Abstract
The present invention relates to a container assembly for accommodating a beverage. The container assembly comprises a collapsible beverage container having a body part for accommodating the beverage and a cylindrical neck part defining a gas-filled headspace. The container assembly further comprises a closure sealing off an opening of the cylindrical neck part. The closure comprises a closure disc, an inner cylindrical part and an outer cylindrical part. The closure disc comprises a beverage outlet for extracting the beverage. The closure further comprises a pressure-relief device located at the closure disc or the inner cylindrical part. The pressure-relief device is capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening through the closure or between the closure and the neck part for allowing a flow of fluid from the headspace to an external space when a pressure difference exceeds a predetermined pressure value being lower than the burst pressure of the container.
Claims
1. A container assembly for accommodating a beverage, said container assembly comprising: a collapsible beverage container having a body part defining an inner volume for accommodating said beverage and a cylindrical neck part defining an opening, an inwardly oriented surface and an outwardly oriented surface, said beverage container further defining a burst pressure, and a closure sealing off said opening of said cylindrical neck part and comprising a closure disc facing said inner volume of said collapsible beverage container, an inner cylindrical part facing said inwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part and an outer cylindrical part facing said outwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part, said closure disc comprising a beverage outlet for extracting said beverage from said beverage container, said closure further comprising a pressure-relief device located at said closure disc or said inner cylindrical part, said pressure-relief device being capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening through said closure or between said closure and said neck part for allowing a flow of fluid from said inner volume of said collapsible beverage container to an external space when a pressure difference between said inner volume and said external space exceeds a predetermined pressure value, said predetermined pressure value being lower than said burst pressure, wherein the pressure-relief device comprises a spring for biasing the pressure-relief device towards a closed state, wherein the spring is located outside of the inner volume.
2. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pressure relief device being at least partially visible from outside said container assembly.
3. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein said closure disc comprises a valve seat and said pressure-relief device comprises valve body urged against said valve seat by a spring.
4. The container assembly according to claim 3, wherein said pressure-relief device comprises a housing for accommodating said valve body and said spring, said housing preferably including a slot opening, said housing optionally including a guide hole for guiding a guide part of said valve body, said guide part optionally being flexible and optionally including a stopper.
5. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein said beverage comprises dissolved CO.sub.2 and/or N.sub.2, said beverage establishing a temperature dependent pressurization inside said beverage container, said temperature dependent pressurization being lower than said burst pressure at room temperature.
6. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined pressure value is between 3 atm and 15 atm, preferably between 5 atm and 10 atm, more preferably between 7 atm and 8 atm.
7. A closure for a collapsible beverage container having a body part defining an inner volume for accommodating a beverage and a cylindrical neck part defining an opening, an inwardly oriented surface and an outwardly oriented surface, the closure configured for sealing off said opening of said cylindrical neck part, the closure defining an interior surface configured for facing the inner volume of the beverage container, and an exterior surface configured for facing an external space, the closure comprising a closure disc configured for facing said inner volume of said collapsible beverage container, an inner cylindrical part configured for facing said inwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part and an outer cylindrical part configured for facing said outwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part, said closure disc comprising a beverage outlet for extracting said beverage from said beverage container, said closure further comprising a pressure-relief device located at said closure disc or said inner cylindrical part, said pressure-relief device being capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening through said closure or configured for being capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening between said closure and said neck part for allowing a flow of fluid from said interior surface, through said opening, and to said exterior surface when a pressure difference between said interior surface and said exterior surface exceeds a predetermined pressure value, wherein the pressure-relief device comprises a spring for biasing the pressure-relief device towards a closed state, wherein the spring is located outside of the inner volume.
8. The closure according to claim 7, wherein the exterior surface has an auxiliary flange for protecting the beverage outlet.
9. The closure according to claim 7, wherein the exterior surface has an auxiliary flange surrounding the beverage outlet.
10. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the closure is permanently fastened to the neck part.
11. A closure for a collapsible beverage container having a body part defining an inner volume for accommodating a beverage and a cylindrical neck part defining an opening, an inwardly oriented surface and an outwardly oriented surface, the closure configured for sealing off said opening of said cylindrical neck part, the closure defining an interior surface configured for facing the inner volume of the beverage container, and an exterior surface configured for facing an external space, the closure comprising a closure disc configured for facing said inner volume of said collapsible beverage container, an inner cylindrical part configured for facing said inwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part and an outer cylindrical part configured for facing said outwardly oriented surface of said cylindrical neck part, said closure disc comprising a beverage outlet for extracting said beverage from said beverage container, said closure further comprising a pressure-relief device located at said closure disc or said inner cylindrical part, said pressure-relief device being capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening through said closure or configured for being capable of establishing a permanent or reclosable opening between said closure and said neck part for allowing a flow of fluid from said interior surface, through said opening, and to said exterior surface when a pressure difference between said interior surface and said exterior surface exceeds a predetermined pressure value, wherein the pressure-relief device is located outside of the inner volume.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1A is a non-assembled container assembly according to the prior art
(2) FIG. 1B is an assembled container assembly according to the prior art
(3) FIG. 2A is a closure having an outwardly oriented protrusion
(4) FIG. 2B is a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion when under pressure
(5) FIG. 2C is a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion when open
(6) FIG. 2D is a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion when open
(7) FIG. 3A is a closure having a pressure-relief device having a piercing mechanism
(8) FIG. 3B is a side view of the pressure-relief device having a piercing mechanism
(9) FIG. 3C is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(10) FIG. 3D is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(11) FIG. 3E is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(12) FIG. 4A is a closure having a pressure-relief device comprising a weakened part
(13) FIG. 4B is a side view of the pressure-relief device comprising a weakened part
(14) FIG. 4C is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(15) FIG. 4D is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(16) FIG. 4E is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(17) FIG. 5A is a closure having a sealing ring with an integrated weakened part
(18) FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the sealing ring and the closure
(19) FIG. 5C is a side view of the closure including the pressure-relief device
(20) FIG. 5D is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(21) FIG. 5E is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(22) FIG. 5F is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(23) FIG. 6A is a closure having a ring-shaped pressure-relief device
(24) FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the parts of the pressure-relief device
(25) FIG. 6C is a view of the foil, ring-shaped piercer and ring-shaped spacer
(26) FIG. 6D1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(27) FIG. 6E1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(28) FIG. 6F1&2 is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(29) FIG. 7A is a side view of the closure including the pressure-relief device
(30) FIG. 7B is a close-up of the closure including the pressure-relief device
(31) FIG. 7C is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(32) FIG. 7D is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(33) FIG. 7E is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(34) FIG. 8A is a closure having a flexible foil and a movable plate including a piercer
(35) FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing the movable plate including the piercer
(36) FIG. 8C is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure
(37) FIG. 8D is a close-up of the pressure-relief device when open
(38) FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a closure according to another alternative embodiment
(39) FIG. 9B is a close-up of a spring-loaded overpressure valve
(40) FIG. 10A is a side view of the spring-loaded overpressure valve in the closed state
(41) FIG. 10B is a side view of the spring-loaded overpressure valve in the open state
(42) FIG. 10C is a side view of the spring-loaded overpressure valve in the reclosing state
(43) FIG. 11 is the valve body of the spring-loaded overpressure valve in different views
(44) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the housing of the spring-loaded overpressure valve
(45) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative housing having a larger slot
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(46) FIG. 1A shows a perspective cut view of non-assembled container assembly according to the prior art including a closure 2. The closure 2 illustrated here is of the type used for larger containers of about 5 liters and more. The beverage container comprises a neck part 4 defining a gas-filled headspace and a body part (not shown) typically filled by carbonated beverage. The assembly comprising the beverage container and the closure 2 further comprises a sealing ring 6.
(47) FIG. 1B shows an assembled container assembly according to the prior art. The sealing ring 6 is compressed or squeezed in a circumferential cavity established between the closure 2 and the neck part 4. A pressure-tight sealing is thereby achieved by the elastic compression of the sealing ring 6 against the surfaces establishing the above-mentioned cavity.
(48) The neck part 4 defines a groove 8, which occupies a smaller part of the circumference defined by the neck part 4. When the pressure inside the beverage container is elevated above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage at room temperature, e.g. by elevating the temperature of the beverage, approaching the burst pressure of the beverage container, the increased pressure causes the sealing ring 6 to elastically deform and stretch at the location of the groove 8 so that the sealing ring 6, at the location of the groove 8, will move into the groove 8. The lack of sealing pressure between the neck part 4 at the location of the groove 8 will allow some gas from the headspace to escape from the inside of the beverage container to the exterior of the beverage container
(49) When the pressure inside the beverage container is reduced to a safe level, the elastomeric sealing ring 6 should preferably not resume the position compressed between the closure 2 and the neck part 4 but maintain the uncompressed position within the groove 8. In this way it may be established whether or not the container has been subjected to a pressure increase caused by e.g. high temperatures or uncontrolled fermentation. However, in practice it has been noted that since there is nothing preventing the sealing ring from resuming the sealed position instead of a one-way function of the sealing ring, it is more or less occasional whether the sealing ring stays in the open position or resumes the closed position when the pressure is reduced.
(50) FIG. 2A shows a closure 10 forming part of a container assembly according to the present invention. The closure 10 is made of rigid plastic such as PE or PET and comprises a closure disc 12 including a centrally located beverage outlet 14. The closure disc is intended to face a gas-filled headspace (not shown) of the neck part of the beverage container. The closure disc further comprises a pressure-relief device 16 in the form of a hollow protrusion 18 extending outwardly from the closure disc 12.
(51) The closure 10 further comprises an inner cylindrical part 20 being integrally joined to the closure disc 12 and an outer cylindrical part 22 being integrally joined to the inner cylindrical part 20. The inner cylindrical part 20 and the outer cylindrical part 22 are intended to arrest and seal against the neck part (not shown) of the beverage container. The closure 12 is provided with optional auxiliary flanges 24 for protecting the beverage outlet 14 and the pressure-relief valve 16, for sealing against a beverage dispensing system and for simplifying handling.
(52) FIG. 2B shows a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion 18 when closed and under pressure which pressure force is indicated by the arrows. The outwardly oriented protrusion essentially comprises outwardly oriented wall parts 26 26.sup.I which together form a predetermined breaking point 28 at a distant location. As can be seen, the pressure force acts forcing the outwardly oriented wall parts 26 26.sup.I apart. The outwardly oriented wall parts 26 are held together by predetermined breaking point 28. As long as the internal carbonization pressure of the beverage is lower than the predetermined pressure value at which the predetermined breaking point 28 breaks, the pressure-relief device 16 will not open. The predetermined pressure value should be chosen to be significantly higher than the internal carbonization pressure at room temperature but significantly lower than the burst pressure of the beverage container. The burst pressure of the container is the expected differential pressure allowed before the container bursts.
(53) FIG. 2C shows a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion when open. When the internal pressure of the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the predetermined breaking point 28 will break and the wall parts 26 26.sup.I will be forced apart and create an opening in place of the predetermined breaking point 28. Then gas in the headspace of the beverage container will flow out of the opening as shown by the arrow.
(54) FIG. 2D shows a close-up of the outwardly oriented protrusion 18 when open. The wall parts 26 26.sup.I will plastically deform such that the opening remains even when the pressure inside the beverage container is substantially equal to the pressure outside the beverage container such that the user may easily detect that the pressure-relief device 16 has been activated.
(55) FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a closure 10.sup.I having a pressure-relief device 16.sup.I. The pressure-relief device 16.sup.I is located on the closure disc 12 and has a piercing mechanism 30 located such that its intended position is facing the interior of the beverage container. The piercing mechanism 30 is surrounded by an aperture 32 through the closure disc 12.
(56) FIG. 3B shows a side perspective view of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.I having a piercing mechanism 30. The piercing mechanism 30 and the aperture 32 are covered by a flexible but breakable foil 34 on the side facing the interior of the beverage container. The foil 34 may be made of e.g. metal such as aluminum or polymeric material such as plastic.
(57) FIG. 3C shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.I when closed under pressure as shown by the arrows. The flexible foil 34 is covering the aperture 32 preventing any gas from escaping. When the pressure is increasing inside the beverage container, the flexible foil 34 bulges towards the piercing mechanism 30.
(58) FIG. 3D shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.I when open. When the internal pressure of the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the pressure force will cause the foil 34 to bulge further towards the piercing mechanism 30 and the foil 34 will break by being pierced by the piercing mechanism 30, establishing a permanent opening allowing gas to flow through as shown by the arrows.
(59) FIG. 3E shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.I when open. Since the foil 34 is broken, the opening is permanent and remains event when the gas has escaped.
(60) FIG. 4A shows a closure 10.sup.II having a pressure-relief device 16.sup.II comprising a weakened part (not shown). The weakened part is located on the inner cylindrical part 20 and extends over a part of the circumference of the closure 10.sup.II.
(61) FIG. 4B shows a side view of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.II comprising the weakened part 36. The neck part 38 of the beverage container and the sealing ring 40, made of elastic material, have been illustrated as well. The sealing ring 40 seals between the inner cylindrical part 20 of the closure 10.sup.II and the neck part 38 of the beverage container.
(62) FIG. 4C shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.II when closed and the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container being lower than the predetermined pressure value. It can be seen that the sealing ring 40 seals between the weakened part 36 of the inner cylindrical part 20 of the closure 10.sup.II and the neck part 38 of the beverage container. The weakened part 36 resists the pressure force.
(63) FIG. 4D shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.II when the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value. The pressure force will act on the weakened part 36 as shown by the arrows, causing the weakened part 36 to deform into an inwardly oriented bulge. The sealing ring will displace inwardly into the bulge and an opening will be established between the inner cylindrical part 20 and the neck part 38, allowing gas to escape.
(64) FIG. 4E shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.II when the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container has been equalized. As the deformation causing the bulge is a plastic deformation of a substantially rigid plastic part, the bulge will to a substantial extent remain even after the pressure difference has been equalized, making it easy for the user to detect that the pressure-relief device 16.sup.II has been activated. According to an alternative embodiment, the deformation is substantially elastic and the bulge will disappear, again resuming the state of FIG. 4C, causing the sealing ring 40 to seal between the weakened part 36 of the inner cylindrical part 20 of the closure 10.sup.II and the neck part 38 of the beverage container.
(65) FIG. 5A shows a closure 10.sup.III having a sealing ring with an integrated weakened part 42. The pressure-relief device 16.sup.III is thus integrated into the sealing ring 42.
(66) FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the sealing ring 42 and the closure 10.sup.III when disassembled. The part of the sealing ring 42 forming the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III is an extension of the sealing ring 42, which covers an aperture 32.sup.I.
(67) FIG. 5C shows a side view of the closure 10.sup.III including the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III. It can be seen that the sealing ring 40 seals between the inner cylindrical part 20 of the closure 10.sup.III and the neck part 38 of the beverage container.
(68) FIG. 5D shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III when closed. It can be seen that the sealing ring 42 at the location of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III is made up of a actual sealing ring 40.sup.I made of elastic material such as rubber and a weakened part 36 made of rigid plastic and inherently joined to the actual sealing ring 40.sup.I at the location of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III blocking and sealing the aperture. The pressure force acts with an inward angle as shown by the arrows.
(69) FIG. 5E shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device when under pressure and open and the difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value. The pressure force will act on the weakened part 36.sup.I of the sealing ring 42 as shown by the arrows, causing the weakened part 36.sup.I to deform into an inwardly oriented bulge. The sealing ring 42 as a whole at the location of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III and aperture 32 will displace inwardly and an opening will be established between the inner cylindrical part 20 and the neck part 38, allowing gas to escape as shown by the arrow.
(70) FIG. 5F shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III when open and the difference between the inside and the outside of the beverage container has been equalized. As the deformation causing the bulge is a plastic deformation of a substantially rigid plastic part, the bulge will to a substantial extent remain even after the pressure difference has been equalized, making it easy for the user to detect that the pressure-relief device 16.sup.III has been activated, similar to the previous embodiment. According to an alternative embodiment, the deformation is substantially elastic and the bulge will disappear, again resuming the state of FIG. 5C, causing the sealing ring 40 to seal between the weakened part 36 of the inner cylindrical part 20 of the closure 10I.sup.II and the neck part 38 of the beverage container.
(71) FIG. 6A shows a closure 10.sup.IV having a flexible foil 34.sup.I forming part of a pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV. The flexible foil 34 covers the area of the closure 10.sup.IV including the inner cylindrical flange facing the headspace of the beverage container (not shown). Further, the beverage outlet (not shown) is covered by the flexible foil 34 and is broken when the beverage container is installed in the beverage dispensing system (not shown).
(72) FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the closure 10.sup.IV and the parts of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.IX. The pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV of the closure 10.sup.IV comprises multiple hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I inside a ring-shaped cavity 44 at the inner cylindrical flange 20. The pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV of the closure 10.sup.IV further comprises a ring-shaped spacer 46 of rigid plastic for being placed in the ring-shaped cavity 44. The ring-shaped spacer 46 including multiple holes 48 corresponding to the hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I. The ring-shaped spacer 42 further comprises tabs 50 for interacting with the inner cylindrical flange (inner cylindrical part) 20 for ensuring that a distance exists between bottom of the cavity 44 42 and the ring-shaped spacer 46. Both the cavity 44 and the ring-shaped spacer 46 are covered by the flexible foil 34.sup.I.
(73) FIG. 6C shows a view of the foil 34.sup.I, the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I and the ring-shaped spacer 46. The holes 48 of the ring-shaped spacer 46 prevent the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I from piercing the foil 34.
(74) FIGS. 6D1 & 6D2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV when closed and under pressure as indicated by the arrows. The tabs 50 ensure that distance is maintained between the bottom of the cavity and the ring-shaped spacer 46, preventing contact between the foil 34.sup.I and the hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I. The pressure acts on the foil 32.sup.I and the foil 34.sup.I in turn rests on the ring-shaped spacer 46. The distance between the ring-shaped spacer 46 and the bottom of the cavity 44 is maintained by the tabs 50, which interlock with the inner cylindrical flange 20 and thereby prevent the foil 34.sup.I from being broken by the hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I.
(75) FIGS. 6E1 & 6E2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV when open. Once the pressure in the container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the tabs 50 break or bend such that the ring-shaped spacer 46 moves towards the bottom of the cavity 44, eliminating the distance between them and exposing the hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I through the holes 48. The hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I may thus break the foil 34.sup.I and the gas within the container may escape through the hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.I and the aperture (not shown) of the closure 16.sup.IX.
(76) FIGS. 6F1 & 6F2 show a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.IV when open. As the foil 34 is broken, the opening is permanent.
(77) FIG. 7A shows a closure 10.sup.V similar to the previous embodiment having a flexible foil 34 forming part of a pressure-relief device 16.sup.V. The flexible foil 34 covers the area of the closure 10.sup.V including the inner cylindrical flange 20 facing the headspace of the beverage container (not shown). Further, the beverage outlet is covered by the flexible foil 34 and is broken when the beverage container is installed in the beverage dispensing system (not shown).
(78) FIG. 7B shows a close-up of the closure 10.sup.V including the pressure-relief device 16.sup.V.
(79) The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.I is held in place by the tabs 50. The piercing mechanism 30.sup.II is placed adjacent the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.I. The pressure-relief device 16.sup.V of the closure 10.sup.V comprises one or more apertures 32 and a ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.I of rigid plastic for being placed in the ring-shaped cavity 44 at the inner cylindrical flange 20. The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.I does not comprise any holes and is thus completely flat, however, it does comprise tabs 50 for interacting with the inner cylindrical flange 20 for ensuring that a distance exists between the ring-shaped spacer 46 and piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II forming part of the inner cylindrical flange. Both the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II and the ring-shaped spacer 46 are covered by the flexible foil 34. The piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II are completely integrated into the closure 10.sup.IV, and their number may range from one and upwards.
(80) FIG. 7C shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.V when closed and when under pressure as indicated by the arrows. The tabs 50, which interlock with the inner cylindrical flange 20, ensure that distance is maintained between the foil 34 and the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II, preventing contact between them. The pressure acts on the foil 34 and the foil 34.sup.I in turn rests on the ring-shaped spacer 46. The tabs 50, thereby preventing the foil 34 from being broken by the piercing mechanisms 30II, maintain the distance between the foil 34 and the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II.
(81) FIG. 7D shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.V when open. Once the pressure in the container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the tabs 50 break or bend such that the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.I moves further into the cavity 44 and in this way, the foil 34 is no longer supported by the ring-shaped spacer 46. The hollow piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II may thus break the foil 34 and the gas within the container may escape through the broken foil 34 and the aperture (not shown) of the closure 16.sup.V.
(82) FIG. 7E shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.V when open. Similar to the previous embodiment the pressure-relief device 16.sup.V stays open when the foil 34 has been broken.
(83) FIG. 8A shows a closure 10.sup.VI similar to the previous embodiment having a flexible foil 34 forming part of a pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI. The flexible foil 34 covers the area of the closure 10.sup.VI including the inner cylindrical flange 20 facing the headspace of the beverage container (not shown). Further, the beverage outlet (not shown) is covered by the flexible foil 34 and is broken when the beverage container is installed in the beverage dispensing system (not shown).
(84) The pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI of the closure 10.sup.VI comprises one or more apertures 32 and a ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II of rigid plastic for being placed in the ring-shaped cavity 44 at the inner cylindrical flange 20. The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II does not comprise any tabs; however, it does comprise holes 48 for the passage of air. The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II further comprises flexible arms 52 extending into the cavity 44 and including piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II located opposite the holes 48. The arms 52 ensure that a distance exists between the foil 34 and piercing mechanisms 30.sup.III.
(85) The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II comprises the flexible arms 52 connected at one end to the actual ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II and at a distant end to a piercing mechanism 30.sup.III. Each of the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.III is located at a hole 48 and is capable of flexing through the hole due to the flexible arm 52. Further, optional auxiliary arms 52.sup.I may be provided for obtaining additional support.
(86) FIG. 8B shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI when closed and when under pressure as indicated by the arrows. The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II including the flexible arms 52 and the piercing mechanism 30.sup.III is contained within the cavity 44, and covered by the foil 34. The ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II prevents contact between the foil 34 and the piercing mechanism 30.sup.III. The pressure acts on the foil 34 and the foil 34 in turn rests on the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II. The flexible arms 52 of the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II rest on the closure 10.sup.VI within the cavity 44 and will flex when subjected to a force, however, as long as the pressure inside the container does not exceed the predetermined pressure, the force will not be sufficient for allowing the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.III to be exposed through the hole 48 and the foil 34 is prevented from being broken by the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II.
(87) FIG. 8C shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI when open. Once the pressure in the container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the flexible arms 52 of the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II will flex or bend sufficiently for allowing the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.III to be exposed through the hole 48 and the foil 34 and in this way, the foil 34 is no longer supported by the ring-shaped spacer 46.sup.II and the piercing mechanisms 30.sup.II may thus break the foil 34 and the gas within the container may escape through the broken foil 34 and the aperture 32 of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI.
(88) FIG. 8D shows a close-up of the pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI when open. Similar to the previous embodiment the pressure-relief device 16.sup.VI stays open when the foil 34 has been broken.
(89) FIG. 9A shows a closure 10.sup.VII according to another alternative embodiment. The closure 10.sup.VII comprises a closure disc 12 including a centrally located beverage outlet 14 similar to the previous embodiments. The closure disc 12 further comprises a pressure-relief device 16.sup.V in the form of a spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 located at the closure disc 12 and extending through the closure disc 12.
(90) FIG. 9B shows a close-up of the spring loaded overpressure valve 54. The spring loaded overpressure valve 54 comprises a valve body 56, which is spring loaded against a valve seat 58 by means of a spring 60. The valve body 56 and the spring 60 is located in a housing 62 extending away from the head space. The valve seat 58 is facing the head space of the beverage container.
(91) In case the pressure inside the beverage container exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the valve body 56 is moved away from the valve seat as the spring is compressed until the valve body 56 exposes a slot 64 in the housing 62 allowing excessive gas to escape. The predetermined pressure value should as indicated above be chosen to be significantly higher than the internal carbonization pressure at room temperature but significantly lower than the burst pressure of the beverage container.
(92) The housing 62 further comprises a guide hole 66 through which a guide part 68 of the valve body 56 extends. The guide hole 66 and the guide part 68 serve the purpose of keeping the valve body 56 aligned relative to the valve seat 58 and to prevent the valve body 56 from punching through the valve seat 58 due to the spring force applied to it. Optionally, the guide part 68 allows the valve body 56 to be manually operated from the outside. The valve body 56 has a rounded surface facing the head space and defines sealing lips 70, which seal against the valve seat 58. Preferably, polymeric materials are used, especially for the valve body 56 and the valve seat 58.
(93) FIG. 10A shows a close-up of the spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 (16.sup.V) in the closed state. The pressure inside the head space acts on the surface of the valve body 56 as indicated by the arrows. In normal operation, the carbonization pressure inside the head space cannot overcome the spring force of the spring 60 and thus a sealing relationship is maintained between the valve body 56 and the valve seat 58, preventing any gas from escaping the head space.
(94) FIG. 10B shows a close-up of the spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 (16.sup.V) in the open state. When the pressure inside the head space is increased and exceeds the predetermined pressure value, the spring 60 is compressed allowing the valve body 56 to move away from the valve seat 60 as shown by the thick arrow, thereby exposing the slot 64 allowing excessive gas in the head space to escape as shown by the thin arrow. At the same time, the guide part 68 extends outwardly and optionally this movement of the guide part 68 may be used to indicate that the spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 has been activated by e.g. coupling it to a breakable part.
(95) FIG. 10C shows a close-up of the spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 (16.sup.V) in the reclosing state. Normally, the spring 60 causes the valve body to move as shown by the thick arrow to its original position in contact with the valve seat 58 when the pressure in the head space returns below the predetermined pressure value, i.e. back to normal pressures, as shown by the thin arrows. Optionally, the open state may be maintained permanently even in case the pressure in the head space returns below the predetermined pressure value. This may be done by causing the guide part to stick in its outwardly extending position, e.g. by using a stopper part.
(96) FIG. 11 shows the valve body 56 of the spring-loaded overpressure valve in different views, i.e. a top view, a perspective view, a side view, a cut-out view and a bottom view. The details are thereby clearly visible, such as the lips 70 for sealing against the valve seat 58 and the guide part 68. The guide part 68 includes a stopper 68′, which is presently formed as a wedge and which acts to prevent the valve body 56 from being pushed through the valve seat 58. The guide part 68 is preferably split in two parts allowing some flexing in relation to each other for allowing the stopper to be easily introduced into the guide hole 66.
(97) FIG. 12 shows the housing 62 of the spring-loaded overpressure valve 54 being a part of the closure disc 12. Clearly visible is the slot 64 extending as an opening along the side of the housing 62, as well as the guide hole 66.
(98) FIG. 13 shows an alternative housing 62′ having a larger slot 64′ extending as an opening along the side of the housing 62′.
(99) It is evident to the skillful individual that the above-described embodiments only describe one out of numerous embodiments envisaged according to the present invention and that the above embodiments may be modified in numerous ways without departing from the inventive idea as described by the appended claims.
PARTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE FIGURES
(100) 2. Closure (Prior art)
(101) 4. Neck part (Prior art)
(102) 6. Sealing ring (Prior art)
(103) 8. Groove (Prior art)
(104) 10. Closure
(105) 12. Closure disc
(106) 14. Beverage outlet
(107) 16. Pressure-relief device
(108) 18. Hollow protrusion
(109) 20. Inner cylindrical part
(110) 22. Outer cylindrical part
(111) 24. Auxiliary flanges
(112) 26. Wall parts
(113) 28. Predetermined breaking point
(114) 30. Piercer
(115) 32. Aperture
(116) 34. Flexible foil
(117) 36. Weakened part
(118) 38. Neck part
(119) 40. Sealing ring
(120) 42. Sealing ring (combined with wall part)
(121) 44. Cavity
(122) 46. Ring spacer
(123) 48. Holes
(124) 50. Tabs
(125) 52. Flexible arms
(126) 54. Spring-loaded overpressure valve
(127) 56. Valve body
(128) 58. Valve seat
(129) 60. Spring
(130) 62. Housing
(131) 64. Slot
(132) 66. Guide hole
(133) 68. Guide part
(134) 70. Lips
