Beverage dispenser

Abstract

Apparatus are disclosed for a small group to drink a beverage, such as an alcoholic beverage. A container preferably made of glass or ceramic material holds the beverage and includes at least one aperture. A plurality of flexible hoses are provided, each hose of sufficient length for installation extending through the aperture so that a proximal end of each hose is located inside the container to access the beverage and a distal end of each hose is located outside the container for a corresponding use to drink from the container by applying suction. A preferred embodiment also includes a shot pump on the hose to dispense a predetermined volume of the beverage to the user in response to a squeeze and release action.

1 . An apparatus for consuming a beverage, the apparatus comprising: 
 a container having an aperture;    a plurality of hoses for installation extending through the aperture so that a proximal end of each hose is located inside the container and a distal end of each hose is located outside the container; and    a stopper sized for fitting engagement in the aperture;    the stopper including a plurality of hose apertures each sized for receiving a respective hose extending through the hose aperture.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  and further comprising a mouthpiece arranged for fitting engagement with one of the hoses at the distal end of the hose.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the mouthpiece fits snugly over the distal end of the hose.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the mouthpiece fits snugly into the distal end of the hose.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  and further comprising a mouthpiece arranged for fitting engagement with one of the hoses at the distal end of the hose; the mouthpiece including an internal check valve to prevent backflow of fluid from the mouthpiece toward the proximal end of the hose.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus for consuming a beverage, the apparatus comprising: 
 a container having an aperture;    a plurality of flexible hoses, each of sufficient length for installation extending through the aperture so that a proximal end of each hose is located inside the container and a distal end of each hose is located outside the container;    each hose including an internal check valve to prevent backflow of fluid from the distal end toward the proximal end of the hose;    a stopper sized for fitting engagement in the aperture; and    the stopper including a plurality of hose apertures each sized for receiving a respective hose extending therethrough in fitting engagement in the hose aperture.    
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 6  and further comprising a mouthpiece arranged for connection to one of the hoses at the distal end of the hose.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the mouthpiece is removable.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the mouthpiece is formed of a polymeric material.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece check valve to prevent backflow of fluid from a user's mouth into the hose.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the hose includes a pump located along the hose between the internal check valve and the mouthpiece.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the stopper further includes a smooth, hollow, rigid liner disposed in the hose aperture to facilitate movement of the hose through the aperture.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the stopper is made of cork.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the liner is made of plastic.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the pump is sized to deliver a shot of beverage.  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the container is a glass bottle.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the container emulates a hookah vase.  
   
   
       18 . A method of dispensing a potable liquid to a plurality of users comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining a container having a selected liquid therein and having an aperture for accessing the interior volume of the container;    determining a selected number of users;    selecting a stopper that is sized for engagement in the aperture and that has a number of hose apertures through it equal to or less than the number of users;    for each hose aperture in the stopper, installing a flexible hose extending through the hose aperture; and then    installing the stopper in fitting engagement in the aperture in the container, so that each hose has a proximate end extending into the liquid in the container and a distal end outside the container.    
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the container is a glass bottle.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the container emulates a hookah vase.  
   
   
       21 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein installing a hose comprises connecting a proximal part of the hose to a proximal side of the stopper and connecting a distal part of the hose to a distal side of the stopper, so that the hose aperture provides communication between the proximal and distal parts of the hose.  
   
   
       22 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein a least one of the hoses includes a pump.  
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 18  and further comprising delivering the container to the users for them to drink the liquid from the container through the hoses.  
   
   
       24 . An apparatus to facilitate small group consumption of a beverage comprising: 
 a stopper for engagement in a mouth of a bottle containing a beverage;    the stopper including a plurality of hose apertures extending through the stopper;    a plurality of hoses each sized to fit through one of the hose apertures; and    a plurality of mouthpieces each connectable to an end of one of the hoses substantially without leakage; wherein    at least one of the hoses or at least one of the mouthpieces includes a check valve to permit fluid flow in only one direction.    
   
   
       25 . An apparatus according to  claim 24  and further comprising a pump for dispensing a predetermined volume of beverage through a hose.  
   
   
       26 . An apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the pump is disposed along one of the hoses so that fluid flowing through the hose will also flow through the pump.  
   
   
       27 . An apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the hoses are made substantially of rubber.  
   
   
       28 . An apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the stopper is made substantially of cork.  
   
   
       29 . An apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the hose apertures each includes a rigid, smooth, hollow liner to facilitate insertion of one of the hoses.  
   
   
       30 . An apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the pump includes a check valve.