The invention relates to a beverage dispensing assembly. The invention further relates to a valve operating system of or for use in a beverage dispensing assembly.

Beverage dispensing assemblies are known in the art in different constructions, for both on and off premise use.

It is known to dispense beverages such as carbonated beverages, especially beer from a rigid metal or wooden container such as a keg, barrel or cask by feeding pressurised gas, such as CO2 into the container, forcing the beverage out of the container.

In an alternative system, as for example known from Heineken's

DraughtKeg® and disclosed in for example EP 1064221, a beverage container can be provided with an integrated, for example internal pressurizer, with which preferably automatically gas is introduced into the container in order to pressurise the beverage for dispensing and maintain as much as possible a constant pressure inside the container.

It has further been known, as is for example known from Heineken's BeerTender® and disclosed in WO00/03944, to dispense beverages from a bag-in-container type of container, in which a beverage is contained inside a flexible inner container, which is suspended in a more rigid outer container. In such system a pressurising gas can be inserted into the container, between the inner and outer container, thereby compressing the bag or inner container, squeezing out the beverage without the pressurising gas coming into direct contact with the beverage.

In EP2148771 an integrally blow moulded bag-in-container is disclosed, for holding and dispensing beverages, wherein at least one vent is provided running parallel to an interface between inner and outer containers, which vent opens to the atmosphere at a location adjacent to and orientated approximately coaxially with the bag-in-container's mouth.

EP2148771 fails to disclose how this container is used in a dispensing assembly, especially how this is to be connected to a tapping line or tapping device.

WO2011/002295 further discloses a system in which a container is compressed within a pressure chamber, such that beverage contained within the container is dispensed. This requires a strong pressure chamber and an air tight closure of the pressure chamber to the container.

NL 1034419 discloses a tapping assembly comprising a BIC type container having a gas inlet at bottom side of the container and a dispense assembly screwed onto the opposite neck side thereof. In this tapping assembly a standing cup is connected to the bottom of the container, which cup includes a one way valve for keeping the container pressurised after removal of the gas supply .

WO2010128151 discloses a tapping assembly comprising a BIC type container, again comprising an air inlet at a bottom end thereof, and a dispensing assembly screwed onto the neck end thereof. In this tapping assembly the container is placed onto a tapping apparatus, comprising an intermediate dosing chamber from which beverage is dispensed.

In all of these known assemblies a tapping valve operating system is provided, to which a tapping line and/or a valve provided in and/or on said tapping line can be coupled, such that with the tapping valve operating system a passage of the dispense line can be brought into fluid

communication with the environment for dispensing a beverage from the container, or blocked there from, for interrupting or preventing such dispensing. In other words a fluid connection can be formed or blocked between the container and a beverage outlet such as a tap. The opening and closing of the passage can in embodiments be obtained either by opening or closing a tapping valve connected to or provided in a permanent or disposable tapping line coming from the container, or by opening or closing a passage in an at least partly flexible tapping line connected to the container, by squeezing that flexible part of the tapping line, wherein a valve portion of the tapping assembly together with the flexible part of the tapping line forms a tube valve. In all of these assemblies the valve operating system comprises a tapping handle and is designed such that by movement of the handle from a rest position, in which the passage is closed, towards an opposite end position, the passage of the tapping line is opened to some extend, depending on the amount of movement of the tapping handle. For example moving the handle halfway between the rest position and the opposite end position will open the passage halfway. This can be disadvantageous for example when tapping a foaming beverage, such as a carbonated beverage, especially when done by a non-experienced person.

GB2230840 discloses a tapping valve operating system designed to induce a foamy head in a dispensed beverage such as beer. A dispense tap is provided with an auxiliary outlet from which a high velocity jet may be expelled. Expulsion is by movement of a piston valve body within a valve chamber, the volume of beverage to be expelled being isolated within a portion of the valve chamber when a plug at one end of the valve body seals the main dispense nozzle and a seal closes a transfer port communicating with the valve chamber. The piston valve body is movable in an axial direction by rotation of a tapping handle pulling the piston valve body upward and thereby compressing a spring inside the valve chamber. The tapping handle comprises a hollow stem, widening towards an open end facing the valve housing. An end of the axis of the piston valve body extends trough an end wall of the valve housing into the hollow stem. Said end is provided with an elongated slot through which a pivot pin extends, connecting the axis to the handle. When the handle is in a rest position it extends upward, parallel to the axis of the piston valve body. In this position the valve is closed. When the handle is rotated to an open position, it pivots around an outer edge of the widened end thereof, resting against the top of the valve housing, pulling the valve body upward and opening the valve. When the handle is rotated over an angle of about 90 degrees from the rest position a side of the handle will rest against the valve housing and the spring will push the valve body down again over a limited distance, thereby forcing the handle in a stable position in which the valve is open and stays open, even if the handle is released by the user. The edge of the widened end of the handle is curved such that it offers two stable end positions but it also is relatively easy to open the valve in different positions.

The present invention aims at providing an alternative tapping assembly. The present invention aims at providing a beverage dispensing assembly that is easy to operate and maintain. The present invention aims at a dispensing assembly, especially for foaming beverages, such as carbonated beverages. The present invention aims at a tapping valve operating system for use in a tapping assembly, especially for foaming beverages such as but not limited to carbonated beverages.

Any one of these aims can at least partly be achieved, individually or in combination, by a beverage dispensing device and/or tapping valve operating system according to this disclosure. Other aims and advantages may be alternatively or additionally be obtained by the invention.

In a first aspect the present invention can be characterised by a beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a container and a tapping apparatus and a tapping line connected to the container, wherein the apparatus comprises a tapping valve operating system, to which the tapping line and/or a valve provided in and/or on said tapping line can be coupled, such that with the tapping valve operating system a passage of the dispense line can be brought into fluid communication with the environment for dispensing a beverage from the container, or blocked there from, for interrupting or preventing such dispensing. The tapping valve operating system comprises a tapping handle and a valve engagement portion engaging a valve connected to or provided in said tapping line. Between the tapping handle and the valve engagement portion a bi-stable operating assembly is provided, such that upon movement of the handle over a predetermined angle from a rest position the operating assembly switches from a first stable position into a second stable position, forcing the engagement portion from a position fully closing the valve into a position fully opening the valve, irrespective of movement of the handle further away from the rest position.

In a second aspect the present invention can be characterised by a beverage dispensing assembly, comprising a container and a tapping apparatus and a tapping line connected to the container, wherein the apparatus comprises a tapping valve operating system, with which tapping valve operating system a passage of the tapping line can be brought into fluid communication with the environment for dispensing a beverage from the container, or blocked there from, for interrupting or preventing such dispensing. The tapping valve operating system comprises a tapping handle and a valve portion engaging a flexible portion of the tapping line. Between said tapping handle and said valve portion a bi-stable operating assembly is provided, such that upon movement of the handle over a predetermined angle from a rest position the operating assembly switches from a first stable position into a second stable position, forcing the valve portion from a position fully closing the flexible portion of the tapping line to a position fully opening the flexible portion, irrespective of movement of the handle further away from the rest position.

In a third aspect the present invention can be characterised by a tapping valve operating system, to which a tapping line and/or a valve provided in and/or on a tapping line of a beverage container can be coupled, such that with the tapping valve operating system a passage of the dispense line can be brought into fluid communication with the environment, or blocked there from, wherein the tapping valve operating system comprises a tapping handle and a valve engagement portion engaging a valve connected to or provided in said tapping line. Between said tapping handle and said valve engagement portion a bi-stable operating assembly is provided, such that upon movement of the handle over a predetermined angle from a rest position the operating assembly switches from a first stable position into a second stable position, forcing the engagement portion from a position fully closing the valve into a position fully opening the valve, irrespective of movement of the handle further away from the rest position.

In a fourth aspect the present invention can be characterised by a tapping valve operating system, with which tapping valve operating system a passage of a dispense line can be brought into fluid communication with the environment, or blocked there from, wherein the tapping valve operating system comprises a tapping handle and a valve portion engaging a flexible portion of the tapping line. Between said tapping handle and said valve portion a bi-stable operating assembly is provided, such that upon movement of the handle over a predetermined angle from a rest position the operating assembly switches from a first stable position into a second stable position, forcing the valve portion from a position fully closing the passage of the flexible portion of the tapping line to a position fully opening the passage of the flexible portion, irrespective of movement of the handle further away from the rest position.

In order to further elucidate the present invention, embodiments thereof shall be disclosed and discussed hereafter, with reference to the drawings. Therein shows:

Fig. 1A and B schematically in top and side view respectively an assembly according to the disclosure, with a container enclosed inside the tapping assembly;

Fig. 2 schematically in cross sectional view along the line II - II in fig. 1 an assembly according to the disclosure; Fig. 3 schematically an assembly of fig. 1 and 2, with a tapping apparatus in open position and a container for insertion therein, showing an operating element with tapping line;

Fig. 4 schematically in cross sectional view a neck region of a container with a closure, prior to opening the container;

Fig. 5 schematically in cross section view the neck region as shown in fig. 4, wherein at a left side the closed position and at a right side the open position is shown;

Fig. 6A and B schematically a valve operating system for use in a tapping assembly, showing a bi-stable spring operated assembly, with the valve open and closed respectively;

Fig. 7 schematically a detail of a connection between a container and the tapping apparatus, especially an pressurised gas supply;

Fig. 8 schematically a bottom part of a container and a first connector for supplying pressurised gas;

Fig. 9A and B schematically in side and top view a pressure element over an end of the container;

Fig. 10 schematically in cross sectional view an embodiment of an in-line valve;

Fig. 11 schematically in frontal cross sectional view part of a tapping device with a tapping valve operating system;

Fig. 12A - D schematically four positions of a tapping handle of a tapping valve operating system;

Fig. 13A - D schematically four positions of an intermediate element and spring of a tapping valve operating system;

Fig. 14A - D schematically four positions of a valve engagement portion or valve portion of a tapping valve operating system; and

Fig. 15A and B schematically a valve engaged by a valve engagement portion of for example fig. 12 - 14; Fig. 16A and B schematically a further alternative embodiment of a tapping valve operating system; and

Fig. 17 A and B schematically a still further alternative embodiment of a tapping valve operating system.

In this description embodiments are shown and disclosed of the invention, by way of example only. These should by no means be interpreted or understood as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. In this description the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar reference signs. In this description embodiments of the present invention shall be discussed with reference to carbonated beverages, especially beer. However, other beverages could also be used in the present invention. In this description tapping valve operating systems are disclosed, at least in some embodiments in a beverage dispensing assembly, which assembly is shown by way of example only. The same or similar tapping valve prating systems can be used with different beverage dispense assemblies, including but not limited to the tapping assemblies as disclosed in the prior art as referred to in the introduction to this specification.

In this description references to above and below, top and bottom and the like shall be considered, unless specifically stipulated differently, to an orientation of a container lying down on a side, as for example shown in fig. 2. This does not necessarily reflect the orientation in which a tapping device of the present disclosure or parts thereof have to be used.

In this description wording like substantially, about and the like should be understood as meaning that variations are possible with respect to the property it refers to, for example deviations of 15% or less, such as 10% or less or 5% or less or for example 30° or less, such as for example 20° or less, such as 10° or less.

In this description a bag-in-container, such as a bag-in container (BIC) or Bottle in Bottle or Bag in Bottle (BIB) type has to be understood as meaning at least a container comprising an outer holder and an inner holder, wherein the inner holder is designed to hold a beverage and is more flexible or compressible than the outer holder. The outer holder can for example be a container, such as a bottle shaped container with a neck and a body, a box shaped holder or the like, whereas the inner holder can be a flexible container, such as a bag. The inner and/or outer holder can be made of mono materials or blends, can be made entirely or partly by injection moulding and/or blow moulding, rotation moulding or the like. Preferably a bag-in-container according to the invention is made by integrally blow moulding. In embodiments the bag-in-container can be made by inserting at least one preform into another preform and then blow moulding them together into a bag-in-container type container. In embodiments the bag-in- container can be made by over-moulding at least one preform forming a multi layered preform and then blow moulding them together into a bag-in- container type container. In embodiments a bag can be suspended inside an outer container, after forming the outer container and the bag separately, at least in part.

In the present disclosure by way of example a bag in container (BIC) shall be described, integrally blow moulded from a preform set comprising two plastic preforms, super imposed, which should be

understood as meaning that one of the preforms is inserted into the other, after which they are together blow moulded in a known manner into a BIC.

In this description a tapping assembly shall be described, comprising at least a tapping apparatus and a container, especially a bag in container (BIC) type container and a valve operating device or such device to which the container is to be coupled, as well as a source of pressurised gas, such as air. As pressure fluidum other gasses can however be used, such as CO2, or another fluidum, such as water. The fluidum can be supplied in any suitable way, as is known in the art, but is preferably provided as pressurised air by a pump or compressor incorporated in the tapping device. A tapping valve operating system of this disclosure is preferably designed such that a valve or the passage of a flexible portion of the tapping line can only be closed and opened substantially maximally, without an even slightly stable intermediate position of opening or closing of the valve or said passage. A stable position of opening or closing is to be understood as a position of opening or closing of the valve or passage that can easily be maintained, without the necessity of very precisely positioning the tapping handle and maintaining the handle in that exact position manually. In a tapping valve operating system of the present disclosure bi-stable preferably can be understood as meaning that when the tapping handle is moved continuously from a rest position to an opposite end position, defining for example a full trajectory, the valve or the passage is changed from closed to substantially fully open instantly, during only a very small fraction of said movement of the handle, for example over only a few degrees or millimetres. In such embodiments over a first part of the movement of the handle away from the rest position the valve or passage remains closed, over a second part of said movement, including only a small trajectory of movement compared to the full trajectory of movement, the valve or passage is opened, and over the last part of the movement the valve or passage is maintained open. In opposite direction of movement of the handle over a first part of the movement the valve or passage will remain open to the same degree, then over a second part of said movement, including only a small trajectory of movement compared to the full trajectory of movement, the valve or passage is closed fully, and over the last part of the movement the valve or passage is maintained closed.

In embodiments the total movement or full trajectory of the handle can for example be more than 30° such as more than 45° or for example about 90°, whereas the very small trajectory can enclose an angle of less than a few degrees. In embodiments the total movement of the handle over the full trajectory can be centimeters, such as for example two centimeters or more, whereas the very small trajectory can be less than a few millimeters, for example less than on millimeter.

In this description a bi-stable operating assembly can be understood as meaning an operating system which has two different stable positions, and no stable position in between these two stable positions.

In this disclosure beverage dispensing assemblies are disclosed, wherein in embodiments the operating assembly comprises an intermediate element between the handle and the valve engagement portion or the valve portion, connected with play relative to the handle and to the valve engagement portion or the valve portion, wherein:

- with the handle in the rest position the valve engagement portion or the valve portion is in a first end position and the intermediate element is in a first end position; and

- with the handle in a position furthest from the rest position the valve engagement portion or the valve portion is in a second end position and the intermediate element is in a second end position,

such that:

- during a movement of the handle from the rest position to a first intermediate position the intermediate element is moved from the first end position to a first intermediate position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is maintained substantially in the first end position;

- during a movement of the handle from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position the intermediate element is moved from the first intermediate position to a second end position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is moved to the second end position;

- during a movement of the handle from the second intermediate position to a second end position the intermediate element is maintained substantially in the second end position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is maintained substantially in the second end position.

Also embodiments are disclosed wherein the tapping valve operating system is designed such that:

- during a movement of the handle from the second end position to the second intermediate position the intermediate element is maintained substantially in the second end position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is maintained substantially in the second end position;

- during a movement of the handle from the second intermediate position to the first intermediate position the intermediate element is moved from the second end position to the first intermediate position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is substantially maintained in the second end position;

- during a movement of the handle from the first intermediate position to the rest position the intermediate element is moved from the first intermediate position to the rest position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is moved to the first end position.

Play between the tapping handle and the intermediate element or between the intermediate element and the valve engagement portion or valve portion has to be understood as that in at least one direction the intermediate element can move relative to the tapping handle or the valve engagement portion or valve portion respectively, without movement of said handle or valve engagement portion or valve portion. The movements of the tapping handle can therefore be indirectly coupled to movements of the valve engagement portion or valve portion.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a beverage dispensing assembly 1, comprising a tapping apparatus 2 with a container 3 (not shown in fig. 1) enclosed therein. In fig. 2 a cross sectional view of such assembly 1 is shown, whereas in fig. 3 the assembly is shown, broken down in different elements thereof, as will be discussed hereafter. The container 3 can be a BIC or BIB type container comprising an inner and outer container 3A, B (see also fig. 4, 5, 7, 8), connected to each other a least at a neck region N and possibly also at a position spaced apart from the neck region N, in order to even better prevent the inner container to collapse in a manner that dispensing of beverage can be blocked. As can be seen in for example fig. 2 and 3 the container 3 can be positioned inside the tapping apparatus 2 in a lying position, in which the longitudinal axis X of the container 3 extends substantially horizontally when the tapping apparatus is in a normal position of use, as shown in fig. 1 B. In other embodiments the position of the container 3 could be different, for example having the longitudinal axis X extending substantially vertically, or angled relative to both horizontal and vertical planes. Having the axis X extend substantially horizontally may have the advantage that the overall height H of the apparatus above a surface S on which it is positioned can be limited, when the overall length L of the container, measured along the longitudinal axis X is larger than the maximum diameter W of the container 3. Moreover, this may enable a positioning of an insertion opening 6 of the apparatus 2 at a front position, obviating the need of providing additional space above the apparatus 2 for opening the apparatus and placing the container, and obviating the need of lifting the container to a position above the apparatus for loading it into or removing it from the apparatus.

The tapping apparatus 2, shown in fig. 1 and 2 in closed position, comprises a housing 4 enclosing a chamber 5 (fig. 2) having an opening 6 closable by a lid 7. The lid 7 can be removable from the further housing 4 or can for example be pivotable and/or slidable relative to the further housing 4. In the embodiment as shown in fig. 3 the lid 7 is pivotable around an axis 8 mounted at a top side of the opening 6. Other positions of such axis 8 are obviously possible. When the lid is slidable relative to the further housing, the lid could be made drawer shaped, such that the container can be placed in or on such drawer and slid into the chamber 5 by closing the lid 7. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 - 3 above the opening 6 a tapping handle 9 is shown, as part of a tapping valve operating system 10 as will be discussed further on. A dispense line 11 of the container 3 may be connected to the tapping valve operating system, for opening and closing a passage through said dispense line 11, such that beverage can be dispensed or dispensing thereof can be prevented or terminated.

A drip tray 12 is shown below a beverage outlet opening 13. At a rear of the apparatus schematically a mains plug 14 is shown for connecting the apparatus to a mains for supplying electricity to for example electronics of the apparatus, to a compressor or pump and to cooling elements in the apparatus 2, all in a manner known per se.

Fig. 2 shows schematically and in cross sectional view the container 3 placed within the chamber 5, enclosed between the lid 7 and an opposite end 15 of the chamber 5. Spaced apart from the lid 7 a first connector 16 is provided, for feeding pressurised gas into the container 3 through a gas inlet 17 provided in the container 3. At the side 18 of the opening 6 of the chamber 5 a pressure element 19 is provided for pressing the container 3 with the gas inlet 17 onto the first connector 16. Preferably the first connector 16 is provided at the opposite end 15 of the chamber 5, whereas the gas inlet 17 is preferably provided centrally at the bottom 20 of the container 3, at the longitudinal axis X thereof.

In embodiments the container 3 can be a BIC type container, and in embodiments the air inlet 16 can comprise a valve 21, for example as schematically shown in fig. 8 for allowing gas to enter into the container 3. In this embodiment the container 3 comprises a flexible inner container 3A and a more rigid outer container 3B. At the bottom portion 37 of the outer container 3B a first element 22 is formed, preferably integrally, having a central opening 23, which element 22 may have a bulge or cup shape. The inner container 3A is also provided at the bottom with a similar element 24, which can fit snugly within the element 22, over the opening 23. The element 24 may have a protrusion 25 which can enter into the opening 23. In an embodiment not shown the protrusion 25 may extend through the opening and can be provided with a widening outside the opening 23, such that the element 24 has a limited path of travel in the longitudinal direction of the axis X.

The first connector 16 can comprise a connecting part 26 movable relative to a housing 27, which connecting part is connected to a gas supply line 28. The gas supply line 28 may be flexible, such as to accommodate for movement of the connecting part 26. The connecting part has an opening 29 in a surface 30 that can sealingly engage the first element 22 around the opening 23. such that a gas tight connection can be obtained between said two openings 23, 29. The gas supply line may be connected to an air pump or compressor 31 within the tapping apparatus, for supplying pressurised gas, especially air through said openings 23, 29. A spring element 32 is provided between the connecting part 26 and the housing 27, biasing the connecting part 26 towards the container 3 and allowing adjustment of the position of the connecting part 26 relative to the housing 27 and/or to the container 3. In the embodiment shown the spring element 32 comprises or is formed by a conically wound, helical spring, forming a frusto-conical shape having the top 33 engaging the connecting part 26 around the opening 29. The outer surface 30 of the connecting part 26 is preferably slightly hollow such that it can be self centering relative to the first element 22, in order to properly align the openings 23, 29. The spring, especially the conical spring will allow for longitudinal adjustment, radial adjustment and angular adjustment of the position of the connecting part 26 and especially the outer surface 30 thereof relative to the container 3.

In the embodiment shown the chamber 5 is provided with a lower or bottom side 34, on which the container can be positioned and over which the container 3 can be slid form the opening 6 towards the opposite end 15 thereof. The positioning of the first connector 16 is preferably such above the bottom side 34 that the distance D between the bottom side 34 and the opening 29 of the connecting part 26 is about half the diameter W of the container, such that the opening 29 will align with the opening 23 on the longitudinal axis X of the container. The bottom side 34 can be concave in cross section, such that the position of the container 3 relative to the chamber is thereby thus defined. By providing the movable and preferably self positioning connecting part 26 adjustments of the position of the opening 29 can be obtained for adjusting for for example production tolerances, changes in the diameter W and/or longitudinal length L of the container 3, which could be due to for example temperature or pressure changes within the container 3 or the like or askewness of one or both of the surface 30 and the element 22. An additional advantage of such relatively close fitting bottom part 34 of the chamber 5 is that cooling of the container 3 through contact cooling can be obtained very efficiently, by cooling the bottom part 34 of the chamber with cooling means 34A.

When pressurised gas such as air is forced through the opening 29 it will push the second element 24 away from the opening 23, allowing the gas to flow into the space 35 between the inner container 3A and the outer container 3B, thus compressing the inner container 3A. When the pressure in said space 35 is about equal to or slightly higher than a desired pressure for the beverage, the supply of gas may be stopped. To this end in a known manner the electronics 36 of the apparatus may comprise a pressure sensor and switching means for switching on and off the pump or compressor 31 depending on the pressure in the container relative to a desired set pressure, for example by measuring the pressure in the line 28. When the container is removed from the apparatus the second element 24 may be pushed back over and/or into the opening 23 closing the opening 23 and thus acting as a valve 21.

As shown and discussed before the container 3 can be slid into position in the chamber 5 within the apparatus 2 by inserting it into the chamber through the opening 6, bottom 37 forward, until the first element 22 is pushed against the connecting part 26. Then the lid 7 can be closed over the container 3, locking it into position and forcing the connecting between the openings 23, 29. In embodiments a switch can be provided at or near the first connector, for allowing supply of electrical power to the pump or compressor 31 once the connecting part 26 is moved relative to the housing 25 over a predetermined distance, thereby indicating that a container has been properly placed. Alternatively such movement can open a valve in the pressurised gas supply line 28. Such embodiments may prevent accidental introduction of pressurised gas into an empty chamber 5 or when a container is not (yet) properly placed. Also other sensors can be applied for sensing whether a container is present and properly placed in the chamber 5 before allowing pressurising air.

Before closing the lid 7 over the opening 6 the dispense line 11 has to be connected to the container 3 and the tapping valve operating system 10, operable by the handle 9. In fig. 3 schematically the dispense line 11 is shown, comprising at one end 38 an inline valve 39 with a dispense tube 40, and at the opposite end connected to an operating element 41 for cooperation with a closure 42 of the container 3, which is shown in fig. 4 and 5 in more detail. In embodiments the operating element 41 and dispense line 11 can be delivered to a customer or other user separately or at least in non-assembled state, such that accidental opening of the closure is easily prevented. Moreover the closure can then be sealed with a seal 100, for example a foil or cap, preventing contamination and acting as a pilfer proof. Furthermore this can have the advantage that the container can be packed and stored more compact.

The container 3 and/or the operating element 41 with the dispense tube 11 and in-line valve can be disposable, made substantially of plastics materials and/or for single use only. The in-line vale could be omitted and for example be replaced with a flexible tube part, squeezable by the vale operating system 10 for opening and closing the passage for dispensing beverage, as for example known from WO2006/082486, or the tapping line 11 could, at the end 38, be provided with a coupler for coupling to a tapping cock, for example quick coupler as known in the art. Preferably the in-line vale 39 is used, for example as disclosed in US7390375,

US2004/0226967 and NL 1015368. In fig. 10 schematically an embodiment of such valve 39 is shown, in cross section, as will be discussed further on.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5 the closure 42 is provided at the neck region 43 of the container 3. The closure 42 can comprise a substantially tubular element 44 extending into the neck region 43, inside the container, especially inside an inner container of a BIC. The tubular element 44 has a longitudinal axis Xi, preferably substantially parallel to and more

preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis X of the container. The tubular element 44 has a closed peripheral wall 45, preferably with a substantially constant circular inner cross section. The tubular element 44 is connected to a flange 47 at a first end 48, which flange 47 is connected to the neck region 43 of the container 3 for supporting the tubular element 44 in the neck region 43. The flange 47 may be connected to the container in any suitable manner. The flange 47 may be connected for example by bonding, welding, gluing, press fitting, screwing, snapping or any such technique. Preferably the connection is irreversible.

At a second end 49 opposite the first end 48 the tubular element 44 may closed by a cap 50. The cap 50 may be made of plastic or rubber. In the embodiment shown the tubular element 44 at the second end 49 comprises a peripheral rim portion 51. The cap 50 comprises a central part 52 and a rim portion 53 extending around it, which rim portion 53 comprises a groove 54 that fits snugly over the rim portion 51 of the tubular element 44. The rim portion 51 may have a thickness t2 smaller than the thickness ti of the further tubular element 44, which may increase at the end 49 slightly further, such that a shoulder 55 is formed at the second end 49 of the tubular element 44, at the inward facing side of the rim portion 51. The cap 50 can be made separate from the further closure 42 and fixed to the end 49 for closing the tubular element 44. Preferably the closure 42 is made integrally, for example by multi-component injection moulding, such as 2-K moulding. Preferably the cap 50 and tubular element 44 are made of such materials that during manufacturing the cap 50 is crimped onto the rim portion 51. In use the cap 50 may be pressed further onto the rim portion 51 for further closure.

The operating element 41 fits inside said tubular element 44, from the first end 48. The operating element comprises a body 56 with a central channel 57 extending longitudinally through the body 56. From a first end 66 of the body 56 the dispensing line 11 is fitted into the channel 57. It may be press fit in the body 56 or otherwise connected, for example bonded or welded or mounted by for example use a clamping means, as known in the art for mounting flexible tubing. The portion of the dispense line 11 inside the channel 50 has an axis parallel to and preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis X2 of the channel 57. From the opposite end 58 of the body 56 the operating element 44 comprises an end portion 59 provided with axially extending elements 60. These elements 60 can for example be click fingers. The elements 60 have outward facing portions 61 for engaging the second end 49 of the tubular element 44, especially under the shoulder 55, when the cap 50 is removed at least in part from the tubular element 44, as will be discussed further. These elements 60, 61 may lock the operating element 41 within the tubular element 44. Between the locking elements 60 spokes 62 can be provided, which are connected at one side to the body 56 and at the opposite end, facing the inner volume 63 of the container 3, a ring 64 is provided, extending longitudinally passed the locking elements 60.

At the first end 66 of the body 56 an outward flaring flange 67 is provided around the dispense line 11, widening in a direction away from the body 56. The inward facing surface 68 of the flange 67 is preferably convex and the flange is rotation symmetrical around the axis X2. Therefore the flexible dispense tube 11 can be bent along the surface 68 in any direction over a substantial angle, for example 45 degrees or more or, preferably, at least about 90 degrees, without buckling or pressed shut or otherwise being blocked.

The operating element 41 has, at an outer surface of the body 56, a peripheral seal 46 for slidingly sealing against the inside of said wall 45. The cap 50 is fitted at or near the end of the tubular element 44, closing off the tubular element 44. The operating element can be pushed into the tubular element 44 to such extend that it at least partly removes the cap 50 from the tubular element 44, for opening a passage from the container to the tapping line 11 connected to the operating element 41. When pushing down the operating element 41 into the tubular element 44 the forward second end, and especially the ring 64, if provided, will be forced against the cap 50, such that when pushed further, the cap 51 will be forced at least partly from the rim 51, allowing the elements 61 to click under the shoulder 55. The cap 50 may be entirely removed, which means that it will fall into the beverage space 63. Alternatively the cap may maintain attached to part of the tubular element, for example by a living hinge, still allowing the elements 61 to hook under the shoulder or at least open a passage from the space 63 to the dispense line 11 through the operating element. The ring 64 and elements 61 will prevent the cap 50 from reclosing the end of the tubular member 44.

In the embodiment shown, the length Ltube of the inside tubular member, measured along the axis Xi is larger that the distance L _en d between the ring 64 and the seal 46, such that when the operating element 41 is inserted into the tubular element, the seal 46 will first sealingly engage the surface 45 before the cap 50 can be pushed off at least part of the tubular element, especially off the rim 51. Thus spilling of beverage is prevented passed the operating element 41. In the outward facing surface 69 of the flange 47 a stepped surface portion 70 for receiving part of the flange 67, such that the upper edge 71 of said flange 67 will come to lie about flush with or below the higher portion 72 of the flange 47.

As can be seen in fig. 9A and B the pressure element 19 can press against the container 3 at the neck region 43, especially against the flange 47 for pushing the container 3 towards the end 15 of the chamber 5. In this embodiment the element 19 is mounted on an inward surface 73 of the lid 7, by a resilient suspension 74, which can for example comprise a spring 75 pushing the element 19 in a direction P away from said surface 73. In this embodiment the element 19 comprises a substantially H-shaped

configuration with two rods 76 extending substantially parallel to each other in spaced apart relationship, such that they can be positioned at opposite sides of the dispense line 11, connected through a cross bar 76A. The rods are long enough to rest on the flange 47 and preferably extend slightly further. In the embodiment shown the rods also cover part of the flange 67, thus ensuring that the operating element 41 is maintained in position, even if the locking elements 60, 61 would fail. In the embodiment shown the rods will in use extend substantially vertically. It shall be clear that the element 19 can have different shapes, dimensions and

configurations, as long as it can push the container towards the end 15, without squeezing the dispense line 11. It can for example be substantially U-shaped, C-shaped or the like in the view as shown in fig. 9B.

Fig. 10 shows schematically an embodiment of an in-line valve 39 with a dispense tube 40, which in this embodiment is bent down relative to a longitudinal axis Z of the valve 39. In this embodiment the tube 40 widens towards the outlet end 13 for better flow characteristics for carbonated beverages, especially beer. The valve 39 comprises a first part 77, part of connected to the dispense line 11 in any suitable way, and a second part 78 connected to or part of the tube 40 and snapped over an end of the first part 77. Within the second part 78 a valve body 79 is provided over which a closure end 80 of the first part 77 fits. The first and second parts 77, 78 are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction Z for opening and closing the valve 39. In fig. 10 the valve 39 is shown in open position. The closure end 80 has been passed over the valve body 79 and provides for a fluidum connection between the dispense line 11 and the tube 40 through at least one slit 81 in the valve body 79. When in fig. 10 the first and second parts 77, 78 are pulled further apart, the closure end 80 of the first part 77 will be pulled passed the slit or slits 81, and close said fluidum connection. For a further understanding of this in-line valve type of valve and

alternatives thereof reference is made to for example US7390375,

US2004/0226967 and NL 1015368 and Heineken's BeerTender® and David® tapping systems.

As can be seen in fig. 10 the first and second parts 77, 78 comprise flanges 82, 83 respectively, for engaging these parts 77, 78 by the operating system 10. In such embodiment the handle 9 can be connected, via a pivot or pivot mechanism 85, to one of these flanges 82, 83, the other flange being locked in a fixed position within the support 84 of the tapping handle 9 and/or pivot mechanism 85 thereof. The pivot mechanism can be such that a pivoting of the handle leads to a translation of the one part 77 relative to the other part 78, thus opening and closing the valve 39.

In an embodiment of fig. 6 an example is shown of a tapping valve operating system 10. In fig. 11 - 17 alternative embodiments are shown. In general terms a tapping valve operating system 10 can be designed such that a tapping line 11 and/or a valve 39 provided in and/or on a tapping line 11 of a beverage container can be connected to it. The valve 39 can be a valve supplied with the tapping line 11, possibly integral with the tapping line 11, such as for example known from the Heineken David® or

BeerTender® system, or can be a valve which is an integral part of the tapping apparatus 2, which can also be referred to as tapping device 2. With the tapping valve operating system 10 a passage of the dispense line 11 can be brought into fluid communication with the environment, or blocked there from. The tapping valve operating system 10 comprises a tapping handle 9. In embodiments in which a valve 39 is used a valve engagement portion 86 can be provided engaging the valve 39 connected to or provided in said tapping line 11. In other embodiments, as for example shown in fig. 16A and B, a tube valve 39A can be used in which a flexible portion 11A of the tapping line 11 is engaged by a valve portion 86A for squeezing said flexible portion l lA and thus closing the passage 11B in said flexible portion l lA. In embodiments in which a valve 39 is used which is an integral part of the tapping device 2, such as for example shown in fig. 17A and B, the valve portion 86A can be an integral part of the valve, for example a ball type valve.

Between the tapping handle 9 and said valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A a preferably bi-stable operating assembly 87 is provided, comprising at least an intermediate element 89, such that upon movement of the handle 9 over a predetermined angle a from a rest position the operating assembly 87 switches from a first stable position I, for example shown in fig. 6B, 13A and D, 15B, 16B, 17B, into a second stable position II, for example shown in fig. 6A, 13C, D, 15A, 16A, 17A, forcing the engagement portion 86 from a position fully closing the valve 39 into a position fully opening the valve 39, irrespective of movement of the handle 9 further away from the rest position, or forcing the valve portion 86A from a position fully closing the passage 11B of the flexible portion l lA of the tapping line 11, to a position fully opening the passage 1 IB of the flexible portion 11 A, irrespective of movement of the handle 9 further away from the rest position, or forcing the valve portion 86A from a position fully closing the valve 39 into a position fully opening the valve 39, irrespective of movement of the handle 9 further away from the rest position. With the operating system 10 the valve 39 or passage 11B can also be closed from an opened position, by movement of the handle 9 in opposite direction, towards and into the rest position. When in that direction the handle is moved passed a predetermined angle, preferably also about the angle a relative to the rest position, the operating assembly 87 switches from a second stable position II into the first stable position I, again closing the valve 39 or passage of the portion 11A of the tapping line 11.

Preferably the handle 9 is biased into the rest position, such that when the handle is not engaged by a user, the operating assembly 87 switches into the first stable position I. To this end for example a spring 101 can be provided engaging the tapping handle 9 directly or indirectly, as shown in fig. 11 by way of example.

The spring operated assembly 87 can comprise at least one resilient element, such as one or more springs 84 and at least an

intermediate element 89, such as the arm 89 in fig. 6 or disc 89 in fig 12 - 17, functionally intermediate between the handle 9 and the valve

engagement portion or valve portion 86. Preferably the operating system is such that play is provided between the handle 9 and the intermediate element 89 and/or between the intermediate element 89 and the valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A, such that a movement of the handle 9 is possible away from a rest position over an angle before opening the valve 39 or passage 11B to any extend, whereas a slight further movement of the handle will immediately open the valve 39 or passage 11B substantially maximally. For closing the valve 39 or passage 11B again, the handle 9 can be moved in opposite direction, from an end position over a first angle without closing the valve 39 or passage 11B, wherein a further similar slight movement of the handle 9 will close the valve 39 or passage 1 IB immediately and fully, where after the handle can be moved further to the initial rest position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6 the tapping valve operating system 10 comprises the tapping handle 9 and a valve engagement portion 86 engaging the valve 39 connected to or provided in said tapping line 11. Between the tapping handle 9 and said valve engagement portion 86 the bi- stable spring operated assembly 87 is provided, comprising the intermediate element 89, such that upon movement of the handle 9 over angle a from the rest position shown in fig. 6B the spring operated assembly 87 switches from the first stable I position into the second stable position II, forcing the engagement portion 86 from a position fully closing the valve 39, as shown in fig. 6B into a position fully opening the valve 39, as shown in fig. 6A, preferably substantially irrespective of movement of the handle further away from the rest position, or vice versa. The rest position is hereby to be understood as the position of the handle 9 when released and with the valve 39 closed.

In this embodiment the first part 77 of the valve 39 is engaged by the engagement portion 86, whereas the second part 78 is held in a position by a holder 88 in the tapping apparatus 2. An intermediate element 89 is provided having a first leg 90 mounted in a pivot 91 between opposite first and second ends 92, 93, and a second leg 90A extending from near said pivot 91 at an angle, for example about perpendicular to the first leg 90. The intermediate element 89 is thus substantially T-shaped. The first end 92 of the intermediate element 89 is connected to a spring 94, which is mounted to a fixed point 95 in the apparatus 2. In the embodiment shown the spring comprises two spring elements 94A, 94B, bent in opposite directions and together forming a substantially square spring element 94. The positions of the point 95, the pivot 91 and the holder 88 are preferably fixed relative to each other and to the apparatus 2. The opposite second end 93 of the first leg 90 extends into a cut out 96 in a disk 97 connected to the handle 9 and pivotable around a pivot 85. The cut out 96 is significantly larger than the size of the second end 93, such that upon pivoting of the intermediate element 89 around the pivot 91 the second end 93 can move within the cut out 96 without moving the disk 97. Therefore play is provided between the end 93 and the disk 97. The free end 98 of the second leg 90A extends into a slit 99 in the engagement portion 86 which encloses the flange 82 on the second part 78 of the valve 39. The engagement portion 86 is movable in the axial direction Z of the valve 39. Play is provided between the sides of the slit 99 and the free end 98 of the second leg 90A.

In fig. 6B the valve 39 is shown in a closed position, the distance Si between the flanges 82, 83 being maximal. The second end 93 of the first leg 90 lies at a lower side 96 A of the cut out 96 in the disk 97, the first end 92 having been moved to a position above the point 95. The handle 9 extends up, in the rest position. If from this position the handle 9 is moved, that is the disk 97 is rotated around the pivot 85, in the direction of the arrow T in fig. 6B, towards the position as shown in fig. 6A, the said lower side 96A of the cut out 96 will push the second end 93 of the first leg 90 upward, pivoting the intermediate element 89 around the pivot 91. This will compress the spring elements 94A, B until the first leg 90 is brought into a position in which the first 92 and second ends 93 are aligned with the point 95. Then even the slightest rotation of the intermediate element 89 further in the same direction will provide for a force on the first end 92 in downward direction by the spring 94. The second end 93 can thereby freely move up through the cut out 96 over a relatively large distance. The free end 98 of the second leg 90A can first move within the slit 99 from a position in which it engages a first side 99A of the slit 99 to a position engaging the opposite second side 99B of the slit 99, without moving the first part 77 of the valve 39. Thereafter the end 98 of the second leg 90A will push the first part 77 towards the second part 78, opening the valve 39, bringing the flanges to a distance S2. Since the arm 89 can freely pivot in said direction, preferably over the angle required for that movement, due to the freedom of movement of the second end 93 within the cut out 96, this will be automatically be achieved, substantially or entirely without influence of the position of the disk 97, once the disk has passed the position in which it has pushed the arm passed the mid position in which the first 92 and second ends 93 are aligned with the point 95.

Preferably the end 98 will engage the second side 99B of the slit

99 only when the arm 89 is brought into about the position in which the first 92 and second ends 93 are aligned with the point 95, such that prior to that position the valve elements 77, 78 are not moved over any relevant distance.

For closing the valve again the opposite direction of movement will occur, again forcefully closing the valve once the disk 97 has been rotated beyond a position in which the first 92 and second ends 93 are aligned with the point 95.

Fig. 12 - 14 disclose in different views schematically an alternative embodiment of a valve operating system 10, in which the operating assembly 10 comprises an intermediate element 89 between the handle 9 and the valve engagement portion 86 or the valve portion 86A, connected with play relative to the handle 9 and to the valve engagement portion 86 or the valve portion 86A, wherein:

with the handle 9 in the rest position (e.g. fig. 12A) the valve engagement portion 86 or the valve portion 86A is in a first end position (e.g. fig. 14A) and the intermediate element 89 is in a first end position I (e.g. fig. 13A); and

with the handle 9 in a position furthest from the rest position (e.g. fig. 12D) the valve engagement portion 86 or the valve portion 86A is in a second end position (e.g. fig. 14D) and the intermediate element 89 is in a second end position II (e.g. fig. 13D), such that:

during a movement of the handle from the rest position (e.g. fig. 12A) to a first intermediate position (e.g. fig. 12B) the

intermediate element 89 is moved from the first end position (e.g. fig. 13A) to a first intermediate position (e.g. fig. 13B) and the valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A is maintained substantially in the first end position (e.g. fig. 14B);

during a movement of the handle 9 from the first intermediate position (e.g. fig. 12B) to a second intermediate position (e.g. fig. 12 C) the intermediate element 89 is moved from the first intermediate position (e.g. fig. 13B) to a second end position (e.g. fig. 13 C and D) and the valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86 A is moved to the second end position (e.g. fig. 14C and D);

wherein during a movement of the handle 9 from the second intermediate position (e.g. fig. 12C) to a second end position (e.g. fig. 12D) the intermediate element 89 is maintained substantially in the second end position and the valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A is maintained substantially in the second end position.

It will be clear that in opposite direction of movement of the handle 9 from the second end position shown e.g. in fig. 12D to the rest position as e.g. shown in fig. 12A the valve 39 or passage 11B will be closed again, wherein:

during a movement of the handle from the second end position to the second intermediate position the intermediate element is maintained substantially in the second end position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is maintained substantially in the second end position;

during a movement of the handle from the second intermediate position to the first intermediate position the intermediate element is moved from the second end position to the first intermediate position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is substantially maintained in the second end position; during a movement of the handle from the first intermediate position to the rest position the intermediate element is moved from the first intermediate position to the rest position and the valve engagement portion or valve portion is moved to the first end position.

It should be noted that this embodiment functions similar to that of for example fig 6, 16 or 17.

In fig. 15 a valve engagement portion 86 of an operating system

10 of fig. 12 - 14 is shown schematically coupled to a valve 39, showing an opened position (fig. 15A) and a closed position (fig. 15B) of the valve 39, which is here shown as a valve similar to or identical to the valve of fig. 6 and 10.

Fig. 12 - 14 show an embodiment of a valve operating system 10 in which in the assembly 87 in stead of the T-shaped intermediate element 89 of fig. 6 an intermediate element 89 is provided having a substantially ring shaped part 102 with a leg 90 extending there from. Again an

attachment point 95 is provided in the tapping device 2, at least one resilient element such as a spring 94 being connected between the

connection point 95 and a connection point 92 of the leg 90. The

intermediate element 89 is rotatable around an axis 91 central to the ring shaped part 102. The handle 9 is connected to a tapping handle element such as a disc 97, rotatable around an axis 85, which can coincide with the axis 91. As can be seen in fig. 13, in the first intermediate position of the intermediate element 89 as shown in fig. 13B the attachment point 95, the connection point 92 and the axis 91 are on a straight line 103, providing for the shortest distance X _m in between the attachment point 95 and the connection point 92. This means that the spring 84 is compressed or bent, or at least deformed and biased to regain its original form as much as possible. In fig. 13A, C and D the intermediate element is shown rotated away from the position of fig. 13B, such that the distance between the attachment point 95 and the connection point 92 is increased to X _ma x, such that the spring 84 is relaxed relative to the position in fig. 13B. In fig. 13A the leg 90 is pivoted anti clockwise from the position in fig. 13B, in fig. 13C and D clockwise.

In the embodiment of fig. 12 - 14 the tapping handle element 97 comprises a first slot 104 and the intermediate element comprises a first pin 105 extending into the first slot 104. The first slot 104, comparable to the cut out 96, has a longitudinal direction Li, in this embodiment provided a curved slot 104 concentric with the axis 85, providing play for the first pin 104. The valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86 comprises a second slot 106, comparable to slot 99, and the intermediate element 89 comprises a second pin 107, comparable to element 98, extending into the second slot 106. The second slot 106 has a longitudinal direction L2 in a direction of movement F of the valve engagement portion of valve portion 86, 86A, providing play for the second pin 107 within the slot 106 in said direction of movement F. In the embodiment shown the pins 105 and 107 are positioned on the ring shaped element 102, diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis 85. In fig. 12 - 14 they are both shown, for the sake of clarity, but they may be provided on opposite sides of the element 102, such that the disc 97 and the engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A can be on opposite sides of the intermediate element 89.

As can be seen in fig. 12 - 14, when the handle 9 and disc 97 are rotated over an angle a from the rest position in fig. 12A to the first intermediate position in fig. 12B, the first pin 105 is engaged by a trailing end 96A of the first slot 104, rotating the intermediate element 89 to the first intermediate position as shown in fig. 13B, loading the spring 84 as discussed by limiting the distance X _ma x to X _m in. During this movement the second pin 107 will be moved from a first longitudinal end 108 of the second slot 106 to the opposite second longitudinal end 109, using the play provided, without moving the element 86 or 86A. Due to the loading of the spring 84 the slightest movement of the tapping handle 9 and disc 97 further away from the rest position, in fig. 12C shown as the very small angle 6, which may be for example less than one degree or a few degrees, will allow the intermediate element 89 to be rotated around the axis 91 to the position as shown in fig. 13C and D, maximising the distance X _m in to Xmax again, wherein the first pin 105 will move within the first slot 104 from engagement with the trailing end 96A towards and possibly in engagement with the opposite leading end 96B of the first slot 104, using play provided within the first slot 106. The spring 84 will unload by forcing said movement of the intermediate element 89. This means that the second pin 107, which had previously be brought close to or preferably in engagement with the second longitudinal end 109 of the second slot 106, as shown in fig. 14B, is forced to rotate with the element 102, forcing the valve engagement portion 86 or valve portion 86A to move in the direction F _ope n, over a distance S sufficient to open the valve 39 or passage 11B as far as desired, especially substantially maximally, sufficiently far to provide for a proper tapping behaviour for the beverage, wherein the valve 39 or passage cannot be opened further by the valve engagement portion or valve portion.

As can be seen in fig. 12 - 14, the tapping handle 9 and disc 97 can be rotated further around the axis 85, from the second intermediate position as shown in fig. 12C to a second end position as shown in fig. 12D, over an angle φ without further movement of the intermediate element 89 and the portion 86, 86A. The angle φ can be defined largely by the angle δ enclosed between opposite longitudinal ends 96A, B of the first slot 104 and the width Wpin of the first pin 105 in the same direction. The end positions of the intermediate element 89 can be defined by stops 110, 111, engaging for example the leg 90.

It shall be clear that by movement of the handle 9 and disc 97 from the second end position as shown in fig. 12D towards the first end position or rest position in fig. 12A, movement over a first angle will not move the intermediate element 89 because of the play for the first pin 105 within the first slot 104, until the second longitudinal end 96B of the slot engages the first pin 105, that then a further movement over a second angle will rotate the intermediate element 89 from the second end position as shown in fig. 13C and D to the intermediate position as shown in fig. 13B, and that a slight further angular movement over a third angle will allow the spring to force the intermediate element 89 to the first position as shown in fig. 13A, even if the handle 9 and disc 97 are not moved further towards the rest position. This will immediately close the valve 39 or passage 11B.

It will be clear that the possible angular movement of the intermediate element 89 can be set for example by positioning of stops 110, 11 and/or by the spring element 84 and/or by the possible path of travel S of the portion 86, 86A and/or by the possible path of travel of the valve or valve portion between the open and closed position. The angular movement of the intermediate element in opposite directions from the first intermediate position may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. For example the angle a can be set smaller than the angle φ.

Fig. 16 A and B show schematically a valve operating system 10 similar to that of fig. 6 is connected to a valve portion 86A forming part of a tube or squeeze type valve 39A in which a flexible portion 11A of a tapping line 11 is enclosed between the valve portion 86A and a part 112 of the tapping device 2. In fig. 16A the operating system lo is shown with the handle 9 in the second end position, the passage 11B of the tapping line 11 being open. In fig. 16B the valve operating system 10 is shown with the handle 9 in the rest position, the passage 11B of the tapping line being squeezed shut between the valve portion 86A and the part 112 of the tapping device.

In fig. 17A and B schematically a valve operating system 10 of the disclosure is shown, for example similar to that of fig. 6 and 16, combined with a valve 39 which can be an integral part of a tapping device 2. The valve 39 is, by way of example only, shown here as a ball type valve, comprising a ball 113 with a passage 11B therein. To one end of the ball 113 a tapping line 11 is connected, whereas at the opposite side an outlet 40 is connected. With the ball 113 in a first position, as shown in fig. 17A, the valve 39 is open and the passage of the tapping line 11 is connected to the outlet 40 by the passage 11B in the ball 113. With the ball in a second position, as shown in fig. 17B, the tapping line and outlet are disconnected and the valve 39 is closed. In this embodiment the ball 113 is integral with or forms the valve portion 86A. A cut out 114, similar to the slot 99 in fig. 6 is provided in the ball 113, into which the end 98 of the intermediate element 89 extends, with play as discussed, for rotating the ball 113 between the first and second position.

In the embodiments of fig. 15 - 17 an valve operating system as shown in fig. 12 - 14 could also be used, wherein the second pin 107 engages the valve portion 86A in stead of the end 98.

A tapping valve operating system 10 according to this disclosure van have the advantage that it mechanically provides for a tapping system in which it is virtually impossible to open the valve only partly, or close it only partly. This will improve tapping behaviour, especially for not so experienced users. It further increases convenience.

A tapping assembly of the present invention can be used as follows.

A container 3 is obtained by or otherwise provided to a user, together with the operating element 41 with dispense tube 11 and valve 39. The user removes a seal 100 or other provision covering the closure 42 and pushes the operating element 41 into the tubular element 44 of the closure, all the way down, thus pushing the cap 50 from at least part of the tubular element 44 and opening the container. The valve 39 is preferably in a normally closed position, such that no beverage can be released from the container. Then the hd 7 of the apparatus 2 is opened and the container 3 is slid into position within the chamber 5. The dispense line 11 is bent upward, such that the valve 39 can be positioned in the valve operating system.

Especially one of the flanges 82, 83 is engaged by the holder 88 and the other by the valve engagement element 86, operable by the operating system 10. Then the lid 7 is closed over the container, pushing the pressing element 19 against the container 3, especially against the neck thereof, as disclosed, forcing the connectors 16, 17 in fluid communication. The length of the dispense line 11 is preferably such that the dispense line 11 is pulled along the surface 68 of the flange 67 when the valve 39 is properly

positioned in the holder 88. This prevents the tube 11 form being engaged by the element 19. When power to the compressor or pump 31 switched on pressurised air will be forced into the space 35, pressurising the beverage inside the inner container 3A. When then the valve 39 is opened, beverage will be dispensed until the valve 39 is closed again. In other tapping devices, such as previously discussed, containers may be provided in other

appropriate ways, with any type of valve 39, 39A, for example as discussed.

When dispensing beverage from the container, the tapping handle of the valve operating system 10 is engaged, and pulled or pushed from a rest position towards an opposite end position, thereby forcing the

intermediate element 89 from a first stable position into a second stable position, instantaneously opening the valve 39, 39A substantially fully, at a given position of the tapping handle. After having dispensed a desired amount of beverage, the tapping handle is moved back to the rest position, again at a given position of the handle between the end positions

substantially instantaneously closing the valve 39, 39A.

After a desired amount, possibly substantially all of the beverage has been dispensed form the container 3, the lid 7 may be opened again and the container 3 can be pulled out of the chamber 5 and can be either stored for further use, if not empty, or can be discarded. The container 3 can be replaced by another container 3 easily. When the valve 39 and dispense line 11 are replaced too, contact between the beverage and the apparatus 2 can be minimised, if not prevented, thereby reducing the need of cleaning the apparatus to a minimum.

A dispensing line 11 can be partly or entirely flexible.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed and discussed here above. Many variations thereof are possible, including but not limited to combinations of parts of embodiments shown and described. For example the container can be a single walled container in stead of a BIC or BIB, or can be a membrane container, in which a membrane separates a beverage compartment connected to the neck from a pressurising compartment positioned in connection with the connecting element 17. The tapping device can be provided with the opening 6 and lid 7 in a different position, for example at a top side of the apparatus, wherein the opposite end 15 can be the lower end of the chamber. The opening 6 could be at the front of the apparatus, wherein the container could be positioned with the axis X vertically, directly on top of the connector 16. In embodiments the lid could be at least in part an integral part of the container and/or operating element. In embodiments the first connector could be positioned differently, for example at or in the lid, wherein a container can be inserted into the chamber such that the neck region, or at least the dispense opening of the container faces away from the lid, for example towards a bottom of the chamber, whereas the gas inlet of the container faces the lid. The pressure element can then be provided at said end of the chamber opposite the lid, for example the bottom of the chamber. A dispense line 11 can then extend for example alongside the container towards the lid or a tap or be guided out of the chamber in any other suitable way. Alternatively the apparatus could be open, such that the container is placed on for example an air supply directly. Cooling can be obtained in any suitable way, including but not limited to contact cooling, cooling of the air in the chamber, or any other such suitable means. The tapping valve operating system could be designed differently, for example for directly engaging the valve or for squeezing the dispense line, as a tube valve, when no in-line valve is used. The closure could be formed differently, for example comprising a valve in stead of the cap, and the operating element could be designed differently, for example such that it can be screwed or otherwise positively connected to the tubular element for obtaining a fluid tight connection. The operating element can be designed to pierce the cap in stead of pushing the cap away from at least part of the tubular element. The valve operating system 10 can be designed differently, for example having a tapping handle and/or an intermediate element moving linearly in stead of rotating. Other or a different number of biasing elements 84 can be used, for example hydraulic or pneumatic.

These any many other variations are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.