Anti-drip device for a beverage dispensing assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

An anti-drip device for a beverage dispensing assembly (100). 1. A dispensing line portion (102) for use in a beverage dispensing assembly (100), the dispensing line portion (102) comprising: a beverage conduit (150) having a passageway for transporting a non-alcoholic beverage therethrough; an upstream connector (130) arranged to connect the beverage conduit (150) to a beverage container (104) holding the non-alcoholic beverage, the upstream connector (130) having a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage in use; and a downstream connector (140) arranged to connect the beverage conduit (150) to a beverage dispensing system, the beverage conduit (150) extending between the upstream connector (130) and the downstream connector (140), the dispensing line portion (102) further comprising an outer liquid trap (160) arranged to prevent a flow of liquid flowing over an outer surface of the beverage conduit (150) from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector (130).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of beverage dispensing assemblies, and in particular to hygienic improvements to beverage dispensing assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] There are a wide variety of beverage dispensing assemblies available for dispensing all kinds of beverages. A typical beverage dispensing assembly, often used to dispense beverages in food and beverage service establishments and the hospitality industry, such as bars and restaurants, comprises a beverage container for containing the beverage, a beverage dispensing line extending between the beverage container and a beverage dispenser, such as a faucet with a tap handle, for dispensing the beverage at a dispensing outlet of the dispenser, a coupler device disposed for coupling the beverage dispensing line to the beverage container, and a piston within the coupler device movably disposed to open a beverage container sealing member to provide a fluid connection between the beverage container and the beverage dispensing line.

[0003] Thus, in known beverage dispensing assemblies, a beverage can be dispensed by first actuating a piston in a coupler device to open a beverage container sealing member, i.e., so-called opening of the beverage container, after which the beverage contained in the beverage container can freely flow past the opened sealing member through the coupler device into a beverage dispensing line and to a dispensing valve that is usually provided in the dispenser.

[0004] The dispenser may be operable to open and close the dispensing valve as desired, and when the dispensing valve is opened, a quantity of beverage may flow from the beverage container, through the coupler device and the dispensing line, and to a dispensing opening of the dispenser for dispensing the beverage into a suitable container, such as a drinking glass or cup.

[0005] During its useful life, a dispensing assembly is exposed to microorganisms present in the environment of the dispensing assembly. These microorganisms pose a risk of invading the dispensing line and the coupler, especially during, for example, changing of a beverage container. When the coupler device is removed from a first container and coupled to a new beverage container holding a new amount of beverage, such microorganisms may be transferred from the dispensing line into the beverage held in the beverage container, which beverage forms a suitable and sufficient source for the rapid expansion of microorganisms by growth. As a result, the shelf life of such beverage contained in the beverage container, i.e., the period during which the beverage in the container can normally be properly consumed, may be shortened and / or the beverage may otherwise spoil prematurely.

[0006] Furthermore, when a beverage has a low alcohol content or no alcohol at all, and / or when some no-alcohol beverages, such as beer, have a relatively high sugar content, the beverage is particularly susceptible to contamination by fermentation of microorganisms such as wild yeasts, which can lead to an unnecessary increase in the alcohol content of the beverage due to fermentation.

[0007] WO2022093018 proposes a solution for preventing microbial contamination of beverages contained in beverage containers of such beverage dispensing assemblies. Specifically, WO2022093018 proposes preventing backflow of liquid and microorganisms from a beverage dispensing line into the beverage containers of such beverage dispensing assemblies. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Although the solution proposed in WO2022093018 is effective in preventing microbial contamination of beverages contained in beverage containers through the dispensing line, it has been observed that microbial contamination can occur from outside the dispensing line as well, particularly if the coupler device of the beverage dispenser assembly is not used properly and / or is not cleaned.

[0009] It has been observed that when a dispensing line portion of the coupler device is separated from a beverage container, beverage may leak out of the dispensing line portion in the form of liquid and / or foam. This leaked beverage may flow down the outside of the dispensing line portion, in particular up the beverage conduit, towards the upstream connector of the dispensing line portion, e.g., due to gravity. If the leaked beverage reaches the beverage-contacting surface of the upstream connector and the upstream is reconnected to the beverage container—which may be contrary to the manufacturer's instructions—the beverage dispensed by the beverage dispensing assembly following this reconnection may be contaminated. In particular, the beverage inside the beverage container may be contaminated. Preferably, contamination of the non-alcoholic beverage inside the beverage container, e.g., by yeast cells, is prevented. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present disclosure provides, in a first aspect, a dispensing line segment for use in a beverage dispensing assembly to prevent, or at least reduce the likelihood of, contamination of a beverage in a beverage container by leaking beverage flowing down the outside of the dispensing line segment, the dispensing line segment comprising: a beverage conduit having a passageway for transporting a non-alcoholic beverage through the conduit; an upstream connector arranged to connect the beverage conduit to a beverage container holding the non-alcoholic beverage, the upstream connector having a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage in use; and a downstream connector arranged to connect the beverage conduit to a beverage dispensing system.

[0011] The beverage conduit extends between the upstream connector and the downstream connector, and the dispensing line portion further comprises an outer liquid trap positioned to prevent a flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector.

[0012] The external liquid trap prevents the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector, thereby reducing, preferably eliminating, the possibility of contamination of the beverage in the beverage container by leaking beverage flowing down the outside of the dispensing line section.

[0013] The outer liquid trap is preferably positioned to capture, redirect, absorb or otherwise interact with fluid flowing over the beverage conduit before the fluid can reach the upstream connector. Generally, it will be understood that the flow of liquid over the outer surface of the beverage conduit may consist of a single droplet of fluid, or may include multiple droplets and / or a continuous stream of fluid. The fluid generally may be in a liquid and / or foamy state and may include beverages such as non-alcoholic beer.

[0014] The outer liquid trap may be connectable to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, for example, by a clamp connection or a form-fit connection. In a clamp connection, at least a part of the outer liquid trap may be elastically deformed to provide a clamping force on the beverage conduit. In a form-fit connection, the outer liquid trap may, for example, be at least partially wrapped around a part of the beverage conduit. Typically, in the case of a form-fit connection, plastic and / or elastic deformation of at least one of the beverage conduit and the outer liquid trap is required to separate the outer liquid trap from the beverage conduit.

[0015] Thus, the outer liquid trap may be a component manufactured separately from the beverage conduit. By connecting the outer liquid trap to the beverage conduit, a conventional manufacturing process may be used to manufacture the beverage conduit, while a separate manufacturing process may be used to manufacture the outer liquid trap. For example, the beverage conduit may be formed in an extrusion process to obtain a beverage conduit with a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. Additionally or alternatively, the beverage conduit may be manufactured to have a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0016] The beverage conduit may, in any embodiment of the dispensing line portion, be embodied as a flexible tube, for example a flexible plastic tube. Generally, the beverage conduit may have a length of 5 cm or more, 10 cm or more, 20 cm or more, 30 cm or more, but less than 100 cm, or even less than 50 cm. Preferably, the beverage conduit has a length of about 10 cm.

[0017] The outer liquid trap may be glued to the outer surface of the beverage conduit subsequent to, or instead of, clamping the outer liquid trap to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, which may provide a convenient and durable connection method for connecting the outer liquid trap to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0018] The outer liquid trap may be attached to the outer surface of the beverage conduit subsequent to, or instead of, clamping the outer liquid trap to the outer surface of the beverage conduit, where attachment is generally defined as holding or adhering firmly, such as by adhering, sucking, grasping, or fusing.

[0019] The flow of liquid flowing up the beverage conduit and reaching the outer liquid trap may be directed away from the beverage-contacting surface of the upstream connector. Generally, the liquid flow may stick to the outer liquid trap due to adhesion. The term adhesion may be used to describe the tendency of liquid to be attracted to other materials, such as the material of the outer surface of the dispensing line section, and in particular to the outer surface of the beverage conduit and the outer liquid trap. Due to adhesion, gravity may not be sufficient to pull the liquid away from the beverage conduit.

[0020] As a particular option, the outer liquid trap is or comprises a piece of tape at least partially wrapped around the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Preferably, but not necessarily, part of the piece of tape extends away from the outer surface of the beverage conduit. The tape may generally be defined as a thin substrate, at least part of one of its surfaces being coated with an adhesive or adhesive. In particular, the tape may be an adhesive tape. The thin substrate may, for example, have a thickness of less than 1 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm. The adhesive or adhesive may be suitable for adhering the tape to itself.

[0021] If the outer liquid trap comprises a piece of tape, the piece of tape may be at least partially folded onto the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Preferably, the two outer ends of the piece of tape are connected to each other or are close to each other. The two outer ends of the piece of tape may be connected at a distance from the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Thus, the piece of tape may be folded back onto itself. This may provide for an additional form-fit connection of the tape to the beverage conduit following the adhesive connection.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the outer liquid trap may be or comprise a length of cord, rope, or string wrapped around the outer surface of the beverage conduit. Alternatively or additionally, the outer liquid trap may be formed in the outer surface of the beverage conduit by melting, printing, or otherwise applying material to the outer surface. Any of these options, in any combination, may be readily applied to any of the dispensing line segments disclosed herein.

[0023] In particular, if the outer liquid trap comprises a liquid-absorbing material, at least a portion of the flow of liquid may be absorbed by the outer liquid trap in addition to or instead of redirecting the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit. By virtue of the liquid-absorbing material, the outer liquid trap may direct the liquid into itself, thereby preventing or reducing the flow of liquid over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector to the upstream connector.

[0024] As an option, the outer liquid trap may have a hydrophobic outer surface. Such a hydrophobic outer surface may reduce adhesion between the liquid and the outer surface. Thus, for example, the liquid may be drawn away from the outer surface due to gravity. As the liquid is drawn away from the outer surface of the conduit, one or more droplets of liquid may form that may fall from the outer liquid trap. These falling droplets may fall a distance from the upstream connector, thus preventing contamination of the upstream connector.

[0025] The optional hydrophobic outer surface may be formed by virtue of the outer liquid trap being at least partially formed from a hydrophobic material and / or by coating at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer liquid trap with a hydrophobic material.

[0026] Examples of materials that may be used to form at least a portion of the hydrophobic outer surface are cellulose acetate, polypropylene, and silicone, although it will be appreciated that any other hydrophobic material may be used.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, any outer liquid trap may be at least partially essentially non-porous to liquids, particularly alcohol-free beers. This may prevent liquid from becoming trapped within the outer liquid trap and thereby saturating the outer liquid trap, which may no longer function effectively as a liquid trap.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, any outer liquid trap may be at least partially essentially impermeable to liquids, particularly alcohol-free beer. This may prevent liquid from becoming trapped within the outer liquid trap and thereby saturating the outer liquid trap, which may no longer function effectively as a liquid trap.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the single outer liquid trap may have a hydrophobic outer surface and may further be essentially non-porous to liquids and / or essentially impermeable to liquids.

[0030] As a further option, the external liquid trap may be positioned to capture at least a portion of the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector to the upstream connector. Capturing at least a portion of the flow of liquid means that the external liquid trap stops at least a portion of the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector to the upstream connector. For example, any external liquid trap disclosed herein may include a liquid reservoir capable of retaining the captured liquid. The liquid reservoir may be positioned to retain a certain amount of the captured liquid.

[0031] The opening of the liquid reservoir may generally face the downstream connector and / or generally face the opposite side of the upstream connector. Additionally or alternatively, the opening of the liquid reservoir may be oriented in a downstream direction with respect to the beverage flowing through the beverage conduit. Either of these orientations of the opening of the liquid reservoir may capture within the liquid reservoir a flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit caused by the orientation of the downstream connector.

[0032] As an option for any of the outer liquid traps disclosed herein, the outer liquid trap may have one or more visible markings on its outer surface. Such markings may represent, for example, one or more letters, words, images, colors, or any other visually identifiable markings, such as arrows, symbols, or any other shapes. The markings may be used, for example, to allow a user to identify the outer liquid trap and / or to enable a user to properly orient the outer liquid trap, particularly relative to one or more of the downstream connector, the upstream connector, and gravity.

[0033] For any dispensing line section according to the first aspect, at least a part of the outer liquid trap may be oriented away from an outer surface of the beverage conduit. Additionally or alternatively, for any dispensing line section according to the first aspect, the beverage conduit may have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and / or a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0034] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a beverage dispensing assembly comprising: a beverage container having a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, the container body having a beverage outlet; a beverage dispenser, such as a faucet with a tap handle, for dispensing the beverage at the dispenser's dispensing outlet; and a dispensing line portion connected between the beverage container and the beverage dispenser.

[0035] The beverage dispenser assembly comprises any of the dispensing line segments disclosed herein. The upstream connector of the dispensing line segment may be connected to a beverage container, for example, to a beverage outlet of the beverage container, or to another dispensing line segment. The downstream connector of the dispensing line segment may be connected to a beverage dispenser or to another dispensing line segment. In use, beverage flows from the upstream connector through the dispensing line segment to the downstream connector.

[0036] For example, if the beverage container is positioned generally below the beverage dispenser, the upstream connector of the dispensing line segment will typically be positioned below the downstream connector of the dispensing line segment, where gravity may cause liquid positioned at or near the downstream connector to flow downwardly through the outer surface of the beverage conduit toward the upstream connector.

[0037] In use, when the upstream connector of the dispensing line section is positioned lower than the downstream connector of the dispensing line section, the outer liquid trap can be positioned at any height between the upstream and downstream connectors, and thus can be positioned in the flow path for liquid to flow over the outside of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector downward towards the upstream connector.

[0038] The beverage compartment of the beverage container may contain a quantity of a non-alcoholic beverage, particularly alcohol-free beer. During use, the beverage container may be placed in a refrigerated environment, such as a refrigerator, or the beverage container may be placed in an unrefrigerated environment at ambient temperature. The beverage container may be, for example, a conventional metal keg or bag-in container. The definition of a non-alcoholic beverage may depend on local or regional legislation. In this disclosure, a non-alcoholic beverage refers to a beverage having an alcohol content of less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05%, or even less than 0.00%.

[0039] Any beverage chamber disclosed herein may contain a carbonated beverage. When the beverage chamber contains a carbonated beverage, the beverage may form foam, especially when exposed to ambient pressure. When the beverage forms foam from the liquid, a certain amount of the beverage expands, leading to leakage of the beverage from the downstream connector. This leaked beverage may then flow down the beverage conduit toward the upstream connector, which is preferably prevented using an external liquid trap. Whenever carbonated beverages are mentioned in this disclosure, it will be understood that other beverages containing dissolved gases, such as nitrogen, are also envisioned. Carbonated beverages are generally pressurized by gas contained in the beverage and / or by external pressure to contain the beverage with the desired gas content.

[0040] In use, the beverage conduit of the dispensing line portion may be oriented generally downward and / or horizontally. Thus, the lowest point of the beverage conduit is not lower than the upstream connector. If a portion of the beverage conduit is positioned lower than the upstream connector, gravity may prevent liquid from flowing through this lower point towards the upstream connector. Thus, the portion of the beverage conduit below the upstream connector may form an outer liquid trap. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B illustrate schematically an embodiment of a dispensing line portion of a beverage dispensing assembly. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 10A and 10B schematically illustrate another embodiment of a dispensing line portion of a beverage dispensing assembly. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a distribution line section. [Figure 3B] 3B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] Two views of the distribution line section are shown. [Figure 4B] Two views of the distribution line section are shown. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a coupler device. [Figure 5B] A detailed view of FIG. 5A is shown. [Figure 5C] A detailed view of FIG. 5A is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] 1A schematically illustrates an embodiment of a dispensing line portion 102 of a beverage dispensing assembly 100. The dispensing line portion 102 comprises an upstream connector 120, a downstream connector 140, and a beverage conduit 150 having a passageway 152 and extending between the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140. In use, the beverage conduit 150 having the passageway 152 is positioned such that the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140 are in fluid communication with each other. Preferably, a beverage flows from the upstream connector 130 to the downstream connector 140 through the beverage conduit 150.

[0043] It should be noted that FIG. 1A is merely a schematic illustration and that the different elements shown, such as the beverage container, the beverage dispenser and the dispensing line section, are not necessarily to scale.

[0044] The beverage dispensing assembly 100 comprises a beverage container 104 having a container body 106 defining a beverage chamber 107 for containing a beverage. The beverage container 104 has a beverage container interface 108 to which an upstream connector 120 of the dispensing line portion 102 can be connected. The beverage can flow from the beverage chamber 107 to the upstream connector 130 through a beverage outlet 109. While FIG. 1A shows the upstream connector 120 connected directly to the beverage container interface 108, it will be understood that the use of a coupler device for coupling the upstream connector 120 to the container interface 108 is also contemplated.

[0045] Generally, a coupler applicable to any embodiment of the beverage container 104 and applicable to any embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly may be connected to the container interface 108 in a torsional, rotational, translational, and / or sliding motion. For example, the container interface 108 may form a bayonet connection with the coupler, such as in a Sankey interface, or the container interface 108 may form a sliding connection, such as in a Micromatic connection.

[0046] As an option for any beverage dispensing assembly disclosed herein, if the beverage dispensing assembly includes a coupler, the coupler may be reusable, while the dispensing line segment may be disposable. In particular, since the dispensing line segment comes into contact with the beverage during use, if reused, it is necessary to clean the dispensing line segment after reuse—for example, after disconnecting it from a first beverage container and connecting it to a further beverage container—to prevent contamination of the beverage. Contamination may even occur when the dispensing line segment is temporarily disconnected from the beverage container and subsequently reconnected to said beverage container—which may be contrary to recommended practice. The external liquid trap disclosed herein may reduce contamination changes. The coupler may be used to open the beverage container using the upstream connector of the dispensing line segment.

[0047] To configure the beverage flow, pressurized gas may be used. In the example of Fig. 1A, a pressurized gas source 190 is provided by the beverage dispensing assembly 100 and is connected to provide a flow of pressurized gas 192 to the gas inlet 103 of the beverage container 104. Thus, in the example of Fig. 1, the gas inlet 103 is provided by the beverage container interface 108, and in particular by the beverage container 104, but in other examples it may be provided by the upstream connector 130.

[0048] Pressurized gas may be supplied to the beverage chamber 107, for example, to pump the beverage into the beverage chamber through conventional tubing and out of the beverage chamber through the beverage outlet 109. Alternatively, for example, if the beverage container 104 is a bag-in-container type container, pressurized gas may be pumped into the space between the outer container of the beverage container and a collapsible inner container of the beverage container positioned inside the outer container.

[0049] The beverage dispensing assembly 100, shown schematically in Figure 1A, further comprises a beverage dispenser 170. The beverage dispenser 170 comprises a beverage dispenser interface 172 to which the downstream connector 140 of the dispensing line segment 102 can be connected.

[0050] 1A, a liquid stream 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 152 is shown schematically by a dotted line 200. In particular, the liquid stream 200 flows towards the upstream connector 130, for example due to gravity.

[0051] The dispensing line portion 102 includes an outer liquid trap 160 positioned to prevent a liquid stream 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 from reaching the upstream connector 130. Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the beverage conduit 150 with a particular embodiment of the outer liquid trap 160 that may be readily included with any other dispensing line portion and beverage dispensing assembly of the present disclosure.

[0052] In the embodiment of Figure 1B, the outer liquid trap 160 is formed by a piece of tape (shown hatched) wrapped around the beverage conduit 150. The piece of tape may be adhered to the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. For example, the tape may be an adhesive tape, preferably with one side being adhesive.

[0053] 1B, one tape 160 has two free ends 161, 162. The two free ends 161, 162 are positioned at a distance from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. It is also envisioned that embodiments may be such that only one of the ends is a free end positioned at a distance from the outer surface 154, while the other of the ends may be glued onto the outer surface 154, for example.

[0054] 1B , the extension 603 is formed by a single tape 600 extending away from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 between the two free ends 161, 162. When the liquid stream 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 reaches the single tape 600, the liquid stream 200 flows over the single tape, in particular over the extension 603, towards at least one of the ends 161, 162. Thus, the liquid stream 200 can be prevented from reaching the upstream connector 130. Thus, the liquid stream 200 can adhere to the single tape in the same way as the liquid stream 200 previously adhered to the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150.

[0055] 2A schematically illustrates another embodiment of the dispensing line segment 102 shown in another embodiment of the beverage dispensing assembly 100. In this embodiment, a pressurized gas source 190 is connected to the upstream connector 130 of the dispensing line segment 102. Thus, a flow of pressurized gas 192 can be provided to the beverage container 104 via the upstream connector 130. In the present disclosure, the pressurized gas can be supplied directly into the beverage chamber 107 or can be used to collapse a collapsible inner container or collapsible bag of the beverage container 104, for example, if the beverage container 104 is a bag-in-container or bag-in-bottle type container.

[0056] 2B and 2C show optional cross sections of the beverage conduit 150 shown in FIG. 2A provided with an embodiment of an outer liquid trap 160 (shown hatched). In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the outer liquid trap 160 completely surrounds the beverage conduit 150 (particularly the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150). The outer liquid trap 160 may include or consist of a liquid-absorbing material so as to be able to absorb at least a portion of the outer liquid stream 200 when it contacts the outer liquid trap 160. It will be appreciated that any embodiment of the outer liquid trap 160 disclosed herein may include a liquid-absorbing material. Generally, regardless of the material forming the outer liquid trap 160, the outer liquid trap 160 may be embodied as an O-ring.

[0057] 2C, the outer liquid trap 160 only partially surrounds the beverage conduit 150. Thus, for example, the outer liquid trap 160 may be conveniently clamped or snapped onto the beverage conduit 150. The outer liquid trap 160 may have, for example, a discontinuity 165 that allows the outer liquid trap 160 to elastically deform when clamped or snapped onto the beverage conduit 150.

[0058] 2C, the outer liquid trap 160 is shown with multiple protrusions 166 oriented away from the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. The protrusions 166 may be used to direct the liquid flow 200, particularly in a direction away from the outer surface 154, when the liquid flow 200 adheres to the protrusions 166. When multiple protrusions 166 are used, the rotational orientation of the outer liquid trap 160 relative to gravity may be less important.

[0059] It will be appreciated that any outer liquid trap disclosed herein may include any number of protrusions 166, for example, two, three, four, or even more. The protrusions may be positioned at angular intervals relative to one another, for example, at regular angular intervals. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C , if outer liquid trap 160 includes three protrusions 166, the protrusions may be spaced apart at 120 degree intervals. It will further be appreciated that in any embodiment of outer liquid trap 160, protrusions 166 and discontinuities 165 are considered alternatives that may be applied separately or together.

[0060] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates another embodiment of a dispensing line segment 102 comprising an upstream connector 130, a downstream connector 140, and a beverage conduit 150 between the upstream connector 130 and the downstream connector 140.

[0061] In the embodiment of Figure 3A, a dispense line segment 102 is shown that includes another embodiment of an outer liquid trap 160. As with all outer liquid traps disclosed herein, the outer liquid trap shown in Figure 3A may be readily included with any dispense line segment disclosed herein. Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage conduit 150 and an outer liquid trap 160 connected to the beverage conduit 150.

[0062] 3A and 3B is particularly arranged to capture at least a portion of the liquid flow 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 from the downstream connector 140 to the upstream connector 130. To this end, the outer liquid trap 160 comprises a liquid reservoir 168 for holding a certain amount of captured liquid. The liquid reservoir 168 has an opening 163 through which the liquid can be received.

[0063] 3A, the opening 163 of the liquid reservoir 168 is shown oriented in a downstream direction so that the beverage flows through the beverage conduit, in other words, the opening 163 generally faces the downstream connector 140 and / or faces opposite the upstream connector 130.

[0064] Figures 4A and 4B show two isometric views of a particular embodiment of the dispensing line portion 102. In particular, in the two views, both sides of the downstream connector 140 are visible. On the first side, visible in Figure 4A, the downstream connector 140 comprises a beverage outlet 142 through which, in use, a beverage can flow to the beverage dispenser. On the second side, best visible in Figure 4B, the downstream connector 140 may comprise a handle 143 that a user can hold to manipulate the position of the downstream connector 140. The handle 143 may, for example, be pinched between the user's fingers.

[0065] 4A shows schematically how a liquid flow 200, in particular a beverage flow, can flow from the beverage outlet 142 of the downstream connector up the beverage conduit 150 towards the upstream connector 130. An outer liquid trap 160 is shown, which prevents the liquid flow 200 from reaching the upstream connector 130, in particular by deflecting the flow 200 onto a protrusion 166 of the outer liquid trap 160. For example, the protrusion 166 can be formed by a length of tape as the outer liquid trap 160.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the beverage may flow through the beverage conduit 150 generally upwards and / or generally against the direction of gravity, for example due to gas dissolved in the beverage causing the beverage to foam out of the beverage outlet 142.

[0067] 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a coupler device 300 of a beverage dispensing assembly that can be used to couple a dispensing line segment 102 to a beverage container. An embodiment of the dispensing line segment 102 is shown partially connected to the coupler device 300. In particular, the upstream connector 130 is shown connected to the coupler device 300, and the downstream connector 140 is shown disconnected from the coupler device 300. The coupler device 300 has a connector 302 for connecting the coupler device 300 to a beverage container, such as a keg, and in particular to the neck portion of the beverage container.

[0068] If the downstream connector 140 is disconnected from the coupler device 300, particularly after having previously been connected to the coupler device 300, the beverage flow 200 may flow out of the downstream connector 140, particularly out of the beverage outlet 142 of the downstream connector 140. As shown schematically in Figure 5A, this beverage flow 200 may flow generally towards the upstream connector 130, over the downstream connector 140, and over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150. Figure 5A also shows schematically an outer liquid trap 160 that prevents the fluid flow 200 from reaching the upstream connector 130.

[0069] With respect to any of the outer liquid traps 160 in the present disclosure, the outer liquid trap may be positioned to prevent a liquid stream 200 flowing over the outer surface 154 of the beverage conduit 150 from reaching a beverage-contacting surface of the upstream connector 130. Generally, a beverage-contacting surface may be defined as any portion of the upstream connector 130 that, during normal use, comes into contact with a beverage, for example, a beverage from a beverage container to which the upstream connector is connected and / or a beverage container from which the upstream connector receives a beverage that is transported via a passage from the beverage conduit to a downstream conduit and subsequently further transported to a beverage dispenser.

[0070] Figure 5B shows a detailed view of a portion of Figure 5A, with emphasis on the upstream connector 130. Figure 5C shows the same view as Figure 5B, but with emphasis on at least a portion of the beverage contact surface 139. In general, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the outer liquid trap 160 is to prevent beverage flowing over the outside of the beverage conduit 150 from reaching the beverage contact surface 139, particularly when the upstream connector 130 is not connected to a beverage container and the beverage contact surface 139 may be exposed - i.e., not protected from external contaminants by a beverage container to which it may be connected.

[0071] The figure shows an outer liquid trap directly connected to the beverage conduit, but it will be recognized that in alternative embodiments, the outer liquid trap may be connected to another portion of the distribution line portion. For example, the outer liquid trap may be connected to an upstream connector or a downstream connector. Generally, for any embodiment of the distribution line portion, the distribution line portion may include a plurality of outer liquid traps by any of the outer liquid traps disclosed herein. If the outer liquid trap is not directly connected to the beverage conduit, during use, the outer liquid trap may contact the outer surface of the beverage conduit or may be positioned at least very close to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0072] It will be understood that the different options disclosed in connection with particular embodiments and / or figures may also apply to other embodiments. This applies particularly, but not exclusively, to the optional features disclosed in connection with the distribution line portion, the outer liquid trap, and the upstream connector.

[0073] Particularly, with respect to any outer liquid trap 160 shown in connection with any of FIGS. 1A - 5C, the outer liquid trap may comprise a hydrophobic outer surface. Additionally or alternatively, the outer liquid trap may be at least partially substantially non-porous with respect to liquids, particularly non-alcoholic beer. Further additionally or alternatively, the outer liquid trap may be at least partially substantially impermeable with respect to liquids, particularly non-alcoholic beer.

[0074] (Appendix) (Appendix 1) A distribution line portion for use in a beverage dispensing assembly, wherein the distribution line portion comprises - a beverage conduit having a passage for transporting a non-alcoholic beverage through the conduit, - an upstream connector arranged to connect the beverage conduit to a beverage container holding a non-alcoholic beverage, the upstream connector having a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage during use, a downstream connector arranged to connect said beverage conduit to a beverage dispensing system; Equipped with the beverage conduit extends between the upstream connector and the downstream connector; the dispensing line portion further comprising an outer liquid trap positioned to prevent a flow of liquid flowing over an outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector. Distribution line section.

[0075] (Appendix 2) 2. The dispensing line portion of claim 1, wherein the outer liquid trap is connected or connectable to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0076] (Appendix 3) 3. The dispensing line section of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer liquid trap is glued or attached to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0077] (Appendix 4) 4. A dispensing line portion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer liquid trap is or comprises a piece of tape at least partially wrapped around the outer surface of the beverage conduit, a portion of the piece of tape extending away from the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0078] (Appendix 5) 5. A dispensing line section according to claim 4, wherein the one tape is at least partially folded onto the outer surface of the beverage conduit and the two tapes are connected to each other, in particular the outer ends of the one tape are connected to each other or are close to each other.

[0079] (Appendix 6) 6. The dispensing line section of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the outer liquid trap is clamped to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

[0080] (Appendix 7) 7. The dispensing line portion of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer liquid trap is positioned to capture at least a portion of the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector to the upstream connector.

[0081] (Appendix 8) 8. The dispense line portion of claim 7, wherein the outer liquid trap comprises a liquid-absorbing material.

[0082] (Appendix 9) 9. The dispense line portion of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the outer liquid trap comprises a hydrophobic outer surface.

[0083] (Appendix 10) 10. The dispensing line portion of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the outer liquid trap has one or more visible markings on an outer surface of the outer liquid trap.

[0084] (Appendix 11) 1. A beverage dispensing assembly comprising: a beverage container having a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, said container body being provided with a beverage outlet; a beverage dispenser, such as a faucet with a tap handle, for dispensing said beverage at a dispensing outlet of said dispenser; - a dispensing line portion according to any one of claims 1 to 10, connected between the beverage container and the beverage dispenser; Equipped with Beverage dispensing assembly.

[0085] (Appendix 12) 12. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein, in use, the upstream connector of the dispensing line portion is positioned lower than the downstream connector of the dispensing line portion.

[0086] (Appendix 13) 13. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer liquid trap of the dispensing line portion is positioned at a height between the upstream connector and the downstream connector.

[0087] (Appendix 14) 14. A beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the beverage chamber contains a non-alcoholic beverage, in particular a carbonated non-alcoholic beverage such as alcohol-free beer.

[0088] (Appendix 15) 15. The beverage dispensing assembly of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising a coupler device for coupling the dispensing line portion to the beverage container.

Claims

1. 1. A dispensing line section for use in a beverage dispensing assembly, said dispensing line section comprising: a beverage conduit having a passage for transporting a non-alcoholic beverage through said conduit; an upstream connector arranged to connect said beverage conduit to a beverage container holding a non-alcoholic beverage, the upstream connector having a beverage contact surface that contacts the beverage in use; a downstream connector arranged to connect said beverage conduit to a beverage dispensing system; Equipped with the beverage conduit extends between the upstream connector and the downstream connector; the dispensing line portion further comprising an outer liquid trap positioned to prevent a flow of liquid flowing over an outer surface of the beverage conduit from reaching the beverage contact surface of the upstream connector. Distribution line section.

2. The dispensing line section of claim 1 , wherein the outer liquid trap is connected or connectable to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

3. A dispensing line section according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer liquid trap is glued or attached to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

4. A dispensing line section as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer liquid trap is or comprises a piece of tape at least partially wrapped around the outer surface of the beverage conduit, with a portion of the piece of tape extending away from the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

5. 5. The dispensing line section according to claim 4, wherein the one tape is at least partially folded onto the outer surface of the beverage conduit, and the two tapes are connected to each other, in particular the outer ends of the one tape are connected to each other or are close to each other.

6. A dispensing line section according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer liquid trap is clamped to the outer surface of the beverage conduit.

7. 7. The dispensing line section of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer liquid trap is positioned to capture at least a portion of the flow of liquid flowing over the outer surface of the beverage conduit from the downstream connector to the upstream connector.

8. The dispense line segment of claim 7 , wherein the outer liquid trap comprises a liquid-absorbing material.

9. A dispense line section according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer liquid trap comprises a hydrophobic outer surface.

10. The dispense line section of any preceding claim, wherein the outer liquid trap has one or more visible markings on an outer surface of the outer liquid trap.

11. 1. A beverage dispensing assembly comprising: a beverage container having a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, said container body being provided with a beverage outlet; a beverage dispenser, such as a tap with a tap handle, for dispensing said beverage at a dispensing outlet of said dispenser; - a dispensing line section according to any one of claims 1 to 10, connected between the beverage container and the beverage dispenser; Equipped with Beverage dispensing assembly.

12. 12. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein, in use, the upstream connector of the dispensing line portion is positioned lower than the downstream connector of the dispensing line portion.

13. 13. The beverage dispensing assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer liquid trap of the dispensing line portion is positioned at a height between the upstream connector and the downstream connector.

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

15. A beverage dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a coupler device for coupling the dispensing line portion to the beverage container.

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