WO2007105934A1

WO2007105934A1 - Package and dispenser for beverages.

Info

Publication number: WO2007105934A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/000136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gijsbertus Pieter Eling Vos; Florent Marie De Maximy
Original assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Current assignee: Heineken Supply Chain BV
Priority date: 2006-03-16
Filing date: 2006-03-16
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 2008-09-16
Also published as: AR059930A1; TW200740685A

Abstract

Method for dispensing a beverage, wherein a beverage enclosed within an at least partly compressible container is placed in a receptacle, whereby said container is at least partly compressed within said receptacle and the beverage contained therein is expelled from said container into an outlet channel of a dispensing apparatus.

Description

P76301PC00

Title: Package and dispenser for beverages.

The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

Beverages such as carbonated beverages are commonly packaged in cans, bottles or kegs. When packaged in cans or bottles a consumer will pour the beverage into a glass or mouth by force of gravity. Such bottle contains normally one or a few servings. When packaged in kegs the consumer or retailer will force the beverage from the keg using pressurised carbon dioxide gas (CO2). Kegs normally comprise a large number of servings. In both types of packaging the empty package has the same volume as a full package. The present invention has as an object to provide an alternative method of dispensing a beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

In a different aspect an object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a beverage in which at least one of the drawbacks of the packagings as discussed in the preamble here above has been prevented or reduced.

In a further different aspect an object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a beverage, especially a carbonated beverage, requiring relatively simple means for pressurising said beverage.

In a first aspect of the present invention a method is characterised in that a carbonated beverage enclosed within an at least partly compressible container is placed in a receptacle, whereby said container is at least partly compressed within said receptacle and the beverage contained therein is expelled from said container into an outlet channel of a dispensing apparatus.

In a second embodiment a method is characterised in that a pouch shaped container is placed inside a receptacle of an apparatus which has a compression mechanism for compressing said container within said receptacle. In a further embodiment a method according to the present invention is characterised in that a carbonated beverage, especially a lager type beer is provided in a flexible pouch like container which is compressed for expelling said beverage, whereby compressed air is administered to said beverage, preferably within an outlet channel and/or in said container.

A container according to the present invention can for example be punctured or cut open for expelling said beverage. Alternatively a weakened portion can be provided in an outer edge, especially a seal closing said container, which will burst when the container is pressurised, for expelling said beverage. Said weakened portion can be surrounded by a stronger edge portion such as a stronger seal portion, for protection during handling such as transport or storage, which can be cut away, for example by cutting or tearing, before pressurising said container.

In a still further aspect the invention is characterised by a container which container is or can be filled with a carbonated beverage and is compressible such that an internal volume thereof can be reduced to substantially zero cc for expelling said beverage.

In a first embodiment such container is filled with a carbonated beverage having a relatively low CO2 content compared to the same beverage packaged in a bottle or keg. For lager type beer for example the CO2 content is preferably lower than 0.44 weight % at equilibrium pressure, especially lager type beer with such low CO2 content. By way of specific example, such container can be provided with lager type beer of less than 0.4 weight %, more specifically approximately 0.3 weight %. In an alternative embodiment a different beverage is packaged in the package, for example a different type of beer or a non-alcoholic beverage, such as a soft drink or juice drink, preferably but not necessarily carbonated. If carbonated, the CO2 content may be lower than usual, for example lower than when normally packaged in a bottle or keg. In an even further embodiment the present invention is characterised in an apparatus which comprises a receptacle for a container comprising a carbonated beverage, a pressure mechanism for at least partly compressing said container within said receptacle and an outflow channel for expelling said beverage from said container.

For a better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be discussed hereafter with reference to the drawing, in which: fig. 1 in plan view a closed container and an opened container, in a substantially transparent view; fig. IA in perspective view an embodiment of a container according to fig. 1; fig. 2 schematically a side view in cross section of an apparatus according to the present invention, directly after inserting a container in said apparatus; fig. 3 schematically a side view in cross section of an apparatus according to fig. 2, during tapping; fig. 4 partly in cross section an alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention, with part of an apparatus for use therewith; fig. 5 in an expanded cross section part of a receptacle and container, with puncture means; fig. 6 in an expanded cross section part of a receptacle and container, with cutting means; fig. 7 in cross section schematically part of further embodiment of an apparatus; and fig. 8 partly in cross section a dispensing channel for an apparatus of the invention.

In the figures, only exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown, by way of illustration. These should not in any way be construed as limiting. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims. In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container 1 according to the present invention, in side or plan view. The container 1 is in this embodiment substantially pouch shaped and made of flexible material, especially foil 2. Preferably the foil 2 is multi layered and contains at least one metal layer, preferably light metal such as aluminium, covered on at least one side by a plastic layer. The container has a longitudinal direction with a length L and a width direction with a width D, perpendicular to said length. In fig. 1 the container 1 is shown in a flat position. In this embodiment the container 1 is formed from a single, substantially rectangular sheet of foil, which is formed into a tubular form by forming a first seal, especially a lap seal 3 in the longitudinal direction, connecting the two opposite longitudinal edges of said sheets to each other in a fluid and gas tight manner. The foil is also fluid and gas tight. The seal 3 can be positioned on the inside or outside of the container 1, connecting the outside surfaces or the inside surfaces to each other, or can be a flat seal by connecting the inside surface of one edge to the outside surface of the opposite edge. The outside of the foil can be provided with indicia P indicating the content, branding and the like, and may shield the content (beverage) from light and other environmental influences.

One end 4 of the container 1 (the bottom end in fig. 1) is closed by a second seal 5, extending over the width direction and connecting to the lap seal 3. The second seal thus closes off said end 4. The container is or can then be filled with a carbonated beverage, such as beer, soft drink or water or non- carbonated beverages such as juice. Especially discussed is lager type beer having a relatively low CO2 content, as will be discussed later, leading to a relatively low pressure within said container 1. The opposite second end 6 is also closed, by a third seal 7, which in this embodiment has a height H in the longitudinal direction which is larger than the height of the second seal in the same direction, and extends over the full width of the container. The inner space 8 of said container is completely filled with said beverage such as beer, without a head space or free oxygen. The third seal 7 has a first portion 9 which is positioned near a middle section seen in the width direction and adjacent said inner space 8. The first portion 9 is surrounded by a second portion 10, here U shaped, such that it surrounds said first portion at three sides. The first and second portion are both seal portions and are therefore fluid and gas tight. A tear line T extends across said third seal 7 in the width direction, approximately halfway of said height H or at least such that it extends across or adjacent the first portion 9. This means that when the seal is torn or cut or otherwise severed along said tear line T, said first portion 9 becomes exposed to the outside of the container. The first seal 3, the second seal 5 and the second portion 10 of the third seal 7 are relatively strong compared to the first portion 9, which thus forms a weakened portion 9. When the package is fully closed, as is shown in fig. 1, left side, the package can be squeezed significantly without the seals breaking or bursting. This means that the seals 3, 5, 7 will for example withstand internal pressures exerted by the carbonated beverage when heated up to for example 30 or 40 degrees Celsius. When the said part 1OA of the third seal 7 above the tear line T is removed, as shown in fig. 1, right side, the weakened portion 9 will burst when the container 1 is compressed. Compressed has to be understood as at least inclosing but not limited to pressurising the container from the outside, for example as shown by the arrows F. A container 1 according to the present invention can be seen as pouch like.

In filled position as shown in fig. IA the shape of the container 1 is substantially tubular with for example a substantially round, oval or flattened circular cross section and somewhat flattened end towards the second and third seal 5, 7. Other shapes are obviously possible within the scope of the invention. The length L of the container between the second and third seal 5, 7 is preferably far larger than the width, for example at least twice said width, and can be chosen depending on the inner space 8. The width can for example be approximately 30 mm, the length being approximately 180 mm for a 25 cl inner space 8. In such embodiments, due to the relatively great length compared to the width the total seal length can be kept relatively small, which has the advantage that the pressure within the container can be resisted relatively easy. The container 1 may have a headspace, for reducing the pressure rise in the container due to temperature raise, compared to a container having no head space (fully filled). The head space may be filled with an inert, non- oxidating gas such as CO2.

In fig. 2 and 3 schematically a cross section is shown of an apparatus 11 according to the present invention, in which for example a pouch like container 1 as shown in fig. 1 can be used. This apparatus 11 comprises a housing 12 placed on a ground plate 13. Within said apparatus 11 a receptacle 14 is provided, for example a chamber 15 having an opening 16 at a top side 17 through which a container filled with said beverage can be inserted. The housing 11 can for that purpose be provided with a door or cap 61 to reach said opening 16. The chamber 15 has a back wall 18 and a bottom wall 19, as well as two side walls 20 on opposite sides. One wall 21 is movable in the direction of the back wall 18 and relatively with respect to the further walls 19, 20, in order to compress a container 1 positioned within said chamber 15. The container 1 is placed in said chamber with the second seal 5 against the bottom wall 19 and the weakened portion 9 facing a discharge channel 22 of said apparatus. To this end and in this embodiment the third seal 7 has been torn at the tear line in order to expose the weakened portion.

The discharge channel 22 extends from an inlet end 23 near or in said chamber 15 to an outlet end 24 on the outside of the apparatus 11, facing at least partially downward, such that a glass 25 can be held below said outlet end 24. Between the inlet end 23 and the outlet end 24 a channel 26 is connected to said discharge channel 22. Said channel 26 is connected to an outlet of a pressure assembly 27 which can be used for introducing compressed gas, especially air into said discharge channel 22, especially into beverage such as beer in said discharge channel 22. The pressurised gas, especially air can be used for pressurising and/or transporting the beverage and/or for obtaining a desired amount of foaming of the beverage, at least when or after leaving the discharge channel through said outlet end 24. In the embodiment shown the pressurising means can comprise a cylinder 28 in which a piston 29 can be moved into the direction of the channel 26, thereby compressing air inside the cylinder and forcing said pressurised air into said beverage in said discharge channel 22.

The pressurising means can be electrically powered. Cooling means for the container and beverage may be available in or near the chamber 15.

A pressurising mechanism 30 is provided, comprising a lever 31 pivotable around a first pivot axis 32 in said apparatus. A grip 33 is provided at a fist, upper end 34 of said lever. A first end 35 of a first rod 36 is pivotably connected at the opposite second end 37 of said lever 31, by a second axis 38, which rod 36 is connected to the movable wall 21 which is guided in a known manner for allowing it to translate towards said back wall 18 but preferably prevents it from rotation. A first end 39 of a second rod 40 is connected to said lever 31 by a further axis 41, which second rod is connected to said piston 29. Said further axis 41 is positioned between said first axis 32 and said second axis 38. When the grip 33 is moved from the position as shown in fig. 2 to the position as shown in fig. 3, the lever 31 pivots around said first axis, thereby forcing the first rod 36 and the second rod 40 slightly upward and to the right in the drawings. This means that the movable wall is forced into the direction of the back wall 18, compressing the container 1, and the piston 29 is forced towards the channel 26, compressing air into said discharge channel 22. Means can be provided for setting the air pressure, for example by adjusting the stroke of the piston or by opening or closing venting openings.

Due to this combined action the beverage is forced against the weakened portion 9, bursting this, resulting in the beverage contained therein out of the container 1 and into the discharge channel 22, whereas at approximately the same time air is compressed and forced into said discharge channel, thereby pressurising the beverage and propelling the beverage towards and out of the outlet end 24, preferably into a glass.

Applicant has recognised that in normal lager type beer about 0.44 to 0.52 weight % CO2 is provided, leading to a relatively high pressure inside a package into which this is packaged and that lager type beer, also known as blond beer, can be packaged in a package according to the present invention with an amount of CO2 that is less than said normal amount, leading to lower pressure in the package. The amount of CO2 is for example between 0.2 and 0.44 weight %, more specifically between 0.25 and 0.4 weight % and preferably around 0.3 weight %, measured at equilibrium pressure. Surprisingly it has been proven that the taste of the beer is not negatively effected or even enhanced by such relatively low CO2 content when discharged under pressure. Especially when pressurised with air as shown and described herein or when discharged directly into the mouth of a consumer, by pressurising the container 1, a good taste and general consistency of the beer is maintained. It has shown to be especially advantageous when the pressurised air is forced directly in the stream of beer in the discharge channel. Without wanting to be bound by any theory this may be the result of the flowing beer in a relatively narrow channel and the relatively high flow of compressed air forced directly into said stream, leading to pressurised bubbles of air trapped in the beer. The relatively low pressure may result in a relatively simple and less expensive package and that the seals can be provided for relatively easy, for example in a conventional manner by heat sealing technique. Negative influences of such sealing techniques can thus be prevented or at least minimised easily. In the same manner and for similar effects other carbonated beverages can be packed in a container 1 according to the invention, for example soft drinks or sparkling wines. For example, for cola drinks a CO2 content of less than 0.6 weight %, more specifically less than 0.55 weight %, such as between 0.3 and 0.55 weight % can be desired.

Instead of forcing the air into the beverage in the discharge channel 22 it can also be forced through the container 1, for example by changing the position of the chamber 15 and the cylinder 28 and providing a weakened portion 9 in the second seal 5 also or providing an opening there. Alternatively the lever mechanism can be made such that in a first stroke of the lever, for example upward from the position in fig. 2, the beverage is sucked from the container 1 into the cylinder 28 and is then forced out of the cylinder and through the discharge channel 22 by moving the piston forward in the manner described before. Various variations are possible within the general concept which will be directly apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably the discharge channel 22 is provided as a removable tube that can be pulled out of the apparatus, for example by pulling at the outlet end 24, so that it can be cleaned easily as is shown in figs. 7 and 8. More generally it is desirable if the beverage makes minimal or no contact with the apparatus and if there is to be contact that such parts are disposable or easy to clean. The channel 26 preferably extends into the discharge channel at an angle such that the direction of inflow into said discharge channel is at east partly into the direction of the outlet end 24.

Below the chamber 15 there preferably is a receiving chamber 60 for empty containers 1. Preferably the movable wall 21 can be moved away from the back wall 19 such that the empty container 1 can pass between the lower end of the movable wall and the bottom wall, into said receiving camber 60. The door or cap 61 may also be such that by opening said door 61 the receiving camber 60 can be accessed for removing any empty containers 1 held therein. One or more of the walls 18, 19, 21 could be connected to or formed by said door or cap 61.

The pressurising means can preferably be regulated, in order to set the amount and/or pressure of the air to be introduced into said beverage. This may be advantageous, for example for setting the foaming of the beverage, especially lager type beer, or for adjusting based on the beverage to be dispensed. For example in beer a different amount of air may be desirable than in soft drinks or wine or other beverages.

In fig. 4 partially in cross section a second embodiment of a container according to the present invention is shown, which has for example a substantially cylindrical outer wall 50, which may be made rigid, for example made of coated card board or plastic, or relatively flexible, such as the foil of the embodiment of fig. 1 and a bottom wall 51, which can be moved towards an top wall 52 provided at the opposite end. The bottom wall can be moved by for example folding the side wall as is shown in fig. 4 in broken lines, or by having a separate bottom wall 51, slidably engaging and closing off against the inside of said wall 50. The top wall comprises a weakened portion 9 which will burst when the bottom wall is moved upward to the top wall over a certain amount, forcing the beverage out when the bottom wall is moved further, until it engages the top wall, when the inner space 8 is completely empty. The bottom wall can be moved by the second rod 40 or a similar system. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 the receptacle 14 comprises a for example circular wall 19 in which a movable wall part 21 can be moved up, in the direction of the arrow V, towards an open end 16, which can be closed off by a lid 71. The lid 70 can close off against the upper end of the package 1. The internal cross section of the wall 19 is preferably approximately equal to that of the package, the movable wall 21 being slightly smaller. The dispensing channel 22 is in fluid communication with the lid 70. The package 1 can be introduced into the receptacle through the opening 16, after which the lid 70 is placed over the opening 16. Then the wall part 21 can be moved by the mechanism 30, pressing the bottom wall 51 of the package 1 to the top end 52, thereby bursting open the weak portion 9 and forcing the beverage from the package 1 into the channel 22.

In fig. 5 part of the chamber 15 is shown, with the outlet opening facing the discharge channel 22, and a top end of a container 1 enclosed therein. A puncture means 54 is shown in the shape of a hollow needle 55, which is in fluid connection with the discharge channel 22. When the container is placed inside the chamber 15, against the bottom wall 20, the top end and seal 7 will be spaced apart slightly from the sharp end 56 of the needle 55. When the movable wall 21 is then moved, the container will be compressed and the top end thereof is then forced onto the needle 55, over the sharp end 56, puncturing the container 1. By further compressing the container 1 the beverage is forced out of the container, through said needle 55 and into the discharge channel. In fig. 6 an alternative embodiment is shown, again showing a top end of the chamber 15, in which cutting means 57 are provided for cutting the tear line when the container is partly compressed or at least pressurized by the movable wall 21. The cutting means are shown as a knife which will be forced through said third seal 7, at the tear line or directly next to the inner space 8. Thus the container will be opened and the beverage can be forced out. In these embodiments preferably a seal 65 is provided for sealing of the chamber and outlet channel against the container 1, in order to prevent any beverage to flow into the chamber.

Fig. 7 shows schematically, in cross section, part of an apparatus 11 according to the invention, in which in a chamber 15 a container 1 is carried on a movable wall 21 to be pressed by the pressure mechanism 27. In this embodiment the channel 26 opens into a discharge channel 22 at an angle α which is larger than 90°, such that the main direction thereof has a component parallel to the channel 22. In the discharge channel 22 a fork 72 is provided, of which one end is the channel 26 and the other tine 73 extends into the chamber 15. At the entrance of the tine 73 a seal 74 may be provided, for example an O-ring.

A separate, preferably disposable or easy cleanable, for example metal or plastic straw 75 is provided for forming the actual discharge channel. This straw 75 has a tubular part 76 extending from an outlet end 24 to a fork

77 of which a first tine 78 fits into the channel 26 and the second tine 79 into the tine 73. Said second tine 79 is needle shaped with a sharp end 80 for puncturing the container 1. A non return valve 81 may be provided in the tine

78 for preventing beverage to flow into said tine 78 or into the channel 26. A similar valve could be provided in the first tine 78, for preventing backflow.

Thus contamination may be avoided or minimized.

The first line 78 preferably seals against the channel 73 or the seal 74, thus preventing pressure loss and/or spillage of the beverage.

The movable wall part 21 may be positioned under an angle relative to the back wall 18, in order to squeeze the container from the lower seal upward towards the channel 22, in order to better assure that the beverage will be expelled fully. This can for example be done by spring means 71 near the top of the movable wall part 21.

With a container or package and/or apparatus according to the invention an advantage can be that each serving can be a different beverage, without the necessity of difficult operations. The containers can be stored and transported easily, require relatively little material and are easily cooled or heated. Therefore cooled and heated beverages are possible, even one after the other, quickly in sequence. The embodiments shown are only presented as possible embodiments disclosing the various features. It should be emphasized that other embodiments and solutions are possible within the scope as defined by the claims, description and drawings. Especially various combinations of individual features of the embodiments shown are considered to be disclosed herein, as well as alternative solutions to various of these features. Specifically, other materials could be used, as well as other means for closing and opening the containers, for example glue could be used for one or any of said seals, whereas the container can be formed of two or more sheets of foil, for example sealed together along the edges. A closure can be provided in any of said seals or surfaces of the container, for filling and/or dispensing. The pressure means are preferably hand operated but may also be electrical of be operated by for example compressed air capsules. The movable wall part 21 can also be movable into a different direction. For example as shown in fig. 4, wherein the bottom wall may also be such that the container is compressed entirely inside said chamber.

Claims

1. Method for dispensing a beverage, wherein a beverage enclosed within an at least partly compressible container is placed in a receptacle, whereby said container is at least partly compressed within said receptacle and the beverage contained therein is expelled from said container into an outlet channel of a dispensing apparatus.

2. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a part of said container is removed before said compression of said container, providing a weakened portion or an opening through which said beverage is forced out of said container when the container is compressed.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein air is compressed and introduced into said beverage before said beverage is expelled from said outlet channel, such that foaming occurs within said beverage.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein said container is introduced into said receptacle within an apparatus, whereby said apparatus comprises a compression mechanism for compressing said container within said receptacle.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein by operating said compression mechanism said container is opened for expelling said beverage into said outlet channel.

6. Method according to claim 4 to 5, wherein by operating said compression mechanism a puncture element is driven through said at least partly flexible container for said opening of said container.

7. Method according to any one of claims 4 — 6, wherein by operating said compression mechanism compressed air is forced into said beverage before said beverage is expelled from said outlet channel.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein said beverage is expelled from said outlet channel, pressurised by said air.

9. Method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein a puncture element is moved relative to the container within said receptacle, such that it punctures the at least partly flexible container, whereby during and/or after compressing said container said beverage is expelled into said outlet channel through said puncture element.

10. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a container is used which is substantially made of flexible material, especially as a pouch, which is completely filled with said beverage.

11. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a container is used without a dispensing opening.

12. Container for use in a method according to any one of the previous claims, which container is or can be filled with a beverage and is compressible such that an internal volume thereof can be reduced to substantially zero cc for expelling said beverage.

13. Container according to claim 12, wherein at least one seal is provided which comprises a relatively weak portion directed towards an inner space of said container and a relatively strong portion extending around at least part of said relatively weak portion, such that by removal of at least part of said relatively strong portion said relatively weak portion becomes in contact with the surrounding at the side opposite said inner space for forming a weakened portion in said seal.

14. Container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said container is filled with a carbonated beverage, especially lager type beer having a CO2 content of less than 0.44 weight %.

15. Container according to claim 14, wherein said CO2 content is less than 0.4 weight % and preferably about 0.3 weight %.

16. Container according to any one of claims 12 — 15, wherein said container has an at least partly flexible wall and is closed by sealing and/or gluing.

17. Container according to claim 16, wherein said container has a length in a longitudinal direction which is greater than a width in a width direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction, whereby said container is made of a flexible material and is closed by a first seal extending in said longitudinal direction and two end seals extending in said width direction, at two opposite

18. Container according to any one of claims 12 - 17, wherein said container is provided with a tubular portion and has a length which is at least

■ twice the largest internal width of said tubular portion.

19. Container according to any one of claims 12 — 18, wherein said container is made of multi layer material including at least one metal layer, preferably an aluminium layer.

20. Apparatus for dispensing a beverage, preferably for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 — 11 or for use with a container according to any one of claims 12 — 19.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus comprises a receptacle for a container comprising a carbonated beverage, a pressure mechanism for at least partly compressing said container within said receptacle and an outflow channel for expelling said beverage from said container.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, comprising puncture means.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, comprising cutting means for cutting open said container within said receptacle.

24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20 - 22, comprising pressurising means for compressing air and introducing said air into said beverage.

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein a removable, preferably disposable outflow channel is provided.

26. Outflow channel for an apparatus according to any one of claims 20-25.