U.S. patent application number 12/735064 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-17 for device for dosed dispensing of a liquid from a composite container and method for filling the composite container ("liquid dispensing flair").
This patent application is currently assigned to DISPENSING TECHNOGIES B.V.. Invention is credited to Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus Hurkmans, Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph Maas, Dominicus Jan Van Wijk.
Application Number | 20110036451 12/735064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40755923 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110036451 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maas; Wilhelmus Johannes Joseph ;
et al. |
February 17, 2011 |
DEVICE FOR DOSED DISPENSING OF A LIQUID FROM A COMPOSITE CONTAINER
AND METHOD FOR FILLING THE COMPOSITE CONTAINER ("LIQUID DISPENSING
FLAIR")
Abstract
A device for the dosed dispensing of a liquid is presented. In
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device can
include a composite container including (i) a flexible inner
container, in which a liquid can be provided, and (ii) a
form-retaining outer container in which the inner container can be
fixed. The device further comprises a tap unit which is connected
to the composite container and which comprises an outflow channel
and a valve. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the
inner container has a dispensing opening and the outer container is
provided with a neck enclosing the dispensing opening. Further, the
inner container can be connected to the outer container both at the
area of the dispensing opening as well as at a location remote from
the dispensing opening. In exemplary embodiments of the present
invention the outer container can have an opening for introducing a
displacing medium, such as, for example, air, at a location remote
from the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention
the tap unit can be sealably provided in the dispensing opening of
the inner container. In exemplary embodiments of the present
invention a method for filling such a composite container with a
liquid so as to be used in the described dispensing device can also
be provided.
Inventors: |
Maas; Wilhelmus Johannes
Joseph; (Someren, NL) ; Van Wijk; Dominicus Jan;
(Someren, NL) ; Hurkmans; Petrus Lambertus Wilhelmus;
(Someren, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York
NY
10036
US
|
Assignee: |
DISPENSING TECHNOGIES B.V.
DN Helmond
NL
|
Family ID: |
40755923 |
Appl. No.: |
12/735064 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 9, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2008/010429 |
371 Date: |
November 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 ;
222/401 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 1/0431 20130101;
B67D 1/0462 20130101; B67D 2001/0828 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 ;
222/401 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/12 20060101
B65B003/12; B65D 83/44 20060101 B65D083/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 10, 2007 |
NL |
1034805 |
Jul 28, 2008 |
NL |
1035761 |
Claims
1. A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising: a composite
container comprising: a flexible inner container, in which a liquid
can be provided; a form-retaining outer container in which the
inner container is fixed; and a tap unit connected to the composite
container, said tap unit comprising at least one outflow channel
and an outflow valve, wherein the inner container has a dispensing
opening and the outer container is provided with a neck enclosing
the dispensing opening, wherein the inner container is connected to
the outer container at the position of the dispensing opening and
at least at one location remote from the dispensing opening,
wherein the outer container has at least one displacing medium
intake opening at a location remote from the neck, and wherein the
tap unit is sealably provided in the dispensing opening of the
inner container.
2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the inner container is
also connected to the outer container at the position of the
displacement medium intake opening.
3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the inner container is
connected to the outer container by means of a connecting element
protruding through said intake opening.
4. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a
pressurization unit connected to the intake opening of the outer
container to pressurize a displacing medium.
5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the pressurization
unit comprises one of: a motor-driven pump and an electric motor
driven pump.
6. (canceled)
7. The dispensing device of claim 5, further comprising control
means communicably connected to (i) the electric motor and to (ii)
a sensor arranged to detect the pressure in the inner
container.
8. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the pressurization
unit is releasably connected to the outer container.
9. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the tap unit comprises
a stopper body receivable in the dispensing opening, said stopper
body provided with a central opening into which the outflow valve
can be received, and wherein the outflow channel extends
substantially transversely to said central opening.
10. The dispensing device of claim 9, further comprising a dip tube
connected to the central opening and extending down into the inner
container.
11. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the tap unit has an
aerating opening connected to the outflow channel and an aerating
valve, said aerating opening being closable by the aerating
valve.
12. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the aerating valve
and the outflow valve can be operated in a determined sequence.
13. The dispensing device of claim 12, further comprising a shared
operating member co-acting with the aerating valve and the outflow
valve.
14. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the aerating opening
is open to ambient air.
15. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein there is a displacing
medium provided in a space between the inner container and the
outer container.
16. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the aerating opening
is in gaseous communication with the displacing medium.
17. The dispensing device of claim 16, further comprising an
intermediate chamber that is: connected to the space between the
inner and outer containers when the outflow valve is opened, and
connected to the outflow channel when the outflow valve is
closed.
18. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the sequence
comprises: both the outflow valve and the aerating valve being
closed; the outflow valve being open and the aerating valve being
closed; the outflow valve being closed and the aerating valve being
opened.
19. A method for filling a composite container with a liquid, said
composite container comprising an inner container and an outer
container, the method comprising: connecting an intake opening of
the outer container to a source of displacing medium; filling a
space between the inner container and the outer container with the
displacing medium; connecting a filling conduit for the liquid onto
a dispensing opening of the inner container; injecting the liquid
through the dispensing opening into the inner container, such that
the displacing medium is pushed out of the outer container through
the intake opening; releasing the filling conduit from the
dispensing opening once the inner container has been filled; and
closing the dispensing opening by providing a tap unit therein.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the displacing medium is one
of: air, pressurized air, a gas and a pressurized gas.
21. (canceled)
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the displacing medium is
introduced into the space between the inner container and the outer
container at a filling pressure, said filling pressure being a
function of the pressure at which the liquid is injected into the
inner container through the filling conduit.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the liquid comprises a gas
dissolved in it, and the filling pressure is set to be greater than
the saturation pressure of the gas in the liquid.
24. The dispensing device of claim 11, wherein the outflow valve
and the aerating valve are integrated in one unit.
25. The dispensing device of claim 24, wherein the integrated unit
is pivotally connected via a shaft to a shared operating tab.
26. The dispensing device of claim 25, wherein said operating tab
is tensioned by a spring so as to return to a resting position when
released.
27. The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an annular
conduit running around the outside circumference of the outflow
valve through which the liquid is sent during dispensing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a United States national stage application of
PCT/EP2008/010429, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. PCT/EP2008/010429 was published as WO 2009/074285, on
Jun. 18, 2009. PCT/EP2008/010429 claims priority to (i) NL 1034805,
filed on Dec. 10, 2007, and to (ii) NL 1035761, filed on Jul. 28,
2008, each of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to a device for dosed dispensing of a
liquid from a composite container. Such a dispensed liquid can be,
for example, a beverage, such as beer, soda or other carbonated
drinks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various devices are known for the dispensing of carbonated
drinks, such as beer or soda. Additionally, in recent years the use
of home tap installations has greatly increased as an alternative
to patronizing bars or taverns, where professional installations
for dispensing beer on-tap are used. However, most known home
on-tap installations are relatively complicated and thus expensive,
especially so because they have their own cooling systems.
[0004] Conventionally, there are simple on-tap mechanisms which
can, for example, be connected to small kegs for home use. However,
such kegs need to be stored in a refrigerator, and, given the
geometries of residential refrigerators, they are usually stored
lying on their sides. Then, to dispense the beverage, at each use
the keg has to be removed from the refrigerator, as conventional
tap mechanisms cannot empty a keg positioned on its side.
[0005] Finally, conventional home on-tap systems generally suffer
from problems of "dripping." After dispensing a glass of, for
example, beer, some liquid tends to remain in the outflow channel.
As these remnants are gradually released, dripping occurs. Because
home on-tap systems are usually kept either on a kitchen counter or
in the refrigerator, such dripping can lead to stains and mess, and
is generally a nuisance. Moreover, any liquid remaining in the
outflow channel can eventually decay, generating molds and/or
bacteria.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is described on the basis of various
exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a dispensing device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in
an assembled configuration;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts how the exemplary device of FIG. 1 comprises
a container with a tap unit mounted on a pressurization unit,
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a partial cut-away perspective view of the
pressurization unit of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of the
upper portion of the exemplary container and tap unit of FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a close-up longitudinal cross-section of the
upper portion of the exemplary container of FIG. 1, where the tap
unit is in a resting (non-dispensing) position;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts a similar view to that of FIG. 5, where
dispensing is occurring;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view, along the plane
containing line VII-VII of FIG. 6, of an alternate tap unit
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 8-10 depict various steps in pre-forming an exemplary
composite container for use in exemplary embodiments of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 11 depicts the exemplary composite container of FIGS.
8-10 after inflation to its final form;
[0016] FIG. 12 depicts the connection of a displacing medium source
to an intake opening of the exemplary container according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 13-19 depict different steps in the filling of an
exemplary container according to exemplary embodiments of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary container, according to
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in a filled
configuration, ready for use;
[0019] FIG. 21A is a longitudinal cross-section through the upper
portion of an exemplary container and a tap unit according to an
alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a
ready-to-use position;
[0020] FIG. 21B is an enlarged scale cross-sectional detailed view
of a portion of the outflow channel and outflow valve of FIG.
21A;
[0021] FIGS. 22A and 22B are views, respectively corresponding to
those of FIGS. 21A and 21B, of the exemplary container and tap unit
at the beginning of a dispensing operation, just before the outflow
valve is opened;
[0022] FIGS. 23A and 23B are views, respectively corresponding to
those of FIGS. 21A and 21B, of the exemplary container and tap unit
during dispensing, when the outflow valve is opened but the
aerating valve is closed; and
[0023] FIGS. 24A and 24B are views, respectively corresponding to
those of FIGS. 21A and 21B, of the container and tap unit during
blow-out of the outflow channel after dispensing, where the outflow
valve is closed but the aerating valve is opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] A device for the dosed dispensing of a liquid is presented.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device can
include a composite container including (i) a flexible inner
container, in which a liquid can be provided, and (ii) a
form-retaining outer container in which the inner container can be
fixed. The device further comprises a tap unit which is connected
to the composite container and which comprises an outflow channel
and a valve. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the
inner container has a dispensing opening and the outer container is
provided with a neck enclosing the dispensing opening. Further, the
inner container can be connected to the outer container both at the
area of the dispensing opening as well as at a location remote from
the dispensing opening. In exemplary embodiments of the present
invention the outer container can have an opening for introducing a
displacing medium, such as, for example, air, at a location remote
from the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention
the tap unit can be sealably provided in the dispensing opening of
the inner container. In exemplary embodiments of the present
invention a method for filling such a composite container with a
liquid so as to be used in the described dispensing device can also
be provided.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an
improved and simplified device for the dosed dispensing of liquids,
such as, for example, carbonated drinks, can be provided. Such an
exemplary device is shown in FIGS. 1-10. An alternate version of a
portion of an exemplary device is shown in FIGS. 21-24.
[0026] In addition, the present invention includes a method for
filling a composite container with a liquid which can be used in an
exemplary dispensing device. Conventionally, filling kegs with a
liquid, in particular a carbonated liquid, often entails problems.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an improved
method for filling containers with liquid can be provided. Such an
exemplary method is illustrated in FIGS. 11-20.
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a dispensing device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. With reference thereto, the
device 1 comprises a composite container 2, and a tap unit 3
connected thereto. Arranged on the top side of composite container
2 can be, for example, a ring 4, in which two handles 5 can be
provided (FIG. 1 shows only a front handle, but FIG. 5 depicts a
second, rear handle), and in which tap unit 3 can be placed.
Similarly, on the underside of container 2 can be, for example, a
ring 6, which can, for example, function as a base during storage
and transport of container 2.
[0028] The underside of container 2 can be further provided with
releasable connecting means, with which container 2 can be
connected to, for example, a pressurization unit 7. Such releasable
connecting means can, for example, be in the form of protrusions 8,
as shown, for example, in FIGS. 12 and 20, which can form, for
example, a bayonet connection with recesses 9 in the top side of
pressurization unit 7, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, pressurization unit 7 can, for
example, comprise a pump 10 which can be driven by an electric
motor 11. Electric motor 11 can be powered by a number of batteries
12. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, these can
be four 1.5 V AA batteries. Pressurization unit 7 can be further
provided with control means which are connected to (i) electric
motor 11, and to (ii) a sensor for detecting the pressure in
container 2. For example, as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3,
the control means and the pressure detecting means (or sensor) can
be formed together into a so-called pressostat 13 (a "pressostat"
being a device that maintains a certain constant pressure). Such an
exemplary pressostat can be set to a value such that the pressure
in container 2 is always higher than the saturation pressure of
whichever gas is dissolved in the liquid being dispensed, such as,
for example, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) in soda or beer. Thus, as a
result of this applied pressure the dissolved gas remains in
solution in the liquid, and the liquid retains its taste and
character.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, pump 10
can be connected via a conduit (not shown in FIG. 3) to an air
inlet 14, which in turn can be connected to a connecting opening 15
in the center of pressurization unit 7. Connecting opening 15,
which can, for example, be enclosed by a gasket 16, can be
connected to an intake opening 17 of container 2, as described
below (see FIGS. 19-20).
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 5-6, in exemplary embodiments of the
present invention tap unit 3 can comprise a stopper body 18 which
can, for example, be sealably placed in a dispensing opening 28 of
container 2 using an annular gasket 27. As shown in FIG. 4, a
vertically running central opening 19 can, for example, be provided
in stopper body 18, in which a valve 20 can be moved up and down.
Returning to FIGS. 5-6, central opening 19 can have two cylindrical
parts 19A, 19B which can, for example, be connected by a third
conically tapering part 19C. Valve 20 can have a similar form and
thus can, for example, be provided with three gasket rings 21A-21C.
As shown in FIGS. 4-6, a vertical bore 22 can be formed in valve
20, to which can be connected a rigid and straight dip tube 23.
Lying transversely to the vertical bore can be a second bore 24
which can define an outflow portion of valve 20.
[0032] Similarly, a horizontal opening 25 can be formed in stopper
body 18, in which an outflow channel 26 can be provided. Horizontal
opening 25 can, for example, be fluidly connected to the second
bore 24 of valve 20 when valve 20 is moved to its open position, as
shown in FIG. 6. Further, a second vertical opening 29 can, for
example, be formed in the upper side of stopper body 18 to provide
an aerating opening. It is noted in this connection that aerating
outflow channel 26 can prevent any liquid remaining in the channel
due to an underpressure after valve 20 has been closed at the end
of a dispensing operation, which could result in decay, as noted
above. Thus, aerating valve 30 can be provided in aerating opening
29, and valve 30 can be operated in a determined sequence with
valve 20. For this purpose the two valves 20, 30 can be, for
example, integrated to form a unit, which itself can be pivotally
connected via shaft 31 to a shared operating tab 32, which can, is
in turn, be pivotally connected to ring 4 via shaft 33.
[0033] Finally, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
recesses 34, 35 can also be formed both in operating member 32 as
well as in stopper body 18, between which a resetting spring (not
shown) can be tensioned (to return operating tab 32 to its home, or
at rest, position).
[0034] In alternative exemplary embodiments of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 7, second bore 24 can be oriented in an
opposite direction to outflow channel 26, and second bore 24 can
then, for example, be connected to outflow channel 26 via an
annular conduit 36 running around the outside circumference of
valve 20. In this way the outflow of liquid from container 2 can be
better guided, and excessive foam formation can be prevented when
the liquid in container 2 is under pressure and has carbon dioxide
or some other gas dissolved in it.
[0035] Composite container 2 is next described with reference to,
inter alia, FIGS. 8-10. As noted above, in exemplary embodiments of
the present invention, container 2 is a "composite" container,
which includes a flexible inner container 37 and a form-retaining
outer container 38. The term "form-retaining" is intended to denote
that outer container 38 is physically stable and does not deform to
any considerable degree under loads encountered during normal use.
Inner container 37 can, for example, be made of a relatively soft
plastic such as, for example, polypropylene (PP), while a harder
plastic, such as, for example, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
can be chosen for outer container 38. The difference in stiffness
between inner container 37 and outer container 38 can also be
achieved using different material thicknesses when using the same
material for each, or, for example, when using similar materials
for each. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, inner
container 37 and outer container 38 can be pre-formed via
injection-molding and can then be inflated to their final form. In
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, inner container 37
and outer container 38 can be connected to each other in different
ways.
[0036] In the example depicted in FIGS. 8-10, the inner container
37 is connected at the position of its dispensing opening 28 to a
neck 39 of the outer container, and, in addition, at least one
other connection is formed between them at a location remote from
dispensing opening 28. Thus, inner container and outer container
can, for example, be connected in two places. In the depicted
example of FIGS. 8-10 this connection can be, for example, a
mechanical connection. In exemplary embodiments of the present
invention inner container 37 and outer container 38 can be
injection-molded separately and then one can be inserted into the
other, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. In exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, a tip-shaped connecting member 41 of
inner container 37 can, for example, protrude through intake
opening 17 of outer container 38 while leaving a narrow annular gap
46 open.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, in exemplary embodiments of the present
invention cap 40 can then placed over tip-shaped connecting member
41 and attached to it via spin welding, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 11-20, cap 40 forms part of a valve 42 for
a displacing medium, which is described in detail in Netherlands
Patent Application No. 1034419, filed on Sep. 22, 2007, and in PCT
application WO/2009/041809, published on Apr. 2, 2009, under common
assignment herewith, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. When inner container 37 and outer container 38 are thus
connected to each other, they can be inflated to their final form,
in which the remainder of valve 42 and ring 6 can also be
mounted.
[0039] The connection by means of tip-shaped connecting member 41
and spin welded cap 40 is strong enough to withstand the loads to
which the inner and outer containers 37, 38 are subjected by the
introduction of a pressurized displacing medium.
[0040] FIGS. 21-24 depict an alternate embodiment of tap unit 103
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It
is noted that the various elements of the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 21-24 have similar index numbers to those in the exemplary
tap unit embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, except that in that of FIGS.
21-24 the corresponding index numbers are increased by 100.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, outflow channel 126 has a
dispensing part 147, which can be connected by a ball joint 148 to
a horizontal part 149, which in turn can be, for example, clamped
into a widened part 150 of bend 151. Bend 151 forms part of knob
152 that can, for example, be snapped onto stepped cylindrical
aerating valve 130.
[0042] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the
vertical part of bend 151 can extend into an inner wall 153 of
aerating valve 130, in which outflow valve 120 can also fixed. As
shown in FIG. 21B, outflow valve 120 can also be formed as a
stepped cylinder, and can have a T-shaped channel 154, of which one
leg runs axially through the narrow part of the valve 120, and the
other leg runs transversely through the wider part of the valve 120
and opens into the periphery thereof at both sides.
[0043] Again referring to FIG. 21B, in exemplary embodiments of the
present invention outflow valve 120 and aerating valve 130 can be
jointly slidable in a two-part housing 155, of which an inner and
lower part 156 (referred to below as "lower housing part") can be
suspended in container neck 139, while an outer and upper part 157
(referred to below as "upper housing part") can be fixed to neck
139 by connecting means 158 (see FIG. 21A).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 22B, aerating valve 130 can have, for
example, two gasket rings 159A, 159B that can respectively
cooperate with (i) an inner wall 160 of upper housing part 157, and
(ii) an outer wall 161 of lower housing part 156. Additionally,
outflow valve 120 can be provided with three gasket rings 121A-121C
that can cooperate with the various parts of stepped inner wall 162
of lower housing part 156.
[0045] Lower housing part 156 can be arranged in tray 163 which can
also, for example, be suspended in container neck 139. Tray 163 can
have an opening 164 in its bottom, which can be, for example,
connected to the interior of container 102. At the bottom of tray
126 a dip tube 123 can, for example, be fixed for transporting
liquid from the bottom of container 102 to tap unit 103.
[0046] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, tap unit
103 can, for example, be operated by means of a handle 132 that is
pivotable about a horizontal shaft 133 at the top of upper housing
part 157. Handle 132, can, for example, have an engaging part 165
that pushes knob 152 when handle 132 pivots around shaft 133.
Handle 134 can further comprise, for example, two arms 166 which
engage an edge of knob 152 from below when handle 132 is in its
resting position. In this way the movement of knob 152 is
blocked.
[0047] Finally, aerating valve 130 can, for example, be arranged to
connect outflow channel 126 with a displacing medium present in the
space R between inner and outer containers 137, 138 after outflow
valve 120 has been closed. To this end tap unit 103 can include,
for example, an intermediate chamber 167 bordered by aerating valve
130 and inner housing part 156. As shown in FIG. 23, intermediate
chamber 167 can be connected to space R when outflow valve 120 is
opened, and, as shown in FIG. 24, can be connected to outflow
channel 126 when outflow valve 120 is closed. In this way a limited
amount of the displacing medium can be directed to outflow channel
126.
[0048] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the
connection between space R and intermediate chamber 167 can be
formed by a channel 168 that is provided in neck 139 of outer
container 138, a space between neck 139 of outer container 138 and
neck 169 of inner container 137, a plurality of openings 170 in
neck 169 of inner container 137, a corresponding plurality of
openings 171 in lower housing part 156, and a gap between lower and
upper housing parts 156 and 157. In exemplary embodiments of the
present invention this connection can be opened, for example, as
soon as the lowermost gasket ring 159B of aerating valve 130 is
released from a thickened part 172 of outer wall 161 of inner
housing part 156, after which intermediate chamber 167 can be
filled with the displacing medium.
[0049] The connection between intermediate chamber 167 and outflow
channel 126 can, for example, be formed by a plurality of openings
173 in inner wall 162 of lower housing part 156, which opens into a
somewhat widened part of said inner wall, and by T-shaped channel
154. This connection can be opened, for example, as soon as central
gasket ring 121B of outflow valve 120 reaches such widened part of
inner wall 162, after which the displacing medium can, for example,
flow from intermediate chamber 167 through outflow channel 126 to
the surrounding area. Any liquid remaining in outflow channel 126
can thus be blown out. Because such aerating--i.e., blowing-out--of
outflow channel 126 can, for example, take place immediately after
dispensing, a user's glass can still be held under outflow channel
126, such that any remaining liquid being blown out can be caught
in the glass.
[0050] Next described is an exemplary method for filling container
2 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, with
reference to FIGS. 12-20.
[0051] To fill container 2, a source of pressurized displacing
medium, such as, for example, compressed air, can be first
connected to valve 42 by means of a nipple 43, a shown in FIG. 12.
The compressed air, for example, can then be introduced through
annular gap 46 into the space R between inner container 37 and
outer container 38, such that inner container 37 is almost
completely compressed, as shown in FIG. 13. At this stage only the
somewhat thickened bottom of inner container 37 around pin 41
retains its form. Next, as shown in FIG. 14, a filling conduit 44
with a nozzle 45 can then, for example, be placed in dispensing
opening 28, and liquid can be injected into inner container 37 via
such conduit 44, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. As the liquid is
injected into the inner container 37, the air in space R is thus
pressed out, and leaves container 2 via intake opening 17. By
holding the pressure of the air (or other displacing medium, as the
case may be) in space R above the saturation pressure of the gas
dissolved in the liquid, it is possible to prevent the formation of
foam during filling.
[0052] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when
inner container 37 has been completely filled, as shown in FIG. 17,
filling conduit 44 can be detached as shown in FIG. 18, and inner
container 37 can then be sealed, for example, by fastening stopper
body 18 of tap unit 3 into dispensing opening 28, as shown in FIG.
19. The remaining components of tap unit 3 and ring 4 can then be
mounted on container 2, after which it is ready for use.
[0053] At this juncture it is noted that container 2 provided with
tap unit 3 can be used not only for carbonated drinks, but for
other drinks or liquids as well where it is important that the
drink or liquid not be exposed to the environment, such as, for
example, wine or fruit juices. In exemplary embodiments of the
present invention It is alternatively possible, of course, to
dispense with pressure unit 7 altogether, and instead ambient air
can be admitted into the space R between inner container 37 and
outer container 38 when the liquid is poured out.
[0054] Thus, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a
structurally simple device for dosed dispensing of liquids, in
particular carbonated liquids and/or liquids under pressure, can be
provided, with an easily replaceable container. Additionally, given
the construction of the composite container, aging of the liquid
can be prevented, as well as the fact that the liquid can be easily
kept under pressure, which, inter alia, prevents the escape of a
gas dissolved therein.
[0055] Moreover, by connecting the inner and outer containers at a
second location, in addition to their connection at the container
neck, the inner container can be prevented from crumpling up or
crimping near the dispensing opening and thus trapping part of the
liquid. In combination with the action of the displacing medium,
which keeps the liquid in the inner container under uniform
pressure from all sides, this manner of connection allows the inner
container to be completely emptied. Aeration of the outflow
channel, either, for example, by ambient air or, for example, by
using some of the displacing medium, can keep the outflow channel
clean and thus prevent dripping. Finally, as described above, the
exemplary container is easy to fill.
[0056] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to various exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the
art will understand that such embodiments are exemplary only, the
present invention not being limited to any, or all, of them, and
that various variations and modifications are possible, all of
which included in the present invention. Rather, the scope of the
invention is defined by the following claims.
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