WO2017118526A1 - Dispositif, réceptacle et procédé de distribution d'une composition alimentaire - Google Patents
Dispositif, réceptacle et procédé de distribution d'une composition alimentaire Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017118526A1 WO2017118526A1 PCT/EP2016/080428 EP2016080428W WO2017118526A1 WO 2017118526 A1 WO2017118526 A1 WO 2017118526A1 EP 2016080428 W EP2016080428 W EP 2016080428W WO 2017118526 A1 WO2017118526 A1 WO 2017118526A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- compressed gas
- concentric
- inlet
- outlet
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
- A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
- A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/08—Batch production
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
- A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
- A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
Definitions
- the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems for dispensing food compositions.
- the invention relates to such methods, systems and devices that dispense frozen confections from receptacles through application of compressed gas.
- WO 2013/124193 A discloses a method for dispensing a frozen confection comprising: providing a refrigerated, insulated chamber, which houses at least one container, containing a frozen confection at a temperature of -12 °C or below; wherein the at least one container has an outlet which is closed by a self-closing valve; wherein the container comprises a flexible bag containing the frozen confection located inside a bottle; pressurising gas in the region inside the bottle and outside the flexible bag thereby applying pressure to the frozen confection so that the valve opens and the frozen confection is forced out of the container through the outlet; releasing the pressure so that the valve closes.
- the containers used in such systems are usually replaceable and often disposable. As such, a user is required to connect a pressurized gas source to each new container.
- Such systems are used out-of-home in retail establishments and the like, they may be used by trained operatives with controlled and regulated procedures being employed.
- the present inventors have now recognized that there is a need for improvements in systems for dispensing food compositions like soft ice using pressurized gas.
- the present inventors have found that improving the way in which a receptacle is connected to a compressed gas source can increase the convenience and/or safety of such systems making them suitable for non-trained operatives, for example, in a domestic in-home setting. Summary of the invention
- the present invention is directed to a device for dispensing a food composition from a receptacle wherein:
- the receptacle comprises a compressed gas inlet comprising an inlet orifice at least partially surrounded by at least two concentric recess; and - the device comprises:
- the compressed gas outlet has at least two concentric projecting rims receivable by the concentric recesses of the compressed gas inlet when the compressed gas outlet is in sealing engagement with the compressed gas inlet.
- the mating of the concentric projecting rims with the concentric recesses helps guide alignment of the outlet and inlet to provide more convenient coupling thereof.
- the inner concentric rim may also help effect the seal whilst the outer helps guide the inner into place, regardless of the orientation of the receptacle in the device. This may also allow for more efficient manufacture of the receptacle as the tolerances needed on the position of the inlet orifice can be relaxed somewhat owing to the ability of the concentric recesses of the outlet in the device to guide the inlet orifice into position.
- the features of the present device are especially advantageous when high pressure (for example at least 0.5 bar, more preferably between 1 and 5 bar) is required to dispense the food composition.
- high pressure for example at least 0.5 bar, more preferably between 1 and 5 bar
- the food composition is a frozen confection.
- Frozen confection means a confection made by freezing a mix (preferably a pasteurized mix) of ingredients such as water, fat, sweetener, protein (normally milk proteins), and optionally other ingredients such as emulsifiers, stabilisers, colours and flavours.
- Frozen confection materials may be aerated.
- Frozen confection materials include ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, sorbets, granitas, shaved ices and the like.
- the frozen confection is ice cream.
- the frozen confection may be aerated.
- aerated means that gas has been intentionally incorporated into the product, such as by mechanical means.
- the gas can be any food-grade gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.
- the extent of aeration is typically defined in terms of "overrun” (OR).
- %overrun is defined in volume terms (measured at atmospheric pressure) as: volume of frozen aerated product - volume of premix at ambient te mp
- the amount of overrun present in the aerated frozen confection will vary depending on the desired product characteristics.
- the level of overrun is typically from 0 to 150%, more preferably from 60 to 150%, most preferably from 60 to 100%.
- the concentric recesses comprise an inner recess surrounding the inlet orifice and an outer recess at least partially surrounding the inner recess, more preferably completely surrounding the inner recess as this assists in making the mating of the inlet with the outlet independent of orientation of the receptacle.
- the concentric projecting rims surround an outlet orifice of the compressed gas outlet, preferably also the concentric projecting rims comprise an inner rim receivable by the inner concentric recess and an outer rim receivable by the outer concentric recess.
- the outer concentric rim preferably mainly functions as a guide to align the gas outlet and gas inlet when it engages the corresponding recess. In this respect it need not completely surround the inner rim and in a preferred embodiment the outer concentric rim does not completely surround the inner concentric rim.
- the guiding function of the outer concentric projecting rim is enhanced when it comprises a chamfered outer surface.
- the inner concentric rim preferably mainly functions to provide or at least contribute to forming an air-tight seal between the gas outlet and gas inlet when it engages the corresponding recess. In this respect it is preferred that the inner concentric rim completely surrounds the outlet orifice.
- the sealing function of the inner concentric projecting rim is enhanced when it comprises a chamfered inner surface.
- the gas outlet is resiliency biasable, for example it may be spring-loaded.
- the gas outlet can change position to allow expansion of the receptacle when pressurized and this feature also aids in allowing the receptacle to be made with a wider tolerance and still fit with the outlet.
- a housing surrounding the receptacle and having a door allowing access to the receptacle
- Linking the movement of the door to the sealing engagement of the gas outlet and the inlet on the receptacle dispenses with the requirement for a user to manually seal the two together and so allows for devices that are more convenient to use, especially where users need not be trained to make a manual seal.
- linking the sealing to the movement of the door provides an extra safety feature without the need for complex pressure-relief valves: With the door in an open position, the receptacle is not under pressure even if the gas source is still active.
- the device comprises a control system configured to restrict or prevent activation of the gas source when the door is not closed.
- the mechanism converts arcuate movement of the door into linear translation of the outlet, the inlet or both, most preferably the outlet or both.
- the door is swung closed its movement is transmitted (through, for example, a cam mechanism and/or one or more transmission members) to bring the outlet and inlet together.
- the transmission member(s) comprise one or more transmission rods.
- the receptacle comprises at least two compartments separated by an at least partially moveable wall, and wherein:
- one of the compartments contains the food composition and comprises an outlet
- Another of the compartments is in fluid communication with the gas inlet.
- the moveable wall is such that a dispensing force can be transmitted from the compressed gas through the wall to the food product.
- receptacles include bag-in-bottles (where the bag acts as the moveable wall) and cartridges containing pistons (where the piston acts as the moveable wall) although other configurations are possible including, for example, containers with an end wall that is deformable to become the moveable wall (as described, for example in US 5,893,485).
- bag-in-bottle type receptacles are described in WO 2007/039158 A and examples of piston-in-cartridge type receptacles are described in EP 1 449 441 A both of which documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Most preferred are bag-in-bottle type receptacles.
- the utility of the present invention is especially enhanced where the receptacle is replaceable. Therefore it is preferred that the receptacle is disposable or recyclable.
- the receptacle preferably contains multiple portions of food composition, more preferably wherein the receptacle contains at least 200 g of food composition, even more preferably between 250 and 3000 g, more preferably still between 300 and 2000 g and most preferably between 400 and 1000 g.
- the present invention provides a system comprising the device of any embodiment of the first aspect and one or more of the receptacles.
- the present invention provides a receptacle suitable for use in the device of any embodiment of the first aspect.
- the present invention provides a method for dispensing a food composition from a receptacle comprising:
- the device comprises the housing surrounding the receptacle and the mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the receptacle and compressed gas outlet in response to movement of the door to urge the compressed gas outlet and the compressed gas inlet into sealing engagement as the door is closed
- the method comprises:
- the receptacle is removable such that the method comprises the additional steps of:
- the method preferably comprises the additional steps of:
- the receptacle will typically be stored in a freezer between dispensing occasions as this removes or at least reduces the need for the device to have its own refrigeration means and/or for the housing to be insulated.
- the receptacle is relocated and between removal and relocation in the housing, the receptacle is stored at a temperature of less than -7 °C, preferably less than -12 °C, most preferably at a temperature of from -15 to -25 °C.
- the receptacle is stored in a freezer, preferably a domestic freezer.
- Figure 1 shows a side view of the outside of a device according to an embodiment of the invention and which dispenses frozen confection from bag-in-bottle type receptacles.
- Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the device of Figure 1 with its door open and a receptacle in place for dispensing.
- Figure 3 shows a detailed view of part of the inside of the device of Figure 1 .
- Figure 4 shows a further detailed view of part of the device of Figure 1 partly in section.
- Figure 5 shows a back view of the gas inlet of the receptacle used in the device of Figure 1 .
- Figure 6 shows a front view of the gas outlet of the device of Figure 1 .
- the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1 to 6 is suitable for dispensing frozen confections from bag-in-bottle type receptacles.
- the device (1 ) comprises a housing (2) and an upper door (3) which together enclose the receptacle (8).
- the door (3) is connected to the housing (2) through two pairs of leg struts (15,16) to provide a 4 bar linkage mechanism about which the door can be moved in and out of closure with the housing (2).
- the bag (14) inside the bottle of the receptacle (8) forms a compartment containing the frozen confection (13).
- the compartment containing the frozen confection (13) is open at a dispensing end which is also the neck of the bottle of the receptacle (8) and which receives the inlet of a dispensing valve (7).
- the bottle of the receptacle (8) also comprises an inlet (9) through which compressed gas can be introduced through an orifice (90) thereof to a region inside of the bottle of the receptacle (8) but outside of the bag (14).
- the device (1 ) comprises a gas outlet (10) which with the door (3) in an open position is aligned with but spaced away from the inlet (9) of the receptacle (8).
- the gas outlet (10) is connected to an air pump (12) through an air line (1 1 ), forming in this embodiment the compressed gas source and conduit respectively.
- the gas outlet (10) is connected through transmission rods (18) and link pins (17, 19) to one of the pairs (16) of leg struts which link the housing (2) to the door (3).
- Figures 3 to 6 show further details of the outlet (10) and inlet (9).
- the outlet (10) is shown in section.
- the compressed gas outlet (10) has a generally cylindrical form terminating in a circular face. At the centre of the face is the outlet orifice (100). Projecting from the face around the outlet orifice (100) is an inner projecting rim (101 ), the inner surface (101 a) of which is chamfered along its whole length from the face outwards. Concentric to both the orifice (100) and inner rim (101 ) is an outer rim (102) projecting from the outermost edge of the face. The outer rim (102) in this embodiment extends only for half (the top half) of the circumference of the face and on its outer surface (102a) has a chamfer. Disposed at the back of the face of the outlet (10) and extend backwards therefrom to a stop (not shown) is a resiliency biasable member (in this case a helical spring (20)).
- a resiliency biasable member in this case a helical spring (20)
- the compressed gas inlet (9) of the receptacle (8) also has a generally cylindrical form and projects from the back of the receptacle (8).
- At the centre of the inlet (9) is an inlet orifice (90).
- Surrounding the inlet orifice (90) is an inner recess (91 ).
- Concentric to both the orifice (90) and inner recess (91 ) is an outer recess (92) which substantially surrounds the inner recess (91 ).
- the surface between the inlet orifice (90) and the inner recess (91 ) is formed from a deformable material, such as rubber, to aid sealing when engaged with the outlet (10).
- a receptacle (8) filled with ice cream or another frozen confection (13) is taken from a storage freezer and installed in the device as shown in Figure 2.
- the door (3) is then swung closed about the 4 bar linkage formed by the struts (15, 16).
- the transmission rods (18) As the rear struts (16) pivot forward, they move the transmission rods (18) with them which causes the gas outlet (10) to slide towards the gas inlet (9) of the receptacle (8).
- the outer rim (102) of the outlet (10) is received by the outer recess (92) of the inlet (90), the movement of the outer rim (102) into the outer recess (92) being aided by the chamfer on the outer surface (102a) of the outer rim (102).
- the inner surface (101 a) of the inner projecting rim (101 ) engages and presses on the surface between the inlet orifice (90) and the inner recess (91 ).
- the housing (2) also comprises a micro-switch (not shown) which is activated only when the latch (3a) of the door (3) is in the closed position. Activation of the micro-switch causes the air pump to be activated and begin feeding air through the air line (1 1 ), the outlet (10) and the inlet (9) into the region of the receptacle (8) between the outer bottle and the bag. Air is pumped until the desired pressure (for example about 2 bar) is achieved).
- a micro-switch (not shown) which is activated only when the latch (3a) of the door (3) is in the closed position. Activation of the micro-switch causes the air pump to be activated and begin feeding air through the air line (1 1 ), the outlet (10) and the inlet (9) into the region of the receptacle (8) between the outer bottle and the bag. Air is pumped until the desired pressure (for example about 2 bar) is achieved).
- the frozen confection (13) is then urged through the open valve (7) by the air pressure acting on the bag (14).
- the pressure changes in the receptacle (8) it may slightly expand or contract but the presence of the spring (20) ensures that the outlet (10) and inlet (9) remain engaged despite movement in the position of the inlet (9) and without causing stress to the bottle of the receptacle (8).
- the user returns the handle (4) to its original position which in turn closes the valve.
- the user then actuates the latch (3a) which causes the pump to deactivate and pressure inside the device and receptacle to be dumped.
- the rear struts (16) pivot backwards, moving the transmission rods with them which causes the gas outlet (10) to slide away from the gas inlet (9) of the receptacle (8).
- the user then removes the receptacle (8) from the device (1 ) and places it back in the storage freezer until the next dispensing occasion or, if it is empty, send it for recycling.
- the micro-switch which is activated by the latch (3a) provides that the receptacle (8) can only be pressurized when the door (3) is closed. Furthermore if this safety feature were to fail then the feature that the gas inlet (10) is decoupled from the receptacle (8) when the door (3) is opened ensures that the user cannot handle the receptacle (8) in a pressurized state.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Confectionery (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un dispositif (1) de distribution d'une composition alimentaire (13) depuis un réceptacle (8). Le réceptacle comprend une entrée de gaz comprimé (9) comprenant un orifice d'entrée (90) entouré au moins partiellement par au moins deux évidements concentriques (91, 92). Le dispositif comprend une source de gaz comprimé (12) ; et une conduite de gaz (11) s'étendant à partir de la source de gaz comprimé vers une sortie de gaz comprimé (10). La sortie de gaz comprimé présente au moins deux bords en saillie concentriques (101, 102) pouvant être reçus par les évidements concentriques (91, 92) de l'entrée de gaz comprimé lorsque la sortie de gaz comprimé est en contact étanche avec l'entrée de gaz comprimé.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP16150648 | 2016-01-08 | ||
EP16150648.0 | 2016-01-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2017118526A1 true WO2017118526A1 (fr) | 2017-07-13 |
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PCT/EP2016/080428 WO2017118526A1 (fr) | 2016-01-08 | 2016-12-09 | Dispositif, réceptacle et procédé de distribution d'une composition alimentaire |
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Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5463878A (en) * | 1992-11-03 | 1995-11-07 | Froezert Usa, Inc. | Chilled product dispensing apparatus |
US5893485A (en) | 1992-12-07 | 1999-04-13 | Mcgill Technology Limited | Dispensing mechanism |
EP1449441A1 (fr) | 2003-02-18 | 2004-08-25 | Unilever Plc | Produit congelé aéré |
WO2007039158A1 (fr) | 2005-09-23 | 2007-04-12 | Afa Polytek B.V. | Procede et ensemble de distribution de produit d'un recipient a memoire de forme |
US20120052163A1 (en) * | 2009-05-05 | 2012-03-01 | Nestec S.A. | Capsule for preparing a nutritional product including a filter |
WO2013124193A1 (fr) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Unilever Plc | Procédé et appareil destiné à distribuer des confiseries glacées |
EP2485627B1 (fr) * | 2009-10-08 | 2013-09-11 | Nestec S.A. | Système de portion pour préparer un produit nutritionnel |
-
2016
- 2016-12-09 WO PCT/EP2016/080428 patent/WO2017118526A1/fr active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5463878A (en) * | 1992-11-03 | 1995-11-07 | Froezert Usa, Inc. | Chilled product dispensing apparatus |
US5893485A (en) | 1992-12-07 | 1999-04-13 | Mcgill Technology Limited | Dispensing mechanism |
EP1449441A1 (fr) | 2003-02-18 | 2004-08-25 | Unilever Plc | Produit congelé aéré |
WO2007039158A1 (fr) | 2005-09-23 | 2007-04-12 | Afa Polytek B.V. | Procede et ensemble de distribution de produit d'un recipient a memoire de forme |
US20120052163A1 (en) * | 2009-05-05 | 2012-03-01 | Nestec S.A. | Capsule for preparing a nutritional product including a filter |
EP2485627B1 (fr) * | 2009-10-08 | 2013-09-11 | Nestec S.A. | Système de portion pour préparer un produit nutritionnel |
WO2013124193A1 (fr) | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Unilever Plc | Procédé et appareil destiné à distribuer des confiseries glacées |
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