FR2952357A1 - FLUID CONTAINER COMPRISING A POCKET INTENDED TO CONTAIN SUCH FLUID, AND IS ASSOCIATED - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the present invention relates to a container (10) for fluid, especially for liquid such as beer, comprising a pocket (1) for containing a fluid (F) and having an opening (4) on its upper part said opening (4) being adapted to allow introduction into said pocket (1) of a plunger (P) for filling and / or emptying, a base (2) fixed inside the pocket (1). ) at the opening (4) and adapted to allow the retention of said plunger (P) in said opening (4); said container further comprising a counter-base (3) fixed inside the pocket (1) at its lower part, and adapted to be temporarily assembled with the base (2).

Description

FLUID CONTAINER COMPRISING A POCKET INTENDED TO CONTAIN SUCH FLUID, AND IS ASSOCIATED

TECHNICAL FIELD The object of the present invention relates to the field of containers for fluid, and in particular for liquid or paste. More particularly, the object of the present invention finds particularly advantageous applications for liquids such as beer or water.

The object of the present invention also finds other advantageous applications in particular in the field of food processing, cosmetics or in the pharmaceutical, phytosanitary or chemical field. STATE OF THE ART There are numerous solutions for conditioning, storing, and / or transporting fluids. Generally, containers that are less than a volume of 10 to 20 liters are pre-filled and use the principle of gravity to dispense the fluid they contain. In this case, the user must return the container to allow the flow of fluid. For example, water bottles marketed in the format of a gallon or a gallon and a half are known. For this type of container, it is necessary to rotate the container so that the neck is positioned downward so as to allow the distribution of water.

Another example is the mini beer keg, which is pre-filled, operates on the same principle, and is not reusable. This type of fluid container has many disadvantages which are in particular their manufacturing cost, the fact that they fail to manipulate to allow the distribution of their content, and the fact that they are not reusable. There are containers that try to solve this kind of problem.

EP 1 736 421 discloses a fluid barrel, also known as "keg", comprising a pressure-resistant plastic spherical shell, and within which is positioned a pouch for containing a fluid.

The shell has at its upper portion a valve connected to the pocket; this valve being intended to allow the filling of this pocket with the fluid. The barrel according to this document EP 1 736 421 further comprises cardboard support means for both the support of the shell and the gripping of the barrel. Such a barrel has many disadvantages. The positioning of the pocket in such a shell is very complex. Indeed, the pocket used in such a barrel is composed of two flexible polygonal sheets which are heat-welded together along their edges.

During the heat-sealing of these two sheets, the procedure is such that the bag has between the two sheets of the delivery channels to allow smooth and uniform flow of fluid in the bag. This arrangement also allows good fluid drainage by minimizing the residual.

However, the emptying is done vertically from the top of the pocket downwards, the pressure exerted on the pocket thus pushes the product via the channels towards the valve; this pressure may cause the rupture of the pocket or heat sealing. The absence of any element permitting the distribution of fluid through the bottom of the pocket necessitates the formation of such delivery channels. However, it is found, on the one hand, that the manufacture of such a pocket, including routing channels, is complex. It is found, on the other hand, that the positioning of such a pocket in the shell is complex in that the delivery channels must extend from the valve to the lower portion of the shell to allow continuous filling. and progressive pocket.

Thus, in practical terms, the assembly formed by the spherical shell and the pocket is disposable insofar as the positioning of the pocket can not be done intuitively by a single user; such assemblies being exclusively assembled by their manufacturer during their manufacture.

Furthermore, the support means which are characteristic of EP 1 736 421 are not adapted to the field of fluids; this simply because these means are cardboard. Indeed, in the field of fluids, it is common that such means are wet: this makes the support means unusable.

The solution proposed above is an ergonomic and aesthetic solution in terms of packaging. However, it is intended for a single use; the costs of these are prohibitive; and the filling of the fluid is done only by turning the container. There are other simpler solutions using a pouch for containing a fluid, and positioned inside a rigid barrel to allow the conditioning, storage and / or transport of the fluid. However, it is necessary that the bag used is extremely clean, or even aseptic, to be able to condition the fluid; this especially in the case of a fluid intended for consumption or a pharmaceutical composition. As above, the pocket used is a disposable pocket, disposable. It is therefore necessary before each use to be able to introduce an empty pouch into the barrel, then to fill this pouch with a fluid. Then, once emptied, it is necessary to be able to leave the worn pocket to be able to replace it by a new empty pocket, and so on. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fluid, when packaged in a container, does not lose its quality and / or its physical, chemical and / or aromatic properties during filling.

It is noted that there is no convenient pocket, easy to use, cheaper, and adapted to be easily introduced into a rigid drum.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution to the various problems mentioned above among other problems. One of the technical problems that the object of the present invention solves consists in particular in reducing the cost and simplifying the manufacture of a container for packaging, storing and / or transporting fluid; the object of the present invention being especially adapted to allow easy introduction and removal of such a container in a drum, and fill or empty this container easily.

The object of the present invention therefore relates to a fluid container adapted for this purpose. According to the present invention, the fluid used may be for example a liquid such as beer or water, or a dough or a pasty product such as a sauce or a food condiment.

The container according to the present invention comprises a pocket for containing a fluid and having an opening on its upper part; this opening being able to allow the introduction into the pocket of a longiline diver filling and / or emptying. Advantageously, the pocket used is a pocket in a flexible material 20 and / or deformable. The container according to the present invention also comprises a base fixed inside the pocket at the opening, and adapted to allow the retention of the plunger in the opening. The container according to the present invention further comprises a counter-base fixed inside the pocket at its lower part, and able to be assembled temporarily with the base. Thus, the container according to the present invention is able to comply in a first configuration, said rest, in which the bag is substantially empty of fluid. The container in its resting configuration is compact.

The counter-base is adapted to form a support element for the end of a plunger inserted into the pocket through the opening, and to slide along said plunger. Thus, when such a plunger is introduced into the bag, and the upper part of the lower part of this bag is moved away, the base disassembles from the counter-base and the container has a second, so-called active configuration. allowing the introduction of the container into a barrel having an opening. This active configuration also allows progressive and / or progressive emptying of the pouch. In addition, the counter-base allows, when introducing a plunger into the pocket, that said pocket does not tear. This arrangement also makes it possible to avoid the tearing of the pocket and / or that pressures are exerted on the walls of the pocket and / or at the level of the fixing of the pocket with the base and / or the counter-base, when filling the pocket. According to the present invention, the base and the counter-base are adapted to be temporarily assembled to one another in order to allow the container to be shaped according to at least two configurations, including a first so-called rest configuration in which the the base and the counter-base are assembled to one another, and a second so-called active configuration in which, when an elongated plunger is introduced into the pocket through the opening so that it comes to bear on the counter-base, the base disassembles the counter-base and is able to slide along the plunger. The container in its active configuration then allows easy introduction of the container into a drum, and further allows progressive and uniform filling (s) of the bag. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base and the counter-base respectively comprise a first and a second means 30 temporary assembly capable of fitting or snap into each other. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the base and the counter-base respectively comprise a first and a second temporary assembly means having a common plastic junction which is detachable or breakable. Advantageously, the opening of the pocket is fixed at the center of the upper part thereof, and the counter-base is fixed at the center of its lower part. Thus, the base and the counter-base are centered and are facing one vis-à-vis the other. Such an arrangement allows deformation and symmetrical deployment of the bag when it fills or empties the fluid; this is particularly advantageous especially when the container is intended for introduction into a symmetrically shaped barrel In the case of an asymmetric barrel, the base and the counter-base will be positioned to obtain the same effects with respect to filling and emptying from the pocket.

Advantageously, the base and / or the counter-base is (are respectively) fixed (s) inside the pocket by heat sealing, heat sealing or gluing. Advantageously, the base and / or the counter-base is (are) made of plastic, and preferably is (are) obtained (s) by an injection molding process. Advantageously, the counter-base consists in particular of a cylindrical piece having at least one fluid flow channel facilitating the filling and / or emptying thereof. The pouch according to the present invention has a structure comprising at least one plastic film. Preferably, each plastic film is obtained by co-rolling, laminating or co-extruding, and comprises an inner plastic film and an outer plastic film. In this case, the outer plastic film has characteristics of mechanical resistance to friction and the inner plastic film is thin, insulating, and preferably has hygienic properties.

Advantageously, the plastic film, and in particular the inner plastic film, is adapted to withstand heat sealing, heat sealing and / or bonding of the base and / or counter-base with the inside of the pocket. Correlatively, the object of the present invention also relates to a barrel having in its interior a container as described above. Preferably, the barrel according to the present invention also comprises an elongated plunger. The drum according to the present invention further comprises an opening on its upper portion through which one can introduce and / or remove said container 10 when it is in its so-called active configuration. Preferably, the barrel according to the present invention further comprises a nozzle attached to the plunger, and screwed at the opening of the barrel. Advantageously, the nozzle is equipped with a detachable protective element to ensure the integrity of the pocket. Advantageously, the nozzle and / or the plunger is (are) constituted (s) in a rigid or semi-rigid material such as steel or plastic. The object of the present invention thus has many advantages over the state of the art, and in particular a reduction in manufacturing costs, a reduction in storage and space, as well as consequent improvements in logistics, health and environmental. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to the appended figures which illustrate an exemplary embodiment devoid of any limiting character and in which: FIGS. each represent a schematic view of the assembly formed by the base and the counter-base of the container according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b each show a schematic view of the container pocket according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the container according to a particular embodiment of the present invention in its configuration at rest; - Figures 4a to 4c each show a schematic sectional view of the container according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, this in an active configuration according to two preferred embodiments; - Figures 5a and 5b consecutively represent a drum comprising a container according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; this when the container is introduced into the drum, and then when the container is filled with a fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT A container and a drum according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Allowing the conditioning, storage and / or transport of a fluid F such as a liquid is one of the objectives of the present invention. Fluid means throughout the present description all types of substance that continuously deform under the action of a shearing force.

Thus, by fluid means throughout the present description all types of liquid, gas, powder or pasta. In the example described here, the fluid is a liquid such as beer or water. Of course, it will be understood that it can be any other fluid. In the example described here, the object of the present invention therefore relates to a container 10 adapted to contain beer or water. In the example described here, the container 10 according to the present invention comprises a pocket 1 illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b. The pouch 1, which is flexible and deformable, is intended to contain beer or water F; this pocket 1 having an upper part and a lower part respectively formed by an upper plastic film 1a and a lower plastic film 1b.

In the example described here, the two plastic films 1a and 1b are heat-sealed together at their outer contour; all other methods of assembly that can be used: heat sealing, gluing or any other method of joining two plastic films.

In the example described here, each plastic film la and lb has the shape of a disk. Of course, it will be understood that these plastic films 1a and 1b may have other shapes, this depending in particular on the shape of the barrel 20 in which it is sought to position the container 10. In the example described here, as illustrated in FIG. 2b , each plastic film la and lb is made of an inner plastic film fila, filb and an outer plastic film will, felb; the assembly formed by the outer films will, felb and internal fila, finb being obtained by co-extrusion, by co-rolling, or by complexing. Preferably, each of the two outer plastic films will be fire-resistant, have characteristics of mechanical resistance to friction, and each of the two inner plastic films fila and filb is thin, insulating, preferably has hygienic properties. The fila and filb inner plastic films also have good sealing characteristics and in particular avoid the phenomenon of "flexcracking" by micro-sliding between the films, also known as bending cracks. The bag 1 is thus configured to be able to contain and store all types of fluid F in good sanitary conditions while maintaining the physical, chemical, aromatic or taste properties of the fluid F. In the case of beer for example, the bag 1 is adapted to retain the aromas of the beer and its sparkling character. The bag 1 according to the present invention further comprises on its upper part and in its center an opening 4 which will allow the filling and emptying of the bag 1. The container 10 according to the present invention further comprises a base 30 2 and a In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 2a or 3, the base 2 is fixed inside the pocket 1 at its opening 4, and the counter base 3 is fixed. inside the pocket 1 at its center at its lower part; the fixing of the base 2 and the counter-base with the inside of the pocket 1 being obtained by heat sealing, heat sealing or gluing.

Furthermore, it is noted that, in the example described here, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 are made of plastic, and are obtained by an injection molding process or by machining. As mentioned above, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a container 10, the filling and emptying of the fluid F 10 is indifferently from above or from below. In addition, this simple 10 manufacturing container and whose manufacturing cost is low takes into account in particular storage issues, and environmental issues. Furthermore, one of the objectives of the present invention is also the possibility of easily introducing such a container into a barrel having an opening on its upper portion. The base 2 and the counter-base 3 according to the present invention are characteristic of the present invention, and allow to achieve these different objectives. As illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 are adapted to be temporarily assembled to one another. In a first embodiment, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 respectively comprise a first 5 and a second 6 temporary assembly means capable of cooperating together so that the base 2 and the counter-base 3 s 'assemble by fitting or snap-fitting. In a second variant embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 1b), the base 2 and the counter-base 3 respectively comprise a first 5 and a second 6 temporary assembly means having a common plastic junction 8 which is detachable or breakable. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1b, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 are assembled with each other, and, as illustrated in FIG. 1a, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 can be disassembled. .

The base 2 and the counter-base 3 are thus arranged to allow the container 10 to be shaped according to at least two configurations C1 and C2 characteristic of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first configuration C1, said to be at rest, makes it possible to have a vacuum container which is not bulky; this is not the case, for example, in the state of the art as represented by the teaching of document EP 1 736 421. Such a configuration at rest C1 represents an appreciable saving of space in particular logistically .

As illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c, the second configuration C2, called active, consists in that, when a long plunger P is introduced into the pocket 1 through the opening 4 and the upper part of the the lower part, the end by which the plunger P is inserted bears on the counter-base 3, then the base 2 disassembles the counter-base 3.

In the example described here, the introduction of the plunger P through the opening of the pocket causes the rupture of the assembly between the first 5 and second 6 temporary assembly means. In addition, the counter-base 3 prevents a rupture of the pocket 1 if the introduction of the plunger P is too abrupt.

We can also consider the case in which the pocket 1 is made of a very resistant material. In this case, the counter-base 3 may optionally be optional, and the plunger P can bear directly on the bag 1. Again in this case, the counter-base 3 may be replaced by a rigid or semi-rigid piece positioned outside the pocket, but with the same advantages as the counter-base 3 (see below). The counter-base 3 also contributes to the deformation and symmetrical deployment of the bag 1 when it fills or empties the fluid F. In addition, the counter-base 3 consolidates the entire structure of the container 1 , especially when it fills with fluid F.

Note in particular that the counter-base 3 avoids the breakage of the connection between the base 2 and the pocket 1. The counter-base 3 thus allows a reliable, progressive and uniform filling of the container 1.

In any event, once the base 2 disassembled the counter-base 3, the latter 2 is slidable along the plunger P to form the container 10 in the active configuration C2. In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 4a, when the plunger P is introduced into the container 10 initially in its idle configuration C1, the base 2 and the counter-base 3 disassemble, and the pocket 1 naturally takes the form of a "tutu" centered halfway up the plunger P. Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c, it suffices to fold this "tutu" downwards or upwards depending on the result that 'one seeks to obtain: configuration of "umbrella" turned down or "umbrella" turned upwards. In this way, in this active configuration C2 with a "umbrella" shape turned downwards or upwards, the container 10 can, on the one hand, be easily inserted into a drum 20 as illustrated in FIG. 5a, and can, d on the other hand, allow a progressive and uniform filling of the fluid F by the top of the pocket 1 as illustrated in FIG. 5b. To obtain a compact container 10 and facilitate its introduction into a drum 20, it is possible to optimize the volume occupied by the container 10 in this active configuration C2 by performing at least partial deaeration inside the bag 1; such a deaeration is possible via a nozzle B which will be described in the following. In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 1a, the counter-base 3 consists in particular of a cylindrical piece having flow means 7 making it possible to facilitate the filling and / or the emptying of the fluid F, in particular when one of the ends of the plunger P takes support on it in the active configuration C2.

More precisely, structurally, and in the example described here in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the counter-base 3 comprises a disc-shaped lower part having a bearing surface, and an upper part with an overall shape. substantially cylindrical with at least three wings extending along the axis of the cylinder and forming the flow channels 7 between each wing. Thus, according to the present invention, an operator in possession of such a container 10 has a convenient, economical and easy means for containing a fluid F. It will be understood that the object of the present invention may be delivered either directly assembled with a plunger P. In this case, the object of the present invention is delivered in the form of a container 10 as described above with a plunger P already introduced into it: the container 10 will be delivered in its active configuration C2 with a plunger P (illustrated in FIGS. 4b and 4c). The object of the present invention may also be delivered in the form of a container 10 alone: the container 10 will be delivered in its idle configuration C1 (illustrated in FIG. 3). In this case, in possession of such a container 10, it is sufficient for an operator to introduce a plunger P into the opening 4 of the container 10 to form the latter in the active configuration C2. In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 5a, the plunger P comprises at its upper end a nozzle B; such a nozzle B to operate, separately, the flow of air and fluid necessary for filling and / or emptying the container 10. In the example described here, the nozzle B comprises a first element 25 protection G consisting for example of a detachable pin; this first protection element G to ensure the integrity of the contents of the container 10. A second protective element can also be positioned at the base 2 (not shown here) to ensure the integrity of the container. containing the bag 1 before filling, or after filling if positioning the second protection element after filling.

For such a container 10, the air flow makes it possible to manage in counter-pressure the more or less rapid filling of the bag 1. It also allows, during the emptying, to inject the pressure necessary to push the fluid which is in the pocket 1, or let air through if the fluid is simply pumped. When racking, the volume of fluid must be compensated by an intrusion of air to let out the liquid. Then, in accordance with FIG. 5a, it suffices to introduce the container 10 into this active configuration C2 through the opening 0 of the shank 20. In fact, thanks to the different characteristics described above, the container 10 according to the present invention The invention is particularly suitable for being easily introduced into a barrel 20. By barrel, it is meant in the present description all types of rigid or semi-rigid container that can contain a container 10 as described above. It can therefore be a container, a barrel, a barrel, a can, a "keg", a barrel or any other storage device for this purpose. Preferably, the barrel 20 according to the present invention is a barrel greater than or equal to 20 liters, and whose diameter is less than 90% of its height. Once introduced into the barrel 20, in the example described here, the nozzle B is screwed at the opening 0 of said barrel 20.

Once screwed, it is very easy for this operator to fill the container 10 with the fluid F thanks in particular to the nozzle B (see in particular Figure 5b). The performance in terms of emptying the bag 1 obtained with such a container 10 is particularly advantageous insofar as the residual rate of the fluid is 1 per 1000, or even 1 per 10,000; which represents very good performance in terms of packaging and performance for a container. Thus, the container 10 and the barrel 20 according to the present invention, thanks in particular to the arrangement of a base 2 and a counter-base 3, allow a convenient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly packaging of a fluid F. It also allows the replacement of heavy disposable barrels used in particular in chemistry.

It should be observed that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no case this description is of any nature limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims that follow.

Claims (16)

REVENDICATIONS1. Container (10) for fluid, especially for liquid such as beer, comprising a pocket (1) intended to contain a fluid (F) and having an opening (4) on its upper part, said opening (4) being adapted to allow introduction into said pocket (1) of a plunger (P) for filling and / or emptying, a base (2) fixed inside the pocket (1) at the opening (4). ) and adapted to allow said plunger (P) to be held in said opening (4), characterized in that it further comprises a counter-base (3) fixed inside the pocket (1) at its lower part, and adapted to be temporarily assembled with the base (2), so as to reduce the bulk of the container (10) in a first configuration (Cl), said rest, wherein the pocket (1) is substantially empty of fluid (F). 2. Container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the counter-base (3) is adapted to form a bearing element for the end of a plunger (P) introduced into the pocket (1) to through the opening (4) and slide along said plunger (P), so that when such a plunger (P) is introduced into the pocket (1) and the upper part of the lower part is moved away of this pocket (1), the base (2) disassembles the counter-base (3), and the container (10) has a second configuration (C2), called active, allowing in particular the introduction of said container (10). ) in a barrel (20) having an opening (0). 3. Container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (2) and the counter-base (3) respectively comprise a first (5) and a second (6) temporary assembly means suitable to nest or snap into each other. 4. Container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (2) and the counter-base (3) respectively comprise a first (5) and a second (6) temporary assembly means having a common plastic joint (8) which is detachable or scored. 5. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (4) is fixed at the center of the upper part of the pocket (1), and in that the counter-base (3 ) is fixed at the center of the lower part of the pocket (1), so that the base (2) and the counter-base (3) are centered and are facing one vis-à-vis the other. 6. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) and / or the counter-base (3) is (are respectively) fixed (s) inside the pocket (1) by heat sealing, heat sealing or gluing. 7. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) and / or the counter-base (3) is (are) plastic, and preferably is (are) obtained by an injection molding process. 8. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the counter-base (3) consists in particular of a cylindrical piece having at least one flow channel (7) of the fluid to improve the filling and / or emptying the bag (1). 9. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pocket (1) has a structure comprising at least one plastic film (la, lb). 10. Container (10) according to claim 9, each plastic film (la, lb) obtained by coextrusion comprising an inner plastic film (fila, finb) and an outer plastic film (will, felb), characterized in that the outer plastic film (does, felb) has mechanical resistance to friction characteristics and the inner plastic film (fila, finb) is thin, insulating, and preferably has hygienic properties. 11. Container (10) according to claim 10 attached to claim 6, characterized in that the plastic film (la, lb), and in particular the inner plastic film (fila, finb), is adapted to resist heat sealing, heat sealing and / or gluing the base (2) and / or the counter-base (3) with the inside of the pocket (1). 12. Container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) comprises a second detachable protective element to ensure the integrity of the pocket (1). A barrel (20) having therein a container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, said barrel (20) further having an opening (0) on its upper portion through which it is possible to introduce and / or out of said container (10) when it is in its so-called active configuration (C2). 14. Drum (20) according to claim 13, a plunger (P) being introduced into the container (10), characterized in that it further comprises a nozzle (B) attached to said plunger (P), and screwed to level of the opening (0) of said barrel (20). 15. Drum (20) according to claim 14, characterized in that the nozzle (B) is equipped with a first detachable protective element (G) to ensure the integrity of the pocket (1). 30 16. Drum according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the nozzle (B) and / or the plunger (P) is (are) constituted (s) in a rigid or semi-rigid material such as steel or plastic.