A CONTAINER ARRANGEMENT

Abstract: A container arrangement (10) comprising an upper portion (12) and a lower portion (14) including rigid support means (35) in which an outlet (16) is provided, the portions (12, 14) defining a space in which an inner container is locatable so as to be supported on the support means (35) and connectable to the outlet (16) for discharge of material from the inner container.

Description: A container arrangement The present invention relates to a container arrangement, and particularly but not exclusively to a container arrangement for containing and dispensing viscous material or pellets of adhesives. A known form of container used to transport and dispense viscous material comprises a relatively tall frame, generally in the upper half of which is located an outer bag which receives an inner bag containing the material. The outer bag has a flexible base which is sewn to form a funnel to an outlet. This arrangement comprises several drawbacks. Firstly, the centre of gravity of the arrangement particularly when loaded with material is relatively high, rendering the arrangement liable to topple over. This problem is particularly prevalent during transportation of a loaded container. Further, the base of the outer bag is prone to rupture in view of the often considerable weight of material supported thereby. Rupture of the outer bag can be extremely hazardous. For example, it is necessary for an operator to connect pump means to the outlet to draw material from the arrangement . This requires the operator to be at least partially located beneath the bags, and thereby vulnerable to injury if the outer bag should rupture. Loss of material through rupture is also wasteful . A further known form of container used to transport and dispense pellets of adhesive comprises a large plastics material box with one panel equipped with a flap which is hinged roughly in the middle of that panel. This container has the disadvantage that when it is initially opened, the pellets are likely to fall out in an uncontrolled manner and when it is less half full, it requires the pellets to be shovelled out. It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages of the above prior art. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a container arrangement comprising an upper portion and a lower portion including rigid support means in which an outlet is provided, the portions defining a space in which an inner container is locatable so as to be supported on the support means and connectable to the outlet for discharge of material from the inner container. Preferably, the support means is located in the in use lower half of the arrangement and desirably at or adjacent to the in use bottom of the arrangement, such that the centre of gravity of the arrangement, especially when containing material, is substantially as low as possible to assist in stabilising the arrangement. Preferably, the support means is securely fixed in the lower portion and is preferably so shaped to direct material towards the outlet, which may be located substantially centrally therein. Connection means may be provided in or around the outlet for the connection of pump means to the arrangement to enable material to be pumped through the outlet to dispense material from the arrangement, and/or to pump material into the arrangement . Preferably, the upper portion is collapsible from a first erect condition in which the upper portion defines at least part of the space, to a collapsed condition. Preferably the upper portion is substantially locatable within the lower portion and desirably within the support means, when in the collapsed condition. A part of the upper portion may be arranged to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. Preferably, the upper portion comprises a frame on which one or more flexible sheet members are desirably removably attached, to define at least part of said space when in the erect condition. The or one of the sheet members may comprise a removable side, desirably the top side, of the arrangement to enable location and removal of an inner container in and from the container. The or said one of the sheet members may comprise the said part to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. The lower portion may further comprise a second frame-to which the support means is attached and on which the upper portion frame is movably mountable. Preferably the outlet is located at or near to the base of the second frame. The upper portion frame may be removable from on the second frame. Alternatively or additionally the frame may be pivotally mounted on the second frame to enable pivotal movement between the erect and collapsed conditions. Preferably, a platform is provided to support the portions at an elevated position to enable or facilitate access to the outlet. The platform may comprise a frame assembly, desirably releasably cooperable within the lower portion to prevent accidental dislodging of the arrangement therefrom. Formations may be provided on one or both of the lower portion and the platform to be locatable in one or more corresponding socket formations on the other of said platform and lower portion. Preferably, the inner container comprises a bag, such as a bag of plastics material, and may be disposable. Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is directed to a container arrangement substantially as defined above in any of the preceding ten paragraphs and comprising an inner flexible container. Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is directed to a container assembly comprising a first part which defines a space to contain an inner container and an outlet, and a second part on which the first part is removably mountable to be spaced above the ground, the first part being transportable independently of the second part, and selectively locatable on the second part to enable or facilitate access to the outlet. Preferably, the first part is arranged so that the centre of gravity of material contained therein is substantially as low as possible, and desirably generally at or below mid-height of the part . Preferably, the second part is usable with different first parts and may be permanently or semi-permanently located at a dispensing location. Preferably, the first part comprises an upper and lower portion substantially as defined in any of the said preceding ten paragraphs. Preferably, the second part comprises a platform substantially as defined in any of the said preceding ten paragraphs. Accordingly, a yet further aspect of the present invention is directed to a container arrangement comprising an upper portion and a lower portion including rigid support means in which an outlet is provided with a closure member, the portions defining a space in which an inner container is locatable so as to be supportive on the support means and connectable tot he outlet for discharge of material from the inner container. Advantageously the closure member is a flap. Preferably, the flap is opened by sliding latch. Advantageously, the inner container is equipped with a liner. In a preferred embodiment, the liner is equipped at its intended bottom with a trunk which, upon opening of the flap, passes through the outlet in the container providing an outlet nozzle for the material contained in the liner. Preferably, the liner form fits to the inner container. It will be appreciated that the modifications proposed above with regard to the first aspect of the present invention are equally applicable to this aspect of the present invention. Examples of containers made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a container arrangement according to the present invention; figure 2 shows the container arrangement of Figure 1, with a top portion partly removed therefrom; Figure 3 shows diagrammatically the container arrangement of Figure 1 with flexible outer members removed, and displaced above a pla form; Figure 4 shows a container arrangement in an elevated position mounted on a platform according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows the container arrangement of Figure 1 in a collapsed condition; Figure 6 shows a side of a modified version of the container arrangement of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the container arrangement shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a side view of the container shown in Figure 6 with its flap open; Figure 9 shows a side view of the container shown in Figure 6 in a partially collapsed state; and Figure 10 shows a side view of the container shown in Figure 6 in a completely collapsed state. Referring to the drawings, a container arrangement 10 comprises a collapsible upper portion 12 and a lower portion 14 including rigid support means 35 in which an outlet 16 is provided, the portions 12,14 defining a space in which an inner container (not shown) is locatable for support on the support means 35 and communication with the outlet 16 for output of material from the inner container. In more detail, the upper portion 12 comprises a framework of four upstanding posts 18 and four connecting members 20 connecting the posts 18 together generally toward the upper end 22 thereof. A flexible sheet member 24 is connected to each of the posts 18 by generally tubular portions 26 located around each post 18, to define part of the said space. The posts 18 are removably coaxially connected to upright members 28 in a second frame 30 of the lower portion 14. The connection may be of any suitable arrangement. Lower connecting members 32 interconnect the upright members 28, and define openings 34 adapted to receive tines of a forklift truck for use in lifting the arrangement 10. Further strengthening members 33 are provided extending between the lower connecting members 32. The support means 35 also comprises a rigid generally frusto conical member 35 shaped to direct material held within the container arrangement 10 towards the outlet 16. The funnel member 35 is securely welded within the second frame 30, such that the outlet 16 opens downward generally at the base of the frame 30. It is to be appreciated that the rigid nature of the member 35 of the lower portion 14 and the secure attachment thereof to the second frame 30 enables the lower portion to support a considerable weight of material without being susceptible to failure. Feet 36 are provided on the lower end of the upright members 28, and define sockets (not shown) . A platform assembly 38 (see Figures 3 and 4) is also provided. This assembly 38 comprises a frame of four generally upstanding posts 40 interconnected by connecting members 42 generally toward the bottom and top thereof. The upper part 43 of the posts 40 extend above the upper connecting members 42 to be received in the sockets of the feet 36 of the lower portion 14 as will be explained. In use, the upper portion 12 is collapsible from a first erect condition (Figures 1-4) in which it defines at least part of a space to hold an inner container, such as a flexible plastics bag to a collapsed condition (Figure 5) . The principal application for the container arrangement 10 is for the transport and dispensing of viscous material, such as caramel, syrups, adhesives etc. The upper portion 12 is connectably mounted on the lower portion 14 in an erect condition as shown in Figure 1. An inner bag is located in the space defined by the portions 12,14, and filled with material. The support means 35 bears most of the weight of the material . The arrangement is closed with a top 44. The loaded container arrangement 10 can then be lifted by a forklift truck using the openings 34 onto an appropriate vehicle for transportation. The low position of the support means 35 in the lower portion 14 ensures that the centre of gravity of the arrangement 10, especially when loaded, is low. This gives the arrangement 10 stability, and mitigates the problem of toppling associated with the prior art. Further, the rigidity of the lower portion 14, and particularly the support means 35 helps to further stabilise the arrangement 10 by supporting the inner bag of material, thereby mitigating the problems of the inner bag bursting, which is again a problem associated with the prior art . Once the arrangement 10 arrives at a destination where the material is to be dispensed, the arrangement 10 is mounted on a platform assembly 38, such that the parts 43 of the upstanding posts 40 locate in respective sockets on the feet 36, to thereby securely mount the arrangement 10 in an elevated position. This facilitates access to the outlet 16, to allow connection of pumping apparatus to draw the material from within the arrangement as desired. Again, the rigidity of the lower portion 14 and particularly support means 35 ensures that it is safe for an operator to reach beneath the arrangement 10 to make connections to the outlet 16. Once dispensing is complete, the container arrangement 10 can be lifted from the base assembly 38. The upper portion 12 can then be collapsed, by disconnecting the posts 18 from the respective upright members 28 and disconnecting the connecting members 20 from between the posts 18. The disconnected parts 18 and member 28 can then be located inside the funnel member 35, and the top side 44 (Figure 2) located over the lower portion 14 to enclose them therein. Figure 4 shows the arrangement 10 in the fully collapsed condition, in which the arrangement is readily and space-effectively transportable for example back to a location to be re-filled. It is to be appreciated that in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a container assembly comprising a first part which defines a space to contain an inner container and an outlet, and a second part on which the first part is removably mountable, the first part being transportable independently of the first part, and being locatable on a second part to enable or facilitate access to the outlet. The first part is arranged such that the centre of gravity thereof when loaded with material is as low as possible, and generally at or below mid-height of the first part . It is desirable that the first part comprises an upper portion 12 and a lower portion 14 substantially as described above, and the second part a platform assembly 38 substantially as defined above. It is intended that the second part remains at a dispensing location for use with further first parts transported thereto containing material to be dispensed. The container described with reference to Figures 6 to 10 is designed to contain a solid particulate material, such as adhesive pellets. The support mean 35 in this container is held separately to the frame on the container. The outside edges of the support means 35 are secured to a square frame 108. This frame 108 is supported on lower connecting members 32 by four corner posts 110, which are situated inside the posts 18 of the main frame. In order to handle solid pellets, it is necessary for the outlet 16 of the container arrangement 10 to be equipped with a flap 100. The flap 100 is fitted below the funnel member 35. The flap 100 is secured by a hinge 102 on strengthening member 33. The other side of the flap 100 is held against the parallel strengthening member 33 by a bar 104. The bar 104 is movably secured to holding strut 105 by loops 105a. The holding strut 105 is held between to parallel strengthening members 33 and is secured at one end to a transverse strengthening member 33 and at the other to a cross tie 107 which runs between the two parallel strengthening members 33. The bar 104 is equipped at its outside end with a handle 106. When the handle 106 is pulled outwardly according to arrow A in Figure 8 the end of the bar 104 moves away from the edge of the flap 100, which then allows the flap 100 to fall under the weight exerted on it from above by the material inside the container. The use of a hinged flap 100 has significant advantages over a flap which is slidable as it has been found that such flaps are held shut by the weight of the material and in the case of pelletised material, the pellets often become jammed in the mechanism. Figure 8 shows the container with the flap 100 open. In this Figure, the flap 100 is opened to enable the material contained in the container 10 to be dispensed. As can be seen, the PVC outer bag 116 is held on the frame as described above with its bottom edge resting on the rigid support means 35. The bottom of the bag 116 has a hole in it which is substantially the same size as the outlet 16. When the bag 116 is full of solid material, the bottom of the bag rests against the funnel member 35 which provides the appropriate support for the solid material to avoid the bag 116 bursting, and enables the direction of the material inside towards the outlet 16. Inside the bag 116 there is a liner 118 (in parts shown by a dotted line) . The liner 118 form fits to the side of the bag 116 and is designed to be held on the side of the bag 116. The liner 118 is an anti-static liner to enable filling and discharge of material, such as adhesive pellets, without a build-up of static. The liner 118 is equipped with a trunk 120 which, when the flap 100 is closed, is folded inside the opening of the bag 116 such that when the flap 100 is opened, it falls through providing a nozzle for the emptying of the contents. The trunk can also be tied to the flap 100 such that it is pulled out when the flap is opened. The liner 118 may also be equipped with sufficient excess at its intended top to enable this to be folded down over any product contained in the liner 118 to ensure the product remains clean. It has been found advantageous to make the liner 118 from low density polyethylene with a static reducing additive. In the container shown in Figures 6, the upper portion 12 is pivotally attached to the lower portion 14 so as to be movable between the collapsed and erect condition. The connecting members 20 are pivotally attached to the respective posts 18. The posts 18 are equipped with hinge 112 The posts are further pivotally attached to the lower portion 12 at the joint 114 with the lower connecting members 102. The hinges 112 are equipped with locking bolts 114 to secure the container 10 in its erect form. Figures 9 and 10 show the container during collapse with the top part 12 brought down to rest upon the frame 108 of the lower portion 14 35 to enable the size of the container 10 to be reduced for returning to a manufacturer for refilling. This provides significant reductions in transport costs. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, the means provided to assist and secure location of the arrangement 10 on the base assembly 38 may take any convenient form. The frames may have any suitable configuration. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features herein before referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims: Claims : 1. A container arrangement comprising an upper portion and a lower portion including rigid support means in which an outlet is provided, the portions defining a space in which an inner container is locatable so as to be supported on the support means and connectable to the outlet for discharge of material from the inner container. 2. A container arrangement according to claim 1, in which the outlet is equipped with a valve. 3. A container arrangement according to claim 2, in which the support means is located in the in use lower half of the arrangement. 4. A container arrangement according to claim 3, in which the support means is at or adjacent to the in use bottom of the arrangement. 5. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the support means is securely fixed in the lower portion. 6. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the support means is so shaped as to direct material towards the outlet. 7. A container arrangement according to claim 7, in which the outlet is located substantially centrally in the support means. 8. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which connection means are provided in or around the outlet for the connection of pump means to the arrangement to enable material to be pumped through the outlet to dispense material from the arrangement, and/or to pump material into the arrangement. 9. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 8, in which the upper portion is collapsible from a first erect condition in which the upper portion defines at least part of the space, to a collapsed condition. 10. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 9, in which the upper portion is substantially locatable within the lower portion and desirably within the support means, when in the collapsed condition. 11. A container arrangement according to claim 10, in which a part of the upper portion is arranged to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. 12. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 11, in which the upper portion comprises a frame on which one or more flexible sheet members are removably attached, to define at least part of said space. 13. A container arrangement according to claim 12, in which the or one of the sheet members may comprise a removable side, desirably the top side, of the arrangement to enable location and removal of an inner container in and from the container. 14. A container arrangement according to claim 13, in which the inner container comprises a bag, such as a bag of plastics material. 15. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 12 to 14, in which the or said one of the sheet members may comprise the said part to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. 16. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 15, in which the lower portion further comprises a second frame-to which the support means is attached and on which the upper portion frame is movably mountable. 17. A container arrangement according to claim 16, in which the outlet is located at or near to the base of the second frame. 18. A container arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, in which the frame is pivotally mounted on the second frame to enable pivotal movement between the erect and collapsed conditions. 19. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 18, in which a platform is provided to support the portions at an elevated position to enable or facilitate access to the outlet. 20. A container arrangement according to claim 19, in which the platform comprises a frame assembly, which is releasably cooperable within the lower portion to prevent accidental dislodging of the arrangement therefrom. 21. A container arrangement according to claim 20, in which formations may be provided on one or both of the lower portion and the platform to be locatable in one or more corresponding socket formations on the other of said platform and lower portion. 22. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 21, in which it is equipped with an inner flexible container. 23. A container arrangement according to claim 1, in which the outlet is equipped with a closure member. 24. A container arrangement according to claim 23, in which the closure member is a flap. 25. A container arrangement according to claim 23 or claim 24, in which the support means is located in the in use lower half of the arrangement. 26. A container arrangement according to claim 25, in which the support means is at or adjacent to the in use bottom of the arrangement . 27. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 26, in which the support means is securely fixed in the lower portion. 28. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 27, in which the support means is so shaped as to direct material towards the outlet. 29. A container arrangement according to claim 28, in which the outlet is located substantially centrally in the support means. 30. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 29, in which the upper portion is collapsible from a first erect condition in which the upper portion defines at least part of the space, to a collapsed condition. 31. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 30, in which the upper portion is substantially locatable within the lower portion and desirably within the support means, when in the collapsed condition*. 32. A container arrangement according to claim 31, in which a part of the upper portion is arranged to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. 33. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 32, in which the upper portion comprises a frame on which one or more flexible sheet members are removably attached, to define at least part of said space. 34. A container arrangement according to claim 33, in which the or one of the sheet members may comprise a removable side, desirably the top side, of the arrangement to enable location and removal of an inner container in and from the container. 35. A container arrangement according to claim 34, in which the inner container comprises a bag, such as a bag of plastics material. 36. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 33 to 35, in which the or said one of the sheet members may comprise the said part to enclose the remainder of the upper portion in the lower portion. 37. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 36, in which the lower portion further comprises a second frame-to which the support means is attached and on which the upper portion frame is movably mountable. 38. A container arrangement according to claim 37, in which the outlet is located at or near to the base of the second frame. 39. A container arrangement according to claim 37 or 38, in which the frame is pivotally mounted on the second frame to enable pivotal movement between the erect and collapsed conditions. 40. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 39, in which a platform is provided to support the portions at an elevated position to enable or facilitate access to the outlet. 41. A container arrangement according to claim 40, in which the platform comprises a frame assembly, which is releasably cooperable within the lower portion to prevent accidental dislodging of the arrangement therefrom. 42. A container arrangement according to claim 41, in which formations may be provided on one or both of the lower portion and the platform to be locatable in one or more corresponding socket formations on the other of said platform and lower portion. 43. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 42, in which it is equipped with an inner flexible container. 44. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 43 read appendant to claim 24, in which the flap is opened by a sliding latch. 45. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 44, in which the inner container is equipped with a liner. 46. A container arrangement according to claim 45, in which the liner is equipped at its intended bottom with a trunk which, upon opening of the flap, passes through the outlet in the container providing an outlet nozzle for the material contained in the liner. 47. A container arrangement according to any one of claims 45 to 46, in which the liner form fits to the inner container.

Inventors: BRIMSON MICHAEL RONALD, RODGERS ANTHONY PETER, BRIMSON, MICHAEL, RONALD, RODGERS, ANTHONY, PETER
Applicants: BRIMSON MICHAEL RONALD, CENTA PAK LIMITED, NAT STARCH CHEM INVEST, RODGERS ANTHONY PETER, BRIMSON, MICHAEL, RONALD, CENTA-PAK LIMITED, NATIONAL STARCH AND CHEMICAL INVESTMENT HOLDING CO, RODGERS, ANTHONY, PETER
Application year: 1996
Main classification: B65D88
IPC codes: B65D77, B65D90