Patent Application
20230391529
The present disclosure relates to flexible bag dispensing containers, in particular, to flexible bag dispensing containers configured to store and discharge a liquid material therefrom.
In the field of flexible cartridges, the flexible cartridges can be collapsed, filled, and closed for storage and/or transportation. When the flexible cartridge is collapsed, gases can become entrapped therein. The entrapped gases may, in some circumstances, react negatively or undesirably with a product disposed in the flexible cartridge. In addition, the gases may be compressible such that when a product disposed in the flexible cartridge is dispensed under pressure, the gases compress, and when pressure is released, dispensing of the product may continue as the gases decompress. Therefore, entrapment of gases may be undesirable in certain applications. For products that are particularly sensitive to entrapped gases, a vacuum may be utilized, though this may add unnecessary complexities.
Therefore, there is a need for flexible bag dispensing containers having a vent to facilitate the discharging of entrapped gases.
In an example, a flexible bag dispensing container is provided. The flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. An inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered. The inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
In another example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further comprises a malleable tube. The malleable tube is disposed in the seal. The malleable tube defines at least one vent. The at least one vent defined by the malleable tube is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
In a further example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further comprises a bleeder valve. The bleeder valve defines at least one vent. The at least one vent defined by the bleeder valve is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
In yet another example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The seal has an inner edge at the interior space. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. At least a portion of the inner edge of the seal is tapered. The portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end. The portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extend away from the at least one vent.
Another example is a method of forming a flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container has a first end. The first end defines a port. The flexible bag dispensing container also has a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further has a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The interior space is configured to hold a liquid material therein. The method includes sealing the second end of the flexible bag dispensing container. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The method further includes forming at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The forming step includes at least one of the following substeps: (a) forming the at least one vent such that an inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; (b) disposing a malleable tube in the seal such that the malleable tube defines the at least one vent; (c) forming the at least one vent in the form of a bleeder valve; (d) forming the at least one vent as first and second vents, the first vent defining a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container and the second vent defining a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the first and second centerlines being substantially parallel to one another; or (e) forming the seal such that at least a portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends away from the at least one vent.
In a further example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes first and second vents. Each of the first and second vents are configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The first vent defines a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The second vent defines a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The first and second centerlines are substantially parallel to one another.
The following description of the illustrative examples may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are for explanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitly contemplated and form a part of this disclosure.
While conventional flexible bag dispensing containers have been adequate for their intended purpose, there is a need for flexible bag dispensing containers having a vent to facilitate the discharging of entrapped gases. The flexible bag dispensing containers described herein may generally be configured to contain a liquid material, to be sealed so as to prevent the liquid material from being discharged (e.g., through a seal formed in the flexible bag dispensing container), and to discharge entrapped gases from the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., via a vent formed in the flexible bag dispensing container).
The flexible bag dispensing containers of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of applications as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, it is contemplated that the foregoing may be used to contain a liquid material, such as an adhesive or an epoxy. In examples, the flexible bag dispensing containers may be configured to contain and dispense the liquid material, such as when used in conjunction with a dispensing system (e.g., a cartridge system).
Described herein are flexible bag dispensing containers configured to discharge entrapped gases therefrom. In examples described herein, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container may be discharged therefrom (e.g., via a port and/or a vent formed in the flexible bag dispensing container) as the flexible bag dispensing container is at least partially filled with the liquid material and/or after the flexible bag dispensing container is at least partially filled with the liquid material. For example, it may be desirable in certain applications to discharge gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., via a port and/or a vent of the flexible bag dispensing container) so as to at least partially collapse the flexible bag dispensing container, such as for storage and/or transportation. Alternatively to or in addition to the foregoing, in examples described herein, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container may be discharged before and/or after the flexible bag dispensing container receives a liquid material. Discharging the entrapped gases during filling or prior to use of the flexible bag dispensing container can limit, or prevent altogether, situations in which the liquid material disposed in the flexible bag dispensing container could react negatively or undesirably with entrapped gases. Further, discharging the entrapped gases during filling or prior to use of the flexible bag dispensing container can limit, or prevent altogether, situations in which entrapped gases within the flexible bag dispensing container can be compressed during filling of the flexible bag dispensing container. These compressed gases can then expand during a dispense operation of the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., as the liquid material is dispensed from the flexible bag dispensing container) such that the expanding gases cause the liquid material to continue to dispense after the dispense operation is complete.
Referring first to
The first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may define a port 110. The port 110 may generally be configured to transfer the liquid material between the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 and an exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The port 110 may, in certain examples, be configured to receive the liquid material therethrough (e.g., for storage of the liquid material) and/or to dispense the liquid material therethrough. In examples, such as that illustrated in
In examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 can comprise a faceplate 110b that defines the port 110. In some examples, the faceplate 110b can be more rigid than the flexible wall 130. The faceplate 110b may, in certain examples, be integrally molded to or formed with the flexible wall 130. The faceplate 110b can optionally include a nosepiece 110d extending from a first face of the faceplate 110b in a direction that extends from the second end 108 toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The nosepiece 110d can define the port 110. The faceplate 110b can optionally include a flange 110e extending from a second face of the faceplate 110b in a direction that extends from the first end 106 toward the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The cap 110a can be releasably attachable to the nosepiece 110d with corresponding threads to releasably seal the port 110. The faceplate 110b may be formed through injection molding around the flexible wall 130. A resin forming the faceplate 110b may be injected in a molten state and melt an outer surface of the flexible wall 130. The resin may be the same or substantially the same composition as the outer surface of the flexible wall 130, and the outer surface of the flexible wall 130 and the flange 110e may intermix at an interface. The faceplate 110b and the outer layer of the flexible wall 130 may then solidify to form an integrated structure of essentially uniform composition having no distinct layers at the interface. The faceplate 110b may be molded to the circumference of the flexible wall 130. It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the flexible wall 130 and faceplate 110b can be affixed to one another in any other suitable manner, including manners that do not include injection molding.
With continued reference to
Turning now to
As will be described in greater detail herein, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include one or more vents 150. Generally, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space 120 to discharge therethrough to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In certain examples, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to permit the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough without permitting the liquid material to discharge therethrough. In certain examples, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to be sealed closed after permitting the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the vent(s) 150 may be sealed closed by any suitable technique, such as by applying heat or pressure or both, by crimping, and/or by applying ultrasonic vibration to sealingly close the vent(s) 150. In other examples, the vent(s) 150 may remain open after the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is at least partially filled with the liquid material. In such examples, the vent(s) 150 may be of a size and shape that permits gases to pass through the vents without permitting the liquid material to pass therethrough. The size and/or the shape of the vent(s) 150 may be determined based on a viscosity of the liquid material. For example, higher viscosity materials are generally thicker than lower viscosity materials and hence flow more slowly than lower viscosity materials. As a result, the vent(s) 150 may have a larger cross-sectional dimension for liquid materials having higher viscosities than for liquid materials having lower viscosities.
As desired, the vent(s) 150 may be open or closed after the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is at least partially filled with the liquid material, such as depending on the chemistry and/or rheology of the liquid material. Some liquid materials may effectively self-seal when exposed to air and/or some liquid materials may have a viscosity that is so high that such liquid materials are incapable of discharging through the vent(s) 150 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The vent(s) 150 may generally be formed by any suitable technique. By way of non-limiting example, when one or more of the vents 150 is defined by and/or in the seal 140, such vent(s) 150 may be formed by selectively preventing the application of heat and/or pressure in one or more discrete areas of the seal 140, thereby defining the one or more vents 150.
In certain examples of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 in which multiple vents 150 are provided, each of the multiple vents 150 may be similarly structured, such as is illustrated and will be described with respect to
The vent(s) 150 may be of any suitable size, shape, and/or number to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include one, two, three, or four or more vents 150. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a length of about 9 mm, as measured from an inlet 156 to an outlet 158 of the vent(s) 150. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of from about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a height) of about 0.13 mm.
While vent 150a illustrated in
In certain examples, such as is illustrated in
The seal 140 may include an inner edge 148 at the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In some examples, such as is illustrated in
Similarly, the seal 140 may include an outer edge 146 at the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In certain examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100, such as the seal 140, may include a side seal 160. In some examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 can include first and second side seals 160 that are spaced from one another. Each side seal 160 may extend along a direction that extends from the second end 108 toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. For example, each side seal 160 can extend from the inner edge 148 and/or the outer edge 146 toward the first end 106. In certain non-depicted examples, one or more vents 150 may be defined by and/or in the side seal 160. The vent(s) 150 may extend through one or both of the side seals 160. As described with respect to the seal 140, each side seal 160 may be formed by any suitable technique as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, each side seal 160 may be formed by applying heat or pressure or both, such as along the first side 102 and/or the second side 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 so as to effectively flatten and attach the flexible wall 130 to itself therealong. Alternatively or in addition thereto, an adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) may be utilized so as to effectively attach the flexible wall 130 to itself therealong.
In certain examples, the one or more vents(s) 150 may define a centerline as the vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. For example, such as is illustrated in
Turning now to
For the sake of clarity and brevity, in this example, only the particulars of vent 150a are labeled and described, though it is to be understood that vent 150b may have a similar structure and/or function. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150a is tapered as vent 150a extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150a is tapered as vent 150a extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150a is initially tapered inwardly proximate the inlet 156 thereof and then tapers outwardly. In this example, the inlet 156 of vent 150a has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150a, and the vent 150a has a cross-sectional dimension between the inlet 156 and outlet 158 thereof that is less than each of the cross-sectional dimension of the inlet 156 and the cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158.
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In alternative examples, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) of the seal 140 may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In examples, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends away from the vent(s) 150, although other examples are not so limited. In certain such examples, the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends in opposite directions (e.g., toward the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100) away from the vent(s) 150. In the same or other examples to those just described, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited.
In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
With reference now to
In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
Turning now to
In this example, the seal 140 includes an extension 147. The extension 147 extends beyond the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 along a direction that extends from the interior space 120 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In this example, the vent 150 extends through the extension 147, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the length of the vent 150 may generally be maintained while reducing the width of the seal 140.
In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
In some examples, such as is illustrated in
Turning now to
In the example illustrated in
With reference to
In the example illustrated in
In this example, one of the vents (e.g., vent 150b) may be positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (e.g., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). Another of the vents (e.g., vent 150c) may be positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal. Further yet, another of the vents (e.g., vent 150a) may be positioned at the second corner 144 of the seal 140. The vents positioned at the corners of the seal (“corner vents) may be constructed such that one inner edge defining the corner vent extends in a direction substantially parallel to the inner edges defining the vent positioned at the midpoint of the seal (“central vent”), while an opposing inner edge further defining the corner vent extends at an angle that is non-parallel (e.g., oblique) tot eh inner edges defining the central vent. Providing such a corner vent at the first and/or the second corner of the seal has been found to resolve significant manufacturing challenges in certain applications by avoiding a negative taper for the corner vent(s). As will be understood with reference to
In this example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a pair of tubes 170 disposed in the seal 140. While the example of
By way of non-limiting example, the bleeder valve 180 may be a check valve or a duck bill valve. In some examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be configured to permit entrapped gases to be discharged therethrough while the liquid material is prevented from being discharged therethrough. In such examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be open during filling of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 with the liquid material and/or during dispensing of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100 in such a way that entrapped gases may be discharged therethrough while the liquid material is prevented from being discharged therethrough. The bleeder valve 180 may form a seal with the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., the flexible wall 130 thereof) at the second end 108 thereof, such that entrapped gases may be discharged through the bleeder valve 130 in an area separate and distinct from the seal interface between the bleeder valve 130 and the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The bleeder valve 180 may, in certain examples, be configured such that when a predetermined pressure point is reached (e.g., due to the interior space 120 filling with the liquid material and urging entrapped gases toward the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100), at least a portion of the bleeder valve (e.g., a piston seal portion) may move into sealing engagement with another portion of the bleeder valve and/or the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to prevent entrapped gases from discharging therethrough. In examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be configured to at least partially facilitate dispensing of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100, such as when the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is a rigid dispensing tube. As the liquid material is dispensed from the flexible bag dispensing container 100, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may collapse and/or return to the non-expanded configuration (e.g., such that the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 moves closer to the first end 106 thereof). In such examples, the bleeder valve 180 may likewise move toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the liquid material is dispensed therefrom. In certain examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be sized and/or shaped to facilitate evacuation (e.g., full evacuation) of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the bleeder valve approaches and/or reaches the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., at the end of the dispensing operation).
Turning now to
In certain non-depicted examples, the gusseted seal 140 may permit the flexible bag dispensing container to be stood upright upon its second end 108. By way of non-limiting example, the seal 140 may be in the form of a lap seal, a flat seal, a gusseted seal (refer to
Finally,
As described herein, the liquid material may push or urge gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the vent(s) 150, such as while the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is being at least partially filled with the liquid material. In examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be sized and/or shaped to assist in pushing or urging entrapped gases toward one or more vents 150 as the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is filled with the liquid material. In examples, the vent(s) 150 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be positioned so as to maximize the efficiency of discharging gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 therefrom. In certain examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be filled (e.g., via the port 110 thereof) with the liquid material from the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, and the vent(s) 150 may be positioned above the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may rise toward the vent(s) 150 and be discharged therethrough due to gravitational forces (e.g., because the liquid material is heavier than the entrapped gases).
It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various examples. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one illustrated example can apply to all examples as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. The terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include these features, elements and/or steps. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth.
While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and articles described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.
It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various examples of the present invention.
Although the elements in the following method claims are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.
It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does not foreclose the device from having both the X and Y.
This application is a National Stage Application of International Patent App. No. PCT/US2021/058024, filed Nov. 4, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/110,110, filed Nov. 5, 2020, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2021/058024 | 11/4/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63110110 | Nov 2020 | US |
