BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM

• US 3,696,969 A
• Filed: 12/18/1969
• Issued: 10/10/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ken Van Dyck, William T De Van
• Original Assignee: Ken Van Dyck, William T De Van
• Inventors: De Van, William T., Van Dyck, Ken
• Primary Examiner(s): Coleman, Samuel F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Stack, Jr., Norman L.
• Application Number:
  US04/886,114
• Time in Patent Office: 1,027 Days
• Field of Search: 222/78,105,183,530,535,146C 221/24 220/63,17 229/14 215/12 24/254 248/65,67.5,700
• US Class Current: 222/105
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/067 combined with a valve, a tap or a piercer
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/00 Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes separating and dispensing metered quantities of liquids G01F
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0019 using ingredient cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0083 for the liquid container
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/042 operated by deforming a membrane-like closing element

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system comprising an enclosure in the form of a decorative wine cask, and a disposable beverage container for use within the enclosure. The disposable beverage container comprises an outer box also suitable for shelf display, and an enclosed flexible bag for containing the beverage. An integral tap is provided on the flexible bag, and means are provided for extending the tap through the box and enclosure for dispensing of the beverage.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing system comprising, in combination:

A. a decorative enclosure structure in the form of a cask, 1. means supporting said enclosure structure in a substantially horizontal plane with the cask ends thereof in substantially vertical planes, 2. one said cask end having an aperture therein, and 3. means forming a polygonal bore within said enclosure structure, a. said cask being formed of a foamed polymeric material which provides thermal insulation for said bore, B. a disposable beverage container removably mounted within said enclosure structure in said bore, said container comprising 1. a substantially rigid box of polygonal shape closely matching said bore in shape and size so as to be secured against rotation when mounted therein and thermally insulated by the surrounding foamed polymeric material to maintain the temperature of the beverage over a substantial period of time, said box being suitable for shelf display and having means forming an opening adjacent one end thereof, 2. a flexible beverage bag of plastic sheet packaged and carried within said box and having an integral tap communicating with the interior of said bag, a. said tap being extendable through the opening in said box and the aperture in said cask for dispensing of the beverage therefrom, and b. means for maintaining said tap in such an extended position comprising an L-shaped reinforcing collar having a bifurcated end removably secured about said tap and abutting the end of said box over said opening to prevent said tap from being accidentally pushed back through said opening once it is extended.

2. A beverage dispensing system as defined in claim 1 including a removable flap covering the opening in said box whereby said tap can be enclosed in said box prior to use and subsequently extended for use upon removal of said flap.

3. means forming a polygonal bore within said enclosure structure, a. said cask being formed of a foamed polymeric material which provides thermal insulation for said bore, B. a disposable beverage container removably mounted within said enclosure structure in said bore, said container comprising

4. A beverage dispensing system as defined in claim 1 wherein said bore and box have hexagonal cross-sections.