IE55764B1 - Post-mix beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A post-mix beverage dispenser apparatus includes a syrup compartment SC in which a plurality of inverted flavor concentrate containers 24 are plugged into sockets 34 associated with selectively actuatable dispensing nozzles 20. The containers are also supported by snapping the sidewalls thereof into comformedly shaped cooling fins 28. The fins and containers are properly dimensioned so that a snap-fit results therebetween. The cooling fins are directly attached to a thermally conductive plate 26 which is in direct thermal contact with a water reservoir WR. Water within the reservoir is chilled by a suitable 29 refrigeration device disposed therein. A carbonator tank CT is also disposed within the water reservoir. As shown, the apparatus is in modular form for ease of assembly and subsequent maintenance.

Description

Thi' present invenlion re Liles L*> a ροκΐ-ndx beverage dispenser.

An exemplary prior art post-mix beverage dispenser apparatus includes a plurality of disposable, plastics, flavor concentrate containers of about 1,5 liters in capacity which are inverted and the neck portions thereof are plugged into sockets in dispenser nozzle assemblies for selective actuation to form post-mix carbonated beverages. These 1.5 liter containers are totally » supported by the sockets which receive the container necks. These containers are cooled by a single heat transfer bracket in contact with the containers collectively* The heat transfer bracket 5 is cooled by a cooling device within the refrigeration system.

The support structure and cooling system of the dispenser of the aforementioned type functions quite well for 1.5 liter containers* However, if IO larger flavor concentrate containers are to be used, of the order of 4 liters capacity, an improved support structure and cooling system for the larger containers is desirable.

According to the present invention there, is provided a post-mix beverage dispenser including a water reservoir with a top access opening, a water coil disposed within said water reservoir through which potable water to be mixed with flavor concentrate to fora said post-mix beverage is arranged to flow, an evaporator coll within said water reservoir to cool the water therein, at least one container for flavor concentrate, said container having a predetermined shape and dimensions and a neck portion with an opening therein, a flavor concentrate supply compartment having at least one wall defined by 9, a thermally conductive plate which is in thermal contact with said water reservoir, a socket for the or each aaid container In aaid flavor concentrate supply compartment for receiving the said neck portion thereof, a dispensing nozzle associated with the or each said socket through which a postmix beverage of a desired flavor is dispensed, and a cooling fin for the or each said container extending from said plate and conformingly shaped to receive and support the sidewalls of a said container therein, the or each said cooling fin having a slightly smaller internal dimension than the conforming external sidewall dimension of said container so as to provide for a snap fit between the fin and the container.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings., in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a post-mix 20 beverage dispenser of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of Figure 1 with a front cover portion removed to illustrate the syrup compartment; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the dispenser Figure 2 with a top and front cover removed, and a portion broken away and sectioned; Figure 4 is an elevational view of an exemplary syrup or flavor concentrate container to be inserted into a dispenser of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 5 Is an exploded view of the beverage dispenser cabinet of the present embodiment inclusive of the refrigeration system of Figure 3; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the upper IO bousing assembly of the dispenser cabinet; Figure 7 is an exploded view illustrating how the upper housing assembly of Figure 6 is attached to the lower housing assembly and how the refrigeration system of Figure 3 is inserted into the beverage dispenser cabinet; and Figure . 8 is an exploded view of an agitator and probe assembly for use with the refrigeration system of Figure 5.

Referring in detail to the drawings. Figure 1 illustrates a beverage dispenser generally indicated 10, including an upper cabinet portion 12 and a lower pedestal portion 14. The pedestal portion 14 houses the system controls, electrical wires, fluid hoses and the mechanical components of the refrigeration system of the present embodiment. The upper cabinet portion 12 houses a plurality of syrup or flavor concentrate containers in a syrup compartment behind a removable panel 18; and a water reservoir including a carbonator tank )0 underneath a removable panel 21, which will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The post-mix beverage dispenser 10 illustrated in Figure 1 will dispense a beverage of a selected one of three flavors through one of nozzles 20 into a container supported on a drip tray 16 in response to the actuation of a selected one of push buttons 22. As is conventional, flavor concentrate or syrup is mixed with carbonated water in nozzles 20 to form a post-mix beverage.

Referring in detail to Figure 2, the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 is illustrated with the front cover 18 removed, to show the syrup supply compartment SC of the syrup or flavor concentrate V supply system of the present embodiment. Flavor concentrate, such as syrup, is provided in three inverted syrup containers 24, only one of which is illustrated in Figure 2. Cylindrical containers 24, also illustrated in Fig. 4, may be of the type disclosed in Patent Specification No. J ‘ .

These containers include a flow rate control tube therein which vents through the bottom of container 24 (the top of the container as viewed in Figure 2) and a rupturable membrane over the mouth of the container in neck portion 24D.

The neck 24D is at the bottom of the container illustrated in Figure 2, The rupturable membrane is punctured by a piercing device disposed in the central portion of each of sockets 34 (Figure 3) which are connected to nozzles 20 by means of a suitable valving mechanism (not shown), which is actuatable by push levers 22. The valving mechanism and piercing device may be those disclosed in prior U.S. Patent 4,306,667 to Sedam, et al.

Syrup containers 24 of Fig. 4 are inserted into the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 by inverting them and plugging the necks 24D thereof into the respective sockets 34 associated with the respective dispensing nozzles 20. The container 24 of Fig. 4 is shown with a closure therein which must be removed before plugging the neck into the socket.

In order to firmly support the syrup containers 24, a cooling fin 28 associated with each of the containers is configured to conform to the circular contour of reduced diameter section 24B of container 24, disposed adjacent the ribbed portion 24 A. As illustrated in Fig. 3, cooling fins 28 are generally semicircular- in· crosssection, but in fact scribe a circular arc in excess of 180 degrees, so that the ends must be flexed outwardly to receive external surface of section 24B of containers 24. Therefore, containers 24 may be snapped into the substantially U-shaped channels formed by cooling fins 28, providing good thermal contact therewith and enabling fins 28 to firmly support the containers 24 in their respective sockets 34.

Additional support for containers 24 is provided by upstanding support surfaces S provided on opposite sides of sockets 34. As illustrated in Figure 2, these supports S have upper angular surfaces which are complementary to the angle of the surface 24C on container 24.

As further illustrated in Figure 2, the cooling fins 28 are removably connected to a cooling plate 26 by means of a pair of keyhole slots 32 which fit over the head of a pin 30, extending from plate 26. Therefore, cooling fins 28 are easily removable for cleaning and replaceable for repair, but are connected to cooling plate 26 by means providing a good heat transfer coupling therebetween. Cooling fins 28 are provided with a central offset 28A so that the heads of pins 30 are recessed therein. This precludes interference between the heads of pins 30 and the surfaces 24B of containers 24.

. Referring in more detail to Figure 3, the heat transfer relationship between cooling fins 28 and the refrigeration system components of the present apparatus are illustrated. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the post-mix beverage dispenser of Figure I with both the front cover 18 and top cover 21 removed to J I Lust rate tiho arrangement of Lhe components in the syrup compartment SC, and the water reservoir WR of the present apparatus. The water reservoir WR contains non-potablc water and is dimensioned so that it extends along substantially the entire back wall of the syrup compartment housing the syrup containers 24. In direct contact and substantially coextensive with the front wall 36 of the water reservoir WR (as shown by the broken away section), is a cooling plate 26 which is formed of stainless steel or any other suitable thermally conductive material. Therefore, the cool temperature of the water in water reservoir WR is transferred through the front wall 36 thereof to the cooling plate 26 in the syrup compartment. This cool temperature, in turn, is transferred to the cooling fins 28 and the containers 24 which are snap-fit therein. Cooling fins 28 may be stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable material.

W.-iloi in I he wafoi rtW’i vo| r WP iH chi I led l»y an evaporator coil comprising exposed coils of copper tubing to cool the water down to a desired temperature selected by appropriate controls in the refrigeration system disposed within pedestal section 14.

To take further advantage of the cooling effect of the water in the water reservoir WR, a carbonator tank CT is also disposed in the water reservoir.

Water reservoir WR may be injection LO molded from plastics to make it inexpensive and light-weight. The same is true of the support tray in syrup compartment SC in which sockets 34 are disposed. Supports S are preferably integrally molded with the tray.

An agitator A is provided for circulating water in reservoir WR to provide continuous flow of water across the wall 36 of reservoir WR. This helps maintain a substantially constant temperature of plate 26 and cooling fins 28. The agitator A i and a suitable drive motor therefor may be supported on the underside of cover 2f. Therefore, with the cover in place, the agitator extends into the reservoir WR.

To prepare the post-mix beverage dispenser 10 for operation, syrup containers 24 with appropriate flavor concentrates therein are loaded into the syrup compartment SC by inserting the necks 24D thereof into sockets 34. As the containers 24 are inserted into the sockets, they are also snapped into cooling fins 28. When fully inserted into sockets 34, the rupturable membranes over the container openings have been punctured and syrup can flow by gravity into the associated valving mechanism. The valving mechanisms are also connected to the carbonated water output line of carbonator tank CT. Therefore, when a selected one of push levers 22 are actuated, syrup and carbonated water become mixed in the associated nozzle 20, producing a post-mix beverage of a desired flavor.

Because of the heat transfer couplings between the front wall 36 of reservoir WR; plate 26; cooling fins 28; and containers 24, the syrup is maintained in a refrigerated condition. The carbonated water tank CT is also refrigerated by the water in reservoir WR. Therefore, a cold postmix beverage is available on demand.

The snap fit between containers 24 and cooling fins 28 provides good thermal coupling and increases the cooling efficiency, as compared to a loose-fitting arrangement. Furthermore, the cooling fins 28 help support containers 24 and preclude tilting thereof.

The refrigeration system of the present apparatus is particularly effective in that syrup containers 24 ace cooled by’ both conduction and * convection. Fins 28 provide conductive cooling, and plate 26 convective cooling from the air which flows over its large surface and then to the syrup containers.

Further details of the apparatus are illustrated in Figures 5 to 8. As previously mentioned, the water in reservoir fcR is ncn-potable. That is, water reservoir WR is merely filled with water used as a cooling fluid surrounding the carbonator tank CT and cooling plate 26. The potable water to be carbonated is introduced through a water coil disposed about the perimeter of the water reservoir HR. The details of the water coil 42 are illustrated in Figure 7, to be described further hereinafter. One end of . the water coil 42 ia connected to a high pressure water pump WP which may be connected to a commercial water supply or other suitable source. The output end of coil 42 is connected to an input coupling 40 on the top of carbonator tank CT. Accordingly, the potable water entering carbonator tank CT through the top thereof is already chilled when it enters the carbonator tank CT, which, combined with its high pressure, enhances its ability to rapidly absorb CO2 gas. As illustrated in Figure 7. the entire water coil · assembly 42 may be easily lifted out of water reservoir WR for repair.

As illustrated in Figure 3 a pair of ice detection probes Pl and P2 are provided to detect icing conditions adjacent to the water coil 42, and the agitator impeller A, respectively. These icedetection probes are connected in suitable control circuitry to turn the refrigeration compressor OFF when ice is detected adjacent to either the water coil 42 or the agitator impeller A. As will be described further hereinafter with reference to the agitator and ice probe assembly of Figure 8, probes pi and P2 are mounted on this agitator and ice probe assembly at predetermined spacings so that when the agitator assembly rests on the top of water reservoir WR, as illustrated in Figure 5 , the probes Pl and P2 are disposed at the proper 10 locations adjacent to the water coils 42 and evaporator coil EC2, respectively.

The cabinet structure of the present apparatus and a method of assembling the component parts thereof is illustrated in detail in Figures 5 to 7.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of the entire cabinet assembly; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the upper housing assembly; and Figure 7 is an exploded view illustrating how the upper housing assembly is attached to the lower housing assembly and how the water coil 42 and the evaporator coil EC2 are inserted into the dispenser cabinet.

I Referring in detail to Figure 6, the exploded view thereof illustrates how the upper housing assembly, generally designated 12, of the present apparatus is assembled. The upper housing assembly has a main frame having a rear compartment 12R and a front compartment 12F defining the syrup compartment SC. These two compartments are interconnected by a common wall through an opening or window 12W against which the cooling plate 26 is disposed. Cooling plate 26 is attached to the front wall of the water reservoir WR by a thermally conductive mastic TM. A gasket 41 is provided which fits into the window 12W. The water reservoir WR and cooling plate 26 attached thereto by mastic TM are then inserted into the rear compartment 12R of the upper housing assembly, and suitably secured into place by screws or the like. The reservoir WR is slightly smaller than the rear compartment* 12R providing a space between the side and rear thereof. This space is filled with insulation, such as polystyrene foam or the like, which is injected into the space. Cooling fins 28 are then secured to the cooling plate 26 by means of wing nuts 20, which attach to screws 31 extending from cooling plate 26 (see Figure 7). Assembly of the upper housing portion is then complete with the exception of the introduction of water coils 42 and the evaporator coils EC2.

This upper housing assembly 12 is then attached to the lower housing assembly 14 in the manner illustrated in the exploded view of Figure 7. As illustrated in Figure 7, the bottom edges of the sidewalls of main frame 12 have grooves 12A and 12B therein. These grooves are designed to ride on tracks 14A and 14B on the upstanding sidewalls of the lower housing assembly 14. However, before sliding the upper housing frame 12 with grooves 12a and 12B onto tracks 14A and l4Br syrup compartment tray 35 is placed in registry with socket openings 34 in the lower housing assembly 14. Upper housing assembly 12 is then slid into place on tracks 14A and 14B, and captures syrup compartment tray 35 in its proper location in the dispenser housing assembly. Threaded sockets 12C, 12D mate with screw holes (not shown) on the underside of the valve assembly housing to provide a stable connection between the upper and lower housing assemblies. Because of this construction and method of assembly which utilizes the grooves 12A, 120 and tracks 14A and 14B, the upper housing assembly 12, the lower housing assembly 14 and the syrup compartment tray 35 may all be held together by means of only a pair of screws, which pass through these holes into the threaded sockets.

Referring further to Figure 7 , it can be seen that the water coil assembly 42 is easily insertable into reservoir WR through the top opening thereof. The water inlet 42A to the coil is provided in a section of tubing which extends over the back wall of the reservoir WR through a slot WS, down to an appropriate position within the lower cabinet assembly for connection to the high pressure pump which may be coupled to a commercial water supply. The outlet end of the water coil 42B connects to a coupling 40 on the top of the carbonator tank CT, as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 3. Coil assembly 42 is also provided with three support brackets 42C, 42D and 42B, which rest on the upper edge of the reservoir WR to support the coil assembly 42 therein, adjacent the peripheral sidewalls. The length and diameter of coil 42 are selected to match the demand of the dispenser which determines the degree of cooling required by coil 42.

Another feature of the present apparatus is the manner in which the mechanical refrigeration system of the dispenser of the present apparatus can be easily inserted into pr removed from the cabinet assembly. As illustrated in Figure 7, the mechanical refrigeration assembly . is mounted on a cpmpressor deck CD, which includes a compressor C, a condensor CN, a transformer TR, an electric fan motor FM and a fan blade F. Extending upwardly from the cpmpressor deck is a flexible portion of the evapprator coil T, which supports tho i’oppor evaporator coil assembly i-X'? wj(h I ' r · the aid of a removable support rack (not shown). To insert the compressor deck assembly CD and the evaporator EC2 thereof into the appropriate places within the lower cabinet assembly 14 and the water reservoir WR, respectively, the compressor deck CD is slid into place into the compartment 14H within the lower cabinet assembly. When this position is reached, the evaporator coil assembly EC2 will still be vertically supported by the removable support rack and section T in an upright position, as illustrated in Figure Ί, extending up and above the top edge of the water reservoir HR. The coil assembly EC2 is then twisted and bent downwardly until it reaches its proper position within the water reservoir HR, illustrated in Figure 3. Section T is preferably copper and may be twisted and bent many times without fatigue or damage. The flexible tubing portion T becomes seated in slot ES in the top edge of reservoir HR. If repair to this evaporator .EC2 becomes necessary, the aforementioned assembly steps are reversed. That is, coil EC2 is bent up and out of the reservoir HR, and the compressor deck CD is slid out of the back of the lower cabinet assembly 14. Accordingly, the mechanical refrigeration of the dispenser of the present apparatus is modular, and may be easily slid into and out of the dispenser cabinet assembly for ease of manufacture, maintenance and repair.

Once the evaporator coil assembly EC2 and the associated compressor deck CD are in place, the agitator and probe assembly of Figure 8 may be inserted into reservoir HR. The position of this agitator and probe assembly Al is illustrated in Figure 5. This assembly Al has two pairs of arms to be described hereinafter, which support the assembly Al in slots AS in the top edgee of the walls of reservoir WR. Quick disconnect couplings are also provided for electrical power. Accordingly, the agitator and probe assembly is also easily insertable and removable from the cabinetry to facilitate ease of maintenance and repair.

The exploded , view of Figure 5 shows essentially how all of the component parts of the cabinet of the present apparatus, discussed hereinbefore with reference to Figures 6 and 7, fit together into a unitary cabinet structure to form the beverage dispenser illustrated in Figure 1. It can be seen from Figure 5 that after the component parts of the cabinet assembly and the mechanical refrigeration system, described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 6 and 7 is assembled together, all other necessary mechanical equipment is inserted and the entire cabinet is completed by attaching front plate 44 to the lower housing assembly and rear plate 46 to the rear of both the upper and lower housing assemblies 12 and 14. Removable covers 18 and 21 are then set in place to cover the syrup compartment SC and the water reservoir WR, respectively.

Although not specifically shown, the removable cover 18 over the syrup compartment SC is provided with a pair of protrusions which fit into the apertures 17 in a pair of tabs at the rear of the syrup compartment SC, as illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 5 also illustrates in detail the components ot a typical syrup socket 34, which include a syrup seal 34C, a syrup liner seal 34B, and a seal retainer 34A. These elements fit within apertures 35A of the syrup tray 35 and are operatively associated with the necks 24D of the syrup containers 24 in a manner described hereinbefore. The syrup tray 35 may, as illustrated here, be provided with an upstanding front rib S2, rather than the plurality of supports S illustrated in Figure 2. This rib S2 helps support the containers 24 in an upright, stable condition in a similar manner to the supports S. The agitator and probe assembly of the present invention is illustrated iri detail in the exploded view of Figure 8, and is generally indicated Al. This assembly includes a main housing 50 having two pairs of support arms 50A which fit into grooves or slots AS in the top of the water reservoir WR illustrated in Figure 7. The main housing portion also has a pair of probe support brackets PSI and PS2 for supporting icedetecting probes Pl and P2, respectively. Mounted within a central compartment of housing 50 is an agitator motor AM which is coupled through an impeller shaft 54 to an impeller A, which extends down into the water within reservoir WR in its final operative position. Also depending downwardly from housing 50 is a heat sink HS with a pair of arms HS1 and HS2. The heat sink HS is provided t-o dissipate the heat generated by the agitator motor AM into the non-potable water within the reservoir WR. A cover 52 is also provided to fit over the top of the agitator motor and secure the same within the housing 50. As described hereinbefore, this agitator and probe assembly rests on the top of the water reservoir WR, and the impeller A, probes Pl, P2 and heat sink arms HS1, HS2 extend into the water in the reservoir WR, arms HS1, HS2 extend to positions contiguous to or touching evaporator coil EC2 to maximize heat dissipation· The probes Pl and P2 are mounted on this assembly at a predetermined spacing so that they will be properly positioned within reservoir : WR adjacent to the water coil 42 and agitator impeller A, respectively, as illustrated in Figure 3.

It will thus be seen that, at least in its preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an improved refrigeration system for the flavor concentrate containers of a gravity-flow, post-mix beverage dispenser; an improved support structure for the flavor concentrate containers in a gravity-flow, post-mix beverage dispenser, which provides for lateral, 15 as well as longitudinal, support; a cabinet assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser formed frcm a minimal number of parts which fit together in a modular fashion, the respective parts being substantially selfinterlocking with respect to each other; an improved refrigeration system for a beverage dispenser which includes a unit including a plurality of components, the unit being readily removable for service and repairs; a heat dissipation means for the electric motor of a refrigeration system agitator assembly; an improved - support structure for an agitator assembly; and a support structure for an agitator assembly from which other refrigeration control components, such as icedetection probes, may be supported.·

Claims (12)

1. . A post-mix beverage dispenser including a water reservoir with a top access opening, a water coil disposed within said water reservoir through 5 which potable water to be mixed with flavor concentrate to form said post-mix beverage is arranged to flow, an evaporator coil within said water reservoir to cool the water therein, at least one container for flavor concentrate, said container having a 10 predetermined shape and dimensions and a neck portion with an opening therein, a flavor concentrate supply compartment having at least one wall defined by a thermally conductive plate which is in thermal contact with said water reservoir, a socket for the 15 or each said container in said flavor concentrate supply compartment for receiving the said neck portion thereof, a dispensing nozzle associated with the or each said socket through which a postmix .beverage of a desired flavor is dispensed, ' 20 and a cooling fln for the or each said container extending from said plate and conformingly shaped to receive and support the sidewalls of a said container therein, the or each said cooling fin having a slightly smaller internal dimension than 25 the conforming external sidewall dimension of said container so as to provide for a snap fit between the fin and the container.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each said container is cylindrical and the or each said fin Is semicircular in cross-section to form a substantially U-shaped container-receiving 5 channel·

3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said semicircular cross-section of said fin scribes an arc in excess of 180 degrees, so that the ends of said u-shaped channel must be flexed outwardly 10 to receive a container therein.

4. A dispenser as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each said fin is provided with a coupling for removably attaching said fin to said thermally conductive plate. 15 5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coupling comprises a keyhole slot in said fin and a headed pin on said plate. 6. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, further including conformingly spaced support surfaces 20 on opposite sides of the or each said socket for supporting a said container. 7. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a dispenser cabinet including a lower housing assembly having upstanding sidewall portions extending from front to back of the cabinet, a refrigeration equipment compartment opening to the hack or «aid towet housing assembly between

5. Said sidewalls, and an upper housing assembly including sidewall portions which define said water reservoir therebetween; a removable refrigeration unit including a refrigeration equipment deck received in said refrigeration equipment compartment: and said evaporator 10 coil having a first flexible portion extending vertically from said deck to a point above said water reservoir and a second coiled portion connected to said first portion at said point, said second coiled' portion being disposed in said water reservoir 15 by bending said first portion downwardly about said point.

6. 8. A dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a housing supporting an agitator motor, support arms extending from said housing 20 for engagement with top edges of said water reservoir surrounding said access opening; an impeller shaft extending from said motor into the water reservoir; an impeller on said shaft within the water reservoir; and a heat sink assembly arranged 25 to couple said agitator motor to the water In said water reservoir to dissipate heat In said motor into said water.

7. 9. A dispenser as claimed in claims 7 and 8, wherein said heat sink assembly includes a metal bracket coupled to said motor and having a pair of fingers extending therefrom into said water 5 reservoir on opposite sides of said impeller shaft to points adjacent said impeller and contiguous to said evaporator coil.

8. 10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8 or 9, further including a first ice probe adapted to detect the 10. formation of ice adjacent to said water coil, said first ice probe being mounted on said support arms and extending downwardly into said water reservoir to a position adjacent said water coil, and a second ice probe adapted to detect the formation of ice

9. 15 adjacent to said Impeller, said.second ice probe being mounted on said support arms a predetermined distance from said first Ice probe and extending downwardly into said water reservoir to a position adjacent said impeller.

10. 20 11. A dispenser as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, further including a valve assembly housing incorporating the or each said socket for receiving the or each said container, said valve assembly housing being recessed below the top edges of said

11. 25 sidewalls and disposed adjacent to the front of said cabinet, and an open, substantially U-ehaped compartment behind said valve assembly housing between said sidewalls; an upper housing assembly including sidewall portions which define a flavor concentrate compartment therebetween which opens 5 toward the front of said cabinet; a tray forming a bottom of said flavor concentrate compartment when disposed on said valve assembly housing between the top edges of the lower housing sidewalls, including an opening which registers with the or each said 10 socket; tracks between the sidewall portions of said upper and lower housing assemblies, permitting the upper housing assembly to be slid thereon into the substantially U-shaped compartment in the lower housing assembly from the back to the front thereof, 15 to thereby trap said tray between the upper and lower housing assemblies with the or each opening therein in registry with a said socket of .the valve assembly housing; and fasteners for securing said upper and lower housing assemblies together. 20

12. Λ post-mix beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated In the accompanying drawings.