Olive oil dispensing machine

Abstract

The machine comprises a casing (1), which in turn includes: a tray (5), with a removable grate or filter (6) made of steel; a front face (2) with an anti-drip and olive-oil-dispenser tap (3) and a push button (4); a pipe, to communicate the tap (3) with an internal pump that can be activated by means of a control board connected to the push button (4), the pump being able to be fed from an oil bottle housed in an interior compartment of the casing (1) that can be accessed through a hatch (9). The machine starts dispensing after the push button (4) is pressed and finishes dispensing when a pre-set maximum quantity has been dispensed, or when the user wishes, either by no longer pressing the push button (4) or by pressing the push button (4) again. The invention provides economical, practical, hygienic and accurate dosing of olive oil.

Description

[0001] OLIVE OIL DISPENSING MACHINE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technology sector

[0004] The present invention relates to an olive oil dispensing machine, which provides a means of conveniently, accessibly and cleanly dispensing olive oil onto different foods.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to offer an economical, practical, hygienic and precise solution in the dosage of olive oil.

[0006] The invention is ideal for use in buffets, restaurants, and food service establishments that promote sustainability and the reduction of disposable packaging.

[0007] The invention is therefore situated within the field of fluid dispensing equipment industry in the food sector.

[0008] Background of the invention

[0009] In the practical application of the invention, in buffets, restaurants and gastronomic spaces, it is common for these establishments to use disposable single-dose containers of olive oil, which generates a large amount of plastic waste, with the consequent environmental impact that this entails.

[0010] Explanation of the invention

[0011] The proposed olive oil dispensing machine fully and satisfactorily resolves the aforementioned problem, based on a highly effective solution.

[0012] To this end, and more specifically, the dispensing machine of the invention is made up of a vertical column-like housing with an oversized lower base, in which a waste collection tray is integrated, a vertical column on whose front face an anti-drip tap is established for dispensing the olive oil by pressing a switch or button.

[0013] Inside the machine, two separate compartments are established.

[0014] In a first compartment, accessible exclusively to the machine's technical service personnel, there is a commercial peristaltic pump to pump the oil from a canister to an outlet tap.

[0015] The pump is assisted by a flow control circuit, which includes a timer that regulates the pumping time according to a preset unit consumption. This flow can be interrupted by pressing the button that initiated the pumping process again, as in one example. In a second, more preferred example, pumping continues while the button is pressed and stops when the button is released or when the preset unit consumption is reached, whichever comes first.

[0016] In a second compartment, accessible to the people in charge of managing the machine, is the plastic bottle.

[0017] This second compartment includes a system for breaking the canister by puncture or tearing, preferably by puncture, thus preventing the canister from being refilled.

[0018] From this structure, the following advantages are derived:

[0019] - Compact and versatile design: The machine is made of high-quality materials, including steel, stainless steel, and food-grade plastics, ensuring its durability. Its sleek, simple design makes it easy to clean and allows it to fit any space, as it conforms to the depth of a standard countertop.

[0020] - Dosing precision: Product application via pulse. The dispenser is designed to limit each pulse to the preset unit consumption, which defines a maximum value, for example, 10 ml or, more preferably, 5 ml, of dose, allowing the application to be stopped at any time before reaching the limit. The oil flow is regulated in the internal mechanism, adjustable only by the machine's technical service personnel, ensuring controlled oil dispensing at an optimal speed for the user.

[0021] - Controlled application: Outlet through anti-drip pouring tap allowing ideal placement of the product inside a container or directly onto the food according to the distribution preferences of each consumer.

[0022] - Ease of use: Easy countertop installation with electrical connection via European plug. Ergonomic dimensions facilitate usability for the average consumer, taking into account the height and position of the tap and push button.

[0023] - Waste collection system: Removable tray to optimize space and allow for easy replacement. Includes a stainless steel filter for easy cleaning and waste separation.

[0024] - Universal storage system: Product extraction from the original container, such as the aforementioned 5-liter jug. Compatible with most large-capacity PET containers, easily replaceable with limited access to the equipment. The container is positioned slightly inclined to minimize waste. Distribution is via flexible tubing that connects directly to the internal pumping mechanism.

[0025] - Maintenance and control: With two distinct internal zones, maintaining separation between the product and the internal mechanism. A main storage zone with access for spare parts, including a visible indicator that allows detection of the product level, and a secondary, sealed zone where the internal mechanism is located, with access for machine maintenance.

[0026] - Anti-refill system: Mechanical breakage of the bottle, which prevents its reuse and, therefore, possible refilling practices. - Sustainability: Promotes the use of larger capacity containers instead of single-dose containers, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and supporting responsible consumption practices.

[0027] Brief description of the drawings

[0028] To complement the description that follows and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an olive oil dispensing machine made according to the object of the present invention, according to a first example with a rear gate.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a view of the machine from another perspective, and in a situation of use.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an example of an alternative embodiment with a side gate.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of an alternative embodiment of lesser width.

[0033] List of references

[0034] 1. Housing

[0035] 2. Front face of the casing

[0036] 3. Tap

[0037] 4. Pushbutton

[0038] 5. Tray

[0039] 6. Filter

[0040] 7. Plate

[0041] 8. Food product 9. Gate

[0042] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0043] In view of the figures described, it can be observed how the machine of the invention is made up of a housing (1), which can be made of steel, stainless steel and food-grade plastics, a combination of both or any other suitable material or combination of materials, which ensure maximum durability, housing (1) which is complemented internally with a tray (5), with a removable steel grid or filter (6), such that made of stainless steel, which facilitates cleaning and separation of waste.

[0044] The housing (1) comprises a front face (2), which includes a tap (3) and a push button (4) that allows the controlled application of oil onto a food product (8) in question, leaving enough space to accommodate a corresponding plate (7) carrying said food product, such as a toast, slice of bread, a canapé, etc.

[0045] Said tap (3) has an anti-drip system, so that it is connected through a corresponding internal conduit of food-grade plastic and stainless steel connectors to a peristaltic pump (not shown) that pumps the oil from the canister to the outlet tap (3).

[0046] The dispensing machine is designed to limit each pump to a pre-set maximum unit consumption, which could be, in one example, 10 ml or, in a more preferred example, 5 ml of dose. Generally, the amount can be set as desired, allowing the application to be stopped at any time before reaching the limit. The oil flow rate is regulated by an internal flow control mechanism, adjustable only by the machine's technical service personnel, ensuring controlled oil dispensing at an optimal speed for the user.

[0047] More specifically, the machine has two separate compartments. The first compartment, accessible only to the machine's technical service personnel, houses the aforementioned peristaltic pump. Since the pump operates at 24 V, a power supply (not shown) is also included in this compartment. The unit is easily installed on a countertop and connects via a European plug.

[0048] The pump is controlled by a control board that houses the flow regulator, which is preset by the machine's technical service department before delivery to the end customer. The pump is switched on / off via an electrical connection to the external on / off push button (4), which also controls the product output: dispensing time, flow rate, and quantity dispensed. These settings can be adjusted according to the user's requirements and needs. The push button (4) is regulated by a timer that ensures correct oil dispensing and limits it to the preset unit consumption, which can be, for example, 5 ml, as previously mentioned.

[0049] The pump starts when the push button (4) is pressed, also activating the timer. According to the first example, if the push button (4) is pressed again before the timer expires, the product flow will stop, resetting the timer to its initial position. If the push button (4) is not pressed again, the product flow will stop automatically when the preset unit consumption of extracted product is reached, in either the example of 5 ml or 10 ml. According to a second, more preferred example, pumping continues while the button (4) is pressed and stops when the button (4) is released or when the preset unit consumption is reached, whichever comes first.

[0050] In the second compartment, accessible through a hatch (9) for machine operators, is the plastic container, presumably up to 5 liters in capacity. It is placed on a slightly inclined base to facilitate complete oil drainage. The cap must be removed before placement to access the oil. The hatch (9) can be located at the rear of the housing (1), as shown in Figures 1-2, or on the side, as shown in Figure 3.

[0051] Optionally, this area includes a system for breaking the bottle by puncture / tearing. According to one example, the tearing system is mechanically activated by the weight of the bottle, through the movement exerted when opening and closing the door (9) of the compartment in which it is located. According to another, more preferred example, the breaking system is punctured and includes: a spike (not shown) that can be activated by the user, for example, via a push button (not shown) located on the housing (1); and a return spring. With this system, when the compartment is reopened to remove the bottle, the bottle breaks or is punctured, marking it as used and preventing refilling.To prevent breakage in case the container is full, there is a visual indicator that alerts staff to the amount of product remaining in the container to prevent it from being removed prematurely.

[0052] Connecting the two compartments is a food-grade plastic tube. Personnel responsible for changing the oil container should insert this tube into the open container. The tube should be positioned so that it reaches the bottom to facilitate the transfer of the product.

[0053] The machine may also include safety systems for automatic machine stop, in accordance with CE marking, including: stop by opening; and stop by overload, as explained below.

[0054] - Stoppage by opening. When, during machine operation, an improper opening is detected, for example of the gate (9) or the first compartment housing the pump, the machine's operation is automatically stopped. For example, the machine includes a magnetic safety switch, with one magnet attached to the gate (9), or to a cover of the first compartment, if applicable, and another magnet attached to the housing (1).

[0055] - Overload shutdown, for example, via a residual current device (not shown).

[0056] This structure results in an ecological, economical, practical, hygienic and precise device for dosing olive oil.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Olive oil dispensing machine, characterized in that it comprises a housing (1), which in turn includes: - a tray (5), with a removable steel grid or filter (6), - a front face (2) with: - an anti-drip tap (3) and olive oil dispenser and a push button (4); - a conduit, to connect the tap (3) with an internal pump activated by a control board connected to the push button (4), the pump being fed from an oil canister housed in an internal compartment of the housing (1) which is accessible through a gate (9).

2. Olive oil dispensing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump activation control board that feeds the tap (3) includes a timer, as well as means for switching off the pump and resetting the timer by means of a second press of the push button (4).

3. Olive oil dispensing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump activation control board that feeds the tap (3) includes a timer, as well as means for switching off the pump and resetting the timer by ceasing to press the push button (4).

4. Olive oil dispensing machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) includes two internal compartments, a first restricted access compartment containing the pump, the control board and its corresponding power supply, and a second compartment for receiving the oil canister, which has an inclined base, both compartments being connected through a conduit that connects the canister to the pump.

5. Olive oil dispensing machine, according to any of claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the compartment receiving the oil container includes a system for breaking the container by puncturing or tearing.

6. Olive oil dispensing machine, according to any of claims 1, 4 and 5, characterized in that the compartment receiving the oil container includes a visual indicator of the available oil volume.

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