Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/035318
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Title: Bag in container and adapter for connecting a bag in
container to
a tapping device.
The invention relates to a bag-in-container. The invention especially
relates to a blow moulded bag-in-container.
Bag-in-containers are well known in the art and comprise a flexible
inner container or bag, contained in a more rigid outer container. Generally
these bag-in-containers comprise at least one provision suitable for
introducing a gas under pressure between the adjacent walls of the bag and
the container, such that the bag can be compressed inside the container for
dispensing the contents of the bag. These bag-in-containers can be
assembled from a relatively rigid outer container and a flexible inner
container which is inserted into the outer container, or can be made
integrally, for example by integral blow moulding from a multi layered
preform or preform assembly, which may also be referred to as parison.
An example of an integrally blow moulded bag-in-container is used
by Heineken, NL, in their Brewlock and Blade systems and e.g. in WO
W02014/017908 and WO W02018/009065. These BiC's are integrally blow
moulded from a preform assembly, comprising an injection moulded inner
preform, inserted into an injection moulded outer preform, which are
connected to each other at their neck regions by a closure ring which is spin
welded to both preforms. The closure ring closes off a space between the
inner and outer preforms. The outer preform is provided, in a peripheral
wall of the neck portion, with an inlet opening which connects to said space
between the inner and outer preforms, for introducing a pressurized gas,
especially air, into said space, after the BiC has been blow moulded. The
closure ring further comprises a dispense opening, in which a closure can be
provided, which dispense opening provides access into the inner volume of
the inner container.
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Although these BiC's are very practical during use, the preform
assemblies therefore are relatively complex in construction and
manufacturing, due to for example the required precision of the dimensions
of the individual preforms and of the closure ring, and the spin welding
process for mounting the closure ring to the preforms. This also limits the
freedom of choice for colouring the preforms and thus of the BiC's, as well as
the choice of materials.
Another example of an integrally blow moulded Bag-in-container is
used by ABInbev, BE, for example in their Nova system. This BiC is
integrally blow moulded from a preform assembly, comprising a transparent
inner preform fitted into a coloured outer preform. The preforms are not
interconnected. The outer preform has a neck region formed primarily by a
closed peripheral wall, which extends around a neck region of the inner
preform, again formed primarily by a closed peripheral wall. Between said
two peripheral walls a space is provided. After blow moulding the inner bag
is locked inside the outer container by shape retention. A lid is mounted to
the BiC after filling the bag with the fluid to be dispensed. The lid closes
off
the space between the containers and comprises a central first channel,
opening into the inner volume of the bag, and a second channel, extending
parallel to the first channel and opening into said space between the
containers. Furthermore a connector is provided, which can be releasably
connected to the lid. The connector comprises a first needle for introduction
into the first channel, and a second needle for introduction into the second
channel. An at least partly flexible dispense line is connected to the
connector, in fluid communication with the first needle, for dispensing liquid
from the bag. Furthermore a second flexible line is connected to the
connector, in fluid communication with the second needle, for introducing
pressurized air into the space between the bag and the container.
This container has the disadvantage that the flexible second line has
to be connected to the connector each time a BiC is changed, whereas the
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connection can be lost, for example the second line can be blown off the
connector by the pressurized air. Moreover, the flexible second line can
become blocked, for example when it is folded or when squeezed, for
example when positioning the BiC or by closing a door of the appliance used
with the BiC or by an external element.
An aim of the disclosure is to provide an alternative bag-in-
container. An aim is to provide a bag-in-container with which at least some
of the disadvantages of the prior art BiC's as discussed are reduced or
mitigated.
At least one or more of the aims and goals of the present disclosure
can be achieved by a bag-in-container, comprising a bag inside a container,
the bag being compressible upon introduction of a gas under pressure into
an interface space between the bag and the container. The bag has a first
neck and the container has a second neck, the second neck extending around
the first neck, wherein at least one passage is provided between the first
and the second neck, providing access for said gas under pressure into said
interface space. The first and second neck both have a closed peripheral
wall, wherein a lid is mounted onto the bag-in-container, said lid comprising
a first seal sealing against the bag and a second seal sealing against the
container. The lid further comprises a first channel, during use fluidly
connecting to an inner space of the bag and a second channel, during use
fluiclly connecting to said at least one passage. A connector is provided,
connected to or connectable to the bag-in-container, wherein the connector
has a first connecting element fitting onto and/or into the first channel and
an at least partly flexible dispensing line fluidly connected to or
connectable
to the first connecting element for dispensing beverage from the bag.
With a bag-in-container according to the present disclosure the inner
bag and outer container can be made easily by injection moulding the
preform or preform assembly and then blow moulding the preform or
preform assembly integrally. No complex mechanisms have to be built into
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the injection mould or moulds for the preform or preform assembly.
Furthermore a lid can be used which can be mounted to the bag-in-container
for example after filling, providing for a closing of the inner space for the
beverage and the interfacial space between the inner bag and the outer
container.
According to an aspect of the disclosure the lid comprises a channel
part, extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the
inlet opening lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the container. The said plane is preferably spaced
radially outward from the peripheral wall of the second neck.
By providing an inlet opening to the channel part in a side surface of
the lid, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis
of
the container, gas can be inserted into the container in a substantially axial
direction of the lid, but be inserted into the interfacial space in a
substantially longitudinal direction. The lid can easily be made, for example
by 2K injection moulding, integrating any seals, for example for sealing off
against the container. The channel part can be made for example by an
insert in the mould.
According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure the connector
comprises a channel part, extending from a second connecting element to an
inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane extending
substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axis. The said
plane is preferably spaced radially outward from the peripheral wall of the
second neck, wherein the second connecting element during use connects to
the second channel of the lid.
By providing an inlet opening to the channel part in a side surface of
the connector, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the container, gas can be inserted into the container in a
substantially axial direction of the connector, but be inserted into the
interfacial space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The lid can still
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easily be made, for example by 2K injection moulding, integrating any seals,
for example for sealing off against the container. The first and second
channel can in embodiments extend substantially parallel to each other.
Similarly the first and second connecting elements can have longitudinal
5 axis extending substantially parallel to each other, such that they can
easily
be inserted into and/or over and/or against the first and second channel.
Preferably the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the
second channel has a second longitudinal axis, the first and second
longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to each other and/or to the
longitudinal axis of the container. Such configuration in the lid makes
injection moulding even easier.
In a further aspect a second opening is provided in the lid or
connector, diametrically opposite to the inlet opening, positioned in a plane
extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container,
wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening
through the lid, through the connector and/or through the container.
Preferably the second opening is spaced racially outward from the
peripheral wall of the second neck, and even more preferably over the same
distance as the inlet opening.
Providing a second opening allows for example for a further source of
pressurized gas or a pressure sensor or other sensor to be connected to the
container. By providing said second opening directly opposite the first or
inlet opening makes it even more practical since this allows for a
symmetrical configuration of the lid or connector, such that two positions
can be allowed for positioning the container in a pressurizing device or
connecting a pressurizing device to the lid or connector.
In a further elaboration between the lid and the connector a gas
space is enclosed, during use connecting to the inlet opening and the second
channel. The gas space can pass gas between the inlet opening and the
second channel. The gas space can moreover fluidly connect the first
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opening with a second opening, if provided for. Furthermore a gas space can
provide for a buffer for gas.
In further elaboration the second connecting element can comprise
or is formed by a piercing element for piercing into the second channel,
which piercing element at least comprises one groove for allowing gas to
pass into and/or out of said second channel from or into said gas space.
Moreover such connecting element may be easy to manufacture and can
easily be sued for piercing any seal, if provided in or for the second
channel.
In an aspect the passage between the first and second neck
comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral
walls of the first and second neck, extending into the bag-in-container from
the level of a free longitudinal edge of the first neck. Preferably when the
lid
has been mounted onto the container a first seal of the lid seals against the
said free edge of the first neck, that is the neck of the bag, whereas a
second
seal of the lid can seal against the inside of the second neck, of the outer
container, above said free longitudinal edge of the first neck.
The disclosure is further directed to a connector for connecting to a
lid of a bag in container, especially to a bag in container of this
disclosure.
Said connector comprises first and second connecting elements having
parallel longitudinal axis, extending from a first surface, and two openings
diametrically opposite each other in connecting surfaces extending
substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the first
and second connecting elements.
In order to further elucidate the present invention, embodiments
thereof shall be disclosed and discussed hereafter, with reference to the
drawings. Therein shows:
Fig. 1 schematically in longitudinal cross section a preform assembly
for integrally blow moulding a bag-in-container;
Fig. 2 schematically, partly in longitudinal cross section, a blow
moulded bag-in-container;
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Fig. 3 schematically in longitudinal cross section a lid for a container
of the disclosure, mounted to the neck of a container, for example according
to fig. 2;
Fig. 4A and B schematically in perspective view in cross section and
in cross sectional side view, an upper part of a bag-in-container, with a lid
in
a second embodiment, mounted to it, wherein a connector is mounted to the
bag-in-container, over the lid;
Fig. 5 schematically in longitudinal cross section part of a
dispensing device with a part of a bag-in-container according to fig. 4
positioned therein;
Fig. 6 and 6A schematically a further alternative embodiment of an
adapter according to the disclosure, in front view and in cross sectional side
view along the line 6A ¨ 6A in fig. 6.
Fig. 7 schematically in cross sectional view an alternative adapter;
Fig. 8 schematically in cross sectional view an alternative lid; and
Fig. 9 schematically an alternative embodiment of a part of a
dispensing device with a container of the disclosure.
In this description embodiments are shown and disclosed of the
invention, by way of example only. These should by no means be interpreted
or understood as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. In
this description the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or
similar reference signs. In this description embodiments of the present
invention shall be discussed with reference to carbonated beverages,
especially beer. However, other beverages could also be used in the present
invention, such as but not limited to coffee, especially cold brew coffee,
cider,
wine, juice and the like.
In this description references to above and below, top and bottom
and the like shall be considered, unless specifically stipulated differently,
to
a normal orientation of a dispensing unit. The rear of the dispensing unit
shall be referred to as the side at which a tap handle or the like is provided
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for operating the system, especially for operating for dispensing beverage
contained in a container provided in and/or on the unit. The container can
have a bottom part and a neck region which may, during use within the
assembly, be facing substantially downward. This is for example shown in
the drawings, especially fig. 5, wherein a container is shown with a neck
portion facing downward. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in
which a tapping device of the present disclosure or parts thereof have to be
used. For the container a normal position may be with a bottom portion
facing down, a neck portion facing up, or having a longitudinal axis at an
angle relative to a vertical line, for example extending substantially
horizontally.
In this description a BIC type or bag-in-container type container
has to be understood as meaning at least a container comprising an outer
container and an inner bag, wherein the inner bag is designed to hold a
beverage and is more flexible or compressible than the outer container. The
outer container can for example be a bottle shaped container with a neck
and a body, whereas the bag also has a neck. The inner bag and/or outer
container can be made of mono materials or blends, can be made entirely or
partly by injection moulding and/or blow moulding, rotation moulding or the
like. Preferably a bag-in-container according to the invention is made by
integrally blow moulding. In embodiments the bag-in-container can be made
by inserting at least one preform into another preform and then blow
moulding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In
embodiments the bag-in-container can be made by over-moulding at least
one preform forming a multi layered preform and then blow moulding them
together into a bag-in-container type container. In embodiments a bag can
be suspended inside an outer container, after forming the outer container
and the bag separately, at least in part.
In this description a tapping assembly can comprise a housing
holding a cooling device and a pressure device for supplying pressurized gas,
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such as air, to a container. The system can further comprise a lid, preferably
an at least partly transparent lid, fitting over the container when properly
placed in the housing. The lid can provide visibility of the container within
the dispensing device comprising the housing and the lid, such that for
example the filling level can be ascertained and branding of the container is
visible from the outside. Transparent should be understood in this context
as being sufficiently clear to allow viewing and inspection of the container
through the lid, preferably undisturbed by for example coloring or hazing of
the lid over at least a substantial part of the lid, for example more than 50%
of its surface area and/or from at least two opposite sides and/or over at
least part of the lids' height over 360 degrees, i.e. from all sides.
Providing
visibility of the container and, especially at least branding thereof, can be
beneficial for allowing different brands to be used in the same system
without having to rebrand the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the
container and, especially at least branding thereof, can be beneficial for
outward appearances of the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the
container and, especially at least branding thereof, can be beneficial for
inspection of the container and/or it's contents.
In this description a dispensing assembly, which can also be
referred to as tapping assembly can be designed such that a container can
be placed in an "upside down" position on and/or into a housing of a
dispensing unit, such that at least part of the container, especially at least
part of a shoulder part of the container is introduced in a receptacle on the
housing, a neck portion comprising an outflow opening facing down.
Preferably a part of the container extending into said receptacle, especially
part of the shoulder portion, is close to or at least in part in contact with
a
wall of the receptacle, wherein the wall of the receptacle is cooled,
especially
actively cooled. In this description relatively close regarding a distance
between the wall of the receptacle and the relevant container part should be
understood as a distance small enough to allow efficient cooling of the said
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part of the container and its content. In such embodiment the advantage is
obtained that the content of the container will at least be in the area which
is cooled by the wall of the receptacle, even if the container is partly
empty,
which cooled content is close to and especially directly adjacent the outflow
5 opening. Thus control of the temperature of the beverage dispensed is
very
well possible, even if a part of the container extending outside the
receptacle
is not or less cooled. Such dispensing device is for example known as Blade
8 , marketed by Heineken, The Netherlands, and is for example described in
WO 2018/009065, WO 2018/212660 and WO 2018/212659.
10 Fig. 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross sectional view of a
preform 1 for a bag-in-container or BIC. In fig. 1 the preform is formed as a
preform assembly, comprising a first preform 2, injection moulded from a
plastic or plastic blend, such as for example PET or containing PET in a
blend. The first preform 2 is inserted into a second injection moulded
preform 3, which is also made from a plastic or plastic blend, which may be
the same as or different from the plastic of the first preform 2. Preferably
both the inner preform 2 and the outer preform 3 are made predominantly
of PET. As can be seen in fig. 1, both the first and the second preform 2, 3
have a body forming portion III and a neck 4, 5. The first neck 4 of the inner
preform is provided inside the second neck 5 of the second preform 3. During
blow moulding the necks 4, 5 are preferably not stretched and maintain
their form in the bag-in-container 6 blow moulded from the preform 1.
Fig. 2 schematically shows a bag-in-container 6, partly in cross
section, integrally blow moulded from a preform assembly 1 of fig. 1. The
BIC 6 comprises a bag 8 inside a container 10. The bag 8 is made from the
first or inner preform 2, the container 10 is made from the second or outer
preform 3. The bag 8 is compressible upon introduction of a gas under
pressure into a space 9 between the bag 8 and the container 10. Said space 9
can also be referred to as interfacial space 9. The bag 8 has a first neck 4
and the container 10 has a second neck 5, the second neck 5 extending
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around the first neck 4. At least one passage 11 is provided between the first
and the second neck 4, 5, providing access for gas under pressure into said
space 9. The first and second neck 4, 5 both have a closed peripheral wall. In
fig. 1 part of the necks 4, 5 with the passage 11 and the space 9 are shown at
an enlarged scale. The passage 11 preferably has a main direction of flow F
which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the
container
6. The space 9 can extend into the container 6, in a neck region I, shoulder
region II and/or body region III, in a known manner. In the container 6
directly after blow molding and/or filling of the container at least in the
shoulder region II and body region III the bag 8 can rest against the inner
wall of the container 10, such that the space 9 there is very much reduced,
but can be increased by said gas under pressure introduced therein,
pressurizing and dispensing the content of the container 6.
Fig. 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a lid 20 for closing the
container 6. The lid 20 is mounted onto the bag-in-container 6, said lid
comprising a first seal 22 sealing against the bag 8, especially against the
neck 4 of the bag 8, and a second seal 24 sealing against the container 10,
especially the neck 5 of the outer container 10. The lid 20 further comprising
a first channel 25, during use fluidly connecting to an inner space 26 of the
bag 8 and a second channel 28, during use fluidly connecting to said at least
one passage 11. The first channel 25 is provided with a flexible closure 29,
which closes off the channel 25. The closure 29 can for example be pierced as
will be discussed, or pushed aside, for allowing the content of the bag 8 to
be
dispensed. Alternatively the closure 29 could be or comprise a re-closable
valve. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3 the first channel 25 and second
channel 28 extend parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis X ¨ X of
the container 6. This can be advantageous in both molding of the lid 20 and
during use. The lid 20 can be formed from plastic, for example by injection
molding, preferably by 2K molding in which the seals 22, 24 can be injection
molded together with a base material of the lid 20. The seals could
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alternatively be made separately. As can be seen in fig. 3 the lid 20 can for
example be press fit onto the neck of the container 10, for example locked in
position by a groove 94 fitting over a tooth-rim 96. This prevents undesired
removal of the lid 20.
Fig. 4A and B schematically show a bag in container (BIG) 6, or at
least an upper part thereof, showing the neck region I and the shoulder
region II thereof, with a lid 20 as shown in fig. 3 mounted thereon. Over the
lid 20 a connector 30 is mounted, for connecting the container 6 with a
dispensing assembly 32 as for example partly shown in fig. 5. Such
dispensing device 32, which is only shown by way of example and should by
no means be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure, is known as
Blade 0, owned and marketed by Heineken, The Netherlands.
The connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 fitting onto
and/or into the first channel 25 of the lid 20 and an at least partly flexible
dispensing line 36 fluidly connected to or connectable to the first connecting
element 34 for dispensing beverage from the bag 8 through the connector 30
and the dispensing line 36. In the embodiment shown the first connecting
element 34 is or comprises a tube, for example a needle, which can be
pushed into the first channel 25 opening the closure 29 for allowing liquid to
be dispensed from the volume 26 to the dispense tube 36. The closure 29
preferably is made of an elastomeric material which will close and seal
against the first connecting element 34 after having been opened, for
example pierced.
The connector 30 further comprises a second connecting element 38,
which can be pushed into the second channel 28. The second connecting
element 38 preferably has at least one groove 39 for allowing gas to pass
into and/or out of said second channel 28 from or into a gas space 42. In this
embodiment the second connecting element 38 is formed by a pin having a
cross section such as shown in enlarged scale in fig. 4B. In this embodiment
the pin has a cross shaped cross section, the channel 28 being circular in
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cross section. It will be clear that these can have various different cross
sections, as long as gas can flow passed through the second connecting
element 38 through the second channel 28 into the passage 11 to the space
9. The first and second connecting elements 34, 38 are preferably straight
and have a longitudinal axis Y which are parallel to each other, such that
they can be easily inserted into the first and second channel 25, 28
respectively. Between the lid 20 and the connector 30 a third seal 40 is
provided, such that a space 42 between the lid 20 and the connector 30 is
enclosed. The space 42 is in open communication with the second channel 28
and thus with the passage into the space 9 between the inner bag 8 and
outer container 10, when the connector 30 is properly mounted onto the
container 6. The second connecting element 38 during use thus connects to
the second channel 28 of the lid 20.
As can be seen in fig. 4A and B the connector 30 in this embodiment
comprises a first opening or inlet opening 44, opening into the space 42. The
space 42 forms a channel part extending from the second connecting
element 38 to the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 lies in a first plane
Pi extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the
container 6. A gas connector 50 of the dispensing device 32 can thus connect
to the inlet opening 44, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X, as will be discussed. The plane Pi preferably
is spaced racially outward from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5.
As can be seen in fig. 4A and B the connector 30 can be provided
with a retaining ring, for example a click ring 46 extending peripherally
around the lower side of the connector 30, with which the connector can be
locked to the container 6, by forcing the click ring 46 under an edge of a
flange 48 of the container 6.
In the embodiment of fig. 4A and B a second opening 52 is provided
in the connector 30, diametrically opposite to the inlet opening 44. The
second opening 52 is preferably positioned in a second plane P2 extending
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substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6, and to
the first plane Pi. The inlet opening 44 is in fluid communication with the
second opening 52 through the connector 30, especially through the space 42
enclosed thereby. A second connector 54 of the dispensing device 32 can
connect to said second opening 52, preferably in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X, as will be discussed. The
second plane P2 preferably is spaced radially outward from the peripheral
wall of the second neck 5. More preferably the first plane Pi and second
plane P2 are both spaced apart from said wall of the outer neck 5 over
substantially the same distance. In embodiments the connector can be
substantially symmetrical over a central plane parallel to the axis X ¨ X,
such that the container 6 can be placed in two positions in a dispensing
device 32, 100.
In embodiments a connecting surface 44A, 52A can be provided,
extending around the first or inlet opening 44 and/or the second opening 52
respectively. These surfaces 44A, 52A preferably lie in the planes Pi. P2
respectively, extending substantially parallel to the axis X ¨ X.
The second opening 52 can form an outlet opening and can be in
fluid connection with the inlet opening 44 and the second channel 28 or
second connecting element 38 through the space 42. Preferably the first
connecting surface 44A has a first center Ci and the second connecting
surface 52A has a second center C2, wherein the first and second center lie
on a straight line Ci ¨ C2 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X
¨ X of the bag-in-container.
The passage 11 in embodiments comprises at least a substantially
cylindrical space between the peripheral walls 4A, 5A of the first and second
neck 4, 5, extending into the bag-in-container 6 from the level of a free
longitudinal edge 4B of the first neck 4. This edge 4B preferably lies below
the edge 5B of the outer neck 5, such that the lid 20 extends at least partly
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into the outer neck 5 in order for the seal 22 to engage the neck 4. Thus the
container 6 with the lid 20 can have a relatively small axial length.
A bag in container 6 according to the disclosure can be an integrally
blow molded BIC, and can be made of a preform assembly as described, or of
5 a multi layered integral preform, as long as the bag formed from an inner
layer of combination of layers will release from the container formed from
the outer layer of combination of layers when introducing a gas under
pressure into the space 9 between the bag forming the inner layer and the
container forming the outer layer.
10 Fig. 5 schematically shows part of a container 6 of the disclosure
with a lid 20 and connector 30 mounted thereon. In this embodiment the lid
and connector 30 are similar to the embodiment of fig. 4A and B, wherein
the container 6 is placed in an upside down configuration in a dispensing
device 32. The bottom of the container 6 thus forms the upper most part of
15 the container in this position. The container 6 rests with its shoulder
region
II in a substantially bowl shaped receptacle 60 of the dispensing device 32,
wherein the neck region I extends into a recess 62 at a lower end of the
receptacle 60. Cooling channels 64 are provide in or extending around the
receptacle 60, for cooling the receptacle and hence cooling the container 6
20 and the liquid inside the container 6 by contact cooling. Since the
first
channel 25 through which the liquid is to be dispensed is at the lowest point
of the container 6 in this position, efficient cooling can be obtained.
As can be seen in fig. 5 the first or gas connector 50 and the second
connector 54 are provided in the dispensing device 32, on opposite sides of
the connector 30 and lid 20, whereas the dispensing line is at the lower end
of the container 6. The first or gas connector 50 is connected via a gas line
66 with a source 68 of pressurized gas, such as a compressor or a buffer tank
filled with compressed gas, such as air or CO2. The gas connector 50 in this
embodiment comprises a first nose 51 made of a pliable material such as
rubber or an elastomer, which can seal against the surface 44A around the
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inlet opening 44, for providing a gas tight connection. In the embodiment
shown the first nose 51 is biased towards the surface 44A by a spring 51A.
Hence gas under pressure can be introduced into the space 42 through the
first nose 51 and the inlet opening 44, from the source 68.
The first nose 51 can be supported by a first carrier 70,
schematically partly shown in fig_ 5 and known from the art, such as the
Blade . Heineken, The Netherlands, which carrier can move radially,
substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the
container 6, between the position as shown in fig. 5 and a retracted position,
in which the first nose 51 is moved away from the surface 44A. This allows
the connector 30 to pass easily into and out of the recess 62, passing the
first
nose 51.
Diametrically opposite the first nose 51 the second connector 54 is
provided, with a second nose 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a
gas line 72 with a sensor unit 74, for example comprising a pressure sensor
and/or a flow sensor. The second connector 54 in this embodiment comprises
a second nose 55, similar to the first nose 51, which can seal against the
surface 52A around the second opening 52, for providing a gas tight
connection. In the embodiment shown the second nose 55 is biased towards
the surface 52A by a spring 55A. Hence gas under pressure can be led to the
sensor unit 74.
The second nose 55 can be supported by a second carrier 76,
schematically partly shown in fig. 5 and known from the art, such as the
Blade . Heineken, The Netherlands, which second carrier 76 can move
radially, substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X
of the container 6, between the position as shown in fig. 5 and a retrieved
position, in which the second nose 55 is moved away from the surface 52A.
This allows the connector 30 to pass easily into and out of the recess 62,
passing the second nose 55.
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In preferred embodiments the first and second carrier can be moved
simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connecting position as
shown in fig. 5 and a released position in which the noses 51, 55 are moved
away from the surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in any suitable way,
for example electronically and/or mechanically.
Preferably the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit 75 of the
dispensing device. The control unit 75 can be set such that for example the
sensor unit 74 can sense whether a container 6 is indeed properly
introduced into the dispensing device 32. For example if no container 6 is
present in the dispensing device gas introduced through the first nose 51
will flow out of the dispensing device 32, which will mean that the sensor
unit 74 will sense no to very little change in pressure and/or flow. The
control unit can then switch off the pressure source 68, cooling and the like
and/or can be used to inform the user of the fact that no container has been
placed, or a container has been placed improperly or that other problems
may occur. Moreover the control unit can be set such that if the sensor unit
74 detects too high a pressure or flow, it can also switch off or modulate the
pressure source 68. The space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can
the space 9 in the container 6.
Fig. 6 and 6A show an alternative embodiment of a connector 30. In
this embodiment the connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34
and a second connecting element 38. In this embodiment the second
connecting element 38 is tubular, like the first connecting element 34,
having an internal channel 34A connecting to a channel part 35, extending
substantially radially from the internal channel 34A to the inlet opening 44.
Again the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane Pi extending substantially parallel
to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6, preferably spaced radially
outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck. In this embodiment
the connector 30 can for example comprise two or more legs 31 which teeth
46 at their lower ends such that these legs 31 can act as click fingers which
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can click below an edge of a flange 48 for connecting the connector 30 to the
container 6. In the embodiments shown two legs 31 are provided, at opposite
sides of the connector, but obviously another number of such legs could be
provided, or a click ring as discussed previously.
Fig. 7 shows schematically and in cross section a further alternative
embodiment of a connector 30 for a container, again provided with a first
and second connecting element 34, 38 as in fig. 6 and GA. In this
embodiment the connector has a first or gas connecting opening 44 and at
an opposite side of the connector a second opening 54, similar to the
embodiment of fig. 4A and B. In this embodiment the channel part 35
extending substantially radially from the internal channel 34A to the inlet
opening 44 is connected to a further channel part 34B which extends
through an upper part 80 of the connector to the second opening 52. Again
the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane Pi and the second opening 52 in a second
plane P2, both planes Pi, P2 extending substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6, preferably spaced radially
outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck.
Fig. 8 shows schematically and in cross section an alternative
embodiment of a lid 20 for a container 6. In this embodiment the lid is
substantially as disclosed in fig. 3 ¨ 6. In this embodiment the lid 20
further
comprises a channel part 35, for example similar to the space 42 or as a ring
shaped channel, extending from the second channel 28 to the inlet opening
44 and to a second opening 52 at a side of the lid 20 opposite the inlet
opening 44. The inlet opening 44 again lies in a plane 131 extending
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6,
preferably spaced radially outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the
second neck 5. The second opening 52 again lies in a plane P2 extending
substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6,
preferably spaced radially outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the
second neck 5.In this configuration an adapter can be used dosing off either
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opening 44 or channels 28, thus allowing a choice of opening for introducing
a gas. Alternatively the channel 28 can be omitted.
Fig. 9 shows schematically in cross section a connecting device 100
of an alternative dispensing device 32, mounted on a BIC container 6, over
the neck region I and extending over part of the shoulder region II thereof.
The connecting device 100 is generally known from the prior art and is used
in the Brewlock 0 system of Heineken, The Netherlands, and is disclosed in
International application W02014/017909, incorporated herein by reference.
The connecting device 100 comprises a central opening or bore 101 in a
housing 102, with which the device 100 can be fitted over the neck region I
of a container 6. Inside the housing 102 a first connector 50 is provided,
which can comprise a first nose 51, similar to fig. 5, which can be supported
by a first carrier 70, which carrier can move radially, substantially
perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6,
between the retracted position as shown in fig. 9 and a position, in which
the first nose 51 is moved against the surface 44A. This allows the connector
30 to pass easily into and out of the recess 62, passing the first nose 51,
when retracted.
Diametrically opposite the first nose 51 the second connector 54 is
provided, with a second nose 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a
gas line with a sensor unit, for example comprising a pressure sensor and/or
a flow sensor, in substantially the same way and for the same purpose as in
the embodiments of fig. 5. The second connector 54 in this embodiment
comprises a second nose 55, similar to the first nose 51, which can seal
against the surface 52A around the second opening 52, for providing a gas
tight connection. In the embodiment shown the first nose 51 is biased
towards the surface 44A and the second nose 55 is biased towards the
surface 52A by a springs 51A and 55A.
The second nose 55 can be supported by a second carrier 76, similar
to fig. 5, which second carrier 76 can move radially, substantially
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perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis X ¨ X of the container 6,
between the retracted position as shown in fig. 9 and a forward position, in
which the second nose 55 is moved against the surface 52A. This allows the
connector 30 to pass easily into and out of the recess 62, passing the second
5 nose 55 when in the retracted position.
In the moved forward position the nose 51 seals against surface 44A
and gas under pressure can be entered into the container 6, especially into
the space 9 through opening 44 and passage 11, whereas the second nose 54
seals against surface 52A and gas under pressure can be led to the sensor
10 unit.
In preferred embodiments the first and second carrier can be moved
simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connecting position as
shown in fig. 5 and a released position as shown in fig. 9, in which the noses
51, 55 are moved away from the surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in
15 any suitable way, for example electronically and/or mechanically.
Preferably the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit of the
dispensing device. The control unit can be set such that for example the
sensor unit 74 can sense whether a container 6 is indeed properly
introduced into the dispensing device 32. For example if no container 6 is
20 present in the dispensing device gas introduced through the first nose
51
will flow out of the dispensing device 32, which will mean that the sensor
unit 74 will sense no to very little change in pressure and/or flow. The
control unit can then switch off the pressure source 68, cooling and the like
and/or can be used to inform the user of the fact that no container has been
placed, or a container has been placed improperly or that other problems
may occur. Moreover the control unit can be set such that if the sensor unit
74 detects too high a pressure or flow, it can also switch of or modulate the
pressure source 68. The space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can
the space 9 in the container 6.
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The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments
specifically disclosed and discussed herein.
For example the lid 20 can be connected to the container 6 in a
different manner, for example by screw threads, a bayonet coupling,
adhesive, welding or the like. The connector 30 can be mounted to the lid 20
in a different manner, for example using screw threads, bayonet coupling,
form lock, press fit or the like. The first and/or second coupling elements
34,
38 could be made differently. For example the first coupling element could
be designed to open a reclosable valve as closure, whereas the second
connecting element could for example be designed to connect to the second
channel by connecting to an upper edge thereof or the second connecting
element can be formed by the space 42 as such, if the second channel is an
open channel.
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