WO2011147978A1 - Keg closure with rotation restraint - Google Patents
Keg closure with rotation restraint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2011147978A1 WO2011147978A1 PCT/EP2011/058760 EP2011058760W WO2011147978A1 WO 2011147978 A1 WO2011147978 A1 WO 2011147978A1 EP 2011058760 W EP2011058760 W EP 2011058760W WO 2011147978 A1 WO2011147978 A1 WO 2011147978A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- keg
- closure
- neck
- formations
- twist
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 13
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000669 biting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0829—Keg connection means
- B67D1/0831—Keg connection means combined with valves
- B67D1/0832—Keg connection means combined with valves with two valves disposed concentrically
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0829—Keg connection means
- B67D1/0831—Keg connection means combined with valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0829—Keg connection means
- B67D1/0831—Keg connection means combined with valves
- B67D1/0838—Keg connection means combined with valves comprising means for preventing blow-out on disassembly of the spear valve
Definitions
- This invention relates to a valve closure for a container, for example for a keg that is blow-moulded of plastics material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- Such kegs may be used for transporting, storing and dispensing beverages such as beer.
- An example of such a keg is disclosed in WO 2007/064277.
- a valve closure for a keg is typically fitted to a neck of the keg after the keg has been blow-moulded.
- this may be achieved but in general, complementary formations on the keg neck and the closure are provided to allow the closure to be attached and secured to the keg. Whatever formations are used, it is desirable to provide a solution that is simple, strong, secure, economical in terms of material usage and easy to manufacture and fit, especially in an automated assembly environment.
- a conventional dispense head with a bayonet-style fitting may be fitted to the closure with a push-and-twist action.
- the dispense head is pushed inwardly toward the keg and turned with respect to the closure to engage bayonet formations that hold the dispense head in sealed engagement with the closure.
- the bayonet formations typically have cam-like surfaces that urge the dispense head towards the keg as the dispense head is turned.
- a valve closure for a neck of a keg having coupling formations co-operable with a twist-fit coupling
- the closure further comprises anti-twist formations engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling.
- the anti-twist formations can restrain against movement of the closure relative to the keg so that when a coupling - such as a filling head or dispense head - is twist-fitted to the closure, a connection can be made quickly and reliably.
- the anti-twist formations are engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg in either direction about a central longitudinal axis of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling to and from the closure.
- resisting turning of the closure relative to the keg in both directions can facilitate the fitting of a coupling to the closure and also the removal of a coupling from the closure.
- the anti-twist formations may be disposed within a recess of the closure that receives the neck of the keg.
- the recess may be an annular recess defined by a skirt encircling and spaced from a central cylindrical valve housing of the closure.
- the skirt may be defined by a tubular collar that cooperates with the valve housing and the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg.
- the valve housing may be arranged to be at least partially received within the neck of the keg, the tubular collar may be arranged to bear against an exterior of the neck of the keg and together the valve housing and tubular collar may be arranged to hold the neck of the keg between them.
- the anti-twist formations may be male formations.
- the anti-twist formations may be teeth engageable with the keg.
- the teeth are arranged to bite into the keg during fitting of the closure to the keg.
- the teeth may be elongate and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the neck of the keg.
- the teeth may engage the neck of the keg by locally deforming the material of the keg.
- the anti-twist formations are distributed at intervals to engage with the neck of the keg at a plurality of circumferentially spaced engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
- the efficacy of the anti-twist formations is improved by spreading out the engagement locations.
- the closure comprises axial location formations cooperable with the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg.
- the axial location formations can work in synergy with the anti-twist formations to keep the closure in position on the neck of the keg.
- the anti- twist formations can restrain against rotational movement and, independently, the axial location formations can restrain against axial movement of the closure away from the keg.
- the closure comprises a plurality of axial location formations distributed at intervals to cooperate with the neck of the keg at a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial attachment locations about the neck of the keg.
- the efficacy of the axial location formations is improved by spreading out the attachment locations.
- the plurality of axial location formations are distributed at intervals between the anti-twist formations so that the axial attachment locations are circumferentially interspaced between the engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
- the axial location formations and the anti-twist formations are able to act on different parts of the neck of the keg.
- this configuration minimises the interference between the function of the axial location formations and the function of the anti-twist formations.
- the improved efficacy as a result of spreading out the attachment locations and the engagement locations is retained.
- the axial location formations may cooperate with the neck of the keg to have the effect of latching the closure onto the neck of the keg.
- the axial location formations may be arranged to restrain against axial movement of the closure away from a keg to which the closure may be fitted.
- the axial location formations may be snap-fit formations arranged to engage with a flange on the neck of the keg when the closure is pressed onto the neck of the keg.
- the snap-fit formations may comprise a ramped surface arranged to slide over complementarily ramped surfaces on the neck of the keg during push-fitting of the closure to the neck of the keg.
- the latching and/or snap-fitting of the closure to the neck of the keg provides a very quick and secure way of fitting the closure to the keg. Once fitted onto the keg, the closure can be very difficult to remove without damaging the closure. This provides a tamper-evident means of locking the closure to the keg.
- the axial location formations and the anti-twist formations are defined by an integral piece of material.
- this can simplify the manufacture of the closure, and also reduce the quantity of material required to make the closure.
- the closure is arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg by
- the closure may be arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg in any orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis.
- this can speed up and simplify the assembly of the closure and the keg.
- the coupling formations may be co-operable with a bayonet coupling.
- a keg in combination with a closure of the first aspect of the present invention.
- the neck of the keg and the keg may be made of an integral piece of material.
- this can simplify the manufacture of the keg, and also reduce the quantity of material required to make the keg.
- the keg is made from a plastics material, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the keg is made via a blow-moulding process.
- this can reduce the cost associated with transporting the keg and closures prior to assembly.
- blanks of kegs that have not yet been blow- moulded occupy less space on transport vehicles than full-size kegs.
- the closures and keg blanks can therefore be manufactured at a factory and then distributed to a number of geographically spaced filling stations. It is at these filling stations that the blow-moulding of the blanks, assembly of the closure to the keg and filling of the keg may take place.
- the neck of the keg may have rotational symmetry.
- the neck of the keg may have a shape defined by a stack of uninterrupted annular formations.
- the rotationally symmetric shape of uninterrupted annular formations allows the closure to be push fit onto the keg in any orientation about the central longitudinal axis of the keg.
- the neck of the keg may define a circumferential ridge over which the axial location formations may be snap-fitted.
- the circumferential ridge may have ramped surfaces to facilitate the snap-fitting of the axial location formations.
- the neck of the keg is made of a material relatively softer than the material of the anti-twist formations.
- this facilitates a good engagement between the closure and the keg.
- the relatively softer material of the neck of the keg facilitates the action of the anti-twist formations locking into, scoring, deforming and/or otherwise engaging with the neck of the keg.
- the third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fitting a valve closure of the first aspect of the present invention to a keg of the second aspect of the present invention.
- the method may comprise substantially aligning a respective central longitudinal axis of the closure and a central longitudinal axis of the keg without regard to the orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis and push-fitting the closure and the keg together.
- the neck of the keg may comprise the anti-twist formations and/or the axial location formations.
- Figures 1 a and 1 b are each side views of a dispense head that may be fitted onto a closure in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a closure in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a sectional side view through the closure of Figure 2, fitted in the neck of a plastics keg;
- Figure 4 is another perspective view of the closure of Figure 2;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a snap ring of the closure of Figure 2;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the neck of the plastics keg of Figure 3;
- Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional perspective view of the closure of Figure 2 shown fitted to keg neck of Figures 3 and 6;
- Figure 8 is another enlarged sectional perspective view of the closure of Figure 2 shown fitted to keg neck of Figures 3 and 6.
- FIGs 1 a and 1 b are side views of a conventional dispense head 5.
- the dispense head 5 is well known in the art and can be removably coupled to a well-type closure 10 in accordance with the present invention as shown in Figure 2.
- the closure 10 forms an interface between the dispense head 5 and a keg 12 as will be described.
- the dispense head 5 comprises a metal body having a thread 6, an outer annular seal 7, an inner annular seal 8 and plunger formations 9 within the inner annular seal 8.
- the outer seal 7 and inner seal 8 are concentrically arranged in parallel planes, with the inner seal 8 being disposed within the outer seal 7.
- the seals are made of rubber that compresses against and seals to the closure 10 when the dispense head 5 is fitted to the closure 10 as will be described.
- the dispense head 5 comprises a lever (not shown) which allows a user to switch the dispense head 5 between an open and a closed configuration.
- Figure 1 a shows the dispense head 5 in the open configuration in which the inner seal 8 and plunger formations 9 are extended beyond the plane of the outer seal 7.
- Figure 1 b shows the dispense head 5 in the closed configuration in which the inner seal 8 and the plunger formations 9 are retracted into the annular recess defined by the outer seal 7 towards the metal body of the dispense head 5.
- the closure 10 is arranged to be securely attached to the tubular neck 12 of the keg 14.
- the keg 14 is of a plastics material such as blow- moulded PET.
- the components of the closure 10 are made predominantly of injection- moulded plastics materials such as polyester, polyolefin, polyamide or the like.
- FIGS 2, 3 and 4 show that the closure 10 has a generally tubular housing 16 shaped to fit closely within the neck 12 of the keg 14.
- the housing 16 is retained on the keg 14 by a snap ring 18 that resiliency engages a circumferential ridge 20 projecting laterally from the exterior of the neck 12.
- the housing 16 surrounds and supports concentric valve elements 22, 34 that are axially displaceable against spring bias inwardly toward the interior of the keg 14 to open them. As the valve elements open, they open respective concentric flow paths extending through the closure 10 and into the keg 14.
- the generally tubular housing 16 of the closure 10 has a tubular wall 160 at its outward end defining a well that receives the thread 6, seals 7, 8 and plunger formations 9 of the dispense head.
- Lugs 1 1 protrude from the wall 160, facing radially inwards close to the outward edge of the wall 160.
- the lugs 1 1 are circumferentially spaced from and opposed to one another about the central longitudinal axis of the housing 16.
- the well of the housing 16 also comprises an outer annular seat 167 at the base of the wall 160 and an inner annular seat 168 that is concentrically disposed within and below the outer annular seat 168 in a radially stepped arrangement.
- the dispense head 5 When the dispense head 5 is in the closed configuration, it can be fitted to the closure 10.
- the dispense head 5 is pressed down into the bayonet socket of the closure 10 with the thread 6 aligned with the lugs 1 1 .
- the dispense head 5 is turned clockwise to effect a seal between the dispense head 5 and the closure 10. This movement brings the thread 6 of the dispense head 5 into sliding engagement with the lugs 1 1 of the closure 10, which draws the dispense head 5 down into the socket in a cam action.
- the lever is turned to switch the dispense head 5 to the open configuration.
- the inner seal 8 is extended and compressed against the spring-biased valve element 22 driving it inwardly toward the interior of the keg 14.
- the plunger formations 9 bear down against the spring-biased valve element 34.
- the valve elements 22, 34 are opened so that beverage contained within the keg 14 is able to flow from the keg 14 via the closure 10 to the dispense head 5.
- the opened flow paths through the closure 10 allow a pressurised gas to be fed from the dispense head 5 via the closure 10 into the keg 14 to expel the beverage from the keg 14.
- the snap ring 18 locks the closure 10 to the keg 14 as will now be described.
- the snap ring 18 is made in one piece of injection-moulded plastics material.
- the snap ring 18 is generally tubular in shape.
- the snap ring 18 has internal formations that cooperate with the external wall of the housing 16.
- an internal annular flange 180 retains the housing 16 within the snap ring 18 and locates the housing with respect to the keg 14 when the snap ring 18 has been fitted to the keg 14.
- the flange 180 comprises
- circumferentially-spaced protrusions 181 that cooperate with complementary recesses on the external wall of the housing 16 to prevent relative rotational movement between the housing 16 and the snap ring 18.
- the snap ring 18 further includes an
- the inward circumferential band 184 being of slightly greater circumference than the intermediate circumferential band 182 to impart a stepped profile to the interior and exterior of the snap ring 18.
- the step is defined by a shoulder 187 that lies between the inward circumferential band 184 and the
- the inward circumferential band 184 has oblong apertures 185 that are angularly spaced about the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18 and extend from the shoulder 187 toward the inward end of the snap ring 18.
- the apertures 185 are grouped in two pairs of two adjacent apertures, the pairs being opposed to each other about the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18.
- Each aperture 185 is associated with a respective catch formation 183 in the form of a ramp that is disposed between the aperture 185 and the inward end of the snap ring 18 and tapers toward that inward end.
- Each catch formation 183 has a flat engagement surface 188 in a plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18.
- the inward circumferential band 184 has an array of integrally-moulded ribs 186 that project radially inwardly on its inner side, the ribs 186 being spaced around the band 184 and between the apertures 185.
- the ribs 186 lie parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18 and extend from the shoulder 187 to near the inward end of the snap ring 18.
- the ribs 186 taper as they approach the inward end of the snap ring 18.
- the catch formations 183 are forced radially outwards.
- the catch formations 183 move radially inwardly in a resilient snap-fit action, engaging the flat engagement surface 188 of each catch formation 183 with a corresponding flat engagement surface of the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12. This prevents subsequent axial outward movement of the snap ring 18 with respect to the neck 12.
- the ribs 186 within the inward circumferential band 184 bite into and locally deform the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12.
- the taper and thinness of the ribs 186 facilitates this biting action.
- the ribs 186 are of harder material than the relatively soft material of the keg 14.
- the ribs 186 provide anti-twist restraint and the catch formations 183 provide restraint against axial movement, these features working in synergy to retain the closure 10 on the neck 12 of the keg 14.
- Engagement of the catch formations 183 of the snap ring 18 with the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12 also keeps the ribs 186 in firm engagement with the circumferential ridge 20.
- the neck 12 of the keg 14 and the circumferential ridge 20 are both rotationally symmetrical.
- This together with the arrangement of the ribs 186 and catch formations 183, has the advantage of allowing the snap ring 18 to be pushed onto the neck 12 in any rotational orientation about the central longitudinal axis of the neck 12.
- axial movement to bring the two components together will ensure that the snap ring 18 and so the closure 10 is fitted correctly onto the keg 12.
- This is particularly advantageous for easy and quick assembly of the closure 10 with the keg 12. For example, if a robot is used for assembly, then the robot does not need to sense or control the angular orientation of the closure 10 about the central longitudinal axis.
- the snap ring 18 Once the snap ring 18 has been push-fitted onto the keg neck 12, it is secured instantly into place and is very difficult to remove without breaking the snap ring 18. This is of particular relevance if the keg 14 is pressurised in which case removing the closure 10 from the keg 14 may be dangerous. Furthermore, the snap ring 18 provides a tamper-evident means of locking the closure 10 to the keg 12. This is of benefit because it can be undesirable for a keg to be emptied and re-filled in an unauthorised manner.
- the closure 10 and the keg 14 were easily separable with no evidence of tampering, then the keg could be emptied - bypassing the operation of the closure, re-filled with a beverage that is not of the appropriate quality and then be refitted with the original closure.
- the snap ring 18 ensures that once the closure 10 has been fitted to the keg 12 it stays on throughout substantially the entire lifecycle of the keg.
- the present closure 10 is arranged to remain fitted to the keg 12 during a period extending from prior to filling of the keg with beverage to after dispensing of the beverage from the keg 12. This is possible because the beverage can pass via the closure 10 in to and out from the keg 12.
- the closure can incorporate a number of safety features.
- a filling head is attached to the closure in a way similar to that in which a dispense head is attached to the closure described above. Beverage is then pumped via the closure into the keg. After filling the valves of the closure will spring shut and remain closed during storage and transit of the keg until a dispense head is fitted to the closure. When the dispense head is fitted to the closure, the valves will re-open to allow the beverage to be extracted. However, the valves will lock open so that the closure cannot be closed for a second time. This is because the closure incorporates a safety mechanism to prevent the closure being re-closed after use. The safety mechanism ensures that the keg cannot be left pressurised after use and also that it cannot be refilled with the closure being re-closed afterwards.
- the keg is unlikely to be re-filled under the controlled conditions necessary to deliver a beverage in optimum condition. Unauthorised re-filling is particularly undesirable as the keg may bear the brand of the original beverage supplier, whose reputation may be damaged by apparently supplying an inferior product. The keg could even be re-filled with a liquid that is not intended for human consumption and that could be dangerous to drink.
Landscapes
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A valve closure (10) for a neck (12) of a keg (14) is disclosed. The closure (10) has coupling formations (11) co-operable with a twist-fit coupling (5). The closure further comprises anti-twist formations (186) engageable with the keg (14) to resist turning of the closure (10) with respect to the neck (12) of the keg (14) upon application of torque to the closure (10) when twist-fitting the coupling (5).
Description
Keg closure with rotation restraint
This invention relates to a valve closure for a container, for example for a keg that is blow-moulded of plastics material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Such kegs may be used for transporting, storing and dispensing beverages such as beer. An example of such a keg is disclosed in WO 2007/064277.
A valve closure for a keg is typically fitted to a neck of the keg after the keg has been blow-moulded. There are many ways in which this may be achieved but in general, complementary formations on the keg neck and the closure are provided to allow the closure to be attached and secured to the keg. Whatever formations are used, it is desirable to provide a solution that is simple, strong, secure, economical in terms of material usage and easy to manufacture and fit, especially in an automated assembly environment. Once the closure is fitted to the keg, a coupling may be attached to the closure for filling the keg with beverage or for subsequently dispensing beverage from the keg. For example, a conventional dispense head with a bayonet-style fitting may be fitted to the closure with a push-and-twist action. In this arrangement, the dispense head is pushed inwardly toward the keg and turned with respect to the closure to engage bayonet formations that hold the dispense head in sealed engagement with the closure. The bayonet formations typically have cam-like surfaces that urge the dispense head towards the keg as the dispense head is turned.
To provide a stable platform for engagement with the dispense head, it is important that the closure should not turn significantly relative to the keg as the dispense head is twisted into sealed engagement with the closure otherwise it will be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve sealed engagement. It is also important that features to deal with this issue do not add to the cost or complexity of manufacturing the keg or closure, assembling the keg and closure, or using the keg when the closure has been fitted to it. It is against this background that the present invention has been devised.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve closure for a neck of a keg, the closure having coupling formations co-operable with a twist-fit
coupling, wherein the closure further comprises anti-twist formations engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling. Advantageously, the anti-twist formations can restrain against movement of the closure relative to the keg so that when a coupling - such as a filling head or dispense head - is twist-fitted to the closure, a connection can be made quickly and reliably.
Preferably, the anti-twist formations are engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg in either direction about a central longitudinal axis of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling to and from the closure.
Advantageously, resisting turning of the closure relative to the keg in both directions can facilitate the fitting of a coupling to the closure and also the removal of a coupling from the closure.
The anti-twist formations may be disposed within a recess of the closure that receives the neck of the keg. The recess may be an annular recess defined by a skirt encircling and spaced from a central cylindrical valve housing of the closure. The skirt may be defined by a tubular collar that cooperates with the valve housing and the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg. The valve housing may be arranged to be at least partially received within the neck of the keg, the tubular collar may be arranged to bear against an exterior of the neck of the keg and together the valve housing and tubular collar may be arranged to hold the neck of the keg between them.
The anti-twist formations may be male formations. The anti-twist formations may be teeth engageable with the keg. Preferably, the teeth are arranged to bite into the keg during fitting of the closure to the keg.
Advantageously, if the teeth are engagable and/or bite into the keg during fitting this obviates a need to locate the teeth within a specific recess on the keg to attain the anti- twist functionality of the teeth. Therefore, the effective assembly of the closure and keg is simplified.
The teeth may be elongate and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the neck of the keg. The teeth may engage the neck of the keg by locally deforming the material of the keg. Preferably, the anti-twist formations are distributed at intervals to engage with the neck of the keg at a plurality of circumferentially spaced engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
Advantageously, the efficacy of the anti-twist formations is improved by spreading out the engagement locations.
Preferably, the closure comprises axial location formations cooperable with the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg. Advantageously, the axial location formations can work in synergy with the anti-twist formations to keep the closure in position on the neck of the keg. In particular, the anti- twist formations can restrain against rotational movement and, independently, the axial location formations can restrain against axial movement of the closure away from the keg.
Preferably, the closure comprises a plurality of axial location formations distributed at intervals to cooperate with the neck of the keg at a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial attachment locations about the neck of the keg. Advantageously, the efficacy of the axial location formations is improved by spreading out the attachment locations.
Preferably, the plurality of axial location formations are distributed at intervals between the anti-twist formations so that the axial attachment locations are circumferentially interspaced between the engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
Therefore, the axial location formations and the anti-twist formations are able to act on different parts of the neck of the keg. Advantageously, this configuration minimises the interference between the function of the axial location formations and the function of the anti-twist formations. At the same time, the improved efficacy as a result of spreading out the attachment locations and the engagement locations is retained.
The axial location formations may cooperate with the neck of the keg to have the effect of latching the closure onto the neck of the keg. The axial location formations may be arranged to restrain against axial movement of the closure away from a keg to which the closure may be fitted. The axial location formations may be snap-fit formations arranged to engage with a flange on the neck of the keg when the closure is pressed onto the neck of the keg. The snap-fit formations may comprise a ramped surface arranged to slide over complementarily ramped surfaces on the neck of the keg during push-fitting of the closure to the neck of the keg.
Advantageously, the latching and/or snap-fitting of the closure to the neck of the keg provides a very quick and secure way of fitting the closure to the keg. Once fitted onto the keg, the closure can be very difficult to remove without damaging the closure. This provides a tamper-evident means of locking the closure to the keg.
Preferably, the axial location formations and the anti-twist formations are defined by an integral piece of material.
Advantageously, this can simplify the manufacture of the closure, and also reduce the quantity of material required to make the closure.
Preferably, the closure is arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg by
substantially aligning a respective central longitudinal axis of the closure and a central longitudinal axis of the keg and pushing the closure onto the keg. The closure may be arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg in any orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis.
Advantageously, this can speed up and simplify the assembly of the closure and the keg.
The coupling formations may be co-operable with a bayonet coupling.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a keg in combination with a closure of the first aspect of the present invention.
The neck of the keg and the keg may be made of an integral piece of material.
Advantageously, this can simplify the manufacture of the keg, and also reduce the quantity of material required to make the keg.
Preferably, the keg is made from a plastics material, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Preferably, the keg is made via a blow-moulding process.
Advantageously, this can reduce the cost associated with transporting the keg and closures prior to assembly. In particular, blanks of kegs that have not yet been blow- moulded occupy less space on transport vehicles than full-size kegs. As will be appreciated, the closures and keg blanks can therefore be manufactured at a factory and then distributed to a number of geographically spaced filling stations. It is at these filling stations that the blow-moulding of the blanks, assembly of the closure to the keg and filling of the keg may take place. The neck of the keg may have rotational symmetry. The neck of the keg may have a shape defined by a stack of uninterrupted annular formations.
Advantageously, the rotationally symmetric shape of uninterrupted annular formations allows the closure to be push fit onto the keg in any orientation about the central longitudinal axis of the keg.
The neck of the keg may define a circumferential ridge over which the axial location formations may be snap-fitted. The circumferential ridge may have ramped surfaces to facilitate the snap-fitting of the axial location formations.
Preferably, the neck of the keg is made of a material relatively softer than the material of the anti-twist formations.
Advantageously, this facilitates a good engagement between the closure and the keg. In particular, the relatively softer material of the neck of the keg facilitates the action of the anti-twist formations locking into, scoring, deforming and/or otherwise engaging with the neck of the keg.
According to the third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fitting a valve closure of the first aspect of the present invention to a keg of the second aspect of the present invention. The method may comprise substantially aligning a respective central longitudinal axis of the closure and a central longitudinal axis of the
keg without regard to the orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis and push-fitting the closure and the keg together.
It will be appreciated that features of the different aspects of the invention may be combined where context allows. For example, in alternatives, the neck of the keg may comprise the anti-twist formations and/or the axial location formations.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figures 1 a and 1 b are each side views of a dispense head that may be fitted onto a closure in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a closure in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional side view through the closure of Figure 2, fitted in the neck of a plastics keg; Figure 4 is another perspective view of the closure of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a snap ring of the closure of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the neck of the plastics keg of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional perspective view of the closure of Figure 2 shown fitted to keg neck of Figures 3 and 6; and
Figure 8 is another enlarged sectional perspective view of the closure of Figure 2 shown fitted to keg neck of Figures 3 and 6.
Figures 1 a and 1 b are side views of a conventional dispense head 5. The dispense head 5 is well known in the art and can be removably coupled to a well-type closure 10 in accordance with the present invention as shown in Figure 2. In use, the closure 10 forms an interface between the dispense head 5 and a keg 12 as will be described.
The dispense head 5 comprises a metal body having a thread 6, an outer annular seal 7, an inner annular seal 8 and plunger formations 9 within the inner annular seal 8. The outer seal 7 and inner seal 8 are concentrically arranged in parallel planes, with the inner seal 8 being disposed within the outer seal 7. The seals are made of rubber that compresses against and seals to the closure 10 when the dispense head 5 is fitted to the closure 10 as will be described.
The dispense head 5 comprises a lever (not shown) which allows a user to switch the dispense head 5 between an open and a closed configuration. Figure 1 a shows the dispense head 5 in the open configuration in which the inner seal 8 and plunger formations 9 are extended beyond the plane of the outer seal 7. Figure 1 b shows the dispense head 5 in the closed configuration in which the inner seal 8 and the plunger formations 9 are retracted into the annular recess defined by the outer seal 7 towards the metal body of the dispense head 5.
As best shown in Figure 3, the closure 10 is arranged to be securely attached to the tubular neck 12 of the keg 14. The keg 14 is of a plastics material such as blow- moulded PET. The components of the closure 10 are made predominantly of injection- moulded plastics materials such as polyester, polyolefin, polyamide or the like.
Figures 2, 3 and 4 show that the closure 10 has a generally tubular housing 16 shaped to fit closely within the neck 12 of the keg 14. The housing 16 is retained on the keg 14 by a snap ring 18 that resiliency engages a circumferential ridge 20 projecting laterally from the exterior of the neck 12. The housing 16 surrounds and supports concentric valve elements 22, 34 that are axially displaceable against spring bias inwardly toward the interior of the keg 14 to open them. As the valve elements open, they open respective concentric flow paths extending through the closure 10 and into the keg 14.
The generally tubular housing 16 of the closure 10 has a tubular wall 160 at its outward end defining a well that receives the thread 6, seals 7, 8 and plunger formations 9 of the dispense head. Lugs 1 1 protrude from the wall 160, facing radially inwards close to the outward edge of the wall 160. The lugs 1 1 are circumferentially spaced from and opposed to one another about the central longitudinal axis of the housing 16. The well of the housing 16 also comprises an outer annular seat 167 at the base of the wall 160 and an inner annular seat 168 that is concentrically disposed within and below the outer annular seat 168 in a radially stepped arrangement. The wall 160 of the
housing 16, the pair of lugs 1 1 and the annular seats 167, 168 together define a bayonet socket into which the thread 6, seals 7,8 and plunger formations 9 of the dispense head 5 are received. When the dispense head 5 is in the closed configuration, it can be fitted to the closure 10. The dispense head 5 is pressed down into the bayonet socket of the closure 10 with the thread 6 aligned with the lugs 1 1 . Then, the dispense head 5 is turned clockwise to effect a seal between the dispense head 5 and the closure 10. This movement brings the thread 6 of the dispense head 5 into sliding engagement with the lugs 1 1 of the closure 10, which draws the dispense head 5 down into the socket in a cam action.
By virtue of the cam action, the outer seal 7 is compressed against the inner annular seat 168 as the dispense head 5 is twisted clockwise relative to the closure 10.
Once the dispense head 5 has been fitted into place, the lever is turned to switch the dispense head 5 to the open configuration. As the lever is turned, the inner seal 8 is extended and compressed against the spring-biased valve element 22 driving it inwardly toward the interior of the keg 14. In addition, the plunger formations 9 bear down against the spring-biased valve element 34. Thus the valve elements 22, 34 are opened so that beverage contained within the keg 14 is able to flow from the keg 14 via the closure 10 to the dispense head 5. In addition, the opened flow paths through the closure 10 allow a pressurised gas to be fed from the dispense head 5 via the closure 10 into the keg 14 to expel the beverage from the keg 14.
To resist rotation of the closure 10 relative to the keg 14 during attachment of the dispense head 5 to the closure 10, the snap ring 18 locks the closure 10 to the keg 14 as will now be described. Referring to Figure 5, the snap ring 18 is made in one piece of injection-moulded plastics material. The snap ring 18 is generally tubular in shape. At its outward end, the snap ring 18 has internal formations that cooperate with the external wall of the housing 16. Specifically, an internal annular flange 180 retains the housing 16 within the snap ring 18 and locates the housing with respect to the keg 14 when the snap ring 18 has been fitted to the keg 14. As well as preventing axial movement of the housing 16 with respect to the neck 12 of the keg 14, the flange 180 comprises
circumferentially-spaced protrusions 181 that cooperate with complementary recesses
on the external wall of the housing 16 to prevent relative rotational movement between the housing 16 and the snap ring 18.
Referring now also to Figures 7 and 8, the snap ring 18 further includes an
intermediate circumferential band 182 and an inward circumferential band 184, the inward circumferential band 184 being of slightly greater circumference than the intermediate circumferential band 182 to impart a stepped profile to the interior and exterior of the snap ring 18. On the interior of the snap ring 18, the step is defined by a shoulder 187 that lies between the inward circumferential band 184 and the
intermediate circumferential band 182.
The inward circumferential band 184 has oblong apertures 185 that are angularly spaced about the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18 and extend from the shoulder 187 toward the inward end of the snap ring 18. The apertures 185 are grouped in two pairs of two adjacent apertures, the pairs being opposed to each other about the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18.
Each aperture 185 is associated with a respective catch formation 183 in the form of a ramp that is disposed between the aperture 185 and the inward end of the snap ring 18 and tapers toward that inward end. Each catch formation 183 has a flat engagement surface 188 in a plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18.
The inward circumferential band 184 has an array of integrally-moulded ribs 186 that project radially inwardly on its inner side, the ribs 186 being spaced around the band 184 and between the apertures 185. The ribs 186 lie parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the snap ring 18 and extend from the shoulder 187 to near the inward end of the snap ring 18. The ribs 186 taper as they approach the inward end of the snap ring 18. When the closure 10 is fitted to the keg 14, the snap ring 18 is aligned with the neck 12 and pressed onto it. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the ramped catch formations 183 slide over an oppositely-ramped top surface of the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12. As the snap ring 18 is driven down, the catch formations 183 are forced radially outwards. When these ramp surfaces have slid past one another, the catch formations 183 move radially inwardly in a resilient snap-fit action, engaging the flat engagement surface 188 of each catch formation 183 with a corresponding flat engagement surface
of the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12. This prevents subsequent axial outward movement of the snap ring 18 with respect to the neck 12.
As the snap ring 18 is being pushed onto the neck 12, the ribs 186 within the inward circumferential band 184 bite into and locally deform the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12. The taper and thinness of the ribs 186 facilitates this biting action. The ribs 186 are of harder material than the relatively soft material of the keg 14. Thus once the catch formations 183 of the snap ring 18 have engaged with the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12, the ribs 186 have already dug into and engaged with the
circumferential ridge 20. This prevents rotational movement of the snap ring 18 relative to the keg neck 12.
Consequently, the ribs 186 provide anti-twist restraint and the catch formations 183 provide restraint against axial movement, these features working in synergy to retain the closure 10 on the neck 12 of the keg 14. Thus, when the snap ring 18 is fitted to the neck 12, a single fitting motion at once both axially and rotationally locks the closure 10 to the keg 14. Engagement of the catch formations 183 of the snap ring 18 with the circumferential ridge 20 of the neck 12 also keeps the ribs 186 in firm engagement with the circumferential ridge 20.
Referring to Figure 6, it will be understood that the neck 12 of the keg 14 and the circumferential ridge 20 are both rotationally symmetrical. This, together with the arrangement of the ribs 186 and catch formations 183, has the advantage of allowing the snap ring 18 to be pushed onto the neck 12 in any rotational orientation about the central longitudinal axis of the neck 12. In other words, so long as the snap ring 18 and the keg neck 12 are positioned with their respective central longitudinal axes substantially aligned, axial movement to bring the two components together will ensure that the snap ring 18 and so the closure 10 is fitted correctly onto the keg 12. This is particularly advantageous for easy and quick assembly of the closure 10 with the keg 12. For example, if a robot is used for assembly, then the robot does not need to sense or control the angular orientation of the closure 10 about the central longitudinal axis.
Once the snap ring 18 has been push-fitted onto the keg neck 12, it is secured instantly into place and is very difficult to remove without breaking the snap ring 18. This is of particular relevance if the keg 14 is pressurised in which case removing the closure 10 from the keg 14 may be dangerous.
Furthermore, the snap ring 18 provides a tamper-evident means of locking the closure 10 to the keg 12. This is of benefit because it can be undesirable for a keg to be emptied and re-filled in an unauthorised manner. If the closure 10 and the keg 14 were easily separable with no evidence of tampering, then the keg could be emptied - bypassing the operation of the closure, re-filled with a beverage that is not of the appropriate quality and then be refitted with the original closure. The snap ring 18 ensures that once the closure 10 has been fitted to the keg 12 it stays on throughout substantially the entire lifecycle of the keg. In particular, the present closure 10 is arranged to remain fitted to the keg 12 during a period extending from prior to filling of the keg with beverage to after dispensing of the beverage from the keg 12. This is possible because the beverage can pass via the closure 10 in to and out from the keg 12. However, unlike a standard opening in a keg, the closure can incorporate a number of safety features.
During filling, a filling head is attached to the closure in a way similar to that in which a dispense head is attached to the closure described above. Beverage is then pumped via the closure into the keg. After filling the valves of the closure will spring shut and remain closed during storage and transit of the keg until a dispense head is fitted to the closure. When the dispense head is fitted to the closure, the valves will re-open to allow the beverage to be extracted. However, the valves will lock open so that the closure cannot be closed for a second time. This is because the closure incorporates a safety mechanism to prevent the closure being re-closed after use. The safety mechanism ensures that the keg cannot be left pressurised after use and also that it cannot be refilled with the closure being re-closed afterwards.
Certainly, the keg is unlikely to be re-filled under the controlled conditions necessary to deliver a beverage in optimum condition. Unauthorised re-filling is particularly undesirable as the keg may bear the brand of the original beverage supplier, whose reputation may be damaged by apparently supplying an inferior product. The keg could even be re-filled with a liquid that is not intended for human consumption and that could be dangerous to drink.
Claims
1 . A valve closure for a neck of a keg, the closure having coupling formations co- operable with a twist-fit coupling, wherein the closure further comprises anti-twist formations engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling
2. The closure of Claim 1 , wherein the anti-twist formations are engageable with the keg to resist turning of the closure with respect to the neck of the keg in either direction about a central longitudinal axis of the keg upon application of torque to the closure when twist-fitting the coupling to and from the closure.
3. The closure of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the anti-twist formations are disposed within a recess of the closure that receives the neck of the keg.
4. The closure of Claim 3, wherein the recess is an annular recess defined by a skirt encircling and spaced from a central cylindrical valve housing of the closure.
5. The closure of Claim 4, wherein the skirt is defined by a tubular collar that cooperates with the valve housing and the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg.
6. The closure of Claim 5, wherein the valve housing is arranged to be at least partially received within the neck of the keg, the tubular collar is arranged to bear against an exterior of the neck of the keg and together the valve housing and tubular collar are arranged to hold the neck of the keg between them.
7. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein the anti-twist formations are male formations.
8. The closure of Claim 7, wherein the anti-twist formations are teeth engageable with the keg.
9. The closure of Claim 8, wherein the teeth are arranged to bite into the keg during fitting of the closure to the keg.
10. The closure of Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the teeth are elongate and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the neck of the keg.
1 1. The closure of any one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the teeth engage the neck of the keg by locally deforming the material of the keg.
12. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein the anti-twist formations are distributed at intervals to engage with the neck of the keg at a plurality of
circumferentially spaced engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
13. The closure of any preceding claim and comprising axial location formations cooperable with the neck of the keg to hold the closure on the neck of the keg.
14. The closure of Claim 13, comprising a plurality of axial location formations distributed at intervals to cooperate with the neck of the keg at a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial attachment locations about the neck of the keg.
15. The closure of Claim 13 and Claim 14 when dependent on Claim 12, wherein the plurality of axial location formations are distributed at intervals between the anti- twist formations so that the axial attachment locations are circumferentially interspaced between the engagement locations about the neck of the keg.
16. The closure of any one of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the axial location formations cooperate with the neck of the keg to have the effect of latching the closure onto the neck of the keg.
17. The closure of any one of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the axial location formations are arranged to restrain against axial movement of the closure away from a keg to which the closure may be fitted.
18. The closure of any one of Claims 13 to 17, wherein the axial location formations are snap-fit formations arranged to engage with a flange on the neck of the keg when the closure is pressed onto the neck of the keg.
19. The closure of Claim 18, wherein the snap-fit formations comprise a ramped surface arranged to slide over complementarily ramped surfaces on the neck of the keg during push-fitting of the closure to the neck of the keg.
20. The closure of any one of Claims 13 to 19, wherein the axial location formations and the anti-twist formations are defined by an integral piece of material.
21 . The closure of any preceding claim, wherein the closure is arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg by substantially aligning a respective central longitudinal axis of the closure and a central longitudinal axis of the keg and pushing the closure onto the keg.
22. The closure of Claim 21 , wherein the closure is arranged to be push-fit onto the neck of a keg in any orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis.
23. The closure of any preceding claim, wherein the coupling formations are co- operable with a bayonet coupling.
24. A keg in combination with a closure of any preceding claim.
25. A keg of Claim 24, wherein the neck of the keg and keg are made of an integral piece of material.
26. A keg of Claim 24 or Claim 25, wherein the keg is made from a blow-moulded plastics material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
27. A keg of any one of Claims 24 to 26, wherein the neck of the keg has rotational symmetry.
28. A keg of Claim 27, wherein the neck of the keg has a shape defined by a stack of uninterrupted annular formations.
29. A keg of any one of Claims 24 to 28 when dependent on any one of Claims 13 to 20, wherein the neck of the keg defines a circumferential ridge over which the axial location formations may be snap-fitted.
30. A keg of Claim 29, wherein the circumferential ridge has ramped surfaces to facilitate the snap-fitting of the axial location formations.
31 . A keg of any one of Claims 24 to 30, wherein the neck of the keg is made of a material softer than the material of the anti-twist formations.
32. A method of fitting a valve closure of any one of Claims 1 to 23 to a keg of any one of Claims 24 to 31 , comprising substantially aligning a respective central longitudinal axis of the closure and a central longitudinal axis of the keg without regard to the orientation of the closure about its central longitudinal axis and push-fitting the closure and the keg together.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1008921.7A GB2480671B (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2010-05-27 | Keg closure with rotation restraint |
GB1008921.7 | 2010-05-27 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2011147978A1 true WO2011147978A1 (en) | 2011-12-01 |
Family
ID=42371126
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2011/058760 WO2011147978A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2011-05-27 | Keg closure with rotation restraint |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2480671B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011147978A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107720675A (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2018-02-23 | 迪斯帕克-工程公司 | Container with pressure-reducing valve |
WO2018152600A1 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2018-08-30 | Beerkeg Indústria E Comércio Ltda - Me | Improvements to an extractor valve unit with handle |
GB2584967A (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2020-12-23 | Packaging Innovation Ltd | System and method for distributing and dispensing liquids |
WO2021211008A1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-10-21 | Сергей Владимирович КНЯЗЕВ | Fitting for a pet keg |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102013109799A1 (en) | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-12 | as Strömungstechnik GmbH | withdrawal system |
DE102015014276A1 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2017-05-11 | Cool-System Keg Gmbh | Disposable drinks barrel made of stainless steel |
GB2541758B (en) * | 2015-12-07 | 2018-01-10 | Plastic Keg Co Ltd | Containers |
IT201600112071A1 (en) * | 2016-11-08 | 2018-05-08 | Gruppo Bisaro Sifa Srl | VALVE BODY, CONTAINER BODY AND CONTAINER FOR FLUIDS IN PRESSURE, PARTICULARLY FOR DRINKS. |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0142966A1 (en) * | 1983-11-16 | 1985-05-29 | Alumasc Limited | Valved closure for kegs or casks |
GB2158906A (en) * | 1984-05-18 | 1985-11-20 | Micro Matic As | Valve closure for kegs |
GB2174375A (en) * | 1985-05-01 | 1986-11-05 | Alumasc Ltd | Closure valve-beer keys |
GB2202216A (en) * | 1987-02-04 | 1988-09-21 | Gkn Sankey Ltd | Tamperproof bush |
GB2246768A (en) * | 1990-06-30 | 1992-02-12 | Lim Yin Seng | Closure unit for a container |
WO2001010769A1 (en) * | 1999-08-05 | 2001-02-15 | S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc. | Dispensing bottle closure |
WO2002014209A1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2002-02-21 | Dispense Systems International B.V. | Keg for soft drinks, beer and the like |
WO2007064277A1 (en) | 2005-11-29 | 2007-06-07 | Rexam Petainer Lidköping Ab | System and method for distribution and dispensing of beverages |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB331293A (en) * | 1929-04-12 | 1930-07-03 | Arthur Alltree | Improvements in and relating to power transmission mechanism |
GB1291619A (en) * | 1970-06-24 | 1972-10-04 | Universal Equip Co | Improvements in or relating to adaptor or dispensing heads for use with kegs or like containers |
US4717048A (en) * | 1985-05-01 | 1988-01-05 | Johnson Enterprises, Inc. | Beverage tap |
GB2446396A (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-08-13 | Inbev Sa | Valve assembly for a beer keg |
-
2010
- 2010-05-27 GB GB1008921.7A patent/GB2480671B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-05-27 WO PCT/EP2011/058760 patent/WO2011147978A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0142966A1 (en) * | 1983-11-16 | 1985-05-29 | Alumasc Limited | Valved closure for kegs or casks |
GB2158906A (en) * | 1984-05-18 | 1985-11-20 | Micro Matic As | Valve closure for kegs |
GB2174375A (en) * | 1985-05-01 | 1986-11-05 | Alumasc Ltd | Closure valve-beer keys |
GB2202216A (en) * | 1987-02-04 | 1988-09-21 | Gkn Sankey Ltd | Tamperproof bush |
GB2246768A (en) * | 1990-06-30 | 1992-02-12 | Lim Yin Seng | Closure unit for a container |
WO2001010769A1 (en) * | 1999-08-05 | 2001-02-15 | S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc. | Dispensing bottle closure |
WO2002014209A1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2002-02-21 | Dispense Systems International B.V. | Keg for soft drinks, beer and the like |
WO2007064277A1 (en) | 2005-11-29 | 2007-06-07 | Rexam Petainer Lidköping Ab | System and method for distribution and dispensing of beverages |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107720675A (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2018-02-23 | 迪斯帕克-工程公司 | Container with pressure-reducing valve |
CN107720675B (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2020-09-25 | 迪斯帕克-工程公司 | Container with pressure reducing valve |
WO2018152600A1 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2018-08-30 | Beerkeg Indústria E Comércio Ltda - Me | Improvements to an extractor valve unit with handle |
GB2584967A (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2020-12-23 | Packaging Innovation Ltd | System and method for distributing and dispensing liquids |
US10974950B2 (en) | 2018-06-25 | 2021-04-13 | Packaging Innovation Limited | System and method for distributing and dispensing liquids |
GB2584967B (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2021-07-14 | Packaging Innovation Ltd | System and method for distributing and dispensing liquids |
WO2021211008A1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-10-21 | Сергей Владимирович КНЯЗЕВ | Fitting for a pet keg |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2480671B (en) | 2013-01-16 |
GB201008921D0 (en) | 2010-07-14 |
GB2480671A (en) | 2011-11-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO2011147978A1 (en) | Keg closure with rotation restraint | |
US9938129B2 (en) | Plastic beer keg | |
EP2637962B1 (en) | Keg closure with safety mechanism | |
RU2555137C2 (en) | Cover plate for keg with safety mechanism | |
US7886899B2 (en) | Container closure having means for introducing an additive into the contents of the container | |
US20090321286A1 (en) | Container closure having a lifting cap for introducing an additive into the contents of the container | |
AU2011237578A1 (en) | Keg closure with safety mechanism | |
JP2014520045A (en) | Container closure having means for introducing additives into the contents of the container | |
EP2928816B1 (en) | Keg closure with venting mechanism | |
US6321948B1 (en) | Tap and valve assembly | |
US7017782B2 (en) | Child resistant safety cap for applicator tubes | |
GB2485529A (en) | Locking mechanism to hold a keg valve open | |
EP2925626B1 (en) | Tamper evident closure | |
KR20090086510A (en) | Packaging article | |
US11724271B2 (en) | All-polymer pump dispenser with adaptable insert and internal plug seal | |
WO2000020326A1 (en) | Closure valves | |
RU2574068C2 (en) | Cover for keg with safety mechanism |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 11727938 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 11727938 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |