Reservoir closure system and method

Abstract

A system for sealably closing a reservoir is disclosed. The system can have a container and a slider. The container can have an orifice and catches and lips surrounding the orifice. The slider can be translatably attached to the container over the orifice. The slider can slidably engage the catch and lips to force the orifice closed. While attached to the catch and lips, the slider can create a pressurized seal of the orifice.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the reservoir system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the top of the bag.

FIGS. 3 a through 3g are side views of various embodiments of the top of the bag.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of the slider.

FIGS. 6 a through 6g are side views of various embodiments of the first end of the slider.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate a sequence of an embodiment of a method of using the slider on the bag.

FIGS. 10 a, 10b and 10c are side views of various embodiments of the top of the reservoir system.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate various embodiments of methods of using the slider on the bag.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the reservoir system with the slider attached to the bag.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a method of using the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates that a reservoir system can have a reservoir container, such as a bag, and a sealing member, such as an elongated slider. The bag can have a reservoir, such as one or more hollows. Multiple reservoirs (not shown) in the bag can be divided into one or more separate compartments by one or more septa, bladders and/or other dividers.

The bag can have a bag reinforcement, such as a bag seal. The bag reinforcement can strengthen one or more higher-probability mechanical failure areas on the bag. The bag seal can have thicker dimensions than the surrounding material. The bag seal can have layers of the material of the bag or a different material attached to and/or integral with the bag. The bag seal can be along all or part (as shown) of the circumference of the bag, for example, excluding the portion of the bag adjacent to the orifice.

The slider and the bag can be configured to facilitate slidably translating the slider on the bag. The bag can have a guide. The guide can direct the slider during use.

The slider can have a slider seal configured to seal the orifice. The slider seal can be, for example, the location on the slider where the dimensions of slider arms provide sufficient force on the bag to seal the bag with the slider on the bag. The slider seal can have a slider seal length. The slider seal length can be from about 5 cm (2 in.) to about 91 cm (36 in.), more narrowly from about 5 cm (2 in.) to about 46 cm (18 in.), yet more narrowly from about 17 cm (6.5 in.) to about 18 cm (7.0 in.), for example, about 17 cm (6.5 in.).

FIG. 2 illustrates that the bag can have a first lip (partially hidden) and second lip, for example, adjacent to the orifice. The first lip can be opposite the second lip. The lips can be reinforced. The lips can be thicker and/or otherwise more reinforced and/or stronger than the surrounding bag material. The first lip can have one or more first engagement members, such as first catches. The second lip can have one or more second engagement members, such as second catches.

The bag can be made from a single sheet or from separate sheets, for example, integrated and/or attached at bag seams. The lips can have lip seams. The lip seams can be part of the bag seams. The seams can be leak-proof and water-tight.

The orifice can have an orifice length, for example in a closed configuration. The orifice length can be equal to or less than the slider seal length. The orifice length can be from about 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) to about 90.1 cm (35.8 in.), more narrowly from about 3.8 cm (1.5 in.) to about 45.2 cm (17.8 in.), yet more narrowly from about 15 cm (6.0 in.) to about 17 cm (6.8 in.), for example, about 15 cm (6.0 in.).

The bag can have an opening on either or both sides of the bag. A removable cap can cover the opening. The cap can be attached by an interference or screw interface, for example. The cap can be as disclosed by U.S. Patent Application Attorney Docket No. HYDRNZ00200 filed concurrently and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The bag can have a fitment for sealably attaching to or otherwise interfacing with, for example, one or more valves, a nozzle interface, a tube interface, a nozzle, a tube (e.g., a straw), a plug, or combinations thereof. The fitment can be a socket. The fitment can be over the opening on either or both sides of the bag. The fitment can be the cap. The fitment can be or have a port or socket.

FIG. 3 a illustrates that the bag can have a bag first side and a bag second side. The bag first side can be made from at least the same or a different sheet of material from the bag second side bag side.

The first and second catches can have first and second catch bottoms, respectively. The first and second catches can have first and second catch sides, respectively. The first and second catch sides can be substantially parallel with the lip seams, and/or the lips, and/or the bag seam, and/or the bag first side and/or second side. The angle formed by the catch bottom and the catch side can be a catch angle. The catch angle can be less than about 90°. The catch angle can be from about 0° to about 90°, more narrowly from about 30° to about 80°, yet more narrowly from about 45° to about 75°,for example, about 70°.

The catches can have a catch height. The catch height for the first catch can be the same as or different from the catch height of the second catch. The catch height can be from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) to about 100 mm (3.9 in.), more narrowly from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) to about 30 mm (1.2 in.) for example, about 5 mm (0.2 in.).

The distance from the first catch side to the side catch side can be a combined catch width. The combined catch width can be from about 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) to about 100 mm (3.94 in.), for example, about 7 mm (0.3 in.).

The first and second lips can have a combined lip width. The combined lip width can be from about 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) to about 100 mm (3.9 in.), for example, about 3 mm (0.1 in.).

FIGS. 3 b and 3c illustrate that the lips can have a first upper catch (similar to the first catch described supra) and a second upper catch (similar to the second catch described supra). The lips can have a first lower catch and a second lower catch. The first (and second) lower catch can have a first (and second, respectively) lower catch top angle between the first (and second, respectively) lower catch top and the first (and second, respectively) lower catch side. The first (and second) lower catch can have a first (and second, respectively) lower catch bottom angle between the first (and second, respectively) lower catch side and the first (and second, respectively) lower catch bottom. The lower catch angles can be about 90°. The lower catch top angles can be equal or unequal to the lower catch bottom angles. The lower catch top and/or bottom angles can be less than about 90°, for example from about 0° to about 90°, more narrowly from about 30° to about 80°, more narrowly from about 45° to about 75°, for example about 75°.

FIG. 3 d illustrates that the first and/or second catch bottoms can have one or more recessed interlockable elements, such as, respectively, first and/or second catch notches, recesses, slots, or grooves. The catch grooves can have substantially square or rectangular cross-sections. The catch grooves can be extend along all or part of the length of the catch bottoms. Although shown with a catch angle of 90°, the catch angle can be any catch angle disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 e illustrates that the catch grooves can have substantially round (e.g., hemispherical, hemi-oval, otherwise partially spherical or oval) cross-sections. FIG. 3fillustrates that the first and second catch grooves can be immediately adjacent to the first and second lips, respectively.

FIG. 3 g illustrates that the first and/or second catch bottoms can have one or more extending interlockable elements, such as, respectively, first and/or second catch bumps, buttons or ridges. The catch ridges can have substantially inverted configurations of the configurations disclosed for the catch grooves.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the slider can have a substantially straight longitudinal center axis. The slider can have a slider first side and/or a slider second side and a slider top. The slider first side and/or a slider second side can extend substantially at a right angle or other non-zero angle from a slider top. The slider first arm can have a slider first arm. The first and second slider arms can extend substantially at a right angle or other non-zero angle from the first and second slider sides, respectively. The ends of the slider arms can taper.

The slider can have a first slider end and/or a second slider end. The slider ends can flare or otherwise expand radially away from the longitudinal center axis. The slider ends can include the ends of the slider sides, and/or the ends of the slider arms, and/or the ends of the slider top.

A hollow elongated slider channel can be defined by the slider top and/or the slider sides and/or the slider arms. The slider can be flexible or rigid. The slider can have one or more flexible first segments (e.g., the slider ends) and one or more rigid second segments (e.g., the remainder of the slider other than the ends).

FIG. 5 illustrates that the slider can have information thereon printed, embossed, otherwise marked, or combinations thereof. The information can be instructions or marketing information (e.g., branding) on the slider top and/or slider sides and/or slider arms.

The slider can have a slider first hole, for example at the slider first end. The slider can have a slider second hole, for example at the slider second end. The slider holes can be on the slider top.

FIG. 6 a illustrates that the slider channel can have a slider channel width and a slider channel height. The slider channel width can be from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the combined catch width to about 130 mm (5 in.) larger than the combined catch width, more narrowly from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the combined catch width to 8 about 5 mm (0.2 in.) larger than the combined catch width, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the combined catch width. The slider channel height can be from about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the catch height to about 130 mm (5 in.) larger than the catch height, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the catch height.

The slider can have a slider gap. The slider gap can be defined between the slider first arm and the slider second arm. The slider gap can have a slider gap width. The slider gap width can be the distance from the slider first arm to the slider second arm. The slider gap width can be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the combined lip width to about 10 mm (0.4 in.) larger than the combined lip width, more narrowly from about than the combined lip width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) smaller than the combined lip width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width.

The slider first and second arms can have slider first and second arm tops, respectively. The slider can have one or more slider arm angles. The slider arm angles can be the angle from the first slider arm top to the slider first side and/or from the second slider arm top to the slider second side. The slider arm angles can be the same or different on each side of the slider (i.e., on the slider first side and the slider second side). The slider arm angles can be in the same ranges and the example provided, supra, for the catch angle. The slider arm angles can be equal to the corresponding catch angles.

FIG. 6 b illustrates that the slider can have upper arms (e.g., a slider first upper arm and a slider second upper arm) and lower arms (e.g., a slider first lower arm and a slider second lower arm). The slider can have a slider upper channel. The slider upper channel can be defined by the slider top, the slider first side, the slider second side, and the slider upper arms. The slider can have a slider lower channel. The slider lower channel can be defined by the slider first side, the slider second side, the slider upper arms, and the slider lower arms.

The slider upper channel can have a slider upper channel height and a slider upper channel width. The slider lower channel can have a slider lower channel height and a slider lower channel width.

The slider upper channel width and the slider lower channel width can be from about can be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the combined catch width to about 10 mm (0.4 in.) larger than the combined catch width, more narrowly from about than the combined catch width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined catch width, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) smaller than the combined catch width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined catch width, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined catch width. The slider upper channel width can be the same as or different than the slider lower channel width.

The slider upper channel height and the slider lower channel-height can be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the upper or lower catch height to about 10 mm (0.4 in) larger than the upper or lower catch height, more narrowly from about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the upper or lower catch height to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) larger than the upper or lower catch height, for example about 2 mm (0.08 in.) larger than the upper or lower catch height. The slider upper channel height can be the same as or different than the slider lower channel height.

The slider can have a slider upper gap. The slider upper gap can be defined between the slider first upper arm and the slider second upper arm. The slider upper gap can have a slider upper gap width. The slider can have a slider lower gap. The slider lower gap can be defined between the slider first lower arm and the slider second lower arm. The slider lower gap can have a slider lower gap width.

The slider upper gap width and the slider lower gap width can be the distance from the slider first upper arm to the slider second upper arm. The slider upper gap width can be from be from about 10 mm (0.4 in.) smaller than the combined lip width to about 10 mm (0.4 in.) larger than the combined lip width, more narrowly from about than the combined lip width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width, yet more narrowly from about 1 mm (0.04 in.) smaller than the combined lip width to about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width, for example about 5 mm (0.2 in.) smaller than the combined lip width. The slider upper gap width can be the same as or different than the slider lower gap width.

FIG. 6 c illustrates that the slider the slider upper and/or lower arms can have dovetail or other flared configurations. The slider first and second upper arms can have slider first and second upper arm tops, respectively. Slider first and second upper arm top angles can be defined between the slider first and second upper arm tops, and the slider first and second sides, respectively (as shown).

The slider first and second arm top angles can be selected from the range or example provided herein for the upper catch angle. The slider first and second arm top angles can be greater than, less than, or equal to the upper catch angle.

The slider upper arms can have slider upper arm bottoms. Slider first and second upper arm bottom angles can be defined between the slider first and second upper arm bottoms, and the slider first and second sides, respectively (as shown).

The slider first and second arm bottom angles can be selected from the range or example provided herein for the lower catch top angle. The slider first and second arm bottom angles can be greater than, less than, or equal to the lower catch top angle.

Slider first and second lower arm top angles can be defined between the slider first and second lower arm tops, and the slider first and second sides, respectively (as shown). The slider first and second lower arm angles can be can be selected from the range or example provided herein for the lower catch bottom angle. The slider first and second lower arm angles can be greater than, less than, or equal to the lower catch bottom angle.

FIG. 6 d illustrates that the slider first and/or second arms can have one or more extended interlockable elements, such as, respectively, first and/or second arm bumps, buttons or ridges. The arm ridges can have substantially square or rectangular cross-sections. The arm ridges can be extend along all or part of the length of the catch bottoms. Although shown with a catch angle of 90°, the catch angle can be any catch angle disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 e illustrates that the arm ridges can have substantially round (e.g., hemispherical, hemi-oval, otherwise partially spherical or oval) cross-sections. FIG. 6f illustrates that the first and second arm ridges can be immediately adjacent to the slider gap.

FIG. 6 g illustrates that the first and/or second slider arms can have one or more recessed interlockable elements, such as, respectively, first and/or second arm notches, recesses, slots, or grooves. The arm grooves can have substantially inverted configurations of the configurations disclosed for the arm ridges.

The catch grooves can be configured to interference fit with the arm ridges. The catch ridges can be configured to interference fit with the arm grooves.

The bag can be configured similar to and/or have any elements and/or configurations of the bag disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,506, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. If the top of the bag is rolled in a closed configuration, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,506, the bag can be configured, when in the rolled configuration, to form substantially similar configurations to the first and/or second catches. The first and/or second catches can be formed by the splint(s) and/or fold(s) and/or flap(s) and/or other components disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,506.

The bag, slider, and any and all other elements described herein can be made from polyethylene, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE) (e.g., linear LDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal resin, polytrioxane and polyformaldehyde (e.g., Dehin by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.), Nylon, or combinations thereof. For example, the slider can be made from POM and the bag can be made from TPU.

Method of Making

The bag can be molded and/or any and/or all of the elements of the bag can be welded (e.g., RF welded) together. The slider can be molded and/or any and/or all of the elements of the slider can be welded (e.g., RF welded) together

Methods of Use

FIG. 7 illustrates that before sealably closing the orifice, the slider can be unattached to the bag. The slider can be aligned to the top of the bag. The slider channel can be substantially longitudinally aligned with the first and second catches.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the slider can be translated relative to the bag, as shown by arrow. The slider can be slidably attached to the bag. The slider can be translated in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. The guides, lips, and catches can direct the slider arms longitudinally along the top of the bag. The tapered configuration of the slider arms can direct the slider arms longitudinally along the top of the bag. The slider arms can force the first lip toward the second lip. The slider sides can force the first catch toward the second catch.

The slider can be unattached from the bag by translating the slider in the direction relative to the bag opposite that shown by the arrow in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates that the reservoir system can be in a sealed configuration. The slider can be slidably attached and friction fit to the top of the bag. The slider can provide pressure squeezing the orifice closed.

FIG. 10 a illustrates that when the slider is attached to the top of the bag, the slider can sealably close the orifice. The slider can apply pressure on the bag at any combination of the following areas: where the slider top contacts the lips and/or the catch; where the catches contact the slider sides; where the slider arms contact the catches, where the slider arms contact the lips, and where the arms contact the guides.

The reservoir system can have side-catch gaps between the slider sides can the corresponding catches. The reservoir system can have a top-catch gap between the slider top and the catches and/or lips. The reservoir system can have arm-catch gaps between the slider arms and the corresponding catches. The reservoir system can have arm-lip gaps between the slider arms and the corresponding lips. With the slider deployed to sealably close the bag, the side-catch gaps, top-catch gap, arm-catch gaps, and arm-lip gaps can be from about 0 mm (0 in.) to about 10 mm (0.4 in.), for example about 0 mm (0 in.).

The slider arms can produce an arm compression force, shown by arrows, against the first and second lips. The slider sides can produce a side compression force, shown by arrows, against the first and second catches. The arm and/or side compression forces can minimize and/or prevent fluid leakage from the reservoir out of the orifice.

When pressure in the bag increases (e.g., when the bag contains fluid and the bag is squeezed), the first and/or second catches can impair the movement of the slider first and/or second arms, respectively, in. an upward direction (with respect to the page of FIG. 10a), for example retaining the slider on the bag.

FIG. 10 b illustrates that the slider of FIG. 6b is configured to sealably close the bag of FIG. 3b. The upper catches can be configured to engage and slidably attach to the slider upper channel. The lower catches can be configured to engage and slidably attach to the slider lower channel. FIG. 10c illustrates that the slider of FIG. 6cis configured to sealably close the bag of FIG. 3c.

The slider gaps, slider upper gaps and slider lower gaps can be configured to engage and slidably attach to the lips.

The bags illustrated in FIGS. 3d through 3g can be used with sliders illustrated in FIGS. 6d through 6g, respectively. During use, the catch grooves can interference fit with the arm ridges. During use, the catch ridges can interference fit with the arm grooves.

FIG. 11 illustrates that the slider top can be resiliently or deformably bendable. The slider top can be rotatably bent, as shown by arrow. The slider second arm can be fixedly attached and/or engaged to the second catch bottom. The slider second side can be positioned directly adjacent to the second catch. The slider first side and slider first arm can be unattached to and/or disengaged from the first catch.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the slider can have one or more rotatable elements, for example hinges orjoints. The joint can be at the intersection of the slider top and the slider first and/or second side. The joint can enable the slider top to rotate with respect to the slider first and/or second side. The joint can be fixable (e.g., lockable), for example when the slider top is at a right angle with respect to the slider first and/or second side. The joint can be passive and/or biased to force the slider top to a right angle with. respect to the slider first and/or second side.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the slider of FIGS. 11 and 12 can be released and/or forcibly rotated, as shown by arrow. The slider first arm can snap onto the first catch, fixedly attaching to the first catch bottom and/or producing the arm compression force. The slider first side can be directly adjacent to the first catch and/or producing the side compression force.

FIG. 14 illustrates that the orifice can be opened when the slider is not engaged to seal the orifice. Compressive forces, as shown by arrows, can be applied to the ends of the lips. Tensile forces, not shown (but perpendicular to the shown compressive forces), can be applied to the sides of the lips. The first lip can separate from the second lip. The lips can open in a puckered configuration. During use, solids and/or fluids (e.g., potable water, other beverages) can be transferred into and/or out of the bag from the open orifice. The flexible bag can be turned inside out through the orifice, for example, to aid access and cleaning the inside of the bag. The lips can be configured to be resiliently biased to close.

The slider can be attached to the bag. For example, a leash can attach the slider to the bag. The leash can be attached to the first and/or second hole. Also for example, the slider and/or bag can have a catch configured so the slider can not be completely slidably removed from the bag.

It is apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Elements of systems, devices and methods shown with any embodiment are exemplary for the specific embodiment and can be used in combination or otherwise on other embodiments within this disclosure.

Claims

1. A reservoir closure system comprising: a container having a reservoir and an orifice having a closed configuration, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the orifice, and wherein the orifice has an orifice closed length when the orifice is in the closed configuration;a sealing member configured to slidably attach to the container, and wherein the sealing member has a seal length, and wherein the seal length is at least substantially equal to the orifice closed length, and wherein the sealing mechanism is configured to seal the container, and wherein the sealing member has a substantially straight configuration.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a first catch having a first catch bottom, and wherein the first catch bottom has a first catch angle, and wherein the first catch angle is less than about 90 degrees.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the sealing member has a first side and a first arm, wherein a first arm angle is defined between the first side and the first arm.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first catch angle is substantially equal to the first arm angle.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first catch angle is less than about 90°.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the container has a first end and a first side, and wherein the orifice is at the first end.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the container has an opening on the first side of the container.

8. The system of claim 6, further comprising a cap removably attached to the opening.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cap has a socket configured to attach to a tube.

10. The system of claim 3, further comprising a tether attached to the slider and the container.

11. The system of claim 3, wherein the sealing member is configured to be interference fit to the container.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a first catch having a first catch bottom, and wherein the first catch bottom comprises a first catch ridge.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sealing member comprises a first arm comprising a first arm groove configured to interference fit the first catch ridge.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a first catch having a first catch bottom, and wherein the first catch bottom comprises a first catch groove.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the sealing member comprises a first arm comprising a first arm ridge configured to interference fit the first catch groove.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a polyurethane.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the container substantially completely comprises a polyurethane.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.

20. A reservoir closure system comprising: a container having a reservoir and an orifice, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the orifice;a sealing member configured to slidably attach to the container;wherein the container comprises a polyurethane.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the container substantially completely comprises a polyurethane.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the polyurethane comprises TPU.

24. The system of Claim. 20, wherein the container has a first side, and wherein the container has an opening on the first side of the container.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a cap removably attached to the opening.

26. A reservoir closure system comprising a first bag wall, a second bag wall and an orificea first catch on the first bag wall, wherein the first catch faces away from the orifice;a second catch on the second bag wall, wherein the second catch faces away from the orifice

27. The system of claim 27, comprising no catches on the orifice-side of the bag walls

28. A method of closing a reservoir system comprising a sealing member and a container comprising a first wall and a second wall, an orifice having a closed orifice length in a closed configuration, and a first catch extending from the first wall, wherein the first catch has a first catch bottom, the method comprising: pressing the first wall and the second wall together along the entire closed orifice length with the sealing member; andsecuring the sealing member to the container; wherein securing comprises attaching the sealing member to the first catch bottom.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein pressing comprises sliding the sealing member onto the container.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein pressing comprises rotating the sealing member onto the container.