HK1090623B - A method for dispensing a beverage and devices therefor - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for dispensing beverages

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of dispensing a beverage from a collapsible beverage container, a beverage dispensing device and a container unit suitable for use in the beverage dispensing device.

Background

Large volumes of carbonated beverages, such as draught beer, are typically transported to a point of consumption using metal kegs, which typically have a large volume, such as 25 liters. Such kegs are designed with costly and elaborate dispensing devices including draught beer coolers, carbon dioxide gas cylinders, etc. for cooling and dispensing the beverage from the container. Such buckets and dispensing devices are well known in the art.

The metal drum is heavy and thus difficult to handle and makes transportation costs excessive. Furthermore, metal drums are expensive to produce and need to be recycled for re-filling after complete or partial emptying. One barrel is reused many times before being discarded. Thus, the buckets travel a long distance of transportation over their lifetime, the heavier these buckets are, the higher their transportation costs are. Furthermore, the consumption of draught beer is very much affected by seasonal variations. Especially in summer, the consumption is high and in colder seasons the consumption is low. Therefore, in order to meet the demand, a large number of buckets must be circulated and used, which results in storing a large number of empty buckets at a time of low consumption.

Another disadvantage of the known draught beer device is that many parts in contact with the beverage are reused, whereby regular cleaning is required in order to keep the parts hygienic and clean and prevent bacterial growth. Such cleaning is time consuming and it may be difficult to clean all of the parts completely and adequately. The quality of the beverage can be affected if the parts in contact with the beverage cannot be thoroughly cleaned.

To overcome these disadvantages, beverage containers for dispensing devices have been formed from lighter, softer materials. Measurements have been made on plastic bags emptied by pressing the contents mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically, but these bags are too fragile for most applications.

It is also known in the art to dispense beverages from collapsible beverage bottles made of plastic material, such as PET. These bottles are emptied by compressing the walls of the bottle mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically to force the contents out. The beverage bottle described above contains only a small volume, for example a few litres, and cannot be directly compared with a metal keg containing a considerable volume of beverage. However, such collapsible beverage bottles have many advantages in many respects compared to metal kegs.

The plastic material can be ground and the formed particles can be used to produce new plastic materials. The particles take up little space and therefore do not require a large storage space. Because the bottles are lighter, they are easier to handle and take up less transportation costs. Plastic bottles can be made transparent so that the contents can be visually inspected, or they can be colored in any desired color. The bottle is compressed when empty and thus takes up little space during transport for recycling.

A dispensing device with a collapsible beverage bottle is known, for example, from EP-a 1-1003686. This device constitutes an integrated dispensing device comprising a housing with a lid, a sealing means, a pressure source, a cooling means and a dispensing nozzle.

The housing of the device is used for accommodating a bottle-shaped retractable beverage container. The bottle has a collar mounted on the neck and shoulder of the bottle, the collar forming a flange at the shoulder of the bottle that extends radially beyond the cylindrical wall of the bottle. The flange has means for cooperating with sealing means on the socket, which sealing means are arranged in the upper part of the box-shaped housing part. The socket has a series of portions arranged in a ring around the upper opening of the housing. Each section has a spring for radially displacing the dispensing nozzle. When the bottle is mounted, the flange on the bottle presses against the upper surface of the component part of the socket, at which point the access to the outlet opening can be completed. The container then pushes the components of the deployment socket downward and falls to the bottom of the housing. The radially extending portion of the bottle flange serves to form a seal with the inner wall of the housing at the lower surface of the socket, thereby forming a pressure chamber between the cylindrical wall portion of the bottle within the housing and the flange on the bottle shoulder. When the cover is closed, pressure medium is introduced into the housing. The rising pressure in the pressure chamber forces the bottle to move upwardly in the direction of the surrounding low pressure until the upper portion of the bottle flange abuts against the lower surface of the socket. The beverage is then under pressure and can be squeezed out by reducing the volume of the bottle by directing the contents through a conduit to a dispensing nozzle integrated in the device.

This solution, however, has a number of disadvantageous disadvantages.

The dispensing device is complex in design and comprises a large number of components which are themselves elaborate and costly devices. For example, the socket has a number of fittings and springs for each radially displaceable component, and a special release mechanism to deploy the components when it is desired to replace the vial.

Once the bottle is broken, the outlet cannot be closed or sealed to prevent spillage of the contents when an incompletely emptied bottle is removed from the housing. This occurs when the bottle must be replaced by a new bottle or when components of the device are damaged or in service. At the same time, in places where there is only a small consumption, such as bars or restaurants in remote areas, a certain amount of beverage must be discarded due to a limited shelf life.

In hot and humid working environments, such as bars or restaurants, it is critical that reliable dispensing equipment be required. It is important that the personnel controlling the dispensing apparatus be able to predict when the bottle needs to be replaced. At the same time, there is a need to be able to quickly identify problems with the equipment. The bottles of the known device are placed in a box-shaped housing for thermal insulation including cooling and pressurizing means. The housing does not allow visual inspection of the components of the device or the contents of the bottle.

Due to reasons such as government regulations, environmental concerns, and material costs, it is desirable to reuse the bottle when it is empty. This is often achieved by collecting and grinding bottles of plastic material. However, the above process becomes complicated if the container has a residue. Either allowing the residue to be removed, washed, or permanently discarding the bottle. Because the shrinkable plastic bottles are already compressed, it is difficult or impossible to clean any residue. Residue in the squeezable bottle should be minimized. It is clear that residues also represent a certain amount and are therefore also a loss for the user of the apparatus. In known dispensing arrangements, when the bottle is properly compressed, a large quantity of beverage is deposited in a pocket interrupted by the flexing of the compressed bottle.

The base of the collapsible beverage bottle of the known dispensing device is used as a surface on which the bottle rests during transport as well as within the housing of the dispensing device. The bottom must therefore be shaped and/or reinforced in a manner that prevents the bottom of the bottle from compressing and thereby creating isolated pockets within the compressible bottle in which residual beverage can accumulate.

In known devices, the beverage needs to rise from the bottom of the beverage bottle to an outlet at the top of the bottle in order to be dispensed through a dispensing spout. This requires a greater pressure. The greater the pressure required, the higher the demand for a pressurized source, and the higher the cost of the pressurized source becomes.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for dispensing a beverage, a dispensing device and a container for use in the dispensing device which is comparable in volume and practicality to those used for large volume metal kegs, while also overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art beverage dispensing arrangements employing collapsible bottles.

The present invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a collapsible container having a base unit sealing an outlet of the collapsible container on a substantially flat base of a dispensing device having a downwardly facing container outlet, the base unit and the base having sealing means for hermetically sealing the base unit on the base;

arranging a free end of a dispensing tube at a closed dispensing nozzle located outside the dispensing device, the dispensing tube being connected to a hollow perforator, the perforator being aligned with the sealed outlet of the collapsible container;

mounting a lid on the base in a hermetically sealed manner to form a pressure chamber between the collapsible container base unit, base and lid;

piercing the sealed outlet of the collapsible container through the hollow piercer arranged between the sealed outlet and the base, thereby bringing the beverage within the collapsible container into communication with the dispensing tube;

increasing the pressure within the pressure chamber;

opening the dispensing nozzle, at least a portion of the beverage is dispensed through the dispensing tube to the environment by pressurizing the collapsible container and thereby reducing its volume.

By providing a method of dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container in this manner, the problems associated with the prior art are overcome. In particular, placing the collapsible container in a pressure chamber having a downwardly facing container outlet has a number of advantages.

The inverted arrangement of the collapsible container facilitates evacuation of the container within the pressure chamber. No pockets for beverage are formed when the container is compressed. Only small droplets remain in the container and the container can therefore be considered to be completely emptied.

The mounting of the container unit on a substantially flat base greatly simplifies the mounting process, as the container does not need to be handled through the walls of the dispensing device as in the prior art devices. Whereby the structure can easily accommodate even large beverage containers.

Another consequence of the upside down orientation of the container is that the pressure required to empty the collapsible container is reduced, and therefore lighter materials may be selected for the component parts of the dispensing device. And the dispensing device can be pressurized with a simple, inexpensive, low volume air pump or water from a common household or garden faucet.

A common problem with installing containers having a downwardly facing outlet end is that it is difficult to open and close the container without risking spilling the contents. With the method according to the invention these difficulties are overcome because the dispensing device comprises a hollow perforator connected to the dispensing tube. The dispensing tube may thus be connected to the dispensing nozzle even when the container is oriented with the outlet facing downwards, as long as the hollow piercer has not yet pierced the sealed outlet of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container with the seating unit is temporarily kept separated from the base by resilient means until an increased downward force acts on the container, whereby downward movement of said container causes the perforator to puncture the sealed outlet. This allows time for the cap to be placed over the container before the container outlet is pierced. It is also possible to form a passage to the outlet and to leave time for a dispensing tube to be placed at the closed dispensing nozzle when the container unit is placed on the base part, if this has not been done before the container with the base unit is mounted on the base part. The container is then opened by forcing the container downwardly against the resilient force of the resilient support means to cause the perforator to puncture the seal at the outlet of the container. The increased downward force may be applied manually or by a pressure rise within the pressure chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the free end of the dispensing tube is manipulated through an opening in the base to a dispensing nozzle external to the dispensing device before the perforator pierces the sealed outlet. Thereby, the purposes of not pressurizing the liquid distribution pipe and facilitating the transportation of the liquid distribution pipe are realized.

Preferably, the base unit has a seal for hermetically sealing said sealed outlet, the seal being removed before the container with the base unit is mounted on the base. Having the base unit with a seal ensures that all components within the base unit remain sterile and clean until the container is installed within the dispensing apparatus.

The invention also relates to a beverage dispensing device adapted to perform a method of dispensing beverage from within a collapsible beverage container, comprising:

collapsible beverage container comprising

A generally cylindrical collapsible wall portion,

an outlet end is arranged at the back of the filter,

a neck at the outlet end;

a pressure charging unit comprising

Means for connecting the pressurizing unit to a pressure medium source,

a substantially flat base portion, which is,

a lid, the base and lid being sealably connected;

a base unit comprising

A shell body, a plurality of first connecting rods and a plurality of second connecting rods,

a pierceable barrier for sealing the collapsible container,

a locking device for non-detachably and air-tightly connecting the base unit with the neck of the collapsible container,

sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container on the base;

a hollow perforator for breaching the breachable barrier;

a closable dispensing tube connected to the hollow perforator;

characterised in that the base unit and neck are arranged at the lower end of the container, the housing of the base unit having an outer wall extending axially beyond the neck substantially in a direction downwards of the extension of the collapsible container wall, the base having a surface for supporting the outer wall extension.

The rear structure of the base unit is adapted to cooperate with the base to maintain the container unit, consisting of the container and the base unit, upright with the outlet of the container facing downwardly. The base unit holds the container unit on the base and any other surface without any risk of damaging the container outlet, since the outer wall of the base unit extends beyond the neck of the container. In addition, the above arrangement allows the upper end of the collapsible container, which is generally cylindrical, opposite the outlet end to be formed in a manner to achieve optimum compression performance.

The substantially flat base greatly simplifies the installation of the container, since the container does not need to be manipulated through the outer wall of the dispensing device as in the prior art devices. Whereby the structure can easily accommodate even large beverage containers.

In the beverage container device of the present invention, the lid extends vertically from a substantially flat base on the collapsible container, in contrast to prior art dispensing devices in which the pressure chamber is provided within a box-shaped housing with the lid. The lid of the present invention can be made of a lightweight material, such as plastic, which is inexpensive and easy to handle. In addition, the lid can be made transparent in this way, allowing visual inspection of the contents of the container, provided the container is also transparent.

Since the base unit has means for sealingly connecting the container with the base unit, the pressure chamber can be simply formed by placing the container unit on the base and placing the lid on the container unit and sealing it on the base. At the same time, the container unit can be easily removed by simply reversing the above-described process.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container unit on the base is provided between a collar on the base unit, said collar extending from the base of the container and substantially down the axial extension thereof, and the base. The pressure chamber is thus formed simply by placing the container unit on the base and closing the lid. In an alternative embodiment or in addition, sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container on the base are provided between the outer wall of the base unit and the base.

In another embodiment, the dispensing device has resilient support means for temporarily spacing the container and base unit from the base. This prevents the opening of the container by the perforator until a downward force is applied to the container unit. This prevents inadvertent opening of the container. This also gives time for operating the outlet end of the container if this has to be done, for example for placing a dispensing tube. In a preferred embodiment the elastic support means are provided in the base unit extending axially downwards, but the elastic support means may equally be provided on the base.

In a preferred embodiment, a hollow perforator arranged between the base unit and the base and aligned with the sealed outlet of the collapsible container is provided within the base unit. This protects the perforator from accidental impacts, which may occur for example during the mounting of the container unit to the base. The arrangement of the perforator in the base unit also means that a new perforator is delivered integrally with each new container unit, thereby reducing or possibly eliminating the number of re-used parts that need to be cleaned before use.

Preferably the hollow perforator has means for engagement on the base, and the base has corresponding engagement means. This opens the container by causing the perforator to automatically pierce the sealed outlet when the container unit is forced downwards towards the base, as the engagement with the base forces the perforator to move relative to the base. It is thus avoided that the opening of the container has to be manually controlled before the container unit is placed in the dispensing device.

In a preferred embodiment, a resilient collar is provided between the hollow piercer and the base unit, said resilient collar providing means for closing the container if the container has to be removed from the base. This allows the perforator to act as a valve to automatically close the container when the container unit is removed from the base. The container unit can thus be removed temporarily or permanently without the need for complete emptying, for example during maintenance or adjustment of the dispensing device.

In another embodiment, a hollow perforator aligned with the sealed outlet of the collapsible container is provided on the base.

In another embodiment of the beverage dispensing device, the seat unit comprises an elastic cup-shaped part comprising a side wall, a bottom for cooperating with a central boss on the base and a hollow piercer, the seat unit also comprising a barrier formed on the upper rim of the cup-shaped part.

In another embodiment, the perforator is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a central axis through the base unit.

In another embodiment the base unit has an annular space for accommodating the liquid dispensing tube. Thereby a new sterile dispensing tube for connecting the container unit with the dispensing nozzle is delivered with each container unit, which ensures that the number of re-used parts is minimized and thereby the possibility of contamination is minimized. Preferably, the free end of the dispensing tube also has a dispensing valve. The dispensing valve may be used in a dispensing nozzle. So that no reusable dispensing unit part has to come into contact with the beverage. All parts that come into contact with the beverage are therefore only single-purpose.

The invention also relates to a container unit for a dispensing device as described above, comprising a collapsible container and a base unit, characterised in that the base unit seals a downwardly facing neck comprising an outlet of the collapsible container, the base unit comprising an outer wall extending axially beyond the neck substantially in a downward direction in extension of the collapsible container wall, while a removable aseptic seal is provided covering the outlet. The aseptic seal prevents the outlet of the container unit from being contaminated during transport and is designed to be removed before the container unit is mounted on the base.

Preferably, a removable sterile seal is attached to the outer wall on the bottom of the base unit. Such a removable aseptic seal closes the above-mentioned annular space provided in the bottom of the container unit, which space provides a sterile space in which sterile components for the dispensing device, such as the hollow piercer and the dispensing tube, can be stored during transport of the container unit. This may provide a complete tamper-proof aseptic assembly for dispensing beverage, said assembly comprising all parts that need to be in contact with the beverage.

Drawings

The invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein

Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to the invention comprising a telescopic beverage container with a base unit mounted in a pressure chamber;

2a-2c are cross-sectional views showing details of a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention;

figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a second embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention;

figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a third embodiment of a beverage dispensing apparatus according to the present invention;

figures 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views showing details of a fourth embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention;

figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views showing details of a fifth embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention;

figures 7a and 7b show a dispensing valve for a beverage dispensing device according to the invention; and

fig. 8a-d are details showing an alternative embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the invention, wherein fig. 8a is a perspective view showing a base unit, fig. 8b and 8c are partial sectional views taken through different parts of fig. 8a, and fig. 8d shows a sectional view through a base for cooperation with the base unit shown in fig. 8 a-c.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 a dispensing device 1 for dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container 2 is shown. The dispensing device 1 comprises a collapsible beverage container 2 having a base unit 3 placed in a pressurizing unit of the dispensing device 1 for dispensing the container contents consumed by a schematically indicated dispensing spout 4. The pressurizing unit comprises a base 5, a cover 6 and a pressure fluid inlet 7 communicating with a pressure chamber 8, the pressure chamber 8 being constituted by the space between the base 5, the cover 6, the container 2 and the base unit 3. The pressure fluid inlet 7 extends through the side wall of the base 5, i.e. the rim portion 13, and is in communication with a pressure source (not shown), such as a carbon dioxide gas cartridge, a small gas pump or simply tap water of a conventional draught beer dispensing apparatus. The pressurized fluid may thus be in a liquid or gaseous state, either of which may be employed.

For mounting, the lid 6 is detached from the base 5, and the collapsible beverage container 2 with the base unit 3 is mounted on the base 5, the base 5 having an outlet 9 of the container 2 facing substantially downwards and at least against the base 5. The free end of the dispensing tube 10 connected to the perforator 11 is connected to the dispensing nozzle 4 and the perforator 11 is aligned with the outlet 9. When the container 2 has been mounted on the base 5, the lid 6 is in gas-tight connection with the base 5 to seal the collapsible container 2, applying pressure through the pressure fluid inlet 7. The lower end of the cap 6 has a flange 12 which fits around an upwardly extending rim portion 13 of the base 5, the cap 6 and base 5 being secured to one another by an annular, U-shaped locking ring 14. Alternatively, other suitable attachment means, such as a bayonet fitting or a threaded member, may be used to secure the cover 6 to the base 5. Sealing means, such as an O-ring 15 fitted together with the flange 12, are provided between the edge portion 13 of the base 5 and the flange 12 to ensure an airtight connection of the two parts to each other.

Fig. 1 shows the beverage dispensing device 1 in a state of readiness, i.e. in a state in which the outlet 9 or the container 2 has been pierced and the beverage is communicated to the dispensing tip 4 via the dispensing tube 10. In this case, the pressure in the pressure chamber 8 reaches a desired high level, and upon compression (not shown) of the container 2, the beverage is discharged through the dispensing tube 10 if the dispensing nozzle is opened. When the container is empty and thus completely collapsed, the locking ring 14 is released and the lid 6 is removed from the base 5. And then the collapsed container 2 is replaced with a newly filled container 2.

A more detailed description of the mounting process will be given below with reference to fig. 2a-2c, which fig. 2a-2c show a first embodiment of the beverage dispensing device according to the invention.

Figure 2a shows the condition described above in which the container 2 has been placed on the base 5 and the cap 6 is mounted and secured on the base by the locking ring 14. No pressure is yet exerted on the pressure chamber 8. In this state the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3 and the rim portion 13 of the base 5 are sealingly connected to each other, for example by means of an O-ring 17 or other suitable sealing means arranged between the base 5 and the base unit 3.

The base unit 3 may have resilient means in the form of three or more taps 18, the taps 18 extending downwardly within the base unit 3. The taps 18 rest on an elevated annular platform 19 in the base 5 and are of sufficient strength to support the filled container 2 without any substantial downward expansion force acting on the container 2. However, when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 8 rises, the container 2 with the base unit 3 is subjected to a direct downward force due to the different pressures mainly inside and outside the pressure chamber 8. When the pressure differential reaches a certain level, the taps 18 are no longer able to withstand this direct downward force, they bend or rupture to urge the container 2 and base unit 3 downward.

Fig. 2b shows an intermediate position in which the container 2 and the base unit 3 have been moved downwards a certain distance. The outer wall 16 is still in sealing engagement with the rim portion 13 of the base 5. In the position shown, a perforator 11, described in more detail below, is aligned with the outlet 9 of the container and is slidable with respect to the support wall 20 of the base unit, the perforator 11 resting on a central boss 21 of the base 5.

In the final position shown in figure 2c the perforator 11 has passed through the barrier 22 of the outlet 9 of the container 2. Thus, the container barrier 22 is automatically broken through when pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 8.

In this position, further downward movement of the base unit 3 and collapsible container 2 is impeded by the lower circumference of the base unit 3 housing outer wall 16 abutting against the surface 28 of the base 5. The collapsible container 2 with the base unit 3 is thus supported on the base 5.

Fig. 2c shows that the outer wall 16 is no longer in sealing contact with the edge portion 13 of the base 5. The pressure chamber 8 is now defined by sealing means between the base 5 and the base unit 3 at the location of a collar 23 on the base unit extending substantially axially downwardly from the neck of the container 2 and the inwardly facing surface of the raised annular platform 19. Sealing means, such as an O-ring 24, are provided to ensure an air-tight sealing engagement between the base 5 and the base unit 3.

The perforator 11 in the embodiment shown in figures 2a-2c is made in one piece with the base unit 3. The perforator 11 has a collar 25 extending from the lower seat part towards the collapsible beverage container 2 on the outside of the support wall 20. The collar 25 has one or more slits (not shown) and the collar 25 is preferably constructed of the same material as the rest of the perforator 11. The elasticity of the collar 25 is imparted by the slits of the collar 25 which allow the collar 25 to flex outwardly when the perforator 11 is forced towards the container 2 to rupture the barrier 22 at the weakened portion as shown in figure 2 c.

If the container 2 is lifted off the base 5, the resilient collar 25 retracts the perforator 11 to its initial position and thereby closes the collapsible beverage container 2. In this embodiment the perforator 11 acts as a self closing valve. This is advantageous when the container has to be removed before it has been completely emptied. Due to the presence of the self-closing mechanism, the container 2 does not need to be completely emptied through the dispensing nozzle 4 before removal, as would be the case if no mechanism were provided.

The base part 5 has an opening 26 through which the dispensing tube 10 (see fig. 1) can be manipulated before the container 2 with the base unit is positioned on the base part 5.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a second embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention. For ease of reference, the same reference numerals are used for those same components in fig. 1-2c, although with minor differences.

The second embodiment shown in fig. 3 differs from the first embodiment shown in fig. 1-2c in that the sealing between the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3 and the edge portion 13 of the upwardly extending base part 5 is omitted. The tap 18 originally used to support the container 2 with the base unit 3 on the base 5 is still present and, due to the lack of sealing engagement between the base unit 3 and the base 5, no pressure chamber is initially formed. It is therefore necessary to manually apply a direct downward force to the container 2 with the base unit 3 until the position shown in fig. 3 is reached, the sealing contact between the base unit 3 and the base 5 being achieved by means of, for example, an O-ring 24.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing details of a third embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention. Also, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in fig. 1-2c, although with minor differences.

In this third embodiment, the sealing engagement between the base unit 5 and the foot unit 3 is provided only between the outer wall 16 of the foot unit and the upwardly extending rim portion 13 of the base unit 5. The structures of the base unit 3 and the base 5 are also changed accordingly.

Figures 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views showing details of a fourth embodiment of a beverage dispensing device according to the present invention. Also, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in fig. 1-2c, although with minor differences.

This fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the third embodiment shown in figure 4, except that the perforator 11 has no resilient collar. Thus, the perforator 11 of the fourth embodiment is a simple single-use perforator that cannot close the outlet of the container 2 once the barrier 22 has been pierced.

Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views showing details of a fifth embodiment of the beverage dispensing device according to the present invention. Also, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in fig. 1-2c, although with minor differences.

Referring to figures 2a-2c, the perforator 11 is also provided with a resilient collar 25 that operates as described above. However, in this fifth embodiment, the connection between the perforator 11 and the dispensing tube 10 has been changed. The outlet of the perforator 11 is aligned with the connection block 27 placed inside the base 5 and the dispensing tube 10 is connected to the seat part of the base 5. In this embodiment, initially no dispensing tube is connected to the perforator 11 and the base 5 has a permanent dispensing tube 10 communicating with the dispensing nozzle. Alternatively, separate interchangeable dispensing tubes may be connected to the connection block 27. Thus, when the container 2 with the base unit 3 is forced towards the base 5, a communication between the inside of the collapsible beverage container 2 and the dispensing spout is established in an automatic manner.

The structure of the perforator 11 in the fourth and fifth embodiments may be applied to any sealing means between the base unit 3 and the base 5. Thus, sealing means may be provided at the outer wall 16 of the base unit and/or at the neck of the container, i.e. at the collar 23, although only external seals are shown. Alternatively, in the fifth embodiment of the invention, a sealing means may be provided between the flange 45 extending downwardly from the collar 23 and the central boss 21 or a portion thereof.

Figures 7a and 7b schematically show a dispensing valve 30 for use in a dispensing device according to the invention. A dispensing valve is optionally provided at the free end of the dispensing tube 10.

The distribution valve includes:

a cylindrical tube 31 having an inlet end for frictional connection with a dispensing tube (not shown);

a first collar 32 of larger diameter on the tube 31, the collar 32 being connected to the outlet end of the tube in its axial extension;

a cup-shaped tubular member 33 connected to the cylindrical tube 31 and extending substantially in the axial direction thereof;

a joint 34 connecting the tubular cup-shaped member 33 and the cylindrical tube 31, and providing a tubular space between the first collar 32 and the cup-shaped member 33;

a second collar 35 in frictional and sliding engagement with the first collar 32;

an inner seating member 36 in the second collar 35 for closing the outlet end of the dispensing valve 30.

If the base unit 3 has a dispensing tube 10, the dispensing valve 30 may be arranged at the free end of the dispensing tube 10 and initially positioned in the base unit 3 as an integrated sterile unit.

The dispensing valve 30 is adapted to be placed in a dispensing nozzle for opening and closing the dispensing valve 30 by suitable means (not shown) engaging the collars 32, 35 of the dispensing valve 30.

The advantage of the dispensing valve 30 is that it is easy to manufacture and low in material costs, which makes it possible to use the dispensing valve as a single-purpose component to be supplied together with the beverage container and the dispensing tube. Another advantage resulting therefrom is that when the dispensing valve is placed in the dispensing nozzle as described above, the beverage substance in the container does not need to come into contact with any parts that are used repeatedly, need to be cleaned and are likely to spread germs to the beverage.

The dispensing valve 30 as described above may also be used in combination with other types of beverage dispensing systems, such as conventional draught beer devices or dispensing systems specifically for soft drinks, and is not limited to certain dispensing systems.

As mentioned above and shown in the figures, the container 2 is placed vertically with its outlet 9 facing downwards, i.e. towards the centre of gravity. The container 2 can thus be completely emptied. Gravity assists in emptying the container 2 and therefore the dispensing device 1 requires less pressure to empty the container 2 completely than other dispensing devices known in the art.

The base unit 3 comprises an outer wall 16, means for non-detachably connecting the base unit 3 to a collapsible beverage container 2, a barrier 22 for sealing the container 2 and a perforator 11 for puncturing the barrier 22 to provide access to the contents of the container 2. An annular space is provided, preferably accommodating a dispensing tube for connecting the outlet 9 of the container 2 with the dispensing nozzle 4. Preferably, the base unit 3 further comprises a seal (not shown) secured to the lower edge of the outer wall 16. In addition, it comprises a seal (not shown) fixed to the upper edge of the outer wall 16 before the base unit 3 is connected to the container. These seals may be used in the manufacture of the base unit 3 to provide a sterile unit that can be connected to the container 2 at a later stage. The sterile unit is ready for use when the seal is removed.

In this way the base unit 3 can easily be manufactured as a sterile unit in a central location, and the base unit 3 can be transported to even a remote beverage supply plant, such as a brewery or winery. The beverage containers 2 can be transported separately to the filling site. Typically, the beverage containers 2 described above are not blown to their full capacity size until immediately before they are filled with beverage. At the production site the beverage container 2 is blown to its full capacity size, the container 2 having a body portion with a generally cylindrical wall, a shoulder portion and a neck portion constituting an inlet and an outlet 9. The container 2 is filled with the desired beverage after the container 2 has been blown into a predetermined shape, and the container 2 is closed by pressing the base unit 3 onto the neck after the upper seal has been removed. The seal at the lower part of the base unit remains in place.

The container 2 is preferably made of plastic, in particular a polymer, such as PEN or PET. Thus, the container 2 can be made as a thin-walled, self-supporting member adapted to collapse when external pressure is applied to the dispensing device 1. The container 2 may be made as a multi-layer structure comprising an oxygen barrier for protecting the beverage substance in the container. Moreover, the container 2 may be coloured or tinted to form a protective layer against light when the quality of the beverage is affected by light. The light protective layer may be disposed within the oxygen barrier layer. The inner surface of the container 2 is coated with other suitable processes, such as plasma coating and/or an epoxy coating to coat the outer surface of the container 2.

Preferably, the connection between the base unit 3 and the container 2 is of such a nature that once the base unit 3 has been secured to the container 2, the base unit 3 cannot be removed without destroying the container 2 and/or the base unit 3, thus providing a tamper-proof container unit containing the beverage ready for delivery to the consumer. This non-detachable connection can be achieved in a number of ways. The connection is preferably achieved by press fitting the base unit onto the neck of the container 2, the neck and base unit 3 having cooperating locking means, such as in the form of a tab/barb and groove/collar shown in the figures or any other type of snap-fit mechanism. Alternatively, the base unit 3 may be glued or welded to the neck of the container 2, or the base unit 3 may be screwed onto the neck of the container 2, provided the screw thread has means to prevent the base unit 3 from loosening.

The base unit 3, which is press-fitted to the neck of the container 2, is preferably provided with a thin seal in the form of an annular or circular membrane for providing an airtight connection between the base unit 3 and the container 2. The membrane is preferably of the type used for arranging inside a metal cap of a conventional beer glass bottle.

Preferably, the base unit comprises:

an outer wall 16, preferably cylindrical;

means for supporting a shoulder of a collapsible beverage container 2 in the form of a wall;

means for supporting the neck of a collapsible beverage container 2 in the form of a wall;

means for securing the base unit 3 in a non-detachable press-fit connection with a collapsible beverage container 2 in the form of three or more annular bosses which cooperate with the annular bosses on the neck of the container 2. The annular bosses may be replaced by corresponding circumferentially disposed grooves, tabs or barbs;

means for containing the dispensing tube 10 in a space in sterile conditions during transport, in which space the dispensing tube can be rolled up (not shown);

a barrier 22 for sealing the outlet 9 of the collapsible beverage container 2 in the form of a wall;

indentations formed on the wall that weaken a portion of the wall so that the wall can be broken with a predetermined force;

means in the form of a collar or bolt bearing against the base boss for temporarily preventing subsequent damage to the perforator 11 after the base unit 3 has been pressed into the base 5;

means for providing an airtight connection with the base 5;

means for housing a perforator 11, preferably in the form of a cylindrical support wall;

a perforator 11 housed inside the supporting wall slidingly along the cylindrical supporting wall; and

a guard in the form of a wall or set of walls surrounding the perforator 11 for protecting the perforator 11 and for providing support to the seal in the central area of the base unit 3 to prevent inadvertent impact of the perforator 11 on the base unit 3 during handling.

In all embodiments, the components of the base unit 3 are preferably made of a plastic material, such as PET or PE. This results in a lower manufacturing cost and further allows the components to be ground down and reused for new plastic products, such as new base units 3. The seal may be bonded to the base unit 3. The material for these seals may be, for example, plastic-coated paper, aluminum foil.

If cooling of the beverage is required prior to dispensing, this can be done in a number of ways. By means of the invention, a pressurizing unit with a base unit 3 and a collapsible beverage container 2 can be used in known draught beer and soft drink dispensing devices, in which the beverage is cooled in a cooling unit on its way from the beverage container to the dispensing nozzle. Alternatively, the entire pressurizing unit may be placed in a cooling environment, such as a refrigerator. Another option is to use a cooled pressurized fluid.

Fig. 8a is a perspective view showing an alternative base unit 3 according to the present invention, the base unit 3 being for a beverage dispensing device and a method of dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container. Figures 8b-c and 8d show cross-sectional views through an alternative base unit 3 and a corresponding alternative base 5, respectively. The same reference numerals are generally used for the same components as those in fig. 1-6b, although with minor differences. The general features of the base unit 3 and the base 5 in this embodiment are similar to those of the embodiments described above. The base unit 3 thus comprises a housing with an outer wall 16, means for connecting to the outlet 9 of the collapsible container 2 and means for cooperating with the base 5. The base part 5 comprises means for receiving and supporting the base unit 3 and a pressure fluid inlet 7 for pressurizing a pressure chamber 8 arranged between the collapsible container 2, the base unit 3, the base part 5 and the lid 6 of the dispensing unit.

The base unit 3 shown in fig. 8a-c does not have a collapsible container 2 attached to it, so that the internal components of the base unit 3 can be better viewed. In this alternative embodiment, the base unit 3 comprises a flexible cup-shaped member 40 covering the outlet 9 of the container 2 and in the extension thereof. As with the previous embodiments, the cup member 40 is preferably disposed within the collar 23. The cup 40 includes a bottom 42, a sidewall 43, and a hollow elongated perforator 11 formed on the bottom 42 of the cup 40. The downwardly extending part of the perforator 11 is preferably connected to one end of the length of the dispensing tube 10. Preferably, the tube 10 is fitted at its other free end with a dispensing valve 30, for example for connection to the dispensing nozzle 4 as described above. The upwardly extending end of the perforator 11 is used to puncture the barrier 22 provided in the housing of the base unit 3. In this embodiment it is preferred that the barrier 22 is constituted by a separate seal which is sealingly arranged at the upper edge 41 of the preferably annular cup-shaped member 40. The seal/barrier 22 is preferably formed from an air and fluid impermeable metal or polymer foil which may be welded, bonded or sealed to the base unit 3, for example. Cup-shaped member 40 is preferably constructed to have an inherent elasticity, or elastic region, by forming sidewall 43 with a material having a thickness less than the surrounding portions of base unit 3.

In fig. 8d is shown the base part 5 corresponding to the base unit 3 in fig. 8 a. The base part 5 comprises a seating surface in the form of an upwardly extending counter surface provided on a central boss 21 in the base part 5, said seating surface being intended to cooperate with a bottom 42 of the cup-shaped part 40.

When the bottom 42 of the cup-shaped part 40 is pressed against the abutment surface on the central boss 21, the side wall 43 yields and bends due to its inherent elasticity, causing the bottom 42 to move in relation to the other parts of the base unit 3 in a direction towards the container 2, whereby the perforator 11 is forced to move towards and through the barrier 22, such that the barrier 22 is pierced and a fluid passage is formed to the contents of the container 2.

In the present embodiment, the elasticity of the cup-shaped member 40 is utilized in the same manner as the tap 18 mentioned in the above-described embodiments. The taps 18 and/or the cup-shaped members 40 will support the collapsible beverage container 2 before the barrier 22 is broken, the inherent elasticity of these taps 18 and/or cup-shaped members 40 may assist in removing the container 2 with the base unit 3, as the elasticity pushes the container 2 upwards when the pressure in the pressure chamber 8 is released. The resilience of cup member 40 may be adapted to allow cup member 40 to be used as an alternative or in conjunction with tap 18.

In this embodiment, the base 5 includes a sealing means, for example in the form of an O-ring 24, between the raised annular platform 19 and the collar 23. Alternatively, the sealing means may be provided between the raised annular platform 19 and the side wall 43 of the cup-shaped member 40.

In all embodiments, the flange 45 may be used to assist the outer wall 16 in supporting the collapsible container 2 with the base unit 3 on the base 5 during use/pouring.

As with the previous embodiment described in fig. 2-5b, the flange 45 extending downwardly from the collar 23 and protecting the cup-shaped member 40 may have one or more channels through which a dispensing tube (not shown) may extend. In any case the function of the flange 45 is to protect the perforator 11 from accidental impacts during transport.

Although not shown in fig. 8d, the base part 5 comprises an opening 26 for extending the dispensing tube 10 to the dispensing nozzle 4, as in the above described embodiment.

Preferably, as may be appreciated from figure 8c, the perforator 11 in this embodiment is positioned asymmetrically with respect to a centre line through the base unit 3 and the base 5. Thus, more space for handling the dispensing tube 10 can be created in the space defined by the above-mentioned flange 45. At the same time, the asymmetrical arrangement of the perforator 11 leaves the central boss 21 on the base 5 free, which may create an engagement between the central boss 21 and the bottom 42 of the cup-shaped part 40.

Alternatively, the boss 21 may be asymmetrically positioned as opposed to centrally positioned, and then the perforator 11 may be centrally positioned. Asymmetric positioning of the boss 21 or perforator 11 may also be used with the above embodiments.

An additional annular wall 46 may be provided on the interior of the base. Thereby creating an interior space 47. This space 47 can advantageously be used for containing the dispensing tube 10 and the dispensing valve 30, for example as described above.

The cup-shaped member 40, perforator 11 and annular wall 46 in this embodiment are preferably integral with the rest of the base unit 3 and formed of the same material, except for the pierceable seal/barrier 22, for example during the moulding process. The base unit may be fitted on the upper edge and/or the lower edge of the outer wall 16 as described above.

Figures 8b-c and 8d also show alternative external seals between the base unit 3 and the base 5 respectively. In addition to the seal 24 provided between the raised annular platform 19 and the collar 23, an external sealing means, for example in the form of an O-ring 17, may be provided on the otherwise outwardly facing side wall of the boss 50 of the base 5. These sealing means cooperate with the inwardly facing surface of the lower part of the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3 to provide a gas-tight seal as described above for the embodiment shown in figures 2-5 b. However, in those embodiments, sealing means are provided on the inner surface of the upwardly extending rim portion 13 of the base 5 for cooperation with the outer surface of the lower portion of the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3.

By the construction of the further sealing means on the further bosses 50, the lower edge of the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3 can be reinforced, for example, with a set of ribs 48 extending in the radial direction. The seal is thus protected against deformation of the outer wall 16 due to accidental impacts on the base unit 3, which may occur during transport of the collapsible container.

Furthermore, more space is thus formed in the upwardly extending edge portion 13 of the base part 5, which space serves to form the pressure fluid inlet 7 of the pressure chamber 8. The pressure fluid inlet 7 is not shown in fig. 8 d. It is apparent that this sealing feature also applies to the first to fifth embodiments described above.

In combination with an external seal between the inside of the outer wall 16 and the outside of the boss 50, one or more bypass channels 49 are advantageously formed on the inner surface of the outer wall 16 of the base unit 3. This bypass channel 49 enables the base part 5 and the foot unit 3 according to this embodiment of the invention to be used in the embodiment shown in fig. 2a-c as described above. The outer seal is therefore only employed when cup member 40 is compressed in order to puncture barrier 22. Once the puncture is made, the pressure chamber 8 is immediately delimited between the collar 23 and the raised annular platform 19 by the seal 24.

This is particularly important when the pressure in the pressure chamber 8 is high. The container can be placed for draining for a long period of time, for example, two weeks. The continuous high pressure on the component, in particular on the outer wall 16, can deteriorate the strength of the component. This is avoided by using the bypass passage 49 to transfer force to the seal 24 between the collar 23 and the boss 19. Thus, the base unit may be made of thinner, less strong, and/or less costly materials.

As with the previous embodiment, the breaching may be accomplished without an external seal, such as by applying manual downward pressure on the container or solely by the internal seal 24 between the collar 23 and boss 19.

The reinforcing ribs 48 on the outer bottom edge of the outer wall 16 also allow a stable standing of the beverage container. The ribs 48 are preferably formed integrally with the base unit 3 during the moulding process.

Claims (22)

1. A method for dispensing a beverage from a collapsible container (2), the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a collapsible container (2) having a base unit (3) on a substantially flat base (5) of a dispensing device (1) having a downwardly facing container outlet (9), the base unit (3) sealing the outlet (9) of the collapsible container, the base unit and the base having sealing means for hermetically sealing the base unit on the base;

-arranging the free end of a dispensing tube (10) at a closed dispensing nozzle (4) located outside the dispensing device (1), the dispensing tube being connected to a hollow perforator (11) aligned with the sealed outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2);

mounting a cover (6) in a gas-tight manner on the base (5) to form a pressure chamber (8) between the collapsible container (2), the base unit (3), the base and the cover;

piercing the sealed outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2) by means of the hollow piercer (11) arranged between the sealed outlet and the base (5), thereby bringing the beverage inside the collapsible container in communication with the dispensing tube (10);

-increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber (8);

-opening the dispensing spout (4) to dispense at least a portion of the beverage through the dispensing tube (10) to the environment by pressurising the collapsible container (2) and thereby reducing its volume.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) with the base unit (3) is temporarily kept separated from the base (5) by resilient means (18, 40) until an increased downward force acts on the container, such that downward movement of the container causes the piercer (11) to pierce the sealed outlet (9).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the increased downward force is applied manually.

4. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the increased downward force is applied by a pressure increase in the pressure chamber (8).

5. Method according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the free end of the dispensing tube (10) is manipulated through an opening (26) in the base part (5) to a dispensing nozzle (4) outside the dispensing device (1) before the piercer (11) pierces the sealed outlet (9).

6. Method according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the seal aseptically sealing the sealed outlet is removed before the container (2) with base unit (3) is mounted on the base (5).

7. Method according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that before the piercer (11) breaks the sealed outlet (9), the free end of the dispensing tube (10) is manipulated through an opening (26) in the base (5) to a dispensing nozzle (4) outside the dispensing device (1), and the seal aseptically sealing the sealed outlet is removed before the container (2) with the base unit (3) is mounted on the base (5).

8. A beverage dispensing device (1) comprising:

a collapsible beverage container (2) comprising:

a collapsible wall portion of a generally cylindrical shape,

an outlet end is arranged at the back of the filter,

a neck at the outlet end;

a pressurizing unit, comprising:

means for connecting the pressurizing unit to a pressure medium source,

a substantially flat base (5),

a lid (6), said base and lid being sealably connected;

a base unit (3) comprising:

a shell body, a plurality of first connecting rods and a plurality of second connecting rods,

a pierceable barrier (22) for sealing an outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2),

a locking device for non-detachably and air-tightly connecting the base unit (3) with the neck of the collapsible container (2),

sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container (2) on the base (5);

a hollow perforator (11) for perforating the pierceable barrier (22);

a closable dispensing tube (10) connected to the hollow piercer (11);

characterized in that said base unit (3) and neck are arranged at the lower end of said container (2), said housing of the base unit (3) having an outer wall (16) extending axially beyond said neck substantially in a direction downwards of the extension of the collapsible container wall, said base (5) having a surface for supporting said outer wall extension.

9. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container (2) to the base part (5) are provided between a collar (23) on the base unit (3) and the base part (5), said collar (23) extending downwardly from the neck of the container and substantially along the axial extension thereof.

10. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said sealing means for hermetically sealing the collapsible container (2) to the base (5) are arranged between an outer wall (16) of the base unit (3) and the base (5).

11. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that resilient support means (18) are provided for temporarily spacing the container (2) and the base unit (3) from the base (5).

12. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the elastic support means (18) are arranged in the base unit (3) and extend axially downwards therefrom.

13. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the hollow piercer (11) aligned with the sealed outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2) is provided within the base unit (3).

14. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the hollow piercer (11) has means for engagement on the base (5) having a respective central boss (21).

15. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized in that between the hollow piercer (11) and the base unit (3) a resilient collar (25) is provided, which provides means for closing the container (2) if the container has to be removed from the base (5).

16. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the hollow piercer (11) aligned with the sealed outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2) is provided on the base (5).

17. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the base unit (3) comprises:

an elastic cup-shaped part (40), said elastic cup-shaped part (40) comprising a side wall (43), a bottom (42) for cooperating with a central boss (21) on said base (5) and a hollow perforator (11); and

a barrier (22) formed on an upper edge (41) of the cup-shaped member (40).

18. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the perforator (11) is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a central axis through the base unit (3).

19. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the base unit (3) has an annular space for accommodating the dispensing tube (10).

20. A beverage dispensing device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the free end of the dispensing tube (10) is provided with a dispensing valve (30).

21. A container unit for a dispensing device according to any one of claims 8-20, comprising a collapsible container (2) and a base unit (3), characterized in that the base unit (3) seals a downwardly facing neck comprising an outlet (9) of the collapsible container (2), the base unit comprising an outer wall (16) extending axially beyond the neck substantially in a direction downwards of extension of the wall of the collapsible container (2), while a removable aseptic seal covering the outlet (9) is provided.

22. A container unit according to claim 21 in which the removable aseptic seal is connected to the outer wall (16) at the bottom of the base unit (3).