U.S. patent application number 14/911153 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for container for transporting and storing a liquid.
This patent application is currently assigned to BASF SE. The applicant listed for this patent is BASF SE. Invention is credited to RIchard GARNETT, Robert HUBER, Harald KROEGER, Roy METCALF, Juan SASTURAIN.
Application Number | 20160185494 14/911153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51355534 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160185494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SASTURAIN; Juan ; et
al. |
June 30, 2016 |
Container for Transporting and Storing a Liquid
Abstract
A container is provided which allows for draining the liquid via
one of the openings of the cap and allows for venting the container
simultaneously via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously,
also rigid containers, even large sized ones, can be used due to
the venting function provided by the dual function closure of the
container and the cap. In other words, a container with a dual
function closure comprised by the cap itself is presented which
facilitates draining and venting the container. The cap comprises a
locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a
coupling device. Thus, engaging a locking interface of the coupling
device with the locking means of the cap such that the coupling
device and the cap of the container are fixed is comprised. This
provides a secure and reliable fastening means. Advantageously, the
cap can be permanently fixed to the container, i.e. before, during
and after draining, venting and/or washing the container. Further,
such a container comprising the cap with the two closure inserts
facilitates that upon disconnecting the container from a coupling
device an automatic resealing of the container is caused. The
container as presented herein facilitates the provision and use of
a valuable closed transfer system for transferring the liquid from
the container. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention provides
for a reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently
fixed at the container.
Inventors: |
SASTURAIN; Juan;
(Limburgerhof, DE) ; HUBER; Robert; (Limburgerhof,
DE) ; METCALF; Roy; (Surrey, GB) ; KROEGER;
Harald; (Boehl-Iggelheim, DE) ; GARNETT; RIchard;
(Hereford, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BASF SE |
Ludwigshafen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
BASF SE
Ludwigshafen
DE
|
Family ID: |
51355534 |
Appl. No.: |
14/911153 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
August 14, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/067405 |
371 Date: |
February 9, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/1 ;
220/254.1; 220/254.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/14 20130101;
B65D 43/0277 20130101; B65D 45/02 20130101; B67D 7/0288 20130101;
B67D 1/0802 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/14 20060101
B65D047/14; B65D 45/02 20060101 B65D045/02; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 14, 2013 |
EP |
13180473.4 |
Aug 14, 2013 |
EP |
13180477.5 |
Aug 14, 2013 |
EP |
13180478.3 |
Jun 16, 2014 |
EP |
14172542.4 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A container for transporting and storing a liquid and with a
dual function closure, the container comprising: a container body
with at least one inlet opening; and a springless cap for closing
the inlet opening of the container body; wherein the cap is
attached to the inlet opening of the container body; wherein the
cap comprises a first opening and a second opening; wherein the cap
comprises a first closure insert and a second closure insert;
wherein the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential
wall; wherein the first circumferential wall comprises a first
shoulder; wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second
circumferential wall; wherein the second circumferential wall
comprises a second shoulder; wherein the first closure insert
releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first
opening is fluid tightly closed; wherein the second closure insert
releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second
opening is fluid tightly closed; and wherein the cap comprises a
locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a
coupling device.
22. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a plant
protection container for transporting and storing a plant
protection chemical, and wherein the container body contains a
plant protection chemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant.
23. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a food
and/or beverage container for transporting and storing food and/or
beverage, and wherein the container body contains a food or
beverage.
24. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is
positioned at the top surface of the cap.
25. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is
embodied as a protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is configured
to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the coupling
device.
26. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is
configured as a first part of a bayonet mount for being engaged
with a second part of the bayonet mount at the coupling device.
27. The container of claim 21, wherein the first opening has a
first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter, and
wherein the first and second diameters are different from each
other.
28. The container of claim 21, wherein the first and the second
closure insert each engage with the corresponding shoulder such
that upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts towards a
bottom of the container body said closure insert disengages with
the corresponding shoulder to be in a disengaged configuration, and
wherein upon axially pulling said closure insert from the
disengaged configuration and in a direction away from the bottom of
the container body said closure insert re-engages with the
corresponding shoulder such that the corresponding opening is again
fluid tightly closed.
29. The container of claim 21, wherein the first closure insert
comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall; wherein the
second closure insert comprises at least one radially deformable
sidewall; wherein the radially deformable sidewall of the first
closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the first
shoulder; and wherein the radially deformable sidewall of the
second closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the
second shoulder.
30. The container of claim 21, wherein the cap comprises a tamper
evident cap on top of the first and second openings and/or a tamper
evident band attached to a rim of the cap.
31. The container of claim 21, wherein the container comprises a
thread and the cap comprises a thread for being threadedly engaged
with each other; and wherein the thread of the cap is embodied as
an external thread.
32. The container of claim 21, further comprising a dip tube, and
wherein the first circumferential wall comprises a circumferential
groove in which the dip tube is inserted.
33. A system for draining and venting a container, the system
comprising: a coupling device configured to be mechanically coupled
to a springless cap of the container to be in a coupled
configuration; the coupling device comprising: a first probe
configured to be inserted into a first opening of the cap; and a
second probe configured to be inserted into a second opening of the
cap; wherein the coupling device is configured, when in the coupled
configuration, to disengage a first closure insert of the cap from
a first shoulder of the cap by axially pushing the first closure
insert with the first probe; and wherein the coupling device is
configured, when in the coupled configuration, to disengage a
second closure insert of the cap from a second shoulder of the cap
by axially pushing the second closure insert with the second probe;
and a locking interface configured for locking the coupling device
with the cap of the container.
34. The system of claim 33, the system comprising a container for
transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function
closure.
35. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is
embodied as a locking collar comprising a protrusion.
36. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is
configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for being engaged
with a first part of the bayonet mount at the cap of the
container.
37. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is
configured as a rotatable element which is at least partially
rotatable around the first and second probe of the coupling
device.
38. The system of claim 33, the coupling device comprising: a first
sleeve configured to cover a first extraction aperture of the first
probe; a first spring exerting a force onto the first sleeve
forcing the first sleeve towards a position in which the first
extraction aperture is covered by the first sleeve; a second sleeve
configured to cover a second extraction aperture of the second
probe; and a second spring exerting a force onto the second sleeve
forcing the second sleeve towards a position in which the second
extraction aperture is covered by the second sleeve.
39. The system of claim 33, wherein the first probe comprises a
first extraction aperture and a first inner channel which is
connected to the first extraction aperture; wherein the first probe
has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the first
closure insert, such that upon pushing the first probe onto the
first closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the
first closure insert when in its engagement with the first shoulder
and upon further pushing of the first probe onto the first closure
insert forces the first closure insert off its engagement with the
first shoulder such that the first extraction aperture is
accessible from an inner volume of the container body; wherein the
second probe comprises a second extraction aperture and a second
inner channel which is connected to the second extraction aperture;
and wherein the second probe has a coupling front section adapted
to couple with the second closure insert, such that upon pushing
the second probe onto the second closure insert, the coupling front
section couples with the second closure insert when in its
engagement with the second shoulder and upon further pushing of the
second probe onto the second closure insert forces the second
closure insert off its engagement with the second shoulder such
that the second extraction aperture is accessible from an inner
volume of the container body.
40. A method of transporting a liquid from a container to a
destination outside of the container, the method comprising:
providing for the container having a container body which comprises
the liquid; wherein the container body comprises at least one inlet
opening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing
the inlet opening; wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a
second opening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert;
wherein the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential
wall, and the first circumferential wall comprises a first
shoulder; wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second
circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises
a second shoulder; wherein the first closure insert releasably
engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is
fluid tightly closed and the second closure insert releasably
engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is
fluid tightly closed; wherein the cap comprises a locking means
adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device;
the method further comprising: coupling the container via the
springless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first
probe of the coupling device into the first opening of the cap and
inserting a second probe of the coupling device into the second
opening of the cap thereby engaging a locking interface of the
coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the
coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed; disengaging
the first closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing
the first closure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the
second closure insert and the second shoulder by axially pushing
the second closure insert by the second probe; and transporting the
liquid from the container body through at least one of the first
opening and the second opening to the destination outside of the
container.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the handling of liquids
stored in containers. In particular, the present invention relates
to a container for transporting and storing a liquid the container
having a dual function closure, a system for draining and venting a
container and a method for transporting a liquid from the container
to a destination outside of the container.
[0002] In many technical fields, like for example in the field of
liquids, substances are used which may be hazardous for the user or
operator. It is therefore a desire to provide for risk mitigation
measures that reduce the chances of exposing the user with the
chemically active substances. Moreover, during the transfer of the
liquid the avoidance of spillages is desirable as well. Further, in
some industries contamination of the liquids is strictly forbidden,
like for example in food and beverage industries. Therefore, closed
transfer systems (CTS) have been suggested for transporting liquids
from a container into e.g. other receptacles or systems. However,
the currently known systems are only available for large multi-trip
containers or cause high costs due to the employment of complicated
valve technology within the dispensing device of such a closed
transfer system. The opening and closure mechanism are also based
on the application of metals springs which are necessarily needed
for the activation and operation of the employed valves. Due to the
high costs of such spring based opening- and closing-mechanisms,
these opening and closure mechanisms are normally provided within
the centrally used dispensing device, which is used for a plurality
of different containers. Providing a container with a permanent cap
that comprises such an expensive, metal spring based opening- and
closing-mechanism is economically not desirable as the containers
are used only once. Moreover, the container is not acceptable for
recycling if it comprises a metal spring. Therefore, the currently
used containers merely comprise an opening with a one-time seal,
e.g. a seal foil, on top of which an ordinary screw cap is
provided. For draining the container it is thus necessary to first
remove the ordinary cap and to subsequently remove the seal or to
puncture, i.e. to pierce, the seal foil with the dispensing device
which comprises the closure mechanism. Hence, after decoupling the
dispensing device the seal foil is attached to the container
opening in a destroyed configuration and no automatic closure of
the opening of the container is provided after decoupling the
dispensing device. However, such a situation disadvantageously
bares the risk of both contamination and leakage. Further, an
unintentional decoupling during the process of draining may cause
large spillages and may create an additional operator risk.
[0003] There may be a need for improving the transport of liquids
from or into a container. It may be seen as an object of the
present invention to provide for an improved transport of a liquid
from or into a container.
[0004] The object is solved by the subject matter of the
independent claims. Further aspects, embodiments and advantages of
the present invention are comprised by the dependent claims. The
following detailed description of the present invention similarly
pertains to the container, the system for draining and venting the
container and the method of transporting a liquid from the
container. Synergetic effects may arise from different combinations
of the embodiments although they may not be described hereinafter
explicitly. The features of different embodiments can be combined
unless explicitly stated otherwise hereinafter. Moreover, any
references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the
scope of the claims.
[0005] Before the invention is described in detail with respect to
some of its preferred embodiments, the following general
definitions are provided.
[0006] The present invention is illustratively described in the
following and may be suitably practiced in the absence of any
element or any elements, limitation or limitations not specifically
disclosed herein.
[0007] The present invention will be described with respect to
particular embodiments and with reference to certain Figures, but
the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the claims.
[0008] Wherever the term "comprising" is used in the present
description and claims it does not exclude other elements. For the
purpose of the present invention the term "consisting of" is
considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising
of". If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a
certain number of embodiments, this is also to be understood to
disclose a group which preferably consists only of these
embodiments.
[0009] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when
referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a", "an", or "the", this
includes a plurality of that noun, unless something else is
specifically stated hereinafter. The terms "about" or
"approximately" in the context of the present invention denotes an
interval of accuracy that the person skilled in the art will
understand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature in
question. The term "typically" indicates deviation from the
indicated numerical value of plus/minus 20 percent, preferably
plus/minus 15 percent, more preferably plus/minus 10 percent, and
even more preferably plus/minus 5 percent. Technical terms are used
herein by their common sense. If a specific meaning is conveyed to
certain terms, definitions of terms will be given in the following
in the context of which the terms are used.
[0010] The term "cap" as used herein shall be understood as a
sealing cap and/or as a cap for closing the inlet of the container.
It may also be understood or embodied as a sealing bung and/or as a
bung for closing the inlet of the container. Different attachment
means may be used for attaching the cap to the inlet opening of the
container or to the neck where the inlet opening is positioned. For
example, an internal thread or an external thread comprised by the
cap may be used to engage the cap with the inlet opening which may
comprise a corresponding counter-thread. Further, a permanent snap
fit or the use of glue for fixing the cap at the container are
exemplary embodiments. However, other attachment means may be used
for attaching the cap to the protection container.
[0011] Moreover, the term "shoulder" shall be understood as any
kind of shape or contour of the sidewall which facilitates the
desired engagement with at least a part of the respective closure
insert. Particularly, a shoulder may be embodied as a protrusion
which extends from the sidewall of an opening of the cap such that
a counterpart of the corresponding closure insert can engage with
the shoulder in fluid tight manner when the shoulder and the
closure insert are pushed or pressed towards each other. Different
embodiments and more details about said shoulders will be provided
hereinafter. It should also be noted that the terms "closure
inserts" and "insert closure" are used interchangeably and
synonymously herein.
[0012] Furthermore, "a liquid" may be embodied as a liquid but can
also comprise as combination of a liquid with a solid state
material, and/or with a gas. The liquid may also be comprised or
stored in the container in pure form or in combination with
different materials like a solvent or several solvents.
[0013] The term "closure insert" as used herein shall be understood
as a plug or a stuff that can be inserted into the cap by inserting
it into an opening of the cap. The closure insert, when in its
inserted position and when engaging with the shoulder in a fluid
tight manner, realizes releasably one of the two closing functions
of the cap. The closure insert may have essentially the same
diameter as the corresponding opening of the cap. More technical
details about these closure inserts as used in the context of the
present invention will be described hereinafter. The closure insert
may comprise a sealing ring or other sealing elements so as to
releasably seal one of the openings of the cap. Different materials
may be used, but, as will be explained in detail, materials
resistant to the used liquids are preferred. Specific embodiments
of said materials for the sealing plugs, i.e. the closure inserts,
are presented hereinafter.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention a container for
transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function closure
is presented. The container comprises a container body with at
least one inlet opening and a springless cap for closing the inlet
opening of the container body. The springless cap is attached to
the opening of the container body and the springless cap comprises
a first opening and a second opening. The cap comprises furthermore
a first closure insert and a second insert. The first opening is
surrounded by a first circumferential wall and the first
circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Moreover, the
second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall
wherein the second circumferential wall comprises a second
shoulder. Further, the first closure insert releasably engages with
the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly
closed wherein the second closure insert releasably engages with
the second shoulder such that the second shoulder is fluid tightly
closed. Furthermore, the cap comprises a locking means adapted to
engage with a locking interface of a coupling device.
[0015] Advantageously, a secure and reliable connection between the
coupling device and the container can be achieved by the locking
means of the cap, which interact and are engageable with the
locking interface of the coupling device. This locking interface
and the coupling device will be described in more detail
hereinafter. The locking interface may be embodied as a separate
component. The coupling device may also be embodied as a single
component in which the locking interface is provided, e.g. as a
rotatable part of the coupling device. More details are disclosed
in this respect hereinafter.
[0016] The provided container allows for draining the liquid via
one of the openings of the cap and allows for venting the container
simultaneously via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously,
also rigid containers, even large sized ones, can be used due to
the venting function provided by the dual function closure of the
container and the cap. In other words, a container with a dual
function closure comprised by the cap itself is presented which
facilitates draining and possibly simultaneous venting the
container. Advantageously, the cap can be permanently fixed to or
fitted on the container, i.e. before, during and after draining,
venting and/or washing the container. Said steps of draining,
venting and/or washing shall be understood to be part of an
embodiment of the present invention. Further, such a container
comprising the cap with the two closure inserts facilitates that
upon disconnecting the container from a coupling device an
automatic resealing of the container is triggered or caused. Thus,
the container with such a cap facilitates that it is rendered back
to a safe state without exposure or spillage as soon as the
coupling device is removed. The container as presented herein
facilitates the provision and use of a valuable closed transfer
system for transferring the liquid from the container. Moreover,
this embodiment of the invention provides for a reliable and cheap
closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container.
These aspects and functionalities of the container will be
described and elucidated in more detail hereinafter.
[0017] The dual function permits an easy use for the operator and
is available at simple and low cost construction. A direct and
clean connection can be established between the container
(comprising the cap) to a device like for example a crop protection
spray system. A coupling device, as disclosed hereinafter in more
detail, can be used for this purpose. The risk of operator exposure
to the liquid, e.g. a concentrate, is reduced by over a thousand
times compared to current practices with standard containers, which
will become apparent form the following explanations. The presented
container provides for connectivity without using complex devices
in the closure that are difficult to recover or reduce the capacity
for post use recycling. Hence, the provided container reduces the
complexity of the closure system and at the same time provides for
a recyclable container comprising the springless cap. The container
of the present invention allows for a passage of liquid from the
container and allows for a simultaneous passage of air into the
container through the first and second openings. Further, rinsing
water can be guided into the container and rinsate can be guided
simultaneously out of the container using the two connection
points, i.e. the first and the second openings of the cap. If the
requirement for closed transfer is mandated or enforced through
other regulatory controls the cap can be permanently attached to
the container preventing any use except through a closed transfer
system but which is an unavoidable engineered safety solution.
[0018] Opening the container and transfer with a closed transfer
system can be followed by re-closure of the container and storage
for later use while maintaining the minimal exposure risk. The
closure technique provided by the cap eliminates the current
barrier between safe techniques for small and large packs and
reduces the end users requirement for equipment to just one
coupling device. This coupling device interacting with the cap of
the container will be disclosed in more detail hereinafter.
Disconnection of the container with the two, or even more, closure
inserts from the coupling device automatically reseals the
container and renders it back to a safe state without exposure or
spillage. The functionality of a releasable, fluid tight engagement
between the closure inserts and the surrounding walls of the
openings of the cap may be seen as a valve function, which will be
described hereinafter by different embodiments.
[0019] According to this embodiment of the present invention the
cap is provided in a springless form. Therefore, the cap does not
comprise a spring, particularly not a metal spring. Thus, a metal
free container and a metal free cap, which is permanently fixed on
the container, can be provided. This increases the acceptability of
the container (including the cap) for recycling. Moreover, the
engagement between the closure inserts and the respective shoulders
of the cap walls may be seen as a valve or as providing for a valve
function. In other words, the cap comprises a fluid tight closing
and opening valve mechanism which works without using a spring in
the cap. Therefore, the first and second openings, the first and
second closure inserts, the first and second circumferential walls,
the first and second shoulders and the engagement between the
shoulders and the closure inserts respectively, are providing a
springless valve or valve function. However, this does not exclude
that other parts, like a coupling device which is embodied
separately from the cap, may make use of a spring. The container
with the permanently fixed cap is spring free and thus facilitates
a metal free solution. Therefore, the cap with its first and second
(or even more) closure inserts is embodied as a fluid tight,
springless closure system for closing the container and opening the
container. If desired, the springless cap in this and every other
embodiment mentioned herein can additionally be embodied as an
elastomer free cap.
[0020] As will become apparent from the following explanations, the
first and second closure inserts are moveable within the respective
opening of the cap. Such a mobility or moveability of both closure
insert is used to fluid tightly close the openings of the cap and
to re-open said openings of the cap. A forth and back movement of
the first and second closure inserts within the cap can be achieved
by pushing and/or pulling the inserts along the axial direction of
the corresponding opening. Said axial direction may be seen as the
longitudinal direction of the cap along which the openings extend.
In the Figures this axis is shown with reference sign 202. In an
embodiment said pushing and pulling is accomplished by means of
corresponding probes of a coupling device. The achieved movement of
the closure inserts represents the transfer of the container from
an open configuration to a fluid tightly closed configuration, and
vice versa. This mechanism can be operated or activated repeatedly
to an unlimited extend. During the open configuration the inserts
are attached to/engaged with the probes of the coupling device.
[0021] Moreover, as can be gathered, for example, from FIG. 1 the
container can be embodied with one inlet opening which is
positioned preferably centrally at the container and no other cap
besides the springless cap mentioned above and hereinafter is
needed or used for closing the container. In another embodiment
[0022] It should be noted that, at least in some embodiments, the
cap has a first or inner side facing towards the container body and
has a second or outer side which faces away from the container
body. Moreover the first and second openings both extend from the
first or inner side to the second or outer side so as to connect,
when in an open configuration, the inner volume of the container
with the exterior, i.e. the surrounding, of the container.
[0023] It should be noted, that in one embodiment the diameter of
the first and second openings of the cap are the same, i.e. are of
an identical size. The same holds true for the diameter of first
and second closure inserts. In another embodiment, the diameter of
the first opening and of the second opening are different and the
diameter of the first closure insert and of the second closure
insert are different. Corresponding differential sizing of the
probes of the used coupling device, of the first and the second
closure insert and of the first and second openings of the cap may
be used to provide a mechanical lock-key connection when engaging
the cap and the coupling device. This will be explained and
specified in more detail hereinafter.
[0024] The container, the springless cap, the first closure insert
and the second closure inserts may be embodied in various ways
regarding the material. For example, the material may be selected
from high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide,
polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and
polyformaldehyde, or polyethylene terephthalate, and any
combination thereof. For example, in case food and/or beverages are
comprised by the container food specific materials coatings can be
used.
[0025] The liquids may be water-based, based on other solvents,
such as organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, including mixtures
of water with other solvents or mixtures of other solvents without
water. The solvent-based liquids may be based on water-miscible or
non-water-miscible solvents. In one embodiment the cap/container is
provided with a barrier layer for solvents. In another embodiment,
the cap/container does not comprise a barrier layer. Water based
liquids can be used for example in HDPE mono containers. For the
use of solvent based liquids an inner layer containing polyamide or
ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a layer which is fluorodized can
be comprised by the cap and/or the container. Moreover, the
container/cap may comprise or consist of PET or may comprise or
consist of painted or varnished steel.
[0026] Moreover, the cap may consist of one material or may consist
of several different materials. Further, the cap may be embodied
with different lengths and/or wall thickness of the openings, i.e.
bores or apertures.
[0027] Moreover, elastomers and/or O-rings can be used in the
context of the present invention for sealing the system. Different
embodiments thereof will be described herein.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention a plant
protection container for transporting and storing a plant
protection chemical is provided wherein the container body
comprises a plant protection chemical and/or a plant protection
adjuvant.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention a food
container and/or beverage container for transporting and storing
food and/or beverage is provided wherein the container body
comprising food or beverage.
[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
means is positioned at a top surface of the cap, e.g. laterally
offset from the first and second openings.
[0031] This embodiment may allow for an easy insertion of the
probes into the cap and a simultaneous engagement of the locking
means on the cap and the corresponding locking means on the locking
interface of the coupling device. For example, the locking
interface may be embodied as locking collar that is placed axially
on the cap and is subsequently rotated around the two probes. In
this way a secure connection between the container and the coupling
device is facilitated by the engaging connection between the cap
and the locking interface.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
means is embodied as a first protrusion, and the first protrusion
is configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the
locking interface of the coupling device.
[0033] The first and second protrusion may have various forms and
thicknesses. They may be of the same material as the cap or the
locking interface, but also other materials may be used for the
protrusions. Further, such first protrusion and second protrusion
may be embodied so as to form a claw-type coupling device, which is
used to securely attach the coupling device to the container via
the locking means of the cap.
[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
means is configured as a first part of a bayonet mount and is
adapted to be engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount of
the locking interface of the coupling device.
[0035] A bayonet mount is a device and a method of mechanical
attachment and may be seen as bayonet connector providing a
fastening mechanism. It may consist of a cylindrical male side with
one or more radial pins, and a female receptor with matching
L-shaped slot(s). If desired, one or more springs maybe used to
keep the two parts locked together. The slots may be shaped, for
example, like a capital letter L, e.g. with serif, i.e. a short
upward segment at the end of the horizontal arm. The pin slides
into the vertical arm of the L, rotates across the horizontal arm,
and may then be pushed slightly upwards into the short vertical
"serif" by the spring. The connector is no longer free to rotate
unless pushed down against the spring until the pin is out of the
"serif". This mechanical principle is applied, for example, in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 24a and 24b. However, in this embodiment
a protrusion 2415 of the cap and the corresponding protrusion 2416
of the locking collar provide for this bayonet mount functionality.
Also other embodiments of the locking interface, here the locking
collar or locking ring 2402, and of the locking means at the cap
are possible and comprised by the present invention. This will
become apparent from and elucidated with further embodiments
described herein. For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3 and 19 comprise such bayonet mount elements.
[0036] According to another embodiment the locking means is
embodied as annular undercut that releasably engages with the
locking interface, for example the locking collar, of the coupling
device.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention the first
closure insert and the second closure insert have a different
degree of hardness as compared to the cap, in particular as
compared to the respective circumferential wall of the cap. The
degree of hardness of the inserts may be larger or may be smaller
than that of the cap. This may improve the opening and closing
mechanism provided by the inserts in connection with the two probes
of the coupling device.
[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention the
container has a volume of/or has a volume that is from 1 liter to
1,000 liters, such as at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters,
or from 20 to 1,000 liters, particularly 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50,
100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, and from 500 to 1,000 liters,
or above 1,000 liters, or other volumes in the afore-mentioned
range.
[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention the
springless cap, the first closure insert and the second closure
inserts are formed out of a plastic material resistant to the
liquid.
[0040] For example, the plastic material resistant to the liquid
may be an element/material selected from the group comprising high
density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide,
polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and
polyformaldehyde, or polyethylene terephthalate, and any
combination thereof. However, also other container materials that
are resistant to used liquids can be used for the springless cap
and for the first and second closure inserts and other features
mentioned herein.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention the
container comprises/stores a plant protection chemical and/or a
plant protection adjuvant and is a plant protection container.
[0042] "A plant protection container" shall be understood as a
container which is configured, from a chemical point of view, for
storing a plant protection liquid and shall be understood as a crop
protection container. Such a container is adapted for a storage,
particularly for a long term storage, of liquids and/or plant
protection adjuvant and/or agro-chemicals. In this case, the liquid
shall be understood as a plant protection agent, plant protection
product, plant protective agent, or as a plant protective
product.
[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention the first
opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second
diameter, wherein the first and second diameters are different from
each other.
[0044] Providing the first and second openings with different
diameters results in physically coding the first and the second
opening in the sense of a mechanical key. In other words, by means
of the different diameters the first and second openings determine
the compatibility with the respective parts of the coupling device.
Like a key-lock combination only a specific first probe can be
inserted in the first opening whereas only a specific second probe
can be inserted into the second opening of the cap. Therefore, an
unambiguous assignment of each probe comprised by the coupling
device to the respective opening of the cap is provided.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention the first
and the second closure inserts each engage with the corresponding
shoulder such that upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts
towards the bottom or inside of the container body said insert
disengages with the corresponding shoulder to be in a disengaged
configuration. Moreover, upon axially pulling said closure insert
from the disengaged configuration and in a direction away from the
bottom of the container body said closure insert re-engages with
the corresponding shoulder such that the corresponding opening is
again fluid tightly closed.
[0046] It should be noted that the previously described movement,
caused by axially pushing and/or axially pulling, is disclosed
herewith for the first closure insert and the second closure insert
and the respectively engaging shoulders. In other words, each pair
of a closure insert and the respective shoulder is configured to
provide for a respective fluid tight engagement or seal within the
respective opening of the cap. As will become apparent from an
elucidated with the following figure descriptions the shoulders and
the closure inserts are configured and/or shaped to provide for an
engagement, which facilitates upon pushing and/or pulling the above
described functions. Various contours and shapes of the engaging
parts of the shoulders and the closure inserts are comprised by the
present invention.
[0047] To disengage the closure inserts with the respective wall of
the cap a coupling device comprising probes can be used. The
closure inserts may be engaged with the respective circumferential
wall such that a first force is needed to push the closure inserts
out of their respective engagement. Further, to engage the coupling
front section of the respective probe with the corresponding
closure insert a second force is needed. This second force can also
be applied by pushing the two probes onto the two closure inserts.
In a preferred embodiment, the first force is larger than the
second force. Thus, when pushing the two probes onto the two
closure inserts and when increasing the applied force, first the
two closure inserts are engaged with the coupling front sections of
the probes and subsequently, when further increasing the force, the
closure inserts are pressed out of their engagement with the cap
and the two openings of the cap are opened. The two closure
inserts, the cap, i.e. the shoulders of the two openings, and the
coupling front sections of the two probes are shaped such that this
opening and closure mechanism is provided. Further details hereof
are provided in the context of other embodiments, for example in
the context of FIG. 23.
[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention the first
closure in that comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall
and a second closure insert comprises at least one radially
deformable sidewall. Further, the radially deformable sidewall of
the first closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the
first shoulder and the radially deformable sidewall of the second
closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the second
shoulder.
[0049] For example, elastic protrusions, e.g. fingers or hooks, may
be used as radially deformable sidewalls. Additionally or
alternatively, sidewalls that are shaped in form of a partial
circle can be an embodiment. The deflection in radial direction is
provided by the radially deformable sidewalls of the closure
inserts. Moreover, if desired, recesses can be provided in, for
example, a circumferential sidewall of the closure inserts,
respectively, such that the remaining parts or sections of the
circumferential sidewall provide for the desired ability to be
elastically deflectable in a radial direction. Such a deflection
can be caused upon an axial movement of the closure insert as has
been described before and will be specified in more detail
hereinafter. It should be noted that, in general, axial movements
relate to movements along the axis shown with reference sign 202
whereas the radial direction is a direction extending
perpendicularly to said axis 202. Axis 202 extends along the
longitudinal axis of the openings of the cap, as can be gathered
from e.g. FIG. 2. Moreover, during the transfer the liquid flows,
more or less, along the direction indicated by axis 202. More
details about the flow through one or more openings of the cap and
through the probes of the coupling device will be given
hereinafter.
[0050] According to another embodiment the first probe and second
probe each comprises a recess for receiving at least a part of the
radially deformable sidewalls. According to yet another exemplary
embodiment form closures between the coupling front section of each
probe and the deformable sidewall of the corresponding closure
insert are used for the engagement between the probes and the
inserts.
[0051] An illustrative example and details of specific embodiments
thereof will be given, for example, in the context of FIGS. 5 and
23.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention the cap
comprises an alternative tamper evident cap on top of the first and
the second openings and/or comprises a tamper evident band attached
to the rim of the cap.
[0053] The integration of a tamper evident cap or a dust cap
increases the safety of the presented container and the presented
closed transfer system. In contrast to known systems, the tamper
evident cap of the present invention is provided on top of the
first and second openings of the springless cap and thus on top of
the inserted first and second closure inserts thereby preventing
access to the first and second closure inserts without prior
removal of the tamper evident cap. More details thereon will be
given in the context of an exemplary embodiment explained
below.
[0054] According to an embodiment, the tamper evident cap is not
welded to the cap but clipped into the cap. This has the advantage
that the container can be filled through the cap closure system and
then can be sealed with a tamper evident cap.
[0055] Different attachment means may be used to engage the cap
with the container. Different types of threads with different
geometrical shapes like length and diameter, a permanent snap fit,
a glued cap are exemplary embodiments for said attachment
means.
[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention the
container comprises a thread and the cap comprises a thread for
being threadedly engaged with each other. Moreover, the thread of
the cap is embodied as an external thread. In a further embodiment
the cap is embodied as a bung with an external thread, as for
example shown in FIG. 2.
[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention the
external thread of the cap and of the container is embodied as an S
56.times.4 thread. It has been found by the inventors, that such an
internal S 56.times.4 thread provides for a reliable connection
between the container and the springless cap and also facilitates a
high transfer rate for transporting the liquid in particular when
large containers are used. For containers with a volume of from 20
to 1,000 liters, particularly 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, from 100
to 500 liters, from 500 to 1,000 liters, or above 1,000 liters the
S 56.times.4 thread has appropriate dimensions for
realizing/inserting the first and second openings in the cap, and
is a preferred thread for these container sizes. Of course, this
thread can also be used at containers having differing sizes.
[0058] The size and diameter of the S 56.times.4 thread is an
appropriate compromise allowing on the one hand a large enough
first/second opening to facilitate an appropriate transfer rate of
the liquids. On the other hand the size and diameter of the S
56.times.4 solution provides still for a good handling of the cap
and the corresponding coupling device during the process of
coupling and decoupling for the user. Smaller sizes and diameters
would result in decreased flow rates. The solution of the cap with
an S 56.times.4 thread is thus a preferred embodiment optimized for
the above identified needs of the user during the application or
operation of the present invention. Particularly, for containers
with a large volume the S 56.times.4 thread solution of the cap
works reliable.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention the cap is
embodied elastomere free.
[0060] For example, when the cap is manufactured out of
polyethylene, e.g. HDPE, an elastomer free cap increases the
acceptability for recycling as elastomers are different polymers
which interfere during recycling. Moreover, each type of elastomer
has to be tested and approved in contact with the crop protection
product with respect to migration from or into the elastomer. There
are no test liquids for elastomers which would allow a lab test to
approve the packaging for the transportation of dangerous goods.
Therefore each individual crop protection product formulation,
which may exceed a number or several hundred or thousand
formulations, would have to be tested. In addition, processing
elastomers may result in a complex two stage injection molding
process with at least two components, which is more expensive and
complicated than a conventional single polymer injection molding.
The failure rate may also be increased. Hence, this embodiment
allows a cost effective and cheap production of the cap by for
example injection moulding.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention the cap
comprises a locking means which is adapted to engage with a locking
collar/locking ring.
[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
means are positioned the top surface of the springless cap.
[0063] For example, the locking means may be embodied as claws or
as protrusions which can be securely engaged with a corresponding
part of the locking collar/locking ring. Also other locking means
may be provided alternatively. After an insertion of the probes of
the coupling device into the cap of the container the locking
collar/locking ring may be used to hold the cap and the coupling
device and lock the engagement between them. Therefore, the locking
collar and the locking means may be seen as a security measure
ensuring the engagement between the cap and coupling device during
e.g. draining, rinsing, venting and/or washing of the container.
The locking collar or locking ring interconnects the coupling
device and the container having the cap in a secure manner. The
locking collar may be inserted into the cap by a lateral movement
and may be fixed by a rotational movement.
[0064] According to another embodiment of the invention a system
for draining and venting a container is presented. The system
comprises a coupling device configured to be mechanically coupled
to the cap of the container such that they are in a coupled
configuration. Further, the coupling device comprises a first probe
which is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the
cap and a second probe which is configured to be inserted into the
second opening of the cap. The coupling device is also configured,
when brought in the coupled configuration to disengage the first
closure insert in the cap from the first shoulder by pushing or
pressing or exerting a force onto the first closure insert with the
first probe. Moreover, the coupling device is configured, when
brought in the coupled configuration, to disengage the second
closure insert and the second shoulder by pushing or pressing the
second closure insert with the second probe. Furthermore, the
coupling device comprises a locking interface configured for
locking the coupling device with the cap of the container.
[0065] The probes may be configured respectively to releasably
engage with the respective closure insert. When, from the open
configuration, pulling the probes out of the cap of the container
and out of the container, the probes pull the closure inserts into
their respective openings and the closure inserts are controllably
disengaged from the probes to again establish the fluid tight
engagement between the inserts and the shoulders. In the open
configuration the inserts are attached to the probes in the inner
volume of the cap and/or of the container. Therefore, the probes
are configured to releasably disengage the inserts and the
shoulders.
[0066] According to another embodiment the system comprises a
container for transporting and storing a liquid which has a dual
function closure according to one of the herein presented
embodiments of the container.
[0067] The provided system is a valuable closed transfer system for
liquids. The provided system is configured to drain the container
via one of the openings of the cap and to vent the container via
the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers
can be used due to the venting function of the provided system. In
the context of the different Figure descriptions provided
hereinafter said coupled configuration will be disclosed and
elucidated in more detail. It should be noted that the pushing and
pulling can be understood as pushing axially and pulling axially,
as defined herein. Moreover, it should be noted that in one
embodiment the diameters of the first and second probes may be the
same and in another embodiment they may be different.
[0068] The coupling process between the container with the dual
function cap and the coupling device may be as described by the
following example in which a container has a size as illustrated
above. The container can be placed on even ground surface and the
tamper evident feature is removed. The two probes of the coupling
device are correctly lined up with the respective cap opening and
an axial force is used to push the two probes through the cap, thus
engaging with the inserts. Continued insertion causes each of the
closure inserts to become disengaged from the shoulder so that the
respective opening is opened. The locking collar of the coupling
device is then rotated and engaged with locking means of the cap.
The probes are now in the open position for suction and air/liquid
application. Whilst still with the container in the upright
position the suction line connected to one of the probes is turned
on. This creates a slight vacuum in the container which allows the
air vent to open allowing air into the container via the other of
the probes. The liquid is then sucked out via, for example, a
rinsate pipe whilst allowing air into the container via the other
probe. If desired, a subsequent washing step may be carried out as
described herein.
[0069] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
interface is embodied as a locking collar which comprises a
protrusion.
[0070] The locking collar may be have a cylindrical form with an
opening in the middle, but also other shapes like a rectangular
shape with an opening in the middle are possible. The locking
collar may provide for a grasping element such that the locking
collar can easily be moved or grasp by the user. A high surface
roughness may be applied at the locking collar for a safe handling
by the user. One exemplary, non-limiting example of a locking
collar is given in FIGS. 3a and 3b and in FIG. 9.
[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
interface is configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for
being engaged with a first part of the bayonet mount at the cap of
the container.
[0072] In other words, the locking interface may be embodied as
bayonet connector and thus is provides for a reliable fastening
mechanism. It may comprise a cylindrical male side/cylindrical male
part with one or more protrusions, radial pins, or claws and a
female receptor/female receptor part with matching counterparts
like corresponding protrusions, claws or slots. If desired, one or
more springs maybe used to keep the two parts locked together. The
slots may be shaped, for example, like a capital letter L with
serif, i.e. a short upward segment at the end of the horizontal
arm. However, also other embodiments of the locking interface, here
the locking collar or locking ring 302, and of the locking means at
the cap are possible and comprised by the present invention. This
will become apparent from and elucidated with further embodiments
described herein.
[0073] According to another embodiment of the invention the locking
interface is configured as a rotatable element which is at least
partially rotatable around the first and second probes of the
coupling device.
[0074] Carrying out, at least partially, the rotation of this
locking interface closes the fastening mechanism, i.e. causes an
engagement of the interacting locking means of the cap and of the
locking interface.
[0075] According to another embodiment of the invention the
coupling device comprises a first sleeve which is configured to
cover a first aperture of the first probe and comprises the first
spring which exerts a force onto the first sleeve forcing the first
sleeve towards the position in which the first aperture is covered
by the first sleeve. Moreover, the coupling device comprises a
second sleeve which is configured to cover a second aperture of the
second probe. The coupling device also comprises a second spring
exerting a force onto the second sleeve forcing the second sleeve
towards the position in which the second aperture is covered by the
second sleeve. As explained a probe may be used for draining of
liquid from the container, so that the aperture acts as an
extraction aperture. As explained a probe may also be used for
introduction of air, rinsing water, etc. into the container so that
the aperture then acts as a feed aperture. Using the term
extraction aperture shall thus not be construed limiting for the
aperture as it may be used for several different purposes.
[0076] This mechanism, i.e., the provision of probes provided with
a spring loaded sleeve, provides another risk mitigation measure
which reduces the risk of exposure to the operator from the liquid.
Moreover, spillages are avoided by means of the sleeve and the
spring based automatic closing of the extraction apertures. This
embodiment particularly realizes that, upon disconnecting the
container from the coupling device, the first and second apertures
of the probes are automatically and securely covered by the
sleeves. This reduces both exposure risks and spillage risks. In
particular, the first sleeve can be located around the first probe
and the second sleeve is located around the second probe. In this
and every other embodiments, the sleeves may be moveably provided,
and may particularly be movable along a longitudinal axis of the
sleeves and/or of the probes.
[0077] The first and second sleeves may be kept in position by the
respective spring. Each sleeve may be seen as a jacket configured
to cover the respective extraction part. Moreover, the term
"forcing" shall be understood to comprise exerting a force such
that the sleeve is pushed or pulled in/towards the direction in
which the sleeve covers the aperture of the probe. Nevertheless,
the sleeve may be blocked or fixed by means of a blocking element
such that a movement towards said covering position is currently
not possible. However, also in this state the respective spring
exerts a force onto the respective sleeve forcing said sleeve in
the position in which the respective aperture is covered by a said
sleeve, although the sleeve is hindered to move into the covering
position.
[0078] According to another embodiment the first sleeve comprises a
first blocking element and the second sleeve comprises a second
blocking element. The first and second blocking elements are
configured to engage with a respective part of the cap such that
upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first
and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the
respective extraction aperture of the probe.
[0079] The first and second blocking elements may be a protrusion
or circumferential collar or the like. Thus, according to another
exemplary embodiment, the first sleeve comprises a first collar and
the second sleeve comprises a second collar. The first and second
collars are configured to engage with a respective part of the cap
such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap,
the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or
uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe.
[0080] In other words, the two sleeves can be seen as the provision
of a valve function at the probes, which gets into the open
configuration when the coupling device is pressed onto the cap of
the container. For this purpose the cap may comprise a first and
second receiving section which is configured to engage with the
first and second blocking elements/collars of the first and second
sleeves to exert the force onto the sleeves which is needed to move
them away from the container, i.e. in the backward direction.
[0081] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
comprises a probe holder, and the probe holder comprises a first
receiving opening in which the first probe of the coupling device
can be inserted and comprises a second receiving opening in which
the second probe of the coupling device can be inserted. Moreover,
the probe holder is positioned on a top surface of the cap.
[0082] In particular, the probe holder may be part of the coupling
device.
[0083] If desired, the probe holder can be embodied from the
materials mentioned above, in particular HDPE may be used or also
polyoxymethylene (POM). The probe holder is configured to hold the
probes at the correct distance for inserting into the cap and to
attach the suction and water/air inlet lines and vent. Moreover,
the probe holder can be used to integrate an air inlet valve, as
described in detail herein. Further the probe holder supports or
facilitates the locking collar, if such a locking device is used.
The probe holder may also act as a base for the two springs to take
up the spring forces when the two sleeves are pushed backwards, as
is disclosed herein in detail. Additionally, the probe holder may
help the user to apply axial force to the probes and thus
facilities an easy handling of the whole device.
[0084] According to another embodiment of the invention the
coupling device comprises an air inlet valve which is configured to
facilitate an air flow from outside the system into an inner volume
of the container.
[0085] The air inlet valve may be brought in communication with or
coupled to one of the first or second opening of the cap via one of
the first or second probes. The system may be configured to draw
air out of the container such that a low pressure is created in the
container. The air inlet valve is configured to react upon such a
low pressure to switch in an open configuration and therefore
facilitates the desired air flow into the container. Thus, at least
a small force can be provided by sucking air out of the container
with the system such that the air inlet valve is activated. Using
negative pressure in the system due to a sucking process or a
sucking mechanism is comprised by an embodiment of the present
invention. The air inlet valve may be a spring based valve and the
valve may be optimized to prevent a collapse of the container upon
draining the container.
[0086] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
comprises a cap which has locking means which is adapted to engage
with a locking collar or a locking ring wherein the locking means
are positioned at the top surface of the cap. The system further
comprises the locking collar or the locking ring which is adapted
for engaging with the locking means on the top surface of the cap
to lock the cap with the locking collar or the locking ring.
[0087] According to another embodiment of the invention the first
closure insert and the first probe are configured such that the
first insert enclosure engages with the first probe upon,
preferably prior to, a disengagement of the closure insert and the
first shoulder. Moreover, the second closure insert and the second
probe are configured such that the second closure insert engages
with the second probe upon, preferably prior to, the disengagement
of the second closure insert and the second shoulder.
[0088] The engagement of the closure inserts with the probes upon,
preferably prior to, a disengagement of the inserts with the
shoulders can also be gathered, for example, from the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, 18 and 23. The interaction between the probe
and the respective closure insert allows for transferring the
respective closure insert from an engagement with the shoulder to
an engagement with the probe upon pushing the insert with probe
axially, i.e. into the container, i.e. towards the bottom of the
container. In other words, by pushing a probe onto the
corresponding closure insert it can be pressed out of its seat or
engagement with the shoulder. It can also be pressed onto the top
end or head of the probe. This is supported by the shape of the
corresponding sidewalls of the openings of the cap, the shape of
the corresponding closure insert and the shape of the corresponding
probe. When the closure insert is attached to the probe it can be
moved inwardly into the inner volume of the container such that
extraction apertures of the probe extend into the container so that
liquid can be drained or air can be vented through the extraction
aperture and through the respective probe.
[0089] According to another embodiment the first probe comprises a
first extraction aperture and a first inner channel which is
connected to the first extraction aperture, wherein the first probe
has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the first
closure insert, such that upon pushing the first probe onto the
first closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the
first closure insert when in its engagement with the first shoulder
and upon further pushing of the first probe onto the first closure
insert forces the first closure insert off its engagement with the
first shoulder such that the first extraction aperture is
accessible from an inner volume of the container body Furthermore,
the second probe comprises a second extraction aperture and a
second inner channel which is connected to the second extraction
aperture. The second probe has a coupling front section adapted to
couple with the second closure insert, such that upon pushing the
second probe onto the second closure insert, the coupling front
section couples with the second closure insert when in its
engagement with the second shoulder and upon further pushing of the
second probe onto the second closure insert forces the second
closure insert off its engagement with the second shoulder such
that the second extraction aperture is accessible from an inner
volume of the container body.
[0090] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
comprises a washing fluid container which comprises washing fluid.
The system is configured to inject washing fluid into the container
body via at least one of the first or second opening of the cap,
preferably via a coupling device as disclosed herein.
[0091] The system facilitates that draining, venting and washing of
the container can be carried out with one single closed transfer
system. Based on the mechanical principle of the dual function
closure which is integrated into the springless cap, rinsing water
can passage and rinsate can passage out of the container using the
two connection points, i.e. first and second openings of the
springless cap. In this context, the term rinsate shall be
understood to comprise water containing concentrations of
contaminants, resulting from the cleaning of containers.
[0092] Once a liquid has been drained from the container or once
all products have been evacuated a lever on the air/water inlet
pipe can be activated for a few seconds, e.g. 1-2 seconds. This
allows pressurized water to enter the container whilst closing the
air inlet valve. After a few second, e.g. 1-2 the lever is closed
and the user can agitate the container to remove any remaining
liquid. This rinsate is removed through the suction probe whilst
air is again allowed into the container through the air vent. This
can be repeated several times to remove all remaining chemical if
desired by the user.
[0093] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
comprises a docking station for cleaning the coupling device. The
docking station is configured to be engaged with the coupling
device and configured to rinse the first and the second probe of
the coupling device. After using the system for draining liquids
from the container the system can be cleaned by docking the
coupling device onto the docking station. An exemplary embodiment
of such a docking station is particularly disclosed in FIGS. 12 and
13.
[0094] According to another embodiment of the invention the system
comprises a sealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc.
[0095] Such a sealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc can be placed
between the cap and the opening of the container to fluid tightly
seal the connection between the container and the cap. An upper
edge or surface of the container presses the used element, i.e. the
sealing ring, the O-ring or the foam disc, against the cap, when
the cap is screwed onto the container via the used thread. The
sealing ring, the O-ring and the foam disc may be formed, for
example, out of polyethylene. In another embodiment, the sealing
ring, the O-ring and the foam disc may be formed out of a
non-polymeric material.
[0096] According to another embodiment of the invention a crop
protection spray system is presented. The crop protection spray
system provides for a spraying device and comprises a system for
draining and venting a container according to one of embodiments
described before or hereinafter.
[0097] The crop protection spray system may comprise means for
draining and/or sucking the liquid out of the container. For
example, a pump with one or more connecting hoses may be comprised
for such purposes, said connection hose or hoses e.g. being
connected to the described coupling device, e.g. to a probe
thereof.
[0098] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention
the crop protection spray system comprises an agricultural machine,
in particular a tractor, to which the sprayer device and the system
for draining and venting a container are attached.
[0099] According to another embodiment of the invention a method of
transporting a liquid from a container to a destination outside of
the container is presented. The method comprises the step of
providing for the plant protection container having a container
body which comprises the liquid and/or the plant protection
adjuvant. Therein the container body comprises at least one inlet
opening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing
the inlet opening, wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a
second opening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert.
Further, the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential
wall, and the first circumferential wall comprises a first
shoulder, wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second
circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises
a second shoulder. Moreover, the first closure insert releasably
engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is
fluid tightly closed and the second closure insert releasably
engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is
fluid tightly closed. The cap comprises a locking means adapted to
engage with the locking interface of a coupling device. The method
further comprises the steps of coupling the container via the
springless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first
probe of the coupling device into the first opening of the cap and
inserting a second probe of the coupling device into the second
opening of the cap thereby engaging the locking interface of the
coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the
coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed. Further,
disengaging the first closure insert and the first shoulder by
axially pushing the first closure insert by the first probe and/or
disengaging the second closure insert and the second shoulder by
axially pushing the second closure insert by the second probe is
comprised by the method. And transporting the liquid from the
container body through at least one of the first opening and the
second opening to the destination outside of the container is also
comprised.
[0100] According to another embodiment the locking means of the cap
is configured as a first part of a bayonet mount and the locking
interface is configured as a second part of the bayonet mount. The
method further comprises the step rotating the locking interface of
the coupling device such that the bayonet mount formed by the
locking interface and the locking means of the cap is closed.
[0101] According to another embodiment the method further comprises
the step of venting the container by guiding air through an air
inlet valve and through one of the probes of the coupling device
and through one of the openings of the cap.
[0102] Therein the venting can be carried out simultaneously to the
step of draining. Therefore, also rigid container embodiments can
be used with the present invention without having the risk of
imploding containers.
[0103] In general, the present invention relates to flexible and
non-flexible containers as well. Moreover, flexible containers as
pouches shall be comprised by the present invention. In particular,
pouches with a structured surface, which allows for a complete
draining, shall be comprised. Such structured surface can be
configured such that an effect of a plurality of rinsate pipe is
realized.
[0104] According to another embodiment the method comprises
inserting washing fluid into the container via the first opening of
the cap and sucking simultaneously or subsequently the washing
fluid out of the plat protection container via the second opening
of the cap. Thus a circulation of the washing fluid through the
provided closed transfer system of the present invention can be
realized.
[0105] Moreover, the step of washing the container by the following
procedure is comprised by another exemplary embodiment of the
invention. Rinsing a washing liquid into the container via the
first probe of the coupling device and via the opened first opening
and transporting rinsate from the container to the outside of the
container via the second opening and via the second probe of the
coupling device.
[0106] According to another aspect of the present invention a plant
protection container for transporting and storing a plant
protection chemical and with a dual function closure is presented.
The plant protection container comprises a container body with at
least one inlet opening, a springless cap for closing the inlet
opening of the container body, wherein the cap is attached to the
inlet opening of the container body, wherein the cap comprises a
first opening and a second opening. The cap comprises a first
closure insert and a second closure insert, wherein the first
opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall and the first
circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Further, the
second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and
the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. The
first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder
such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed, and the second
closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such
that the second opening is fluid tightly closed.
[0107] These and other features of the invention will become
apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments
described hereinafter.
[0108] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in
the following drawings.
[0109] FIG. 1 schematically shows a container, a cap and a coupling
device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0110] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a cap as used in an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0111] FIG. 3 schematically shows a container according to another
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0112] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically show the interaction between
the first and second probes with first and second closure inserts
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0113] FIG. 5 schematically shows the mechanical interaction
between a shoulder, a closure insert and a probe used in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0114] FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show a closure insert in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0115] FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically show a coupling front section
adapted to couple with an closure insert, e.g. as depicted in FIGS.
6 and 7, as used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0116] FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show a part of an opening of a
cap as used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0117] FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show a docking station for
cleaning the coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0118] FIG. 14 schematically shows a container with specific thread
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0119] FIGS. 15 to 17 show different aspects of a system for
delivering the liquid from a container to another container in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0120] FIG. 18 schematically shows probes and a probe holder used
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0121] FIG. 19 schematically shows a cap with locking means and a
locking collar or a locking ring in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0122] FIG. 20 schematically shows a crop protection spray system
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0123] FIG. 21 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method of
transporting a liquid container to a destination outside of the
container according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0124] FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0125] FIG. 23 shows a cross section through a cap in which first
and second closure inserts are inserted and into which first and
second probes are introduced according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
[0126] FIGS. 24a and 24b schematically show a cap with a coupling
device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0127] FIG. 25 schematically shows a cap with a nozzle in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0128] In principle, identical parts are provided with the same or
similar reference symbols in the figures.
[0129] FIG. 1 schematically shows a container 100 for transporting
and storing a liquid and with a dual functional closure. The
container 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a container body 103 with at
least one inlet opening 104. A springless cap 105 is shown which is
configured to close the inlet opening of the container body. The
cap comprises two locking means 114, 115 in form of undercuts that
extend on the top surface of the cap along the circumference of the
cap. Locking means 114 and 115 are adapted to engage with a locking
interface of a coupling device.
[0130] The locking means 115 and 116 are provided on a top surface
of the cap 105 and here the locking means are embodied as inverted
L-shaped protrusions 115, 116 at diametrically opposed position on
the top of the cap. As can be seen, in this example, the horizontal
or upper leg of each of the L-shaped protrusions is outwardly
directed relative to the vertical leg that is integral with the
rest of the cap. The cap 105 is embodied as a relatively cheap
product and as a disposable product. As illustrated by arrow 112
the cap can be attached to the inlet opening of the container body
by appropriate attachment means. The cap 105 comprises a first
opening 106 and a second opening 107 both extending vertically,
i.e. in the direction from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1. This
direction is termed axially and is precisely defined, in general,
with respect to axis 202 of FIG. 2. In the first opening the first
closure insert can be inserted and in the second opening a second
closure insert can be inserted. However, due to illustrative
reasons the first and second closure inserts are not shown in FIG.
1. Moreover, FIG. 1 shows a coupling device 102 which is configured
to be coupled to the cap 105 via its two probes. The probes
protrude protruding from a top surface of the coupling device. The
container shown in FIG. 1 can preferably have a size of from 1
liter to 1.000 liters, such as at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or
100 liters, or from 20 to 1.000 liters, particularly 15, 20, 25,
30, 40, 50, 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, and from 500 to
1.000 liters, or above 1,000 liters, or other volumes in the
afore-mentioned range. Also other sizes and volumes are possible.
In another embodiment that can be combined with the embodiment of
FIG. 1 the cap 105 and the closure inserts are made of high density
polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene
(POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, or
polyethylene terephthalate, or any combination thereof.
[0131] As can be gathered from FIG. 1 an external thread 113 is
provided at the springless cap 105. This external thread allows for
a threaded engagement between the inlet opening 104 of the
container 100 and the cap 105. As will become apparent from the
descriptions of the detailed embodiments of the present invention
specific threads might be of a particular advantage. Therefore, the
system shown in FIG. 1 provides for a reliable and cheap closing
mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container 100. The two
probes shown at the coupling device 102 are surrounded by two
sleeves which are attached movably such that the sleeves can be
pushed along the longitudinal axis of the two probes. In such a
situation, the two springs of the coupling device would be pressed
to a compressed state. When inserting the coupling device 102 into
the cap 105, such a movement of the two sleeves and such a
compression of the two springs is realized. This aspect will be
elucidated further in the context of FIGS. 3 and 18 and has been
described before.
[0132] FIG. 2 schematically shows a container 203 to which a
springless cap 209 is attached. The cap comprises a locking means
211 adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling
device. The springless cap 209 can be embodied elastomere free and
can be permanently fixed to the container 203 thereby allowing for
draining and venting connection via the first and second openings
of the cap. The shown axis 202 extends perpendicularly to the
bottom of the container. Also in this embodiment of the cap an
external thread 208 is provided. Moreover, a circumferential groove
204 is provided around the first opening such that a rinsing pipe
can be inserted into the cap to be fixed in the shown position.
Such a rinsing pipe is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3. The
rinsing pipe extends perpendicularly from the top of the container
to the bottom of the container and can be used for draining large
containers. In case the container volume exceeds 20 liters or 50
liters it is impossible, or at least inconvenient, for the user to
lift the container and rotate it during the draining procedure.
Consequently, the rinsing pipe improves the transfer of such
volumes of the chemical out of a large container. The rinsing pipe
may be glued into the groove or may also be pressed into the
groove. FIG. 2 also shows exemplary embodiments of the first
shoulder 200 and the second shoulder 201 which are configured to
fluid tightly engage with the first and second closure inserts
described herein. For example, embodiments of the inserts are shown
in e.g. FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b. Moreover, both the first and second
openings of the cap 209, comprise a circular step 206, 207. As can
be gathered from FIG. 2 recessions or grooves 205 and 210 are
provided in the cap, in particular behind the circumferential walls
that engage with the closure inserts, such that said walls have an
increased flexibility. It should be noted, that the shoulder
according to the present invention does not have to be a
circumferential shoulder but can only be a protrusion that extends
along partial sections of the circumferential wall 207 and 206
respectively. Upon pressing the closure inserts out of the
engagement with these walls, or the shoulders 200 and 201, the
walls may deflect outwardly allowing for disengagement between the
closure inserts and the shoulders. This aspect will also be
described in detail in the context of FIG. 23. If desired the cap
can also be embodied with two openings 205, 206 which have the same
diameter. FIG. 2 also depicts an inverted L-shaped protrusions 215
at the top of the cap to form a locking means of the cap.
[0133] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of a container
with a dual function closure and the corresponding closed transfer
system. The container 301 comprises cap 305 with openings 313 and
314 in which the first and second closure inserts 306, 307 are
inserted such that they engage with the respective shoulders of the
openings. The cap 305 comprises two openings in which first and
second sleeves 303, 304 are inserted together with the first and
second probes 301 and 302. A draining flow is depicted via arrows
309 whereas the air inlet flow is depicted with arrows 310.
Therefore, FIG. 3 depicts a closed transfer system 300 with a
draining and venting functionality at low costs and with a solution
that can be permanently fixed at the container and which is
acceptable for recycling. Venting can be carried out simultaneously
to the draining and the container with the closure inserts can be
embodied spring free and therefore metal free. In addition, fast
and reliable full closure mechanism is presented which can be
embodied metal free. FIG. 3 also shows that the sleeves each
comprise a blocking element 316, 315 which are configured to engage
with a respective part of the cap such that upon insertion of the
coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are
pressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extraction
aperture 311, 312 of the probe. This has been described before in
more detail. Said blocking elements 316, 315 may be a protrusion or
circumferential collar or the like.
[0134] FIGS. 4a and 4b are two illustrations of probes and closure
inserts used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Therein, FIG. 4a is a complete depiction of a
first and a second probe and first and second closure inserts
whereas FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view of said elements. First
probe 401 comprises a first internal channel 403 which is connected
to the first extraction aperture 409. A circumferential recess 407
provides enough space the inwardly moving sidewalls 413 of the
closure insert 410. A circumferential edge 408 extends around the
complete circumference of the first probe 401. Moreover, the
coupling front section 420 is shown which is adapted to be couple
with the first closure insert 411. If desired form closures between
the section 420 and the deformable sidewall of the closure insert
can be used. Several radially deformable sidewalls 413 are depicted
and also a recess 414 is shown in FIG. 4a. In a similar way, the
second probe 402 comprises a second extraction aperture 410 and has
a second inner channel 404 which is connected to the second
extraction aperture 410. The coupling front section 421 of the
second probe is adapted to couple with the second closure insert
such that upon pushing the second probe onto the second closure
insert the coupling front section couples with the second closure
insert. Such a coupling is also achieved during the engagement of
the second closure insert with the second shoulder as depicted with
201 in FIG. 2. Upon further pushing of the second probe onto the
second closure insert the second closure insert is forced off its
engagement with the second shoulder such that the second extraction
aperture 410 is accessible from an inner volume of the container
body. The same principle applies for the previously described first
probe 401 and first closure insert 411. As can be seen from the
cross sectional view of FIG. 4b the closure inserts comprise a
bottom 419 as well as an angled section 418 that builds the form
closure with an angled counter part of the front section 420.
Aspects of the form closure have been described previously and will
be disclosed in more detail in the following. Moreover, the
protrusion 417 of the radially deformable sidewall facilitates the
mechanical engagement for engaging and re-engaging the closure
inserts with the respective shoulder.
[0135] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a
combination 500 comprising a probe 501, a circumferential wall 502
and closure insert 503 is presented. Although a specific embodiment
of a closure insert, a coupling section of a probe and a section of
a circumferential wall comprising a shoulder is shown in FIG. 5 the
present invention shall not be de-limited to this specific shape,
contour and engagement mechanism. Upon the movement of the probe
501 along the longitudinal axis 504 the closure insert 503 can be
pushed out of its engagement. The circumferential edge 507 abuts at
the coupling surface 506 of the circumferential wall of the cap.
After the draining and/or venting and/or washing is completed, the
probe 501 can be pulled back into the respective opening of the cap
such that an engagement between the probe 501 and the closure
insert 503 at the form closure sections 508, 509 is
de-coupled/disengaged. Subsequently, the closure insert 503 is
again engaged with the inner surface of the circumferential wall
502 by means of the shoulder. Deviations from the engaging parts
which provide for the fluid tight closure between the closure
insert and the opening in the circumferential wall on the one hand
and the engagement between the closure insert and the probe on the
other hand are possible. FIG. 5 depicts only one specific example
thereof.
[0136] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a detailed view of an embodiment of an
closure insert 600 wherein a cross sectional view 700 is depicted
in FIG. 7. A circumferential recess 601 is shown at the bottom of
the closure insert which comprises a partial circumferential wall
603 having outwardly and inwardly extending protrusions 604. In
addition, recess 602 separates adjacently positioned sidewalls 603.
In the corresponding cross sectional view depicted in FIG. 7 it can
be seen that an inner surface of the closure insert has an angled
surface 703 which extends circumferentially. Moreover, a vertical
surface also extends circumferentially and follows the main shape
of the closure insert which is shaped circularly. Protrusion 704 is
also comprised as well as outer surface 702 which extends
vertically. Also recess 701 and bottom 705 are shown.
[0137] FIG. 8 shows a coupling front section 801 of probe 800 being
partially shown in FIG. 8. The coupling front section comprises a
vertically extending surface 802 below which an angled surface or
collar 803 is provided. Both surfaces 802, 803 extend around the
complete circumference of the closure insert. Also recess or
depending 804 is shown. FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the
coupling front section of the probe of FIG. 8. Cross section 900
shows the top surface 901 and a vertically extending surface/collar
902. Moreover, the sloped surface/collar 903 is depicted below the
vertical collar 902. The recess 904 is shown for allowing an
inwardly directed movement of the sidewalls of the closure
insert.
[0138] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a retaining tube 1000 were the plugs,
i.e. closure inserts, are engaged and the two probes inserted. One
can see the part 1000 as well in FIG. 5. A circumferential shoulder
1002 on the inside of tube 1000 is depicted. Also a circumferential
shoulder 1001 on the outside of tube 1000 is shown.
[0139] FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a docking station 1200 wherein FIG.
13 shows a cross section 1300 thereof. Such a docking station may
be part of, for example, a crop protection spray system as
described herein. Two openings 1203, 1204 for receiving the first
and second probes of the coupling device are provided. Moreover,
bayonet locking means 1201, 1202 similar to the locking means that
have been described before are provided. Moreover, a rinsate pipe
1205 is comprised by the docking station 1200. The rinsate pipe is
connected to the openings 1204 and 1203 via respective channels.
After an intensive use of the coupling device, i.e. at a crop
protection spray system, the cleaning procedure may be carried out
by means of rinsing the coupling device with the docking station
1200. Therefore, the docking station fits the dimensions of the
coupling device and is thus configured to receive the coupling
device. This may enhance and increase the lifetime of the used
coupling device and elements attached thereto.
[0140] FIG. 14 shows the container 1400 with a container body 1401.
A specific thread is provided at the container 1400 which has
proven to be extremely valuable when draining large containers. In
detail an S 56.times.4 thread is shown which is used at the
container and at the corresponding springless cap according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen the
first outer diameter 1402 is 71.8 mm with a tolerance of -0.3 mm.
Moreover, the inner diameter of the thread 1403 is 52.5 mm with a
tolerance of +0.3 mm. In addition, the height of the neck 1404 is
20.4 mm with a tolerance of +/-1 mm. It should be noted, that also
containers with threads having only one of the previously mentioned
diameters 1402 and 1403 but having other parameters as mentioned
before is disclosed herewith. Of course, the corresponding
springless cap as described before and hereinafter comprises a
corresponding counter thread such that the cap can be threadedly
engaged with the head of the container 1400. In this case, also the
external thread of the cap is termed S 56.times.4 thread. According
to another exemplary embodiment the S 56.times.4 thread solution
comprises a dip tube and the first circumferential wall comprises a
circumferential groove into which the dip tube is inserted. As can
be gathered from for example FIGS. 1 and 2 the dip tube connects
the first opening of the springless cap with the inner volume of
the container. Moreover, such a dip tube eases the draining process
in case large liquid containers are used. In particular, in case
containers have a volume increasing 20 liters or more as mentioned
above, such a dip tube allows draining the container when standing
on the ground. In other words, this embodiment provides for an
advantageous cap which receives the dip tube and guides the liquid
directly into the opening for being sucked away through the
inserted probe of the coupling device.
[0141] According to another embodiment of the invention a system
for delivering a liquid from a container is provided. FIGS. 15 to
17 show different elements and aspects of such a system. In
particular, FIG. 15 shows such a system 1500 which comprises a
system 1501 for draining and venting a container as described
herein. Moreover, connection hose 1502 is provided which is coupled
to a dosing device 1503. A second container 1504 can be filled with
the liquid via the springless cap of the present invention through
the hose 1502 and the dosing device 1503 and via the adapted cover
or cap 1505 of the second container 1504. A sucking mechanism of
the dosing device 1503 may be used to precisely dose the volume of
liquids into the second container 1504. Of course, the use and
application of the system 1500 does not depend on the volume of the
container of the system 1501.
[0142] FIG. 16 shows that the cover 1505 has been supplemented by
an interface 1600 that is fixed at the cover 1505. The tip of the
dosing device 1503 is depicted with 1601 in FIG. 16 as it extends
through the cover 1505 and through the interface 1600. In analogy
to the closure inserts that have been described before 1602 depicts
such a closure insert which can be engaged with the coupling front
section 1702 of the dosing device 1503. Similar to the coupling
device that has been described before, a spring 1701 of the dosing
device 1503 and also a sleeve 1700 is used for the purpose of
closing an extraction aperture of the dosing device 1503. This
extraction aperture is not shown in FIG. 17.
[0143] This small volume delivery system 1500 is an option for
small farmers to use the connection system disclosed herein and
facilitates the dosing of crop protection products. At very small
sprayers or knapsack sprayers (carried on the shoulders) there is
neither a loop system which circulates the water with crop
protection product nor a suction pump. Therefore the cap and the
coupling device may not be applicable at such simple sprayers. By
connecting the suction syringe/suction probe shown in FIG. 17 with
the small bottle shown in FIG. 15 and then again connecting the
outlet of the syringe/probe via an interface 1600 shown in FIG. 16,
to the sprayer a closed transfer can be realized. Therefore even
small farmers can use the system 1501 for draining and venting a
container as disclosed herein and they can reduce user
contamination and environmental contamination in combination with
accurate and quick dosing.
[0144] FIG. 18 schematically shows first and second probes 1800,
1801 and probe holder 1804. The coupling device makes use of the
first sleeve 1806 and a second sleeve 1807 which further increases
security for the user and decreases spillages of the liquid. The
first and second sleeves each comprises a collar 1813, 1812 as
blocking elements which is shaped around the circumference of the
respective sleeve. The two collars are configured to engage with a
respective part of the cap, e.g. the cap shown in FIG. 19, such
that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the
first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or
uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe.
Consequently, the first and second sleeve provide for a valve
function, which gets into the open configuration when the coupling
device is pressed onto the cap of the container. For this purpose
the cap as described herein may comprise a first and second
receiving section which is configured to engage with the first and
second collars of the first and second sleeves to exert the force
onto the sleeves which is needed to move them away from the
container, i.e. in the backward direction. In detail, the first
sleeve 1806 is pushed by the first spring 1810 towards the position
at which the first extraction aperture 1808 is covered by the first
sleeve, i.e. in a closed configuration. The same holds true for the
second sleeve 1807, the second spring 1811 and the second
extraction aperture 1809. Consequently, when decoupling the
coupling device from the cap the sleeves automatically close the
extraction apertures such that no liquid is spilled. Moreover, the
perspective shown in FIG. 18 shows that the second closure inserts
1802 and 1803 can be disengaged with the slanted top end of the
probes. The cross section 1805 of probe holder 1804 depicts two
openings for inserting the probes. It is thus understood, that the
closure inserts couple with the front section of the probes. This
may also hold true for other embodiments presented herein.
[0145] FIG. 19 schematically shows cap 1901 having two locking
means 1902 and 1903 which are positioned at the top of surface 1904
of cap 1901. The locking collar or locking ring 1900 has one
corresponding protrusion 1905 per means 1902, 1903 for fixing the
probe holder 1804 to the cap 1901. Such a fixation may be carried
out by a first translational movement of the collar towards the cap
along axis 202 shown in FIG. 2 and a subsequent rotational second
movement of the collar. When engaging the protrusion 1905 with the
slit below the claws 1901, 1902 locking is achieved between the
locking collar or locking ring and the cap. The locking collar or
locking ring, which is a means for interconnecting the coupling
device and the container in a secure manner, can also be inserted
by a lateral movement and then fixation can be done by a rotation.
As said before, the locking collar comprises locking means that are
configured to engage with locking means 1902, 1903 of the cap, such
that a fixation of the coupling device at the container is achieved
by rotation. Elements 1902 and 1903 may also be seen as respective
annular undercut that releasably engages with the locking collar of
the coupler, i.e., elements 1905 and 1900.
[0146] In other words, locking ring 1900 may be seen as an
embodiment of the locking interface which is configured as a second
part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with the first part of
the bayonet mount at the cap 1901 of the container. The locking
interface 1900 is configured as a rotatable element which is at
least partially rotatable around the first and second probes of the
coupling device, shown e.g. in FIG. 18 The protrusions 1902, 1903
are configured as the first part of a bayonet mount for being
engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount at the coupling
device. This facilitates a secure fastening of the coupling device
at the container at which cap 1901 is fixed.
[0147] According to another embodiment of the invention FIG. 20
shows a crop protection spray system 2000 comprising a sprayer
device 2001 and a system for draining and venting a container as
has been described before and will be disclosed hereinafter.
Moreover, an agricultural machine, embodied as a tractor 2002 is
presented. The sprayer device 2001 and the system for draining and
venting a container are attached to the tractor. Therefore, a safe,
reliable and high throughput distribution of the liquid is
provided. Moreover, an easy and convenient coupling is provided for
the user and the risk of contamination or spillage is significantly
reduced by this embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, crop
protection spray system 2000 may comprise a docking station 1200 as
exemplarily disclosed in the context of FIG. 12. In addition or
alternatively, the crop protection spray system 2000 may comprise a
flow meter such that draining a container with the system of the
present invention can be controlled very precisely by the user.
This is another advantage over manually pouring a container.
[0148] FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of a method of transporting a
liquid from a container to a destination outside of the container.
In this method the container having a container body which
comprises the liquid is provided in step S1. Therein the container
body comprises at least one inlet opening and a springless cap
attached to the inlet opening closing the inlet opening, wherein
the cap comprises a first opening, a second opening, a first
closure insert and a second closure insert. Moreover, the first
opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall, and the
first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder, wherein the
second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and
the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder.
Further, the first closure insert releasably engages with the first
shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed and
the second closure insert releasably engages with the second
shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed.
[0149] The method further comprises the steps of coupling the
container via the springless cap with a coupling device thereby
inserting a first probe of the coupling device into the first
opening of the cap and inserting a second probe of the coupling
device into the second opening of the cap. This is shown in FIG. 21
with S2. Further, the step of disengaging the first closure insert
and the first shoulder by axially pushing the first closure insert
by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closure insert and
the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closure insert by
the second probe is shown with S3. The liquid is transported from
the container body through at least one of the first opening and
the second opening to the destination outside of the container in
step S4.
[0150] It should be noted that any other container embodiment,
system embodiment and crop protection spray system, as described
herein, can be used with this method.
[0151] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method the
container body is vented through the other of the first opening and
the second opening during the step of transporting the liquid. As
further specified embodiments, the method may comprise other method
steps as has been described before.
[0152] Moreover, a method of using the system for draining and
venting a container is described in more detail hereinafter. In
this example the coupling device is pushed onto the springless cap
of the container such that the first probe is connected with the
first opening of the cap and the second probe is connected with the
second opening of the cap. A rotational movement is carried out
subsequently for locking the cap and the coupling device and to fix
them in the coupled configuration. For example, a locking collar or
locking ring can be used. Furthermore, the first probe is pushed
onto the first closure insert of the cap thereby disengaging the
first closure insert with the first shoulder and engaging the first
closure insert with the coupling front section of the probe.
Furthermore the second probe is pushed onto the second closure
insert thereby disengaging the second closure insert with the
second shoulder and engaging the second closure insert with the
coupling front section of the second probe. Additionally, a low
pressure is applied within a first conduct which is connected to
the first probe.
[0153] Moreover, the step of opening an air inlet valve, which is
connected to the second conduct and/or the second probe, is carried
out thereby allowing an air flow from outside of the container into
the container. Further, at least a part of the liquid is sucked
through extraction aperture of the first probe and through the
first conduct out of the container. After the desired amount of the
desired liquid has been transferred the both probes are pulled
backwards to disengage the first closure insert and the second
closure insert from the respective probe and to re-press both
closure inserts in a fluid tight engagement with the corresponding
opening of the springless cap. Finally the coupling device is
de-coupled from the cap and removed there from thereby providing an
automatic fluid tight closing mechanism. In other words, when the
coupling device is de-coupled from the cap the first and second
openings of the springless cap are automatically re-sealed by
engaging the two closure inserts in a fluid tight manner with the
respective protrusions within the openings.
[0154] FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap 2200 which
can be positioned on top of the first and second openings of a
springless cap in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the
invention. The tamper evident cap 2200 can also be used as dust
protection and can be used and placed on top of the cap several
times. The tamper evident cap 2200 can be fixed on the cap by means
of friction between the two circular elements 2203 and 2204 and
between corresponding walls of the openings of the cap. The tamper
evident cap 2200 comprises a top plane 2201 at which a grasping
element 2202 is provided. In the perspective, sectional view of the
tamper evident cap in FIG. 22 the two circular elements 2203 and
2204 are shown as a semi circles. They are provided for being
engaged with the openings of the cap and to close said openings.
Moreover, grooves 2202 and 2206 are positioned at the circular
walls 2203 and 2204 and are shown. Tamper evident cap 2200 may
level with elements 1901 and 1902 when it is inserted into cap
1901.
[0155] FIG. 23 schematically shows a cross section through a cap
2300 as used in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. A first closure insert 2313 and a second closure insert
2314 are provided. Moreover, the first probe 2309 is partially
shown in FIG. 23 as well as second probe 2310. In particular, the
coupling sections of the first and second probes are depicted here.
The cap 2300 of FIG. 23 comprises an internal thread 2307.
Moreover, the locking means 2308 facilitate an engagement with a
locking collar. The first closure insert 2313 comprises several
radially deformable sidewalls 2301 and 2302. Moreover, the second
closure insert 2314 comprises several radially deformable sidewalls
2303 and 2304. The radially deformable sidewalls are each adapted
to releasably engage with the respective shoulder 2305 and 2306 of
the respective openings of the cap. As can be gathered from surface
2311 of the first probe 2309 and the surface 2312 of the first
closure insert 2313 a form closure, at least partially, between the
coupling section of the first probe and the first closure insert is
provided. The same holds true in a similar way for the combination
of the second probe and the second closure insert. Consequently, by
axially pushing the closure inserts towards the bottom of the
container, i.e. from the top to the bottom of FIG. 23, the radially
deformable sidewalls 2301, 2302, 2303 and 2304, are deflected
inwardly and they move into a respective recess of the probe. Said
recesses are embodied in the example of FIG. 23 as a
circumferentially extending deepening. However, also other
embodiments are possible. For example, the probes may comprise an
elastically deformable section which can be compressed by the
radially deformable sidewalls during their deflection. Due to the
radial deflection along the inward direction the closure inserts
are disengaged with the shoulders of 2305 and 2306 and due to the
applied pressure the closure inserts are coupled with the probes,
i.e. engaged with the probes. Thus, by further pushing the
respective closure inserts with the respective probes the cap can
be opened at the first and second openings. Furthermore, upon
axially pulling the closure inserts 2313, 2314 from the disengaged
configuration and in a direction away from the bottom of the
container body (i.e. from the bottom to the top of FIG. 23), the
closure inserts can be reengaged with the corresponding shoulder
2305, 2306 such that the corresponding opening of the cap 2300 is
again fluid tightly closed. Moreover, FIG. 23 shows recessions or
grooves 2315, 2316 and 2317 which are positioned in the cap for
enhancing the deflectability of the engaging parts of the cap. The
circumferential walls as described herein engage with the
corresponding closure inserts 2313, 2314 such that said walls
having the shoulders 2305, 2306 have an increased flexibility. Upon
pressing the closure inserts out of the engagement with these
walls, the walls can thus deflect outwardly.
[0156] FIGS. 24a and 24b are two depictions of one system for
draining and venting a container according to one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. In particular FIG. 24a shows a
cross section through the system 2400. On top of springless cap
2401 the locking collar or locking ring 2402 is positioned wherein
the claw/protrusion 2415 engages with the corresponding
claw/protrusion 2416 at the locking collar 2402. Moreover a probe
holder 2403 is shown which comprises a first opening 2412 and a
second opening 2413 in which the first and second probes can be
inserted. Moreover, an air inlet valve 2411 is schematically shown
in FIG. 24a. Cap 2401 comprises an internal thread 2410 and can be
screwed onto the neck of an inlet opening of a container. The
second probe 2405 is depicted in FIG. 24a and also a spring 2404
which is part of the coupling device is shown. It should be noted,
that the spring 2404 is not needed and used for the mechanism for
opening and closing the closure inserts in the first and second
openings of the cap. Instead, spring 2404 is used for pushing the
sleeve 306 or jacket over the extraction apertures of the probe
2404 as the spring exerts a force onto the sleeve. This mechanism
will be described in more detail in the context of another
embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 18. Moreover, spring 2404
improves the decoupling process. Consequently, due to the closure
being-automatically induced by the spring, no leaking water or crop
protection chemical is spilled during the draining or filling
process. Moreover, the user is protected from coming into contact
with the parts which guide the liquid. However, for the procedure
of disengaging or engaging the first and second closure inserts
with the shoulders of the circumferential walls the spring 2404 is
not relevant and has no function. Therefore, the closing mechanism
of provided by the cap is based on springless technology.
Consequently also the cap 2401 of FIGS. 24a and 24b is a springless
cap. Moreover, housings 2407 and 2408 are shown and cap 2401
comprises edges or protrusions 2414 for providing a good grip for
the user during screwing the cap onto the container. Further, a
propeller 2409 is shown, which is installed within the container
and which can be driven by the incoming rinsing water and which
distributes the water within the container during washing.
[0157] FIG. 25 schematically shows a combination 2500 comprising a
springless cap 2501 in which a nozzle 2502 is inserted. The nozzle
has openings on its bottom. Moreover, the closure insert 2503 is
depicted in FIG. 25 in its engaging position in which the opening
of the cap is fluid tightly closed. The nozzle 2502 increases the
cleaning efficiency during washing or cleaning the container by
means of the herein presented closed transfer system. Moreover, the
nozzle prevents an air shortcut in case high viscosity materials
are used. In other words, the air which is guided into the
container via the coupling device and via the cap could
disadvantageously be sucked directly out of the system which might
negatively affect the transferring rate.
[0158] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention a
propeller 2409, see FIG. 24a, is installed within the container
which is driven by the incoming rinsing water and which distributes
the water within the container during washing.
* * * * *