EP2146923B1 - Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover - Google Patents

Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2146923B1
EP2146923B1 EP08787772A EP08787772A EP2146923B1 EP 2146923 B1 EP2146923 B1 EP 2146923B1 EP 08787772 A EP08787772 A EP 08787772A EP 08787772 A EP08787772 A EP 08787772A EP 2146923 B1 EP2146923 B1 EP 2146923B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
cap
tube
liquid
closing cap
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Not-in-force
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EP08787772A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2146923A2 (en
Inventor
Thierry Ancel
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to PL08787772T priority Critical patent/PL2146923T3/en
Publication of EP2146923A2 publication Critical patent/EP2146923A2/en
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Publication of EP2146923B1 publication Critical patent/EP2146923B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0829—Keg connection means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of packaging liquids, and in particular that of carbonated liquids, for their withdrawal.
  • the invention more particularly relates to a closure cap capable of being combined with draw-off elements, as well as a container provided with such a cap.
  • the closure caps are fixed by screwing on the containers filled with liquid. They are provided with a dip tube for diving into the liquid.
  • the cap further comprises a shutter member adapted to close the passage of the liquid in the plunger tube, and therefore the container. In order to proceed with the withdrawal of the liquid, the shutter element is removed from the cap, a flow head, connected to a withdrawal device, being then positioned on said cap.
  • the current system requires, while waiting for the preparation of the container for the purpose of the withdrawal operation, to manage two separate sets: the container provided with the closure cap bearing the dip tube on the one hand, and the head of flow associated with the withdrawal device on the other hand. It follows constraints in terms of storage and management of each of these elements.
  • the document FR-A-2232491 discloses an extractor tube adapted for use in an apparatus comprising a closed reservoir which distributes a liquid under the action of pressurized gas supplied to the reservoir, which reservoir comprises a closure cap provided with a liquid outlet connection, in wherein the tube is removable and is shaped at its upper end to be easily attached and detached by hand and the outlet connector.
  • a container closure cap having a body including draw-off members having a dip tube and a flexible flow pipe, the dip tube and the flow pipe extending from both sides of the container. said cap, and a connecting member of the flow pipe with the dip tube, the connecting member having a passage for the liquid, from the dip tube to the flow pipe, said passage having a tubular extension on which one of the ends of the flow pipe is attached, said closure cap further comprising means for retaining said flow pipe on the tubular extension of the joining element,
  • the invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a closure cap to proceed, easily and quickly, the withdrawal of the liquid contained in a container.
  • the invention relates to a closure cap for a container adapted for storing carbonated liquids, having a body comprising withdrawal elements comprising a dip tube and a flexible flow pipe, the tube plunger and the flow pipe extending on either side of said cap, and a connecting member of the flow pipe with the dip tube, the connecting element having a passage for the liquid, from the tube plunger in the direction of the flow pipe, said passage having a tubular extension on which is fixed one end of the flow pipe, said closure cap further comprising means for retaining said flow pipe on the extension tubular of the connecting element, characterized in that the retaining means comprise a clamping ring ensuring the maintenance of the flow pipe on the connecting element by clamping of the end of the pipe against the extension of the joining element.
  • the cap carries directly the elements necessary for the withdrawal of the liquid, namely a dip tube intended to be disposed in the container, and a flexible flow pipe intended to extend outside the container.
  • the cap thus allows, in addition to closing the container, even withdrawal of the liquid contained in the container.
  • the flow pipe is fixed by fitting on the extension (male part) of the closure cap. Retaining means ensure its maintenance on said extension.
  • the pipe under the action of its pressurization during the withdrawal of the liquid, and because of its flexibility, tends to tear off the closure cap.
  • the retaining means comprise a clamping ring ensuring the maintenance of the flow pipe on the connecting element by clamping the end of the pipe against the extension of the connecting element.
  • the retaining means comprises a pressure tab of the flow pipe against the extension of the joining element. The pipe is then bent by the tongue towards the end of the extension.
  • the tongue constitutes means for closing the fluid passage, said tongue being mounted articulated on the body so as to pass from an open position to a closed position of the fluid passage by pivoting on the extension of the fluid. junction element.
  • the closure cap further comprises sealing means comprising a tab formed at the end of the tongue and irreversibly clipping into a retaining loop formed on the body.
  • the closure cap may include a complementary channel for the passage of liquid, opening and extending to the passage.
  • this channel there will be housed a ball, movable between an open position of the channel and a closed position of the channel.
  • the ball is in the open position of the channel, when the container is placed upside down, and in the closed position of the channel, when the container is placed at the place, place and upside down in relation to the normal position.
  • the body of the cap is elastically deformable.
  • the invention relates to a container adapted for the storage of carbonated liquids, and in particular beer keg, provided with a closure cap as just described, said cap being fixed irreversibly on a filler neck of said container.
  • the seal between the filler neck and the closure cap is provided by means of one or more annular bead (s) formed (s) on the body of said cap.
  • the liquid stored in the container is a carbonated beverage, such as a beer or a quiet drink.
  • the invention relates to a container as just described and its contents: a carbonated liquid such as a beer or a quiet drink.
  • a container 1 of liquid and more particularly a beer keg.
  • Said container 1 comprises a plastic bag for containing the liquid placed in a rigid container 2 provided with a rigid lid 3, liquid withdrawal elements and a closure cap 4.
  • the bag (not shown) comprises two sheets of rectangular shape of the same dimensions. Said sheets are superimposed and welded together at or near their lateral edges.
  • One of the sheets has a filling opening formed near two adjacent side edges.
  • the choice of material in which the bag is made depends on the liquid to be contained therein.
  • the bag must withstand the pressure to which the container is subjected when the liquid to be stored is a carbonated drink, such as beer. It must also be sealed from the inside out to the carbon dioxide, and to some extent permeable from the outside to the inside to the oxygen.
  • the container of slightly conical shape, has a side wall defining a loading opening through which the body of the bag is introduced, and a bottom wall 20 provided, in the embodiment described, four feet 21 arranged equidistantly or substantially equidistant to tolerances close to each other.
  • the feet 21 are of rounded shape.
  • the rounded shape of the feet contributes to the resistance of the container to the pressure of the stored liquid.
  • the slightly conical shape of the container has the advantage of allowing its interlocking with other containers.
  • the container 2 preferably has an interior volume (or capacity) of the order of 5, 10 or 15 liters. Moreover, it advantageously has a capacity slightly less than that of the plastic bag, in order to avoid any possible bursting of the bag during its filling or caused by an overpressure related to an increase in the temperature to which the container 2 is subjected. Thus, for a container having a capacity of about 7 liters, it is advantageous to provide a bag having a capacity of the order of 8 liters.
  • the lid 3 has a convex shape so as to offer a greater resistance to the pressure to which the container 2 is subjected when the latter is closed.
  • the cover 3 is extended, on its lower part, by a gripping flange 31 for handling the container 2 when it is provided with said lid 3.
  • a gripping flange 31 for handling the container 2 when it is provided with said lid 3.
  • the lid 3 further includes an orifice 32 centrally disposed therein.
  • the orifice 32 is provided with a shaped filler neck cylindrical provided, at or towards its free end, an outer collar.
  • the filler neck appears on the figure 1 (reference 5).
  • the bag is fixed on the lid, the filling opening of said bag being placed opposite the filling neck 5 of the lid 3.
  • the cover also has, on its outer face 33, four cavities 34, of a shape complementary to that of the legs 21 of the receptacle 2.
  • the four cavities distributed around the orifice equidistantly or substantially equidistant to the tolerances close to each other , are arranged to respectively receive one of the feet of a container resting on said lid 3.
  • the fingerprints 34 also serve to reinforce the resistance of the container to the pressure of the liquid.
  • the containers provided respectively with a lid are able to be stacked on each other, the feet of an upper container being arranged in the indentations formed on the lid of the container on which it is stacked.
  • the figure 3 illustrates the stacking of two containers 1.
  • the outer face 33 of the lid 3 is provided with reinforcing projections 37, as illustrated by FIG. figure 2 .
  • Said reinforcing protrusions 37 are arranged concentrically and connect the indentations to each other.
  • the indentations also comprise a crossing of two reinforcing projections 38.
  • the indentations 34 have an elevation 35 with respect to the outer face 33 of the cover 3.
  • the elevation of the indentations 34 thus makes it possible to form an space 36 between the outer face 33 of the cover 3 and the bottom wall of another container disposed on said cover 3.
  • the space 36 thus formed makes it possible to house the closure cap fixed on the filling neck 5 of the bag provided with the withdrawal elements, as will be seen.
  • the containers and lids are able to be nested ( figure 4 ).
  • the container 2 and the lid 3 are assembled in force by crimping. It can be provided that the container 2 and the lid 3 are then sealed by means of a complementary ring.
  • the closing cap 4 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 40. As will be seen, the body 40 is intended to be held against the inner wall of the filler neck 5.
  • the body 40 is provided, in the described embodiment, with three annular beads 42 extending on the outer wall thereof. Said beads 41 are arranged to exert on the inner wall of the filling neck 5 a sufficient pressure to seal the junction between the body 40 of the closure cap 4 and the filling neck 5 of the container 2.
  • the body 40 is made of an elastically deformable material to facilitate its placement in the filler neck 5, while maintaining a sufficient pressure to seal between said body 40 and the filler neck 5.
  • the body 40 is provided at its lower end with a lip 45 extending radially outwardly. This lip has the function, as explained below, of maintaining the body 40 irreversibly locked on the lid 3.
  • a junction disk 41 is formed inside the body 40, delimiting with the inner wall of the body 40, an upper cavity 47.
  • the disk 41 has a communication port between a rigid dip tube to be disposed in the plastic bag and a flexible shape memory flow pipe (not shown), the liquid passing from the dip tube to the flow pipe.
  • the dip tube and the flow pipe are arranged on either side of the joining disk 41.
  • the dip tube and the flexible pipe constitute the withdrawal elements. The length of the dip tube depends on the dimensions of the container.
  • the communication orifice comprises a nozzle on which the flow pipe is intended to be placed.
  • the closure cap 4 comprises a clamping ring 43.
  • the clamping ring 43 is hingedly mounted on the upper end of the body 40 so that it can be folded onto the disc 41 in the upper cavity of the body 40.
  • a lumen 44 is formed in the clamping ring 43 to allow passage of the flow pipe.
  • Said light 44 is arranged to receive the tip when said clamping ring 43 is folded down on the joining disc 41. It is further dimensioned, with said tip, to ensure a firm hold of the flow pipe on said tip.
  • the clamping ring 43 is held in the folded position on the connecting disc 41 by means of a lug 44 formed on the inner wall of the body 40.
  • the closure cap 4 further comprises a tab 46 for closing the container. Said tongue 46 is articulated on the upper body end 40 so as to be able to fall back on the junction disc 41 covered by the clamping ring 43, pinching the flow pipe.
  • the tongue 46 is fixed at 90 degrees to the clamping ring 43, on the upper end of the body 40 of the closure cap 4.
  • the closure cap 4 further comprises sealing means.
  • the sealing means comprise a tab 47 formed at the end of the tongue 46 snapping into a retaining loop 48.
  • Said retaining loop 48 is formed on the upper end of the body 40, diametrically opposite the end by which the tongue 46 is articulated on the body 40. Said retaining loop 48 extends outwardly.
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a particular embodiment of the closure cap 4.
  • the body 40 of the closure cap 4 comprises in the lower part (lower part of the cap, delimited by the joining disc 41) a through cavity 49 adapted to receive one end of the plunger tube 56. Said cavity 49 is dimensioned so that the plunger tube 56 can be fixed in force in the cap 4.
  • the cavity 49 is connected to the communication orifice of the joining disc 41 by a connecting duct 51.
  • the body 40 further comprises a channel 50 extending from the lower part of the body 40 into the junction conduit 51.
  • the channel 50 is opening on the outside. It is intended to receive a movable sealing ball 52 ( figure 10 ). The function of the channel will be described later.
  • the lower periphery of the body 40 of the closure cap 4 is provided with a tongue 53, mounted articulated, adapted to fall back on the lower part of the body 40, and more particularly on the inlet ports of the cavity 49 and the channel 50.
  • the tongue 53 has a shape complementary to that of the lower part of the body 40.
  • Two lights 54 and 55 are formed in said tongue 53. These lights are arranged to be located, when the tongue 53 is folded over the body 40 of the closure cap 4, vis-à-vis respectively of the orifice of inlet 55 of the cavity 49 and the inlet of the channel 50.
  • the light 55 has a diameter at least slightly less than that of the ball 52 housed in the channel 50 so as to retain the latter in said channel 50, the ball ensuring the sealing of the channel 50 as will be seen later.
  • the light 54 has a section allowing insertion of the end of the plunger tube 56 in the cavity 49. In order to improve the retention of the plunger tube 56, the lumen 54 is provided with a retaining collar 57 extending towards the outside of the body 40.
  • the tongue 53 is fixed on the body 40 of the closure cap 4 by clipping.
  • the tongue 53 has an edge provided with an internal projection 57 adapted to be housed in a groove 58, of complementary shape, formed on the outer wall of the body 40.
  • the closure cap 4 is dimensioned so that when the cap is fixed on the filler neck 5 of the container 2, the inlet openings of the cavity 49 and the channel 50 open into the plastic bag.
  • the closure cap 4 thus configured offers the possibility of withdrawing all of the liquid contained in the plastic bag, whether the container is disposed upside down or in place.
  • the ball 52 When the container is placed upside down, the ball 52 is placed at the place or at the high end of the channel 50. Said high end is arranged to allow the passage of the liquid to the flow pipe while retaining the ball 52 in said channel.
  • high end By the term “high end” is meant the upper end of the channel 50 when the container is disposed at the place.
  • the passage of the fluid is allowed, in the embodiment described, because of an oval shape of the channel, or at least given at the high end of the channel.
  • the ball when the container is placed upside down, the ball is positioned at the upper end of the channel 50 allowing the liquid contained in the bag to pass through the channel 50, from the bag to the flow pipe. Said channel 50 thus replaces the plunger tube 56. It thus makes it possible to withdraw the liquid, even when the level of the latter is lower than the free end of the plunger tube 56.
  • the ball 52 When the container is disposed at the location, the ball 52 is positioned, by gravity, at the lower end of the channel 50, thereby closing the light 55.
  • low end By the term “low end”, is meant the lower end of the channel 50 when the container is disposed at the place.
  • the function of the ball 52 associated with the channel 50 is therefore twofold: firstly to allow the passage of the liquid in the direction of the flow pipe when the container is arranged upside down, and secondly ensure gas tightness when the container is arranged at the place.
  • the transport of the containers from their point of manufacture (factories) to their filling point in liquid, and more particularly in beer, the filling point being also liquid production units, is carried out in the following manner.
  • the containers leave the factory in detached pieces, these being: i) the containers, ii) the lids respectively provided with a plastic bag, and iii) the closure caps provided with the elements of withdrawal.
  • each lid is crimped on a container, the bag adapted to receive the liquid being disposed therein.
  • the beer bag filling step is then carried out according to the usual methods used in the field of liquid packaging.
  • the withdrawal neck is sealed by means of the closure cap which has been previously placed in a "sealed” state, that is to say the clamping ring folded into the body the closure cap and the tab snapped into the retaining loop, thus closing the flow pipe, and therefore the container.
  • the body of the closure cap is forced into the filler neck due to the presence of the beads on the outer wall of said body.
  • the body is depressed until the lower lip reaches the end of the filler neck opening inside the bag ("inner end").
  • the body which has undergone an elastic deformation inwardly during its insertion into the filler neck, then makes an outward movement due to its elasticity.
  • the flow pipe is loosened by breaking the handle holding the closure tongue. The liquid can then be withdrawn.
  • the container disposed at the place or arranged upside down.
  • a compression air supply channel or carbon dioxide in the first case, there is provided an air supply channel to allow the rebalancing of the liquid in the bag , and thus avoid the phenomenon of suction cups.
  • the two air supply channels form a single channel.
  • it is provided with a non-return valve.

Abstract

The cap has a body inside which a junction disk (41) is arranged. The disk has a communication orifice between a rigid dip tube (56) arranged in a plastic bag containing liquid and a flexible flow pipe, where the liquid passes from the tube to the pipe. The tube and the pipe are arranged on both sides of the disk and constitute removal elements. A locking ring maintains the pipe on an end of the orifice, where the ring is maintained in a folded position on the disk using a pin arranged on an inner wall of the body.

Description

L'invention concerne le domaine du conditionnement de liquides, et notamment celui des liquides carbonatés, en vue de leur soutirage.The invention relates to the field of packaging liquids, and in particular that of carbonated liquids, for their withdrawal.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement une coiffe de fermeture apte à être combinée avec des éléments de soutirage, ainsi qu'un conteneur pourvu d'une telle coiffe.The invention more particularly relates to a closure cap capable of being combined with draw-off elements, as well as a container provided with such a cap.

De manière traditionnelle, les coiffes de fermeture sont fixées par vissage sur les conteneurs remplis de liquide. Elles sont pourvues d'un tube plongeur destiné à plonger dans le liquide. La coiffe comprend en outre un élément obturateur apte à obturer le passage du liquide dans le tube plongeur, et donc le récipient. Afin de procéder au soutirage du liquide, l'élément obturateur est enlevé de la coiffe, une tête de débit, reliée à un dispositif de soutirage, étant ensuite positionnée sur ladite coiffe.In the traditional way, the closure caps are fixed by screwing on the containers filled with liquid. They are provided with a dip tube for diving into the liquid. The cap further comprises a shutter member adapted to close the passage of the liquid in the plunger tube, and therefore the container. In order to proceed with the withdrawal of the liquid, the shutter element is removed from the cap, a flow head, connected to a withdrawal device, being then positioned on said cap.

La mise en oeuvre du soutirage du liquide de conteneurs pourvus d'une telle coiffe s'avère donc fastidieuse. Elle nécessite en effet plusieurs manipulations de la coiffe, à savoir la mise en place de la coiffe sur le conteneur après l'opération de remplissage de ce dernier puis, aux fins du soutirage, le retrait de l'élément obturateur et ensuite la mise en place de la tête de débit.The implementation of withdrawal of liquid containers with such a cap is therefore tedious. It indeed requires several manipulations of the cap, namely the introduction of the cap on the container after the filling operation of the latter and, for the purposes of racking, the removal of the shutter member and then the implementation place of the flow head.

Par ailleurs, le système actuel impose, en attendant la préparation du conteneur aux fins de l'opération de soutirage, de gérer deux ensembles distincts : le récipient pourvu de la coiffe de fermeture portant le tube plongeur d'une part, et la tête de débit associée au dispositif de soutirage d'autre part. II s'ensuit des contraintes en terme de stockage et de gestion de chacun de ces éléments.Furthermore, the current system requires, while waiting for the preparation of the container for the purpose of the withdrawal operation, to manage two separate sets: the container provided with the closure cap bearing the dip tube on the one hand, and the head of flow associated with the withdrawal device on the other hand. It follows constraints in terms of storage and management of each of these elements.

Le document FR-A-2232491 décrit un tube extracteur propre à être utilisé dans un appareil comprenant un réservoir fermé qui distribue un liquide sous l'action de gaz sous pression amené au réservoir, celui-ci comportant un couvercle de fermeture pourvu d'un raccord de sortie à liquide, dans lequel le tube est amovible et est conformé à son extrémité supérieure pour pouvoir être facilement fixé et détaché à la main au et du raccord de sortie.The document FR-A-2232491 discloses an extractor tube adapted for use in an apparatus comprising a closed reservoir which distributes a liquid under the action of pressurized gas supplied to the reservoir, which reservoir comprises a closure cap provided with a liquid outlet connection, in wherein the tube is removable and is shaped at its upper end to be easily attached and detached by hand and the outlet connector.

Il résulte du document WO 2006/029625 A1 qu'est connue une coiffe de fermeture pour conteneur qui présente un corps comprenant des éléments de soutirage comportant un tube plongeur et un tuyau d'écoulement flexible, le tube plongeur et le tuyau d'écoulement s'étendant de part et d'autre de ladite coiffe, et un élément de jonction du tuyau d'écoulement avec le tube plongeur, l'élément de jonction comportant un passage pour le liquide, depuis le tube plongeur en direction du tuyau d'écoulement, ledit passage présentant une extension tubulaire sur laquelle est fixée l'une des extrémités du tuyau d'écoulement, ladite coiffe de fermeture comprenant en outre des moyens de retenue dudit tuyau d'écoulement sur l'extension tubulaire de l'élément de jonction,It follows from the document WO 2006/029625 A1 a container closure cap is known having a body including draw-off members having a dip tube and a flexible flow pipe, the dip tube and the flow pipe extending from both sides of the container. said cap, and a connecting member of the flow pipe with the dip tube, the connecting member having a passage for the liquid, from the dip tube to the flow pipe, said passage having a tubular extension on which one of the ends of the flow pipe is attached, said closure cap further comprising means for retaining said flow pipe on the tubular extension of the joining element,

Avec de tels dispositifs, il apparaît que le problème de la retenue du tuyau d'écoulement avec une structure telle que celle concernée n'est pas posée.With such devices, it appears that the problem of retaining the flow pipe with a structure such as that concerned is not posed.

L'invention vise donc à pallier les inconvénients susmentionnés en proposant une coiffe de fermeture permettant de procéder, de manière aisée et rapide, au soutirage du liquide contenu dans un conteneur.The invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a closure cap to proceed, easily and quickly, the withdrawal of the liquid contained in a container.

A cet effet, et selon un premier aspect, l'invention concerne une coiffe de fermeture pour conteneur adapté pour le stockage de liquides carbonatés, présentant un corps comprenant des éléments de soutirage comportant un tube plongeur et un tuyau d'écoulement flexible, le tube plongeur et le tuyau d'écoulement s'étendant de part et d'autre de ladite coiffe, et un élément de jonction du tuyau d'écoulement avec le tube plongeur, l'élément de jonction comportant un passage pour le liquide, depuis le tube plongeur en direction du tuyau d'écoulement, ledit passage présentant une extension tubulaire sur laquelle est fixée l'une des extrémités du tuyau d'écoulement, ladite coiffe de fermeture comprenant en outre des moyens de retenue dudit tuyau d'écoulement sur l'extension tubulaire de l'élément de jonction, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de retenue comportent un anneau de serrage assurant le maintien du tuyau d'écoulement sur l'élément de jonction par serrage de l'extrémité du tuyau contre l'extension de l'élément de jonction.For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a closure cap for a container adapted for storing carbonated liquids, having a body comprising withdrawal elements comprising a dip tube and a flexible flow pipe, the tube plunger and the flow pipe extending on either side of said cap, and a connecting member of the flow pipe with the dip tube, the connecting element having a passage for the liquid, from the tube plunger in the direction of the flow pipe, said passage having a tubular extension on which is fixed one end of the flow pipe, said closure cap further comprising means for retaining said flow pipe on the extension tubular of the connecting element, characterized in that the retaining means comprise a clamping ring ensuring the maintenance of the flow pipe on the connecting element by clamping of the end of the pipe against the extension of the joining element.

Ainsi, la coiffe porte directement les éléments nécessaires au soutirage du liquide, à savoir un tube plongeur destiné à être disposé dans le conteneur, et un tuyau d'écoulement flexible destiné à s'étendre à l'extérieur du conteneur. La coiffe permet donc, outre la fermeture du conteneur, le soutirage même du liquide contenu dans le conteneur.Thus, the cap carries directly the elements necessary for the withdrawal of the liquid, namely a dip tube intended to be disposed in the container, and a flexible flow pipe intended to extend outside the container. The cap thus allows, in addition to closing the container, even withdrawal of the liquid contained in the container.

Selon une configuration particulière, le tuyau d'écoulement est fixé par emmanchement sur l'extension (partie mâle) de la coiffe de fermeture. Des moyens de retenue assurent son maintien sur ladite extension.In a particular configuration, the flow pipe is fixed by fitting on the extension (male part) of the closure cap. Retaining means ensure its maintenance on said extension.

En effet, le tuyau, sous l'action de sa mise sous pression lors du soutirage du liquide, et du fait de sa flexibilité, tend à s'arracher de la coiffe de fermeture. Aussi, et selon une configuration particulière, les moyens de retenue comportent un anneau de serrage assurant le maintien du tuyau d'écoulement sur l'élément de jonction par serrage de l'extrémité du tuyau contre l'extension de l'élément de jonction.Indeed, the pipe, under the action of its pressurization during the withdrawal of the liquid, and because of its flexibility, tends to tear off the closure cap. Also, and in a particular configuration, the retaining means comprise a clamping ring ensuring the maintenance of the flow pipe on the connecting element by clamping the end of the pipe against the extension of the connecting element.

Par ailleurs, du fait de sa longueur et de sa flexibilité, il n'est pas rare que le tuyau d'écoulement se détache de la coiffe de fermeture au cours de sa manipulation ou de celle du conteneur équipé de ladite coiffe. Aussi, et selon une autre configuration de l'invention, il peut être prévu que les moyens de retenue comportent une languette de pression du tuyau d'écoulement contre l'extension de l'élément de jonction. Le tuyau est alors plié par la languette vers l'extrémité de l'extension.Moreover, because of its length and its flexibility, it is not uncommon for the flow pipe to detach from the closure cap during its handling or that of the container equipped with said cap. Also, and according to another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the retaining means comprises a pressure tab of the flow pipe against the extension of the joining element. The pipe is then bent by the tongue towards the end of the extension.

Avantageusement, la languette constitue des moyens de fermeture du passage de fluide, ladite languette étant montée articulée sur le corps de sorte à passer d'une position d'ouverture à une position de fermeture du passage de fluide par pivotement sur l'extension de l'élément de jonction.Advantageously, the tongue constitutes means for closing the fluid passage, said tongue being mounted articulated on the body so as to pass from an open position to a closed position of the fluid passage by pivoting on the extension of the fluid. junction element.

Avantageusement, la coiffe de fermeture comprend en outre des moyens de scellage comportant une patte ménagée à l'extrémité de la languette et s'encliquetant de manière irréversible dans une anse de retenue formée sur le corps.Advantageously, the closure cap further comprises sealing means comprising a tab formed at the end of the tongue and irreversibly clipping into a retaining loop formed on the body.

Egalement, la coiffe de fermeture peut comporter un canal complémentaire pour le passage du liquide, débouchant et s'étendant jusqu'au passage. Dans ce canal, il sera logée une bille, mobile entre une position d'ouverture du canal et une position de fermeture du canal. Comme on le comprendra avec la description des figures, la bille est en position d'ouverture du canal, lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'envers, et en position de fermeture du canal, lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'endroit, endroit et envers s'entendant par rapport à la position normale.Also, the closure cap may include a complementary channel for the passage of liquid, opening and extending to the passage. In this channel, there will be housed a ball, movable between an open position of the channel and a closed position of the channel. As will be understood from the description of the figures, the ball is in the open position of the channel, when the container is placed upside down, and in the closed position of the channel, when the container is placed at the place, place and upside down in relation to the normal position.

Avantageusement, le corps de la coiffe est déformable élastiquement.Advantageously, the body of the cap is elastically deformable.

Selon un deuxième aspect, l'invention concerne un conteneur adapté pour le stockage des liquides carbonatés, et notamment fût à bière, pourvu d'une coiffe de fermeture telle qu'elle vient d'être décrite, ladite coiffe étant fixée de manière irréversible sur un col de remplissage dudit conteneur.According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a container adapted for the storage of carbonated liquids, and in particular beer keg, provided with a closure cap as just described, said cap being fixed irreversibly on a filler neck of said container.

Selon une configuration particulière, l'étanchéité entre le col de remplissage et la coiffe de fermeture est assurée au moyen d'un ou plusieurs bourrelet(s) annulaire(s) ménagé(s) sur le corps de ladite coiffe.According to a particular configuration, the seal between the filler neck and the closure cap is provided by means of one or more annular bead (s) formed (s) on the body of said cap.

Avantageusement, le liquide stocké dans le conteneur est une boisson carbonatée, telle qu'une bière ou une boisson tranquille.Advantageously, the liquid stored in the container is a carbonated beverage, such as a beer or a quiet drink.

Selon un troisième aspect, l'invention concerne un conteneur tel qu'il vient d'être décrit et son contenu : un liquide carbonaté tel qu'une bière ou une boisson tranquille.According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a container as just described and its contents: a carbonated liquid such as a beer or a quiet drink.

D'autres objets et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront de la description qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un conteneur de liquide selon l'invention, consistant en un récipient pourvu d'un couvercle ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus en perspective du conteneur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 illustre une vue de côté de conteneurs selon l'invention, les conteneurs étant empilés ;
  • la figure 4 illustre une vue schématique de récipients et de couvercles emboîtés ;
  • la figure 5 illustre une vue de dessus d'une coiffe de fermeture du couvercle, non scellée ;
  • la figure 6 illustre une vue de dessus de la coiffe de fermeture de la figure 5 dans une position de pincement d'un tuyau d'écoulement du liquide (le tuyau d'écoulement n'étant pas représenté);
  • la figure 7 illustre une vue en perspective de la coiffe de fermeture de la figure 5 scellée ;
  • la figure 8 illustre une vue en coupe d'un autre mode de réalisation d'une coiffe de fermeture, non scellée ;
  • la figure 9 illustre une vue de dessus de la coiffe de fermeture de la figure 8 ; et
  • la figure 10 illustre la coiffe de la figure 8 scellée.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a side view of a liquid container according to the invention, consisting of a container provided with a lid;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the container of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 illustrates a side view of containers according to the invention, the containers being stacked;
  • the figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of nested containers and lids;
  • the figure 5 illustrates a top view of an unsealed lid closure cap;
  • the figure 6 illustrates a top view of the closing cap of the figure 5 in a pinch position of a liquid flow pipe (the flow pipe not being shown);
  • the figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the closing cap of the figure 5 sealed;
  • the figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of an unsealed closure cap;
  • the figure 9 illustrates a top view of the closing cap of the figure 8 ; and
  • the figure 10 illustrates the headdress of the figure 8 sealed.

En relation avec les figures 1 à 7, il est décrit un conteneur 1 de liquide, et plus particulièrement un fût à bière.In relation to Figures 1 to 7 , there is described a container 1 of liquid, and more particularly a beer keg.

Ledit conteneur 1 comprend un sac en matière plastique destiné à contenir le liquide placé dans un récipient 2 rigide pourvu d'un couvercle 3 rigide, des éléments de soutirage du liquide et une coiffe de fermeture 4.Said container 1 comprises a plastic bag for containing the liquid placed in a rigid container 2 provided with a rigid lid 3, liquid withdrawal elements and a closure cap 4.

Le sac (non représenté) comprend deux feuilles de forme rectangulaire de mêmes dimensions. Lesdites feuilles sont superposées et soudées entre elles à l'endroit ou à proximité de leurs bords latéraux.The bag (not shown) comprises two sheets of rectangular shape of the same dimensions. Said sheets are superimposed and welded together at or near their lateral edges.

L'une des feuilles comporte une ouverture de remplissage formée à proximité de deux bords latéraux adjacents.One of the sheets has a filling opening formed near two adjacent side edges.

Le choix du matériau dans lequel le sac est réalisé dépend du liquide devant être contenu dans celui-ci. En particulier, le sac doit résister à la pression à laquelle est soumis le récipient lorsque le liquide devant être stocké est une boisson carbonatée, comme par exemple la bière. Il doit par ailleurs être étanche de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur au dioxyde de carbone, et dans une certaine mesure perméable de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur à l'oxygène.The choice of material in which the bag is made depends on the liquid to be contained therein. In particular, the bag must withstand the pressure to which the container is subjected when the liquid to be stored is a carbonated drink, such as beer. It must also be sealed from the inside out to the carbon dioxide, and to some extent permeable from the outside to the inside to the oxygen.

Le récipient, de forme légèrement conique, présente une paroi latérale définissant une ouverture de chargement par laquelle le corps du sac est introduit, ainsi qu'une paroi inférieure 20 pourvue, dans le mode de réalisation décrit, de quatre pieds 21 disposés de manière équidistante ou sensiblement équidistante aux tolérances près les uns par rapport aux autres. Avantageusement, les pieds 21 sont de forme arrondie. La forme arrondie des pieds contribue à la résistance du récipient à la pression du liquide stocké. Par ailleurs, la forme légèrement conique du récipient a pour avantage de permettre son emboîtement avec d'autres récipients.The container, of slightly conical shape, has a side wall defining a loading opening through which the body of the bag is introduced, and a bottom wall 20 provided, in the embodiment described, four feet 21 arranged equidistantly or substantially equidistant to tolerances close to each other. Advantageously, the feet 21 are of rounded shape. The rounded shape of the feet contributes to the resistance of the container to the pressure of the stored liquid. Furthermore, the slightly conical shape of the container has the advantage of allowing its interlocking with other containers.

Le récipient 2 présente de préférence un volume intérieur (ou contenance) de l'ordre de 5, 10 ou 15 litres. Par ailleurs, il présente avantageusement une contenance légèrement inférieure à celle du sac en plastique, cela afin d'éviter un éventuel éclatement du sac lors de son remplissage ou provoqué par une surpression liée à une augmentation de la température à laquelle est soumis le récipient 2. Ainsi, pour un récipient ayant une contenance de l'ordre de 7 litres, il est avantageux de prévoir un sac ayant une contenance de l'ordre de 8 litres.The container 2 preferably has an interior volume (or capacity) of the order of 5, 10 or 15 liters. Moreover, it advantageously has a capacity slightly less than that of the plastic bag, in order to avoid any possible bursting of the bag during its filling or caused by an overpressure related to an increase in the temperature to which the container 2 is subjected. Thus, for a container having a capacity of about 7 liters, it is advantageous to provide a bag having a capacity of the order of 8 liters.

Le couvercle 3 présente une forme convexe de manière à offrir une résistance plus importante à la pression à laquelle le récipient 2 est soumis lorsque ce dernier est fermé.The lid 3 has a convex shape so as to offer a greater resistance to the pressure to which the container 2 is subjected when the latter is closed.

Le couvercle 3 est prolongé, sur sa partie inférieure, par une collerette de préhension 31 permettant de manipuler le récipient 2 lorsque celui-ci est pourvu dudit couvercle 3. Ainsi, la prise du conteneur 1, rempli ou non du liquide, est rendue plus aisée par la présence de ladite collerette 31.The cover 3 is extended, on its lower part, by a gripping flange 31 for handling the container 2 when it is provided with said lid 3. Thus, the taking of the container 1, filled or not with the liquid, is made more easy by the presence of said collar 31.

Le couvercle 3 comporte en outre un orifice 32 disposé de manière centrale dans celui-ci. L'orifice 32 est pourvu d'un col de remplissage de forme cylindrique muni, à ou vers son extrémité libre, d'une collerette extérieure. Le col de remplissage apparaît sur la figure 1 (référence 5).The lid 3 further includes an orifice 32 centrally disposed therein. The orifice 32 is provided with a shaped filler neck cylindrical provided, at or towards its free end, an outer collar. The filler neck appears on the figure 1 (reference 5).

Le sac est fixé sur le couvercle, l'ouverture de remplissage dudit sac étant placée en vis-à-vis du col de remplissage 5 du couvercle 3.The bag is fixed on the lid, the filling opening of said bag being placed opposite the filling neck 5 of the lid 3.

Le couvercle comporte également, sur sa face extérieure 33, quatre empreintes 34, de forme complémentaire de celle des pieds 21 du récipient 2. Les quatre empreintes, réparties autour de l'orifice de manière équidistante ou sensiblement équidistante aux tolérances près les unes des autres, sont agencées pour recevoir respectivement un des pieds d'un récipient reposant sur ledit couvercle 3. Comme les pieds 21, les empreintes 34 servent également à renforcer la résistance du récipient à la pression du liquide.The cover also has, on its outer face 33, four cavities 34, of a shape complementary to that of the legs 21 of the receptacle 2. The four cavities, distributed around the orifice equidistantly or substantially equidistant to the tolerances close to each other , are arranged to respectively receive one of the feet of a container resting on said lid 3. Like the feet 21, the fingerprints 34 also serve to reinforce the resistance of the container to the pressure of the liquid.

Ainsi, les récipients pourvus respectivement d'un couvercle sont aptes à être empilés les uns sur les autres, les pieds d'un récipient supérieur étant disposés dans les empreintes formées sur le couvercle du récipient sur lequel il est empilé. La figure 3 illustre l'empilement de deux conteneurs 1. Ainsi, les conteneurs, une fois rempli de liquide, peuvent être empilés les uns sur les autres.Thus, the containers provided respectively with a lid are able to be stacked on each other, the feet of an upper container being arranged in the indentations formed on the lid of the container on which it is stacked. The figure 3 illustrates the stacking of two containers 1. Thus, the containers, once filled with liquid, can be stacked on top of each other.

Afin de renforcer la résistance des couvercles soumis à une compression importante du fait de l'empilement de conteneurs remplis de liquide, la face extérieure 33 du couvercle 3 est pourvue de saillies de renfort 37, comme l'illustre la figure 2. Lesdites saillies de renfort 37 sont disposées de manière concentrique et relient les empreintes entre elles. Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, les empreintes comprennent également un croisement de deux saillies de renfort 38.In order to enhance the resistance of the lids subjected to high compression due to the stack of containers filled with liquid, the outer face 33 of the lid 3 is provided with reinforcing projections 37, as illustrated by FIG. figure 2 . Said reinforcing protrusions 37 are arranged concentrically and connect the indentations to each other. In the embodiment described, the indentations also comprise a crossing of two reinforcing projections 38.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux de l'invention, les empreintes 34 présentent une surélévation 35 par rapport à la face extérieure 33 du couvercle 3. La surélévation des empreintes 34 permet ainsi de former un espace 36 entre la face extérieure 33 du couvercle 3 et la paroi inférieure d'un autre récipient disposé sur ledit couvercle 3.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the indentations 34 have an elevation 35 with respect to the outer face 33 of the cover 3. The elevation of the indentations 34 thus makes it possible to form an space 36 between the outer face 33 of the cover 3 and the bottom wall of another container disposed on said cover 3.

L'espace 36 ainsi formé permet de loger la coiffe de fermeture fixée sur le col de remplissage 5 du sac pourvue des éléments de soutirage, comme on le verra.The space 36 thus formed makes it possible to house the closure cap fixed on the filling neck 5 of the bag provided with the withdrawal elements, as will be seen.

Par ailleurs, afin d'obtenir un encombrement optimum lors du transport des conteneurs à vide des usines de fabrication aux points de vente et/ou consommation, les récipients et les couvercles sont aptes à être emboîtés (figure 4).Moreover, in order to obtain optimum bulk during the transport of empty containers from manufacturing plants to sales and / or consumption points, the containers and lids are able to be nested ( figure 4 ).

Le récipient 2 et le couvercle 3 sont assemblés en force par sertissage. II peut être prévu que le récipient 2 et le couvercle 3 soient ensuite scellés au moyen d'une bague complémentaire.The container 2 and the lid 3 are assembled in force by crimping. It can be provided that the container 2 and the lid 3 are then sealed by means of a complementary ring.

La coiffe de fermeture 4 comprend un corps cylindrique creux 40. Comme on le verra, le corps 40 est destiné à être maintenu contre la paroi intérieure du col de remplissage 5.The closing cap 4 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 40. As will be seen, the body 40 is intended to be held against the inner wall of the filler neck 5.

Le corps 40 est pourvu, dans le mode de réalisation décrit, de trois bourrelets annulaires 42 s'étendant sur la paroi extérieure de celui-ci. Lesdits bourrelets 41 sont agencés pour exercer sur la paroi intérieure du col de remplissage 5 une pression suffisante pour rendre étanche la jonction entre le corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4 et le col de remplissage 5 du récipient 2.The body 40 is provided, in the described embodiment, with three annular beads 42 extending on the outer wall thereof. Said beads 41 are arranged to exert on the inner wall of the filling neck 5 a sufficient pressure to seal the junction between the body 40 of the closure cap 4 and the filling neck 5 of the container 2.

Avantageusement, le corps 40 est réalisé dans un matériau déformable élastiquement afin de faciliter son placement dans le col de remplissage 5, tout en maintenant une pression suffisante pour assurer l'étanchéité entre ledit corps 40 et le col de remplissage 5.Advantageously, the body 40 is made of an elastically deformable material to facilitate its placement in the filler neck 5, while maintaining a sufficient pressure to seal between said body 40 and the filler neck 5.

Le corps 40 est pourvu, sur son extrémité inférieure, d'une lèvre 45 s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur. Cette lèvre a pour fonction, comme cela est expliqué plus loin, de maintenir le corps 40 bloqué de manière irréversible sur le couvercle 3.The body 40 is provided at its lower end with a lip 45 extending radially outwardly. This lip has the function, as explained below, of maintaining the body 40 irreversibly locked on the lid 3.

Un disque de jonction 41 est ménagé à l'intérieur du corps 40, délimitant avec la paroi intérieure du corps 40, une cavité supérieure 47.A junction disk 41 is formed inside the body 40, delimiting with the inner wall of the body 40, an upper cavity 47.

Le disque 41 comporte un orifice de communication entre un tube plongeur rigide destiné à être disposé dans le sac en plastique et un tuyau d'écoulement flexible à mémoire de forme (non représentés), le liquide passant du tube plongeur au tuyau découlement. Le tube plongeur et le tuyau d'écoulement sont disposés de part et d'autre du disque de jonction 41. Le tube plongeur et le tuyau flexible constituent les éléments de soutirage. La longueur du tube plongeur dépend des dimensions du récipient.The disk 41 has a communication port between a rigid dip tube to be disposed in the plastic bag and a flexible shape memory flow pipe (not shown), the liquid passing from the dip tube to the flow pipe. The dip tube and the flow pipe are arranged on either side of the joining disk 41. The dip tube and the flexible pipe constitute the withdrawal elements. The length of the dip tube depends on the dimensions of the container.

Selon une configuration particulière, l'orifice de communication comprend un embout sur lequel le tuyau d'écoulement est destiné à être placé.In a particular configuration, the communication orifice comprises a nozzle on which the flow pipe is intended to be placed.

Le maintien du tuyau d'écoulement sur l'embout n'est toutefois pas toujours assuré, du fait notamment de la mise en pression du récipient. En effet, le tuyau d'écoulement tend à se retirer de l'embout sous l'effet de la mise sous pression. Aussi, afin d'empêcher un éventuel retrait du tuyau de l'embout, la coiffe de fermeture 4 comprend un anneau de serrage 43.Maintaining the flow pipe on the nozzle is not always ensured, particularly due to the pressurization of the container. Indeed, the flow pipe tends to withdraw from the nozzle under the effect of pressurizing. Also, in order to prevent any withdrawal of the hose from the nozzle, the closure cap 4 comprises a clamping ring 43.

L'anneau de serrage 43 est monté articulé sur l'extrémité supérieure du corps 40 de sorte à pouvoir se rabattre, sur le disque 41, dans la cavité supérieure du corps 40.The clamping ring 43 is hingedly mounted on the upper end of the body 40 so that it can be folded onto the disc 41 in the upper cavity of the body 40.

Une lumière 44 est ménagée dans l'anneau de serrage 43 pour permettre le passage du tuyau d'écoulement. Ladite lumière 44 est agencée pour recevoir l'embout lorsque ledit anneau de serrage 43 est rabattu sur le disque de jonction 41. Il est en outre dimensionné, avec ledit embout, pour assurer un maintien ferme du tuyau d'écoulement sur ledit embout.A lumen 44 is formed in the clamping ring 43 to allow passage of the flow pipe. Said light 44 is arranged to receive the tip when said clamping ring 43 is folded down on the joining disc 41. It is further dimensioned, with said tip, to ensure a firm hold of the flow pipe on said tip.

L'anneau de serrage 43 est maintenu en position rabattue sur le disque de jonction 41 au moyen d'un ergot 44 ménagé sur la paroi intérieure du corps 40. La coiffe de fermeture 4 comprend en outre une languette 46 de fermeture du récipient. Ladite languette 46 est montée articulée sur l'extrémité supérieure de corps 40 de sorte à pourvoir se rabattre sur le disque de jonction 41 recouvert par l'anneau de serrage 43, pinçant le tuyau d'écoulement.The clamping ring 43 is held in the folded position on the connecting disc 41 by means of a lug 44 formed on the inner wall of the body 40. The closure cap 4 further comprises a tab 46 for closing the container. Said tongue 46 is articulated on the upper body end 40 so as to be able to fall back on the junction disc 41 covered by the clamping ring 43, pinching the flow pipe.

Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, la languette 46 est fixée à 90 degrés de l'anneau de serrage 43, sur l'extrémité supérieure du corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4.In the embodiment described, the tongue 46 is fixed at 90 degrees to the clamping ring 43, on the upper end of the body 40 of the closure cap 4.

Afin d'assurer une protection de l'accès au contenu du récipient, la coiffe de fermeture 4 comprend en outre des moyens de scellage. Les moyens de scellage comportent une patte 47 ménagée à l'extrémité de la languette 46 s'encliquetant dans une anse de retenue 48.In order to ensure protection of access to the contents of the container, the closure cap 4 further comprises sealing means. The sealing means comprise a tab 47 formed at the end of the tongue 46 snapping into a retaining loop 48.

Ladite anse de retenue 48 est formée sur l'extrémité supérieure du corps 40, de manière diamétralement opposée à l'extrémité par laquelle la languette 46 est montée articulée sur le corps 40. Ladite anse de retenue 48 s'étend vers l'extérieur.Said retaining loop 48 is formed on the upper end of the body 40, diametrically opposite the end by which the tongue 46 is articulated on the body 40. Said retaining loop 48 extends outwardly.

Ainsi, lorsque la languette 46 est rabattue sur le corps 40 et clipsée sur l'anse de retenue 48, elle pince le tuyau d'écoulement, obturant ainsi l'orifice communiquant avec le tube plongeur. Le récipient est alors fermé, et la coiffe de fermeture scellée. Il est nécessaire, pour accéder au liquide contenu dans le conteneur 1, de rompre l'anse de retenue 48.Thus, when the tongue 46 is folded over the body 40 and clipped on the retaining loop 48, it clamps the flow pipe, thus closing the orifice communicating with the plunger tube. The container is then closed, and the closure cap sealed. It is necessary, to access the liquid contained in the container 1, to break the retaining loop 48.

Ainsi, la fermeture du conteneur et son scellage sont réalisés en une seule opération, par rabattement de la languette 46.Thus, the closure of the container and its sealing are performed in a single operation, by folding the tongue 46.

Les figures 8 à 10 illustrent un mode de réalisation particulier de la coiffe de fermeture 4.The Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a particular embodiment of the closure cap 4.

Le corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4 comporte en partie basse (partie inférieure de la coiffe, délimitée par le disque de jonction 41) une cavité débouchante 49 apte à recevoir l'une des extrémités du tube plongeur 56. Ladite cavité 49 est dimensionnée pour que le tube plongeur 56 puisse être fixé en force dans la coiffe 4. La cavité 49 est reliée à l'orifice de communication du disque de jonction 41 par un conduit de jonction 51.The body 40 of the closure cap 4 comprises in the lower part (lower part of the cap, delimited by the joining disc 41) a through cavity 49 adapted to receive one end of the plunger tube 56. Said cavity 49 is dimensioned so that the plunger tube 56 can be fixed in force in the cap 4. The cavity 49 is connected to the communication orifice of the joining disc 41 by a connecting duct 51.

Le corps 40 comprend en outre un canal 50 s'étendant depuis la partie basse du corps 40 jusque dans le conduit de jonction 51. Le canal 50 est débouchant sur l'extérieur. II est destiné à recevoir une bille d'étanchéité 52 mobile (figure 10). La fonction du canal sera décrite plus loin.The body 40 further comprises a channel 50 extending from the lower part of the body 40 into the junction conduit 51. The channel 50 is opening on the outside. It is intended to receive a movable sealing ball 52 ( figure 10 ). The function of the channel will be described later.

La périphérie inférieure du corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4 est pourvue d'une languette 53, montée articulée, apte à se rabattre sur la partie basse du corps 40, et plus particulièrement sur les orifices d'entrée de la cavité 49 et du canal 50. La languette 53 présente une forme complémentaire à celle de la partie inférieure du corps 40.The lower periphery of the body 40 of the closure cap 4 is provided with a tongue 53, mounted articulated, adapted to fall back on the lower part of the body 40, and more particularly on the inlet ports of the cavity 49 and the channel 50. The tongue 53 has a shape complementary to that of the lower part of the body 40.

Deux lumières 54 et 55 sont ménagées dans ladite languette 53. Ces lumières sont agencées pour être situées, lorsque la languette 53 est rabattue sur le corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4, en vis-à-vis respectivement de l'orifice d'entrée de la cavité 49 et de l'orifice d'entrée du canal 50. La lumière 55 présente un diamètre au moins légèrement inférieur à celui de la bille 52 logée dans le canal 50 de sorte à retenir cette dernière dans ledit canal 50, la bille assurant l'étanchéité du canal 50 comme on le verra plus loin. La lumière 54 présente une section permettant l'insertion de l'extrémité du tube plongeur 56 dans la cavité 49. Afin d'améliorer le maintien du tube plongeur 56, la lumière 54 est pourvue d'une collerette 57 de maintien s'étendant vers l'extérieur du corps 40.Two lights 54 and 55 are formed in said tongue 53. These lights are arranged to be located, when the tongue 53 is folded over the body 40 of the closure cap 4, vis-à-vis respectively of the orifice of inlet 55 of the cavity 49 and the inlet of the channel 50. The light 55 has a diameter at least slightly less than that of the ball 52 housed in the channel 50 so as to retain the latter in said channel 50, the ball ensuring the sealing of the channel 50 as will be seen later. The light 54 has a section allowing insertion of the end of the plunger tube 56 in the cavity 49. In order to improve the retention of the plunger tube 56, the lumen 54 is provided with a retaining collar 57 extending towards the outside of the body 40.

Avantageusement, la languette 53 est fixée sur le corps 40 de la coiffe de fermeture 4 par clipsage. Dans le mode de réalisation décrit, la languette 53 présente une bordure pourvue d'une saillie interne 57 apte à venir se loger dans une rainure 58, de forme complémentaire, formée sur la paroi extérieure du corps 40.Advantageously, the tongue 53 is fixed on the body 40 of the closure cap 4 by clipping. In the embodiment described, the tongue 53 has an edge provided with an internal projection 57 adapted to be housed in a groove 58, of complementary shape, formed on the outer wall of the body 40.

La coiffe de fermeture 4 est dimensionnée pour que, lorsque la coiffe est fixée sur le col de remplissage 5 du récipient 2, les ouvertures d'entrée de la cavité 49 et du canal 50 débouchent dans le sac en matière plastique.The closure cap 4 is dimensioned so that when the cap is fixed on the filler neck 5 of the container 2, the inlet openings of the cavity 49 and the channel 50 open into the plastic bag.

La coiffe de fermeture 4 ainsi configurée offre la possibilité de soutirer la totalité du liquide contenu dans le sac en plastique, que le conteneur soit disposé à l'envers ou à l'endroit.The closure cap 4 thus configured offers the possibility of withdrawing all of the liquid contained in the plastic bag, whether the container is disposed upside down or in place.

Lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'envers, la bille 52 se place à l'endroit ou vers l'extrémité haute du canal 50. Ladite extrémité haute est agencée de manière à permettre le passage du liquide vers le tuyau d'écoulement tout en retenant la bille 52 dans ledit canal. Par l'expression « extrémité haute », on désigne l'extrémité supérieure du canal 50 lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'endroit.When the container is placed upside down, the ball 52 is placed at the place or at the high end of the channel 50. Said high end is arranged to allow the passage of the liquid to the flow pipe while retaining the ball 52 in said channel. By the term "high end" is meant the upper end of the channel 50 when the container is disposed at the place.

Le passage du fluide est autorisé, dans le mode de réalisation décrit, du fait d'une forme ovale du canal, ou du moins donnée à l'extrémité haute du canal.The passage of the fluid is allowed, in the embodiment described, because of an oval shape of the channel, or at least given at the high end of the channel.

Ainsi, lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'envers, la bille se positionne à l'extrémité haute du canal 50 permettant au liquide contenu dans le sac de passer au travers du canal 50, depuis le sac vers le tuyau d'écoulement. Ledit canal 50 se substitue ainsi au tube plongeur 56. II permet ainsi de soutirer le liquide, même lorsque le niveau de celui-ci est inférieur à l'extrémité libre du tube plongeur 56.Thus, when the container is placed upside down, the ball is positioned at the upper end of the channel 50 allowing the liquid contained in the bag to pass through the channel 50, from the bag to the flow pipe. Said channel 50 thus replaces the plunger tube 56. It thus makes it possible to withdraw the liquid, even when the level of the latter is lower than the free end of the plunger tube 56.

Lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'endroit, la bille 52 se positionne, par gravité, à l'extrémité basse du canal 50, obturant ainsi la lumière 55. Par l'expression « extrémité basse», on désigne l'extrémité inférieure du canal 50 lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'endroit. Le gaz dû à la désaturation de la bière et disposé au dessus de cette dernière dans laquelle est plongé le tube plongeur 56, ne peut alors plus passer dans le canal 50.When the container is disposed at the location, the ball 52 is positioned, by gravity, at the lower end of the channel 50, thereby closing the light 55. By the term "low end", is meant the lower end of the channel 50 when the container is disposed at the place. The gas due to the desaturation of the beer and disposed above the latter in which the plunger tube 56 is immersed, can no longer pass into the channel 50.

La fonction de la bille 52 associée au canal 50 est donc double : d'une part permettre le passage du liquide en direction du tuyau d'écoulement lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'envers, et d'autre part assurer l'étanchéité au gaz lorsque le conteneur est disposé à l'endroit.The function of the ball 52 associated with the channel 50 is therefore twofold: firstly to allow the passage of the liquid in the direction of the flow pipe when the container is arranged upside down, and secondly ensure gas tightness when the container is arranged at the place.

Le transport des conteneurs de leur point de fabrication (usines) à leur point de remplissage en liquide, et plus particulièrement en bière, le point de remplissage étant également des unités de production de liquide, est effectué de la manière suivante.The transport of the containers from their point of manufacture (factories) to their filling point in liquid, and more particularly in beer, the filling point being also liquid production units, is carried out in the following manner.

Les conteneurs sortent d'usine en pièces détachés, celles-ci étant : i) les récipients, ii) les couvercles pourvus respectivement d'un sac en matière plastique, et iii) les coiffes de fermeture pourvues des éléments de soutirage.The containers leave the factory in detached pieces, these being: i) the containers, ii) the lids respectively provided with a plastic bag, and iii) the closure caps provided with the elements of withdrawal.

Lors du transport, les pièces les plus encombrantes, à savoir les récipients et les couvercles, sont stockées par série de récipients et couvercles emboîtés.During transport, the most bulky parts, namely the containers and lids, are stored by series of containers and lids nested.

Une fois sur leur lieu d'utilisation, chaque couvercle est serti sur un récipient, le sac apte à recevoir le liquide étant disposé dans ce dernier.Once on their place of use, each lid is crimped on a container, the bag adapted to receive the liquid being disposed therein.

On procède alors à l'étape de remplissage du sac en bière selon les méthodes courantes utilisées dans le domaine du conditionnement de liquides.The beer bag filling step is then carried out according to the usual methods used in the field of liquid packaging.

Une fois l'opération de remplissage terminée, le col de soutirage est scellé au moyen de la coiffe de fermeture laquelle a été préalablement placée dans un état « scellé », c'est-à-dire l'anneau de serrage rabattu dans le corps de la coiffe de fermeture et la languette encliquetée dans l'anse de retenue, obturant ainsi le tuyau d'écoulement, et par conséquent le récipient.Once the filling operation is completed, the withdrawal neck is sealed by means of the closure cap which has been previously placed in a "sealed" state, that is to say the clamping ring folded into the body the closure cap and the tab snapped into the retaining loop, thus closing the flow pipe, and therefore the container.

Pour ce faire, le corps de la coiffe de fermeture est enfoncé à force dans le col de remplissage du fait de la présence des bourrelets sur la paroi extérieure dudit corps. Le corps est enfoncé jusqu'à ce que la lèvre inférieure atteigne l'extrémité du col de remplissage débouchant à l'intérieur du sac (« extrémité interne »). Le corps, qui a subi une déformation élastique vers l'intérieur lors de son enfoncement dans le col de remplissage, effectue alors un mouvement de retour vers l'extérieur du fait de son élasticité.To do this, the body of the closure cap is forced into the filler neck due to the presence of the beads on the outer wall of said body. The body is depressed until the lower lip reaches the end of the filler neck opening inside the bag ("inner end"). The body, which has undergone an elastic deformation inwardly during its insertion into the filler neck, then makes an outward movement due to its elasticity.

Au moment de l'utilisation, on procède au relâchement du tuyau d'écoulement en rompant l'anse retenant la languette de fermeture. Le liquide peut être alors soutiré.At the moment of use, the flow pipe is loosened by breaking the handle holding the closure tongue. The liquid can then be withdrawn.

Concernant le soutirage du liquide, celui-ci peut être effectué comme on l'a vu précédemment, le conteneur disposé à l'endroit ou disposé à l'envers. Dans le premier cas, il est prévu un canal d'amenée d'air en compression ou de dioxyde de carbone et dans le deuxième cas, il est prévu un canal d'amenée d'air afin de permettre le rééquilibrage du liquide dans le sac, et ainsi éviter le phénomène de ventouses. Les deux canaux d'amenée d'air forment un seul et même canal. Avantageusement, celui-ci est pourvu d'une valve anti-retour.Regarding the withdrawal of the liquid, it can be carried out as previously seen, the container disposed at the place or arranged upside down. In the first case, there is provided a compression air supply channel or carbon dioxide and in the second case, there is provided an air supply channel to allow the rebalancing of the liquid in the bag , and thus avoid the phenomenon of suction cups. The two air supply channels form a single channel. Advantageously, it is provided with a non-return valve.

Claims (12)

  1. A closing cap (4) for a container (1) designed for storing carbonated beverages, having a body (40) including racking elements including a dip-tube (56) and a flexible drain tube, with the dip-tube (56) and the flexible drain tube extending on either side of said cap, and an element for attaching (41) the drain tube with the dip-tube (56), with the attachment element (41) including a port (51) for the liquid, from the dip-tube (56) toward the drain tube, said port (51) having a tubular extension whereon one of the ends of the drain tube is fixed, with said closing cap (4) further including means for retaining said drain tube on the tubular extension of the attachment element (41), characterized in that the retaining means includes a clamping ring (43) providing the holding of the drain tube on the attachment element (41) by clamping the end of the tube against the extension of the attachment element (41).
  2. A closing cap (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means includes a tab (46) for pressing the outlet pipe against the extension of the attachment element.
  3. A closing cap (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that the tab (46) constitutes fluid port (51) closing means, with said tab (46) being mounted to be jointed on the body (40) so as to rotate from one fluid port opening position to a fluid port (51) closing position by pivoting on the extension of the attachment element.
  4. A closing cap (4) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it further includes sealing means including an ear (47) provided at the end of the tab (46) and irreversibly engaging into a retaining brace (48) formed on the body (40).
  5. A closing cap (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further includes a complementary channel (50) for the passage of the liquid, opening into and extending up to the port (51), wherein a ball (52) movable between a channel (50) opening position and a channel (50) closing position is accommodated.
  6. A closing cap (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the body (40) is resiliently deformable.
  7. A container (1) designed for storing carbonated beverages, and more particularly a beer cask, provided with a closing cap according to any one of claims 1 to 6, with said cap (4) being irreversibly fixed on the filling neck (5) of said container.
  8. A container (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing between the filling neck (5) and the closing cap is provided by means of one or several annular curl(s) (42) provided on the body (40) of said cap.
  9. A container (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the liquid stored therein is a carbonated beverage.
  10. A container (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the liquid stored therein is beer.
  11. A container (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the liquid stored therein is a still liquid.
  12. A container according to any one of claims 7 to 11 and the content thereof.
EP08787772A 2007-03-13 2008-03-11 Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover Not-in-force EP2146923B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL08787772T PL2146923T3 (en) 2007-03-13 2008-03-11 Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0753782A FR2913673B1 (en) 2007-03-13 2007-03-13 CLOSURE BOX FOR A CONTAINER SUITABLE FOR STORING CARBONATE LIQUIDS, AND CONTAINER COMPRISING SUCH A BOX.
PCT/FR2008/000311 WO2008132328A2 (en) 2007-03-13 2008-03-11 Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2146923A2 EP2146923A2 (en) 2010-01-27
EP2146923B1 true EP2146923B1 (en) 2011-05-18

Family

ID=38611062

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08787772A Not-in-force EP2146923B1 (en) 2007-03-13 2008-03-11 Closure cover for container designed for storing carbonate liquids, and container provided with such a cover

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2146923B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE509885T1 (en)
DK (1) DK2146923T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2366802T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2913673B1 (en)
HR (1) HRP20110606T1 (en)
PL (1) PL2146923T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2146923E (en)
WO (1) WO2008132328A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2949452B1 (en) * 2009-08-28 2011-09-16 Thierry Ancel WAS SINGLE USE FOR THE STORAGE AND RETRIEVING OF PRESSURIZED BEVERAGE SUCH AS BEER OR LEMONADE.

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2427860A1 (en) * 1973-06-11 1975-01-02 Alumasc Ltd DEVICE FOR FILLING LIQUIDS
WO2006029625A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-23 Micro Matic A/S A dispensing line for a dispensing system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2913673B1 (en) 2011-09-16
HRP20110606T1 (en) 2011-09-30
DK2146923T3 (en) 2011-09-12
ATE509885T1 (en) 2011-06-15
WO2008132328A2 (en) 2008-11-06
WO2008132328A3 (en) 2008-12-31
EP2146923A2 (en) 2010-01-27
FR2913673A1 (en) 2008-09-19
ES2366802T3 (en) 2011-10-25
PL2146923T3 (en) 2011-10-31
PT2146923E (en) 2011-08-31

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