KEG PROTECTION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A keg protection assembly is disclosed. The keg protection assembly includes a top-chime for protecting a head portion of a plastics keg, a bottom-chime for protecting a base portion of the keg, a sleeve, and/or a keg. The sleeve is for fitment to and between the top-chime and the bottom-chime so as to encircle and protect a body portion of the keg between the head portion and the base portion.

Claims

1. A keg protection assembly comprising: a top-chime for protecting a head portion of a plastics keg; a bottom-chime for protecting a base portion of the keg; and a sleeve for fitment to and between the top-chime and the bottom-chime so as to encircle and protect a body portion of the keg between the head portion and the base portion.

2. The keg protection assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top-chime and bottom-chime comprise a sleeve holder arranged to receive and hold the sleeve to the respective chime, the sleeve holder defining a circumferential groove into which the sleeve can be inserted.

3. The keg protection assembly of claim 2, wherein the sleeve holder comprises a first set of engagement structures, and the sleeve comprises a second set of engagement structures complementarily positioned and formed relative to the first set of engagement structures to allow mutual engagement between the first and second set of engagement structures when the sleeve is push-fitted into the circumferential groove of the sleeve holder.

4. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed from a unitary piece of sheet material looped onto itself.

5. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed from a sheet material having a printed surface printed with indicia, the printed surface corresponding to an outwardly-facing surface of the sleeve.

6. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top-chime is arranged to hold a neck at the head portion of the keg.

7. The keg protection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the top-chime is arranged to provide access to an outlet defined by the neck of the keg, thereby allowing beverage to be dispensed from the keg whilst the top-chime holds the neck of the keg.

8. The keg protection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the top-chime comprises jaws movable between open and closed relative positions, the jaws together defining a collar when in the closed position to embrace and engage the neck of the keg, and being parted to release the neck of the keg when in the open position.

9. The keg protection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the top-chime is divided into substantially identical first and second parts each part having a respective jaw of the collar.

10. The keg protection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the jaws comprise an interface through which they are engaged with one another in the closed position.

11. The keg protection assembly according to claim 10, wherein the interface comprises mating formations which engage with one another when the jaws are brought together relative to one another along an engagement axis, the mating formations being arranged to constrain relative movement of the jaws, when in the closed position, substantially to the engagement axis.

12. The keg protection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the top-chime comprises one or more locks arranged to engage with the jaws when in the closed position, to lock the closed jaws together.

13. The keg protection assembly according to claim 6, wherein the top-chime comprises a crown portion.

14. The keg protection assembly according to claim 13, wherein the crown portion extends above a collar for holding the neck of the keg, the crown portion extending a distance exceeding the distance that the neck of the keg is able to protrude through the collar when the collar holds the keg neck.

15. The keg protection assembly according to claim 13, wherein the crown portion defines at least one handle to facilitate manual handling of the assembly.

16. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top-chime and the bottom-chime are complementary in shape so as to facilitate stacking of a plurality of the assemblies according to claim 1, the complementary shape of the top-chime and the bottom-chime confining the relative movement between two stacked assemblies along a single axis.

17. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the plastics keg.

18. The keg protection assembly according to claim 17, wherein the keg is blow-moulded from a preform of plastics.

19. The keg protection assembly according to claim 17, wherein the capacity of the keg is between 15 and 50 litres, and a sidewall thickness of the body portion of the keg is between 0.3-0.8 mm.

20. The keg protection assembly according to claim 17, wherein the keg is freestanding.

21. The keg protection assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fitting, the fitting comprising: a. a closure for connection to an outlet of the keg; and b. an elongate tube for insertion into the keg, the elongate tube having an inner conduit for beverage; wherein, when fitted to the keg, an inner end of the elongate tube is located adjacent to an internal floor at the base portion of the keg for passing beverage from said inner end, through said conduit and to the closure for dispensing.

22. The keg protection assembly according to claim 21, wherein the closure comprises a valve that defines multiple flow paths through the closure, a first flow path for communication with a headspace of the keg and a second flow path for communication with the inner conduit of the elongate tube.

23. A top-chime, bottom-chime, sleeve and/or keg for use with the keg protection assembly according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keg protection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprising a top-chime, a bottom-chime, a sleeve and a keg, the outline of the sleeve shown laid over the other components of keg protection assembly;

[0097] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the keg of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in isolation;

[0098] FIG. 3 is an underneath view of the keg of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in isolation;

[0099] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fitting for the assembly of FIG. 1, the fitting shown in isolation;

[0100] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

[0101] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 shown without the keg, shown without a jaw of the top-chime and with the sleeve shown in transparent form;

[0102] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the top-chime shown in isolation;

[0103] FIG. 8a is an overhead view of two jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaws being parted, and shown in isolation;

[0104] FIG. 8b is an underneath view of the jaws of FIG. 7, the jaws being closed.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly of FIG. 1 shown without the keg;

[0106] FIG. 9a is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 at an upper region of the sleeve where it meets the top-chime;

[0107] FIG. 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 at a lower region of the sleeve where it meets the bottom-chime;

[0108] FIG. 10a is a perspective underneath view of one of jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaw shown in isolation;

[0109] FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view of one of the jaws of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1 fitted to the keg, the top-chime and keg shown in isolation;

[0110] FIG. 11 is a perspective overhead view of the keg and bottom-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the keg shown in outline form;

[0111] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of a clip-receiving region of a jaw of the top-chime of the assembly of FIG. 1, the jaw shown in isolation;

[0112] FIG. 13 is a partial front view of the clip-receiving region of the jaw shown in FIG. 12;

[0113] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective front view of the clip-receiving region of the jaw shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a locking clip provided in place at the clip-receiving region;

[0114] FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of the clip as shown in FIG. 14, the clip shown in isolation;

[0115] FIG. 16 is an underneath view of the clip of FIG. 15;

[0116] FIG. 17 is an underneath perspective view of the keg protection assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0117] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of two assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 1 aligned for stacking.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

[0118] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keg protection assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly 1 being suitable for storing, transporting and dispensing of beverages such as beer. The assembly 1 may be used as part of a two-way beverage distribution system in which the assembly 1 is filled with beverage, sent to a beverage retailer for beverage dispensing and then returned for washing and refilling. Alternatively, the assembly may be used as part of a one-way beverage distribution system in which the assembly is recycled, with the different materials and components of the assembly 1 being easily separated to facilitate recycling.

[0119] The assembly 1 comprises a thin-walled translucent keg 10 for containing beer, a top-chime 30 for protecting a head portion 15 of the keg 10, a bottom-chime 40 for protecting a base portion 14 of the keg 10, and a sleeve 20 for protect a body portion 13 of the keg 10 between the head portion 15 and the base portion 14. The sleeve 20, top-chime 30 and bottom-chime 40 fit together to effectively define an opaque protection shell around the keg 10. This shell encases most of the keg 10, leaving only a cylindrical neck 12 of the keg 10 accessible. The neck 12 defines an outlet 11 through which beer can be pumped into or out from the keg 10. Therefore, the assembly 1 can be used to store, transport and dispense beer without the need for the keg 10 to be separated from the rest of the assembly 1. The assembly 1 also comprises other components as will be described further below, such as a fitting and a sealing O-ring which are omitted from FIG. 1.

[0120] The keg 10 is constructed from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is stretch blow-moulded from a preform. The top-chime 30 and bottom-chime 40 are constructed from injection-moulded HDPE (high-density polyethylene). The sleeve 20 is constructed from a corrugated polypropylene sheet material. In alternatives, other such lightweight materials may be used. For example, the keg 10 may be constructed from other plastics materials suitable for containing beverages, such as PEN (polyethylene naphthalate).

[0121] The body portion 13 of the keg 10 is substantially cylindrical, having a circular horizontal section, the radius of that circle extending orthogonally from a central longitudinal axis X. The central longitudinal axis X extends centrally through the base portion 14 of the keg 10 below the body portion 13, and the dome-shaped head portion 15 of the keg 10 above the body portion 13. The keg is thin-walled, with the side-wall of the body portion 13 being approximately 0.5 mm in thickness. The capacity of the keg is approximately 30 litres. In alternatives, the keg may have a different capacity, but will typically be between 15 and 42 litres as is convenient for beer kegs.

[0122] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the keg 10 in isolation, and FIG. 3 shows an underneath view of the keg 10 in isolation. As can be seen, the base portion 14 of the keg 10 comprises a self-standing petaloid base 14a which includes integrally-moulded blister-like feet disposed in a petaloid arrangement. The feet are defined by five hollow ovoid foot formations 14b that radiate equi-angularly from a generally pentagonal central strengthening formation 14c on the longitudinal axis X. Therefore, the keg 10 can self-stand upright, with its longitudinal axis X normal to the ground. Advantageously, this minimises the floor-space occupied by the keg.

[0123] The features and advantages of such a petaloid base 14a are described in further detail in the Applicant's United Kingdom Patent No. 2479451 and applications and patents derived from the Applicant's International (PCT) Patent Application No. PCT/EP2011/055383. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated by reference herein to the extent permitted by applicable law.

[0124] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the head portion 15 of the keg 10 is surmounted by the neck 12, the neck 12 supporting a lower circumferential ridge 16a and an upper circumferential ridge 16b each of which protrudes radially outward from a cylindrical exterior surface of the neck 12. The top-chime 30 of the assembly 1 is secured to the neck 12 of the keg 10 axially below the lower circumferential ridge 16a as will described.

[0125] For the avoidance of doubt, hereinafter, reference to an axially upward direction corresponds to a direction from the base portion 14 of the keg 10 upwards towards the neck 12 and an axially downward direction corresponds to a direction from the neck 12 of the keg 10 downward towards the base portion 14. The same directions and orientations apply to the other components of the assembly 1 on the assumption that they are fitted to the keg 10 with their respective longitudinal axes X aligned as shown in FIG. 1.

[0126] The keg 10 is generally rotationally symmetric about longitudinal axis X, by order five. The base portion 14 and the cylindrical body portion 13 are joined via a first transition portion that curves smoothly without any distinct discontinuities from the base portion 14 to the body portion 13. A second smoothly curving transition portion joins the body portion 13 to the head portion 15 of the keg 10. The smooth contours of the keg 10 facilitate washing of the interior of the keg prior to refilling it with beverage. Furthermore, the smooth contours improve the pressure resistance of the keg 10 which is typically subject to a super-atmospheric dispensing pressure, as is common in the draught beverage dispensing industry. Specifically, the keg 10 is likely to be regularly subject to internal operating pressures of 0.5 to 3.5 bar, and for safety, the keg 10 should be capable of withstand internal pressures as high as 7 to 9 bar.

[0127] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a fitting 80 for the assembly 1 of FIG. 1, the fitting shown in isolation. The fitting 80 comprises a closure 81 arranged to be fitted to the neck 12 of the keg 10, and a dip-tube or spear 82. The closure 81 comprises a snap-ring 81a that resiliently engages the upper circumferential ridge 16b of the neck 12 of the keg 10. When the closure 81 is fitted to the keg 10, the spear 82 is located inside the keg 10 and extends from the closure 81 along the longitudinal axis X to the base portion 14 of the keg 10. In this position, an open end 83 of the spear 82 is positioned a few millimetres away from internal floor of the keg 10 at the base portion 14. Accordingly, and together with the upright orientation of the standing keg, the amount of beverage extractable from the keg 10 via the spear 82 can be maximised. The assembly 1 further comprises an O-ring sealing member (not shown) that is captured between the neck 12 of the keg 10 and the fitting 80 for sealing.

[0128] The snap-ring 81a ensures that after the fitting 80 has been attached to the neck 12 of the keg 10, it cannot be removed again without rendering tamper-evidencing damage to the fitting 80.

[0129] As mentioned, the neck 12 of the keg 10 to which the fitting 80 is attached remains accessible, even when the keg protection assembly 1 is fully assembled. Thus, the fitting 80 can be readily accessed to receive a dispense head or a filling head for use in extracting or filling the keg 10 with beverage. As is known, for draught beverages such as beer, the dispensing head introduces a pressurised gas into the headspace of the keg 10 to propel the beverage within the keg 10 through the open end 93 of the spear 82, up and out of the keg 10, via the dispensing head to a beer font.

[0130] FIG. 5 is perspective overhead view of the assembly 1 of FIG. 1. The top-chime 30 comprises a first jaw 30a and second jaw 30b. These pair of jaws 30a, 30b are shown in FIG. 5 assembled together to define a collar that engages the neck 12 of the keg 10, the collar being trapped axially below the lower circumferential ridge 16a. First and second locking clips 31a, 31b secure the jaws 30a, 30b together as will be described in greater detail below.

[0131] FIG. 6 is a similar perspective view as shown in FIG. 5. However, the second jaw 30b and the second locking clip 31b of the top-chime 30 are omitted, and the sleeve 20 is shown in transparent form to allow viewing of the interior of the bottom-chime 40 which would otherwise be obscured.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the top-chime 30 of the assembly of FIG. 1, the top-chime 30 shown in isolation. The cross-section is taken along a plane parallel to, but offset from the longitudinal axis, as represented by section line VII-VII in FIG. 8a.

[0133] FIG. 8a is an overhead view of two jaws 30a, 30b of the top-chime 30 of the assembly 1 of FIG. 1, the jaws shown in isolation and being parted from one another. FIG. 8b is an underneath view of the jaws 30a, 30b of FIG. 7, the jaws being closed to define the collar. FIGS. 8a and 8b do not show the locking clips 31a, 31b.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the assembled top-chime 30 comprises a broadly annular top-wall 32 centred on the central longitudinal axis X and which extends radially outward from that axis X. The collar is effectively defined by the central opening of the annular top-wall 32. The central opening is smaller than the radially-protruding circumferential ridge 16b around the neck 15 of the keg 10. Therefore, when the collar is trapped between the ridge 16b and the head portion 15 of the keg 10, the top-chime 30 is secured to the keg 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 7, the top-wall 32 is not completely flat, but rather is gently domed so that the top-wall 32 is axially higher adjacent the radially inner collar than at the radially outer periphery of the top-wall 32. At the periphery of the top-wall 32, it joins with a cylindrical inner side-wall 33, the inner side-wall 33 extending axially upwards from it. The inner side-wall 33 flares radially outwards at its axially-uppermost extremity to join smoothly to a flat axially upwardly-facing annular shoulder 34 which acts as a stable support surface when the keg protection assembly 1 is stood in an inverted position.

[0136] The shoulder 34 transitions at it radially outermost position into an outer side-wall 35 which tapers gently outward as it extends axially downward from the shoulder 34, extending axially below the top-wall 32.

[0137] The inner and outer side-walls 33, 35 are spaced from one another concentrically and together with the shoulder 34 form a crown portion which encircles and protects the exposed neck 12 of the keg 10 as shown in FIG. 5. Two passages 37, 38 located at diametrically opposed positions about the crown portion extend through from the inner side-wall to the outer side-wall 33, 35. Each passage 37, 38 has a respective frame 37a, 38a bridging the void between the inner and outer side-walls 33, 35.

[0138] The passages 37, 38 effectively define handle openings. Specifically, the top-chime 30 is provided with handles axially above each passage 37, 38 which facilitate manual handling of the assembly 1.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 8a, at these handles, the outer side-wall 35 is interrupted by an array of strut formations 35a which cross-link an upper part of each frame 37a, 38a, the shoulder 34, and the inner side-wall 33. Thus, the strut formations 35a reinforce and impart rigidity to the handles.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8b, the underside of the top-chime 30 generally defines a concave socket into which the dome-shaped head portion 15 of the keg 10 can be received. Within this socket, twelve fins 60 radiate out from the collar to a radially inwardly-facing surface of the outer side-wall 35. The fins 60 lie within equi-angularly spaced planes extending radially from the central longitudinal axis X originating from the centre point of the collar. Accordingly, adjacent fins 60 are angled approximately thirty degrees to one another about the central longitudinal axis X, although the number of fins 60 and the angles between them are not essential to the invention. The fins 60 are also joined to the top-wall 32, the inner side-wall 33 and the shoulder 34. Thus, the fins 60 are reinforcing webs or flanges that strengthen the top-chime 30 with minimal material usage.

[0141] The underside of the fins 60 are contoured in complement with the substantially dome-shaped convex head portion 15 of the keg 10. Thus, if the keg protection assembly is stood in an inverted orientation, the weight of the keg 10 can be supported by the fins 60, and distributed across the head portion 15.

[0142] At their axially lower ends, each fin 60 comes away from the outer side-wall 35 to define a slot 61. Together with the outer side-wall 35, the slots 61 define a circumferential groove into which the sleeve can be partially inserted into the top-chime 30.

[0143] Moreover, in the region of the slots 61, the fins 60 buttress a radially inwardly-facing wall 21 of the sleeve 20 whilst the axially lower end of the outer side-wall 35 supports a radially outwardly-facing wall 22 of the sleeve 20.

[0144] The slots 61 are tapered inward toward a terminus 62 where each slot 61 ends and a respective fin 60 meets the outer side-wall 35. Thus, the circumferential groove narrows facilitating guiding of the sleeve 20 into place.

[0145] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the sleeve 20 is in place, an upper edge 23 of the sleeve 20 abuts each of the terminuses 62. The top-chime 30 also comprises six stop formations 63 protruding from the radially inwardly-facing surface of the outer side-wall 35. The stop formations 63 also abut the upper edge 23 of the sleeve 20 when in place, further increasing the reliable registration between the top-chime 30 and the sleeve 20. The stop formations 63 lie within equi-angularly spaced planes extending radially from the central longitudinal axis X at sixty degrees from one another, each stop formation 63 being spaced an equal distance from two adjacent fins 60.

[0146] FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the keg protection assembly 1 of FIG. 1 shown without the keg. The cross-section plane is along the longitudinal axis X, but orthogonal to the cross-section plane of FIG. 1 such that the handles are bisected by the cross-section plane. FIG. 9a is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 the top-chime 30 and sleeve 20 at an upper region 20a of the sleeve 20 and FIG. 9b is an enlarged partial perspective view of FIG. 9 showing the bottom-chime 40 and sleeve 20 at a lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8b and FIG. 9a, similarly distributed, and axially below the stop formations 63 are six engagement structures 65 of the top-chime 30 for engaging with the sleeve 20 so that when the sleeve 20 is inserted in to the top-chime 30, it can be retained thereto. The engagement structures 65 marry up with complementarily-distributed holes 25 provided at the upper region 20a of the sleeve 20, with the engagement structures 65 snap-fitting therein to lock the sleeve 20 to the top-chime 30 when the sleeve 20 is push-fit to the top-chime 30. A similar arrangement of holes 25 are also provided at the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.

[0148] The circumferential groove, as defined by the slots 61 and the stop formations 63, and the engagement structures 65 thus work together as a sleeve holder for receiving, correctly aligning and holding the sleeve 20 to the top-chime 30.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 6, the sleeve 20 is made from a unitary flat rectangular sheet of corrugated polypropylene that is looped back on to itself to form the cylindrical shape of the sleeve 20 as shown in FIG. 6. Moreover, ends of the flat sheet are bonded together at a seam 26. To simplify manufacture, the holes 25 are punched prior to looping the flat sheet. Additionally, indicia such branding can be printed onto a printing surface of the flat sheet prior to looping it, the printing surface forming the external, radially outwardly-facing wall of the sleeve 20. The corrugated sheet of polypropylene is relatively inexpensive, and less dense than the material from which the top-chime 30 and bottom chime 40 are constructed. The sheet has a partly hollow construction comprising two major leaves of polypropylene held apart by integral cross-links. When in place around the keg 10, the cylindrical sleeve 20 extends along and is centred on the longitudinal axis X.

[0150] Referring back to FIG. 1, the bottom-chime 40 comprises an axially-upper side-wall 42 surmounting and integral with an axially-lower tray portion 44. The side-wall 42 of the bottom-chime 40 is formed as a stack of hollow frustocones which taper inwards progressively towards the tray portion 44. Specifically, a first axially-upper frustocone 42a tapers in gently towards a second axially-lower frustocone 42b having a steeper taper in toward and joining on to the tray portion 44. The tray portion 44 has an outer cylindrical wall portion 44a and an inner cylindrical wall portion 44b which are concentric and centred about the longitudinal axis X. These cylindrical wall portions 44a, 44b have the same axial length, and are joined together at their axially lowermost extent by an axially downward-facing annular rim 44c on which the keg protection assembly 1 stands in an upright orientation as shown in FIG. 1. The inner cylindrical wall portion 44b at its axially uppermost extent is capped by a disc 44d of the tray portion 44.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 11, which is a perspective overhead view of the keg 10 and bottom-chime 40, the bottom-chime 40, resting on its rim 44c, effectively forms a bowl that cups and protects the base portion 14 of the keg 10. Thus, the bottom-chime 40 defines defining a concave socket into which the base portion 14 of the keg 10 can be received; this is similar to the way that the top-chime 30 receives the head portion 15 of the keg 10.

[0152] In a similar manner, the bottom-chime 40 comprises eighteen fins 70 within the socket, radiating out from the disc 44d to a radially inwardly-facing surface of the bottom-chime side-wall 42. The fins 70 lie within equi-angularly spaced planes extending radially from the central longitudinal axis X originating from the centre point of the disc 44d. Accordingly, adjacent fins 70 are angled approximately twenty degrees to one another about the central longitudinal axis X, although the number of fins 70 and the angles between them are not essential to the invention. The fins 70 cross-link the side-wall 42 and the tray portion 44 and so are reinforcing webs or flanges that strengthen the bottom-chime 40 with minimal material usage.

[0153] Referring back to FIG. 1, the fins 70 are contoured in complement with the substantially convex base portion 14 and feet 14b of the keg 10 so that the weight of the keg 10 can be supported by the fins 80 when the keg protection assembly 1 is stood in an upright orientation.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 9, 9a and 9b, the bottom-chime 40 supports structures similar to the top-chime 30 for holding and retaining the sleeve 20, and so engagement between the bottom-chime 40 and the sleeve 20 is similar to that of the top-chime 30 and the sleeve 20 as described above.

[0155] In particular, each fin 70 of the bottom-chime 40 defines a slot 71, the slots together with the first axially-upper frustocone 42a part of the side-wall 42 defining a circumferential groove into which the lower region of the sleeve 20 can be partially inserted into the bottom-chime 40. The circumferential groove is shaped to guide the sleeve 20 into place. When in place, a lower edge 27 of the sleeve 20 sits within the groove. As the bottom-chime 40 has more fins 70 than the top-chime 30, stop formations need not be provided on the bottom-chime 40 to achieve reliable registration and alignment of the sleeve 20 to the bottom-chime 40.

[0156] The bottom-chime 40 comprises six engagement structures 75 for engaging with the complementarily-distributed holes 25 at the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20. These work in conjunction with the fins 70 to act as a sleeve holder for receiving, correctly aligning and holding the sleeve 20 to the bottom-chime 40.

[0157] The engagement structure 75 shown in FIG. 9b is representative of the other engagement structures 75 of the bottom-chime 40 in that it has a ramped surface 75a and a latch formation 75b. The ramped surface 75a faces in an axially upward, radially inward direction such that the lower edge 27 of the sleeve 20 can easily slide past it during insertion of the sleeve 20 into the bottom-chime 40. When the sleeve 20 is fully inserted as shown in FIG. 9b, the hole 25 frames the engagement structure 75 and cooperates with the latch formation 75b to secure the sleeve 20 to the bottom-chime 40.

[0158] Naturally, the engagement structures 65 of the top-chime 30 are arranged in a similar way. Referring to FIG. 9a, a ramped surface 65a of the shown engagement structure 65 faces in an axially downward, radially inward direction such that the upper edge 23 of the sleeve can easily slide past it during insertion of the sleeve 20 into the top-chime 30. When the sleeve 20 is fully inserted as shown in FIG. 9a, the hole 25 frames the engagement structure 65 and cooperates with the latch formation 65b to secure the sleeve 20 to the top-chime 30.

[0159] Typically, during assembly of the top-chime 30, sleeve 20 and bottom-chime 40 around the keg 10, the top-chime 30 is firstly fitted to the neck 12 of the keg 10. The combined keg 10 and top-chime 30 may be inverted so that the upper region 20a of the sleeve 20 can be slid into and engaged with the top-chime 30, and then the bottom-chime 40 can be slid over and engaged with the lower region 20b of the sleeve 20.

[0160] A central region of the sleeve 20, between the upper region 20a and the lower region 20b is not obscured following insertion of the sleeve 20 into the chimes. Thus, the central region is able to display branding.

[0161] To fit the top-chime 30 to the neck 12 of the keg 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the top-chime 30 is assembled around the neck 12 of the keg 10 from its component parts, namely: the first jaw 30a, the second jaw 30b, the first locking clip 31a and the second locking clip 31b. These component parts, when assembled, define the general structure of the top-chime 30 as described above. It should be noted that the general structure of the top-chime 30 is predominantly defined by the two mated jaws 30a, 30b, with the locking clips 31a, 31b securing the jaws 30a, 30b together.

[0162] Each of these components of the top-chime 30 is formed from an integral piece of injection-moulded plastic material. Moreover, each jaw 30a, 30b is identical to one another, simplifying manufacture, in that the jaws can be made from the same mould. Additionally, assembly of a series of keg protection assemblies is also simplified as there is no need to identify a matching pair of different jaws from an unsorted pile. Each locking clip 31a, 31b is identical to one another also, with the same resultant advantages. Thus, where the description below refers to a feature on a first jaw 30a, or first locking clip 31a, it will be understood that the same features is present on the respective second jaw 30b, or second locking clip 31b.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 8a, the first jaw 30a comprises opposed clip-receiving regions 90 for receiving part of the locking clips 31a, 31b, and also an interface 50 via which the first jaw 30a can be mated with the second jaw 30b. The interface 50 comprises mating formations such as: an upper peg 51a, a lower peg 51b, a first catch formation 53a, a second catch formation 53b, a third catch formation 53c, a fourth catch formation 53d, a first tab 53e and a second tab 53f. FIG. 10b is a partial perspective view the first jaw 30a in place on the keg 10. As shown, each of the catch formations 53a-d comprises a ridge axially upstanding from its ends. The tabs 53e, 53f do not have ridges.

[0164] FIG. 10a is a perspective underneath view of the first jaw 30a and shows additional mating formations: an upper socket 52a, a lower socket 52b, a first keep 55a, a second keep 55b, a third keep 55c and a fourth keep 55d.

[0165] The mating formations are positioned about the interface 50 of the first jaw 30a so that when the first jaw 30a is opposite the second jaw 30b, each mating formation on one jaw can be mated with one or more complementary mating formations on the other jaw. In particular, the upper and lower pegs 51a, 51b of one jaw mate with the corresponding respective upper and lower sockets 52a, 52b on the other jaw. The catch formations and the tabs intermesh 53a-f as shown in FIG. 8b, and the first, second, third and fourth catch formations 53a-d on one jaw mate with the corresponding first, second, third and fourth keeps 55a-d on the other jaw, with the ridges of the catch formations 53a-d locating within the keeps 55a-d.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 10b, during assembly, the first jaw 30a is held against the neck 12 of the keg 10 underneath the lower circumferential ridge 16b. From this configuration, the second jaw 30b can be slid into place diametrically opposite the first jaw 30a to mate the jaws 30a, 30b together.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 9, adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of the mated jaws 30a, 30b are thus brought together ready to receive one of locking clips 31a, 31b to lock the jaws 30a, 30b together. Each clip-receiving region 90 is set back into the void between the inner side-wall 33, the shoulder 34 and the outer side-wall 35 of the top-chime 30 such that a depression is formed in the crown portion of the top-chime 30. This depression is sized and shaped in complement with a respective locking clip 31a, 31b.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 5, this is so that when the locking clips 31a, 31b are received within adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of mated jaws 30a, 30b, the clips 31a, 31b become generally flush with the structure of jaws 30a, 30b. Therefore, the clips 31a, 31b themselves form part of the crown portion of the top-chime 30.

[0169] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective overhead view of the clip-receiving region 90 of the first jaw 30a and FIG. 13 is a partial front view of the same clip-receiving region 90.

[0170] FIG. 14 is partial perspective front view of the clip-receiving region 90, a locking clip 31a provided in place at said clip-receiving region 90. FIG. 15 is a perspective front view and FIG. 16 is an underneath view of the locking clip 31a.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the clip-receiving region 90 comprises a first rail 91, a second rail 92, a ramped projection 93 and a ledge 94. The first and second rails 91, 92 extend in an axial direction. These features are mirrored at the opposing clip-receiving region 90 of the first jaw, and so the adjacent clip-receiving region 90 of the second jaw 30b.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the locking clip 31a comprises a first pair of tracks 101, a second pair of tracks 102, a rib 103 and hooks 104. These cooperate respectively with the first rail 91, the second rail 92, the ramped projection 93 and the ledge 94 of each of the first and second jaws 30a, 30b so that the clip 31a can straddle adjacent clip-receiving regions 90 of mated jaws 30a, 30b, locking them together.

[0173] Specifically, to fit the clip 31a, it is positioned over adjacent clip-receiving regions 90, and slid axially downward into place. In doing so, the first and second pair of tracks 101, 102 slide into and relative to a respective pair of first and second rails 91, 92. As the clip 31a is so inserted, the hooks 104 of the clip 31a resiliently snap under the ledge 94, and the rib 103 resiliently snaps under the ramped projection 93, thereby locking the clip into place, the engaged rib 103 and hooks 104 restraining against upward movement to remove the clip 31a.

[0174] The rails 91, 92 and complementary tracks 101, 102 have a U-shaped profile in horizontal section, the inter-engagement of which restrains against parting of the jaws 30a, 30b in a radial direction away from the keg neck 12 and one another.

[0175] Furthermore, the rails 91, 92 are axially and radially spaced from one another, as are the tracks 101, 102 so as to distribute jaw parting forces applied through the clips 31a, 31b over a wide area, increasing the reliability of operation of the clips 31a, 31b to lock the jaws 30a, 30b together.

[0176] In addition, the rails 91, 92 are tapered relative to their complementary tracks 101, 102 so that they increasing bear against one another during insertion of the locking clips 31a, 31b, thus increasing the frictional forces holding the clips 31a, 31b into place.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 18, following the construction of a series of keg protection assemblies, they can be conveniently stacked one top of one another, with the tray portion 44 of the bottom-chime 40 locating within the complementarily-shaped crown portion of the top-chime 30.

[0178] For the avoidance of doubt, the components of the keg protection assembly are typically assembled as part of a production line with a large quantity of identical assemblies being produced by the manufacturing site. These can be loaded onto trucks or other vehicles for distribution to one or more beverage producers. As the assemblies are far lighter than the traditional steel kegs than they are intended to replace, the cost of transporting the assemblies is significantly lower. Additionally, each vehicle can be loaded with a greater number of assemblies than possible with steel kegs; the number of assemblies that can be loaded onto a vehicle will be limited more by volume than by weight. This applies particularly when the assemblies are filled with beverage and further distributed to beverage retailers.

[0179] At the beverage producer, the assemblies can be handled in a similar manner to traditional steel kegs. In particular, the assemblies are sized and shaped to be compatible with existing keg cleaning and filling machinery, with few modifications to that machinery. The modifications relate primarily to controlling the temperatures at which the assemblies are cleaned prior to filling the keg of each assembly with beverage. On the whole, the temperatures involved are far lower, saving energy and so realising economical and ecological benefits.

[0180] Traditional steel kegs are often steam treated. This sterilises the inside of the steel kegs and reduces the oxygen content of the air inside the steel kegs. However, such a high energy process is unnecessary, and in fact undesirable with an assembly according to the present invention.

[0181] Instead, an assembly can be treated to a caustic wash process at temperatures around 70 to 85 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are high enough to ensure a satisfactory washing standard, but low enough to prevent deformation or degradation of the plastics material from which the keg is constructed.

[0182] The wash process involves inverting an assembly and connecting washing hoses to the closure of the assembly. These pump cleaning fluid into and out from the keg via the two flow paths of the closure. The cleaning fluid is typically pumped via the elongate tube of the fitting 80 so a jet of cleaning liquid is fired towards the base. The cleaning fluid is then drained via the flow path of the closure that is in communication with the headspace of the keg 10.

[0183] The keg can then be disinfected in a similar manner, for example by pumping peracetic acid through it. The keg can then be rinsed in preparation for filling or refilling. Lastly, before the filling the keg with beverage, the oxygen in the air inside it can be flushed out via an injection of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or another inert gas.

[0184] Filling of the keg with beverage can be carried out using a filling head in a standard way known in the arti.e. with the assembly inverted, the beverage being introduced into the keg 10 via the flow path of the closure that is in communication with the headspace of the keg. This minimises the agitation of an effervescence beverage such as beer. Once the assembly is filled with beverage, the self-closing spring-loaded closure 81 is allowed to shut, effectively sealing the beverage within the keg 10.

[0185] The filled assembly holds approximately 30 litres of beverage and is typically between 31 and 36 kilograms in weight when full, depending on the beverage fill level. The weight of the empty assembly is only a few kilograms. This is significantly less than the weight of a similar capacity steel keg highlighting the reduced costs of transporting the assembly between the beverage producer and beverage retailers.

[0186] Once delivered to a beverage retailer such as a pub, the assembly is handled in the same way as a traditional beer keg. It will typically be stored in a beer cellar, being connected to a standard beverage dispensing head for dispensing of beverage under pressure. Following depletion, the empty assembly can be collected and returned to the beverage producer. Throughout this period in an assembly's lifecycle, the outer shell defined by the top-chime 30, sleeve 20 and bottom-chime 40 can remain locked around the keg 10. Alternatively, the keg protection assembly can be dissembled to allow the shell to be reused with another keg 10.

[0187] Further features and advantages will be apparent to a person skilled in the art considering the drawings. Furthermore, modifications and variants to the present embodiment will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, although the present embodiment relates to an assembly for the storage, transportation and dispensing of beer, it will be understood that features and advantages of the assembly can be applied to the storage, transportation and/or dispensing of other liquids.