CN101437726B - Flexible container handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (82, 130, 150, 282, 482) for a flexible fluid bag (80) that supports the flexible bag during transport, storage and dispensing use of the fluid. The container is constructed from two generally similar panels (20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162) forming the lower and upper portions of the container. Each panel includes a plurality of generally similar projections (50-54, 250-254, 450-454) that function to support the containers on a surface and maintain them in a stable stacked configuration.

Description

flexible container operating system

related application

This application claims priority to US Provisional Application Serial No. 60/743446, filed March 9, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to a container and, more particularly, to a system for transporting, storing and handling the container.

Background technique

It is known to store, ship and dispense liquids in collapsible and flexible sealed bags, pouches or containers made of plastic or other polymeric materials. Furthermore, fluid bags are used in a wide range of industrial and medical applications, including but not limited to the containment of cell culture media, reagents, lotions, water and pharmaceuticals. Such fluid bags have a volumetric size in the range of one liter to one thousand liters. In many applications, the liquid in the flexible bag is very expensive and any loss in storage, transport or use is costly. Flexible bags are used due to their ability to reliably store liquids without contamination and are relatively inexpensive. But flexible liquid bags, especially larger flexible bags, are very inconvenient to use, physically difficult to handle, and susceptible to damage during transportation.

To protect the flexible liquid bag during storage and transport, it is placed in a container made of cardboard, plastic, stainless steel or other materials, depending on the application. In many applications, flexible liquid bags are placed in shipping containers and surrounded by wrapping material to protect the flexible bags during shipping. Prior to use, the flexible bag is removed from the shipping container and placed in another container, such as a tote, pallet, luggage rack, or cart. The container may be suitable for stacking, autoclaving and/or storage. In some applications, the flexible bag is placed in a third, different container that supports the flexible bag as liquid is dispensed from the bag. Transporting, storing and dispensing liquids in multiple containers is expensive, labor intensive and leaves the flexible bag vulnerable to damage as it moves from one container to another.

The use of common containers to support flexible liquid bags during transport, storage and use is also known; however, such containers are generally designed and limited to specific applications and are not suitable for use in other industries and laboratories setting. For example, it is known to transport, store and dispense beer from flexible bags located in stackable steel drums. It is also known to place flexible liquid bags in cartons which can be stacked during transport, storage and use of liquid media from the flexible bags. While a carton has some stiffness and may be suitable for smaller bags, it may not be suitable for larger volume liquid containers; and cardboard is generally considered unsuitable for use in a sterile or "clean" environment.

Therefore, there is a need for a container for a flexible fluid bag that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Contents of the invention

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other disadvantages and drawbacks of heretofore known containers for supporting flexible fluid bags during transport, storage and use. While the invention will be described in conjunction with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention provides a container for a flexible liquid bag that supports the bag during shipping and storage and during dispensing operations. The container may also interlock with other containers in a stacked form that is stable for gravity distribution, whether stacked on a generally horizontal surface or on an inclined surface. In addition, the shape, size and cross-sectional thickness of the container can be proportionally increased or decreased to accommodate different sizes and shapes of flexible fluid bags. Additionally, the container may be made of materials suitable for use in a sterile or "clean" environment. In some applications, the container can be made by vacuum forming a sheet of plastic and, therefore, is relatively inexpensive, disposable and disposable. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, when not in use, the container components may be nested in a space-saving manner.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention and in accordance with the described embodiments, the present invention provides a panel that can be used to form substantially identical lower and upper members of a container for supporting a flexible fluid bag. When used as the lower part of a container, the panel has protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface for supporting the panel on a support surface. When the panel device is used as the upper part of the container, the protrusions are oriented away from the support surface and facilitate alignment with a second container in stacked form on the support surface. The protrusions on the first container extend between the protrusions on the second container to provide a more stable stacking pattern. In various parts of this embodiment, the protrusions may be substantially parallel ribs or a plurality of legs and corresponding notches.

In a further embodiment, the panel further comprises other protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface. When the panel is used as the upper part of the first container, the other protrusions are oriented away from the support surface and facilitate alignment with the second container in stacked form on the support surface. The other protrusions also help to stabilize the second container relative to the first container in the stacked form. In a further embodiment, the panel has a first structure for securing the flexible fluid bag inside the container and an additional structure for securing the two panels forming the container together.

In a further embodiment, the container for supporting the flexible fluid bag has substantially similar lower and upper portions. The lower portion has a first protrusion extending downwardly from the outer surface to support the lower portion on a surface. The upper part is placed on the lower part to form an interior space for securing the flexible fluid bag. The upper portion has a second protrusion extending upward from the outer surface. The second protrusion may be positioned adjacent to and facilitated alignment with the first protrusion of another container in stacked form. In various embodiments of the invention, the container may include handles and/or connectors for securing the lower and upper portions together.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the course of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. role.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a panel for making a container supporting a flexible bag.

2 is a plan view of the inside of the exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting the flexible bag shown in FIG. 1 .

3 is a plan view of the outside of the exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting the flexible bag shown in FIG. 1 .

4 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the panel shown in FIG. 1 for supporting a flexible bag.

5 is an end view of the exemplary embodiment of the panel shown in FIG. 1 for supporting a flexible bag.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of two panels shown in Figure 1 forming a container for a flexible fluid bag.

Figures 7A and 7B are opposing side views of the stack of containers shown in Figure 6 supported on a generally horizontal plane.

Figure 8 is a side view of the stack of containers shown in Figure 6 on an inclined plane.

8A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a panel for supporting a flexible fluid bag.

9 is a side view of an embodiment of the stack of panels in FIG. 1 .

Figure 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the container shown in Figure 6 having clamps for securing together the panels forming the container.

Figure 11 is a side view of a stack of containers on a horizontal plane made from another embodiment of panels.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a stack of containers on an inclined plane made from another embodiment of the panel in FIG. 11 .

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a panel for making a container supporting a flexible fluid bag.

14A-14B are perspective views of still further embodiments of containers for supporting flexible fluid bags.

Figure 15 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a protrusion that may be used on a panel to form a container for supporting a flexible fluid bag.

16A-16D are views of another exemplary embodiment of a panel that may be used to form a container supporting a flexible fluid bag.

17-17B are views of an exemplary embodiment of a handle that may be used on a container formed from the panels in FIGS. 16-16A for supporting a flexible fluid bag.

18-18B are views of an exemplary embodiment of a clip that may be used on a container formed from the panels in Figs. 16-16A for supporting a flexible fluid bag.

19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a face plate that may be used in a container to support tubing connected to a flexible fluid bag.

20-20A are views of one or more exemplary embodiments of panels that may be used to form a container supporting a flexible fluid bag.

21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base that may be used to support a container used to support a flexible fluid bag.

Detailed ways

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of a panel 20 has opposite side edges 22 , 24 and opposite ends 26 , 28 . The perimeter of the panel 20 is defined by generally parallel side edges 22 , 24 and generally parallel ends 26 , 28 . The ends 26, 28 are generally perpendicular to the side edges 22, 24 so that the panel 20 is quadrangular, specifically rectangular, in shape. The peripheral edge surfaces 30 , 31 extend over the entire length of the side edges 22 , 24 and along the ends 26 , 28 . Centrally located voids 32 , 34 are located in the respective ends 26 , 28 and interrupt the opposing edge surfaces 30 , 31 .

Panel 20 has an interior facing surface or side 36 and an opposite exterior facing surface or side 38 . Towards the inner side 36 there is a cavity or recess 40 formed relative to the inner edge surfaces 30 , 31 . The recess 40 has laterally angled interior sloping side walls 42, 43, a portion of which intersect a centrally located generally flat surface 44. The end projections 45, 46 extend outwardly away from the inner side 36 and are shaped to form angled and inwardly sloped end walls 47, 48 which are generally perpendicular to the angled side walls 42, 43 and also to the The central surfaces 44 intersect. The angled side walls 42, 43, the angled end walls 47, 48 and the intermediate surface 44 are generally configured to conform to the sides and ends of the liquid-filled flexible bag. The angled side walls 42, 43 are generally parallel, as are the angled end walls 47, 48.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5 , the perimeter of the outer side 38 is also defined by the side edges 22 , 24 and the ends 26 , 28 . A first plurality of protrusions 50 , 51 extend outwardly from the outer side 38 adjacent the side edge 22 and a second plurality of protrusions 52 , 53 extend outwardly from the outer surface 38 adjacent the second side edge 24 . The plurality of first protrusions 50,51 are generally identical in size and shape and each provide a first leg 54,55 and a first short protrusion 64,65. The plurality of second protrusions 52 , 53 are also generally identical in size and shape and each provides a second leg 56 , 57 , a second short protrusion 66 , 67 and a long other protrusion 72 , 73 .

The legs 54, 55, 56, 57 are designed to contact the surface 92 on which the panel 20 rests; and the legs support the panel 20, the liquid-filled flexible bag supported by the panel 20, and the The weight of other structures on top. Pairs of legs 54, 56 are symmetrical and spaced equidistantly about center point 58 of panel 20; pairs of legs 55, 57 are also equally spaced and symmetrical about center point 58 of panel. However, the pair of legs 54, 56 does not have to have the same symmetry as the pair of legs 55, 57 with respect to the panel center point 58, but could. It should be noted that the center point 58 of the panel 20 is also the center point of the inner side 36 and the outer side 38 .

First short protrusions 64 , 65 extend outwardly from the outer surface 38 adjacent the side edge 22 and second short protrusions 66 , 67 extend outwardly from the outer surface 38 adjacent the side edge 24 . A generally J-shaped locating notch 68 is formed between the leg 54 and the short protrusion 64 , and a generally J-shaped locating notch 69 is formed between the leg 55 and the short protrusion 65 . Similarly, a generally J-shaped locating notch 70 is formed between the leg 56 and the short protrusion 66 , and a generally J-shaped locating notch 71 is formed between the leg 57 and the short protrusion 67 .

Further protrusions 72 , 73 also extend outwardly from the outer surface 38 adjacent the side edge 22 . In this exemplary embodiment, the other protrusions 72, 73 have approximately the same length as the legs 56, 57; different.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , a first protrusion or pin 74 extends outwardly from peripheral surface 30 along side 22 and a protrusion or second pin 75 extends outwardly from peripheral surface 31 along side 24 . A first recess, receptacle or aperture 76 extends downwardly from peripheral surface 30 along side 22 and a second recess, receptacle or aperture 77 extends downwardly from peripheral surface 31 along side 24 . Pins 74 and holes 76 are equally spaced and symmetrical about center point 58 , and pins 75 and holes 77 are similarly equally spaced and symmetrical about center point 58 . While pin 74 and receptacle 76 may have, they do not have to have the same symmetry as pin 75 and receptacle 77 with respect to panel center point 58 .

In use, referring to Figure 6, the flexible fluid bag or bladder 80 is located approximately in the center of the cavity 40a of the first panel 20a. Thereafter, the second panel 20b is placed on the first panel 20a such that the cavity 40b faces the cavity 40a. The panels 20a, 20b are then joined together such that the pins are inserted into opposing holes, for example, as shown in Figure 6, the pin 74a of the panel 20a is inserted into the hole 76b of the panel 20b. The panels 20a, 20b are further moved together until the opposing edge surfaces abut or contact each other, eg, as shown in FIG. 6, the edge surface 30a of the panel 20a contacts the edge surface 31b of the panel 20b. During this process, the pins 74 , 75 ( FIGS. 3 , 6 ) are pressed further into the holes 76 , 77 . In the exemplary embodiment, the pins 74, 75 taper toward the ends; the holes 76, 77 taper toward the closed ends. In this way, the process of inserting the pins 74, 75 into the holes 76, 77 assists in aligning the panels 20a, 20b. In addition, the size and taper of the pins 74, 75 and holes 76, 77 can be adjusted so that the pins 74, 75 and holes 76, 77 structurally contact the panels 20a, 20b, which operatively retains, and in some applications secures Or protect the panels 20a, 20b in a mating relationship.

When finally positioned in mated relationship, the two opposing panels 20a, 20b form a container 82a for the flexible fluid bag 80 . Angled side walls 42a, 43b, angled end walls 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b and opposing central surfaces 44a, 44b define a volume 83 that is approximately equal to or greater than the volume of flexible bag 80 of a particular size. Thus, the flexible bag has room to expand in the volume 83 if an application requires the flexible liquid bag 80 to be frozen.

In panel 20a, cavity 84a is formed between upper end wall 86a of inner side 36a, side wall 88a of protrusion 48a, and bottom wall 90a. Similarly, in panel 20b, cavity 84b is formed between upper end wall 86b of inner side 36b, side wall 88b of protrusion 48b, and bottom wall 90b. Cavities 84a, 84b are contiguous and provide a containment volume or space for storage of tubing 110 and other equipment connected to port 108 at one end of flexible fluid bag 80 . An opening 114 formed between the voids 34a, 34b of the respective panels 20a, 20b at the end of the container 82a provides access to the end of the bag 80, the port 108 and/or the conduit 110.

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B , containers 82a - 82n formed from panels 20a - 20n may be stacked on a generally horizontal surface 92 to form a generally vertical container stack 83 . Containers 82n and panels 20n are shown in phantom, the notation “n” meaning that any number of corresponding containers and panels may be used in container stack 83 . Similar arrangements should be applied in the other components indicated by the symbol "n" shown in phantom. Legs 56 a , 57 a and other protrusions 72 a , 73 a extend downwardly from panel 20 a and contact support surface 92 . As shown in Figure 7A, the plurality of protrusions 50b, 51b, 52c, 53c of the panels 20b-20c facilitate stable stacking of the containers 82a-82b. When the second container 82b is stacked on the first container 82a, the upwardly projecting leg 54b of the container 82a is seated in the notch 70c of the container 82b. In addition, the downwardly projecting leg 57c of the container 82b is seated in the recess 69b of the container 82a. In this way, container 82b is prevented from sliding longitudinally relative to container 82a, ie, to the left or to the right as shown in FIG. 7A. In addition, the longer protrusion 73c is located behind the short protrusion 65b and the other protrusion 72c is located behind the leg 54b. In this way, the relative position of the other protrusions 72c, 73c prevents movement of the container 82b relative to the container 82a in a generally laterally horizontal direction, ie in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a similar manner, containers 82c can be stacked within container 82b and prevented from sliding longitudinally or laterally by a similar interlocking relationship of multiple legs and protrusions on panels 20b, 20c.

Figure 7A illustrates the interlocking relationship of the plurality of legs and protrusions along the first side of the containers 82a-82n. Referring to Figure 7B, a similar interlocking relationship of the legs and protrusions along opposite sides of the containers 82a-82n is shown. In Figures 7A, 7B, the stack of containers 82a-82n is an alternating stack. With alternating stacking, referring to Figure 7A, the legs 55b of the lower container 82a are located outside the mouth 71c of the upper container 82b; however, the legs 54b are located in the opposite upper container notch 70c. However, for the next buildup, the relative positions of the legs are reversed. The leg 55d of the lower container 82b is located in the mouth 71e in the upper container 82c; however, the leg 54d is located outside the opposing upper container notch 70c. By alternating the relative positions of the legs and notches of each successive container in the container stack, alternating containers, such as containers 82a, 82c, are generally aligned, but intermediate containers, such as container 82b, are longitudinally offset by approximately one leg. section width. More specifically, container 82b is shifted or offset slightly to the left as shown in FIG. 7A. Even if adjacent containers are slightly offset, the containers 82a-82n still stack in a generally vertical orientation and are stable for storage and transportation.

To dispense liquid from the containers, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. The base 94 has an angled or sloped upper surface 95 to facilitate gravity dispensing of liquid from the flexible bags 82a-82n. The upper surface 95 is generally contoured to match the outer side 38a of the panel 20a. For example, the base 94 has notches or receptacles 96, 98 that receive the respective legs 56a, 57a. Further notches or receptacles 100, 102 receive other protrusions 72a, 73a, respectively. Additionally, the base 94 has generally vertical surfaces 104 , 106 to further prevent sliding or movement of the panel 20 a relative to the base 94 .

The alternating stacking configuration described and shown in Figures 7A, 7B is very effective in creating and maintaining a stable stack of containers 82a-82n for storage and transportation. However, if such a stacking configuration is used when the containers are stacked on the inclined surface 95 in FIG. 8, the containers will extend forward of the base 94 as an unstable stack of containers. Thus, an alternative, continuous offset stacking configuration is shown in FIG. 8 . With this continuous offset stacking configuration, on each successive layer or row, the legs 54b, 54d of the respective lower containers 82a, 82b are located in the respective slots 70c, 70e of the upper respective containers 82b, 82c. middle. Similarly, the legs 57c, 57e of the respective upper container 82b, 82c are seated in the respective slots 69b, 69d of the respective lower container 82a, 82b. In this way, containers 82a - 82n are restrained, or prevented from sliding downward in an angled direction substantially parallel to inclined surface 95 . With this stacking configuration, the front edges of the respective containers 82a-82b are maintained in a generally straight and vertical alignment. Such a stacking configuration also generally maintains the centers of gravity of the respective containers 82a - 82n in a generally straight and generally vertical alignment, which provides a very stable container stack 82a - 82n when supported on the inclined surface 95 .

Each flexible fluid bag in containers 82a-82n has one or more ports extending from one end, such as ports 108a-108n. The ports 108a-108n may have any known implementation from simply a visual identification on one end of the bag to a connector attached to the end of the bag. At any time during the life cycle of the flexible fluid bag, tubing 110a-110n, respective valves 112a-112n, and/or other devices may be connected to respective ports 108a-108n in known manner. In many applications, flexible fluid bags are typically supplied with associated respective tubing 110a-110n and respective valves 112a-112n. Additionally, with the embodiment of FIG. 8, the conduits 110a-110n may be connected to a combination of configurations that connect the conduits 110a-110n to external devices or interconnect the conduits. For example, the different conduits 110a-110n may be connected to separate devices that independently control the dispensing of liquid from the respective containers 82a-82n. Alternatively, the different conduits 110a-110n may be connected to a single device, such as a peristaltic pump for controlling the dispensing of one or more liquids. In other applications, different conduits 110a-110n may be connected together to connect respective vessels 82a-82n together.

In the stacked form in Figure 8, there is the potential for the flexible liquid bags in the containers 82a-82n to slide down the container, which could impair the smooth flow of the liquid in the containers during dispensing. Thus, in a further embodiment, each of the panels 20a-20n has structure for securing a respective flexible fluid bag in place. Referring to FIG. 8A, in the exemplary embodiment shown with respect to panel 20, securing structure 116 secures flexible fluid bag 80a, shown in phantom, in a desired position. In many applications, the flexible fluid bag 80a has an opening 118 at the upper end, shown in phantom, and the opening 118 is used to hang the bag 80a from a stand during dispensing operations. Additionally, opening 118 may be of any shape, such as one or more holes, a slot illustrated by opening 118, or other suitable shape. The fixed structure 116 has an end surface 120 that is generally coplanar with the peripheral surfaces 30a, 31a. Projections or pins 122 extend outwardly from the end surface 120 and recesses, receptacles or holes 124 extend downwardly from the end surface 120 . Opening 118 is positioned around pin 122 and hole 124 when flexible fluid bag 80a is placed in panel 20a. Thus, as described and shown in FIGS. 6-8, when another panel is mated with panel 20a, pin 122 is inserted into the opposite hole in a similar manner to pin 74a and hole 76b shown in FIG. not shown). In addition, the holes 124 receive opposing pins. Thus, when the panel 20a of FIG. 8A is placed against the opposing panel, the pin 122 extending through the opening 118 of the bag 80a secures the bag in a desired position relative to the panel 20a. Furthermore, the ends of the bag 80 abut against the end surface 120 by means of opposite end surfaces.

As shown in Figure 9, when not in use, the generally uniform cross-sectional thickness of the panels 20a-20n allows them to be packed inside each other in a very close and efficient manner.

In some applications, referring to Figure 10, it may be necessary for the lower and upper panels, such as panels 20a, 20b forming container 82a, to be fixed or connected together. There are many alternative embodiments of the container 82a for securing the panels 20a, 20b integrally. For example, an adhesive or joint may be attached between the peripheral surfaces 31a, 30b and 30a, 31b, or the edges of the panels 20a, 20b may be welded together. In another embodiment, screws or other fasteners may be used to connect the peripheral surfaces 31a, 30b and 30a, 31b, and in a further embodiment, clamps 126, 128 may be used to attach the panels 20a, The edges of 20b are fastened together. Thus, the container 82a can be made disposable and reusable depending on the fastening system used, the materials used to make the panels 20a, 20b, the application of the flexible fluid bag, and other factors.

The panel 20 of FIG. 1 described herein may be used to make the durable container 82a shown in FIG. 6 for containing the flexible fluid bag. Container 82a is suitable for storage and transportation without further protection. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7A, when stacked, a plurality of protrusions, such as protrusions 52c, 53c of container 82b, extend downwardly between upper extending protrusions 50b, 51b of adjacent lower container 82a. In this way, adjacent containers in a stack of multiple containers 82a-82n are automatically interlocked such that the stack of containers 82a-82n is very stable for storage, transportation purposes. In use, as shown in Figure 8, a stack of multiple containers 82a-82n may be stacked on an inclined surface 95 to facilitate gravity dispensing of liquid from the flexible bags in the respective containers. The configuration of panels 20a-20n allows containers 82a-82n to be stacked on sloped surface 95 in a substantially vertical orientation. In this way, any point on one of the containers 82a-82n lies on a generally vertical locus of points with a similar common point on the other containers 82a-82n.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 , panel 20 is used to form container 82 having a plurality of protrusions 50 - 53 extending from outer side 38 . The plurality of protrusions 50-53 provide four individual legs and corresponding protrusions to facilitate stable alignment of containers 82a-82n in stacked form on horizontal and inclined surfaces. Referring to Figure 11, in an alternative embodiment, a container 130a is made from a lower panel 132a and an opposing upper panel 132b. Panel 132a has a plurality of protrusions, such as elongated ribs 134a-134d, extending on outer surface 136. Ribs 134a - 134d are generally parallel and function to support container 130a on horizontal support surface 92 . Each of the ribs 134a - 134d may extend continuously across the outer surface 136 , or may consist of discontinuous rib segments having a substantially rectilinear trajectory on the outer surface 136 .

Panel 132b also has a plurality of protrusions, such as ribs 138a-138d, that are generally parallel to each other and parallel to ribs 134a-134d. When the panels 132a, 132b are joined together to form the container 130a, the centerlines of the ribs 138a-138d are substantially midway between the centerlines of the ribs 134a-134d of the panel 132a. In this manner, the plurality of ribs 134a-134d on the panel 132c fit between the ribs 138a-138d on the panel 132b, thereby interlocking the containers 130a-130b. In this way, the containers 130a-130n can be placed on top of each other to form a stable straight container stack 139 on the generally horizontal surface 92, which is particularly beneficial during shipping and storage.

As shown in FIG. 12, they may be stacked at an angle on the sloped surface 140 of the base 142 in order to facilitate gravity dispensing from the containers 130a-130n. The sloped surface has notches 142a-142d sized and shaped to receive the respective ribs 134a-134d. In the stacking of containers 130a-130n in FIG. 12, each successive container may be offset from the container below it, for example, to the left as shown in FIG. container stacks 130a-130n. The interlocking of ribs 134a-134d on a container (e.g., container 130b) and ribs 138a-138d on an adjacent lower container (e.g., container 130a) inhibits container 130b relative to The lower container 130a slides downward. In this way, the interlocking of the ribs on the respective containers 130a - 130n provides a very stable, substantially vertical container stack 143 on the inclined support surface 140 . Containers 130a-130n may be fluidly connected to external devices, or to each other, in a manner suitable for a particular application using the methods previously described.

As noted above, in vertical container stack 139 in FIG. 11 , the centerline of ribs 138a - 138d of panel 132b is substantially midway between the centerlines of ribs 134a - 134d of panel 132a . This relative positioning of the ribs can be achieved by several different embodiments. In a first embodiment, the panels 132a, 132b may have a structure similar to that of the panel 20 shown in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, one end 26 of the panel has a different internal structure than the other end 28 . Therefore, the internal structure is asymmetrical from end to end with respect to the center point of the panel. In this embodiment, the panels 132a, 132d are molded as two distinct pieces to obtain the rib 138a-138d to rib 134a-134d arrangement shown in FIG. Furthermore, if the panels 132a, 132b are molded separately into the respective lower and upper container parts, their respective internal structures may also be different. In Figures 11 and 12, the ribs 134a-134b, 138a-138d have a particular cross-sectional profile and spacing. In alternative embodiments, the ribs may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape and spacing, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, panel 162 may have ribs 164a-164n that are narrower and more closely together.

In an alternate embodiment, panels 132a-132n may have an internal structure similar to panel 144 shown in FIG. 13 . For the panel 144 , the internal structure at one end 146 is similar to the general internal structure at the opposite end 148 . As such, the panel 144 is symmetrical from end to end with respect to the panel center point. If panel 144 in FIG. 13 is used as panels 132a-132b in FIG. 12 to make container 130a, upper panel 132b is rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to lower panel 132a to place the centerlines of ribs 138a-138d substantially in the panel Midway between the centerlines of the ribs 134a-134d of 132a. Similar structures can be applied to other containers 130b-130n.

Referring to Figure 14A, a container 150 may be constructed from two panels 152, 154 fabricated as a single piece. The panels 152, 154 have respective ribs or protrusions 153a-153d, 155a-155d and are joined together along a common edge 156 thereof. In use, when the flexible fluid bag is placed in panel 152 , opposing panel 154 may be folded about 180 degrees relative to its common edge 156 as indicated by arrow 157 . Panel 154 is then folded against panel 152 to form container 150 as shown in Figure 14B. The opposing outer edges 158, 160 of the container 150 may be joined by clamps, fasteners, welding or other suitable joining methods.

Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C , in another exemplary embodiment, a panel 220 is similar to panel 20 of FIGS. 1-5 and has opposite side edges 222 , 224 and opposite ends 226 , 228 . A gap 234 is centrally located in end 228 and interrupts opposing edge surfaces 230 , 231 . The edge surfaces 230 , 231 are separated at opposite ends 226 by a longitudinal centerline 261 of the panel 220 . In addition, each edge surface 230 , 231 has a groove or shoulder 229 intermediate the ends 226 , 228 and extending along the respective side edge 222 , 224 . The shoulders 229 increase the stiffness of the panel 220 along the side edges 222,224. Panel 20 has an interior facing surface or side 236 and an opposite exterior facing surface or side 238 (FIG. 16B). Towards the inner side 236 there is a cavity or depression 240 formed relative to the inner edge surfaces 230 , 231 . Recess 240 has laterally angled interior sloped sidewalls 242 , 243 that partially intersect a generally flat, centrally located surface 244 . End protrusions 245 , 246 extend outwardly away from inner side 236 and are shaped to form angled and inwardly sloped end walls 247 , 248 that are generally perpendicular to side walls 242 , 243 and meet central surface 244 . The angled side walls 242, 243, the angled end walls 247, 248 and the intermediate surface 244 are configured to substantially conform to the sides and ends of the liquid-filled flexible bag.

A first plurality of protrusions 250 , 251 extend outwardly from the outer side 238 adjacent the side edge 222 and a second plurality of protrusions 252 , 253 extend outwardly from the outer surface 238 adjacent the second side edge 224 . The plurality of first protrusions 250 , 251 are generally identical in size and shape and each provide a first leg 254 , 255 with a respective notch 268 , 269 and a respective other protrusion 278 , 279 . The plurality of second protrusions 252 , 253 are also generally identical in size and shape and each provide a first leg 256 , 257 with a respective notch 270 , 271 and a respective other protrusion 272 , 273 .

The legs 254-257 are designed to be in contact with the surface 292 upon which the panel 220 is placed; these legs support the weight of the panel 220, the liquid-filled flexible bag supported by the panel, and other structures that may be stacked on top of the panel 220 .

In this exemplary embodiment, the other protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 are primarily to prevent a The lateral horizontal movement of a panel relative to another panel. While the other protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 may be similar in length to the other leg protrusions, the other leg protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 may also not be configured to provide a significant load supporting function.

A first protrusion or pin 274 extends outwardly from peripheral surface 230 along side 222 and a protrusion or second pin 275 extends outwardly from peripheral surface 231 along side 224 . A first recess, receptacle or aperture 276 extends downwardly from peripheral surface 230 along side 222 and a second recess, receptacle or aperture 277 extends downwardly from peripheral surface 231 along side 224 .

The side edge 224 has an elongated opening or slot 285 and associated holes 287, 289 adjacent opposite ends of the slot 285 for receiving a handle as described later. The pattern of slots 285 and associated holes 287 , 289 repeats at various locations along side edges 222 , 224 . Pairs of fastener holes 297, 299 are also located on the side edges 222, 224 for receiving one or more fasteners as described subsequently. In the embodiment in Figure 16A, there are four sets of slots 285 and associated holes 287, 289 for the handle and nine pairs of fastener holes 297, 299 extending along the side edges 222,224. Surface 320 also has an additional pair of fastener holes 297,299. However, in other embodiments, other numbers of handle slot and fastener hole pairs may be used.

In a manner similar to that previously described with reference to FIG. 6 , a flexible fluid bag or bladder (not shown) is located in cavity 240 of panel 220 in FIG. 16 . A protrusion or pin 322 extends outwardly from the surface 320 on the end protrusion 245 and a recess, receptacle or hole 324 extends downwardly from the surface 320 . In a manner similar to that previously described with reference to FIG. 8A , when the flexible fluid bag is placed in panel 220 , the opening in one end of the bag is placed around pin 322 and hole 324 . Referring to FIG. 16A , a flexible fluid bag (not shown) can be placed in the first panel 220a having a bag handle end on surface 320 and around pin 322 and receptacle 324 . As shown in Figure 16D, the second panel 220b is placed on the first panel 220a. The panels 220a, 220b are then brought together such that the pins of panel 220a are inserted into the holes of panel 220b and vice versa. The panels 220a, 220b are further moved together until the opposing end surfaces of the panel 220a contact the respective end surfaces of the panel 220b. When finally positioned in the mated relationship shown in Figure 16D, the two opposing panels 220a, 220b form a container 282 for the flexible fluid bag contained therein.

A handle may now be provided to facilitate handling of the container 282 . Referring to FIG. 17 , a generally U-shaped handle 300 has a grip 301 connected at its ends to two generally L-shaped sides 302 , 303 . The sides 302, 303 are substantially similar, and therefore, only side 302 will be described in detail. The first upper connection part 304 extends from one end of the grip part 301 in a substantially vertical direction. The second lower link 305 is connected to the proximal end of the first link 304 and extends approximately vertically from the lower end thereof. A pair of opposing hooks 306 , 307 are mounted to the distal end of the second link 305 and extend upwardly towards the grip 301 . The hooks 306 , 307 extend approximately perpendicular to the second connecting piece 305 and parallel to the first connecting piece 304 . The elastic member 308 is connected to the L-shaped side 302 at a proximal end and has a distal end extending outwardly towards the hook 307 . A tether 309 has a proximal end connected to side 302 and a distal end connected to deadbolt 310 . In its non-use position, the deadbolt 310 is located beneath a guard member 311 extending from the end of the grip 301 .

Referring to Figure 17A, the grip 301 is inserted through the slots 285a, 285b and the hooks 306, 307 are guided through the holes 287a, 287b. The hooks 306a, 307a are guided through the holes 289a, 289b. The handle 300 is pulled upwardly as shown in FIG. 17A until the distal ends of the hooks 306, 307 and 306a, 307a clear the respective holes 287b, 289b. As shown in Figure 17B, the resilient members 308, 308a are deflected and apply a force to the bottom side 321 of the panel 220a. The hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a react to the force exerted by the elastic members 308, 308a, thereby helping to secure the panels 220a, 220b together. The locking pin 310, 310a on the distal end of the respective elastic cord 309, 309a is then inserted between the respective pair of hooks 306, 307 and 306a, 307a, thereby securing the handle 300 in place. In some applications, upon removal of the deadbolt 310, 310a, the distal ends of the hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a may be squeezed together and the handle 300 removed from the slot 285a, 285b. When fully assembled, the hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a and locking pins 310, 310a are effective to secure the panels 220a, 220b together. Additionally, as shown in Figure 16D, four handles 300 are used to secure the panels 220a, 220b together adjacent the corners of the panels, providing an integral container 282 for the fluid bag and a lifting point on each side.

In some applications, it may be desirable to provide one or more additional connectors to further secure the panels 220a, 220b together. Referring to Figure 18, a connector or clip 312 has a generally S-shaped body 313 with a support surface 314 at one end and a resilient arm 315 attached at the opposite end. Referring to Figure 18A, the first end 316 of the clip 312 is inserted into the aperture 297a, 297b of the respective panels 220a, 220b that are joined together to form the container. The clip 312 is rotated clockwise as shown in Figure 18A and the ring end 317 is directed into the holes 299a, 299b. As shown in Figure 18B, further clockwise rotation of clip 312 brings support surface 314 against lower surface 321 of panel 220a and brings resilient member 318 into contact with upper surface 320 of panel 220b. The clip 312 is pushed further down as shown in FIG. 18B , thereby deflecting the resilient member 318 until the locking surface 319 passes through the hole 299a and abuts against the lower surface 321, thereby securing the clip in place and securing the panels 220a, 220b together . When pressed against lower surface 321, locking surface 319 prevents inadvertent removal of clip 312 and reacts to the force exerted by member 318 to secure panels 220a, 220b together. To remove the clip 312, the finger grips 323, 323a are squeezed together to release the locking surface 319 from the surface 321 and allow the locking surface 319 to pass upwardly through the holes 299a, 299b. Any number of clips 312 may be used with pairs of fastener holes 297,299.

In the illustrative example in FIG. 18 , the clip 312 is primarily intended for use with reusable containers, however, in other embodiments, other connectors may be used to releasably attach the panels 220a, 220a, 220b together, for example, the push/pull plastic captive fastener of commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #93040A103, the NYLON reusable of commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #91020A220 Snap lock rivets, NYLON cable ties, threaded fasteners or other suitable connectors. However, if it is desired that the container 282 formed by the panels 220a, 220b be disposable, the panels may be joined together using holes 297, 299 by welding, gluing, or other connectors, such as commercially available McMaster-Carr DELRIN blind rivets (blindrivet) Part No. #90219A325, commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #90219A044 NYLON blind rivets, aluminum or steel rivets or other suitable connectors. Clips 312 or fasteners may be inserted through holes 297, 299 in surface 320 in FIG. 16A to directly secure panels 220a, 220b together at the handle end of the fluid bag.

As previously mentioned, the flexible fluid bag has multiple ports and corresponding tubing extending from one end. The tubing is typically located in the packaging, which in some applications is simply located in the front cavity 284 shown in Figure 16A during shipping of the container 282 in Figure 16D. In other applications, the ends of the tubing of the flexible fluid bag may be secured for shipping and use. As shown in FIG. 16A , panel 220 has a recessed void 234 positioned generally centered on end 228 , and two holes 323 on the edge surface within opening 234 . As shown in FIG. 16D , the opposing openings of the panels 220 a , 220 b form an elongated opening 325 at one end of the container 282 . Referring to Fig. 19, the face plate 327 has a plurality of openings 329 formed by one or more slits forming an asterisk, X, plus sign or other shape suitable for securing the pipes in the respective openings. One or more ends of the tubing are inserted through respective holes 329 in face plate 327 . In some applications, the tubing may be shorter as long as it is long enough to fit through hole 329 . In other applications, the tubing may be longer and the tubing may be coiled into the storage space formed by the front lumen shown in Figure 16A. Referring to FIG. 19, the face plate 327 has an upper and a lower portion outwardly facing protrusions 330 mounted on the distal end of the elastic member 331. Referring to FIG. 16D, when the face plate 327 slides into the opening 325, the protrusions 330 ( FIG. For example hole 323b ( FIG. 16D ) engages, thereby locking face plate 327 in opening 325 . In this way, the ends of the pipes are securely supported at the ends of the container 282 during handling and shipping. In use, the tubes can be pulled out of the respective holes of the panel 327 to a desired length.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in another exemplary embodiment, a panel 420 is similar to panel 220 of FIGS. 16A-16C and has opposite side edges 422 , 424 and opposite ends 426 , 428 . A void 434 is centrally located in end 428 and interrupts opposing edge surfaces 430 , 431 . The opposing edge surfaces 430, 431 are narrower than their counterpart edge surfaces 230, 231 on the panel 220 shown in FIG. However, the narrow edge surfaces 430, 431 also improve the stiffness of the side edges. The panel 420 has an inwardly facing surface or side 436 with a cavity or recess 440 formed relative to the edge surfaces 430 , 431 . Recess 440 has laterally angled interior sloped sidewalls 442 , 443 that partially intersect a region containing a plurality of ribs 449 located approximately centrally between side edges 422 , 424 . End protrusions 445, 446 are generally similar to end protrusions 245, 246 in FIG. Rib 449 extends generally longitudinally relative to panel 420 and intersects sloped end walls 447 , 448 . The ribs 449 significantly improve the stiffness of the panel between the sloped end walls 447, 448 compared to the flat surface 224 of the panel 220 in FIG.

Panel 420 has a plurality of protrusions 450, 451, 452, 453 that are substantially similar in structure, location, and function to the respective plurality of protrusions 250, 251, 252, 253 of panel 220 shown in Figures 16A-16D. Panel 420 also has pins similar in structure and function to respective pins 274, 275, receptacles 276, 277, slot 285, associated holes 287, 289 and fastener holes 297, 299 of panel 220 in FIG. 16A 474,475, receptacles 476,477, slot 485, associated holes 487,489 and fastener holes 497,499. Panel 420 also has a void 434 substantially similar to void 234 in FIG. 16A and adapted to receive the face plate shown in FIG. 19 for supporting pipe ends as previously described with reference to face plate 220 in FIG. 16D.

In a manner similar to that previously described with reference to Figures 6 and 16D, as shown in Figure 20A, a flexible fluid bag or bladder (not shown) is positioned approximately centrally within the cavity of the first panel 420a. Thereafter, the second panel 420b is placed over the first panel 420a and assembled therewith by means of handles and/or connectors or clips in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIGS. Bag container 482 . Face plate 327 is used to support end 333 of tubing connected to a flexible fluid bag in container 482, as previously described.

Containers 282 and/or 482 may be stacked with like containers on a substantially horizontal surface in a manner similar to that described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Additionally, containers 282 and/or 482 may utilize angled bases 294 shown in FIG. 21 to stack like containers together on an inclined surface in a manner similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8 . Using a further method similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8, containers 282 (FIG. 16D) and 482 (FIG. 20A) may be stacked on angled base 294 in a continuous offset stacking configuration. Angled base 294 has grooves 335 , 336 , 337 , 338 at its corners that are sized and shaped to receive the legs of container 282 or 482 . The grooves 335 , 336 , 337 , 338 effectively prevent the container 282 or 482 from sliding sideways or downwardly away from the angled base 294 . The angled base 294 also mates with a face plate 327 that allows tubing to pass in and out of the interior of the base 294 . In certain embodiments, angled base 294 may support components therein for controlling fluid flow, such as one or more valves, peristaltic pumps, filters, and/or other components. In this way, the tubing can extend from the face plate on the container, into the face plate 327 on the angled base 294, and then through components in the base 294, out of the face plate 327 on the base 294, to the outside as determined by the user part.

In the exemplary embodiments of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 shown and described herein, the thickness can be readily varied to accommodate a wide range of sizes for the flexible fluid bag. For example, in some embodiments different panels can be made to accommodate 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 liter fluid bags. In other embodiments, panels of other sizes may be made. In this way, the respective containers formed by the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can have the desired size, durability and stiffness and the desired flexible fluid bag for a wide range of applications size of. For example, referring to FIG. 6 , the volume 83 of the container 82 a is slightly larger than the volume of the bag 80 . This larger volume provides room for bag 80 to expand within container 82a when container 82a and bag 80 are frozen.

In other embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of materials suitable for use in sterile and "clean" environments, in further embodiments In one example, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162 may be made disposable and reusable. As such, the panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made from a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, PETG, HDPE, ABS, PVC, polypropylene or other materials. In further applications, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of metal, rigid foam, or other materials. As such, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of transparent, translucent or opaque material.

In the exemplary embodiment of the plurality of panels 20 , 132 , 144 , 152 , 154 , 162 , 220 , 420 shown and described herein, the container may be fabricated from panels each generally generally having a substantially uniform cross-section Thickness 93a, 93b (FIG. 6). Depending on the materials used, the profile thickness may range from about 0.050-0.500 inches in various embodiments. In other embodiments, the profile thickness may be greater or lesser. Exemplary embodiments of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be formed using any molding or forming method suitable for the materials used. In certain embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be vacuum formed from a relatively thin flexible sheet of material, such as thermoplastic or other suitable material. In various embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be flexible, that is, if they are secured at opposite ends 26, 28 or 226, 228 Above, the opposite ends can be easily manually rotated or twisted in opposite directions. Furthermore, being flexible means that the side edges 22, 24, 222, 224 can easily be manually crimped or deformed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be formed by injection molding or other suitable plastic molding methods.

While the invention has been set forth in some detail by the description of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be constrained by the claims or limited in any way to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, as described herein, containers 82, 130, 282, 482 may be stacked in a generally vertical orientation on an inclined surface. Containers are stacked manually so that the verticality of any stack of containers can be varied considerably. Furthermore, the center of gravity of containers stacked on an inclined surface will depend on and vary with the volume of liquid in the container. Thus, in some applications, one container may generally be offset generally horizontally from the other container, but still maintain a generally vertical orientation on the inclined surface. The protrusions on the various embodiments of the panels described herein allow the relative position of the stacked containers to vary in order to achieve the desired stability by a person stacking the containers.

The plurality of protrusions and ribs on the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may vary in different embodiments to provide sufficient stiffness to the panels to support the flexible fluid bag. Furthermore, the thickness of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be determined and varied in proportion to the size of the flexible fluid bag to be supported. In further embodiments, different protrusions and profiles may be added and the profile panel thickness may be varied in different regions of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 to increase stiffness. However, any such variation in shape and thickness should be appropriate so as not to reduce the stackability of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the notches 68, 69, 70, 71 are generally J-shaped, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16D, the notches 268, 269, 270, 271 are generally U-shaped. - shaped. In other embodiments, the notches may have other shapes effective to provide the described alignment and stabilization functions. Such other shapes are, for example, generally L-shaped, generally V-shaped, stepped and other similar shapes.

In the embodiments described herein, panels 20 , 132 , 144 , 152 , 154 , 162 , 220 , 420 are shown and described having generally rectangular shapes. However, such rectangular shapes are exemplary in nature and the panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be of any shape generally consistent with the shape of the fluid bag supported by the panels, such as rectangular, Square, round, oval or other shapes. Furthermore, in the embodiments described herein, the panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 are shown supported on a surface, such as a horizontal or sloped surface. In other embodiments, the holes 339 in Figures 16A and 20 may be used to hang the container in a vertical orientation.

Therefore, the invention in its broadest aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described. Accordingly, changes may be made from the details described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus useful for forming substantially identical lower and upper parts of a container for use as a flexible liquid bag, comprising: an inner surface adapted to support a flexible fluid bag when the device is used as a lower portion, the inner surface comprising side walls adapted to support a flexible fluid bag, the first and second ends projecting away from the inner surface Extending upwardly and being shaped to form angled and inwardly sloping end walls substantially perpendicular to said side walls and also intersecting the central surface of said inner surface, a first end projection is adapted to support a flexible liquid the first profile shape of the dispensing end of the bag, the second end projection being a second profile shape adapted to support an end of the flexible fluid bag opposite the dispensing end, wherein the first and second end projections are relative to said inner surface facing each other approximately centrally; external surfaces; and an outer surface protrusion extending outwardly from the outer surface, when the device is used as the lower part of the first container, said outer surface protrusion being adapted to support the device on a support surface when the device is used as the upper part of the first container When , the outer surface protrusions face away from the support surface and facilitate alignment with the second container in stacked form on the support surface, the outer surface protrusions on the first container are adapted to the second container on the second container The protrusions on the outer surface extend between them to provide a more stable packing form. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer surface protrusion on the first container is adapted to prevent the second container from sliding relative to the first container in the first direction. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer surface protrusion comprises a plurality of substantially parallel ribs. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer surface protrusions comprise: legs extending outwardly from the outer surface, adapted to support the device on a support surface when the device is used as a lower part; and a notch associated with the respective leg, adapted to face towards the support surface when the device is used as the lower part, and adapted to face away from the support surface when the device is used as the upper part, and To facilitate alignment with a second container in stacked form. 5. The device of claim 2, further comprising other outer surface protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface, when the device is used as an upper portion of the first container, the other outer surface protrusions face away from the support surface and facilitate Aligned with the second container in stacked form on the support surface, the other outer surface protrusions are adapted to prevent the second container from sliding relative to the first container in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface comprises a substantially horizontal surface and the second container is substantially horizontally offset from the first container in the stacked configuration. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support surface includes an inclined surface, and the outer surface protrusions are adapted to prevent the second container from going downward relative to the first container in an angled direction substantially parallel to the inclined surface. slide. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the outer surface protrusions allow the second container to stack substantially vertically on the first container supported on the inclined surface. 9. The device of claim 1, comprising a flexible portion formed from a flexible sheet of material. 10. An apparatus useful for forming substantially identical lower and upper parts of a container for use as a flexible liquid bag, the apparatus comprising: an inner surface adapted to support a flexible fluid bag when the device is used as a lower portion, the inner surface comprising side walls adapted to support a flexible fluid bag, first and second ends projecting away from the inner The surface extends upwardly and is shaped to form angled and inwardly sloping end walls substantially perpendicular to the side walls and also intersects the central surface of the inner surface, the first end projection being adapted to support a flexible The first profile shape of the dispensing end of the fluid bag, the second end protrusion is a second profile shape adapted to support the end of the flexible fluid bag opposite the dispensing end, wherein the first and second end protrusions are relative to the inner the surfaces face each other approximately centrally; The outer surface; opposing first and second side edges; A first pair of spaced apart legs adjacent to the first side edge and a second pair of spaced apart legs adjacent to the second side edge, the legs having respective notches, when the device is used as the lower portion of the container, the legs The legs and the respective notches extend outwardly from the outer surface and are adapted to support the device on the surface, when the device is used as the upper part of the container, the legs and the notches are oriented away from the surface and are convenient to be used with the device in the stacked form the containers are aligned, the legs and respective notches are adapted to prevent movement of the containers in a first direction relative to the stacked form; and Four outer surfaces extending outwardly from the outer surface adjacent each leg protrude to further facilitate alignment of the container in the stacked form and are adapted to prevent movement of the container relative to the stacked form in the second direction. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of slots and associated apertures on the first and second side edges adapted to receive handles for lifting the container. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of other holes on the first and second side edges adapted to receive connectors for securing the lower and upper portions of the container together. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second profile shape is different from the first profile shape. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the inner surface further comprises a generally flat surface between the first contoured shape and the second contoured shape. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the inner surface further comprises a rib extending longitudinally between the first contoured shape and the second contoured shape. 16. The device of claim 10, wherein the inner surface further includes a cavity adjacent one end of the device adapted to receive tubing extending from a dispensing end of the flexible fluid bag. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a void between the first and second side edges and adjacent the cavity, the void being adapted to allow a conduit to extend outwardly from the apparatus. 18. A container for supporting a flexible liquid bag comprising: a lower portion comprising a lower outer surface and a lower inner surface, a first outer surface protrusion extending downwardly from the lower outer surface and adapted to support the lower portion on a surface, the lower inner surface comprising side walls adapted to support a flexible fluid bag and first and second end projections extending upwardly away from the inner surface, and the first and second end projections are shaped to form angled and inwardly sloping end walls that are generally perpendicular to the side walls , and also intersects the central surface of the inner surface, the first end protrusion is a first profile shape adapted to support the dispensing end of the flexible fluid bag, and the second end protrusion is adapted to support the opposite dispensing end of the flexible fluid bag the second profile shape of the end of the wherein the first and second end protrusions face each other substantially centrally with respect to said inner surface; and an upper portion configured to be positioned on the lower portion to form an interior space adapted to accommodate a flexible fluid bag, the upper portion includes an upper outer surface, a second outer surface protrusion extends upwardly from the upper outer surface, the second outer surface protrusion is connected to the first outer surface protrusion Substantially identical in size, shape and relative position, the second outer surface protrusions are adapted to be positioned adjacent to and to facilitate alignment with the first outer surface protrusions of another container in stacked form. 19. The container of claim 18, further comprising at least one handle extending through the lower portion and the upper portion for lifting the container. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the handle includes structure for securing the lower and upper portions together. 21. The container of claim 18, further comprising at least one connector extending through the lower portion and the upper portion for securing the lower portion to the upper portion. 22. The container of claim 18, further comprising structure coupled to each of the lower and upper portions for aligning the lower and upper portions of the container in mating relationship. 23. The container of claim 18, wherein each of the lower portion and the upper portion further includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and when the outer surface of the upper portion is placed in abutment with the inner surface of the lower portion, the lower and upper portions are nestable . 24. The container of claim 18, wherein the upper portion is substantially similar in size and shape to the lower portion.

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