EP2909104B1 - Container for a liquid, comprising a pouch - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a container for liquid. It finds particularly useful applications for the packaging, storage, transport and / or distribution of liquids such as beer.

Many solutions are known for conditioning, storing, transporting and / or dispensing liquids.

Generally, for volumes of less than a few tens of liters, there are pre-filled containers that use the principle of gravity to distribute the liquid they contain.

The problem posed by this type of container is its manufacturing cost, handling, including returning the container, to allow the distribution of the liquid, and its inability to be reused.

An alternative solution to this type of container using the principle of gravity is proposed by the document EP 1 736 421 , which discloses a barrel for liquid, comprising a spherical plastic shell, inside which there is a pocket for containing a liquid.

The shell has at its upper portion a valve connected to the bag, intended to allow the filling or emptying of the bag.

Such a barrel nevertheless has many disadvantages: the positioning of the pocket in the shell is complex, limiting to a single use the assembly consisting of the pocket and the shell; the emptying of such a barrel being carried out with the valve arranged downwards, the bag must in particular comprise routing devices which make the manufacture of the pocket complex and expensive; the barrel further comprises cardboard support means for supporting the shell, such support means being unsuited to the field of liquids.

There are other simpler solutions using a pocket for containing a liquid, and positioned inside a rigid barrel to allow the packaging, storage, transport and / or distribution of the liquid.

Nevertheless, the pocket must necessarily be extremely clean, it is usually single-use and therefore requires that its introduction into the rigid barrel, as well as its extraction from the barrel, are easy.

Moreover, the bag must be configured in such a way that the greatest quantity of the liquid contained in the bag can be drained, the physical, chemical and / or aromatic properties of the liquid must not be further impaired in contact with the bag, nor during the process of emptying the pocket.

Another solution is described in the document WO 86/00 868 which describes a pocket comprising an orifice and a band secured to the orifice to allow the walls of the pocket to be kept apart, close to the orifice.

Other containers for liquids are described by the documents JP H06 53453 U and US4998990 .

Nevertheless, the band can easily be torn off, in particular during filling of the bag, and does not guide the liquid, when introduced into the bag, from the orifice to the end of the band. It can thus be seen that there is no easy-to-use pouch at a lower cost and adapted to be easily introduced into a drum without altering the properties of the liquid contained in the pouch and making it possible to promote filling and emptying of the drum. poached.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention aims to allow the packaging, storage, transport and distribution of a liquid whose physical, chemical and aromatic properties must not be altered, by means of an inexpensive device, and whose manufacture and use are easy.

This object is achieved by the fact that the invention relates to a container for liquid having a pocket for containing a liquid, the pocket defining an inner face and having an upper portion and an orifice, the bag further comprising a channeling device fixed on the inner face of its upper part by two fixing zones extending on either side of the orifice, the channeling device covering the orifice, the channeling device defining a longitudinal direction and having at least one liquid flow channel to the orifice, first and second ends longitudinal, at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends forming an opening between the channeling device and the inner face of the upper part of the bag, the channeling device comprising a first and a second longitudinal edges arranged on the side and other of the orifice and extending in the longitudinal direction, the attachment zones being arranged along the first and second longitudinal edges, so that the filling and / or emptying of the bag is achieved by a flow of the liquid through the orifice and said at least one opening formed between the channeling device and the inner face of the pocket.

Preferably, the orifice is completely covered by the channeling device.

Preferably, when the channeling device is fixed on the inner face of the pocket, the orifice is disposed between the two longitudinal ends of the channeling device, preferably halfway between the longitudinal ends.

In other words, the attachment zones extend from the orifice to at least one of the longitudinal ends of the channeling device.

In other words, the attachment zones extend along the longitudinal edges of the channeling device. Thus, this device allows the bag to package, store, transport and distribute the liquid.

The presence of the channeling device allows the liquid, introduced through the orifice, to gradually and uniformly fill the bag.

In a complementary manner, the liquid contained in the bag can be extracted out of the bag, the flow of the liquid being carried out successively through the flow channel and the orifice. Thus, even when the bag is compressed, so that fragments of the inner face of the bag are in contact with or near each other, the presence of the flow channel allows the maintenance of a space for the flow of the liquid.

In addition, the channeling device is shaped so that it is not torn off when filling the bag, the bag is not torn during filling and emptying.

Without limitation, the pocket has a structure comprising at least one plastic film, which has characteristics mechanical resistance to friction, in order to limit the risk of tearing during filling or emptying of the bag, and during its introduction and extraction from a drum, as well as the insulating and waterproofing properties and hygienic, especially in the case where the liquid contained in the pocket is intended for consumption.

In addition, the bag thus formed can easily be compressed, so as to be easily introduced, for example into a drum, before being deployed, so as to contain the liquid. In addition, it can also be compressed, once filled, for example by means of a gas, in order to extract the liquid.

The invention is described below in a series of alternative embodiments, which may be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the previous ones.

Preferably, the container includes a liquid orientation device configured to direct liquid introduced through the orifice to said at least one opening formed between the channeling device and the inside of the bag.

Advantageously, the liquid orientation device is mounted on the orifice.

By this arrangement, it is understood that during the introduction of liquid into the bag through the orifice of the bag, the channeling device is not likely to be degraded or ripped off.

Advantageously, the channeling device is an insert, fixed on the inner face of the upper part of the pocket along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges.

Preferably, the channeling device is fixed by welding or gluing on the inside of the pocket.

By this configuration, the manufacturing cost of the pocket is not significantly increased compared to a pocket without a channeling device. Moreover, the channeling device can thus be made of a material different from that of the pocket, in order to meet the requirements of strength and rigidity of the channeling device.

In addition, the passage defined by the channeling device promotes the flow of liquid in the direction of - or since - the orifice of the pocket.

Advantageously, the attachment zones are impermeable to air and liquid.

Advantageously, the attachment zones extend continuously along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges.

Advantageously, the attachment zones extend at least 30% of the length of the longitudinal edges, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 70%.

Preferably, the channeling device is made of a material impermeable to air and liquid.

By this arrangement of the fixing zones and by this composition of the channeling device, the liquid contained in the pocket must necessarily flow through one and / or the other of the longitudinal ends of the pipe device. The channeling device thus allows the liquid contained in the bag to bypass, during its emptying, for example and without limitation, a different fluid, especially gas, kept in the bag under the channeling device, such a fluid can if it comes into contact with the liquid contained in the pocket, modify the properties of the liquid.

In other words, the orifice of the bag is sealed, by the channeling device and by the fixing zones, of said gas. It is therefore understood that said gas is trapped between the liquid contained in the bag and the channeling device, so as not to be able to escape through the orifice of the bag. Thus, the orifice of the pocket is completely covered by the channeling device.

In the embodiment in which the channeling device is soldered to the inner face of the ladle, the material in which the channeling device is formed is compatible with a welding process or with a heat sealing process.

The opening formed between the channeling device and the inner face of the ladle allows the flow of liquid from the flow channel to the opening, when filling the ladle, or from the opening to the ladle channel. flow, towards the orifice, during the emptying of the pocket.

Advantageously, the channeling device has a rectangular shape, the channeling device being arranged in such a way the orifice is substantially in the center of the channeling device, the flow channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the channeling device.

In other words, the orifice opens into the bag in a volume defined between the inner face of the upper part of the bag and the channeling device.

Such a configuration of the channeling device allows, among other things, a symmetrical deformation and deployment of the bag when it fills or empties the liquid, this arrangement being particularly advantageous when the container is configured to be introduced into a drum having a symmetrical shape.

The symmetry of the deformation and folding of the pocket is also allowed by the structure of the channeling device whose longitudinal edges are fixed, for example welded, on the inside of the pocket: when the pocket is grasped by its orifice, by example for its packaging, the channeling device being for example disposed substantially horizontally, the pocket has two sides that extend downwardly by gravity. Such an arrangement of the pocket and its channeling device facilitates its folding, allowing the formation of folds extending from the orifice of the pocket, which promote its introduction, for example in a drum, and its deployment.

Furthermore, the provision of the orifice in the center of the channeling device also allows to fill or empty gradually and uniformly the pocket.

Advantageously, the channeling device comprises a base and at least one of the longitudinal ends of the channeling device comprises at least one perforation formed in the base.

The presence of the perforation firstly makes it easier to fill and empty the liquid, these operations being not conditioned by the dimensions of the opening defined between the channeling device and the inner face of the upper part of the opening. the pocket. Moreover, the perforation also allows the channeling device not to be held pressed against the inside of the pocket when it is compressed.

Preferably, the container further comprises a stopper comprising a support plate which has a through hole, the support plate being fixed to the inner face of the upper part of the pocket so that the through hole is arranged facing of the orifice.

The presence of the support plate and the plug reinforces the orifice, so that the risk that the pocket tears during use, and in particular during its filling or emptying, is limited.

Advantageously, the channeling device comprises a base and at least two ribs defining the edges of the flow channel and projecting from the base towards the orifice according to a height.

Preferably, the base and the ribs are obtained, for example and without limitation, by extrusion of material, the material passing through a die when it is in fusion.

By this arrangement, it is understood that the flow channel is open in the direction of the inner face of the bag, a passage being thus maintained between the base of the channeling device and the inner face of the bag to allow the flow of the liquid. The ribs are configured such that they prevent, in particular by their rigidity and the distance separating them from one another, the plating of the inner face of the pocket against the base of the flow device, a such plating likely to obstruct the passage defined by the flow channel.

Advantageously, the channeling device comprises a plurality of ribs parallel to each other.

Preferably, the ribs have different heights.

The presence of a plurality of parallel ribs defines a plurality of flow channels on the pipeline device, thereby reducing the time required for filling or emptying the bag, as well as the pressures exerted on the bag, of such tensions possibly leading to the tearing of the pocket.

In addition, by this arrangement, the ribs of the channeling device can conform to the profile of the inner face of the pocket.

Advantageously, the plug has a deflector extending towards the inside of the pocket, the ribs conforming to the shape of the deflector.

The presence of the baffle makes it possible to direct the liquid, when filling the bag, towards the longitudinal ends of the pipe device, so that the risk that the pipe device is torn off the inside face of the pocket is limited.

Thus, the sealed fastening of the channeling device on the inner face of the upper part of the pocket, on either side of the orifice, is not likely to be damaged during the introduction of liquid into the pocket; the sealed separation formed by the channeling device between the orifice and any fluid that would be disposed under the channeling device is therefore not likely to be damaged during, or as a result of, the introduction of the liquid into the pocket.

Advantageously, the pocket consists of a first disc forming an upper part and a second disc having dimensions substantially identical to those of the first disc, the first and second discs being secured to each other by their edge. .

Preferably, the first and second discs are secured by welding or gluing.

By this arrangement, the manufacture of the pocket is easy and inexpensive. Moreover, by modifying the dimensions of the first and second disks, the pocket can be adapted to contain variable volumes.

Preferably, the channeling device extends along a diameter of the first disk.

Advantageously, the length of the channeling device is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the first disk.

By this arrangement, it is understood that when the pocket containing the liquid is compressed, for example by means of a gas which exerts a pressure on the outer face of the pocket, the longitudinal ends of the channeling device are arranged close to a lower fraction of the interior volume of the pocket, so as to allow a significant empty, or even complete, of the pocket.

Preferably, according to an alternative embodiment, the length of the channeling device is slightly greater than the diameter of the first disk, the channeling device being fixed on the inner face of the first disk before the first and second disks are secured together for form the pocket. It is understood that the liquid flowing in the flow channel necessarily passes through through at least one of the perforations formed near the longitudinal ends of the channeling device, said perforation being disposed in the interior volume of the pocket.

Advantageously, the invention also relates to a beer barrel having an inner wall, an upper portion and a mouth formed on its upper portion, the barrel comprising a container according to the present invention which can be introduced and / or extracted in the barrel. through the mouth.

Advantageously, the barrel comprises a closure means for securing the orifice of the container and the mouth of the barrel.

Preferably, the closure means comprises a valve system, with a non-return valve, for introducing a fluid into the barrel.

It is therefore understood that such a drum can be used for the packaging, storage, transport and / or distribution of beer, contained in the container introduced and / or extracted in the drum through the mouth. To fill the barrel, it is enough to place a container in the barrel, and to fill the container by introducing the beer through the mouth of the barrel and the orifice of the pocket. Once drained, the bag can be removed from the barrel, to be cleaned or replaced by another bag, which will allow a new filling of the barrel.

Furthermore, since the inner wall of the barrel is not in direct contact with the beer, the barrel may consist of a material, such as plastic, which does not necessarily have the same hygienic properties as the materials usually used for the manufacture of drums for beer conditioning, such as stainless steel. The cost of manufacturing the barrel and its environmental impacts can be reduced, the risk of theft are also reduced and the effort required to handle it are limited.

In addition, the characteristics of the channeling device retain the physical, chemical and / or aromatic properties of the beer, without these properties being degraded during the emptying process of the pocket. Thus, the quality of the beer extracted from the cask is constant during its emptying. The characteristics of the channeling device also allow the beer not to be mixed with the gas formed during the partial degassing of the beer; such degassing may be due to a modification of the climatic conditions between its conditioning and its emptying, to a modification of the pressure applied to the pocket, to a modification of the dimensions of the drum, to shocks during the manipulation of the drum, etc.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the pipe device also limits the volume of residual beer after emptying the bag.

Preferably, the invention finally relates to a beer dispensing installation comprising a source of compressed air and further comprising a beer keg according to the present invention, the source of compressed air being connected to the mouth of the keg so to inject air between the outer face of the pocket and the inner wall of the barrel, so as to allow the emptying of the beer contained in the pocket through the mouth.

By this arrangement, the air injected to allow the emptying of the beer not being in contact with the beer, it must not necessarily have the same properties of non-alteration of the beer as those of the gases used in the art previous; thus, while the emptying of the beer contained in a conventional drum is carried out by means of carbon dioxide, in the dispensing installation according to the present invention, compressed air can be used, thereby reducing the inherent costs to the emptying of the beer and to suppress the efforts necessary to the handling of the bottles of carbon dioxide.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement un exemple de poche de contenant selon la présente invention ;
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe d'un exemple de dispositif de canalisation selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 3A à 3C représentent schématiquement les différentes étapes du pliage d'un exemple de poche vide selon la présente invention ; et
• les figures 4A à 4C représentent schématiquement un fût comprenant un contenant selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le contenant étant partiellement rempli.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the following accompanying drawings on which :

• the figure 1 schematically represents an example of a container bag according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 schematically represents a sectional view of an example of a pipe device according to the present invention;
• the FIGS. 3A to 3C schematically represent the different steps of folding an example of empty bag according to the present invention; and
• the Figures 4A to 4C schematically represent a drum comprising a container according to one embodiment of the present invention, the container being partially filled.

Detailed description of the invention

In the example shown in figure 1 , the container 10 for liquid L according to the invention has a pocket 12 for containing the liquid L.

In the example described here, the liquid L is a gas-laden liquid of the carbon dioxide type, such as beer. Nevertheless, and within the scope of the present invention, the pocket 12 is also intended to contain any type of liquid L, such as water or, more generally, any type of fluid, such as a liquid, a gas , powders or pasta.

The pocket 12 has an upper portion 14 and a lower portion 16.

As shown on the figure 1 , The upper portions 14 and lower 16 are respectively constituted of a first 18 and a second disk 20 having substantially identical dimensions.

For example and without limitation, the first 18 and second 20 discs may be made of a plastic type material, to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the pocket 12, while allowing the pocket 12, when it is empty, to take a folded position.

It would also be conceivable, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, a pocket 12 having upper 14 and lower 16 parts of different shape and size, and formed in another material with flexibility and impermeability properties. similar air and liquid.

The pocket 12 further comprises securing means 22 for securing together the upper 14 and lower 16, so that the pocket 12 defines an interior volume V limited by the inner faces of the first 18 and second 20 discs.

In the example represented by the figure 1 , the securing means 22 are arranged on the edge of the first 18 and second 20 disks. For example, and without limitation, the first 18 and second 20 discs can be secured by welding or gluing.

As will become clearer from the observation of the following figures, the pocket 12 also has a through orifice 24 formed on the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12. In the example represented by FIG. figure 1 , the orifice 24 is covered with a pierced stopper 26 and disposed on the outer face of the upper part 14.

The pocket 12 further comprises a pipe device 28 disposed on the inner face of the upper part 14, covering the orifice 24 formed in the upper part 14.

As shown on the figure 1 , the channeling device 28 defines a longitudinal direction Lo ; it comprises a first 30 and a second 32 longitudinal edges, through which it is fixed to the inner face of the upper portion 14. The longitudinal edges 30 and 32 are hermetically fixed on the inner face of the upper portion 14 ; it is thus understood that no fluid, whether liquid or gaseous, can pass between the longitudinal edges 30, 32 and the inner face of the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12. For example and without limitation, the edges 30, 32 are glued or welded on the inner face of the upper portion 14. In other words, the portions of the longitudinal edges 30, 32 fixed, for example welded or glued, to the inner face of the pocket 12 constitute fixing areas.

It is understood that each of the longitudinal edges 30, 32 extends on either side of the orifice 24, the orifice 24 being disposed between the two longitudinal edges 30, 32.

The orifice is thus completely covered by the pipe device 28.

It is also understood that the attachment zones extend continuously along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges 30, 32.

A fluid, such as a liquid, introduced into the pocket 12 through the orifice 24 is thus necessarily guided along the pipe device 28.

The channeling device 28 further comprises a base 34 and a plurality of ribs 36 projecting from one face of the base 34 towards the inner face of the upper portion 14.

As represented in a non-limiting manner on the figure 1 , the channeling device 28 has a rectangular shape, the orifice 24 being arranged at the center of the rectangular shape, so that the channeling device 28 defines a first 38 and a second 40 lateral portions, arranged on both sides and another of the orifice 24, the width of the ducting device 28 being equal to or greater than the dimensions of the orifice 24.

Each lateral portion 38, 40 further comprises a series of perforations 42, 44, formed in the base 34 of the pipe device 28, near its longitudinal ends 46, 48 respectively.

The orifice 24 is thus disposed, when the channeling device 28 is fixed on the inside face of the pocket, between the longitudinal ends 46, 48, preferably halfway between the longitudinal ends.

In addition, the longitudinal ends 46, 48 both define an opening delimited by the base 34 of the channeling device 28 and the inner face of the upper part 14 of the pocket 12.

It is therefore understood that the attachment zones extend from the orifice 24 to the longitudinal ends 46, 48.

As it appears more clearly in the observation of the figure 2 , which schematically represents a section of the pocket 12 made according to a diameter of the first 18 and second 20 disks and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Lo of the pipe device 28, the pipe device 28 defines a flow space 50 formed between the base 34 of the channeling device 28 and the inner face of the upper portion 14 of the bag 12. The lateral ends of the flow space 50 are constituted by the first 30 and second 32 longitudinal edges of the channeling device 28.

As it appears from the observation of the figure 2 , the pipe device 28 has the shape of a bowl consisting of two longitudinal edges 30, 32, which are in this example and not limited to elevated relative to the base 34.

The pipe device 28 is constituted, for example, by extrusion of material, from a material impervious to air and liquid, such as plastic.

The ribs 36 project from the base 34 and are directed towards the orifice 24; as represented by the figure 2 The ribs 36 can have heights h1, h2 different. They can also, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, have identical heights.

The heights of the ribs 36 are between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 0.7 and 1.5 mm.

Two consecutive ribs 36 ', 36 " are spaced apart by a distance e, as shown in FIG. figure 2 , the two ribs 36 ', + 36 " define a flow channel 52, whose lateral edges consist of ribs 36', 36".

As shown on the figure 2 , the ribs 36 are all spaced from each other of the same spacing e. They could also have variable spacings, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Two consecutive ribs 36 are separated by a spacing e between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.

The base 34 has a thickness p, which may, for example and without limitation, be greater for the portion of the pipe device 28 disposed opposite the orifice 24, in order to withstand the pressure of the liquid L introduced in the pocket 12, and lower near the longitudinal edges 30, 32, so as not to compromise the flexibility of the pipe device 28.

The thickness p of the base 34 is between 0.1 and 2 mm, preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm.

It is therefore clear that the dimensions of the channeling device 28 are such that the ducting device 28 has a flexibility that makes it possible not to oppose the deformations of the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12 while maintaining the passage constituted by the at least one flow channel 52 defined by the ribs 36 ', 36 " and the portion of the base 34 between the ribs 36', 36".

As shown on the figure 2 , the plug 26 further comprises a bearing plate 54 which has a through hole disposed opposite the orifice 24.

The support plate 54 is fixed to the inner face of the upper portion 14, for example by gluing or welding.

It is therefore understood that the support plate 54 and the stopper 26 are arranged on either side of the orifice 24 so that the liquid L can be introduced into or removed from the pocket 12 through the stopper. 26.

Moreover, the plug 26 has a deflector 56 which has the shape of a spherical cap and which extends towards the internal volume V of the pocket 12. It could obviously conceive the presence of a deflector 56 having any other shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is therefore clear that the deflector 56 constitutes a device for orienting the liquid L configured to direct the liquid L introduced into the pocket 12 towards one or the other of the openings defined by the longitudinal ends 46, 48.

In the embodiment of the pocket 12 represented by the figure 2 , the stopper 26 and the deflector 56 constitute a single piece, for example obtained by molding. It could also be conceived, and within the scope of the present invention, a deflector 56 fixed directly to the plug 26, or mounted on the support plate 54, opposite the through hole of the support plate 54.

As it appears on the figure 2 The heights h1, h2 of the ribs 36 vary such that the longitudinal ribs 36 conform to the shape of the deflector 56.

The FIGS. 3A to 3C schematically represent a section of the pocket 12 made perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Lo of the pipe device 28, the FIGS. 3A to 3C representing the different stages of the folding of the pocket 12, when the pocket 12 does not contain the liquid L.

The figure 3A represents the pocket 12 whose upper 14 and lower 16 are arranged facing each other. As it appears from the observation of the figures previously described, in this arrangement, the channeling device 28 is arranged facing the inner face of the upper part 14, according to a diameter of the first disk 18 which constitutes the upper part 14.

In a first step, the bag 12 is preferably filled with a fluid F, for example a gas, such as for example carbon dioxide, introduced by the plug 26 mounted so as to unclog about 24 of the pocket orifice 12. The first step, the result of which is shown schematically by the figure 3B , can inflate the pocket 12. As represented by the figure 3B The pocket 12 then has an internal volume Vmax.

In a second step, the fluid F is drained out of the bag 12, thereby extracting from the internal volume V of the bag 12 impurities that may alter the liquid L that the bag 12 is intended to contain. The use of carbon dioxide to inflate the bag 12 as described above thus makes it possible to prepare the internal volume V of the bag 12 to contain the liquid L; it would also be possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to use any other bactericidal fluid F for carrying out this preparation of the bag 12. The two parts 14 and 16, as well as the channeling device 28, and in particular the presence of longitudinal edges by means of which the channeling device is attached to the inner face of the pocket, are configured so that this second step leads the upper 14 and lower 16 parts to move closer to each other, the upper part 14, whose inner face is partially stiffened by the presence of the pipe device 28, then having the shape of an inverted U, the lower part 16, folded, being contained between the two branches of the U formed by the upper part 14. Thus, and as represented by the figure 3C At the end of this second stage, the pocket 12 has a lateral size N equal to or slightly greater than the outer section of the plug 26.

By pre-formatting in a vertical direction of the pouch 12, which thus has a closed umbrella shape, the pouch 12 can, on the one hand, be easily inserted into a drum 100, as represented by the Figures 4A to 4C , and secondly allow a progressive and uniform filling of the bag 12 by the liquid L. Indeed, the folds thus formed, which extend from the orifice 24 of the bag 12, are configured so as not to oppose a significant resistance during the introduction of the liquid L into the pocket 12. This pre-formatting thus has many advantages over traditional folding, such as a folding consisting in winding the pocket 12 on itself around its device 28, or that a folding of the "accordion" type, also performed around the pipe device 28, which themselves generally oppose a strong resistance during the introduction of a liquid L, such resistance may cause deterioration of the pocket 12.

By barrel, is meant in the present description any type of rigid or semi-rigid container, which may contain a container 10 as described above. It may be a container, a barrel, a barrel, a can or any other storage device for this purpose.

The Figures 4A to 4C thus represent the drum 100 containing the pocket 12 according to the present invention, the pocket 12 being represented in the longitudinal direction Lo of the pipe device 28.

The barrel 100, shown in section and in dotted lines in the different figures, has for example and without limitation a cylindrical shape which defines a height H and a width La. The barrel 100 has an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104 secured to one another, and whose inner walls define a housing 106. Furthermore, the barrel 100 has a mouth 108 formed in the upper portion 102, the dimensions of the mouth 108 being equal to or greater than the lateral span N of the pocket 12 when it is in the folded configuration represented by the figure 3C . It is therefore understood that the bag 12, when in the folded configuration, can be introduced into the drum 100, through the mouth 108, the plug 26 of the bag 12 being held in the mouth 108. As shown in the various figures, the barrel 100 further comprises a closure means 110 which, once the pouch 12 is disposed in the housing 106 of the barrel 100, makes it possible to secure the stopper 26 of the pouch 12 and the muzzle 108 of the barrel 100. The closure means 110 can take alternately an open position, in which the liquid L can be introduced into the pocket 12 contained in the housing 106 through the mouth 108 and the stopper 26, and a closed position, in which the pocket 12 and the barrel 100 are closed, no fluid can be introduced into the interior volume V of the pocket 12.

As it appears from the observation of Figures 4A to 4C , the height H is less than the width La. Moreover, the dimensions of the housing 106 are smaller than the internal volume Vmax defined by the pocket 12 when it is in the inflated configuration shown over there figure 3B . These different characteristics, as well as the pre-formatting vertical carried out prior to the introduction of the pocket 12 in the housing 106, allow the pocket 12, once disposed in the housing 106, to be filled gradually and uniformly by the liquid L .

In addition, the pocket 12, in particular when folded in the manner shown in FIG. figure 3C Ensures uniform filling of the barrel 100; it prevents, inter alia, an asymmetrical filling that could lead to the formation of ropes, such training may deteriorate the pocket 12 during its filling.

It is therefore understood that the liquid L introduced by the plug 26 secured to the mouth 108 by the closing means 110 disposed in the open position, is directed by the deflector 56 to the lateral portions 38, 40 of the channeling device 28. The liquid L thus flows in the flow space 50, on either side of the orifice 24 of the pocket 12, until reaching the longitudinal ends 46, 48 of the pipe device 28. As a result, the liquid L flows through the openings defined by the longitudinal ends 46, 48 in the internal volume V of the bag 12, its mass leading to separate the upper 14 and lower 16 of the bag 12 from each other . As represented by Figure 4A , the filling of the bag 12 by the liquid L is limited by the dimensions of the housing 106, the outer faces of the upper 14 and lower 16 of the bag 12 being brought against the inner wall of the upper portions 102 and lower 104 of the barrel 100 .

It is understood in particular that the presence of the deflector 56 improves the maintenance of the fixing of the pipe device 28 on the inner face of the pocket 12, the fixing zones not being torn off the pocket during the introduction of the liquid L .

Furthermore, one could also conceive a filling barrel 100 whose mouth 108 would be directed downwards; in such a filling mode, in the same way as when filling with the mouth 108 directed upwards, the introduction of the liquid L causes the extraction of the fluid initially contained in the drum 100, and more particularly between the inner wall of the barrel 100 and the outer face of the bag 12. It has been found that, when filling with the mouth 108 downwards, when a significant volume of liquid L has been introduced into the bag 12, the upper portion 14 tends to press against the inner wall of the upper portion 102 of the barrel 100, this plating slowing or preventing the extraction of the fluid initially contained in the barrel 100. It is particularly interesting It can be seen that the fastening zones, in particular with respect to welds, by means of which the longitudinal edges 30, 32 of the pipe device 28 are fixed to the inside face of the pocket 12, form circulation channels on the outer face of the pocket 12, by which the fluid initially contained in the barrel 100 can be evacuated. Thus, at least four circulation channels are formed by the fixing of the pipe device 28 inside the pocket 12, which guide the evacuation of the fluid from the barrel 100. The fixing zones of the pipe device 28 behave as a stamping which would be formed on the outer face of the pocket 12.

Once the barrel 100 is filled with the liquid L, the closing means 110 can be put in the closed position, thus allowing the liquid L to be stored or moved. In the particular case where the liquid L is beer, the step of filling the drum 100, the result of which is represented by the Figure 4A , may correspond to the stage during which the brewer conditions the beer in the drum 100, before the barrel 100 is delivered to the consumer or to the beverage dispenser. The drum 100 is in particular made of a material such that the dimensions of the housing 106 are very slightly variable, even constant, and such that the heat exchange between the liquid L and the outside of the drum 100 is very limited, so that that the physical parameters to which the liquid L contained in the pocket 12 is subjected vary very slightly. For example, and without limitation, the barrel 100 is made of a plastic material whose rigidity and thickness make it possible not to alter the properties of the liquid L contained in the pocket 12.

It is understood that, in the present invention, the bag 12 being empty of any fluid when it is placed in the housing 106 of the barrel 100 to be filled with the liquid L, the filling of the bag 12 can indifferently be made with the mouth 108 towards the top, as represented in particular by the Figure 4A , or pointing down.

Consequently, to allow the liquid L to be emptied into the bag 12, a source of compressed air is connected to the drum 100; the mouth 108 comprises in particular and without limitation a valve through which the air can be injected between the outer face of the pocket 12 and the inner wall of the barrel 100.

When the closing means 106 is placed in the open position, the injection of air between the outer face of the pocket 12 and the inner wall of the barrel 100 leads to increasing the pressure exerted on the top 14 and lower 16 of the pocket 12. The liquid L contained in the bag 12, thus compressed by the pressure transmitted by the upper 14 and lower 16 of the bag, is directed towards the orifice 24 of the bag 12, as represented by the black arrows of the Figures 4B and 4C . As detailed previously, the pipe device 28 consisting of a material impervious to air and liquid and the fasteners of the longitudinal edges 30 and 32 being themselves hermetic, the liquid L is directed towards the longitudinal ends 46, 48 of the pipe device 28 and their respective opening, to reach the flow space 50 formed between the base 34 of the pipe device 28 and the inner face of the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12. The liquid L flows thus in the channeling device 28 in the direction of the orifice 24 of the pocket 12, to be extracted from the barrel 100.

Such a device makes it possible to drain the contents of the drum efficiently and quickly; preferably, the drum emptying rate is greater than 15 L / minute, preferably greater than 30 L / minute.

In the case where the liquid L contained in the bag 12 is beer, or any other liquid loaded with gas, such as carbon dioxide, the liquid L can undergo degassing, a process by which a part of the carbon dioxide contained in the liquid L is released to form a gaseous phase G. Such degassing may be caused by shocks to the barrel 100 or by changes in the temperature or pressure surrounding the liquid L. The gaseous phase G thus formed is then contained in the interior volume V of the pocket 12; as shown in particular on the Figure 4B , The liquid phase L and gas G having a different density, the gas phase defines an upper Vsup fraction of the internal volume V, so that the liquid phase L defines a bottom fraction Vinf the internal volume V. If, when draining of the liquid L out of the pocket 12, the gas phase G is also drained, the properties of the liquid L are modified, the quality of the liquid L is degraded and a large amount of foam is formed, especially in the case where the liquid L is beer. It is understood that the channeling device 28, in particular because of its formation in a material impermeable to air and liquid and because of the impermeability to air and liquid of the attachment zones, is disposed of such that it traps the gas phase G against the face of the base 34 of the pipe device 28 opposite the ribs 36, and that the openings defined by the longitudinal ends 46, 48 of the pipe device 28, as well as the perforations 42, 44 formed in the base 34 of the pipe device 28, open into the lower fraction Vinf of the internal volume V occupied by the liquid phase L. During the injection of air between the outer face of the pocket 12 and the wall inside the barrel 100 to drain the liquid L, and as it appears more clearly to the observation of the Figures 4B and 4C , the liquid L is drained directly out of the pocket 12, without it passing through the gas phase G, the qualities of the liquid L being thus weakly, if not not, altered by the possible degassing of the liquid L.

In other words, the gas phase G is thus trapped between the liquid L and the face of the base 34 of the pipe device 28 opposite the ribs 36; the channeling device 28 thus makes it possible to bypass the gaseous phase G.

It is easy to understand the different figures, especially the Figure 4B That, by the presence of fixing zones extending along a significant length of the longitudinal edges of the channeling device 28, even when the bag is deployed, the channeling device 28 is held against the inner face of the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12.

Moreover, and as represented on the figure 4C When a significant amount of liquid L has been drained out of the pocket 12, the upper 14 and lower portions 16 of the pocket 12 tend to approach each other, similarly to the folded configuration of the pocket 12 represented by the figure 3C . In this configuration, the channeling device 28, by the presence of the ribs 36, maintains the presence of at least one flow channel 52 through which the liquid L can flow to be drained out of the pocket 12 through the orifice 24; the ribs 36 have in particular stiffness properties, heights h1, h2 and spacings e such that the upper portion 14 of the pocket 12 can not completely obstruct the passage defined by the flow channel 52 by pressing against the base 34. In the absence of pipe device 28, it is understood that the upper and lower parts 14, 16 would stick to each other - or fragments of the inner face of the same part would stick to each other. other - under the pressure of the air injected between the outer face of the bag 12 and the inner wall of the barrel 100, preventing the liquid L from draining out of the bag 12. Thus, the pipe device 28 according to the present invention allows to reduce the amount of residual liquid L after the emptying of the bag 12, and thus to increase the efficiency of the distribution of the liquid L.

Once the bag 12 has been emptied, its lateral span is such that the bag 12 can be extracted out of the drum 100, to be cleaned or replaced by a new bag 12, in order to refill the drum 100 with liquid L. Thus, and contrary to the usual practice when the liquid L is contained directly in the drum 100, it is no longer necessary, according to the present invention, to clean the drum 100 prior to the new filling of the drum 100 with the liquid L.

Thus, the present invention makes it possible, in particular by the aforementioned use of the plastic to make the drum 100 as well as the pocket 12, and by replacing the carbon dioxide with compressed air, or even with a liquid such as water, to drain the pocket 12, to significantly reduce the environmental impacts of the packaging, storage and distribution of beer.

The whole of the description above is given by way of example, and is therefore not limitative of the invention.

In particular, the invention, although particularly suitable for the packaging, storage, transportation and distribution of beer, can also find applications for convenient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly packaging of any type of fluid.

Claims (15)

1. A container (10) for a liquid containing a pocket (12) intended to contain a liquid (L), said pocket defining an inner face and including an upper portion (14) and a port (24),
   said container being characterized in that the pocket further includes a channelling device (28) attached to the inner face of its upper portion by two attachment areas extending on either side of the port, the channelling device covering said port, the channelling device defining a longitudinal direction (Lo) and having at least one channel (52) for flowing the liquid toward the port, a first and a second longitudinal ends (46, 48), at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends (46, 48) forming an opening between the channelling device and the inner face of the upper portion of the pocket, the channelling device comprising a first and a second longitudinal edges (30, 32) positioned on either side of the port and extending in the longitudinal direction (Lo), the attachment areas being positioned along the first and second longitudinal edges, so that filling and/or draining the pocket is carried out by a flow of the liquid through the port and said at least one opening formed between the channelling device and the inner face of the pocket.
2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the channelling device is an insert, attached to the inner face of the upper portion of the pocket along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal edges.
3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment areas are air-tight and liquid-tight.
4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channelling device has a rectangular shape, the channelling device being positioned in such a manner that the port is located substantially in the centre of the channelling device, the flow channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the channelling device.
5. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the channelling device includes a base (34) and in that at least one of the longitudinal ends of the channelling device includes at least one perforation (42, 44) formed in the base.
6. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further includes a plug (26) comprising a support plate (54) which has a through hole, the support plate being attached to the inner face of the upper portion of the pocket so that the through hole is positioned facing the port.
7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the channelling device includes a base (34) and at least two ribs (36', 36") defining the edges of said flow channel and protruding from the base toward the port at one height.
8. The container according to claim 7, characterized in that the channelling device includes a plurality of ribs (36) parallel to one another.
9. The container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the ribs have different heights (h1, h2).
10. The container according to claim 8 or 9 and according to claim 6, characterized in that the plug has a deflector (56) extending toward the inside of the pocket, the ribs taking on the shape of the deflector.
11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pocket consists of a first disk (18) forming an upper part (14) and a second disk (20) having dimensions substantially identical to those of the first disk, the first and second disks being secured to one another at their edge.
12. The container according to claim 11, characterized in that the channelling device extends along a diameter of said first disk.
13. A beer keg (100) having an inner wall, an upper portion (102) and a mouth (108) formed on its upper portion, said keg being characterized in that it includes a container according to any one of claims 1 to 12 capable of being introduced and/or extracted from said keg through the mouth.
14. The keg according to claim 13, characterized in that it includes a closure means (110) allowing the port of the container to be secured to the mouth of the keg.
15. A beer distribution installation comprising a source of pressurized air, characterized in that it further includes a beer keg according to claim 14, the pressurized air source being connected to the mouth of the keg so as to inject air between the outer face of the pocket and the inner wall of the keg, so as to allow draining of the beer contained in the pocket through the mouth.

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