(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0249536 A1
`
` Hartman et al. (43) Pub. Date: NOV. 9, 2006
`
`
`US 20060249536A1
`
`(54) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A
`FOOD PRODUCT USING A RECLOSABLE
`
`Publication Classification
`
`RESILIENT VALVE
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Eric E. Hartman, Ridgefield, CT (US);
`Bradley J. Feldman, Mohegan Lake,
`NY (US); Wendy S. Geiger, Norfolk,
`MA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`1700 K STREET, N.W.
`WASHINGTON, DC 20006 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/124,145
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`B67D 5/56
`(52) US. Cl.
`......................................... 222/129.3; 222/214
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention relates to a food dispensing device for
`dispensing a food product. The device includes a valve/
`cannula connection assembly that provides a reclosable
`resilient sealed connection to a food container. A cannula is
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 9, 2005
`
`received in a resilient valve to open the valve.
`
`10
`
`
`
`RAPAK EXHIBIT 1007
`
`Rapak LLC v. Scholle Corporation
`IPR2014-00847
`
`RAPAK EXHIBIT 1007
`Rapak LLC v. Scholle Corporation
`IPR2014-00847
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2006 Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 2006/0249536 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2006 Sheet 2 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2006 Sheet 3 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2006 Sheet 4 of 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 9, 2006 Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`10
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`
`

`

`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`Nov. 9, 2006
`
`DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A
`FOOD PRODUCT USING A RECLOSABLE
`RESILIENT VALVE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device
`for dispensing a food product. More particularly, the inven-
`tion relates to a device and method for dispensing a food
`product from a container having a valve opened by a cannula
`interacting therewith.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Food products are often dispensed from countertop
`devices using “bag-in-box” packaging. These types of
`devices allow a used packaging to be exchanged for a new
`packaging when the food contents of the used packaging
`have been discharged. To exchange packagings, the user
`typically disconnects a connection member of a used pack-
`aging from the dispensing device, removes the used pack-
`aging from the device, and inserts and reconnects a new
`packaging in the device.
`
`[0003] These types of countertop dispensing devices are
`commonly used in oflices, convenience stores, and restau-
`rants. In these settings,
`it
`is desirable that
`the devices
`preserve a high standard of hygiene for the food product,
`offer a clean and aesthetic interface for the user, and be
`relatively easy to operate and maintain. It is also desirable
`that the devices are able to dispense a variety of food
`product, having different consistencies and viscosities. Typi-
`cal dispensing systems have been found to be lacking in one
`of these areas.
`
`[0004] European Patent EP0998644 discloses a connector
`assembly that requires that an external male portion engage
`an internal female portion in a linear manner such that a bore
`of a female part is sealed off by a plug upon connection of
`the male and female portions. If the connecting motion is not
`linear or is out of alignment, this type of assembly often fails
`to seal completely, which can result in a catastrophic release
`of the food contents in the device. This connection assembly
`also does not provide a completely reclosable seal to keep
`the food product within the container upon repeated discon-
`nections and cannot be used effectively to dispense food
`products that have an elevated viscosity.
`
`[0005] PCT Publication No. W02004/01136l discloses a
`dispensing device that uses a power or lever-operated actua-
`tor to engage a connection assembly. The actuator provides
`a force on the order of 25 lbs to securely fasten the
`connection assembly. This system is used for valves that
`require a linear and elevated force to operate, such as the
`type of connector assembly disclosed in EP0998644.
`
`[0006] Thus, there is a need for a dispensing device that
`includes a connection assembly for connecting a food con-
`tainer to a dispensing device that is reliable, secure, and easy
`to operate, and is usable to dispense food products having a
`variety of consistencies and viscosities.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] A preferred embodiment of the device includes a
`food container, which defines a food space, and a fluid food
`product that is disposed within the food space. The device
`also includes a valve unit having a reclosable resilient valve
`
`that is associated with the food container and is in fluid
`
`communication with the food space. The valve is biased
`towards a closed position for sealing the food product within
`the food space and includes an openable portion.
`
`[0008] The preferred embodiment also includes a cannula
`with a fluid conduit. The cannula is engageable with the
`valve for resiliently deforming the valve to an open position
`in which the openable portion defines a valve opening,
`communicated with the food space, to fluidly communicate
`the food space with the fluid conduit. Thus, food product can
`be received through the valve into the conduit. The cannula
`is preferably configured and dimensioned to be received
`within the valve opening in the open position. Additionally,
`the valve is preferably configured to seal about the cannula
`received within the valve opening.
`
`[0009] Preferably, the valve defines a slit that is spread to
`define the valve opening in the open position. More prefer-
`ably, the slit includes intersecting slits. In another embodi-
`ment,
`the valve can be a petuloid valve with petuloid
`portions that are resiliently bent by the cannula in the open
`position. The valve also includes a convex surface that is
`disposed adjacent the openable portion, facing the food
`space, and configured such that pressure from within the
`food space biases the valve to the closed position.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, the fluid food product
`[0010]
`includes a slurry of solids and liquid such that deposits can
`form on the valve. The cannula is configured to positively
`open the valve with the food deposits thereon, and the valve
`is configured to return to the closed position upon disen-
`gagement from the cannula with food deposits present
`thereon to substantially prevent leakage.
`
`least semi-rigid
`[0011] The device also includes an at
`container housing that houses the food container, and to
`which the valve unit is mounted. In the preferred embodi-
`ment, the food container preferably includes a plurality of
`food containers that are housed in the container housing, and
`the valve unit preferably includes a plurality of valve units
`that are substantially fixed or otherwise mounted to the
`container housing. The preferred device can also include a
`cannula support, and the cannula includes a plurality of
`cannulas mounted to the cannula support and disposed for
`aligning with the valve units to facilitate engagement of the
`cannulas with the valves.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, the device includes
`[0012]
`an at least semi-rigid valve unit support and the valve unit
`preferably includes a plurality of valve units that are asso-
`ciated with the valve unit support at a predetermined spac-
`ing. The device can also have a cannula support and the
`cannula preferably includes a plurality of cannulas mounted
`to the cannula support in a configuration for aligning with
`the valve units at the predetermined spacing.
`
`[0013] The device preferably includes a dispensing pump
`that is configured for dispensing the food product down-
`stream of the fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the device
`is a beverage dispenser, and the food product includes a
`beverage or a beverage component. Preferably,
`the food
`product is a fluid concentrate. More preferably, the fluid
`concentrate includes a coffee concentrate, a chocolate con-
`centrate, a syrup, a cocoa concentrate, a milk concentrate, a
`tea concentrate, a juice concentrate, or a combination
`thereof. The device can further include a mixer and a liquid
`
`

`

`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`Nov. 9, 2006
`
`supply that is associated with the fluid conduit for mixing the
`food product from the conduit with a liquid to prepare a food
`item.
`
`[0014] A preferred method for dispensing a food product
`includes providing a food container that contains a food
`product in a food space, providing a valve unit that has a
`reclosable resilient valve to seal the food space, deforming
`the valve by moving a cannula against the valve to open a
`valve opening in the valve to fluidly communicate the food
`space with a fluid conduit in the cannula, and emptying the
`food product from the food container through the valve and
`fluid conduit. The method also includes mixing the food
`product from the fluid conduit with a liquid to prepare a food
`item, and then dispensing the food item for consumption.
`Preferably, the valve is deformed by inserting the cannula
`into the valve opening. Preferably, the food product includes
`a slurry of solids and liquid such that deposits form on the
`valve, and the method further includes positively opening
`the valve using the cannula despite the presence of the food
`deposits and returning the valve to the closed position with
`food deposits thereon upon disengagement of the valve from
`the cannula.
`
`In one embodiment of the method, the valve unit
`[0015]
`includes a plurality of valve units and the cannula comprises
`a plurality of cannulas. The method further includes provid-
`ing the plurality of valve units mounted to a valve unit
`support at a predetermined spacing from each other, pro-
`viding a cannula support to which the cannulas are mounted
`in a configuration for aligning with the valve units on the
`valve unit support, and moving the valve unit support
`towards the cannula support to open the valves by moving
`the cannulas against the valves.
`
`[0016] The present invention thus can enable a user to
`quickly and securely connect a food container to a dispens-
`ing device that is able to dispense a variety of food products,
`such as beverages, and is resistant to leaks caused by food
`deposits.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] FIG. 1 is a front cut-away view of an embodiment
`of the valve units associated with the food containers and
`
`cannula units mounted to the cannula support;
`
`20, and preferably two. The food containers 20 contain food
`products 22 within food spaces 21. The preferred dispensing
`device is a beverage dispenser, and one or both of the food
`products 22 are preferably beverages or beverage compo-
`nents. A “beverage” is herein understood to mean any
`beverage, hot or cold, that can be prepared from at least one
`concentrate, such as a syrup, a coffee concentrate, a cocoa
`concentrate, a milk concentrate, a juice concentrate, a tea
`concentrate or a combination thereof. The concentrate is
`
`preferably mixed with a liquid, such as water, to produce a
`beverage suitable for consumption, such as a soft drink, a
`coffee drink, a tea drink, a juice, or a milk-based drink.
`Preferably, the beverages or beverage components include
`fluid concentrates. In one embodiment, a coffee fluid-con-
`centrate is used, which can include, for example, coffee
`solids, coffee aroma, and/or a whitener or dairy product.
`
`[0026] The food container 20 is preferably of a bag-in-box
`type, although the dispensing device can use other types of
`food containers generally known in the art. The food con-
`tainer 20 is preferably housed within an at least semi-rigid
`container housing 28, which is configured to allow for easy
`“drop and load” insertion of the container housing 28 and
`associated food container 20 in the interior of the dispensing
`device housing 10. Preferably,
`the container housing 28
`includes a cardboard or plastic material that is folded on the
`bottom such that the bottom of the housing 28 includes two
`layers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 28 contains
`two food containers 20, each having a different food product
`22. Additionally, there are openings in at least one of the
`bottom layers of the housing 28 configured for mounting a
`valve unit 24 of each food container 20.
`
`[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the valve units 24 are
`disposed at the bottom of each food container 20. The valve
`unit 24 is in fluid communication with the food space 21 and
`the food product 22 therein. Each valve unit 24 has a
`reclosable resilient valve 23 that
`includes an openable
`portion 25. The openable portion 25, when in an open
`position, allows food product 22 to pass therethrough. The
`valve 23 also preferably has a convex surface 41 disposed
`adjacent the openable portion 25 and facing the food space
`21, which is normally and preferably naturally biased
`towards a closed position for sealing the food product 22
`within the food space 21.
`
`[0018] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the valve
`unit thereof;
`
`In the preferred embodiment, the valve unit 24 of
`[0028]
`each food container 20 is also associated with a valve unit
`
`[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the valve unit;
`
`[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a
`petuloid valve;
`
`[0021] FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of an
`embodiment of the cannula unit;
`
`[0022] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view thereof;
`
`[0023] FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of the
`embodiment of the valve/cannula assembly; and
`
`[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of
`the dispensing device.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the
`food dispensing device includes at least one food container
`
`support 32, as shown in FIG. 1. The valve unit support 32
`can include the bottom panel of the container housing 28, or
`it can be a separate member associated with and adjacent to
`the bottom panel or otherwise connected to the container
`housing 28. Preferably, the valve unit support 32 is made of
`an at least a semi-rigid material. The valve units 24 are
`preferably associated with the valve unit support 32 at a
`predetermined spacing 33, such that they are positioned and
`aligned for engagement with cannula units 26 when a
`cannula support 30 is moved towards the container housing
`28. The predetermined spacing 33 is preferably dependent
`on the volume of the food containers 20 and the space
`required between the valve units 24 when the food contain-
`ers 20 are disposed next to each other in the container
`housing 28. Preferably,
`the predetermined spacing 33 is
`between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. More preferably,
`the predetermined spacing 33 is between about 50 mm and
`about 70 mm, and in one embodiment is about 60 mm.
`
`

`

`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`Nov. 9, 2006
`
`[0029] Each valve unit 24 includes an upper portion 42
`configured to be attached to and disposed within part of the
`food container 20, extending to the food space 21. The lower
`portion 44 of the valve unit 24 protrudes out of the food
`container 20 and the container housing 28 and is configured
`for engagement with a cannula. Preferably, the lower portion
`44 includes an extended well 43 for receiving a cannula
`therein. The lower portion 44 also includes an entry member
`49 configured for controlling the amount of pressure nec-
`essary to open the valve 23.
`
`[0030] Advantageously, a cap 51 can be fitted over the
`extended well 43 when the valve unit 24 is not engaged by
`the cannula unit 26 or when the food container 20 is being
`stored or transported to prevent contamination of the food
`product 22 or leakage of the food product 22 within the
`dispensing device. The valve unit 24 also includes a middle
`portion 45 between the upper portion 42 and the lower
`portion 44, which allows for easy handling of the valve unit
`24 during manufacturing. The middle portion 45 is also
`configured for receiving a valve unit support 32 and/or the
`container housing 28 to which the valve unit 24 can be
`mounted. A channel 53 extends through the valve unit 24
`from the upper portion 42 to the lower portion 44 and
`includes openings at both ends to allow the food product 22
`to pass therethrough. The channel 53 preferably has a
`diameter 56 sufficient to receive a cannula therein. Prefer-
`
`ably, the channel 53 has a diameter 56 between about 1 mm
`and 25 mm, and more preferably, the diameter 56 is between
`about 10 mm and 15 mm. The diameter 56 of the channel 53
`
`is also dependent on the viscosity of the food products 22
`and the desired flow rates thereof to be passed therethrough.
`
`[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment of
`the valve unit 24 is configured as a fitment for the food
`container 20, preferably as a “boat fitment”. The valve unit
`24 has an extended portion 50 that extends radially from the
`valve 23 and is configured to provide a smooth transition and
`association between the side walls 54,55 of the food con-
`tainer 20 and the valve unit 24 as the side walls seal thereto,
`as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this manner, the valve unit
`24 is advantageously sealed into the bottom of the food
`container 20, with the side walls 54,55 of the food container
`20 wrapping around the taper of the extended portion 50.
`
`the resilient valve 23 is made of a
`[0032] Preferably,
`resilient thermoplastic elastomer including, for example,
`silicone. The openable portion 25 of the valve 23 is config-
`ured for allowing a cannula to penetrate therethrough. Pref-
`erably, the valve 23 includes a slit 29 that opens to define a
`valve opening in the open position. The slit 29 can also
`include intersecting slits that define the valve opening. As
`shown in FIG. 4, the valve 23 can also include a petuloid
`valve 19 with petuloid portions 18 that are resiliently bent in
`the open position upon penetration by a cannula.
`
`the dispensing
`[0033] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7,
`device also includes at least one cannula unit 26 that has a
`
`fluid conduit 27. The cannula unit 26 is configured for
`engagement with the valve unit 24 for resiliently deforming
`the valve 23 to an open position. In the open position, the
`openable portion 25 defines a valve opening for the food
`space 21 to communicate with the fluid conduit 27 for
`receiving the food product 22 therethrough. In the preferred
`embodiment, the device includes two cannula units 26 for
`engaging the two valve units 24 of the two food containers
`20.
`
`[0034] The cannula unit 26 includes an upper portion 46
`configured for engaging with the lower portion 44 of the
`valve unit 24. The upper portion 46 includes a cannula
`portion 15 that has an annular construction and is configured
`for extending to penetrate the resilient valve 23 of the valve
`unit 24. Preferably, the cannula portion 15 has a length 14
`suflicient to allow the cannula portion 15 to penetrate the
`valve 23 when the cannula unit 26 engages the valve unit 24.
`Preferably,
`the length 14 is such that when the cannula
`portion 15 is fully inserted in the valve 23, the cannula
`portion 15 substantially clears the slits and/or petuloid
`portions of the valve 23 in the open position to ensure that
`these members do not block the flow of food products 22
`through the cannula portion 15. In another embodiment, the
`cannula portion 15 does not completely clear the valve 23,
`but deforms the valve sufficiently to substantially prevent
`the valve 23 from blocking the outflow of food products 22.
`
`[0035] The interior of the cannula portion 15 has a cross-
`sectional shape, preferably with a diameter 57 selected
`depending on the viscosity of the food products 22 and the
`desired flow rates thereof to be passed therethrough. Advan-
`tageously, one of the cannula portions 15 can have a different
`diameter 57 than another cannula portion, such as when
`using food products 22 of different viscosities or flowing at
`different rates. Cannula portions 15 of different sizes can
`also be used with substantially the same size valve 23.
`Additionally, the upper portion 46 includes an extended well
`47 that is configured to receive the extended well 43 of valve
`unit 24. The cannula unit 26 also includes a lower portion 48
`configured for receiving the fluid conduit 27. Disposed
`between the upper portion 46 and lower portion 48 of the
`cannula unit 26 is a middle portion 50 configured for
`attachment to a cannula support 30 to mount the cannula unit
`26 thereto.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, the cannula units 26
`[0036]
`are mounted to a cannula support 30 as shown in FIGS. 1
`and 7. Preferably, the cannula units 26 are configured for
`aligning the cannula portions 15 with the valve units 24 to
`facilitate engagement with the valve units 24 and the resil-
`ient valves 23. Preferably, the cannula units 26 are mounted
`to the cannula support 30 at the predetermined spacing 33.
`In the preferred embodiment, the container housing 28 is
`brought towards and disposed on top of the cannula support
`30. Advantageously, only a minimal amount of force is
`required in order
`to sufliciently facilitate engagement
`between the cannula units 26 and the valve units 24. A
`
`mechanical or power-assisted means is preferably not
`required to achieve engagement. Preferably, less than about
`3 lbs of force is required to facilitate engagement between
`the cannula units 26 and the valve units 24. More preferably,
`only between about 1.2 lbs and about 1.5 lbs of force is
`required for engagement. Most preferably, the weight of the
`container housing 28 with the food containers 20 therein,
`provides a force suflicient to engage the cannula units 26 and
`the valve units 24.
`
`[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, the valve unit 24 and cannula
`unit 26 can preferably be engaged to form a valve/cannula
`assembly 52 that sealingly connects the food container 20 in
`the dispensing device. The cannula portion 15 is configured
`and dimensioned to be received within the valve opening of
`the valve 23 in the open position. When the cannula portion
`15 penetrates the valve opening, the valve 23 is preferably
`configured to advantageously seal about the cannula portion
`
`

`

`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`Nov. 9, 2006
`
`15 received within the valve opening. The seal provided by
`the valve/cannula assembly 52 advantageously reduces and
`minimizes the risk that food product 22 will leak from the
`food container 20 into the dispensing device, which can
`result in the unsanitary appearance of the device or lead to
`further contamination of the remaining food product 22 in
`the container 20. Additionally, the reclosable seal avoids
`frequent or intense cleaning of the dispensing device and
`reduces the risk that the food product will spoil due to
`exposure to the ambient air.
`
`[0038] The relationship between the diameter 57 of the
`cannula portion 15 to the length of the slit 29 is useful in
`providing the benefits of a reclosable, sealed connection of
`the valve 23. In the preferred embodiment, the slits 29 are
`slightly longer than the diameter 57 of the cannula portion
`15. Preferably,
`the ratio of length of the slit 29 to the
`diameter 57 of the cannula portion 15 is less than about 2 to
`1. More preferably, the ratio is between about 1.5 to l, and
`even more preferably between 1.25 to 1. Most preferably,
`the ratio of length of the slit 29 to the diameter 57 is greater
`than 1.
`
`the valve 23 is reclosable and
`[0039] Advantageously,
`provides a resilient, sealed connection with the cannula
`portion 15 even upon connecting and disconnecting the food
`container 20 from the dispensing device multiple times,
`preferably at
`least about 10 times reliably. This feature
`allows the food container 20 to be removed from the
`
`dispensing device, for example, when it is desired to clean
`the device or to store the food container 20 in a refrigerator,
`and still maintain a sealed connection between the food
`
`container 20 and the dispensing device upon reconnection.
`As a result of the reclosable sealed connection, the valve 23
`also reduces or eliminates the amount of food product 22
`that dries or cakes on the valve/cannula assembly 52 as is
`typically seen after use in other dispensers. Compared to
`previous dispensers,
`the valve/cannula assembly 52 also
`allows for a greater degree of misalignment and misorien-
`tation between the valve unit 24 and cannula unit 26 while
`
`still maintaining the reclosable seal of the valve 23.
`
`[0040] Another advantage of the valve/cannula assembly
`52 is that the food product 22 that is dispensed can include
`a slurry of solids and liquid. Specifically, the valve/cannula
`assembly 52 allows the device to dispense food product 22
`having a viscosity of about 1 cp to about 5000 cp. Preferably,
`the food product 22 has a viscosity of about 200 cp to about
`3000 cp, and more preferably,
`food product 22 has a
`viscosity of about 500 cp to about 2200 cp. Even if solid
`deposits of the food product 22 form on the valve 23, the
`cannula portion 15 can positively open the valve 23 despite
`the presence of the food deposits thereon and the valve 23
`can return to the closed position when the cannula portion 15
`is disengaged to sufliciently seal the food container 20.
`Advantageously, this feature allows the dispensing device to
`dispense a wider variety of food product 22, even those
`having a higher viscosities.
`
`[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, a preferred embodiment of the
`dispensing device is a beverage dispenser that includes a
`dispensing device housing 10 and the container housing 28
`within which is housed the food containers 20 that contains
`
`beverage components 22. A dispensing mechanism 38 is
`configured for dispensing the beverage components 22
`downstream of the fluid conduits 27. Preferably, the dis-
`
`pensing mechanism 39 includes a pump 38 for each conduit
`27 to pump the fluid therefrom. More preferably, the pumps
`38 are peristaltic pumps, although other suitable pumps can
`be used. The dispensing mechanism 39 preferably dispenses
`the beverage components to a mixer 34.
`
`[0042] The dispensing device also includes a liquid supply
`36 that can be associated with a pump 37 if needed.
`Preferably the liquid supply supplies water 41 or another
`liquid to dilute or mix the beverage components. The water
`41 from the liquid supply 36 is preferably dispensed into the
`mixer 34 for mixing with the beverage components to
`prepare a beverage. The beverage is then be dispensed from
`the mixer 34, optionally passing through a whipper 35, and
`then is dispensed into a serving container 40 received at a
`serving location 42. In one embodiment, a heating or refrig-
`eration element
`is provided to heat or cool
`the mix of
`beverage components and liquid supply or mixture thereof
`before dispensing.
`
`[0043] The term “about,” as used herein, should generally
`be understood to refer to both numbers in a range of
`numerals. Moreover, all numerical ranges herein should be
`understood to include each whole integer with the range.
`
`[0044] While illustrative embodiments of the invention
`are disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous
`modifications and other embodiments can be devised by
`those skilled in the art. Features of the embodiments
`
`described herein can be combined, separated, interchanged,
`and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. There-
`fore,
`it will be understood that the appended claims are
`intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments
`
`that come within the spirit and scope of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A food dispensing device, comprising:
`
`a food container defining a food space;
`
`a fluid food product disposed within the food space;
`
`a valve unit comprising a reclosable resilient valve asso-
`ciated with the food container and in fluid communi-
`
`cation with the food space, the valve being resiliently
`biased towards a closed position for sealing the food
`product within the food space and comprising an open-
`able portion; and
`
`a cannula comprising a fluid conduit and being engage-
`able with the valve unit for resiliently deforming the
`valve to an open position in which the openable portion
`defines a valve opening to the food space to fluidly
`communicate the food space with the fluid conduit for
`receiving the food product therethrough.
`2. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve defines a slit
`that
`is spread to define the valve opening in the open
`position.
`3. The device of claim 2, wherein the slit comprises
`intersecting slits.
`4. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a
`petuloid valve with petuloid portions that are resiliently bent
`by the cannula in the open position.
`5. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve has a convex
`surface disposed adjacent the openable portion facing the
`food space, and configured such that pressure from within
`the food space biases the valve to the closed position.
`
`

`

`US 2006/0249536 A1
`
`Nov. 9, 2006
`
`6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid food product
`comprises a slurry of solids and liquid such that deposits can
`form on the valve, the cannula is configured to positively
`open the valve with deposits formed thereon, and the valve
`is configured to return to the closed position upon disen-
`gagement from the cannula with food deposits present
`thereon to substantially prevent leakage.
`7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an at least
`semi-rigid container housing that houses the food container,
`wherein the valve unit is mounted to the container housing.
`8. The device of claim 7, wherein:
`
`the food container comprises a plurality of food contain-
`ers housed in the housing;
`
`the valve unit comprises a plurality of valve units that are
`mounted to the container housing;
`
`16. The device of claim 15, wherein the valve is config-
`ured to seal about the cannula received within the valve
`
`opening.
`17. A method for dispensing a food product, comprising:
`
`providing a food container that contains a food product in
`a food space;
`
`providing a valve unit comprising a reclosable resilient
`valve to seal the food space;
`
`deforming the valve by moving a cannula thereagainst to
`open a valve opening in the valve to fluidly commu-
`nicate the food space with a fluid conduit; and
`
`from the food container
`emptying the food product
`through the valve and fluid conduit.
`18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
`
`the dispensing device further comprises a cannula sup-
`port; and
`
`mixing the food product from the fluid conduit with a
`liquid to prepare a food item; and
`
`the cannula comprises a plurality of cannulas mounted to
`the cannula support and disposed for aligning with the
`valve units to facilitate engagement therewith.
`9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a valve unit
`support that is at least semi-rigid and supports the valve
`units.
`
`10. The device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device
`is a beverage dispenser, and the food product is a beverage
`or beverage component.
`11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a dispens-
`ing pump configured for dispensing the food product down-
`stream of the fluid conduit.
`
`12. The device of claim 10, wherein the food product
`comprises a fluid concentrate.
`13. The device of claim 12, wherein the fluid concentrate
`comprises a coffee concentrate, a chocolate concentrate, a
`syrup, a cocoa concentrate, a milk concentrate, a tea con-
`centrate, a juice concentrate, or a combination thereof.
`14. The device of claim 10, further comprising a mixer
`and a liquid supply associated with the fluid conduit for
`mixing the food product from the conduit with a liquid to
`prepare a food product.
`15. The device of claim 1, wherein th