Patent Grant
11629004
This application is the National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2018/060092, filed Apr. 19, 2018, which claims the benefit of EP Patent Application No. 17168743.7, filed Apr. 28, 2017 and EP Patent Application No. 17185765.9, filed Aug. 10, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.
The present invention relates to a beverage container having a pressure-relief device and a method of manufacturing a beverage container having a pressure-relief device.
In the past, beverages have been transported from the place of production to the place of consumption in containers, such as bottles made of glass or alternatively in kegs made of wood or metal, preferably steel. Increasingly, new light and flexible materials such as plastic and preferably PET are used for transporting beverage replacing both glass bottles and metal and wooded containers.
One advantage of using plastic containers instead of glass, metal or wooden containers is the significantly less weight of plastic containers, Another advantage of using plastic containers is the fact that such containers are flexible and may be blow-molded out of small preforms just before filling the beverage. After the container has been emptied of beverage at the place of consumption, the beverage container may be collapsed, i.e. compressed or compacted, to a much smaller size compared to the originally filled size. Many modern beverage dispensing systems compress the containers even during tapping. Also, using a modern beverage dispensing system may eliminate any contact between the user and the beverage.
Yet further, the plastic containers may be recycled in an environmentally friendly way either by melting in order to re-use the raw material, or by combustion resulting—apart from generation of carbon dioxide and water—in the recovery of energy. Containers made of glass, metal or wood are more difficult to recycle and typically must be transported back to the beverage producer for cleaning or alternatively to the manufacturer for being melted down under high temperature and re-used as raw material, both options resulting in environmental impact in the form of energy use and possible use of toxic substances.
In order to save on material and allow the container to be easily collapsible, it is desirable to use as thin-walled containers as possible, Storing pressurized beverages, such as carbonated beverage, in thin-walled containers will on the other hand increase the risk of rupturing the container. A rupture may in addition to the complete loss of the beverage stored in the container also result in personal injury or damage on property due to debris from the rupturing container. Ruptures may occur due to accidental piercing of the container, however, the most violent ruptures may be caused by an increase of the pressure inside the container.
As the pressure inside the container is directly dependent on the temperature of the beverage, rupture may occur as a result of a fire close to the location of the container or by leaving the container in a hot location such as in direct sunlight or inside an enclosed space which is being heated by sunlight. Further, fermented beverages such as beer release a large amount of carbon dioxide during the fermentation. When the beverage has been sealed in the container, the fermentation should have stopped or at least not continue in an uncontrolled or unpredictable way. In case the fermentation continues in an uncontrolled way when the beverage has been sealed within the container, the pressure increase caused by the gas produced during the uncontrolled fermentation may cause the container to rupture. Thus, there is a need to make such containers pressure safe.
Ruptures due to pressure increase within the container may be avoided by the use of an overpressure valve, which may limit the pressure within the beverage container by opening at a certain pressure limit and relieving the inner space of the beverage container of any excessive pressure. However, any additional parts will increase the overall complexity and overall cost of the beverage container. As beverage containers are produced in very high numbers, it is necessary to keep the costs as low as possible.
It is therefore an object according to the present invention to provide technologies for avoiding overpressure related rupture of beverage containers while keeping the additional cost per unit low.
US 2008/0078769 A1 discloses a high-pressure gas cylinder comprising a neck having an elongated throat and a mouth at an outer end of the throat. A plug and a piercable membrane are positioned within the throat at a substantial distance from the mouth. The high-pressure gas cylinder further comprises a shipping cap removably mounted on the neck. The shipping cap includes at least two gas vent ports extending radially outwardly through the cap.
If the seal provided by the plug is breached, compressed gas exiting the gas cylinder through the throat exits the cap through the opposed radial vent ports. Because the vent ports are substantially identically configured, escaping gas will exit each of the vent ports at substantially equal flow volumes and exit velocities. Accordingly, the vents of the shipping cap prevent a breached bottle assembly from becoming a missile.
CN 2378333Y relates to a beer bottle washer made of plastic. The plastic washer is pressed elastically between the bottle mouth and cap. When the pressure inside the bottle increases to near a rupture critical pressure, the plastic washer loosens microscopically and part of the gas within the bottle may be released in order to reduce the rupture probability.
WO 2016/169951 A1, assigned to the applicant company, relates to a very simple and efficient way of including a safety valve in a beverage container by having a flexible sealing ring compressed between the closure and the neck of the container. The sealing ring is movable to a second position in which a larger part of the sealing ring is compressed between the closure and the neck of the container and smaller part of said sealing ring uncompressed within a groove allowing fluid communication between the gas-filled headspace and the exterior of the beverage container. The above system allows for degassing of the headspace in case the pressure increases, however, there is a risk that the sealing ring return to its original position once the overpressure is released which makes it difficult for the user to detect whether the situation in which the pressure increases has occurred or not. Further, is it difficult to accurately define the critical pressure at which the sealing ring moves to the second position as the critical pressure is not directly depending on the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container but on the elasticity of the sealing ring. This elasticity of the sealing ring is dependent on various non-pressure dependent factors, such as temperature.
EP 1066215 B1 relates to a safety blow-out device specifically adapted for use with a spear fitted to a keg. The safety blow-out device comprises a resiliently deformable member comprising a substantially annular end portion having an aperture through which an inner tube of the spear is passed in use and a plurality of legs extending from the end portion generally upwardly or towards the neck of the keg in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,969,161 A relates to a bung for beer barrels and the like comprising a partially fracturable cap secured to the inner end of said connector tube and normally sealing in the contents of the barrel. Upon insertion of a tap fitting through the connector tube against the cap, the latter will partially break away from the tube to an extent sufficient to permit passage of a fitting into the interior of the barrel for dispensing the contents thereof.
EP 2129616 B1 relates to a diaphragm for use in a valve assembly and comprising at least one sealing portion and a fixation portion. The fixation portion and the at least one sealing portion are connected by a flexible portion.
US 2016137478 A1 relates to an extractor tube assembly for a beverage container comprising a gas valve and a beverage valve adapted to cooperate with each other and comprising a ring-shaped gasket. The gasket is made of an elastomeric material and comprises an insert made of a rigid material. The elastomeric material encloses the insert and a portion of the top part of the gasket is adapted to be released from the insert when a pressure inside the beverage container exceeds a predetermined level so that fluid communication between an interior of the beverage container and the surroundings is provided and pressure is released from the beverage container. The gasket further comprises an identification detectable from the upper face of the gasket so that it is easily detectable if a pressure release function of the gasket has been partly or fully initiated.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,333 B2 relates to a fluid dispensing system comprising a container having a one-way valve received within the container wall. The one-way valve may be a flexible member made from any suitable material, such as silicone, and configured for opening to allow fluid to flow from an outlet port of the valve body through aperture of the container. The one-way valve may be a duckbill valve that defines a slot created by the edges of a flexible member. A flow of fluid through the outlet port opens the flexible member and slot to allow a flow of fluid into the container. When fluid is not exiting the outlet port, the slot closes as the edges of the flexible member collapse onto each other to form a seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,242 A relates to a valve structure or assembly including a tank valve base, a duckbill valve retainer, a duckbill valve, a poppet valve stem, urging spring and a valve body.
At least the above advantage, need and object or at least one of numerous further advantages, needs and objects, which will be evident from the below description of the present invention, is according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by container assembly for accommodating a beverage, the container assembly comprising:
The beverage container is preferably blow-molded in a light and flexible polymeric material, which is self-supporting and capable of accommodating a carbonated beverage held, closed off from the environment at an internal pressure. Once the container is opened, the beverage container is capable of collapsing when a pressure is applied from the outside, which is greater than the internal pressure. The material may be e.g. PET, PE, PP. The container is preferably provided in the form of a pre-form, which is blow-moulded to its filling size just before being filled at the brewery.
The beverage container typically has a bottle shape, i.e. a larger body portion for accommodating all or most of the beverage, and a cylindrical neck part having an opening which forms a beverage outlet and which is closed off by the closure. The closure is permanently fastened to the neck part of the beverage container once the beverage container has been filled. The purpose of the closure is primarily to seal off the opening of the beverage container in a pressure-tight way and enabling a beverage outlet for extracting the beverage. The beverage outlet is sealed off during transport and handling and is opened for dispensing the beverage, typically when installing the beverage container in the beverage dispensing system. It may optionally include a one-way valve. The beverage outlet is preferably centrally located in the closure disc of the closure. In some embodiments, the closure is also used for providing a base plate for installing and sealing the beverage container inside the pressure chamber of the beverage dispensing system.
The inner cylindrical part and the outer cylindrical part are used for fastening and sealing the closure to the neck part of the beverage container. Preferably, the inner cylindrical part seals against the inwardly oriented surface of the neck, whereas the outer cylindrical part is fastened to the outwardly oriented surface of the neck. The fastening may be by means of a press fit, locking mechanism, click fit, welding, screw fit or any other technology, which is considered safe for food products. The sealing may be made by an elastomeric material such as a sealing ring. The provision of an inner cylindrical part and an outer cylindrical part allows the closure disc to be protected, since the closure disc may be located inside the neck part of the beverage container. The inner cylindrical part and the outer cylindrical part will thus act as flanges for protecting the closure disc including the beverage outlet.
The pressure-relief device is provided as a safety device in case the pressure inside the beverage container increases to a level, which may cause the beverage container to rupture or deform. The pressure-relief device provides a predetermined location at which an overpressure may be released, thus preventing an uncontrolled rupture or explosion, which may cause damage to property or seriously injure persons in the vicinity of the beverage container. An increase in pressure may be caused e.g. by an increase in temperature inside the beverage container or by an uncontrolled fermentation inside the container.
When the pressure relief device opens, fluid will escape though the opening from the beverage container and thereby the pressure inside the beverage container will be reduced. Depending on the orientation of the beverage container, either gas or beverage (liquid) will be vented though the opening. The pressure relief device typically forms part of the closure disc or the inner cylindrical part and may completely or to a substantial part be made of the same material as the closure disc and the inner cylindrical part. The use of the closure disc or the inner cylindrical part allows the pressure relief device to be independent from the beverage container while allowing the pressure relief device to be directly in contact with the interior of the beverage container. This will ensure that the pressure relief device is directly exposed to the pressure inside the beverage container.
The pressure-relief device is preferably located on the closure adjacent the beverage outlet or on the inner cylindrical part such that the pressure-relief device is protected the same way as the beverage outlet, i.e. avoiding that the user opens the pressure-relief device by mistake during handling and transport. Alternatively, it may also be located between the closure and the neck part, or directly in the sealing part of the closure
Preferably, the pressure-relief device will still be operable and facing the outside of when the container is inside the pressure chamber. Thus, in case of an overpressure in the container inside the pressure chamber for any of the above reasons or due to a malfunction of the pressure chamber, the pressure-relief device will open and depressurize the entire pressure chamber and avoid a possible rupture of the pressure chamber. The position of the pressure-relief device on the closure will also reduce the effect of a malfunction of the pressure-relief device itself, i.e. in case the pressure-relief device fragments, most of the fragments will be contained in the space within the inner cylindrical part or the closure and not hurdled towards the user.
The pressure-relief device has a predetermined opening pressure and once opened, the pressure-relief device forms a permanent opening for venting the entire overpressure in the container to the outside, or alternatively a reclosable opening which may close once a sufficient amount of fluid has been vented. The opening should be formed in a controlled way, i.e. without forming fragments, which may cause damage. The pressure-relief device is thus typically made of a flexible but non-elastic material, which opens and stays open, once the relative pressure between the inside of the container and the outside exceeds the predetermined breaking pressure.
The predetermined opening pressure is chosen to be a pressure, which is higher than the pressures, which normally occur in the beverage container due to the internal pressurization at standard environmental pressures and temperatures, but lower than a maximum safe pressure of the beverage container. The maximum safe pressure of the beverage container is in turn dependent on the thickness and material properties of the container walls, and it is evident that the walls will have a thickness which allows the beverage container to be as light as possible while still being able to survive normal handling.
The opening may preferably be permanent, meaning that the pressure-relief device stays open, i.e. it is non-resilient. Thus, the pressure-relief device does not reclose again when the pressure within the beverage container has been reduced, and remains open even when the pressure within the beverage container has been equalized with the pressure outside the beverage container, i.e. atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the user will easily detect that the pressure-relief device has been activated either visually or by realizing that the beverage container will be much more easily compressed by e.g. the hand of the user when the pressure-relief device is open compared to when the pressure-relief device is closed and the beverage container is pressurized. When the pressure-relief device is open, it is essentially only the flexibility and thickness of the beverage container that provide resistance, whereas a filled and closed off beverage container will allow only a small amount of compression as the liquid is essentially non-compressible and the headspace is pressurized. Thus, there is no risk that the user consumes a beverage, which is not suitable for drinking.
Alternatively, the opening is reclosable, typically by providing the pressure relief device with a resilient material, which automatically closes the opening when the pressure inside the beverage container has been reduced, i.e. when a sufficient amount of fluid has been vented.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure relief device being at least partially visible from outside the container assembly. In this way, it will be easier for the user to detect whether or not the pressure relief device has been activated.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises a weakened part of the inner cylindrical part, the weakened part deforms permanently and/or resiliently inwardly when the pressure difference between the headspace and the external space exceeds the predetermined pressure value, thereby establishing the opening, i.e. the permanent or reclosable opening. When the inner cylindrical part seals against the neck part of the container, the inner cylindrical part may comprise a section which is weakened by e.g. being thinner than the surrounding parts and when a high differential pressure exists between the inside and the outside of the beverage container, the weakened section will bulge inwardly compromising the seal and allow gas to pass between the neck and the closure. The weakened part is typically non-elastomeric and will thus not resume its original shape when the pressure is equalized, however, it may also be at least partially elastomeric such that it resumes its original shape when the pressure inside the beverage container is lower. Combinations of permanent and resilient deformations are contemplated, i.e. that some but not all of the deformation is restored when the pressure is lowered.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises an elastomeric sealing ring disposed between the inner cylindrical part of the closure and the inwardly oriented surface of the cylindrical neck part, the weakened part of the inner cylindrical part and the elastomeric sealing ring optionally constitutes an integral part. When the weakened part deforms inwardly, the elastomeric ring may displace into the bulge for compromising the sealing properties between the closure and the neck. Having the weakened part of the inner cylindrical part and the elastomeric sealing ring constituting an integral part, the assembly of the sealing ring and the closure will be simplified.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises an elongated hollow protrusion extending outwardly from the closure disc and having a predetermined breaking point at a distant end of the elongated hollow protrusion for establishing a permanent opening when the pressure difference between the headspace and the external space exceeds the predetermined pressure value. The elevated pressure acts on the inside of the hollow protrusion and once the pressure difference, and the associated pressure force is sufficiently high, the predetermined breaking point opens and releases the overpressure in the beverage container. The protrusion typically opens forming two or more wall parts that extend from the closure disc. Even in the unlikely event that the wall parts separate from the outer face, the wall parts will not be hurled against the user but instead sidewards. The opening, which is established thereby, will be permanent.
The above embodiment of the pressure-relief device resembles a duckbill valve with some exceptions. A duckbill valve is a type of one-way valve that resembles a duckbill. However, whereas the typical duckbill valve is of a resilient nature and recloses after the pressure difference is equalized, the present pressure-relief device is made of a substantially non-resilient material and remains open once the predetermined breaking point opens. Further, in the typical duckbill valve, the predetermined breaking point is in fact open and sealed simply by the resilience of the material of the valve; whereas in the present case, the predetermined breaking point is a closed off but weakened portion of the wall.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises a burst plate located in the closure disc for establishing a permanent opening when the pressure difference between the headspace and the external space exceeds the predetermined pressure value. In the simplest realization, a burst plate may be provided which has the predetermined breaking point and which establishes an opening that is permanent when the pressure difference exceeds the predetermined breaking pressure. The burst plate may be a disk having a weakened part in the form of scores or the like.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises:
The pressure-relief device is thus located entirely below the outer face of the closure disc. The only visible part of the pressure-relief device is the aperture. This essentially eliminates the risks that the user activates and opens the pressure-relief device by mistake and/or that the user is injured by fragments of a malfunctioning pressure release device. The flexible foil may be e.g. made of aluminum or similar thin and flexible material. The piercing mechanism is typically made of plastic or similar material and should be capable of piercing the flexible foil upon contact.
Under normal pressure conditions, i.e. the movable plate being in the first position, the piercing mechanism will not contact the flexible foil as the movable plate will prevent any contact. In case of a potentially dangerous overpressure situation inside the beverage container, the movable plate moves away to the second position in order for the foil to be able to deform towards the piercing mechanism due to the pressure difference. As the foil contacts the piercing mechanism, an opening will form, which will allow gas to escape and thus reduce the pressure in the beverage container. The opening is permanent, and thus the pressure inside the beverage container will equalize to the outside pressure. The predetermined breaking point is a position on the foil, which the piercing mechanism contacts; however, it must not necessarily be weaker than the rest of the foil as the piercing mechanism performs the breaking.
The flexible foil seals off the aperture of the closure disc and is as such exposed to the pressure difference between the inside of the beverage container and the outside. The movable plate is initially placed in a releasable position between the flexible foil and the piercing mechanism and supports the foil such that the foil is prevented from bending or flexing towards the outside and the piercing mechanism due to the pressure difference. The movable plate is releasable when it is exposed to a pressure force, which exceeds the predetermined breaking pressure. The movable plate may e.g. be positioned in the first position by an interference fit or the like. This allows for a very accurate release of the overpressure in the container.
According to a further embodiment, the piercing mechanism is hollow. According to one preferred embodiment, the piercing mechanism also contains an aperture through the closure disc. In this way, when the flexible foil is pierced, a direct channel is established, which cannot be obstructed between the inside of the beverage container and the outside.
According to a further embodiment, the piercing mechanism forms part of the movable plate. The piercing mechanism may e.g. be part of a resilient section of the movable plate. By combining the piercing mechanism and the movable plate, the manufacturing and installation of the closure plate (closure) will be simplified as the movable plate itself may be a standard component and the combined movable plate and piercing mechanism provided separately and installed in one single operation.
According to a further embodiment, the movable plate is ring-shaped and optionally includes an auxiliary aperture for accommodating the piercing mechanism. By making the movable plate ring-shaped, it will be easier to install since it is symmetric. The auxiliary apertures accommodate the piercing mechanism and when the plate is in the first position, the piercing mechanism is completely covered by the bore of the aperture, whereas when the movable plate moves to the second position, the piercing mechanism protrudes from the bore and pierces the flexible foil which unsupported by the plate deforms and becomes pierced by the piercing mechanism.
According to a further embodiment, the movable plate is snap fitted or spring fitted to the closure plate. Snap fits and spring fits are two alternatives to interference fits, which allow a very accurate activation of the movable plate to move from the first position to the second position at the predetermined breaking pressure. Snap fit is construed to involve two interlocking parts, which at the predetermined breaking pressure are forced apart. The spring fit may be made using a flexible part of the plate resting against the closure plate.
According to a further embodiment, the flexible foil covers the beverage outlet. The same flexible foil may also be used for covering the beverage outlet allowing this part to have a dual purpose. It is thus—in addition to providing the breakable element of the pressure-relief device—used for sealing off the beverage container during transport and storage. When the beverage container is used, e.g. installed in the beverage dispensing system, the flexible foil is broken at the location of the beverage outlet, but remains intact at the location of the pressure-relief device maintaining its function.
According to a further embodiment, the closure disc comprises a valve seat and the pressure-relief device comprises valve body urged against the valve seat by a spring. A spring-loaded valve may be preferred since its behavior may be accurately predicted due to the high predictability of springs in contrast to predetermined breaking points those breaking pressure cannot be predicted with equal high accuracy.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises a housing for accommodating the valve body and the spring, the housing preferably including a slot opening, the housing optionally including a guide hole for guiding a guide part of the valve body, the guide part optionally being flexible and optionally including a stopper. These features allow the spring-loaded valve to operate with higher reliability.
According to a further embodiment, the beverage comprises dissolved CO2 and/or N2, the beverage establishing a temperature dependent pressurization inside the beverage container, the temperature dependent pressurization being lower than the burst pressure at room temperature.
As used herein, room temperature means between 0° C. and 60° C., preferably between 10° C. and 40° C., more preferably between 15° C. and 30° C., most preferably between 20° C. and 25° C., such as 22° C.
According to a further embodiment, the pressure-relief device comprises a plurality of piercing elements circumferentially disposed about the beverage outlet, preferably 2-20, more preferably 3-15, such as 4-10. In order to make the pressure-relief device fail-safe and to allow a quicker depressurization of the beverage container, a plurality of piercing mechanisms may be used yielding a plurality of openings when the movable plate is in the second position. The flexible foil is consequently broken at a plurality of locations when the pressure difference exceeds the predetermined breaking pressure. Correspondingly, there may be provided a plurality of apertures as well, but not necessarily the same plurality.
According to a further embodiment, the beverage outlet comprises a one-way valve. The one-way valve preferably allows fluid to flow from the beverage container to the outside, but not the other way. In this way, the beverage may not be forced into the container.
According to a further embodiment, the beverage outlet comprises a connector extending outwardly from the outer face and circumferentially enclosing the beverage outlet, the pressure-relief device being positioned between the connector and the outer circumferential flange. In this way, a connector is provided for connecting the beverage container to a dispensing line and a further flange for protecting the pressure-relief device.
According to a further embodiment, the predetermined breaking pressure is between 3 atm and 15 atm, preferably between 5 atm and 10 atm, more preferably between 7 atm and 8 atm. The above pressures are suitable maximum pressures for the beverage container as the normal internal pressure in the beverage at standard temperatures is about 2-3 atm above atmospheric pressure.
At least the above advantage, need and object or at least one of numerous further advantages, needs and objects, which will be evident from the below description of the present invention, is according to a second aspect of the present invention obtained by a beverage dispensing system comprising a pressure chamber, a flexible and collapsible beverage container according to any of the previous embodiments for being positioned in the pressure chamber, and a lid for closing the pressure chamber and sealing against the flange of the closure plate of the beverage container, the beverage dispensing system further comprising a beverage tap for dispensing the beverage, a keg connector for being connected to the beverage outlet of the beverage container, and a tapping line extending between the beverage tap and the keg connector.
At the point of consumption, e.g. a bar, restaurant or the like, the beverage container is positioned in a pressure chamber and the beverage is urged from the beverage container by applying an overpressure inside the pressure chamber. The overpressure typically corresponds to the internal pressure of the beverage, e.g. about 2-3 atm above atmospheric. The lid of the pressure chamber is used to close off the pressure chamber and seals against the flange of the closure plate of the beverage container, such that the beverage outlet faces atmospheric pressure. By connecting the keg connector to the beverage outlet and operating the beverage tap, the beverage is forced from the container to the tap while the container is compressed. In case an overpressure occurs, which may be considered dangerous, the pressure-relief device is still operational and will provide an opening between the beverage container and the outside.
At least the above advantage, need and object or at least one of numerous further advantages, needs and objects, which will be evident from the below description of the present invention, is according to a third aspect of the present invention obtained by method of filling and handling a beverage container comprising:
The above method according to the third aspect may be used together with the beverage dispensing system according to the second aspect and/or the container assembly according to the first aspect. The method describes the application of the closure plate on the beverage container.
FIG. 6D1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
FIG. 6E1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
FIG. 6F1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
The neck part 4 defines a groove 8, which occupies a smaller part of the circumference defined by the neck part 4. When the pressure inside the beverage container is elevated above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage at room temperature, e.g. by elevating the temperature of the beverage, approaching the burst pressure of the beverage container, the increased pressure causes the sealing ring 6 to elastically deform and stretch at the location of the groove 8 so that the sealing ring 6, at the location of the groove 8, will move into the groove 8. The lack of sealing pressure between the neck part 4 at the location of the groove 8 will allow some gas from the headspace to escape from the inside of the beverage container to the exterior of the beverage container
When the pressure inside the beverage container is reduced to a safe level, the elastomeric sealing ring 6 should preferably not resume the position compressed between the closure 2 and the neck part 4 but maintain the uncompressed position within the groove 8. In this way it may be established whether or not the container has been subjected to a pressure increase caused by e.g. high temperatures or uncontrolled fermentation. However, in practice it has been noted that since there is nothing preventing the sealing ring from resuming the sealed position instead of a one-way function of the sealing ring, it is more or less occasional whether the sealing ring stays in the open position or resumes the closed position when the pressure is reduced.
The closure 10 further comprises an inner cylindrical part 20 being integrally joined to the closure disc 12 and an outer cylindrical part 22 being integrally joined to the inner cylindrical part 20. The inner cylindrical part 20 and the outer cylindrical part 22 are intended to arrest and seal against the neck part (not shown) of the beverage container. The closure 12 is provided with optional auxiliary flanges 24 for protecting the beverage outlet 14 and the pressure-relief valve 16, for sealing against a beverage dispensing system and for simplifying handling.
FIGS. 6D1 & 6D2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16IV when closed and under pressure as indicated by the arrows. The tabs 50 ensure that distance is maintained between the bottom of the cavity and the ring-shaped spacer 46, preventing contact between the foil 34I and the hollow piercing mechanisms 30I. The pressure acts on the foil 32I and the foil 34I in turn rests on the ring-shaped spacer 46. The distance between the ring-shaped spacer 46 and the bottom of the cavity 44 is maintained by the tabs 50, which interlock with the inner cylindrical flange 20 and thereby prevent the foil 34I from being broken by the hollow piercing mechanisms 30I.
FIGS. 6E1 & 6E2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16IV when open. Once the pressure in the container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the tabs 50 break or bend such that the ring-shaped spacer 46 moves towards the bottom of the cavity 44, eliminating the distance between them and exposing the hollow piercing mechanisms 30I through the holes 48. The hollow piercing mechanisms 30I may thus break the foil 34I and the gas within the container may escape through the hollow piercing mechanisms 30I and the aperture (not shown) of the closure 16IX.
FIGS. 6F1 & 6F2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16IV when open. As the foil 34 is broken, the opening is permanent.
The ring-shaped spacer 46I is held in place by the tabs 50. The piercing mechanism 30II is placed adjacent the ring-shaped spacer 46I. The pressure-relief device 16V of the closure 10V comprises one or more apertures 32 and a ring-shaped spacer 46I of rigid plastic for being placed in the ring-shaped cavity 44 at the inner cylindrical flange 20. The ring-shaped spacer 46I does not comprise any holes and is thus completely flat, however, it does comprise tabs 50 for interacting with the inner cylindrical flange 20 for ensuring that a distance exists between the ring-shaped spacer 46 and piercing mechanisms 30II forming part of the inner cylindrical flange. Both the piercing mechanisms 30II and the ring-shaped spacer 46 are covered by the flexible foil 34. The piercing mechanisms 30II are completely integrated into the closure 10IV, and their number may range from one and upwards.
The pressure-relief device 16VI of the closure 10VI comprises one or more apertures 32 and a ring-shaped spacer 46II of rigid plastic for being placed in the ring-shaped cavity 44 at the inner cylindrical flange 20. The ring-shaped spacer 46II does not comprise any tabs; however, it does comprise holes 48 for the passage of air. The ring-shaped spacer 46II further comprises flexible arms 52 extending into the cavity 44 and including piercing mechanisms 30II located opposite the holes 48. The arms 52 ensure that a distance exists between the foil 34 and piercing mechanisms 30III.
The ring-shaped spacer 46II comprises the flexible arms 52 connected at one end to the actual ring-shaped spacer 46II and at a distant end to a piercing mechanism 30III. Each of the piercing mechanisms 30III is located at a hole 48 and is capable of flexing through the hole due to the flexible arm 52. Further, optional auxiliary arms 52I may be provided for obtaining additional support.
In case the pressure inside the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the valve body 56 is moved away from the valve seat as the spring is compressed until the valve body 56 exposes a slot 64 in the housing 62 allowing excessive gas to escape. The predetermined pressure value should as indicated above be chosen to be significantly higher than the internal carbonization pressure at room temperature but significantly lower than the burst pressure of the beverage container.
The housing 62 further comprises a guide hole 66 through which a guide part 68 of the valve body 56 extends. The guide hole 66 and the guide part 68 serve the purpose of keeping the valve body 56 aligned relative to the valve seat 58 and to prevent the valve body 56 from punching through the valve seat 58 due to the spring force applied to it. Optionally, the guide part 68 allows the valve body 56 to be manually operated from the outside. The valve body 56 has a rounded surface facing the head space and defines sealing lips 70, which seal against the valve seat 58. Preferably, polymeric materials are used, especially for the valve body 56 and the valve seat 58.
It is evident to the skillful individual that the above-described embodiments only describe one out of numerous embodiments envisaged according to the present invention and that the above embodiments may be modified in numerous ways without departing from the inventive idea as described by the appended claims.
2. Closure (Prior art)
4. Neck part (Prior art)
6. Sealing ring (Prior art)
8. Groove (Prior art)
10. Closure
12. Closure disc
14. Beverage outlet
16. Pressure-relief device
18. Hollow protrusion
20. Inner cylindrical part
22. Outer cylindrical part
24. Auxiliary flanges
26. Wall parts
28. Predetermined breaking point
30. Piercer
32. Aperture
34. Flexible foil
36. Weakened part
38. Neck part
40. Sealing ring
42. Sealing ring (combined with wall part)
44. Cavity
46. Ring spacer
48. Holes
50. Tabs
52. Flexible arms
54. Spring-loaded overpressure valve
56. Valve body
58. Valve seat
60. Spring
62. Housing
64. Slot
66. Guide hole
68. Guide part
70. Lips
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17168743 | Apr 2017 | EP | regional |
| 17185765 | Aug 2017 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/060092 | 4/19/2018 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
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