Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TUBULAR PL~STIC S~IPPING, STORAG~ ~ND
DISPENSING CONTAINER AN~ PARTS USABLE THEREWITH
Background Art
Storage containers are found in many sizes, shapes and
constructions~ In U.S. Patent No. 1,682,179 to Krembs, as issued
~ugust 28, 1928, a container for retaining a groupiny of welding
rods is an erected carton with side panels made fron a relatively
strong blank. This container is not contemplated to be
fluid-tight. U.S. Patent No. 2,464,27~ to Wilson, as issued March
15, 1949, shows a tubular member, but the end caps do not suggest
a fluid-tight enclosure. U.S. Patent No. 2,491,213, as issued to
Robinson, Jr. on December 13. 1943, shows a tubular enclosure ~ith
sheet metal caps or bungs. The tubular portion is of cardboard or
fiber and the like. These containers are contemplated for
shipping and do not suggest a fluid-tight enclosure. U.S. Patent
No. 2,975,888 to Paynton, Sr., as issued March 21, 1961, discloses
an archery package for storage and shipping arrows. A fluid-tight
enclosure is not taught.
Also noted is U.S. Patent No. 3,084,788 to Ford, as
issued April 9, 1963, which pertains to a knitting needle holder
of thin plastic tubing, and there is no suggestion of strength and
fluid-tightness associated with this construction. A rod toter is
shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,235,148, as issued to Honhart on
February 15, 1966. This toter is open to the top although for
welding rods which may total several pounds. U.S. Patent No.
3,847,274 to Inglish, issued November 12, 1974, pertains to a
capillary tube dispenser and uses an open top cup to hold these
tubes. UOS. Patent No. 4,029,202 to Lasich, as issued June 14,
lg77, shows a one-piece plastic cap used with a tube member.
There is no teaching of making the container fluid-tight. U.S.
Patent No. 4,051,992, as issued to Bergstein on October 4, 1977,
shows a tubular container, but there is no teaching of a
fluid-tight container.
" 3 ~ ?~
Also noted are U.S. Patent Nos. 2,319,448 (Frostad);
1,053,4g2 (~adfield) and 3,156,350 (Lockwood). The patents to
Hadfield and Lockwood disclose the forming o~ containers from a
tubular plastic blank by sealing the ends of the blank. The
patent to Frostad discloses a soda straw package haviny compress~
ed, sealed ends.
Also noted is the DualPak system in ~7hich a sturdy
plastic bottle is protected by a high-strength corrugated box.
In this system, as is disclosed in a six-page informational piece
relating thereto, the bottle does not appear to be attached to
the box through any compression seal member.
Also noted are U.~. Patent Nos. 4,601,410, issued to
Bond, and 4,286,636, issued to Credle. These latter patents
disclose collapsible bay structures employing a spout as part of
the construction.
Other patents which disclose flexible, material-
containing packages, either alone or in combination with more
rigid supporting structures are U.S. Patent Nos. 4,466,553
(Zenger); 3,851,688 (deWinter); 3,589,506 (Ford); 3,225,967
(Heimgartner); 3,171,571 (Daniels); 3,057,517 (Douglas);
2,966,282 (Geiser); 2,816,690 (Lari); 2,671,578 (McBean);
2,751,127 (Mitton) and 2,564,163 (Leperre). None of these latter
mentioned patents disclose a system wherein a flexible liner, bag
or bladder is sealed by an expanding plug against the edge of an
aperture in a more rigid container.
Also noted are U.S. Patent Nos. 3,229,813, issued to
Crowe, Jr. et al.; 2,821,338, issued to Metzger and 3,019,950,
issued to Callegari. The Crowe, Jr. et al. patent relates to a
flexible, sterile package for items such as cotton balls; not to
any rigid package of the type forming the subject matter of the
present invention. The Metzger patent relates to a package
formed of a flexible film-type material, including a tube-like
check valve as part of the package construction. The Callegari
patent discloses a sealing member for a punctured can ~hich is
adapted to be secured to the can, and thereby provide a pouring
spout for the contents in the can.
-- 3 --
A variety of expanding plugs are known in th~ prior art
for expanding into engagement with peripheral surfaces definin~
an opening in a receptacle. These expanding plugs generally have
an elastomeric central section which is axially compressed, to
thereby radially expand the member into engagement with the
surface defining the openiny. The prior art systems are
generally employed by fully seating the plug within the opening,
and are not concerned with aligning the expanding plug body
midway in the opening, as is generally preerred when sealing an
opening in a thin-walled receptacle.
Exemplary prior art plugs are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Nos. 408,364 (Traut); 966,748 (Honecker); 1,843,002 (Small);
2,070,579 (Brooke); 2,170,866 5McAllister); 2,321,515 (Rice);
~,493,452 (Grigg); 2,886,067 (Maxwell, et al.); 2,924,246
(Markel); 3,044,496 (Maisch) and 3,326,403 (Glass).
Disclosure od the Invention
This invention relates to a container made from thermo-
plastic tubing with the ends flattened, and fused, cemented or
welded together after the ends have been softened by and with
heat. An opening is formed in and at one or both ends, in a
sloping wall section of the container, and provides access to the
interior of the container. This opening is selectively closed
with a closure member, plug or cap, preferably providing a
fluid-tight enclosure.
In accordancè with the preferred form of this invention
the container is formed of a rigid material having a -thickness of
at least 1/16", and the flattened end portions, disposed on
opposite sides of a substantially undeformed rigid body portion
of the container, has a transverse dimension between transversely
spaced-apart lateral edges, with the lateral edges extending
transversely beyond the outer peripheral surface of the
substantially undeformed body portion.
A transition portion joins each of the flattened end
portions to t`ne undeformed body portion of the container, and
each of the transition portions includes two substantially flat
sloping wall sections which diverge from each other in a
direction from the flattened end portion to the rigid body
portion. At least one of the transition portions includes
flared, transversely spaced-apart lateral sur~aces extendiny fro-m
the transversely spaced-apart lateral edges of the flattened end
portion to the body portion and being engagable for desired
suspension and the like. Preferably the access opening or
aperture into the container is provided in and through a
substantially flat and sloping wall section of the transition
portion of the container, and closure means are provided for
closing this access aperture.
In accordance with this invention containers can be
employed either with or without flexible bladders or liners
therein to adapt the container for storing a wide variety of
different materials, and also to adapt the container to be used
as a dispenser. The container preferably is selected from a
material that is fire-retardant, shatterproof, corrosion-
re~istant, waterproof, and resistant to chemicals. It can be
made airtight and watertight and the wall thickness is selected
so as to withstand high pressures from the outside as well as the
inside. An address label can be placed on the container and it
can be shipped without repackaging.
This container requlres no elaborate or expensive equip-
ment to manufacture, and it can be modified easily to hold a
variety oE contents The thermoplastic, extruded, light-wall
tubular materials which can be used for the container are readily
available and relatively inexpensive compared to other container
materials. Short-run manufacture is practical for small require-
ments.
Round, extruded thermoplastic tubing is used because it
is common and readily available, but dies could also be made up
to extrude a square or rectangular cross-sectional tubing. A
"squarish" shape would be treated in the same manner as the
round.
The container can be reused, if desired, and sent back
to the factory for refills (in the same manner as a deposit
bottle3 or used for another purpose.
-- 5 --
Since the containers are non-sparking, they are well
suited for the transport, storage and dispensing of many types of
hazardous materials, such as volatile liquids and explosi~es.
In accordance with this invention a unique e~panding
plug for sealing an opening includes a tandem expanding body
sec-tion formed by a pair oE resilient members which are capable
of radially expanding as they are axially compressed. A separ-
ating member, in the Eorm of a disk or diaphragm, is positioned
between the resilient members; pererably in contact with
contiguous surfaces of each of the resilient members. Com-
pression members are axially spaced-apart on opposite sides of
the pair of resilient members, and an actuating means is provided
for axially moving the compression members toward each other to
thereby axially compress the resilient members to cause the
members to radially expand into engagement with surfaces defining
an opening in a container.
In accordance with this invention the dividing disk or
diaphragm tends to cause each of the resilient members to expand
independently of each other. Although the region of the resil-
ient members in the central section of the tandem body, in the
region of the disk or diaphragm, also will expand, the frictional
engagement between the diaphragm and resilient members tends to
retard radial expansion of this central section~ relative to the
radial expansion that takes place at the midpoint of each of the
resilient members. This causes upper and lower bulges to be
formed in the tandem body, which function to center the plug in
the container opening. Moreover, the bulges tend to be
symmetrical on each side of the opening, thereby assisting in
retaining the plug within the opening. In other words, there is
no unbalance of elastic forces with the use of the plug of this
invention, which might tend to dislodge the plug from its sealing
engagement with the peripheral walls of a container opening.
In accordance with the method of this invention the
container is manufactured quickly and easily using a minimum
amount of equipment and unskilled labor. Initially, the extruded
plastic shell is cut off at the proper length for the desired
A ~
use. The ends are uniformly heated by one of various provan
methods (in an oven, by rotating the lenyth with the ends under
an infrared heat source, or even by an ultrasonic heater); cement
and/or solvent is applied; and the ends are pressed together and
clamped. An opening for venting, filling, pressurizing and
dispensing, as well as a built-in handle as depicted, is, if
desired, made with almost any common cutting tool.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a plan view, partly diagrammatic, and
depicting the container of this invention, with one end provided
with an access hole and a handle portion;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of thè container of Fig. 1,
this view taken on the line 2-2 thereof and looking in the
direction of the arrows;
Fig. 3 is an end view, partly diagrammatic, and showing
the container as seen on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 and loo~ing in
the direction of the arrows;
Fig. 4 is a partly fragmentary and sectional side view
of an unthreaded closure plug for the aperture formed in the end
of the container;
Fig. 5 is a partly fragmentary and sectional view of
another closure means for the aperture formed in the end of the
container;
Fig. 6 is a partly fragmentary and sectional side view
of yet another closure concept or means for a closure for the
aperture formed in the end oE the container;
Fig. 7 is a partly fragmentary and sectional side view
of yet another closure concept or means for a closure for the
aperture formed in the end of the container;
Fig. 8 is a partly fragmentary and sectional side view
of yet another closure concept or means for a closure for the
aperture formed in the end of the container;
Figs. 9A and 9B are a side sectional view and a
fragmentary view, respectively, of a closure plug employing a
resilient central portion that is forced radially outward with a
squeeze actuation to provide a seal of an aperture;
Fig~ 10 is a sectional and partly frag-mentary side view
of a valve adapted to be selectively turned to open or close the
interior of the container for draining or filling the interior of
the container;
Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic and sectional side view of a
threaded insert providing means to vent the interior of the
container and prevent a vacuum;
Fig. 12A is a sectional and diagrammatic side view of a
closure plug with a hollow stem and with a coupling having a
check valve, this clo~ure used with a container provided with or
without a bladder portion, and with this container usually for
dispensing liquid contents from the container;
Fig. 12B is a diagrammatic side view of a tubeless
tire-type valve stem mounted in an aperture in the container,
this valve stem usually for pressurizing the container;
Fig. 13A is a fragmentary sectional view showing a
unique plug of this invention in an unexpanded condition;
Fig. 138 is a sectional view through the plug shown in
Fig. 13A, but showing its configuration after the resilient body
thereof has been expandedi
Fig. 13C is a fragmentary sectional viaw showing the
cooperation between the unique plug of this invention and a
container aperture, when the plug has been radially expanded into
sealing engagement with the walls of the aperture;
Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of a bottom or
support base providing a stand for the container, and
Figs. 15A and 15s are diagrammatic and fragmentary side
and front views, respectively, of a wall support or bracket for
the tubular container of this invention.
Description o~ the Pref_erred Embodiment of_the Invention
Referring to Figs 1-3 of the drawings, a tubular con-
tainer of this invention is generally identified as 20. This
container is contemplated as to be made from a tubular length of
thermoplastic material which is commercially available in long
lengths, such as ten to forty feet. The diameter of this tubing
is usually from three to twenty-seven inches. The wall thickness
2,~
for said container is at least one-sixteenth (1/16) oE an inch
and may be more than one-quarter o an inch in thickness. The
wall thic~ness is determined by the intended use for the
container. The length of the con-tainer is a matter o selection.
To provide the depicted container, the longer length of pipe is
cut to a selected length. ~fter cutting, the ends are heated by
known means so that the end portions may be formed into a desired
shape or configuration. With ar.d by simple clamp or die means,
the end portions 21 and 22 are flattened to be brought to each
other to provide a bond, fuse or a welding of these ends.
Cement, adhesive or solvents may also be used to insure that the
bonded or fused ends are ~luid-tight and are in a parallel,
substantially side-by-side manner.
As can be seen best in Fig. l, the flattened end
portions 21 and 22 have a transverse dimension defined between
transversely spaced-apart laterally edges 2~. These lateral
edges are spaced transversely beyond outer peripheral surface 29
of the substantially undeformed body portion of the container 20.
As depictedr end portion 21 is made only sufficient for
closing to bring this end portion into a flattened and sealed
condition. It is to be noted that the corners can be rounded to
remove unwanted sharp ends or corners This contourin3 of the
corners is easily provided by dies, abrasive tools or saws. The
other end portion is also heated and, as seen in Fig. 2, is also
flattened to bring this end into a side-by-side relationship.
This end portion 22 is depicted as being longer than end 21 and
in this end is formed a hand grip aperture 23~ Other holes or
configurations may be made, particularly those for indexing
and/or suspension. Both ends can be made longer to provide these
apertures~ Both ends are usually processed substantially
simultaneously~ Hand holes such as depicted are for manipulation
and as a convenience for carrying the container. It is
contemplated that this end is sealed, fused, welded or bonded as
the other end to provide a fluid-tight closure.
- 9 -
As can be seen best in Fig. 1, one of the sloped end
transition portions 33 of the container is formed with an
aperture 24 which is selectively closed by closure devices
depicted in later discussed Figs. The transition portions 33
join each of the end portions 21 and 22 to the substantially
undeformed body portion. These transition portions include
flared, transversely spaced-apart, laterally extending surfaces
37, which extend from the lateral edges 2S of the flattened end
portions 21 and 22 to the outer peripheral surface 29 of the
substantially undeformed body portion.
Referring to Fig. 4, the container 20 described above
has an aperture 24 providing access to the interior of said
container. This aperture may be closed selectively by and with a
molded plug, generally identified as 2~. This plug is shown with
an integral flange 27 which is designed to prevent the molded
plug from being forced through the aperture 24. This plug has a
cup-shaped portion 2~ which conventionally has a taper provided
therein. This molded plug member is made slightly resilient to
conform to the formed aperture 24 while allowing insertion and
removal of the cap to be achieved.
With reference to Fig. 5, the container 20 shown above
and the aperture 24 formed in a side wall portion receive and
retain a threaded nipple member 30 which is secured as by
welding, cementi~ or bonding to the container wall. This nipple
member 30 may be of plastic or metal and the attached nipple
shank portion is desirably made fluid-tight by means such as
adhesive, cement or welding. It is contemplated that mounting of
this nipple is permanent so that the nipple may not be rotated
accidentally. A tapered, threaded portion 31 of this nipple is
depicted, and to seal or close this outer threaded portion a
tapered threaded plastic or metal cap member 32 is shown
removably mounted on this nipple member 30. The theaded end of
this nipple may be used for the attaching or removably attaching
of other types or styles of tapered, threaded fittings.
r~
-- 10 --
Referring to the embodiment of Fig. 6, a half coupling
34 is secured in aperture 24 by cement, welding or the like.
Rather than exterior threads and a female cap as in Fig. 5, an
alternate clcsure of said container openin3 24 is shown. The
halE coupling 34 has internal tapered threads 35, which openiny
in this half coupling is selectively closed by a tapered threaded
plug 36 which is a conventional pipe plug. This pipe plug may be
of metal or plastic and no patentable distinction is made there-
for. The threaded half coupling may also be used for attaching
valves or like types of threaded fittings.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 the wall of the
container 20 is nofmally rather thin, and the aperture 24 is
reinforced and made substantially ~hicker by the addition of a
cemented, honded or welded doubler patch 39. This doubling of
the wall thickness at the aperture 24 enables the doubler patch
and wall of the container 20 to have through-formed ~hreads 40
mady by a tap. In this threaded portion a removably retained
pipe plug 36 may be inserted as shown and described earlier in
connection with Fig. 6. It is to be noted that the drilled hole
and tapping of this hole are performed after attachment of the
doubler patch 39.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 the aperture 24 is
shown as closed selectively with a commercially-availabie closure
member. A tubular collar or neck member 42 is cemented, bonded
or welded in place in the aperture to provide a protruding collar
portion for attaching one end of this closure member, generally
identified as 44. A flexible tubular portion 45 is attached at
one end to the collar portion of member 42. The other end of
flexible portion 45 is closed with a threaded molded cap 46 wilich
is shown with a ast-thread portion 47. This flexible spout
member 45 provides advantages for certain products and
components. As depicted, a V-shaped ring 49 engages both the
collar member 42 and a mating portion of the spout tubular
portion 45. The ring 49 is caused to be closed with squee~e
tools or the like so the spout 45, colIar 42 and ring 49 provide
a fluid-tight seal at this joining.
~ ~ J~ 3~
,. \
In the embodiments shown in Figs. 9A and 9~ the aperture
24 is closed with a plug assembly, generally identified as 50.
This closure device has outer and inner rigid compression plates
52 and 53, with the inner plate 53 being small enough to readil~
pass through the aperture 24. As depicted, the outer compression
plate 52 is made sufficiently large so that there is no possibil-
ity of its passing through aperture 24 into the interior of the
container. Carried between the inner and outer plates is a
rubber or rubber-like resilient, flanged disc 54 which is caused
to be compressed by thumb or wing nut S5 which is mounted on a
threaded shank of carriage bolt 56. The rotating of the wing nut
55 inwardly causes the resilient disc portion 54 to compress
axially and be expanded radially and outwardly to seal the
aperture 24. An outward movement of the wing nut allows the
resilient portion to return to its original form, as in Fig. 9A.
Fig. 9A is a diagrammatic representation of the removed plug,
with the disc-like por-tion 54 having an outwardly-extending lip
portion 57 which provides an outer gasket seal of the plug to the
container wall.
Fig. 9~ shows the plug in a sealing condition, with an
optionally employed flexible liner, bladder or bag shown in
phantom representation at 58. Such a liner, bladder or bag may
be inserted through the aperture 24 and then the expanding plug
closure inserted and manipulated to the condition of Fig. 9B.
When a` flexible bag is included, it may be used for retaining
fluids such as milk and the like. When a bag is to be used with
this container, the lip portion 57 of the plug insures that a
seal and retaining at the aperture are achieved. It is to be
noted that instead of using the wing nut 55, a special nut can be
provided and used to prevent tampering. Such a nut is sho~n at
78 in Fig~ 12A, and at 126 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig.
13, and will be described later in connection with those
embodiments.
As noted above, the iLlustrated closure can be used with
or without a bladder or liner bagO Where a flexible liner,
bladder or bag is used, the outer portion thereof may be drawn
h
- 12 -
around the nut and secured at 59, such as by a heat seal, to
provide a tamper-evident closure and sterile conditions for the
plug (See Fig. 9~). The expanding resilient plug closure may be
used to seal the container which can then be pressurized.
The embodiment of Fig. 10 anticipates t'nat drainage or
illing through a pipe or tube of the container may be desired,
and that fluid may be desired to be stored within the containsr.
An aperture of reduced diameter and identified as 60 is shown
and, rather than the larger aperture 24 of prior ernbodiments,
this aperture 60 is formed in the container side wall and a
nipple 61 is fitted therein. This nipple is usually of plastic,
but may be of metal. This nipple is cemented, bonded, threaded
or welded in place to provide a fluid-tight seal. Mounted and
secured to this nipple 61 is a valve 62 which is turned on and
off by a wing knob or handle 63 which is manipulable by the user.
As depicted, the valve is open for flow to and through the
central portion. This valve is also shown with threads 64 in the
exterior passageway. This nipple and passageway provide for
filling and draining of the container by gravity or under
pressure.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11 a typical small vent
is provided in the container side wall. ~he aperture which is
depicted can be threaded, and as shown is of a small diameter.
The threaded aperture is identified as 65 and a threaded insert
66 is mounted therein. This insert i~ secured so as to provide a
~luid-tight mounting. The outer portion of insert 66 is provided
with female threads in which is removably mounted a threaded ven~
plug 67. This plug when opened allows the interior of the
container to be vented. When tightened, the screw 67 closes the
vent. It is also noted that many other types of vents are
available, some of which are automatic vacuum breakers. Some
venting is required with some types o fittings during dispensing
rom or filling of the container. Such venting prevents vacuum
or pressure from developing within the container.
In the embodiments shown in Figs. 12A and 12B it is to
be noted that the container 20 may also be formed so as to retain
~ 7
- l3 -
a bladder therein. As seen in Fig~ 12A, it is contemplated that
a resilient bag, liner or bladder 70 is inserted within the
container 20 through the aperture 24 formed in the end wall
thereoE, in the same manner as described earlier in connection
with the embodiment shown in Fig. 9B. After insertion, one of
the bladder, liner or bag is retained by the closure member 72 in
the aperture 24 formed in the container end~
In Fig. 12A, the bladder 70 is shown as secured to and
in the aperture 24 by the closure member 72. This closure member
includes an inner plate member 73 having a stem portion 74
integral with or secured thereto and which stem is hollow and has
an externally-threaded portion 75. A resilient~ flanged disc-
like member 7~ is shown. As is illustrated in Fig. 12A, this
resilient member 76 is bulged and radially expanded to mate with
and seal aperture 24 in the container This bulged, resilient
portion is depicted between inner member 73 and an outer compres-
sion plate 77. This compression plate is moved inwardly by a
compression nut 78, which is moved inwardly along threads 75 to
capture and retain the bladder or liner (when used) and close the
aperture. Removably mounted on the threaded end of the stem
portion 74 is a threaded male hydraulic quick coupling 80 in
which a spring 81 moves a sealing plun~er 82 outwardly. This
plunger is moved counterflow to the force of the spring 81 by a
female ~uick coupling member, not shown, to open this passage and
provide for fluid filling and/or discharge from within the
container and/or bladder or bag.
In Fig. 12B there is depicted a side view of a tubeless
tire-type valve stem which is inserted into a formed hole in the
container. This stem member is identified as 84 and the hole in
the container is identified as 85. After mounting the valve stem
in the container wall/ a spring-type check valve (valve core) is
inserted. This check valve is easily replaced if and when
damaged. Air or gas under pressure is flowed into the container
through this stem when the container is to be pressurized with or
without a bladder 70 or flexible bag or liner.
~ ~J ~p,~
- 14 -
The nut 78 may be mads so as to be turned only with a
special wrench or spanner to provide a measure of tampering
protection. With a liner, bag or bladder, the neck thereof may
be provided with sufficient length to extend beyond the fitting
and by and with a seal or the like, the extending neck portion
may be closed and secured to prevent tampering, in the same
manner described earlier in connection with Fig. 9B.
Referri~ to Fig. 13A an expanded plug assembly 100 of
this invention is shown. This plug assembly can be used in place
of the plug assembly 50 (Figs. 9A and 9B) and closure rnember 72
(Fig. 12A) in the various environments disclosed in connection
with the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 9 and 12. Specific-
ally, the expanding plug assembly 100 can be employed to seal an
aperture 24 in container 20, either alone or with a liner, bag or
bladder 58 (or 70) disposed within the aperture. Also, when a
liner, bag or bladder is employed, it can be sealed over the plug
assembly 100 to provide a tamper-evident closure in the same
manner as discussed above in connection with Fig. 9B.
As can be seen in Fig. 13A the expanding plug assembly
100 includes a expandable plug body 102 which includes separate
resilient members 104 and 106. These resilient members are in
the form of short cylinders or disks formed of a rubber-like or
elastomeric material which will radially expand when compressed
axially. Most preferably each of the members 104 and 106 are
mada of the same material and of the same dimension. The plug
body 102 further includes a dividing or separating disk or
- diaphragm 108 which preferably is made of a thin metal or plastic
material that is substantially non-compressible. This diaphragm
is positioned between the resilient members 104 and 106, and
preferably has a slightly smaller diameter (on the order of 25%
smaller) than the outside diameter of the resilient members 104
and 106, when said resilient members are in the uncompressed (and
unexpanded) condition shown in Fig. 13A. The function of the
dividing disk or diaphragm 108 will be discussed in greater
detail later in this application.
~,
~ ~ 3 h ~J -~^3
-- 15 --
Still referring to Fig. 13A, a hollow stem 110 passes
through aligned passageways in the resilient members 104, 106 and
the dividing diaphragm 108 to assist in maintaining these
elements of the plug body 102 in proper alignment ~Jith each
other. In the illustrated embodiment the stem includes an upper
threaded end 112 and an annular groove 114 at the lower end
thereof. The annular groove 114 receives a retaining ring 116
which Eunctions to transmit compressive forces to a lower
compression plate 11~, as will be discussed in greater detail
hereinafter. ~owever, it should be noted that the lower end of
the stem 110 can be flared in a manner similar to that shown at
73 in Fig. 12A, to thereby eliminate the need for utilizing a
retaining ring 116 and lower compression plate llg in the plug
assembly, In this latter embodiment the flared end of the stem
would function as the lower compression plate to transmit
compressive forces to the plug body ln2. It also should be noted
that the hollow stem 110 can be employed in connection with a
threaded male hydraulic quick coupling 80 in the same manner as
discussed earlier in connection with Fig. 12A. For purposes of
brevity this discussion will not be repeated herein.
As is clearly illustrated in Figs. 13A-13C, the plug
body 102 is retained between the lower compression plate 118 and
an upper compression plate 120. In the illustrated embodiment
the upper compression plate has an inverted cup-shape formation,
including a generally circular base section 122 for engaging the
upper planar surface of resilient member 104, and an annular,
downturned leg 124 spaced radially outwardly of the uncompressed
resilient members 104 and 106 (Fig. 13A), for engaging an outer
surface of the container to aid in positioning the plug assembly
100 in the aperture 24, with the mid-point of the plug body 102
being roughly aligned with the wall of the aperture 24. This
feature will be discussed in detail later herein.
In the illustrated embodiment a special nut or fitting
126 is provided. This fitting includes a generally smooth,
hemispherical outer surface to preclude its movement with a
conventional wrench, pliers or similar tool. Instead, the
, . . .
- 16 -
fitting 126 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-
apart, axially extending passagas 128, which also are radially
spaced from the central threaded passageway through which stem
110 passes, to receive prongs, pins or fingers of a special tool
(not shown) employed to rotate the nut.
When the nut 126 is rotated to move it down the threaded
stem 110, the resilient members 104 and 106 will be compressed
between the upper and lower c~Qpression plates 118 and 120. This
axial compression causes a radial expansion of each of the
resilient members 104 and 106, with the radial expansion being
generally greatest at the center of each of the members 104 and
106. In this regard it should be noted that the disk or
diaphragm 108 frictionally engages confronting surfaces of the
resilient members 104 and 106 to slightly impede radial expansion
in the region of the diaphragm. The net effect of this arrange-
ment i5 to cause the regions of greatest radial expansion to be
in the upper and lower quadrants of the plug body 102, as is
shown best in Fig. 13B.
The plug assembly 100 is employed by ~irst inserting it
into the aperture 24 of the container 20, in the uncompressed
condition shown in Fig. 13A. In this regard it should be noted,
that the outside diameter of the lower compression plate 118 is
smaller than the diameter of the aperture 24, to thereby permit
the plug to be inserted within the aperture. When the plug
assembly 100 is inserted into the aperture the lower annular
surface of the downturned leg 124 of the upper compression plate
120 will engage the outer surface of the container 20, to thereby
approximately center the plug 100 within the aperture 24. With
the plug assembly 100 approximately centered within the aperture
24 ~he compression nut 126 is rotated to axially squeeze the plug
body 102, thereby causing the resilient members 104 and 106
thereof to radially expand into the general configuration shown
in Fig. 13B. Since the upper and lower quadrants of the plug
body 102 expand the greatest initially, they tend to surround the
periphery of the aperture 24 to positively center the plug
assembly 100 within said aperture, as is shown best in Fig. 13C.
~ " ,
The central region of the plug body 102, that is, the region
aligned with the diaphragm 108, tends to expand more gradually
due to the frictional interaction between the diaphragm 108 and
the confronting surfaces of the resilient members 104 and 106.
However, radial expansion does take place in this central region
to seal the plug body against the peripheral surface defining the
aperture 24.
Since the resilient members 104 and ln6 preferably are
of the same material and same dimensions they will tend to bulge
to the d it should be noted that the disk or diaphragm 108
frictionally engages confronting surfaces of the resilient
members 104 and 106 to slightly impede radial expansion in the
region of the diaphragm. The net affect of this arrangement is
to cause the regions of greatest radial expansion to be in the
upper and lower quadrants of the plug body 102, as is shown best
in Fig. 13B.
The plug assembly 100 is employed by first inserting it
into the aperture 24 of the container 20, in the uncompressed
condition shown in Fig. 13A. In this regard it should be noted,
that the outside diameter of the lower compression plate 118 is
smaller than the diameter of the aperture 24, to thereby permit
the plug to be inserted within the aperture. When the plug
assembly 100 is inserted into the aperture the lower annular
surface of the downturned leg 124 of the upper compression plate
120 will engage the outer surface of the container 20, to thereby
approximately center the plug 100 within the aperture 24. With
the plug assembly 100 approximately centered within the aperture
24 the compression nut 126 is rotated to axially squeeze the plug
body 102, thereby causing the resilient members 104 and 106
thereof to radially expand into the general configuration shown
in Fig. 13~. Since the upper and lower quadrants of the plug
body 102 expand the greatest initially, they tend to surround the
periphery of the aperture 24 to positively center the plug
assembly 100 within said aperture, as is shown best in Fig. 13C.
L 2 ~ 3 ~
-- 18 --
slot~ ~hatever the construction, it is contemplated that tha
flattened ends of the container 20 be sized to be removably
mountad within support slot means to provide more or less an
upright retention and support o the container.
Referri~ next, and finally to Figs. 15A and 15~, there
is depicted a container in a scale substantially that of Figs. l,
2 and 3. The flattened ends of said container produce the
widened transition portion 33 that provides an engaging means 37
for a U-shaped bracket for supporting the container on a wall or
the like. As seen in Figs. 15A and 15B~ a support bracket,
generally identified as 97, may be secured to a wall an-l the like
by screws, bolts or the like, which are not shown. A U-shaped
me-tal or plastic member 97 is formed with an open outer portion
disposed to slideably engage and retain the tubular body of the
container 20. This U-shaped member 97 is preferably made Erom a
flat strip of metal or plastic which may be tapered as shown.
This member 97 is attached to plate 95 by welding, adhesive,
bolts or the like. The method of attaching is a matter of
selection. The U-shaped member 97 is sized to accommodate the
container or containers to be supported.
It is also contemplated that this support bracket may be
formed from one piece either of metal, such as aluminum, or of
plastic. As the U-shape is open, this portion may be provided
with a little spring much as found by and in a pants clip for
bicycle riding. Whatever the construction, this support bracket
is disposed to removably retain the container at the desired
position (usually vertical) and condition. The container can be
and often is removed from the support bracket before the contents
are removed or when fluid is to be discharged~ This support
bracket may be and is often used during filling, storage and/or
dispensing of contents when the contents are of fluid.
This container is shown with many closure members and is
shown in selected embodiments with a liner or an internal bladder
or resilient bag that can be pressurized to dispènse liquids
and/or flowable powders. The supporting of the container in a
storage and use position is shown with associated components.
,,,,, , ~, ... . . .
3 ~
-- 19 --
This container has many advantages, including selective diameters
and lengths. The wall thickness o the container is selected to
accommodate the intended use. As noted above, the desired
tubular container can be produced in small quantities and in
several lengths and tubular sizes. This production requires a
minimum tooling cost resulting in low production expenditures.
In Fig. 1, the container 20 is shown with aperture 24
toward the top, but it is realized that the container can be
turned end-for-end and that this showing of the aperture is
merely a matter for illustration. The container may also be
formed with handle portions or apertures 23 in both ends whereat,
rather than ~ shorter end portion 21, the end extent 21 is like
22 shown. The handle portion and the outer edges are smoothed to
remove any sharp and potential cutting edges~ This does not
preclude the making of a container with no handle portions, with
both ends formed like end 21 seen in Figs. 1 and 2. As noted
above, the container 20 is made from thermoplastic tubing such as
PVC. This does not preclude making the container from sheet
material which is heated and rolled into a tube usually over a
mandrel. The longitudinal seam is welded, bonded or cemented to
provide an open-ended tube which is then formed as noted above.
Also not precluded is injection molding, but the cost of dies for
such finished results is usually not practical.
This container is simple -to make since adjustment may be
made readily in length, diameter and wall thickness. The cutting
of such plastic tubing to a desired length is achieved easily.
This container may be converted easily from a container for solid
materials such as rod~like components, which include cutting
bars, welding rods and the like, to a container for liquids
and/or powder, including granular substances. This container
provides liquid-tight fittings as shown in the above-presented
and described Figures. A valve (Fig. lO) for draining the fluid
contents is also illustrated. It is to be noted that in forming
the ends into flattened, substantially centrally-positioned ends,
the flattened end portions protrude sufficiently to prevent the
container from rolling, particularly when round tubing is used to
~J~ ~J~ J
-- 20 --
make the container. These containers can be stacked on ~heir
sides and these tapered or sloped portions protect the plugs and
~ittings from wear and damage from rough handling during shipping
and storage. These sloped end portions in which the aperture or
vent are formed provide a flat surface for a smooth and positive
attachment o~ a fitting as exempliied above
Whether the tubular extruded tubing is made oE a thin or
thicker wall, the skill needed Eor producing such containers can
be achieved readily after a short training period. This is a
sharp contrast to that for molding, deap drawing and like skills
needed in the production of prior art containers. The container
of this invention has a final shape in which the flattened and
sealed ends prevent rolling and, as tubular forms, are stacked
easily on their sides for storage in a minimum amount of space.
The built-in handles (when formed) provide means for carrying the
container by hand, hoisting, lashing or suspending.
This container is made of a tough, wear-resistant plas-
tic on which a label may be attached to the outside by cement or
the like. The container may be preprinted to indicate the
product, instructions Eor use, danger or warning signs, warran-
ties and the like. The interior contents are not affected by
such e~terior labels. When this container is to store and
dispense fluids such as milk, wherein the integrity oE the fluid
must be maintained, a removable bladder, bag or liner may be
employed as noted in the above Figures and description. The
bladder can be installed through the aperture 24 in the container
20 and pressurizing can then be used as an assist in the dispens-
ing. This removable liner, bag or bladder can provide the inert,
sanitary preconditions required for foodstuffs, chemicals or
certain granular products. The bladder may or may not be
pressurized and gravity may be used to dispense the contents.
The bladder may be removed for replacement or disposal, or may be
sterilized for reuse and reinsertion.
It is to be noted that a bladder, bag or liner may be
inserted permanently into the container. When this is desired,
the bladder is usually inserted before forming the end seals.
r~
The installation process of a bladder is in accordance with the
contents to be stored and the severity of use for the bladder.
It is to be noted that the container may be pressurized with
compressed air or inert yas between the bladder and container
shell. This pressuri~ation is achieved easily by using a fitting
in the container wall such as shown in Fig. 12B. The pressuriz-
ing of the container wi-thout a bladder also permits fluids to be
dispensed without syphon tubes and the like~ It is also to he
noted that the selection of thermoplastic materials allows color
selections so that the contents may be identified readily. This
is particularly useful where chemicals are involved or mixtures
are to be considered.
The container of this invention, although of a ccmpara-
tively thin wall, allows outside storage with a capability of
withstanding most severe environmental conditions. This tubing
from which the container is formed can also be stored safely
outdoors for long periods of time in the finished or unfinished
form.
The above-described container anticipates the squeezing
of the end portions together which usually produces a fluid-tight
closure, which is usually preferred, but this is not to preclude
making of the container less than fluid-tight as permanent or
removable bladde~s, bags or liner members may be used for provid-
ing a fluid-tight enclosure. The noting that this containar is
preferably fluid-tight is that the storage of the components is
usually beneficial if moisture is excluded or maintained
The container of this invention provides a method of
forming said container. The container may be made essentially
tamperproof with the use of a seal of the nozzle, bag or bladder.
this method of making said container includes the steps of:
- providing a body portion having a selected length and
of a generally tubular shape and cut from a rigid -thermoplastic
material having a more-or-less regular wall thickness;
- heat-sof~ening both end portions of the container and,
while softened~ using die means for squeezing the walls together
to orm a contiguous, substantially centrally-positioned, side-by-
~' A ~; ~ "; r^
- 22 -
side condition closed-end portion, with the transition portion
from the tubular body portion to the flattened end portion
- providing two substantially flat and tapered and
sloped extents at each end, these tapered portions diverging fr~n
the flattened end portion to the original tubular configuration
and with these flattened end portions providing extending means
that protrude beyond the outer configuration of the tubular body
and provide means for preventing unwanted rolling and for desired
suspension and the like, and
- forming and providing an access aperture in and
through a substantially flat and tapered portion of the container
- end, and closing said aperture by a removable member.
Terms such as "left," "right," "up," "down," "bottom,"
"top," "front," "back," "in," "out" and the like are applicable
to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the
drawings. These terms are merely for the purposes of description
and do not necessarily apply to the position in which the con-
tainer and closure devices may be constructed or usad.
While particular embodiments of the container have been
shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited thereto and protection is sought to the broadest
extent the prior art allows.
Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully
illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or
future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions
of service.
