Cartridge and method for filling a bulk container with a flowable substance

• US 7,886,778 B2
• Filed: 01/09/2009
• Issued: 02/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Menasha Corporation
• Original Assignee: Menasha Corporation
• Inventors: McDowell, Richard B.
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US12/351,657
• Publication Number:
  US 20090114311A1
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 141/10, 141/114, 141314-316, 220/495.01, 220/495.05, 220/495.03, 220/62.21, 220/62.1, 220/609, 220/720, 220/9.2, 229/117.05, 229/117.27, 229/117.28, 229/117.3, 229/117.32, 206/594, 383/903, 383/121, 383/3, 383/2, 383/119
• US Class Current: 141/10
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/545 for opening containers formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/60 Loose, or loosely attached, linings made only of relatively rigid sheet material B65D5/566
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/06 Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/065 Spouts, pouring necks or discharging tubes fixed to or integral with the flexible container

Abstract

A cartridge for storing a flowable substance in a bulk container is disclosed. The cartridge includes a shell having a breakable score line and configured to sit inside the bulk container and a bag positioned within the shell and configured to be filled with the flowable substance. The bag has a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag and a drain spout in fluid communication with the bag, allowing the flowable substance to be drained from the bag after filling. The breakable score line is configured to separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance using the cartridge is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance comprising the steps of:

providing a cartridge comprising a shell and a bag within the shell configured to be filled with the flowable substance, the shell comprising a breakable score line, and the bag comprising a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag;

placing the cartridge within the bulk container;

filling the bag by introducing the flowable substance into the bag through the port, wherein the breakable score line separates due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shell further comprises a plurality of breakable score lines, and the plurality of breakable score lines separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the bag further comprises a drain spout, and the expanding bag forces the drain spout through a drain hole in the bulk container.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a fold line allowing the cartridge to fold into a more compact shape, and the method further comprises the step of unfolding the cartridge.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

providing a bridge extending across an open top of the container;

attaching a portion of the bag proximate the port to the bridge; and

fixing a hose to the port, the hose in communication with a supply of the flowable substance.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the flowable substance is a liquid.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the bag is constructed of an impermeable, multi-ply polymer.