Device for connecting and draining a pouch

• US 4,798,605 A
• Filed: 07/21/1987
• Issued: 01/17/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nestec SA (Nestle SA)
• Original Assignee: Nestec SA (Nestle SA)
• Inventors: Steiner, Roland, Van Meir, Eugene
• Primary Examiner(s): Yasko, John D.
• Application Number:
  US07/076,177
• Time in Patent Office: 546 Days
• Field of Search: 604/411-414, 604/274, 222/81, 222/83, 141/329, 141/350
• US Class Current: 604/411
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/10 Bag-type containers

Abstract

A device for continuously draining a pouch is adjustable for puncturing and draining the pouch. In certain embodiments, the device has an end portion capable of being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch. An end-piece is connected with the affixing end portion by means for reciprocating the end-piece towards and away from the joint and pouch. A needle affixed to the end-piece extends towards the pipe and joint and has a length sufficient to penetrate through the joint to pierce the pouch when the end-piece is reciprocated towards the adjustable portion. A pipe is positioned relative to the end-piece for dispensing liquid flowing from a pierced pouch via the void from the joint to the end-piece. Alternatively, the reciprocation means is integral with and terminates in an end portion within which a pipe is affixed which is integral with a needle which has at least one opening communicating with a channel which communicates with the pipe for dispensing liquid flowing from the pouch into the void to the pipe via the needle opening and channel. Alternatively, a portion of an adjustable portion containing a needle and pipe circumscribes an extension pipe of a joint and defines a void therebetween. Means for reciprocating the adjustable portion and needle are positioned in the void. Additionally, alternatively, an adjustable portion is integral with a needle passing through it and into an extension pipe of the joint. Means to reciprocate the adjustable portion and needle are positioned in an annular void between the extension pipe and the portion of the adjustable portion which circumscribes the extension pipe.

Claims

1. A device which is adjustable and for being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch containing liquid for continuously draining the pouch comprising:

an end-piece of the device displaced from an end portion of the device, the end portion being capable of being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch containing liquid to be dispensed;

means connecting the end-piece with the affixing end portion for reciprocation of the end-piece in a direction towards and in a direction away from the affixing end portion, the end-piece, the reciprocation means, the affixing end portion and the joint defining a void for liquid from a pierced pouch to flow towards the end-piece;

a needle affixed to the end-piece and extending within the void, the needle being affixed to the end-piece for having an axis of symmetry substantially corresponding with an axis of symmetry of the void, being tapered to a point in a direction from the end-piece to the affixing end portion, having a length such that when the end-piece is at a reciprocated position away from the affixing end portion, the point of the needle is displaced away from the pouch but having a length sufficient for penetrating through the joint for piercing the pouch when the end-piece is at a reciprocated position towards the affixing end portion and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the void; and

a pipe positioned between the end-piece and the reciprocation means for dispensing liquid flowing from a pierced pouch via the void about the needle towards the end-piece.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the reciprocating means is a bellows-type system.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the bellows-type system has from 1 to 5 folds.

5. A device according to claim 3 wherein in that the material for the bellows-type system is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, synthetic elastomers and natural elastomers.

2. A device which is adjustable and for being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch containing liquid for continuously draining the pouch comprising:

an end portion of the device capable of being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch containing liquid to be dispensed;

means connected with the affixing end portion and terminating in an integral end portion for allowing reciprocation of the integral end portion in a direction towards and in a direction away from the affixing end portion, a void being defined by the integral end portion, the reciprocation means, the affixing end portion and the joint for liquid from a pierced pouch to flow into and through the void towards the integral end portion; and

a pipe affixed within the integral end portion for dispensing liquid and being integral with a needle extending within the void and being positioned by means of the affixed pipe for having an axis of symmetry substantially corresponding with an axis of symmetry of the void, being tapered in a direction from the integral end portion to the adjustable portion, having a length such that when the integral end portion is at a reciprocated position away from the affixing end portion, the point of the needle is displaced away from the pouch but having a length sufficient for penetrating the pouch when the integral end portion is reciprocated towards the affixing end portion and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the void for liquid to flow into and through the void about the needle but sufficient for accommodating at least one opening communicating with a channel communicating with the affixed pipe for dispensing liquid flowing from a pierced pouch via the void to the needle opening and through the needle channel to the pipe.

6. A device which is adjustable and for being affixed to a joint affixed to a pouch containing liquid for continuously draining the pouch comprising:

a joint capable of being attached to a pouch and having an extension pipe which has a hollowed interior having two spaced apart annular grooves about its outer circumference;

an adjustable portion circumscribing the extension pipe capable of being reciprocated towards and away from the joint and pouch and having two spaced apart annular beads positioned for mating with the grooves of the extension pipe and having an end portion and a pipe spaced away, with respect to a direction away from the joint and pouch, from the position of the beads; and

a needle affixed to the end portion of the adjustable portion having an axis of symmetry substantially corresponding with an axis of symmetry of the joint and extension pipe, and being tapered from the end portion to a point, being a size smaller than a void defined by the extension pipe and adjustable portion and having a length sufficient for piercing the pouch when the adjustable portion is reciprocated towards the pouch and all grooves and beads are mated for piercing the pouch and being removed from the pouch when the adjustable portion is reciprocated away from the pouch and only one groove and bead are mated for dispensing liquid through the extension pipe to the adjustable portion pipe about the needle.

7. A device which is adjustable and for being affixed

to a joint affixed to a pouch for continuously draining the pouch comprising:

a joint capable of being attached to a pouch and having an extension pipe which has a hollowed interior;

a needle extending within the extension pipe of the joint having a body portion having a diameter substantially the same as a diameter of the interior of the pipe for sealing the pipe and then being tapered to a point, there being at least one opening in the tapered portion communicating with a channel within the needle;

an adjustable portion having an annular abutment circumscribing the extension pipe defining a first portion which is affixed about the needle at a point displaced from the pipe and defining a void about the needle through which the needle extends to the extension pipe and a second portion circumscribing the extension pipe defining a second void about the extension pipe;

an annular abutment about the extension pipe spaced away from the adjustable portion abutment towards the joint and pouch; and

a spring positioned between the extension pipe and adjustable portion abutments for reciprocating the adjustable portion, wherein the abutments are spaced sufficiently apart and the needle extends for a length sufficient from the adjustable portion and within the extension pipe such that when the adjustable portion and needle are pushed towards a pouch, the needle is capable of piercing the pouch, whereby upon reciprocation to its original position liquid flows into and through the channel of the needle for dispensing.