Syrup supply method and apparatus for a post-mix beverage dispenser

• US 4,582,223 A
• Filed: 06/02/1983
• Issued: 04/15/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1982
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
• Original Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
• Inventors: Kobe, Susumu
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jones, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US06/500,432
• Time in Patent Office: 1,048 Days
• Field of Search: 222/81, 222/82, 222/83, 222/89, 222/91, 222/395, 222/394, 222/541, 222/129.1, 604/140, 604/146, 604/147, 604/148, 604/201, 604/244, 604/411, 604/414
• US Class Current: 222/82
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0036 based on the timed opening of valves
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/04 Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2001/0814 for upside down use

Abstract

An apparatus and method for connecting a one-way disposable syrup package and associated dispensing attachment for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser system are described. The dispensing attachment includes a threaded socket for operatively engaging the threaded portion on the neck of a container constituting the syrup package, a cutting edge for puncturing a sealing member over the discharge end of the container, an inlet for supplying a compressed fluid into the container and an outlet for propelling the syrup concentrate toward the discharge opening of the container. The dispensing attachment is screwed onto the threaded portion of the container neck, preferably while the container is in an upright position until the cutting edge punctures the sealing member. Suitable conduits are then connected to the inlet and outlets of the attachment to connect the syrup package to the post-mix beverage dispenser system.

Claims

1. A post-mix beverage dispenser comprising:

(a) at least one syrup container, said container having a neck with a threaded portion and a discharge opening at one end thereof;

(b) a rupturable sealing member covering said discharge opening;

(c) an attachment for dispensing syrup from said container including,

a threaded socket for operatively engaging the threaded portion on the neck of said container and fastening said attachment to said container in response to relative rotation of said socket and said neck, and

a main body mounted within said threaded socket including a cylindrical central portion with a truncated end forming a cutting edge at a peak thereof, said cutting edge extending into the neck of said container through said rupturable sealing member when said attachment is fastened to said container, said cutting edge being so shaped and dimensioned as to form a movable flap in said sealing member overlying the entire said truncated end when said cutting edge extends through said sealing member, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in said truncated end, the other end of said central portion being connected to a base portion, and inlet and outlet ports in said base portion, and inlet and outlet passages connecting said inlet and outlet ports with the interior of said container through said inlet and outlet openings in said truncated end;

(d) a source of pressurized fluid connected to the inlet port in said base portion to thereby introduce the pressurized fluid through said inlet passage and the inlet opening in said truncated end to lift said movable flap off of the truncated end, said pressurized fluid also forcing said syrup out of the inlet opening in said truncated end, through said outlet passage and said outlet port.

2. The post-mix beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein said container has the discharge opening at the bottom thereof and said central portion has an additional outlet opening disposed below said cutting edge contiguous to said sealing member, said additional outlet opening also communicating with said outlet passage and outlet port.

3. The post-mix beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the outlet opening in said truncated end is adjacent the peak thereof.

4. The post-mix beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the main body is rotatable within said threaded socket.

5. The post-mix beverage dispenser of claim 1, wherein the main body is axially movable with respect to said threaded socket.