GB2628771A

GB2628771A - Vending machine

Info

Publication number: GB2628771A
Application number: GB2304925.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Plant William
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-04-03
Filing date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2024-10-09
Also published as: GB202304925D0; WO2024209198A1

Abstract

A vending machine 100 for dispensing a drink receptacle, the vending machine having a freezer compartment 102 to receive and store a drink receptacle 104 containing a first drinkable liquid, and a liquid dispenser 110 to receive the drink receptacle from the freezer compartment and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle containing the frozen first drinkable liquid. The vending machine dispenses the drink receptacle in response to receiving a vend request from a user. The freezer compartment may store the drink receptacle with a long axis of the drink receptacle oriented at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, typically substantially fully orthogonal to a direction of gravity. The first and second drinkable liquid may be the same, typically a carbonated beverage. The vending machine may include a withdrawal compartment 130 to receive the drink receptacle and provide access to the receptacle by a user. The second drinkable liquid may be stored in a chilled compartment 118 connected to the liquid dispenser, at a temperature below the external temperature of the vending machine, and above the freezing point of the second drinkable liquid.

Description

VENDING MACHINE

Field of the Invention

[1] The present disclosure relates to the field of vending machines and drink receptacle(s) that are suitable for use in vending machines.

Background

[2] Drinks are often packaged and sold in drink receptacles, such as plastic bottles, for consumption. Such drink receptacles are often sold in vending machines directly to the consumer.

[3] In hot environments, it is preferential for the drink to be chilled for consumption. This provides the consumer with a more refreshing drink. It is known to provide vending machines that are capable of chilling stored drinks receptacles (and the drinks therein) to around 5 °C, such that the drink is still liquid (not frozen) and refreshing. Such chilled drinks provide relief from the heat.

[4] Chilled drink receptacles, once purchased, are exposed to the outside environment and over time, warm to the same temperature as the environment. Accordingly, a problem encountered when purchasing a chilled drink receptacle is that the drink inside does not stay chilled for an extended period of time. Instead, the temperature of the drink will increase, once purchased from the chilled storage, back to the same temperature as the outside environment over time. Without additional insulation, for example a cool store box, or external refrigeration means, a chilled drink receptacle will remain chilled for a short portion of time. Depending on the temperature of the outside environment, and the size of the drink receptacle, the drink may only stay refreshing for, for example, up to 10 minutes.

[5] Drink receptacles with resealable closures, such as twist caps, are designed to be resealable such that the consumer can consume a single drink over multiple periods of time, and when not consuming the drink, the drink receptacle can be sealed and stored using said closure.

[6] There exists a need for a drink receptacle that has a resealable closure such that it can be consumed over a long period of time, to maintain cold temperatures for longer. It is known to use thermally insulated storage, or external refrigeration means to keep a drink receptacle cool between uses. However, these options require the consumer to carry additional items with them to modify the purchased drink receptacle. Both options (thermally insulated storage or external refrigeration means) require additional packaging or apparatus to keep a drinks receptacle cool for long periods of time, over multiple consumptions. Further, a consumer is required to have said additional packaging and/or apparatus with them when purchasing a chilled drink receptacle, and therefore, for example, the consumer must pre-emptively decide whether they are going to purchase a chilled drink later that day, and then carry it with them. It is not practical to use either thermally insulated storage or external refrigeration means for only a single drink receptacle without resulting in high waste (if the user throws the packaging/apparatus away after each use) and a high cost to the user (the cost to re-purchase the packaging/apparatus required to keep a drink receptacle cold for each drink purchased). Accordingly, these solutions are not suitable for when a drink is required on the go, without preparation. There is a need for an improved way of providing a chilled drink receptacle that remains chilled for a long period of time, which is purchasable when needed by a customer via a vending machine, and is both economically, and environmentally sensible [7] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least some of the above mentioned problems and therefore provide a cooled drink that is drinkable, yet stays cool for long periods of time.

Summary

[8] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

[9] The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention.

[10] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vending machine for dispensing a drink receptacle comprising: a freezer compartment arranged to receive and store a drink receptacle comprising a first drinkable liquid, and a liquid dispenser configured to receive a drink receptacle comprising frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle comprising the frozen first drinkable liquid, wherein the vending machine is responsive to receiving a vend request from a user to dispense the drink receptacle.

[11] The freezer compartment may be configured to freeze the first drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle such that the first drinkable liquid becomes a frozen first drinkable liquid.

[12] The configuration of the vending machine results in the freezing of the first drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle while it is stored in the freezer compartment. The vending machine may be operable to receive unfrozen drink receptacles containing a first drinkable liquid, and freezing said first drinkable liquid to provide a drink receptacle comprising frozen first drinkable liquid.

[13] The vending machine provides a drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle from the freezer compartment to the user, and the frozen first drinkable liquid acts as a cooling means for a second drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle. Advantageously, a frozen first drinkable liquid, upon warming, melts into the liquid first to form the first drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle, which can then be consumed by the user.

Therefore, the frozen first drinkable liquid is an entirely consumable cooling means for the drink receptacle.

[14] The configuration of the vending machine provides a drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid, and a liquid dispenser that is configured to receive the drink receptacle and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the same drink receptacle of the user, thereby providing an improved drink receptacle containing both a frozen first drinkable liquid, and a second drinkable liquid (in the liquid phase) to the user that will stay cool for longer than a chilled drink receptacle comprising only a chilled drinkable liquid.

[15] The liquid dispenser is configured to receive a drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle comprising the frozen first drinkable liquid.

[16] The liquid dispenser may further comprise a holding means suitable to grip and/or hold the drink receptacle received from the freezer compartment. This improves the stability of the drink receptacle when adding the second drinkable liquid.

[17] The liquid dispenser may dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle through an opening in the drink receptacle, typically an opening for drinking.

[18] The liquid dispenser may dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle through an opening, typically a resealable opening, such as an opening with a resealable closure. The liquid dispenser may further comprise means to unseal and reseal a resealable opening, such as a resealable closure. The means to unseal and reseal a resealable opening, such as a resealable closure are known in the art, and include, but are not limited to, an assembly comprising a gripping module operable to grip and hold the drinks receptacle and an opening module operable to grip the resealable closure and open and close it, for example, an opening module operable to grip and rotate a twist-off cap from a sealed to unsealed position, and from an unsealed to a sealed position. In other words, the liquid dispenser may further comprise a means for gripping the drink receptacle comprising frozen first liquid, and a means for opening (and closing) a resealable opening of the drink receptacle.

[19] The liquid dispenser may further comprise means to unseal and remove a resealable closure from the opening, and optionally reseal the opening with the same resealable closure. Advantageously, the liquid dispenser comprising a means to open and close a sealed drink receptacle, comprising a first frozen liquid, and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle results in the drink receptacle being able to be filled with the second drinkable liquid within the vending machine automatically, without user interaction to remove the resealable closure, making the process to provide a drinks receptacle containing a first frozen drinkable liquid and a second drinkable liquid faster and more reliable.

[20] In one example the freezer compartment may be configured to store a drink receptacle with a long axis of the drink receptacle oriented at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, typically substantially fully orthogonal to a direction of gravity.

[21] The orientation of drink receptacle within the freezer compartment results in the first drinkable liquid being frozen along a side of the drink receptacle, advantageously resulting in a frozen first drinkable liquid with a large surface area compared to a drinks receptacle orientated vertically (with a long axis of the drink receptacle orientated substantially fully parallel to a direction of gravity) with a first drinkable liquid frozen at the bottom of the drink receptacle. This large surface area results in the frozen first drinkable liquid having increased contact with the second drinkable liquid within the drink receptacle such that the energy transfer is improved. In other words, the high surface area of the frozen drinkable liquid of the invention results in it having an improved cooling effect for the drink receptacle, cooling the second drinkable liquid quicker to a reduced temperature and melting the frozen first liquid faster, so that the first and second drinkable liquids are available for consumption by the user at a reduced temperature quicker.

[22] The freezer compartment may be configured to store the drink receptacle, wherein the drink receptacle comprises an opening for drinking, with the opening for drinking orientated at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, preferably substantially fully orthogonal to a direction of gravity. Typically, the opening for drinking is positioned at the top of the drinks receptacle and is orientated about the centre of the plane perpendicular to the long axis of the drink receptacle. The freezer compartment may be configured to store the drink receptacle at an angle such that the opening of the drink receptacle is unobstructed by the first frozen first drinkable liquid. It has surprisingly been discovered that by orientating the long axis of the drink receptacle fully orthogonal to the direction of gravity, the opening of the drink receptacle can be obstructed by the frozen first drinkable liquid. Accordingly, it is advantageous to orientate the drinks receptacle such that the opening is not obstructed and therefore the drink receptacle can be easily filled with a second drinkable liquid through the unobstructed opening, resulting in an improved user experience.

[23] The vending machine may further comprise a freezer compartment that is configured to store a drink receptacle comprising a first drinkable liquid with a long axis of the drink receptacle orientated at from 45 to 90° to a direction of gravity, such as from 65 to 88°, such as from 75 to 85°, such as from 85 to 90°. That is the freezer compartment may be configured to store a drink receptacle comprising a first drinkable liquid such that the first drinkable liquid freezes substantially towards an end of the drink receptacle, away from an end comprising an opening and/or closure. In other words, the liquid may be frozen such that it is not in contact with the opening and/or closure.

[24] In one example the second drinkable liquid may be the same as the first drinkable liquid, typically, wherein the first and second drinkable liquid may be a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage.

[25] The beverage may be a flavoured beverage, for example, flavoured water, such as fruit water.

[26] The beverage may be a non-alcoholic beverage. The beverage may be selected from, but not limited to, a cola flavoured beverage (such as Coca CoIaTM, or PepsiTM), an orange flavoured beverage (such as orangeade, or FantaTm), a lemon flavoured beverage (such as lemonade), tonic water, root beer, ginger ale, and/or energy drinks (such as Red BullTm).

[27] The beverage may be an alcoholic beverage, typically having 3-9% wt% ethanol based on the total volume of the beverage. The beverage may be selected from, but is not limited to, beer (for example lager, bitter, stout, ale, wheat beer), cider, carbonated blends of vodka or other spirits with fruit flavourings.

[28] The first and/or second drinkable liquid may be water. The first and second drinkable liquids may be a carbonated water, in other words, water with gas, for example, soda water or carbonated mineral water. The first and second drinkable liquids may be still water.

[29] In one example of the invention, the first drinkable liquid and the second drinkable liquid are a beverage, typically a non-alcoholic beverage. In one example of the invention, the first and second drinkable liquids are the same beverage, typically the same non-alcoholic beverage. Advantageously, the frozen first drinkable liquid upon melting mixes with the second drinkable liquid, and because they are both the same beverage, the concentration of the beverage remains the same throughout, resulting in an improved drinking experience of the user.

[30] In one example of the invention, the first drinkable liquid is water and the second drinkable liquid is a beverage, typically a non-alcoholic beverage. In one example of the invention, the first drinkable liquid is water and the second drinkable liquid is an alcoholic beverage.

[31] Advantageously, when the first drinkable liquid is water and the second drinkable liquid is a beverage (i.e. not water), the cost to provide a bottle with a beverage is decreased because a portion of the volume of the bottle is water (ice). Therefore, the cost of a drink receptacle containing, for example, 25% frozen water is cheaper to produce because the total beverage volume is reduced (75% beverage, as opposed to 100% beverage). Further, it means that the vending machine may comprise multiple drinks receptacles in the freezer compartment with water as the first drinkable liquid, and the user can simply choose the beverage based on the second drinkable liquid only, and therefore, one drink receptacle comprising water as the first frozen liquid can be used for multiple beverage options, making the restocking and dispensing of the drink receptacles easier for the vending machine and its operator.

[32] In one example of the invention, the first and second drinkable liquids are water.

[33] The vending machine may further comprise a withdrawal compartment configured to receive the drink receptacle comprising frozen first liquid and optionally, the second drinkable liquid and provide access to the drink receptacle by a user.

[34] The freezer compartment may store the drink receptacle at a temperature operable to freeze a first drinkable liquid in the drink receptacle, such as less than -5 °C, such as less than 10 °C, such as from -25 to -5 °C. Advantageously, the freezer compartment freezes the first drinkable liquid in the drink receptacle at a temperature less than -5 °C (i.e., under -5 °C) which provides a frozen first drinkable liquid with improved cooling to the drinks receptacle.

[35] In one example, a second drinkable liquid source is fluidly connected to the liquid dispenser. The vending machine may further comprise a means for pumping the second drinkable liquid from a second drinkable liquid source to the liquid dispenser. The means for pumping the second drinkable liquid may be fluidly connected and positioned between the second drinkable liquid source and the liquid dispenser.

[36] The second drinkable liquid source may be a water source, such as a tap, when the second drinkable liquid is water, or when the second drinkable liquid is prepared by mixing water with a flavouring agent, such as a flavouring syrup. The second drinkable liquid source may be a liquid storage compartment which is suitable to hold and store the second drinkable liquid. The liquid storage compartment may comprise means to store the second drinkable liquid under a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, such that a carbonated second drinkable liquid remains carbonated when stored.

[37] The liquid storage compartment may be a chilled compartment. The vending machine may comprise a chilled compartment fluidly connected to the liquid dispenser, and wherein the chilled compartment is arranged to store the second drinkable liquid. The vending machine may store the second drinkable liquid in a liquid storage compartment, suitably a chilled compartment before dispensing said second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle via the liquid dispenser. The vending machine may comprise at least one liquid storage compartment fluidly connected to the liquid dispenser, arranged to store the second drinkable liquid. The vending machine may comprise multiple liquid storage compartments for storing multiple second drinkable liquids. The liquid storage compartments may be chilled compartments, suitably comprising chilling mean, such as a cold plate.

[38] In one example, the liquid dispenser may be a beverage dispenser, suitably any beverage dispenser known to the skilled person, including, but not limited to, a soda beverage dispenser. A beverage dispenser mixes from a water source, or compartment as discussed above, and mixes the water with a flavouring agent, suitably a flavouring syrup. Suitably, the vending machine may further comprise a means for storing a flavouring agent, fluidly connected to the liquid dispenser. Further a beverage dispenser comprises a means for carbonating the water, and a means for pumping water from a water source/storage to the mixer and dispenser. The dispenser may be a mixing nozzle that mixes a water input, such as a carbonated water input, and a flavouring agent input to provide a carbonated beverage as the second drinkable liquid.

[39] The chilled compartment may store the second drinkable liquid at a temperature below the external temperature of the vending machine and above the freezing point of the second drinkable liquid, such as from 0 to 15 °C, such as from 0 to 10 °C, such as from 0 to 8 °C, such as from 3 to 8 °C.

[40] In an embodiment of the invention, there is a drink receptacle for use with the vending machine as described herein, wherein the drink receptacle comprises: a container portion defining a cavity with an internal volume for storing a drinkable liquid, the container portion comprising an opening for drinking, a resealable closure operable to seal the drinking opening, wherein the removable closure is in a sealed position, and wherein the container portion comprises up to 50% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion.

[41] According to the present invention, the container portion of the drink receptacle comprising up to 50% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion means that upon freezing, the drinkable liquid in the container portion has space to freeze and expand, without deforming the drink receptacle, The drink receptacles described herein also advantageously contain up to 50 vol% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion, which results in a lighter drink receptacle compared to known drink receptacles which contain >90 vol% of a liquid. Therefore, the drink receptacles described herein have a reduced cost of transportation, and reduced greenhouse emissions because less 'water weight' is transported within the drink receptacles, and the remaining 'water weight' is provided by the vending machine. The term 'water weight' is understood to refer to the liquid within the drink receptacle.

[42] The drinkable liquid of the drink receptacle for use with the vending machine described herein may be the first drinkable liquid that will be frozen by the vending machine described herein.

[43] The opening for drinking may be a drinking opening. The opening for drinking may be positioned such that the drinkable liquid can be consumed from the containing portion, through the opening by the user. The container portion may have a substantially level side that is the bottom side of the container, suitable for standing the container potion upright on the substantially level side, and the opening may be positioned on the side of the container portion opposite the substantially level side. The drinks receptacle, and therefore the container portion may have a long axis. The substantially level side and the opening of the container portion may be aligned along the long axis of the container portion. In other words, the opening is understood to be orientated at the top end of the container portion of the drink receptacle.

[44] In one example, the opening is centred about the long axis of the container portion. In one example, the opening is offset from the long axis of the container portion.

[45] Advantageously, the drink receptacle as described herein has the removable closure in a sealed position, sealing the drinkable liquid in the container portion of the drink receptacle, preventing spillage and contamination of the drinkable liquid therein. Therefore, the drink receptacle is safe for long term storage, and transportation, such as in a warehouse, before being consumed.

[46] The container portion may comprise from 10 to 50% drinkable liquid, such as from 15 to 45% drinkable liquid, such as from 20 to 40% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion.

[47] The drinkable liquid may be a frozen first drinkable liquid.

[48] The container portion may comprise from 50 to 90% gas, such as from 55 to 85%, such as from 60 to 80% gas based on the total volume of the container portion.

[49] The gas may be selected from carbon dioxide or nitrogen, preferably carbon dioxide. Advantageously, the inert gas allows for long term storage of the drinkable liquid in drinks receptacle because it provides a sterile environment for the drinkable liquid such that it remains safe for human consumption for longer.

[50] The drink receptacle may be a plastic bottle, for example, a PET bottle.

[51] A portion of the empty drink receptacle may be formed of recyclable material, suitably all of the empty drink receptacle may be formed of recyclable material. A portion of the container portion may be formed of recyclable material, typically all of the container portion may be formed of recyclable material. A portion of the resealable closure may be formed of recyclable material, typically all of the resealable closure may be formed of recyclable material.

[52] The drink receptacle may be a recyclable bottle.

[53] The drink receptacle may be translucent, preferably transparent. The container portion may be translucent, preferably transparent. A translucent, preferably transparent, container portion advantageously provides the user with visible access of the drinkable liquid therein, and in use, after freezing the drinkable liquid to form frozen first drinkable liquid, and the addition of a second drinkable liquid, the user can observe the frozen first drinkable liquid as it melts throughout use, and consume the drinkable liquids appropriately.

[54] The drink receptacle may be a carboard carton or metal can.

[55] The resealable closure may any suitable resealable closure mechanism for a container known to the skilled person, for example the resealable closure mechanism may have a sliding actuator. The resealable closure may be a twist-off lid or cap, or a flip lid or cap, or a pull lid, typically, a twist-off lid.

[56] The vending machine as described herein may be used with any drink receptacle described herein.

[57] The liquid dispenser may be operable to replace the gas of the drink receptacle, with a second drinkable liquid such that the drink receptacle comprises a frozen first drinkable liquid, and second drinkable liquid. The drink receptacle may comprise up to 80% second drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion, typically up to 70%, such as up to 60%, such as up to 55%, such as up to 50%. The remaining internal volume of the drink receptacle that is not a frozen first drinkable liquid or a second drinkable liquid is suitably a gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or air.

[58] The drink receptacle may comprise a first frozen drinkable liquid and a second drinkable liquid. In one example the drink receptacle may comprise between 20-40 vol% frozen first drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the cavity of the drink receptacle, wherein the first drinkable liquid is a beverage, and the second drinkable liquid is the same as the first drinkable liquid, typically the same as the first drinkable liquid but in a carbonated form. In one example the drink receptacle may comprise between 20-40 vol% frozen first drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the cavity of the drink receptacle, wherein the first drinkable liquid is water, and the second drinkable liquid is a beverage, suitably a carbonated beverage.

[59] In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a drink receptacle for sale comprising the steps of: a. inserting a drink receptacle as described herein into a vending machine as described herein, suitably, into a freezer compartment of the vending machine, optionally orientated such that a long axis of the drink receptacle is at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, b. cooling the drink receptacle in the freezer compartment to a temperature less than -5 °C, such that the first drinkable liquid is frozen, c. optionally detecting the temperature of the drink receptacle in the freezer compartment, d. receiving a vend request from a user, e. moving the drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment to the liquid dispenser, f. adding a second drinkable liquid from a liquid dispenser into the drink receptacle such that the drink receptacle contains the frozen first drinkable liquid and a second drinkable liquid.

[60] The drink receptacle may be moved from the freezer compartment in step e. to the liquid dispenser in step f internally, within the vending machine. The drink receptacle may be moved from the freezer compartment to the liquid dispenser via any suitable automated mechanical means, for example, a combination of an ejector and directional chute, or a robot arm. Advantageously, this retains the drink receptacle within the freezer compartment so that it cannot be tampered with, increasing the control of the vending machine to provide a consistent product with less steps for the user.

[61] The drink receptacle may be moved from the freezer compartment in step e. to the liquid dispenser in step f. externally, via the outside of the vending machine. The drink receptacle may be moved from the freezer compartment to the liquid dispenser via any non automated mechanical means, for example, the vending machine may dispense the drinks receptacle containing the frozen first drinkable liquid to the withdrawal compartment for the user to manually move to the liquid dispenser of the vending machine. Advantageously, this requires fewer moving parts to prepare a vending machine, making it cheaper and more reliable that vending machines with more advanced means of moving the drink receptacle through the vending machine.

[62] The method of preparing a drink receptacle may further comprise step g. providing the drinks receptacle to the user containing the frozen first drinkable liquid and second drinkable liquid.

[63] The vending machine as described herein may comprise an outer body. The vending machine may comprise thermally insulating panels, operable to retain a reduced temperature within the vending machine thereby reducing the cost of operating the vending machine.

[64] The vending machine may comprise a securely locked outer door, such that the user does not have access to the internal area of the vending machine.

[65] The vending machine may comprise controls for product selection and interaction with the user, Upon receiving a vend request on the controls, the vending machine comprises a means for translating the vend request instruction to a dispensing action such that the requested item is dispensed from the vending machine.

[66] The vending machine may comprise a temperature sensor, suitably in the freezer compartment, operable to detect when the first drinkable liquid has frozen in the drink receptacle. This is advantageous for refilling the vending machine with room temperature drink receptacles as described herein, which would comprise a first drinkable liquid in a liquid state, because the temperature can be used to identify when the freezer compartment has stabilised in temperature and therefore, the first drinkable liquid has frozen and is available for sale to the user.

[67] The vending machine may comprise an appropriate structure for delivery of the drink receptacle.

[68] The vending machine may comprise a structure for storing drinks receptacles comprising parallel compartments in the freezer compartment.

[69] The vending machine may comprise a dispensing hopper which receives the drink receptacles to vend to the user. Upon receiving a vend request the vending machine is operable to discharge the request drinks receptacle, containing frozen first drinkable liquid and optionally second drinkable liquid to the dispensing hopper for access by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[70] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[71] Figure 1 shows a cross-section view of an example of a vending machine for dispensing a drink receptacle.

[72] Figure 2 shows a cross-section view of an example of a vending machine for dispensing a drink receptacle.

[73] Figure 3 shows the cross-section views of three drink receptacles positioned in a freezer compartment of a vending machine, such as the vending machine of Figure 1 or 2.

[74] Figure 4 shows the cross-section views of four drink receptacles positioned in the liquid dispenser of a vending machine, such as the vending machine of Figure 1 or 2.

Detailed Description

[75] The present disclosure relates to a vending machine for dispensing a drink receptacle. In particular, the vending machine includes a freezer compartment arranged to receive and store a drink receptacle comprising a first drinkable liquid, and a liquid dispenser configured to receive a drink receptacle comprising frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle comprising the frozen first drinkable liquid, wherein the vending machine is responsive to receiving a vend request from a user to dispense the drink receptacle.

[76] Figure 1 shows an example of a vending machine 100 for dispensing a drink receptacle.

[77] In one example, the vending machine 100 includes a freezer compartment 102 arranged to receive and store a drink receptacle 104. Freezer compartment 102 is positioned in the top portion of vending machine 100.

[78] Drink receptacle 104 contains a first drinkable liquid and is shown in more detail in Figures 3 and 4.

[79] Vending machine 100 includes liquid dispenser 110. Liquid dispenser may include holding portion 114 that is suitable to hold the drink receptacle in place while a liquid is dispensed into the drink receptacle. Liquid dispenser may include nozzle portion 112 through which a second drinkable liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispenser, and directed into the drink receptacle, through an opening by nozzle 112.

[80] The vending machine includes liquid storage compartment 118 for storing a second drinkable liquid which is fluidly connected via connector 116 to nozzle 112 of liquid dispenser 110.

[81] Connector 116 may contain a pump means to transfer a second drinkable liquid from liquid storage compartment 118 to nozzle 112. The pump means may be in fluid communication with liquid storage compartment 118 and liquid dispenser 110.

[82] Liquid dispenser 110 is positioned below freezer compartment 102, such that the drink receptacle 104 can be moved from freezer compartment 102 to liquid dispenser 110 via pathway 120.

[83] Vending machine 100 includes withdrawal compartment 130 which is accessible by the user. Drink receptacle 104 is dispensable into withdrawal compartment 230. Liquid dispenser 110 is connected to withdrawal compartment 130 via pathway 122 within the vending machine 100, such that after dispensing a second drinkable liquid from liquid storage compartment 118 into drink receptacle 104, it can be transferred into withdrawal compartment 130 for collection by the user.

[84] Figure 2 shows an example of vending machine 200 for dispensing a dink receptacle.

[85] In one example, vending machine 200 includes freezer compartment 202 arranged to receive and store drink receptacle 204. Freezer compartment 202 is positioned in the top portion of vending machine 200.

[86] Drink receptacle 204 contains a first drinkable liquid and is shown in more detail in Figures 3 and 4.

[87] Vending machine 200 includes liquid dispenser 210. Liquid dispenser 210 may include holding portion 214 that is suitable to hold the drink receptacle in place while a liquid is dispensed into the drink receptacle. Liquid dispenser may include nozzle portion 212 through which a second drinkable liquid is dispensed by the liquid dispenser, and directed into the drink receptacle, through an opening by nozzle 212.

[88] The vending machine includes liquid storage compartment 218 for storing a second drinkable liquid which is fluidly connected via connector 216 to nozzle 212 of liquid dispenser 210.

[89] Connector 216 may contain a pump means to transfer a second drinkable liquid from liquid storage compartment 218 to nozzle 212. The pump means may be in fluid communication with liquid storage compartment 218 and liquid dispenser 210.

[90] Liquid dispenser 210 is positioned below freezer compartment 202.

[91] Vending machine 200 may include a withdrawal compartment 230 which is accessible by the user. Drink receptacle 204 may be dispensable into withdrawal compartment 230 directly from freezer compartment 202. Vending machine 200 may dispense a frozen drink receptacle 204 into withdrawal compartment 230 via pathway 220. The user may then manually insert the drink receptacle into liquid dispenser 210, in order to add the second drinkable liquid.

[92] Figure 3a shows an example of drink receptacle 300 in freezer compartment 320 of a vending machine as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The long axis of drink receptacle 300 is labelled a. The direction of gravity is labelled II [93] Drink receptacle 300 comprises container portion 302 and a twist-off end as the resealable closure 304. Container portion 302 defines cavity 306 which has an internal volume for storing a drinkable liquid. Closure 304 is shown in the closed position, sealing the internal volume of drink receptacle 300. Drink receptacle 300 contains 50% drinkable liquid 308 based on the total volume of the container portion. The remaining volume of cavity 306 may be carbon dioxide gas.

[94] The container portion has a levelled bottom side 310 which is opposite the opening and engaged resealable closure 304.

[95] The angle between the long axis of drink receptacle 300 and the direction of gravity is 90 °.

[96] Figure 3b shows an example of drink receptacle 400 in freezer compartment 420 of a vending machine as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The long axis of drink receptacle 400 is labelled a. The direction of gravity is labelled p. [97] Drink receptacle 400 comprises container portion 402 and a twist-off end as the resealable closure 404. Container portion 402 defines a cavity 406 which has an internal volume for storing a drinkable liquid. Closure 404 is shown in the closed position, sealing the internal volume of drink receptacle 400. Drink receptacle 400 contains 30% drinkable liquid 408 based on the total volume of the container portion. The remaining volume of cavity 406 may be carbon dioxide gas. The opening of the cavity is not obstructed by drinkable liquid 408.

[98] The container portion has a levelled bottom side 410 which is opposite the opening and engaged resealable closure 404.

[99] The angle between the long axis of drink receptacle 400 and the direction of gravity is 90 °.

[100] Figure 3c shows an example of drink receptacle 500 in freezer compartment 520 of a vending machine as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The long axis of drink receptacle 500 is labelled a. The direction of gravity is labelled 3.

[101] Drink receptacle 500 comprises container portion 502 and a twist-off end as the resealable closure 504. Container portion 502 defines cavity 506 which has an internal volume for storing a drinkable liquid. Closure 504 is shown in the closed position, sealing the internal volume of drink receptacle 500. Drink receptacle 500 contains 50% drinkable liquid 508 based on the total volume of the container portion. The remaining volume of cavity 506 may be carbon dioxide gas. The opening of the cavity is not obstructed by drinkable liquid 508.

[102] The frozen drinkable liquid 508, when in a solid state, forms a upper planar surface that is not parallel to the long axis of the drink receptacle.

[103] The container portion has a levelled bottom side 510 which is opposite the opening and engaged resealable closure 504.

[104] The angle between the long axis of drink receptacle 500 and the direction of gravity is 65 °.

[105] Freezer compartment 520 includes a raising portion 512 which angles the drink receptacle 500 at 65 °. The raising portion may provide an angle of from 45 to 90° to a direction of gravity, such as from 65 to 88°, such as from 75 to 85°, such as from 85 to 90°.

[106] Figure 4a shows drink receptacle 300 of Figure 3a in the liquid dispenser. Resealable closure 304 has been removed to uncover opening 303. Drink receptacle 300 is orientated vertically, with the long axis aligned with gravity, in the liquid dispenser. Nozzle 332 of liquid dispenser is orientated above opening 303 and is shown dispensing a second drinkable liquid 330 into cavity 306 of drink receptacle 300. First drinkable liquid 308 is frozen in a solid state, and partially obstructs opening 303.

[107] Figure 4b shows drink receptacle 400 of Figure 3b in the liquid dispenser. Resealable closure 404 has been removed to uncover opening 403. Drink receptacle 400 is orientated vertically, with the long axis aligned with gravity, in the liquid dispenser. Nozzle 432 of liquid dispenser is orientated above opening 403 and is shown dispensing a second drinkable liquid 430 into cavity 406 of drink receptacle 400. First drinkable liquid 408 is frozen in a solid state, and does not obstruct opening 403.

[108] Figure 4c shows drink receptacle 500 of Figure 3c in the liquid dispenser. Resealable closure 504 has been removed to uncover opening 503. Drink receptacle 500 is orientated vertically, with the long axis aligned with gravity, in the liquid dispenser. Nozzle 532 of liquid dispenser is orientated above the opening 503 and is shown dispensing a second drinkable liquid 530 into cavity 506 of drink receptacle 500. First drinkable liquid 508 is frozen in a solid state, and does not obstruct opening 503.

[109] Figure 4d shows drink receptacle 500 of Figure 4c after the liquid dispenser has dispensed the second drinkable liquid 530 into the cavity of the drink receptacle. Drink receptacle 500 has resealable closure 504 in a closed position, covering opening 503 (not visible). Drink receptacle contains frozen first drinkable liquid 508 and second drinkable liquid 530. The first frozen drinkable liquid 508 occupies 50% of the internal volume of drink receptacle 500 providing a high surface area along the interface with second drinkable liquid 530 which remains in a liquid state. The frozen first drinkable liquid is large enough to remain in drink receptacle 500 until almost entirely melted because it is larger in cross-sectional area than opening 503. Despite the large volume of frozen first drinkable liquid 508, the opening is unobstructed because it was orientated in the freezer compartment as shown in Figure 3c.

[110] The term "user" as used herein refers to the user of the vending machine and/or drinks receptacle as defined herein, the operator of the vending machine as defined herein, and/or the consumer of the drink of the drinks receptacle as defined herein. Accordingly, the term user is understood to include the user/operator/consumer.

[111] The term "drink receptacle" or "drinks receptacle" as used herein is understood by the skilled person to refer to a receptacle for the storage of a drink, and the term inherently includes said drink, unless stated otherwise, such as an 'empty' drink(s) receptacle.

[112] The term "beverage" as used herein is understood to by the skilled person to refer to a liquid intended for human consumption (i.e. a drinkable liquid), other than water.

[113] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[114] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[115] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[116] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A vending machine for dispensing a drink receptacle comprising: a freezer compartment arranged to receive and store a drink receptacle comprising a first drinkable liquid, and a liquid dispenser configured to receive the drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment and dispense a second drinkable liquid into the drink receptacle comprising the frozen first drinkable liquid, wherein the vending machine is responsive to receiving a vend request from a user to dispense the drink receptacle.
2. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the freezer compartment is configured to store the drink receptacle with a long axis of the drink receptacle oriented at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, typically substantially fully orthogonal to a direction of gravity.
3. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the freezer compartment is configured to store the drink receptacle comprising the first drinkable liquid with a long axis of the drink receptacle orientated at from 45 to 90° to a direction of gravity, such as from 65 to 88°, such as from 75 to 85°, such as from 85 to 90°.
4. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the second drinkable liquid is the same as the first drinkable liquid, typically, wherein the first and second drinkable liquid is a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage.
5. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising a withdrawal compartment configured to receive the drink receptacle comprising frozen first liquid and optionally, the second drinkable liquid and provide access to the drink receptacle by a user.
6. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the freezer compartment stores the drink receptacle at a temperature operable to freeze a first drinkable liquid in the drink receptacle, such as less than -5 °C, such as less than -10 °C, such as from -25 to -5 °C.
7. The vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising a chilled compartment fluidly connected to the liquid dispenser, and wherein the chilled compartment is arranged to store the second drinkable liquid.
8. The vending machine according to claim 7, wherein the chilled compartment stores the second drinkable liquid at a temperature below the external temperature of the vending machine and above the freezing point of the second drinkable liquid, such as from 0 to 15 °C, such as from 0 to 10 °C, such as from 0 to 8 °C, such as from 3 to 8 °C.
9. A drink receptacle for use with the vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the drink receptacle comprises: a container portion defining a cavity with an internal volume for storing a drinkable liquid, the container portion comprising an opening for drinking, a resealable closure operable to seal the drinking opening, wherein the removable closure is in a sealed position, and wherein the container portion comprises up to 50% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion.
10. The drink receptacle according to claim 9, wherein the container portion comprises from 10 to 50% drinkable liquid, such as from 15 to 45% drinkable liquid, such as from 20 to 40% drinkable liquid based on the total volume of the container portion.
11. The drink receptacle according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the container portion comprises from 50 to 90% gas, such as from 55 to 85%, such as from 60 to 80% gas based on the total volume of the container portion.
12. The drink receptacle according to claim 11, wherein the gas is selected from carbon dioxide or nitrogen, preferably carbon dioxide.
13. The drink receptacle or vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the drink receptacle is a plastic bottle, for example, a PET bottle.
14. The drink receptacle according to any preceding claim, wherein the removable closure is a twist-off lid or cap, or a flip lid or cap, or a pull lid.
15. The vending machine according to any preceding claim comprising a drink receptacle according to any preceding claim.
16. A vending machine according to any preceding claim comprising a drink receptacle according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the liquid dispenser is operable to replace the gas of the container portion, with a second drinkable liquid such that the drink receptacle comprises frozen first drinkable liquid, and second drinkable liquid.
17. A method of preparing a drink receptacle for sale comprising the steps of: a. inserting a drink receptacle according to claim 9-14 into a vending machine according to claim 1-8, 15 and 16, suitably into a freezer compartment of the vending machine, optionally orientated such that a long axis of the drink receptacle is at least partly orthogonal to a direction of gravity, b. cooling the drink receptacle in the freezer compartment to a temperature less than -5 °C, such that the first drinkable liquid is frozen, c. optionally detecting the temperature of the drink receptacle in the freezer compartment, d. receiving a vend request from a user, e. moving the drink receptacle comprising a frozen first drinkable liquid from the freezer compartment to the liquid dispenser, f. adding a second drinkable liquid from a liquid dispenser into the drink receptacle such that the drink receptacle contains the frozen first drinkable liquid and a second drinkable liquid.
18. A method of preparing a drink receptacle according to claim 17, wherein the drink receptable is moved from the freezer compartment in step e. to the liquid dispenser in step f. internally, within the vending machine.
19. A method of preparing a drink receptacle according to claim 17, wherein the drink receptable is moved from the freezer compartment in step e. to the liquid dispenser in step f. externally, via the outside of the vending machine.