Keg storage assembly with securement hook

[0001] This invention relates generally to a storage assembly for securement of containers and particularly to vertical inline storage for beer kegs to minimize storage space.

[0002] Draft beer is sold by breweries and distributors in containers containing beer often referred to as kegs. These cylindrically shaped containers generally have two apertures at the superior end that allow for ease of dispensing.

[0003] Storage of beer kegs creates certain challenges because they are rather large, heavy and are not designed to be stackable. Establishments serving beer often do not have substantial storage space. As such, there is a need for a beer keg storage device that securely facilitates stacking of beer kegs to maximize available storage space.

[0004] One approach is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,599 issued to Brown et al. and consists of a keg saddle having a concave bottom surface for the storage of two beer kegs. This design was unsatisfactory because the beer dispensing mechanism was not readily accessible when beer kegs were stacked. Instability of the stackable beer keg using the keg saddle was also problematic when handling, transporting or storing beer kegs.

[0005] Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,033 issued to Baron wherein a guard for gas cylinder valves is shown and included a pair of flanges extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion of the guard. This design was not useful for stacking beer kegs for storage.

[0006] And still another approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 224,678 issued to McClellan where a cylindrical resilient sleeve element designed with a pair of saddles is adapted to receive a horizontally oriented beer keg. The cylindrical resilient sleeve member also incorporates a pair of apertures that allow for dispensing beer. This design is not useful as the beer kegs today have been redesigned with apertures built into the beer keg itself making the design redundant and additionally, the horizontally placed beer keg creates an unstable situation where both kegs can be accidently and easily tipped over.

[0007] The present invention provides for a vertically oriented storage assembly that provides a stable platform and having a securement hook for the superiorly placed container to maintain proper orientation during storage and reduce the likelihood for the container to fall toward one side or the other that can result in an unstable situation.

[0008] The present invention provides for a storage assembly for vertical storage of cylindrical beer kegs. Beer keg designs commonly have two opposing apertures on the superior rim of each keg that allow for ease of beer dispensing and handling. The storage assembly utilizes two shelf supports secured to a frame, side container supports and a superiorly positioned hook formed and positioned on a superior brace bar of the storage assembly for holding the superior beer keg securely in place by placing the hook through one of the keg apertures.

[0009] It is a primary objective to provide a stable storage assembly capable of storing beer kegs in a vertical position.

[0010] It is another primary objective to provide shelf supports for each stored beer keg.

[0011] It is also a primary objective to provide a securement hook designed to secure the superior keg to the storage assembly by positioning the securement hook through one of the beer keg apertures.

[0012] Another objective is to provide side supports to maintain the each vertically positioned beer keg in an upright positon

[0017] These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description taken with reference to accompanying drawings.

[0018] Reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1-4.

[0019] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, wherein a storage assembly 10 made according to the instant invention is seen and is currently the preferred embodiment. The frame assembly is preferably made of metal although other materials such as graphite may be used when designed to support the weight of the containers and liquid contained within. The storage assembly 10 has a frame 20 comprising vertical frame members 22, horizontal support members 24, a base 26 and angled side supports 28 for stabilizing and creating a structurally sound frame 20. The storage assembly also includes an inferior horizontal shelf 30 and a superior horizontal shelf 40. Superior horizontal shelf 40 includes a centering support member 42. The most superior horizontal support member 24 has a securement hook 50 to securely affix kegs (see FIG. 3) to storage assembly 10 which is designed and formed to fit within the keg apertures.

[0020] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 wherein the storage assembly 10 is shown in a side view. The preferred shape for securement hook 50 is noted.

[0021] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 wherein the storage assembly 10 is shown with an inferior beer keg 70 positioned on lower shelf 30 and having a first aperture 72 and a second aperture 74. Also shown is superior beer keg 80 positioned on superior shelf 40 and centered by centering member 42. Additionally, hook member 60 is secured through beer keg aperture 84 to maintain the beer keg securely on superior shelf 40. It should be noted that hook member 60 may be positioned through either beer keg aperture 82 or beer keg aperture 84.

[0022] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 wherein the storage assembly 10 is shown having inferior beer keg 70 and superior beer keg 80 vertically oriented to increase available space during storage and dispensing of beer.

[0023] The present embodiment should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the forgoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced herein.