Product container including a product discharge device and method of use

Abstract

1. A product container (1), particularly for food products, comprising a product dispensing device (2) for expelling a product from the container (1), the dispensing device comprising a spout unit (3) for product dispensing, rotatable about a spout rotation axis (K) from a first position to an operative position, preferably comprising a handle (4) for rotating the spout unit (3) from the first position to the operative position, the handle (4) preferably extending substantially radially outward from the spout rotation axis (K), and a sealing unit (5) configured to move from a sealed state to an unsealed state, the sealing unit (5) being configured to substantially airtightly seal a first product flow channel (6) of the dispensing device (2) in the sealed state and to allow product flow through the first product flow channel (6) in the unsealed state, the dispensing device (2) being configured such that the sealing unit (5) can be moved from the sealed state to the unsealed state by rotating the spout unit (3) from the first position to the operative position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product container, particularly for food products, comprising a product discharge device for discharging the product from the container.

Background Art

[0002] Such product containers are well-known by convention and are sold by the applicant as part of the Lattiz® system. Known product containers include a flexible bag for containing the product. The product can be, for example, a liquid food or a concentrate thereof, such as a milk concentrate. The discharge device includes a valve member or the like for controllably discharging the product from the container.

[0003] The discharge device of known containers includes a spout unit for pouring the product, and the spout unit is rotatable from a first position, for example a transport position, to an operating position. Compared to the first position, in the operating position, the spout unit extends further outwardly from the lower surface of the container. In this way, when the spout unit is in the first position, the container can be transported compactly, safely and easily, while the product can be poured substantially at a distance from the container.

[0004] Before use (for example, during transport and storage), in order to protect the contained product from environmental threats such as bacteria, the discharge device includes a sealable seal unit configured to airtight seal the space containing the product inside the container from the downstream part of the discharge device. Generally, it is desirable to prevent accidental opening of the seal unit during transport, for example. Further, it is desirable that the seal unit be easily openable by the user, for example to enable the product to be discharged for the first time when desired.

[0005] It has been found difficult to meet the conflicting requirements of preventing accidental opening of a seal and enabling easy opening by the user. For example, the seal unit should not be difficult for the user to open. Excessive force required for peeling or breaking the seal unit structure should be prevented. The seal unit may be difficult for the user to access. Further, the user's effort to open the seal unit should not accidentally damage the product container and / or cause other unintended adverse consequences.

[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0152657A1 discloses a dispensing assembly for a liquid container. The container has an opening configuration with an elastic membrane having an opening. The opening automatically closes in a rest position but can be biased to an open position to provide access to the interior of the container.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 053210A1 discloses a system for aerating a liquid food. The system includes a foam generator for generating foam in a liquid food stream.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0213493A1 discloses a tap device for at least one "bag-in-box" packaging. The tap device includes a tap valve, and the tap valve includes at least one receiving area for the "bag-in-box" packaging.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0273500A1 discloses an eliminator suitable for use in an assembly for preparing a liquid product.

[0010] Generally, it is desirable to provide a product container that is easy to use, particularly with minimal effort required by the user for handling and operating the container, and particularly with a minimal number of user actions required. Also, a highly reliable seal opening and a durable seal are desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved product container, particularly for food products, which can be used efficiently, easily, safely and reliably by a user, can be transported compactly, and the product contained within the container can be protected from environmental threats such as bacteria, at least prior to first use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] Accordingly, there is provided a product container, particularly for food products, comprising a product discharge device for discharging the product from the container, the discharge device being a spout unit for product discharge, rotatable about a spout rotation axis from a first (idle) position to an operating position, preferably including a handle for rotating the spout unit from the first position to the operating position, the handle preferably extending substantially radially outwardly from the spout rotation axis, a spout unit, and a seal unit configured to move from a sealed state to an open state, the seal unit being configured to substantially airtight seal a first product flow channel of the discharge device in the sealed state and to enable the flow of the product through the first product flow channel in the open state, the discharge device being configured such that by rotating the spout unit from the first position to the operating position, the seal unit can be moved from the sealed state to the open state.

[0013] By using the spout unit in the first position, the container can be transported compactly. By using the spout unit in the operating position, the product can be poured from the container in the direction of each spout unit (for example, into a product receiving part, a cup, etc.). The seal unit provides protection for the product contained in the container from environmental threats such as bacteria. With one simple user action, namely the rotation of the spout unit, the spout unit is moved to the operating position and the seal unit is opened in a simple, well-controlled and reliable manner. Therefore, the container can be used efficiently, easily, safely and surely by the user. The movement (i.e., rotation) of the spout unit relative to the rest of the container is preferably mechanically transmitted or converted to the opening of the seal unit, particularly by mechanical transmission means (as follows from the embodiments described below).

[0014] The spout rotation axis preferably substantially coincides with the central axis of the second product flow channel of the discharge device (for example, substantially tubular), and the second product flow channel is downstream of the first product flow channel and preferably extends from the seal unit to the spout unit.

[0015] This enables efficient manufacturing. Also, in this way, leakage of the product flow channel can be prevented.

[0016] The first position of the spout unit and the operating position of the spout unit can differ by a rotation angle of 10 to 275 degrees, preferably 30 to 185 degrees, preferably 45 to 130 degrees, preferably 70 to 110 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees around the spout rotation axis. For example, compared to the first position, in the operating position, the spout unit preferably extends substantially further outwards from the side of the product container.

[0017] Such a rotation angle can make it possible for the rotation from the first position to the operating position to be easily realized by the user while providing the advantages of the first position and the operating position described above.

[0018] The mechanical transmission of the rotation of the spout unit can be achieved by various methods. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the ejection device is configured to convert the rotation of the spout unit from a first position to an operating position into the respective translations of the driven elements, and the seal unit is configured to enter from a sealed state to an unsealed state by the translation of the driven elements. The direction of translation of the driven elements preferably extends substantially radially outward from the spout rotation axis.

[0019] Such a configuration can provide a robust and simple solution for converting rotation into translation, and the translation can affect the opening of the seal unit.

[0020] The spout unit may include a cam, particularly a disk cam, to open the seal unit from a sealed state to an unsealed state. The cam is rotatable around the spout rotation axis by the rotation of the spout unit around the spout rotation axis.

[0021] In this way, a relatively simple and robust transmission is provided.

[0022] The seal unit may include a plug. In the sealed state, the plug is received by the shaft of the seal unit to substantially airtight seal the first product flow channel of the ejection device. The seal unit is configured such that the plug is at least partially removable from the shaft to open the seal unit.

[0023] Advantageously, in such an embodiment, a simple and robust solution is provided that enables a highly reliable seal unit to be easily manufactured, for example, using injection molding.

[0024] The seal unit may include a cuttable sealing material for substantially airtight sealing the first product flow channel of the ejection device. The seal unit includes a cutter for cutting the sealing material, and the seal unit is configured such that the cutter is movable while cutting through the sealing material.

[0025] In such an embodiment, advantageously, a highly reliable and durable sealing solution is combined with an easy-to-use and highly reliable seal, i.e., a means for unsealing, i.e., breaking, a cuttable sealing material.

[0026] The ejection device can be configured, for example, to convert the actuation of a cutter received from a spout unit into a substantially helical movement of the cutter, and the seal unit includes an engagement structure for engaging each engagement structure of the cutter, and at least one of the mutual engagement structures includes a substantially helical profile, such as a spindle screw.

[0027] The helical movement of the cutter can ensure a smooth and substantially complete cutting of the cuttable material (as opposed to, for example, piercing or tearing of the material).

[0028] The spout unit can include a precision filtration device having a product inlet for supplying a product, and the precision filtration device can be connectable to a fluid supply unit (i.e., a gas supply unit) for supplying a gas, such as air, to the product during product ejection. The spout unit preferably includes a processing device for performing a mixing process and / or a decompression process on the gas-supplied product, which is disposed downstream of the precision filtration device. The spout unit preferably includes a precision filtration device, and the precision filtration device preferably includes a filtration wall having gas permeation holes with a pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns, particularly at least 0.1 micron and less than 2 microns. The length of the filtration wall measured in the product flow direction of the product in use, flowing parallel to the wall along the wall, is preferably at most 5 cm, particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5 cm, such as about 2 cm, and the pore diameter is preferably in the range of 0.2 micron to 1.5 microns.

[0029] It has been found that a uniformly foamed product can be obtained using the above-described configuration.

[0030] The product container can be configured to be interchangeably received by a dispensing machine.

[0031] In this way, advantageously, a substantially empty (used) container can be replaced with a newly product-filled container, so that each dispensing machine can be used multiple times.

[0032] The dispensing device may include a mixing device upstream of the precision filtration device. The mixing device is configured to mix a diluent, preferably water, into the product. The mixing device is connectable to a diluent supply for receiving the diluent.

[0033] With such a configuration, the amount of the product to be discharged can be increased and / or the concentration of one or more product raw materials can be decreased. For example, the product container may contain a product concentrate so as to provide efficient transportation and storage.

[0034] The mixing device may be configured such that supplying the diluent to the mixing device causes the product to be injected into the mixing device. The mixing device preferably includes a flow restrictor in the flow path of the diluent to form a suction pump for injecting the product into the mixing device.

[0035] In this way, a relatively simple and robust configuration combining multiple functions (supplying the diluent and injecting the product) is obtained. In particular, by incorporating these functions, a relatively stable and predictable ratio of the supplied diluent to the injected product can be obtained.

[0036] The mixing device may include a valve member for selectively blocking the flow of the product into the mixing device. The valve member is movable between a blocking state in which the flow of the product is blocked and a passage-providing state in which a passage for the product to flow into the mixing device is provided.

[0037] Thus, such a valve member can be used to selectively block the flow of a product through a dispensing device, particularly a mixing device.

[0038] The valve member preferably includes a diluent flow channel for carrying the flow of diluent through the valve member, the valve member is preferably connectable to a diluent supply, and the valve member is preferably movable by the diluent supply.

[0039] In this way, the valve actuator can actuate the valve member by the actuation of the diluent supply, particularly by the actuation of the connector of the diluent supply. Such a configuration can advantageously reduce the number of connections to the dispensing device and can provide a compact and robust system. As a further advantage, the diluent can be supplied to and / or through the dispensing device, for example to clean the downstream part thereof, such that the downstream part of the dispensing device can be flushed with the diluent, substantially regardless of the state of the valve member.

[0040] The spout unit may include a handle, particularly a twist handle, for rotating the spout unit from a first position to an operating position, the handle extending radially outwardly from the spout rotation axis by more than 1 cm, preferably more than 2 cm, more preferably at least 4 cm (e.g., at least 5 cm or at least 6 cm).

[0041] Such a handle provides a means for the user to overcome the resistance to rotation of the spout unit, particularly by providing a lever in the form of the handle.

[0042] The spout unit may include an outlet channel for carrying the product to the product outlet of the spout unit, the outlet channel extending substantially in the direction in which the handle extends.

[0043] In this way, a compact and efficient configuration is provided that combines the advantage of pouring the product at a distance from the side of the product container and the advantage of providing a lever for rotating the spout unit in a compact form.

[0044] The dispensing device may be configured such that the angular position of the spout unit around the spout rotation axis is substantially limited to an angular position within a range from a first position to an operating position including the operating position.

[0045] Such a configuration can limit the possibility of breakage during transportation and use.

[0046] The dispensing device may be configured such that when the spout unit is in the operating position, the position of the spout unit is substantially fixed in the operating position.

[0047] This can prevent the possibility of visually confusing a dispensing device with an unsealed seal unit and a device with a sealed seal unit. This can help further improve the safe handling of the product, particularly in improving the safety of food products.

[0048] The dispensing device may include a transport lock configured to substantially lock, for example, clamp the spout unit in the first position, and the transport lock is preferably manually removable from the dispensing device, for example, can be pulled out.

[0049] Thus, such a transport lock can provide additional protection for the dispensing device during transportation.

[0050] The dispensing device may be configured to provide user feedback, preferably haptic user feedback, when the spout unit moves away from the first position, and preferably, the dispensing device is further configured to provide user feedback, preferably haptic user feedback, when the spout unit reaches the operating position.

[0051] Such user feedback can provide further ease of use and safety by guiding the user on the proper usage of the device.

[0052] The dispensing device can be configured such that the cam engages the driven element to open the seal unit from a sealed state to an unsealed state.

[0053] In this way, a relatively simple and robust transmission is provided.

[0054] The dispensing device can be configured such that the cam engages the plug to open the seal unit from a sealed state to an unsealed state.

[0055] In this way, a relatively simple and robust transmission is provided.

[0056] The cam of the spout unit can have a stroke of 1 to 6 mm, preferably 2 to 4 mm, for example about 3 mm, especially when the seal unit includes a plug.

[0057] In this way, a relatively simple and robust transmission is provided.

[0058] The seal unit can be configured such that the cutter can move while cutting through the sealing material by the translation of the driven element. The driven element is preferably configured to engage the cutter, and the cam of the spout unit preferably has a stroke of 2 to 10 mm, preferably 4 to 8 mm, for example about 6 mm.

[0059] In such an embodiment, advantageously, a highly reliable and durable sealing solution is combined with a means for easily and reliably unsealing, i.e., breaking, the seal, i.e., the cuttable sealing material.

[0060] The present invention also provides a combination of a product container described herein and a product dispensing machine configured to receive the product container and cooperate with the product container to dispense a product from the container. In particular, the product container is received by the product dispensing machine. The machine preferably includes at least one, more preferably two, and even more preferably all of a fluid supply for supplying gas, such as air, to the product discharge device, preferably at overpressure, a diluent supply for supplying a diluent, preferably water, to the product discharge device, preferably at a temperature above room temperature, and a valve actuator for moving the valve member of the product discharge device.

[0061] Such a product dispensing machine in such a combination can advantageously be used to dispense a product, in particular a foamed product, such as a foamed and diluted product concentrate, from the product container. The high reliability and efficient operation of the machine are provided by the features of the product container described above.

[0062] The present invention provides a method for opening a seal unit of a product discharge device of a product container from a sealed state to an open state, the method comprising providing a product container, wherein the seal unit is in a sealed state and the spout unit is in a first position, and rotating the spout unit about a spout rotation axis from the first position to an operating position, thereby opening the seal unit from the sealed state.

[0063] Such a method provides the advantages described above. Further advantageous details of the present invention are provided by the features of the dependent claims.

[0064] The present invention will be further described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0065]

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[0066] In the drawings, similar or corresponding features are indicated by similar or corresponding reference numerals.

[0067] Figure 1 shows an exemplary product dispensing system 26 including a machine M and a replaceable container 1 having a product discharge device 2 for discharging a product from the container 1. The system 26 can be configured such that a receptacle 28, such as a cup or a jar, can be placed near, preferably below, the discharge device 2 to receive the product dispensed from the discharge device 2. The product to be dispensed can be a food product, such as a foamed food product, such as a foamed dairy product, such as foamed milk. It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented in other products, which may or may not be foamed.

[0068] Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a product dispensing system 26 substantially described in International Application PCT / NL2010 / 050556 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). The system 26 includes a holder / container 1 for containing the product P to be dispensed and product discharging means 6 (e.g., including a product discharge channel) for discharging the product P coming from the container 1. A system corresponding or similar to that of Figure 1 can be used, for example, in the dispensing systems described below, in which case the product processing means is integrated with the holder (i.e., the container) as the "product processing unit CPU", i.e., the product discharge device 2.

[0069] The holder / container 1 can be designed and formed in different ways. For example, the outer wall of the holder 1 can be manufactured from, for example, metal, alloy, plastic, etc. The outer wall can be of a rigid or flexible design. The container 1 can be, for example, of a cylindrical or angular design or of a different design. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a bag-in-box type holder in which the product is held in a flexible bag disposed within an outer housing (box).

[0070] The container 1 can be designed, for example, to withstand a maximum internal pressure of, for example, 12 bar, in particular 10 bar, if the container 1 is equipped with a propellant (see below). According to an advantageous embodiment, the container 1 is designed to withstand a significantly lower maximum pressure, for example a maximum of 2 bar, so that the container can be of a relatively lightweight (and for example relatively simple and low-cost) design, such as a bag-in-box design.

[0071] According to an advantageous form, the product P present in the container is a product that can be whipped homogeneously, in particular food, milk, cream, cappuccino milk, spray cream, (fruit) juice / beverage, alcoholic beverage or beverage base, such as beer or wine, milk beverage or milk-based beverage, such as whey beverage or permeate-based beverage, (milk) shake, chocolate beverage, (drink) yogurt, sauce, ice cream or dessert, juice, in particular a milk product. The product P can be, for example, cream.

[0072] The product can be, for example, a mixture of products, such as some mixtures of the aforementioned products, a mixture of one of the aforementioned products and a liquid (e.g., water), a mixture of a concentrated product (e.g., concentrated milk) and a liquid (e.g., water), or different mixtures. To obtain such mixtures, various product containers can be available for mixing the products before supplying each product to the downstream part of the system (i.e., the product discharging means 6). Alternatively, for example, the system can include one or more liquid supply parts (e.g., a diluent supply part 22, e.g., a water supply part) for realizing the supply of the product container 1 and the product / liquid mixture to the discharging means.

[0073] The product P can optionally contain a propellant or a foaming agent (e.g., in a state of being at least partially dissolved in the product), in particular a propellant consisting of one or more of air, N2, N2O, and / or CO2. Such a propellant or foaming agent is particularly safe with respect to food technology. The propellant or foaming agent can maintain the internal space of the container 1 at a specific initial overpressure, for example.

[0074] Furthermore, the product P may not include, for example, a product P that can be uniformly foamed and / or consumed.

[0075] The system can include a dispensing machine M configured to receive an exchangeable product container 1. In this example, the product container 1 is a bag-in-box type holder in which the product P is held in a flexible bag disposed within the box 1. The dispensing machine M includes, for example, a product container receiving bay for receiving and holding the container 1 in the illustrated operating position.

[0076] The container 1 includes, for example, a product outlet for supplying the product P from the bag to the downstream product processing unit 2, i.e., a first product flow channel 6. The processing unit 2 can be integrally connected to each product container 1, and is particularly installed on the machine M together with the product container 1 and can be removed from the machine M (after use).

[0077] The product processing unit 2 is configured to process and discharge the product arriving from the container 1, in particular to inject gas into the product P.

[0078] The product container 1 can contain a product concentrate, for example a milk concentrate, and the system 26 is configured to dilute the product concentrate during dispensing. For this purpose, the system 26 can include a diluent supply 22 for supplying a diluent, preferably water, preferably at a temperature above room temperature, to the product discharge device 2, in particular to the mixing device 21 of the discharge device 2, and the discharge device 2, in particular the mixing device 21, is configured to mix the diluent and the product concentrate to dilute the product concentrate.

[0079] The system can include a valve actuator 27 for moving the valve member 24 of the discharge device 2, in particular the mixing device 21, by the operation of the diluent supply 22, for example a rotational operation, in order to controllably seal the first product flow channel 6 of the discharge device 2. For this purpose, the valve member 24 can be movable between a passage-provided state (see FIGS. 2 and 4) in which a passage for flowing through the first flow channel 6 is provided and a blocked state (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in which the product flow is blocked. Accordingly, such a valve member 24 can be used to selectively block the flow of the product through the discharge device 2, in particular the mixing device 21.

[0080] The valve member 24 preferably includes a diluent flow channel 25 for carrying the flow of the diluent through the valve member 24, and the valve member 24 is preferably connectable to the diluent supply 22 and is preferably movable by the diluent supply 22.

[0081] In this way, the valve actuator 27 can operate the valve member 24 by the operation of the diluent supply unit 22, particularly by the operation of the connector 29 of the diluent supply unit 22. Such a configuration can advantageously reduce the number of connection parts to the discharge device 2 and can provide a compact and robust system 26. As a further advantage, the diluent can be supplied to and / or through the discharge device 2 so that, for example, the downstream part of the discharge device 2 can be flushed with the diluent, regardless of the state of the valve member 24, for example, to clean the downstream part.

[0082] The discharge device 2, particularly the mixing device 21, is preferably configured such that a product can be injected from the container 1 into the discharge device 2, particularly the mixing device 21, by supplying a diluent to the discharge device 2, and the diluent is preferably supplied under overpressure. For this purpose, the mixing device 21 preferably includes a flow restrictor 23 in the flow path of the diluent (particularly in the second flow channel 7) to form a suction pump for injecting the product into the mixing device 21, particularly through the first flow channel 6.

[0083] The exemplary system 26 further includes a fluid supply unit 18 for supplying a gas, such as air, to the product during product discharge, particularly to foam and / or bubble the product, such as a diluted product concentrate. For this purpose, the discharge device 2 may preferably include a fine filtration device 16 disposed downstream of the mixing device 21, and the fine filtration device 16 includes a product inlet 17 for supplying the product. The fine filtration device 16 is preferably connectable to the fluid supply unit 18 to receive a gas, such as air, from the fluid supply unit 18.

[0084] The fine filtration device 16 preferably includes a filtration wall 20 having gas permeation holes. When the product flows along the wall 20, a fluid, such as air, can be introduced into the product through the filtration wall 20, and the fluid is preferably supplied under overpressure from the fluid supply unit 18.

[0085] The gas permeation holes can have a pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns, particularly a pore diameter of at least 0.1 micron and less than 2 microns. The length of the filtration wall measured in the product flow direction F of the product in use, which flows parallel to the wall along the wall, is at most 5 cm, particularly in the range of about 0.5 to 5 cm, for example about 2 cm. The pore diameter is preferably in the range of 0.2 microns to 1.5 microns.

[0086] The treatment device 19 can be provided downstream of the fine filtration device 16 to perform a mixing treatment and / or a decompression treatment on the gas-supplied product, i.e., the foamed or bubbled product, in order to treat the foamed product.

[0087] It has been found that a uniformly foamed product can be obtained using the above configuration.

[0088] The product discharge device 2 can include a spout unit 3 for product discharge. The spout unit 3, which can include the fine filtration device 16 and / or the treatment device 19, can be rotatable between a first position and an operating position around the spout rotation axis K. The spout rotation axis K preferably coincides with the center line L of the product flow channel, for example, the product flow channel extending into the second product flow channel 7 of the spout unit 3. In this way, leakage of the product flow channel can be prevented.

[0089] To enable easy manual rotation of the spout unit 3, the spout unit 3 preferably includes a handle 4 (see FIGS. 6a to 6b) extending substantially radially outward from the spout rotation axis K. The handle 4 can include one or more profile surfaces 33 to provide an improved grip of the handle 4 for the user.

[0090] The first position of the spout unit 3 can be a transport position (see FIGS. 8a, 11a, 15a), and the product container 1 including the dispensing device 2 has a more compact form compared to when the spout unit 3 is in the operating position (see FIGS. 4 - 7, 8b, 11b). For example, compared to the first position, in the operating position, the spout unit 3 can extend substantially further outwardly from the side of the product container 1.

[0091] The first position of the spout unit 3 and the operating position of the spout unit 3 can differ by a rotation angle of 10 - 275 degrees, preferably 30 - 185 degrees, preferably 45 - 130 degrees, preferably 70 - 110 degrees, preferably about 90 degrees around the spout rotation axis K.

[0092] Such a rotation angle can enable the rotation from the first position to the operating position to be easily achieved by the user while providing the advantages of the first position and the operating position described above.

[0093] The spout unit 3 can include a handle 4, in particular a twist handle 4, for rotating the spout unit 3 from the first position to the operating position, and the handle 4 extends radially outwardly from the spout rotation axis K by more than 1 cm, preferably more than 2 cm (over the distance indicated by arrow Q in FIG. 7).

[0094] Such a handle provides means for the user to overcome the resistance to rotation of the spout unit 3, in particular by providing a lever in the form of a handle. Good results are obtained when the handle 4 extends radially outwardly from the spout rotation axis by at least about 4 cm, for example at least 5 cm or at least 6 cm (i.e., over said distance Q), enabling a relatively high moment and resulting in a high torque with a relatively low pressure / force of the user when operating the handle.

[0095] The spout unit 3 preferably includes an outlet channel 34 for carrying the product to the product outlet 35 of the spout unit 3, and the outlet channel 34 extends substantially in the direction in which the handle 4 extends.

[0096] In this way, a compact and efficient configuration is provided that combines the advantage of pouring the product at a distance from the side of the product container and the advantage of providing a lever for rotating the spout unit in a compact form.

[0097] In one embodiment according to the present invention, the product discharge device 2 is a seal unit 5 configured to move from a sealed state (see FIGS. 8a and 11a) to an open state (see FIGS. 8b and 11b), and in the sealed state, the seal unit 5 is configured to substantially airtight seal the first product flow channel 6 of the discharge device 2. In the open state, the seal unit 5 is configured to allow the flow of the product through the first product flow channel 6 (i.e., the seal unit 5 no longer seals the channel 6). In this embodiment, the discharge device 2 is configured to move the seal unit 5 from the sealed state to the open state by rotating the spout unit 3 from the first position to the operating position.

[0098] Therefore, the number of user actions can be reduced, and an easy-to-use, efficient, and robust solution for opening the seal unit 5 can be provided.

[0099] To provide further improvement of these aspects, in particular to limit the possibility of damage during transportation and use, the discharge device 2 can be configured such that the angular position of the spout unit 3 around the spout rotation axis K is substantially limited to the angular positions in the range from the first position to the operating positions including the operating position.

[0100] To prevent the possibility of visual confusion between the dispensing device 2 with the seal unit 5 opened and the device 2 with the seal unit in a sealed state, the dispensing device 2 can be configured such that when the spout unit 3 is in the operating position, the position of the spout unit 3 is substantially fixed in the operating position. This can help to further improve the safe handling of the product, especially the food safety.

[0101] The dispensing device 2 can be configured to provide user feedback, preferably haptic user feedback, when the spout unit 3 moves away from the first position, and preferably, the dispensing device 2 is further configured to provide user feedback, preferably haptic user feedback, when the spout unit 3 reaches the operating position.

[0102] Such user feedback can provide further ease of use and safety by guiding the user on the proper usage of the device 2.

[0103] It will be understood that the above-mentioned angular position constraints, fixation in the operating position, and provision of tactile feedback can be realized in various ways by appropriate blocking structures and / or resistance structures of the dispensing device 2 not explicitly shown in the drawings.

[0104] The dispensing device 2 can be configured to convert the rotation of the spout unit 3 from the first position to the operating position into respective translations of the driven elements 8 (which can be the plug 10 in some embodiments, see FIGS. 8a - 8b), and the seal unit 5 is configured to enter from the sealed state to the opened state by the translations of the driven elements 8, 10, and the direction T of the translations of the driven elements 8, 10 preferably extends substantially radially outward from the spout rotation axis K.

[0105] Such a configuration can provide a robust and simple solution for converting rotation into translation, and the translation can affect the opening of the seal unit 5.

[0106] The spout unit may include a cam 9, in particular a disk cam 9, for opening the seal unit 5 from the sealed state to the open state, and the cam 9 is rotatable about the spout rotation axis K by the rotation of the spout unit 3 about the spout rotation axis K.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 8a to 8b and FIGS. 11a to 11b, the discharge device 2 may be configured such that the cam 9 engages the driven elements 8, 10 to open the seal unit 5 from the sealed state to the open state.

[0108] In this way, a relatively simple and robust transmission is provided.

[0109] In two exemplary embodiments according to the invention, at least the configuration of the seal unit 5 is different.

[0110] In a first such exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the seal unit 5 includes a plug 10 that can also function as a driven element (however, this is not strictly necessary). In the sealed state, the plug 10 is received by the shaft 11 of the seal unit 5 to substantially airtight seal the first product flow channel 6 of the outflow device 2, and the seal unit 5 is configured such that the plug 10 can be at least partially removed from the shaft 11 to open the seal unit 5. In this embodiment, the cam 9 of the spout unit 3 preferably has a stroke S of 1 to 6 mm, preferably 2 to 4 mm, for example about 3 mm.

[0111] Advantageously, in such an embodiment, a simple and robust solution is provided that enables a highly reliable seal unit to be easily manufactured, for example using injection molding.

[0112] In such a second exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11-14, the seal unit 205 preferably includes a cuttable sealing material 212 including, for example, a layer of aluminum and a layer of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), for substantially airtight sealing of the first product flow channel 206 of the dispensing device 202. The seal unit 205 includes a cutter 213 for cutting the sealing material 212, and the seal unit 205 is configured such that the cutter 213 is movable while cutting through the sealing material 212, for example, by the translation of the driven element 208. In this embodiment, the driven element 208 is preferably configured to engage the cutter 213, and the cam 209 of the spout unit preferably has a stroke S of 2-10 mm, preferably 4-8 mm, for example about 6 mm.

[0113] In such an embodiment, advantageously, a good sealing solution is combined with a means for unsealing, i.e., breaking, the seal, i.e., the cuttable sealing material, which is easy to use and highly reliable.

[0114] In said second exemplary embodiment, the driven element 208 can be at least partially received within the shaft 211, and the dispensing device 202, in particular the seal unit 205, is configured to convert the actuation of the cutter 213 received, for example, from the spout unit 203 into a substantially helical movement of the cutter 213. The seal unit includes an engagement structure 214 for engaging each engagement structure 215 of the cutter 213, and at least one of the mutual engagement structures 214, 215 includes a substantially helical profile, such as a spindle screw, for restricting the movement of the cutter 213 into a substantially helical movement.

[0115] The helical movement of the cutter can ensure a smooth and substantially complete cutting of the cuttable material (as opposed to, for example, piercing or tearing of the material).

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 15a - 15b, the dispensing device 2 may comprise a transport lock 30 configured to prevent rotation of the spout unit 3 by engaging, for example clamping, each receiving structure 31 of the spout unit 3 in order to prevent the seal unit 5 from being accidentally opened. The transport lock 30 may be further configured to prevent movement of the valve member 24. For this purpose, the transport lock 30 may comprise a valve member engagement structure 32. The transport lock 30 is preferably manually removable, for example pullable, from the dispensing device 2 by the user.

[0117] Thus, such a transport lock can provide additional protection for the dispensing device during transportation.

[0118] Thus, there is provided an improved product container, particularly for food products, which can be used efficiently, easily, safely and reliably by the user, the product can be poured substantially remotely from the side of the container, the container can be transported compactly, and the product contained within the container can be protected from environmental threats such as bacteria.

[0119] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the invention may be practiced using variations and alternatives within the scope of the claims.

[0120] For example, the rotation of the spout unit may be converted to the opening of the seal unit by means other than those described above, for example using gears, for example a rack and pinion configuration or a worm gear.

[0121] The dispensing device may or may not include a precision filtration device and may or may not include a mixing device.

[0122] Product P may include, for example, edible or inedible proteins, protein mixtures or protein solutions. Edible protein solutions may include, for example, milk proteins, whey proteins and casein, egg white proteins, yeast isolates, soy proteins, hemoglobin, plant protein isolates, meat proteins, collagen, gelatin, and the like.

[0123] The product may be foamed, for example, uniformly or non-uniformly.

[0124] The product may be a food or a cosmetic, a cleaner and / or different types of products.

[0125] The product may further contain various substances, such as thickeners, colorants, flavors, and the like.

[0126] Furthermore, the product is in particular a food, such as milk, cream, cappuccino milk, spray cream, (fruit) juice / beverage, alcoholic beverage or beverage base, such as beer or wine, milk beverage or milk-based beverage, such as whey beverage or permeate-based beverage, (milk) shake, chocolate beverage, (drink) yogurt, sauce, ice cream, dessert, and the like. The product may further include, for example, vegetable or animal fats or oils, thickeners, sugars, sweeteners, flavors, colorants, and the like, and / or various other raw materials obvious to those skilled in the art. The product may also include, for example, non-consumable products, body care products, hair treatment agents, and the like.

[0127] Furthermore, the dispensed product may be, for example, a hot product. For this reason, the product can already be heated by means known for that purpose (for example, microwave, steam, electricity, convection or other means) before being placed in the container. Also, the method and system according to the present invention may use or comprise, for example, heating means (for example, a heating system) for heating the product.

[0128] According to a further form, heating of the product is carried out upstream of the microfiltration device, for example, by supplying heat to the product container 1 and / or into the product container 1, and / or by heating the product at a position between the product container and the microfiltration device. This heating can be, for example, between 20°C and 90°C, preferably between 40°C and 75°C. Further, heating of the product can be carried out downstream of the microfiltration device, for example, in and / or upstream of the outflow line 66. The heating means can be designed, for example, to heat the product flowing through the product discharge means 6, and / or to heat the gas supplied to the product, and / or to heat any mixing device and / or microfiltration device, etc. According to a further form, the heating means can be designed, for example, to bring the microfiltration device to a temperature suitable for heating (i.e., raising the temperature) the product flowing through it. According to a further form, the heating means can be designed to bring the processing device or the product processing unit to a temperature suitable for heating the product flowing through it.

[0129] Furthermore, the method (and system) can use at least two product flows (two product portions), the first product portion being foamed by the method (and system respectively), and then combined with (and for example, mixed with) the second unfoamed product portion (by the method and system respectively). The product discharge means or the product processing unit can comprise a branch from which a first product flow and a second separate product flow are provided. The first product flow is then foamed and recombined with (and for example, mixed with) the second product flow again. In the heating of the product, for example, the first product flow mentioned, or conversely the second product flow mentioned, or both of them can be heated.

[0130] Furthermore, if there is a downstream mixing device in the product processing unit, preferably static means, such as a static microfiltration filter and optionally a static membrane, are used. In an alternative embodiment, for example, a movable filter (and / or optionally a dynamic membrane) can be used.

[0131] The present invention (method and system) can be used to provide various products, such as milk, cream, cappuccino milk, spray cream, (fruit) juice / beverage, alcoholic beverage or beverage base, such as beer or wine, milk beverage or milk-based beverage, such as whey beverage or permeate-based beverage, (milk) shake, chocolate beverage, (drink) yogurt, sauce, ice cream, dessert or other products.

[0132] The present invention can prepare high-temperature foams that can be poured, such as cappuccino, latte art, chocolate beverages and other hot (milk) beverages, with or without adding flavor. Furthermore, non-dairy beverages or products intended for consumption can be prepared. In a further form, for this purpose, the product is foamed with a minimum overrun of 10% and, immediately after dispensing, obtains / has a temperature of 20 to 90 °C, preferably 40 to 70 °C. The product can, for example, mainly be pourable (for example, the overrun is less than 100%). Using the heating means mentioned, warm pourable products can be dispensed. A pourable product can be obtained, for example, by combining a non-foamed product portion and a foamed product portion.

[0133] Alternatively, the present invention can prepare cold beverages and well-chilled beverages, such as milk beverages, milk shakes, chocolate beverages, lunch beverages, yogurt beverages, fruit beverages, alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine, etc. In this case, the product can, for example, have a minimum overrun of 10% and a temperature of less than 20 °C, preferably -5 to 10 °C. The cold product to be dispensed can mainly be pourable and can include sweet or, conversely, salty products, fermented milk products, fruit juices or other products.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention can be used to provide foamed sources at high and low temperatures, such as sweet sources, sour sources, salty sources and / or other sources. Such sources obtained by the present invention can have a minimum overrun of 1% and a temperature in the range of -20°C to 80°C.

[0135] Desserts prepared according to the present invention, such as mousse, flan or yogurt, can have a minimum overrun of 10% and a temperature, for example, in the range of 1°C to 40°C (preferably a temperature below 10°C). Spray cream is a specific application where a cream with a higher overrun (preferably exceeding 300%) than conventional products is achieved, resulting in improved stability.

[0136] The present invention is particularly suitable for preparing ice cream or (milk) shakes. Ice cream or (milk) shake products can have an overrun in the range of 10% to 200% and a temperature below 0°C (preferably a temperature in the range of -10°C to -2°C).

[0137] The present invention (method, system or both) can be used with a relatively low pressure (especially the pressure of the gas supplied to the gas supply space mentioned), for example, a pressure below 2 bar, such that, for example, the product mentioned undergoes an overrun exceeding 100% (especially about 150% or more, particularly about 200% or more). The present invention (method, system or both) can be used such that, for example, the product mentioned undergoes an overrun exceeding 100% (especially about 150% or more, particularly about 200% or more), while the dispensed product has a relatively low temperature, for example, a temperature below about 0°C.

[0138] Furthermore, the invention (method, system or both) can be configured such that the product P downstream of the microfiltration device does not undergo a mixing process and does not undergo a controlled vacuum. For example, this can be the case when a semi-skimmed milk product or a concentrate thereof is used. Also, according to a method (and / or by a system) configured such that the product P downstream of the microfiltration device does not undergo a mixing process and does not undergo a controlled vacuum, other products can be processed, such as food products, creams, cappuccino milk, spray cream, (fruit) juices / beverages, alcoholic beverages or beverage bases such as beer or wine, milk beverages or milk-based beverages such as whey beverages or permeate-based beverages, (milk) shakes, chocolate beverages, (drinkable) yogurts, sauces, ice creams or desserts, especially dairy products or products not intended for consumption.

[0139] According to a preferred embodiment, as follows from the above, the system does not comprise a processing device downstream of the microfiltration device 16 (therefore, the system does not perform a mixing process and a vacuum treatment on the gas-supplied product). However, in an alternative embodiment, such additional downstream processing devices are provided within the system.

[0140] Furthermore, the product treatment unit 2 can include a plurality of microfiltration devices 16, for example at least two or more tubular microfiltration elements 20 in each processing space to increase the processing capacity.

Explanation of reference signs

[0141] 1 Product container 2, 202 Product discharge device 3, 203 Spout unit 4, 204 Handle 5, 205 Seal unit 6, 206 First product flow channel 7 Second product flow channel 8, 208 Driven element 9, 209 Cam 10 Plug 11 Shaft 212 Cuttable material 213 Cutter 214 Engagement structure of the seal unit 215 Engagement structure of the cutter 16 Precision filtration device 17 Product inlet of the precision filtration device 18, 218 Fluid (gas) supply section 19 Processing device 20 Filtration wall 21 Mixing device 22 Diluent supply section 23 Flow restrictor section 24 Valve member 25 Diluent flow channel 26 Product dispensing system 27 Valve actuator 28 Container 29, 229 Diluent supply section connector 30 Transport lock 31 Engagement structure of the transport lock of the spout unit 32 Engagement structure of the transport lock with the valve member 33 Profile surface of the handle 34 Outlet channel of the spout unit 35 Product outlet of the spout unit F Product flow direction P Product K Spout rotation axis L Central axis of the second product flow channel M Dispensing machine S Stroke of the cam T Direction of translation of the driven element

Claims

1. A product container (1) for food, comprising a product discharge device (2; 202) for discharging the product from the container (1), said discharge device comprising: - A spout unit (3; 203) for discharging the product, said spout unit (3) being rotatable about a spout rotation axis (K) from a first position to an operating position; - A seal unit (5; 205) configured to move from a sealed state to an open state, in said sealed state being configured to airtight seal a first product flow channel (6; 206) of said discharge device (2; 202), and in said open state being configured to allow the flow of product through said first product flow channel (6; 206); and said discharge device (2; 202) is configured such that by rotating said spout unit (3; 203) from said first position to said operating position, said seal unit (5; 205) can be moved from said sealed state to said open state. Said discharge device (2; 202) is configured to convert the rotation of said spout unit (3; 203) from said first position to said operating position into a respective translation of a driven element (8, 10; 208, 211), and said seal unit (5; 205) is configured to move from said sealed state to said open state by said translation of said driven element (8, 10; 208, 210), the direction (T) of said translation of said driven element (8, 10; 208, 210) extending radially outwards from said spout rotation axis (K). Product container (1).

2. Said spout rotation axis (K) coincides with the central axis (L) of a second product flow channel (7) of said discharge device (2; 202), said second product flow channel (7) being downstream of said first product flow channel (6; 206). Product container according to claim 1.

3. The first position of the spout unit (3; 203) and the operating position of the spout unit (3; 203) differ by a rotation angle of 10 to 275 degrees around the spout rotation axis (K). Compared with the first position, in the operating position, the spout unit (3; 203) extends further outward from the side of the product container (1). The product container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The spout unit (3; 203) includes a cam (9; 209) for changing the seal unit (5; 205) from the sealed state to the opened state. The cam (9; 209) is rotatable around the spout rotation axis (K) by the rotation of the spout unit (3; 203) around the spout rotation axis (K). The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The seal unit (5) includes a plug (10). The plug (10) is received by the shaft (11) of the seal unit (5) in the sealed state to airtight seal the first product flow channel (6) of the discharge device (2). The seal unit (5) is configured such that the plug (10) is at least partially removable from the shaft (11) to open the seal unit (5). The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The seal unit (205) includes a cuttable seal material (212) for airtight sealing the first product flow channel (206) of the discharge device. The seal unit (205) includes a cutter (213) for cutting the seal material (212). The seal unit (205) is configured such that the cutter (213) is movable while cutting through the seal material (212). The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The spout unit (3; 203) includes a precision filtration device (16) having a product inlet (17) for supplying a product, and the precision filtration device (16) is connectable to a fluid supply unit (18) for supplying gas to the product during product discharge. The spout unit (3) includes a processing device (19) disposed downstream of the precision filtration device (16) for performing a mixing process and / or a pressure reduction process on the product provided with gas. The precision filtration device (16) includes a filtration wall (20), and the filtration wall (20) has gas permeation holes having a pore diameter in the range of 0.1 to 10 microns. The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is configured to be interchangeably received by a dispensing machine (M).

9. The discharge device (2; 202) includes a mixing device (21) upstream of the precision filtration device (16), and the mixing device (21) is configured to mix a diluent into the product. The mixing device (21) is connectable to a diluent supply unit (22) for receiving the diluent. The product container according to claim 7.

10. The spout unit (3; 203) includes a handle (4) for rotating the spout unit (3; 203) from the first position to the operating position, and the handle (4) extends radially outwardly from the spout rotation axis (K) by more than 1 cm. The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The spout unit (3; 203) includes a cam (9; 209) for changing the seal unit (5; 205) from the sealed state to the opened state, and the cam (9; 209) is rotatable around the spout rotation axis (K) by rotation of the spout unit (3; 203) around the spout rotation axis (K). The product container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge device (2; 202) is configured such that the cam (9) engages with the driven element (8) to change the seal unit (5) from the sealed state to the unsealed state.

12. The product container according to claim 5, wherein the discharge device (2; 202) is configured such that the cam (9; 209) engages with the plug (10; 210) to change the seal unit (5; 205) from the sealed state to the unsealed state.

13. The product discharge device (2; 202) of the product container according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A product dispensing system including the product container according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a product dispensing machine (M) configured to receive the product container (1) and cooperate with the product container (1) to discharge a product from the container (1), wherein the product dispensing machine (M) includes: - a fluid supply unit (18) for supplying gas to the product discharge device (2; 202), - a diluent supply unit (22) for supplying a diluent to the product discharge device (2; 202), and - a valve actuator (27) for moving a valve member of the product discharge device (2; 202) and includes at least one of them.

15. The product dispensing machine (M) includes: - a fluid supply unit (18) for supplying gas to the product discharge device (2; 202), - a diluent supply unit (22) for supplying a diluent to the product discharge device (2; 202), and - a valve actuator (27) for moving a valve member of the product discharge device (2; 202) The product dispensing system according to claim 14, including all of them.

16. A method of opening a seal unit (5; 206) of a product discharge device (2; 202) of a product container (1) from a sealed state to an open state, - providing the product container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the seal unit (5; 205) is in the sealed state and the spout unit (3) is in the first position, - rotating the spout unit (3; 203) around the spout rotation axis (K) from the first position to the operating position, thus changing the seal unit (5) from the sealed state to the open state and a method comprising the steps.

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