Apparatus and method for pressurizing and drafting liquid contained

Abstract

An apparatus and method for pressurizing liquid contained within a single, food-grade container or a series of such containers from an external source of gas, and for drafting liquid from the container (s). CO.sub.2 may be used to carbonate liquids such as beer or soft drinks, or alternatively air or inert gases may be used in conjunction with non-carbonated liquids such as wine. According to a preferred embodiment the disclosed apparatus, which may be used with a single container or each one of a series of containers, comprises a cap screwed onto the container neck and a nipple assembly attached to the neck via the cap. The nipple assembly includes a body section and a plurality of nipples attached thereto. Each nipple has an outer portion protruding externally of the container, an inner portion disposed within the container and an interior flow passage extending through both portions. An annular seal is disposed so as to prevent fluid leakage between the body section and the container neck. The outer portions of each nipple are adapted to receive a tube which is fluidly coupled to either an external source of gas, a dispensing device, or a nipple of the apparatus attached to an adjacent container. The inner portion of one of the nipples is adapted to receive a draw tube immersed in the liquid. A check valve is optionally included and cooperates with the inner portion of at least one of the nipples to permit fluid flow into the container while preventing the escape of fluid through the corresponding nipple(s). According to an alternative embodiment, an apparatus and method is provided for creating a portable source of pressurized gas.