GASEOUS LIQUID DISPENSER AND METHOD OF PROVISION OF A GASEOUS LIQUID

A collapsible bag for use in dispensing gaseous fluids, the collapsible bag including three collapsible enclosures. Two of the collapsible enclosures have respective fluid paths extending from internal to external of the outer enclosure. The configuration of the food quality of an inner enclosures and the integrity of the third outer enclosure and as well as the relative volume of one inner enclosure to the outer enclosures effects the dispensing mechanism of the pressure which allows transfer of the pressure without fluid interaction to another of the at inner collapsible enclosures and selective dispensing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaseous drink dispenser and a method of provision of a gaseous drink and in particular to a portable gaseous drink dispenser and a method of provision of gaseous drink at a non-commercial location such as a household.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as part of a beer dispenser that can be readily relocatable and method of provision of beer at location of choice and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A gaseous drink is a food quality drink which has a gaseous element due to its manner of production or by the addition of gas. Usually that gas is a carbonation or other gas that may not affect the drink or enhances the drink. Such gas can be mixtures of gases such as for example 30% CO2-70% Nitrogen or 75% CO2-25% Nitrogen.

In the case of beer the act of forming the beer requires fermentation. This provides natural gas formation to provide a gaseous drink.

The dispensing of beer is usually undertaken at premises that are particularly set up for beer dispensing. This includes public bars (pubs), hotels, bars etc. At such venues the beer dispenser and method of provision of beer is usually by large heavy metal kegs in which the beer is retained under pressure. These kegs are made from stainless steel or aluminium.

The standard keg size is usually 50 litres and the vast majority of keg beers are supplied in this keg size. There are also smaller 30 litre kegs but these are usually reserved for more specialist or premium beers.

A keg has a single opening centrally on a top end, called a “bung.” A tube called a “spear” extends from the opening to the other end. There is a self-closing valve that is opened by the coupling fitting which is attached when the keg is tapped. There is also an opening at the top of the spear that allows gas (usually carbon dioxide) to drive the beer out of the keg. The coupling fitting has one or two valves that control the flow of beer out of and gas into the keg. The keg must be in the upright position, that is, with the opening on top, for the beer to be dispensed.

The 50 litre keg when full is well over 50 kilograms due to the weight of the beer being over 50 kilograms and then the weight of the heavy metal container. Even when empty it is a reasonably heavy container as there remains the weight of the heavy metal container. The heaviness of the container allows for reuse due to its avoidance of damage even when rough handled as it is being loaded on and off delivery trucks and being dropped or rolled into cellars below the venue (such as pubs) through delivery chutes or delivery drops or cellar stairs accessible from external of the building.

The design of the pub buildings shows a range of limitations of the kegs. The pub buildings generally include cellars on the floor below the floor of serving of the beer. Further there is usually a direct entry by a trap door from outside of the building to the cellar to directly deliver the kegs to the cellar. The kegs stay in the cellar and are connected by piping or tubing to the serving outlets at the bar on the serving floor above.

Due to the extensive weight of kegs it is necessary that such cellar systems are provided. It is not appropriate to be rolling 50 litre kegs through the main premises. Therefore present systems have geographic problems and problems of needing network connection that extends from floor to floor of a premises.

However, the other problem is the volume of kegs. The volume of a 50 litre container remains as a 50 litre volume container whether it is filled with air before the beer is inserted or filled with beer or filled with air after the beer has been dispensed. Further the heaviness of the empty container is a limitation that restricts its use.

To dispense beer from a keg it is necessary to pump in a beer gas. This allows kegs to be connected to a draught system under higher pressure without over carbonating the beers. In order to do that without either losing carbonation in the beer or over carbonating the beer, nitrogen is generally mixed with carbon dioxide. Usually that gas is a carbonation or other gas or mixture that may not affect the drink or enhances the drink. Such gas can be mixtures of gases such as for example 30% CO2-70% Nitrogen or 75% CO2-25% Nitrogen. However, using gas in direct contact with the gaseous drink requires tight and precise controls and precise beer gas as the dispensing gas. Even then the gaseous drink is often tainted. It is particularly a problem for dispensing home brews or microbrewery brews that are not consistent.

It can therefore be seen that for a dispensing system that is in contact with the dispensed liquid it is essential to be careful with the contact gas. Even with the selection of the correct gas there is substantial difference in remaining volume in the fixed volume keg and thereby substantial difference in pressure from a full keg to a nearly empty keg. This results in over gassing at the end of a keg is a wastage of a sizeable residual quantity.

It can be seen that known prior art beer dispenser and method of provision of beer has the problems of:a) the unchanging volume of the kegb) the heaviness of the keg when full or emptyc) the restrictive delivery in keg volumesd) the need for a predefined delivery venuee) the restrictive use of the beer delivery systemf) the need for a large volume to be dispensedg) the difficulty in dispensing all of the volumeh) the need for control of the type gas if it is contact with the drinkable liquid and to maintain the liquid safe to drink and not tainted;i) the inability to use other gases that even could provide secondary assistance such as cooling or heat exchanging.

The present invention seeks to provide a gaseous drink dispenser and a method of provision of a gaseous drink and in particular to a portable gaseous drink dispenser and a method of provision of gaseous drink at a non-commercial location such as a household and in particular a beer dispenser and method of provision of beer, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible bag for use in a gaseous drink dispenser and which is preferably a beer dispenser. The configuration and structure of the bag allows for dispensing beer from bag of beer which can be by a method of provision of beer which is provided a beer dispenser.

The invention of beer dispenser and method of provision of beer provides the benefit of not requiring heavy metal kegs and therefore changing the transportability when empty before use and when empty after use while being effective when in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a beer dispenser and a method of provision of beer is provided by a beer bag and structure to allow transport in flat pack. This provides the benefit of being able to readily transport the beer bag to location in vastly greater quantities as the volume is negligible compared to the consistent large volume of a metal keg.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a beer dispenser and a method of provision of beer is provided having a valve structure for valving from a beer bag to a beer dispenser. This has substantial benefits in that it allows for a simple compact system which does not require extensive fixed plumbing and is therefore readily portable as a system.

In one form of the bag of the invention there is a collapsible bag comprising at least three collapsible enclosures; wherein one of the at least three collapsible enclosures forms an outer enclosure and at least two of the at least three collapsible enclosures are within the outer enclosure; and wherein each of the at least two collapsible enclosures have respective fluid paths extending from external of the outer enclosure.

Preferably the at least two collapsible enclosures are adjacent each other within the outer enclosure. However in an alternative form a first enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures is within a second enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures and both are within the outer enclosure.

A first enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures is sized to have an expanded volume similar to an expanded volume of the outer enclosure wherein pressure gas applied into first enclosure will displace liquid in second enclosure for exiting along fluid path to external of the outer enclosure.

In a particularly improved form the collapsible bag has at least part of each of the fluid paths having at least partially concentrically aligned. In this way a single multipath valve can be attached.

In a particularly improved form the collapsible bag has the at least three collapsible enclosures collapse flat. In this way the bag is flat when transported, filled in enlarged form and flat when used and being sent for re-using and refilling.

The collapsible bag is substantially flat, when the at least three collapsible enclosures are collapsed, and can have end seams at opposing ends such that when full makes a substantially pillow shape.

The outer enclosure has an integrity to hold a pressure within. This outer enclosure can include high tensile synthetic fibre such as Kevlar. The outer enclosure can has an integrity to hold a pressure within of <60 psi. and preferably within of substantially in the range of 35 to 50 psi.

The inner enclosure includes an inner layer of FDA approved food safe polyethylene such as Mylar.

The configuration of the collapsible bags and the integrity of the outer enclosure and food quality of an inner enclosure as well as the relative volume of one inner enclosure to the outer enclosures effects the dispensing mechanism of the pressure which can be received in at least one of the at least three collapsible enclosures and the integrity of the outer bag allows transfer of the pressure without fluid interaction to another of the at least three collapsible enclosures.

The fluid paths of the at least two collapsible enclosures extend to external of the outer enclosure at a common outlet of the outer enclosure.

Preferably for most benefit the fluid paths are formed at least partly by a valve. In one form the fluid paths are formed to receive a valve. This can be by the fluid paths being formed to receive a valve in a snap fit arrangement. However the fluid paths can be formed integral with a valve.

Most beneficially and most inventive is for the valve to be a multi-pathway valve forming a plurality of separate pathways with each pathway forming at least part of one of the fluid paths. In particular, at least part of the fluid paths formed by the valve are at least partially concentrically aligned.

The collapsible bag with the valve forms part of the first fluid path leading to the first enclosure forming a beer compartment of flexible bag; and forms part of the second fluid path leading to the second enclosure forming a pressure compartment of flexible bag. The first enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures is sized to have an expanded volume similar to an expanded volume of the outer enclosure wherein pressure gas applied into the first fluid path into the first enclosure will displace liquid in the second enclosure for exiting along second fluid path to external of the outer enclosure and connection to a dispenser.

In one form the invention provides a beer dispenser and a system of provision of beer including a dispenser for use in dispensing beer comprising:a) a first channel for selective connection to at least one collapsible bag having a first flexible compartment for holding beer;b) a delivery port fluidly connected to the first channel for providing selective delivery of beer from the at least one collapsible bag allowing each of a plurality of users to provide a user defined delivery amount of beer;c) a second channel for selective connection to a second flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag;d) at least one pressure means connectable by the second channel to the second flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag for exerting pressure on the first flexible compartment to cause flow of the beer to the delivery port;e) wherein the dispenser can selectively receive and hold at least one collapsible bag of beer when full and following dispensing of the beer allow for removal of the at least one collapsible bag of beer in a collapsed substantially empty state.

The delivery port includes a levered tap.

Preferably a part of the first channel includes a delivery channel which includes a heat transfer portion passing a cooling mechanism to effect a cooling of the delivered beer.

The delivery channel can include a helical coil for enhancing heat transfer.

In one form the first channel includes a manifold connectable to a plurality of the at least one collapsible bag.

The second channel can also include a manifold connectable to a plurality of the at least one collapsible bag.

The first and second channel includes a single manifold having a first liquid flow line and a second pressured gas flow line wherein the single manifold is connectable to a plurality of the at least one collapsible bag.

The dispenser includes a valve means for connection between the first channel and the at least one collapsible bag for controlling the flow of liquid such as beer from the at least one collapsible bag.

Preferably a valve means is used for connection between the second channel and the at least one collapsible bag for controlling the flow of pressurised gas into the at least one collapsible bag.

In one form the valve means has multi-connections for connection between the first channel and the at least one collapsible bag for controlling the flow of liquid such as beer from the at least one collapsible bag; and for connection between the second channel and the at least one collapsible bag for controlling the flow of pressurised gas into the at least one collapsible bag.

Preferably the valve means is selectively attachable to the at least one collapsible bag and the first and/or second channel are selectively attachable to the valve means.

The dispenser for use in dispensing beer can include a pressure source connectable to the second channel for providing about 80 to 140 psi.

Preferably the pressure source is connectable to the second channel for providing pressured gas to effect a pressure in the second flexible compartment of up to about 140 psi.

Preferably the pressure source connectable to the second channel for providing flow and dispensing of the liquid such as beer from the first channel at a dispensing pressure of about 10 psi.

The opening of the delivery port effects the release of pressured gas from the at least one pressure means connected to the second channel to feed the pressured gas into the second flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag for exerting pressure on the first flexible compartment to cause flow of the beer from the first flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag to the delivery port.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a multi-path valve means between the first channel and the at least one collapsible bag having a first flexible compartment for holding beer and between the second channel and the at least one collapsible bag having a second flexible compartment for receiving pressured gas wherein in use the opening of the delivery port:a) releases pressure in the first channel that effects opening of the pressured gas path of multi-path valve means to allow pressured gas to be received into the second flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag; andb) effects opening of the fluid path of the multi-path valve means to allow fluid such as beer to be expelled from the first flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag by the exerted pressure on the first flexible compartment by the pressurised second flexible compartment to cause flow of the beer to the delivery port; andc) wherein in use the closing of the delivery port:d) traps pressure in the first channel that effects closing of the pressured gas path of multi-path valve means to stop pressured gas being received into the second flexible compartment of the at least one collapsible bag; ande) effects closing of the fluid path of the multi-path valve means to stop fluid such as beer being further expelled from the first flexible compartment and stops flow of the beer to the delivery port.

A dispenser for use in dispensing beer according to a version of the invention has the beer bag including a plurality of characteristics selected from:i) being collapsible;ii) being manually transportable;iii) having a plurality of pressure controlled inner volumes;iv) having at least one outer volume able to hold the plurality of pressure controlled inner volumes;v) having the at least one outer volume having a substantially constant maximum volume at a maximum pressure;vi) including a valve for feeding in and out liquid such as beer from one pressure controlled inner volumes;vii) including a valve for feeding in and out pressure fluid from one pressure controlled inner volumes;viii) having a valve for both feeding in and out liquid such as beer from one pressure controlled inner volumes and effecting feeding in and out pressure fluid from one pressure controlled inner volumes;ix) having a pressure source providing pressure to effect transfer from the at least one inner volume to the delivery port;x) having a pressure source providing pressure to the transferred liquid to maintain an acceptable aerated drink pressure of the liquid at the delivery port.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a collapsible bag for use in a dispenser for dispensing beer wherein the bag includes:a) an outer flexible compartment having a substantially constant maximum volume at a maximum pressure;b) at least a first inner flexible compartment for receiving and holding liquid such as beer;c) at least a second inner flexible compartment acting as a pressure bag for selectively receiving pressured gas and by controlling the flow of pressurised gas into the second inner compartment for exerting pressure on the first flexible compartment to cause flow of the beer from the collapsible bag;d) a connection to a valve means for controlling the flow of liquid and/or pressured gas.

Preferably in the collapsible bag the flexible compartments are integral and substantially overlying and similarly sized in footprint.

Preferably the maximum volume is substantially in the range of 4 to 12 litres.

More preferably the maximum volume is about 5 litres.

In one form the maximum volume is about 10 litres.

The collapsible bag when collapsed is substantially flat and has end seams at opposing ends such that when full makes a substantially pillow shape, wherein the collapsible bag can be inserted in an advertising cover that can be provided in a flat pack but configured to surround the collapsible bag. The advertising cover can comprise a continuous tube having facets that allow folding and the advertising cover further comprises two end lids shaped to match the facets and of the continuous tube and close respective ends.

Also, in accordance with the invention there is provided a valve for use in a collapsible bag for use in a dispenser wherein the valve includes:a) a valve comprising:i) a lower body part having two peripheral openings fluidly connectable into two separate expandable compartments;ii) an upper body mounted into a top part of the lower body and having two outlets connecting to two flow paths each fluidly connected to respective two separate expandable compartments when the upper body is connected to the lower body;b) a first closure means forc) a second closure means for

The lower body can be mounted on at least one collapsible bag having a first flexible compartment for holding beer and a second flexible compartment forming the two separate expandable compartments, and the upper body can be attached to the lower body.

Preferably the attachment of the upper body and the lower body is selective.

Preferably the attachment of the upper body and the lower body is fixed.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of provision of beer including the steps of:a) Providing a quantity of beer in a collapsible bag having at least one connection to a multi-path valve means

A method of provision of beer wherein the step of providing beer in a collapsible bag includes the steps of:i) Providing bulk beer in heavy duty transportable containers;ii) Providing a plurality of collapsible bags having structure to allow transport in a substantially flat pack configuration and wherein each collapsible bag is sized to be readily manually carried when filled;iii) Allowing the plurality of collapsible bags to be filled from the heavy-duty transportable containers.

A method wherein valve structure for valving from beer bag to beer dispenser

The beer dispenser and method of provision of beer can be substantially assembled with improving

It can be seen that the invention of beer dispenser and method of provision of beer provides the benefit of

It can be seen that the invention provides a multitude of advantages including one or more of:beer dispenser and the structure of dispenser that allows for dispensing beer from bag of beerbeer bag and structure to allow transport in flat packvalve structure for valving from beer bag to beer dispenservalve structure that provides single valve for multichannel connection to allow beer flow separate to pressure gasmethod of provision of beer supplied in a beer bag through flat packMethod and apparatus for refill of beer dispenser with beer bagMethod of control of dispensingMethod of distribution of beer bag in flat pack, then full beer bag separate to gaseous pressure in manually transportable articles then used in transportable dispenser at required location and removal of weight free used empty beer bags.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Referring toFIG. 1there is one form of the collapsible bag15comprising at least three collapsible enclosures21,22and23. One of the at least three collapsible enclosures forms an outer enclosure23and at least two of the at least three collapsible enclosures21,22are within the outer enclosure23. Each of the at least two collapsible enclosures21,22have respective fluid paths extending from internal34,37to external32,35of the outer enclosure23.

Preferably the at least two collapsible enclosures are adjacent each other as inFIG. 3within the outer enclosure. However as inFIG. 1and inFIG. 4, an alternative form is a first enclosure21of the at least two collapsible enclosures is within a second enclosure22of the at least two collapsible enclosures and both are within the outer enclosure23.

The first enclosure21of the at least two collapsible enclosures is sized to have an expanded volume similar to an expanded volume of the outer enclosure wherein pressure gas applied into first enclosure21will displace liquid in second enclosure22for exiting along fluid path to external of the outer enclosure23.

The collapsible bag has at least part of each of the fluid paths having at least partially concentrically aligned. In this way a single multipath valve29can be attached.

Therefore as shown inFIG. 1, the collapsible bag15has the at least three collapsible enclosures21,22,23which collapse flat. In this way the bag is flat when transported, filled in enlarged form and flat when used and being sent for re-using and refilling. Clearly this is in the form where the valve29is a snap in valve and can be attached later. The collapsible bag is substantially flat, when the at least three collapsible enclosures are collapsed, and can have end seams50at opposing ends such that when full makes a substantially pillow shape.

The outer enclosure has an integrity to hold a pressure within. This outer enclosure can include high tensile synthetic fibre such as Kevlar. The outer enclosure can has an integrity to hold a pressure within of <60 psi. and preferably within of substantially in the range of 35 to 50 psi. The inner enclosure includes an inner layer of FDA approved food safe polyethylene such as Mylar.

The configuration of the collapsible bags and the integrity of the outer enclosure and food quality of an inner enclosure as well as the relative volume of one inner enclosure to the outer enclosures effects the dispensing mechanism of the pressure which can be received in at least one of the at least three collapsible enclosures and the integrity of the outer bag allows transfer of the pressure without fluid interaction to another of the at least three collapsible enclosures. More particularly it also aids in maintaining gaseous pressure of the fluid being dispensed without coming into contact with the fluid.

It can be seen that most beneficially and most inventively is for the valve29to be a multi-pathway valve forming a plurality of separate pathways with each pathway forming at least part of one of the fluid paths. In particular, at least part of the fluid paths formed by the valve are at least partially concentrically aligned.

The collapsible bag with the valve forms part of the first fluid path leading to the first enclosure forming a beer compartment of flexible bag; and forms part of the second fluid path leading to the second enclosure forming a pressure compartment of flexible bag. The first enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures is sized to have an expanded volume similar to an expanded volume of the outer enclosure wherein pressure gas applied into the first fluid path into the first enclosure will displace liquid in the second enclosure for exiting along second fluid path to external of the outer enclosure and connection to a dispenser.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a beer dispenser10that can be readily relocatable. The beer dispenser10includes a body having a top dispensing section11above a chamber12for receiving at least one collapsible bag15. The dispensing section11and the chamber12form an L-shape so as to provide a platform14. A glass can be placed on the platform and fit under a delivery port20protruding from an upper portion of the dispensing section. The delivery port can be in the form of a levered tap such as a beer tap.

Below the chamber12for receiving at least one collapsible bag15is a power supply section13for holding the pressure supply16and/or the power supply14so as to provide effective operation to the dispenser.

The at least one collapsible bag15as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4comprises an outer bag23in which is a liquid bag21and a pressure bag22. The liquid bag21can contain a quantity of liquid such as beer and therefore form a beer bag. The pressure bag22is able to receive gas under pressure and thereby exert pressure on the alongside beer bag21. The outer bag23controls the maximum expansion of the beer bag21and pressure bag22to control excess pressure and to effectively transfer the expansion pressure of the pressure bag22to the beer bag21while being fluidly separated.

In the particular preferred form ofFIG. 4the liquid bag21is inside the pressure bag22which is inside the outer bag23. In this way the pressure bag22allows pressure to be applied to all sides of the liquid bag21and also allows use of a multichannel valve29to be configured inline without having two separate ports.

The multichannel valve29has separate channels which are used to access separately the pressure bag22and the beer bag21. The multichannel valve29has a first portion30that is attached to the various bags of the outer bag23, beer bag21and pressure bag22. The multichannel valve31has a second portion31that is external to the bags and provides external ports32and33. Preferably the second part of the multichannel valve31is snap fit into the first part30in a removable manner.

The multichannel valve29has a first fluid pathway from the external port32which feeds to internal channel33through the centre of the multichannel valve29and through to outlet34within the beer bag21. To control flow there is a valve body44within this pathway.

The multichannel valve29has a second fluid pathway from the external port35which feeds to internal channel36through the outer circumferential part of the multichannel valve29and through to a peripheral outlet37within the pressure bag22.

A particular important element of the multichannel valve is that only one valve structure is required and the three bags21,22and23can be attached to the multichannel valve in an operative manner.

The dispenser10is able to receive one or a plurality of collapsible bags15with a beer bag containing beer within a chamber12. However the dispenser10might in another form not include a dispenser body but only the dispenser connections.

The dispenser10includes a connection of a first channel18for selective fluid connection of the at least one collapsible bag15and more particularly of the beer bag21of the at least one collapsible bag15by way of the external port32of the multichannel valve29. A delivery port20is fluidly connected to the other end of the first channel18for allowing selective delivery of beer from the at least one collapsible bag15through the first channel18.

A part of the first channel18can be a heat transfer portion19which can be helical pathway for passing through or adjacent a cooling substance or cooling structure. In this way the beer when dispensed from the delivery port20is chilled.

The dispenser10includes a connection of a second channel17for selective fluid connection of the at least one collapsible bag15and more particularly of the pressure bag22of the at least one collapsible bag15by way of the external port35of the multichannel valve29. A pressure supply16is fluidly connected to the other end of the second channel17for allowing exertion of pressure of the pressure bag22against the beer bag21for selective delivery of beer from the at least one collapsible bag15through the first channel18.

The pressure supply16can be a pressurized gas cylinder such that it releases harmless air but under pressure when connected to the inlet35for feeding through outlet37into the pressure bag22. Clearly the pressurized gas cylinder can include a check valve for selective opening and selective provision of pressured gas to the second channel17to the inlet35.

In operation the pressurized gas from the pressure supply16is fed through the second channel37into the pathway into the pressure bag22. At the same time by passing through the internal channel36between the inlet35and the outlet37in the pressure bag the pressured gas opens the valve44. In this way the other pathway is open from the beer bag21through the internal central channel33and out the outlet32connected to the first channel18through the heat transfer portion19to the delivery port20. The pressure provided by the pressurized gas of the pressure supply exerts pressure on the alongside beer bag21within the confines of the outer bag23to force the beer from the beer bag21to the delivery port20. This pressured beer remains at the delivery port for as long as the pressure supply is connected to the pressure inlet35of the multichannel valve29.

In use the delivery port20being a levered tap stops delivery of the pressured beer until the lever is bent to open the delivery port and allow dispensing of the beer preferably into glasses on or above the dispensing platform14.

With reference to the drawings the multichannel valve29can be seen in more detail inFIGS. 8 to 12. The valve has two parts. A first part30is attached to the collapsible bag15but it is attached to the particular beer bag21, pressure bag22and restraining outer bag23in such a way to allow the flow paths as shown inFIG. 3. The two parts30,31of the valve29also allow for transport without connection of the second part31in the form ofFIG. 6(with possibly a snap in top closure—not shown) and have the second part31being snapped into the first part when ready for use such as inFIG. 5.

The first part30of the valve29includes a valve body44having a central passage that aligns with a central passage33of the top body portion56having the outlet32. The first part30also includes a valve plug45for interacting with the valve body44to selectively close the central channel.

A further portion of the first part includes a skirt51extending from a central body encircling the central passage33. A second skirt52, which is spaced relative to the first skirt51, is mounted parallel thereto and extends from a body which also encircles the central passage33but is inner to the body of the first skirt51. The relative spacing of the second skirt to the first skirt51provides a radially extending pathway37fluidly separate to the inner central channel.

The second part31of the valve29includes a top body portion56having a central channel33fitting to a middle body portion54and having the first external outlet32with its channel33extending radially at 90 degrees to the main vertical central channel. Around the middle body portion54is a body that encircles the central channel33of the top body portion56and which has an outer wall that forms one wall of an annular ring passage. A ring body that includes the other external outlet35extending radially outward has at an inner side a wall that opposes the wall of the middle body portion54and completes the annular ring passage. This passage connects from the other external outlet35through annular channel and connecting downwards to fluidly connect with the radially extending outlet37between the two skirts51and52.

Therefore, the multichannel valve29with first and second parts30,31form a first fluid pathway leading from outlet32through central channel33down to central outlet, pass valve44to central outlet34. It also forms a second fluid pathway

The connection of the beer bag21, pressure bag22and outer bag23forming the collapsible bag15are achieved by connection to the first and second skirts51,52. The pressure bag22has a round top opening that fits around the central body of the first skirt51and is attached to the top surface of the annular plate of the first skirt. The bottom surface of the

In the form shown inFIG. 4the beer bag21is within the pressure bag22which is within the containing bag23with the pressure being fed into external outlet35through annular ring channel36out outlet37along first fluid path. The first enclosure of the at least two collapsible enclosures is sized to have an expanded volume similar to an expanded volume of the outer enclosure wherein pressure gas applied into the first fluid path into the first enclosure will displace liquid in the second enclosure for exiting along second fluid path to external of the outer enclosure and connection to a dispenser.

In the form shown inFIG. 3the beer bag21and pressure bag22are adjacent but both within the outer bag23to retain the inner bags but be still fed through the two separate fluid pathways.

Interpretation

Embodiments

Different Instances of Objects

Specific Details

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the beverage and drink service industries.