Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Keg protection assembly
The present invention relates to an assembly for protecting a plastics keg. In
particular, the present invention relates an assembly for storing,
transporting and
dispensing draught beverages such as beer.
Blow-moulded PET (polyethylene terephtalate) containers have long been used as
bottles for beverages. More recently, such containers have been used as kegs
for
transporting, storing and dispensing beverages such as beer. An example of a
thin-
walled PET beer keg is disclosed in the Applicant's International patent
application
published as WO 2007/064277, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference to the extent permitted by applicable law. As discussed in WO
2007/064277,
such kegs provide advantages over traditional metal kegs. Metal kegs can be
costly to
produce, occupy a large volume and are heavy - even when empty. They need to
be
transported back to a supplier to be washed and sterilised before they can be
reused.
By contrast, blow-moulded PET kegs are lightweight and can be produced at low
cost
and on-demand from preforms. Furthermore, they can be crushed after use and
recycled locally.
Such a plastics beer keg is shown in Figure 2, which is a perspective side
view of a
known 30-litre capacity keg 10 similar to that disclosed in WO 2007/064277.
The keg
10 has a neck 12 that protrudes from the body of the keg, and to which a
fitting 80 can
be attached (see Figure 4). Typically, the keg 10 is filled with a beverage by
attaching
a filling head to a closure 81 of the fitting 80 and pumping the beverage
through an
opening in the closure 81. A second opening allows the gas displaced by the
beverage to leave the keg 10. When the filling head is removed, the openings
snap
shut to seal the beverage within the keg 10, allowing the keg to be stored and
transported. Once the keg 10 is delivered, a dispense head is coupled to the
fitting 80
to dispense the beverage from the keg 10.
The keg 10 may need to be handled manually several times during use, for
example
during filling and transportation. This is not always easy, even if a handle
is fitted to
the keg neck as shown in WO 2007/064277. Furthermore, it may be necessary to
change the orientation of the keg 10 during handling - for example, inverting
it for
filling, as is conventional for effervescent drinks such as beer. The
protruding neck of
the keg 10 makes this difficult as the keg is apt to topple over without
supplementary
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support. An associated issue is that the protruding neck of the keg 10 is
exposed to
damage or contamination.
One way around these problems is to fit a top-chime to a keg. An example of a
top-
chime is described in US 2010/0072212 to Howard etal. The top-chime disclosed
in
that document has a pair of handles and is shaped to facilitate stacking with
a
complementary bottom-chime. The top-chime also has an annular skirt that
approximately aligns with the cylindrical body of the keg, and extends in an
axial
direction beyond the keg neck. Accordingly, the neck of the keg is protected
by the
top-chime, and the keg may be maintained in an inverted orientation without a
supplementary support structure. The top-chime of Howard et al. is held in
place on
the keg by a snap-fit arrangement. Specifically, a central opening in the top-
chime is
circumscribed by a plurality of resilient flexible tines extending inwardly
into the
opening. The free ends of the tines engage resiliently with formations on the
keg neck
to hold the top-chime on the keg.
The top-chime of Howard et al. has various drawbacks. Whilst a snap-fit
arrangement
may be convenient for automated fitting of the top-chime to the keg neck, it
may not be
strong enough reliably to carry the weight of a filled keg. The snap-fit
arrangement
relies on resilient tines that are subject to stress, and that can fail under
the weight of a
full keg when lifted. Furthermore, the snap-fit arrangement of Howard et al.
makes it
difficult to remove the top-chime from the keg without damaging either the keg
or the
top-chime. Notably, the tines of the top-chime can be broken or twisted when
the top-
chime is separated from the keg, preventing re-use of the top-chime.
Howard et al. specifies that the top-chime is separable from the keg, but this
is in the
context of a top-chime being removed and discarded. Optionally the top-chime
may be
replaced with a new top-chime, if damaged.
This is a reasonable approach when the keg is a traditional metal keg, which
is likely to
outlive a plastics top-chime. However, if the keg is a recyclable 'single-use'
plastics
keg, it is likely that the top-chime can continue to fulfil its function after
the keg has
been used. In particular, it is helpful to be able to separate the top-chime
from the keg
so that the keg may be recycled separately and before it is necessary to
recycle the
top-chime. Therefore, it is wasteful to damage and then discard a top-chime
when
removing it from a plastics keg; instead, it would be preferable to re-use the
top-chime
after removal.
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The above problems are discussed and a solution is presented in the
Applicant's UK
patent GB2490966B, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference
to the
extent permitted by applicable law. Here a top-chime is disclosed which is
formed of
two main jaw parts. When in a secured configuration, the jaw parts are closed,
defining a collar that closes about the neck of a keg. Advantageously, the
jaws are
selectively securable, and so the collar can be easily opened to release the
keg neck,
disengaging the top-chime from the plastics keg, facilitating repeated reuse
of the top-
chime without damage to the top-chime or keg.
However, such a top-chime alone does not protect other parts of the keg,
notably the
body and base of the keg. Plastics kegs can be prone to puncture, especially
when
subject to the same rough handling as traditional metal kegs. An obvious way
around
this problem is to increase the wall thickness of the keg. However, this
increases the
weight and the cost of manufacture of the keg.
GB2490966B discusses a way to alleviate these problems through the use of a
relatively inexpensive polypropylene sheath that envelopes the keg and top-
chime.
The sheath is octagonal in cross-section, open at its upper end to receive the
combined keg and top-chime, and closed at its lower end to define a floor
supporting
the base of the keg. The sheath has openings that can be aligned with the
handle
openings of the top-chime.
There are a few drawbacks with this arrangement. Firstly, it can be
inconvenient to
ensure that the handle openings are correctly aligned. Secondly, the sheath
extends
around the outer surface of the top-chime, and so wasteful of material; the
sheath is
not necessarily required to protect the keg that is already covered by the
robust top-
chime. Thirdly, the octagonal shape of the sheath does not allow the assembly
to be
handled easily. In particular, the assembly cannot be rolled in the way a
normal metal
keg would be in, for example, during transport of the keg to a beer cellar.
Fourthly, the
relatively thin material of the sheath may not adequately protect the base
which is likely
to be subject to more extreme forces during handling than the body.
It is against this background that the present invention has been devised.
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Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a keg
protection
assembly comprising at least one of:
a top-chime for protecting a head portion of a plastics keg;
a bottom-chime for protecting a base portion of the keg; and
a sleeve for fitment to and between the top-chime and the bottom-chime so as
to encircle and protect a body portion of the keg between the head portion and
the
base portion.
Advantageously, as different parts of the keg can be protected via different
components, the construction of those components can be adapted for
proportionate
protection of the relevant part of the keg. For example, the top-chime and/or
bottom-
chime can made relative more robust and hard-wearing than the sleeve, so as to
protect the head and base portions of the keg which are likely to be more
susceptible
to damage. By contrast, the sleeve can be made more lightweight, from a less
expensive material and via a less complicated manufacturing process.
Furthermore, the multi-part assembly is easily and cheaply customisable for
different
products, such as different brands of beer. For example, it is possible to use
the same
type of top-chime and bottom-chime for different products; only the sleeve
need be
marked differently to denote the brand of beverage within the keg.
Preferably, the top-chime is arranged to hold a neck of the keg.
Generally, the neck of the keg is thicker than the other parts of the keg ¨ as
is typically
the case with most stretch blow-moulded kegs. Thus, the neck represents a
secure
region of the keg to which the top-chime can be attached. Also, as the neck is
a
relatively stiffer and smaller part of the keg, any forces imparted to the
neck are less
likely to deform the keg.
Furthermore, the top-chime holding the neck of the keg is conducive to
providing
access to the outlet of the keg ¨ thereby allowing beverage to be dispensed
whilst the
top-chime is connected to the keg.
The top-chime may be arranged to provide access to an outlet defined by the
neck of
the keg, thereby allowing beverage to be dispensed from the keg whilst the top-
chime
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holds the neck of the keg. Specifically, the top-chime may be arranged to hold
the
neck of the keg so that the outlet of the keg is external to the combined keg
protection
assembly. Thus, the outlet of the keg can be readily accessible, whereas the
rest of
the keg can be encased and protected.
5
Preferably, the top-chime is arranged to releasably embrace and engage a neck
of the
keg at the head portion of the keg.
Advantageously, as the top-chime is releasably engagable, it allows the top-
chime to
be reused repeatedly without damage to the top-chime or the kegs to which the
top-
chime may be fitted. Therefore, the top-chime, and the assembly in general,
can be
swapped between an empty keg to be recycled and a heavy filled keg to be
manually
handled.
Preferably, the sleeve is securable to at least one of the top-chime and
bottom-chime
via a push-fit engagement. This simplifies assembly.
Preferably, an upper region of the sleeve is arranged to be received within
the top-
chime. Preferably, a lower region of the sleeve is arranged to be received
within the
bottom-chime. Thus, when assembled, the top-chime and bottom-chime extend
radially beyond the sleeve. Advantageously, this facilitates handling and
obviates
damage to the body of the keg which is protected by the radially-inner sleeve.
Nonetheless, a central region of the sleeve between the upper region and lower
region
can remain unobstructed by the top-chime and bottom-chime, allowing the sleeve
to
support indicia such as branding.
Preferably, the top-chime and bottom-chime define respective wheel portions on
which
the assembly can be rolled when in a rolling orientation. Ideally, the rolling
orientation
of the assembly is transverse to a standing orientation of the assembly.
Ideally, the
assembly is in a rolling orientation when tipped onto its side. Ideally, the
wheel
portions are axially spaced from one another. Advantageously, this ensures
that a keg
weight can be distributed between the two wheel portions. Furthermore, during
a
rolling action, the sleeve between the axially-spaced wheels can be raised
away from
the ground, protecting the keg within the sleeve. Furthermore, this
arrangement
reduces the rolling resistance between the assembly and the ground, easing
handling.
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Preferably, at least one of the top-chime and bottom-chime comprises a sleeve
holder
arranged to receive and hold the sleeve to the respective chime. Preferably,
the
sleeve holder is arranged to detachably attach the sleeve to the respective
chime.
Preferably, the sleeve holder is integrally formed with the respective top-
chime and/or
bottom-chime.
Preferably, the sleeve holder defines a circumferential groove into which the
sleeve
can be inserted and held. The sleeve holder may comprise a radially inner
portion for
supporting a radially inwardly-facing wall of the sleeve and a radially outer
portion for
supporting a radially outwardly-facing wall of the sleeve. Ideally, the
radially inner and
outer portions of the sleeve holder cooperate to support and retain a sleeve
inserted
therebetween. Preferably, the radially inner and outer portions of the sleeve
holder
together define the circumferential groove.
Preferably, the sleeve holder is arranged to facilitate fitment of the sleeve
into the
sleeve holder by guiding the sleeve into registration with the sleeve holder
during
insertion of the sleeve into the sleeve holder. Preferably, the sleeve holder
defines a
mouth open to guide the sleeve along a sleeve insertion path ending at a
terminus.
Preferably, the sleeve insertion path narrows from the mouth to the terminus.
Preferably, the sleeve holder comprises a first set of engagement structures
for
engaging with the sleeve to secure the sleeve to the respective chime.
Preferably, the
sleeve comprises a second set of engagement structures complementarily
positioned
and formed relative to the first set of engagement structures to allow mutual
engagement between the first and second set of engagement structures when the
sleeve is fitted to the sleeve holder.
Preferably the sleeve is constructed from a material having a lower density
than the
material from which the top-chime and/or bottom-chime are constructed.
Preferably,
the top-chime and bottom-chime are each constructed predominantly from a
plastics
material. Preferably, the top-chime and bottom-chime, or parts thereof, are
injection
moulded from a plastics material such a HDPE (high density polyethylene).
Preferably, the sleeve is formed from a sheet material. Preferably, the second
set of
engagement structures are defined by holes provided in the sheet material.
Preferably, the first set of engagement structures of the sleeve holder are
arranged to
fit into the holes provided in the sheet material, thereby securing the sleeve
and the
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respective chime to one another. Preferably, the first set of engagement
structures are
arranged to snap-fit into the holes provided in the sheet material.
Advantageously, this
facilitates fitting of the sleeve to one and/or both of the top- and bottom-
chimes; they
can be simply pushed together to connect them to one another. This simplifies
assembly.
Preferably, the components of the keg protection assembly (which may include
the
keg) substantially share a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the neck of the keg
lies along
the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the keg and/or the neck of the keg is
substantially
rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the top-chime,
the
bottom-chime and/or the sleeve comprise a major axis about which they are
substantially rotationally symmetric. Ideally, when the keg protection
assembly is
assembled to a keg, the major axes of the top-chime, the bottom-chime and/or
the
sleeve are aligned with one another, and preferably are aligned with the
longitudinal
axis of the keg. Ideally, the sleeve is connected to the top-chime and/or the
bottom-
chime by aligning their respective axes and urging them together.
Preferably, the sleeve is formed from a sheet material looped onto itself.
Moreover,
the sleeve may be formed from the sheet material looped onto itself to connect
opposed seam ends of the sheet material to one another. Thus, the sleeve may
comprise a seam at the junction of the seam ends.
Preferably, the sheet is formed from a unitary piece of material. Ideally, the
sheet
material is a flat or planar sheet material. Advantageously, this facilitates
the
application of indicia such as instructions and/or branding onto the surface
of the
sleeve; such indicia may simply be printed directly onto the sheet material
prior to it
being looped to form the sleeve.
Accordingly, the sleeve may comprise an outer surface onto which indicia is
printed.
Specifically, the sleeve may be formed from a sheet material having a printed
surface
printed with indicia, the printed surface corresponding to an outwardly-facing
surface of
the sleeve.
Preferably, the sleeve is of substantially regular cross-section. Preferably,
the sleeve
is substantially of circular cross section; thus the sleeve is tube-like in
shape.
Advantageously, this eases handling of the keg protection assembly, especially
if the
assembly is to be rolled as a traditional keg would be. Further, the tube-like
shape of
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the sleeve minimises material wastage as it can closely conform to the
substantially
cylindrical body of the keg within.
Preferably, the sleeve is constructed from a corrugated sheet material.
Ideally, said
sheet material comprises two major leaves held apart by cross-links.
Advantageously,
this arrangement provides additional protection to the keg, and can also
provide
additional rigidity to the keg assembly that is more lightweight and
inexpensive than a
sleeve of similar thickness, constructed from a solid material. It will be
understood
that, in the present context, the thickness of the corrugated sheet material
is typically
the spacing between the two major leaves.
Ideally, the major leaves are substantially planar when the sheet material is
laid flat.
The major leaves are ideally curved or bent around a longitudinal axis of the
keg
protection assembly when the sheet material forms the sleeve.
Preferably, the top-chime comprises jaws movable between open and closed
relative
positions, the jaws together defining a collar when in the closed position to
embrace
and engage a neck at the head portion of the keg, and being parted to release
the
neck of the keg when in the open position.
Preferably, the top-chime is divided into first and second parts each part
having a
respective jaw of the collar. Preferably, the parts are substantially
identical.
Preferably, the jaws comprise an interface through which they are engaged with
one
another in the closed position. Preferably, the interface comprises mating
formations
which engage with one another when the jaws are brought together relative to
one
another along an engagement axis. Preferably, the mating formations are
arranged to
constrain relative movement of the jaws, when in the closed position,
substantially to
the engagement axis. Preferably, the engagement axis is transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the assembly.
Preferably, the top-chime comprises one or more locks arranged to engage with
the
jaws when in the closed position, to lock the closed jaws together.
Preferably, the
locks restrain the jaws against movement along the engagement axis, thereby
locking
the jaws together. Preferably, the one or more locks are arranged to straddle
the jaws,
linking the jaws together.
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Preferably, the jaws are movable by translation between the closed and open
positions.
Preferably, the top-chime comprises a top-wall by which the collar is defined,
the top-
wall surmounting radially extending webs, the webs having an underside
contoured to
complement and be cooperable with a dome surface of the keg surrounding the
neck.
Preferably, the top-chime comprises a crown portion. Preferably, the crown
portion is
upstanding from the top-wall. Preferably, the webs join the top-wall and the
crown
portion.
Preferably, the crown portion extends above the collar at a distance exceeding
the
distance that the neck of the keg is able to protrude through the collar when
it is closed
around the keg neck. Advantageously, the crown portion can therefore protect
the
neck of the keg from damage without restricting access to it. The crown
portion may
define at least one handle to facilitate manual handling of the assembly. The
crown
portion may define a handle opening.
Ideally, the crown portion defines a pair of handle openings. Ideally, the
handle
openings are defined in the crown portion at diametrically opposed positions.
Ideally, the top-chime and the bottom-chime are complementary in shape so as
to
facilitate stacking of a plurality of the assemblies according to the first
aspect of the
present invention. Moreover, the complementary shape of the top-chime and the
bottom-chime confine the relative movement between two stacked assemblies
along a
single axis.
Preferably, the keg protection assembly comprises the keg.
Preferably, the sleeve, top-chime and bottom-chime, when fitted together,
define an
outer protective shell for substantially encasing and protecting the keg.
Advantageously, as the inner keg and the outer shell are separate components,
the
assembly can more safely be used for storing, transporting and dispensing of
beverages. In contrast with prior-known one-piece containers, even if the
protective
shell is damaged or cracked, this does not lead to the leakage of beverage
from the
inner keg. Additionally, the assembly as a whole can be made to be lighter
than
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single-walled containers which have over-engineered walls. As less material is
used in
the present assembly, then its cost is also proportionally reduced.
Furthermore, the independence of the outer shell and inner keg has other
benefits. As
5 the shell can be assembled to and disassembled from the inner keg, the
outer shell
can be replaced independently of the inner keg. This reduces the cost of
realising a
longer service life of the assembly, especially if the assembly is to be
reused as part of
a "two-way" beverage distribution system ¨ i.e. one where the assembly is
returned to
a beverage supplier to be refilled.
Another advantage is that the shape of the inner keg and that of the shell can
be
independent of one another. For example, the inner keg may be bulbous in
shape,
whereas the outer shell can be of a more traditional barrel or keg shape so
that the
assembly has a whole can be easily handled and stacked. It will be understood
that an
inner keg having a bulbous or broadly spheroidal shape can be advantageous in
the
present context as such a shape is better suited for withstanding the high
internal
super-atmospheric pressures necessary for the dispensing of beverages such as
draught beer. Furthermore, smooth internal sidewalls without any sharp
junctions
make the inner keg easier to clean and sanitise properly so that it can be
safely
reused.
Preferably, the shell is opaque so as to protect a light sensitive beverage
within the keg
which may, on the other hand, be transparent or translucent. Advantageously,
if the
keg is transparent or translucent, disassembly of the shell from the keg
allows a user to
the gauge the quantity and nature of the beverage inside the keg.
Preferably, the keg is blow-moulded from a preform of plastics. Optionally,
the keg is
formed from an integral piece of plastics material. Ideally, the keg is formed
from an
integral piece of stretch blow-moulded plastics material. Ideally the material
is a
polymer material ¨ for example polyesters, such as polyethylene napthalate
(PEN),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and others; polyolefin; polyamide (nylon);
polyactide
or any combination of these. In order to protect the contents of the keg from
destructive radiation, such as sunlight, the keg may be coloured.
Ideally, the assembly is intended to be a replacement for a standard beer keg.
Thus,
the assembly ideally needs to be capable of withstanding relatively high
internal super-
atmospheric pressure. Specifically, it is preferred that the assembly and/or
keg is
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capable of regularly being subject to internal operating pressures of 0.5 to
3.5 bar.
Ideally, for safety, the assembly and/or keg is capable of withstand internal
pressures
as high as 7 to 9 bar.
Additionally, whilst standard beer kegs come in a variety of forms and
capacities, it is
considered that the ideal capacity of the keg should be between 10 and 60
litres. More
preferably, the capacity of the keg is between 15 and 50 litres.
More preferably, the capacity of the keg is between 20 and 40 litres.
Most preferably, the capacity of the keg is between 25 and 35 litres.
It will be understood that stretch blow-moulded plastics containers are
typically used
for the storing and transporting of relatively small quantities of liquid. For
example,
containers having a volume of a few litres are common in the consumer drinks
industry. However, the manufacture and use of large volume plastics containers
is
more problematic. One reason for this is that it is difficult to perfect the
stretch blow-
moulding of plastics containers, especially those having large volumes that
are
commonly used in the beer industry (i.e. around 20-70 litres). Specifically,
it is difficult
to control the crystallisation temperature of stretch blow-moulded plastics
containers of
this size. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that containers of
this size,
when filled with liquid, are very heavy and so need to be provided with
relatively
complicated structures that facilitate their practical use ¨ for example,
handles and
stacking formations. Even for relatively small containers, plastics such as
PEN and
PET are difficult to reliably stretch blow-mould to define such complicated
structures,
and so there has always been a prejudiced towards the use of HDPE as a
material for
large containers.
However, when combined with a tough outer shell, it is possible to realise a
number of
benefits that relatively thin-walled, stretch blow-moulded PEN or PET
containers have
over HDPE containers. For example, PEN and PET kegs can more easily be made
transparent or translucent. This can be useful for determining the level of
liquid
remaining in the keg. Furthermore, the internal walls of an keg made from
stretch
blow-moulded PEN or PET can be made to be smoother at a microscopic level than
HDPE. Advantageously, this makes it easier to wash the interior of the keg.
It will be noted that whilst PEN is more expensive and difficult to stretch
blow-mould
than PET, it has properties that can make it suited for the present
application,
especially where washing and reuse of the assembly is intended. For example,
PEN is
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more chemically stable than PET and so is more resistant to washing using
harsh
cleaning fluids. PEN is less likely to retain traces of liquids it comes into
contact with,
and so is less likely to impart undesirable odours or flavours when refilled
with
beverage. PEN is also more resilient than PET to relatively high cleaning
temperatures (typically around 75-85 degrees Celsius, but as high as 125
degrees
Celsius). PET tends to start to deform at 60 degrees Celsius. Thus, where
reuse of
the keg is envisaged, PEN is preferred. Where the keg is to be discarded after
use,
PET is preferred.
Ideally, the keg is relatively thin-walled. Specifically, a body portion of
the keg
preferably has a sidewall thickness of about 0.3 - 0.8mm, more preferably 0.4-
0.7mm,
most preferably about 0.5mm. This lends itself to the lightweight construction
and low
cost of the keg.
The thin-walled keg is preferably provided with a barrier against oxygen and
carbon
dioxide in order to prevent these gases from diffuse into and out of the keg.
To prolong
the shelf life of the product contained in the keg, an oxygen barrier is an
important
factor in order to prevent oxygen from diffusing into the keg. Also, if the
contents of the
keg are carbonated it is important for the contents to stay carbonated for the
expected
shelf life, which is facilitated by the provision of a carbon dioxide barrier.
If the keg were to be constructed of PET, these barriers can be achieved with
known
multilayer techniques including a combination of polyester and polyamide with
optional
additional scavengers, and/or by doping the keg material with metal ions, such
as
cobalt, iron, nickel, copper, manganese, etc, as described for instance in the
documents EP-B-429,476; EP-B-427,751; EP-B-527,902 and EP-B-527,903; and
preferably by blend techniques. An example of a blend technique is when a keg
material such as PET is blended with another material, such as polyamide,
carrying a
scavenger. This technique generally does not provide as good barrier
properties as the
multilayer techniques, but is less costly. The barrier can also be provided in
the form
of coatings, such as lacquers and/or silicon oxide. Lacquers are generally
applied to
the outer surface of the keg and silicon oxide to the inner surface, the
latter in a plasma
coating process. If silicon oxide is used on the inside this inhibits the use
of scavengers
in the actual keg, and in this case scavengers are added to the other
components
within the keg such as tubes or fittings as will be discussed. Even if the keg
is filled
with great precaution, it is likely that a small amount of oxygen will be
present, and
added scavengers will take care of this. Because of their properties,
scavengers are
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often referred to as being an "active" barrier as opposed to "passive"
barriers such as a
lacquer. Barriers are generally also provided to inhibit "diffusion" into or
out of the keg
of steam, radiation, such as UV-radiation, and aroma.
A keg constructed of PEN has better barrier properties than PET. Accordingly,
it is
possible to produce the keg from PEN having the gas and UV light barriers
without
necessarily using the above techniques. Furthermore, as the natural barriers
provided
by PEN are passive barriers, they are not depleted as active barriers would do
over the
lifecycle of the keg.
Ideally, the keg is freestanding and self-supporting, even when full and/or
pressurised.
Advantageously, this means that the keg can be placed standing upright without
any
support. This aids the manufacturing and refurbishment of the assembly, and
allows
the keg to be connected to a standard filling or dispensing system without the
support
of the shell. Thus, as the keg is freestanding it does not necessarily need to
be
encased by the outer shell at all times.
To this end, the keg ideally comprises a petaloid base as described in the
Applicant's
United Kingdom Patent No. 2479451 and applications and patents derived from
the
Applicant's International (PCT) Patent Application No. PCT/EP2011/055383.
In line with the disclosure of these documents, the base may have a spheroidal
underlying base contour and a plurality of spheroidal foot formations that
interrupt and
project from the underlying base contour to define a corresponding plurality
of feet. As
the feet are spheroidal, it will be understood that their contact with a
planar surface on
which the petaloid base can rest is via a convex surface. Preferably
therefore, contact
between a given foot and that planar surface is via a point on the curved
surface of that
foot.
To maximise the capacity and strength of the keg while minimising material
usage, the
underlying base contour is preferably substantially hemispherical. The contour
may, for
example, be that of an oblate spheroid whose polar axis coincides with a
central axis of
the base of the keg. For similar reasons, the foot formations are suitably
elongate,
such as partial ellipsoids or prolate spheroids. Preferably, the foot
formations are ovoid
(partially egg-shaped), in which case the contact points of the feet are most
conveniently defined by the widest part of the cross-section of each foot
formation
being offset inwardly toward an inner end of the foot formation. In other
words, the foot
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formations taper to a greater extent at their radially outer portions than
their radially
inner portions with respect to the central axis of the base.
Preferably, the base comprises formations, such as foot formations, whose
shapes are
substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis. For example, shapes such
as
spheroids, ellipsoids and ovoids that define the foot formations are
preferably
substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis. Advantageously, if these
shapes
that form the base are rotationally symmetrical, the material used to form
these
structures can be minimised. At the same time the internal capacity of the
base, as well
as its strength can be maximised.
To define feet with minimal usage of material, the elongate foot formations
preferably
have respective longitudinal axes, which axes lie in planes extending radially
from a
central axis of the base. Those axes of the foot formations suitably extend
outwardly
and upwardly in conical relation from the central axis of the base.
Each foot formation may have an elliptical, preferably ovate intersection with
the
underlying base contour. To reduce stress concentration, the intersection is
preferably
of concave cross section.
To strengthen the base, the foot formations preferably radiate from a central
strengthening formation. That strengthening formation may be approximately
polygonal, with a number of sides corresponding to the number of foot
formations.
The foot formations are suitably separated by valleys that may, for example,
radiate
from apices of the polygonal protrusion. To minimise material usage, the
valleys
preferably widen moving outwardly across the base. Each valley may, for
example,
have an inner and an outer section and the walls of the valley may diverge
more
sharply in the outer section than in the inner section. However, the walls of
the valley
may diverge in both the inner and the outer sections of the valley.
In plan view, each foot formation may have an enlarged central region from
which the
foot formation tapers inwardly across an inner portion to an inner end. In
that case, the
inner portions of the foot formations suitably lie in segmented relation
around the base.
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To minimise material usage, it is preferred that in plan view, each foot
formation tapers
from the enlarged central region outwardly across an outer portion to an outer
end of
the foot formation.
5 Other features and advantages of the petaloid base are disclosed in
documents GB
2479451 and PCT/EP2011/055383 which are incorporated by reference herein to
the
extent permitted by applicable law.
It should be noted that, in alternatives, the keg may not be freestanding,
instead having
10 a hemispheroidal base. Such an alternative presents advantages such as
being
simpler to manufacture, providing the keg with a higher volume for a given
amount of
material, improving cleaning results and allowing the keg to better withstand
higher
internal super-atmospheric pressures.
15 As described, whilst there are reasons why the inner keg and outer shell
may need to
be separated from one another during their respective lifecycle, this is not
always
convenient. Accordingly, it is preferred that the shell is structured to
provide access to
an outlet of the inner keg to allow beverage dispensing whilst the shell is
assembled
around the inner keg. Advantageously, it is not necessary to change the
configuration
of the assembly in dependence on whether the assembly is being used to store,
transport or dispense beverages. This is because the shell provides access to
the
inner keg's outlet even when the shell is assembled around the inner keg. Thus
the
shell does not need to be removed or reconfigured when the assembly is being
filled
with beverages or during the dispensing of beverages.
Preferably, the shell broadly defines an internal cavity within which the keg
is
substantially retained. Ideally, the cavity supports and substantially
conforms to the
shape of the keg. Advantageously, this improves the connection between the
shell
and the keg.
Advantageously, when the keg comprises a freestanding base, this further
facilitates
the assembly and disassembly. For example, when the keg connected to the top-
chime is lifted free of the sleeve and bottom-chime, it can subsequently be
set down
onto the ground to rest on its freestanding base. A user can then complete the
disassembly procedure without having to support the weight of the keg (and the
weight
of any liquid within it).
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Ideally, the neck of the keg is substantially cylindrical in shape and is
aligned with a
central longitudinal axis of the keg. Advantageously, the cylindrical shape of
the neck
can facilitate the connection of the top-chime to the keg regardless of the
orientation of
keg neck about its longitudinal axis.
It should be noted that, due to a degree of flexibility in the plastics
material from which
the keg is constructed, there may be a difference in the shape and volume of
the keg
depending on how full the keg is with liquid, and whether the keg is
pressurised; the
fuller and more pressurised the keg, the larger the volume occupied. Ideally,
the
relative sizing between the internal space defined by the outer shell and the
outer
volume occupied by the keg should be such that accommodates for the expansion
of
the keg during filling and pressurisation.
Moreover, the expansion should be accommodated so that when the keg is full
with
liquid, the keg is loosely retained within the outer shell. In other words,
the external
surfaces of the full keg should not press against the confronting internal
surfaces of the
outer shell. This is so that a user can easily disassemble the shell from the
keg.
However, in certain aspects, and under certain circumstances - such as when
there is
sufficient super-atmospheric pressure within the keg ¨ it may be beneficial
for the keg
may bear against the parts of the outer shell (notably, the sleeve) allowing
some of the
internal pressure to be supported by those parts. Advantageously, this can
constitute
a safety feature, preventing disassembly of the assembly and so removal or
exposure
of the pressurised keg.
Preferably, the assembly comprises a fitting for connecting the keg to a
filling or
dispense head for filling or dispensing beverage from the keg. Accordingly,
the fitting
may be arranged for fitment over the outlet of the keg.
Ideally, the fitting comprises a closure for connection to the outlet of the
keg. Ideally,
the fitting comprises an elongate tube (or spear) for insertion into the keg,
the elongate
tube having an inner conduit for beverage. Preferably, when fitted to the keg,
an inner
end of the elongate tube is located adjacent to the base of the keg for
passing
beverage from said inner end, through said conduit and to the closure for
dispensing.
Preferably, the closure comprises a valve that defines multiple flow paths
through the
closure, a first flow path for communication with a headspace of the keg and a
second
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flow path for communication with the inner conduit of the elongate tube. Thus,
during
filling, the assembly or keg can be inverted and beverage can be injected via
a first
flow path while displaced gas can exit the keg through the closure via a
second flow
path. Conversely, during dispensing, a propellant gas (typically nitrogen or
carbon
dioxide) can be injected into the keg through the closure via the first flow
path to force
beverage out of the keg through the closure along the second flow path.
Preferably,
the closure has concentric valve elements and concentric flow paths.
Preferably, the
closure is sized and arranged as a "flat-type" closure. Accordingly, it is
compatible with
standard filling and dispensing heads, for example those intended for use with
standard "flat-type" closures. Naturally, arrangements and compatibilities
with other
closures types are possible ¨ e.g. Well-type closures. Preferably, the valve
is biased in
the closing direction. This makes it possible to apply the valve to the keg
before filling
the keg and makes the use of an additional transportation lid redundant.
The assembly may comprise a sealing member to be fitted between the fitting
and the
neck of the keg so that the fitting and neck can be sealed to one another.
Preferably, the neck of the keg and the fitting comprise complementary
connection
formations which allow connection between the fitting and the neck of the keg.
Ideally
the connection formations are arranged to crush the sealing member between the
fitting and the neck of the keg so that, when so connected, the fitting and
neck are
sealed to one another. A first connection formation of the fitting may
comprise a snap-
ring. A second connection formation of the neck of the keg may comprise a
ridge.
Ideally, the snap-ring is arranged to snap-fit over the ridge.
Further aspects of the present invention may be provided by component features
of the
first aspect of the present invention. For example, further aspects may be
provided in
a top-chime, a bottom-chime, a sleeve, a keg, a fitting and/or a sealing
member for use
in conjunction with a keg protection assembly according to the first aspect of
the
present invention. The same principle applies to sub-components; for example,
a
further aspect may be provided in a part or jaw of the top-chime.
Moreover, features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect of
the
present invention may be incorporated or substituted into other aspects of the
present
invention where context allows.
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Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
when
considering the specific embodiments of the present invention which are
described
below, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keg protection assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprising
a top-chime, a bottom-chime, a sleeve and a keg, the outline of the sleeve
shown laid over the other components of keg protection assembly;
Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the keg of the assembly of Figure 1,
the
keg shown in isolation;
Figure 3 is an underneath view of the keg of the assembly of Figure 1, the keg
shown in isolation;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fitting for the assembly of Figure 1, the
fitting
shown in isolation;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 shown without the
keg, shown without a jaw of the top-chime and with the sleeve shown in
transparent form;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime of the assembly of Figure
1,
the top-chime shown in isolation;
Figure 8a is an overhead view of two jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of
Figure 1, the jaws being parted, and shown in isolation;
Figure 8b is an underneath view of the jaws of Figure 7, the jaws being
closed.
Figure 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly
of
Figure 1 shown without the keg;
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Figure 9a is an enlarged partial perspective view of Figure 9 at an upper
region
of the sleeve where it meets the top-chime;
Figure 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of Figure 9 at a lower
region
of the sleeve where it meets the bottom-chime;
Figure 10a is a perspective underneath view of one of jaws of the top-chime of
the assembly of Figure 1, the jaw shown in isolation;
Figure 10b is a partial perspective view of one of the jaws of the top-chime
of
the assembly of Figure 1 fitted to the keg, the top-chime and keg shown in
isolation;
Figure 11 is a perspective overhead view of the keg and bottom-chime of the
assembly of Figure 1, the keg shown in outline form;
Figure 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of a clip-receiving region of
a
jaw of the top-chime of the assembly of Figure 1, the jaw shown in isolation;
Figure 13 is a partial front view of the clip-receiving region of the jaw
shown in
Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a partial perspective front view of the clip-receiving region of
the
jaw shown in Figures 12 and 13, a locking clip provided in place at the clip-
receiving region;
Figure 15 is a perspective front view of the clip as shown in Figure 14, the
clip
shown in isolation;
Figure 16 is an underneath view of the clip of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is an underneath perspective view of the keg protection assembly of
Figure 1; and
Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of two assemblies of the type
shown
in Figure 1 aligned for stacking.
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Specific Description
Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keg protection assembly 1
according
5 to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly 1 being suitable
for storing,
transporting and dispensing of beverages such as beer. The assembly 1 may be
used
as part of a "two-way" beverage distribution system in which the assembly 1 is
filled
with beverage, sent to a beverage retailer for beverage dispensing and then
returned
for washing and refilling. Alternatively, the assembly may be used as part of
a "one-
10 way" beverage distribution system in which the assembly is recycled,
with the different
materials and components of the assembly 1 being easily separated to
facilitate
recycling.
The assembly 1 comprises a thin-walled translucent keg 10 for containing beer,
a top-
15 chime 30 for protecting a head portion 15 of the keg 10, a bottom-chime
40 for
protecting a base portion 14 of the keg 10, and a sleeve 20 for protect a body
portion
13 of the keg 10 between the head portion 15 and the base portion 14. The
sleeve 20,
top-chime 30 and bottom-chime 40 fit together to effectively define an opaque
protection shell around the keg 10. This shell encases most of the keg 10,
leaving only
20 a cylindrical neck 12 of the keg 10 accessible. The neck 12 defines an
outlet 11
through which beer can be pumped into or out from the keg 10. Therefore, the
assembly 1 can be used to store, transport and dispense beer without the need
for the
keg 10 to be separated from the rest of the assembly 1. The assembly 1 also
comprises other components as will be described further below, such as a
fitting and a
sealing 0-ring which are omitted from Figure 1.
The keg 10 is constructed from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is
stretch blow-
moulded from a preform. The top-chime 30 and bottom-chime 40 are constructed
from
injection-moulded HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The sleeve 20 is
constructed
from a corrugated polypropylene sheet material. In alternatives, other such
lightweight
materials may be used. For example, the keg 10 may be constructed from other
plastics materials suitable for containing beverages, such as PEN
(polyethylene
naphthalate).
The body portion 13 of the keg 10 is substantially cylindrical, having a
circular
horizontal section, the radius of that circle extending orthogonally from a
central
longitudinal axis X. The central longitudinal axis X extends centrally through
the base
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portion 14 of the keg 10 below the body portion 13, and the dome-shaped head
portion
15 of the keg 10 above the body portion 13. The keg is thin-walled, with the
side-wall
of the body portion 13 being approximately 0.5mm in thickness. The capacity of
the
keg is approximately 30 litres. In alternatives, the keg may have a different
capacity,
but will typically be between 15 and 42 litres as is convenient for beer kegs.
Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the keg 10 in isolation, and Figure
3 shows
an underneath view of the keg 10 in isolation. As can be seen, the base
portion 14 of
the keg 10 comprises a self-standing petaloid base 14a which includes
integrally-
moulded blister-like feet disposed in a petaloid arrangement. The feet are
defined by
five hollow ovoid foot formations 14b that radiate equi-angularly from a
generally
pentagonal central strengthening formation 14c on the longitudinal axis X.
Therefore,
the keg 10 can self-stand upright, with its longitudinal axis X normal to the
ground.
Advantageously, this minimises the floor-space occupied by the keg.
The features and advantages of such a petaloid base 14a are described in
further
detail in the Applicant's United Kingdom Patent No. 2479451 and applications
and
patents derived from the Applicant's International (PCT) Patent Application
No.
PCT/EP2011/055383. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated by
reference herein to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the head portion 15 of the keg 10 is
surmounted by
the neck 12, the neck 12 supporting a lower circumferential ridge 16a and an
upper
circumferential ridge 16b each of which protrudes radially outward from a
cylindrical
exterior surface of the neck 12. The top-chime 30 of the assembly 1 is secured
to the
neck 12 of the keg 10 axially below the lower circumferential ridge 16a as
will
described.
For the avoidance of doubt, hereinafter, reference to an axially upward
direction
corresponds to a direction from the base portion 14 of the keg 10 upwards
towards the
neck 12 and an axially downward direction corresponds to a direction from the
neck 12
of the keg 10 downward towards the base portion 14. The same directions and
orientations apply to the other components of the assembly 1 on the assumption
that
they are fitted to the keg 10 with their respective longitudinal axes X
aligned as shown
in Figure 1.
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The keg 10 is generally rotationally symmetric about longitudinal axis X, by
order five.
The base portion 14 and the cylindrical body portion 13 are joined via a first
transition
portion that curves smoothly without any distinct discontinuities from the
base portion
14 to the body portion 13. A second smoothly curving transition portion joins
the body
portion 13 to the head portion 15 of the keg 10. The smooth contours of the
keg 10
facilitate washing of the interior of the keg prior to refilling it with
beverage.
Furthermore, the smooth contours improve the pressure resistance of the keg 10
which
is typically subject to a super-atmospheric dispensing pressure, as is common
in the
draught beverage dispensing industry. Specifically, the keg 10 is likely to be
regularly
subject to internal operating pressures of 0.5 to 3.5 bar, and for safety, the
keg 10
should be capable of withstand internal pressures as high as 7 to 9 bar.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fitting 80 for the assembly 1 of Figure
1, the
fitting shown in isolation. The fitting 80 comprises a closure 81 arranged to
be fitted to
the neck 12 of the keg 10, and a dip-tube or spear 82. The closure 81
comprises a
snap-ring 81a that resiliently engages the upper circumferential ridge 16b of
the neck
12 of the keg 10. When the closure 81 is fitted to the keg 10, the spear 82 is
located
inside the keg 10 and extends from the closure 81 along the longitudinal axis
X to the
base portion 14 of the keg 10. In this position, an open end 83 of the spear
82 is
positioned a few millimetres away from internal floor of the keg 10 at the
base portion
14. Accordingly, and together with the upright orientation of the standing
keg, the
amount of beverage extractable from the keg 10 via the spear 82 can be
maximised.
The assembly 1 further comprises an 0-ring sealing member (not shown) that is
captured between the neck 12 of the keg 10 and the fitting 80 for sealing.
The snap-ring 81a ensures that after the fitting 80 has been attached to the
neck 12 of
the keg 10, it cannot be removed again without rendering tamper-evidencing
damage
to the fitting 80.
As mentioned, the neck 12 of the keg 10 to which the fitting 80 is attached
remains
accessible, even when the keg protection assembly 1 is fully assembled. Thus,
the
fitting 80 can be readily accessed to receive a dispense head or a filling
head for use in
extracting or filling the keg 10 with beverage. As is known, for draught
beverages such
as beer, the dispensing head introduces a pressurised gas into the headspace
of the
keg 10 to propel the beverage within the keg 10 through the open end 93 of the
spear
82, up and out of the keg 10, via the dispensing head to a beer font.
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Figure 5 is perspective overhead view of the assembly 1 of Figure 1. The top-
chime
30 comprises a first jaw 30a and second jaw 30b. These pair of jaws 30a, 30b
are
shown in Figure 5 assembled together to define a collar that engages the neck
12 of
the keg 10, the collar being trapped axially below the lower circumferential
ridge 16a.
First and second locking clips 31a, 31b secure the jaws 30a, 30b together as
will be
described in greater detail below.
Figure 6 is a similar perspective view as shown in Figure 5. However, the
second jaw
30b and the second locking clip 31b of the top-chime 30 are omitted, and the
sleeve 20
is shown in transparent form to allow viewing of the interior of the bottom-
chime 40
which would otherwise be obscured.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime 30 of the assembly of
Figure 1, the
top-chime 30 shown in isolation. The cross-section is taken along a plane
parallel to,
but offset from the longitudinal axis, as represented by section line VII-VII
in Figure 8a.
Figure 8a is an overhead view of two jaws 30a, 30b of the top-chime 30 of the
assembly 1 of Figure 1, the jaws shown in isolation and being parted from one
another.
Figure 8b is an underneath view of the jaws 30a, 30b of Figure 7, the jaws
being
closed to define the collar. Figure 8a and 8b do not show the locking clips
31a, 31b.
Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the assembled top-chime 30 comprises a broadly
annular
top-wall 32 centred on the central longitudinal axis X and which extends
radially
outward from that axis X. The collar is effectively defined by the central
opening of the
annular top-wall 32. The central opening is smaller than the radially-
protruding
circumferential ridge 16b around the neck 15 of the keg 10. Therefore, when
the collar
is trapped between the ridge 16b and the head portion 15 of the keg 10, the
top-chime
is secured to the keg 10 as shown in Figure 1.
30 Referring to Figure 7, the top-wall 32 is not completely flat, but
rather is gently domed
so that the top-wall 32 is axially higher adjacent the radially inner collar
than at the
radially outer periphery of the top-wall 32. At the periphery of the top-wall
32, it joins
with a cylindrical inner side-wall 33, the inner side-wall 33 extending
axially upwards
from it. The inner side-wall 33 flares radially outwards at its axially-
uppermost
extremity to join smoothly to a flat axially upwardly-facing annular shoulder
34 which
acts as a stable support surface when the keg protection assembly 1 is stood
in an
inverted position.
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The shoulder 34 transitions at it radially outermost position into an outer
side-wall 35
which tapers gently outward as it extends axially downward from the shoulder
34,
extending axially below the top-wall 32.
The inner and outer side-walls 33, 35 are spaced from one another
concentrically and
together with the shoulder 34 form a crown portion which encircles and
protects the
exposed neck 12 of the keg 10 as shown in Figure 5. Two passages 37, 38
located at
diametrically opposed positions about the crown portion extend through from
the inner
side-wall to the outer side-wall 33, 35. Each passage 37, 38 has a respective
frame
37a, 38a bridging the void between the inner and outer side-walls 33, 35.
The passages 37, 38 effectively define handle openings. Specifically, the top-
chime 30
is provided with handles axially above each passage 37, 38 which facilitate
manual
handling of the assembly 1.
Referring to Figure 8a, at these handles, the outer side-wall 35 is
interrupted by an
array of strut formations 35a which cross-link an upper part of each frame
37a, 38a,
the shoulder 34, and the inner side-wall 33. Thus, the strut formations 35a
reinforce
and impart rigidity to the handles.
Referring to Figures 1, 7 and 8b, the underside of the top-chime 30 generally
defines a
concave socket into which the dome-shaped head portion 15 of the keg 10 can be
received. VVithin this socket, twelve fins 60 radiate out from the collar to a
radially
inwardly-facing surface of the outer side-wall 35. The fins 60 lie within equi-
angularly
spaced planes extending radially from the central longitudinal axis X
originating from
the centre point of the collar. Accordingly, adjacent fins 60 are angled
approximately
thirty degrees to one another about the central longitudinal axis X, although
the
number of fins 60 and the angles between them are not essential to the
invention. The
fins 60 are also joined to the top-wall 32, the inner side-wall 33 and the
shoulder 34.
Thus, the fins 60 are reinforcing webs or flanges that strengthen the top-
chime 30 with
minimal material usage.
The underside of the fins 60 are contoured in complement with the
substantially dome-
shaped convex head portion 15 of the keg 10. Thus, if the keg protection
assembly is
stood in an inverted orientation, the weight of the keg 10 can be supported by
the fins
60, and distributed across the head portion 15.
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At their axially lower ends, each fin 60 comes away from the outer side-wall
35 to
define a slot 61. Together with the outer side-wall 35, the slots 61 define a
circumferential groove into which the sleeve can be partially inserted into
the top-chime
5 30.
Moreover, in the region of the slots 61, the fins 60 buttress a radially
inwardly-facing
wall 21 of the sleeve 20 whilst the axially lower end of the outer side-wall
35 supports a
radially outwardly-facing wall 22 of the sleeve 20.
The slots 61 are tapered inward toward a terminus 62 where each slot 61 ends
and a
respective fin 60 meets the outer side-wall 35. Thus, the circumferential
groove
narrows facilitating guiding of the sleeve 20 into place.
As seen in Figure 6 and 7, when the sleeve 20 is in place, an upper edge 23 of
the
sleeve 20 abuts each of the terminuses 62. The top-chime 30 also comprises six
stop
formations 63 protruding from the radially inwardly-facing surface of the
outer side-wall
35. The stop formations 63 also abut the upper edge 23 of the sleeve 20 when
in
place, further increasing the reliable registration between the top-chime 30
and the
sleeve 20. The stop formations 63 lie within equi-angularly spaced planes
extending
radially from the central longitudinal axis X at sixty degrees from one
another, each
stop formation 63 being spaced an equal distance from two adjacent fins 60.
Figure 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly
1 of
Figure 1 shown without the keg. The cross-section plane is along the
longitudinal axis
X, but orthogonal to the cross-section plane of Figure 1 such that the handles
are
bisected by the cross-section plane. Figure 9a is an enlarged partial
perspective view
of Figure 9 the top-chime 30 and sleeve 20 at an upper region 20a of the
sleeve 20
and Figure 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of Figure 9 showing the
bottom-
chime 40 and sleeve 20 at a lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.
As shown in Figures 6, 8b and Figure 9a, similarly distributed, and axially
below the
stop formations 63 are six engagement structures 65 of the top-chime 30 for
engaging
with the sleeve 20 so that when the sleeve 20 is inserted in to the top-chime
30, it can
be retained thereto. The engagement structures 65 marry up with
complementarily-
distributed holes 25 provided at the upper region 20a of the sleeve 20, with
the
engagement structures 65 snap-fitting therein to lock the sleeve 20 to the top-
chime 30
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when the sleeve 20 is push-fit to the top-chime 30. A similar arrangement of
holes 25
are also provided at the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.
The circumferential groove, as defined by the slots 61 and the stop formations
63, and
the engagement structures 65 thus work together as a sleeve holder for
receiving,
correctly aligning and holding the sleeve 20 to the top-chime 30.
Referring to Figure 6, the sleeve 20 is made from a unitary flat rectangular
sheet of
corrugated polypropylene that is looped back on to itself to form the
cylindrical shape
of the sleeve 20 as shown in Figure 6. Moreover, ends of the flat sheet are
bonded
together at a seam 26. To simplify manufacture, the holes 25 are punched prior
to
looping the flat sheet. Additionally, indicia such branding can be printed
onto a printing
surface of the flat sheet prior to looping it, the printing surface forming
the external,
radially outwardly-facing wall of the sleeve 20. The corrugated sheet of
polypropylene
is relatively inexpensive, and less dense than the material from which the top-
chime 30
and bottom chime 40 are constructed. The sheet has a partly hollow
construction
comprising two major leaves of polypropylene held apart by integral cross-
links. When
in place around the keg 10, the cylindrical sleeve 20 extends along and is
centred on
the longitudinal axis X.
Referring back to Figure 1, the bottom-chime 40 comprises an axially-upper
side-wall
42 surmounting and integral with an axially-lower tray portion 44. The side-
wall 42 of
the bottom-chime 40 is formed as a stack of hollow frustocones which taper
inwards
progressively towards the tray portion 44. Specifically, a first axially-upper
frustocone
42a tapers in gently towards a second axially-lower frustocone 42b having a
steeper
taper in toward and joining on to the tray portion 44. The tray portion 44 has
an outer
cylindrical wall portion 44a and an inner cylindrical wall portion 44b which
are
concentric and centred about the longitudinal axis X. These cylindrical wall
portions
44a, 44b have the same axial length, and are joined together at their axially
lowermost
extent by an axially downward-facing annular rim 44c on which the keg
protection
assembly 1 stands in an upright orientation as shown in Figure 1. The inner
cylindrical
wall portion 44b at its axially uppermost extent is capped by a disc 44d of
the tray
portion 44.
Referring to Figure 11, which is a perspective overhead view of the keg 10 and
bottom-
chime 40, the bottom-chime 40, resting on its rim 44c, effectively forms a
bowl that
cups and protects the base portion 14 of the keg 10. Thus, the bottom-chime 40
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defines defining a concave socket into which the base portion 14 of the keg 10
can be
received; this is similar to the way that the top-chime 30 receives the head
portion 15
of the keg 10.
In a similar manner, the bottom-chime 40 comprises eighteen fins 70 within the
socket,
radiating out from the disc 44d to a radially inwardly-facing surface of the
bottom-chime
side-wall 42. The fins 70 lie within equi-angularly spaced planes extending
radially
from the central longitudinal axis X originating from the centre point of the
disc 44d.
Accordingly, adjacent fins 70 are angled approximately twenty degrees to one
another
about the central longitudinal axis X, although the number of fins 70 and the
angles
between them are not essential to the invention. The fins 70 cross-link the
side-wall 42
and the tray portion 44 and so are reinforcing webs or flanges that strengthen
the
bottom-chime 40 with minimal material usage.
Referring back to Figure 1, the fins 70 are contoured in complement with the
substantially convex base portion 14 and feet 14b of the keg 10 so that the
weight of
the keg 10 can be supported by the fins 80 when the keg protection assembly 1
is
stood in an upright orientation.
Referring to Figures 9, 9a and 9b, the bottom-chime 40 supports structures
similar to
the top-chime 30 for holding and retaining the sleeve 20, and so engagement
between
the bottom-chime 40 and the sleeve 20 is similar to that of the top-chime 30
and the
sleeve 20 as described above.
In particular, each fin 70 of the bottom-chime 40 defines a slot 71, the slots
together
with the first axially-upper frustocone 42a part of the side-wall 42 defining
a
circumferential groove into which the lower region of the sleeve 20 can be
partially
inserted into the bottom-chime 40. The circumferential groove is shaped to
guide the
sleeve 20 into place. When in place, a lower edge 27 of the sleeve 20 sits
within the
groove. As the bottom-chime 40 has more fins 70 than the top-chime 30, stop
formations need not be provided on the bottom-chime 40 to achieve reliable
registration and alignment of the sleeve 20 to the bottom-chime 40.
The bottom-chime 40 comprises six engagement structures 75 for engaging with
the
complementarily-distributed holes 25 at the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.
These
work in conjunction with the fins 70 to act as a sleeve holder for receiving,
correctly
aligning and holding the sleeve 20 to the bottom-chime 40.
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The engagement structure 75 shown in Figure 9b is representative of the other
engagement structures 75 of the bottom-chime 40 in that it has a ramped
surface 75a
and a latch formation 75b. The ramped surface 75a faces in an axially upward,
radially
inward direction such that the lower edge 27 of the sleeve 20 can easily slide
past it
during insertion of the sleeve 20 into the bottom-chime 40. When the sleeve 20
is fully
inserted as shown in Figure 9b, the hole 25 frames the engagement structure 75
and
cooperates with the latch formation 75b to secure the sleeve 20 to the bottom-
chime
40.
Naturally, the engagement structures 65 of the top-chime 30 are arranged in a
similar
way. Referring to Figure 9a, a ramped surface 65a of the shown engagement
structure 65 faces in an axially downward, radially inward direction such that
the upper
edge 23 of the sleeve can easily slide past it during insertion of the sleeve
20 into the
top-chime 30. When the sleeve 20 is fully inserted as shown in Figure 9a, the
hole 25
frames the engagement structure 65 and cooperates with the latch formation 65b
to
secure the sleeve 20 to the top-chime 30.
Typically, during assembly of the top-chime 30, sleeve 20 and bottom-chime 40
around
the keg 10, the top-chime 30 is firstly fitted to the neck 12 of the keg 10.
The combined
keg 10 and top-chime 30 may be inverted so that the upper region 20a of the
sleeve 20
can be slid into and engaged with the top-chime 30, and then the bottom-chime
40 can
be slid over and engaged with the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.
A central region of the sleeve 20, between the upper region 20a and the lower
region
20b is not obscured following insertion of the sleeve 20 into the chimes.
Thus, the
central region is able to display branding.
To fit the top-chime 30 to the neck 12 of the keg 10 as shown in Figures 1 and
5, the
top-chime 30 is assembled around the neck 12 of the keg 10 from its component
parts,
namely: the first jaw 30a, the second jaw 30b, the first locking clip 31a and
the second
locking clip 31b. These component parts, when assembled, define the general
structure of the top-chime 30 as described above. It should be noted that the
general
structure of the top-chime 30 is predominantly defined by the two mated jaws
30a, 30b,
with the locking clips 31a, 31b securing the jaws 30a, 30b together.
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Each of these components of the top-chime 30 is formed from an integral piece
of
injection-moulded plastic material. Moreover, each jaw 30a, 30b is identical
to one
another, simplifying manufacture, in that the jaws can be made from the same
mould.
Additionally, assembly of a series of keg protection assemblies is also
simplified as
there is no need to identify a matching pair of different jaws from an
unsorted pile.
Each locking clip 31a, 31b is identical to one another also, with the same
resultant
advantages. Thus, where the description below refers to a feature on a first
jaw 30a,
or first locking clip 31a, it will be understood that the same features is
present on the
respective second jaw 30b, or second locking clip 31b.
Referring to Figure 8a, the first jaw 30a comprises opposed clip-receiving
regions 90
for receiving part of the locking clips 31a, 31b, and also an interface 50 via
which the
first jaw 30a can be mated with the second jaw 30b. The interface 50 comprises
mating formations such as: an upper peg 51a, a lower peg 51b, a first catch
formation
53a, a second catch formation 53b, a third catch formation 53c, a fourth catch
formation 53d, a first tab 53e and a second tab 53f. Figure 10b is a partial
perspective
view the first jaw 30a in place on the keg 10. As shown, each of the catch
formations
53a-d comprises a ridge axially upstanding from its ends. The tabs 53e, 53f do
not
have ridges.
Figure 10a is a perspective underneath view of the first jaw 30a and shows
additional
mating formations: an upper socket 52a, a lower socket 52b, a first keep 55a,
a second
keep 55b, a third keep 55c and a fourth keep 55d.
The mating formations are positioned about the interface 50 of the first jaw
30a so that
when the first jaw 30a is opposite the second jaw 30b, each mating formation
on one
jaw can be mated with one or more complementary mating formations on the other
jaw. In particular, the upper and lower pegs 51a, 51b of one jaw mate with the
corresponding respective upper and lower sockets 52a, 52b on the other jaw.
The
catch formations and the tabs intermesh 53a-f as shown in Figure 8b, and the
first,
second, third and fourth catch formations 53a-d on one jaw mate with the
corresponding first, second, third and fourth keeps 55a-d on the other jaw,
with the
ridges of the catch formations 53a-d locating within the keeps 55a-d.
As shown in Figure 10b, during assembly, the first jaw 30a is held against the
neck 12
of the keg 10 underneath the lower circumferential ridge 16b. From this
configuration,
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the second jaw 30b can be slid into place diametrically opposite the first jaw
30a to
mate the jaws 30a, 30b together.
As shown in Figure 9, adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of the mated jaws
30a, 30b
5 are thus brought together ready to receive one of locking clips 31a, 31b
to lock the
jaws 30a, 30b together. Each clip-receiving region 90 is set back into the
void between
the inner side-wall 33, the shoulder 34 and the outer side-wall 35 of the top-
chime 30
such that a depression is formed in the crown portion of the top-chime 30.
This
depression is sized and shaped in complement with a respective locking clip
31a, 31b.
Referring to Figure 5, this is so that when the locking clips 31a, 31b are
received within
adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of mated jaws 30a, 30b, the clips 31a, 31b
become
generally flush with the structure of jaws 30a, 30b. Therefore, the clips 31a,
31b
themselves form part of the crown portion of the top-chime 30.
Figure 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of the clip-receiving region
90 of the
first jaw 30a and Figure 13 is a partial front view of the same clip-receiving
region 90.
Figure 14 is partial perspective front view of the clip-receiving region 90, a
locking clip
31a provided in place at said clip-receiving region 90. Figure 15 is a
perspective front
view and Figure 16 is an underneath view of the locking clip 31a.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the clip-receiving region 90 comprises a first
rail 91, a
second rail 92, a ramped projection 93 and a ledge 94. The first and second
rails 91,
92 extend in an axial direction. These features are mirrored at the opposing
clip-
receiving region 90 of the first jaw, and so the adjacent clip-receiving
region 90 of the
second jaw 30b.
Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the locking clip 31a comprises a first pair of
tracks 101,
a second pair of tracks 102, a rib 103 and hooks 104. These cooperate
respectively
with the first rail 91, the second rail 92, the ramped projection 93 and the
ledge 94 of
each of the first and second jaws 30a, 30b so that the clip 31a can straddle
adjacent
clip-receiving regions 90 of mated jaws 30a, 30b, locking them together.
Specifically, to fit the clip 31a, it is positioned over adjacent clip-
receiving regions 90,
and slid axially downward into place. In doing so, the first and second pair
of tracks
101, 102 slide into and relative to a respective pair of first and second
rails 91, 92. As
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the clip 31a is so inserted, the hooks 104 of the clip 31a resiliently snap
under the
ledge 94, and the rib 103 resiliently snaps under the ramped projection 93,
thereby
locking the clip into place, the engaged rib 103 and hooks 104 restraining
against
upward movement to remove the clip 31a.
The rails 91, 92 and complementary tracks 101, 102 have a U-shaped profile in
horizontal section, the inter-engagement of which restrains against parting of
the jaws
30a, 30b in a radial direction away from the keg neck 12 and one another.
Furthermore, the rails 91, 92 are axially and radially spaced from one
another, as are
the tracks 101, 102 so as to distribute jaw parting forces applied through the
clips 31a,
31b over a wide area, increasing the reliability of operation of the clips
31a, 31b to lock
the jaws 30a, 30b together.
In addition, the rails 91, 92 are tapered relative to their complementary
tracks 101, 102
so that they increasing bear against one another during insertion of the
locking clips
31a, 31b, thus increasing the frictional forces holding the clips 31a, 31b
into place.
Referring to Figure 18, following the construction of a series of keg
protection
assemblies, they can be conveniently stacked one top of one another, with the
tray
portion 44 of the bottom-chime 40 locating within the complementarily-shaped
crown
portion of the top-chime 30.
For the avoidance of doubt, the components of the keg protection assembly are
typically assembled as part of a production line with a large quantity of
identical
assemblies being produced by the manufacturing site. These can be loaded onto
trucks or other vehicles for distribution to one or more beverage producers.
As the
assemblies are far lighter than the traditional steel kegs than they are
intended to
replace, the cost of transporting the assemblies is significantly lower.
Additionally,
each vehicle can be loaded with a greater number of assemblies than possible
with
steel kegs; the number of assemblies that can be loaded onto a vehicle will be
limited
more by volume than by weight. This applies particularly when the assemblies
are
filled with beverage and further distributed to beverage retailers.
At the beverage producer, the assemblies can be handled in a similar manner to
traditional steel kegs. In particular, the assemblies are sized and shaped to
be
compatible with existing keg cleaning and filling machinery, with few
modifications to
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that machinery. The modifications relate primarily to controlling the
temperatures at
which the assemblies are cleaned prior to filling the keg of each assembly
with
beverage. On the whole, the temperatures involved are far lower, saving energy
and
so realising economical and ecological benefits.
Traditional steel kegs are often steam treated. This sterilises the inside of
the steel
kegs and reduces the oxygen content of the air inside the steel kegs. However,
such a
high energy process is unnecessary, and in fact undesirable with an assembly
according to the present invention.
Instead, an assembly can be treated to a caustic wash process at temperatures
around
70 to 85 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are high enough to ensure a
satisfactory washing standard, but low enough to prevent deformation or
degradation
of the plastics material from which the keg is constructed.
The wash process involves inverting an assembly and connecting washing hoses
to
the closure of the assembly. These pump cleaning fluid into and out from the
keg via
the two flow paths of the closure. The cleaning fluid is typically pumped via
the
elongate tube of the fitting 80 so a jet of cleaning liquid is fired towards
the base. The
cleaning fluid is then drained via the flow path of the closure that is in
communication
with the headspace of the keg 10.
The keg can then be disinfected in a similar manner, for example by pumping
peracetic
acid through it. The keg can then be rinsed in preparation for filling or
refilling. Lastly,
before the filling the keg with beverage, the oxygen in the air inside it can
be flushed
out via an injection of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or another inert gas.
Filling of the keg with beverage can be carried out using a filling head in a
standard
way known in the art ¨ i.e. with the assembly inverted, the beverage being
introduced
into the keg 10 via the flow path of the closure that is in communication with
the
headspace of the keg. This minimises the agitation of an effervescence
beverage
such as beer. Once the assembly is filled with beverage, the self-closing
spring-loaded
closure 81 is allowed to shut, effectively sealing the beverage within the keg
10.
The filled assembly holds approximately 30 litres of beverage and is typically
between
31 and 36 kilograms in weight when full, depending on the beverage fill level.
The
weight of the empty assembly is only a few kilograms. This is significantly
less than
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the weight of a similar capacity steel keg highlighting the reduced costs of
transporting
the assembly between the beverage producer and beverage retailers.
Once delivered to a beverage retailer such as a pub, the assembly is handled
in the
same way as a traditional beer keg. It will typically be stored in a beer
cellar, being
connected to a standard beverage dispensing head for dispensing of beverage
under
pressure. Following depletion, the empty assembly can be collected and
returned to
the beverage producer. Throughout this period in an assembly's lifecycle, the
outer
shell defined by the top-chime 30, sleeve 20 and bottom-chime 40 can remain
locked
around the keg 10. Alternatively, the keg protection assembly can be
dissembled to
allow the shell to be reused with another keg 10.
Further features and advantages will be apparent to a person skilled in the
art
considering the drawings. Furthermore, modifications and variants to the
present
embodiment will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example,
although the
present embodiment relates to an assembly for the storage, transportation and
dispensing of beer, it will be understood that features and advantages of the
assembly
can be applied to the storage, transportation and/or dispensing of other
liquids.
