EP2228317A1 - Germ-free drinking water dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a container (10) provided with a pressure compensation opening (12). A bag (14) is introduced in the container and is made of thermoplastic material i.e. polyethylene terephthalate. The bag is air-tightly closed at an upper end by a closure device i.e. closing snap ring, with an integrated guide pipe and a sterile foil i.e. thermoplastic foil. The closure device rests in the opening of the container in a custom-fit manner. A filling device penetrates the sterile foil during filling the bag. The closure device is closed by a cover (19) after filling the bag. An independent claim is also included for a kit having information for utilizing components of a fluid container manufacturing system.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a container for the removal of liquids, in particular water, consisting of an outer container and an inner bag for use in a liquid dispenser, further comprising a liquid container, in particular a water container and a bag therein, as a drinking water dispenser with reduced Nucleation can be used.

Under a water dispenser (also called water cooler) is a soft drink machine understood that (usually free of charge) gives off water and to hold appropriate small cups. Water dispensers are found mainly in companies and medical practices, increasingly as a service in department stores or supermarkets. They are available as table-top units, which can be used in tea kitchens, for example, as they are usually only slightly larger than a coffee machine, and as pedestals, whereby a distinction is made here between table-top units with a base cupboard and appliances in stainless steel pillars. You can choose from mostly still (ie without carbonic acid) uncooled, still cooled and carbonated water. There are cable-bound and non-wired water dispensers. The piped systems are connected to the water pipe, the water is removed via a simple button system. Unconductive systems typically use spring water or reverse osmosis water from large containers. Reverse osmosis water achieves good analytical results, but also loses all the characteristics of spring water, especially in terms of vital mineral content and natural taste. As with all equipment that comes in contact with food, regular cleaning is necessary because the problem of microbial contamination is omnipresent. There are, for example, extra directives such as the EBWA (European Bottled Water Association), GBWA (German Bottled Water Association) or the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), which provide a cleaning of the water dispenser. Recommended, for example, the taps and drip pans daily with special Clean cleaning cloths and / or hygiene spray. Larger companies offer maintenance services that meet the hygiene guidelines of the associations (at least twice a year, replacement of all water-contacting parts and pipes).

The guidelines for cleaning a water dispenser thus only provide for the cleaning of the mechanical parts of the water dispenser; However, they do not solve the problem of a possible contamination of the water itself. A possible contamination leads to a lack of acceptance of the water dispenser on the part of the consumer. Because the containers filled with water are supplied by suppliers and are often filled for a long time and unused, installed on the water dispenser. This inevitably leads to a more or less strong - depending on the frequency of water withdrawal and thus consumption of water - contamination of the water.

For other beverages, such as wine, it has been customary for some time to use so-called wine hoses. As a wine hose elastic containers are called, in which wine is traded and from which wine is tapped. Such wine hoses are usually made of plastic or aluminum foil. Often they are surrounded by a more or less decorative cardboard and have a dispensing device. Common sizes are 3 and 5 liters and are also called cubitainers in French. The international / technological name is Bag-In-Box. The dispensing device is designed so that although the wine leaves the hose, but it does not penetrate air. The tube is gradually evacuated, similar to a toothpaste tube that is expressed, without the wine remaining in the tube being able to oxidize. Thanks to the design of the tap, no oxygen can get inside, and the hose collapses more and more due to the vacuum at each tap. Therefore, it is possible to store or use the opened tube for up to a few months without the quality of the wine being lost.

It should be noted, however, that such hoses are surrounded by a cardboard box, ie a smooth transfer to a plastic bottle - as is the case with a gallon bottle for use in a water dispenser - is not possible because the filled hose is not in a bottle brought in can be. Different, however, in the wine hose, which is coated with a suitable cardboard in retrospect, ie after filling.

From the prior art ( DE 196 26 967 C2 ), although a method is known to produce a container having a rigid outer container and an easily deformable inner bag. The DE 196 26 967 C2 does not, however, provide a solution to the above problem - water storage without nucleation from water containers, but deals solely with the introduction of a bag into a substantially rigid outer container.

The need for low-germ water, provided by a water dispenser, is enormous. Worldwide, approximately 50 million gallons of water are filled annually. These bottles are used with the help of so-called watercoolers as a dispenser unit and emptied. In recent years there has been a growing criticism of the contamination of this product unit. Investigations confirm the risk of contamination and thus the health concerns of a conventional water cooler. As a result, a large number of devices were removed in public facilities in the US, India and the United Kingdom in 2008.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a water dispenser of the type described, which is inexpensive to manufacture in which the water supply in the water bottle has only a low bacterial load.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

1. a. Bereitstellung eines Außenbehälters mit mindestens einer, bevorzugt zwei oder drei Druckausgleichsöffnungen,
2. b. wobei anschließend ein Beutel in den Außenbehälter eingeführt wird, der am oberen Ende mittels einer Verschlusseinrichtung mit integriertem Führungsrohr und Sterilfolie luftdicht verschlossen ist, und
3. c. wobei sich die Verschlusseinrichtung beim Einführen des Beutels in den Außenbehälter passgenau auf die Öffnung des Außenbehälters legt, und
4. d. wobei beim Befüllen des Beutels eine Befülleinrichtung die Sterilfolie durchsticht,
5. e. worauf anschließend nach dem Befüllen die Verschlusseinrichtung mittels einer Kappe verschlossen wird.

In particular, the invention relates to a method for producing a container for withdrawing liquids, in particular water, consisting of an outer container and an inner bag for use in a liquid dispenser, wherein no air return occurs in the bag during the removal, comprising the following method steps:

1. a. Providing an outer container having at least one, preferably two or three, pressure compensation openings,
2. b. wherein subsequently a bag is introduced into the outer container, which is hermetically sealed at the upper end by means of a closure device with integrated guide tube and sterile foil, and
3. c. wherein the closure device lays exactly on the opening of the outer container during insertion of the bag into the outer container, and
4. d. wherein during filling of the bag a filling device punctures the sterile foil,
5. e. whereupon, after filling, the closure device is closed by means of a cap.

This embodiment is advantageous over the prior art, since when removing the liquid no air enters the bag. With the invention is thus achieved that liquids, preferably water can be removed with drinking water quality, regardless of the germ load of the environment. Therefore, the container is also suitable for an irregular removal of liquids, as a longer storage time does not lead to increased germ load of the liquid. The microbiological quality of the extracted water thus always complies with the German Drinking Water Ordinance 2001.

It has proven to be advantageous when the bag is inserted through the neck of the bottle of the outer container. This process is time-saving and easy to perform. It is provided that a bag is guided into the outer container and then filled with a liquid, preferably water. For this purpose, the outer container itself is provided with at least one, preferably two, particularly preferably three, air openings. As a result, when the bag is being filled, air will be released, and when draining liquids, eg, water (taking water), ambient air may be drawn through the holes into the outer container again. As a result, no ambient air is drawn into the liquid and the bag collapses during emptying.

Particularly advantageous is an outer container with an air opening in the region of the bottle bottom and two air openings in the upper part of the outer container facing the bottleneck has proven. By this embodiment, the bag can be filled quickly, without building up a high pressure in the outer container. In addition, the removal of liquid is facilitated.

1. a. der Außenbehälter wird geblasen, wobei wenigstens eine, bevorzugt zwei oder drei nach Außen gerichtete Druckausgleichsöffnungen eingearbeitet werden, und
2. b. wobei nach dem Blasvorgang die nach außen gerichteten Druckausgleichsöffnungen von außen durchstoßen werden.

The method is preferred, wherein the provision of the outer container comprises the following method steps:

1. a. the outer container is blown, wherein at least one, preferably two or three outwardly directed pressure equalization openings are incorporated, and
2. b. wherein after the blowing process, the outwardly directed pressure equalization openings are pierced from the outside.

It has been found that this method is best suited to make an outer container with pressure equalization holes. By the method according to the invention, one or more holes are inserted into the outer container without the remaining material losing stability. Simple drilling or punching often causes small cracks, making the outer container brittle or porous.

In contrast to the prior art ( DE 196 26 967 C2 , s. above) is in the present case a PET outer container, which is blown from a preform (called PET preform) and not extruded. This has the advantage that the pressure equalization openings can be inserted into the outer container already during production.

In addition, the method is preferred, wherein the pouch of a thermoplastic material preferably consists of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Further preferably, the bag comprises at least one or more layers of plastic. As a result, a particularly stable and tear-resistant bag is obtained.

This embodiment is preferred because it is inexpensive, stable, non-toxic and recyclable material. It is also advantageous that this material does not change the taste of the liquid, especially water. Advantageously, the bag itself complies in its nature all food quality standards. These properties are advantageous for use in polycarbonate reusable containers. Since the polycarbonate bottle no longer comes into contact with drinking water, it can not release any substances to the water. This embodiment is therefore particularly suitable for countries in which polycarbonate bottles are used, which flooding the substance of bisphenol A, which is considered to be harmful to health. Even with the use of such bottles, bisphenol A can no longer enter the drinking water since the bag sufficiently protects the water.

The complex cleaning of returnable bottles can be bypassed or simplified by the invention. Since the water does not come into contact with the outer container, it can be used several times without having to be cleaned. By replacing the bag, the cleanliness of the water is guaranteed at all times. A cleaning of the outer container can therefore be done at greater intervals. The cleaning itself can be carried out cost-effective and time-saving, since the requirements for an outer container are not as high as a returnable bottle which comes into direct contact with the drinking liquid. These advantages make trouble-free use of the invention possible in countries in which reusable containers are often only insufficiently cleaned.

The cut of the pouch forms a dense and impermeable unit with the bottle neck and cap of the gallon bottle after closure.

Preferably, the closure device is a closure securing ring, whereby a particularly reliable closure is ensured.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sterile foil of the closure device is a thermoplastic foil. This film ensures that no dirt and germs get into the bag before filling. The film is only immediately pierced before filling so that the bag remains airtight up to this point.

1. a. der Flüssigkeitsbehälter wenigstens eine Luftöffnung in dessen Außenwand aufweist, und
2. b. einen Beutel beherbergt, der nach Einbringen in den Außenbehälter mit einer Flüssigkeit befüllbar ist, und
3. c. bei Entnahme der Flüssigkeit kein Luftrückschlag in den Beutel erfolgt.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a liquid container, in particular a water container, for use in a liquid dispenser, characterized in that

1. a. the liquid container has at least one air opening in its outer wall, and
2. b. accommodates a bag which can be filled with liquid after being introduced into the outer container, and
3. c. if the liquid is withdrawn, no air is returned to the bag.

Preferably, the liquid container consists of a solid PET outer container and / or an inner bag made of thermoplastic material.

An outer container made of PET is preferable because it is a cheap and stable material. Thus, an outer container can be used several times without losing stability.

It is also preferred that the liquid container comprises a container opening and at least one, preferably two, wall openings are located in the outer container, through which a pressure equalization takes place in the region between the inner bag and the outer container.

The liquid container is preferably a gallon bottle. The 5 gallon bottle is the most commonly used water bottle. This embodiment is therefore preferred since it can thus be used for many standardized liquid dispensers.

Also preferred is the liquid container, wherein the bag at the upper end by means of a closure device with integrated guide tube and sterile foil is airtight sealable and the closure device comes to rest during insertion of the bag in the outer container fit on the opening of the outer container.

Preferably, the bottleneck provides a double and airtight connection to the closure cap. Therefore, preferably not only a leak-proofing device is used, but a second locking device is inserted.

Preferably, the liquid container which has an additional seal at the bottleneck between the bag and the liquid container. Due to the additional seal no air can get into the bag even with very long bearings. Thus, the liquid remains drinkable longer, without dirt or germs can accumulate. This seal supports the impermeable unit formed by the gallon bottle's pouch, bottleneck and cap after sealing.

The liquid is preferably water. Water is particularly suitable because it contains no substances that can justify an expiration date. If no germs get into the bag, the water can be stored indefinitely without losing the quality of the drinking water.

It is also advantageous that the liquid container is system-connected to a liquid dispenser corresponding to the liquid container.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a bag, for use in a liquid container, in particular a water container, as part of a liquid dispenser, in particular a water dispenser, which contains additional welds for sealing and the clean storage of liquids, especially water is used.

The bag is preferably made of a thermoplastic, preferably PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Furthermore, the bag preferably comprises at least one or more layers of plastic.

This embodiment is advantageous because it is inexpensive, stable, non-toxic and recyclable material which has no influence on the taste of the liquid.

Advantageously, the bag itself complies in its nature all food quality standards.

In order to transport the bag into the bottle during the filling process and to seal it with the neck of the bottle, a technical solution called a bag plug is required. This pouch connector can use air to aspirate and aspirate the pouch and, at the top of the bottle, fold the pouch over the neck of the pouch so that the pouch can seal both units.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a liquid dispenser, in particular water dispenser, comprising at least one dispensing device, and a liquid container serving as a liquid reservoir, in particular water reservoir, in particular water container, in particular in the form of a gallon bottle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a kit comprising a bag and a closure device with integrated guide tube and a sterile foil and optionally information for using the individual components.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine im wesentlichen herkömmliche 5-Gallonenflasche 10 zum Einsatz auf einem Wasserspender mit einer Luftöffnung 12 und einer Kappe 19. Figur 1 zeigt im wesentlichen eine Gallonenflasche 10 wie sie derzeit für Wasserspender üblicherweise verwendet wird. Die Flasche 10 wird zum Einsatz auf einem Wasserspender (nicht gezeigt) kopfüber, also mit dem Verschluss nach unten auf den Wasserspender aufgesetzt und das Wasser strömt aus der Flasche in das Leitungssystem des Wasserspenders. Anschließend steht es dem Abzapfen zur Verfügung.
Die in Figur 1 gezeigte Flasche 10 unterscheidet sich jedoch von einer herkömmlichen Gallonenflasche dadurch, dass mindestens eine Luftöffnung 12 in die Flaschenwand eingebracht ist. Gezeigt ist nur eine einzige Luftöffnung, es sind jedoch mehrere Luftöffnungen vorgesehen, zwei Öffnungen im oberen, zum Flaschenhals 11 gerichteten Bereich, eine weitere Öffnung am Flaschenboden 13. Die Luftöffnungen gewährleisten, dass die Flasche befüllt werden und bei der Wasserentnahme Luft ziehen kann.

Fig. 2

zeigt einen erfindungsgemäßen Beutel 14 zum Einsatz in einer Gallonenflasche 10 wobei der Beutel eine Verschlusseinrichtung 17 mit einem Führungsrohr 16 umfasst;

Fig. 3

zeigt die Gallonenflasche 10 nach Figur 1 mit inliegendem Beutel 14;

Fig. 4

zeigt die Verschlusseinrichtung 17, welche ein Führungsrohr 16 und eine Sterilfolie 18 umfasst, wobei die Verschlusseinrichtung passgenau auf die Öffnung des Außenbehälters 10 passt und durch zusätzliche Schweißnähte 15 stabilisiert ist.

Fig. 5

zeigt die Verschlusseinrichtung 17 aus Figur 4 mit einer zusätzlichen Dichtung 20

Fig. 6

zeigt den Flaschenboden 13 in den eine zusätzliche Luftöffnung 12 eingebracht ist.

Further advantageous measures are contained in the remaining subclaims. The invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment and the accompanying figures. The examples and figures are preferred embodiments which do not limit the invention.

Fig. 1

shows a substantially conventional 5 gallon bottle 10 for use on a water dispenser with an air opening 12 and a cap 19. FIG. 1 Figure 10 shows essentially a gallon bottle 10, as is currently commonly used for water dispensers. The bottle 10 is for use on a water dispenser (not shown) upside down, so with the closure placed down on the water dispenser and the water flows from the bottle into the water system of the dispenser. Then it is available to the tap.
In the FIG. 1 However, shown bottle 10 differs from a conventional gallon bottle in that at least one air opening 12 is inserted into the bottle wall. Shown is only a single air opening, but there are a plurality of air openings provided, two openings in the upper, directed towards the bottleneck 11 area, another opening on the bottom of the bottle 13. The air openings ensure that the bottle can be filled and pull the water removal air.

Fig. 2

shows a bag 14 according to the invention for use in a gallon bottle 10, the bag comprising a closure device 17 with a guide tube 16;

Fig. 3

indicates the gallon bottle 10 FIG. 1 with in-lying bag 14;

Fig. 4

shows the closure device 17, which comprises a guide tube 16 and a sterile foil 18, wherein the closure device fits snugly on the opening of the outer container 10 and is stabilized by additional welds 15.

Fig. 5

shows the closure device 17 from FIG. 4 with an additional seal 20

Fig. 6

shows the bottom of the bottle 13 into which an additional air opening 12 is introduced.

An example of the method of filling the bottle is described in the following:

In the tool for blowing the bottle at least two pressure equalization openings are incorporated to the outside. After the blowing process, the outward pressure equalization openings are pierced from the outside, for example pierced, cut or punched. Subsequently, a bag of thermoplastic material (preferably PET), which consists of at least one or more layers of the plastic, introduced into the outer container. At the upper end of the bag there is a closure device, preferably a closure securing ring, with integrated guide tube, which leads into the outer container and thus is located inside the inner bag.

The closure locking ring with integrated guide tube closes the bag, namely preferably by gluing or welding. In the middle of the ring, a thermoplastic film is arranged as a sterile foil, which seals the bag airtight. When inserting the bag into the outer container, the lock securing ring fits snugly on the opening of the outer container and seals it as it were. To fill the inner bag, the filler of a filling device pierces, cuts or punctures the thermoplastic foil (sterile foil) of the closure securing ring which is mounted in the middle. After the filling process, the closure securing ring is closed, namely preferably by a plastic cap (squeeze screw or pressure lock), so that it is firmly closed to the container.

reference numeral

10

Outer container (gallon bottle)

11

bottleneck

12

air opening

13

bottle bottom

14

bag

15

Weld

16

guide tube

17

closure device

18

sterile foil

19

cap

20

additional seal

Claims (15)

A process for producing a container for withdrawing liquids, in particular water, comprising an outer container and an inner bag (14) for use in a liquid dispenser, wherein no air return into the bag (14) takes place during the removal, comprising the following method steps: a. Providing an outer container (10) with at least one, preferably two or three, pressure compensation openings (12), b. wherein subsequently a bag (14) in the outer container (10) is inserted, which is hermetically sealed at the upper end by means of a closure device (17) with integrated guide tube (16) and sterile foil (18), and c. wherein the closure device (17) during insertion of the bag (14) into the outer container (10) fits snugly on the opening of the outer container (10), and d. wherein during filling of the bag (14) a filling device punctures the sterile foil (18), e. whereupon, after filling, the closure device (17) is closed by means of a cap (19). The method of claim 1, wherein the provision of the outer container (10) comprises the following method steps: a. the outer container (10) is blown, wherein at least one, preferably two or three outwardly directed pressure equalization openings are incorporated, and b. wherein after the blowing process, the outwardly directed pressure equalization openings (12) are pierced from the outside. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bag (14) consists of a thermoplastic material. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag (14) comprises at least one or more layers of plastic. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure device (17) is a closure securing ring. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the sterile foil (18) of the closure device (17) is a thermoplastic foil. Liquid container, in particular a water container, for use in a liquid dispenser, characterized in that a. the liquid container has at least one air opening (12) in its outer wall, and b. a bag (14) accommodated, which is filled after introduction into the outer container (10) with a liquid, and c. when the liquid is withdrawn no air is returned to the bag (14). Liquid container, in particular according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it consists of a solid PET outer container (10) with an inner bag (14) made of thermoplastic material, and with a container opening and at least two wall openings (12) in the outer container (10 ), through which a pressure equalization in the area between the bag (14) and the outer container (10). A liquid container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it is a gallon bottle. Liquid container according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the bag (14) at the upper end by means of a closure device (17) with integrated guide tube (16) and sterile foil (18) is hermetically closed and the closure device (17) during insertion of the bag (14) into the outer container (10) fits exactly to the opening of the outer container (10) comes to rest. Liquid container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has an additional seal (19) on the bottle neck (11) between the bag (14) and the liquid container (10). A liquid container according to at least one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the liquid is water and the liquid container is system-connected to a liquid dispenser corresponding to the liquid container. Bag (14) for use in a liquid container, in particular a water container at least one of claims 6 to 12, as part of a liquid dispenser, in particular a water dispenser, which contains additional welds (15) for sealing and the clean storage of liquids, especially water serves. Liquid dispenser, in particular water dispenser, comprising at least one dispensing device, and a liquid container serving as a liquid reservoir, in particular water reservoir, in particular water container, in particular in the form of a gallon bottle. Kit comprising bag (14) and closure device (17) with integrated guide tube (16) and sterile foil (18) according to one or more of the preceding claims and optionally information for using the individual components.

Images