WO2003046447A1

WO2003046447A1 - Device for delivering liquids for human consumption and other uses

Info

Publication number: WO2003046447A1
Application number: PCT/ES2002/000562
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Garcia Garrido
Original assignee: Potosi, S.A.
Priority date: 2001-11-29
Filing date: 2002-11-28
Publication date: 2003-06-05
Also published as: AU2002352281A1; ES2219134B1; ES2219134A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the delivery of liquids for human consumption or other uses. The inventive device comprises: a container (2) which takes the form of a single-use, disposable bag containing a liquid; means (3) of refrigerating the liquid inside a refrigerator (5); and a cock (4). The aformentioned bag (2), which is housed inside a receptacle (5), is divided into an upper area (10) and a lower area (11) having different volumes. The above-mentioned refrigeration means (3) comprise a Peltier device (14) and a radiator (15). Moreover, said bag (2) remains fixed in the fridge (5) by means of a fixing tube (20) which is housed inside a zone (17) defined between weld lines (18, 19). The ends (21, 22) of said weld lines are inserted in grooves which are disposed in the upper part of the lateral surface of the fridge (5). The bag (2) also comprises an opening (23) so that it can be gripped by the user.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES

The present invention patent application consists, as indicated in its statement, in a "DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" whose new construction and design features fulfill the mission for which it has specifically been designed with maximum safety and efficiency, and presenting numerous advantages as will be detailed hereafter.

More specifically, the invention relates to a dispenser suitably designed to deliver liquids for human consumption or other uses once cooled from a part of the volume of the bag acting as a reservoir. The device of the present invention uses as a means of cooling the contained liquid a properly adapted "peltier" system that acts on a reduced volume of said bag. The object of the invention is the result of an extensive market study carried out in the USA and the EEC on a series of four hundred dispensers. The study was carried out independently of the material in which said dispensers were manufactured (glass, PET, PC, or similar materials). These dispensers were installed and functioning, and presented different technological concepts and characteristics.

The invention provides to the state of the art formed by these devices a totally new dispenser in its main parts, presenting a lower manufacturing and maintenance cost than those studied, as will be explained later.

The research project on which the object of the invention is based has placed its emphasis on improving, among other aspects, the internal hygiene of the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Dispenser as its operation. In addition, it brings to the technological pool a set of quantifiable technical advantages of a practical nature, as will be seen hereafter. To cool the liquid contained in the tanks of the prior art dispensers, a cold equipment with many refrigerators was necessary. This involved a high cost of operation, which is why intermediate solutions were used in the day, such as cooling a partial volume in a separate tank from a main tank. This implied that, although the economic aspect of the dispensers that are part of the technique was satisfactorily resolved, as far as the cooling capacity is concerned, the hygiene in said technological solution was not adequate as a consequence of the bacterial contamination produced in the coil that is! used to cool said partial volume.

Additionally, it was observed that another point of contamination occurred in the replacement operation of the main storage tanks of the liquid to be cooled. When they run out, they are held by the mouth or tap to take them to a filling station and reinstall them at the place of origin. This is done without changing the tank or the tap, unless they show some type of breakage.

Contamination can also occur in the tap itself installed in the tank, since it is not changed in existing dispensers even if the main tank is filled. In this sense, maintenance and cleaning are not carried out in 90% of the cases studied, whether due to inadequate sanitation or involuntary negligence. Another possible type of contamination is due to the entry of ambient air and its mixing with the liquid during consumption.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) From the economic side, the operating cost of the operation of the return of empty containers for cleaning and sanitation was expensive and complex, and machinery with a high investment should be used in order to achieve productivity in accordance with said investment. Adequate logistics are also necessary for the transport of empty containers to the filling station and their return to the points of origin.

The results of this study have indicated that the points to be taken to improve the dispensers that exist in the market are the following: Storage tank for the liquid to be cooled.

Liquid cooling system to be supplied by the dispenser.

- Tap installed in the tank to dispense the liquid already cooled.

- Nature of the users.

Avoid the entry of ambient air into the liquid reservoir.

The drawbacks found in the study of the liquid supply devices of the prior art are, among others, the need to refill the tank, which requires a transport from the location of the device at the user's home to the place where it is It finds the plant for filling and cleaning the tanks and a subsequent transfer of them already full to the place where they are installed. This negatively influences a waste of time and money in said refilling operation, since the magnitude of the space necessary for the transfer of the deposit in the means of transport corresponds to the volume of the same. On the outward journey for filling, the deposits are completely empty and it is not possible to change the volume of these deposits so that in the means of transport

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) They can take more in one trip. This is not possible with conventional supply devices since the tanks are manufactured rigid, occupying the same space as on the return trip, in which said tanks are filled with liquid.

Additionally, the refilling operation involves sanitary problems, since there is a significant risk of contamination even if the necessary precautions are taken. To all of the above, it must be taken into account that the tap installed at the source, as long as it is kept in good working condition, is never replaced. Therefore, sanitation is not adequately controlled, nor is its contamination due to improper use, although the manufacturer's user is invited to periodically clean said tap. However, this operation is not carried out satisfactorily.

In this regard, the present invention proposes a new device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses of new conception, which essentially comprises a reservoir containing a liquid, means for cooling the liquid contained in said reservoir and a tap for the regulated exit of said liquid to the outside forming all this a unit. The particularity of the device of the invention resides in the fact that said tank is a disposable and disposable bag, which incorporates said tap, said bag being housed inside a bucket made of rigid plastic or similar material. . Therefore, the tank, which is part of the new dispenser of the invention has been totally modified being functionally and formally new, not only in its configuration but, instead of being refillable, it is of a single use and has a lower weight . Said design incorporates the means to allow its transfer

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) and installation with total guarantee of hygiene and ease for the user, being manufactured with equipment designed for a production capacity of 3,600 bags / hour, which can be doubled with the same equipment, and incorporating a faucet, thereby also the cost of It is much smaller compared to those already existing in the state of the art, respecting the total asepsis of the operation when using laminar flow techniques to condition an overpressure on the environment to prevent the entry of germs and others.

The manufacturing materials of the bag are mainly a six-layer coextruded film made from thermoplastic materials. The inner layer that is in contact with the liquid is made of polyethylene or PET, using sanitary materials approved for this purpose by all administrations that take care of products for human consumption.

As indicated, a tap is incorporated into the tank, also for single use as well as the tank, all without detriment to its quality and hygiene, manufactured from the corresponding mold by injection techniques of thermoplastic materials. As will be described herein in greater detail below, the main feature of the faucet that equips the liquid dispenser object of the present invention is that it consists of two single pieces, allowing the filling of the bag once said tap is incorporated into the same with an exceptionally short time.

According to the invention, said bag is provided with an intermediate welding line that delimits the bag in an upper zone and a lower zone of different volumes. The aforementioned upper zone is of greater volume than the lower zone and this zone incorporates the aforementioned tap. According to another feature of the device of the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) invention, the refrigerator that houses the bag (one or more) has an anterior lid that allows access to the inside of the device to comfortably handle the bags. The lid is articulated and has an inner projection that is aligned, in the closed position, with an opposite projection of the inner wall of the refrigerator tray between which the bag is. In the aforementioned closing position, the internal projections delimit the bag in an upper zone and a lower zone of different volumes, reducing the communication between the two volumes, as an alternative solution to that described in the previous paragraph.

The lower part of the refrigerator houses an aluminum bucket or similar material, whose shape and dimensions are consistent with the configuration of the bag to obtain the maximum contact surface between the bag and said bucket.

In one embodiment, said refrigerator incorporates, instead of a tap, a selector mechanism for the supply of water from different bags. This selector mechanism is mounted on a folding platform so that it can be easily hidden and acts on two groups of tubes that are connected, respectively, to the lower zone and the upper zone of the bag to obtain liquid at the appropriate temperature. The selector mechanism is formed by straps that act on each tube by clamping it.

Once the final design of the bucket, the bag and the tap is reached, cooling means are arranged inside the refrigerator, so that the assembly formed by the bag, the tap and the refrigerator form a unit.

The device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses of the invention thus meets all the necessary characteristics that the study of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Market and product project cited above revealed as necessary.

As indicated above, there is a refrigerator with a noticeably prismatic exterior configuration which houses inside the tank or bag. As an example, the tank can have a total capacity of approximately 20 liters, 2 liters corresponding to the bottom to be cooled.

In an embodiment of the device of the invention, said cooling means comprise a "peltier" device arranged in contact with the base of the cuvette in which the power supply of this device is arranged. Said device works in combination with a radiator that soaks the lower area of the cuvette to dissipate heat from a face of the peltier. The radiator is part of the base of the bucket and is divided into an upper part and a lower part joined together and its lateral surface incorporates grooved vertical fins of cooling by natural convention whose contact surfaces are rectified in a perfect planimetry to obtain greater performance and cooling of the peltier device.

Additionally, the cooling means incorporate a fan that supplies a stream of air to the radiator enhancing its performance.

Preferably, the bag or bags are held inside said refrigerator by a delimited area between two horizontal and parallel welding lines where a clamping tube that serves as a handle for transport is housed. The free ends of said clamping tube are adapted to fit into slits provided in the upper part of the side surface of the refrigerator.

According to another feature of the device of the present invention, said zone

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Bounded between the two horizontal and parallel welding lines, it comprises an opening to form a handle and allow the user to grasp the bag.

As for the tap of the device for the supply of liquids of the present invention, this is constituted, as noted above, by only two pieces.

The first of these pieces is a hollow base body intended to be attached by its base to the bag and which has a liquid outlet hole and a filling hole.

The second of said pieces is a cap that can slide axially with respect to said base body. This cap is provided on its inner side surface of at least one shoulder adapted to be housed by sliding in a helical groove formed on the side surface of said base body. Said liquid outlet orifice is partially or totally exposed by sliding out the second piece with respect to the base body.

Advantageously, the lateral surface of said second piece is extended by configuring a skirt that covers and protects the liquid outlet orifice of the base body being closed. Preferably, the tap base body is made of polyethylene and is welded to the lower part of the bag by its base by any known conventional method.

The base body has radial projections at one of its ends to be able to properly grip the faucet by means of a suitable tool, and an internal threaded area of universal passage and an extension for the adjustment of the faucet by means of a conventional wrench in the container. More specifically, the functions of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Radial projections are as follows:

- are the means for a robot machine or equivalent mechanism to take the tap base;

- they are used to weld the bag for subsequent filling of liquids;

- they are used to position the tap with respect to the bag for later connection; Y

- position the bag with its tap already attached to the container element. The lateral surface of the second piece is provided with a plurality of notches that facilitate the grip by the user.

The scope of the device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses of the present invention extends to factories and workplaces in general, as well as it is intended to introduce thanks to its simplicity and price in the domestic sector or users particulars since they can defray the cost of said dispenser as a consequence not only of the final price reached for sale to the public but also of the design ergonomics achieved as will be illustrated in the technical and detailed description that will be given later in relation to The figures attached here. The advantages obtained with a device according to the invention are considerable. There is a significant saving in the energy necessary for the cooling of the liquid to be dispensed by the machine compared to other systems of the prior art. In addition, the liquid refilling operation is eliminated, as it is the new single-use bag and faucet, due to its low cost. In addition, possible contamination problems in the refill operation are now totally unnecessary because, as detailed above, no air enters. I know

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) it also eliminates the operation of transport of deposits as there is no operation to refill them. In addition, there are no charges for recharging and subsequently transfer of liquid storage and cleaning and sanitation thereof.

In addition, the tap of the liquid supply device that is formed, as will be detailed below, by two pieces, allows to regulate the flow rate of liquid in any magnitude in a very simple way while allowing to protect, being in closed position, said exit against unwanted elements, such as the presence of insects, dirt, pollution and others.

Additionally, the tap base body is provided with an opening for the introduction of additional liquids and the like.

According to an alternative embodiment of the base body of the faucet of the device of the invention, it incorporates elastic clamping tabs that emerge from the base and extend upwardly to allow the coupling of the base body to be fixed to any cuvette. lower area of the bag.

According to the invention, the liquid outlet orifice of the base body has a neck which is conveniently adapted for the liquid to flow out in a controlled manner by said orifice.

The tap also incorporates an inviolable seal comprising a ring formed in a vertical extension of the cap that is adapted to engage in an annular fit of the base body. Said vertical extension of the cap includes a ring support strips that are designed to break when the cap is rotated relative to the base body.

The cap has a radial projection that defines an area of the lateral surface of the bounded tap

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) between said radial projection and said annular fit of the base body to incorporate a tax seal on alcohol or derived beverages.

The invention also provides that the tap incorporates a step-by-step micro-motor that, by means of telescopic clamps, acts on the cap. This allows activating the device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses of the invention with a remote control when it is installed in a place of difficult access, for example in an elevated site (in warehouses, laboratories, etc.) .

It is also envisaged that the tap will include an electric pump adapted inside the base body whose mission is to supply the liquid automatically.

In addition, the faucet can incorporate, according to the invention, an electric micro-pump to supply the liquid automatically from the other opening of the base body. This will allow to supply mixtures of liquids automatically, with the appropriate proportions, very useful in medicines, syrups and liquids whose mixing must be done at the time of supply.

In the case previously pointed out that the device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses of the invention is installed in a place of difficult access (elevated places), the tap can incorporate a funnel-shaped coupling element provided of an outlet adapted to couple a supply tube or hose. This funnel-shaped coupling element is constituted by a cylindrical part provided with some cuts to allow its expansion and can be coupled to the base body and interior centering projections that prevent the rotation of the coupling element.

As a summary, the tap of the device in the invention has the peculiarity that it is composed

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) only for two pieces, including the part that joins its container (neck), the filling mouth of the same, its corresponding inviolable seal, its completely hermetic and anti-drip closure, and which also has a second communication with its container to be able to introduce in it any other liquid or sensor, or attach an electric micro-pump. A pump with a higher flow can be introduced inside the tap, canceling, or not, its cap. A step-by-step micro-motor can also be attached to the tap plug. The tap is adapted to be installed in any type of rigid or flexible container

The fact of incorporating a neck in the outlet is important since the faucets used in the well-known "Bag-in-Box" containers are composed of several pieces. All these taps need to use a neck for filling the container and then insert the tap into the neck that was previously welded to the container. The tap of the invention carries the said neck in one of the only two pieces of which the tap is made. Other characteristics of the tap of the device of the invention, apart from those already mentioned, are as detailed below:

- the tap outlet is doubly protected when the tap remains closed; - In addition to the traditional grip washers, the tap incorporates two mobile nails that facilitate the attachment and removal of the tap to the refrigerator or any other device that can be designed; - one of the two parts of the tap is welded to the plastic bag at the time of its manufacture, and can also be attached to any other type of metal or rigid plastic container by means of the metric thread inside;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) - to close or open the tap in its entirety, just turn its cap 180 degrees, with both ends of safety stops;

- The tap soldier's plate to the bag is oval instead of round. Said plate becomes a joint when its internal thread is used;

- the base of the tap is P.E., and its cap of another type of thermoplastic; - the tap plug includes a flat circular housing and a circular circular housing, the first to support a logo or seal of designation of origin, and the second for a tax seal on alcohol or derived beverages; Y

- As indicated, the provision of a step-by-step micro-motor with and without electronic flow control is foreseen, which can be connected to the tap through the coupling provided for this purpose. The exit of the liquid can be conducted through a tube, without the installation of the engine being necessary, without losing the aseptic tap.

The characteristics and advantages of the device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses object of the present invention will be clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof that will be given, hereafter, to Non-limiting example mode, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure ² is a sectioned side elevation view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention which is illustrated with the refrigerator lid open and the detail of the peltier device thus

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) as of the selector mechanism;

Figure n ^s 2a is a view; in an enlarged section of another embodiment of the device in which a tap is used for the supply of liquid, said tap showing in detail;

Figure n ² 2b is an enlarged sectional view of the embodiment of the device of Figure n ² 1 showing in detail the refrigerator selector mechanism;

Figure n ² 2c illustrates a partial plan view of the selector mechanism shown in Figures n ² 1 and 2b;

Figure ² is a front elevational view of the device of the invention;

Figure ² is a schematic front elevation view of an embodiment of a bag for use in a liquid supply device according to the invention;

Figure ² 4a is a schematic elevational view of another embodiment of the bag of the liquid supply device of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a n front elevational view of the tap used in the fluid delivery device of the invention, which is illustrated with the cap out of the base body; Figure ² is a front elevational view of the tap used in the device of the invention, which has been illustrated with the cap threaded into the base body;

Figure n ^to 7 is a side elevation view of the tap used in the liquid supply device of the invention, which has been illustrated with the cap outside the base body;

Figure ² is a side elevational view of the tap used in the device of the invention, which has been illustrated with the cap threaded into the body of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) base;

Figure ⁹ 9 is a plan view of the base body seen from above with the cap;

Figure ² is a sectional plan view of the base body;

Figure n ^to 11 is a plan view of the funnel-shaped coupling element;

Figure ⁿ² 12 is a side elevational view of the tap with the engaging funnel coupled to it, the tap being in a closed position;

Figure ² 13 is a side elevation view of the tap with the funnel-shaped coupling element coupled thereto, the tap being in the open position;

Figure ² 14 is a plan view of the tap with the funnel-shaped coupling element disposed therein and with its outlet connected to a supply tube. Figs ^s 15, 16 and 17 are sectioned side elevation views of a preferred of a tap according to the present invention embodiment, in which are shown different relative positions of the base body and the cap; Figure ² 18 is a partial elevational view of the cap;

Figure ² 19 is an elevation view corresponding to the flat development of the cap;

Figure n ^to 20 is a partial elevation view of the base body;

Figure ² 21 is an elevation view corresponding to the flat development of the base body;

Figures n ^to 22, 23 and 24 are schematic plan views illustrating the positions that the inviolable seal is adopting showing the process of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) rupture of the vertical extension of the seal support. The elements that configure the different embodiments of a device for the supply of liquids according to the present invention have been designated, in the description that follows in relation to the attached drawings, by the references cited below:

(I) liquid supply device; (2) liquid reservoir bag;

(3) cooling means;

(4) tap;

(5) fridge;

(6) front lid of the refrigerator; (7) protrusion from the front lid of the refrigerator;

(8) protrusion from the front wall of the refrigerator;

(9) front wall of the refrigerator;

(10) upper area of the bag (2)

(II) lower area of the bag (2) (12) horizontal welding line;

(13) bag hole (2) for the tap (4);

(14) "peltier" device;

(15) radiator base;

(16) passageway between the upper zone (10) and the lower zone (11) of the bag (2);

(17) housing area of the bag holder tube;

(18) welding line;

(19) welding line;

(20) clamping tube; (21) free end of the clamping tube;

(22) free end of the tube of its action;

(23) opening of the upper area of the bag (2);

(24) base body;

(25) cap; (26) base of the base body (24);

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) (27) exit hole of the base body (24);

(28) base body filling hole (24);

(29) cap highlights (25);

(30) helical groove of the base body (24); (31) lateral surface of the base body (24);

(32) cap skirt (25); (32a) radial widening; (32b) radial widening;

(33) radial projections of the base body (24); (34) threaded inner surface of the base body (24);

(35) extension;

(36) side surface of the cap (25);

(37) notches of the lateral surface of the cap (25);

(38) horizontal zone of the helical groove (30); (39) helical groove stop (30);

(40) seal;

(41) refrigerator selector mechanism;

(42) folding platform of the selector mechanism; (43a, 43b) supply tube group; (44) opening;

(45) tabs of the base body (24) of the tap (2);

(46) bucket;

(100) neck - water outlet -;

(101) hoop; (102) vertical extension; (103) ring fit;

(106) area of the lateral surface of the tap to adhere a seal of alcohol rates;

(107) coupling element; (108) output of the coupling element;

(109) tube for the coupling element;

(110) cylindrical part of the coupling element;

(111) cuts; Y

(112) interior centering projections.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) A practical embodiment of a device for the supply of liquids for human consumption or other uses is described below with reference to the figures attached herein and by way of illustration but not limitation.

The device described has been designated in figures n ² 1 to 3 in conjunction with reference (1). The liquid supply device (1) essentially comprises a reservoir that is constituted as a bag (2) which contains a liquid inside which must be supplied cold. For this, means (3) for cooling the liquid contained in said tank (2) and a tap (4) are provided for the regulated exit of said liquid to the outside (see figure n ^to 2a) or a selector mechanism (41 ) (see figures n ² 1 and 2a) if, for example, two bags are used together.

As mentioned, the deposit is shaped as a bag (2) and has the peculiarity that it is disposable and for single use. In the embodiment in which the device incorporates a tap (4), this one also for single use when being welded in the bag (2).

A bag (2) with a total volume of approximately twenty liters can be used, or two adjacent bags (2) of ten liters each. In any case, the bag (2) or bags are conveniently housed inside a refrigerator (5). The refrigerator (5) is made of rigid plastic or any suitable resistant material. It can be internally coated with insulating materials. On one of the external faces of said refrigerator (5) there is a slot for introducing any necessary accessories, for example, a disposable container dispenser, useful in offices, etc.

The refrigerator (5) that houses the bag (2) has inside it a front cover (6) that allows access to the interior of the liquid supply device (1) of

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a convenient way to assemble or disassemble the bag (2) or bags housed inside. For this, the lid (6) is articulated to the top of the refrigerator (5) as can be seen in Figure ² of the drawings attached herein.

According to figures n ^to 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, the cover (6) has an inner projection (7) that is aligned, in the closed position illustrated in figure n ² 2a, with an opposite projection (8 ) that extends perpendicular to the inside of the front wall

(9) from the fridge (5). Between the projections (7, 8) a part of the bag (2) is trapped so that, in said closed position of figure n ^to 2, these projections (7, 8) delimit the bag (2) in an area upper (10) and in a lower zone (11) of different volumes, the upper zone (10) being of greater capacity than the lower zone (11) for the reasons set forth below.

According to Figure n ^s 4, the bag (2) can be provided with an intermediate heat welding line (12) delimiting the same in the upper region (10) and the bottom (11) described above. Both zones (10, 11) have, as indicated, different volumes: the said upper zone (10) is of greater volume than the lower zone (11) and the lower zone has a hole (13) for the incorporation of the tap (4).

As can be seen in figures n ^to 1, 2b, 2c, the refrigerator (5) can incorporate, instead of the tap (4) of the embodiment of figure n ^to 2a, a selector mechanism

(41) for water supply from different bags (2). This selector mechanism (41), illustrated in detail in figure n ^to 2c, is mounted on a folding platform

(42) which allows to hide the selector (41) in a comfortable way.

The bag (2) shown in figure n ^to 4a is adapted for the arrangement of said selector mechanism

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) (41) suitable when using two bags (2). Each bag (2) includes a handle (23) for transport, a metal tube (20) for holding it, said upper part (10) and said lower part (11). Between said zones (10, 11) there is a thermal weld (12) and an opening (16) for the communication of said zones (10, 11) of the bag (2) which is of narrow section. As stated, in this embodiment two identical bags (2) are arranged adjacent but one inverted with respect to the other. The bottom of each bag (2) incorporates tubes (43a, 43b) for the supply of cold water or natural water. The free ends of said tubes (43a, 43b) are closed.

The selector mechanism (41) of figure n ^to 2c comprises two groups of tubes (43a, 43b) that are connected, respectively, to the lower zone (11) and the upper zone (10) of a group of two bags (2 ). With this mechanism (41) it is possible to supply liquid at the desired temperature by obtaining water from one or the other area, or both. The selector mechanism (41) comprises respective strips acting on each tube (43a, 43b).

As indicated, the elements that make up the liquid supply device (1) of the invention form a unit, that is, the cooling means (3), the bag (2), and the tap (4) or the selector mechanism (41) all form a unit (1).

In one embodiment, said cooling means (3) comprise a "peltier" device (14) that is mounted on the base of the refrigerator (5) where the power supply of this device is included. The "peltier" device (14) works in combination with a radiator (15) that embeds the lower part of the refrigerator (5), see figure n ^to 1.

The lower area (11) of the bag (2) or reservoir is kept full despite the consumption of cold water by the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) user. For this purpose, a communication conduit or passage (16) is arranged between both zones (10, 11) of said bag (2), as can be seen in figure n ^to 4 of the drawings. In order to prevent the cooling of the lower zone (11) from being transmitted to the upper zone (10) of the bag (2), the passage (16) that communicates them narrows, thereby minimizing the loss of cold .

The heat generated by the peltier device (14) when absorbed from the liquid that is in the lower area (11) of the bag (2) in contact with the cuvette (46) is dissipated through said radiator (15) , which is distributed in the hot upper part (11) and in the cold lower part (10) of the bag (2), as indicated. At the base of the refrigerator (5) formed by the radiator (15), a 12v power supply or power system is mounted, and in the cases that are desired, a conventional fan to increase the performance of the convention. With special reference to figure n ^to 4 of the attached drawings, the bag (2) is held inside the refrigerator (5) of the device (1) described by an area (17) delimited between two welding lines horizontal and parallel (18, 19) where a clamping tube designated by (20) is housed in said figure n ^s 4. The free ends (21, 22) of said clamping tube (20) fit into slits ( not illustrated) formed on the top of the side surface of the refrigerator (5). In the said zone (17) delimited between the two horizontal and parallel welding lines ^• (18, 19) there is an opening (23) to allow the user to grip the bag (2) and thus facilitate its handling.

As indicated, the device (1) can supply the liquid contained in the bag (2) or bags

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) by means of a selector mechanism (41) that acts on ducts (43a, 43b) of said bag (2) or bags. However, it is also contemplated to use an additional tap (4). With reference to Figures 5 et seq is described by way of illustrative example, an embodiment of said tap (4) mounted in the device (1) for supplying liquid according to the present invention.

The most important feature of the tap (4) equipped in this embodiment of the liquid supply device (1) of the invention is that it consists of only two parts (24, 25), unlike conventional prior art taps . These two pieces can be clearly seen in figures ^2, 5, 7 and 15 of the attached drawings.

The first of said pieces (24) is a hollow base body intended to be joined by its base (26) to the lower area (11) of the bag (2). This base body

(24) has a liquid outlet port (27) and a filling port (28). The base body (24) of the tap

(4) It is made of polyethylene or any other suitable material. Said liquid outlet orifice (27) of the base body (24) has a neck (100) adapted so that the liquid exits in a controlled manner by said orifice (27). This liquid outlet port (27) is doubly protected when the tap (4) remains closed, as will be seen later.

The base (26) constitutes the tap soldier plate (4) to the bag. As can be seen in Figures ^2, 9 and 14, the base (26) has an oval shape. Said base or plate (26) becomes a joint when internal thread is used.

The second of these two pieces is a cap

(25) designed so that it can slide axially with respect to the base body (24). The cap (25) is provided in

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) its lateral surface of projections (29) that are conveniently adapted to be accommodated by sliding in a helical groove (30). This helical groove (30) is formed on the side surface (31) of said base body (24), as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings.

The upper part of the cap (25) is adapted to receive a logo or seal of designation of origin.

The liquid outlet orifice (27) of the base body (24) is fully or partially exposed by sliding out the cap (25) with respect to the base body (24), as shown in Figures ^2, 5,

15, 16 and 17.

To close or open the tap (4) in its entirety, just turn its cap 180 degrees, with both ends of safety stops.

The lateral surface of the cap (25) is extended by configuring a skirt (32) that covers and protects the liquid outlet orifice (27) of the base body (24). In the closed position (figure n ^to 7), the lower part of the skirt (32) is in contact with a radial widening (32a).

Said base body (24) of the tap (4) has radial projections (33) at one of its ends. These radial projections (33) have the mission of favoring the union of the base body (24) of the tap (4) in the lower zone (11) of the bag (2) and can be interrupted in an area to facilitate the holding of the tap. The base body (24) also has a threaded inner surface (34) of universal passage. An extension (35) is also provided for the adjustment of the tap (4) by means of a conventional wrench.

Radial projections (33) of the base body (24) allow a robot machine or equivalent mechanism

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) can take the tap (4) in a suitable way. In addition, the projections (33) cooperate in the welding of the tap (4) to the bag (2) for its subsequent filling of liquid and also enable the positioning of the tap (4) with respect to the bag (2) for its subsequent connection to the same. As can be seen in Figures ^2, 8 and 9, the lateral surface (36) of the cap (25) is provided with a plurality of notches (37) that facilitate the user to grip the faucet (4) of the device. for the supply of liquids (1) of the invention.

Another alternative embodiment of a base body (24) of a tap (4) according to the invention is illustrated in Figure ² 23. In said embodiment, the base body (24) incorporates elastic clamping tabs (45) that emerge from the base (26) and extend upwards to allow the faucet (4) to be fixed to the refrigerator (15) .

In the helical groove (30) there is a horizontal zone (38) in which there is a stop (39) that indicates the opening of the tap (4).

The tap (4) incorporates an inviolable seal

(40) comprising a ring (101) formed in a vertical extension (102) of the cap (25) adapted to engage in an annular engagement (103) of the base body (24), said vertical extension (102) comprising the cap (25) strips that support the ring (101) designed to break when the cap (25) is rotated with respect to the base body (24). With particular reference now to the embodiment of the tap (4) illustrated in Figures ² 22 and 24 of the drawings, the base body (24) is provided with an opening (44) in its base (26) for the introduction of capillaries for cooling additional and similar liquids, as well as measuring elements, such as

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) sensors for temperature control and others.

When the user has placed the bag (2), which is filled with liquid, inside the refrigerator (5) of the device (1), the cooling means (3) only cool the lower area (11) of the same when it is in contact with the walls of the cuvette (46), see figure ² 2. It should be noted that the lower part (11) of the bag (2) has been designed so that its volume is slightly greater than that of the cuvette (46) and adapts more easily to its internal volume.

As the cooled liquid is consumed, the level in the lower area (11) of the bag (2) drops and the volume of the bag is replenished thanks to the conduit (16) that communicates by gravity the upper area (10) of the bag (2) with the lower area (11) of the bag. In this way the level of cold liquid is maintained ensuring the supply available to the user without the need to cool the volume of the upper zone (10). Only about 10% of the total volume of the bag (2) is cooled (about two liters in the case of bags of twenty liters capacity), thus avoiding having to cool the remaining eighteen liters of the upper area (10) of the bag (2).

When the bag (2) has been completely emptied, the empty one is removed by pressing the tap (4) inwards, after having lifted the lid (6) of the refrigerator (5). The bag (2) is supported by the slot (23) provided in the upper area (10) thereof (2) and is replaced by another full bag (2), discarding the first.

As can be seen, the cap (25) has a smooth area which, together with the radial widening

(32b), defines an area (106) of the lateral surface of the tap (4). This lateral zone (106) is intended for the incorporation of a tax seal on alcohol or derived beverages. The tap (4) can incorporate a micro-step motor

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) step adapted inside the base body (24) which acts, by means of telescopic tweezers, on the cap (25).

This stepper micro-motor can be with and without electronic flow control, and can be connected to the tap

(4) through a coupling provided for this purpose. The exit of the liquid can be conducted through a tube, without the installation of the engine being necessary, without losing the aseptic tap. If desired, an electric micro-pump adapted inside the base body (24) can also be arranged to supply the liquid automatically and / or another pump with a lower flow rate to automatically supply the liquid from the opening ( 44) of the base body (24).

In another embodiment, the faucet (4) includes a funnel-shaped coupling element (107) provided with an outlet (108) adapted to couple a supply tube (109), as can be seen in Figures ² 11 a 14 of the drawings attached. Said funnel-shaped coupling element (107) comprises a cylindrical part (110) provided with cuts (111) to allow its expansion and can be coupled to the base body

(24) and interior centering projections (112) that prevent the rotation of the coupling element (107).

The materials of the refrigerator (5), the tap (4), the bag (2) and other elements that make up the device for the supply of liquids (1) described in accordance with the present invention, as well as its forms , dimensions, etc. they may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, provided they do not depart from the essentiality of the present invention or the inventive concept thereof defined in the claims that are included below.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

CLAIMS:

I ^a -"DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" that comprises a tank (2) containing a liquid, means (3) for cooling the liquid contained in said tank (2) and a tap (4 ) for the regulated output of said liquid to the outside, characterized in that said tank is a disposable and single-use bag (2) which incorporates said tap (4), said bag (2) being housed inside a refrigerator (5).

2 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that said bag (2) is provided with an intermediate welding line (12) with an intermediate step (16 ) that delimits the bag (2) into an upper area (10) and a lower area (11) of different volumes.

3 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the 2nd ^claim , characterized in that the said upper area (10) of the bag (2) is of greater volume than the lower area (11 ), the upper area (11) being provided with said tap (4).

4 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that the aforementioned cooling means (3) comprise a "peltier" device (14).

5 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that the liquid cooling means (3) comprise a radiator (15) that embeds the lower area of the refrigerator (5), the radiator (15) being divided into an upper part and a lower part joined together, and said radiator (15) being provided on its lateral surface with vertical fins

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Slotted cooling by natural convention.

6 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^5th claim, characterized in that the contact surfaces of the peltier (14) are rectified in a perfect planimetry to obtain greater performance of the peltier device (14) .

7 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that the refrigerator (5) has an articulated front cover (6) which is provided with an interior projection (7 ) which is aligned, in the closed position, with an opposite interior projection (8) of the interior front wall (9) of the refrigerator (5) between which the bag (2) is located, delimiting it in an upper area (10) and a lower area (11) of different volumes.

8 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^5th claim, characterized in that the cooling means (3) incorporate a fan that supplies an air stream to the radiator.

9 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that the bag (2) is held inside said bucket (5) by means of a holding tube (20). ) housed inside an area (17) delimited between two horizontal and parallel welding lines (18, 19), the free ends being adapted

(21, 22) of said holding tube (20) in slits provided in the upper part of the lateral surface of the refrigerator (5).

10 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^9th claim, characterized in that the aforementioned area (17) delimited between the two horizontal welding lines and

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) parallel (18, 19) comprises an opening (23) to allow the user to grip the bag (2).

11 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that the tap (4) is made up of only two pieces that comprise a hollow base body (24) intended for be attached by its base (26) to the bag (2) and which has a liquid outlet hole (27) and a filling hole (28); and a second piece or cap (25) that can slide axially with respect to said base body (24), which is provided on its lateral surface (36) with at least one projection (29) adapted to be housed by sliding in a helical groove (30) formed in the lateral surface (31) of said base body (24), said liquid outlet hole (27) being totally or partially exposed when the second piece or cap (25) slides outwards. with respect to the base body (24).

12 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the lateral surface (36) of said second piece or cap (25) is extended configuring a skirt (32) that covers and protects the liquid outlet hole (27) of the base body (24).

13 ^a - "DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the liquid outlet hole (27) of the base body (24) has a neck (100) adapted so that the liquid exits in a controlled manner by said hole (27).

14 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that it incorporates an inviolable seal (40) that comprises a ring (101) formed in a vertical extension (102) of the cap (25) adapted for

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) engage in an annular fit (103) of the base body (24), said vertical extension (102) of the cap (25) comprising ring support strips (101) designed to break when the cap (25) rotates with respect to the base body (24).

15 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^14th claim, characterized in that the cap (25) has a smooth radial area that together with the radial widening of the base body (32b) defines an area (106) of the lateral surface of the tap (4) intended for the incorporation of a tax seal on alcohol or derived beverages.

16 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the base body (24) is made of polyethylene and is welded to the bag (2) at its base (26).

17 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the base body (24) has radial projections (33) intended to allow it to be held by a suitable tool in the manufacturing process.

18 ^a -"DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the base body (24) has a universal pitch internal thread (34) and an extension (35) for adjusting the tap (4) by means of a conventional key in the bag (2).

19 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the lateral surface (36) of the second piece or cap (25) is provided with a plurality of notches ( 37) that facilitate grip

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the user.

20 ^a - "DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^13th claim, characterized in that the helical groove (30) has a horizontal area (38) in which a stop (39) is arranged.

21 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the base body (24) is provided with an opening (44) for the introduction of additional liquids and the like. .

22 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the tap (4) incorporates a micro-stepper motor adapted to the outside of the base body (24 ) which acts, by means of telescopic clamps, on the cap (25).

23 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to ^claim 11, characterized in that the tap (4) incorporates an electric micro-pump adapted inside the base body (24) to supply the liquid automatically.

24 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^21st claim, characterized in that the tap (4) incorporates an electric micro-pump to supply the liquid automatically from the opening (44 ) of the base body

(24) . 25 ^a - "DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the tap (4) incorporates a coupling element (107) in the form of a funnel provided with an outlet (108) adapted to couple a supply tube (109). ).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 26 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^25th claim, characterized in that said funnel-shaped coupling element (107) comprises a cylindrical part (110) provided with cuts ( 111) to allow its expansion and to be able to couple to the base body (24) and some interior centering projections (112) that prevent the rotation of the coupling element (107).

27 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^11th claim, characterized in that the base body (24) incorporates elastic fastening tabs (45) that emerge from the base (26 ) of said base body (24) extending upwards. 28 ^a - "DEVICE FOR THE SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^first claim, characterized in that said refrigerator (5) incorporates a selector mechanism (41) for the supply of water from different bags (2). 29 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLY OF LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to the ^28th claim, characterized in that said selector mechanism (41) is mounted on a folding platform (42). 30 ^a - "DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING LIQUIDS

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OR OTHER USES" according to claims 2 ^a or 28 ^a , characterized in that said selector mechanism (41) comprises two groups of tubes (43a, 43b) connected, respectively, to the lower area (11) and to the top (10) of the bag (2).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)