Container, in particular drum

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1), in particular a drum, for transporting a pulverulent / granular product (P), having: a receiving body (3), in which the product (P) is received for transportation; and a flexible outlet (2a, 2b), which is connected to the receiving body (3) by way of a proximal end portion (21a, 21b) and is intended to be firmly clamped to a connection device (AV) by way of a distal end portion (22a, 22b) in order for the container (1) to be emptied, wherein the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) is closed, between the proximal end portion (21a, 21b) and the distal end portion (22a, 22b), at a closure location (23) in such a way that it is not possible for any product to flow through the flexible outlet (2a, 2b), and the closure location (23) is formed on an inner surface of the outlet (2a, 2b), the closure location (23) being formed such that it is releasable manually, or by pressure being applied, in such a way that the product (P) can flow through the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) in order for the container (1) to be emptied, and the closure location (23) is formed locally on the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) in such a way that the flexible outlet can be firmly clamped to the connection device (AV) prior to the closure location (23) being released.

Description

[0001] Containers, especially containers

[0002] The invention relates to a container for transporting a powder / granular product, in particular a flexible container, such as a big bag.

[0003] Transport containers, such as big bags, are generally known in the art.

[0004] Big bags consist of a flexible material body connected to a flexible outlet. A powdered or granular product to be transported is filled into the body and removed or emptied through the outlet after transport.

[0005] In recent times, there has been a trend to coat the inner lining and the outlet of the big bag with an aluminum lamination, for example to protect the product from unwanted radiation or to prevent unwanted chemical reactions with the plastic from which the outlet is made.

[0006] The spout is usually welded at its end and additionally tied to prevent the product from escaping during transport. However, the entire inner surface of the spout potentially comes into contact with the powdered / granular product.

[0007] When the big bag is to be emptied at its destination, a user ties off the outlet, for example with a cable tie - unless additional tying is already provided - and opens the part of the outlet located below the cable tie, for example by cutting open the weld.

[0008] The user then connects the open part of the outlet to a connection device and opens the cable tie to empty the big bag. Even if the outlet is secured with the cable tie or additional tie, connecting it to the connection device represents a problematic step. This is because the inner surface of the entire outlet potentially came into contact with the powdered / granular product during filling of the big bag and / or during transport. If the user now cuts open the outlet secured with the cable tie to connect it to the connection device, they potentially come into contact with the product located between the cable tie / additional tie and the weld.

[0009] To solve this problem, it is known in the art to arrange the connecting device inside an insulator and to carry out the cutting inside the insulator.

[0010] However, this solution is complex and cost-intensive.

[0011] Against this background, the object of the invention is to create a container that allows for simple and safe connection to a connecting device. At the very least, the object of the invention is to create an alternative container.

[0012] This object(s) is achieved by a container according to patent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0013] The container according to the invention, in particular the container, serves for transporting a powder / granular product, wherein the container comprises: a receiving body in which the product is received during transport;and a flexible outlet, which is connected to the receiving body by a proximal end section and which is clamped to a connecting device by a distal end section as intended in order to empty the container, wherein the flexible outlet, in particular between the proximal end section and the distal end section, is closed at a closure point such that no product can flow through the flexible outlet, and the closure point is formed on an inner surface of the outlet, the closure point is formed such that it can be released manually or by pressure so that the product can flow through the flexible outlet to empty the container, and the closure point on the flexible outlet is locally designed such that the flexible outlet can be clamped to the connecting device before the closure point is released.

[0014] The flexible outlet can, for example, be an integral part of the container or the container itself, or it can be a separate element attached to the container. In particular, the flexible outlet is designed in a tube shape, with the powdered / granular product contained in the container flowing through the flexible outlet during emptying.

[0015] The container is, for example, a big bag to which the outlet is integrally formed, or can be a barrel to which the outlet is attached as a separate element.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the flexible outlet is part of a flexible inner sack of a drum. The inner sack has, in particular, a filling nozzle or a filling opening through which the sack is filled as intended. Preferably, an additional nozzle is provided on the sack, forming the flexible outlet. Once the filled drum has been transported to its destination and is to be emptied, the inner sack is emptied via the flexible outlet, for example, using a suction lance to which the outlet is clamped.

[0017] The receiving body can, for example, be a textile container, in which an inner lining preferably additionally encloses the product. The container is preferably constructed such that the distal end section has a different, in particular more flexible, structure than the proximal end section of the outlet, and the closure point is formed in the region of the proximal or distal end section of the outlet.

[0018] The proximal end section can, for example, be an integral part of the interior lining.

[0019] The proximal end section of the outlet preferably has a coating, in particular a metal coating (metal lamination), whereby the proximal end section is less flexible than the distal end section.

[0020] The proximal end section and the distal end section can be formed, for example, from a foil material. The foil materials forming the end sections can be identical or different from each other, with the proximal end section additionally having or carrying the metal coating.

[0021] For example, the distal end section of the flexible spout is made of polyethylene film.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the proximal end section is also made of polyethylene film, but additionally carries the metal coating. The polyethylene film thus forms the carrier film.

[0023] The proximal end section can be additionally coated on the outside of the metal coating, for example again with a polyethylene film, resulting in a three-layer structure, with the metal coating located between the carrier film and the outer coating.

[0024] The metal coating is preferably an aluminum coating.

[0025] Alternatively, the distal end section can be formed by terminating the coating at a specific position and allowing the uncoated film (e.g., polyethylene film) to continue. However, it is particularly preferred for the distal end section of the outlet to be attached to the proximal end section of the outlet by a material connection, in particular by welding.

[0026] The material-to-material connection can be achieved, for example, by heating / melting the polyethylene film of the proximal end section carrying the coating and the polyethylene film forming the distal end section, thus bonding them together.

[0027] The connection, in particular the material connection, between the proximal end section and the distal end section can be selected such that they do not overlap, ie the distal end section of the outlet extends an immediate end of the proximal end section.

[0028] With regard to the flow direction of the powder / granular product during emptying, the closure point can be located before the material connection in the area of ​​the proximal end section or after the material connection in the area of ​​the distal end section.

[0029] Alternatively, the distal end portion of the outlet may be secured to the proximal end portion by the material connection such that the proximal end portion extends partially inside or outside the distal end portion.

[0030] The distal and proximal end sections overlap to this extent.

[0031] In this alternative, the closure point can be located locally, as mentioned above, before / after the material connection in the area of ​​the proximal end section or the distal end section.

[0032] Furthermore, in this alternative, the integral connection, in particular the weld, can be located in the same plane (cross-sectional plane, perpendicular to the product flow path) of the outlet as the closure point. The integral connection and the closure point are thus coaxial in the same plane. Particularly preferably, the integral connection and the closure point are then formed in the same process step during the manufacture or reprocessing of the container.

[0033] For example, the distal end portion of the outlet may be attached to the proximal end portion such that the proximal end portion extends partially within the distal end portion, wherein the closure point is formed in the region of the proximal or distal end portion of the outlet.

[0034] According to this example, the distal end portion is attached to the outer side of the proximal end portion. In this case, the carrier layer or the additional coating on top of the metal coating forms the outer side, allowing for a good weld.

[0035] In particular, the distal end portion of the outlet is preferably attached to the proximal end portion such that the proximal end portion extends partially outside the distal end portion and thus overlaps it. The closure point is particularly preferably located in the same plane as the integral connection.

[0036] The distal end section is preferably constructed in such a way that the closure point and the material connection can be formed simultaneously.

[0037] In this embodiment, the coating, in particular the metal coating, preferably does not form the inner surface of the proximal end section of the flexible outlet, but is located outside. The carrier film (for example, polyethylene film) preferably forms the inner surface of the proximal end section, with the coating being applied to a side of the carrier film facing away from the inner surface. The coating can form the outer surface of the proximal end section or be an intermediate layer - as already mentioned. To form the material-locking connection, the carrier film of the proximal end section and the distal end section are preferably welded together, with this welding simultaneously creating the closure point, in particular the sealing point explained below.

[0038] Furthermore, the container is preferably designed such that the proximal end section in the overlap region in which the proximal end section runs outside or inside the distal end section or overlaps with it following the material connection, the proximal end section is connected to the distal end section in a form-fitting or material-fitting manner at an at least local, further connection point.

[0039] The additional connection point serves in particular as protection to ensure that when a user pulls / tears on the flexible spout to open the closure point, the fastening (e.g. welding) or connection point connecting the proximal and distal end sections is not stressed and opens unintentionally.

[0040] In order to create the further connection point, the end sections are, for example, welded together, wherein a separating element is arranged temporally within the distal end section, which ensures that only the end sections are connected to each other and prevents inner side surfaces of the distal end section from being connected / welded to each other at the location of the further connection point.

[0041] Preferably, the closure point—especially if the additional connection point is provided—has a non-linear profile, for example, a V-shaped profile. This non-linear profile facilitates the release of the closure point, especially when the release is performed manually by the user. Alternatively, the closure point can also be linear, in particular transverse, for example, perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the flexible spout.

[0042] Preferably, the flexible outlet is closed at the distal end portion, in particular at the end of the distal end portion, at a further closure point. Particularly preferably, the outlet is closed at the further closure point in such a way that no product can escape from the flexible outlet or contaminants can enter the flexible outlet.

[0043] The preferred additional closure point ensures that an inner surface of the flexible outlet in an area located between the closure point and the additional closure point cannot come into contact with contaminants before clamping to the connection device. The additional closure point also provides additional safety.

[0044] Alternatively, the flexible outlet is closed at the proximal end section, in particular at the end of the proximal end section, at a further closure point and accommodates the distal end section.

[0045] In this context, the distal end portion of the outlet is preferably attached to the proximal end portion such that the proximal end portion extends partially outside the distal end portion and thus overlaps it. The distal end portion is received in this overlapping region, for example, in a folded state.

[0046] The proximal end section is closed by the additional closure point in such a way that the distal end section is enclosed and protected from contamination.

[0047] The volume of the container according to the invention is, for example, 1 m 3 up to 3 m 3The closure point is preferably a sealing point, in particular a peel-off sealing point, which connects the inner surfaces of the inner surface of the outlet to one another in such a way that the connected inner surfaces can be peeled off from one another. The same preferably applies to the further closure point.

[0048] The peel seal(s) are formed by welding the inner surfaces. For this purpose, an inner surface of the outlet is coated with a binder that melts when exposed to heat and bonds when the inner surfaces are pressed together. The binder solidifies upon cooling, forming the weld.

[0049] Depending on the material composition of the inner surface of the outlet, various binders can be used. It is also conceivable to apply a primer before coating the inner surface of the outlet with the binder. For example, the following binders from Evonik (brand) can be used:

[0050] HS 4792 L; HS 555; HS 4220 E; HS 4150 E; HS 4250 E; HS666; HS 4221 E; HS 4151 E; HS 4251 E; HS 4313 E; HS 4322 E; HS 4174 E; HS 4294 E; HS 4240 D; and particularly preferably HS 4294 E.

[0051] The strength of the resulting peel seal or weld depends on the temperature applied.

[0052] The temperature application is preferably applied in such a way that, with regard to the resulting welding, a force between 4N (Newton) and 15N, particularly preferably between 5N and 9N, in particular 7N, is necessary so that the adhering inner surfaces of the outlet can be pulled apart from each other.

[0053] Preferably, in the embodiment in which the distal end section is positively secured to the proximal end cut, the distal end section can be welded over its entire inner surface (at any location) to create the peel seal. This configuration allows the closure point and / or the additional closure point to be formed at any location in the distal end section. Furthermore, the integral connection point can be formed simultaneously with the closure point(s) in a single work step.

[0054] Alternatively, the closure point and / or the further closure point is / are preferably a positive closure point, in particular a pressure closure point, which connects inner side surfaces of the inner surface of the outlet to one another in such a way that the connected inner side surfaces can be detached from one another.

[0055] Preferably, the container has a separate inlet through which the container is filled as intended.

[0056] The provision of the additional inlet has the advantage that the outlet can already be closed by the closure point(s) during manufacture or reprocessing and that the inside of the outlet cannot come into contact with the powder / granular product at any time before emptying.

[0057] In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to the attached figures.

[0058] Figures 1A and 1B show a container according to the invention, in particular a big bag, which has at least one outlet with a proximal end section and a distal end section, wherein a closure point, in particular a peel sealing point, is formed in the outlet and Figure 1B shows a side view of the container rotated by 90° compared to Figure 1A;

[0059] Figures 2A and 2B show equivalent views to Figures 1A and 1B of a container according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the spout has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the latter being formed of a different material than the proximal end portion or having a different structure than the proximal end portion;

[0060] Figures 2C and 2D show a variant of the further preferred embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B;

[0061] Figures 3A and 3B show the containers after they have been connected to a connection device and the peel seal and an optional tie-off have been opened.

[0062] Figures 1A and 1B show a container 1 according to the invention, in particular a big bag, for the transport of a powder / granular product.

[0063] The container 1 is filled with the powder / granular product and is transported to its destination in the filled state.

[0064] Figure 1A corresponds to a front view of the container 1 and Figure 1B to a side view rotated by 90° about the longitudinal axis L shown.

[0065] Another difference between Figures 1A and 1B is that the latter shows an optional binding 24, which will be discussed below.

[0066] The big bag 1 includes a receiving body 3 and a flexible outlet 2a through which the big bag 1 can be emptied.

[0067] The receiving body 3 is constructed from an outer fabric 30 and an inner lining 31.

[0068] The outer fabric 30 is, for example, a textile structure which has such strength that the big bag 1 can be lifted and / or suspended in the filled state, for example via loops 32.

[0069] The inner lining 31 (also called liner) is preferably formed from a coated film, for example, an aluminum-clad polyethylene film, which additionally encases the product within the outer fabric 30. The coated film forming the inner lining 31 protects the product, for example, from unwanted radiation or oxygen.

[0070] The receiving body 3 with its outer fabric 30 and its inner lining 31 forms a volume in which a large amount of the product can be received.

[0071] The outlet 2a is intended for emptying the big bag 1 and has a tubular design, whereby the metal coating is not located on an inner side of the outlet 2a.

[0072] For emptying, the outlet 2a is clamped to a connection device AV shown in Figure 3 in such a way that the product can be transferred to a device not shown, such as a silo or a production plant.

[0073] The clamping of the outlet 2a is sealed to such an extent that a user does not come into contact with the product P and the product P is not contaminated with particles from the external environment. In other words, the clamping prevents cross-contamination.

[0074] In this embodiment, the outlet 2a is formed uniformly from one material and has a proximal end portion 21a and a distal end portion 22a with respect to the receiving body 3.

[0075] The outlet 2a is preferably an integral part of the inner lining 31 and is therefore completely formed from the coated film.

[0076] A closure point 23 is formed along the outlet 2a, between the proximal end section 21a and the distal end section 22a. The closure point 23 completely closes the outlet 2a, such that the product P received in the receiving body 3 cannot flow out.

[0077] The closure point 23 is preferably a peel seal point created by welding the coated film forming the outlet 2a. In particular, the weld is created by coating opposing inner surfaces of the outlet 2a with a binder and then pressing them together under heat. The heat exposure leads to melting of the binder, and after solidification upon cooling, to the formation of the weld.

[0078] The peel seal 23 is characterized by the fact that it can be manually torn open, allowing the product P to flow through the outlet 2a for emptying the container 1. In particular, the peel seal 23 can be torn open without damaging the outlet 2a externally. This is achieved, in particular, by peeling the welded inner surfaces apart.

[0079] Alternatively, it is possible to tear open the peel seal 23 or peel off the adhering inner surfaces by applying pressure to the distal end portion 22a of the outlet 2a after clamping it to the connection device AV. For this purpose, the connection device AV shown in Figure 3 preferably has a gas supply for supplying air or a specific gas, such as an inert gas.

[0080] The peel-sealing point 23 has a width in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, further preferably between 14 mm and 16 mm, in particular of 15 mm. The weld forming the peel-sealing point 23 preferably results in a connection so strong that a force of 4 N to 15 N, preferably between 4 N and 9 N, in particular of 7 N, must act on the weld to tear it open and enable emptying through the outlet 2a. Preferably, tabs are formed on the outside of the outlet 2a at the level of the peel-sealing point 23, which a user can manually pull to tear open the peel-sealing point 23.

[0081] The tearing / pulling off preferably takes place perpendicular to the connecting surface of the peel sealing point 23. With reference to Figure 1A, this means that the said force acts perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0082] To create the weld forming the peel seal 23, the binders mentioned above before the description of the figures can be used. Reference is made to the explanations therein.

[0083] The distal end portion 22a of the outlet 2a has a sufficient length in the direction of the longitudinal axis L such that the outlet 2a can be clamped to the connecting device AV shown in Figure 3 before the peel sealing point 23 is opened.

[0084] Preferably, as shown in Figure 1B, the container 1 can have the aforementioned ligature 24. The ligature 24 is located between the peel-sealing point 23 and the receiving body 3, in the region of the proximal end section 21a of the outlet 2a.

[0085] The tie 24 serves to prevent stress on the peel-sealing point 23 by the product P. The tie 24 can be attached to the outlet 2a before or after filling the container 1. In the latter case, the user manually pushes the product P, which is resting on the peel-sealing point 23, back into the receiving body 3 and places the tie 24 at the location shown in Figure 1B.

[0086] The tie 24 is made, for example, by a clamp or a cable tie.

[0087] Figures 2A and 2B show a further embodiment of the container 1 according to the invention. The further embodiment differs from the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B in the structure of the outlet 2b.

[0088] The outlet 2b has a proximal end section 21b and a distal end section 22b. The distal end section 22b preferably adjoins one end of the proximal end section 21b. For example, the distal end section 22b is attached to the proximal end section 21b by a material-to-material connection, e.g., welding. The material-to-material connection is preferably formed during manufacture or reprocessing of the big bag 1.

[0089] The distal end portion 22b has a different, particularly more flexible, structure than the proximal end portion 21b. For example, the distal end portion 22b is constructed from an uncoated polyethylene film and is more flexible due to the lack of a coating.

[0090] The outlet 2b is connected as intended to the connecting device AV shown in Figure 3 by being clamped tightly to the connecting device in a sealed manner. In particular, the distal end section 22b of the outlet 2b serves for this clamping, ie, the distal end section 22b is clamped tightly to the connecting device AV in a sealed manner as intended.

[0091] Since the distal end portion 22b has a more flexible structure, sealing is much easier to achieve than if the distal end portion 22a is formed from the coated film according to Figures 1A and 1B. The coated film is stiffer and more rigid and is therefore more difficult to seal.

[0092] The container 1 according to Figures 2A and 2B also has a peel-sealing point 23 formed in the outlet 2b, in particular between the proximal end section 21b and the distal end section 22b. The peel-sealing point 23 shown is constructed identically to that described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B. Reference is made to these explanations in this regard.

[0093] In the further embodiment of the container 1 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the peel seal 23 is formed in the distal end portion 22b (uncoated part) of the outlet 2. Alternatively, it can be arranged in the proximal end portion 21b, which, like the inner lining 31, is coated.

[0094] Figures 2C and 2D show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0095] The variant differs in the local position of the material connection between the distal and proximal end sections 22a, 22b and the course of the closure point 23. In addition, a further connection point 25 is formed.

[0096] Otherwise, the variant from Figures 2C and 2D is identical to the embodiment from Figures 2A and 2B.

[0097] According to the variant shown in Figures 2C and 2D, the distal end portion 22b is secured to the material connection on an inner side of the proximal end portion 21b such that the proximal end portion 21b extends partially outside the distal end portion 22b. To this extent, the proximal end portion 21b partially overlaps the distal end portion 22b.

[0098] The distal end section 22b is preferably formed entirely, over its entire length, from a film that can be welded on its outer side to form the integral connection and that can be welded on its inner side to create the peel-sealed joint. For example, the distal end section 22b is a polyethylene film coated on its inner side with the binder. Reference is made to the corresponding explanations in connection with Figures 1A to 2B and those preceding the description of the figures.

[0099] The closure point 23 is preferably produced simultaneously with the material connection and is therefore coaxial with the latter, at the same height with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0100] The closure point 23 can, as in Figures 1A or 2A, extend in a straight line transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis L, or, as shown in Figure 2C, have a non-straight line, for example, a V-shaped line. The V-shaped line has its lower V-point, for example, in the center of the outlet.

[0101] When the closure point 23 is released, favorable force conditions are created at the V-point, so that the closure point 23 opens more easily.

[0102] If the user opens the device manually, he can preferably grasp the proximal end section 21b at the overlapping area.

[0103] To prevent the material connection from being damaged during manual release of the closure point 23, an additional connection point 25 is provided. There, the proximal and distal end sections are additionally connected to each other (e.g., welded) without a peel connection point on the inside.

[0104] If the user grasps the overlapping area at the location of the further connection point 25, the force applied to open the closure point 23 acts mainly on the further connection point 25.

[0105] If the connection points and the closure point 23 are preferably created simultaneously, a separating element is arranged temporally on the inside of the distal end section 22b, ensuring that no peel connection is formed at this point. The embodiments described may have, in addition to the peel sealing point 23, another peel sealing point, which is preferably formed at the immediate end of the distal end section 22a / 22b.

[0106] For example, the additional peel seal is located at the level of the clamp in Figures 3A and 3B. This additional peel seal prevents an area of ​​the flexible outlet 2a / 2b located between the two peel seals from becoming contaminated, for example during transport.

[0107] In addition, the additional peel seal provides further protection against unintentional opening of the outlet 2a / 2b. The statements regarding the peel seal 23 also apply to the additional peel seal, which is why reference is made to the corresponding statements.

[0108] The containers 1 or big bags 1 shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, and 2C and 2D can preferably have, in addition to the outlet 2a, 2b, an inlet 2c, which is preferably constructed identically or differently from the explained outlet 2a, 2b, ie, has a proximal end section 21c and a distal end section 22c. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0109] The inlet 2c is intended for filling the container 1.

[0110] The separate inlet 2c is particularly advantageous because the product P does not have to be filled into the container 1 via the outlet 2a, 2b, and thus the inner surfaces of the outlet 2a, 2b never come into contact with the product P before emptying. Furthermore, the peel-sealing point 23 can already be formed at the outlet 2a, 2b during manufacture or reprocessing of the big bag. The inlet 2c is constructed in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, 2C, and 2D in the same way as the outlet 2b from Figures 2A and 2B. Reference is made to corresponding explanations.

[0111] Alternatively, the inlet 2c can also be constructed identically to the outlet 2a from Figures 1A and 1B or identically to the outlet 2b from Figures 2C and 2D.

[0112] The containers 1 of the embodiments were described in such a way that the inner lining 31 and the outlet 2a are fully coated, and the outlet 2b is partially coated. The invention is not limited to this. The inner lining 31 and the outlet 2a, 2b, as well as the inlet 2c, can be completely uncoated.

[0113] Figures 3A and 3B show the containers 1 according to the invention according to Figures 1A to 2B in a filled state, wherein the respective outlet 2a, 2b is clamped to the connection device AV at the destination location of the container 1 and the respective peel sealing point 23 has been opened by manual or pneumatic force.

[0114] If the additional peel seal is also provided, the user tears it open before clamping to subsequently establish the clamping. Furthermore, the user then opens the peel seal 23 and, if present, the tie 24 to achieve the state shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0115] It should also be mentioned that the outlet 2a, 2b is separated from the connection device AV shown after emptying by tying it twice and cutting it between the tying points.

[0116] This procedure can be performed more easily in the area of ​​the more flexible distal end section 22b.

[0117] In the further embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, 2C and 2D, the outlet 2b is constructed by welding the proximal end section 21 and the distal end section 22 together. The welded connection is produced, for example, by a welding device (not shown) heating the coated polyethylene film of the proximal end section 21b and the polyethylene film forming the distal end section 22b such that they melt and bond together. Alternatively, the outlet 2b of Figures 2A and 2B can also be formed by the coating, in particular the aluminum coating, ending at a specific position and the uncoated film, in particular the uncoated polyethylene film, continuing to form the distal end section 22.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Container (1), in particular a container, for transporting a powdered / granular product (P), comprising: a receiving body (3) in which the product (P) is received during transport;and a flexible outlet (2a, 2b) which is connected to the receiving body (3) by a proximal end section (21a, 21b) and which is clamped to a connecting device (AV) by a distal end section (22a, 22b) in order to empty the container (1), wherein the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) is closed at a closure point (23) such that no product can flow through the flexible outlet (2a, 2b), and the closure point (23) is formed on an inner surface of the outlet (2a, 2b), the closure point (23) is formed such that it can be released manually or by pressure application such that the product (P) can flow through the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) to empty the container (1), and the closure point (23) on the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) is designed locally so that the flexible outlet can be clamped to the connecting device (AV) before the closure point (23) is released; 2. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distal end portion (22b) has a different, in particular more flexible, structure than the proximal end portion (21b) of the outlet (2b) and the closure point (23) is formed in the region of the proximal or distal end portion of the outlet (2b).

3. Container (1) according to claim 2, wherein the proximal end portion (21b) has a coating, in particular a metal coating (metal lamination) and is less flexible than the distal end portion (22b).

4. Container (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the distal end portion (22b) of the flexible spout is formed from polyethylene film.

5. Container (1) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the distal end portion (22b) of the outlet (2b) is fixed to the proximal end portion (21b) of the outlet (2b) in a materially bonded manner, in particular by welding.

6. Container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the distal end portion of the spout is attached to an immediate end of the proximal end portion and extends the spout.

7. Container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the distal end portion (22b) of the spout (2b) is attached to the proximal end portion (21b) such that the proximal end portion (21b) extends partially inside or outside the distal end portion (22b).

8. Container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the distal end portion of the outlet is attached to the proximal end portion such that the proximal end portion extends partially within the distal end portion and the closure point (23) is formed in the region of the proximal or distal end portion of the outlet (2b).

9. Container (1) according to claim 7, wherein the distal end portion of the outlet is fastened to the proximal end portion such that the proximal end portion extends partially outside the distal end portion and the closure point (23) is formed in the region of the distal end portion of the outlet (2b) in the same plane as the material connection.

10. Container (1) according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the proximal end section is connected in a materially or positively locking manner to the distal end section at an at least local, further connection point in an overlap region in which the proximal end section extends outside or inside the distal end section after the materially locking connection with the distal end section.

11. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible outlet (2a, 2b) is closed at the distal end portion, in particular at the immediate end of the distal end portion, at a further closure point.

12. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure point (23) and / or the further closure point is a sealing point, in particular a peel sealing point, which connects inner side surfaces of the inner surface of the outlet (2a, 2b) to one another in such a way that the connected inner side surfaces can be peeled off from one another.

13. Container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closure point (23) and / or the further closure point is a positive closure point, in particular a pressure closure point, which connects inner surfaces of the inner surface of the outlet (2a, 2b) to one another in such a way that the connected inner surfaces can be detached from one another.

14. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) is a big bag.

15. Container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (1) has a separate inlet (2c) through which the container (1) is filled as intended.

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