Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[01] Spill Proof Drink Dispensing System, Kit and Method
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[02] The disclosed technology is geared generally towards beverage
storage and dispensing. More specifically, the disclosed technology
relates to a spill-proof drink dispensing system and method.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[03] Many different types of drink dispensers are well known in the
art. Commercial dispensers, such as soda fountains, are fairly common
in fast food restaurants and convenience stores. Such large-scale
dispensers are usually powered by electricity and require the use of
carbon dioxide tanks. The convenience of these dispensers is reflected in
lower costs to the seller, as well as to the consumer. It is significantly
less expensive to purchase a drink from a fountain than in form of a
bottled or canned beverage.
[04] More recently, smaller-scale drink dispensers have been created
for at-home applications. Such machines can prove to be very handy,
especially in homes with children. Oftentimes it can be difficult for
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young children to pour themselves a glass of juice from a bottle. The
bottles may be rather bulky, which frequently leads to spilling when
handled by a child. However, purchasing smaller sizes of particular
beverages can prove costly, especially if there is a large demand for such
a beverage.
[05] Thus, home versions of drink dispensers have sought to alleviate
this problem by providing a means for easily dispensing a beverage of
choice. However, these dispensers come with problems of their own, as
they are often expensive to maintain and clean. If they
have
filtering/mixing mechanisms, the pumps may become clogged and dirty.
Moreover, they may be quite large and may require electricity and space
that may not be available in a household kitchen. Their bulk prevents
these dispensers from being transported or placed in a household
refrigerator. Finally, these dispensers still may be difficult to operate for
younger children. The automatic dispensing mechanism can inevitably
lead to overfilling and spilling. Moreover, if the cup to be filled is not
held at an appropriate height below a dispenser, the liquid may splash as
it reaches the cup. Spilling and splashing can lead to slippery floor
surfaces which are especially dangerous in households with young
children.
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106] Therefore, there is an unfulfilled need to provide a less expensive,
less bulky drink dispenser that prevents spilling and may be used by
people of all ages.
[07] It is therefore an object of the disclosed technology to provide
improved spill-proof drink dispensing devices and methods that are
portable, easy to maintain, and child-proof.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[08] The disclosed technology described herein addresses a need,
unfulfilled in the prior art, of providing a cost-effective system and
method for dispensing drinks while avoiding splashing and spilling.
[09] Accordingly, it is an object of the disclosed technology to provide
a drink dispensing system with a locking spigot and lidded-cup
arrangement that operates to dispense liquid without overflowing or
spilling.
[010] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an improved drink
dispensing system is provided. The system's components include a
container, a spigot, and a lid adapted to fit a corresponding cup. The
spigot extends from an outside portion of the container, and comprises a
lever, cylindrical nozzle, and cylindrical locking collar. The nozzle has a
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smaller diameter than the collar, and extends through the collar. The
cylindrical collar has threads disposed along an interior surface thereof.
The lever is in rotational communication with the collar, such that
horizontal rotation of the lever causes horizontal rotation of the collar
along a common axis of rotation.
[011] The lid has a cylindrical spout extending vertically upwards from
a top surface thereof, the spout being hollow and providing access to the
interior of the corresponding cup. An exterior surface of the spout has
threads that correspond to the threads of the interior surface of the
collar.
[012] In embodiments of the disclosed technology, the lid is matable to
the spigot such that the nozzle extends into the spout towards the
interior of the cup. When mated, the collar surrounds the exterior of the
spout. Rotation of the lever causes the threads of the collar to engage
the threads of the spot. This causes the lid to become releasably affixed
to the spigot for purposes of leak-free dispensing of the liquid from the
container.
[013] In further embodiments, the lid may have a flip cap adapted to
cover the spout. The drink dispensing system may also have a cup
dispenser mounted to an outside portion of the container. The cup
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dispenser may employ a spring-loaded mechanism for dispensing cups
therefrom.
[014] In still further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the
system may comprise a mixing rake for manually mixing the liquid in the
container, the mixing rake having a generally planar mixer head with
cutouts disposed therein. A narrow rod extends perpendicularly from the
mixer head out of the container to a grip. The grip is likewise
perpendicularly affixed to the end of the rod. The grip is operable to
move the mixer head back and forth within the container, thereby mixing
the liquid.
[015] In still further embodiments, the system may also employ a
cooling tray adapted to hold a cooling medium such as ice or an ice pack,
the container being adapted to rest on the cooling tray in order to keep
the liquid inside the container cool. The container and cooling tray may
rest upon a spill-catching tray. The spill-catching tray may be longer
than the container, and is adapted to allow the container to slide
longitudinally forward and backward thereon, such that the spigot rests
over the tray when the drink dispensing system is not in use. When the
dispenser is used, it will be slid forward on the tray, such that the spigot
extends beyond the edge of the tray in order to allow a cup to be
mounted to the spigot.
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[016] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a kit is
provided. The kit's components include a container, a spigot, and a lid
adapted to fit a corresponding cup. The spigot extends from an outside
portion of the container and comprises a lever, cylindrical nozzle, and
cylindrical locking collar. The nozzle has a lesser diameter than the
collar, and extends through the collar. The cylindrical collar has threads
disposed along an interior surface thereof. The lever is in rotational
communication with the collar, such that horizontal rotation of the lever
causes horizontal rotation of the collar along a common axis of rotation.
[017] The lid has a cylindrical spout extending vertically upward from a
top surface thereof, the spout being hollow and providing access to the
interior of the corresponding cup. An exterior surface of the spout has
threads that correspond to the threads of the interior surface of the
collar. The lid can be mated to the spigot, such that the nozzle extends
into the spout towards the interior of the cup. When mated, the collar
surrounds the exterior of the spout. Rotation of the lever causes the
threads of the collar to engage the threads of the spot. This causes the
lid to become releasably affixed to the spigot in a manner that allows
easy release, for purposes of leak-free dispensing of the liquid from the
container.
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[018] The kit may employ a cooling tray adapted to hold a cooling
medium such as ice or an ice pack, the container being adapted to rest
on the cooling tray in order to keep the liquid inside the container cool.
The container and cooling tray may rest upon a spill-catching tray. The
spill-catching tray being longer than the container, and adapted to allow
the container to slide longitudinally forward and backward thereon, such
that the spigot rests over the tray when the dispenser is not in use.
When the dispenser is used, it will slide forward on the tray, such that
the spigot extends beyond the edge of the tray in order to allow a cup to
be mounted to the spigot.
[019] In further embodiments, the kit may employ a mixing rake for
manually mixing the liquid in the container, the mixing rake having a
generally planar mixer head with cutouts disposed therein. A narrow rod
extends perpendicularly from the mixer head out of the container to a
grip. The grip is likewise perpendicularly affixed to the end of the rod.
The grip is operable to move the mixer head back and forth within the
container, thereby mixing the liquid.
[020] In still further embodiments, the lid may have a flip cap adapted
to cover the spout. The kit may also have a cup dispenser mounted to an
outside portion of the container. The cup dispenser may employ a
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spring-loaded mechanism for dispensing cups therefrom. Alternatively,
the kit may have a snack tray mounted to a top portion of the container.
[021] In yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a method
is provided for dispensing a liquid into a cup without spilling the liquid.
The first step of the method involves fastening a lid to a cup, the lid
having a threaded spout. The next
step involves engaging the
threaded spout to a threaded nozzle portion of the spigot, the spigot
being extended from an outside portion of a container which stores liquid
to be dispensed by the drink dispenser. Next, the lever is twisted in
order to thread the spout to the nozzle using the provided threads, with
the lever in direct fixed rotational communication with the collar
surrounding the nozzle. Continuing with the method, the lever is pulled
vertically to open the spigot. This causes the contents of the container to
dispense into the cup.
[022] In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, an additional
step may be provided of returning the lever to its horizontal position to
close the spigot, and then turning the lever counter clockwise to release
the cup from the grasp of the collar. In further embodiments of the
disclosed technology, the lever may thread the spout to the collar and
begin dispensing liquid all in one action.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a drink dispenser of an
embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a drink dispensing
system of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spigot and lid arrangement of
an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[026] Figure 3a is a close up schematic view of the spigot and lid
arrangement of section A of Figure 3.
[027] Figure 4a is a close up perspective view of a spigot with its lever
in the disengaged position.
[028] Figure 4b is a close up perspective view of the spigot of Figure 4a
with its lever in the engaged position.
[029] Figure 4c is a close up perspective view of the spigot of Figure 4b
with its lever in the dispensing position.
[030] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the spigot of Figure 4b.
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[031] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional side elevation view along the A-A
axis of Figure 5.
[032] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the drink-dispensing system
shown in Figure 2.
[033] Figure 7 is a stand-alone perspective view of the mixing rake of
Figure 6.
[034] Figure 8 is a partial cut-away assembled view of the drink
dispenser shown in Figure 6.
[035] Figure 9 is a flow diagram outlining steps of a drink-dispensing
method of embodiments of the disclosed technology.
[036] A better understanding of the disclosed technology will be
obtained from the following detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosed technology taken in conjunction with the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED
TECHNOLOGY
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[037] The presently disclosed technology is a system, kit and method
for dispensing liquid. The system is generally composed of a container
with dispensing spigot and a corresponding lid placed on a cup. The lid
can be mated to the spigot by way of a threaded cylindrical connection.
Rotation of a lever on the spigot causes the lid (and therefore the cup) to
be affixed in a releasable manner to the spigot in order for liquid to be
dispensed, without leakage, into the cup.
[038] Referring now to the figures, Figure 1 is a perspective view
showing a drink dispenser of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
A drink dispenser 100 is shown. The drink dispenser 100 is generally
comprised of a container or vessel 120 (herein "container"), and a spigot
or valve 110 (herein "spigot"). The container 120 may be any vessel or
tank adapted to hold liquid therein. The container 120 has a removable
top or cap for refilling the container with liquid. The spigot 110 may
generally be any valve or tap for dispensing liquid. The spigot 110 will be
described in greater detail with reference to Figures 2 through 4.
[039] The drink dispenser 100 rests on a drip catching tray 140. The
tray 140 has raised edges around its perimeter in order to hold spilled
liquid therein. The tray 140 is adapted to allow the drink dispenser 100
to slide forward and back thereon. This is made possible by longitudinal
tracks or slats in the tray 140 which mate with corresponding grooves on
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the base of the drink dispenser 100, thereby allowing for movement of
the drink dispenser along one axis. Figure 1 shows the drink dispenser
100 in its 'storage' position with respect to the tray 140. This is the
resting position of the drink dispenser 100 when it is not in use. In this
position, the spigot 110 rests directly above the tray 140, so that any
excess that may drip from the spigot 110 will drop onto the tray. When
the drink dispenser 100 is to be used, it is simply slid forward on the
tray 140, so that the spigot 110 extends beyond the edge of the tray.
This configuration allows for easier use when the drink dispenser 100 is
stored on a refrigerator shelf or a kitchen counter.
[040] Referring still to Figure 1, a cover 130 of the container 120 may
also be adapted into a cup holder 131 for storing extra cups. The whole
cover 130, cup holder 131 included, may be removed from the container
120 in order to refill the container with liquid. The cup holder 131 may
be any spring-loaded adjustable cylinder for storing and dispensing cups.
Alternatively, a snack tray (not shown) may be mounted to a top portion
of the container 120. In this embodiment, the cover 130 may be adapted
into the snack tray such that the cover, snack tray included, may be
removed from the container 120.
[041] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a drink dispensing
system of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. As shown, a
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drinking vessel 200 is abutted and engaged to the spigot 110. The
drinking vessel 200 generally comprises a cup 220 and a lid 210. For the
purposes of this specification, any reference to "drinking vessel" will be
referring to the cup and lid collectively. The lid 210 is specially adapted
to engage with the corresponding spigot 110. The details of this
configuration will be discussed in greater detail with respect to Figures 3
and 4. The cup 220 may be any type of drinkware known in the art. The
lid 120 is the point of contact with the drink dispenser 100, and may be
adapted to cover any type of cup. It is also envisioned that instead of a
cup, a water bottle, flask, Nalgene bottle, canteen, or any other type of
vessel for carrying liquid may be employed by the presently disclosed
technology.
[042] Referring still to Figure 2, the drink dispenser 100 is shown in
its operating position, that is, it has been slid forward on the tray 140.
In this position, the spigot 110 extends beyond the edge of the tray 140,
such that a drinking vessel 200 can comfortably be abutted to the spigot.
Thus, the drink dispenser 100 may be safely placed on an edge of a
surface without a portion thereof hanging over the edge, thereby
reducing the risk of the dispenser falling off of the surface.
[043] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spigot and lid arrangement of
an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The drinking vessel 200 is
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shown lined up in a position directly below the spigot 110. As shown,
the lid 210 and the cup 220 are distinct portions. As previously alluded
to, the cup 220 may be interchangeable with any other type of drinkware.
The spigot 110 is also shown in greater detail. Visible are a lever 118
and collar 114 portions of the spigot 110. The lever 118 operates to
control the dispensing of liquid from the drink dispenser as well as the
engaging of the lid 210 to the spigot 110 just prior to dispensing. The
lever 118 is in fixed rotational communication with the collar 114, such
that when the lever is twisted, the collar twists along with it. The lever
118 (and therefore the collar 124) has a rotational freedom of 90 degrees,
thus allowing it to be turned one-quarter the way around.
[044] Figure 3a is a close up schematic view of the spigot and lid
arrangement of section A of Figure 3. As shown, the details of the lid 210
and spigot 110 become clear. The portions of the Figure with dotted
lines are those parts of the spigot 110 and lid 210 that are not visible
from a perspective view. Beginning with the lid 210, a cylindrical spout
212 is shown extending vertically upwards from the top surface of the
lid. The spout 212 may be of any diameter, as long as it is compatible
with the spigot 110. The spout 212 has threads 216 disposed on a side
exterior surface thereof. In embodiments of the disclosed technology, two
opposing threads 216 may run one-quarter of the way around the outer
circumference of the cylindrical spout 212.
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[045] Referring now to the spigot 110, a nozzle 112 and collar 114 are
shown. The nozzle 112 is the cylindrical portion of the spigot 110
through which the liquid is dispensed. The diameter of the nozzle 112 is
less than the diameter of the spout 212, so that the nozzle can be
inserted into the spout. The nozzle 112 is disposed through the collar
114. Visible in this Figure are the threads 116 disposed on the interior
surface of the collar 114. The diameter of the collar 114 itself is larger
than the spout 212, so that the spout can be inserted into the collar (and
thus around the nozzle 112).
[046] Operation of the drink dispenser involves abutting the spout 212
portion of the lid 210 up to the spigot 110, such that the nozzle 112 rests
inside of the spout, and the collar 114 surrounds the exterior of the
spout. When the lid 210 is abutted to the spigot 110, the configuration
of the threads 116 and 216 is such that they will not come into contact
with one another. That is, the drinking vessel 200 is abutted to the
spigot 110 with the spout 212 in the "12 o'clock" position when viewed
from above. In the embodiment shown, this arrangement precludes the
threads 216 of the spout from coming into contact with the threads 116
of the collar 114 upon insertion of the spout 212. However, when the
collar 114 is rotated, the threads become engaged, thereby removably
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affixing the lid 210 to the spigot 110. The dynamics of this process will
be described with respect to Figures 4a through 4c.
[047] Figure 4a is a close-up perspective view of a spigot with its lever
in the disengaged position. In this Figure, the lid 210 has been abutted
to the spigot 110. The spout 212 is disposed between the collar 114 and
nozzle 112. In its current position, the lid with accompanying cup (not
shown) is presumably being held up to the spigot 110 by a user because
a locking mechanism has not been engaged just yet. A cut-out 115 is
provided in a portion of the collar 114. The purpose of the cut-out 115 is
so that the collar 114 can be rotated clockwise by the lever 118 without
inhibition. A flip cap 214 is also provided on the lid 210 for covering the
spout 212 when not in use.
[048] Figure 4b is a close-up perspective view of the spigot of Figure
4a, with its lever in the engaged position. In this position, the collar 114
has been rotated by operation of the lever 118 being moved a one-quarter
turn clockwise. In this view, the cut-out 115 is no longer visible due to
the rotation. The lid 210 is now secured to the spigot 110 due to their
respective threads being engaged. When the collar 114 is turned, the
threads make contact with each other, and the lid 210 is now affixed in
an easy to release manner to the spigot 110. Theoretically, with the lever
in this position, the user need not hold the drinking vessel 200 up to the
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spigot 110, as it is temporarily fixed in place. The threads effectively
prevent gravity from causing the drinking vessel 200 to become detached
and fall from the spigot 110.
[049] Figure 4c is a close-up perspective view of the spigot of Figure 4b
with its lever in the dispensing position. In this position, the spigot 110
valve is released, thereby allowing liquid to drop by gravity from the
container into the drinking vessel. The lifting of the lever 118 raises an
interior washer to allow flow through the spigot 110 and nozzle 112. At
this point, liquid begins to fill the drinking vessel 200. The drinking
vessel 200 and the drink dispenser 100 now form a closed system which
effectively prevents air or liquid from escaping, thus forming a vacuum.
As such, it is not possible for a leak or spill to occur while liquid is being
dispensed. As the drinking vessel 200 fills up, air from inside the cup is
displaced by the incoming liquid and, therefore, through the spigot 110
into the container. As this happens, bubbles resulting from the
displaced air may be seen and heard by the user as they enter the
container. When the bubbles can no longer be seen or heard, it signifies
to the user that the drinking vessel 200 is full, and the lever can be
returned to its horizontal position. Because of the closed connection
between the spigot and the lid, the drinking vessel 200 cannot be
overfilled. Once the drinking vessel 200 has finished filling up, the
movement of liquid through the spigot 110 ceases and the lever can be
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closed. Once returned to its horizontal position, the lever 118 can be
rotated counter-clockwise, in order to release the lid 210 from the spigot
110. The arrangement of the nozzle being disposed within the spout also
prevents any liquid that may be present within the nozzle from spilling
when the spigot is closed.
[050] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the spigot of Figure 4b. The spatial
positioning of the lid 210 with respect to the spigot 110 becomes
apparent in this Figure. When abutted to the drink dispenser, the spout
212 resides at the portion of the lid 210 that is closest to the spigot 110.
Lining up the lid 210 in this fashion ensures that the spout 212 can be
mated to the spigot 110 without interference by the threads.
[051] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional side elevation view along the A-A
axis of Figure 5. In this Figure, the lid 210 is affixed to the spigot 110
because the lever 118 has been turned 90 degrees, as described with
reference to Figure 4b. The nozzle 114 is disposed through the spout
212 and into the interior of the drinking vessel 200. This ensures that
all of the dispensed liquid drops directly into the drinking vessel 200.
The collar 114 surrounds the spout 212, creating an airtight seal using
the threads. To dispense the liquid, the lever 118 is raised to a vertical
position. This causes an internal washer 119 to be raised, thereby
opening a passage through which the liquid may flow through the spigot,
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out of the nozzle, and into the drinking vessel. Through this same
passage, air travels in the opposite direction out of the drinking vessel
200 and into the container via the spigot as it is displaced by the
dispensed liquid.
[052] Referring still to Figure 5a, a second spout 230 is provided on
the lid 210. This second spout 230 may be of a diameter different from
that of the threaded spout 218. It may be used for adapting to spigots of
drink dispensers of other sizes. Alternatively, it may be used for sanitary
drinking out of the drinking vessel 200 in order to maintain cleanliness.
In other words, the threaded spout 212 may be used strictly for refilling
the drinking vessel 200, whereas the second spout 218 is strictly for
drinking out of it. This arrangement may be advantageous for
applications in which a number of persons are using the drink dispenser,
in order to prevent the spread of germs.
[053] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the drink dispensing system
shown in Figure 2. A cooling
tray 150, according to further
embodiments, is provided between the spill catching tray 140 and the
base of the container 120. The cooling tray 150 is adapted to store loose
ice or ice packs. The positioning of the cooling tray 150 ensures that the
ice or ice packs are in direct contact with the base of the container 120,
thereby keeping the liquid stored therein cold. The cooling tray 150 may
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fit flush within a void formed by the base of the container 120, thereby
keeping any ice, melted ice, or ice packs in place when the drink
dispenser is transported.
[054] Also apparent in this Figure is a mixing rake 160 for manually
mixing the liquid stored in the vessel. The mixing rake 160 allows the
liquid to be mixed without requiring access to the container 120.
[055] Figure 7 is a stand-alone perspective view of the mixing rake of
Figure 6. The mixing rake 160 has a generally planar rigid mixer head
with cut-outs disposed therein. The cross-section of the mixer head is
fitted to the inner contours of the container. A narrow rod extends
perpendicularly from a portion of the mixer head. The rod puts the mixer
head in direct, fixed communication with a grip disposed on the exterior
of the container. The grip is perpendicularly affixed to an end of the rod,
which extends out of the container.
[056] Referring back to Figure 6, the grip is operable to move the
mixer head back and forth within the container in order to mix its
contents. The grip may be pulled away from the container until the
mixer head reaches the front of the container, thereby preventing it from
being pulled any further. Because the mixer head hugs the contours of
the container's interior, it ensures that no particles in the liquid can
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settle or stick to the sides of the container. Moreover, an aperture
through which the rod extends out of the container bears the same
cross-section as the rod, in order to prevent liquid from escaping from
the container. In further embodiments, the rod may have an I-beam
cross-section. Furthermore, the aperture through which the rod extends
out of the container may be constructed of rubber, so that liquid cannot
easily escape. A narrow recess 166 may also be provided in the front
portion of the container for storing the grip when the mixing rake is not
being used. Thus, after mixing the contents of the container, the user
may simply push the grip forward, so that the grip rests within the
recess.
[057] Figure 8 is a partial cut-away assembled view of the drink
dispenser shown in Figure 6. This view shows the mixing rake 160 in its
stored position. The grip 162 is shown to be flush within the narrow
recess of the front portion of the container. Because the rod is of equal
length to that of the container, the mixer head rests along the back
interior wall of the container. In this resting position, the exterior grip of
the mixing rake is unassuming and blends in aesthetically with the
exterior of the drink dispenser
[058] Figure 9 is a flow diagram outlining steps of a drink dispensing
method of embodiments of the disclosed technology. The method begins
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in step one 900 with the fastening of a lid to a cup, the lid having a
cylindrical spout with threads along its exterior. Step two 920 involves
engaging the threaded spout to a threaded nozzle/collar portion of the
spigot, the spigot extending from an outside portion of a container, and
the container storing liquid to be dispensed by the drink dispenser.
Next, the lever is twisted 930 in order to affix the spout to the nozzle
using the provided threads. The lever is in direct fixed rotational
communication with the collar surrounding the nozzle. Therefore when
the lever is turned, the collar is caused to turn, thereby catching and
engaging the threads. At this point a leak-proof seal is created between
the spigot and the lid. Continuing with the method, the lever is pulled
vertically to open the spigot 940. This causes the contents of the
container to dispense into the cup until the cup is full 950. Finally, the
lever is returned to its horizontal position to close the spigot, and then
turned counter-clockwise to release the cup from the grasp of the collar
960. In further embodiments of the disclosed technology, the lever may
thread the spout to the collar and begin dispensing liquid all in one
motion.
[059] While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific
reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed
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technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods,
systems, and devices described hereinabove are also contemplated and
within the scope of the invention.
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