Abstract:
A spigot assembly for use in a fermentation vessel, such as the type used in wine making, is provided. The spigot assembly is of a multiple part construction such that it substantially avoids entrapment of either sediment or air in or on the assembly as the spigot operates to remove liquid from the vessel.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C., S. 119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 60/875,181 filed Dec. 15, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to spigot assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Many types of spigot assemblies exist for emptying containers filled with liquid. Some devices arrange for the alignment of two or more holes in a spigot assembly in order to permit liquid to flow from the interior of the vessel to its exterior. Generally, the liquid fills a chamber of the spigot assembly until the spigot is activated to allow flow from the container. If the spigot assembly is located on the side of the vessel, air bubbles and sediment may then collect within the chamber of the spigot assembly. This may lead to blockage in the spigot assembly, or contamination or oxidation of the liquid. 
     This problem is particularly relevant for those brewing home wines, beer or other types of fermented beverages. Typically, a liquid such as grape juice or concentrate, or crushed grapes is poured into a container along with certain substances including yeast. As the liquid ferments, the yeast precipitates out of the liquid to form with other particles a sediment called “lees” or “mud”, which settles to the bottom of the container. With typical spigot assemblies, some lees may be entrapped in open or on protruding parts of the assembly. When the spigot is opened, this entrapped lees will contaminate the wine. 
     Then, the liquid is then typically decanted from the container into a second container where typically a fining agent such as Bentonite is added, and further sediment precipitates out of the liquid. The final step when brewing homemade wine, beer or other fermented beverages is the bottling process. 
     The process of emptying the containers can be both messy and physically demanding. As well, undesired oxidization or “bruising” of the liquid may occur during this process if the liquid is handled roughly or is overly exposed to the air. Spigots are generally not used to empty containers during this process, as spigots generally would allow sediment into their chambers, or would trap air inside a horizontal chamber. It is therefore desirable to provide for an improved spigot design. 
     One spigot type assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,381,598, which discloses a spigot which does not allow liquid from the container to flow through the spigot until a pair of openings are aligned at the end of the spigot. An automatic spring-loaded shutoff is also provided. 
     Another type of draw-off arrangement for liquid containers is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 1,815,501. This patent provides for a separate chamber between a container and a tap. Rotation of the tap into the spigot body uses interacting longitudinal ribs to rotate the spigot into an open position. 
     Another type of spigot device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,660, which describes a tapping valve for a beer keg. The disclosed valve is designed for a pressurized container, and comprises a valve completely inserted into a keg. Is also has an interior valve space into which openings are aligned and uses a surface to surface seal when the opening is in a closed position. 
     Another example of a patent which provides for rotation of a spigot in a sleeve for alignment of outlet holes is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,362. The spigot fits tightly into the body member, but may be rotated to align the outlet holes in two cylindrical portions of the spigot, thereby opening or closing the tap. The outer surface of the inner cylindrical portion sealingly fits the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion to prevent leakage, and is held in place by a ridge and groove design. Generally, the entire assembly is heat sealed to a container. As well, a plug is provided to fit into the outer end of the spigot, allowing the container to be filled through the opening. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide a spigot assembly for a container which assembly substantially avoids entrapment of either sediment or air in or on the assembly. 
     In one embodiment of the spigot assembly, there is provided a first spigot assembly, an inner molding and an outer cylinder. 
     The first spigot assembly may be injection molded from plastic. The first spigot assembly comprises an open ended cylinder having a protruding second hollow cylinder having an open end defining a chamber. The spigot assembly also comprises a rotator part capable of insertion into the open ended cylinder and has an inlet capable of communicating with the outlet of the chamber. The rotator part is capable of rotating within the open ended cylinder bringing the inlet and outlet into alignment and out of alignment. The rotator part also has an outlet, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the outlet in the chamber, into the inlet in the rotator part and out the outlet of the rotator part. 
     The inner molding is in the form of a cylinder closed at one end and sized to fit tightly within the chamber. The closed end is provided a first small opening, providing the only inlet into the chamber. There is also provided a wall above the first small opening which reduces the volume within the chamber. There is also provided an outlet which allows the chamber to communicate with the open ended cylinder. The wall is configured to form a passageway between the first small opening the outlet. 
     The outer cylinder comprises a cylinder sized to receive the first spigot assembly, and substantially closed at one end. The substantially closed end is provided a second small opening. A seal is also provided which surrounds the second small opening. Also provided on the interior wall of the cylinder are keyways extending from the open end and ending at a rotation track. These keyways correspond with projections on the exterior wall of the chamber. 
     The substantially closed end of the outer cylinder is capable of insertion into a suitable container, such that it is mounted flush with the interior surface of the container and such that no leakage occurs around the outer cylinder. 
     According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first spigot assembly is made from two separate components, a tap structure, and an inner molding. 
     The tap structure comprises an open ended cylinder having a protruding second cylinder part having an open end defining a chamber and an outlet from the closed end of the cylinder communicating with the interior of the open ended cylinder. The tap structure also comprises a rotator part capable of insertion into the open ended cylinder and having an inlet capable of communicating with the outlet of the chamber. The rotator part is capable of rotating within the open ended cylinder bringing the inlet and outlet into alignment and out of alignment. 
     The inner molding is open at one end, and has a small opening at a closed end. The inner molding is capable of insertion into the chamber of the tap assembly so that the small inner molding&#39;s closed end partially seals the tap assembly. The inner molding and tap assembly may be friction fitted together along keyways provided for this purpose, in either case, the insertion forms a spigot assembly. The tap structure is now closed at its outer end by the closed end of the inner molding. The first small opening provides the only inlet to the chamber formed by the combination of the tap structure and the inner molding. 
     In either embodiment, the spigot assembly must then be inserted into the outer cylinder. As an initial insertion step, the spigot assembly is inserted into the outer cylinder, so that the first small opening is out of alignment with the second small opening. 
     Next, the spigot assembly is rotated so that that the projections in the track locks the spigot assembly into the outer cylinder. At this time, the seal associated with the second small opening is compressed, preventing any flow or leakage from the interior of the container to the chamber. 
     To begin flow of liquid out of the container, the spigot assembly is rotated until it is in an upright position and the first and second small openings are aligned. This allows the flow of liquid into the chamber. Now, the rotator part may be rotated to align its opening with the outlet of the chamber. This allows liquid to flow from the chamber and out the end of the tap assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a vessel incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-section through a side of the tap and associated housing part according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a vertical cross-section through a side of a further housing part according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a vertical cross-section through a side of a further housing part according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the tap and associated housing part according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the housing part according to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the housing part according to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic end view of the assembled spigot assembly according to  FIGS. 2 to 4 , illustrating the stages in assembling and activating the assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a vertical cross-section through the assembled spigot assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a cutaway perspective view of the tap assembly and an associated housing part; 
         FIG. 11  is a cutaway perspective view of the top assembly and a further housing part; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective rear view of the partially assembled spigot assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective front view of the partially assembled spigot assembly of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of a partially assembled tap assembly, where the further housing part is affixed to a container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given identical reference numerals where appropriate. All dimensions described herein are intended solely to illustrate an embodiment. These dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention that may depart from these dimensions. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one contemplated use of the present invention. There is shown a wine making vessel  2  with an outer container  4  that incorporates an embodiment of a spigot assembly  8  according to the present invention. Although the assembly  8  is shown in the vessel  2 , this is but one contemplated area of use and it is not meant to limit the application of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 , the spigot assembly  8  comprises a tap assembly  10 ; a first housing part comprising cylindrical parts  11  and  14 ; and a second housing part comprising cylindrical part  22 . 
     The tap assembly  10  is conventional, comprising an open-ended cylinder  48  carrying a tap  46  including a cylindrical barrel  52  open at the end  61 . There may also be provided drainage means to drain any unwanted liquid form the barrel  52 . 
     The barrel  52  is frictionally engaged in cylinder  48  in a sealing engagement. 
     Cylinder  48  includes an opening  54  leading via flow path  55  to cylindrical part  11 . 
     A corresponding opening  50  is provided in barrel  52 , so that when the tap  46  is rotated, the opening  50  can be moved into or out of alignment with the opening  54  in the cylinder  48  and hence the cylindrical housing part  11 . 
     The cylindrical housing part  14  may be frictionally fitted into cylindrical housing part  11 , such that end  13  of part  11  mates the wall  20  of part  14  and end  16  of part  14  mates the wall  17  of part  11 . 
     This frictional fitting is normally intended to be a permanent joining. 
     Of note, cylindrical housing parts  11  and  14  could comprise a single cylindrical part. For convenience of molding, however, the housing has been broken into two parts  11  and  14  which are then frictionally fitted together. 
     When housing parts  11  and  14  are fitted together, a closed chamber  12  is formed having an inlet opening  18  through housing part  14  and an outlet  55 , as described, into tap assembly  10 . 
     When the housing for a chamber  12  comprises the two parts  11  and  14 , the frictional joining of the two parts may also include a keyway arrangement as, for example, tongue and groove, to positively mechanically prevent relative rotation of the parts once assembled. 
     Housing part  11  is provided with at least one but preferably three protrusions  32  on the outside  34  of part  11 . 
     Cylindrical housing part  22  comprises an open-ended cylinder which includes a keyway  36  corresponding to each protrusion  32  and a guideway  40  which may comprise a groove extending circumferentially about the interior of housing part  22 . The keyways  36  terminate at guideway  40 . 
     Housing part  22  also includes an opening  26  in the otherwise closed end thereof. Opening  26  includes a seat for a seal  30 , shown as a sealing ring. Seal  30  is typically flattened on the side thereof facing into the cylinder. Another configuration of the seal  30  may be hemispherical, with a central aperture. 
     Once the parts  11  and  14  have been assembled to comprise a substantially closed housing defining the chamber  12 , the tap assembly  10  and the chamber assembly can be inserted into housing part  22 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , three protrusions  32  are provided on part  11 . It is noted from  FIG. 6  that the protrusions are unevenly spaced about cylindrical part  11  at annular distances of 105°, 120° and 135°. 
     The cooperating keyways  36 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , on the part  22 , are similarly offset to receive the protrusions. It will be noted that the part  14  may be fully inserted into part  11 , so that there is a positive engagement between the end edge  15  of part  14  and the end wall  17  of part  11 . 
     To assemble the remaining two parts of the spigot assembly, the tap assembly, including now joined parts  11  and  14  is turned upside down, shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and inserted into part  22  with the protrusions  32  keying into keyways  36 . When the protrusions abut against the bottom of guideway groove  40 , the tap assembly may be rotated with the protrusions  32  moving along the groove  40 . It will be noted with reference to  FIG. 8 , that when the tap assembly is upside down as in  FIG. 5 , the opening  18  in part  14  will be in the position  1  shown in discontinuous lines in  FIG. 8 . In that position the protrusions  32  have been inserted into the keyways  36  but have not been rotated in the guideway  40 . 
     The tap assembly is then rotated 90° in the guideway  40 . At this stage the tap assembly is locked into the part  22 , because the protrusions  32  have been rotated out alignment with the keyways  36 . 
     When the tap assembly and associated joined parts  11  and  14  are thus inserted into part  22 , the end surface  42  of part  14  is forced against the seal  30  to put the seal  30  into compression to thus seal the opening  26  against any liquid flow. 
     Again, in the locked position with the tap assembly rotated at 90°, the opening  18  of part  14  is in the position shown in discontinuous lines as position  2  in  FIG. 8 . In both of positions  1  and  2 , the opening  18  remains out of alignment with the opening  26 , so that the compressive force remains on the seal. When the tap is rotated a further 90°, to the position shown in  FIG. 8 , the opening  18  is then in position  3  in  FIG. 8 ; that is, in alignment with opening  26 . At that point liquid can flow into chamber  12 . Outflow from chamber  12  is then controlled by tap  46 . 
     In use, the part  22  is preferably first secured in a suitable opening in the side of a container  4 , such that the end surface  28  of part  22  is flush with the interior wall of the container  4 . The interior wall of the container  4  and the part  22  thus present a substantially smooth continuous internal surface in the container. 
     The flush mounting thus does not present any protruding surface upon which sediment might collect and subsequently be drawn into the chamber  12  when the tap assembly is rotated to put opening  18  in alignment with opening  26 . 
     In order to provide a proper seat for seal  30 , a shallow space may of necessity be left on the surface  28  of the end wall of part  22 . However, the steeply sloping edge  44  of that space strongly mitigates against any sediment being trapped in that space. 
     Of note, the unequal spacing of protrusions  32  about the outer surface of part  11  ensures that the protrusions will only align with the keyways  36  in the position of the tap assembly shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     In certain applications of the spigot assembly, it is preferable to reduce the amount of air initially in chamber  12 . For example, where the spigot assembly is used to remove wine from a fermentation vessel  2  in which the wine has been made, it is desirable to minimize the amount of air in the chamber, in order to avoid oxidation of the wine. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a channel  68  is formed within chamber  12  by a top wall  63  and a pair of side walls  64 . Only one of side walls  64  is shown in the cutaway of  FIG. 11 . A second chamber  65  is thus also formed. 
     Although the present invention has been described by way of a detailed description in which various embodiments and aspects of the invention have been described, it will be seen by one skilled in the art that the full scope of this invention is not limited to the examples presented herein. For example, the fermentation vessel may be suitable to brew any fermented liquid for consumption, including but not limited to beer, wine or other spirit. The invention has a scope which is commensurate with the claims of this patent specification including any elements or aspects which would be seen to be equivalent to those set out in the accompanying claims.