Patent Publication Number: US-11027960-B2

Title: Apparatus, systems, and methods relating to transfer of liquids to/from containers and/or storage of liquids in containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/825,860 filed Aug. 13, 2015 (published as US2017/0043994 on Feb. 16, 2017 and issuing as U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/005,654 on Jun. 26, 2018). The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to transferring fluids to/from containers and/or storing/transporting fluids in containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Carbonated beverages are popular drinks of choice for many people. Examples of popular carbonated beverages include beer, carbonated water, soda, etc. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are exploded views of an apparatus that may be used for transfer of a liquid to/from a container and for storage/transport of the liquid in the container according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are cross-sectional assembly views of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , where the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  includes a different valve than the valve shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  assembled together in a transfer condition (e.g., for dispensing from or filling a container, etc.); 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 , where the apparatus includes vent holes in the fitment and a removable cover member configured to be positioned over the lower vent hole for sealing the lower vent hole, and where the storage/transfer cap is configured to be positioned over the upper vent hole for sealing the upper vent hole; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example cover member that may be positioned over the lower vent hole in the fitment shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the example cover member shown in  FIG. 7 , where the cover member includes pull tabs; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a flexible container shown empty in a collapsed configuration, wherein the flexible container may be used with the apparatus shown in any one of  FIGS. 1-6, 10, and 13-19 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4  with a conduit (e.g., flexible tube or hose, etc.) attached to the transfer tube and an adapter at an end of the conduit for connection to a faucet; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the apparatus shown in  FIG. 10  connected to the flexible container shown in  FIG. 9  and a front of a faucet via the adapter for filling the flexible container; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the apparatus and flexible container shown in  FIG. 11  positioned within a pressure vessel, where the apparatus is now connected to a rear of a faucet for dispensing from or emptying the flexible container; 
         FIGS. 13 through 16  illustrate example valve assemblies that may be used for purging air from the transfer tube shown in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with an alternative seal configured to be positioned within the fitment such that the transfer tube is inserted through a hole in the seal and an airtight seal is formed between the seal and the transfer tube; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 17  without the retainer; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 18  without the backup seal; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 17  where the fitment includes an opening larger than the transfer tube diameter; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus that includes a transfer cap, a second valve, a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, where the apparatus is shown connected to a container and the second conduit is shown connected to a front of a faucet via the adapter for filling the container; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the container shown in  FIG. 21  positioned within a pressure vessel, and also illustrating a single conduit connecting the container to a rear of a faucet for dispensing from the container; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21 , where the second valve is shown in a first valve setting or position in which the second valve is closed and inhibits fluid flow in any direction; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21 , where the second valve is shown in a second valve setting or position in which the second valve is open from the first conduit to the third conduit and closed to the second conduit; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21 , where the second valve is shown in a third valve setting or position in which the second valve is open from the second conduit to the first conduit and closed to the third conduit; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 21  that includes a different second valve according to another exemplary embodiment, where the second valve is shown in a first valve setting or position in which the second valve is open from the second conduit to the third conduit and closed to the first conduit; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 26 , where the second valve is shown in a second valve setting or position in which the second valve is open from the first conduit to second conduit and closed to the third conduit; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 26 , where the second valve is shown in a third valve setting or position in which the second valve is open from the first conduit to third conduit and closed to the second conduit; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 26 , where the second valve is shown in a fourth valve setting or position in which the second valve is open to all of the first, second, and third conduits; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device that may be used for sealing an unsealed portion of a vented beer faucet; and 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in  FIG. 30  clamped onto to a vented beer faucet and sealing an unsealed portion of the vented beer faucet. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     For the past few decades, efforts have been made to produce inexpensive, disposable packaging for various liquids, in particular, beverages, and even more particularly, beer. In general, the focus of these efforts has been to create various forms of packaging designed to be filled by automated means, usually in mass quantities in a factory, and emptied (dispensed) by the consumer either manually or by some type of dispensing apparatus. In many cases, large beverage manufacturers initiated these efforts in order to create a proprietary package that would help to facilitate the sales of their beverage(s). As a result, the particular packaging/dispensing system developed is exclusive to a particular beverage brand (or brands), thus limiting the consumer to only those brands offered for use with that particular packaging/dispensing system. 
     Also, a major challenge for small beverage manufacturers is the distribution of their product(s). For example, bottling or canning beer is cost prohibitive to a lot of small brewers thereby limiting them to kegs. While there is clearly a market for keg beer, in many (if not most) instances, a keg of beer is too large of a quantity and is too inconvenient to handle and use. 
     Recent laws have been passed in a number of states (growler laws) allowing the filling of consumer-supplied containers by retail merchants. The problem with filling an open container with draft beer, even if resealed, is that upon exposure to air (oxygen) the shelf life of the beer is dramatically reduced, typically limited to two or three days. 
     Yet another issue applies to home brewers. The general consensus among people who brew their own beer is that the bottling step is the most undesirable step in the process due, in general, to the cost, inconvenience, and labor involved. 
     The inventor hereof recognized the above and then identified that a need therefore exists for a packaging/dispensing system that 1) allows the consumer to choose any beverage brand available, 2) maintains the original quality of the beverage, 3) is inexpensive, and 4) is easy to use. 
     Unlike some other beverages, a carbonated beverage, particularly beer, tends to be fragile and may be easily damaged if agitated or overexposed to air or light. For example, beer may be agitated and damaged when dispensed through an “open” pinch valve if the pinch valve is not fully open due to memory of the pinch valve material preventing the pinch valve from remaining fully open. As another example, beer may be damaged when too much carbon dioxide (over carbonation) is added into the same container that includes the beer, which is a traditional process for dispensing beer. 
     After recognizing the above, the inventor hereof developed and discloses herein exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods for transferring beer to/from a container without the beer being damaged due to agitation, without overexposure to air, and/or without requiring a separate carbonation source as is traditionally required for dispensing beer. As disclosed herein, exemplary embodiments may allow a user to individually fill a container with beer, store the beer within the container, and then dispense the beer from the container. All of which may be accomplished without damaging agitation and without requiring a separate carbonation source to dispense the beer. In addition, the beer is also not overexposed to air (e.g., with little or no exposure to outside air, etc.), which may also damage beer. In exemplary embodiments, the beer is not exposed to the outside environment (e.g., to air, etc.) until the beer is dispensed from a transfer tube (broadly, conduit) into a user&#39;s cup, glass, etc. Also in exemplary embodiments, beer may be stored in a substantially airtight manner such that the beer won&#39;t lose its carbonation and become flat during storage. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments may thus provide one or more or all of the following important packaging requirements: liquid barrier, light barrier, oxygen barrier, maintain sufficient pressure, and maintain chilled (if not pasteurized like draft beer). 
     With reference now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  100  embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  includes a storage/transport cap or closure  104 , a fitment or spout  116 , a valve  124 , and a retainer  128 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  100  also includes a transfer cap or closure  108  and a transfer tube or conduit  112 . The transfer tube  112  is configured to be attached to a conduit  131  as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 . As disclosed herein, the apparatus  100  may be used for transferring a carbonated liquid (e.g., beer, soda, etc.) or noncarbonated liquid (e.g., milk, wine, etc.) to or from a container  166  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 .  FIG. 3  shows the apparatus  100  in a storage/transport condition (e.g., with the storage/transport cap  108  in place for storing and/or transporting a liquid within the container  166 , etc.). 
     The end portion  113  of the transfer tube  112  is inserted through the opening  109  in the top  110  of the transfer cap  108  until the flange or shoulder portion  114  of the transfer tube  112  abuts against an inner surface of the top  110  of the transfer cap  108 . The transfer tube  112  is configured to be attached to the conduit  131 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , one end  113  of the transfer tube  112  is barbed (e.g., includes three hose barbs  115 , etc.) and sized for insertion into conduit  131 . 
     Conduit  131  is preferably a flexible tube or hose attached to transfer tube  112  in a manner as shown thereby trapping transfer cap  108  between the flange  114  of the transfer tube  112  and the end of the conduit  131 . In the exemplary embodiment, the transfer tube  112  is preferably not directly attached to the transfer cap  108  thereby allowing the transfer cap  108  to rotate freely for threaded engagement to the fitment  116  without rotation of the transfer tube  112 . Optionally, a hose clamp (not shown) may be used as necessary to secure the conduit  131  to the transfer tube  112 . In this embodiment, the transfer cap  108  attaches to the fitment  116  via screw threads  111 ,  119 . Other methods of releasable attachment (e.g., snap fit, friction fit, bayonet fitment, etc.) may be alternatively employed. 
     Alternatively, the transfer cap  108  and transfer tube  112  may be attached directly together, e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded, (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.) or other suitable attachment method, or monolithically formed (e.g., injection molded, etc.) so as to have a single piece construction. Similarly, the conduit  131  may be attached as a separate piece or formed monolithically with the transfer cap  108  and transfer tube  112 . Also, other means may be used to help retain the connection between the transfer tube  112  and the conduit  131 . 
     The transfer tube  112  includes an end portion  121  configured to be inserted into opening  117  of fitment  116  such that, upon insertion, an airtight seal is formed between end portion  121  and opening  117 . As the transfer tube  112  is inserted further into the fitment  116 , the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  engages, opens, and extends through fitment valve  124  thereby providing an open passage to/from the container  166  into and through the transfer assembly ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) while maintaining an airtight seal with the outside environment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the transfer tube  112  includes a tapered portion  125  such that an outer width or diameter of tapered portion  125  decreases from top to bottom of the tapered portion  125 . The tapered portion  125  is configured to wedge against and seal with the inner surface  126  of the fitment  116  that defines the opening  117 , which may thereby create a more air-tight seal between the transfer tube  112  and transfer cap  108  which seal may improve with increased pressure. The transfer tube  112  may be inserted into the fitment  116  until the tapered portion  125  fits tightly and seals with the opening  117 . 
     The valve  124  may allow flow into the container  166  (e.g., from top to bottom in  FIG. 1 , etc.) but prevent backflow out of the container, e.g., prevent carbonation from escaping the container, etc. The valve  124  may be opened and held open by the portion of the transfer tube  112  positioned within the valve  124 . 
     With the transfer tube  112  positioned through the valve  124  ( FIG. 5 ), the beer (or other liquid) is advantageously able to flow openly (e.g., in a straight line or linear flow path, without being damaged by agitation, etc.) through the transfer tube  112  into or out of the container  166 . Beer added to or removed from the container  166  can flow through the transfer tube  112  without having to contact or flow around any one of the transfer cap  108 , fitment  116 , valve  124 , and retainer  128 . The transfer tube  112  may have a minimal length to thus operate as a bypass mechanism that opens the valve  124  and allows beer to bypass the valve  124  when flowing to/from a container (e.g., from a beer tap into the container, from the container into a beer glass, etc.). In this configuration, the transfer tube  112  may be relatively short to help further avoid agitation and/or to make it easier and more convenient to use. Alternatively, the transfer tube  112  may be longer, as desired, to extend into the container (e.g., to the bottom of the container in a manner commonly known as a drop tube or dip tube, etc.). 
       FIG. 5  shows the apparatus  100  with the transfer cap  108 , transfer tube  112 , and conduit  131 . In this configuration, the apparatus  100  is ready to be used for transferring liquid to or from a container  166 . For example,  FIG. 11  shows the apparatus  100  being used to individually fill a container  166  with beer after connecting the conduit  131  via an adapter  169  to the front of a beer faucet  167 . As another example,  FIG. 12  shows the apparatus  100  being used to dispense beer from the container  166  after connecting the conduit  131  to the rear of the beer faucet  167 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the retainer  128  may be attached to an inner surface of the fitment  116 , e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), snap fit, press fit, threaded, or other suitable attaching methods, etc. thereby trapping and retaining valve  124  in an airtight manner in the fitment  116 . The retainer  128  may include a flange  132  or other feature (e.g., rib, projection, etc.) to help facilitate its attachment to the fitment  116 . In some exemplary embodiments, the valve  124  and the retainer  128  are each attached to the inner surface of the fitment  116 . In other exemplary embodiments, the valve  124  may be disposed within (e.g., friction or interference fit, etc.) the fitment  116  without being attached directly to the inner surface of the fitment  116 . Instead, the retainer  128  may be attached directly to the inner surface of the fitment  116  for retaining the valve  124  within the fitment  116 . 
     In this example, the valve  124  includes a flange  127  and sealing elements  129  (e.g., elastomeric lips of a duckbill valve, elastomeric cuspids of a cross-slit valve, etc.) depending from the flange  127 . The retainer  128  includes an opening  130  configured to receive the sealing elements  129  therethrough. 
     The apparatus  100  may also be used when storing a liquid in a container when the apparatus  100  includes or is provided with the storage/transport cap  104  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . After the apparatus  100  with the transfer assembly ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) is used to fill a container with beer (or other liquid) as discussed above, the transfer cap  108  (and transfer tube  112  attached thereto) may be removed from the fitment  116 . The removal of the transfer cap  108  from the fitment  116  also removes the transfer tube  112  from the valve  124 . With the transfer tube  112  removed and no longer holding open the valve  124 , the valve  124  may then self-close and prevent the escape of liquid or gas from the container. 
     The storage/transport cap  104  may then be screwed or threaded onto the fitment  116 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the storage/transport cap  104  includes a downwardly protruding portion  105  (e.g., annular rib, ridge, ring, protrusion, sealing element, etc.) along an inner surface of the top  106  of the cap  104 . The portion  105  is configured to be received within the opening  117  when the storage/transport cap  104  is threaded onto the fitment  116 , to sealingly engage the cap  104  and the fitment  116 . 
     During the cap switch, there may be an insignificant amount of gas leakage from the container, e.g., during the time it takes for the valve  124  to self-close. But the valve  124  will still hold sufficient pressure, e.g., 20 pounds per square inch (PSI), prevent contamination, and keep the beer good during the limited amount of time needed to switch between the transfer cap  108  and the storage/transport cap  104 . 
     The storage/transport cap  104  provides a proven, reliable pressure seal as well as a seal against contamination. For example, the storage/transport cap  104  helps keep the fitment surface  126  and the valve  124  clean for insertion of the transfer tube  112 . The container (e.g., flexible container  166  ( FIGS. 9, 11, and 12 ), etc.), the fitment  116 , the valve  124 , the retainer  128 , and storage/transport cap  104  may be disposable, e.g., if deemed too impractical or inconvenient to clean and reuse the container, etc. The transfer assembly ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) may be reused over and over again (e.g., with proper cleaning, etc.) for the same liquid or for different liquids (e.g., for switching between different types of beer, etc.). The transfer assembly may be reused after cleaning. For example, the transfer cap  108  may be screwed onto a threaded spout of a flexible container of cleaning solution to thereby position the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  inside the flexible container. The flexible container may then be squeezed to force the cleaning solution out of the flexible container through the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131 , to thereby clean the interior of the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131 . As another example, the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131  may be cleaned out by using tap water. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments may not include any storage/transport cap. In such embodiments, the transfer cap and transfer tube may remain with the container during storage. For example, the transfer tube may be reconfigured such that it is slidable away from and out of contact with the valve to thereby allow self-closure of the valve. The valve may then inhibit the ingress flow into and out of the container. A cap may be positioned within the open top of the transfer tube to prevent contamination (e.g., dust, etc.) from entering the transfer tube. In order to add liquid to or remove liquid from the container, the transfer tube may be slid into contact with the seal and/or valve component(s) to thereby open the seal and/or valve component(s), and the cap removed from the open top of the transfer tube. 
     Assuming the apparatus  100  has been used while storing beer (or other liquid) in the container, the storage/transport cap  104  may be removed from the fitment  116 . The transfer cap  108  may then be screwed or threaded onto the fitment  116 , and the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  inserted through the opening  117  in the top  118  of the fitment  116 . The same transfer cap  108  and transfer tube  112  used to fill the container as described above may also be used when dispensing beer from the container  166  as shown in  FIG. 12 . But in alternative embodiments, the apparatus may include first and second transfer assemblies that are interchangeable. The first transfer assembly may be used for filling a container, while the second transfer assembly may be used for dispensing from the container. In which case, the second transfer assembly may remain connected to a rear of a beer faucet (e.g.,  FIG. 12 , etc.) to allow a user to readily and conveniently switch between different containers, e.g., filled with different beers, etc. 
     The transfer tube&#39;s end portion  121  may be inserted into and through the opening  117  of the fitment  116  and valve  124 . The valve  124  may be opened and held open by the portion of the transfer tube  112  positioned within the valve  124 , to thereby allow the beer (or other liquid) to flow out of the container through the transfer tube  112 . By way of example, the container may comprise a flexible bag  166  as shown in  FIG. 9 . Beer may be dispensed from the flexible bag  166  by compressing or applying pressure to (e.g., squeezing, etc.) the flexible bag  166 . The compressive forces or pressure forces beer to flow out of the flexible bag  166  through the transfer tube  112 , e.g., into a glass, cup, or directly into a user&#39;s mouth should the user wish to use the transfer tube  112  as a straw. Advantageously, a separate carbonation source is not thus required for dispensing beer from the flexible bag  166 . Also, this example embodiment does not require a drop tube to dispense the beer, which drop tubes are traditionally used to extend from a mouth or opening of the container into the container&#39;s reservoir or main content holding portion that holds the liquid. Optionally, a drop tube may be used as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a bottom portion  122  of the fitment  116  may be coupled to an inner surface of the flexible bag  166 , e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), or other suitable attaching methods that provides an airtight seal, etc. By positioning the bottom portion  122  of the fitment  116  inside the flexible bag  166 , pressure within the flexible bag  166  helps retain the fitment  116  against and coupled to the flexible bag  166 . The flexible bag  166  may be round and configured to equally distribute stress along a seam or interface  171  between upper and lower portions  173 ,  175  (e.g., circular hemispherical halves, octagonal portions, multisided portions, etc.). Other shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) may also be used as desired. The upper and lower portions  173 ,  175  are attached (e.g., heat sealed, etc.) to each other along the seam  171 . The fitment  116  may be located at about a center of the upper portion  173 . Alternatively, other exemplary embodiments may be used with different containers besides the round flexible bag  166  shown in  FIGS. 9, 11, and 12 . By way of example, the fitment  116  may be formed integrally with a container, rigid or flexible, of practically any size and shape. Also by way of example, the apparatus  100  may be used with practically any container having sufficient strength. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6 , the valve  124  may comprise any of a wide range of valves, including one-piece, elastomeric, self-closing, valves. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve  124  allows insertion of the transfer tube  112  from one direction and prevents fluid flow from the other. By way of example only, the valve  124  may comprise a cross-slit valve ( FIG. 1 ) or a duckbill valve ( FIG. 3 ). The valve  124  may be made of rubber, synthetic elastomer, food-grade silicone, etc. The duckbill valve and cross-slit-valve are each a one-piece, self-closing elastomeric component having an integral sealing function without having to rely upon a seat surface of another component to seal. The duckbill valve includes elastomeric sealing features that may be shaped similar to lips of a duckbill. The cross-slit valve includes elastomeric sealing features such as four cuspids, etc. Also by way of example only, the valve  124  may comprise a cross-slit valve or duckbill valve from Minivalve, Inc., etc. Alternatively, other means for sealing and/or controlling fluid flow besides duckbill or cross-slit valves may be used in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a plurality of valves may be used, e.g., to provide greater sealing for higher pressures, etc. 
     A wide variety of materials and manufacturing methods may be used for the various components of the apparatus  100  depending, for example, on the requirements of the specific application or intended end use for the apparatus  100 . Example factors to be considered include the weight and volume of the liquid to be contained (size of the bag), pressure requirements due to the amount of carbonation (if any) in the liquid, pressure requirements for dispensing the liquid, chemical compatibility, compatibility of the bag material and the fitment material for bonding purposes, temperature range of the application, etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the caps  104 ,  108  and the fitment  116  may be injection molded from thermoplastic material or other injection moldable material. The container  166  and components of the apparatus  100  (e.g., fitment  116 , storage cap  104 , etc.) may be opaque in some embodiments so that beer in the container is not exposed to light during storage as overexposure to light may damage the beer. In other exemplary embodiments, the container  166  and components of the apparatus  100  may be at least partially see-through (e.g., transparent, translucent, etc.) to allow a user to readily determine how much liquid is in the container and/or whether liquid is flowing through the transfer assembly when filling the container  166  or dispensing from the container  166 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, one or more vent holes may be provided in the fitment to allow fluid such as gas to escape or release from the container through the one or more vent holes. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fitment  116  includes first and second vent holes  136  and  137 . The first or lower vent hole  136  may be covered and sealed by a cover member  133 . The second or upper vent hole  137  may be covered and sealed by a cover member (not shown) similar to cover member  133  and/or by the storage/transfer cap  104 . 
     The first and second vent holes  136 ,  137  may be located relative to the valve  124  (e.g., on the container side of the valve  124 , etc.) to allow venting from the container regardless of whether the valve  124  is open or closed. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first vent hole  136  is located in a neck of the fitment  116  towards a bottom of the fitment  116 . In this example, the vent hole  136  is located between the outwardly protruding portions  122 ,  123  (e.g., flanges, shoulders, etc.) of the fitment  116 . Accordingly, the cover member  133  is also positioned between the outwardly protruding portions  122 ,  123  of the fitment  116  when covering the vent hole  136 . In which case, the outwardly protruding portions  122 ,  123  may then help to retain the cover member  133  in place over the vent hole  136 , e.g., prevent the unintentional removal or relocation of the cover member  133  off the vent hole  136 , etc. 
     The vent hole  136  is also located (e.g., a sufficient distance below the threads  119 , etc.) such that the vent hole  136  is not covered by the storage/transport cap  104 . Even when a storage/transport cap  104  or transfer cap  108  is attached to the fitment  116 , the vent hole  136  may nevertheless be used to allow venting from the container  166  at any time by removing or repositioning the cover member  133  to expose the vent hole  136 , e.g., such as for pressure relief in an overpressure condition, which may be particularly desirable for a carbonated liquid or for extreme temperature variations, etc. 
     The vent hole  136  may also be located on an outwardly protruding portion  141  (e.g., a raised bump, etc.), which increases the perimeter of the fitment portion about which the cover member  133  is positioned and concentrates the force of the elastic cover member  133  immediately around the vent hole  136 , thus providing a more effective seal. Accordingly, the cover member  133  must be stretched to a great extent when covering the vent hole  136 , which thereby increases the sealing pressure applied by the cover member  133 . Additionally, or alternatively, the vent hole, cover member, and/or cap may be configured such that the cap presses down on the cover member to increase the sealing effect the cover member has on the vent hole and/or to help retain the cover member in place over the vent hole when the cap is in place on the fitment. 
     The second vent hole  137  may be located immediately below the threads  119 . In this example, the vent hole  137  is covered by the storage/transport cap  104  threaded onto the fitment  116 . The cap  104  and fitment  116  are configured such that a seal  139  is created between tapered or slanted sealing surfaces of the cap  104  and fitment  116 . The seal  139  prevents the container  166  from venting when the cap  104  is in place. Accordingly, the vent hole  137  allows venting when the cap  104  is removed (e.g., to purge unwanted gas from the container  166 , etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, other means may be used for creating the seal  139  between the cap  104  and fitment  116 , such as an O-ring, etc. Transfer cap  108  may also be configured with or without seal  139 , or an alternative, depending on when and how venting is desired. 
     The second vent hole  137  may include a cover member (not shown) similar to cover member  133  that allows venting when the cap  104  is removed, but is sealed by the cap  104  when the storage/transport cap  104  is secured to the fitment  116 . In this manner, venting is allowed, for example during filling (e.g., to relieve excess pressure from the container, etc.), but not allowed during storage/transport. 
     Alternatively, other embodiments may include only the first vent hole  136  or the second vent hole  137 , but not both. Still other embodiments may include one or more vent holes located elsewhere in the fitment depending on the particular application or end use. For example, the fitment may include a plurality of vent holes circumferentially spaced apart along a perimeter of the fitment. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example cover member  133  that may be positioned over the lower vent hole  136  in the fitment  116  shown in  FIG. 6 . The cover member  133  (e.g., elastic band, etc.) may be positioned around the fitment  116  to cover and seal the first vent hole  136 , e.g., to inhibit or prevent ingress of air into the container through the first vent hole  136  and/or to prevent carbonation from escaping the container through the first vent hole  136 , etc. The cover member  133  may also be removed from the fitment  116  or repositioned (e.g., pulled outwardly away from the fitment  116 , slid upward or downward, etc.) to expose the vent hole  136 , e.g., to allow fluid such as gas to escape or release from the container through the vent hole  136 , etc. as desired. Accordingly, the cover  133  and vent hole  136  may thus be used as a purge or pressure relief valve. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cover member  133  may also include tabs  134  protruding outwardly from an annular (e.g., circular, etc.) portion. The tabs  134  may allow a user to more easily remove or reposition the cover member  133  relative to the first vent hole  136 , e.g., to allow fluid such as gas from the container to vent through the first vent hole  136  when the container is being filled in an upright position, etc. 
     The cover member  133  may be made from various materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member  133  may be formed from a resiliently stretchable or elastic material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that is capable of being stretched to fit generally over and snugly fit against the fitment  116  and the first vent hole  136 . The configuration of the cover member  133  and first vent hole  136  (e.g., durometer, shape, and size of the cover member  133 , shape, size, and location of the vent hole(s), and/or number of holes, etc.) may vary depending on the particular application or end use. By way of example, the cover member  133  and first vent hole  136  may be configured to prevent over pressurization of the container. For example, the cover member  133  and first vent hole  136  may be configured such that relatively high pressure will cause movement of the cover member  133  outwardly away from the first vent hole  136  to thereby automatically allow gas to escape and lower the pressure without the user having to manually move or reposition the cover member  133 . 
     The retainer  128  may include a hole or opening  150  so that the retainer  128  does not obstruct the vent hole  136 . By way of example ( FIG. 6 ), the hole  150  in the retainer  128  is aligned with the vent hole  136 . In another exemplary embodiment, the retainer  128  may include a number of holes or openings such that the vent hole  136  cannot be obstructed by the retainer  128  regardless of the orientation of the retainer  128 . In other embodiments, the retainer  128  may include one or more grooves, channels, etc. instead of holes. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the apparatus  100  and flexible container  166  shown positioned within a pressure vessel  170  as part of a dispenser  203  (partially shown). As shown, the apparatus  100  may be used to dispense beer from the container  166  when the conduit  131  is connected to the rear of the beer faucet  167 . The beer faucet  167  may be mounted on a wall  181  of the dispenser  203 , etc. The pressure vessel  170  and flexible container  166  may be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, form fitting, etc.) relative to each other such that at least the bottom or lower portion  175  of the flexible container  166  conforms (e.g., form fitting, etc.) to or against the corresponding bottom or lower portion of the pressure vessel  170 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the pressure vessel  170  includes a chamber  176  (e.g., aluminum housing, etc.) and outer insulation  178  surrounding the chamber  176 . The pressure vessel  170  includes an openable lid or top  180  also preferably covered by outer insulation  178 . A seal  182  (e.g., an O-ring, etc.) is disposed between the lid  180  and the lower portion of the pressure vessel  170 . 
     A thermoelectric cooling system  174  (e.g., thermoelectric module, fan, heat sink, etc.), or other cooling system, is positioned toward or at a bottom of the pressure vessel  170 . The thermoelectric cooling system  174  may be operable for reducing and maintaining temperature of beer within the flexible container  166  to a sufficiently low enough level so that the beer will not be damaged due to heat. 
     The pressure vessel  170  also includes a pressurized source of gas or other means  184  (e.g., pump, etc.) for adding fluid (e.g., air, etc.) into the pressure vessel  170 . For example, a pump or compressor may be used to add air to the pressure vessel  170  to increase the air pressure therein. The increased air pressure squeezes or applies a compression force to the flexible container  166 . In response, the flexible container&#39;s sidewall(s) are caused to flex and force liquid to flow out of the flexible container  166  through the transfer tube  112 , conduit  131 , and beer faucet  167 . As the liquid is dispensed, the flexible container  166  collapses, but air may be added within the space between the rigid container  170  and the flexible container  166  to compress the flexible container  166  and force the liquid out. Advantageously, this process thus does not require a separate compressed gas source to add pressure into the reservoir or main content holding portion of the flexible container  166 . 
     The flexible container  166  may comprise a flexible round bag that is expandable when being filled with liquid and collapsible when liquid is dispensed. The flexible container  166  may be round and configured to equally distribute stress along the seam or interface  171  between upper and lower portions  173 ,  175  (e.g., upper and lower halves, upper and lower circular hemispherical portions, etc.). The stress may be created or caused, for example, due to the weight of the liquid within the flexible container  166 . The magnitude of the stress will depend on the particular liquid and amount within the flexible container  166 . The stress may also be created or caused, for example, when the flexible container  166  is compressed to dispense the liquid, such as by increasing air pressure around the flexible container  166 , manually squeezing the flexible container  166 , by the pressure of carbonation of the liquid in the container  166 , changes in temperature, etc. 
     Although  FIG. 12  shows the flexible container  166  being used with the pressure vessel  170 , the flexible container  166  may also be used in other ways and/or with other systems. For example, the flexible container  166  may simply be placed on a horizontal support surface (e.g., a table, a bar top, etc.) without the rigid container  170 . In this example, a user may manually cause the liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir of the flexible container  166  through the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131  by squeezing or pressing down on the flexible container  166 , etc. Or, for example, the flexible container  166  may be carried and used as a portable drink dispenser, e.g., with the transfer tube  112  or conduit  131  used as a spigot to fill a cup or used as a straw where a user may drink directly from the end of the transfer tube  112  or conduit  131 , etc. 
     While dispensing a beverage, for example, from a container (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 12 , manually as described above, etc.), it may be desirable to switch from the current, or first, brand, flavor, type, etc., of beverage to an alternative, or second, brand, flavor, type, etc., before the first container is empty. In this event, utilizing apparatus  100  as described herein, the first container can be replaced by the second container without damaging the beverage remaining in the first container. The first container may be stored (e.g., refrigerated, etc.) and reconnected for dispensing using apparatus  100  when desired. 
     The flexible container  166  may be individually filled with liquid (e.g., carbonated liquid, etc.) and/or liquid may be stored within and/or dispensed from the flexible container  166  while using an apparatus (e.g.,  100 , etc.) disclosed herein. By way of example, a fitment (e.g.,  116 , etc.) disclosed herein may be attached to an inner surface of the flexible container  166 , e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), or other suitable attaching methods that provides an airtight seal between the fitment and container, etc. Alternatively, fitment  116  may be integrally formed with a container. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate an example valve assembly attached between the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131 . The valve assembly may be used for purging air from the transfer tube  112 . The valve assembly includes a movable valve member  188  that is moveable relative to the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  between a closed position ( FIG. 13 ) and an open position ( FIG. 14 ).  FIG. 14  shows the valve member  188  in an open position in which the valve member  188  is spaced apart from the end of the transfer tube  112  such that liquid may flow through and out of the transfer tube  112 . The open valve allows fluid flow out of the transfer tube  112 . Liquid may be introduced into the transfer tube  112  via the conduit  131  and T-shaped tube connector  190  forcing the air out of the open end of the valve assembly. Once all of the air is displaced, the valve may be closed, as shown in  FIG. 13 . The valve assembly may now be attached to and used to fill a container with liquid that has not been exposed to air. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate another example valve assembly  191  attached between the transfer tube  112  and conduit  131 . The valve assembly  191  may be used for purging air from the transfer tube  112 . The valve assembly  191  includes a movable valve member  192  that is moveable relative to the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  between a closed position ( FIG. 15 ) and an open position ( FIG. 16 ).  FIG. 16  shows the valve member  192  in an open position in which the valve member  192  is spaced apart from the end of the transfer tube  112  such that liquid may flow through and out of the transfer tube  112 . The open valve allows fluid flow out of the transfer tube  112 . Liquid may be introduced into the transfer tube  112  via the conduit  131  and T-shaped tube connector  194  forcing the air out of the open end of the valve assembly  191 . Once all of the air is displaced, the valve  191  may be closed, as shown in  FIG. 15 . The valve assembly  191  may now be attached to and used to fill a container with liquid that has not been exposed to air. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 20 , the apparatus  100  may further include a seal component  138 . The seal component  138  is configured to be positioned within the fitment  116  such that the end portion  121  of the transfer tube  112  engages and extends through an opening  140  in the seal component  138 . With the seal component  138  disposed around (e.g., disposed circumferentially around, sealed against, etc.) the outer surface of the transfer tube  112 , an airtight seal is formed between the seal component  138  and the transfer tube  112 . 
     In  FIG. 17 , an airtight seal is formed between the transfer tube&#39;s end portion  121  and opening  117  in the fitment  116 . Accordingly, the seal component  138  may also be referred to as and/or provide a backup or secondary seal when there is a seal also formed between the transfer tube&#39;s end portion  121  and opening  117  in the fitment  116  as disclosed above. But, by way of example in  FIG. 20 , the opening  117  in the fitment  116  is much larger than a diameter of the transfer tube  112  such that an airtight seal is not formed between the transfer tube&#39;s end portion  121  and opening  117  in the fitment  116 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , a relatively large diameter opening  117  may be provided if desired, without sacrificing the features and benefits described herein. 
       FIG. 18  shows the apparatus  100  without the retainer  128 . Instead, the valve  124  and seal  138  may each be attached to an inner surface of the fitment  116 , e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), snap fit, press fit, threaded, or other suitable attaching methods, etc. Or, for example, only the valve  124  may be attached to an inner surface of the fitment  116 , and the seal  138  may be disposed within (e.g., friction or interference fit, etc.) the fitment  116  without being attached directly to the inner surface of the fitment  116 . 
       FIG. 19  shows the apparatus  100  without the retainer  128  and without the seal  138 . In this example, the valve  124  may be attached to an inner surface of the fitment  116 , e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), snap fit, press fit, threaded, or other suitable attaching methods, etc. 
       FIGS. 21, 23, 24, and 25  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  200  embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus  200  includes a transfer cap  208 , a second valve  272 , a first conduit  212 , a second conduit  231 , and a third conduit  286 . 
     The transfer cap  208  may be coupled to a fitment  216  of a container  266  as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . A portion  268  of the container  266  may be at least partially see-through (e.g., transparent or translucent sight window, cutout, opening, etc.) to allow a user to readily determine when the container  266  is full. 
     The container  266  may be expandable when being filled with fluid ( FIG. 21 ) and collapsible when fluid is dispensed from the container  266  ( FIG. 22 ). As shown in  FIG. 21 , the apparatus  200  may be used to individually fill the container  266  with beer after connecting the second conduit  231  via an adapter  269 , if necessary, to the front of a beer faucet  267 . As  FIG. 21  shows the second conduit  231  being used for filling the container  266 , the second conduit  231  may also be referred to as a fill tube in this illustrated embodiment. Although  FIG. 21  shows the container  266  being filled with beer from a beer faucet  267 , the apparatus  200  may be used to fill the container  266  with other carbonated liquids, non-carbonated liquids, other fluids, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the container  266  may be positioned within a pressure vessel  270  as part of a dispenser  203 . The second conduit  231  is connected to the rear of a beer faucet  267 . In this example, the single conduit  231  is shown being used to connect the container  266  to the beer faucet  267  for dispensing from the container  266  via the beer faucet  267 . Accordingly, the second conduit  231  may also be referred to as a transfer tube and/or a dispense tube in this illustrated embodiment. Also, the second valve  272  and additional conduits  212  and  286  are shown in  FIG. 22  because in this illustrated exemplary embodiment, the second valve  272  and additional conduits  212  and  286  are not used in the pressure vessel  270 . 
     The fitment  216  may be located at or near a bottom of the container  266  when the container  266  is within the pressure vessel  270  such that any carbon dioxide gas at the top of the beer will be dispensed last from the container  266  thereby emptying the second conduit  231  of beer. As a result, an empty bag may be replaced with a full bag of a different beer without concern about cross-contamination. Also, and advantageously, beer may thus be dispensed from within the container  266  via the fitment  216  and beer faucet  267  into a glass, mug, cup, etc. without dispensing unwanted or excess foam on top of the beer. 
     The container  266  may be made with an aluminum substrate thereby providing the necessary strength, flexibility, and good thermal conductivity. By way of example, the container  266  may be made from a laminate having an aluminum substrate with various polymer layers and/or coatings although other suitable materials may also be used. The container&#39;s good thermal conductivity allows for good cooling of beer (or other liquid) within the container  266 . A thermoelectric cooling system  274  or other cooling system is positioned toward or at a bottom of the pressure vessel  270 . The thermoelectric cooling system  274  may be operable for reducing and maintaining temperature of beer within the container  266  to a sufficiently low enough level so that the beer will not be damaged due to heat. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 22 , the beer faucet  267  may be mounted on a wall  281  of the dispenser  203 , etc. The pressure vessel  270  includes a chamber  276  (e.g., aluminum housing, etc.) and outer insulation  278  surrounding the chamber  276 . The pressure vessel  270  includes an openable lid or top  280 , which may also preferably covered by outer insulation  278 . A seal (e.g., an O-ring, etc.) may be disposed between the lid  280  and the lower portion of the pressure vessel  270 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure vessel  270  may be self-locking such that the lid  280  cannot be opened when the pressure vessel  270  is under pressure. In this example, the pressure vessel  270  may include a manual release to depressurize and unlock the pressure vessel  270  to thereby allow the lid  280  to be opened. 
     The pressure vessel  270  also includes a pressurized source of gas or other means  284  (e.g., pump, etc.) for adding fluid (e.g., air, etc.) into the pressure vessel  270 . For example, a pump or compressor may be used to add air to the pressure vessel  270  to increase the air pressure therein. The increased air pressure squeezes or applies a compression force to the container  266 . In response, the container&#39;s sidewall(s) are caused to flex and force liquid to flow out of the container  266  through the first conduit  212  (e.g., a transfer tube, etc.), the second conduit  231  (e.g., a dispense tube, etc.), and the beer faucet  267 . As the liquid is dispensed, the container  266  collapses, but air may be added within the space between the rigid container  270  and the container  266  to compress the container  266  and force the liquid out. Advantageously, this process thus does not require a separate compressed gas source to add pressure into the reservoir or main content holding portion of the container  266 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 , the second valve  272  of the apparatus  200  is located between the first conduit  212 , the second conduit  231 , and the third conduit  286 . The second valve  272  may be an L-port valve, although other suitable multiway multiport valves may be used (e.g., a T-port 3-way ball valve, etc.). 
     The second valve  272  includes first, second, and third valve openings or ports  287 ,  289 ,  295  respectively connected and/or in fluid communication with the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 , and  286 . As disclosed herein, the first conduit  212  may be used to open a valve within the fitment  216  (e.g., valve  124  in  FIG. 5 , etc.) to thereby provide an open passage to and/or from the container  266  (or other container) for dispensing fluid from within the container  266  and for filling the container  266  with fluid. 
     The second valve  272  includes first, second, and third valve settings or positions. The second valve  272  includes a switch  296  (e.g., rotatable lever, handle, etc.) for rotating a movable valve member  292  within the second valve  272  to manually select the first, second, or third valve setting. 
     In the first valve setting shown in  FIG. 23 , the second valve  272  is closed and inhibits fluid flow in any direction. Accordingly, fluid is unable to flow between any of the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 , and  286 . The first valve setting may be selected for the second valve  272  when connecting to, or disconnecting from, the container  266 , or when storing or transporting the container  266  with the transfer cap  208  coupled to the fitment  216  since the second valve  272  is closed and inhibits fluid flow in any direction in the first valve setting. 
     In the second valve setting shown in  FIG. 24 , the second valve  272  is open from the first conduit  212  to the third conduit  286  and closed to the second conduit  231 . When the second valve setting is selected, the apparatus  200  may be used for venting (off-gassing) excess unwanted carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from within the container  266  via the first conduit  212  to the third conduit  286 . When the second valve setting is selected, the apparatus  200  may be used for venting (off-gassing) excess unwanted carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from within the container  266  via the first conduit  212  to the third conduit  286 . Accordingly, the third conduit  286  may also be referred to as a vent tube in this example. 
     Excess unwanted carbon dioxide may occur when a keg goes empty as the container  266  is being filled via a faucet  267  connected to that keg (e.g.,  FIG. 21 , etc.). Excess unwanted carbon dioxide may also occur if the keg is not pouring properly (foaming) such as if the keg was recently shaken (agitated) and/or over-pressurized. 
     With the second valve  272  closed to the second conduit  231  in the second valve setting, fluid is unable to flow from the second conduit  231  to either of the first conduit  212  or the third conduit  286 . Fluid is also unable to flow to the second conduit  231  from either of the first conduit  212  or the third conduit  286  when the second valve  272  is in the second valve setting. 
     In the third valve setting shown in  FIG. 25 , the second valve  272  is open from the second conduit  231  to the first conduit  212  and closed to the third conduit  286 . The third valve setting may be selected when using the apparatus  200  to purge air from the second conduit  231  or for filling the container  266  ( FIG. 21 ). 
     More specifically, the apparatus  200  may be used for purging air from the second conduit  231  through the first conduit  212  to the outside environment when the third valve setting is selected before the apparatus  200  is connected to the container  266 . In this example, the transfer cap  208  is not coupled to the fitment  216  of the container  266 , and the first conduit  212  has not opened the valve within the fitment  216 . Accordingly, beer may flow through the second conduit  231  and first conduit  212  to thereby purge and remove air from the second conduit  231 . The beer may then be dispensed from the first conduit  212  into a drain of a sink, etc. without any beer flowing into the container  266 , which has not yet been connected to the apparatus  200 . Accordingly, the second conduit  231  may also be referred to as a purge tube in this example. 
     After the air is purged from the second conduit  231 , the second valve  272  may closed by selecting the first valve setting shown in  FIG. 23 . With the second valve  272  closed, the transfer cap  208  may then be coupled to the fitment  216  of the container  266 , and the first conduit  212  may open the valve within the fitment  216 . 
     After the transfer cap  208  has been coupled to the fitment  216  of the container  266 , the third valve setting may be selected for the second valve  272 . The container  266  may then be filled with beer that flows from the beer faucet  267  ( FIG. 21 ) through the second conduit  213  and first conduit  212  and into the container  266 . Accordingly, the second conduit  231  may also be referred to as a fill tube in this example. Also in this example, a bar tender or other user may open the beer faucet  267  to fill the container  266  and then walk away without worrying about mess, foam, breakage of a glass growler, etc. The container  266  is full when it becomes fully expanded, at which point the pressure in the container  266  equalizes with the pressure at the faucet  267 . As a result, the filling process stops automatically, which means the bar tender or other user is not required to monitor the filling process. 
     With the second valve  272  closed to the third conduit  286  in the third valve setting, fluid is unable to flow from the third conduit  286  to either of the first conduit  212  or the second conduit  231 . Fluid is also unable to flow to the third conduit  286  from either of the first conduit  212  or the third conduit  286  when the second valve  272  is in the third valve setting. Accordingly, the second valve  272  inhibits air from flowing in reverse through the third conduit  286  into either the first conduit  212  or the second conduit  231 . 
     Alternative embodiments may include a second valve having a different configuration and/or different valve settings. For example,  FIGS. 26, 27, 28, and 29  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  200  embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The apparatus  200  includes a transfer cap  208 , a second valve  272 , a first conduit  212 , a second conduit  231 , and a third conduit  286 . 
     In a first valve setting shown in  FIG. 26 , the second valve  272  is closed to the first conduit  212  and container  266  and open from the second conduit  231  to the third conduit  286 . When the first valve setting is selected, the apparatus  200  may be used for purging air from the second conduit  231  through the third conduit  286  to the outside environment. For example, beer may flow through the second conduit  231  and the third conduit  286  to thereby purge and remove air from the second conduit  231 . The beer may then be dispensed from the third conduit  286  into a drain of a sink, etc. without any beer flowing into the first conduit  212 . With the second valve  272  closed to the first conduit  212  in the first valve setting, fluid may flow through the second conduit  231  into the third conduit  286  while bypassing the first conduit  212 . 
     In a second valve setting shown in  FIG. 27 , the second valve  272  is closed to the third conduit  286  and open from the second conduit  231  to the first conduit  212  and container  266 . When the second valve setting is selected, the apparatus  200  may be used for filling the container  266  with beer that flows from the beer faucet  267  through the second conduit  231  and first conduit  212  and into the container  266 . 
     In a third valve setting shown in  FIG. 28 , the second valve  272  is closed to the second conduit  231  and open from the first conduit  212  and container  266  to the third conduit  286 . When the third valve setting is selected, the apparatus  200  may be used for venting (off-gassing) excess unwanted carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from within the container  266  via the first conduit  212  to the third conduit  286 . 
     In a fourth valve setting shown in  FIG. 29 , the second valve  272  is open to all of the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286 . When the fourth valve setting is selected, fluid is flowable between all of the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286 . 
     Because the fluid flow bypasses the first conduit  212  (and container  266 ) when the second valve  272  is in the first valve setting ( FIG. 26 ), the user is provided the option of connecting the apparatus  200  to the container  266  before or after purging the air from the second conduit  231  via the third conduit  286 . But the user may nevertheless want to purge the air from the second conduit  231  before connecting the apparatus  200  to the container  266  to avoid inadvertently injecting air into the container  266 . If the container  266  is connected to the apparatus  200  before purging, air will be injected into the container  266  if the second valve  272  is mistakenly turned the wrong way to mistakenly select the second valve setting ( FIG. 27 ), third valve setting ( FIG. 28 ), or fourth valve setting ( FIG. 29 ). By comparison, the apparatus  200  shown in  FIG. 25  with the second valve  272  in the third valve setting should only be used to purge air from the second conduit  231  before the apparatus  200  is connected to the container  266 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 , the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286  may be attached as separate pieces to corresponding portions  297 ,  298 ,  299  of the second valve  272  that respectively define the first, second, and third valve openings or ports  287 ,  289 ,  295 . The valve portions  297 ,  298 ,  299  may comprise protruding tubular portions or conduits that extend outwardly from the second valve  272  and that are configured (e.g., shaped, sized, etc.) to be inserted into open end portions of the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286 , respectively. Alternatively, the valve ports  287 ,  289 ,  295  may be formed as recesses in the valve body (or any other suitable configuration) to which the first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286  may be attached respectively. 
     The first, second, and third conduits  212 ,  231 ,  286  may be attached to the respective valve portions (conduits or openings)  297 ,  298 ,  299  using any suitable attachment means, such as heat sealed, glued, welded, (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.), hose barbs, press fit, threaded, etc. Alternatively, the first conduit  212 , the second conduit  231 , and/or the third conduit  286  may be monolithically formed (e.g., injection molded, etc.) so as to have a single piece construction with the second valve  272 . For example, the first conduit  212  may be formed integrally with valve portion  297 . In this alternative construction, the transfer cap  208  may be assembled to the second valve  272  by snap fit wherein the opening  209  of the transfer cap  208  is stretched over the first conduit portion  212  of the monolithic first conduit/valve portion  212 / 297 . 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the apparatus  200 , the second valve  272  and the transfer cap  208  are separate pieces that are coupled together. For example, the valve portion  297  may be positioned within the opening  209  in the top  210  of the transfer cap  208  such that a shoulder or flange  214  of the second valve  272  is above the top  210  of the transfer cap  208 . Then, the valve portion  297  may be inserted into the first conduit  212  thereby trapping the transfer cap  208  between the shoulder or flange  214  of the second valve  272  and a portion (e.g., an end portion, shoulder or flange, etc.) of the first conduit  212 . The first conduit  212  is positionable through the opening of the fitment  216  to engage and open the valve within the fitment  216 . 
     In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the first conduit  212  is positionable through the aligned openings of the transfer cap  208  and the fitment  216  such that a first end portion of the first conduit  212  is generally between the transfer cap  208  and the fitment  216  and such that a second end portion of the first conduit  212  is generally between the transfer cap  208  and the second valve  272 . The second end portion of the first conduit  212  is coupled to the valve portion  297 , such as by inserting the valve portion  297  into the second end portion of the first conduit  212 , etc. The first end portion of the first conduit  212  is configured to engage and open the valve within the fitment  216 . The first conduit  212  may include a flange or shoulder similar or identical to the flange or shoulder  114  of the transfer tube  112  shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 . The flange or shoulder of the first conduit  212  is between the first and second end portions of the first conduit  212 . The flange or shoulder may be configured to be located between the transfer cap  208  and the fitment  216  when the first conduit  212  is positioned through the aligned openings of the transfer cap  208  and the fitment  216 . 
     The transfer cap  208  is preferably not fixedly attached (e.g., adhesively attached, etc.) to the valve portion  297  or to first conduit  212 . Instead, the transfer cap  208  may be rotatable for threaded engagement with the fitment  216  without having to rotate the second valve  272  or first conduit  212 . Alternatively, the transfer cap  208  and second valve  272  may be attached together, e.g., heat sealed, glued, welded (e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, chemical, etc.) or other suitable attachment method, or the second valve  272  and transfer cap  208  may be monolithically formed (e.g., injection molded, etc.) so as to have a single piece construction. Additionally, the transfer cap  208  may be attachable to the fitment  216  by any suitable means such as threads, snap fit, clamp-fit, etc. 
     The transfer cap  208 , first conduit  212 , fitment  216 , and valve within the fitment  216  may include features similar or identical to corresponding features of the transfer cap  108 , transfer tube  112 , fitment  116 , and valve  124  within the fitment  116 . For example, the transfer cap  208  may be configured to be coupled to the fitment  216  such that at least a portion of the transfer cap  208  is in contact with at least a portion of the fitment  216  and such that the opening in the top  210  of the transfer cap  208  is aligned with an opening of the fitment  216 . The valve within the fitment  216  may be configured to inhibit fluid flow out of the container  266 . 
     The container  266  may be movable relative to a faucet within a space defined by a length of a conduit between first and second end portions of the conduit when the conduit is coupled to the faucet. For example, the container  266  may be moveable relative to the beer faucet  267  within a space defined by a length of the second conduit  231  when the container  266  is connected to the faucet via the apparatus  200 . 
     With the first conduit  212  positioned through the valve within the fitment  216 , beer (or other liquid) may advantageously be able to flow openly (e.g., in a laminar flow path, straight line or linear flow path, without being damaged by agitation, etc.) through the first conduit  212  into or out of the container  266 . Beer added to or removed from the container  266  can flow through the first conduit  212  without having to directly contact portions of the transfer cap  208 , fitment  216 , and valve within the fitment  216 . 
     At least one of the first conduit  212  and/or the surface defining the opening of the fitment  216  may be configured such that an airtight seal between the conduit and the surface defining the fitment opening is defined before the first conduit  212  opens the valve within the fitment  216 . The first conduit  212  may be rotatably coupled to the transfer cap  208  such that the first conduit  212  is rotatable relative to the transfer cap  208 . The first conduit  212  may also be rotatable relative to the container  266  when the first conduit  212  is positioned in the fitment opening to open the valve within the fitment  216 . 
     The apparatus  200  may further include a storage/transport cap or closure having features similar or identical to corresponding features (e.g., a sealing portion  105 , one or more vent holes  136 ,  137 , one or more cover members  133 , etc.) of the storage/transport cap or closure  104  shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 6 . After the apparatus  200  with the transfer assembly ( FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 ) is used to fill a container with beer (or other liquid) as discussed above, the transfer cap  208  and first conduit  212  may be removed from the fitment  216 . The removal of the transfer cap  208  from the fitment  216  also removes the first conduit  212  from the valve within the fitment  216 . With the first conduit  212  removed and no longer holding open the valve within the fitment  216 , the valve within the fitment  216  may then close and inhibit the escape of fluid from the container. The storage/transport cap may then be screwed or threaded onto the fitment  216 . 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a device  351  that may be used for sealing an unsealed portion  353  of a vented beer faucet  367 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , the device  351  includes a sealing member  352  configured to be positioned over and seal the unsealed portion  353  of the vented beer faucet  367  to inhibit leakage of beer from the faucet  367  when the apparatus  200  is connected to the faucet  367 . 
     The device  351  is configured for moving the sealing member  352  towards and over the faucet&#39;s unsealed portion  353 . The device  351  is further configured to allow continued movement of the sealing member  352  against the faucet&#39;s unsealed portion  353  such that the device  351  generates a clamping force with the beer faucet  367 . The clamping force helps retain the device  351  to the beer faucet  367  and helps the sealing member  352  provide a good seal (e.g., airtight seal, etc.) for the faucet&#39;s unsealed portion  353 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, a first end portion  354  of the device  351  defines a first opening  355 . The first opening  355  is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to receive a portion  356  of the faucet body  357  as shown in  FIG. 31 . A second end portion  358  of the device  351  defines a second opening  359  in which is positioned (e.g., held stationary, etc.) a threaded nut  360 . Alternatively, threads may be formed integrally in the second end portion  358  thus eliminating the need for a threaded nut  360 . 
     A threaded shaft or body  361  is threadedly engaged with the threaded nut  360 . The sealing member  352  is at a first end portion of the threaded shaft  361 . A knob  362  is at an opposite second end portion of the threaded shaft  361 . The knob  362  may be used for rotating the shaft  361  relative to the threaded nut  360  to thereby move the threaded shaft  361  and sealing member  352  towards or away from the faucet&#39;s unsealed portion  353  depending on the direction of rotation. 
     When the faucet body portion  356  is positioned within the opening  355  as shown in  FIG. 31 , flanges or shoulders  365  of the device  351  are positioned along a side of the faucet body  363  opposite the sealing member  352 . The faucet body  357  may be clamped between the device&#39;s flanges or shoulders  365  and sealing member  352 . 
     The clamping force is created between the sealing member  352  and the flanges or shoulders  365  by rotating the knob  362  and moving the sealing member  352  towards the flanges or shoulders  365  and into contact with the beer faucet  367  creating a seal  364  between the sealing member  352  and the faucet body  357 . The magnitude of the clamping force may depend on the extent that the knob  362  is continued to rotate after the sealing member  352  initially contacts the beer faucet  367 . The sealing member  352  is configured to provide space or clearance  366  to allow unencumbered movement of the internal mechanism  368  of the faucet  367 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, the sealing member  352  may be made of elastomer or other suitable sealing material. The shaft  361  and body (e.g., first and second end portions  354 ,  359 , shoulders or flanges  365 , etc.) of the device  351  may be made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material. 
     Exemplary embodiments may be configured to be added to or retrofitted to an existing container, e.g., by positioning a fitment over a spout or neck of the existing container (e.g., growler, bottle, rigid container, flexible container, etc.) and sealing the interface therebetween. For example, the fitment may comprise a material having sufficient resiliency to be stretched out to fit over a spout or neck of an existing container and then conformingly seal against the spout or neck. In such exemplary embodiments, the existing container may be full of air. For example, a rigid container will be full of air (or some gas) when empty. Having a vent hole in the fitment as disclosed herein may advantageously allow the air in the existing rigid container (or other container) to escape when filling the container with liquid. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the fitment may include an upwardly protruding portion (e.g., rib, ridge, protrusion, sealing element, etc.) along the top of the fitment. The upwardly protruding portion may be configured to be received within a corresponding recessed portion along an inner surface of the top of the storage/transport cap and/or transfer cap. The positioning of the fitment&#39;s upwardly protruding portion within the cap&#39;s recessed portion may help sealingly engage the cap and the fitment when the cap is in place. The fitment&#39;s upwardly protruding portion may define a circular ring along the top surface of the fitment. The inner surface of the top of the storage/transport cap and/or transfer cap may define a recessed portion having a circular shape corresponding to the circular shape of the fitment&#39;s upwardly protruding portion. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the storage/transport cap and/or transfer cap may include a gasket to help seal the interface between the cap and the fitment. Alternatively, any appropriate sealing method may be used. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the container&#39;s reservoir holding the liquid remains sealed in an air-tight manner during use, e.g., when the container is being filled with beer (or other liquid), stored for later use, and emptied, such as when beer is being dispensed for consumption or to discard. Advantageously, this allows for the elimination of a separate carbonation source that is traditionally required for dispensing beer. Also, example embodiments do not require a drop tube to dispense the liquid, which drop tubes are traditionally used to extend from a mouth or opening of the container into the container&#39;s reservoir that holds the liquid. 
     Because exemplary embodiments do not require a separate carbonation source that adds carbonation into the container&#39;s interior or reservoir holding the liquid, exemplary embodiments may also be used with non-carbonated liquids, such as wine, milk, etc. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any particular liquid. For example, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be particularly useful when used for transferring and/or storing beer. But exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may also or instead be used with other carbonated beverages besides beer (e.g., tonic water, soda, etc.) as well as with non-carbonated liquids (e.g., wine, milk, etc.). 
     Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus (e.g.,  100 ,  200 , etc.) disclosed herein may also be used by small-quantity beer brewers (e.g., home brewers, etc.) to avoid the painstaking, cumbersome, and time consuming process of having to individually clean and fill bottles. Also, the typical carbonation step may be simplified by providing a forced-carbonation kit that utilizes apparatus  100 ,  200 , etc. Instead of the typical method of adding additional sugar immediately prior to bottling to cause carbonation, a simple kit may be provided to directly carbonate a relatively large container (or a number of relatively large containers simultaneously) rather than numerous individual beer bottles one at a time. An example of such a kit would include one or more of apparatus  100  and/or  200  adapted to be connected to a regulated source of pressurized carbon dioxide in order to facilitate the forced carbonation process commonly known in the brewing industry. Also, for large brewers, the methods and apparatus described herein provide an alternative to canning/bottling. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus (e.g.,  100 ,  200 , etc.) disclosed herein may be used with a wide range of container sizes, shapes, and types (e.g., disposable, flexible, rigid, and/or portable containers, etc.) and/or containers made from various materials (e.g., plastic, polymer, metal, glass, or any other suitable material, etc.). For example, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus (e.g.,  100 ,  200 , etc.) disclosed herein may be used with the flexible round container  166  shown in  FIGS. 9, 11 , and  12  and/or with an container  266  shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . But the flexible round container  166  and container  266  are merely examples of types of containers for which an apparatus disclosed herein may be used. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any particular type of container. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the storage/transport cap (e.g.,  104 , etc.) and transfer cap (e.g.,  108 ,  208  etc.) are configured to be threaded onto the fitment (e.g.,  116 ,  216 , etc.). The threaded configuration (e.g., thread pitch, diameter, etc.) shown in the figures may be configured differently in other embodiments. In addition, other exemplary embodiments may rely upon a different connection between a fitment and a cap besides threads. For example, the threads may be replaced with another means of attachment, such as a friction fit, snaps, clips, etc. in other embodiments. 
     Also, exemplary embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any particular liquid. For example, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be particularly useful when used for transferring and/or storing beer. But exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may also or instead be used with other carbonated beverages besides beer (e.g., water, soda, etc.) as well as with non-carbonated fluids (e.g., wine, milk, other liquids, gas, etc.). 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, and 3-9. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally,” “about,” and “substantially,” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.