A package for use in a beverage dispenser

Claim 2

A package for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: a body for containing a quantity of concentrate to be dispensed and having a bottom, side wall means and a top; a cap closing the top of the body; a seal region defined by a first seal element on the top of the body; and a second seal element on the cap which sealingly engages the said first seal element to prevent in use the concentrate from passing the seal region; means mounting the cap on the body for movement relative to the body to enable the first and second seal elements to be relatively displaced to permit the liquid to flow past the seal region when the package is in inverted condition;and means in the cap for enabling fluid communication between the interior of the package and a source of propellent gas or atmosphere to drive the concentrate or enable flow of concentrate out of aperture means subsequently formed in or provided in the cap when the first and second seal elements are relatively displaced.

Claim 3

A package according to claim 1, wherein the cap is made such that said concentrate outflow aperture means may be provided by the user.

Claim 4

A package according to claim 1, wherein the cap includes a check valve which can be opened by a member to establish said fluid communication and provide said aperture means.

Claim 5

A package according to any of claims 1 to 3.including a quantity of concentrate to be dispensed contained in the body.

Claim 6

A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a neck at the top on which the cap is rotatably mounted and including cam projections and grooves mounting the cap on the neck, said cam projections and grooves permitting an initial purely rotational movement of the cap on the neck followed by a helical movement of the cap on the neck which effects the relatively displacement in the form of a separation of the seal elements.

Claim 7

A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the cap has an integral tube extending therefrom into the interior of the package and on the inner end of the tube is a blow-off cap, the intermediate portion of the tube having a shoulder defining the second seal element, and the outer end being open and defining the said aperture means in the cap.

Claim 8

A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a key flange and the cap has a key flange for reception in key slots in receiving members of a dispenser with which the package is to be used.

Claim 9

A package according to any preceding claim, wherein, the body has a neck at the top thereof which is closed by the said cap, and the first sealing element is defined internally of the neck by a reduced cross-section, conical neck portion.

Claim 10

A package according to claim 1, wherein the cap is integral with the body and is movable resiliently away from the body to unseat the sealing elements.

Claim 11

A package according to claim 9, wherein the cap is provided with bayonet pin formations whereby the cap can be displaced from the body by engaging the said bayonet pin formations in curved cam tracks of a rotatable member, and rotating said rotatable member.

Claim 12

A package according -to claim 1, wherein the first sealing element comprises a sealing flange, located internally of a neck of the body, and the second sealing element is the outside of the tube integral with the cap, said tube having a reduced diameter portion which moves into register with the sealing flange when the cap is displaced relative to the body so opening the seal.

Claim 13

A package according to claim 1, wherein the cap has an integral tube extending into the interior of the body, said tube being closed by a check valve, the package including a compensating vessel comprising a closed, inverted cup into which the said tube extends and the interior of the body communicates with the interior of the compensating vessel through an aperture at the top edge of the compensating vessel.

Claim 14

The combination of a dispenser for dispensing beverages and a disposable package for containing flavouring concentrate for the beverage, said package comprising: a body for containing a quantity of concentrate to be dispensed and having a bottom, side wall means and a top; a cap closing the top of the body; a seal region defined by a first seal element on the top of the body; and a second seal element on the cap which sealing engages the said first seal element to prevent the concentrate from passing the seal region; means mounting the cap on the body for movement relative to the body to enable the first and second seal elements to be relatively disposed to permit the liquid to flow past the seal region, when the package is in inverted condition means in the cap for enabling fluid communication between the interior of the package and a source of the propellent gas or atmosphere to drive the concentrate or enable flow of the concentrate out of aperture means subsequently formed on or provided in the cap when the first'and second elements are relatively displaced; said machine comprising liquid diluent outlet means enabling the dispensing of diluent from said outlet, a holder for holding the said package in inverted condition, a manually movable component of said holder for displacing the cap relative to the body, to cause flow of concentrate therefrom and at the same time enabling the dispensing of diluent from said outlet whereby the diluent and concentrate can be caught in a drinking vessel.

Claim 15

The combination of a dispenser for dispensing beverages and a disposable package for containing flavouring concentrate for the beverage, said package comprising: a body for containing a quantity of concentrate to be dispensed and having a bottom, side wall means and a top; a cap closing the top of the body; a seal region defined by a first seal element on the top of the body; and a second seal element on the cap which sealing engages the said first seal element to prevent the concentrate from passing the seal region; means mounting the cap on the body for movement relative to the body to enable the first and second seal elements to be relatively disposed to permit the liquid to flow past the seal region, when the package is in inverted condition means in the cap for enabling fluid communication between the interior of the package and a source of the propellent gas or atmosphere to drive the concentrate or enable flow of the concentrate out of aperture means subsequently formed on or provided in the cap when the first'and second elements are relatively displaced; said machine comprising liquid diluent outlet means enabling the dispensing of diluent from said outlet, a holder for holding the said package in inverted condition, a manually movable component of said holder for displacing the cap relative to the body, to cause flow of concentrate therefrom and at the same time enabling the dispensing of diluent from said outlet whereby the diluent and concentrate can be caught in a drinking vessel.

Claim 16

The combination according to claim 13, wherein the diluent is carbonated water, said dispenser including a carbonator and a supply of carbon dioxide under pressure, a carbon dioxide valve engageable with the package cap when the package is in position on the machine to pressurize the interior of the package the supply of carbon dioxide also serving to propel the diluent carbonated water, to the diluent outlet.

Claim 17

The combination according to claim 13, or 14, wherein the holder is rotatable to effect the relative displacement between the cap and body.

Claim 18

The combination according to claim 14, wherein the holder component is rotatable to effect the relative displacement between the cap and body, and the cap has external projection means which engage recess means in said component to establish a drive connection therebetween, and there is a cam and cam groove connection between the cap and body whereby upon initial turning of the said component the cap is moved in a purely rotary movement followed by helical movement which displaces the cap relative to the body to open the sealing elements.

Claim 19

The combination according to claim 16, wherein during the secondary movement of said component means enabling the dispensing of the carbonated water is made to connect the carbonator and the carbonated water outlet, which remains so connected during the helical movement of the cap.

Claim 20

The combination according to claim 16, wherein the package is adapted to be fitted to the holder when the holder is in a first position, and in said first position the interior of the package is vented to atmosphere, and the holder is adjustable to second and third positions, and in the second position the interior of the package is connected to the supply of carbon dioxide gas to pressurize the package, but there is no flow of concentrate from the package, nor a flow of diluent from the diluent outlet, whilst in the third position the supply of carbon dioxide gas is connected to the interior of the package, the package seal is open so that concentrate flows from the package, and diluent flows from the diluent outlets.

Claim 21

The combination according to claim 18, wherein the holder and diluent outlet are arranged so that the concentrate and diluent flows, when the holder is in the third position, intersect in free space.

Claim 22

The combination according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the dispenser has two holders each adapted two receive one of said packages, the displaceable components of said holders being received in a common manifold plate which contains passages for the propellent gas supplies, when provided, the diluent supplies, and vent passages when provided.

Claim 23

The combination according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the or each package has a split seal in the cap through which said fluid communication is established, the said seal being opened by a member upon the package being placed in operative position on the holder.

Claim 24

The combination according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein the or each package cap has an outlet through which concentrate is discharged said outlet being closed when the seal elements of the package are engaged to prevent flow of concentrate past the seal region, the cap outlet being open when said sealing elements are disengaged.

Claim 25

A beverage dispenser comprising: a) a source of pressurizing fluid; b) means for containing a supply of concentrate; c) means for containing a supply of diluent; d) a dispensing valve which when operated causes said concentrate and diluent to be dispensed at controlled flow rates into a container to provide a beverage; and e) a manifold comprising a block of material having disposed therein a pressure reducing valve, said manifold having an inlet for connection to said source of pressurizing fluid, a first passage in communication with said inlet supplying said fluid to said means for containing diluent, a second passage in communication with said inlet supplying said fluid to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve, a third passage at the outlet of said pressure reducing valve coupling said fluid at a reduced pressure to pressurize said concentrate container, and a fourth passage having an inlet coupled to said diluent container and an outlet coupled to said dispensing valve.

Claim 26

A beverage dispenser comprising: a) a source of pressurizing fluid; b) means for containing a supply of concentrate; c) means for containing a supply of diluent; d) a dispensing valve which when operated causes said concentrate and diluent to be dispensed at controlled flow rates into a container to provide a beverage; and e) a manifold comprising a block of material having disposed therein a pressure reducing valve, said manifold having an inlet for connection to said source of pressurizing fluid, a first passage in communication with said inlet supplying said fluid to said means for containing diluent, a second passage in communication with said inlet supplying said fluid to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve, a third passage at the outlet of said pressure reducing valve coupling said fluid at a reduced pressure to pressurize said concentrate container, and a fourth passage having an inlet coupled to said diluent container and an outlet coupled to said dispensing valve.

Claim 27

A manifold for; use with a beverage dispenser comprising: a) a block of material; b) a pressure reducing valve disposed in said block; c) an inlet for connection to said source of pressurization formed in said block; d) a first passage in communication with said inlet for supplying a pressurizing fluid to a diluent supply; e) a second passage in communication with said inlet for supplying said fluid to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve; f) a third passage at the outlet of said pressure reducing valve for coupling said pressurizing fluid at a reduced pressure to pressurize a concentrate source; and g) a fourth passage having an inlet adapted to be coupled to the diluent supply and an outlet adapted to be coupled to a dispensing valve.

Claim 28

A manifold for; use with a beverage dispenser comprising: a) a block of material; b) a pressure reducing valve disposed in said block; c) an inlet for connection to said source of pressurization formed in said block; d) a first passage in communication with said inlet for supplying a pressurizing fluid to a diluent supply; e) a second passage in communication with said inlet for supplying said fluid to the inlet of said pressure reducing valve; f) a third passage at the outlet of said pressure reducing valve for coupling said pressurizing fluid at a reduced pressure to pressurize a concentrate source; and g) a fourth passage having an inlet adapted to be coupled to the diluent supply and an outlet adapted to be coupled to a dispensing valve.

Claim 29

A diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening in the top thereof; b) a cover for covering and sealing said opening; c) means disposed in said cover for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; and d) means for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank and for forcing diluent from said tank.

Claim 30

A diluent tank for use in a beverage dispenser comprising: a) a tank body for containing a supply of diluent having an opening in the top thereof; b) a cover for covering and sealing said opening; c) means disposed in said cover for relieving pressure in said tank prior to removal of said cover; and d) means for connecting a source of pressurizing gas to said tank and for forcing diluent from said tank.

Claim 31

A beverage dispenser comprising: a) a supporting base; b) a source of pressurizing fluid disposed on said base; c) a tank for containing diluent supported on said base; d) a dispensing valve supported on said base; e) at least one pressure reducing valve for said pressurizing fluid; f) a manifold having one inlet coupled to said pressure reducing valve for distributing at least pressurizing fluid and diluent within said dispenser, said manifold having at least a diluent outlet coupled to said dispensing valve; g) first quick disconnect means for connecting said source of pressurizing fluid to said pressure reducing valve; h) second quick disconnect means for connecting said diluent tank to said manifold to obtain therefrom pressurization and to supply thereto diluent under pressure; and i) means containing a supply of concentrate operatively coupled to said dispensing valve, said dispensing valve adapted to cause simultaneous dispensing of concentrate and diluent.

Claim 32

A beverage dispenser comprising: a) a supporting base; b) a source of pressurizing fluid disposed on said base; c) a tank for containing diluent supported on said base; d) a dispensing valve supported on said base; e) at least one pressure reducing valve for said pressurizing fluid; f) a manifold having one inlet coupled to said pressure reducing valve for distributing at least pressurizing fluid and diluent within said dispenser, said manifold having at least a diluent outlet coupled to said dispensing valve; g) first quick disconnect means for connecting said source of pressurizing fluid to said pressure reducing valve; h) second quick disconnect means for connecting said diluent tank to said manifold to obtain therefrom pressurization and to supply thereto diluent under pressure; and i) means containing a supply of concentrate operatively coupled to said dispensing valve, said dispensing valve adapted to cause simultaneous dispensing of concentrate and diluent.

Claim 33

A dispenser according to claim 26, wherein said dispensing valve comprises: a) a bottom member integral with said manifold extending outwardly therefrom and containing therein a cylindrical bore extending partially through said bottom member, said third passage in said manifold terminating at an elongated opening in the bottom of said bore, said fourth passage terminating in a further outlet in the bottom of said bore, the bottom of said bore also containing an open area through which concentrate can be dispensed; b) O-ring seals surrounding said elongated outlet and said further outlets; c) a central rotatable valve member of generally annular shape so as to have a central opening having an outwardly extending handle therein disposed for rotation within said cylindrical bore with the bottom of said member resting against the bottom of said bore and sealing against said O-ring seals, said central cylindrical valve member containing a central bore having a first vertical slot therein, said member also having a diluent outlet; d) a cylindrical member in the centre of said central bore opening a partial bore formed in said member; e) a plurality of struts supporting said cylindrical member in the center of said opening; f) a fifth passage extending between the bottom of said central valve member and the bore in said central cylindrical member in one of said struts, the inlet of said fifth passage adapted to be brought into alignment with said elongated slot over a range of rotation of said central valve member; g) a sixth passage within said central valve member for coupling said further outlet in said bottom member with said diluent outlet when said central valve member is rotated to a pre-determined position within said range of rotation; h) means having two diametrically opposed vertical slots on the inside thereof, said first slot capable of being aligned with one of said slots; i) a cover member for covering and retaining said central valve member in place.

Claim 34

The dispenser according to claim 27 wherein said means having two slots comprise: a) an annular adjusting disc disposed over said central valve member having said second slot on the inside thereof; and b) means for rotating said adjusting disc over a limited angular range, said means, when not operating to rotate said annular adjusting disc holding said adjusting disc fixed.

Claim 35

A dispenser according to claim 28 wherein said means for adjusting comprise means supported in said cover including an extending knob which may be grasped by the hand, a shaft extending from said knob having thereon a worm gear, and mating gears on said adjusting disc engaging said worming gear, whereby rotation of said shaft by said knob will result in rotation of said adjusting disc.

Claim 36

A dispenser according to claim 27 wherein said supply of concentrate comprises: a) a container having a bottle portion with a neck and cap portion rotatable thereon, a valve seat disposed in said neck and a valve member disposed in said cap said cap having a central opening therein; b) a dip tube attached to said central opening and extending through said valve seat with a spacing to the bottom of said bottle; c) cooperating camming surfaces on said cap and bottle neck for converting a rotary motion of said cap into a linear motion which will separate said valve member from said valve seat; d) an outlet opening in the top of said cap aligned with the concentrate opening in said bottom member; e) diametrically opposed tabs on the neck of said bottle and a tabe on said cap, said container inserted into said valve such that the tab on said cap engages in said first slot in said central valve member and the tab on said neck in said second slot in said adjusting ring with said container in an inverted position; f) a fitting inserted in the central bore in said cylindrical member in said central valve member; and g) sealing means surrounding said fitting at its base, said fitting extending into said opening in said cap, said cap sealing against said sealing means, whereby, when the inlet to said fifth passage is aligned with said elongated slot pressurizing medium will be conducted through said fifth passage, said fitting and said dip tube into said container to maintain concentrate therein under a constant pressure and whereby when said central valve member is rotated in one direction the simultaneous alignment of said sixth passage with said further outlet from said fourth passage and said fifth passage with said elongated slot will occur along with a rotation of said tabe on said cap with respect to the tab on said bottle to result in the opening of the valve in said container, thereby causing concentrate and diluent to be simultaneously dispensed.

Claim 37

A dispenser according to claim 30, wherein said diluent outlet includes a spout directed at an angle to the vertical such as to intersect with a downward flow of concentrate from the outlet in said cap, whereby said diluent and concentrate will mix while being dispensed into a cup.

Claim 38

A dispenser according to claim 31, and further including a diluent drain in said bottom member aligned with said sixth passage when said central valve member is not in a dispensing position.