WO2010110886A2

WO2010110886A2 - Tap adapter for bag in box packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2010110886A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/000877
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Thurman; David Bellmore
Original assignee: Scholle Corporation
Priority date: 2009-03-23
Filing date: 2010-03-23
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: WO2010110886A3

Abstract

An adapter that is configured to couple a tap to a cap. The cap is attachable to a spout and includes an opening to provide for fluid communication with flowable material within the bag. The adapter includes an upper body and a probe body. The tap is coupled to the upper body and the probe body is extended through the cap and into fluid communication with the flowable material within the bag.

Description

TITLE

TAP ADAPTER FOR BAG IN BOX PACKAGING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/210,820 filed March 23, 2009, entitled "Tap Adapter for Bag In Box Packaging," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0003] The disclosure relates in general to bag in box packaging, and more particularly, to a tap adapter for bag in box packaging.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] The use of bag in box packaging is well known in the art. Typically, a bag

(often a pillow type bag) is provided with a spout that provides ingress into the cavity of the bag. Typically, a tap is applied to the spout and provides a manner in which to dispense flowable material from within the bag.

[0006] With other bag in box packaging, a cap is provided over the spout. The cap includes an opening which permits the attachment of a probe dispenser (such as an elongated flexible tubular member or the like). Generally the opening includes an elongated tubular member. A cover is provided which can selectively cover the opening to selectively allow for access to the opening.

[0007] It has been found that it is desirable in certain instances to apply a tap to the bag while retaining the advantages of the cap. Currently, the opening of the cap is not suitable for receipt and retention of a tap, as the body of the tap and the elongated tubular member of the opening of the cap are not capable of fluid engagement without leaking.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] The disclosure is directed to an adapter for coupling a cap with a tap. The cap is positioned on a spout and has a cap opening extending therethrough. The tap is configured for direct engagement with the spout, and has an inlet which is larger than the cap opening. The adapter includes an upper body and a probe body. The upper body has a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a central bore. The central bore is configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the tap. The probe body has an outer surface configured to sealingly engage the cap opening, a central bore in fluid communication with the central bore of the upper body and an opening at a distal end of the probe body. The probe body further includes a locking flange configured to engage the cap opening, and to preclude inadvertent disengagement of the probe body from the cap opening upon insertion thereinto. [0009] In a preferred embodiment, the probe body further includes a piercing tip positioned at the distal end of the probe body.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the central bore of the upper body is substantially larger than the central bore of the probe body.

[0011] In another embodiment, the central bore of the upper body comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter which is substantially identical to a diameter of the spout.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the opening of the distal end comprises a plurality of openings at the distal end of the probe body extending through the outer surface of the probe body, and an opening extending in a downward direction. [0013] Preferably, the upper body includes an outer surface having at least one flange extending therearound.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a container system which includes a bag, a cap, a tap and an adapter. The bag is formed from a plurality of panels being sealed together to form a substantially fluid tight cavity. A spout is coupled to the bag and provides ingress into the substantially fluid tight cavity. The spout has a cylindrical tubular member extending from the bag. The cylindrical tubular member has an inside surface and a distal end. The cap has a body with a plurality of downwardly projecting flanges. The flanges cooperate to sealingly engage the distal end of the cylindrical tubular member of the spout. A central opening with an elongated cap tubular member extends from the central opening. The tap has an outlet selectively actuatable by a user to withdraw product therefrom and an inlet. The adapter is configured to place the outlet of the tap in fluid communication with the cavity of the bag. The adapter includes an upper body having a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a central bore. The central bore is configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the tap. The probe body has an outer surface configured to sealingly engage the cap opening, a central bore in fluid communication with the central bore of the upper body and an opening at a distal end of the probe body. The probe body further includes a locking flange configured to engage the elongated cap tubular member of thecap opening. The locking flange precludes inadvertent disengagement of the probe body from the cap opening upon insertion into the elongated cap tubular member of the cap opening. [0015] Preferably, the probe body further includes a piercing tip positioned at the distal end of the probe body. , [0016] In one embodiment, the central bore of the upper body is substantially larger than the central bore of the probe body.

[0017] In another embodiment, the central bore of the upper body comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter which is substantially identical to a diameter of the spout.

[0018] Preferably, the opening of the distal end comprises a plurality of openings at the distal end of the probe body extending through the outer surface of the probe body, and an opening extending in a downward direction.

[0019] In one such embodiment, the upper body includes an outer surface having at least one flange extending therearound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein: [0021] Figure 1 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention, showing, in particular, assembly thereof with a cap and a tap; [0023] Figure 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention, showing, in particular, assembly thereof with a cap and a tap;

[0024] Figure 4 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention, showing, in particular, assembly thereof with a cap and a tap and a larger opening in the cap;

[0025] Figure 5 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the adapter of the present invention, showing, in particular, assembly thereof with a cap and a tap, with a larger opening in the cap;

[0026] Figure 6 of the drawings is a top plan view of a bag for use with the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 7 of the drawings is a partial side elevational view of a spout coupled to a bag configured for use with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0028] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

[0029] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters.

In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0030] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, the adapter apparatus is shown generally at 10. The adapter apparatus is configured to adapt a conventional tap, such as tap 100 to a conventional cap, such as cap 200. The tap is commonly available from the Scholle Corporation under the product name NR8. The cap

200 is conventionally available from Scholle Corporation under the product name Sentry.

Of course, other taps and caps are contemplated for use, and these caps are shown merely for illustrative purposes, and are not deemed to be limiting.

[0031] The adapter includes upper body 20 and probe body 22. Typically the adapter body is formed from a polymer material which is compatible with the flowable material within the container as well as the container materials themselves. The upper body 20 and the probe body 22 are generally integrated into a single casting.

[0032] The upper body 20 includes outer surface 30, inner surface 32, top end 34, lower surface 36 and central bore 38. The upper body is mated to the probe body at the lower surface 36 thereof. The inner surface 32 defines the central bore 38. Top end 34 includes upper lip 42 that extends about the upper edge of the top end. Generally, the upper lip, the body flange and the lower surface are substantially parallel to each other. [0033] The probe body is shown in Figure 1 as comprising outer surface 50, having upper end 52 and lower end 54. The outer surface includes upper seal 64, lower seal 66 and locking flange 68. A piercing tip 58 is positioned at the lower end 54 of the probe body 22. Within the piercing tip 58 lies a lower opening 60. Side openings 62 are positioned around the lower end of the probe body and along with the side openings and the lower opening provide fluid communication to a central bore 56.

[0034] In operation, and with reference to Figure 6, a user first provides a bag

300. Generally, such a bag 300 comprises a pillow type container having two overlying panels 302, 304. The two panels 302, 304 are coupled to each other by way of a plurality of seals 306. The seals cooperate to seal the two panels together and to provide a fluid tight cavity therebetween.

[0035] With reference to Figure 7, a spout, such as spout 400 is provided and coupled to the bag. Typically, the spout includes a base flange 402 and a cylindrical tubular member 404 extending therefrom. The tubular member includes an outer surface 406 and an inner surface 408, and, terminates distally from the base flange 402 at distal end 410. A plurality of grasping flanges 412 can be disposed along the outer surface 406, typically substantially parallel to the base flange 402.

[0036] The spout 400 is coupled to the bag 300 by providing an opening 308 on one panel of the bag. Typically, the spout is directed from the inside of the bag through the opening and the upper surface of the base flange is welded to the bag about the outer perimeter of opening 308. In other embodiments, the base flange 402 can be coupled to the outside of the bag. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular bag structure or to any particular spout, or, to any particular manner in which the spout and the bag are coupled.

[0037] The cap 200 is shown in Figure 3 as comprising body 202 downward flanges 204, 206 which cooperate to define spout engaging channel 208. An opening 210 is disposed on the body 202 and an elongated cap tubular member 212 extends downwardly therefrom terminating at cap tubular member distal end 214. The opening may be of a number of different sizes, in which case, the adapter is available in a plurality of probe body sizes. Additionally, the elongated cap tubular member can be any one of a number of different lengths. A cover member 216 is hingedly attached to the body 202 and can be selectively placed over opening 210. A hermetic seal can be formed between the cover member and the opening. [0038] The cap 200 may be of the type that is shown in either one of U.S. Pat.

Nos. 7,387,220 and 7,357,277 both of which are assigned to Scholle Corporation and both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Of course, the cap is not limited to either of such configurations, and, instead a number of different configurations of the cap are contemplated. [0039] The tap 100 may be of the type that is shown in any one of U.S. Pat. Nos.

7,240,81 1 ; 6, 138,878; 7,373,959; 6,296,157; 6,978,981 and 4,619,377. Generally speaking, and with reference to Figure 3, the tap includes a user controllable outlet 102 which can be controllably actuated by an actuator 103 which may be a pushbutton, a lever, a rotating cylinder or the like to dispense fluid into a container. The other end thereof includes, typically, a larger inlet 104 which is cylindrical in nature and includes an outer surface. The outer surface is configured to interface with an inner surface of a spout to sealingly engage the same. The larger inlet 104 is generally substantially larger than the opening 210 extending through the body 202 of the cap 200. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particular tap or to the taps illustrated herein, and, other taps, are likewise contemplated for use.

[0040] When the user is desirous of utilizing a tap, such as tap 100, with a bag

300 having a cap 200, it is necessary to utilize the adapter apparatus 10. The user merely inserts larger tap inlet 104 of tap 100 into the central bore 38 of the upper body 20, coupling the two together. Generally, the tap 100 includes flanges, which seal the tap to the central bore, and which preclude the seepage of fluid therebetween. [0041] Once the tap and the adapter are assembled, the adapter is coupled to the cap 200. In particular, the user extends the probe body 22 through the opening of the cap so that both the upper seal 64 and the lower seal 66 engage and seal against the bore of the opening. Upon full insertion, the locking flange 68 engages the bottom end of the bore of the opening, thereby locking the adapter to the cap.

[0042] At this stage the tap is coupled to the bag and the tap has direct fluid communication with the flowable material within the bag. The tap can then be used to selectively dispense the flowable material as desired.

[0043] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An adapter for coupling a cap, positioned on a spout, the cap having a cap opening extending therethrough, with a tap that is configured for direct engagement with the spout, and having an inlet which is larger than the cap opening comprising: - an upper body having a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a central bore, the central bore is configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the tap; and

- a probe body having an outer surface configured to sealingly engage the cap opening, a central bore in fluid communication with the central bore of the upper body and an opening at a distal end of the probe body, the probe body further including a locking flange configured to engage the cap opening, and to preclude inadvertent disengagement of the probe body from the cap opening upon insertion thereinto.

2. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the probe body further includes a piercing tip positioned at the distal end of the probe body.

3. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the central bore of the upper body is substantially larger than the central bore of the probe body.

4. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the central bore of the upper body comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter which is substantially identical to a diameter of the spout.

5. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the opening of the distal end comprises a plurality of openings at the distal end of the probe body extending through the outer surface of the probe body, and an opening extending in a downward direction.

6. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the upper body includes an outer surface having at least one flange extending therearound.

7. A container system comprising:

- a bag formed from a plurality of panels being sealed together to form a substantially fluid tight cavity, and a spout coupled to the bag and providing ingress into the substantially fluid tight cavity, the spout having a cylindrical tubular member extending from the bag, the cylindrical tubular member having an inside surface and a distal end;

- a cap having a body with a plurality of downwardly projecting flanges, the flanges cooperating to sealingly engage the distal end of the cylindrical tubular member of the spout, and having a central opening with an elongated cap tubular member extending therefrom;

- a tap having an outlet selectively actuatable by a user to withdraw product therefrom and an inlet; and

- an adapter for placing the outlet of the tap in fluid communication with the cavity of the bag, comprising:

- an upper body having a generally cylindrical inner surface defining a central bore, the central bore is configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the tap; and

- a probe body having an outer surface configured to sealingly engage the cap opening, a central bore in fluid communication with the central bore of the upper body and an opening at a distal end of the probe body, the probe body further including a locking flange configured to engage the elongated cap tubular member of the cap opening, and to preclude inadvertent disengagement of the probe body from the cap opening upon insertion thereinto.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the probe body further includes a piercing tip positioned at the distal end of the probe body.

9. The system of claim 7 wherein the central bore of the upper body is substantially larger than the central bore of the probe body.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the central bore of the upper body comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter which is substantially identical to a diameter of the spout.

11. The system of claim 7 wherein the opening of the distal end comprises a plurality of openings at the distal end of the probe body extending through the outer surface of the probe body, and an opening extending in a downward direction.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein the upper body includes an outer surface having at least one flange extending therearound.