WO2013126628A1

WO2013126628A1 - Pump package and methods for making the same

Info

Publication number: WO2013126628A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/027219
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. Gelardi
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Calmar, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-02-22
Filing date: 2013-02-22
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

According to certain embodiments of the invention, a package for a pump and pouch may include a paperboard package formed of one or more pieces of paperboard. For example, in some embodiments a paperboard sheath may be made from a single paperboard blank having one or more fold lines, scores, perforations, cut-outs, cut lines, or other features. According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath blank may include a front surface bounded by four sides. The front surface may include the front surface of a front panel and the front surface of a back panel. A fold line on the blank may delineate the front panel and back panel.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

PUMP PACKAGE AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Field of the Invention: Embodiments of the present invention relate to pump packages and more particularly to paperboard packages for holding, retaining, or supporting one or more pumps therein.

[0002] State of the Art: Pumps and pump packaging are well known. Pumps have been connected to and used with bottles and other containers to evacuate product - such as liquids, creams, lotions, and other viscous materials - from therein. More recently, pumps have been connected to flexible pouches and used to evacuate the flexible pouches of product. However, as a flexible pouch is evacuated, the pouch may become harder to handle. In order to solve this problem, pouches and pumps may be enclosed in an outer shell or packaging. For example, United States Patent Application Publication 201 1/0031278 illustrates a pump and flexible pouch incorporated into an outer package, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] A pump and flexible pouch are illustrated in United States Patent

Application 13/297,919, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While use of the pump and pouch may be advantageous, packaging to support the pump and/or pouch during distribution, marketing, sales, and use may be desirable.

[0004] Therefore, it may be advantageous to develop packaging to support pump and pouch combinations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the invention, a package for a pump and pouch may include a paperboard package formed of one or more pieces of paperboard. For example, in some embodiments a paperboard sheath may be made from a single paperboard blank having one or more fold lines, scores, perforations, cut-outs, cut lines, or other features.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath blank may include a front surface bounded by four sides. The front surface may include the front surface of a front panel and the front surface of a back panel. A fold line on the blank may delineate the front panel and back panel. One or more securing panels may also be delineated by one or more fold lines on the blank. The one or more securing panels may be used as adhesive or connecting surfaces or features to form a paperboard sheath when folded.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath may include one or more tabs. In some embodiments, a tab may act or function as a tamper evident feature. In other embodiments, a tab may act or function as a feature to promote positioning of the paperboard sheath on a surface, for instance, in an upright, standing position. In certain embodiments, a tab may be removably secured to the paperboard sheath by one or more perforations such that the tab may be separated or detached from the paperboard sheath.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming particular embodiments of the present invention, various embodiments of the invention can be more readily understood and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art from the following descriptions of various embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a paperboard sheath surrounding a pump and pouch according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates various shapes of paperboard sheaths according to certain embodiments of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates various shapes and features of paperboard sheaths according to certain embodiments of the invention;

[0012] FIGs. 4A through 4C illustrate a paperboard sheath according to certain embodiments of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative paperboard sheath according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the paperboard sheath illustrated in FIG. 5;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates the paperboard sheath illustrated in FIG. 5 being moved by a user;

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a paperboard sheath according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a paperboard sheath according to various embodiments of the invention; [0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a paperboard sheath blank according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a paperboard sheath blank according to various embodiments of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a paperboard sheath blank according to various embodiments of the invention; and

[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a paperboard sheath blank according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath 100 may partially or fully encircle or enclose a pump 900 and a pouch (not shown) as illustrated in FIG. 1. A portion of the pump 900, such as a bellow, may extend through or be accessible through the paperboard sheath 100. In some embodiments, a paperboard sheath 100 may stand on an end of the paperboard sheath 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a paperboard sheath 100 may have any desired shape. One or more openings 260 may be cut or formed in the paperboard sheath 100 through which a portion of a pump 900 may extend or be exposed. A paperboard sheath 100 may be configured to stand on an end as illustrated.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates various shapes and features that may be incorporated with paperboard sheaths 100 according to various embodiments of the invention. As illustrated, a paperboard sheath 100 may include one or more tabs 200. A tab 200 may be configured to assist with the standing of a paperboard sheath 100 on an end of the paperboard sheath 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A tab 200 may be removable. In some embodiments of the invention, perforations associated with the tab 200 may allow easy removal of the tab 200. In addition, a tab 200 may act as a tamper evident device such that the tab 200 must be removed before actuation of a pump 900 within a paperboard sheath 100 may be accomplished.

[0025] While the tab 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4C is configured on an end of a paperboard sheath 100, a tab 200 may be located on any part of the paperboard sheath 100. For example, a tab 200 may be located over an opening through which a pump 900 may be accessed or extend. A tab 200 positioned over such an opening may prevent inadvertent actuation of the pump 900. In other instances, a tab 200 over a pump 900 may act as a tamper evident feature such that looking at the package will allow a user to know whether or not the package has been used - if the tab 200 is still in place, it has not been used, whereas if the tab 200 is detached, use is likely to have occurred.

[0026] A paperboard sheath 100 according to various embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIGs. 4A through 4C. A front view is illustrated in FIG. 4A; a side view showing a tab 200 is illustrated in FIG. 4B; and a rear view showing the tab 200, an opening 250, and cut lines 255 is illustrated in FIG. 4C. A pump 900 is illustrated within the paperboard sheath 100 having an actuator or bellow may be exposed. As illustrated, the pump 900 outlet is facing the surface upon which the paperboard sheath 100 stands; opposite the closed end of the paperboard sheath 100 extending away from the counter surface. Cut lines 255 in the back surface of the paperboard sheath 100 are slightly expanded by a pouch filled with product seen through the opening 250 between the cut lines 255 in FIG. 4C.

[0027] FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate front and back views of a paperboard sheath 100 according to various embodiments of the invention. As shown, a paperboard sheath 100 may be rounded on one end and may be configured to support the paperboard sheath 100 in an upright position on an opposite end such that the paperboard sheath 100 may stand upright as illustrated. An opening 250 in the back of the paperboard sheath 100 may allow a user to view a pouch inside the paperboard sheath 100. The cut line 255 and opening 250 may also allow portions of the paperboard sheath 100, or wings thereof, to extend outwards from an interior of the paperboard sheath 100 when a pouch is enclosed therein. The ability of the wings to flex outwards may allow a pouch having more product to be stored within the paperboard sheath 100. In some embodiments, the wings may also act as a spring or force generating feature to press on a pouch and encourage product to flow in a desired direction within a pouch.

[0028] A pump 900 seated or contained within the paperboard sheath 100 may include an actuator, such as a bellow, extending or accessible through the paperboard sheath 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The actuator may be pressed or otherwise actuated to release or pump product out of a pump exit or valve or dispensing orifice such as that illustrated as the lower pump 900 portion in FIG. 6

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a paperboard sheath 100 according to various

embodiments of the invention in use. In some embodiments, an exterior shape of a paperboard sheath 100 may be formed to fit the hand size of an intended user. For example, a paperboard sheath 100 intended for use by men may be larger than that intended for use by women or children. [0030] FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a paperboard sheath 100 according to embodiments of the invention. For example, a paperboard sheath 100 may be shaped as a pillow pack and it may enclose a pump 900 and pouch. A pump actuator and dispensing orifice may be visible through, or extend through, the paperboard sheath 100.

[0031] A blank 1 10 for making a paperboard sheath 100 according to certain embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. A blank 110 may include a front surface and a back surface. A front panel 120 may be defined in the blank 1 10 and a back panel 130 may be defined as well. One or more securing panels 140 may also be defined in the blank 1 10. A fold line 125 may delineate or separate the front panel 120 and back panel 130. Additional fold lines 135 may delineate a front panel 120 or back panel 130 from one or more securing panels 140. While only a single securing panel 140 is illustrated in FIG. 10, it is understood that multiple securing panels 140 could be incorporated into blanks 110 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0032] A blank 1 10 may also include one or more tabs 200. One or more perforated lines may define or delineate a tab 200 or other feature from other portions of the blank 1 10.

[0033] A blank 1 10 may also include one or more openings 260 through which portions of a pump 900 or pouch may be accessed or through which an interior of a pump may be accessed.

[0034] A blank 1 10 may also include one or more cut lines 255 which may create one or more flaps, wings, or other features in the blank 1 10 to be used with a paperboard sheath 100.

[0035] One or more cut-outs 275 or openings 250 may also be included in a blank 1 10 to allow various features to be formed in a paperboard sheath 100.

[0036] One or more score lines 155 may also be included on a blank 1 10. A score line 155 may be used to create or form a feature of a paperboard sheath 100 or may impart functional purpose to the paperboard sheath 100. For instance, a score line 155 may define a border around which an adhesive may be applied to the blank 1 10 such that when a blank 1 10 is folded and assembled into a paperboard sheath 100, the adhesive is in a desired location. In other embodiments, a score line 155 may provide a functional aspect, such as by changing the force applied by a portion of a paperboard sheath 100 to a pouch, to improve operation of a paperboard sheath 100.

[0037] FIGs. 11 through 13 illustrate blanks 1 10 that may be used with other embodiments of the invention to form a paperboard sheath 100. [0038] Paperboard sheaths 100 according to various embodiments of the invention may be made using any known paperboard material. For example, a tear resistant material may be used. In other embodiments, a coated paperboard material may be used. In still other embodiments, a material which may be easily decorated may be selected to form blanks 110 to be formed into paperboard sheaths 100 according to embodiments of the invention. In further embodiments, a material may be selected to offer a desired degree of protection for a pouch contained therein; for example, to improve puncture resistance.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath 100 may include one or more windows through which a product may be viewed on an interior of the paperboard sheath 100.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, a paperboard sheath 100 may be refilled such that a new pouch may be inserted and used with the package.

[0041] Having thus described certain particular embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are contemplated. Rather, the invention is limited only be the appended claims, which include within their scope all equivalent devices or methods which operate according to the principles of the invention as described.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A paperboard sheath and pump, comprising:

a blank, comprising:

a front panel;

a back panel;

a fold line between the front panel and back panel;

at least one securing panel;

a second fold line between the at least one securing panel and the back panel;

an opening in the blank;

wherein the blank is folded along the fold line and the second fold line such that the securing panel is attached to the front panel to form the paperboard sheath; and a pump contained within the paperboard sheath, the pump comprising an actuator visible through the opening in the blank.

2. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, further comprising a pouch attached to the pump, wherein the pouch is contained within the paperboard sheath.

3. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises at least one cut line forming at least two flaps in the back panel of the blank.

4. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises at least one tab.

5. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises at least one tab delineated by at least one perforated line.

6. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, wherein the blank further comprises at least one score line on the front panel.

7. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 1, wherein the paperboard sheath is sealed on three sides.

8. The paperboard sheath and pump of claim 7, wherein the paperboard sheath is sealed with an adhesive on three sides.

9. A pump with paperboard sheath, comprising:

a pump;

a pouch connected to the pump;

a paperboard sheath surrounding at least a portion of the pump and pouch, the paperboard sheath comprising:

a front panel;

a back panel separated from the front panel by a fold line;

at least one securing panel separated from the back panel by a second fold line; and an opening in the front panel through which the pump is visible;

wherein the paperboard sheath is folded along the fold line to enclose at least a portion of the pouch between the front panel and the back panel; and

wherein the paperboard sheath is folded along the second fold line and the at least one

securing panel is sealed to the front panel.

10. The pump with paperboard sheath of claim 9, further comprising at least one cut line forming at least two flaps in the back panel.

1 1. The pump with paperboard sheath of claim 9, wherein the paperboard sheath further comprises at least one tab.

12. The pump with paperboard sheath of claim 9, further comprising at least one score line on the front panel.

13. The pump with paperboard sheath of claim 9, wherein the paperboard sheath is sealed with an adhesive on three sides.