CN111532570A

CN111532570A - Hermetic seal for foil lined FIBC (bulk bag)

Info

Publication number: CN111532570A
Application number: CN202010079845.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·A·韦斯布罗德
Original assignee: Lincoln Global Inc
Current assignee: Lincoln Global Inc
Priority date: 2019-02-06
Filing date: 2020-02-04
Publication date: 2020-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-04
Also published as: EP3693294A2; JP2020128258A; BR102020002398A2; KR20200097212A; CN111532570B; EP3693294A3

Abstract

The invention described herein relates generally to a system and method related to a hermetically sealed assembly for use with a bag to provide a hermetic seal for the bag that can be opened and closed while maintaining the hermetic seal for the bag and material stored therein. The hermetic sealing assembly may comprise a cap and a collar, wherein the collar may be releasably attached to the bag or integrated into an opening of the bag. The cap may include a sampling port and a corresponding removable cap.

Description

Hermetic seal for foil lined FIBC (bulk bag)

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a hermetically sealed assembly for a bag or flexible container.

Background

The use of large bag fabrics, commonly referred to as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) or simple bulk bags, has become a common situation for transporting large quantities of materials (e.g., powdered materials, granular materials, liquids, etc.). Bulk bags may be lifted, moved, or transported by fork lifts and other material handling equipment having hooks or tines. Although natural fibers may be used, cloths for bulk bags are typically woven from strong, tape-like synthetic plastic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, etc.). Flexible intermediate bulk containers have been widely used to receive, store, transport and discharge various types of flowable materials.

Bulk bags may also be manufactured to include an inner layer to prevent atmospheric permeation or exposure to ambient humidity conditions. Typically, a foil laminate may be included as an inner layer to limit moisture adhesion. For example, the bulk bag may contain a flux material that is susceptible to moisture adhesion and may cause hydrogen diffusion in the weld metal. While a bulk bag having an inner layer of foil laminate can limit exposure to moisture, the effectiveness of the foil laminate when opening the bulk bag can be reduced.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved bulk bag assembly, system or method that addresses these issues.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a seal assembly system for a bulk bag is provided. The sealing assembly may include a bag storing material, the bag including an opening. The pouch comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a tape woven structure made of polypropylene. The collar has a top end and an opposite bottom end, an inner wall defining a through passage extending between the top end and the bottom end. The collar may include a lip on the top end and a web on the bottom end, wherein the lip is on a perimeter of the top end and the web extends outwardly from the bottom end and is substantially parallel. The webs of the collar are integral to the inner and outer layers at the opening. A cap may be provided, the cap being configured for releasable attachment to the lip of the collar so as to provide an airtight seal at the opening. The cap may include a sampling port and a removable cap configured to seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port and also provide access to the material when removed from the sampling port while the cap remains attached to the lip of the collar.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bulk bag is provided. The bag has a cube-like shape configured to hold a volume of material, the bag having a front side, a back side opposite the front side, a left side, a right side opposite the left side, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side. The bag includes an opening on the top side of the bag, wherein the opening is formed by at least one of an inner layer or an outer layer. The bag includes an inner layer configured to provide an air-impermeable outer shell to the material, wherein the air-impermeable outer shell is accessible via the opening. The bag includes an outer layer positioned about the inner layer, wherein the outer layer provides structural support and integrity in a braid. The opening includes a neck formed by at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer. The bag includes a collar having a top end and an opposite bottom end, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the inner wall defining a through passage extending between the top end and the bottom end, and the collar having a thickness and a diameter for the through passage. The collar may be positioned on the neck and at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer folded over a lip of the collar, wherein at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer is folded over an outer wall of the collar. The bag further comprises a lid releasably coupled to the collar, wherein the lid, when attached to the collar, exerts a force to press the lid, the outer layer, the inner layer, and the lip of the collar together. The cap may include a sampling port and a removable cap configured to seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port and also provide access to the material when removed from the sampling port while the cap remains attached to the lip of the collar.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a hermetically sealed assembly system comprising at least the following: a bag storing material, the bag having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, and an opening at the first end; the pouch comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a tape woven structure made of polypropylene; a collar having a top end and an opposite bottom end, an inner wall defining a through passage extending between the top end and the bottom end; the collar further comprises an outer wall; the collar has: a lip on the top end; a web perpendicular to the outer wall and extending outwardly therefrom; and a support rib located between the lip and the web; the collar being attached around a portion of the bag such that the outer layer is in contact with the inner wall and the outer wall; a compression member configured to be positioned around the collar so as to compress the outer layer and the inner layer toward an outer wall of the collar; and a cap having a top side with a first diameter, the cap configured for releasable attachment to a lip of the collar so as to provide an airtight seal at the opening, wherein the lip is in contact with the outer layer, the cap is in contact with the inner layer, and the cap can be coupled to the lip with the outer layer and the inner layer therebetween. The cap may include a sampling port having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter and a removable cap configured to seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port and also provide access to the material when removed from the sampling port while the cap remains attached to the lip of the collar.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent when viewed in light of the attached drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

Drawings

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly having a cap separated from a collar;

FIG. 2 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly with a cap attached to a collar;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the hermetic seal assembly with the cap separated from the collar;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the collar of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 5 shows a bag with laminated polypropylene sheets or films;

FIG. 6 illustrates the band woven structure of the bag;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bulk bag;

FIG. 8 illustrates a hermetically sealed component integrated onto a side of a bag having an opening;

FIG. 9 illustrates a collar of the hermetic sealing assembly attached around the open end of the bag;

FIG. 10 illustrates a hermetic sealing assembly sealing the open end of the bag;

FIG. 11 illustrates a hermetic sealing assembly sealing the opening of the bag;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a collar of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a collar of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the collar of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 15 illustrates a front side view of a collar of the hermetic seal assembly, wherein the rear, left and right views are mirror images of the front side view;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the lid of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the lid of the hermetic seal assembly;

FIG. 19 shows a view of the outer and inner layers of a bag having a neck and an opening;

FIG. 20 shows a view of an opening in a bag having an outer layer and an inner layer;

FIG. 21 illustrates a view of a hermetically sealed assembly used with a bag having one or more layers with a compression member to facilitate connectivity;

FIG. 22 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a lid of the hermetically sealed assembly;

FIG. 23 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a lid of the hermetic seal assembly with a removable port plug;

FIG. 24 illustrates a process of obtaining a sample using a port in a lid of a hermetically sealed assembly; and is

Figure 25 illustrates the venting process using the bag and corresponding hermetically sealed component.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems related to a hermetic sealing assembly for use with a bulk bag to provide a hermetic seal for the bulk bag that can be opened and closed while maintaining a hermetic seal for the bulk bag and material stored therein. The hermetic sealing assembly may include a cover and a collar, wherein the collar may be releasably attached to a portion of the bulk bag or integrated into an opening of the bulk bag.

As used herein, "welding (welding/weld)" (including any other form of these words) will refer to depositing molten material by operation of an electric arc (including, but not limited to, submerged arc welding, GTAW welding, GMAW welding, MAG welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, any high energy heat source (e.g., laser, electron beam, etc.), or by operation of any electric arc used with a welding system. Also, the welding operation may be directed to a workpiece that includes a coating (such as, but not limited to, a zinc-plated coating).

As used herein, a "component" or "controller" may be a portion of hardware, a portion of software, or a combination thereof that may include or utilize at least a processor and a portion of memory, wherein the memory includes instructions to be executed.

As used herein, a "bag" may be a bulk bag, and/or an article containing material, wherein the material contained or stored may be a solid, liquid, gas, or a combination thereof. The bag may include an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer provides a barrier to atmospheric conditions and the outer layer provides durability and rigidity. In an embodiment, the outer layer may be a tape woven structure. The inner and/or outer layers may be made of any suitable material chosen with sound engineering judgment. In an example, the bag may include one or more chambers, wherein each chamber stores or contains a material. For example, the bag may include a first chamber that stores or contains a first material, a second chamber that stores or contains a second material, and a third chamber that contains or stores a third material. In such an example, each chamber may contain an appropriate material for the corresponding layer based at least in part on the material contained therein. It should further be understood that each layer of the bag may include a thickness, wherein the thickness may be based on at least one of the material stored within such a chamber or the material from which the layer is made. The bag may have a shape and size, wherein the bag includes at least one of an open end or an opening. It should be understood that the bag may include one or more open ends. In another example, it is understood that the bag may include one or more openings. The bag may be configured to define a volume and have a shape with at least one opening to access or dispense/fill.

While the embodiments discussed herein are related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to and may be used in connection with arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, water jet cutting, laser cutting, and any other system or method using similar control methodologies, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above-discussed invention. The embodiments and discussion herein may be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methods by those skilled in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power source (e.g., welding power source, etc.) as used herein may be a power source of a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, water jet cutting, laser cutting, and the like. Accordingly, a person with good engineering abilities and judgment may select a power source other than a welding power source without departing from the intended scope of coverage of embodiments of the subject invention.

Additionally, the hermetically sealed assemblies described herein may relate to any environment in which the bag is used, and the contents of such a bag need not be associated with a welding environment or welding system.

Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of the same elements in different views does not imply that a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to be limiting of the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

Fig. 1-4 and 12-18 illustrate a hermetic seal assembly 100 that includes a collar 102 and a cap 104. The collar 102 may include a top end 106 and an opposite bottom end 108. The collar 102 may include a through passage 103 (shown in fig. 12) between a top end 106 and a bottom end 108. The collar 102 may be used in a hermetically sealed assembly of a bag, where the collar 102 is attached to or placed around an opening of the bag. The cover 104 may be releasably coupled to the collar 102, wherein the cover 104 may include a top side 118, a bottom side 120, sidewalls between the top and bottom sides, and a protrusion 122 on a perimeter of the cover 104. In an embodiment, the cover 104 may include a locking mechanism that is removable from the collar 102 over the first opening of the cover 104.

Collar 102 may include an inner wall 124 and an outer wall 126. In an embodiment, the collar 102 and the cap 104 may be circular in shape. It should be understood that the shape of the collar 102 and the cover 104 may be selected with sound engineering judgment and that the shape of the collar 102 and/or the cover 104 is not limiting to the subject invention. The collar 102 may include a lip 110 on the top end 106, wherein the lip 110 is configured to mate with a clearance portion 128 on the underside of the lid 104. The outer wall 126 of the collar 102 may further include a web 111 for integrating or coupling at least one of a portion of a bag or a layer of a bag. In particular, the opening of the bag may comprise a perimeter, wherein the web 111 is heat welded such that the perimeter of the web 111 matches the perimeter of the opening of the bag. The web 111 may include a first portion 114 for rigidity and a second portion 116 that is integrated with at least one of the pouch or one or more pouch layers (e.g., inner layer, outer layer, additional layer, combinations thereof) when thermally welded. It should be appreciated that the first portion 114 has a first thickness and the second portion 116 has a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

The collar 102 may further include support ribs 112 located on an outer wall 126 of the collar 102 and between the lip 110 and the web 111. The support ribs 112 may be used to provide support to the hermetically sealed assembly and/or bag during filling, refilling, emptying, access to bag contents, cleaning, and the like. Further, a portion of the bag may be integrated or coupled to the collar 102 at a location on the outer wall 126 between the support ribs 112 and the bottom end 108 or web 111.

In an embodiment, the collar 102 may be integral to the opening of the bag (discussed in more detail below and shown at least in fig. 8). In particular, the collar 102 may be integrated with or coupled to at least one of the bag or one or more layers of the bag, wherein the perimeter of the bottom end 108 of the collar 102 is integrated onto the perimeter of the opening of the bag. It should be understood that the collar 102 may be coupled to a portion of the bag or a portion of the opening of the bag. In another embodiment, the collar 102 may be placed around the open end of the bag, wherein the bag is folded outwardly over the collar 102, wherein the lid 104 compresses and seals the folded portion of the bag between the lid 103 and the lip 110 of the collar 102 (discussed below and shown at least in fig. 9-11). In such embodiments, a portion of the open end of the bag may be integrated or coupled to a portion of the collar. With continued reference to such an embodiment, a portion of the bag where the opening is located may be placed through the through-channel 103. A portion of the bag that passes through the collar 102 may be turned inside out (e.g., folded) over the collar 102, and the cover 104 may be releasably attached to the collar 102 such that the bag is pinched between the cover 104 and the collar while the opening is closed.

As discussed above, the hermetic seal assembly 100 can include a collar 102 and a cover 104, wherein each can include a corresponding shape and size such that the cover 104 can be releasably coupled to the collar 102. In an embodiment, the collar 102 may include an inner diameter of approximately 10 inches to 14 inches. Further, the height of the collar 102 (e.g., between the top end 106 and the bottom end 108) may be approximately 1 to 5 inches. The web 111 may have a width extending outward from the outer wall 126 of approximately 1 inch to 5 inches. Further, first thickness 114 of web 111 may be approximately 1/8 inches and second thickness 116 may be 0.015 inches. However, it should be understood that the diameter, height, shape, and/or size of the collar or any component of the hermetic seal assembly (e.g., cap, web, etc.) may be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject invention.

In an embodiment, the webs 111 may be interposed between an inner layer of the bag and an outer layer of the bag, wherein the webs are integrated onto a portion of the inner or outer layer. In another embodiment, the inner and outer layers may be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of collar 102 such that the bottom side of web 111 is integrated or coupled thereto. In another embodiment, the inner and outer layers may be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of collar 102 such that the top side of web 111 is integrated or coupled thereto.

Fig. 2 illustrates a cover 104 attached or releasably coupled to the collar 102. The cover 104 may include a top side 118 and a bottom side 120 and sidewalls therebetween, wherein the bottom side 120 includes a gap 128 configured to receive a portion of the lip 110 on the collar 102. It should be appreciated that the gap 128 may be positioned on the bottom side 120 of the cover 104, wherein the gap 128 and the lip 110 utilize a tongue and groove connection. The cover 104 may be configured for releasable coupling to the collar 102, and such connectivity may be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject invention. By way of example and not limitation, the cap 104 may be coupled with the collar 102 by at least one of a male-female coupling, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, a tongue-and-groove connection, and the like.

Fig. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a hermetic sealing assembly 300 comprising a collar 302 and a cap 304 attachable to an open end of a bag by inserting the open end of the bag through the collar 302, folding the end around the collar 302, and pressing a portion of the bag against the top end of the collar 302 using the cap 304. Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the hermetic seal assembly 300. Collar 302 may include a top end 306 and an opposite bottom end 308. Collar 302 may include a through passage 303 between a top end 306 and a bottom end 308. The collar 302 may be used for a hermetically sealed assembly of a bag, wherein a portion of the bag is placed through the through-passage 303 of the collar 302. The cap 304 may be releasably coupled to the collar 302. In an embodiment, the cap 304 may include a locking mechanism that is removable from the collar 302 over the first opening of the cap 304.

Collar 302 may include an inner wall 324 and an outer wall 326. In an embodiment, the collar 302 and cap 304 may be circular in shape. It should be understood that the shape of collar 302 and cap 304 may be selected with sound engineering judgment, and the shape of collar 302 and/or cap 304 is not limiting to the subject invention. Collar 302 may include a lip 310 on top end 306, wherein lip 310 is configured to mate with a gap or rim portion on the underside of lid 304.

The collar 302 may further include a support rib 312 located on an outer wall 326 of the collar 302 and between the lip 310 and the bottom end 308. The support ribs 312 may be used to provide support to the hermetically sealed assembly and/or bag during filling, refilling, emptying, access to bag contents, cleaning, and the like.

It should be understood that the cover 104 may be used with either the collar 102 or the collar 302. In another embodiment, it should be understood that cap 304 may be used with collar 302 or collar 102. In other words, the cap may be generic or specific to an embodiment of the collar of the hermetic seal assembly.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a woven bag 500. Bag 500 may be a polypropylene braided bag construction, and all waste at a typical job site may be safely contained within the braided bag, so that the bag may be a disposable bag that is folded up for supply at the job site, and then opened and filled. Once filled, the bag 500 can be lifted from its top and transported to a disposal location. The bag 500 may have a side 502 comprised of a longitudinally extending woven band 504 and a laterally extending band 506. The bag 500 may include a closed end 510 and an open end 508. In an embodiment, as illustrated, closed end 510 may be folded upon itself and sewn at the bottom of the pouch via stitch lines 512 to complete pouch 500. The bag 500 may include an open end 508, a closed end 510 opposite thereto, sides 502, a back side (opposite the front side 502), a left side, and a right side. The bag 500 may contain or store a volume. As discussed above, bag 500 may include one or more layers. For example, bag 500 may include an inner layer that is hermetically sealed and an outer layer exterior to the inner layer, where the outer layer is a braid having sidewalls (e.g., front, back, left, right), an open end 508 and a closed end 510. This is further illustrated in fig. 19-21.

The shape of the bag 500, wherein the shape is configured to store or contain a volume of material, may be selected by sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject invention. In an embodiment, the bag 500 may be cuboidal in shape, having a front side, a rear side opposite the front side, a left side, a right side opposite the left side, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side. In an example, the bag 500 may include at least one opening through which the interior of the bag 500 may be accessed. In another example, the bag 500 may include an open end, wherein at least one of the front side, back side, left side, right side, top side, or bottom side is open.

Turning to fig. 6, a portion of a braid 600 for a bag 500 is shown. In embodiments, the width of the strap may be between two (2) and eight (8) millimeters, but may be selected based at least on sound engineering judgment of the material to be contained/stored in the bag. For example, it should be understood that the tighter the braid, meaning the narrower the ribbon, the greater the physical strength characteristics of the bag. The use of wider straps may translate to less braid involved, and thus the bag may be lighter than a tighter braid.

Turning to fig. 9, 10 and 11, collar 302 and cap 304 are shown for use with bag 500. Collar 302 and cap 304 may be used with bag 500, wherein open end 508 of bag 500 is placed through collar 302, and in particular, open end 508 is inserted into through-channel 303 (shown in fig. 3). A portion of the open end 508 of the bag 500 is inserted through the top end 306 and fanned out around the lip 310 of the collar 302. The cap 304 may be placed over the collar 302 to pinch the perimeter of the opening of the bag 500 between the cap 304 and the lip 310 of the collar 302. In particular, lip 310 is in contact with a portion of outer layer 501 of bag 500 (folded over collar 302) and lid 304 is in contact with inner layer 503 of bag 500 (as shown in fig. 10 and 11). This connectivity allows collar 302 and cap 304 to provide an airtight seal for the opening of bag 500, where cap 304 is sealable and resealable. The collar 302 and cap 304 may be used with a bag having an opening, such as opening 508, and may be adapted for and/or used with a bag without any structural changes or modifications to the bag.

Turning to fig. 7, the bag 700 is shown in perspective view. The bag 700 may be generally transported or transported on a pallet 702. The bag 700 may include one or more loops 704 adjacent an upper surface 706. For example, one or more loops 704 may help move bag 700 to and from different locations. The bag 700 may include sidewalls 708 (e.g., front, back, left, right). The bag 700 may further comprise a top side and an opposite bottom side, wherein the top side may comprise an opening. In other embodiments, the bag 700 may include an open end on the top side, where the collar 302 and the cap 304 may be used to provide an airtight seal.

Fig. 8 illustrates the collar 102 integrated into a bag 700, wherein the lid 104 is shown attached to the collar, thereby providing an airtight seal. In particular, the collar 102 is integrated onto the top side of the bag 700, but it should be understood that the collar 102 may be integrated into any side or location of the bag 700. For example, the hermetic sealing assembly (e.g., collar 102, lid 104) may be located on a sidewall of the bag 700 or on a bottom side of the bag 700.

Fig. 12-15 illustrate the collar 102. In particular, fig. 12 is a perspective view of the collar 102. Fig. 13 illustrates a top view of the collar 102 of the hermetic seal assembly. Fig. 14 shows a bottom view of the collar 102 of the hermetic seal assembly. Fig. 15 illustrates a front side view of the collar 102 of the hermetic seal assembly, wherein the rear, left and right views are mirror images of the front side view.

Fig. 16-18 illustrate a lid for use with a hermetically sealed assembly in accordance with the subject invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lid for use with the hermetic seal assembly. Fig. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the lid of the hermetic seal assembly. Fig. 18 illustrates a top view of the lid of the hermetically sealed assembly.

As discussed above, a portion of the collar 102 (shown in fig. 1) may be integrated or coupled to a portion of the bag. In another embodiment, a portion of the collar 302 (shown in fig. 3) may be integrated or coupled to a portion of the bag. It is to be understood that such integration or coupling can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject invention. By way of example and not limitation, integrating a portion of the collar onto a portion of the bag may be performed by, but is not limited to, hot plate welding, flat plate welding, impulse welding, hot bar welding, interweaving a portion of the bag with a portion of the collar, inserting a portion of the collar between one or more layers of the bag, melting a portion of the bag onto the collar, melting a portion of the collar onto the bag, combinations thereof. In another embodiment, a portion of the collar may be coupled to a portion of the bag, wherein such coupling may be, but is not limited to, gluing, pressing, adhering, bolting, riveting, or combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, collar 302 may be releasably coupled to an outer layer of the bag after the bag is inserted into collar 302 through opening 303. One or more layers of the bag may be integrated with or coupled to at least one of: an outer wall 326 of collar 302, an inner wall 324 of collar 302, lip 310, bottom end 308, support ribs 312, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the open end of the bag may include a compression member 1914 that facilitates connectivity between the bag and the collar 302. For example, the compression member 1914 may be placed to hold a force as the open end of the bag is inserted through the collar 302 and folded over the lip 310 of the collar such that a portion of the folded bag is coupled to a portion of the collar 302. It should be understood that the compression member 1914 may be integrated or woven into the open end of the bag or may be a separate component that is not part of the woven fabric or bag. The compression member 1914 may apply a force that squeezes a portion of the bag to couple to a portion of the collar 302.

Turning to fig. 19-21, a hermetically sealed assembly system is illustrated. Fig. 19 illustrates a portion of a bag 1900 wherein the bag has a cube-like shape (e.g., bottom, left side, right side, front side, back side, and top) with an opening on the top. In fig. 19, the bag is shown having an outer layer 1902 and an inner layer 1904. By way of example and not limitation, the inner layer 1902 may be a foil laminate and the outer layer 1904 may be a woven structure of polypropylene tape. It should be understood that the bag 1900 may include one or more layers, and that the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 are not limited to the subject invention. Further, the outer layer 1902 may be made of a first material and the inner layer 1904 may be made of a second material, wherein the first material may be selected with sound engineering judgment to provide structural strength, integrity and durability to the bag, and the second material may be selected with sound engineering judgment to prevent air from entering the inner layer 1904 or contaminating the material stored or contained within the inner layer 1904. For example, the outer layer 1902 may be a tape weave having one or more materials in tape or fiber form. In another example, inner layer 1904 may be plastic or other gas impermeable material.

Inner layer 1904 may be formed to serve as a gas-tight and/or hermetic seal for bag 1900, thereby not allowing the contents of inner layer 1904 to be exposed. Inner layer 1904 can be formed from one or more sheets of material and coupled together to form a shape having a volume of stored material. By way of example and not limitation, the inner layer 1904 of the bag may be cuboid in shape such that the cuboid is formed from 6 (six) sheets of material joined together at seams to form a cuboid-like shape. As discussed, the inner layer 1904 may include an opening that is hermetically sealed, but may be opened or broken when the contents of the bag are ready for use. It should be understood that the outer layer 1902 may include an exterior and an interior, wherein the interior is in contact with the exterior of the inner layer 1904 and the exterior is exposed to elements outside the pouch. Further, it should be understood that the inner layer 1904 may include an outer portion and an inner portion, wherein the inner portion is in contact with the material stored therein, and the outer portion is in contact with the inner portion of the outer layer 1902. If the bag 1900 includes additional layers, the additional layers may be located between the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904.

Fig. 19 illustrates a bag 1900 with the outer layer 1902 removed on the top side of the bag to expose and display the inner layer 1904 and opening 1908. In an embodiment, the inner layer 1904 may be fabricated with seams to form the shape of the bag 1900 such that the opening 1908 is positioned on and centered on the top side of the bag 1900. The opening 1908 may be formed by an inner layer 1904 that forms a neck 1906. It should be understood that the outer layer 1902 surrounds the inner layer 1904 and will have openings corresponding to the openings 1908, but the outer layer 1902 is shown partially in order to reveal the inner layer 1902.

Fig. 20 shows a view of the neck of the bag 1900 and the folded outer and

inner layers

1902, 1904. Figure 20 illustrates a bag 1900 having an outer layer 1902 and an inner layer 1904 that are both folded to form an outer layer pleat 1912 and an inner layer pleat 1910. The opening 1908 may be further exposed while the neck 1906 is reduced in size by rolling or folding the inner and

outer layers

1904, 1902. In an embodiment, the inner layer 1904 may be rolled or folded separately from the outer layer 1902 (as shown in fig. 20). In another embodiment, the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 may be folded or rolled together (as shown in fig. 21). In either embodiment, the collar 302 may be positioned over the opening 1908 so as to allow the rolled or folded portion of the layer to be positioned over the outer wall 326 of the collar 302, with the lip 310 of the collar 302 in contact with at least one of the exterior of the inner layer 1904 or the exterior of the outer layer 1902. For example, if the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 are folded or rolled together over the lip 310 of the collar 302, the lip 310 contacts the exterior of the outer layer 1902. In another example, if inner layer 1904 is separately folded or rolled over lip 310 of collar 302, lip 310 will be in contact with the exterior of inner layer 1904. The number of folds or creases may be selected by sound engineering judgment to reduce the neck 1908 so that the collar 302 may fit over the opening and allow the cap 304 to be coupled to the collar while this coupling cinches the layers of the bag together. It should be understood that excess material from the fold or roll of the bag may be removed or severed from the bag 1900.

Fig. 21 illustrates the collar 302 coupled to the pleated layers (e.g., outer layer 1902, inner layer 1904), wherein the coupling is such that the collar 302 is placed over the opening 1908 and the pleated layers are placed over the outer surface 324 of the collar 302. The collar 302 may be attached or coupled to the bag 1900 at the location where the layers are folded and at the opening 1908. The coupling may be such that the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 are folded over the lip 310, the outer layer 1902 is in contact with the lip 310, and the inner layer 1904 is exposed to the exterior of the bag 1900. The cover 304 may be attached to the lip 310 of the collar so as to pinch the bag layer between the cover 304 and the lip 310 of the collar 302. A compression member 1914 may be further positioned around the collar 302 and the folded layer to compress the folded layer against the outer wall 326. It should be understood that the compression member 1914 may be a rubber material, a polymer, a synthetic material, a natural material, a clamp, an elastic cord, a rope, a string, a ratchet strap, a tie down, a shrink-wrapped plastic member, an elastic band, or the like.

In an embodiment, the collar is a first shape having a first size and the opening of the bag is a first shape having a second size, wherein the first size is larger than the second size. In an embodiment, the connecting plate extends outwardly from the bottom end. In an embodiment, the connecting plate comprises a first thickness and a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness and is positioned proximally of the base end compared to the second thickness. In an embodiment, a portion of the web is integrated between one or more layers of the bag. In an embodiment, a portion of the web is integral to the inner layer of the bag. In an embodiment, a portion of the connecting plate is coupled to the outer layer, and the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer. In an embodiment, a portion of the web is coupled to the inner layer of the bag. In an embodiment, the sealing assembly further comprises a heat weld securing a portion of the collar to a portion of the bag. In an embodiment, the seal assembly further comprises a support rib on the outer wall of the collar between the lip and the web.

Turning now to fig. 22, the cap 2004 is shown. The cap 2004 may include some or all of the same components and features as described above with respect to the cap 104 or the cap 304. For example, the cap 2004 may be releasably coupled to the collar 102, wherein the cap 2004 may include a top side 2018, a bottom side (not shown), a sidewall between the top side 2018 and the bottom side, and a projection 2022 on a perimeter of the cap 2004. In an embodiment, the cap 2004 may include a locking mechanism that is removable from the collar 102 over the first opening of the cap 2004.

Additionally, the cap 2004 may further include a sampling port 2006 and a corresponding cap. The sampling port 2006 allows a user to insert a sampling device (such as a sampling sampler) into the sampling port 2006 to obtain a sample of the contents of the bag 1900. By using the sampling port 2006, the user does not need to remove the cap 2004 from the collar/bag connection to obtain a sample. Thus, the seal formed between the cap 2004, collar 102, and bag 1900 remains intact and undisturbed, preventing wear and tear caused by friction on the bag 1900 during removal and replacement of the cap 2004. The sampling port 2006 allows the contents of the bag 1900 to be monitored periodically over time without risk of damage to the bag 1900 at the location of the engagement of the cap 2004 to the collar 102. Further, the sampling port 2006 can allow a user to vent the bag 1900 without removing the cap 2004 from the collar 102 and the bag 1900.

The sampling port 2006 may be molded into the top side of the cap 2004. The cap corresponds to an opening of the sampling port 2006 and can seal the sampling port 2006 when coupled with the opening. Depending on the type of sampling port 2006 used, the cap 2008 may be, for example, a threaded cap, a plug 2008, a latch cover, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the cap is recessed below top side 2018 of lid 2014 when the cap is coupled with the opening of sampling port 2006. In certain embodiments, the seal 2010 may be placed or adhered onto the cap such that a portion of the seal 2010 is adhered to the cap and another portion of the seal 2010 is adhered to the top side 2018 of the lid 2004. In this manner, when the user removes the cap from the sampling port 2006, the seal 2010 will tear. The torn seal 2010 may provide an indication that the cap has been removed. It should be understood that seal 2010 may be installed by the original manufacturer or distributor, and that any available tamper-evident (tamper-evident) handling or selection means of seal 2010 may be used to increase the likelihood of seal 2010 breaking upon removal of the cap. The top side 2018 of the lid 2004 may also include a label 2012 that may include information such as user instructions related to sampling the contents of the bag 1900 through the sampling port 2006, venting the bag 1900 through the sampling port 2006, and/or information about the contents of the bag 1900, including identification information or material safety information.

By way of example and not limitation, sampling port 2006 can be circular and/or have a diameter of 70 mm. However, it should be understood that the sampling port 2006 can have any shape or size chosen using sound engineering judgment. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the sampling port 2006 can be smaller than the diameter of the top side 2018 of the cap 2004. In one embodiment, the sampling port 2006 is a threaded port, such as a buttress thread port. In this embodiment, the cap is a correspondingly threaded cap that a user can use to seal the sampling port 2006 by threading the cap onto the sampling port 2006 threads. To remove the threaded cap to access the sampling port 2006, a user can unscrew the threaded cap from the sampling port 2006. In another embodiment, sampling port 2006 can have a plug port configuration. In this embodiment, the cap is a corresponding plug 2008 (e.g., a colored plug) that the user can use to seal the sampling port 2006 by inserting the plug 2008 into the sampling port 2006. The plug 2008 may be sized such that the plug 2008 is retained within the sampling port 2006 using a friction fit or a snap fit. Plug 2008 may include a ring 2014 attached to the top of plug 2008. Ring 2014 allows a user to insert a finger into ring 2014 so that the user can pull plug 2008 out of sampling port 2006 as shown in fig. 23. In certain embodiments, seal 2010 may be adhered on top of ring 2014 such that seal 2010 must be broken in order for a user to access ring 2014 and remove plug 2008 from sampling port 2006.

Turning now to fig. 24, the process of obtaining a sample is depicted. Once the cap (e.g., plug 2008) is removed from the sampling port 2006, the user can access the contents of the bag 1900 through the open sampling port 2006. For example, a user may insert the sample sampler 2024 through the sampling port 2006 and into the bag 1900. In this manner, a user may obtain a sample of the contents of the bag 1900 through the sampling port 2006, which eliminates the need to remove the cap 2004 from the collar 102 and the bag 1900 in order to obtain the sample. In one example, a user may obtain samples of the contents of the bag 1900 by using the sample sampler 2024 to obtain multiple levels of cross-sectional samples from the contents. Once the desired sample is obtained, the user may remove sample sampler 2024 from sampling port 2006 and reinsert the cap (e.g., plug 2008) into sampling port 2006.

Turning now to FIG. 25, the exhaust process is depicted. In addition to providing access to the contents of the bag 1900, the sampling port 2006 may also allow a user to vent the bag 1900. If the lid 2004 or cap is removed, the bag 1900 should be vented to remove all or most of the air contained in the bag 1900 before anything is stacked on the bag 1900. With the cap removed, the user may compress the top of the bag 1900 to force air 2026 out of the bag through the open sampling port 2006. After venting the bag 1900, the user may then reattach (e.g., screw on the threaded cap or reinsert the plug 2008) the cap into the sampling port 2006.

The above-described systems, components (e.g., hermetic seal assembly system 100, hermetic seal assembly 300, collar 102, lid 104, collar 302, lid 304, lid 2004, bag 500, bag 700, bag 1900, compression member 1914, etc.), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be understood that such means and elements may include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. These elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component (e.g., hardware, software, or combination thereof) which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. In addition, to the extent that the terms "includes", "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about," is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote a certain order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms "may (may) and" may be (may be) "indicate the likelihood of occurring in a set of cases; possession of a specified characteristic, feature or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, the use of "may" and "may be (may be)" indicates that the modified term is clearly appropriate, competent or applicable for the indicated capability, function or use, while it is contemplated that in some cases the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, competent or applicable. For example, in some cases, an event or capability may be expected, while in other cases, an event or capability may not occur — the terms "may" and "may be" are sufficiently different.

The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for the purpose of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The examples are merely illustrative and are not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and spirit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternative embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A seal assembly system for a bulk bag comprising:

a bag storing a material, the bag comprising an opening;

the pouch comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a tape woven structure made of polypropylene;

a collar having a top end and an opposite bottom end, an inner wall defining a through passage extending between the top end and the bottom end;

the collar has:

a lip on the top end;

a connection plate located on the bottom end; and is

The webs of the collar being integral to the inner and outer layers at the opening; and

a cap configured for releasable attachment to a lip of the collar so as to provide an airtight seal at the opening, wherein the cap comprises a sampling port and a removable cap configured to:

when attached to the sampling port, sealing the sampling port, and

providing access to the material when removed from the sampling port while the cap remains attached to the lip of the collar.

2. The seal assembly system of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a seal adhered to the top side of the cover and to the removable cap.

3. The seal assembly system of claim 1, wherein the sampling port comprises a threaded connection and the removable cap is a threaded cap.

4. The seal assembly system of claim 1, wherein the sampling port is a plug port and the removable cap is a plug.

5. The seal assembly system of claim 4, wherein the plug comprises a ring attached to a top surface of the plug.

6. The seal assembly system of claim 1, wherein the removable cap is recessed below a top side of the lid when attached to the sampling port.

7. The seal assembly system of claim 1, a portion of the web being integrated between one or more layers of the bag.

8. The seal assembly system of claim 1, a portion of the web being integral to an inner layer of the bag.

9. The seal assembly system of claim 1, a portion of the web coupled to the outer layer, and the outer layer coupled to the inner layer.

10. The seal assembly system of claim 1, a portion of the web being coupled to an inner layer of the bag.

11. The seal assembly system of claim 1, further comprising a heat weld securing a portion of the collar to a portion of the bag.

12. A bag configured to hold a volume of material, the bag comprising:

an opening on a top side of the bag;

an inner layer configured to provide an air-impermeable outer shell for the material, wherein the air-impermeable outer shell is accessible via the opening;

an outer layer positioned about the inner layer, wherein the outer layer provides structural support and integrity with a tape braid;

the opening comprises a neck formed by at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer;

a collar having a top end and an opposite bottom end, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, the inner wall defining a through-passage extending between the top end and the bottom end, and the collar having a thickness and diameter for the through-passage;

the collar is positioned on the neck and at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer is folded over a lip of the collar, wherein at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer is folded over an outer wall of the collar; and

a cap releasably coupled to the collar, the cap, when attached to the collar, exerting a force to press the cap, the outer layer, the inner layer, and a lip of the collar together, wherein the cap comprises a sampling port and a removable cap configured to:

when attached to the sampling port, sealing the sampling port, and

providing access to the material when removed from the sampling port while the cap remains coupled to the collar.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the lid further comprises a seal adhered to the top side of the lid and to the removable cap.

14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the sampling port comprises a threaded connector and the removable cap is a threaded cap.

15. The bag of claim 12, wherein the sampling port is a plug port and the removable cap is a plug.

16. The bag of claim 15, wherein the plug comprises a ring attached to a top surface of the plug.

17. The bag of claim 12, wherein the top side of the lid has a first diameter and the sampling port has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

18. The bag of claim 12, further comprising a compression member that compresses one of the inner layer or the outer layer onto an outer wall of the collar so as to maintain connectivity when the lid is separated from the collar.

19. The bag of claim 12, wherein when the lid is coupled to the lip of the collar, the lip of the collar is in contact with an exterior of the outer layer and the bottom portion of the lid is in contact with an interior of the inner layer.

20. A seal assembly system for a bulk bag comprising:

a bag storing material, the bag having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the bag including an opening at the first end;

the collar further comprises an outer wall;

the collar has:

a lip on the top end;

a web perpendicular to and outwardly from the outer wall; and

a support rib located between the lip and the web;

the collar being attached around a portion of the bag such that the outer layer is in contact with the inner wall and the outer wall;

a compression member configured to be positioned around the collar so as to compress the outer layer and the inner layer toward an outer wall of the collar; and

a cap having a top side with a first diameter, the cap configured for releasable attachment to a lip of the collar so as to provide an airtight seal at the opening, wherein the lip is in contact with the outer layer, the cap is in contact with the inner layer, and the cap is coupled to the lip, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer are therebetween, the cap including a sampling port having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter and a removable cap configured to:

when attached to the sampling port, sealing the sampling port, and