WO2024047239A1

WO2024047239A1 - Beverage keg tapping device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2024047239A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/074058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peder ZACHO HANSEN
Original assignee: Ebeltoft Gårdbryggeri V. Peder Zacho Hansen
Priority date: 2022-09-01
Filing date: 2023-09-01
Publication date: 2024-03-07

Abstract

A method and device for tapping beverage from a beverage keg, the tapping device comprising connection means for connecting the tapping device to a beverage keg having a keg spear. The device further comprises a liquid outlet for releasing beverage from a beverage keg, a liquid outlet valve for controlling the amount of beverage poured through the liquid outlet, a gas inlet for connecting to the keg spear such that gas may be exchanged between a keg chamber inside said beverage keg and the surroundings, and a degassing valve for controlling when gas may flow through the gas inlet and when gas exchange is blocked. The system may comprise the tapping device combined with a beverage keg. This system is capable of tapping beverages from a keg without the use of pressurized gas.

Description

BEVERAGE KEG TAPPING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of dispensing beverages from kegs and systems for tapping beverages from kegs.

BACKGROUND

Every day, lots of beer from kegs is being sold all over the world by many different brands. When the first beer was invented a long time ago, the beer was stored in containers like a barrel. The barrel was then given a faucet in the bottom and an opening or a valve for letting in gas at the top. Many people believe that beer served like this has a better nature and quality. The beer is believed to taste better when stored and tapped like this, but it lasts for a shorter period after the opening of the barrel due to amongst other things oxidation and the loss of carbonation. Such barrels are also hard to clean and refill. To solve these problems, the modern keg was invented. Modern kegs are normally made of metal, often stainless steel or aluminium, and have a single opening in one end with a valve for connecting a tapping system. This made it easy to f ill/ref ill a keg, clean it, store it, transport it, and couple the keg to a tapping system.

The standard process of tapping beer from a modern keg with an outlet at the top is by pressing the beer out of the keg through a keg spear by increasing the pressure in the keg for example by introducing a gas e.g. CO2 or nitrogen. This development has made the standard system to tap beer quite complicated as the system includes a gas container or a pump, a keg, connection tubes and valve and a faucet. The advantages of using this system is that the beer can last longer because it is not in contact with air before it is served and it is easy to refill, clean kegs and swap to a new keg when one is empty.

The main problem with the new standard tapping system is that there is no method for serving beer without pressure as was done when barrels were used, and which is considered to result in a better quality of the beer. The setup for serving beer with pressurized gas includes a lot of parts, which can be complicated to handle and makes it expensive to serve beer from kegs. It is the object of the present invention to solve some of the above-described problems of serving beer from a keg.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Numerous objects and advantages, which will be evident from the description of the present invention, are according to a first aspect of the present invention obtained by:

A tapping device for use with a beverage keg and a keg spear. The tapping device comprises a connection means for connecting the tapping device to the beverage keg and the keg spear, a liquid outlet for releasing a beverage from the beverage keg, a liquid outlet valve for controlling the amount of the beverage poured through the liquid outlet. The tapping device also has a gas inlet for connecting to the keg spear, such that gas may be exchanged between a keg chamber inside the beverage keg and the surroundings, and a degassing valve for controlling when gas may flow through the gas inlet and when gas exchange is blocked.

By a beverage keg is understood a keg suited for storing a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage, such as beer. In a preferred variant, the tapping device is used with a beer keg such as beer kegs known in the art, e.g. stainless steel or aluminium kegs commercially available.

By a keg chamber is understood the hollow place delimited by the structure of the beverage keg in which a fluid may be contained. In particular, a beverage is to be stored and dispensed from the keg chamber and a gas may also be contained therein dispensed within the beverage and/or forming a gas pocket above the liquid surface. As the beverage is tapped form the keg the ratio of gas to liquid within the keg container will increase as gas is let into the keg to fill out the space of the dispensed beverage.

By a tapping device is understood a device which when attached to a beverage keg and keg spear enables the transferring of a liquid stored inside the keg chamber of the beverage keg to the outside, e.g. for consumption.

The connection means of the tapping device may be any means suitable for connecting the tapping device to a connection structure of a commercially available beverage keg. In a preferred variant, the connection means are the same as or at least compatible with the connection structures intended for use with the six industry standard couplers for beverage kegs, i.e. the D system for Sankey kegs, the S system commonly used in Europe, the G system or Grundy type connector, the U system or U/E.C. type connector, the A system also known as flat top German type coupler, and the M system. Connection means may also be made to fit with other or new types of connection structures.

Having connection means on the tapping device, which allows for connection to industrial beverage kegs and common commercially available beverage kegs also enables the same handling of these beverage kegs as for tapping devices and systems known in the art, e.g. the beverage kegs may be cleaned and filled in the same manner as they are done today, without needing further adaptation of the beverage keg to accommodate the tapping device of the invention.

The liquid outlet may be any passage arranged for the directing of the beverage from the keg chamber inside the beverage keg to outside the beverage keg. The liquid outlet valve must be arranged such that it can be operated to block or allow passage of liquid through said liquid outlet. The liquid outlet valve may be any type of valve suitable for controlling the flow of liquid through the liquid outlet. The liquid outlet valve may be a binary open/close valve, or it may be a valve which can also adjust the flowrate of the liquid through the liquid outlet. In a preferred variant, the liquid outlet valve is a valve which can be manually operated at the liquid outlet.

It is to be understood that the liquid outlet is in liquid communication with the keg chamber around the keg spear, i.e. not through the keg spear as opposed to how conventional tapping systems work. This allows the tapping of the beverage under the force of gravity and without the need for a pressurised gas to drive the beverage through the keg spear, this allows for a more simple set-up, where it is not necessary to have a gas tank or a pump at hand.

The gas inlet may be any passage arranged to be in fluid communication with a keg spear extending inside the keg chamber of the beverage keg, such that an exchange of gas may take place between the keg chamber and the surrounding environment.

Having a gas inlet is beneficial, as it allows air from the surrounding environment or another gas connected to the gas inlet to enter the keg an avoid a vacuum forming as the beverage is being tapped. Having a separate gas inlet also enables a steady flow of the beverage through the liquid outlet without unintended gas bubbles finding their way back through the same channel.

Connecting the gas inlet to a keg spear, which during tapping has its second end above the liquid surface of the beverage within the beverage keg, has the benefit of avoiding larger bubbles travelling through the beverage on their way to the liquid surface, thereby decreasing the surface area of contact between the gas and the beverage and slowing the rate of oxidation of the beverage.

In some variants, the liquid outlet is longer than the degassing outlet such that the beverage may be tapped further away from the beverage keg. In other variants, they may be similar in length. In some preferred variants, the open end of the liquid outlet, which is not connected directly to the tapping device, may be adapted for the connection of a beverage line such as a tube which may be used to direct the tapped beverage to a more convenient location, e.g. for filling into cups.

The degassing valve is configured to be operable to block or open passage of gas through the gas inlet. By having a degassing valve, it is possible to keep the beverage keg sealed against the surrounding environment until tapping of the beverage is to ensure, this has the benefit of minimising the time during which the beverage is being oxidised until such time as the beverage consumption begins, thereby maximising the lifetime of the beverage being at preferred drinking conditions, e.g. being carbonated.

In some variants, the operation of the liquid outlet valve and the degassing valve may be interdependent such that opening or closing one valve will open or close the other valve as well.

According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the tapping device comprises a connection means for connecting the tapping device to the beverage keg and the keg spear, a liquid outlet for releasing a beverage from the beverage keg, the liquid outlet comprising an outlet channel a liquid outlet valve for controlling the amount of the beverage poured through the liquid outlet, a gas inlet for connecting to the keg spear such that gas may be exchanged between a keg chamber inside the beverage keg and the surroundings, and a degassing valve for controlling when gas may flow through the gas inlet and when gas exchange is blocked, a through-channel adapted for connecting the liquid outlet to a first connection valve channel of a beverage keg, the through channel being configured to provide an unconstricted flow from the through channel into the outlet channel.

When the tapping device is connected to a beverage keg in such a manner that the beverage may flow form the keg chamber to the liquid outlet, the beverage is led through the through-channel. The through channel thus provides a liquid passage between the keg chamber and the outlet channel of the liquid outlet.

Having the through-channel to provide an unconstricted flow from said through channel into said outlet channel enables a steady flow of the beverage from the keg chamber to the liquid outlet of the tapping device. This is in particular important when the beverage to be tapped from the keg is carbonated, e.g. if it is a beer, as in those cases the narrowing of the channel as occurs in tapping devices known in the art causes foaming of the beverage.

In conventional tapping configuration, i.e. where the beverage flows through the keg spear and gas is provided via the through-channel to cause pressure within the keg chamber and drive the beverage out through the keg spear, constrictions of the passage are not detrimental to the functioning as the gas is not affected, however in this variant where the beverage is led via the through-channel a larger pressure difference occurs as the liquid beverage is much less compressible than a gas led through the constricted channel of a conventional tapping device. In the case of a carbonated beverage this causes foaming when the beverage is led via the through-channel as the gas of the beverage is affected differently than the liquid of the carbonated beverage.

In a preferred variant the through-channel is adapted for providing a constant flow of beverage between the first connection valve channel of the keg and the liquid outlet of the tapping device. Preferably this allows for a flow-rate in which the flow of beverage in the through-channel is laminar at least in a portion of the outlet channel.

In conventional tapping devices the through-channel comprises a profile structured to ensure leak-tight closing of the keg before tapping of the beverage while the beverage may pass when the connection valve is opened. Such structuring of the profile of a conventional through-channel causes the passage to have a constricted section where the cross sectional area is decreased. This does not cause problems in the conventional configuration where gas is passing through the through-channel, but it limits the flow rate of a carbonated beverage which can pass without foaming. If the flow is such that the volume of the beverage in the liquid outlet can exceed the volume of the beverage in the constricted section, this causes an overpressure in the through-channel causing foaming to take place thereby decreasing the quality of the tapped beverage. Thus, using a conventional tapping device in the beverage dispensing system according to the invention will limit the flow rate of beverage tapped from the keg thus making the system less suitable for commercial use where there is a need for rapid tapping of beverages to dispense to many consumers in a short period of time.

Adapting the flow by changing the through-channel has the further benefit that the external dimensions and structuring of the tapping device may remain the same, such that it is compatible with known industry standards of connection means, mounts and dispensing systems.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the tapping device comprises activation means for opening a connection valve of the beverage keg such that the connection valve may be opened subsequently to the mounting of the tapping device to said beverage keg.

Industrial beverage kegs and/or commercially available beverage kegs are commonly equipped with a connection valve arranged to keep the beverage keg sealed until a tapping device is connected to the beverage keg. Such a connection valve may be a keg bung. Some variants of connection valves are constructed such that a tapping device may be connected to the beverage keg without automatically opening the connection valve, e.g. it may comprise a ball bearing acting as a stopper and which needs to be moved to open the connection valve. To enable the opening of such a connection valve, the tapping device may be equipped with an activation means, e.g. a handle which can be pulled to provide the mechanical force to open the connection valve, e.g. by moving a stopper such as a ball bearing.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the through-channel has a width being at least half the size of the diameter of the outlet channel such as at least 75 % of the diameter of the outlet channel, such as at least 95 % of the outlet channel.

This construction of the tapping device may be seen as the configuration which provides an unconstricted flow. In a preferred variant the width of the through-channel is substantially the same as the width of the outlet channel such that the beverage exiting the liquid outlet via the through-channel has an uninterrupted flow in as large a part of the flow path as possible thereby enabling a larger flow than if the flow path comprised constructions along the direction of the flow.

By having a width of the channel which is close to the outlet channel in width it is avoided that the beverage faces a constriction at the entry point to the liquid outlet.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the tapping device comprises a plunger and a housing the housing comprising a first end surface, the plunger comprising a narrow section arranged between a first wide section and a second wide section, wherein the length of the narrow section is at least as long as the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel.

If the narrow section is too short the presence of a wide section near the outlet channel causes a disruption of the flow of the beverage as the beverage will be confined to a narrow opening before being able to expand into the outlet channel. In conventional tapping devices known in the art the narrow section is significantly shorter as the constriction due to the wide section does not cause problems for the flow of compressible gas through the through-channel.

In a preferred variant the length of the narrow section exceeds the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel.

Having a narrow section of the plunger being at least as long as the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel also contributes to providing a large enough opening at the first end surface of the housing allowing entry of the beverage into the through-channel.

In a preferred variant the narrow section of the plunger is between as long as the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel and 1 .25 times that length. If the narrow section of the plunger far exceeds the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel, in particular if it significantly extends beyond the opening of the outlet channel at the first end of the liquid outlet, the beverage may experience turbulent flow as it enters the region gravitationally below the outlet channel and needs to be pressed up into the outlet channel.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the narrow section of said plunger comprises a second shoulder, the angle of the second shoulder being the same as or larger than the angle of the outlet channel.

By the angle of the shoulder and the angle of the outlet channel is understood the angle relative to the first end surface of the housing.

In a preferred variant the angle of the outlet channel and the second should is substantially the same.

By having the angle of the second should and the angle of the outlet channel being as similar as possible the beverage flowing via the through-channel to the outlet channel will experience the least change in the flow path, thereby allowing for a high flow rate with little turbulence.

Having a larger angle of the second should enables more variation in the length of the narrow section while maintaining a wide enough flow path for the beverage in the through-channel.

In a preferred variant the plunger comprises a hard gasket.

In a preferred variant the tapping device comprises a first soft gasket and a second soft gasket being arranged on opposite sides of the outlet channel. In a preferred variant the first and second soft gaskets are O-rings.

The numerous objects and advantages, which will be evident from the description of the present invention, are according to a second aspect of the present invention obtained by: A beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage keg for containing a beverage, the beverage keg defining a keg chamber for containing a beverage within the beverage keg, the beverage keg having a keg top and a keg bottom, the keg bottom comprising a connection structure for connecting a tapping device. The beverage dispensing system further comprises a keg spear for the guidance of gas from the connection structure to the keg chamber, and a tapping device for allowing the dispensing of beverage contained within the keg chamber, the tapping device being mounted at the connection structure via connection means. The tapping device comprises a liquid outlet for the dispensing of a beverage from the beverage keg, the liquid outlet being in liquid communication with the keg chamber. The tapping device comprises a liquid outlet valve for regulating the dispensing of the beverage from the beverage keg, the tapping device comprising a gas inlet and a degassing valve for enabling the entry of gas into the beverage keg. The degassing valve is in fluid communication with said keg spear such that the keg spear extends from the tapping device mounted to the connection structure through the keg chamber, such that the keg spear extends from the tapping device towards the keg top.

The beverage keg must be sealable such that a beverage can be stored inside the keg chamber of the beverage keg. Aside from a keg top and a keg bottom, the beverage keg will comprise at least a keg side to be able to contain a liquid inside such that the keg top, keg bottom and the at least one side defines a keg chamber between them, the connection means further contributing to the sealing of the keg chamber. By a keg top and a keg bottom is understood surfaces of the beverage keg located at opposite ends of the at least one keg side and being arranged such that when the beverage keg is positioned for tapping operation, the keg top is gravitationally higher than the keg bottom. The keg top and keg bottom do not need to be the outermost surfaces of the beverage keg, e.g. the beverage keg may comprise a rim extending above/below the keg top and keg bottom respectively.

In a variant, the connection structure of the beverage keg is arranged at the gravitationally lowest point of the keg bottom, when the beverage keg is positioned for tapping of the beverage. This has the benefit that the keg may be emptied completely under the force of gravity, as the beverage exits the keg chamber through the gravitationally lowest point. In another variant, the connection structure of the beverage keg is arranged at a gravitationally low point of the keg bottom, when the beverage keg is positioned for tapping of the beverage. This means that the centre of the keg top and the centre of the keg bottom does not need to be vertically aligned but can be displaced such that the keg is tilting. When a keg is placed in this position, the potential sediments from a beverage may be stored in the side of the bottom of the keg. In this way, the sediments and a small amount of beverage is not tapped but kept inside the keg. Furthermore, there might be beverage inside the keg spear when placing the keg for tapping. This will get emptied through the degassing valve before the tapping starts.

By a connection structure is understood any opening in the keg bottom configured to allow the connection of a tapping device. In some variants such connection structures may be constructed to be suitable for use with the connection means of the previously mentioned industry standard couplers.

By a keg spear is understood a hollow tube arranged to have a first end fluidically connected to a tapping device mounted to the connection structure of the beverage keg and having the second end extend towards the keg. The second end of the keg spear must be spaced apart from the keg top by an amount sufficient to allow the passage of a gas between the keg top and the second end of the keg spear, such that the gas may enter the hollow of the keg spear. During preferred use, the beverage keg is filled no more than that the second end of the keg spear is above the liquid surface when the beverage keg is arranged for the tapping of the beverage from the beverage keg.

In some preferred variants, the keg spear is mounted as part of the beverage keg extending from the connection structure, such that an industrial beverage keg may be sold with the keg spear premounted and the tapping device may subsequently be connected to the beverage keg and keg spear. In other equally preferred embodiments, the first end of the keg spear may be directly connected to the tapping device, such that the tapping device and the keg spear are mounted to the beverage keg simultaneously.

According to this embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the beverage dispensing system is used with a tapping device as previously described. In such an embodiment the tapping device thus comprises a through-channel configured to provide unconstricted flow as previously described. According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the connection structure comprises a connection valve for controlling the passage of fluid from said keg chamber to said tapping device.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the tapping device comprises activation means for controlling said connection valve.

By a connection valve is understood a structure, which is arranged to block the entry and exit of liquid and gas through the connection structure at the keg bottom at least until the connection of a tapping device. The connection valve may e.g. be a bung. In some variants, the connection valve may be constructed such that it is opened when a tapping device is mounted to the connection structure.

In other variants, the connection valve may be constructed such that it does not open immediately upon the connection of a tapping device, but must instead be opened by an activation device once tapping of the beverage from the beverage keg is to ensure.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the beverage dispensing system comprises a beverage line, a first end of said beverage line being connected to said liquid outlet and a second end of said beverage line being adapted for being connected to a dispensing faucet.

By a beverage line is understood a conduit for guiding the dispensed beverage from the liquid outlet to another location. Such a beverage line may for example be a tube or a hose. By a dispensing faucet is understood any conventional faucet for the dispensing and serving of a beverage, e.g. the faucet at a bar. By having the second end of the beverage line adapted for the connection to a dispensing faucet, the beverage dispensing system may be used directly with preexisting set-ups ready for use with industrial beverage kegs and dispensing systems known in the art. Hence, venues serving beverages from beverage kegs can use the beverage dispensing system of the invention with no or minor modifications to their existing set-up.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the beverage dispensing system comprises cooling means being arranged to cool the beverage outside said beverage keg, such as being arranged to cool said liquid outlet and/or said beverage line. By cooling means are understood any arrangement made to cool the beverage while it is being dispensed from the beverage dispensing system, i.e. once it has left the keg chamber and while it is conducted to its dispensing destination, e.g. while it is being conducted through the liquid outlet and/or a connected beverage line. Such a cooling means may for example be a cooling spiral arranged around the liquid outlet and/or beverage line. Such cooling means ensure that the beverage may be served at a temperature below room temperature, which may for some beverages be considered preferable for enjoyment.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the beverage dispensing system comprises cooling means being arranged to cool the beverage keg and the beverage inside the keg.

By cooling means for cooling the beverage inside the keg are understood any arrangement made to cool a keg with beverage inside. This could be a transparent/nontrans- parent refrigerator that the keg is placed inside. The beverage keg could be cooled before the tapping and placed in some insulation during tapping to keep the beverage cold.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for the dispensing of beverages from a beverage keg.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above objects and advantages are obtained by:

A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage keg, the method comprising first connecting connection means of a tapping device to a connection structure of a beverage keg containing a beverage, such that a liquid outlet of the tapping device is in liquid communication with a keg chamber of the beverage keg and such that a degassing valve of the connection means is in fluid communication with a keg spear, and orienting the beverage keg such that the tapping device is gravitationally lower than the liquid surface of the beverage contained within the keg chamber, while a second end of the keg spear is above the liquid surface. Once the previous steps have been performed, opening the degassing valve such that a gas from outside the beverage keg may enter the space above the liquid surface within the keg chamber, and opening a liquid outlet valve, such that the beverage may pass through the liquid outlet. A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage keg, the method comprising first connecting connection means of a tapping device to a connection structure of a beverage keg containing a beverage, such that a liquid outlet of the tapping device is in liquid communication with a keg chamber of the beverage keg via a through-channel configured to provide unrestricted flow into an outlet channel and such that a degassing valve of the connection means is in fluid communication with a keg spear, and orienting the beverage keg such that the tapping device is gravitationally lower than the liquid surface of the beverage contained within the keg chamber, while a second end of the keg spear is above the liquid surface. Once the previous steps have been performed, opening the degassing valve such that a gas from outside the beverage keg may enter the space above the liquid surface within the keg chamber, and opening a liquid outlet valve, such that the beverage may pass through the liquid outlet.

The beverage keg may in some situations be oriented with the keg bottom above the keg top during the mounting of the tapping device, e.g. for easy access to the keg bottom. In such cases, the keg bottom should be brought to a lower gravitational position than the keg top before the tapping of the beverage ensues to allow the force of gravity to direct the beverage out through liquid outlet. In other variants, it may be preferred to mount the tapping device once the beverage keg is in the intended orientation.

In a preferred operation, the degassing valve and the liquid outlet valve should be opened once tapping of the beverage is to ensure, i.e. once the beverage keg is oriented correctly.

This method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage keg has the benefit that once the tapping device is mounted to the beverage keg and the beverage keg is located as intended, it is not required to provide further equipment before the beverage can be dispensed. It is not necessary to provide a pump or pressurised gas to drive the beverage out of the beverage keg. This simplifies both the equipment and the skillset needed to perform the method of dispensing the beverage, as tapping beer using pressurised gas requires balancing of the pressure and temperature of the gas and beverage to ensure an intended carbonation level, flavour and serving temperature. Furthermore, the dispensing of the beverage under the force of gravity without any need for pressurisation also ensures a high quality of the beverage, as it is not affected by a propellant gas, e.g. the beverage becoming over-carbonated.

According to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of activating an activation means to allow passage of fluid via a connection valve from the keg chamber to the tapping device.

In a preferred variant, the step of activating the activation means takes place after the connection of the tapping device to the beverage keg.

In a preferred variant, the step of activating the activation means takes place before the opening of the degassing valve and/or before the opening of the liquid outlet valve.

Having the step of activating activation means to open fluid access to the connection valve enables the connection of a tapping device before the dispensing of the beverage, without affecting or with minimal effect on the quality of the beverage, e.g. as oxidation of the beverage does not begin until the activation of the activation device. Thus, the tapping device may be connected at one location and the beverage keg transported to another location, where the beverage is to be dispensed without degradation of the quality of the beverage during transportation.

SUMMARY OF FIGURES

Fig. 1 illustrates a standard beverage keg known in the art containing a beverage.

Fig. 2 illustrates a tapping device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of a tapping device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of a tapping device and how it may be assembled on the bottom of a keg.

Figs. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate a cross section of a part of the tapping device in a closed and an open configuration, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A modern beverage keg 10 known in the art is usually made of metal in a shape similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 . A connection valve 132 is placed at the bottom 12 of the keg 10. The connection valve 132 has two opening channels, a first connection valve channel 133 goes directly into the keg 10 being connected to the keg chamber 17, the second connection valve channel 134 is connected to a first end 21 of a keg spear 20. The keg spear is a tube/spear extending through the keg chamber 17 in the direction towards the keg top 1 1. In preferred embodiments, the second end of the keg spear 22 is nearer to the keg top 1 1 than to the keg bottom 12 being in the top half, such as in the top third, such as within the top tenth of the keg chamber. The second end of the keg spear 22 must be spaced apart from the keg top 1 1 , such that gas can pass between the keg top 1 1 and the second end of the keg spear 22 to enter the hollow of the keg spear 20. The connection valve is part of a connection structure 15 constructed to enable the mounting of a tapping device, the connection structure 15 may be made to accommodate some different industry standards some of them are called D-system, U-system, S-system, A- system, G-system, and M-system. These standards have different ways of mounting a tapping device to a keg.

The beverage keg 10 has a keg chamber 17 for containing a beverage 1 inside. In addition, the beverage 1 the keg chamber 17 may contain an amount of gas 2. The gas may be different from air when stored, such as CO2 or nitrogen, as such gasses affect the beverage less and thus make the beverage last longer. The keg 10 can be filled completely with beverage 1 and thus, there would be no gas 2 at all in the keg 10. Some gas may be suspended within the beverage 1 , e.g. in a carbonated beverage, in addition to the pocket of gas 2 which will collect gravitationally above the beverage 1 within the keg camber 17. The interface between the beverage 1 and the gas 2 defines a liquid surface 3. The connection valve 132 is placed in the opening of the connection structure 15 at the keg bottom 12 of the beverage keg 10 to seal the beverage 1 inside the beverage keg 10. This connection valve 132 can be opened by attaching connection means 130 of a tapping device 100 to the connection structure 15 of the keg 10. After the connection means 130 is attached to the keg 10, activation means 139 may be activated to open the connection valve 132 in the keg 10. The activation means 139 may be a handle that opens the connection valve 132, e.g. by pushing a spring loaded bearing down or a similar mechanism. When the connection valve 132 is open, there are two channels into the inside of the keg 10. The first connection valve channel 133 leads directly from the outside of the keg 10 to the keg chamber 17, and the second connection valve channel 134 leads from the outside of the keg 10 to the keg spear 20.

The connection means 130 is usually placed on a tapping device, like the one shown in Fig. 2, and may have a shape such that the tapping device 100 may be screwed into the connection valve 132 or otherwise connected to the connection valve 132. The tapping devices of the prior art have pipes or tubes attached such that beverage and gas can leave and enter the keg 10 through these pipes or tubes. Tapping devices known in the art to be used with a beverage keg 10 such as the one shown in Fig. 1 are adapted to connect a pressurised gas tank or a pump to the first connection valve channel 134 of the connection valve, such that additional gas 2 may be fed into the keg chamber 17 above the liquid surface 3, whereby the beverage 1 is forced towards the keg top 11 and from there, out through the keg spear 20 and from there through the second connection valve channel 134, thereby enable the dispensing of the beverage 1 . Such operation requires the beverage keg 10 to be oriented with the conventional tapping device and the connection valve 132 gravitationally higher than the second end of the keg spear 22, such that liquid surface 3 remains gravitationally above the second end of the keg spear 22.

One embodiment of the tapping device 100 of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 2. The tapping device 100 is for attaching to a beverage keg 10, such that beverage 1 can be tapped from the beverage keg 10. The tapping device 100 may be connected to a beverage keg 10 by a connection means 130. The connection structure 130 may for example be formed such that the tapping device 100 can be twisted onto the keg 10 and snap into a stable position.

The tapping device 100 has a liquid outlet 1 10 and a gas inlet 122. The gas inlet 122 is connected to a degassing valve 120, such that gas may enter the gas inlet 122 passing through the degassing valve 120 and enter the keg spear 20 through the connection valve 132. The degassing valve controls how much gas can pass through the gas inlet 122. In a preferred embodiment, the degassing valve 132 is of a type which is either completely closed or fully open. The degassing valve 120 may be any standard valve for controlling flow through a pipe or a tube. The liquid outlet 110 is, when the tapping device 100 is mounted on a beverage keg 10, arranged in connection with the first channels of the connection valve, which leads directly into the keg chamber 17. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet 1 10 is adapted for connection to a beverage line such as a hose or tube for directing the dispensed beverage to a location further away from the beverage keg 10, such as to a dispensing faucet. Such adaptation of the liquid outlet 1 10 allows beverage kegs 10 with a tapping device 100 according to the invention to be used with existing set-ups made for convention tapping devices known in the art.

In Fig. 3, a cross section of an embodiment of the tapping device 100 of the invention is illustrated. The tapping device 100 comprises connection means 130 for connecting the tapping device 100 to a beverage keg 10. When the tapping device 10 is connected to a keg, the connection means 130 ensures that the connection is sealed and liquid tight, this may include the use of seals. The tapping device 100 has two conduits for connecting separately to the two channels in the connection valve 132. One conduit of the tapping device 100 leads from the connection to a degassing valve 120 and a gas inlet 122. The other conduit leads to a liquid outlet valve 1 12 and a liquid outlet 110. The dimensions of the liquid outlet 110 and the gas inlet 122 in the figures of the application should only be seen as exemplary and may differ both in length and width. Similarly, the placement of the outlet valve 112 and the degassing valve 120 is only illustrative and they may be placed anywhere along the liquid outlet 110 and the gas inlet 122 respectively, as long as they may block and open the flow of fluid through the respective conduits.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 4 being an assembled beverage dispensing system. The tapping device 100 may be fastened at the connection valve 132 on the beverage keg 10, and the connection valve 100 may be opened by the activation means 139. By attaching the tapping device 100 to a beverage keg 10, the gas inlet 122 is in liquid/gas connection with the first end 21 of the keg spear 20. The keg spear 20 has a second end 22 which is located closely to the top 1 1 of the keg 10. When the tapping device is in use, the system is rotated such that the keg top 1 1 is gravitationally higher than the keg bottom 12. When the beverage keg 10 and tapping device 100 are placed in this configuration, the beverage 1 inside the keg chamber 17 has a liquid surface 3 that is below the second end 22 of the keg spear 20. When the degassing valve 120 is opened, gas can enter the top of the beverage keg 10 through the keg spear 20. Having the degassing valve 120 open, the liquid outlet valve 1 12 can be opened such that beverage 1 from inside the keg 10 will exit the keg trough the connection valve 132, the liquid outlet valve 112 and the liquid outlet 1 10. The liquid outlet valve 1 12 controls the amount of beverage 1 that is poured out of the liquid outlet 1 10. With this tapping device, 100 beverages can be served without the use of pressurised gas and complicated setups, as the force of gravity will drive the beverage 1 out of the liquid outlet 1 10 when the outlet valve 1 12 is open.

Figs. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate a preferred embodiment of the tapping device 100 of the beverage dispensing system for connection with a beverage keg, in the closed an open configuration respectively wherein the through-structure is optimised for large beverage flow via the through-channel 142. The tapping device 100 is shown as a cross- sectional view of the central part not including all details or external features, e.g. not showing the liquid outlet valve, the degassing valve or both ends of the liquid outlet and gas inlet. In Figs. 5a and 5b the tapping device 100 would be mounted to the beverage keg at the top, however neither the beverage keg nor the connection means are illustrated in these conceptual figures.

The tapping device 100 comprises a housing 150 and a plunger 140 partially surrounded by the housing 150. The plunger 140 may function as activation means 139 such that tapping can be engaged once the plunger 140 is moved axially towards the keg top 1 1 such that the connection valve is opened. Note that the full valve structure and functionality is not shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, e.g. the degassing valve 120 is not included.

Fig. 5a illustrates the tapping device 100 in a closed configuration where the flow of beverage is blocked as a hard gasket 145 mounted to a first end of the plunger 140 is in contact with the first end surface 151 of the housing 150 of the tapping device 100. In this closed configuration the tapping device 100 is further secured against leak by the contact between a first soft gasket 161 mounted in the inner wall of the housing 150 and a first wide section 147 of the plunger 140. The closing mechanism for the gas flow through the centre channel 144 is not included in the illustration.

Fig. 5b illustrated the open position wherein a gas, such as air from the surrounding atmospheric conditions, may pass through the centre channel 144 of the plunger 140 as illustrated by the dashed arrow to enter a keg spear, while the beverage may pass around the plunger 140 via the through-channel 142 as illustrated by the solid arrows. In the open position the hard gasket 145 is spaced apart from the first end surface 151 of the housing 150 and there is no contact between the plunger 140 and the first soft gasket 161 , hereby passage of beverage from the keg chamber (not shown) to the first end of the liquid outlet 111 is opened via the through-channel 142. A second soft gasket 162 is arranged to be in contact with the inner sidewall of the housing 150 and a second wide section 149 of the plunger to prevent the tapping device 100 from leaking by beverage exiting the tapping device at other locations than the liquid outlet 110. In preferred embodiments as illustrated here the first 161 and second soft gaskets 162 are O-rings. The O-rings may be partially embedded in the inner wall of the housing 150.

Between the first 147 and second wide section 149 the plunger 140 comprises a narrow section 148. The first 147 and second wide section 149 are necessary for creating the leak-tight connections with the first 161 and second soft gasket 162. The narrow section 148 is adapted to provide a large enough cross sectional area of the through channel 142 to enable a steady liquid flow of the beverage such that excessive foaming of a carbonated beverage is avoided.

The first 147 and the second wide section 149 of the plunger 140 both have a larger diameter than the narrow section 148 along the entirety of the length of the first 147 and second wide section 149, respectively. In some variants the first wide section 147 and the second wide section 149 may have the same diameter. In other embodiments their diameters may differ. The narrow section 148 is located between the first 147 and second wide section 149. In some embodiments the diameter of the narrow section 148 may include a first shoulder 148’ and a second shoulder 148” as illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b. In other equally preferred embodiments the narrow section may be defined as a substantially constant segment, i.e. not including any shoulder structures. In yet other embodiments the diameter of the narrow section may wary monotonously along its length as long as it remains narrower than the first 147 and second wide sections 149.

In a preferred embodiment the angle of the second should 148” is equal to or larger than the angle of the outlet channel 115 of the liquid outlet 1 10. In a more preferred embodiment the angle of the second should 148” is substantially equal to the angle of the outlet channel 115 of the liquid outlet 1 10 and the tapping device is constructed such that when in the open configuration the second should 148” is aligned to continue the slope of the outlet channel 1 15 of the liquid outlet 110 as conceptually illustrated in Fig. 5b. Note that the sketch of Figs. 5a and 5b are conceptual and not to scale, e.g. the spacing between the plunger 140 and the housing 150 is exaggerated.

In preferred embodiments the only constriction of the through-channel as constructed in the plunger 140 is present at the entry from the keg chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention there are no constrictions of the through-channel 142 between the entry point and the first end of the fluid outlet 1 10 when the through-channel 142 is defined by the plunger 140 and the housing 150. In other words in a preferred embodiment the smallest cross-sectional area of the through-channel is found at the first soft gasket 161 extending into the through channel 142 as illustrated in Fig. 5b.

In a preferred the through-channel 142 has a width W of the passage between the outer wall of the centre channel and the inner wall of the tapping device 100 at the narrow section 148 is at least half the size of the diameter D of the outlet channel 1 15 of the liquid outlet 1 10, more preferably at least 75% of the diameter D, yet more preferably 90% of the diameter D of the liquid inlet. Such configuration minimises the constriction of the flow path of the beverage as it exits from the beverage keg.

In a preferred embodiment, the length L of the narrow segment 148 is at least as long as the perpendicular distance K between the first end surface of the housing 151 and the centre point of the opening of the outlet channel 115 of the liquid outlet at the first end 1 11 of the liquid outlet, such that in the open position the flow of the beverage via the through-channel 142 to the outlet channel 1 15 is not constricted.

The concept illustration of Figs. 5a and 5b is based on an industry standard S-type tapping device. In other preferred embodiments the liquid outlet of the tapping device conforms to another of the known industry standards regarding the outer dimensions. By conforming to industry standards is understood that the connections, e.g. the connection means and the outside dimensions of the liquid outlet are such that they can be connected to standard kegs and tubing without needing any additional modification.

Below is a list of reference signs used in the detailed description of the present disclosure and in the drawings referred to in the detailed description of the present disclosure.

List of references

1 Liquid (the beverage within the keg)

2 Gas (air or other gas above the liquid in the keg)

3 Liquid surface

10 Beverage keg

11 Keg top

12 Keg bottom

15 Connection structure

17 Keg chamber

20 keg spear

21 First end of keg spear

22 Second end of keg tube

100 Tapping device

110 Liquid outlet

111 First end of liquid outlet

112 Liquid outlet valve

115 Outlet channel

120 Degassing valve

122 Gas inlet

130 Connection means

132 Connection valve

133 First connection valve channel

134 Second connection valve channel

139 Activation means

140 Plunger

142 Through-channel

144 Centre channel 145 Hard gasket

147 First wide section

148 Narrow section

149 Second wide section

150 Housing

151 First end surface of the housing

161 First soft gasket 162 Second soft gasket

Now follows a set of items, which constitute aspects of the present disclosure which may be considered independently patentable and as such the following sets form basis for possible future sets of claims:

1 . A tapping device for use with a beverage keg and a keg spear, said tapping device comprising: a connection means for connecting said tapping device to said beverage keg and said keg spear, a liquid outlet for releasing a beverage from said beverage keg, a liquid outlet valve for controlling the amount of said beverage poured through said liquid outlet, a gas inlet for connecting to said keg spear such that gas may be exchanged between a keg chamber inside said beverage keg and the surroundings, and a degassing valve for controlling when gas may flow through said gas inlet and when gas exchange is blocked.

2. The tapping device according to item 1 , said tapping device comprising activation means for opening a connection valve of said beverage keg, such that said connection valve may be opened subsequently to the mounting of said tapping device to said beverage keg.

3. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a beverage keg for containing a beverage, said beverage keg defining a keg chamber for containing a beverage within said beverage keg, said beverage keg comprising a keg top and a keg bottom, said keg bottom comprising a connection structure for connecting a tapping device, a keg spear, for the guidance of gas from said connection structure to said keg chamber, a tapping device for allowing the dispensing of beverage contained within said keg chamber, said tapping device being mounted at said connection structure via connection means, said tapping device comprising a liquid outlet for the dispensing of a beverage from said beverage keg, said liquid outlet being in liquid communication with the keg chamber, said tapping device comprising a liquid outlet valve for regulating the dispensing of said beverage from said beverage keg, said tapping device comprising a gas inlet and a degassing valve for enabling the entry of gas into said beverage keg, said degassing valve being in fluid communication with said keg spear, such that said keg spear extends from said tapping device mounted to said connection structure through said keg chamber, such that said keg spear extends from said tapping device towards said keg top.

4. The beverage dispensing system according to item 3, said connection structure comprising a connection valve for controlling the passage of fluid from said keg chamber to said tapping device.

5. The beverage dispensing system according to item 4, said tapping device comprising activation means for controlling said connection valve.

6. The beverage dispensing system according to any one of the items 3-5, comprising a beverage line, a first end of said beverage line being connected to said liquid outlet, and a second end of said beverage line being adapted for being connected to a dispensing faucet.

7. The beverage dispensing system according to any one of the items 3-6, comprising a cooling means being arranged to cool the beverage outside said beverage keg, such as being arranged to cool said liquid outlet and/or said beverage line.

8. A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage keg, said method comprising: connecting connection means of a tapping device to a connection structure of a beverage keg containing a beverage, such that a liquid outlet of said tapping device is in liquid communication with a keg chamber of the beverage keg and such that a degassing valve of said connection means is in fluid communication with a keg spear, and orienting said beverage keg such that said tapping device is gravitationally lower than the liquid surface of said beverage contained within said keg chamber while a second end of said keg spear is above the liquid surface, then opening said degassing valve such that a gas from outside said beverage keg may enter the space above the liquid surface within said keg chamber, and opening a liquid outlet valve such that said beverage may pass through said liquid outlet. 9. A method according to item 8, further comprising the step of activating an activation means to allow passage of fluid via a connection valve from the keg chamber to said tapping device.

Claims

1 . A tapping device for use with a beverage keg and a keg spear, said tapping device comprising: a connection means for connecting said tapping device to said beverage keg and said keg spear, a liquid outlet for releasing a beverage from said beverage keg, said liquid outlet comprising an outlet channel a liquid outlet valve for controlling the amount of said beverage poured through said liquid outlet, a gas inlet for connecting to said keg spear such that gas may be exchanged between a keg chamber inside said beverage keg and the surroundings, and a degassing valve for controlling when gas may flow through said gas inlet and when gas exchange is blocked a through-channel adapted for connecting said liquid outlet to a first connection valve channel of a beverage keg, said through channel being configured to provide an unconstricted flow from said through channel into said outlet channel.

2. The tapping device according to claim 1 , said tapping device comprising activation means for opening a connection valve of said beverage keg, such that said connection valve may be opened subsequently to the mounting of said tapping device to said beverage keg.

3. The tapping device according to any of the preceding claims, said through-channel having a width being at least half the size of the diameter of the outlet channel such as at least 75 % of the diameter of the outlet channel, such as at least 95 % of the outlet channel.

4. The tapping device according to any of the preceding claims, said tapping device comprising a plunger and a housing said housing comprising a first end surface, said plunger comprising a narrow section arranged between a first wide section and a second wide section, wherein the length of the narrow section is at least as long as the distance between the first end surface of the housing and the centre point of the outlet channel.

5. The tapping device according to claim 4, said narrow section of said plunger comprising a second shoulder, the angle of said second shoulder being the same as or larger than the angle of the outlet channel.

6. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a beverage keg for containing a beverage, said beverage keg defining a keg chamber for containing a beverage within said beverage keg, said beverage keg comprising a keg top and a keg bottom, said keg bottom comprising a connection structure for connecting a tapping device, a keg spear, for the guidance of gas from said connection structure to said keg chamber, a tapping device according to any one of the preceding claims for allowing the dispensing of beverage contained within said keg chamber, said tapping device being mounted at said connection structure via connection means, said liquid outlet being in liquid communication with the keg chamber, said degassing valve being in fluid communication with said keg spear, such that said keg spear extends from said tapping device mounted to said connection structure through said keg chamber, such that said keg spear extends from said tapping device towards said keg top.

7. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 6, said connection structure comprising a connection valve for controlling the passage of fluid from said keg chamber to said tapping device.

8. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 7, said tapping device comprising activation means for controlling said connection valve.

9. The beverage dispensing system according to any one of the claims 6-8, comprising a beverage line, a first end of said beverage line being connected to said liquid outlet, and a second end of said beverage line being adapted for being connected to a dispensing faucet.

10. The beverage dispensing system according to any one of the claims 6-9, comprising a cooling means being arranged to cool the beverage outside said beverage keg, such as being arranged to cool said liquid outlet and/or said beverage line.

1 1 . A method of dispensing a beverage from a beverage keg, said method comprising: connecting connection means of a tapping device to a connection structure of a beverage keg containing a beverage, such that a liquid outlet of said tapping device is in liquid communication with a keg chamber of the beverage keg via a through-channel configured to provide unrestricted flow into an outlet channel and such that a degassing valve of said connection means is in fluid communication with a keg spear, and orienting said beverage keg such that said tapping device is gravitationally lower than the liquid surface of said beverage contained within said keg chamber while a second end of said keg spear is above the liquid surface, then opening said degassing valve such that a gas from outside said beverage keg may enter the space above the liquid surface within said keg chamber, and opening a liquid outlet valve such that said beverage may pass through said liquid outlet.

12. A method according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of activating an activation means to allow passage of fluid via a connection valve from the keg chamber to said tapping device.