Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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l THIS INV~NTION relates to a an improved dispenser closure
and apparatus for filling containers fitted with the clo-
sure.
The object of the invention is to provide a dispenser clo-
sure which is particularly useful for dispensing the con-
tents of a bag-in-box type package which is widely used
for packaging of wine and fruit juices and which is simple
in construction and operation, self closing and substan-
tially free of external retention or after-drip.
Thus in one form the invention resides in a dispenser
closure comprising a spout a valve seat located within the
spout a valve member projecting from one face of a sub-
stantially concave diaphragm so that the diaphragm urges
the valve member into closing contact with the valve seat
and a pull tab projecting from the other face of the
diaphragm to enable the valve member to be withdrawn from
the seat.
Another object of the invention is to provide a closure
which is suitable for use with "bag-in-box" type con-
tainers filled with carbonated beverages such as aerated
waters or beer.
Thus in another form the invention resides in a dispenser
closure comprising a spout, a valve seat located within
the spout, a substantially concave diaphraqm having a
tubular extension projecting towards the valve seat, said
extension being capable of being rolled back on itself
when a force is applied in a direction away from the valve
seat, a valve member on one end of a rod connected to and
passing through the tubular extension so that the diaph-
ragm and extension urge the valve member into the seating
position on the valve seat and a pull tab on the other end
of the rod.
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1 The invention will be better understood by reference to
the following description of the embodiments shown in the
accompanying drawings wherein:-
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a first embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the first embodi-
ment;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of
Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is plan view of ~he valve body or spout;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of
Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation corresponding to Fig.
2 showing how the complete unit can be moulded as a
single unit;
Fig. 7 is a plan ~iew of the embodiment shown in Fig.
6;
Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation showing a further
embodiment of the tap in the closed position,
Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation of the valve member
of Fig. 8 and its associated components;
Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation of a filling head
suitable for filling containers fitted with closures
constructed in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 11 is an elevation of a further development
applicable to most bag-in-box type dispenser clo-
sures;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 11;
and
Fig. 13 is a section on line A-A of Fig. 12.
The embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive the spout
11 is moulded ~rom a suitable plastic material and is pro-
vided with a substan~ially rectangular passage 12 which
merges with a circular portion 13 having a downwardly
projecting skirt 14. The inner end of the spout is provi
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1 ded with flanges 15 and 16 located at substantially right
angles to each other to which the walls 17 of the plastic
bag of the bag-in-box type package is secured by welding
or other sui~able means. The spout is also provided with
recesses 18 into which the cardboard component is secured
as in the usual manner. sy providing the flanges 15 and
16 at right angles to each other it is possible to locate
the spout at ~he bottom of the bag and so ensure substan-
tial emptying of all of the contents of the bag. Also by
increasing the length of the downwardly projecting flange
19 it is possible to provide a flange or barrier which can
be pushed against the edge of a table or shelf during the
operation of the valve. As shown in Fig. 4 of the draw-
ings the downwardly projecting skirt 14 is provided with
series of inwardly directed vanes 20 the inner edges of
which are chamfered as shown in reference 21 in Fig. 5.
These vanes serve to control the turbulence of the liquid
flowing through the skirt 14 and also the inner edges act
as guides with minimal clearance on the valve member as
hereinafter descrihed. The valve member 22 is substan-
tially cylindrical and is provided with a conical end 23
and preferably with the junction between the conical
portion and the cylindrical wall of the valve member being
provided with a sealing ring 24 as shown in Fig. 3 which
acts similarly to an 0-ring type seal. The valve member
is moulded in~egral with a hemispherical diaphragm 25
which is provided with a peripheral flange 26 which seats
on the upper end of the circular portion 13 of the spout
and may be welded or otherwise secured in position. The
thickness of the diaphragm increases towards the outer
periphery thereof. The face of the diaphragm opposite to
the downwardly projecting valve member 22 is provided with
a pull tab 27. The valve member 22 seats on a valve seat
28 formed within the skirt 14 being urged into the closed
position by the downwardly projecting hemispherical diaph
ragm 25.
1 It is possible to mould the complete unit as a single unit
as is shown in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings. The diaph-
ragm 25 wi~h the valve member 22 and pull tab 21 integral
therewith i5 connected to the upper edge of the circular
portion 13 of the spout by a short bridge 2~ as is shown
in Figs 6 and / so that the complete unit can be formed as
a single moulding. It is a simple matter to rotate the
valve assembly to the assembled position by rotating it
through 180C as is best seen by reference to Fig. 6.
The dispenser closure of the present invention has several
characteristics which represent considerable advantages
over the closures at present in use. These characteris-
tics are:-
1. ZERO EXTERNAL FLUID DROP RETENTION
Although the closure has an internally located valve, the
end of the valve member 22 is formed to a cone 23 which
projects out through the valve opening or seat 28, acting
both to consolidate the fluid flow characteristics and to
drain of externally retained drops of fluid as the valve
is closed. The protruding valve end 23 is protected
against accidental mechanical opening of the valve by the
lower end of the skirt 14 which doubles as a spigot locat-
ing guide during the bag filling operation.
2. HEMISPHERICAL DIAPH~AGM
~5 ta) The Hemispherical Elastomeric diaphragm 25 is
easily deformed by mechanic pressure applied against
the point on its surface (via the operator's
'Pull-Tab') 27 allowing the valve member 22 to with-
draw and open the valve. ~he Hemispherical shape is
however, much more resistant to deformation due to
pressures applied simultaneousl~ over a wide area.
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1 The spigot presents a wide band of the diaphragm~s
convex surface to the internal pressures of the fluid
filled bag. In theory, there is of course a level of
internal fluid prcssure which will overcome the
geometric resistance of the diaphragm and cause it to
blow inside-out, however, at all pressures up to this
threshold value, the valve seal displays positive
~alve seal characteristics i.e., increases of inter-
nal fluid pressure act via the spherical diaphragm to
incxease the pressure of the valve against its seat -
hence the "Positive Seal~' effect.
(b) SELF CLOSING
The valve is self closing due to the elastomeric
memory of the diaphragm.
(c) DIFFERENTIAL OPERATING PRESSURE FEATURE
The Pull~Tab 27 allows point pressure to be applied
to easily deform the diaphragm and open the valve.
In addition, a differential operating pressure cha-
racteristic has been achieved by varying the thick-
ness of the diaphragm wall, the thickness increasing
fro~ the area through which the pull-tab acts, toward
the upper edge of the diaphragm. As the pull-tab is
operated, defor~ation of the diaphragm is confined to
the area adjoining the pull-tah, at the thin area of
the tapered diaphragm wall, offering minimal opposi
tion to the operator. As the pull-tab is lifted
further, the deformation spreads into the upper walls
which are thicker and offer more opposition. The
pull-tab operation is thus differentially sensitive
in relation to the degree of ~alve-opening to ena~le
the rate oE flow to be varied as required.
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1 (d) PARKING T~IE VALVE IN T}IE OPEN POSITION
-
The construction of the valve allows the valve member
22 to be fi~ed in a 'har.ds off' fully open position.
When the pull-tab 27 is withdrawn toward the llpper
limit of its operating distance, the valve member
fixed to the other side of the diaphragm can be lain
across the valve guide vanes 20 to 'lock-up' the
valve action and resist reformation of the diaphragm.
The valve is thus 'parked' in the open position,
where it will stay until mechanically reset.
3. CONCENTRATION AND DIRECTION OF FLWID_FLOW
Three unique design features have been incorporated which
have vastly improved the fluid flow characteristics of the
closure in comparison ~o designs currently available. The
combined result of these features is a clean vertical
stream whose direction is fixed and predictable; it resem-
bles a glass rod through the full flow range. The design
features which have enabled these advances are:-
(a~ Turbulence Control Vanes
Eight vertical vanes 20 with chamfered edges are
spaced evenly around the valve chamber to prevent the
liquid from swirling and exiting the chamber in a
flaring, broken flow. The vanes straighten the
flowing liquid and distribute it evenly and in con-
trolled volume across the valve seat from all direc-
tions, thus presenting the liquid to the flow concen-
trator in a prestabilised mass.
_ .. , . , , , , , . , . , . . .. . .... . . .. .. . . _ _ . _ _ _
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l ~b) Valve Core Guides
In order to maintain symmetrical flow to the flow
concen~rator it is essential to stabilise the rising
valve core during operationO This is done by using
the inner edges 21 of the eight turbulence control
vanes as guides with minimal clearance. The van~s
therefore fulfill a dual function.
(c~ Flow Concentrator
The conical tip 23 of the valve core, projecting
downward through the valve opening, acts to concen-
trate the pre-stabilised fluid mass into a smooth
stream (resembling a vertical glass rod) as it leaves
the valve opening.
4~ 90 DEGREE BAG MOUNTING Fl.ANGE
A serious disadvantage with the bag-in-box packaging has
been the difficulty in obtaining the last 12% (approx.) of
content due to circular bag mounting flanges which raises
the lowest exit level to 25 mm. in most cases. ~nless the
user tilted the cask or removed the spigot this 12~ of
content was thrown out with the cask when normal flow
stopped~ By providing a rectangular bag flanges 15 and 16
which are located at 90 degrees to each other so that the
spigot lies snugly on the bottom of the box, and the
drainage level is lowered to 2 mm.
5. TABLE OR SHEI.F LOCATION FLANGE
~s a bonus feature the lower box location flange 19 on the
spigot trunk extends downward to project below the bottom
of the cask so as to prevent lt sliding back across the
shelf. The ~ox is thus fixed at the optimum position for
l the pouring operation. The ~lange is sturdy enough to
support the full cask if stood back on the shelf.
6. RECTANGULAR SPIGOT TRUNK
Round spigot trunks in general have a di.sadvantage in the
lack of positive orientation of the pouring spout to the
box. In many cases, round spigot trunks allow the spigot
to rotate in the spigot opening, resisting all efforts to
twist them to an upright position. This misalignment may
occur at either of two stages in the production operation:
disorientated placement of the spigot on the bag, or mis-
aligned bag placement in ~he box at the filling station.
The closure of the present invention eliminates this pro-
blem by having a rectangular trunk section. Box locating
flanges on the trunk are rectangular and the box slot 18
(also rectangular~ locates the spigot accurately in rela-
tion to the box. The cask tapping operation is made more
effective through this positive locking feature.
7. SPOUT COLLAR/FILLING-G~IDE RING
The lower end of the skirt 14 functions to:
(a) Protect the protruding end 23 of the valve mem-
ber against accidental mechanical pressures which
might open the valve
(b) to act as a guide support for the receptable
being filled
(c) to act as a guide ring for accurate filling and
location during through-valve filling operations.
8. THROUGH-VALVE FILLING CAPABILITY
Contempory bag-in-box filling operations employ a system
in which the spigot and bag, fitted together at the point
,, _ .. _ ... _, _ _ .. . .. .. . ...... .. . ... . . .. .. ....
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1 Of manufacture, are shipped to the ~illing location, where
tlle spigot must be removed from the bay for the filling
operation, and refitted upon completion. These procedures
contribute to:
(a) a greater risk of contamination of l~oth the bag
and the spigot
(b) of misalignment of the spigot in relation to the
bag upon replacement after filling, with great loss
of consumer appeal
(c) a grea~er complexity of filling machine mechani-
cals
(d) a requirement for high skill level filling head
operators
(e) a labor intensive filling operation.
The closure of the present invention is designed for
through valve filling to obviate the problems attendant
upon removal of the spigot during the filling operation.
Either mechanical pressure or the pressure of the filling
fluid operates against the conical valve member to open
the valve. When the filling ~low ceases, the self-closing
action of the valve comes into play.
9. SINGLE PIECE MOULDING CAPABILITY
The closure of the present invention is unique in that it
is capable of being moulded as one piece as has been
explained with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings
the spout 211 is moulded ~rom a suitable plastic material
and is constructed in a similar manner to the spout des-
c~ibed above and shown in Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings in
that it is provided with a substantially rectangular pass-
age 212 which merges with a circular portion 213 having a
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l downwardly projecting skirt 214. The inner end of the
spout is provided with a circular flange 215 to which the
walls (not shown) of the plastic bag of the bag-in-box
type package is secured by welding or other suitable
means. As is described above in relation to the first
embodiment a transverse hinge 216 is formed in the flange
215 just below the lowermost portion of the passage 212.
The spout is provided with recesses 217 into which the
cardboard component of the package is fitted in the usual
way. The hinqe 16 permits the bottom portion of the
flange 21S to be folded at right angles thus enabling the
spout to be located at the botkom of the bag. By increas-
ing the length of the downwardly projecting flange 18 it
is possible to provide a flange or barrier which can be
pushed against the edge of a table or shelf during opera-
tion of the valve.
The downwardly projecting skirt 214 is provided with
series of inwardly directed vanes 219 the inner edges of
which are chamfered. These vanes serve to control the
turbulence of the liquid flowing through the skirt 214 and
also the inner edges act as guides with minimal clearance
on the valve member as hereinafter described.
The ~alve member assembly comprises a rod 22 having a
valve member 223 which is of a substantially arrow head
cross-section, formed on its lower end and having a
pull-tab 224 on its uppr end. Intermediate its ends the
rod is provided with an integrally moulded hemispherical
diaphragm 225 which is provided with a peripheral flange
226 which seats on the upper end of the circular portion
213 of the spout and may be welded or otherwise secured in
position. The pole portion of the diaphragm merges with a
tubular extension 226 which is welded or moulded integral
with the rod 222. The tubular extension is formed so that
it can be rolled back on itself and in the assembled
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l position i~ partially rolled back on itself as indicated
by reference 227 in Fi~. 9. The tubular extension is so
dimensioned that it sits neatly within the vanes 219. The
diaphragm 225 is reinforced by a similarly shaped metal
member 22~ the outer periphery of which overlies the
flange 226 and the inner portion of which is shaped to
provide a bearing for the rod 222. The valve member 223
seats on a valve seat 2~9 formed within the skirt 214.
The valve member is urged into the seating position by the
action of the diaphragm 25 and the tubular extension 226.
The reinforcing ~ember 28 prevents the diaphragm distort-
ing under the action of the pressure generated by the
contents of the container. The pressure acting on the
upper portion of the tubular extension acts equally around
the upper ~ortion.
An upward pulling action on the pull tab ~24 lifts the
valve member 223 off the seat 229 and the tubular exten-
sion rolls back on itself allowing liquid to pass through
the skirt 214.
A filling head suitable ~or filling containers fitted with
the closure of the present invention is shown in Fig. 10
of the drawings. The head comprises a body 401 having a
pair of slo',s 401a on either side to enable the body to be
mounted in an inclined position. An operating rod 402 is
slidably mounted in a longitudinal tubular passage 403 in
the body. The operation o~ a rod is controlled by a pair
of solenoids 404 and 405. The lower end of the body is
provided with a mouth 406 adapted to receive the skirt 407
of the dispenser closure 408 shown in broken lines in Fig.
10. The passage 403 connects to the mouth and is provided
with a delivery inlet 409. The lower end of the rod is
provided with an inverted conical member 414 which in the
closed position seats on a seat 415 at the end of the
tubular passage. A piston 416 on the rod seals the upper
l portion of the tuhular passage. ~ suction line connection
410 is connected to the mouth through a small passage ~11.
When the container (not shown) fitted with the closure is
presented to the mouth the flange 412 of t'ne closure bears
against the lower end of a rod 413 slidably mounted on the
side of the body. The upper end of the ro~ 413 hears
against a micro switch (not shown) so that the switch is
activated.
The operation of the micro switch activates a valve in the
suction line so that the closure is drawn onto and held to
the mouth of the filling head. At -the same time one of
the solenoids operates to push the rod 402 downwardly to
displace the valve 41~ off its seat. The conical member
414 mates with the conical end of the closure valve member
and acts as a buffer to prevent the force of the incoming
liquid pushing the closure valve member to invert the dia-
phragm. The piston 416 prevents the liquid flowing into
the upper portion of the tubular passage. Liquid can then
flow through the inlet 409 and the lower end of the pass-
age 403 through the open valve into the container. I~hen
the container has been filled a sensing device is actuated
and the valve in the suction line closure and the other
solenoid operates to withdraw the rod and the valve
closes. The filled container drops away from the filling
head and may be replaced by a fresh container to be
filled.
The filling head is so constructed that substantially no
air comes into contact with the liquid during the filling
o~eration and air cannot enter either filling head or the
container during the filling operation thus eliminating
the need for purging the container with nitrogln or other
inert gas.
1 ~s discussed above in connection with the first embodiment
a serious disadvantage with most of the bag-in-box packag-
ing has been the difficulty in dispensing the last 12%
(approximately) of the contents of the bag due to the
circular bag mounting flange which raises the exit level
to 25 mm abvve the bottom in most cases. Unless the user
tilts the package or removes the spigot from the spout
this 12% o the cont~nts is thrown out with the cask when
normal flow ceases. It has been found that by providing a
transverse hinge in the mounting flange below the level of
the exit spout it is possible to provide a closure in
which almost the entire contents of the bag can be dis-
pensed in the normal manner.
Thus in another form tlle invention resides in a dispenser
closure of the bag-in-box type having a bag mounting
flange adapted to be welded to the bag characterised in
that said flange is provided with a transverse hinge loca-
ted below the level of the exit spout so that the lower
portion of the flange can be folded to an angle of app-
roximately 90 to the upper part of the flange.
The dispensing valve fitted to the closure may be of any
desired design.
This aspect of the invention will now be described with
reference to the specific embodime~nt shown in Figs. 11, 12
and 13 of the drawings.
As shown in Figs. lt, 12 and 13 of the drawings the clo-
sure if provided Witll a circular bag mounting flange 511
from which a spout 512 projects. The body is provided
wit~ a passage 5l3 which merges with a circular valve
housing portion 514 having a downwardly projecting skirt
415. The valve is constructed substantially as is descri-
bed above with reference to Figs. l to 5 of the drawings.
1 In ac(ordance with the invention a transverse hinge 516 is
~orlned in the flange 511 just bclow the lowermost portion
of the passage 513. The spout is provided with recesses
517 into which the cardboard component of the package is
fitted in the usual way. The hinge 516 permits the bottom
portion of the flange to be folded to the position shown
in broken lines in Fig. 13 of the drawings thus enabliny
the spout to be ]ocated at the bottom of the bag. By
increasing the length of the downwardly projecting flange
518 it is possible to provide a flange or barrier which
can be pushed against the edge of a table or shelf during
operation of the valve.
Whilst the invention has been described with particular
reference to the use of a particular type of valve it will
be understood that the hinged bag mounted flange may be
used with any o~her type of dispensing valve.
