GB2586967A

GB2586967A - Recyclable valve assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2586967A
Application number: GB1912567.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Calcott Paul; Burchell Paul; Rumens Paul; fletcher Neil; Grundy Paul
Original assignee: Niche Solutions Gb Ltd
Current assignee: Niche Solutions Gb Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-02
Filing date: 2019-09-02
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-02
Also published as: GB2586967B; GB201912567D0

Abstract

The keg valve 101 has a housing 104 which on its lower end is able to screw onto a keg neck. Inside the housing is an elongate fluid regulation assembly 201 and a pressure regulation assembly 202. The fluid regulation assembly 201 defines a channel for liquids passing through the valve. The pressure regulation assembly 202 has a valve seal 207 and a spring 206. On its upper end, the spring holds the valve seal in place. In use, the lower end of the spring 206 directly contacts the neck of a keg to which the valve 101 is attached. The valve 101 can be disassembled for recycling.

Description

Recyclable Valve Assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of equipment for the regulation and maintenance of fluids into and out of a vessel. More particularly, it relates to a fully recyclable and readily disassemble-able keg valve for incorporation into the neck of a fully recyclable keg body. The valve is designed so as to regulate influx and efflux of liquids under gas pressure.

Description of the Related Art

One-way kegs are an increasingly popular design of keg for use within the brewing industry. In particular, one-way kegs serve an ever-increasing demographic of micro-brewers who utilise such kegs due to their particularly favourable properties which include: recyclability, cost efficiency and imparted product longevity. However, a primary concern and draw-back in relation to the use of one-way kegs known in the art is the lack of overall recyclability due to the structure of the keg body and the structure of the keg valve.

To date, developments have been made towards keg bodies and valve systems that are becoming more readily recyclable, however, key issues still remain with regard to the overall recyclability of said keg valve systems. An example of such a valve system known in the art is that of MARBINI (EP2585400B1).

One particular technical problem persisting in the field to date is how readily recyclable such keg body and valve systems are. In this regard, it is known that keg body and valve systems are required to cope with large forces in order to prevent system failure. Accordingly, keg bottle and valve assemblies known in the art thus far have been designed so as to be sufficiently robust to cope with such forces. With regards to the valve systems, this has always seen the use of a valve basket, a purpose-built chamber structure to house the components of the valve. These chambers are robustly formed and allow the valve to function under the large stresses exerted upon it, however, due to their structure, they are inherently difficult (if not practically impossible) to break down / disassemble by the user prior to recycling.

This, combined with the varying nature of the components utilised within valves known in the art, renders such valve systems effectively un-recyclable.

It has therefore been known for some time within the field that there is a need for a keg valve system that is fully recyclable and can be readily disassembled for the purpose of full recycling. However, at present, this demand has not been met Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fully recyclable keg valve system for incorporation into recyclable keg bodies to afford a fully recyclable keg unit that can be readily disassembled by a user. Said fully recyclable keg valve system further address the requirement to support and communicate with keg valves of varying design (such as A, S, G. D and U type valve systems) for a fully retro-fitting system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a recyclable valve assembly comprising; a valve housing, having first and second remote open ends, wherein the first open end is adapted for releasable engagement with a dispensing system and the second open end is provided with an inner concentric profile for engagement with a neck of a container; at least one elongate fluid regulation assembly extending from adjacent the first open end of the valve housing through to adjacent the second open end of the valve housing, defining a fluid channel therebetween; and at least one pressure regulation assembly having an elongate spring component and a valve seal, said valve seal is provided with a first surface adapted to sit flush with an inner circumferential flange of the valve housing; said valve seal is provided with a second surface adapted to sit flush with either the or each at least one fluid regulation assembly or a first end of the elongate spring component, said valve seal is provided with a central aperture to allow fluid communication therethrough, and a second end of the elongate spring component adapted to abut a neck of a container.

Preferably, the or each at least one elongate fluid regulation assembly comprises a seal member a fluid regulation spring element and a fluid regulation chamber.

Advantageously, the fluid regulation chamber is elongate and provided with a central channel extending therethrough, said channel dimensioned so as to receive the seal member and fluid regulation spring element therein.

Advantageously, the central channel of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an inner circumferential flange for abutment with a second end of the fluid regulation spring element.

Most advantageously, an outer edge of a first end of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with at least one interlocking tab, the or each at least one interlocking tab being adapted to releasably engage with at least one upper circumferential slot of the elongate spring component.

Preferably, the seal member is semi-spherical, with an outer profile adapted to sit flush within the central aperture of the valve seal and an inner profile adapted for releasable engagement with a first end of the fluid regulation spring element Advantageously, the first end of the fluid regulation spring element is provided with a cap, said cap having a radial rib structure for engagement and interference fit with an inner lip of the inner profile of the seal member.

Advantageously, a first end of the fluid regulation chamber is adapted to form an interference fit with the second surface of the valve seal, forming an uninterrupted channel.

Preferably, the or each at least one fluid regulation assembly and the or each at least one pressure regulation assembly are secured with a stabilising assembly.

Preferably, the stabilising assembly comprises lower valve member and reinforcing collar.

Preferably, the lower valve member is provided with a flared base and extruding support channel, said support channel being dimensioned to receive a lower portion of the fluid regulation chamber and provided with a peripheral flange for abutment with an external flange of said fluid regulation chamber.

Most preferably, the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an external flange about the lower half of its outer profile, adapted to abut the peripheral flange of the support channel.

Advantageously, the reinforcing collar comprises a joint clip, adapted and profiled to pass around the neck of the extruding support channel and reinforce the interference fit between said support channel and the lower portion of the fluid regulation chamber.

Preferably, the second end of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an inner port structure Advantageously, the inner port structure is arranged central to the fluid regulation chamber, forms a bottom surface with which the fluid regulation spring

S

element abuts and provides a means for engagement with a fluid channel of a container bag system Most advantageously, the inner port structure is provided with a central aperture and forms the fluid connectivity from the aperture of the valve seal through the fluid regulation chamber into the container bag system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are purely schematic and not to scale, of which: Figure 1 a is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in use in a perspective view; Figure lb shows the recyclable valve assembly of Figure la in isolation in a perspective view; Figure 2a is a cross-sectional elevation of the recyclable valve assembly taken along line A-A of Figure lb; and Figure 2b shows the components of the recyclable valve assembly of Figures la and lb in exploded form in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figures la and lb An example of the present invention is illustrated in use in Figure la and isolated in Figure lb. A recyclable valve assembly (indicated generally at 101), comprising entirely polymeric materials (plastics) is shown engaged with the neck 102 of a liquid container (indicated generally at 103). In particular, the recyclable valve assembly 101 is illustrated in use with a recyclable keg 103.

The recyclable valve assembly 101 comprises a valve housing 104 that is adapted for engagement at a first end with a dispensing valve and is further adapted for engagement at a second end with the neck 102 of a container 103. The first end of the valve housing 104 is provided with a first inner concentric profile 105 for universal fitting and releasable engagement with keg dispensing valves that are known in the art (such as A, S, G. D and U type valve systems). The first end of the valve housing 104 is therefore adapted to releasably engage with known keg dispensing valves with a screwing attachment. To this same end, an inner rim 106 of the first end of the valve housing 104 is provided with two profiled locking lugs 107 & 108. These locking lugs 107 & 108 are profiled so as to provide additional retrofitting to existing keg dispensing valves known in the art that require such lugs.

The second end of the valve housing 104 is provided with a second inner concentric profile (depicted and referenced in later figures) for releasable engagement with the neck 102 of a container 103. This second inner concentric profile enables a user to screw fit the valve housing 104 to the neck 102 of a container 103. The valve housing 104 provides a means of containing the remaining components of the recyclable valve assembly 101, holding them within place at the neck 102 of a container 103. No chamber is used and therefore the valve housing 104 is immediately separable from the remaining components of the recyclable valve assembly 101 upon unscrewing the valve housing 104 from the neck 102 of the container 103 Figures 2a and 2b The recyclable valve assembly 101 previously identified in Figures la and lb is shown in a sectional view in Figure 2a and in exploded component view in Figure 2b Referring to the Figures, recyclable valve assembly 101 is provided with a fluid regulation assembly (indicated generally at 201) and a pressure regulation assembly (indicated generally at 202), each assembly being housed within the valve housing 104. As previously noted, the valve housing 104 is provided with second inner concentric profile 213, adapted for releasable engagement with the neck 102 of a container 103 via screw fitting by a user. The inner profile of the valve housing 104 is adapted so as to releasably engage with the fluid regulation assembly 201 and the pressure regulation assembly 202.

The fluid regulation assembly 201 comprises a seal member 203, a fluid regulation spring element 204 and a fluid regulation chamber 205.

The pressure regulation assembly 202 comprises an elongate spring element 206 and a main valve seal 207. The elongate spring element 206 is a compression spring comprised of polymeric materials (such as Polyoxymethylene and Polyethylene). Said spring element 206 is provided with a plurality of interlocking diamond shaped sections so as to provide said spring element 206 with a vertically resiliently deformable structure that shall return to its original shape and dimensions upon removal of force (in the present case, upon engagement and functional use with a dispensing valve system). In this regard, the interlocking sections of the spring element 206 are attached to one another at either their ends or at a mid-point, so as to provide a structure with vertical flex. The spring element 206 is provided with a clear channel through its centre that is dimensioned so as to receive the fluid regulation assembly 201 therethrough, thereby allowing the spring element 206 to be arranged about said fluid regulation assembly 201.

The main valve seal 207 is provided with a first surface (or outer surface) that is profiled and dimensioned so as to form an interference fit within an opening adjacent the first end of the valve housing 104. In this regard, the valve housing 104 is provided with an internal shoulder structure 209 and transversely projecting neck 208 adjacent its first open end. Said shoulder structure 209 and transversely projecting neck 208 within the first end of the valve housing 104 provide two surfaces for abutment with components of the recyclable valve assembly 101. An inner margin of the opening within the first end of the valve housing 104 (the transversely projecting neck 208) is profiled so as to provide a flush fit with the first surface of the valve seal 207. The valve seal 207 is therefore retained within the body of the valve housing 104 through contact with said inner margin 208 of the first open end of the valve housing 104. The valve seal 207 is further provided with a central aperture, thereby forming a passageway between the valve housing 104 and through the valve seal 207. The inner margin 208 therefore effectively presents an inner circumferential flange of the valve housing 104 for engagement with the first surface of the valve seal 207. The shoulder structure 209 of the valve housing 104 is profiled so as to abut a first end of the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202.

The main valve seal 207 is further provided with a second surface (or inner surface) that is profiled and dimensioned so as to form an interference fit within either the fluid regulation chamber 205 of the fluid regulation assembly 201 or a first end of the spring element 206 In this regard, in the present embodiment, the recyclable valve assembly 101 is arranged such that the main valve seal 207 fits within a first end of the fluid regulation chamber 203 of the fluid regulation assembly 201, which is in turn positioned so as to form an interference fit with the first end of the spring element 206, thereby forming a mechanical engagement between the three (207, 205 & 206). Moreover, the spring element 206 is provided with a plurality of upper circumferential slots 210. These circumferential slots 210 are arranged within the inner profile of the spring element 206 adjacent its first end. These circumferential slots 210 are equally spaced apart about the inner circumference of the spring element 206 and are dimensioned so as to releasably receive and engage with interlocking tabs 211 of the fluid regulation chamber 205. In this regard, the fluid regulation chamber 205 is provided with a mutual plurality of interlocking tabs 211 to the upper circumferential slots 210 of the spring element 206. These interlocking tabs 211 are arranged about an outer edge (or upper peripheral edge) of the fluid regulation chamber 205 adjacent its first remote end and enable the chamber to fit flush within the spring element 206. In doing so, when the first end of the spring element 206 is abutting / engaging with the shoulder structure 209 of the valve housing 104, significantly reduced pressures are exerted upon the fluid regulation chamber 205. It shall be understood that, in alternative embodiments, at least one or more tabs 211 and slots 210 may be utilised in an alternative to the aforementioned plurality. Moreover, this enables the fluid regulation assembly 201 to sit flush with the spring element 206 whilst extending between the main valve seal 207 adjacent the first end of the valve housing 104 through to adjacent the second end of the valve housing 104. The fluid regulation assembly 201 therefore forms a fluid passageway through the valve housing and is releasably engaged between the valve seal 207 and the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202. The fluid regulation assembly 201 is therefore subjected to significantly reduced forces than it otherwise would be if it were to form a part of the separate pressure regulation system of the recyclable valve assembly 101. It shall be understood that, in an alternative embodiment, the main valve seal 207 may be arranged so as to form an interference fit within the first end of the spring element 206, which is in turn arranged so as to form an interference fit with the fluid regulation assembly 201.

A second end of the spring element of the pressure regulation assembly 202 is profiled so as to enable it to sit flush with the neck 102 of the container 103. In doing so, when the pressure regulation assembly 202 is arranged about the fluid regulation assembly 201 and held in place by the valve housing 104, any pressures which must be exerted upon the system are channelled almost entirely through the spring element 206 between the housing 104 and the neck 102 of the container 103. In doing so, no purpose-built chamber is required for the recyclable valve assembly 101 and therefore the assembly 101 is far more readily disassembled for the purpose of recycling. Moreover, having pressures channelled through the spring directly from the neck 102 of the container 103 reduces the risks associated with product failure. With regards to the fluid regulation assembly 201, the seal member 203 is semi-spherical, with an outer profile that is adapted to sit flush within the central aperture of the main valve seal 207. The seal member 203 is further provided with an inner profile of radial grooves. The elongate fluid regulation spring element 204 has first and second remote ands and is provided with a closely aligned compression spring structure to that of the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202. In this regard, the elongate fluid regulation spring element 204 is a compression spring comprised of polymeric materials. Said fluid regulation spring element 204 is provided with a plurality of interlocking diamond shaped sections so as to provide said fluid regulation spring element 204 with a vertically resiliently deformable structure that shall return to its original shape and dimensions upon removal of force (in the present case, upon engagement and functional use with a dispensing valve system). In this regard, the interlocking sections of the fluid regulation spring element 204 are attached to one another at either their ends or at a mid-point, so as to provide a structure with vertical flex.

The fluid regulation spring element 204 is provided with a capped structure 214 adjacent its first end. The capped structure 214 of the fluid regulation spring element 204 protrudes from the first end of the element 204 and is provided with a radial ribbed structure. The capped structure 214 is dimensioned to be received within the seal member 203 and its radial ribs are dimensioned and arranged to form an interference fit within the radial grooves of the inner structure of the seal member 203. Said radial grooves forming inner lip structures. Accordingly, upon engagement of the ribs and grooves of the cap 214 and seal member 203, the seal member 203 and fluid regulation spring element 204 are releasably engaged with one another as part of an interference fit system. The fluid regulation spring element 204 is subjected to reduced forces in comparison to those of the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation system 202 and so it may be constructed of different polymers. Additionally, the fluid regulation spring element 204 may also have an altered resistance profile as it is only subjected to the forces associated from flow of liquids into / out of the keg system, as opposed to the flow of gasses into / out of the container.

The fluid regulation chamber 205 is dimensioned and profiled so as to contain the seal member 203 and fluid regulation spring element 204 within a central channel. In particular, the seal member 203 and fluid regulation spring element 204 are received through a central aperture adjacent the first end of the chamber 205 and are releasably contained within the central channel. The central channel of the fluid regulation chamber 205 extends from adjacent the first end of the chamber 205 through the majority of the length (between 60-90%) of said chamber 205 and is provided with an inner circumferential flange. The inner circumferential flange of the fluid regulation chamber 205 is profiled for abutment with a second end of the fluid regulation spring element 204, thereby providing a surface for the fluid regulation spring element 204 to press against. Accordingly, the seal member 203 and fluid regulation spring element 204 are held in place within the central channel of the fluid regulation chamber 205 between the valve seal 207 and the inner circumferential flange. The fluid regulation assembly 201 is therefore adapted to form an interference fit with the second surface of the valve seal 207 and form an uninterrupted channel therebetween, capable of forming a fluid communication upon engagement with a dispensing valve.

The fluid regulation chamber is further provided with an inner port structure 212 adjacent its second end. The inner port structure 212 is centrally aligned with the fluid regulation chamber, with its bottom surface forming the aforementioned peripheral flange of the central channel for engagement with the fluid regulation spring element 204. The inner port structure 212 extends away from said bottom surface and projects towards the second remote end of the fluid regulation chamber 205 and provides a means for engagement with a container bag system. In particular, the inner port structure 212 is provided with an aperture and forms the passageway by which fluids may pass into and out of the fluid regulation chamber 205 at its second end, upon engagement with a fluid channel of a keg, such as those found with disposable keg bag systems. To this end, the recyclable valve assembly is further provided with a stabilising assembly (indicated generally at 215).

The stabilising assembly 215 is arranged in the present invention 101 so as to support the fluid regulation assembly 201. The stabilising assembly 215 comprises a lower valve member 216 and a reinforcing collar 217. The lower valve member 216 is provided with a flared base and an extruding support frame. The extruding support frame of the lower valve member 216 is dimensioned to receive a lower portion (preferably between 10-40%) of the fluid regulation chamber 205 therein. In this regard, the fluid regulation chamber 205 is provided with an external peripheral flange 218, situated about 10-45% of the way up its body with respect to its second remote end. Said external peripheral flange 218 is profiled and positioned so as to abut a top surface of the lower valve member 216 and for a lower portion (10-40%) of the fluid regulation chamber 205 to sit within said lower valve member 216. The lower valve member 216 is provided with a central aperture so as to allow the fluid regulation chamber 205 to pass therethrough.

The reinforcing collar 217 of the stabilising assembly 215 comprises a joint clip, with general C shaped profile, adapted and profiled to pass around the circumference of the extruding support frame of the lower valve member 216 The reinforcing collar 217 forms an interference fit around the lower valve member 216 and keeps the fluid regulation chamber 205 engaged with said lower valve member 216. When the stabilising assembly 215 is engaged with the fluid regulation assembly 201 the alignment of said fluid regulation assembly 201 is maintained with respect to the remaining components of the valve assembly 101, thereby obviating leakage and failure issues It shall be understood that, the stabilising assembly 215 may either be incorporated into the present invention 101 as above, or it may be pre-engineered as part of a novel disposable keg bag system, also incorporating a dispersion spear 218 which is centralised within a keg bag. At appropriate joints, such as those between the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202 and the valve housing 104, or between the spring element 206 and the lower valve member 216, washers 219 may be utilised to ensure airtight seals are formed.

With regard to the function of the present invention 101, upon engagement of the valve housing 104 with a dispensing valve (whilst the present invention 101 is arranged and engaged with the neck 102 of a container 103) an actioning member exerts force upon the seal member 203 of the fluid regulation assembly 201. The forces exerted upon the seal member 203 are translated to the fluid regulation spring element 204 which is resiliently depressed, moving the seal member down within the fluid regulation chamber 205. Upon breaking the seal between the valve seal 207 and the seal member 203, fluids may pass through the fluid regulation chamber 205 and either into or out of the valve 101 (depending on the function at that time). Concurrently, the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202 is also depressed, allowing all components of the recyclable valve assembly 101 (except the valve housing 104) to vertically move along a longitudinal axis of the container body 103. Upon depressing the spring element 206 of the pressure regulation assembly 202, the entire body of the container 103 is in atmospheric communication with the dispensing valve. Accordingly, gasses can be pumped into the body of the container 103, passing around the valve seal 207 and trough openings in the spring element 206. Accordingly, the pressure regulation assembly 202 and fluid regulation assembly 201 operate independently from one another but are intrinsically linked through the valve seal 207 and valve housing 104. The regulation of gasses into and out of the container 103 with which the present invention 101 is attached is regulated by the pressure regulation assembly 202. The regulation of fluids into and out of the container 103 with which the present invention 101 is attached is regulated by the fluid regulation assembly 201. Incoming and outgoing gasses and liquids therefore never mix as a result of the two isolated assemblies (201 & 202).

Claims

Claims What we claim is: 1. A recyclable valve assembly for a keg comprising: a valve housing, having first and second remote open ends, wherein the first open end is adapted for releasable engagement with either a dispensing system or a filling system of standard form and the second open end is provided with an inner profile for releasable engagement with a neck of a keg; a elongate fluid regulation assembly extending through the valve housing from adjacent its first open end to adjacent its second open end, so as to define a channel for liquids passing through the valve assembly; and a pressure regulation assembly having an elongate spring component and a valve seal, said valve seal having a first surface contacting an inner circumferential flange about the first open end of the valve housing and a second surface contacting a first end of the elongate spring component, and a second end of the elongate spring component contacts the neck of the container.
2. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate fluid regulation assembly comprises a seal member, a fluid regulation spring element and a fluid regulation chamber.
3. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the fluid regulation chamber is elongate and provided with a central channel extending therethrough, said channel is dimensioned so as to receive the seal member and fluid regulation spring element therein.
4. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 3, wherein the central channel of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an inner circumferential flange for abutment with a second end of the fluid regulation spring element.
5. The recyclable valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein an outer edge of a first end of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with at least one interlocking tab, the or each at least one interlocking tab being adapted to releasably engage with at least one upper circumferential slot of the elongate spring component.
6. The recyclable valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the seal member is semi-spherical, with an outer profile adapted to sit within the central aperture of the valve seal and an inner profile adapted for releasable engagement with a first end of the fluid regulation spring element.
7. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 6, wherein the first end of the fluid regulation spring element is provided with a cap, said cap having a radial rib structure for engagement with an inner lip of the inner profile of the seal member.
8. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 7, wherein a first end of the fluid regulation chamber is shaped to contact the second surface of the valve seal, forming an uninterrupted channel
9. The recyclable valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid regulation assembly is secured with a stabilising assembly.
10. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 9, wherein the stabilising assembly comprises a lower valve member and a reinforcing collar.
11. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the lower valve member is provided with a flared base and extruding support frame
12. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the support frame is dimensioned to receive a lower portion of the fluid regulation chamber and is provided with a peripheral flange.
13. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an external flange about the lower half of its outer profile, adapted to abut the peripheral flange of the support channel
14. The recyclable valve assembly of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the reinforcing collar comprises a joint clip adapted and profiled to pass around the neck of the extruding support channel
15. The recyclable valve assembly of any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the second end of the fluid regulation chamber is provided with an inner port structure
16. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the inner port structure is arranged central to the fluid regulation chamber, forms a bottom surface with which the fluid regulation spring element abuts and provides a means for engagement with a fluid channel of a container bag system.
17. The recyclable valve assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner port structure is provided with a central aperture and forms the fluid connectivity from the aperture of the valve seal through the fluid regulation chamber into the container bag system.