TITLE: DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTRATING FRUIT JUICE, IN PARTICULAR CITRUS FRUIT JUICE

The present invention relates to a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice.

In line with current legislation, in this patent application the term "administration" means the sale of fruit juice for consumption in different places, which includes all cases in which buyers consume local products in suitably equipped shops areas or in a suitably equipped public area. The term also applies to the administration to people of food and beverages by means of vending machines put in place in those kind of areas.

As it is well known, at the present the administration of fruit juice is generally explicated by pouring into a glass the content of a packaged fruit juice, mostly industrially manufactured, or by providing a single serving packaged fruit juice directly to the user. Moreover, the public shops and facilities are provided with devices to squeeze the fruit juice, especially the citrus juice, immediately before consumption. In the case of citrus fruits, this may be achieved by means of simple squeezing devices, while in the case of other types of fruits such devices are of the blender type or the centrifuge blender.

The squeezing or the centrifugation of the fruit immediately before its consumption are particularly appreciated by customers, because it allows to benefit of a fruit juice which is fresh and free of preservatives which must instead be necessarily added to packed fruit juices to ensure the quality preservation for long periods. Furthermore, this kind of administration ensures the conservation of the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit juice, this being especially true for fruit rich in vitamins which are easily perishable substances. By contrast, the squeezing of the fruit immediately before its consummation requires the availability of big areas for the transportation of the fruit and for the storage as well. Moreover, the fruit and especially the fruit juice squeezed and free of preservatives tend to perish after a certain time period losing all its organoleptic properties. l Aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice, maintaining the organoleptic properties of fresh fruits and at the same reducing the overall dimensions required for the transportation and the storage of fruit.

According to the present invention a device for administrating of fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is realized, as defined in the claim 1.

Moreover, according to the present invention a method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is realized, as defined in the claim 8.

For a better understanding of the present invention a preferred embodiment is described, by way of not limitative example, referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a side view of a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a front view of the device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figure 3 shows a cross section of the device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figures 4a-4b shows respectively a plan view and a side view of a first embodiment of a single portion of packaged fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figures 5a-5c shows respectively a plan view, a side view and a perspective view of a second embodiment of a single portion of packaged fruit juice, according to the present invention.

Referring to those figures, and, in particular, to figure 1 , a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is provided, according to the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a system for opening and emptying single-dose packs of concentrated fruit juice, in conjunction with a dilution and mixing tank for diluting and mixing the juice concentrate with water, and a delivery conduct of the diluted juice.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, a device for administrating fruit juice according to the present invention comprises an outer casing 10 comprising a water tank 11, a pump 12 provided with a cooling system drawing water from the tank 11 and sending it, through a conduit 13, to a dilution and mixing tank 14 equipped with a stirrer/ mixer not shown in the figures. At the same time the dilution and mixing tank 14 receives the concentrated juice produced by pressing a single-dose fruit juice pack 15, previously prepared in a special housing 16. The pressing of the single-dose pack 15 is obtained through a piston 17, operated manually by means of a lever 18, according to an aspect of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, the dilution and mixing tank 14 comprises mixing agitator means.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a tip or a blade, not shown in the figures, able to open the lower part of the single-dose packs.

According to another aspect of the invention, the piston 17 is operated by an automated mechanism actuated by a switch.

Moreover, according to an aspect of the invention, the housing 16 is closed at the top by a cover 19.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device for administrating fruit juice is designed for the administration of juice concentrate after being diluted with water.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the dilution of the juice concentrate with water is obtained using a previously set amount of water, such as to reconstitute the correct ratio of water according to the ideal characteristics of the fruit juice. It is however possible to increase or reduce the dilution.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the concentrated juice is packaged in single portions, i.e. portions able to produce, after dilution with an appropriate concentration of water, a single drink.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the packaging of the fruit juice is performed under vacuum for maintaining the organoleptic properties of the starting fruit juice unaltered.

Once the concentrated juice is mixed with water in the dilution and mixing tank 14, the diluted juice produced is transferred to a delivering conduit 20 through which it is poured, as an example, in a glass 25. Moreover, the empty housing 16 of the single-dose fruit juice pack 15 falls, through a conduit 28, in a collection tray 22 comprised in a first compartment 21 located at the bottom of the device.

According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a box 24 for housing the single-dose packs 15, comprised in a second compartment 23 located at the bottom of the device.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, said pressing piston of said single-dose packs is actuated by a lever or by a switch.

In addition, according to the invention, said housing is equipped with a door. Figures 4a-4b, 5a-5c show respectively views of a first embodiment 26 and of a second embodiment 27 of the single-dose pack 15.

According to the first embodiment shown in figures 4a-4b, the single-dose pack 26 is shell shaped similarly to an half of a fruit.

According to the second embodiment shown in figures 5a-5c, the single-dose pack 27 is box shaped.

According to the invention, a method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is described. The method comprises the steps of: concentrating a fruit juice;

vacuum packaging the concentrated juice in single-dose packs;

- transporting, distributing and storing the single-dose packs;

opening and emptying one or more single-dose packs diluting the concentrated juice therein comprised with corresponding doses of water;

administrating the diluted juice.

More in details, the method comprises the steps of:

- inserting the single-dose pack 15 into the housing 16 of the device;

releasing a blade or tip, not shown in the figures, able to contact the lower part of the single-dose pack 15 and to cause its opening and, consequently, the exit of the concentrated fruit juice comprised in it;

activating the piston 17 to pressing and emptying the single-dose pack 15; - laterally pushing the empty single-dose pack 15 to let it falls in the conduct 28 and then in the collection tray 22;

activating the pump 12 drawing the water from the water tank 1 1 , refrigerating the water and pumping it to the dilution and mixing tank 14. According to an aspect of the invention, the step of releasing a blade or tip comprises crushing the lever 18 or pressing a switch, not shown in the figures. According to another aspect of the invention, the step of activating the piston 17 comprises crushing the lever 18 or pressing a switch.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of activating the pump 12 comprises actuating the lever 18 or the switch.

Advantageously according to the invention, the mixing operation that occurs in the dilution and mixing tank 14 is made using water quantities able to ensure the restoration of water concentration of the original fruit juice and allows to obtain a completely natural, fresh and free of preservatives fruit juice.

Advantageously according to the invention, the method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice, uses concentrated, more in particular dehydrated, fruit juice to be diluted with water at the time of administration. Advantageously according to the invention, the suitable doses of water for dilution of the concentrated juice are previously cooled.

The device and the method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the invention allow to obtain a final product completely free of preservatives and to maintain all its organoleptic characteristics.

Another advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the possibility to obtaining the fruit juices, and in particular citrus juice, in every moment and very easily.

Another advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the possibility to enjoy a natural beverage in public places and at home as well.

Moreover, device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention allow to expand the market of citrus fruits, and in particular the Sicilian blood oranges.

Another important advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the easy, high volume and low cost transportation.

In addition, the device according to the invention can be manufactured and maintained with reduced costs. At the end, the device and the method for administrating the fruit juice according to the invention is simple, safe and reliable.

It should be clear that other modifications and embodiments carried out to the described device can be done falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims, shops areas or in a suitably equipped public area. The term also applies to the administration to people of food and beverages by means of vending machines put in place in those kind of areas. As it is well known, at the present the administration of fruit juice is generally explicated by pouring into a glass the content of a packaged fruit juice, mostly industrially manufactured, or by providing a single serving packaged fruit juice directly to the user. Moreover, the public shops and facilities are provided with devices to squeeze the fruit juice, especially the citrus juice, immediately before consumption. In the case of citrus fruits, this may be achieved by means of simple squeezing devices, while in the case of other types of fruits such devices are of the blender type or the centrifuge blender.

The squeezing or the centrifugation of the fruit immediately before its consumption are particularly appreciated by customers, because it allows to benefit of a fruit juice which is fresh and free of preservatives which must instead be necessarily added to packed fruit juices to ensure the quality preservation for long periods. Furthermore, this kind of administration ensures the conservation of the organoleptic characteristics of the fruit juice, this being especially true for fruit rich in vitamins which are easily perishable substances. By contrast, the squeezing of the fruit immediately before its consummation requires the availability of big areas for the transportation of the fruit and for the storage as well. Moreover, the fruit and especially the fruit juice squeezed and free of preservatives tend to perish after a certain time period losing all its organoleptic properties.

Aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice, maintaining the organoleptic properties of fresh fruits and at the same reducing the overall dimensions required for the transportation and the storage of fruit.

According to the present invention a device for administrating of fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is realized, as defined in the claim 1. Moreover, according to the present invention a method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is realized, as defined in the claim 8.

For a better understanding of the present invention a preferred embodiment is described, by way of not limitative example, referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a side view of a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a front view of the device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figure 3 shows a cross section of the device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figures 4a-4b shows respectively a plan view and a side view of a first embodiment of a single portion of packaged fruit juice, according to the present invention;

- Figures 5a-5c shows respectively a plan view, a side view and a perspective view of a second embodiment of a single portion of packaged fruit juice, according to the present invention.

Referring to those figures, and, in particular, to figure 1, a device for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is provided, according to the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a system for opening and emptying single-dose packs of concentrated fruit juice, in conjunction with a dilution and mixing tank for diluting and mixing the juice concentrate with water, and a delivery conduct of the diluted juice.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, a device for administrating fruit juice according to the present invention comprises an outer casing 10 comprising a water tank 11, a pump 12 provided with a cooling system drawing water from the tank 11 and sending it, through a conduit 13, to a dilution and mixing tank 14 equipped with a stirrer/ mixer not shown in the figures. At the same time the dilution and mixing tank 14 receives the concentrated juice produced by pressing a single-dose fruit juice pack 15, previously prepared in a special housing 16. The pressing of the single-dose pack 15 is obtained through a piston 17, operated manually by means of a lever 18, according to an aspect of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention, the dilution and mixing tank 14 comprises mixing agitator means.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a tip or a blade, not shown in the figures, able to open the lower part of the single-dose packs.

According to another aspect of the invention, the piston 17 is operated by an automated mechanism actuated by a switch.

Moreover, according to an aspect of the invention, the housing 16 is closed at the top by a cover 19.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device for administrating fruit juice is designed for the administration of juice concentrate after being diluted with water.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the dilution of the juice concentrate with water is obtained using a previously set amount of water, such as to reconstitute the correct ratio of water according to the ideal characteristics of the fruit juice. It is however possible to increase or reduce the dilution.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the concentrated juice is packaged in single portions, i.e. portions able to produce, after dilution with an appropriate concentration of water, a single drink.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, the packaging of the fruit juice is performed under vacuum for maintaining the organoleptic properties of the starting fruit juice unaltered.

Once the concentrated juice is mixed with water in the dilution and mixing tank 14, the diluted juice produced is transferred to a delivering conduit 20 through which it is poured, as an example, in a glass 25.

Moreover, the empty housing 16 of the single-dose fruit juice pack 15 falls, through a conduit 28, in a collection tray 22 comprised in a first compartment 21 located at the bottom of the device. According to an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a box 24 for housing the single-dose packs 15, comprised in a second compartment 23 located at the bottom of the device.

Alternatively, according to the present invention, said pressing piston of said single-dose packs is actuated by a lever or by a switch. In addition, according to the invention, said housing is equipped with a door. Figures 4a-4b, 5a-5c show respectively views of a first embodiment 26 and of a second embodiment 27 of the single-dose pack 15.

According to the first embodiment shown in figures 4a-4b, the single-dose pack 26 is shell shaped similarly to an half of a fruit.

According to the second embodiment shown in figures 5a-5c, the single-dose pack 27 is box shaped.

According to the invention, a method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, is described. The method comprises the steps of: concentrating a fruit juice;

vacuum packaging the concentrated juice in single-dose packs;

transporting, distributing and storing the single-dose packs;

opening and emptying one or more single-dose packs diluting the concentrated juice therein comprised with corresponding doses of water;

administrating the diluted juice.

More in details, the method comprises the steps of:

inserting the single-dose pack 15 into the housing 16 of the device;

releasing a blade or tip, not shown in the figures, able to contact the lower part of the single-dose pack 15 and to cause its opening and, consequently, the exit of the concentrated fruit juice comprised in it;

activating the piston 17 to pressing and emptying the single-dose pack 15;

laterally pushing the empty single-dose pack 15 to let it falls in the conduct 28 and then in the collection tray 22;

activating the pump 12 drawing the water from the water tank 11, refrigerating the water and pumping it to the dilution and mixing tank 14.

According to an aspect of the invention, the step of releasing a blade or tip comprises crushing the lever 18 or pressing a switch, not shown in the figures. According to another aspect of the invention, the step of activating the piston 17 comprises crushing the lever 18 or pressing a switch.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of activating the pump 12 comprises actuating the lever 18 or the switch.

Advantageously according to the invention, the mixing operation that occurs in the dilution and mixing tank 14 is made using water quantities able to ensure the restoration of water concentration of the original fruit juice and allows to obtain a completely natural, fresh and free of preservatives fruit juice.

Advantageously according to the invention, the method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus juice, uses concentrated, more in particular dehydrated, fruit juice to be diluted with water at the time of administration. Advantageously according to the invention, the suitable doses of water for dilution of the concentrated juice are previously cooled.

The device and the method for administrating fruit juice, in particular citrus fruit juice, according to the invention allow to obtain a final product completely free of preservatives and to maintain all its organoleptic characteristics.

Another advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the possibility to obtaining the fruit juices, and in particular citrus juice, in every moment and very easily.

Another advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the possibility to enjoy a natural beverage in public places and at home as well.

Moreover, device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention allow to expand the market of citrus fruits, and in particular the Sicilian blood oranges.

Another important advantage of the device and the method for administrating fruit juice according to the invention consists in the easy, high volume and low cost transportation.

In addition, the device according to the invention can be manufactured and maintained with reduced costs.

At the end, the device and the method for administrating the fruit juice according to the invention is simple, safe and reliable. It should be clear that other modifications and embodiments carried out to the described device can be done falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.