Bag-in-container with prepressurized space between inner bag and outer container

Abstract

Bag-in-container having an inner layer forming a bag filled with a fluid, the bag being separatable from an outer layer forming the container. The bag-in-container has a mouth fluidly connecting the volume defined by the bag to the atmosphere and separated therefrom by a seal. The container further having at least one space vent fluidly connecting the space between inner and outer layers and to the atmosphere. A vent provides a closure to control the gas flow between the space and the atmosphere. The space contains an amount of gas (V s,i ) at a pressure (P i ) insufficient to compress the bag to drive out more than 80% of the fluid contained therein. The present invention also concerns a kit of parts including a bag-in-container and a dispensing appliance.

1 . Bag-in-container comprising an inner layer forming a bag filled with a fluid, said bag being separatable from an outer layer forming the container, and further comprising a mouth fluidly connecting the volume defined by the bag to the atmosphere and separated therefrom by sealing means, said container further comprising at least one space vent fluidly connecting the space between inner and outer layers and to the atmosphere, characterized in that, said vent comprises closing means able to control the gas flow between the space and the atmosphere and in that the space contains an amount of gas (V S,i ) at a pressure (P i ) insufficient to compress the bag to drive out more than 80% of the fluid contained therein. 
     
     
         2 . Bag-in-container according to  claim 1 , wherein the closing means open when the pressure in the space falls below a given value and/or when the external pressure is higher by a given value than the pressure in the space. 
     
     
         3 . Bag-in-container according to  claim 1 , wherein the closing means can be punctured. 
     
     
         4 . Bag-in-container according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure (P i ) of the gas confined in space is comprised between 0.1 and 6 bar above atmospheric. 
     
     
         5 . Bag-in-container according to  claim 1 , wherein the initial volume (V S,i ) of the space is less than 10%, preferably, less than 5%, most preferably, less than 1% of the total container volume (V C ). 
     
     
         6 . Bag-in-container according to  claim 1 , which is obtainable by integrally blowmoulding two polymeric performs together. 
     
     
         7 . Bag-in-container according  claim 1 , wherein the fluid contained in the bag is a beverage, preferably a carbonated and/or fermented beverage. 
     
     
         8 . Kit of parts comprising a bag-in-container according to  claim 1  and an appliance fitting the bag-in-container and comprising a dispensing duct with means for connecting it to the mouth of the bag-in-container and an external source of pressurized gas with means for connecting it to a vent and for cooperating with the closing means, when additional pressure is required to drive the fluid out of the inner bag. 
     
     
         9 . Kit of parts according to  claim 8 , wherein the means for connecting the vent to the external source of pressurized gas and for cooperating with the closing means comprises puncturing means for creating a fluid connection through vent between the external source of pressurized gas and the space, and further comprising a valve for controlling the gas flow into space. 
     
     
         10 . Kit of parts according to  claim 8 , wherein the external source of pressurized gas is a cartridge of pressurized or liquefied gas, preferably, CO 2  or N 2 . 
     
     
         11 . Kit of parts according to  claim 8 , wherein dispensing duct comprises a valve for controlling the fluid flow out of the inner bag. 
     
     
         12 . Kit of parts according to  claim 8 , for the dispensing of a beverage, preferably a soft drink or beer.