EP1772379A1 - Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen - Google Patents

Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1772379A1
EP1772379A1 EP05256231A EP05256231A EP1772379A1 EP 1772379 A1 EP1772379 A1 EP 1772379A1 EP 05256231 A EP05256231 A EP 05256231A EP 05256231 A EP05256231 A EP 05256231A EP 1772379 A1 EP1772379 A1 EP 1772379A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flexible bag
mating component
filler
cavity
spout
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05256231A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gijs Geerlings
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Scholle IPN Corp
Original Assignee
Scholle Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scholle Corp filed Critical Scholle Corp
Priority to EP05256231A priority Critical patent/EP1772379A1/de
Publication of EP1772379A1 publication Critical patent/EP1772379A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B65D77/062—Flexible containers disposed within polygonal containers formed by folding a carton blank
    • B65D77/065—Spouts, pouring necks or discharging tubes fixed to or integral with the flexible container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/045—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles for filling flexible containers having a filling and dispensing spout, e.g. containers of the "bag-in-box"-type

Definitions

  • the invention relates in general to flexible bags, and more particularly, to a flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus which is capable of storing and dispensing large volumes of flowable material (such as a liquid) while facilitating filling thereof on conventional aseptic equipment generally utilized with relative small volume flexible bags.
  • flowable material such as a liquid
  • the invention comprises a flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus for large volumes having a flexible bag, a filler assembly and means for attaching the flexible bag to the filler assembly.
  • the flexible bag has a plurality of walls and at least one seal cooperating to define a cavity and a discharge opening to which a spout is attached.
  • the spout has a flange sealed to the discharge opening and a spout body extending therefrom.
  • the filler assembly has an elongated filler member having a first end and a second end.
  • the filler assembly defines a filler assembly cavity.
  • An inlet spout is positioned at the second end of the filler assembly which has a flange and an inlet opening body.
  • the flexible bag comprises a pillow type flexible bag having two overlaying walls which are joined about their periphery by four seals in a substantially rectangular configuration.
  • the adapter body includes an inner surface and an outer surface.
  • the first mating component is positioned on one of the outer and inner surfaces, and, wherein the coupling body includes an inner and an outer surface, the second mating component is positioned on the other of the outer and inner surfaces.
  • the elongated filler member comprises a loop having a seal extending along the length thereof and opposing end seals at each of the first end and second end.
  • first mating component of the adapter is positioned on the outer surface of the adapter body and the second mating component of the coupling is positioned on the inner surface of the coupling body.
  • first mating component comprises an outwardly extending annular flange and the second mating component comprises an inwardly extending annular flange.
  • the cavity of the flexible bag has a volume of between 200 and 24,000 liters, and more preferably between 200 and 1400 liters.
  • the elongated filler member is formed from a first type of material and the walls of the flexible bag are formed from a second type of material.
  • the first type of material and the second type of material are different.
  • the first type of material and the second type of material are not sealable to each other.
  • the invention further comprises a method of filling a flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus of a large volume on conventional aseptic filler equipment.
  • the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a flexible bag having a plurality of walls which cooperate with at least one seal to define a cavity, and having a spout providing ingress into the cavity; (b) sealing the spout; (c) providing an adapter mounted on the flexible bag, the adapter having a first mating component; (d) providing a filler assembly having an elongated filler member with an inlet spout positioned at a first end thereof; (e) providing a coupling mounted on a second, opposite end of the elongated filler member, the coupling having a second mating component; (f) mating the first mating component to the second mating component in a substantially fluid tight arrangement; and (g) filling the flexible bag cavity through the inlet spout of the elongated filler member.
  • the method further comprises the step of positioning the flexible bag within a rigid outer container prior to the step of filling the flexible bag cavity.
  • Figure 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing, in particular, the flexible bag in a collapsed configuration;
  • Figure 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing, in particular, the flexible bag in a filled configuration, without an outer rigid container;
  • Figure 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of an adapter of the attaching means of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 of the drawings is a perspective view of the filler assembly and the coupling of the attaching means of the present invention
  • Figure 4a of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of the filler assembly of the present invention, showing, in particular, the coupling of the attaching means;
  • Figure 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of the flexible bag of the present invention, showing in particular, the flexible bag retained within an outer rigid container and being filled through the filler assembly by a conventional aseptic filler;
  • Figure 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of the spout of the flexible bag of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 of the drawings is another embodiment of the flexible bag of the presenting invention, showing, in particular, the use of a gusseted flexible bag rather than a pillow-type bag.
  • the apparatus is intended for use in association with a bag in box configuration.
  • the bag may comprise a 200 to 1400 liter flexible bag that is fitted into an outer box, such as outer box 200 ( Figure 5).
  • the outer box has the footprint of a standard pallet and is attached to same.
  • the container may comprise a flexible bag having a volume of 24,000 liters which is normally housed in a 20 foot shipping container.
  • such a system provides for the use of standard filling equipment for the filling of rather large containers that would not otherwise be possible on the standard filing equipment , such as conventional aseptic fillers.
  • Flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus 10 includes flexible bag 20, filler assembly 40 and means 60 for attaching the flexible bag to the filler assembly.
  • Flexible bag 20 includes walls 22, seals 24, discharge opening 26 and spout 28.
  • walls 20 include front wall 21 and second wall 23. The two walls are positioned in an overlaying arrangement and secured to each other through seals 24 (in this case four intersecting seals 25a through 25d) which define cavity 31.
  • the flexible bag comprises a cubic configuration formed from four panels of material (two of which are gusseted) which are attached to each other through seals, a flexible bag commonly referred to as a gusseted flexible bag.
  • the flexible bag may comprise a cylindrical body section having two circular end caps, a flexible bag commonly referred to as a round bottom bag) The end caps are joined to the cylinders by way of seals.
  • other configurations are also contemplated, such as 6 panel cubic configurations, and the like.
  • the walls may be formed from a number of different materials including, but not limited to PE, PA, MetPET laminate or an EVOH coextrusion.
  • the flexible bags are pre-sterilized with Gamma radiation.
  • the materials selected must be suitable for that type of application.
  • the walls may be formed from a single sheet of uniform, laminated or co-extruded material.
  • multiple plies of material be utilized for each wall, wherein the multiple plies are attached to each other by way of the seals.
  • Seals 24 that join the respective walls to each other to define cavity 31 may be formed through a number of different processes. Indeed, such seals may be formed through the application of heat, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, among others. The particular method or process by which the seals are formed is not limited to those methods identified above.
  • Discharge opening 26 is shown in Figure 6 as comprising a substantially circular opening that extends through second wall 23 of the flexible bag 20.
  • the circular opening is positioned substantially between the seals 25b and 25d, closer to seal 25a.
  • the position of the opening may be varied.
  • the opening may have a configuration which is not circular, but which has a different shape (square, rectangular, elliptical, arbitrary, etc.). Any number of different configurations are contemplated.
  • Spout 28 is shown in Figure 6 as comprising flange 30, spout body 32 and cap 34.
  • Flange 30 comprises a substantially circular annular flange which is sealed circumferentially about discharge opening 26 of flexible bag 20. In the embodiment shown, the flange is positioned within cavity 31, and body 32 extends outwardly therefrom.
  • Body 32 comprises a substantially cylindrical body which has an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface may include a plurality of flanges, whereas the inner surface is generally quite smooth and in fluid communication with cavity 31.
  • Cap 34 may be provided to seal the cavity 31. The cap may be snapped onto the spout body, may be threaded onto the spout body, or may otherwise attach thereto. It will be understood that while the spout body is shown as a substantially cylindrical member, other shapes and configurations are likewise contemplated.
  • the discharge opening can be omitted, and the spout may be attached to the outer surface of the flexible bag.
  • the flexible bag forms a barrier precluding fluid communication between the spout and the cavity, until the flexible bag is pierced by a tap or other outside object.
  • a fitment, tap or other dispensing member may be attached to spout body 32.
  • Filler assembly 40 is shown in Figure 4 as comprising elongated filler member 42 and inlet spout 44.
  • Elongated filler member 42 comprises a substantially tubular member having a first end 46 and a second end 48.
  • the tubular member may be formed from a single wall which wherein the opposing edges are mated, seal 45 extends along the length thereof, and opposing end seals 47, 49 are employed, thereby defining cavity 50.
  • This single wall may comprise a single ply or multiple plies of material.
  • the material may be selected from the same group of materials identified above with respect to the flexible bag walls, with the understanding that these materials may be required to be suitable for Gamma radiation.
  • the range of materials suitable for each component vastly increases.
  • the elongated filler member is formed from the same material from which walls 22 are formed.
  • the composition of the materials may be different.
  • Inlet spout 44 is shown in Figure 4 as comprising inlet spout flange 52, inlet opening body 54 and inlet opening cap 56.
  • the inlet spout is positioned at or near second end 48 of the elongated filler member proximate or in place of an end seal.
  • the inlet spout flange 52 is sealed to the elongated filler member.
  • the body extends therefrom and includes structures (such as flanges and the like) for attachment to an outside filler device.
  • Cap 56 is positioned over the spout through an interference fit, coupling assemblies or a threaded fitting.
  • the inlet spout is substantially circular, however other embodiments are likewise contemplated.
  • the inlet spout is configured so as to be the same size as is conventionally utilized on smaller containers so that the user can utilize exactly the same equipment that would be utilized to filler smaller containers. It is contemplated that the inlet spout is formed from a material which is suitable for use with any number of different aseptic filling machines, utilizing any one of steam, a sterilent or a combination thereof.
  • Means 60 for attaching the flexible bag to the filler assembly comprises adapter 62 ( Figure 3) and coupling 64 ( Figures 4 and 4a).
  • Adapter 62 is mounted on the flexible bag, and includes adapter flange 66 and adapter body 68.
  • the adapter flange is sealed to one of walls 21 of the flexible bag.
  • the adapter body includes outer surface 74 and inner surface 76, to, substantially define a cylindrical body.
  • the outer surface includes first mating component 78 which may comprise a flange or other structure disposed on the outer surface of the adapter body. In the embodiment shown, the first mating component comprises flange 78a which extends circumferentially around the adapter body.
  • the coupling 64 is shown in Figures 4 as being mounted on the first end of the elongated tube member 42.
  • the coupling includes coupling flange 70 and coupling body 72.
  • the coupling flange is sealed to the filler assembly proximate the first end thereof.
  • Coupling body 72 provides fluid communication with cavity 50 of the filler assembly and includes outer surface 80 and inner surface 82. The two surfaces cooperate to define a substantially cylindrical configuration which shape-matingly engages adapter body 68.
  • the inner surface of the coupling body 72 includes second mating component 84.
  • the second mating component sealingly engages the first mating component in a shape-mating configuration.
  • such a connector is a snap fit to minimize user involvement and to simplify the overall connection.
  • the structure may require slight twisting between components to effectuate the mating engagement.
  • structures other than the disclosed flanges are contemplated for use, including, tab structures which twist and lock upon each other, for example.
  • the engagement of the adapter and the coupling of the attaching means establishes a substantially fluid-tight coupling and, in turn places cavity 31 and cavity 50 in fluid communication.
  • the shape of the first and second mating components is such that attachment can be achieved with substantially less force than detachment (i.e., a one way coupling). As such, disconnection of the two components may not be achieved without destruction of one or both of the adapter and the coupling.
  • the user first provides a suitable flexible bag 20 that is to be filled.
  • a suitable flexible bag 20 that is to be filled.
  • a container is large and positioned in another container (such as a corrugated container) which is coupled to, in many instances, a pallet or the like.
  • a container generally provides the rigidity necessary for such a large flexible container. Due to the size, weight and eventual positioning of such a flexible bag, the flexible bag is not readily positionable on certain filling equipment.
  • the user obtains a suitable filler assembly. It is contemplated that the filler assembly may be provided in a number of different size, shapes and/or lengths to accommodate a variety of different container and filler configurations.
  • the attaching means are employed.
  • the coupling mounted on the elongated tube member is interfaced with the adapter mounted on the flexible bag.
  • the first mating component 78 and the second mating component 84 engage each other to secure the adapter to the coupling. Due to the size configurations of each, the adapter and coupling form a substantially fluid tight engagement.
  • cap 56 is removed from inlet spout 44 and the nozzle of the filler 250 is placed in fluid communication with cavity 50.
  • Cavity 50 is, in turn, in fluid communication with cavity 31 of the flexible bag.
  • the cap is removed by the filling equipment, and the filling process is automated. Once filled, the cap is replaced, and the flexible bag is ready for shipment. The filler assembly remains attached to the flexible bag.
  • the user When discharge is desired, the user removes cap 34 from spout 28 and empties the contents within cavity 31.
  • the container can be emptied in any number of di fferent manners, including, but not limited to suction evacuation, volume alteration and/or gravity.
  • the present invention provides increased utility for flexible bags that are, generally due to size or configuration, unable to be filled through conventional filler equipment, through the use of a filler assembly. Moreover, the filler assembly is readily attachable to the flexible bag without minimal user and/or assembler intervention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
EP05256231A 2005-10-05 2005-10-05 Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen Withdrawn EP1772379A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05256231A EP1772379A1 (de) 2005-10-05 2005-10-05 Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05256231A EP1772379A1 (de) 2005-10-05 2005-10-05 Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1772379A1 true EP1772379A1 (de) 2007-04-11

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EP05256231A Withdrawn EP1772379A1 (de) 2005-10-05 2005-10-05 Flexibler Behälter und Befülleinrichtung zum aseptischen Befüllen

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016007818A1 (en) * 2014-07-10 2016-01-14 Scholle Corporation Spout assembly for a flexible bag

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4524563A (en) * 1981-12-10 1985-06-25 Tito Manzini & Figli S.P.A. Process and plant for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized, non-rigid containers
DE9000171U1 (de) * 1990-01-09 1990-02-22 Schäfer, Hermann, 3559 Hatzfeld Füll- und Verschließanlage
GB2310651A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-03 Rexam Packaging Ltd Aseptic packaging system and flexible bag therefor
US6053360A (en) * 1998-07-01 2000-04-25 Packaging Systems, Inc. Fitment for a flexible container
US6070624A (en) * 1997-10-09 2000-06-06 Packaging Systems, L.L.C. Service-line valve connector and spout valve
EP1132333A1 (de) * 2000-03-10 2001-09-12 Friesland Brands B.V. Vorrichtung zum Verbinden eines in Flüssigkeit enthaltenden Beutels an eine Maschine
US20050000594A1 (en) * 2003-07-03 2005-01-06 Williams Thomas J. Bridge and adapter for bag-in-box filler

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4524563A (en) * 1981-12-10 1985-06-25 Tito Manzini & Figli S.P.A. Process and plant for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized, non-rigid containers
DE9000171U1 (de) * 1990-01-09 1990-02-22 Schäfer, Hermann, 3559 Hatzfeld Füll- und Verschließanlage
GB2310651A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-03 Rexam Packaging Ltd Aseptic packaging system and flexible bag therefor
US6070624A (en) * 1997-10-09 2000-06-06 Packaging Systems, L.L.C. Service-line valve connector and spout valve
US6053360A (en) * 1998-07-01 2000-04-25 Packaging Systems, Inc. Fitment for a flexible container
EP1132333A1 (de) * 2000-03-10 2001-09-12 Friesland Brands B.V. Vorrichtung zum Verbinden eines in Flüssigkeit enthaltenden Beutels an eine Maschine
US20050000594A1 (en) * 2003-07-03 2005-01-06 Williams Thomas J. Bridge and adapter for bag-in-box filler

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016007818A1 (en) * 2014-07-10 2016-01-14 Scholle Corporation Spout assembly for a flexible bag
US9511907B2 (en) 2014-07-10 2016-12-06 Scholle Ipn Corporation Spout assembly for a flexible bag

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