EP3693294A2 - Hermetic seal for foil-lined fibc , bag - Google Patents
Hermetic seal for foil-lined fibc , bag Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3693294A2 EP3693294A2 EP20155926.7A EP20155926A EP3693294A2 EP 3693294 A2 EP3693294 A2 EP 3693294A2 EP 20155926 A EP20155926 A EP 20155926A EP 3693294 A2 EP3693294 A2 EP 3693294A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- collar
- lid
- inner layer
- outer layer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/04—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with multiple walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
- B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
- B65D88/1668—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] closures for top or bottom openings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
- B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
- B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
- B65D88/1618—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] double-walled or with linings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/54—Gates or closures
- B65D90/56—Gates or closures operating by deformation of flexible walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
- B65F1/0006—Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
- B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
- B65F1/0006—Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks
- B65F1/002—Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks with means for opening or closing of the receptacle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2588/00—Large container
- B65D2588/16—Large container flexible
- B65D2588/162—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2588/00—Large container
- B65D2588/16—Large container flexible
- B65D2588/162—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
- B65D2588/165—FIBC on a pallet base
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D2590/54—Gates or closures
- B65D2590/542—Gates or closures special sealing means or means for improving sealing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a hermetic seal assembly for a bag or flexible container. More specifically, the invention relates to a seal assembly system for a bulk bag and to a bag configured to hold a volume of material according to the preamble of claim 1 and 8, respectively.
- FIBCs flexible, intermediate bulk containers
- Bulk bags can be lifted, moved, or transported by forklift trucks and other material handling equipment having hooks or tines.
- the cloth for the bulk bags is usually woven of strong, tape-like man-made plastic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, among others), though natural fibers can be employed.
- Flexible intermediate bulk containers have come into widespread use for receiving, storing, transporting, and discharging flowable materials of all types.
- Bulk bags can also be fabricated to include an inner layer to prevent atmospheric infiltration or prevention of exposure to ambient humidity conditions.
- a foil laminate can be included as an inner layer to limit moisture pickup.
- a bulk bag can house a flux material that is susceptible to moisture pickup and can lead to diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal. Although the bulk bag having an inner layer of foil laminate can limit exposure to moisture, the foil laminate effectiveness is reduced upon opening of the bulk bag.
- a seal assembly system for a bulk bag can include a bag that stores a material, the bag includes an opening.
- the bag includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene.
- a collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end.
- the collar can include a lip on the top end and a web on the bottom end, wherein the lip is on the perimeter of the top end and the web extends outwards from the bottom end and substantially parallel.
- the web of the collar is integrated to the inner layer and the outer layer at the opening.
- a lid can be provided that is configured to releaseably attach to the lip of the collar to provide a hermetic seal at the opening.
- the lid can include a sampling port and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- a bulk bag has a cube-like shape that is configured to hold a volume of a material, the bag having a front side, a back side opposite to 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 the inner layer or the outer layer.
- the bag includes an inner layer that is configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the material, wherein the airtight enclosure can be accessed via the opening.
- the bag includes an outer layer that is positioned around the inner layer, wherein the outer layer provides structural support and integrity with a ribbon weave.
- 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 a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end, an external wall opposite the internal wall, and the collar having a thickness and a diameter for the through passage.
- the collar can be positioned over the neck and with 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 are folded onto the external wall of the collar.
- the bag further includes a lid that is releaseably coupled to the collar, wherein the lid when attached to the collar applies a force to press the lid, the outer layer, the inner layer, and the lip of the collar together.
- the lid can include a sampling port and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- a hermetic seal assembly system includes at least the following: a bag that stores a material, the bag having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, and an opening at the first end; the bag includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene; a collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end; the collar further includes an external wall; the collar having: a lip on the top end; a web that is perpendicular and outwardly extending from the external wall; and a support rib in between the lip and the web; the collar is affixed around a portion of the bag such that the outer layer is in contact with the internal wall and the external wall; a compression member that is configured to be positioned around the collar to compress the outer layer and the inner layer toward the external wall of the collar; and
- the lid can include a sampling port having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems that relate to a hermetic seal assembly used with a bulk bag to provide a hermetic seal for the bulk bag that can be opened and closed while maintaining the hermetic seal for the bulk bag and materials stored therein.
- the hermetic seal assembly can include a lid and a collar, wherein the collar can be releasably affixed to a portion of the bulk bag or integrated into an opening of the bulk bag.
- “Welding” or “weld” as used herein including any other formatives of these words will refer to depositing of molten material through the operation of an electric arc including but not limited to submerged arc, GTAW, GMAW, MAG, MIG, TIG welding, any high energy heat source (e.g., a laser, an electron beam, among others), or any electric arc used with a welding system.
- the welding operation can be on a workpiece that includes a coating such as, but not limited to, a galvanized coating.
- Component or “Controller” as used herein can be a portion of hardware, a portion of software, or a combination thereof that can include or utilize at least a processor and a portion of memory, wherein the memory includes an instruction to execute.
- “Bag” as used herein can be a bulk bag, a container bag, and/or an item that houses a material, wherein the material housed or stored can be a solid, liquid, gas, or a combination thereof.
- the bag can 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.
- the outer layer can be a ribbon-woven structure.
- the inner layer and/or the outer layer can be made of any suitable materials chosen with sound engineering judgment.
- the bag can include one or more chambers in which each chamber stores or houses a material.
- a bag can include a first chamber that stores or houses a first material, a second chamber that stores or houses a second material, and a third chamber that houses or stores a third material.
- each chamber can include an appropriate material for the respective layer based at least in part upon the material contained therein.
- each layer of the bag can include a thickness, wherein the thickness can be based on at least one of the material stored within such chamber or the material of which the layer is fabricated.
- the bag can be a shape and a size, wherein the bag includes at least one of an open end or an opening. It is to be appreciated that the bag can include one or more open ends. In another example, it is to be appreciated that the bag can include one or more openings.
- the bag can be configured to define a volume and having a shape with at least one opening to access or dispense/fill.
- a power supply as used herein can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others.
- welding power supply e.g., welding power supply, among others
- one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.
- hermetic seal assembly described herein can relate to any environment in which a bag is used and the contents of such bag need not be related to a welding environment or welding system.
- FIGs. 1 through 4 and 12 through 18 illustrate a hermetic seal assembly 100 that includes a collar 102 and a lid 104.
- the collar 102 can include a top end 106 and a bottom end 108 opposite thereto.
- the collar 102 can include a through passage 103 (shown in FIG. 12 ) between the top end 106 and the bottom end 108.
- the collar 102 can be utilized with a hermetic seal assembly for a bag in which the collar 102 is affixed to the opening of the bag or placed around an open end of a bag.
- the lid 104 can be releaseably coupled to the collar 102, wherein the lid 104 can include a top side 118, a bottom side 120, a sidewall in between the top side and the bottom side, and an overhang 122 on the perimeter of the lid 104.
- the lid 104 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of the lid 104 from the collar 102.
- the collar 102 can include an internal wall 124 and an external wall 126.
- the collar 102 and the lid 104 can be circular in shape. It is to be appreciated that the shape of the collar 102 and the lid 104 can be chosen with sound engineering judgment and the shape of the collar 102 and/or the lid 104 is not limiting on the subject innovation.
- the collar 102 can include a lip 110 on the top end 106, wherein the lip 110 is configured to mate with a gap portion 128 on a bottom side of the lid 104.
- the external wall 126 of the collar 102 can further include a web 111 that is used to integrate or couple at least one of a portion of the bag or a layer of the bag.
- an opening of the bag can include a perimeter, wherein the web 111 is heat welded such that a perimeter of the web 111 matches to the perimeter of the opening of the bag.
- the web 111 can include a first portion 114 for rigidity and a second portion 116 that, upon heat welding, integrates with at least one of the bag or the one or more bag layers (e.g., inner layer, outer layer, additional layer, combination thereof). It is to 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 can further include a support rib 112 that is located on the external wall 126 of the collar 102 and in between the lip 110 and the web 111.
- the support rib 112 can be used to provide support of the hermetic seal assembly and/or the bag during filling, refilling, emptying, accessing contents of the bag, cleaning, among others.
- a portion of the bag can be integrated or coupled to the collar 102 on the external wall 126 at a location between the support rib 112 and the bottom end 108 or the web 111.
- the collar 102 can be integrated to an opening of a bag (discussed in more detail below and shown in at least FIG. 8 ).
- the collar 102 can be integrated with or coupled to at least one of the bag or the one or more layers of the bag in which a perimeter of the bottom end 108 of the collar 102 is integrated to a perimeter of an opening of the bag. It is to be appreciated that the collar 102 can be coupled to a portion of the bag or a portion of the opening of the bag.
- the collar 102 can be placed around an open end of the bag in which the bag is folded outward 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 in at least FIGs. 9-11 ).
- the portion of the open end of the bag can be integrated or coupled to a portion of the collar.
- a portion of the bag where the opening is located can be placed through the through passage 103.
- a portion of the bag that is through the collar 102 can be turned inside out (e.g., folded) over the collar 102 and the lid 104 can be releaseably affixed to the collar 102 such that the bag is pinched in between the lid 104 and the collar while closing the opening.
- the hermetic seal assembly 100 can include the collar 102 and the lid 104, wherein each can include respective shapes and dimensions such that the lid 104 can releaseably couple to the collar 102.
- the collar 102 can include an inner diameter of approximately 10 inches to 14 inches.
- the height (e.g., between the top end 106 and the bottom end 108) of the collar 102 can be approximately 1 inch to 5 inches.
- the web 111 can have a width from the external wall 126 outwardly of approximately 1 inch to 5 inches.
- the first thickness 114 of the web 111 can be approximately 1/8 inch and the second thickness 116 can be .015 of an inch.
- the diameter, height, shape, and/or size of the collar or any components of the hermetic seal assembly can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.
- the web 111 can be inserted between the inner layer of the bag and the outer layer of the bag, wherein the web is integrated to a portion of the inner layer or the outer layer.
- the inner layer and the outer layer can be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of the collar 102 such that a bottom side of the web 111 is integrated or coupled thereto.
- the inner layer and the outer layer can be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of the collar 102 such that a top side of the web 111 is integrated or coupled thereto.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the lid 104 affixed or releaseably coupled to the collar 102.
- the lid 104 can include a top side 118 and a bottom side 120 and a sidewall there between, wherein the bottom side 120 includes a gap 128 that is configured to receive with a portion of the lip 110 on the collar 102. It is to be appreciated that the gap 128 can be positioned on the bottom side 120 of the lid 104, wherein the gap 128 and the lip 110 utilize a tongue-and-groove connectivity.
- the lid 104 can be configured to be releaseably coupled to the collar 102 and such connectivity can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.
- the lid 104 can be coupled with the collar 102 by at least one of a male-to-female coupling, a threading connection, a pressure-fit connection, a tongue-and-groove connection, among others.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a hermetic seal assembly 300 that includes a collar 302 and a lid 304 that are attachable to an open end of a bag by inserting the open end of the bag through the collar 302, folding the ends around the collar 302, and using the lid 304 to press the portion of the bag against the top end of the collar 302.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the hermetic seal assembly 300.
- the collar 302 can include a top end 306 and a bottom end 308 opposite thereto.
- the collar 302 can include a through passage 303 between the top end 306 and the bottom end 308.
- the collar 302 can be utilized with a hermetic seal assembly for a bag in which a portion of the bag is placed through the through passage 303 of the collar 302.
- the lid 304 can be releaseably coupled to the collar 302.
- the lid 304 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of the lid 304 from the collar 302.
- the collar 302 can include an internal wall 324 and an external wall 326.
- the collar 302 and the lid 304 can be circular in shape. It is to be appreciated that the shape of the collar 302 and the lid 304 can be chosen with sound engineering judgment and the shape of the collar 302 and/or the lid 304 is not limiting on the subject innovation.
- the collar 302 can include a lip 310 on the top end 306, wherein the lip 310 is configured to mate with a gap or rim portion on a bottom side of the lid 304.
- the collar 302 can further include a support rib 312 that is located on the external wall 326 of the collar 302 and in between the lip 310 and the bottom end 308
- the support rib 312 can be used to provide support of the hermetic seal assembly and/or the bag during filling, refilling, emptying, accessing contents of the bag, cleaning, among others.
- the lid 104 can be used with the collar 102 or the collar 302.
- the lid 304 can be used with the collar 302 or the collar 102.
- the lid can be universal or specific to an embodiment of the collar of a hermetic seal assembly.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a ribbon-woven bag 500.
- the bag 500 can be a ribbon-woven polypropylene bag structure, all of the refuse at a typical jobsite can be contained safely within a bag formed with the ribbon weaving so that the bag can be a one-use bag which is provided folded up at the jobsite and then opened and filled. Once filled, the bag 500 is capable of being lifted by its top and transported to a refuse disposal location.
- the bag 500 can have a side 502 comprised of woven ribbons 504 running longitudinally and ribbons 506 running laterally. Bag 500 can include a closed end 510 and an open end 508. In an embodiment, the closed end 510 can be folded upon itself as illustrated and stitched at the bottom of the bag via stitching 512 to complete the bag 500.
- the bag 500 can include the open end 508, the closed end 510 opposite thereto, the side 502, a back side (opposite the front side 502), a left side, and a right side.
- the bag 500 can house or store a volume.
- the bag 500 can include one or more layers.
- the bag 500 can include an inner layer that is hermetically sealed and an outer layer outside the inner layer, wherein the outer layer is ribbon-woven having the sidewalls (e.g., front, back, left, right) and the open end 508 and the closed end 510. This is further illustrated in Figs. 19-21 .
- a shape of the bag 500 can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation, wherein the shape is configured to store or house a volume of material.
- the shape of the bag 500 can be cube-like, with a front side, 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 500 can include at least one opening to which an inside of the bag 500 can be accessed.
- the bag 500 can 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.
- the width of the ribbons can be between two (2) and eight (8) millimeters but the width can be selected with sound engineering judgment based on at least the material to be housed/stored in the bag. For example, it is to be appreciated that the tighter the weave, meaning the less wide the ribbon, the greater will be the physical strength characteristics of the bag. The utilization of the wider ribbon can translate to less weaving is involved and therefor the bag may be lighter than the tighter weave.
- the collar 302 and lid 304 can be used with the bag 500 in which the open end 508 of the bag 500 is placed through the collar 302, and in particular, the open end 508 is inserted into the through passage 303 (shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the portion of the open end 508 of the bag 500 is inserted through the top end 306 and is fanned out around the lip 310 of the collar 302.
- the lid 304 can be placed onto the collar 302 to pinch the perimeter of the opening of the bag 500 between the lid 304 and the lip 310 of the collar 302.
- the lip 310 is in contact with a portion of an outer layer 501 of the bag 500 (folded over the collar 302) and the lid 304 is in contact with an inner layer 503 of the bag 500 (shown in FIGs. 10 and 11 ).
- This connectivity allows the collar 302 and the lid 304 to provide a hermetic seal for the opening of the bag 500, wherein the lid 304 is sealable and resealable.
- the collar 302 and the lid 304 can be utilized with a bag that has an opening (such as the opening 508) and is adaptable and/or usable with bags without any changes structural changes or modifications to the bag.
- a bag 700 is illustrated in a perspective view.
- Bag 700 can be typically shipped or transported on a pallet 702.
- the bag 700 can include one or more loops 704 adjacent an upper surface 706.
- the one or more loops 704 can facilitate moving the bag 700 to and from different locations.
- the bag 700 can include sidewalls 708 (e.g., front, back, left, right).
- the bag 700 can further include a top side and a bottom side opposite thereto, wherein the top side can include an opening.
- the bag 700 can include an open end on the top side in which a collar 302 and lid 304 can be utilized to provide a hermetic seal.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the collar 102 integrated into a bag 700, wherein the lid 104 is shown attached to the collar providing a hermetic seal.
- the collar 102 is integrated to a top side of the bag 700 but it is to be appreciated that the collar 102 can be integrated into any side or location of the bag 700.
- the hermetic seal assembly e.g., collar 102, lid 104 can be on a sidewall of the bag 700 or a bottom side of the bag 700.
- FIGs. 12 through 15 illustrate the collar 102.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the collar 102.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the collar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the collar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a front side view of the collar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly, wherein a back view, left view, and right view are mirror-images thereof.
- FIGs. 16 through 18 illustrate a lid that is used with the hermetic seal assembly in accordance with the subject innovation.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lid used with the hermetic seal assembly.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly.
- a portion of the collar 102 can be integrated or coupled to a portion of a bag.
- a portion of the collar 302 (shown in Fig. 3 ) can be integrated or coupled to a portion of a bag. It is to be appreciated that the integration or coupling can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation.
- the integrating of a portion of a collar to a portion of a bag can be, but is not limited to, hot plate welding, flat platen welding, impulse welding, hot bar welding, interweaving of a portion of the bag and a portion of the collar, inserting a portion of the collar in 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, a combination thereof.
- a portion of the collar can be coupled to a portion of the bag, wherein such coupling can be, but is not limited to, glue, taped, adhered, bolted, riveted, or a combination thereof.
- the collar 302 can be releaseably coupled to an exterior layer or an outer layer of the bag after being inserted into the collar 302 through the opening 303.
- the one or more layers of the bag can be integrated with or coupled to at least one of an external wall 326 of the collar 302, an interior wall 324 of the collar 302, the lip 310, the bottom end 308, the support rib 312, or a combination thereof.
- an open end of the bag can include a compression member 1914 that facilitates connectivity between the bag and the collar 302.
- a compression member 1914 can be placed to maintain a force so a portion of the folded bag is coupled to a portion of the collar 302.
- the compression member 1914 can be integrated or woven into the open end of the bag or a separate component not woven or part of the bag.
- the compression member 1914 can apply a force that squeezes a portion of the bag to couple to a portion of the collar 302.
- Fig. 19 illustrates a portion of a bag 1900, wherein the bag has a cube-like shape (e.g., a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front side, a back side, and a top) with an opening on the top.
- the bag is illustrated having an outer layer 1902 and an inner layer 1904.
- the inner layer 1902 can be a foil laminate and the outer layer 1904 can be a ribbon-woven polypropylene structure.
- the bag 1900 can include one or more layers and the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 are not to be limited on the subject innovation.
- the outer layer 1902 can be fabricated from a first material and the inner layer 1904 can be fabricated from a second material, wherein the first material can be chosen with sound engineering judgment to provide the bag with structural strength, integrity, and durability and the second material can be chosen with sound engineering judgment to prevent air from entering the inner layer 1904 or contaminating the material stored or housed within the inner layer 1904.
- the outer layer 1902 can be a ribbon weave with one or more materials in ribbon or fiber form.
- the inner layer 1904 can be a plastic or other airtight material.
- the inner layer 1904 can be created to be an airtight and/or hermetic seal for the bag 1900 which does not allow exposure of contents of the inner layer 1904.
- the inner layer 1904 can be created from one or more sheets of material and coupled together to create a shape having a volume that stores a material.
- the shape of the inner layer 1904 of the bag can be a cube such that the cube is formed with 6 (six) sheets of material that are coupled together at seams to form the cube-like shape.
- the inner layer 1904 can include an opening that is hermetically sealed but can be opened or broken when contents of the bag are ready for use.
- the outer layer 1902 can include an exterior and an interior, wherein the interior is in contact with exterior of the inner layer 1904 and the exterior is exposed to elements outside the bag.
- the inner layer 1904 can include an exterior and an interior, wherein the interior is in contact with the materials stored therein and the exterior is in contact with the interior of the outer layer 1902. If an additional layer is included with the bag 1900, the additional layer can be positioned in between the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904.
- FIG. 19 illustrates the bag 1900 with the outer layer 1902 removed on the top side of the bag to expose and illustrate the inner layer 1904 and an opening 1908.
- the inner layer 1904 can be fabricated with seams to form the shape of the bag 1900 such that the opening 1908 is positioned on the top side of the bag 1900 and in the center of the top side.
- the opening 1908 can be formed from the inner layer 1904 which creates a neck 1906.
- the outer layer 1902 surrounds the inner layer 1904 and would have an opening that corresponds to the opening 1908 yet the outer layer 1902 is partially shown in order to illustrate the inner layer 1902.
- FIG. 20 illustrates a view of the bag 1900 and the neck of the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 folded.
- FIG. 20 illustrates the bag 1900 having the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904, both are folded creating an outer layer fold 1912 and an inner layer fold 1910.
- the opening 1908 can be further exposed while reducing a size of the neck 1906 by rolling or folding the inner layer 1904 and the outer layer 1902.
- the inner layer 1904 can be rolled or folded separately from the outer layer 1902 (as shown in FIG. 20 ).
- the outer layer 1902 and the inner layer 1904 can be folded or rolled together (as shown in FIG. 21 ).
- the number of folds or rolls can be selected with sound engineering judgment so as to reduce the neck 1908 so the collar 302 can fit over the opening and allow the lid 304 to couple to the collar while such coupling pinches the layer(s) of the bag together. It is to be appreciated that excess material of the bag from folding or rolling can be removed or cut off from the bag 1900.
- FIG. 21 illustrates the collar 302 coupled to the folded layers (e.g., the outer layer 1902, the inner layer 1904), wherein the coupling is such that the collar 302 is placed over the opening 1908 and the folded layers are placed on the exterior surface 324 of the collar 302.
- the collar 302 can be affixed or coupled to the bag 1900 at the position where the layers are folded and at the opening 1908.
- the coupling can 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 outside the bag 1900.
- the lid 304 can be affixed to the lip 310 of the collar to pinch the layers of the bag between the lid 304 and the lip 310 of the collar 302.
- the compression member 1914 can be further positioned around the collar 302 and the folded layers to press the folded layers against the external wall 326. It is to be appreciated that the compression member 1914 can be a rubber material, a polymer, a synthetic material, a natural material, a clamp, a bungie cord, a rope, a string, a ratchet straps, tie downs, a plastic member that is shrink wrapped, an elastic band, among others.
- the collar is a first shape having a first size and the opening of the bag is the first shape having a second size, wherein the first size is greater than the second size.
- the web extending outwardly from the bottom end.
- the web includes a first thickness and a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness and positioned proximate to the bottom end in comparison to the second thickness.
- a portion of the web is integrated between one or more layers of the bag.
- a portion of the web is integrated to the inner layer of the bag.
- a portion of the web is coupled to the outer layer, and the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer.
- a portion of the web is coupled to the inner layer of the bag.
- the seal assembly further comprises a heat weld that secures a portion of the collar to a portion of the bag.
- the seal assembly further comprises a support rib on an external wall of the collar in between the lip and the web.
- the lid 2004 can include some or all of the same components and features as described above with respect to lid 104 or 304.
- the lid 2004 can be releaseably coupled to the collar 102, wherein the lid 2004 can include a top side 2018, a bottom side (not shown), a sidewall in between the top side 2018 and the bottom side, and an overhang 2022 on the perimeter of the lid 2004.
- the lid 2004 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of the lid 2004 from the collar 102.
- the lid 2004 can 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 thief into the sampling port 2006 to obtain a sample of the contents of the bag 1900.
- a sampling device such as a sampling thief
- the user does not need to remove the lid 2004 from the collar/bag connection to obtain the samples. Accordingly, the seal that is created between the lid 2004, the collar 102, and the bag 1900 remains intact and undisturbed, preventing wear and tear caused by friction on the bag 1900 during removal and replacement of the lid 2004.
- the sampling port 2006 allows for regular monitoring of the contents of the bag 1900 over time without the risk of damaging the bag 1900 at the location of the joint where the lid 2004 connects to the collar 102. Further, the sampling port 2006 can allow a user to vent the bag 1900 without needing to remove the lid 2004 from the collar 102 and bag 1900.
- the sampling port 2006 can be molded into the top side of the lid 2004.
- a cap corresponds to an opening of the sampling port 2006 and can seal the sampling port 2006 when coupled with the opening.
- the cap 2008 can be, for example, a threaded cap, a plug 2008, a latched cover, among others, depending on the type of sampling port 2006 used.
- the cap is recessed below the top side 2018 of the lid 2014 when it is coupled with the opening of the sampling port 2006.
- a seal 2010 can be placed or adhered over 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 a user removes the cap from the sampling port 2006, the seal 2010 will tear.
- a torn seal 2010 can provide an indication that the cap has been removed. It should be appreciated that the seal 2010 can be installed by an initial manufacturer or a distributor, and that any available means of tamper-evident treatment or selection of the seal 2010 can be used to improve the likelihood of the seal 2010 breaking upon cap removal.
- the top side 2018 of the lid 2004 can also include a label 2012 that can include information such as user instructions pertaining to sampling the bag 1900 contents 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 identifying information or material safety information.
- the sampling port 2006 can be circular and/or have a diameter of 70 mm. However, it should be appreciated that the sampling port 2006 can have any shape or size selected using sound engineering judgment. In certain embodiments, the sampling port 2006 can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the top side 2018 of the lid 2004.
- the sampling port 2006 is a threaded port, such as for example, a buttress-thread port.
- the cap is a correspondingly threaded cap that a user can use to seal the sampling port 2006 by screwing the cap onto the sampling port 2006 threads. To remove the threaded cap to gain access to the sampling port 2006, a user can unscrew the threaded cap from the sampling port 2006.
- the sampling port 2006 can have a plugged-port configuration.
- the cap is a corresponding plug 2008 (e.g. a tint-plug) that a user can use to seal the sampling port 2006 by inserting the plug 2008 into the sampling port 2006.
- the plug 2008 can be sized such that the plug 2008 is retained within the sampling port 2006 with a friction fit or a snap-fit.
- the plug 2008 can include a ring 2014 attached to the top of the plug 2008.
- the ring 2014 allows a user to insert a finger into the ring 2014 so that the user can pull the plug 2008 out of the sampling port 2006 as shown in FIG. 23 .
- the seal 2010 can be adhered over the top of the ring 2014 so that the seal 2010 must be broken for a user to access the ring 2014 and remove the plug 2008 from the sampling port 2006.
- FIG. 24 a sample-taking procedure is depicted.
- a user can have access to the contents of the bag 1900 by way of the opened sampling port 2006.
- a user can insert a sampling thief 2024 through the sampling port 2006 and into the bag 1900.
- the user can obtain a sample of the contents of the bag 1900 through the sampling port 2006, which eliminates the need for removing the lid 2004 from the collar 102 and the bag 1900 in order to take a sample.
- a user can obtain a sample of the contents of the bag 1900 by using the sample thief 2024 to take a multi-level, cross-sectional sample from the contents.
- the user can remove the sample thief 2024 from the sampling port 2006 and re-insert the cap (e.g. plug 2008) into the sampling port 2006.
- the sampling port 2006 can also allow a user to vent the bag 1900. If the lid 2004 or the cap is removed, the bag 1900 should be vented to remove all or most of the air contained in the bag 1900 before stacking anything on the bag 1900. With the cap removed, a user can compress the top of the bag 1900 to force air 2026 out of the bag through the opened sampling port 2006. After venting the bag 1900, the user can then re-attach the cap (e.g. screw on a threaded cap or re-insert the plug 2008) into the sampling port 2006.
- the cap e.g. screw on a threaded cap or re-insert the plug 2008
- 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, among others
- hermetic seal assembly 300 hermetic seal assembly 300, collar 102, lid 104, collar 302, lid 304, lid 2004, bag 500, bag 700, bag 1900, compression member 1914, among others
- such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.
- a power supply as used herein can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others.
- welding power supply e.g., welding power supply, among others
- one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.
- the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”
- REFERENCE NUMERALS 100 seal assembly 503 inner layer 102 collar 504 ribbon 103 passage 506 ribbon 104 lid 508 open end 106 top end 510 closed end 108 bottom end 512 step 110 lip 600 ribbon weave 111 web 700 bag 112 support rib 702 pallet 114 portion 704 loop 116 portion 706 upper surface 118 topside 708 sidewall 120 bottom side 1900 bag 122 overhang 1902 outer layer 124 internal wall 1904 inner layer 126 external wall 1906 neck 128 gap 1908 opening 300 seal assembly 1904 inner layer 302 collar 1910 inner layer fold 303 passage 1912 outer layer fold 304 lid 1914 compression member 306 top end 2004 lid 308 bottom end 2006 sampling port 310 lip 2008 cap 312 support rib 2010 seal 324 internal wall 2014 lid 326 external wall 2018 top side 500 bag 2022 overhang 501 outer layer 2024 sample thief
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No.
15/785,551 filed on October 17, 2017 U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/447,129 filed on January 17, 2017 - In general, the present invention relates to a hermetic seal assembly for a bag or flexible container. More specifically, the invention relates to a seal assembly system for a bulk bag and to a bag configured to hold a volume of material according to the preamble of claim 1 and 8, respectively.
- The use of large bags of fabric, commonly called flexible, intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) or simply bulk bags, has become commonplace for transporting bulk quantities of materials (e.g., powdered materials, granular materials, liquids, etc.). Bulk bags can be lifted, moved, or transported by forklift trucks and other material handling equipment having hooks or tines. The cloth for the bulk bags is usually woven of strong, tape-like man-made plastic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, among others), though natural fibers can be employed. Flexible intermediate bulk containers have come into widespread use for receiving, storing, transporting, and discharging flowable materials of all types.
- Bulk bags can also be fabricated to include an inner layer to prevent atmospheric infiltration or prevention of exposure to ambient humidity conditions. Often, a foil laminate can be included as an inner layer to limit moisture pickup. For example, a bulk bag can house a flux material that is susceptible to moisture pickup and can lead to diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal. Although the bulk bag having an inner layer of foil laminate can limit exposure to moisture, the foil laminate effectiveness is reduced upon opening of the bulk bag.
- Accordingly, an improved bulk bag assembly, system, or methodology addressing these concerns is needed.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a seal assembly system for a bulk bag is provided. The seal assembly can include a bag that stores a material, the bag includes an opening. The bag includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene. A collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end. The collar can include a lip on the top end and a web on the bottom end, wherein the lip is on the perimeter of the top end and the web extends outwards from the bottom end and substantially parallel. The web of the collar is integrated to the inner layer and the outer layer at the opening. A lid can be provided that is configured to releaseably attach to the lip of the collar to provide a hermetic seal at the opening. The lid can include a sampling port and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bulk bag is provided. The bag has a cube-like shape that is configured to hold a volume of a material, the bag having a front side, a back side opposite to 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 the inner layer or the outer layer. The bag includes an inner layer that is configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the material, wherein the airtight enclosure can be accessed via the opening. The bag includes an outer layer that is positioned around the inner layer, wherein the outer layer provides structural support and integrity with a ribbon weave. 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 a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end, an external wall opposite the internal wall, and the collar having a thickness and a diameter for the through passage. The collar can be positioned over the neck and with 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 are folded onto the external wall of the collar. The bag further includes a lid that is releaseably coupled to the collar, wherein the lid when attached to the collar applies a force to press the lid, the outer layer, the inner layer, and the lip of the collar together. The lid can include a sampling port and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a hermetic seal assembly system is provided that includes at least the following: a bag that stores a material, the bag having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, and an opening at the first end; the bag includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene; a collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end; the collar further includes an external wall; the collar having: a lip on the top end; a web that is perpendicular and outwardly extending from the external wall; and a support rib in between the lip and the web; the collar is affixed around a portion of the bag such that the outer layer is in contact with the internal wall and the external wall; a compression member that is configured to be positioned around the collar to compress the outer layer and the inner layer toward the external wall of the collar; and a lid having a top side with a first diameter, the lid is configured to releaseably attach to the lip of the collar to provide a hermetic seal at the opening, wherein the lip is in contact with the outer layer, the lid is in contact with the inner layer, and the lid can couple to the lip with the outer layer and the inner layer in between. The lid can include a sampling port having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a removeable 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 lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
- These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
- The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a 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:
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FIG. 1 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly having a lid detached from a collar; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly having a lid attached to a collar; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a hermetic seal assembly having a lid detached from a collar; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a collar of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a bag with a laminated polypropylene sheet or film; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a ribbon-woven structure of a bag; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a container bag; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly integrated to a side of a bag having an opening; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a collar of a hermetic seal assembly affixed around an open end of a bag; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly that seals an open end of a bag; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a hermetic seal assembly that seals an opening of a bag; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a collar of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a collar of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of a collar of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 15 illustrates a front side view of a collar of a hermetic seal assembly, wherein a back view, left view, and right view are mirror-images thereof; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 19 illustrates a view of an outer layer and an inner layer of a bag having a neck and an opening; -
FIG. 20 illustrates a view of an opening on a bag having an outer layer and an inner layer; -
FIG. 21 illustrates a view of a hermetic seal assembly used with a bag having one or more layers with a compression member to facilitates connectivity; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly; -
FIG. 23 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly with a removable port plug; -
FIG 24 illustrates a sample-taking procedure utilizing a port in a lid of a hermetic seal assembly; and -
FIG. 25 illustrates a venting procedure utilizing a bag and a corresponding hermetic seal assembly. - Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems that relate to a hermetic seal assembly used with a bulk bag to provide a hermetic seal for the bulk bag that can be opened and closed while maintaining the hermetic seal for the bulk bag and materials stored therein. The hermetic seal assembly can include a lid and a collar, wherein the collar can be releasably affixed to a portion of the bulk bag or integrated into an opening of the bulk bag.
- "Welding" or "weld" as used herein including any other formatives of these words will refer to depositing of molten material through the operation of an electric arc including but not limited to submerged arc, GTAW, GMAW, MAG, MIG, TIG welding, any high energy heat source (e.g., a laser, an electron beam, among others), or any electric arc used with a welding system. Moreover, the welding operation can be on a workpiece that includes a coating such as, but not limited to, a galvanized coating.
- "Component" or "Controller" as used herein can be a portion of hardware, a portion of software, or a combination thereof that can include or utilize at least a processor and a portion of memory, wherein the memory includes an instruction to execute.
- "Bag" as used herein can be a bulk bag, a container bag, and/or an item that houses a material, wherein the material housed or stored can be a solid, liquid, gas, or a combination thereof. The bag can 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 can be a ribbon-woven structure. The inner layer and/or the outer layer can be made of any suitable materials chosen with sound engineering judgment. In an example, the bag can include one or more chambers in which each chamber stores or houses a material. For example, a bag can include a first chamber that stores or houses a first material, a second chamber that stores or houses a second material, and a third chamber that houses or stores a third material. In such example, each chamber can include an appropriate material for the respective layer based at least in part upon the material contained therein. It is to be further appreciated that each layer of the bag can include a thickness, wherein the thickness can be based on at least one of the material stored within such chamber or the material of which the layer is fabricated. The bag can be a shape and a size, wherein the bag includes at least one of an open end or an opening. It is to be appreciated that the bag can include one or more open ends. In another example, it is to be appreciated that the bag can include one or more openings. The bag can be configured to define a volume and having a shape with at least one opening to access or dispense/fill.
- While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power supply as used herein (e.g., welding power supply, among others) can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others. Thus, one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.
- Additionally, the hermetic seal assembly described herein can relate to any environment in which a bag is used and the contents of such bag need not be related to a welding environment or welding system.
- With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean 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 limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.
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FIGs. 1 through 4 and12 through 18 illustrate ahermetic seal assembly 100 that includes acollar 102 and alid 104. Thecollar 102 can include atop end 106 and abottom end 108 opposite thereto. Thecollar 102 can include a through passage 103 (shown inFIG. 12 ) between thetop end 106 and thebottom end 108. Thecollar 102 can be utilized with a hermetic seal assembly for a bag in which thecollar 102 is affixed to the opening of the bag or placed around an open end of a bag. Thelid 104 can be releaseably coupled to thecollar 102, wherein thelid 104 can include atop side 118, abottom side 120, a sidewall in between the top side and the bottom side, and anoverhang 122 on the perimeter of thelid 104. In an embodiment, thelid 104 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of thelid 104 from thecollar 102. - The
collar 102 can include aninternal wall 124 and anexternal wall 126. In an embodiment, thecollar 102 and thelid 104 can be circular in shape. It is to be appreciated that the shape of thecollar 102 and thelid 104 can be chosen with sound engineering judgment and the shape of thecollar 102 and/or thelid 104 is not limiting on the subject innovation. Thecollar 102 can include alip 110 on thetop end 106, wherein thelip 110 is configured to mate with agap portion 128 on a bottom side of thelid 104. Theexternal wall 126 of thecollar 102 can further include aweb 111 that is used to integrate or couple at least one of a portion of the bag or a layer of the bag. In particular, an opening of the bag can include a perimeter, wherein theweb 111 is heat welded such that a perimeter of theweb 111 matches to the perimeter of the opening of the bag. Theweb 111 can include afirst portion 114 for rigidity and asecond portion 116 that, upon heat welding, integrates with at least one of the bag or the one or more bag layers (e.g., inner layer, outer layer, additional layer, combination thereof). It is to be appreciated that thefirst portion 114 has a first thickness and thesecond portion 116 has a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. - The
collar 102 can further include asupport rib 112 that is located on theexternal wall 126 of thecollar 102 and in between thelip 110 and theweb 111. Thesupport rib 112 can be used to provide support of the hermetic seal assembly and/or the bag during filling, refilling, emptying, accessing contents of the bag, cleaning, among others. Moreover, a portion of the bag can be integrated or coupled to thecollar 102 on theexternal wall 126 at a location between thesupport rib 112 and thebottom end 108 or theweb 111. - In an embodiment, the
collar 102 can be integrated to an opening of a bag (discussed in more detail below and shown in at leastFIG. 8 ). In particular, thecollar 102 can be integrated with or coupled to at least one of the bag or the one or more layers of the bag in which a perimeter of thebottom end 108 of thecollar 102 is integrated to a perimeter of an opening of the bag. It is to be appreciated that thecollar 102 can be coupled to a portion of the bag or a portion of the opening of the bag. In another embodiment, thecollar 102 can be placed around an open end of the bag in which the bag is folded outward over thecollar 102, wherein thelid 104 compresses and seals the folded portion of the bag between thelid 103 and thelip 110 of the collar 102 (discussed below and shown in at leastFIGs. 9-11 ). In such embodiment, the portion of the open end of the bag can be integrated or coupled to a portion of the collar. Continuing with such embodiment, a portion of the bag where the opening is located can be placed through the throughpassage 103. A portion of the bag that is through thecollar 102 can be turned inside out (e.g., folded) over thecollar 102 and thelid 104 can be releaseably affixed to thecollar 102 such that the bag is pinched in between thelid 104 and the collar while closing the opening. - As discussed above, the
hermetic seal assembly 100 can include thecollar 102 and thelid 104, wherein each can include respective shapes and dimensions such that thelid 104 can releaseably couple to thecollar 102. In an embodiment, thecollar 102 can include an inner diameter of approximately 10 inches to 14 inches. Moreover, the height (e.g., between thetop end 106 and the bottom end 108) of thecollar 102 can be approximately 1 inch to 5 inches. Theweb 111 can have a width from theexternal wall 126 outwardly of approximately 1 inch to 5 inches. Moreover, thefirst thickness 114 of theweb 111 can be approximately 1/8 inch and thesecond thickness 116 can be .015 of an inch. However, it is to be appreciated that the diameter, height, shape, and/or size of the collar or any components of the hermetic seal assembly (e.g., lid, web, etc.) can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. - In an embodiment, the
web 111 can be inserted between the inner layer of the bag and the outer layer of the bag, wherein the web is integrated to a portion of the inner layer or the outer layer. In another embodiment, the inner layer and the outer layer can be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of thecollar 102 such that a bottom side of theweb 111 is integrated or coupled thereto. In another embodiment, the inner layer and the outer layer can be integrated together and integrated or coupled to a portion of thecollar 102 such that a top side of theweb 111 is integrated or coupled thereto. -
FIG. 2 illustrates thelid 104 affixed or releaseably coupled to thecollar 102. Thelid 104 can include atop side 118 and abottom side 120 and a sidewall there between, wherein thebottom side 120 includes agap 128 that is configured to receive with a portion of thelip 110 on thecollar 102. It is to be appreciated that thegap 128 can be positioned on thebottom side 120 of thelid 104, wherein thegap 128 and thelip 110 utilize a tongue-and-groove connectivity. Thelid 104 can be configured to be releaseably coupled to thecollar 102 and such connectivity can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. By way of example and not limitation, thelid 104 can be coupled with thecollar 102 by at least one of a male-to-female coupling, a threading connection, a pressure-fit connection, a tongue-and-groove connection, among others. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of ahermetic seal assembly 300 that includes acollar 302 and alid 304 that are attachable to an open end of a bag by inserting the open end of the bag through thecollar 302, folding the ends around thecollar 302, and using thelid 304 to press the portion of the bag against the top end of thecollar 302.FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of thehermetic seal assembly 300. Thecollar 302 can include atop end 306 and abottom end 308 opposite thereto. Thecollar 302 can include a throughpassage 303 between thetop end 306 and thebottom end 308. Thecollar 302 can be utilized with a hermetic seal assembly for a bag in which a portion of the bag is placed through the throughpassage 303 of thecollar 302. Thelid 304 can be releaseably coupled to thecollar 302. In an embodiment, thelid 304 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of thelid 304 from thecollar 302. - The
collar 302 can include aninternal wall 324 and anexternal wall 326. In an embodiment, thecollar 302 and thelid 304 can be circular in shape. It is to be appreciated that the shape of thecollar 302 and thelid 304 can be chosen with sound engineering judgment and the shape of thecollar 302 and/or thelid 304 is not limiting on the subject innovation. Thecollar 302 can include alip 310 on thetop end 306, wherein thelip 310 is configured to mate with a gap or rim portion on a bottom side of thelid 304. - The
collar 302 can further include asupport rib 312 that is located on theexternal wall 326 of thecollar 302 and in between thelip 310 and thebottom end 308 Thesupport rib 312 can be used to provide support of the hermetic seal assembly and/or the bag during filling, refilling, emptying, accessing contents of the bag, cleaning, among others. - It is to be appreciated that the
lid 104 can be used with thecollar 102 or thecollar 302. In another embodiment, it is to be appreciated that thelid 304 can be used with thecollar 302 or thecollar 102. In other words, the lid can be universal or specific to an embodiment of the collar of a hermetic seal assembly. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a ribbon-wovenbag 500. Thebag 500 can be a ribbon-woven polypropylene bag structure, all of the refuse at a typical jobsite can be contained safely within a bag formed with the ribbon weaving so that the bag can be a one-use bag which is provided folded up at the jobsite and then opened and filled. Once filled, thebag 500 is capable of being lifted by its top and transported to a refuse disposal location. Thebag 500 can have aside 502 comprised ofwoven ribbons 504 running longitudinally andribbons 506 running laterally.Bag 500 can include aclosed end 510 and anopen end 508. In an embodiment, theclosed end 510 can be folded upon itself as illustrated and stitched at the bottom of the bag via stitching 512 to complete thebag 500. Thebag 500 can include theopen end 508, theclosed end 510 opposite thereto, theside 502, a back side (opposite the front side 502), a left side, and a right side. Thebag 500 can house or store a volume. As discussed above, thebag 500 can include one or more layers. For instance, thebag 500 can include an inner layer that is hermetically sealed and an outer layer outside the inner layer, wherein the outer layer is ribbon-woven having the sidewalls (e.g., front, back, left, right) and theopen end 508 and theclosed end 510. This is further illustrated inFigs. 19-21 . - A shape of the
bag 500 can be selected with sound engineering judgement without departing from the scope of the subject innovation, wherein the shape is configured to store or house a volume of material. In an embodiment, the shape of thebag 500 can be cube-like, with a front side, 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. In an example, thebag 500 can include at least one opening to which an inside of thebag 500 can be accessed. In another example, thebag 500 can 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 theribbon weave 600 for thebag 500 is illustrated. In an embodiment, the width of the ribbons can be between two (2) and eight (8) millimeters but the width can be selected with sound engineering judgment based on at least the material to be housed/stored in the bag. For example, it is to be appreciated that the tighter the weave, meaning the less wide the ribbon, the greater will be the physical strength characteristics of the bag. The utilization of the wider ribbon can translate to less weaving is involved and therefor the bag may be lighter than the tighter weave. - Turning to
FIG. 9, 10 , and11 , utilizing thecollar 302 andlid 304 with thebag 500 is illustrated. Thecollar 302 andlid 304 can be used with thebag 500 in which theopen end 508 of thebag 500 is placed through thecollar 302, and in particular, theopen end 508 is inserted into the through passage 303 (shown inFIG. 3 ). The portion of theopen end 508 of thebag 500 is inserted through thetop end 306 and is fanned out around thelip 310 of thecollar 302. Thelid 304 can be placed onto thecollar 302 to pinch the perimeter of the opening of thebag 500 between thelid 304 and thelip 310 of thecollar 302. In particular, thelip 310 is in contact with a portion of anouter layer 501 of the bag 500 (folded over the collar 302) and thelid 304 is in contact with aninner layer 503 of the bag 500 (shown inFIGs. 10 and11 ). This connectivity allows thecollar 302 and thelid 304 to provide a hermetic seal for the opening of thebag 500, wherein thelid 304 is sealable and resealable. Thecollar 302 and thelid 304 can be utilized with a bag that has an opening (such as the opening 508) and is adaptable and/or usable with bags without any changes structural changes or modifications to the bag. - Turning to
FIG. 7 , abag 700 is illustrated in a perspective view.Bag 700 can be typically shipped or transported on apallet 702. Thebag 700 can include one ormore loops 704 adjacent anupper surface 706. For example, the one ormore loops 704 can facilitate moving thebag 700 to and from different locations. Thebag 700 can include sidewalls 708 (e.g., front, back, left, right). Thebag 700 can further include a top side and a bottom side opposite thereto, wherein the top side can include an opening. In other embodiment, thebag 700 can include an open end on the top side in which acollar 302 andlid 304 can be utilized to provide a hermetic seal. -
FIG. 8 illustrates thecollar 102 integrated into abag 700, wherein thelid 104 is shown attached to the collar providing a hermetic seal. In particular, thecollar 102 is integrated to a top side of thebag 700 but it is to be appreciated that thecollar 102 can be integrated into any side or location of thebag 700. For example, the hermetic seal assembly (e.g.,collar 102, lid 104) can be on a sidewall of thebag 700 or a bottom side of thebag 700. -
FIGs. 12 through 15 illustrate thecollar 102. In particular,FIG. 12 is a perspective view of thecollar 102.FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of thecollar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly.FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of thecollar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly.FIG. 15 illustrates a front side view of thecollar 102 of a hermetic seal assembly, wherein a back view, left view, and right view are mirror-images thereof. -
FIGs. 16 through 18 illustrate a lid that is used with the hermetic seal assembly in accordance with the subject innovation.FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a lid used with the hermetic seal assembly.FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly.FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a lid of a hermetic seal assembly. - As discussed above, a portion of the collar 102 (shown in
Fig. 1 ) can be integrated or coupled to a portion of a bag. In another embodiment, a portion of the collar 302 (shown inFig. 3 ) can be integrated or coupled to a portion of a bag. It is to be appreciated that the integration or coupling can be selected with sound engineering judgment without departing from the scope of the subject innovation. By way of example and not limitation, the integrating of a portion of a collar to a portion of a bag can be, but is not limited to, hot plate welding, flat platen welding, impulse welding, hot bar welding, interweaving of a portion of the bag and a portion of the collar, inserting a portion of the collar in 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, a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a portion of the collar can be coupled to a portion of the bag, wherein such coupling can be, but is not limited to, glue, taped, adhered, bolted, riveted, or a combination thereof. - In still another embodiment, the
collar 302 can be releaseably coupled to an exterior layer or an outer layer of the bag after being inserted into thecollar 302 through theopening 303. The one or more layers of the bag can be integrated with or coupled to at least one of anexternal wall 326 of thecollar 302, aninterior wall 324 of thecollar 302, thelip 310, thebottom end 308, thesupport rib 312, or a combination thereof. - In an embodiment, an open end of the bag can include a
compression member 1914 that facilitates connectivity between the bag and thecollar 302. For example, with an open end of the bag being inserted through thecollar 302 and being folded over thelip 310 of the collar, acompression member 1914 can be placed to maintain a force so a portion of the folded bag is coupled to a portion of thecollar 302. It is to be appreciated that thecompression member 1914 can be integrated or woven into the open end of the bag or a separate component not woven or part of the bag. Thecompression member 1914 can apply a force that squeezes a portion of the bag to couple to a portion of thecollar 302. - Turning to
FIGs. 19-21 , the hermetic seal assembly system is illustrated.Fig. 19 illustrates a portion of abag 1900, wherein the bag has a cube-like shape (e.g., a bottom, a left side, a right side, a front side, a back side, and a top) with an opening on the top. InFig. 19 , the bag is illustrated having anouter layer 1902 and aninner layer 1904. By way of example and not limitation theinner layer 1902 can be a foil laminate and theouter layer 1904 can be a ribbon-woven polypropylene structure. It is to be appreciated that thebag 1900 can include one or more layers and theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904 are not to be limited on the subject innovation. Moreover, theouter layer 1902 can be fabricated from a first material and theinner layer 1904 can be fabricated from a second material, wherein the first material can be chosen with sound engineering judgment to provide the bag with structural strength, integrity, and durability and the second material can be chosen with sound engineering judgment to prevent air from entering theinner layer 1904 or contaminating the material stored or housed within theinner layer 1904. For instance, theouter layer 1902 can be a ribbon weave with one or more materials in ribbon or fiber form. In another instance, theinner layer 1904 can be a plastic or other airtight material. - The
inner layer 1904 can be created to be an airtight and/or hermetic seal for thebag 1900 which does not allow exposure of contents of theinner layer 1904. Theinner layer 1904 can be created from one or more sheets of material and coupled together to create a shape having a volume that stores a material. By way of example and not limitation, the shape of theinner layer 1904 of the bag can be a cube such that the cube is formed with 6 (six) sheets of material that are coupled together at seams to form the cube-like shape. As discussed, theinner layer 1904 can include an opening that is hermetically sealed but can be opened or broken when contents of the bag are ready for use. It is to be appreciated that theouter layer 1902 can include an exterior and an interior, wherein the interior is in contact with exterior of theinner layer 1904 and the exterior is exposed to elements outside the bag. Further, it is to be appreciated that theinner layer 1904 can include an exterior and an interior, wherein the interior is in contact with the materials stored therein and the exterior is in contact with the interior of theouter layer 1902. If an additional layer is included with thebag 1900, the additional layer can be positioned in between theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904. -
FIG. 19 illustrates thebag 1900 with theouter layer 1902 removed on the top side of the bag to expose and illustrate theinner layer 1904 and anopening 1908. In an embodiment, theinner layer 1904 can be fabricated with seams to form the shape of thebag 1900 such that theopening 1908 is positioned on the top side of thebag 1900 and in the center of the top side. Theopening 1908 can be formed from theinner layer 1904 which creates aneck 1906. It is to be appreciated that theouter layer 1902 surrounds theinner layer 1904 and would have an opening that corresponds to theopening 1908 yet theouter layer 1902 is partially shown in order to illustrate theinner layer 1902. -
FIG. 20 illustrates a view of thebag 1900 and the neck of theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904 folded.FIG. 20 illustrates thebag 1900 having theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904, both are folded creating anouter layer fold 1912 and aninner layer fold 1910. Theopening 1908 can be further exposed while reducing a size of theneck 1906 by rolling or folding theinner layer 1904 and theouter layer 1902. In an embodiment, theinner layer 1904 can be rolled or folded separately from the outer layer 1902 (as shown inFIG. 20 ). In another embodiment, theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904 can be folded or rolled together (as shown inFIG. 21 ). In either embodiment, thecollar 302 can be positioned over theopening 1908 to allow the rolled or folded portion of the layer(s) to be positioned on theexternal wall 326 of thecollar 302, wherein thelip 310 of thecollar 302 is in contact with at least one of an exterior of theinner layer 1904 or an exterior of theouter layer 1902. For example, if theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904 are folded or rolled together over thelip 310 of thecollar 302, thelip 310 is in contact with an exterior of theouter layer 1902. In another example, if theinner layer 1904 is folded or rolled separately over thelip 310 of thecollar 302, thelip 310 will be in contact with an exterior of theinner layer 1904. The number of folds or rolls can be selected with sound engineering judgment so as to reduce theneck 1908 so thecollar 302 can fit over the opening and allow thelid 304 to couple to the collar while such coupling pinches the layer(s) of the bag together. It is to be appreciated that excess material of the bag from folding or rolling can be removed or cut off from thebag 1900. -
FIG. 21 illustrates thecollar 302 coupled to the folded layers (e.g., theouter layer 1902, the inner layer 1904), wherein the coupling is such that thecollar 302 is placed over theopening 1908 and the folded layers are placed on theexterior surface 324 of thecollar 302. Thecollar 302 can be affixed or coupled to thebag 1900 at the position where the layers are folded and at theopening 1908. The coupling can be such that theouter layer 1902 and theinner layer 1904 are folded over thelip 310, theouter layer 1902 is in contact with thelip 310, and theinner layer 1904 is exposed to outside thebag 1900. Thelid 304 can be affixed to thelip 310 of the collar to pinch the layers of the bag between thelid 304 and thelip 310 of thecollar 302. Thecompression member 1914 can be further positioned around thecollar 302 and the folded layers to press the folded layers against theexternal wall 326. It is to be appreciated that thecompression member 1914 can be a rubber material, a polymer, a synthetic material, a natural material, a clamp, a bungie cord, a rope, a string, a ratchet straps, tie downs, a plastic member that is shrink wrapped, an elastic band, among others. - In an embodiment, the collar is a first shape having a first size and the opening of the bag is the first shape having a second size, wherein the first size is greater than the second size. In an embodiment, the web extending outwardly from the bottom end. In an embodiment, the web includes a first thickness and a second thickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness and positioned proximate to the bottom end in comparison 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 integrated to the inner layer of the bag. In an embodiment, a portion of the web 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 seal assembly further comprises a heat weld that secures a portion of the collar to a portion of the bag. In an embodiment, the seal assembly further comprises a support rib on an external wall of the collar in between the lip and the web.
- Turning now to
FIG. 22 , alid 2004 is shown. Thelid 2004 can include some or all of the same components and features as described above with respect tolid lid 2004 can be releaseably coupled to thecollar 102, wherein thelid 2004 can include atop side 2018, a bottom side (not shown), a sidewall in between thetop side 2018 and the bottom side, and anoverhang 2022 on the perimeter of thelid 2004. In an embodiment, thelid 2004 can include a locking mechanism that can be removed on a first opening of thelid 2004 from thecollar 102. - In addition, the
lid 2004 can further include asampling port 2006 and a corresponding cap. Thesampling port 2006 allows a user to insert a sampling device such as a sampling thief into thesampling port 2006 to obtain a sample of the contents of thebag 1900. By using thesampling port 2006, the user does not need to remove thelid 2004 from the collar/bag connection to obtain the samples. Accordingly, the seal that is created between thelid 2004, thecollar 102, and thebag 1900 remains intact and undisturbed, preventing wear and tear caused by friction on thebag 1900 during removal and replacement of thelid 2004. Thesampling port 2006 allows for regular monitoring of the contents of thebag 1900 over time without the risk of damaging thebag 1900 at the location of the joint where thelid 2004 connects to thecollar 102. Further, thesampling port 2006 can allow a user to vent thebag 1900 without needing to remove thelid 2004 from thecollar 102 andbag 1900. - The
sampling port 2006 can be molded into the top side of thelid 2004. A cap corresponds to an opening of thesampling port 2006 and can seal thesampling port 2006 when coupled with the opening. Thecap 2008 can be, for example, a threaded cap, aplug 2008, a latched cover, among others, depending on the type ofsampling port 2006 used. In certain embodiments, the cap is recessed below thetop side 2018 of the lid 2014 when it is coupled with the opening of thesampling port 2006. In certain embodiments, aseal 2010 can be placed or adhered over the cap such that a portion of theseal 2010 is adhered to the cap and another portion of theseal 2010 is adhered to thetop side 2018 of thelid 2004. In this manner, when a user removes the cap from thesampling port 2006, theseal 2010 will tear. A tornseal 2010 can provide an indication that the cap has been removed. It should be appreciated that theseal 2010 can be installed by an initial manufacturer or a distributor, and that any available means of tamper-evident treatment or selection of theseal 2010 can be used to improve the likelihood of theseal 2010 breaking upon cap removal. Thetop side 2018 of thelid 2004 can also include alabel 2012 that can include information such as user instructions pertaining to sampling thebag 1900 contents through thesampling port 2006, venting thebag 1900 through thesampling port 2006, and/or information about the contents of thebag 1900 including identifying information or material safety information. - By way of example and not limitation, the
sampling port 2006 can be circular and/or have a diameter of 70 mm. However, it should be appreciated that thesampling port 2006 can have any shape or size selected using sound engineering judgment. In certain embodiments, thesampling port 2006 can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of thetop side 2018 of thelid 2004. In one embodiment, thesampling port 2006 is a threaded port, such as for example, a buttress-thread port. In this embodiment, the cap is a correspondingly threaded cap that a user can use to seal thesampling port 2006 by screwing the cap onto thesampling port 2006 threads. To remove the threaded cap to gain access to thesampling port 2006, a user can unscrew the threaded cap from thesampling port 2006. In another embodiment, thesampling port 2006 can have a plugged-port configuration. In this embodiment, the cap is a corresponding plug 2008 (e.g. a tint-plug) that a user can use to seal thesampling port 2006 by inserting theplug 2008 into thesampling port 2006. Theplug 2008 can be sized such that theplug 2008 is retained within thesampling port 2006 with a friction fit or a snap-fit. Theplug 2008 can include a ring 2014 attached to the top of theplug 2008. The ring 2014 allows a user to insert a finger into the ring 2014 so that the user can pull theplug 2008 out of thesampling port 2006 as shown inFIG. 23 . In certain embodiments, theseal 2010 can be adhered over the top of the ring 2014 so that theseal 2010 must be broken for a user to access the ring 2014 and remove theplug 2008 from thesampling port 2006. - Turning now to
FIG. 24 , a sample-taking procedure is depicted. Once the cap (e.g. plug 2008) is removed from thesampling port 2006, a user can have access to the contents of thebag 1900 by way of the openedsampling port 2006. For example, a user can insert asampling thief 2024 through thesampling port 2006 and into thebag 1900. In this manner, the user can obtain a sample of the contents of thebag 1900 through thesampling port 2006, which eliminates the need for removing thelid 2004 from thecollar 102 and thebag 1900 in order to take a sample. In one example, a user can obtain a sample of the contents of thebag 1900 by using thesample thief 2024 to take a multi-level, cross-sectional sample from the contents. Once the desired samples are taken, the user can remove thesample thief 2024 from thesampling port 2006 and re-insert the cap (e.g. plug 2008) into thesampling port 2006. - Turning now to
FIG. 25 , a venting procedure is depicted. In addition to providing access to the bag's 1900 contents, thesampling port 2006 can also allow a user to vent thebag 1900. If thelid 2004 or the cap is removed, thebag 1900 should be vented to remove all or most of the air contained in thebag 1900 before stacking anything on thebag 1900. With the cap removed, a user can compress the top of thebag 1900 to forceair 2026 out of the bag through the openedsampling port 2006. After venting thebag 1900, the user can then re-attach the cap (e.g. screw on a threaded cap or re-insert the plug 2008) into thesampling port 2006. - The aforementioned 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, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein. - While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power supply as used herein (e.g., welding power supply, among others) can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others. Thus, one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention.
- 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 reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations 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 illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although 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. Also, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in 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 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 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 are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
- In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that 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 such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms "first," "second," etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.
- As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be."
- The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the 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 one 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 differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
REFERENCE NUMERALS 100 seal assembly 503 inner layer 102 collar 504 ribbon 103 passage 506 ribbon 104 lid 508 open end 106 top end 510 closed end 108 bottom end 512 step 110 lip 600 ribbon weave 111 web 700 bag 112 support rib 702 pallet 114 portion 704 loop 116 portion 706 upper surface 118 topside 708 sidewall 120 bottom side 1900 bag 122 overhang 1902 outer layer 124 internal wall 1904 inner layer 126 external wall 1906 neck 128 gap 1908 opening 300 seal assembly 1904 inner layer 302 collar 1910 inner layer fold 303 passage 1912 outer layer fold 304 lid 1914 compression member 306 top end 2004 lid 308 bottom end 2006 sampling port 310 lip 2008 cap 312 support rib 2010 seal 324 internal wall 2014 lid 326 external wall 2018 top side 500 bag 2022 overhang 501 outer layer 2024 sample thief 502 side 2026 force air
Claims (15)
- A seal assembly (100) system for a bulk bag, comprising:a bag (500) that stores a material, the bag includes an opening;the bag (500) includes an inner layer (503) and an outer layer (501), wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene;a collar (302) having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end;the collar (302) having:a lip (310) on the top end;a web on the bottom end; andthe web of the collar (302) is integrated to the inner layer and the outer layer at the opening;characterized by a lid (304) that is configured to releaseably attach to the lip (310) of the collar (302) to provide a hermetic seal at the opening, wherein the lid (304) comprises a sampling port and a removeable cap configured to:seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port, andprovide access to the material when removed from the sampling port, while the lid (304) remains attached to the lip (310) of the collar (302).
- The seal assembly system of claim 1, wherein the removeable cap is recessed below a top side of the lid when attached to the sampling port.
- The seal assembly system of claim 1 or 2, a portion of the web is integrated between one or more layers of the bag.
- The seal assembly system of one of the claims 1 to 3, a portion of the web is integrated to the inner layer of the bag.
- The seal assembly system of one of the claims 1 to 4, a portion of the web is coupled to the outer layer, and the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer.
- The seal assembly system of one of the claims 1 to 5, a portion of the web is coupled to the inner layer of the bag.
- The seal assembly system of one of the claims 1 to 6, further comprising a heat weld that secures a portion of the collar to a portion of the bag.
- A bag configured to hold a volume of a material, comprising:an opening on the top side of the bag;an inner layer that is configured to provide an airtight enclosure for the material, wherein the airtight enclosure can be accessed via the opening;an outer layer that is positioned around the inner layer, wherein the outer layer provides structural support and integrity with a ribbon weave;the opening includes a neck formed by at least one of the inner layer or the outer layer;a collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end, an external wall opposite the internal wall, and the collar having a thickness and a diameter for the through passage;the collar positioned over the neck and with 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 are folded onto the external wall of the collar;characterized by a lid that is releaseably coupled to the collar, the lid when attached to the collar applies a force to press the lid, the outer layer, the inner layer, and the lip of the collar together, wherein the lid comprises a sampling port and a removeable cap configured to:seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port, andprovide access to the material when removed from the sampling port, while the lid remains coupled to the collar.
- The bag of claim 8, wherein a top side of the lid has a first diameter and the sampling port has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.
- The bag of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a compression member that compresses one of the inner layer or the outer layer to the external wall of the collar to maintain connectivity upon detachment of the lid from the collar.
- The bag of one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the lip of the collar is in contact with an exterior of the outer layer and a bottom portion of the lid is in contact with an interior of the inner layer when the lid is coupled to the lip of the collar.
- The bag of one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the lid further comprises a seal adhered to a top side of the lid and the removeable cap.
- The bag of one of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the sampling port includes a threaded connection and the removeable cap is a threaded cap; or wherein the sampling port is a plug port and the removeable cap is a plug.
- The bag of one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the plug comprises a ring attached to a top surface of the plug.
- A seal assembly system for a bulk bag, comprising:a bag that stores a material having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the bag includes an opening at the first end;the bag includes an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is a foil laminate and the outer layer is a ribbon-woven structure made of polypropylene;a collar having a top end and a bottom end opposite thereto, an internal wall that defines a through passage that extends between the top end and the bottom end;the collar further includes an external wall;the collar having:a lip on the top end;a web that is perpendicular and outward from the external wall; anda support rib in between the lip and the web;the collar is affixed around a portion of the bag such that the outer layer is in contact with the internal wall and the external wall;a compression member that is configured to be positioned around the collar to compress the outer layer and the inner layer toward the external wall of the collar; anda lid having a top side with a first diameter, the lid is configured to releaseably attach to the lip of the collar to provide a hermetic seal at the opening, wherein the lip is in contact with the outer layer, the lid is in contact with the inner layer, and the lid couples to the lip with the outer layer and the inner layer in between, the lid comprises a sampling port having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a removeable cap configured to:seal the sampling port when attached to the sampling port, andprovide access to the material when removed from the sampling port, while the lid remains attached to the lip of the collar.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/268,985 US10968036B2 (en) | 2017-01-17 | 2019-02-06 | Hermetic seal for foil-lined FIBC (bulk bag) |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3693294A2 true EP3693294A2 (en) | 2020-08-12 |
EP3693294A3 EP3693294A3 (en) | 2020-09-23 |
Family
ID=69526095
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20155926.7A Pending EP3693294A3 (en) | 2019-02-06 | 2020-02-06 | Hermetic seal for foil-lined fibc , bag |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3693294A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2020128258A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20200097212A (en) |
CN (1) | CN111532570B (en) |
BR (1) | BR102020002398A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113581665A (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2021-11-02 | 徐州佳特包装有限公司 | Opening tensioning device for ton bag |
CN113955311A (en) * | 2021-10-29 | 2022-01-21 | 山东省农业科学院 | Peanut seed long-term storage bag and use method |
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US4595123A (en) * | 1983-06-17 | 1986-06-17 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Tamper evident closure cap |
US5299604A (en) * | 1992-06-16 | 1994-04-05 | Pierce Thomas W | Resealable, refillable container system |
AU5479994A (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1994-10-06 | Kerr Group, Inc. | Tamper-evident closure |
CN2322909Y (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 1999-06-09 | 蔡健康 | Vacuum storage bag |
GB0411660D0 (en) * | 2004-05-25 | 2004-06-30 | Crackerbag S Ltd | Apparatus and method for transporting material |
US20060096985A1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2006-05-11 | Stolzman Michael D | Venting lid with safety seal |
CN101778775B (en) * | 2007-08-10 | 2012-06-13 | 斯蒂芬·亨特 | A bag with sealing device and collar for disposing of waste |
TR201007184T2 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2011-03-21 | Apc Products Ltd. | Caps adapted for automatic embedding molding for plastic containers |
JP4807381B2 (en) * | 2008-06-16 | 2011-11-02 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Easy-to-open container lid with resealability and method for producing the same |
KR20100005334U (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2010-05-25 | 농업회사법인 주식회사 목국바이오 | Bag for feedstuff |
KR20140005340U (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-15 | 박영수 | The sealing device of vinyl bag |
US11167917B2 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2021-11-09 | Lincoln Global, Inc. | Hermetic seal for foil-lined FIBC (bulk bag) |
-
2020
- 2020-02-04 CN CN202010079845.XA patent/CN111532570B/en active Active
- 2020-02-04 BR BR102020002398-5A patent/BR102020002398A2/en unknown
- 2020-02-04 KR KR1020200013285A patent/KR20200097212A/en unknown
- 2020-02-05 JP JP2020017738A patent/JP2020128258A/en active Pending
- 2020-02-06 EP EP20155926.7A patent/EP3693294A3/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113581665A (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2021-11-02 | 徐州佳特包装有限公司 | Opening tensioning device for ton bag |
CN113955311A (en) * | 2021-10-29 | 2022-01-21 | 山东省农业科学院 | Peanut seed long-term storage bag and use method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN111532570A (en) | 2020-08-14 |
JP2020128258A (en) | 2020-08-27 |
BR102020002398A2 (en) | 2020-10-06 |
KR20200097212A (en) | 2020-08-18 |
CN111532570B (en) | 2023-08-11 |
EP3693294A3 (en) | 2020-09-23 |
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