Patent Description:
The invention is additionally directed to an electronic assembly for a container having a rounded cross-section, comprising such a connector.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a container with a storage volume being delimited by a circumferentially closed shell defining a rounded cross-section, a first end plate, and a second end plate. The first end plate and the second end plate are arranged on opposite ends of the shell. A circumferentially closed collar extends from the first end plate on a side being opposed to the storage volume. The collar has a rim portion being bent towards an interior of the collar. Furthermore, the container assembly comprises a connector.

In the present context, a container having a rounded cross-section may be a keg or a gas cylinder. When using such containers, it may be desirable to attach an electronic device, e.g. an electronic tracking device, to the container. This has the advantage that the container can be tracked. Alternatively or additionally, data relating to the container or the content of the container may be stored on the electronic device. Further alternatively or additionally, the electronic device may be configured to establish a wireless data connection to other electronic devices. Such a data connection may be used to read data from the electronic device on the container and/or to write data on the electronic device on the container.

Independent from the specific functionality of the electronic device, it has been found that, mounting an electronic device on a container is rather tedious. Furthermore, rather complex and expensive means have to be used for attaching the electronic device to the container. This is mainly due to the rounded cross-section of the container.

In this context, <CIT> discloses a housing that can be attached to a beverage container, without pre-positioning before fixing. Moreover, <CIT> shows a plastic upper chime and a keg assembly for beverage kegs. Furthermore, <CIT> discloses a plastic beer keg. <CIT> discloses components of a weighing module and a mechanism for coupling to a fixture.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a simple and cost-efficient solution for mounting an electronic device on a container having a rounded cross-section. The problem is solved by a connector for connecting an electronic device, especially an electronic tracking device, to a container having a rounded cross-section. The connector, as disclosed in claim <NUM>, comprises a support plate with a substantially planar connection surface being configured to support the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted to the connector. Moreover, the connector comprises at least one engagement wall extending from a first end of the support plate and being configured to engage a rim portion of a collar of the container. Additionally, the connector comprises two mounting holes being located in the support plate. Each of the mounting holes is configured to receive a fixation element which protrudes from the support plate in a direction opposite to the connection surface and opposite to the engagement wall such that a distal end of the fixation element may abut against a connection region of the container between an end plate of the container and the collar. Using such a connector, an electronic device may be mounted in a simple, reliable and quick manner on a container having a rounded cross-section. Furthermore, such a connector is structurally simple. Due to the planar connection surface on the support plate, an electronic device can be secured to the connector. It is possible to secure a great variety of different electronic devices to such a connection surface. Moreover, the present invention uses the fact that containers having a rounded cross-section have a collar with a rim portion. The engagement wall is specifically adapted to engage the rim portion. This leads to a stable connection between the connector and the container. A modification of the container is not necessary. The mounting holes are arranged such that a distal end of a fixation element being located therein, may abut against a connection region of the container between an end plate of the container and the collar. In doing so, the distal end of the fixation element pushes the engagement wall into the rim portion while the distal end pushes into the connection region. In other words, the connector is clamped between the rim portion and the connection region. Using the fixation element, a tensioning force may be applied which has the effect, that, due to frictional engagement, the connector is also blocked from sliding along an extension of the rim portion.

According to the invention, the engagement wall and the support plate enclose an obtuse angle. The angle may be <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably <NUM>° to <NUM>°, more preferably <NUM>° to <NUM>°. This facilitates the access to the mounting holes and a fixation element which may be located therein. Furthermore, this configuration has the effect, that a fixation element being located in one of the mounting holes is able to create a reaction force component which is oriented into the same direction as the engagement wall. Consequently, the engagement wall is reliably pushed into the rim portion and securely held therein.

The connector may be formed as an injection molded piece. Additionally or alternatively, the connector may be formed as a uniform piece, i.e. all the elements of the connector are formed as portions of an integral piece.

As has been mentioned before, the container having a rounded cross-section may be a keg or a gas cylinder. Of course, also other types of containers are possible. A rounded cross-section may be circular or elliptical. Alternatively, a rounded cross-section may relate to a cross section of any form as long as it is delimited by at least one curved segment. This may be the case for a polygon with rounded corners.

The connector may be made from a material which is resistant to chemicals and wash methods in the keg industry and/or in industries using gas cylinders. Moreover, the forces involved in fixing and holding the connector on the container and the electronic device on the connector may be chosen such that the electronic device may be held on the container over a lifetime.

Preferably, the material from which the connector is made, is stable with respect to UV radiation.

According to the invention, the engagement wall is convexly curved for having a two-dimensional contact with the collar. In the present context, the engagement wall is convexly curved into a direction away from the support plate. This means that the convexity is oriented towards an environment of the connector. Preferably, a curvature of the engagement wall substantially corresponding to a curvature of the collar at the position where the connector is to be mounted to the container. Thus, the engagement wall has at least a two-dimensional contact with the collar or, more specifically, the rim portion. This leads to a reliable connection between connector and container.

It is noted that, of course, the connector may comprise more than one engagement wall. In such a case, each of the connection walls may be convexly curved. The engagement walls may be arranged adjacent to one another along the first end of the support plate. Between neighboring engagement walls, there may be gaps. The size and shape of these gaps may be chosen depending on the specific application of the connector.

In an example, an end portion of the engagement wall being arranged opposite the support plate comprises an insertion slope. The insertion slope facilitates the engagement of the engagement wall with the rim portion of the collar. In other words, due to the insertion slope, the engagement wall can be easily and reliably slid into an interior of the rim portion. Consequently, the connector may be mounted to the container in a rather quick manner.

It is possible that the support plate of the connector comprises a concavely curved reception contour at a second end of the support plate being arranged opposite the first end. The concavely curved reception contour is configured to receive a portion of an end plate of the container which together with the collar forms the connection region. Such an end plate may be domed. Consequently, mounting the connector, especially bringing the engagement wall into engagement with the rim portion, is facilitated by the concavely curved configuration of the reception contour. The concave shape is oriented towards the interior of the connector, i.e. it forms a recess on the outer circumference of the connector.

In this context, the concavely curved reception contour may be a section of a surface of a sphere. Thus, when mounting the connector on the container, a two-dimensional contact may be established between the connector and a domed end plate of the container.

According to an alternative, the support plate comprises a reinforcement structure being arranged opposite the connection surface. In a mounted state, the reinforcement structure is arranged on a lower side of the connector. This renders the support plate mechanically stable. The same applies to the connector as a whole.

The reinforcement structure may comprise ribs. For example one or more ribs are provided which extend substantially parallel to the first end of the support plate. Optionally, one or more ribs may extend at an angle with respect to the first ribs. The second ribs may be designated as cross ribs. Further optionally, adjacent to one of the mounting holes, the reinforcement structure may comprise a reinforcement collar fully or partially surrounding the mounting hole.

Using a mechanically stable support plate offers the possibility to mount so-called tamper-proof electronic devices on the connection surface. Such devices have a switch on the lower side which is held in a pre-defined switching state by the connection surface. Tampering is detected, if this switch changes its switching state. This functionality may only be provided with the necessary reliability if the support plate is sufficiently stable. Otherwise, the risk of an erroneous tampering detection is elevated.

A middle axis of each of the mounting holes may extend perpendicular to the connection surface. From a manufacturing perspective, such mounting holes may be produced in a simple and cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, such a configuration is advantageous as far as the transmission of forces from the distal end of a fixation element into the engagement wall is concerned.

Moreover, an inner surface of each of the mounting holes may be threaded or a thread insert may be arranged in each of the mounting holes. Such a mounting hole may cooperate with fixation elements being threaded bolts which are well-known fixation elements. This offers the possibility to mount the connector to the container using standard fixation elements and standard tools.

The thread insert may be made from a brass material.

In a case in which a thread insert is arranged in the at least one mounting hole, the thread insert may be mounted in the mounting hole from a side of the support plate which is arranged opposite to the connection surface. This has the effect, that in a mounted state of the connector, the threaded bolt cooperating with the thread insert pushes the thread insert into its position. Thus, this configuration is very stable. Moreover, this configuration has the advantage that the thread insert may not be pulled out of the mounting hole in a situation in which the connector is mounted on the container. This is a security feature being effective against undesired manipulation of the connector and an electronic device being mounted thereto.

According to the invention, the connector comprises also at least one lateral protection wall extending from a third end of the support plate in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the engagement wall. The third end may be arranged between the first end and the second end. In a mounted state of the connector, the lateral protection wall extends into a space between the support plate and the container, especially being formed by the collar and an end plate of the container. This has the effect, that objects are hindered from entering the space between the support plate and the connection region of the container. The object may be dirt or any other undesired particle. Alternatively, the object may be a tool or means used for forcibly removing the connector from the container.

Of course, the connector may also comprise two lateral protection walls being arranged opposite each other, i.e. extending from the third end and a fourth end respectively. The fourth end is arranged opposite the third end.

The problem is additionally solved by an electronic assembly for a container having a rounded cross-section. The electronic assembly comprises a connector according to the invention and an electronic device, especially an electronic tracking device. The electronic device is supported on the connection surface of the connector. In a case in which the electronic device is a tracking device, the electronic assembly may be designated as a tracker assembly. The electronic assembly may be mounted to the connector using the mounting holes. Such an electronic assembly may be mounted in a simple, reliable and quick manner on a container having a rounded cross-section.

Moreover, the problem is solved by a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a container with a storage volume being delimited by a circumferentially closed shell defining a rounded cross-section, a first end plate, and a second end plate. The first end plate and the second end plate are arranged on opposite ends of the shell. A circumferentially closed collar extends from the first end plate on a side being opposed to the storage volume. The collar has a rim portion being bent towards an interior of the collar. The container assembly also comprises a connector according to the invention. The engagement wall of the connector engages the rim portion of the collar. Additionally, a fixation element is arranged in each of the mounting holes and protrudes from the support plate such that a distal end of each of the fixation elements abuts against a connection region between the first end plate and the collar. Thus, using the connector, an electronic assembly may be mounted on the container in a simple, reliable and quick manner. In this context, the region being defined by the collar of the container may also be called a chime.

As has already been mentioned before, the container may be a keg or a gas cylinder. The keg may be designed according to at least one of the standards "Euro", "DIN" or "slim". Of course, it is also possible that the keg is custom-built or corresponds to a standard being proprietary to a certain company or organization.

The container assembly may also comprise an electronic device, especially an electronic tracking device, wherein the electronic device is attached to the connector such that it is supported by the connection surface. In other words, the electronic assembly according to the invention is attached to the keg.

According to a variant, the electronic device is attached to the connector using the fixation element. Thus, the fixation element fulfils two functionalities. First, it attaches the electronic device to the connector. Second, it attaches the connector to the container. Using the same fixation element for two functionalities strongly reduces the effort for mounting the electronic device and the connector to the container. Moreover, since such a configuration reduces the number of parts, it is advantageous from a cost-perspective.

The fixation elements may be threaded bolts. Such fixation elements may be operated using standard tools. Moreover, such fixation elements are structurally simple and have an accepted reliability.

The rim portion of the collar may form an undercut being effective along a direction from a circumference of the collar towards an interior of the collar and/or being effective in a direction being oriented away from the first end plate. Thus, the engagement wall may only be inserted when being moved in a direction away from the first end plate. Once a portion of the engagement wall is arranged in the undercut, it can only be removed therefrom by moving it towards the first end plate. However, in a mounted state, this direction of movement is blocked by the fixation element. Consequently, the connector and an electronic device being attached thereto, are mounted on the container in a stable and reliable manner.

It is noted that all advantages and effects which have been explained for one aspect of the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to all other aspects of the invention.

It is further noted that the connector may be adapted to different containers, e.g. different kegs or different gas cylinders. This may be done by adjusting a height of the engagement wall accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the obtuse angle between the engagement wall and the support plate may be adjusted. Further alternatively or additionally, the curvature of the engagement wall may be adapted such that it corresponds to a curvature of the collar of the relevant container. Optionally, also the curvature of the reception contour may be adapted. Another option is to adapt the length of the fixation element.

It is also possible to adapt the connector to different electronic devices. In order to do so, a distance between mounting holes and a size of the mounting holes may be adapted. Moreover, slots for straps or zip ties may be provided if it is desired to connect an electronic device to the connector via straps or zip ties.

Examples of the disclosure will be described in the following with reference to the drawings.

The container assembly <NUM> comprises a container <NUM>.

In the examples shown in the figures, the container is a keg. For this reason, the terms keg and container will be used interchangeably when describing the figures.

The container <NUM> has a storage volume <NUM> being delimited by a circumferentially closed shell <NUM>.

The circumferentially closed shell <NUM> generally defines rounded cross-section C (cf. The kegs represented in the Figures have a circular cross-section C.

Moreover, the storage volume <NUM> is delimited by a first end plate <NUM>. The first end plate <NUM> is arranged at a first axial end of the shell <NUM>.

The first end plate <NUM> is domed towards an outside of the storage volume <NUM>.

Moreover, at a center of the first end plate <NUM>, a nozzle <NUM> is arranged. The storage volume <NUM> is accessible through the nozzle <NUM>.

At a second axial end of the shell <NUM>, which is not visible in the figures, a second end plate is arranged. The second end is arranged opposite to the first end. Thus, the storage volume <NUM> is delimited by the shell <NUM>, the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate.

Also the second end plate is domed towards an outside of the storage volume <NUM>.

Moreover, a circumferentially closed collar <NUM> extends from the first end plate <NUM> on a side being opposed to the storage volume <NUM>.

In the collar <NUM>, at least one grip hole <NUM> is provided in order to facilitate manual maneuvering of the container <NUM>.

Additionally, the collar <NUM> has a rim portion <NUM> being bent towards an interior of the collar <NUM> (see especially <FIG>).

The rim portion <NUM> forms an undercut <NUM> being effective along a direction D1 from a circumference of the collar <NUM> towards an interior of the collar <NUM> and in a direction D2 being oriented away from the first end plate <NUM> (cf.

Such containers <NUM> or kegs are for example used to store and/or transport beverages.

The container assembly <NUM> additionally comprises an electronic device <NUM> which in the present example is an electronic tracking device <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM>, wherein on two opposing sides of the main body <NUM>, fastening portions <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the main body. Each fastening portion <NUM>, <NUM> has a through hole <NUM>, <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> is mounted on the container <NUM> via a connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The connector <NUM> comprises a support plate <NUM> which, on a first side 46a, has a substantially planar connection surface <NUM>. The planar connection surface <NUM> is configured to support the electronic device <NUM> as will be explained in detail further below.

On a second side 46b of the support plate <NUM>, there is provided a reinforcement structure <NUM>.

In the example shown in the Figures, the reinforcement structure <NUM> comprises five ribs <NUM> of a first type extending substantially along a longitudinal extension of the support plate <NUM> (cf.

Additionally, two ribs <NUM> of a second type are provided which extend diagonally such that they cross each other and the ribs <NUM> of the first type.

Due to the reinforcement structure <NUM>, the support plate <NUM> is mechanically stable while being light-weight at the same time.

Spanning between the first side 46a and the second side 46b, the support plate <NUM> has a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, a third end <NUM> and a fourth end <NUM>.

An engagement wall <NUM> extends from the first end <NUM>.

The engagement wall <NUM> and the support plate <NUM> enclose an obtuse angle A as can best be seen in <FIG>.

The engagement wall <NUM> and the first end <NUM> are convexly curved towards an outside of the support plate <NUM>. Thereby, the curvature corresponds substantially to a curvature of the collar <NUM>.

Furthermore, an end portion of the engagement wall <NUM> being arranged opposite the support plate <NUM>, i.e. a free end of the engagement wall <NUM>, comprises an insertion slope <NUM>.

As will be explained in further detail below, the engagement wall <NUM> is configured to engage the rim portion <NUM> of the collar <NUM>.

At the second end <NUM>, which is arranged opposite the first end <NUM>, the support plate <NUM> comprises a concavely curved reception contour <NUM>. In simplified words, the concavely curved reception contour <NUM> is a recess.

The shape of the concavely curved reception contour <NUM> corresponds to the outer shape of the domed first end plate <NUM>.

Moreover, both on the third end <NUM> and on the fourth end <NUM>, a lateral protection wall <NUM>, <NUM> extends from the support plate <NUM> respectively.

Both lateral protection walls <NUM>, <NUM> are generally triangular and extend from the support plate <NUM> in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the engagement wall <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> also comprises a first mounting hole <NUM> having a first middle axis <NUM> and a second mounting hole <NUM> having a second middle axis <NUM>.

Both middle axes <NUM>, <NUM> extend perpendicular to the connection surface <NUM>.

Moreover, in each of the first mounting hole <NUM> and the second mounting hole <NUM>, a thread insert <NUM>, <NUM> is arranged.

A distance D between the first mounting hole <NUM> and the second mounting hole <NUM> is configured such that it corresponds to a distance d between the through hole <NUM> and the through hole <NUM>.

In a state in which the connector <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> are mounted to the container <NUM>, the engagement wall <NUM> engages the rim portion <NUM> of the collar <NUM>.

In order to move the engagement wall <NUM> into this position, the connector <NUM> is arranged in the vicinity of the collar <NUM> and then the engagement wall <NUM> is pivoted into engagement with the rim portion <NUM>. While doing so and in a position of the connector <NUM> in which the engagement wall <NUM> engages the rim portion <NUM>, a part of the first end plate <NUM> may be received in the reception contour <NUM>. This facilitates the engagement of the engagement wall <NUM> and the rim portion <NUM>.

Moreover, in the mounted state of the connector <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>, a first fixation <NUM> element being a first threaded bolt <NUM> extends through the through hole <NUM> and through the first mounting hole <NUM>. The first threaded bolt <NUM> cooperates with the thread insert <NUM>.

A second fixation element <NUM> being a second threaded bolt <NUM> extends through the through hole <NUM> and through the second mounting hole <NUM>. The second threaded bolt <NUM> cooperates with the thread insert <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> is supported on the connection surface <NUM> and attached to the connector <NUM> via the first threaded bolt <NUM> and the second threaded bolt <NUM>.

Distal ends of both the first threaded bolt <NUM> and the second threaded bolt <NUM> protrude from the support plate <NUM> in a direction opposite to the connection surface <NUM> and opposite to the engagement wall <NUM>.

The distal ends of the first threaded bolt <NUM> and the second threaded bolt <NUM> abut against a connection region <NUM> of the container <NUM> between the first end plate <NUM> of the container <NUM> and the collar <NUM>.

The first threaded bolt <NUM> and the second threaded bolt <NUM> are inserted into the corresponding thread inserts <NUM>, <NUM> such that the connector <NUM> and the threaded bolts <NUM>, <NUM> are tensioned between the connection region <NUM> and the under cut <NUM> of the rim portion <NUM>.

Consequently, the connector <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> are fixedly attached to the container <NUM>. In other words, the connector <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> are clamped between the connection region <NUM> and the rim portion <NUM>.

In this context, the connector <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> together may also be designated as an electronic assembly <NUM>.

It is emphasized that the same fixation elements <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e. the first threaded bolt <NUM> and the second threaded bolt <NUM>, are used for mounting the electronic device <NUM> on the connector <NUM> and for mounting both on the container <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an alternative embodiment of the container assembly <NUM>, the connector <NUM> and the electronic assembly <NUM>.

In the following, only the differences with respect to the above embodiment will be explained. The same reference signs are used for the same or corresponding elements.

In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector <NUM> comprises two engagement walls 64a, 64b. the engagement walls 64a, 64b are separated from one another by a substantially V-shaped gap <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Connector (<NUM>) for connecting an electronic device (<NUM>), especially an electronic tracking device (<NUM>), to a container (<NUM>) having a rounded cross-section (C), the connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a support plate (<NUM>) with a substantially planar connection surface (<NUM>) being configured to support the electronic device (<NUM>) when the electronic device (<NUM>) is mounted to the connector (<NUM>),
at least one engagement wall (<NUM>) extending from a first end (<NUM>) of the support plate (<NUM>) and being configured to engage a rim portion (<NUM>) of a collar (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>), wherein the engagement wall (<NUM>) and the support plate (<NUM>) enclose an obtuse angle (A),
wherein two mounting holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) are located in the support plate (<NUM>), each mounting hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive a fixation element (<NUM>, <NUM>) which protrudes from the support plate (<NUM>) in a direction opposite to the connection surface (<NUM>) and opposite to the engagement wall (<NUM>) such that a distal end of the fixation element (<NUM>, <NUM>) may abut against a connection region (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) between an end plate (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) and the collar (<NUM>) and
wherein the engagement wall (<NUM>) is convexly curved for having a two-dimensional contact with the collar (<NUM>), and
wherein at least one lateral protection wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) extends from a third end (<NUM>) of the support plate (<NUM>) in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of the engagement wall (<NUM>).