GB2062790A - Coupler assembly for use with a container valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupler assembly (20) for coupling to a valve assembly in a container includes a probe (88) movable e.g. by a handle (104) so as to open the valve assembly when the coupler is engaged therewith, for example by means of wedge surface (82) cooperating with a pair of lugs (56). As a safety measure, means are provided for preventing engagement or disengagement of the coupler assembly (20) when the probe (88) is in a position to open the valve assembly. Such means may comprise a spring loaded locking pin (110) which cooperates with lugs 56. This means also prevents engagement of the coupler with the valve assembly when the probe is in its valve open position. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB 2 062 790 A

SPECIFICATION Coupler assembly for use with a valve assembly

This invention relates to a coupler assembly for a valve assembly to be used with a container for fluid. The invention is particularly concerned with keys and improvements relating to the tapping of such kegs.

In systems for tapping kegs of fluid and particularly kegs of beer there has been used a valve assembly secured to the top of the keg for 75 providing access to the fluid ultimately to be delivered from the keg to a remote position for distribution. Typically, the valve assembly includes a dual valve arrangement with a syphon tube which extends from the valve assembly to the so bottom of the keg. The valve assembly is fixed within the keg neck or other valve receiving member to provide a valved access to the fluid once it is pressurized. The valve system, when tapped by a coupler assembly connected to a 85 pressure source, allows pressurized gas to flow into the keg until the desired pressure within the keg is achieved to force the fluid out of the keg through the valve system and ultimately to a distribution device where the fluid can be used to 90 fill glasses and the like. The valve system is one which allows the pressurized gas, usually carbon dioxide, to be forced into the keg but only allows the fluid to be forced out of the keg to distribution device, until the keg is entirely emptied of fluid.

Coupler assemblies or other tapping mechanisms are generally inserted by rotation into the valve assembly. Then by separate action, a handle is actuated to open the valves and permit the flow of fluid into and out of the keg in the appropriate channel. After the fluid has been completely dispersed from the keg, the reverse sequence is followed to reseai the valves. If the aforementioned sequence is followed, there will be no loss of fluid or gas in the tapping or 105 untapping procedure.

However, if the handle is inadvertently placed in the tapped or valve open position prior to attaching the coupler assembly to the valve assembly, the valves will be moved to an open position before the coupler assembly is fully in place allowing some leakage to occur until the coupler assembly is rotated sufficiently to seal the interface between the coupler assembly and valve assembly. Similarly, if the handle is not relocated to close the valves prior to untapping, leakage will occur until the coupler assembly is rotated out of the valve assembly to a position where the valves reach their naturally closed position. Particularly where the keg contains toxic or otherwise dangerous fluid, the leakage occurring from failure to follow the correct tapping and untapping procedure constitutes a physical danger to the operator. For example, where the keg contains concentrated agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, insecticides, fertilizer, etc., leakage of these chemicals through an improper coupling technique can be seriously deleterious to the health of the operator.

Thus, according to the invention there is provided a coupler assembly for engaging a valve assembly of a fluid container, said coupler assembly having a body portion having means for engaging said coupler assembly with said valve assembly, said body portion carrying at least one probe member for actuating said valve assembly, said probe member being movable between a closed position where said valve assembly is not actuated to an open position where said valve assembly is actuated for gaining access to said container, and said coupler assembly further including means for preventing disengagement of said coupler assembly from said valve assembly when said probe is in said open position and also preventing engagement of said coupler assembly with said valve assembly when said probe is in said open position.

In a preferred embodiment, when tapping the keg, a coupler assembly having a movable probe for actuating valves in the valve assembly is secured to the top portion of the valve assembly. The actuatirLq mechanism of the coupler assembly includes a handle which is movable between an open position where the probe is extended to open the valves to a closed position where the probe is retracted allowing the valves to revert to their normally closed state. The locking mechanism incorporated with the coupler assembly prevents attachment or detachment of the coupler with the valve assembly whenever the handle is in the open position, thereby ensuring that the valves are never opened until the coupler is fully secured in place.

The valve assembly may include a body portion which carries an O-ring or the like in sealing engagement with the keg neck to prevent leakage along the interface between the valve body and the neck. To achieve the seal, the O-ring is maintained in a deformed disposition between respective metal shoulders of the valve body portion and the keg neck. In units presently available, metal shoulders are moved toward each other to compress the O-ring seal by a fitting threadedly engaged with the keg neck. As the threaded fitting is screwed down, the shoulders rotate relative to each other and simultaneously move downward linearlyto deform the O-ring between the valve body and the keg neck. The more the fitting is rotated, the more linear thrust is imparted to the O-ring deforming it even further.

The problem with this approach is that there may be difficulties in limiting the compression imparted to the sealing ring. Without such a limitation the sealing ring can be over compressed where it will be subjected to -compression seV in which case the seal will not return substantially to its uncompressed state when the linear thrust is reduced. This detracts from the ability of the 0ring to maintain its sealing characteristics over a long period of time. Also, the sealing ring may be damaged by action of the shoulders rotating against the surface of the seal thereby negating its sealing properties.

Besides the loss in the efficacy of the seal due 2 GB 2 062 790 A 2 to overcompression or damage caused by the relative rotation of two metal parts,the threads can be loosened after continued use allowing the seal to be broken inadvertently. In addition, a rotation movement is usually employed in attaching a tapping member or a coupler to the valving system. Where threaded fittings are used it is quite easy for the turning of tapping devices to also rotate the threaded fittings thereby unscrewing one fitting relative to the other moving 7E it linearly away fro ' m the 0-ring and allowing the seal to be broken.

Thus in a preferred embodiment the valve assembly is received by a valve assembly receiving member and comprises a deformable sealing member disposed between respective seal engaging surfaces of the valve assembly and receiving member, the sealing member being deformable between said surfaces to effect a seal between the valve assembly and the receiving member, wherein the arrangement is such that the deformation of the sealing member between said surfaces to effect said seal can be made without substantial relative rotation between said surfaces. Such an arrangement is the subject of our co-pending Application divided from Application 38542/78.

This arrangement allows better tolerances to maintain the seal over long periods of time and to avoid inadvertent breaking of the seal due to 95 operation of the valve system in tapping and untapping procedures. Moreover, "compression set- is avoided because of the tolerances that can be maintained and controlled by the use of a non rotative system. In addition, the system may be one which is easy to install and provides substantial safety advantages over the systems which have characterized e.g. keg tapping systems of the past.

In a preferred embodiment, a keg includes a keg neck which is of a generally cylindrical configuration having one end welded to the top of the keg and the other end open for receiving the valve asssembly. The bottom portion of the keg neck has an annular ring extending radially inwardly from the inner walls of the neck. The upper surface of this ring engages an 0-ring or other sealing means for sealing the interface between the valve assembly and the keg neck. The valve assembly includes a valve body having an 115 outer surface also of a generally cylindrical configuration with an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the neck. A bottom portion of the valve body defines a seal engaging -surface which, under pressure, provides linear thrust deforming the seal against the upper surface of the annular ring extending from the keg neck.

The upper portion of the keg neck defines an annular groove for receiving a resilient retaining ring. The retaining ring when placed into the groove tends to expand and maintain its position within the groove. The retaining ring also cooperates with the top portion of the valve body to retain it in place under thrust against the 0-ring 130 between the bottom portion of the valve body and the upper surface of the radial ring.

There is also an offset keyway defined through the groove which cooperates with a boss or key on the valve body. This allows the insertion of the valve body into the neck and retention there even when the retaining ring is withdrawn. The keyway has two recessed portions: one extends downwardly through a lower lip in the groove and the other extends upwardly from the upper lip in the groove. Both portions are offset vertically and circumferentially from each other. In this way, to locate the valve body within the neck, the key is registered with the first recessed area and moved 80' downwardly, then rotated until it registers with the second recessed area, and moved further downwardly until the groove is exposed for receiving the retaining ring. With this configuration, should the retaining ring be inadvertently dislodged while the keg is under pressure, the key will engage an upper lip of the groove above the second recessed area, preventing it from being expelled from the keg. This safety feature prevents injury to those persons who may tamper with the valve system when the keg is under pressure.

Some valve assemblies used with kegs have included a dual valve system having two valve members each biased into engagement with its respective valve seat. To bias at least one of the valve members, a helical spring circumscribing the syphon tube is utilized. A spring retaining cup is used to hold the helical spring in place with sufficient comression to maintain the valve in a normally closed position. The cup extends downwardly from the valve body about the helical spring and has a radially projecting surface extending inwardly toward the syphon tube to support the bottom of the spring. By having the helical spring disposed in this manner, it becomes difficult to clean, allowing residue to build up in the spring coils. Because the cleaning fluids are injected under pressure through the valves, the location of the helical spring adjacent the syphon tube is one which is not readily accessible to the path taken by pressurized cleaning fluid. In addition, by being enclosed by the cup portions the spring is not sufficiently exposed to receive the full effect of the cleaning fluid. Where the residue is not completely cleaned away, it can adversely affect the quality of fluid added to the keg for later. distribution.

Thus in a preferred embodiment the valve assembly has a syphon tube extending therefrom, and comprises a first passage controllable by a first valve member, cooperating with a first valve seat defined by the valve body; the first valve member being carried by an upper portion of the syphon tube; a second passage, extending through the first valve member and communicating with the interior of the syphon tube; a second valve member for said second passage, and a second valve seat defined by said first valve member; first biasing means engaging a bottom portion of said syphon tube for biasing said first valve member 3 GB 2 062 790 A 3.

against said first valve seat to close said first passage; and second biasing means biasing said second valve member against said second valve seat to close said second passage. Such an arrangement is the subject of Application 38542/78 from which this Application has been divided.

In a preferred embodiment, to the bottom portion of the syphon tube is secured a helical spring which is located in the interior portion of the tube and extends to the bottom of the keg in use. The spring is maintained in compression between the tube and the keg bottom to bias the tube and ultimately the first valve member against Its respective valve seat. The location of the spring in this manner ensures that cleaning fluids forced through the tube will completely wash the coils of the spring to prevent accumulation of residue. In addition, the bottom of the syphon tube may be flared to prevent occlusion of the tube should it be extended flush with the bottom surface of the keg. The flared tube also defines a flow path from the tube which enhances flow distribution of fluid through the keg for cleaning purposes. 25 Some embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a cross-section of a valve assembl) as secured within a neck extending from the top portion of a container; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the neck shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is a top view of the valve assembly removed from the valve neck; FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of another 100 embodiment of a valve assembly secured within the valve neck extending from the top of a container; FIGURE 5 is a side view of a coupler assembly secured within the valve assembly shown in FIGURE 1; FIGURE 6 is an exploded view of the coupler assembly and valve assembly shown in FIGURE 5; FIGURE 7 is a rear elevation of the coupler assembly shown in FIGURE 6 with portions of the 110 coupler removed; FIGURE 8 is a top view of the coupler assembly shown in FIGURE 6; FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly secured to the valve assembly 115 as shown in FIGURE 5 taken along lines 9-9; FIGURE 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lock pin mechanism shown in FIGURE 7 taken along lines 10-10; and FIGURE 11 is a top view of the lock pin 120 mechanism of FIGURE 10.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a keg 10 wkh a neck 12 affixed to the top of the keg by I welding. Secured within the neck is a valve assembly 14 which includes a valve body 16 having a syphon tube 18 extending from the bottom of the valve body to a position adjacent to the bottom of the keg. Coupler assembly 20 as shown in Figure 5, is secured to the valve assembly 14 in a manner which allows pressure to 130 be imparted through the coupler assembly 20 to the interior portions of the keg for pressurizing the liquid therein which in this case is beer and also provides an outlet for the liquid to a conduit downstream of the coupler assembly.

Because the valve assembly 14 and the neck 12 are separate and independent parts a seal is provided between them to ensure that the fluid under pressure as well as the gas providing the pressure does not leak between the joints of the valve assembly and the neck. To this end a deformable 0-ring 22 is secured between the keg neck 12 and the valve assembly 14 at the appropriate place to prevent any such leakage.

The valve neck 12 is generally cylindrical having an inner surface 24 and an outer surface 26. An annular ring 28 extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the bottom portion of the valve neck 12. This annular ring 28 has an upper surface 30 for engaging a portion of the deformable 0-ring 22 and a lower surface 32 which is welded adjacent to the top of the keg. The top portion of the neck 12 defines a bushing 34 which has a groove 36 therein in the form of an annular recess extending entirely around the circumference of the inner surface 24 for receiving resilient retainer ring 37. This groove 36 has an upper lip 38 and a lower lip 40 which engage the upper and lower portions respectively of the resilient retainer ring 37. A keyway 41 has a first recessed area 42 which communicates with the top portion of the neck 12 through the upper lip 38 of the groove 36 with the lower lip 40 of the groove 36 providing the lower boundary of the first recessed area 42. A second recessed area 44 communicates with the lower lip 40 of the groove 36 and extends downwardly therefrom and is offset circumferentially from the first recessed area 42 and is bound at its upper limit by the upper lip 38 of the groove 36. In this way movement through the keyway 41 defines a path that is vertically downward and then laterally through the groove 36 until the second recessed area 44 is reached and then downwardly again.

The valve assembly includes a valve body 16 which has an upper portion 46 and a lower portion 48. The lower portion 48 has a bottom complementary seal engaging surface 50 which presses against 0-ring 22 when the valve body 16 is in the retained position within the neck 12. The upper portion of the valve body 16 includes a retainer ring engaging surface 52 which, as can be seen in Figure 1, is engaged the resilient retainer ring 37 thereby maintaining the valve body in the desired position within the valve neck and compressing the 0-ring 22 for achieving the seal between the valve body 16 and the neck 12.

A feature of the above-described arrangement for deforming the 0-ring 22 between the valve assembly 14 and the keg neck 12 is the ability to control the tolerances between these elements to ensure that the 0-ring 22 is sufficiently deformed to provide sealing and also to avoid overcompression of the 0- ring 22 so that it is not subject to -compression seV. "Compresson seV 4 GB 2 062 790 A 4 is a measure of an elastomer material to return its originally uncompressed state after it has been subjected to actual material compression. In this regard, it should be noted that actual material compression is to be distinguished from deformation where the seal merely conforms to the configuration of the cavity in which it is placed and under linear thrust. The elastic 0-ring having a circular cross-section is placed between the upper surface 30 of the annular ring 28 and the lower surface 32 of the valve body 16. As the valve body is pressed downwardly imparting linear thrust on the 0-ring 22, the 0-ring 22 deforms into a generally rectangular configuration as shown in Figure 1 to seal the joint and allow the resilient retainer ring 37 to be placed in the groove 36 to maintain the predetermined amount of thrust on the 0-ring 22. By using the smooth cylindrical surfaces, as described above, with the retaining ring and groove combination, substantial thrust on the elastomer to effect the seal will always be achieved with comfoftable tolerances on machining parts. This is accomplished without literally compressing the material of the sealing ring which will cause it to take up -compression set" and incur leakage with the passage of time.

More specifically, the 0-ring employed in the above valve assembly 14 and valve neck 12 has a cross-sectional diameter in its free state which is approximately. 140 inches. When the 0-ring 22 is compressed to a rectangular cross-section as described above, the rectangular dimension measured vertically is approximately. 109 inches; meaning that the linear thrust has been accomplished through a distance of.031 inches or 21.5% of its free state dimension. This distance of.031 inches is a substantial one that can be worked with very comfortably in dealing with machine tolerances. In other words, the dimensions between the groove and the surfaces for compressing the 0-ring 22 can be defined well within a range to achieve the deformation for sealing without literally compressing ffle material resulting in -compression set---.

A key 54 extends from the upper portion of the valve body 16 for engagement with the keyway 41 in the neck 12. The key 54 extends sufficiently into the recessed areas 42, 44 to allow for movement within the recessed areas 42, 44, but be restrained from movement beyond the boundaries defining the keyway 41. With this configuration the key 54 can be moved vertically to the lower lip 40 in the first recess area 42, laterally along the groove 36 connecting the 120 recessed areas 42, 44 and downwardly into the second recessed area 44. In this way, to place the valve body 16 into the neck 12 so that the retaining ring 37 can be placed within the groove 36, the valve body 16 must initially be rotated to a position where the key 54 registers with the first recessed area 42. In this position, the valve body can be lowered downwardly until the key 54 abuts the lower lip 40 of the groove 36. The valve body 16 is then rotated until the key 54 is registered with the second recessed area 44 at which point the valve body 16 can be lowered further until the retainer ring engaging surface 52 of the valve body is sufficiently below the groove 36 to allow insertion of the retainer ring 37 for holding the valve body 16 in position.

With this configuration, the only way the valve body 16 can be removed is by first removing the retainer ring 37 which is difficult without the proper tools, and then rotating the valve body 16 to the correct position within the keyway 41 allowing it to be removed. This provides a safety mechanism to prevent expulsion of the valve assembly 14 upon inadvertent removal of the retaining ring 37.

But should the retaining ring 37 be inadvertently removed for some reason while the keg 10 is pressurized, the valve body 16 will tend to remain in place because the upward pressure of the gas on the valve assembly 14 will force the valve body 16 slightly upwardly to a position where the key 54 engages the upper lip 38 of the groove 36 above the second recessed area 44. The only way the valve assembly 14 can be removed thereafter is by intentionally rotating it to a position where the key 54 registers with the first recessed area 42. By this time, the seal has been broken, equalizing the pressure in the keg, thus eliminating the dangers of the valve assembly 14 being expelled forcibly. In any event, removal of the valve assembly can only be accomplished through intentional rotation through a path defined by the keyway 41.

Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that two lugs 56 extend radially inwardly from the top portion of the valve body 16. These lugs 56 provide a means for receiving and holding a coupler assembly 20 as shown in Figure 5 in place to provide pressure to the keg through the valve assembly 14 and provide a path out of the key also through the valve assembly 14 to a position downstream where the fluid in the keg can be distributed. Now referring to Figure 1, the details of the valve assembly 14 are shown. The valve assembly 14 comprises dual valves having a first valve 65 and a second valve 73 operating concentrically with each other about the axis of the syphon tube. Included with the first valve 65 is a spring retainer cup 58 for holding a helical compression external spring 60. The syphon tube 18 has a flared portion 62 near its top portion 64 which engages the top of the helical external spring 60. The bottom portion of the spring 60 rests on the bottom of the cup 58 as shown. The spring 60 is maintained between the-bottom of the cup 58 and the flared portion 59 of the syphon tube 18 normally in a compressed position to bias the tube upwardly to maintain the first valve 65 in a normally closed position sealing annular first valve opening 69. A first valve member 66 is carried by the top portion 64 of the top of the syphon tube and engages a first valve seat 68. The helical spring 16 in its normal position maintains the engagement between the first valve member 66 and the valve seat 68 until the spring is compressed even further downwardly to allow displacement of the first valve member 66 away trom the first valve seat 6B thereby opening the first valve 65.

The second valve 73 includes a second valve member 74 biased against a second valve seat 78 by an internal spring 70 to seal a second valve opening 79. Displaced from the top portion 64 of the syphon tube 18 are three circumferentially equidistant bulges 72 on the interior portion of the tube formed by impressing dimples on the exterior of the syphon tube 18. These bulges 72 provide a surface against which the bottom portion of the internal helical spring 70 rests. The top portion of the internal spring 70 engages the second valve member or ball 74 and presses it against the second valve seat 78 refined in the first valve member 66 as shown to maintain the second valve in a normally closed position. To open the second valve 73, the internal spring 70 is compressed allowing the ball 74 to be displaced from the second valve seat 78. In this way, the second valve closes and opens the opening 79 and the first valve 65 opens and closes the opening 69 which is concentric with opening 79. 90 The coupler assembly 20 cooperates with this valve assembly 14 to open the passageways along the exterior portion and through the interior portion of the syphon tube by moving valve members 55, 74 away from the respective valve seat 68, 78. Now referring to Figures 5 and 6, for the details of the coupler system, and its interaction with the valve assembly 14 to open the various passageways and control the flow of gas for pressure and fluids for delivery downstream of 100 the keg. The coupler assembly 20 has a coupler body 90 with a wedge surface 82 which is helical in configuration circumscribing the bottom of the coupler body 90 for engaging the, lugs 56 on the valve assembly 14. Slots 84 are provided on either 105 side of the coupler body 90 through the wedge surface 82 for allowing it to be inserted into the valve assembly 14 below the lugs 56.

Extending downwardly from the coupler body 90 is a coupler elastic seal 91 which registers with 110 coupler sealing surface 89 defined in the valve body 16. Once the portion of the wedge surfaces 82 adjacent the slots 84 are in a position below the lugs 56, the coupler assembly 20 can be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the valve body. Thus, rotation in conjunction with the interaction wedge surfaces with the lug 56 forces the coupler assembly 20 downwardly pressing the coupler seal 91 against the sealing surface 89 of the valve body 16. Further rotation compresses the 20 coupler seal 91 sufficiently to seal the interface between the valve body 16 and the coupler assembly 20. Abutments 86 provided on either side of coupler assembly 20 limit the rotation in the clockwise direction.

The coupler assembly 20 has a side fitting 92 through which the gas is forced under pressure into the keg through the passageway formed when the first valve 65 is in the open position. The coupler body 90 is a hollow cylinder 93 having a130 GB 2 062 790 A 5.

probe movable therein between an open and closed position to actuate the valves 65, 73. The probe 88 has a shaft 97 carrying pistons, an upper piston 99 and a lower piston 101, displaced from each other along the longitudinal axis on either side of the intersection of the side fitting 92 as shown. Each piston 99, 101 has fixed in its periphery a sealing ring to seal the interface between the pistons 99, 101 and the inner walls 107 of the cylinder 93. The portion of the shaft 97 extending upwardly from the upper piston 99 above the top of the coupler body 90 carries a top fitting 94 which provides a means for coupling with tubing or other conduits for delivering the fluid which is forced out of the keg when the coupler assembly 20 is in the open position. The shaft 97 defines a shaft passageway 103 along its longitudinal axis from one end of the shaft to the other.

The distance between the pistons 99, 101 within the cylinder is one which always maintains the upper piston 99 above the intersection of the side fittings 92 and the cylinder 93 during the stroke between the open and closed position. On the other hand, the lower piston 101 when moved to the open position extends beyond the bottom of the coupler body 90 to provide an annular opening therethrough. Thus, in the open position an annular passage is formed through the bottom of the coupler body 90, along thespace between the shaft 97 to the side fitting 92 for the gas used in pressurizing the keg. The gas in this passagi is prevented from passing through the top of the coupler body 90 by the seal formed between the upper piston 99 and the inner walls 107. The shaft passageway 103 always remains clear and open when the coupler assembly 20 is in either the open or closed position.

The bottom of the lower piston 101 has a first valve member engaging surface 109 surrounding shaft passage opening 111 through the piston 1. On either side of the opening 111 two fork members 113 extend downwardly from lower piston 10 1. These fork members 113 are dimensioned to pass through the second valve opening 79 and engage ball 74. Similarly the piston 101 is dimensioned to pass through the first valve opening 69 and engage in sealing relationship the first valve member 66.

With the above configuration, when coupler assembly 90 is engaged with the valve body the probe can be moved from a closed or retracted position where the valves remained closed to an open or extended position where the valves are opened allowing the flow of fluids in and out the keg through the various passages in the coupler assembly 20. In the open or extended position as shown in Figure 5, the fork member 113 engages ball 74 displacing it from second valve seat 78 thereby opening the second valve 73 and allowing fluid under pressure to pass through the syphon tube 18, around the ball 74, out of second valve opening 79, into shaft passage opening 111, through the shaft passage 103 to the top fitting 94. Similarly, in the extended position, the first 6 valve member engaging surface on the lower piston 10 1 engages the first valve member 66 displacing downwardly away from the first valve seat 68 to open the first valve 65. In this open position the gas used to pressurize the keg is allowed to flow in the side fitting 92 through the annular space between the shaft 97 and the inner walls 107 of cylinder 93 out of the annular opening 105, and through the first valve opening 79 into tte keg.

During the downstroke of the probe 88, the fork member 113 will engage the ball 74 prior to the engagement of the lower piston 101 with the first valve member 66. As ' a consequence the second valve 73 will be opened slightly before the first valve 65. Upon reaching its full extension the first valve member engaging surfact 109 of the lower piston 101 in addition to opening the first valve 65 seals the interface between the piston 10 1 and the valve member 65 thereby preventing leakage between the gas and the fluid flow paths. To close the valves 65, 73 the probe 88 is retracted to the closed position disengaging lower piston 10 1 to disengage the valve members 66, 74 allowing them to revert to their normally closed position.

Movement of the probe 88 downwardly is achieved by operation of a lever assembly 96 described in connection with Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8. A flange 98 extends from one side of the coupler body 90. The lever assembly 96 has two arms 115 spaced from each other each having one end connected to flange 98 by pivot pin 95. The other end of arms 115 carries a crossbar 109 from which extends a hangle 104 for use by the operator and moving the lever from an open position to a closed position. Approximately midway between the cross-bar 109 and the pivot pin 95 are two actuator pins 117 one on each arm 115 extending inwardly for engaging an annular recess 100 which circumscribes the top portion of the fitting 94. With this configuration, movement of the handle 104 downwardly and pivotally about the pivot pin 97 will result in a corresponding movement of the actuator pins 117 which engage the probe 88 in recess 100 to force it downwardly.

The handle 104 further includes a locking rod 106 which is movable within a hollow portion within the handle against a compression spring 120 for locking and unlocking the handle 104 in the open and closed position. For this purpose, a blocking boss 108 extends from the side of the coupler body 90 into the path of movement of the locking rod 106. In the normal position the compression spring 120 maintains the locking rod 106 in an extended position beyond the cross-bar 109 where it will engage the blocking boss 108. To move the handle 104 past the blocking boss 108, the handle 104 is simply pullei outwardly away from the cross-bar 109 overcoming the effect of the compression spring 120. This will retract the locking rod 106 sufficiently so that it can be moved past the blocking boss 108. Once the lever assembly 96 has been moved downwardly a sufficient distance 130 GB 2 062 790 A 6 beyond the blocking boss 108, the handle 104 can be released and the locking rod 106 will revert to its extended position engaging the blocking boss 108 from its underside. This position corresponds to the open position which is maintained until the operator disengages the locking rod 106 from the blocking boss 108.

The cross-bar 109 cooperates with a locking pin 110 to insure that the coupler assembly cannot be rotated out of position while the handle 104 is in the open position. If this were allowed to occur, fluid under pressure would spurt out of the valve assembly until the coupler was fully disengaged.

Reference should be made to Figures 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and in connection with the details of the locking pin 110, beneath the blocking boss 108 there is located extending from the coupler body a locking pin holder 111 which has slidably secured therein the locking pin 110. The locking pin 110 has an upper surface 113 for engaging cross-bar 109 of the lever assembly 96 and a lower portion 115 which engages the lugs 56 on the valve body 16. The pin holder 111 defines a vertical slot 112 for slidably receiving the Tportion 114 of the pin 110. The T-portion 114 only extends from the top portion or upper portion 113 of the pin such that it can be moved downwardly within this pin slot 112. A pin spring '118 is secured within the slot 112 and is biased against the T-portion 114 to hold the pin 110 in an unlocked position against two retaining flanges 117 extending from the upper portion of the pin holder 111 as shown in Figure 10. In this position, the pin 110 is maintained sufficiently above the top surface of the valve body 116 allowing the coupler assembly to be rotated into place.

Once in the proper position, and when it is desired to tap the keg, the lever assembly 96 is moved downwardly past the block boss 108 by actuating the handle as explained above. The lever assembly 96 is pushed down to a position where the locking rod 106 can engage the under surface of the blocking boss to hold the lever assembly 96 at the open tapped position. In this position, the cross-bar 109 presses the pin 110 downwardly as shown in Figure 5, against the force of the compression spring 118 and maintains the pin in a disposition extending sufficiently into the open area beyond the top of the valve body 16 such - that rotation of the coupler assembly 81 will be blocked by the engagement of the locking pin 110 with the tug 56 as demonstrated by the phantom.

lined pin 110 in Figure 9. In this manner, the coupler cannot be rotated and withdrawn from the valve body 16, nor can it be inserted into the valve body 16, until the handle 104 is moved to the retracted or closed position disengaging the probe 88 from the valve assembly 14. This ensures that the coupler assembly 81 is always in the closed position when it is being engaged with or disengaged from the valve assembly 14 avoiding the expulsion of fluid through the passageway defined between the bail valve and the valve seat, 7 GB 2 062 790 A 7 should the coupler be otherwise disengaged.

Any fluid product lost as the result of systems which do not use the above safety features could constitute a physical danger to the operator. For example, if such a valve system were used with a 70 container having toxic fluids which could be extremely lethal in the case of agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, fungicides etc., the failure of a safety system to provide for disengaging the valve system as 75 described above could possibly spray a portion of this lethal fluid onto the operator.

Thus, with the above configuration, a completely safe engagement of the coupler and disengagement of the coupler can be accomplished without fear of inadvertently leaving one of the valves open which could possibly spray dangerous fluid onto the operator. In other words, the only way the coupler assembly 81 can be engaged and disengaged is when both valves 65, 73 are in a closed disposition as a result of the.

ha'ndle being moved upwardly to the retracted or correspondingly closed position.

Another embodiment including a valve assembly for use with a keg neck to gain access to 90 the fluid within a keg is shown in Figure 4. The valve assembly 148 as shown in Figure 4 is substantially identical to that as shown in Figure 1 except for modifications which will be more fully explained hereinafter. Parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 have been given the same reference numbers.

For example, instead of having a spring circumscribing the syphon tube and being contained by a rather large retainer cup, the 100 embodiment of Figure 4 includes a small retainer cup 120 secured to seal 121. A flange 122 extends from the top portion of syphon tube 128 entirely around its periphery. The smaller retainer cup 120 extends from the seal 121 to a position sufficiently close to the exterior surface near the top portion of the syphon tube 128 for engaging a flange 122. The seating member 121 is retained in a position between a neck 124 and a valve body 126 in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figure 1. It should be noted that because a large part of the spring and retainer cup construction has been eliminated in the area adjacent the valve neck, the valve neck 124 and valve body 126 of this embodiment in Figure 4 does not require the same dimensions as the device of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment employs a valve neck 124 and valve body 126 which has a height dimension less than that of the corresponding elements in Figure 1. 120 The syphon tube 128 has a bottom portion 130 which carries a major spring 136 in a generally compressed disposition against the keg bottom 138 to maintain the first valve member 144 biased against the valve seat 146 carried by the 125 valve body 126 in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figure 1. More particularly, dimples 132 adjacent the bottom portion 130 are formed in the sides of the syphon 65 tube 128 to provide bulges 134 on the inside of 130 the syphon tube against which the top of major spring 136 can press. The bottom of the spring 136 rests against the bottom of the keg 138. In a normal disprosition, the spring is maintained compressed between the dimples 132 and the bottom of the keg 138 to force the syphon tube 128 and the valve member 144 that it carries against the valve seat 146.

The bottom portion 130 has four flared portions 140 equally spaced as can be seen in Figure 4. These flared portions ensure that cleaning fluid or other fluids inserted through the syphon tube will be equally distributed along the bottom of the keg 138 as well as the remaining portions of the keg.

In addition, the flared portions ensure that any undue extension of the syphon tube 128 which may cause the bottom portion 130 to engage the bottom 138 of the keg in a flush position will not impair the flow of fluid through the syphon tube since access thereto can still be had through the flared portion 140.

Also, by having the spring located within the bottom portion 138 during the washing and cleansing cycle when cleansing fluid is inserted through the valve assembly, and through the internal portions of the syphon tube, both springs will be completely washed by the fluid forced into the syphon tube under pressure. This insures that residue will not accumulate on the springs which accumulation may have an adverse effect on fluids that are ultimately added to the keg. In addition, the large retaining cup can be eliminated substantially reducing the cost of manufacture of the valve assembly. To hold the spring in place, as the valve assembly is being withdrawn from the keg, the major spring 136 is simply force-fitted into place adjacent the dimples 132. This construction is one which is simpler to assemble and manufacture. This simplicity is obtained without loss in efficiency and with added operational advantages.

Thus, in the preferred embodiments there is provided an improved sealing relationship between a keg neck and the valve body of a valve for tapping a keg of fluid, which provides a safe and dependable method of maintaining valve body thrust against a deformable sealing member to enhance the sealing characteristics between the valve body and the valve neck. Furthermore there is control over the tolerances between the sealing surfaces which engage the sealing member such that excessive or undue compression is not imparted to the seal, thereby imparting to the seal a longer sealing life. There may be avoided damaged to the seal due to unnecessary rotation of the seal engaging surfaces against the seal which can gouge and otherwise damage the seal. There is additionally ease of assembly and disassembly of the valve body with the keg neck.

Furthermore there may be provided an economical device whose parts are simple to manufacture but still achieve the tolerances necessary for sealing and avoid the complexity which has characterized such devices in the past to enhance the repeatability and extend the life of 8 the device. In the embodiment of Figure 4 there is provided a valve system facilitating cleaning of various components of the system. 5 Means are provided to prevent occlusion of the syphon tube particularly when it is fully extended flush with the bottom of the keg. The spring member, which biases one valve member of the valve system, is located inside the bottom of the syphon tube and the syphon tube bottom is configured to enhance the distribution of fluid passing therethrough such that cleaning fluids injected through the syphon tube will wash the spring means and be distributed throughout the keg.

There is also provided an improved coupler or tapping mechanism to operate the valves in the valve assembly substantially without leakage, particularly during attachment and detachment of the coupler with the valve mechanism. There is incorporated a locking mechanism with the coupler to prevent the coupler from being engaged and disengaged while the mechanism for actuating the valves is in an extended or operative mode. The coupler avoids inadvertent actuation by requiring predetermined steps before the handle can be moved from one position to another.

Claims (39)

1. A coupler assembly for engaging a valve assembly of a fluid container, said coupler assembly having a body portion having means for engaging said coupler assembly with said valve assembly, said body portion carrying at least one probe member for actuating said valve assembly, said probe member being movable between a closed position where said valve assembly is not actuated to an open position where said valve assembly is actuated for gaining access to said container, and said coupler assembly further including means for preventing disengagement of 105 said coupler assembly from said valve assembly when said probe is in said open position and also preventing engagement of said coupler assembly with said valve assembly when said probe is in said open position.

2. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 1 adapted for use with a valve assembly having a lug member extending radially inwardly wherein said means for preventing engagement and disengagement of said coupler assembly includes 115 a locking pin carried by said coupler body, said locking pin being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, whereby in use said unlocked position is above said lug member carried by said valve assembly and said locking pin 120 in said locked position extends downwardly into said valve assembly and interlocks with said lug member.

3. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said locking pin is located on said coupler 125 body such that when said coupler assembly is engaged with said valve assembly and said locking pin is moved into the locked position it extends sufficiently into said valve assembly for GB 2 062 790 A 8 engaging said lug member upon rotation of said coupler to prevent rotation beyond said lug member.

4. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein said coupler body portion has a wedge surface defined on the side of said body portion, a slot extending through said wedge surface to provide a path for the lug member when said coupler is placed in engagement with said valve assembly. 75

5. A coupler assembly as claimed in any preceding claim including a sealing ring along the bottom portion of the coupler body for engaging a complementary portion in said valve assembly.

6. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 2, 3, or 4 wherein said locking pin is spring biased towards said unlocked position and said coupler assembly further comprises means for moving said pin against said spring bias to maintain said pin in said locked position.

7. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein means for moving said probe from the closed position to the open position cooperates with said pin for moving said pin from the unlocked position to the locked position whereby said coupler assembly is in the locked position when said valve assembly is actuated and said coupler assembly is an unlocked position when said valve assembly is not actuated, thus allowing the removal of said coupler assembly safely. 95

8. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means for moving said probe is a handle member.

9. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said handle member carries means for moving said locking pin from said unlocked position to said locked position.

10. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means for moving said locking pin includes a bar member connected to said handle member for engaging said pin when said handle member is moved to an open position and for disengaging said pin when said handle member is moved to a closed position.

11. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein said handle member is connected to a lever assembly pivotally secured to said body portion of said coupler, said lever assembly including means connected to said probe member.

12. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein said lever assembly includes two arms spaced apart on either side of said probe member extending from the top portion of said coupler body portion, said arms each having one end pivotally secured to said body portion and the other end connected to a cross bar, said handle member extending outwardly from said cross bar for grasping by an operator.

13. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 12 further including a blocking member located on said body portion above said locking pin, said cross bar having a retractable rod biased towards an extended position extending inwardly toward said body portion from said cross bar, said blocking member blocking the path of said rod 9 member defined by the movement of said lever assembly from said closed position to said open position, said lever assembly further including means for withdrawing said rod member from the extended position for clearing said blocking member and thereby allowing said lever assembly to be moved from said closed position to said open position.

14. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein said blocking member has an upper surface and a lower surface, said lower surface blocking the path of said rod, when in the extended position, from movement from the open position to the closed position thereby maintaining said valve assembly actuated until disengaged by an operator and simultaneously maintaining said locking pin in said locked position to prevent disengagement of said coupler assembly from said valve assembly when actuated until an operator moves the handle member and lever assembly to the closed position closing the valve assembly and unlocking the locking pin.

15. A coupler assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said coupler body portion includes a coupler top and a coupler bottom and defines a cylindrical inner surface between said top and bottom, said probe member includes a shaft member having an upper piston and a lower piston secured thereto, said pistons carrying sealing means for sealing an interface between said pistons and said cylindrical inner surface, said shaft member having a shaft passage extending entirely therethrough, said coupler assembly including a side fitting with a passage therethrough in communication with the 100 cylindrical inner surface, said shaft member having a top portion defining a top fitting for connection to a conduit, said probe member being movable between an open position and a closed position whereby in said closed position at least said bottom piston is in sealed relationship with the cylindrical inner surface of said coupler body portion and in said open position said bottom piston extends beyond the bottom of said coupler assembly for engagement with said valve assembly and said upper piston being sealingly engaged with said cylindrical inner surface between said intersection between said side fitting and said inner cylindrical surface and the top of said coupler body portion.

16. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 15, in combination with a valve assembly on a container wherein said valve assembly includes a first opening and a second opening, a first valve member biased against a first valve seat closing said first opening and a second valve member biased against a second valve seat closing said second opening, said lower piston having a first valve member engaging surface, said lower piston further having fork members extending from said engaging surface for engaging said second valve member, whereby when said probe member is in the open position said engaging surface engages said first valve member displacing it from said first valve seat opening said first opening and said fork GB 2 062 790 A 9 member engages said second valve member displacing it from said second valve seat opening said second opening to define a flow path from said side fitting through the space defined between said cylindrical inner surface and said shaft member into said container through said first opening and simultaneously to define a flow path through said second opening, through said shaft passage in said shaft member to said top fitting.

17. A combination as claimed in claim 16 wherein said valve assembly is received in a neck member of the container and said neck member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a seal engaging surface, said upper portion having a receiving means for receiving a resilient retaining member, said valve assembly having a valve body, with a complementary seal engaging surface and a retaining member engaging surface and said receiving means being located relative to said engaging surface to receive said retaining member in engageable relationship with said retaining member engaging surface of said valve body for maintaining said complementary sealing surface a predetermined distance from said seal engaging surface of said neck member in compressing said sealing member between said sealing surface and the complementary sealing surface to effect a seal between the valve assembly and the neick merfiber.

18. A combination as claimed in claim 17 wherein said receiving means for receiving the resilient retaining member includes at least a portion of a groove.

19. A combination as claimed in claim 18 wherein said neck member defines an inner surface which is substantially cylindrical in configuration and said groove extends entirely around said cylindrical inner surface for receiving said resilient retaining member.

20. A combination as claimed in claim 19 wherein said seal engaging surface of said lower portion includes a lip extending radially inwardly from said inner surface and entirely around the periphery of the inner surface for engaging a deformable 0-ring sealing member.

2 1. A combination as claimed in claim 20 wherein the neck member includes a keyway for engaging a key carried by said valve assembly.

22. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a valve assembly, said valve assembly having a syphon tube extending therefrom, a first passage controllable by a first valve member, cooperating with a first valve seat defined by the valve body; the first valve member being carried by an upper portion of the syphon tube; a second passage, extending through the first valve member and communicating with the interior of the syphon tube; a second valve member for said second passage, and a second valve seat defined by said first valve member; first biasing means for biasing said first valve member against said first valve seat to close said first passage; and second biasing means biasing said second valve member against said second valve seat to close said second passage; said coupler GB 2 062 790 A 10 body having a first fitting extending therefrom connected to a first coupler passage within said coupler body; said probe member being movable within said coupler body, there being a second fitting connected to one end of said probe member, said probe member defining a second coupler passage therethrough, in communication with said second fitting; said probe member being movable within said coupler body between an open and a closed position whereby in said open position said probe actuates said first and second valve members of said valve assembly to connect said passages in said coupler assembly to respective passages in said valve assembly, and in said closed position said passages in said coupler are sealed from said passages of said valve assembly.

23. A combination as claimed in claim 22 wherein said first biasing means includes a first helical spring engaging a portion of said syphon tube and biasing said syphon tube carrying said first valve member against said first valve seat when said syphon tube is secured to said receiving member.

24. A combination as claimed in claim 23 wherein said second biasing means includes a second helical spring carried within a top portion of said syphon tube and engaging said second valve member for biasing said second valve member against said second valve seat to seal said second passage.

25. A combination as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24 wherein said coupler assembly comprises a bottom portion having a resilient sealing member extending therefrom, said coupler 100 having means for releasably securing said coupler to said valve body, said coupler and said valve body defining an interface therebetween when said coupler is secured to said valve body, and said resilient sealing member being sufficiently deformed between a complementary sealing engaging surface of said valve body and said coupler assembly to seal said interface.

26. A combination as claimed in claim 25 wherein said means for securing said coupler assembly to said valve body includes a wedge surface circumscribing the bottom portion of said coupler assembly, slots being defined through said wedge surface, lugs extending inwardly from said valve body, said slots being registerable with said lugs for positioning at least a portion of said wedge surface adjacent said slots beneath said lugs when said coupler assembly is secured to said valve body whereby rotation of said coupler assembly forces said coupler assembly linearly downwardly to deform said resilient sealing member between said coupler assembly and said valve body and to maintain frictionally said coupler assembly secured to said valve body. 60

27. A combination claimed in claim 24,25 or 26 further comprising actuating means for moving said probe member from said open position to said closed position.

28. A combination as claimed in claim 27 wherein said actuating means includes a lever 130 assembly pivotally secured to said body about a pivot axis, and having engaging means for engaging said probe member, whereby pivoting of said lever assembly about said pivot axis moves said probe member between said open position and said closed position.

29. A combination as claimed in claim 28 comprising a handle member connected to said lever assembly, and providing means for moving said lever assembly about said pivot axis.

30. A combination as claimed in claim 29 wherein said lever assembly further comprises two lever arms spaced from each other and extending parallel from said pivot axis, said coupler body defining a pivot boss extending from one side thereof, each of said lever arms having one end pivotally secured to one side of said pivot boss by a pivot pin, the other end of said lever arms being connected to each other by a cross- member, said handle member extending outwardly from said cross-member for grasping by an operator.

31. A combination as claimed in claim 30 comprising retaining means for holding said probe in said open and said closed positions.

32. A combination as claimed in claim 3 1, wherein said retaining means comprises a blocking member, and a biased member, said blocking member lying in the path of movement of said biased member, and retracting means being provided for retracting said biased member out of the path of said blocking member allowing movement of said probe between said open and closed positions.

33. A combination as claimed in claim 32 wherein said blocking member is a blocking boss located on a side of the coupler body opposite the side of said pivot boss, said biased member is a:rod extending from said' cross-member biased towards said coupler body by a helical spring contained in said handle, and said retracting means includes means for overcoming the bias of said spring to retract said rod sufficiently to allow it to pass the blocking member.

34. A combination as claimed in claim 33 wherein said retracting means includes said handle, which is connected to said rod and movable in a direction away from said crossmember.

35. A combination as claimed in any of claims 24 to 34 wherein said coupler body includes a coupler top and a coupler bottom and defines a cylindrical inner surface between said top and bottom, said probe includes a shaft member having an upper piston and a lower piston secured thereto, said pistons carrying sealing means for sealing an interface between said pistons and said cylindrical inner surface, said shaft member having said second coupler passages extending entirely therethrough, said first fitting having a passage therethrough in communication with said cylindrical inner surface, said shaft member having a top portion defining said second fitting, the arrangement being such that in said closed position at least said bottom piston is in sealed 11 GB 2 062 790 A 11 relationship with the cylindrical inner surface of said coupler body and in said open position said bottom piston extends beyond the bottom of said coupler assembly for engagement with said valve assembly, and said upper piston being sealingly engaged with said cylindrical inner surface between said intersection between said first fitting and said inner cylindrical surface and the top of said coupler body.

36. A combination as claimed in claim 35 wherein said lower piston has a surface for engaging the first valve member, said lower piston having fork members extending from the engaging 40 surface, for engaging said second valve member, whereby when said probe is in the open position said engaging surface engages said first valve member displacing it from said first valve seat and said fork members engage said second valve member displacing it from said second valve seat so as to define a flow path from said first fitting through the space defined between said cylindrical inner surface and said shaft member into said container through the valve assembly 50 passage and simultaneously to define a flow path through the second valve assembly passage, through said second coupler passage in said shaft member to said top fitting.

37. A coupler assembly as claimed in claim 1, in combination with a valve assembly having a valve body, there being means for releasably securing said coupler assembly to the valve body of said valve assembly including a wedge surface circumscribing the bottom portion of said coupler assembly, slots being defined through said wedge surfaces, lugs extending inwardly from said valve body, said slots being registerable with said lugs for positioning at least a portion of said wedge surfaces adjacent said slots beneath said lugs when said coupler assembly is in the secured disposition with said valve body whereby rotation of said coupler assembly forces said coupler assembly linearly downwardly to deform said elastic sealing member between said coupler assembly and said valve member and to frictionally maintain said coupler assembly secured with said valve assembly.

38. A coupler assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figs 5 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

39. A container for fluid incorporating a coupler assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 or a coupler assembly in combination with a valve assembly as claimed in any of claims 22 to 37.

Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by the Courier Press, Leamington Spa, 1981. Published by the Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A lAY, from which copies may be obtained.