Container for Transporting and Storing a Liquid

Abstract

A container is provided which allows for draining the liquid via one of the openings of the cap and allows for venting the container simultaneously via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers, even large sized ones, can be used due to the venting function provided by the dual function closure of the container and the cap. In other words, a container with a dual function closure comprised by the cap itself is presented which facilitates draining and venting the container. The cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device. Thus, engaging a locking interface of the coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed is comprised. This provides a secure and reliable fastening means. Advantageously, the cap can be permanently fixed to the container, i.e. before, during and after draining, venting and/or washing the container. Further, such a container comprising the cap with the two closure inserts facilitates that upon disconnecting the container from a coupling device an automatic resealing of the container is caused. The container as presented herein facilitates the provision and use of a valuable closed transfer system for transferring the liquid from the container. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention provides for a reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container.

Description

The present invention relates to the handling of liquids stored in containers. In particular, the present invention relates to a container for transporting and storing a liquid the container having a dual function closure, a system for draining and venting a container and a method for transporting a liquid from the container to a destination outside of the container.

In many technical fields, like for example in the field of liquids, substances are used which may be hazardous for the user or operator. It is therefore a desire to provide for risk mitigation measures that reduce the chances of exposing the user with the chemically active substances. Moreover, during the transfer of the liquid the avoidance of spillages is desirable as well. Further, in some industries contamination of the liquids is strictly forbidden, like for example in food and beverage industries. Therefore, closed transfer systems (CTS) have been suggested for transporting liquids from a container into e.g. other receptacles or systems. However, the currently known systems are only available for large multi-trip containers or cause high costs due to the employment of complicated valve technology within the dispensing device of such a closed transfer system. The opening and closure mechanism are also based on the application of metals springs which are necessarily needed for the activation and operation of the employed valves. Due to the high costs of such spring based opening- and closing-mechanisms, these opening and closure mechanisms are normally provided within the centrally used dispensing device, which is used for a plurality of different containers. Providing a container with a permanent cap that comprises such an expensive, metal spring based opening- and closing-mechanism is economically not desirable as the containers are used only once. Moreover, the container is not acceptable for recycling if it comprises a metal spring. Therefore, the currently used containers merely comprise an opening with a one-time seal, e.g. a seal foil, on top of which an ordinary screw cap is provided. For draining the container it is thus necessary to first remove the ordinary cap and to subsequently remove the seal or to puncture, i.e. to pierce, the seal foil with the dispensing device which comprises the closure mechanism. Hence, after decoupling the dispensing device the seal foil is attached to the container opening in a destroyed configuration and no automatic closure of the opening of the container is provided after decoupling the dispensing device. However, such a situation disadvantageously bares the risk of both contamination and leakage. Further, an unintentional decoupling during the process of draining may cause large spillages and may create an additional operator risk.

There may be a need for improving the transport of liquids from or into a container. It may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide for an improved transport of a liquid from or into a container.

The object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention are comprised by the dependent claims. The following detailed description of the present invention similarly pertains to the container, the system for draining and venting the container and the method of transporting a liquid from the container. Synergetic effects may arise from different combinations of the embodiments although they may not be described hereinafter explicitly. The features of different embodiments can be combined unless explicitly stated otherwise hereinafter. Moreover, any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Before the invention is described in detail with respect to some of its preferred embodiments, the following general definitions are provided.

The present invention is illustratively described in the following and may be suitably practiced in the absence of any element or any elements, limitation or limitations not specifically disclosed herein.

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain Figures, but the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the claims.

Wherever the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims it does not exclude other elements. For the purpose of the present invention the term “consisting of” is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term “comprising of”. If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is also to be understood to disclose a group which preferably consists only of these embodiments.

Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. “a”, “an”, or “the”, this includes a plurality of that noun, unless something else is specifically stated hereinafter. The terms “about” or “approximately” in the context of the present invention denotes an interval of accuracy that the person skilled in the art will understand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature in question. The term “typically” indicates deviation from the indicated numerical value of plus/minus 20 percent, preferably plus/minus 15 percent, more preferably plus/minus 10 percent, and even more preferably plus/minus 5 percent. Technical terms are used herein by their common sense. If a specific meaning is conveyed to certain terms, definitions of terms will be given in the following in the context of which the terms are used.

The term “cap” as used herein shall be understood as a sealing cap and/or as a cap for closing the inlet of the container. It may also be understood or embodied as a sealing bung and/or as a bung for closing the inlet of the container. Different attachment means may be used for attaching the cap to the inlet opening of the container or to the neck where the inlet opening is positioned. For example, an internal thread or an external thread comprised by the cap may be used to engage the cap with the inlet opening which may comprise a corresponding counter-thread. Further, a permanent snap fit or the use of glue for fixing the cap at the container are exemplary embodiments. However, other attachment means may be used for attaching the cap to the protection container.

Moreover, the term “shoulder” shall be understood as any kind of shape or contour of the sidewall which facilitates the desired engagement with at least a part of the respective closure insert. Particularly, a shoulder may be embodied as a protrusion which extends from the sidewall of an opening of the cap such that a counterpart of the corresponding closure insert can engage with the shoulder in fluid tight manner when the shoulder and the closure insert are pushed or pressed towards each other. Different embodiments and more details about said shoulders will be provided hereinafter. It should also be noted that the terms “closure inserts” and “insert closure” are used interchangeably and synonymously herein.

Furthermore, “a liquid” may be embodied as a liquid but can also comprise as combination of a liquid with a solid state material, and/or with a gas. The liquid may also be comprised or stored in the container in pure form or in combination with different materials like a solvent or several solvents.

The term “closure insert” as used herein shall be understood as a plug or a stuff that can be inserted into the cap by inserting it into an opening of the cap. The closure insert, when in its inserted position and when engaging with the shoulder in a fluid tight manner, realizes releasably one of the two closing functions of the cap. The closure insert may have essentially the same diameter as the corresponding opening of the cap. More technical details about these closure inserts as used in the context of the present invention will be described hereinafter. The closure insert may comprise a sealing ring or other sealing elements so as to releasably seal one of the openings of the cap. Different materials may be used, but, as will be explained in detail, materials resistant to the used liquids are preferred. Specific embodiments of said materials for the sealing plugs, i.e. the closure inserts, are presented hereinafter.

According to an embodiment of the invention a container for transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function closure is presented. The container comprises a container body with at least one inlet opening and a springless cap for closing the inlet opening of the container body. The springless cap is attached to the opening of the container body and the springless cap comprises a first opening and a second opening. The cap comprises furthermore a first closure insert and a second insert. The first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall and the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Moreover, the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall wherein the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. Further, the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed wherein the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second shoulder is fluid tightly closed. Furthermore, the cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device.

Advantageously, a secure and reliable connection between the coupling device and the container can be achieved by the locking means of the cap, which interact and are engageable with the locking interface of the coupling device. This locking interface and the coupling device will be described in more detail hereinafter. The locking interface may be embodied as a separate component. The coupling device may also be embodied as a single component in which the locking interface is provided, e.g. as a rotatable part of the coupling device. More details are disclosed in this respect hereinafter.

The provided container allows for draining the liquid via one of the openings of the cap and allows for venting the container simultaneously via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers, even large sized ones, can be used due to the venting function provided by the dual function closure of the container and the cap. In other words, a container with a dual function closure comprised by the cap itself is presented which facilitates draining and possibly simultaneous venting the container. Advantageously, the cap can be permanently fixed to or fitted on the container, i.e. before, during and after draining, venting and/or washing the container. Said steps of draining, venting and/or washing shall be understood to be part of an embodiment of the present invention. Further, such a container comprising the cap with the two closure inserts facilitates that upon disconnecting the container from a coupling device an automatic resealing of the container is triggered or caused. Thus, the container with such a cap facilitates that it is rendered back to a safe state without exposure or spillage as soon as the coupling device is removed. The container as presented herein facilitates the provision and use of a valuable closed transfer system for transferring the liquid from the container. Moreover, this embodiment of the invention provides for a reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container. These aspects and functionalities of the container will be described and elucidated in more detail hereinafter.

The dual function permits an easy use for the operator and is available at simple and low cost construction. A direct and clean connection can be established between the container (comprising the cap) to a device like for example a crop protection spray system. A coupling device, as disclosed hereinafter in more detail, can be used for this purpose. The risk of operator exposure to the liquid, e.g. a concentrate, is reduced by over a thousand times compared to current practices with standard containers, which will become apparent form the following explanations. The presented container provides for connectivity without using complex devices in the closure that are difficult to recover or reduce the capacity for post use recycling. Hence, the provided container reduces the complexity of the closure system and at the same time provides for a recyclable container comprising the springless cap. The container of the present invention allows for a passage of liquid from the container and allows for a simultaneous passage of air into the container through the first and second openings. Further, rinsing water can be guided into the container and rinsate can be guided simultaneously out of the container using the two connection points, i.e. the first and the second openings of the cap. If the requirement for closed transfer is mandated or enforced through other regulatory controls the cap can be permanently attached to the container preventing any use except through a closed transfer system but which is an unavoidable engineered safety solution.

Opening the container and transfer with a closed transfer system can be followed by re-closure of the container and storage for later use while maintaining the minimal exposure risk. The closure technique provided by the cap eliminates the current barrier between safe techniques for small and large packs and reduces the end users requirement for equipment to just one coupling device. This coupling device interacting with the cap of the container will be disclosed in more detail hereinafter. Disconnection of the container with the two, or even more, closure inserts from the coupling device automatically reseals the container and renders it back to a safe state without exposure or spillage. The functionality of a releasable, fluid tight engagement between the closure inserts and the surrounding walls of the openings of the cap may be seen as a valve function, which will be described hereinafter by different embodiments.

According to this embodiment of the present invention the cap is provided in a springless form. Therefore, the cap does not comprise a spring, particularly not a metal spring. Thus, a metal free container and a metal free cap, which is permanently fixed on the container, can be provided. This increases the acceptability of the container (including the cap) for recycling. Moreover, the engagement between the closure inserts and the respective shoulders of the cap walls may be seen as a valve or as providing for a valve function. In other words, the cap comprises a fluid tight closing and opening valve mechanism which works without using a spring in the cap. Therefore, the first and second openings, the first and second closure inserts, the first and second circumferential walls, the first and second shoulders and the engagement between the shoulders and the closure inserts respectively, are providing a springless valve or valve function. However, this does not exclude that other parts, like a coupling device which is embodied separately from the cap, may make use of a spring. The container with the permanently fixed cap is spring free and thus facilitates a metal free solution. Therefore, the cap with its first and second (or even more) closure inserts is embodied as a fluid tight, springless closure system for closing the container and opening the container. If desired, the springless cap in this and every other embodiment mentioned herein can additionally be embodied as an elastomer free cap.

As will become apparent from the following explanations, the first and second closure inserts are moveable within the respective opening of the cap. Such a mobility or moveability of both closure insert is used to fluid tightly close the openings of the cap and to re-open said openings of the cap. A forth and back movement of the first and second closure inserts within the cap can be achieved by pushing and/or pulling the inserts along the axial direction of the corresponding opening. Said axial direction may be seen as the longitudinal direction of the cap along which the openings extend. In the Figures this axis is shown with reference sign 202. In an embodiment said pushing and pulling is accomplished by means of corresponding probes of a coupling device. The achieved movement of the closure inserts represents the transfer of the container from an open configuration to a fluid tightly closed configuration, and vice versa. This mechanism can be operated or activated repeatedly to an unlimited extend. During the open configuration the inserts are attached to/engaged with the probes of the coupling device.

Moreover, as can be gathered, for example, from FIG. 1 the container can be embodied with one inlet opening which is positioned preferably centrally at the container and no other cap besides the springless cap mentioned above and hereinafter is needed or used for closing the container. In another embodiment

It should be noted that, at least in some embodiments, the cap has a first or inner side facing towards the container body and has a second or outer side which faces away from the container body. Moreover the first and second openings both extend from the first or inner side to the second or outer side so as to connect, when in an open configuration, the inner volume of the container with the exterior, i.e. the surrounding, of the container.

It should be noted, that in one embodiment the diameter of the first and second openings of the cap are the same, i.e. are of an identical size. The same holds true for the diameter of first and second closure inserts. In another embodiment, the diameter of the first opening and of the second opening are different and the diameter of the first closure insert and of the second closure insert are different. Corresponding differential sizing of the probes of the used coupling device, of the first and the second closure insert and of the first and second openings of the cap may be used to provide a mechanical lock-key connection when engaging the cap and the coupling device. This will be explained and specified in more detail hereinafter.

The container, the springless cap, the first closure insert and the second closure inserts may be embodied in various ways regarding the material. For example, the material may be selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyformaldehyde, or polyethylene terephthalate, and any combination thereof. For example, in case food and/or beverages are comprised by the container food specific materials coatings can be used.

The liquids may be water-based, based on other solvents, such as organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, including mixtures of water with other solvents or mixtures of other solvents without water. The solvent-based liquids may be based on water-miscible or non-water-miscible solvents. In one embodiment the cap/container is provided with a barrier layer for solvents. In another embodiment, the cap/container does not comprise a barrier layer. Water based liquids can be used for example in HDPE mono containers. For the use of solvent based liquids an inner layer containing polyamide or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a layer which is fluorodized can be comprised by the cap and/or the container. Moreover, the container/cap may comprise or consist of PET or may comprise or consist of painted or varnished steel.

Moreover, the cap may consist of one material or may consist of several different materials. Further, the cap may be embodied with different lengths and/or wall thickness of the openings, i.e. bores or apertures.

Moreover, elastomers and/or O-rings can be used in the context of the present invention for sealing the system. Different embodiments thereof will be described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention a plant protection container for transporting and storing a plant protection chemical is provided wherein the container body comprises a plant protection chemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant.

According to another embodiment of the invention a food container and/or beverage container for transporting and storing food and/or beverage is provided wherein the container body comprising food or beverage.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means is positioned at a top surface of the cap, e.g. laterally offset from the first and second openings.

This embodiment may allow for an easy insertion of the probes into the cap and a simultaneous engagement of the locking means on the cap and the corresponding locking means on the locking interface of the coupling device. For example, the locking interface may be embodied as locking collar that is placed axially on the cap and is subsequently rotated around the two probes. In this way a secure connection between the container and the coupling device is facilitated by the engaging connection between the cap and the locking interface.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means is embodied as a first protrusion, and the first protrusion is configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the locking interface of the coupling device.

The first and second protrusion may have various forms and thicknesses. They may be of the same material as the cap or the locking interface, but also other materials may be used for the protrusions. Further, such first protrusion and second protrusion may be embodied so as to form a claw-type coupling device, which is used to securely attach the coupling device to the container via the locking means of the cap.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means is configured as a first part of a bayonet mount and is adapted to be engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount of the locking interface of the coupling device.

A bayonet mount is a device and a method of mechanical attachment and may be seen as bayonet connector providing a fastening mechanism. It may consist of a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pins, and a female receptor with matching L-shaped slot(s). If desired, one or more springs maybe used to keep the two parts locked together. The slots may be shaped, for example, like a capital letter L, e.g. with serif, i.e. a short upward segment at the end of the horizontal arm. The pin slides into the vertical arm of the L, rotates across the horizontal arm, and may then be pushed slightly upwards into the short vertical “serif” by the spring. The connector is no longer free to rotate unless pushed down against the spring until the pin is out of the “serif”. This mechanical principle is applied, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24a and 24b. However, in this embodiment a protrusion 2415 of the cap and the corresponding protrusion 2416 of the locking collar provide for this bayonet mount functionality. Also other embodiments of the locking interface, here the locking collar or locking ring 2402, and of the locking means at the cap are possible and comprised by the present invention. This will become apparent from and elucidated with further embodiments described herein. For example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 19 comprise such bayonet mount elements.

According to another embodiment the locking means is embodied as annular undercut that releasably engages with the locking interface, for example the locking collar, of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closure insert and the second closure insert have a different degree of hardness as compared to the cap, in particular as compared to the respective circumferential wall of the cap. The degree of hardness of the inserts may be larger or may be smaller than that of the cap. This may improve the opening and closing mechanism provided by the inserts in connection with the two probes of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the container has a volume of/or has a volume that is from 1 liter to 1,000 liters, such as at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, or from 20 to 1,000 liters, particularly 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, and from 500 to 1,000 liters, or above 1,000 liters, or other volumes in the afore-mentioned range.

According to another embodiment of the invention the springless cap, the first closure insert and the second closure inserts are formed out of a plastic material resistant to the liquid.

For example, the plastic material resistant to the liquid may be an element/material selected from the group comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal and polyformaldehyde, or polyethylene terephthalate, and any combination thereof. However, also other container materials that are resistant to used liquids can be used for the springless cap and for the first and second closure inserts and other features mentioned herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the container comprises/stores a plant protection chemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant and is a plant protection container.

“A plant protection container” shall be understood as a container which is configured, from a chemical point of view, for storing a plant protection liquid and shall be understood as a crop protection container. Such a container is adapted for a storage, particularly for a long term storage, of liquids and/or plant protection adjuvant and/or agro-chemicals. In this case, the liquid shall be understood as a plant protection agent, plant protection product, plant protective agent, or as a plant protective product.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter, wherein the first and second diameters are different from each other.

Providing the first and second openings with different diameters results in physically coding the first and the second opening in the sense of a mechanical key. In other words, by means of the different diameters the first and second openings determine the compatibility with the respective parts of the coupling device. Like a key-lock combination only a specific first probe can be inserted in the first opening whereas only a specific second probe can be inserted into the second opening of the cap. Therefore, an unambiguous assignment of each probe comprised by the coupling device to the respective opening of the cap is provided.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first and the second closure inserts each engage with the corresponding shoulder such that upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts towards the bottom or inside of the container body said insert disengages with the corresponding shoulder to be in a disengaged configuration. Moreover, upon axially pulling said closure insert from the disengaged configuration and in a direction away from the bottom of the container body said closure insert re-engages with the corresponding shoulder such that the corresponding opening is again fluid tightly closed.

It should be noted that the previously described movement, caused by axially pushing and/or axially pulling, is disclosed herewith for the first closure insert and the second closure insert and the respectively engaging shoulders. In other words, each pair of a closure insert and the respective shoulder is configured to provide for a respective fluid tight engagement or seal within the respective opening of the cap. As will become apparent from an elucidated with the following figure descriptions the shoulders and the closure inserts are configured and/or shaped to provide for an engagement, which facilitates upon pushing and/or pulling the above described functions. Various contours and shapes of the engaging parts of the shoulders and the closure inserts are comprised by the present invention.

To disengage the closure inserts with the respective wall of the cap a coupling device comprising probes can be used. The closure inserts may be engaged with the respective circumferential wall such that a first force is needed to push the closure inserts out of their respective engagement. Further, to engage the coupling front section of the respective probe with the corresponding closure insert a second force is needed. This second force can also be applied by pushing the two probes onto the two closure inserts. In a preferred embodiment, the first force is larger than the second force. Thus, when pushing the two probes onto the two closure inserts and when increasing the applied force, first the two closure inserts are engaged with the coupling front sections of the probes and subsequently, when further increasing the force, the closure inserts are pressed out of their engagement with the cap and the two openings of the cap are opened. The two closure inserts, the cap, i.e. the shoulders of the two openings, and the coupling front sections of the two probes are shaped such that this opening and closure mechanism is provided. Further details hereof are provided in the context of other embodiments, for example in the context of FIG. 23.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closure in that comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall and a second closure insert comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall. Further, the radially deformable sidewall of the first closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the first shoulder and the radially deformable sidewall of the second closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the second shoulder.

For example, elastic protrusions, e.g. fingers or hooks, may be used as radially deformable sidewalls. Additionally or alternatively, sidewalls that are shaped in form of a partial circle can be an embodiment. The deflection in radial direction is provided by the radially deformable sidewalls of the closure inserts. Moreover, if desired, recesses can be provided in, for example, a circumferential sidewall of the closure inserts, respectively, such that the remaining parts or sections of the circumferential sidewall provide for the desired ability to be elastically deflectable in a radial direction. Such a deflection can be caused upon an axial movement of the closure insert as has been described before and will be specified in more detail hereinafter. It should be noted that, in general, axial movements relate to movements along the axis shown with reference sign 202 whereas the radial direction is a direction extending perpendicularly to said axis 202. Axis 202 extends along the longitudinal axis of the openings of the cap, as can be gathered from e.g. FIG. 2. Moreover, during the transfer the liquid flows, more or less, along the direction indicated by axis 202. More details about the flow through one or more openings of the cap and through the probes of the coupling device will be given hereinafter.

According to another embodiment the first probe and second probe each comprises a recess for receiving at least a part of the radially deformable sidewalls. According to yet another exemplary embodiment form closures between the coupling front section of each probe and the deformable sidewall of the corresponding closure insert are used for the engagement between the probes and the inserts.

An illustrative example and details of specific embodiments thereof will be given, for example, in the context of FIGS. 5 and 23.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap comprises an alternative tamper evident cap on top of the first and the second openings and/or comprises a tamper evident band attached to the rim of the cap.

The integration of a tamper evident cap or a dust cap increases the safety of the presented container and the presented closed transfer system. In contrast to known systems, the tamper evident cap of the present invention is provided on top of the first and second openings of the springless cap and thus on top of the inserted first and second closure inserts thereby preventing access to the first and second closure inserts without prior removal of the tamper evident cap. More details thereon will be given in the context of an exemplary embodiment explained below.

According to an embodiment, the tamper evident cap is not welded to the cap but clipped into the cap. This has the advantage that the container can be filled through the cap closure system and then can be sealed with a tamper evident cap.

Different attachment means may be used to engage the cap with the container. Different types of threads with different geometrical shapes like length and diameter, a permanent snap fit, a glued cap are exemplary embodiments for said attachment means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention the container comprises a thread and the cap comprises a thread for being threadedly engaged with each other. Moreover, the thread of the cap is embodied as an external thread. In a further embodiment the cap is embodied as a bung with an external thread, as for example shown in FIG. 2.

According to another embodiment of the invention the external thread of the cap and of the container is embodied as an S 56×4 thread. It has been found by the inventors, that such an internal S 56×4 thread provides for a reliable connection between the container and the springless cap and also facilitates a high transfer rate for transporting the liquid in particular when large containers are used. For containers with a volume of from 20 to 1,000 liters, particularly 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, from 500 to 1,000 liters, or above 1,000 liters the S 56×4 thread has appropriate dimensions for realizing/inserting the first and second openings in the cap, and is a preferred thread for these container sizes. Of course, this thread can also be used at containers having differing sizes.

The size and diameter of the S 56×4 thread is an appropriate compromise allowing on the one hand a large enough first/second opening to facilitate an appropriate transfer rate of the liquids. On the other hand the size and diameter of the S 56×4 solution provides still for a good handling of the cap and the corresponding coupling device during the process of coupling and decoupling for the user. Smaller sizes and diameters would result in decreased flow rates. The solution of the cap with an S 56×4 thread is thus a preferred embodiment optimized for the above identified needs of the user during the application or operation of the present invention. Particularly, for containers with a large volume the S 56×4 thread solution of the cap works reliable.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap is embodied elastomere free.

For example, when the cap is manufactured out of polyethylene, e.g. HDPE, an elastomer free cap increases the acceptability for recycling as elastomers are different polymers which interfere during recycling. Moreover, each type of elastomer has to be tested and approved in contact with the crop protection product with respect to migration from or into the elastomer. There are no test liquids for elastomers which would allow a lab test to approve the packaging for the transportation of dangerous goods. Therefore each individual crop protection product formulation, which may exceed a number or several hundred or thousand formulations, would have to be tested. In addition, processing elastomers may result in a complex two stage injection molding process with at least two components, which is more expensive and complicated than a conventional single polymer injection molding. The failure rate may also be increased. Hence, this embodiment allows a cost effective and cheap production of the cap by for example injection moulding.

According to another embodiment of the invention the cap comprises a locking means which is adapted to engage with a locking collar/locking ring.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking means are positioned the top surface of the springless cap.

For example, the locking means may be embodied as claws or as protrusions which can be securely engaged with a corresponding part of the locking collar/locking ring. Also other locking means may be provided alternatively. After an insertion of the probes of the coupling device into the cap of the container the locking collar/locking ring may be used to hold the cap and the coupling device and lock the engagement between them. Therefore, the locking collar and the locking means may be seen as a security measure ensuring the engagement between the cap and coupling device during e.g. draining, rinsing, venting and/or washing of the container. The locking collar or locking ring interconnects the coupling device and the container having the cap in a secure manner. The locking collar may be inserted into the cap by a lateral movement and may be fixed by a rotational movement.

According to another embodiment of the invention a system for draining and venting a container is presented. The system comprises a coupling device configured to be mechanically coupled to the cap of the container such that they are in a coupled configuration. Further, the coupling device comprises a first probe which is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the cap and a second probe which is configured to be inserted into the second opening of the cap. The coupling device is also configured, when brought in the coupled configuration to disengage the first closure insert in the cap from the first shoulder by pushing or pressing or exerting a force onto the first closure insert with the first probe. Moreover, the coupling device is configured, when brought in the coupled configuration, to disengage the second closure insert and the second shoulder by pushing or pressing the second closure insert with the second probe. Furthermore, the coupling device comprises a locking interface configured for locking the coupling device with the cap of the container.

The probes may be configured respectively to releasably engage with the respective closure insert. When, from the open configuration, pulling the probes out of the cap of the container and out of the container, the probes pull the closure inserts into their respective openings and the closure inserts are controllably disengaged from the probes to again establish the fluid tight engagement between the inserts and the shoulders. In the open configuration the inserts are attached to the probes in the inner volume of the cap and/or of the container. Therefore, the probes are configured to releasably disengage the inserts and the shoulders.

According to another embodiment the system comprises a container for transporting and storing a liquid which has a dual function closure according to one of the herein presented embodiments of the container.

The provided system is a valuable closed transfer system for liquids. The provided system is configured to drain the container via one of the openings of the cap and to vent the container via the other opening of the cap. Advantageously, also rigid containers can be used due to the venting function of the provided system. In the context of the different Figure descriptions provided hereinafter said coupled configuration will be disclosed and elucidated in more detail. It should be noted that the pushing and pulling can be understood as pushing axially and pulling axially, as defined herein. Moreover, it should be noted that in one embodiment the diameters of the first and second probes may be the same and in another embodiment they may be different.

The coupling process between the container with the dual function cap and the coupling device may be as described by the following example in which a container has a size as illustrated above. The container can be placed on even ground surface and the tamper evident feature is removed. The two probes of the coupling device are correctly lined up with the respective cap opening and an axial force is used to push the two probes through the cap, thus engaging with the inserts. Continued insertion causes each of the closure inserts to become disengaged from the shoulder so that the respective opening is opened. The locking collar of the coupling device is then rotated and engaged with locking means of the cap. The probes are now in the open position for suction and air/liquid application. Whilst still with the container in the upright position the suction line connected to one of the probes is turned on. This creates a slight vacuum in the container which allows the air vent to open allowing air into the container via the other of the probes. The liquid is then sucked out via, for example, a rinsate pipe whilst allowing air into the container via the other probe. If desired, a subsequent washing step may be carried out as described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interface is embodied as a locking collar which comprises a protrusion.

The locking collar may be have a cylindrical form with an opening in the middle, but also other shapes like a rectangular shape with an opening in the middle are possible. The locking collar may provide for a grasping element such that the locking collar can easily be moved or grasp by the user. A high surface roughness may be applied at the locking collar for a safe handling by the user. One exemplary, non-limiting example of a locking collar is given in FIGS. 3a and 3b and in FIG. 9.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interface is configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with a first part of the bayonet mount at the cap of the container.

In other words, the locking interface may be embodied as bayonet connector and thus is provides for a reliable fastening mechanism. It may comprise a cylindrical male side/cylindrical male part with one or more protrusions, radial pins, or claws and a female receptor/female receptor part with matching counterparts like corresponding protrusions, claws or slots. If desired, one or more springs maybe used to keep the two parts locked together. The slots may be shaped, for example, like a capital letter L with serif, i.e. a short upward segment at the end of the horizontal arm. However, also other embodiments of the locking interface, here the locking collar or locking ring 302, and of the locking means at the cap are possible and comprised by the present invention. This will become apparent from and elucidated with further embodiments described herein.

According to another embodiment of the invention the locking interface is configured as a rotatable element which is at least partially rotatable around the first and second probes of the coupling device.

Carrying out, at least partially, the rotation of this locking interface closes the fastening mechanism, i.e. causes an engagement of the interacting locking means of the cap and of the locking interface.

According to another embodiment of the invention the coupling device comprises a first sleeve which is configured to cover a first aperture of the first probe and comprises the first spring which exerts a force onto the first sleeve forcing the first sleeve towards the position in which the first aperture is covered by the first sleeve. Moreover, the coupling device comprises a second sleeve which is configured to cover a second aperture of the second probe. The coupling device also comprises a second spring exerting a force onto the second sleeve forcing the second sleeve towards the position in which the second aperture is covered by the second sleeve. As explained a probe may be used for draining of liquid from the container, so that the aperture acts as an extraction aperture. As explained a probe may also be used for introduction of air, rinsing water, etc. into the container so that the aperture then acts as a feed aperture. Using the term extraction aperture shall thus not be construed limiting for the aperture as it may be used for several different purposes.

This mechanism, i.e., the provision of probes provided with a spring loaded sleeve, provides another risk mitigation measure which reduces the risk of exposure to the operator from the liquid. Moreover, spillages are avoided by means of the sleeve and the spring based automatic closing of the extraction apertures. This embodiment particularly realizes that, upon disconnecting the container from the coupling device, the first and second apertures of the probes are automatically and securely covered by the sleeves. This reduces both exposure risks and spillage risks. In particular, the first sleeve can be located around the first probe and the second sleeve is located around the second probe. In this and every other embodiments, the sleeves may be moveably provided, and may particularly be movable along a longitudinal axis of the sleeves and/or of the probes.

The first and second sleeves may be kept in position by the respective spring. Each sleeve may be seen as a jacket configured to cover the respective extraction part. Moreover, the term “forcing” shall be understood to comprise exerting a force such that the sleeve is pushed or pulled in/towards the direction in which the sleeve covers the aperture of the probe. Nevertheless, the sleeve may be blocked or fixed by means of a blocking element such that a movement towards said covering position is currently not possible. However, also in this state the respective spring exerts a force onto the respective sleeve forcing said sleeve in the position in which the respective aperture is covered by a said sleeve, although the sleeve is hindered to move into the covering position.

According to another embodiment the first sleeve comprises a first blocking element and the second sleeve comprises a second blocking element. The first and second blocking elements are configured to engage with a respective part of the cap such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe.

The first and second blocking elements may be a protrusion or circumferential collar or the like. Thus, according to another exemplary embodiment, the first sleeve comprises a first collar and the second sleeve comprises a second collar. The first and second collars are configured to engage with a respective part of the cap such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe.

In other words, the two sleeves can be seen as the provision of a valve function at the probes, which gets into the open configuration when the coupling device is pressed onto the cap of the container. For this purpose the cap may comprise a first and second receiving section which is configured to engage with the first and second blocking elements/collars of the first and second sleeves to exert the force onto the sleeves which is needed to move them away from the container, i.e. in the backward direction.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises a probe holder, and the probe holder comprises a first receiving opening in which the first probe of the coupling device can be inserted and comprises a second receiving opening in which the second probe of the coupling device can be inserted. Moreover, the probe holder is positioned on a top surface of the cap.

In particular, the probe holder may be part of the coupling device.

If desired, the probe holder can be embodied from the materials mentioned above, in particular HDPE may be used or also polyoxymethylene (POM). The probe holder is configured to hold the probes at the correct distance for inserting into the cap and to attach the suction and water/air inlet lines and vent. Moreover, the probe holder can be used to integrate an air inlet valve, as described in detail herein. Further the probe holder supports or facilitates the locking collar, if such a locking device is used. The probe holder may also act as a base for the two springs to take up the spring forces when the two sleeves are pushed backwards, as is disclosed herein in detail. Additionally, the probe holder may help the user to apply axial force to the probes and thus facilities an easy handling of the whole device.

According to another embodiment of the invention the coupling device comprises an air inlet valve which is configured to facilitate an air flow from outside the system into an inner volume of the container.

The air inlet valve may be brought in communication with or coupled to one of the first or second opening of the cap via one of the first or second probes. The system may be configured to draw air out of the container such that a low pressure is created in the container. The air inlet valve is configured to react upon such a low pressure to switch in an open configuration and therefore facilitates the desired air flow into the container. Thus, at least a small force can be provided by sucking air out of the container with the system such that the air inlet valve is activated. Using negative pressure in the system due to a sucking process or a sucking mechanism is comprised by an embodiment of the present invention. The air inlet valve may be a spring based valve and the valve may be optimized to prevent a collapse of the container upon draining the container.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises a cap which has locking means which is adapted to engage with a locking collar or a locking ring wherein the locking means are positioned at the top surface of the cap. The system further comprises the locking collar or the locking ring which is adapted for engaging with the locking means on the top surface of the cap to lock the cap with the locking collar or the locking ring.

According to another embodiment of the invention the first closure insert and the first probe are configured such that the first insert enclosure engages with the first probe upon, preferably prior to, a disengagement of the closure insert and the first shoulder. Moreover, the second closure insert and the second probe are configured such that the second closure insert engages with the second probe upon, preferably prior to, the disengagement of the second closure insert and the second shoulder.

The engagement of the closure inserts with the probes upon, preferably prior to, a disengagement of the inserts with the shoulders can also be gathered, for example, from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, 18 and 23. The interaction between the probe and the respective closure insert allows for transferring the respective closure insert from an engagement with the shoulder to an engagement with the probe upon pushing the insert with probe axially, i.e. into the container, i.e. towards the bottom of the container. In other words, by pushing a probe onto the corresponding closure insert it can be pressed out of its seat or engagement with the shoulder. It can also be pressed onto the top end or head of the probe. This is supported by the shape of the corresponding sidewalls of the openings of the cap, the shape of the corresponding closure insert and the shape of the corresponding probe. When the closure insert is attached to the probe it can be moved inwardly into the inner volume of the container such that extraction apertures of the probe extend into the container so that liquid can be drained or air can be vented through the extraction aperture and through the respective probe.

According to another embodiment the first probe comprises a first extraction aperture and a first inner channel which is connected to the first extraction aperture, wherein the first probe has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the first closure insert, such that upon pushing the first probe onto the first closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the first closure insert when in its engagement with the first shoulder and upon further pushing of the first probe onto the first closure insert forces the first closure insert off its engagement with the first shoulder such that the first extraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume of the container body Furthermore, the second probe comprises a second extraction aperture and a second inner channel which is connected to the second extraction aperture. The second probe has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the second closure insert, such that upon pushing the second probe onto the second closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the second closure insert when in its engagement with the second shoulder and upon further pushing of the second probe onto the second closure insert forces the second closure insert off its engagement with the second shoulder such that the second extraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume of the container body.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises a washing fluid container which comprises washing fluid. The system is configured to inject washing fluid into the container body via at least one of the first or second opening of the cap, preferably via a coupling device as disclosed herein.

The system facilitates that draining, venting and washing of the container can be carried out with one single closed transfer system. Based on the mechanical principle of the dual function closure which is integrated into the springless cap, rinsing water can passage and rinsate can passage out of the container using the two connection points, i.e. first and second openings of the springless cap. In this context, the term rinsate shall be understood to comprise water containing concentrations of contaminants, resulting from the cleaning of containers.

Once a liquid has been drained from the container or once all products have been evacuated a lever on the air/water inlet pipe can be activated for a few seconds, e.g. 1-2 seconds. This allows pressurized water to enter the container whilst closing the air inlet valve. After a few second, e.g. 1-2 the lever is closed and the user can agitate the container to remove any remaining liquid. This rinsate is removed through the suction probe whilst air is again allowed into the container through the air vent. This can be repeated several times to remove all remaining chemical if desired by the user.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises a docking station for cleaning the coupling device. The docking station is configured to be engaged with the coupling device and configured to rinse the first and the second probe of the coupling device. After using the system for draining liquids from the container the system can be cleaned by docking the coupling device onto the docking station. An exemplary embodiment of such a docking station is particularly disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13.

According to another embodiment of the invention the system comprises a sealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc.

Such a sealing ring, an O-ring or a foam disc can be placed between the cap and the opening of the container to fluid tightly seal the connection between the container and the cap. An upper edge or surface of the container presses the used element, i.e. the sealing ring, the O-ring or the foam disc, against the cap, when the cap is screwed onto the container via the used thread. The sealing ring, the O-ring and the foam disc may be formed, for example, out of polyethylene. In another embodiment, the sealing ring, the O-ring and the foam disc may be formed out of a non-polymeric material.

According to another embodiment of the invention a crop protection spray system is presented. The crop protection spray system provides for a spraying device and comprises a system for draining and venting a container according to one of embodiments described before or hereinafter.

The crop protection spray system may comprise means for draining and/or sucking the liquid out of the container. For example, a pump with one or more connecting hoses may be comprised for such purposes, said connection hose or hoses e.g. being connected to the described coupling device, e.g. to a probe thereof.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention the crop protection spray system comprises an agricultural machine, in particular a tractor, to which the sprayer device and the system for draining and venting a container are attached.

According to another embodiment of the invention a method of transporting a liquid from a container to a destination outside of the container is presented. The method comprises the step of providing for the plant protection container having a container body which comprises the liquid and/or the plant protection adjuvant. Therein the container body comprises at least one inlet opening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing the inlet opening, wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a second opening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert. Further, the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall, and the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder, wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. Moreover, the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed and the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed. The cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with the locking interface of a coupling device. The method further comprises the steps of coupling the container via the springless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first probe of the coupling device into the first opening of the cap and inserting a second probe of the coupling device into the second opening of the cap thereby engaging the locking interface of the coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed. Further, disengaging the first closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing the first closure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closure insert and the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closure insert by the second probe is comprised by the method. And transporting the liquid from the container body through at least one of the first opening and the second opening to the destination outside of the container is also comprised.

According to another embodiment the locking means of the cap is configured as a first part of a bayonet mount and the locking interface is configured as a second part of the bayonet mount. The method further comprises the step rotating the locking interface of the coupling device such that the bayonet mount formed by the locking interface and the locking means of the cap is closed.

According to another embodiment the method further comprises the step of venting the container by guiding air through an air inlet valve and through one of the probes of the coupling device and through one of the openings of the cap.

Therein the venting can be carried out simultaneously to the step of draining. Therefore, also rigid container embodiments can be used with the present invention without having the risk of imploding containers.

In general, the present invention relates to flexible and non-flexible containers as well. Moreover, flexible containers as pouches shall be comprised by the present invention. In particular, pouches with a structured surface, which allows for a complete draining, shall be comprised. Such structured surface can be configured such that an effect of a plurality of rinsate pipe is realized.

According to another embodiment the method comprises inserting washing fluid into the container via the first opening of the cap and sucking simultaneously or subsequently the washing fluid out of the plat protection container via the second opening of the cap. Thus a circulation of the washing fluid through the provided closed transfer system of the present invention can be realized.

Moreover, the step of washing the container by the following procedure is comprised by another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Rinsing a washing liquid into the container via the first probe of the coupling device and via the opened first opening and transporting rinsate from the container to the outside of the container via the second opening and via the second probe of the coupling device.

According to another aspect of the present invention a plant protection container for transporting and storing a plant protection chemical and with a dual function closure is presented. The plant protection container comprises a container body with at least one inlet opening, a springless cap for closing the inlet opening of the container body, wherein the cap is attached to the inlet opening of the container body, wherein the cap comprises a first opening and a second opening. The cap comprises a first closure insert and a second closure insert, wherein the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall and the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder. Further, the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. The first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed, and the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a container, a cap and a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a cap as used in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a container according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically show the interaction between the first and second probes with first and second closure inserts according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically shows the mechanical interaction between a shoulder, a closure insert and a probe used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show a closure insert in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically show a coupling front section adapted to couple with an closure insert, e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, as used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically show a part of an opening of a cap as used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 schematically show a docking station for cleaning the coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a container with specific thread according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show different aspects of a system for delivering the liquid from a container to another container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 schematically shows probes and a probe holder used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 schematically shows a cap with locking means and a locking collar or a locking ring in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 schematically shows a crop protection spray system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method of transporting a liquid container to a destination outside of the container according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a cross section through a cap in which first and second closure inserts are inserted and into which first and second probes are introduced according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24a and 24b schematically show a cap with a coupling device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 schematically shows a cap with a nozzle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In principle, identical parts are provided with the same or similar reference symbols in the figures.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a container 100 for transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual functional closure. The container 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a container body 103 with at least one inlet opening 104. A springless cap 105 is shown which is configured to close the inlet opening of the container body. The cap comprises two locking means 114, 115 in form of undercuts that extend on the top surface of the cap along the circumference of the cap. Locking means 114 and 115 are adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device.

The locking means 115 and 116 are provided on a top surface of the cap 105 and here the locking means are embodied as inverted L-shaped protrusions 115, 116 at diametrically opposed position on the top of the cap. As can be seen, in this example, the horizontal or upper leg of each of the L-shaped protrusions is outwardly directed relative to the vertical leg that is integral with the rest of the cap. The cap 105 is embodied as a relatively cheap product and as a disposable product. As illustrated by arrow 112 the cap can be attached to the inlet opening of the container body by appropriate attachment means. The cap 105 comprises a first opening 106 and a second opening 107 both extending vertically, i.e. in the direction from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1. This direction is termed axially and is precisely defined, in general, with respect to axis 202 of FIG. 2. In the first opening the first closure insert can be inserted and in the second opening a second closure insert can be inserted. However, due to illustrative reasons the first and second closure inserts are not shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, FIG. 1 shows a coupling device 102 which is configured to be coupled to the cap 105 via its two probes. The probes protrude protruding from a top surface of the coupling device. The container shown in FIG. 1 can preferably have a size of from 1 liter to 1.000 liters, such as at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 liters, or from 20 to 1.000 liters, particularly 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 100 liters, from 100 to 500 liters, and from 500 to 1.000 liters, or above 1,000 liters, or other volumes in the afore-mentioned range. Also other sizes and volumes are possible. In another embodiment that can be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 1 the cap 105 and the closure inserts are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), fluorodized HDPE, polyamide, polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, or polyethylene terephthalate, or any combination thereof.

As can be gathered from FIG. 1 an external thread 113 is provided at the springless cap 105. This external thread allows for a threaded engagement between the inlet opening 104 of the container 100 and the cap 105. As will become apparent from the descriptions of the detailed embodiments of the present invention specific threads might be of a particular advantage. Therefore, the system shown in FIG. 1 provides for a reliable and cheap closing mechanism which is permanently fixed at the container 100. The two probes shown at the coupling device 102 are surrounded by two sleeves which are attached movably such that the sleeves can be pushed along the longitudinal axis of the two probes. In such a situation, the two springs of the coupling device would be pressed to a compressed state. When inserting the coupling device 102 into the cap 105, such a movement of the two sleeves and such a compression of the two springs is realized. This aspect will be elucidated further in the context of FIGS. 3 and 18 and has been described before.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a container 203 to which a springless cap 209 is attached. The cap comprises a locking means 211 adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device. The springless cap 209 can be embodied elastomere free and can be permanently fixed to the container 203 thereby allowing for draining and venting connection via the first and second openings of the cap. The shown axis 202 extends perpendicularly to the bottom of the container. Also in this embodiment of the cap an external thread 208 is provided. Moreover, a circumferential groove 204 is provided around the first opening such that a rinsing pipe can be inserted into the cap to be fixed in the shown position. Such a rinsing pipe is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 3. The rinsing pipe extends perpendicularly from the top of the container to the bottom of the container and can be used for draining large containers. In case the container volume exceeds 20 liters or 50 liters it is impossible, or at least inconvenient, for the user to lift the container and rotate it during the draining procedure. Consequently, the rinsing pipe improves the transfer of such volumes of the chemical out of a large container. The rinsing pipe may be glued into the groove or may also be pressed into the groove. FIG. 2 also shows exemplary embodiments of the first shoulder 200 and the second shoulder 201 which are configured to fluid tightly engage with the first and second closure inserts described herein. For example, embodiments of the inserts are shown in e.g. FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b. Moreover, both the first and second openings of the cap 209, comprise a circular step 206, 207. As can be gathered from FIG. 2 recessions or grooves 205 and 210 are provided in the cap, in particular behind the circumferential walls that engage with the closure inserts, such that said walls have an increased flexibility. It should be noted, that the shoulder according to the present invention does not have to be a circumferential shoulder but can only be a protrusion that extends along partial sections of the circumferential wall 207 and 206 respectively. Upon pressing the closure inserts out of the engagement with these walls, or the shoulders 200 and 201, the walls may deflect outwardly allowing for disengagement between the closure inserts and the shoulders. This aspect will also be described in detail in the context of FIG. 23. If desired the cap can also be embodied with two openings 205, 206 which have the same diameter. FIG. 2 also depicts an inverted L-shaped protrusions 215 at the top of the cap to form a locking means of the cap.

FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of a container with a dual function closure and the corresponding closed transfer system. The container 301 comprises cap 305 with openings 313 and 314 in which the first and second closure inserts 306, 307 are inserted such that they engage with the respective shoulders of the openings. The cap 305 comprises two openings in which first and second sleeves 303, 304 are inserted together with the first and second probes 301 and 302. A draining flow is depicted via arrows 309 whereas the air inlet flow is depicted with arrows 310. Therefore, FIG. 3 depicts a closed transfer system 300 with a draining and venting functionality at low costs and with a solution that can be permanently fixed at the container and which is acceptable for recycling. Venting can be carried out simultaneously to the draining and the container with the closure inserts can be embodied spring free and therefore metal free. In addition, fast and reliable full closure mechanism is presented which can be embodied metal free. FIG. 3 also shows that the sleeves each comprise a blocking element 316, 315 which are configured to engage with a respective part of the cap such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extraction aperture 311, 312 of the probe. This has been described before in more detail. Said blocking elements 316, 315 may be a protrusion or circumferential collar or the like.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are two illustrations of probes and closure inserts used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Therein, FIG. 4a is a complete depiction of a first and a second probe and first and second closure inserts whereas FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view of said elements. First probe 401 comprises a first internal channel 403 which is connected to the first extraction aperture 409. A circumferential recess 407 provides enough space the inwardly moving sidewalls 413 of the closure insert 410. A circumferential edge 408 extends around the complete circumference of the first probe 401. Moreover, the coupling front section 420 is shown which is adapted to be couple with the first closure insert 411. If desired form closures between the section 420 and the deformable sidewall of the closure insert can be used. Several radially deformable sidewalls 413 are depicted and also a recess 414 is shown in FIG. 4a. In a similar way, the second probe 402 comprises a second extraction aperture 410 and has a second inner channel 404 which is connected to the second extraction aperture 410. The coupling front section 421 of the second probe is adapted to couple with the second closure insert such that upon pushing the second probe onto the second closure insert the coupling front section couples with the second closure insert. Such a coupling is also achieved during the engagement of the second closure insert with the second shoulder as depicted with 201 in FIG. 2. Upon further pushing of the second probe onto the second closure insert the second closure insert is forced off its engagement with the second shoulder such that the second extraction aperture 410 is accessible from an inner volume of the container body. The same principle applies for the previously described first probe 401 and first closure insert 411. As can be seen from the cross sectional view of FIG. 4b the closure inserts comprise a bottom 419 as well as an angled section 418 that builds the form closure with an angled counter part of the front section 420. Aspects of the form closure have been described previously and will be disclosed in more detail in the following. Moreover, the protrusion 417 of the radially deformable sidewall facilitates the mechanical engagement for engaging and re-engaging the closure inserts with the respective shoulder.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention a combination 500 comprising a probe 501, a circumferential wall 502 and closure insert 503 is presented. Although a specific embodiment of a closure insert, a coupling section of a probe and a section of a circumferential wall comprising a shoulder is shown in FIG. 5 the present invention shall not be de-limited to this specific shape, contour and engagement mechanism. Upon the movement of the probe 501 along the longitudinal axis 504 the closure insert 503 can be pushed out of its engagement. The circumferential edge 507 abuts at the coupling surface 506 of the circumferential wall of the cap. After the draining and/or venting and/or washing is completed, the probe 501 can be pulled back into the respective opening of the cap such that an engagement between the probe 501 and the closure insert 503 at the form closure sections 508, 509 is de-coupled/disengaged. Subsequently, the closure insert 503 is again engaged with the inner surface of the circumferential wall 502 by means of the shoulder. Deviations from the engaging parts which provide for the fluid tight closure between the closure insert and the opening in the circumferential wall on the one hand and the engagement between the closure insert and the probe on the other hand are possible. FIG. 5 depicts only one specific example thereof.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a detailed view of an embodiment of an closure insert 600 wherein a cross sectional view 700 is depicted in FIG. 7. A circumferential recess 601 is shown at the bottom of the closure insert which comprises a partial circumferential wall 603 having outwardly and inwardly extending protrusions 604. In addition, recess 602 separates adjacently positioned sidewalls 603. In the corresponding cross sectional view depicted in FIG. 7 it can be seen that an inner surface of the closure insert has an angled surface 703 which extends circumferentially. Moreover, a vertical surface also extends circumferentially and follows the main shape of the closure insert which is shaped circularly. Protrusion 704 is also comprised as well as outer surface 702 which extends vertically. Also recess 701 and bottom 705 are shown.

FIG. 8 shows a coupling front section 801 of probe 800 being partially shown in FIG. 8. The coupling front section comprises a vertically extending surface 802 below which an angled surface or collar 803 is provided. Both surfaces 802, 803 extend around the complete circumference of the closure insert. Also recess or depending 804 is shown. FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the coupling front section of the probe of FIG. 8. Cross section 900 shows the top surface 901 and a vertically extending surface/collar 902. Moreover, the sloped surface/collar 903 is depicted below the vertical collar 902. The recess 904 is shown for allowing an inwardly directed movement of the sidewalls of the closure insert.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a retaining tube 1000 were the plugs, i.e. closure inserts, are engaged and the two probes inserted. One can see the part 1000 as well in FIG. 5. A circumferential shoulder 1002 on the inside of tube 1000 is depicted. Also a circumferential shoulder 1001 on the outside of tube 1000 is shown.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a docking station 1200 wherein FIG. 13 shows a cross section 1300 thereof. Such a docking station may be part of, for example, a crop protection spray system as described herein. Two openings 1203, 1204 for receiving the first and second probes of the coupling device are provided. Moreover, bayonet locking means 1201, 1202 similar to the locking means that have been described before are provided. Moreover, a rinsate pipe 1205 is comprised by the docking station 1200. The rinsate pipe is connected to the openings 1204 and 1203 via respective channels. After an intensive use of the coupling device, i.e. at a crop protection spray system, the cleaning procedure may be carried out by means of rinsing the coupling device with the docking station 1200. Therefore, the docking station fits the dimensions of the coupling device and is thus configured to receive the coupling device. This may enhance and increase the lifetime of the used coupling device and elements attached thereto.

FIG. 14 shows the container 1400 with a container body 1401. A specific thread is provided at the container 1400 which has proven to be extremely valuable when draining large containers. In detail an S 56×4 thread is shown which is used at the container and at the corresponding springless cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen the first outer diameter 1402 is 71.8 mm with a tolerance of −0.3 mm. Moreover, the inner diameter of the thread 1403 is 52.5 mm with a tolerance of +0.3 mm. In addition, the height of the neck 1404 is 20.4 mm with a tolerance of +/−1 mm. It should be noted, that also containers with threads having only one of the previously mentioned diameters 1402 and 1403 but having other parameters as mentioned before is disclosed herewith. Of course, the corresponding springless cap as described before and hereinafter comprises a corresponding counter thread such that the cap can be threadedly engaged with the head of the container 1400. In this case, also the external thread of the cap is termed S 56×4 thread. According to another exemplary embodiment the S 56×4 thread solution comprises a dip tube and the first circumferential wall comprises a circumferential groove into which the dip tube is inserted. As can be gathered from for example FIGS. 1 and 2 the dip tube connects the first opening of the springless cap with the inner volume of the container. Moreover, such a dip tube eases the draining process in case large liquid containers are used. In particular, in case containers have a volume increasing 20 liters or more as mentioned above, such a dip tube allows draining the container when standing on the ground. In other words, this embodiment provides for an advantageous cap which receives the dip tube and guides the liquid directly into the opening for being sucked away through the inserted probe of the coupling device.

According to another embodiment of the invention a system for delivering a liquid from a container is provided. FIGS. 15 to 17 show different elements and aspects of such a system. In particular, FIG. 15 shows such a system 1500 which comprises a system 1501 for draining and venting a container as described herein. Moreover, connection hose 1502 is provided which is coupled to a dosing device 1503. A second container 1504 can be filled with the liquid via the springless cap of the present invention through the hose 1502 and the dosing device 1503 and via the adapted cover or cap 1505 of the second container 1504. A sucking mechanism of the dosing device 1503 may be used to precisely dose the volume of liquids into the second container 1504. Of course, the use and application of the system 1500 does not depend on the volume of the container of the system 1501.

FIG. 16 shows that the cover 1505 has been supplemented by an interface 1600 that is fixed at the cover 1505. The tip of the dosing device 1503 is depicted with 1601 in FIG. 16 as it extends through the cover 1505 and through the interface 1600. In analogy to the closure inserts that have been described before 1602 depicts such a closure insert which can be engaged with the coupling front section 1702 of the dosing device 1503. Similar to the coupling device that has been described before, a spring 1701 of the dosing device 1503 and also a sleeve 1700 is used for the purpose of closing an extraction aperture of the dosing device 1503. This extraction aperture is not shown in FIG. 17.

This small volume delivery system 1500 is an option for small farmers to use the connection system disclosed herein and facilitates the dosing of crop protection products. At very small sprayers or knapsack sprayers (carried on the shoulders) there is neither a loop system which circulates the water with crop protection product nor a suction pump. Therefore the cap and the coupling device may not be applicable at such simple sprayers. By connecting the suction syringe/suction probe shown in FIG. 17 with the small bottle shown in FIG. 15 and then again connecting the outlet of the syringe/probe via an interface 1600 shown in FIG. 16, to the sprayer a closed transfer can be realized. Therefore even small farmers can use the system 1501 for draining and venting a container as disclosed herein and they can reduce user contamination and environmental contamination in combination with accurate and quick dosing.

FIG. 18 schematically shows first and second probes 1800, 1801 and probe holder 1804. The coupling device makes use of the first sleeve 1806 and a second sleeve 1807 which further increases security for the user and decreases spillages of the liquid. The first and second sleeves each comprises a collar 1813, 1812 as blocking elements which is shaped around the circumference of the respective sleeve. The two collars are configured to engage with a respective part of the cap, e.g. the cap shown in FIG. 19, such that upon insertion of the coupling device into/onto the cap, the first and second sleeves are pressed backwards to release or uncover the respective extraction aperture of the probe. Consequently, the first and second sleeve provide for a valve function, which gets into the open configuration when the coupling device is pressed onto the cap of the container. For this purpose the cap as described herein may comprise a first and second receiving section which is configured to engage with the first and second collars of the first and second sleeves to exert the force onto the sleeves which is needed to move them away from the container, i.e. in the backward direction. In detail, the first sleeve 1806 is pushed by the first spring 1810 towards the position at which the first extraction aperture 1808 is covered by the first sleeve, i.e. in a closed configuration. The same holds true for the second sleeve 1807, the second spring 1811 and the second extraction aperture 1809. Consequently, when decoupling the coupling device from the cap the sleeves automatically close the extraction apertures such that no liquid is spilled. Moreover, the perspective shown in FIG. 18 shows that the second closure inserts 1802 and 1803 can be disengaged with the slanted top end of the probes. The cross section 1805 of probe holder 1804 depicts two openings for inserting the probes. It is thus understood, that the closure inserts couple with the front section of the probes. This may also hold true for other embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 19 schematically shows cap 1901 having two locking means 1902 and 1903 which are positioned at the top of surface 1904 of cap 1901. The locking collar or locking ring 1900 has one corresponding protrusion 1905 per means 1902, 1903 for fixing the probe holder 1804 to the cap 1901. Such a fixation may be carried out by a first translational movement of the collar towards the cap along axis 202 shown in FIG. 2 and a subsequent rotational second movement of the collar. When engaging the protrusion 1905 with the slit below the claws 1901, 1902 locking is achieved between the locking collar or locking ring and the cap. The locking collar or locking ring, which is a means for interconnecting the coupling device and the container in a secure manner, can also be inserted by a lateral movement and then fixation can be done by a rotation. As said before, the locking collar comprises locking means that are configured to engage with locking means 1902, 1903 of the cap, such that a fixation of the coupling device at the container is achieved by rotation. Elements 1902 and 1903 may also be seen as respective annular undercut that releasably engages with the locking collar of the coupler, i.e., elements 1905 and 1900.

In other words, locking ring 1900 may be seen as an embodiment of the locking interface which is configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with the first part of the bayonet mount at the cap 1901 of the container. The locking interface 1900 is configured as a rotatable element which is at least partially rotatable around the first and second probes of the coupling device, shown e.g. in FIG. 18 The protrusions 1902, 1903 are configured as the first part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount at the coupling device. This facilitates a secure fastening of the coupling device at the container at which cap 1901 is fixed.

According to another embodiment of the invention FIG. 20 shows a crop protection spray system 2000 comprising a sprayer device 2001 and a system for draining and venting a container as has been described before and will be disclosed hereinafter. Moreover, an agricultural machine, embodied as a tractor 2002 is presented. The sprayer device 2001 and the system for draining and venting a container are attached to the tractor. Therefore, a safe, reliable and high throughput distribution of the liquid is provided. Moreover, an easy and convenient coupling is provided for the user and the risk of contamination or spillage is significantly reduced by this embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, crop protection spray system 2000 may comprise a docking station 1200 as exemplarily disclosed in the context of FIG. 12. In addition or alternatively, the crop protection spray system 2000 may comprise a flow meter such that draining a container with the system of the present invention can be controlled very precisely by the user. This is another advantage over manually pouring a container.

FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of a method of transporting a liquid from a container to a destination outside of the container. In this method the container having a container body which comprises the liquid is provided in step S1. Therein the container body comprises at least one inlet opening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing the inlet opening, wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a second opening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert. Moreover, the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall, and the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder, wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder. Further, the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed and the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed.

The method further comprises the steps of coupling the container via the springless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first probe of the coupling device into the first opening of the cap and inserting a second probe of the coupling device into the second opening of the cap. This is shown in FIG. 21 with S2. Further, the step of disengaging the first closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing the first closure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closure insert and the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closure insert by the second probe is shown with S3. The liquid is transported from the container body through at least one of the first opening and the second opening to the destination outside of the container in step S4.

It should be noted that any other container embodiment, system embodiment and crop protection spray system, as described herein, can be used with this method.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method the container body is vented through the other of the first opening and the second opening during the step of transporting the liquid. As further specified embodiments, the method may comprise other method steps as has been described before.

Moreover, a method of using the system for draining and venting a container is described in more detail hereinafter. In this example the coupling device is pushed onto the springless cap of the container such that the first probe is connected with the first opening of the cap and the second probe is connected with the second opening of the cap. A rotational movement is carried out subsequently for locking the cap and the coupling device and to fix them in the coupled configuration. For example, a locking collar or locking ring can be used. Furthermore, the first probe is pushed onto the first closure insert of the cap thereby disengaging the first closure insert with the first shoulder and engaging the first closure insert with the coupling front section of the probe. Furthermore the second probe is pushed onto the second closure insert thereby disengaging the second closure insert with the second shoulder and engaging the second closure insert with the coupling front section of the second probe. Additionally, a low pressure is applied within a first conduct which is connected to the first probe.

Moreover, the step of opening an air inlet valve, which is connected to the second conduct and/or the second probe, is carried out thereby allowing an air flow from outside of the container into the container. Further, at least a part of the liquid is sucked through extraction aperture of the first probe and through the first conduct out of the container. After the desired amount of the desired liquid has been transferred the both probes are pulled backwards to disengage the first closure insert and the second closure insert from the respective probe and to re-press both closure inserts in a fluid tight engagement with the corresponding opening of the springless cap. Finally the coupling device is de-coupled from the cap and removed there from thereby providing an automatic fluid tight closing mechanism. In other words, when the coupling device is de-coupled from the cap the first and second openings of the springless cap are automatically re-sealed by engaging the two closure inserts in a fluid tight manner with the respective protrusions within the openings.

FIG. 22 schematically shows a tamper evident cap 2200 which can be positioned on top of the first and second openings of a springless cap in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tamper evident cap 2200 can also be used as dust protection and can be used and placed on top of the cap several times. The tamper evident cap 2200 can be fixed on the cap by means of friction between the two circular elements 2203 and 2204 and between corresponding walls of the openings of the cap. The tamper evident cap 2200 comprises a top plane 2201 at which a grasping element 2202 is provided. In the perspective, sectional view of the tamper evident cap in FIG. 22 the two circular elements 2203 and 2204 are shown as a semi circles. They are provided for being engaged with the openings of the cap and to close said openings. Moreover, grooves 2202 and 2206 are positioned at the circular walls 2203 and 2204 and are shown. Tamper evident cap 2200 may level with elements 1901 and 1902 when it is inserted into cap 1901.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a cross section through a cap 2300 as used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A first closure insert 2313 and a second closure insert 2314 are provided. Moreover, the first probe 2309 is partially shown in FIG. 23 as well as second probe 2310. In particular, the coupling sections of the first and second probes are depicted here. The cap 2300 of FIG. 23 comprises an internal thread 2307. Moreover, the locking means 2308 facilitate an engagement with a locking collar. The first closure insert 2313 comprises several radially deformable sidewalls 2301 and 2302. Moreover, the second closure insert 2314 comprises several radially deformable sidewalls 2303 and 2304. The radially deformable sidewalls are each adapted to releasably engage with the respective shoulder 2305 and 2306 of the respective openings of the cap. As can be gathered from surface 2311 of the first probe 2309 and the surface 2312 of the first closure insert 2313 a form closure, at least partially, between the coupling section of the first probe and the first closure insert is provided. The same holds true in a similar way for the combination of the second probe and the second closure insert. Consequently, by axially pushing the closure inserts towards the bottom of the container, i.e. from the top to the bottom of FIG. 23, the radially deformable sidewalls 2301, 2302, 2303 and 2304, are deflected inwardly and they move into a respective recess of the probe. Said recesses are embodied in the example of FIG. 23 as a circumferentially extending deepening. However, also other embodiments are possible. For example, the probes may comprise an elastically deformable section which can be compressed by the radially deformable sidewalls during their deflection. Due to the radial deflection along the inward direction the closure inserts are disengaged with the shoulders of 2305 and 2306 and due to the applied pressure the closure inserts are coupled with the probes, i.e. engaged with the probes. Thus, by further pushing the respective closure inserts with the respective probes the cap can be opened at the first and second openings. Furthermore, upon axially pulling the closure inserts 2313, 2314 from the disengaged configuration and in a direction away from the bottom of the container body (i.e. from the bottom to the top of FIG. 23), the closure inserts can be reengaged with the corresponding shoulder 2305, 2306 such that the corresponding opening of the cap 2300 is again fluid tightly closed. Moreover, FIG. 23 shows recessions or grooves 2315, 2316 and 2317 which are positioned in the cap for enhancing the deflectability of the engaging parts of the cap. The circumferential walls as described herein engage with the corresponding closure inserts 2313, 2314 such that said walls having the shoulders 2305, 2306 have an increased flexibility. Upon pressing the closure inserts out of the engagement with these walls, the walls can thus deflect outwardly.

FIGS. 24a and 24b are two depictions of one system for draining and venting a container according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular FIG. 24a shows a cross section through the system 2400. On top of springless cap 2401 the locking collar or locking ring 2402 is positioned wherein the claw/protrusion 2415 engages with the corresponding claw/protrusion 2416 at the locking collar 2402. Moreover a probe holder 2403 is shown which comprises a first opening 2412 and a second opening 2413 in which the first and second probes can be inserted. Moreover, an air inlet valve 2411 is schematically shown in FIG. 24a. Cap 2401 comprises an internal thread 2410 and can be screwed onto the neck of an inlet opening of a container. The second probe 2405 is depicted in FIG. 24a and also a spring 2404 which is part of the coupling device is shown. It should be noted, that the spring 2404 is not needed and used for the mechanism for opening and closing the closure inserts in the first and second openings of the cap. Instead, spring 2404 is used for pushing the sleeve 306 or jacket over the extraction apertures of the probe 2404 as the spring exerts a force onto the sleeve. This mechanism will be described in more detail in the context of another embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 18. Moreover, spring 2404 improves the decoupling process. Consequently, due to the closure being-automatically induced by the spring, no leaking water or crop protection chemical is spilled during the draining or filling process. Moreover, the user is protected from coming into contact with the parts which guide the liquid. However, for the procedure of disengaging or engaging the first and second closure inserts with the shoulders of the circumferential walls the spring 2404 is not relevant and has no function. Therefore, the closing mechanism of provided by the cap is based on springless technology. Consequently also the cap 2401 of FIGS. 24a and 24b is a springless cap. Moreover, housings 2407 and 2408 are shown and cap 2401 comprises edges or protrusions 2414 for providing a good grip for the user during screwing the cap onto the container. Further, a propeller 2409 is shown, which is installed within the container and which can be driven by the incoming rinsing water and which distributes the water within the container during washing.

FIG. 25 schematically shows a combination 2500 comprising a springless cap 2501 in which a nozzle 2502 is inserted. The nozzle has openings on its bottom. Moreover, the closure insert 2503 is depicted in FIG. 25 in its engaging position in which the opening of the cap is fluid tightly closed. The nozzle 2502 increases the cleaning efficiency during washing or cleaning the container by means of the herein presented closed transfer system. Moreover, the nozzle prevents an air shortcut in case high viscosity materials are used. In other words, the air which is guided into the container via the coupling device and via the cap could disadvantageously be sucked directly out of the system which might negatively affect the transferring rate.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention a propeller 2409, see FIG. 24a, is installed within the container which is driven by the incoming rinsing water and which distributes the water within the container during washing.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A container for transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function closure, the container comprising:

a container body with at least one inlet opening; and

a springless cap for closing the inlet opening of the container body;

wherein the cap is attached to the inlet opening of the container body;

wherein the cap comprises a first opening and a second opening;

wherein the cap comprises a first closure insert and a second closure insert;

wherein the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall;

wherein the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder;

wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall;

wherein the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder;

wherein the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed;

wherein the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed; and

wherein the cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a plant protection container for transporting and storing a plant protection chemical, and

wherein the container body contains a plant protection chemical and/or a plant protection adjuvant.

23. The container of claim 21, wherein the container is a food and/or beverage container for transporting and storing food and/or beverage, and

wherein the container body contains a food or beverage.

24. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is positioned at the top surface of the cap.

25. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is embodied as a protrusion, and

wherein the protrusion is configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion of the coupling device.

26. The container of claim 21, wherein the locking means is configured as a first part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with a second part of the bayonet mount at the coupling device.

27. The container of claim 21, wherein the first opening has a first diameter and the second opening has a second diameter, and

wherein the first and second diameters are different from each other.

28. The container of claim 21, wherein the first and the second closure insert each engage with the corresponding shoulder such that upon axially pushing one of the closure inserts towards a bottom of the container body said closure insert disengages with the corresponding shoulder to be in a disengaged configuration, and

wherein upon axially pulling said closure insert from the disengaged configuration and in a direction away from the bottom of the container body said closure insert re-engages with the corresponding shoulder such that the corresponding opening is again fluid tightly closed.

29. The container of claim 21, wherein the first closure insert comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall;

wherein the second closure insert comprises at least one radially deformable sidewall;

wherein the radially deformable sidewall of the first closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the first shoulder; and

wherein the radially deformable sidewall of the second closure insert is adapted to releasably engage with the second shoulder.

30. The container of claim 21, wherein the cap comprises a tamper evident cap on top of the first and second openings and/or a tamper evident band attached to a rim of the cap.

31. The container of claim 21, wherein the container comprises a thread and the cap comprises a thread for being threadedly engaged with each other; and

wherein the thread of the cap is embodied as an external thread.

32. The container of claim 21, further comprising a dip tube, and

wherein the first circumferential wall comprises a circumferential groove in which the dip tube is inserted.

33. A system for draining and venting a container, the system comprising:

a coupling device configured to be mechanically coupled to a springless cap of the container to be in a coupled configuration;

the coupling device comprising:

a first probe configured to be inserted into a first opening of the cap; and

a second probe configured to be inserted into a second opening of the cap;

wherein the coupling device is configured, when in the coupled configuration, to disengage a first closure insert of the cap from a first shoulder of the cap by axially pushing the first closure insert with the first probe; and

wherein the coupling device is configured, when in the coupled configuration, to disengage a second closure insert of the cap from a second shoulder of the cap by axially pushing the second closure insert with the second probe; and

a locking interface configured for locking the coupling device with the cap of the container.

34. The system of claim 33, the system comprising

a container for transporting and storing a liquid and with a dual function closure.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is embodied as a locking collar comprising a protrusion.

36. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is configured as a second part of a bayonet mount for being engaged with a first part of the bayonet mount at the cap of the container.

37. The system of claim 33, wherein the locking interface is configured as a rotatable element which is at least partially rotatable around the first and second probe of the coupling device.

38. The system of claim 33, the coupling device comprising:

a first sleeve configured to cover a first extraction aperture of the first probe;

a first spring exerting a force onto the first sleeve forcing the first sleeve towards a position in which the first extraction aperture is covered by the first sleeve;

a second sleeve configured to cover a second extraction aperture of the second probe; and

a second spring exerting a force onto the second sleeve forcing the second sleeve towards a position in which the second extraction aperture is covered by the second sleeve.

39. The system of claim 33, wherein the first probe comprises a first extraction aperture and a first inner channel which is connected to the first extraction aperture;

wherein the first probe has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the first closure insert, such that upon pushing the first probe onto the first closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the first closure insert when in its engagement with the first shoulder and upon further pushing of the first probe onto the first closure insert forces the first closure insert off its engagement with the first shoulder such that the first extraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume of the container body;

wherein the second probe comprises a second extraction aperture and a second inner channel which is connected to the second extraction aperture; and

wherein the second probe has a coupling front section adapted to couple with the second closure insert, such that upon pushing the second probe onto the second closure insert, the coupling front section couples with the second closure insert when in its engagement with the second shoulder and upon further pushing of the second probe onto the second closure insert forces the second closure insert off its engagement with the second shoulder such that the second extraction aperture is accessible from an inner volume of the container body.

40. A method of transporting a liquid from a container to a destination outside of the container, the method comprising: providing for the container having a container body which comprises the liquid;

wherein the container body comprises at least one inlet opening and a springless cap attached to the inlet opening closing the inlet opening;

wherein the cap comprises a first opening, a second opening, a first closure insert and a second closure insert;

wherein the first opening is surrounded by a first circumferential wall, and the first circumferential wall comprises a first shoulder;

wherein the second opening is surrounded by a second circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall comprises a second shoulder;

wherein the first closure insert releasably engages with the first shoulder such that the first opening is fluid tightly closed and the second closure insert releasably engages with the second shoulder such that the second opening is fluid tightly closed;

wherein the cap comprises a locking means adapted to engage with a locking interface of a coupling device;

the method further comprising:

coupling the container via the springless cap with a coupling device thereby inserting a first probe of the coupling device into the first opening of the cap and inserting a second probe of the coupling device into the second opening of the cap thereby engaging a locking interface of the coupling device with the locking means of the cap such that the coupling device and the cap of the container are fixed;

disengaging the first closure insert and the first shoulder by axially pushing the first closure insert by the first probe and/or disengaging the second closure insert and the second shoulder by axially pushing the second closure insert by the second probe; and

transporting the liquid from the container body through at least one of the first opening and the second opening to the destination outside of the container.