Abstract:
A lock system includes a first lock and a second lock each with two profile strips operable for engagement with an at least partially flexible bundle and effective to enable a connection of a first bundle with a second bundle in a closed docking position and for guidance of a flow in a flow direction through lock members from the first bundle into the second bundle in an open docking position. The second bundle provides the lock members facing toward the first bundle, which lock members in the open docking position engage the lock members of the first bundle and jointly with the lock members of the first bundle form a flow channel for flow in the flow direction. Additionally, a slider for connecting and separating such locks is provided.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from German Ser. No. 20 2010 015 525.8 filed Nov. 18, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION 
     
       FIG. 6 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a lock system and method involving profile strips and a slider for connecting and separating such a lock system. More particularly, the present invention relates to system and method for slidably securing bounded volumes. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Liquid or solid bulk materials are often held in bundles. The bundles may be at least partially-flexibly configured as bundles. Such bundles are, for example, obtained as sacks that are hung in containers. Preferably the bundles are manufactured from endless hoses and closed in various ways and means as hose sections. Especially frequently, such bundles are used for packaging, transporting or storing liquid or solid bulk materials. The term bundle in this application comprises not only completely closed flexible bags, but also for example an adapter that is flexible and open on at least two sides, that can be attached to a device or a container. 
     During operation, emptying, filling or re-filling such bundles in practice turns out to be difficult or even risky. Particularly when the bulk material of the bundles is dangerous or sensitive, contamination of the bulk material as well as contamination of the environment by bulk material is to be avoided. For this all the locks and connections, especially for docking such bundles, must be manufactured to be as environmentally sealed as possible. With these problems as a background, limited special locks for the bundles described initially have been developed which are to provide support to prevent contamination in the particular case. 
     Such locks can be perceived for example for DE 10 2004 003 511 B4, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, as regards the stability of the connections, such locks are often not sufficiently safe and provide a substantial detriment. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system that overcomes at least one of the concerns noted above. 
     ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The proposed invention provides a lock system involves a first lock and a second lock each with two profile strips operable for engagement with an at least partially flexible bundle and effective to enable an environmentally-sealed connection of a first bundle with a second bundle in a closed docking position and for an environmentally-sealed guidance of a flow in a flow direction (D) through the lock members from the first bundle into the second bundle in an open docking position. The second bundle provides similar lock members facing toward the first bundle, which lock members in the opened docking position engage the lock members of the first bundle and jointly with the lock members of the first bundle forms a flow channel for flow in the flow direction. Additionally the invention relates to a slider for connecting and separating such locks. The slider has an insertion side on which the locks are insertable in insertion directions (A, B) which enclose an acute angle (γ) in which the slider is insertable, and opposite the insertion side an outlet side on which the locks connected there with each other can be removed in a joint sliding direction (C) from the slider. 
     At least one problem that is the basis for the invention is to provide a lock for a bundle, which makes possible an environmentally-sealed connection of such bundles with each other or with other procedural mechanisms, as well as environmentally-sealed guidance for a flow between bundles connected with each other or the connected devices. In addition, it is proposed in one embodiment that the proposed system and method is effective for substantially universal use on at least one at least partially flexible bundle, also without the lock needing to be part of the bundle. It is preferable that between the bundles such locks should produce as secure a connection as possible, which does not tear especially when impulses occur along the flow direction. Also, the locks are to be produced in preferably as cost-effective a manner as possible, in the best case as piece goods without substantial re-working or assembly. 
     An aspect of the present invention is thus to provide a locking system with two profile strips with features as noted and a slider member in an effort to overcome at least one of the detriments noted. It will also be understood that an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for operating such a system in the matter discussed herein. 
     In addition, according to a further refinement of the invention, there is provided a system and method for an environmentally-sealed linkage of a first bundle with a second bundle, so that a through flow can be guided in environmentally-sealed fashion in a flow direction through the lock from the first bundle into the second bundle in an open docking position. 
     As discussed herein facing a first bundle, the second bundle has an identical lock, which can be operated in the proposed manner and made to engage the lock of the first bundle to attain the opened docking position. In this opened docking position the connected locks of the bundle form a channel for flow of the bulk goods in the flow direction. 
     As ill be understood from study of the entire disclosure, the lock system and method comprises two profile strips for locking the at least partially flexible bundle: a wide profile strip and a narrow profile strip. The wide profile strip extends out in the flow direction via the bundle and the narrow profile strip oriented parallel to the first profile strip. Both profile strips comprise locking elements oriented exclusively transverse to the flow direction, which are meant to engage with each other in the manner of an interlocked connection. 
     All of the locking elements of the profile strips are oriented transverse to the flow direction, into the channel or out of the channel, so that loads in the flow direction can be compensated with a high level of safety. In the flow direction when one bulk product is poured for example from the first bundle into the second bundle, impulse loads occur on the locks if the bulk goods fall on the floor of the second bundle. The locking elements placed transverse to the flow direction withstand such impulses in the flow direction, since they effectively prevent a stripping off of the profile strips. 
     In advantageous fashion, and during operation of the method, the bundles can be and are pressed laterally against each other with identically configured locks, to produce environmentally-sealed connections of the profile strips with each other. Lateral pressing against each other also leads, when a bundle is locked with the lock, to a safe connection, as well as when the identical lock is pressed laterally on the lock, to create a flow between two bundles. In this case two bundles are docked to each other. 
     For the user, lateral docking in addition to the strength of the connection and has a practical advantage in that a lateral arrangement of the bundles to each other is considerably more comfortable to implement. For example, an empty bundle can readily be made to come to a full bundle. To dock the bundles to each other, neither of the bundles needs to be moved vertically, since docking is laterally provided (relative to a bundle direction). 
     For connecting and parting of the locks, a slider is provided and is operatively removable from the locks between uses. The slider is operative to slide up to the closed locks to make connection transverse to the flow direction by engaging the related profile strips and locking elements as will be discussed. 
     Oriented in the flow direction and lying opposite, the slider has an insertion side and an outlet side. On the insertion side the locks of the two bundles can be inserted in insertion directions. The insertion directions run transverse to the flow direction and cross at an acute angle. During use, in the angle, oriented to each other, the locks on the insertion side are inserted into the slider. On the outlet side, the locks connected with each other by means of the slider are guided out of the slider in a common sliding direction, with the respective lock, viewed for itself, first being locked. 
     Additionally, the locking elements acting between the profile strips are advantageously loosen-able in a controlled fashion by means of an actuator either between the profile strips of a lock or between the profile strips of two locks, so that the bundles avoid an uncontrolled opening. The actuator can, for example, be operated manually, especially as actuators configured as straps. According to the invention this occurs after the sliders have connected the locks with each other. The straps are pulled laterally apart from each other. With this the desired locking elements become loose, according to on what straps at what angle a lateral tension is applied according to the method of use. 
     A configuration of locking elements for acting together in an interlocking connection is advantageous, because an appropriate extrusion of the profile strips as plastic strips can be shaped in especially favorable geometric forms. Aside from that, the locking elements thus shaped lock especially well due to the normally weak and small wall thickness of the bundles. Such embodiment forms of stronger locking elements are especially robust and stable against multiple loadings, and in addition interlock securely until they are loosened from the interlocking in a reverse of the locking method employed. For this they can be angled off parallel to the flow direction from the profile strips so that each locking element separates in turn 
     The above, and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a slider with a slanted view of its exit side. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 1  with a slanted view of the insertion side. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the exit side of the slider of  FIG. 1 , with a slanted view of its exit side with no bundles, locked by two locks guided through the slider and connected during a use by means of the slider 
         FIG. 4 , is a partial perspective view of the insertion side of the slider of  FIG. 2 , with no bundles and with two locks locked in the insertion direction into the slider and run through the slider from right to left on the page for joining together thereof. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial sectional illustration of a slider with inserted locks as noted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  through a plane defined along the insertion direction. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of two bundles connected to each other through the slider in an opened docking position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as top, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words “connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and generally through all  FIGS. 1-6 , a slider  30  is depicted according to an embodiment example in a perspective view from two sides, an insertion side  31  and an outlet side  32  of slider  30 . The perspective views of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are supplemented by the perspective views of  FIGS. 3 and 4  in that two locks  10 ,  20  are shown inserted into slider  30  with no bundle. 
       FIG. 5  shows a section through the plane of slider  30  with inserted locks  10 ,  20  as per  FIGS. 3 and 4  through a plane which is set via insertion directions A, B, in which locks  10 ,  20  have been inserted into slider  30 .  FIG. 6  shows slider  30  as per the embodiment example from  FIG. 1  in an open docking position of two bundles  1 ,  2  which are equipped with one of the locks  10 ,  20  as per  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Identical parts are provided with similar reference symbols. To afford a better view, not all reference symbols are indicated in all the figures but will be understood by those of skill in the art having studied the disclosure. 
     The slider  30  comprises a body with two wing-like handles attached on opposite sides on the longitudinal sides. The body has roughly the shape of a cuboid. Joining the longitudinal sides with each other, as further longitudinal sides along the insertion directions A, B, the body has a first cover side  35  and an opposite second cover side  36 . 
     On the front side, slider  30  comprises an insertion side  31  transverse to insertion directions A, B. On insertion side  31  the locks  10 ,  20  are insertable in insertion directions A, B into slider  30 , wherein the insertion directions A, B enclose an acute angle γ. Opposite insertion side  31 , slider  30  comprises an outlet side  32 . On outlet side  32 , the locks  10 ,  20  that are connectable to each other via slider  30  and locked are able to be brought out in a common sliding direction C through a gap  44  that is run through slider  30  oriented in a flow direction D, out of slider  30 . The gap  44  is open toward the two cover sides  35 ,  36 . 
     On the insertion side, slider  30  has a first U-shaped cross section  33  that is open toward the first cover side  35 , transverse to one of the insertion directions A. The first U-shaped cross section connects two legs with each other with a first base  37  which legs terminate in the first cover side  35 . The legs have contours facing toward each other that are fitted to locks  10 ,  20 . 
     Adjoining the first U-shaped cross section and specular as regards a plane ( FIG. 5 ) extended through insertion directions A, B, slider  30  comprises a second U-shaped cross section  34  open to the second cover side  36 , and running transverse to the other insertion direction B. Its second base  38  which also connects two legs with each other faces away from first base  37 . The two legs of the second U-shaped cross section likewise terminate in open fashion in the second cover side  36 . Also, at least one of these legs is fitted to the locks  10 ,  20  with a contour. 
     The lock  10 ,  20  comprises two profile strips  11 ,  12 ;  21 ,  22  for an at least partially flexible bundle  1 ,  2  ( FIG. 6 ) for environmentally-sealed connection of a first bundle  1  with a second bundle  2  and for environmentally-sealed guidance of a flow in flow direction D through the lock  10 ,  20  from first bundle  1  into second bundle  2  in an opened docking position. Second bundle  2  has an identical lock  10 ,  20  facing first bundle  1 . 
     In the opened docking position as per  FIG. 6 , lock  10  of first bundle  1  is engaged with lock  20  of second bundle  2 . The locks  10 ,  20  thus jointly form a flow channel  3  for flow in flow direction D. 
     According to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , profile strips  11 ,  12 ;  21 ,  22  are placed opposite each other; they pick up bundle  1 ,  2  between them and close it. The wider of the profile strips  12 ,  22  extends in flow direction D via the narrower of the profile strips  11 ,  21 . Both profile strips  11 ,  12 ;  21 ,  22  comprise locking elements  13 ,  13  oriented exclusively transverse to flow direction D, both out of the channel and into the channel. The locking elements  13 ,  23  securely engage with each other in the manner of an interlocked connection. 
     As per  FIGS. 3 to 5 , by means of appropriately placed first and second bases  37 ,  38 , the locks  10 ,  20  placed opposite each other are insertable into U-shaped cross sections  33 ,  34 —in a method of using. In use, the first lock  10  is guided with a projecting locking element  13  to about the height of an additional locking element of narrow profile strip  21  of second lock  20 . 
     The slider  30  exhibits U-shaped cross sections  33 ,  34  and gap  44  joining inlet channels  41 ,  42  and an outlet channel  43 . The inlet channels  41 ,  42  are oriented transverse to flow direction D and opened with the U-shaped cross sections  33 ,  34 . According to the embodiment example of  FIGS. 3 to 5  they are closed on three sides and empty out roughly in the center in slider  30  in outlet channel  43 . The locks  10 ,  20  are guided through in the insertion directions A, B in the angle γ toward each other through insertion channels  41 ,  42  into outlet channel  43  and through it. The outlet channel  43  terminates on the outlet side  32  in gap  44 . 
     In the insertion channels  41 ,  42  facing away from the base  37 ,  38  as well as in the outlet channel  43 , slider  30  has grooves running transverse to flow direction D graduating in an area of the particular cover side  35 ,  36 . In use, into the grooves, guide rails  46  are inserted, here clipped in. The guide rails  46  narrow insertion channels  41 ,  42  and outlet channel  43  of the cover side  35 ,  36  facing, to hold a lock  10 ,  20  in the guide. 
     In the insertion channels  41 ,  42  on the insertion side a stopper  45  is provided which prevents slider  30  from sliding out of the locks  10 ,  20  connected with each other. During use, the stopper  45  acts together with a local alteration of at least one of the profile strips  11 ,  12 ;  21 ,  22 . In advantageous fashion, in use a welded seam oriented in flow direction D is placed on or in profile strips  11 ,  12 ;  21 ,  22  as the local alteration. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
     
         
           1  first bundle 
           2  second bundle 
           3  Flow channel 
           10  first lock 
           11  first narrow profile strip 
           12  first wide profile strip 
           13  first projecting lock element 
           20  second lock 
           21  second narrow profile strip 
           22  second wide profile strip 
           23  second projecting lock element 
           30  slider 
           31  insertion side 
           32  exit side 
           33  U-shaped cross section 
           34  second U-shaped cross section 
           35  first cover side 
           36  second cover side 
           37  first base 
           38  second base 
           41  first insertion channel 
           42  second insertion channel 
           43  outlet channel 
           44  gap 
           45  stopper 
           46  guide rail 
         γ angle 
         A insertion direction 
         B additional insertion direction 
         C sliding direction 
         D Flow direction 
       
    
     In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
     Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.