CN116194386A

CN116194386A - Bag-in-container and adapter for connecting a bag-in-container to a tapping device

Info

Publication number: CN116194386A
Application number: CN202180055975.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿里·马尔滕·帕乌韦
Original assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Current assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Priority date: 2020-08-14
Filing date: 2021-08-13
Publication date: 2023-05-30
Also published as: AU2021324519A1; US20230286722A1; BR112023002347A2; EP4196398A1; WO2022035318A1; JP2023538878A; MX2023001765A; CA3186566A1

Abstract

The bag-in-container and an adapter for connecting the bag-in-container to the tapping device. A bag-in-container (6) comprising a bag (8) inside a container (10), the bag being compressible when gas under pressure is introduced into a space (9) between the bag and the container through a passageway (11) between the neck (4) of the bag and the neck (5) of the container. A cap (20) is mounted on the bag-in-container, the cap comprising a first channel (25) connected to the interior space of the bag and a second channel (28) connected to the passageway. A connector (30) is provided for connection to the bag-in-container. The cap comprises a channel portion (35), the channel portion (35) extending from the second channel to an inlet opening (44) in a Plane (PI) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, or the connector (30) comprises a channel portion (42), the channel portion (42) extending from the second channel or connecting element (38) to an inlet opening in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container when coupled to the cap during use. The bag-in-container further includes a flexible dispensing line (36).

Description

Bag-in-container and adapter for connecting a bag-in-container to a tapping device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to bag-in-container (bag-in-container). In particular, the present invention relates to blow-molded bag-in-containers.

Background

Bag-in-containers are well known in the art and include a flexible inner container or bag contained within a more rigid outer container. Typically, these bag-in-containers include at least one device adapted to introduce a gas under pressure between the adjacent walls of the bag and the container so that the bag can be compressed within the container to dispense the contents of the bag. These bag-in-containers may be assembled from a relatively rigid outer container and a flexible inner container inserted into the outer container, or may be integrally blow molded, for example, from a multi-layered preform or preform assembly (also referred to as a parison).

Heineken, NL at their

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Examples of systems and bag-in-containers using integral blow moulding are for example in WO2014/017908 and WO 2018/009065. These BiC are integrally blow molded from a preform assembly comprising an injection molded inner preform inserted into an injection molded outer preform, the injection molded outer preform and the injection molded inner preform being connected to each other at their neck regions by a closure ring spin welded to both preforms. The closed loop closes the space between the inner preform and the outer preform. The outer preform is provided with an inlet opening in the peripheral wall of the neck, which inlet opening is connected to said space between the inner and outer preforms for introducing pressurized gas, in particular air, into said space after BiC has been blow molded. The closure ring further comprises a dispensing opening in which a closure can be disposed The dispensing opening provides access to the interior volume of the inner container.

While these BiC are very practical in use, the preform assembly is relatively complex in construction and manufacture due to, for example, the precision required for the dimensions of the individual preforms and closure rings and the spin welding process used to mount the closure rings to the preforms. This also limits the free choice of coloring the preform, thus limiting the free choice of BiC and the choice of materials.

For example, ABInBev, BE in their

Another example of a system that uses integrally blow-molded bag-in-containers. The BiC is integrally blow molded from a preform assembly comprising a transparent inner preform assembled into a colored outer preform. The preforms are not interconnected. The outer preform has a neck region formed primarily by the closed peripheral wall, which extends around the neck region of the inner preform, which again is formed primarily by the closed peripheral wall. A space is provided between the two peripheral walls. After blow molding, the inner bag is locked inside the outer container by shape retention. After filling the bag with the fluid to be dispensed, the cap is mounted to BiC. The lid closes the space between the containers and includes a central first passage opening into the interior volume of the bag and a second passage extending parallel to the first passage and opening into the space between the containers. Furthermore, a connector is provided which can be releasably connected to the cover. The connector includes a first needle for introducing the first channel and a second needle for introducing the second channel. An at least partially flexible dispensing line is connected to the connector in fluid communication with the first needle for dispensing liquid from the bag. Further, 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.

The disadvantage of this container is that the flexible second wire must be connected to the connector each time BiC changes, however the connection may be lost, e.g. the second wire may be blown off the connector by compressed air. Furthermore, the flexible second wire may be blocked, for example, when it is folded or when squeezed, for example, when positioning BiC or by closing a door of an appliance used with BiC or by an external element.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative bag-in-container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag-in-container with which at least some of the discussed disadvantages of the prior art BiC can be reduced or alleviated.

At least one or more of the objects and aims of the present disclosure may be achieved by a bag-in-container comprising a bag inside the container, the bag being compressible when gas under pressure is introduced into an interface space between the bag and the container. The bag has a first neck and the container has a second neck extending around the first neck, wherein at least one passageway is provided between the first neck and the second neck, the passageway providing an access for the gas under pressure into the interface space. The first neck and the second neck both have a closed peripheral wall, wherein a cap is mounted to the bag-in-container, the cap comprising a first seal sealing against the bag and a second seal sealing against the container. The cap further includes a first channel fluidly connected to the interior space of the pouch during use and a second channel fluidly connected to the at least one passageway during use. A connector is provided, connected or connectable to the bag-in-container, wherein the connector has a first connecting element which fits onto and/or into the first channel; and an at least partially flexible dispensing line fluidly connected or connectable to the first connecting element for dispensing beverage from the pouch.

With the bag-in-container according to the present disclosure, the inner bag and the outer container can be easily manufactured by injection molding the preform or preform assembly, and then blow molding the preform or preform assembly in its entirety. There is no need to build complex mechanisms into the injection mold or molds for the preform or preform assembly. Furthermore, a lid may be used, which lid may be mounted to the bag-in-container, for example after filling, to provide a closure for the inner space of the beverage and the interface space between the inner bag and the outer container.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cover comprises a channel portion extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The planar surface is preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck.

By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion in a side surface of the cover 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 cover, but into the interface space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The cap can be easily manufactured, for example by 2K injection moulding, integrating any seal, for example for sealing a container. The channel portion may be manufactured, for example, by an insert in a mould.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connector comprises a channel portion extending from the second connecting element to the inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening is in a plane extending substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes. The planar surface is preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck, wherein the second connecting element is connected to the second channel of the cap during use.

By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion 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 into the interface space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The cap can still be easily manufactured, for example by 2K injection moulding, integrating any seal, for example for sealing a container. In an embodiment, the first channel and the second channel may extend substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the first and second connection elements may have longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other such that they may be easily inserted into and/or passed over and/or against the first and second channels.

Preferably, the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel has a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other and/or to the longitudinal axis of the container. This arrangement in the cover makes injection moulding easier.

In another aspect, a second opening is provided in the cap or the connector, diametrically opposed to the inlet opening, positioned in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening through the cap, through the connector and/or through the container. Preferably, the second opening is spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck, and even more preferably spaced the same distance as the inlet.

Providing a second opening allows, for example, another pressurized gas source or pressure sensor or other sensor to be connected to the container. By arranging this second opening directly opposite the first or inlet opening, it is made more practical, as this allows a symmetrical arrangement of the cover or connector, so that two positions may be allowed for positioning the container in the pressurizing means or connecting the pressurizing means to the cover or connector.

In a further elaboration, a gas space is enclosed between the cover and the connector, which gas space is connected to the inlet opening and the second channel during use. The gas space may pass gas between the inlet opening and the second channel. Further, the gas space, if provided, may fluidly connect the first opening with the second opening. Furthermore, the gas space may provide a buffer for the gas.

In a further elaboration, the second connecting element may comprise or be formed by a piercing element for piercing the second channel, the piercing element comprising at least one recess for allowing gas to enter the second channel from the gas space and/or to exit from the second channel into the gas space. Furthermore, such a connecting element may be easy to manufacture and, if provided in or as a second channel, may be easily used for piercing any seal.

In one aspect, the passageway between the first neck and the second neck comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first neck and the second neck, the space extending from the level of the free longitudinal edge of the first neck into the bag-in-container. Preferably, the first seal of the lid seals against this free edge of the first neck (i.e. the neck of the bag) when the lid has been mounted onto the container, however, the second seal of the lid may seal against the inside of the second neck of the outer container above this free longitudinal edge of the first neck.

The present disclosure also relates to a cap for connection to a bag-in-container, in particular to a connector of a bag-in-container of the present disclosure. The connector comprises a first connection element and a second connection element, said first connection element and said second connection element having: a parallel longitudinal axis extending from the first surface; and two openings diametrically opposite each other in a connecting surface, said connecting surfaces extending substantially parallel to each other and to said longitudinal axes of said first and second connecting elements.

Drawings

In order to further clarify the present invention, embodiments of the invention will be disclosed and discussed below with reference to the drawings. Wherein is shown:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a preform assembly for integrally blow-molding a bag-in-container;

fig. 2 schematically shows a partial longitudinal section of a blow-molded bag-in-container;

fig. 3 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a cap of a container of the present disclosure, mounted to a neck of a container, for example according to fig. 2;

fig. 4A and 4B schematically show a perspective view and a cross-sectional side view of a cross-section of an upper portion of a bag-in-container having a lid mounted thereto, wherein a connector is mounted onto the lid of the bag-in-container in a second embodiment;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a dispensing device, wherein a portion of the bag-in-container according to fig. 4 is positioned in the dispensing device;

figures 6 and 6A schematically illustrate another alternative embodiment of an adapter according to the present disclosure in a front view and a cross-sectional side view of line 6A-6A in figure 6,

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative adapter;

fig. 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another cover; and

fig. 9 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a portion of a dispensing device having a container of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In this specification, embodiments of the invention have been shown and disclosed by way of illustration only. These should in no way be interpreted or construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. In the present specification, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. In this specification, embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to carbonated beverages, particularly beer. However, other beverages may be used in the present invention, such as, but not limited to, coffee, particularly cold brew coffee, cider, wine, fruit juices, and the like.

In this specification, upper and lower, top and bottom, etc. should be considered as normal orientations of the dispensing unit unless specifically stated to be different. The rear of the dispensing unit will be referred to as the side edge, where a tap wrench or the like for operating the system is provided, in particular for operating to dispense a beverage contained in a container provided in and/or on the unit. The container may have a bottom part and a neck region which may face substantially downwards during use within the assembly. This is shown for example in the drawings, in particular in fig. 5, where a container with a neck portion facing downwards is shown. This does not necessarily reflect the direction in which the tapping device or parts thereof of the present invention must be used. For a container, the normal position may be with the bottom portion facing downward, the neck portion facing upward, or with the longitudinal axis at an angle relative to the vertical, e.g., extending substantially horizontally.

In the present specification, BIC-type or bag-in-container-type must be understood as a container comprising at least an outer container and an inner bag, wherein the inner bag is designed to contain a beverage and is more flexible or compressible than the outer container. The outer container may for example be a bottle-like container having a neck and a body, while the bag also has a neck. The inner bag and/or outer container may be made of a single material or blend, may be made entirely or partially by injection molding and/or blow molding, rotational molding, etc. Preferably, the bag-in-container according to the invention is made by integral blow molding. In embodiments, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by inserting at least one preform into another preform and then blow molding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In embodiments, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by over-molding at least one preform that forms a multi-layered preform, and then blow molding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In an embodiment, after forming the outer container and the bag, respectively, the bag may be at least partially suspended inside the outer container.

In this specification, the tapping assembly may comprise a housing accommodating the cooling means and pressure means for supplying pressurized gas (e.g. air) to the container. The system may further comprise a cover, preferably at least partially transparent, which fits over the container when properly placed in the housing. The cap may provide visibility of the container within the dispensing device comprising the housing and the cap, so that for example the filling level may be determined and the indicia of the container may be seen from the outside. Transparent is herein understood to be sufficiently transparent to allow viewing and inspection of the container through the lid, preferably by being undisturbed by the lid being coloured or covered, e.g. over at least a substantial part of the lid, e.g. more than 50% of its surface area and/or over 360 degrees from at least two opposite sides and/or over at least part of the height of the lid, i.e. from all sides. Providing visibility of the container, and in particular at least its brand, may be beneficial for allowing different brands to be used in the same system without having to rename the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the container, and in particular at least its brand, may be advantageous for the outward appearance of the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the container, and in particular at least its brand, may be beneficial for inspecting the container and/or its contents.

In this specification, the dispensing assembly (which may also be referred to as tapping assembly) may be designed such that the container may be placed in an "inverted" position on and/or in the housing of the dispensing unit such that at least part of the container, in particular at least part of the shoulder part of the container, is introduced into the receptacle on the housing, the neck comprising a downward facing outflow opening. Preferably, the portion of the container extending into the receptacle, in particular the portion of the shoulder, is in close proximity to or at least in part in contact with the wall of the receptacle, wherein the wall of the receptacle is cooled, in particular actively cooled. In this specification, relative proximity with respect to the distance between the wall of the receptacle and the relevant container portion should be understood as a distance small enough to allow effective cooling of that portion of the container and its contents. In such an embodiment, the advantage is obtained that the content of the container will be at least in the region cooled by the wall of the receptacle, even if the container part is empty, which cooled content is close to and in particular directly adjacent to the outflow opening. Thus, even if the portion of the container extending outside the receptacle is not or less cooled, it is entirely possible to control the temperature of the dispensed beverage. Such dispensing devices are for example referred to as sold by the netherlands gladiate

And are described for example in WO 2018/009065, WO2018/212660 and WO 2018/212659.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a preform 1 for an in-bag container or BIC. In fig. 1, the preform is formed as a preform assembly comprising a first preform 2 injection molded from a plastic or plastic blend (such as, for example, PET or including PET in the blend). The first preform 2 is inserted into a second injection molded preform 3, the second injection molded preform 3 also being made of a plastic or a plastic blend that 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 mainly made of PET. As shown in fig. 1, both the first preform 2 and the second preform 3 have a body forming part III and

necks

4, 5. The first neck 4 of the inner preform is arranged in the second neck 5 of the second preform 3. During blow molding, the

necks

4, 5 are preferably not stretched and retain their shape in the bag-in-container 6 blow molded from the preform 1.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a partial cross-section of a bag-in-container 6 integrally blow-molded from the preform assembly 1 of fig. 1. BIC 6 includes a pouch 8 inside a container 10. The bag 8 is made from a first or inner preform 2 and the container 10 is made from a second or outer preform 3. The bag 8 is compressible when gas is introduced under pressure into the space 9 between the bag 8 and the container 10. This space 9 may also be referred to as interface space 9. The bag 8 has a first neck 4 and the container 10 has a second neck 5, the second neck 5 extending around the first neck 4. At least one passage 11 is provided between the first neck 4 and the second neck 5 providing a passage for gas under pressure into the space 9. Both the first neck 4 and the second neck 5 have a closed peripheral wall. In fig. 1, the part of the

neck

4, 5 with the passage 11 and the space 9 is shown on an enlarged scale. The passageway 11 preferably has a main flow direction F substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6. The space 9 may extend into the container 6 in a known manner in the neck region I, the shoulder region II and/or the body region III. In the container 6, immediately after blow moulding and/or filling of the container at least in the shoulder region II and in the body region III, the bag 8 can rest against the inner wall of the container 10, so that the space 9 is greatly reduced, but can be increased by this gas under the pressure introduced therein, so that the contents of the container 6 are pressurized and dispensed.

Fig. 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a lid 20 for closing a container 6. A cap 20 is mounted on the bag-in-container 6, the cap comprising a first seal 22 and a second seal 24, the first seal 22 sealing against the bag 8, in particular against the neck 4 of the bag 8, and the second seal 24 sealing against the container 10, in particular against the neck 5 of the outer container 10. The cap 20 further comprises a first channel 25 fluidly connected to the interior space 26 of the bag 8 during use and a second channel 28 fluidly connected to the at least one passageway 11 during use. The first channel 25 is provided with a flexible closure 29 closing the channel 25. The closure 29 may be pierced, for example, as will be discussed, or pushed aside, to allow the contents of the pouch 8 to be dispensed. Alternatively, the closure 29 may be or include a resealable valve. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the first channel 25 and the second channel 28 extend parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6. This is advantageous both during molding and during use of the cap 20. The cover 20 may be formed of plastic, such as by injection molding, preferably by 2K molding, wherein the

seals

22, 24 may be injection molded with the base material of the cover 20. Alternatively, the seal may be manufactured separately. As shown in fig. 3, the cap 20 may be, for example, press-fit onto the neck of the container 10, for example, locked in place by a groove 94 that fits over a toothed rim 96. This prevents unwanted removal of the cover 20.

Fig. 4A and 4B schematically show a bag-in-container (BIC) 6, or at least an upper part thereof, showing a neck region I and a shoulder region II thereof, on which a cap 20 as shown in fig. 3 is mounted. A connector 30 is mounted on the cap 20 for connecting the container 6 with a dispensing assembly 32, for example as shown in part in fig. 5. Such a dispensing device 32 (which is shown by way of example only and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure) is said to be owned and sold by the netherlands' happiness

The connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 fitted onto and/or into the first channel 25 of the cap 20 and an at least partially flexible dispensing line 36 fluidly connected 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, such as a needle, which can be pushed into the first channel 25, thereby opening the closure 29 to allow liquid to be dispensed from the volume 26 to the dispensing tube 36. The closure 29 is preferably made of an elastic material which will close and seal against the first connecting element 34 after having been opened (e.g. 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 recess 39 for allowing gas to enter the second channel 28 from the gas space 42 and/or to exit the second channel 28 into the gas space 42. In this embodiment, the second connecting element 38 is formed by a pin having a cross section such as that shown in an enlarged scale in fig. 4B. In this embodiment, the pin has a cross-shaped cross-section and the passage 28 is circular in cross-section. It will be apparent that these may have various cross-sections as long as gas can flow 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 longitudinal axes Y parallel to each other so that they can be easily inserted into the first and

second channels

25, 28, respectively. A third seal 40 is provided between the cover 20 and the connector 30 such that a space 42 between the cover 20 and the connector 30 is closed. When the connector 30 is properly mounted to the container 6, the space 42 is in open communication with the second channel 28 and, thus, with the passageway into the space 9 between the inner bag 8 and the outer container 10. Thus, during use, the second connecting element 38 is connected to the second channel 28 of the cover 20.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the connector 30 in this embodiment includes a first or inlet opening 44 that opens into the space 42. The space 42 forms a channel portion extending from the second connecting element 38 to the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 lies in a first plane P extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 ₁ Is a kind of medium. The gas connector 50 of the distribution device 32 may thus preferably be connected to the inlet opening 44 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X, as will be discussed. Plane P ₁ Preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the connector 30 may be provided with a retaining ring, such as a detent ring 46 extending circumferentially around the underside of the connector 30, by which the connector may be locked to the container 6 by the detent ring 46 exerting a force under the edge of a flange 48 of the container 6.

In the embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B, the second opening 52 is provided in the connector 30, andthe inlet openings 44 are diametrically opposed. The second opening 52 is preferably positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 and to the first plane P ₁ Extended second plane P ₂ Is a kind of medium. The inlet opening 44 is in fluid communication with the second opening 52 through the connector 30, in particular through the space 42 enclosed by the connector 30. The second connector 54 of the dispensing device 32 may preferably be connected to the second opening 52 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X as will be discussed. Second plane P ₂ Preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5. More preferably, the first plane P ₁ And a second plane P ₂ Are spaced apart from the wall of the outer neck 5 by substantially the same distance. In an embodiment, the connector may be substantially symmetrical in a central plane parallel to the axis X-X, such that the container 6 may be placed in two positions in the dispensing

device

32, 100.

In an embodiment, a connecting

surface

44A, 52A may be provided that extends around the first or inlet opening 44 and/or the second opening 52, respectively. These

surfaces

44A, 52A preferably lie in respective planes P extending substantially parallel to the axis X-X ₁ 、P ₂ Is a kind of medium.

The second opening 52 may form an outlet opening and may be fluidly connected with the inlet opening 44 and the second channel 28 or with the second connecting element 38 through the space 42. Preferably, the first connection surface 44A has a first center C ₁ And the second connecting surface 52A has a second center C ₂ Wherein the first center and the second center are located on a straight line C extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X-X of the bag-in-container ₁ -C ₂ And (3) upper part.

The passageway 11 in the embodiment comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral wall 4A of the first neck 4 and the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5, which space extends from the level of the free longitudinal edge 4B of the first neck 4 into the bag-in-container 6. The rim 4B is preferably located below the rim 5B of the outer neck 5 such that the cap 20 extends at least partially into the outer neck 5 so that the seal 22 engages the neck 4. Thus, the container 6 with the cap 20 may have a relatively small axial length.

The bag-in-container 6 according to the present disclosure may be a blow-molded BIC in its entirety and may be made of a preform assembly as described above, or of a multi-layered unitary preform, provided that when gas is introduced under pressure into the space 9 between the bag forming the inner layer and the container forming the outer layer, the bag formed by the combined inner layers of the layers will be released from the container formed by the combined outer layers of the layers.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a part of the container 6 of the invention, with the cap 20 and the connector 30 mounted on the container 6. In this embodiment, the cap 20 and connector 30 are similar to the embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B, with the container 6 placed in an inverted configuration in the dispensing device 32. Thus, the bottom of the container 6 forms the uppermost part of the container in this position. The container 6 rests with its shoulder region II in a generally bowl-shaped receptacle 60 of the dispensing device 32, wherein the neck region I extends into a recess 62 at the lower end of the receptacle 60. A cooling channel 64 is provided in the container 60 or extends around the container 60 for cooling the receptacle and thus the container 6 and the liquid inside the container 6 by contact cooling. Since the first channel 25 through which the liquid is to be dispensed is located at the lowest point of the container 6 at this location, efficient cooling can be obtained.

As shown in fig. 5, a first or gas connector 50 and a second connector 54 are provided in the dispensing device 32 on opposite sides of the connector 30 and the cap 20, with the dispensing line at the lower end of the container 6. The first or gas connector 50 is connected by a gas line 66 to a pressurized gas source 68, such as a compressor or a gas filled with a compressed gas (such as air or CO ₂ ) Is provided. The gas connector 50 in this embodiment comprises a first nose 51, which first nose 51 is made of a soft material, such as rubber or elastomer, which first nose 51 can seal against the surface 44A around the inlet opening 44 for providing a gas tight connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the first nose 51 is biased toward the surface 44A by a spring 51A. Thus, gas under pressure may be introduced into the space 42 from the source 68 through the first nose 51 and the inlet opening 44.

The first nose 51 may be supported by a first carrier 70, the first carrier 70 being shown schematically in part in fig. 5 and known in the art, such as the netherlands' happiness

The carrier is movable radially, substantially perpendicularly, with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 between a position as shown in fig. 5 and a retracted position in which the first nose 51 moves away from the surface 44A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the recess 62, through the first nose 51.

A second connector 54, diametrically opposite the first nose 51, 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 includes a second nose 55 similar to the first nose 51, the second nose 55 being sealable against a surface 52A around the second opening 52 for providing an airtight connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the second nose 55 is biased toward the surface 52A by a spring 55A. Thus, gas under pressure may be directed to the sensor unit 74.

The second nose 55 may be supported by a second carrier 76, the second carrier 76 being shown schematically in part in fig. 5 and known in the art, such as the netherlands' happiness

Second carrier 76 is movable radially, substantially perpendicularly, with respect to longitudinal axis X-X of container 6 between a position as shown in fig. 5 and a retracted position in which second nose 55 is moved away from surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the recess 62 past the second nose 55.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second carriers are simultaneously movable in opposite directions between a connected 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 may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as electronically and/or mechanically.

Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit 75 of the dispensing device. The control unit 75 may be arranged such that, for example, the sensor unit 74 may sense whether the container 6 is indeed correctly introduced into the dispensing device 32. For example, if there is no container 6 in the dispensing device, the 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 that there is no very little change in pressure and/or flow. The control unit may then shut off the pressure source 68 and cooling, etc., and/or may be used to inform the user of the fact that the container is not placed, or that the container is improperly placed, or that other problems may occur. Furthermore, the control unit may be arranged such that if the sensor unit 74 detects too high a pressure or flow, it may also shut down or adjust the pressure source 68. The space 42 may function as a pressure buffer and the space 9 in the container 6 may also function as a pressure buffer.

Fig. 6 and 6A show an alternative embodiment of the connector 30. In this embodiment, the connector 30 includes 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, with an inner channel 34A connected to the channel portion 35, the channel portion 35 extending substantially radially from the inner channel 34A to the inlet opening 44. Likewise, the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane P extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 ₁ Preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck. In this embodiment, the connector 30 may for example comprise two or more legs 31 having teeth 46 at their lower ends so that these legs 31 may serve as detent fingers that may catch under the edges of the flange 48 for connecting the connector 30 to the container 6. In the embodiment shown, two legs 31 are provided at opposite sides of the connector, but it is obvious that another number of such legs, or a click ring as described before, may be provided.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a cross section of another alternative embodiment of a connector 30 for a container, which connector 30 is further provided with a first connecting element 34 and a second connecting element 38 as shown in fig. 6 and 6A. In this embodiment, the connector has a first or gas connection opening 44 and a second opening 54 on the opposite side of the connector, similar to the embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, extending substantially radially from the internal passage 34A to the inletThe channel portion 35 of the mouth opening 44 is connected to another channel portion 34B, which channel portion 34B extends through the upper part 80 of the connector to the second opening 52. Also, the inlet opening 44 is located at a plane P ₁ And the second opening 52 is located at the second plane P ₂ In two planes P ₁ 、P ₂ Extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a cap 20 for a container 6. In this embodiment, the cover is substantially as disclosed in fig. 3-6. In this embodiment, the cover 20 further comprises a channel portion 35, for example like the space 42 or the annular channel, the channel portion 35 extending from the second channel 28 to the inlet opening 44 and to the second opening 52 at the opposite side of the cover 20 from the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 again lies in a plane P extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 ₁ Preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. The second opening 52 again lies in a plane P extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 ₂ Preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. In this configuration, an adapter may be used to quantitatively close the opening 44 or the channel 28, allowing for the selection of an opening for the introduction of gas. Alternatively, the channel 28 may be omitted.

Fig. 9 schematically shows a cross section of a connection device 100 of another dispensing device 32, which connection device 100 is mounted over a neck region I of a BIC container 6 and extends over a part of a shoulder region II of the BIC container 6. The connection device 100 is generally known from the prior art and is used for the netherlands' wedding forces

In a system, and disclosed in international application WO2014/017909, which is incorporated herein by reference. The connection device 100 comprises a central opening or hole 101 in the housing 102 through which central opening or hole 101 the device 100 can be fitted on the neck region I of the container 6. Providing a first connector 50 within the housing 102, the first connector 50 may include a first nose 51 similar to that of fig. 5, which may be formed from a first carrier70 which is movable radially, substantially perpendicularly, with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, between a 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 easily enter and exit the recess 62, passing the first nose 51 when retracted.

A second connector 54, diametrically opposite the first nose 51, is provided with a second nose 55. The second connector 54 is connected to a sensor unit (e.g., including a pressure sensor and/or a flow sensor) via a gas line in substantially the same manner and for the same purpose as the embodiment of fig. 5. The second connector 54 in this embodiment includes a second nose 55 similar to the first nose 51, the second nose 55 may seal against a surface 52A around the second opening 52 for providing an airtight connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the first nose 51 is biased toward the surface 44A by a spring 51A, and the second nose 55 is biased toward the surface 52A by a spring 55A.

Second nose 55 may be supported by a second carrier 76 similar to fig. 5, second carrier 76 being movable radially, substantially perpendicularly, with respect to a longitudinal axis X-X of container 6 between a retracted position, as shown in fig. 9, and a forward position in which second nose 55 is moved against surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the recess 62, passing the second nose 55 when in the retracted position.

In the forward moved position, the nose 51 seals against the surface 44A and gas under pressure can enter the container 6, in particular through the opening 44 and the passage 11 into the space 9, while the second nose 54 seals against the surface 52A and gas under pressure can be directed to the sensor unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second carriers are simultaneously movable in opposite directions between a connected position as shown in fig. 5 and a released position as shown in fig. 9, wherein the

noses

51, 55 are moved away from the

surfaces

44A, 52A in the released position. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as electronically and/or mechanically.

Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit of the dispensing device. The control unit may be arranged such that, for example, the sensor unit 74 may sense whether the container 6 is indeed correctly introduced into the dispensing device 32. For example, if there is no container 6 in the dispensing device, the 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 that there is no very little change in pressure and/or flow. The control unit may then shut off the pressure source 68 and cooling, etc., and/or may be used to inform the user of the fact that the container is not placed, or that the container is improperly placed, or that other problems may occur. Furthermore, the control unit may be arranged such that if the sensor unit 74 detects too high a pressure or flow, it may also shut down or adjust the pressure source 68. The space 42 may function as a pressure buffer and the space 9 in the container 6 may also function as a pressure buffer.

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed and discussed herein.

For example, the cap 20 may be connected to the container 6 in different ways, for example by threads, bayonet coupling, adhesive or welding, etc. The connector 30 may be mounted to the cap 20 in different ways, such as using threads, bayonet coupling, form locking or press fitting, etc. The first coupling element 34 and/or the second coupling element 38 may be manufactured differently. For example, the first connecting element may be designed to open a re-closable valve as a closure, while the second connecting element may be designed to be connected to the second channel, for example by being connected to the upper edge of the second channel, or if the second channel is an open channel, the second connecting element may be so formed by the space 42.

Claims

1. A bag-in-container comprising a bag inside the container, the bag being compressible when gas under pressure is introduced into a space between the bag and the container, wherein the bag has a first neck and the container has a second neck extending around the first neck, wherein at least one passageway is provided between the first neck and the second neck, the passageway providing an access for gas under pressure into the space, wherein both the first neck and the second neck have a closed peripheral wall, wherein a cap is mounted to the bag-in-container, the cap comprising a first seal sealed against the bag and a second seal sealed against the container, the cap further comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being fluidly connected to the interior space of the bag during use,

Wherein a connector is provided, connected or connectable to the bag-in-container, wherein the connector has a first connecting element which fits onto and/or into the first channel;

an at least partially flexible dispensing line fluidly connected or connectable to said first connecting element for dispensing beverage from said bag,

and, wherein:

-the cap comprises a channel portion extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, the plane preferably being spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck; or (b)

-the connector comprises a channel portion which, when coupled to the cap during use, extends from the second channel or second connection element of the connector to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, which plane is preferably spaced radially outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck.

2. The bag-in-container of claim 1, wherein the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel has a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other and/or to the longitudinal axis of the container.

3. A bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second opening is provided in the cap or the connector, diametrically opposed to the inlet opening, positioned in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, preferably spaced radially outwardly from the peripheral wall of the second neck, wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening through the cap, through the connector and/or through the container.

4. The bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gas space is enclosed between the cover and the connector, the gas space being connected to the inlet opening and the second channel during use.

5. The bag-in-container according to claim 4, wherein the second connection element comprises or is formed by a piercing element for piercing the second channel, the piercing element comprising at least one recess for allowing gas to enter the second channel from the gas space and/or to exit from the second channel into the gas space.

6. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection element is or comprises a hollow needle.

7. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element fits onto and/or into the second channel.

8. The bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one passageway has a main flow direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. A bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover or the connector is provided with a second connection surface in a position radially opposite the inlet opening, the second connection surface extending in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the first inlet opening lies.

10. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second connection surfaces are substantially equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the bag-in-container.

11. The bag-in-container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an outlet opening is provided in the second connection surface, which outlet opening is fluidly connected to the second connection element or the second channel.

12. The bag-in-container according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the first connection surface has a first center and the second connection surface has a second center, wherein the first center and the second center are located on a straight line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag-in-container.

13. The bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first neck and the second neck, the space extending from the level of the free longitudinal edge of the first neck into the bag-in-container.

14. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bag-in-container is an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container.

15. The bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector provides a standing surface for the bag-in-container to stand up.

16. A connector for connecting to a lid of a bag-in-container, the connector comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element having: a parallel longitudinal axis extending from the first surface; and two openings diametrically opposite each other in a connecting surface, said connecting surfaces extending substantially parallel to each other and to said longitudinal axes of said first and second connecting elements.