FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments described here concern a keg for liquids comprising a container, suitable
to contain, for example, food beverages or other liquids, and a base support with
which the container is associated to keep it in a substantially vertical position.
The present invention also concerns the method for producing the keg.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known that large volumes of carbonated or non-carbonated beverages are generally
delivered to the place of consumption in drums, also known as "kegs".
[0003] Typically, a keg comprises a container and a base support for the container.
[0004] The container is generally made of metal or plastic material. In the latter case,
the container can comprise a rigid external body and an autonomous flexible internal
containing body designed to contain the liquid. The external container does not normally
damage, nor can it damage, the internal container.
[0005] In the case of plastic kegs, the external container generally comprises a cylindrical
lateral wall, an upper wall which normally, although not necessarily, incorporates
closing means, as well as possibly introduction and extraction means, and a bottom
wall advantageously, even if not necessarily, rounded.
[0006] A handling element, advantageously annular, is associated with the upper portion
of the container, which allows to facilitate the movement of the container for transport
and use, as well as for stacking.
[0007] The bottom wall is coupled in an irremovable manner with the base support which has
a double function: to allow the support and stable positioning of the container, as
well as to allow the stacking of the containers. Stacking is possible thanks to the
desired and defined coupling that occurs between the base support of a first container
and the handling element of a second container put below it.
[0008] During transport, storage and handling for putting them into use and also during
use, the kegs are subject to considerable stresses, especially in the zone where the
container and the base support are attached.
[0009] For this reason, currently, the coupling between them occurs by the gluing or welding
to each other of reciprocal coupling surfaces of the bottom bell and the base support,
that is, by connecting the reciprocal coupling surfaces in an irremovable manner.
[0010] This entails the disadvantage that the process for the production of the kegs is
particularly complex because, in addition to obtaining the keg and the production
of the base support, a coupling step by gluing or welding is required.
[0011] Furthermore, since the two components, container and base support, are not separable,
or rather they are difficult to separate and with the risk of breaking, in the event
of damage to one or the other component it is necessary to replace the entire keg
or continue to use it in precarious conditions of handling and storage.
[0013] There is therefore a need to perfect a keg for liquids which can overcome at least
one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.
[0014] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a keg in which
the coupling between the container and base support is facilitated, possibly also
making it possible to replace one or the other component with reasonable ease, and
at the same time obtaining a safe and stable connection of the components.
[0015] Another purpose is to provide a base support on which the weight of the container
is distributed homogeneously and over a wider surface, thus reducing the stresses
on the base support itself, and which allows to stably position the container both
on a support surface, and also stacked on top of another keg.
[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a keg with a simpler, faster
and less expensive production method, without further waste of labor, in which the
coupling of the container and the base support can also take place at a later time
or in a different place.
[0017] It is also a purpose to provide that the replacement of one or the other component
can take place quickly, without difficulty, without special tools or equipment and
without the risk of irreparably damaging one or both.
[0018] Another purpose is to perfect a method for producing the keg, and to keep it usable,
complete with the base support, which is simpler and requires fewer steps than those
currently known, reducing costs and at the same time reducing waste.
[0019] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome
the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The
dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants
to the main inventive idea.
[0021] In accordance with the above purposes, a keg for liquids which overcomes the limits
of the state of the art and eliminates the defects present therein comprises a container
provided with an at least partly rounded bottom wall which is provided with anchoring
means located circumferentially.
[0022] The keg also comprises a base support comprising a containing cradle having a shape
at least partly mating with the bottom wall and provided with connection means which
are stable, albeit able to be disconnected, wherein the anchoring means and the connection
means are mating and such as to generate a desired and stable, albeit removable, connection
between the container and the base support.
[0023] According to some embodiments, the anchoring means comprise at least one groove and
the connection means comprise one or more protruding portions configured to be inserted
into the at least one groove.
[0024] According to one variant, the anchoring means comprise one or more protruding portions
and the connection means comprise a groove.
[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, the container preferably comprises
an external support body and an autonomous internal bag substantially coaxial to the
external support body, defining a chamber for containing the liquid.
[0026] In this case, the anchoring means and the connection means are such as not to affect
the stability or integrity of the autonomous chamber for containing the liquid over
time.
[0027] According to some embodiments, the groove is made continuous along the circumference
of the rounded bottom wall and the connection means comprise a plurality of protruding
portions made in the form of fins, equally distanced around a central axis.
[0028] Providing a continuous groove on the container and a plurality of protruding portions
on the base support simplifies the production of the container itself, normally carried
out by blowing suitable preforms inside a mold.
[0029] Furthermore, the continuous groove allows to hook and interlock the base support
to the container in any position, without requiring a particular reciprocal orientation
between the two elements.
[0030] Another advantage given by providing a continuous groove on the container and a plurality
of discontinuous protruding portions on the base support is given by the fact that
this conformation allows to supply a certain degree of flexibility to the more rigid
component, that is, the base support, to allow it to be inserted into the groove,
so that the mechanical connection is more stable.
[0031] According to other embodiments, the connection means are made in continuity with
an upper edge of the base support and are conformed in such a way that, in the assembled
condition of the container and of the base support, the upper edge is positioned inside
the groove. This allows to obtain a better distribution of the weight of the container
on the base support and to guarantee a better seal of the reciprocal coupling, in
particular when the container is filled with the beverage and therefore is heavier,
at the same time making the separation easier when the container is empty.
[0032] According to other embodiments, centrally, the bottom wall has an extension, that
is, a protruding part, configured to be inserted into a mating bottom hole of the
base support.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the protruding part is preferably centered with
respect to the axis of the container and has a shape that is coherent with the shape
and size of the bottom hole.
[0034] The further coupling between the container and the base support that occurs between
the protruding portion and the bottom hole allows to correctly align the two components
with respect to each other, so as to guarantee greater stability even in the case
in which the kegs are disposed one on top of the other.
[0035] In accordance with some embodiments, a method for producing such a keg for liquids
is provided, comprising:
- a step of supplying a container comprising an at least partly rounded bottom wall
provided circumferentially with anchoring means;
- a step of supplying a base support having a containing cradle with a shape at least
partly mating with the bottom wall and provided with connection means which are stable,
albeit able to be disconnected;
- a step of reciprocal mechanical coupling between the connection means and the anchoring
means to generate a stable, but reversible and removable, connection between the container
and the base support.
[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the anchoring means comprise a groove and
the connection means are of the protruding type and are made in continuity with an
upper edge of the base support, and the method provides to insert the connection means
in the groove in such a way that the upper edge is disposed at least partly inside
the groove and abutting against an upper shoulder.
[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, the method provides to insert a protruding
part of the container which extends from the bottom wall inside a mating bottom hole
of the base support so as to align the container and the base support along a common
axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as
a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- fig. 1 is a lateral view of a keg for liquids in accordance with some embodiments
described here;
- fig. 2 is a view of the keg of fig. 1 with the components separated;
- fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of a longitudinal section of the keg of fig. 1;
- fig. 3a is an enlarged detail of fig. 3;
- fig. 4 is view of fig. 3 with the components separated;
- fig. 4a is an enlarged detail of fig. 4;
- fig. 5 is a perspective view of the base support of figs. 1-4;
- fig. 5a is an enlarged detail of fig. 5;
- fig. 6 is a top plan view of fig. 5.
[0039] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible,
to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements
and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated
into other embodiments without further clarifications.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0040] We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which
one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings, by way of a non-limiting
illustration. The phraseology and terminology used here is also for the purposes of
providing non-limiting examples.
[0041] With particular reference to figs. 1-2, these show a drum 10, which is also referred
to as keg in the sector.
[0042] The keg 10 comprises a container 11 made of plastic material, suitable to contain
liquids or fluids, advantageously but not limitedly beverages, food products, pharmaceutical
products, cleaning or sanitizing products.
[0043] By way of example, the liquids can be carbonated beverages, such as beer, sparkling
wine, soft drinks or other liquids, whether food, for example wine or oil, or detergents,
diluents, sanitary or hospital liquids, or other liquid products for industry, trade
or healthcare.
[0044] According to some embodiments, for example shown in fig. 3, the container 11 comprises
a flexible and compressible internal bag 11a and an external support body 11b which
is suitable to give a certain rigidity to the container 11.
[0045] The internal bag 11a and the external support body 11b are separated by a hollow
space 37 into which, when the beverage is delivered, a pressurized fluid is injected,
such as for example air or carbon dioxide, thanks to which it is possible to determine
the compression of the internal bag 11a and determine the dispensing of the liquid,
while the external support body 11b acts as a containing and contrast element for
the fluid.
[0046] The container 11 comprises a lateral wall 12 ending in a bottom wall 13 which is
advantageously at least partly rounded and provided circumferentially with anchoring
means 14.
[0047] The anchoring means 14 are preferably of the recessed type, as for example visible
in fig. 2.
[0048] However, some variants can be provided, not shown, in which the anchoring means 14
are of the protruding type.
[0049] The lateral wall 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape; however, other more or
less complex shapes are not excluded, for example polygonal, more or less oval, or
suchlike.
[0050] According to some embodiments, shown in figs. 1-4, the bottom wall 13 has an at least
partly rounded shape and is substantially convex. More particularly, the bottom wall
13 has, at least partly, a dome or hemisphere shape.
[0051] The keg 10 also comprises a base support 15 having a containing cradle 16 at least
partly mating in shape with the bottom wall 13.
[0052] Preferably, the containing cradle 16 has an internal profile substantially the same
as that of the bottom wall 13, in such a way as to present a wide contact surface
allowing a better distribution of the weight of the container 11.
[0053] The containing cradle 16 is provided circumferentially with connection means 17 to
define a reversible mechanical coupling with the connection portion 14, in order to
stabilize the position of the container 11 on the base support 15.
[0054] The connection means 17 are advantageously of the protruding type, as for example
visible in figs. 3-5, suitable to cooperate with anchoring means 14 of the recessed
type.
[0055] According to possible variants, not shown, the connection means 17 can be of the
recessed type, suitable to cooperate with anchoring means 14 of the protruding type.
[0056] According to some embodiments, the anchoring means 14 comprise, or are conformed
as, at least one groove 18 made in the bottom wall 13.
[0057] According to some embodiments, the groove 18 is continuous, that is, it does not
have any interruptions along the circumferential development.
[0058] Providing a continuous groove 18 facilitates the production of the container 11,
which typically occurs by blowing one, or preferably two, coaxial pre-shapes made
of plastic material, one of which is internal, and the other is external, respectively
designated to form the internal bag 11a and the external support body 11b.
[0059] The groove 18 can appear as a shaped recess. In particular, the groove 18 can substantially
have a C-shaped section with the access aperture facing toward the outside of the
container 11.
[0060] With particular reference to the example embodiment of fig. 4a, the groove 18 has
an upper shoulder 18a substantially orthogonal to an axis of development X of the
container 11, a central abutment surface 18b and a lower shoulder 18c which is slightly
inclined with respect to the axis of development X and which defines a sort of gripping
inlet.
[0061] In particular, the central abutment surface 18b is inclined with respect to the axis
X of the container by a seating angle α comprised between about 20° and about 40°,
preferably about 30°. The seating angle α thus defined facilitates the coupling of
the container 11 with the base support 12.
[0062] The groove 18 is open only in the radial direction and has a height H measured between
the upper shoulder 18a and the lower shoulder 18c such as to allow the insertion of
the connection means 17.
[0063] According to some embodiments, the groove 18 is positioned in an intermediate zone
of the convex bottom wall 13, dividing the bottom wall substantially into two parts
13a, 13b.
[0064] In particular, the groove 18 can be disposed in the lower half of the bottom wall
13, preferably in a zone comprised between 50% and 30% of its lower extension. This
position allows to define a stable coupling between the container 11 and the base
support 15, because it allows a wide surface of the container 11 to be supported during
use, preventing the occurrence of sliding or axial inclinations.
[0065] According to a variant, the bottom wall 13 has an extension, that is, a protruding
part 19, configured to be inserted into a mating bottom hole 21 of the base support
15. This configuration allows to increase the stability of the coupling and facilitate
the centering of the container 11 during the insertion into the base support 15.
[0066] The protruding part 19 is preferably centered with respect to the axis X of the container
11 and it can have a substantially cylindrical shape with a rounded bottom and edges,
or have a different section, in any case coherent with the shape and size of the bottom
hole 21.
[0067] In particular, the protruding part 19 is configured to be at least partly inserted
in the bottom hole, so that a lateral wall of the protruding part 19 is positioned
directly in contact with an internal wall of the bottom hole 21.
[0068] In this way, it is possible to further guarantee a correct alignment between the
container 11 and the base support 15 along the axis X, allowing to position multiple
kegs 10 on top of each other without the risk of possible falls.
[0069] According to some embodiments, the coupling between the protruding part 19 and the
bottom hole 21 can occur by means of a same-shape coupling.
[0070] According to one variant, reciprocal means for stable or reversible connection, of
a known type, can be present between the protruding part 19 and the bottom hole 21.
[0071] According to some embodiments, the container 11 also comprises an upper wall 22,
opposite to the bottom wall 13, which also has an at least partly rounded profile
ending in a mouthpiece 23 which can be advantageously equipped with tapping means
for delivering the beverage (fig. 1).
[0072] The container 11 can be able to cooperate advantageously with an annular-shaped grip
handwheel 25 suitable to handle and move the container 11. The grip handwheel 25 can
be attached to the upper wall 22 of the container 11 and possibly also to the mouthpiece
23.
[0073] According to some embodiments, the base support 15 has a lower annular edge 27 and
an opposite upper annular edge 28, which delimits the access aperture to the containing
cradle 16, which are connected to each other by a lateral wall 31.
[0074] The containing cradle 16 has a concave shape, mating with the convex shape of the
bottom wall 13 of the container 11.
[0075] According to some embodiments, the containing cradle 16 ends at the top with the
connection means 17. In other words, the connection means 17 develop in continuity
with the upper annular edge 28.
[0076] According to some embodiments, the connection means 17 develop circumferentially
in an annular manner defining a lateral containing lip 29 and an annular resting edge
30.
[0077] According to some embodiments, the connection means 17 comprise a plurality of protruding
portions 35 made in the form of fins.
[0078] The protruding portions 35 are at least partly mating in the shape with the groove
18. The protruding portions 35 are configured to create a reversible mechanical coupling
with the groove 18, for example a same-shape coupling of the click-fit or snap type.
[0079] In the embodiment described here, and with particular reference to fig. 6, the connection
means 17 comprise six protruding portions 35 equally distanced circumferentially with
respect to the central axis Y. It is clear, however, that the number of protruding
portions 35, and possibly also their size in the radial and/or circumferential direction,
can vary as a function of the size and/or shape of the container 11 and of the shape
of the anchoring means 14 with which they have to cooperate.
[0080] According to some embodiments, for example described with reference to fig. 4, each
protruding portion 35 is inclined toward the central axis Y of the base support 15
by an interlocking angle β that is coherent with the seating angle α.
[0081] In the example case, the interlocking angle β is comprised between about 20° and
about 40°, preferably about 30°. The interlocking angle β is substantially equal to
the seating angle α, preferably smaller by a few degrees.
[0082] Each protruding portion 35 has a free end 35a which, during use, fits into the groove
18, and an opposite constrained end 35b attached to the upper annular edge 28, the
free end 35a and the constrained end 35b being connected by respective free lateral
edges 35c, 35d.
[0083] Thanks to the fact that they have only one constrained end 35b, the protruding portions
35 are flexible. In particular, the protruding portions 35 are elastically engaged
with respect to their constrained end 35b, being able to retract into respective rear
apertures 36 which are also made in the interlocking portion 17, in particular in
the lateral containing lip 29. This elastic configuration allows to create a substantially
radial thrust of the fins 35 in the groove 18, increasing the stability of the coupling.
[0084] With reference to the enlarged detail of fig. 3a, we note that when the protruding
portion 35 is inserted into the groove 18, the constrained end 35b and part of the
upper annular edge 28 abut against the upper shoulder 18a of the groove 18. This cooperation
is advantageous because the weight of the container 11 is distributed not only on
the surface of the support cradle 16 but also on the upper annular edge 28.
[0085] According to possible embodiments, the free end 35a can abut against the lower shoulder
18c of the groove 18.
[0086] The base support 15 advantageously has an external shape that is substantially truncated
conical with respect to the central axis Y, wherein the lower annular edge 27 has
an external diameter greater than the diameter of the upper annular edge 28. This
shape of the base support 15 increases its the resting stability and therefore that
of the container 11 when it is coupled with it.
[0087] The containing cradle 16 ends at the bottom in a bottom ring 34, defining the bottom
hole 21, which can have a height coherent with that of the protruding part 19 of the
container 11, or even greater than it.
[0088] The lateral wall 31 and/or the containing cradle 16 can be provided with a plurality
of discharge apertures 32 and/or lateral apertures 39 which are able to make the base
support 15 lighter, and more elastic and resistant to axial stresses.
[0089] This measure also allows to make the containing cradle 16 more elastic, increasing
its ability to support even very heavy containers 11 and to cushion shocks or axial
stresses that occur especially during transport or storage. The discharge apertures
32, for example, can be defined by beads, or ribs, 33 which join the upper annular
edge 28 with the bottom ring 34.
[0090] According to some embodiments, the kegs 10 are stackable. In particular, the base
support 15 of a first keg 10 is provided at the bottom with a coupling seating 38
conformed to accommodate the grip handwheel 25 of a second keg 10, so that the kegs
10 can be stacked one on top of the other.
[0091] Some embodiments described here also concern a method for producing a keg 10 for
liquids, comprising:
- a step of supplying a container 11 provided with an at least partly rounded bottom
wall 13 provided circumferentially with anchoring means 14;
- a step of supplying a base support 15 having a containing cradle 16 at least partly
mating in shape with the bottom wall 13 and provided with stable connection means
17, albeit able to be disconnected;
- a step of reciprocal coupling between the connection means 17 and the anchoring means
14 to generate a stable, but reversible and removable, connection between the container
11 and the base support 15.
[0092] According to some embodiments, the anchoring means 14 are of the recessed type and
comprise a groove 18, and the connection means 17 are of the protruding type and are
made in continuity with the upper edge 28 of the base support 15, and the method provides
to insert the connection means 17 in the groove 18 in such a way that the upper edge
28 is disposed inside the groove 18 and abutting against the upper shoulder 18a.
[0093] The method also provides to insert the protruding part 19 of the container 11 inside
the bottom hole 21 of the base support 15 so as to align the container 11 and the
base support 15 along a common axis X.
[0094] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the keg 10
as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present
invention as defined by the claims.
[0095] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate
reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the
field of protection claimed in the specific claims.
1. Keg (10) for liquids made of plastic material, comprising a container (11) and a base
support (15), characterized in that said container (11) comprises an at least partly rounded bottom wall (13), provided
with anchoring means (14) located circumferentially, and said base support (15) comprises
a containing cradle (16) having a shape at least partly mating with said bottom wall
(13) and provided with connection means (17) which are stable, albeit able to be disconnected,
said anchoring means (14) and said connection means (17) being such as to generate
a connection and a desired and stable, albeit removable, same-shape coupling of the
click-fit or snap-fit type between said container (11) and said base support (15).
2. Keg (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that one of either said anchoring means (14) or said connection means (17) comprises at
least one circumferential groove (18) and the other one of either said anchoring means
(14) or said connection means (17) comprises one or more protruding portions (35)
configured to be inserted into said at least one groove (18).
3. Keg (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said anchoring means (14) comprise a groove (18) which is made continuous on the
entire circumference of said bottom wall (13) and said connection means (17) comprise
a plurality of protruding portions (35) made in the form of fins equally distanced
with respect to a central axis (Y), which extend substantially rectilinear and inclined
with respect to a central axis (Y) of said base support (15) by an interlocking angle
(β) comprised between 20° and 40°.
4. Keg (10) as in one or the other of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said protruding portions (35) are flexible with respect to one constrained end (35b)
thereof and are associated with respective rear apertures (36) made in said containing
cradle (16).
5. Keg (10) as in any claim from 2 to 4, characterized in that said protruding portions (35) are able to abut at least with one constrained end
(35b) thereof against an upper shoulder (18a) of said groove (18).
6. Keg (10) as in any claim hereinbefore from 2 to 5, characterized in that said groove (18) has a central abutment surface (18b) inclined by a seating angle
(α) with respect to an axis (X) of the container (11) comprised between 20° and 40°.
7. Keg (10) as in claims 3 and 6, characterized in that said interlocking angle (β) is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than said
seating angle (α).
8. Keg (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said bottom wall (13) centrally has an extension, that is, a protruding part (19),
configured to be inserted into a mating bottom hole (21) of said base support (15).
9. Keg (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said protruding part (19) is centered with respect to an axis (X) of said container
(11) and has a shape that is coherent with the shape and size of said hole bottom
(21) and is at least partly inserted therein.
10. Keg (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said groove (18) is positioned in an intermediate zone of said rounded bottom wall
(13), preferably in the lower half of said bottom wall (13).
11. Keg (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said connection means (17) develop in continuity with an upper annular edge (28)
that delimits said containing cradle (16) and, in a condition of coupling between
said container (11) and said base support (15), said upper annular edge (28) is positioned
inside said groove (18).
12. Keg (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a grip handwheel (25) attached to an upper wall (22) of said container
(11) and possibly also to a mouthpiece (23) thereof, and said base support (15) is
provided at the bottom with a coupling seating (38) conformed to accommodate the grip
handwheel (25) of a second keg (10).
13. Method to produce a keg (10) for liquids as in any claim hereinbefore, comprising:
- a step of supplying a container (11) comprising an at least partly rounded bottom
wall (13) provided circumferentially with anchoring means (14);
- a step of supplying a base support (15) comprising a containing cradle (16) having
a shape at least partly mating with said bottom wall (13) and provided with stable
connection means (17), albeit able to be disconnected;
- a step of reciprocal coupling between said connection means (17) and said anchoring
means (14) in order to generate a connection and a stable, albeit reversible and removable,
same-shape coupling of the click-fit or snap-fit type between said container (11)
and said base support (15).
14. Method as in claim 13, characterized in that said anchoring means (14) are of the recessed type and comprise a groove (18) and
said connection means (17) are of the protruding type and are made in continuity with
an upper edge (28) of said base support (15) and said method provides to insert said
connection means (17) into said groove (18) in such a way that said upper edge (28)
is disposed at least partly inside said groove (18) and abutting against an upper
shoulder (18a).
15. Method as in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it provides to insert a protruding part (19) of said container (11) which extends
from said bottom wall (13) inside a mating bottom hole (21) of said base support (15)
so as to align said container (11) and said base support (15) along a common axis
(X).