Abstract:
A container system comprising an outer container, an inner container and a spout. The outer container includes a body and an outer spout. The inner container includes a bag and an inner spout. The inner container is positionable within the outer container such that the inner spout can extend through the outer spout. The spout interfacing assembly comprises a gasket and a lock ring. The gasket includes an outer container interfacing surface engagable with the outer spout and an inner container interfacing surface engagable with the inner spout. The lock ring is couplable to one of the inner spout and outer spout, the lock ring capable of limiting the movement of the inner spout relative to the outer spout. The attachment of a valve assembly substantially uniformly compresses the gasket to, in turn, maintain a substantially uniform and fluid tight seal between the inner spout and the outer spout.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates in general to container attachment systems, and, in particular, to a container attachment system which includes a gasket assembly for effectively associating each of the inner and outer containers together to control leakage and to, in turn, control the coupling of the two containers about the spouts thereof. 
   2. Background Art 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a gasket which is capable of controlling tightening of the assembly, to, in turn, preclude inadvertent over or under-tightening situations. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a gasket which is capable of controlling tightening of the assembly while cooperating with standard pipes having standard ferrules. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a gasket which minimizes intrusion into the bore of the pipes. 
   These and other objects will become apparent in light of the specification and claims appended hereto. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention comprises a container system comprising an outer container, an inner container and a spout. The outer container includes a body and an outer spout. The inner container includes a bag and an inner spout. The inner container is positionable within the outer container such that the inner spout can extend through the outer spout. The spout interfacing assembly comprises a gasket and a lock ring. The gasket includes an outer container interfacing surface engagable with the outer spout and an inner container interfacing surface engagable with the inner spout. The lock ring is couplable to one of the inner spout and outer spout, and is capable of limiting the movement of the inner spout relative to the outer spout. The attachment of a valve assembly substantially uniformly compresses the gasket to, in turn, maintain a substantially uniform and fluid tight seal between the inner spout and the outer spout. 
   In one preferred embodiment, the outer spout comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The outer container interfacing surface of the gasket includes an outer diameter face and a flange face. The outer diameter face is positionable in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the outer spout and the flange face positionable in sealing engagement with the distal end of the outer spout. 
   In one such embodiment, the inner spout comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The inner container interfacing surface comprises at least one inner diameter face positionable in sealing engagement with the outer surface of the inner spout. 
   Preferably, the inner spout includes at least one rib extending circumferentially about the outer surface of the inner spout. The inner container interfacing surface includes at least one flange face capable of positioning in abutment with the at least one rib. 
   In another such preferred embodiment, the at least one rib comprises a pair of ribs spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance. In such an embodiment, the lock ring is positionable between the spaced apart pair of ribs. 
   In one such embodiment, the inner container interfacing surface includes a second inner diameter face positionable in abutment with the at least one rib. 
   Preferably, the lock ring includes a first face and a second face opposing the first face. Correspondingly, the gasket further includes a lock ring interfacing face positionable in abutment with the lock ring interfacing face. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the distal end of the inner container is configured to receive an interfacing face of a valve assembly. Furthermore, the outer surface of the outer spout includes an attachment member capable of releasable attachment with a valve assembly. 
   In another embodiment, the attachment member comprises threads which are engagable with a corresponding thread of a valve assembly. 
   In yet another preferred embodiment, the lock ring comprises a body having a first surface and a second surface. The lock ring is defined by an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The lock ring includes a first component and a second component movable relative to each other. 
   Preferably, the first component and the second component of the lock ring are hinged at a first end and selectively attachable at a second end. 
   In another embodiment, the first component and the second component are integrated at a first end, and capable of relative movement at a second end. 
   The invention further comprises a method of assembling a container system. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an outer container having a body and an outer spout; (b) providing an inner container having a body and a spout; (c) positioning the inner container within the outer container; (d) extending the inner spout through the outer spout; (e) providing a gasket having an outer container interfacing surface and an inner container interfacing surface; (f) positioning the gasket such that the outer container interfacing surface abuts the outer spout and the such that the inner container interfacing surface abuts the inner spout; and (g) positioning a lock ring so as to interface with at least one of the outer spout and the inner spout and the gasket, to, in turn, facilitate the engagement of the outer spout, the inner spout and the gasket in a substantially uniform and sealable position. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes the step of: positioning a valve assembly to facilitate selective withdrawal of fluid from within the inner container. 
   In another embodiment, wherein the inner spout includes at least one rib, the step of positioning the lock ring further comprises the step of positioning the lock ring so as to interface with the at least one rib on one side thereof, and so as to interface with the gasket on the other side thereof. 
   In another embodiment, wherein the lock ring comprises a first component and a second component, the step of positioning the lock ring further comprises the steps of: (a) positioning the first component of the lock ring; (b) positioning the second component of the lock ring; and (c) attaching the first and second components of the lock ring to each other. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the container system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the container system positioned within the circular enclosure “A”. 
       FIG. 3  of the drawings comprises an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the container system of the present invention prior to assembly thereof; 
       FIG. 4  of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the container system of the present invention, showing, in particular, the step of associating the inner spout and the outer spout; 
       FIG. 5  of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the container system of the present invention, showing, in particular, the step of positioning the gasket; 
       FIG. 6  of drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the container system of the present invention, showing, in particular, the step of introducing the lock ring; 
       FIG. 7  of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the present invention, showing, in particular, the fully positioned lock ring; 
       FIG. 8  of the drawings comprises a cross-sectional view of the gasket of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  of the drawings comprises a top plain view of an embodiment of the lock ring of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  of the drawings comprises a top plain view of an embodiment of the lock ring of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 11  of the drawings comprises a perspective view of the outer container of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown, in the drawings several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
   It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely representations of the present invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity. 
   Referring now to the Figures, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , container system  10  is shown as comprising outer container  12 , inner container  14 , spout interfacing assembly  16  and valve assembly  18 . As is shown in  FIG. 11 , the container system is generally sized for the transport and dispensing of flowable material. 
   Outer container  12  is shown in  FIG. 1  and in  FIG. 11  as comprising body  20  and outer spout  22 . Body  20  includes outer surface  24  and inner surface  26 . The inner surface defines cavity  28 , to which spout  22  provides ingress. Generally, the outer and inner surfaces are substantially uniformly separated, such that body  20  comprises a substantially uniform thickness. Of course, in certain embodiments, the thickness may be varied. The outer container is of a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, a rigid blow-molded polymer material. Of course, it is not limited to such materials, and, other materials are likewise contemplated. Various sizes for outer container  20  are contemplated, including but not limited to any sizes between about 2 gallons and 300 gallons. Of course, the invention is not limited to such sizes. 
   Spout  22  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising proximal end  30 , distal end  32 , outer surface  34 , inner surface  36  and attachment member  38 . Proximal end  30  is coupled to body  20  of outer container  12 . In the embodiment shown, the proximal end is integrated with the outer container. In other embodiments, the proximal end may be releasably coupled to the body. The distal end is spaced apart from the proximal end a predetermined distance, thus, defining a length of spout  22 . The attachment member is positioned on outer surface  34  and generally comprises a plurality of threads having a predetermined pitch and threadform. 
   Inner container  14  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising bag  40  and inner spout  42 . Bag  40  includes outer surface  44  and inner surface  46 . The outer and inner surfaces can be formed from a plurality of panels which are heat sealed together so as to define cavity  48 . One such container includes two panels which are heat sealed together to form what is commonly referred to as a “pillow-type” container in a gusseted container. Such containers are generally of a flexible nature, formed from a polymer laminate material. Of course numerous types of inner containers from various materials are within the scope of the invention. 
   Inner spout  42  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising proximal end  50 , distal end  52 , outer surface  54 , inner surface  56 , first rib  58  ( FIG. 2 ) and second rib  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Inner spout  42  is joined to inner container  14  at proximal end  50  by way of a heat seal. Of course, other variations are likewise contemplated. Distal end  52  is spaced apart from proximal end  50  a distance which substantially corresponds to the length of the inner spout. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the proximal end of the inner spout may extend into cavity  48 . The inner spout generally comprises a molded polymer material which is of sufficient strength and rigidity for such an application. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , first rib  58  extends circumferentially about outer surface  54 , proximate distal end  52 . In the embodiment shown, the rib is substantially orthogonal to the outer surface, and coincides with the proximal end. Second rib  59  extends circumferentially about outer surface  54  spaced apart from distal end  52  a predetermined distance toward proximal end  50 . In the embodiment shown, the second rib is substantially parallel to the first rib and substantially uniform in dimension. In the embodiment shown, the two ribs are integrally molded with the inner spout and extend orthogonally about the circumference of the inner spout. Of course, in other embodiments, the positioning and configuration of each of the ribs can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   Spout interfacing assembly  16  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising gasket  70  and lock ring  72 . Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 8 , gasket  70  includes annular body  74 . Annular body  74  includes outer container interfacing surface  74 , inner container interfacing surface  76 , and lock ring interfacing face  78 . Outer container interfacing surface  74  includes outer diameter face  80  and flange face  82 . Inner container interfacing surface  76  includes first inner diameter face  84 , second inner diameter face  86  and first flange face  88 . Gasket  70  preferably comprises a flexible polymer material, such as, for example, a silicone rubber, a synthetic or natural rubber material and a polymer material, among others. Of course, other configurations for each of the outer and inner interfacing surfaces are contemplated. 
   Lock ring  72  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 10  as comprising body  90 , inner diameter  92 , outer diameter  94 , first surface  96  and second surface  98 . In the embodiment shown, body  90  includes a first component  91  and a second component  93  which are hinged together by way of hinge  95  at a first end and attachable by way of lock components  97 ,  97 ′ at an opposite end. In turn, the two components can be hinged at the first end into and out of a lockable arrangement at the opposite end. In other embodiments, the hinge may be omitted, and the lock ring can be manipulated relying on the flexibility of the material from which it is formed. In still other embodiments, the lock ring can comprise one or more separate components such as component  99  ( FIG. 9 ). Preferably, the lock ring is formed from a rigid polymer material such that the general washer-like shape can be maintained. Advantageously, the lock ring provides a substantially uniform load about substantially the entire 360° of the sealing surface. As such, the seal is substantially uniform and any potential for leaking can be minimized. 
   Valve assembly  18  is shown in  FIG. 1  as comprising inlet  100 , outlet  102 , selective communication device  104 , interfacing face  106 , and attachment member  108 . As is shown in detail in  FIG. 2 , attachment member  108  includes locking nut  110  having threads  112  disposed thereon. The threads of the locking nut are configured to interface with the threads of attachment member  38  of outer spout  22 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3 through 7 , to assemble the container system of the present invention, each of inner container  14 , outer container  12 , spout interfacing assembly  16  and valve assembly  18  are provided. Once provided, the inner container is positioned within cavity  28  of the outer container. As is shown in  FIG. 4 , inner spout  42  of inner container  14  is directed through outer spout  22  of outer container  12 . The distal end of the inner spout is positioned such that it extends beyond distal end of the outer spout. In certain embodiments, the body of the outer container and the bag of the inner container may interface proximate the spout, depending on the relative lengths of the outer and inner spout. 
   Next, with reference to  FIG. 5 , spout interfacing assembly  16  is introduced. Specifically, gasket  70  of the spout interfacing assembly is positioned about outer surface  54  of inner spout  42 . Additionally, gasket  70  is positioned so as to interface with distal end  52  of outer spout  22 . In more detail, and with reference to  FIG. 2 , outer diameter face  80  of outer container interfacing surface  74 , is in an abutting relationship with inner surface  36  of outer spout  22 . Additionally, flange face  82  of outer container interfacing surface  74  is in an abutting relationship with distal end  32  of outer spout  22 . 
   As is further shown in  FIG. 2 , first inner diameter face  84  of inner container interfacing surface  76  is in an abutting relationship with outer surface  54  of inner spout  42 . Second inner diameter face  86  of inner container interfacing surface  76  is in an abutting relationship with second rib  59 . It will be understood that certain of the faces may be tapered or otherwise filleted so as to enhance the seal created by the abutting relationship. As is shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , outer diameter face  80 , inner diameter face  86  of inner container interfacing surface includes such tapered structures. 
   Once gasket  70  is positioned and located relative to the abutting structures of the inner and outer spouts  42  and  22 , respectively, lock ring  72  is introduced. As is shown in  FIG. 6 , lock ring  72  is positioned between first rib  58  and second rib  59 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , in such a position, lock ring interfacing face  78  is in an abutting relationship with first flange face  88  of inner container interfacing surface  76 . The fully introduced lock ring  72  is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , once the spout interfacing assembly is positioned and located, valve assembly  18  is introduced. In particular, the valve assembly is positioned such that interfacing face  106  is in abutment with inner spout  42  proximate the distal end thereof. Once positioned, the attachment member is employed. In particular, threads  112  of lock nut  110  are urged into contact with the threads of attachment member  38  of outer spout  22 . As the lock nut is rotated to tighten the connection, interfacing surface  106  of valve assembly  18  presses against inner spout  42 . At the same time, the outer spout is one of precluded from movement or forced in a direction opposite that of the inner spout. As the valve assembly forces the inner spout and outer spout in opposing directions, gasket  70  is compressed between outer spout  22  on one side and lock ring  72  and inner spout  42  (i.e., the second rib thereof in combination with the outer surface thereof), to effectively seal the space between the first and second spout. Due to the configuration of the lock ring and gasket, the compression of the gasket through the lock ring is substantially uniform about the entire 360° of the gasket. In turn, the uniform configuration minimizes the possibility of leaking. 
   Once fully assembled, the valve assembly can be selectively actuated so as to facilitate the selective dispensing of fluid therefrom. In turn, should a leak occur in bag  40  of inner container  14 , the leak will be contained within body  20  of outer container  12  and will not be directed between outer spout  22  and inner spout  42 . 
   The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing the scope of the invention.