Container for beverages

Abstract

An outer container 200 for use with a container system for beverages is non-collapsible and comprises: a number of side walls 230, 240, 250 and at least one aperture 210 in the side walls 230, 240, 25

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to containers for beverages and especially, casks used for storing and dispensing beverages, for example fermented beverages, such as beers, ales and ciders. Background to the Invention Casks and kegs are commonly used to store and dispense beverages, especially fermented beverages, such as beers, ales and ciders, in commercial establishments, such as public houses and restaurants. In kegs the beverage is stored under pressure and dispensed through a valve using a pressurised gas source. Beer, for instance, is typically filtered or pasteurised and usually carbonated before the keg is filled. The beer is then stored under pressure in the keg. The pressurising gas in the keg is usually CO2. This can also contribute to carbonation of the beer or to maintain the carbonation. In contrast, casks are not pressurised and the beer is dispensed using gravity and ambient pressure. After filling, the cask is sealed to prevent air spoiling the stored beer during transport and storage. Typically, beer stored in casks has a much lower level of carbonation compared to beer stored in kegs because the cask stored beer is not pressurised and the carbonation is only natural carbonation from the fermentation process. Once the cask is tapped to dispense the stored beer, air enters the cask to permit dispensing of the beer. If air were not allowed to enter the cask, a vacuum would be established within the cask as the beer is dispensed and this would prevent or hinder the flow of the beer from the cask. Once the cask is opened, the beer, must be consumed relatively quickly, typically within about 3 to 5 days, otherwise it spoils due to the contact with air that enters the cask after the cask is opened. The relatively short shelf life of beer in casks compared to kegs poses a significant problem to establishments serving draught beer. Typically, after being tapped and conditioned, the shelf life of the beer is only 3 to 5 days. Since the Covid-19 pandemic the footfall in many pubs and restaurants has decreased. As a consequence, many establishments have struggled to sell beer from a cask within its short shelf life. Thus, many pubs have simply stopped offering cask ales because it is not economically viable. Similar considerations also apply to ciders and other beverages, especially fermented beverages, that are stored and dispensed from casks. Keg beers and ciders are not a like for like replacement for cask ales and ciders due to their higher level of carbonisation. Keg beers and ciders are typically more carbonated than cask ales and ciders. Many consumers prefer cask ales and ciders because the taste of the ale or cider is not masked by the "fizz" of the carbonation, in contrast to keg beers and ciders. The beverage industry has been attempting to solve this problem with limited success. For instance, cask ales have been sold in bags and cardboard boxes, similar to wines. However, cardboard is wholly unsuitable for being stored in cellars which are typically damp, causing the cardboard to disintegrate. Furthermore, the largest viable size of such a bag or box is about 10 litres, which is too small for commercial establishments. However, larger volumes also create problems with the structural strength of the bag and cardboard box, which cannot support the weight of larger volumes of beverage. There is also the additional problem that the existing infrastructure for dispensing beverages from casks in commercial establishments, such as public houses, will not accommodate and cannot be used with the conventional small volume bags and boxes. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an outer container for use with a container system for beverages, the outer container being non-collapsible and comprising: a number of side walls; at least one aperture in the side walls; and wherein the outer container comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being separable from each other and adapted to be coupled together, in use, to form an enclosed outer container; the outer container being adapted to house a collapsible inner container adapted to contain a beverage; and when the inner container is located inside the outer container, in use, the at least one aperture is adapted to permit air to enter the outer container to equalise air pressure between an inside surface of the outer container and an outside surface of the inner container and the air pressure external of the outer container, during dispensing of the beverage from the inner container, in use. An advantage of the invention is that it permits a collapsible inner container to be located within an outer container by providing a container in two parts. This also has the advantage of enabling the outer container to be provided that is capable of handling volumes of greater than 10 litres, and preferably greater than 15 litres. There is also the advantage that it enables an outer container to provided that is compatible with existing cask storage and dispensing systems. Advantageously, the collapsible feature of the inner container enables the beverage to be dispensed while minimising contact of the beverage with ambient air, thereby minimising the risk of oxidation and / or contamination of the beverage within the inner container. This in turn increases the shelf life of the beverage after the cask is opened and reduces spoilage of the beverage that would otherwise occur due to contact of the beverage with air. Preferably, the first and second parts are adapted to be releasably coupled together. Advantageously, this permits placement of an empty or filled inner container inside the outer container. It also permits the outer container to be re-used by enabling the inner container to be replaced. Preferably, the first aperture is adjacent to an edge of the outer container when the first and second parts are coupled together. Advantageously, such placement of the first aperture permits use of the system in facilities designed for traditional containers. Preferably, wherein when the first and second parts are coupled together the outer container comprises two opposite end faces and a curved side wall between and interconnecting the two end faces. Typically, the curved side wall is a substantially cylindrical wall or a truncated circular ellipsoidal wall. Preferably, each of the first and second parts includes one of the end faces and a portion of the curved side wall. More preferably, each of the first and second parts includes a portion of the curved side wall extending substantially halfway along the longitudinal axis of the outer container. Optionally, the outer container further comprises a second aperture, such that the first aperture is located in the curved side wall and the second aperture is located in one of the two opposite end faces. Advantageously, such a configuration allows the container to be stored in commercial premises on racks used for traditional containers. Preferably, the system further comprises a closure configured to engage with the first aperture and having a recess which receives the fluid port. Advantageously, location of the fluid port within the recess in the closure reduces relative movement between the inner container and the outer container and relative movement between the fluid port and the outer container during handling, transportation and storage. Moreover, when the closure is engaged with an aperture that does not receive the fluid port, the closure minimises the risk of damage to the internal container through the aperture, as well as minimising the risk of potential bulging of the internal container into the aperture. Preferably, the outer container has the external shape of a cask when the first and second parts are coupled together. Advantageously, this allows the system to be used for storing and dispensing beverages such as beers, ales and ciders. Preferably, the system further comprises a coupling mechanism to enable the first and second part to be coupled together. Preferably, the coupling mechanism comprises at least one pair of mutually engageable coupling members, one coupling member being located on each of the first and second parts. Typically, one coupling member comprises a recess which receives the other coupling member. The other coupling member may comprise a protrusion that engages with the recess. The recess may comprise a slot and preferably the slot comprises a first slot section extending in a first direction and a second slot section communicating with the first slot section and extending in a second direction different from the first direction. Typically, the first and second slot sections extend linearly. Preferably, the first slot section extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outer container. Preferably, the second slot section extends in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and more preferably, substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In one example of the invention, the slot may comprise a substantially L-shaped slot with the first slot section forming one leg of the "L" and the second slot section forming the other leg of the "L". Preferably, the coupling mechanism comprises at least two pairs of mutually engageable coupling members. More preferably, the at least two pairs of mutually engageable coupling members are spaced substantially equidistantly around the outer container. Typically, where each of the first and second parts of the outer container comprise an end face and a portion of a curved side wall of the outer container, the coupling mechanism is located on the curved side walls of the outer container. In one example of the invention, where there are at least two sets of mutually engageable coupling members, the first coupling members are on one of the first and second part and the second coupling members are on the other of the first and second part. However, alternatively, a first coupling member of one set and a second coupling of another set are on the first part and a second coupling member of the one set and a first coupling member of the other set are on the second part. Preferably, the first and second parts are coupled together by the coupling mechanism by a combination of a relative movement of the first and second parts in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outer container and a relative movement of the first and second parts in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, for example a relative rotation of the first and second parts. Preferably, the system further comprises a securing mechanism to secure the first and second parts together and to prevent relative movement between the first and second parts when the first and second parts are coupled together with the coupling mechanism. Preferably, the securing mechanism is releasable. Typically, the securing mechanism comprises first and second formations on the first and second parts, respectively, that are engaged with each other to secure the first and second parts together when the first and second parts are coupled together with the coupling mechanism. The securing mechanism may further comprise a fastener that engages with the first and second formations to secure the first and second formations together, thereby securing the first and second parts together. Preferably, the first and second formations are releasably engaged with each other and if the securing mechanism comprises a fastener, the fastener is releasably secured to the first and second formations. In one example of the invention, the fastener may comprise an engagement formation that engages with a complementary formation on one of the first and second formations. The other formation may have a through bore through which the fastener may be inserted before engaging with the complementary formation on the one formation. The engagement formation on the fastener and the complementary engagement formation may be threaded formations. Alternatively, or in addition, the fastener may comprise a movable portion that is movable between a first position in which the fastener may be engaged with the first and second formations and second position in which removal of the fastener from the first and second formations is prevented. Advantageously, releasable coupling and securing of the first and second parts permits replacement or refill of the internal container within the outer container and reuse of the outer container. Optionally, the fasteners may be selected from a threaded fastener (such as a bolt or a screw), a clamp, or a tie such as a cable tie. Optionally, the connectors are equally spaced along a circumference of the cask and / or wherein two of the connectors are opposite each other around the circumference of the cask. Advantageously, this arrangement of the connectors improves the structural integrity of the assembled outer container. Optionally, the outer container comprises two formations on an external surface of the outer container, the two formations having a greater diameter than a rest of the external surface, wherein the two formations are configured for rolling, wherein each connector has a profile lower than the two formations so that the cask can be rolled on the two formations, and wherein each connector is located between the two formations. Advantageously, this configuration facilitates transport of the cask. Preferably, each of the first and second parts comprises one of the two formations. Preferably, the outer container is substantially rigid. Advantageously, a substantially rigid outer container increases the robustness of the system. The outer container may be formed from a plastics material, such as polyethylene, or may be formed from a metal, such as aluminium. The outer container may have a volume of at least 26 pints (14.77 litres), and preferably has a similar volume to the volume of a pin cask which is 4.5 imperial gallons 820.46 litres) and holds 36 pints or the volume of firkin cask which is 9 imperial gallons (40.91 litres) and holds 72 pints. Alternatively, the outer container could have any desired volume and examples of other typical sizes that the outer container could have include a kilderkin (18 imperial gallons, 81.83 litres), a barrel (36 imperial gallons, 163.66 litres), and a hogshead (54 imperial gallons, 245.49 litres). Advantageously, such volumes are typical of traditional commercially used beverage containers and thus allow the system to be used with existing handling, storage and dispensing systems. Preferably, the beverage is a fermented beverage, such as ale, cider or wine. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a container system for beverages, the container system comprising: an outer container according to the first aspect; an inner container being collapsible and having a fluid port in a side wall; wherein the inner container is adapted to be located within the outer container when the first and second parts of the outer container are coupled together and a beverage in the inner container can be dispensed from the inner container through the fluid port and one of the at least one apertures in the outer container; and wherein the one of the at least one apertures is adapted to permit atmospheric air at ambient pressure to enter the outer container to equalise the air pressure between an internal side wall of the outer container and an outer side wall of the inner container with the ambient air pressure external of the outer container. Preferably, there is provided an inner container for use with the container system for beverages. More preferably, the inner container has a greater volume than the volume of the outer container. Hence, when the inner container is located within the outer container, beverage may be introduced into it until it expands to fill the internal volume of the outer container. Preferably, when the inner container fills the internal volume of the outer container, the inner container substantially conforms to the internal shape of the outer container. Typically, the inner container expands to fill substantially the entire volume of the outer container. Typically, forces exerted between the inner and outer containers, when the inner container fills substantially the entire volume of the outer container, create friction between the inner and outer containers that reduces relative movement between the inner and outer containers during handling, transportation and storage. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of filling a container system, the method comprising: placing an inner container on the inside surface of a first part of an outer container; assembling the outer container by coupling a second part to the first part such that the inner container is located inside the outer container and a fluid port of the inner container is accessible via an aperture in the outer container; and introducing a beverage into the inner container. Optionally, the step of introducing precedes the step of placing. Brief Description of the Drawings An example of a container system for beverages in accordance with the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective from above of an outer container for use with the invention with the container in an upright position and closures located in openings in the outer container; Figure 2 is a similar view of the outer container to that shown in Figure 1 but with the outer container rotated around a vertical axis and the closures removed from the openings; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the outer container of Figures 1 and 2 with a filled inner container located within the outer container; Figure 4 is a side view of the outer container disassembled; Figure 5 is a side view of the inner container shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a side view of the outer container with a fluid port of the inner container located in beverage dispensing position; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3 but with an empty and partially collapsed inner container; Figure 8a is a side view of the outer container with upper and lower parts of the outer container disconnected from each other; Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view on the line A of Figure 8a; Figure 8c is an enlarged view of section B in Figure 8b; Figure 9a is a side view of the outer container similar to Figure 8a but with the upper and lower halves of the outer container coupled together; Figure 9b is a cross-sectional view on the line D of Figure 9a; Figure 9c is an enlarged view of section E of Figure 9b; Figure 10a shows a securing mechanism of the outer container in an unlocked configuration; Figure 10b shows the securing mechanism of Figure 10a in a locked configuration; Figure 11a is a side view of the outer container on its side; Figure lib shows an enlarged view of section F of Figure 11a; Figure 12a is a perspective view of a closure for insertion into the openings in the outer container; Figure 12b is a plan view of the closure of Figure 12a; and Figure 12c is a side view of the closure of Figure 12a and a tap. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows an example of a container system for beverages 100. Figure 2 shows an outside view of an assembled outer container 200 of the system 100. Figure 3 shows a cross section of the system 100. The system 100 comprises an outer container 200 and an inner container 300. The inner container 300 comprises a fluid port 320. Provision of the fluid port 320 in the inner container 300 permits a choice of dispensing orientations, as described below. Figure 3 shows the inner container 300 filled with beverage 301. The inner container 300 is formed from a flexible material and is collapsible. In an example, the inner container 300 is comprised of two substantially flat sections of material sealed together by a seam (not shown). The inner container 300 has a greater volume than the volume of the outer container 200, so if the inner container 300 is filled when not located within the outer container 200, the inner container 300 would hold a greater volume of beverage than the volume of the outer container 200. Hence, when the inner container 300 is filled when it is located within the outer container 200, it expands to fill the entire internal volume or substantially the entire internal volume of the outer container 200. In effect, when beverage 301 is introduced into the inner container located within the outer container 200, the inner container conforms, because of its flexibility, to the shape of the internal configuration of the outer container 200. Hence, when containing beverage 301, the inner container 300 conforms to the shape of the inside surface of the outer container 200. The outer container 200 thus limits the volume of beverage 301 that may be contained in the inner container 300 when the inner container 300 is located within the outer container 200. As the outer container 200 limits the expansion of the inner container 300, there is a pressure exerted between the outside of the inner container 300 and the inside of the outer container 200 caused by the pressure of the beverage 301 within the inner container 300, which creates a frictional force between the outside surface of the inner container 200 and the inside surface of the outer container 300. This frictional force helps to minimise relative movement between the inner and outer containers during handling, transportation and storage. The inner container 300 may be formed from a flexible material so that it is collapsible. For example, it may be made of a plastic material in a flexible sheeting form, such as polyethylene, for example low density polyethylene (LDPE). The outer container 200 comprises a first part 201 and a second part 202 releasably coupled together. The outer container 200 further comprises two opposite end faces 230, 240 and a curved side wall 250 between the two end faces. Preferably, each of the first and second parts 201, 202 includes one of the end faces 230, 240 and a portion of the curved side wall 250. More preferably, as shown in Figure 4, each of the first and second parts 201, 202 includes a portion of the curved side wall 250 extending substantially halfway along the longitudinal axis of the outer container 200. Figure 4 shows the outer container 200 with the parts 201, 202 separated. Separating the parts 201, 202 allows the inner container 300 to be placed into the outer container 200 empty, partially filled, or fully filled, as explained in more detail below. The outer container 200 preferably has the external shape and appearance of a conventional cask, for holding fermented beverages, such as beer or cider. Such casks typically have a volume of at least 26 pints (14.77 litres). One type of conventional cask, commonly known as a firkin, has an internal volume of 9 imperial gallons (40.91 litres) and holds 72 pints. Smaller pin casks are also sometimes used for holding fermented beverages, such as beer or cider. A pin cask has half the internal volume of a firkin cask, so has a volume of 4.5 imperial gallons (20.46 litres) and holds 36 pints. There are also some other cask sizes in use such kilderkin, which holds two firkins (18 imperial gallons, 81.83 litres), barrel (36 imperial gallons, 163.66 litres), or hogshead (54 imperial gallons, 245.49 litres). The outer container 200 preferably has a volume similar to a traditional cask, for instance 36 pints (approximately 20 litres) or 72 pints (approximately 41 litres). The outer container 200 is preferably substantially rigid. The outer container 200 is non-collapsible in normal use and is typically made of a substantially rigid material, such as a metal material (for example aluminium) or a suitable plastics material. The outer container 200 further comprises two apertures (or openings) 210, 220. Each aperture 210, 220 is preferably adjacent to an edge of the assembled outer container 200. Each of the apertures 210, 220 may be placed in one of the end faces 230, 240 or in the curved side wall 250. In the present example one of the apertures 210 is placed in one of the end faces 230 and the other aperture 220 is placed in the curved side wall 250. Placing each of the apertures 210, 220 in a different wall permits a choice of dispensing orientations, as described below. In an alternative configuration it is possible that only one aperture may be provided, either in one of the end faces 230 or in the curved side wall 250. The position of the fluid port 320 in the inner container 300 needs to correspond to the position of the aperture 210 in the outer container 200 such that the beverage 301 can be dispensed from the inner container 300 via the fluid port 320 and the aperture 210. In other words, the inner container 300 is positioned in the outer container 200 such that the fluid port is adjacent the desired aperture 210, 220 through which the beverage in the inner container 300 is to be dispensed using the fluid port 320. Thus, when an aperture 210 in one of the end faces of the outer container 200 is provided, such as shown in Figure 2, the location of the fluid port 320 in the inner container 300 must allow to position the fluid port 320 adjacent the aperture 210 to allow dispensing of the fluid from the inner container 300 through the fluid port 320. Similarly, when an aperture 220 is provided in the curved side wall 250, as shown in Figure 3, the location of the fluid port 320 in the inner container 300 must allow to position the fluid port 320 adjacent the aperture 220. When only a single aperture, 210 or 220, is provided in the outer container 200, the dispensing orientation is fixed. When two apertures 210, 220 are present, one of them is preferably placed in one of the two end faces 230 and the other in the curved side wall 250, as shown in Figure 3. Such placement of the two apertures 210, 220 permits a choice of dispensing orientations. In one dispensing orientation the fluid port 320 is adjacent the fluid aperture 220 located on the curved side wall 250 and the outer container 200 is upright on its end. In the second dispensing orientation the fluid port 320 is adjacent the fluid aperture 210 located on the end face 230 and the outer container is on its side. This arrangement of the apertures 210, 220 also corresponds to placement of apertures on traditional casks. It therefore allows the present system to be used in facilities adapted for use of traditional casks without substantial modification of the equipment. As described above, due to its flexibility the inner container 200 conforms to the shape of the inside surface of the outer container 300. This flexibility combined with the volume of the inner container being greater then the volume of the outer container, permits the positioning of the fluid port 320 in either of the apertures 210, 220. The friction between the outside surface of the inner container 200 and the inside surface of the outer container 300 helps to minimise relative movement between the inner container 300 and the outer container 200 and thereby helps to retain the fluid port 320 adjacent to the corresponding aperture. The orientation of the inner container 300 within the outer container 200 and the positioning of the fluid port 320 adjacent the desired aperture for dispensing the beverage 301 is a matter of choice dictated by the desired dispensing orientation of the container system. The fluid port 320 and the at least one aperture 210, 220 is adapted to accommodate a tap 520, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6. Figure 5 shows the inner container 300 in a shape it may adopt when filled and placed in the outer container 200. The fluid port 320 in Figure 5 has been adapted to accommodate the tap 520. Typically, the tap 520 may be a conventional tap used for dispensing liquids from bags, such as a Vitop® BIB tap from Vitop Moulding Srl in Italy. In use the inner container 300 is placed on the inside surface of the first part 201 of the outer container 200. The inner container 300 may be filled or partially filled with a beverage before or after being placed on the inside surface of the first part 201 of the outer container 200. The inner container 300 is filled or partially filed through the fluid port 320. The inner container is filled either before or after having been placed within the outer container 200. It will be understood that if the inner container 300 is filled before being positioned within the outer container 200, the outer container 200 must be disassembled before placing of the inner container 300. In other words, the outer container 200 may be assembled before or after the inner container 300 is filled or partially filled with a beverage. The outer container 200 is assembled by coupling the second part 202 to the first part 201. The outer container 200 is assembled such that the inner container 300 is located inside the outer container 200 and the fluid port 320 of the inner container 300 is accessible via one of the apertures 210, 220 in the outer container 300. Once the filled inner container 300 is in place, the fluid port 320 is positioned through the at least one aperture 210, 220. The beverage can then be dispensed through the fluid port 320. As the beverage flows from the inner container 300, air flows through the at least one aperture 210, 220 into the outer container 200 such that the pressure inside the outer container 200 (but outside the inner container 300) is equalised with ambient pressure outside the inner container 200. As used herein, the term ambient pressure refers to atmospheric pressure, i.e., the pressure of air surrounding the outer container. An example of a typical ambient pressure is 1 standard atmosphere (101.325 kPa). As the beverage is dispensed the inner container 300 collapses due to gravity and to the equalisation of pressure between the inside and outside of the inner container 300. In this way air does not need to enter the inner container 300 for the beverage to be dispensed. Figure 7 shows a cross section of the system 100 with a partially empty inner container 300. Since the beverage inside the inner container 300 has virtually no contact with air due to the inner container 300 collapsing, spoilage of the beverage is reduced and its shelf life is extended. This is particularly advantageous when the beverage is a beer or other fermented beverage, such as cider or wine. In a commercial establishment, such as a pub, cafe or restaurant, where the tap 520 is a Vitop® BIB tap, a conventional Vitop® connector (also available from Vitop Mould Srl) can typically be used to couple a dispensing pipe to the tap 520. The Vitop® connector maintains the tap 520 open and permits the dispensing pipe to convey the beverage from the tap 520 to a beverage pump at a dispensing point, such as a bar. The inner container 300 may be filled at a filling point such as a brewery for supplying the filled inner containers to be inserted into the outer containers at the point of sale. Alternatively, the container system may be filled and assembled at a brewery and supplied as a whole. The inner container 300 may be reusable and refillable. The first and second parts 201, 202 are adapted to be coupled together and then secured to prevent accidental decoupling. A suitable coupling system enables the parts 201, 202 to be coupled together and a suitable securing or locking system prevents accidental decoupling of the parts 201, 202. In particular, the securing system prevents relative rotation between the parts 201, 202 after they have been coupled together. The coupling system comprises two sliding coupling mechanisms 810 adapted to couple the parts 201, 202 together. The securing system comprises two fastening mechanisms 1010 to prevent relative movement between the parts 201, 202 after they have been coupled together. Both the coupling and the securing mechanisms are releasable to enable the parts 201, 202 to also be separated from each other. The coupling mechanism 810 comprises complementary elements on the first and second parts 201, 202 that engage with each other and prevent the first and second parts 201, 202 from separating when the coupling mechanism 810 is engaged. A preferred coupling mechanism 810 is a coupling mechanism designed to couple the parts 201, 202 together when the outer container 200 is assembled. An example coupling mechanism is shown in Figures 8a to 8c. The coupling mechanism comprises a slot 812 and a lug 822. The first part 201 may comprise the slot 812 and the second part 202 may comprise the lug 822, or vice versa. Preferably, the slot 812 is substantially L-shaped, with a horizontal arm 814 and a perpendicular arm 816, when the outer container is positioned with an end on a floor or ground surface. The horizontal arm 814 is substantially parallel to a circumference of the first part 201 while the perpendicular arm 816 is substantially perpendicular to the circumference of the first part 201. An open end of the perpendicular arm 816 is adapted to accommodate the lug 822 when the first and second parts are placed adjacent to each together. The lug 822 moves along the perpendicular arm 816 towards the horizontal arm 814 as the first and second parts are moved towards each other. Once the first and second parts are placed adjacent each other with the lug 822 at the end of the arm 816 opposite the open end, the first and second parts can then be rotated relative to each other such that the lug 822 slides along the arm 814 to the end opposite the arm 816, coupling the first and second parts 201, 202 together (see Figures 9a to 9c). Preferably, the lug 822 protrudes inside the second part 202. Alternatively, the lug 822 may protrude outside the second part 202 with the slot 812 on the first part 201 adapted to accommodate the lug 822. As shown in Figures 8b and 9b, two coupling mechanisms 822 are provided, positioned opposite each other and equidistantly around the parts 201, 202. As shown in Figures 10a and 10b, each fastening mechanism 1010 may comprise a flange 212, 222 on each of the first and second part 201, 202 (Figure 10a) and a fastener 1012. The fastener 1012 is preferably a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw. To allow connecting the first and second parts 201, 202 with the fastener 1012, each of the first and second parts 201, 202 further comprises the flange 212, 222 at its outer circumference. Each flange 212, 222 comprises a bore 214, 224, preferably a through bore. To secure the first and second parts 201, 202 together, the parts 201, 202 are positioned adjacent to each other and the bores 214, 224 aligned. The fastener 1012 is then threaded through the bores 214, 224 to secure the first and second parts 201, 202 together, as shown in Figure 10b. Optionally, either a nut (not shown) may be used to secure the fastener 1012 or the bore 224 may be threaded. When both the coupling mechanism 810 and the fastening mechanism 1010 are provided, fully engaging the coupling mechanism 810 preferably also aligns the flanges 212, 222 and the corresponding bores 214, 224 of the fastening mechanism 1010. Thus, when the slot 812 and the lug 822 are engaged and the outer container 200 assembled, the flanges 212, 222 on the first and second part 201, 202 are aligned to permit the fastener 1012 to slide through and secure the first and second part 201, 202 together, as shown in Figures 9a and 10b. The coupling mechanisms 810 may be equally spaced along a circumference of the outer container 200 and / or two of the coupling mechanisms 810 may be opposite each other around the circumference of the outer container 200. Similarly, the fastening mechanisms 1010 may be equally spaced along a circumference of the outer container 200 and / or two of the fastening mechanisms 1010 may be opposite each other around the circumference of the outer container 200. The outer container 200 may comprise two shoulders 1101, 1102 configured for rolling, as shown in Figures 11a and lib. One shoulder 1101. 1102 may be located on each of the first and second parts 201, 202, or both shoulders 1101, 1102 may be located on only one of the first and second parts 201, 202. The fastening mechanisms 1010 have a profile lower than the shoulders 1101, 1102 so that when the outer container is be rolled across a surface, such as the ground or a floor, on the shoulders 1101, 1102 the connectors 1010 do not contact the surface, thereby minimising the risk of the connectors 1010 being damaged during transportation or movement of the outer container 200. System 100 further comprises two closures 410, as shown in Figures 1 and 12a to 12c. Each closure 410 is configured to engage with one of the apertures 210, 220. The closure 410 has a recess 412 which is shaped to receive the tap 520. Location of the tap within the recess 412 helps to protect the tap and fluid port 310 during handling, transportation and storage by minimising movement of the tap and outlet relative to the inner and outer containers, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the tap or outlet. Preferably, both the first and the second apertures 210, 220 are engaged with a respective closure 410 during transport. This helps to minimise the risk of the inner container 300 bulging out through the other aperture 210, 220 in which the tap 520 is not located and / or damage occurring to the inner container 300 at the other aperture where the tap is not located, for example, by an object penetrating through the other aperture and puncturing the inner container. The closures 410 typically have the external form of a conventional bung. The closures 410 may be deformable and / or have a frustoconical surface 414 which provides a tapered sidewall, permitting engagement with the fluid ports. The tapered sidewall, for instance, allows the closures 410 to be hammered in place and create a friction fit between the closure 410 and the outer container 200. Traditionally, closures for casks are referred to as cask shives (or shives). A shive is an example of a closure which uses a friction fit and they are the current standard in the industry for closing the bungholes of a traditional cask. Historically, cask shives would have been wooden, presently they are commonly plastic. They are typically hammered in to position in the bunghole for a secure friction fit; this may be automated in larger breweries. Deformable closures are retained within the fluid ports by forming a friction fit with the apertures due to the deformable nature of the closures. The closures 410 may have ribbing 416 on the sides, which assists with the fit and retention of the closure 410 in the aperture 210, 220. The closures 410 could be formed from any suitable material. Examples of materials that are suitable for the closures include plastic materials, rubber materials, elastomeric materials and natural materials, such as wood. The deformability of the closures may be due to an inherent deformability in the material from which the closures are formed and / or the construction of the closures. For example, the thickness of a side wall of the closure may be selected to enable a deformation of the closure. The closures may be elastically deformable. An elastic deformation may assist with retention of the closures within the fluid ports. In addition, or as an alternative, the fluid ports may be deformable. The container system and method described herein extend the shelf life of beverages by enabling them to be dispensed while minimising contact between the beverage stored in the system and ambient air after the container system is opened and dispensing of the beverage is started, unlike a conventional cask where air comes into contact with the beverage as soon as the cask is opened. It also avoids the need to pump gas under pressure into the beverage holding container to dispense the beverage, unlike conventional keg systems. This provides commercial establishments with a longer timeframe in which to serve a beverage that would normally be stored in a conventional cask and thus enables them to extend their offering to cask-type stored beverages, such as cask ales. Furthermore, the invention also has the advantage that is adapted to be used with 5 existing infrastructure which is set up to accommodate standard cask shapes and sizes.

Claims

01 07 251. An outer container for use with a container system for beverages, the outer container being non-collapsible and comprising:5 a number of side walls;at least one aperture in the side walls; andwherein the outer container comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being separable from each other and adapted to be coupled together, in use, to form an enclosed outer container;10 the outer container being adapted to house a collapsible inner container adaptedto contain a beverage; andwhen the inner container is located inside the outer container, in use, the at least one aperture is adapted to permit air to enter the outer container to equalise air pressure between an internal side wall of the outer container and an outer side wall15 of the inner container and the air pressure external of the outer container, duringdispensing of the beverage from the inner container, in use.

2. The outer container according to claim 1, wherein the first and second parts are adapted to be releasably coupled together.

203. The outer container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one aperture is adjacent an edge of the outer container when the first and second parts are coupled together.25 4 The outer container according to any preceding claim, further comprising at leastone closure configured to engage with the at least one aperture.

5. The outer container according to claim 4, wherein the at least one closure comprises a recess adapted to receive a fluid port in the inner container when the inner container is 30 located within the outer container, in use.

6. The outer container according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer container comprises two apertures.35 7. The outer container according to any preceding claim, wherein when the first andsecond parts are coupled together the side walls comprise two opposite end faces and a curved wall interconnecting the two end faces.01 07 258. The outer container according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein a first aperture is located in the curved wall and a second aperture is located in one of the two opposite end faces.5 9. The outer container according to claim 8, wherein both apertures are locatedadjacent an edge of the outer container.

10. The outer container according to of claims 7 to 9, wherein the outer container has the external shape of a cask.1011. The outer container of any preceding claim, further comprising a coupling mechanism configured to couple the first part to the second part.

12. The outer container of claim 11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least 15 one pair of mutually engageable coupling members, one coupling member being located on each of the first and second parts.

13. The outer container of claim 12, wherein there are at least two pairs of mutually engageable coupling members.2014, The outer container of claim 13, wherein the at least two pairs of mutually engageable coupling members are spaced substantially equidistantly around the outer container.25 15. The outer container of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein one coupling membercomprises a recess and the other coupling member comprises a protrusion that engages with the recess.

16. The outer container of claim 15, wherein the recess comprises a slot.3017. The outer container of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a securing mechanism to secure the first and second parts together to prevent relative movement between the first and second parts.35 18. The outer container of any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer containercomprises two formations extending around an external curved surface of the outer container, the two formations having a greater diameter than any other section of the external surface.01 07 2519. The outer container of claim 18, wherein the coupling mechanism and the securing mechanism are located between the two formations and have a lower profile than the two formations so that the outer container can be rolled on the two formations.

520. The outer container of any preceding claim, wherein the volume of the outer container is at least 26 pints (14.77 litres).

21. A container system for beverages, the container system comprising:10 an outer container according to any of claims 1 to 20;an inner container being collapsible and having a fluid port in a side wall;wherein the inner container is adapted to be located within the outer container when the first and second parts of the outer container are coupled together and a beverage in the inner container can be dispensed from the inner container through the fluid port and 15 one of the at least one apertures in the outer container; andwherein the one of the at least one apertures is adapted to permit atmospheric air at ambient pressure to enter the outer container to equalise the air pressure between an internal side wall of the outer container and an outer side wall of the inner container with the ambient air pressure external of the outer container.2022. The system of claim 21, wherein the inner container has a greater volume than an inner volume of the outer container.

23. The inner container of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the outer container has two 25 apertures and the inner container is adapted to be located within the outer container such that the fluid port can be located adjacent either aperture.

24. A method of filling the container system of any of claims 21 to 23 with a beverage, the method comprising:30 placing an inner container inside the first part of the outer container;assembling the outer container by coupling the second part to the first part such that the inner container is located inside the outer container and the fluid port of the inner container is adjacent one of the at least one apertures in the outer container; andintroducing the beverage into the inner container.35

Images