Improvements in or connected with Barrels, Casks, and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Nov., 1895-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Barrels, Casks, and the like.
I, JOHN LOWE HOPWOOD, of Fairfield, Duchy Road, Harrogate, in the
County of York, Wine and Spirit Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The object of my invention is to provide means for closing the holes in barrels,
casks, and the like vessels, after the extraction of the corks or bungs, so as to
exclude the air or prevent it acting on the insides of the said vessels so as to render
them fousty, unwholesome, or the like.
or sealed.
Fig. 2, is a view showing my said invention adjusted or turned to allow the cork
or bung to be removed, and the tap inserted.
Fig. 3, is a sectional plan showing my said means closing the orifice or hole after
the withdrawal of the tap.
Fig. 4, shows a modification of my invention.
In carrying out my said object I employ a metal plate A having a central
portion B, fitted or provided with an india-rubber or other elastic pad or cushion B¹
(preferably semi-circular in shape) and two ends C and D, which fit onto screwed
pins E and E' secured on the stave of the barrel or cask F. The end D is adapted
to turn on the screw or pin E' which forms a pivot.
The said screws or pins E and E' receive winged or other suitable nuts by
which the pressure of the pad or cushion B' may be regulated against the hole or
orifice G.
When the barrel or cask is sent out from the brewery or agency my said means
is in the position shown in Fig. 1 namely, the pad or cushion B' is immediately
opposite the hole which is closed by a cork or bung as ordinary, and against which
the pad or cushion B¹ abuts.
When it is desired to broach the barrel or cask the wing nut E is removed, and
the plate A lifted and the end D of it turned on the screw or pin E' as a pivot,
this is shown in Fig. 2.
:
The cork or bung is then removed or extracted, and the tap inserted. So long
as the tap remains in the barrel or cask the plate A hangs down loosely on the
pivot E', as shown in Fig. 2.
When the barrel or cask is empty the tap is withdrawn, the plate A is lifted and
the free end C placed on the screwed pin E, the winged nuts are then screwed up
until the pad
or cushion B¹ securely seals the hole or orifice of the vessel so as to
prevent the ingress of air, and thereby avoid fousting, or the rendering foul of the
interiors of such vessels while not in use.
In Fig. 4, the plate A is formed with a slot A', which engages under a pin A³,
the other end being pivotted by the pin A³, the elastic pad or cushion B' allowing
for any difference in size or nearness of the orifice or hole G.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. Closing the holes or orifices in barrels, casks, or the like vessels, after the

page_text: extraction of the contents, by causing elastic pads or cushions to impinge upon or
abut against the said holes or orifices so as to seal the same and prevent the
fouling of the interiors of the said vessels, substantially as: set forth..
2. The combination of the plate A and pad or. cushion B' with means for
securing and releasing such, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
JOHN E. WALSH,
Royal Exchange Chambers, Boar Lane, Leeds,
Patent Agent to the Applicant.
JOHN E. WALSH,
Royal Exchange Chambers, Boar Lane, Leeds,
Patent Agent to the Applicant.