Title: Package and dispenser for beverages.

The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

Beverages such as carbonated beverages are commonly packaged in cans, bottles or kegs. When packaged in cans or bottles a consumer will pour the beverage into a glass or mouth by force of gravity. Such bottle contains normally one or a few servings. When packaged in kegs the consumer or retailer will force the beverage from the keg using pressurised carbon dioxide gas (CO2). Kegs normally comprise a large number of servings. In both types of packaging the empty package has the same volume as a full package. The present invention has as an object to provide an alternative method of dispensing a beverage, preferably a carbonated beverage.

In a different aspect an object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a beverage in which at least one of the drawbacks of the packagings as discussed in the preamble here above has been prevented or reduced.

In a further different aspect an object of the present invention is to provide a method for dispensing a beverage, especially a carbonated beverage, requiring relatively simple means for pressurising said beverage.

In a first aspect of the present invention a method is characterised in that a carbonated beverage enclosed within an at least partly compressible container is placed in a receptacle, whereby said container is at least partly compressed within said receptacle and the beverage contained therein is expelled from said container into an outlet channel of a dispensing apparatus and/or directly into a drinking element for the beverage such as a glass, tankard or mug or other beverage receptacle.

In a second embodiment a method is characterised in that a pouch shaped container is placed inside a receptacle of an apparatus which has a compression mechanism for compressing said container within said receptacle.

In a further embodiment a method according to the present invention is characterised in that a carbonated beverage, especially a lager type beer is provided in a flexible pouch like container which is compressed for expelling said beverage, whereby compressed air is administered to said beverage, preferably within an outlet channel and/or in said container.

A container according to the present invention can for example be punctured or cut open for expelling said beverage. Alternatively a weakened portion can be provided in an outer edge, especially a seal closing said container, which will burst when the container is pressurised, for expelling said beverage. Said weakened portion can be surrounded by a stronger edge portion such as a stronger seal portion, for protection during handling such as transport or storage, which can be cut away, for example by cutting or tearing, - before pressurising said container.

In a still further aspect the invention is characterised by a container which container is or can be filled with a carbonated beverage and is compressible such that an internal volume thereof can be reduced to substantially zero cc for expelling said beverage.

In a first embodiment such container is filled with a carbonated beverage having a relatively low CO2 content compared to the same beverage packaged in a bottle or keg. For lager type beer for example the CO2 content is preferably lower than 0.44 weight % at equilibrium pressure, especially lager type beer with such low CO2 content. By way of specific example, such container can be provided with lager type beer of less than 0.4 weight %, more specifically approximately 0.3 weight %. -

In an alternative embodiment a different beverage is packaged in the package, for example a different type of beer or a non-alcoholic beverage, such as a soft drink or juice drink, preferably but not necessarily carbonated. If

carbonated, the CO2 content may be lower than usual, for example lower than when normally packaged in a bottle or keg.

In advantageous embodiments a container is provided with outlet means such as an outlet opening which is provided with or designed as means for enhancing foaming of the beverage. Such can for example be an outlet providing for a sudden pressure drop, browsing means, air inlet means or the like.

In an even further embodiment the present invention is characterised in an apparatus which comprises a receptacle for a container comprising a carbonated beverage, a pressure mechanism for at least partly compressing said container within said receptacle and an outflow channel for expelling said beverage from said container.

For a better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be discussed hereafter with reference to the drawing, in which: fig. 1 in plan view a closed container and an opened container, in a substantially transparent view; fig. IA in perspective view an embodiment of a container according to fig. 1; fig. 2 schematically a side view in cross section of an apparatus according to the present invention, directly after inserting a container in said apparatus; fig. 3 schematically a side view in cross section of an apparatus according to fig. 2, during tapping; fig. 4 partly in cross section an alternative embodiment of a container according to the invention, with part of an apparatus for use therewith; fig. 5 in an expanded cross section part of a receptacle and container, with puncture means;

fig. 6 in an expanded cross section part of a receptacle and container, with cutting means; fig. 7 in cross section schematically part of further embodiment of an apparatus; fig. 8 partly in cross section a dispensing channel for an apparatus of the invention; fig. 9 and 10 schematically in partly broken away side view and frontal view respectively an apparatus for expelling beverage; fig. 11 in sectional side view part of the apparatus of fig. 9; fig. 12 in frontal view a top part of an apparatus as shown in fig. 10, opened for loading a container; fig. 13 in perspective view a further embodiment of a container; fig. 14 in side view a container according to fig. 13; fig. 15 in partial cross section part of an apparatus with pressure means and an alternative container; fig. 16 in partial cross section part of an apparatus with an alternative pressure means and a container; fig. 17 in side view a still further embodiment of a container; and fig. 18 an alternative for expelling the beverage from a container. In the figures, only exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown, by way of illustration. These should not in any way be construed as limiting. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention outlined by the claims. In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. For the meaning of reference numbers in the figures other figures and the relevant part of the description may also be relied upon.

In this application compressing, compressible and words to that effect, at least in relation to a container, have to be understood as meaning at least but not limited to that an internal volume of said container comprising a

liquid to be dispensed is reduced in size, such that said liquid is at least partly pressurised in said internal volume.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container 1 according to the present invention, in side or plan view. The container 1 is in this embodiment substantially pouch shaped and made of flexible material, especially foil 2. Preferably the foil 2 is multi layered and contains at least one metal layer, preferably light metal such as aluminium, covered on at least one side by a plastic layer. The container has a longitudinal direction with a length L and a width direction with a width D, perpendicular to said length. In fig. 1 the container 1 is shown in a flat position. In this embodiment the container 1 is formed from a single, substantially rectangular sheet of foil, which is formed into a tubular form by forming a first seal, especially a lap seal 3 in the longitudinal direction, connecting the two opposite longitudinal edges of said sheets to each other in a fluid and gas tight manner. The foil is also fluid and gas tight. The seal 3 can be positioned on the inside or outside of the container - 1, connecting the outside surfaces or the inside surfaces to each other, or can be a flat seal by connecting the inside surface of one edge to the outside surface of the opposite edge.

The outside of the foil can be provided with indicia P indicating the content, branding and the like, and may shield the content (beverage) from light and other environmental influences.

One end 4 of the container 1 (the bottom end in fig. 1) is closed by a second seal 5, extending over the width direction and connecting to the lap seal 3. The second seal thus closes off said end 4. The container is or can then be filled with a carbonated beverage, such as beer, soft drink or water or non- carbonated beverages such as juice. Especially discussed is lager type beer having a relatively low CO2 content, as will be discussed later, leading to a relatively low pressure within said container 1.

The opposite second end 6 is also closed, by a third seal 7, which in this embodiment has a height H in the longitudinal direction which is larger

than the height of the second seal in the same direction, and extends over the full width of the container. The inner space 8 of said container is completely filled with said beverage such as beer, without a head space or free oxygen. The third seal 7 has a first portion 9 which is positioned near a middle section seen in the width direction and adjacent said inner space 8. The first portion 9 is surrounded by a second portion 10, here U shaped, such that it surrounds said first portion at three sides. The first and second portion are both seal portions and are therefore fluid and gas tight. A tear line T extends across said third seal 7 in the width direction, approximately halfway of said height H or at least such that it extends across or adjacent the first portion 9. This means that when the seal is torn or cut or otherwise severed along said tear line T, said first portion 9 becomes exposed to the outside of the container.

The first seal 3, the second seal 5 and the second portion 10 of the third seal 7 are relatively strong compared to the first portion 9, which thus forms a weakened portion 9. When the package is fully closed, as is shown in fig. 1, left side, the package can be squeezed significantly without the seals breaking or bursting. This means that the seals 3, 5, 7 will for example withstand internal pressures exerted by the carbonated beverage when heated up to for example 30 or 40 degrees Celsius. When the said part 1OA of the third seal 7 above the tear line T is removed, as shown in fig. 1, right side, the weakened portion 9 will burst when the container 1 is compressed. Compressed has to be understood as at least inclosing but not limited to pressurising the container from the outside, for example as shown by the arrows F. A container 1 according to the present invention can be seen as pouch like.

In filled position as shown in fig. IA the shape of the container 1 is substantially tubular with for example a substantially round, oval or flattened circular cross section and somewhat flattened end towards the second and third seal 5, 7. Other shapes are obviously possible within the scope of the invention. The length L of the container between the second and third seal 5, 7

is preferably far larger than the width, for example at least twice said width, and can be chosen depending on the inner space 8. The width can for example be approximately 30 mm, the length being approximately 180 mm for a 25 cl inner space 8. In such embodiments, due to the relatively great length compared to the width the total seal length can be kept relatively small, which has the advantage that the pressure within the container can be resisted relatively easy.

The container 1 may have a headspace, for reducing the pressure rise in the container due to temperature raise, compared to a container having no head space (fully filled). The head space may be filled with an inert, non- oxidating gas such as CO2.

In fig. 2 and 3 schematically a cross section is shown of an apparatus 11 according to the present invention, in which for example a pouch like container 1 as shown in fig. 1 can be used, though not limited to such embodiments. This apparatus 11 comprises a housing 12 placed on a ground plate 13. Within said apparatus 11 a receptacle 14 is provided, for example a chamber 15 having an opening 16 at a top side 17 through which a container filled with said beverage can be inserted. The housing 11 can for that purpose be provided with a door or cap 61 to reach said opening 16. The chamber 15 has a back wall 18 and a bottom wall 19, as well as two side walls 20 on opposite sides. One wall 21 is movable in the direction of the back wall 18 and relatively with respect to the further walls 19, 20, in order to compress a container 1 positioned within said chamber 15. The container 1 is placed in said chamber with the second seal 5 against the bottom wall 19 and the weakened portion 9 facing a discharge channel 22 of said apparatus. To this end and in this embodiment the third seal 7 has been torn at the tear line in order to expose the weakened portion.

The discharge channel 22 extends from an inlet end 23 near or in said chamber 15 to an outlet end 24 on the outside of the apparatus 11, facing at least partially downward, such that a glass 25 can be held below said outlet

end 24. Between the inlet end 23 and the outlet end 24 a channel 26 is connected to said discharge channel 22. Said channel 26 is connected to an outlet of a pressure assembly 27 which can be used for introducing compressed gas, especially air into said discharge channel 22, especially into beverage such as beer in said discharge channel 22. The pressurised gas, especially air can be used for pressurising and/or transporting the beverage and/or for obtaining a desired amount of foaming of the beverage, at least when or after leaving the discharge channel through said outlet end 24.

In the embodiment shown the pressurising means can comprise a cylinder 28 in which a piston 29 can be moved into the direction of the channel 26, thereby compressing air inside the cylinder and forcing said pressurised air into said beverage in said discharge channel 22.

The pressurising means can be electrically powered. Cooling means for the container and beverage may be available in or near the chamber 15. A pressurising mechanism 30 is provided, comprising a lever 31 pivotable around a first pivot axis 32 in said apparatus. A grip 33 is provided at a fist, upper end 34 of said lever. A first end 35 of a first rod 36 is pivotably connected at the opposite second end 37 of said lever 31, by a second axis 38, which rod 36 is connected to the movable wall 21 which is guided in a known manner for allowing it to translate towards said back wall 18 but preferably prevents it from rotation. A first end 39 of a second rod 40 is connected to said lever 31 by a further axis 41, which second rod is connected to said piston 29. Said further axis 41 is positioned between said first axis 32 and said second axis 38. When the grip 33 is moved from the position as shown in fig. 2 to the position as shown in fig. 3, the lever 31 pivots around said first axis, thereby forcing the first rod 36 and the second rod 40 slightly upward and to the right in the drawings. This means that the movable wall is forced into the direction of the back wall 18, compressing the container 1, and the piston 29 is forced towards the channel 26, compressing air into said discharge channel 22.

Means can be provided for setting the air pressure, for example by adjusting the stroke of the piston or by opening or closing venting openings.

Due to this combined action the beverage is forced against the weakened portion 9, bursting this, resulting in the beverage contained therein out of the container 1 and into the discharge channel 22, whereas at approximately the same time air is compressed and forced into said discharge channel, thereby pressurising the beverage and propelling the beverage towards and out of the outlet end 24, preferably into a glass.

Applicant has recognised that in normal lager type beer about 0.44 to 0.52 weight % CO2 is provided, leading to a relatively high pressure inside a package into which this is packaged and that lager type beer, also known as blond beer, can be packaged in a package according to the present invention with an amount of CO2 that is less than said normal amount, leading to lower pressure in the package. The amount of CO2 is for example between 0.2 and 0.44 weight %, more specifically between 0.25 and 0.4 weight % and preferably around 0.3 weight %, measured at equilibrium pressure. Surprisingly it has been proven that the taste of the beer is not negatively effected or even enhanced by such relatively low CO2 content when discharged under pressure. Especially when pressurised with air as shown and described herein or when discharged directly into the mouth of a consumer, by pressurising the container 1, a good taste and general consistency of the beer is maintained. It has shown to be especially advantageous when the pressurised air is forced directly in the stream of beer in the discharge channel. Without wanting to be bound by any theory this may be the result of the flowing beer in a relatively narrow channel and the relatively high flow of compressed air forced directly into said stream, leading to pressurised bubbles of air trapped in the beer. The relatively low pressure may result in a relatively simple and less expensive package and that the seals can be provided for relatively easy, for example in a conventional manner by heat sealing technique. Negative influences of such sealing techniques can thus be prevented or at least minimised easily.

In the same manner and for similar effects other carbonated beverages can be packed in a container 1 according to the invention, for example soft drinks or sparkling wines. For example, for cola drinks a CO2 content of less than 0.6 weight %, more specifically less than 0.55 weight %, such as between 0.3 and 0.55 weight % can be desired.

Instead of forcing the air into the beverage in the discharge channel 22 it can also be forced through the container 1, for example by changing the position of the chamber 15 and the cylinder 28 and providing a weakened portion 9 in the second seal 5 also or providing an opening there. Alternatively the lever mechanism can be made such that in a first stroke of the lever, for example upward from the position in fig. 2, the beverage is sucked from the container 1 into the cylinder 28 and is then forced out of the cylinder and through the discharge channel 22 by moving the piston forward in the manner described before. Various variations are possible within the general concept which will be directly apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably the discharge channel 22 is provided as a removable tube that can be pulled out of the apparatus, for example by pulling at the outlet end 24, so that it can be cleaned easily as is shown in figs. 7 and 8. More generally it is desirable if the beverage makes minimal or no contact with the apparatus and if there is to be contact that such parts are disposable or easy to clean. The channel 26 preferably extends into the discharge channel at an angle such that the direction of inflow into said discharge channel is at east partly into the direction of the outlet end 24.

Below the chamber 15 there preferably is a receiving chamber 60 for empty containers 1. Preferably the movable wall 21 can be moved away from the back wall 19 such that the empty container 1 can pass between the lower end of the movable wall and the bottom wall, into said receiving camber 60. The door or cap 61 may also be such that by opening said door 61 the receiving camber 60 can be accessed for removing any empty containers 1 held therein.

One or more of the walls 18, 19, 21 could be connected to or formed by said door or cap 61.

The pressurising means can preferably be regulated, in order to set the amount and/or pressure of the air to be introduced into said beverage. This may be advantageous, for example for setting the foaming of the beverage, especially lager type beer, or for adjusting based on the beverage to be dispensed. For example in beer a different amount of air may be desirable than in soft drinks or wine or other beverages.

In fig. 4 partially in cross section a second embodiment of a container according to the present invention is shown, which has for example a substantially cylindrical outer wall 50, which may be made rigid, for example made of coated card board or plastic, or relatively flexible, such as the foil of the embodiment of fig. 1 and a bottom wall 51, which can be moved towards an top wall 52 provided at the opposite end. The bottom wall can be moved by for example folding the side wall as is shown in fig. 4 in broken lines, or by having a separate bottom wall 51, slidably engaging and closing off against the inside of said wall 50. The top wall comprises a weakened portion 9 which will burst when the bottom wall is moved upward to the top wall over a certain amount, forcing the beverage out when the bottom wall is moved further, until it engages the top wall, when the inner space 8 is completely empty. The bottom wall can be moved by the second rod 40 or a similar system. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 the receptacle 14 comprises a for example circular wall 19 in which a movable wall part 21 can be moved up, in the direction of the arrow V, towards an open end 16, which can be closed off by a lid 71. The lid 70 can close off against the upper end of the package 1. The internal cross section of the wall 19 is preferably approximately equal to that of the package, the movable wall 21 being slightly smaller. The dispensing channel 22 is in fluid communication with the lid 70. The package 1 can be introduced into the receptacle through the opening 16, after which the lid 70 is placed over the opening 16. Then the wall part 21 can be moved by the mechanism 30,

pressing the bottom wall 51 of the package 1 to the top end 52, thereby bursting open the weak portion 9 and forcing the beverage from the package 1 into the channel 22.

In fig. 5 part of the chamber 15 is shown, with the outlet opening facing the discharge channel 22, and a top end of a container 1 enclosed therein. A puncture means 54 is shown in the shape of a hollow needle 55, which is in fluid connection with the discharge channel 22. When the container is placed inside the chamber 15, against the bottom wall 20, the top end and seal 7 will be spaced apart slightly from the sharp end 56 of the needle 55. When the movable wall 21 is then moved, the container will be compressed and the top end thereof is then forced onto the needle 55, over the sharp end 56, puncturing the container 1. By further compressing the container 1 the beverage is forced out of the container, through said needle 55 and into the discharge channel. In fig. 6 an alternative embodiment is shown, again showing a top end of the chamber 15, in which cutting means 57 are provided for cutting the tear line when the container is partly compressed or at least pressurized by the movable wall 21. The cutting means are shown as a knife which will be forced through said third seal 7, at the tear line or directly next to the inner space 8. Thus the container will be opened and the beverage can be forced out. In these embodiments preferably a seal 65 is provided for sealing of the chamber and outlet channel against the container 1, in order to prevent any beverage to flow into the chamber.

Fig. 7 shows schematically, in cross section, part of an apparatus 11 according to the invention, in which in a chamber 15 a container 1 is carried on a movable wall 21 to be pressed by the pressure mechanism 27. In this embodiment the channel 26 opens into a discharge channel 22 at an angle α which is larger than 90°, such that the main direction thereof has a component parallel to the channel 22. In the discharge channel 22 a fork 72 is provided, of which one end is the channel 26 and the other tine 73 extends into the

chamber 15. At the entrance of the tine 73 a seal 74 may be provided, for example an O-ring.

A separate, preferably disposable or easy cleanable, for example metal or plastic straw 75 is provided for forming the actual discharge channel. This straw 75 has a tubular part 76 extending from an outlet end 24 to a fork

77 of which a first tine 78 fits into the channel 26 and the second tine 79 into the tine 73. Said second tine 79 is needle shaped with a sharp end 80 for puncturing the container 1. A non return valve 81 may be provided in the tine

78 for preventing beverage to flow into said tine 78 or into the channel 26. A similar valve could be provided in the first tine 78, for preventing backflow.

Thus contamination may be avoided or minimized.

The first line 78 preferably seals against the channel 73 or the seal 74, thus preventing pressure loss and/or spillage of the beverage.

The movable wall part 21 may be positioned under an angle relative to the back wall 18, in order to squeeze the container from the lower seal upward towards the channel 22, in order to better assure that the beverage will be expelled fully. This can for example be done by spring means 71 near the top of the movable wall part 21.

In fig. 9 and 10 an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 11 is shown, in which for example a pouch like container as shown in the drawings can be used. The apparatus 11 comprises a housing 12 and a ground plate or foot 13, in which a receptacle for spilled beverage can be provided. In the housing again a receptacle 14 is provided, comprising a chamber 15 within a drawer like sliding element 82, which can for example be pulled upward in the direction Z for opening, out of the top 83 of the housing 12, as is shown in fig. 12.. A container 1 can be placed inside said chamber, with an opening 84 or weakened portion 9 as will be discussed hereafter facing downward. The chamber 15 again has a back wall 18 and a bottom wall 19 in which a substantially downward facing opening 85 is provided, with which the opening side of the container 1 can be aligned or into which, as shown, a neck 86 of an

opening can be placed. Two side walls 20 are provided for holding the container 1. A movable side wall 21 is again provided, for compressing the container 1 within the chamber 15, using the pressurizing mechanism 30, which is similar to the mechanism 30 as described with relation to fig. 2 and 3, as far as compressing the container 1 is concerned. The pressurizing means as shown in fig. 2 and 3 for aeration of the beverage is left out in this embodiment but could be incorporated, if desired. Again cooling means could be provided for cooling the beverage before expelling, whereas a powered pressurizing mechanism could be used. In this embodiment the container 1 is placed inside the chamber 15 with an opening 84 or weakened portion 9 facing substantially downward, in or near said opening 85. The container 1 can then be compressed by activating the pressurizing mechanism 30, especially by pulling forward in the direction X the lever 31, expelling the beverage such as beer from the container 1, directly into said receptacle 25. Since there will be no contact between the beverage and the apparatus, contamination of the apparatus will be avoided and the necessity of frequent cleaning is avoided or at least minimized.

Once the beverage is expelled the pressurizing mechanism 30 can be released and the empty container 1 can be taken out of the chamber, for example by pulling it through said opening 85 or by sliding out in direction Z the slide 82 and taking out the container 1.

In fig. 9 — 11 a container 1 is shown which has an opening 84, although for example a container 1 as shown in fig. 1 and IA could also be used. The container 1 as shown in fig. 9 — 11 has a neck 86 comprising an opening 84, which neck can for example be made more rigid than the wall of the container 1 and can be made integral with said wall or can be a separate part. The neck 86 preferably fits inside the opening 85, such that the free end 87 thereof extends outside the apparatus.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9 - 11 the neck 86, in fig. 11 and 15 shown in cross section, comprises aeration means 88 or at least means for

regulating foaming, for example enhancing foaming. These means 88 are shown here as a plate comprising perforations 89 such that the flow pattern of the beverage will be changed, for example made turbulent and provide for browsing of the beverage and possibly releasing some of the CO2 contained therein. In an alternative or additionally a channel 90 can be provided inside said neck 86 which has a change in diameter or profile, for example somewhat venturi shaped as shown in fig. 18, such that a sudden pressure drop will occur inside said channel and/or at leaving the channel 90, leading to break out of some CO2 and thus foaming. At or near the upward end 91 of the channel 90 a seal 92 can be provided, for example by the foil material of which the wall is made or by an additional seal 92, for example a thin membrane that can rupture by increased beverage pressure. This seal 92 will prevent premature spilling of beverage and prevent contamination, whereas an extra lid will not be necessary, although still possible. It shall be clear that other means for sealing and/or for regulating foaming can be provided.

In fig. 13 and 14 an embodiment of a container 1 is shown that can for example be used as shown in fig. 9 — 11. The container is largely made as shown in and described with reference to fig. 1 and IA, but has an opening 84 which can be for example as described before with reference to fig. 9 — 11, having a neck 86 and/or foaming means 90 and/or a seal 92. It could also be a lid that can be removed or for example a valve such as a bidon valve. A container 1 according to the invention can be used with an apparatus but can also be emptied without such apparatus, for example by pouring the beverage directly into a receptacle 25 or directly into ones mouth. Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a container 1 in an apparatus 11, similar to fig. 4, in which a neck 86 is provided for fitting in the opening 85. The plunger 21 can be forced downward, in the direction F, for compressing the container 1 and expelling the beverage.

Fig. 16 shows part of an apparatus 11, showing the chamber 15 and pressure means 94, wherein the movable wall 21 is provided as a bellow 95,

which can be inflated by medium pressure means 96, for compressing the container 1. The inflated state of the bellow 95 is shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of a container 1, which can in general be designed as shown in and described with reference to fig. 1 and IA or any other embodiment as shown and/or described, but not limited to such, wherein a preferably flexible hose 97 is provided, connected to or connectable to an opening 84 and/or a neck 86 or a weakened portion 9, for expelling the beverage. The hose 97 can be led through the channel 22 or through the opening 86, in order to prevent or at least minimize contact between the beverage and the apparatus.

In fig. 18 a still further embodiment of a container 1 is shown, inside an apparatus 11 of which only a part is shown. In this embodiment the apparatus comprises a chamber 15 similar to for example fig. 4 or 15, wherein the plunger 21 is replaced by a needle 98 which can be introduced into the container 1 distanced from the opening 84 or weakened portion 9. Preferably at an opposite side thereof. An air or other fluid pressurizing means such as a pump 99 or mechanism 27 as described before is provided for forcing fluid, preferably air or CO2 into the container 1, forcing the beverage out through the opening 84 or the weakened portion 9. In this embodiment the neck 86 comprises a venturi shaped channel 90, for obtaining a pressure drop. In stead of the needle the container can be provided with an opening similar to the opening 84, or for example a duckbill type disclosure for allowing air or a similar fluid to be pressed into the container for pressurizing and expelling the beverage. Air has the advantage that it can be taken from the surrounding of the apparatus.

It should be obvious that the air mechanism 27 of an apparatus according to fig. 2 and 3 could be left out, especially if the CO2 content of the beverage is sufficient for the desired foaming, whereas it can be designed differently and/or be used with other embodiments.

A container 1 can also be made of different materials and of different shapes. For example in an apparatus according to the invention, for example as shown in fig. 9 and 10, a metal or plastic can could be used, or a bottle such as a PET or PEN bottle as commonly available. The top of such bottle can then be screwed off after insertion into the chamber 15, from outside the apparatus, or the chamber could be made pivotal, such that the opening of the bottle will be lowered only after removing the top.

With a container or package and/or apparatus according to the invention an advantage can be that each serving can be a different beverage, without the necessity of difficult operations. The containers can be stored and transported easily, require relatively little material and are easily cooled or heated. Therefore cooled and heated beverages are possible, even one after the other, quickly in sequence.

The embodiments shown are only presented as possible embodiments disclosing the various features. It should be emphasized that other embodiments and solutions are possible within the scope as defined by the claims, description and drawings. Especially various combinations of individual features of the embodiments shown are considered to be disclosed herein, as well as alternative solutions to various of these features. Specifically, other materials could be used, as well as other means for closing and opening the containers, for example glue could be used for one or any of said seals, whereas the container can be formed of two or more sheets of foil, for example sealed together along the edges. A closure can be provided in any of said seals or surfaces of the container, for filling and/or dispensing. The pressure means are preferably hand operated but may also be electrical of be operated by for example compressed air capsules. The movable wall part 21 can also be movable into a different direction. For example as shown in fig. 4 and 15, wherein the bottom wall may also be such that the container is compressed entirely inside said chamber.