ES3036238T3 - Bag in container and adapter for connecting a bag in container to a tapping device - Google Patents

Abstract

Bag-in-container and adapter for connecting it to an extraction device. Bag-in-container (6) comprising a bag (8) within a container (10). The bag is compressed by introducing a pressurized gas into a space (9) between the bag and the container, through a passage (11) between the neck (4) of the bag and the neck (5) of the container. A lid (20) is mounted on the bag-in-container and includes a first channel (25) that connects with the interior space of the bag and a second channel (28) that connects with said passage. A connector (30) is included connected to the bag-in-container. The lid comprises a channel (35) that extends from the second channel to an inlet opening (44) in a plane (PI) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, or the connector (30) comprises a channel (42) that, in use, when coupled to the lid, extends from the second channel or a connection element (38) to an inlet opening in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The bag-in-container also includes a flexible dispensing line (36). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Bag in container and adapter for connecting a bag in container to an extraction device

The invention relates to a bag-in-a-container. The invention relates particularly to a blow-molded bag-in-a-container.

Pouches in containers are well known in the art and comprise a flexible inner pouch or container, enclosed within a more rigid outer container. Generally, these pouches in containers include at least one arrangement suitable for introducing a pressurized gas between the adjacent walls of the pouch and the container, so that the pouch can be compressed within the container to dispense its contents. These pouches in containers may be assembled from a relatively rigid outer container and a flexible inner container that fits into the outer container, or they may be manufactured as a whole, for example, by integral blow molding from a preform or multi-layer preform assembly, which may also be called a parison.

Heineken, NL, uses an example of an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container in its Brewlock® and Blade® systems, for example, in WO2014/017908 and WO2018/009065. These bag-in-containers are integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly comprising an injection-molded inner preform inserted into an injection-molded outer preform. These preforms are connected at their neck regions by a sealing ring that is centrifugally welded to both preforms. The sealing ring closes a space between the inner and outer preforms. The outer preform is provided, on a peripheral wall of the neck portion, with an inlet opening that connects to this space between the inner and outer preforms, for introducing a pressurized gas, especially air, into this space after the bag-in-container has been blow-molded. The closing ring further comprises a dispensing opening, in which a closure may be provided, the dispensing opening of which provides access to the inner volume of the inner container.

WO2018/212660 describes a bag-in-container, comprising a bag within a container. The bag is compressible upon the introduction of a pressurized gas into a space between the bag and the container. The bag has a first neck, and the container has a second neck, the second neck extending around the first neck. At least one passage is provided between the first and second necks, providing access for the pressurized gas to the space. The first and second necks have a closed peripheral wall. A lid is mounted on the bag-in-container, the lid comprising a first seal that seals against the bag and a second seal that seals against the container. The lid (20) further comprises a first channel, fluidly connected during use to an interior space of the bag, and a second channel, fluidly connected during use to the at least one passage. A connector, connected or connectable to the bag-in-container, is also provided, wherein the connector has a first connecting element that fits into and/or within the first channel. A dispensing line, at least partially flexible, is provided, fluidly connected or connectable to the first connecting element (34) for dispensing the beverage from the pouch. Furthermore, the lid comprises a channel portion, extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container, preferably radially offset from the peripheral wall of the second neck.

Although these BiCs are very practical in use, the preform assemblies are relatively complex to construct and manufacture, due to, for example, the required precision of the dimensions of the individual preforms and the locking ring, and the centrifugal welding process used to attach the locking ring to the preforms. This also limits the freedom of choice in coloring the preforms and, therefore, the BiCs, as well as the choice of materials.

ABInBev, BE, uses another example of an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container, for example, in its Nova® system. This bag-in-container is integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly, comprising a transparent inner preform fitted to a colored outer preform. The preforms are not interconnected. The outer preform has a neck region formed primarily by a closed peripheral wall, which extends around a neck region of the inner preform, again formed primarily by a closed peripheral wall. A space is provided between these two peripheral walls. After blow molding, the inner bag is locked inside the outer container by shape retention. A lid is fitted to the bag-in-container after the bag is filled with the fluid to be dispensed. The lid closes the space between the containers and comprises a first central channel, which opens into the inner volume of the bag, and a second channel, which extends parallel to the first channel and opens into the space between the containers. In addition, a connector is provided, which can be releasably attached to the lid. The connector comprises a first needle for insertion into the first channel and a second needle for insertion into the second channel. A dispensing line, at least partially flexible, connects to the connector, in fluid communication with the first needle, to dispense liquid from the bag. Furthermore, a second flexible line connects to the connector, in fluid communication with the second needle, to introduce pressurized air into the space between the bag and the container.

This container has the disadvantage that the second flexible line must be connected to the connector every time a BiC is changed, and the connection can be lost; for example, the second line can be blown out of the connector by the pressurized air. Furthermore, the second flexible line can become blocked, for example, when it is bent or squeezed, such as when the BiC is inserted, when a door of the device used with the BiC is closed, or by an external element.

One objective of this description is to provide an alternative bag-in-container (BIC) solution. This solution aims to reduce or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the BIC solutions described above.

At least one or more of the objectives and goals described herein can be achieved by means of a bag-in-container, comprising a bag within a container, the bag being compressible upon the introduction of a pressurized gas into an interface space between the bag and the container. The bag has a first neck, and the container has a second neck, the second neck extending around the first neck, wherein at least one passage is provided between the first and second necks, providing access for said pressurized gas into said interface space. The first and second necks have a closed peripheral wall, wherein a lid is mounted on the bag-in-container, said lid comprising a first seal that seals against the bag and a second seal that seals against the container. The lid further comprises a first channel, fluidly connected during use to an interior space of the bag, and a second channel, fluidly connected during use to said at least one passage. A connector is provided, connected or connectable to the bag in container, wherein the connector has a first connecting element that fits into and/or within the first channel and a dispensing line at least partially flexible fluidly connected to or connectable to the first connecting element for dispensing the beverage from the bag.

With a pouch-in-container as described herein, the inner pouch and outer container can be easily manufactured by injection molding the preform or preform assembly, followed by integral blow molding of the preform or preform assembly. No complex mechanisms need to be built into the injection mold(s) for the preform or preform assembly. Furthermore, a lid can be fitted to the pouch-in-container, for example, after filling, providing a seal for the internal beverage compartment and the interfacial space between the inner pouch and the outer container.

According to one aspect of the description, the lid comprises a channel portion extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container. Said plane is preferably separated radially outward from the peripheral wall of the second neck.

By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion on a lateral surface of the lid, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, gas can be introduced into the container in a substantially axial direction of the lid, but can also be introduced into the interfacial space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The lid can be easily manufactured, for example, by 2K injection molding, which incorporates any seal, for example, to seal against the container. The channel portion can be manufactured, for example, by means of an insert in the mold.

According to an alternative aspect of the description, the connector comprises a channel portion extending from a second connecting element to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes. This plane is preferably radially separated from the peripheral wall of the second neck, where the second connecting element, during use, connects to the second channel of the cap.

By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion on a lateral surface of the connector, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, gas can be introduced into the container in a substantially axial direction of the connector, but can also be introduced into the interfacial space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The cap can still be easily manufactured, for example by 2K injection molding, integrating any seal, for example, to seal against the container. The first and second channels can, in various configurations, extend substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the first and second connecting elements can have a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to each other, so that they can be easily inserted into, over, and/or against the first and second channels.

Preferably, the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel has a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other and/or to the longitudinal axis of the container. Such a configuration in the lid makes injection molding even easier.

In a further aspect, a second opening is provided in the lid or connector, diametrically opposite the inlet opening, positioned in a plane extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening through the lid, through the connector, and/or through the container. Preferably, the second opening is radially separated from the peripheral wall of the second neck, and even more preferably at the same distance as the inlet opening.

Providing a second opening allows, for example, connecting an additional source of pressurized gas, a pressure sensor, or another sensor to the container. By placing this second opening directly opposite the first, or inlet, opening, the system becomes even more practical, as it allows for a symmetrical configuration of the lid or connector. This enables two positions for placing the container on a pressurization device or connecting a pressurization device to the lid or connector.

In a further process, a gas space is enclosed between the cap and the connector. During use, this space connects to the inlet opening and the second channel. The gas space allows gas to pass between the inlet opening and the second channel. It can also fluidly connect the first opening to a second opening, if one is provided. Additionally, the gas space can act as a gas buffer.

In a further elaboration, the second connecting element may comprise or be formed by a piercing element for perforating the second channel, said piercing element comprising at least one groove to permit gas to pass into and/or out of said second channel from or to said gas space. Furthermore, such a connecting element may be easy to manufacture and can be readily used to pierce any seal, if provided in or for the second channel.

In one aspect, the passage between the first and second necks comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first and second necks, extending inward into the bag-container from the level of a free longitudinal edge of the first neck. Preferably, when the lid is fitted to the container, a first lid seal seals against said free edge of the first neck, i.e., the neck of the bag, while a second lid seal can seal against the inside of the second neck of the outer container, above said free longitudinal edge of the first neck.

The description further relates to a connector for attaching to a bag lid in a container, especially to a bag in a container of this description. Said connector comprises first and second connecting elements having a parallel longitudinal axis extending from a first surface, and two diametrically opposed openings in connecting surfaces that extend substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the first and second connecting elements.

In order to further elucidate the present invention, its embodiments will be described and analyzed below, with reference to the figures. These show:

Figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a preform assembly for integral blow molding of a bag into a container;

Figure 2 schematically shows, in part in longitudinal cross-section, a blow-molded bag container;

Figure 3 schematically shows in longitudinal cross-section a lid for a container of the description, mounted on the neck of a container, for example according to Figure 2;

Figures 4A and 4B show schematically in cross-sectional perspective view and cross-sectional side view, a top portion of a bag-in-container, with a lid in a second embodiment, mounted thereon, wherein a connector is mounted on the bag-in-container, above the lid; Figure 5 shows schematically in longitudinal cross-section part of a dispensing device with a portion of a bag-in-container according to Figure 4 placed thereon; Figures 6 and 6A schematically represent a further alternative embodiment of an adapter according to the description, in front view and cross-sectional side view along line 6A - 6A in Figure 6.

Figure 7 schematically shows an alternative adapter in cross-sectional view;

Figure 8 schematically shows an alternative cover in cross-sectional view; and

Figure 9 schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a part of a dispensing device with a container as described.

This description shows and describes embodiments of the invention by way of example only. These should in no way be interpreted or understood as limiting the scope of the present invention. In this description, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar elements. This description will discuss embodiments of the present invention with reference to carbonated beverages, especially beer. However, other beverages could also be used in the present invention, such as, but not limited to, coffee, especially cold brew coffee, cider, wine, juice, and the like.

In this description, references to up and down, top and bottom, and the like shall be understood, unless specifically stated otherwise, to refer to the normal orientation of a dispensing unit. The rear of the dispensing unit shall be referred to as the side on which a tap handle or similar device is provided for operating the system, particularly for dispensing the beverage contained in a container provided in and/or on the unit. The container may have a bottom portion and a neck region that, during use within the assembly, may be oriented substantially downward. This is shown, for example, in the figures, particularly Figure 5, which shows a container with a downward-facing neck portion. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which an extraction device of this description or parts thereof is to be used. For the container, a normal position may be with a bottom portion facing downward, a neck portion facing upward, or having its longitudinal axis at an angle to a vertical line, for example, extending substantially horizontally.

In this description, a BIC-type or bag-in-container type container is to be understood as meaning at least one container comprising an outer container and an inner bag, wherein the inner bag is designed to hold a beverage and is more flexible or compressible than the outer container. The outer container may be, for example, a bottle-shaped container with a neck and a body, while the bag also has a neck. The inner bag and/or the outer container may be made of monomaterials or mixtures and may be manufactured wholly or partially by injection molding and/or blow molding, rotational molding, or similar processes. Preferably, a bag-in-container according to the invention is manufactured by integral blow molding. In one embodiment, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by inserting at least one preform into another preform and then blow molding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In some embodiments, the bag-in-container can be manufactured by overmolding at least one preform to form a multi-layer preform and then blow-molding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In other embodiments, a bag can be suspended inside an outer container after the outer container and the bag have been formed separately, at least in part.

In this description, a dispensing assembly may comprise a housing containing a cooling device and a pressure device for supplying pressurized gas, such as air, to a container. The system may further comprise a lid, preferably at least partially transparent, that fits over the container when properly placed in the housing. The lid may provide visibility of the container within the dispensing device comprising the housing and lid, so that, for example, the fill level can be determined and the container's brand is visible from the outside. In this context, "transparent" is understood to mean sufficiently clear to permit viewing and inspection of the container through the lid, preferably undisturbed, for example, by coloring or fogging of the lid on at least a substantial part of the lid, for example, more than 50% of its surface area and/or on at least two opposite sides and/or on at least part of the lid's height in 360 degrees, i.e., on all sides. Providing visibility of the container, and especially at least its brand, can be beneficial in allowing different brands to be used in the same system without having to rebrand the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the container, and especially at least its brand, can also be beneficial for the external appearance of the dispensing unit. Furthermore, providing visibility of the container, and especially at least its brand, can be beneficial for inspecting the container and/or its contents.

In this description, a dispensing assembly, which may also be called a striking assembly, may be designed such that a container can be placed in an upside-down position in and/or within a housing of a dispensing unit, such that at least part of the container, particularly at least part of a shoulder portion of the container, is inserted into a receptacle in the housing, a neck portion comprising a downward-facing outlet opening. Preferably, a portion of the container extending into said receptacle, particularly part of the shoulder portion, is close to or at least partially in contact with a wall of the receptacle, wherein the wall of the receptacle is cooled, particularly actively cooled. In this description, "relatively close" with respect to a distance between the wall of the receptacle and the relevant portion of the container shall be understood as a distance small enough to permit efficient cooling of said portion of the container and its contents. In this configuration, the advantage lies in the fact that the contents of the container will be at least in the area cooled by the receptacle wall, even if the container is partially empty, with the cooled contents located close to, and especially adjacent to, the dispensing opening. Therefore, precise temperature control of the dispensed beverage is quite possible, even if a portion of the container extending beyond the receptacle remains uncooled or cools less intensely. Such a dispensing device is known, for example, as Blade®, marketed by Heineken, Netherlands, and is described, for example, in WO 2018/009065, WO 2018/212660, and WO 2018/212659.

Figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a preform 1 for a bag-in-container or BIC bag. In Figure 1, the preform is formed as a preform assembly, comprising a first preform 2, injection-molded from a plastic or a mixture of plastics, such as PET or containing PET in a mixture. The first preform 2 is inserted into a second injection-molded preform 3, which is also made of a plastic or a mixture of plastics, which may be the same as or different from the plastic of the first preform 2. Preferably, both the inner preform 2 and the outer preform 3 are made predominantly of PET. As can be seen in Figure 1, both the first and second preforms 2, 3 have a body forming portion III and a neck 4, 5. The first neck 4 of the inner preform is provided within the second neck 5 of the second preform 3. During blow molding, the necks 4, 5 are preferentially not stretched and maintain their shape in the blow-molded container bag 6 from preform 1.

Figure 2 schematically shows a bag-in-container 6, partially in cross-section, integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly 1 of Figure 1. The BIC 6 comprises a bag 8 within a container 10. The bag 8 is manufactured from the first or inner preform 2, and the container 10 is manufactured from the second or outer preform 3. The bag 8 is compressible upon the introduction of a pressurized gas into a space 9 between the bag 8 and the container 10. This space 9 may also be referred to as the interfacial space 9. The bag 8 has a first neck 4, and the container 10 has a second neck 5, the second neck 5 extending around the first neck 4. At least one passage 11 is provided between the first and second necks 4, 5 to provide access for pressurized gas to this space 9. The first and second necks 4, 5 have a closed peripheral wall. In Figure 1, the neck portions 4 and 5 with passage 11 and space 9 are shown at an enlarged scale. Passage 11 preferably has a principal flow direction F that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of container 6. Space 9 can be extended in container 6, in a neck region I, shoulder region II, and/or body region III, in a known manner. In container 6, directly after blow molding and/or filling, at least in shoulder region II and body region III, the bag 8 can rest against the inner wall of container 10, so that space 9 there is greatly reduced, but can be increased by said pressurized gas introduced therein, pressurizing and dispensing the contents of container 6.

Figure 3 schematically shows one embodiment of a lid 20 for closing the container 6. The lid 20 is mounted on the bag in container 6. The lid comprises a first seal 22 that seals against the bag 8, especially against the neck 4 of the bag 8, and a second seal 24 that seals against the container 10, especially the neck 5 of the outer container 10. The lid 20 further comprises a first channel 25, which, during use, is fluidly connected to an inner space 26 of the bag 8, and a second channel 28, which, during use, is fluidly connected to at least one passage 11. The first channel 25 is provided with a flexible closure 29, which closes the channel 25. The closure 29 can be pierced, for example, as will be discussed, or pushed aside to allow the contents of the bag 8 to be dispensed. Alternatively, the closure 29 could be or comprise a resealable valve. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first channel 25 and the second channel 28 extend parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6. This can be advantageous both during the molding of the lid 20 and during its use. The lid 20 can be formed from plastic, for example by injection molding, preferably by 2K molding in which the seals 22, 24 can be injection molded together with a base material of the lid 20. The seals could alternatively be manufactured separately. As can be seen in Figure 3, the lid 20 can be press-fitted, for example, onto the neck of the container 10, locked in position by a groove 94 that fits over an edge tooth 96. This prevents unwanted removal of the lid 20.

Figures 4A and B schematically show a bag in the container (BIC) 6, or at least a portion thereof, showing the neck region I and shoulder region II thereof, with a lid 20 as shown in Figure 3 mounted thereon. A connector 30 is mounted on the lid 20 to connect the container 6 to a dispensing assembly 32 as shown, for example, partially in Figure 5. Such a dispensing device 32, shown only as an example and in no way intended to limit the scope of the description, is known as Blade®, owned and marketed by Heineken, Netherlands.

The connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 that fits into and/or within the first channel 25 of the lid 20 and a dispensing line 36 that is at least partially flexible and fluidly connected to or connectable to the first connecting element 34 for dispensing the beverage from the pouch 8 through the connector 30 and the dispensing line 36. In the embodiment shown, the first connecting element 34 is or comprises a tube, for example a needle, which can be pushed into the first channel 25, opening the closure 29 to allow the liquid to be dispensed from the volume 26 into the dispensing tube 36. The closure 29 is preferably made of an elastomeric material that will close and seal against the first connecting element 34 after being opened, for example, pierced.

The connector 30 further comprises a second connecting element 38, which can be pushed inward into the second channel 28. The second connecting element 38 preferably has at least one slot 39 to allow gas to pass into and/or out of said second channel 28 from or to a gas space 42. In this embodiment, the second connecting element 38 is formed by a pin having a cross-section as shown in the enlarged scale in Figure 4B. In this embodiment, the pin has a cross-shaped cross-section, the channel 28 being circular in cross-section. It will be clear that these can have several different cross-sections, provided that the gas can flow through the second connecting element 38, through the second channel 28, into the passage 11, and into space 9. The first and second connecting elements 34, 38 are preferably straight and have a longitudinal axis Y that is parallel to each other, so that they can be easily inserted into the first and second channels 25, 28, respectively. A third seal 40 is provided between the cap 20 and the connector 30, so that a space 42 is enclosed between the cap 20 and the connector 30. Space 42 is in open communication with the second channel 28 and, therefore, with the passage to space 9 between the inner bag 8 and the outer container 10, when the connector 30 is properly mounted in the container 6. The second connecting element 38 is thus connected to the second channel 28 of the cap 20 during use.

As can be seen in Figures 4A and B, the connector 30 in this embodiment comprises a first opening or inlet opening 44, which opens into space 42. Space 42 forms a channel portion extending from the second connecting element 38 to the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 lies in a first plane P1 that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6. Therefore, a gas connector 50 of the dispensing device 32 can be connected to the inlet opening 44, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X, as will be discussed. Plane P1 is preferably radially separated outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5.

As can be seen in Figures 4A and B, the connector 30 can be provided with a retaining ring, for example a click ring 46 extending peripherally around the lower side of the connector 30, with which the connector can be locked into the container 6, forcing the click ring 46 under an edge of a flange 48 of the container 6.

In the embodiment of Figures 4A and B, a second opening 52 is provided in the connector 30, diametrically opposite the inlet opening 44. The second opening 52 is preferably located in a second plane P2 that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 and to the first plane P1. The inlet opening 44 is in fluid communication with the second opening 52 through the connector 30, specifically through the space 42 thus enclosed. A second connector 54 of the dispensing device 32 can be connected to this second opening 52, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X, as will be discussed. The second plane P2 is preferably separated radially outward from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5. More preferably, the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 are both separated from this outer neck wall 5 by substantially the same distance. In some modalities, the connector can be substantially symmetrical about a central plane parallel to the X - X axis, so that the container 6 can be placed in two positions on a dispensing device 32, 100.

In certain configurations, a connection surface 44A, 52A may be provided, extending around the first opening or inlet 44 and/or the second opening 52 respectively. These surfaces 44A, 52A are preferably located in planes P1, P2 respectively, which extend substantially parallel to the X-X axis.

The second opening 52 can form an outlet opening and can be in fluid connection with the inlet opening 44 and the second channel 28 or the second connecting element 38 through the space 42. Preferably, the first connecting surface 44A has a first center C1 and the second connecting surface 52A has a second center C2, wherein the first and second centers lie on a straight line C1 - C2 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X - X of the bag-in-container.

Passage 11 in various embodiments comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls 4A, 5A of the first and second necks 4, 5, extending into the bag-container 6 from the level of a free longitudinal edge 4B of the first neck 4. This edge 4B is preferably located below the edge 5B of the outer neck 5, such that the lid 20 extends at least partially into the outer neck 5 so that the seal 22 engages with the neck 4. Therefore, the container 6 with lid 20 can have a relatively small axial length.

A bag in container 6 according to the description may be an integrally blow-molded BIC, and may be made from a preform assembly as described, or from a multi-layer integral preform, provided that the bag formed from an inner layer of layer combination detaches from the container formed from the outer layer of layer combination when a pressurized gas is introduced into the space 9 between the bag forming the inner layer and the container forming the outer layer.

Figure 5 schematically shows part of a container 6 of the description with a lid 20 and a connector 30 mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the lid 20 and connector 30 are similar to the embodiment of Figures 4A and B, wherein the container 6 is placed in an inverted configuration in a dispensing device 32. The lower portion of the container 6 thus forms the uppermost portion of the container in this position. The container 6 rests with its shoulder region II in a substantially bowl-shaped receptacle 60 of the dispensing device 32, wherein the neck region I extends into a recess 62 at a lower end of the receptacle 60. Cooling channels 64 are provided in, or extending around, the receptacle 60 to cool the receptacle and thereby cool the container 6 and the liquid within the container 6 by contact cooling. Since the first channel 25 through which the liquid is to be dispensed is at the lowest point of the container 6 in this position, efficient cooling can be achieved.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the first gas connector 50 and the second connector 54 are provided on the dispensing device 32, on opposite sides of the connector 30 and the cap 20, while the dispensing line is at the lower end of the container 6. The first gas connector 50 is connected via a gas line 66 to a pressurized gas source 68, such as a compressor or a buffer tank filled with compressed gas, such as air or CO2. The gas connector 50 in this embodiment comprises a first nose 51 made of a flexible material such as rubber or an elastomer, which can seal against the surface 44A around the inlet opening 44, to provide a gas-tight connection. In the embodiment shown, the first nose 51 is tilted toward the surface 44A by means of a spring 51A. Therefore, pressurized gas can be introduced into space 42 through the first nose 51 and the inlet opening 44, from source 68.

The first nose 51 can be supported by a first carrier 70, which is shown schematically in part in Figure 5 and is known in the art, such as the Blade®, Heineken, Netherlands, whose carrier can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the position as shown in Figure 5 and a retracted position, in which the first nose 51 moves away from the surface 44A. This allows the connector 30 to pass easily in and out of the recess 62, passing through the first nose 51.

Diametrically opposite the first nose 51 is provided the second connector 54, with a second nose 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a gas line 72 to a sensor unit 74, comprising, for example, a pressure sensor and/or a flow sensor. The second connector 54 in this embodiment comprises a second nose 55, similar to the first nose 51, which can seal against the surface 52A around the second opening 52, to provide a hermetic connection. In the embodiment shown, the second nose 55 is tilted toward the surface 52A by means of a spring 55A. Therefore, pressurized gas can be directed to the sensor unit 74.

The second nose 55 can be supported by a second carrier 76, which is partially shown in Figure 5 and is known in the art, such as the Blade®, Heineken, Netherlands, whose second carrier 76 can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the position as shown in Figure 5 and a retrieved position, in which the second nose 55 moves away from the surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to pass easily in and out of the recess 62, passing through the second nose 55.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second carriers can move simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connection position as shown in Figure 5 and a released position in which the noses 51, 55 move away from the surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in any suitable way, for example electronically and/or mechanically.

Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit 75 of the dispensing device. The control unit 75 can be configured so that, for example, the sensor unit 74 can detect whether a container 6 is correctly inserted into the dispensing device 32. For example, if no container 6 is present in the dispensing device, the gas introduced through the first nozzle 51 will flow out of the dispensing device 32, meaning that the sensor unit 74 will detect little or no change in pressure and/or flow. The control unit can then shut off the pressure source 68, cool the device, and so forth, and/or can be used to inform the user that no container has been inserted, a container has been inserted incorrectly, or that other problems may occur. In addition, the control unit can be configured so that if sensor unit 74 detects excessively high pressure or flow, it can also switch off or modulate pressure source 68. Space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can space 9 in container 6.

Figures 6 and 6A show an alternative embodiment of a connector 30. In this embodiment, the connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 and a second connecting element 38. In this embodiment, the second connecting element 38 is tubular, like the first connecting element 34, having an internal channel 34A that connects to a channel portion 35, which extends substantially radially from the internal channel 34A to the inlet opening 44. Again, the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane Pi that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, preferably radially offset from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck. In this embodiment, the connector 30 may comprise, for example, two or more legs 31 having teeth 46 at their lower ends so that these legs 31 can act as click fingers that can click under an edge of a flange 48 to connect the connector 30 to the container 6. In the embodiments shown, two legs 31 are provided on opposite sides of the connector, but obviously another number of such legs could be provided, or a click ring as discussed above.

Figure 7 shows schematically and in cross-section an additional alternative embodiment of a connector 30 for a container, again provided with a first and second connecting element 34, 38 as in Figures 6 and 6A. In this embodiment, the connector has a first gas connection opening 44 and, on an opposite side of the connector, a second opening 54, similar to the embodiment in Figures 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, the portion of the channel 35 that extends substantially radially from the inner channel 34A to the inlet opening 44 connects to a portion of the additional channel 34B that extends through an upper portion 80 of the connector to the second opening 52. Again, the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane P1 and the second opening 52 in a second plane P2, both planes P1 and P2 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, preferably separated radially outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck.

Figure 8 shows schematically and in cross-section an alternative embodiment of a lid 20 for a container 6. In this embodiment, the lid is substantially as described in Figure 3-6. In this embodiment, the lid 20 further comprises a channel portion 35, for example, similar to the space 42 or as a ring-shaped channel, extending from the second channel 28 to the inlet opening 44 and to a second opening 52 on one side of the lid 20 opposite the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 again lies in a plane P1 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, preferably radially offset from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. The second opening 52 again lies in a plane P2 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, preferably radially offset from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. In this configuration, an adapter can be used for dispensing at either of the openings 44 or channels 28, thus allowing a choice of opening for introducing a gas. Alternatively, channel 28 can be omitted.

Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of a connection device 100 of an alternative dispensing device 32, mounted on a BIC container 6, over the neck region I and extending over part of the shoulder region II thereof. The connection device 100 is generally known from the prior art and is used in the Brewlock® system of Heineken, Netherlands, and is described in international application WO2014/017909. The connecting device 100 comprises a central opening or perforation 101 in a housing 102, with which the device 100 can be fitted onto the neck region I of a container 6. Within the housing 102, a first connector 50 is provided, which may comprise a first nose 51, similar to Figure 5, which can be supported by a first carrier 70, the carrier being radially movable, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6, between the retracted position as shown in Figure 9 and a position in which the first nose 51 moves against surface 44A. This allows the connector 30 to pass easily in and out of the recess 62, passing through the first nose 51, when retracted.

Diametrically opposite the first nose 51 is provided the second connector 54, with a second nose 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a gas line to a sensor unit, for example comprising a pressure sensor and/or a flow sensor, in substantially the same manner and for the same purpose as in the embodiments of Figure 5. The second connector 54 in this embodiment comprises a second nose 55, similar to the first nose 51, which can seal against surface 52A around the second opening 52, to provide a leak-proof connection. In the embodiment shown, the first nose 51 is inclined toward surface 44A and the second nose 55 is inclined toward surface 52A by means of springs 51A and 55A.

The second nose 55 can be supported by a second carrier 76, similar to Figure 5, which second carrier 76 can move radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the retracted position as shown in Figure 9 and a forward position, in which the second nose 55 moves against the surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to pass easily in and out of the recess 62, passing through the second nose 55 when it is in the retracted position.

In the forward-shifted position, end 51 seals against surface 44A and pressurized gas can enter container 6, especially space 9, through opening 44 and passage 11, while the second end 54 seals against surface 52A and pressurized gas can be directed to the sensor unit.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second carriers can move simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connection position as shown in Figure 5 and a release position as shown in Figure 9, in which the noses 51, 55 move away from the surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in any suitable way, for example electronically and/or mechanically.

Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit of the dispensing device. The control unit can be configured so that, for example, the sensor unit 74 can detect whether a container 6 is correctly inserted into the dispensing device 32. For example, if no container 6 is present in the dispensing device, the gas introduced through the first nozzle 51 will flow out of the dispensing device 32, meaning that the sensor unit 74 will detect little or no change in pressure and/or flow. The control unit can then shut off the pressure source 68, cool the device, and so forth, and/or can be used to inform the user that no container has been inserted, a container has been inserted incorrectly, or that other problems may occur. In addition, the control unit can be configured so that if the sensor unit 74 detects excessively high pressure or flow, it can also disconnect or modulate the pressure source 68. Space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can space 9 in container 6.

The invention is in no way limited to the modalities specifically described and analyzed in this description.

For example, the lid 20 can be connected to the container 6 in a different way, for example, by screw threads, a bayonet coupling, adhesive, welding, or similar means. The connector 30 can be mounted to the lid 20 in a different way, for example, by using screw threads, a bayonet coupling, form lock, press fit, or similar means. The first and/or second coupling elements 34, 38 could be made differently. For example, the first coupling element could be designed to open a valve that has been reopened as a closure, while the second coupling element could, for example, be designed to connect to the second channel by connecting to an upper edge thereof, or the second coupling element could be formed by the space 42 itself, if the second channel is an open channel.

Claims (15)

Yo. A bag-in-container (6), comprising a bag (8) within a container (10), the bag (8) being compressible upon the introduction of a pressurized gas into a space (9) between the bag (8) and the container (10), wherein the bag (8) has a first neck (4) and the container (10) has a second neck (5), the second neck (5) extending around the first neck (4), wherein at least one passage (11) is provided between the first (4) and the second neck (5), providing access for said pressurized gas into said space (9), wherein the first (4) and the second neck (5) both have a closed peripheral wall, wherein a lid (20) is mounted on the bag-in-container (6), said lid (20) comprising a first seal (22) sealing against the bag (8) and a second seal (24) sealing against the container (10), the lid (20) further comprising a first channel (25), during use connecting fluidically to an interior space (26) of the bag (8) and a second channel (28), during use that fluidically connects to said at least one passage (11), wherein a connector (30) is provided, connected or connectable to the container bag (6), wherein the connector (30) has a first connecting element (34) that fits into and/or the first channel (25) and has a second connecting element (38) that fits into and/or the second channel (28), a dispensing line at least partially flexible (36) connected or fluidically connectable to the first connecting element (34) for dispensing the beverage from the pouch (8), and where: - the lid (20) comprises a channel portion (42), extending from the second channel (28) to an inlet opening (44), wherein the inlet opening (44) lies in a plane (P1) extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal X-X axis of the container (10), preferably separated radially outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck (5); or - the connector (30) comprises a channel portion (42), which extends during use, when attached to the lid (30), from the second channel (28) or a second connecting element (38) of the connector (30) to an inlet opening (44), wherein the inlet opening (44) is located in a plane P1 that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container (10), preferably separated radially outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck (5). 2. Bag in container according to claim 1, wherein the first channel (25) has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel (28) has a second longitudinal axis (y), the first and second longitudinal axes (y) extending substantially parallel to each other and/or to the longitudinal axis X-X of the container. 3. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second opening (52) is provided in the lid (20) or connector (30), diametrically opposite the inlet opening (44), positioned in a plane P2 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal X-X axis of the container (10), preferably radially separated outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck (5), wherein the inlet opening (44) is in fluid communication with the second opening (52) through the lid (20), through the connector (30) and/or through the container (10). 4. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gas space (42) is enclosed between the lid (20) and the connector (30), which during use is connected to the inlet opening (44) and to the second channel (28). 5. Bag in container according to claim 4, wherein the second connecting element (38) comprises or is formed by a piercing element (38) for piercing in the second channel (28), said piercing element (38) comprising at least one slot (39) to allow gas to pass into and/or out of said second channel (28) from or to said gas space (42). 6. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (25) is or comprises a hollow needle. 7. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element (38) fits into and/or within the second channel (28). 8. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one passage has a principal flow direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis. 9. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a first connecting surface (44A) and a second connecting surface (52A), wherein the first connecting surface (44A) and the second connecting surface (52A) are substantially the same distance from the longitudinal X-X axis of the bag in container (6). 10. Bag in container according to claim 9, wherein the lid (20) or the connector (30) is provided, in a position radially opposite to the inlet opening (44), with the second connection surface (52A), which extends in a plane P2 substantially parallel to the plane P1 in which the first inlet opening (44) is located. 11. Bag in container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an outlet opening (52) is provided in said second connection surface (52A), said outlet opening (52) being fluidically connected to the second connection element (38) or to the second channel (28). 12. Bag in container according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the first connecting surface (44A) has a first center C1 and the second connecting surface (52A) has a second center C2, wherein the first and second centers C1, C2 extend in a straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X of the bag in container. 13. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first and second neck (4, 5), extending into the bag in container from the level of a free longitudinal edge of the first neck. 14. Bag-in-container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag-in-container (6) is an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container. 15. Bag in container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (30) provides a support surface for the bag in container (6) to stand upright.