Fluid merchandiser for beverage dispenser

US5988441A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Kenneth S. Weinaug · Lilburn, US
• John J. Fisher · Taylors, US
• Roger C. Whigham · Atlanta, US
• Steven C. Gamper · Atlanta, US
• Alvin C. Mayshack · Stone Mountain, US
• Bruce W. Copeland · Stone Mountain, US
• D. Scott Rowley · Powder Springs, US
• Augusto S. Medina · Atlanta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 11, 1996
• Grant date: Nov 23, 1999
• Expiry date: Oct 11, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D1/06
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A sealed fluid merchandiser (12) for use in connection with a beverage dispenser (16) includes a transparent, liquid display container (60) having a narrow liquid chamber (33) for a stable liquid (21) that simulates the beverage being dispensed and a pump housing (37) for a pump (38) that pumps the liquid being simulated through a spray manifold (44) for producing an attractive spray or bubbling effect. The stable, simulated beverage liquid has a low viscosity such that it behaves substantially identical to the beverage being dispensed. The narrow liquid chamber substantially reduces the weight and expense of the fluid merchandiser.