ES2590811T3

ES2590811T3 - System and method for distribution and supply of beverages

Info

Publication number: ES2590811T3
Application number: ES06824489.6T
Authority: ES
Inventors: Mikael Quasters
Original assignee: Petainer Lidkoeping AB
Current assignee: Petainer Lidkoeping AB
Priority date: 2005-11-29
Filing date: 2006-11-29
Publication date: 2016-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-29
Also published as: HUE030378T2; PL2361875T3; PT1954624T; PL1954624T3; MX359540B

Abstract

Un sistema para distribución y suministro de bebidas, que comprende: un recipiente (100) para bebida, dicho recipiente (100) tiene una porción (108) de boca, una porción (110) de resalto, una porción (114) de base y una porción (112) de cuerpo que se extiende entre la porción (110) de resalto y la porción (114) de base, formada en una pieza colapsable y desechable; y una estructura (104) de tubo que comprende un tubo (136) alargado que se va a insertar en el recipiente (100) y que tiene un conducto (137) interno para bebida, y un elemento (102) de cierre que se va a conectar a la porción (108) de boca del recipiente (100), en la que - en uso - un extremo (136b) interno del tubo (136) se ubica adyacente a la porción (114) de base del recipiente (100) para pasar bebida desde dicho extremo (136b) interno, a través de dicho conducto (137) y al elemento (102) de cierre para distribuir, dicho recipiente (100) se moldea por soplado a partir de una preforma de PET, tiene una capacidad de 15 a 40 litros y es independiente en uso: caracterizado porque: dicha preforma se ha sometido a una relación de estiramiento en el orden de 10 a 20; el grosor de la pared lateral de la porción (112) de cuerpo del recipiente es aproximadamente 0.2 a 0.6 mm; y la pared del recipiente tiene una barrera contra oxígeno y dióxido de carbono, la barrera se logra mediante la técnica de mezcla.A system for distribution and supply of beverages, comprising: a beverage container (100), said container (100) has a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a body portion (112) extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), formed in a collapsible and disposable piece; and a tube structure (104) comprising an elongated tube (136) to be inserted into the container (100) and having an internal beverage conduit (137), and a closing element (102) to be to be connected to the mouth portion (108) of the container (100), in which - in use - an inner end (136b) of the tube (136) is located adjacent to the base portion (114) of the container (100) to pass beverage from said internal end (136b), through said conduit (137) and to the closing element (102) for distribution, said container (100) is blow molded from a PET preform, has a capacity from 15 to 40 liters and is independent in use: characterized in that: said preform has undergone a stretching ratio in the order of 10 to 20; the thickness of the side wall of the body portion (112) of the container is approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm; and the wall of the container has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier is achieved by mixing technique.

Description

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DESCRIPCIONDESCRIPTION

Sistema y metodo para distribucion y suministro de bebidas Campo tecnicoSystem and method for distribution and supply of beverages Technical field

La presente invencion se relaciona con un sistema de acuerdo con el preambulo de la reivindicacion 1, un metodo para distribucion y suministro de bebidas de acuerdo con el preambulo de la reivindicacion 11, y un recipiente de acuerdo con el preambulo de la reivindicacion 15, y conocidos del documento US 4,665,940.The present invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for distribution and supply of beverages according to the preamble of claim 11, and a container according to the preamble of claim 15, and known from US 4,665,940.

Tecnica antecedenteBackground Technique

Cuando se suministran cantidades relativamente grandes de bebidas, en el orden de decenas de litros, a un establecimiento, es conocido utilizar recipientes de acero recargables, en el caso de la cerveza como tal, o recipientes de plastico de alta resistencia recargables o reciclables, en el caso del agua para los distribuidores de agua. Los recipientes de acero o barriles son costosos de producir y mantener en abastecimiento para un distribuidor de bebidas, y despues de que se han vaciado y antes de su viaje de regreso demandan un gran volumen de almacenamiento para un usuario final. Los barriles de acero son bastante pesados; un barril de 20 litros pesa unos 10 kg (vaclo).When relatively large quantities of beverages are supplied, in the order of tens of liters, to an establishment, it is known to use rechargeable steel containers, in the case of beer as such, or rechargeable or recyclable high strength plastic containers, in the case of water for water distributors. Steel containers or barrels are expensive to produce and maintain in supply for a beverage distributor, and after they have been emptied and before their return trip they demand a large volume of storage for an end user. Steel barrels are quite heavy; a 20 liter barrel weighs about 10 kg (empty).

El documento WO 00/78665 divulga un recipiente o barril de cerveza que comprende una cubierta hueca interna de tereftalato de polietileno moldeado por soplado (PET), una cubierta hueca externa rlgida de envolvente de polietileno de alta densidad moldeado y que soporta la cubierta interna y una estructura de lanza que incluye el tubo distribuidor que se extiende desde una region interior del fondo de la cubierta interna y a traves de una salida de distribucion en la parte superior de la cubierta externa. La publicacion anterior aborda el problema mencionado asociado con recipientes de acero, pero todavla solo proporciona una solucion parcial, ya que el recipiente todavla es una construccion relativamente costosa y elaborada.WO 00/78665 discloses a beer container or barrel comprising an internal hollow shell of blow molded polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a rigid hollow outer shell of molded high density polyethylene shell and which supports the internal and a lance structure that includes the distributor tube that extends from an inner region of the bottom of the inner shell and through a distribution outlet at the top of the outer shell. The previous publication addresses the aforementioned problem associated with steel containers, but still only provides a partial solution, since the container is still a relatively expensive and elaborate construction.

Mientras que los recipientes anteriormente conocidos operan de una manera convencional, mediante la aplicacion de una presion interna con el fin de obligar a la cerveza a salir del recipiente, se describe una solucion alternativa en el documento WO 99/11563. Esta solucion conocida incluye aplicar una presion externa a un recipiente flexible, dicha presion es una presion mecanica o una presion de gas. Este sistema conocido tambien requiere diversos accesorios que los hacen costosos y complicados.While the previously known containers operate in a conventional manner, by applying an internal pressure in order to force the beer out of the container, an alternative solution is described in WO 99/11563. This known solution includes applying an external pressure to a flexible container, said pressure is a mechanical pressure or a gas pressure. This known system also requires various accessories that make them expensive and complicated.

El documento WO 2004/099060 describe un metodo para la distribucion de una bebida y dispositivos para el mismo. El sistema es similar a uno mencionado anteriormente por una presion de gas externa que se aplica entre el recipiente y una carcasa externa, aunque el recipiente se coloca boca abajo en un soporte hecho a la medida.WO 2004/099060 describes a method for the distribution of a beverage and devices therefor. The system is similar to one mentioned above by an external gas pressure that is applied between the container and an external housing, although the container is placed face down on a custom made support.

Un ejemplo adicional de un recipiente de plastico para la cerveza se describe en el documento WO 03/008293. Sin embargo, este recipiente se tiene que distribuir en una carcasa externa, tal como una caja de metal o de carton.A further example of a plastic beer container is described in WO 03/008293. However, this container has to be distributed in an external housing, such as a metal or cardboard box.

Todavla se divulgan ejemplos adicionales de recipientes de plastico para cerveza en los documentos US 4,531,656 y US 4,678,101. Estos recipientes, durante uso, son soportados por una envoltura externa que se ajusta en un marco. La envoltura y el marco llevan fuerzas circunferenciales y verticales, respectivamente, que se ejercen sobre el recipiente cuando se somete a presurizacion interna.Additional examples of plastic beer containers are still disclosed in US 4,531,656 and US 4,678,101. These containers, during use, are supported by an outer wrap that fits into a frame. The envelope and the frame carry circumferential and vertical forces, respectively, that are exerted on the container when it is subjected to internal pressurization.

Tambien el documento EP 1 468 930 A1 divulga un recipiente.Also EP 1 468 930 A1 discloses a container.

Cuando se han llenado recipientes de plastico con bebidas no carbonatadas o poco carbonatadas, ha sido necesario utilizar un recipiente con paredes relativamente gruesas con el fin de garantizar la manejabilidad y estabilidad de tal manera que el recipiente no se colapse cuando se manipula y/o vacla. Un ejemplo conocido son recipientes de agua adaptados para ser montados boca abajo en un soporte, vease por ejemplo el documento US-A-5,217,128. Estos recipientes tienen un grosor de pared de aproximadamente 0.8 a 1.0 mm con el fin de satisfacer las demandas de manejabilidad y estabilidad como se menciono anteriormente. Durante distribucion porcion por porcion de estos recipientes, una presion sub-atmosferica se genera en el interior del recipiente, lo que lleva al aire circundante ser arrastrado en el recipiente. Esto tiene un efecto perjudicial sobre la higiene en el recipiente y la calidad del agua puede en consecuencia no ser avalada. Los recipientes de paredes gruesas resultan en aumento de costes de produccion y transporte, en relacion con los recipientes de pared delgada. Adicionalmente, los recipientes de paredes gruesas exigen mayores recursos en terminos de sistemas de elimination. Esto es especialmente un problema en los palses en desarrollo donde el agua potable a menudo necesita ser transportado en diversos tipos de recipientes a las areas que no tienen acceso a agua corriente segura.When plastic containers have been filled with non-carbonated or low-carbonated beverages, it has been necessary to use a container with relatively thick walls in order to ensure the manageability and stability such that the container does not collapse when handled and / or vala . A known example is water containers adapted to be mounted upside down on a support, see for example US-A-5,217,128. These containers have a wall thickness of approximately 0.8 to 1.0 mm in order to meet the demands of manageability and stability as mentioned above. During portion-by-portion distribution of these containers, a sub-atmospheric pressure is generated inside the container, which leads to the surrounding air being dragged into the container. This has a detrimental effect on hygiene in the container and the water quality may therefore not be endorsed. Thick-walled containers result in increased production and transportation costs, relative to thin-walled containers. Additionally, thick-walled containers require greater resources in terms of elimination systems. This is especially a problem in developing countries where drinking water often needs to be transported in various types of containers to areas that do not have access to safe running water.

Resumen de la invencionSummary of the invention

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Es un objeto de la presente invencion es proporcionar soluciones a, o por lo menos la reduccion de, los problemas anteriores y relacionados.It is an object of the present invention to provide solutions to, or at least the reduction of, the above and related problems.

De acuerdo con la invencion, esto se logra mediante la provision de un sistema para distribucion y suministro de bebidas, de acuerdo con la reivindicacion 1.In accordance with the invention, this is achieved by providing a system for distribution and supply of beverages, according to claim 1.

El hecho de que el recipiente es independiente y desechable, as! como formado en una sola pieza proporciona un recipiente rentable que puede ser producido a partir de una preforma en la posicion donde se supone que el recipiente se va a llenar mas tarde. Despues de su uso el recipiente vaclo se puede desechar de manera eficiente sin tomar en cuenta la cantidad significativa de espacio de almacenamiento. En una realizacion, el sistema de recipientes sustituye a un sistema de barril convencional para cerveza de barril. En comparacion con recipientes de acero regulares que se utilizan para la cerveza de barril, el recipiente es mas rentable en mas de un aspecto. En primer lugar, es menos costoso de producir en terminos de costes de materia prima, el consumo de energla y etapas de procesamiento. En segundo lugar, debido a que los recipientes se moldean por soplado a partir de preformas sobre demandas en la ubicacion en la que posteriormente sera llenado, que no requieren casi mucho espacio de almacenamiento. En tercer lugar, en el caso de recipientes de acero, subsiste la necesidad de una organizacion que maneja los recipientes devueltos, lo que obviamente aumenta aun mas los costes. Debido al hecho de que el recipiente del sistema es independiente y duradero, no subsiste necesidad de provision de una estructura de proteccion y/o soporte externa. En uso, el recipiente simplemente se coloca en posicion vertical y sin ningun soporte, y se conecta a un sistema de distri bucion estandar. Esto es obviamente mas rentable que las soluciones conocidas, sino que tambien requiere menos espacio que si se necesita utilizar una estructura de soporte adicional.The fact that the container is independent and disposable as well! As formed in a single piece it provides a cost-effective container that can be produced from a preform in the position where the container is supposed to be filled later. After use the empty container can be disposed of efficiently without taking into account the significant amount of storage space. In one embodiment, the container system replaces a conventional barrel system for draft beer. Compared to regular steel containers that are used for draft beer, the container is more profitable in more ways than one. First, it is less expensive to produce, in terms of raw material costs, energy consumption and processing stages. Secondly, because the containers are blow molded from preforms on demands at the location where they will later be filled, they do not require almost much storage space. Third, in the case of steel containers, there remains a need for an organization that handles the returned containers, which obviously increases the costs even more. Due to the fact that the system vessel is independent and durable, there is no need for provision of a protection structure and / or external support. In use, the container is simply placed in an upright position and without any support, and is connected to a standard distribution system. This is obviously more cost effective than known solutions, but also requires less space than if you need to use an additional support structure.

El recipiente desechable preferiblemente se elabora de un material pollmero utilizado para botellas de plastico de tamano mas pequeno, por ejemplo poliesteres, tales como tereftalato de polietileno (PET); o en combinacion con cualquiera de los siguientes materiales: naftalato de polietileno (PEN) y otros; poliolefina; poliamida (nylon); polilactida. El tereftalato de polietileno se utiliza ampliamente en el campo de botellas de plastico en general, y es en este aspecto un material adecuado para uso. Con el fin de proteger los contenidos del recipiente de la radiacion destructiva, tales como luz solar, se puede colorear el recipiente.The disposable container is preferably made of a polymeric material used for smaller plastic bottles, for example polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); or in combination with any of the following materials: polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and others; polyolefin; polyamide (nylon); polylactide Polyethylene terephthalate is widely used in the field of plastic bottles in general, and is in this respect a suitable material for use. In order to protect the contents of the container from destructive radiation, such as sunlight, the container can be colored.

La porcion del cuerpo del recipiente tiene un grosor de la pared lateral de aproximadamente 0.2 a 0.6 mm, aun mas preferiblemente 0.35 a 0.40 mm. Cuanto mas fino sea el grosor de pared es mas ligero y menos costoso el recipiente. Gracias a la estructura de pared delgada, se puede colapsar facilmente el recipiente vaclo a un volumen muy pequeno antes de que se descargue.The portion of the container body has a side wall thickness of about 0.2 to 0.6 mm, even more preferably 0.35 to 0.40 mm. The thinner the wall thickness, the lighter and less expensive the container. Thanks to the thin-walled structure, the empty container can be easily collapsed to a very small volume before it is discharged.

En este contexto, la invencion proporciona un recipiente independiente que es muy rentable en terminos de la capacidad de volumen del recipiente por peso del material base del recipiente. El grosor de la pared lateral se mide generalmente aproximadamente en la region media de la porcion de cuerpo.In this context, the invention provides an independent container that is very cost effective in terms of the volume capacity of the container by weight of the base material of the container. The thickness of the side wall is generally measured approximately in the middle region of the body portion.

En una realizacion el recipiente independiente es soportado sobre un numero de patas que forman parte de la porcion de base. Esto se denomina una base petaloide. Debido a que es probable que sea sometido a una presion interna que excede la presion atmosferica del recipiente - por lo menos en uso - posibles superficies planas del recipiente tienden a hincharse. Por lo tanto la provision de patas que se extienden desde la porcion de base hace posible que el recipiente permanezca firmemente sobre una superficie y todavla ser formado en una pieza.In one embodiment, the independent container is supported on a number of legs that are part of the base portion. This is called a petaloid base. Because it is likely to be subjected to an internal pressure that exceeds the atmospheric pressure of the container - at least in use - possible flat surfaces of the container tend to swell. Therefore the provision of legs that extend from the base portion makes it possible for the container to remain firmly on a surface and still be formed in one piece.

El recipiente desechable y de pared delgada esta provisto con una barrera contra el oxlgeno y dioxido de carbono con el fin de evitar que estos gases se difundan dentro y fuera del recipiente. Para prolongar la vida util del producto contenido en el recipiente, la barrera de oxlgeno es un factor importante con el fin de evitar que el oxlgeno se difunda en el recipiente. Tambien, si los contenidos del recipiente son carbonatados es importante que los contenidos se mantengan carbonatados para la vida util esperada, que se facilita por la provision de una barrera de dioxido de carbono. Estas barreras se logran mediante tecnicas de mezcla. Un ejemplo de una tecnica de mezcla es cuando un material de recipiente tal como PET se mezcla con otro material, tal como poliamida, que lleva un agente de barrido. Esta tecnica generalmente no proporciona buenas propiedades de barrera conocidas como las tecnicas de capas multiples conocidas, pero tiene bajos costes.The disposable and thin-walled container is provided with a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide in order to prevent these gases from diffusing inside and outside the container. To prolong the shelf life of the product contained in the container, the oxygen barrier is an important factor in order to prevent oxygen from diffusing in the container. Also, if the contents of the container are carbonated it is important that the contents remain carbonated for the expected useful life, which is facilitated by the provision of a carbon dioxide barrier. These barriers are achieved through mixing techniques. An example of a mixing technique is when a container material such as PET is mixed with another material, such as polyamide, which carries a sweeping agent. This technique generally does not provide good barrier properties known as known multilayer techniques, but has low costs.

Incluso si el recipiente se llena con gran precaution, es probable que una pequena cantidad de oxlgeno estara presente, y los agentes de barrido agregados a la estructura de tubo y/o elemento de cierre se hara cargo de esto. Debido a sus propiedades, agentes de barrido se refieren a menudo como una barrera “activa” en contraposition a las barreras “pasivas”, como una laca. Las barreras por lo general tambien se proporcionan barreras para inhibir la “difusion” dentro o fuera del recipiente de vapor de agua, radiacion, tal como radiacion UV, y el aroma. Con el fin de proteger los contenidos del recipiente de la radiacion destructiva, tales como luz solar, el recipiente puede ser de color.Even if the container is filled with great precaution, it is likely that a small amount of oxygen will be present, and the sweeping agents added to the tube structure and / or closure element will take care of this. Because of their properties, sweeping agents are often referred to as an "active" barrier as opposed to "passive" barriers, such as a lacquer. Barriers are usually also provided barriers to inhibit "diffusion" inside or outside the water vapor container, radiation, such as UV radiation, and aroma. In order to protect the contents of the container from destructive radiation, such as sunlight, the container may be colored.

La porcion del cuerpo del recipiente de una pieza puede ser cillndrico con un diametro esencialmente constante. Esto es beneficioso en terminos de un empaque mas eficiente en espacio durante el transporte en comparacion con un recipiente en el que una parte sustancial del recipiente sobresale radialmente hacia fuera. Esta superficie cillndricaThe portion of the body of the container of a piece can be cylindrical with an essentially constant diameter. This is beneficial in terms of a more space-efficient packaging during transport compared to a container in which a substantial part of the container protrudes radially outward. This cylindrical surface

tambien es adecuada para el suministro de etiquetas exteriores, marcas, marcas registradas, etc., as! como para estar provisto de un relieve durante el moldeo por soplado de la preforma en un recipiente.It is also suitable for the supply of exterior labels, trademarks, registered trademarks, etc., as! as to be provided with a relief during blow molding of the preform in a container.

El elemento de cierre del sistema de recipiente preferiblemente comprende una valvula de retencion sesgada en una direccion de cierre. Esto hace posible aplicar la valvula a la porcion de la boca del recipiente antes de llenar el recipiente 5 y hace el uso de un redundante de tapa de transporte adicional. Adicionalmente un tapon y/o sello contra el polvo se aplica simplemente que cubre la valvula de retencion.The closure element of the container system preferably comprises a biased check valve in a closing direction. This makes it possible to apply the valve to the portion of the mouth of the container before filling the container 5 and makes use of a redundant additional transport lid. Additionally, a dust cap and / or seal is simply applied that covers the check valve.

El elemento de cierre tambien puede ser una tapa perforable formada en una pieza. Esta variante es simple para producir y asegura un sello rentable y seguro. Este tipo de tapa perforable se aplica despues de llenado del recipiente. Antes de uso la tapa se penetra por medios de perforacion, por ejemplo agujas de tipo jeringa, de una cabeza de 10 distribucion, lo que proporciona una abertura para distribuir bebida en comunicacion llquida con el tubo, y una abertura para inyeccion de gas propulsor, tal como dioxido de carbono o nitrogeno.The closure element can also be a perforable cover formed in one piece. This variant is simple to produce and ensures a profitable and secure seal. This type of perforable lid is applied after filling the container. Before use, the lid is penetrated by means of perforation, for example syringe-type needles, of a distribution head, which provides an opening for distributing beverage in liquid communication with the tube, and an opening for injection of propellant gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Si se utiliza una tapa perforable, el sistema preferiblemente se proporciona con una cabeza de distribucion que tiene medios que perforan tapas. En esta forma la cabeza de distribucion se puede adherir al recipiente sin que se retire la tapa. El medio que perfora la tapa comprende medios para colocar la cabeza de distribucion en comunicacion de fluido 15 con el tubo que se extiende en la bebida, y medios para proporcionar un gas propulsor al recipiente.If a pierceable lid is used, the system is preferably provided with a distribution head having means that pierce caps. In this way the distribution head can be attached to the container without removing the lid. The means that pierces the lid comprise means for placing the distribution head in fluid communication 15 with the tube extending in the beverage, and means for providing a propellant gas to the container.

En una realizacion preferida, el sistema esta destinado a reemplazar los barriles de cerveza de barril actuales o barriles utilizados comercialmente, as! como a nivel nacional. El rango de tamano preferido es, por lo tanto, grande, con una capacidad de volumen preferido de 3-40 litros, preferiblemente de 15-30 litros y mas preferiblemente de 20 a 25 litros para uso comercial. Para uso domestico del rango preferido es de 3-10 litros, y aun mas preferiblemente 4 a 6 litros.In a preferred embodiment, the system is intended to replace current barrels of beer or commercially used barrels, as well! As nationally. The preferred size range is therefore large, with a preferred volume capacity of 3-40 liters, preferably 15-30 liters and more preferably 20 to 25 liters for commercial use. For domestic use the preferred range is 3-10 liters, and even more preferably 4 to 6 liters.

20 El recipiente del sistema se moldea por soplado desde una preforma de PET que se ha sometido a una relacion de estiramiento en el orden de 10 a 20, preferiblemente 12-16, y mas preferiblemente 14-16. Como se utiliza en este contexto “relacion de estiramiento” se refiere a la relacion entre el grosor de la pared lateral de la preforma que es basicamente constante, y el grosor de la pared lateral, en su parte mas delgada.The system vessel is blow molded from a PET preform that has been subjected to a stretch ratio in the order of 10 to 20, preferably 12-16, and more preferably 14-16. As used in this context "stretch ratio" refers to the relationship between the thickness of the side wall of the preform that is basically constant, and the thickness of the side wall, at its thinnest part.

La invencion tambien se refiere a un metodo para distribucion y suministro de bebidas de acuerdo con reivindicacion 11.The invention also relates to a method for distribution and supply of beverages according to claim 11.

25 Este metodo hace posible que un productor de bebidas tenga produccion propia y llenado de recipientes, solo comprando las preformas y la estructura de tubo/valvula de un proveedor externo. Las preformas no requieren un espacio de almacenamiento masivo, y puesto que los recipientes son moldeadas por soplado en la etapa de procesamiento precedente a la etapa de llenado (despues de lo cual se cargan y se entregan a un cliente) el espacio de almacenamiento total necesario se reduce sustancialmente en comparacion con el sistema de barril estandar. 30 Adicionalmente, el productor de bebidas puede suministrar el recipiente de llenado y tapado a los clientes a un bajo coste, de nuevo en comparacion con el sistema de barril convencional, y un umbral se expande a nuevos mercados, se reduce significativamente debido a la reduccion de los costes asociados. La estructura de tubos/lanza generalmente se ensambla antes de estar unida al recipiente. Dependiendo del tipo de elemento de cierre, esto se puede realizar antes o despues del llenado del recipiente, que se describira mas adelante. Por lo tanto, la etapa de llenado del recipiente y la 35 etapa de proporcionar el recipiente con una estructura de tubo se puede producir en orden inverso.25 This method makes it possible for a beverage producer to have its own production and container filling, only by buying the preforms and the tube / valve structure from an external supplier. The preforms do not require a massive storage space, and since the containers are blow molded in the processing stage preceding the filling stage (after which they are loaded and delivered to a customer) the total storage space needed It is substantially reduced compared to the standard barrel system. 30 Additionally, the beverage producer can supply the filling and capping container to customers at a low cost, again compared to the conventional barrel system, and a threshold expands to new markets, is significantly reduced due to the reduction of the associated costs. The tube / lance structure is generally assembled before being attached to the container. Depending on the type of closure element, this can be done before or after filling the container, which will be described later. Therefore, the stage of filling the container and the stage of providing the container with a tube structure can be produced in reverse order.

El metodo tambien puede comprender la etapa de sellar la porcion de boca del recipiente con un sello de polvo y/o inviolable al elemento de cierre luego de la etapa de agregar la estructura de tubo. Por razones obvias, esta etapa puede ser de importancia para un consumidor final.The method may also comprise the step of sealing the mouth portion of the container with a dust seal and / or inviolable to the closure element after the stage of adding the tube structure. For obvious reasons, this stage may be of importance to an end consumer.

La invencion tambien se relaciona con un recipiente del sistema de acuerdo con reivindicacion 15. Esto proporciona las 40 ventajas descritas previamente. El recipiente es en particular adecuado para cerveza de barril y bebidas con baja carbonatacion, tales como sidra y refrescos, pero tambien se podrla utilizar para bebidas no carbonatadas, tales como vino, bebidas si gases, leche, agua y jugos de fruta.The invention also relates to a container of the system according to claim 15. This provides the 40 advantages described previously. The container is particularly suitable for draft beer and low carbonated beverages, such as cider and soft drinks, but it can also be used for non-carbonated beverages, such as wine, non-carbonated drinks, milk, water and fruit juices.

Aunque por lo general es mas grande, el recipiente esta hecho de tereftalato de polietileno (PET) o en combinacion con cualquiera de los siguientes materiales: naftalato de polietileno (PEN) y otros; poliolefina; poliamida (nylon); polilactida 45 (pollmero PLA NatureWorks®).Although usually larger, the container is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or in combination with any of the following materials: polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and others; polyolefin; polyamide (nylon); polylactide 45 (PLW polymer NatureWorks®).

Otras realizaciones preferidas de la pieza independiente, de una pieza y el recipiente desechable de la invencion se establecen en las reivindicaciones dependientes adjuntas 16 a 20.Other preferred embodiments of the independent piece, of a piece and the disposable container of the invention are set forth in the attached dependent claims 16 to 20.

Breve descripcion de los dibujosBrief description of the drawings

En lo siguiente la presente invencion se describira en mas detalle con referencia a los dibujos acompanantes que 50 ilustran realizaciones preferidas pero no limitantes y en los que:In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred but not limiting embodiments and in which:

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Las Figuras 1 y 2 son esquemas de una primera realizacion de un sistema de acuerdo con la invencion, en un estado desmontado y montado, respectivamente, con algunos accesorios incluidos,Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention, in a disassembled and assembled state, respectively, with some accessories included,

La Figura 3 es un esquema de un recipiente producido a partir de una preforma mostrada en la Figura 4 y forma parte del sistema ilustrado en la Figura 1,Figure 3 is a scheme of a container produced from a preform shown in Figure 4 and is part of the system illustrated in Figure 1,

La Figura 4 es una vista esquematica de una preforma (sobre una gran escala) para el recipiente mostrado en las Figuras 1-3,Figure 4 is a schematic view of a preform (on a large scale) for the container shown in Figures 1-3,

Las Figuras 5 y 6 son vistas seccionales de un elemento de cierre que forma parte del sistema ilustrado en la Figura 1, en una posicion abierta y cerrada, respectivamente,Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views of a closure element that is part of the system illustrated in Figure 1, in an open and closed position, respectively,

La Figura 7 muestra un elemento de cierre alternativo utilizado en una segunda realizacion,Figure 7 shows an alternative closure element used in a second embodiment,

La Figura 8 ilustra una cabeza de distribucion alternativa utilizada para un recipiente provisto con la tapa de la Figura 7. Description de las realizaciones preferidasFigure 8 illustrates an alternative distribution head used for a container provided with the lid of Figure 7. Description of preferred embodiments

La Figura 1 es una ilustracion esquematica de un sistema de acuerdo con una realizacion preferida de la invencion. El sistema comprende un recipiente 100 independiente y desechable para bebida, una estructura 104 de tubo o lanza que comprende un cierre o elemento 102 de valvula y un tubo 136. Una manija 106 opcionalmente se puede adherir a la portion superior del recipiente 100 para propositos de transporte.Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The system comprises an independent and disposable beverage container 100, a tube or lance structure 104 comprising a valve closure or element 102 and a tube 136. A handle 106 may optionally adhere to the upper portion of the container 100 for purposes of transport.

El recipiente 100 ilustrado adicionalmente en la Figura 3 se forma en una pieza y en general comprende un acabado de cuello o porcion 108 de boca, una porcion 110 de resalto, una porcion 112 de cuerpo y una porcion 114 de base. La porcion 108 de boca tiene pestanas 116 circunferenciales para enganche con el elemento 102 de valvula que tiene una disposition 119 de ranura /pestana circunferencial de acoplamiento (Figuras 5-6). El recipiente 100 tiene una porcion 114 de base petaloide para hacerlo independiente. El grosor de la pared lateral de la porcion 112 de cuerpo es aproximadamente 0.40 mm.The container 100 further illustrated in Figure 3 is formed in one piece and generally comprises a neck finish or mouth portion 108, a shoulder portion 110, a body portion 112 and a base portion 114. The mouth portion 108 has circumferential flanges 116 for engagement with the valve member 102 having a circumferential engagement groove / flange arrangement 119 (Figures 5-6). The container 100 has a portion 114 of petaloid base to make it independent. The thickness of the side wall of the body portion 112 is approximately 0.40 mm.

El recipiente 100 se moldea por soplado desde una comparacion o preforma 113 moldeada por inyeccion de plasticos. La preforma 113 tiene un grosor de pared de aproximadamente 5 mm y el material de plastico comprende aproximadamente 94% de tereftalato de polietileno y aproximadamente 6% de poliamida.The container 100 is blow molded from a comparison or preform 113 molded by plastics injection. The preform 113 has a wall thickness of approximately 5 mm and the plastic material comprises approximately 94% polyethylene terephthalate and approximately 6% polyamide.

La pared del recipiente tiene una barrera contra difusion de oxlgeno y dioxido de carbono. Preferiblemente, se utilizan iones de cobalto como sustancia de agente de barrido mezclada en la poliamida.The wall of the container has a barrier against diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Preferably, cobalt ions are used as the sweeping agent substance mixed in the polyamide.

El peso de la preforma 113 utilizada es 233 g para un recipiente 100 de 20 litros, y el peso del tubo/ensamble 104 de valvula es aproximadamente 40 g. Por lo tanto, un recipiente 100 de 20 litros completo de acuerdo con esta realizacion listo para llenar pesa solo aproximadamente 273 g que es una gran ventaja comparada con barriles de acero de alta resistencia cuyo peso de aproximadamente 10 kg para el mismo volumen.The weight of the preform 113 used is 233 g for a 20 liter container 100, and the weight of the valve tube / assembly 104 is approximately 40 g. Therefore, a full 20 liter container 100 according to this ready-to-fill embodiment weighs only about 273 g which is a great advantage compared to high strength steel barrels weighing approximately 10 kg for the same volume.

Con referencia a las Figuras 5 y 6, el elemento 102 de valvula forma efectivamente parte de la estructura 104 de lanza que se utiliza para distribuir bebida desde el recipiente 100. El elemento 102 de valvula comprende un cuerpo 118 estructural esencialmente con una forma simetrica rotacionalmente. El cuerpo 118 estructural tiene una ranura 120 anular para recibir un reborde 122 de la porcion 108 de boca del recipiente con un ajuste estrecho. Como el elemento 102 de valvula se desliza hacia la porcion 108 de boca, la ranura 120 anular recibira el reborde 122, como se describio anteriormente, y cuando el elemento 102 de valvula se desliza adicionalmente en la ranura circunferencial / disposicion 119 de pestana se enganchara con la pestana 116 circunferencial de la porcion 108 de boca en un enganche de cierre rapido que se puede ver en las Figuras 5 y 6. Un anillo tipo O 124 dispuesto alrededor de la porcion 108 de boca se sujeta entre la porcion 108 de boca y el elemento 102 de valvula y proporciona de esta manera un sello.With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the valve element 102 effectively forms part of the lance structure 104 that is used to distribute beverage from the container 100. The valve element 102 comprises a structural body 118 essentially with a rotationally symmetrical shape . The structural body 118 has an annular groove 120 for receiving a flange 122 of the mouth portion 108 of the container with a narrow fit. As the valve element 102 slides towards the mouth portion 108, the annular groove 120 will receive the flange 122, as described above, and when the valve element 102 slides further into the circumferential groove / flange arrangement 119 it will engage with the circumferential flange 116 of the mouth portion 108 in a quick release hitch that can be seen in Figures 5 and 6. An O-type ring 124 disposed around the mouth portion 108 is held between the mouth portion 108 and the valve element 102 and thus provides a seal.

El elemento 102 de valvula comprende ademas una porcion 126 de valvula dispuesta concentricamente en el elemento 102 de valvula que actua como una tapa. Esta porcion 126 de valvula generalmente comprende un miembro 128 de valvula anular que se desvla por resorte desde abajo hacia la parte superior del elemento 102 de valvula. El miembro 128 de valvula anular se recibe en forma sellada en una brecha 130 concentrica anular de acoplamiento en la parte superior del elemento 102 de valvula. Se fija un resorte 132 que desvla el miembro 128 de valvula en una direction de cierre, vease Figura 5, a una parte central del elemento 102 de valvula y se dispone concentricamente alrededor de un elemento 134 cillndrico que tiene un extremo sellado a nivel con la parte superior del elemento 102 de valvula y otro extremo adaptado para recibir un extremo 136a superior del tubo 136. Entre los dos extremos del elemento 134 cillndrico, se proporciona orificios 135 radiales de modo que la bebida que esta siendo forzada por el tubo 136 puede salir del elemento 134 cillndrico. Si el miembro 128 de valvula esta presionado, vease Figura 6, la bebida, en esta realizacion preferida cerveza de barril o sidra, saldra del recipiente 100, y si el miembro 128 de valvula se desvla hacia la brecha 130 anular la bebida no puede salir.The valve element 102 further comprises a portion 126 of the valve arranged concentrically in the valve element 102 which acts as a cover. This valve portion 126 generally comprises an annular valve member 128 that is spring-deflected from below to the top of the valve element 102. The annular valve member 128 is received in sealed form in a concentric annular coupling gap 130 at the top of the valve element 102. A spring 132 is fixed which deflects the valve member 128 in a closing direction, see Figure 5, to a central part of the valve element 102 and is arranged concentrically around a cylindrical element 134 having a sealed end level with the upper part of the valve element 102 and another end adapted to receive an upper end 136a of the tube 136. Between the two ends of the cylindrical element 134, radial holes 135 are provided so that the beverage being forced by the tube 136 can exit of element 134 cylindrical. If the valve member 128 is pressed, see Figure 6, the beverage, in this preferred embodiment, draft beer or cider, will leave the container 100, and if the valve member 128 is diverted towards the gap 130 to cancel the beverage cannot leave .

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El tubo 136 alargado o lanza de la estructura 104 de lanza se extiende desde el elemento 102 de valvula y en el recipiente 100. El tubo 136 tiene un conducto 137 hueco y el extremo 136a superior insertado en el elemento 102 de valvula como se describio previamente, un extremo 136b interno se deja abierto para que entre la bebida (Figuras 1-2).The elongate tube or lance 136 of the lance structure 104 extends from the valve element 102 and into the container 100. The tube 136 has a hollow conduit 137 and the upper end 136a inserted into the valve element 102 as previously described. , an internal end 136b is left open for the beverage to enter (Figures 1-2).

La estructura 104 de lanza que comprende el tubo 136 alargado y el elemento 102 de valvula se elabora de poliester, poliolefina, poliamida o similares, aparte del resorte 132 que se elabora de acero inoxidable. El tubo 136 alargado, as! como el elemento 102 de cierre o valvula se elaboran en general de esencialmente el mismo grupo de materiales como el recipiente 100, y el tubo 136 es muy flexible en la realization preferida.The lance structure 104 comprising the elongated tube 136 and the valve element 102 is made of polyester, polyolefin, polyamide or the like, apart from the spring 132 which is made of stainless steel. The elongated tube 136, as! as the closing element 102 or valve, they are generally made of essentially the same group of materials as the container 100, and the tube 136 is very flexible in the preferred embodiment.

Con el fin de proporcionar un sellado adecuado del recipiente 100, por lo menos una portion externa del miembro 128 de valvula anular, que hace tope con los bordes de la brecha 130 concentrica anular, se elabora de un material que es mas blando que el resto del elemento 102 de valvula. Con el fin de proporcionar un miembro 128 de valvula anular rlgido, que puede ser importante para propiedades de sellado y de tope, el interior del miembro 128 de valvula anular puede comprender un nucleo rlgido (no mostrado) de un material mas duro que el exterior de la porcion de tope.In order to provide adequate sealing of the container 100, at least one outer portion of the annular valve member 128, which abuts the edges of the annular concentric gap 130, is made of a material that is softer than the rest of the valve element 102. In order to provide a rigid annular valve member 128, which may be important for sealing and abutment properties, the interior of annular valve member 128 may comprise a rigid core (not shown) of a harder material than the exterior from the top portion.

El llenado del recipiente 100 desechable con una bebida carbonatada (tal como cerveza) generalmente se realiza de la siguiente manera. Una vez que la estructura 104 de lanza se ensambla como una unidad 102, 136 esta se une al recipiente 100 con el tubo 136 insertado en el recipiente 100. Luego, el recipiente 100 se coloca boca abajo en una estacion de llenado (no mostrada). El aire dentro del recipiente 100 se vacla mediante dioxido de carbono, y se establece una sobrepresion (una presion de llenado). Estas medidas se toman con el fin de minimizar el riesgo de espuma que se produce durante el llenado, lo que ralentizarla el procedimiento de llenado. Si el riesgo de production de espuma es bajo, dichas medidas, obviamente, se pueden cancelar. Durante el llenado, el miembro 128 de valvula anular se presiona de tal manera que la bebida se pueda inyectar en el recipiente 100. El gas contenido en el recipiente 100 es forzado a salir hacia arriba a traves del tubo 136 alargado. El recipiente 100 tambien podrla ser llenado antes que la disposition de estructura 104 de lanza, en forma similar a lo que se describira en el contexto de la segunda realizacion, aunque esto hace menos uso de las propiedades del elemento 102 de valvula.The filling of the disposable container 100 with a carbonated beverage (such as beer) is generally carried out as follows. Once the lance structure 104 is assembled as a unit 102, 136 it is attached to the container 100 with the tube 136 inserted in the container 100. Then, the container 100 is placed face down in a filling station (not shown) . The air inside the container 100 is blocked by carbon dioxide, and an overpressure (a filling pressure) is established. These measures are taken in order to minimize the risk of foam that occurs during filling, which will slow down the filling procedure. If the risk of foam production is low, such measures can obviously be canceled. During filling, the annular valve member 128 is pressed in such a way that the beverage can be injected into the container 100. The gas contained in the container 100 is forced upwards through the elongated tube 136. The container 100 could also be filled before the lance structure arrangement 104, in a manner similar to what will be described in the context of the second embodiment, although this makes less use of the properties of the valve element 102.

Por lo tanto, la produccion del recipiente y el llenado con bebidas comprende: moldear por soplado los recipientes de PET de paredes delgadas, unir la estructura de lanza/valvula a los recipientes y llenar estos con bebida de la manera descrita anteriormente. Los recipientes llenos se almacenan y luego se entregan a los clientes.Therefore, the production of the container and the filling with beverages comprises: blow molding the thin-walled PET containers, joining the lance / valve structure to the containers and filling these with beverage in the manner described above. Full containers are stored and then delivered to customers.

Para facilitar el transporte, la manija 106 se puede adherir a la porcion 108 de boca del recipiente 100, preferiblemente deslizandola sobre la porcion 108 de boca y fijar al recipiente 100 mediante el montaje del elemento 102 de valvula a la porcion 108 de boca (vease Figura 3). Despues del llenado del recipiente 100, el elemento 102 de valvula preferiblemente se proporciona con medios para protection contra el polvo y evidencia de manipulation indebida, tal como una lamina (no mostrada).To facilitate transport, the handle 106 can be adhered to the mouth portion 108 of the container 100, preferably sliding it over the mouth portion 108 and secure to the container 100 by mounting the valve element 102 to the mouth portion 108 (see Figure 3). After filling of the container 100, the valve element 102 is preferably provided with means for protection against dust and evidence of improper manipulation, such as a sheet (not shown).

En uso una cabeza 138 de distribution se acopla al elemento 102 de valvula, y al operar una palanca 138a de la cabeza 138 de distribucion un gas propulsor, normalmente nitrogeno o dioxido de carbono de una fuente externa (no mostrada), se inyectara en el recipiente 100 a traves de la entrada 138b. Por lo tanto, la bebida es obligada a salir del recipiente 100 a traves de la estructura 104 de lanza y fuera de la cabeza 138 de distribucion por una salida 138c al que se conecta una unidad de tapado convencional (no mostrado). La presion superior a la atmosferica por lo tanto ayudara a mantener la forma y la estabilidad del recipiente 100.In use a distribution head 138 is coupled to the valve element 102, and by operating a lever 138a of the distribution head 138 a propellant gas, usually nitrogen or carbon dioxide from an external source (not shown), will be injected into the container 100 through inlet 138b. Therefore, the beverage is forced out of the container 100 through the lance structure 104 and out of the distribution head 138 by an outlet 138c to which a conventional capping unit (not shown) is connected. The upper atmospheric pressure will therefore help maintain the shape and stability of the container 100.

Cuando el recipiente 100 se vacla de la bebida, la cabeza 138 de distribucion se desconecta y el recipiente 100 se colapsa y se desecha. La estructura 104 de lanza/valvula tambien se desecha. Por lo tanto, se consigue un verdadero sistema de una sola via.When the container 100 is removed from the beverage, the distribution head 138 is disconnected and the container 100 collapses and is discarded. The lance / valve structure 104 is also discarded. Therefore, a true one-way system is achieved.

La Figura 7 muestra un elemento de cierre alternativo y menos complejo en forma de una tapa 140 de plastico perforable. Antes de ser adherida a la porcion 108 de boca del recipiente 100 de la tapa 140 esta provista de un tubo 136' alargado similar al tubo 136 alargado de la primera realizacion. El tubo se indica mediante llneas fantasmas que se extienden desde la tapa 140. Antes de ser proporcionado con la tapa 140 perforable y el tubo 136', el recipiente 100 se llena de la siguiente manera: primero se vacla el aire del recipiente 100 que se encuentra en position vertical, mediante el uso de dioxido de carbono o nitrogeno con el fin de hacer el procedimiento de llenado mas eficiente. Se proporciona opcionalmente una presion de llenado. Una boquilla alargada de llenado (no mostrada) se inserta en el recipiente 100 que se mantiene en posicion vertical, y la bebida se carga en el recipiente 100. La velocidad de llenado es mas lenta en el inicio hasta aproximadamente un decimetre de la bebida se carga en el recipiente 100, y se sumerge el orificio de la boquilla. Luego, la velocidad de llenado aumenta hasta que el recipiente 100 se llena, despues de lo cual la tapa 140 perforable y el tubo 136' alargado asociado se adhieren al recipiente 100.Figure 7 shows an alternative and less complex closure element in the form of a perforable plastic lid 140. Before being attached to the mouth portion 108 of the container 100 of the lid 140, it is provided with an elongated tube 136 'similar to the elongated tube 136 of the first embodiment. The tube is indicated by phantom lines extending from the lid 140. Before being provided with the pierceable lid 140 and the tube 136 ', the container 100 is filled as follows: the air from the container 100 is first vented It is in an upright position, through the use of carbon dioxide or nitrogen in order to make the filling procedure more efficient. A filling pressure is optionally provided. An elongated filling nozzle (not shown) is inserted into the container 100 that is held in an upright position, and the beverage is loaded into the container 100. The filling speed is slower at the start until approximately one centimeter of the beverage is load into container 100, and the nozzle hole is submerged. Then, the filling speed increases until the container 100 is filled, after which the pierceable lid 140 and the associated elongated tube 136 'adhere to the container 100.

En uso una cabeza 142 de distribucion, que se muestra esquematicamente en la Figura 8, se conecta a la tapa 140 perforable y agujas 144, 146 similares a jeringa que tienen capacidad de perforation de tapa penetran en la tapa 140. Una primera aguja 144 se conecta de manera fluida al tubo 136' para distribuir bebidas, y una segunda aguja 146 seIn use, a distribution head 142, shown schematically in Figure 8, is connected to the pierceable cap 140 and syringe-like needles 144, 146 that have cap piercing capability penetrate the cap 140. A first needle 144 is fluidly connects to tube 136 'to distribute beverages, and a second needle 146 is

conecta de forma fluida con el fin de proporcionar un gas propulsor, en general, nitrogeno o dioxido de carbono, al interior del recipiente 100. Despues de uso se desecha la tapa 140 perforable.fluidly connected in order to provide a propellant gas, in general, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, to the interior of the container 100. After use, the pierceable cap 140 is discarded.

La distribucion del recipiente 100 lleno y la disposicion del mismo son basicamente las mismas que las descritas anteriormente. Se desecha el recipiente 100 vaclo, cuando es la estructura de lanza/valvula.The distribution of the filled container 100 and the arrangement thereof are basically the same as those described above. The empty vessel 100 is discarded, when it is the lance / valve structure.

5 Por ultimo es preciso senalar que la invencion no se limita a las realizaciones descritas aqul, y el experto en la materia preve que las modificaciones son factibles dentro del alcance de la invencion como se define en las reivindicaciones adjuntas. Por ejemplo, la caracterlstica independiente del recipiente se puede conseguir mediante una base tipo champana. Adicionalmente, se pueden utilizar medios alternativos para el cierre de la porcion de boca del recipiente.5 Finally, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and the person skilled in the art provides that the modifications are feasible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the independent feature of the container can be achieved by a champagne base. Additionally, alternative means can be used for closing the mouth portion of the container.

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1. A system for distribution and supply of beverages, comprising:

a beverage container (100), said container (100) has a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a body portion (112) extending between the shoulder portion (110) and base portion (114), formed in a collapsible and disposable piece; Y

a tube structure (104) comprising an elongated tube (136) to be inserted into the container (100) and having an internal beverage conduit (137), and a closure element (102) to be connect to the mouth portion (108) of the container (100), in which - in use - an inner end (136b) of the tube (136) is located adjacent to the base portion (114) of the container (100) to drinking from said internal end (136b), through said conduit (137) and to the closing element (102) for distribution, said container (100) is blow molded from a PET preform, has a capacity to 15 to 40 liters and is independent in use: characterized in that:

said preform has been subjected to a stretch ratio in the order of 10 to 20;

the thickness of the side wall of the body portion (112) of the container is approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm; Y

The wall of the container has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier is achieved by the technique of

mixture.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion (114) of the container is a petaloid base.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion (114) of the container is a champagne type base.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the tube structure (104) is provided with a sweeping or coating agent.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion (112) of the container is essentially cylindrical.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the closing element (102) comprises a check valve.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the closure element (102) comprises a cover (104) having perforable parts.

8. The system of claim 7 further comprises a distribution head (142) provided with at least one means that pierces the lid.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the container (100) has a capacity of 20 to 25 liters.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the side wall of the body portion of the container is approximately 0.35 to 0.40 mm.

11. A method for distribution and supply of beverages, comprising the steps of: providing a preform (113) of plastic PET;

blow molding said preform (113) into a beverage container (100), the container (100) has a mouth portion (108), a shoulder portion (110), a base portion (114) and a portion ( 112) of body extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), said container (100) is formed in a collapsible and disposable piece;

fill said container with drink;

providing the container (100) with a tube structure (104) comprising an elongated tube (136) to be inserted into the container (100) and having an internal beverage conduit (137), and an element (102 ) of closure to be connected to the mouth portion (108) of the container (100), in which - in use - an inner end (136b) of the tube (136) is located adjacent to the portion (114) of base of the container (100) and the beverage is passed from said internal end (136b), through said conduit (137) and to the closing element (102) for distribution; Y

closing the filled container (100) by means of the closing element (102) that is connected to the mouth portion (108), said closing element (102) acts as a closing lid,

wherein said filled and covered container (100) forms a unit for distribution, forming said container (100) at a capacity of 15 to 40 liters, in which the container is independent in use characterized in that said preform is subjected to a stretch ratio in the order of 10 to 20, in which the thickness of the side wall of the body portion (112) of the container is approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and in which the wall of the container has an oxygen barrier and carbon dioxide, the barrier is achieved by mixing technique.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the side wall of the container body portion is approximately 0.35 to 0.40 mm

The method of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising the step of:

seal the mouth portion (108) of the container (100) with a plug and / or powder seal applied to the closure element (102).

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the method comprises beverage distribution, disconnecting a distribution head (138) when the container has no beverage, and then collapsing and discharging the empty container.

15. A container (100) for a system according to any one of claims 1-10, said container

For beverage it is blow molded from a preform (113) of PET and it has a portion (108) of mouth, a portion (110) of shoulder, a portion (114) of base and a portion (112) of body extending between the shoulder portion (110) and the base portion (114), formed in a collapsible and disposable piece, said container (100) has a capacity of 15 to 40 liters and is independent in use, characterized in that:

20 said preform has been subjected to a stretch ratio in the order of 10 to 20;

the thickness of the side wall of the body portion (112) of the container is approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm; and the wall of the container has a barrier against oxygen and carbon dioxide, the barrier is achieved by mixing technique.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the base portion (114) of the container has a petaloid base.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein the base portion of the container has a champagne type base.

18. The container of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the body portion (112) of the container is

essentially cylindrical.

19. The container (100) of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the container (100) has a capacity of 20 to 25 liters.

20. The container (100) of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the thickness of the side wall of the body portion 30 (112) of the container is approximately 0.35 to 0.40 mm.