Beverage dispensing nozzle with a streamlined insert

Abstract

A nozzle (10) for a beverage dispensing apparatus, for enhancing gas infusion of the beverage during dispense. The device comprises a body portion (13) defining a product flow channel (P) between an inlet end (11) and an outlet end (12). A low drag tapered insert (15, 25), e.g. having a teardrop, bicone, spool or ice cream cone shape, is provided to be housed concentrically within the body portion (13), thereby forming a restricted opening determined by support features between the insert and internal walls of the body portion. By directing beverage flow through such a restricted opening a backpressure is created which, in the context of a carbonated beverage, increases the CO2 absorption into the liquid, whilst minimising breakout from the liquid. The insert may be swapped out for a creamer plate when a nitrogenated beverage is selected for dispense.

Description

[0001] BEVERAGE DISPENSING NOZZLE WITH A STREAMLINED INSERT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a nozzle device for a dispenser, e.g. a beverage dispense system. The nozzle is particularly useful at the end of a delivery line, downstream of an inline gas infusion device for a carbonated or nitrogenated beverage.

[0004] Background to the invention

[0005] Draught dispensing systems in a commercial environment can take many different forms. A common solution is to pump beverage from a large container such as a keg, e.g. located in a basement, to a bar-top dispense tap via a supply line. For the dispense of smaller volumes of beverage, so-called "Bag-in-Box" (BiB) containers may be used, i.e. a type of container for the storage and transportation of liquids consisting of a bladder, often made of several layers of metallised film or other plastics, housed inside a box of corrugated fibreboard or the like. The bag may feature a simple plastic tap or coupler that, for commercial use, may be connected to a supply line of a dispenser, via a pump, which drains the contents (deflating the bag) when the dispenser is activated, until empty. A replacement BiB is then connected to the supply line while the empty container is removed and separated for recycling, disposal, etc.

[0006] Infusing gas into beverages, primarily nitrogen and carbon dioxide, can elevate the flavour and texture of the beverage, creating a desirable product that looks and tastes more appealing. For CO2 infusion there are various methods, such as a carbonator bowl (being a large appliance that forces CO2 into the liquid under high pressure) but this is an expensive option. Another option is to hold CO2 and the beverage in a sealed vessel under pressure for multiple hours to allow it to absorb into the liquid, but this method is time consuming.

[0007] Inline infusion is common for nitrogen infused beverages to create a crema / head that enhances the flavour, texture and visual appeal of the beverage. Such infusers have a smaller footprint than the options above, are generally quicker to produce results, and are used for nitro coffee to give a silky crema or in cocktails to replace the use of egg whites in producing a crema. However, an issue with many nitrogen inline infusers is that the quality of the crema produced is inconsistent and can breakdown quickly (e.g. due to large bubbles), resulting in a pitted and undesirable crema. Further, when used in a carbonation context, inline infusers typically do not achieve the same level of carbonation as other methods and will produce a beverage with a lower resultant concentration (g / L) of CO2.

[0008] Various forms of nozzle or similar outlet for a beverage dispensing apparatus are known. Some examples include flow straightening features therewithin or at the outlet end, for creating a more controlled liquid flow from the nozzle. However, such devices are not configured for increasing infusion while minimising breakout and controlling the liquid flow.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention seeks to provide a nozzle, an insert for such a nozzle or similar conduit / outlet device, configured for improved gas infusion purposes. At the least, the invention provides an alternative device for incorporation into a product line in the liquid dispense field.

[0011] In one aspect as outlined in claim 1, a nozzle is described. It may broadly comprise an inlet end for connection to a product line, a body portion (e.g. a cylindrical channel component) configured for flow of product therethrough and an outlet end for delivery of product therefrom. An insert housed within the body portion, or positioned relative to the inlet, comprises an aerodynamic shape for directing product flow about a wide end, e.g. proximate the inlet end and / or at a widest dimension of the insert, toward a narrow / tapered end, e.g. proximate or at least in the downstream direction of the outlet end. In this way, product encounters a restricted flow path that creates backpressure which, in the context of a carbonated beverage, increases the CO2 absorption into the liquid, whilst minimising breakout from the liquid due to the aerodynamic / low drag form. In other words, the aerodynamic shape narrows the liquid path forcing the CO2 into the liquid, without creating nucleation sites where the CO2 can break out of the liquid. Such a configuration has benefits in the field of inline gas infusion devices, such as to enhance the effectiveness of already infused beverage flow. The invention enables higher levels of carbonation than could otherwise be achieved by an inline CO2 infusion system alone. Particularly, in line gas infusion has limitations in the amount of CO2 g / L achievable with a traditional nozzle. This results in a beverage that has a perception of being flat and / or has a poor mouth feel. In practice, the invention enables a system where liquid can be carbonated at the point of dispense from BiBs or other unpressurised containers and does not need to be dispensed from pre carbonated containers such as kegs.

[0012] In embodiments, the inlet end or proximate part of the body portion is shaped, e.g. with a conical section, to receive a mating shape of the insert. According to the invention, surface features of the insert engage with an internal wall of the body portion to evenly space the insert therefrom. In this way, a restricted annular / ring-like channel (of reducing cross section in a longitudinal direction) is formed for permitting product through the body portion toward the outlet.

[0013] In a broad sense, the body portion or cylindrical walls of the nozzle define a blending chamber comprising a constriction feature with a leading aero / hydrodynamic surface (such as a spherical / half-spherical face or a cone shape) at an upstream end thereof. The aerodynamic constriction should be arranged concentrically, within the flow path, along the longitudinal axis of the blending chamber.

[0014] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "aerodynamic" and "hydrodynamic" herein are used interchangeably to refer to the general property of the feature having a shape which reduces / mitigates the drag from fluid moving past said feature.

[0015] According to the configuration described herein, as the liquid and gas (which may have been premixed upstream) flows through the body, the mixture encounters the aerodynamic constriction which is configured to increase absorption into the liquid to enhance the carbonation of the beverage in a drinking vessel. The aerodynamic feature is preferably a solid body suspended in the flow path (i.e. concentrically at the centre thereof to effectively form a ring-shaped cross section for the flow path). The feature should be aerodynamically efficient, e.g. a teardrop or cone shape, that directs fluid between itself and a cylindrical wall of the nozzle to reduce average bubble size and increase CO2 absorption into the mixture. An annular gap for accommodating the mixed flow therethrough, i.e. between the aerodynamic body and wall, may be between 0.3 to 1.2mm, e.g. the insert surface is spaced from the internal wall by 0.9mm. In one form, the constriction feature is supported in place by radial legs or stubs / bumps that attach or otherwise engage with the body centrally within the liquid path, i.e. to form a symmetrical ring-shaped / annular restricted / constricted opening (when viewed in cross section).

[0016] A surface of the insert may comprise concave dimples. Such features are similar to dimples on a golf ball, and serve to reduce turbulence and allow the mixture to maintain speed as it flows over the surface of the body. As the mixture of liquid and gas bubbles is forced around the annular constriction, the bubbles in the liquid are reduced in size.

[0017] In embodiments, the outlet end may comprise features that provide a flow straightening effect, e.g. such as a cluster of parallel channels, arranged in the longitudinal direction, downstream of the insert (where flow had been diverted by the widest part / head end and is converging at the tapered end). In one form, flow straightening ribs may serve the dual purpose of flow straightening and as the radial supporting features that form a concentric gap / restricted opening as mentioned above. In such a form the insert may not need a separate radial protuberance or stand-off; i.e. locating the insert at a fixed gap from a wall of the nozzle is achieved by the flow straightening ribs. A suitable abutment feature, e.g. engaging with the radial supports / flow straightener may locate the insert at a correct depth within the main body, thereby ensuring a predetermined annular gap for flow.

[0018] An example of a draught beverage dispense system is described herein, for understanding a use case of the nozzle. However, other product types may benefit from being dispensed from a nozzle and corresponding insert of comparable geometry. In a second aspect, the invention may be expressed as an insert for a nozzle device, e.g. an aerodynamic shaped insert for incorporation within a nozzle. An analogous device may be inserted at any accessible stage / section of a product delivery line where gas infusion improvement is desirable.

[0019] Broadly, the insert is to be housed concentrically within the body portion, comprising a low drag tapered shape for directing the product flow over and around a leading end, up to a maximum cross section dimension, and on toward a narrowing trailing end. The shape may be generally described as teardrop, cone, ice cream cone or the like. Preferably the trailing end converges into a point. Indeed, the leading end may also diverge / taper from a point. In this way, the insert may appear as back-to-back cone shapes, e.g. with a cylindrical midsection of widest dimension. Such a shape is known is a bicone, double-cone or some variation thereof; i.e. two cones, whether of the same height / length or not, joined at their bases, optionally with a cylinder in between. If part of the outer wall is cylindrical this is sometimes known as a spool or barrel shape.

[0020] In a further aspect, the invention may provide a method of enhancing gas infusion in a product dispense line, e.g. comprising: inserting into a nozzle, a low drag tapered shape comprising a widest dimension downstream of a head end, and a narrow trailing end; directing a product flow around the low drag tapered shape, thereby restricting the product flow to within a gap defined by surface features protruding from an external surface of the low drag tapered shape abutting against an internal wall of the nozzle. In the principal example herein, the tapered element is located within a nozzle, however, it may be located upstream of the final outlet from the dispense line within an accessible section. Generally, it should be placed downstream of an inline infusion valve, i.e. where gas / CCh is introduced into the system. In this way, the device enhances and / or maintains gas infusion in the beverage line.

[0021] Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates an external pictorial view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate alternative pictorial views in a direction down the shaft of the nozzle;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a constriction feature, e.g. an insert, for incorporation into the nozzle;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a first side section view of the nozzle;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a second side section view of the nozzle, with an insert fitted thereinto;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a pictorial view of an external cladding for a nozzle as described herein;

[0027] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate views of an alternative embodiment of constriction feature, e.g. an insert, for incorporation into a nozzle;

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates a body portion of a nozzle with the insert from Figures 8 and 9 installed;

[0029] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate views of a further embodiment of constriction feature, e.g. an insert, for incorporation into a nozzle; and

[0030] Figure 13 illustrates a body portion of a nozzle with the insert from Figures 11 and 12 installed.

[0031] Detailed description of the invention

[0032] Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate an embodiment of the invention. However, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the precise details, with variations apparent to a skilled person deemed also to be covered by the description.

[0033] Furthermore, terms for components and materials used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Any directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction as broadly interpreted according to a doctrine of equivalents. Furthermore, the present description refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that additional combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently from other features and not necessarily be implemented as a complete combination.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a nozzle device 10, to be configured for improving gas infusion properties. In one form the device may be described as a CO2 infusion nozzle for beverages or, indeed, a product line device or insert for facilitating gas infusion installable at any accessible section of a product delivery line.

[0035] The nozzle 10 comprises an inlet end 11, an outlet end 12 and a main body 13 defining a longitudinal length, along direction L, through which a product may flow between the inlet and outlet.

[0036] Figures 2 and 3 show views looking down the inlet end 11, where cylindrical internal walls 14 of the main body are visible. The main body therefore forms a through-channel for product flow / dispense.

[0037] As is clear from the drawings as a whole, the nozzle device may be comprised of two main parts, i.e. an outer cylindrical body 13 that channels a liquid and an aerodynamic restrictor component or "insert" 15 for mounting in the centre of the liquid path. The insert of Figures 4 and 6 is in the form of a tear drop device 15 provided for creating backpressure as product flows in the direction L, increasing CO2 absorption into the liquid, whilst minimising breakout from the liquid due to the aerodynamic form.

[0038] The aerodynamic teardrop or functionally equivalent shape 15 includes a head / widening leading or upstream portion 16 proximate the inlet 11 that narrows toward a tapered end 17, terminating in a point. Teardrop 15 has an ice cream cone shape but variations may be possible that follow the same general aerodynamic / tapered format (such as shown by Figures 8 and 9 described further below). The liquid path likewise narrows as an annular cross section opening decreases in the longitudinal direction. This geometry forces gas into the liquid, without creating nucleation sites where the dissolved gas can break out of the liquid.

[0039] It will be apparent in the illustrated embodiment that the shape of the liquid path conforms with the conical walls of the insert 15. If the insert is off set (i.e. spaced apart) from a wall of the nozzle by 0.0mm then no liquid will pass. In some forms the insert may be configured to adjustably move toward and away from inlet 11 in the direction of arrow L and, therefore, perform both a shut off valve and infusion adjustment function. However, a notable function of the present invention is to provide a consistent gap and take operator guesswork out of setting it up for use. For example, in some use scenarios, the insert may be introduced to a nozzle as a replacement for a creamer plate. In other words, the nozzle can be reconfigured from suitability to deliver a nitrogenated beverage (such as a stout beer or cocktail beverage) via a creamer plate installed in the nozzle, to delivery of a carbonated beverage, via removal of the creamer plate and installation of the insert.

[0040] In the illustrated form the teardrop may be offset, e.g. 0.9mm, from the liquid path channel walls by radial supporting elements, e.g. protuberances or stand offs 18 formed uniformly about the surface. The height of a protuberance, i.e. distance from the wall, determines the liquid flow rate and back pressure and, in turn, controls the amount of infusion and breakout.

[0041] Support features 18 on the teardrop determine the spacing distance / width of the annular flow path / opening. Since, in the illustrated form, the features 18 are not fixed at the wall side 14, this configuration allows the insert to be removed for cleaning when the nozzle is disassembled.

[0042] In the illustrated form of the first embodiment best seen by Figure 6, after passing the teardrop-shaped restriction device 15, the liquid path P expands and, further downstream, a cross-shaped structure 19 (best seen in Figure 1) at the outlet 12 divides the liquid path into discrete parallel channels thereby straightening the flow. Upon exit, liquid path P is relatively parallel with an overall longitudinal axis L of the nozzle. Flow straightener 19 may be integrated with the nozzle or the insert, or may be a separate insert piece depending on manufacturing processes and requirements. In other words, the flow straightener may be integrally formed / moulded with the aerodynamic upstream portion of the insert and, in certain cases, negate the need for an additional supporting feature 18, since the flow straightening ribs are radial and extend to engage the internal channel walls of main body 13.

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates an external view of a nozzle cover piece 20 which may house the nozzle device of Figures 1 to 6. In this context, the main body 13 itself may be considered an "insert". Cover 20 may include a threaded bore at the end proximate inlet 11, for attachment to a product line associated with a dispenser tap. In this way the cover 20 may be removed from the product line for cleaning by removal of the components 13 and 15. . Such a feature could be an internal flange / edge at the outlet end 12 which abuts flow straightener 19 and secures it in the longitudinal direction while the ribs 29 themselves secure the insert in the radia l / latera I direction.

[0044] By way of example, the relative dimensions for establishing a scale of the device may be as follows:

[0045] Low drag insert

[0046] • The angle of taper(s) may be 10 degrees

[0047] • The widest part of the insert may be 8mm

[0048] • The length of the insert body is 25mm, not including any extending flow straightening ribs

[0049] • a teardrop-shaped insert as described herein may have an integrated flow straightener (according to Figures 11 to 13) of length 44mm

[0050] • a bicone insert as described herein (according to Figures 8 to 10) may be 64mm in length and 6mm at its widest circumference Housing for low drag insert

[0051] Conical or cylindrical inlet section opening may be 9.8mm at its widest, 6mm at its narrowest

[0052] • The conical section opening may be 10.5mm in length and / or the total length of the nozzle may be 40-100mm

[0053] Any of the above dimensions can be varied (for example ± 50%) depending on the context for use, but these give an example suited to the scale of a typical beverage line.

[0054] According to the disclosure herein, the invention specifies a flow restricting device for use in a product line (e.g., a nozzle) that is configured to enhance the carbonation or other gas infusion levels for inline (CO2) infusion equipment. The device creates a back pressure and minimises breakout of gas / CCh from the liquid when dispensed. The configuration described herein could be incorporated into a gas infuser device itself, downstream of an injection portion. Two or more constriction features described herein could be arranged in series. Such a device may be interchangeable with alternative nozzle features such as a creamer plate.

[0055] By way of summary, a product line device is provided such as a nozzle for a beverage dispensing apparatus. The device functions to enhance gas infusion of the beverage during dispense. The device comprises a body portion defining a product flow channel between an inlet end and an outlet end. A low drag tapered insert, e.g. having a teardrop, ice cream cone, spool or bicone shape, is provided for being housed concentrically within the body portion. In use, the insert forms a concentric annular / ring-shaped restricted opening between itself and internal walls of the body portion. By directing beverage flow through such a restricted opening, a backpressure is created which in the context of an inline carbonated beverage increases the CO2 absorption into the liquid, whilst minimising breakout from the liquid. The insert may be swapped out for a creamer plate when a nitrogenated beverage is selected for dispense.

Claims

Claims1. A nozzle for a dispensing apparatus, comprising: a body portion defining an opening with internal walls for channelling a product flow from a product line therethrough, between an inlet end and an outlet end; an insert housed concentrically within the body portion, the insert comprising a low drag tapered shape for directing the product flow over and around a leading end toward a trailing end; support features for radially engaging between the insert and the internal walls of the body portion, thereby defining a concentric restricted opening for the product flow therethrough.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the insert is teardrop, bicone, spool or ice cream cone shaped.

3. The nozzle of claim 1 or 2, wherein a longitudinal length section of the internal walls of the body portion is tapered for receiving the tapered shape of the insert.

4. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the concentric restricted opening is narrowest at an upstream portion of the insert and widens toward the trailing end of the insert.

5. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the narrow end of the insert terminates in a point.

6. The nozzle of any preceding claim, comprising a flow straightener located at a downstream end of the insert.

7. The nozzle of claim 6, wherein the flow straightener comprises a plurality of channels parallel with a longitudinal axis of the main body opening.

8. The nozzle of claim 6 or 7, wherein the flow straightener comprises radial ribs integrally formed with the insert, wherein said radial ribs at least partially comprise the support features for defining the concentric restricted opening or comprise additional support features.

9. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the insert is removeable from the body portion.

10. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle comprises an outer cover for accommodating the body portion and insert therewithin.

11. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the nozzle comprises a threaded portion at or proximate the inlet end of the body portion, for attachment to the product line.

12. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the gap between the insert and internal walls of the body portion, defined by the supporting features, is between 0.0 to 1.5mm, preferably 0.9mm.

13. The nozzle of any preceding claim, provided as a set of at least the body portion, the insert and a creamer plate, wherein the insert and creamer plate are interchangeable..

14. The nozzle of any preceding claim, wherein the insert comprises one or more concave dimples upon its surface, for reducing turbulence of product flow thereupon.

15. An insert for a nozzle comprising: a low drag tapered shape for directing a product flow over and around a leading end and downstream toward a trailing end; and surface features for radially engaging with internal walls of the nozzle, thereby defining a concentric restricted opening between the insert and the internal walls.

16. The insert of claim 15, wherein the low drag shape is a teardrop, bicone, spool or ice cream cone shape.

17. The insert of claim 15 or 16, wherein the trailing end ends in a point.

18. The insert of any preceding claim 15 to 17, comprising a plurality of radial extending ribs that serve as the surface features and / or as a flow straightener.

19. The insert of any preceding claim 15 to 18, wherein the surface features comprise a plurality of protuberances or stand offs spaced uniformly and at locations along the surface of the insert.

20. A method of enhancing gas infusion in a product dispense line, comprising: inserting into a nozzle of the product dispense line, a low-drag tapered insert; and using support features to radially engage between the insert and internal walls of the nozzle, thereby defining a concentric restricted opening between the insert and the internal walls; directing a product flow around the insert, thereby restricting the product flow to within the concentric opening.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the nozzle is removeable from the product dispense line.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein the product flow is directed through a flow straightener located at a downstream end of the insert.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the flow straightener comprises a plurality of radial ribs integrated with the insert.

24. The method of any preceding claim 20 to 23, wherein the product flow is directed through a gas infusion unit upstream of the nozzle.

5. The method of any preceding claim 20 to 24, wherein the insert is interchangeable into the nozzle for a creamer plate, the insert or creamer plate being selected according to a beverage selected for dispense.

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