HK1075241B - Tapping rod and method for use of a keg with tapping rod - Google Patents

Description

Draw rod and method of using a barrel with the same

Technical Field

The invention relates to a tapping rod with a beverage valve, a gas valve and a collar cooperating therewith. Such tapping rods are known and used, for example, in beer kegs and similar containers for beverages, in particular carbonated beverages.

Background

In the known tapping rod, a substantially cylindrical chamber with a collar is provided, in which chamber the upper end of the riser pipe extends concentrically. The beverage valve is arranged in the end of a standpipe located in the chamber, which is rounded cup-shaped. The annular gas valve is arranged concentrically on the upper side of the beverage valve and in the closed position rests against the outer longitudinal edge of the beverage valve, while the gas valve rests sealingly against the outwardly projecting upper longitudinal edge of the upper end of the standpipe. The outer longitudinal edge of the annular gas valve rests sealingly against a valve seat on the underside of the collar in the closed position. A first spring is provided in the standpipe which presses the beverage valve against the gas valve, and a second spring is arranged between the standpipe and the chamber, which on one side abuts against said protruding longitudinal edge of the standpipe and on the other side abuts against the locking plate at the bottom of the chamber, thereby pressing the gas valve against the valve seat. Thus, both the beverage valve and the gas valve are in a closed state.

The dip rod is typically threaded into the neck of the barrel so that the standpipe extends within the barrel to a point near the bottom thereof. If the keg is connected to the tapping device, i.e. opened, the tapping head is fixed to the neck and the pressure body is pressed by the handle. The pressure body comprises a first pressure element which is movable through an aperture in the annular gas valve relative to the beverage valve and which can move the beverage valve away from the gas valve, and a second pressure element which can press the gas valve away from the valve seat. Thus, both valves can be opened by the tapping head.

In this known tapping head, a first beverage channel is provided which is fixedly connected to the beverage conduit of the tapping device, while the gas channel is fixedly connected to a source of pressure gas, such as a carbon dioxide cylinder. When the keg is opened, the beverage is pressed from the keg into the beverage conduit by introducing gas into the keg through the gas channel. When disconnected from the keg, beverage may flow from the beverage channel into the gas channel, which is undesirable. In addition, generally, at least the beverage conduit and the tapping head are cleaned each time, at least periodically, e.g. each time a new keg is opened, of course when the tapping device has not been used for a long period of time, e.g. when a bar, restaurant etc. is out of service. This cleaning is time consuming, laborious and prone to environmental contamination. Another disadvantage of the known tapping rod is that the tapping head used therein is awkward to use, at least two lines being connected thereto, and also when changing a keg.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a tapping rod which solves the above-mentioned technical problems of the prior art.

The invention is achieved by a tapping rod with a beverage valve and a collar, in or on which a connecting device is fitted, which connecting device comprises a pressure body for opening the beverage valve and a gas valve, wherein: the pressure body comprises or defines at least one first beverage channel that can place the inner space of the cartridge in fluid communication with the beverage dispensing conduit when the beverage valve is in the open position; the pressure body comprises or defines at least one gas passage, characterized in that the tapping rod further comprises a gas valve cooperating therewith, the pressure body being adapted to open the gas valve, the gas passage being adapted to place the interior space of the keg in fluid communication with the gas supply conduit when the gas valve is in the open position.

In the tapping rod according to the invention, the connecting means are arranged on or in the collar and abut or are close to the gas valve and/or the beverage valve. The pressure body is arranged to open the beverage valve and the gas valve and to keep the or each beverage channel connected to the at least one beverage conduit separate from the or each gas channel at least in the connecting device during use, preferably both when the valve is open and when the valve is closed. The connection device is mounted and removed together with the tapping rod, while the tapping head is connected only to the gas line. The beverage conduit is or can be connected to the connecting means so that contact between the beverage and the tapping head is completely avoided during use. This has the advantage that the pick-up head does not have to be cleaned substantially. Moreover, the drawing head is convenient to carry and process.

In the tapping rod according to the invention, the beverage valve and the gas valve are covered by the connecting device during storage and transport. Thus, contamination of the valve is avoided and the tapping rod is suitable for use with a particular tapping head, i.e. only a single gas line is connected thereto, not the tapping line. It is thus ensured that in each case only the appropriate keg can be opened, since a keg without a specific connecting device cannot be connected to the respective tapping device. The reliability of the supply of goods is thus better ensured in a relatively simple manner. And erroneous connections can be avoided.

In this embodiment the connecting means essentially consist of two parts, a stationary part and a pressure body, both comprising beverage channels, which are interconnected when the valve is opened. The beverage dispensing duct can thus be fixedly connected with the second beverage channel and does not have to move together with the pressure body. Thus, a connecting device having a relatively small overall height can be obtained.

In another embodiment, the tapping rod according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 6.

In this embodiment the beverage dispensing duct will move together with the pressure body, whereby the chance of leakage is further reduced.

In this embodiment the connecting device as a pressure body can be made in one piece, so that a particularly simple and reliable device is obtained. Moreover, the connecting device, at least the pressure body, is inexpensive to manufacture and simple and convenient to install, since it is intended to be installed, even if present, in addition to the beverage dispensing line fixedly connected thereto, without the need for connecting devices, whereby installation errors are preferably avoided.

In another preferred embodiment, the tapping rod according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 21.

In this embodiment, in addition to the beverage dispensing conduit which needs to be fixedly mounted and which can then be connected, if at all, the connecting means can be manufactured in one piece, and a relatively simple valve assembly is used, since it has only one movable part which can close off or leave the gas passage and the beverage passage. The locking ring and locking plate may then be disposed substantially in the same plane and on the upper side of the valve body in the closed position. Thus, a relatively flat upper side is obtained which is not easy to bring about difficulties for cleaning and which is easy to clean. It is particularly preferred to combine with the one-piece connecting device described here, in particular with a particularly small overall height.

In addition, the invention also relates to a barrel provided with the drawing rod.

By means of such a tapping head, the keg according to the invention can be opened in a particularly simple manner and is easy to use.

In this way, the keg can be opened in a particularly simple and effective manner, and mixing of the beverage and the gas under pressure elsewhere than in the keg can be avoided. Furthermore, by this method, since it is substantially unnecessary to perform cleaning, the use is very simple.

The invention also relates to a connection device for use with a tapping rod, keg, assembly or method of the invention.

In addition, the invention also relates to a device for preparing the beverage barrel.

By means of this arrangement the keg can be filled in a simple manner and is equipped with a tapping rod, while in each case with the inventive connecting device it is closed by a closing means, such as a sealing means, so that its reliability is well ensured.

Further preferred embodiments of the tapping rod, cartridge, assembly, method, connecting device and device for preparing a beverage cartridge are defined.

Drawings

For the purpose of understanding the present invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the upper portion of a tapping rod mounted on the neck of a keg with a tapping head in a closed state;

FIG. 2 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 in an open state;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the fixing body of the connecting device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the fixing body shown in FIG. 3 taken along line IV-IV;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the fixing body shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pressure body of the present invention for use with the fixing body shown in FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the pressure body shown in FIG. 6 taken along VII-VII;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the pressure body of FIG. 6 taken along line VIII-VIII;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection of the present invention received in the neck of a dip stick;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention received in the neck of a dip stick;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another one-piece construction of the coupling device of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the connection device shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the connection shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 as part of a dip rod having a flat top with a portion of the dip head in a closed position;

FIG. 13 shows the assembly of FIG. 12 rotated 90 and in an open position;

FIGS. 14a-c are bottom, side and top perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sealing device of the connection device shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top and bottom perspective view of the plastic component of the connection device shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the plastic part shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the coupling device of FIGS. 14-17 disposed on the neck of a pail;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention with a closure; and

figure 20 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of a connection device of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the present specification, the same or corresponding components have the same or corresponding reference numerals. The present description begins with the point that a beer keg with an associated tapping device is provided. However, the tapping rod of the present invention and the method of the present invention may also be used for other beverages, in particular carbonated beverages. In this specification, only a limited number of the head and barrel are described for a better understanding of the invention. The same is true for the valve mechanism. Such tapping heads, kegs and valve mechanisms are well known from practice, in particular for use with beer tapping devices.

Fig. 1 shows a neck 1 of a beer keg, to which neck 1 a tapping rod 2 is screwed or otherwise fixed. The tapping rod comprises a cylindrical housing 4 defining a chamber 6, and a valve seat 8 connected to the top of the chamber 6. A standpipe 10 is disposed in the chamber 6 and extends downwardly into the barrel. The number of parts extending outside the chamber 6 is reduced. The upper longitudinal edge 12 of the standpipe 10 projects outwardly. Between the longitudinal edge 12 and the valve seat 8, a substantially annular gas valve 14 is formed, which gas valve 14 has a lower edge that fits properly into the standpipe 10. A cup-shaped beverage valve 16 is arranged against the underside of the gas valve 14 and is sealingly pressed against the gas valve 14 by a first spring 18 defined in the wider part of the standpipe 10. The underside of the chamber 6 is closed by a locking plate 20. A second spring 22 is arranged between the locking plate 20 and the longitudinal edge 12 and presses the gas valve against the valve seat 8. In this case, both the gas valve 14 and the beverage valve 16 are closed.

The connecting device 26 is locked on the collar 24 of the tapping rod 2 and is fixed in the circumferential groove 30 by means of the clamping fingers 28. The connecting device 26 comprises a pressure body 30 which is movable in the axial direction within a fixed body 32. The tapping head 34 is fixed to the neck 1 and is provided with a lever, by means of which the pressure body 30 can be moved relative to the fixed body 32 and against the beverage valve 16 and the gas valve 14, as shown in fig. 2. To do so, the handle 36 is moved downward and the blocker handle 38 is secured to the lower portion of the boss 40. A tension spring 42 is provided between the handle 36 and the blocker handle 38 to prevent inadvertent operation of the draw head. The tapping head 34 is held in the groove 25 of the neck 1 above the connecting means 26 by a generally horseshoe-shaped shoe 35. By means of the handle 36, the operating lever 44 of the tapping head 34 can be moved against the pressure body 30, so that the pressure body 30 is pressed downwards. The beverage valve 16 is first moved away from the gas valve 14 by the pressure body 30, and then, upon further movement, the gas valve 14 is pushed from the valve seat 8 by the wider part of the pressure body 30. The dip head 34 is provided with an inlet port 46 connectable to a source of carbon dioxide or similar pressurized gas, and gas can flow from the inlet port 46 along the operating rod 44 into the pressure body 30. A gas passage 48 is provided in the pressure body 30, as shown in fig. 2, through which gas flows from the gas inlet 46 between the gas valve 14 and the valve seat 8 and into the keg, when the valve is opened. A first beverage channel 50 is provided in the pressure body 30, the channel 50 having a radial outlet 52 and an axial beverage inlet 54 facing the direction of the keg. Square-shaped toothed elements 56 are arranged around the beverage inlet 54, which can space the beverage inlet 54 from the beverage valve 16, so that beverage can flow from between the square-shaped toothed elements in the direction of the beverage dispensing duct 52 into the beverage channel 50. In more detail, various filling members are provided, so that the beverage passage 50 and the gas passage 48 are separated from each other, thereby preventing contamination.

Figures 3-5 show the fixed body of the dispensing device shown in figures 1 and 2. The fixing body is preferably made of recyclable plastic. The fixing body 32 is substantially annular and is provided along its longitudinal edge with a projection 28 engageable in the groove 30. These projections 28 are slightly flexible and can therefore be pressed into said grooves 30, avoiding their escape due to the shape of the projections. The fixing body includes a central bore 58, the central bore 58 having a first narrower portion 60 and a second concentric portion 62 associated therewith, the second portion 62 being disposed below in use. The second beverage channel 64 is generally elbow-shaped and has a first branch 66 connected to the wide second portion 62, and a beverage dispensing conduit (not shown) may be inserted and fixed into a second branch 68 by gluing, welding or the like. The beverage dispensing conduit is preferably a flexible tube.

Fig. 6-8 show a pressure body 30 for use with the stationary body 32 shown in fig. 3-5. The pressure body 30 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an outwardly extending flange 70 disposed adjacent a middle portion thereof. The first beverage channel 50 extends centrally in the pressure body 30, is substantially elbow-shaped and has a first branch 50a extending coaxially in the pressure body 30, while a second branch 50b extends at right angles thereto. The second branch 50b terminates in a cylindrical first portion 72 above the flange 70; the first branch 50a terminates in a second cylindrical portion 74 below the flange 70. Near the lower longitudinal edge of the second cylindrical portion 74, a first filler 76A is disposed in the filling groove 76, at the outer edge of the flange a second filler 78A is disposed in the second filling groove 78, and near the upper longitudinal edge of the first cylindrical portion 72, a third filler 80A is disposed in the third filling groove 80. The cross-section of the first portion 72 is selected so that it fits properly in the first portion 60 of the central bore 58, while the flange 70 fits properly in the second portion 62 of the central bore 58 of the fixing body 32. The filler elements located in the second and third filler grooves 78, 80 are in sliding and sealing engagement with the respective walls of the sections 60, 62. Two gas passages 48 extend from the gas inlet 47 on the upper surface 82 of the pressure body to the gas outlet 49 directly below the flange 70. Second cylindrical portion 74 of pressure body 30 may be in suitable sealing engagement with the annular bore of gas valve 14.

The left side of fig. 9 shows the connecting device 26 of fig. 1 in a closed state, while the right side of fig. 9 shows the connecting device in an open state as shown in fig. 2. The standpipe has been omitted for simplicity.

As shown on the left side of fig. 9, the pressure body 30 has been moved completely to the upper side, so that the flange 70 abuts against the shoulder 61 which is the transition between the first part 60 and the second part 62 of the central bore 58. Thus, the second drink passage 64 is closed and separated from the first drink passage 50, while the drink valve 16 sealingly abuts against the gas valve 14 and then against the valve seat 8. Thus, both valves are closed. When the pressure body 30 is moved downwards, as shown on the right side of fig. 9, the beverage valve 16 is moved away from the gas valve 14, while the gas valve 14 is moved away from the valve seat 8. An air chamber 77 is enclosed between the first filling member 76A and the second filling member 78A; and a beverage chamber 79 is enclosed between the second filling member 78A and the third filling member 80A, the beverage chamber 79 connecting the first beverage channel 50 and the second beverage channel 64 together. In fig. 9, in the second branch 66 of the second drink passage 64 a connection nipple 65 for connecting a drink dispensing conduit is provided. The air chamber 77 and the beverage chamber 79 are strictly isolated from each other. In this embodiment, a resilient annular element 84 is provided around the second portion 74 of the pressure body 30, surrounding the air outlet 49 and acting as a check valve. The resilient element 84 is selected such that the air outlet 49 is closed when there is no air pressure or at least a lower air pressure in the air passage, while the element 84 can be pushed away from the air outlet 49 by the air pressure. This prevents beverage from inadvertently flowing into the gas passage 48 in the event of a drop in gas pressure.

Fig. 9A shows another embodiment of the coupling device 26 according to the invention, in which the pressure body and the fixing body have been formed as one integral part 31. A cylindrical central part 30A is provided, near the centre seen in axial direction, with a radially extending flange 70, which at its longitudinal outer edge is provided with a circumferential jaw edge 29. The jaw edge 29 engages in the groove 31 and has a height to allow axial movement of the coupling means 26 and is limited by the height of the groove 31 and the edge 29. A beverage passage 50 and a gas passage 48 are provided in the cylindrical portion 30A. In fig. 9A, the standpipe and gas valve are still omitted. In this embodiment, the beverage dispensing duct 5 is connected to the beverage channel 50 at an angle, for example 120 °, so that the beverage dispensing duct 5 does not collide with the neck 1 of the keg. Along the outer edge of the flange 70 is a filler 78A which is sealingly engageable with a wall 88 of the neck 1 extending below the groove 31 to form a gas-liquid seal. The cylindrical portion 74a extending below the flange 70 generally corresponds to the lower cylindrical portion 74 of the pressure body 30 shown in fig. 6-8, and the function is the same. In this embodiment, the entire coupling device 26 is axially movable when opening and closing the valve.

Fig. 10 and 11 are plan and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a connecting device 126 of the present invention, to which the beverage channel 105 is secured. The attachment device 126 is formed as a separate piece from the filler ring 170. Alternatively, the filler ring 170 may be injection molded, such as by 2K injection molding techniques, onto the remainder of the attachment device 126. However, it may also be an unsecured filler ring 170. Fig. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the connection device in the closed and open states, respectively. In contrast to the extraction head shown in FIG. 1, the extraction head 34 used herein is only partially shown. The connecting means 126 comprises a first, centrally located and relatively stiff part 130, and a flexible second part 132 surrounding the first part 130 and constituting moving means for the connecting means 126. In this embodiment of a dip rod, standpipe 110 is integral with lock plate 120 and is fixed near the lower end of chamber 106. A spring 122 is arranged in the chamber 106 and by means of which the valve 114 is biased towards the closed position, the valve 114 constituting both a gas valve and a beverage valve. The valve 114 is substantially annular and comprises a rigid member supported by a spring 122 and provided with a filler member 171. The filler element is ring-shaped and fits into a slotted opening 190, the slotted opening 190 being located between a locking plate 192 at the upper end of the riser tube 110 and a locking ring 194 surrounding the locking plate 192, the locking ring 194 being connected to the longitudinal wall 107 of the chamber 106. The filler member 171 closes the annular opening 190 in a suitable fitting manner and is provided with a downwardly extending skirt 173. Below the locking plate 192, the wall of the riser pipe 110 is provided with a passage hole 196, which is at least partially closed by a skirt 173. This will be further described later. It will be apparent that the mutually facing longitudinal edges of the locking plate 192 and the locking ring 194 constitute first and second valve seats of the valve 114.

Extending from the underside of the rigid first member 130 is a first edge 198 having a diameter such that the first edge 198 engages the upper side of the filler member 171 at the annular opening 190. At a distance, the first edge 198 is surrounded by a second edge of the filling member 170. The height of the filler 170 is less than the height of the first edge 198. Extending between the first edge 198 and the second edge 170 is a gas channel 148 that terminates in the gas supply chamber 77 formed between the first edge 198 and the filler piece 170. The beverage cavity 179 is formed within the first edge 198. The displacement means 132 are provided at their free longitudinal edges with gripping edges 197 which serve as fastening means by which the connecting means 126 can be secured under the longitudinal edges of the locking ring 194, as shown in fig. 12 and 13. The beverage dispensing conduit 105 is connected to the beverage chamber 179 via the first beverage passage 150. The tapping head 134 is secured by a generally horseshoe-shaped shoe 35 beneath the free longitudinal edges of the fastening means 197 and locking ring 194. The lever 144 is disposed against the relatively hard first member 130 and is axially movable in the manner previously described. By means of the operating rod 144, pressure gas, in particular carbon dioxide, can be supplied into the gas channel 148. Fig. 13 shows the connection device when the valve is open. Here, the lever 144 has moved downwards, the first edge 198 bears against the filler member 171, the valve 114 moves downwards, and the skirt 173 is connected below the lower longitudinal edge of the channel 196. Above the skirt 173, a portion of the access opening 196 is exposed. Thus, beverage flows upwardly through standpipe 110 as indicated by arrow B and along first edge 198 through access opening 196 into beverage chamber 179 and thence out through first beverage passage 150 and beverage passage 105. At the same time, pressurized gas, such as carbon dioxide, may flow from the lever 144 through the gas passage 148 into the gas supply chamber 177, then through the annular opening 190 and the valve 114 into the chamber 106 and into the interior space Z of the barrel V. In fig. 13, the flow of the pressure gas is indicated by the arrow C. Due to the position of the filling member 171 and the first edge 198 sealingly connected thereto, a complete separation of the pressure gas flow C and the beverage flow B is obtained.

Fig. 14-18 show a further embodiment of a connection device 226 of a tapping head according to the invention, in which embodiment the connection device shown in fig. 1 and 2 is replaced. Fig. 14A shows the underside of such a connection device 226. Fig. 14B is a side plan view of the connecting device, showing its cross-section on its left side, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the neck 1 having a collar 24, a gas valve 14 and a beverage valve 16. Fig. 14C is a top perspective view of the connecting device 226 with an integrally injection molded cover 227. The connecting means 226 is preferably injection molded by two-component technology (2K) to form a relatively hard plastic part and a relatively soft sealing part, which are shown in fig. 16 and 15, respectively. Fig. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of relatively stiff member 230. The member 230 includes a beverage channel 250 which is slightly inclined and includes a first axial portion 250A and a second channel portion 250B extending radially therefrom at an angle of 30-45. In this second channel portion 250B, a beverage dispensing conduit is fixed. A gas passage 248 extends at a distance from the beverage passage 250, seen in radial direction, and is inclined so that the gas inlet 247 is centrally arranged at the top of the connecting means 226. The angled portion 248A of the gas passage 248 is spaced from the second portion 250B of the beverage passage by a wall 251. The beverage passage 250 is surrounded by the cylindrical wall 253, while the first cylindrical wall 298 concentrically surrounds the wall 253 at a distance. The axial height of the first rim 298 is less than the axial length of the wall 253, and therefore the beverage passage has a beverage inlet 254 disposed significantly below the lower rim 298A of the first rim 298. The first edge 298 is again surrounded at a radial distance by a second edge 300, which second edge 300 is connected to the first wall 298 and the wall 253 by a substantially circular surface 301 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the beverage channel 250A, which surface is surrounded by a fracture ring 303, which is connected to the surface 301 by a relatively thin and breakable fracture edge 305. The breaking edge 305 has a thinned structure in the outward direction and can fit snugly on the upper side of the neck 1, as shown in fig. 14B. Thus, the neck 1 can be completely covered. This can be clearly seen in fig. 18. Fig. 15 illustrates a relatively flexible sealing member for use with the coupling device 226 of fig. 14. It includes a first filler member 276A that is matingly engageable with the first rim 298 and completely surrounds the wall 253 including the square-shaped teeth 256. A second filler 278A is provided which is secured against the rim 300. The filling member has a cross-section as shown in fig. 15A. Along the outer longitudinal edge facing downwards during use, a flexible lip 307 is provided, the height of which can be chosen larger. When the connecting means 226 is arranged in the neck 1, a circumferentially projecting edge 229, similar to the edge 29 shown in fig. 9A, engages in the groove 31, as shown in fig. 14B. The filler piece 278A then rests against the wall part 233, which extends below the groove 31. The height of the lip 307 is at least equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the height of the wall member 233, and is selected at least such that when the projecting edge 229 abuts the upper edge of the slot 31, the lip 307 sealingly abuts the wall member 233. When the connecting means 226 is moved axially downwards relative to the gas valve 14 and the beverage valve 16, the lip 307 will abut against the upper surface 235 of the valve seat 8. As it moves further downward, the lip 307 will thicken and bear against the upper surface 235, thereby achieving a complete seal. The first filling member 276A then engages the inner side 14A of the gas valve 14, while the square-shaped teeth 256 abut against the beverage valve 16. Thereby providing complete separation between the beverage passageway 250 and the gas passageway 248. Of course, the component shown in FIG. 15 could also be injection molded as an unsecured component and then mounted to the relatively rigid component shown in FIG. 16. As shown in fig. 19, the cover 227 can be pressed onto the upper side of the connecting means 226, which at least avoids contamination of the air inlet 247. Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of the lid in an open position. Figure 19 also clearly shows the drink passage 205. In the embodiment shown in fig. 19, the connecting means 226 is designed to be slightly concave at the top.

When the coupling device 26 is first moved axially downwards, the fracture ring 303 fractures and is torn apart at least along the fracture edge 305, so that it is immediately clear whether the cartridge containing the coupling device 226 has been used. Thus, the fracture ring 303 can be used as a closure. The connecting device can be manufactured and used in a very simple manner, is preferably injection-molded and is particularly hygienic in use.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a coupling device 326 of the present invention for use with the assembly shown in fig. 1 and 2 and in place of the coupling device shown therein. In this embodiment, there is provided a fixed body 332 of substantially cylindrical shape and a pressure body 330 mounted in a suitable fit so as to be movable in the axial direction. The pressure body 330 includes a generally cylindrical first portion 372 that is axially movable within the fixed member 332 and is in sealing contact with the fixed member 332 via a filler 378. Extending downwardly from cylindrical first portion 372 is a cylindrical second portion 374 having a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of first portion 372. The beverage channel 350 extends through the pressure element 330 and has an elbow shape with an axial first portion 350A and a radial second portion 350B, to which the beverage dispensing duct 105 (shown in dashed lines) can be fixed. The interior of the stationary part 332 is provided with a groove 328 in which a protruding edge 329 of the first portion 372 of the pressure body 330 can engage, so that the pressure body 330 cannot be moved out of the stationary body 332. The wall of the stationary body 332 is provided with a recess 333 in which an end 350C of the second portion 350B of the beverage channel 350 is movable. In the upper part of fig. 20, the upper surface 382 of the pressure body 330 is flush with the upper edge of the fixed body 332. The pressure body 330 can be moved axially downwards in the manner described above to such an extent that the end 350C of the drink channel 350 abuts against the bottom of the recess 333. The fixing body 332 may be fixed to the collar 24 with the second filler 380 forming a seal against the collar. Around the second cylindrical portion 374 is a pressure ring 375 that operates a gas valve in the manner previously described. The pressure ring 375 is preferably slightly resilient so as to form a seal against the gas valve. A gas passage 348 extends through the cylindrical first portion 372 having a gas inlet 347, an upper surface 382 and a gas outlet 349 adjacent the pressure ring 375. Two square tooth elements 356 are provided on the cylindrical second part 374, the function of which has been described previously.

It will be clear from the description that, for the tapping head according to the invention, only one gas connection pipe is connected to the tapping head, while the beverage dispensing line is connected to the connecting device. The beverage flow passage is separate from the gas flow passage so that contamination of the tap head is avoided. The tapping rod can be removed together with the keg, so that the connecting device can be removed at the same time. This means that the tapping head does not come into contact with the beverage and therefore does not have to be cleaned, or only needs to be cleaned very rarely. Preferably, the beverage dispensing conduit is then similarly removed, as described in the unpublished dutch patent application "tapping device and container and method of making the same" filed on 5/31/2000 by the applicant, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the description and the drawings. There are also a number of variations.

Thus, different types of tapping heads and valve systems may be used in the connection device of the invention. Furthermore, the beverage channel, the gas channel and the securing means may be constituted in other various ways. Other check valves or similar devices may be used to prevent beverage from flowing into the gas passage, for example a check valve provided in the or each gas passage. In addition, different types of fastening devices may be used to secure the dip rod to the barrel, such as detents, glue, clamps, or the like.

These and many similar variations are within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims (40)

1. A tapping rod having a beverage valve and a collar, in or on which a connecting means is fitted, which connecting means comprises a pressure body for opening the beverage valve and a gas valve, wherein:

the pressure body comprises or defines at least one first beverage channel that can place the inner space of the cartridge in fluid communication with the beverage dispensing conduit when the beverage valve is in the open position;

the pressure body comprises or defines at least one gas passage, characterized in that the tapping rod further comprises a gas valve cooperating therewith, the pressure body being adapted to open the gas valve, the gas passage being adapted to place the interior space of the keg in fluid communication with the gas supply conduit when the gas valve is in the open position.

2. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the or each first beverage channel and the or each gas channel are separated from each other in the connecting means when the beverage valve and the gas valve are in the open and closed position.

3. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the interior space of the barrel is a riser of the tapping rod.

4. A tapping rod according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure body is surrounded by one securing part lockable in or on the collar, so that it is arranged to be axially securable in place.

5. A tapping rod according to claim 4, wherein the securing part comprises a second beverage passage, which connects with said first beverage passage in the pressure body when the beverage valve is open.

6. A tapping rod according to claim 5, wherein the beverage dispensing conduit is fixedly connected with the second beverage channel.

7. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the beverage dispensing conduit is directly connected with the first beverage channel and is a fixed connection.

8. A tapping rod according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the pressure body is provided with a securing means by which the pressure body is secured in or on the collar.

9. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the beverage valve is sealed against the gas valve in the gas valve and the gas valve is sealed against the collar in the collar; wherein the gas valve is opened when the gas valve is moved away from the collar, and the beverage valve is opened when the beverage valve is moved relative to the gas valve, the gas valve comprising a gas valve body, the gas valve body comprising an aperture through which the pressure body is movable against the beverage valve body of the beverage valve for opening the beverage valve, the pressure body comprising a pressure edge which is movable against the gas valve body for opening the gas valve.

10. A tapping rod according to claim 9, wherein the pressure edge is moved against a longitudinal edge of the hole for opening the gas valve, the pressure edge lying substantially fluid-tightly against said longitudinal edge.

11. A tapping rod according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the distance between the end of the pressure body abutting the beverage valve body and the pressure edge during opening of the beverage valve is selected to be larger than the relative distance between the beverage valve body abutting the pressure body during opening of the gas valve and the gas valve part abutting the pressure body, and arranged to open the beverage valve first and then the gas valve when the pressure body is moved to open the valve.

12. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the or each gas channel has a first end portion which ends at or near the upper surface of the pressure body, and the beverage dispensing conduit is connectable and connected to the pressure body at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the pressure body which is greater than the radial distance from said longitudinal axis to the end point of the or each gas channel located at or near said upper surface.

13. Tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the first and second beverage channel, which are connected to the beverage dispensing conduit, each comprise an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pressure body in the vicinity of the connecting piece, the structure being such that the beverage dispensing conduit is connectable or connected to the respective beverage channel in a feed direction in the vicinity of the connecting piece with at least one radial component.

14. A tapping rod according to claim 13, wherein the angle is 30-90 °.

15. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the pressure body comprises a flange extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tapping rod and hermetically sealing against the collar, at least one fixing body being mounted therein, while the or each gas passage has a second end which terminates between the flange and the gas valve.

16. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the beverage passage comprises a portion centrally located in the pressure body, a first end of which is located at or near the lower surface of the pressure body and is surrounded by a square-shaped toothed element, which, in use, spaces said first end from the beverage valve body.

17. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the passage of the gas channel or gas channel connection is smaller than the passage of the beverage channel or beverage channel connection.

18. Tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the pressure body and/or the collar are provided with mutually cooperating sealing means, whereby it can be seen by breaking or releasing the sealing means that the pressure body has been moved at least once in the direction of the position required for opening the beverage valve and/or the gas valve.

19. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein means are provided to prevent beverage from entering the or each gas channel in the connecting means.

20. A tapping rod according to claim 19, wherein means are provided to prevent beverage from entering the or each gas channel in the connecting means during use of the beverage valve and/or gas valve.

21. A tapping rod according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the or each gas passage is provided with a check valve.

22. A tapping rod according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the flexible element extends around at least a part of the connecting means, whereby the outflow opening of the or each gas channel is closed when no gas is supplied, and whereby the flexible element is slightly pushed open to allow said pressure gas to pass when gas is supplied under pressure through the or each gas channel.

23. Tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the gas valve is ring-shaped and provided with a beverage valve seat at the lower side, against which the beverage valve sealingly abuts in the closed position, and the collar is provided with a gas valve seat at the lower side, against which the gas valve sealingly abuts in the closed position, the pressure body comprising a relatively rigid first part surrounded by movement means, which movement means are connected, at the side remote from the first part, to fastening means for fastening the pressure body in or to the collar, at least to the keg in which the tapping rod is used, the first part being provided, at the side close to the beverage valve, with a first edge, which edge can sealingly abut against the gas valve, and furthermore, in or on said first edge, a pressure element is provided for pressing the beverage valve away from the gas valve, the or each gas passage, viewed radially, ending outside the first edge, and the or each first beverage channel terminates in said first rim and is arranged such that, when the force body is pushed from the rest position in the direction of the beverage valve, the first rim sealingly abuts against the gas valve, thereby pushing the gas valve from the gas valve seat and the beverage valve from the beverage valve seat, thereby forming a beverage chamber in said first rim, through which beverage during use flows from the keg into the first beverage channel, and a gas supply chamber is formed outside the first rim, close to the surrounding part, from which gas channel or each gas channel gas can pass into the keg, as seen in radial direction.

24. A tapping rod according to claim 1, wherein the gas valve and the beverage valve are integrated in one piece in a substantially annular valve body, which surrounds an upper end of the riser tube, which riser tube is closed near the upper end by a locking plate, which locking plate defines a first valve seat, which collar surrounds said upper end of the riser tube at a distance and is provided at the upper end with a locking ring, whereby an annular opening is left between the locking ring and the locking plate, which locking ring defines a second valve seat on an inwardly facing side, which valve body can close said annular opening from the lower side, which riser tube is provided with at least one access opening near the locking plate and is partly closed by the valve body in a position closing said annular opening, which pressure body comprises a relatively rigid first part, which is surrounded by the movement means, which movement means are intended for fixing the pressure body in the collar or in the collar, on the side remote from the first part, fastening means secured to the keg using the tapping rod are connected, the first part being provided on a side adjacent the valve body with a first edge sealingly abutting against said valve body, the or each gas passage ending outside the first edge, viewed in radial direction, and the or each first beverage passage ending inside said first edge and being arranged such that, when the force body is pushed in the direction of the locking plate from the rest position, the first edge sealingly abuts against the valve body and pushes the valve body from the first and second valve seats into a position in which the or each opening in the standpipe is at least partly above the valve body, so that a beverage chamber is formed in said first edge, through which beverage flows from the keg into the first beverage passage during use, and a gas supply chamber is formed outside the first edge, viewed in radial direction, adjacent the surrounding components, gas may pass from the or each gas passage into the barrel through the gas supply chamber.

25. A tapping rod according to claim 24, wherein the second edge surrounds the first edge at a distance, the second edge being sealingly abuttable against the locking ring, while a gas supply chamber is formed between the first and second edges.

26. A tapping rod according to claim 23, wherein an inwardly open groove is provided in or near the collar, and the movement means is provided with sealing means near the outer edge, which sealing means seal in said groove for sealing the gas supply chamber.

27. A tapping rod according to claim 23, wherein the movement means comprise a flexible part between the first edge and an outer edge, relative to which the first part is movable, seen in the axial direction of the tapping rod.

28. A tapping rod according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the height of the outer edge is smaller than the height of the groove, so that the outer edge is movable in the groove in the axial direction of the tapping rod.

29. A tapping rod according to claim 23, wherein fastening means are provided for securing the connecting device to or over the collar and/or neck of the keg.

30. A tapping rod according to claim 23, wherein a beverage dispensing conduit for use in or near the tapping device is fixedly connected with the connecting device.

31. A bucket provided with a tapping rod according to any one of the preceding claims.

32. An assembly having a keg and a tap head according to claim 31, wherein the tap head comprises a connection part for connecting the tap head to a collar of a tapping rod or a neck at least partly surrounding the collar, the lever being arranged to push the pressure body downwards to open the gas valve and the beverage valve, a gas passage opening being provided in or along the lever for letting gas under pressure through the or each gas passage into the keg at least when the gas valve is open.

33. An assembly having a keg with a tapping rod according to any one of claims 1-30 and a tapping head for connection to a pressurised gas supply line, the keg being provided with connecting means for cooperation with the tapping head, the connecting means being provided with means for connection to a beverage dispensing line or with such a beverage dispensing line, the connecting means comprising at least one beverage channel, which beverage channel is connected to the beverage dispensing line during use and comprising at least one gas channel, which gas channel is connected to the pressurised gas supply line during use.

34. Method for using a keg with a tapping rod, wherein the keg is provided with connecting means in or on the tapping rod, the connecting means being provided with a beverage dispensing conduit for dispensing beverage from the keg, wherein a tapping head is fitted on the keg and at least partly above the connecting means, the tapping head being provided with a pressure fluid supply conduit, wherein the tapping head is operated, characterized in that a beverage valve and a gas valve in the tapping rod of the keg are opened by means of the connecting means, wherein pressure gas is admitted into the keg by means of the connecting means and beverage is discharged from the keg separately from the pressure gas flow by means of the connecting means.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the keg is arranged in the vicinity of the tapping device and the beverage dispensing line is then connected into or onto the tapping valve.

36. A method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein after use the tapping head is manipulated to close the beverage valve and the gas valve, the tapping head is then detached from the keg and the beverage dispensing conduit is detached from the tapping device, and the keg with the beverage dispensing conduit and the connecting device is then removed and taken away.

37. Method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein a beverage dispensing conduit connected to the connecting device is fed, the beverage dispensing conduit being connected to or wherein there is no contact between the beverage and the tapping device.

38. A method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the keg is supplied and the beverage dispensing conduit of the tapping device is then connected to the connecting device.

39. A method of using a keg with a tapping rod according to claim 31, wherein a closure element is fitted over the connecting device for storage and transport of the keg prior to fitting the tapping head.

40. A connecting device for use with a tapping rod according to any one of claims 1-30, a keg according to claim 31 or 39, an assembly according to claim 32 or 33 or a method according to any one of claims 34-38, the connecting device comprising a pressure body for opening a beverage valve and a gas valve, wherein:

the pressure body comprises or defines at least one first beverage channel which, when the beverage valve is in the open position, can place the inner space of the keg in fluid communication with a beverage dispensing duct connected to the pressure body;

the pressure body comprises or defines at least one gas passage, characterized in that said pressure body is adapted to open a gas valve of said tapping rod, which gas passage is adapted to place the interior space of the keg in fluid communication with the gas supply conduit when the gas valve is in the open position.