Beverage cooler

An apparatus for maintaining a bulk quantity of a beverage at a reduced temperature and for dispensing the beverage under pressure. The apparatus includes a housing with a lid and a layer of insulating material disposed in the interior of the housing, which is sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage and a quantity of ice sufficient to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature. A dispensing conduit is connected to the keg on one end with the other end being located exteriorly of the housing such that the beverage may be dispensed. At least a portion of the conduit is located in the passageway of an insulated conduit guide. Disposed on the housing is a support structure configured to support a canister of pressurized gas. A pressure conduit is connected between the keg and the canister of pressurized gas.

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Description
BACKGROUND

The present invention broadly relates to apparatus adapted to maintain beverages in a chilled state relative to an ambient environment. The exemplary embodiments described herein concern apparatus that can maintain a bulk quantity of a containerized beverage in a cooled condition for consumption, for example, at outdoor events. To that end, the exemplary embodiments also facilitate the transport of bulk quantities of beverages, such as those contained in kegs and the like.

Beverages for human consumption are often contained in “serving size” containers containing a single serving typically on the order of one liter or less. It is also well known that larger quantities, typically on the order of one gallon or less, may be sold in individual containers. In either case, where the beverage is carbonated, these containers are sealed in a manner so as to maintain the carbonation therein.

Beverages, and especially carbonated beverages, are also supplied in bulk quantities, for example, to commercial establishments such as bars, soda fountains, etc. for use in dispensing individual servings to customers. Typically, the individual consumer does not purchase bulk quantities of beverages. One reason is that, where the beverage is carbonate, the beverage may go flat (i.e. lose its carbonation) before the bulk quantity is consumed. Thus, the individual consumer typically buys beverages in bottles or cans of individual portions are smaller servings, as noted above.

There are times, though, when an individual consumer is more likely to purchase a bulk quantity of beverage, especially a carbonated beverage such as beer. Such bulk quantities are purchased as barrels or as fractions of barrels referred to as kegs. The keg family typically refers to a domestic keg (15.5 gallons) an import kegs (13.2 gallons) the pony keg or quarter barrel keg (7.5 gallons) and the 6-barrel keg (5 gallons). For purposes of this description, a keg refers to any containerized bulk quantity of beverage generally in the keg family to barrel range although it is not limited to these exact gallon quantities.

Kegs of beverages are often purchased by consumers as an adjunct to large get-togethers, such as special events, family reunions, picnics, etc. Even where such gatherings have sufficient attendance to consume the bulk quantity of beverage, nonetheless, certain problems exist where a consumer without special equipment seeks to dispense a beverage, such as a carbonated beverage, acquired in keg quantities. For example, it is necessary to keep the bulk quantity of beverage in a chilled environment. This is especially true where the event is held in an outdoor environment during warmer times, such as in the summer.

In order to maintain the beverage in a chilled state for consumption, the keg is often placed in a tub or vat that also contains crushed ice to maintain a reduced temperature for the beverage. However, since the tub or vat is usually not insulated, the ice melts fairly rapidly. Not only does this require the continual addition of more ice to the tub or vat, but also it requires the draining of excess water from the melted ice from the interior of the tub. Since most tubs are not provided with drain openings, this can become a difficult procedure, especially considering the weight of the bulk quantity of beverage along with the weight of the water from the melted ice. Moreover, as the beverage is consumed, the keg may become buoyant in the water from the melted ice so that it floats in an unstable manner in the tub or vat. Also, as the keg floats on the water, more of the surface of the keg (which is typically constructed of metal), is exposed to a warmer environment which increases the thermal transfer of heat to the contents of the keg.

Another difficulty encountered during the use of a keg by a consumer is the necessary provision of pressure to expel the beverage from the keg. In noncommercial usage, such pressure is usually provided by a hand pump which injects pressurized air into the interior of the sealed keg thereby forcing the contents out of a dispensing opening such as a conduit and spigot. As more and more of the beverage is dispensed, the users must inject increasing quantities of air into the interior of the container by utilizing a hand pump. This is inconvenient and can cause foaming of the beverage, especially where the beverage is carbonated.

Another disadvantage often encountered by consumers who use keg quantities of beverage at a special event is that the dispensing conduit between the keg and the dispensing spigot is relatively lengthy. Since it is uninsulated, any beverage residing in the conduit between each dispensing event can rapidly become elevated to the ambient temperature, especially on a hot summer day. When the next serving is dispensed, the warmed beverage results in a serving that is less palatable because it is not sufficiently chilled. Alternatively, the beverage that has become warmed in the conduit may be discarded in order to obtain a more chilled serving; however, this is very wasteful and expensive.

Finally, it may be well appreciated that bulk quantities of beverage can be fairly difficult to transfer to the location of the event, especially in an outdoor setting. This difficulty is caused both by the weight of the filled keg of beverage as well as the awkwardness of the container itself. Accordingly, an apparatus that facilitates the transport of bulk quantities of a beverage is highly desirable.

While various efforts have been made in the past to resolve one or more of the above identified difficulties and problems, there has been a long need for an apparatus that facilitates transport of a bulk quantity of beverage, that maintains the beverage at a reduced temperature in a convenient manner and which allows for the dispensing of the beverage in a more convenient manner. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe an apparatus which meets such needs.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful apparatus for the transport, cooling and dispensing of bulk quantities of beverages and, especially, carbonated beverages.

It is an aspect of the exemplary embodiments to provide an apparatus which may house a keg of a beverage along with a quantity of ice to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature. It is another aspect of the exemplary embodiments to provide for relative ease in handling and transporting a keg quantity of beverage. Still another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide an apparatus which provides for the dispensing of servings of a beverage from a keg without the need to inject pressurized air into the interior of the keg.

A still further aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide an apparatus that is constructed to reduce temperature loss of a chilled beverage from the interior of a container continuously to a dispensing spigot.

In order to accomplish the above-described object and the aspects of the exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is provided for maintaining a bulk quantity of beverage at a reduced temperature and for dispensing the beverage under the influence of pressurized gas. Broadly, the exemplary embodiments include an insulated housing assembly that provides a cavity to receive a bulk quantity of a beverage, such is that contained in a keg along with a quantity of ice that is sufficient to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature. A support structure is disposed on the housing assembly and is configured to support a canister of pressurized gas in a mounted state relative to the housing assembly. A dispensing conduit has a first end adapted to connect in fluid communication with the keg and a second conduit end located exterior of the housing such that a beverage may be dispensed therethrough. A conduit guide is secured to the housing assembly and has a passageway therethrough for the dispensing conduit. A pressure conduit has an inner end adapted to connect in fluid communication with the keg and an opposite outer end adapted to connect in fluid communication to a canister of pressurized gas supported by the support structure.

In more detail, the housing assembly includes a housing body having a bottom, a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and an open top. The housing body may be generally cylindrical in shape and, in the exemplary embodiments, is a 55-gallon barrel. A lid is adapted to mount on the housing body in a closed state so as to enclose the interior. A layer of insulating material is disposed in the interior of the housing body proximally to the sidewall. The insulating material defines the cavity that is sized and adept to receive a keg of beverage through the open top in a received state. The housing body may also include a bottom layer of insulating material that extends along the bottom of the housing body. At least one support is also located at the bottom of the housing body and is so oriented so as to resist the collapse of the bottom layer of insulating material under the weight of the keg of beverage. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments, the lid includes a lid-insulating panel located on a side thereof that is disposed internally of the housing body when in the closed state. This lid is sized to friction fit within the open top of the housing body.

In the exemplary embodiments, a tub is disposed in the cavity formed by the insulating layers such that the layer of insulating material is disposed between the tub and the surrounding sidewall. This tub, then, has a tub interior sized and adapted to receive the keg of beverage. In order to remove water from melted ice, the housing body may include a drain located either proximally to or in its bottom. Where a tub is employed, the drain is in fluid communication with the interior of the tub. This drain can also include a hose fitting associated therewith that is adapted to connect to a standard garden hose fitting.

In order to establish fluid communication with the beverage that is located within the keg, a tap assembly is disposed at the first conduit end of the dispensing conduit. A faucet assembly is disposed at the second conduit end. Furthermore, the tap assembly may include a connector such that the inner end of the pressure conduit may be placed in fluid communication therewith in order to introduce pressurized gas into the keg. A pressure regulator may be associated with the pressure conduit in order to control the pressure of the gas supplied to the keg.

In the exemplary embodiments, the housing assembly is supported by a wheel assembly for movement along the support surface. This wheel assembly includes a handle assembly mechanically coupled to the wheel assembly so that a user may maneuver the housing assembly relative to the support surface. In one embodiment, the handle assembly is connected to the housing body and the wheel assembly is also connected to the housing body such that the housing body, itself, mechanically couples the wheel assembly to the handle assembly. In another embodiment, the handle assembly is directly connected to the wheel assembly, such as a standard dolly, and the housing assembly is then supported on this dolly-like arrangement. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the handle assembly includes a pair of handles that may be manually gripped by a person and is structured so that the distance between the handles and the bottom of the housing body may be selectively adjusted. A handgrip may also be mounted to the sidewall of the housing body exteriorly thereof so that a user may be provided with a grip for help in maneuvering the apparatus and for loading and unloading the apparatus into a transportation vehicle.

The wheel assembly, in the exemplary embodiments, includes at least two spaced-apart wheels and further includes a leg spaced apart from the wheels. This leg may be sized so as to orient the bottom of the housing body in a substantially parallel, spaced-apart relation to a support surface. Here, also, the drain conduit can have one end in fluid communication with the drain and its opposite end supported by the leg. In one embodiment, the pair of wheels is supported by a U-shaped axle.

In one exemplary embodiment, the support structure for the canister of pressurized gas is a bracket affixed to the housing body. In another exemplary embodiment, the support structure is a bracket affixed to the handle and wheel assembly. In the preferred embodiments, the conduit guide includes an inner lining of insulating material so as to insulate a medial portion of the dispensing conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for maintaining a bulk quantity of beverage at a reduced temperature according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view in elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown supported on a horizontal support surface;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view in perspective showing the construction of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view in cross-section of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lid according to the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention broadly relates to the transportation, maintenance and dispensing of a bulk quantity of a beverage at a reduced temperature. By “reduced temperature” it is meant that the beverage may be maintained and dispensed at a reduced temperature relative to an ambient temperature that is at room temperature or above. The reduced temperature typically correspond to the temperature of ice or a mixture of ice/water. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally include a housing assembly that is insulated so as to receive a container, such as a keg, of a bulk quantity of liquid beverage along with a cooling medium such as ice or an ice/water slurry, a structure that may support a canister of pressurized gas, a dispensing conduit for dispensing the fluid and a pressure conduit allowing the introduction of pressurized gas into the interior of a container which holds the bulk quantity of beverage.

An apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, it may be seen that apparatus 10 includes a housing assembly 11 formed by a housing body 12 and a lid 14 that is supported by a wheel assembly 16 and a leg 18 so that it may be supported on a support surface 20 in a relatively stable manner. A handle assembly 22 is mechanically coupled to the wheel assembly so that a user may maneuver the housing assembly relative to the support surface. As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this is accomplished by mechanically coupling both of the wheel assemble 16 and the handle assemble 22 to the housing body 12.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a support structure 24 is disposed on the housing assembly, such as by affixing it to housing body 12, with this support structure being configured to support a canister 26 of pressurized gas so that the pressurized gas may be used to dispense a beverage from a keg of beverage when the same is placed in the interior of housing body 12. A pressure conduit 28 is connectable to the canister 26 through a pressure regulator 30 so that it may pass through an opening 32 in the sidewall of housing body 12. Lid 14 supports a conduit guide 34 that provides a passageway and support for a dispensing conduit (described below) that terminates in a faucet 36 for dispensing servings of a beverage that is contained within apparatus 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, it may be seen that housing body 12 has a bottom 40 and a surrounding sidewall 42 that extends upwardly therefrom so as to have an open top 44. Housing body 12 in the exemplary embodiment is generally cylindrical in shape and, in the exemplary embodiment, may be conveniently formed by a metal 55-gallon barrel, although smaller barrels may be used.

Housing body 12 includes a layer of insulating material 46 that extends around the interior surface of sidewall 42. As is shown in FIG. 3, this layer 46 is in the form of a cylindrical shell of elastomeric sheet insulation, such as that known as Rubatex® sold by Rubatex Corporation of Roanoke, Va. However, it should be understood that the layer 46 of insulating material may be formed of any convenient insulating substance including, for example, polyurethane, polystyrene, etc. A bottom layer 47 of any suitable insulating material extends in confronting relationship with bottom 40 of housing body 12. In order to prevent this insulating layer 47 from being crushed by the weight of the beverage keg 60, reinforcing supports 49, which may be constructed of wood or other material, extend across the bottom of housing body 12 and are equal in height to the thickness of layer 47. Here, supports 49 are constructed of wooden two-by-fours.

If desired, a tub 48 is disposed in the interior of housing body 42. Thus, as is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cylindrical tub 48 having a bottom 50 and a cylindrical sidewall 52 is disposed in housing body 12 so that insulating layer 46 is sandwiched between surrounding sidewall 42 of housing body 12 and cylindrical sidewall 52 of tub 48. Likewise, insulating layer 49 is sandwiched between bottom 50 of tub 48 and bottom 40 of housing body 12 with supports 49 receiving the weight of tub 48 and its contents to prevent collapse of the insulation layer 49.

Tub 48 has an interior 54 sized to receive a bulk quantity of beverage, for example, as received in keg 60 shown in FIG. 3 and in phantom in FIG. 4. Moreover, housing body 12 and tub 48 are sized so that a lower region 56 and an upper region 58 are formed such that ice or another cooling medium may be disposed therein to maintain keg 60 at a reduced temperature.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, it may be seen that lid 14 includes a disc shaped plate 62 that supports an annular wall formed by a strap 66 proximate to the outer peripheral edge 64 thereof. A disc shaped insulating panel 68 is supported by plate 62 and strap 66. Moreover, as is seen in FIG. 4, lid 14 is sized for a friction fit within the open top 44 of housing body 12. Thus, the interior of housing body 12 is substantially sealed against the ingress and egress of ambient air.

Conduit guide 34 in this exemplary embodiment is formed as a hollow elbow of plastic material that includes a lower straight section 70 and an upper straight section 72 that are connected by elbow section 74. An end cap 76 is mounted on the outer end of straight section 72. As is best shown in FIG. 4, conduit guide 34 has a hollow interior that is provided with an inner lining 78 of insulating material so as to have a passageway 80 therethrough. Passageway 80 receives a dispensing conduit 82 having a first conduit end 84 adapted to connect in fluid communication with keg 60. To this end, a tap assembly 86 of a standard type is located at the first conduit end 84 in fluid communication therewith. Faucet 36 is then connected in fluid communication with dispensing conduit 82 at a second end 88 opposite first conduit end 84. To this end, cap 76 includes a central opening 90 allowing the interconnection of faucet 36 and conduit 82.

Conduit guide 34 accordingly supports a medial portion of conduit 82 along with faucet 36 in a manner such that the medial portion of conduit 82 is insulated from the ambient environment. Further, it may be appreciated that conduit guide 34 is supported by plate 62 of lid 14. To this end, an end of conduit guide 34 opposite end cap 76 is received in an opening 92 formed centrally in plate 62. Conduit 82 may thus pass from passageway 80 through opening 92 and an opening 94 in panel 68 into the interior of housing body 12. It is then connected to tap assembly 86.

As noted above, pressurized gas is also supplied to the interior of keg 60, and this is accomplished in the standard manner through tap assembly 86. Here, pressure conduit 28 has an inner end 96 connected, in a standard manner, to tap assembly 86 and an outer end 98 connected to pressure regulator 32 that in turn is connected to canister 26 of pressurized gas. Support structure 24 supports canister 26 and is formed by a horizontal U-shaped strap 100 having its opposite ends affixed to the exterior of sidewall 42 and a downwardly depending U-shaped strap 102 that in turn supports a lower horizontal arm 104 provided with an upstanding lip 106 so that canister 26 may be supported by this bracket in a relatively stable manner.

In this first exemplary embodiment, handle assembly 22 is provided, as is noted above. Here, handle assembly 22 is formed by a pair of vertically oriented tubular sections 110 of square-shaped cross-section. Sections 110 slidably receive tubular sections 112 in telescopic engagement. Tubular sections 112 are joined, near their top, by a crosspiece 114 that is arcuate in shape. Further, each tubular section 112 supports a handle 116 at an upper end thereof. Due to the telescopic engagement of sections 110 and 112, it should be appreciated that the handle assembly is adjustable in height, as defined by the distance between handles 116 and bottom 40 of housing body 12 by virtue of the telescopic engagement. The engagement of sections 110 and 112 may be releasably held in position by means of push pins 118 or other releasable fasteners in a manner as is known in the art. Due to the arcuate nature of crosspiece 114, moreover, the handle assembly may be collapsed so that handles 116 are located below the level of lid 14 for more compact storage.

Also, as noted above, the housing assembly formed by housing body 12 and lid 14, is supported by wheel assembly 16. Wheel assembly 16 includes a U-shaped axle 120 onto which wheels 122 are rotatably journaled. In order to maintain bottom 40 of housing body 12 in upright state, a leg 18 is provided and is sized so that, along with wheels 122, bottom 40 is maintained and is in substantially parallel relation to the support surface. Leg 18 mounts a twist valve 124 or spigot that is connected a drain 130 formed by a drain conduit 132 connected at one end in fluid communication to a fitting 134 that establishes fluid communication with the interior of the housing assembly. A hose fitting 136 is disposed at the opposite end of drain conduit 132 with fitting 136 being of a standard type to connect with a female fitting on a standard garden hose. Thus, opening valve 124 allows water from melted ice to be drained from the interior of the housing assembly as desired. By providing hose fitting 136, a length of garden hose may be connected in fluid communication with drain conduit 132 through valve 124, so that this water may be discharged at a location remote from apparatus 10 thus preventing the region around apparatus 10 from becoming unduly wet or, for disposed on the ground, from becoming muddy.

Handle assembly 22 and wheel assembly 16 are provided to assist in transporting a keg of beverage between locations. Further, in order to assist in tipping apparatus 10 onto wheels 122 for rolling movement, housing body 12 is provided with an externally mounted hand grip 23 located near the top of housing body 12 opposite handle assembly 22. Hand grip 23 also facilitates the loading and unloading of apparatus 10 into a vehicle, truck bed, etc. Moreover, hand grip 23 can help a user to maneuver or otherwise position the apparatus 10 for use.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the lid is depicted. Here, lid 214 is constructed substantially identical as lid 14 with the exception that the junction to 216 of conduit guide 234 is offset from central axis “C” so that it is located proximally to the rim 218 of lid 214. Accordingly, faucet assembly 236 is disposed over an upper geometric projection of rim 218 whereas, in the first exemplary embodiment, faucet 36 is located further from central axis “C” as is indicated in FIG. 2. In the second embodiment, however, the placement of junction 216 towards the rim 218 allows a glass or pitcher to be placed on the upper surface of lid 214 during filling. If desired, an optional friction mat 220 may be located on the upper surface of lid 214 and a drain 222 may be provided so that any liquid spillage may drain into the interior of the housing assembly and after drain outwardly through drain 134.

Finally, with reference now to FIG. 6, a second exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention is illustrated in perspective. Here, apparatus 310 includes a housing assembly that is the same as that described with respect to the first embodiment so that this description is not again repeated. Here, however, the wheel assembly 316 is directly connected to handle assembly 322 by uprights 325. Moreover, a platform 326 is provided and is connected to the combination of the wheel assembly 316 and handle assembly 322 so as to form a standard “dolly”. Bracket 324 is then secured to straps 328 that extend between uprights 325 in order to support canister 326. In this manner, canister 326 is supported by the dolly and the housing assembly may be supported on platform 326. To this end, the housing assembly 311 may be permanently affixed, such as by welding, or may be simply strapped onto the dolly in any convenient manner, such as by webbing straps (not shown). If desired, the bottom of housing assembly 311 may be provided with a support leg to maintain the bottom thereof horizontal to the support surface, much in the manner of leg 18 shown in FIG. 2.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to certain exemplary embodiments. Those of skill in the art, though, will recognize that certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof are within the true spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. An apparatus for maintaining a bulk quantity of a beverage at a reduced temperature and for dispensing the beverage under the influence of pressurized gas contained in a canister, said apparatus comprising:

(A) a housing assembly including (1) a housing body having a bottom, a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from said bottom so as to have an interior, and an open top, and (2) a lid adapted to mount on said housing in a closed state so as to enclose the interior thereby defining a housing assembly;
(B) a layer of insulating material disposed in the interior of said housing body proximately to the sidewall thereof and defining a cavity sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage through the open top in a received state, the interior of said housing body being sized so as to receive said keg and a quantity of ice that is sufficient to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature;
(C) a support structure disposed on said housing assembly and configured to support a canister of pressurized gas in a mounted state relative to said housing assembly;
(D) a dispensing conduit having a first conduit end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite second conduit end located exteriorly of said housing assembly such that a beverage contained in said keg may be dispensed therethrough;
(E) a conduit guide secured to said housing assembly, said conduit guide including an inner lining of an insulating material having a passageway therethrough, a medial portion of said dispensing conduit located between said first and second conduit ends being disposed in the passageway; and
(F) a pressure conduit having an inner end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite outer end located exteriorly of said housing assembly and adapted to connect in fluid communication to the canister of pressurized gas when in the mounted state.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing body is generally cylindrical in shape.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said housing body is a fifty-five gallon barrel.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lid includes a lid insulating panel located on a side thereof that is disposed internally of said housing body when in the closed state.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lid is sized to friction fit within the open top of said housing body.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support structure is a bracket affixed to said housing body.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a tap assembly disposed at the first conduit end of said dispensing conduit that is operative to establish fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 including a faucet assembly disposed at the second conduit end in fluid communication therewith whereby the beverage may be dispensed therethrough.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said tap assembly includes a connector such that the inner end of said pressure conduit may be placed in fluid communication therewith thereby to introduce pressurized gas into said keg.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a pressure regulator associated with said pressure conduit.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing body includes a drain located either proximately to or in said bottom whereby fluid may be drained from the interior thereof.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said drain includes a hose fitting associated therewith that is adapted to connect to a standard garden hose fitting.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a tub disposed in the cavity such that said layer of insulating material is disposed between said tub and said surrounding sidewall, said tub having a tub interior sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage therein.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a wheel assembly operative to support said housing assembly for movement along a support surface.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14 including a handle assembly mechanically coupled to said wheel assembly whereby a user may maneuver said housing assembly relative to the support surface.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said handle assembly includes a pair of handles that may be manually gripped by a person and wherein the distance between said handles and the bottom of said housing body may be selectively adjusted.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a bottom layer of insulating material extending along the bottom of said housing body.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 including at least one support oriented to resist collapse of said bottom layer under weight of a keg of beverage.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1 including a hand grip mounted to the side wall of said housing body exteriorly thereof.

20. An apparatus for use in maintaining a bulk quantity of a beverage at a reduced temperature and for dispensing the beverage under the influence of pressurized gas contained in a canister and for transporting the bulk quantity of beverage along a support surface, said apparatus comprising:

(A) a housing assembly including (1) a housing body having a bottom, a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from said bottom so as to have an interior, and an open top, and (2) a lid adapted to mount on said housing so as to enclose the interior thereby defining a housing assembly;
(B) a layer of insulating material disposed in the interior of said housing body proximately to the sidewall thereof and defining a cavity sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage through the open top in a received state, the interior of said housing body being sized so as to receive said keg and a quantity of ice that is sufficient to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature;
(C) a support structure disposed on said housing assembly and configured to support a canister of pressurized gas in a mounted state relative to said housing assembly;
(D) a dispensing conduit having a first conduit end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite second conduit end located exteriorly of said housing assembly such that a beverage contained in said keg may be dispensed therethrough;
(E) a conduit guide secured to said housing assembly, a medial portion of said dispensing conduit located between said first and second conduit ends being disposed in said conduit guide;
(F) a pressure conduit having an inner end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite outer end located exteriorly of said housing assembly and adapted to connect in fluid communication to the canister of pressurized gas when in the mounted state;
(G) a wheel assembly operative to support said housing assembly for movement along a support surface; and
(H) a handle assembly mechanically coupled to said wheel assembly whereby a user may maneuver said housing assembly relative to the support surface.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said lid includes a lid insulating panel located on a side thereof that is disposed internally of said housing body when in the closed state.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 including a tap assembly disposed at the first conduit end of said dispensing conduit, said tap assembly operative to establish fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 including a faucet assembly disposed at the second conduit end in fluid communication therewith whereby the beverage may be dispensed therethrough.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said tap assembly includes a connector such that the inner end of said pressure conduit may be placed in fluid communication therewith thereby to introduce pressurized gas into said keg.

25. An apparatus according to claim 20 including a pressure regulator associated with said pressure conduit.

26. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said housing body includes a drain located either proximately to or in said bottom whereby fluid may be drained from the interior thereof.

27. An apparatus according to claim 20 including a tub disposed in the cavity such that said layer of insulating material is disposed between said tub and said surrounding sidewall, said tub having a bottom, a tub side wall and a tub interior sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage therein.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27 including a bottom layer of insulating material extending along the bottom of said housing body and said tub bottom and at least one support oriented to resist collapse of said bottom layer under weight of said tub and contents placed therein.

29. An apparatus according to claim 20 including a hand grip mounted to the side wall of said housing body exteriorly thereof.

30. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said wheel assembly includes at least two spaced-apart wheel and further including a leg spaced apart from said wheels and sized so as to orient said bottom in substantially parallel, spaced-apart relation to the support surface.

31. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said housing body includes a drain located in said bottom, a drain conduit having one end in fluid communication with said drain and an opposite drain end supported by said leg.

32. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said handle assembly includes a pair of handles that may be manually gripped by a person and wherein the distance between said handles and the bottom of said housing body may be selectively adjusted.

33. An apparatus for use in maintaining a bulk quantity of a beverage at a reduced temperature and for dispensing the beverage therefrom, comprising:

(A) a housing assembly including (1) a housing body having a bottom, a surrounding sidewall extending upwardly from said bottom so as to have an interior, and an open top, and (2) a lid adapted to mount on said housing so as to enclose the interior thereby defining a housing assembly;
(B) a layer of insulating material disposed in the interior of said housing body proximately to the sidewall thereof and defining a cavity sized and adapted to receive a keg of beverage through the open top in a received state, the interior of said housing body being sized so as to receive said keg and a quantity of ice that is sufficient to maintain the beverage at a reduced temperature;
(C) a support bracket secured to said housing assembly;
(D) a canister of pressurized gas supported by said support bracket in a mounted state;
(E) a dispensing conduit having a first conduit end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite second conduit end located exteriorly of said housing assembly such that a beverage contained in said keg may be dispensed therethrough;
(F) a conduit guide secured to said housing assembly, a medial portion of said dispensing conduit located between said first and second conduit ends being disposed in said conduit guide;
(I) a pressure conduit having an inner end adapted to connect in fluid communication with said keg when said keg is in the received state and an opposite outer end located exteriorly of said housing assembly and adapted to connect in fluid communication to said canister of pressurized gas when in the mounted state;
(B) a wheel assembly operative to support said housing assembly for movement along a support surface; and
(C) a handle assembly mechanically coupled to said wheel assembly whereby a user may maneuver said housing assembly relative to the support surface.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080264953
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 24, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 30, 2008
Inventor: Timothy Ryan Lowman (Brighton, CO)
Application Number: 11/789,810
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Keg Or Barrel (e.g., For Beer) (220/592.19)
International Classification: B65D 83/72 (20060101);