Cartridge for dispensing a viscous semi-liquid food product

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing cartridge suitable for being filled with a viscous semi-liquid food product, the cartridge comprising: - a shell (1), having a hollow cylindrical main portion opening into a neck defining an outlet opening of the shell, the neck bearing a screw thread; - a piston (2) engaged in the main portion so as to close off the cross section thereof, the piston (2) being able to slide inside the main portion; - a dispensing cap (3) having a screw thread screwed onto the screw thread of the neck, and a closure wall closing the outlet opening of the shell (1), the closure wall of the dispensing cap (3) having a plurality of outlet holes capable of allowing the food product to pass through the dispensing cap.

Description

Cartridge for dispensing a semi-liquid viscous food product Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of culinary equipment.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to equipment for distributing viscous semi-liquid food products, such as sauces, in catering, institutional kitchens, or the manufacture of prepared meals. Previous art

[0003] For dispensing sauces, cylindrical dispensing cartridges filled with sauce are commonly used in the food service industry. One end of these cartridges has at least one outlet hole for the sauce to flow out, while the other end is sealed by a piston that slides inside the cartridge. Such a dispensing cartridge is inserted into a dispensing gun. This gun is designed to apply pressure to the cartridge's piston in response to a user command, and this pressure dispenses the desired amount of sauce through the cartridge's outlet hole(s).

[0004] Various types of dispensing cartridges are known. Some cartridges have only a single outlet hole at the tip for dispensing the sauce. Using such a cartridge allows for a single application of sauce to the target, but does not allow for the simultaneous application of multiple sauce applications spread across the target's surface.

[0005] Dispensing cartridges with multiple outlet holes at the tip allow the sauce to be dispensed, creating several simultaneous sauce spots distributed across the target. Such dispensing cartridges are commonly used, for example, in the fast-food industry to facilitate even sauce distribution on the surface of a hamburger bun.

[0006] Typically, the outlet holes are sealed by flexible fins which spread apart to allow the sauce to escape, under the pressure of the sauce in the cartridge, when the piston moves, but return to their original position, in the absence of pressure in the cartridge, to prevent untimely flow of sauce out of the cartridge.

[0007] Among the various dispensing cartridge models available on the market for sauce manufacturing, some models require highly complex and expensive equipment and / or tooling. The high cost of this tooling can be a barrier preventing sauce producers from packaging their sauces in such cartridges. This is particularly true of the cartridge solution described in prior art document US201314107569A.

[0008] The inventors also observed that pressing the piston of a dispensing cartridge with multiple outlet holes could cause sauce to be sprayed from the different outlet holes in non-parallel directions. This lack of parallelism in the sauce spray creates uncertainty regarding the location of the sauce's impact on the target. The distribution of sauce spots thus depends, in particular, on the distance between the cartridge and the target, which can lead to uneven distribution of sauce on the target.

[0009] Furthermore, the inventors have observed, on several occasions, substantial differences between the quantities of sauce coming out of the different outlet holes of a dispensing cartridge, when the piston is pressed, although these outlet holes are sized identically.

[0010] Such a lack of distribution of the sauce between the different outlet holes results in a poor distribution of sauce tasks on the target.

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, the invention aims to provide dispensing cartridges suitable for containing a viscous semi-liquid food product, such as a sauce, which can be easily implemented by sauce manufacturers.

[0013] Another objective of the invention, according to at least one of the embodiments, is to provide such a dispensing cartridge which allows the simultaneous distribution of several sauce tasks onto a target, the distribution of the sauce tasks onto the target being homogeneous, predictable and stable.

[0014] A particular objective of the invention is to provide such a cartridge which ensures a homogeneous distribution of the quantity of food product exiting each of the outlet holes.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a cartridge compatible with viscous semi-liquid food products containing pieces.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide such a cartridge which effectively prevents the dripping of viscous semi-liquid food fluid through the outlet holes at its end, in the absence of pressure on its piston.

[0017] These objectives, as well as others which will become clearer later, are achieved using a dispensing cartridge suitable for being filled with a viscous semi-liquid food product, the cartridge comprising: a casing, having a hollow cylindrical main portion, centered on an axis of the cartridge, opening onto a substantially cylindrical neck, centered on an axis of the cartridge, defining an outlet opening of the casing, the peripheral wall of the neck having a screw thread, a piston, engaged in the main portion so as to close its section, the piston being able to slide in the main portion, a dispensing cap having a screw thread screwed onto the thread of the neck, and a sealing wall closing the outlet opening of the casing.

[0018] According to the invention, the sealing wall of the dispensing cap has a plurality of outlet holes suitable for allowing the passage of the food product through the dispensing cap.

[0019] According to one embodiment, all the outlet holes are located on the sealing wall at an equal distance from the axis of the cartridge, and are distributed angularly around the axis of the cartridge.

[0020] Preferably, the center of the outlet holes is located at a distance from the axis of the cartridge that is less than 25% of the diameter of the outlet opening.

[0021] Such positioning allows the food product to be projected from the different holes in directions that are substantially parallel to each other, which makes it possible to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the product on a support regardless of the distance separating the cartridge from that support.

[0022] According to another embodiment, one of the outlet holes is centered on the axis of the cartridge.

[0023] Preferably, each of the outlet holes is at least partially sealed by elastically deformable tabs, attached to the sealing wall at the periphery of the outlet hole, and extending radially towards the center of the outlet hole.

[0024] Preferably, each of the exit holes has a central light that cannot be closed by the tabs, the central light having a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0025] The central openings allow the outlet holes of a single cartridge to distribute the food product evenly onto a surface. They also ensure consistent and uniform application of the food product onto the surface.

[0026] Preferably, the central lumen has a diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0027] Advantageously, the central light has a surface area representing between 0.1% and 7% of the total surface area of ​​the outlet hole.

[0028] Advantageously, the central light has a surface area representing between 0.5% and 4% of the total surface area of ​​the outlet hole. Description of the figures

[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by figures including: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food product dispensing cartridge according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the casing of the dispensing cartridge. Figure 3 is a side and cross-sectional view of the casing of the dispensing cartridge. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the piston of the dispensing cartridge. Figure 5 is a side and cross-sectional view of the piston of the dispensing cartridge. Figure 6 is a rear view of the piston of the dispensing cartridge. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dispensing cap adaptable to the dispensing cartridge, according to a first embodiment. Figure 8 is a front view of the dispensing cap.This is a cross-sectional view of the distribution cap. This is a perspective view of a distribution cap adaptable to the distribution cartridge, according to a second embodiment. This is a front view of the distribution cap. This is a perspective view of a distribution cap adaptable to the distribution cartridge, according to a third embodiment. This is a front view of the distribution cap. This is a front detail view of an outlet hole of a distribution cap adaptable to the distribution cartridge, according to one possible embodiment. This is a front detail view of an outlet hole of a distribution cap adaptable to the distribution cartridge, according to another possible embodiment.

[0030] Lare represents in perspective a cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention, intended to contain a viscous semi-liquid food product such as a sauce.

[0031] This cartridge is made up according to the invention of three components: a casing 1, a piston 2, located inside the casing and represented in dotted lines on the, and a distribution cap 3.

[0032] These three components have cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical surfaces, which are centered on a common axis hereafter called the axis of the cartridge 10. The envelope 1, visible on the, is also represented by the in perspective, and by the in side view to the left of the axis of the cartridge 10, and in section view to the right of the axis of the cartridge 10.

[0033] This casing 1 is hollow and suitable for being filled with a viscous semi-liquid product such as a sauce. It can advantageously be made of polyethylene terephthalate (usually referred to by the acronym PET), with a thickness of approximately 0.4 mm.

[0034] This envelope 1 has a main portion 11, cylindrical and centered on the axis of the cartridge 10. This main portion 11 is open, at the level of a first end of the envelope, to form an opening called a "piston opening" 111 having a chamfered edge 112. This piston opening 111 allows the introduction into the main portion 11 of a piston 2 whose external diameter is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the main portion 11 of the envelope 1.

[0035] Near its second end, the casing 1 has a shoulder 12 separating the main portion 11 from a neck 13, which is generally cylindrical and centered on the axis of the cartridge 10. This neck 13 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main portion 11 and has a thread on its outer peripheral surface. This neck 13 defines an outlet opening 131 of the cartridge casing, through which the food product can be expelled.

[0036] Figure 1 represents in perspective the piston 2 intended to be inserted into the envelope 1. Figure 2 represents this piston 2 in side view, to the right of the axis of the cartridge 10, and in section view to the left of the axis of the cartridge 10. Figure 1 represents the rear face of this piston 2.

[0037] This piston 2 can advantageously be made of polypropylene. It has a cylindrical peripheral surface 21 with a diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the main portion 11 of the casing 1 so that the peripheral surface 21 follows the internal contour of the main portion 11, a front face 22 intended to be in contact with the food product contained in the cartridge, and a rear face 23 suitable for being pushed by the pressure means of a dispensing gun.

[0038] The front face 22 advantageously presents a quasi-cylindrical protuberance 221 projecting out in the middle of a peripheral portion 222. This protuberance 221 is intended to fill the inside of the neck 13 of the envelope 1, when the peripheral portion 222 of this front face 22 comes into contact with the inner face of a shoulder 12 of the envelope 1. Thus, when the piston 2 is fully pushed into the envelope 1, it can expel almost all of the food product contained in this envelope 1, including in the neck 13.

[0039] Figures 7 to 9 represent a distribution cap 3 adaptable to the distribution cartridge of the, according to a first embodiment, respectively in perspective view, front view and section view along an axis AA.

[0040] This dispensing cap 3 is intended to be screwed onto the neck 13 of the casing 1 to block the outlet opening 131. It can advantageously be made of polyethylene, preferably low-density polyethylene, with a thickness of approximately 1.5 to 2 mm. Alternatively, it can be made of polypropylene (usually designated by the acronym PP).

[0041] This distribution plug 3 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface 31, having an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the neck 13 of the envelope 1. It also has a sealing wall 32 intended, when the plug 3 is fixed on the neck 13, to extend along a plane normal to the axis of the cartridge 10 to seal the outlet opening 131.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, this dispensing cap 3 is pierced by three outlet holes 33, 34, and 35 for the passage of the food product. In this first embodiment, these three outlet holes 33, 34, and 35 are located equidistant from the axis of the cartridge 10 and are angularly distributed around this axis.

[0043] Figures 10 and 11 represent a distribution cap 3 adaptable to the distribution cartridge of the, according to a second embodiment, respectively in perspective view and front view.

[0044] This distribution plug 3 according to the second embodiment is essentially identical to the distribution plug 3 according to the first embodiment, only the number and position of the outlet holes differ. The numerical references used for this plug are therefore the same as for the first embodiment, except for the numerical references of the outlet holes.

[0045] According to this second embodiment, this dispensing cap 3 is pierced by five outlet holes 33, 34 and 35, 36 and 37 intended to allow the passage of the food product. One of these outlet holes is aligned with the axis of the cartridge 10 and the four other outlet holes 34, 35, 36 and 37 are located at equal distances from the axis of the cartridge 10, and distributed angularly around this axis.

[0046] Figures 12 and 13 represent a distribution cap 3 adaptable to the distribution cartridge of the, according to a third embodiment, respectively in perspective view and front view.

[0047] This distribution plug 3 according to the third embodiment is essentially identical to the distribution plug 3 according to the first embodiment, only the position of the outlet holes differs. The numerical references used for this plug are therefore the same as for the first embodiment.

[0048] According to this third embodiment, the dispensing cap 3 is pierced by three outlet holes 33, 34, and 35 for the passage of the food product. In this third embodiment, these three outlet holes 33, 34, and 35 are located equidistant from the axis of the cartridge 10 and are angularly distributed around this axis.

[0049] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the center of each of these outlet holes 33, 34, and 35 is located at a distance from the axis of the cartridge not exceeding 30% of the internal diameter of the outlet opening. The inventors observed, surprisingly, that outlet holes located near the periphery of the outlet opening generated projections of food product out of the cartridge, which were angled away from the axis of the cartridge.

[0050] According to another possible feature of the invention, the center of each of these outlet holes 33, 34 and 35 is located at a distance from the axis of the cartridge not exceeding 18 mm, and preferably not exceeding 15 mm.

[0051] Thus, for example, for the dispensing cap having three outlet holes 33, 34 and 35 whose centers are located at a distance from the axis of the cartridge 10 corresponding to approximately 36% of the internal diameter of the outlet opening 131, i.e. approximately 20 mm, it was observed that pressure on the piston 2 could generate projections of food product in directions forming angles of more than 45° with the axis of the cartridge 10, in directions moving the food product away from the axis of the cartridge 10. Such non-parallel projection directions between the different outlet holes 33, 34 and 35 do not allow the food product to be distributed homogeneously and predictably on the target.

[0052] On the other hand, for the distribution cap having three outlet holes 33, 34 and 35 whose centers are located at a distance from the axis of the cartridge 10 corresponding to about 27% of the internal diameter of the outlet opening 131, i.e. about 14 mm, it was observed that the projection directions by the different holes 33, 34 and 35 were almost parallel to each other, and parallel to the axis of the cartridge 10.

[0053] This solution, in which the dispensing cap 3 does not have a central hole but has several outlet holes distributed angularly at equal distances from the cartridge axis, with the distance between the center of each hole and the cartridge axis being less than 30% of the diameter of the outlet opening sealed by the dispensing cap 3, is therefore preferred. It allows for a homogeneous and predictable distribution of food product stains onto the target.

[0054] This is a detailed, front view of an outlet hole 4 of a dispensing plug 3 adaptable to the dispensing cartridge, according to one possible embodiment. Such an outlet hole can be integrated and is compatible with the dispensing plugs according to the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 13.

[0055] This exit hole 4 is formed in a thinned area of ​​the obturation wall 32, delimited by the circle 320. At the level of the thinned area, which may have a diameter of approximately 15 mm, the thickness of the obturation wall 32 may, for example, be 0.5 mm, while it is 1.5 mm around this thinned area. The exit hole 4 is produced by a star-shaped cut in this thinned area, along cut lines 41 extending radially from the center 40 of the thinned area to the circle 320. This cut forms, at the level of the thinned area, a plurality of flexible tabs 42 connected to the obturation wall 32 at the circle 320 and extending radially towards the center 40 of the thinned area. The 42 strips can be distributed regularly and symmetrically around the center 40 of the thinned area.

[0056] The free end of each of these tabs 42 can move elastically under the pressure of the food product contained in the cartridge 1, to uncover the outlet hole and allow the food product to pass through. When the pressure is removed, the tabs 42 return to their original position to at least partially close the hole and prevent the food product from passing through.

[0057] The fins, the number of which can for example be between 3 and 8, can advantageously be distributed regularly around the outlet hole.

[0058] Figure 1 is a detailed front view of an outlet hole 4 of a dispensing plug 3 adaptable to the dispensing cartridge, according to another possible embodiment of the invention. Such an outlet hole can be integrated and is compatible with the dispensing plugs according to the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 13.

[0059] This exit hole 4 is also made at the level of a thinned area of ​​the obturator wall 32, the dimensions of which may be identical to those of the hole represented by the. The exit hole 4 is also produced by a star-shaped cut of this thinned area along cut lines 41 to form a plurality of flexible tabs 42, distributed regularly and symmetrically around the center 40 of the thinned area, connected to the obturator wall 32 at the level of the circle 320 and extending radially towards the center 40 of the thinned area.

[0060] This outlet hole 4, according to the embodiment shown by lase, differs from the outlet hole 4 shown by lapar the presence of a central opening 43, which cannot be closed by the tabs 42. This central opening 43 may advantageously have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, and preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. This central opening 43 may, for example, be formed by cutting the portion of the tabs 42 that is closest to the center 40 of the thinned area.

[0061] According to another possible definition of the invention, the central light of the outlet hole 4, which is not closable by the tabs, can represent between 0.1% and 7%, and preferably between 0.5% and 4% of the surface of this hole, the portion of this passage hole which is closable by the tabs representing between 99.9% and 93%, and preferably between 99.5% and 96% of the surface of this hole.

[0062] The inventors were surprised to find that the presence of such a central light 43 made it possible to homogenize, very effectively, the quantity of food product exiting through the different outlet holes of the same dispensing cap 3. They also found that the presence of such a central light 43 had only a negligible impact on the dripping of food product out of the cartridge, in the absence of pressure on the piston 2. Indeed, it appeared that the presence of such a light made it possible to avoid maintaining residual pressure in the food product contained in the cartridge, which could generate dripping of this food product.

[0063] Thus, the inventors observed differences in the quantity of food product ejected from the various outlet holes of the same lid, ranging from one to three times the amount, with outlet holes similar to outlet hole 4 shown in Figure 1, without a central opening. Under similar conditions, with outlet holes similar to outlet hole 4 shown in Figure 1, but with a central opening 43 with a diameter of 2 mm, they observed much smaller differences in the quantity of product ejected from the different outlet holes, the largest spot containing a maximum of 30% more product than the smallest spot. It also appeared that outlet hole 4 shown in Figure 1 is less likely to become clogged than outlet hole 4 shown in Figure 2, particularly when the food product in the cartridge contains solid pieces.

[0064] Advantageously, the implementation of a dispensing cap 3 screwed onto the neck 13 of the envelope 1 allows the outlet opening 131 to be easily sealed by a lid welded to the edge of the neck 13. The use of the cartridge then requires a user to remove the dispensing cap 3 to remove the lid, and then screw the dispensing cap 3 back on. This configuration helps to better guarantee the food safety of the contents of the dispensing cartridge.

Claims

Dispensing cartridge suitable for being filled with a viscous semi-liquid food product, said cartridge comprising: a casing (1), having a hollow cylindrical main portion (11), centered on an axis of the cartridge (10), opening onto a substantially cylindrical neck (13), centered on an axis of the cartridge, defining an outlet opening (131) of said casing, the peripheral wall of said neck having a screw thread, a piston (2), engaged in said main portion (11) so as to close its section, said piston (2) being suitable for sliding in said main portion (11), a dispensing cap (3) having a screw thread screwed onto the screw thread of said neck, and a sealing wall (32) closing said outlet opening (131) of said casing (1),characterized in that said sealing wall (32) of said dispensing cap (3) has a plurality of outlet holes (4) suitable for allowing the passage of said food product through said dispensing cap (32). Distribution cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that all of said outlet holes (4) are located, on said sealing wall (32), at an equal distance from said axis of the cartridge (10), and are distributed angularly around said axis of the cartridge (10). Distribution cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the center of said outlet holes (4) is located at a distance from said axis of the cartridge (10) which is less than 25% of the diameter of said outlet opening (131). Distribution cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that one of said outlet holes (4) is centered on said axis of the cartridge (10). Dispensing cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said outlet holes (4) is at least partially closed by elastically deformable tabs (42), attached to said sealing wall (32) at the periphery of said outlet hole (4), and extending radially towards the center of said outlet hole (4). Distribution cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that each of said outlet holes (4) has a central light (43) not closable by said tabs (42), said central light having a diameter between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. Distribution cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that said central light (43) has a diameter between 1 mm and 3 mm. Dispensing cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said central light (43) has a surface area representing between 0.1% and 7% of the total surface area of ​​said outlet hole. Distribution cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that said central light (43) has a surface area representing between 0.5% and 4% of the total surface area of ​​said outlet hole (4).

Images