Abstract:
@ A disposable package (8) comprising a plastic container (10) secured to plastic protective and support member (32, 34) so that the container (10) may be supported in a vertical position during shipment and commercial storage and in a horizontal position, such as refrigerator shelf, for consumer use. In the preferred embodiment, the container (10) contains a desired quantity of beer. The container (10) is provided with dispensing means (22) having means (26) movable between at least two positions so that in the first position there is no passageway between the fluid inside the container (10) and the outside of the container and in a second position wherein the beer in the container may be readily dispensed in separate portions over a period of time without degradation of the quality of the remaining portions of beer in the container (10). Means (30) are also provided to control the rate at which beer is dispensed from the container.
Abstract:
@ A disposable package (8) comprising a plastic container (10) secured to plastic protective and support member (32, 34) so that the container (10) may be supported in a vertical position during shipment and commercial storage and in a horizontal position, such as refrigerator shelf, for consumer use. In the preferred embodiment, the container (10) contains a desired quantity of beer. The container (10) is provided with dispensing means (22) having means (26) movable between at least two positions so that in the first position there is no passageway between the fluid inside the container (10) and the outside of the container and in a second position wherein the beer in the container may be readily dispensed in separate portions over a period of time without degradation of the quality of the remaining portions of beer in the container (10). Means (30) are also provided to control the rate at which beer is dispensed from the container.
Abstract:
Dispensing apparatus is attached to a container filled with a fluid and shipped with the container wherein during shipment the dispensing apparatus has two separate seals comprising an operable valve (54) for opening and closing a first passageway, and a sealing member (68) for closing a second passageway and the dispensing apparatus is locked in a closed position. A locking member (104) is provided for preventing accidental movement of the dispensing apparatus and also to provide positive identification that the container has not been tampered with. A self generating pressure applying expandable pouch (18) is located within the container to apply a substantially constant pressure on the fluid so that the fluid may be dispensed from the container. When it is desired to withdraw portions of the fluid from the container, the dispensing apparatus is unlocked and a handle (80) on the dispensing apparatus is moved to an open position to open both seals so that the fluid may flow through the first and second passageways and be withdrawn from the container through a nozzle. The sealing member for the second passageway is locked in the open position so that fluid may be withdrawn from the container as desired. After the fluid has been substantially completely dispensed from the container, a puncture plug is actuated to pierce the expanded pouch so that the pressure may be removed from the expanded pouch and from the container through the dispensing means.