GB2445174A

GB2445174A - Beverage dispensing apparatus for beverage head modification

Info

Publication number: GB2445174A
Application number: GB0616576A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Eugene Holland
Original assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc
Current assignee: Cornelius Inc
Priority date: 2006-08-19
Filing date: 2006-08-19
Publication date: 2008-07-02
Also published as: GB0616576D0

Abstract

A method and apparatus for dispensing a beverage containing a dissolved gas that forms a head on the beverage wherein the head is provided with a modifying agent to alter one or more of the appearance, smell and taste of the head. The modifying agent may comprise one or more colouring agents, one or more flavours or an aroma agent to change the smell of the head. An image (moving or still) may be projected onto the head and optionally accompanied by a sound effect. The apparatus may provide for a range of images which may be selected. The modifying agent may be added to the beverage during dispense by a dosing unit 31 arranged to inject the agent into the beverage stream from outlet 33 of a dispense unit 23. The beverage may be alcoholic such as beer, cider etc or may be non-alcoholic such as lemonade, cola or soda. Beverages prepared by the method or apparatus are claimed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO BEVERAGES

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to beverages. More especially, the invention concerns beverages that contain a gas in solution such that, on being dispensed, a head is formed on the beverage by gas that comes out of solution. The gas in solution may be carbon dioxide, nitrogen or any other inert gas or mixture of gases compatible with the beverage and suitable for consumption. The beverage may be an alcoholic beverage such as beer, lager, cider, stout or the like.

Alternatively, the beverage may be a non-alcoholic beverage such as a cola, lemonade, soda or the like.

It is already known to create a head on alcoholic beverages such as beer, lager, cider or Stout by dispensing the beverage in a manner that allows the dissolved gas in the beverage to come out of solution. This release of the gas is commonly referred to as "break-out" and it is usually necessary to control the dispense so that "break-out" does not result in excessive foaming or frothing of the beverage that can lead to wastage due to overspill of the beverage from the container in which it is dispensed and increased dispense times due to the need to let the beverage settle in the container. For this reason, dispense taps for beverages such as beer, lager, cider and stout are often adapted so that break-out can be suppressed until it is desired to create a head on the beverage. In this way, the beverage can be dispensed to substantially fill the container with little or no break-out, and the final portion can then be dispensed to create the head on the beverage. This allows fast dispense of the beverage without any significant wastage from over-spill.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to the dispense of beverages having a head.

According to a first aspcct of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a beverage, comprising providing a beverage containing a dissolved gas, dispensing the beverage into a container such that a head is formed on the beverage in the container, and projecting an image on the head.

The image may comprise advertising such as a logo, brand name, slogan or the like and may be created by any means suitable for the purpose.

In one arrangement, we may provide a dispense unit with a tap for dispensing the beverage into a container placed under the tap and means for projecting the image on the head of the beverage while the beverage container is located under the tap. With this arrangement, the image can be produced when the head is formed either during or after dispense so as to be visible to the customer. The image projecting means may be activated automatically in response to dispense of the beverage or it may be activated separately by manually operable means.

In another arrangement, we may provide a dispense unit with a tap for dispensing the beverage into a container placed under the tap and means for projecting the image on the head of the beverage when the beverage container is moved from under the tap. With this arrangement, the image can be formed on completion of dispense by moving the beverage container to the image projecting means. The image projecting means may be activated automatically in response to positioning of the beverage container at the image projecting means or it may be activated separately by manually operable means. The beverage container may be placed at the image projecting means by the bar staff or by the customer.

The image projecting means may be adapted to enable any one of a plurality of images to be selected. The or each image may be a still image or a moving iniage. The image projecting means may be provided with audio means for producing a sound effect to accompany the image projected onto the head. The audio means may comprise spoken words or music or a combination of words and music or any other sound effect suitable for the purpose.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus comprising means for projecting an image on a head of a beverage dispensed into a container.

The image projecting means may comprise any suitable device for projecting an image on the head. The image projecting means may project a still or moving image on the head. The image may be accompanied by sound effects such as spoken words or music or a combination of words and music or any other sound effect suitable for the purpose.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a beverage, comprising providing a beverage containing a dissolved gas, dispensing the beverage into a container such that a head is formed on the beverage in the container, and providing the head with a modifying agent to alter at least one of appearance, smell and taste of the head.

The modifying agent may be a colouring agent to provide the head with a distinctive appearance, an aroma agent to provide the head with a distinctive smell or a flavouring agent to provide the head with a distinctive taste. The modifying agent may change more than one of the appearance, smell and taste of the head. Alternatively or additionally, we may employ more than one modifying agent to produce a combination of effects in the head. For example a colouring agent and a flavouring agent to alter the appeardllee and taste, or a colouring agent and aroma agent to alter the appearance and smell, or a flavouring agent and an aroma agent to alter the taste and smell. In some cases we may employ two or more colouring agents to produce a desired pattern or image, for example we may provide a head with layers of different colour. Alternatively we may provide a head of substantially one colour and form a pattern or image on the surface of the head in another colour. Similarly, we may employ two or more aroma agents to provide the head with different smells that can be complementary or contrasting to each other. Likewise, we may employ two or more flavouring agents to provide the head with different tastes that can be complementary or contrasting to each other. All combinations of colouring agents, aroma agents and flavouring agents are envisaged.

In some embodiments, the modifying agent(s) can be added to the beverage during dispense of the beverage to form the head. For example, a dosing unit may be employed to add a selected modifying agent or combination of modifying agents to the beverage being dispensed. The modifying agent(s) may be added into the beverage stream prior to the stream emerging from a beverage outlet such as a dispense nozzle. With this arrangement, the addition may be controlled so that the final part of dispense does not include any modifying agent(s) and any trace of the modifying agent(s) is removed from the dispense equipment to prevent contamination of the next dispense. Alternatively, the modifying agent(s) may be added to the beverage stream emerging from the beverage outlet.

With this arrangement, contamination of the next dispense can be avoided.

In other embodiments, the modifying agent(s) may be added to the formed head on completion of dispense. For example, we may manually add one or more modifying agents to the head formed on the beverage in the COIlIaiiiCf. Alternatively, a dcing unit may be employed to add one or more modifying agents to the head formed on the beverage in the container. Where the modifying agent(s) comprises one or more colouring agents applied to the formed head, the colouring agent(s) may be applied to form advertising such as logo, brand name, slogan or the like. Alternatively, the colouring agent(s) may be applied to form a picture or pattern on the surface of the head.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for dispensing a beverage having a head, and means for providing the head with a modifying agent to alter at least one of appearance, smell and taste of the head.

The means providing the modifying agent may be a dosing unit arranged to add the modifying agent to the beverage prior to forming the head.

Alternatively or additionally, the dosing unit may add the modifying agent to the formed head. The dosing unit may be operable to provide measured amounts of the modifying agent(s) for addition to the beverage during dispense or to the formed head on completion of dispense.

Alternatively, the dosing unit may comprise a dispenser for manually adding the modifying agent(s) to the beverage during dispense or to the formed head on completion of dispense.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a beverage produced by the method or apparatus of any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

The beverage may be an alcoholic beverage such as beer, lager, cider, Stout or the like. Alternatively, the beverage may be a non-alcoholic beverage such as a cola, lemonade, soda or the like.

Embodiments of the inveiijjüji Will nOW be dccribcd with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention: Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention: Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention: and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

In the following embodiments, the beverage may be an alcoholic beverage such as beer, lager, cider, stout or the like. Alternatively, the beverage may be a non-alcoholic beverage such as a cola, lemonade, soda or the like. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of the type to which the invention relates contain an inert gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen in solution and break-out of the gas on dispense of the beverage creates a head on the beverage. By controlling break-out together with the type of beverage dispensed, the texture and longevity of the head can be controlled which may be beneficial for the creation and display of the effects produced by the invention as now described. For example, we may control one or more of flow rate, temperature, agitation and gas content to create a head having a suitable texture and longevity. A tight creamy head may be preferred to provide a canvas giving improved resolution of the effects to be created.

A first embodiment of apparatus for dispensing a beverage cnntaining a dissolved gas according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The apparatus I includes a dispense unit 3 having a dispense tap 5 connectable to a source of beverage such as a keg of alcoholic beverage such as beer, lager, cider or stout. The tap 5 is operable to dispense the beverage into a container 7 such as a glass placed under the tap 5. The tap 5 is operable to create a turbulent flow when it is desired to form a head 9 on the beverage on completion of dispense. The turbulent flow promotes break-out of the dissolved gas to produce foam or froth that forms the head 9 on the beverage. Taps 5 of this type are known to those skilled in

the art and further description is unnecessary.

In accordance with the present invention, the dispense unit 3 includes a device 11 for projecting an image (not shown) onto the surface of the head 9 formed on the beverage. The image may be a picture or words or a combination thereof to create a visual effect for the benefit of the customer. The visual effect may be in the form of advertising such as a logo, brand name, slogan relating to the beverage being dispensed.

Alternatively, the advertising may apply to a product or service of interest to the consumer. Alternatively, the visual effect may be a picture. The consumer may be able to select the image that is displayed.

Non-limiting examples of the images that may be displayed include a flag, for example a national flag, a badge, for example a football club badge, or a motif such as shamrock.

A second embodiment of apparatus according to the invention is shown in Figure 2, this embodiment is similar to Figure 1 and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts. In this embodiment, the device 11 for projecting an image onto the surface of the head 9 is separate from the dispense unit 3. In this embodiment, the container 7 is moved from under the dispense tap 5 to the device 11 to project the image unw the surface of the head 9. This can be done by the bar staff or by the customer after dispense of the beverage. The customer may place the container to project the image onto the surface of the head before and/or after consuming some of the beverage.

The devices 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may include audio means for providing sound effects to accompany the image displayed on the head 9 of the beverage. The sound effect may include spoken words and/or music, for example a jingle.

The device 11 shown in Figure 1 may be activated automatically in response to operation of the dispense tap 5. For example when the tap 5 is actuated to create the head 9 on the beverage. The device 11 shown in Figure 2 may be activated automatically in response to positioning the container 7 at the device 11. For example by a sensor arranged to detect the presence of the container 7. Alternatively, both devices 11 may be operated manually. For example, by a switch.

The devices 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 may include means for selecting any one of a plurality of different images and, where provided different sound effects. The selected image may be still or moving.

A third embodiment of apparatus for dispensing a beverage containing a dissolved gas according to the invention is shown in Figure 3. The apparatus 21 includes a dispense unit 23 having a dispense tap 25 connectable to a source of beverage such as a keg of alcoholic beverage such as beer, lager, cider or Stout. The tap 25 is operable to dispense the beverage into a container 27 such as a glass placed under the tap 25. The tap 25 is operable to create a turbulent flow when it is desired to form a head 29 on the beverage on completion of dispense. The turbulent flow promotes break-out of the dissolved gas to produce foam or froth that forms the head 29 on the beverage. Taps 25 of this type are known to those skilled in the art and further description is unnecessary.

In accordance with the present invention, the dispense unit 23 includes a dosing unit 31 arranged to add a food-grade agent to the beverage stream emerging from an outlet 33 of dispense unit 23 when it is desired to form the head 29 on the beverage in the container 27. The food-grade agent may comprise one or more of a colouring agent, an aroma agent or flavour agent to alter the appearance, smell or taste of the head 29 that is formed on the beverage. The dosing unit 31 may have a plurality of nozzles (not shown) circumferentially spaced apart around the outlet 33 with each nozzle connected to a source of a different agent whereby a selected agent or combination of agents can be injected into the beverage stream to modify appearance and/or smell and/or taste of the head 29.

The or each agent may be injected into the beverage stream during all or part of the dispense of the beverage forming head 29 to create different effects within the head 29. For example we may create a head with layers having different colour and/or smell and/or taste.

In a modification, not shown, the dosing unit 31 may be configured to inject the or each agent into the beverage stream before it emerges from the outlet 33. In this arrangement, the addition of the agent(s) may be stopped before all the beverage is dispensed to flush the dispense unit 23 with beverage to remove all traces of the or each agent and prevent contamination of the next dispense.

In a further modification, not shown, the dosing unit 31 may be configured to apply one or more agents to the head 29 formed in the container 27. For example, the dosing unit 31 may apply the agent(s) to the surface of the head 29 once it has formed on the beverage in the container 27. The agent(s) may be in liquid form applied to the head 27 by any suitable means such as by spraying. Alternatively, the agent(s) may be in solid form, for example a powder or granules, applied to the head 27 by any suitable means such as by sprinkling.

A fourth embodiment of apparatus according to the invention is shown in Figure 4, this embodiment is similar to Figure 3 and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar parts. In this embodiment, the dosing unit 31 is separate from the dispense unit 23. In this embodiment, the container 27 is moved from under the dispense tap 25 to the dosing unit 31 to apply the agent(s) onto the surface of the formed head 29. This can be done by the bar staff or by the customer after dispense of the beverage. The customer may place the container 27 to apply the agent(s) onto the surface of the head 29 before and/or after consuming some of the beverage. We may employ one or more colouring agents to form an image on the surface of the head 29. Non-limiting examples of the images that may be displayed include a flag, for example a national flag, a badge, for example a football club badge, or a motif such as shamrock.

The dosing units 31 shown in Figures 3 and 4 may include audio means for providing sound effects to accompany the effect created by the addition of one or more agents to the head 29 of the beverage. The sound effect may include spoken words and/or music, for example a jingle.

The dosing unit 31 shown in Figure 3 may be activated automatically in response to operation of the dispense tap 25. For example when the tap is actuated to create the head 29 on the beverage. The dosing unit 31 shown in Figure 4 may be activated automatically in response to positioning the container 27 at the unit 31. For example by a sensor arranged to detect the presence of the container 27. Alternatively, both dosing units 31 may be operated manually. For example, by a switch.

The dosing units 31 shown in Figures 3 and 4 may include means for selecting any one of a plurality of different agents and, where provided different sound effects.

Other combinations and effects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, we may combine the image projecting devices of Figures 1 and 2 with the dosing units of Figures 3 and 4 to project an image on the head and alter the characteristics of the head.

Claims

1. A method of dispensing a beverage, comprising providing a beverage containing a dissolved gas, dispensing the beverage into a container such that a head is formed on the beverage in the container, and providing the head with a modifying agent to alter at least one of appearance, smell and taste of the head.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the modifying agent comprises at least one of a colouring agent, an aroma agent and a flavouring agent.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the modifying agent :. comprises a combination of any two or more of a colouring agent, an :.. ::: aroma agent and a flavouring agent.

4. A method according to claim 2 wherein the modifying agent comprises two or more colouring agents. S... * . S...

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the head has layers of different colour.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the head is substantially of one colour and a pattern or image is formed on the surface of the head in another colour.

7. A method according to claim 2 wherein the modifying agent comprises two or more aroma agents.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the head has different smells that are complementary or contrasting to each other.

9. A method according to claim 2 wherein the modifying agent comprises two or more flavouring agents.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the head has different tastes that are complementary or contrasting to each other.

11. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the modifying agent(s) is added to the beverage during dispense of the beverage to form the head.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the modifying agent(s) is added into the beverage stream prior to the stream emerging from a beverage outlet such as a dispense nozzle. * * *s*.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the final part of dispense *:*::* does not include any modifying agent(s).

14. A method according to claim 11 wherein the modifying agent(s) is *:*. added to the beverage stream emerging from a beverage outlet.

15. A method according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the modifying agent(s) is added to the formed head on completion of dispense.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the modifying agent(s) comprises one or more colouring agents applied to the formed head to form advertising or a picture or pattern on the surface of the head.

17. A method according to any preceding claim wherein an image is projected on the head of the beverage.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the image is produced when the head is formed either during or after dispense.

19. Apparatus for dispensing a beverage having a head, and means for providing the head with a modifying agent to alter at least one of appearance, smell and taste of the head.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the means providing the modifying agent comprises a dosing unit.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the dosing unit is arranged to add the modifying agent to the beverage prior to forming the head. * . * *** *.* * * *.S.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the dosing *:*::* unit is arranged to add the modifying agent to the formed head.

23. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the dosing unit is operable to provide measured amounts of the modifying agent(s) for addition to the beverage during dispense or to the formed head on completion of dispense.

24. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the dosing unit comprises a dispenser for manually adding the modifying agent(s) to the beverage during dispense or to the formed head on completion of dispense.

25. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 24 including a dispense unit with a tap for dispensing the beverage into a container placed under the tap.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the dispense unit includes the dosing unit.

27. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the dispense unit is separate from the dosing unit.

28. Apparatus according to any of claims 19 to 27 including means for projecting an image on the head of the beverage.

29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the image projecting means is activated to project the image automatically or manually.

30. Apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein the image :..::: projecting means is adapted to enable any one of a plurality of images to sJ.

be selected. * S. * . . * .*

31. Apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 30 wherein the or each image is a still image or a moving image. **.* SI * * . .

* 20

32. Apparatus according to any of claims 28 to 31 wherein the image projecting means is provided with audio means for producing a sound effect to accompany the image projected onto the head.

33. A method of dispensing a beverage, comprising providing a beverage containing a dissolved gas, dispensing the beverage into a container such that a head is formed on the beverage, and projecting an image on the head.

34. A method according to claim 33 including providing a sound effect with the image projection.

35. Apparatus comprising means for projecting an image on a head of a beverage dispensed into a container.

36. A beverage produced by the method or apparatus of any of the preceding aspects of the invention.

37. A beverage according to claim 36 comprising an alcoholic beverage.

38. A beverage according to claim 37 comprising beer, lager, cider or Stout.

39. A beverage according to claim 36 comprising a non-alcoholic :..::: beverage. *s4.

40. A beverage according to claim 39 comprising cola, lemonade or soda. S * *... S. S S S * *