Drum liner system

Details Drum liner system Drum liner system

1999-12-13

2001-04-17

Pollard, Steven (Department: 3727)

Receptacles

Receptacle having flexible, removable inner liner

Liner interior accessible through an aperture in a...

C220S004040

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216907

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to drum liners and more specifically the present invention relates to drum liners that are mountable is common metal drums and that are washable and shippable to users in an aseptic condition and reusable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Drum liners are used primarily to prevent product contamination in metal drums and other barrels containing products that are sensitive to deterioration. Drum liners are also installed in re-used metal drums to extend the useful life of the drum. Although several designs of drum liners exist in the art, it is believed that some specific requirements of the industry have not been properly addressed in the past by prior designs.
One specific example of a very demanding industry with regard to container-related product contamination is the transportation of maple syrup. Maple syrups are recognized by their respective flavour which is relatable by the experts, to the location of a maple grove and to the setting and maple species within that maple grove. Maple syrups are very sensitive to taste deterioration, and the simple contact of the product with an improperly painted metal surface for example, or with the lightly corroded metal of a container can deteriorate its flavour beyond usability. Plastic liners have been used in the past inside metal drums and common plastic barrels for storing and transporting maple products. However, there remain some concerns with these liners. For example, the syrup is known to adhere to the interior of the liner, and because of the structural arrangement of these liners, recovery can hardly be made. When a purchased batch of syrup is contained in several barrels, the lost of syrup remaining in the empty liners can be substantial.
Another concern with liners of the prior art is that generally, metal drums have bung holes of relatively small size through which some liners are installed. The relatively small sizes of theses bung holes represent certain limitations in the installation of a liner. These limitations are known to compromise the cleanliness and impermeability of a new liner during its installation inside a barrel.
Examples of prior art plastic liners for use in metal drums and plastic barrels are illustrated in the following patent applications and issued U.S. patents.
AU-B-15,127 filed by R. M. Matyja, and published Oct. 29, 1992;
CA 2,061,161 filed by W. Lima et al., and published on Aug. 15, 1992;
GB 2,228,725 filed by G. K. Bunschoten, and published on Sep. 5, 1990;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,605 issued on Nov. 11, 1975 to C. J. Butler;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,432 issued on Jun. 13, 1978 to S. Zilbert;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,634 issued on Sep. 10, 1991 to G. P. McFarlin et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,307 issued on Oct. 13, 1992 to T. W. Hauk;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,308 issued on Oct. 13, 1992 to D. A. Larson;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,019 issued on Dec. 8, 1992 to B. Büdenbender;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,138 issued on Jun. 8, 1993 to D. E. Nichols;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,620 issued on Jun. 29, 1993 to W. Lima et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,913 issued on Jan. 10, 1995 to T. M. Rieke et al.;
Because of the aforesaid concerns, basically, it is believed that there continues to be a need in the industry for a drum liner system which is mountable in a common metal drum, which allows for a sanitary installation of the liner therein and from which adhered product can be easily washed out and recovered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a drum liner system which has a large opening, a holed flange associated therewith for easy installation in a steel drum's end surface, and through which the drum can be easily cleaned and reconditioned. The liner is shippable to a user in an aseptic package. After use, the liner can be pulled inside-out through the large opening for washing adhered product therefrom. When the adhered product is maple syrup, the rinse water is evaporated to recover the syrup.
Broadly, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a common metal drum having a drum liner system mounted therein. The common metal drum has a designated top and bottom surfaces. The drum is used in an upside down position and the drum liner system is installed through the designated bottom surface.
The drum liner system comprises an adapter mounted through an opening in the designated bottom surface of the drum, and having a flange connected to the designated bottom surface. An annular channel is bordering the flange and extends inside the opening. A liner collar is mounted over the adapter and has a sleeve portion extending inside the annular channel. A drum liner is bonded to the sleeve and extends inside the drum. The liner support system also includes a cover which is attachable to the adapter for covering the liner collar and the drum liner.
In this installation, the liner support surface is generally in a better condition than the opposite end of the drum. Because this designated bottom surface is generally free from any fittings, the opening and the adapter can have a relatively large size through which the drum can be easily inspected, repaired and reused several times for storing and transporting sensitive products. Also, the bung hole and vent plug in the designated top surface of the drum are usable as drain holes for assisting in the reconditioning of the drum.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drum liner system for installation in a metal drum or plastic barrel. This drum liner system comprises an adapter which is mountable in an opening in an end of a drum. The adapter has an annular flange and an annular channel bordering the annular flange and extending through a plane defined by the annular flange. The annular channel has a first external thread on a surface thereof. The drum liner system also comprises a liner collar mounted over the adapter and having a sleeve extending inside the annular channel. The liner collar has a second external thread on a surface thereof, and the second external thread is similar to and continuous with the first external thread on the adapter. The liner support system also comprises a drum liner bonded to the sleeve and a cover covering the liner collar and the liner. The cover has an internal thread on one of its surfaces and this internal thread has a similar shape and pitch as the first and second external threads, and is engaged over the first and second external threads.
The liner collar and the adapter are selectively positional relative to each other to wedge the first and second external threads against each other inside the internal thread to secure the cover on the adapter and on the liner collar. This locking action of the first and second external threads is advantageous for preventing inadvertent loosening of the cover during handling and transport of a drum having the liner support system mounted thereon.
In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided drum liner package for installation in a drum having an appropriate drum liner adapter mounted thereon. This drum liner package comprises a liner collar having an inside diameter and a depth perpendicular to the inside diameter. A drum liner is bonded to the liner collar, and is folded inside the liner collar. A hermetic wrapper is stretched around the liner collar and the drum liner. This drum liner package is particularly advantageous for being shippable to a user in an aseptic condition, and for being maintainable in this condition prior to use.
Still other features of the invention are that it is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to materials, equipment and labour, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low price of sale to the industry, thereby making such liner support system economically available to the public.
Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2564163 (1951-08-01), Leperre
patent: 2987216 (1961-06-01), Fletcher
patent: 3187934 (1965-06-01), H

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