EP2164776A1

EP2164776A1 - Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form

Info

Publication number: EP2164776A1
Application number: EP08766873A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cornelis Margaretha Theodorus Maria Bongers
Original assignee: Friesland Brands BV
Current assignee: FrieslandCampina Nederland BV
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2008-07-04
Publication date: 2010-03-24
Also published as: WO2009008715A1

Abstract

Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form, wherein the container comprises walls enclosing an inner space for holding therein the liquid, wherein a first wall is flexible for allowing a pressure in the inner space to be raised by squeezing the container by hand, and wherein a second wall comprises at least one spout opening for dispensing, when the pressure in the inner space is raised, the liquid, in the form of a jet, into a vessel, such as a cup, such that the foamed liquid is obtained.

Description

Title: Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form.

The invention relates to a container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form.

The invention also relates to a method for foaming a liquid for consumption and to the use of such container for generating the liquid in foamed form.

Containers for dispensing a liquid for obtaining the liquid in a foamed form are known per se. The known container for instance comprises a squeezable bottle comprising a liquid, such as a detergent or dye, wherein the liquid is dispensed by squeezing the liquid through a sponge-like structure for generating the foamed liquid.

These known containers have the disadvantage that considerable force has to be exerted to squeeze the liquid out of the container. In many cases it is not possible for a person with less force in the muscles of the hand, which might occur e.g. in children or women, to properly dispense the foamed liquid. Further, to dispense a desired quantity of foamed liquid, these known containers need to be squeezed repeatedly and/or for a prolonged period of time, which may cause fatigue of the muscles of the hand.

Further, in the sponge-like structure remnants of liquid may remain after a first use. When the liquid is a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, the consumable liquid may clog or degrade in the sponge-like structure, making it harder to squeeze the liquid through the sponge -like structure in a second use, or even promote growth of microbial organisms, thus posing a possible health threat upon second use. It is an object of the invention to overcome at least one of the above problems.

Thereto, a container according to claim 1 is provided. Since the first wall is flexible, it can be squeezed by hand in order to raise the pressure in the inner space. Since the container is, in use, substantially closed, i.e. is closed except for the at least one spout opening, squeezing the first wall will raise the pressure in the inner space, e.g. by compressing the contents of the inner space. When holding the container such that the liquid is in contact with the at least one spout opening, the increased pressure will cause the liquid to be dispensed through the at least one spout opening in the form of a jet. The jet of the liquid may be dispensed into a vessel, such as a cup, so that the liquid is received in the vessel. Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that the impact of the jet of the liquid in the vessel and/or in the liquid, or foamed liquid, present in the vessel causes air to be beaten into the liquid such that the foam is generated on the liquid in the vessel. When the liquid is milk, the foamed milk (sometimes termed frothed milk) may e.g. be received in a cup, e.g. a cup already containing coffee. It has been found that with the container according to the invention efficiently foam can be generated. It has also been found that a distance between the spout opening and the vessel hardly influences the efficiency of foam formation, e.g. when using a common household distance between the spout opening and the vessel of e.g. 1-30 cm.

EP 1 354 544 discloses a container for repeatedly generating portions of foam from a foamable liquid. EP 1 354 544 discloses to foam the liquid by shaking the container several times, such that foam is formed as a result of the liquid passing through a screen disposed inside the container. EP 1 543 544 does not relate to generating jets of liquid for generating foam.

It will be appreciated that coffee brewing apparatus are known in the art which are arranged for preparing a foamed coffee beverage. These apparatus, however, are commonly bulky, limited to the delivery of warm foamed beverages and require a relatively long time to provide the foamed beverage. It is commonly not possible with these apparatus to provide the ration of foamed milk, e.g. foamed cold milk, within a couple of seconds, e.g. seventy grams of milk within five seconds. Further, it is with these apparatus generally not possible to provide only the correct quantity of foamed milk for one cup of coffee, without being forced to also provide the coffee with said apparatus. Hence, these apparatus do not provide the user with the versatility obtained with the container according to the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the second wall is removably connectable or connected to the first wall. Preferably, the second wall is replaceably connectable or connected to the first wall. Hence, the second wall can be removed form the container and, if desired, be replaced by a fresh second wall, e.g. when the first mentioned second wall has become damaged, worn and/or contaminated. This provides the advantage that a container can be provided having a prolonged life, since the container need not be discarded when the second wall has become damaged, worn and/or contaminated. Further, this way the need for cleaning the second wall may be obviated. This has the advantage that the user is not required to clean the spout opening which may be difficult to properly clean. Preferably, the second wall comprises a plurality of spout openings, e.g. arranged in a circle, for each dispensing, when the pressure in the inner space is raised, the liquid, in the form of a jet. Hence, the second wall is formed by a body comprising a plurality of perforations, e.g. a plurality of micro perforations. Thus, the plurality of spout openings may allow a larger quantity of the liquid to be dispensed per unit time.

In an embodiment, longitudinal axes of the spout openings converge outside the container. Hence, a converging beam of jets may be obtained from the container. This enables easy aiming of the beam of jets into the vessel. Further, mutual colliding of the jets may improve the quality and quantity of foam produced. Preferably a cross sectional area of the plurality of spout openings together is between 3 and 10 mm², preferably between 5 and 8 mm², for instance approximately 7 mm². Hence it is possible to dispense the liquid by squeezing the container by hand, without having to exert too great a force, while providing good quality foam. It may for instance be possible to dispense approximately 70 grams of liquid in approximately 4 second, without having to exert a force which raises the pressure inside the container more than approximately 100 mbars. Thus it is for instance possible to provide a single portion of foamed milk in a quantity suitable for a single cup of coffee, i.e. between 5 and 100 ml of milk in non-concentrated form, preferably approximately 70 ml, e.g. as ingredient for a cup of cappuccino, preferably within a single squeeze operation, of limited time duration, e.g. two seconds or less, without having to exert a force which raises the pressure inside the container more than approximately 100 mbars. Optionally, the liquid may be concentrated, e.g. concentrated milk, so that e.g. between 5 and 50 ml of concentrated milk, e.g. 30 ml, may be provided preferably within the single squeeze operation, of limited time duration.

Preferably a dimension of the at least one spout opening, such as a diameter of a round spout opening, is smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm. It has been found that these dimensions provide liquid jets which generate a good quality foam. Herein a foam with fine bubbles, a homogeneous bubble size and/or a foam that is stable for a long period of time is considered a foam of good quality. Preferably a dimension of each spout opening, such as a diameter of each round spout opening, of the plurality of spout openings is smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm. It will be appreciated that the combination of spout openings having a dimension, such as a diameter of a round spout opening, smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm and a total cross sectional area of the plurality of spout openings together between 3 and 10 mm², preferably between 5 and 8 mm², for instance approximately 7 mm², provides a container allowing convenient dispensing of the foamed liquid with the high quality foam.

In an embodiment, the second wall is a foil, e.g. made of a plastics material, such as polypropylene. Experiments indicate that the fact that the spout opening which forms the jet of the liquid is located in the foil instead of in a non-foil-like part of the container considerably improves the ability to create the liquid in foamed form using said container, and considerably improves the quality of the foam. Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that the thin foil causes little loss of energy to the generated liquid jet, so that a high energy jet impacts in the vessel, causing much good quality foam.

Preferably the second wall is a foil that is removably connected to the first wall. Hence, the simple and low-cost foil may be replaced by the user, e.g. when the foil has become damaged, worn and/or contaminated. The foil may be provided with a circumferential rim. The circumferential rim may provide the foil with some stiffness. The circumferential rim may also comprise fixing means for fixing the foil to the first wall. The circumferential rim may also improve the ease of handling of the removable foil when replacing the foil. Preferably the foil is thinner than 0.3 mm, preferably thinner than

0.2 mm, most preferably thinner than 0.1 mm, for instance approximately 0.08 mm. Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that a flexible or semi-flexible foil, e.g. the foil with a thickness of these dimensions, has a beneficial effect on the energy of the at least one liquid jet, such that more and better foam is obtained.

In an embodiment the foil may be substantially inelastic. Thus, deformation of the spout openings during delivery of the liquid in the form of the jets may be prevented.

In an alternative embodiment, the foil may be elastic. Thereto, the foil may e.g. be manufactured of a thermoplastic elastomer. In case the foil is elastic, a thicker foil may be used than when the foil is inelastic, e.g. having a thickness of 0.3-1 mm, e.g. approximately 0.8 mm.

In the elastic foil, the at least one spout opening may be arranged such that a dimension of the at least one spout opening increases when the pressure in the inner space is raised. Preferably, such at least one spout opening has a substantially round cross section.

Preferably, the at least one spout opening in the elastic foil is dimensioned such that when the pressure in the inner space is not raised the elastic foil surrounding the spout opening is contracted so that the dimension of the spout opening is reduced to an extent that the spout opening is substantially closed for the liquid. Thereto, the at least one spout opening may be manufactured without removing material from the elastic foil. Preferably, the at least one spout opening is manufactured by piercing the elastic foil with a needle. Preferably, the spout opening has a substantially round cross section. Hence, the well-defined jet may be generated. The spout opening in the form of one or more elongate slits is preferably avoided, since it reduces the accuracy with which the spout opening may generate the jet.

The dimension of the substantially round, pierced spout opening in the elastic foil thus depends on the force or pressure exerted on the elastic foil. Preferably, the dimension of the at least one spout opening, such as the diameter of a round spout opening, in the elastic foil enlarges to a size smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm in use.

It has been found that it is preferred that a method of manufacturing the at least one spout opening in the elastic foil comprises piercing the elastic foil in a direction which corresponds to the direction in which the liquid is to flow through the spout opening. Thus, the elastic foil is preferably pierced in a direction going from inside the container to outside the container. Experiments have shown that this improves the ease with which the jet of the liquid is formed by the at least one spout opening. Preferably, the second wall, in use, forms an outer boundary of the container. Hence, the jet generated at the at least one spout opening projects outwardly of the container, so that the jet can easily impact in the vessel, such as the cup.

In an embodiment the container further comprises a jet receiving chamber, for receiving the jet from the at least one spout opening, wherein the jet receiving chamber comprises at least one dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid in foamed form. This provides the advantage that the foamed liquid is created in the jet receiving chamber, i.e. inside the container, so that the container dispenses the liquid in foamed form. Preferably the jet receiving chamber comprises a jet impact surface which is arranged such that the jet of liquid from the spout opening impacts on the jet impact surface for creating the foamed liquid inside the jet receiving chamber.

In an embodiment the first wall is arranged as a flexible bottle having an outflow opening with a circumferential edge, wherein the second wall, e.g. the foil on a circumferential edge thereof, is sealingly connected to the circumferential edge of the outflow opening. Hence, a container is provided having a simple structure, so that the container can be produced at relatively low costs.

In an embodiment the container comprises a resealable closure arranged for isolating the at least one spout opening from ambient atmosphere when not in use and for exposing the at least one spout opening to ambient atmosphere when in use. Hence, the shelf life of the liquid product inside the container can be improved.

In an embodiment the second wall, e.g. the foil, is connected to the first wall and a cover layer is connected to the second wall opposite the first wall, wherein the cover layer is removably, for instance pealably, connected to the second wall, and wherein the cover layer closes the at least one spout opening in the second wall. Thus, the container may e.g. be stored with the cover layer closing the at least one spout opening, thus e.g. preventing entry of air into the inner space, so as to prolong shelf life of the liquid stored in the container. Before use the cover layer may be, at least partially, removed from the second wall to open the spout opening, so that the liquid can be dispensed.

In an embodiment the container comprises a resealable closure for filling and/or refilling the container with the liquid. Thus the refillable container may be provided. This may provide a convenient container.

In an alternative embodiment, the container comprises retention means for retaining the second wall onto the first wall. Thereto, the cap may comprises serrated teeth cooperating with serrated teeth of the bottle for retaining the cap onto the bottle. This may increase user safety by preventing re-use in cases where increased health risks are posed, e.g due to expected microbial growth after use of the liquid initially contained in the container. The container may also comprise destruction means for destructing at least part of the container when attempting to remove the second wall from the first wall. Thereto the cap may comprise a blade protruding from the cap and the bottle may comprise a recess, wherein when the cap is positioned onto the bottle the blade is comprised in the recess, and wherein when removing the cap from the bottle, the blade runs into a side wall of the recess and cuts a hole in the bottle. This also may increase user safety by preventing re-use in cases where increased health risks are posed, e.g. due to expected microbial growth after use of the liquid initially contained in the container.

In a preferred embodiment the container, in the inner space, comprises a dairy product. The dairy product may, in non-concentrated form, contain the customary milk components plus 0.3-2.0 % (m/m) hydrolysed milk protein, preferably 0.4-1.2 % (m/m) hydrolysed milk protein. The customary milk components of the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, may comprise 0.05-5.0 % (m/m) fat, 2.0-5.0 % (m/m) milk protein, 3.0-5.0 % (m/m) lactose and 0.3-0.7 % (m/m) minerals. The dairy product may be concentrated, i.e. the relative water content of the dairy product may be reduced, e.g. by removing water or by adding proteins to the dairy product. Thus, the container may be used for generating frothed milk, e.g. as an ingredient to a cup of coffee. The invention will now be further elucidated, by means of the following non-limiting examples, referring to the enclosed drawing, in which:

Fig. Ia shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. Ib shows a schematic cross sectional view of the container shown in Fig. Ia;

Fig. Ic shows a schematic cross sectional view of the container shown in Fig. Ia and Ib in use; Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 4a shows a cross sectional view of a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 4b shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 4c shows a schematic cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a container according to the invention; Fig. 4d shows a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Fig. 5a shows a schematic representation of a first method for manufacturing holes in a foil according to the invention;

Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of a second method for manufacturing holes in a foil according to the invention;

Fig. 6a shows a side view of a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a container according to the invention; and

Fig. 6b shows a top plan view of the container shown in Fig. 6a. Throughout the Figures like features are indicated with identical reference numerals. Fig. Ia shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a container 1 for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form. Fig. Ib shows a cross sectional view of the container shown in Fig. Ia. The container 1 comprises walls 2,4 enclosing an inner space 6 for holding therein the liquid. The walls comprise a first wall 2 and a second wall 4.

The first wall 2 is flexible for allowing a pressure in the inner space to be raised by squeezing the container by hand. In this example the first wall is arranged as a flexible bottle having an outflow opening 8 with a circumferential edge 10. In this example the first wall 2 is arranged as a plastic bottle made of flexible plastics material.

The second wall 4 is a foil comprising at least one spout opening 12. In this example the foil comprises a plurality of spout openings 12. The spout openings 12 may e.g. be provided by means of laser cutting. In the example of Fig. Ia the spout openings 12 are arranged along a circle. It is also possible that the spout openings are arranged in another configuration, e.g. in a triangular, rectangular or hexagonal grid. In this example the foil 4, on a circumferential edge 14 thereof, is sealingly connected to the circumferential edge 10 of the bottle 2 adjacent the outflow opening 8. It will be appreciated that in this example the foil forms an outer boundary of the container 1. The foil 4 may e.g. be made of a plastics material, such as polypropylene. In this example the foil 4 is flexible. The container 1 explained thus far can be used as follows.

Fig. Ic shows a cross sectional view of the container shown in Fig. Ia and Ib in use. The container 1 is brought in a position such that the liquid, indicated by reference numeral 16 in Fig. Ic, is in contact with the spout opening 12, in this example with the plurality of spout openings 12. The first wall 2 of the container is squeezed by a hand of a user (shown in phantom in Fig. Ic). Since the first and second wall 2,4 completely enclose the inner space 6, this raises the pressure inside the inner space 6. The pressure may e.g. be raised by up to 250 mbar by a user with a strong hand. A comfortable squeeze, also for a user with less strength, raises the pressure by approximately 80-120 mbar. Preferably, the spout openings are designed and/or dimensioned such that proper jets are generated when the pressure inside the inner space is raised by approximately 100 mbar.

Due to the increased pressure inside the inner space 6, the liquid 16 is forced through the spout openings 12 in the form of jets 18. In this example the foil 4 is substantially inelastic, so as to prevent deformation of the spout openings 12 during delivery of the liquid in the form of the jets 18. The substantially inelastic foil 4 provides better control of the jets than an elastic foil, thus preventing spilling of the liquid. The elastic foil may, however, provide alternative benefits, some of which are elucidated below with respect to Figs. 4c- 5b.

As the foil 4 forms the outer boundary of the container 1, the jets 18 project outwardly of the container 1. In this example the jets 18 are received in a vessel 20, such as a cup. The jets 18 may impact in the vessel 20, e.g. on a bottom of the vessel. The jets 18 may also impact in the liquid, or foamed liquid, already contained in the vessel 20. Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that such impact of the jets 18 causes air to be beaten into the liquid such that the foam is generated on the liquid in the vessel 20.

Experiments indicate that the fact that the spout openings 12 are located in the foil 4 instead of in a non-foil-like part of the container 1 considerably improves the ability to generate the liquid 16 in foamed form using the container 1, and considerably improves the quality of the foam. It will be appreciated that it is, nevertheless, possible that the second wall 4 is designed as a, e.g. substantially rigid, wall, as indicated hereinbelow with respect to Fig. 4a. Such wall provided with at least one spout opening may e.g. be formed by known techniques such as injection moulding. It will be appreciated that it may be an advantage to provide such wall with a thin thickness, e.g. less than approximately 0.5 mm, preferably less than approximately 0.3 mm, so that the benefits of using the foil are also, at least partially, obtained when using the wall. In this example the foil is approximately 80 μm thick. More in general it is preferred that the foil is thinner than 0.3 mm, preferably thinner than 0.2 mm, most preferably thinner than 0.1 mm. Without wishing to be bound to any theory it is believed that a flexible or semi-flexible foil, e.g. the foil with a thickness of these dimensions, alters the way in which the liquid jet in the at least spout opening is formed, such that more and better foam is obtained. It is for instance possible that the thin foil causes little loss of energy to the generated liquid jets, so that a high energy jet impacts in the vessel 20, or liquid inside the vessel, causing much good quality foam.

In this example a cross sectional area of the plurality of spout openings 12 together is between 3 and 10 mm², preferably between 5 and 8 mm², for instance approximately 7 mm². Hence it is possible to dispense the liquid 16 by squeezing the container 1 by hand, without having to exert too great a force. It may for instance be possible to dispense approximately 70 grams of liquid 16 in approximately 4 seconds, without having to exert a force which raises the pressure inside the container more than approximately 100 mbars.

In this example the spout openings 12 are substantially round holes in the foil 4. A diameter of the spout openings 12 is preferably smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm. It has been found that these dimensions provide a good quality foam.

In this example the container 1, in the inner space 6, comprises a dairy product as liquid 16. The dairy product may e.g. be milk to generate the frothed milk, e.g. as ingredient for a cup of cappuccino. The dairy product, or the liquid in general, may comprise an additive to improve the formation of foam. As described in European patent application EP 1 329 162 of the same applicant, incorporated herein by reference, the dairy product may, in non- concentrated form, contain the customary milk components plus 0.3-2.0 % (m/m) hydrolysed milk protein, preferably 0.4-1.2 % (m/m) hydrolysed milk protein. Herein the customary milk components of the dairy product, in non- concentrated form, comprise 0.05-5.0 % (m/m) fat, 2.0-5.0 % (m/m) milk protein, 3.0-5.0 % (m/m) lactose and 0.3-0.7 % (m/m) minerals. It will be appreciated that the dairy product may also be concentrated.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the example of Fig. 2 the foil 4 is connected to the bottle 2. The foil may be permanently connected to the bottle, e.g. glued or welded. It will be appreciated that the foil 4 may also be removably connected to the bottle 2, as shown in Fig. 4b. The container 1 is in the example of Fig. 2 further provided with a cover layer 22 which is connected to the foil 4 on the side opposite the first wall 2. The cover layer 22 is, at least partially removably, for instance pealably, connected to the foil 4. In a storage condition the cover layer 22 closes the at least one spout opening 12 in the foil 4. The cover layer 22 may then substantially completely overlay the foil 4. In a condition for use the cover layer 22 is, at least partially, removed from the foil 4 (see Fig. 2). In this example the cover layer 22 comprises a lip 24 to allow easy removal of the cover layer 22. Preferably in use the cover layer 22 is removed enough to expose all spout openings 12. In this example the cover layer is made of a metal such as aluminium foil. The foil 4 and cover layer 22 may be produced from a known pealable foil, e.g. comprising a layer of polypropylene (for the foil 4) and a layer of aluminium foil (for the cover layer 22), e.g. 80 μm of polypropylene and 130 μm of aluminium. Such pealable foil can be sterilised well, so that is can well be used with a liquid for consumption.

Thus, the container 1 may e.g. be stored with the cover layer 22 closing the spout openings 22, thus e.g. preventing entry of air into the inner space 6, so as to prolong shelf life of the liquid 16 stored in the container 1. Before use the cover layer 22 may be, at least partially, removed from the foil 4 to open the spout openings 12, so that the liquid 16 can be dispensed.

It is possible that the cover layer 22 is provided with means, such as an adhesive layer, which allows the cover layer to be repositioned against the foil 4 after use so as to isolate the spout openings 12 from ambient atmosphere when not in use. Hence, a resealable closure is provided, improving shelf life of the product contained in the container.

Fig. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the example of Fig. 3 the container 1 further comprises a jet receiving chamber 26, for receiving the jets 18 from the spout openings 12 of the foil 4. The jet receiving chamber 26 comprises at least one dispensing opening 28, in this example a plurality of dispensing openings 28 for dispensing the liquid in foamed form. In this example the at least one dispensing opening is dimensioned such that the foamed liquid flows or drips from the dispensing opening 28. It is also possible that the dispensing opening 28 is dimensioned such that it generates a jet of the foamed liquid. Preferably the dispensing openings 28 are positioned such that the jets 18 of liquid 16 do not pass through the dispensing openings 28, but that the jets 18 impact on an end wall 32 of the jet receiving chamber 26. The end wall 32 then functions as jet impact surface. It is also possible that the jets 18 impact on a layer 34 of (foamed) liquid accumulated in the jet receiving chamber 26.

It will be appreciated that in the example of Fig. 3 the end wall 32 is thicker than the foil 4. The end wall 32 may also be designed as a foil. Fig. 4a shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the example the first wall 2 is designed as a bottle. In the example of Fig. 4a the second wall 4 is designed as a screw cap. It will be appreciated that in this example the second wall is thicker than the foil in the previous examples. The second wall may e.g. be 0.5- 3 mm thick. The screw cap 4 has threads 36 cooperating with threads 38 on the bottle 2.

In this example the cap 4 is provided with the plurality of spout openings 12. In this example the spout openings are designed as nozzles. It will be appreciated that the spout openings 12 may also be designed as bores in the second wall 4. In Fig. 4a the spout openings 12 are directed such that jets emerging from the spout openings leave the container 1 as a converging beam of jets. In Fig. 4a the spout openings are, thereto, arranged such that longitudinal axes of the spout openings converge outside the container 1, e.g. in a focal point F. Herein the longitudinal axis of a spout opening is the direction in which a jet emerging from that spout opening is aimed. This enables easy aiming of the beam of jets into the vessel. Herein the spout openings may be arranged in a circle or in another configuration, e.g. in a triangular, rectangular or hexagonal grid. Further, colliding of the jets in or adjacent the focal point F may improve the quality and quantity of foam produced. In this example the focal point F is located at approximately 8 cm from the second wall 4. More in general, the distance between the second wall and the focal point is preferably between 2 and 30 cm, more preferably between 5 and 20 cm, most preferably between 7 and 10 cm. It is also possible that the longitudinal axes of the spout openings diverge outside the container, are substantially parallel, or oriented randomly. It will be appreciated that the screw cap 4 forms a resealable closure for filling and/or refilling the container 1 with the liquid.

In the example of Fig. 4a the cap 4 comprises a lid 40, which is shown in an opened condition so as the expose the spout openings 12 to ambient atmosphere to allow jets of liquid to be delivered outwardly of the container to a vessel such as a cup. It will be appreciated that the lid 40 may also be closed against the cap 4 so as to isolate the spout openings 12 from ambient atmosphere when not in use. It will be appreciated that the container 1 shown in Fig. 4a may also be provided with a jet receiving chamber 26 as shown in Fig. 3. The jet receiving chamber may e.g. be comprised in the cap 4. Herein the end wall 32 may be an end wall of the cap. Instead of, or in addition to, the lid 40 the container shown in Fig. 4a may also comprise the cover layer 22, especially when the spout openings 12 are formed as bores in the second wall.

It will be appreciated that the second wall 4, not being the foil, provided with the spout openings 12, e.g. the convergingly arranged spout openings, may also be designed as a plate connected to the first wall 2. Herein the plate is understood to be a substantially rigid member. Such plate may e.g. be connected to the circumferential edge 10 of the bottle 2 adjacent the outflow opening 8, e.g. by means of clamping, snapping, heat sealing, gluing, welding, bonding or the like. The plate may e.g. be formed by means of injection moulding or laser cutting. It will be appreciated that also in the examples of Figs. 1-3 and 4b-5b the second wall may be designed as such plate. Such plate may be provided with a thin thickness, e.g. of less than approximately 0.5 mm, preferably less than approximately 0.3 mm, so that the benefits of using the thin foil are also, at least partially, obtained when using the plate. Alternatively, such plate may be provided with a thick thickness, e.g. of more than approximately 0.7 mm, preferably approximately 1 mm, so that the spout openings may de designed as bores, e.g. arranged convergingly as described with respect to Fig. 4a. Alternatively, or additionally, the bores may be tapered having a cross section decreasing, e.g. parabolically, towards the outside of the container, for increasing the speed of the jets ejected from the spout openings. It is also possible to manufacture the plate with the spout openings 12 and the cover layer 22 using in-mould labelling. In this process the cover layer 22 is placed inside a mould and the plate is then injection moulded by injecting a plastics material into the mould containing the cover layer. Such cover layer is also removably connected to the plate. Fig. 4b shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In this example the foil 4 is removably connected to the bottle 2. In this example the foil 4 is provided as a separate part that, on the circumferential edge 14 thereof, can be positioned against the circumferential edge 10 of the bottle 2 adjacent the outflow opening 8. In this example the foil 4 is provided with a rim 23. The rim 23 forms the circumferential edge 14 of the foil 4. The rim 23 may for instance be injection moulded onto the foil 4.

The foil 4 can be fixed in place by fixing means, in this example a screw cap 25. The screw cap 25 presses the circumferential edge 14 of the foil 4 against the circumferential edge 10 of the bottle 2. In this example the rim 23 of the foil 4 is removably connected to the screw cap 25, e.g. by means of a snap connection. Hence, the rim comprises fixing means for fixing the foil 4 to the bottle 2, in this example via the screw cap 25. It will be appreciated that the rim may also be arranged for fixing the foil 4 directly to the first wall 2.

The screw cap 25 has a central aperture 27 which leaves the spout openings 12 exposed to ambient atmosphere, for allowing the jets 18 to be ejected from the container 1, in use. In this example the screw cap 25 also comprises a lid 40 as described with respect to Fig. 4a. In the example of Fig. 4b the foil 4, comprising the rim 23, can be removed form the container 1 and, if desired, be replaced by a fresh foil, e.g. when the first mentioned foil 4 has become damaged, worn and/or contaminated. Thus, the life of the container 1 can be prolonged life, since the container 1 need not be discarded when the foil 4 has become damaged, worn and/or contaminated. Further, this way the need for cleaning the foil 4 may be obviated. This has the advantage that the user is not required to clean the spout opening 12 which may be difficult to clean properly. It is possible that the rim 23 comprises a (bio)degradable plastic material, so that the rim will degrade over time, preventing that a user will use the rim and associated foil for a too long time period, thus preventing health risks to the user caused by contamination, such as microbial growth, of the foil.

It is for instance possible to provide the container 1 with the removable second wall 4, e.g. the removable foil, and to provide a replacement second wall, e.g. a replacement foil 4 possibly provided with the rim 23.

The replacement foil may e.g. be provided together with a portion of liquid intended for refilling the container 1. Hence, it is for instance possible to provide a kit comprising a portion of dairy product for filling or refilling the container 1, e.g. in an antiseptic cardboard package, and a replacement foil 4 for the container 1. Thus, a consumer can obtain the kit allowing the consumer to replace (or replenish) both the content of the container 1 and to replace the removable second wall 4.

Fig. 4c shows a schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the example the first wall 2 is designed as a bottle. In the example of Fig. 4c the second wall 4 is designed as a screw cap. In this example the screw cap 4 comprises a substantially rigid cap body 52 and an elastic foil 54. In this example, the screw cap 4 is manufactured using two-component injection moulding. In this example, the elastic foil 54 is manufactured of a thermoplastic elastomer. The cap body 52 may e.g. be manufactured of polypropylene. The elastic foil 54 may e.g. be 0.5-1 mm thick. The screw cap 4 has threads 36 cooperating with threads 38 on the bottle 2.

In this example the elastic foil 54 is provided with the plurality of spout openings 12. In this example the spout openings are manufactured by piercing the elastic foil 54 using one or more needles. Preferably, substantially no material is removed from the elastic foil 54 by such piercing. The resulting spout openings 12 have, in this example a substantially circular cross section.

It is remarked that spout openings 12 designed as on or more elongate slits

(e.g. crossed slits) are not preferred. In the example of Fig. 4c, the spout openings 12 are arranged the elastic foil 54. As a result, a diameter of the spout openings 12 will increase when the pressure in the inner space is raised, due to stretching of the elastic foil 54. In this example, the spout openings 12 in the elastic foil 54 are dimensioned such that when the pressure in the inner space 6 is not raised the elastic foil 54 surrounding the spout opening 12 is contracted so that the dimension of the spout opening 12 is reduced to an extent that the spout opening 12 is substantially closed for the liquid. This may be achieved because the spout openings 12 are manufactured substantially without removing material from the elastic foil 54.

The dimension of the substantially round, pierced spout openings in the elastic foil 54 thus depends on the force or pressure exerted on the elastic foil 54. In this example the diameter of the needle 56 and the elasticity of the elastic foil 54 is chosen such that, in use, the spout openings 12 enlarge to a size smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm.

In Fig. 4c the spout openings 12 are directed such that jets emerging from the spout openings leave the container 1 as a converging beam of jets. In Fig. 4c the spout openings are, thereto, arranged such that longitudinal axes of the spout openings converge outside the container 1, e.g. in a focal point F. This enables easy aiming of the beam of jets into the vessel. This may be achieved by piercing the elastic foil 54 using one or more needles 56, the one or more needles 56 being aligned such that at each spout opening 12 the needle pierces the elastic foil along the longitudinal axis of the spout opening (see Fig. 5a). Alternatively, or additionally, the elastic foil may be deflected, e.g. over a convex head, or by applying (e.g. air) pressure underneath the elastic foil to change the direction in which the elastic foil extends at the piercing needle (see Fig. 5b). In the example of Fig. 5b, the needles 56 are substantially parallel when piercing the foil 54. It will be appreciated that the spout openings 12 produced according to the example of Fig. 5b will have substantially the same orientation as the spout openings 12produced according to the example of Fig. 5a. It is also possible that the longitudinal axes of the spout openings 12 diverge outside the container, are substantially parallel, or are oriented randomly. In the examples of Figs. 5a and 5b, the spout openings 12 in the elastic foil 54 are pierced in a direction which corresponds to the direction in which the liquid is to flow through the spout openings 12, viz. in a direction going from inside the container to outside the container. Experiments have shown that this improves the ease with which the jet of the liquid is formed by the spout openings 12. In the example of Fig. 4c the cap 4 comprises a lid 40, which is shown in an opened condition so as the expose the spout openings 12 to ambient atmosphere to allow jets of liquid to be delivered outwardly of the container to a vessel such as a cup. It will be appreciated that the lid 40 may also be closed against the cap 4 so as to isolate the spout openings 12 from ambient atmosphere when not in use.

It will be appreciated that the container 1 shown in Fig. 4c may also be provided with a jet receiving chamber 26 as shown in Fig. 3. The jet receiving chamber may e.g. be comprised in the cap 4. Herein the end wall 32 may be an end wall of the cap. Instead of, or in addition to, the lid 40 the container shown in Fig. 4c may also comprise the cover layer 22, especially when the spout openings 12 are formed as bores in the second wall.

It will be appreciated that also in the examples of Figs. l-4b and 6a- 6b the second wall may be designed as the elastic foil 54. In the example of Figs. 4a-4c, the screw cap 4 forms a resealable closure for filling and/or refilling the container 1 with the liquid. Fig. 4d shows an example of a seventh embodiment of a container according to the invention, in which the container 1 comprises retention means 58 for retaining the cap 4 onto the bottle 2. In this example, the threads 36 of the screw cap 4 comprise serrated teeth 60 cooperating with serrated teeth 62 of the threads 38 of the bottle 2. When screwing the cap 4 onto the bottle 2, the teeth 60 and 62 engage and prevent unscrewing of the cap. This may increase user safety by preventing re-use in cases where increased health risks are posed, e.g due to expected microbial growth after use of the liquid initially contained in the container 1.

In the example of Fig. 4d, the container further comprises destruction means 64 for destructing at least part of the container 1 when attempting to unscrew the cap 4. In this example, the cap 4 comprises a blade 66 protruding from the cap 4. When the cap 4 is screwed onto the bottle 2, the blade 66 is comprised in a recess 68 of the bottle. When unscrewing the cap 4, the blade 66 runs into a side wall 70 of the recess 68 and cuts a hole in the bottle 2. Hence, it is no longer possible to generate a pressure inside the container 1 after the cap 4 has been unscrewed. This also may increase user safety by preventing re-use in cases where increased health risks are posed, e.g due to expected microbial growth after use of the liquid initially contained in the container 1.

Figs. 6a and 6b show schematic views of a eighth embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention. In the example of Figs. 6a and 6b the container 1 is designed as a thermoformed package. The thermoformed package preferably comprises a dairy product, such as milk, in this example concentrated milk, e.g. between 5 and 50 ml of liquid, preferably approximately 30 ml.

The first wall 2 is designed as a thermoformed cup which may be constructed of a plastic such as polyethylene. In this example the first wall comprises a storage chamber 42, a channel 44 and a jetting chamber 46 (shown in phantom in Fig. 6b). The jetting chamber 46 is in fluid communication, or can be brought in fluid communication, with the storage chamber 42 via the channel 44. The liquid or a portion of the liquid is, prior to use, stored in the storage chamber 42. The second wall 4 is designed as the foil. The foil 4 is connected to the thermoformed cup 2. In this example the foil 4 is permanently connected to the thermoformed cup 2, e.g. bonded or welded along a peripheral rim 48. The foil 4 comprises the plurality of spout openings 12. In Fig. 6b it can be seen that the spout openings are positioned over the jetting chamber 46.

The container 1 is in the example of Figs. 6a and 6b further provided with the cover layer 22 which is connected to the foil 4 on the side opposite the first wall 2. The cover layer 22 is in this example partially removably, for instance pealably, connected to the foil 4. In Fig. 6b the portion 50 of the cover layer 22, in this figure on the right hand side of the broken line L, can be removed from the foil 4. The line L represents a tear line, along which the cover layer 22 is torn, leaving the remainder of cover layer 22, adjacent the storage chamber 42, attached to the foil 4.

The container shown in Figs. 6a and 6b can be used in a manner similar to the containers shown in the Figs. l-4d. In the example of Figs. 6a and 6b, a portion 50 of the cover layer 22 covering the spout openings 12 may be removed, thus exposing the spout openings. Next, the first wall 2 may be squeezed, e.g. by holding the rim 48 with some of the fingers of one or both hands, and pressing the thermoformed cup 2, e.g. at a bottom side of the storage chamber 42, with one or both thumbs. It will be appreciated that the thermoformed cup may be provided with weakenings, e.g. crease lines, for allowing easier squeezing of the container 1.

Upon squeezing the storage chamber 42, liquid contained in the storage chamber will be urged through the channel 44 into the jetting chamber 46 and out of the spout openings 12. The portion of the cover layer 22 still overlaying the storage chamber 42 strengthens the second wall 4 adjacent the storage chamber, thus avoiding tearing of the foil 4. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the cover layer 22 is entirely removed from the foil 4 before use. It will be appreciated that the thermoformed package may also be designed as a package commonly used for packaging a single portion of coffee milk, comprising at least one spout opening positioned in communication with a single chamber inside the package. The container 1 according to the invention proves to be highly suitable for dispensing the liquid for consumption, such as the dairy product, since the first wall 2 and the second wall 4 comprising the spout openings 12 can be easily disinfected prior to filling the container 1 with the liquid for consumption, e.g. when the first wall 2 is the plastic bottle, and the second wall 4 is the plastic foil e.g. with the spout openings 12 closed by the cover layer 22. Thus, long shelf life of the liquid for consumption, e.g. the dairy product, can be obtained when packaged in the container according to the invention. Further, the spout openings 12 being located in the foil 4, reduce the risk of contamination or promotion of microbiological growth. The invention is by no means limited to the above examples.

It is for instance possible to provide the container with a resealable closure for filling and/or refilling the container with the liquid. The resealable closure may e.g. be a screw cap. It is also possible that the foil, and optionally the jet receiving chamber, is part of such resealable closure. The foil, and optionally the jet receiving chamber, may e.g. be located in a screw cap.

In the examples of Figs. 1-3, 4b-4d and 6a and 6b the first wall is arranged as the flexible bottle which completely encloses the inner space together with the foil. It is also possible that the flexible first wall together with the foil only encloses a portion of the inner space for compressing only that portion of the inner space by hand

The container may e.g. be arranged as a blister pack, wherein the flexible first wall is arranged as the moulded cup of the blister pack and wherein the second wall is arranged as the foil of the blister pack. Also the blister pack may be provided with the cover layer. In the example of Fig. 2 the spout openings, forming the liquid outlets of the container, are, in the storage condition, closed by the cover layer 22. It will be appreciated that in the example of Fig. 3 the dispensing openings, forming the liquid outlets of the container, may, in a storage condition, be closed by the cover layer 22 or with a lid 40 as shown in Fig. 4a.

In the example of Fig. 4b the second wall comprises the foil provided with the rim 23. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the second wall comprises the plate, e.g. provided with the rim, as indicated above. Such plate and rim may be of integral design. It will be appreciated that the liquid in the container may be cold or warm upon dispensing. If so desired, the container comprising the liquid may e.g. be heated, e.g. using a microwave oven, prior to use.

All such variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention. However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other features or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in unfoamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form, wherein the container comprises walls enclosing an inner space for holding therein the liquid, wherein a first wall is flexible for allowing a pressure in the inner space to be raised by squeezing the container by hand, and wherein a second wall comprises at least one spout opening for dispensing, when the pressure in the inner space is raised, the liquid, in the form of a jet, into a vessel, such as a cup, such that the foamed liquid is obtained.

2. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall is a foil, e.g. made of a plastics material, such as polypropylene. 3. Container according to claim 6, wherein the foil is thinner than 0.

3 mm, preferably thinner than 0.2 mm, most preferably thinner than 0.1 mm, for instance approximately 0.08 mm.

4. Container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the foil is elastic, e.g. a thermo-plastic elastomer.

5. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spout opening is arranged such that a dimension of the at least one spout opening increases when the pressure in the inner space is raised.

6. Container according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the at least one spout opening is dimensioned such that when the pressure in the inner space is not raised the elastic foil surrounding the spout opening is contracted so that the dimension of the spout opening is reduced to an extent that the spout opening is substantially closed for the liquid.

7. Container according to at least claim 2, wherein the at least one spout opening is manufactured without removing material from the foil.

8. Container according to claim 7, wherein the at least one spout opening is manufactured by piercing the foil with a needle.

9. Container according to claim 8, wherein the foil is pierced in a direction which corresponds to the direction in which the liquid is to flow through the spout opening.

10. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spout opening has a substantially round cross section.

11. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall comprises a plurality of spout openings for each dispensing, when the pressure in the inner space is raised, the liquid, in the form of a jet.

12. Container according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of spout openings are arranged in a circle.

13. Container according to claim 11 or 12, wherein longitudinal axes of the spout openings converge outside the container.

14. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall is removably connected or connectable to the first wall.

15. Container according to at least claim 2, wherein the foil comprises a circumferential rim.

16. Container according to claim 15, wherein the rim comprises fixing means for fixing the rim to the first wall.

17. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall is part of, or connectable to, a cap, such as a screw cap, of the container.

18. Container according to claim 17, wherein the second wall is integral with the cap and the second wall and cap are manufactured by multi- component, such as two-component, injection moulding.

19. Container according to at least claim 11, wherein a cross sectional area of the plurality of spout openings together is between 3 and 10 mm², preferably between 5 and 8 mm², for instance approximately 7 mm².

20. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a dimension of the at least one spout opening is smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm.

21. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall, in use, forms an outer boundary of the container.

22. Container according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein the container further comprises a jet receiving chamber, for receiving the jet from the at least one spout opening, wherein the jet receiving chamber comprises at least one dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid in foamed form.

23. Container according to claim 22, wherein the jet receiving chamber comprises a jet impact surface which is arranged such that the jet of liquid from the at least one spout opening impacts on the jet impact surface.

24. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wall is arranged as a flexible bottle having an outflow opening with a circumferential edge, wherein the second wall is sealingly connected to the circumferential edge of the outflow opening.

25. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a resealable closure arranged for isolating the at least one spout opening from ambient atmosphere when not in use and for exposing the at least one spout opening to ambient atmosphere when in use.

26. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second wall is connected to the first wall and a cover layer is connected to the second wall opposite the first wall, wherein the cover layer is removably, for instance pealably, connected to the second wall, and wherein the cover layer closes the at least one spout opening in the second wall.

27. Container according to claim 26, wherein the cover layer is made of a metal, such as aluminium.

28. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a resealable closure for filling and/or refilling the container with the liquid.

29. Container according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein the container comprises retention means for retaining the second wall onto the first wall

30. Container according to claims 17, 24 and 29, wherein the cap comprises serrated teeth cooperating with serrated teeth of the bottle for retaining the cap onto the bottle.

31. Container according to any one of claims 1-27 and 28-29, wherein the container comprises destruction means for destructing at least part of the container when attempting to remove the second wall from the first wall.

32. Container according to claims 17, 24 and 31, wherein the cap comprises a blade protruding from the cap and the bottle comprises a recess, wherein when the cap is positioned onto the bottle the blade is comprised in the recess, and wherein when removing the cap from the bottle, the blade runs into a side wall of the recess and cuts a hole in the bottle.

33. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container, in the inner space, comprises a dairy product.

34. Container according to claim 33, wherein the dairy product, in non- concentrated form, contains the customary milk components plus 0.3-2.0 %

(m/m) hydrolysed milk protein, preferably 0.4-1.2 % (m/m) hydrolysed milk protein.

35. Container according to claim 34, wherein the customary milk components of the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, comprise 0.05-5.0 % (m/m) fat, 2.0-5.0 % (m/m) milk protein, 3.0-5.0 % (m/m) lactose and 0.3-0.7 % (m/m) minerals.

36. Container according to any one of claims 33-35, wherein the dairy product is concentrated.

37. Foil comprising at least one spout opening evidently intended to be used in a container according to at least claim 2.

38. Method for foaming a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, e.g. milk, comprising providing a substantially closed container holding the liquid and comprising at least one spout opening, and squeezing the container, for instance by hand, for dispensing the liquid through the at least one spout opening in the form of a jet into a vessel, such as a cup, such that the foamed liquid is obtained.

39. Method according to claim 38, further comprising positioning the container, for instance by hand, such that the liquid is in contact with the at least one spout opening during squeezing of the container.

40. Method according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the container is a container according to any one of claims 1-36.

41. Method according to any one of claims 38-40, wherein a distance between the at least one spout opening and the vessel is less than 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm.

42. Method according to any one of claims 38-41, comprising dispensing a single portion of foamed milk, for instance in a quantity suitable for a single cup of coffee, e.g. between 5 and 100 ml of non-concentrated milk, preferably approximately 70 ml, or e.g. between 5 and 50 ml of concentrated milk, preferably approximately 30 ml.

43. Use of a container according to any one of claims 1-32 for generating the liquid in foamed form.

44. Use of a container according to any one of claims 33-36 for generating the dairy product, such as milk, in foamed form.

45. Use of a container according to claim 44 for dispensing the dairy product as an ingredient to a cup of coffee.