U.S. patent application number 12/302018 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for drink tapping device for a keg and dispensing device comprising the tapping device and a keg.
This patent application is currently assigned to CELLI S.P.A.. Invention is credited to Goffredo Celli.
Application Number | 20100252584 12/302018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38267639 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100252584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Celli; Goffredo |
October 7, 2010 |
DRINK TAPPING DEVICE FOR A KEG AND DISPENSING DEVICE COMPRISING THE
TAPPING DEVICE AND A KEG
Abstract
A device for tapping a drink from a container (100) comprises:
--a tapping head (10) comprising a body (12) and a piston (11) that
is mobile relative to the body (12) along guide means (5); --a
tapping duct (60) comprising a tube (13) to one end of which a
pusher (14) actuated by the piston (11) is connected.
Characteristically, the tapping device (1) comprises means (6) for
irremovably connecting the tapping duct (60) to the container
(100).
Inventors: |
Celli; Goffredo; (Cerasolo
Di Coriano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pearne & Gordon LLP
1801 East 9th Street, Suite 1200
Cleveland
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
CELLI S.P.A.
IT
|
Family ID: |
38267639 |
Appl. No.: |
12/302018 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT2007/000103 |
371 Date: |
April 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/400.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 1/1405 20130101;
B67D 1/0839 20130101; B67D 1/0081 20130101; B67D 1/0829
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/400.7 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 23, 2006 |
IT |
RN2006A000041 |
Claims
1-46. (canceled)
47. A device for tapping a drink from a container (100) of the type
comprising: a tapping head (10) comprising a body (12) and a piston
(11) that is mobile relative to the body (12) along guide means
(5); a tapping duct (60) comprising a tube (13) to one end of which
a pusher (14) actuated by the piston (11) is connected; the tapping
device (1) being characterised in that it comprises means (6) for
irremovably connecting the tapping duct (60) to the container
(100).
48. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the pusher (14) is rigid.
49. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the pusher (14) is designed to have the drink passing through it
and extends in a direction of drink outflow, between a first and a
second end of it (51, 52).
50. The tapping device according to claim 49, characterised in that
the first end (51) of the pusher (14) is irremovably connected to
the tube (13).
51. The tapping device according to claim 49, characterised in that
the pusher (14) comprises an internal central hole (140) extending
from the first end (51).
52. The tapping device according to claim 51, characterised in that
the second end (52) of the pusher (14) comprises at least one
lateral through opening (54) that places the outside of the pusher
(14) in fluid communication with the central hole (140).
53. The tapping device according to claim 51, characterised in that
the central hole (140) extends between the first and the second end
(51, 52) of the pusher (14) passing right through the latter.
54. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the pusher (14) is physically separate from the piston (11).
55. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the pusher (14) is made as a single part with the tube (13).
56. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the pusher (14) at least partly comprises the irremovable
connecting means (6).
57. The tapping device according to claim 56, characterised in that
the irremovable connecting means (6) comprise elastically
deformable means (225) that can be slotted into suitable seats in
the container (100).
58. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the tube (13) passes through a housing (113) inside the piston
(11).
59. The tapping device according to claim 58, characterised in that
the internal housing (113) runs right through the piston (11) in
the direction in which the piston (11) is moved relative to the
body (12).
60. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
a side portion of the piston (11) comprises a first slot (111).
61. The tapping device according to claim 60, characterised in that
a side portion of the body (12) comprises a second slot (112).
62. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in
that: the tube (13) passes through a housing (113) inside the
piston (11); a side portion of the piston (11) comprises a first
slot (111); a side portion of the body (12) comprises a second slot
(112); the first and the second slots (111, 112) are aligned and in
contact with each other to enable the tube (13) to be inserted and
removed from the side, between the internal housing (113) of the
piston (11) and the outside of the body (12).
63. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
inside the body (12) there is a conduit (15) for feeding an
operating fluid under pressure, said feed conduit (15) comprising a
first end (151) that can be operatively connected to a source of
operating fluid under pressure, and a second end (152) that can be
operatively connected to the drink container (100).
64. The tapping device according to claim 63, characterised in that
it comprises a flow shutoff switch (16) for the conduit (15) that
feeds the operating fluid under pressure.
65. The tapping device according to claim 64, characterised in that
the piston (11) and the flow shutoff switch (16) are operated
simultaneously by the user with a single lever (101) on the tapping
head (10).
66. The tapping device according to claim 64, characterised in that
the switch (16) can move inside the feed conduit (15) and comprises
an inlet section (162), an outlet section (163) and an internal
cavity (161) extending between the inlet section (162) and the
outlet section (163) of the switch (16).
67. The tapping device according to claim 66, characterised in that
the switch (16) can move between an open configuration where it
enables the operating fluid to pass and where the first end (151)
of the feed conduit (15) is in fluid communication with the inlet
section (162) of the switch (16), and a shutoff configuration where
it prevents the pressurized operating fluid from passing and where
a side wall (164) of the switch (16) occludes the first end (151)
of the feed conduit (15).
68. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
it comprises means (4) for hooking the body (12) to the container
(100).
69. The tapping device according to claim 68, characterised in that
the hooking means (4) comprise means (40) for placing the body (12)
in a fixed position relative to the container (100).
70. The tapping device according to claim 47, characterised in that
the tapping duct (60) comprises at least one portion (63) whose
cross section is totally deformable.
71. The tapping device according to claim 70, characterised in that
it comprises a dispensing tap (7) connected to the outlet end (62)
of the tapping duct (60).
72. The tapping device according to claim 71, characterised in that
the dispensing tap (7) comprises at least the following: an
uninterrupted internal passage that runs through it from the
upstream end to the downstream end, allowing the tapping duct (60)
to slide through it freely and easily, the tapping duct (60)
occupying and passing right through the uninterrupted internal
passage; actuating means (70) for opening and closing the tapping
duct (60) portion (63) with the totally deformable cross section by
simply pressing it at a certain section of it along the
uninterrupted internal passage.
73. A drink dispensing device characterised in that it comprises: a
tapping device (1) according to claim 47; a container (100)
comprising an outer containment structure (2) which in turn
comprises an inner compartment (200) for containing the drink and
means (22) for putting the inside and the outside of the container
(100) in fluid communication with each other; said fluid
communication means (22) between the inside and the outside
comprising a first opening (221) for the passage of the drink and a
second outlet opening (222) for a pressurized operating fluid, a
shutter (20) being provided for occluding the first opening
(221).
74. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the irremovable connecting means (6) connect the pusher (14)
and the shutter (20), said irremovable connecting means (6) being
actuated when the pusher (14) and the shutter (20) enter into
contact; the shutter (20) being reversibly mobile between a first
configuration in which it occludes the first opening (221) and a
second configuration in which it enables the drink to flow through
the first opening (221).
75. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the pusher (14) is removably coupled to the piston (11) in
such a way as to move as one with the piston (11).
76. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the container (100) comprises shutter (20) anti-extraction
means (407) which prevent the shutter (20) from coming free of the
outer containment structure (2).
77. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the shutter (20) is mobile between a first configuration in
which it occludes the first opening (221) and a second
configuration in which it enables the drink to flow freely through
the first opening (221), the shutter (20), in the second
configuration, being totally free of the first opening (221) and
being irreversibly inside the inner compartment (200).
78. The dispensing device according to claim 77, characterised in
that the pusher (14) is mobile from the first configuration in
which it is away from the first opening (221) to a second
configuration in which, after having pushed the shutter (20) into
the container (100), it irremovably engages the container (100) at
the first opening (221).
79. The dispensing device according to claim 77, characterised in
that the shutter (20) comprises a weight so that in the second
configuration the shutter (20) does not float in the inner
compartment (200) at the first opening (221).
80. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the first and the second opening (221, 222) are separate.
81. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the inner compartment (200) containing a drink comprises a
flexible bag (21).
82. The dispensing device according to claim 81, characterised in
that the flexible bag (21) is in fluid communication with the first
opening (221), the second opening (222) being outside the bag
(21).
83. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the outer containment structure (2) itself defines the inner
compartment (200) for the drink.
84. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the container (100) comprises means (3) for extracting the
drink.
85. The dispensing device according to claim 84, characterised in
that the drink extracting means (3) comprise a channelling element
(30) which extends from the first opening (221) into the inner
compartment (200) to facilitate the outflow of the drink.
86. The dispensing device according to claim 85, characterised in
that the cross section of the channelling element (30) transversal
to its main direction of extension has a comb-like shape.
87. The dispensing device according to claim 85, characterised in
that the channelling element (30) comprises a tubular element.
88. The dispensing device according to claim 85, characterised in
that a lateral surface (31) of the channelling element (30)
comprises at least one hole (32) located at the first opening
(221).
89. The dispensing device according to claim 85, characterised in
that: the shutter (20) is mobile between a first configuration in
which it occludes the first opening (221) and a second
configuration in which it enables the drink to flow freely through
the first opening (221), the shutter (20), in the second
configuration, being totally free of the first opening (221) and
being irreversibly inside the inner compartment (200); the
channelling element (30) comprises means for locking the shutter
(20) in the second configuration.
90. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the outer containment structure (2) is rigid.
91. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that it comprises a protective cap which can be removed before use
and which covers the first opening (221) in order to guarantee
maximum hygiene an to prevent the shutter (20) from being
contaminated by extraneous elements.
92. The dispensing device according to claim 73, characterised in
that the outer containment structure (2) comprises: a neck 408
extending outwards to an end (409) of the neck (408), the end (409)
defining an inlet surface (410) of the outer containment structure
(2); a plug (411) for the inlet surface (410), said plug (411)
being applied to the neck (408) and comprising the first and second
openings (221, 222); means (412) for irremovably joining the plug
(411) to the neck (408), said irremovable joining means (412) being
located outside the neck (408).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a tapping device and to a drink
dispensing device comprising said tapping device.
[0002] The term "tapping device" is used to denote means for
dispensing a drink from a container. The term "dispensing device"
is used to denote a device comprising at least the tapping device
and the container.
[0003] Devices of this kind are designed to draw drinks from
respective containers and to allow the drinks to be dispensed to
individual users. They are normally used in bars, restaurants,
cafeterias and other establishments authorised to serve drinks to
the public, and also in the home.
BACKGROUND ART
[0004] Devices for tapping drinks from containers are well known.
The containers are connected to a dispensing tap at one end and to
a pressurized gas-tank at the other. The pressure of the gas
increases the pressure inside the container in such a way as to
force the drink out through a channelling system to a line that
connects the container to the tap. To achieve this double
connection of the container to the pressurized gas line and to the
dispensing tap, prior art teaches the use of tapping heads
connected by fittings of various kinds (for example of the sliding,
triangular of bayonet type) to the top face of the container where
there is a shutter. The tapping head comprises an element that can
be coupled to the container and a piston that moves relative to
said element and relative to the container. When the shutter is in
a rest configuration, a spring keeps it pressed against a fixed
part of the container, thereby preventing the drink from flowing
out. When the shutter is in a working configuration, on the other
hand, the piston is placed in direct contact with the shutter and
overcomes the elastic force of the spring, thus allowing the drink
to flow out of the container. The piston is hollow to enable the
drink to flow out through it. The end of the piston opposite the
end that interacts with the shutter has connected to it a plastic
tube that conveys the drink to the dispensing point.
[0005] Tapping devices of the kind described above are not free of
disadvantages. In particular, the inside walls of the piston come
into direct contact with the drink. As a result, the piston must be
periodically sanitized. In particular, sanitization of the piston
is performed directly at the place where the device is used, which
involves the use of specialised personnel at the place of use. This
in turn involves additional costs.
[0006] The container, on the other hand, is normally sent to the
manufacturer to be sanitized, filled and then sent back to the
place of use. This results in further costs.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention therefore has for an aim to overcome
the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a tapping device and
a drink dispensing device comprising said tapping device allowing
the maximum level of hygiene to be achieved.
[0008] These and other aims, which will become more apparent in the
description which follows, are achieved in accordance with the
invention by a tapping device and a dispensing device comprising
said tapping device, both having the structural and functional
characteristics described in the appended independent claims, while
other embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will now be described in more detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings, listed below, which
illustrate a non-limiting preferred embodiment of it.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tapping device according
to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of a device
according to the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a dispensing device according to
the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a broken cross section of a dispensing device
according to the invention in a first configuration.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a broken cross section of a dispensing device
according to the invention in a second configuration.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross section of a detail of the tapping device
according to the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view of a dispensing device according to
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross section of a part of a dispensing device
according to the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a perspective view and a plan view of a
detail from FIG. 8.
[0019] FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view and a perspective view of a
variant of the detail of FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0020] FIGS. 13 and 14 are a cross section and a perspective view
of a variant of the detail illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0021] FIGS. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of a dispensing
device according to the invention in two different working
configurations.
[0022] FIGS. 17a to 17e are orthogonal views of one of the
components of a dispensing device according to the invention.
[0023] FIG. 18 shows a detail of a component illustrated in FIGS.
15 and 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0024] The numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a device for tapping a drink
from a container 100. The tapping device 1 is of the type
comprising: [0025] a tapping head 10 comprising a body 12 and a
piston 11 that is mobile relative to the body 12 along guide means
5; [0026] a tapping duct 60 comprising a tube 13 to one end of
which a pusher 14 actuated by the piston 11 is connected.
[0027] Characteristically, the tapping device 1 comprises means 6
for irremovably connecting the tapping duct 60 to the container
100.
[0028] Advantageously, the pusher 14 is rigid. In particular, it is
made of plastic having predetermined rigidity.
[0029] The pusher 14 is designed to have the drink passing through
it.
[0030] The pusher 14 extends, in a direction of drink outflow,
between a first and a second end of it 51 and 52.
[0031] Advantageously, the first end 51 of the pusher 14 is
irremovably connected to the tube 13. The pusher 14 comprises an
internal central hole 140 extending from the first end 51.
Advantageously, the drink is made to flow through the internal hole
140.
[0032] The second end 52 of the pusher 14 comprises preferably at
least one lateral through opening 54 that places the outside of the
pusher 14 in fluid communication with the central hole 140.
[0033] As shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 4 or 5, the
central hole 140 extends from the first end 51 to the second end 52
of the pusher 14, passing all the way through the latter.
[0034] The pusher 14 is physically separate from the piston 11.
[0035] In an embodiment that is not illustrated, the pusher 14 is
preferably made as a single part with the tube 13.
[0036] The pusher 14 at least partly comprises the irremovable
connecting means 6.
[0037] The irremovable connecting means 6 comprise elastically
deformable means 225 that can be slotted into suitable seats 61 in
the container 100.
[0038] The tube 13 passes through a housing 113 inside the piston
11. The internal housing 113 runs right through the piston 11 in
the direction in which the piston 11 is moved relative to the body
12.
[0039] A side portion of the piston 11 comprises a first slot
111.
[0040] A side portion of the body 12 comprises a second slot
112.
[0041] The first and the second slots 111, 112 are aligned and in
contact with each other to enable the tube 13 to be inserted and
removed from the side, between the internal housing 113 of the
piston 11 and the outside of the of the body 12. For example, when
there is no more drink in the container 100, the tapping head 10 is
released from the drink container 100. Thanks to the first and
second slots 111, 112, the tapping head 10 can be pulled out from
the side relative to the tube 13 which remains irremovably
connected to the container 100. The piston 11 and the remaining
parts of the tapping head 10 can be re-used without being sanitized
since they do not come into contact with the drink. The tube 13 and
the container 100 are disposable. The cost of the tapping head 10
is much higher than that of the tube 13.
[0042] Inside it, the body 12 comprises a conduit 15 for feeding an
operating fluid under pressure. The feed conduit 15 comprises a
first end 151 that can be operatively connected to a source of
operating fluid under pressure, and a second end 152 that can be
operatively connected to the drink container 100. Advantageously,
but not necessarily, the operating fluid under pressure is a gas.
The source of the operating fluid under pressure might, for
example, consist of an air compressor or a gas tank under
pressure.
[0043] The tapping device 1 comprises a flow shutoff switch 16 for
the conduit 15 that feeds the operating fluid under pressure.
[0044] The piston 11 and the flow shutoff switch 16 are operated
simultaneously by the user with a single lever 101 on the tapping
head 10.
[0045] Advantageously, the lever 101 is hinged to the body 12 of
the tapping head 10. Along the bottom portion of the lever 101
there are protrusions 102 that push the piston 11 downwards when
the user lowers the lever 101.
[0046] A part of these protrusions 102 slots into a groove 103 in
the piston 11 to allow the piston 11 to be raised when the lever
101 is lifted again. During the lifting action, the parts of the
protrusions 102 that slot into the groove 103 in the piston 11 come
into contact with the groove 103 itself, thus allowing the piston
11 to be lifted.
[0047] The switch 16 can move inside the feed conduit 15 and
comprises an inlet section 162, an outlet section 163 and an
internal cavity 161 extending between the inlet section 162 and the
outlet section 163 of the switch 16.
[0048] The switch 16 moves between an open configuration where it
enables the operating fluid to pass and a shutoff configuration
where it prevents the pressurized operating fluid from passing. In
the open configuration, the first end 151 of the feed conduit 15 is
in fluid communication with the inlet section 162 of the switch 16;
in the shutoff configuration, a side wall 164 of the switch 16
occludes the first end 151 of the feed conduit 15.
[0049] Advantageously, the tapping device 1 comprises means 4 for
hooking the body 12 to the container 100. Preferably, the hooking
means 4 create a removable connection.
[0050] The hooking means 4 comprise means 40 for placing the body
12 in a fixed position relative to the container 100.
[0051] As illustrated by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1, the
positioning means 40 comprise a guide 41 made on the container 100.
The guide 41 is removably connected to a shoe 42 formed on the
tapping head 10. The guide 41 comprises a limit stop consisting of
a stop tooth 43 enabling the shoe 42 to engage the guide 41
according to a single, predetermined orientation.
[0052] Advantageously, the tapping duct 60 comprises at least one
portion 63 whose cross section is totally deformable.
[0053] Preferably, the tapping device 1 comprises a dispensing tap
7 connected to the outlet end 62 of the tapping duct 60.
[0054] Advantageously, the dispensing tap 7 comprises at least:
[0055] an uninterrupted internal passage that runs through it from
the upstream end to the downstream end, allowing the tapping duct
60 to slide through it freely and easily, the tapping duct 60
occupying and passing right through the uninterrupted internal
passage; [0056] actuating means 70 for opening and closing the
tapping duct 60 portion 63 with the totally deformable cross
section by simply pressing it at a certain section of it along the
uninterrupted internal passage.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the actuating means 70 comprise a
handle 700 connected to an eccentric cam 701 that squeezes the
totally deformable portion 63 of the tapping duct 60.
[0058] The dispensing tap 7 does not come into contact with the
tapped drink and can therefore be re-used without being
sanitized.
[0059] Advantageously, the tapping duct 60 comprises a single tube
13 extending from the container 100 to the outlet of the tap 7. The
tube 13, when not squeezed under the action of the actuating means
70, can be pulled out of the dispensing tap 7 to enable the tap 7
to be re-used with a new tube 13. This may occur when the drink
container 100, to which the tube 13 is irremovably connected, is
substituted.
[0060] In an embodiment that is not illustrated, the actuating
means 70 are of the electromagnetic or electromechanical type. In
one particular configuration, the actuating means 70 comprise a
guillotine held in position by elastic means that squeeze the
tapping duct 60 when the dispensing tap 7 is closed. When the user
acts on a suitable control, such as a pushbutton for example, an
electromagnet or a gear motor (in the case of electromechanical
actuation) overcomes the elastic force in such a way as to pull the
guillotine away so it no longer squeezes the tapping duct 60.
[0061] The tapping device 1 comprises a relief valve to reduce the
pressure inside the container 100 to atmospheric pressure so that
the tapping head 10 can be removed safely from the container 100.
The relief valve is actuated by the user pulling a ring on the
tapping head 10.
[0062] This invention also relates to a drink dispensing device 300
comprising: [0063] a tapping device 1 of the type described above;
[0064] a container 100 comprising an outer containment structure 2
which in turn comprises an inner compartment 200 for containing the
drink and means 22 for putting the inside and the outside of the
container 100 in fluid communication with each other; said fluid
communication means 22 between the inside and the outside
comprising a first outlet opening 221 for the drink and a second
outlet opening 222 for a pressurized operating fluid. The first
opening 221 can be occluded by a shutter 20.
[0065] Reference is made to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated
by way of example in FIGS. 15 to 18.
[0066] Advantageously, the pusher 14 is irremovably connected to
the duct 60. The irremovable connecting means 6 connect the pusher
14 and the shutter 20. The irremovable connecting means 6 are
actuated when the pusher 14 and the shutter 20 enter into contact.
For example, the irremovable connecting means 6 that connect the
pusher 14 and the shutter 20 comprise a first part 91 that is
integral with the pusher 14 and a second part 92 that is integral
with the shutter 20, the first and second parts 91, 92 of the
irremovable connecting means 6 being snap fastenable to each other
by elastic deformation of at least one of the two parts 91, 92.
[0067] The pusher 14 remains irremovably connected to the shutter
20 both during and after use. The shutter 20 is reversibly mobile
between a first configuration in which it occludes the first
opening 221 and a second configuration in which it enables the
drink to flow through the first opening 221. In this embodiment,
the pusher 14 not only pushes the shutter 20 into the inner
compartment 200 but also pulls it out of the inner compartment
200.
[0068] Advantageously, in the second configuration, the shutter 20
is inside the inner compartment 200.
[0069] Initially, the pusher 14 and the shutter 20 are disconnected
and are then connected to enable the drink to be dispensed. Once
connected, the pusher 14 and the shutter 20 cannot be separated. In
particular, the shutter 20 comprises a cavity 201 that irremovably
engages the pusher 14.
[0070] The pusher 14 is made preferably of plastic. It is
nevertheless rigid enough to move the shutter 20 between the first
and second configurations.
[0071] When the shutter 20 is in the second configuration, the
outside lateral surface 141 of the pusher 14 and the lateral
surface 142 that delimits the first opening 221 form a fluid seal
between them.
[0072] The second end 52 of the pusher 14 comprises the first part
91 of the irremovable connecting means 6. The first part 91 of the
irremovable connecting means 6 comprises an elastically deformable
tongue 400 that is compressed by a side wall 401 of the cavity 201
when the pusher 14 is inserted into the cavity 201 of the shutter
20. The tongue 400 is an example embodiment of the aforementioned
elastically deformable means 225 forming part of the irremovable
connecting means 6. The side wall 401 of the cavity 201 in the
shutter 20 comprises the second part 92 of the irremovable
connecting means 6. The second part 92 of the irremovable
connecting means 6 comprises a perimetric groove 402. The
perimetric groove 402 is an example embodiment of the
aforementioned suitable seats of the container 100 into which the
elastically deformable means 225 can be slotted. When the pusher 14
is inserted into the cavity 201 in the shutter 20, the deformable
tongue 400, on reaching the groove 402, returns to its original
non-deformed state and is irreversibly engaged in the groove 402.
The irreversibility of the connection is accomplished by the shape
of the tongue 400 and groove 402 which, during extraction of the
shutter 20 from the container 100, do not afford any guiding
surface that facilitates extraction of the tongue 400 from the
groove 402. Advantageously, the tongue 400 is shaped to fit snugly
into the groove 402.
[0073] The absence of an extraction guiding surface prevents the
pusher 14 from being pulled out of the container 100.
[0074] The pusher 14 is removably coupled to the piston 11 in such
a way as to make the pusher 14 move as one with the piston 11.
[0075] FIG. 16 shows by way of example the housing 113 made inside
the piston 11 and into which the duct 60 can be inserted. A surface
404 of the piston 11 delimiting the internal housing 113 comprises
a perimetric groove 405. The perimetric groove 405 in the surface
404 that delimits the housing 113 extends in a plane at right
angles to the direction in which the piston 11 moves. During use,
at least one protrusion 406 on the pusher 14 slots into the
perimetric groove 405 in the surface 404 that delimits the housing
113. Thus, in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15
to 18, the piston 11 is removably coupled to the pusher 14.
[0076] Advantageously, the container 100 comprises shutter 20
anti-extraction means 407 which prevent the shutter 20 from coming
free of the outer containment structure 2.
[0077] The anti-extraction means 407 come into operation at the end
of the movement of the shutter 20 from the second to the first
configuration.
[0078] Reference is made to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated
by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 14.
[0079] The shutter 20 is mobile between a first configuration in
which it occludes the first opening 221 and a second configuration
in which it enables the drink to flow freely through the first
opening 221. In the second configuration, the shutter 20 is totally
free of the first opening 221 and is irreversibly inside the inner
compartment 200.
[0080] The pusher 14 is mobile from the first configuration in
which it is away from the first opening 221 to a second
configuration in which, after having pushed the shutter 20 into the
container 100, it irremovably engages the container 100 at the
first opening 221.
[0081] Reference is made to the non-limiting embodiments
illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 18.
[0082] Advantageously, the first configuration also corresponds to
the configuration in which the switch 16 prevents the passage of
the operating fluid, whilst the second configuration corresponds to
the configuration in which the switch 16 allows the passage of the
operating fluid.
[0083] Advantageously, the first and second openings 221 and 222
are separate.
[0084] Advantageously, the inner compartment 200 containing the
drink comprises a flexible bag 21.
[0085] The flexible bag 21 is in fluid communication with the first
opening 221. The second opening 222 is outside the bag 21.
[0086] In this case, the pressurized operating fluid fed into the
container 100 through the second opening 222 presses against the
outside walls of the bag 21. In another embodiment that is not
illustrated, the pressurized operating fluid might be used to
inflate a second bag which, by expanding, would in turn exert
pressure on the bag 21 containing the drink.
[0087] If the bag 21 is not provided, the outer containment
structure 2 itself defines the inner compartment 200 for the drink.
In this case, the pressurized operating fluid exerts pressure
directly on the surface of the drink. If the drink is contained in
the bag 21, the operating fluid might be a liquid.
[0088] Advantageously, the shutter 20 and/or the inside wall 223 of
the first opening 221 comprise elastically deformable retaining
means 224 enabling the shutter 20 to engage the first opening 221.
Preferably, the shutter 20 comprises a weight so that in the second
configuration the shutter 20 does not float in the inner
compartment 200 at the first opening 221. In this way, the shutter
20 cannot obstruct or hinder the flow of drink out of the container
100. The shutter 20 is applied to the container 100 from the
outside after the latter has been filled with the drink. The
elastically deformable retaining means 224 may, for example,
comprise protrusions which are deformed by the force applied to
them during engagement or disengagement of the shutter 20, thus
enabling the latter to slide relative to the first opening 221.
After filling, these protrusions slot into respective sockets which
keep the shutter 20 against the first opening 221.
[0089] The container 100 comprises suitable means 3 for extracting
the drink.
[0090] The drink extracting means 3 comprise a channelling element
30 which extends from the first opening 221 into the inner
compartment 200 to facilitate the outflow of the drink.
[0091] The channelling element 30 enables all the drink to be
emptied from the inner compartment 200. Advantageously, the
channelling element 30 is irremovably connected to the bag 21. The
bag 21 is irremovably connected to the container 100.
[0092] As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 9 to 12, the cross
section of the channelling element 30 transversal to its main
direction of extension has a comb-like shape.
[0093] The comb-like cross section comprises a plurality of arms
301 extending from a common base 302 transversally to the common
base 302 and on the same side of the common base 302. The comb-like
section enables the bag 21 to be properly emptied by preventing the
bag 21 from completely blocking the channelling element 30.
[0094] As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 13 and 14, the
channelling element 30 comprises a tubular element.
[0095] As illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 11 to 14, a
lateral surface 31 of the channelling element 30 advantageously
comprises at least one hole 32 located at the first opening
221.
[0096] In the case of a channelling element 30 with a comb-like
section, the lateral surface 31 of the channelling element 30 may
coincide with the common base 302.
[0097] In an embodiment that is not illustrated, the lateral
surface 31 of the channelling element 30 might comprise a plurality
of holes distributed along the full length of the channelling
element 30.
[0098] With a tubular channelling element 30 like the one
illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the shutter 20 might get caught
along the channelling element 30 even in the second configuration,
thus preventing proper outflow of the drink. This is more likely to
happen if the shutter 20 is not weighted. To avoid this possible
problem, the side openings 54 of the pusher 14, in the second
configuration, extend inside the container 100. The presence of
holes at the first opening 221, in combination with these side
openings 54, guarantees the fluid communication between the first
opening 221 and the drink located inside the inner compartment
200.
[0099] As illustrated for example in FIG. 5, the shutter 20 is
advantageously mushroom shaped, narrower above and wider below;
this is due to the presence, in the lower portion, of the
connecting means which, in the first configuration, connect it to
the opening 221 so that it cannot be pulled out of the container
100. The smaller section of the shutter 20 at the top of the
shutter 20 facilitates entry of the drink through the holes 32
located on the lateral surface 31 of the channelling element 30 in
the vicinity of the first opening 221.
[0100] In an embodiment that is hot illustrated, the top portion of
the channelling element 30 comprises means for locking the shutter
20 in the second configuration. The pusher 14 pushes the shutter 20
from the first to the second configuration and causes it to engage
the locking means. The locking means define a seat in the
channelling element 30 for accommodating and retaining the shutter
20. Advantageously, the locking means comprise elastically
deformable tabs; these are located on the shutter 20 and engage
matching recesses in the channelling element 30; alternatively, the
tabs are located on the channelling element 30 and are locked to
the shutter 20. A similar embodiment can be advantageously used on
a channelling element 30 shaped like a tubular element. The outer
containment structure 2 is rigid.
[0101] Advantageously, the container 100 is of the single-use type.
It is therefore disposable. This guarantees maximum hygiene coupled
with low costs.
[0102] The outer containment structure 2 is preferably made of a
plastic material.
[0103] Alternatively, it might be made of metal.
[0104] The dispensing device preferably comprises a protective cap
that covers the first opening 221. The protective cap can be
removed before use and is designed to guarantee maximum hygiene ant
to prevent the shutter 20 from being contaminated by extraneous
elements.
[0105] Advantageously, the outer containment structure 2 comprises:
[0106] a neck 408 extending outwards to an end 409 of the neck 408,
the end 409 of the neck 408 defining an inlet surface 410 of the
outer containment structure 2; [0107] a plug 411 for the inlet
surface 410, said plug 411 being applied to the neck 408 and
comprising the first and second openings 221, 222; [0108] means 412
for irremovably joining the plug 411 to the neck 408, the
irremovable joining means 412 being located outside the neck
408.
[0109] The plug 411 abuts against the neck 408.
[0110] Advantageously, the plug 411 comprises an edge 413 that
projects outwards relative to a lateral surface 414 of the neck
408. Advantageously, the edge 413 abuts against the end 409 of the
neck 408.
[0111] The means 412 for irremovably joining the plug 411 to the
neck 408 comprise at least one fastening device 415 comprising a
first portion 416 and a second portion 417 that can be irreversibly
snap fastened to each other. The first and second portions 416, 417
of the fastening device 415 are integral with a lateral surface 414
of the neck 408 and with the edge 413 of the plug 411,
respectively. When the first portion 416 and the second portion 417
of the fastening device 415 are connected to one another, at least
one of the two portions 416, 417 of the fastening device 415 is
elastically deformed.
[0112] The irreversible joining means 412 also comprise a first and
a second fastening device 415; the first and second fastening
devices 415 are positioned, during use, at two separate points of
the perimeter of the neck 408.
[0113] Advantageously, the neck 408 is circular and the two
separate points where the first and second fastening devices 415
are located are diametrically opposite each other relative to the
centre of the inlet surface 410.
[0114] The first portion 416 of the at least one fastening device
415 comprises a hooked body 418 formed as a single part with the
edge 413 of the plug 411, the hooked body 418 projecting away from
the edge 413 of the plug 411 and along the neck 408, the hooked
body 418 comprising a concavity 419 facing the edge 413 of the plug
411.
[0115] The second portion 417 of the at least one fastening device
415 comprises a protrusion 420 which extends on the outer lateral
surface 414 of the neck 408 and which snaps irreversibly into the
concavity 419 of the hooked body 418.
[0116] The end of the hooked body 418 comprises a wedge shaped part
421a comprising a sliding surface 422a that facilitates the elastic
deformation of the hooked body 418 during the snap fastening
action.
[0117] The second portion 417 of the at least one fastening device
415 comprises a wedge shaped part 421b comprising a sliding surface
422b that facilitates the elastic deformation of the hooked body
418 during the snap fastening action.
[0118] Advantageously, the irremovable joining means 412 move from
a first position to a second position during the joining action. In
the first position, the edge 413 of the plug 411 abuts against the
inlet surface 410 of the container 100 and the first and second
portions 416, 417 of the at least one fastening device 415 are free
of each other; in the second position, the edge 413 of the plug 411
abuts against the inlet surface 410 of the container 100 and the
first and second portions 416, 417 of the at least one fastening
device 415 are irremovably constrained to each other; the second
position is rotated relative to the first position, the rotation
occurring along an axis at right angles to the inlet surface
410.
[0119] Advantageously, the plug 411 is made as a single part with
the channelling element 30.
[0120] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to
18, the plug 411 comprises a shell 423 that is physically separate
and irremovably connectable to parts 424 of the plug 411
surrounding the shell 423. When the shutter 20 is in the first
configuration, the shell 423 laterally encompasses the shutter 20
itself. The shell 423 facilitates filling of the drink bag 21 as
described below. The bag 21 is still empty when it is placed inside
the outer containment structure 2. The plug 411 is then applied to
the neck 408. The drink is then poured into the bag 21 through the
opening 221. Next, the first opening 221 is closed by inserting the
shutter 20 together with and surrounded by the shell 423.
[0121] The anti-extraction means 407 comprise a lateral
protuberance 425 of the shutter 20, said lateral protuberance 425
of the shutter 20 abutting against the plug 411 when the shutter 20
is in the first configuration. More specifically, in the first
configuration, the lateral protuberance 425 of the shutter 20 abuts
against the shell 423 which comprises a stop element that prevents
extraction.
[0122] Advantageously, the positioning means 40 enable the
placement of the first opening 221 in a fixed position at the
piston 11 housing 113, ready to receive the tapping duct 60, and
the second opening 222 in a fixed position at the flow shutoff
switch 16 on the tapping head 10.
[0123] The guide 41 of the positioning means 40 comprises a first
part 426 of the edge 413 of the plug 411. The shoe 42 of the
positioning means 40 comprises a groove 427 made in the tapping
head 10. In particular, the groove 427 in the shoe 42 is located in
the bottom portion of the tapping head 10. The groove 427 in the
shoe 42 is shaped to match the first part 426 of the edge 413 of
the plug 411. A second part 428 of the edge 413 of the plug 411,
complementing the first part 426, is larger than the first part 426
of the edge 413 so that the second part 428' of the edge 413 is
prevented from engaging with the groove 427 in the shoe 42. The
connection of the tapping head 10 to the plug 411 of the container
100 is possible only if the head 10 is connected to the plug 411 by
a translational movement along a single and predetermined direction
in space.
[0124] Usually, during use, the tapping head 10 is connected to the
container 100 by the hooking means 4. The tapping duct 60 is
inserted into the housing 113 in the piston 11 through the slots
111, 112 in the side waif of the piston 11 and in the body 12. At
the end of the tapping duct 60 there is a pusher 14. Lowering the
lever 101 of the tapping head 10 causes the pusher 14 to be
inserted into the container 100, thereby making the shutter 20 fall
into the container 100. Lowering the lever 101 places the inside of
the container 100 in fluid communication with a source of operating
fluid under pressure. In this configuration the drink can be
tapped. When all the drink has been tapped, the tapping head 10 can
be removed from the container 100 and reused on a new container
100. Since the head has not come into direct contact with the
drink, it need not be sanitized. The tapping duct 60 and the pusher
14, on the other hand, remain irremovably connected to the
container 100 and all three parts are disposable.
[0125] The invention achieves important advantages.
[0126] First of all, it ensures hygienic operation.
[0127] Secondly, it allows significant savings on sanitizing
costs.
[0128] Another important advantage is that it allows the use of
containers that can be filled with the drink quickly and easily
without using especially designed equipment.
[0129] It will be understood that the invention can be adapted and
modified in several ways without thereby departing from the spirit
of the invention.
[0130] Moreover, all of the details of the invention may be
substituted by technically equivalent elements.
[0131] In practice, the embodiments of the invention may be made
from any material, and in any size, depending on requirements.
* * * * *