Flexible container handling system

Flexible container operating system

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/743446 filed on March 9, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a container, and more specifically, to a system for transporting, storing, and handling the container.

Background technique

[0004] It is known to store, ship and dispense liquids in foldable and flexible sealed bags, pouches or containers made of plastic or other polymeric materials. In addition, liquid bags are used in a wide range of industrial and medical applications, including but not limited to the containment of cell culture media, reagents, lotions, water, and medicaments. The volume size of such a liquid bag is in the range of one liter to one thousand liters. In many applications, the liquid in the flexible bag is very expensive, and any loss in storage, transportation or use is very costly. Flexible bags are used because they can reliably store liquids without pollution and are relatively inexpensive. However, flexible liquid bags, especially larger flexible bags, are very inconvenient to use, physically difficult to operate, and easily damaged by difficulties in transportation.

[0005] In order to protect the flexible liquid bag during storage and transportation, depending on the application, it is placed in a container made of cardboard, plastic, stainless steel or other materials. In many applications, the flexible liquid bag is placed in a shipping container And is surrounded by packaging materials to protect the flexible bag during shipping. Before use, the flexible bag is taken out of the shipping container and placed in another container, such as a handbag, pallet, luggage rack, or trolley. The container may be suitable for stacking, autoclaving, and/or storage. In some applications, the flexible bag is placed in a third, different container, which supports the flexible bag when liquid is dispensed from the bag. Transporting, storing, and distributing liquids in multiple containers is expensive and labor intensive, and when it is moved from one container to another, the flexible bag is susceptible to damage.

[0006] It is also known to use ordinary containers to support flexible liquid bags during transportation, storage, and use; however, such containers are usually designed and limited to specific applications and are not suitable for use in other industries. And in a laboratory setting. For example, it is known to transport, store and distribute beer from flexible bags located in stackable steel drums. It is also known to place a flexible liquid bag in a cardboard box, which can be stacked during the process of transportation, storage and use of the liquid medium from the flexible bag. Although the cardboard box has a certain stiffness and can be used in smaller bags, it may not be suitable for larger volume liquid containers; and cardboard is generally considered unsuitable for use in a sterile or "clean" environment.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a container for a flexible liquid bag that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other shortcomings and deficiencies of the previously known containers for supporting flexible liquid bags during transportation, storage and use. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention includes all substitutions, modifications and equivalents, which may be included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

CN 101437726 Β

[0009] The present invention provides a container for a flexible liquid bag that supports the bag during transportation and storage and during dispensing operations. The container can also be interlocked with other containers in a stacked form, whether stacked on a substantially horizontal surface or stacked on an inclined surface, the stacked form is stable to facilitate gravity distribution. In addition, the shape, size, and cross-sectional thickness of the container can be proportionally increased or decreased to accommodate different sizes and shapes of the flexible liquid bag. In addition, the container may be made of materials suitable for use in a sterile or "clean" environment. In some applications, the container can be made by vacuum forming a plastic sheet, so it is relatively cheap, and it is random and disposable. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, when not in use, the container component can be nested in a space-saving method.

[0010] In accordance with the principles of the present invention and in accordance with the described embodiments, the present invention provides a panel that can be used to form substantially the same lower and upper parts of a container for supporting a flexible liquid bag. When used as the lower part of the container, the panel has protrusions extending outward from the outer surface, and the protrusions are used to support the panel on a support surface. When the panel device is used as the upper part of the container, the protrusion faces away from the supporting surface and facilitates alignment with the second container in a stacked form on the supporting surface. The protrusions on the first container extend between the protrusions on the second container to provide a more stable stacking form. In different parts of this embodiment, the protrusions may be substantially parallel ribs or multiple legs and corresponding notches.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the panel further includes other protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface. When the panel is used as the upper part of the first container, the other protrusions face away from the supporting surface and facilitate alignment with the second container in a stacked form on the supporting surface. The other protrusions also help to stabilize the second container relative to the first container in a stacked form. In a further embodiment, the panel has a first structure for fixing the flexible liquid bag inside the container and an additional structure for fixing together two panels forming the container.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the container for supporting the flexible liquid bag has a substantially similar lower portion and upper portion. The lower part has a first protrusion extending downward from the outer surface to support the lower part on one surface. The upper part is placed on the lower part to form an internal space for fixing the flexible liquid bag. The upper part has a second protrusion extending upward from the outer surface. The first protrusion may be located adjacent to the first protrusion of another container in a stacked form and facilitate alignment therewith. In various embodiments of the present invention, the container may include a handle and/or connector for fixing the lower part and the upper part together.

[0013] These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent during the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of the drawings

[0014] The drawings incorporated into and constitute a part of the embodiments of the present invention are described, and together with the general description of the present invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the present invention. The role of principle.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a panel for manufacturing a container supporting a flexible bag.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inner side of the exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting the flexible bag shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the outside of the exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting the flexible bag shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting a flexible bag shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of the panel for supporting a flexible bag shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the two panels shown in FIG. 1 forming an assembly for a container for a flexible liquid bag.

[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B are opposite side views of the stack of containers shown in FIG. 6 supported on a generally horizontal plane.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the stack of containers shown in FIG. 6 on an inclined surface.

CN 101437726 Β

[0023] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a panel for supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the stack of panels in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the container shown in FIG. 6 with clamps for fixing together the panels forming the container.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view of the container stack on a horizontal plane, which is made of another embodiment of the panel.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a side view of the container stack on an inclined surface, which is made of another embodiment of the panel in FIG. 11.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a panel for manufacturing a container supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0029] FIGS. 14A-14B are perspective views of a further embodiment of a container for supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a protrusion that can be used on a panel to form a container for supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0031] FIGS. 16A-16D are views of another exemplary embodiment of a panel that can be used to form a container supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0032] FIGS. 17-17B are views of an exemplary embodiment of a handle that can be used on a container formed from the panel in FIGS. 16-16A for supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0033] FIGS. 18-18B are views of an exemplary embodiment of a clip that can be used on a container formed from the panel in FIGS. 16-16A for supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a face plate that can be used in a container to support a pipe connected to a flexible liquid bag.

[0035] FIGS. 20-20A are views of one or more exemplary embodiments of panels that can be used to form a container supporting a flexible liquid bag.

[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment that can be used to support a base of a container used to support a flexible liquid bag.

Detailed ways

1 and 2, one embodiment of the panel 20 has opposite side edges 22, 24 and opposite ends 26, 28. The periphery of the panel 20 is defined by substantially parallel side edges 22, 24 and substantially parallel ends 26.28. The end portions 26, 28 are substantially perpendicular to the side edges 22.24, so that the shape of the panel 20 is a quadrilateral, specifically a rectangle. The peripheral edge surfaces 30, 31 extend over the entire length of the side edges 22, 24 and along the ends 26, 28. The centrally located voids 32, 34 are located in the respective ends 26, 28 and interrupt the opposing edge surfaces 30, 31.

[0038] The panel 20 has an inner surface or side 36 and an opposite outer surface or side 38. The inner side 36 has a cavity or recess 40 formed with respect to the inner edge surfaces 30,31. The recess 40 has laterally angled internally inclined side walls 42.43, a portion of which intersects a substantially flat surface 44 at the center. The end protrusions 45, 46 extend outwardly away from the inner side 36 and are shaped to form angled and inwardly inclined end walls 47.48, which are generally perpendicular to the angled side walls 42, 43, and also to the central surface 44 intersect. The angled side walls 42, 43, the angled end wall 47.48 and the intermediate surface 44 are generally configured to conform to the sides and ends of the liquid-filled flexible bag. The angled side walls 42.43 are generally parallel, and the angled end walls 47.48 are also generally parallel.

1 and 3-5, the periphery of the outer side 38 is also defined by the side edges 22, 24 and the ends 26, 28. The plurality of first protrusions 50, 51 extend outward from the outer side 38 adjacent to the side edge 22, and the plurality of second protrusions 52, 53 are adjacent to the second side edge.

The rim 24 extends outwardly from the outer surface 38. The size and shape of the plurality of first protrusions 50, 51 are generally the same, and the first leg portions 54, 55 and the first short protrusions 64, 65 are provided respectively. The size and shape of the plurality of second protrusions 52, 53 are respectively provided. It is also generally the same, and second legs 56, 57, second short protrusions 66, 67 and long other protrusions 72, 73 are provided respectively.

[0040] The legs 54, 55, 56, 57 are designed to contact the surface 92 on which the panel 20 is placed; and the legs support the panel 20, a liquid-filled flexible bag supported by the panel 20, and can be stacked on The weight of the other structure on the top of the panel 20. The leg pairs 54 and 56 are symmetrical with respect to the center point 58 of the panel 20 and equally spaced with respect to the center point 58; the leg pairs 55.57 are also equally spaced with respect to the panel center point 58 and are symmetrical with respect to the panel center point 58. However, the pair of leg portions 54, 56 does not necessarily have the same symmetry as the pair of leg portions 55, 57 with respect to the center point 58 of the panel, but may have the same symmetry. It should be noted that the center point 58 of the panel 20 is also the center point of the inner side 36 and the outer side 38.

[0041] The first short protrusions 64, 65 extend outward from the outer surface 38 adjacent to the side edge 22, and the second short protrusions 66, 67 extend outward from the outer surface 38 adjacent to the side edge 24. A substantially J-shaped positioning notch 68 is formed between the leg 54 and the short protrusion 64, and a substantially J-shaped positioning notch 69 is formed between the leg 55 and the short protrusion 65. Similarly, a substantially J-shaped positioning notch 70 is formed between the leg 56 and the short protrusion 66, and a substantially J-shaped positioning notch 71 is formed between the leg 57 and the short protrusion 67.

[0042] Other protrusions 72, 73 also extend outwardly from the outer surface 38 adjacent the side edges 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the other protrusions 72.73 have approximately the same length as the legs 56,57; however, in other embodiments, the length of the other protrusions 72,73 may be different from the length of the legs 56,57.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first protrusion or pin 74 extends outward from the peripheral surface 30 along the side surface 22, and the protrusion or second pin 75 extends outward from the peripheral surface 31 along the side surface 24. The first recess, receptacle or hole 76 extends downward from the peripheral surface 30 along the side surface 22, and the second recess, receptacle or hole 77 extends downward from the peripheral surface 31 along the side surface 24. The pins 74 and the holes 76 are equally spaced with respect to the center point 58 and are symmetrical with respect to the center point 58. Similarly, the pins 75 and the holes 77 are also equally spaced with respect to the center point 58 and are symmetrical with respect to the center point 58. Although the pin 74 and the receptacle 76 may have, they do not have to have the same symmetry as the pin 75 and the receptacle 77 with respect to the center point 58 of the panel.

[0044] In use, referring to FIG. 6, the flexible liquid bag or bladder 80 is located approximately in the center of the cavity 40a of the first panel 20a. Thereafter, the second panel 20b is placed on the first panel 20a so that the cavity 40b faces the cavity 40a. Then, the panels 20a, 20b are joined together so that the pins are inserted into the opposite holes, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the pins 74a of the panel 20a are inserted into the holes 76b of the panel 20b. The panels 20a, 20b further move together until the opposite edge surfaces are aligned or in contact with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the edge surface 30a of the panel 20a contacts the edge surface 31b of the panel 20b. During this process, the pins 74, 75 (Figures 3, 6) are further squeezed into the holes 76, 77. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 74, 75 taper toward the end; the holes 76, 77 taper toward the closed end. In this way, the process of inserting the pins 74, 75 into the holes 76, 77 helps to align the panels 20a, 20b. In addition, the size and taper of the pins 74, 75 and the holes 76, 77 can be adjusted so that the pins 74, 75 and the holes 76, 77 structurally contact the panels 20a, 20b, which are operatively maintained and fixed in certain applications Or protect the panels 20a, 20b in an involute relationship.

[0045] When finally positioned in an inverted relationship, the two opposing panels 20a, 20b form a container 82a for the flexible liquid bag 80. The angled side walls 42a, 43b, the angled end walls 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, and the opposing center surfaces 44a, 44b define a volume 83 that is substantially equal to or greater than the volume of the flexible bag 80 of the specified size. In this way, if an application requires the flexible liquid bag 80 to be frozen, the flexible bag has a space to expand in the volume 83.

[0046] In the panel 20a, a cavity 84a is formed between the upper end wall 86a of the inner side 36a, the side wall 88a of the protrusion 48a, and the bottom wall 90a. Similarly, in the panel 20b, on the inner side 36b, the upper end wall 86b, the side wall 88b of the protrusion 48b, and the bottom wall 90b

CN 101437726 Β

A cavity 84b is formed between. The cavities 84a, 84b are adjacent and provide a containment volume or space for storing the pipe 110 and other equipment connected to the end port 108 of the flexible liquid bag 80. The opening 114 formed between the voids 34a, 34b of the respective panels 20a, 20b at the end of the container 82a provides access to the end of the bag 80, the port 108, and/or the duct 110.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the containers 82a-82n formed by the panels 20a-20n may be stacked on a substantially horizontal surface 92 to form a substantially vertical container stack 83. The container 82n and the panel 20n are shown as virtual images, and the symbol "n" means that any number of corresponding containers and panels can be used in the container stack 83. Similar devices should be applied to the other components indicated by the symbol "η" shown in phantom. The legs 56a, 57a and other protrusions 72a, 73a extend downward from the panel 20a and contact the support surface 92. As shown in FIG. 7A, the multiple protrusions 50b, 51b, 52c, 53c of the panels 20b-20c facilitate stable stacking of the containers 82a-82b. When the second container 82b is stacked on the first container 82a, the upwardly protruding leg 54b of the container 82a is located in the recess 70c of the container 82b. In addition, the downwardly protruding leg 57c of the container 82b is located in the recess 69b of the container 82a. In this way, the container 82b can be prevented from sliding longitudinally relative to the container 82a, that is, sliding to the left or right as shown in FIG. 7A. In addition, the longer protrusion 73c is located behind the short protrusion 65b, and the other protrusion 72c is located behind the leg 54b. In this way, the relative position of the other protrusions 72c, 73c prevents the container 82b from being substantially laterally watered relative to the container 82a. Move in a flat direction, that is, in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In a similar way, the container 82c can be stacked in the container 82b, and the similar interlocking relationship of the multiple legs and protrusions on the panels 20b. 20c can prevent longitudinal or lateral sliding.

[0048] FIG. 7A shows the interlocking relationship of a plurality of legs and protrusions along the first side of the container 82a-82n. Referring to FIG. 7B, a similar interlocking relationship of the legs and protrusions along the opposite sides of the containers 82a-82n is shown. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the stacking of containers 82a-82n is alternate stacking. With alternating stacking, referring to Figure 7A, the legs 55b of the lower container 82a are located outside the mouth 71c of the upper container 82b; but the legs 54b are located in the opposite upper container recess 70c. However, for the next accumulation, the relative position of the legs is reversed. The leg 55d of the lower container 82b is located in the opening 71e in the upper container 82c; but the leg 54d is located outside the opposite upper container recess 70c. By alternating the relative positions of the legs and notches of each successive container in the container stack, alternate containers, such as containers 82a, 82c, are approximately aligned, but the middle container, such as container 82b, is longitudinally offset by approximately one leg The width of the section. More specifically, the container 82b is slightly moved or offset to the left as shown in FIG. 7A. Even if the adjacent containers are slightly offset, the containers 82a-82n are still stacked in a substantially vertical direction and are stable for storage and transportation.

[0049] To dispense liquid from a container, as shown in the embodiment described in FIG. 8, the containers 82a-82n are placed in a container stack 95 on an angled base 94 supported by the surface 92. The base 94 has an angled or inclined upper surface 95 to facilitate the gravity distribution of liquid from the flexible bags 82a-82n. The contour of the upper surface 95 generally matches the outer side 38a of the panel 20a. For example, the base 94 has recesses or receptacles 96, 98 that receive the respective legs 56a, 57a. More recesses or receptacles 100, 102 receive other protrusions 72a, 73a, respectively. In addition, the base 94 has substantially vertical surfaces 104, 106 to further prevent the panel 20a from sliding or moving relative to the base 94.

[0050] The alternate stacking structure described and shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can very effectively establish and maintain stable container stacks 82a-82n for storage and transportation. However, if such a stacking structure is adopted when stacking the containers on the inclined surface 95 in FIG. 8, the containers will extend to the front of the base 94 into an unstable container stack. Thus, an alternative, continuous offset stacking structure is shown in FIG. 8. With this continuous offset stacking structure, on each continuous layer or row, the legs 54b, 54d of the lower container 82a, 82b are located in the respective slots 70c, 70e of the upper container 82b, 82c. in. Similarly, the legs 57c, 57e of the upper respective containers 82b, 82c are located in the respective slots 69b, 69d of the lower respective containers 82a, 82b. In this way, the containers 82a-82n are restrained or prevented from being substantially inclined along the

The surface 95 slides downward in a parallel and angled direction. With this stacking structure, the front edges of the respective containers 82a-82b are maintained in a substantially straight and vertical arrangement. Such a stacking structure also generally maintains the center of gravity of the respective containers 82a-82n in a substantially straight and substantially vertical arrangement, which provides a very stable container stack 82a-82n when supported on an inclined surface 95.

[0051] Each flexible liquid bag in the containers 82a-82n has one or more ports extending from one end, such as ports 108a-108n_oThe ports 108a-108n can have any known implementation that simply goes from visual recognition on one end of the bag to a connector connected to the end of the bag. At any time during the life cycle of the flexible liquid bag, the pipes 110a-110n. The respective valves 112a-112n and/or other devices can be connected to the respective ports 108a-108n in a known manner. In many applications, flexible liquid bags are usually supplied with associated respective pipes 110a-110n and respective valves 112a-112n_oIn addition, with the embodiment in FIG. 8, the pipes 110a-110n can be connected to a configuration combination that connects the pipes 110a-110n to an external device or connects the pipes to each other. For example, different pipes 110a-110n may be connected to independent devices that independently control the dispensing of liquid from the respective containers 82a-82n. Optionally, different pipes 110a-110n may be connected to a single device, such as a peristaltic pump used to control the dispensing of one or more liquids. In other applications, different pipes 110a-110n may be connected together to connect the respective containers 82a-82n together.

[0052] In the stacked form in FIG. 8, there is a potential for the flexible liquid bags in the containers 82a-82n to slide down in the container, which may weaken the smooth flow of the liquid in the container during the dispensing process. Therefore, in a further embodiment, each of the panels 20a-20n has a structure for fixing the respective flexible liquid bag in an appropriate position. Referring to FIG. 8A, in the exemplary embodiment shown with respect to the panel 20, the fixing structure 116 fixes the flexible liquid bag 80a shown in a virtual image to a desired position. In many applications, the flexible liquid bag 80a has an opening 118 shown in phantom at the upper end, and the opening 118 is used to hang the bag 80a on the holder during the dispensing operation. In addition, the opening 118 may be of any shape, such as one or more holes, a slot shown by the opening 118, or other suitable shapes. The fixing structure 116 has an end surface 120 that is substantially coplanar with the peripheral surfaces 30a, 31a. The protrusion or pin 122 extends outward from the end surface 120 and the recess, receptacle or hole 124 extends downward from the end surface 120. When the flexible liquid bag 80a is placed in the panel 20a, the opening 118 is placed around the pin 122 and the hole 124. Therefore, as described and shown in FIGS. 6-8, when the other panel is aligned with the panel 20a, the pin 122 is removed in a similar manner to the pin 74a and the hole 76b shown in FIG. Insert into the opposite hole (not shown). In addition, the holes 124 receive opposing pins. In this way, when the panel 20a in FIG. 8A is placed in alignment with the opposing panel, the pin 122 extending through the opening 118 of the bag 80a secures the bag at a desired position relative to the panel 20a. In addition, the end of the bag 80 abuts against the end surface 120 by means of the opposite end surface.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, when not in use, the generally uniform cross-sectional thickness of the panels 20a-20n allows them to be stacked inside each other in a very tight and effective way.

[0054] In some applications, referring to FIG. 10, it may be necessary for the lower and upper panels, such as the panels 20a, 20b forming the container 82a, to be fixed or connected together. There are many alternative embodiments of the container 82a for fixing the panels 20a, 20b into one piece. For example, an adhesive or bonding agent may be attached between the peripheral surfaces 31a, 30b and 30a, 31b, or the edges of the panels 20a, 20b may be welded together. In another embodiment, screws or other fasteners can be used to connect the peripheral surfaces 31a, 30b and 30a, 31b. In a further embodiment, the clamping members 126, 128 can be used to connect the panels 20a, 20b. The edges are fixed together. In this way, the container 82a can be made disposable and reusable depending on the fixing system used, the material used to make the panels 20a, 20b, the application of the flexible liquid bag, and other factors.

[0055] The panel 20 in FIG. 1 described here can be used to manufacture the flexible liquid bag shown in FIG. 6

CN 101437726 Β

The durable container 82a. The container 82a is suitable for storage and transportation without further protection. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A, when stacked, a plurality of protrusions, such as the protrusions 52c, 53c of the container 82b, extend downward between the upper extension protrusions 50b, 5lb of the adjacent lower container 82a. In this way, adjacent containers in the stack formed by the plurality of containers 82a-82n are automatically interlocked, so that the stack of containers 82a-82n is very stable for storage and transportation purposes. In use, as shown in FIG. 8, a stack of multiple containers 82a-82n can be stacked on the inclined surface 95 to facilitate the gravity distribution of liquid from the flexible bags in the respective containers. The structure of the panels 20a-20n allows the containers 82a-82n to be stacked on the inclined surface 95 in a substantially vertical orientation. In this way, any point on one of the containers 82a-82n and the similar common point of the other containers 82a-82n± are located on a substantially vertical point locus.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1-10, the panel 20 is used to form a container 82 having a plurality of protrusions 50-53 extending from the outer side 38. The multiple protrusions 50-53 provide 4 individual legs and corresponding protrusions to facilitate the stable arrangement of the stacked containers 82a-82n on horizontal and inclined surfaces. 11, in an alternative embodiment, the container 130a is made of a lower panel 132a and an opposite upper panel 132b. The panel 132a has a plurality of protrusions extending on the outer surface 136, such as elongated ribs 134a-134 and the ribs 134a-134d are substantially parallel, and serve to support the container 130a on the horizontal support surface 92. Each of the ribs 134a-134d may extend continuously across the outer surface 136, or may be composed of discrete rib segments having a substantially linear trajectory on the outer surface 136.

[0057] The panel 132b also has a plurality of protrusions, such as ribs 138a-138d, which are substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the ribs 134a-134d. When the panels 132a, 132b are joined together to form the container 130a, the centerlines of the ribs 138a-138d are substantially in the middle between the centerlines of the ribs 134a-134d of the panel 132a. In this way, the plurality of ribs 134a-134d on the panel 132c fit between the ribs 138a-138d on the panel 132b, so that the containers 130a-130b are interlocked. In this way, the containers 130a-130n can be placed on top of each other to form a stable straight container stack 139 on a substantially horizontal surface 92, which is particularly beneficial during transportation and storage.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, in order to facilitate gravitational distribution from the containers 130a-130n, they may be stacked on the inclined surface 140 of the base 142 at an angle. The inclined surface has recesses 142a-142d of a size and shape that can receive the respective ribs 134a-134d_oIn the stacking of containers 130a-130n in FIG. 12, each continuous container can be offset from the container below it to the left side as shown in FIG. 12, for example, to create a substantially vertical position on the inclined support surface 140. Container pile 130a-130n_oThe interlocking of the ribs 134a-134d on the container (e.g. container 130b) and the ribs 138a-138d on the adjacent lower container (e.g. container 130a) inhibits the container 130b from being relative to the inclined support surface 40 in an angular direction generally parallel The lower container 130a slides downward. In this way, the interlocking of the ribs on the respective containers 130a-130n provides a very stable, substantially vertical container stack 143 on the inclined support surface 140. Using the method described above, the containers 130a-130n can be fluidly connected to external devices or connected to each other in a manner suitable for special applications.

[0059] As mentioned above, in the vertical container stack 139 in FIG. 11, the centerline of the ribs 138a-138d of the panel 132b is substantially in the middle between the centerlines of the ribs 134a-134d of the panel 132a . This relative positioning of the ribs can be achieved by several different embodiments. In the first embodiment, the structure of the panels 132a. 132b may be similar to the structure of the panel 20 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the internal structure of one end 26 of the panel is different from the internal structure of the other end 28. Therefore, the internal structure is asymmetrical from end to end with respect to the center point of the panel. In this embodiment, the panels 132a, 132d are molded into two different pieces to obtain the arrangement of ribs 138a-138d to ribs 134a-134d shown in FIG. 11. In addition, if the panels 132a, 132b are separately molded into respective lower and upper container parts, their respective internal structures may also be different. In Figures 11 and 12, the ribs 134a-134b, 138a-138d have a special cross-sectional profile and spacing. In alternative embodiments, the ribs may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape and

Spaced, for example as shown in Figure 15, the panel 162 may have narrower and tighter ribs 164a-164n_o[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the panels 132a-132n may have an internal structure similar to the panel 144 shown in FIG. For the panel 144, the internal structure at one end 146 is similar to the general internal structure at the opposite end 148. In this way, the panel 144 is symmetrical with respect to the center point of the panel from end to end. If the panel 144 in Figure 13 is used as the panels 132a-132b in Figure 12 to make the container 130a, the upper panel 132b is rotated about 180 degrees relative to the lower panel 132a to place the centerline of the ribs 138a-138d substantially on the panel The middle between the center lines of the ribs 134a-134d of 132a. Similar structures can be applied to other containers 130b-130n.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 14A, the container 150 may be composed of two panels 152, 154 made into a single piece. The panels 152, 154 have respective ribs or protrusions 153a-153d, 155a-155d and are connected together along a common edge 156 thereof. In use, when the flexible fluid bag is placed in the panel 152, the opposing panel 154 can be folded about 180 degrees relative to its common edge 156 as indicated by the arrow 157. The panel 154 is then folded to oppose the panel 152 to form the container 150 shown in FIG. 14B. The opposite outer edges 158, 160 of the container 150 may be connected by clamping members, fasteners, welding or other suitable connection methods.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, in another exemplary embodiment, the panel 220 is similar to the panel 20 in FIGS. 1-5 and has opposite side edges 222, 224 and opposite ends 226, 228. The gap 234 is centered. Positioned in the end 228 and interrupts the opposite edge surfaces 230.23L. The edge surfaces 230, 231 are separated at the opposite end 226 by the longitudinal centerline 261 of the panel 220. In addition, each edge surface 230, 231 has a groove or shoulder 229 located in the middle of the end 226, 228 and extending along the respective side edge 222, 224. The shoulder 229 increases the rigidity of the panel 220 along the side edges 222,224. The panel 20 has an inner facing surface or side 236 and an opposite outer facing surface or side 238 (Figure 16B). The inner side 236 has a cavity or recess 240 formed with respect to the inner edge surfaces 230, 231. The recess 240 has laterally angled internally inclined side walls 242, 243, a portion of which intersects a generally flat, centrally located surface 244. The end protrusions 245.246 extend outwardly away from the inner side 236 and are shaped to form angled and inwardly inclined end walls 247, 248, which are substantially perpendicular to the side walls 242, 243 and intersect the central surface 244. Angled side walls 242, 243, angled The end walls 247, 248 and the middle surface 244 of the slab are configured to substantially coincide with the sides and ends of the liquid-filled flexible bag.

[0063] A plurality of first protrusions 250, 251 extend outward from the outer side 238 adjacent to the side edge 222, and a plurality of second protrusions 252, 253 extend outward from the outer surface 238 adjacent to the second side edge 224. The plurality of first protrusions 250, 251 are generally the same in size and shape, and each provides a first leg 254, 255 with a respective notch 268, 269 and respective other protrusions 278, 279. The plurality of second protrusions 252, 253 are in size and shape. It is usually the same, and first legs 256, 257 with respective notches 270, 271 and respective other protrusions 272, 273 are provided respectively.

[0064] The legs 254-257 are designed to be in contact with the surface 292 on which the panel 220 is placed; these legs support the panel 220, the liquid-filled flexible bag supported by the panel, and others that can be stacked on top of the panel 220 The weight of the structure.

[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, the other protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 are mainly for when the panel is in a stacked configuration in a manner similar to the functions of the protrusions 72c and 73c shown and described in FIG. 7A , To prevent the horizontal movement of one panel relative to the other panel. Although the length of the other protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 may be similar to that of the other leg protrusions, the other leg protrusions 278, 279, 272, 273 may not be configured to provide a significant load supporting function.

[0066] The first protrusion or pin 274 extends outward from the peripheral surface 230 along the side surface 222, and the protrusion or second pin 275 extends outward from the peripheral surface 231 along the side surface 224. The first recess, receptacle or hole 276 extends from the peripheral surface 230 along the side 222

Extending downward, the second recess, receptacle or hole 277 extends downward from the peripheral surface 231 along the side surface 224.

[0067] The side edge 224 has an elongated opening or slot 285 and associated holes 287, 289 adjacent to opposite ends of the slot 285 for receiving a handle described later. The pattern of slots 285 and associated holes 287, 289 repeats at different locations along the side edges 222, 224. Pairs of fastener holes 297.299 are also located on the side edges 222.224 for receiving one or more fasteners described later. In the embodiment in Figure 16A, there are four sets of slots 285 and related holes 287.289 for the handle and nine pairs of fastener holes 297,299 extending along the side edges 222,224. There are also a pair of additional fastener holes on the surface 320. 297.299ο However, in other embodiments, other numbers of handle slot and fastener hole pairs may be used.

[0068] In a manner similar to the previous description with reference to FIG. 6, a flexible liquid bag or bladder (not shown) is located in the cavity 240 of the panel 220 in FIG. The protrusion or pin 322 extends outward from the surface 320 on the end protrusion 245, and the recess, receptacle or hole 324 extends downward from the surface 320. In a method similar to the previous description with reference to FIG. 8A, when the flexible liquid bag is placed in the panel 220, the opening in one end of the bag is placed around the pin 322 and the hole 324. 16A, a flexible liquid bag (not shown) may be placed in a first panel 220a having a bag handle end on the surface 320 and around the pin 322 and the receptacle 324. As shown in FIG. 16D, the second panel 220b is placed on the first panel 220a. Then, the panels 220a, 220b are brought together so that the pins of the panel 220a are inserted into the holes of the panel 220b, and vice versa. The panels 220a, 220b are further moved together until the opposite end surfaces of the panel 220a contact the respective end surfaces of the panel 220b. When finally positioned in the coincident relationship shown in Figure 16D, the two opposing panels 220a, 220b form a container 282 for the flexible liquid bag contained therein.

[0069] A handle can now be provided to facilitate handling of the container 282. Referring to FIG. 17, the generally U-shaped handle 300 has a grip portion 301, and the ends of the grip portion 301 are connected to two substantially L-shaped side portions 302, 303. The side portions 302, 303 are basically similar, and therefore, only the side portion 302 will be described in detail. The first upper connecting piece 304 extends from one end of the grip portion 301 in a substantially vertical direction. The second lower connecting piece 305 is connected to the proximal end of the first connecting piece 304 and extends substantially perpendicularly from the lower end thereof. A pair of opposed hooks 306 and 307 are installed to the distal end of the second connecting member 305 and extend upward toward the grip portion 301. The hooks 306 and 307 are substantially perpendicular to the first connecting member 305 and extend parallel to the first connecting member 304. The elastic member 308 is connected to the L-shaped side portion 302 at the proximal end, and has a distal end extending outward toward the hook 307. The tether 309 has a proximal end connected to the side 302 and a distal end connected to the locking pin 310. In its non-use position, the locking pin 310 is located under the protective member 311 extending from the end of the grip portion 301.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 17A, the grip portion 301 is inserted through the slots 285a, 285b, and the hooks 306, 307 are guided through the holes 287a, 287b. The hooks 306a, 307a are guided through the holes 289a, 289b. The handle 300 is pulled upward as shown in Fig. 17A until the distal ends of the hooks 306, 307 and 306a, 307a pass the respective holes 287b, 289b. As shown in FIG. 17B, the elastic members 308, 308a are deflected and apply force to the bottom side 321 of the panel 220a. The hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a counteract the force applied by the elastic members 308, 308a, thereby helping to fix the panels 220a, 220b together. Then, the locking pins 310, 310a on the distal ends of the respective elastic cords 309, 309a are inserted between the respective hook pairs 306, 307 and 306a, 307a, thereby fixing the handle 300 in place. In some applications, once the locking pins 310, 310a are removed, The distal ends of the hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a can be squeezed together, and the handle 300 can be removed from the slots 285a, 285b. When fully assembled, the hooks 306, 307, 306a, 307a and the locking pins 310, 310a can effectively fix the panels 220a, 220b together. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16D, four handles 300 are used to fix the panels 220a, 220b together adjacent to the corners of the panels, thereby providing an integrated container 282 for the liquid bag and a lifting point on each side.

[0071] In some applications, it may be desirable to provide one or more additional connectors to further connect the panels 220a, 220b

CN 101437726 Β

Fixed together. Referring to Figure 18, the connector or clip 312 has a substantially S-shaped body 313 with a support surface 314 at one end and a resilient arm 315 at the opposite end. 18A, the first end 316 of the clip 312 is inserted into the holes 297a, 297b of the respective panels 220a, 220b, and the panels 220a, 220b are joined together to form a container. The clip 312 rotates clockwise as shown in FIG. 18A, and the ring end 317 is guided into the holes 299a, 299b. As shown in FIG. 18B, further clockwise rotation of the clip 312 causes the support surface 314 to abut the lower surface 321 of the panel 220a and brings the elastic member 318 into contact with the upper surface 320 of the panel 220b. The clip 312 is further pushed down as shown in FIG. 18B, thereby deflecting the elastic member 318 until the locking surface 319 passes through the hole 299a and abuts the lower surface 321, thereby fixing the clip in place and fixing the panels 220a, 220b together . When the lower surface 321 is pressed, the locking surface 319 prevents the clip 312 from being unintentionally removed and counteracts the force applied by the member 318 to fix the panels 220a, 220b together. To remove the clip 312, the finger grips 323, 323a are squeezed together to remove the locking surface 319 from the surface 321 releases and allows the locking surface 319 to pass upward through the holes 299a, 299b. Any number of clips 312 can be used with the pair of fastener holes 297, 299.

[0072] In the exemplary example in FIG. 18, the clip 312 is mainly for use with a reusable container, but in other embodiments, other connectors may be used to releasably connect the panel 220a with holes 297,299. , 220b are connected together, for example, the commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #93040A103 push/pull plastic tethered fastener, and the commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #91020A220 NYLON can be reused The buckle lock studs, NYLON cable ties, threaded fasteners or other appropriate connectors. However, if it is desired that the container 282 formed by the panels 220a, 220b be disposable, the panels can be connected together by welding, gluing or other connectors using holes 297, 299, for example, the commercially available McMaster-Carr DELRIN blind rivet of Part No. #90219A325, a commercially available McMaster-Carr Part No. #90219A044 NYLON blind nails, aluminum or steel nails or other suitable connectors. Clips 312 or fasteners can be inserted through the holes 297, 299 on the surface 320 in FIG. 16A to directly fix the panels 220a, 220b together at the handle end of the liquid bag.

[0073] As mentioned earlier, a flexible fluid bag has a plurality of ports and corresponding pipes extending from one end. The tubing is usually located in the packaging, and in some applications, during the shipping of the container 282 in FIG. 16D, the packaging is simply located in the front cavity 284 shown in FIG. 16A. In other applications, the end of the pipe of the flexible liquid bag can be fixed for shipping and use. As shown in FIG. 16A, the panel 220 has a groove void 234 positioned approximately centrally on the end 228, and two holes 323 located on the edge surface within the opening 234. As shown in FIG. 16D, the opposing openings of the panels 220a, 220b form an elongated opening 325 at one end of the container 282. 19, the face plate 327 has a plurality of openings 329 formed by one or more cracks, the cracks forming asterisks, Xs, plus signs or other shapes suitable for fixing the pipes in the respective openings. One or more ends of the pipe are inserted through respective holes 329 in the face plate 327. In some applications, the pipe can be shorter, as long as it is long enough to pass through the hole 329. In other applications, the pipe can be longer, and the pipe can be wound into the storage space formed by the front end cavity shown in Figure 16A. 19, the face plate 327 has outwardly facing protrusions 330 mounted on the upper and lower portions of the distal end of the elastic member 331, referring to Figure 16D, when the face plate 327 slides into the opening 325, the protrusions 330 (FIG. 19) Engage with respective holes, such as hole 323b (FIG. 16D), thereby locking the face plate 327 in the opening 325. In this way, the end of the pipe is reliably supported on the end of the container 282 during operation and shipping. In use, the pipes can be drawn from the respective holes of the panel 327 to a desired length.

20, in another exemplary embodiment, the panel 420 is similar to the panel 220 in FIGS. 16A-16C, and has opposite side edges 422, 424 and opposite ends 426, 428. The void 434 is centrally located in the end 428 and interrupts the opposing edge surfaces 430.43L. The opposing edge surfaces 430, 431 are smaller than they are shown in FIG. 16A.

CN 101437726 Β

The mating edge surfaces 230, 231 of the resulting panel 220 are narrow, so that the opposite edge surface does not have the shoulder 229 of the panel 220. However, the narrow edge surfaces 430, 431 also improve the stiffness of the side edges. The panel 420 has an inner facing surface or side 436 that has a cavity or recess 440 formed relative to the edge surface 430.431. The recess 440 has laterally angled internally inclined side walls 442, 443, a portion of which intersects an area containing a plurality of ribs 449, which are positioned approximately centrally between the side edges 422, 424. The end protrusions 445, 446 are generally similar to the end protrusions 245.246 in FIG. 16 and extend outward away from the inner side 436, which has angled and inwardly inclined end walls 447, 448. The rib 449 extends generally longitudinally with respect to the panel 420 And intersect with the inclined end wall 447,448. Compared with the flat surface 224 of the panel 220 in FIG. 16, the ribs 449 significantly improve the rigidity of the panel between the inclined end walls 447>448.

[0075] The panel 420 has a plurality of protrusions 450, 451, 452, which are substantially similar in structure, position, and function to the respective plurality of protrusions 250, 251, 252, 253 of the panel 220 shown in FIGS. 16A-16D. 453. The panel 420 also has pins 274, 275, receptacles 276, 277, slots 285, related holes 287, 289 and fastener holes 297, 299 that are similar in structure and function to the respective pins 274, 275, receptacles 276, 277, and fastener holes 297, 299 of the panel 220 in FIG. 16A. Slots 485, related holes 487, 489 and fastener holes 497, 499. The panel 420 also has a gap 434 that is substantially similar to the gap 234 in FIG. 16A and is used to receive the face plate shown in FIG. 19 for supporting as previously referenced Panel 220 in Figure 16D depicts the pipe end.

[0076] Using a method similar to the previous description with reference to FIGS. 6 and 16D, as shown in FIG. 20A, a flexible liquid bag or bladder (not shown) is positioned approximately centrally in the cavity of the first panel 420a. After that, the second panel 420b is placed on the first panel 420a and assembled with it by means of handles and/or connectors or clips in a similar manner as described with reference to Figures 16-18 to form a flexible liquid for supporting therein. Bag container 482. As previously described, the face plate 327 is used to support the end 333 of the pipe connected to the flexible liquid bag in the container 482.

[0077] Using a method similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the containers 282 and/or 482 can be stacked together with similar containers on a substantially horizontal surface. In addition, using a method similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8, the containers 282 and/or 482 may use the angled base 294 shown in FIG. 21 to stack similar containers together on the inclined surface. Using a further method similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8, the containers 282 (FIG. 16D) and 482 (FIG. 20A) can be stacked on the angled base 294 in a continuously offset stacking structure. The angled base 294 has grooves 335, 336, 337, 338 at its corners, which are sized and shaped to receive the legs of the container 282 or 482. The grooves 335, 336, 337, 338 effectively prevent the container 282 or 482 from sliding sideways or downwards away from the angled base 294. The angled base 294 also mates with a face plate 327 that allows pipes to enter and exit the interior of the base 294. In certain embodiments, the angled base 294 may support components used to control the flow of liquid within it, such as one or more valves, peristaltic pumps, filters, and/or other components. In this way, the pipe can extend from the face plate on the container, into the face plate 327 on the angled base 294, and then pass through the components in the base 294, exit from the face plate 327 on the base 294 to the outside determined by the user part.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiments of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 shown and described herein, the thickness can be easily changed to accommodate a wide range of flexible liquid bags size of. For example, in some embodiments, different panels can be made to hold 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 liters of liquid bags. In other embodiments, panels of other sizes can be made. In this way, the respective containers formed by the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can have the desired size, durability and rigidity and the desired flexible liquid bag for a wide range of applications. size of. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the volume 83 of the container 82a is slightly larger than the volume of the bag 80. This larger volume provides space for the bag 80 to expand in the container 82a when the container 82a and the bag 80 are frozen.

CN 101437726 Β

[0079] In other embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of materials suitable for use in a sterile and "clean" environment. In a further embodiment, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162 can be made disposable and reusable. In this way, the panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can be made of various materials, for example, polycarbonate, PETG, HDPE, ABS, PVC, polypropylene or other materials. In further applications, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of metal, rigid foam or other materials. In this way, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made of transparent, translucent or opaque materials.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 shown and described herein, the container may be made of panels, each panel generally having a basic Consistent cross-sectional thickness 93a, 93b (Figure 6) ο depends on the material used, in different embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness can be from about 0. 050-0. 500 inches. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional thickness can be larger or smaller. Exemplary embodiments of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can be made by any molding or forming method suitable for the material used. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be vacuum formed from a relatively thin flexible sheet, such as thermoplastic or other suitable materials. In different embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be flexible, that is, if they are fixed on the opposite ends 26, 28 or 226, 228, The opposite ends can be easily rotated or twisted manually in opposite directions. Furthermore, flexibility means that the side edges 22, 24, 222, 224 can be easily crimped or deformed manually. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 may be made by injection molding or other suitable plastic molding methods.

[0081] Although the present invention has been presented in considerable detail through the description of the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to restrict the claims or in any way limited to such details. Additional advantages and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, as described herein, the containers 82, 130, 282, 482 may be stacked on an inclined surface in a generally vertical orientation. The containers are stacked manually so that the verticality of any container stack can be greatly changed. In addition, the center of gravity of the container stacked on the inclined surface will depend on the volume of liquid in the container, and will vary with it. Thus, in some applications, one container can generally be offset approximately horizontally from the other containers, but still maintain an approximately vertical orientation on the inclined surface. The protrusions on the various embodiments of the panels described herein allow the relative position of the stacked containers to be varied in order to obtain the desired stability by stacking the containers by a person.

[0082] The plurality of protrusions and ribs on the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can be varied in different embodiments to provide sufficient rigidity for the panels to support the flexible liquid bag . In addition, the thickness of the plurality of panels 20.132. 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can be determined and varied in proportion to the size of the flexible liquid bag to be supported. In a further embodiment, different protrusions and contours can be added, and the thickness of the cross-sectional panel can be changed in different regions of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 to improve rigidity. However, any such changes in shape and thickness should be appropriate so as not to reduce the stacking capacity of the plurality of panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 described herein.

[0083] In the embodiment in FIGS. 1-4, the notches 68, 69, 70, 71 are substantially J-shaped, and in the embodiment in FIGS. 16A-16D, the notches 268, 269, 270, 271 It is roughly U-shaped. In other embodiments, the recesses may have other shapes that effectively provide the described alignment and stabilization functions. Such other shapes are, for example, a substantially L-shape, a substantially V-shape, a stepped shape, and other similar shapes.

[0084] In the embodiments described herein, panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220.420 having a substantially rectangular shape are shown and described. However, such a rectangular shape is actually exemplary, and the panels 20, 132, 144,

CN 101437726 Β

152, 154, 162, 220, 420 can be any shape generally consistent with the shape of the liquid bag supported by the panel, such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, an oval or other shapes. Furthermore, in the embodiments described herein, the panels 20, 132, 144, 152, 154, 162, 220, 420 are shown as being supported on a surface, such as a horizontal or inclined surface. In other embodiments, the holes 339 in Figures 16A and 20 can be used to suspend the container in a vertical orientation.

[0085] Therefore, the invention in its broadest aspect is not limited to the specific details shown and described. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, changes can be made through the details described here.

CN 101437726 Β