Device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container

Abstract

A device 10 for positioning in an aperture or passage (101, fig. 10) in a wall (102) of a liquid storage container (100) includes: a body 12 having an external surface or formation 15 that forms a sea

Description

Title: Device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container Description of invention This invention relates to device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a device for use with a container of liquids suitable for human consumption, animal consumption or any other intended purpose. The invention has been devised primarily, although not exclusively, in relation to containers which store a beverage, and in particular, but not exclusively, to containers which store beers including cask ales. Typically, a cask ale will undergo a first fermentation process at a brewery. Following on from this, the cask ale may be transferred from the fermentation vessel to a sealed cask in a process known as racking. One of the purposes of racking cask ale is so that bulk quantities may be stored and transported to an establishment such as a pub, bar or restaurant. When racked, cask ale may also undergo a deliberate second fermentation process inside the cask known as conditioning. Depending on the specific cask ale, conditioning may last from a day up to several months. Conditioning may take place during storage and transportation of the cask ale, and may continue at the establishment it is delivered to. During this time, the second fermentation process may result in the generation of additional gases, e.g. carbon dioxide, produced by yeast within the cask ale. As a result, an establishment wishing to dispense cask ale from the cask will need to prepare the cask suitably. A part of the preparation includes creating a venting hole in the shive which is installed in a wall of the cask during racking. This venting hole serves a number of purposes. For instance, any additional gases present in the cask may be suitably vented through the venting hole prior to dispensing the ale. Following on from this, during dispensation of the ale from the cask the venting hole allows air to flow into the cask to replace dispensed ale. The air which enters the cask causes the ale to deteriorate, hence reducing the shelf life of the ale. According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container, the device including: a body having an external surface or formation for engaging with a periphery of the aperture or passage for forming a seal therebetween; and a flexible member connected to the body for occupying, in use, a portion of an interior of the container, wherein the body has a recess which in use faces the interior of the container, and wherein the body includes a first air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the recess and an environment external to the container, wherein the flexible member is connected to the body so as to provide fluid tight communication between an interior of the flexible member and the first air inlet passage and wherein the flexible member is storable partially or wholly within the recess in the body. According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container, the device including: a body having an external surface or formation for engaging with a periphery of the aperture or passage for forming a seal therebetween; and a flexible member connected to the body for occupying, in use, a portion of an interior of the container, wherein the body has a recess which in use faces the interior of the container, and wherein the body includes a first air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the recess and an environment external to the container, and wherein the body includes a second air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the interior of the container and the environment external to the container. Further features of the first and second aspects of the invention are set out in the claims appended hereto. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, of which: Figure 1 is a lower perspective view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a device according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a side view detailing an inner feature of a device according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a section-view of the device of figure 5; Figure 7 is an upper perspective view detailing a function of a feature of a device according to present invention; Figure 8 is a side view detailing a function of a feature of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-section view of a container for storing a liquid including a device according to the present invention. Figure 10 is a close-up view of the container of figure 9. With reference to figures 1 to 10, a device 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown. The device 10 has a body 12 arranged to be positioned in an aperture or passage 101 in a wall 102 of a liquid storage container 100. In present embodiment, the liquid storage container is suitable for containing a beverage such as beer, and in particular, cask ale. For example, such containers may be casks, kegs, barrels or any other container suitable for storing beer. It should be appreciated that the device 10 may be utilised in relation to liquid storage containers suitable for containing other liquids, such as those suitable for human consumption, animal consumption, or for any other purpose. The body 12 may be made from any suitable food contact safe material, e.g. a thermoplastic or thermoset plastic material. In more detail, the body 12 of the device 10 includes a first portion 14. In the present embodiment, the first portion 14 is generally cylindrical in shape so as to conform substantially to the shape of an aperture 101 typically found on casks, kegs and barrels. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the first portion of the body 12 may formed in any suitable shape so that it may engage with a desired aperture or passage in the required container. The first portion 14 of the body 12 has an elongate axis A which, extends between a first end 14a and a second end 14b of the first portion 14. The first end 14a and second end 14b of the first portion 14 are of a generally circular cross-section. The cross-section of the first portion 14 of the body 12 may be uniform throughout, or the first portion 14 may taper, i.e. the cross-section may reduce or increase in size as the first portion 14 extends between the first end 14a and second end 14b. In the present embodiment, the first 14a and / or second end 14b of the first portion 14 are generally flat / planar. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the first 14a and / or second end 14b may instead be generally convex, concave or otherwise non-planar. The first portion 14 of the body 12 has an outwardly facing external peripheral surface or wall 14c which engages with an internally facing periphery or wall of the aperture or passage 101 in the wall 102 of the container 100. The external surface forms a seal between the body 12 of the device 10 and the aperture or passage 101 which is substantially prevents the ingress of liquids and other fluids / gases into and out of the container 100. The body 12 may be positioned in the aperture or passage by an interference fit, whereby the external surface of the body 12 deforms in a manner sufficient to create the seal as the body 12 is pushed into the aperture or passage. The body 12 may include at least one formation 15, or multiple formations 15 which are provided on or by the peripheral wall 14c of the first portion 14 of the body 12. In the present embodiment, the formations 15 extend radially outwardly away from the axis A and are spaced apart generally equidistantly in the direction of the axis A, though they may be spaced apart differently whilst still functioning in the same manner. In other embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the body 12 may include a formation 15 which enables the device 10 to be mechanically connected to the aperture or passage of the container 100, e.g. via a threaded engagement. The body 12 of the device 10 includes a second portion 16 which is connected to and extends away from first portion 14 and, in use, into the container 100. In the present embodiment, it is connected to or integral with the second end 14b of the first portion 14. In other embodiments, it may be connected to a different part of the first portion 14. The second portion 16 is generally cylindrical in shape, though it should be appreciated that it may be formed in other shapes. The second portion 16 of the body 12 has an elongate axis B which, in the present embodiment, extends between a first end 16a and a second end 16b of the second portion 16. The first end 16a and second end 16b of the second portion are generally circular in cross-section. The cross- section of the second portion 16 of the body 12 may be uniform throughout, or the second portion 16 may taper, i.e. the cross-section may reduce or increase in size as the second portion 16 extends between the first end 16a and second end 16b. In the present embodiment, the second end 16b is a free end of the second portion 16 and supports a flange 17 which extends radially outwardly away from the axis B. Though in the present embodiment the flange 17 is generally circular, it may be formed in other non-circular shapes and does not need to be a similar shape to the cross-section of the second portion 16. In the present embodiment, the flange 17 includes a rounded outer edge 17a, though it is envisaged that in other embodiments the edge or edges of the flange 17 may be chamfered or formed in other ways. As shown in figure 4, the respective elongate axes A and B of the first 14 and second portion 16 are substantially parallel with each other and the elongate axis B of the second portion 16 is offset from the elongate axis A of the first portion 14. In other embodiments, the elongate axes A and B of the first 14 and second portions 16 may not be parallel. It is also envisaged that in other embodiments, the elongate axes A and B of the first 14 and second portions 16 may be coaxial. With reference to figure 5, the body 12 of the device 10 includes a recess 18 with an entrance thereto indicated generally at 18a and a bottom or base thereof generally indicated at 18b. In the present embodiment, the recess 18 is provided in both the first 14 and second 16 portions of the body 12. The entrance 18a is positioned in line with the flange 17 and the recess 18 extends towards the end 14a of the first portion 14. The recess 18 extends all of the way through the second portion 16 and through a majority of the first portion 14. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the recess 18 is provided only in the second portion of the body 12. The bottom or base 18b of the recess is concaved, although it need not be. For example, the base 18b could be a flat surface substantially parallel with or inclined relative to the end 14a. As shown in figures 1 and 3, the body 12 of the device 10 includes a first air inlet passage 22. In the present embodiment, the first air inlet passage 22 extends through the first portion 14 from the first end 14a to the bottom or base 18b of the recess 18. The first air inlet passage 22 extends substantially coaxially with the elongate axis A. The first air inlet passage 22 is generally circular in cross-section, though in other embodiments it may be any suitable shape or arrangement that allows for the passage of air through it. The cross- section of the first air inlet passage 22 may be uniform throughout, or it may taper, i.e. the cross-section may reduce or increase in size as the first air inlet passage 22 extends in a direction towards the second body. As exemplified in figures 9 and 10, when the device 10 is positioned in an aperture or passage 101 in a wall 102 of a container 100, the first air inlet passage 22 permits fluid communication between the environment external to the container 100 and the recess 18, hence allowing air and other liquids / gases to pass into and out from the recess 18. As shown in the figures, the device 10 of the present invention includes a flexible member 20. The flexible member 20 may be made from a suitable food contact safe flexible plastic material that is impermeable to liquid, air and other gases. The flexible member 20 may be expandable, e.g. it may be made of a material which is expandable or stretchable so as to increase or decrease the internal volume thereof. The flexible member may, therefore, be a rubber, rubber-like material or any other suitable material. In the present embodiment, the flexible member 20 is connected to the second portion of the body 12 within the recess 18 at or near the edge of the opening 18a of the recess 18. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the flexible member 20 may be connected to an inner surface of the recess 18 which is not at or near the edge of the opening. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the flexible member 20 may be connected to a portion of the flange 17, e.g. a surface of the flange 17 or an edge of the flange 17. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the flexible member 20 may be connected to an outer surface of the second portion 16. The flexible member 20 may be connected to the body 12 by a variety of joining methods, such as: thermal or heat joining; vibration joining; infrared joining; ultrasonic joining; friction joining; co-moulding; over-moulding; an adhesive; or a mechanical connection which may be releasable. Prior to the device 10 being positioned in an aperture or passage 101 in a wall 102 of a container 100, the flexible member 20 is stored within the recess 18 of the body 12 (see figure 5). The flexible member 20 may be wholly or partially stored within the recess 18. The flexible member 20 may be folded in a manner which allows it to be wholly or partially stored within the recess 18. As such, the size and shape of the recess 18 is configured to be able to wholly or partially store the flexible member 20 when it is in a stored condition. Storage of the flexible member 20 in this way assists with storage of the device as a whole after manufacture and before use. The flexible member 20 provides fluid tight communication between an interior portion or surface of the flexible member 20 and the first air inlet passage 22. Any air which flows through the first air inlet passage 22 and into the recess 18, the flexible member 20 will prevent from passing through the recess 18 and into the interior of the container 100. This prevents air or other gasesl / liquids which enter the recess 18 from making contact with any contents of the container 100. Additionally, as liquid is dispensed from the container 100, i.e. via a tap 103 or other suitable outlet, the flexible member 20 is configured so as to conform to, and occupy, the portion of the interior that is increasingly empty of liquid. As liquids are dispensed from the container 100, air is drawn into the recess 18 through the first air inlet passage 22 in response to the flexible member 20 unfolding, unfurling or expanding from its stored condition and moving into the interior of the container. This happens because the flexible member 20 is sucked or drawn into the interior of the container under the negative pressure created by the contents of the container being drawn off. In this the flexible member provides a hermetic barrier between the environment external to the container 100 and the contents of the container 100. Referring to the figures, the device 10 of the present embodiment also includes a second air inlet passage 24 which is positioned radially offset from the passage 24 and extends through the first portion 14 from the first end 14a to the second end 14b. The second air inlet passage 24 therefore extends through the entire thickness of the first portion 14 of the body 12 and does not communicate with the recess 18. The second air inlet passage 24 is generally circular in cross-section, though in other embodiments it may be any suitable shape or arrangement that allows for the passage of gas through it. The cross-section of the second air inlet passage 24 may be uniform throughout, or it may taper, i.e. the cross-section may reduce or increase in size as the second air inlet passage 24 extends in a direction towards the second portion 16. In the present embodiment, the first 22 and second air inlet passages 24 extend substantially parallel with each other, though this need not be the case. When the device 10 is positioned in an aperture or passage 101 in a wall 102 of a container 100, the second air inlet passage 24 permits fluid communication between the environment external to the container 100 and the interior of the container 100. In the present embodiment, an entrance, exit or part of the passage 24 which is at the end 14a is provided with a blocking member 28. The purpose of blocking member 28 is to prevent the flow of air or other liquids / gases through the air inlet passage 24, unless a user requires that air flow path to be open. The blocking member 28 may include a portion which is frangible, e.g. by piercing or by other suitable means. In embodiments, the blocking member 28 may be made from a thin membrane of material that the body 12 is made from, or it may be made from a different material. The device 10, in embodiments, may also include a blocking member 26 (not shown) for blocking the entrance, exit or part of the passage 22. Such a blocking member 26 may have similar technical features to the blocking member 28. In embodiments, the device 10 may also include a non-return valve 30 positioned in, or which may be positionable in, the second air inlet passage 24. In embodiments, the non-return valve 30 may be temporarily positionable in the second air inlet passage 24. In other embodiments, it may be permanently connected to or fixed in the second air inlet passage 24. Advantageously, the non-return valve 30 permits the unidirectional flow of gases residing within the interior of the container 100 in a direction towards the environment external to the container 100, whilst prohibiting or substantially prohibiting the flow of gases from the environment external to the container 100 into the interior of the container 100. The non-return valve 30 is configured to provide an optimal flow rate of gas therethrough, so that a controlled flow of gas may be achieved. In the present embodiment, wherein the fluid contained within the container 100 is a beer, such as cask ale, the non-return valve may allow for excess gases which have accumulated within the container 100 during the conditioning of the cask ale to be vented from the container 100. This is best exemplified in figure 9, which shows the device 10 installed in a container 100 which allows air to enter the interior of the flexible member 20, whilst allowing excess gases to exit the container by flowing through the non-return valve 30. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container, the device including: a body having an external surface or formation for engaging with a periphery of the aperture or passage for forming a seal therebetween; and a flexible member connected to the body for occupying, in use, a portion of an interior of the container, wherein the body has a recess which in use faces the interior of the container, and wherein the body includes a first air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the recess and an environment external to the container, wherein the flexible member is connected to the body so as to provide fluid tight communication between an interior of the flexible member and the first air inlet passage and wherein the flexible member is storable partially or wholly within the recess in the body.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the body is positionable in the aperture or passage in the wall of the liquid storage container by an interference fit, or wherein the body is positionable in the aperture or passage in the wall of the liquid storage container by a mechanical connection, e.g. a threaded engagement.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flexible member is shaped so as to conform to a portion of the interior of the container.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible member is connected to the body within the recess in the body.

5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes a first portion for positioning in the aperture or passage in the wall of the container and a second portion, connected to the first portion which, in use, extends into the interior of the container.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the recess is provided in the second portion of the body or alternatively wherein the recess is provided in the first and second portions of the body. / {. A device according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the flexible member is connected to the second portion of the body.

8. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the first portion is generally cylindrical, and preferably wherein the second portion is generally cylindrical.

9. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the first and second portions of the body have respective elongate axes and wherein the axis of the second portion is offset from the axis of the first portion, preferably wherein the axes are substantially parallel to each other.

10. A device according to any one of claims 5 to 9 wherein the second portion of the body has a free end and wherein the free end supports a radially extending flange to which the flexible member is connected.

11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes a second air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the interior of the container and the environment external to the container.

12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the first and second air inlet passages extend substantially parallel with each other, and preferably wherein the first air inlet passage is positioned substantially coaxially with the axis of the first portion and preferably wherein the second air inlet passage is positioned offset from the axis of the first portion.

13. A device according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the first and / or second air inlet passages taper in cross section as they extend towards the second portion of the body.

14. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the device includes a first blocking member connected to or separate from the body which for blocking the first air inlet passage, and preferably wherein the first blocking member blocks an entrance to or an exit from the first air inlet passage or blocks the passage at a position between its entrance and exit, and / or wherein the device includes a second blocking member connected to or separate from the body for blocking the second air inlet passage, and preferably wherein the second blocking member blocks an entrance to or an exit from the second air inlet passage or blocks the passage at a position between its entrance and exit.

15. A device according to claim 14 wherein the first and / or second blocking members may include a portion which is frangible, e.g. by piercing.

16. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the device includes a non-return valve positioned or positionable in the second air inlet passage for permitting the flow of gases in a direction towards the environment external to the container.

17. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible member is connected to the body by: a) thermal or heat joining; b) vibration joining; Cc) infrared joining; d) ultrasonic joining; e) friction joining; f) co-moulding or over-moulding; a) an adhesive; h) a mechanical connection, which may be releasable.

18. A device for positioning in an aperture or passage in a wall of a liquid storage container, the device including: a body having an external surface or formation for engaging with a periphery of the aperture or passage for forming a seal therebetween; and a flexible member connected to the body for occupying, in use, a portion of an interior of the container, wherein the body has a recess which in use faces the interior of the container, and wherein the body includes a first air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the recess and an environment external to the container, and wherein the body includes a second air inlet passage which permits, in use, fluid communication between the interior of the container and the environment external to the container.

19. A device according to claim 18 including one or more or all of the features as set out in claims 1 to 17.

20. Aliquid storage container including the device of any one of claims 1 to 19.

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