NL1034109C2 - Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in a foamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in a foamed form. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in a foamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in a foamed form.

The invention relates to a container for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in foamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form.

The invention also relates to a method for foaming a liquid for consumption and for using such a container for generating the liquid in foamed form.

Holders for providing a liquid for obtaining the liquid in a foamed form are known per se. The known container comprises, for example, a squeezable bottle containing a liquid, such as a cleaning agent or paint, wherein the liquid is delivered by squeezing the bottle through a sponge-like structure for generating the foamed liquid.

These known containers have the disadvantage that a considerable force must be exerted to squeeze the liquid out of the container. In many cases it is not possible for a person with less force in the muscles of the hand, which can occur, for example, in children or women, to properly dispense the foamed liquid. Furthermore, in order to dispense a desired amount of foamed liquid, these known containers must be squeezed repeatedly and / or for a long time, which can cause hand muscle fatigue.

Furthermore, remains of a liquid may remain in the sponge-like structure after a first use. When the liquid is a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, the consumable liquid can accumulate or degrade in the sponge-like structure, making it more difficult to squeeze the liquid through the sponge-like structure in a second use, or even micro growth organisms, so that a possible health risk is created with a second use.

It is an object of the invention to address at least one of the above problems.

To that end, a container according to claim one is removed.

Since the first wall is flexible, it can be squeezed by hand to increase the pressure in the inner space. Since, in use, the container is substantially closed, that is to say closed apart from the at least one spray opening, squeezing the first wall will increase the pressure in the inner space, for example by compressing the contents of the inner space. When the container is held such that the liquid is in contact with the at least one spray opening, the increased pressure will cause the liquid to be dispensed through the at least one spray opening in the form of a jet. The jet of the liquid can be delivered into a vessel, such as a head, so that the liquid is absorbed in the vessel. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that the jet impact of the liquid into the vessel and / or into the liquid, or foamed liquid, present in the vessel causes air to be smashed into the liquid so that the foam is generated on the liquid in the vessel. When the liquid is milk, the frothed milk can for instance be received in a cup, for instance a cup which already contains coffee. It has been found that foam can be efficiently generated with the container according to the invention. It has also been found that a distance between the spray opening and the barrel hardly affects the efficiency of foaming, for example when a conventional household distance between the spray opening and the barrel of, for example, one to thirty centimeters is used.

EP1354544 discloses a container for repeatedly generating portions of foam from a foamable liquid. EP1354544 discloses the formation of foam by shaking the container a number of times, so that foam is formed as a result of the liquid passing through a screen placed in the container. EP1354544 does not relate to the generation of jets of liquid for generating foam.

It will be clear that coffee makers are known which are adapted to prepare a foamed coffee beverage. However, these devices are generally large, limited to providing hot foamed beverages and require a relatively long time to provide the foamed beverage. It is generally not possible with these devices to change the portion of frothed milk, for example frothed cold milk, within a few seconds, for example 70 grams of milk within 5 seconds. furthermore, with these devices it is generally not possible to provide only the correct amount of frothed milk for a cup of coffee, without being forced to also provide the coffee with that device. Thus, these devices do not provide the user with the versatility obtained with the container 20 according to the present invention.

Preferably, the second wall comprises a plurality of nozzles, for example arranged in a circle, for each specifying, when the pressure in the inner space is increased, the liquid in the form of a jet. Thus, the plurality of nozzles may allow a larger amount of the fluid to be delivered per unit time.

In one embodiment, longitudinal axes of the nozzles converge outside the container. Thus, a converging bundle of jets can be obtained with the holder. This facilitates directing the beam bundle into the vessel. Furthermore, collision of the 4 jets can improve the quality of the quantity of the foam produced.

Preferably, a cross-sectional area of the plurality of nozzles together is between 3 and 10 mm 2, preferably between 5 and 8 mm 2, for example about 7 mm 2. It is thus possible to dispense the liquid by squeezing the container by hand, without having to exert excessive force, thereby providing a good quality of foam. For example, it may be possible to get about 70 grams of liquid in about 4 seconds. without having to exert a force that increases the pressure in the container by more than about 100 mbar. Thus, for example, it is possible to have a single portion of frothed milk in an amount suitable for a single cup of coffee, for example between and 5 and 100 ml of milk in non-concentrated form, for example about 70 ml, for example as an ingredient for a cup of cappuccino, at preferably within a single pinching operation, of limited duration, for example 2 sec. or less, without having to apply a force that increases the pressure in the container by more than about 100 mbar. Optionally, the liquid can be concentrated, for example concentrated milk, so that for instance between 5 and 50 ml of concentrated milk, for example 30 ml, can be provided, preferably within a single squeezing operation of limited duration.

Preferably, a size of the at least one spray opening, such as a diameter of a round spray opening, is less than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm. It has been found that these dimensions provide jets that generate good quality foam. Herein, a foam with fine bubbles, a homogeneous hell size and or a foam that is stable over a long period of time is seen as a good quality foam. Preferably, a size of each nozzle, such as a diameter of each round nozzle, is of the plurality of nozzles smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm.

It will be clear that the combination of nozzles of a size, such as a diameter of a round nozzle, is smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0 , 3 mm and a total cross-sectional area between 3 and 10 mm 2, preferably between 5 and 8 mm 2 - for example about 7 mm 2, provides a container that allows easy dispensing of the foamed liquid with the high quality foam.

In one embodiment the second wall is a foil, for example made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. Experiments show that the fact that the nozzle that forms the jet of the liquid is placed in the foil instead of in a non-foil part of the container considerably improves the ability to provide the liquid in foamed form using the container , and significantly improves the quality of the foam. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that the thin film causes little loss of energy and the generated liquid jet, so that a high energy jet impacts into the vessel, so that much good quality foam is provided.

Preferably the film is thinner than 0.3 mm, preferably thinner than 0.2 mm, more preferably thinner than 0.1 mm, for example about 0.08. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that a flexible or semi-flexible film, for example the film with a thickness of these dimensions, has a favorable effect on the energy of the at least one liquid jet, so that more and better foam is obtained.

Preferably, the second wall, in use, forms an outer limit of the container. Thus, the jet generated at the at least one spray opening extends to the container, so that the jet can easily strike into the vessel, such as the head.

4- 6

In one embodiment, the container further comprises a jet collection chamber for receiving the jet from the at least one spray opening, the jet collection chamber comprising at least 1 dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid in foamed form. This offers the advantage that the foamed liquid is formed in the jet receiving chamber, i.e. within the container, so that the container releases the liquid in foamed form. Preferably, the jet collection chamber comprises a jet impact surface that is positioned such that the jet of liquid from the at least one spray aperture hits the jet impact surface to generate the foamed liquid in the jet collection chamber.

In one embodiment the first wall is arranged as a flexible bottle with an outflow opening with a circumferential edge, wherein the second wall, for example the foil at a circumferential edge thereof, is sealingly connected to the circumferential edge of the outflow opening. A holder is thus provided with a simple structure, so that the holder can be produced at relatively low costs.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a reclosable closure for isolating the at least one nozzle from ambient atmosphere when not in use and for exposing the at least one nozzle to ambient atmosphere when in use. The shelf life of the product in the container can thus be improved.

In one embodiment, the second wall, for example the foil, is connected to the first wall and a cover layer is connected to the second wall opposite the first wall, the cover layer being removably, for example countable, connected to the second wall and in which the cover layer closes the at least one spray opening in the second wall. The container can thus be stored, for example, wherein the cover layer closes off the at least one spray opening, thus for instance preventing the penetration of air into the inner space, for extending the shelf life of the liquid in the container. Before use, the cover layer, 7 at least in part, can be removed from the second wall for opening the spray opening, so that the liquid can be dispensed.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a reclosable closure for filling and / or refilling the container with the liquid.

Thus, the refillable container can be provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises, in the inner space, a dairy product. The dairy product can, in non-concentrated form, comprise the usual milk components plus 0.3 to 2.0% (m / m) of hydrolyzed milk protein, preferably 0.4 to 1.2% (m / m) of hydrolyzed milk protein. The usual milk components of the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, can contain 0.05 to 5.0% (m / m) fat, 2.0 - 5.0% (m / m) milk protein, 3.0 - 5.0% (m / m) lactose and 0.3 -0.7% (m / m) minerals. The dairy product can be concentrated, ie the relative amount of water of the dairy product can be reduced, for example by removing water or by adding proteins to the dairy product. The holder can thus be used to generate frothed milk, for example as an ingredient for a cup of coffee.

The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of the following non-limiting examples, with reference to the enclosed drawing, in which:

Figure la shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a holder according to the invention; Figure 1b shows a schematic section of the holder shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 1c shows a schematic cross-section of the holder shown in Figures 1a and 1b in use;

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder according to the invention; 8

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a holder according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a holder according to the invention; Figure 5a shows a side view of a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a holder according to the invention; and

Figure 5b shows a top view of the holder shown in Figure 5a. In the figures, corresponding parts are indicated by identical reference numerals.

10

Figure 1a shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a container 1 for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in a foamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form. Figure 1b shows a cross-section of the holder shown in Figure 1a.

The container 1 comprises walls 2,4 which enclose an inner space 6 for holding the liquid therein. The walls comprise a first wall 2 and a second wall 4.

The first wall 2 is flexible to allow a pressure in the inner space to be increased by squeezing the container by hand. In this example, the first wall is designed as a flexible bottle with an outflow opening 8 with a circumferential edge 10. In this example, the first wall 2 is designed as a plastic bottle made of flexible plastic material.

The second wall four is a foil that comprises at least one spray opening 12. In this example, the film comprises a plurality of nozzles 12. The nozzles 12 may be provided, for example, by laser cutting. In the example of figure la, the spray openings 12 are arranged along a circle. It is also possible for the nozzles 9 to be arranged in a different configuration, for example in a triangular, rectangular or hectagonal grid. In this example, the foil 4, at a running edge 14 thereof, is sealingly connected to the running edge 10 of the bottle 2 near the outflow opening 8. It will be clear that in this example the foil forms an outer limit of the container 1. The foil 4 can for instance be made of a plastic material such as polypropylene. In this example, the foil 4 is flexible.

The container 1 explained so far can be used as follows.

Figure 1c shows a cross-section of the container shown in Figures 1a 10 and 1b in use. The container 1 is brought into a position such that the liquid, indicated by reference numeral 16 in Figure 1c, is in contact with the spray opening 12, in this example with the plurality of spray openings 12. The first wall 2 of the container is moved by a hand of a user (shown in broken lines in Figure 1c).

Since the first and second walls 2,4 completely enclose the inner space 6, this increases the pressure in the inner space 6. The pressure can for instance be increased by up to 250 mbar by a user with a strong hand. Comfortable pinching, also for a user with less force, increases the pressure by approximately 80 to 120 mbar. The nozzles are preferably designed and / or dimensioned such that suitable jets are generated when the pressure in the inner space is increased by approximately 100 mbar.

As a result of the increased pressure in the inner space 6, the liquid 16 is pressed through the nozzles 12 in the form of jets 18. In this example, the foil 4 is substantially inelastic for preventing deformation of the nozzle openings 12 during dispensing. the liquid in the form of the jets 18. The substantially inelastic film 4 provides better control of the jets than an elastic film, thus preventing the liquid from spilling.

10

Since the foil 4 forms an outer limit of the holder 1, the rays 18 extend outside the holder 1. In this example, the jets 18 are collected in a vessel 20, such as a head. The jets 12 can strike into the vessel 20, for example on a bottom of the vessel. The jets 12 may also impact the liquid, or foamed liquid, already present in the vessel 20. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that such an impact of the jets 12 impinges air into the liquid so that it foam is generated on the liquid in the vessel 20.

Experiments show that the fact that the nozzles 12 are placed in the foil 4 instead of in a non-foil-like part of the holder 1 considerably improves the possibility of forming the liquid 16 in the foamed form with the aid of the holder 1 , and significantly improves the quality of the foam. It will be clear that it is nevertheless possible for the second wall to be designed as a, for example substantially rigid, wall as described below with regard to figure 4.

In this example, the film is approximately 80 microns thick. More generally, the film is preferably thinner than 0.3 mm, preferably thinner than 0.2 mm, most preferably thinner than 0.1 mm. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that a flexible or semi-flexible film, for example the film with a thickness of these dimensions, changes the way in which the liquid jet is formed in the at least one spray opening, so that more and better foam is obtained. For example, it is possible that the thin film causes little loss of energy from the generated liquid jets, so that a high energy jet impinges into the vessel 20, or liquid into the vessel, so that much good quality foam is generated.

In this example, a cross-sectional area of the plurality of nozzles 12 together is between 3 and 10 mm 2, preferably between 5 and 8 11 mm 2, for example approximately 7 mm 2. It is thus possible to dispense the liquid 16 by squeezing the container 1 by hand, without having to exert excessive force. For example, it may be possible to dispense about 70 grams of liquid 16 in about 4 seconds without having to apply a force that increases the pressure in the container by more than about 100 mbar.

In this example, the nozzles 12 are substantially round holes in the foil 4. A diameter of the nozzles 12 is preferably smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0 , 2 and 0.3 mm. It has been found that with these dimensions provide good quality foam.

In this example, the container comprises, in the inner space 6, a dairy product as liquid 16. The dairy product can for instance be milk for generating the frothed milk, for example as an ingredient for a cup of cappuccino. The dairy product, or the liquid in general, may comprise an additive for improving foam formation.

As described in European patent application EP1 329 162 of the same applicant, incorporated herein by reference, the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, may comprise the usual milk components plus 0.3 to 2.0% (m / m) of hydrolyzed milk protein, preferably 0.4 to 1.2% (m / m) hydrolyzed milk protein. Hereby the usual milk components of the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, comprise 0.05 to 5.0% (m / m) fat, 2.0 to 5.0% (m / m) milk protein, 3.0 to 5, 0% (m / m) lactose and 0.3 to 0.7% (m / m) minerals. It will be clear that the dairy product 25 can also be concentrated.

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder 1 according to the invention. In the example of Figure 2, the foil 4 is connected to the bottle 2. The foil can be permanently connected to the bottle, for example glued or welded. The holder 1 in this example is furthermore provided with a cover layer 22 which is connected to the foil 4 on the side opposite the first wall 2. The cover layer 22 is, at least in part, removably, for example countable, connected to the foil 4. In a storage condition, the cover layer 22 closes off the at least one spray opening 12 in the foil 4. The cover layer 22 can then substantially completely cover the foil 4. In a position of use, the cover layer 22 is, at least in part, removed from the foil 4 (see figure 2). In this example, the cover layer 22 comprises a lip 24 for easy removal of the cover layer 22. Preferably, the cover layer 22 is sufficiently removed in use to release all nozzles 12. In this example, the cover layer is made of a metal such as aluminum foil. The film 4 and cover layer 22 can be produced from a known countable film, comprising, for example, a layer of propylene (for the film 4) and a layer of aluminum foil (for the cover layer 22), for example 80 microns of propylene and 130 microns of aluminum. Sterilization film can be properly sterilized in such a countable film, so that it can be used well with a liquid for consumption.

Thus, for example, the container 1 can be stored with the cover layer 22 closing off the nozzles 22, thus preventing the entry of air into the inner space 6 for extending the service life of the liquid 16 in the holder 1. For use, the cover layer 22, at least 20, in part, are removed from the film 4 to open the nozzles 12 so that the liquid 16 can be dispensed.

It is possible that the cover layer 22 is provided with means, such as an adhesive layer, which allows the cover layer to be positioned against the foil 4 again for use to isolate the nozzles 12 of ambient atmosphere when not in use. Thus, a resealable closure is provided that improves the life of the product in the container.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a holder 1 according to the invention. In the example of Figure 3, the holder further comprises a jet receiving chamber 26, 30 for receiving the jets 18 from the nozzles 12 of the foil 13 4. The jet receiving chamber 26 comprises at least one outflow opening 28, in this example in a plurality of outflow openings 28 for dispensing the liquid in foamed form. In this example, the at least one outflow opening is dimensioned such that the foamed liquid 5 flows or drips out of the dispensing opening 28. It is also possible that the dispensing opening 28 is dimensioned such that it generates a jet of the foamed liquid. The delivery openings 28 are preferably positioned such that the jets 18 of liquid 16 do not pass through the delivery openings 28, but that the jets 18 strike an end wall 32 of the jet receiving chamber 26. The end wall 32 then acts as a jet impact surface. It is also possible that the jet 18 impinges on a layer 34 of (foamed) liquid which has been accumulated in the jet receiving chamber 26.

It will be clear that in the example of figure 3 the outlet wall 32 is thicker than the foil 4. The end wall 32 can also be designed as a foil.

Figure 4 shows a schematic section of a fourth embodiment of one holder according to the invention. In the example, the first wall 22 is in the form of a bottle, in the example of Figure 4, the second wall 4 is in the form of a screw cap. It will be clear that in this example the second wall is thicker than the foil in the previous examples. The second wall can for instance be 0.5 to 3 mm thick. The screw cap 4 has screw thread 36 which cooperates with screw thread 38 on the bottle 2.

In this example, the cap 4 is provided with the plurality of nozzles 12. In this example, the nozzles are designed as mussels. It will be clear that the nozzles 12 can also be designed as holes in the second wall 4. In Figure 4, the nozzles 12 are directed such that jets leaving the nozzles leave the holder 1 as a converging bundle of jets. In Figure 4, the nozzles for this purpose are positioned such that longitudinal axes of the nozzles converge outside the holder 1, for example at 1 focal point F. Here, the longitudinal axis of a nozzle is the direction in which a jet emerging from that nozzle is directed. This facilitates directing the beam of jets into the vessel. The nozzles can be arranged in a circle or in another configuration, for example in a triangular, rectangular or hexagonal grid. Furthermore, the collision of the rays in or near the focal point F can improve the quality and quantity of produced foam. In this example, the focal point F is approximately 8 cm from the second wall 4. More generally, the distance between the second wall and the focal point is preferably between 2 and 30 cm, more preferably between 5 and 20 cm, most preferably between and 7 and 10 cm.

It is also possible that the longitudinal axes of the nozzles diverge outside the container, are substantially parallel, or are randomly oriented.

It will be clear that the screw cap 4 forms a resealable closure for filling and / or refilling the container 1 with the liquid.

In the example of Figure 4, the cap comprises a lid 40, which is shown in an open state for exposing the nozzles 12 to ambient atmosphere to allow jets of liquid out of the container to be delivered to a vessel such as a cup. It will be appreciated that the lid 40 can also be closed against the cap 4 to close the nozzles of ambient atmosphere when not in use. It will be clear that the holder shown in figure 4 can also be provided with a jet receiving chamber 26 as shown in figure 3. The jet receiving chamber can for instance be provided in the cap 4. Here, the end wall 32 can be an end wall of the cap.

15

Instead of, or additionally to, the lid 40, the container shown in Figure 4 may also comprise the cover layer 22, in particular when the nozzles 12 are formed as holes in the second wall.

It will be clear that the second wall four, not being the foil, provided with the nozzles 12, for example the convergingly placed nozzles, can also be designed as a plate connected to the first wall 2. Herein, the plate is considered to be a substantially rigid body. Such a plate can for instance be connected to the circumferential edge 10 of the bottle 2 near the outflow opening 8, 10 for instance by means of heat sealing, gluing, welding, bonding or the like. The plate can be formed, for example, by injection molding or laser cutting.

It is also possible to manufacture the plate with the nozzles 12 and the cover layer 22 using in-mold labeling. In this process, the cover layer 22 is placed in a mold and the plate is then injection molded by injecting a plastic material into the mold containing the cover layer. In such a cover layer is also removably connected to the plate.

Figures 5a and 5b show schematic views of a fifth embodiment of a holder 1 according to the invention. In the example of figures of 5a and 5b, the holder 1 is designed as a thermoformed package. The thermoformed package preferably comprises a dairy product such as milk, in this example concentrated milk, for example between 5 and 50 ml of liquid, preferably about 30 ml.

The first wall 2 is arranged as a thermoformed cup that can be made from a plastic such as polyethylene. In this example, the first wall comprises a storage chamber 42, a channel 44 and a blasting chamber 46 (with broken lines shown in Figure 5b). The jet chamber 46 is in fluid communication, or may be brought into fluid communication 16, with the storage chamber 42 via the channel 44. The liquid or part of the liquid is stored in the storage chamber 42 for use.

The second wall is designed as the foil. The foil 4 is connected to the thermoformed cup 2. In this example, the foil 4 is permanently connected to the thermoformed cup 2, for example bonded or welded along a peripheral edge 48. The foil 4 comprises the plurality of spray openings 12. In Fig. 5B It can be seen that the nozzles are positioned above the blasting chamber 46.

In the example of figures 5a and 5b, the holder is furthermore provided with the cover layer 22 which is connected to the foil on the side opposite the first wall 2. In this example, the cover layer 22 is partially removable, for example countable, connected to the foil 4. In figure 5b the part 50 of the cover layer 22, in this figure on the right-hand side of the broken line L, can be removed from the foil 4. The line L represents a tear line, along which the cover line is torn, so that the remainder of the cover layer 22, the storage chamber 24 remaining connected to the foil 4.

The holder shown in figures 5a and 5b are used in a manner similar to the holders shown in figures 1 to 4. In the example of figures 5a and 5b, part 50 of the cover layer 22 covering the nozzles 12 can be removed, so that the nozzles are exposed. The first wall 2 can then be squeezed, for example by holding the edge 48 with a number of the fingers of one or both hands, and by applying the thermoformed cup 2, for example on a bottom side of the storage chamber 42, with one or both thumbs to press.

It will be clear that the thermoformed cup can be provided with weakenings, for instance fold lines, for easier squeezing of the holder 1.

When the storage chamber 42 is squeezed, liquid contained in the storage chamber will be pushed through the channel 44 to the jet chamber 46 and pressed out of the nozzles 12. The part 17 of the cover layer 22 which still lies over the storage chamber 42 reinforces the second wall near the storage chamber for preventing tearing of foil 4. It will be clear that it is also possible that the cover layer 22 is removed in its entirety from the foil 4 for use.

It will be clear that the thermoformed package can also be designed as a package that is usually used for packaging a single portion of coffee milk, provided with at least one spray opening which is connected to a single chamber in the package.

The container 1 according to the invention appears to be very suitable for dispensing the liquid for consumption, such as the dairy product, since the first wall 2 and the second wall 4 provided with the spray openings 12 can easily be disinfected before the container 1 is filled with the liquid for consumption, for example when the second wall 2 is the plastic bottle and the second wall 4 is the plastic film, for example with the spray openings 12 which are closed by the cover layer 22. Thus, a long service life of the liquid for consumption , for example the dairy product, are obtained when packed in the container according to the invention. The fact that the nozzles 12 are located in the foil 4 further reduces the risk of contamination or growth of microorganisms.

The invention is by no means limited to the examples described above.

For example, it is possible to provide the container with a resealable closure for filling and / or refilling the container with the liquid. The resealable closure can for example be a screw cap. It is also possible that the foil, and optionally the jet collection chamber, is part of such a resealable closure. The foil, and optionally the jet collection chamber, can for instance be placed in a screw cap.

30 18

In the examples of Figures 1 to 4, the first wall is designed as the flexible bottle that completely encloses the inner space together with the foil. It is also possible that the flexible first wall together with the foil encloses only a part of the inner space for compressing only that part of the inner space by hand.

The holder can for instance be designed as a blister pack, wherein the flexible first wall is designed as the molded cup of the blister pack and wherein the second wall is designed as the foil of the blister pack. The blister pack can also be provided with the coating.

In the example of Fig. 2, the nozzles forming the liquid outlets from the container are closed in the storage condition by the cover layer 22. It will be clear that in the example of Fig. 3 the dispensing openings that drain the liquid from the container molds in a storage condition are sealed by the cover layer 22 or with a lid 40 as shown in Figure 4.

It will be appreciated that the liquid in the container may be cold or warm upon delivery. For example, if desired, the container containing the liquid may be heated prior to use, for example using a microwave oven.

All such variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

1 0 34 1 09

Claims (28)

CLAIMS 1. Holder for holding a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, in a foamed form and for dispensing the liquid for obtaining the liquid in foamed form, the holder comprising walls enclosing an inner space for holding therein of the liquid, wherein a first wall is flexible to allow a pressure in the inner space to be increased by squeezing the container by hand, and wherein a second wall comprises at least one spray opening for when the pressure in the interior space is increased, delivered from the liquid in the form of a jet, into a vessel, such as a head, so that the foamed liquid is obtained. Container according to claim 1, wherein the second wall comprises a plurality of nozzles for each, when the pressure in the inner space is increased, delivering the liquid in the form of a jet. The container of claim 2, wherein the plurality of nozzles is arranged in a circle. A container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein longitudinal axes of the nozzles converge outside the container. 5. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second wall is a foil, for instance made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. A container according to claim 5, wherein the foil is thinner than 0.3 mm, preferably thinner than 0.2 mm, more preferably thinner than 0.1 mm, for example approximately 0.08 mm. 1 034 1 09 A container according to at least claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of the plurality of nozzles together is between 3 and 10 mm 2, preferably between 5 and 8 mm 2, for example approximately 7 mm 2. 8. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a dimension of the at least one spray opening is smaller than 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 0.4 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 mm. 9. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second wall, in use, forms an outer limit of the holder. 10. Container as claimed in any of the claims 1-8, wherein the container further comprises a jet collection chamber for receiving the jet from the at least one spray opening, the jet collection chamber comprising at least one dispensing opening for dispensing the liquid in foamed form. 11. Container as claimed in claim 10, wherein the jet receiving chamber comprises a jet impact surface which is positioned such that the jet of liquid from the at least one spray opening strikes the jet impact surface. 12. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first wall is arranged as a flexible bottle with an outflow opening with a circumferential edge, wherein the second wall is sealingly connected to the circumferential edge of the outflow opening. 13. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the container comprises a reclosable closure for isolating the at least one spray opening from ambient atmosphere when not in use and for exposing the at least one spray opening to ambient atmosphere when in use. 14. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the second wall is connected to the first wall, and a cover layer is connected to the second wall opposite the first wall, the cover layer being removably, for example peelable, connected to the second wall and wherein the cover layer closes off the at least one spray opening in the second wall. The container of claim 14, wherein the cover layer is made of a metal, such as aluminum. 16. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the holder comprises a reclosable closure for filling and / or refilling the holder with the liquid. 17. Holder as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the holder, in the inner space, contains a dairy product. 18. Container according to claim 17, wherein the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, comprises the usual milk components plus 0.3 - 2.0% (m / m) of hydrolyzed milk protein, preferably 0.4 - 1.2% (m / m) of hydrolyzed milk protein. A container according to claim 18, wherein the usual milk components of the dairy product, in non-concentrated form, 0.05-5.0% (m / m) fat, 2.0-5.0% (m / m) milk protein, 3.0-5.0% (m / m) m) lactose and 0.3-0.7% (m / m) minerals. The container of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the dairy product is concentrated. 21. Method for foaming a liquid for consumption, such as a dairy product, for instance milk, comprising of providing a substantially closed container which holds the liquid and comprises at least one spray opening, and squeezing the container, for example with the by hand, for dispensing the liquid through the at least one nozzle in the form of a jet into a vessel, such as a head, so that the foamed liquid is obtained. The method of claim 21, further comprising positioning the container, for example by hand, such that the liquid is in contact with the at least one spray opening during squeezing of the container. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the holder is a holder according to any one of claims 1-19. 24. Method as claimed in any of the claims 21-23, wherein a distance between the at least one holder and the vessel is less than 30 cm, preferably less than 15 cm. A method according to any one of claims 21-24, comprising dispensing a single portion of frothed milk, for example in an amount suitable for a single cup of coffee, for example between 5 and 100 ml or non-concentrated milk, preferably about 70 ml or, for example, between 5 and 50 ml of concentrated milk, preferably about 30 ml. Use of a container according to any one of claims 1-16 for generating the liquid in foamed form. 27. Use of a container according to any one of claims 17-20 for generating the dairy product, such as milk, in foamed form. Use of a container according to claim 27 for dispensing the dairy product as an ingredient for a cup of coffee. 1 0 3 4 9