GB2143295A

GB2143295A - Top fittings for containers

Info

Publication number: GB2143295A
Application number: GB08417216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Gotch
Original assignee: GRUNDY
Current assignee: GRUNDY
Priority date: 1983-07-11
Filing date: 1984-07-05
Publication date: 1985-02-06
Also published as: GB2143295B; GB8417216D0

Abstract

A top fitting for a cask having a flanged outlet coupling of the so called "tri-lobe" kind is of a conventional type and has an annular skirt 1 of which the internal peripheral diameter corresponds with the external peripheral diameter of the top plate on the container (see Figure 3) and this is surmounted by a conical shoulder portion 2 carrying a plunger assembly generally indicated 3. An aperture 9 is provided by cutting away a portion of the surface 2 at a position which is so arranged that when the fitting is fully engaged the flange portion of the container (6, Figure 3) completely fills the aperture or window. This provides a visual indication of correct coupling of the top fitting. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in top fittings for containers and the like This invention relates to an improved construction of top fitting for a container or the like and in particular relates to an improved coupling memberfora beverage containing keg, the coupling member comprising a head partwhich engages a top fitting on the keg so as to establish communicating pas sages for pressurised gas and beverage outflow.

In one construction of such a fitting the container includes a top plate with a lateral flange portion of circular planform with three flat sides which if extended would define an equilateral triangle. Such an arrangement is known in the art as a "tri-lobe" coupling.

With such arrangements the top fitting includes lugs which engage the flanges whereby through a rotary action the top fitting may be firmly coupled to the container. With such an arrangement it has hitherto been a matter for the operator's judgement to determine whether the top fitting has been fully engaged with the flanges which entails a rotation through an angle of 60% It has been proposed to incorporate a stop pin in the top fitting whereby an abutment is provided when the correct rotational position is arrived at but in some instances such a fitting is not acceptable and in particular it will only operate in one direction of rotation for coupling.

It is an object of this invention to provide a top fitting for a so called "tri-lobe" coupling wherein an operator may determine visually whether or not the fitting is fully engaged with the flange on the container.

According to this invention there is provided a top fitting of the kind above referred to wherein one or more cut away portions are provided in the upper portion of the fitting whereby a part of the flange of the top plate of a container when coupled therewith is visible through the said cut away portions.

In a preferred embodiment the cut away is arranged so that an inner edge thereof is linear and aligns with the corresponding linear edge of the flange on the container when proper coupling is achieved.

In another arrangement the cut away aperture is arranged whereby the peripherally extending dimension is such that when the fitting is properly coupled the aperture is fully filled by the flange on the container.

Two embodiments according to this invention are shown by way of example only in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 show respectively top perspective and underneath perspective views of one top fitting, Figure 3 shows a plan view of a cask top plate, and Figures 4 and 5 show similar views in respect of a second embodiment.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the top fitting is of a conventional type and has an annular skirt 1 of which the internal peripheral diameter corresponds with the external peripheral diameter of the top plate on the container (see Figure 3) and this is surmounted by a conical shoulder portion 2 carrying a plunger assembly generally indicated by 3. The container has a top flange plate 4 which defines the "tri-lobe" arrangement and this includes three flat sides 5 which if projected would define an equilateral triangle. These sides are joined by arcuate surfaces 6 which if continued would define the outer diameter of the flange.

The wall 1 of the top fitting is provided with three equispaced channels 7 defined by integral abutment surfaces 8 and in use the portion 6 of the flange 4 can be entered into the top fitting which is thereafter rotated so that the portions 6 enter respective ones of the channels 7 to securely retain the fitting.

According to this invention an aperture 9 is provided by cutting away a portion of the surface 2 at a position which is so arranged that when the fitting is fully engaged the flange portion 6 completely fills the aperture or window. With this arrangement a particular feature is that the portion 6 provides an internal support surface which assists in providing support for the otherwise weakened wall portion 10 of the rim 1.

A further embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 which is generally similar except for the aperture 9 which in this case incorporates a linear inner edge 11 which can be visually aligned with the linear side 5 of the top fitting such that when the two edges are in co-parallel relationship full engagement of the fitting is provided.

The arrangement according to the invention provides a visually unambiguous indication as to the state of engagement of the top fitting thus avoiding the risk of a fitting being not fully engaged with the danger of same being detached through force of the applied gas pressure.

The top fitting may be any customary kind and is not limited to the conical shape shown; it may be rectangular in section or have a stepped profile. The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 is preferred in practice as it gives an operative a clear visual ',golno-go" indication.

1. A top fitting for engagement with a top plate flange on a cask wherein one or more cut away portions are provided in the upper portion of the fitting whereby a part of the flange of the top plate of a container when coupled therewith is visible through the said cut away portions.

2. A top fitting in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the cut away is arranged so that an inner edge thereof is linear and aligns with the corresponding linear edge of the flange on the container when proper coupling is achieved.

3. A top fitting in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the cut away aperture is arranged whereby the peripherally extending dimension is such that when the fitting is properly coupled the aperture is fully filled by the flange on the container.

4. Atop fitting for the purposes herein set forth substantially as described herein and shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.

5. A top fitting for the purposes herein set forth

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in top fittings for containers and the like This invention relates to an improved construction of top fitting for a container or the like and in particular relates to an improved coupling memberfora beverage containing keg, the coupling member comprising a head partwhich engages a top fitting on the keg so as to establish communicating pas sages for pressurised gas and beverage outflow. In one construction of such a fitting the container includes a top plate with a lateral flange portion of circular planform with three flat sides which if extended would define an equilateral triangle. Such an arrangement is known in the art as a "tri-lobe" coupling. With such arrangements the top fitting includes lugs which engage the flanges whereby through a rotary action the top fitting may be firmly coupled to the container. With such an arrangement it has hitherto been a matter for the operator's judgement to determine whether the top fitting has been fully engaged with the flanges which entails a rotation through an angle of 60% It has been proposed to incorporate a stop pin in the top fitting whereby an abutment is provided when the correct rotational position is arrived at but in some instances such a fitting is not acceptable and in particular it will only operate in one direction of rotation for coupling. It is an object of this invention to provide a top fitting for a so called "tri-lobe" coupling wherein an operator may determine visually whether or not the fitting is fully engaged with the flange on the container. According to this invention there is provided a top fitting of the kind above referred to wherein one or more cut away portions are provided in the upper portion of the fitting whereby a part of the flange of the top plate of a container when coupled therewith is visible through the said cut away portions. In a preferred embodiment the cut away is arranged so that an inner edge thereof is linear and aligns with the corresponding linear edge of the flange on the container when proper coupling is achieved. In another arrangement the cut away aperture is arranged whereby the peripherally extending dimension is such that when the fitting is properly coupled the aperture is fully filled by the flange on the container. Two embodiments according to this invention are shown by way of example only in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figures 1 and 2 show respectively top perspective and underneath perspective views of one top fitting, Figure 3 shows a plan view of a cask top plate, and Figures 4 and 5 show similar views in respect of a second embodiment. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the top fitting is of a conventional type and has an annular skirt 1 of which the internal peripheral diameter corresponds with the external peripheral diameter of the top plate on the container (see Figure 3) and this is surmounted by a conical shoulder portion 2 carrying a plunger assembly generally indicated by 3. The container has a top flange plate 4 which defines the "tri-lobe" arrangement and this includes three flat sides 5 which if projected would define an equilateral triangle. These sides are joined by arcuate surfaces 6 which if continued would define the outer diameter of the flange. The wall 1 of the top fitting is provided with three equispaced channels 7 defined by integral abutment surfaces 8 and in use the portion 6 of the flange 4 can be entered into the top fitting which is thereafter rotated so that the portions 6 enter respective ones of the channels 7 to securely retain the fitting. According to this invention an aperture 9 is provided by cutting away a portion of the surface 2 at a position which is so arranged that when the fitting is fully engaged the flange portion 6 completely fills the aperture or window. With this arrangement a particular feature is that the portion 6 provides an internal support surface which assists in providing support for the otherwise weakened wall portion 10 of the rim 1. A further embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 which is generally similar except for the aperture 9 which in this case incorporates a linear inner edge 11 which can be visually aligned with the linear side 5 of the top fitting such that when the two edges are in co-parallel relationship full engagement of the fitting is provided. The arrangement according to the invention provides a visually unambiguous indication as to the state of engagement of the top fitting thus avoiding the risk of a fitting being not fully engaged with the danger of same being detached through force of the applied gas pressure. The top fitting may be any customary kind and is not limited to the conical shape shown; it may be rectangular in section or have a stepped profile. The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 is preferred in practice as it gives an operative a clear visual ',golno-go" indication. CLAIMS

5. A top fitting for the purposes herein set forth substantially as described herein and shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings.