IES930450A2 - A method and apparatus for emptying liquid contents from a¹bag-in-barrel container - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for emptying liquid contents from a bag 5 in-barrel container (2) comprises a main framework (20) supporting a collection tank (30) for receiving the liquid contents. A pair of main pivot members (42) pivotally mounted to the main framework (20) pivotally carries a cradle (40) for receiving and 10 supporting the barrel (3). An hydraulic ram (50) pivots the main pivot members (42) and in turn, the cradle (40) from a receiving position for receiving the barrel (3) to a tilted position above the tank (30). An outlet opening (41) is formed in the bag 15 (10) in the tilted position for emptying the contents of the bag (10) into the tank (30). A mangle (70) squeezes the remaining liquid from the bag (10) towards and through the outlet opening (41) fonned in the bag (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for emptying liquid contents from a bag-in5 barrel container, and also to the liquid contents when emptied from the bag-in-barrel container, as well as to a beverage prepared from the liquid contents.

Beverages, in general are prepared from a liquid concentrate of the required flavour diluted in a water solution. Such concentrates may, for example, be concentrates of orange, lemon, pineapple, grapefruit, lime, and the like. Other ingredients, for example, sugar may be added to the diluted solution. The diluted solution is carbonated where a sparkling beverage is required.

In general, liquid concentrates for such beverages, are supplied in bag-in-barrel containers, the liquid contents of which are of the order of 265 kg. A sealed bag of flexible plastics material within the barrel contains the liquid concentrate. A lid closes an open mouth of the barrel through which the bag is accessible. In general, emptying the liquid concentrate from such bag-in-barrel containers requires the removal of the lid, after wh±bh'~Ttre'~~ I OPEN TO PUBLIC SNSPEC UNDER SECTION 28 AND PULE A /?J ECTION '7 j JNL No.../77/......OF /7^/ IE 930450 barrel is tilted to incline downwardly towards the open mouth, and an outlet opening is cut in the bag by a knife or other suitable bladed instrument.

Such bag-in-barrel containers suffer from a relatively 5 serious problem in that it is impossible using known methods and apparatus to empty all or substantially all of the contents from the bag. Because of the flexible structure of the bag, the bag does not uniformly collapse during emptying of the contents, thus, trapping some of the liquid concentrate therein. In practise, it has been found that up to 1% to 1¾% of the liquid concentrate remains in the bag after emptying. This, is disposed of with the bag, and thus, wasted. Since the preparation and sale of beverages, in general, is a relatively low profit margin business the loss of 1% to 1¾% of the liquid concentrate, which is in general, the most expensive ingredient of a beverage considerably reduces the profit margin which could otherwise have been available to the business.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for emptying liquid concentrate, or indeed, any other liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container. There is also a need for the liquid contents of such a bag25 in-barrel container when emptied using the method or IE 930450 apparatus of the invention, and further, there is a need for a beverage prepared from the liquid contents of a bag-in-barrel container.

The invention is directed towards providing such a 5 method and apparatus, as well as the liquid contents emptied from the container and a beverage prepared using the liquid contents.

According to the invention there is provided a method for emptying liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, the method comprising the steps of removing a lid from the barrel of the bag-in-barrel container to expose an open mouth of the barrel, tilting the barrel from a first orientation to a second orientation with the barrel inclined downwardly towards the open mouth, forming an outlet opening in the bag adjacent the open mouth of the barrel and allowing substantially all the liquid contents to empty from the bag into a collection tank, removing the bag from the barrel when most of the liquid contents have been emptied therefrom, and passing the bag through a mangle means for progressively squeezing substantially all the remaining liquid contents from the bag, the bag being passed through the mangle means so that the outlet opening in the bag is substantially the last part of the bag to pass through the mangle IE 930450 means .

In one embodiment of the invention, the bag is passed through the mangle means with the outlet opening delivering the remaining liquid contents in the bag into the collection tank.

In another embodiment of the invention, the barrel is elevated from a first position adjacent the ground in the first orientation to a second position with the open mouth of the barrel above the collection tank in the second orientation.

In another embodiment of the invention, the barrel is moved from the first position spaced apart from the collection tank to the second position. In a further embodiment of the invention, the barrel is in an upright orientation in the first orientation, the lid of the barrel being at the top thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outlet opening is formed by a bladed instrument.

Additionally, the invention provides apparatus for 20 emptying liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, the apparatus comprising a main ground engaging framework, a collection tank supported on the IE 930450 main framework for receiving the liquid contents from the bag-in-barrel container, a cradle for receiving and supporting the barrel, the cradle being mounted on the main framework and being movable from a receiving position for receiving the barrel in a first position, to a tilted position for supporting the barrel in a second position with the barrel inclined downwardly towards an open mouth of the barrel for emptying substantially all the liquid contents of the bag into the collection tank, means for moving the cradle from the receiving position to the tilted position, and a mangle means mounted on the main framework for squeezing substantially all the remaining liquid contents from the bag into the collection tank.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means for moving the cradle elevates the cradle from the rest position adjacent the ground to the tilted position with the open mouth of the barrel over the collection tank. Preferably, the means for moving the cradle moves the cradle from the receiving position spaced apart from the main framework to the tilted position. Advantageously, the means for moving the cradle comprises an elongated main pivot member pivotally connected to the main framework about a first pivot axis, the cradle being carried on the main pivot member about a second pivot axis parallel to and IE 930450 spaced apart from the first pivot axis, the main pivot member being pivotal from a first position with the cradle in the receiving position to a second position with the cradle in the tilted position, and restraining means co-operating with the main framework and the cradle for restraining the cradle to pivot about the second pivot axis into the tilted position as the main pivot member pivots into the second position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the restraining means comprises a flexible member. Preferably, the flexible member is a non-elastic flexible member. Advantageously, the flexible member is anchored to the cradle at a position spaced apart from the second pivot axis, and is anchored to the main framework at a position spaced apart from the first pivot axis so that the flexible member is relatively slack when the cradle is in the receiving position and is relatively taut when the cradle is in the tilted position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the moving means comprises a ram for pivoting the main pivot member between the first and second positions.

In another embodiment of the invention, the collection tank comprises an elongated trough shaped tank IE 930450 extending between spaced apart opposite ends, and a discharge outlet being provided from the collection tank.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cradle 5 is disposed to one end of the collection tank, the mangle means being disposed at the other end of the collection tank.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mangle means comprises a pair of co-operable rotatable squeeze rollers, and means for rotating the squeeze rollers at a speed in the range of 25 revs, per minute to 45 revs, per minute. Preferably, the means for rotating the squeeze rollers rotates the squeeze rollers at a speed in the range of 30 revs, per minute to 40 revs. per minute. Advantageously, the means for rotating the squeeze rollers rotates the squeeze rollers at a speed of 35 revs, per minute approximately.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the squeeze rollers are of similar diameter, the diameter being in the range of 50 mm to 90 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the squeeze rollers is 73 mm approximately.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means for rotating the squeeze rollers is a motor.

IE 930450 Further, the invention provides liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, the liquid contents having been emptied from the bag-in-barrel container using the method of the invention.

The invention also provides liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, the liquid contents having been emptied from the bag-in-barrel container using the apparatus according to the invention.

Further, the invention provides a beverage prepared 10 from a mixture of water and the liquid contents according to the invention.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention for emptying liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the 20 apparatus of Fig. 1 in one position, Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating IE 930450 the apparatus in another position, Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating the apparatus in a still further position, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of portion of the 5 apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a still further portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bag-in-barrel container, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of portion of 15 the bag-in-barrel container, and Fig. 11 is a sectional elevational view of the bag-in-barrel container of Fig. 9.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated IE 930450 apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for emptying liquid contents, in this case, liquid concentrate for use in the preparation of a beverage from a bag-in5 barrel container indicated generally by the reference numeral 2. Before describing the apparatus 1 in detail, the bag-in-barrel container 2 will first be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. The bagin-barrel container 2 comprises a circular barrel 3 having a base 4 and a circular side wall 5 extending at one end from the base 4 to another end to define an open mouth 6. A lid 8 closes the open mouth 6. A bag 10 of flexible plastics material which contains the liquid concentrate is sealed and placed and supported within the barrel 3. Although, in Fig. 10, for the purpose of illustration, the bag 10 is illustrated as being self-supporting, the bag 10 is not selfsupporting and relies on the barrel 3 for support.

The bag 10 is of such a size and shape as to substantially fill the interior of the barrel 3. Such bag-in-barrel containers 2 will be known to those skilled in the art.

The apparatus 1 for emptying the liquid contents from the bag-in-barrel container 2 comprises a ground engaging main framework 20 of box section steel material. The main framework 20 comprises four IE 930450 upright members 22 extending downwardly from a top frame 23. A pair of side members 24 extend longitudinally on each side of the main framework 20 between opposite pairs of the upright members 22. A transverse cross member 25 extends between two of the upright members 22 at one end of the main framework 20, and an intermediate transverse cross-member 26 joins the side members 24. A sub-framework 27 is rigidly connected to and supported by the side members 24.

An elongated trough shaped collection tank 30 of sheet stainless steel material is supported in the top frame 23 of the main framework 20 for receiving the liquid concentrate from the bag-in-barrel container 2 as will be described below. The collection tank 30 comprises a base 32, side walls 33 extending upwardly from the base 32 joined by end walls 34 also extending upwardly from the base 32. A discharge outlet 35 from the collection tank 30 is provided in the base 32 for discharging the liquid contents therefrom for use in the preparation of the beverage. A pipe 36 only portion of which is illustrated delivers the liquid concentrate from the collection tank 30 through a valve not shown.

A cradle 40 of steel is mounted on, and at one end of IE 930450 the main framework 20, and is movable from receiving position adjacent the ground illustrated in Fig. 2 for receiving the barrel 3, to a tilted position above the collection tank 30 illustrated in Fig. 3 for supporting the barrel 3 in a second inclined orientation described below for emptying most of the liquid concentrate from the bag 10. When the cradle 40 is in the tilted position an outlet opening 41 described below is formed in the bag 10 and the liquid concentrate empties from the bag 10 into the collection tank 30. This is described in detail below. Means for moving the cradle 40 from the receiving position to the tilted position comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart main pivot members 42 which are carried on and rigidly mounted to a pivot shaft 43 pivotally carried in bearings 44 secured to the sub-framework 27. The pivot shaft 43 extends transversely of the main framework 20 and defines a first pivot axis 45 about which the main pivot members 42 are pivotal relative to the main framework 20. The pivot shaft 43 extends on both sides of the bearings 44 for rigidly engaging and carrying the main pivot members 42 on opposite sides of the main framework 20. A pair of pivot pins 46 pivotally carried on the ends of the respective main pivot members 42 in bearings 48 define a common second pivot axis 47, which is parallel to and spaced apart from the first pivot axis IE 930450 defined by the pivot shaft 43. The pivot pins 46 pivotally carry the cradle 40 so that the cradle 40 is pivotal about the second pivot axis 47 relative to the main pivot members 42 for tilting the cradle 40 as will be described below.

The means for moving the cradle 40 from the receiving position to the tilted position also comprises an hydraulic ram 50 for pivoting the main pivot members 42 from a first position illustrated in Fig. 2 corresponding to the receiving position of the cradle 40, to a second position illustrated in Fig. 3 corresponding to the tilted position of the cradle 40. The ram 50 is pivotally connected by a pivot mounting bracket 51 to the sub-framework 27. A piston rod 52 of the ram 50 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 53 to a pair of spaced apart operating arms 54 which are welded to and extend radially from the pivot shaft 43 for pivoting the pivot shaft 43 and in turn the main pivot members 42 between the first and second positions.

The cradle 40 comprises a base 57 and a substantially semi-cylindrical side wall 58 extending from the base 57, which together form a receiving area 56 for receiving the barrel 3. A pair of side support members 59 extend upwardly from the base 57 along SE 930450 opposite sides of the side wall 58, and carry the pivot pins 46.

Restraining means for restraining the cradle 40 to pivot about the second pivot axis 47 defined by the pivot pins 46 as the main pivot members 42 are being pivoted into the second position for tilting the cradle 40 into the tilt position comprises a pair of flexible non-elastic members, namely, a pair of restraining chains 60. The chains 60 are anchored to the main framework 20 at opposite ends of the transverse cross member 25 and are anchored to mounting members 62 extending from the side support members 59 of the cradle 40. When the main pivot members 42 and the cradle 40 are in the first position and receiving position, respectively, as illustrated in Fig. 2 the restraining chains 60 are relatively slack. As the main pivot members 42 pivot into the second position, the restraining chains 60 become taut and in turn pivot the cradle 40 relative to the main pivot members 42 into the tilted position illustrated in Fig. 3.

A buffer member 65 of resilient plastics material is carried on a carrier member 66 of box section steel extending from the sub-framework 27 for urging the cradle 40 into an upright orientation as the cradle 40 IE 930450 is returning to the receiving position.

Mangle means for squeezing the remaining liquid concentrate from the bag through the outlet opening 41 comprises a mangle 70 having a pair of spaced apart side members 72 of steel mounted on and extending upwardly from the top frame 23 at the opposite end to the cradle 40. A pair of squeeze rollers 73 are rotatably carried in the side members 72 in bearings (not shown) for receiving the bag 10 therebetween.

Means for rotating the squeeze rollers 73 comprises an electrically powered motor 74 mounted in the main framework 20 which drives the squeeze rollers 73 through a belt transmission assembly 75. A pair of intermeshing gears 76 interconnects the squeeze rollers 73 so that the rollers 73 rotate at the same speed, in this case 35 revs, per minute. A pair of adjusting screws 77 mounted in respective side members 72 facilitates adjustment of the tension between the squeeze rollers 73. In this embodiment of the invention the squeeze rollers are of similar diameter of 73 mm.

The method according to the invention for emptying the liquid concentrate from the bag-in-barrel container 2 will now be described with reference to the apparatus 1. The bag-in-barrel container 2 in a first IE 930450 orientation, namely, in an upright orientation is placed in the cradle 40 with the cradle 40 in the receiving position. The lid 8 is removed from the barrel 3. The hydraulic ram 50 is extended to pivot the main pivot members 42 from the first to the second position, thereby moving the cradle 40 from the receiving position to the tilted position with the barrel 3 in a second position, namely, in an inclined orientation with the barrel 3 inclined downwardly towards the open mouth 6 for emptying of the liquid concentrate from the bag 10 into the collection tank 30. An elongated outlet opening 41 is cut in the bag 10 adjacent the open mouth 6 with a knife or other suitable bladed instrument and the liquid concentrate empties from the bag 10 into the collection tank 30. When most of the concentrated liquid has emptied from the bag 10, in other words, when no further liquid flows from the bag 10, the hydraulic ram 50 is retracted thereby returning the main pivot members 42 from the second position to the first position and in turn returning the cradle from the titled position to the receiving position. The bag 10 is removed from the barrel 3, and is entered between the squeeze rollers 73 with the end remote from the outlet opening 41 being entered between the squeeze rollers 73. The end of the bag 10 in which the outlet opening 41 is formed is held above the collection tank 30. The IE 930450 squeeze rollers 73 are rotated and the bag 10 is drawn between the squeeze rollers 73 in the direction of the arrows A, see Fig. 8. The action of the squeeze rollers 73 on the bag 10 squeezes substantially all the remaining liquid concentrate in the bag 10 along the bag 10 towards and through the outlet opening 41. This can most clearly be seen in Fig. 8.

Should it be desired to empty more than one bag-inbarrel container 2 into the collection tank 30, the next bag-in-barrel container 2 may be placed in the cradle 40 which may in turn be operated to empty the liquid concentrate from the next barrel into the collection tank 30 while the bag 10 from the previous bag-in-barrel container 2 is being squeezed through the mangle 80.

The advantages of the invention are many. By virtue of the fact that the mangle is provided for squeezing the remaining contents from the bag, virtually all the liquid concentrate is emptied from the bag. Thus, the problem of liquid concentrate loss resulting from some of the liquid concentrate remaining in the bag on emptying the bag-in-barrel container using conventional methods has been overcome. Furthermore, the provision of a cradle being movable from a receiving position to a tilted position significantly IE 930450 improves and enhances the efficiency with which a bag in-barrel container may be emptied.

While the apparatus has been described as comprising main framework, the apparatus may be provided in any other suitable form or construction. Needless to say a collection tank of shape other than that described may be used. Needless to say, any other suitable means for moving the cradle may be provided. The mangle means may be provided in any other suitable location.

Claims (5)

1. A method for emptying liquid contents from a bagin-barrel container, the method comprising the steps of : 5 removing a lid from the barrel of the bag-inbarrel container to expose an open mouth of the barrel, tilting the barrel from a first orientation to a second orientation with the barrel inclined downwardly 10 towards the open mouth, forming an outlet opening in the bag adjacent the open mouth of the barrel and allowing substantially all the liquid contents to empty from the bag into a collection tank, 15 removing the bag from the barrel when most of the liquid contents have been emptied therefrom, and passing the bag through a mangle means for progressively squeezing substantially all the remaining liquid contents from the bag, the bag being 20 passed through the mangle means so that the outlet opening in the bag is substantially the last part of the bag to pass through the mangle means.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 in which the barrel is elevated from a first position adjacent the ground 25 in the first orientation to a second position with the open mouth of the barrel above the collection tank in IF 930450 the second orientation, and the bag is passed through the mangle means with the outlet opening delivering the remaining liquid contents in the bag into the collection tank. 5

3. Apparatus for emptying liquid contents from a bagin-barrel container, the apparatus comprising: a main ground engaging framework, a collection tank supported on the main framework for receiving the liquid contents from the bag-in10 barrel container, a cradle for receiving and supporting the barrel, the cradle being mounted on the main framework and being movable from a receiving position for receiving the barrel in a first position, to a tilted position 15 for supporting the barrel in a second position with the barrel inclined downwardly towards an open mouth of the barrel for emptying substantially all the liquid contents of the bag into the collection tank, means for moving the cradle from the receiving 20 position to the tilted position, and a mangle means mounted on the main framework for squeezing substantially all the remaining liquid contents from the bag into the collection tank.

4. Liquid contents from a bag-in-barrel container, 25 the liquid contents having been emptied from the bagIE 930450 in-barrel container using the method of Claims 1 or 2

5. A beverage prepared from a mixture of water and the liquid contents of Claim 4.