Device for dosed dispensing of a liquid from a composite container and method for filling the composite container ("liquid dispensing flair")

Abstract

A device for the dosed dispensing of a liquid is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the device can include a composite container including (i) a flexible inner container, in which a liquid can be provided, and (ii) a form-retaining outer container in which the inner container can be fixed. The device further comprises a tap unit which is connected to the composite container and which comprises an outflow channel and a valve. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the inner container has a dispensing opening and the outer container is provided with a neck enclosing the dispensing opening. Further, the inner container can be connected to the outer container both at the area of the dispensing opening as well as at a location remote from the dispensing opening. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the outer container can have an opening for introducing a displacing medium, such as, for example, air, at a location remote from the neck. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the tap unit can be sealably provided in the dispensing opening of the inner container. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a method for filling such a composite container with a liquid so as to be used in the described dispensing device can also be provided.

1 . A device for dispensing a liquid, comprising:
 a composite container comprising:
 a flexible inner container, in which a liquid can be provided; 
 a form-retaining outer container in which the inner container is fixed; and 
   a tap unit connected to the composite container, said tap unit comprising at least one outflow channel and an outflow valve,   wherein the inner container has a dispensing opening and the outer container is provided with a neck enclosing the dispensing opening,   wherein the inner container is connected to the outer container at the position of the dispensing opening and at least at one location remote from the dispensing opening,   wherein the outer container has at least one displacing medium intake opening at a location remote from the neck, and   wherein the tap unit is sealably provided in the dispensing opening of the inner container.   
     
     
         2 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner container is also connected to the outer container at the position of the displacement medium intake opening. 
     
     
         3 . The dispensing device of  claim 2 , wherein the inner container is connected to the outer container by means of a connecting element protruding through said intake opening. 
     
     
         4 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressurization unit connected to the intake opening of the outer container to pressurize a displacing medium. 
     
     
         5 . The dispensing device of  claim 4 , wherein the pressurization unit comprises one of: a motor-driven pump and an electric motor driven pump. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The dispensing device of  claim 5 , further comprising control means communicably connected to (i) the electric motor and to (ii) a sensor arranged to detect the pressure in the inner container. 
     
     
         8 . The dispensing device of  claim 4 , wherein the pressurization unit is releasably connected to the outer container. 
     
     
         9 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the tap unit comprises a stopper body receivable in the dispensing opening, said stopper body provided with a central opening into which the outflow valve can be received, and wherein the outflow channel extends substantially transversely to said central opening. 
     
     
         10 . The dispensing device of  claim 9 , further comprising a dip tube connected to the central opening and extending down into the inner container. 
     
     
         11 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the tap unit has an aerating opening connected to the outflow channel and an aerating valve, said aerating opening being closable by the aerating valve. 
     
     
         12 . The dispensing device of  claim 11 , wherein the aerating valve and the outflow valve can be operated in a determined sequence. 
     
     
         13 . The dispensing device of  claim 12 , further comprising a shared operating member co-acting with the aerating valve and the outflow valve. 
     
     
         14 . The dispensing device of  claim 11 , wherein the aerating opening is open to ambient air. 
     
     
         15 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein there is a displacing medium provided in a space between the inner container and the outer container. 
     
     
         16 . The dispensing device of  claim 11 , wherein the aerating opening is in gaseous communication with the displacing medium. 
     
     
         17 . The dispensing device of  claim 16 , further comprising an intermediate chamber that is:
 connected to the space between the inner and outer containers when the outflow valve is opened, and   connected to the outflow channel when the outflow valve is closed.   
     
     
         18 . The dispensing device of  claim 12 , wherein the sequence comprises:
 both the outflow valve and the aerating valve being closed;   the outflow valve being open and the aerating valve being closed;   the outflow valve being closed and the aerating valve being opened.   
     
     
         19 . A method for filling a composite container with a liquid, said composite container comprising an inner container and an outer container, the method comprising:
 connecting an intake opening of the outer container to a source of displacing medium;   filling a space between the inner container and the outer container with the displacing medium;   connecting a filling conduit for the liquid onto a dispensing opening of the inner container;   injecting the liquid through the dispensing opening into the inner container, such that the displacing medium is pushed out of the outer container through the intake opening;   releasing the filling conduit from the dispensing opening once the inner container has been filled; and   closing the dispensing opening by providing a tap unit therein.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the displacing medium is one of: air, pressurized air, a gas and a pressurized gas. 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the displacing medium is introduced into the space between the inner container and the outer container at a filling pressure, said filling pressure being a function of the pressure at which the liquid is injected into the inner container through the filling conduit. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the liquid comprises a gas dissolved in it, and the filling pressure is set to be greater than the saturation pressure of the gas in the liquid. 
     
     
         24 . The dispensing device of  claim 11 , wherein the outflow valve and the aerating valve are integrated in one unit. 
     
     
         25 . The dispensing device of  claim 24 , wherein the integrated unit is pivotally connected via a shaft to a shared operating tab. 
     
     
         26 . The dispensing device of  claim 25 , wherein said operating tab is tensioned by a spring so as to return to a resting position when released. 
     
     
         27 . The dispensing device of  claim 1 , further comprising an annular conduit running around the outside circumference of the outflow valve through which the liquid is sent during dispensing.