Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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LIQUID STORAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Potable liquids such, as spirits and the like, are
normally distributed and transported in barrels for eventual use
in commercial establishments. Although such storage and delivery
methods have been successful in providing potable liquids, the
use of barrels has certain disadvantages.
For example, barrels, which are normally constructed of
rigid material such as metal and wood, take up counter space.
Also, once a barrel is emptied it must be returned to a facility,
cleaned, and sanitized for reused. Needless to say, such
recycling of barrels is labor intensive and relatively expensive
to carry out.
A recent development in the storage and distribution of
potable liquids entails the use of flexible plastic bags. Such
usage is especially prevalent with spirits such as wines.
Although such containers are disposable, the cost of
manufacturing and employing such plastic bags is far less than
the expensive associated with reusable barrels.
A problem does remain in that dispensing the liquid
from the plastic bags to the eventual user has yet to be properly
addressed.
In the past, many systems have been proposed to
transport and dispense liquids. For example, United States
Patent 3,549,050 describes a pressurized dispensed in which a
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flexible elastic bag separates the dispenser's product from its
propellant. In this manner, prevention of blockage of the valves
orifice is accomplished.
United States Patents 4,138,036, 5,139,168, and
5,156,300 teach flexible or semi-rigid containers in which
internal supports are employed to prevent uneven radial collapse
of the plastic container when liquid is removed from the same.
United States Patents 3,404,813, 3,883,046, and
4,013,195 show rigid tanks containing an internal bladder used to
expel liquid from the rigid tank. The internal bladders include
reinforcements to maintain the elongation or other controlled
shapes.
United States Patent Application Publication
2009/0057347 illustrates a method and apparatus for dispensing
fluids in which a bag is found within a bag and placed within a
bottle assembly. The dispensing containers position adjacent or
sandwich between one or more flexible pressurization containers
to squeeze liquid from the same during the dispensing process.
A liquid storage and dispensing mechanism that is
compatible with a flexible container used to transport potable
liquids would be an notable advance in the field of food and
beverages.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention a novel and
useful liquid storage and dispensing apparatus is herein
provided.
The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a
container having a bottom and side portion extending outwardly
from the bottom to form a chamber. The chamber has an opening
for access to the same. Chambers used in combination with a
source of pressured gas, such as nitrogen and the like, as well
as a collapsible bag that storages liquid to be dispensed by the
apparatus of the present invention.
A flexible diaphragm is also employed in the present
apparatus and is formed to provide a casing defining an inner
cavity. The flexible diaphragm may be made of any suitable
material such as rubber, polymeric films, any combinations
thereof, and the like. A flexible diaphragm mounts within the
chamber of the container such that the cavity possesses a
perimeter. The flexible diaphragm is fitted into a frame which
includes a flange member that contacts and supports the
diaphragm. The frame positions at least the portion of the casing
of the flexible diaphragm adjacent the bottom and side portion of
the container. The frame may also be formed with one or more
partitions that are generally rigid and lie adjacent the casing
of the flexible diaphragm. Such partitions allow placement of
the collapsible liquid containing bag within the cavity of the
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diaphragm prior to expulsion of liquid from the collapsible
liquid containing bag.
A substantially airtight seal is formed in a space
between the container and the flexible diaphragm. Such space
lies outside of the cavity of the flexible diaphragm which
expands and contracts, dependent on the introduction or removal
of pressurized gas from the space. In this regard, an entry to
the space allows such pressurized gas to flow from the source.
When the gas is introduced into the space, such gas impinges on
the flexible diaphragm to urge the flexible diaphragm against the
collapsible bag which is placed in the cavity of the diaphragm.
The squeezing of the diaphragm against the collapsible bag forces
liquid from the collapsible bag through an exit of the
collapsible bag and outside the apparatus of the present
invention. The liquid is then dispensed as desired for use.
A lid may also be employed with the present invention
that fits adjacent to the container side portion. The lid
includes an aperture which communicates with the cavity of the
flexible diaphragm. In addition, the lid may be formed with
projection that extends into the cavity of the flexible diaphragm
and provides a support for the collapsible bag extending into the
cavity of the diaphragm. The support would, thus, permit
expansion of the flexible diaphragm into the cavity of the
collapsible bag, causing shrinking of the collapsible bag when
squeezed by the pressured diaphragm. A guard may also be
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provided adjacent the support to prevent the collapsible bag from
expanding upwardly and hindering flow of liquid to the exit of
the collapsible bag. In this regard, the lid may also allow
access of pressurized gas to the substantially airtight space
formed between the container and the flexible diaphragm.
It may be apparent that a novel and useful liquid
storage and delivery apparatus has been hereinabove described.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a liquid storage and delivery apparatus which is capable
of dispensing potable liquids stored in bags or pouches formed of
polymeric or other flexible materials.
Another object of the present invention is to dispense
liquids found in pouches or bags formed of flexible materials
and, to a large degree, dispensing the entire content of the bag
or pouch during such operation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
liquid storage and delivery apparatus which eliminates the
disadvantages of shipping and storing potable liquids in rigid
barrels.
A further object of the present invention is to provide
a liquid storage and delivery apparatus which permits the use of
flexible containers to ship and store potable liquids and further
allow the interchanging of such flexible containers with the
apparatus of the present invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
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liquid storage and delivery apparatus which greatly reduces the
cost of shipping potable liquids from a source to the place of
use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide
a liquid storage and delivery apparatus which saves counter space
in an establishment where such potable liquids are dispensed.
Yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a liquid storage and delivery apparatus which employs low
pressure gas systems that are already found in restaurants, bars,
and the like where such potable liquids are dispensed.
The invention possesses other objects and advantages
especially as concerns particular characteristics and features
thereof which will become apparent as the specification
continues.
The following drawings should be further employed to
understand the invention sought for patenting in the present
application.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the flexible
diaphragm and frame for holding the same.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the flexible
diaphragm and the frame for holding the same.
FIG, 3 is a top plan view of the lid portion of the
apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the lid depicted
in FIG. 3, with the addition of a pressurized gas nipple.
FIG. 5 is a top right side perspective view of the
apparatus of the present invention in an exploded configuration
with the liquid containing plastic bag depicted apart from the
apparatus, with the container interior revealed.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of
the present invention in its assembled condition holding the
liquid containing plastic bag therewithin,
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus of the
present invention depicted in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.
7 showing the wall of the diaphragm and the body of the liquid
containing plastic bag as lines.
For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments
of the invention which should be taken in conjunction with the
above described drawings.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
Various aspects of the present invention will evolve
from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments thereof which should be taken in conjunction with the
prior described drawings.
An embodiment of the invention as a whole is depicted
in the drawings by reference character 10, FIGS. 5-8. A
necessary element of apparatus 10 is shown in FIGS 1 and 2 takes
the form of a flexible diaphragm 12 which may be constructed of
rubberized material, plastic material, and the like. Diaphragm
12 is supported by a relatively rigid frame 14 to form an air
impervious unit 16. The frame is formed with a flange or loop
portion 18 which is firmly fixed to diaphragm 12 by the use of
fasteners, glue, unitary construction or the like. Flange 18
includes an upper Y-shaped portion 20 which accommodates
partitions 22 and 24, FIGS 1 and 5. Partitions 22 and 24 create
an entry space 76 for pressurized gas and allows the placement of
a collapsible bag 62, which will be discussed hereinafter in
further detail. A fitting 26 serves as a seal for container 28,
FIG. 5, which will be further delineated as the specification
continues. Fitting 26 includes a gasket member 30 and
pressurized gas nipple or inlet 32. In addition, keyhole pins 34
extend outwardly from fitting 26. It should be realized that
diaphragm 12 is free to move towards and away from frame 14
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according to directional arrows 36 and 38, FIG. 1.
Turning now to FIGS 3 and 4, it may be observed that a
top or lid 40 is shown for use with container 28. Lid includes a
ring-shaped upper portion 42 having a plurality of keyholes 44
which are intended to engage keyhole pins 34. In addition, an
opening 46 is included to accommodate gas nipple 32 which extend
from fitting 26 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Gas coupler 33 is
depicted in FIG. 4. Handles 46 and 48 also extend from ring-
shaped upper portion 42 to allow handling of lid 40 by the user.
A truncated conicle projection 50 extends through aperture 52 of
lid 40. Projection 50 includes a plate 54 having a keyhole-
shaped passageway 56. Tab 58 extends downwardly from projection
50 and supports a bladder pressure guard 60 which has a
corrugated surface.
Looking now at FIG. 5, it may be observed that
container 28, air impervious unit 16, and lid 40 are shown along
with collapsible bag 62 which contain liquids to be dispensed.
In this regard, bag 62 includes a body portion 64 as well as a
gland 66 connected to a dispensing tube 68. Gland 66 is intended
to fit into keyhole-shaped passageway 66 of lid 40 and lie
against bladder pressure guard 60. In this manner, the body
portion 64 of collapsible bag 62 does not ride or balloon
upwardly against lid 40 when bag 62 is emptied in apparatus 10.
Such a movement of bag 62 would stop the egress of liquid from
bag 62 via gland 66 and dispensing tube 68, should it occur. It
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may be apparent that container 28 includes a bottom portion 70 as
well as side portion 72 which extends outwardly from bottom
portion 70. The result is a generally cylindrical shaped
container 28 having a top 74, side upon which fitting 26 sits.
5 Casing 80 and unitary partitions 22 and 24 form a cavity 82 into
which collapsible bag 62 is inserted. Fitting 26, thus, seals a
space 76 which lies apart from the cavity 82. It should be noted
that collapsible bag 62 extends toward the bottoms 70 of
container 28 within cavity 82 of flexible diaphragm 12, which is
10 only shown as being partially expanded in FIG. 5. It should also
be realized, that fitting 26 seals perimeter 84 of cavity 82 in
the formation of space 76. It should also be seen that cavity 82
is not intended to be pressurized, as is the case with space 76.
Directional arrow 86 depicts the placement of bag 62 within
cavity 82 of flexible diaphragm 12. Directional arrows 88 and 90
show the mating of lid 40 with fitting or seal 26 by the use of
keyhole pins 34, best shown in FIG. 1, with keyholes 44 of lid
40. Again, such mating of lid 40 with fitting 26 also causes the
engagement of nipple 32 with coupler 33 to allow pressurized gas
to be directed from a source (not shown), of conventional
configuration. Such source may include pressurized gas of
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and the like. Directional arrow 88
indicates the movement of pressurized gas through coupler 33,
nipple 32, and into space 76 along the side of partition 22. Of
course, liquid containing collapsible bag 62 is mated with lid 40
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via gland 66 and keyhole-shaped passageway 56 prior to placement
of lid 40 atop fitting 26, in this regard.
With reference to FIGS. 6-8, apparatus 10 is depicted
in its assembled condition with liquid containing bag 62 found
within cavity 82 of flexible diaphragm 12. It should be apparent
that air impervious unit 16 and liquid containing collapsible bag
62 fit into a chamber 90 of container 28.
In operation, once apparatus 10 has been assembled as
depicted in FIGS. 6-8, gas is introduced into coupler 33 and
corresponding nipple 32 for entry into space 76 within chamber 90
of container 28. At this point, liquid containing collapsible
bag 62 has been supported by plate 54 via keyhole-shaped
passageway 56 and against bladder pressure guard 60. Such
introduction of pressurized gas to space 76 causing the movement
of flexible diaphragm 12 toward and aganist liquid containing
collapsible bag 62. A quantity of liquid 92 is depicted in FIG.
8, within liquid containing collapsible bag 62, in this regard.
Movement of flexible diaphragm 12, directional arrows 94 and 96
will collapse or squeeze bag 62 forcing liquid through bag exit
tube 68. The shutting off of gas pressure into space 76 will
stop the flow of liquid 68 from exit to 86. Thus, the flow
liquid may be easily controlled by regulating the input of gas
into space 76 in apparatus 10. Absent the application of gas to
space 76, liquid may be stored within bag 62 until needed.
While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present
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invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the
purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may
be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes
may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and
principles of the invention.
