereof.

[0051] In an embodiment, the liquid chamber 4 may be sized to accommodate base liquid for a single serve of beverage 13, for example 0.2 to 1 liter, for example 0.2 to 0.5 liters, such as 0.2 to 0.3 liters. In an embodiment, the liquid chamber may be designed to accommodate base liquid for multiple serves, for example 1 to 20 liters, such as 1 to 10 liters.

[0052] In an embodiment, a beverage chamber may be provided between the ingredient chamber 7 and the dispense valve 22 and sized to accommodate a volume of beverage 13 prior to dispensing. The volume of such a beverage chamber (not shown) may be designed to accommodate, for example, a single or limited supply of beverage 13, for example 0.2-0.5 liters, or multiple supplies, for example 1-20 liters, such as 1-10 liters, for example 1-8 liters. In an embodiment, such a beverage chamber may be designed to accommodate only a small amount of beverage, for example 0.1-0.2 liters, less than the expected single supply amount, in order to buffer a portion of the beverage. By providing a beverage chamber, the supplies of beverage 13 may be substantially mixed prior to dispensing.

[0053] FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation of a beverage dispenser 1 similar to that of FIG. 1A, but with the liquid chamber 4 and the gas container 10 removed from the beverage dispenser housing 2. The dispenser 1 is designed to dispense a premixed or premixed beverage 13 from a beverage container 25. The dispenser 1 can further be used to dispense traditionally brewed beverages such as beer and cider. In the embodiment shown, the beverage container 25 is positioned outside the dispenser 1 and connected to the dispensing valve 22 by a beverage line 26. The gas container 10 is also arranged outside the dispenser housing 2 and connected to the beverage container 25 in a known manner. In an alternative embodiment, the beverage 13 in the beverage container 25 can be pressurized individually, for example by packaging the beverage 13 in an inner container of a bag-in-container (BIC) or a bag-in-bag or bag-in-bottle (BIB) and compressing said inner container, as known, for example, from the Heineken® Blade® system or in any other suitable manner.

[0054] It will be understood that the dispenser 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B is shown by way of example only.

[0055] In the dispenser according to the present disclosure, the dispenser 1 further comprises a drinking vessel positioning provision CP, which comprises at least one positioning element 27 for positioning a rim 28 of a drinking vessel 14 relative to the outlet end 16 of the spout 12. In Figures 2 to 10C further embodiments of such a drinking vessel positioning provision CP are discussed by way of example, which may each be combined with a beverage dispenser as shown in Figures 1A and / or 1B.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a drinking vessel positioning provision CP essentially as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The provision CP in this embodiment comprises a first positioning element 27 including an engagement surface 28 extending at an angle α, for example between 45 and 135 degrees, such as between 60 and 120 degrees, such as about 90 degrees, relative to a guiding surface 29 of the first positioning element. The guiding surface 29, if provided, extends from said engagement surface 28 along an outer surface portion 30 of the drinking vessel 14 adjacent the rim 18 in use.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, the positioning element 27 is positioned such that the rim 18 engages with the positioning element 27 and the plane PR defined by the rim 18 forms an angle β with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spout 12, so that the discharge direction 16 of the spout 12 is directed toward an inner surface area 31 of the drinking vessel 14 adjacent the rim 18.

[0058] As can be seen diagrammatically from Fig. 2A, in use the engagement surface 28 of the first positioning element 27 extends partially over the open side 32 of the drinking vessel 14 defined by the rim 18. Thus, at least three contact points, more specifically curved line contacts between the rim 18 and the surface 28, can be obtained that define the position of the rim 18 relative to the positioning element 27 and thus relative to the spout 12 and thus the position of the drinking vessel 14. The guide surface 29 can be used to guide the rim 18 towards the engagement surface 28 and further define the position of the rim relative to the engagement surface 28 and even further the position of the drinking vessel 14 relative to the spout 12, in particular relative to the outlet end 15 of the spout 12.

[0059] Defining the position of the drinking vessel 14 relative to the outlet end 15 of the spout 12 and the axial direction about that end, and therefore the discharge direction 16, provides a simple way of controlling the discharge of the beverage into the drinking vessel 14, and in particular the formation of foam where the beverage 13 is a carbonated beverage such as beer. This is particularly advantageous where the beverage is one in which a foam layer or foam head forms, such as beer.

[0060] In the illustrated and described embodiment, the drinking vessel 14 is shown with a longitudinal axis BB extending centrally through the drinking vessel 14, perpendicular to a surface PR defined by the rim 18 and the bottom 14A. Preferably, the drinking vessel positioning provision CP is positioned such that the longitudinal axis BB extends at an angle δ, preferably not 180° or 0°, with respect to a vertical plane V (FIG. 2), such that the drinking vessel 14 is held at an angle with respect to an upright position when the rim 18 engages therewith. The angle δ may be, for example, between 3 and 60 degrees, such as between 5 and 45 degrees, such as between 10 and 30 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis AA of the spout 12 extends at an angle θ with respect to the vertical plane V. The angle θ may be, for example, between 0 and 60 degrees, such as between 5 and 45 degrees, such as between 5 and 30 degrees. In an embodiment, the angle θ may be selected such that, in use, the longitudinal axis AA of the spout 12 at the outlet end 15 extends at an angle β relative to the plane PR defined by the rim 18. Any beverage dispensed from the outlet end will therefore have a discharge direction 16 which will impinge on that inner surface portion 31 of the drinking vessel 14 adjacent the rim 18, such that the beverage 13 will flow along the inner surface 31 towards the bottom of the drinking vessel 14. Preferably, the one or more positioning elements CP are provided such that, when the rim 18 is pressed against said positioning elements, the outlet end 15 of the spout 12 is at a distance s from the associated inner surface portion 31 of the drinking vessel 14, measured along the discharge direction 16, which distance s is preferably between about 5 and 20 mm. Thus, the foaming of the beverage 13 can be better controlled when the drinking container is not yet substantially full, for example not filled to a level more than halfway up the drinking container 14, than when the beverage is dispensed directly towards the bottom 14A or into a layer of beverage in the drinking container 14.

[0061] Fig. 3 shows diagrammatically a part of a beverage dispenser 1 similar to Fig. 2, but in this embodiment the positioning provision CP comprises a first positioning element 27 similar to that shown in Fig. 2 and a second positioning element 34 spaced apart from the first positioning element 27. The second positioning element has a second engagement surface 34 facing in the same way as the first engagement surface 28, such that the rim 18 of the drinking vessel 14 can simultaneously engage both engagement surfaces 28, 34. In the embodiment shown, the two engagement surfaces 28, 34 are provided such that they engage opposite parts of the rim 18 across an opening 32 defined by the rim 18. The spout 12 extends between said positioning elements 27, 33. Using two such positioning elements 27, 33 can further improve the proper positioning of the drinking vessel 14.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the two positioning elements 27, 33 may be provided in a fixed position such that the engagement surfaces 28, 34 are in the same plane and coincide with the plane PR when the rim 18 is combined with both surfaces. One or both of the engagement elements 27, 33 may be made of a hard or elastic material and / or be elastically connected to the housing 2 so that they can adapt when engaged by the rim 18, for example to slightly reposition when engaged.

[0063] Figures 4A and 4B respectively show a top view and a cross-sectional side view of the positioning elements 27, 33 as shown for example in Figure 3, with the spout 12 and the tops of two different drinking vessels 14', 14'' in phantom. As can be seen particularly in Figure 4B, both engagement surfaces 28, 34 are substantially flat and dimensioned to be able to extend over a portion of the opening 32 of the differently sized drinking vessels 14', 14'' that engages with the rims 18', 18'' of said drinking vessels.

[0064] The first positioning element 27 is in this embodiment concavely curved towards the spout 12, from the perspective of Fig. 4A, and has a curvature similar for example to that of the rim 18' of a larger drinking vessel. The drinking vessel 14 pressed against the positioning element 27 is therefore also guided towards a central position relative to the positioning element 27. Of course, the positioning element 27 can be individually shaped and dimensioned, for example straight.

[0065] 5A and 5B are respectively a top view and a side cross-sectional view of the positioning elements 27, 33 as shown for example in FIG. 3, again with the spout 12 and the tops of two different drinking vessels 14''', 14'''' in phantom. As can be seen especially in FIG. 5B, the second engagement surface 34 may be flat, whereas the first engagement surface 28 may be stepped. This allows adjusting the position of the drinking vessel 14 relative to the positioning provision in several defined steps / positions. Such adjustment or selection of the position of the drinking vessel 14 relative to the positioning provision may depend for example on the size of the drinking vessel 14 and / or its shape.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the drinking vessel 14 that can be used in or with the system according to the present disclosure can be individually shaped and sized. For example, the drinking vessel 14 can have a substantially frusto-conical shape as disclosed for drinking vessels 14', 14''', and 14'''', or a more bowl-shaped shape as shown for example for drinking vessel 14''. The positioning provision CP for the drinking vessel 14 allows the discharge direction 16 of the beverage relative to the inner wall 31 of the vessel 14 and the distance between the outlet end 15 and said inner wall 31 to be controlled within a range of suitable values ​​for properly dispensing the beverage, in particular a carbonated beverage such as beer dispensed with a foam head, e.g. lager beer or pilsner, API or similar beer. Additionally or alternatively, this can be used to avoid excess foaming.

[0067] In Fig. 4B, the distance s is shown by way of example, which is substantially the same for a more bowl- or goblet-shaped drinking vessel 14'' as for a drinking vessel 14' having a frusto-conical shape. In Fig. 5B, by way of example only, different distances s1, s2 between the outlet end 15 and the inner surface 31 are shown for individually sized drinking vessels 14''', 14'''', for example, the distance s1 being about 5 mm and the distance s2 being about 20 mm. These distances are shown by way of example only and can be selected individually.

[0068] In an embodiment, the dispensing system 11 comprises a valve 22, for example as disclosed in Fig. 1. In such an embodiment, the dispensing system 11 further comprises a valve actuation system 35 for opening the at least one valve 22 to dispense the beverage 13 into the drinking vessel 14. The valve actuation system 35 comprises a drinking vessel detection system 36, which in this embodiment comprises at least one positioning element 27, 33 arranged to detect, during use, the position of the drinking vessel 14, in particular the rim 18 of the drinking vessel 14, relative to at least one part of the beverage dispenser 1. The drinking vessel detection system 35 may be arranged to detect, during use, the position of the drinking vessel 14 relative to said outlet end 15 of the spout 12. Such an embodiment is for example shown in Figs. 6 to 10C and may be combined with any of the features of the embodiment of Figs. 1A to 5B.

[0069] Figures 6A and 6B show, in views similar to those of Figures 2 and 3, an alternative embodiment of the positioning provider CP, in which a valve actuation system 35 is provided. In this embodiment, the second positioning element 33 is movable relative to the first positioning element 27 when the rim 18 is pressed against it. The second positioning element 33 is designed to engage and open the valve 22 when the second positioning element is pressed upwards, as shown by a comparison of Figures 6A and 6B. In Figure 6A, the drinking vessel 14 is positioned with the rim 18 relative to the second positioning element 33, but not yet relative to the first positioning element 27. The spout 12 can already enter the drinking vessel 14. The second positioning element 33, and in particular the actuator 37 connected thereto as an example, is not yet engaged with the valve 22. Further pushing of the drinking vessel upwards, as indicated by arrow 38 in Fig. 6B, causes the rim 18 to be forced up against the first positioning element 27, in particular against its surface 28, whilst the second positioning element is pressed into engagement with the valve 22, resulting in the valve 22 being opened and the beverage 13 being dispensed, as indicated by arrow 16. Preferably, the valve 22 remains open after said actuation during the dispense of the beverage 13, even after the drinking vessel 14 has been returned to an upright position, for example towards the end of a dispense cycle of a single serving of the beverage into the drinking vessel 14.

[0070] Alternatively, the first and second positioning elements may be movable relative to the dispenser housing 2 to actuate the valve, or the first positioning element 27 is movable relative to the second positioning element 33 to actuate the valve 22.

[0071] In an embodiment, the valve 22 may be electrically operated and movement of the positioning elements 27, 33, or at least one thereof, may actuate a switch to operate the valve 22, for example through the control unit 24.

[0072] Figures 7A and 7B show relevant parts of a further embodiment of a valve actuation system 35, e.g. similar to that of Figures 2 or 6A and 6B, but in which the spout 12 is part of the valve actuation system 35 or at least is provided with an actuator 39 for the purpose of actuating the valve 22. In Figure 7A, a single first positioning element 27 is disclosed having a guiding surface 29 and an engagement surface 28. An actuator 39, e.g. a rod, is provided alongside the spout 12, which is movable alongside the spout 12 in an axial direction parallel to the axis AA of the spout 12. In Figure 7A, the actuator is shown in an extended position, with a lowermost end 40 extending well beyond the outlet end 15 of the spout 12. The drinking vessel 14 is shown extending over the spout 12 and the actuator 39, with a rim 18 spaced apart from the engagement surface 28 spaced apart from the end 40 of the actuator 39 and from the inner wall 31 of the drinking vessel 14. In this position, the valve 22 is still closed.

[0073] By pushing the drinking vessel 14 further upward from the position of Figure 7A, the rim 18 is forced against the engagement surface 28 as shown in Figure 7B and the end 40 also engages the inner surface 31 of the drinking vessel 14, thereby pushing the actuator upwardly alongside the spout 12, thereby actuating the valve 22 directly (as shown in Figure 7B) or indirectly, for example by operating a switch as discussed. In this embodiment, the spout 12 may be part of a valve actuation system 35.

[0074] Figures 8A-8C show diagrammatically a dispensing system with a cartridge 8 suitable for use in a beverage dispenser according to the present disclosure for containing at least one beverage ingredient 9. In this embodiment, the cartridge 8 comprises a housing 41, for example made using plastic and / or aluminium as known in the art. The cartridge 8 comprises, for example on the underside, an outlet 42 into and / or through which an upper end 43 of the spout 12 extends. The upper end 43 is axially closed but is provided with one or more side inlets 44. The upper end 43 and a peripheral wall portion 45 of the outlet 42 together form a valve 22A, which is closed in the position shown in Figure 8A and open in the position shown in Figure 8C, as will be described below. This forms an actuation system, or at least part of it, which is opened when a drinking vessel, in particular an inner wall of such a drinking vessel, exerts pressure on the spout or part thereof, as will be discussed by way of example with reference to Figure 8.

[0075] In Fig. 8A the cartridge 8 is introduced into the cartridge chamber 7, which is provided immediately above the position where the drinking vessel 14 is held for dispensing the beverage 13, and is only partially shown in Fig. 8. The spout 12 extends through an opening 46 in a wall 47 of the chamber 7 so that the drinking vessel 14 can be positioned below and / or over the spout 12. In this position the valve 22A is closed. A cam 49 of the dispensing mechanism is positioned generally above the cartridge 8 and is eccentrically supported on an axis 50. A lever 51 extends from the cam 49 to rotate the cam 49.

[0076] In FIG. 8B, with the valve 22A still closed, the inner surface area 31 of the drinking vessel 14 is pressed against the spout 12, such that the spout 12 with the cartridge housing 41 is pushed upwards against the cam 49. This can be achieved, for example, by friction between the spout 12 and the wall 45. The housing of the cartridge is pierced to connect the line or conduit 19 with the interior of the cartridge 8. It will become clear that this can be achieved in any suitable way, for example using a piercing needle or by providing a different connection structure, for example a valve, for connecting the line or conduit 19 with the interior of the cartridge 8. At this point, the system can be used to dispense the beverage 13, the drinking vessel 14 being held in a suitable position relative to the positioning elements 27, 33.

[0077] In Fig. 8C the system parts are shown during the dispensing of the beverage 13 into the drinking vessel 14 as indicated by the arrow 16. The cartridge housing 41 is pushed down by a cam 49 rotating about an axis 50, while the spout 12 is held in place by the drinking vessel 14 pressing against the positioning element 27, 33. Thus the valve 22A is opened, allowing the base liquid 5 to pass through the cartridge 8, mix with the beverage ingredient 9 to form the beverage 13, and then dispensed through the spout 12 into the drinking vessel 14 and flow against the inner surface area 31. It will be clear that the beverage may be mixed within the cartridge and / or within the drinking vessel, but if multiple base liquids and / or multiple beverage ingredients are used to form the beverage 13, part of the mixture may be pre-provided before the liquid enters the cartridge 8 as shown in Fig. 8.

[0078] The spout and / or cartridge 8 may be provided with a provision 52, shown here as a rod on the spout 12, to limit the movement of the spout 12 into the cartridge 8. This may have the effect that the opening 44 allows substantially all of the drinking liquid to exit the cartridge 8 through the spout 12. Such a provision 52 may also be provided in a different manner, for example by providing a flange on the outside of the spout 12 which abuts against the wall 45 after a certain relative movement of the spout into the housing 41. In an embodiment, the provision 52 may be flexible so that the spout can adapt to drinking containers 14 of different shapes and sizes, or such a provision may be omitted.

[0079] As discussed, the dispenser 1 according to the present disclosure may comprise a chamber 53 for mixing, at least during use, at least one fluid, in particular at least one base liquid 5, and optionally also a gas such as CO2 and / or N2, with at least one beverage ingredient 9 and / or for receiving a beverage mixed from said at least one fluid and said at least one beverage ingredient prior to dispensing a beverage. Said chamber 53 may be an integral part of the dispenser 1 or may be, for example, replaceable and / or disposable, for example as part of a cartridge 8. An example is shown in Figures 9A-9C.

[0080] FIG. 9A shows, similarly to that of FIG. 8, a schematic representation of a part of the cartridge chamber 7, which comprises a wall 47 with an opening 46 through which the spout 12 can extend during use. In this embodiment, the spout 12 is again part of the cartridge 8, but it can also be a separate part or part of the dispenser 1. The cartridge 8 again comprises a housing 41 to which the spout 12 is connected or is an integral part of it. The housing 41 comprises, in this embodiment, a first part 41A and a second part 41B. The first part 41A is relatively rigid, for example, compared to the second part 41B, and can be, for example, similar to the cartridge according to FIG. 8. The second part 41B is, in this embodiment, more flexible than the first part 41A and is also connected thereto or is integral therewith. The second part 41B is designed to be expandable. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, this is shown as a harmonica-type wall 54, which can be expanded by stretching the harmonica-type wall 54, as will be explained below. The chamber 7 is provided with a connector element 55, for example a piercing element, for connecting a line or conduit 19 to the cartridge to supply at least one base liquid, similar to Figure 8. The cartridge 8 may be provided with a valve 22, for example at the spout 12, which can be actuated, for example by the dispenser 1, to dispense the beverage 13.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first part 41A of the cartridge 8 has an internal volume V1, which contains a beverage ingredient 9, e.g. a liquid or a powder, granules, etc. The second part 41B, in the contracted state shown in Figures 9A and 9B, has an internal volume V2, which is preferably much smaller than the volume V1 of the first part 41A, e.g. approximately zero.

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 9B, the cartridge 8 can be inserted into the chamber 7 with the spout extending through the opening 46. The cartridge chamber 7 has an internal volume V3 that is significantly larger than the cartridge 8 with the second part 41B folded. As can be seen in Figures 9B and 9C, in this embodiment the first part 41A fits into the lower part of the chamber 7.

[0083] Before dispensing, a quantity of base liquid 5 is inserted into the cartridge via a line or conduit 19, expanding the cartridge 8, in particular its second portion 41B, to mix the beverage ingredients 9 with the base liquid 5. The volume of the base liquid 5 with the beverage ingredients 9 may be the same as the volume required for a single serving of beverage 13, if desired. The internal volume of the cartridge 8 in the expanded state as shown in FIG. 9C thus provides a chamber 53, which in this embodiment is a mixing chamber. When dispensing the beverage 13, a single serving can be dispensed in one go by compressing the cartridge back towards its original or smaller volume, for example by gravity or by pressurizing the cartridge with an external pressure, for example by forcing the second portion 41B into the first portion 41A. The internal volume V4 of the cartridge in the expanded state as shown in FIG. 9C may substantially correspond to the internal volume V3 of the chamber 7.

[0084] Figure 10a shows diagrammatically a portion of the cartridge chamber 7 similar to that of Figure 9A. In this embodiment, another embodiment of the cartridge 8 is represented. The cartridge 8 comprises at least one positioning element 27 for positioning the rim 28 of the drinking vessel 14 relative to the cartridge 8, in particular relative to the outlet end 16 of the spout 12. The at least one positioning element 27 may be formed by a part of the spout 12 or may be a separate element that may be positioned adjacent or near the spout 12.

[0085] In use, the positioning element 27 may extend out of the opening 46 of the cartridge chamber 7, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10B, or a separate opening in the positioning element 27 may be provided, for example adjacent or near the spout opening 46. As such, at least a portion of the positioning element 27 may be exposed, such as a portion of the positioning element 27 that provides the first contact surface 28, so that a user can position the glass 14 against the positioning element 27. When the glass 14 is positioned against the positioning element 27, a position of the portion of the glass is determined relative to the cartridge 8, and in particular relative to the outlet end 16 of the spout 12, as represented in FIG. 10C.

[0086] If the cartridge 8 is provided with a positioning element 27, different positioning elements 27 may be used for different cartridges 8 and thus for different types of beverages. So, for example, if the beverage is more foamy, the positioning element 27 may be shaped and positioned relative to the cartridge 8 such that over-foaming may be prevented. If the beverage is less foamy, the positioning element 27 may be shaped and positioned relative to the cartridge 8 such that under-foaming may be prevented. It will be understood that the positioning element 27 provided by the cartridge may have any shape and / or function disclosed in conjunction with the positioning element disclosed in conjunction with the dispenser 1. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the second positioning element 33 may also be provided by or formed by the cartridge 8. So, the inclination angle of the drinking vessel 14 may be adjusted for each cartridge and thus for each particular beverage.

[0087] It will be apparent that the expandable cartridge 8 can also be provided in different ways, for example as a pouch initially folded or collapsed, containing only the beverage ingredient, or as a pouch which is expandable such that the walls of the cartridge at least partially expand when base liquid is inserted into the cartridge 8. In an embodiment, the entire cartridge may be expandable. In an embodiment, the chamber 53 may have a volume larger than a single serving, for example a multiple serving.

[0088] In an embodiment, the cartridge 8 may include a filter (not shown) for filtering particles such as, but not limited to, proteins formed in the beverage ingredients 9. Preferably, such a filter is provided such that the beverage ingredients are forced to pass through the filter before being released into the base liquid 5.

[0089] In an embodiment, the first positioning element 27 has a first contact surface 28 and the second positioning element 33 has a second contact surface 34, the first contact surface 28 and the second contact surface 34 being in a plane inclined relative to a horizontal plane H such that the drinking vessel 14 has to be tilted in order to press the drinking vessel 14 against the first contact surface 28 and the second contact surface 34 simultaneously.

[0090] In the method according to the present disclosure, a beverage is provided from a beverage source or formed from at least a fluid and at least one beverage component, the beverage is dispensed from a dispenser, and the open end, in particular the rim 18, of the drinking container 14 is held against at least one positioning element 27 of the dispenser 1. The positioning element 27 or elements 27, 33 define the position of the drinking container 14 relative to the dispensing spout 12 of the dispenser 1.

[0091] In such a method, at least one positioning element 27, 33 may be part of a drinking container detection system and when the drinking container 14 is detected by the drinking container detection system of the dispenser 1, a beverage is dispensed or a beverage can be dispensed, in particular when the defined position of the drinking container 14 is detected.

[0092] In a method according to the present disclosure, in which at least a first positioning element 27 and a second positioning element 33 are present, the drinking container 14 is pressed against said first positioning surface 28 and said second positioning surface 34, thereby activating a valve actuation mechanism of the beverage dispenser 1 and dispensing the beverage 13 into said drinking container 14. In such a method according to the present disclosure, the beverage 13 is preferably dispensed when one of said first positioning surface 28 and said second positioning surface 34 is moved relative to the other of said first positioning surface 34 and second positioning surface 28 by the drinking container 14 being pressed against them and / or when said first positioning surface 28 and second positioning surface 34 are moved relative to the dispenser 1 by the drinking container 14 being pressed against them.

[0093] In an alternative method according to the present disclosure, the dispenser 1 comprises at least a detector for detecting an inner wall surface 31 of the drinking vessel 14, and when said surface 31 of the drinking vessel 14 is pressed against the detector, the beverage is dispensed. This is shown for example in Figures 7A and 7B and 8A-8C.

[0094] A cartridge 8 according to the present disclosure preferably contains a beverage component 9 for use in a beverage dispenser 1, the cartridge 8 preferably comprising at least an inlet for a fluid 5 for mixing with the beverage component 9, and a spout 12 for dispensing a beverage 13 formed from the fluid and the beverage component 9. The inlet may be an inlet formed, for example, by drilling a hole in the wall of the cartridge 8, or a valve, for example a one-way valve, a duckbill valve, or any other suitable inlet. The spout may be an integral part of the cartridge 8 or may be a separate part.

[0095] The cartridge 8 comprises a chamber 53 for containing the beverage prior to dispensing, which in an embodiment may be a mixing chamber. In an embodiment, the chamber 53 may be an expandable chamber. In an embodiment, the chamber 53 may have or be located at a position having an internal volume for holding a single supply of beverage.

[0096] The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments particularly shown, illustrated and described hereinabove: numerous variations are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0097] For example, a dispenser according to the present disclosure may comprise more than two, for example three, positioning elements evenly spaced around the circumference of the rim of the drinking container, or a single positioning element may be formed as a ring or such element with a spout extending therethrough. The or each cartridge may be a disposable cartridge or may be a reusable cartridge. A dispenser according to the present disclosure may comprise a number of cartridge chambers for receiving different cartridges, each of which may contain the same or different ingredients. Alternatively, the or each cartridge chamber may be designed to directly receive a beverage ingredient, for example provided from an ingredient source external or internal to the dispenser, without housing a cartridge. The valve actuator for dispensing the beverage and / or for providing the base liquid and / or gas may be a mechanical actuator, such as for example a conventional tap valve with a tap handle, the valve may be integral with the dispenser or may be a replaceable, particularly disposable, valve, or may be electronically operated, for example through a control unit. The valve may be a conventional valve, or for example a squeeze valve. Dispensers according to the present disclosure may be provided with cleaning provision as known in the art, for example for flushing the chamber and conduits with cleaning fluid. As discussed, cooling means may be provided for cooling the or each or at least the base liquid, for cooling the or each or at least the beverage ingredients and / or for cooling the dispensed beverage. In addition to or instead of the cooling means, heating means may be provided for heating the base liquid, the beverage ingredients and / or the beverage.

[0098] These and numerous other variations, including any combination of features of the embodiments disclosed, are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] (Additional Note) (Appendix 1) 1. A beverage dispenser comprising a housing, the dispenser comprising: - connected or connectable to a beverage source; and / or - comprising and / or connectable to at least one fluid source and at least one source for beverage ingredients, and comprising a mixing system for mixing from said at least one fluid source and said at least one beverage ingredient from said beverage ingredient source into a beverage fluid, the dispenser further comprises a dispensing system for dispensing the beverage, the dispensing system comprising at least a spout having an outlet end, the beverage dispenser further comprising at least one positioning element for positioning a rim of a drinking container relative to the outlet end of the spout. Beverage dispenser.

[0100] (Appendix 2) A beverage dispenser as described in Appendix 1, wherein at least two positioning elements spaced apart from each other are provided for positioning the rim of the drinking container by engaging with the rim in at least two spaced apart positions.

[0101] (Appendix 3) 3. The beverage dispenser of claim 1 or 2, wherein the spout has a longitudinal axis at least at the outlet end and an axial discharge direction along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the or each positioning element is positioned such that, when a rim engages with the at least one positioning element, a plane defined by the rim is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the spout, such that the discharge direction is directed towards an inner surface area of ​​the drinking vessel adjacent the rim, and preferably the or each positioning element is designed to extend over at least a part of the opening of the drinking vessel defined by the rim, and in particular the at least one positioning element has a substantially flat or stepped engagement surface for engaging the rim of the drinking vessel, and in particular the or at least one positioning element is provided with a guide element extending from the engagement surface for engaging an outer surface area of ​​the drinking vessel adjacent the rim.

[0102] (Appendix 4) A beverage dispenser as described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3, further comprising at least one cartridge receiving space for receiving a cartridge containing the at least one beverage ingredient, in particular wherein the spout is part of the at least one cartridge and / or the at least one cartridge is provided with a valve.

[0103] (Appendix 5) 5. A beverage dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispenser comprises at least one valve, and the dispensing system further comprises a valve actuation system for opening the at least one valve to dispense the beverage into a drinking container, the valve actuation system comprising at least the at least one positioning element, the drinking container detection system being arranged to detect, in use, the position of the drinking container, in particular the rim of the drinking container, relative to at least one part of the beverage dispenser, in particular the spout being part of the valve actuation system and / or the spout being provided with and / or connected to an actuation mechanism such that the valve is opened upon pressure being exerted by a drinking container, in particular by an inner wall of such drinking container, on the spout or part thereof, and the drinking container detection system being preferably arranged to detect, in use, the position of the drinking container relative to the outlet end.

[0104] (Appendix 6) The valve actuation system includes at least first and second spaced apart positioning elements, at least - one of the first and second positioning elements is movable relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements; and / or - the first and second positioning elements are movable relative to the housing; - only if the one of the first and second positioning elements moves relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements; and / or - only when the first and second positioning elements move relative to the housing; the at least one valve is opened to dispense the beverage. 6. The beverage dispenser of claim 5.

[0105] (Appendix 7) 7. The beverage dispenser of claim 6, wherein the first positioning element has a first contact surface and the second positioning element has a second contact surface, the first contact surface and the second contact surface being in a plane inclined relative to a horizontal plane such that the drinking container must be inclined in order to be pressed against both the first and second contact surfaces simultaneously.

[0106] (Appendix 8) A beverage dispenser as described in any one of appendixes 1 to 7, wherein, during use, the dispenser comprises a chamber for mixing the at least one fluid with the at least one beverage ingredient before dispensing the beverage, and / or for receiving a beverage mixed from the at least one fluid and the at least one beverage ingredient, in particular, the mixing chamber has a volume substantially equal to or greater than the volume of the drinking container, and / or the mixing chamber is an expandable chamber, and / or the mixing chamber is part of at least one cartridge.

[0107] (Appendix 9) 1. A method for dispensing a beverage into a drinking container, the method comprising: - supplied from a potable source, or - formed from at least a fluid and at least one beverage component, the beverage is dispensed from a dispenser and an open end, in particular a rim, of a drinking vessel is held against at least one positioning element of the dispenser, the one or more positioning elements defining a position of the drinking vessel relative to a dispensing spout of the dispenser; method.

[0108] (Appendix 10) 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one positioning element is part of a drinking container detection system, and a beverage is dispensed or can be dispensed when the drinking container is detected by the drinking container detection system of the dispenser.

[0109] (Appendix 11) 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein there are at least a first positioning element and a second positioning element, the first positioning element having at least a first positioning surface and the second positioning element having at least a second surface, and when the drinking container is pressed against the first positioning surface and the second positioning surface, a valve actuating mechanism of the beverage dispenser is actuated to dispense a beverage into the drinking container.

[0110] (Appendix 12) when one of the first and second positioning surfaces is moved relative to the other of the first and second positioning surfaces by the drinking vessel being pressed against it; and / or when the first and second positioning surfaces are moved relative to the dispenser by the drinking container being pressed against them, The beverage is dispensed. 12. The method according to claim 11.

[0111] (Appendix 13) 13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the dispenser comprises at least a detector for detecting an inner wall surface of the drinking container, and a beverage is dispensed when the surface of the drinking container is pressed against the detector, and / or the dispenser comprises at least a detector for detecting an inner wall surface of the drinking container, and a beverage is dispensed when the detector is pressed against the surface of the drinking container.

[0112] (Appendix 14) A cartridge containing a beverage component for use in a beverage dispenser, said cartridge preferably comprising at least an inlet for a fluid to be mixed with said beverage component and a spout for dispensing the beverage formed from said fluid and said beverage component, in particular said cartridge further comprising a chamber for containing said beverage before dispensing, said chamber being preferably a mixing chamber which may be an expandable chamber, and / or said chamber having or capable of being placed in a position to have an internal volume for holding a single supply of beverage.

[0113] (Appendix 15) 15. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the cartridge is provided with a positioning element for positioning the rim of a drinking vessel relative to the cartridge, specifically relative to the outlet end of the spout of the cartridge.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser having a housing, wherein the dispenser is - Connected to or capable of connecting to a beverage source, and / or - Includes at least one fluid source and at least one source for beverage ingredients, and / or connectable thereto, and includes a mixing system for mixing the at least one beverage ingredient from the at least one fluid source and the beverage ingredient source into a beverage fluid, The dispenser further comprises a dispensing system for dispensing the beverage, the dispensing system comprising at least a spout having an outlet end, and the beverage dispenser further comprises at least one positioning element for positioning the rim of a drinking container relative to the outlet end of the spout. Beverage dispenser.

2. A beverage dispenser according to claim 1, wherein at least two spaced-apart positioning elements are provided for positioning the rim of the beverage container by engaging with the rim at at least two spaced-apart positions.

3. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spout has at least a longitudinal axis at the outlet end and an axial discharge direction along the longitudinal axis, and the or each positioning element is positioned such that when the rim engages with the at least one positioning element, the plane defined by the rim makes an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spout, and as a result, the discharge direction is directed toward an inner surface region of the beverage container adjacent to the rim, preferably the or each positioning element is designed to extend over at least a portion of the opening of the beverage container defined by the rim, specifically the at least one positioning element has a substantially flat or stepped engagement surface for engaging with the rim of the beverage container, and specifically the one positioning element or at least one of the positioning elements is provided with a guide element extending from the engagement surface for engaging with an outer surface portion of the beverage container adjacent to the rim.

4. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one cartridge receiving space for receiving a cartridge containing the at least one beverage ingredient, wherein the spout is part of the at least one cartridge and / or the at least one cartridge is equipped with a valve.

5. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispenser comprises at least one valve, the dispensing system further comprises a valve operating system for opening the at least one valve to dispense the beverage into a beverage container, the valve operating system comprises a beverage container detection system comprising at least one positioning element, the beverage container detection system being configured to detect the position of the beverage container, particularly the rim of the beverage container, relative to at least one portion of the beverage dispenser during use, specifically, the spout being part of the valve operating system and / or the spout being equipped with an operating mechanism and / or connected thereto such that the valve opens when the beverage container, particularly the inner wall of such beverage container, exerts pressure on the spout or a portion thereof, and the beverage container detection system is preferably configured to detect the position of the beverage container relative to the outlet end during use.

6. The valve operating system comprises at least first and second positioning elements spaced apart from each other, - One of the first and second positioning elements is movable relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements, and / or - The first and second positioning elements are movable relative to the housing, - Only when one of the first and second positioning elements moves relative to the other of the first and second positioning elements, and / or -Only when the first and second positioning elements move relative to the housing, The at least one valve is opened to dispense the beverage. The beverage dispenser according to claim 5.

7. The beverage dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the first positioning element has a first contact surface, and the second positioning element has a second contact surface, and the first and second contact surfaces are in a plane inclined with respect to a horizontal plane such that they must be inclined so that the beverage container is pressed against both the first and second contact surfaces simultaneously.

8. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, during use, the dispenser comprises a chamber for mixing the at least one fluid with the at least one beverage ingredient before dispensing the beverage, and / or for receiving the beverage mixed from the at least one fluid and the at least one beverage ingredient, specifically, the mixing chamber having a volume substantially equal to or greater than the volume of the drinking container, and / or the mixing chamber being an expandable chamber, and / or the mixing chamber being part of at least one cartridge.

9. A method for dispensing a beverage into a drinking container, wherein the beverage is - Supplied from a beverage source, or, - Formed from at least a fluid and at least one beverage component, The beverage is dispensed from the dispenser, and the open end of the drinking container, particularly the rim, is held against at least one positioning element of the dispenser, the one or more positioning elements defining the position of the drinking container relative to the dispensing spout of the dispenser. method.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the at least one positioning element is part of a beverage container detection system, and when the beverage container is detected by the beverage container detection system of the dispenser, the beverage is dispensed or may be dispensed.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least a first positioning element and a second positioning element are present, the first positioning element comprises at least a first positioning surface, and the second positioning element comprises at least a second surface, and when the drinking container is pressed against the first positioning surface and the second positioning surface, the valve operating mechanism of the beverage dispenser is activated and the beverage is dispensed into the drinking container.

12. - When one of the first positioning surface and the second positioning surface is moved relative to the other of the first and second positioning surfaces by the drinking container being pressed against them, and / or, - When the first positioning surface and the second positioning surface are moved relative to the dispenser as the drinking container is pressed against them, The beverage is dispensed. The method according to claim 11.

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the dispenser comprises at least a detector for detecting the inner wall surface of the beverage container, and when the surface of the beverage container is pressed against the detector, a beverage is dispensed, and / or the dispenser comprises at least a detector for detecting the inner wall surface of the beverage container, and when the detector is pressed against the surface of the beverage container, a beverage is dispensed.

14. A cartridge for housing beverage components for use in a beverage dispenser, wherein the cartridge preferably comprises at least an inlet for a fluid to be mixed with the beverage components, and a spout for dispensing the beverage formed from the fluid and the beverage components, wherein the cartridge further comprises a chamber for housing the beverage before dispensing, wherein the chamber is preferably a mixing chamber which may be an expandable chamber, and / or the chamber which has an internal volume for holding a single-dispensing portion of the beverage, or which may be positioned to have such a volume.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the cartridge is provided with a positioning element for positioning the rim of a drinking container relative to the cartridge, specifically with respect to the outlet end of the spout of the cartridge.

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