LINER

BACKGROUND

There are numerous different configurations of an industrial container. When determining which container is appropriate for a specific use, businesses consider the container's material, gauge or thickness of the material, size, shape, linings, closures, head style, and many more factors. Some of these factors come with a multitude of options, for head style, it is just a choice between two: open head or tight head. An open head container has a fully removable cover secured with a Lever lock or bolt ring closure. Tight head drums, also known as closed head, have a non-removable top.

The tight head drum is known to be more secure and less expensive than an open head drum. On a tight head drum, the head is an integral part of the drum construction—both ends are flanged and permanently sealed. The open head drum relies on a rather large, heavy duty closing ring and a gasket in order for it to pass the necessary tests to ship hazardous materials. There is a need for a removable liner within tight head drums that contain hazardous materials.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to specialty containers for storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous materials. In one embodiment, a container for holding contents may include a shell or exterior container with a liner disposed within the shell and conforming to the shape of the shell. The liner can reduce the amount of times drums will need cleaning or replacing, which also reduces unnecessary waste and prevents product contamination. Drum liners further help lower drum manufacturing costs and save money and time.

In one embodiment, a liner for use in a container can include a liner wall defining an interior cavity of the liner. The liner can include a top portion and a bottom portion sealed to the liner wall. The top portion can include an opening. The liner can further include a disk sealed to the top portion of the liner. The disk can be disposed in the opening. In some examples, the liner can include a thickness between about 0.002 and about 0.014 inches. The disk can define a bung opening. In some examples, the bung opening can be between about ¾ inches and about 8 inches. In some examples the bung opening can be sealed to the top portion of the liner. In some examples, the liner can further include a bung configured to removably couple to the bung opening. In some examples, the disk can include a diameter between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In some examples, the liner can include at least one of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. In some examples, the liner can further include a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed in the vent fitting. In some examples, the disk can be a thermoformed plastic disk heat sealed to the top portion of the liner.

In some examples, a container for holding contents can include a shell having a side wall and a top portion and a bottom portion coupled to the side wall. The container can include an opening positioned on the top portion of the shell and a liner disposed within the shell conforming to the shape of the shell. The liner can have a lid sealed to a top portion of the liner. The lid can be aligned with the opening of the shell. In some examples, the liner includes an access portion for accessing the contents of the container. The access portion can include a bung opening defined by the lid, the bung opening between about ¾ and about 8 inches. In some examples, the lid can include a thermoformed plastic disk having an alignment feature extending therefrom. In some examples, the liner is made from at least one of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. In some examples, the liner can be a multi-ply material. In some examples, the lid can include a circular plastic disk between about 3 inches and about 12 inches. In some examples, a perimeter of the lid can include a lip configured to couple to the container. In some examples, the liner can further include a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed in the vent fitting. The container can include an opening that aligns with the vent fitting. In some examples, the container can further include a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed in the vent fitting.

In some examples, a liner for use in a container can include a cylindrical body and an upper head and a lower bottom. The liner can include a first opening in the upper head, the first opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body. The first opening can include a thermoformed cover disposed over the opening. In some examples, the liner conforms to the shape of the container. In some examples, the thermoformed cover can include a bung opening disposed in the top portion of the liner, the bung opening between about ¾ inches and about 8 inches.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description are for purposes of example and explanation and do not necessarily limit the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure. Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liner, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the liner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a portion of a liner, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of a liner disposed in a container, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to specialty containers for storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous waste. In one embodiment, a container for holding contents may include a shell or exterior container with a liner disposed within the shell and conforming to the shape of the shell. The liner can reduce the amount of times drums will need cleaning or replacing, which also reduces unnecessary waste and prevents product contamination. Drum liners further help lower drum manufacturing costs and save money and time.

In some examples, a storage and transport drum assembly can include a liner disposed within the drum. The container and liner assembly presents a hybrid solution between a tight head drum and an open head drum. In some examples, the container can include a tight head form with a first opening in the upper or top portion of the drum. In some examples, this first opening allows the liner to be more easily installed as well as extracted from the drum or container; while maintaining a high degree of performance. The liner can also include an opening that aligns with the opening of the container. The liner opening can be closed off with a cover to seal the contents of the liner within. In some examples, the cover or seal and further include a bung opening to enable the liner to be opened and reopened to allow the removal or addition of the material over time. This can result in a lower cost than a full open head drum because the opening is smaller than a full open head container. The materials to cover and/or seal the hybrid container and liner do not require the material strength and weight of the full open head components. Further, the tight head drum storage container with the first opening can be easier to assemble a smaller cover or lid than a full lid for an open head drum.

A liner may be configured for use with a tight head drum assembly with a first opening in the top or upper head. The liner may be placed into the container, the container assembly may then be filled with storage material (e.g., a hazardous material). A lid or cover may be placed over the liner and the opening in the container and secured thereto. In some examples, the cover of the liner can include a disk sealed to the top portion of the liner. The disk can be connected to the liner and be secured with an adhesive, via friction or a snap fit connector, a heat seal, or other connection systems. In some examples, the disk can be sealed by attaching the disk to the liner by any suitable method. In some examples, the disk can be connected with an adhesive or epoxy. In other examples, the disk can be sealed to the liner with a mechanical attachment. The disk can be plastic or any suitable material. In some examples, the disk can include a thermoformed plastic disk. In some examples, the disk can be wood or cardboard. The liner disposed in the container may thus store the material to be shipped or placed in storage. In some examples, the container can include a lid or opening cover to access the liner opening. The lid or opening cover may be removable and resealable such that some or all of the material in the container may be accessed and withdrawn from the container for use. In some examples, the liner may be removable and/or replaceable. The liner can be removed and disposed of and replaced with a second liner that is configured to be disposed in the container. When only a portion of the material is withdrawn, the lid on the container may be replaced, thereby allowing for further storage and/or shipping and/or handling of the container while preserving the rest of the material for later use or continuing to isolate the material from the environment.

The liner and the container may be used for most any type of contents including solids or other liquids including food products, detergents, cleaning agents or other chemicals, or cooking products such as oils, spreads, condiments, and the like. The liner and container may also be used with other types of contents and the uses described herein are not intended to be limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a liner 100 is shown. The liner 100 may include a cylindrical body 102, a lower bottom 104, and an upper head 106. The cylindrical body 102 may be configured to define and maintain the shape of the liner 100. The cylindrical body 102 may be configured to expand to fit the shape of the shell of the container. In some examples the cylindrical body 102 can include a standard diameter of a 55 gallon drum, or about 22.5 inches. The bottom 104 of the liner 100 can be sealed to the cylindrical body 102 by thermoforming or can be integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the cylindrical body 102. The bottom 104 may include a generally flat outer surface for fitting the liner 100 within the cylinder so there are no space or pockets between the cylinder and the liner 100. In some embodiments, the bottom 104 may be generally plate-like.

In some examples, the liner 100 can be a “pillow” shape, where the upper head 106 of the liner 100 or lower bottom 104 of the liner 100 includes a seal and the other portion can include a second piece of material attached to the cylindrical body 102. In some examples, both the upper head 106 and the lower bottom 104 can include a “pillow” seal and the liner 100 includes only the cylindrical body sealed at the top and bottom portions.

In some embodiments, the liner 100 can be made from a plastic, rubber, composite materials, or other materials. Other materials are also contemplated by this disclosure and are not meant to be limiting. The thickness of the material can be selected based on the type of material used, the size of the container, and the type of material being placed in the liner 100. In some embodiments, the liner 100 can include a thickness greater than about 0.002 inches. In some examples, the thickness can be greater than about 0.004 inches, greater than about 0.008 inches, or greater than about 0.010 inches. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the liner may range from approximately 0.002 inches and about 0.014 inches. In some examples the thickness of the liner can be between about 0.002 and about 0.004 inches, about 0.004 inches and about 0.006 inches, about 0.006 inches and about 0.008 inches, about 0.010 inches and about 0.012 inches. In some embodiments the volume of the container may be 55 gallons. In other examples, the liner 100 or the container can be larger or smaller as required by the application. As such, other volumes may be provided including volumes outside the ranges mentioned. In some examples, the bottom 104 of the liner can have a greater thickness than the other portions of the liner. The thickness of the liner can be a gradient, or in some examples, the liner 100 can include portions of different thickness materials attached together.

In some examples, the liner 100 can be disposed in a tight head drum. The liner 100 may be configured to nest within the container to provide a watertight or fluid tight film to maintain the contents and prevent leakage or other escape of the contents. The liner 100 can be a vacuum-formed liner 100 and, as such, may be sized and shaped with particular dimensions. As shown, the liner 100 may be configured for nesting within the container 100 and can be disposed therein via an opening in an upper head of the container. As such, the liner 100 can include a bottom and a wall portion similar to the container, but slightly larger, such that the liner 100 can be disposed within the container and the several portions of the liner 100 can be arranged immediately adjacent to corresponding portions of the container. As such, when contents are placed within the liner 100 and the liner 100 is within the container, the position of the several portions of the liner 100 can be maintained by the container under forces or pressures exerted by the contents on the liner 100. Accordingly, the liner 100, like the container, may include a bottom having a circular periphery as the shape of the bottom of the liner 100 corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the container.

While the liner 100 has been described as having several particular parts and elements having particularly adapted sizes and shapes, in other embodiments the liner 100 may be any suitable shape, including more bag-like, and may be placed within the container where the contents placed in the liner 100 may press outward on the liner 100 causing the liner 100 to conform to the shape of the container 100. Other liner types and shapes may also be provided, including the pillow-shaped liner described above.

The liner 100 may be made from any suitable material. Where the contents are liquids, a liquid impermeable material may be used such as a plastic, polyethylene, or other substantially liquid impermeable material. Where the contents are solids, a more permeable material may be used, such as a cloth material, netting, mesh, other material. A more impermeable material may also be used with solid contents. In some embodiments, the liner 100 may be a plastic or polyethylene material. The liner 100 may be a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material or the liner 100 may be a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material. In some examples, the liner can be a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. The liner can include any suitable laminated or co-extruded material. In some examples, the liner 100 can include a multi-ply material. In other words, the liner can include more than one layer of material. As mentioned, the liner 100 may be vacuum-formed or other forming methods may be used. Still other materials may also be used. The liner 100 can be removable and replaceable. In some examples, the liner can be resistant to hazardous materials.

The liner 100 may be configured to be engaged by the container to be described below. As such, the free edge of the liner 100 may be sealed or connected to the container. Connecting features can be provided and any or all of the features may be continuous around the perimeter of the open top of the liner 100 or intermittent or varying features may be provided. In some examples, the liner 100 can include a disk 108 sealed to the top portion 106 of the liner 100. The top portion 106 comprising an opening 110, wherein the disk 108 is disposed in the opening 110.

In some examples, the disk 108 can include a thermoformed plastic disk. However, other materials can be used including wood or cardboard, as required for the application. The disk 108 can be sealed to the body of the liner 100 by a weld, an adhesive, a glue, or other suitable attachment. In some examples, the disk 108 can be integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the liner 100. The disk 108 may include a generally flat inner surface.

The liner 100 can include a first opening 110 in the top portion 106. The first opening 110 can be circular and/or cylindrical. In some examples, the first opening 110 can be located at or near a perimeter of the top portion 106. In some examples, the first opening 110 can include a diameter smaller than the diameter of the container.

In some examples, the disk 108 can include a rim 112 extending from the top portion 106. The rim 112 can extend less than 1 inch from the top portion 106. In some examples, the rim 112 can include a lip 114. The lip 114 can be configured to engage and/or connect to a cover or other component of the container and the disk 108 can be configured to act as a lid for the container.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1. As discussed above, the liner can include a disk 108 sealed to the top portion 106 of the liner, the disk 108 disposed in the opening 110 of the liner 100. In some examples, the disk can be configured to cover the opening 110 of the liner. In some examples, the disk 108 can be heat sealed to the top portion 106 of the liner 100. As shown, the disk 108 can be about a 6 inch cover that is formed over the opening 110. However, the disk 108 can be less than or greater than 6 inches. For example, the disk 108 can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater, about 7 inches or greater, about 8 inches or greater, about 9 inches or greater, about 10 inches or greater, or about 11 inches or greater. In some examples, the disk 108 can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches. The disk 108 prevents the liner from choking off the opening. The peripheral portion or outer portion of the disk 108 can be configured for engagement with the liner 100 to form a leak free seam thereby maintaining the contents in the space defined by the liner 100 and the disk 108.

In some examples, the disk 108 can include an engagement groove or rim 112 that couples to the container. In some examples, the rim 112 of the thermoformed plastic disk 108 may be configured for engagement with the upper head of the container in an interference fit. In some examples, the disk 108 can be coupled to the container via any suitable fitting or method. The disk 108 may be operably or removably secured to the container and may be configured for accessing the contents stored in the container 100. In some examples, the rim 112 can couple to the container with a closing ring (not shown). In some examples, the closing ring can be a standard steel closing ring. The closing ring can have a 6 inch diameter. In some examples, the closing ring can be less than or greater than 6 inches. For example, the closing ring can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater, about 7 inches or greater, about 8 inches or greater, about 9 inches or greater, about 10 inches or greater, or about 11 inches or greater. In some examples, the closing ring can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches.

In some examples, the top portion 106 also includes a second opening 116. The second opening can include a vent. The second opening 116 can be a standard ¾ inch opening for vacuum prevention when evacuating the material from within the container 100. In other words, the second opening 116 can provide air evacuation while emptying the contents of the liner 100. The second opening 116 can be disposed in any suitable location on the top portion 106. As shown, the second opening 116 is generally opposite the opening 110 or the disk 108. In some examples, the second opening 116 can be located proximate the perimeter of the top portion 106. The second opening 116 can be sealed with a vent fitting or a second disk. The fitting can include a bung, a stopper, a threaded fitting, a lid with closing ring, or other suitable fitting.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an outer portion of the disk 108 can include a top and a container/liner engaging portion. The disk 108 can be a circular lid to the liner 100, however, other shapes are possible including a square shape, polygonal, or other suitable shape. The top of the disk 108 can be a generally flat, plate-like, element having a peripheral edge generally matching the shape of the container opening 132 shown in FIG. 4 and being slightly larger than the peripheral or outer rim of the container opening 132. In the embodiment shown, the container opening 132 and the disk 108 can be generally circular or round. The container 130 can include a shell 134 having a side wall 136 and a bottom portion (not shown) and a top portion 140 coupled to the side wall. The disk 108 can include an engagement feature (e.g., lip 114) arranged along the outer edge of the rim 112 for engagement with the container 130. In some embodiments, the lip 114 can include an engagement groove configured to engage to the container opening 132. As such, the disk 108 can act as a gasket for the container 130 and the liner 100.

In some examples, the top portion 106 of the liner 100 can include a bung opening 118 for accessing the contents of the liner 100. The bung opening 118 can include an opening in the liner 100 that can be plugged or threaded with a threaded fitting to close the liner 100. The bung opening 118 can be disposed in the disk 108. In some examples, the bung opening can be between about ¾ inches and about 8 inches. In some examples, the bung opening can be about ¾ inches or greater, about 1 inches or greater, about 2 inches or greater, about 3 inches or greater, about 4 inches or greater, about 5 inches or greater, about 6 inches or greater or about 7 inches or greater. In some examples, the bung opening can be in ranges from about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, about 8 inches to about 10 inches, or about 10 inches to about 12 inches.

The bung opening 118 can be off-center to the disk 108. As such, the disk 108 can orient the liner. The bung opening 118 includes a bung 124 to seal the bung opening 118. In some embodiments, the bung 124 can be threadely coupled or inserted into the bung opening 118. The bung opening 118 can include threads 122 configured to couple with the bung 124, however, other attachment methods can be included, such as a pressure seal or a compression plug. In some examples, the bung 124 can include a standard drum plug. The bung 124 can be sized to fit within the bung opening. The disk 108 can protect the liner from incidental damage when inserting the bung 124.

The disk 108, can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the disk 108 may be an injection molded lid. As such, the disk 108 may be constructed of a Teflon, a polyethylene material, or other injectable material. Other materials and processes for forming the disk 108 may also be used. In some embodiments, a portion of the disk 108 may be made of a relatively clear or semi-transparent material such that the contents and the color thereof may be viewed without removing the disk 108 or the bung 124.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the disk 108 with the bung opening 118. As shown, the diameter a of the bung opening 118 can be about 2 inches. However, in some examples, the diameter a of the bung opening 118 can be less than 4 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 2 inches, or less than 1 inch and can be ¾ inches in some examples. In some examples, the diameter a of the first opening can be about 2 inches. In some examples, the diameter a of the first opening can be greater than 3 inches, greater than 4 inches, greater than 5 inches, greater than 6 inches, greater than 7 inches, or can be in ranges between about ¾ inch to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches This opening allows the liner 100 within to be easily installed and extracted from the tight head drum or container 130.

The disk 108 allows access to within the drum to position the liner 100. Once the liner 100 is installed, the disk 108 can be sealed to the upper portion of the container 130 and access to the container can be through the bung opening 118. The liner 100 can be removable and replaceable. The disk 108 can include an alignment feature 142 extending from an upper surface of the disk 108. The alignment feature 142 can assist in the proper placement of the liner 100 within the container 130. In some examples, the alignment feature 142 can include a notch, fin, groove, or any type of alignment method. In some examples, the alignment feature 142 can be a marker color or other type of marking.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the container 130 and the liner 100 with the disk 108 as a circular lid. FIG. 4 shows the portions of the container assembly engaged together. As shown, the disk 108 covers the container opening 132 and is a 6 inch circular lid. The rim 112 of the liner comprises the lip 114 shown in FIG. 1. The disk 108 is configured to couple to the container 130 to seal the liner 100 to the container opening 132. In some examples, the disk 108 couples to the container 130 with a closing ring 144.

The bung opening 118 can be sealed with the bung 124 or a standard drum fitting. Further, in some examples, a faucet or other fitting can be connected to the bung opening 118. In use, the described liner 100 may be used for several types of contents. In one embodiment, the liner 100 may be used to store, transport, and handle, liquids. The liner 100 may also be fitted to the container 130 or can be disposed therein. In other words, in some examples, the liner 100 can be attached to the container 130 or may be placed in the container, and the assembly may allow for the liner 100 to be suspended from the container opening 132. The liner 100 may be filled with the intended contents. The disk 108, including the bung opening 118, may be arranged on the top surface 106 of the liner 100 and the liner 100 may be fitted between the lip 114 and the closing ring 144 such that the liner 100 is secured to the container 130 at the rim 112. The liner 100 and/or the disk 108 can be pressed or sealed onto the top surface 106 of the liner 100 and the liner 100 and/or the disk 108 can adhere to the top portion 140 of the container 130. The material in the container 130 can be accessed through the bung opening 118 by removing the bung 124. The bung 124 is replaceable as required to access the materials within the container 100.

The container 130 and liner 100 described herein may be advantageous for several reasons. The tight head drum with a container opening 132 having a diameter smaller than an open head drum can provide the ability to insert and remove the liner 100 while being less expensive to manufacture an open head drum assembly. The bung opening 118 can be located in a standard location for a tight head drum and fit the standard fittings to access the contents of the container 130. Several parts of the container 130 may be selectively sealed and/or opened for cleaning, liner extraction, filling, or other operations and thus reduce the carbon footprint in landfills, during shipping, and during manufacturing. For example, the liner 100 may be removed after use and collapsed and recycled.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)