Lina

Abstract

A liner for use in a container may include a liner wall defining an interior cavity of the liner, the liner having top and bottom portions sealed to the liner wall, the tip portion having an opening, and a disk sealed to the top portion of the liner, the disk covering the opening.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 18 / 493,583, filed October 24, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 380,720, filed October 24, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Many different configurations of industrial containers exist. When determining which container is suitable for a particular use, companies consider the container material, material gauge or thickness, size, shape, lining, closure, head style, and many more factors. While there are many options for some of these factors, when it comes to head style, it's a choice between only two: open head or tight head. Open head containers have a fully removable cover secured with a lever lock or bolt ring closure. Tight head drums, also known as closed heads, have a non-removable top.

[0003] Tight-head drums are known to be more secure and less expensive than open-head drums. On tight-head drums, the head is an integral part of the drum construction and is flanged and permanently sealed at both ends. Open-head drums rely on significantly larger, heavy-duty closing rings and gaskets to pass the tests required to transport hazardous materials. A need exists for a removable liner in tight-head drums containing hazardous materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to specialized containers for storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials. In one embodiment, the container for holding contents may include a shell or outer container with a liner disposed within the shell and conforming to the shape of the shell. The liner may reduce the amount of time the drum requires for cleaning or replacement, which also reduces unnecessary waste and prevents product contamination. Additionally, the drum liner helps lower drum manufacturing costs and saves money and time.

[0005] In one embodiment, a liner for use in a container may include a liner wall defining an interior cavity of the liner. The liner may include a top portion and a bottom portion sealed to the liner wall. The top portion may have an opening. The liner may further include a disk sealed to the top portion of the liner. The disk may be disposed within the opening. In some examples, the liner may have a thickness between about 0.002 inches (about 0.0508 mm) and about 0.014 inches (about 0.3556 mm). The disk may define a bung opening. In some examples, the bung opening may be between about ¾ inches (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm). In some examples, the bung opening may be sealed to the top portion of the liner. In some examples, the liner may further include a bung configured to removably couple to the bung opening. In some examples, the disc may have a diameter between about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm). In some examples, the liner may comprise at least one of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. In some examples, the liner may further comprise a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed within the vent fitting. In some examples, the disc may comprise a thermoformed plastic disc heat-sealed to the top portion of the liner.

[0006] In some examples, a container for holding contents may include a shell having sidewalls and top and bottom portions connected to the sidewalls. The container may include an opening positioned on the top portion of the shell and a liner disposed within the shell that conforms to the shape of the shell. The liner may have a lid sealed to the top portion of the liner. The lid may be aligned with the opening in the shell. In some examples, the liner has an access portion for accessing the contents of the container. The access portion may include a bung opening defined by the lid, the bung opening being between about ¾ inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm). In some examples, the lid may include a thermoformed plastic disc having alignment features extending therefrom. In some examples, the liner is made from at least one of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. In some examples, the liner may be a multi-ply material. In some examples, the lid may include a circular plastic disc between about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm). In some examples, the periphery of the lid may include a lip configured to couple to the container. In some examples, the liner may further include a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed within the vent fitting. The container may include an opening aligned with the vent fitting. In some examples, the container may further include a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed within the vent fitting.

[0007] In some examples, a liner for use in a container may include a cylindrical body, an upper head, and a lower base. The liner may include a first opening in the upper head, the first opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body. The first opening may have a thermoformed cover disposed over the opening. In some examples, the liner conforms to the shape of the container. In some examples, the thermoformed cover may include a bung opening disposed in the top portion of the liner, the bung opening being between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm).

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description are for purposes of illustration and description and are not necessarily limiting of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the subject matter of the present disclosure. Together, the description and the drawings serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liner according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the liner of FIG. 1.

[0011] [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a liner according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a liner disposed within a container according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a specialized container for storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous waste. In one embodiment, the container for holding contents may include a shell or outer container with a liner disposed within the shell and conforming to the shape of the shell. The liner may reduce the amount of time the drum requires for cleaning or replacement, which also reduces unnecessary waste and prevents product contamination. Furthermore, the drum liner helps reduce drum manufacturing costs and saves money and time.

[0014] In some examples, the storage and transport drum assembly may include a liner disposed within the drum. The container and liner assembly represents a hybrid solution between a tight-head drum and an open-head drum. In some examples, the container may include a tight-head configuration with a first opening at the top or top portion of the drum. In some examples, this first opening allows the liner to be easily introduced into and withdrawn from the drum or container while maintaining a high degree of performance. The liner may include an opening that aligns with the opening of the container. The liner opening may be closed with a cover to seal the contents of the liner inside. In some examples, the cover or seal further includes a bung opening to allow the liner to be opened and reopened to allow for the removal or addition of materials over time. This may result in lower costs than a full open-head drum because the opening is smaller than a full open-head container. Materials for covering and / or sealing the hybrid container and liner do not require the material strength and weight of a full open-head component. Additionally, a tight head drum storage container with a first opening may be easier to assemble a smaller cover or lid than a full lid for an open head drum.

[0015] The liner may be configured for use with a tight-head drum assembly having a first opening at the top or upper head. The liner may be placed into a container, and the container assembly may then be filled with a stored substance (e.g., a hazardous material). A lid or cover may be placed over the liner and the opening in the container and secured thereto. In some examples, the liner cover may include a disk sealed to the top portion of the liner. The disk may be connected to the liner and secured with an adhesive, friction or snap-fit ​​connector, heat seal, or other connection system. In some examples, the disk may be sealed by attaching the disk to the liner by any suitable method. In some examples, the disk may be connected with an adhesive or epoxy. In other examples, the disk may be sealed to the liner using a mechanical attachment. The disk may be plastic or any suitable material. In some examples, the disk may include a thermoformed plastic disk. In some examples, the disk may be wood or cardboard. A liner disposed within a container can thus contain a substance to be transported or placed in storage. In some examples, the container can include a lid or opening cover for accessing the liner opening. The lid or opening cover can be removable and resealable, such that some or all of the substance within the container can be accessed and withdrawn from the container for use. In some examples, the liner can be removable and / or replaceable. The liner can be removed and disposed of and replaced with a second liner configured to be disposed within the container. When only a portion of the substance has been withdrawn, the lid on the container can be replaced, thereby allowing the container to be further stored and / or transported and / or handled while preserving the remainder of the substance for later use or continuing to isolate the substance from the environment.

[0016] The liners and containers can be used for almost any type of content, including solids or other liquids, including food, detergents, cleaning agents, or other chemicals, or cooking products such as oils, spreads, spices, and the like. The liners and containers may be used with other types of content, and the uses described herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a liner 100 is shown. The liner 100 may include a cylindrical body 102, a lower bottom 104, and an upper head 106. The cylindrical body 102 may be configured to define and maintain the shape of the liner 100. The cylindrical body 102 may be configured to expand to conform to the shape of the shell of a container. In some examples, the cylindrical body 102 may include a standard diameter of a 55-gallon drum, or approximately 22.5 inches. The bottom 104 of the liner 100 may be sealed to the cylindrical body 102 by thermoforming, or may be integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the cylindrical body 102. The bottom 104 may include a substantially flat outer surface to allow the liner 100 to fit within the cylinder without any spaces or pockets between the cylinder and the liner 100. In some embodiments, the bottom 104 may be generally plate-shaped.

[0018] In some examples, the liner 100 may be "pillow" shaped, where either the upper head 106 of the liner 100 or the lower bottom 104 of the liner 100 includes a seal, and a portion of the other may include a second piece of material attached to the cylindrical body 102. In some examples, both the upper head 106 and the lower bottom 104 may include a "pillow" seal, and the liner 100 includes only the cylindrical body sealed at the top and bottom portions.

[0019] In some embodiments, liner 100 may be made from plastic, rubber, composite, or other materials. Other materials are contemplated by the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. The thickness of the material may be selected based on the type of material used, the size of the container, and the type of substance disposed within liner 100. In some embodiments, liner 100 may include a thickness greater than about 0.002 inches (about 0.0508 millimeters). In some instances, the thickness may be greater than about 0.004 inches (about 0.1016 millimeters), greater than about 0.008 inches (about 0.2032 millimeters), or greater than about 0.010 inches (about 0.254 millimeters). In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the liner may range between approximately 0.002 inches (about 0.0508 millimeters) and about 0.014 inches (about 0.3556 millimeters). In some examples, the thickness of the liner may be between about 0.002 inches (about 0.0508 mm) and about 0.004 inches (about 0.1016 mm), about 0.004 inches (about 0.1016 mm) and about 0.006 inches (about 0.1524 mm), about 0.006 inches (about 0.1524 mm) and about 0.008 inches (about 0.2032 mm), or about 0.010 inches (about 0.254 mm) and about 0.012 inches (about 0.3048 mm). In some embodiments, the capacity of the container may be 55 gallons (about 208.1976 liters). In other examples, the liner 100 or container may be larger or smaller as needed depending on the application. As such, other capacities may be provided, including capacities outside the stated ranges. In some examples, the bottom 104 of the liner may have a greater thickness than other portions of the liner. The thickness of the liner may be gradient, or in some instances, the liner 100 may include multiple portions of material of different thicknesses attached to one another.

[0020] In some examples, the liner 100 may be disposed within a tight-head drum. The liner 100 may be configured to nest within a container to provide a watertight or fluid-tight film for retaining contents and preventing leakage or other spillage of the contents. The liner 100 may be a vacuum-formed liner 100 and, as such, may be of a particular dimensional size and shape. As shown, the liner 100 may be configured to nest within the container 100 and disposed therein through an opening in the upper head of the container. As such, the liner 100 may include a bottom and wall portions similar to, but slightly larger than, the container, such that the liner 100 may be disposed within the container, with each portion of the liner 100 positioned closely adjacent to a corresponding portion of the container. As such, when contents are placed within the liner 100 and the liner 100 is within the container, the position of each portion of the liner 100 may be maintained by the container under force or pressure exerted by the contents on the liner 100. Thus, liner 100, like the container, may include a bottom with a circular outer edge such that the shape of the bottom of liner 100 corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the container.

[0021] Although liner 100 has been described as having a number of specific portions and elements having particularly adapted sizes and shapes, in other embodiments, liner 100 may be any suitable shape, including being more bag-like, and may be placed within a container where contents placed within liner 100 may push outward against liner 100, causing liner 100 to conform to the shape of container 100. Other liner types and shapes may also be provided, including the pillow-shaped liners described above.

[0022] The liner 100 may be made from any suitable material. If the contents are liquid, a liquid-impermeable material, such as plastic, polyethylene, or other substantially liquid-impermeable material, may be used. If the contents are solid, a more permeable material, such as a cloth material, netting, mesh, or other material, may be used. More impermeable materials may also be used with solid contents. In some embodiments, the liner 100 may be a plastic or polyethylene material. The liner 100 may be a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, or the liner 100 may be a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) material. In some examples, the liner may be a polypropylene material, a coextruded polyethylene nylon material, a coextruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material. The liner may comprise any suitable laminated or coextruded material. In some examples, the liner 100 may comprise a multi-ply material. In other words, the liner may comprise more than one layer of material. As mentioned, the liner 100 may be vacuum formed, or other forming methods may be used. Additionally, other materials may be used. The liner 100 may be removable and replaceable. In some examples, the liner may be resistant to hazardous materials.

[0023] The liner 100 may be configured to be engaged by a container, as described below. As such, the open edge of the liner 100 can be sealed to or connected to the container. Connecting features may be provided, any or all of which may be continuous around the periphery of the open top of the liner 100, or may be intermittent, or various features may be provided. In some examples, the liner 100 may include a disk 108 sealed to a top portion 106 of the liner 100. The top portion 106 includes an opening 110, in which the disk 108 is disposed within the opening 110.

[0024] In some examples, the disc 108 may comprise a thermoformed plastic disc. However, other materials may be used, including wood or cardboard, depending on the needs of the application. The disc 108 may be sealed to the body of the liner 100 by welding, adhesive, glue, or other suitable attachment. In some examples, the disc 108 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material formed with the liner 100. The disc 108 may include a generally flat inner surface.

[0025] The liner 100 may include a first opening 110 in the top portion 106. The first opening 110 may be circular and / or cylindrical. In some examples, the first opening 110 may be located at or near the periphery of the top portion 106. In some examples, the first opening 110 may include a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the container.

[0026] In some examples, the disc 108 may include a rim 112 extending from the top portion 106. The rim 112 may extend less than 1 inch (approximately 25.4 millimeters) from the top portion 106. In some examples, the rim 112 may include a lip 114. The lip 114 may be configured to engage and / or connect to a cover or other component of a container, and the disc 108 may be configured to function as a lid for the container.

[0027] 2 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1. As discussed above, the liner may include a disk 108 sealed to the top portion 106 of the liner, with the disk 108 disposed within an opening 110 in the liner 100. In some examples, the disk may be configured to cover the opening 110 in the liner. In some examples, the disk 108 may be heat-sealed to the top portion 106 of the liner 100. As shown, the disk 108 may be an approximately 6-inch (approximately 152.4 mm) cover formed above the opening 110. However, the disk 108 may be smaller or larger than 6 inches (approximately 152.4 mm). For example, the disk 108 may be about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) or larger, about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) or larger, about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) or larger, about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) or larger, about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) or larger, about 5 inches (about 127 mm) or larger, about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) or larger, about 7 inches (about 177.8 mm) or larger, about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm) or larger, about 9 inches (about 228.6 mm) or larger, about 10 inches (about 254 mm) or larger, or about 11 inches (about 279.4 mm) or larger.In some examples, the disk 108 can be within the range of about ¾ inch (about 19.05 mm) to about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm), about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm), about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm), about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm), about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (about 254 mm), or about 10 inches (about 254 mm) to about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm). The disk 108 prevents the liner from clogging the opening. An outer edge or outer portion of the disk 108 can be configured to engage with the liner 100 to form a leak-free seam, thereby maintaining contents within the space defined by the liner 100 and the disk 108.

[0028] In some examples, the disk 108 may include an engagement groove or rim 112 that couples with the container. In some examples, the rim 112 of the thermoformed plastic disk 108 may be configured to engage the upper head of the container with an interference fit. In some examples, the disk 108 may be coupled to the container by any suitable fitting or method. The disk 108 may be operably or removably secured to the container and may be configured to access the contents stored within the container 100. In some examples, the rim 112 may couple to the container using a closing ring (not shown). In some examples, the closing ring may be a standard steel closing ring. The closing ring may have a diameter of 6 inches (approximately 152.4 mm). In some examples, the closing ring may be smaller or larger than 6 inches (approximately 152.4 mm). For example, the closing ring may be about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) or larger, about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) or larger, about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) or larger, about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) or larger, about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) or larger, about 5 inches (about 127 mm) or larger, about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) or larger, about 7 inches (about 177.8 mm) or larger, about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm) or larger, about 9 inches (about 228.6 mm) or larger, about 10 inches (about 254 mm) or larger, or about 11 inches (about 279.4 mm) or larger.In some examples, the closing ring can be within the range of about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) to about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm), about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm), about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm), about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm), about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (about 254 mm), or about 10 inches (about 254 mm) to about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm).

[0029] In some examples, the top portion 106 also includes a second opening 116. The second opening may include a vent. The second opening 116 may be a standard ¾ inch (approximately 19.05 millimeter) opening to prevent negative pressure when withdrawing material from within the container 100. In other words, the second opening 116 may allow for the evacuation of air while the contents of the liner 100 are being emptied. The second opening 116 may be disposed in any suitable location on the top portion 106. As shown, the second opening 116 is generally opposite the opening 110 or the disk 108. In some examples, the second opening 116 may be located closer to the outer periphery of the top portion 106. The second opening 116 may be sealed with a vent fitting or a second disk. The fitting may include a plug, a stopper, a threaded fitting, a lid with a closing ring, or other suitable fitting.

[0030] 3 and 4, the outer portion of the disk 108 may include a top and a container / liner engagement portion. The disk 108 may be a circular lid for the liner 100; however, other shapes are possible, including a square shape, a polygonal shape, or other suitable shapes. The top of the disk 108 may be a generally flat, plate-like element having an outer peripheral edge that generally matches the shape of the container opening 132 shown in FIG. 4 and is slightly larger than the outer edge or outer rim of the container opening 132. In the embodiment shown, the container opening 132 and disk 108 may be generally circular or round. The container 130 may include a shell 134 having a sidewall 136 and a bottom portion (not shown) and a top portion 140 connected to the sidewall. The disk 108 may include an engagement feature (e.g., a lip 114) located along the outer edge of the rim 112 for engagement with the container 130. In some embodiments, the lip 114 may include an engagement groove configured to engage with the container opening 132. As such, the disk 108 may function as a gasket for the container 130 and the liner 100.

[0031] In some examples, the top portion 106 of the liner 100 may include a bung opening 118 for accessing the contents of the liner 100. The bung opening 118 may comprise an opening in the liner 100 that can be plugged or screwed in with a threaded fitting to close the liner 100. The bung opening 118 may be disposed within the disk 108. In some examples, the bung opening may be between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm). In some examples, the bung opening may be about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) or larger, about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) or larger, about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) or larger, about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) or larger, about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) or larger, about 5 inches (about 127 mm) or larger, about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) or larger, or about 7 inches (about 177.8 mm) or larger. In some examples, the bung opening can be within the range of about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) to about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm), about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) to about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm), about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) to about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm), about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) to about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm), about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm) to about 10 inches (about 254 mm), or about 10 inches (about 254 mm) to about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm).

[0032] The bung opening 118 may be off-center on the disk 108, so the disk 108 can orient the liner. The bung opening 118 includes a bung 124 for sealing the bung opening 118. In some embodiments, the bung 124 can be threadedly coupled or inserted into the bung opening 118. The bung opening 118 may include threads 122 configured to couple with the bung 124; however, other attachment methods, such as a pressure seal or compression plug, may be included. In some examples, the bung 124 may include a standard drum plug. The bung 124 may be sized to fit within the bung opening. The disk 108 may protect the liner from accidental damage when the bung 124 is inserted.

[0033] The disk 108 may be made from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the disk 108 may be an injection-molded lid. As such, the disk 108 may be constructed from Teflon, polyethylene material, or other injectable material. Other materials and processes for forming the disk 108 may also be used. In some embodiments, a portion of the disk 108 may be made from a relatively clear or translucent material so that the contents and their color can be seen without removing the disk 108 or the stopper 124.

[0034] 3 shows a cross section of the disk 108 having a plug opening 118. As shown, the diameter α of the plug opening 118 can be about 2 inches (about 50.8 millimeters). However, in some examples, the diameter α of the plug opening 118 can be less than 4 inches (about 101.6 millimeters), less than 3 inches (about 76.2 millimeters), less than 2 inches (about 50.8 millimeters), or less than 1 inch (about 25.4 millimeters), and in some examples, even ¾ inch (about 19.05 millimeters). In some examples, the diameter α of the first opening can be about 2 inches (about 50.8 millimeters). In some examples, the diameter α of the first opening may be about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) or more, about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) or more, about 5 inches (about 127 mm) or more, about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) or more, about 7 inches (about 177.8 mm) or more, or within a range between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm), about 2 inches (about 50.8 mm) and about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm), about 4 inches (about 101.6 mm) and about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm), or about 6 inches (about 152.4 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm). This opening allows the inner liner 100 to be easily introduced into and withdrawn from the tight head drum or container 130 .

[0035] The disk 108 allows access into the drum to position the liner 100. Once the liner 100 is installed, the disk 108 may be sealed to the top portion of the container 130, and access to the container may be through the bung opening 118. The liner 100 may be removable and replaceable. The disk 108 may include alignment features 142 extending from the top surface of the disk 108. The alignment features 142 may help to properly position the liner 100 within the container 130. In some examples, the alignment features 142 may include notches, fins, grooves, or any type of alignment method. In some examples, the alignment features 142 may be marker colors or other types of markings.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the liner 100 having a container 130 and a disk 108 as a circular lid. FIG. 4 shows multiple portions of the container assembly engaged together. As shown, the disk 108 covers the container opening 132 and is a 6-inch (approximately 152.4 mm) circular lid. The liner rim 112 includes the lip 114 shown in FIG. 1. The disk 108 is configured to couple to the container 130 and seal the liner 100 to the container opening 132. In some examples, the disk 108 couples to the container 130 using a closing ring 144.

[0037] The bung opening 118 may be sealed using a bung 124 or a standard drum fitting. Additionally, in some instances, a faucet or other fitting may be connected to the bung opening 118. When in use, the described liner 100 may be used for multiple types of contents. In one embodiment, the liner 100 may be used to store, transport, and handle liquids. The liner 100 may be fitted to or disposed within a container 130. In other words, in some instances, the liner 100 may be attached to or placed within the container 130, and the assembly may allow the liner 100 to be suspended from the container opening 132. The liner 100 may be filled with the intended contents. A disk 108 including a bung opening 118 may be disposed on the top surface 106 of the liner 100, and the liner 100 may fit between the lip 114 and the closing ring 144 such that the liner 100 is secured to the container 130 at the rim 112. The liner 100 and / or disk 108 may be pressed or sealed against the top surface 106 of the liner 100, and the liner 100 and / or disk 108 may be adhered to the top portion 140 of the container 130. Materials within the container 130 may be accessed through the bung opening 118 by removing the bung 124, which may be replaced as needed to access materials within the container 100.

[0038] The container 130 and liner 100 described herein may be advantageous for several reasons. Tight-head drums with container openings 132 having smaller diameters than open-head drums may provide the ability to insert and remove the liner 100 while being less expensive than manufacturing open-head drum assemblies. The bung opening 118 may be located in a standard location on the tight-head drum and may accommodate standard fittings to access the contents of the container 130. Portions of the container 130 may be selectively sealed and / or opened for cleaning, liner extraction, filling, or other operations, thus reducing the carbon footprint in landfills, during transportation, and during manufacturing. For example, the liner 100 may be removed, disassembled, and recycled after use.

[0039] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, including preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are exemplary and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. Functionality may be divided or combined differently within blocks or described using different terminology in various embodiments of the disclosure. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may be included within the scope of the disclosure, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A liner for use in a container, said liner comprising: a liner wall defining an interior cavity of the liner, the liner having a top portion and a bottom portion sealed to the liner wall, the top portion having an opening; a disk sealed against the top portion of the liner, the disk disposed within the opening; Liner equipped with.

2. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises a thickness between about 0.002 inches (about 0.0508 mm) and about 0.014 inches (about 0.3556 mm).

3. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the disk defines a plug opening between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm).

4. The liner of claim 3 , wherein the plug opening is disposed in the top portion of the liner.

5. The liner of claim 3 , further comprising a plug configured to removably couple to the plug opening.

6. 10. The liner of claim 1, wherein the disk has a diameter between about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm).

7. 10. The liner of claim 1, wherein the liner comprises at least one of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material.

8. The liner of claim 1 , further comprising an outlet fitting and an outlet plug removably disposed within the outlet fitting.

9. 10. The liner of claim 1, wherein the disk comprises a thermoformed plastic disk heat sealed to the top portion of the liner.

10. a shell having a sidewall and a top portion and a bottom portion connected to the sidewall; an opening positioned on the top portion of the shell; and a liner disposed within the shell that conforms to the shape of the shell; the liner having a lid sealed to a top portion of the liner, the lid being aligned with the opening in the shell; A container for holding contents.

11. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the liner has an access portion for accessing the contents of the container.

12. 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the access portion includes a bung opening defined by the lid, the bung opening being between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm).

13. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises a thermoformed plastic disc having alignment features extending therefrom.

14. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the liner is made from at least one of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a low density polyethylene (LDPE) material, a polypropylene material, a co-extruded polyethylene nylon material, a co-extruded ethylene vinyl alcohol material, a laminated material, or a foil material.

15. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises a circular plastic disc between about 3 inches (about 76.2 mm) and about 12 inches (about 304.8 mm).

16. The container of claim 10 , wherein the periphery of the lid includes a lip configured to couple to the container.

17. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the liner further comprises an outlet fitting and a outlet plug removably disposed within the outlet fitting, the container comprising an opening aligned with the outlet fitting.

18. 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the container further comprises a vent fitting and a vent plug removably disposed within the vent fitting.

19. 1. A liner for use in a container, said liner comprising: a cylindrical body, an upper head and a lower base; a first opening in the upper head, the first opening having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cylindrical body; wherein the first opening has a thermoformed cover disposed thereon. Lina.

20. 20. The liner of claim 19, wherein the liner conforms to the shape of the container.

21. 20. The liner of claim 19, wherein the thermoformed cover includes a plug opening disposed within a top portion of the liner, the plug opening being between about 3 / 4 inch (about 19.05 mm) and about 8 inches (about 203.2 mm).

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