HUE030378T2 - System and method for distribution and dispensing of beverages - Google Patents

Description

Description Technical Field [0001] The present invention concerns a system in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, a method for distribution and dispensing of beverages in accordance with the preamble of claim 11, and a container in accordance with the preamble of claim 15, and known from US 4,665,940. Background Art [0002] When supplying relatively large amounts of beverage, in the order of tens of litres, to an establishment it is known to use refillable steel containers, in the case of beer and such, or heavy duty refillable or recyclable plastic containers, in the case of water forwater dispensers. The steel containers or kegs are costly to produce and to keep in stock for a supplier of beverage, and after they have been emptied and prior to their return trip they demand a large storage volume for an end user. The steel kegs are rather heavy; a 20 litre keg weighs about 10 kg (empty). [0003] WO 00/78665 discloses a beer container or keg comprising an inner hollow shell of blow moulded polyethylene terephtalate (PET), a rigid outer hollow shell of moulded high-density polyethylene enclosing and supporting the inner shell and a spear structure including a dispenser tube extending from a bottom interior region of the inner shell and through a dispensing outlet at the top of the outer shell. The above publication addresses the mentioned problem associated with steel containers but still only provides a partial solution since the container still is a relatively expensive and elaborate construction.. [0004] While the above known containers operate in a conventional way, by application of an internal pressure in order to force beer out of the container, an alternative solution is described in WO 99/11563. This known solution includes applying an outer pressure to a flexible container, said pressure being a mechanical pressure or a gas pressure. This known system also requires several accessories which makes it expensive and complicated. [0005] WO 2004/099060 describes a method for dispensing a beverage and devices therefor. The system is similar to the one previously mentioned by an external gas pressure being applied between the container and an outer housing, though the container is placed upside down in a tailor-made stand. [0006] A further exam pie of a plastic containerfor beer is described in WO 03/008293. However, this container is to be disposed in an outer casing, such as a box of metal or paperboard. [0007] Still further examples of plastic containers for beer are disclosed in US 4,531,656 and US 4,678,101. These containers are, during use, supported by an outer shroud which is fitted in a frame. The shroud and frame carry circumferential and vertical forces, respectively, which are exerted on the container when it is subject to internal pressurisation.

[0008] Also EP 1 468 930 A1 discloses a container.

[0009] When non-carbonated or low-carbonated beverages have been filled in plastic containers, it has been necessary to use a container with relatively thick walls in order to ensure manageability and stability so that the container does not collapse when being handled and/or emptied. A known example is water containers adapted tobe mounted upside down in a support, see for example US-A-5,217,128. These containers have a wall thickness of about 0.8-1.0 mm in order to meet the demands of manageability and stability as mentioned above. During portion-by-portion dispensing from these containers, a sub-atmospheric pressure is generated inside the container, leading to surrounding air being drawn into the container. This has an injurious efFect on the hygiene in the container and the quality of the water can consequently not be vouched for. Thick-walled containers result in increased production and transportation costs, relative to thin-walled containers. Further, the thick-walled containers demand larger resources in terms of disposal systems. This is especially a problem in developing countries where drinking water often needs to be transported in various kinds of containers to areas that do not have access to safe running water.

Summary of the Invention [0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide solutions to, or at least reductions of, the above and related problems.

[0011] According to the invention, this is achieved by the provision of a system for distribution and dispensing of beverages, in accordance with claim 1.

[0012] The fact that the container is freestanding and disposable as well as formed in a single piece provides a cost-efficient container that can be produced from a preform at the location where the container is later supposed to be filled. After use the empty container can be efficiently discarded without taking up a significant amount of storage space. In one embodiment the container system replaces a conventional keg system for draught beer. Compared to regular steel containers that are utilised for draught beer, the container is more cost-efficient in more than one aspect. First, it is less costly to produce in terms of raw material costs, power consumption and processing steps. Second, since the containers are blow moulded from preforms on demand at the location in which it subsequently will be filled, they do not require nearly as much storage space. Third, in the case of steel containers, there is a need for an organisation handling the returned containers, which obviously increases the costs further. Because of the fact that the container of the system is freestanding and durable, there is no need for the provision of an outer, protecting and/or supporting structure. In use the container is simply placed standing upright without any support, and con- nected to a standard dispensing system. This is obviously more cost-efficient than known solutions, but it also requires less space than if an additional supporting structure needs to be used. [0013] The disposable container is preferably made of a polymer material used for smaller size plastic bottles, for example polyesters, such as polyethylene terephta-late (PET) ; or in combination with any of the following materials: polyethylene naphtalate (PEN) and others; polyolefin; polyamide (nylon); polylactide. Polyethylene terephtalate is widely used within the field of plastic bottles in general and is in that aspect a suitable material to use. In order to protect the contents of the container from destructive radiation, such as sunlight, the container may be coloured. [0014] The body portion of the container has a sidewall thickness of about 0.2-0.6 mm, most preferably 0.35-0.40 mm. The thinner the wall thickness the lighter and less expensive the container. Thanks to the thin-walled structure, the empty container can easily be collapsed to a very small volume before it is discarded. [0015] In this context, the invention provides a freestanding container that is highly cost-efficient in terms of container volume capacity per weight of container base material. The sidewall thickness is generally measured approximately in the middle region of the body portion. [0016] In one embodiment the freestanding container is supported on a number of legs which form part of the base portion. This is called a petaloid base. Since the container is likely to be subjected to an internal pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure - at least in use - possible flat surfaces of the container tend to bulge. Therefore the provision of legs extending from the base portion makes it possible for the container to stand firmly on a surface and still be formed in one piece. [0017] The disposable and thin-walled container is provided with a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide in order to prevent that these gases diffuse into and out of the container. To prolong the shelf life of the product contained in the container, the oxygen barrier is an important factor in order to prevent oxygen from diffusing into the container. Also, if the contents of the container are carbonated it is important for the contents to stay carbonated for the expected shelf life, which is facilitated by the provision of a carbon dioxide barrier. These barriers are achieve by blend techniques. An example of a blend technique is when a container material such as PET is blended with another material, such as polyamide, carrying a scavenger. This technique generally does not provide as good barrier properties as known multilayer techniques, but is less costly. [0018] Even if the container is filled with great precaution, it is likely that a small amount of oxygen will be present, and scavengers added to the tube structure and/or closure element will take care of this. Because of their properties, scavengers are often referred to as being an "active" barrier as opposed to "passive" barriers such as a lacquer. Barriers are generally also provided to in hibit "diffusion" into or out of the container of steam, radiation, such as UV-radiation, and aroma. In orderto protect the contents of the container from destructive radiation, such as sunlight, the container may be coloured.

[0019] The body portion of the one-piece container can be cylindrical with an essentially constant diameter. This is beneficial in terms of a more space-efficient packaging during transport compared to a container where a substantial part of the container bulges radially outwards. This cylindrical surface is also suitable for provision of outer labels, brands, trademarks etc, as well as for being provided with a relief during the blow moulding of the preform into a container.

[0020] The closure element of.the container system preferably comprises a check valve biased in a closing direction. This makes it possible to apply the valve to the mouth portion of the container before filling the container and makes the use of an additional transportation lid redundant. Further a tamper and/or dust seal is simply applied covering the check valve.

[0021] The closure element can also be a pierceable cap formed in one piece. This variant is simple to produce and ensures a cost-efficient and secure seal. This type of pierceable cap is applied after filling of the container. Before use the cap is penetrated by piercing means, e.g. syringe-type needles, of a dispense head, providing for an opening for dispensing beverage in liquid communication with the tube, and an opening for injection of propellant gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen [0022] If such a pierceable cap is used, the system is preferably provided with a dispense head having cap piercing means. In this way the dispense head can be attached to the container without the cap being removed. The cap piercing means comprise means for putting the dispense head in fluid communication with the tube extending down in the beverage, and means for providing a propellant gas to the container.

[0023] In a preferred embodimentthe system is intended to replace current draught beer kegs or barrels used commercially as well as domestically. The preferred size range is therefore large, with a preferred volume capacity of 3-40 litres, preferably 15-30 litres and more preferably 20-25 litres for commercial use. For domestic use the preferred range is 3-10 litres, and most preferably 4-6 litres.

[0024] The container of the system is blow moulded from a PET preform that has been subjected to a stretch ratio on the order of 10-20, preferably 12-16, and more preferably 14-16. As used in this context "stretch ratio" refers to the ratio between the thickness of the preform side wall which is basically constant, and the thickness of the container side wall, at its thinnest.

[0025] The invention also refers to a method for distribution and dispensing of beverages in accordance with claim 11.

[0026] This method makes it possible for a producer of beverages to have in-house production and filling of containers, just purchasing the preforms and the tube/valve structure’from an external supplier. The preforms do not require a massive storage space, and since the containers are blow moulded in the processing step preceding the filling step - after which they are loaded and delivered to a customer - the total storage space needed is substantially reduced as compared to the standard keg system. Further, the producer of beverages can deliver the filled and capped container to customers at a low cost, again compared to the conventional keg system, and a threshold to expand into new markets is significantly reduced due to the reduction of associated costs. The tube/spear structure is generally assembled prior to being attached to the container. Depending on the type of closure element, this can be performed before or after filling of the container, which will be described later on. Hence, the step of filling the container and the step of providing the container with a tube structure can occur in reversed order. [0027] The method can also comprise the step of sealing the mouth portion of the container with a tamper and/or dust seal applied to the closure element following the step of adding the tube structure. For obvious reasons this step can be of importance to an end consumer. [0028] The invention also relates to a container the system in accordance with claim 15. This gives the advantages previously described. The container is in particular suitablefordraughtbeerand low-carbonated beverages, such as cider and soft drinks, but could also be used for non-carbonated beverages, such as wine, still drinks, milk, water and fruit juices. [0029] Though generally being larger, the container is made from polyethylene terephtalate (PET) or in combination with any of the following materials: polyethylene naphtalate (PEN) and others; polyolefin; polyamide (nylon); polylactide (NatureWorks® PLA polymer). [0030] Further preferred embodiments of the freestanding, single-piece and disposable container of the invention are set forth in the appended subclaims 16-20. Brief Description of the Drawings [0031] In the following the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred but nonlimiting embodiments and in which: Figs 1 and 2 are schematics of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention, in a disassembled and an assembled state, respectively, with some accessories included, Fig. 3 is a schematic of a container produced from a preform shown in Fig. 4 and forming part of the system illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a preform (on a larger scale) for the container shown in Figs 1-3, Figs 5 and 6 are sectional views of a closure element forming part of the system illustrated in Fig. 1, in an open and a closed position, respectively,

Fig. 7 shows an alternative closure element used in a second embodiment,

Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative dispense head used for a container provided with the cap of Fig. 7.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0032] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The system comprises a freestanding and disposable container 100 for beverage, a tube or spear structure 104 comprising a closure or valve element 102 and a tube 136. A handle 106 can optionally be attached to the upper portion of the container 100 for transportation purposes.

[0033] The container 100 further illustrated in Fig. 3 is formed in one piece and generally comprises a neck finish or mouth portion 108, a shoulder portion 110, a body portion 112 and a base portion 114. The mouth portion 108 has circumferential flanges 116 for engagement with the valve element 102 which has a mating circumferential groove/flange arrangement 119 (Figs 5-6). The container 100 has a petaloid base portion 114 to make it freestanding. The thickness of the sidewall of the body portion 112 is approximately 0.40 mm.

[0034] The container 100 is blow moulded from an injection moulded parison or preform 113 of plastics. The preform 113 has a wall thickness of approximately 5 mm and the plastic material comprises about 94 % polyethylene terephtalate and about 6 % polyamide.

[0035] The container wall has a barrier against diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Preferably, cobalt ions are used as scavenger substance blended into the polyamide.

[0036] The weight of the preform 113 used is 233 g for a 20 litre container 100, and the weight of the tube/valve assembly 104 is about 40 g. Thus, a complete 20 litre container 100 according to this embodiment ready for filling weighs only about 273 g which is a great advantage compared to heavy duty steel kegs which weigh about 10 kg for the same volume.

[0037] Referring to Figs 5 and 6, the valve element 102 effectively forms part of the spear structure 104 which is used to dispense beverage from the container 100. The valve element 102 comprises a structural body 118 with an essentially rotationally symmetrical shape. The structural body 118 has an annular groove 120 for receiving a rim 122 of the container mouth portion 108 with a close fit. As the valve element 102 is slipped onto the mouth portion 108, the annular groove 120 will receive the rim 122, as described above, and as.the valve element 102 is slipped further the circumferential groove/flange arrangement 119 will engage with the circumferential flange 116 of the mouth portion 108 in a snap-lock engagement which can be seen in Figs 5 and 6. An O-ring 124 arranged around the mouth portion 108 is clamped between the mouth portion 108 and the valve element 102 and thus provides a seal.

[0038] The valve element 102 further comprises a valve portion 126 concentrically arranged in the valve element 102 acting as a cap. This valve portion 126 generally comprises an annular valve member 128 that is spring biased from below towards the upper part of the valve element 102. The annular valve member 128 is sealingly received in a mating annular concentric gap 130 in the upper part of the valve element 102. A spring 132 biasing the valve member 128 in a closing direction is fastened, see Fig. 5, to a central part of the valve element 102 and is arranged concentrically around a cylindrical member 134 having one end sealed flush with the upper part of the valve element 102 and another end adapted to receive an upper end 136a of the tube 136. Between the two ends of the cylindrical member 134 there is provided radial holes 135 so that beverage being forced up the tube 136 can exit the cylindrical member 134. If the valve member 128 is depressed, see Fig. 6, the beverage, in this preferred embodiment draught beer or cider, will exit the container 100, and if the valve member 128 is biased towards the annular gap 130 the beverage cannot exit. [0039] The elongate tube or spear 136 of the spear structure 104 extends from the valve element 102 and into the container 100. The tube 136 has a hollow conduit 137 and the upper end 136a inserted in the valve element 102 as previously.described, an inner end 136b being left open for the beverage to enter (Figs 1-2). [0040] The spear structure 104 comprising the elongate tube 136 and the valve element 102 is made from polyester, polyolefin, polyamide or similar, apart from the spring 132 which is madeof stainless steel. The elongate tube 136 as well as the closure or valve element 102 is generally made from essentially the same group of materials as the container 100, and the tube 136 is quite flexible in the preferred embodiment. [0041] In order to provide an adequate seal of the container 100, at least an outer portion of the annular valve member 128, abutting the edges of the annular concentric gap 130, is made from a material that is softer than the rest of the valve element 102. In order to provide a rigid annular valve member 128, which can be important to the sealing and abutment properties, the interior of the annular valve member 128 can comprise a rigid core (not shown) of a harder material than the outer abutment portion. [0042] Filling of the disposable container 100 with a carbonated beverage (such as beer) is generally conducted in the following manner. Once the spear structure 104 is assembled as a unit 102,136 it is attached to the container 100 with the tube 136 inserted into the container 100. Then the container 100 is placed upside down in a filling station (not shown). Air inside the container 100 is flushed out by carbon dioxide, and an overpressure (a filling pressure) is established. These measures are taken in order to minimise the risk of foam being produced during filling, which would slow down the filling procedure. If the risk of foam production is low, said measures can obviously be cancelled. During filling the annular valve member 128 is depressed so that beverage can be injected into the container 100. Gas contained in the container 100 is forced out upwards through the elongate tube 136. The container 100 could also be filled prior to the arrangement of the spear structure 104, similar to what will be described in the context of the second embodiment, though this makes less use of the properties of the valve element 102.

[0043] Hence, the container producing and beverage filling comprises: blow moulding thin-walled PET containers, attaching the spear/valve structure to the containers and filling these with beverage in the manner described above. The filled containers are stored and then delivered to the customers.

[0044] To facilitate transportation the handle 106 can be attached to the mouth portion 108 of the container 100, preferably by sliding it over the mouth portion 108 and fixing it to the container 100 by mounting the valve element 102 to the mouth portion 108 (see Fig. 3). After the filling of the container 100 the valve element 102 is preferably provided with means for dust protection and tamper evidence, such as a foil (not shown).

[0045] In use a dispense head 138 is coupled to the valve element 102, and by operating a lever 138a of the dispense head 138 a propellant gas, typically nitrogen or carbon dioxide from an external source (not shown), will be injected into the container 100 through the inlet 138b. Hence, beverage is forced to exit the container 100 through the spear structure 104 and out of the dispense head 138 by an outlet 138c to which a conventional tapping unit (not shown) is connected. The superatmospher-ic pressure will thus help maintaining the form and stability of the container 100.

[0046] When the container 100 is emptied of beverage the dispense head 138 is disconnected and the container 100 is collapsed and discarded. The spear/valve structure 104 is also discarded. Hence, a true one-way system is achieved.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows an alternative and less complex closure element in the form of a pierceable plastic cap 140. Before being attached to the mouth portion 108 of the container 100 the cap 140 is provided with an elongate tube 136’similar to the elongate tube 136 of the first embodiment. The tube is indicated by phantom lines extending from the cap 140. Prior to being provided with the pierceable cap 140 and the tube 136’, the container 100 is filled in the following manner: Air is first flushed from the container 100 which stands upright, by use of carbon dioxide or nitrogen in order to make the filling procedure more efficient. A filling pressure is optionally provided. An elongate filling nozzle (not shown) is inserted into the container 100 which is kept upright, and the beverage is filled into the container 100. The filling rate is slower at the beginning until approximately a decimetre of beverage is filled into the container 100, and the nozzle orifice is submerged. Then, the filling rate increases until the container 100 is filled, after which the pierceable cap 140 and the associated elongate tube 136’ are attached to the container 100. [0048] In use a dispense head 142, schematically shown in Fig. 8, is connected to the pierceable cap 140 and syringe-like needles 144, 146 having cap piercing capability penetrate the cap 140. A first needle 144 is fluidly connected to the tube 136’ for dispensing beverage, and a second needle 146 is fluidly connected in order to provide a propellant gas, generally nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to the inside of the container 100. After use the pierceable cap 140 is discarded. [0049] The dispensing of the filled container 100 and the disposal of the same are basically the same as described earlier. The empty container 100 is discarded, as is the spear/valve structure. [0050] Finally it should be emphasised that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described here, and the skilled person anticipates that modifications are feasible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For instance, the freestanding feature of the container can be achieved by a champagne-type base. Furthermore, alternative means for closure of the container mouth portion may be used. Claims 1. A system for distribution and dispensing of beverages, comprising: a container (100) for beverage, said container (100) having a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a body portion (112) extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), formed in one piece, collapsible and disposable; and a tube structure (104) comprising an elongate tube (136) to be inserted in the container (100) and having an inner conduit (137) for beverage, and a closure element (102) to be connected to the mouth portion (108) of the container (100), wherein - in use-an inner end (136b) of the tube (136) is located adjacent to the base portion (114) of the container (100) for passing beverage from said inner end (136b), through said conduit (137) and to the closure element (102) for dispensing, said container (100) is blow-moulded from a PET preform, has a capacity of 15-40 litres and is freestanding in use: characterised in that: said preform has been subject to a stretch ratio on the order of 10-20; the sidewall thickness of the container body portion (112) is approximately 0.2-0.6 mm; and the container wall has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier being achieved by blend technique. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container base portion (114) is a petaloid base. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the container base portion (114) is a champagne-type base. 4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the tube structure (104) is provided with a scavenger or coating. 5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the container body portion (112) is essentially cylindrical. 6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the closure element (102) comprises a check valve. 7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closure element (102) comprises a cap (104) having pierceable portions. 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising adispense head (142) provided with at least one cap piercing means. 9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the container (100) has a capacity of 20-25 litres. 10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the side-wall thickness of the container body portion is approximately 0.35-0.40 mm. 11. A method for distribution and dispensing of beverages, comprising the steps of: providing a PET preform (113) of plastics; blow moulding said preform (113) into a container (100) for beverage, the container (100) having a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a body portion (112) extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), said container (100) being formed in one piece, collapsible and disposable; filling said container with beverage; providing the container (100) with a tube structure (104) comprising an elongate tube (136) to be inserted in the container (100) and having an inner conduit (137) for beverage, and a closure element (102) to be connected to the mouth portion (108) of the container (100), wherein - in use - an inner end (136b) of the tube (136) is located adjacent to the base portion (114) of the container (100) and beverage is passed from said inner end (136b), through said conduit (137) and to the closure element (102) for dispensing; and closing the filled container (100) by means of the closure element (102) which is connected to the mouth portion (108), said closure element (102) acting as a closure cap, wherein said filled and capped container (100) forms a unit for distribution, forming said container (100) to a capacity of 15-40 litres, wherein the container is freestanding in use characterised said preform is subject to a stretch ratio on the order of 10-20, wherein the sidewall thickness of the container body portion (112) is approximately 0.2-0.6mm, and wherein the containerwall has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier being achieved by blend technique. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sidewall thickness of the container body portion is approximately 0.35-0.40mm 13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising the step of: sealing the mouth portion (108) of the container (100) with a tamper and/or dust seal applied to the closure element (102). 14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method comprises dispensing of beverage, disconnecting a dispense head (138) when the container is empty of beverage, and then collapsing and discarding the emptied container. 15. A container (100) for a system according to any one of claims 1-10, said container for beverage being blow moulded from a PET preform (113) and having a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a body portion (112) extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), formed in one piece, collapsible and disposable, said container (100) has a capacity of 15-40 litres and is freestanding in use, characterised in that: said preform has been subject to a stretch ratio on the order of 10-20; the sidewall thickness of the container body portion (112) is approximately 0.2-0.6 mm; and the container wall has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier being achieved by blend technique. 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the container base portion (114) has a petaloid base. 17. The container of claim 15, wherein the container base portion has a champagne-type base. 18. The container of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the container body portion (112) is essentially cylindrical. 19. The container (100) of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the container (100) has a capacity of 20-25 litres. 20. The container (100) of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the sidewall thickness of the container body portion (112) is approximately 0.35-0.40 mm.

Patentansprüche 1. System zum Vertreiben und Ausgeben von Getränken, Folgendes umfassend: einen Behälter (100) für ein Getränk, wobei der Behälter(100) einen Mundstückabschnitt(108), einen Schulterabschnitt (110), einen Basisabschnitt (114) und einen Körperabschnitt (112), der sich zwischen dem Schulterabschnitt (110) und dem Basisabschnitt (114) erstreckt, aufweist, einstückig ausgebildet, zusammenfaltbar und wegwerfbar; und eine Röhrenanordnung (104), umfassend eine längliche Röhre (136), die in den Behälter (100) einzuführen ist und eine innere Leitung (137) für ein Getränk sowie ein Verschlusselement (102), das mit dem Mundstückabschnitt (108) des Behälters (100) zu verbinden ist, aufweist, wobei im Gebrauch ein inneres Ende (136b) der Röhre (136) angrenzend an den Basisabschnitt (114) des Behälters (100) angeordnet ist, um ein Getränk zum Ausgeben von dem inneren Ende (136b) durch die Leitung (137) und zum Verschlusselement (102) zu leiten, wobei der Behälter (100) aus einem PET-Vor-formling blasgeformt ist, eine Kapazität von 15-40 Litern aufweist und im Gebrauch freistehend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass: der Vorform ling einem Dehnungsverhältnis in der Größenordnung von 10-20 ausgesetzt worden ist; die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts (112) etwa 0,2-0,6 mm beträgt; und die Behälterwand eine Sperre gegen Sauerstoffund Kohlendioxid aufweist, wobei die Sperre durch Mischtechnik erzielt wird. 2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Behälter-Basisabschnitt (114) eine blütenblattförmige Basis ist. 3. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Behälter-Basi- sabschnitt (114) eine Basis vom Champagnertyp ist. 4. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei wenigstens ein Teil der Röhrenanordnung (104) mit einem Scavenger oder einer Beschichtung versehen ist. 5. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Behälter-Körperabschnitt (112) im Wesentlichen zylindrisch ist. 6. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verschlusselement (102) ein Rückschlagventil umfasst. 7. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das Verschlusselement (102) einen Deckel (104) mit durchstoßbaren Abschnitten aufweist. 8. System nach Anspruch 7, ferner umfassend einen Ausgabekopf (142), der mit wenigstens einem De-ckel-Durchstoßmittel versehen ist. 9. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Behälter (100) eine Kapazität von 20-25 Litern aufweist. 10. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts etwa 0,35-0,40 mm beträgt. 11. Verfahren zum Vertreiben und Ausgeben von Getränken, die folgenden Schritte umfassend: Bereitstellen eines PET-Vorformlings (113) aus Kunststoffen; Blasformen des Vorformlings (113) in einen Behälter (100) für ein Getränk, wobei der Behälter (100) einen Mundstückabschnitt (108), einen Schulterabschnitt (110), einen Basisabschnitt (114) und einen Körperabschnitt (112), der sich zwischen dem Schulterabschnitt (110) und dem Basisabschnitt (114) erstreckt, aufweist, wobei der Behälter (100) einstückig ausgebildet, zusammenfaltbar und wegwerfbar ist; Befüllen des Behälters mit einem Getränk; Versehen des Behälters (100) mit einer Röhrenanordnung (104), umfassend eine längliche Röhre (136), die in den Behälter(100) einzuführen ist und eine innere Leitung (137) für ein Getränk sowie ein Verschlusselement (102), das mit dem Mundstückabschnitt (108) des Behälters (100) zu verbinden ist, aufweist, wobei im Gebrauch ein inneres Ende (136b) der Röhre (136) angrenzend an den Basisabschnitt (114) des Behälters (100) angeordnet ist und ein Getränk zum Ausgeben von dem inneren Ende (136b) durch die Leitung (137) und zum Ver schlusselement (102) geleitet wird; und Verschließen des befüllten Behälters (100) unter Einsatz des Verschlusselements (102), welches mit dem Mundstückabschnitt (108) verbunden ist, wobei das Verschlusselement (102) als ein Verschlussdeckel wirkt, wobei der befüllte und mit Deckel versehene Behälter (100) eine Einheit zum Vertreiben ausbildet,

Ausbilden des Behälters (100) mit einer Kapa-zitätvon 15-40 Litern, wobei der Behälter im Gebrauch freistehend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Vorformling einem Dehnungsverhältnis in der Größenordnung von 10-20 ausgesetzt wird, wobei die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts (112) etwa 0,2-0,6 mm beträgt und wobei die Behälterwand eine Sperre gegen Sauerstoff und Kohlendioxid aufweist, wobei die Sperre durch Mischtechnik erzielt wird. 12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts etwa 0,35-0,40 mm beträgt. 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, fernerden folgenden Schritt umfassend: Abdichten des Mundstückabschnitts (108) des Behälters (100) mit einer manipulationssicheren und/oder Staubdichtung, die an das Verschlusselement (102) angebracht wird. 14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, wobei das Verfahren das Ausgeben eines Getränks, das Trennen eines Ausgabekopfes (138), wenn der Behälter kein Getränk mehr enthält, und dann das Zusammenfalten und das Wegwerfen des entleerten Behälters umfasst. 15. Behälter (100) für ein System nach einem der Ansprüche 1-13, wobei der Behälter für ein Getränk aus einem PET-Vorformling (113) blasgeformt ist und einen Mundstückabschnitt (108), einen Schulterabschnitt (110), einen Basisabschnitt (114) und einen Körperabschnitt (112), der sich zwischen dem Schulterabschnitt (110) und dem Basisabschnitt (114) erstreckt, aufweist, einstückig ausgebildet, zusammenfaltbar und wegwerfbar, wobei der Behälter (100) eine Kapazität von 15-40 Litern aufweist und im Gebrauch freistehend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass: der Vorformling einem Dehnungsverhältnis in der Größenordnung von 10-20 ausgesetzt worden ist; die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts (112) etwa 0,2-0,6 mm beträgt; und die Behälterwand eine Sperre gegen Sauerstoff und Kohlendioxid aufweist, wobei die Sperre durch Mischtechnik erzielt wird. 16. Behälter nach Anspruch 15, wobei der Behälter-Basisabschnitt (114) eine blütenblattförmige Basis aufweist. 17. Behälter nach Anspruch 15, wobei der Behälter-Basisabschnitt eine Basis vom Champagnertyp aufweist. 18. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 17, wobei der Behälter-Körperabschnitt (112) im Wesentlichen zylindrisch ist. 19. Behälter (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 18, wobei der Behälter (100) eine Kapazität von 20-25 Litern aufweist. 20. Behälter(IOO) nach einem der Ansprüche 15 bis 19, wobei die Seitenwanddicke des Behälter-Körperabschnitts (112) etwa 0,35-0,40 mm beträgt. Revendications 1. Système de délivrance et de distribution de boissons, comprenant : un contenant (100) à boisson, ledit contenant (100) ayant une partie de goulot (108), une partie d’épaulement (110), une partie de base (114) et une partie de corps (112) s’étendant entre la partie d’épaulement (110) et la partie de base (114), formé d’une seule pièce, pliable et jetable ; et une structure de tube (104) comprenant un tube allongé (136) à insérer dans le contenant (100) et ayant un conduit interne (137) pour la boisson, et un élément de fermeture (102) à raccorder à la partie de goulot (108) du contenant (100), dans lequel, en utilisation, une extrémité interne (136b) du tube (136) est située adjacente à la partie de base (114) du contenant (100) pour faire passer la boisson depuis ladite extrémité interne (136b), à travers ledit conduit (137) et vers l’élément de fermeture (102) pour la distribution, ledit contenant (100) est moulé par soufflage à partird’une préforme en PET, a une capacité de 15 à 40 litres, et est autostable en utilisation, caractérisé en ce que : ladite préforme a été soumise à un rapport d’étirement de l’ordre de 10 à 20 ; l’épaisseur de paroi latérale de la partie de corps (112) du contenant est d’approxima-tivement 0,2 à 0,6 mm ; et la paroi du contenant a une barrière contre l’oxygène et le dioxyde de carbone, la barrière étant obtenue par une technique de mélange. 2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de base (114) du contenant est une base péta-loïde. 3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de base (114) du contenant est une base de type champagne. 4. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins une partie de la structure de tube (104) est pourvue d’un épuiseur ou revêtement. 5. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la partie de corps (112) du contenant est essentiellement cylindrique. 6. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l’élément de fermeture (102) comprend un clapet antiretour. 7. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l’élément de fermeture (102) comprend un bouchon (104) ayant des parties perfora-bles. 8. Système selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre un robinet de débit (142) équipé d’au moins un moyen de perforation de bouchon. 9. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le contenant (100) a une capacité de 20 à 25 litres. 10. Système selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l’épaisseur de paroi latérale de la partie de corps du contenant est d’approxi-mativement 0,35 à 0,40 mm. 11. Procédé de délivrance et de distribution de boissons, comprenant les étapes : de fourniture d’une préforme PET (113) en plastique ; de moulage par soufflage de ladite préforme (113) en un contenant (100) à boisson, le contenant (100) ayant une partie de goulot (108), une partie d’épaulement(110), une partie de base (114) et une partie de corps (112) s’étendant entre la partie d’épaulement (110) et la partie de base (114), ledit contenant (100) étantformé d’une seule pièce, pliable et jetable ; de remplissage dudit contenant avec une boisson ; d’équipement du contenant (100) d’une structure de tube (104) comprenant un tube allongé (136) à insérer dans le contenant (100) et ayant un conduit interne (137) pour la boisson, et un élément de fermeture (102) à raccorder à la partie de goulot (108) du contenant (100), dans lequel, en utilisation, une extrémité interne (136b) du tube (136) est située adjacente à la partie de base (114) du contenant (100) et la boisson passe de ladite extrémité interne (136b), à travers ledit conduit (137) etvers l’élémentdefermeture (102) pour la distribution ; et de fermeture du contenant (100) rempli au moyen de l’élément de fermeture (102) qui est raccordé à la partie de goulot (108), ledit élément de fermeture (102) servant de bouchon de fermeture, dans lequel ledit contenant (100) rempli et bouché forme une unité pour la distribution, de formation dudit contenant (100) selon une capacité de 15 à 40 litres dans lequel le contenant est autostable en utilisation, caractérisé en ce que ladite préforme est soumise à un rapport d’étirement de l’ordre de 10 à 20, dans lequel l’épaisseur de paroi latérale de la partie de corps (112) du contenant est d’ap-proximativement 0,2 à 0,6 mm, et dans lequel la paroi du contenant aune barrière contre l’oxygène et le dioxyde de carbone, la barrière étant obtenue par une technique de mélange. 12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l’épaisseur de paroi latérale de la partie de corps du contenant est d’approximativement 0,35 à 0,40 mm. 13. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou la revendication 12, comprenant en outre l’étape : d’obturation de la partie de goulot (108) du contenant (100) avec un joint inviolable et/ou un joint antipoussière appliquée sur l’élément de fermeture (102). 14. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel le procédé comprend la distribution de boisson, le débranchement d’un robinet de débit (138) lorsque le contenant est vide de boisson, puis le pliage et la mise au rebut du contenant vidé. 15. Contenant (100) pour un système selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, ledit contenant à boisson étant moulé par soufflage à partir d’une préforme en PET (113) et ayant une partie de goulot (108), une partie d’épaulement (110), une partie de base (114) et une partie de corps (112) s’étendant entre la partie d’épaulement (110) et la partie de base (114), formé d’une seule pièce, pliable et jetable, ledit contenant (100) aune capacité de 15 à 40 litres et est autostable en utilisation, caractérisé en ce que : ladite préforme est soumise à un rapport d’étirement de l’ordre de 10 à 20 ; l’épaisseurde paroi latérale de la partie de corps (112) du contenant est d’approximativement 0,2 à 0,6 mm ; et la paroi du contenant a une barrière contre l’oxygène et le dioxyde de carbone, la barrière étant obtenue par une technique de mélange. 16. Contenant selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la partie de base (114) du contenant a une base péta-loïde. 17. Contenant selon la revendication 15, dans lequel la partie de base du contenant a une base de type champagne. 18. Contenant selon l’une quelconque des revendications 15 à 17, dans lequel la partie de corps (112) du contenant est essentiellement cylindrique. 19. Contenant (100) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 15 à 18, dans lequel le contenant (100) a une capacité de 20 à 25 litres. 20. Contenant (100) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 15 à 19, dans lequel l’épaisseur de paroi latérale de la partie de corps (112) du contenant est d’approximativement 0,35 à 0,40 mm.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 4665940 A [0001] · US 4531656 A [0007] • WO 0078665 A [0003] · US 4678101 A [0007] • WO 9911563 A [0004] · EP 1468930 A1 [0008] • WO 2004099060 A [0005] · US 5217128 A [0009] • WO 03008293 A [0006]

Claims (6)

A method for dispensing and dispensing beverages comprising: a container for a flOo beverage, wherein said container (100) has an mouth portion (10¾). with a shoulder part (110), with a base bundle (lifo and cg} body (1 Gr which is an all-part (110) and acrylic / (114) where it is iron) , compressible and disposable; and a tubular structure (104) comprising an elongated tube (130) which is inserted into the Sasial if <J00) is inserted and provided with internal conductors 11371 na! plowing, and a sealing element (102), which is held in the holder by HX)} a -./! (108), in which, in use, an inner fluid (136b) of the tube Π36 is adjacent to the base portion of the container (100) {1143, so that the beverage should be delivered from the inner end of the container) {13? · And the sealing element (102) for dosing *. wherein said reservoir (100) is formed by blowing a nozzle from an RP.T preform, has a capacity of 15 to 40 liters, and freely stops in use, characterized in that: -20; the side wall thickness of the container body part (112) is about 0.2-0.0 mm; M is a barrier with a barrier against oxygen and carbon diosid, where the dam mixing technique is achieved. % System according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir base part (114) is a petal shaped base, 3 <System is a series of claims 1, wherein the container is a champagne-type (114) The System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the rain structure U04) is provided with a ridge. (scavengers!) or coated f. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container body portion (Π!) Is substantially cylindrical, the L · system according to the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element is; {102) includes a non-return valve. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing element (1: 2) comprises a cap (104) which can be filtered through portions. It has. A system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising an egv dispensing spout (142) provided with at least one cap piercing device, a container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims having a capacity of 20425 liters. . A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall thickness of the body and fly body part is about 0.35 to 0.40 mm. II. A method for dispensing and dispensing beverages comprising the steps of: providing a plastic PET preform (1.13); you call it a preform (1.13) with grass formatting! 10ö) ka! for which the container (100) has a mouthpiece (101), a shoulder bag (iUO), a base part (114) and a body part (112) which is a portion of the body (10) e). extends between the base gap ((114)) where said receptacle (100) is formed in one piece, is compressible and disposable; filling said container with a beverage; supplying the container (100) with a rainwater heater (1 () 4), which includes a longitudinal tube (136) which is inserted into the container (100) and has an internal conduit (137) for a beverage and a sealing element (102) ), which must be connected to the mouthpiece (108) of the container (! O0), adjacent to the base portion (100) of the container (100) adjacent to the inner end (136b) of the tube Ü36). and the beverage is delivered from the inner end (136b) crosses the said conduit (137) and the sealing element (102) for delivery; and the sealed container (100) is sealed by the sealing element (102) * which is connected to the mouth , wherein said sealing element (102) acts as a sealing cup, its bottom is filled with said filled and tipped container (KM) from one unit for its purpose, wherein said container (100) is% y is Sold, take a léMO Ikes Has a cap, wherein the container freely stops in use, characterized in that the prefix is exposed to a stretch ratio of the order of 10 to 20, wherein the container is a body part (112). the side thickness is about 0.2-0.6 mm, and wherein the container wall has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, where the dam is achieved by mixing technique. The method of claim 11, wherein the container is a body part. the wall thickness of the side is about 0.35-0.40 non, A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of sealing the mouth portions (.108) of the container (100) with a tamper-resistant and / or powder sealing member which seals the sealing member. (102) is provided. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method comprises. dispensing a beverage, detaching a dispensing head (138) from the container, when the beverage is emptied from the container and then compressing and discarding the emptied container, ály Tank (KM). one of claims 1-10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said container, which serves for beverage, is formed by blow molding from an FET preform (113) and has a mouthpiece (108), a groove portion (110), a base portion (114) and with a body portion (112) extending between the base portion (10) and the base portion (114), in which it is formed in one piece, is compressible and disposable, wherein said container (100) is a 13- Has a capacity of 40 liters and freely stops in use .with.zuI characterized in that said pre-wall has been subjected to a stretch ratio of about 10-20; the side wall thickness of the container body part (1 i2) is about 0.2- 0.6 mm, and the container wall has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, where the barrier is achieved by mixing technique ály Tank according to claim 15, wherein the container base portion (114) is a petal-shaped base. It has. A container according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir of u is provided with a champagne-type base. 18, containers according to any one of claims 1 to 17, azerine; wherein the container body portion (112) is substantially cylindrical, 19, Tank (100) from the 15th to the 18th g. It has a capacity of 20-25 liters. Ä Container (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the container is body part-1112) with an okially-thick comic strip 0.35 0.40 mm.