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United States Patent Application	20060096985
Kind Code	A1
Stolzman; Michael D.	May 11, 2006

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Claims

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1. A lid for use with a bulk container having an access opening, the lid comprising: a top wall; a circular opening through the top wall, defining a bung opening; a cylindrical collar extending downward from the top wall surrounding the circular opening, the cylindrical collar having a threaded inner wall; a removable vented closure threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening; and a safety seal secured to the top wall, the safety seal comprising a ring secured to the top wall surrounding the circular opening, a vented cap inwardly of the ring operatively covering the removable vented closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the ring.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the safety seal is of one piece plastic construction.

3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the safety seal is of one piece polypropylene construction.

4. The lid of claim 1 wherein the safety seal ring is welded to the top wall.

5. The lid of claim 1 wherein the vented cap comprises a planar circular wall surrounded by a cylindrical side wall having a peripheral flange, the side wall including plural vent openings.

6. The lid of claim 5 wherein the frangible connector comprises an annular connector connected between the ring and the flange.

7. The lid of claim 6 wherein the annular connector has a first end fixedly connected to the flange and a second end connected to a tab extending radially outwardly of the ring, whereby a user can grasp the tab to break the frangible connection between the cap and the ring.

8. A lid for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, having a threaded collar defining a port opening, the lid comprising: a generally circular top wall; a generally cylindrical sidewall connected to said top wall and having an inner threaded surface for threading to a threaded collar to close the port opening, in use; a circular opening through the top wall, defining a bung opening; a cylindrical collar extending downward from the top wall surrounding the circular opening, the cylindrical collar having a threaded inner wall; a removable vented closure threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening; and a safety seal secured to the top wall, the safety seal comprising a ring secured to the top wall surrounding the circular opening, a vented cap inwardly of the ring operatively covering the removable vented closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the ring.

9. The lid of claim 8 wherein the safety seal is of one piece plastic construction.

10. The lid of claim 8 wherein the safety seal is of one piece polypropylene construction.

11. The lid of claim 8 wherein the safety seal ring is welded to the top wall.

12. The lid of claim 8 wherein the vented cap comprises a planar circular wall surrounded by a cylindrical side wall having a peripheral flange, the side wall including plural vent openings.

13. The lid of claim 12 wherein the frangible connector comprises an annular connector connected between the ring and the flange.

14. The lid of claim 13 wherein the annular connector has a first end fixedly connected to the flange and a second end connected to a tab extending radially outwardly of the ring, whereby a user can grasp the tab to break the frangible connection between the cap and the ring.

15. A lid for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, having a collar defining a port opening, the lid comprising: a top wall; a sidewall connected to said top wall for closing the port opening, in use; a circular opening through the top wall, defining a bung opening; a removable closure threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening; and a safety seal secured to the top wall, the safety seal comprising a band secured to the top wall surrounding the circular opening, a cap inwardly of the band operatively covering the removable closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the band.

16. The lid of claim 15 wherein the safety seal band is welded to the top wall.

17. The lid of claim 15 wherein the cap comprises a planar circular wall surrounded by a cylindrical side wall having a peripheral flange.

18. The lid of claim 17 wherein the band is in the form of a ring and the frangible connector comprises an annular connector connected between the band and the flange.

19. The lid of claim 18 wherein the annular connector has a first end fixedly connected to the flange and a second end connected to a tab extending radially outwardly of the band, whereby a user can grasp the tab to break the frangible connection between the cap and the band.

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Description

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a lid for a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, and more particularly to a lid having a venting closure with a safety seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A portable tank or intermediate bulk container (IBC) has found widespread use as an alternative to fifty-five gallon drums for transporting and storing liquids. A typical IBC in one form provides 275 gallon capacity. Various structure have been used for IBCs, including blow molded bottles or metal or poly containers. In one form, the IBC includes a six inch filling port surrounded by a threaded collar. A six inch lid is selectively secured to the collar to close the filling port. Bottom discharge from the IBC is typically provided through a valve. A typical six inch lid includes a circular top wall surrounded by a cylindrical sidewall. In some versions the lid includes a centrally located two inch bung opening for receiving a threaded bung. The bung may comprise a vented bung.

[0003] Similarly, a drum, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, may include a cover having a two inch bung opening. This bung opening can also be selectively closed with a vented bung.

[0004] With shipping and storage containers having bung openings it may be desirable to provide a tamper evident closure or safety seal to preclude access to the container. However, any such tamper evident closure or safety seal cannot interfere with operation of a vented bung.

[0005] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems discussed above in a novel and simple manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the invention there is provided a lid for use with a bulk container comprising a venting lid with a safety seal.

[0007] Broadly, there is disclosed herein a lid for use with a bulk container having an access opening. The lid comprises a top wall and a circular opening through the top wall, defining a bung opening. A cylindrical collar extends downwardly from the top wall surrounding the circular opening. The cylindrical collar has a threaded inner wall. A removable vented closure is threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening. A safety seal is secured to the top wall. The safety seal comprises a ring secure to the wall surrounding the circular opening, a vented cap inwardly of the ring operably covering the removable vented closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the ring.

[0008] It is a feature of the invention that the safety seal is of one piece plastic construction. The plastic may be polypropylene.

[0009] It is another feature of the invention that the safety seal ring is welded to the top wall.

[0010] It is still another feature of the invention that the vented cap comprises a planar circular wall surrounded by a cylindrical side wall having a peripheral flange. A side wall include plural vent openings. The frangible connector comprises an annular connector connected between the ring and the flange. The annular connector has a first end fixedly connected to the flange and a second end connected to a tab extending radially outwardly of the ring, whereby a user can grasp the tab to break the frangible connection between the cap and the ring.

[0011] There is disclosed in accordance with another aspect of the invention a lid for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, having a threaded collar defining a port opening. The lid comprises a generally circular top wall and a generally cylindrical side wall connected to the top wall and having an inner threaded surface for threading to a threaded collar to close the port opening. A circular opening through the top wall defines a bung opening. A cylindrical collar extends downward from the top wall surrounding the circular opening. The cylindrical collar has a threaded inner wall. A removable vent closure is threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening. A safety seal is secured to the top wall. The safety seal comprises a ring secured to the top wall surrounding the opening, a vented cap inwardly of the ring operatively covering the removable vented closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the ring.

[0012] There is disclosed in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention a lid comprising a top wall and a side wall connected to the top wall for closing a port opening, in use. A circular opening through the top wall defines a bung opening. A removable closure is threadably received in the cylindrical collar to selectively close the bung opening. A safety seal is secured to the top wall. The safety seal comprises a band secured to the top wall surrounding the circular opening, a cap inwardly of the band operatively covering the removable closure, and a frangible connector operatively connecting the cap to the band.

[0013] Further features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the specification and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate bulk container including a venting lid with a safety seal according to the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the venting lid with a safety seal of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.;

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the venting lid with safety seal of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating a user initially breaking the safety seal of the venting lid; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 6, illustrating a user having removed the safety seal of the venting lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a six inch bulk drum lid or cap 10 according to the invention is illustrated. The bulk drum lid 10 is adapted for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container (IBC) 12, or the like. The IBC 12 includes a 275-gallon plastic bottle 14 surrounded by a wire cage 16. The cage 16 may be supported on a pallet or legs (not shown) as necessary or desired. The plastic bottle 14 includes a threaded collar (not shown) defining a port opening 18 selectively closed by the bulk drum lid 10. The bulk drum lid 10 can be removed to provide access to the port opening 18 to fill the bottle 14 with a liquid or other material. A valve (not shown) at the bottom of the bottle 14 is used for emptying the bottle 14 in the conventional manner.

[0022] While not shown, the port opening 18 is surrounded by a six inch threaded collar, as is conventional in the industry. The plastic bottle 14 comprises a 275-gallon bottle manufactured of HDPE by extrusion blow molding.

[0023] The present invention is specifically directed to a lid, such as a six inch lid for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container or the like, or a larger lid used for a drum. The IBC 12 shown and discussed herein is for illustration only. The lid 10 can be used with other designs and styles of IBCs or drums, including metal, metal/poly, corrugated/poly, all poly, rim polymer, and collapsible cage or bag-in-bag, using a threaded opening.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 10 comprises a generally planar circular top wall 20. A generally cylindrical sidewall 22 is connected to the top wall 20. The cylindrical sidewall 22 has an inner threaded surface 24, see FIG. 3, for threading to the threaded collar to close the port opening 18, in use. A flange 26 extends radially outwardly from a bottom edge of the sidewall 22. A plurality of gripper ribs, two of which are referenced with numeral 28, extend radially outwardly from the sidewall 22 circumferentially spaced about the top wall 20. Plural cable slots 30 are provided through the flange 26 in the conventional manner.

[0025] The lid 10 is of integral plastic construction typically made from polyethylene plastic. A cylindrical ridge 32 extends downwardly from the top wall 20 inwardly of the side wall 22. The ridge 32 provides rigidity and backing for the IBC threaded collar. A bung opening 34, see also FIG. 4, is provided by a central circular through opening 36 in the top wall 20. A cylindrical collar 38 extends downwardly from the top wall 20 surrounding the through opening 36. The collar 38 has a threaded inner wall 40 for receiving a removable closure or bung 42.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the removable closure 42 comprises a vented closure and the lid 10 further comprises a vented safety seal 44. As will be apparent, the safety seal 44 could be used with non-vented closures, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The removable closure 42 is of one piece plastic construction and includes an annular flange 46 connected to a downwardly directed cylindrical collar 48 included a threaded outer surface 50. The collar 48 is adapted to be threaded into the bung opening 34 in a conventional matter. A cavity 52 is formed inwardly of the top flange 46 having a "+" shape adapted to receive a tool for tightening the closure, and defined by a bottom shoulder 54. A threaded inner collar 56 extends downwardly from the shoulder 54 and is closed by a nipple 57 having a bottom wall 58. A plurality of vent opening 60 are provided in the nipple 57 above the bottom wall 58, see FIG. 5. A gasket 62 is of a size to be received on the under side of the top flange 46 radially outwardly of the outer collar 48. The gasket 62 provides a seal between the annular flange 46 and the lid top wall 20, in a conventional manner.

[0028] A second closure 64 includes an annular flange 66 connected to a downwardly directly threaded collar 68. The threaded collar 68 is threadably received in the first closure threaded opening 56. An annular partition 70 is disposed inwardly of the threaded collar 68 having a central opening 72. A filter element 74 is secured to the under side of the partition 70 covering the through opening 72. The filter element 74 may be, for example, a GORE-TEX.RTM. filter. (GORE-TEX is a registered trademark of W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc.) A gasket 76 is received on the under side of the annular flange 66 when the second closure 64 is threadably secure to the removable closure 42.

[0029] As described, the lid 10 incorporates a vented closure in that venting for the container 12 is provided through the removable closure opening 60, the filter element 74 and the secondary closure opening 72.

[0030] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, the safety seal 44 is of one piece plastic construction. The safety seal 44 may be formed, for example, of polypropylene or high density polypropylene. The safety seal 44 is of a similar material to the top wall 20 to be sonically welded thereto.

[0031] The safety seal 44 comprises an outer band in the form of a ring 78, an annular frangible connector 80 and a vented cap 82. The ring 78 has an outer diameter less than the diameter of the top wall 20. The ring 78 is continuous except for a break 84 through which a tab 86 connected to the frangible connector 80 extends. The cap 82 comprises a planar circular wall 88 surrounded by a cylindrical side wall 90 having a peripheral annular flange 92. A plurality of vent openings 94 are disposed around the periphery of the side wall 90.

[0032] Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the safety seal 44 has a generally uniform wall thickness on the order of 0.08 inches. A frangible connection is provided between the outer ring 78 and the frangible connector 80 and similarly between the frangible connector 80 and the flange 92 by having respective annular grooves 96 and 98 having a wall thickness of about 0.03 inches. Additionally, the annular connector 80 has a first end 100 fixedly connected to the flange 92 by virtue of the groove 98 stopping short of the tab 86. The tab 86 extends outwardly from a second end 102 of the frangible connector 80.

[0033] Referring particularly to FIG. 5, an annular energy director element 104, triangular in cross section, extends downwardly from the ring 78. The safety seal 44 is secured to the top wall 20 by sonic welding using a standard welding fixture and horn. Advantageously, a textured area may be provided on the top wall so that the energy director element 104 welds better to the textured surface due to friction.

[0034] As is apparent, the safety seal 44 provides a tamper evident lid in that the vented cap 82 operatively covers the removable vented closure 42, while also providing venting through the vented openings 94.

[0035] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate removal of the safety seal 44 when necessary to access the vented closure 42. Initially, a hand of a user, represented in phantom in FIGS. 6 and 7, grasps the tab 86 and begins to lift it. Lifting the tab 86 breaks the connection in the grooves 96 and 98 between the ring 78 and the flange 92. The user then continues to lift the frangible connector 80 until it is completely separated from the ring 78, as shown in FIG. 7. The safety seal 44 may then be disposed of.

[0036] Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided a lid with vented closure in combination with a vented safety seal to provide a tamper evident vented closure.

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