JP6236050B2 - Fluid packaging container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid packaging container for the transport and supply of beverage related ingredients. Such fluid packaging containers form a replaceable component in beverage preparation and dispensing devices that act as hosts for the fluid packaging containers.

  In particular, such a fluid packaging container is known from the applicant's WO 00/79223. Such containers are useful for dispensing coffee, chocolate, dairy, milk or tea concentrates in beverage preparation and dispensing systems. These known containers are of the bag-in-box type, and the volume of the flexible bag is reduced at the same time as the concentrated beverage ingredients are withdrawn therefrom. Although these packages give some control over their headspace, they have not been totally effective in removing any deterioration of the beverage concentrate from the headspace air over a long period of use. For some uses, there remains a need to control the headspace in various ways. Another problem with the prior art bag-in-box containers is that when they are provided with a metal layer, they are expensive to manufacture and their disposal is often associated with environmental problems.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the deficiencies of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an alternative arrangement that is easier to handle in assembly and operation and can be made relatively inexpensively. Alternatively, it is also an object of the present invention to provide at least a convenient choice for the public.

  For this purpose the invention is as defined in any one of the appended claims and substantially as described herein below and illustrated in the drawings. A fluid packaging container is provided.

1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a fluid packaging container according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a fluid packaging container according to the present invention. 1 is a first longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first form of a two-way valve cooperating in a fluid packaging container according to the present invention. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the 2nd longitudinal direction which is perpendicular | vertical to the 1st cross section of the two-way valve of FIG. FIG. 6 is a first longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second form of a two-way valve cooperating in a fluid packaging container according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the 2nd longitudinal direction which is perpendicular | vertical to the 1st cross section of the two-way valve of FIG. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third form of rotational symmetry of a two-way valve cooperating in a fluid packaging container according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another alternative two-way valve for use as a storage container.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid packaging container (1) is shown having a rigid or semi-rigid fixed volume storage chamber (3) that generally defines an interior space. The internal space of the storage chamber (3) is shown to contain a first volume (5) of liquid beverage ingredients and an upper volume (7) of gas. The fluid packaging container (1) further has a liquid outlet (9), which will comprise a valve generally indicated by reference numeral 11. Number 11 can be a conventional design, for example, an actively operated poppet valve, or a passively operated check valve (one-way valve), to name just a few.

  FIG. 1 also shows that the fluid packaging container (1) has pressure equalizing means in the form of a pore membrane (13). The microporous membrane (13) is provided with a supply gas, eg outside air, to maintain a predetermined pressure in the second volume (7) when the liquid is withdrawn from the first volume (5) through the liquid outlet (9). Defines an inlet (15) for communicating with

  In use, the fluid packaging container (1) will be operatively connected to a beverage preparation and dispensing hosting station. And the first and second volumes (5, 7) are each between a substantially zero volume and a volume substantially corresponding to the entire interior space defined by the storage chamber (3). Will be variable. In fact, the first and second volumes (5, 7) are complementary to each other and they together fill the interior space. Therefore, a portion of the liquid component is evacuated from the storage chamber (3) via the outlet (9) as indicated by the arrow (17) and a suitable supply of gas is indicated by the arrow (19). Is allowed to enter the second volume (7) of the storage chamber (3) via the inlet (15). For example, gas or air that could enter the second volume may enter with some delay when the rate at which liquid is discharged from the storage chamber exceeds the rate at which gas or air is entered. Within the proper range, such a difference between inflow and outflow does not cause any operational difficulties.

  The pore membrane (13), additionally shown in FIG. 1 as an enlarged detail, provides a sterile venting means that equalizes the pressure in the second volume (7) when the product is dispensed. providing. Deterioration and contamination of the liquid component of the first volume (5) can thereby be prevented. A suitable porous material is the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. under the trademark “Gore-Tex”. This material is available with pores of 0.2 μm size, which can block 99.9999% of aerosol particles, bacteria and viruses. Another possible suitable material may be a gas permeable sheet of polyethylene fiber available from E.I. de Pont de Nemours, Inc. under the trademark “Tyvek”. Equivalent materials are also available from other suppliers such as DSM. An important property of such microporous membranes is that they allow aseptic aeration of gases and outside air while retaining liquids, particles and pathogens. Such membranes can meet food chain store suitability approvals when the materials used meet food grade and can be guaranteed to be manufactured and handled under hygienic conditions.

  Since the liquid outlet (9) will generally be arranged to communicate with a beverage dispensing hosting station (not shown but conventional), such a dispensing station also includes a pressure equalizing means (13, 15) can be provided for connecting to a suitable gas supply device associated with the beverage dispensing station.

  FIG. 2 shows an alternative form (101) of a fluid packaging container according to the invention. The fluid packaging container (101) again defines a rigid or semi-rigid storage chamber (103) having a generally tetraedic outer shape. Such a rectangular external shape can be advantageous in transport, but also in cooperation with beverage preparation and dispensing hosting stations. In the latter case, the square shape helps in correctly placing the fluid packaging container (101) on such a hosting station. The fluid packaging container (101) shown in FIG. 2 further has a recess (121) for accommodating the liquid outlet (109) and the drive connection (123), the drive connection (123) This is to provide a driving force to a metering pump that can be placed in the storage chamber (103) upstream of the fluid outlet (109) and preferably also upstream of the fluid valve connected to the liquid outlet (109). By mounting such accessories in the depression (121) they are protected during transport and are also damaged during their handling when connecting the fluid packaging container (101) to the beverage preparation hosting station. It will be difficult to receive.

  However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other shapes are equally possible away from the round shape of the packaging container (1) of FIG. 1 or from the square or parallel pipe shape of the packaging container (101) of FIG. . Perhaps the packaging container may also be a combination of round and square parts.

  A pressure equalizing connection (115) is provided at the apex of the storage chamber (103). In a particular embodiment of the invention, this pressure equalization connection (115) can also be used to first create an overpressure in the container. This can be particularly advantageous when semi-rigid containers are used. This is because it makes it possible to strengthen the packaging container for transport and increase the stacking height. A slight overpressure can also help to accurately dispense during use.

  When overpressure must be maintained during use of the packaging container (103) in the beverage hosting system, the pressure equalization connection (115) is airtight to the gas supply under pressure applied to this beverage hosting station. Can be connected in the state.

  The pressure equalizing connection (115) is used only while filling the fluid packaging container (101), while the gas supply in communication with the second volume is housed inside the storage chamber (103). But it is also conceivable. Such a gas supply unit may be a porous material having gas absorbability or adsorptivity. Examples of such porous materials are granular activated carbon or carbon fiber composite molecular sieves (CFCMS). As an example of such an alternative, reference is made to US Pat. No. 6,708,844, which teaches this technique in the context of aerosol cans. Similarly, it can also be envisaged that the internal supply of gas in the packaging container (101) is formed by a combination of a pressure container and a pressure control valve assembly, also known as an aerosol container. Examples of this latter alternative are described in US Pat. No. 5,110,047 and US Pat. No. 5,562,235, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  It may be further useful in connection with the present invention to provide means for preventing oxidation or degradation of the fluid concentrate in the packaging container when gas, sterilized gas or sterile ambient air is placed in the packaging container. For this purpose, an airtight float can be provided at the top of the liquid volume in order to reduce or eliminate contact between the liquid volume and the gas volume. Similarly, a liquid seal in the form of a non-dissolvable food grade oil that floats above the liquid can exclude any contact between the two volumes. In fact, such a liquid seal forms a third volume that maintains a constant volume while the volumes of the first and second volumes change. In such an embodiment, the first, second, and third volume portions continuously fill the interior space of the packaging container during use, and the third volume portion with a constant volume is the first volume portion and the second volume portion. Separate the volume.

  As explained above, the use of over-pressurized gas filled in the upper volume of the fluid packaging container allows the use of semi-rigid containers, such as those substantially formed of laminated cardboard, in particular. To do. Such packaging containers are generally more environmentally acceptable than the bag-in-box type containers that have been used so far. Cardboard containers are easier to manufacture, use less resources and are easier to compact when thrown away. Appropriate accessories for interface connections for fluid outlets and hosting stations are connected to the cardboard packaging container as described in US Pat. No. 4,483,464 and US Pat. No. 5,088,463. Which are incorporated herein by reference.

  In another alternative embodiment, the fluid packaging container has a second volume filled only with a gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure during transport. As in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the fluid packaging container may have pore venting means. In order to continue to maintain pressurized conditions during shipping, the vent membrane may be sealed with a tamper evident seal that is to be removed by the user prior to loading the container on or in the hosting system. Any gas leak during the removal of the tamper evident seal will additionally cause the user to confirm that the contents have been kept fresh. During use, the container can then be aseptically vented to the outside air by means of a porous membrane.

  If the initial over-pressurized gas filling is one of such gas fillings including sterilizing air filling, inert gas filling or coffee, chocolate or tea aroma, there is another advantage sell. In such a case, it is conceivable to use a sterile valve rather than a pore membrane as a sterile ventilation means.

  Also, the valve connected to the liquid outlet (9, 109) is preferably a certain sterile valve. One example of a suitable valve of this type is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,033,647, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, it will be explained that the two-way valve concept embodiment is particularly suitable for use in at least some embodiments according to the present invention. In particular, these two-way valves allow the upper space represented by the second volume to be supplied with over-pressurized gas after the sterile venting means or pressure equalizing means has been brought to sealing conditions. Will.

  It should be emphasized that the use of an over-pressurized head space within the fluid package is not limited to rigid or semi-rigid containers, but rather may benefit from bag-in-box type containers. Such overpressure in a bag-in-box container will make it easier to place a filled bag into its outer box, and the use of an inert gas will ensure that the beverage component is contained within the bag-in-box container. In the same way, the beverage ingredients are used as well. Overpressure in a bag-in-box container can also generally improve emptying by improving metering accuracy and reducing otherwise wrinkled bag wrinkles.

  Therefore, the following description of the two-way valve concept is not intended to be limited to rigid or semi-rigid containers, but rather uses bags that are more flexible than bag-in-box containers or fixed-volume storage chambers. Also applicable to any separate container.

  Referring first to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first embodiment of a two-way valve that can be used in the position of a liquid outlet valve (as indicated by reference numeral 11 in FIG. 1) is shown. FIG. 3 shows a first longitudinal section of the valve in a plane perpendicular to the first section. The two-way valve (251) comprises a rigid inner body (253) having an inlet end (255) for connection to a container and an outlet end (257) for communicating with a beverage hosting system. . The inlet end (255) and outlet end (257) are elastic outer sleeves having an inner barrier (259) and preferably a pretensioned interference fit around the inner valve body (253). (261).

  On the inlet side, the valve body (253) has a first pair (263, 265) of opposed lateral openings in communication with the inlet end (255). On the outlet side, the valve body (253) has a second pair (267, 269) of opposed lateral openings in communication with the outlet end (257). The flexible outer sleeve (251) ensures passage of the fluid medium without pressure or with pressure up to a predetermined level applied to the inlet end (255) or outlet end (257). And preferably will prevent aseptically.

  The inlet end (255) has a flange surface (271) by which it is conveniently attached to a liquid container of the type cited above. The outlet end (257) can be adapted for connection to a gas supply under aseptic conditions.

  In use, liquid beverage ingredients, such as coffee concentrate, can be pumped to the inlet end (255), as indicated by arrow (273). By exceeding the predetermined pressure, the liquid content then lifts the resilient outer sleeve (261) radially from the valve body (253) and opens laterally through the periphery of the rigid valve body (253). Between the first pair (263, 265) and the radially raised portion of the resilient sleeve (261), fluid passes through the second pair (267, 269) of the lateral openings. Will enter the exit end (257).

When filling a container fitted with a two-way valve (251), the remaining headspace is the appropriate amount of gas under pressure by using the outlet end (257) as indicated by the arrow (275). Can be satisfied. For this purpose, a suitable adapter can be coupled to the outlet end (257) under aseptic conditions. An inert gas, such as nitrogen (N ₂ ), is then introduced into the second pair of lateral openings by a passage created between the elastic cover (261) and the rigid valve body (253) raised in the radial direction. The elastic cover (261) can be lifted from (263, 265).

  Such a two-way valve can be sterile in each of its two operating directions. The gap between the first pair of lateral openings (263, 265) and the second pair of nearest lateral openings (267, 269) is an elastic sleeve (261) that spans the middle between adjacent openings. It must be sufficient to guarantee sterility by its automatic peristaltic behavior.

  With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a slightly modified embodiment of the two-way valve described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described. For clarity, in FIGS. 5 and 6, similar elements are referenced by reference numbers that differ by 100 from the numbers used in FIGS.

  Therefore, a similar cross section where it can be appreciated that the two-way valve (351) of FIGS. 5 and 6 has a rigid valve body (353) with an inlet end (355) and an outlet end (357). You can see that The inlet end (355) and outlet end (357) are separated from each other by an inner barrier (359) and an outer sleeve (361).

  The elastic outer sleeve (361) as opposed to the elastic outer sleeve (261) of FIGS. 3 and 4 has various radial thicknesses. In the region of the barrier (359) inside the valve body (353), the flexible outer sleeve (361) is connected to the first and second pairs (363, 365, 367, 369) of the lateral openings. It has thicker portions (361A, 361B) that face each other in parallel planes, resulting in a firm support for the flexible sleeve around these openings. Another aspect of the flexible behavior of the outer sleeve (261, 361) is to vary the diameter of the rigid valve body along the axial length, as actually demonstrated by the embodiment of FIGS. It must be clear that you can get by.

  The use and operation of the two-way valve of FIGS. 5 and 6 is essentially similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, so repeated description of similar reference elements of FIGS. 5 and 6 is not necessary. I think that the.

  Another embodiment of the two-way valve is shown in FIG. This two-way valve (451) differs from the two-way valve described above in that it has a rigid outer body (452) and an elastic inner body (454).

  In use, the flexible inner sleeve or body (454) is deflected by a fluid flow that enters the inlet end (455) according to arrow (473) or enters the outlet end (457) according to arrow (475). Will be made. A reduction in pressure profile is achieved through a reduction in interference between the inner and outer bodies (452, 454) along the axial direction of this two-way valve. The proximal diameter of the intermediate portion is smaller than the opposing distal diameters and the interference disappears in the direction of the inlet and outlet ends. It therefore allows for biaxial flow.

  Another alternative embodiment (551) of the two-way valve is shown in FIG. The two-way valve (551) is also configured for use with a liquid dispensing outlet of a fixed volume storage container, such as the outlet (9, 109) of the container of FIG. 1 or 2, respectively. The two-way valve (551) is composed of a rigid inner component (553) and a flexible outer tube (561), which together form an inlet end (555) and an outlet end (557). Define. The rigid inner component (553) includes a flexible outer tube (561) for clean and aseptic separation between the fluid at the inlet end (555) and the fluid at the outlet end (557). An interfering peripheral sealing surface (556) is provided. In FIG. 8, there can be increased pressure at the inlet end (555) of the two-way valve (551), as schematically illustrated by arrows (572, 574). Once this increased pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the valve has a resilient outer cover formed by a flexible tube (561) in the direction of the arrows (577, 579) of the component. It can open upon being raised radially from the peripheral surface (556) of the inner rigid body (553). The fluid from the container can then leave the outlet end (557) in the direction of the arrow (275). In FIG. 8, the outer tube (561) has an enlarged diameter central portion (561A) and two axially separated inner portions to retain the inner rigid component (553) within the central portion of the outer tube. It is further shown having an annular ridge (561B, 561C).

  Thus, the operation and configuration of the present invention is believed to be clear from the foregoing description. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and within the scope of those skilled in the art, i.e. modifications are possible which are to be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Similarly, all kinematic inversions are essentially disclosed and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The term “comprising” as used herein or in the appended claims should not be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense, but rather in an inclusive sense. Expressions such as “means for” are to be read as “components designed for” or “members configured for” and are intended to encompass equivalents to the disclosed configurations. It should be. For example, use of expressions such as “important”, “preferred”, “particularly preferred” are not intended to limit the invention. Features that are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may be additionally included in configurations according to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 Fluid packaging container 3 Storage chamber (Rigid or semi-rigid fixed capacity)
5 1st volume part 7 2nd volume part 9 Liquid outlet 11 Valve 13 Pore membrane 15 Inlet

Claims (21)

A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid or semi-rigid construction configured to be operably connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container having a storage chamber defining an interior space; And a first volume part of the liquid component and a second volume part of the gas are included in the internal space, and the volume of the first volume part and the volume of the second volume part are each variable during use, and the fluid The packaging container further includes a fluid outlet disposed in communication with the beverage dispensing station, and pressure equalizing means for maintaining a predetermined pressure in the second volume during use, regardless of the liquid drawn from the interior space. The fluid packaging container includes a fluid valve coupled to the fluid outlet, the liquid including one of coffee, dairy product, chocolate and black tea concentrate, and a metering pump of the fluid valve Upstream the storage chamber It is located within,
The fluid packaging container.   The fluid packaging container of claim 1, wherein the pressure equalizing means includes a sterile vent means for providing a sterile barrier.   The fluid packaging container of claim 2, wherein the sterile venting means provides controlled access to the second volume.   The fluid packaging container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the aseptic ventilation means includes a porous membrane.   5. A fluid packaging container according to claim 4, wherein the microporous membrane is selected from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or a gas permeable sheet of polyethylene fibers. The fluid packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the aseptic ventilation means includes a sterile valve .   The pressure equalizing means includes a gas supply part for maintaining a predetermined pressure in the second volume part, the gas supply part is accommodated in the internal space, and the gas supply part is relatively high Including a reservoir capable of storing an amount of gas under pressure and capable of releasing a portion of the amount of gas at a relatively low pressure, the reservoir comprising a porous material The fluid packaging container according to claim 1.   The pressure equalizing means includes a gas supply part for maintaining a predetermined pressure in the second volume part, the gas supply part is accommodated in the internal space, and the gas supply part is relatively high Including a reservoir capable of storing a volume of gas under pressure and capable of releasing a portion of the volume of gas at a relatively low pressure, the reservoir including a gas absorbing material The fluid packaging container according to claim 1.   9. The fluid packaging container of claim 8, wherein the gas absorbing material is selected from the group comprising granular activated charcoal and carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS). The storage chamber that have a parallelepiped or square (tetraedic) outer shape, fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1-9.   The fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid valve is a sterile valve.   The fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pressure in the second volume part exceeds atmospheric pressure.   The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the gas in the second volume portion is sterilized air.   The fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the gas in the second volume part is an inert gas.   The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a coffee concentrate, and the gas in the second volume contains coffee aroma.   12. The fluid valve is a two-way valve for filling a second volume of gas and also functions as a fluid valve that allows fluid to be drained from the interior space under aseptic conditions. The fluid packaging container according to 1. The first and second volumes are each variable between a substantially zero volume and a volume corresponding to a substantially internal space during use, and are complementary to each other; second volume meets internal space together, fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1-16. Furthermore, a liquid barrier and a gas barrier are included between the first volume part and the second volume part, and the liquid barrier and the gas barrier are provided by an insoluble third volume part included in the internal space. The fluid packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , wherein the third volume part includes food-grade oil floating on the liquid first volume part. Furthermore, a liquid barrier and a gas barrier are included between the first volume part and the second volume part, and the liquid barrier and the gas barrier are provided by an insoluble third volume part included in the internal space. 18. The third volume of any one of claims 1 to 17 , comprising a substantially solid, gas and fluid free float that floats above the first volume of liquid. Fluid packaging container. A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid or semi-rigid construction configured to be operably connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container having a storage chamber defining an interior space; And a first volume part of the liquid component and a second volume part of the gas are included in the internal space, and the volume of the first volume part and the volume of the second volume part are each variable during use, and the fluid The packaging container further includes a fluid outlet arranged to communicate with the beverage dispensing station, the second volume having a predetermined pressure in the second volume at least prior to use, the liquid being Including one of coffee, dairy, chocolate and tea concentrate, and a metering pump is disposed in the storage chamber upstream of the fluid valve;
The fluid packaging container. A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid or semi-rigid construction configured to be operably connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container having a storage chamber defining an interior space; And a first volume part of the liquid component and a second volume part of the gas are included in the internal space, and the volume of the first volume part and the volume of the second volume part are each variable during use, and the fluid The packaging container further includes a fluid outlet disposed in communication with the beverage dispensing station, the packaging container including a sterile fluid valve coupled to the fluid outlet, the liquid comprising coffee, dairy, chocolate and tea. One of the concentrates, and a metering pump is disposed in the storage chamber upstream of the fluid valve;
The fluid packaging container.

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