Patent Application
20070012722
This invention relates generally to a liquid container, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for filling and dispensing a liquid from a container.
Containers, specifically, wine containers, are generally known and may be constructed from a variety of materials and formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, a wine-filled, plastic bladder or bag may be positioned within a box. Generally, the box is rectangular in shape and fabricated from cardboard and designed to protect the plastic wine bag. More specifically, some known boxed wines have a perforated opening sized to temporarily receive a wine dispensing spout therethrough while maintaining the plastic wine bag inside the box. However, because the opening is sized to receive only the dispensing spout therethrough, the wine bag is not removable and the entire box of wine must be discarded after use.
Although boxes generally protect wine bags from puncture and allow for portability of the wine, boxes constructed of cardboard may decrease the shelf life of the wine due to exposure to atmospheric temperature fluctuations and may limit the ability to stack multiple boxes on top of one another.
In one aspect, a container is provided. The container includes a first end, a second end, a body extending therebetween, and a closure member removably coupled to the first end, wherein the closure member includes a first engagement member. The container also includes a second engagement member removably coupled to the closure member and the first end and a plurality of support members configured to engage a body of a second container. A retaining member is removably coupled to the first end and to the closure member such that the retaining member extends through the first end and engages a recess within the closure member.
In another aspect, a method of stacking containers is provided. The method includes positioning a first container on top of a second container wherein each container includes an open first end, a closed second end, and a barrel-shaped body extending therebetween. Each body includes at least one support member defined thereon and extending outwardly from a bottom portion of each body. Each body further includes at least one recess defined therein and extending inwardly from a top portion of each body, wherein a first support member from the first container is substantially aligned with a recess of the second container. The method also includes inserting the first support member of the first container into the recess of the second container such that the containers are secured to one another.
In a further aspect, a method of dispensing wine is provided. The method includes providing a wine filled flexible bag including a dispensing spout and a body and providing a container wherein the container includes an open first end, a closed second end, and a barrel-shaped body extending therebetween. The container also includes a closure member removably coupled to the first end, wherein the closure member includes a first arcuate engagement member sized to receive the dispensing spout therein. The container further includes a second arcuate engagement member removably coupled to the closure member and the first end, and a fastener configured to extend through the container body and into the closure member. The method also includes coupling the wine spout between the first and second engagement members such that the wine bag body is sealed within the container body and from the atmosphere.
Container 10 may have various sizes and shapes. In the exemplary embodiment, container 10 is sized to accommodate a four liter bag or 1.22 gallons of wine. In alternative embodiments, container 10 may be larger or smaller than the above indicated size, depending upon the particular application or size of bag 18.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 10 is barrel-shaped. In alternative embodiments, container 10 may have any other shape, such as, but not limited to, a rectangular shape, a square shape, or a non-orthogonal shape, such as, a cylindrical shape or a curvilinear shape.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 10 is fabricated from BAYDUR® and/or DESMODUR® both available from Bayer Material Science LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa. In another embodiment, container 10 is fabricated from a polypropylene material. In alternative embodiments, container 10 is fabricated from any shape-retentive, break-resistant, thermal polymer material, such as, but not limited to, a high density polyurethane material, a polyethylene material, and an isocynate material that enables container 10 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, container 10 is fabricated by a manual molding process. In another embodiment, container 10 is fabricated by an automatic molding process. In alternative embodiments, container 10 is fabricated by any other process, such as, but not limited to, a forming process, a milling process, or a grinding process.
In the exemplary embodiment, first end 12 has a circular opening 20 and is sized to receive bag 18 therethrough. In alternative embodiments, opening 20 may have any other shape, such as, but not limited to, a square shape, an oval shape, or a curvilinear shape. In one embodiment, second end 14 is closed by an integral, imperforate wall 22 that is substantially perpendicular to body 16. In another embodiment, wall 22 is a removable wall coupled to second end 14.
Body 16 has an outer surface 24 and an inner surface 26. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 24 is configured to resemble the appearance of a conventional barrel in aspects, such as, texture, design, and color. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 24 is molded with a simulated wood grain barrel stave pattern and a pair of simulated metal hoops 28 extend circumferentially about outer surface 24.
Inner surface 26 defines a cavity 30. In the exemplary embodiment, cavity 30 is substantially cylindrical. In alternative embodiments, cavity 30 is shaped to accommodate bag 18 therein. First end 12 includes an integrally formed first annular flange or lip 32. Second end 14 includes a second annular lip 34 formed integrally at a junction of second end 14 and wall 20. In the exemplary embodiment, first annular lip 32 includes an integrally molded, outwardly extending recess 36 and a seating ledge 38 extending circumferentially about first annular lip 32. Ledge 38 has a width 40. In one embodiment, width 40 is approximately twenty-two millimeters.
In the exemplary embodiment, first annular lip 32 includes an integrally formed aperture 42 extending between outer surface 24 and inner surface 26 configured to receive a retaining member 44 therethrough. In another embodiment, aperture 42 is a slot configured to frictionally receive retaining member 44. In yet another embodiment, aperture 42 is a threaded aperture configured to receive a threaded retaining member 44 such as a screw fastener.
Bag 18 is configured to continually collapse as a pre-filled liquid is dispensed therefrom. In one embodiment, bag 18 is a collapsible wine bag. In another embodiment, bag 18 is a “bag-in-a box” wine bladder. In alternative embodiments, bag 18 may be any other type of bag that enables container 10 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, bag 18 has a deformable body 50 coupled to a non-deformable spout 52. Spout 52 facilitates dispensing wine and securing wine bag 18 within container 10. Spout 52 includes a collar 54 defined by a first annular ring 56, a second annular ring 58, and a groove 60 extending therebetween.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 10 includes a first support member 62, a second support member 64, a third support member 66, and a fourth support member 68. In the exemplary embodiment, each support member 62, 64, 66, and 68, is solid and extends radially from a lower portion 70 of body 16. In another embodiment, support members 62, 64, 66, and 68 are hollow. In the exemplary embodiment, support members 62, 64, 66, and 68 are integral with body 16. In alternative embodiments, support members 62, 64, 66, and 68 are coupled to lower portion 70.
First support member 62 and second support member 64 are substantially parallel to one another, and third support member 66 extends between support members 62 and 64. As such, first and second support members 62 and 64 are substantially perpendicular to third support member 66. Support members 62 and 64 have a first length 72, and support member 66 has a second length 74. In the exemplary embodiment, length 72 is different than length 74. Alternatively, lengths 72 and 74 may be selected to be any length. In one embodiment, first length 72 is approximately 202 millimeters and second length 74 is approximately 179 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, first length 72 and second length 74 may be longer or shorter than the above indicated lengths depending upon the particular container.
Additionally, first support member 62 has a first height 76, second support member 64 has a second height 78, and third support member 66 has a third height 80 measured from a center axis 82. In the exemplary embodiment, first height 76 is less than second height 78 such that container 10 slopes toward first end 12 facilitating the flow of wine towards wine bag spout 52. Third height 80 is less than first height 76. Alternatively, heights 76, 78, and 80 may be selected to be any height. In one embodiment, first height 76 is approximately 152 millimeters, second height 78 is approximately 161 millimeters, and third height 80 is between approximately 125 millimeters and approximately 131 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, heights 76, 78, and 80 may be longer or shorter than the above indicated heights depending upon the particular container.
First and second support members 62 and 64 each include a first end 90, a second end 92, and a body 94 extending therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, each first end 90 includes a linear portion 96 and an arcuate portion 98. Specifically, each first end 90 is configured to engage both a flat surface (not shown) at linear portion 96 and/or curved top portion 100 of another container 10 at arcuate portion 98. In the exemplary embodiment, arcuate portion 98 has a substantially similar curve shape as body 16.
In the exemplary embodiment, fourth support member 68 is cylindrical shaped. In the exemplary embodiment, fourth support member 68 extends a distance 102, has a diameter 104, and is configured to matingly couple with a recess 106 in top portion 100 of body 16 of a second container (not shown in
In the exemplary embodiment, engagement member 120 includes a first sidewall 126, a second sidewall 128, a third sidewall 130, and a fourth sidewall 132. First sidewall 126 and second sidewall 128 are substantially parallel to one another, third sidewall 130 has an arcuate portion 134, and fourth sidewall 132 is arcuate. Specifically, arcuate portion 134 is substantially the same shape as spout collar 54 and configured to couple thereto and fourth sidewall 132 is substantially the same shape as first annular lip 32 and configured to couple thereto such that engagement member 120 facilitates sealing cavity 30 from the outside atmosphere. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 126, 128, and 132 are tapered towards outer surface 122 and sidewall 130 and arcuate portion 134 are substantially perpendicular to outer surface 122.
Engagement member 120 has a first length 136 and a second length 138. In the exemplary embodiment, length 136 is different than length 138. Alternatively, lengths 136 and 138 may be selected to be any length. Additionally, engagement member 120 has a uniform height 140. In one embodiment, first length 136 is approximately 30.5 millimeters and second length 138 is approximately 52 millimeters. In one embodiment, height 140 is approximately 12 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, first length 136, second length 138, and/or height 140 may be longer or shorter than the above indicated lengths and height, depending upon the particular container.
In the exemplary embodiment, closure member 150 includes an outer surface 156, an inner surface 158, and a sidewall 160 extending therebetween. Outer surface 156 and inner surface 158 are substantially parallel to one another. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewall 160 tapers towards inner surface 158. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 156 is configured to resemble the appearance of a conventional barrel in aspects such as texture, design, and color. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 156 is molded with a simulated wood grain barrel stave pattern.
Closure member 150 has an inner diameter 162, an outer diameter 164, and sidewall 160 has a width 166. In the exemplary embodiment, inner diameter 162 is less than outer diameter 164 and sidewall width 166 is less than lip ledge width 40. In alternative embodiments, diameters 162 and 164 are equal and widths 166 and 40 are equal. In one embodiment, inner diameter 162 is approximately 176 millimeters, outer diameter 164 is approximately 177 millimeters, and width 166 is 16 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, inner diameter 162, outer diameter 164, and/or width 166 may be longer or shorter than the above indicated length and width, depending upon the particular container. Sidewall 160 is configured to couple with first annular lip 32 such that closure member 150 facilitates sealing cavity 30 from the outside atmosphere.
Alignment member 152 is configured to engage first lip recess 36 when closure member 150 is coupled to first end 12 such that closure member 150 is secured in a predetermined position when alignment member 152 is inserted within recess 36. In the exemplary embodiment, alignment member 152 is substantially rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiments, alignment member 152 may have any other shape, such as, but not limited to, a square shape, or a non-orthogonal shape, such as, a cylindrical shape or a curvilinear shape. Alignment member 152 extends outwardly a first distance 170 from sidewall 160, extends inwardly a second distance 172 from sidewall 160, and extends outwardly a third distance 174 from inner surface 158. In one embodiment, first distance 170 is approximately 6 millimeters, second distance 172 is approximately 10 millimeters, third distance 174 is approximately seven millimeters. In the exemplary embodiment, recess 36 (not shown in
Recess 154 is configured to receive retaining member 44 therein. In the exemplary embodiment, recess 154 is substantially cylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, recess 154 is threaded. In alternative embodiments, recess 154 may have any other shape, such as, but not limited to, a rectangular shape, a square shape, or a non-orthogonal shape, such as, a curvilinear shape. Recess 154 extends inwardly a distance 178 from sidewall 160 and has a diameter 180. In one embodiment, distance 178 is approximately 10 millimeters and diameter 180 is approximately 8 millimeters. In the exemplary embodiment, recess 154 is sized to receive retaining member 44 therein. In alternative embodiments, recess 154 is any recess that allows closure member 150 to be removably coupled to first end 12.
Closure member 150 further includes an engagement member 190 configured to couple with engagement member 120 about spout collar 54. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement member 190 is curvilinear in shape. In alternative embodiments, engagement member 190 may have any shape that enables engagement member 190 to function as described herein.
In the exemplary embodiment, engagement member 190 is solid and includes an outer surface 192. In another embodiment, engagement member 190 is hollow. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 192 is configured to resemble the appearance of a conventional barrel in all aspects including texture, design, and color. In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface 192 is molded with a simulated wood grain barrel stave pattern. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement member 190 is integral with closure member 150 and includes a first sidewall 194, a second sidewall 196, a third sidewall 198, and a fourth sidewall 200. First sidewall 194 and second sidewall 196 are substantially parallel to one another, third sidewall 198 has an arcuate portion 202. First and second sidewalls 194 and 196 are substantially perpendicular to fourth sidewall 200. Sidewall 198 and arcuate portion 202 are substantially perpendicular to outer surface 192. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 194, 196, and 200 are tapered towards outer surface 192. Arcuate portion 200 is substantially the same shape as spout collar 54 and is configured to couple thereto such that engagement member 190 facilitates sealing cavity 30 from the outside atmosphere. Additionally, arcuate portion 134 (shown in
Sidewalls 194 and 196 have a first length 204, and fourth sidewall 200 has a second length 206. In the exemplary embodiment, length 204 is different than length 206. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, length 206 is equal to length 138 and height 210 is equal to height 140. Alternatively, lengths 204 and 206 may be selected to be any length. Additionally, engagement member 190 has a uniform height 210. In one embodiment, first length 204 is approximately 36 millimeters, second length 206 is approximately 52 millimeters, and height 210 is approximately 12 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, first length 204, second length 206, and/or height 210 may be longer or shorter than the above indicated length and height, depending upon the particular container.
Closure member 150 also includes an aperture 220 extending inwardly from sidewall 160 towards center axis 82. Aperture 220 includes a first inner wall 222, a second inner wall 224, and an arcuate portion 226 extending therebetween. Arcuate portion 226 is at least partially circumscribed by arcuate portion 202 of engagement member 190. Arcuate portion 226 is sized to receive pour spout collar 54 therein. Inner walls 222 and 224 are sized to receive engagement member 120 therein. In one embodiment, aperture 220 has a length 226 and is approximately 33 millimeters.
Engagement member 120 and closure member 150 are configured to couple together and facilitate sealing wine bag 18 within container 10. Specifically, wine bag 18 may be inserted inside container 10 to dispense wine and upon when empty, removed and replaced by a full wine bag 18. During insertion operations, container 10 is rotated vertically such that it rests on second end 14 and first end 12 is pointed up. Retaining member 44 is removed from recesses 42 and 154. In the exemplary embodiment, closure member 150 is removed by lifting upwards and at an angle such that alignment member 152 disengages recess 36 and both closure member 150 and engagement member 120 disengage from lip 32. In the exemplary embodiment, engagement member 120 is removed from closure member 150 by sliding engagement member 120 out of aperture 220 towards sidewall 160. Once engagement member 120 is removed from closure member 150 a full wine bag 18 is ready for insertion. Holding full wine bag 18 by collar 54, wine bag 18 is inserted through aperture 220 towards engagement member 190. Specifically, collar annular ring 56 slides along closure member outer surface 156 along inner walls 222 and 224, while, simultaneously, annular ring 58 slides along inner surface 158 along inner walls 222 and 224. Wine bag 18 is aligned such that spout 52 is substantially parallel with aperture 220. Engagement member 120 is inserted into aperture 220 such that collar 54 is positioned adjacent and coupled to engagement members 120 and 190 and spout groove 60 is adjacent arcuate portions 134 and 226, respectively.
Wine body 50 is then placed into cavity 30 and closure member 150 is positioned in place. Specifically, alignment member 152 is inserted into lip recess 36. Finally, retaining member 44 is inserted through recess 44 and into recess 154. Upon tightening retaining member 44, wine bag 18 is sealed within container 10. Removal of empty bag requires loosing and removing retaining member 44, tilting out and removing closure member 150, disengaging engagement member 120, and discarding empty wine 18.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 300 is fabricated from a polypropylene material using an automatic molding process. In alternative embodiments, container 300 is fabricated by any other process, such as, but not limited to, a forming process, a milling process, or a grinding process.
Body 16 has an inner surface 302 defining a cavity 304. In the exemplary embodiment, cavity 304 is substantially curvilinear. In alternative embodiments, cavity 304 is shaped to accommodate bag 18 therein. Cavity 304 includes a bag ledge 306 tilted to allow wine to escape wine bag 18. Specifically, bag ledge 306 is sized to support wine bag 18 and is tilted towards first end 12 at an angle that facilitates increasing the flow of wine from wine bag 18. Container 300 includes first annular lip 32 formed integrally at first end 12 and second annular lip 34 formed integrally at second end 14. Container 300 includes a first closure member 310 and a second closure member 312 removably coupled to first end 12. Closure member 310 is removably coupled to first end 12 by a plurality of attachments 314 configured to engage a plurality of recesses 316 in first annular lip 32. Closure member 310 is configured to circumferentially couple wine bag collar 54 between a first engagement member 320 and a second engagement member 322. In one embodiment, closure member 310 is hinged such that first engagement member 320 and second engagement member 322 are matingly coupled.
Engagement members 320 and 322 each have an annular ring 330 and 332, respectively. Annular rings 330 and 332 are configured to circumferentially engage wine spout collar 54 such that cavity 304 is sealed from the outside atmosphere. Specifically, each of rings 330 and 332 partially circumscribe wine spout collar 54 between wine collar rings 56 and 58.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 300 also includes support members 62, 64, 66, and 68 which are hollow. Support members 62 and 64 include linear portions 96 and arcuate portions 98. Fourth support member 68 is configured to couple to an aperture 334. In the exemplary embodiment, aperture 334 is circular and positioned at the apex of body 16. A wine guard ledge 336 is positioned between aperture 334 and cavity 304 such that wine bag 18 is protected from puncture or damage.
In the exemplary embodiment, container 300 includes a retaining member 336 fixedly coupled through first end 12 and engages a recess (not shown) within second closure member 312. In one embodiment, retaining member 336 is coupled to first end 12 by at least one of a fastener, a tether, and a wire.
Containers 10 and 300 facilitate increasing the shelf life of the wine by reducing exposure to atmospheric temperature fluctuations and increasing the ability to stack multiple containers on top of one another. Furthermore, insertion and removal of engagement member 120 and closure member 150 facilitates rapid exchange of wine bags 18.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
