BARREL WITH DISPENSING DEVICE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of international patent application PCT/EP2024/070273, filed on Jul. 17, 2024 designating the U.S., which claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2023 119 750.9, filed on Jul. 26, 2023. The entire contents of both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a barrel having a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, having a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid, a carrying device for carrying the fluid reservoir, a valve, and a spout for dispensing the fluid.

BACKGROUND

Portable containers with a dispensing device, also known as “party kegs,” have become increasingly popular in recent times. These types of party kegs also allow the end consumer to enjoy drinks “fresh from the keg.” Party kegs are usually filled with beer and have a capacity of approximately 5 or 10 liters.

A simple solution for the dispensing device is a tap attached to the side, near the bottom of the keg, through which the beverage or fluid can be dispensed. When the tap lever is actuated, the fluids flow out of the container due to gravity.

However, this solution requires an additional opening in the container for pressure equalization. Otherwise, no liquid/fluid would escape due to the negative pressure forming in the container. However, ambient air flowing into the container leads to a rapid loss of quality in carbonated or oxidation-sensitive beverages, such that, especially in the case of beer, it becomes flat.

In recent years, pressure equalization devices have therefore been developed for such party kegs, which make it possible to keep the fluid reservoir or keg under a constant internal pressure regardless of the fill level. Such a pressure equalization apparatus having a CO2 gas cartridge is known, for example, from EP 1 688 814 A1.

Such pressure equalization apparatuses, thus, allow the consumer to dispense the beverage “fresh from the tap” in the expected quality, even for multiple dispensing processes.

A further advantage of such pressure equalization devices and the resulting constant internal pressure in the fluid reservoir/keg is that the position of the tap on the fluid reservoir/keg can be chosen more freely. In particular, the dispensing device can be positioned at any height on the container.

However, positions for the dispensing device other than on the side of the barrel body also have disadvantages. For example, a dispensing device arranged on the lid of the container is considered a disadvantage because it impairs stackability. Although U.S. Pat. No. 2,134,852 discloses a dispensing device that is recessed between the top of the container and the surrounding outer rim, the known solution is elaborate and complicated.

Another disadvantage of such party kegs with such pressure equalization devices is the increased complexity in the overall construction of the party keg. Often, connecting and operating or using the keg during dispensing preparation or dispensing is somewhat complicated for the user and involves assembling various components. Furthermore, increased complexity and a higher number of components are associated with, in particular, increased manufacturing costs and reduced user-friendliness.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present application to create a barrel having a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid, with a simple, compact design with few components, and allowing user-friendly application regarding the ease of assembly and operation.

According to an aspect of the present application, a barrel having a dispensing device for dispensing a fluid is presented, comprising a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid, a carrying device having a carrying handle for carrying the fluid reservoir, wherein the carrying handle is movable relative to the fluid reservoir, a valve which is configured to release the fluid from the fluid reservoir when in an actuated state, and a spout which can be connected to the valve for dispensing the fluid released out of the valve, wherein in a connected state in which the spout is connected to the valve, a relative movement of the carrying handle relative to the fluid reservoir leads to actuation of the valve, while in a non-connected state in which the spout is not connected to the valve, the relative movement of the carrying handle does not lead to actuation of the valve.

The fluid reservoir of the barrel can therefore be carried via the carrying device and/or the carrying handle. The dispensing device includes a valve and a spout, by means of which, in the connected state and when the valve is actuated, the fluid can be dispensed out of the fluid reservoir through the spout. Preferably, the spout can be connected to the valve by means of a plug connection-in particular, in a detachable manner.

The carrying handle of the carrying device not only serves for carrying or transporting the barrel, but also functions simultaneously as a tap lever for the dispensing device. The same relative movement of the carrying handle has different technical effects depending on whether the spout is connected to the valve or not. The “relative movement” refers to a movement of the carrying handle relative to the fluid reservoir to activate the valve. It is therefore not excluded that the carrying handle can also be moved when in the connected state—i.e., performs movements other than the intended relative movement-and the valve is not actuated.

Furthermore, it is understood that the non-connected state does not preclude the possibility that the valve can be actuated manually, for example. Only the actuation of the valve by the aforementioned relative movement of the carrying handle is technically prevented in the non-connected state, i.e., without a mounted spout. This means that the barrel can be easily transported using the carrying handle in the non-connected state, without the risk of the valve being actuated and fluid escaping from the fluid reservoir. Only when the spout is mounted on the fluid reservoir can the valve be operated and fluid dispensed using the carrying handle. An extra tap lever is not necessary due to the aforementioned dual function of the carrying handle. This not only reduces the number of parts, but also significantly increases user-friendliness and reduces the complexity of the construction.

The term “barrel” in this case refers to outer packaging for volumes/fluids of all kinds. For example, the barrel is a keg, in particular a party keg of the type mentioned above. In this context, “barrel” refers to the entire apparatus consisting of the fluid reservoir, carrying device, valve, spout, and any other possible components.

According to a refinement, the carrying handle is pivotably mounted on the fluid reservoir and the relative movement is a pivoting movement.

For example, the carrying handle can be mounted to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the fluid reservoir. A possible angular rotation range can be specified due to spatial limitations of the fluid reservoir.

According to a further refinement, in the connected state, the carrying handle exerts a force on the valve via the spout upon a relative movement.

A force exerted by the carrying handle on the spout is thus transferred by the spout to the valve. The carrying handle is actuated manually. The valve can therefore be actuated in an advantageously simple manner, purely mechanically and without electronics.

According to a further refinement, the carrying handle comprises a first actuating portion which, in the connected state, interacts with a second actuating portion arranged on the spout to exert force on the valve via the spout to actuate the valve.

The first actuating portion on the carrying handle is thus configured to exert a force on the second actuating portion on the spout, the second actuating portion being configured to receive the force exerted on the spout via the first actuating portion. Preferably, the second actuating portion is arranged on a lateral wing of the spout.

According to a further refinement, the carrying device comprises a base on which the carrying handle is mounted and which comprises a receptacle configured to receive the spout.

Advantageously, the base of the carrying device thus serves as a mechanical support for the carrying handle and simultaneously as a holder for the spout of the dispensing device.

According to a further refinement, in the connected state the second actuating portion is clamped between the base and the first actuating portion during the relative movement.

In other words, the spout is clamped between the carrying handle and the base where the carrying handle is mounted during dispensing. The force applied to the spout by the carrying handle can thus be transferred to the base and from there act directly on the valve. Advantageously, the spout can maintain a defined position between the carrying handle and the base during relative movement.

According to a further refinement, the receptacle arranged in the base comprises an opening and the spout is insertable through the opening into the valve for connection with the valve.

Advantageously, the carrying device can thus simultaneously serve as a positioning aid for the spout for connecting the spout to the valve. Furthermore, the carrying device and the dispensing device can be arranged in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the spout is very easy to install.

According to a further refinement, the barrel further comprises an anti-rotation device which is arranged on the spout and/or the receptacle and which secures the spout in the connected state against rotation relative to the receptacle.

Advantageously, this refinement allows for a fixed position of the spout relative to the base. This prevents the spout from unintentionally rotating relative to the fluid reservoir. For example, from the same position, the consumer can then always dispense the fluid into a vessel from a fluid reservoir which has been set down.

For example, the receptacle for receiving the spout has a recess in which the spout engages with a positive connection in the inserted state.

According to a further refinement, the carrying device comprises a spring element which is configured to exert a force on the carrying handle and/or the spout that opposes the relative movement.

The spring element can thus exert a counterforce on the carrying handle and/or the spout, such that the relative movement of the carrying handle must be carried out against a counterforce. This prevents unintentional actuation of the valve, ensures comfortable dispensing handling, and allows for automatic resetting of the tap lever or carrying handle.

In addition, a restoring force exerted by the spring can advantageously prevent the valve from remaining in an actuated state without manual force being applied by the user to the carrying handle, thus preventing the fluid from continuing to escape from the fluid reservoir. The user therefore does not need to explicitly perform a movement of the carrying handle opposite to the relative movement in order to prevent the discharge of fluid.

According toa refinement, the spring element is part of the base and has two movable retaining arms which form the receptacle for the spout.

Advantageously, the spring element integrated into the base does not require a separate component, and therefore no separate receptacle for the spout is needed.

For example, in a neutral state of the retaining arms in which the retaining arms are not subjected to an external force, the retaining arms extend from two opposite sides of the base substantially along a common axis, with an exposed end of one retaining arm and an exposed end of the other retaining arm together forming the receptacle for the spout. The spring stiffness of the retaining arms can be influenced, for example, by the cross-sectional shape and the cross-sectional area of the retaining arms.

The two-part design of the receptacle for the spout allows movement of the spout orthogonally (in the neutral, undeformed state) to the axis of the retaining arms.

According to a further refinement, the fluid reservoir comprises a lid, and the carrying device is arranged eccentrically on the lid.

An eccentric arrangement refers to an off-center arrangement on the lid that deviates from the center of the surface of the lid facing away from the fluid reservoir. In particular, this means that the carrying handle as a whole is not arranged in the center of the lid. However, it is possible that a portion of the carrying device, such as the base or the carrying handle, coincides with the center of the surface of the lid.

Advantageously, in the carrying state, the carrying handle can thus be held closer to the carrier's body. This makes the fluid reservoir easy for carrying. This also makes it easier to carry two barrels at the same time.

According to a further refinement, the carrying device is attached to the fluid reservoir by means of a snap connection.

The carrying device can be quickly and easily mounted on the fluid reservoir using the snap connection. Preferably, the carrying device is attached to the valve. This eliminates the need for separate tools to install the carrying device.

According to a further refinement, the fluid reservoir has a circumferential bead and the carrying device is configured to engage in the bead.

Advantageously, this allows the carrying device to be secured in a fixed position relative to the fluid reservoir. It goes without saying that the carrying handle can still be moved relative to the fluid reservoir.

According to a refinement, the fluid reservoir is a keg.

The fluid reservoir is suitable, for example, for use as a “party keg,” in particular with beer as the fluid. Preferably, the keg has a capacity of about 5 or 10 liters.

According to a further refinement, the fluid reservoir has a first material and the carrying device has a second material that differs from the first material.

This allows the fluid reservoir and the carrying device to be manufactured separately, which simplifies production. Furthermore, the materials can be selected independently of each other according to the requirements of the given component. For example, the fluid reservoir is made of metal and the carrying device is made of plastics material. However, the fluid reservoir and the carrying device may contain materials from the same material group-for example, the fluid reservoir may contain a first plastics composition and the carrying device may contain a second plastics composition.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a barrel in a storage state according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in a carrying state;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in an operating state;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the barrel shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the barrel shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8A shows a further detailed view of the barrel shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8B shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 7 in a non-actuated state;

FIG. 8C shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 7 in an actuated state;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a base of a carrying device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9B shows a further perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the barrel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 shows a further side view of the barrel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of two stacked barrels according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with interleaving cardboard;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of two stacked barrels according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, without interleaving cardboard;

FIG. 14A shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in a non-regulating state;

FIG. 14B shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in a regulating state without gas release;

FIG. 14C shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in a regulating state with gas release; and

FIG. 14D shows a sectional view of the barrel shown in FIG. 1 in a safety state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show a perspective view of an embodiment of a barrel with a dispensing device in various states. The barrel is denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 10.

The barrel 10 comprises a fluid reservoir 12 in which a fluid, such as a beverage like beer or wine, can be held. Furthermore, the barrel 10 includes a carrying device 14, a dispensing device 16 and a pressure regulating device 18. The pressure regulating device 18 regulates the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 and, in particular, compensates for the pressure drop in the fluid reservoir 12 that occurs as a result of a dispensing process - the withdrawal of fluid from the fluid reservoir 12.

FIG. 1 is the barrel 10 in a storage state in which the barrel 10 can be stored compactly. FIG. 2 is the barrel 10 in a carrying state in which the fluid reservoir 12 can be lifted and carried by means of the carrying device 14. FIG. 3 is the barrel 10 in an operating state, also referred to here as the connected state, in which the fluid can be drawn from the fluid reservoir 12 by means of the dispensing device 16.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the barrel 10. The fluid reservoir 12 is designed as a keg, which is preferably made of metal. The fluid reservoir 12 has a base 20 on which the fluid reservoir 12 can be placed, and a lid 22 arranged opposite it. A longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12 runs through the center point of the lid 22 and the center point of the base 20.

The fluid reservoir 12 can, for example, be manufactured with an integral base 20 using a deep-drawing process, and be crimp sealed with the lid 22. Likewise, the main body of the fluid reservoir 12 can consist of a bent metal sheet with a longitudinal weld seam (running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 23), to which the base 20 and the lid 22 are connected by means of a crimp joint.

The lid 22 has a first opening 24, which serves to accommodate the carrying device 14 and the dispensing device 16. Furthermore, the lid 22 has a second opening 26, which serves to fill the fluid into the fluid reservoir 12. A third opening 28 arranged on the lid 22 serves to accommodate the pressure regulating device 18.

The first opening 24, the second opening 26 and the third opening 28 are arranged in a line on the lid 22. The second opening 26 is in the center and the other two openings 24, 28 are arranged off-center on the lid 22.

The carrying device 14 is thus arranged eccentrically on the lid 22. The carrying device 14 includes a base 30, which is arranged on the first opening 24 and on which a carrying handle 32 is pivotably mounted. Preferably the base 30 and the carrying handle 32 are made of plastics material.

The carrying handle 32 has a closed contour with a grip recess 34 into which a carrier of the barrel 10 can reach in order to hold or carry the fluid reservoir 12. The carrying handle 32 has a recess (not visible in FIG. 4).

The base 30 is preferably attached to the first opening 24 and/or the dispensing device 16 by means of a snap connection. The base 30 has two movable retaining arms 36 which extend substantially along a common axis from opposite sides of the base 30 and together form a receptacle 38. The retaining arms 36 function as spring elements 37. The receptacle 38 has an opening 39 (referred to here as the “fourth opening”) and a recess 35.

The dispensing device 16 is arranged eccentrically on the lid 22 at the first opening 24. The dispensing device 16 includes a riser pipe 40, a valve 42 connectable to the riser pipe 40, a spout 44 connectable to the valve 42 for dispensing the fluid, and a tap lever 46.

In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 of the carrying device 14 simultaneously functions as a tap lever 46 for the dispensing device 16.

The valve 42, for example, is a 1-inch female standard valve. The riser pipe 40 has a first end 48, which serves as a fluid inlet, and a second end 50, which serves as a fluid release opening out of the riser pipe 40 and is connected to the valve 42. The first end 48 is preferably arranged on the base 20 of the fluid reservoir 12, such that even with low fluid levels in the fluid reservoir 12, fluid can enter the first end 48 of the riser pipe 40. It is understood that the riser pipe 40 and the valve 42 can be separate components, even though they are shown as a single component in FIG. 4.

The spout 44 is substantially L-shaped and has a first end 52 which can be connected to the valve 42 and a second end 54 which serves as a release opening for the fluid. The tubular first end 52 of the spout 44 has a lateral opening 56. The spout 44 is preferably made of plastics material.

The pressure regulating device 18 is arranged eccentrically on the lid 22 at the third opening 28. Preferably, the pressure regulating device 18 is attached to the third opening 28 by means of a snap connection. The pressure regulating device 18 includes an activation element 58 for activating the pressure regulating device 18, with a release opening 59, a first locking groove 57 and a second locking groove 61, a first housing seal 60, a first housing part 62 with a locking element 63 (referred to here as the “first locking element”), a second housing part seal 64, a first spring 66, an activation slide 68, an activation slide seal 70, a valve tappet seal 72, a valve tappet 74, a piercing element 76, a second spring 78, a piercing element seal 80, a gas cartridge 82 which is filled with a gas and which has a thread 83, and a second housing part 84.

The first housing part 62 has a through-bore 86, which in this case runs orthogonally to a longitudinal axis 88 of the first housing part 62, and a locking groove 90 (referred to here as the “third locking groove”). The second housing part 84 has a locking element 92 corresponding to the locking groove 90 (referred to here as the “second locking element”) and has the form of a half-open sleeve, which encloses the gas cartridge 82. When the second housing part 84 is connected to the first housing part 62, the locking element 92 engages in the locking groove 90, such that the second housing part 84 is attached to the first housing part 62.

Preferably, the gas cartridge is configured to hold CO2 as gas under a pressure of approximately 60 bar.

Furthermore, the barrel 10 has a filling cover 94 for closing off the second opening 26, which serves as a filling opening for filling the fluid into the fluid reservoir 12.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the barrel 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the storage state, and FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the barrel 10 shown in FIG. 1.

In the storage state, the carrying handle 32 faces the lid 22 and rests on the lid 22 and/or on the activation element 58 of the pressure regulating device 18 (FIG. 5, FIG. 6). The recess 152 of the carrying handle 32 is in contact with the activation element 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout 44 is not connected to the valve 42 in the storage state.

The carrying handle 32, which is pivotably mounted on the base 30, is pivotable relative to the fluid reservoir 12. In the carrying state (FIG. 2), the carrying handle 32 is hinged outward, i.e., spaced apart from the lid 22 and the activation element 58. A pivoting movement in the carrying state does not result in any actuation of valve 42. As such, the fluid reservoir 12 can be carried via the carrying handle 32 in the carrying state without fluid discharging from the valve 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 30 is attached to the valve 42 by means of a snap connection. Furthermore, an anti-rotation device 96 (referred to here as the “first anti-rotation device”) is arranged on the carrying device 14 and the fluid reservoir 12, which secures the carrying device 14 rotationally (about the longitudinal axis 23) to the fluid reservoir 12 (FIG. 5, FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, a depression is formed on the lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12, into which the base 30 engages. The depression is formed in this case as a bead 98. Due to the eccentric arrangement of the base 30 on the lid 22, the base 30 engaging in the bead 98 is rotationally secured. As such, the carrying handle 32 cannot rotate about the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12, and can only perform a defined pivoting movement or rotational movement about a pivoting axis or axis of rotation 100 (FIG. 5).

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8A show detailed views of the barrel 10 shown in FIG. 3. To transfer the barrel 10 from the storage state (FIG. 1) to the operating state (FIG. 3), the spout 44 is inserted through the opening 39 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (FIG. 4) into the valve 42 (connected state). The spout 44 is inserted into the valve 42 with a movement parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12. The spout 44 is then detachably connected to the valve 42 by means of a plug connection.

The fluid stored in the fluid reservoir 12 is discharged during dispensing through the riser pipe 40, the actuated valve 42, and finally through the spout 44 (FIG. 4).

The barrel has an anti-rotation device 102 (referred to here as the “second anti-rotation device”) which is arranged in the receptacle 38 and on the spout 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the spout 44 engages in the recess 35 of the receptacle 38 of the base 30 (FIG. 4, FIG. 7). As such, the spout 44 is rotationally secured in the connected state relative to the receptacle 38. This prevents the spout 44 from unintentionally rotating relative to the base 30 in the connected state, and thus also (due to the first anti-rotation device 96) the fluid reservoir 12.

As already mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrying handle 32 simultaneously functions as a tap lever 46 in the connected state, which is configured to actuate the valve 42. The same pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32, which did not lead to any activation of the valve 42 in the storage state, leads to an activation of the valve 42 in the connected state (FIG. 3, FIG. 7), such that the fluid can escape from the valve 42 and through the spout 44.

For this purpose, the carrying handle 32 has a first actuating portion 104 which, during the pivoting movement, is in contact with a second actuating portion 106 which is formed on the spout 44 (FIG. 8A). With the pivoting movement, the carrying handle 32 exerts a force on the second actuating portion 106 and thus on the spout 44 by means of the first actuating portion 104, which is accordingly pressed into the valve 42. Pressing in the spout 44 actuates the valve 42, allowing the fluid to exit the valve 42 into the spout 44 and be discharged through the spout 44.

FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C show a sectional view of FIG. 8A with the carrying handle 32 and the tap lever 46 in different positions in the connected state. The valve 42 has a piston 110, a spring 112 and a valve seal 114.

FIG. 8B is a neutral state in which the spout 44 is not pressed into the valve 42 and the valve 42 is therefore not actuated. It is understood that the carrying handle 32 in the neutral state may also be inclined at an angle other than that shown in FIG. 8B relative to the lid 22 and/or the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12.

FIG. 8C is a sectional view of FIG. 8A in a state in which the valve 42 is actuated. As already mentioned, during the pivoting movement, the first actuating portion 104 of the carrying handle 32 exerts force on the second actuating portion 106, which is arranged laterally on the spout 44 (not visible in this section plane). In this process, the second actuating portion 106, arranged on the spout 44, is clamped between the base 30 and the first actuating portion 104 of the carrying handle 32 during the pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32 (FIG. 8A). The receptacle 38 belonging to the base 30 and receiving the spout 44 can move along with the spout 44 due to the movable retaining arms 36 (FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B).

The carrying handle 32 thus presses the spout 44 into the valve 42, such that the valve 42 is actuated. In this process, the movably mounted piston 110 is pushed away from a valve seal 114 against a spring force exerted on the piston 110 by the spring 112. The pressurized fluid in the fluid reservoir 12 can then rise through the riser pipe 40 past the piston 110 and the valve seal 114 through the lateral opening 56 of the spout 44 into the spout 44 and be discharged to the outside through the spout 44.

The movable retaining arms 36 also function as a spring element 37. Therefore, to actuate the valve 42, the pivoting movement must be performed against the spring force exerted by the retaining arms 36, which is created by the movement of the retaining arms 36. This prevents unintentional actuation of the valve 42, and thus fluid discharge. At the same time, the spring force of the retaining arms 36 acts as a restoring force, which acts on the spout 44 and/or on the carrying handle 32, such that without manual force the valve 42 is automatically transferred from an actuated state to a non-actuated state.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show two opposing (rotated by 180° about the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12) side views of the carrying handle 32 in the carrying state.

The spout 44, which can be connected to the valve 42, is arranged in the carrying state and/or the storage state in a receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 designed as a recess (FIG. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the recess and/or receptacle 116 is designed as a half-open cavity 118, which forms the receptacle for the spout 44 and surrounds the spout 44 from multiple sides. In this embodiment, the greatest diameter of the tubular spout 44 is smaller than the largest depth of the half-open cavity 118 measured from an opening 119 of the half-open cavity 118. The spout 44 is thus completely arranged within the half-open cavity 118 and does not protrude beyond it. The spout 44 is therefore only exposed in the portion of the opening 119 of the half-open cavity 118 or the receptacle 116. If the carrying handle 32 is hinged inward and rests on the lid 22 and/or the pressure regulating device 18 (FIG. 1, FIG. 6), the opening 119 of the receptacle 116 facing the lid 22 is covered by the lid 22. As such, the spout 44 is protected against contamination from all sides.

The spout 44 is releasably attached to the receptacle 116. In this embodiment, the spout 44 is (releasably) clamped in the receptacle 116 to secure the spout 44 against unintentional removal from the receptacle.

To release the spout 44 from the receptacle 116 of the carrying handle 32 (in particular to connect the spout 44 to the valve 42 for dispensing), the spout 44 can be pressed out of the receptacle 116 from the side facing away from the receptacle 116. The carrying handle 32 has for this purpose a portion 120 with a first wall portion 122 and a second wall portion 124 (FIG. 11). The second wall portion 124 is movable relative to the first wall portion 120 and forms part of the receptacle 116 for the spout 44. Upon the exertion of a force, the second wall portion 124 moves relative to the first wall portion 122 and exerts a force on the spout 44, which detaches from the receptacle 116 due to the force.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show two barrels of the design shown in FIG. 1, stacked on top of each other. FIG. 12 shows the two barrels with interleaving cardboard 126 arranged between the two barrels 10, while FIG. 13 shows the two barrels 10 stacked on top of each other without the interleaving cardboard 126. The storage method with interleaving cardboard 126 is particularly suitable for empty or unfilled barrels 10.

The lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 has a rim 130 that surrounds the lid 22 and protrudes from the lid 22. The lid 22 and the rim 130 of the lid 22 together form a (half-open) space 128, which terminates at an exposed upper end 132 of the rim 130.

The rim 130 is integrally formed with the lid 22. The rim 130 can be formed, for example, by a deep drawing process of the lid 22, which is then flanged to the fluid reservoir 12, such that a crimped rim is created (FIG. 8B).

Measured from the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12 (FIG. 4), the rim 130 has a constant height along the circumferential direction (FIG. 12). The exposed end 132 of the rim 130 of the lid 22 thus runs in a plane that adjoins the space 128 and to which the longitudinal axis 23 (FIG. 4) of the fluid reservoir 12 runs orthogonally. The height of the rim 130 of the lid 22 is greater than the height of the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, in particular the valve 42 and the spout 44, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94, measured parallel to it. The spout 44 is arranged, for example, in the carrying handle 32 (FIG. 10). As such, the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94 can be arranged completely in the (half-open) space 128 and/or in the fluid reservoir 12. The rim 130 of the lid 22 also serves as protection for the components arranged in the space 128 against laterally acting mechanical stresses (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 23).

In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the carrying handle 32 measured from the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 is greater than the heights of the components of the dispensing device 16 (in particular the valve 42 and the spout 44) and the pressure regulating device 18 (in particular the activation element 58) arranged in the space 128, measured parallel to it. The carrying handle 32 can thus simultaneously serve as protection for the dispensing device 16 and the pressure regulating device 18 against mechanical loads from above.

The base 20 of the fluid reservoir 12 has a rim 134 that at least partially surrounds the base 20 and protrudes from the base 20. The rim 134 of the base 20 and the base 20 form a (half-open) space 136 (referred to here as the “second space”) which terminates with an exposed end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20. The rim 134 of the base 20 has a constant height along the circumferential direction. The exposed end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20 runs in a plane that adjoins the space 136 and to which the longitudinal axis 23 (FIG. 4) of the fluid reservoir 12 runs orthogonally. The barrel 10 can be set down on the exposed end 138 of the rim 134 of the base 20.

If, as in FIG. 12, interleaving cardboard 126 is used between two stacked barrels, the interleaving cardboard 126 is clamped between the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10 and the base 20 of the upper barrel 10 and/or the rim 134 of the base 20 of the upper barrel 10. The weight of the upper barrel 10 is borne by the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10. The space 128, in which the carrying device 14, the components belonging to the dispensing device 16, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94 of the lower barrel 10 are (partially) arranged, is closed off by the interleaving cardboard 126. This means the barrel 10 can be stacked compactly.

In a stacked state without interleaving cardboard (FIG. 13), the rim 130 of the lid 22 and the rim 134 of the base 20 also act as a centering aid. The rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10 engages in the second space 136 of the upper barrel 10. The inner diameter of the rim 134 of the base 20 is greater than the outer diameter of the rim 130 of the lid 22. The smaller the difference between the outer diameter of the rim 130 of the lid 22 and the inner diameter of the rim 134 of the base 20, the more precisely the two barrel are aligned with each other. Ideally, the longitudinal axes 23 (FIG. 4) of the barrels 10 coincide.

In FIG. 13, the base 20 of the upper barrel 10 rests on the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10. The weight of the upper barrel 10 is thus absorbed by the rim 130 of the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10. The carrying device 14, the dispensing device 16 with the valve 42, the spout 44 and the tap lever 46, the pressure regulating device 18 and the filling cover 94 of the lower barrel 10 are arranged in the space 128 of the lower barrel 10 and/or in the fluid reservoir 12 and are thus accommodated in a space-saving manner. The space 128 is closed off in FIG. 13 by the base 20 of the upper barrel 10. This allows for optimal stackability even without the use of interleaving cardboard 126, while simultaneously allowing a practical arrangement of all components of the barrel 10. As in FIG. 12, the components arranged in the space 128 of the lower barrel 10 are protected from contamination and mechanical stress.

In this embodiment, the carrying handle 32 forms a support surface 140 parallel to the base 20 in the storage state. The interleaving cardboard 126 (FIG. 12) and/or the base 20 of the upper barrel 10 (FIG. 13) can therefore rest not only on the lid 22 of the lower barrel 10, but also on the support surface 140 of the carrying handle 32 of the lower barrel 10.

FIG. 14A to 14D show the pressure regulating device 18 in different states. FIG. 14A shows the pressure regulating device in a non-regulating state, in which the pressure regulating device 18 does not regulate the internal pressure; FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C show the pressure regulating device 18 in different regulating states; and FIG. 14D shows the pressure regulating device 18 in a safety state, in which the pressure regulating device 18 also serves as a pressure relief device.

In the non-regulating state (FIG. 14A) in this embodiment the gas cartridge 82 of the pressure regulating device 18 is already punctured. This occurs when the gas cartridge 82 with the thread 83 (FIG. 4) is screwed into the first housing part 62. During the screwing process, the piercing element 76, arranged in the first housing part 62, is pressed against and into the gas cartridge 82. The gas thus escaping from the gas cartridge 82 is sealed against an interior space 146 of the fluid reservoir 12 and against a space 150 (referred to here as the “second space”) by means of the valve tappet 74, which is pressed against the valve tappet seal 72 by the spring 78.

The activation element 58 is designed here as a button which, in the non-regulating state, stands out from the lid 22 (along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir) (FIG. 14A). In the non-regulating state (FIG. 14A) the activation element 58 is connected to the first housing part 62 by means of a snap connection. The second locking groove 61 of the activation element 58 engages in the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62. The recess 152 of the carrying handle 32 has a portion 154 which rests on the activation element 58. The rest of the carrying handle 32 is spaced apart from the lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 (FIG. 14A). The carrying handle 32 is thus arranged in a space-saving manner in the non-regulating state. The (entire) carrying handle 32 is arranged within the space 128 without extending beyond the rim 130 of the lid 22 along the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12. This prevents unintentional pressure on the carrying handle 32, which could lead to activation of the pressure regulating device 18.

The pressure regulating device 18 can be activated by means of the activation element 58 and, thus, switched from a non-regulating state to a regulating state. For this purpose, the activation element 58 is pressed into the housing 62, 84 of the pressure regulating device 18 as a button. In this embodiment, the first locking groove 57 of the activation element 58 is pressed into the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62, and the second locking groove 61 of the activation element 58 is pushed out of the locking element 63 (FIG. 14B). In the illustrated embodiment, the activation element 58 is actuated by means of a pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32. In the non-regulating state (FIG. 14A), this lies with a portion 154 thereof on the activation element 58. Upon the exertion of force, the portion 154 of the carrying handle 32 can be pressed onto the activation element 58 by means of the pivoting movement, such that the first locking groove 57 of the activation element 58 is pressed into the locking element 63 of the first housing part 62.

The dimensions of the carrying handle 32 and the distance of the grip portion of the carrying handle 32 from its mount on the base 30 are chosen such that pressing on the carrying handle 32 in the storage state or the non-regulating state leads to a small pivoting movement, in which the activation element 58 is pressed downwards by means of the carrying handle 32 and the pressure regulating device 18 is thereby activated. In particular, the distance of the portion 154 of the carrying handle 32 to the pivot axis 100 (FIG. 5) is the same as the distance of the activation element 58 to the pivot axis 100.

In the regulating state, the carrying handle 32 rests on the lid 22 of the fluid reservoir 12 (FIG. 14B), with the portion 154 of the carrying handle 32 further resting on the activation element 58. The lid 22 acts as a stop element that limits the pivoting movement of the carrying handle 32. In this embodiment, the activation element 58 lies in the same plane as the first housing part 62 in the regulating state of the pressure regulating device (FIG. 14B).

By pressing the activation element 58 into the first housing part 62, the first spring 66, which is arranged in a spring chamber 148 between the activation element 58 and the activation slide 68 which is movably mounted in the first housing part 62, is pressed towards the activation slide 68. The first spring 66 therefore exerts a greater force on the activation slide 68 in the regulating state than in the non-regulating state. The spring chamber 148 is sealed against the space 150 by means of a spring chamber seal 70, which is attached to the movable activation slide 68 and which is movable with the activation slide 68.

The fluid can flow in and out of the space 150 from the interior 146 of the fluid reservoir 12 through the through-bores 86. A counterforce on the movably mounted activation slide 68 is thus exerted by and depending on the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12. The counterforce corresponds to the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 multiplied by the area projected in the space 150 in the direction of movement of the activation slide 68 (along the longitudinal axis 88 (FIG. 4) of the first housing part 62, here parallel to the longitudinal axis 23 of the fluid reservoir 12) on which the fluid acts.

It is understood that the activation slide 68 does not necessarily have to contact the valve tappet 74 in the regulating state without gas release, even though this is shown in FIG. 14B.

FIG. 14C shows the pressure regulating device 18 in the regulating state with gas release from the gas cartridge 82. If the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 drops to a critical value, the spring force of the first spring 66—together with a synergistically acting weight force caused by the weight of the activation slide 68 and the weight of all components bearing on the activation slide 68, such as the first spring 66—can overcome the counterforce exerted by the fluid. The first spring 66 then pushes (together with the force of gravity) the activation slide 68 against the counterforce of the fluid towards the valve tappet 74. If the activation slide 68 exerts a sufficiently high force on the valve tappet 74, the valve tappet 74 is pushed into the gas cartridge 82 and away from the valve tappet seal 72 against a spring force of the second spring 78, such that the gas from the gas cartridge 82 can flow past the valve tappet 74 and the valve tappet seal 72 into the space 150; the valve tappet 74 is accordingly actuated.

The escaping gas increases the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 until the counterforce generated by the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 on the activation slide 68 exceeds the spring force of the first spring 66 (plus the weight force acting on the activation slide 68). If the counterforce of the fluid prevails, the activation slide 68 moves away from the valve tappet 74, whereupon the valve tappet 74 is moved back towards the valve tappet seal 72 due to the spring force of the second spring 78, until the valve tappet seal 72 seals the gas cartridge 82 against the space 150, and the gas escape from the gas cartridge 82 is interrupted.

The use of such a pressure regulating device 18 with a gas cartridge 82 carries the risk that, due to a malfunction, gas may escape uncontrollably from the gas cartridge 82, and the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 may rise excessively. Under excessively high internal pressure, the fluid reservoir 12 could deform and, for example, leak or even burst through the opening of the crimp joint between the lid 22 and the fluid reservoir 12 (FIG. 8B). For safety reasons, it is therefore necessary to provide a pressure relief apparatus through which the excessive pressure can be released to the outside.

FIG. 14D shows the pressure regulating device 18 in a safety state. If the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 reaches a critical value, the (counter-)force exerted by the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12 pushes the activation slide 68 against the spring force of the first spring 66 (and against the weight force acting on the activation slide 68) towards the activation element 58. The first housing part 62 has a conical cross-section, the inner diameter of which increases towards an exposed end of the first housing part 62. As the activation slide 68 moves towards the exposed end, the gas can flow past the spring chamber seal 70, which in the regulating state seals the space 150 against the spring chamber 148. The gas can then flow out through the release opening 59 from the housing 62, 84 of the pressure regulating device 18 to the outside, thus reducing the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir 12.

When the internal pressure is sufficiently reduced, the spring force of the first spring 66 (plus the weight force) outweighs the counterforce resulting from the internal pressure on the activation slide 68, such that the activation slide 68 moves away from the activation element 58 towards the valve tappet 74, the spring chamber seal 70 seals the spring chamber 148 again against the space 150, and the pressure regulating device 18 is returned from the safety state to the regulating state.

It is understood that the embodiments shown in the figures merely represent exemplary configurations of the barrel, which are intended to illustrate the advantages of the barrel. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below. Various modifications can be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the dispensing device may have a differently designed valve than the (standard) valve shown. Furthermore, the carrying handle may have a different shape than shown and/or no grip recess. Similarly, the carrying handle can also be movable in a straight line relative to the fluid reservoir, instead of being pivotable or rotatable. Furthermore, the rim of the lid and/or the rim of the base may be discontinuous and, for example, have a discontinuous height. Furthermore, the dispensing device can be arranged at a different point on the fluid reservoir than on the lid (e.g., on the side of the fluid reservoir). Similarly, the gas cartridge can be pierced simultaneously with the actuation of the activation element and/or the activation of the pressure regulating device.

Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended claims.

As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “e.g.,” “for instance,” “such as,” and “like,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended, meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.