Container filling device

Abstract

A container filling device fills containers, in particular wine bottles and bag-in-box type containers, with fluid from a supply reservoir, for example a reservoir for containing homemade wine. The device includes a nozzle fixed above a movable carrier which supports the container to be filled thereon. The nozzle receives fluid from a pump controlled by a mechanism which dispenses a controlled volume of fluid into the container. The carrier is movable from a bottle position for supporting a wine bottle between the nozzle and carrier and a bag mode in which a bag holder is supported on the carrier which supports a bag from a bag-in-box container thereon with the spout of the bag in alignment with the nozzle.

1 . A container filling device for filling a container with fluid from a supply reservoir, the device comprising: 
 a nozzle for dispensing the fluid therefrom into the container;    a pump including an intake hose for communication with the supply reservoir and an outlet hose for communication with the nozzle; and    a carrier for supporting the container below the nozzle;    the carrier being operable in either a bottle mode in which the container comprises a conventional wine bottle supported between the nozzle and the carrier and a bag mode in which the container comprises a conventional wine bag having a spout supported in alignment with the nozzle.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein there is provided a control mechanism for operating the pump to dispense a control volume of fluid through the nozzle upon activation.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein there is provided a pressure relief valve coupled to the nozzle for shutting off flow to the nozzle when a prescribed pressure is exceeded, representative of the container being filled.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 2  wherein the controlled volume of fluid is adjustable.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein there is provided an override switch for operating the pump directly instead of through the controlled mechanism.  
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the carrier is biased upwardly toward the nozzle.  
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the carrier comprises a bottle guide including means for locating a bottle thereon concentrically with the nozzle.  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the carrier generally comprises a horizontal plate for supporting the container thereon to be moveable relative to the nozzle which is fixed in relation to the pump.  
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the carrier includes a bag holder selectively supported thereon in the bag mode, the bag holder comprising a base member and a spout support supported spaced above the base.  
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 9  wherein there is provided a height extension member for supporting the bag support on the carrier spaced upwardly towards the nozzle.  
   
   
       11 . The device according to  claim 10  wherein the carrier comprises a substantially horizontal plate supported on a post and wherein the height extension comprises a channel for slidably receiving the plate therein and a slot for slidably receiving the post therein.  
   
   
       12 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the nozzle is surrounded by frusto conical shaped sealing member.  
   
   
       13 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein the pressure relief valve includes an overflow hose to which flow is directed when the nozzle is closed.  
   
   
       14 . The device according to  claim 13  wherein there is provided a bottle holder for supporting a conventional wine bottle therein for receiving the overflow hose.  
   
   
       15 . A container filling device for filling a bag, having a spout and being supportable in a box, with fluid from a supply reservoir, the device comprising: 
 a nozzle for dispensing the fluid therefrom;    a pump including an intake hose for communication with the supply reservoir and an outlet hose for communication with the nozzle;    a carrier for supporting a bag thereon such that the spout is supported below the nozzle in alignment therewith; and    a control mechanism for operating the pump to dispense a controlled volume of fluid through the nozzle upon activation.    
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the control mechanism comprises a timer for operating the pump for a prescribed duration corresponding to a prescribed volume of fluid to be dispensed.  
   
   
       17 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the control volume of fluid of the controlled mechanism is adjustable.  
   
   
       18 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the nozzle is fixed in relation to the pump and the carrier is biased upwardly towards to nozzle.  
   
   
       19 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the controlled mechanism includes reset means for dispensing a subsequent controlled volume of fluid through the nozzle upon activation.  
   
   
       20 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the carrier is operable in a bottle mode in which the container comprises a conventional wine bottle supported between the nozzle and the carrier and a bag mode in which the container comprises a conventional wine bag having a spout supported in alignment with the nozzle.