An improved mechanical coupler which is utilized in systems for tapping kegs of fluids which are kept under pressure. The improvement consists of a probe head which is fixed relative to the probe of the coupler and a large flexible fluid seal which is designed in three sections such that the two uppermost sections enable the seal to fold in on itself while the lowermost section lies substantially flat against the valve assembly to thereby form a very secure sealing means between the probe and the valve assembly of the container when the seal is compressed against the valve assembly at the time the improved coupler is locked in place.
A fitting for a container of draft beer or the like includes a first valve for permitting pressurized gas to be injected into the container and a second valve for permitting beer to be dispensed from the container. Both valves are urged to their closed positions by inexpensive elastomeric springs which also serve to hold certain components of the fitting in assembled relation. A coupler attaches the fitting to the container and enables the container to be used with Sankey-type taps.
A coupler and air pump for pressurizing a sealed beverage container having a valve, such as a beer keg, and for dispensing a beverage from such a container. The Handpowered air pump housing is joined to a metallic coupler by a threaded collar. Cams on the lower end of the coupler lock into the container valve and a handle actuates a probe in the coupler to open the valve of the container.
A beverage tap includes a probe with a cylindrical upper section and a reduced-diameter cylindrical lower section. In order to seal the probe with respect to a Sankey-type keg fitting, an elastomeric seal includes a tubular body attached to the upper section of the probe and formed with a downwardly flaring sealing fin on its lower end. An apertured sealing disc is attached to the lower section of the probe and is located within the tubular body. Angularly spaced webs are molded integrally with the body and the disc and join the two together as a single unit.
A tap for a beer keg having a Sankey-type fitting with radially inwardly extending lugs which normally are used to hold a conventional tap in a locked position on the keg. To prevent the locking lugs of the fitting from being damaged or to permit use of the keg after the lugs have become worn or damaged, the present tap includes a radially expandable and contractible collar adapted to lock onto the external lip of the fitting. The collar is formed by two camming clamps connected to swing about a hinge and adapted to float angularly relative to the body of the tap in order to permit the clamps to center themselves on the fitting. As the clamps are closed, they cam against the external lip of the fitting and force the tap downwardly to open the valves of the fitting.
The fluid dispensing apparatus includes a body portion supporting a pump assembly and a valve assembly. A fastening ring has an internal screw-thread for screw-threadedly engaging the neck of a container. A fastening ring retaining member allows the ring to rotate freely with respect to the body portion but also has a central opening for accommodating a fastening member which acts both to lock the member to the body portion and to couple with an outlet duct in the body portion leading to the valve assembly. In addition the member defines a separate passage which provides communication between the pump assembly and the interior of the container. The fastening member has a central opening for receiving a pipe which is arranged to extend to the bottom of the container.
