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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 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 et al. 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.

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.

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 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.

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. 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 0.3-0.8 mm, more preferably 0.4-0.7 mm, most preferably about 0.5 mm. 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 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 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. 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.

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 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.

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).

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 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.

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

FIG. 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;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the keg of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in isolation;

FIG. 3 is an underneath view of the keg of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in isolation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fitting for the assembly of FIG. 1, the fitting shown in isolation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 shown without the keg, shown without a jaw of the top-chime and with the sleeve shown in transparent form;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the top-chime shown in isolation;

FIG. 8a is an overhead view of two jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaws being parted, and shown in isolation;

FIG. 8b is an underneath view of the jaws of FIG. 7, the jaws being closed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly of FIG. 1 shown without the keg;

FIG. 9a is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 at an upper region of the sleeve where it meets the top-chime;

FIG. 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 at a lower region of the sleeve where it meets the bottom-chime;

FIG. 10a is a perspective underneath view of one of jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaw shown in isolation;

FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view of one of the jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1 fitted to the keg, the top-chime and keg shown in isolation;

FIG. 11 is a perspective overhead view of the keg and bottom-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in outline form;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of a clip-receiving region of a jaw of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaw shown in isolation;

FIG. 13 is a partial front view of the clip-receiving region of the jaw shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective front view of the clip-receiving region of the jaw shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a locking clip provided in place at the clip-receiving region;

FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of the clip as shown in FIG. 14, the clip shown in isolation;

FIG. 16 is an underneath view of the clip of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an underneath perspective view of the keg protection assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of two assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 1 aligned for stacking.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keg protection assembly 1 according 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-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-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 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 O-ring which are omitted from FIG. 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 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 0.5 mm 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.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the keg 10 in isolation, and FIG. 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 1.

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.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a fitting 80 for the assembly 1 of FIG. 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 O-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.

FIG. 5 is perspective overhead view of the assembly 1 of FIG. 1. The top-chime 30 comprises a first jaw 30a and second jaw 30b. These pair of jaws 30a, 30b are shown in FIG. 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.

FIG. 6 is a similar perspective view as shown in FIG. 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.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime 30 of the assembly of FIG. 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 FIG. 8a.

FIG. 8a is an overhead view of two jaws 30a, 30b of the top-chime 30 of the assembly 1 of FIG. 1, the jaws shown in isolation and being parted from one another. FIG. 8b is an underneath view of the jaws 30a, 30b of FIG. 7, the jaws being closed to define the collar. FIGS. 8a and 8b do not show the locking clips 31a, 31b.

Referring to FIGS. 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 30 is secured to the keg 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 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.

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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIGS. 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. Within 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.

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 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 FIGS. 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.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly 1 of FIG. 1 shown without the keg. The cross-section plane is along the longitudinal axis X, but orthogonal to the cross-section plane of FIG. 1 such that the handles are bisected by the cross-section plane. FIG. 9a is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 the top-chime 30 and sleeve 20 at an upper region 20a of the sleeve 20 and FIG. 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 showing the bottom-chime 40 and sleeve 20 at a lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8b and FIG. 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 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 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 FIG. 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 FIGS. 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.

The engagement structure 75 shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIGS. 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.

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 FIG. 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. FIG. 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.

FIG. 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 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, 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 FIG. 9, adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of the mated jaws 30a, 30b 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 FIG. 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.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of the clip-receiving region 90 of the first jaw 30a and FIG. 13 is a partial front view of the same clip-receiving region 90.

FIG. 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. FIG. 15 is a perspective front view and FIG. 16 is an underneath view of the locking clip 31a.

Referring to FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 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 FIG. 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 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 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.

KEG PROTECTION ASSEMBLY

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