초록 ▼

An improved valve system for obtaining access to a container of fluid. In a container of fluid, and particularly a keg for beer, a valve assembly receiving member or keg neck extends from the top of the container. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship wi

An improved valve system for obtaining access to a container of fluid. In a container of fluid, and particularly a keg for beer, a valve assembly receiving member or keg neck extends from the top of the container. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship with the keg neck and to allow access to the fluid contained by actuation of the valves. More specifically, the valve neck has a groove in its inner surface to receive a resilient retainer ring which maintains the valve assembly in place. In addition, a safety feature is provided to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the valve assembly should the retainer ring be dislodged while the keg is pressurized. A siphon tube extends from the valve assembly to a position adjacent the bottom of the keg when the valve is secured within the keg neck. The bottom portion of the tube is configured to enhance the flow of fluid into and out of the tube as well as carry a spring member for cooperating with one of the valve members in the valve assembly. An improved coupler mechanism is employed in operating the valves while avoiding inadvertent opening and closing of the valve assembly. A handle is provided on the coupler for moving the valve actuating elements between an open and a closed position. A locking mechanism on the coupler prevents engagement and disengagement of the coupler while it is in the open position.

대표청구항 ▼

A valve sealing arrangement for sealing a container of fluid comprising: (a) a valve assembly for providing access to said container; (b) a valve assembly receiving member secured to said container; (c) a deformable sealing member; (d) said valve assembly having a body portion with a seal engaging s

A valve sealing arrangement for sealing a container of fluid comprising: (a) a valve assembly for providing access to said container; (b) a valve assembly receiving member secured to said container; (c) a deformable sealing member; (d) said valve assembly having a body portion with a seal engaging surface; and (e) said sealing arrangement including a non-threaded retaining member for insertion between said valve assembly and said receiving member for deforming and compressing said sealing member between said seal engaging surface of said valve assembly and said receiving member for effecting a seal between said valve assembly and said receiving member without a need for substantial rotational movement, said non-threaded retaining member being releasably secured within said receiving member at a predetermined position relative to said valve assembly for avoiding overcompression of said sealing member when said sealing member is in engagement with said seal engaging surface of the valve assembly.