WO2002085728A1

WO2002085728A1 - Apparatus and method for aseptically filling a container

Info

Publication number: WO2002085728A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/013185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chester Savage
Original assignee: Scholle Corporation
Priority date: 2001-04-24
Filing date: 2001-04-24
Publication date: 2002-10-31

Abstract

A flexible bag (10) and system and method for aseptically filling it. The bag has two walls (12a,12b) and a spout (16) attached to one wall. This spout is opened and closed during filling. A plug member (18) may be attached to the wall of the bag opposite the wall containing the spout. During filling, the plug member is aseptically removed from the spout member inwardly of the bag contrainer; the bag is filled via the spout; and then the plug member is replaced from inside the bag. The plug may also be free of the opposite wall of the bag container. The filling system includes a set of jaws (130) for holding the spout in position for filling, a support mechanism (110) for controlling the movement of the plug member into and out of the spout member, and facility for sterilizing the inside of the filling head, the spout member, and the plug member.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Aseptically Filling a Container

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention: Many liquid and semi-liquid products are packaged aseptically into containers of various sizes. Some of these containers are large, and are used for storage and distribution of the products to repackagers, commercial users, and other users of large quantities of product.

Many of these products, particularly food products, deteriorate rapidly when exposed to oxygen.

Additionally, food products must be protected against possible contamination from bacteria; therefore, these products are often placed in large bags constructed from a plastic or similar material having one or more spouts from which to fill the bag with product or to dispense product from the bag. These plastic bags are advantageous in that as the product is dispensed from the container the bag collapses around the remaining material so that no air enters the container. With containers of a fixed shape or internal volume, air must enter the container to fill the space vacated by the removal of the product in order for the product to be dispensed. This air contains oxygen and carries harmful bacteria. Thus, the bag type of container has many advantages when filled aseptically.

However, care must be taken when packaging food product into a container so that no bacteria that would create a potential health hazard to the consumer of the food product enter the container. This sterility is typically assured during filling, by placing the spout of the container inside a chamber containing a controlled environment. The controlled environment may include provision for exposure of the spout to a sterilizing gas or vapor, such as steam or another sterilant. An opening is provided in the chamber; which is just large enough to receive the spout of the bag. A positive pressure is maintained inside the chamber to keep ambient air from entering the chamber. Once the spout is placed in the opening to this chamber a plug member is removed from the spout, it comes into contact with a filling head and the product is dispensed into the bag. Clamps or jaws are utilized to hold the spout in the correct position for filling as well as to provide a partial seal of the container opening during the filling process. Related Technology A conventional bag container and method and apparatus for filling this bag container is know in accord with United States patent No. 4,731,978, issued 22 March 1988 to Karl Martensson. The '978 patent is believed to disclose a closeable bag of flexible material which is provided with a separate inlet member (i.e., spout) with a filling opening for filling the bag with a substance, for instance, with a liquid. The inlet member is fastened to a wall of the bag, and a separate stopper member (i.e., plug) is arranged for closing the filling opening from inside the bag. The stopper member is fastened to an opposite wall of the bag in alignment with the inlet member. The stopper member, in order to perform its function of closing the filling opening of the inlet member is arranged for releasable sealing engagement with this inlet member, thereby also enabling a subsequent partial discharge of bag contents, and re-closing of the bag. The separate inlet and stopper members of Martensson '978 are substantially resistant to deformation and have features for engagement by respective elements of an operating equipment arranged outside the bag. The operating equipment includes a filling member connectable to the inlet member, and facilities for sterilizing the outer surfaces of the inlet member and stopper member. The stopper member has a recess which is configured to receive a collet or grasping member, and provides surfaces arranged such that the collet or grasping member can pull the stopper member out of the inlet member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies of the conventional related technology, it is an object of this invention to overcome one or more of these deficiencies.

Accordingly the present invention provides a bag wherein the bag has a spout member closeable by a plug member engageable with the spout member from the inside of the bag. This plug member is constructed of a yieldably shape-retaining material and may be fastened sealingly to the wall of the flexible bag opposite that of the spout member. This arrangement of spout with removable plug member makes it possible to open and then re-seal the container.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a bag filling apparatus for use with just such a flexible bag as the type defined by this invention; while providing during the filling process a sterile isolation of the product filled into the bag, so as to not expose the product filled into the bag to ambient air and ambient microbes.

Accordingly this invention provides just such a filling system consisting of a support plate apparatus, a spout clamp mechanism, a filling head, and a method of sterilizing the spout and plug member of a bag type container, and of the filing system without exposing the food product to ambient air. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description of several exemplary preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the associated figures which will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an empty bag type container of a first embodiment with a spout and plug member;

Figure 2 depicts a filled bag container of the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, partly in cross section, showing a portion of a bag container filling system of a first embodiment and of an empty bag container of the first embodiment preparatory to filling of the bag container using the bag container filling system;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 3, but showing the bag container sealingly engaged with the bag container filling system preparatory to sterilizing of an external portion of the bag container, and the filling of the bag container with product;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 4, and shows a step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 4 and 5, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system; Figure 7 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 4-6, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system;

Figure 8 also is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 4-7, and shows a step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 4-8, and shows a final step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view, partly in cross section, showing a portion of another (i.e., second) embodiment of both a bag container filling system and of an empty bag container preparatory to filling of the bag container using the bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figure 3; Figure 11 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 10, but showing the second embodiment of bag container sealingly engaged with the second embodiment of bag container filling system preparatory to sterilizing of an external portion of the bag container, and the filling of the bag container with product, and depicts these at a step similar to that of

Figure 4;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 11, and shows a step in the process of filling the second embodiment of bag container using the second embodiment of bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figure 5;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 11 and 12, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the second embodiment of bag container using the second embodiment bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figure

6; Figure 14 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 11-13, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system, both of the second embodiment, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figure 7;

Figure 15 also is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 11-14, and shows a step in the process of filling the second embodiment of bag container using the second embodiment bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figure 8;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary view, partly in cross section, showing a portion of yet another (i.e., third) embodiments of both a bag container filling system and of an empty bag container preparatory to filling of the bag container using the bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figures 3 and 10; Figure 17 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 16, but showing the third embodiment of bag container sealingly engaged with the third embodiment of bag container filling system preparatory to sterilizing of an external portion of the bag container, and the filling of the bag container with product;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 17, and shows a step in the process of filling the third embodiment of bag container using the third embodiment of bag container filling system, and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figures 6 and 13;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 17 and 18, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the third embodiment of bag container using the third embodiment bag container filling system; and depicts these at a step similar to that of Figures 7 and 14; and finally

Figure 20 is a fragmentary view similar to Figures 17-19, and shows a subsequent step in the process of filling the bag container using the bag container filling system, each according to the third embodiment, and shows these at a step that is similar to that of Figure

9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, disclosed herein are three specific exemplary embodiments that illustrate and explain by example the principles of the invention. In conjunction with the description of these embodiments, a method of making the embodiments is described. It should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to the specific examples and exemplary preferred embodiments illustrated.

First Embodiment

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a flexible bag 10 of the type associated with a filling system 100 is schematically depicted. In general and according to the exemplarity preferred embodiments of this invention, but without limitation, the flexible bag container 10 includes a pair of contiguous walls, generally referenced with the numeral 12. These contiguous walls 12 are seen in Figure 1 in their flat condition with the bag container empty. The pair of walls 12 includes individual walls 12a and 12b, which are thus contiguous, adjacent to one another, with the empty bag container 10 being generally flat. In Figure 1, it is seen that the pair of walls 12a and 12b cooperatively define a peripheral sealing seam 12c, at which the walls 12 are sealingly and permanently united with one another. It is to be noted that the pair of walls 12 are rectangular simply for the purpose of convenience and economy of materials utilization. The bag 10 could be made in other shapes. For example without limitation, the bag 10 could be round, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal. Figure 2 demonstrates how the same flexible bag 10 looks after it is filled by flowing contents into the bag container 10 via the spout 16 and into a chamber 14 defined between the pair of walls 12. The bag 10 is no longer flat, but instead looks somewhat filled out and rounded in the middle, although the bag 10 is not tightly filled or "inflated" with contents. The spout member 16 and plug member 18 can seen generally centered intermediate or between the edges of the bag, and generally along one side, although the location of this spout member on the bag. is not limiting. It is further to be noted that the drawing Figures depict the bag 10 as it would appear without being contained within a drum, barrel, box, or crate (not shown). In actual use it is likely that the flexible bag 10 will be contained within the confines of an outer protective and shape retaining drum, box, etc., for greater safety, security, and ease of handling and storage. Now viewing Figures 1-9 in conjunction with one another. It should be noted that these Figures 1-9 show a sequence of steps for filling the bag container 10 utilizing the bag container filling system 100. First viewing Figure 1, an empty flexible bag container 10 can be seen, while in Figure 2, the bag container 10 is shown filled with liquid, semi-liquid, or paste contents, for example. In the condition seen in Figure 1, the interior of the bag container 10 may be sterile. Of course, in the event of filling the bag container 10 with food product or other material that would support or be contaminated by microbes, then the interior of the bag container 10 is certainly made sterile. In Figure 2, the interior chamber of the bag container 10 is indicated by underlined reference numeral 14, although this reference numeral and lead line appear outside of the bag container 10. That is, the container 10 is not sectioned or cutaway in the illustration of Figure 2. In general, in order to fill the bag container 10, the outer surfaces of the spout 16 and plug member 18 which have been exposed to ambient air are first sterilized, then the plug member 18 is removed from the spout member 16 while an end portion and the interior of the spout are isolated from ambient air. Product is flowed into the chamber 14 via the spout 16, after which the plug member 18 is returned into sealing engagement with the spout 16. The product flowed into the chamber 14 may be sterile, and may be a food product. After the spout 16 is sealingly closed by the plug member 18, the outer surfaces of the spout member 16 and plug member 18 may again be cleaned or sterilized.

Figure 3 illustrates the bag container 10 and bag container filling system 100 in a starting position. The bag filling system 100 consists of three main components, a support plate apparatus 110 having a part that is axially movable (i.e., movable left and right viewing Figure 3, a filling head 120 also having a part that is axially movable (i.e., again, movable left and right viewing Figure 3), and a set of jaws 130 for engaging and holding the spout member 16 in sealing engagement with the filling head 120. Generally, the jaws 130 are axially fixed, and may be assisting in holding the bag 10 by a pair or more of clamps (not shown in the drawing Figures) which clamp the adjacent edge of the bag container 10 in order to support is and the weight of contents added to this bag container as the container is filled. The jaws 130 are also selectively openable and closeable to respectively embrace and engage the spout member 16, and to release this spout member. In this view of Figure 3 the filling head 120 and the support plate apparatus 110 are separated from one another by enough space to allow placement of the portion of the flexible bag container 10 containing the spout member 16 and plug member 18 (i.e., the corner portion of the empty bag container 10, recalling Figure 1) into the proper position in the bag filling system 100.

As is also seen in Figure 3, the spout member 16 includes a generally tubular body

16a, having adjacent to one end thereof a radially outwardly extending flange 16b. The tubular body 16a defines a through passage 16c which is aligned with a matching hole 12d in wall 12a. The flange 16c is sealingly attached to this wall 12a. Outwardly, the tubular body 16a defines an end edge surface 16d, and a radially outwardly opening groove 16e, which may be defined between a pair of radially outwardly extending and axially spaced apart flanges 16f. As is seen in Figure 3, the flange 16b may extend radially outwardly from the radially outer extent of one of the flanges 16f. As can also be seen in Figure 3, the support plate apparatus 110 includes an actuator, which may take the form of an actuator cylinder 112 (which may be hydraulic or pneumatic, for example) and a backing plate member 114 controllably axially moved between two positions by this actuator, as will be explained. The backing plate 114 is the axially movable part of the support plate apparatus referred to above. In the implementation illustrated in Figure 3, the actuator cylinder 112 of the support plate apparatus 110 includes a housing member 112a (i.e., a cylinder in this case, although the invention is not so limited), and an extensible rod or shaft 112b controllably movable relative to this housing 112a. Since the actuator 112 is possibly hydraulic or pneumatic, those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts will understand that the rod 112b carries a piston (not illustrated) which moves within the housing 112a under the influence of pressurized hydraulic fluid or pressurized air, for example. In Figure 3 the support plate apparatus 110 is shown in a first or starting position.

In this starting position of the filling system 100, the actuator 112 of the support plate apparatus 110 is spacing the backing plate 114 away from the filling head 120. This spacing allows the bag container 10, including spout 16 and plug member 18 to be manually placed into the position illustrated in Figure 3.

Although it is not seen in Figure 3, those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts will understand that the pair of jaws 130 generally have confronting arcuate surfaces which may embrace the tubular body 16a when these jaws are received into the radially outwardly opening groove 16e. Thus, the spout 16 is placed into position on the jaws 130 and these jaws are closed (as is seen in Figure 4). After the jaws 130 are closed, both the backing plate

114 and the spout member 16 are axially moved into engagement with the bag 10, as is seen in Figure 4. That is, the jaws 130 are stationary, and the filling head 120 is moved to the left

(viewing Figure 3) so as to engage the end edge surface 16d of the spout member 16 with a sealing ring 120a carried by the filling head 120. In sequence or simultaneously, the backing plate 114 is moved rightwardly (viewing Figure 4) to engage a boss portion 114a into the bore 18c of the plug member 18. A flange portion 114b of the backing plate 114 engages against the plug member 18, as is more fully explained immediately below.

Plug member 18 is more particularly illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and is seen to include a hat-shaped body 18a having an end wall 18b closing a blind cylindrical bore 18c. The bore 18c opens outwardly on the body 18a at the end thereof opposite to the wall 18b. At this same end of the body 18a, a flange portion 18d extends radially outwardly on the body. This flange portion 18d is sealingly attached to the wall 12b at an opening 12e in wall 12b. The opening 12e is aligned with the bore 18c, and the openings 12d and 12e are aligned coaxially with one another (although they need not be the same size) so that the spout member 16 and plug member 18 are aligned with one another.

Thus, viewing Figure 4, it is seen that the spout 16 is first manually placed into contact with the jaws 130 (perhaps also engaging a pair of more of clamps with the bag 10 to assist in supporting it, as explained above), and the support plate 114 is moved by actuator 112 rightwardly (viewing Figure 4) to a second position to engage with the plug member 18. In this position of the support plate relative to the plug member 18, the boss portion 114a is received into bore 18c, and the flange portion 114b engages the body 18a. The filling head 120 also advances leftwardly (viewing Figure 4) to engage with the spout member. In this depicted position (viewing Figure 4), the spout member 16 is held sealingly against the sealing ring 120a, and the plug member 18 is still in its sealing position within the spout member 16. Thus, a substantially closed chamber 120b is cooperatively defined by the filling head 120, fitting member 16, and plug member 18, viewing Figure 4. On the filling head 120, are seen two steam fittings 122 and 122a. Steam fitting 122 is an inlet fitting through which steam (indicated by arrow 124) controllably enters the chamber 122b of filling head 120. The steam outlet fitting 122a allows steam and condensate (indicated by arrow 124a) to exit the filling head chamber 120b. Steam flowed through chamber 122b sterilizes the surfaces of spout 16 and plug member 18. As Figure 5 indicates, as this sterilizing steam flow is maintained, the plug member 18 may be allowed to be pushed out and to withdraw from within the spout 16 as a result of the applied steam pressure. That is, the pressure of the applied steam flow is utilized to push the plug member 18 out of spout

16, as the support plate apparatus 110 allows support plate member 114 to controllably withdraw leftwardly, viewing Figure 5. In view of this controlled withdrawal of the support plate member 114, it is understood that the support plate apparatus (and actuator 112 in particular) is not simply a bistable actuator, but is an actuator capable of controlled movement of the support plate member 114 between its first position seen in Figure 3 (and Figure 9), and the second position seen in Figure 4, in figure 5, in Figure 6, in Figure 7, and in Figure 8. In other words, the support plate apparatus (and actuator 112 in particular) can controllably position and maintain support plate member 114 in the extreme positions of the actuator, and in all positions in between these extreme positions. Continuing now with a consideration of Figure 5, it is seen that during this withdrawal of the support plate member 114, the jaws 130 maintain their engagement with the spout member 16, and the filling head 120 maintains axial force effecting sealing engagement of the spout member 16 with the sealing ring 120a of filling head 120.

After this steam sterilization of the spout 16, fitting 18, and chamber 120b is complete, a shut off valve plunger 126 of the filling head 120 is moved from a closed position (seen in Figures 3-5) to an opened position seen in Figure 6. Consequently, a head portion 126a of the shut off valve plunger 126 moves out of sealing engagement with a conduit portion 120c of the filling head 120, and liquid, semi-liquid, or paste-like product flows from a passage 120d of the filling head, past the head portion 126a of the shut off valve plunger 126, along the passage 16c of spout member 16, and into the chamber 14 of the bag container

10. This flow is indicated by arrows in Figure 6.

It is to be noted that during the product flow indicated in Figure 6, the plug member 18 is maintained on the boss 114a of the support plate member 114. Particularly, the flow pressure of the product flowing inwardly along the passage 16c, and impinging on the plug member 18 insures that this plug member is maintained on the boss 114a.

As Figure 7 illustrates, upon the completion of filling of the chamber 14 of bag container 10 by product flowed along passage 16c of the spout 16, the shut off valve plunger 126 is again advanced to its closed position, so that the sealing ring 126b on head portion

126a once again sealingly engages the conduit 120c of the filling head 120. Also, the plug member 18 is again advanced by the support plate apparatus into the end of the passage 16c adjacent to the flange 16b. However, as Figure 7 illustrates, a short time before the plug member 18 reenters the spout 16, the steam flow 124 is initiated again. This timed (i.e., sequenced in relation to the movements of the support plate member 114 toward reclosing the plug member 18 into the spout 16) steam flow both purges product from the chamber 120, and cleans the interior of the spout 16 (i.e., passage 16c) in preparation for entry of the plug

18. Once the plug 18 is pressed into the passage 16c (viewing Figure 8) of the spout 16 by the action of the advancing (i.e., moving rightwardly viewing Figures 7 and 8) support plate member 114, the sterilizing steam flow 124/124a is maintained in order to flush any remaining product from the chamber 120 via the outlet 122a.

Figure 9 shows the filled bag container 10 at the completion of the filling cycle, with the jaws 130 not yet opened, but with the support plate member 114 withdrawn axially to the left, and with the filling head 120 withdrawn axially to the right. Next, the jaws 130 are opened to release the spout member 16 (the pair or more of clamp members mentioned above will also then be released from their supporting engagement with the bag 10).

It will be noted viewing Figures 3-9 that the plug member 18 and support plate member 114 are free of any surfaces or features that would allow the support plate member to exert a pulling force on the plug member 18. That is, the support plate member 114 can support and guide the plug member 18, but cannot pull the plug member 18 out of the spout 16. In this embodiment, a fluid pressure (i.e., steam pressure, product pressure, or a combination of both) is utilized to push the plug member 18 out of the spout 16. Moreover, it will be appreciated that in addition to this pushing of plug member out of spout member 16 by the use of steam pressure, shut off valve plunger 126 could be opened earlier in the process cycle described above. The result would be that product fluid pressure (either alone or in combination with steam pressure) would be utilized to push the plug member 18 out of the fitting 16, and inwardly of the chamber 14. In each case, fluid pressure is utilized to expel the plug 18 from within the spout 16. The expelling motion of the plug 18 is controlled by controlled withdrawal of support plate 114 away from the filling head 120, as was explained above. Second Embodiment

Turning now to Figures 10-15 in conjunction with one another a second embodiment of a flexible bag container and filling system for use with this bag container is illustrated. Because this second embodiment of Figures 10-15 has many features which are similar or analogous to those of Figures 1-9, features of Figures 10-15 which are the same as or which are analogous in structure or function to those of Figures 1-9 are referenced with the same numeral used above, but increased by two hundred (200).

Figure 10 illustrates the bag container 210 and bag container filling system 300 in a starting position. The bag filling system 300 again consists of three main components, a support plate apparatus 310, a filling head 320, and a set of jaws 330. Again, a pair or more of clamps (not shown in the drawing Figures) may be employed in order to clamp the adjacent edge of the bag container 210 to support it and the weight of contents added to this bag container as the container is filled.

It will be noted that the plug member 218 in this case also defined an outwardly disposed truncated conical recess 218e. Further, the head portion 326a and the shut off valve plunger 326 itself both define a passage 326c. Movably received into this passage 326c is a plunger member 326d having a head portion 326e. A distal part 326f of this plunger member 326d defines a truncated conical surface which matches the recess 218e. In other respects, Figure 10 illustrates a preparatory step in the filling process for the flexible bag container 310, and the explanation of Figure 3 above is applicable.

Figure 11 shows a step in the process of filling the bag container 310 which is similar to that step illustrated and described above by reference to Figure 4, and reference may be had to that explanation given above.

However, viewing Figure 12, a contrast to Figure 5 above will be noted. Recalling Figure 5, it was there shown that the plug member 18 was expelled from the spout by force of steam pressure, with the support plate member 114 controllably withdrawing leftwardly to control this expelling of the plug member. In Figure 12, it is seen that in the second embodiment, the plunger member 326d moves axially forward to trap the plug member 218 against the support plate member 214. In this case, steam pressure in the chamber 320b need not be relied upon to expel the plug member 218 from within spout 216, although this steam pressure may, if desired, be used to assist in expelling the plug member. In the second embodiment, as is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 particularly, the plug member 218 is forced out of the spout 216 by advancing the plunger member 326d in synchronization with retraction leftwardly of the support plate member 314. Thus, the plug member 218 remains trapped between the opposed support plate member 314 and the plunger 326d. As is seen in Figure 13, either simultaneously with the leftward movement of the plunger member 326d and removal from the spout 216 of the plug 218, or thereafter, the shutoff plunger 326 is moved rightwardly to open the product flow path into the chamber 214 of the bag container 210 (product flow being illustrated by arrows in Figure 13)

Figure 14 illustrates that at the completion of the filling of product into the flexible bag container 210, the shutoff plunger 326 is moved back to its closed position. The plunger member 326d on the other hand, moves in synchronization with the rightward advancing of the support plate member 214 to bring the plug member 218 in close proximity to, but not yet entering, the spout 216. As was previously explained above, at this point, a purging steam flow 324 is commenced via the steam inlet 322, which flushes product from the chamber 320 into the chamber 214 of the container 210.

As Figure 15 illustrates, further rightward movement of the support plate member 214 moves the plug member 218 into the spout 216, whereupon, the plunger member 326d withdraws rightwardly back to its starting position of Figure 10. At this point, the support plate member 214 may withdraw further leftwardly, the filling head 320 is withdrawn rightwardly, and the jaws 330 can be opened to release the filled bag container 310. None of these concluding steps are shown in the drawing Figures for the second embodiment because they have been adequately illustrated and described with respect to the first embodiment of Figures 1-9.

Third Embodiment

Turning now to Figures 16-20 in conjunction with one another a third embodiment of a flexible bag container and filling system for use with this bag container is illustrated. Because this third embodiment of Figures 16-20 has many features which are similar or analogous to those of Figures 1-9, and to Figures 10-15 also, those features of Figures 16-20 which are the same as or which are analogous in structure or function to those features illustrated and described above are referenced with the same numeral used above, but increased by four hundred (400). Figure 16 illustrates a bag container 410 and bag container filling system 500 in a starting position. The bag filling system 500 again consists of three main components, a support plate apparatus 510, a filling head 520, and a set of jaws 530. Again, a pair or more of clamps (not shown in the drawing Figures) may be employed in order to clamp the adjacent edge of the bag container 410 to support it and the weight of contents added to this bag container as the container is filled.

It will be noted that the plug member 418 in this case does not define a blind bore

18c/218c as did the first and second embodiments, respectively. The plug member 418 in this embodiment is inserted into the spout 416 from within the inside of the bag 410, but is not secured to the opposing wall 412b of the bag container 410. In fact, the opposing wall 412b of the bag container 410 in this embodiment does not and need not have an opening within an area of sealing attachment of the opposing wall to at flange of the plug member 18/218, as was the case with the first and second embodiments. Further, the support plate member 514 includes a flange portion 514b, but does not have a boss portion (i.e., like portions 114a and 314a of the first and second embodiments).

The plug member 418 does define an end surface plane at 418f, disposed within the chamber 414 of the bag 410, and defines an outwardly disposed truncated conical recess 418e. The recess 418e is seen to be deeper than recess 218e of the second embodiment. Similarly, the head portion 526a and the shut off valve plunger 526 itself both define a passage 526c. Movably received into this passage 526c is a plunger member 526d having a head portion 526e. A distal part 526f of this plunger member 526d defines a truncated conical surface which matches the recess 418e. Thus, the distal part 526f of the plunger 526d and the truncated conical surface are both larger and deeper than was the case with the analogous features of the second embodiment. In other respects, Figure 16 illustrates a preparatory step in the filling process for the flexible bag container 510, and the explanation of Figures 3 and 10 above is applicable.

Figure 17 shows a step in the process of filling the bag container 510 which is similar to that step illustrated and described above by reference to Figure 11, and reference may be had to that explanation given above. However, viewing Figure 17, a contrast to Figure 11 above will be noted. Recalling Figure 11, it was there shown that the plug member 218 was expelled from the spout 216 by the plunger member 326d moving axially forward to trap the plug member 218 against the support plate member 314. In the second embodiment of Figures 10-15, the support plate member 314 included a boss 314a upon which the plug member was trapped. In order for the boss 314 to enter the blind bore 218c of the plug member, however, the opposing wall 212b of the bag 210 defines a hole, and the flange 218d of the plug member is sealingly attached to the wall 212b around the hole. In contrast, the plug member 418 is not attached to the opposing wall 412b, and this wall has no hole in it. Consistently with the second embodiment, however, in the third embodiment the plug member 418 is forced out of the spout 416 by advancing the plunger member 526d in synchronization with retraction leftwardly of the support plate member 514.

Thus, the plug member 418 remains trapped between the opposed support plate member 514 and the plunger 526d. As is seen in Figure 18, either simultaneously with the leftward movement of the plunger member 526d and removal from the spout 416 of the plug 418, or thereafter, the shutoff plunger 526 is moved rightwardly to open the product flow path into the chamber 414 of the bag container 410 (product flow being illustrated by arrows in Figure 18). Figure 19 illustrates that at the completion of the filling of product into the flexible bag container 410, the shutoff plunger 526 is moved back to its closed position. The plunger member 526d on the other hand, moves in synchronization with the rightward advancing of the support plate member 514 to bring the plug member 418 in close proximity to, but not yet entering, the spout 416. As was previously explained above, at this point, a purging steam flow 524 is commenced via the steam inlet 522, which flushes product from the chamber 520 into the chamber 414 of the container 410.

As Figure 20 illustrates, further rightward movement of the support plate member 514 moves the plug member 418 into the spout 416, whereupon, the plunger member 526e withdraws rightwardly back to its starting position of Figure 16. At this point, the support plate member 514 withdraws further leftwardly, the filling head 520 is withdrawn rightwardly, and the jaws 530 can be opened to release the filled bag container 410. These steps have been completed in Figure 20 (with the exception of opening the jaws 530).

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central attributes thereof. Because the foregoing description of the present invention discloses only particularly preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that other variations are recognized as being within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which has been described in detail herein.

Rather, reference should be made to the appended claims to define the scope and content of the present invention.

Claims

We CLAIM:

1. A flexible bag container comprising: a pair of opposed flexible walls sealingly attached to one another so as to form an expansible chamber therebetween; a tubular spout member attached to one of said pair of walls, said tubular spout member defining a through passage and defining an axis along the length of said through passage; a plug member attached to the opposing wall of said pair of walls, said plug member in a first position being received into and sealing closing said spout member, and said plug member moving inwardly of said chamber to a second position spaced from and opening said spout member, said plug member defining at least one axial recess opening axially of said plug member, and said at least one axial recess being free of engagement surfaces which would allow said plug member to be pulled from within said spout member.

2. The flexible bag container of Claim 1, wherein said plug member defines a pair of oppositely extending axial recesses each opening axially of said plug member, and each of said pair of axial recesses being free of engagement surfaces which would allow said plug member to be pulled from within said spout member.

3. The flexible bag container of Claim 1 wherein said at least one axial recess is at least in part conical.

4. The flexible bag container of Claim 1 wherein said at least one axial recess is of truncated conical shape.

5. The flexible bag container of Claim 2 wherein said pair of recesses are each of truncated conical shape.

6. The flexible bag container of Claim 1 wherein said tubular spout comprises: a tubular body; said passage forming an internal opening; and a flange portion extending radially outwardly on said tubular body.

7. The flexible bag container of Claim 1 wherein said plug member is sealingly attached to the other of said pair of walls in opposition to said spout member.

8. The flexible bag container of Claim 7 wherein said plug member includes a radially outwardly extending flange portion, and said other of said pair of walls being attached to said flange portion.

9. The flexible bag container of Claim 8 wherein said other of said pair of walls defines an opening, and said other of said pair of walls being sealingly attached to said flange portion of said plug member around said opening.

10. The flexible bag container of Claim 1 wherein said plug member is not attached to said the other of said pair of walls, and the other of said pair of walls is free of an opening aligned with said spout member.

11. A filling system for filling a flexible bag container having a spout member defining a through passage for inflow and outflow of contents to and from said container, said filling system comprising: a filling head sealingly engageable with said spout member to flow product into said flexible bag container; a support plate apparatus for supportingly interfacing with the plug member of the flexible bag container; jaws for engaging the spout member to retain the spout member in a selected axial position; and means for expelling said plug member forcefully from within said spout member to be supported on said support plate apparatus within said bag container.

12. The filling system of Claim 11 wherein said means for expelling said plug member forcefully from within said spout includes: means for cooperating with said spout with said plug member therein for defining a substantially closed chamber; and steam flow means for admitting pressurized steam into said substantially closed chamber so that the pressure of said steam expels said plug member from within said spout.

13. The filling system of Claim 12 wherein said support plate is arranged to controllably withdraw from said spout member as said plug member is expelled therefrom, so that said support plate member controls expelling of said plug member from within said spout member in response to said pressurized steam.

14. The filling system of Claim 11 further comprising said filling head including a shut-off plunger, in a first position, said shut off plunger cooperating with said spout member with said plug member therein to define said substantially closed chamber; and said shut off plunger controllably moving to a second position in said filling head to control product flow from said filling head into said bag container via said spout member.

15. The filling system of Claim 12 further comprising said steam flow means including a steam inlet passage for supplying steam to said substantially closed chamber.

16. The filling system of Claim 15 further comprising a steam outlet passage for controllably allowing steam to be purged from the interior of the filling head.

17. The filling system of Claim 11 wherein said means for expelling said plug member forcefully from within said spout includes: said filling head including a shut-off plunger, in a first position, said shut off plunger cooperating with said spout member with said plug member therein to define said substantially closed chamber; and said shut off plunger controllably moving to a second position in said filling head to control product flow from said filling head into said bag container via said spout member; said shut off plunger defining an axial bore, and a plunger member carried in said axial bore and aligning with said plug member; means for controllably moving said plunger member relative to said filling head and shut off plunger between a first position in which a distal part of said plunger member is adjacent to a head portion of said shut off plunger, and a second position in which said distal portion of said plunger member advances from said shut off plunger and engages with said plug member to push said plug member from said spout member and inwardly of said bag container.

18. A method of filling the flexible bag container, said flexible bag container including a pair of walls sealingly attached to one another so as to cooperatively define a chamber therebetween, a spout member sealingly attached to one of said pair of walls at an opening therein so as to allow product to flow into and from said chamber via said spout member, and a plug member sealingly received into and closing said spout member, said method comprising steps of: sealingly engaging said spout member with a filling head, and employing said filling head and spout member with said plug member therein to define a substantially closed chamber; forcefully expelling said plug member from said spout member inwardly of said bag container and into said chamber thereof; filling said chamber of said bag container with a selected volume of contents; and pushing said plug member once again into said spout member for a side thereof facing toward said chamber, to once again sealingly close said spout member.

19. The method in claim 18 further including the step of admitting steam to said substantially closed chamber before expelling said plug member from said spout member, and utilizing said steam to sterilize outwardly exposed surfaces of both said spout member and of said plug member.

20. The method in claim 19 wherein said steam is sufficiently pressurized to apply an axial force on said plug member, forcefully expelling said plug member from within said spout member.

21. The method in claim 20 further including the step of utilizing a support plate member to support said plug member allowing controlled expelling of said plug member from within said spout member in response to pressurized steam admitted to said substantially closed chamber.

22. The method in claim 18 further including the step of providing said filling head with a plunger member which aligns with said plug member and is controllably and forcefully axially movably; advancing said plunger member into engagement with said plug member to forcefully expel said plug member from within said spout member and inwardly of said chamber of said bag container.