US3591057A - Tapping device for beer kegs and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The present device comprises a keg tapping unit which is connected about a ''''Peerless'''' type keg opening by insertion through the side filling opening of the keg and in a large ''''Golden Gate'''' type keg opening by insertion through the tapping opening. An adapter is provided for connecting the key unit in the larger opening and includes a generally conical member engaged about the tapping unit and having a flange engageable against a shoulder within the keg opening. A coupling nut engages the tapping unit and is threaded about the internal threads in the larger opening to secure the tapping unit to the keg.

Description

A United States Patent [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1908 Wawvrzinski l l/1940 Wanderski et a1.

11/1952 Chatten............

[72] Inventor MackS.Johnston Rolling Hills. Calif. 23,454

[2 l Appl No {22] Filed Mar 27, 1970 [45] Patented July 6, 1971 [73] Assignee Republic Corporation Beverly Hills, Calif. Continuation of application Ser. No.

At10meyLe Blanc and Shur 1964, now abandoned.

ABSTRACT: The present device comprises a keg tapping unit which is connected about a Peerless type keg opening by insertion through the side filling opening of the keg and in a [54] LAgEING DEVICE FOR BEER KEGS AND THE la g a i opgning igsfertion throqgh e ta in o enmg. n a a ter is rovl e or connectm clams6nmwmg Flgs the kg' urfit the larger op ening 15nd includes a genera? [52] US. 222/400.7 conical member engaged about the tapping unit and having a [51] int. B6Sd 83/14 flange engageable against a shoulder within the keg opening. [50] Field of 222/4007, A coupling nut engages the tapping unit and is threaded about 402.12, 402.14, 402.16, 402.25, 481, 212, the internal threads in the larger opening to secure the tapping unit to the keg.

PATENIEU JUL 6 I971 SHEET 2 [1F 2 TAPPIN G DEVICE FOR BEER KEGS AND TIIE LIKE This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 737,982 filed June 18, 1968 which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 607,297, filed Jan. 4, l967,and a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 587,627 filed Oct. I8, 1966, the latter application in turn being a continuation of application Ser. No. 406,682, filed Oct. 27, 1964, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a tapping device for drawing liquids such as beer from containers, for example, beer kegs or barrels, using a gas to drive the liquid from the container. In particular, the invention relates to a tapping device usable with either of the two types of conventional-beer kegs commonly referred to as Peerless and Golden Gate kegs by means of a unique adapter assembly whereby the keg units of the tapping device, which are normally employed with peerless type kegs having the smaller tapping openings, may be adapted for use with the golden gate type kegs which have the larger openings.

Prevailing practice in the beer industry provides beer to retail outlets in conventional kegs which commonly are peerless type kegs having three-fourths inch tapping openings which are most often closed with bungs or wooden plugs. To dispense the beer from the keg, a bartender usually taps the keg by displacing the bung or plug into the keg and inserting an elongated tap rod, the keg-tapping device being fastened to the keg by means of a bayonet" connection. The tapping device includes a compressed air inlet which, when connected to a suitable pressure source, drives the beer through the tap rod out of the keg to a valved faucet. When the keg is empty, the bartender removes the tapping device from the keg and installs it in a new keg, repeating the process previously described.

This conventional method of tapping a beer keg has a number of disadvantages which are set forth in detail in my previously noted copending application Ser. No. 587,627. To eliminate these and other disadvantages, alternative tapping devices have been developed which have been adapted for use with the peerless keg having the three-fourths inch tapping opening. Such devices are illustrated in the above-noted copending application as well as in the other previously noted copending application Ser. No. 607,297. A supplementary beer tapping system has been developed including a new type of keg conventionally called the Golden Gate" keg. This keg employs a 1% inch tapping opening. Tapping devices have been developed and constructed specifically for use with one or the other of these different type kegs. For example, in my copending application Ser. No. 587,627, there is disclosed a tapping device comprising a keg unit specifically designed for installation in the opening of a peerless type keg, the keg unit having separate beer and gas passageways with suitable check valves therein. The keg unit is installed in the keg at the brewery and seals the beer-filled keg. At the beer dispensing establishments, a tapping unit is connected to the keg unit permitting the beer to be drawn under pressure. As a further example, there is disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,065,885 a tapping device specifically adapted for the newer type golden gate keg, having the 1% inch opening. It will be readily appreciated that the tapping devices employed with the respective kegs are incompatible each with the other (with the exception of the tapping units described and disclosed in my above-noted applications).

Moreover, it will be noted that the keg units which are employed with either type of kegs are usually inserted through the filling opening in the side of the keg. Considerable manipulation is required to dispose the keg unit in the tapping opening and to remove it therefrom. Keg and tapping unit cleaning at the brewery is thus considerably more difficult and laborious.

Generally, the present invention provides an improved tapping apparatus which overcomes the present incompatibility between the tapping device employed with the one-type of keg with the structurally different keg of the other type. To accomplish this as well as to provide for the direct and hence easier insertion of the keg unit into the tapping opening, a generally conically shaped member having a central aperture is provided to receive the keg unit normally employed with the peerless type keg having the smaller opening. The enlarged diameter lower end of the conical member is provided a gasket which seals against the annular shoulder conventionally provided about the larger opening of the golden gate keg. A coupler is secured about the keg unit above the conical member and has external threads which engage the internally threaded golden gate opening. The coupler has additional external threads which are compatible with the tapping unit of the peerless keg tapping device such that its companion can be connected thereto. In this manner, many of the keg units specifically adapted for use with the peerless type keg can be employed with and secured to the kegs having the larger opening as in the golden gate kegs. It will be appreciated that peerless tapping devices are not in any way modified or structurally changed in order to accomplish the foregoing and that existing tapping devices of this type can be employed with the present invention.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a keg tapping apparatus interchangeable for use with different size keg openings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a keg tapping adapter permitting connection of the tapping device normally employed with the peerless type keg for use with a golden gate keg.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide adapter units for the peerless tapping devices which are readily compatible with the golden gate type kegs and which permit the insertion of the keg units through the tapping openings of the golden gate keg.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adapter affording compatibility of the peerless tapping devices with the golden gate tapping devices and which does not require modification or change in structure in either the peerless tapping devices or the golden gate keg openings.

These and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings therein:

FIG. I is a schematic illustration of a beer tapping system employing the tapping apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of a tapping device of the double probe type secured in a peerless type keg open- "8;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view showing the tapping device of FIG. 2 and an adapter assembly for use with a golden gate type keg opening;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the tapping device illustrated in FIG. 2 as finally secured in a golden gate type keg opening with portions thereof broken away and in cross section for ease of illustration;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross section of another peerless type keg unit adapted for a golden gate opening; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of still another form of peerless type keg unit adapted for connection in a golden gate opening.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is schematically shown a beer keg 10 of the socalled golden gate type having an opening 12 in its top wall 14 which is adapted to receive, in accordance with the present invention, a keg unit 16 normally employed with a peerless type keg opening. A companion tapping unit 18 is connected with the keg unit 16 to form a tapping assembly. The tapping unit 18 has a gas inlet 20 which is suitably connected at one end of a gas supply line 22, the opposite end of which communicates with a gas supply tank 24. A suitable valve 26 may be disposed in line 22 if desired. Tapping unit 18 has a beer outlet 27 which is connected by a conventional coupler to one end of a flexible tube 28, the opposite end of which connects with a dispensing faucet 30. The keg and tapping units illustrated may be of the type disclosed in my abovementioned copending applications Ser. No. 587,627 and Ser. No. 607,297 or may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,228,413, all of which units are specifically adapted for use with the three-fourths inch peerless type keg opening.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a peerless type keg opening 32 defined by a cylindrical sleeve 34! which projects outwardly of the upper wall Ma of a peerless keg terminating at its outer end in a radially outwardly extending flange 36. Keg opening 32 is a smooth bore three-fourths inch opening and receives a keg unit generally indicated 16a which may be of the type disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,228,413. Reference is herein made to that patent for the details of the keg unit and the disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, keg unit 164 comprises a cylindrical body 38 having an upper portion 410 which is externally threaded as at 42 and a diametrically enlarged base portion 46 defining a radial shoulder 48. Keg unit 16:: has separate fluid and gas passages 33 and 35, respectively, having spring biased normally closed valves 37 and 39, respectively. Keg unit 16a is secured in opening 32 by inserting the unit through the filling opening, not shown, in the sidewall of the keg and locating cylindrical body 38 within opening 32.

Means for securing keg unit 16a in opening 32 is provided and comprises an internally threaded retaining nut 50 which threads about the externally threaded upper portion 40 with the lower surface of the nut 50 bearing on flange 36. Threading action of a nut 50 on portion 40 draws keg unit 16a upwardly within opening 32 with the gasket 49 on shoulder 48 butting and forming a fluid tight seal with the inside marginal portions of the upper wall Ma about opening 32. The lower end of a tapping unit is illustrated at 52 and defines an annular shoulder 54. A coupler 56 having a central aperture is disposed about the tapping unit and is internally threaded to cooperate with the external threads on nut 50 to clamp the tapping unit 52 to the keg unit 1160. Tapping unit 52 has a pair of fluid and gas probes S3 and 55, respectively, which are received within respective passages 33 and 35. The foregoing is illustrative of a keg and tapping device specifically designed for use with the three-fourths inch peerless type keg opening. This device, as well as other types of similar tapping devices, has not heretofore been adapted for use with the larger keg opening of the golden gate type with the exception of the tapping devices disclosed in my copending applications Ser. No. 607,297 and Ser. No. 587,627.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is illustrated a golden gate type keg opening which as a diameter of IV; inches. As illustrated, the opening comprises a stepped sleeve 60 having an internally threaded portion 62 about its outer end and an intermediate reduced diameter smooth bore portion 64 and a reduced diameter opening 66 which defines an annular shoulder 63 with intermediate bore 64. Apart from the differences in diameter, it will thus be noted that the internal configuration of the golden gate type opening is considerably different than the smooth bore peerless type opening. It is a significant feature hereof that a keg unit, for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 2 and specifically designed for a peerless type opening, is adapted for securement within the larger diameter stepped golden gate keg opening illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

To this end, there is provided a second means for securing keg unit 16a within the enlarged keg opening illustrated in FIG. 4. The second securing means comprises a coupling including a collar 70 and a nut. Truncated conical shaped collar 70 has a central bore 72. The lower end of bore 72 opens into a diametrically enlarged cylindrical recess 74 formed in the lower face of collar 74), the recess 70 being adapted to receive the lower cylindrical body portion 46 of of keg unit 16a. The lower face of collar 70 is provided with an annular groove 76 about its periphery which receives an O-ring gasket 78. Annular retaining nut clamps collar 74 about the body portion '30 of keg unit 116a. The lower end of nut 80 if formed to pro-. vide a frustoconical recess 82 which conforms with the outer surface of collar 70. Nut 80 is internally threaded and is engageable about the externally threaded upper portion of body d0. As seen in FIG. 4, by threading retaining nut 30 about the upper body portion 46, collar 70 is clamped between nut and shoulder 48 with gasket 49 bearing against and providing a fluidtight seal with the annular shoulder defined by bore 72 and recess 74 of collar 70. The upper portion of nut 80 is externally threaded and has a diameter as to be threadedly engageable with the internally threaded coupler 56. The lower end of retaining nut 80 is diametrically enlarged and externally threaded as at 8:1 to threadedly engage about the internally threaded enlarged diameter portion 62 of stepped opening 60.

Thus, to adapt the peerless type keg unit for use with the larger opening of the golden gate keg, collar 70 is slipped over the upper body portion 410 of keg unit 1641 and nut 80 is threaded thereabout to clamp collar 70 against shoulder 48 with gasket 49 forming a fluid tight seal with collar 70. This subassembly may then be inserted first, from the outside of the keg. Nut 80 is then threaded about the internally threaded sleeve 60 as at 62, and it will be seen that gasket 78 bears on the annular shoulder 68 of the keg opening with keg unit 16a being drawn down into the keg opening until a proper seal is efiected.

The foregoing is usually performed at the brewery and it is noted that the keg may then be filled with beer through its side opening with the tapping unit effectively preventing outflow of beer from the keg. When the keg is to be tapped, the probes of the tapping unit 52 are inserted in the associated openings of the keg unit 1611. Coupler 56 is then threadedly engaged about retaining nut 80 and the tapping unit is clamped down on the keg unit such that the ends of probes 53 and 54 open the normally closed fluid and gas valves 37 and 39, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a tapping unit 161; of the type specifically adapted for use with a peerless type keg opening. Keg unit 16b is of the type specifically described and illustrated in my copending application Ser. No. 607,297 which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

It is sufficient to note, for present purposes, that keg unit 16b includes a valve retainer insert 210, a chucking washer 212 below insert 210 and 2112 forming a valve seat a bifurcated stainless steel valve 214 and a spring 216. The valve is supported in a center section 21% which is received in a T-section 1127. T-section is enclosed within sleeve 2'30 and, in conjunction with sleeve 2tltl, retains the upper end of a one-way check valve 200 formed of a semirigid material. Suitably attached to the lower end of center section 2118 is a plastic tube 222 which is suitably secured within the lower end of valve 200 and secured by means of a plastic ferrule 226 to a siphon tube 228. Insert 210 has four cooperating external threads 230, equidistantly spaced about its periphery forming four slots 232. These threads engage the internal threads of T-section 127 in a manner leaving a gas passage through slots 232 between center section 2R8 and sleeve 2190 in communication with valve 200. Chucking washer 212 abuts the underside of insert 210 and has a reduced diameter lower portion 240 which butts a flange on valve 2%. Valve spring 216 biases valve 214 into sealing engagement with washer 2112 to seal the fluid passage which extends through probe 223, the center section 2W, past the normally closed valve 214 and O-ring sealing gaskets 142. Thus, by displacing valve 234 downwardly against the bias of the spring 2% by means of the probe, not shown, of the associated tapping unit, a fluid passage is provided into the keg. Slots 290 are formed in the side of valve 200 which slots open when gas is passed through the gas passage into the keg but which remain normally closed.

It is noted that the body portion or sleeve 2M! has a diameter smaller than the three-fourths inch opening of the peerless type keg. An enlarged diameter stepped flange 26) is provided at the upper end of T-section 1127. To secure this type of tapping unit in the Golden type opening, a 1% inch internal diameter annular sealing ring 332 is seated on the shoulder 68 of the keg opening and is held in place by the lower flange 314 of a skirt or member 316, preferably formed of plastic. The skirt is generally in the form of a truncated cone having a central opening at its upper end. When assembled, flange 314 bears tightly against the ring 312 thereby forming a liquid and gas tight seal between the skirt and the keg. The upper end of skirt 316 also provided with a flange 318 suitably stiffened by ribs 320, flange 318 engaging the annular sealing ring 282 disposed about body 200 below flange 260 to provide an air and gas tight seal at this point between the skirt and the keg unit 16b. The entire unit is held in place and pressure is applied to this sealing ring by means of a ring 322, preferably formed of brass, which is externally threaded at two places, namely 324 and 326. Threads 326 engage with the internal threads 62 on the keg to tightly clamp the entire unit in place. Threads 324 are provided to engage with a collar, not shown, for retaining a tapping unit on the keg unit 16b.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated another form of keg unit 160 which is specifically adapted for use with the peerless type keg. The details of this particular type of keg unit are fully disclosed and illustrated in applicants copending application Ser. No. 587,627 which disclosure is herein incorporated by reference. The keg unit 160 has a tubular body section 770 including a stepped flange 780 at its upper end and has four interrupted internal threads about its upper portion to receive an externally threaded insert 92c. The lower end of insert 92c tightly engages an annular rubber valve seat 88c to secure valve seat 880 between the insert 926 and the upper end of a stepped tubular member 184. A compression spring 97 fits within the upper portion of the member 184 and its lower end rests on shoulder 189. Spring 97 biases valve 900 upwardly against the underside of valve seat 880 to form a seal thereagainst. A resilient gas check valve 108a is positioned about the lower end of member 184 with a lower portion of valve 1081: tightly engaging about a tap rod 1060, the lower end of the body 770 being stepped inwardly to tightly receive the upper end of valve 1080. One or more slits 109 are formed through valve 108:: to permit gas or air to pass from the inside of the valve which receives air or gas through the slots between the interrupted threads to the interior of the keg when the pressure of the gas is greater than the pressure inside the keg.

it will be noted that body section 770 has a diameter less than the three-fifths inch opening of the peerless type keg. To retain this peerless type keg unit in the golden gate opening, a l] 2 inch internal diameter annular sealing ring 248 is seated on the shoulder 68 of the keg opening and is held in place by the lower flange 250 of a bell-shaped member 252. When assembled as illustrated, the flange 250 bears tightly against the ring 248 thereby forming a liquid and gas seal therebetween. As in the previous form, a stepped flange 78c is formed on the upper end of the keg unit 16c. A central opening 254 is formed in the upper end of member 252 and is of such a size that the body section 77c of keg unit 16c is able to pass freely therethrough while the lower side of the flange 78c engages the edges thereof. A sealing ring 256 is positioned between the underside of flange 78c and the upper flange on member 252 to form a liquid and gas seal therebetween. A ring 126 having an inwardly extending flange 255 at one end and different diameter external threads 128 and 258 is located over body 770 such that flange 255 bears against stepped flange 780. The larger diameter externally threaded portion 258 engages the internally threaded portion 62 of the keg opening as to securely hold the ring 126 within the opening. When the ring 126 is tightly threaded into the opening, it causes the flange 780 to bear against the flange 255 of ring 126 so as to support the keg unit 16c rigidly within the keg.

Thus, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather then by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What I claim and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a trapping unit and a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion within said opening and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange, said body portion and said flange having diameters less than the diameter of the enlarged keg opening such that an annular space is formed between said body portion and the keg wall opening when the former is secured within the latter, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in communication with said passage, means for securing said keg unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including an annular axially elongated member having a central opening with an edge thereof bearing outwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said member having a larger diameter opposite edge portion adapted to bear inwardly against the keg shoulder about the keg opening thereby spanning said annular space between the keg unit body portion and the keg wall opening, a ring member having a central opening with an outer portion thereof clampingly engageable inwardly against an outer edge of said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said ring member having a first larger diameter externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded portion surrounding the keg wall opening whereby said annular member and said keg unit are adapted to be releasably clamped between the keg wall shoulder and the outer portion of said ring member, said ring member including a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first threaded portion for threaded engagement with a tapping unit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said annular member is frustoconicai in shape.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said annular member is generally bell-shaped.

4. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg or like container which as top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and a threaded portion and unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion with an outwardly facing annular shoulder and an outer externally threaded body portion, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including an annular member having a central opening and an inwardly facing edge engageable with the annular shoulder of the keg unit, said member having a larger diameter edge portion adapted to bear inwardly against the keg shoulder extending about the keg opening, ring means including a central internally threaded opening threadedly engageable about the upper externally threaded body portion of said keg unit and engageable with said annular member whereby said annular member is releasably clamped between the annular shoulder of the main body portion and said ring means, said ring means including an externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded keg portion surrounding the keg opening for releasably clamping said annular member between the keg wall shoulder and said ring means. a

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said annular member is frustoconical in shape and said ring means comprises a member having a frustoconical recess formed in its lower end substantially complementary to the frustoconically shaped annular member for receiving the latter when the annular member is releasably clamped by the main body portion and said ring member.

6. A liquid dispensing apparatus adapted for use in a keg or like container for liquids which has a top, bottom and sidewalls with an opening in one wall of said keg characterized in that it comprises a keg adapter including: a central body adapted to be secured within the keg wall opening and having a liquid passage extending through said body to permit transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of a keg; normally closed liquid valve means in said liquid passage, including a seat having an opening therethrough, and a valve member having a bifurcated stem extending through said opening and said seat; with resilient means normally biasing part of said valve member into sealing engagement with said seat, an intermediate member surrounding said central body and having slots completely through its walls defining a plurality of gas passageways around said central body, a solid sleeve surrounding said intermediate member, a siphon tube coupled with said liquid passage; a slit annular gas valve having a portion thereof surrounding the lower end of said intermediate member and another portion extending around said central member, said valve permitting flow of gas toward the inside of said keg and preventing flow of liquid from the keg into said gas passageways, and a skirt surrounding said sleeve, said skirt flaring outwardly from said sleeve atits lower end, and a flange at each end of said skirt whereby said skirt is adapted to support said keg adapter in a keg.

7. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6 including a threaded metal ring for clamping said skirt to a keg.

8. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg tapping coupler and a keg or like container which has a top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg adapter unit having a main body with an annular flange and adapted for releasable securement with the keg with said main body disposed within the keg opening; a liquid passage extending through said adapter unit main body for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg; normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage; at least one gas passage in said adapter unit body, bypassing said liquid passage, for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg; valve means associated with the end of said gas passage permitting flow of gas toward the inside of the keg and preventing flow of liquid from said keg into said gas passage; means for securing said adapter unit within the enlarged keg wall opening, said means including an axially elongated annular member having a central opening and an edge thereof positionable against the underside of the flange of said adapter unit outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening; a ring member having a central opening the edge of which is positionable against the other outer side of the flange of said adapter unit main body outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said ring having a first externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded keg portion surrounding said keg opening, whereby said adapter unit flange is adapted to be releasably clamped between said threaded ring and said annular member, and a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first portion engageable with the coupler.

9. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said annular member is bell-shaped, and further comprising a sealing member engageable between the lower end of said bell-shaped member and said keg shoulder surrounding the opening, and another sealing member engageable between the upper end of the bell-shaped member and said keg adapter flange.

M}. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said body flange is stepped, said ring member edge portion being complementary stepped and engageable with said body flange, and a seal between said body flange and said annular member edge portion.

llll. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said liquid and gas passages in said keg unit comprise discrete passages radially offset from the axis of said cylindrical body portion, said passages including a pair of bores extending in an axial direction in said upper body portion in spaced side-by-side relation one to the other and opening through the top of said body portion.

12. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said ring member is externally stepped, the threaded portion thereabout being formed on one of the stepped portions of said ring member and engageable with the threaded portions surrounding the keg opening, and a second externally threaded portion being formed on a smaller diameter stepped portion of said ring member for engagement with a tapping unit coupler.

I13. Liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a tapping unit comprising a keg or like container having top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange, said body portion and said flange having diameters less than the diameter of said enlarged keg opening such that an annular space is formed between said body portion and the keg wall about said one opening when the former is secured within the latter, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including an annular axially elongated member having a central opening with an edge thereof bearing outwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of said keg opening, said member having a larger diameter opposite edge portion positioned inwardly against the keg shoulder about said keg opening thereby spanning said annular space between the keg unit body portion and said keg wall opening, a ring member having a central opening with an outer portion thereof bearing inwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of said keg opening, said ring member having a first larger diameter externally threaded portion threadedly engaged with the threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening whereby said annular member and said keg unit are releasably clamped between said keg wall shoulder and the outer portion of said ring member, said ring member including a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first threaded portion for threaded engagement with the tapping unit.

M. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and a threaded portion and unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion with an outwardly facing annular shoulder and an upper externally threaded body portion, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of said keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including an annular member having a central opening with an inwardly facing edge thereof positioned against the annular shoulder of said keg unit, said member having a larger diameter edge portion positioned inwardly against the keg shoulder about said keg opening, ring means including a central internally threaded opening threadedly engaging about the upper externally threaded body portion of said keg unit and engageable with said annular member whereby said annular member is releasably clamped between the annular shoulder of the main body portion and said ring means, said ring means including an externally threaded portion threadedly engaging said threaded keg portion surrounding the keg opening whereby said annular member is releasably clamped between said keg wall shoulder and said ring means.

15. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg tapping coupler and a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer internally threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg adapter unit having a main body with an annular flange portion, said keg adapter unit being adapted for releasable securement with the keg with said main body disposed within the keg opening; said keg adapter unit having a diameter less than the diameter of the keg opening; a liquid passage extending through said keg adapter unit main body for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg; normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage; a gas passage in said adapter unit body bypassing said liquid passage, for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg; valve means associated with said gas passage for permitting flow of gas toward the inside of the keg and, when closed, preventing outflow of liquid from the keg through said gas passage; means for securing said adapter unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including first and second ring members, said first and second ring members having central openings for receiving said adapter unit, said first ring member having a portion thereof about its central opening positionable against said annular flange portion, said second ring member including means for releasably clamping said adapter unit to said first ring member, one of said first and second ring members having an enlarged diameter externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded portion surrounding the keg opening to releasably retain said adapter unit in the keg openmg.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein one of said ring members including an externally threaded portion for releasable securement with the keg tapping coupler.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said second ring member carries said externally threaded portion, said annular flange portion being clamped between said first and second ring members.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the clamping means carried by said second ring member includes an internally threaded portion, said adapter body having an externally threaded portion for threaded engagement with the internally threaded portion of said second ring.

19. Liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a tapping unit comprising a keg or like container having top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer internally threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange portion, said body portion and said flange portion having diameters less than the diameter of said enlarged keg opening, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including first and second ring members having central openings for receiving said adapter unit, said first ring member having a portion thereof about said central opening positionable against said annular flange portion, said second ring member including means for releasably clamping said keg unit to said first ring member, one of said first and second ring members having an enlarged diameter externally threaded portion threadedly engageable with the threaded portion surrounding said keg opening to releasably retain said keg unit in said keg opening.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 1, 57 Dated July 6, 1971 Inventor) MACK S. JOHNSTON It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In Column .2 line 43, "therein" should read --wherein-- In Column 3 line 47, "as" should read -has-- In Column 3, line 73 "if" should read -is-- In Column 4, line 18, after "inserted" and before "first" the following should be inserted --through the keg opening, with beer probe P being inserted-- In Column 4, line 45, "T-section" should read --Tsection l27-.

In Column 5, line 7, "also provided" should read --is also provided-- In Column 6, line 5, Claim 1, "trapping" should read --tapping--.

In Column 6, line 8, Claim I, cancel within said opening".

In Column 6, line 20, Claim 1, "liquid" should read -said liquid Column 6, line 22 Claim 1, "passage" should read --gas passage-- Column 6, line 48, Claim 4, "as" should read -has-- Column 6, line 59, Claim 4, after "inside" and before "gas passage" insert --of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said-- p In Column 7, line 59, Claim 8, after "opening" first occurrence and before the semi-colon, insert -;and also having another larger edge portion positionable inwardly against the keg shoulder extending around the keg opening- Signed and sealed this 15th day oi February 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

ROBERT GOTTSCHALK JR. EDWARD M'FLFTCHER Commissioner of Pa Attesting Officer FORM 90-1050 (10-69) UICOMH-DC wan-Poo Q-I. mun-nu VIII?! OIIICI: IOII O-JOl-LH

Claims (19)

1. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a trapping unit and a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion within said opening and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange, said body portion and said flange having diameters less than the diameter of the enlarged keg opening such that an annular space is formed between said body portion and the keg wall opening when the former is secured within the lAtter, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in communication with said passage, means for securing said keg unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including an annular axially elongated member having a central opening with an edge thereof bearing outwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said member having a larger diameter opposite edge portion adapted to bear inwardly against the keg shoulder about the keg opening thereby spanning said annular space between the keg unit body portion and the keg wall opening, a ring member having a central opening with an outer portion thereof clampingly engageable inwardly against an outer edge of said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said ring member having a first larger diameter externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded portion surrounding the keg wall opening whereby said annular member and said keg unit are adapted to be releasably clamped between the keg wall shoulder and the outer portion of said ring member, said ring member including a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first threaded portion for threaded engagement with a tapping unit.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said annular member is frustoconical in shape.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said annular member is generally bell-shaped.

4. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg or like container which as top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and a threaded portion and unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion with an outwardly facing annular shoulder and an outer externally threaded body portion, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including an annular member having a central opening and an inwardly facing edge engageable with the annular shoulder of the keg unit, said member having a larger diameter edge portion adapted to bear inwardly against the keg shoulder extending about the keg opening, ring means including a central internally threaded opening threadedly engageable about the upper externally threaded body portion of said keg unit and engageable with said annular member whereby said annular member is releasably clamped between the annular shoulder of the main body portion and said ring means, said ring means including an externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded keg portion surrounding the keg opening for releasably clamping said annular member between the keg wall shoulder and said ring means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said annular member is frustoconical in shape and said ring means comprises a member having a frustoconical recess formed in its lower end substantially complementary to the frustoconically shaped annular member for receiving the latter when the annular member is releasably clamped by the main body portion and said ring member.

6. A liquid dispensing apparatus adapted for use in a keg or like container for liquids which has a top, bottom and sidewalls with an opening in one wall of said keg characterized in that it comprises a keg adapter including: a central body adapted to be secured within the keg wall opening and havIng a liquid passage extending through said body to permit transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of a keg; normally closed liquid valve means in said liquid passage, including a seat having an opening therethrough, and a valve member having a bifurcated stem extending through said opening and said seat; with resilient means normally biasing part of said valve member into sealing engagement with said seat, an intermediate member surrounding said central body and having slots completely through its walls defining a plurality of gas passageways around said central body, a solid sleeve surrounding said intermediate member, a siphon tube coupled with said liquid passage; a slit annular gas valve having a portion thereof surrounding the lower end of said intermediate member and another portion extending around said central member, said valve permitting flow of gas toward the inside of said keg and preventing flow of liquid from the keg into said gas passageways, and a skirt surrounding said sleeve, said skirt flaring outwardly from said sleeve at its lower end, and a flange at each end of said skirt whereby said skirt is adapted to support said keg adapter in a keg.

7. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 6 including a threaded metal ring for clamping said skirt to a keg.

8. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg tapping coupler and a keg or like container which has a top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg adapter unit having a main body with an annular flange and adapted for releasable securement with the keg with said main body disposed within the keg opening; a liquid passage extending through said adapter unit main body for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg; normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage; at least one gas passage in said adapter unit body, bypassing said liquid passage, for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg; valve means associated with the end of said gas passage permitting flow of gas toward the inside of the keg and preventing flow of liquid from said keg into said gas passage; means for securing said adapter unit within the enlarged keg wall opening, said means including an axially elongated annular member having a central opening and an edge thereof positionable against the underside of the flange of said adapter unit outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening; a ring member having a central opening the edge of which is positionable against the other outer side of the flange of said adapter unit main body outwardly of the threaded portion of the keg opening, said ring having a first externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded keg portion surrounding said keg opening, whereby said adapter unit flange is adapted to be releasably clamped between said threaded ring and said annular member, and a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first portion engageable with the coupler.

9. A liquid dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said annular member is bell-shaped, and further comprising a sealing member engageable between the lower end of said bell-shaped member and said keg shoulder surrounding the opening, and another sealing member engageable between the upper end of the bell-shaped member and said keg adapter flange.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said body flange is stepped, said ring member edge portion being complementary stepped and engageable with said body flange, and a seal between said body flange and said annular member edge portion.

11. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said liquid and gas passages in said keg unit comprise discrete passages radially offset from the axis of said cylindrical body portion, said passages including a pair of bores exTending in an axial direction in said upper body portion in spaced side-by-side relation one to the other and opening through the top of said body portion.

12. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said ring member is externally stepped, the threaded portion thereabout being formed on one of the stepped portions of said ring member and engageable with the threaded portions surrounding the keg opening, and a second externally threaded portion being formed on a smaller diameter stepped portion of said ring member for engagement with a tapping unit coupler.

13. Liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a tapping unit comprising a keg or like container having top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange, said body portion and said flange having diameters less than the diameter of said enlarged keg opening such that an annular space is formed between said body portion and the keg wall about said one opening when the former is secured within the latter, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including an annular axially elongated member having a central opening with an edge thereof bearing outwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of said keg opening, said member having a larger diameter opposite edge portion positioned inwardly against the keg shoulder about said keg opening thereby spanning said annular space between the keg unit body portion and said keg wall opening, a ring member having a central opening with an outer portion thereof bearing inwardly against said body flange outwardly of the threaded portion of said keg opening, said ring member having a first larger diameter externally threaded portion threadedly engaged with the threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening whereby said annular member and said keg unit are releasably clamped between said keg wall shoulder and the outer portion of said ring member, said ring member including a second externally threaded portion outwardly of said first threaded portion for threaded engagement with the tapping unit.

14. Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and a threaded portion and unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion with an outwardly facing annular shoulder and an upper externally threaded body portion, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of said keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including an annular member having a central opening with an inwardly facing edge thereof positioned against the annular shoulder of said keg unit, said member having a larger diameter edge portion positioned inwardly against the keg shoulder about said keg opening, ring means including a central internally threaded opening threadedly engaging about the upper externally threaded body portion of said keg unit and engageable with said annular member wherebY said annular member is releasably clamped between the annular shoulder of the main body portion and said ring means, said ring means including an externally threaded portion threadedly engaging said threaded keg portion surrounding the keg opening whereby said annular member is releasably clamped between said keg wall shoulder and said ring means.

15. A liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a keg tapping coupler and a keg or like container which has top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer internally threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, said apparatus comprising: a keg adapter unit having a main body with an annular flange portion, said keg adapter unit being adapted for releasable securement with the keg with said main body disposed within the keg opening; said keg adapter unit having a diameter less than the diameter of the keg opening; a liquid passage extending through said keg adapter unit main body for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of the keg; normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage; a gas passage in said adapter unit body bypassing said liquid passage, for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg; valve means associated with said gas passage for permitting flow of gas toward the inside of the keg and, when closed, preventing outflow of liquid from the keg through said gas passage; means for securing said adapter unit within the enlarged keg wall opening including first and second ring members, said first and second ring members having central openings for receiving said adapter unit, said first ring member having a portion thereof about its central opening positionable against said annular flange portion, said second ring member including means for releasably clamping said adapter unit to said first ring member, one of said first and second ring members having an enlarged diameter externally threaded portion for engagement with the threaded portion surrounding the keg opening to releasably retain said adapter unit in the keg opening.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein one of said ring members including an externally threaded portion for releasable securement with the keg tapping coupler.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said second ring member carries said externally threaded portion, said annular flange portion being clamped between said first and second ring members.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the clamping means carried by said second ring member includes an internally threaded portion, said adapter body having an externally threaded portion for threaded engagement with the internally threaded portion of said second ring.

19. Liquid dispensing apparatus for use with a tapping unit comprising a keg or like container having top, bottom and sidewalls with an enlarged opening in at least one wall and an outer internally threaded portion and an inner unthreaded shoulder of smaller diameter than said threaded portion surrounding said keg wall opening, a keg unit having a main, generally cylindrical body portion and an annular flange portion, said body portion and said flange portion having diameters less than the diameter of said enlarged keg opening, a liquid passage extending through said keg unit for the transfer of liquid from the inside to the outside of said keg, normally closed liquid valve means disposed in said liquid passage, a gas passage in said keg unit separate from said liquid passage for transmission of gas from the outside to the inside of the keg, normally closed gas valve means disposed in said gas passage, means for securing said keg unit within said enlarged keg wall opening including first and second ring members having central openings for receiving said adapter unit, said first ring member having a portion thereof about said central opening positionable against said annular flange portIon, said second ring member including means for releasably clamping said keg unit to said first ring member, one of said first and second ring members having an enlarged diameter externally threaded portion threadedly engageable with the threaded portion surrounding said keg opening to releasably retain said keg unit in said keg opening.

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