LIQUID DISPENSER FOR CONCURRENT MANUAL MEASURING AND POURING

AND APPLICATION THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Liquid dispensing; tools for measurement and pouring liquid from a bottle; a stopper based liquid dispensing tool; measuring tool for liquids.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/681 ,053, filed May 16, 2005, this U.S. Provisional Patent Application incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Alcoholic beverage and in particularly liquor, is sold in bars, for example, in a measured quantity. One known standard measure is the Shot (60cc), which is widely used for pricing and serving alcoholic beverage. Another known standard quantity is 40 cc, used for cocktail mixing. Dispensing the alcoholic beverage into the customer's glass is traditionally done by the bartender in front of the customer, using visible measuring tools. One such simple tool is the Shot, which is a 60cc glass container or the Chaser, which contains 30cc. Another measuring tool is the Jigger, which consists of two back-to-back stainless cones, the one containing 40cc and the other 20 cc. Using one of the above measuring tool means that the bartender must pick up the right tool, pour the liquor into it up to a marked level and then transfer the liquid into the customer's glass. The method is inaccurate, and subsequently a lot of rinsing and cleaning is required.

Another "measure and pour" tool consists of a glass container of a known volume, which is firmly attached to the uncorked bottle. The bottle is then inverted and fixed to a wall-mounted structure. Once inverted, the liquor in the bottle automatically fills the glass container. For pouring, the bartend.er pushes a valve on the container, which pours the pre-set liquor quantity into the customer's glass placed under the outlet of the container. By releasing the same valve, the glass container is refilled, etc. The drawback of this tool is: a) it is only suitable for pouring a specific volume of liquor, and b) the bottles must be placed on a special wall-mounted structure. Another known "measure and pour" tool consists of a glass container of known volume and an internal ball valve. The device is plugged into the uncorked bottle. Inverting the bottle should release a pre-measured quantity of liquid into the customer's glass. This device is known to be unreliable and therefore unpopular.

Other patented "measure and pour" devices are known, for example: EP1238918; US5601217; FR2669005; FR2791650; US20060000855; US4666065; US4314657 and WO8803909.

The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the above mentioned methods and devices, and present a novel and efficient dispenser, suitable for concurrent manual measuring and pouring of a liquid, for example, liquor, from a bottle to a container such as the customer's glass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for measuring and pouring liquid from a first container into a second container, comprising: a transparent receptacle having a substantially spherical shape and having a first opening at the bottom thereof; a hollow stopper mounted on the bottom side of

the receptacle, the stopper adapted to fit into the opening of the first container and seal it; a channel passing along the hollow interior of the stopper, having one end at the distal end of the stopper and a second end aligned with the first opening in the receptacle; a pouring nozzle protruding from the other side of the receptacle; at least one circle marked on each side of the receptacle, around the center thereof, the center also marked; and means for alternately opening the first opening to allow liquid to flow from the first container into the receptacle and closing the first opening to allow the liquid to flow from the receptacle to the second container, wherein the circles serves as a measuring tool. According to a first preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a spring-loaded cylindrical valve mounted between the receptacle and the stopper.

According to a second preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a spring-loaded spherical segment valve, designed to fit internally into the outer wall of the receptacle. According to a third preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a mechanism for rotating the receptacle.

According to a fourth preferred embodiment, the receptacle comprises an additional opening, on the bottom side thereof.

According to a fifth preferred embodiment, the at least one circle comprises a plurality of concentric circles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring and pouring liquid from a first container into a second container, comprising the steps of: providing a measuring and pouring tool comprising a transparent receptacle having a substantially spherical shape and having a first opening at the bottom thereof; a hollow stopper mounted on the bottom side of the receptacle; a

channel passing along the hollow interior of the stopper, having one end at the distal end of the stopper and a second end aligned with the first opening in the receptacle; a pouring nozzle protruding from the other side of the receptacle; at least one circle marked on each side of the receptacle, around the center thereof, the center also marked; and means for alternately opening and closing the first opening; attaching the measuring and pouring tool to the first container by fitting the hollow stopper into the opening thereof; tilting the first container to a pouring angle and opening the first opening, whereby liquid from the first container starts pouring into the receptacle; observing the liquid level in the receptacle relative to one of the circle and the center; and when the liquid has reached a desired level, closing the first opening, whereby the liquid from the receptacle starts pouring into the second container.

According to a sixth preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a spring-loaded cylindrical valve mounted between the receptacle and the stopper; and wherein the opening and closing of the first opening comprise pushing and releasing the valve, respectively.

According to a seventh preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a spring-loaded spherical segment valve, designed to fit internally into the outer wall of the receptacle; and wherein the opening and closing of the first opening comprise rotating the spring-loaded spherical segment valve along the wall of the receptacle. According to an eighth preferred embodiment, the means for opening comprises a mechanism for rotating the receptacle; and wherein the opening and closing of the first opening comprise rotating the receptacle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for measuring predefined quantities of liquid, comprising: a substantially spherical transparent receptacle having at least one opening; the center of the

receptacle and at least one circle around the center marked, the circle having a diameter calculated to indicate one of the predefined liquid quantities and the center calculated to indicate another of the predefined quantities.

According to a ninth preferred embodiment, the at least one circle comprises a plurality of concentric circles.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of measuring predefined quantities of liquid, comprising: providing a substantially spherical transparent receptacle having at least one opening; the center of the receptacle and at least one circle around the center marked, the circle having a diameter calculated to indicate one of the predefined liquid quantities and the center calculated to indicate another of the predefined quantities; pouring liquid into the receptacle; and observing the level of the liquid relative to the one or more marked circles and/or center until the liquid has reached a desired level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A and 1B depict the general outline of the dispenser according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2A and 2A1 detail the general structure of the stopper and its operational purpose, according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs.2B and 2B1 depict the filling of the dispenser according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2C and 2C1 demonstrate the measurement features of the dispenser according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig.2D and 2D1 demonstrate the pouring operation according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3A and 3B depict in detail the structure and operation of the cylindrical valve according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4 and 5 demonstrate the filling and measuring operations according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 demonstrates the pouring operation according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 details the general structure of the dispenser according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a detailed scheme of the dispenser and the sphere rotation mechanism according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 demonstrates the measurement features of the dispenser according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 10 demonstrates the pouring operation according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the invention described hereinbelow meet the following specification: a. A "measure and pour" tool that can be plugged into any standard liquor bottle The device can be operated by the bartender manually, without any additional stand or rack. b. The same measuring device will be suitable for pouring a range of standard volumes such as 20cc, 30cc, 40cc, 60 cc. c. The measuring part of the device will be transparent for both visual measuring by the bartender and simultaneous observation by the customer. d. The pouring operation will be simple and reliable, without dripping or spilling of liquid. e. The entire device will be easily washable inside and outside to insure hygienic use.

Attention is first drawn to Figs. 1A, 1 B, 2A and 2A1. Figs. 1A and 1 B (two views) depict the general outline of the dispenser 10, useful for concurrent measuring and pouring liquid, for example liquor, from a bottle 11 (Fig. 2A) to a customer's glass 15 (Fig. 2A). The dispenser body, made, for example, from a suitable plastic material, such as e.g. polycarbonate, comprises two spherical covers 17, mounted on both sides of a cylindrical ring 64. The dispenser body is connected to the bottle 11 by a hollow stopper 18, made externally of a suitable bellows like rubber form, which features variable diameter ridges 2OA, 2OB etc.. This hollow stopper 18 can fit a variety of bottle necks as know in the art. Pushing stopper 18 firmly into the bottle's uncorked neck 30 assures tight sealing of the bottle, preventing dripping of liquid from the stopper. The dispenser's useful liquid internal volume 14 is generally spherical, and separated from the hollow stopper 18 by a valve housing structure 22, mounted on the bottom part of cylindrical ring 64 and including a spring-loaded cylindrical valve 12. An orifice 16, through which

the liquid will be poured into the customer's glass 15, is shown on the dispenser 10, generally on the opposite side of stopper 18. Further details of the dispenser's structure, components and operation will be described in conjunction with the following figures.

Fig. 2A and 2A1 detail the general structure of stopper 18 and its operational purpose. Stopper 18 is shown firmly inserted into neck 30 of bottle 11. Channel 34, within stopper 18, permits free passage of liquid 32 from the bottle into the hollow stopper. Spring (50) -loaded valve 12 is shown in its neutral (closed) position. Cylindrical valve 12 is designed from a suitable minimum friction plastic material, such as polycarbonate, including sealing O-Rings, enabling an easy axial movement within the valve housing structure 22, as will be further explained.

Fig. 2A1 demonstrates the dispenser 10, inserted into the bottle 11 , in a "measuring-pouring" inclined position. The effective internal measuring volume 14 is empty of liquid. This inclined position of bottle 11 (marked by angle α) is usually achieved by the bartender single handed, holding the bottle by its neck 30. Figs.2B and 2B1 depict the operation required to operate the valve 12 to its

"open" position, which is done by pushing the valve 12 against spring 50 in direction 19 as shown. Practically, this is achieved by the bartender, using the index finger of his hand holding bottle 11 by its neck 30. This operation aligns hole 54 in the valve with a corresponding opening in the valve housing 22 and the dispenser's body, thus creating free passage for the liquid 32 to flow from bottle 11 through stopper 18 into internal volume 14. The extreme end 52 of valve 12 blocks, when operated, an air passage (not shown) between the internal volume 14 and the atmosphere.

Fig. 2B1 demonstrates the dispenser 10, inserted into bottle 11 , in a "measuring- pouring" inclined position, with valve 12 pushed into the "open" position. The effective internal measuring volume 14 is filling up with liquid 32. Though orifice 16 is open to the

atmosphere no liquid escapes due to its small diameter and the blockage of the air passage to internal volume 14, as explained above.

Fig. 2C and 2C1 demonstrate the features of the dispenser 10 permitting fast and accurate measurement of the liquid flowing into the internal volume 14, as explained in conjunction with Figs.2B and 2B1. The internal volume 14 is structured as a sphere having a diameter of 4.84 cm. To facilitate the visual measuring operation, and taking in account the fact that the walls of the dispenser are transparent, a circle 60 is drawn and/or engraved on each of the two spherical parts of the dispenser, having a diameter of 1.08 cm, centered around points 62, which are also marked on the dispenser. Center points 62 are aligned with the center of the sphere 14.

Holding the bottle and dispenser as shown in Fig.2C1 , the filling of the internal volume 14 by liquid can be measured visually and accurately as follows:

When liquid 32 fills volume 14 and its surface is tangent from below to circle 60 - the effective liquid volume is 20cc. When liquid 32 fills volume 14 and its surface is tangent to the center 62 of circle 60 - the effective liquid volume is 30cc.

When liquid 32 fills volume 14 and its surface is tangent from above to circle 60 - the effective liquid volume is 40cc.

When liquid 32 fills volume 14 to the top - the effective liquid volume is 60cc. As volume 14 is spherical, this visual method of measurement is insensitive to the tilt angle of the bottle as long as the cylindrical ring 64 of the dispenser structure is essentially parallel to the ground (i.e. the centers 62 on both side covers are aligned horizontally).

In Fig.2D and 2D1 the "pouring" operation is demonstrated. When spring-loaded valve 12 is released, the valve returns to its neutral position, as shown previously in Fig.

2A. The passage of liquid 32 from bottle 11 through stopper 18 to internal volume 14 is blocked. The air-passage (not shown) to volume 14, previously sealed by end 52 of valve 12, is opened to the atmosphere, and liquid 32 is poured from volume 14 into the customer's glass 15 via orifice 16. Figs. 3A and 3B depict in detail the structure and operation of cylindrical valve 12.

In Fig.3A the valve 12 is in its neutral (closed) position. Spring 50 is in its non- compressed position, keeping end 52 away from opening 82 in the valve channel 84. In this position atmospheric air is free to flow through opening 82, channel 84 and the passage 86 into the internal volume 14. In Fig.3B the valve 12 is compressed by force P (for example, index finger) into its open position, against spring 50. End part 52 closes opening 82, isolating volume 14 from the atmosphere.

The operation of the dispenser can be summarized as follows: Dispenser 10 is mounted on an uncorked bottle 11 by pushing hollow stopper 18 firmly into the open bottle's neck 30. The dispenser is ready for operation.

Phase 1 - "Measure": The bottle's neck 30, held in one hand, is tilted, as shown in Fig.2A1. By pushing (by the index finger, for example) on valve 12 to its "open" position the liquid flows freely into volume 14. The operator views the liquid level through the transparent wall of the dispenser and stops the liquid flow, at the required level, by releasing the pressure on valve 12, which returns to its neutral (closed) position.

Phase 2 - "Pour": concurrently to the end of the measuring phase, the released valve opens volume 14 to the atmosphere, thus emptying the entire measured liquid quantity in volume 14 into the customer's glass 15.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 depict another preferred embodiment of the invention, meeting the same specifications as detailed above.

Fig. 4 details the general structure of dispenser 110 according to the second preferred embodiment and its operational principle. The cylindrical valve mechanism 12 of the first embodiment is replaced by a spring (150) -loaded spherical segment valve 112, designed to fit internally into the outer wall of volume 114, and made from a suitable minimum friction plastic material, such as polycarbonat, enabling an easy sliding movement (as shown by arrow 113) around the center 162 of internal spherical volume 114, as will be further explained. Operating button 119 is mechanically coupled to spherical segment valve 112 via a slot in the outer wall of volume 114.

Stopper 118 is shown firmly inserted into neck 130 of bottle 111. Channel 134, within stopper 118, permit, in the tilted position, free passage of liquid 132 from the bottle into the dispenser's internal spherical volume 114. Spring (150) -loaded spherical segment valve 112 is shown in its neutral (or "filling") position.

Figs. 4 and 5 demonstrate the dispenser, as inserted into the bottle 111 , in a "measuring-pouring" tilted position. In Fig. 4, the effective internal measuring volume 114 is filling up with liquid. This inclined position of bottle 111 (marked by angle α) is usually achieved by the bartender single handed, holding the bottle by its neck 130. Similar to Fig. 2C and 2C1 , Fig. 5 demonstrate the features of the dispenser 110 permitting fast and accurate measurement of the liquid flowing into the internal volume 114, as explained in conjunction with Fig.4. The internal volume 114 is structured as a sphere having a diameter of 4.84 cm. The measuring operation is performed in the same manner as explained in conjunction with Figs. 2C and 2C1 , using center mark 162 and circle 160. In Fig. 5, when the bartender observes the filling of volume 114 to the desired measure, for example 30 cc, he can close the passage from channel 134 to internal volume 114 by pushing (using the thumb of his hand, holding the bottle) the operating button 119 halfway, which causes segment valve 112 to slide clockwise and

internally block that passage. In this operating phase the pouring nozzle 116 is still closed.

In Fig. 6 the "pouring" operation is demonstrated. The bartender continues to push button 119, which moves segment valve 112 further clockwise to its extreme position. In this position the passage from channel 134 is still blocked, but the pouring nozzle 116 is opened, and liquid 132 is poured into the customer's glass (not shown).

When the bartender finished pouring the liquid into the customer's glass, he or she moves the bottle to its vertical storing position, and simultaneously releases spring loaded button 119, which moves spherical segment valve 112 all the way to the left, closing the exit from nozzle 116 and reopening the passage from channel 134 to internal volume 114. This is depicted in Fig.4.

Figures 7, 8, and 9 depict a third preferred embodiment of the invention, meeting the same specifications as detailed above.

Fig. 7 details the general structure of dispenser 210 according to the third preferred embodiment and its operational principle. According to this embodiment, a push button 219 causes the sphere 210 to rotate inside the cylinder and align the openings as required, according to the phase of operation.

Fig. 8 is a detailed scheme of the dispenser 210 and the sphere rotation mechanism according to this third embodiment. Dispenser 210 comprises two covers 235 and 266 and a cylindrical ring 264. Cover 235 comprises a spherical part 236 and a cylindrical part 237, designed to fit inside ring 264. Protrusion 265 on the cylindrical part

237 fits into slot 238 of the ring and push button 219 (not shown), connected to protrusion 265, causes the cover 235 to rotate inside ring 264. The second cover 266 is screwed to the cylindrical part 237 of the first cover 235, thereby rotating along with it. A spring 250 (not shown in Fig. 8) mounted on the other side of cylindrical ring 264,

causes the sphere (235, 266) to rotate back to its original position once the push button

219 is released.

. In Fig. 7, the effective internal measuring volume 214 is filling up with liquid through opening 282 which is aligned with channel 234 of stopper 218. This inclined position of bottle 211 (marked by angle α) is usually achieved by the bartender single handed, holding the bottle by its neck 230.

_ Similar to Figs. 2C and 2C1, Fig. 9 demonstrate the features of the dispenser 210 permitting fast and accurate measurement of the liquid flowing into the internal volume

214, as explained in conjunction with Fig.7. The internal volume 214 is structured as a sphere having a diameter of 4.84 cm. The measuring operation is performed in the same manner as explained in conjunction with Figs. 2C and 2C1 , using center mark 262 and circle 260. In Fig. 9, when the bartender observes the filling of volume 214 to the desired measure, for example 30 cc, he can close the passage from channel 234 to internal volume 214 by pushing (using the thumb of his hand, holding the bottle) the operating button 219 halfway (as shown by arrow 213), which causes the sphere to rotate counter clockwise and internally block that passage. In this operating phase the pouring nozzle 216 is still closed.

In Fig. 10 the "pouring" operation is demonstrated. The bartender continues to push button 219, which moves the sphere further counter-clockwise to its extreme position. In this position the passage from channel 234 is still blocked, but the pouring nozzle 216 is opened, and liquid 232 is poured into the customer's glass (not shown).

An additional opening 280 in the cylindrical ring is aligned at this point with the opening

282 in sphere 214, allowing air to flow from the outside to increase the pouring rate.

When the bartender finished pouring the liquid into the customer's glass, he or she moves the bottle to its vertical storing position, and simultaneously releases push

button 219, which moves the sphere all the way clockwise, closing the exit from nozzle

216 and reopening the passage from channel 234 to internal volume 214. This is depicted in Fig.7.

The described embodiments of the invention feature the following advantages: A single, human-engineered dispenser enables measuring and pouring out four different standard liquor quantities.

The measuring and pouring operations are concurrent and can be accomplished, using one hand, in one simple manual operation with no accessories involved.

The dispenser is esthetic, easy to clean and fitting all standard liquor and alcohol bottles.

The pouring operation is efficient, with no dripping or leaking of liquid, except into the customer's glass. The customer can visually observe and verify the liquid/liquor measuring phase.

The measuring and pouring is done by the operator/bartender, single handed, and without additional measuring tools. No cleaning is required between pouring operations.

The dispenser keeps the bottle sealed, and prevents leakage of aroma and alcohol.

The designs are simple to manufacture, using known in the art plastic materials suitable for their function and purpose (for example: health and food standards, minimum friction, and transparency). It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. For example, a number of concentric circles may be marked on the container, to serve for measuring additional quantities. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. For example, the same principle of measuring by using circles marked on a spherical receptacle may be used for any liquid or non-liquid measuring application, provided the measurements of the container and the circles are appropriate.