GB2448236A

GB2448236A - Transfer valve

Info

Publication number: GB2448236A
Application number: GB0806189A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Simon Courtenay Wheaton
Original assignee: EI Du Pont de Nemours and Co
Current assignee: EIDP Inc
Priority date: 2007-04-05
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2008-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-04
Also published as: GB0706734D0; GB0806189D0; GB2448236B

Abstract

A closed transfer valve 200 for discharging a product from a bulk container 100 to a receptacle comprises a valve body member 202 and a valve gate member 204 movable with respect to one another between an open position for the discharge of a granular agricultural product into the receptacle and a closed position for shutting off the discharge. The valve 200 is provided with engagement means operative for locking the valve 200 to an adaptor A on the receptacle when the valve 200 is at least partly open and releasable therefrom when closed. The engagement means includes an interlock arm member 270 carried on the valve gate member 204 and a camming surface 224 disposed on the valve gate member 204. The camming surface 224 urges the interlock arm 270 toward the adapter as the valve body 202 is rotated with respect to the valve gate 204. The interlock arm 270 is provided with a detent 272 that is received by the adapter A when the relative position of the valve gate 204 and the valve body 202 members is such that the valve 200 is at least partially open.

Description

P

Transfer Valve

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a

transfer valve for regulating the transfer of a product, such as a granular product, from a bulk container to a user receptacle, and to the container for the product itself.

Description of the Prior Art A known transfer valve is configured for attachment to a bulk container of, for example, a granular product. The valve may be opened to allow discharge of the product from the container into is another receptacle and then closed again to shut off the flow of the product.

With known transfer valves it is possible to remove the discharge container having the transfer valve thereon from the receiving receptacle while the valve is still open and the product is being dispensed. This could lead to spillage of the transfer product.

A further difficulty arises if the granules being transferred carry agricultural chemicals, in that it is desirable to transfer the granules while avoiding human contact with them. The ability to remove the container from the receptacle while the transfer valve is open and product is being discharged leaves open the possibility that potentially deleterious contact between the user and the product may occur.

It is an aim of the present invention to alleviate these disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container to a receptacle, the transfer valve comprising first and second flow control elements movable with respect to one another between an open position f or the discharge of the product and a closed position for shutting off the discharge, wherein S the valve is provided with engagement means operative for locking the valve to the receptacle when the valve is at least partly in the open position and releasable therefrom when in the closed position. The presence of the engagement means insures that the transfer of the product occurs in a closed" fashion, i.e., without leakage to the environment.

Optional but features of preferred embodiments are referred to below.

In a preferred embodiment, the first flow control element, or valve body member, is cylindrical and the second flow control element, or valve gate member, is in the form a sleeve on the valve body. The valve gate may be captive on the valve body so as to be rotatable but not axially movable relative thereto. The valve body and valve gate members each have an outlet end provided with respective open and closed segments, such that the valve is in the open position when the open segments are at least partially in register with one another and in the closed position when out of register. The valve body member may be provided with discharge surfaces that are angled with respect to the plane of the outlet end toward the open segments. The open and closed segments are each substantially equal in size and are preferably about ninety degrees in angular extent so that the valve body and valve gate must be relatively rotated through ninety degrees when moving between the fully open and closed positions, that is, between in-register and out-of-register positions. Of course, the preferred angular extent of the open and closed segments may be other than S. ninety degrees, if desired.

The transfer valve is configured for deployment with

V

a standardized adapter having a groove with both axial and circumferential sections. The engagement means advantageously comprises at least one but preferably a plurality of interlock arm members and a cam for urging each interlock arm member into locking engagement with a surface on the adaptor when the valve is at least partially in the open position. Each interlock arm member is provided with a detent that is received by surface on the adaptor when the relative positions of the valve body and valve gate members are such that the valve occupies at least partially the open position. The cain may be provided on the valve body member and the interlock arm member may be provided on the valve gate. The cam is operative to release the interlock member from the locking engagement when the relative position of the valve body and valve gate is such that the valve is in the closed position. In consequence, the interlock member reposes with the valve body member when the valve is in the closed position. This disposition tends to resist relative rotation between the valve body and valve gate members, so helping to maintain the valve in a closed position when separated from the receptacle.

The purpose of the engagement means is to prevent removal of the valve from the receptacle unless it is in the closed position. This has the advantage that spillage of the product is avoided and that product transfer occurs in a closed fashion.

In a preferred embodiment a locator is provided for orientating the valve gate member in substantially fixed positional relationship in a circumferential direction relative to the adaptor. The locator may comprise at least one orientation lug on the valve gate member that is(are) received in axial sections of the groove in the adaptor when the valve is deployed in the adaptor.

The transfer valve according to this embodiment is deployed by aligning the orientation lug on the valve gate with the axial groove section so that the transfer valve can be slid into the adaptor of the receptacle into which the product is to be discharged. The valve body and valve gate members are rotated with respect to one another to the appropriate angular extent. The rotation causes the cam to urge the interlock member into a mating relationship with the adaptor so that discharge of the product can take place without the risk of the valve becoming separated from the receptacle. This is ensured by the receipt of the detent against a shoulder defining the annular section of the groove of the adaptor.

Relative rotation between the first and sleeve members is inhibited unless the positioning of the valve body and valve gate members relative to the adaptor is such that the detent can move into the annular groove section and engage against the adapter.

The product may be a granular product, such as one hosting agricultural chemicals. Embodiments of the present invention are therefore advantageous in that they may provide a closed transfer system for facilitating the transfer of a product from one container to a receptacle.

This is particular advantageous in relation to hazardous products which may be harmful to personnel or animals.

The valve may further include a removable cover able to be disposed over the outlet end of the valve gate member.

-o-0-o-In accordance with another aspect the present invention is directed to tamper-evident indicia present in the connection between the valve cover and the bulk container to which the transfer valve is mounted. The tamper-evident indicia include a tear strip connecting the cover to a mounting tab and a pin member that secures the tab to the container. The tear strip is connected on one side via a first frangible connection to the cover and on the other side via a second frangible connection to the mounting tab. The pin includes mounting plate that holds the mounting tab to the container. The tamper-evident indicia provide two levels of quality and safety assurance that the product from the bulk container has not been accessed since being filled in the manufacturing plant.

The intact presence of the frangible connections makes clear to a user that the valve cover has not been removed from the transfer valve gate member, while the intact presence of the mounting plate over the mounting tab shows that the valve itself has not been removed from the container.

-o-O-o-In accordance with another aspect the present invention is directed to a bulk container for carrying the product. The container has a rectangu].ojd body portion that is integrally melded with a frustoconjcal transition portion having an open mouth. The interior of the container in the vicinity of each intersection between adjacent sidewalls of the rectanguloid body portion and the frustoconica]. transition portion corners have a generally rounded three-dimensional contour that facilitate flow of a product carried within the container to the neck of the container. Each container includes columns projecting from the transition portion and recesses formed in the bottom that facilitate engagement of plural containers when stacking containers for palletized shipment.

Brief Description of the Drawings I.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following Detailed Description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application and in which: Figures 1 and 2 are respective front and side

S

elevation views of a bulk container for a carrying a product in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, with portions of Figure 2 broken away to show contours of the interior surface of the hollow container; Figure 3 is a plan view of the bulk container taken along view lines 3-3 in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the bulk container taken along view lines 4-4 in Figure 1 with a portion of Figure 4 broken away to show a contour of the interior surface of the hollow container; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a transfer valve in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; Figures 6 and 7 are respective detail plan and elevation views of the valve body member of the transfer valve shown in Figure 5; Figures 8 and 9 are respective detail plan and elevation views of the rotatable valve gate member of the transfer valve shown in Figure 5; Figures 10 and 11 are respective detail plan arid elevation views of the valve cover member of the transfer valve shown in Figure 5, with portions of Figure 10 broken away; Figure 12 is an elevation view illustrating the mounting of the flow control elements of the transfer valve shown in Figure 5 to a bulk container; Figure 13 is a plan view taken along view lines 13-13 of Figure 12; S Figure 14 is an elevation view, similar to Figure 12, illustrating the attachment of the valve cover to the flow control elements of the transfer valve and the securing of I..

a first tamper-evident indicja; Figure 15 is a plan view taken along view lines 15-15 of Figure 14 showing both the first and a second tamper-evident indicia in place; Figure 16 is an enlarged elevation view of the circled portion of Figure 14 showing the removal of the second tamper-evident indicia; Figure 17 is a perspective view showing an adapter disposed in the inlet opening of a typical user receptacle S and the relative orientation of a transfer valve prior to insertion into the inlet opening; Figure 18 is a side elevation view taken along view lines 18-18 in Figure 17 illustrating the relationship between a container and transfer valve when the transfer valve is fully received within the adapter of a user receptacle; Figure 19 is a section view taken along section lines 19-19 of Figure 18 showing the relative positions of the product guide surfaces on the valve body member with respect to the panels on the valve gate member when the transfer valve is in the closed position; Figure 20 is a section view taken along section lines 20-20 of Figure 19 showing the disposition of the engagement means of the transfer valve when the transfer valve is in the closed position; Figures 21 and 22 are section views similar to Figures 19 and 20, respectively, showing the change in relative position of the product guide surfaces and the gate panels and the change in position of the engagement means with respect to the adapter as the transfer valve is beginning to be opened; Figures 23 and 24 are section views similar to :::* Figures 21 and 22, respectively, showing the communication *..., of the open quadrants of the valve body and the valve gate S...

and the interlocking engagement of the engagement means with the adapter; S...

:. Figure 25 is a section view similar to Figure 24 the showing full communication between the open quadrants of : *. the valve body and the valve gate when the transfer valve S.. S is in the open position; *SSS* Figure 26 is an elevation view of a portion of a pallet holding a plurality of filled containers, wherein the containers are arranged in layers and wherein each container in each layer is nested with a container in an adjacent layer; and Figures 27 and 28 are section views taken along respective section lines 27-27 and 28-28 in Figure 26 illustrating the nesting of the containers in adjacent layers.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Throughout the following detailed description similar reference characters refer to the similar features in all figures of the drawings.

With reference to Figures 1 through 4 shown are a various views of a bulk container generally indicated by the reference character 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The bulk container 100 has an axis 100A extending therethrough.

The bulk container 100 may be used to transport any of a variety of dry products, such as the granular insecticide and nematicide (common name oxamyl) Vydate, sold by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington Delaware, USA. In general, the bulk container 100 is a hollow member produced by injection-molding techniques from any of a variety of plastic materials selected for their physical properties and compatibility with the product being carried. For example, copolyiner :::. polypropylene may be used.

The bulk container 100 comprises a generally S..

rectanguloid body portion 102 that melds with a generally frustoconical transition portion 104. The rectanguloid S...

body portion is formed from conjoined upper and lower sections which are welded to each other. A : .. circuinferentially extending stiffening rib 102R is S.. S disposed around the weld joint.

* The frustoconical transition portion 104 terminates in an open neck 106 through which communication is afforded with the hollow interior volume 108 of the container 100. The frustoconical transition portion 104 defines an angle 104A, preferably about sixty-two degrees, measured with respect to the axis 100A of the container 100. The angle is selected based upon considerations of minimizing container height and simultaneously allowed for complete emptying of the product from the container.

A plurality of multi-start thread mounting ears 112A, 1128, 112C and ll2D is disposed on the neck 106 of the container 100 in an equiangular array about the axis 100A.

Each respective mounting ear 112A, 1128, 112C and 112D has a ramped undersurface 114A, 114B, 114C and 114D that inclines transversely to the axis 100A of the container 100. At least two diametrically opposed ears, e.g., the ears 112A, 1128, have a respective through opening 116A, 1].6B formed therein, for a purpose to be described.

The rectanguloid body portion 102 has opposed rectangular major sidewalls 120A, 120B, opposed rectangular minor sidewalls 122A, 122B, and a rectangular bottom 124 that is integrally joined to each of the sidewalls. In the preferred construction the lateral dimension of the major sidewalls 120A, 120B measured transversely to the axis 100A (a dimension on the order of 12'A inches, about 31.1 cm) is slightly greater than the lateral dimension of the minor sidewalls 122A, 122B (a dimension on the order of 11 inches, about 28.3 cm). The scale of drawing Figures 1 and 2 accurately portrays the * S. relative dimensions of the major and minor sidewalls. It should be understood, however, that the rectanguloid body portion 102 of the container may alternatively be cubic in SI..

* form, in which case each of the sidewalls and the bottom I..

are squares of equal area.

: *** The interior surface of the container 100 is 5.5 a * 35 strengthened and curved (in two dimensions) all along the I.....

* intersection of adjacent sidewalls 120A/122A, 120A/122B, 120B/122A, 120B/122B. For example, the curved contour along the intersection of adjacent sidewalls 120A/122B is illustrated in the broken portion of Figure 4.

The interior surface of the container 100 is also S curved (in two dimensions) all along the respective intersection of each sidewall 120A, 120B, 122A, 122B with the frustoconical transition portion 104. This curved contour is exemplarily illustrated in the broken portion of Figure 2 showing the intersection of the transition portion 104 and the major sidewall 120B in the vicinity of the crest 126B of the sidewall 120B. It is noted that as a consequence of the dimensional differences between the major and minor sjdewa].ls the respective crests 126A, 126B of the major sidewalls 120A, 120B occur at a point along the axis 100A different from the point at which occur the respective crests 120A, 120B of the minor sidewalls 122A, 122B.

Owing to the curved intersections discussed immediately above the interior surface of the container in the vicinity of each corner (i.e., each junction between the frustoconical transition portion 104 and an intersection between adjacent sidewalls) exhibits a generally rounded three-dimensional contour. The projection of the generally rounded three-dimensional contour is suggested in the broken portion of Figure 2 in the vicinity of the corner 128 defined along junctions among the sidewalls 120B, 122B and the frustoconical transition portion 104. These various interior contours, * ** especially generally rounded three-dimensional contour in the vicinity of the interior corners of the container, prevent product build-up possible with a sharp interior S...

* corner and are thus advantageous in facilitating the flow * of a product carried within the container 100 to its neck : ** 106. *.S *

* 35 The container further includes a plurality of * stacking columns 130A, 130B, 130C and 130D located on the transition portion 104 in the general vicinity of each intersection of the sidewal].s of the body 104. Each stacking column has a respective axis 132A, 132B, 132C and 132D that extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis 100A of the container 100.

In the preferred implementation illustrated in Figures 1 through 4 each stacking column is formed by the longitudinally mated interconnection of a stub shaft 134A, 1343, 134C and 134D with a corresponding respective shaft extension member 136A, 136B, 136C and 136D. The lower ends of the shaft extension members (as viewed in Figure 1) are recessed while the upper ends are closed.

Handle bars 138A, 138B, 138C and 138D connect adjacent pairs of shaft extension members thereby forming a generally rectangular yoke 140. Each handle bar extends in a direction generally transverse to the axis 100A of the container 100 and generally parallel to a sidewall 120A, 120B, 122A, 122B. The container may also be handled using the stacking columns.

The stub shafts 134A, 1343, 134C and 134D extend integrally from the transition portion 104 of the container 100. The free end of each stub shaft 134A, 134B, 134C and 134D has a reduced dimension tenon that frictionally engages into the recessed end of a corresponding respective shaft extension member 136A, 13GB, 136C and 136D, thereby to hold the shaft extension members to the stub shafts. The junction of the stub shaft with the shaft extension may be riveted. * **

**.* Removal of some of the material of the container 100 **** . . . . . in the vicinity of the intersection of the major sidewalls 120A, 1203 and the bottom 124 serves to define a pair of * grasping bars 142A, 142B that extend in a direction S..

generally transverse to the axis of the container. The : *. container 100 is able to be manipulated through the expedient of using the handle bars 138A, ].38B, 138C, 138D * and the grasping bars 142A, 142B.

The bottom 124 of the container has a plurality of stacking recesses l44A, 144B, 144C and 144D formed therein. As is best seen in Figure 4 each stacking recess is located in the vicinity of the intersection of adjacent pairs of sidewalls, with the center of each stacking recess being aligned axially with the axis 132A, 132B, 132C and].32D of a respective one of the stacking columns 130A, 130B, 130C and 130D. Each stacking recess is configured to correspond to the shape of the upper end of the stacking column with which it is aligned.

As is also best seen in Figure 4 the central region of the bottom 124 of the container 100 has a cavity 146 provided therein for a purpose to be described. The center of the cavity 146 lies on the axis 100A of the container 100. Communication among the stacking recesses and the cavity facilitates draining of any liquid that may collect on the bottom.

-o-0-o-As noted above, it is desirable to control the transfer of a product carried in the bulk container 100 into a user receptacle in a manner that minimizes the possibility of spillage and the possibility of human contact. It is believed that the use of the bulk container 100 in conjunction with a transfer valve generally indicated herein by the reference character 200 (Figures 6 to 25) best serves the achievement of these * ** ends.

Notwithstanding the foregoing it should be appreciated that it lies within the contemplation of the p...

* present invention to utilize any suitable alternative * transfer valve in conjunction with the container 100. * ** * * S S.. *

-o-0-o-5.55*

S

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a closed transfer valve generally indicated by the reference character 200 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The neck 106 of the frustoconical transition portion 104 of the bulk container 100 is also shown in the Figure 5 to impart an understanding of the relationship among the various parts. The transfer valve has a longitudinal axis 200A extending therethrough.

In consumer usage the transfer valve 200 regulates io the transfer of the product from the container 100. The flow control elements of the transfer valve 200 include a first (or valve body) member 202 and a second (or valve gate) member 204. When assembled (e.g., Figure 12) the valve body member 202 and the valve gate member 204 are relatively rotationally moveable with respect to one another between an open position wherein discharge of a product into a user receptacle is permitted and a closed position wherein discharge of the product is prevented.

The valve body 202 mates with the mounting ears 112A through 112D arrayed about the neck 106 of the bulk container 100 thereby to secure the valve 200 to the container 100.

The valve body member 202 and the valve gate member 204 each carry elements of engagement means (to be described) for locking the valve 200 to a user receptacle when the valve 200 is at least partly in the open position and for releasing the same from the user receptacle when in the closed position. Owing to the operation of the * ** *..*, engagement means the bulk container cannot be withdrawn from the user receptacle while product is being discharged.

* A valve cover member 206 is preferably provided over I. the transfer valve 200. The valve cover member 206 : ** telescopically nests over the conjoined flow control *. * elements (valve body 202/valve gate 204). As will be ****** * further developed the cover member 206 is connected to the container 100 using tamper-evident indicia that provide two different assurances to a user that the contents of the container have not been compromised.

The valve body 202 and valve gate 204 are fabricated by injection moulding from a glass-filled copolymer polypropylene, while the cover 206 is made from copolymer polypropylene.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show details of the valve body member 202. The major portion of the valve body member 202 is generally cylindrical in form and has a product inlet end 210 and a product discharge end 212. The interior diametrical dimension of the valve body member 202 at its inlet end 210 is sized to match closely the outer diametrical dimension of the neck 106 of the bulk is container 100.

Two quadrants of the surface area (perpendicular to the axis 200A) at the discharge end 212 of the valve body (i.e., each ninety degrees of arcuate extent) are closed by product discharge guide surfaces 214A, 214B. The product discharge guide surfaces are inclined axially along the interior of the valve body from the inlet to the discharge end. The product discharge guide surfaces 214A, 214B act as chutes that convey product through the valve body from the inlet end 210 to the two open quadrants 216A, 216B at the discharge end 212.

The cylindrical wall of the valve body member is interrupted inwardly depending pockets 218A, 218B. Each pocket is defined by a substantially radial wall segment 220A, 220B (Figure 6) cooperating with a respective substantially chordal wall segment 224A, 224B. The wall segments 224A, 224B serve as cam surfaces for the p*I* * engagement means, as will be described. ***

A pair of rotational stops 228A, 228B (best seen in : *" Figure 7) project axially from the discharge end 212 of S.. * the valve body. S S.

S An annular flange 232 is disposed on the valve body member 202 adjacent to the product inlet end 210. The flange 232 includes a planar shelf 234. An array of spoke-like ramps 236A, 23GB, 236C and 236B extend radially outwardly from the shelf 234. The radially outer end of each ramp supports a continuous, axially depending skirt 238. A circumferential].y extending portion of each ramp inclines with respect to the axis 200A. The ends of two of the ramps 236A, 236B each have a respective pair 238, 240 of cantilevered locking fingers formed therein.

Clips 242A, 2423, 242C and 242D are arrayed on the shelf 234.

Figures 5, 8 and 9 show the valve gate member 204.

The valve gate member 204 is a cylindrical sleeve-like is member having an inlet end 246 and a discharge end 248.

An annular rim 250 extends about the exterior of the valve gate member 204 adjacent to the inlet end 246.

The exterior surface of the valve gate member 204 has a pair of orientation lugs 256A, 2563 thereon. Slots 258A, 258B are cut into the cylindrical wall of the valve gate member 204 at locations circumferentially adjacent to each respective lug 256A, 256B.

Located within each slot 258A, 258B is a respective cam-actuated interlock arm 270A, 270B that forms part of the engagement means to be described. Each interlock arm ends in a respective locking detent 272A, 272B. The interlock arms are flexibly mounted to the material of the valve gate member at the margin of the slot. As best seen * ** *...* in Figure 8, in their positions of repose, each interlock arm is bent radially inwardly toward the axis 200A. In response to a carnjning force imposed by a camming surface I...

* (i.e., the surfaces 224A, 224B) each interlock arm 270A, 270B is flexibly movable in a radially outward direction : *" through its corresponding slot 258A, 2583 to bring the *** * * 35 detent 272A, 272B at its end into locking engagement with * ***** * a locking surface, as will be explained in full detail herein.

Two panels 276A, 276B cover two respective quadrants (i.e., each ninety degrees of arcuate extent) of the area of the discharge end 252 of the valve gate member 204.

S The remaining two quadrants 280A, 280B of the discharge end are open. It is understood that the angular extent of open and closed portions at the end faces of the valve body 202 and the valve gate 204 may be other than ninety degrees, and that any convenient number of such open and closed portions may be provided.

A stiffening rib may extend across the valve gate 206 to stiffen the structure and maintain the flatness of the panels.

The valve gate member 204 is sized to fit telescopically and concentrically over the valve body 202.

When so assembled the annular rim 250 of the valve gate member 204 bottoms against the shelf 234 on the valve body 202. The clips 242A, 242B, 242C and 242D capture the valve gate member 204 to prevent relative axial movement between these parts. However, as noted, relative rotationalmovement is permitted therebetween.

The valve cover 206, seen in Figures 5, 10 and 11, is a cylindrical cup-like member having an open and closed end. The valve cover 206 is sized to telescope concentrically over the valve gate member 204 and to protect flow control elements against the collection of I. water or foreign material. The interior surface of the * ** *.*** cylindrical wall of the cover 206 has axially extending slots 284A, 284B formed therein. The portions of the wall having the slots 284A, 284B are reinforced by respective p.'.

* thickened buttresses 286A, 286B.

The edge 206E at the open end of the cover 206 is : *.* castellated, as indicated by the reference characters 288.

" , 35 AS best seen in Figure 10, at circumferential *..** * locations intermediate the castellatations the inside edge of each one of a pair of tear strips 290A, 290B is connected to the valve cover 206 by frangible webs 292A, 292B. Each tear strip has a thumb flange 294A, 2948.

Similarly, the outside edge of each tear strip 290A, 290B is connected by another set of frangible webs 296A, 296B to a respective mounting tab 298A, 2988. Each mounting tab 298A, 298B has a respective opening 299A, 2998 provided therethrough. The connection of the tear strip through the frangible webs to the cover on one side and to the mounting tab that secures the cover to the container to the body on the other side provide a tamper-evident indicia that assure the quality and safety of the product by indicating that the cover has not been removed from the valve since the bulk container was filled in the manufacturing plant.

Having described the various structural features of the transfer valve 200 the attachment of the same to a container 100 may now be discussed in connection with Figures 12 through 15.

After a container 100 is filled with a product the flow control elements of a transfer valve 200 (i.e., the telescopically nested valve body member 202 overlaid by the valve gate member 204) are mounted to the neck 106 of the container 100. Note that, as shown in Figure 13, when the flow elements 202, 204 are telescopically conjoined the interlock arms 270A, 270B on the valve gate 204 are completely received within the respective pockets 218 provided in the valve body member 202. The repose of the interlock arms 270 within the pockets 218 tends to resist relative rotation between valve body and the valve gate, * so helping to maintain the valve in the closed position.

* Moreover, the panels 276A, 276B on the valve gate member : ** 204 overlie the open quadrants 216A, 216B (Figures 5, 6) *SS * of the valve body 202.

* The axis 200A of the valve 200 is brought into collinearlity with the axis 100A of the container 100 and the valve 200 is positioned such that the spoke-like ramps 236A through 236D axially align in the circumferential spaces defined between adjacent ears 112A though 112D.

The valve 200 is then advanced in the direction of the arrow 306 (Figure 12) until the neck 106 of the container is snuggly received against the inside surface of the valve body 202 adjacent the product inlet end 210. In this disposition the inclined surfaces of the ramps 236 are substantially parallel to the inclined surfaces 114 on the ears 112.

The valve body 202 is then rotated in the direction of the arrows 308 (i.e.1 clockwise in the plane of Figure 13) positioning all the ramps 236 beneath the corresponding ears 112 and, in particular, bringing the fingers 239, 240 in the ramps 236A, 236B into axial alignment with the openings in the ears 112A, 112B. Note that rotation in the direction 308 may be imparted by applying a force directly to the rim 232 (on the valve body 202) or by rotating the valve gate 204. If a rotational force is applied to the valve gate 204 that force is transmitted into the valve body 202 by the action of the arms 270A, 270B against the radial wall segments 220A, 220B of the pockets 218A, 218B.

With the slots 284A, 284B (Figure 10) in the valve cover 206 axially aligning with the orientation lugs 256A, 256B on the valve gate 204, the valve gate 206 then slid axially over the valve gate 204. The castellatioris 288 in the cover 206 receive the clips 242 holding the valve gate 204 (via its rim 250) to the valve body 202.

As seen in Figure 14 this action positions the *..

openings 299 in the mounting tabs 298 on the cover 206 into axial alignment with the aligned fingers 239, 240 in the openings in the spokes.

The cover is secured to the container using locking pins 310. Each locking pin 310 includes a locking plate 312 with a serrated locking taper 314 depending from one surface. The plate is triangular in plan but may take any convenient desired form. The opposite surface of the locking plate 312 is attached to a manipulating handle 316 via a frangible connection 318. Using the handle 316 the taper 314 is inserted through the aligned openings in the mounting tabs 298, the ears 112, and the ramps 236 until the locking plate 312 rests against the tabs 298. The fingers 238, 240 on the ramps 236 engage with serrations on the taper to prevent retraction of the pin 310. The pin 310 is fabricated from glass-filled polyainide.

With the pin 310 so placed the handle 316 may be removed by bending or twisting the same to sever the frangible connection 318. As seen in Figure 15 the is presence of the skirt 238 prevents access to the pin 310 from the radial direction.

The locking plate 312 overlying the tab 298 provides a tamper-evident indicia to a user that the valve 200 as a unit has not been removed once the filled container 100 has left the packaging plant.

As illustrated in Figure 16 when it is desired to deploy the valve 200 to regulate the transfer of the contents of the container to a user receptacle, it is necessary to remove the cover 206 from the valve gate 202.

This may be accomplished through the use of the thumb flange 294 to impart a tearing force 322 (directed out of the plane of Figure 16). This action severs the frangible webs 292, 296, whereby the cover 206 may be removed from ".30 the nested flow control elements 202/204 of the valve. * **

Note that this action does not disturb the pinned interconnection of the plate 312 over the mounting tab 298. **. S

* -o-0-o-

S

: *. The inlet opening of a typical user receptacle R S.. * *S5..

S

includes an adapter A having diametrically opposed, generally L-shaped Positioning grooves G therein. Each groove G has a longer leg section EL" and a shorter leg section "S". The longer leg section L of each positioning groove is oriented axially with respect to the axis of the adapter (i.e. toward the inlet of the receptacle) while the shorter leg section S of each positioning groove extends transversely thereto (i.e.. in a circumferential direction about the adapter A).

To dispense product from a container 100 into the user receptacle R the transfer valve'200 of the container is deployed by inserting the orientation lugs 256A, 256B on the valve gate 204 into the longer leg sections L of the grooves G. The valve 200 is inserted into the adapter A until the clips 242 rest on the rim of the adapter A. The container 100 is manipulated using the container body, the handle bars 138, the grasping bars 142, and/or the stacking columns 130, as may be convenient.

As seen in Figure 18, in this disposition each of the detents 272A, 272B on the end of each of the arms 270A, 270B lies radially adjacent to one of the shorter leg sections S of the adapter A. Owing to the receipt of the lugs 256A, 256B in the longer leg sections L of the grooves, the valve gate 204 is fixed to the receptacle R. Figures 19 and 20 are sectional views illustrating the relative disposition of parts when the transfer valve is in the closed position. The interlock arms 270A, 270B of the engagement means (carried on the valve gate member 204) are fully received within the respective pockets 218A, 218B provided in the valve body member 204.

Moreover, one open quadrant 216A of the valve body 204 is covered by the panel 276B of the valve gate and the other open quadrant 216B of the valve body 204 is covered by the panel 276A. The slope of each of the inclined product : .. guide surfaces 214A and 21dB is indicated by the arrows, *.. S S * .3 with the heads of the arrows pointing into the plane of Figure 19.

Referring to Figures 21 and 22, since the valve gate 204 is stationary, to open the valve 200 a rotational S force in the direction of the arrow 326 (Figure 21) is applied to the container 100 and, thus, to the valve body member 202 connected thereto. The initial stages of the relative movement between the (fixed) valve gate 204 and the (relative rotating) valve body 202 brings the camming surfaces 224A, 224B that form the pockets 218A, 218B into contact with the interlock arms 270A, 270B. The interlock arms 270A, 270B are thus urged radially outwardly into the respective slots 258A, 258B. At the same time the open quadrants 216a, 2168 of the valve body 202 begin to open into communication with the respective open quadrants 280A, 280B of the valve gate 204.

As seen in Figures 23 and 24, as the relative rotational motion between the valve body 202 and the valve gate 204 continues, the arms 270A, 270B ride farther along the camming surfaces 224A, 224B and are urged further radially outwardly through the slots 258A, 258B. At the same time the extent of overlap between the open quadrants 216A, 2168 with the respective open quadrants 280A, 280B Continues to increase.

When the interlock arms 270A, 270B reach the cylindrical wall of the valve body 202 the detents 272A, 272B are brought into locking engagement with the shoulder defining the shorter leg sections S of the Positioning groove G. This interlocking engagement prevents the container 100 from being withdrawn from the inlet of the adapter.

As rotation of the valve body 202 with respect to the :r gate 204 continues increasingly greater portions of the open quadrants 216A/216B are brought into communication with the open quadrants 280A/2808.

: .. As illustrated in Figure 25, the valve 200 is in the I.. * p..... 21.

fully open position when the valve body 202 has been rotated through substantially the full angular extent of the openings in the faces of the body and gate (ninety degrees of rotation in the case of the embodiment s illustrated in the Figures). In the open position substantially the entire area of the open quadrants 216A, 216B of the valve body 202 register with the corresponding open quadrants 280A, 2808 on the valve gate. Further relative rotational motion between the members 202 and 204 is precluded by the abutment of the rotational stops 228A, 228B on the valve body 202 against the edges of the panels 276A, 276B on the valve gate.

-o-0-o-The structure of the container 100 in accordance with the present invention imparts further advantages when palletizing filled containers for transport.

Figure 26 is an elevation view of a portion of a pallet 330 holding a plurality of filled containers 100.

Any convenient number of containers may be disposed on the pallet base 332, of which the containers 100-1, 100-2 and 100-3 are typical. The plurality of containers on the pallet 332 are arranged in layers, e.g., the containers 100-1, 100-2 being in one layer and the container 100-3 being in another layer. Every pair of containers is disposed in a layer such that one sidewall of a first container (e.g., sidewall 122A of the container 100-1) is adjacent in next adjacency to the sidewall of a second container (e.g., sidewall 122B of the container 100-2).

Moreover, each container in each layer is vertically *.,.

nested with a container in the adjacent layer disposed either thereabove or therebelow. Thus, in the case of the :. containers 100-1 and 100-3, each of those containers is nested with a container in the adjacent layer.

: .. As is illustrated in Figure 27, the vertical nesting S.. * is achieved by the receipt of the stacking columns 136 on the lower of the two containers into the stacking recesses 144 formed in the bottom of the upper container. In addition, as is illustrated in Figure 28, the transfer valve 200 on the lower of the two containers projects into the cavity 146 provided in the bottom of the upper container.

-0-0-0-Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of the present invention as hereinabove set forth may effect modifications thereto. Such modifications are to be construed as lying within the contemplation of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. * ** S. 5 * * *5*S * . S... *S*. *.*. ***

S * S. * S * S.. *

S

S..... S 23

Claims

Claims 1. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk

container to a receptacle, the transfer valve comprising a valve body member and a valve gate member movable with respect to one another between an open position for the discharge of the product into the receptacle and a closed position for shutting off the discharge, wherein the valve is provided with engagement means operative for locking the valve to the receptacle when the valve is at least partly in the open position and releasable therefrom when in the closed position.
2. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body member is cylindrical and the valve gate is member is in the form a sleeve received on the valve body.
3. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 2, wherein the valve gate member is captive on the valve body member such as to be rotatable but not axially movable relative thereto.
4. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 3, wherein the valve body member and the valve gate member each have an outlet end provided with respective open and closed face portions, such that the valve is in the open position when the open faces are at least partially in register with one another and in the closed position when out of register. * .1 * *
5. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 4, wherein the valve body member is provided with a discharge * 35 surface that is angled with respect to the plane of the * ** outlet end. * * S *** S * S..

* S 24
6. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the open and closed faces each comprise two quadrants that are substantially ninety degrees in angular extent and that are substantially equal in total area so that the valve gate member and the valve body member rotate through ninety degrees with respect to each other when moving between in-register and out-of-register positions.
7. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, further comprising a removable cover disposed over the valve gate member.
8. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 7, wherein the removable cover is connected to the bulk container through a tear strip having first frangible webs disposed between the tear strip and the cover and second frangible webs disposed between the tear strip and the container.
9. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means comprises an interlock arm movable from a position of repose within the valve to a position of engagement with an adapter disposed on a user receptacle. * **

* * * 30 * **
10. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product *** from a bulk container valve according to claim 9, wherein the engagement means further comprises a cam for urging the interlock member into locking engagement with the adaptor when the valve is at least partially in the open : *. position.

U

U,....
11. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 10, wherein the interlock member is provided with a S detent that is received by an annular groove provided in the adaptor when the relative positions of the valve gate member and the valve body member is such that the valve is at least partially in the open position.
12. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the cam is provided on the valve body member and the interlock member is provided on the valve gate member.
13. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cam releases the interlock member from the locking engagement when the relative position of the valve gate member and the valve body member is such that the valve is in the closed position.
14. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 13, wherein the interlock member is received within or engages with the valve body member when the valve is in the closed position.
15. A closed transfer valve for discharging a * S. product from a bulk container valve according to any one * I of claims 9 to 13, wherein a locator is provided for orientating the valve gate member in substantially fixed positional relationship relative to the adaptor in a S..

* 35 circumferential direction. * S. * a * S.. *

*....: * 26
16. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 14, wherein the locator comprises a lug on the valve gate member and the adaptor comprises an axial groove for receiving the lug when the adaptor receives the valve gate member.
17. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the tear strip is connected to a mounting tab that is secured to the container by a mounting pin, and wherein the second frangible webs extend between the cover and the mounting tab.
18. A closed transfer valve for discharging a product from a bulk container valve according to claim 17 wherein the mounting pin holds the valve body member to the container, and wherein the mounting pin terminates in a serrated tapered portion that engages with a portion of the valve body thereby to hold the valve to the container.
19. As an article of manufacture, a hollow-interior bulk container for a carrying a product, the bulk container comprising: a generally rectanguloid body portion having at least four sidewalls and a bottom, the sidewalls of the rectanguloid body portion being integrally melded with a frustoconical transition portion, the frustoconical * .. 30 transition portion having an open neck that affords communication with the interior volume of the container, the interior of the container in the vicinity of each intersection between adjacent sidewa].ls of the rectanguloid body portion and the frustoconical transition portion defining a generally rounded three-dimensional * ,* contour that facilitates flow of a product carried within * * * I.. * * ****** * S the container to the neck of the container-.
20. The article of claim 19 wherein the bulk container has an axis extending therethrough, and wherein frustoconjcal transition portion defines an angle of about sixty-two degrees with respect to the axis of the container.
21. The article of claim 19 wherein the bulk container has an axis extending therethrough, the container further comprising a plurality of stacking columns, each stacking column extending from the transition portion in the vicinity of each intersection of the sidewalls of the body in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the container.
22. The article of claim 21 wherein the bulk container further comprises at least one handle bar extending between at least two of the stacking columns, the handle bar extending in a direction generally transverse to the axis of the container and generally parallel to a sidewall.
23. The article of claim 21 wherein the bottom of the bulk container has a plurality of stacking recesses formed therein, each stacking recess being aligned axially with one of the stacking columns. * **
24. The article of claim 19 wherein the bulk container has an axis extending therethrough, the body portion of the container having a gripping bar formed *..: therein in the vicinity of the intersection of a sidewall and the bottom, the gripping bar extending in a direction generally transverse to the axis of the container.

S.....
25. The article of claim 23 wherein the bottom, the of the container has a cavity therein, wherein the stacking recesses and the cavity communicate with each other to facilitate draining of any liquid that may collect on the bottom.
26. A transport pallet comprising: a plurality of unitized hollow-interior product-carrying bulk containers, each bulk container having an axis theretlirough, each container comprising a generally rectanguloid body portion having at least four sidewalls and a bottom, the sidewalls of the rectanguloid body portion being integrally melded with a frustoconjca].

transition portion, the frustoconjca]. transition portion having an open neck that affords communication with the interior volume of the container, the interior of the container in the vicinity of each intersection between adjacent sidewa]ls of the rectanguloid body portion and the frustoconica]. transition portion defining a generally rounded three-dimensional contour that facilitate flow of a product carried within the container to the neck of the container, each container having a plurality of stacking columns, each stacking column extending integrally from the transition portion in the vicinity of each intersection of the sidewalls * 30 of the body, the stacking columns extending in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the container, the bottom of the container having a * plurality of stacking recesses formed therein, each stacking recess being aligned axially with one of the stacking columns; I..... * * 4.

wherein at least two containers are disposed on the base such that one sidewall of a first container is adjacent to the sidewall of a second container and at least an additional container is disposed such that the stacking columns on the first container are received within the stacking recesses on the additional container. * .. * * . * ** * **. * S * *5* S... S... S..

S * *5 * S S

S

S

*.**.. * .