Beverage dispenser device

Abstract

A refrigerator door-mounted beverage dispenser device for use with bottled beverages, to control beverage flow during dispensing from a bottle. The device comprises a generally cylindrical housing engaging the mouth of the bottle, an operating lever pivotably attached to the housing and movable between upper and lower positions, a self-closing flow valve, and a valve actuator operable with the operating lever to open the flow valve by applying pressure thereto while it is in either of the upper and lower positions, to enable controlled beverage flow. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage dispenser device itself is threaded onto the beverage bottle, sealing it closed. A retractable lever is arranged to displace a ball valve and enable liquid beverage flow into a cup. When combined with a bottle holder mounted on a refrigerator door, the bottle is inverted and the beverage dispenser device becomes a self-service bar providing a door-mounted beverage dispensing system, offering quick and easy access without opening the door. The advantage of the inventive design over conventional beverage dispensers is a significant savings in electrical energy, since the refrigerator door need not be opened, and escape of cool air from the refrigerator is prevented. Many other configurations of the beverage dispenser are possible, such as with an ice container and a table-top dispenser.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.