EP3277593A1

EP3277593A1 - Chemical storage and shipping systems

Info

Publication number: EP3277593A1
Application number: EP16714794.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cristian Ionut Popescu
Original assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
Current assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
Priority date: 2015-04-01
Filing date: 2016-03-22
Publication date: 2018-02-07
Also published as: WO2016156101A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to chemical storage and shipping. In one embodiment, the chemical packaging system includes a mateable coupling having a first link and a second link, a first bottle having a first channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link, and a second bottle having a second channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link. The system may also include a box for receiving the first bottle and the second bottle when coupled.

Description

CHEMICAL STORAGE AND SHIPPING SYSTEMS

Field of the Technology

[0001] The current disclosure is directed to chemical storage and shipping systems. More particularly, to chemical storage and shipping systems related to co-packaged agricultural chemicals.

Background

[0002] In certain situations, applicants believe it is it advantageous to co-package chemicals for any combination of shipping, storage and sale. For example, in the agricultural industry it is often desirable to apply mixtures of active ingredients as good stewardship to reduce or avoid the development or resistance in a pest population. Many times however it is extremely difficult to co-formulate (i.e. premix) active ingredients into a useable or stable concentrated formulation that is suitable for storage, shipping, sale, etc. Somewhat similarly, because of regulatory processes or delays, in some instances a premix formulation may not receive regulatory approval as quickly as it is needed by the grower. In such situations, because active-ingredients cannot be pre-mixed, they are often sold as co- packaged bottles (also referred to as "co-packs" herein), each containing a different formulated product.

[0003] The co-packs will typically be shipped to retail stores where they are purchased by growers. At application time, the grower usually prepares a tank mix of the individual formulations by diluting each formulation in water or other suitable carrier, e.g. a liquid fertilizer. The tank mix containing the mixture of active ingredients is then applied as desired, e.g. pre-emergent, post-emergent, foliar, in furrow, etc.

[0004] Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate elements of one example of a co-pack 2, of a generally known construction style, including bottle 2a and bottle 2b. Bottle 2b defines a protrusion 4 positioned along one side of the bottle. Protrusion 4 defines a substantially planner surface 4a and a lip 4b. Lip 4b will typically be defined on at least one side of the arm, but may be defined around additional portions of the protrusion, e.g. both sides, the top, the bottom. Protrusion 4 also defines a top 4c at a height H.

[0005] Bottle 2a defines a channel 6 having recesses 6a for receiving the lip 4b of protrusion 4. Bottle 2a further defines a protrusion-stop 8 at the upper end of channel configured to abut against top 4c of protrusion 4. As illustrated, protrusion-stop 8 is positioned at height H. In use, bottle 2b's protrusion 4 is inserted into bottle 2a's channel 6 until protrusion 4's top 4c abuts against protrusion-stop 8.

[0006] While known co-packs, such as system 2, may be generally acceptable for many uses, applicants believe that there are a number of problems with existing co-pack technology. For example, with existing co-packs outward projections in a bottle may define internal crevices in the bottle that trap product making cleanout difficult. Further, applicants desire systems that allow for multiple configurations with bottles of various sizes, while minimizing the number of bottle molds needed.

[0007] Further still, applicants believe that existing technologies can result in inefficient handling operations. For example, the removal of conventional co-packs from a shipping box can be burdensome and un-ergonomic depending on container size. In particular, growers may not be aware of what sequence is needed to remove bottles from boxes, e.g. as seen in Figure 1 b, if the grower is not aware which bottle contains the protrustion, they may try to lift the wrong bottle, which can place strain on the wrist and arm. Indeed, depending on the compressive fit of a shipping box and/or the force required to separate bottles of a co-pack, a grower may not realize what removal sequence is needed until both bottles have been removed from the box.

[0008] In addition, applicants desire systems that make it difficult for retail stores to split a co-pack and then try to sell the individual bottles separately. Similarly, applicants desire systems that make it difficult for a grower to split a co-pack and then return the unused bottle for a refund.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to improved chemical storage and shipping systems without the drawbacks presented by traditional systems and methods.

Summary

[0010] The current disclosure is directed to, inter alia, a variety of chemical packaging systems, components for chemical packaging systems, and related methods. Generally, systems as disclosed herein will include a first bottle defining a channel for removably receiving a link of a mateable coupling, a second bottle defining a channel for receiving a link of a mateable coupling, and a mateable coupling.

[001 1] In one embodiment, a chemical packaging system includes a mateable coupling, a first bottle, and a second bottle. The mateable coupling may have a first link with a width W and a second link with a width W. The first bottle may have a base, at least one side, and a spout. The at least one side may define a first channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. Similarly, the second bottle may have a base, at least one side, and a spout. The second bottle's at least one side may define a second channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. In particular examples, a box may removably receive the first bottle, the second bottle and the mateable coupling when the first link of the mateable coupling has been received by the first channel of the first bottle, the second link of the mateable coupling has been received by the second channel of the second bottle, and the first link and the second link of the matable coupling are mated.

[0012] In some examples, the first channel defines a first link-dock having a width of approximately W, a stopper-ridge at its bottom portion, and a top. The first channel typically narrows to a width less than W, for instance preventing a link received within the first link- dock from traveling there through. The second channel may define a second link-dock having a width of approximately W, a stopper-ridge at its bottom portion, and a top. The second channel typically narrows to a width less than W, thereby preventing a link received within the second link-dock from traveling there through.

[0013] In particular examples, the first channel includes a lower entrance below the first link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling, wherein the lower entrance has a width greater than W. Similarly, the second channel may include a lower entrance below the second link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling, the lower entrance will have a width greater than W to facilitate link entry into the channel.

[0014] In some examples, the first link of the mateable coupling has a bottle-side positioned proximate to a channel in which the first link is received and a mating-side. Similarly, the second link of the mateable coupling may include a bottle-side positioned proximate to a channel in which the second link is received and a mating side. Bottle sides of the links may be substantially flat or may contain an additional contour or recess depending, for example on the mold, used to make the bottle.

[0015] In particular examples, one of the first link or the second link defines a recess on its mating side. In these examples, the other of the first link or the second link defines an arm extending out from its mating side, wherein the arm of one link is sized to be received by the recess of the other link.

[0016] In some examples, the recess extends along the length of the link and may be oriented in a vertical fashion when the link is positioned within a link-dock. Further, the arm may extend along the length of the link.

[0017] In particular examples, the bottle-side of the first link includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion defines an inclined plane to allow the first link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel. Further, the bottle-side of the second link includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion defines an inclined plane to allow the second link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel.

[0018] In some examples, the first channel includes a first link-escape positioned above the first link-dock, for instance allowing a portion of a link positioned in the second channel to pass there through. In addition, the second channel may include a second link-escape positioned above the second link-dock, for instance allowing a portion of a link positioned in the first channel to pass there through.

[0019] In particular examples, the system includes a box and the first bottle and the second bottle can be removed from the box in any order.

[0020] The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and description of embodiments below. It will be apparent, however, that the description of embodiments is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Figure 1 a illustrates a prior art-style co-pack in a non-interfaced configuration.

[0022] Figure 1 b illustrates a prior art-style co-pack in an interfaced configuration.

[0023] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a co-pack system as disclosed herein with the links of the mateable coupling being uncoupled and received within the channels of the bottles.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment from Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the embodiment of Figure 2 when the links of the mateable coupling have been coupled.

[0026] Figures 5a and 5b introduce bottles of the system without a link positioned within the channel.

[0027] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate various views of one embodiment of a link of the mateable coupling.

[0028] Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate various views of one embodiment of a link of the mateable coupling configured to mate with the link shown in Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c.

[0029] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of the invention including a box.

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of a system as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In the following description, like reference nomenclature and characters may designate like or corresponding parts throughout the disclosure. Referring now to the exemplary embodiments hereinafter, it will be understood that these embodiments and examples are for the purpose of describing inventions of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any inventions thereto.

[0032] Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate various views of system 20, one example of a system disclosed herein. System 20 includes first bottle 24, second bottle 30, and a mateable coupling comprising link 21 and link 22. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of first bottle 24, second bottle 30, and the mateable coupling when links 21 and 22 are uncoupled.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of first bottle 24, second bottle 30, and the mateable coupling when links 21 and 22 are uncoupled. Figure 4 illustrates another side view of first bottle 24 and second bottle 30 when links 21 and 22 (not visible) are coupled.

[0033] Referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, first bottle 24 has a base 24a, at least one side, e.g. 24b, and a spout 24c. In this example, side 24b defines a first channel 28 for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling.

Somewhat similarly, system 20 includes second bottle 30 including a base 30a, at least one side 30b, and a spout 30c.

[0034] It should be clear that the use of first and second is for reference only and is not intended to limit the bottles in any way. It should also be clear that bottles may vary from embodiment to embodiment and may include any number of side walls, for example, 1 side wall in the case of a cylindrical bottle, 2 side walls in the case of a semi-cylindrical bottle having an additional side, three side walls in the case of a triangular prism-shaped bottle, etc. Bottles may also be irregularly shaped. Further, bottle capacity may vary from example to example. In many examples, bottles will have a capacity in the range of about 0.5 liters to about 40 liters. More typically, bottles will have a capacity of about 0.5 liters to about 10 liters. By way of examples, the first bottle may have a capacity of 0.5 L and the second bottle may have a capacity of 10 L. In another example, the first bottle may have a capacity of about 8 L and the second bottle may have a capacity of about 4 L.

[0035] Bottles of the system may or may not include handles, depending on, for example, the shape and/or size of the bottle. In the example described above, bottle 24 includes handle 27 and bottle 30 includes handle 29. If handles are used, they may often be positioned in a manner that allows for pouring from the bottles when the bottles are separated from each other; for lifting the bottles when combined; for removing bottles from a box individually; for removing bottles from a box, etc.

[0036] Figure 5a shows a side view of first bottle 24 when channel 28 has not received either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. In this example, the first channel defines a first link-dock 28a, which serves to securely yet removably receive either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. Link-dock 28a has a width of approximately W. In many examples, link-docks will also include a stopper-ridge, e.g.

stopper-ridge 28b at a bottom portion, which functions to reduce unintentional downward movement of the link within the channel. Link-docks may also include a top, e.g. top 28c, wherein the first channel narrows to a width less than W thereby preventing a link received within the first link-dock from traveling there through. In some examples, the top of the link dock may be solid. In other examples, however, the link dock may define a more narrow channel, e.g. a link-escape as described in more detail below.

[0037] First channels may also include a lower entrance, e.g. lower entrance 28d, below the first link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. In many examples, the lower entrance will have a width greater than W to allow for easy placement of a link within the channel.

[0038] Somewhat similarly, Figure 5b shows a side view of second bottle 30 when channel 34 has not received either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. In this example, the second channel defines a second link-dock 34a, which serves to securely yet removably receive either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. Link-dock 34a has a width of approximately W. In many examples, second link-docks will also include a stopper-ridge, e.g. stopper-ridge 34b at a bottom portion, which functions to reduce unintentional downward movement of the link within the channel. Second link-docks may also include a top, e.g. top 34c, wherein the first channel narrows to a width less than W thereby preventing a link received within the second link-dock from traveling there through.

[0039] Second channels may also include a lower entrance, e.g. lower entrance 34d, below the second link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling. In many examples, the lower entrance will have a width greater than W to allow for easy placement of a link within the channel, however, lower entrances may have a width of approximately W, for example, to reduce play as a link travels along a channel. [0040] In addition, the first channel 28 may include a first link-escape 28e positioned above the first link-dock to generally allow a portion of a link positioned in the second channel 34 to pass there through. Somewhat similarly, the second channel 34 may include a second link-escape 34e positioned above the second link-dock for allowing a portion of a link positioned in the first channel 28 to pass there through. As seen, a link-escape is defined, at least in part, by a small channel extending above and in communication with the link-dock. Link-escapes have a width less than W, thereby preventing a link received within the link-dock below the link-escape from passing there through. The height of the link- escape (LEH) may vary from embodiment to embodiment, but will often be approximately equal to the height of a link, e.g. approximately equal to H1 .

[0041] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show various views of first link 21 , one example of a link as disclosed herein. Link 21 has a bottle-side 21 a configured to position proximate to a channel in which the first link is received, for example, to position proximate to first channel 28 when first link 21 is received by the first channel or to position proximate to second channel 34 when first link 21 is received by the second channel. The bottle-side may be substantially planner or define a concaved or otherwise recessed surface. First link 21 also includes a mating-side 21 b for mating with another link. As seen, the mating-side may be considered opposite the bottle-side. In this example, the first link defines a recess, e.g. a recess 21f, on its mating side. When link 21 is positioned within a channel, recess 21f extends along the length of the link and is oriented in a vertical fashion.

[0042] In many examples, the bottle-side of the first link may include an upper portion and a lower portion, e.g. upper portion 21 c and a lower portion 21 d, with the upper portion defining a planar portion, e.g. inclined plane 21 e, configured to allow the first link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel. The angle (a) and depth (D) of the inclined plane may vary from embodiment to embodiment, depending on, for example, the height of the stopper- ridge or the desired force required to position a link within a link-dock.

[0043] Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c show various views of a second link of the mateable coupling, second link 22 having a width W. Referring to Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c, second link 22 has a bottle-side 22a configured to position proximate to a channel in which the first link is received, for example, to position proximate to first channel 28 when second link 22 is received by the first channel or to position proximate to second channel 34 when second link 22 is received by the second channel. The bottle-side may be substantially planner or define a concaved or otherwise recessed surface. Second link 22 also includes a mating-side 22b for mating with another link. As seen, the mating-side may be considered opposite the bottle-side. In this example, the second link defines an arm 22f extending out from its mating side, wherein the arm of the second link is sized to be received by recess 21 f of the first link. When link 22 is positioned within a channel, e.g. within a link-dock, arm 22f is configured to orient in a vertical fashion.

[0044] Referring primarily to figures 6b, 6c, 7b, and 7c, the first link and the second link will have a width W. Width W is selected to allow links to be received within at least a portion of a channel, for example, by the link-dock of a channel. Further, the first link and the second link may have a height H1 and H2, respectively. In many examples, H1 will be approximately equal to H2. Further, in embodiments where both the first bottle and the second bottle comprise a link-dock having a stopper ridge and a top that narrows to a width less than W, H1 and H2 will be approximately equal to the distance between the stopper- ridge and the top. It should be clear that the size and shape of the links may vary from embodiment to embodiment.

[0045] In many examples, the bottle-side of the second link may be considered to include an upper portion and a lower portion, e.g. upper portion 22c and a lower portion 22d, with the upper portion defining and inclined plane, e.g. inclined plane 22e, configured to allow the first link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel. The angle (a) and depth (D) of the inclined plane may vary from embodiment to embodiment, depending on, for example, the height of the stopper-ridge or the desired force required to position a link within a link-dock.

[0046] It should be clear that the dimensions contained within the figures (e.g. in mm) are for purposes of exemplification only and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0047] In particular examples, the system may include a storage container, e.g. a corrugated cardboard or paperboard or plastic box, to retain any of the bottles shown and described herein. For instance, Figures 8 and 9 show a box 40 for removably receiving a first bottle, a second bottle, and/or a mateable coupling of any of the first and second bottles herein. For example, the box 40 may retain at least two bottles having the first link 21 in the mateable coupling position being received by the first bottle's channel 28, said the second link 22 being received by the second bottle's channel 34. In embodiments incorporating link- escapes, a user may easily remove either the first bottle, e.g. bottle 24, or the second bottle e.g. bottle 30, in any order. By lifting one of the bottles, the arm of a link is allowed to travel through the link-escape of the opposite bottle, while leaving both the first and second links securely engaged within the link-docks. [0048] Figure 10 illustrates another system embodiment 120 of the current invention, which includes first bottle 124 and second bottle 30, which is similar to the second bottle described above. As can be appreciated, a completely new co-pack having different active ingredients, different concentrations, etc. can be created simply by use of a new first bottle, e.g. new molds, components or bottles are not needed for the mateable coupling or the second bottle.

[0049] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of these inventions have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

[0050] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. Many of the novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. It is further noted that, as used in this application, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

Claims

1. A chemical packaging system (20), said system comprising:

a. a mateable coupling (22) comprising a first link (21 ) having a width W and a second link (22) having a width W;

b. a first bottle (24) having

a base (24a),

at least one side (24b), and

a spout (24c),

wherein said at least one side (24b) defines a first channel (28) for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling;

c. a second bottle (30) having

a base (30a),

at least one side (30b), and

a spout (30c),

wherein said at least one side defines a second channel (34) for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling; and

optionally, a box (40) for removably receiving said first bottle, said second bottle and said mateable coupling when said first link of said mateable coupling has been received by said first channel of said first bottle, said second link of said mateable coupling has been received by said second channel of said second bottle, and said first link and said second link of said matable coupling are mated.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first channel defines a first link-dock (28a) having: a width of approximately W,

a stopper-ridge (28b) at its bottom portion, and

a top (28c), wherein the first channel narrows to a width less than W, thereby preventing a link received within the first link-dock from traveling there through.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second channel defines a second link-dock (34a) having:

a width of approximately W,

a stopper-ridge (34b) at its bottom portion, and

a top (34c), wherein the second channel narrows to a width less than W, thereby preventing a link received within the second link-dock from traveling there through.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of

the first channel includes a lower entrance (28d) below the first link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling, wherein the lower entrance has a width greater than W; and

the second channel includes a lower entrance (34d) below the second link-dock for receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling, wherein the lower entrance has a width greater than W.

5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein:

the first link (21 ) of the mateable coupling has

a bottle-side (21 a) configured to position proximate to a channel in which the first link is received, and

a mating-side (21 b); and

the second link (22) of the mateable coupling has

a bottle-side (22a) configured to position proximate to a channel in which the second link is received, and

a mating side (22b).

6. The system of claim 5, wherein

one of the first link or the second link defines a recess (21 f) on its mating side, and the other of the first link or the second link defines an arm (22f) extending out from its mating side, wherein the arm of one link is sized to be received by the recess of the other link.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the recess (21f) extends along the length of the link and is oriented in a vertical fashion when the link is positioned within a link-dock.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the arm (22f) extends along the length of the link and is oriented in a vertical fashion when the link is positioned within a link-dock.

9. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein

the bottle-side of the first link includes an upper portion (21 c) and a lower portion (21 d), wherein the upper portion defines an inclined plane (21 e) configured to allow the first link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel, and

the bottle-side of the second link includes an upper portion (22c) and a lower portion (22d), wherein the upper portion defines an inclined plane (22e) configured to allow the second link to pass over a stopper-ridge of a channel.

10. The system of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein

the first channel includes a first link-escape (28e) positioned above the first link-dock for allowing a portion of a link positioned in the second channel to pass there through.

1 1 . The system of any of claims 2 to 10, wherein

the second channel includes a second link-escape (34e) positioned above the second link-dock for allowing a portion of a link positioned in the first channel to pass there through.

12. The system of claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the system includes the box and wherein the first bottle and the second bottle can be removed from the box in any order.

13. A chemical packaging system, said system comprising:

a mateable coupling comprising a first link and a second link;

a first bottle defining a first channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling; and

a second bottle defining a second channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling.

14. A bottle for use in a chemical packaging system comprising a mateable coupling comprising a first link and a second link, the bottle comprising:

at least one side, wherein said at least one side defines a channel for removably receiving either the first link or the second link of the mateable coupling.