Abstract: An opening mechanism for use with a fluid filled collapsible container is disclosed. The mechanism comprises an outlet spout adapted to be joined to a wall of the collapsible container, a perforator for opening the collapsible container through the outlet spout and a driver having a passage therethrough. The driver is received within the outlet spout and screw threadedly engaged therewith for advancement by relative rotation thereof to drive the perforator though the outlet spout to thereby open the collapsible container and permit fluid to be dispensed through the passage. A circumferential flexible seal is provided within the outlet spout on one of the driver and the outlet spout to engage with the other of the driver and the outlet spout to reduce leakage of fluid between the outlet spout and the driver as the collapsible container is opened.

Abstract: An opening mechanism for use with a fluid filled collapsible container is disclosed. The mechanism comprises an outlet spout adapted to be joined to a wall of the collapsible container, a perforator for opening the collapsible container through the outlet spout and a driver having a passage therethrough. The driver is received within the outlet spout and screw threadedly engaged therewith for advancement by relative rotation thereof to drive the perforator though the outlet spout to thereby open the collapsible container and permit fluid to be dispensed through the passage. A circumferential flexible seal is provided within the outlet spout on one of the driver and the outlet spout to engage with the other of the driver and the outlet spout to reduce leakage of fluid between the outlet spout and the driver as the collapsible container is opened.

Abstract: A collapsible container is provided in which there is a flange extension (8) from the outlet spout (5) to the lower corner of the container beneath the spout to hold the collapsible container in the corner of the rigid outer container (11) while the container is being filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a flexible container has a filling head and a pair of closure removing heads so that while the one container is being filled a filled container is closed and another prepared for filling.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquid filling a flexible collapsible container in the form of a plastic pouch for packaging wine is disclosed. The pouch has a pouring spout and a closure for the spout. The apparatus comprises a base for firmly holding the spout and a frame movable relative to the spout. The frame supports a closure removal head and a liquid fill head, either of which may be brought into engagement with the spout upon movement of the frame. The closure removal head is adapted to grip the closure and, upon movement of the frame, remove the closure from the spout. The liquid fill head is adapted to apply a vacuum pump output to the spout to evacuate the pouch, apply liquid to fill the pouch and supply nitrogen to purge contaminants from the pouch. All operations are performed without the need to move the pouch.