NZ533364A

NZ533364A - Flexible plastic container with recesses in inner walls to assist vacuum evacuation

Info

Publication number: NZ533364A
Application number: NZ533364A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Michael Wilford
Original assignee: Rapak Llc
Priority date: 2001-11-09
Filing date: 2002-11-12
Publication date: 2006-02-24
Also published as: CA2466182A1; ES2395015T3; BR0214010A; EP1453737A4; JP2005523844A; PT1453737E; US20030136798A1; CA2466182C; MXPA04004438A; EP1453737B8; EP1453737B1; EP1453737A1; ATE531643T1; AU2002359380B2; BR0214010B1; JP4231904B2; CN1602271A; CN100400392C

Abstract

A flexible polymeric container 10 for storing and dispensing liquids includes a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall 13 connected together to define a fluid chamber 16 therebetween. The first sidewall 12 and the second sidewall 13 each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber 16 and opposed to the outer surface. A fitment 18 is attached to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13. The fitment 18 has an opening therethrough which has an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A plurality of objects 20 on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall 12 or the second sidewall 13 defines a plurality of pathways 32, 33 having at least a first pathway 32 and a second pathway 33 intersecting one another. The first and second pathways each have a depth of greater than 1 mil but less that 8 mils.

Description

004717700v3 533364 FLEXIBLE PLASTIC CONTAINER RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent application Serial No. 10/037,295, filed December 21, 2001, which claims priority from United States Provisional Patent application Serial No. 60/332463 filed on November 9, 2001, both of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. At the date of filing this application, the specifications of both these related applications are available from the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, www.uspto.gov, using 10 the search functions provided on that website.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to a flexible plastic container and more particularly to a flexible container for directing a flowable material contained therein 15 to a fitment of the container and dispensing the flowable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Collapsible plastic bags are often used to store liquid products such as chemicals, soft drink syrup, fruit juices and food condiments. The plastic bags are 20 typically housed in a corrugated paperboard box to aid in the transporting, handling and dispensing of the product. Such packaging systems are commonly referred to as "bag-in-box" packaging systems.

The plastic bags typically have sidewalls sealed along a peripheral seam to define a fluid containing chamber. A spout or a fitment provides access to the fluid 25 chamber for filling and dispensing the product within the bag. Vacuum pump systems are sometimes connected to the container to assist in draining fluid from the container. Both gravity dispensing bags and vacuum pump systems suffer from the common drawback that fluid may become trapped within the folds of the bag during draining. Because of this, evacuation channels are often placed within the bag. Evacuation 30 channels are typically elongate cylindrical tubes or flat strips with protruding ribs defining grooves. Typically, one end of the evacuation channel is disposed transverse to, or is connected to the spout, and the other end of the evacuation channel extends 004717700v3 2 into the fluid containing chamber of the bag. As the bag is emptied by the force of the vacuum pump, or by the force of gravity, portions of the bag collapse unevenly, tending to leave pockets of product, typically liquid, which may become isolated from the rest of the liquid in the container. The evacuation channel, however, forms a 5 conduit which cannot be closed off by the folds created in the bag. In this manner the entire chamber of the flexible bag remains in communication with the spout at all times during the dispensing such that all product within the bag can be removed.

Prior attempts to provide such bags are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,601,410; 5,647,511 and 5,749,493. United States Patent Nos. 4,601,410 and 10 5,647,511 disclose a liquid container with an evacuation unit. In both the "410 and "511 patents, the evacuation unit is shown attached directly to the spout by a mounting ring. Several problems have been encountered with these types of evacuation units. For example, during the filling process, which is typically done in a high speed and high pressure process, the evacuation unit is susceptible of being dislodged from the 15 spout thereby rendering the evacuation unit inoperative. Also, the attaching ring can impede the flow of liquid during the filling process thereby slowing the filling process.

United States Patent No. 5,749,493 discloses an evacuation unit positioned within a bag and transverse and perpendicular to a spout in the bag. Because the evacuation unit is positioned in a location that is in line with the incoming fluid during 20 the filling process, it is susceptible of being dislodged from its mounting to the container thereby rendering it ineffective. The "493 Patent also discloses extruding a pair of ribs or a single rib or protuberance extending the length of the container.

Many of the designs which utilize an evacuation unit positioned within the bag require that the unit be placed into the bag after the bag has been substantially 25 constructed. This is highly undesirable because it adds another step to the manufacturing process and increases the labor costs.

United States Patent No. Re. 34,929 discloses a plastic bag having interconnected air channels on its inner surface for the vacuum packaging of perishable items. The air channels are formed by the spaces between a plurality of 30 raised protuberances having uniform thickness and formed in a generally regular and waffle-like pattern. The protuberances prevent the total collapse of the bag during air evacuation. There is no disclosure to utilize a fitment to provide access to the contents 004893419 perishable item contained therein.

United States Patent No. 2,778,171 discloses the production of airtight packages for packaging perishable items such as food. Projections are provided near an opening of the airtight package for keeping sidewalls of the container from folly collapsing against one another 5 while air is being evacuated from the container. There is no disclosure of evacuating a stored product from the container and no disclosure of providing a fitment with the bag to provide access to the stored contents.

United States Patent No. 5,728,086 discloses a flexible container having multiple access ports and particularly discloses a container for storing fluids for parenteral administration to a 10 patient. An inner surface of a sidewall of the container can have various patterns embossed thereon to assist in draining the contents of the container.

^ Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as an ^ acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in New Zealand or any other jurisdiction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Throughout the specification the term "comprise" and variations on this term including "comprising" and "comprises" are to be understood to imply the inclusion of a feature, integer, step or element, and not exclude other features, integers, steps or elements.

The present invention provides a flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing 20 liquids. The container has a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. A fitment is attached to the first sidewall or the second sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A plurality of objects on the inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the objects including a first set of objects with a first shape and a second set of objects with a second shape different from the first shape to define a pattern of a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another, the first pathway and the second pathway each having a depth of greater than 1 mil but less than 8 mils.

The present invention further provides a flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids. The container has a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each having an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface and an access member for accessing the fluid chamber. A plurality of a first set of objects having a first shape is positioned 35 on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. A plurality of a second set of objects having a second shape different from the first shape is positioned on the inner 3 INTELtECTUAlPROPERTY OFFICE 0 6 OCT 2005 RECEIVED 004893419 surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

The present invention further provides a method for evacuating a fluid from a container. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (2) providing a plurality of objects on the inner surface of 5 the sidewall, the objects including a first set of objects with a first shape and a second set of objects with a second shape different from the first shape to define a plurality of channels having at least a first channel and a second channel intersecting one another, the first channel and the second channel each having a depth of greater than 1 mil but less than 8 mils; (3) providing a fitment attached to the sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis 10 substantially perpendicular to the outer surface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid from the container. p BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container having a fitment; FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a sidewall of the container of FIG. 1 having objects having varying shapes; FIG. 4 is a sidewall of the container of FIG. 1 having a plurality of regularly spaced rectangular protuberances to define a checkerboard pattern; and FIG. 5 is a sidewall having circular protuberances together forming a circular pattern with a series of X-shaped protuberances forming S-shaped lines. 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, herein will be ) described in detail with the accompanying figures, a preferred embodiment of the invention. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and 25 described.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a flexible container assembly 10 having a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall 13 attached at peripheral edges 14 to define a fluid tight chamber 16. A spout 18 is attached to an outer surface of the sidewall 12 and provides fluid flow access to the chamber 16. In a preferred form of the invention, the first and second sidewalls 12 and 13 are a flexible 30 polymeric material having a modulus of elasticity of less than 50,000 psi. The sidewalls preferably are made from materials 4 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. - 4 AUG 2005 RECEIVED 004893419 such as homopolymers and copolymers of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters or other material that are capable of being sealed using standard conduction sealing techniques. The sidewalls may 5 be multilayered or single layered and may be fabricated from any suitable polymer processing technology including extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination, lamination or other. The container can be made from individual sheets placed in registration and sealed along the periphery 14 or can be made from a blown film process where only opposing ends of a tube need be sealed to complete the container 10.

FIG. 3 shows a plurality of objects 20 on the sidewall 12. The objects 20 can be positioned on a single sidewall or both. The objects, in a preferred form of the invention, are provided over an entire surface of the sidewall but could be provided only in select areas of the surface. Providing objects over the entire sidewall surface eliminates the need for registration of the sidewalls. Moreover, providing objects over the entire surface ensures that fluid is evacuated 15 from all parts of the container, including corner regions. The objects can be of any shape including regular shapes such as circular, polygonal, straight or curved lines, symbols or the like. The objects can also be irregular shaped. These objects 20 assist in draining fluid from the chamber 16. The objects 20 can be raised protuberances or indentations in these shapes. The objects can be all of the same shapes or be of a combination of shapes. The objects can be 20 of varying sizes provided the objects are effective to provide miniature fluid pathways through the container when the fluid or particulate contents of the container is being evacuated.

The objects 20 on the sidewall 12 provides an advantage over prior art containers having ^ an evacuation unit positioned within and attached to an inside surface of the container. The evacuation unit is typically made from a polymer material, and is heated sealed or welded to the 25 inside of the container. The weld area may have an undesired organoleptic effect on the container contents. Providing objects directly on the sidewall as disclosed herein eliminates any organoleptic residue arising from heat sealing the evacuation unit in the container. Moreover, the evacuation unit is typically a rigid member. The present invention eliminates the rigid member resulting in a bag ~* AIJ6 2005 ;McpiVrn ;004893419 ;having a thinner profile, thereby reducing shipping and storage volume. Also, the rigid member type evacuation unit is not entirely effective in evacuating fluid from corners of the container. The present invention removes fluid that would otherwise remain in the corners. ;5 The objects 20 can form a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The regular pattern includes objects being placed at the same or essentially the same spacing or a repeating sequence of spacings. The irregular pattern is one where the objects are generally randomly distributed. ;In a preferred form of the invention as shown in FIG. 4, a regularly spaced pattern of rectangular-shaped objects 30 having pathways 32 defined therebetween. This checkerboard 10 pattern has at least a first pathway 33 intersecting a second pathway 34. In a preferred form of the invention the pathways intersect at substantially perpendicular to one another. However, it is ^ contemplated the intersection of pathways 32 can for various angles without departing from the present invention. ;FIG. 5 shows another preferred form of the invention having a series of circular 15 protuberances 40 together with X-shaped protuberances 44. The circular protuberances 40 define a circular shape 42. The X-shaped protuberances 44 define a S-shaped pattern 46. Of course it is contemplated that any combination of shapes of protuberances can be used and that more than two different shapes can be used. The present invention further contemplates that the individual protuberances can form varying indicia such as a trademark, tradename, logo, instructions for 20 use or other identifying or useful information or advertising that can be viewed through the sidewall 12 or 14 or both. ;^ The objects can be formed on the inner surface of sidewall 12 or sidewall 14 or both by techniques well known in the art including embossing during the fabrication of the sidewall, or embossing afterwards. The pattern can also be applied by an extrusion coating process or similar 25 process. The objects can be pressed into the sidewalls with a shaped die. Numerous other mechanisms and processes come to mind for forming the objects which are well known in the art and the present invention should not be limited to these processes recited. The pathways 32 and 33 of the pattern are preferably of a depth of greater than or equal to 1 mil, or less than 8 mils, and even more preferably less than 5 mils. Most preferably, the pathways 32 and 33 will have a ;30 ;- * AUG 2005 .BECEH/cii 004893419 depth of from about 1 mil to about 4 mils .

The fitment 18 has an opening 50 having an axis essentially perpendicular to the sidewall 5 12 of the container. It is contemplated the fitment 18 can be mounted at various angles to the sidewall without departing from the present invention. The fitment 18 provides fluid access to the contents of the chamber 16. Typically, container 10 is used for housing liquids such as soft drink syrup which are withdrawn from the container under pressure with a hose and mixed at a fountain with a diluent such as soda water. The hose (not shown) has an attachment for 10 connecting to the fitment in a fluid and air tight arrangement. A vacuum pressure is applied to the fitment 18 through the hose to withdraw fluid under pressure from the container. The vacuum creates a pressure difference to initiate a fluid flow. Of course, the fitment 18 may be attached to the first or second sidewall 12, 13 or both and may be located at any location thereon.

The present invention further provides a process for evacuating the container shown in 15 FIG. 1. The method for evacuating a fluid from a container comprises the steps of: (1) providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface; (2) providing a plurality of objects on the inner surface of the sidewall to define a plurality of channels having at least a first channel and a second channel intersecting one another; (3) providing a fitment attached to an outer surface of the sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis 20 substantially perpendicular to the outer surface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid from the container.

^ While the specific embodiments have been described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. This design is just one example of a 25 pattern design having these favourable characteristics, and disclosure of it is merely one example of a design having its favorable characteristics, others of which are not significant departures from the spirit of the invention.

I 'N1LLLLUUML phuherty office"! OF N.z. 1 004948257v4 P 9

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber 5 therebetween, the first sidewall and the second sidewalls each having an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface; a fitment attached to the first sidewall or the second sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface; ^ a plurality of objects on the inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall and the 10 second sidewall, the objects including a first set of objects with a first shape and a second set of objects with a second shape different from the first shape to define a pattern of a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another, the first pathway and the second pathway each having a depth of greater than 1 mil but less than 8 mils.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first set of objects and the second set of 15 objects are on the same sidewall.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the first set of objects is a plurality of spaced protuberances.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein the first set of objects and second set of objects ^ extend over the entire inner surface of the first sidewall or second sidewall. 20

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the container does not impart organoleptic properties to the liquids.

6. A method for evacuating a fluid from a container comprising the steps of: providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface; 25 providing a plurality of objects on the inner surface of the sidewall, the objects including a first set of objects with a first shape and a second set of objects with a second shape different from the first shape to define a plurality of channels having at least a first channel and a second channel intersecting one another, the first channel and the second channel each having a depth of greater than 1 mil but less than 8 mils; Intellectual Property Office of NZ 04 -JAN 2006 Dcrpivpn 004948257v4 10 providing a fitment attached to of the sidewall,, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface and applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid from the container.

7. The method of claim 22 wherein in the step of applying suction to draw fluid from 5 the container, the fluid is substantially completely drawn from the container.

8. A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids comprising: a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each having an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface; 10 a dispenser secured to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall that establishes fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a location outside the fluid chamber; and a plurality of objects on the inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall to define a pattern of a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and 15 a second pathway intersecting one another, wherein the plurality of objects have substantially the same shape and the plurality of pathways are of a depth of a range of greater than 1 mil to less than 8 mils.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the a plurality of objects are formed during the fabrication of the sidewall. ^0

10. The container of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the pattern is generally a checkerboard pattern.

11. The container of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the pattern is defined by a series of spaced protuberances.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the protuberances have a generally circular 25 shape.

13. The container of claim 11 wherein the protuberances have a polygonal shape.

14. The container of claim 11 wherein the protuberances have an irregular shape.

15. The container of claim 11 wherein the protuberances have a first set of protuberances with a first shape and a second set of protuberances with a second shape different 30 from the first shape.

16. The container of claim 11 wherein the protuberances are generally S-shaped. 11

17. The container of claim 16 wherein the S-shaped protuberances extend from a first end of the container to a second end of the container.

18. The container of any one of claims 8 to 17 wherein the pattern extends over an entire surface of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

19. The container of any one of preceding claims 8 to 18 wherein the pattern extends over the inner surfaces of both the first and second sidewalls.

20. The container of any one of claims 8 to 19 wherein the plurality of pathways are of a depth of a range of greater than 1 mil to less than 5 mils.

21. The container of any one of claims 8 to 19 wherein the plurality of pathways are of a depth of a range of greater than 1 mil to less than 4 mils.

22. The container of any one of claims 8 to 21 wherein the container does not impart organoleptic properties to the stored liquids.

23. A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying figures.

24. A method for evacuating fluid from a container as claimed in claim 6 and substantially according to any one of the embodiments herein described. fnteite?tual Property Office of NZ 0 4 4AN 2006 RECEIVED