Supports: racks – Special article – Receptacle support
Patent
1996-06-13
1998-04-21
Ramirez, Ramon O.
Supports: racks
Special article
Receptacle support
248153, 211181, D6462, A47G 2900
Patent
active
057409285
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
THIS INVENTION relates to stands for bench top containers which are used for storing and dispensing drinks. The invention is particularly concerned with cask containers which are widely used for wine and fruit juices. Such casks comprise a rectangular block shaped cardboard container having a plastic bag liner and an outlet tap protruding through the bottom of a side wall. In use, it is necessary to line the cask up on the edge of a support surface, such as a shelf or table top, before it can be emptied as sufficient space must be provided under the tap on the cask for the receptacle into which the contents are to be poured.
The placement of the cask on the edge of a support surface gives rise to a restriction in the mode of use as well as the potential for the cask to be pushed over the edge when the contents are being dispensed, particularly as the cask becomes empty and lightweight. In order to address the former of these problems, one previous solution was to place the cask on a block support, such as on top of another cask lying on its side, or on a box, brick or the like. None of these solutions are particularly practical or aesthetic but, more importantly, they do not address the latter of the aforementioned problems in that they do not give any side support to the cask, with the result that the cask is unstable and is prone to toppling over.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a means for supporting a cask to enable the contents to be readily dispensed without the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a stand for a rectangular block shaped cask having an outlet tap in a lower region, said stand comprising a platform and elevating means for retaining the cask above a support surface by a sufficient amount to enable a receptacle to be placed under the outlet tap, and associated restraining means to prevent lateral movement of the cask during manipulation of the outlet tap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The stand is suitably dimensioned in most instances to support a cask at least about 120 mm above the support surface. That is, the distance from the base of the cask to the top of the support surface is at least about 120 mm. Preferably, the distance will be within the range of 120 to 200 mm for wine casks, most preferably about 140 mm for two litre casks and about 140 mm for four litre casks. The exact height selected will generally be determined according to the size of the cask but also having reference to the nature of the contents of the cask. Thus, for casks containing fruit juices, a height closer to 200 mm will often be more suitable as the contents may need to be poured into taller glasses than would the case be for wine or port.
The stand can comprise an open framework structure, a closed wall structure, or a combination of both types of structure. From an aesthetic point of view, an open framework structure has been found to be most desirable. Since the stand occupies a relatively large space, an open structure looks less intrusive and is more convenient and less expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, it is a lot easier to see what the label is on the cask if the stand has an open structure. This can be important when there are several casks with different contents being used on adjacent stands.
The open structure framework is conveniently constructed of rigid fabrication materials which can be tubular, rod-profile, square or rectangular section, and so on. The range of construction materials is practically limitless and include such materials as natural products, for instance cane, bamboo and timber; and man-made products such as plastics, composite materials and metals. By far the most preferred are the metals such as iron and steel, including stainless steel, copper and aluminium, and metal alloys such as brass and pewter. The particular material chosen will be based upon the requirements of the consumer. For a high quality finis
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Dale Ian Frank
Dale Margaret May
Ramirez Ramon O.
Wood Kimberly T.
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