Container assembly including a detachable follow plate for loading bulk material therefrom

Abstract

The invention relates to a container assembly that includes a built-in follow plate for loading a viscous fluid into the barrel of a dispensing device. The assembly includes a drum for holding a viscous fluid therein and a lid for fitting over the drum open top to effect closure of the drum. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented follow plate detachable from the lid. The follow plate includes a central hub arranged for receiving the barrel of a dispensing device. The follow plate moves in response to a change in the level of fluid in the drum as it is drawn into the barrel of the dispensing device.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 723,349, filed on Nov. 7, 2012 entitled CONTAINER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A DETACHABLE FOLLOW PLATE FOR LOADING BULK MATERIAL THEREFROM, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to dispensing materials from a container (drum, barrel, pail, etc.) using apparatus including a follower plate which is lowered into the drum housing the material to be dispensed. In particular, the invention relates to a follow plate that is detachable from a drum lid and is low cost and disposable.[0003]The viscosity of materials to be dispensed using apparatus of the present invention varies depending upon the specific application, and it is not unusual to find materials which are not particularly viscous and are substantially free flowing. On the other hand in certain applications such materials may be extremely vis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a container assembly with a lid that has a built-in follow plate for loading viscous fluids into a bulk dispensing device. It can also be attached to a hose or pipe for dispensing. The assembly includes a drum for holding the fluid, a lid that fits over the drum's open top to close it, and a follow plate that can be attached to the lid. The follow plate has an opening for attaching to the bulk dispensing device, and it can move along the drum's central axis to adjust to changes in fluid level. The follow plate is in sliding engagement with the drum's inner side wall. This design makes it easier to load and dispense viscous fluids from the container.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand in certain applications such materials may be extremely viscous and require the application of considerable heat and / or pressure in order to render such materials dispensable.

There are a number of problems associated with the use of such follow plates.

Usually, such follow plates are made of metal parts, and / or multiple components, and therefore can be costly.

Often this can be a difficult and time consuming effort because residual viscous material remaining in the drum that may have begun to cure will impede easy removal of the follow plate.

Removal of the follow plate from the drum can be also difficult due to the weight of the follow plate.

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