Locking mechanism and valve assembly

Abstract

An improved locking mechanism and valve system for obtaining access to a container of fluid. In a container of fluid, and particularly a keg for beer, a valve assembly receiving member or keg neck extends from the top of the container. A sealing mechanism is provided to secure the valve assembly in sealed relationship with the keg neck and to allow access to the fluid contained by actuation of the valves. More specifically, the valve neck has a groove in its inner surface to receive a resilient retainer ring which maintains the valve assembly in place. In addition, an improved dual keyway, dual key safety feature is provided to prevent inadvertent expulsion of the valve assembly should the retainer ring be dislodged while the keg is pressurized. This improvement also decreases the likelihood of damage to the valve assemblies during their installation and precludes accidental or intentional infliction of damage to the safety keys carried by the valve body of the system. Further the improved configuration of the valve assemblies prevents catastrophic failure of the systems in the event of fire or exposure of the system to high temperature environments. Finally, the design of the valve system has been improved to enhance fluid flow therethrough and to enable superior cleaning of the system components.