WO2012156709A2 - Perfectionnements apportés à des têtes de distribution manuelles pour récipients de fluide ou s'y rapportant - Google Patents

Perfectionnements apportés à des têtes de distribution manuelles pour récipients de fluide ou s'y rapportant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012156709A2
WO2012156709A2 PCT/GB2012/051054 GB2012051054W WO2012156709A2 WO 2012156709 A2 WO2012156709 A2 WO 2012156709A2 GB 2012051054 W GB2012051054 W GB 2012051054W WO 2012156709 A2 WO2012156709 A2 WO 2012156709A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
container
beverage
venting
dispense head
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2012/051054
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012156709A3 (fr
Inventor
Bill Dando
Original Assignee
Britvic Soft Drinks Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Britvic Soft Drinks Limited filed Critical Britvic Soft Drinks Limited
Publication of WO2012156709A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012156709A2/fr
Publication of WO2012156709A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012156709A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
    • B65D47/2081—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve port
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/12—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
    • B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
    • B65D47/242—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving helically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
    • B65D51/1688—Venting occurring during initial closing or opening of the container, by means of a passage for the escape of gas between the closure and the lip of the container mouth, e.g. interrupted threads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/0018—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with devices for making foam

Definitions

  • HEADS FOR FLUID CONTAINERS This invention concerns improvements in or relating to manually operated dispense heads for dispensing liquid, which has a gas dissolved therein, from a container.
  • the invention relates to manually operated dispense heads for dispensing a beverage directly into a user's mouth from a hand-held beverage container, such as a bottle, pouch, can or the like.
  • the invention has particular application to valves for the controlled dispense of an effervescent beverage (e.g. foaming) into a user's mouth.
  • an effervescent beverage e.g. foaming
  • EPl 368254 discloses one example of such a product, where a sparingly soluble gas, such as oxygen, nitrogen or nitrous-oxide, is dissolved in a beverage and the beverage is held in the container under gaseous pressure in a head space in the container above the beverage.
  • the container comprises a valve for controlling the release of the beverage, wherein on opening valve, beverage is forced out of the bottle by the gaseous pressure, the beverage being dispensed as an effervescent fluid due to the rapid breakout from the beverage of the sparingly soluble gas as the beverage is dispensed.
  • valve arrangements are disclosed in EPl 368254, most of them intended for direct dispense of the product in to the user's mouth.
  • a problem with these valve arrangements is that an initial quantity of the beverage may be dispensed very rapidly, in a similar manner to when one shakes a carbonated bottled beverage and then immediately opens the bottle. The beverage is rapidly pushed from the bottle by the gaseous pressure in an uncontrolled fashion. Such a manner of dispense is undesirable for a consumer who wants to control the amount of beverage dispensed.
  • a significant quantity of beverage may remain in the bottle as the gaseous pressure is not sufficient to dispense the remaining beverage from the bottle.
  • WO 98/36671 discloses a method of producing a milk shake or whipped cream by pressurising milk or cream in a container with nitrogen gas. However, only one-third of the container is filled with milk or cream and the milk or cream is frothed into thick foam, not dispensed as a fine spray or mist.
  • a manually operated dispense head for attaching to a fluid container, the dispense head comprising a valve for controlling a flow of an at least partially effervescent liquid from the container, the valve having an open position for allowing the liquid to be dispensed from the container, and venting means associated with the valve and operable to vent gas from the container, wherein, in use, the dispense head is operated by an opening action that comprises actuating the venting means to vent gas from the container, and placing the valve into the open position, such that the liquid can be dispensed from the container via the open valve.
  • the opening action may comprise two or more distinct (i.e. separate) movements, for example, a first movement to actuate the venting means and a second movement to move the valve into the open position.
  • the valve and venting means may be arranged such that the venting means is actuated before the valve is moved to the open position.
  • the venting means may be actuated to the venting position by a first movement before the valve can be moved to the open position by a second movement, which may be distinct from the first movement.
  • the opening action may be a single continuous movement, such that the movement actuates the venting means and places the valve into the open position, for example by a single twist or pull etc.
  • the valve may also comprise biasing means providing a bias against movement beyond the venting position.
  • the valve of the invention may ensure that any excess pressure in the container is released before the liquid, such as a liquid beverage, is allowed to be dispensed, preventing an uncontrolled release of the beverage from the container.
  • the user to open the valve the user must make two distinct movements, the valve being in the venting condition during the transition between the two distinct movements, such that excess gas pressure may be released sufficiently during the transition reducing the risk of uncontrolled dispense of beverage when the valve is moved to the fully open position.
  • the biasing means delays movement of the valve to the open position such that the valve may be maintained in the venting position for sufficient time to ensure that any excess gas is released. Before switching the venting means to the venting position, the escape of gas is prevented such that gaseous pressure is maintained before use, and is maintained after use once the venting means are closed.
  • references to an Opening action' are intended, for example, to include, but are not limited to, two movements that cannot be carried out as a continuous movement or operation, such as a rotational movement and linear movement (such as a twist to vent and pull to open etc.), rotations about two different axes (such as a twist to vent and flipping about a hinge to open), two linear movements in different directions (such as squeezing of a component in one direction to vent and pulling in a substantially perpendicular direction to open), operations on two distinct components (e.g. a cap and the valve member), and the same or similar movement twice but separated by a suitable pause (e.g.
  • the opening action may also involve any continuous movement or single movement that can achieve both venting and opening of the dispense head during use.
  • the venting means may be switchable back to a non-venting condition, in which gas cannot escape from the container through the venting means, from the venting condition. In this way, gaseous pressure can be maintained between uses.
  • switching of the venting means to the venting condition is irreversible (from the point of view of the consumer).
  • the venting means may be part of the valve member.
  • a valve member may be moveable between a fully closed, non-venting position, in which neither beverage nor gas can escape from the container, and the open position via an intermediate position, in which gas (but not beverage) can vent from the container. Integration of the venting means into the valve member may be advantageous as such an arrangement may require fewer parts and/or fewer movable parts.
  • the valve may be a "reversible" venting means wherein the valve can be returned to the fully closed position or an "irreversible" venting means wherein the valve cannot be returned to the fully closed position (e.g. a one use device).
  • the venting means may be separate from the valve.
  • the venting means may comprise a venting passageway through the valve, which is separate from any passageway defined by a valve member and a valve seat, the venting passageway in gaseous communication with the container, and a seal sealing the passageway in a non-venting condition, wherein the seal can be broken to allow gas to escape from the container, breaking of the seal allowing the user to move the valve member.
  • the venting means may be a cap movable from a non-venting position over the valve member preventing operation to the valve member and sealing the venting passageway, to a venting condition, in which the user can operate the valve member and the venting passageway is open (not sealed).
  • the cap may also serve as a dust cap preventing the ingress of dust into the valve member mechanism.
  • the cap may be a "reversible" venting means wherein the cap can be returned to the non-venting position sealing the venting passageway or an "irreversible" venting means wherein the cap cannot be returned to a position sealing the venting passageway.
  • a fluid container such as a beverage container, comprising a valve according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the container may contain a liquid beverage having a sparingly soluble gas dissolved therein, the liquid beverage held under gaseous pressure in the container that is sufficient to cause the liquid beverage to be discharged from the container when the valve member is moved to the open position.
  • the presence of the sparingly soluble gas may cause the liquid beverage to be dispensed as an at least partially effervescent liquid (e.g. foam).
  • the sparingly soluble gas may be oxygen, nitrogen, or nitrous oxide.
  • the liquid may be held under gaseous pressure by a mixture of carbon-dioxide and the sparingly soluble gas.
  • a beverage product comprising a portable fluid container, such as a beverage container, and a beverage in the container.
  • the container may have a nozzle providing a flow path for dispense of the beverage from the container.
  • the beverage may comprise an aqueous solution having dissolved therein carbon-dioxide and a gas (hereinafter called the sparingly soluble gas) that is less soluble in the aqueous solution than carbon-dioxide.
  • An amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the aqueous solution may be between 1 and 3 volumes, and preferably 1 to 2 volumes, (at standard temperature and pressure (STP) (20°C and 101.325KPa)) per volume of the aqueous solution.
  • An amount and solubility of the sparingly soluble gas dissolved in the aqueous solution and a shape of the flow path may cause sufficient breakout of the sparingly soluble gas in the nozzle such that the beverage is dispensed as an at least partially effervescent liquid (e.g. foam).
  • an at least partially effervescent liquid e.g. foam
  • Dissolving a sparingly soluble gas, such as nitrogen or oxygen, in a beverage can result in the beverage being dispensed as an effervescent liquid.
  • a sparingly soluble gas such as nitrogen or oxygen
  • dissolving a sparingly soluble gas in the beverage alone at over pressures of around 4 bar will not cause sufficient beverage to be ejected from the container when the container is opened. It has been found that, at these pressures, it is necessary to also carbonate the beverage in order for sufficient beverage to be forced from the container when the container is opened. It has been found that carbonating the beverage at between 1 and 3 volumes of carbon-dioxide is sufficient to eject substantially all the beverage from the container whilst keeping the velocity at which the effervescent fluid is ejected below acceptable levels.
  • carbonating the beverage above 3 volumes may result in the effervescent fluid being ejected from the fluid container by over a metre whilst carbonating the beverage below 1 volume may result in a substantial portion of the beverage not being ejected from the bottle. Ejecting the beverage with too much force may make consumption of the effervescent fluid impractical and, in the extreme, potentially hazardous. Failure to eject the entire beverage from the container is undesirable because consumers typically expect to be able to consume all or at least substantially all beverage contained in a container.
  • the beverage product may be selected such that the beverage is dispensed as a foam, or a fine spray or mist.
  • the beverage may have viscosity such that breakout of a sparingly soluble gas dissolved in the beverage turns the beverage into a foam.
  • the viscosity of the beverage may be of the order of the viscosity of water, for example less than 2cP and, preferably between 0.2 and 2cP.
  • the sparingly soluble gas may be held in the beverage container at an over pressure of at least 2.5 bar and preferably around 4 bar.
  • the sparingly soluble gas may be one or a mixture of gases selected from the group of nitrogen, nitrous-oxide, oxygen, hydrogen and noble gases. Most preferably, the gas is nitrogen.
  • the nozzle may be arranged to cause 'turbulent' flow.
  • the flow path through the nozzle may comprise a plurality of apertures, which may be separate to each other and or spaced accordingly.
  • the apertures may be of a size that cause sufficient breakout of the sparingly soluble gas on dispense, such that the beverage is dispensed as a foam, or alternatively as a mist or spray.
  • the beverage container may comprise a bottle, pouch, a metal can or the like, including a plastic aerosol container.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a fluid container according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figure 1 , wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of a top of the fluid container shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in Figures 1 to 3, wherein the valve is in a venting position;
  • FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a fluid container according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figure 6, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view of a top of the fluid container shown in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in Figures 6 to 8, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a fluid container according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figure 10, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of a top of the fluid container shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 , wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in
  • FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of a fluid container according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figure 14, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of a top of the fluid container shown in
  • FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in Figures 14 to 16, wherein the valve is in an open position for dispense;
  • FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of a fluid container according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figure 18, wherein the valve is in an open position after the cap has been removed;
  • FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of the fluid container shown in Figures 18 and 19, wherein the cap has been rotated out of the way of the user for dispense;
  • FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional view of a top of the fluid container shown in Figures 18 to 20, wherein the valve is in a closed, non-venting position;
  • FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the fluid container shown in
  • a fluid container such as a beverage container, which in this example is a plastic bottle 1 , comprising a dispense head 2 for controlling the dispense of a liquid beverage from the bottle 1.
  • the dispense head 2 comprises a valve seat 3 defining an opening for liquid flow from the bottle 1 and a valve member 4 engaging the valve seat 3 to close the opening (see Figure 3) and movable to an open position allowing liquid to be dispensed from the bottle (cf. Figure 5).
  • the dispense head 2 further comprises venting means 5 switchable by the consumer to a venting position in which gas is allowed to escape from the bottle via a venting passageway (cf. Figure 4).
  • the valve member 4 and venting means 5 are arranged such that the venting means 5 are actuated by a first movement before the valve member 4 can be moved to the open position (as in Figure 5) by a subsequent second movement distinct from the first movement.
  • the venting means 5 comprises a nozzle 6, which is securely fitted to the bottle 1 by screw-threads 7a, and an over-cap 8, which is releasably connected in a fluid tight manner to the nozzle 6, which in this example is by screw thread 9a.
  • the over-cap 8 comprises a valve member 4 and, initially is connected to the nozzle 6 such that the valve member 4 is received in the opening defined by valve seat 3. In this closed, non-venting position, the valve member 4 engages valve seat 3 so as to tightly seal the opening against the flow of beverage and gas.
  • the nozzle 6 comprises a skirt 10, bearing screw threads 7a for engaging screw threads 7b on the bottle neck, a first neck-portion 1 1 narrowing from the skirt and bearing a screw thread 9b for engaging with screw-threads 9a on the over-cap 8, and a second neck portion 12, narrower than the first neck portion 1 1 that defines valve seat 3.
  • the second neck portion 12 comprises, upstream of the valve seat 3, a first device 13 for causing a 'turbulent' flow, which in this example is a plurality of spaced apertures for impeding and agitating the flow of liquid from the bottle 1.
  • the nozzle 6 further comprises a second device 14 for providing a turbulent flow, which in this example is a separate insert 14 comprising a plurality of spaced apertures 25 extending over an orifice in the nozzle 6 having a greater area than that of the first device 13.
  • the second device 14 is supported by lugs 15.
  • the device 14 can be inserted into the nozzle 6 when required, based on the volumes of gases in the beverage to be dispensed and/or the amount of breakout required on dispense of the beverage. In particular, this may allow the same dispense head 2 to be used with liquids containing different volumes of gases.
  • the nozzle 6 may comprise only a single device or more than two devices for creating turbulent flow of more than two devices, as required.
  • Means are also provided for visually indicating that the cap has been moved to the venting position/open position.
  • the cap 8 when in the non-venting closed position (shown in Figure 3), is connected at a plurality of frangible locations 17 to a tamper evident ring 16. Unscrewing of the cap 8 to move the cap to the venting position (shown in Figure 4) causes the cap 8 to separate from the tamper evident ring 16 at the frangible locations 17.
  • the cap 8 further comprises a hinge 18 comprising a flexible tie connecting the cap 8 to the tamper evident ring 16, which remains connected to the ring 16 when the cap 8 is moved to the venting position shown in Figure 4.
  • abutment 19 for engaging with abutment 20 on the nozzle 6.
  • the abutment 19 sits below abutment 20 to hold the cap 8 in place against upward pressure on the cap 8 generated by the internal gaseous pressure in the bottle 1.
  • Unscrewing of the cap 8 causes to abutment 19 to ride over the abutment 20 and lifts the valve member 4 from the valve seat 3 such that gases can vent from the bottle 1.
  • a venting passageway is formed past the valve seat 3 and valve member 4 and past abutments 19 and 20.
  • the release of the pressure as the cap 8 moves to the venting position is sufficiently slow such that liquid remains in the bottle 1 for the typical pressures that are to be expected in the bottle 1.
  • the cap 8 can be flipped to the open position shown in Figure 5 by the consumer.
  • the cap 8 remains connected to the bottle 1 via the hinge 18 reducing the risk of the cap 8 being accidently swallowed, while also avoiding unnecessary littering.
  • the consumer to open the bottle 1 , the consumer must carry out an opening action involving two distinct movements, the first movement comprising unscrewing the cap 8, this resulting in the movement of the cap 8 to the venting position, and a second movement comprising flipping the cap 8 to allow access to the nozzle 6 to dispense beverage into the consumer' s mouth.
  • This example comprises a bottle 101 , comprising a manually operated dispense head 102 for controlling a dispense of liquid beverage from a bottle 101.
  • the dispense head 102 comprises a valve seat 103 defining an opening for liquid flow from the bottle 101 and a valve member 104 engaging the valve seat 103 to close the opening (cf. Figure 8) and movable to an open position allowing liquid to be dispensed from the bottle (cf. Figure 9).
  • the dispense head 102 further comprises a venting means 105 which is actuated by the consumer to a venting position in which gas is allowed to escape from the bottle 101.
  • the valve member 104 and venting means 105 are arranged such that the venting means 105 is actuated by twisting the valve member 104, which also results in the valve being placed in the open position (cf. Figure 9).
  • the venting means 105 comprises a nozzle 106, which is securely fitted to the bottle 1 , by screw-threads 107a.
  • the nozzle 106 comprises a skirt 1 10, bearing screw threads 107a for engaging screw thread 107b on the bottle neck, a neck- portion 1 1 1 narrowing from the skirt 1 10 and a central core 130 located within the neck-portion 1 1 1 to define an annular recess therebetween for receiving a valve member 104.
  • the nozzle further comprises apertures 1 13 fluidly connecting the recess to the bottle 101.
  • an annulus of apertures 125 are located at a bottom of the recess between the core 130 and the neck-portion 1 10.
  • the nozzle 104 defines, along with the central core 130, a chamber 132 into which liquid can flow when the valve member 104 is opened.
  • the valve member 104 comprises interrupted threads 1 19 for engaging with interrupted threads 120 on the central core 130. In this way, rotation of the valve member 104 causes the valve member 104 to move within the recess.
  • the valve member 104 comprises a toe 131 and the central core 130 is shaped (in this example tapering towards the distal/free end) such that movement of the valve member 104 within the recess causes the toe 131 to engage and disengage with the central core 130. Engagement of the toe 131 with the central core 130 (as shown in Figure 8) provides a seal to prevent flow of liquid from apertures 125 to the chamber 132.
  • Apertures 1 13 in the valve member 104 allow for the flow of liquid from the chamber 132.
  • a shoulder 134 on the valve member 104 engages the neck-portion 1 1 1 in all positions to seal the interface between the neck-portion 1 1 1 and valve member 104 to liquid flow.
  • a dust-cap 108 is connected to the nozzle 106 by a hinge 1 18 such that the dust-cap can be moved from a position covering the nozzle 106 and valve member 104 (as shown in Figure 8) to a position uncovering the valve member 104 and nozzle 106 (as shown in Figure 9).
  • the dust-cap prevents the ingress of dust/dirt into the nozzle 106/valve member 104.
  • the dust-cap may also provide a visual tamper indication that the bottle has been opened.
  • the cap 108 is connected by a plurality of frangible elements to the nozzle 106, these frangible elements being broken when the dust-cap 108 is first moved to the open position shown in Figure 9.
  • the bottle 101 is opened by an opening action involving flipping the cap 108 to an open position and then rotating the valve member 104 to raise the valve member 104 to a venting position (not shown), in which gas can vent from the bottle through apertures 125, interrupted screw threads 1 19, 120 and apertures 1 13.
  • the valve member 104 is also moved to its open position (as shown in Figure 9), such that in this position, liquid in the bottle 101 is free to flow from the bottle through the nozzle 106 and valve member 104.
  • This example comprises a bottle container 201 , comprising a manually operated dispense head 202 for controlling a dispense of a liquid beverage from the container 201.
  • the dispense head 202 comprises a valve seat 203 defining an opening for liquid flow from the bottle 201 and a valve member 204 engaging the valve seat 203 to close the opening (see Figure 12) and movable to an open position allowing liquid to be dispensed from the bottle (cf. Figure 13).
  • the dispense head 202 further comprises a venting means 205 actuated by a consumer to a venting position in which gas is allowed to vent from the bottle 201.
  • the valve member 204 (which in this example also comprises the venting means 205) is arranged such that that it can be moved to the venting position and then to the open position by a continuous movement.
  • the dispense head 202 further comprises biasing means, which in this example comprise a membrane 240, providing a bias against movement of the valve member 204 beyond the venting position.
  • valve member 204 is held in place on the bottle 201 by a screw threaded collar 206.
  • the collar 206 bears screw threads 207a for engaging screw threads 207b on the bottle neck.
  • annular flange 241 At an upper end of the collar 206 is an annular flange 241 for engaging the dispense head 202 to hold the dispense head 202 in place on the bottle 201.
  • the dispense head 202 comprises two elements 242 and 243.
  • the first element 242 forms a plug to be received in the bottle opening, the plug comprising valve seat 203 that defines a central opening therein.
  • the plug element 242 further comprises an upstanding annular abutment 245 that co-operates with element 243 to limit the extent of movement of the valve member 204.
  • Element 243 comprises the valve member 204, which is connected to a tubular member 244.
  • Tubular member 244 defines an annular recess for receiving abutment 245 with a closed end of the recess arranged to engage the abutment 243 to limit the extent of movement of valve member 244.
  • the valve member 204 is connected, via the central tubular member 244, to an external annular ring 246 (which is fixed in place by collar 206) by a resilient membrane 240.
  • the resilient membrane 240 acts as a biasing means to bias the valve member 204 to a fully closed, non-venting position (see Figure 12) or a fully open position (see Figure 13).
  • the membrane 240 has two stable positions and to move the membrane 240 away from these stable positions, a force has to be applied against the biasing, in this example a force applied to the tubular member 244. Movement of the membrane 240 away from the stable position and beyond an unstable equilibrium point (in this example half-way between the two stable positions) causes the membrane to revert (in what may be described as a snapping motion) to the other stable position. However, to move the membrane beyond the unstable equilibrium point requires a force to be applied against the biasing of the membrane 240.
  • the venting means 205 comprises a plurality of elongate apertures in a lower portion of the valve member 204.
  • the membrane 240 causes the valve member 204 to snap to the position shown in Figure 13, exposing a much larger proportion of the apertures such that liquid can be forced from the bottle 201 by the gas pressures therein.
  • the valve member 204 can be reverted to the closed position by pulling on the tubular member 244 (e.g. by the consumer's lips, teeth or fingers).
  • a dust-cap 208 is connected to the dispense head 202 by a hinge 218 such that the dust-cap can be moved from a position covering the dispense head 202 (as shown in Figure 12) to a position uncovering the dispense head 202 (as shown in Figure 13).
  • the dust-cap 208 prevents the ingress of dust/dirt into the element 243 / valve member 204.
  • the dust-cap 208 may also provide a visual tamper indication that the bottle has been opened.
  • the cap 208 is connected by a plurality of frangible elements to the ring 246 of element 244, these frangible elements being broken when the dust-cap 208 is first moved to the open position, as shown in Figure 13.
  • This example comprises a bottle container 301 , comprising a manually operated dispense head 302 for controlling a dispense of a liquid beverage from the bottle 301.
  • the dispense head 302 comprises a valve seat 303 defining an opening for liquid flow from the bottle 301 and a valve member 304, integral with cap 308, engaging the valve seat 303 to close the opening (see Figure 16) and movable to an open position, through hinged movement of the cap 308, allowing liquid to be dispensed from the bottle (cf. Figure 17).
  • the cap 308 with integral valve member 304 provides a venting means such that deformation of the cap 308, for example by squeezing, causes at least part of the valve member 304 to disengage with valve seat 303 such that gas is allowed to vent from the bottle 301. Pivotal movement of the cap 308 to the position shown in Figure 17 then completely disengages the valve member 304 from the valve seat 303 such that liquid can be dispensed from the bottle 301.
  • a peg 350 retained in keep 351 forms a latch mechanism to prevent opening of the valve to avoid the flow of liquid until pivotal movement of the cap 308. Deformation of the cap 308 moves the peg 350 out of keep 351 releasing the latch mechanism such that the cap 308 can be pivoted to open the valve.
  • the cap 308 may comprise contact areas that provide an indication of where the consumer should place his/her fingers to deform the cap 308 and open the valve 302.
  • the contact areas may comprise a texturised surface to aid the consumer to grip the cap 308 when deforming and moving the cap.
  • the texturised surface is provided by ribs integrally moulded into the cap 308.
  • the cap 308 is initially connected to a tamper evident ring 316 by a plurality of frangible elements wherein squeezing of the cap 308 breaks the frangible elements indicating venting and opening of the bottle 301. After breaking of the frangible elements, the cap 308 remains attached to the tamper evident ring 316 by hinge 318.
  • the valve seat 303 is provided on a spout/nozzle 306 that provides a curved passageway extending upwardly from the bottle, comprising a "side" opening (as defined by the valve seat 303) having a longitudinal axis at an angle to (ie not parallel with) a longitudinal axis of the bottle opening.
  • the keep 351 is provided in a side of the spout/nozzle 306 and the spout/nozzle 306 is connected to the bottle 301 by screw threads 307a, 307b.
  • the spout/nozzle comprises, within the valve seat 303, a first device 313 for causing a 'turbulent' flow, which in this example comprises a plurality of spaced apart apertures for impeding and agitating the flow of liquid from the bottle 301.
  • the spout/nozzle 306 further comprises a second device 314 for providing a turbulent flow, which in this example is a separate insert 314 comprising a plurality of spaced apertures 325 extending over an orifice in the nozzle 306 having a greater area than that of the first device 313.
  • the second device 314 is supported by lugs 315.
  • the tamper evident ring 316 and cap 308 are arranged such that, in the open position shown in Figure 17, the cap 308 can be retracted away, from the spout/nozzle 306, such that the consumer can consume the beverage without being hindered by the cap 308 below the opening in the spout/nozzle 306.
  • a fifth embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 18 to 22. Like reference numerals (but in the series 400) are used for features of the fifth embodiment that are the same as, or similar to, features of the earlier embodiments.
  • the cap 408 comprises a multi-piece cap 408, comprising a first major piece 408a and a second minor piece 408b connected by a hinge 408c. Opening of the cap 408 comprises the action of pivoting the cap about hinge 418 and about hinge 408c such that the major piece 408a of the cap 408 is moved to a position displaced from the opening in spout/nozzle 406. In this way, there is even less chance that the cap 408 will interfere with consuming of the liquid from the bottle 401 when in the open position.
  • the roughened area on the cap 408 is provided by a plurality of nodules rather than ribs.
  • any suitable texturised surface may be used to facilitate grip of the cap.
  • the fluid containers as described herein may contain a liquid beverage having a sparingly soluble gas dissolved therein, the liquid being held under gaseous pressure in the container that is sufficient to cause the beverage to be discharged from the container when the valve member is placed in the open position.
  • the presence of the sparingly soluble gas may cause the liquid to be dispensed as an effervescent fluid, in particular a foam or foam-like fluid.
  • the sparingly soluble gas may be oxygen, nitrogen, or nitrous oxide, but is most ideally nitrogen.
  • the liquid may be held under gaseous pressure by a mixture of carbon-dioxide and the sparingly soluble gas.
  • the sparingly soluble gas may be introduced at an over pressure of 4 bar.
  • the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid, such as a beverage is between 1 and 3 volumes, and preferably 1 to 2 volumes, (at standard temperature and pressure (STP) (20°C and 101.325KPa)) per volume of the liquid. It has been found that dissolving a sparingly soluble gas in the beverage alone at over pressures of around 4 bar will generally not cause sufficient beverage to be dispensed from the fluid container when the container is opened. It has been found that, at these pressures, it is necessary to carbonate the beverage in order for sufficient beverage to be forced from the container when the container is opened.
  • Carbonating the beverage at between 1 and 3 volumes of carbon-dioxide is sufficient to eject substantially all of the beverage from the container whilst keeping the velocity at which the effervescent fluid is ejected below acceptable levels.
  • the valves described herein may also facilitate a controlled dispense with the valves venting any excess gas pressure such that the beverage is not dispensed with excess force.
  • the fluid container may not be a bottle but may be a pouch, a metal can or the like.
  • the container may be a plastic aerosol.
  • a modification that may be made to any of the dispense heads disclosed herein is to have a valve member that can be selectively operated to alter the tortuous flow path provided by the devices for creating the turbulent flow.
  • a valve member that can be selectively operated to alter the tortuous flow path provided by the devices for creating the turbulent flow.
  • the consumer could potentially switch between, for example, a 'foamed' (e.g. predominantly effervescent) and a liquid dispensing mode via a single dispense head, which gives the consumer a choice between delivery mechanisms and allows him/her to select their preferred taste and/or mouth-feel sensation.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à des têtes de distribution à actionnement manuel destinées à être fixées à un récipient de fluide, à des récipients de fluide comprenant de telles têtes de distribution et à des produits de boisson. La tête de distribution comprend un clapet destiné à réguler un écoulement d'un liquide au moins partiellement effervescent depuis le récipient, le clapet ayant une position ouverte pour permettre au liquide d'être distribué depuis le récipient, et un moyen d'évacuation associé au clapet et servant à évacuer le gaz du récipient. Lors de l'utilisation, la tête de distribution est actionnée par une action d'ouverture qui comprend l'actionnement du moyen d'évacuation afin d'évacuer le gaz du récipient, et la mise en place du clapet dans la position ouverte, de sorte que le liquide puisse être distribué depuis le récipient par le biais du clapet ouvert. On trouve que les présentes têtes de distribution s'appliquent particulièrement aux récipients de fluide portatifs pour distribuer des boissons, en particulier des boissons effervescentes pour former des boissons mousseuses ou du type mousse.
PCT/GB2012/051054 2011-05-13 2012-05-11 Perfectionnements apportés à des têtes de distribution manuelles pour récipients de fluide ou s'y rapportant WO2012156709A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1107989.4 2011-05-13
GBGB1107989.4A GB201107989D0 (en) 2011-05-13 2011-05-13 Improvements in or relating to manually operated dispense heads for fluid containers

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012156709A2 true WO2012156709A2 (fr) 2012-11-22
WO2012156709A3 WO2012156709A3 (fr) 2013-01-10

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GB (1) GB201107989D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012156709A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10815114B2 (en) 2016-12-27 2020-10-27 Midnight Madness Distilling, Llc Effervescent liquid dispenser
US11111125B2 (en) 2017-07-25 2021-09-07 Midnight Madness Distilling, Llc Effervescent liquid dispenser

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3708083A (en) * 1970-11-25 1973-01-02 L Kutik Closure fitment
EP0048889A1 (fr) * 1980-09-26 1982-04-07 The Continental Group, Inc. Réceptacle à fermeture
US4392579A (en) * 1981-10-21 1983-07-12 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Closure with domed portion
US4446984A (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-05-08 Continental Packaging Company, Inc. Push-in closure
US6170683B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-01-09 Rexam Medical Packaging Inc. Two stage dispensing cap for pressurized containers

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3708083A (en) * 1970-11-25 1973-01-02 L Kutik Closure fitment
EP0048889A1 (fr) * 1980-09-26 1982-04-07 The Continental Group, Inc. Réceptacle à fermeture
US4392579A (en) * 1981-10-21 1983-07-12 Owens-Illinois, Inc. Closure with domed portion
US4446984A (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-05-08 Continental Packaging Company, Inc. Push-in closure
US6170683B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-01-09 Rexam Medical Packaging Inc. Two stage dispensing cap for pressurized containers

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10815114B2 (en) 2016-12-27 2020-10-27 Midnight Madness Distilling, Llc Effervescent liquid dispenser
US11111125B2 (en) 2017-07-25 2021-09-07 Midnight Madness Distilling, Llc Effervescent liquid dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201107989D0 (en) 2011-06-29
WO2012156709A3 (fr) 2013-01-10

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