Holder for liquid containing package

A hollow container of generally rectangular cross-section having a top and a bottom and forming an internal cavity which is sized to accommodate a rectangular sealed package of beverage with semi-rigid walls and a penetrable wall, there being an opening in the container providing access to the cavity whereby the package can be inserted into the cavity and be positioned therein with its top adjacent the top of the cavity, and be removed therefrom, wherein the sealed package is an aseptic package which comprises a semi-rigid beverage container which is designed to be sealed after filling and which is provided with an area in its top which is formed by a perforatable membrane which is to be perforated to enable the beverage to be consumed, and the upper end of the outlet opens into the interior of the mouthpiece, comprising:

• means operable to retain the package within the cavity;
• puncture means which depend from the top of the container and project into the cavity so as to pierce the top of the package when the latter is positioned therein with its top adjacent the top of the cavity, said puncture means forming an outlet for liquid from within the package through the top of the container, a mouth piece which is a separable and replaceable element and which comprises a hollow projecting portion with a perforated outer end, the perforated projecting portion to be placed within the mouth of a user so that liquid is drunk from within the aseptic package within the container when the latter is being used by the user sucking the liquid through the perforated outer end;
• releasable securing means being provided for fitting the mouthpiece to the top of the container so that there is a seal against leakage of liquid between it and the container;
• and a rotary shut-off valve operable to control communication between the interior of the aseptic package retained within the container and the interior of the mouthpiece.