[0001] The invention relates to a disposable package for storing and transporting a liquid
or viscous product such as for instance a chocolate concentrate and for dispensing
said product in portions through a dispenser, said package comprising a rigid and
load bearing outer cover, a flexible and tight bag situated within said cover, and
a stub provided with a valve system.
[0002] Disposable packages of the above type are known which comprise a flexible, tight,
inner bag. A product such as for instance coffee may be stored in this bag. The bag
is situated in a rigid outer cover ensuring the necessary mechanical strength of the
package during transport and storage. This known package can be opened through cutting,
but it does not comprise a particular dispensing nozzle with an associated fixing
means for emptying the package in a dispenser, and upon cutting up the package does
not close automatically. The flexibility of the inner bag is not utilized either during
the emptying procedure.
[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a disposable package of the above type,
which can protect the packed product against bumps and impacts without leaking, and
which can be opened and subsequently mounted in a dispenser for dispensing the packed
product in portions in an easier and more hygienic manner than previously, and which
simultaneously closes automatically in such a manner that the product is ensured a
long storability in the dispenser after the package has been opened, and which furthermore
can be almost completely emptied, which minimizes the waste.
[0004] The disposable package for storing and transporting a liquid or viscous product is
according to the invention characterised in that the valve system comprises a cap-shaped
body made of a resilient material, preferably rubber or plastics, and connectable
to a filling opening in the dispenser, and which forms a nozzle after a local cutting
up, the product being dispensable from the inner bag through said nozzle when the
package is positioned in the dispenser in such a manner that the nozzle engages the
filling opening correctly. Previously it was rather difficult to open the package
and to decant the contents into another container or to secure a particular dispensing
tube on the inner bag. This procedure has now been avoided, whereby the package is
easy to.use at the same time as the highest degree of hygiene is obtained since the
packed product never touches non-sterile equipment.
[0005] According to the invention the nozzle may comprise a nozzle slit defined by two opposing
lips on two opposing mouth members, said mouth members being of such a thickness and
formed in such a manner that the lips are pressed together by a closing force which
is so insignificant that the nozzle slit is opened when the nozzle is subjected to
a low pressure at the activation of the dispenser in its filling opening, while the
closing force, however, is so great that the nozzle slit is maintained tightly closed
without leaking when the nozzle is subjected to atmospheric pressure. As a result,
the dispensing nozzle closes automatically in such a manner that atmospheric air cannot
be sucked into the inner bag and influence the packed product. Consequently, the storability
of the packed product is not restricted due to for instance rancidying.
[0006] Moreover according to the invention fixing means may be provided on the inner bag
preferably on or at the stub so as to ensure the correct position of the nozzle relative
to the outer cover and consequently so as to ensure a correct engagement between the
nozzle and the filling opening, whereby these fixing means can be made engaging guiding
recesses in the outer cover. During the storage and transport the valve system can
therefore be completely packed in the outer cover so as to be taken out and fixed
on the outer cover when the package is to be used. The mounting of the package in
the dispenser can subsequently be carried out in a very easy manner, viz. merely by
positioning the package with the nozzle facing downwards on a ledge in the dispenser.
[0007] Furthermore according to the invention the fixing means on the inner bag may be formed
by two radially projecting flanges situated on the stub and fixing the nozzle vertically
relative to the outer cover, as well as by the preferably cylindrical part provided
between said flanges of the stub and fixing the nozzle horizontally relative to the
outer cover. In this manner a particularly simple and advantageous embodiment of the
fixing means is obtained at the same time as these fixing means are reliably connected
to the inner bag.
[0008] In addition according to the invention the guiding recesses in the outer cover may
be shaped in at least one bottom panel, preferably a first, a second, and a third
bottom panel initially folded about 180° inwards along a first set of folding lines
at the rim of the cover and subsequently about 90° in opposite direction along a second
set of folding lines, and these two sets of folding lines may be interspaced in such
a manner that the nozzle engages the filling opening of the dispenser correctly when
the fixing means on the inner bag engage the guiding recesses on the outer cover and
said cover is situated in the dispenser. As a result, the valve system can easily
be situated in the outer cover, the bottom panels being opened and the valve system
being pulled out of the cover, whereafter the bottom panels are closed again in such
a manner that their guiding recesses close about the stub. The vertical position of
the nozzle in the outer cover is simultaneously determined in a simple and advantageous
manner through a suitable choice of the distance between the two sets of folding lines.
[0009] Moreover according to the invention the guiding recesses in the outer cover may be
formed substantially as a keyhole, the greatest width of which at least corresponds
to the projecting flange of the stub, and the stub may thus be inserted on the broadest
location of the keyhole-shaped recess and subsequently displaced into the fixing position
at the narrowest location of the keyhole-shaped recess, the width of the recess corresponding
to the outer diameter of the stub between the projecting flanges thereof on said narrowest
location. In this manner the nozzle can be positioned quickly and easily in the correct
position relative to the outer cover.
[0010] Furthermore according to the invention the keyhole-shaped guiding recess in the third
bottom panel may be adapted in such a manner that a locking flap is left at the recess,
which preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess can be folded
upwards about a folding line at the broadest portion of the recess, whereby the stub
can be inserted into the recess and the locking flap subsequently can be folded downwards
into the plane of the bottom panel in such a manner that the stub is locked therein
by the locking flap when it is displaced into its fixing position. As a result, the
nozzle can in a simple and advantageous manner be fixed and retained in the correct
position within the outer cover.
[0011] In addition according to the invention the inner bag may be made of a preferably
airtight sheet laminate for instance made of metal and plastics and being heat-resistant
and of a permanent shape up to 90°C, and the stub may be hermetically connected to
said sheet laminate through heat contact welding, heat electro-magnetic percussion
welding or other joining methods. In this manner for instance hot chocolate concentrate
can be filled into the inner bag, and the packed product be protected against the
influence of the air, whereby said product does not loose its storability for instance
through rancidying. As the inner bag is flexible it can collapse about the packed
product when the nozzle is subjected to a low pressure in the filling opening of the
dispenser, whereby said packed product is pressed out completely and the waste is
mi- nimized.
[0012] Moreover according to the invention the nozzle may initially be provided with a nozzle
slit, and said nozzle slit may be tightly closed by means of a closing means such
as a cap or a tape during the storing and the transport of the package. This embodiment
comprises the advantage that the nozzle slit can be shaped simultaneously with the
manufacturing of the nozzle in such a manner that the slit is not infected later on
through cutting by means of for instance a non-sterile knife.
[0013] Finally according to the invention the nozzle may be made of a resilient material
standing up to radiation sterilization and being resistant to foodstuffs, the material
hardness being in the range of 40-70 shore, preferably 50-60 shore. In this manner
the nozzle can pack tightly in the filling opening of the dispenser when the package
is situated in the dispenser. Furthermore the slit can open and close resiliently,
and foodstuffs stored in the inner bag obtain a long storability because the nozzle
can be completely sterilized through radiation sterilization.
[0014] The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawing,
in which
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a disposable package according to the invention
situated in a dispenser, partly in section,
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the disposable package of Figure 1, whereby the
dispensing nozzle has been cut up,
Figure 3 is on a larger scale an axial sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing
nozzle for the disposable package according to the invention,
Figure 4 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3,
Figure 5 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 3,
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 3,
Figure 7 is a top view of the disposable package according to the invention with the
third bottom panel folded horizontally outwards,
Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 7, the third bottom panel, however, being folded into
its position and the valve system being inserted into a first position in guiding
recesses in the bottom panels, and
Figure 9 corresponds to Figure 8, the valve system being displaced into the fixing
position and here locked by a locking flap folded downwards.
[0015] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a disposable package 1 comprising an outer, rigid cover
2 and a flexible and tight bag 3 situated within the cover. A stub 4 provided with
a valve system 5 is secured on the bag.
[0016] The outer cover 2 is made of a sheet material such as for instance fiberboard, cardboard
or plastics cut into shape, whereafter the cover 2 is formed through folding about
a plurality of folding lines. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the cover 2 comprises
four horizontal side panels 6 forming a rectangular tube member, as well as four rectangular
bottom panels situated at each opening of said tube member. The bottom panels can
be folded inwards about folding lines along the rim portions of the side panels in
such a manner that the cover is closed. The four lowermost bottom panels 7 form the
bottom of the cover 2 and are secured when folded into their position against one
another, e.g. by means of tape. The four uppermost bottom panels 8, 9, 10, and 11
can be folded outwards about folding lines along the uppermost rim portions of the
side panels 6 in such a manner that the inner bag 3 can be inserted in the cover 2
whereafter the bottom panels 8, 9, 10, and 11 can be folded inwards so as to close
the cover. One of the uppermost bottom panels is formed as a cover 11 forming the
uppermost defining surface of the package when closed. The cover comprises a cover
fold 12 in which a slit 13 is cut. When the cover 12 is closed a locking panel 14
cut out at the top of the side panel 6 opposing the folding line of the cover 11 can
be folded upwards in such a manner that a locking panel fold 15 engages the slit 13
in the cover fold 12. In this manner the cover 11 is locked and the package 1 is ready
for storing and transporting purposes.
[0017] The inner bag 3 is made of a flexible and tight laminate of sheet of for instance
metal and plastics or of paper. The bag serves to store the product such as for instance
chocolate concentrate to be packed. The product is filled in through the stub 4, whereafter
the bag is closed by means of the valve system 5. The filled inner bag is subsequently
inserted in the outer cover which is closed and locked as explained above.
[0018] The stub 4 is preferably made of plastics and is in the embodiment of Figures 1 and
2 of a circular cross section with a substantially cylindrical opening. The opening
can be closed by means of the valve system which in the embodiment of Figures 1 and
2 is a plug member 16 preferably made of rubber or plastics, and a cover-shaped body
17 also preferably made of rubber or plastics. The inner bag 3 is closed by the plug
member 16 and the associated cover-shaped body 17 being pressed tightly downwards
into the opening of the stub 4.
[0019] When the filled package is to be used, i.e. used in a dispenser, the locking panel
fold 15 is pulled out of the slit 13, a flap 18 on the locking panel 14 being subjected
to a pull. Subsequently, the cover 11 is opened, and both the cover and the locking
panel 14 are folded downwards along the side panels 6 of the outer cover 2 or carefully
torn off. Subsequently, the stub 4 and the associated valve system 5 is pulled out
of the outer cover 2 and secured to said cover by means of fixing means 19, 20, 21
engaging guiding recesses 22, 23, 24 in the bottom panels 8, 9, 10. The bottom wall
of the cover-shaped body is cut through by means of a knife which for instance comprises
a blade of a knife displaceable in a key-shaped handle. As a result, the cover-shaped
body is converted into a nozzle 17 with a neacle slit 29 allowing dispensin; of the
packed product from the inner bag.
[0020] The bag opened in the above manner forms now a unit which can be used directly in
a dispenser 25 merely by turning the package and positioning said package with the
nozzle facing downwards on a ledge 26 on the dispenser, i.e. without necessitating
a decanting of any kind or a mounting of further members. The fixing means 19, 20,
21 engaging the guiding recesses 22, 23, 24 allow such a positioning of the nozzle
17 in the outer cover that said nozzle engages the filling opening 27 of the dispenser
25, said filling opening being adapted to be connectable to the nozzle. The disposable
package according totheinvention is therefore easier to use than the previous packages,
and as the packed product does not touch non-sterile equipment, the highest degree
of hygiene is obtained.
[0021] The activation of the dispenser 25 causes a low pressure in its filling opening 27,
said low pressure opening the nozzle slit 29. This low pressure propagates to the
interior of the bag 3 in such a manner that under the influence of the ambient atmospheric
pressure the bag is pressed together about the packed product which is thereby pressed
out through the open nozzle slit 29 of the nozzle 17 and downwards into the filling
opening 27 of the dispenser 25.
[0022] Figures 3 to 6 illustrate the cover-shaped body
17. Initially this body serves to close for the filled inner bag 3. Upon cutting up
in the bottom of a groove 30 this body can be converted into a nozzle 17 with the
nozzle slit 29 defined by two opposing lips 31 on two opposing mouth members 32. The
groove 30 serves partly to guide the knife used for cutting the nozzle slit 29 in
such a manner that this operation can be performed in the easiest possible manner,
and partly to lower the nozzle slit 29 a distance downwards into the surrounding mouth
members 32. Each mouth member comprises a bevelling 33 extending parallel to the groove
30 and determining the thickness of the mouth members. This bevelling has been chosen
in such a manner that the mouth members press the lips 31 together about the nozzle
29 by a closing force which is so insignificant that the nozzle slit 29 is opened
when the nozzle 17 in the filling opening 27 of the dispenser 25 is subjected to a
low pressure, while the closing force, however, is sufficiently great for keeping
the slit tightly closed when the nozzle is subjected to atmospheric pressure. As the
nozzle consequently opens at activation of the dispenser and closes again immediately
at deactivation of the dispenser, the disposable package according to the invention
can be used for dispensing of the packed product in portions. At the same time a long
storability in the dispenser is obtained as the nozzle 17 closes immediately upon
removal of the low pressure, whereby it is avoided that air is sucked into the inner
bag. Such air might otherwise influence the packed product and thereby limit the storability
thereof, e.g. through rancidying.
[0023] The cover-shaped body 17 comprises a preferably cylindrical recess 34, the diameter
of which is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of an inner upright stub member
(not shown) on the plug member 16. The cover-shaped body 17 is assembled with the
plug member 16 by the stub member thereof being pressed into the recess of the cover-shaped
body. In this manner the valve system of Figures 1 and 2 appear. As long as the cover-shaped
body 17 is not cut up, this valve system serves to close the filled inner bag, said
valve system being pressed into the stub 4 in a tight and solid connection. As mentioned
above, the cover-shaped body is converted into a nozzle 17 through cutting, and this
nozzle is thus situated in a solid connection with the stub 4 from the beginning.
[0024] The stub 4 comprises two projecting flanges 19 and 21, cf. Figures 1 and 2. These
flanges fix the nozzle 17 vertically in the outer cover 2, the stub 4 being situated
in the guiding recesses 22, 23, 24 with the flange 19 on the inner side of the bottom
panels 8, 9, 10 and the flange 21 on the outer side of these bottom panels. The cylindrical
part 20 on the stub 4 between the flanges 19 and 21 fix thereby the nozzle 17 horizontally
in the outer cover 2.
[0025] Initially the bottom panels 8, 9, 10 are folded about 180
0 inwards along a first set of folding lines 35, 36, 37, cf. Figures 1, 2, and 7, and
subsequently about 90° in opposite direction along a second set of folding lines 38,
39, 40. Through this folding the bottom panels 8, 9, 10 are lowered into the outer
cover 2 at a distance corresponding to the distance between the two sets of folding
lines. When the package is positioned in the dispenser, cf. Figure 1, it stands therefore
reliably by only the rim portions of the cover 2 resting on the ledge of the dispenser.
The latter is due to the fact that the two sets of folding lines are interspaced in
such a manner that the stub 4 and the plug member 16 do not project so far from the
bottom panels that they touch the ledge_26 of the dispenser 25, whereas the nozzle
17 projects so far that it engages the filling opening 27 correctly. This engagement
connecting the package to the dispenser is therefore established quite simply merely
by placing the opened package on the ledge 26 of the dispenser 25 with the nozzle
facing downwards.
[0026] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show how the fixing means 19, 20, and 21 are situated in a particularly
advantageous, keyhole-shaped embodiment of the guiding recesses 22, 23, and 24. Figure
7 shows the guiding recesses 22, 23 in the first and the second bottom panel 8, 9,
respectively, both folded into their position, and the guiding recess 24 in the third
bottom panel 10 folded horizontally outwards. In Figures 8 and 9 this bottom panel
10 is folded about the folding lines 37, 40 into its position above the bottom panels
8, 9. Then the guiding recesses 22, 23, 24 act as a keyhole-shaped guide 41 for the
valve system 5. A locking flap 42 is furthermore left in the recess 24 of the bottom
panel 10, said locking flap being upwardly foldable about a folding line 23 at the
broadest end of the recess 24.
[0027] The width of the guide 41 is at its broadest end greater than the diameter of the
flange 21 of the stub 4. Consequently, when the valve system 5 is to be positioned
in the keyhole-shaped guide 41, the locking flap 42 is initially folded upwards about
the folding line 43, and the stub 4 with the associated valve system 5 is then inserted
upwards through the guide 41 on the broadest location thereof with the flange 19 of
the stub 4 on the inner side of the bottom panels 8, 9, 10 and the flange 21 of the
stub 4 on the outer side thereof. Now the stub 4 is in the first position shown in
Figure 8 in the keyhole-shaped guide 41. Subsequently, the stub 4 is displaced from
this position into the fixing position in the opposite end of the keyhole-shaped guide
41, where the width of the guide corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical
part 20 of the stub 4. Finally, the locking flap 42 is folded downwards into the plane
of the bottom panel 10 whereby the stub 4 is locked in the fixing position shown in
Figure 9. Instead of pulling the valve system upwards through the keyhole-shaped guide
41, the bottom panels can initially be opened in such a manner that it is easy to
take out the valve system from the cover 2. Subsequently, the bottom panels can be
folded again into their position with the guiding recesses 22, 23, 24 engaging the
fixing means 19, 20, 21 of the stub 4. The third bottom panel 10 appears in the outermost
position relative to the bottom panels 8, 9 in Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. The bottom
panel may, however, also be positioned in the innermost position without thereby changing
the effect of the guiding recesses 22, 23, 24.
[0028] The inner bag 3 is made of a preferably airtight, flexible sheet laminate, which
in sequence from the inside and out may comprise for instance a plastic film of a
thickness of 70 µ, a plastic film of a thickness of 12 p, an aluminium film of a thickness
of 8 u, and a plastic film of a thickness of 40 p, and whereby the plastic film used
is heat-resistant and of a permanent shape up to 90°C. In this manner the inner bag
3 can stand filling of for instance hot chocolate concentrate up to this temperature.
The flexibility of the sheet laminate allows the inner bag 3 to collapse completely
about the packed product when the package is used in the dispenser, and it can therefore
be completely emptied almost without waste.
[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment according to the invention the nozzle 17
is initially provided with a nozzle slit 29. During the storage and the transport
this slit is closed by a cap or a tape which is removed when the package is to be
used in the dispenser. As materials standing radiation sterilization are used for
the nozzle, the nozzle slit 29 can be sterilized simultaneously with the nozzle 17
in such a manner that the nozzle slit 29 too is completely sterile when the package
is used in the dispenser. Care should be taken that it is not infected at a cutting
up by means of a non-sterile knife.
[0030] The nozzle 17 is made of a flexible material of a hardness in the range of 40-70
shore, preferably 50-60 shore. This hardness allows at a suitable thickness of the
material of the mouth members 32 of the nozzle 17 an opening of the nozzle slit 29
when the nozzle 17 is subjected to a low pressure in the filling opening 27 of the
dispenser 25. Simultaneously the hardness allows a closing of the slit without a leak
when the nozzle 17 is subjected to atmospheric pressure. Furthermore the nozzle 17
can tightly abut the walls of the dispenser opening 27 through resilient deformation,
when the package is positioned in the dispenser though the dispenser openings are
not completely identical.
[0031] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Thus the outer cover may for
instance be hexagonal or round, and the nozzle and the fixing means and the guiding
recesses in the bottom panels may be formed in many other ways without thereby deviating
from the scope of the invention.
1. A disposable package for storing and transporting a liquid or viscous product such
as for instance a chocolate concentrate and for dispensing said product in portions
through a dispenser (25), said package (1) comprising a rigid and load bearing outer
cover (2), a flexible and tight bag (3) situated within said cover, and a stub (4)
provided with a valve system (5), characterised in that the valve system (5) comprises
a cap-shaped body (17) made of a resilient material, preferably rubber or plastics,
and connectable to a filling opening (27) in the dispenser (25), and which forms a
nozzle (17) after a local cutting up, the product being dispensable from the inner
bag (3) through said nozzle when the package (1) is positioned in the dispenser (25)
in such a manner that the nozzle (17) engages the filling opening (27) correctly.
2. A disposable package as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the nozzle (17)
comprises a nozzle slit (29) defined by two opposing lips (31) on two opposing mouth
members (32), said mouth members (32) being of such a thickness and formed in such
a manner that the lips (31) are pressed together by a closing force which is so insignificant
that the nozzle slit (29) is opened when the nozzle (17) is subjected to a low pressure
at the activation of the dispenser in its filling opening (27), while the closing
force, however, is so great that the nozzle slit (29) is maintained tightly closed
without leaking when the nozzle (17) is subjected to atmospheric pressure.
3. A disposable package as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that fixing means
(19, 20, 21) are provided on the inner bag (3) preferably on or at the stub (4) so
as to ensure the correct position of the nozzle (17) relative to the outer cover and
consequently so as to ensure a correct engagement between the nozzle (17) and the
filling opening (27), whereby these fixing means (19, 20, 21) can be made engaging
guiding recesses (22, 23, 24) in the outer cover.
4. A disposable package as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the fixing
means (19, 20, 21) on the inner bag (3) are formed by two radially projecting flanges
(19 and 21) situated on the stub (4) and fixing the nozzle (17) vertically relative
to the outer cover (2), as well as by the preferably cylindrical part (20) provided
between said flanges (19 and 21) of the stub (4) and fixing the nozzle (17) horizontally
relative to the outer cover (2).
5. A disposable package as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 4,
characterised in that the guiding recesses (22, 23, 24) in the outer cover (2) are
shaped in at least one bottom panel, preferably a first (8), a second (9), and a third
(10) bottom panel initially folded about 180° inwards along a first set of folding
lines (35, 36, 37) at the rim of the cover (2) and subsequently about 90° in opposite
direction along a second set of folding lines (38, 39, 40), and that these two sets
of folding lines are interspaced in such a manner that the nozzle (17) engages the
filling opening (27) of the dispenser (25) correctly when the fixing means (19, 20,
21) on the inner bag (3) engage rhe guiding recesses (22, 23, 24) on the outer cover
(2) and said cover is situated in the dispenser (25).
6. A disposable package as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 5,
characterised in that the guiding recesses (22, 23, 24) in the outer cover (2) are
formed substantially as a keyhole (41), the greatest width of which at least corresponds
to the projecting flange (21) of the stub (4), and that the stub (4) thus can be inserted
on the broadest location of the keyhole-shaped recess (41) and subsequently displaced
into the fixing position at the narrowest location of the keyhole-shaped recess (41),
the width of the recess corresponding to the outer diameter of the stub (4) between
the projecting flanges (19 and 21) thereof on said narrowest location.
7. A disposable package as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 6,
characterised in that the keyhole-shaped guiding recess (24) in the third bottom panel
(10) is adapted in such a manner that a locking flap (42) is left at the recess, which
preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess can be folded upwards
about a folding line (43) at the broadest portion of the recess, whereby the stub
(4) can be inserted into the recess and the locking flap subsequently can be folded
downwards into the plane of the bottom panel in such a manner that the stub (4) is
locked therein by the locking flap (42) when it is displaced into its fixing position.
8. A dispoable package as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterised
in that the inner bag (3) is made of a preferably airtight sheet laminate for instance
made of metal and plastics and being heat-resistant and of a permanent shape up to
90°C, and that the stub (4) is hermetically connected with said sheet laminate through
heat contact welding, heat electro-magnetic percussion welding or other joining methods.
9. A disposable package as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the nozzle (17)
initially is provided with a nozzle slit (29), and that said nozzle slit (29) is tightly
closed by means of a closing means such as a cap or a tape during the storing and
the transport of the package (1).
10. A disposable package as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9,
characterised in that the nozzle (17) is made of a resilient material standing up
to radiation sterilization and being resistant to foodstuffs, the material hardness
being in the range of 40-70 shore, preferably 50-60 shore.