Dispenser device for liquids in a container bag
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024534486
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-12-09
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for serving liquids in hotels and catering settings result in waste and plastic pollution due to disposable containers, while pre-portioned doses lack portion control and cause messes.
A dispensing device for liquid container bags featuring a ram assembly with a squeezer element that applies compressive force through a sloped surface to isolate and dispense liquid, using a resilient material and adjustable mechanisms for precise control.
The device provides accurate portion control, reduces waste, and minimizes mess by efficiently dispensing liquids from container bags, adaptable for various applications including food and industrial uses.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser device for liquids in a container bag. [Background technology]
[0002] In hotels, as well as restaurants and other catering settings, serving sauces, honey, syrups, liquid chocolate, liquid caramel etc. to customers usually results in waste, dripping, mess and no portion control. Another option is to use pre-portioned small / single servings in disposable containers, usually plastic containers, to control portion size. However, this results in product wastage and plastic pollution.
[0003] The present invention can also be used for non-food products in industrial applications to dispense portions of other liquids such as soaps, detergents, cleaning products, greases, oils, and other industrial liquids or semi-liquids. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially improve upon at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative.
[0005] It will be understood that in Australia, or any other country, where any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference is not an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a dispensing device for a liquid container bag having an outlet portion with an outlet spout, the device comprising: A ram assembly is provided with a squeezer element for applying a compressive force to the outlet to dispense liquid through the outlet spout.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the squeezer element includes a blocking portion that presses against a section of the container bag when the squeezer element begins to apply a squeezing force to block liquid in the outlet portion from the remainder of the container bag. In the embodiment described below, the blocking portion blocks liquid in the outlet portion from the main portion of the container bag.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the squeezer element has a sloped surface and the blocking portion includes a wedge forming portion defined by the sloped surface. In the embodiment described below, the wedge forming portion is defined by a common line between the sidewall of the squeezer element and the sloped lower surface.
[0009] In another preferred embodiment, when the squeezer element applies a squeezing force, the squeezer element applies the squeezing force in a direction from the blockage towards the outlet spout, in the embodiment described below, the squeezer element is resilient and has a sloped underside that applies the squeezing force in the desired direction.
[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a support tray for supporting the outlet portion, the support tray having an aperture for the outlet spout, and a squeezer element presses the outlet portion against the support tray.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the support tray is horizontal and the ram is adapted to move in a vertical axis in a linear motion such that the squeezer element depresses the outlet section.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the ram is reciprocally movable along a vertical axis by an actuator.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the actuator is a motor connected to the ram via an offset crankshaft link and connecting rod, so that one revolution of the motor translates into movement of the ram from the initial raised position, down to the clamped position, and back to the initial raised position.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the squeezer element is made from a soft resilient material, which can deform when a force is applied to it, but returns to its original shape when the force is removed.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the squeezer element is molded as a block having a top, a bottom, a left side wall, and a right side wall, with the top comprising a rigid plate adapted for quick connection to the ram.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the lower surface slopes upwardly relative to the upper surface.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet portion comprises a lower layer and an upper layer each having a connecting means, the squeezer element comprises corresponding connecting means for connecting to the upper layer and the support tray comprises corresponding connecting means for connecting to the lower layer.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the device includes mounting hooks for supporting the bag in a generally vertical orientation.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the support tray is pivotable from a lowered tilted position to a horizontal support position.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a horizontal ledge having a lower surface that engages an upper layer of the outlet portion of the container bag, the ledge and support tray clamping the distal end of the outlet portion between the ledge and support tray in use.
[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the device includes a latch for locking the support tray in the support position.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the position of the squeezer element relative to the outlet is adjustable to regulate the amount of liquid dispensed from the outlet.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the position of the squeezer element relative to the ram is adjustable.
[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the travel distance of the ram assembly is adjustable to adjust the squeezing force applied to the outlet and the amount of liquid dispensed through the outlet spout.
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the device comprises selection means for enabling a user to select the desired amount of liquid to be dispensed.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a non-contact sensor to initiate movement of the ram assembly.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment, a sensor is positioned beneath the support tray such that movement of the ram is initiated when a container is detected beneath the spout.
[0028] The present invention also provides a method for producing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: A dispensing device as described above; An assembly is provided that includes a container bag having a main portion and an extended outlet portion extending from a lower end of the main portion, the outlet portion being a narrow extension of the main portion.
[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the dispenser bag is constructed of two plastic layer sheets sealed at the edges, with the lower edge of the main portion sloping towards the outlet portion in order to direct liquid towards the outlet portion during use.
[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet section comprises an outlet spout in the lower layer, a connection means in the upper layer and a lower connection means in the lower layer.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet spout has a one-way valve therein that allows one-way dispensing of liquid from the container bag while preventing the entry of air or other impurities.
[0032] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
[0033] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a dispenser assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the support tray of the assembly in a lower-load position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the support tray in a raised, engaged position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 13 illustrates the steps of loading a liquid container bag into the dispenser assembly. [Figure 6] 13 illustrates the steps of loading a liquid container bag into the dispenser assembly. [Figure 7] 13 illustrates the steps of loading a liquid container bag into the dispenser assembly. [Figure 8] 13 shows the step of a squeezer element applying pressure to a liquid container bag to dispense a desired amount of liquid. [Figure 9] 13 shows the step of a squeezer element applying pressure to a liquid container bag to dispense a desired amount of liquid. [Figure 10] 1 shows a liquid container bag shown in (a) bottom view, (b) side view, and (c) bottom perspective view. [Figure 11] 1A shows a liquid container bag in a top view, a side view, and a top perspective view, respectively. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly with the front cover. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembly with a front cover and a manual handle actuator for the ram assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] In the following description, it should be noted that similar or identical reference numerals in different embodiments indicate the same or similar features.
[0036] 1-4 show a dispensing device 10 in accordance with a preferred environment of the present invention. The dispensing device 10 includes a base 12 with an upright support 14 that holds a ram assembly 16, and a liquid container bag support 22. The bag support 22 holds a liquid container bag 20 with an outlet port 94 supported below the ram assembly 16.
[0037] The ram assembly 16 is disposed within a housing 18 having a left wall 24, a right wall 26, and an open bottom 28. The bag support 22 is disposed along the exterior surface of the left wall 24.
[0038] The ram assembly 16 includes a squeezer element 32 mounted on a ram 30. The ram 30 moves in a vertical axis in a linear reciprocating motion. That is, the ram 30 with the squeezer element 32 mounted to extend downwardly moves up and down along a straight line in a reciprocating motion. The ram 30 includes an upper connecting rod 34 that is connected to the shaft of a motor 38 via an offset crankshaft link 36. Rotation of the shaft of the motor 38 translates into up and down reciprocating motion of the ram 30 and therewith, moving the squeezer element 32. It should be noted that the linear reciprocating motion of the ram 30 can be provided by other means, such as a linear actuator, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, other suitable actuator, or by manual means, such as a handle 124 (FIG. 13) attached to a spindle 208 (FIG. 9) that acts as a rack and pinion assembly with the connecting rod 34.
[0039] The squeezer element 32 is made from a soft, resilient material such as silicone, foam, or latex. The squeezer element 32 is resilient, allowing it to deform when a force is applied to it, but returns to its original shape when the force is removed. The squeezer element 32 is molded as a block having an upper portion 42, a lower surface 44, a front wall 45, a left side wall 46, a right side wall 48, and a rear wall. The upper portion 42 includes a rigid plate 51 adapted for quick connection to the ram 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the ram 30 includes a clip 52 for quick attachment of the plate 51, and thus the squeezer element 32, thereto.
[0040] The lower surface 44 is formed at an upward angle relative to the upper portion 42. That is, the lower surface 44 slopes upward from the left side wall 46 to the right side wall 48. Thus, the right side wall 48 has a shorter depth than the left side wall 46. The angle of the lower surface 44 with respect to the horizontal is between 15 and 45 degrees. The left side wall 46 and the lower surface 44 form a sharp joint line 49 therebetween.
[0041] A bag connection means 60a is mounted to the squeezer element 32, and in this embodiment the bag connection means is a hook patch 60a on the lower surface 44. As described below, the hook patch 60a on the lower surface 44 is for releasably attaching to a connection patch 100a on the outlet portion 94 of the container bag 20 (FIG. 10).
[0042] The bag support 22 includes a mounting hook 70 located at an upper portion of the left wall 24 and a pivotable support tray 72 extending across the open bottom 28 of the housing 18 positioned below the squeezer element 32. The support tray 72 is pivotable between an unlatched position extending downwardly away from the open bottom 28 and an engaged horizontal position locked extending across the open bottom 28. The support tray 72 includes an aperture 76 adapted to receive the outlet spout 98 of the container bag 20. The support tray 72 further includes a connection patch 60b for releasably attaching to a connection patch 100b of the container bag 20.
[0043] A horizontal ledge 205 extending inwardly from the right wall 26 of the housing 18 has a lower surface which engages an upper layer of the outlet portion 94 of the container bag 20. The ledge 205 serves as one side of a clamp, in use, the other side of the clamp being the support tray 72.
[0044] In that embodiment, the assembly 10 includes an outer cover panel 80 for partially covering the container bag 20, the side cover panel 80 being disposed parallel to the left wall 24. The support tray 72 is pivotally mounted to a lower edge of the cover panel 80. However, the support tray 72 can be mounted to lie across the open bottom 28 in a different manner. For example, the support tray can be pivotally mounted to the right wall 26 instead.
[0045] Right wall 26 further includes a latch 206 that is hinged at 207 to right wall 26. Latch 206 is located under ledge 205 and is biased to engage the distal end of support tray 72 such that latch 206 quickly pivots outward relative to the distal end of support tray 72 and then returns to a position in which it engages the underside of support tray 72.
[0046] 10 and 11, the container bag 20 comprises a main portion 92 and an extended outlet portion 94 extending from a lower end of the main portion 92. The dispenser bag, in construction, essentially comprises two plastic layer sheets (upper and lower layers) sealed at their edges and also comprises a mounting aperture 96 at the upper edge for attachment to the mounting hook 70 of the bag support 22. The outlet portion 94 is a narrow extension of the main portion 92 and is located adjacent to a side end of the container bag 20, with a lower edge 93 of the main portion 92 sloping towards the outlet portion 94 in order to direct liquid towards the outlet portion 94 in use when the main portion 92 is mounted in a vertical position. The outlet portion 94 comprises an outlet spout 98 at the lower layer, a connecting means 100a at the upper layer and a connecting means 100b at the lower layer. The outlet spout 98 has a one-way valve therein that allows one-way dispensing of liquid from the container bag 20 while preventing the entry of air or other impurities. The valve also prevents the flow of liquid from the spout 98 when the bag 20 is not under pressure. The connection means 100 is a loop patch 100 for attaching to the hook patch 60a on the underside 44 of the squeezer element 32 and to the hook patch 60b on the support tray 72.
[0047] The loading of the container bag 20 into the assembly 10 is shown in Figures 5-7. As shown in Figure 5, the support tray 72 is initially in a lower unlatched position. The container bag 20 is mounted to the mounting hook 70 via the mounting aperture 96, with the main portion 92 inserted between the side cover panel 80 and the left wall 24. This allows the container bag 20 to be hung vertically along the left wall 24 of the housing 18, with the outlet portion 94 located substantially above the support tray 72. The outlet spout 98 is inserted into the outlet aperture 76 of the support tray 72. The loop patch 100b of the bag 20 is attached to the hook patch 60b of the support tray 72 to attach the outlet portion 94 to the support tray 72. It will become apparent that other types of connection means between the outlet portion 94 and the support tray 72 are possible.
[0048] 6, the support tray 72 then pivots to a horizontally engaged position and locks with the right wall 26 of the housing 18 using the latch 206. The support tray 72 thus extends across the open bottom 28 where the outlet portion 94 of the container bag 20 is positioned below the squeezer element 32. The main portion 92 of the container bag 20 remains extending vertically.
[0049] It can be seen that the distal end of the outlet portion 94 of the bag 20 is clamped between a ledge 205 and the support tray 72. The ledge 205 extends to a point near the center of the outlet spout 98 of the bag 20. This prevents the outlet portion 94 from rising with the squeezer element 32 during operation and also ensures that liquid in the bag 20 is directed by force from the squeezer element 32 directly towards the outlet spout 98.
[0050] The dispensing of liquid from the container bag 20 is illustrated in Figures 6-9. As illustrated in Figures 6-8, when the squeezer element 32 begins to move downward, the bond line 49 of the squeezer element 32 first engages the container bag 20 adjacent the junction between the main portion 92 and the outlet portion 94. Thus, the bond line 49 acts as a wedge breaker separating the liquid in the main portion 92 from the discharging liquid in the outlet portion 94, and the support tray 72 acts as a stationary base for the outlet portion 94. Further movement of the squeezer element 32 increases the contact of the squeezer element 32 with the container bag outlet portion 94 downward due to the sloping surface of the lower surface 44. The contact of the squeezer element 32 with the outlet portion 94 starts from the breaker line defined by the bond line 49 and moves in a direction toward the outlet spout 98. When the ledge 205 and support tray 72 clamp the distal end of the outlet section 94 close to the outlet spout 98, only the fluid in the outlet section 94 can move toward and out of the outlet spout 98 by the squeezing force from the squeezer element 32. In the fully downwardly moved position of the ram 30 and squeezer element 32 (FIG. 9), the lower surface 44 deforms and presses generally flat against the support tray 72 and ledge 205, ensuring that all of the liquid in the outlet section 94 is squeezed out through the outlet spout 98.
[0051] One full revolution of the motor 38 in the embodiment corresponds to one cycle of dispensing liquid from the outlet portion 94, in which the ram 30 moves down together with the squeezer element 32 from an initial raised position, pushes down the outlet portion 94, and returns to the initial raised position. The outlet portion 94 is replenished with liquid from the main portion 92 as the ram moves upward, and is ready for the next dispensing action, if necessary.
[0052] Adjustments can be made to the amount of liquid expelled from the outlet portion 94 by moving the squeezer element 32 laterally between the left and right walls 24, 26 of the housing 18. This moves the squeezer element 32 laterally relative to the outlet portion 94, effectively changing the volume of liquid squeezed out within the circular sleeve of the outlet portion 94. Adjustments can be made using an adjustment knob 211 on the ram 30. Rotating the knob 211 moves the squeezer element 32 leftward or rightward as desired.
[0053] The connection means 60a and 100a between the squeezer element 30 and the outlet section 94 connect together so that when the squeezer element 32 moves upward to the initial upper position, the upper layer of the outlet section 94 moves upward relative to the lower layer creating a vacuum at the outlet section 94, resulting in a steady flow of liquid downward, down from the main section 92 to the outlet section 94. The connection (patch / connection means 60b and 100b) between the lower layer of the outlet section 94 and the support tray 72 assists in creating this vacuum. The one-way valve at the outlet spout 98 assists in creating this suction vacuum at the outlet section 94 as the ram rises, since air cannot enter the outlet section 94 through the valve. Air entering the outlet spout 98 can reduce the volume of liquid dispensed (and the accuracy and repeatability of the dose).
[0054] 12 is a perspective view of the assembly 10 with a front cover 120. The front cover 120 includes a window 122 that allows a user to monitor the amount of liquid remaining in the main portion 92 of the bag 20. The device 10 also includes a non-contact sensor 126 so that actuation of the ram 30 is initiated when a user waves their hand in front of the sensor 126. Alternatively, the sensor can be located under the support tray 72 so that movement of the ram 30 is initiated when a plate or container is detected under the spout 98. This allows for fast actuation of the device, which may be particularly useful in high volume, busy applications. The sensor 126 can also be replaced with a mechanical switch.
[0055] 13 shows an assembly with a front cover 120 and a manual handle actuator 124 for the ram assembly 16. The ram assembly 16 in the above example is moved by a motor, making one full revolution for each reciprocating action of the ram assembly 16 and therefore each dispensing action from the outlet 94. However, the ram assembly 16 in this embodiment can be moved by the manual handle 124 which is biased to a raised position and when moved to a lower position, the ram assembly 16 moves down with the squeezer element 32 to make one dispensing action. The handle acts on the spindle 208 as a rack and pinion assembly, for example, to move the squeezer element 32.
[0056] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the described embodiments.
[0057] The device may further include a heating element, as needed or desired, for example, in the space between the side cover panel 80 and the left wall 24, for heating a product within the bag, such as a high viscosity food or non-food product within the bag. The heating element may be, for example, a silicone heater mat (also known as a silicone heater pad), which is a flexible heating device made from silicone rubber.
[0058] As noted above, the position of the squeezer element 32 relative to the outlet portion 94 can be adjusted, for example, by moving the squeezer element 32 relative to the ram 30. Another alternative is to move the outlet portion 94 relative to the squeezer element 32, such as by moving the support tray 72 laterally relative to the squeezer element 32. In any case, the position of the squeezer element 32 relative to the outlet portion 94 can be adjusted to adjust the amount of liquid discharged from the outlet portion 94.
[0059] Another method of adjusting the volume of liquid dispensed per stroke involves using the quick attachment clip 52 to change the squeezer element 32 to a different shape or size squeezer element.
[0060] Another possible way to adjust the volume includes adjusting the vertical distance that the ram 30 travels downward after cutting off the flow at the break junction line 49. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the ram can be actuated not to descend all the way to a fully squashed / flat position. In this embodiment, the motor 38 is bidirectional and is actuated to rotate a portion of a full rotation in one direction and then back in the other direction rather than a full revolution. This embodiment can also be used in applications where dispensing of variable volumes is desired. For example, one user may wish to only dispense smaller volumes of liquid and another user may wish to dispense larger volumes. The control unit can be programmed to allow the user to select the desired volume. The user can be provided with options for small, medium, and large portions to be dispensed (e.g., using a selection button or dial). The selection dial can indicate, for example, the volume of liquid to be dispensed in milliliters (mL) that the user can select prior to actuation of the ram and squeezer elements. The control unit then controls the movement of the ram 30 with the squeezer element 32 to dispense the corresponding volume, with the ram 30 returning to its original raised position after dispensing. A sensor can be placed adjacent the outlet 76 to measure the volume of liquid dispensed as a feedback / check. The control unit can then adjust the movement of the squeezer element 32 as necessary in response to the feedback.
[0061] If a manual handle 124 is used, a stop feature such as a pin or rod on the cover 122 can be used to limit the downward movement of the handle 124. Also, markers can be used to indicate to the user the amount of movement / motion of the manual handle 124 required to dispense a desired volume, allowing for variable volume dispensing.
[0062] In a possible modification, the outlet spout 98 can be formed at the distal end of the outlet section 94, with the bag being held generally vertical. The support tray 72 in this embodiment is vertical, and the ram 30 with squeezer element 32 moves horizontally to exert a clamping pressure on the outlet section 94.
[0063] In the above embodiment, the bag 20 can also be held with the main portion 92 at a different angle to the vertical, such as tilted downward, and still allow flow down to the outlet portion 94.
[0064] In another possible modification, the device may include a separate blocking means, such as a movable bar, that blocks the liquid at the outlet from the rest of the bag.The squeezer element may then have a flat lower surface.
Claims
1. 1. A dispensing device for a liquid container bag having an outlet with an outlet spout, said device comprising: a ram assembly having a ram with a squeezer element for applying a compressive force to the outlet portion; a bag support for holding the liquid container bag with the outlet supported adjacent the ram assembly; the squeezer element is made of a soft, resilient material, which can deform when a force is applied to the soft, resilient material, but returns to its original shape when the force is removed, and the squeezer element has a surface that is sloped to form a blocking portion; a dispensing device wherein, during movement of the squeezer element through the ram assembly in use, the blocking portion of the squeezer element initially engages the outlet portion, and when the squeezer element is pressed flat against the outlet portion to dispense liquid through the outlet spout, further movement of the squeezer element increases contact between a surface of the squeezer element and the outlet portion.
2. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the blocking portion includes a wedge-forming portion defined by an inclined surface.
3. 3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein when the squeezer element applies the squeezing force, the squeezer element applies the squeezing force in a direction from the blockage toward the outlet spout.
4. 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a support tray for supporting the outlet portion, the support tray having an aperture for the outlet spout, and the squeezer element presses the outlet portion against the support tray.
5. 5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the support tray is horizontal and the ram is adapted to move in a vertical axis in a linear motion such that the squeezer element depresses the outlet portion.
6. The dispensing device of claim 5 , wherein the ram is reciprocally movable along the vertical axis by an actuator.
7. 7. The dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the actuator is a motor connected to the ram via an offset crankshaft link and a connecting rod, whereby one rotation of the motor translates into movement of the ram from an initial raised position, down to a clamped position, and back to the initial raised position.
8. 2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the squeezer element is shaped as a block having an upper portion, a lower portion, a left side wall, and a right side wall, the upper portion comprising a rigid plate adapted for quick connection to the ram, and the lower portion being the inclined surface.
9. 5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the outlet comprises a lower layer and an upper layer each having a connecting means, the squeezer element comprises corresponding connecting means for connecting to the upper layer, and the support tray comprises corresponding connecting means for connecting to the lower layer.
10. 10. The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the support tray is pivotable from a lowered tilted position to a horizontal support position.
11. 11. The dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the device comprises a horizontal ledge having a lower surface that engages with an upper layer of the outlet portion of the container bag, the ledge and the support tray clamping the distal end of the outlet portion between the ledge and the support tray in use.
12. 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the position of the squeezer element relative to the outlet is adjustable to adjust the amount of liquid dispensed from the outlet.
13. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the position of the squeezer element relative to the ram is adjustable.
14. 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the travel distance of the ram is adjustable to adjust the compressive force applied to the outlet and the amount of liquid dispensed through the outlet spout.
15. 10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a selection means for allowing the user to select the desired amount of liquid to be dispensed.
16. 5. The dispensing device of claim 4, further comprising a non-contact sensor for initiating movement of the ram, the sensor being positioned below the support tray such that movement of the ram is initiated when a container is detected below the spout.
17. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16; an assembly comprising: a container bag having a main portion and an extended outlet portion extending from a lower end of the main portion, the outlet portion being a narrow extension of the main portion;
18. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the dispenser bag comprises two plastic layer sheets sealed at their edges, the lower edge of the main portion being sloped towards the outlet portion in order to direct the liquid towards the outlet portion in use.
19. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the outlet section comprises an outlet spout in the lower layer, a connecting means in the upper layer, and a lower connecting means in the lower layer.
20. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the outlet spout has a one-way valve therein that allows one-way dispensing of liquid from the container bag and prevents the entry of air or other impurities.