Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING A BEVERAGE CONTAINER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
100011 This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17/453,475,
filed November 3,
2021, entitled "Apparatus, System and Method for Filling a Beverage Container"
and U.S.
Application No. 63/201,009, filed April 8, 2021, entitled "Apparatus, System
and Method for
Filling a Beverage Container." This application also claims priority to and is
a continuation-in-
part of U.S. Application No. 17/459,734, filed August 27, 2021, entitled
"Apparatus, System and
Method for Filling a Beverage Container," which claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part
of U.S. Application No. 17/365,833, filed July 1, 2021, entitled "Apparatus,
System and Method
for Filling a Beverage Container," which claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application No.17/301,458, filed April 2, 2021, entitled "Apparatus, System
and Method for
Filling a Beverage Container," which claims priority U.S. Application No.
63/047,237, filed July
1, 2020, entitled "Keg Spiker." The contents of these priority applications
are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100021 The present invention relates generally to an apparatus, system and
process for filling a
beverage container, and more particularly to system and method for filling a
keg with liquid using
an apparatus that connects to a conventional keg valve.
BACKGROUND
[00031 Bars, restaurants and other establishments that serve alcoholic
beverages commonly have
serving equipment that includes refrigerators, couplers, regulators, lines and
taps for beer kegs.
Often, a bar will offer a large selection of beers, each with its own line and
customized tap. One
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of the most common configurations includes a Sankey-D coupler, which is a
widely used coupling
device in bars and restaurants for beer kegs.
[0004] Although this equipment has provided high efficiencies in serving beer,
the same is not true
for mixed drinks. Alcoholic beverage laws prohibit the sale of spirits in
containers larger than
1.75 liters; hence there are no kegs or taps for mixed drinks. At the same
time, the preparation of
mixed drinks requires skill and experience to know the various constituents of
the mixed drink,
the relative quantities, and to consistently mix the drink in the fight
proportions, often in a crowded õ
busy environment. These factors result in significant losses, inefficiencies
and decreased quality
arising from inconsistent and inaccurate mixing by bartenders of different
skill levels as well as
the time it takes even a skilled bartender to combine all the constituents of
the mixed drink.
[0005] in addition to the prohibition on selling spirits in containers larger
than 1.75 liters, there is
an additional challenge that has prevented the use of kegs to serve mixed
drinks on tap. Kegs are
generally filled with a keg filling device that uses an industrial,
pressurized system to fill the keg.
Conventional keg filling devices require large, high volume tanks and pressure
to fill the keg
-through a coupling device such as a Sankey-D coupler. For example, an
industrial filling
equipment uses a filling Sankey with a larger internal opening to allow liquid
to flow faster when
filling than a normal Sankey used for dispensing. These conventional keg
filling devices further
typically take a large amount of space and fill the keg through a liquid
dispensing tube of the
coupler. Setting up such conventional keg filling devices requires large
spaces and an investment
in heavy equipment to install tanks. Further, the conventional keg filling
devices cannot be
transported without large trucks and cannot be used without large tanks and
pressure. Hence, there
is no easy way to fill kegs without the use of large, heavy, expensive
equipment.
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100061 These and other drawbacks have greatly inhibited the efficient serving
of mixed drinks at
bars, restaurants and other establishments.
SUMMARY
100071 According to an embodiment, an apparatus, system, and method is
provided that enables
bars, restaurants, and other establishments to serve mixed drinks and craft
cocktails on draft using
a standard beer keg system, such as a Sankey (or Sanke) keg and related Sankey
coupler, lines,
and taps. The Sankey keg may include the Sankey-D valve, for example, or other
Sankey valves,
such as Sankey S, A, G, U, or M type systems. Exemplary embodiments may use a
Sankey-D
valve as an example; however, this is meant to be non-limiting.
100081 According to one example, a keg having a Sankey-D valve is partially
filled with a non-
alcoholic, liquid cocktail mix. The keg may be of any type, such as a rubber
barrel, beveled barrel,
half barrel, slim quarter, quarter barrel, Cornelius keg, and sixth barrel. It
should be appreciated
that the amount of liquid (e.g., mix and alcohol) will be adjusted based on
the keg size. Since the
mix is non-alcoholic, there is no prohibition on the use of a keg, such as a
standard, 30-liter Sankey-
D type keg. In one particular embodiment, a 30-liter keg is partially filled
with 21 liters of liquid
cocktail mix (e.g., margarita mix). The keg is then shipped to a bar,
restaurant or other
establishment that serves alcoholic drinks. A keg filling apparatus, which
will be described in
detail below, is also provided to the bar, restaurant or other establishment.
The bartender installs
the keg-filling apparatus on the keg valve, degasses the keg, and pours
alcohol into the keg via the
keg-filling apparatus. The keg-filling apparatus allows the keg to be filled
with the alcohol using
only gravity, rather than a large, pressurized industrial filling system. Once
the specified amounts
and types of alcohol (e.g., 9 liters total of one or more spirits) have been
poured into the keg and
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mixed with the cocktail mix, the keg filling apparatus is removed, the
contents in the keg are mixed
and the keg is ready to be installed in the Sankey-D tap system, just like a
beer keg.
100091 Another embodiment includes an apparatus for filling a container (e.g.,
a keg) with liquid,
wherein the container includes a valve that seals the container and a locking
recess to receive the
filling apparatus. The valve may include multiple parts such as a ball valve
and a venting valve
that surrounds the ball valve. The filling apparatus may comprise an upper
hollow body (e.g., in
the shape of a funnel) having a top opening and a bottom opening, the top
opening enabling a
liquid to be poured into the top opening. The filling apparatus may also
comprise a lower hollow
body having a valve that is joined to a Sankey-D coupler. The lower hollow
body may include a
valve or other structure to block liquid flow from the funnel. Specifically,
exemplary embodiments
may use a structure to open (e.g., depress) the ball valve and the ring valve.
The ring valve allows
for gas to escape or vent from the container. The ball valve allows for the
addition of liquid (e.g.,
alcohol) to be added to the container. The filling apparatus valve or other
structure, may be used
to stop liquid flow into the container and block liquid from being vented
upward through the funnel
when the keg is pressurized (i.e., prior to degassing). The ring valve may be
depressed first (that
is, prior to the ball valve being depressed) to allow for degassing of the keg
prior to the addition
of liquid to the keg. After degassing, the valve or other structure is
actuated to open a liquid
pathway through the filling apparatus to the keg.
100101 According to another embodiment, an apparatus for filling a container
(e.g., a keg) with
liquid is provided, wherein the container includes a valve that seals the
container and a locking
recess to receive the filling apparatus. The valve may include multiple parts
such as a ball valve
and a venting valve that surrounds the ball valve. The filling apparatus may
comprise an upper
hollow body (e.g., in the shape of a funnel) having a top opening and a bottom
opening, the top
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opening enabling a liquid to be poured into the top opening. The filling
apparatus may also
comprise a lower hollow body joined to a lower end of the upper hollow body.
The lower hollow
body may include a valve to block liquid flow from the funnel, a locking ring
that locks configured
to mate with the container and lock the apparatus into place, a probe that
engages with the valve
of the container to open the parts of the valve, and a vent pathway for gas.
Specifically, exemplary
embodiments may open (e.g., depress) the ball valve and the ring valve. The
ring valve allows for
gas to escape or vent from the container. The ball valve allows for the
addition of liquid (e.g.,
alcohol) to be added to the container. The filling apparatus valve may be used
to stop liquid flow
into the container and block liquid from being vented upward through the
funnel when the keg is
pressurized (i.e., prior to degassing).
100111 According to another embodiment, an apparatus for filling a keg with
liquid is provided,
the keg comprising a valve that seals the container and a locking recess to
receive the apparatus,
the apparatus including an upper hollow body having a top opening and a bottom
opening and
tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening, the top opening enabling
a liquid to be poured
into the top opening and subsequently flow downward, by gravity, to exit the
bottom opening; a
lower body, joined to the upper hollow body, having a coupling ring, a valve
assembly and a probe
assembly; the coupling ring configured to engage with the locking recess on
the keg; the valve
assembly comprising a cylindrical structure having a ball valve located
therein, the ball valve
comprising an open and a closed position that regulate liquid flow
therethrough; the probe
assembly configured to engage with the valve when the coupling ring is engaged
and comprising
a first portion to depress a liquid ball valve portion of the valve and a
second portion to depress a
ring valve portion of the valve, wherein depressing the liquid ball valve
allows for liquid flow from
the apparatus into the container when the ball valve is in the open position
and wherein depressing
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the ring valve allows for venting of gas from the keg due to displacement by
the liquid flow, the
second portion comprising a plurality of gas venting pathways to the
atmosphere.
100121 According to an embodiment, the apparatus may have a deflector portion
inside of the
upper hollow body to prevent liquid from escaping through the apparatus during
degassing of the
keg prior to filling with alcohol. This deflector portion may be used in place
of the valve described
above to prevent liquid from escaping. Specifically, the embodiment may
including an apparatus
for filling a keg with liquid, the keg comprising a valve that seals the keg
and a locking recess to
receive the apparatus, the apparatus having: an upper hollow body having a top
opening and a
bottom opening and tapering from the top opening to the bottom opening, the
top opening enabling
a liquid to be poured into the top opening and subsequently flow downward, by
gravity, to exit the
bottom opening, the upper hollow body further having a deflector structure
located below the top
opening and above the bottom opening, the deflector structure further having a
sloped underside
configured to deflect an impinging liquid stream back downward toward the
bottom opening; a
lower portion, fixedly joined to the upper hollow body, having a coupling
ring, a flange and a
probe assembly; the coupling ring configured to engage with the locking recess
on the keg; the
probe assembly configured to engage with the valve when the coupling ring is
engaged and having
a first portion to depress a liquid ball valve portion of the valve and a
second portion to depress a
ring valve portion of the valve, wherein depressing the liquid ball valve
allows for liquid flow from
the apparatus into the container when the ball valve is in the open position
and wherein depressing
the ring valve allows for venting of gas from the keg due to displacement by
the liquid flow, the
second portion comprising a plurality of gas venting pathways to the
atmosphere; and the flange
covering the coupling ring and the probe assembly, the flange being configured
to direct liquid
vented during engagement of the coupling ring and the probe assembly downward
onto the keg
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100131 According to another embodiment, the apparatus may have a cap or cover
configured to
mater with the top opening of the upper hollow body and prevent liquid from
escaping through the
apparatus during degassing of the keg prior to filling with alcohol. The cap
or cover may be
removable attached to the top opening, which has a mechanism for securing the
cap or cover such
that it will not be dislodged during degassing of the keg. This cap or cover
may be used in place
of the valve described above to prevent liquid from escaping.
100141 According to an embodiment, the apparatus may include a sliding piston
inside of apparatus
that is configured to open and close the liquid pathway though the apparatus
as well as actuate the
liquid or ball valve on the keg. The sliding piston may prevent liquid from
escaping through the
apparatus during degassing of the keg prior to filling with alcohol.
Specifically, the embodiment
may including an apparatus for filling a keg with liquid, the keg comprising a
valve that seals the
keg and a locking recess to receive the apparatus, the apparatus having: an
upper hollow body
having a top opening and a bottom opening and tapering from the top opening to
the bottom
opening, the top opening enabling a liquid to be poured into the top opening
and subsequently flow
downward, by gravity, to exit the bottom opening; the sliding piston structure
being located
centrally in the upper portion and extending downward though a lower portion;
the sliding piston
being movable between an upper and a lower position; the upper position being
one in that the
liquid pathway though the apparatus is closed and the ball valve of the keg is
not actuated by the
apparatus, even with the apparatus secured to the keg valve structure; the
lower position being one
in that the lower portion of the sliding piston depresses the ball valve and
creates a liquid pathway
through the apparatus. The upper hollow body is fixedly joined to the lower
body, having a
coupling ring and a probe assembly; the coupling ring configured to engage
with the locking recess
on the keg; the probe assembly configured to engage with the ring valve when
the coupling ring is
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engaged and having a first portion to depress a ring valve portion of the
valve, to allow for a gas
exit pathway, the ring valve allowing for venting of gas from the keg due to
displacement by the
liquid flow.
100151 According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for
distributing mixed
drinks. The method may comprise providing a keg containing a non-alcoholic mix
of liquids,
wherein the mix is designed to be converted to a mixed drink by addition of
alcohol, the quantity
of mix in the keg is predetermined to allow for the addition of a
predetermined quantity of the
alcohol into the keg to complete the mixed drink; and the keg includes a valve
such as a Sankey-
D valve that is designed to connect to a coupler used to dispense beverages
from the keg.
100161 According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for
preparing mixed
drinks. The method may comprise receiving a keg containing a non-alcoholic mix
of liquids,
wherein (a) the mix is designed to be converted to a mixed drink by addition
of alcohol; (b) the
quantity of the mix in the keg is predetermined to allow for the addition of a
predetermined quantity
of the alcohol into the keg to complete the mixed drink; and (c) the keg
comprises a valve, e.g., a
Sankey-D valve, designed to be connected to a coupler through which the mixed
drink is
dispensed. The method may also comprise using an apparatus to pour the alcohol
into the keg.
The method may also comprise mixing the mix with the alcohol to complete the
mixed drink in
the keg; connecting the keg to a coupler; and dispensing the mixed drink
through a tap connected
to the coupler.
[0017] Exemplary embodiments can provide a solution that significantly reduces
the time needed
to make the most popular craft cocktails and mixed drinks, which, in turn,
increases the number of
craft cocktails and mixed drinks sold by the bar, restaurant, or other
establishment. For alcoholic
beverage distributors, increased throughput at bars, restaurants and other
establishments results in
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an increase in the quantity of spirits sold. Furthermore, embodiments of the
invention allow bars
and restaurants that own standardized beer keg systems, such as the widely-
used Sankey-D keg
system, to use their existing equipment to serve craft cocktails and mixed-
drinks on draft. These
and other advantages will be described further in the detailed description
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made
to the attached drawings. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the
present invention,
but are intended only to illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the
invention.
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary Sankey-D coupler (conventional art)
that may be used in
and with exemplary embodiments.
[0020] Figure 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to an
embodiment.
[0021] Figure 2B illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus, according
to an embodiment.
[0022] Figure 2C illustrates a second side view of the filling apparatus,
according to an
embodiment.
[0023] Figure 2D illustrates a bottom view of the filling apparatus, according
to an embodiment.
[0024] Figure 2E illustrates a top view of the filling apparatus, according to
an embodiment.
[0025] Figure 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to a second
embodiment.
[0026] Figure 3B illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus, according
to a second
embodiment.
[0027] Figure 3C illustrates a second side view of the filling apparatus,
according to a second
embodiment.
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100281 Figure 3D illustrates a bottom view of the filling apparatus, according
to a second
embodiment.
[0029] Figure 3E illustrates a top view of the filling apparatus, according to
a second embodiment.
[0030] Figure 4A illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to a third
embodiment.
[0031] Figure 4B illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus, according
to a third embodiment.
[0032] Figure 4C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the filling
apparatus, according to a third
embodiment.
[0033] Figure 4D illustrates a top view of the filling apparatus, according to
a third embodiment.
[0034] Figure 4E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus,
according to a third
embodiment.
[0035] Figure 4F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus,
according to a third
embodiment.
[0036] Figure SA illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to a fourth
embodiment.
100371 Figure 5B illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus, according
to a fourth embodiment.
[0038] Figure 5C illustrates a second side view of the filling apparatus,
according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0039] Figure SD illustrates a top view of the filling apparatus, according to
a fourth embodiment
[0040] Figure 5E illustrates a bottom view of the filling apparatus, according
to a fourth
embodiment.
[0041] Figure 5F illustrates a bottom perspective view of the filling
apparatus, according to a
fourth embodiment
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100421 Figure 5G illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus,
according to a fourth
embodiment.
[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to a fifth
embodiment.
100441 Figure 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a filling apparatus,
according to a sixth
embodiment.
[0045] Figure 7B illustrates a top view of the filling apparatus, according to
a sixth embodiment.
[0046] Figure 7C illustrates a bottom view of the filling apparatus, according
to a sixth
embodiment.
[0047] Figure 7D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the filling
apparatus with a piston in the
up position, according to a sixth embodiment
[0048] Figure 7E illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus with the
piston in the up position,
according to a sixth embodiment.
[0049] Figure 7F illustrates a bottom perspective view of the filling
apparatus with the piston in
the down position, according to a sixth embodiment
[0050] Figure 7G illustrates a side view of the filling apparatus with the
piston in the down
position, according to a sixth embodiment.
[0051] Figure 7H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus
with the piston in the
down position, according to a sixth embodiment
[0052] Figure 71 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus
with the piston in the up
position, according to a sixth embodiment.
[0053] Figure 7J illustrates a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus
with the piston in the up
position, according to a sixth embodiment
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100541 Figure 7K illustrates a side view of the piston for the filling
apparatus according to
exemplary embodiments.
[0055] Figure 7L illustrates a second side view of the piston for the filling
apparatus according to
exemplary embodiments.
100561 Figure 7M illustrates a third side view of the piston for the filling
apparatus according to
exemplary embodiments.
[0057] Figure 8 is a flow chart for an example process of providing a keg
partially filled with a
non-alcoholic, liquid premix, according to an embodiment.
[0058] Figure 9 is a flow chart for an example process of using a filling
apparatus for dispensing
a liquid into a keg, according to exemplary embodiments.
[0059] Figure 10A illustrates a top view of a keg according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0060] Figure 10B illustrates a perspective view of a keg with a filling
apparatus having a valve
according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
[0061] Figure 10C illustrates a cross-section view of a keg with a filling
apparatus having a valve
according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
[0062] Figure 11A illustrates a perspective view of a keg with a filling
apparatus having deflector
structure according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
[0063] Figure 11B illustrates a top view of a keg with a filling apparatus
having deflector structure
according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
[0064] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of a keg with a filling
apparatus having a cap
according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
[0065] Figure 13A illustrates a perspective view of the upper portion of a keg
with a filling
apparatus having a piston according to an exemplary embodiment engaged
thereto.
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100661 Figure 13B illustrates a side view of the upper portion of a keg with a
filling apparatus
having a piston according to an exemplary embodiment engaged thereto.
100671 Figure 13C illustrates a second side view of the upper portion of a keg
with a filling
apparatus having a piston according to an exemplary embodiment engaged
thereto.
100681 Figure 14A illustrates cross-section of a side view of the upper
portion of a keg with a
filling apparatus having a piston with the piston in the raised position
according to an exemplary
embodiment engaged thereto.
100691 Figure 14B illustrates cross-section of a side view of the upper
portion of a keg with a
filling apparatus having a piston with the piston in the lower position
according to an exemplary
embodiment engaged thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100701 Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in order
to illustrate
various features of the invention. The embodiments described herein are not
intended to be
limiting as to the scope of the invention, but rather are intended to provide
examples of the
components, use, and operation of the invention.
100711 Various embodiments of the invention relate to a filling apparatus for
a container such as a
keg and related processes and systems for using the filling apparatus to add a
liquid such as alcohol
to the container. The apparatus may be configured to be a hand-held device
designed to release
air pressure in the keg and also enable filling the keg with additional liquid
by gravity. Various
embodiments of the invention can overcome the disadvantages described above.
100721 Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary conventional Sankey-D coupler 1000
that may be used in
exemplary embodiments. This coupler may be attached to a keg after filing the
keg using the
filling apparatus disclosed herein. The conventional Sankey-D coupler 1000 is
used to dispense
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the mixed drink as conventionally done in a pressurized tap system. The
conventional Sankey-D
coupler 1000 may comprise a ball retainer 1001, a coupler ball 1002, a probe
1003, a probe seal
1004, a hex nut 1005a that mates with threaded portion 1005b, a tailpiece 1006
for coupler, a check
valve 1007, a coupler body 1008, a bottom seal 1009, a handle assembly 1010, a
pressure relief
valve 1011, a handle hinge pin 1012, and an 0-ring for coupler probe 1003. The
coupler body
1008 is designed to mate with the complementary locking threads or teeth of
the keg spear valve
assembly. The Sankey-D coupler 1000 can be attached to the keg spear valve
assembly by placing
the coupler onto the valve assembly locking threads or teeth and twisting it
to engage the coupler
body 1008 with the keg spear valve assembly. Following such engagement, the
handle assembly
1010 may be moved to a second position to engage the Sankey-D coupler 1000
probe 1003. The
probe 1003 is moved downward within the coupler 1000 to depress the keg spear
valve assembly
(i.e., the ball valve and the ring valve that are attached to a tube or spear
assembly). The Sankey-
D coupler, such as that depicted in Figure 1, once attached to the keg, can
serve two functions: 1)
it opens both the venting valve and the ball or beer valve simultaneously so
that pressure can be
added to the top of inside of the keg (using the probe), and 2) the liquid can
be released from the
keg through the ball valve once the tap is opened on the bar, in a restaurant,
and/or at other event
venues.
100731 The keg may be designed to have a keg bung in which a valve (e.g., a
valve having a ball
valve (sometimes referred to as a beer valve) and a ring valve (sometimes
referred to as a venting
or CO2 valve)) is received. The keg bung may be externally threaded around its
exterior
circumference. The keg bung may located at the center portion on the upper
surface of the keg.
This valve may be referred to a Sankey-D valve. The valve may be secured to
the keg by the
threads surrounding the keg bung to allow for removal. The valve may include a
tube that is
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integrally attached thereto. The tube may be referred to as a spear. The valve
and spear may be
removable as single piece on metal kegs. In some embodiments, the valve may be
manufactured
with the keg and be integral to the keg. For example, the valve (and spear)
may be integral to PET
kegs in a conventional arrangement.
100741 The tube is designed to extend into the keg to allow for liquid flow in
or out of the keg.
For example, when liquid is added to the keg through the ball valve (e.g.,
beer valve), the liquid is
directed downward through this tube and flows into the keg at the lower
portion into the liquid
volume in the keg, causing the liquid level in the keg to rise, which in turn
displaces gas located
above the liquid level. This gas may then exhaust through the venting valve
(when it is open) and
be directed out to the atmosphere outside of the keg volume. In a typical use
of a keg, when liquid
is being dispensed from the keg, the venting valve (e.g., CO2 valve) is opened
to add pressure to
the top of the liquid in the keg, so when the tap is opened at the bar, liquid
can flow through the
ball valve (also known as a beer valve) out of the keg.
100751 Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E (collectively referred to as Figure 2)
show a device
according to exemplary embodiments. The device 200 may have three primary
parts. First, a
Sankey-D coupler 202 is located at the lower end of the device. The Sankey-D
coupler 202 may
be the same as that shown in Figure 1. Second, the upper portion of the device
may include a
funnel assembly 204. Third, a valve assembly 206 may be located between the
funnel assembly
204 and the Sankey-D coupler 202. The valve assembly 206 may by cylindrical in
construction
and serve as the joining structure for the funnel assembly and Sankey-D
coupler. The valve
assembly may be constructed of metal, plastic, polymer, or any other semi-
rigid or rigid material
which is machinable, moldable, castable or formable with physical properties
such that it is rigid
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and able to maintain its shape and be of sufficient strength and stiffness so
as to allow it to
functionally perform in the manner described herein.
100761 The valve assembly 206 may have two positions: open and closed. In
Figure 2, the valve
assembly 206 is in an open position. This position allows for a fluid path
from the funnel through
the Sankey-D coupler. The second position closes off that fluid path. The
valve assembly 306
may rotate through 90 degrees between the open and closed positions. The valve
assembly 206
may be a ball valve. Other types of valves may be used such as a butterfly
valve.
100771 The funnel assembly 204 may have an opening 208 at its upper portion
and an outlet 210
at its lower portion. The opening 208 may be larger than the outlet 210. The
opening 208 may be
circular as shown. In various embodiments, the opening 208 may have other
shapes, such as
polygonal. The funnel assembly 204 may vertically taper down from the opening
208 to the outlet
210. The outlet 210 may be cylindrical and join with the valve assembly 206 at
cylindrical portion
212. The valve assembly 206 may join with the Sankey-D coupler 202 at 214 as
shown in Figure
2.
100781 The funnel assembly 204 may be made of metal, plastic, polymer, wood or
any other semi-
rigid or rigid material which is machinable, moldable, castable or formable
with physical
properties such that it is rigid and able to maintain its shape and be of
sufficient strength and
stiffness so as to allow it to functionally perform in the manner described
herein. The funnel
assembly may be of various sizes according to exemplary embodiments. For
example, the funnel
assembly may be sized to accommodate up one liter of fluid. In other
embodiments, the funnel
assembly may be of different sizes. For example, funnel assembly may be
sufficiently large (e.g.,
about 5.5 inches wide by about 4.25 inches high) to accommodate a reasonable
amount of fluid
for flow into the keg to allow for filling of the keg in a minimum of time.
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100791 The funnel assembly 204 may be joined to the Sankey-D coupler 202
through the valve
assembly 206. In exemplary embodiments, the funnel assembly 204 and the valve
assembly 206
may be molded directly onto the Sankey-D coupler 202. Others methods of
joining may be used
such as threading, welding, gluing, soldering, machining, carving, 3D
printing, and so forth. As
used herein the term "coupled" is not meant to be limiting and intended to be
broadly defined to
encompass removable attachments, permanent attachments, fixed attachments,
integrated,
integral, etc. According to exemplary embodiments, in normal usage, the funnel
assembly 204
and valve assembly 206 are not designed to be removed from the Sankey-D
coupler 202 and nor
is the funnel assembly designed to be detached from the valve assembly 206.
100801 At the base of the Sankey-D coupler 202 are threads 216 configured to
engage with
complementary threads or teeth on the keg valve structure. The threads 216 may
be engaged by
positioning them onto the keg threads and twisting the Sankey-D coupler 202
until the threads 216
are fully engaged in order to lock the device 200 in place and create a seal
with the keg valve.
100811 In Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, for example, the handle 218 of the Sankey-D
coupler 202 is in
the down or engaged position. In this position, the probe 222 is in a lowered
position to actuate
the valve on the keg (see, e.g., Figure 2B). One of ordinary skill in the art
would understand how
the Sankey-D coupler mates with and interacts with the valve assembly on a
keg.
100821 The vent opening 220 is left uncovered to allow a path for escape of
gas from the Sankey-
D coupler during filling operations. The vent opening 220 also allows for
escape of gas during
keg degassing prior to filling the keg. When the device 200 is engaged with
the keg, the valve
assembly 206 may be in the closed position. This closes off the liquid path
through the device to
prevent liquid flow upward from the keg but the vent passageway through the
Sankey-D coupler
is open and gas can exit the keg through the ring valve and up through the
vent passage and out
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through the vent opening 220. This may be important because the keg is
pressurized and contains
liquid (e.g., the liquid pre-mix). For example, the keg spear, extending
downward from the keg
valve, and the keg valve, may be full of liquid that is pressurized by gas in
the keg, which is above
the surface of the liquid in the keg. Once the keg ball valve is depressed, a
pathway for exit of that
pressurized liquid is created. By keeping the liquid pathway through the
device closed initially
following engagement (i.e., keeping the valve assembly on the device in the
closed position), liquid
is prevented from escaping from the keg through the keg ball valve pathway
that is opened by the
device. Once the degassing is complete, the pressure on the liquid in the keg
is relieved and the
valve assembly may be opened to allow for liquid to be put into the keg
through the device.
[0083] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E (collectively referred to as Figure 3)
show a second device
according to exemplary embodiments. The device 300 may have a lower portion
302 and an upper
portion 304. The lower portion 302 may include a valve assembly 306, vent
ports 308 and 310, a
coupling ring 312, and a probe assembly 314. The upper portion 304 may have a
funnel assembly
316 having an opening 318 and an outlet 320.
[0084] The valve assembly 306 may be housed in a cylindrical portion 322. The
valve assembly
may be constructed of metal, plastic, polymer, or any other semi-rigid or
rigid material which is
machinable, moldable, castable or formable with physical properties such that
it is rigid and able
to maintain its shape and be of sufficient strength and stiffness so as to
allow it to functionally
perform in the manner described herein.
[0085] The valve assembly 306 may have two positions: open and closed. In
Figures 3A-3B, the
valve assembly 306 is in an open position. This position allows for a fluid
path from the outlet
320 through the valve into the lower portion 302. The second position closes
off that fluid path.
The valve assembly 306 may rotate through 90 degrees between the open and
closed positions.
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The valve assembly 306 may be a ball valve. Other types of valves may be used
such as a butterfly
valve.
100861 The opening 318 may be larger than the outlet 320. The opening 318 may
be circular as
shown. In various embodiments, the opening 318 may have other shapes, such as
polygonal. The
funnel assembly 304 may vertically taper down from the opening 318 to the
outlet 320. The outlet
320 may be cylindrical and join with the valve assembly 306 at cylindrical
portion 322. The valve
assembly 306 be located above the vent ports and the coupling ring as shown in
Figure 3.
100871 The funnel assembly 316 may be made of metal, plastic, polymer, wood or
any other semi-
rigid or rigid material which is machinable, moldable, castable or formable
with physical
properties such that it is rigid and able to maintain its shape and be of
sufficient strength and
stiffness so as to allow it to functionally perform in the manner described
herein. The funnel
assembly may be of various sizes according to exemplary embodiments. For
example, the funnel
assembly may be sized to accommodate up one liter of fluid. In other
embodiments, the funnel
assembly may be of different sizes. For example, funnel assembly may be
sufficiently large (e.g.,
about 5.5 inches wide by about 4.25 inches high) to accommodate a reasonable
amount of fluid
for flow into the keg to allow for filling of the keg in a minimum of time.
100881 In exemplary embodiments, the funnel assembly 316 may be molded
directly onto valve
assembly 306. Others methods of joining may be used such as threading,
welding, gluing,
soldering, machining, carving, 3D printing, and so forth. According to
exemplary embodiments,
in normal usage, device 300 is designed to remain as one piece.
100891 The probe assembly 314 may be configured to engage with the valve
assembly in a keg. It
may be configured to depress both the ball valve and the venting valve to
allow for liquid flow
into the keg and gas venting from the keg. The probe assembly 314 may have
vent passages 324
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and 326 that provide a gas pathway from upwards to the vent ports 308 and 310.
The portion of
the probe assembly with these vent passages may depress the ring valve or
venting valve of the
keg valve, while the center portion 328 may depress the ball valve or liquid
valve portion of the
keg valve.
100901 These vent passages (324, 326) allow for gas to escape or vent from the
keg in response to
liquid being added to the keg. The vent passages also allow for gas escape
during degassing of
the keg, prior to filling with liquid. When the device 300 is engaged with the
keg, the valve
assembly 306 may be in the closed position. The reason for this is explained
above with respect
to Figure 2 above. This closes off the liquid path through the device to
prevent liquid venting
because of the pressurization in the keg but the vent passageways are open
(and the ring valve is
depressed) and gas can exit the keg through the ring valve and up through the
vent passages. Once
the degassing is complete and the pressure in the keg on the liquid is
relieved, the valve assembly
may be opened to allow for liquid to be put into the keg through the device.
100911 The coupling ring 312 may be configured to engage with complementary
threads or teeth
on the keg valve structure. The coupling ring 312 may be engaged by
positioning it onto the keg
valve locking threads or teeth, pushing down, and twisting until the coupling
ring 312 fully
engaged in order to lock the device 300 in place and create a seal with the
keg valve.
100921 Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F (collectively referred to as Figure
4) show a third
device according to exemplary embodiments. The device 400 may have a lower
portion 402 and
an upper portion 404. The lower portion 402 may include a valve assembly 406,
a coupling ring
408, and a probe assembly 410. The upper portion 404 may have a funnel
assembly 412 having
an opening 414 and an outlet 416.
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100931 The valve assembly 406 may be housed in a cylindrical section 418. The
valve assembly
may be constructed of metal, plastic, polymer, or any other semi-rigid or
rigid material which is
machinable, moldable, castable or formable with physical properties such that
it is rigid and able
to maintain its shape and be of sufficient strength and stiffness so as to
allow it to functionally
perform in the manner described herein.
100941 The valve assembly 406 may have two positions: open and closed. In
Figures 4A-4C, the
valve assembly 406 is in an open position. This position allows for a fluid
path from the outlet
416 through the valve into the lower portion 402. The second position closes
off that fluid path.
The valve assembly 406 may rotate through 90 degrees between the open and
closed positions.
The valve assembly 406 may be a ball valve. Other types of valves may be used
such as a butterfly
valve.
100951 The opening 414 may be larger than the outlet 420. The opening 414 may
be circular as
shown. In various embodiments, the opening 414 may have other shapes, such as
polygonal. The
funnel assembly 404 may vertically taper down from the opening 414 to the
outlet 416. The outlet
416 may be cylindrical and join with the valve assembly 406 at an upper
portion 420 cylindrical
portion 418.
100961 The funnel assembly 412 may be made of metal, plastic, polymer, wood or
any other semi-
rigid or rigid material which is machinable, moldable, castable or formable
with physical
properties such that it is rigid and able to maintain its shape and be of
sufficient strength and
stiffness so as to allow it to functionally perform in the manner described
herein. The funnel
assembly 412 may have wall thickness 446 as shown in Figure 4D. The funnel
assembly may be
of various sizes according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the funnel
assembly may be
sized to accommodate up one liter of fluid. In other embodiments, the funnel
assembly may be of
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different sizes. For example, funnel assembly may be sufficiently large (e.g.,
about 5.5 inches
wide by about 4.25 inches high) to accommodate a reasonable amount of fluid
for flow into the
keg to allow to filling of the keg in a minimum amount of time.
100971 In exemplary embodiments, the funnel assembly 412 may be threaded onto
valve assembly
406 at an upper portion of cylindrical section 418. Others methods of joining
may be used such
as molding, welding, gluing, soldering, machining, carving, 4D printing, and
so forth. According
to exemplary embodiments, in normal usage, device 400 is designed to remain as
one piece.
100981 The coupling ring 408 may be configured to engage with the keg valve
structure. The
coupling ring 408 may be engaged by positioning it onto the keg, pushed down,
and twisting until
the coupling ring 408 fully engaged in order to lock the device 400 in place
and create a seal with
the keg valve. The coupling ring 408 may have two cut-outs 442 that are
configured to engage
with two teeth located on the valve structure of the keg. This locks the
device 400 into place.
After the teeth are positioned into each cut-out 442, a ramped portion 444 may
allow for locking
engagement of the coupling ring 408 with the keg valve structure when twisted
or turned into
place.
100991 The portion of lower assembly 402 containing the coupling ring 408 and
probe 410 may be
threaded onto the valve assembly 406 at a lower portion 422 of cylindrical
section 418.
1001001 In Figure 4C the detail of the probe 410 is illustrated. The probe 410
may include a portion
424 to engage with and depress the ball valve on the keg. The portion 424 may
consist of two
hemispherical structures as shown that surround liquid pathway 426. Ridged
portion 428 may
engage with and depress the ring valve on the keg. Passageways 430 may provide
a pathway for
gas venting from the keg during filling operations with the device 400. As can
be seen, there may
be multiple pathways 430, allowing for multiple gas venting pathways, to
increase liquid flow into
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the keg. Teeth 432 may provide standoff for the device 400 when engaged with
the keg to create
a gap allowing for the gas to escape. Figure 4D shows a view looking downward
into the funnel
portion 412 (i.e., through the opening 414). The funnel exit 416 portion can
be seen at the center
of the figure.
1001011 Figures 4E and 4F depict the internal structure of the device 400. In
Figure 4E, the valve
assembly is depicted in an open position, creating a liquid pathway straight
through the device.
Figure 4F, which is a cross-section taken along the same cut-line as Figure
4E, depicts the valve
assembly in a closed position, shutting the liquid pathway from the upper
portion through the lower
portion. The threaded connections 434 and 436 between 416 and 420 and 408 and
422 can be
seen. The internal structure of the valve assembly 406, in this embodiment, a
ball valve 438 is in
the open position. A liquid pathway 440 exists between the lower portion 416
of the funnel portion
412, the valve 438 (in the open position), and the probe assembly 410. The
liquid pathway 440
may increase in size after threaded section 434 through the valve section 438
and then taper down
to threaded portion 436. Thus, when the valve assembly 406 in the open
position, liquid may enter
the funnel assembly 412 at its upper opening 414 and flow downward through the
device 400,
including passing through the valve 438, eventually existing the probe
assembly 410 between the
portion 424 (at liquid pathway 426). When the device 400 is engaged with a
keg, the liquid may
flow from the device into the ball valve portion of the keg valve and into the
keg. Figure 4F depicts
the valve 438 in the closed position.
[00102] When the device 400 is engaged with the keg, according to exemplary
embodiments, the
valve assembly 406 may be in the closed position. This closes the liquid
pathway through the
device 400. The reason for this is explained above with respect to Figure 2
above. This closes off
the liquid path through the device to prevent liquid venting because of the
pressurization in the
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keg, but the passageways for the gas in the keg are open and that gas can exit
the keg through the
ring valve and up through the passageways in the device as described above.
Once the degassing
is complete and the pressure in the keg on the liquid is relieved. Once that
is complete, the valve
assembly may be opened and liquid filling commenced.
1001031 Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, and 5G (collectively referred to as
Figure 5) show a
fourth device according to exemplary embodiments. The device 500 may have a
lower portion
502 and an upper portion 504. The lower portion 502 may include a probe
assembly 506 and
flange portion 508. The upper portion 504 may have a funnel assembly 510
having an opening
512 and a deflector structure 514. The opening 512, at the upper portion of
the funnel assembly
510 may taper downwards towards the lower portion of the device 500.
1001041 The device 500, including the lower and upper portions 502 and 504 may
be made of
metal, plastic, polymer, wood or any other semi-rigid or rigid material which
is machinable,
moldable, castable or formable with physical properties such that it is rigid
and able to maintain
its shape and be of sufficient strength and stiffness so as to allow it to
functionally perform in the
manner described herein. The funnel assembly 510 may have wall thickness, as
shown in Figure
5D and 5G. The funnel assembly may be of various sizes according to exemplary
embodiments.
For example, the funnel assembly may be sized to accommodate up one liter of
fluid. In other
embodiments, the funnel assembly may be of different sizes. For example,
funnel assembly may
be sufficiently large (e.g., about 5.5 inches wide by about 4.25 inches high)
to accommodate a
reasonable amount of fluid for flow into the keg to allow to filling of the
keg in a minimum amount
of time.
1001051 The lower portion 502 may have a probe assembly 506. The probe
assembly may include
a coupling ring 516 that may be configured to engage with the keg valve
structure. The coupling
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ring 516 may be engaged by positioning it onto the keg, pushed down, and
twisting until the
coupling ring 516 fully engaged in order to lock the device 500 in place and
create a seal with the
keg valve. The flange 508 may provide a cover for the engagement portion with
the keg valve.
The coupling ring 516 may have two cut-outs 518 that are configured to engage
with two teeth
located on the valve structure of the keg. This locks the device 500 into
place. After the teeth are
positioned into each cut-out 518, a ramped portion 520 may allow for locking
engagement of the
coupling ring 516 with the keg valve structure when twisted or turned into
place.
1001061 In Figures 5E and 5F, the detail of the probe 506 is illustrated. The
probe 506 may include
a portion 522 to engage with and depress the ball valve on the keg. The
portion 522 may consist
of two hemispherical structures as shown that surround liquid outlet 524. The
liquid outlet 524
may by the terminus of a liquid pathway that extends upward from to the bottom
portion of the
funnel, creating a flow path from the funnel to the bottom of the device 500.
Ridged portion 526
may engage with and depress the ring valve on the keg. Passageways 528 may
provide a pathway
for gas venting from the keg during filling operations with the device 500. As
can be seen, there
may be multiple pathways 528, allowing for multiple gas venting pathways, to
increase liquid flow
into the keg. This may be similar in structure to the probe described with
respect to the
embodiment of Figure 4. The flange portion 508 may direct any gas venting
downward onto the
upper surface of the keg, away from any user of the device. Further, as the
device is engaged onto
the keg valve, the ball valve may be engaged first (i.e., prior to the
engagement of the ring valve).
In doing so, liquid may exit the keg valve as it is opened (since the liquid
in the keg may be under
pressure as described above). This liquid may spray or stream out at the keg
valve area around the
probe 506 prior to the device being fully engaged with the keg valve such that
the ball valve is
fully open and the liquid outlet 524 and the liquid pathway 530 is engaged and
available to the
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liquid for flow. The flange portion 508 may prevent this liquid from spraying
upward and/or
outward and impacting a user of the device. Instead, any liquid spray may be
directed downward
by the flange onto the keg upper surface, from which it may run-off or be
soaked up by an
appropriate absorbent material by a user. In addition, there may be liquid
mixed with the gas in
the gas venting pathways and this flange may perform the same function in
directing such liquid
downward onto the keg.
1001071 Figure 5G depicts the internal structure of the device 500. The
deflector 514 may be
mounted to the upper portion 504 at multiple points (e.g., four points) 532
(the attachment points
532 can also be seen in Figure 5A). The deflector may be molded as part of the
device 500 or may
be separately formed and then joined with the upper portion 504 (funnel
assembly 510) of the
device 500 through glue, welding, or other attachment methods. The deflector
514 may be made
of the same or different material than upper and lower portions of the device
500.
1001081 As described above, a liquid pathway 530 exists between a lower
portion of the funnel
portion 510 and the probe assembly 506 at 524. Thus, liquid may enter the
funnel assembly 510
at its upper opening 512 and flow downward through the liquid pathway,
eventually existing the
probe assembly 506 between the structures 522 at portion 524. When the device
500 is engaged
with a keg, the liquid may then flow from the device into the ball valve
portion of the keg valve
and into the keg.
1001091 When the device 500 is engaged with the keg, according to exemplary
embodiments, the
probe assembly 506 may engage with the keg valve structure, as described
herein. The probe
assembly may depress the ball valve and the ring valve of the keg valve,
creating both a liquid
pathway into and out of the keg and gas venting pathway. Because the keg
contents are liquid and
may be under pressure, the liquid may vent through the ball valve portion and
up into the device
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500 through the liquid outlet 524. This venting liquid may move upward through
the liquid
pathway 530 and into the funnel portion of the device. The liquid stream may
then impinge upon
the lower surface, or underside, 534 of the deflector 514. The sloped shape of
the deflector 514
(as depicted in Figure. 5G, for example) may deflect the liquid downward. This
deflected liquid
may then flow back into the keg through the liquid pathway 500. Simultaneously
to any liquid
venting, gas in the keg may vent through the keg ring valve and through the
probe assembly 506
structure (i.e., pathways 528), lowering the pressure in the keg. This is
referred to as degassing.
The degassing allows for liquid flow into the keg since the gas has a pathway
to exit as the liquid
volume is increased in the keg volume.
1001101 Once the degassing is complete and the pressure in the keg on the
liquid is relieved, liquid
filling may be commenced.
1001111 Figure 6 show a fifth device according to exemplary embodiments. The
device 600 may
have a lower portion 602 and an upper portion 604. The lower portion 602 may
include a probe
assembly 606 and flange portion 608. The upper portion 604 may have a funnel
assembly 610
having a cap 612. The device 600 may have the same basic structure as the
embodiment depicted
in Figure 5 with the addition of the cap 612. The device 600 may also lack the
deflector structure
of the device 500. Otherwise, the description of the device 500 is applicable
to the device 600
with respect to construction, operation, and structure.
1001121 A modification from the device 500 is that the cap 612 may be used to
contain liquid that
may escape during degassing of a keg. The cap 612 may take the place of the
deflector structure
decribed with respect to Figure 5. Following degassing, the cap 612 may be
removed to allow for
liquid (such as alcoholic spirits) to be added to through the device 600 into
the keg to which it is
coupled.
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1001131 The cap 612 may be removably coupled to the upper portion of the
funnel assembly 610.
The funnel assembly 610 may have a lip around its upper extremity to allow for
a snap fit of the
cap 612. Other securement of the cap 612 may be used such as an interference
fit. The securement
of the cap 612 should be of sufficient strength to resist the impact of a
liquid stream from a keg
during degassing operations and not be dislodged. In some embodiments, the
device 600 may
have the deflector structure of the device 500 in addition to the cap 612 to
provide added protection
to a user from escape of liquid during degassing of a keg. The cap 612 may be
constructed of the
same or different material of the device 600.
[00114] It should be appreciated that the cap depicted in Figure 6 may be used
with the other
embodiments shown and described herein, such as those depicted in Figures 2,
3, 4, and 5. The
cap may be used as a way to keep the interior of the funnel clean and/or free
of debris prior to use.
The cap may be used as a back-up to the mechanisms on each embodiment to
prevent liquid
streams out of the keg during degassing. The cap may be removed prior to use
of the device to
add liquid to the keg. The cap may be replaced following addition of liquid to
the keg.
[00115] The filling apparatus according to exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein can be used
to dispense one or more liquids into a keg. According to exemplary
embodiments, the keg may be
filled with a liquid pre-mix. The liquid pre-mix may be non-alcoholic. The
liquids dispensed into
the keg, according to exemplary embodiments, include alcoholic spirits.
However, non-alcoholic
liquids may be dispensed.
[00116] Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 71, and 7J (collectively
referred to as Figure 7)
show a sixth device according to exemplary embodiments. The device 700 may
have a lower
portion 702 and an upper portion 704. The lower portion 702 may include a
probe assembly 706.
The upper portion 704 may have a funnel assembly 708 having an opening 710.
The opening 710,
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at the upper portion of the funnel assembly 708 may taper downwards towards
the lower portion
702. The device 700 may further include a movable or sliding piston 712 that
is centrally located
in the upper portion 704 and extends downward thought the lower portion 702.
The piston 712 is
described in more detail below.
1001171 The device 700, including the lower and upper portions 702 and 704 and
the piston 712,
may be made of metal, plastic, polymer, wood or any other semi-rigid or rigid
material which is
machinable, moldable, castable or formable with physical properties such that
it is rigid and able
to maintain its shape and be of sufficient strength and stiffness so as to
allow it to functionally
perform in the manner described herein. The funnel assembly may be of various
sizes according
to exemplary embodiments. For example, the funnel assembly may be sized to
accommodate up
one liter of fluid. In other embodiments, the funnel assembly may be of
different sizes. For
example, funnel assembly may be sufficiently large (e.g., about 5.5 inches
wide by about 4.25
inches high) to accommodate a reasonable amount of fluid for flow into the keg
to allow to filling
of the keg in a minimum amount of time.
1001181 The lower portion 702 may have a probe assembly 706. The probe
assembly may include
a coupling ring 714 that may be configured to engage with the keg valve
structure. The coupling
ring 714 may be engaged by positioning it onto the keg, pushed down, and
twisting until the
coupling ring 714 fully engaged in order to lock the device 700 in place and
create a seal with the
keg valve. The coupling ring 714 may have two cut-outs 716 that are configured
to engage with
two teeth located on the valve structure of the keg. This locks the device 700
into place. After the
teeth are positioned into each cut-out 716, a ramped portion 718, including
stop tabs 724, may
allow for locking engagement of the coupling ring 714 with the keg valve
structure when twisted
or turned into place.
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1001191 The probe assembly 706 may include a ridged portion 720 extending
downward and
surrounding an opening 722 in which the lower end 726 of the piston 712 is
movably contained.
The ridged portion 720 may be configured to engage with and depress the ring
valve on the keg.
The ridged portion may be sized such that is slightly smaller than the width
of the ring valve
structure. This ridged portion may be a circular structure surrounding the
opening 722. This may
allow for a gas venting path out of the keg through the ring valve, when
depressed, around the
ridged portion and to the atmosphere. It is expected that there may be liquid
mixed with the gas
that is vented, and some liquid spray may occur during initial degassing of
the keg upon
engagement of the device 700.
1001201 Figures 7K, 7L, and 7M depict the piston 712 according to exemplary
embodiments. The
piston 712 may have a shaft 734 and a handle 736. It should be appreciated
that the piston 712 is
configured and dimensioned to fit into the device 700 and move between its
upper and lower
positions. To facilitate movement of the piston up and down as described
herein, a slight tolerance
or spacing between the piston and the internal walls of the lower portion 702
is necessary. Also,
as can be seen in Figure 7, the handle 736 may protrude above the upper rim of
the upper portion
704, that is, the upper rim of the funnel assembly 708. The handle may
protrude in both positions.
The handle may assist a user in moving the piston. The cross-hatching design
738 on the shaft
734 of the piston 712 may be decorative in nature and is meant to be
exemplary.
1001211 The piston 712 may be movable between a lower and an upper position.
In the lower
position, the piston 712 may have its lower extremity 726 extending out past
the opening 722. The
piston 712 may have one or more channels 728 located thereon. When the piston
712 is in the
lower or extended position, a liquid pathway may be created from the funnel
portion 708 through
the lower portion 702 and out of the device 700 through the channels 728. When
the device 700
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is engaged onto a keg as described herein, in the lower position, the piston
712 may actuated and
depress the ball valve portion of the keg. Thus, liquid may flow through the
device 700 and into
the keg. The liquid may flow out of the device 700 using channels 728 located
on the shaft 734 of
the piston 712. Specifically, the channels 728 may be located near the lower
extremity 726 and
provide a channel for liquid to flow down past the piston and exit the device
700 when the piston
is extended or lowered. Figure 7J shows a cross-section in which the channel
728 and a fluid flow
path 740 can be seen when the piston is extended or lowered. Figures 7K and 7M
provide a view
showing the channel 728 on the piston 712 removed from the device 700. It
should be appreciated
that the same cut-out 728 is located on the opposite side of the piston. The
flow path 740 for the
liquid extends from the funnel portion 708 through the lower portion 702 and
exits at 722 through
the lower extremity 726 of the piston. It should be appreciated that a similar
path is present on the
opposite of the piston (not labelled in Figure 7J).
1001221 In the upper position, the lower extremity 726 may be retracted into
the opening 722. In
this position, when the device 700 is engaged on a keg, the ball valve of the
keg is not actuated.
In normal use, this is the position in which the device 700 may be engaged
onto the keg. In doing
so, liquid is prevented from venting through the ball valve during degassing
of the keg prior to
filling of the keg. Once the keg is degassed, the piston can be moved from the
upper position to
the lower position.
1001231 The piston 712 may have two tabs 730 that act as stops between the
upper and lower
positions. The tabs 730 may travel in channels 732 located in the sides of the
lower portion 702
of the device 700. Cross-section views shown in Figures 7H and 71 (both taken
along the line in
Figure 7B labeled as 7H) depict the tabs in the channels.
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1001241 Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart for an example process 800 for
providing a keg partially
filled with a non-alcoholic, liquid premix, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The
process 800 may be performed, for example, by a user such as a provider or
manufacturer of non-
alcoholic, liquid pre-mixes for making mixed drinks. The process 800 may
include the following
steps.
1001251 In step 802, a keg is provided. The keg may be any suitable keg, such
as a keg with a
standard valve that connects to a standard coupler, such as the Sankey A, D,
G, M, S, or U type
systems. The keg may be a one-time use keg. In a preferred embodiment, the keg
includes a
Sankey-D valve which is compatible with the Sankey-D coupler that is widely
used in bars,
restaurants, and other establishment and venues for serving beer on draft. The
keg may include a
keg bung in a top portion of the keg. The keg bung may be provided with a ball-
valve inside the
keg bung for, for example, allowing liquid to flow out of the keg but not into
the keg. The keg
bung may further include other valves, for example, a venting valve (e.g., gas
or CO2 valve) that
allows flowing gas into to the keg to pressurize liquid out of the keg when
the keg is in regular
use. The venting valve may be a ring valve that surrounds the ball valve
structure. For example,
in normal use of the keg, when being dispensed, the venting valve (e.g., CO2
valve) is opened to
add pressure to the top of the liquid in the keg, so when the tap is opened at
the bar, liquid can flow
through the ball valve (also known as a beer valve or liquid valve) out of the
keg. The venting
valve can also be used to release gas from the keg when adding liquid to the
keg, such as, for
example, in exemplary embodiments. The Sankey-D coupler, once attached to the
keg, can serve
two functions: 1) it opens both the venting valve and the ball or beer valve
simultaneously so that
pressure can be added to the top of inside of the keg, and 2) the liquid can
be released from the
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keg through the ball valve once the tap is opened on the bar, in a restaurant,
and/or at other event
venues.
1001261 In step 804, a liquid pre-mix is provided. The liquid pre-mix may be
any desired non-
alcoholic pre-mix, including but not limited to, a liquid premix for
margaritas, mojitos, mules,
Paloma, Tonic, Lemonade, Cola, Seltzer, and/or Sodas. The liquid pre-mix may
also comprise a
single product such as Coca Cola for a rum and Coke mixed drink, or tonic
water for a gin and
tonic drink.
1001271 In step 806, the liquid pre-mix is filled into the keg to a first
desired portion of a capacity
of the keg. The liquid pre-mix may be filled into the keg in any manner using
any suitable devices
or systems as known in the art. The first desired portion of the capacity may
be about two thirds
of the capacity of the keg according to one embodiment. For example, if the
capacity of the keg
is about 30 liters, the first desired portion of the capacity may be about 21
liters. Other mix ratios
are possible. For example, there are 12.5 liter, 19 liter, and 10 liter kegs.
The mix ratio would
change therefore based on the keg capacity.
1001281 In step 808, the filling apparatus is provided to engage the keg In
various embodiments,
the filling apparatus may be provided to an end user. The filling apparatus
may be provided with
the keg that is filled with the pre-mix as described above. The filling
apparatus may be referred to
as a keg spiker. The filling apparatus may be that described herein according
to exemplary
embodiments. The filling apparatus may be engaged with the keg at a later
time, such as at a
location of an end user.
1001291 In step 810, instructions for using the filling apparatus for
dispensing the liquid (e.g.,
alcohol) into the keg is provided to an end user. The instructions may
describe how the alcoholic
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liquid is mixed with the non-alcoholic pre-mix inside the keg to form a mixed
drink of choice.
This step may be optional.
1001301 Figure 9 illustrates an example of a method of using the filling
apparatus to dispense the
liquid into a keg. The method 900 may include the following steps.
1001311 In step 902, the filling apparatus is aligned with the keg bung
disposed in the top portion
of the keg. For example, by grasping and manipulating the filling apparatus,
the bottom terminal
of the filling apparatus is in a position ready for fitting into the keg bung.
1001321 In step 904, the filling apparatus is engaged with the keg bung by
twisting the filling
apparatus clockwise, according to one embodiment, so as to be able to
simultaneously depress and
open at least a portion of the keg bung valve (e.g., the ball valve and/or the
venting valve) received
in the keg bung and lock the filling apparatus into place to the keg bung.
Securing the filling
apparatus onto the keg bung can be achieved with the locking ring or coupling
ring and the keg
locking slots or teeth that engage with the ring on the device. Locking
securely is required to
create a tight non-leaking seal to the keg. According to exemplary
embodiments, one embodiment
may require depression of the lever on the Sankey-D coupler to extend the
probe section to displace
the ball valve structure of the keg. Other embodiments, may only require
securing as described
above to secure the filling device and actuate the valve structure of the keg,
as described above.
During the engagement and following the engagement, in certain embodiments,
the filling
apparatus valve on the filling device may remain closed. In some embodiments,
the sliding piston
may remain in the upper or closed position and only the ring valve on the keg
is actuated (the ball
valve remaining closed or unactuated). In other embodiments, that lack a
valve, the gas may vent
once the filling device is engaged and the venting valve is opened. In various
embodiments, a
deflector or a cap may prevent liquid from escaping the device and impacting a
user. This may
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allow for degassing of the keg to relieve pressure on the liquid (e.g., pre-
mix in the keg) and
prevent the liquid from exiting out of the keg and through the filling device.
The gas vented may
be a nitrogen gas, a carbon dioxide gas, an air gas, or combinations thereof.
1001331 In step 906, the keg is degassed or vented. This occurs because the
gas in the keg now
has an exhaust path through the filling apparatus. With the filling apparatus
valve closed or sliding
piston in the closed position or once the filling device is engaged, according
to exemplary
embodiments, the gas may vent through the vent opening(s) on the filling
apparatus and to relieve
pressure on the liquid in the keg. Otherwise, if the valve was opened on the
filling apparatus,
liquid may exit under pressure through the keg ball valve and out through the
filling apparatus. In
various embodiments, the liquid may exit the keg but impinge upon the
deflector portion or cap
portion of the filling device and flow back into or onto the keg. Once the keg
is degassed and the
pressure relieved in the keg, the valve may be opened to open the liquid
pathway. In various
embodiments, the cap may be removed to allow access to the funnel opening to
add liquid or liquid
may be added directly into the funnel without any additional actions by the
user (e.g., in the
embodiment with the deflector, liquid may be added directly to the funnel
portion). In some
embodiments, the sliding piston may be depressed to actuate the ball valve on
the keg and create
a liquid pathway though the filling apparatus.
1001341 In step 908, the liquid, e.g., alcoholic spirits, is dispensed into
the keg to a second desired
portion of the capacity of the keg. In order to dispense the liquid into the
keg, the filling apparatus
valve is opened creating a pathway from the funnel portion of the filling
apparatus and into the
keg through the ball valve. In various embodiments, the liquid pathway is open
in the device as is
(i.e., no valve is present). In some embodiments, the liquid pathway is only
open when the sliding
piston is in the lower or open position. While the liquid is dispensed into
the keg, further gas may
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be released from inside of the keg through the venting valve and through
venting opening on the
filling device. The liquid is added (poured) into the upper funnel portion of
the filling apparatus
and then flows downward through the apparatus (the liquid pathway as described
above for the
various embodiments) from which it exits into the keg through the ball (or
beer) valve (that has
been depressed by the probe of the filling apparatus), and then flows down the
tube (or spear)
which extends from the ball valve into the keg (as described above with
respect to the keg
structure).
1001351 The liquid may be added in volume to a desired portion of the keg
capacity. This can be
all or a portion of the remaining keg capacity (i.e., capacity not filled with
the pre-mix). For
example, if the keg has been filed 2/3 full of the non-alcoholic, liquid
cocktail mix, the remaining
portion, used to pour in the alcohol, can be up to the remaining 1/3 of the
keg capacity. Thus, if
the capacity of the keg is about 30 liters and the pre-mix volume is about 21
liters (the non-
alcoholic, liquid pre-mix is filled up to about 21 liters), the remaining
portion added with the filling
apparatus may be up to 9 liters. Different amounts of the liquid dispensed
into the keg may form
different flavors or varieties of the mixed drink. It should be appreciated
that various ratios of
liquid pre-mix and additive liquid may be used as desired to achieve the
desired drink mix and
flavoring. It should also be appreciated that the volume of alcohol added to
the keg depends on
the keg capacity as there are other keg capacities (i.e., different than 30
liters described above).
For example, there are 12.5 liter, 19 liter, and 10 liter kegs. The volume
amount of pre-mix and
alcohol thus may be adjusted accordingly based on the keg capacity.
1001361 The liquid dispensed into the keg using the apparatus can be any
suitable liquid for
forming the drink of choice by mixing the dispensed liquid with the pre-mix
inside the keg. For
example, the liquid dispensed into the keg using the apparatus can be
alcoholic spirits of various
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amounts to form various mixed drinks. Different types of alcoholic spirits may
be added to the
keg to form a blend with the pre-mix. For example, different flavors of an
alcoholic spirit may be
added together to the keg or different types of alcohol may be added to the
keg. The proportions
and the type of alcohol (or other liquid) added to the pre-mix may change the
flavor of the resulting
drink in the keg.
1001371 In step 910, the filling apparatus is disengaged from the keg. After
dispensing the liquid
into the keg, the filling apparatus may be disengaged from the keg bung and
removed. The filling
apparatus may be removed by rotating it in a counter-clockwise direction to
disengage it from the
locking threads of the keg bung. That is, the reverse operation of step 904
may be performed. In
exemplary embodiments, the lever on the Sankey-D coupler may be required to be
raised to
disengage the probe section from the valve. In some embodiments, the valve on
the filling device
may be closed prior to removal or the sliding piston may be raised to the
upper position before
disengagement.
1001381 In some embodiments, the method 900 may further include shaking the
keg to
significantly mix the non-alcoholic liquid pre-mix and the alcohol inside the
keg to form the drink
of choice. For example, the keg may be shook for 15 seconds to ensure that the
fluid volume in
the keg is sufficiently mixed to ensure a consistent output mixture.
1001391 In some embodiments, the method 900 may include engaging the keg spear
or valve
assembly with a standard dispensing apparatus to dispense the drink of choice.
For example, in a
bar, the keg may be set up with a standard Sankey coupler to dispense the
mixed drink to
customers, that is, to provide a mixed drink on draft through a standard
Sankey coupler and tap,
which are widely used for serving beer in bars, restaurants and other
establishments.
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1001401 In the methods described above the filling apparatus may have a cap in
addition to having
a valve or deflector. The cap may keep the filling apparatus clean and/or free
of debris prior to
use. The cap may be removed prior to using the filling apparatus to dispense
alcohol into the keg.
For example, in the method 800, at step 808, the filling apparatus may be
provided with a cap over
its upper opening. In the method 900, the cap, if provided, may be removed
prior to step 908 and
filling of the keg using the apparatus. The cap, if provided, may be kept in
place during degassing
of the keg (e.g., at step 906). In some embodiments, the cap may be removed
before or after step
904 (engaging the filling apparatus with the keg). The cap, if provided, may
be replaced before or
after step 910 (disengaging the filling apparatus from the keg).
1001411 Figure 10A illustrates a top view of an example keg 1001, according to
an embodiment
of the invention. The keg 1001 shown in Figure 10A may be a conventional steel
keg or a one-
time use plastic keg. In various embodiments, the key may be of any type and
may be made of
any material, such as a recyclable material, plastic, metal. The keg may be
clear or opaque. As
shown in Figure 10A, a keg bung assembly 1002 is coupled to the top of the keg
1001. The keg
bung assembly 1002 may be removably coupled to the keg 1001 or may be
integrated to the keg
1001 (e.g., by molding, melding, or soldering). The keg bung assembly 1002 may
comprise a keg
valve 1003 (e.g., a ball valve and venting valve with a tube attached, i.e., a
keg spear). In some
embodiments, a tube may not be attached. When the filling apparatus disclosed
herein is coupled
to the keg 1001 via the bung assembly 1002, the keg valve 1003 can be pressed
open to allow for
filling liquid into the keg 1001 while venting gas out of the keg 1001, as
described herein.
1001421 Figure 10B depicts a keg 1001 with a device 1010 according to
exemplary embodiments
engaged therewith. For example, the device may be that shown in Figure 2 or
Figure 3. In other
embodiments, the device depicted in Figures 4 or 5 may be used.
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1001431 Figure 10C shows a cross section of a keg 1001 with the device 1010
engaged thereto.
Not shown in Figure 10C is the keg spear portion which may extend downward
into the keg from
the keg bung assembly 1002. As shown in Figure 10C, the valve assembly 1012 of
the device is
open, allowing for a direct liquid path from the device into the keg through
the keg valve assembly
1003. Accordingly, since the device 1010 may depress the liquid or ball valve
and the ring valve
of the keg, liquid may be poured directly into the keg and gas from the keg,
displaced by the liquid,
may be vented to the atmosphere.
[00144] Figure 11A illustrates a top view of an example keg 1101, according to
an embodiment
of the invention. The keg 1101 may be the same as that shown in Figure 10A.
For example, the
keg 1101 may be a conventional steel keg or a one-time use plastic keg. In
various embodiments,
the key may be of any type and may be made of any material, such as a
recyclable material, plastic,
metal. The keg may be clear or opaque. A filling apparatus 1102 may be
attached to the keg 1101
as depicted. The filling apparatus 1102 may be similar to the apparatus
depicted in Figure 5 and
described above. When the filling apparatus 1102 disclosed herein is coupled
to the keg 1101 via
the bung assembly (such as that depicted in Figure 10A at 1002), a keg valve
(such as valve 1003)
can be pressed open to allow for filling liquid into the keg 1101 while
venting gas out of the keg
1101, as described herein. Figure 11B depicts atop view of keg 1101 with a
device 1102 according
to exemplary embodiments engaged therewith. For example, the device may be
that shown in
Figure 5.
[00145] Figure 12 illustrates a top view of an example keg 1201, according to
an embodiment of
the invention. The keg 1201 may be the same as that shown in Figure 10A. For
example, the keg
1201 may be a conventional steel keg or a one-time use plastic keg. In various
embodiments, the
key may be of any type and may be made of any material, such as a recyclable
material, plastic,
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metal. The keg may be clear or opaque. A filling apparatus 1202 may be
attached to the keg 1201
as depicted. The filling apparatus 1202 may be similar to the apparatus
depicted in Figure 6 and
described above. The filling apparatus 1202 is depicted with its cap 1203 in
place. When the
filling apparatus 1202 disclosed herein is coupled to the keg 1201 via the
bung assembly (such as
that depicted in Figure 10A at 1002), a keg valve (such as valve 1003) can be
pressed open to
allow for filling liquid into the keg 1201 while venting gas out of the keg
1201, as described herein.
1001461 Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C (collectively referred to as Figure 13)
illustrate views of the
upper portion of a keg 1301 according to an embodiment of the invention having
a filling apparatus
with a piston attached thereto. The keg 1301 may be of the same type as that
depicted in Figures
10, 11, and/or 12. It should be appreciated that the markings/writing on the
upper portion of the
keg are exemplary and non-limiting. The keg 1301 may have a bung assembly 1302
containing a
valve structure as described above (e.g., a valve having a ball and ring
portion). The keg 1301
may have a filling apparatus 1303 engaged to the valve portion of the bung
assembly 1302. The
filling apparatus may be that according to exemplary embodiments. The filling
apparatus 1303
may have a piston assembly 1304 as described above with respect to Figure 7,
although any of the
filling apparatus described herein may be engaged to the keg 1301. In Figure
13B, the piston
assembly 1304 is in the lowered or engaged position. In Figure 13C, the piston
assembly 1304 is
the raised or disengaged position.
1001471 Figures 14A and 14B (collectively referred to a Figure 14) illustrate
cross-section views
of the upper portion of a keg 1401 according to an embodiment of the invention
having a filling
apparatus 1402 with a piston 1404 engaged to the bung assembly 1403
(specifically, engaged to
the valve structure 1405 in the bung assembly). The cross-sections are taken
along a similar line
to that shown in Figure 7B for the cross-section of Figure 7J; stated
differently, the cross-sections
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are taken in a plane parallel to the views of Figures 13B and 13C (that is, a
plane running down
the center of the device and keg). Only the top portion of the keg, containing
the valve structure
is shown for ease of illustration. In Figure 14A, the piston 1404 is in the
raised or disengaged
position. In this position, the liquid pathway through the apparatus 1402 is
closed. In Figure 14B,
the piston 1404 is in the lowered or engaged position. Once in the lowered or
engaged position,
the liquid pathway is created from the filling apparatus into the keg though
the ball valve portion
of the valve. A gas venting pathway is created once the filling apparatus is
engaged with the keg
through the ring valve portion of the valve. The gas venting pathway is open
even with the piston
in the raised position.
1001481 The filling apparatus 1402 may have a coupling or locking ring 1410
that mates with a
flange portion 1412 of keg valve assembly. The locking ring 1410 is mated with
the flange portion
and rotated to engage the tabs on the flange portion. The tabs ride up on the
ramp portion of the
locking ring 1410. A probe portion 1414 of the filling apparatus 1402 engages
with and depresses
the ring valve portion 1416 of the keg valve assembly. The probe portion 1414
is dimensioned to
press down the ring valve portion and allow gas to vent from the keg around
the probe portion to
the atmosphere. The piston 1404 in Figure MA is in the raised position. As
such, the lower end
1418 of the piston is flush with the lower extremity of the filling apparatus
(i.e., the probe portion
1414). In this position, ball valve 1420 is not engaged and no liquid pathway
exists through the
filling apparatus and no gas pathway exists for through this portion of the
filling apparatus.
Instead, the only venting pathway for gas in the keg to vent is through the
ring valve portion. Thus,
when the filling apparatus is first engaged with the keg, the piston is kept
in this position and no
liquid should spray or exit the keg during gassing through the filling
apparatus. Figure 14B depicts
the piston 1404 in a lower or engaged position. In this position, the lower
end 1418 of the piston
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is extended past the lower extremity of the filling apparatus and engaged with
the ball valve 1420
such that the ball valve is depressed. A liquid pathway is now created from
the filling apparatus
into the keg through the ball valve and into the keg spear 1422. The liquid
pathway may be that
depicted in Figure 7J. The liquid may flow down through the apparatus and
around the piston
through channels 1424 on the piston. The piston 1404 may be engaged and
disengaged by pushing
or pulling the piston. According to exemplary embodiments, the piston should
be engaged
following degassing of the keg and should be disengaged prior to removal of
the piston from the
keg.
1001491 Various embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages.
For example, the
filling apparatus filling apparatus is easy to use, requiring little training
and no other equipment or
device. One person is able to use the filling apparatus effectively and
easily, e.g., attach it to a keg
and fill the keg with spirits using the filling apparatus. It is small enough
to be transported easily
and stored in a small space. It requires very little expertise to use
effectively. The combination of
the keg partially filled with a liquid, non-alcoholic pre-mix for a mixed
drink, and the filling
apparatus which can be easily used by a bartender or restaurant worker to add
alcohol to the
partially-filled keg in predetermined amounts, together enable a bar or
restaurant to efficiently
make and serve mixed drinks of consistently high quality on draft using
standard, widely deployed
coupling and serving equipment, such as the Sankey-D coupler and taps.
1001501 Although embodiments of the present invention have been described
herein in the context
of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular
purpose, those skilled
in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that
the embodiments of the
present invention can be beneficially implemented in other related
environments for similar
purposes. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described
embodiments,
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method, and examples, but by all embodiments within the scope and spirit of
the invention as
claimed.
1001511 Although some embodiments of the invention are illustrated and
described herein as
embodied in a hand-held pressure release and gravity filling funnel, it is not
intended to be limited
to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may
be made therein
without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of
the attributes described. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary
embodiments of the
invention are not described in detail or omitted so as not to obscure the
relevant details of the
invention.
1001521 Further, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is
for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The
terms "a" or "an"
as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality" as
used herein, is defined
as two or more than two. The term "another" as used herein, is defined as at
least a second or
more. The terms "including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open
language). The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected,
although not necessarily
directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term "providing" is defined
herein in its broadest
sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or
supplying to
someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period
of time. Also, for
purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear,"
"right," "front,"
"vertical,- "horizontal,- and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as
oriented in the figures
and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular
orientation, as said orientation
may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device. The term "funnel
axis" should be
understood to mean in a direction corresponding to the funnel channel.
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PCT/US2021/059870
1001531 In the invention, various embodiments have been described with
references to the
accompanying drawings. It may, however, be evident that various modifications
and changes may
be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without
departing from the
broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The
invention and drawings
are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive
sense.
1001541 The invention is not to be limited in terms of the particular
embodiments described herein,
which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and
variations can be
made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent
systems, processes and
apparatuses within the scope of the invention, in addition to those enumerated
herein, may be
apparent from the representative descriptions herein. Such modifications and
variations are
intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is to
be limited only by
the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such
representative claims are entitled.
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CA 03213916 2023- 9- 28
