GB2468142A

GB2468142A - Device for discharging fluid from a flexible bag

Info

Publication number: GB2468142A
Application number: GB0903288A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Joseph Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-03
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-26
Also published as: GB2468142B; GB0903288D0; GB0820072D0

Abstract

A device for discharging fluid from a flexible bag 1, the flexible bag containing fluid and a fluid exit path, the device comprises valve pressure members 11, pressure member actuating means 17 and bag supporting means, the pressure members are spaced in opposition outside of the bag and default to a closed position applying compressive pressure to opposing bag walls, the device further comprises attachment means 22 to releasably attach to the bag. The actuating means being biased to be spaced apart when the fluid exit is closed. A cutter 18 may also be provided.

Description

I

Valve Devices and associated Accessories and Assemblies The present invention relates to the dispensing of fluid from containers. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to flexible containers that are constructed from thin barrierfilms and holdersforsuch containersthatare comprised ofeitheror both of rigid walls and flexible walls and the valves associated with these holders and containers. I0

Containers such as bottles, card packs, and thin film stand up pouches are well known for containing, supporting and dispensing non-gassed flow-able agents. These containers generally may have re-close-able closures or be used once only and have tear-able seals.

The aforesaid containers display differing performances regarding the ergonomics of fluid flow depending on the fluid viscosity.

This patent discloses various combinations of novel valves, bag holders and bag formats that enables industry and the consumer to widen the use and application of fluid filled bags, especially the thinnest bags and pouches.

Flow-able agent may be a liquid, granular material, powder or the like and will hereinafter be referred to as a fluid. The term bag' used herein is intended to especially refer to any flexible container including pouches, bags, sachets and the like but also any other appropriate container that is used for the containing or carrying of fluids.

The fluids referred to in this patent are mostly and preferably liquid and preferably generally of a viscous nature, such as tomato sauces and soap gels and may not be easily pourable as is the normal potable drink.

While it is a current practice that bags and pouches do contain such liquids, this is usually for use as refills or as a one off use, not for a repeated dispensing use with repeated re-closure.

It has been recognised for many years to be most advantageous to use bags as primary containers for holding fluids so as to enable a maximum reduction in the cost and weight of the primary packs, especially if they have a once only use or are required to be recycled. This is especially true of products sold in large quantities such as FMCG liquid fluid packs such as washing products and sauces.

The reduction of carbon footprint, reduction of container production cost and valve costs and the streaming of materials for post use recycling and the safe transport of fluids in bags have been considerations for product design and the packaging industry for a number of years.

The consu mer uses many different types of fluid, all requiring low cost packs, such as milk and washing fluids and that are more ergonomically poured or dispensed in other than tap delivered surface sitting bag formats such as bag in box as used for wine, and that are required to be used by being suspended or hand supported.

If a valve is to be re-used as in the current disclosures then it is advantageous that it should not be in contact with the fluid so that cleaning is reduced, hygiene is improved Also a form of valve not subject to clogging is important.

In current dispensing fluid holders, not pouring holders, the phenomenon of suck back' at the fluid exit is an important part of fluid control and this patent discloses how to achieve this with a collapsible bag container combined with a valve with the above attributes.

Bags that comprise or can co-operate with release-ably attachable and re-useable supporting components and fluid valve components can enable the aforesaid features.

This patent discloses various design modifications for bags and holders for such bags and valves for such bags.

The area of innovation that this patent addresses has been extremely active for many years with many workers in the field recognising the problems and required improvements stated here-in.

In effect this patent considers assistant accessory product designs that form part of an assembled product wherein the throwaway part, the bag, is as simple and low cost as possible, the rest of the assembly preferably being re-use-able.

The problem of designing a release-ably attachable closure for a fluid filled bag, for fluids such as soaps and sauces and even pourable potable fluids, and obtaining suitable fluid pour ergonomics for user handling and fluid drip control combined with a reliable re-closure and preferably airtight seal, requires an advancement in the art of fluid valve construction and the relationship of the valve to the bag containing fluid and or to a holder for such a bag.

In GB2389841 the problem of expression of fluid and the general repeated use of a fluid filled bag are addressed in part. No consideration is given to the problems of user ergonomics, easy bag entry and removal, cost reduction of the throwaway bag, no valve on bag, or the need for itto compete with the performance of a bottle of current art, for example suck back' of fluid or issues of clogging or cleaning of valves or complete expression of viscous fluid.

This application addresses these issues.

In this patent the words fluid channel' may be defined as any channel that enables the exit of fluid from the bag.

Fluid' means any flow-able agent. Holder' means any bag gripping or holding means Actuation maybe of a valve pressure member directly or of an actuating fluid energising member that may or may not be linked to a valve member.

Valve' means are fluid control means and may comprise actuating pressure means alone or include pressure members that act to open and or close the fluid channel.

Biasing open or closed, may be by the user's finger, by elastic means, magnetic means oranyothermeans.

Valve pressure means' refers to member constriction means round the fluid channel.

Actuating member' acts to energise fluid contained in the bag and where there are valve pressure means may also act to activate the fluid valve constriction members.

Channel closing means' means any means that stops fluid flow including internal channel constriction.

Prior art discloses various features mentioned within this application but not in combinations that lead to useful new products.

For example it is known to have means to pressu rise flexible bags and to create negative pressure inside but the means to completely expel the bag contents, especially at no extra manufacturing cost, and to combine this with a valve with benefits as described above not to mention other product innovations described here-in seems to be new.

According to a first aspect of this invention there are provided actuating members space-able in opposition around the body of a flexible bag, the actuating members are moveably compressible together such that they are enabled to pressu rise fluid held in the bag, between the members, the movement of the actuating members is co-operatively linked to valve pressure members, the valve pressure members being spaced in opposition around the fluid exit channel of the bag.

Preferably the actuating members are linked together by linkage means such that they are enabled to return to a spaced configuration following release of compressive pressure on the members by the user.

Optionally the actuating members influence the opening of the fluid exit by pressurising valve pressure members integral to the bag seal.

Optionally the valve pressure members are rigid members spaced in opposition around the fluid exit channel.

Preferably the actuating members further comprise release-able attachment means that enables co-operative release-able attachment of the members to the walls of the fluid filled bag placed there-between.

Optionally the actuating members are linked in a fixed but relatively move-able relationship, such that they can be compressed together, for example around one or more rotational axes or a hinged axis or other moveable supports.

Optionally the members are linked such that they are biased to the spaced position.

Optionally the members comprise elastic qualities or comprise a linkage with elastic qualities.

Optionally the actuating members comprise hinged flaps that move independently of the actuating member hinges to co-operate intimately to compress fluid there-between.

Preferably the actuating members co-operate with valve pressure members, to influence opening of the fluid channel.

Optionally the valve may be biased open'.

The biasing may be elastic, user finger pressure or magnetic or other means.

Optionally the actuating members are extensions of valve pressure members that constrict the fluid channel.

Optionally the actuating members are separate from but co-operate with the valve pressure members, that can constrict the fluid exit channel, to move the valve pressure members.

Optionally the actuating members comprise extension means that enable them to stand upright or the actuating members may be attached to the wall of a holder for the bag.

Optionally the bag containing fluid at least partially controls fluid egress by the restricted geometry of the morphology of the opened fluid exit channel.

Optionally the actuating members comprise release-able attachment means to be attached to a bag held there-between,the attachment means being adjacent to the aforesaid extension means.

Optionally there are bag attachment means adjacent to or near a bag fluid exit channel.

Thus on the members being compressed together, fluid is energised to exit an opened fluid channel of a bag that is held between the members and then on spacing of the members a negative pressure is induced in the bag and the fluid is at least transiently sucked back in an upstream direction from the fluid exit.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided the invention of the first aspect and a bag, as further described in this patent, for containing fluid, the bag comprising fluid exit channel means configured as described in this patent such that the fluid flow at or near the fluid exit of the bag is modified or controlled.

The bag co-operates with the invention of the first aspect.

In use, the fluid exit channel of the bag may be closed by a crimp, clamp or any other valve either separate or integral to the bag or the channel may be configured to be open-able by upstream pressure alone, with no valve.

Preferably the fluid flow modification as aforesaid is matched to co-operate with the suck back pressures engendered by the actuating members of the first aspect.

Furthermore the bag of the second aspect optionally comprises co-operating attachment means or walls configured to be used with the actuating members of the first aspect.

The various aspects of the invention may work with a bag containing fluid that has standard seals and exit channels.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided the invention of either the first or the first and second aspect with which valve pressure members that are actuated by the actuating members of the first aspect co-operate, the valve pressure members being further described in this application description, surround the bag fluid exit channel upstream of the original bag fluid closure.

The valve pressure members comprising means to co-operate with the actuating means of the first aspect and preferably also the bag of the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a bag holder or container that may be rigid, flexible or part rigid, as described further in this patent, the holder comprising means to attach to and co-operate with any one or more of the actuator of the first aspect, the bag of the second aspect and the valve of the third aspect.

There follows a description of components that are applicable in various combinations to the aspects of this patent as indicated herein.

A valve device comprises pressure member placed in opposition around the outside of the bag, the pressure members being disposed such that they are compressible together to form a closure of the fluid exit path from the bag, the pressure members further comprise or co-operate with valve actuating members and thus enable activation of the valve pressure members by the user.

The valve pressure members preferably form a fluid closure upstream of the manufactured bag closure.

Preferably the actuating members are spaced in opposition about the bag body and further comprise hinged, preferably planar flaps, that are enable to be approximated on closure of the actuating extensions, such that their under-surfaces intimately meet thus excluding or energising fluid, to expel fluid there-between.

The valve may be any valve but preferably has member means to enable closure by compressive pressure from the user's fingers.

The actuating members are preferably extensions of the valve pressure members.

The valve optionally has catch means that hold it closed The valve optionally comprises elastic or magnetic means to hold it closed.

The valve preferably is opened by compressive pressure applied on its space-able actuating members, by the user's fingers.

The valve preferably comprises attachment means to attach to the bag or a holder for the bag such that the pressure members retain a fixed relationship with respect to the bag opening when the members are in an open spaced configuration.

Optionally the valve forms an assembly with the bag and a holder for the bag.

Preferably the pressure members further comprise means to be rotationally related across at least one axis of rotation such that the actuating extensions are positioned upstream of the axis, over the body of the bag, and the valve pressure members are situated downstream of the axis, such that on being compressed together the inside surfaces of the actuating members compress the bag material thus energising the fluid while the valve pressure members preferably simultaneously form a closure of the fluid exit pathway.

The valve components that lay on each side of the bag may be fixed in a move-able relationship or release-ably related both on each side of the bag and across the two sides.

Preferably the actuating extensions and the valve pressure members are manufactured as one piece.

Optionally the valve members are held closed by a release-able catch.

Preferably the valve is biased to close, Preferably the valve is elastically biased to close.

Optionally the valve pressure members are held closed or open by magnetic means.

Preferably the valve pressure members operate and co-operate with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other.

Preferably the body of the valve, consisting of activating extensions and connecting material to the pressure members, is in two parts, spaced apart in opposition,on each side of the bag.

Preferably the valve members rotate about a fulcrum or axis that is integral to the valve.

Optionally the valve members rotate about a fulcrum or axis that is attached or part of the holder or container.

Optionally the valve comprises at least on rotational axis that is an integral part of the bag holder wall.

Optionally the actuating members may move in a non rotational mode.

Preferably the valve body comprises two parts spaced in opposition that rotate or hinge about one or more fulcrum or connector parts such that there is a space for the bag to lie there-between.

Preferably the valve pressure members open downstream of the axis simultaneously as the actuating extensions pressure the fluid upstream of the axis.

Preferably the valve pressure members close downstream of the axis as the actuating member extensions become spaced upstream of the axis.

Optionally the under-surface of the actuating extensions are formed such that a body of fluid is held adjacent to the fluid exit channel on closure of a peripheral part of the extensions such that on closure of a second hinged flap pressure applied to the fluid drives the fluid out of the exit channel and escape of pressure or fluid into the remainder of the bag is reduced or limited by limiting extension means eg. A release-able seal, on the under-surface.

Preferably the device is further characterised as comprising a cutting means to cut the bag.

Optionally the cutting means is a sliding means that slides parallel to and in close approximation to the valve pressure members.

The cutting means may also be slide-able and compressively lock the valve members closed.

Optionally there is support means that supports at least part of the wall of the fluid containing bag.

Optionally the support means is a valve, the members of which are enabled to support or compress, at least in part, the walls of a fluid filled bag.

Optionally the valve comprises releasable attachment means to enable attachment to the bag on which it acts or attachment to a holder for the bag on which it acts.

A valve for the fluid filled bag is preferably characterised in that it is not permanently connected to the bag during manufacture but is preferably release-ably attached to the bag material optionally by means of a clamp attachment pressure means or otherco-operative means.

A holder or support for the fluid filled bag preferably has means to release-ably support the bag and preferably has a valve attached to it that it functionally applies to the bag.

The holder may be flexible and compressible with relatively rigid areas adjacent to the valve to enable operation of the valve member rotation by preserving the spaced distance between the members at the fulcrum or axes.

A holder, with or without a valve attached, may be relatively rigid similar to a casing or bottle or may comprise walls or part of walls compressible together,the walls being elastically biased to open and having release-able attachment means to attach to the outer surface of a contained bag.

Optionally the holder provides vertical support for the bag while being laterally corn pressible.

Optionally the holder is a substantially rigid format.

Optionally the holder is formed with an integral valve.

Optionally the holder is injection moulded preferably substantially in the form of an at least partly rigid container, and is formed by folding together two or more jointed sections preferably joined by living hinges,the whole item being moulded in an open relatively shallow configuration.

Optionally the aforesaid holder comprises a valve moulded into Its structure, the valve formed in two halves that come together as the holder is folded closed.

The holder preferably comprises bag attachment means and a separately hinged top section that is space-able to allow entry of the bag.

Optionally the valve comprises elastic biasing means to be biased closed.

Optionally the elastic means is attached to one side of the holder and valve and co-operates to the other side of the valve as the structure is closed.

Optionally the valve comprises means on the undersurface of the actuating extensions such that it is release-ably connected to the outer bag surface on opposite sides of the bag.

The actuating extension may have perforated release-able connecting means that release-ably connects with the bag surface or a co-operating means attached to the bag surface.

Optionally the bag containing flow-able agent is any bag either formless or comprised of some structuralform.

Optionally the fluid exit channel is formed in a straight edge of the bag.

Optionally the valve is release-ably attached to a bag containing fluid, the valve preferably operating across a corner of the bag such that the pour geometry of the bag material at the fluid channel exit, is a cone or modified cone shape.

Optionally the fluid exit channel is formed at a corner of the bag.

Optionally the fluid channel at the aforesaid bag is formed by sides that bear less than degrees to each other.

Optionally a bag for use with the devices described here-in comprises release-able attachment means on its surface in order to co-operate with the under-surface of the valve actuating extensions or any elastic biasing means on the holder.

Optionally a bag for use with the devices described here-in comprises surface marking to direct the user to correctly position the fluid exit in relation to the valve.

Optionally a bag for use with the devices described here-in comprises peripheral seals that are modified adjacent to the fluid exit such that the fluid channel is preferably adjusted in volume and constricted, thus enabling negative pressure inside the bag to draw fluid away from the exit.

Optionally a bag for use with the devices here-in described comprises a fluid exit geometry, fashioned by the peripheral seals and fluid exit channel geometry, such that the geometry is matched to the fluid viscosi,such that preferably when full the fluid remains in the bag over an open exit, without entering the exit channel, and only exits on application of energising pressure by the user.

Preferably the fluid valve is attached to an external bag support and release-ably applied to the bag.

Optionally the fluid valve is attached to the bag such that it remains attached when in the valve is in the open condition.

Preferably the valve or bag holder comprises attachment means such that the pressure members of the fluid valve maintain a constant positional relationship with the bag material during its use.

A bag holdervalve assembly may be designed as a free standing or a suspended device and in both cases when used with the valve described herein has the advantages of enabling complete emptying of fluid and of having no contact with the fluid.

Preferably the valve is attached to the bag or a holder for the bag and is releasably applied to the bag.

Optionally a handle or grip means for the holder may be part of the holder or re-lease-ably attached to the holder.

The valve may be supported by the bag holder, the user closing the pressure members to obstruct fluid flow.

The valve may at least partially support the fluid filled bag.

Preferably the valve is operable to be closed while the bag primary, factory made seal remains intact.

Where the valve comprises a means to cut the bag, that means may also enable locking of the pressure members closed together and or provide a substantially closed receptacle to catch any fluid drips remaining at the fluid exit after closure.

Preferably the valve comprises means to be operated to be closed or open by application of compressive pressure on its members or extensions of its members.

Preferably the valve comprises pressure members on each of the bag sides positioned in opposition to each other and placed upstream of the primary bag seal.

Optionally the valve comprises catch means to hold the members in an open condition or a closed condition.

Preferably the valve is formatted such that when in use the bag upon which it acts lies between the pressure members in a space limited by an axis of rotation or a fulcrum or connector part on each side of the bag.

A bag holding means may be any means that supports the bag.

A bag holding means may be flexible or rigid.

A bag holding means may be full or partly flexibly compressible and collapsible during use as the fluid is used up, being vertically rigid and at least partly laterally compressible such that the walls may preferably come together.

Such a holder may be used with any valve attached or a bag with any valve attached.

Such a holder preferably comprises a folding base.

Preferably the aforesaid folding base is made from a flexible material that has interrupted joints or fixings to the wall material such that it enables the walls to take up expanded positions beyond the perimeter of the base material, thus enabling the holder to morph from a closed flat structure to a substantially cylindrical structure.

The base may be formed in a similar manner to a stand up pouch whereby the extreme ends are attached to the walls higher up than the central portion thus allowing folding up of the base as the structure closes.

A perforation or hole is preferably formed in the wall of the holder thus enabling the user to press downwards on the base ora part of the base thus stabilising the holder and causing the walls to become spaced as they are deformed or encouraged forwards and thus facilitating bag entry from the top.

Such a valve may have pressure member extensions positioned such that the user is enabled to hold the bag and ora holder of the bag and activate the valve with one hand.

A valve as aforesaid may comprise members arranged about a rotational axis, that are configured on the under-surface such that when the bag fluid exit is opened on the downstream side of the axis,fluid is pressured or energised on the upstream side.

The valve may be a fixed integral partofa holderorsupportforthe bag on which it acts or may be release-ably attached to such a holder.

The members may rotate about a single common axis.

A member may each rotate about an axis or axle spaced from the axis or axle of another member, such that space is provided for entry of a bag corner there-between.

The members may rotate about a common line axis or axle with the centre portion removed such that a bag corner can be entered there-between.

Such a holder may be comprised of, a container a frame or a strap and may be rigid or flexible or partly rigid.

Optionally the devices described herein, may comprise a hinged part integral to a pressure member such that an inside surface of the hinged part fully co-operates with the inside surface of the other member in a preferably planar approximation thus optionally completely expelling fluid or just energising the fluid and temporarily increasing pressure inside the bag to stimulate fluid exit from the bag.

Preferably the valve pressure members are spaced by connectors or by the body of an integrated holder such that the spacing dimension is fixed.

Preferably some or all of the valve parts are integrally moulded as part of the holder wall.

The valve or a holder for the valve may comprise means such as suction or adhesion or hook and loop etc means on the under surface of its upstream extensions such that after compression or energising of the fluid on opening of the valve members,the undersurfaces of the extensions release-ably adhere to the outer bag surface and draw it apart as they open and become spaced apart as the valve closes, creating a negative pressure inside the bag and a suck back' at the fluid exit.

The suck back' of fluid occurs as a transient action and fluid regresses from the exit during which time the pressure members come together to close the fluid exit preferably under influence of a biased elastic closure.

The valve may have a window or opening in each of its upstream extensions such that an adhesive or holding means is place-able over the outside and the under-surface contacts the top surface of the bag thus gripping the bag.

Alternatively the bag may comprise holding means arising from its surface that release-ably co-operate with openings in the valve actuating extensions.

In the normal case a plastic bottle that has suck back is usually tilted back and only after that is top closure closed by the user in a separate action.

This arrangement is especially useful as a suspended device where preferably the bag is suspended from its corner and the diametrically opposite corner is vertically below, with the valve members on each side of the bag material at the lower corner.

The valve may have means to be release-ably attached to a bag or free standing pouch or to a holder for a bag or free standing pouch such that it remains attached when being applied in an open condition on the bag.

The valve may be fixedly or release-ably attached to a rigid or partly rigid holder or container.

The valve may slide or rotate in relation to the holder such that it becomes positioned for use around the bag.

Where the holder is a rigid container, the valve may be attached to an injection moulded separate flexible top part that includes fluid bag locating means, valve rotational hinges and valve activators and pressure members, optionally constructed from one part that is remove-ably attachable to a base container part.

The holder may be comprised of a thin planar plastic sheet folded over and connected at its free ends to form a release-able connection for a valve or handle / valve assembly that preferably also comprises supporting means to support the top of the bag.

The base of the holder may be formed by attaching a further flexible sheet material that defines and limits the opening width of the holder, preferably to fit within a fridge shelf, and further enables free opening of the holder base,from flat, to form this aforesaid width.

The flexible base being attached to the ends of the holder is enabled to form the shorter sides of a rectangle on opening, while supporting the fluid filled bag base corners, by there being absent of connection between the holder walls and the holder base, in part at least on each side, at each end, between the middle and end of the holder base.

Optionally at least part of the bag holder, preferably a wall or part of the holding structure, is moveable or collapsible as pressure is applied from outside the bag walls or outside the device structure such that fluid is pressured to move.

Fluid may be energised by the valve extensions acting directly on the bag or through its holder wall.

Optionally the holder comprises a rigid base and one or more flexible or hinged members or wall extensions that extend vertically, the said extensions comprising means to hold and support the bag on being closed together and preferably also providing at least one axis of rotation for the valve.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a bag for use in the devices described.

Figure 1A shows an actuating means holding a fluid filled bag.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a device for suspension and dispensing of fluid.

Figure 3 shows a stand up container! bag holder, the lower part formed as a relatively rigid structure and the upper part comprising an attached valve that comprises two separate parts that co-operate to function once the bag has entered into the holder.

Figure 4 shows a holder that holds a bag in a diamond configuration..

Figure 5 shows a base section of a flexible holder.

Figure 6 shows schematically, 3 different valve arrangements as in figure 2 and figure 3 Referring to the Figures, in figure 1,fluid filled bag 1 comprises seals 2 and a perforation 3 in a seal suitable for co-operation with a release-able hanging support. Seals 2 are widened or extended at parts 4 to form and determine the volume of a fluid exit channelS through which fluid can flow in direction 6, once the bag 1 has been opened along the line 7.

Line 7 may be marked on the surface of the bag feature in the device as taught in figure 2.

Attachment means to attach the bag to a valve may be a replace-able, renewable means that overlies a window in an activator extension 17 (not shown).

Means 8 release-ably co-operates with valve actuatorl7 (not shown).

Feature 8 may be a release-able adhesive means on the surface of the bag, one on each side, for example, ad hesive, hook & loop, wet tack, etc, the rates with the valve actuation member (not shown) such that it is urged to pull the bag 1 walls apart as the valve (not shown) closes.

The areas 4 are configured to reduce the naturally occurring internal cone shape at the bag corner thus limiting the flow of fluid when the bag 1 is suspended from means 3 and also preferably acts to enhance possible suck back of fluid into the bag on valve closure.

Feature 4 may vary in dimension to suit the fluid viscosity and flow characteristics.

The fluid flow perimeter, on application of negative pressure inside the bag 1, is shown by line 9.

Perforations 10 in the seal of the bag 1 co-operate with the valve or the holder of the bag (not shown) to locate the bag.

In figure 1A bag 1 is shown inside actuating means 17. Actuating means 17 is seen on the other side of bag 1 as a broken line. Actuating means 17 is in this case also a bag holding means 23 with a stand up means 23A.

The actuating means on each side of bag 1 is connected by an elastic biased to open means 21.

On each side of bag 1 attachment means 8 release-ably attaches to attachment means 16 on the actuating means.

Bag 1 has seals 2 which when ruptured at line 7 allows fluid to escape in direction 6.

Bag 1 may alternatively comprise a conventional factory fitted valve.

Bag 1 may be a stand up pouch Actuating means 17 may not be attached to a rigid connector 21 but may consist of two parallel plates linked in a biased to open condition.

Any of the above examples of format may comprise feature 13 as described in figure 2.

The fluid exit channel 5 preferably comprises thickened wall seals that substantially keep the channel 5 closed by acting like integral pressure members in the bag material, until fluid is energised to exit the channel.

The channel seals being opened by hydraulic or fluid pressure emanating from the movement of the actuating members.

Referring to figure 2, which shows an assembly of a bag 1 and a valve and holder.

Bag us shown by the broken line on each side of which is a pressure member 11. The pressure members 11 are hinged on each side around axis 12 extending rearwards of the axis 12 as activation extensions 17, to cover part of the body of bag 1 where integral flap members 13 hinged at broken line 14 are depressible by the user towards the body of the bag 1. Integral to members 11, flap members 13, on being approximated together, energise fluid to exit through opening 15. Forwards of the axis, extensions of members 11 co-operate to form a secondary seal on the bag, upstream of the primary seal 2. Flap members 13 are configured to intimately co-operate on their under surfaces so that the fluid is fully expelled in direction 28.

Attachment means 16 on actuating means 17, preferably on each side of bagi, co-operates with means 8 on the surface of bag 1 such that as the activation extensions 17 become spaced the bag walls are spaced and a transient negative pressure occurs in the bag.

Cutter 18 rests on a single member hA enabling the opening apart of the members 11 when the user (not shown) applies pressure rearwards of the axis 12. Cutter 18 slides along a slot 19 in direction 26 to cut part 20 off the bag 1, and can remain in the middle of the slot 19 to securely lock the secondary seal (not shown) on the bag 1.

The members 11 are biased to close by elastic means 21.

The members 11 are in this case, but not necessarily in other configurations, connected by connectors 31 on each side of the bagi.

Attachment means 22, on each side of the device, enables releasable attachment, preferably by clamp means (not shown) to the bag 1. Thus the device may be attached independently to the bag 1, the whole assembly hanging from hanging means attached to the bag or the assembly may be suspended by being attached to hanging means 23 comprising releasable attachment means 24 and attachment means 25, hook clamp or other means, for the bag 1.

Elastic means 21 and pressure member connector 11 may be formed as one elastic sprung part.

The hanging means 23 may be rigid or flexible and may have an elastic or other means (not shown) being length adjustable.

A device embodying the principles of figure 2 may also be attached to or operate preferably on the corner of a fluid filled bag that is held in a rigid or flexible stand up holder and preferably comprises valve control extensions that are adjacent to the grip means of the stand up holder and operable by the user while gripping the stand up holder, all user functions preferably being achieved with one hand.

This arrangement would enable a low volume controlled fast delivery of viscous fluid, for example ketchup, as opposed to a high volume slower delivery for example milk.

In use, the consumer might carry the fluid filled bag from the point of sale and orient the corner that is to be opened and later become downstream, in the uppermost position, thus draining fluid from the area that will become the bag base. Then, while pressing on members 17 to only part open them, the bag corner can be fitted in between.

On the other hand the bag may comprise a fluid channel that tends to keep the corner of the bag empty, even when inverted and thus allows for easy insertion in between the valve members even when the bag is.inverted The bag is then suspended in direction 30 by whatever arrangement is available. In the case of there being a part 23, the bag is sized to fit the appropriate dimensions and the valve connects by attachment means 29 and may not require the use of attachments 22.

The bag 1 may be considered to be part of the device as it supports a body of fluid (not shown) and therefore the support for the fluid can be from either of the points 13A, as indicated, and in both cases there is a foldable or compressible means that lends support to the fluid body.

Referring to figure 3, In figure 3 a flexible or preferably rigid holder 23 is formed in the nature of a container 23 that is preferably substantially rectangular in cross section thus enabling fluid bag 1 entry and the user to grip the body of the container 23. The container 23 comprises recess or cut out wall portion 32 on each side such that valve activating extensions 17 are move-able with respect to the container wall 23, preferably into and out of the container 23.

The user is thus enabled to grip the wall of the container 23 and activate extensions 17, allwithonehand.

The activating extension on each side comprises a freely hinged planar pressure means 13 hinged at 14 that co-operates to express bag contents on closure of the valve.

As described in figure 2 adhesive means 8 release-ably attach the bag (not shown) to the activation means or to the under-surface of an elastic means 21 that acts on the valve.

The elastic means 21 may be positioned upstream ordownstream of the axis orfuicrum of rotation 12 but is preferably upstream and may comprise an encircling band set into the walls of container 23, over which part 17 resides (not shown)or a metal or plastic elastic spring part preferably formed as a U spring that co-operates with the inside or outside of the container 23, the activators 17 co-operating with its free ends.

1 5 The rigid holder 23 may be opened along hinge 34A to be moulded in a flat profile and the base section 23A closed at manufacture containing spring 21 in place.. There after the user opens the device at fold 34 to enter the bag.

In figures 3 and 4--the top of the container 23 can be seen with two opposing space-able support structures 33 that are hingedly attached to each long side of container 23 at flexible attachments 34 such that valve 17 and 11 (in one piece) parts are attached separately on each side and are rigidly spaced to enable entry of a fluid filled bag (not shown) and operation of the axes of valve rotation.

Attachment means 35 may also comprise co-operative means 25 to attach and locate the fluid filled bag as well as connecting the two side support structure together.

In use the valve assembly (parts 11 and 17) are held spaced on each side, a bag is entered by the user and preferably with one action the valve is closed and the bag secured as the top support parts 33 are pressed together.

The bag may be cut open by an on board cutter or by tearing it open.

In figure 4 bag 1 is seen as broken lines, inside holder 23. Bag 1 is entered into holder 23 from direction 45 and comprises attachment means 3 that co-operates with attachment means 25 on the holder23. The holder walls with integral valve parts l7are hinged at hinge means 34b to enable entry of the bagi between the valve 17 members.

The valve is preferably formed in two sides integral to the holder.

After bag entry the lower part hinged at 34B is closed trapping the bag at attachment points 25A and locating the valve pressure members 11 closed, under the influence of elastic means 21, on each side of the bag fluid exit adjacent to feature 42.

The elastic means 21 is internal and on each side of the holder 23 fixed in position by attachments 21A.

The holder comprises hinge means 34 that enables it to open to be easily moulded and to enable entry of the bag 1 and entrapment of the bag 1.

After forming, the holder 23 may have the top section hinged at 34C closed fixedly at catch 50.

The user opens and closes the lower section at hinge 34b -using catch 51 or other catch means (not shown), to put in and take out bag 1. The joint at 34A is not hinged.

Actuator means 17 is preferably integral to the holder wall 23 and hinged by living hinges 12.

Actuator means 17 is connected to valve pressure means 11 and has releasable attachment means 8 on its under surface to connect to bag 1.

Bag 1 may have the walls adjacent to the fluid exit path sealed together in spot seals 2A or as a consequence of the geometry of the bag seals 2 such that the bag has a reduced width dimension, even when upturned, as fluid is prevented from entering the exit corner 42 by the extended seals causing a reduced internal volume in that area.

Baffles or internal walls 43 are moulded into the internal walls of the holder in order to support and direct the bag walls and enable fluid flow to the exit.

Where there is a cutter 18 it preferably slide along pressure members 11 in close approximation thus cutting open bag 1, when not in use the cutter or what might be a lock or dual function part rests on an extended single part 11.

The lock means 18 may function as a security closure over valve pressure means 11 and provide an end cap to the fluid channel, intimately release-ably providing a closure with valve pressure members on each side.

Referring to figure 5 Holder 23 comprises walls 23A that are made from very thin sheet material, for example 0.3 mm plastic. The walls are preferably impressed vertically with folds 60 such that there is a degree of elastic biasing of the walls to be spaced apart. The walls present very little resistance to the natural shape taken up by an inserted bag of fluid.

The holder 23 is preferably made from a single planar piece of material folded at its front end 65 and attached at the two free ends 70 by attachment means 75.

A rectangular piece of material forms the base 80 and is connected to the walls by attachment means 85. When the walls come together the base rises in direction 90,as in a pouch construction. The base is not attached to the walls at areas 95 thus allowing the ends 65 and 70 to deform closer to each other when the user pushed down on the base 80. As the ends come deform the walls 23A become spaced and the holder opens enabling entry of the fluid filled bag and is also stabilised by the downwards pressure 100.

The user applies the pressure to the base through access hole 105, the base may have a planar piece of relatively stiff material 110, with a central hinge, attached on its top surface to enhance the pushing effect.

Referring to figure 6.

Using the same reference numbers as in the previous figures.

Figure 6A shows a single spring wire connector for a valve that might be used in a product of figure 2.

Figure 6B shows a top view of a valve split apart formed as two sides,for bag entry but that is held together to exert closure pressure on a surrounded bag on closure of the bag holder body, by being attached to the holder on each side, as in fig 3 and 4.

Figure 6C shows a valve arrangement of product in figure 5. Feature 34 being the rotational axes for the clamp member parts and might also supply the elastic energy of feature 21 Any of these elastic springs may be made from planar material stamped out and perforated to comprise attachment means for valve parts.

The various types of bag format, elastic activation, valve format, holder format,may be achieved in different ways and a suitable device may comprise any of these features readily constructed or varied in many combinations by the ordinary skilled man aware of the above discLosed art.

Various modifications and variations and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1) A valve for controlling the flow of fluid from the exit channel of a flexible bag, the flexible bag containing fluid, is comprised of at least two actuating pressure members spaced in opposition around the body of the bag, the actuating pressure members are connected through a linkage means that connects the members and holds them spaced when the bag exit channel is closed, the movement of the actuating pressure members is further characterised as being co-operatively linked to fluid valve pressure members that are spaced in opposition around the fluid exit channel.
2) The valve as claimed in claim 1 comprises attachment means that co-operates with the bag walls to release-ably attach the actuating members to the walls of the flexible bag.
3) A valve as claimed in claim 1 and 2 with actuating members, is elastically biased such that the actuating members are spaced apart.
4) A valve as claimed in claim 3 whereby the valve pressure members are rigid members spaced in opposition around the fluid exit channel.
5) A valve as claimed in claim 4 whereby the actuating members are extensions of the valve pressure members.
6) A valve as claimed in claim 4 and 5 whereby the valve pressure members are urged to close by pressure from the actuating members.
7) A valve as claimed in any previous claims whereby the actuating members or the pressure members rotationally co-operate about one or more axes 8) A valve as claimed in any previous claims whereby the valve incorporates a cutting device.9) A valve as claimed in any previous claim whereby the cutting device is a sliding device, 10) A valve as claimed in any previous claims that is elastically biased to be closed.11) A valve as claimed in any previous claims whereby the actuating members comprise means to exert pressure on the fluid inside the bag as the valve opens.12) A valve as claimed in claims in any previous claim whereby the actuating members comprise release-able attachment means to attach to the outer surface of the fluid filled bag.13)A valve as claimed in any previous claims whereby the elastic biasing means comprises release-able attachment means to attach to the bag outer surface.14) A valve as claimed in any previous claim whereby the valve causes a suck back or negative presure in the bag as the valve pressure members close, by the actuating members or the elastic means or other valve parts becoming spaced and pulling the bag walls apart.15) A valve as claimed in any of the previous claims whereby the actuating members comprise hingedly related inner planar sections that co-operate on their under surfaces to expel fluid on valve opening.16) A valve as claimed in any previous claim whereby the valve comprises releaseable attachment means to enable supporting attachment to a fluid filled bag.17) A valve as claimed in any previous claim whereby the valve comprises attachment means to be attached to a holder for a fluid filled bag.18) A valve as claimed in any previous claim whereby the valve comprises releaseable attachment means to enable attachment to a holder for a fluid filled bag.19) An assembly comprising a valve as claimed in any previous claim and a flexibly compressible bag, the bag comprising a fluid exit channel formed from the bag seals, the bag seals being widened to influence the volume of the exit channel.20) An assembly comprising a valve as claimed in any previous claim and a bag holder the bag holder being substantially rigid in nature.21) An assembly as claimed in claim 16 whereby the valve body is an integral part of the bag holder construction.22) An assembly as claimed in any previous claim the assembly comprising a bag holder wherein the bag walls are flexibly compressible.23) An assembly as claimed in any previous claim whereby the valve is formed in two separate sides, the sides being formed integral to a holder for the bag.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:-Claims 1) A device for discharging fluid from a flexible bag,the flexible bag containing fluid and a fluid exit path, comprises; fluid flow valve pressure members,valve pressure member actuating means and bag supporting means, the valve pressure members are formed so as to be releaseably spaced in opposition, outside of the bag material, around the fluid exit path, the valve pressure members are biased to default to a closed position applying compressive pressure to opposing bag walls placed there-between, the bag supporting means is arranged such that it supports the bag so that the fluid exit is held positioned below the body of fluid in the bag, the device further comprises attachment means to attach to the bag or a holder for the bag such that the pressure member means retain a substantially fixed relationship with respect to the fluid exit path, when the members are in an open spaced configuration.the valve actuating member means are arranged such that they are biased to being spaced apart by force means acting directly on the actuating member means, 2) A device as claimed in claim 1 whereby the valve pressure members comprise linkage means such that they are moveable together while remaining oriented parallel to each other when acting to compress the walls of the bag together.3) A device as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 that further comprises a fluid filled bag, the bag being characterised as being substantially constructed as a a single chamber.4) A device as claimed in claims 1 -5 comprises linkage means that is characterised as enabling rotational movement of the pressure members.**. 5) A device as claimed in claims 1---6 comprises actuating means that actuate the valve a pressure members, the actuating means being characterised as * S *tLS comprising linkage means to become spaced apart as the valve pressure members 45S- * *, move to compress the bag walls together. S... *55*II6) A device as claimed in any previous claim further comprises pressure member means hingedly attached to at least one actuator configured such that when the actuator is depressed thus opening the fluid exit the fluid in the bag is pressurised to exit the bag.7) A device as claimed in any previous claim comprises a bag cutting means, whereby a cutter means, to cut open the bag, slides parallel to the valve pressure members.
8) A device as claimed in claim 8 comprises a cutting means that comprises extension means that extend over the valve pressure members and thus also is a valve pressure member locking means.
9) A device as claimed in any previous claim whereby the actuating members or the valve pressure members rotationally co-operate about one or more axes.
10) A device as claimed in any previous claim whereby the actuating members are extensions of the valve pressure members.
11) An assembly comprising a device as claimed in any previous claim and a flexible bag, the flexible bag comprising means to co-operate with the valve such that it is locateable with respect to the valve pressure members. I... * S * S * S.. * * * . S S. *S *I* * .