U.S. patent application number 11/704774 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for shipping container for flowable material and flexible tank therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scholle Corporation. Invention is credited to David J. Bellmore.
Application Number | 20080190918 11/704774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39684951 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080190918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bellmore; David J. |
August 14, 2008 |
Shipping container for flowable material and flexible tank
therefor
Abstract
A shipping container for flowable material including a large
rigid shipping container and a flexible tank. The shipping
container has a substantially rectangular cubic configuration with
common attachment regions. The flexible tank is positionable within
the rigid shipping container. The flexible tank includes a
generally rectangular cubic configuration. At least certain
dimensions of the flexible tank corresponding to dimensions of the
large rigid shipping container so that the flexible tank has a
generally form fit retention within the large rigid shipping
container. The flexible tank further comprises a film which
together with a plurality of seals defines a substantially
rectangular cubic cavity. A dispensing means is provided which
extends through the film for selectively placing the cavity in
fluid communication with an outside dispenser. The film comprises a
layer comprising a co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn
minimize oxygen transmission within the film.
Inventors: |
Bellmore; David J.; (Aurora,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE WATSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP, PLC
3133 HIGHLAND DRIVE, SUITE 200
HUDSONVILLE
MI
49426
US
|
Assignee: |
Scholle Corporation
|
Family ID: |
39684951 |
Appl. No.: |
11/704774 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/1.6 ;
141/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/046 20130101;
B65D 2590/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/1.6 ;
141/313 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/22 20060101
B65D088/22 |
Claims
1. A shipping container for flowable material comprising: a large
rigid shipping container; a flexible tank positionable within the
rigid shipping container, the flexible tank including: a film
having a plurality of seals to define a cavity, and a dispensing
means for dispensing a flowable material positioned within the
cavity, the film comprising: a layer comprising a co-extruded blend
of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn minimize oxygen transmission within
the film.
2. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the film comprises a
thickness of at least 15 mils, and more preferably at least 35
mils.
3. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the shipping container
comprises a standard twenty foot shipping container.
4. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the cavity of the
flexible tank is between 10,000 and 30,000 liters.
5. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the film comprises a
co-extrusion with the layer comprising the product contact
layer.
6. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the layer of the film
further comprises at least one of EVOH, Nylon, PET, an oxygen
scavenger and anhydride-modified PE.
7. The shipping container of claim l wherein the film includes a
second layer comprising at least one of an LLDPE and an LDPE
material, the second layer positioned about the first layer.
8. The shipping container of claim 7 wherein the film further
includes a third layer comprising at least one of an LLDPE and an
LDPE material, the third layer positioned about the first layer
opposite the second layer.
9. The shipping container of claim 9 wherein the layer, the second
layer and the third layer are co-extruded.
10. The shipping container of claim 1 wherein the film has an OTR,
the OTR of the film being less than six cubic centimeters per one
hundred square inches per day, and wherein the film is at least 30
mils in thickness.
11. A flexible tank for use in association with a rigid shipping
container for the transport of flowable material, including oxygen
sensitive flowable material, comprising: a flexible tank
positionable within the rigid shipping container, the flexible tank
including: a film having a plurality of seals to define a cavity,
and a dispensing means for dispensing a flowable material
positioned within the cavity, the film comprising: a layer
comprising a co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn
minimize oxygen transmission within the film.
12. A shipping container for flowable material comprising: a large
rigid shipping container, the shipping container having a
substantially rectangular cubic configuration, the shipping
container having common attachment regions; a flexible tank
positionable within the rigid shipping container, the flexible tank
including a generally rectangular cubic configuration, at least
certain dimensions of the flexible tank corresponding to dimensions
of the large rigid shipping container so that the flexible tank has
a generally form fit retention within the large rigid shipping
container, the flexible tank further comprising: a film which
together with a plurality of seals defines a substantially
rectangular cubic cavity, and a dispensing means extending through
the film for selectively placing the cavity in fluid communication
with an outside dispenser, the film comprising: a layer comprising
a co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn minimize oxygen
transmission within the film.
13. The shipping container of claim 12 wherein the film comprises a
thickness of at least 30 mils and has an OTR of less than six cubic
centimeters per one hundred square inches per day.
14. The shipping container of claim 12 wherein the film includes a
second layer extending about the first layer and a third layer
extending about the second layer, the second and third layers
comprising at least one of an LLDPE and an LDPE material.
15. The shipping container of claim 12 wherein the large rigid
shipping container comprises a standard 20 foot container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates in general to shipping containers, and
more particularly, to a shipping container for flowable material
which comprises a large outer container (i.e., a common twenty foot
shipping container, or the like) and an inner flexible tank.
Furthermore, the invention is directed to a flexible tank used
within the shipping container.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Shipment of flowable material in large quantity over
relatively long distances has increased over the last few decades.
Whereas dry cargo has been essentially revolutionized in the last
40 years, with the introduction of the standard shipping container,
the ISO tank has remained the common mode of transporting flowable
materials.
[0005] In the past several years, however, there has been a move
toward the use of flexible tanks positioned and retained within
standard shipping containers for transporting relatively large
shipments of flowable materials. Among other reasons, such a system
allows for the use of conventional shipping containers, where a
tank, after use can be folded and stored. As containers are quite
standard, the folded flexible tanks can be shipped to a location,
whereas the bulky rigid standard containers can be obtained
locally.
[0006] Great logistical advantages can be achieved through the use
of flexible tanks within standard containers. Furthermore, a great
cost savings is realized inasmuch as the construction costs of ISO
tanks are typically quite expensive when compared to a standard
shipping container and a flexible tank.
[0007] While such advantages are leading a revolution in the
shipment of flowable materials, there have been drawbacks.
Generally, to insure safe travel of the flowable material, the
flexible tanks are relatively thick and heavy duty. Whereas
dispensing bag films may be on the order of 2-8 mils, the flexible
tanks associated with the present invention are substantially
thicker (i.e., at least approximately 15 mils and often
approximately 40 mils or greater). While thick films are required,
these films must have also possess qualities of flexibility,
resistance to shock, the resistance to flex cracking and the
ability to be sealed so as to form a substantially fluid-tight
cavity.
[0008] Typically, to achieve the desired strength and flexibility
characteristics, the predominantly used material has been LDPE and
LLDPE. Such a material exhibits relatively large oxygen
transmission rates (OTR). For example, the OTR for such films is
approximately on the order of twelve cubic centimeters per one
hundred square inches per day.
[0009] Such an OTR is quite high and can adversely affect the
quality of oxygen sensitive materials when shipped any appreciable
distances. For example, such an OTR makes the otherwise desirable
transport system less suitable for the satisfactory shipment of
wine from Australia to North America, or from Argentina to
Europe.
[0010] To avoid the degradation of the flowable material, one
solution is to use conventional ISO tanks, or, to first package the
wine into bottles or small dispensing bags (i.e., 3 to 10 liter).
There is a great increase in cost with either system. One
particular downside with the packaging of wine into smaller
dispensing bags prior to long-haul shipment is that the bags are
generally placed into small rigid paperboard boxes. In turn, if one
of the thousands of bags is compromised, generally a number of
rigid paperboard container of adjoining bags in the same shipment
are destroyed. Thus, even a small breach in one bag can ruin a
number of different bags in a single shipment.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
flexible tank which has an oxygen transmission rate suitable for
long haul shipment of oxygen sensitive materials.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
flexible tank which is suitable for long haul shipment of wine and
other oxygen sensitive materials.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a flexible
tank film which has a relatively low oxygen transmission rate (OTR)
for a relatively thick film.
[0014] 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
[0015] The invention is directed to a shipping container for
flowable material, in a first aspect. In particular, the shipping
container includes a large rigid shipping container, such as a
conventional twenty foot shipping container, and a flexible tank.
The flexible tank is positionable within the rigid shipping
container. The flexible tank includes a film having a plurality of
seals to define a cavity, and a dispensing means for dispensing a
flowable material positioned within the cavity. The film includes a
layer comprising a co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn
minimize oxygen transmission within the film.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the film
comprises a thickness of at least 15 mils, and more preferably at
least 30 mils.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the cavity of the flexible
tank is between 10,000 and 30,000 liters, and preferably at least
20,000 liters.
[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment, the film comprises a
co-extrusion with the layer comprising the product contact
layer.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the layer of the film further
comprises at least one of EVOH, Nylon, PET, an oxygen scavenger and
anhydride-modified PE.
[0020] In other embodiments, the film may include a second layer
comprising at least one of an LLDPE and an LDPE material. The
second layer is positioned about the first layer.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the film further
includes a third layer comprising at least one of an LLDPE and an
LDPE material. The third layer positioned about the first layer
opposite the second layer.
[0022] Preferably, the layer, the second layer and the third layer
are co-extruded.
[0023] Most desirably, the film has an OTR, the OTR of the film
being less than six cubic centimeters per one hundred square inches
per day, and wherein the film is at least 30 mils in thickness.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises
a flexible tank for use in association with a rigid shipping
container for the transport of flowable material. The flexible tank
comprises an oxygen sensitive flowable material. The flexible tank
is positionable within the rigid shipping container. The flexible
tank includes a film having a plurality of seals to define a
cavity, and a dispensing means for dispensing a flowable material
positioned within the cavity. The film comprises a layer having a
co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn minimize oxygen
transmission within the film.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises
a shipping container for flowable material which includes a large
rigid shipping container and a flexible tank positioned within the
rigid shipping container. The shipping container has a
substantially rectangular cubic configuration with common
attachment regions. The flexible tank is positionable within the
rigid shipping container. The flexible tank includes a generally
rectangular cubic configuration. At least certain dimensions of the
flexible tank corresponds to dimensions of the large rigid shipping
container so that the flexible tank has a generally form fit
retention within the large rigid shipping container. The flexible
tank further comprises a film which together with a plurality of
seals defines a substantially rectangular cubic cavity. A
dispensing means is provided which extends through the film for
selectively placing the cavity in fluid communication with an
outside dispenser. The film comprises a layer comprising a
co-extruded blend of HDPE and TPE, to, in turn minimize oxygen
transmission within the film.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the film comprises a thickness of
at least 30 mils and has an OTR of less than six cubic centimeters
per one hundred square inches per day.
[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the film includes a second
layer extending about the first layer and a third layer extending
about the second layer. The second and third layers comprising at
least one of an LLDPE and an LDPE material.
[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the large rigid shipping
container comprises a standard twenty foot container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a shipping
container having the flexible tank of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of a flexible
tank in the articulated configuration; and
[0032] FIG. 3 of the drawings is a partial enlarged cross-sectional
view of one embodiment of a film which is suitable for use in
association with the flexible tank of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a
shipping container for flowable material is shown generally at 10.
The shipping container includes a large rigid outer container 20
and inner flexible tank 30. The large rigid outer container
preferably comprises a standard twenty foot container. Typically,
such a container has a twenty foot length an eight foot width and
an eight foot, six inch height. This is commonly referred to as a
TEU, or twenty four equivalent unit. These types of containers have
a maximum payload of approximately 21,600 kg and a gross weight of
24,000 kg (with a volume of approximately 38,500 liters).
[0036] Such containers are popular and available virtually
everywhere in the world. Furthermore, other containers, such as
forty foot containers, forty-five foot containers, forty-eight foot
containers and fifty-three foot containers are likewise
contemplated, however, with most flowable material, a container
larger than the twenty foot container is typically heavier than the
permissible gross weight of the filled container. However, the
invention is not limited to any particular sized container, but is
quite suitable for conventional shipping containers.
[0037] Such containers include a rectangular cubic configuration
having a top surface 70, a bottom surface 72, opposing side
surfaces 74, 76, front surface 78 and back surface 80, all of which
cooperate to define inner space 85. The top surface 70 opposes the
bottom surface 72. One of the front surface 78 and the back surface
80 comprise a pair of doors 82, 84 which provide ingress to inner
space 85. Typically the doors are hinged about the edges of the
opposing side surfaces 74, 76 and include clasps and locking
mechanisms (not shown) to retain the doors in the closed
configuration.
[0038] The flexible tank 30 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising a
plurality of panels of film 40 which are sealed to each other by
way of seals 42 to form a substantially rectangular cubic
configuration. Specifically, the flexible tank comprises top
surface 90, bottom surface 92, opposing side surfaces 94, 95, front
surface 96 and back surface 98. Seals and/or folds define the
demarcation of the various panels of the flexible tank. Typically
the volume of the rigid outside container is on the order of
approximately 38,500 liters, and the flexible tank may have a
volume which is as large as inner space 85 (minus any volume taken
by the flexible tank film and other structures, and any other
necessary equipment. More typically, the volume of the flexible
tank is between 10,000 and 30,000 liters per TEU of the outer rigid
container, and more preferably at least 20,000 liters.
[0039] A dispensing means 46 is provided on one of the front and
back surfaces or on one of the top or bottom surfaces. The
dispensing means may comprise a spout having a fitment integrated
therewith or separately positioned thereon. The dispensing means
may comprise a plurality of spouts which are positioned in a
spaced-apart relationship along any one or more of the panels.
Indeed, it is contemplated that multiple spouts may be provided so
that one spout can be used for filling and another for removing the
flowable material. In other embodiments, multiple filling spouts
and dispensing spouts may be provided. Furthermore a vent (not
shown) is typically provided on the top of the flexible tank so as
to release any air captured within the cavity.
[0040] The dispensing means is positioned such that access can be
gained thereto when the flexible tank is positioned within the
rigid outer container. In many instances, a bottom discharge means
comprising a valve is utilized, while top discharge locations are
likewise contemplated. Of course, in other embodiments, where is
desirable to limit the access to the dispensing means, the
dispensing means can be moved away from the region proximate the
doors of the outer rigid container.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 3, the flexible tank film 40 most
preferably comprises a three layer co-extrusion having an outer
layer 54 comprising a low density polyethylene (LDPE) and/or a
linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) material, an inner layer 52
likewise comprising a LDPE and/or LLDPE material and a layer 50
comprising a blended high density polyethylene material (HDPE) and
a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Due to the rugged environment and
vast distances covered by such containers, the film comprises a
thickness of at least 15 mils, and more preferably at least 30 mils
or greater. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness is
approximately 40 mils wherein the outer layer 54 has a thickness of
approximately 7 mils, the inner layer 52 has a thickness of
approximately 7 mils, and the layer 50 has a thickness of
approximately 26 mils. As far as ratios, the different layers may
have relative thicknesses of 20/60/20, 5/90/5 as well as a number
of different ratios as well. Furthermore, carbon black may be
included in certain layers to provide an opaqueness to the flexible
tank.
[0042] Whereas HDPE, while a vastly improved oxygen barrier over
LDPE or LLDPE, lacks the necessary characteristics (strength,
ductility, flex cracking resistance, etc.) to be useful for such a
container, it has been found that, surprisingly, HDPE along with
TPE, in a blended co-extrusion yields a final layer which has a
vastly improved oxygen transmission as compared to LDPE or LLDPE,
while having strength, ductility, and flex cracking characteristics
which are substantially similar to LDPE/LLDPE. Additionally, and
again quite surprisingly, the combination of the blended HDPE and
TPE can be co-extruded with layers of LDPE and/or LLDEP. The
performance of the HDPE and TPE blend, especially for relatively
thick films has been rather unexpected. It will be understood that
in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize a single
layer co-extrusion of the blended HDPE and TPE where it forms the
product contact layer. It is also contemplated that a two layer
co-extrusion can be provided wherein the second layer comprises an
LDPE or LLDPE layer.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the HDPE and TPE blend comprises
a 60% HDPE to 40% TPE blend, while other combinations are likewise
contemplated. It will be understood that in certain formulations,
EVOH, Nylon, PET, oxygen scavengers and/or anhydride-modified
Polyethylene (PE) may be included in the blended HDPE and TPE.
Furthermore, additional layers may be present which include PE,
EVOH, Nylon, oxygen scavengers, PET and/or anhydride-modified PE.
It will be understood that certain of the layers may be laminated
onto the blended HDPE and TPE layer.
[0044] Whereas such large flexible tanks are formed from
.about.0.918 g/cc density butene, hexene and/or octene LLDPE, such
materials include a oxygen transmission rate (OTR) or approximately
twelve cubic centimeters per one hundred square inches per day. By
replacing the layer 50 with a HDPE and TPE blend of the present
invention, the OTR can be reduced to approximately five cubic
centimeters per one hundred square inches per day. Thus the OTR can
be reduced by a factor of two and a half. Indeed, a HDPE/TPE blend
has an OTR that is three to six times lower than LLDPE, while
having the same stiffness, as well as similar strength, flex crack
resistance and shock absorption.
[0045] In use, typically, the flexible tank is provided in a
collapsed condition. It is subsequently installed into a rigid
outer container. The two are sized such that the flexible tank fits
within the rigid outer container substantially snugly (while there
may be open space between the top of the flexible tank and the top
panel of the outer container.
[0046] Once fitted, structures may be provided to attach portions
of the flexible tank to the outer rigid container, to, in turn,
support the flexible tank in an articulated position when empty.
The flexible tank can then be filled through the dispensing means.
Once filled as desired, the flexible tank can be sealed and the
rigid outer container can be closed so as to preclude ingress into
the container.
[0047] The container can then be shipped to a destination as
desired. Once at a destination, the flexible tank can be emptied.
It may be emptied at once or in stages. Inasmuch as air is
typically not directed into the flexible tank, the flexible tank
collapses as it empties. Once emptied, the user can, if necessary,
disconnect the flexible tank from the outer container. Next, the
user can remove and discard the flexible tank.
[0048] Advantageously, a number of the flexible tanks can be
collapsed and placed into a single container. Subsequently, they
can be shipped in that container to a filling destination. Once at
the destination, containers can be obtained locally, and each
flexible tank can be articulated in a separate container. As such,
great advantages in shipping can be achieved over ISO tanks
inasmuch as the flexible tanks can be collapsed when not in use,
and the ubiquitous shipping containers can be sourced at the
filling location.
[0049] 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.
* * * * *