BAG-IN-CONTAINER AND ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING A BAG-IN-CONTAINER TO A THREADING DEVICE

Abstract

The bag-in-container comprises a bag within a container, the bag being compressible by introducing pressurized gas into a space between the bag and the container through a passage between a neck of the bag and a neck of the container. A lid is mounted on the bag-in-container, comprising a first channel connecting to an interior space of the bag and a second channel connecting to said passage. A connector is provided, connected to the bag-in-container. The lid comprises a channel portion extending from the second channel to an inlet opening in a plane extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, or the connector comprises a channel portion extending, during use when attached to the lid, from the second channel or a connecting element to an inlet opening in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The bag-in-container further comprises a flexible dispensing line.

Description

The invention relates to a bag-in-a-container. The invention relates particularly to a blow-molded bag-in-a-container. Pouches in containers are a well-known product in the field and comprise a flexible inner pouch or container, enclosed within a more rigid outer container. Generally, these pouches in containers include at least one arrangement suitable for introducing pressurized gas between the adjacent walls of the pouch and the container, such that the pouch can be compressed within the container to dispense its contents. These pouches in containers may be assembled from a relatively rigid outer container and a flexible inner container that fits inside the outer container, or they may be manufactured as a whole, for example, by integral blow molding from a multi-layered preform or an assembly of preforms, which may also be called a parison. Heineken, NL, uses an example of an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container in its Brewlock® and Blade® systems, for example, in documents WO2014 / 017908 and WO2018 / 009065. These bag-in-containers are integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly, comprising an injection-molded inner preform inserted into an injection-molded outer preform, which are connected at their neck regions by a sealing ring that is rotationally welded to both preforms. The sealing ring closes a space between the inner and outer preforms. The outer preform is provided, on a peripheral wall of the neck portion, with an inlet opening that connects to said space between the inner and outer preforms, for introducing a pressurized gas, especially air, into said space after the bag-in-container has been blow-molded.The closing ring further comprises a dispensing opening, in which a closure can be provided, the dispensing opening of which provides access to the inner volume of the inner container. Although these BiCs are very practical in use, the preform assemblies are relatively complex to construct and manufacture, due, for example, to the required precision of the dimensions of the individual preforms and the locking ring, and the rotational welding process used to attach the locking ring to the preforms. This also limits the freedom of choice in coloring the preforms and, consequently, the BiCs themselves, as well as the choice of materials. ABInBev, BE, uses another example of an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container, for example, in its Nova® system. This bag-in-container is integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly, comprising a transparent inner preform nestled within a colored outer preform. The preforms are not interconnected. The outer preform has a neck region formed primarily by a closed peripheral wall, which extends around a neck region of the inner preform, also formed primarily by a closed peripheral wall. A space is provided between these two peripheral walls. After blow molding, the inner bag is locked within the outer container by form retention. A cap is fitted to the bag-in-container after the bag is filled with the fluid to be dispensed.The lid seals the space between the containers and comprises a first central channel, which opens into the interior volume of the bag, and a second channel, which extends parallel to the first channel and opens into the space between the containers. A connector is also provided, which can be releasably attached to the lid. The connector comprises a first needle for insertion into the first channel and a second needle for insertion into the second channel. A dispensing line, at least partially flexible, is connected to the connector, in fluid communication with the first needle, for dispensing liquid from the bag. A second flexible line is also connected to the connector, in fluid communication with the second needle, for introducing pressurized air into the space between the bag and the container. This container has the disadvantage that the second flexible cable must be connected to the connector every time a BiC is changed, and the connection can be lost; for example, the second cable can be ripped out of the connector by pressurized air. Furthermore, the second flexible cable can become blocked, for example, when it is bent or squeezed, such as when inserting the BiC or closing a door of the device used with the BiC, or by an external object. One objective of this disclosure is to provide an alternative bag-in-container. This aims to reduce or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of prior art bag-in-containers, as described. At least one or more of the objectives and goals of this disclosure can be achieved by means of a bag-in-container, comprising a bag within a container, the bag being compressible by introducing a pressurized gas into an interface space between the bag and the container. The bag has a first neck and the container has a second neck, the second neck extending around the first neck, wherein at least one passage is provided between the first and second necks, providing access for said pressurized gas into said interface space. Both the first and second necks have a closed peripheral wall, on which a lid is mounted over the bag-in-container, said lid comprising a first seal that seals against the bag and a second seal that seals against the container.The lid further comprises a first channel, which during use connects seamlessly to an interior space of the pouch, and a second channel, which during use connects seamlessly to at least one passage. A connector, connected or connectable to the pouch in the container, is provided, wherein the connector has a first connecting element that fits over and / or within the first channel and a dispensing line, at least partially flexible, seamlessly connected or connectable to the first connecting element for dispensing beverage from the pouch. With a pouch-in-container as described herein, the inner pouch and outer container can be easily manufactured by injection molding the preform or preform assembly and then blow molding the preform or preform assembly as a whole. No complex mechanisms need to be built into the injection mold(s) for the preform or preform assembly. Furthermore, a lid can be fitted to the pouch-in-container, for example, after filling, providing a seal for the beverage compartment and the interfacial space between the inner pouch and the outer container. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the lid comprises a channel portion, extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container. This plane is preferably radially separated from the peripheral wall of the second neck. By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion on a lateral surface of the lid, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, gas can be introduced into the container in a substantially axial direction of the lid, but into the interfacial space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The lid can be easily manufactured, for example, by 2K injection molding, integrating any seal, for example, to seal against the container. The channel portion can be manufactured, for example, by means of an insert in the mold. According to an alternative aspect of the disclosure, the connector comprises a channel portion extending from a second connecting element to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane substantially parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes. This plane is preferably radially separated from the peripheral wall of the second neck, where the second connecting element, during use, connects to the second channel of the cap. By providing an inlet opening to the channel portion on a lateral surface of the connector, in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, gas can be introduced into the container in a substantially axial direction of the connector, but into the interfacial space in a substantially longitudinal direction. The lid can still be easily manufactured, for example, by 2K injection molding, integrating any seal, for example, to seal against the container. The first and second channels can, in certain configurations, extend substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the first and second connecting elements can have a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to each other, such that they can MA / a / ZUZJ / UUl / 03 can be easily inserted into and / or on and / or against the first and second channels. Preferably, the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel has a second longitudinal axis, with the first and second longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other and / or to the longitudinal axis of the container. Such a configuration in the lid further facilitates injection molding. In another aspect, a second opening is provided in the lid or connector, diametrically opposite the inlet opening, positioned in a plane extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening through the lid, through the connector, and / or through the container. Preferably, the second opening is radially separated outward from the peripheral wall of the second neck, and even more preferably by the same distance as the inlet opening. Providing a second opening allows, for example, the connection of an additional pressurized gas source, a pressure sensor, or another type of sensor to the container. Positioning this second opening directly opposite the first, or inlet, makes it even more practical, as it allows for a symmetrical configuration of the lid or connector. This enables two positions for placing the container on a pressurization device or connecting a pressurization device to the lid or connector. In a further design, a gas space is enclosed between the cap and the connector. During use, this space connects to the inlet port and the second channel. The gas space allows gas to pass between the inlet port and the second channel. Additionally, the gas space can seamlessly connect the first port to a second port, if one is provided. Furthermore, the gas space can act as a gas buffer. In a further elaboration, the second connecting element may comprise or be formed by a piercing element for perforating the second channel. This piercing element comprises at least one groove to allow gas to enter and / or exit the second channel from or to the gas space. Furthermore, this connecting element may be easily manufactured and readily available for piercing any seal provided in or for the second channel. In one aspect, the passage between the first and second necks comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first and second necks, extending into the interior of the bag-container from the level of a free longitudinal edge of the first neck. Preferably, when the lid has been fitted onto the container, a first lid seal seals against said free edge of the first neck, i.e., the neck of the bag, while a second lid seal can seal against the interior of the second neck, of the outer container, above said free longitudinal edge of the first neck. The disclosure further relates to a connector for attaching to a container bag lid, specifically to a container bag of this disclosure. Said connector comprises first and second connecting elements having parallel longitudinal axes extending from a first surface, and two diametrically opposed openings in connecting surfaces that extend substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the first and second connecting elements. In order to further elucidate the present invention, embodiments thereof will be disclosed and described below, with reference to the drawings. These drawings show: Figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a preform assembly for integral blow molding of a bag into a container; Figure 2 schematically, partially in longitudinal cross-section, a blow-molded bag in container; Figure 3 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a lid for a disclosure container, mounted on the neck of a container, for example, according to Figure 2; Figures 4 A and B schematically in cross-section perspective view and cross-section side view, an upper part of a bag in container, with a lid in a second embodiment, mounted on it, wherein a connector to the bag in container is mounted on the lid; Figure 5 schematically shows in longitudinal cross-section part of a dispensing device with a part of a bag in a container according to Figure 4 placed therein; Figures 6 and 6A schematically show an additional alternative modality of an adapter according to the disclosure, in front view and in side view in cross section along line 6A - 6A in Figure 6. Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative adapter; Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cover; and Figure 9 schematically shows an alternative modality of a part of a dispensing device with a disclosure container. This description shows and discloses embodiments of the invention, solely by way of example. These should not be interpreted or understood in any way as limiting the scope of the present invention. In this description, identical or similar elements are indicated by identical or similar reference symbols. This description will describe embodiments of the present invention with reference to carbonated beverages, especially beer. However, other beverages could also be used in the present invention, such as, but not limited to, coffee, especially cold brew coffee, cider, wine, juice, and the like. In this description, references to up and down, top and bottom, and the like shall be considered, unless specifically stated otherwise, as the normal orientation of a dispensing unit. The rear of the dispensing unit shall be referred to as the side on which a tap handle or similar is provided for operating the system, particularly for dispensing beverages contained in a container provided in and / or on the unit. The container may have a bottom and neck region that, during use within the assembly, may be substantially downward oriented. This is shown, for example, in the drawings, particularly Figure 5, which shows a container with a downward-facing neck portion. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which a threading device of this disclosure or parts thereof are to be used.For the container, a normal position may be with a lower portion facing downwards, a neck portion facing upwards, or with a longitudinal axis at an angle to a vertical line, for example, extending substantially horizontally. In this description, a BIC-type container or bag-in-container type means at least one container comprising an outer container and an inner bag, wherein the inner bag is designed to hold a beverage and is more flexible or compressible than the outer container. The outer container may be, for example, a bottle-shaped container with a neck and body, while the bag also has a neck. The inner bag and / or the outer container may be made of single materials or mixtures and may be manufactured wholly or partially by injection molding and / or blow molding, rotational molding, or similar processes. Preferably, a bag-in-container according to the invention is manufactured by integral blow molding. In certain embodiments, the bag-in-container may be manufactured by inserting at least one preform into another preform and then blow molding them together into a bag-in-container type container.In some embodiments, the bag-in-container can be manufactured by overmolding at least one preform to form a multi-layered preform and then blow-molding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In other embodiments, a bag can be suspended inside an outer container after the outer container and bag have been formed separately, at least partially. In this description, a threaded assembly may comprise a housing that contains a cooling device and a pressure device for supplying pressurized gas, such as air, to a container. The system may further comprise a lid, preferably at least partially transparent, that fits over the container when properly positioned in the housing. The lid may provide visibility of the container within the dispensing device comprising the housing and lid, such that, for example, the fill level can be determined and the container's brand is visible from the outside.In this context, "transparent" should be understood as clear enough to allow viewing and inspection of the container through the lid, preferably without alteration, for example, by coloring or opacity of the lid over at least a substantial portion of the lid (e.g., more than 50% of its surface area), and / or from at least two opposite sides, and / or over at least part of the lid's height in a 360-degree view (i.e., from all sides). Providing visibility of the container, and especially its branding, can be beneficial in allowing different brands to be used within the same system without having to rebrand the dispensing unit. Providing visibility of the container, and especially its branding, can also be beneficial to the external appearance of the dispensing unit.Providing visibility of the container and, especially, at least marking it, can be beneficial for the inspection of the container and / or its contents. In this description, a dispensing assembly, which may also be called a threaded assembly, may be designed such that a container can be placed in an inverted position on and / or within a housing of a dispensing unit, such that at least part of the container, especially at least part of a flanged portion of the container, is inserted into a receptacle in the housing, a necked portion comprising a downward-facing outlet opening. Preferably, a portion of the container extending into said receptacle, especially part of the flanged portion, is close to or at least partially in contact with a wall of the receptacle, wherein the wall of the receptacle is cooled, especially actively cooled.In this description, a relatively short distance between the container wall and the corresponding part of the container should be understood as a distance small enough to allow for effective cooling of that part of the container and its contents. This configuration offers the advantage that the container's contents will be at least within the area cooled by the receptacle wall, even if the container is partially empty, provided the cooled contents are close to, and especially directly adjacent to, the dispensing opening. Therefore, temperature control of the dispensed beverage is quite possible, even if a portion of the container extending beyond the receptacle remains uncooled or cools less effectively. Such a dispensing device is known, for example, as Blade®, marketed by Heineken, Netherlands, and is described, for example, in documents WO 2018 / 009065, WO 2018 / 212660, and WO 2018 / 212659. Figure 1 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a preform 1 for a bag-in-container or B1C. In Figure 1, the preform is formed as a preform assembly, comprising a first preform 2, injection-molded from a plastic or plastic blend, such as PET or containing PET in a blend. The first preform 2 is inserted into a second injection-molded preform 3, which is also made of a plastic or plastic blend, which may be the same as or different from the plastic of the first preform 2. Preferably, both the inner preform 2 and the outer preform 3 are made predominantly of PET. As can be seen in Figure 1, both the first and second preforms 2, 3 have a body-forming portion III and a neck 4, 5. The first neck 4 of the inner preform is provided within the second neck 5 of the second preform 3.During blow molding, the necks 4, 5 preferably do not stretch and maintain their shape in the bag in container 6 blow molded from the preform 1. Figure 2 schematically shows a bag-in-container 6, partially in cross-section, integrally blow-molded from a preform assembly 1 of Figure 1. The B1C 6 comprises a bag 8 within a container 10. The bag 8 is made from the first or inner preform 2, and the container 10 is made from the second or outer preform 3. The bag 8 is compressible by introducing a pressurized gas into a space 9 between the bag 8 and the container 10. This space 9 may also be referred to as the interfacial space 9. The bag 8 has a first neck 4, and the container 10 has a second neck 5, the second neck 5 extending around the first neck 4. At least one passage 11 is provided between the first and second necks 4, 5, providing access to the pressurized gas in this space 9. The first and second necks 4, 5 both have a closed peripheral wall.In Figure 1, portions of necks 4 and 5, with passage 11 and space 9, are shown at an enlarged scale. Passage 11 preferably has a principal flow direction F that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of container 6. Space 9 can be extended within container 6, in a neck region 1, flange region 11, and / or body region 111, in a known manner. In container 6, immediately after blow molding and / or filling, at least in the flange region 11 and body region 111, the bag 8 can be supported against the inner wall of container 10, such that space 9 is greatly reduced, but can be increased by the gas under pressure introduced therein, pressurizing and dispensing the contents of container 6. Figure 3 schematically shows one embodiment of a lid 20 for closing the container 6. The lid 20 is mounted on the bag in the container 6, the lid comprising a first seal 22 that seals against the bag 8, especially against the neck 4 of the bag 8, and a second seal 24 that seals against the container 10, especially the neck 5 of the outer container 10. The lid 20 further comprises a first channel 25, which, during use, connects smoothly to an inner space 26 of the bag 8, and a second channel 28, which, during use, connects smoothly to at least one passage 11. The first channel 25 is provided with a flexible closure 29, which closes the channel 25. The closure 29 can, for example, be pierced as described below, or pushed apart, to allow dispensing of the contents of the bag 8. Alternatively, the closure 29 could be or comprise a resealable valve.In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first channel 25 and the second channel 28 extend parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6. This can be advantageous both during the molding of the lid 20 and during use. The lid 20 can be formed from plastic, for example, by injection molding, preferably by 2K molding in which the seals 22, 24 can be injection molded together with a base material of the lid 20. Alternatively, the seals could be manufactured separately. As can be seen in Figure 3, the lid 20 can, for example, be press-fitted onto the neck of the container 10, for example, locked in position by a groove 94 that fits over a serrated edge 96. This prevents unwanted removal of the lid 20. Figures 4A and B schematically show a bag-in-container (B1C) 6, or at least a portion thereof, showing the neck region I and the flange region II thereof, with a lid 20 as shown in Figure 3 mounted thereon. A connector 30 is mounted on the lid 20 to connect the container 6 to a dispensing assembly 32, as partially shown, for example, in Figure 5. Such a dispensing device 32, shown only as an example and in no way intended to limit the scope of disclosure, is known as Blade®, owned and marketed by Heineken, Netherlands. The connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 that fits over and / or within the first channel 25 of the lid 20 and a dispensing line 36 that is at least partially flexible and fluidly connected or connectable to the first connecting element 34 for dispensing beverage from the pouch 8 via the connector 30 and the dispensing line 36. In the embodiment shown, the first connecting element 34 is or comprises a tube, for example, a needle, which can be pushed into the first channel 25 by opening the closure 29 to allow the liquid to be dispensed from the volume 26 into the dispensing tube 36. The closure 29 is preferably made of an elastomeric material that will close and seal against the first connecting element 34 after being opened, for example, punctured. The connector 30 further comprises a second connecting element 38, which can be pushed into the second channel 28. The second connecting element 38 preferably has at least one slot 39 to allow gas to enter and / or exit said second channel 28 from or into a gas space 42. In this embodiment, the second connecting element 38 is formed by a pin having a cross-section as shown to an enlarged scale in Figure 4B. In this embodiment, the pin has a cross-shaped cross-section, the channel 28 having a circular cross-section. It will be clear that these can have various different cross-sections, provided that the gas can flow through the second connecting element 38 via the second channel 28 to passage 11 to space 9.The first and second connecting elements 34, 38 are preferably straight and have a longitudinal axis Y that is parallel to each other, so that they can be easily inserted into the first and second channels 25, 28 respectively. A third seal 40 is provided between the lid 20 and the connector 30, enclosing a space 42 between the lid 20 and the connector 30. Space 42 is in open communication with the second channel 28 and, therefore, with the passage to space 9 between the inner bag 8 and the outer container 10, when the connector 30 is correctly mounted in the container 6. The second connecting element 38 is therefore connected to the second channel 28 of the lid 20 during use. As can be seen in Figures 4A and B, the connector 30 in this embodiment comprises a first opening or inlet opening 44, which opens into space 42. Space 42 forms a channel portion extending from the second connecting element 38 to the inlet opening 44. The inlet opening 44 lies in a first plane Pi that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6. A gas connector 50 of the dispensing device 32 can thus be connected to the inlet opening 44, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis, as will be described. The plane Pi is preferably radially separated outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5. As can be seen in Figures 4A and B, the connector 30 can be provided with a retaining ring, for example a click ring 46 extending peripherally around the lower side of the connector 30, with which the connector can be locked into the container 6, forcing the click ring 46 under an edge of a tab 48 of the container 6. In the embodiment of Figures 4A and B, a second opening 52 is provided in the connector 30, diametrically opposite the inlet opening 44. The second opening 52 is preferably positioned in a second plane P2 that extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X-X of the container 6 and to the first plane Pi. The inlet opening 44 is in fluid communication with the second opening 52 through the connector 30, particularly through the space 42 enclosed by it. A second connector 54 of the dispensing device 32 can be connected to this second opening 52, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X, as will be described. The second plane P2 is preferably radially separated outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck 5. More preferably, the first plane Pi and the second plane P2 are separated from this wall of the outer neck 5 by substantially the same distance.In the modalities, the connector can be substantially symmetrical about a central plane parallel to the X - X axis, so that the container 6 can be placed in two positions in a dispensing device 32, 100. In certain configurations, a connection surface 44A, 52A may be provided, extending around the first or inlet opening 44 and / or the second opening 52, respectively. These surfaces 44A, 52A are preferably located in the planes P1, P2 respectively, which extend substantially parallel to the X-X axis. The second opening 52 can form an outlet opening and can be in seamless connection with the inlet opening 44 and the second channel 28 or the second connecting element 38 through the space 42. Preferably, the first connecting surface 44A has a first center C₁ and the second connecting surface 52A has a second center C₂, wherein the first and second centers lie on a straight line Ci - C₂ extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X - X of the bag-in-container. Step 11 in the embodiments comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls 4A, 5A of the first and second necks 4, 5, extending into the bag-in-container 6 from the level of a free longitudinal edge 4B of the first neck 4. This edge 4B is preferably located below the edge 5B of the outer neck 5, such that the lid 20 extends at least partially into the outer neck 5 so that the seal 22 fits into the neck 4. Thus, the container 6 with the lid 20 can have a relatively small axial length. A bag in container 6 according to the disclosure may be an integrally blow-molded B1C and may be made from a preform assembly as described, or from a multi-layer integral preform, provided that the bag is formed by an inner layer of a combination of layers and will be released from the container formed from the outer layer of combination of layers by introducing a gas under pressure into the space 9 between the bag forming the inner layer and the container forming the outer layer. Figure 5 schematically shows part of a container 6 of the disclosure with a lid 20 and connector 30 mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the lid 20 and connector 30 are similar to the embodiment of Figures 4A and B, wherein the container 6 is placed in an inverted configuration in a dispensing device 32. The lower portion of the container 6 thus forms the uppermost portion of the container in this position. The container 6 rests with its flanged region II in a substantially cup-shaped receptacle 60 of the dispensing device 32, wherein the neck region 1 extends into a recess 62 at a lower end of the receptacle 60. Cooling channels 64 are provided in or extend around the receptacle 60 to cool the receptacle and thereby cool the container 6 and the liquid within the container 6 by contact cooling.Since the first channel 25 through which the liquid will be dispensed is located at the lowest point of the container 6 in this position, effective cooling can be achieved. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first gas connector 50 and the second connector 54 are provided on the dispensing device 32, on opposite sides of the connector 30 and the cap 20, while the dispensing line is at the lower end of the container 6. The first gas connector 50 is connected via a gas line 66 to a pressurized gas source 68, such as a compressor or a buffer tank filled with compressed gas, such as air or CO2. The gas connector 50 in this embodiment comprises a first tip 51 made of a flexible material such as rubber or an elastomer, which can be sealed against the surface 44A around the inlet opening 44 to provide a gas-tight connection. In the embodiment shown, the first tip 51 is pushed against the surface 44A by a spring 51A.Therefore, gas under pressure can be introduced into space 42 through the first tip 51 and the inlet opening 44, from source 68. The first tip 51 can be supported by a first support 70, shown schematically in part in Figure 5 and known in the field as the Blade®, Heineken, Netherlands, whose support can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the position shown in Figure 5 and a retracted position, in which the first tip 51 moves away from the surface 44A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the slot 62, passing through the first tip 51. Diametrically opposite the first prong 51 is provided the second connector 54 with a second prong 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a gas line 72 to a sensor unit 74, for example, comprising a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor. The second connector 54 in this embodiment comprises a second prong 55, similar to the first prong 51, which can be sealed against surface 52A around the second opening 52 to provide a gas-tight connection. In the embodiment shown, the second prong 55 is pushed against surface 52A by a spring 55A. Therefore, pressurized gas can be directed to the sensor unit 74. The second tip 55 can be supported by a second support 76, shown schematically in part in Figure 5 and known in the field as Blade®, Heineken, Netherlands, whose second support 76 can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the position shown in Figure 5 and a retrieved position, in which the second tip 55 moves away from the surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the slot 62, passing through the second tip 55. In preferred embodiments, the first and second supports can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connected position, as shown in Figure 5, and a released position in which the tips 51, 55 move away from the surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in any suitable way, e.g., electronically and / or mechanically. Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit 75 of the dispensing device. The control unit 75 can be configured so that, for example, the sensor unit 74 can detect whether a container 6 is correctly inserted into the dispensing device 32. For example, if no container 6 is present in the dispensing device, the gas introduced through the first nozzle 51 will flow out of the dispensing device 32, meaning that the sensor unit 74 will detect very small or no changes in pressure and / or flow. The control unit can then disconnect the pressure source 68, cooling, and the like, and / or can be used to inform the user that no container has been inserted, that a container has been inserted incorrectly, or that other problems may occur.Furthermore, the control unit can be configured so that if sensor unit 74 detects excessively high pressure or flow, it can also switch off or modulate pressure source 68. Space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can space 9 in container 6. Figures 6 and 6A show an alternative embodiment of a connector 30. In this embodiment, the connector 30 comprises a first connecting element 34 and a second connecting element 38. In this embodiment, the second connecting element 38 is tubular, like the first connecting element 34, having an internal channel 34A that connects to a channel portion 35, which extends substantially radially from the internal channel 34A to the inlet opening 44. Again, the inlet opening 44 lies in a plane Pi that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, preferably radially offset from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck.In this embodiment, the connector 30 may comprise, for example, two or more legs 31 with teeth 46 at their lower ends, so that these legs 31 can act as click fingers that can click under an edge of a flange 48 to connect the connector 30 to the container 6. In the embodiments shown, two legs 31 are provided, on opposite sides of the connector, but obviously another number of such legs could be provided, or a click ring as described above. Figure 7 shows schematically and in cross-section another alternative embodiment of a connector 30 for a container, again provided with first and second connecting elements 34, 38 as in Figures 6 and 6A. In this embodiment, the connector has a first gas connection opening 44 and, on an opposite side of the connector, a second opening 54, similar to the embodiment in Figures 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, the channel portion 35 that extends substantially radially from the inner channel 34A to the inlet opening 44 is connected to another channel portion 34B that extends through an upper portion 80 of the connector to the second opening 52.Again, the entrance opening 44 is in a Pi plane and the second opening 52 is in a second plane P2, both Pi and P2 planes extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, preferably separated radially outwards from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck. Figure 8 shows schematically and in cross-section an alternative embodiment of a lid 20 for a container 6. In this embodiment, the lid is substantially as described in Figures 3-6. In this embodiment, the lid 20 further comprises a channel portion 35, for example, similar to space 42 or as a ring-shaped channel, extending from the second channel 28 to the inlet opening 44 and to a second opening 52 on one side of the lid 20 opposite the inlet opening 44.The inlet opening 44 is again located in a plane Pi extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X - X of the container 6, preferably radially outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. The second opening 52 is again located in a plane P2 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis X - X of the container 6, preferably radially outward from the peripheral wall 5A of the second neck 5. In this configuration, an adapter can be used that meters either the opening 44 or the channels 28, thus allowing the opening for introducing a gas to be selected. Alternatively, channel 28 can be omitted. Figure 9 schematically shows in cross-section a connection device 100 of an alternative dispensing device 32, mounted on a container B1C 6, over the neck region I and extending over part of the flange region 11 thereof. The connection device 100 is generally known from the prior art and is used in the Brewlock® system of Heineken, Netherlands, and is disclosed in international application WO2014 / 017909, incorporated herein by reference. The connection device 100 comprises a central opening or hole 101 in a housing 102, with which the device 100 can be mounted on the neck area 1 of a container 6. A first connector 50 is provided inside the housing 102, which may comprise a first prong 51, similar to Figure 5.which can be supported by a first support 70, the support of which can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the retracted position as shown in Figure 9 and a position in which the first tip 51 moves against the surface 44A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the slot 62, passing through the first tip 51, when retracted. Diametrically opposite the first prong 51, a second connector 54 is provided, with a second prong 55. The second connector 54 is connected via a gas line to a sensor unit, for example, comprising a pressure sensor and / or a flow sensor, substantially in the same manner and for the same purpose as in the embodiments of Figure 5. The second connector 54 in this embodiment comprises a second prong 55, similar to the first prong 51, which can be sealed against surface 52A around the second opening 52 to provide a gas-tight connection. In the embodiment shown, the first prong 51 is pushed toward surface 44A and the second prong 55 is pushed toward surface 52A by springs 51A and 55A. The second tip 55 can be supported by a second support 76, similar to Figure 5, which second support 76 can be moved radially, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X-X axis of the container 6, between the retracted position as shown in Figure 9 and a forward position, in which the second tip 55 moves against the surface 52A. This allows the connector 30 to easily enter and exit the slot 62, passing through the second tip 55 when it is in the retracted position. In the forward position, tip 51 seals against surface 44A and pressurized gas can be introduced into container 6, especially into space 9 through opening 44 and passage 11, while the second tip 54 seals against surface 52A and pressurized gas can be introduced and directed to the sensor unit. In preferred embodiments, the first and second supports can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions, between the connection position, as shown in Figure 5, and a position MA / a / ZUZJ / UUl / 03 released as shown in Figure 9, wherein tips 51,55 move away from surfaces 44A, 52A. This can be achieved in any suitable way, e.g., electronically and / or mechanically. Preferably, the sensor unit 74 is connected to a control unit of the dispensing device. The control unit can be configured so that, for example, the sensor unit 74 can detect whether a container 6 is correctly inserted into the dispensing device 32. For example, if no container 6 is present in the dispensing device, the gas introduced through the first nozzle 51 will flow out of the dispensing device 32, meaning that the sensor unit 74 will detect very small or no changes in pressure and / or flow. The control unit can then disconnect the pressure source 68, cooling, and the like, and / or can be used to inform the user that no container has been inserted, that a container has been inserted incorrectly, or that other problems may occur.In addition, the control unit can be configured so that if sensor unit 74 detects excessively high pressure or flow, it can also disconnect or modulate pressure source 68. Space 42 can function as a pressure buffer, as can space 9 in container 6. The invention is in no way limited to the modalities disclosed and specifically described in this document. For example, the lid 20 can be connected to the container 6 in a different way, for example, by screw threads, a bayonet coupling, adhesive, welding, or similar means. The connector 30 can be mounted to the lid 20 in a different way, for example, using screw threads, a bayonet coupling, form lock, press fit, or similar means. The first and / or second coupling element 34, 38 could be manufactured differently. For example, the first coupling element could be designed to open a valve that can be resealed as a closure, while the second coupling element could, for example, be designed to connect to the second channel by connecting to an upper edge thereof, or the second coupling element could be formed by the space 42 itself, if the second channel is an open channel.

Claims

1. The bag-in-container, comprising a bag within a container, the bag being compressible by introducing a pressurized gas into a space between the bag and the container, wherein the bag has a first neck and the container has a second neck, the second neck extending around the first neck, wherein at least one passage is provided between the first and second necks, providing access to said pressurized gas to said space, wherein the first and second necks both have a closed peripheral wall, wherein a lid is mounted on the bag-in-container, said lid comprising a first seal sealing against the bag and a second seal sealing against the container, the lid further comprising a first channel, during use fluidly connected to an interior space of the bag and a second channel, during use fluidly connected to said at least one passage, wherein a connector is provided,connected or connectable to the pouch in the container, wherein the connector has a first connecting element that fits over and / or within the first channel, a dispensing line at least partially flexible fluidly connected or connectable to the first connecting element for dispensing beverages from the pouch, and wherein: the lid comprises a channel portion, extending from the second channel to an inlet opening, wherein the inlet opening lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, preferably radially outwardly separated from the peripheral wall of the second neck; or the connector comprises a channel portion, extending during use, when coupled to the lid, from the second channel or a second connecting element of the connector to an inlet opening,wherein the inlet opening is located in a plane that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, preferably separated radially outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck.

2. The bag in container according to claim 1, wherein the first channel has a first longitudinal axis and the second channel has a second longitudinal axis, the first and second longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to each other and / or to the longitudinal axis of the container.

3. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a second opening is provided in the lid or connector, diametrically opposite the inlet opening, positioned in a plane extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container, preferably separated radially outwards from the peripheral wall of the second neck, wherein the inlet opening is in fluid communication with the second opening through the lid, through the connector and / or through the container.

4. The bag in container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a gas space is enclosed between the lid and the connector, during use connecting with the inlet opening and the second channel.

5. The bag-in-container according to claim 4, wherein the second connecting element comprises or is formed by a piercing element for piercing the second channel, the piercing element comprising at least one slot to allow gas to enter and / or exit said second channel from or to said gas space.

6. The bag in container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element is or comprises a hollow needle.

7. The bag in container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second connecting element fits over and / or into the second channel.

8. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one passage has a principal flow direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The bag in container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid or connector is provided, in a position radially opposite to the inlet opening, with a second connecting surface, which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the first inlet opening is located.

10. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are substantially the same distance from the longitudinal axis of the bag-in-container.

11. The bag in container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an outlet opening is provided in said second connection surface, said outlet opening being fluidly connected to the second connection element or to the second channel.

12. The bag-in-container according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the first connecting surface has a first center and the second connecting surface has a second center, wherein the first and second centers lie on a straight line extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bag-in-container.

13. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passage comprises at least a substantially cylindrical space between the peripheral walls of the first and second necks, extending into the bag-in-container from the level of a free longitudinal edge of the first neck.

14. The bag-in-container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bag-in-container is an integrally blow-molded bag-in-container.

15. The bag in container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector provides a support surface for the bag in container to rest on.

16. The connector for connecting to a lid of a bag in a container, said connector comprising first and second connecting elements having a parallel longitudinal axis, extending from a first surface, and two diametrically opposed openings in connecting surfaces that extend substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the first and second connecting elements.

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