GB2448969A

GB2448969A - Fluid dispensing bags

Info

Publication number: GB2448969A
Application number: GB0807169A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Joseph Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-13
Filing date: 2008-04-21
Publication date: 2008-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-21
Also published as: GB0807169D0; GB2448969B

Abstract

A bag 1 of fluid 3, or a holder for a bag of fluid, enables a user to open and close the bag to pour, drain or otherwise dispense the fluid. The bag 1, or holder for the bag, is of a flexible nature with a tear line 13 to open the bag and a secondary closure 17 which may comprise overlying means 19,21 which come into contact to effect a temporary seal. The bag or holder may be suspended to assist in refilling.

Description

1 Fluid Dispensing Containers and Devices 3 The present invention

relates to holders of fluid such as 4 containers and holders for these containers,in particular flexible fluid containers adapted to be opened and dispense 6 fluid without interfering externally with a fluid exit path, 7 and devices which so enable such holders and containers.

9 In the field of fluid packaging, be it for food or drink related products or for soaps, gels and other household 11 fluids, there has been for a considerable time an increasing 12 desire to employ more re-useable systems and materials, to 13 reduce material use and to encourage the use of refills to 14 refill existing containers or dispensers.

16 Various kinds of containers for dispensing or refilling a 17 primary container are known -ranging from sachets, stick 18 packs and small pouches up to large tetrapak and side 1 gusseted bags and the like -none of which demonstrate the 2 desired utility to provide public confidence that they are a 3 viable alternative to purchasing additional primary 4 containers.

6 For example, it is known to have flexible refill-type bags 7 which take the standard form of a flexible material with 8 heat-formed seals around a perimeter thereof, with either a 9 complete seal or some kind of closure at one end. Typical bags of this nature may have a screw cap closure, or 11 facilitate a simple tear opening either by providing a 12 weakened line, tear strip or notch in the material which 13 helps a user to initiate a tear.

At the time of the present application, so-called milk bags, 16 i.e. bags sized to hold milk at volumes around 1 litre, are 17 beginning to enter the market place in the United Kingdom.

18 However, there remains some doubt in the mind of the 19 consumer as to the practicalities of such bags.

21 Typically, the kinds of bags mentioned above do not lend 22 themselves, in a practical sense, to refilling or indeed to 23 pouring with ease. The relative structural instability of 24 the flexible material means that larger volume bags are easily squeezed -unintentionally -when in use, resulting 26 in spillage. Furthermore, these bags are not readily re- 27 closable, instead perhaps relying on being held in a holder 28 such as a jug that may provide an external seal. Such an 29 external seal does not, however, ensure that spillage does not occur.

1 It is not known in the art to have such a holder which is 2 itself flexible. It is also not known in the art to have a 3 holder or indeed a fluid control device which might be 4 applied to such a bag to effect a useful closure and control the exit -be it by pouring, dripping, draining etc. -of 6 fluid from the bag.

7 Especially it is not known to have an easily releasable 8 closure incorporated in a system that leaves a hand of the 9 user free to stabilise a fluid receiving container or that locates easily into the portal of such a container.

11 These features, to which the present application relates, 12 are believed, in practical terms, to supply bags of the type 13 discussed above with the necessary utility to enable them to 14 enter the market place as a viable commercial vehicle for refilling and dispensing in the kitchen at the table and in 16 the shower and other appropriate situations.

18 It is therefore an object of aspects and embodiments of the 19 present invention to provide such a fluid holder. It is also an object of aspects and embodiments of the present 21 invention to provide such a device which can be applied to a 22 holder.

24 Further problems with conventional bags, as alluded to above, include the accuracy when pouring from said bags into 26 a receptacle -be it a glass for milk, a trigger-type spray 27 gun for a household cleaning product, or simply into a hand 28 as may be the case for soaps, shampoos, shower gels or the 29 like. As the bags themselves are flexible, it is often difficult, particularly with larger bags, to ensure that the 31 contents are directed to the intended receptacle when 32 pouring without spillage.

1 There is a design conflict to overcome that on the one hand 2 requires maximum security of fluid or flow-able agent during 3 transport through the commercial system and on the other 4 hand requires minimum materials use and easily opened seals.

6 It is therefore an object of aspects and embodiments of the 7 present invention to enable accurate pouring or draining of 8 a fluid from a bag into a receptacle for that fluid.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there 11 is provided a holder, being a bag for fluid or a holder for 12 a bag of fluid, the fluid filled holder having a primary 13 fluid exit control of any type applied to the fluid exit 14 channel and either holder having a further secondary fluid control such that it is 16 configured so as to preferably controllably release fluid 17 preferably without interfering with the fluid channel 18 direction or with fluid externally to the holder.

19 Preferably there are no moving parts within the fluid lumen.

Preferably, a secondary fluid exit control is configured so 21 as to restrict fluid flow when a user applies a force to the 22 fluid exit control and remove the restriction when the 23 applied force is removed.

24 Preferably the secondary fluid control is release-ably engage-able.

26 Optionally the holder or the fluid control device has means 27 to enable the selection of fluid flow direction.

28 Preferably, the holder comprises a flexible material which 29 enables the holder and or a contained flexible bag to deform.

31 Preferably the fluid filled bag or a holder for the fluid 32 filled bag has a secondary fluid control applied to its 1 structure upstream of the primary fluid control, referred to 2 as a fluid exit control.

3 Preferably, the secondary fluid exit control comprises two 4 internal members on opposing inside surfaces of the bag which are spaced and which, upon application of a force 6 perpendicular to the spacing, co-operate so as to prevent 7 fluid exit from the holder.

8 Alternatively, the secondary fluid exit control comprises 9 two external members which are locatable on either side of the bag and in use co-operate to compress a portion of the 11 bag located there-between so as to provide a secondary seal.

12 Preferably, the bag is configured so as to stand in a 13 substantially vertical position.

14 The fluid may be any flow-able agent.

The bag may be any flexible bag, for example, a pouch a 16 sachet, a side gusseted bag or a formless bag.

17 Preferably the fluid filled bag or its holder has means to 18 be attached fixedly or release-ably to a fluid control 19 means.

Preferably, the bag comprises a holding means adapted to 21 allow a user to hold the bag in a supported manner.

22 Optionally a holding means for the bag is characterised as a 23 frame construction.

24 Preferably a holder for a fluid filled bag or the bag comprise stiffening members that prevent folding of the bag 26 when filled with fluid and held by the user in its lower 27 portion.

28 Optionally a holding means for the bag is a vertical planar 29 frame with a grip means and a stand up base means.

Optionally the aforesaid frame means comprises any of the 31 features of fluid control means, fluid directing means, 32 fluid channel locating means.

1 Optionally the aforesaid frame means enables compression of 2 the bag it holds.

3 Optionally the aforesaid frame means is foldable or 4 collapsible.

Preferably the bag or a holder for the bag or a fluid 6 control means attached to any of the aforementioned may 7 comprise any or all of a fluid directing means, a fluid 8 control means, or a locating means to locate the fluid 9 channel or bag with respect to a control means or a bag holder or a receiving container.

11 Optionally a holder for a fluid filled bag is in the nature 12 of a flexible bag construction.

13 Optionally, the fluid exit control comprises two slide-able 14 co-operative overlapping members, each having a substantially rectangular outline, which overlap defines an 16 aperture through which at least a portion of the bag 17 extends.

18 Preferably, the fluid exit control comprises a remote 19 activation member which enables the fluid exit control to be applied and released at a position distant from the fluid 21 exit control.

22 Preferably, the remote activation member is an elongate 23 member having one end located proximal to and operating on 24 the fluid exit control, and another end located such that it is adjacent to a bag grip means upon which the user's hand 26 grips while the same hand is enabled to operate the 27 activation means.

28 Preferably, the bag comprises a channel having a width 29 substantially less than a width of the bag.

Optionally, the channel is formed by one or more curved 31 portions in a primary seal of the fluid filled bag.

1 Alternatively, the channel is formed by the fluid exit 2 control.

3 Preferably, the holder comprises locating means adapted to 4 co-operate with an external holder so as to hold the holder in place.

6 Preferably, the locating means comprises an aperture adapted 7 to receive a hook, locating member, or a finger of a user.

8 Optionally, the fluid exit control is biased toward an open 9 configuration in which fluid may flow out of the holder.

Alternatively, the fluid exit control is biased toward a 11 closed position in which the secondary seal is applied.

12 Preferably, the fluid exit control comprises means to direct 13 the fluid flow out of the holder.

14 Optionally the fluid exit control is biased by elastic or spring means.

16 Preferably the fluid exit control can be closed while the 17 primary fluid exit remains closed.

18 Optionally, the fluid exit control directs fluid flow by 19 shaping the holder in the vicinity of a fluid exit.

Optionally a holder for a fluid filled bag has stiffened or 21 shaped means on either side of the fluid channel in order to 22 locate or funnel fluid into a receiving portal.

23 Optionally a fluid holder or flow control device that can be 24 attached or is attached to such a holder comprises longitudinal rigid member means in line with the fluid 26 channel such that the channel can be accurately entered into 27 a fluid receiving portal.

28 Such aforesaid means may be part circular or concave in 29 cross section.

Such aforesaid means may have co-operative means that forms 31 a temporary closure over and in front of a fluid channel, 32 thus preventing fluid drip.

1 A fluid control device may optionally comprise c-operative 2 planar member means on either or each side of the fluid 3 filled bag such that fluid is energised to leave the bag on 4 opening the control.

A fluid control device may optionally comprise co-operative 6 planar means, similar to above, to express the last of a 7 viscous fluid out of a bag.

8 Optionally, the holder is configured such that it remains 9 compressible but comprises stiffened corners especially at the base in order to provide stability for larger fluid 11 filled bags. For example side gusseted bags of more than 1 12 litre.

13 Optionally the device is attachable to the holder while the 14 device is in an open configuration.

Preferably the bag or the holder for the bag has means to 16 co-operate with a secondary closure device.

17 The aforesaid device may be release-ably or fixedly attached 18 to the holder.

19 A holder grip or user holding means may be attached to or co-operate with the device 21 According to a second aspect of the present invention there 22 is provided a device for dispensing fluid from a bag, being 23 a bag of fluid or a holder for a bag of fluid, the device 24 adapted for attachment to the bag so as to provide a fluid exit control upstream of a primary seal of the 26 Preferably, the device comprises two members which are 27 locatable on either side of the holder and cooperate to 28 provide a secondary seal upstream of the primary seal.

29 Preferably, the device is configured so as to be applied across a corner of the holder such that the secondary seal 31 is located at said corner.

1 Preferably, the device is configured so as to provide an 2 opening in the secondary seal when a compressive force is 3 applied thereto.

4 Optionally, the device comprises two overlapping ring members, each defining a substantially rectangular through 6 hole which overlaps to define an aperture through which at 7 least a portion of the holder extends.

8 Optionally, the device is biased toward an open 9 configuration in which fluid may flow out of the holder containing fluid.

11 Alternatively, the device is biased toward a closed position 12 in which the secondary seal is applied.

13 Preferably, the device comprises a remote activation member 14 which enables the fluid exit control to be applied and released at a position distant from the device.

16 Preferably, the remote activation member is an elongate 17 member having one end located proximal to and operating on 18 the device, and another end located such that it is readily 19 operable by a user gripping the holder.

Preferably, the device comprises means to direct the fluid 21 flow out of the holder.

22 Preferably the device comprises means to indicate fluid 23 channel direction.

24 Optionally, the device directs fluid flow by shaping or giving form to the holder in the vicinity of a fluid exit.

27 Optionally, the device is integral to a holder which is 28 adapted to locate the holder in a preferred location and 29 apply a fluid exit control by way of the device.

Optionally the device provides locating means to locate a 31 fluid exit portal of the holder with respect to an input 32 portal of a receiving container.

1 Optionally the device comprises an edge profile that assists 2 tearing of the bag material.

3 Optionally the secondary closure device is attached to a 4 fluid tilled bag at manufacture, in a closed condition, ready to be opened by the user applying a force that 6 releases the members attachment together without disturbing 7 the position of the fluid channel. For example a tearing 8 force in the direction of fluid flow that opens a frangible 9 seal placed across the compression members that holds them together.

11 According to a third aspect of the present invention there 12 is provided a holder, being a bag of fluid or a holder for a 13 bag of fluid, the holder comprising the device of the second 14 aspect.

Preferably, the device is fixedly attached to the holder.

16 Optionally, the device is integral to the holder.

17 Alternatively, the device is removeably attached to the 18 holder.

19 Most preferably, the device remains attached to the holder in use.

21 Alternatively, the holder is configured so as to 22 preferentially locate the device in a position on the bag 23 whereby the fluid exit control is applied upstream of a 24 primary seal of the bag.

Optionally, the bag comprises opening means adapted to 26 remove the primary seal downstream of a secondary seal 27 provided by the fluid exit control.

28 Preferably, the opening means comprises a notch portion 29 adapted to assist in the tearing of the bag.

Preferably, or alternatively, the opening means comprises a 31 tear strip or a weakened line adapted to provide a preferred 32 tear path.

1 Preferably, the opening means is adapted so as to shape a 2 fluid exit opening to assist in pouring or draining of fluid 3 from the bag.

4 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container, the container comprising attachment 6 means to attach or hold a bag according to the first or the 7 third aspect thereto, and locate the bag over a refilling 8 port of the container.

9 Optionally, the attachment means is adapted to locate the bag over a refilling port of a further container, separate 11 from the first container.

12 Preferably, the container comprises a dispenser.

13 Preferably, the dispenser is a trigger spray.

14 Alternatively, the dispenser is a pump dispenser.

Most preferably, the attachment means is integral to the 16 dispenser. Preferably the dip tube has a hook attached that 17 co- operates with the rim of the receiving portal such that 18 it sits stably once loosened and lifted to enable refill.

19 Preferably, the container is shaped to preferentially locate the bag fluid exit proximal to, on or in,the refilling port.

21 Optionally either container comprises means to release-ably 22 connect to the other to make a stable base.

23 Optionally, the refilling port comprises engagement means 24 adapted to release-ably engage the fluid exit so as to ensure direction of the fluid into the container.

26 In a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a 27 fluid control device that is independent of a fluid holder, 28 the aforesaid device having any or all of the features 29 revealed in this application.

In a fifth aspect of this invention there is a holder of 31 fluid that comprises any or all of the features revealed in 32 this application and that is configured to co-operate with a 1 fluid control device whereby the device is a release-ably 2 engage-able secondary closure.

3 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described 4 by way of example only and by reference to the following figures in which: 6 Figure 1 illustrates in schematic form a shaped bag for 7 a fluid in accordance with an aspect of the present B invention; Figure 2 illustrates in schematic form a holder for a 11 fluid filled bag in accordance with an aspect of the 12 present invention; 14 Figure 3 illustrates in schematic form a number of closure devices in accordance with an aspect of the 16 present invention; and 18 Figure 4 illustrates in schematic form a dispenser 19 adapted to be refilled and to refill other containers in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

22 Figure 5 illustrates a rigid holder for a flexible bag, 23 the holder being in the form of a foldable frame.

With reference to Figure 1 (and in particular Figure 1(a)), 26 there is presented a bag 1 for a fluid 3 which comprises a 27 flexible material which is sealed around a perimeter by a 28 heat-formed seal 5. The bag 1 is shaped with a first 29 concavity 7 and a second concavity 9 either of which co-operate in use with a user's hand to provide a more 31 ergonomic hold on the bag 1.

1 Notch 11 facilitates a start point to tear open (along 2 preferred tear line 13) a spout portion 15 which is also 3 formed by concavity 9. The spout portion 15 in use serves 4 to provide a channel through which the fluid 3 may be poured and directed, for example into a receptacle.

7 A secondary closure 17 is indicated by planar members 17 8 overlying means 21 and 19 and is provided upstream of the 9 tear line 13 so as to provide a means for applying a temporary secondary seal to the bag 1. Figure 1(b) shows 11 the secondary closure in cross-section. Two inwardly 12 projecting members 19,21 are located on opposing inner 13 surfaces in the spout section 15 and in normal use do not 14 prevent flow out of the bag 1 (see Figure 1 (b) (i)).

However, as illustrated in Figure 1(b) (ii), upon application 16 of a force on either side of the secondary closure, the two 17 members 19,21 come into contact with corresponding opposing 18 surfaces so as to effect a temporary seal.

19 Because the two members 19,21 are spaced apart, there is no engagement or locking there-between and while they cooperate 21 to provide the abovementioned seal, they are freely 22 disengage-able so that fluid flow can be re-established 23 without the need to overcome any physical connection between 24 the members 19,21. Closure force may be applied by the user's fingers (not shown) with or without an intermediate 26 device, for example the planar means 17. Optionally planar 27 means 17 may operate without requiring projecting members 28 19, 21.

Figure 1(c) illustrates, in an open form, an alternative to 31 the bag 1 shown in Figure 1(a) which incorporates a handle 32 23. The handle 23 may be substantially stiff as in this 1 embodiment so as to permit a user to pour the contents of 2 the bag 1 by lifting the bag 1 by handle 23 and tilting. In 3 this way, the user can avoid applying any pressure to the 4 walls of the bag 1 which might affect fluid flow out of the bag. Alternatively, the handle 23 could be substantially 6 flexible and serve mainly as a loop to prevent the bag 1 7 from slipping out of a user's hand.

8 Location means 19 enables location of fluid control device 9 117 in either a fixed or releasable fashion. Extension 20 enables control of the device 117, that may have members in 11 a hinged relation at point 19, by the user's hand when 12 holding the bag 101.

13 Longitudinal locating extension means 18 is preferably 14 attached to device 117 and enables for easy location into a fluid receiving portal (not shown) and may also serve to 16 push aside a dispensing means resident in the portal.

18 Figure 1(d) illustrates, again in an open form, a further 19 alternative bag 201 to the bags 1,101 above. The bags 1,101 comprise a gusset 25,125 which allow the bags 1,101 to stand 21 and also to hold more fluid 3,103 than a non-gusset variant 22 might hold (although both types of bag are envisaged). Bag 23 201 comprises a suspending hole 227 which allows the bag 201 24 to be suspended. Because the suspending hole 227 is diametrically opposed to the spout portion 215, the bag 201 26 hangs such that the spout portion 215 is lowermost.

27 Flexible strip 23 has hook means (not shown) such that it 28 may hang from a shower panel with bag 201 attached. Flexible 29 strip suspension means 23 comprises hook means 22 that engages with attachment means 21 once the bag 201 is rotated 31 to a fluid safe position after any episode of use. Bag 201 32 fits into a fluid holder holding means 24 formed as a loop 1 or strap, arising from the strip 23 The user may activate 2 the control means 217, that is biased elastically in a 3 closed position, by contacting extension means 20 with the 4 same hand into which the fluid flows.

In use in this manner, with reference to equivalent 6 components of bags 1,101 as well as primarily of bag 201, a 7 user will open the bag by tearing the spout portion 215 open 8 along tear line (corresponding feature 13). This then 9 provides an opening (as shown in Figure 1(c)) through which the fluid 203 can be poured.

12 In a different manner of use, where there is no bias of the 13 fluid control 217, when the user wishes to fill receptacle 14 229 without any spillage, he applies pressure (finger pressure sufficing) to the secondary closure 217 which 16 temporarily prevents fluid flow out of the bag 201. The bag 17 201 is then inverted and the spout portion 215 located over 18 the receptacle 229. Once in position the secondary closure 19 217 is released and the fluid 203 flows freely under influence of gravity into the receptacle 229. Once the bag 21 201 is empty, the secondary seal 217 can be reapplied to 22 prevent any drips and the bag 201 re-inverted and thereafter 23 disposed of. The control means 217 may be attached to the 24 bag 201 or the holder 23.

26 If the fluid 203 is, for example viscous, or if there is a 27 considerable amount of fluid 203 such that a user would not 28 wish to hold the bag 201 for the amount of time it would 29 take the bag 201 to drain of its contents, the bag 201 can be suspended above the receptacle 229 by way of suspending 31 hole 227. Regardless of whether the user requires to 32 suspend the bag 203 for the above reasons, the suspending 1 hole 227 aids in the accurate direction of the spout portion 2 215, and hence the fluid flow, into the receptacle, thus 3 minimising spillage.

4 The flexible nature of the bags 1,101,201 means that the fluid 3,103,203 can be expressed without concern about air 6 being let into the bag 1,101,201 to displace said fluid 7 3,103,203. Furthermore, the bag 1,101,201 itself can be 8 squeezed to express any remaining fluid 3,103,203 in the bag 9 1,101,201 before disposal.

Furthermore, if the receptacle volume is less than the 11 volume of fluid in the bag 201, the fluid 203 can be stopped 12 by temporary application of the secondary closure 217. This 13 is advantageous because it allows the closure to be applied 14 without interfering externally with the fluid flow, hence reducing spillage and preventing fluid from passing onto an 16 external device.

18 With reference to Figure 2, there is illustrated a holder 19 301 for a bag of fluid 303 which is capable of accommodating not only a bag of fluid of corresponding size and shape, but 21 a variety of sizes and shapes of bag as indicated by dashed 22 lines. The holder 301, as with the bags in Figures 1(a) and 23 (c), comprises a gusset portion 307 which enables the holder 24 301 to stand unaided, and is also made of a flexible material.

26 When a bag of fluid 303 is inserted into the holder 301, 27 through opening 308, the holder 301 confers a structural 28 rigidity to the bag 303 through various means including a 29 rigid member 309, which aid in handling thereof. The structural rigidity may be a result of a relatively stiffer 31 material of the holder, or simply by a combination of two 32 relatively low stiffness materials acting in cooperation 1 with one another. Therefore the holder 301 itself may be as 2 flexible as a bag 303 which it is intended to hold and 3 support etc. A secondary closure 305 is provided, preferably 4 with hinge-able folding means 320 that enable spout formation when open, across or to cross an opening in the 6 holder 301 through which a corner of the bag 303 protrudes.

7 This enables the secondary closure to effect a temporary 8 seal across the corner of the bag 303 while the corner of 9 the bag is cut away as shown in Figure 2(b). This provides an opening in the bag 303 which is able to act as a spout to 11 direct fluid flow out of the bag 303. Concave shape 9 in bag 12 30]. helps to form spout 303 and is matched by the shape of 13 the fluid filled bag 1. Secondary closure 305 has spout 14 locating means 306,that is left proud after tearing open at 303, for location into a receiving container (not shown).

16 Secondary closure 305, with members on each side of the 17 holder 301 has hinge means 317 that enable the members to 18 rotate over the spout and possibly if separate entities to 19 lock together at locking means 318.

Thus a bag 1 may be entered into the holder 301 with the 21 secondary closure open, it is then brought down locating the 22 bag 1 by grip means 316 and providing firming means under 23 the spout at 303.

24 Handle 317 is extended to aid ergonomic control by the user.

An exemplary secondary closure 305 may be observed in Figure 26 2(c) (see also Figure 3(a) below)) in which two interlocking 27 rectangular members 307,309 are affixed to opposing sides of 28 the opening in the holder 301. One member 309 passes 29 through the other member 307 so as to form an aperture through which the corner of the bag 303 protrudes. The 31 members are release-ably frictionally engaged by friction 32 means 315. Application of a compressive force to the 1 members 307,309 in a first sense (i.e. to widen the 2 aperture) releases the secondary closure whereas application 3 of a compressive force in a second sense (i.e. to narrow the 4 aperture) causes a constriction across the protruding corner resulting in prevention of fluid flow there-through.

6 There is a bag locating means, a hole 318 through which a 7 peg 319,attached to the outer holder, 301 may be inserted 8 through both holders.

9 The flexible nature of the holder 301 has a number of inherent advantages. It may expand to accommodate larger 11 bags of fluid for example, and it can collapse when smaller 12 bags of fluid are used. Also, this flexibility can assist 13 in the expression of fluid as the holder,and therefore the 14 bag, can be squeezed by a user.

Finally, Figure 2(d) illustrates the holder 301 having been 16 inverted and suspended by means of a hanging loop 311. When 17 hanging in this configuration a receptacle 313 may be 18 refilled in analogous fashion to that described above with 19 reference to Figure 1(d).

Such a holder 303 can also be used to directly pour the 21 contents of the bag 301 in the same motion as would be used 22 to pour, say milk, from a jug. Be it for a milk bag or a 23 refill for a receptacle, the holder 303 (or any variation 24 within the scope of the present invention) may therefore impact on the amount of material required for such 26 bags/refills with corresponding advantages in terms of 27 recycling and reduction of landfill.

28 Figure 3 illustrates some exemplary secondary closure 29 devices which can be used to effect the secondary closures referred to above in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

2 Figure 3(a) illustrates a number of views of a device 401 3 which corresponds to that described in relation to Figure 2 4 above. Two members 403,405 having a substantially rectangular perimeter interlock so as to create aperture 407 6 where the two overlap. This device 401 is particularly 7 advantageous because it is capable of being opened and 8 closed by application of a compressive force. The solid 9 arrows in Figure 3(a) (iii) show the location of the compressive force which causes the aperture to expand and 11 effect an opening of the closure. Dashed arrows show the 12 location of the compressive force which causes the aperture 13 to narrow and effect the secondary closure. This clearly 14 requires less dexterity than would be required if an expansive force (i.e. a force drawing outwards) had to be 16 applied. The two slide-ably engage-able parts of device 401 17 have releasable frictional engagement means 315 that may 18 hold it open or closed.

19 Figure 3(b) shows an alternative device 501 which comprises (see (i)) a narrow u-shaped cross section defining an upper 21 plate 503 and a lower plate 505 connected by an effective 22 hinge portion and defining a space into which a bag 511 can 23 be inserted (see (iii)) 24 The upper plate 503 comprises a first 507 and a second 509 closure portion with a slot provided there-between. In use, 26 the bag 511 is located through the space between the upper 27 and lower plates 503,505 and the first and second closure 28 portions 507,509 depressed so as to displace fluid from the 29 bag away from the region between the upper and lower plates 503,505. The portions 507,509 may be depressed 31 simultaneously or in sequence to progressively displace the 1 fluid -for example, in (iii), first portion 507 would be 2 depressed, then second portion 509.

3 Having displaced the fluid from that region, the slot 4 permits the primary seal of the bag 511 to be ruptured, either by tearing or by cutting along the slot. To allow 6 fluid flow out of the bag, the portions 507,509 can be 7 released, and to reapply the secondary closure either 8 portion 509 can be depressed alone, or both portions 507,509 9 can be depressed.

It may be advantageous for a device which provides a 11 secondary closure to be activated, actuated or otherwise 12 applied by way of a handle or an extended surface. Figure 13 3(c) illustrates an exemplary secondary closure 605 which is 14 integral to a holder 601. A bag of fluid 605 located within the holder 601 is located through the secondary closure 605 16 (which is located at the opening of the holder 601) and a 17 slot (corresponding to the slot described in relation to 18 Figure 3(b) above) enables the bag to be opened while the 19 secondary closure 603 is in place above and below the slot.

Thereafter, pressing the handle portion 607 of the secondary 21 closure 603 will result in the secondary closure being 22 opened temporarily for the dispensing of fluid. Such a 23 device may form the basis of a soap or shower gel dispenser 24 where the holder 601 can be suspended by hole 609 and a user can dispense fluid into the hand by placing one hand under 26 the fluid outlet and pressing the handle 607 either with the 27 other hand or by the same hand. In this embodiment, the 28 secondary closure is, by default, in the closed position.

29 Alternatively, the secondary closure could be held in a closed configuration by a biasing means such as a spring or 31 a resilient handle material acting as a spring. Figure 3(d) 32 illustrates such a device applied to a bag 701 similar to 1 that illustrated in Figure 1. The handle 703 is arranged 2 such that an end thereof locates over secondary closure 705 3 (again provided by internal members within the bag itself) 4 In this illustration, it is apparent how the concavities referred to above in relation to Figure 1 provide a 6 convenient means for locating a hand of a user, or locating 7 the bag 701 within the hand of the user. The user will 8 readily be able to depress handle 703 (in this case using 9 the thumb of the holding hand) so as to release secondary closure 705 and thereafter pour fluid from the spout portion 11 of the bag. Release of the force depressing the handle 703 12 will result in re-application of the force keeping the 13 secondary closure 705 closed. Fluid channel direction 14 selection means 710 is seen hingedly attached to the fluid control device at 709.

17 Figure 4 illustrates a dispenser 801 which is of a trigger 18 spray type having a spray head 803 with a trigger to actuate 19 the spray mechanism and a container 805 which stores the fluid to be sprayed. The container 805 has a filling port 21 807 which is closed when not being refilled.

22 When refilling, the spray head 803 is rotatable and is 23 adapted by means 804 to receive a hanging loop 809 of a 24 refill bag 811. The location of the hanging loop 809 on the spray head 803 serves to position a secondary closure device 26 813 on the bag over the filling port 807. This ensures that 27 when secondary closure device 813 is opened or released the 28 fluid contents of the bag 813 are drained directly into the 29 container 805. The additional benefit of the hanging arrangement is that a user can open the secondary closure 31 device 813 and walk away, leaving the bag 811 to drain 32 rather than having to wait for refilling to complete. Once 1 refilling is complete, the user may return at any time and, 2 having reclosed the secondary closure device 813 to prevent 3 drips, discard or recycle the bag 811.

4 The dispenser 801 can also be used to refill another container, e.g. illustrated as 815. This is achieved by 6 hanging said bag 811 from the spray head 803 when rotated 7 180 degrees from the position in Figures 4 (a) and (b).

8 Similarly, the container 815 has a filling port 817 over 9 which the secondary closure device 813 is positioned, opened and left for the bag to drain. In both cases, bags 811 may 11 be sized to contain an amount of fluid corresponding to the 12 volume of the container 805,815 or the user may select a 13 bigger bag and simply apply the secondary closure device 14 before the container 805,815 is filled. The containers may be temporarily locked together by connector means 817, to 16 improve stability. Hook means 806 may hold the dip tube and 17 and dispensing head stable over the fluid entry portal if 18 not removed when a container is being filled by that route.

In figure 5 21 Fluid filled bag 1 is held in frame holding means 818 that 22 partially surrounds the bag 1 and release-ably locks it into 23 position by co-operation through a clamping handle structure 24 123 and co-operative shapes. Frame means 818 has folding means 821 and a folding base member 820 that rotates into 26 position around axis 819 to engender stability.

27 Secondary control means 305 as aforementioned, with locking 28 means 318 and extension control for 317 enable the bag 1 29 with fluid 821 to be inserted.

A number of advantages are achieved by the present invention 31 and are illustrated, at least partly, in relation to the 32 abovementioned embodiments.

1 Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide an 2 ergonomic way for a user to open and pour fluid from 3 flexible bags, which has particular utility when considering 4 large flexible bags. For example, large flexible bags such as those over 50 ml are difficult to handle if the barrier 6 material is thin. The present invention aids in the 7 handling and also in the control of pouring or draining the 8 contents of such bags so that they become not only a viable 9 commercial product but attractive to consumers who would not have previously considered such bags.

12 Such bags as described herein are capable of manufacturing 13 using conventional, fast running, form and fill machines.

14 These typically use heat formed seals around the perimeters of the bag, and enable thin barrier materials to be used but 16 also the heat formed seals can be quite narrow and thus also 17 reduce the volumes of barrier materials required.

19 It has also been demonstrated that by shaping of the bag or of the seals of the bag, channels or spouts may be formed 21 which aid in the pouring of fluid. By providing a secondary 22 closure, pouring or draining of fluid into a refillable 23 container or any other receptacle (e.g. in the instance of 24 pouring from a milk bag into, say, a tumbler) may be achieved accurately and without spillage and the waste and 26 mess that spillage creates.

28 The flexible nature of the holder described above means that 29 thin-walled fluid bags can be supported and used while taking advantage of the structural rigidity that the holder 31 lends thereto. Therefore bags of fluid can be made of 32 thinner materials than previously. If a user is concerned 1 about leakage when, for example, taking such a thin-walled 2 bag from a shop to their home, the bag can be transported in 3 the holder, discarded after use, and on returning to the 4 shop a new fluid filled bag inserted into the holder. In addition to the structural rigidity lent to the bag, the 6 flexible nature of the bag means that fluid expression can 7 be aided by squeezing the holder. Also, as the volume of 8 fluid in the bag decreases, the holder can also be 9 compressed or reduce in size so as to take up less space.

11 All of the above may be achieved without the addition of 12 cumbersome or difficult to manufacture components.

13 Furthermore, no restrictive modifications need to be made to 14 existing bags, instead a device as described herein could be applied to an existing bag, or an existing bag could be 16 placed within a holder as described herein.

18 Aspect of the invention which relate specifically relate to 19 refilling also facilitate rninimising the requirement for a user to be present while a container is refilled. A bag may 21 be hung over the container and a fluid exit of the container 22 then opened and left alone which the contents of the bag 23 drain into the container.

The secondary closures described herein have other 26 advantages. Primarily, they provide a way for bags to be 27 opened without risk of spill or leakage. Furthermore, they 28 provide a way of controlling fluid exit without the need for 29 any external components to cross the fluid exit path or, importantly, actually contacting the fluid as it exits the 31 bag or disturbing the fluid channel position. This has 32 important implications in terms of health and hygiene, 1 important implications in terms of health and hygiene, 2 especially where the fluids concerned are foodstuffs or 3 where the fluids are used in a sterile environment.

Numerous other advantages will be realised by the user of 6 such a product, and it is envisaged that common problems 7 with conventional containers, refills and dispensers which 8 are not immediately apparent, will be obviated by the 9 present invention.

11 The above advantages, in whole, in combination, or in part, 12 contribute to the appeal of a product which provides a 13 realistic solution to the problem of refill and dispenser 14 packaging which will overcome many of the hurdles preventing adoption of refillable, recyclable and reusable containers.

16 Materials which are difficult to recycle may therefore 17 preferably be reused.

18 One novel feature of the invention that may apply to the 19 fluid control device or the fluid holder is that either or both preferably have means such that the fluid control 21 device may be attached to the fluid holder by holding means 22 that are independent of the fluid control controlling means.

23 A flexible side gusseted bag of as large a capacity as 3 24 litres or more with appropriate shape modification, grip means and stiffening means, may form an ideal support and 26 fluid control applicator for a similar bag or a smaller 27 stand up pouch, and be a universally applicable product.

28 Further modifications and improvements may be added without 29 departing from the scope of the invention as herein described and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 Claims: 3 1. A holder for dispensing fluid, being a flexible bag that

4 holds fluid or a holder for a flexible bag that holds fluid, comprises a fluid exit control that is configured 6 so as to controllably release fluid without interfering 7 with the fluid externally to the bag.

9 2. A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the fluid exit control is configured so as to restrict fluid flow when 11 a user applies a force to the fluid exit control and 12 remove the restriction when the applied force is 13 removed.

3. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, a 16 fluid exit control is located upstream of a primary seal 17 of the bag.

19 4. A holder as claimed in claims 1--3 wherein, the bag comprises a flexible material which enables the bag to 21 deform.

23 5. A holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein, the 24 fluid exit control comprises two internal members on opposing surfaces of the holder which are spaced and 26 which, upon application of a force perpendicular to the 27 spacing, cooperate so as to prevent fluid exit from the 28 holder.

6. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 31 bag comprises a channel having a width substantially 1 less than a width of the bag, and which defines a 2 preferred fluid exit path.

3 7. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 4 fluid exit control comprises two external members which are locatable on either side of the bag and in use 6 cooperate to compress a portion of the bag located 7 there-between so as to provide a secondary seal.

9 8. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the bag is configured so as to stand in a substantially 11 vertical position.

13 9. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 14 bag comprises a holding means adapted to allow a user to hold the bag in a supported manner.

17 10. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 18 fluid exit control comprises two overlapping ring 19 members, each having a substantially rectangular outline, which overlap defines an aperture through which 21 at least a portion of the bag extends.

23 11. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 24 fluid exit control comprises a remote activation member which enables the fluid exit control to be applied and 26 released at a position distant from the fluid exit 27 control.

29 12. A holder as claimed in claim 10 wherein, the remote activation member is an elongate member having one end 31 located proximal to and operating on the fluid exit 1 control, and another end located such that it is readily 2 operable by one hand of a user holding the bag.

4 13. A holder as claimed in any previous claims that is essentially a frame that is configured to hold a 6 flexible bag and preferably comprises means to be 7 foldable and means to enable compression of the bag 8 walls.

14. A holder as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the channel is 11 formed by one or more curved portions in a primary seal 12 of the bag.

14 15. A holder as claimed in claim 12 wherein, the channel is formed by the fluid exit control.

17 16. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 18 bag comprises locating means adapted to cooperate with 19 an external holder so as to hold the bag in place.

21 17. A holder as claimed claim 15 wherein, the locating means 22 comprises an aperture adapted to receive a hook, 23 locating member, or a finger of a user.

18. A holder as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein, the 26 bag is rotatable about the locating means.

28 19. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 29 fluid exit control is biased toward an open configuration in which fluid may flow out of the bag.

1 20. A holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17 wherein, 2 the fluid exit control is biased toward a closed 3 position in which the secondary seal is applied.

21. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 6 fluid exit control comprises means to direct the fluid 7 flow out of the bag.

9 22. A holder as claimed in claim 20 wherein, the fluid exit control directs fluid flow by shaping or firming the bag 11 in the vicinity of a fluid exit.

13 23. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the 14 bag is configured such that fluid flow is directed out of the bottom of the bag, and the fluid exit control is 16 accordingly located at the bottom of the bag.

18 24. A device for dispensing fluid from a bag, being a bag of 19 fluid or a holder for a bag of fluid, the device adapted for attachment to the bag so as to provide a fluid exit 21 control upstream of a primary seal of the bag.

23 25. A device as claimed in claim 23 wherein, the device 24 comprises two members which are locatable on either side of the bag and cooperate to provide a secondary seal 26 upstream of the primary seal.

28 26. A device as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 wherein, the 29 device is configured so as to be applied across a corner of the bag such that the primary seal is located at said 31 corner.

1 27. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 25 wherein, 2 the device may be applied to the bag subsequent to at 3 least partial removal of the primary seal.

28. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26 wherein, 6 the device is configured so as to provide an opening in 7 the secondary seal when a compressive force is applied 8 thereto.

29. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 27 wherein, 11 the device comprises two overlapping ring members, each 12 defining a substantially rectangular through hole which 13 overlaps to define an aperture through which at least a 14 portion of the bag extends.

16 30. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28 wherein, 17 the device is biased toward an open configuration in 18 which fluid may flow out of the bag.

31. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28 wherein, 21 the device is biased toward a closed position in which 22 the secondary seal is applied.

24 32. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 30 wherein, the device comprises a remote activation member which 26 enables the fluid exit control to be applied and 27 released at a position distant from the device.

29 33. A device as claimed claim 31 wherein, the remote activation member is an elongate member having one end 31 located proximal to and operating on the device, and 1 another end located such that it is readily operable by 2 one hand of a user holding the bag.

4 34. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 32 wherein, the device comprises means to direct the fluid flow out 6 of the bag.

8 35. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein, the device 9 directs fluid flow by shaping the bag in the vicinity of a fluid exit.

12 36. A device as claimed in any of claims 23 to 34 wherein, 13 the device is integral to a bag holder which is adapted 14 to hold the bag in a preferred location and apply a fluid exit control by way of the device.

17 37. A holder, being a bag of fluid or a holder for a bag of 18 fluid, the bag comprising the device of any of claims 23 19 to 35.

21 38. A holder as claimed in claim 36 wherein, the device is 22 fixedly attached to the bag.

24 39. A holder as claimed in claim 36 wherein, the device is integral to the bag.

27 40. A holder as claimed in claim 36 wherein, the device is 28 removeably attached to the bag.

41. A holder as claimed in any of claims 36 to 39 wherein, 31 the device remains attached to the holder in use.

1 42. A holder as claimed in any of claims 36 to 40 wherein, 2 the bag is configured so as to preferentially locate the 3 device in a position on the bag whereby the fluid exit 4 control is applied upstream of a primary seal of the bag.

7 43. A holder as claimed in any of claims 36 to 41 wherein, 8 the bag comprises opening means adapted to remove the 9 primary seal downstream of a secondary seal provided by the fluid exit control.

12 44. A holder as claimed in any of claims 36 to 42 wherein, 13 the opening means comprises a notch portion adapted to 14 assist in tearing of the bag.

16 45. A holder as claimed in claim 42 or claim 43 wherein, the 17 opening means comprises a tear strip or a weakened line 18 adapted to provide a preferred tear path.

46. A holder as claimed in any of claims 42 to 44 wherein, 21 the opening means is adapted so as to shape a fluid exit 22 opening to assist in pouring or draining of fluid from 23 the bag.

47. A container, the container comprising attachment means 26 to attach a bag according to any of claims 1 to 22 or 27 claims 36 to 45 to the container, and to locate the bag 28 over a refilling port of the container.

48. A container as claimed in claim 46 wherein, the 31 attachment means is adapted to locate the bag over a 1 refilling port of a further container, separate from the 2 first container.

4 49. A container as claimed in claim 46 or claim 47 wherein, the container comprises a dispenser.

7 50. A container as claimed in claim 48 wherein, the 8 dispenser is a trigger spray.

51. A container as claimed in claim 48 wherein, the 11 dispenser is a pump dispenser.

13 52. A container as claimed in any of claims 48 to 50 14 wherein, the attachment means is integral to the dispenser.

17 53. A container as claimed in any of claims 46 to 51 18 wherein, the container is shaped so as to preferentially 19 locate a fluid exit of the bag proximal to, on, or in, the refilling port.

22 54. A container as claimed in any of claims 46 to 52 23 wherein, the refilling port comprises engagement means 24 adapted to release-ably engage the fluid exit so as to ensure direction of the fluid into the container.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-31+

I

2 CLAIMS 3 1) A holder for supporting a flexible bag filled with flow-able agent 4 comprises means to support the material of the flexible bag, the flexible bag comprising a peripheral flow-able agent exit seal, is 6 constructed so as to enable compression of the walls of the flexible bag by 7 pressure directed towards the flexible bag, from outside of the bag walls, 8 the holder further comprises a valve to cause a flowable agent seal in the bag 9 and thereby enable control of the flow of flow-able agent from the flexible bag, the valve being characterised as being attached to the holder and 11 functionallyappliedtothebag.

.... 12 2) A holder as claimed in claim 1 wherein, *:::: 13 the valve is characterised as being able to provide a flow-able agent exit seal, :. 14 upstream of the peripheral flow-able agent seal on the bag..

3) A holder as claimed in claims I and 2 wherein the holder is fully or 16 partly formed as a flexibly compressible bag.

* 17 4) A holder as claimed in claim 1-3 whereby the holder is fully or partly 18 formed as a frame.

19 5) A holder as claimed in any of claims l-4 whereby the flowable agent holder comprises gripping means that enables a user to hold it in a 21 supported manner.

22 6) A holder as claimed in any of claims 1-5 whereby the holder comprises 23 means to be suspended vertically.

24 7) A holder as claimed in any of claims 1-6 whereby the bag is enabled to stand substantially upright by support means sited on the holder.

I

2 8) A holder as claimed in any of claims 1 --7 wherein, the valve comprises 3 one or more members sited external to the bag walls, the members being 4 located in opposition around the flowable agent exit path and in use co-operate to compress a portion of the bag located there-between so as to 6 provide a secondary fluid exit seal on the bag.

7 9) A holder as claimed in any preceeding claim wherein the valve comprises 8 two overlapping ring members, each defining a substantially rectangular 9 through hole which overlaps to define an aperture through which at least a portion of the bag extends.

11 10) A holder as claimed in any preceeding claim where-in, the valve * *** *... 12 comprises a remote activation member that enables the flowable agent exit :::: 13 control to be applied and released from a position distant from the valve.

*:. 14 11) A holder as claimed in any preceeding claim that comprises user grip means wherein, the remote activation member is an elongate member **** 16 that has one end proximal to the grip means of the holder thus enabling the ****.

* 17 user to hold the holder and operate the flowable agent control with one band.

18 12) A holder as claimed in any of the preceeding claims whereby the valve 19 is biased to a closed position.

13) A holder as claimed in any previous claim whereby opposing pressure 21 members of the valve are urge-able apart by compressive action of the 22 user's fingers, the flow-able agent seal freely becoming configured to open.

23 14) A holder as claimed in any of the preceeding Claims whereby the valve 24 or the holder comprises an extension member positioned parrallel to the fluid flow path such that the flowable agent flow is locatable into the 26 receiving aperture of another vessel. 3'

2 15) A holder as claimed in any of the pre-ceeding climc wherein the holder 3 comprises channel means external to the flowable agent exit such that 4 exiting flowable agent is preferentially directed 16) A holder as claimed in any previous claim whereby the holder comprises 6 a stiffening member that imparts form to the holder.

7 17) A holder as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein the valve is 8 release-ably attachable to the holder 9 18) A holder as claimed in any of the previous claims wherein the elongated grip members extending from the valve, co-operate together on opening the * ** 11 valve, to compress and expel flowable agent ***S *.. 12 19) An assembly of parts comprising a holder as claimed in any previous 13 claim and a flexible bag configured such that the holder is enabled to cause :. 14 a secondary fluid seal upsiream of the primary fluid seal of the bag.

s 20) An assembly of parts comprising a holder as claimed in any previous *h: 16 claim and a fluid filled bag, the bag comprising co-operative attachment S.....

* 17 meanstoattachtotheholder.

18 21) An assembly of parts comprising a holder as claimed in any of the 19 previous claims and a fluid filled bag, the fluid filled bag being filled with fluid other than milk.