Beverage storage and dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A beverage container and dispenser utilizing a keg that slidingly engages a support to connect a liquid dispenser and compressed air inlet. The keg is guided into proper orientation in the support via a track located on the support.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A beverage storage and dispensing apparatus utilized in conjunction with a collapsible bag containing the beverage and having an outlet valve;
 comprising:
 a. a keg, said keg comprising a housing having an end portion and a body, said body connected to said end portion forming an interior chamber of said housing for holding the collapsible bag, said keg including a guide extending outwardly from said keg housing, said end portion further including an orifice for access to the outlet valve of the collapsible bag within said interior chamber of said keg; 
 b. a support, said support comprising a bottom portion and a wall portion angularly oriented relative to said bottom portion, said bottom portion further comprises a surface and a track positioned relative to said bottom portion surface, said track being sized to accommodate said guide extending from said keg to allow said keg to slide relative to said bottom portion of said support in a predetermined path, to a termination place with said keg at a particular orientation; 
 c. a pressure operated valve held by said support and being located relative to said wall portion of said support, said pressure operated valve including an inlet configured for mating with the outlet valve of the collapsible bag containing the beverage after said keg slides along said predetermined path to said termination place, to permit the flow of beverage from the collapsible bag, said pressure operated valve further comprising an outlet for dispensing the beverage; 
 d. a compressed gas inlet located at said end portion of said keg, said compressed gas inlet directing compressed gas inlet to the interior chamber of said keg housing; and 
 e. a compressed gas source held by said support and located relative to said wall portion of said support, said compressed gas source including an outlet mating with said compressed gas inlet located at said end portion said keg after said keg slides along said predetermined path to said termination place. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which said support further comprises a skid contacting the keg when said keg slides along said predetermined path. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which said end portion of said keg includes a mechanism for removably connecting said end portion to said body of said keg. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which said track comprises a pair of runners separated from one another. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further comprises a hand gripping member connected to said keg. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further comprises a pressure relief valve on said keg, said pressure relief valve communicating with the interior of said keg. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  in which said support further comprises a skid contacting the keg when said keg slides along said predetermined path. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  in which said end portion of said keg includes a mechanism for removably connecting said end portion to said body of said keg. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  in which said track comprises a pair of runners separated from one another. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  which further comprises a hand gripping member connected to said keg.