EP1772379A1

EP1772379A1 - Flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus suitable for aseptic filling

Info

Publication number: EP1772379A1
Application number: EP05256231A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gijs Geerlings
Original assignee: Scholle Corp
Current assignee: Scholle IPN Corp
Priority date: 2005-10-05
Filing date: 2005-10-05
Publication date: 2007-04-11

Abstract

A flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus for large volumes having a member attaching the flexible bag to the filler assembly. The flexible bag has a plurality of walls and at least one seal cooperating therewith to define a cavity, a discharge spout and a spout body. The filler assembly has an elongated filler member having an inlet spout positioned at the second end of the filler assembly. The attaching member includes an adapter mounted on the flexible bag and a coupling mounted on the first end of the elongated filler member. The adapter has a first mating component and the coupling has a second mating component, whereupon mating of the first mating component with the second mating component, a substantially fluid tight seal is created.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
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.
2. Background Art
It is known that flexible bags which are to dispense large volumes offlowable material are generally unsuitable for aseptic filling on conventional equipment, and generally require specific large bag aseptic equipment. This is generally due to the fact that such flexible bags generally are capable of holding 200 to 1400 liters of fluid, or more, and the filling spout may move between a meter or more during the filling process. Conventional aseptic filling equipment is generally suitable for relatively small flexible bags and incapable of filling bags of large volume having such drastic changes in configuration during the filling process.
To overcome the foregoing drawbacks and to facilitate the filling of large volume flexible bags on conventional aseptic filling equipment, solutions have been found which heat seal a filling tube to the flexible bag such that the bag can be filled remotely through the filling tube. One such example is shown in UK Patent Application GB 2310651 A applied for by Rexam Packaging Limited. While this solution has been an improvement, there are nevertheless drawbacks with such a configuration. First, the formation of a filling tube and the heat sealing of the tube to a flexible bag of large volume has proven to be quite labor intensive. Moreover, it is often difficult to properly attach the filling tube to the remainder of the container. Furthermore, filling difficulties can be encountered due to the flexible nature of the filling tube and the flexible nature of the bag. Finally, the flexible tube and the flexible bag must be of compatible material, otherwise, the two components cannot be heat sealed together.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide for a flexible bag and a connector which facilitates the attachment of a flexible bag of large volume to a conventional aseptic filler.
It is another object of the invention to provide for a simplified attachment structure between a filler assembly and a flexible bag suitable for large volume storage and dispensing.
These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 attaching means comprises an adapter mounted on the flexible bag and a coupling mounted on the first end of the elongated filler member. The adapter has an adapter body having a first mating component. The coupling has a coupling body having a second mating component. Upon mating of the first mating component with the second mating component, a substantially fluid tight seal is created therebetween, thereby providing fluid communication between cavity of the flexible bag and the cavity of the filler assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, 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.
In another preferred embodiment, 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.
In yet another preferred embodiment, 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.
In another preferred embodiment, the 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. In such a preferred embodiment, the first mating component comprises an outwardly extending annular flange and the second mating component comprises an inwardly extending annular flange.
In a preferred embodiment, the cavity of the flexible bag has a volume of between 200 and 24,000 liters, and more preferably between 200 and 1400 liters.
In another preferred embodiment, 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. In one such embodiment, 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.
In a preferred embodiment, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
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; and
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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
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.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus is shown generally at 10. Typically, the apparatus is intended for use in association with a bag in box configuration. For example, 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). In certain instances, the outer box has the footprint of a standard pallet and is attached to same. In certain embodiments, the container may comprise a flexible bag having a volume of 24,000 liters which is normally housed in a 20 foot shipping container. As explained, 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. Inasmuch as the flexible bag shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a pillow-type container, 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 invention is not limited to a pillow-type container. Another embodiment is shown in Figure 7, wherein 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. In other configurations 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. Of course , 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. In many embodiments, the flexible bags are pre-sterilized with Gamma radiation. As such, the materials selected must be suitable for that type of application. In certain embodiments, the walls may be formed from a single sheet of uniform, laminated or co-extruded material. In other embodiments, 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. In the embodiment shown and with reference to Figure 1, the circular opening is positioned substantially between the seals 25b and 25d, closer to seal 25a. In other embodiments, the position of the opening may be varied. In still other embodiments, 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.
In certain embodiments, the discharge opening can be omitted, and the spout may be attached to the outer surface of the flexible bag. In such an embodiment, 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. In other configurations, instead of a cap, 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.
Significantly, inasmuch as the flexible bag and the elongated filler member are not sealed to each other, the range of materials suitable for each component vastly increases. For example, the elongated filler member is formed from the same material from which walls 22 are formed. In other embodiments, while both the walls and the elongated filler member are formed from a flexible polymer material, 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. In the embodiment shown, the inlet spout is substantially circular, however other embodiments are likewise contemplated. Preferably, 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. As is also shown in Figure 4a, 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. Thus, a mechanical connection is established between the adapter and the coupling which does not require any sealing of components. Preferably, such a connector is a snap fit to minimize user involvement and to simplify the overall connection. In other embodiments, the structure may require slight twisting between components to effectuate the mating engagement. Of course structures other than the disclosed flanges are contemplated for use, including, tab structures which twist and lock upon each other, for example.
In the embodiment shown 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. In the embodiment shown, 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.
In operation, the user first provides a suitable flexible bag 20 that is to be filled. Generally, such 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. Such 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. To facilitate the filling of the flexible bag by such 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.
Once the proper filler assembly is chosen, the attaching means are employed. In particular, 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.
As is shown in Figure 5, once engaged, 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. In many embodiments, 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.
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.
Advantageously, 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.
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

A flexible bag and filler assembly apparatus for large volumes comprising:
- a flexible bag having a plurality of walls and at least one seal cooperating to define a cavity, a spout having a flange is sealed to one of the plurality of walls and a spout body extends therefrom;

- a filler assembly having an elongated filler member having a first end and a second end, the filler assembly defining a filler assembly cavity, an inlet spout is positioned at the first end of the filler assembly, the inlet spout having a flange and an inlet opening body; and

- means for attaching the flexible bag to the filler assembly, the attaching means comprising an adapter mounted on the flexible bag and a coupling mounted on the second end of the elongated filler member, the adapter having an adapter body having a first mating component, and the coupling having a coupling body having a second mating component,

- whereupon mating of the first mating component with the second mating component, a substantially fluid tight seal is created therebetween, thereby providing fluid communication between cavity of the flexible bag and the cavity of the filler assembly.
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein 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 apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein 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 apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first mating component of the adapter is positioned on the outer surface of the adapter body and wherein the second mating component of the coupling is positioned on the inner surface of the coupling body.
The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the first mating component comprises an outwardly extending annular flange and wherein the second mating component comprises an inwardly extending annular flange.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 3 wherein 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.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cavity of the flexible bag has a volume of between 200 and 24,000 liters, and more particularly, to a volume of between 200 and 1400 liters.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein 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, and wherein the first type of material and the second type of material are different.
The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the first type of material and the second type of material are not sealable to each other.
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the flexible bag comprises one of a gusseted flexible bag and a round bottom flexible bag.
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:
- 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;

- sealing the spout;

- providing an adapter mounted on the flexible bag, the adapter having a first mating component;

- providing a filler assembly having an elongated filler member with an inlet spout positioned at a first end thereof;

- providing a coupling mounted on a second, opposite end of the elongated filler member, the coupling having a second mating component;

- mating the first mating component to the second mating component in a substantially fluid tight arrangement; and

- filling the flexible bag cavity through the inlet spout of the elongated filler member.
The method according to claim 11 further comprising the step of: positioning the flexible bag within a rigid outer container prior to the step of filling the flexible bag cavity.