FLUID PACKAGING CONTAINER

Abstract

Fluid packaging container of substantially rigid, or semi rigid construction. The container being configured to be operatively connectable to a beverage dispensing station. The fluid packaging container defines an interior space and contains a first volume of a liquid ingredient and a second volume of gas. In use the first and second volumes are each variable between a volume of substantially zero and a volume corresponding substantially to the interior space and being complementary to one another. Thereby the first and second volume together fill the interior space. The fluid packaging container in particular includes a fluid outlet arranged to communicate with the beverage dispensing station and pressure equalizing means for maintaining a predefined pressure in the second volume, irrespective of liquid withdrawn from the interior space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/NL2010/050697 filed on Oct. 20, 2010; which claimed priority to Netherlands Application No. NL 2003676 filed on Oct. 20, 2009, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a fluid packaging container for shipping and supplying beverage related ingredients. Such fluid packaging containers form an exchangeable component in beverage preparing and dispensing apparatus that thereby act as a host to the fluid packaging container.

Such fluid packaging containers amongst others are known from applicant's WO 00/79223. Such containers serve in the distribution of concentrates of coffee, chocolate, dairy, milk or tea in beverage preparation and distribution systems. These known containers are of the bag-in-box variety, so that the volume of the flexible bag is reduced at the same time that the concentrated beverage ingredient is extracted therefrom. While these packages have given some control over the head space, they have not been totally effective in eliminating all deterioration of the beverage concentrate from head space air over prolonged periods of use. For certain uses there has remained a need for controlling the head space in a different manner. Other problems with the prior art bag-in-box containers are that they are expensive to produce and that their disposal is often associated with environmental issues, when provided with a metal layer.

SUMMARY

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide alternative structures which are less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively. Alternatively it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To this end the invention provides for a fluid packaging container as defined in any one of the appended claims and substantially as described herein below and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a fluid packaging container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a fluid packaging container according to the invention;

FIG. 3 in a first longitudinal cross section shows a first version of a two-way valve for incorporation into fluid packaging containers according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a second longitudinal cross section, perpendicular to the first cross section, of the two-way valve of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 in a first longitudinal cross section shows a second version of a two-way valve for incorporation into fluid packaging containers according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a second longitudinal cross section, perpendicular to the first cross section, of the two-way valve of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross section of a rotation symmetrical third version of two-way valve for incorporation into fluid packaging containers according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross section through yet another alternative two-way valve for use with storage containers.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1 a fluid packaging container 1 is shown that has a rigid or semi rigid fixed volume storage chamber 3, generally defining an interior space. The interior space of storage chamber 3 is shown to contain a first volume 5 of a liquid beverage ingredient and a second volume 7 forming a head space of gas. The fluid packaging container 1, further is provided with a liquid outlet 9, which will be associated with a valve that is generally indicated by reference numeral 11. The value 11 can be of conventional design and be, for example, a positively operated poppet valve, or a passively operated one-way valve, to name but a few examples.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is that the fluid packaging container 1 is provided with pressure equalizing means in the form of a micro pore membrane 13. The micro pore membrane 13 defines an inlet 15 for communicating with a supply gas, such as ambient air, for maintaining a predefined pressure in the second volume 7 when liquid is withdrawn from the first volume 5 through the liquid outlet 9.

In use the fluid packaging container 1 will be operatively connected to a hosting beverage preparing and dispensing station and the first and second volumes 5, 7 will thereby each become variable between a volume of substantially zero and a volume corresponding substantially to the entire interior space defined by the storage chamber 3. In fact the first and second volumes 5, 7 will be complementary to one another, so that together these fill the interior space. Hence portioned amounts of liquid ingredient are expelled from the storage chamber 3 via outlet 9 as indicated by arrow 17 and suitable supplies of gas are allowed to enter the second volume 7 of the storage chamber 3 via inlet 15 as indicated by arrow 19. It is possible that the gas or air allowed to enter the second volume, enters with a certain delay, such as when the rate of expelling liquid from the storage chamber exceeds the rate of the entering gas or air. Within appropriate boundaries such a difference between the in- and outflows should not present any difficulties in operation.

The micro pore membrane 13, which is additionally shown in FIG. 1 as an enlarged detail, provides an aseptic venting means that equalizes the pressure in the second volume 7 as the product is dispensed. Degradation and contamination of the liquid ingredient of the first volume 5 may thereby be prevented. A suitable micro pore material is an expanded polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) material obtainable from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. under their trade designation “Gore-Tex”. This material is available with pore sizes of 0.2 μm, which can block 99,9999% of aerosolized particles, bacteria and viruses. Another possibly suitable material may be a gas permeable sheet of polyethylene fibers, such as available from E.I. de Pont de Nemours, Inc. under their trade designation “Tyvek”. Equivalent materials are also available from other suppliers, such as DSM. The important property of such micro pore membranes is that they allow sterile venting, of gas and ambient air, while repelling liquid, particles and pathogens. Such membranes may meet food chain compatibility approval when the used materials are food grade compatible and when manufacturing and handling under hygienic conditions can be ensured.

As the liquid outlet 9 will be generally arranged to communicate with a hosting beverage dispensing station (not shown, but conventional), such a dispensing station can also have provisions for connecting the pressure equalizing means 13, 15 to a suitable supply of gas associated with the beverage dispensing station.

Shown in FIG. 2 is an alternative form of fluid packaging container 101 according to the invention. The fluid packaging container 101 again defines a rigid, or semi rigid, storage chamber 103 that has a generally tetraedic exterior form. Such a tetraedic form may have benefits in shipping, but also in cooperating with a hosting beverage preparation and dispensing station. In the latter case the tetraedic form helps in correctly positioning the fluid packaging container 101 onto such a hosting station. The fluid packaging container 101 shown in FIG. 2 is further provided with a recessed area 121 for accommodating a liquid outlet 109 and a drive connection 123 for providing a drive force to a dosing pump that can be positioned within the storage chamber 103, upstream of the liquid outlet 109 and preferably also upstream of a fluid valve associated with the liquid outlet 109. By this recessed mounting of such ancillarities in the recessed area 121, these will be protected during shipment, but also be less prone to damage during handling of the fluid packaging container 101 in connecting it to a hosting beverage preparing station.

It should however be clear to a skilled person that apart from a round shape of the packaging container 1 of FIG. 1 or the tetraedic or parallelepiped form of the packaging container 101 of FIG. 2, other forms are equally possible. Conceivably also the packaging container could be a combination of a round portion and a tetraedic portion.

Also provided at a top portion of the storage chamber 103 is a pressure equalizing connection 115. In a particular embodiment of the invention this pressure equalizing connection 115 may also be used to initially create an overpressure in the container. This may be of particular advantage when a semi-rigid container is used, as it will reinforce the packaging container for shipping and allow increased stacking height. A slight overpressure may also assist in dosing accuracy during use.

When an overpressure is to be maintained during use of the packaging container 103 in a hosting beverage system, the pressure equalizing connection 115 can be connectable in a gas-tight fashion to a supply of gas under pressure that is resident on the hosting beverage station.

It is however also conceivable that the pressure equalizing connection 115 is only used during filling of the fluid packaging container 101, while a supply of gas in communication with the second volume is accommodated within the interior of the storage chamber 103. Such a supply of gas can be a porous mass with gas absorbing or adsorbing properties. Examples of such porous masses are granular activated carbon of a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve material (CFCMS). As an example of such an alternative, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,844 teaching this technique in relation to an aerosol can. Similarly it is also conceivable that the internal supply of gas in the packaging container 101 is formed by a combination of a pressure vessel and a pressure controlled valve assembly, as is also know for aerosol containers. Examples of this latter alternative are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,047 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,235, which are hereby likewise incorporated by reference.

It may be further useful in connection with the invention to provide a means of preventing oxidation or deterioration of the fluid concentrate in the packaging container when gas, sterilized gas or aseptic ambient air is let in. For this purpose a gastight float may be provided on top of the liquid volume to reduce or eliminate contact between the liquid volume and the gas volume. Similarly a liquid seal in the form of a non-soluble food-grade oil that floats on top of the liquid may eliminate any contact between the two volumes. In fact such a liquid seal would form a third volume that remains constant while the first and second volumes vary in volume. In such an embodiment the first, second and third volumes in use will continuously fill the interior space of the packaging container, with the constant third volume separating the first and second volumes.

As explained herein above using an over pressurized gas filling in the headspace volume of the fluid packaging container, in particular enables the use of semi-rigid containers such as those substantially formed of laminated cardboard. Such packaging containers are generally more environmentally acceptable than the bag-in-box packagings hitherto used. Cardboard containers are easier to manufacture, use less resources and are easier to compact during disposal. Suitable fittings for fluid outlets and interface connections for hosting stations can be connected to the cardboard packaging containers as explained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,464 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,643, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In a further alternative embodiment the fluid packaging container has its second volume only filled with gas, pressurized above atmospheric pressure, during shipping. It can then have a micro pore venting means as in the embodiment described in reference to FIG. 1. To retain the pressurized condition during shipment the venting membrane can be sealed by a tamper evident seal that is to be removed by the user prior to installing the container on or in a hosting system. The escape of some gas during removal of the tamper evident seal will additionally confirm to the user that the contents have been maintained in a fresh condition. In use the container can thereafter be aseptically vented to the ambient air by means of the micro pore membrane.

It can be further advantageous if the initial overpressurized gas filling, is one of a sterile air filling, an inert gas filling or such a gas filling including coffee, chocolate or tea aroma, as the case may be, rather than using a micro pore membrane as the aseptic venting means, it is also conceivable to use an aseptic valve.

Also the valve associated with the liquid outlets 9, 109 is preferably of an aseptic variety. One example of a suitable valve of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,647 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 embodiments of a two-way valve concept will be explained that are particularly suitable for use in at least some embodiments according to the present invention. In particular these two-way valves will allow the head space represented by the second volume to be supplied with overpressurized gas, after an aseptic venting means, or pressure equalizing means has been brought into a sealed condition.

It should be emphasized that use of an overpressurized head space in a fluid package is not limited to rigid, or semi-rigid containers, but could also benefit bag-in-box type containers. Such overpressure in a bag-in-box container will make it easier to put the filled bag into its outer box, using inert gas, would equally benefit beverage ingredient, when it is in a bag-in-box container. Overpressure in a bag-in-box container may further also improve dosing accuracy and generally improve emptying thereof by reducing wrinkles in the otherwise collapsing bag.

Hence the following description of two-way valve concepts are not intended to be limited to rigid or semi-rigid containers, but would also be relevant to bag-in-box type containers, or indeed any other receptacle that would make use of a flexible pouch rather than a fixed volume storage chamber.

Referring first to FIGS. 3 and 4 there is shown a first version of two-way valve that could be used at the location of the liquid outlet valve (such as indicated by numeral 11 in FIG. 1). FIG. 3 shows a first longitudinal cross-section of the same valve in a plane perpendicular to the first cross section. The two-way valve 251 has a rigid inner body 253 with an inlet end 255 for connection to a container and an outlet end 257 for communication with a hosting beverage system. The inlet end 255 and the outlet end 257 are separated by an internal barrier wall 259 and an elastic outer sleeve 261 that preferably has a pretensioned interference fit about the inner valve body 253.

At the inlet side the valve body 253 is provided with a first pair of opposite transverse apertures 263, 265 communicating with the inlet end 255. At the outlet side the valve body 253 is provided with a second pair of opposite transverse apertures 267, 269 in communication with the outlet end 257. With no pressure, or pressure only up to a predetermined level applied to the inlet end 255, or outlet end 257 the elastic outer sleeve 251 will firmly and preferably aseptically prevent the passage of a fluid medium.

The inlet end 255 is provided with a flange surface 271, by which it can be conveniently attached to a liquid container of the types herein before referred to. The outlet end 257 may be adapted for connection to a supply of gas under aseptic conditions.

In use a liquid beverage ingredient, such as a coffee concentrate may be pumped into the inlet end 255, as indicated by arrow 273. By exceeding a predefined pressure the liquid content will then radially lift the resilient outer sleeve 261 from the valve body 253 and expelled from the first pair of transverse aperture 263, 265 via the circumference of the rigid valve body 253 and between the radially lifted portion of the elastic sleeve 261 the fluid will enter the outlet end 257 via the second pair of transverse apertures 267, 269.

Upon filling of the container equipped with the two-way valve 251, the remaining head space may be filled with a volume of suitable gas under pressure by using the outlet end 257 thereof as indicated by arrow 275. For this purpose a suitable adapter may be coupled to the outlet end 257 under aseptic conditions and an inert gas such as nitrogen (N2) may then be allowed to lift the elastic cover 261 from the second pair of transverse apertures 263, 265 by a passage created between the radially lifted elastic cover 261 and the rigid valve body 253.

Such a two-way valve can be aseptic in each of its two operational directions. The spacing between the transverse apertures 263, 265 of the first pair and the nearest transverse aperture 267, 269 of the second pair should be sufficient to ensure asepticity by autoperistaltic behavior of the elastic sleeve 261 that spans the interim between adjacent apertures.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there will be described a slightly modified version of the two-way valve explained in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For clarity similar elements are referred to in FIGS. 5 and 6 by reference numerals differing from those used in FIGS. 3 and 4 by a full “100”.

It will thus be seen that the two-way valve 351 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is shown in similar cross sections in which it can be recognized to also have a rigid valve body 353 with an inlet end 355 and an outlet end 357. The inlet end 355 and the outlet end 357 are separated from one another by internal barrier wall 359 and outer sleeve 361.

The elastic outer sleeve 361 in contrast to the elastic outer sleeve 261 of FIGS. 3 and 4, does have a varying radial thickness. At the region of the internal barrier wall 359 of the valve body 353 the flexible outer sleeve 361 has opposite thicker sections 361A, 361B in a plane parallel to first and second pairs of the transverse opening 363, 365, 367, 369 to obtain a firmer hold of the flexible sleeve around these apertures. It should be clear that variations of the elastic behavior of the outer sleeves 261, 361 can also be obtained by varying the diameter of the rigid valve body along its axial length, as indeed is shown by the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4

Inasmuch as the use and operation of the two-way valve of FIGS. 5 and 6 is essentially similar to that explained in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 repeating the description for the similarly referenced elements of FIGS. 5 and 6 is deemed unnecessary.

A further alternative version of two-way valve is shown in FIG. 7. This two-way valve 451 is different from the previously described two-way valves in having a rigid outer body 452 and an elastic inner body 454.

In use the flexible inner sleeve or body 454 will be deflected by the fluid flow entering either the inlet end 455 in accordance with arrow 473 of entering the outlet end 457 in accordance with the arrow 475. A reduction in pressure profile is achieved through a reduction of interference between the inner- and outer bodies 452, 454 over the axial length of this two-way valve. The proximal diameter in the middle section is smaller than the opposite distal diameters and the interference diminishes towards the inlet and outlet ends. It thus allows flow in both axial directions.

Another alternative two-way valve 551 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The two-way valve 551 is also arranged for use with the liquid dispensing outlet of a fixed volume storage container, such as the outlet 9, 109 of the containers of FIG. 1 or 2, respectively. Two-way valve 551 is composed of a rigid inner component 553 and a flexible outer tube 561, together defining an inlet end 555 and an outlet end 557. The rigid inner component 553 provides a peripheral sealing surface 556 interfering with the flexible outer tube 561 for a clean and aseptic separation between fluid on the inlet end 555 and fluid on the outlet end 557.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 8, by arrows 572, 574, there may be an increased pressure on the inlet end 555 of two-way valve 551. Once this increased pressure exceeds a predetermined value the valve may open in that the elastic outer cover, formed by flexible tube 561, is radially lifted from the peripheral surface 556 of the inner rigid body of component 553 in the direction of arrows 577, 579. Fluid from the container may thereupon leave the outlet end 557 in the direction of arrow 275. It is further seen in FIG. 8, that the outer tube 561 may have an enlarged diameter central section 561A and two axially spaced inner annular ridges 561B, 561C to retain the inner rigid component 553 within the central section of the outer tube.

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. The invention is not limited to any embodiment herein described and, within the purview of the skilled person; modifications are possible which should be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Equally all kinematic inversions are considered inherently disclosed and to be within the scope of the present invention. The term comprising when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Expressions such as: “means for . . . ” should be read as: “component configured for . . . ” or “member constructed to . . . ” and should be construed to include equivalents for the structures disclosed. The use of expressions like: “critical”, “preferred”, “especially preferred” etc. is not intended to limit the invention. Features which are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may be additionally included in the structure according to the present invention without deviating from its scope.

Claims

1. A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid, or semi rigid construction configured to be operatively connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container defining an interior space and containing a first volume of a liquid ingredient and a second volume of gas, the first and second volumes in use are each variable, wherein the fluid packaging container further includes a fluid outlet arranged to communicate with the beverage dispensing station and pressure equalizing means for maintaining in use a predefined pressure in the second volume, irrespective of liquid withdrawn from the interior space, wherein the packaging container includes a fluid valve associated with the fluid outlet.

2. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the pressure equalizing means include aseptic venting means providing an aseptic barrier.

3. The fluid packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the aseptic venting means gives controlled access to the second volume.

4. The fluid packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the aseptic venting means includes a micro pore membrane.

5. The fluid packaging container according to claim 4, wherein the micro pore membrane is an expanded polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE).

6. The fluid packaging container according to claim 4, wherein the micro pore membrane is a gas permeable sheet of polyethylene fibers.

7. The fluid packaging container according to claim 4, further comprising a tamper evident seal, and wherein the second volume is pressurized above atmospheric pressure only prior to removal of a tamper evident seal to uncover the micro pore membrane.

8. The fluid packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the venting means is adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized gas associated with the beverage dispensing station.

9. The fluid packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the aseptic venting means includes an aseptic valve.

10. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the pressure equalizing means includes a supply of gas for maintaining the predefined pressure in the second volume.

11. The fluid packaging container according to claim 10, wherein the supply of gas is also effective to restore the predefined pressure in the second volume upon gas expansion within the interior space, or to replenish gas depleted from the interior space

12. The fluid packaging container according to claim 10, wherein the supply of gas is in communication with the second volume.

13. The fluid packaging container according to claim 10, wherein the supply of gas is accommodated within the interior space.

14. The fluid packaging container according to claim 13, wherein the supply of gas includes a storage body, capable of storing a quantity of gas under relatively high pressure and releasing portions of the quantity of gas at a relatively low pressure.

15. The fluid packaging container according to claim 14, wherein the storage body comprises a porous mass.

16. The fluid packaging container according to claim 14, wherein the storage body includes a gas-adsorbing material.

17. The fluid packaging container according to claim 16, wherein the gas-adsorbing material is selected from a group comprising granular activated carbon and carbon fiber composite molecular sieve material (CFCMS).

18. The fluid packaging container according to claim 14, wherein the storage body is a combination of a pressure vessel and a pressure controlled valve assembly.

19. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, further comprising a tamper evident seal.

20. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid packaging container has a storage chamber having a parallelepiped or tetraedic exterior form.

21. The fluid packaging container according to claim 20, wherein the storage chamber is a parallelepiped or tetraedic carton body.

22. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the fluid valve is an aseptic valve.

23. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the pressure in the second volume is above atmospheric pressure.

24. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the gas in the second volume is sterile air.

25. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the gas in the second volume is an inert gas.

26. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid includes one of a concentrate of a coffee, a dairy product, a chocolate and a tea.

27. The fluid packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a coffee concentrate and wherein the gas in the second volume includes coffee aroma.

28. The fluid packaging container according to claim 27, wherein the packaging container includes a dosing pump.

29. The fluid packaging container according to claim 28, wherein the dosing pump is positioned upstream of the fluid outlet.

30. The fluid packaging container according to claim 22, wherein the fluid valve is a two-way valve for filling the second volume of gas and that also functions as the fluid valve for allowing fluid to be expelled from the interior space under aseptic conditions.

31. The fluid packaging container according to claim 30, wherein the two-way valve is configured in accordance with one or more of the structural features as explained in reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

32. The fluid packaging container according to claim 31, wherein the first and second volumes in use are each variable between a volume of substantially zero and a volume corresponding substantially to the interior space and being complementary to one another, so that the first and second volume together fill the interior space.

33. The fluid packaging container according to claim 32, further including a liquid and gas barrier between the first volume and the second volume.

34. The fluid packaging container according to claim 33, wherein the liquid and gas barrier is provided by an insoluble third volume contained in the interior volume.

35. The fluid packaging container according to claim 34, wherein the third volume comprises a food-grade oil that floats on top of the first volume of liquid.

36. The fluid packaging container according to claim 34, wherein the third volume comprises a substantially solid gas and fluid tight float that floats on top of the first volume of liquid.

37. A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid, or semi rigid construction configured to be operatively connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container defining an interior space and containing a first volume of a liquid ingredient and a second volume of gas, the first and second volumes in use are each variable, wherein the fluid packaging container further includes a fluid outlet arranged to communicate with the beverage dispensing station and wherein the second volume at least prior to use has predefined pressure in the second volume.

38. The fluid packaging container according to claim 37, wherein the predefined pressure is above atmospheric pressure.

39. A fluid packaging container of substantially rigid, or semi rigid construction configured to be operatively connectable to a beverage dispensing station, the fluid packaging container defining an interior space and containing a first volume of a liquid ingredient and a second volume of gas, the first and second volumes in use are each variable, wherein the fluid packaging container further includes a fluid outlet arranged to communicate with the beverage dispensing station and wherein the packaging container includes an aseptic fluid valve associated with the fluid outlet.