WO2014082026A1

WO2014082026A1 - Substantially rigid foldable container

Info

Publication number: WO2014082026A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/071583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Tom; Dale Gene MOWREY; Amy Koland; Thea Annette ELLINGSON
Original assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-11-26
Filing date: 2013-11-25
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: TW201429827A

Abstract

A blow molded container having a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, allowing the container walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume. The container includes four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid. A fitment may be positioned at the apex of the top surface. Two opposing side walls of the four side walls may each have a plurality of fold lines radially extending from a central region of the respective side wall. In one embodiment, the central region has a stress relief limiter.

Description

SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID FOLDABLE CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

[001] The present disclosure relates to storage and dispensing systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to substantially rigid molded collapsible containers with fold lines or fold patterns defining a collapse pattern and methods for manufacturing the same.

Background of the Invention

[002] A wide variety of materials must be stored and transported from one location to another. For example, materials in the food industry, such as condiments, must be shipped from the manufacturer to the end user, which may be a restaurant, for example. Similarly, many materials in the medical industry must be stored and shipped, such as pharmaceuticals, fluids, and biologies, for example. Further, acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, slurries, detergents and cleaning formulations, dopants, inorganic, organic, metalorganics, TEOS, and biological solutions, DNA and RNA solvents and reagents, pharmaceuticals, hazardous waste, radioactive chemicals, and nanomaterials, including for example, fullerenes, inorganic nanoparticles, sol-gels, and other ceramics may also be filled at one location and transported to another location for use.

[003] Traditional storage/shipping containers may include two general types: 1. flexible liners that may be used with an overpack; and 2. rigid containers. Flexible liners may generally be comprised of a relatively thin-walled plastic material, such that the liner may be generally flexible, and are not free-standing. Accordingly, for many uses, a flexible liner may require an outer container or overpack. The overpack in such systems may be a rigid container. In these systems, the liner may often be configured for a onetime use, while the overpack may be configured for a one-time use or multiple uses. The overpack may be comprised of: metal; a relatively hard and thick plastic; glass; wood; a thick and durable fiber-based product, such as cardboard; or some combination thereof. Because the flexible liner of such systems is not typically free-standing, the overpack and liner are often shipped together. Rigid containers, on the other hand, may be used without a flexible liner, in some cases. For example, glass bottles or metal or plastic drums or cans may be used without a liner for some applications. Whether a flexible liner is used with an overpack, or a rigid container is used without a liner, for many applications, materials may be filled at one location and transported in a rigid container to another location for use.

[004] This process may typically include two or three distinct shipping steps, each of which may be associated with a shipping cost that may in turn increase the cost of the material being shipped for the end-user, and/or any other intermediaries. Thus, ideally the costs associated with shipping should be minimized as much as possible. Factors that may generally contribute to the cost of shipping may include the volume and/or weight of the items being shipped. Therefore, the cost of shipping may be lessened if an improved method of shipping were to include either shipping the same amount of material in less space and/or shipping the same amount of material in packaging that weighs less than traditional packaging, for one or more of the shipping steps. Generally the three shipping steps may include: 1. shipping empty containers from the container manufacturer to the chemical or other material supplier for filling; 2. after the supplier has filled the containers with the desired contents, shipping the full (or partially full, as desired) containers to an end-user for dispense; and 3. after the end-user dispenses the material in the container, in some cases, shipping the empty container to another facility for disposal, recycling, and/or sterilization and reuse.

[005] Traditional rigid containers, including the overpacks used for flexible liners, can be disadvantageous because such rigid containers/overpacks commonly have only a single static expanded state, in that regardless of whether the container is empty or full, the container has the same shape and therefore takes up the same amount of space. Thus, when empty containers are shipped from the container manufacturer to a supplier to be filled, the containers disadvantageously occupy the same shipping volume as they do when they are full. Further, traditional rigid containers/overpacks are often generally cylindrically shaped; for example, bottles, cans, and drums may all be generally cylindrically shaped. Consequently, even when a plurality of such rigid cylindrically- shaped objects are densely packed so that they are immediately adjacent one another in an attempt to save as much space as possible, their cylindrical shape results in areas of empty, wasted space between the cylinders. Such inability of many traditional rigid containers/overpacks to either collapse into a relatively smaller size when empty, and/or to efficiently densely pack together to efficiently use shipping space can increase the cost of shipping and ultimately the cost of the material being shipped.

[006] Accordingly, there is a need for a container that is more cost-effective to transport than traditional containers. More particularly, there is a need for a container that is more cost-effective to transport when it is both empty and filled. Such needs can be met with the various embodiments of substantially rigid molded collapsible containers with fold lines or fold patterns of the present disclosure.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[007] The present disclosure relates to blow-molded, rigid collapsible containers that can be suitable for storage and dispensing systems of practically any size. The rigid collapsible container may be a stand-alone container, e.g., used without an outer container, and may be dispensed from a fixed pressure dispensing can, in some embodiments. The container may be blow-molded as a unitary piece that may include folds or pre-folds that allows the container to collapse into a relatively flat position. Seams and/or welds in the rigid collapsible container may be substantially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the problems associated with pinholes, weld tears, and overflow.

[008] The present disclosure, according to one embodiment, relates to a blow molded container having a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, allowing the container walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume. The container walls may be manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or polypropylene (PP). In one embodiment, the container includes four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid. A fitment may be positioned at the apex of the top surface. Two opposing side walls of the four side walls may each have a plurality of fold lines radially extending from a central region of the respective side wall. In one embodiment, the radially extending fold lines intersect at the central region, while in another embodiment, the central region has a stress relief limiter. The stress relief limiter may generally be a thinned region in the respective side wall in the form of a ring. However, other limiter configurations are suitable. The two remaining side walls may each include a fold line substantially dividing the respective side wall into two sections, thereby permitting these two side walls to substantially gusset inward along the fold line.

[009] In additional embodiments, the container may include an overpack having a base cup and a surround, the surround removably coupleable with the base cup. The overpack may include a locking mechanism for coupling the base cup and surround in a fixed manner. In further embodiments, the surround may additionally be removably coupleable with at least one of the four side walls, described above. In this regard, at least one of the four side walls may include a tab, and the surround may include a groove for receiving the tab.

[010] The present disclosure, according to a further embodiment, relates to a method of delivering a material to an end user process. The method may include providing a blow molded container having four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid, the container further including a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more of the four side walls, allowing the side walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume, the container having the material stored in an interior thereof. The method may further include coupling a connector to a port of the container, the connector operably coupling the container to the end user process, and dispensing the material from the container via the connector and delivering the material to the end user process. The material may be dispensed via pump dispense, direct or indirect pressure-assisted pump dispense, or direct or indirect pressure dispense.

[011] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[012] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

[013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[014] FIG. 2A is a side view of the container of FIG. 1.

[015] FIG. 2B is a side view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[016] FIG. 2C is side view of the container of FIG. 1 illustrating a different side of the container from FIG. 2A.

[017] FIG. 2D is a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

[018] FIG. 2E is a close-up view of a stress relief mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[019] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of a container with a stress relief mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[020] FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the stress relief mechanism of the container of FIG. 2F.

[021] FIG. 3 illustrates the difference between how many traditional cylindrical rigid wall containers can be shipped in a given space compared to how many filled liners having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shape, or otherwise of a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, of similar volume can be shipped in the same space, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a container and outer pack or overpack in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [023] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a container and outer pack or overpack in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liner positioned inside of a pressure vessel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[025] FIGS. 6A-C include perspective views and a side view of a container in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure having a truncated rectangular pyramid bottom surface.

[026] FIGS. 7A-C include perspective views and a side view of a container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure having a rounded bottom surface.

[027] FIG. 8A is a schematic of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[028] FIGS. 8B-E include various cross-sectional views of fold lines on a container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[029] FIGS. 9A-C include various cross-sectional views of sides of a container in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure folding at a fold line.

[030] FIG. 10 is a schematic of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure with a fold limiter coupled thereto.

[031] FIGS. 11A-11D include cross-sectional views of fold limiters in accordance with additional or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[032] FIGS. 12A-C include schematic views of containers in accordance with the present disclosure having various aspect ratios.

[033] FIG. 13A is a schematic view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure having multiple horizontally oriented fold lines permitting containers with aspect ratios greater than 1 to fold substantially completely.

[034] FIG. 13B is a schematic view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure having fold lines permitting containers with aspect ratios greater than 1 to fold substantially completely.

[035] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a container in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [036] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14A in a collapsed state.

[037] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a container in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[038] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 15A in a collapsed state.

[039] FIGS. 16A-B include a perspective view and top view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[040] FIG. 16C is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-B in a collapsed state.

[041] FIGS. 17A-17B are perspective views of an embodiment of a locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

[042] FIGS. 18A-18B are perspective views of an embodiment of a container in accordance with the present dislcosure, with the locking mechanism in a locked position and an unlocked position.

[043] FIGS. 19A-19F are perspective views of alternate embodiments of a container of the present disclosure with features that minimize stress at the corners and/or along the fold lines or edges.

Detailed Description

[044] The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous containers for storage and dispense. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous substantially rigid collapsible containers that may include fold lines or fold patterns defining a collapse pattern. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a molded, including blow-molded, substantially rigid collapsible container with fold lines that may be suitable for storage and dispensing systems of virtually any size from about 1 Liter or less to about 200 Liters or even to about 20,000 Liters or more. The substantially rigid collapsible container may be a stand-alone container, e.g., used without an outer container, and may be dispensed by any suitable means, including by using a pump or a pressurized fluid, or a combination thereof. Unlike certain prior art liners that are formed by welding films together with resultant seams, seams in the substantially rigid collapsible container may be substantially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the problems associated with pinholes, weld tears, gas saturation, and overflow, in some embodiments.

[045] Examples of some of the types of materials that may be stored, shipped, and/or dispensed using embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: ultrapure liquids, such as acids, solvents, bases, photoresists, such as but not limited to i-Line photoresist, slurries, detergents, cleaning formulations, dopants, inorganic, organic, metalorganics, TEOS, and biological solutions, DNA and RNA solvents and reagents, pharmaceuticals, printable electronics inorganic and organic materials, lithium ion or other battery type electrolytes, nanomaterials (including for example, fullerenes, inorganic nanoparticles, sol-gels, and other ceramics), and radioactive chemicals; pesticides/fertilizers; paints/glosses/solvents/coating-materials etc.; adhesives; power washing fluids; lubricants for use in the automobile or aviation industry, for example; food products, such as but not limited to, condiments, cooking oils, and soft drinks, for example; reagents or other materials for use in the biomedical or research industry; hazardous materials used by the military, for example; polyurethanes; agrochemicals; industrial chemicals; cosmetic chemicals; petroleum and lubricants; sealants; health and oral hygiene products and toiletry products; or any other material that may be dispensed by pressure dispense, for example. Materials that may be used with embodiments of the present disclosure may have any viscosity, including high viscosity and low viscosity fluids. Those skilled in the art will recognize the benefits of the disclosed embodiments, and therefore will recognize the suitability of the disclosed embodiments to various industries and for the transportation and dispense of various products. In some embodiments, the storage, shipping, and dispensing systems may be particularly useful in industries relating to the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs, and solar panels; industries involving the application of adhesives and polyamides; industries utilizing photolithography technology; or any other critical material delivery application. However, the various embodiments disclosed herein may be used in any suitable industry or application.

[046] As used herein, the terms "rigid" or "substantially rigid," in addition to any standard dictionary definitions, are meant to also include the characteristic of an object or material to substantially hold its shape and/or volume when in an environment of a first pressure, but wherein the shape and/or volume may be altered in an environment of increased or decreased pressure. The amount of increased or decreased pressure needed to alter the shape and/or volume of the object or material may depend on the application desired for the material or object and may vary from application to application. In addition, the term "substantially rigid" is meant to include the characteristic of an object or material to substantially hold its shape and/or volume, but upon application of such increased or decreased pressure, tend to give, such as by but not limited to, flexing, bending, etc., rather than breaking.

[047] FIGS. 1-2D illustrate one embodiment of a substantially rigid collapsible container 100 of the present disclosure. Container 100 may include a substantially rigid container wall, generally defining four sides, 102, 104, 106, and 108, a top 110, and a bottom 112. As may be seen in FIGS. 1-2D, in some embodiments the container 100 may be generally shaped with the four sides 102, 104, 106, 108 defining a cube or a rectangular prism. The top 1 10 and bottom 112 surfaces may be generally flat and lie in perpendicularly disposed planes with respect to the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108, when the container is in an expanded state, thereby completing the defined substantially cuboidal or rectangular prism shape of the container 100. However, in other embodiments, as may be more particularly appreciated from FIGS. 2A-C, one or the other or both of the top 110 and bottom 1 12 sides may be generally shaped in the form of a square or rectangular pyramid resulting in a sloping surface at the top and or bottom of the container 100. A square or rectangular pyramid forming the top surface 1 10 may have any suitable slope of edges defining the square pyramid resulting in a top surface having a desired slope. Typically, although not limited as such, the top surface 110 may slope up toward a central axis or other internal axis located within the area defined by the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Likewise, a square or rectangular pyramid forming the bottom surface 1 12 may also have any suitable slope of edges defining the square or rectangular pyramid resulting in a bottom surface having a desired slope. Typically, although not limited as such, the bottom surface 1 12 may slope down toward a central axis or other internal axis located within the area defined by the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. The top and bottom surfaces need not have the same slope and need not slope toward the same internal axis. However, in one embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces indeed have generally the same slope and each slope toward the central axis defined by the four sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Of course any of the corners and/or edges may be slightly curved, beveled, rounded, or the like as desired and for any purpose, such as for ornamentation or strength/rigidity.

[048] In still other embodiments, as may be appreciated from FIGS. 6A-C, one or the other or both of the top 110 and bottom 1 12 sides (e.g., the bottom side 602 in FIGS. 6A-C) may be generally shaped in the form of a square or rectangular pyramid with surfaces that slope toward a central axis or other internal axis, as described above, and that at any suitable point prior to reaching the central axis or other internal axis, the surfaces transition to, and combine to form, a rounded surface area 604. That is, the square or rectangular pyramid may be generally truncated and rounded. A rounded bottom 604 as such may form a suitably rounded interior sump within the container 100. The square or rectangular pyramid surfaces forming the truncated square or rectangular pyramid may have any suitable or desired slope defining the square or rectangular pyramid. Typically, although not limited as such, the top surface may slope up toward a central axis or other internal axis and the bottom surface 602 may slope downward toward a central axis or other internal axis, as described above. The top and bottom surfaces, however, need not have the same slope and need not slope toward the same internal axis, nor do both need to transition to rounded surfaces, such as rounded surface area 604.

[049] In yet further embodiments, as may be appreciated from FIGS. 7A-C, one or the other or both of the top 110 and bottom 112 sides (e.g., the bottom side 702 in FIGS. 7A-C) may be substantially rounded or semi-spherical with a curved surface or surfaces sloping or arcing toward a central axis or other internal axis, thereby forming a substantially rounded bottom 702. A rounded bottom 702 as such may form a suitably rounded interior sump within the container 100. The curved surface or surfaces forming the rounded bottom 702 may have any suitable or desired arc and height. Typically, although not limited as such, the top surface may arc up toward a central axis or other internal axis and the bottom surface 702 may arc downward toward a central axis or other internal axis. The top and bottom surfaces, however, need not have the same arc or height and need not arc toward the same internal axis, nor do both need to form rounded surfaces. Indeed, any configurations described above, such as substantially flat, square or rectangular pyramid, truncated square or rectangular pyramid, or rounded may be used for either of the top 110 or bottom 112 side, and the top and bottom sides need not have the same configuration.

[050] Container 100 may also include a port 114. While not limited as such, the port 114 may typically be conveniently provided on the top surface 110 of the container. Likewise, the port 114 may typically be provided substantially at the apex of the square pyramid defining the top surface 1 10, as illustrated more visibly in FIG. 2D. Of course, however, the port 114 could be located on any suitable side and may be suitably positioned at any location on that side, as may be desired or required by the intended use. The port 1 14 may include a fitment 1 16 or may be defined by a fitment configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispense, for example, and/or for use with an optional cap or closure 118, which may be utilized during shipping and storage. The fitment 116 may be welded to, attached by adhesives, or otherwise attached with the port location 114. In other embodiments, however, as illustrated herein, the fitment 1 16 may be formed integrally with one of the sides, such as the top surface 110. The fitment 116 may include threads 120 or any other suitable means of attachment, such as but not limited to snap-fit, friction-fit, bayonet, etc. for operably and removably connecting with any such cap/closure 1 18 or dispense connector. In one embodiment, the port 1 14 may be a conventional bung opening of any suitable or desirable size, such as but not limited to, a two inch diameter bung opening.

[051] The sloping top surface 1 10 of the container may advantageously cause any headspace gas, e.g., micro bubbles created in the contents of the container due to shipping movement, to collect in the interior of the container at or near the raised apex of the top surface. In embodiments where the port 1 14 is disposed at or near the raised apex of the top surface, micro bubbles that may have formed may therefore be easily removed prior to dispense, thereby reducing or eliminating any headspace gas within the container 100. The sloping bottom surface 1 12 of the container may advantageously act as a sump for certain embodiments, such as those utilizing pump dispense methods and including a diptube extending into the container, and generally into the sump area formed by the sloping bottom surface. While embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with regard to a container shaped generally as a cube or rectangular prism defined by sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 and having sloped top 1 10 and bottom 112 surfaces, other container shapes are possible and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and any other suitable container geometry that may have a generally rectangular or square cross-section may also be used according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[052] The container wall may generally be thicker than the wall of conventional flexible liner-based systems. The increased thickness of the container wall and/or the composition of the film comprising the container 100 may increase the rigidity and strength of container. In one embodiment, the container wall may be from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm thick, desirably from about 1.0 mm to about 2 mm thick. However, the thickness may vary, for example but not limited by, depending on the volume of the container, the intended contents, the intended dispense method, or the intended application, among other things. Generally, container 100 can be thick and rigid enough to substantially reduce or eliminate the occurrence of pinholes. The thickness may be selected so that, when a specified amount of pressure or vacuum is applied to container 100, the container wall is collapsible according to one or more fold or collapse patterns to dispense liquid from within the interior cavity. In one embodiment, the dispensability of container 100 may be controlled, in part, based on the thickness selected for the container wall. That is, the thicker the container wall, the more pressure that will need to be applied to fully dispense the liquid from within interior cavity of the container 100.

[053] As mentioned above, both the thickness of the container wall and the composition of the film comprising the container can provide rigidity to container 100. In some embodiments, container 100 may be manufactured using one or more polymers, including plastics, nylons, EVOH, polyolefins, or other natural or synthetic polymers. In further embodiments, container 100 may be manufactured using polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or polypropylene (PP), and/or a fluoropolymer, such as but not limited to, polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). In some embodiments, the material or materials selected and the thickness of that material or those materials may determine the rigidity of the container 100. In still other embodiments, in order to assist in making the containers described herein more sustainable, a container may be manufactured from biodegradable materials or biodegradable polymers, including but not limited to: polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), like poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV), and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH); polylactic acid (PLA); polybutylene succinate (PBS); polycaprolactone (PCL); polyanhydrides; polyvinyl alcohol; starch derivatives; cellulose esters, like cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose and their derivatives (celluloid); etc. Further examples of the types of materials that may comprise a container are disclosed in detail in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US1 1/55558, titled "Substantially Rigid Collapsible Liner, Container and/or Liner for Replacing Glass Bottles, and Flexible Gusseted or Non-Gusseted Liners," filed October 10, 201 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[054] In one particular embodiment, the container wall of the container 100 is manufactured, at least in part, from HDPE. In still other embodiments, however, where the stiffness provided by HDPE is not required or desired, for example, the container wall of the container 100 may be manufactured, at least in part, from LDPE. LDPE can still provide enough rigidity to resist pin holes, resist the development of folds in the container wall that can trap gas, avoid failure under drop conditions, and be able to fold (as will be described in further detail below) reproducibly. A more flexible container 100 comprising LDPE, for example, can improve dispensability at lower dispense pressures as opposed to embodiments consisting mainly of HDPE, for example.

[055J As previously discussed, for many applications, a container or a liner- based storage system is used to ship materials back and forth. A typical storage/shipping container involves the use of a rigid container or overpack that may or may not have a more flexible liner inside of the rigid container. The standard shipping cycle for a container may involve several different transportation steps. For example, an initial transportation step may include one or more empty containers being shipped from the container manufacturer to a chemical or other material supplier for filling with the desired contents. After the supplier receives and fills the one or more containers, the supplier may ship the filled container(s) to an end-user in a second transportation step. Once the end-user dispenses the contents of the container, in some cases, a third transportation step may require the end-user to ship the used and empty container(s) back to the supplier or to another location for disposal, sterilization, or recycling, for example. Accordingly, a standard transportation cycle may include shipping a container in an empty state (at least once) and shipping the container in a filled state. As explained above, each shipping cycle has cost associated therewith, and these shipping costs typically increase the cost of the material being shipped. Factors that may affect shipping cost may include the volume and/or weight of the shipment. To the extent that containers of similar volume can be configured to take up less shipping space and/or weigh less than traditional containers, shipping costs may be lessened, and in some cases, substantially lessened.

[056] Typical rigid containers and/or overpacks do not capitalize on these shipping efficiencies in one or more ways. For example, traditional containers are often generally cylindrically shaped. Due to their cylindrical shape, multiple such containers densely arranged as tightly or as closely as possible, on a pallet for example, will not effectively use all of the given space on the pallet. As may be seen specifically in FIG. 3, for example, even when a plurality of rigid cylindrically-shaped containers 302 are densely packed such that they are immediately adjacent one another, their cylindrical shape results in areas of empty, wasted space between the containers 304, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In contrast, a plurality of similar volume containers having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shape or otherwise of a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape 306, such as those described in the present disclosure, densely arranged, on a pallet for example, may significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of wasted space between containers. Particularly, as may be seen in FIG. 3, containers having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shape or otherwise of a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape 306 may generally be densely packed next to each other in a way that leaves no or substantially no dead space between adjacent containers. Consequently, several more of such containers 306 may occupy the same or less space as cylindrically-shaped containers 302 of similar volume, because the wasted space 304 between cylindrically shaped containers can be substantially eliminated. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, about 25 containers having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shape or otherwise of a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape 306 may fit in generally the same shipping space as about 16 cylindrically-shaped containers 302 of similar volume.

[057] As noted above, a portion of the cost of transporting containers may be related to volume. In some cases, that portion of the transportation cost may be significant. To this end, the ability to ship more containers in the same amount of shipping space can represent a significant improvement in shipping cost, including but not limited to an improvement in shipping cost of up to approximately 37% for the transportation of filled containers of the present disclosure over traditional rigid containers.

[058] However, a simple rigid generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shaped can or container fails to fully capitalize on the above-noted shipping efficiencies, in that such containers may only help reduce shipping costs when the containers are filled and shipped, such as illustrated in FIG. 3. As noted above, however, a further manner in which traditional rigid containers and/or overpacks have failed to fully capitalize on the above-noted shipping efficiencies is that such traditional containers and/or overpacks commonly have only a single static expanded state, in that regardless of whether the container is empty or full, the container has the same shape and therefore takes up the same amount of space. Because traditional rigid containers may have only one static rigid shape, shipping space is not used efficiently when empty containers are being shipped, for example from the container manufacturer to the chemical or other material supplier prior to being filled, and/or from the end-user to a disposal/recycle/reuse location after the contents have been dispensed. Essentially, with traditional rigid containers, including any generally rectangular prism shaped containers, the payer of the transportation costs is paying to ship air (i.e., the unfilled space within the empty container). Because shipping volume is not efficiently considered, the overall cost for shipping the material in a traditional rigid container may be unnecessarily high.

[059] In addition, in pressure dispense applications, simple rigid generally cuboidal or rectangular prism shaped containers tend to twist in an uncontrolled or uncontrollable manner when they are collapsed under pressure. Therefore, when the material in such a container is dispensed under pressure, it may require much more energy (i.e., pressure) to dispense the contents of the container, and the dispensability rate may be significantly reduced compared to that of traditional cylindrically shaped containers or flexible liners.

[060] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously make more efficient use of shipping space by including the ability to collapse in a predetermined manner when in an empty state and expand to a substantially rigid freestanding state when ready to be filled. Such collapsing capability permits more, and in some cases significantly more, empty containers to be shipped in the same amount of space than traditional non-collapsible rigid containers or overpacks. To the extent that more empty containers may be shipped in the same or less space as traditional containers, shipping cost, which may in part be dependent on volume, may be decreased, and in some cases, significantly decreased. Containers of the present disclosure may be configured to collapse, in some embodiments, by including folding patterns that may include one or more defined "pre-folds," "fold lines," or "fold areas" in the rigid collapsible container 100.

[061] Embodiments of the present disclosure that include fold lines or fold patterns, in contrast to traditional containers/overpacks, may collapse into a generally or relatively flat configuration that aids in dispensability as well as allows for more empty collapsed containers to be shipped than traditional non-collapsible containers in the same amount of space. An example of the substantial space-saving advantages (and consequently cost-saving advantages) of containers collapsing into a generally or relatively flat configuration is described in detail with respect to FIG. 3 of International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US12/51843, titled "Substantially Rigid Collapsible Container with Fold Pattern," filed August 22, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In general, a plurality of containers collapsed into a generally or relatively flat configuration, in some embodiments, may generally consume the same or less amount of space as a single traditional container or overpack because traditional rigid containers or overpacks are not collapsible in a similar predetermined manner. In some embodiments, potentially significantly more empty, collapsed containers may be able to occupy the same shipping space as a single rigid container, depending on, for example but not limited to, the material of the container and the thickness of the material, the folding pattern of the container, and/or how flat the empty collapsible containers are configured to be when they are collapsed. Such collapsing capability may often result in substantial cost-savings by permitting more empty containers to be shipped in the same amount of space as compared to traditional rigid containers.

[062] As noted above, to achieve a generally or relatively flat collapsed state, some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more defined "pre- folds," "fold lines," or "fold areas." The fold lines or patterns or pre-folds may help the container collapse into the desired predetermined shape. With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2A, in one embodiment, two opposing sides, such as sides 102 and 106, may each include a plurality of fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206, extending radially from substantially a central region 208 of the respective side to permit the sides 102 and 106 to collapse inward in a generally defined and controllable manner along the fold lines. While any number of fold lines may be included, in one embodiment, one or more fold lines may be included in a generally starburst-like configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In a further embodiment, one or more fold lines may be included in generally a configuration as follows: a fold line 201 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 diagonally toward a lower left corner of the side; a fold line 202 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 horizontally toward a left edge of the side; a fold line 203 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 diagonally toward an upper left corner of the side; a fold line 204 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 diagonally toward an upper right corner of the side; a fold line 205 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 horizontally toward a right edge of the side; and a fold line 206 may extend radially from substantially the central region 208 diagonally toward a lower right corner of the side.

[063] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment illustrating a side, such as side 102 or 106, including a plurality of fold lines, such as fold lines 211-216, extending radially from substantially a central region 218 of the respective side to permit the sides 102 and 106 to collapse inward in a generally defined and controllable manner along the fold lines. While any number of fold lines may be included, in one embodiment, one or more fold lines may be included in a generally starburst-like configuration, intersecting at the central region 218 of the respective side, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. In a further embodiment, one or more fold lines may be included in generally a configuration as follows: a fold line 21 1 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward a lower left corner of the side; a fold line 212 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 horizontally toward a left edge of the side; a fold line 213 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward an upper left corner of the side; a fold line 214 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward an upper right corner of the side; a fold line 215 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 horizontally toward a right edge of the side; and a fold line 216 may extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward a lower right corner of the side.

[064] With reference now to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, the two remaining opposing sides, such as sides 104 and 108, may also each include one or more fold lines, such as fold line 220. While any number of fold lines may be included, in one embodiment, a single fold line 220, or a combination of linear fold lines, may be included in a generally horizontal configuration, substantially dividing the respective side 104 or 108 into two sections - an upper section 222 and a lower section 224. In a further embodiment, fold line 220 may divide the respective side 104 or 108 into two generally evenly-sized sections. In still further embodiments, the fold line 220 may be generally horizontally aligned with the horizontal radial fold lines 202 (212), 205 (215) of sides 102 and 106.

[065] In the various configurations thus described, to collapse container 100, sides 102 and 106 may fold inward (e.g., toward an interior of the container) along each of the fold lines 201, 203, 204, and 206 (211, 213, 214, and 216 in FIG. 2B) and fold outward (e.g., toward an exterior of the container) along each of the fold lines 202 and 205 (212 and 215 in FIG. 2B). Likewise, sides 104 and 108 may gusset inward along fold line 220 such that the upper section 222 and lower section 224 fold toward each other. As will be appreciated, to this end, the container 100 may collapse such that the top 110 and 112 surfaces of the container generally come together in a parallel fashion, while the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 gusset inward. Because the fitment 116 may be formed from a substantially rigid material or integrally defined as a substantially rigid portion of the container that may not be amenable to folding, the fitment may be positioned on the top 1 10 (or bottom 112) surface such that the fitment 116 does not lie on a fold line.

[066] Of course, more pre-folds or fold lines than those discussed or shown in the FIGS, may be included, and likewise, not all of the pre-folds or fold lines discussed or shown in the FIGS, need be included in every embodiment. Indeed, even other pre-folds or fold lines of other orientations, dimensions, and configurations may be included, and only an example of some of such pre-folds or fold lines has been illustrated in detail herein for the ease of illustration. Similarly, while a specific pattern of pre-folds or fold lines in the FIGS, is shown, it will be understood that other patterns of fold lines are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly patterns that may help the container 100 collapse into a generally or relatively flat configuration.

[067] For example, in an alternative embodiment, the container may include one or more horizontal or vertical parallel fold lines on one or more sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. The parallel fold lines may permit the respective side to fan fold, with the parallel fold lines alternating between folding inward and outward. To this end, the container may collapse and expand in a manner similar to a bellows.

[068] In some embodiments, particularly depending, for example only, on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, and the size of the container, etc., collapsing, and particularly repeated collapsing, along the radially extending fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206 and 21 1-216, may cause the central region 208 to be inflicted with a not insignificant amount of stress. Such stress over time can cause weakness in the central region 208 and ultimately could result in determined failure of the liner, depending the on the specifications desired, for example. Accordingly, in some embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 A, the central region 208 may include a stress relief point, stress relief button, stress limiter or other like mechanism 230 which may be configured to relieve the stress inflicted at the central region 208 due to collapse, and particularly repeated collapse, of the container 100 along the radially extending fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206.

[069] As shown more closely in FIG. 2E, a stress relief point or limiter 230 may be generally configured or appear like a button or one or more circular rings positioned generally at the central region 208. As illustrated in FIG. 2E, in one particular embodiment, the stress relief point or limiter 230 may generally include a circular ring 232 of thinned wall in the container such that the circular ring 232 has a smaller thickness than that of the majority of the container 100. FIGS. 2F-2G show another embodiment of the stress relief point or limiter 230, which generally includes a plurality of concentric annular rings 233 at the central region 208. In at least one embodiment, each concentric ring may differ in width and thickness, or in the alternative, each concentric ring may have the same width and thickness. FIG. 2F shows a cross-sectional view of the stress relief point or limiter 230 and illustrates that if a contractive or expansive force is applied, the stress relief point or limiter 230 provides flexibility to allow the material to stretch or contract as needed, dispersing the stress at the central region 208. In other embodiments, the stress relief point or limiter 230 may be any suitable shape, such as but not limited to one or more rings in the shape of a square, rectangular, or other polygon, or may have any other suitable configuration or appearance, and is not to be limited by those illustrated in the FIGS. In general, the stress relief point or limiter 230 may be configured so as to help prevent the radially extending lines from coalescing at one central stress point. In this regard, the stress relief point or limiter 230 may be generally configured to disperse the stress inflicted at the central region 208 amongst a relatively large surface area as compared to a single, central point.

[070] In addition to stress at the central region 208, in some embodiments, again particularly depending, for example only, on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, and the size of the container, etc., collapsing, and particularly repeated collapsing, along any of the fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206, 211-216, and 220, may likewise cause the fold lines themselves, as well as at least some of the container edges, to be inflicted with a not insignificant amount of stress. Such stress over time can cause weakness in the fold lines and/or container edges and ultimately could result in determined failure of the liner, depending the on the specifications desired, for example. Accordingly, in some embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 8A-E, the fold lines may be configured to encourage proper folding/collapsing and/or to reduce the stress at the fold lines. Specifically, for simplicity, FIG. 8A illustrates a generic schematic of a container 800 of the present disclosure having one or more fold lines 802 that fold or gusset inward, or toward an interior of the container, upon collapse of the container and one or more fold lines 804 that fold or gusset outward, or toward an exterior of the container, upon collapse of the container. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, which shows a cross-sectional view of a fold line 802 along section line A-A, a fold line 802 may be configured as an arced protrusion or bump 806 in the wall surface of the container 800 that provides a preformed bend or flex point along which the container may collapse and which permits the fold line to better handle the stress of repeated collapsing. The bump 806 may better handle the stress of container collapse generally due to the inherent flexibility in the arc portion of the bump structure resulting from the extra material used to create the protruding arc. In FIG. 8B, the bump 806 or preformed bend point is generally concave as viewed from an exterior 808 of the container 800, i.e., protrudes into the interior 810 of the container. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, which shows a cross-sectional view of a fold line 804 along section line B-B, a fold line 804 may be similarly configured as an arced protrusion or bump 812 in the wall surface of the container 800 that provides a preformed bend or flex point along which the container may collapse and which permits the fold line to better handle the stress of repeated collapsing. Again, the bump 812 may better handle the stress of container collapse generally due to the inherent flexibility in the arc portion of the bump structure resulting from the extra material used to create the protruding arc. In FIG. 8C, the bump 812 or preformed bend point is generally convex as viewed form an exterior 808 of the container 800, i.e., protrudes out toward the exterior 808 of the container.

[071] In still further embodiments, any given arced protrusion or bump, such as bumps 806 and 812, forming a fold line may be a combination of a plurality of arced protrusions 814, in a manner not unlike a hand fan or accordion, thus including a plurality of peaks 816 and valleys 818 as illustrated in FIG. 8D. A fold line having such a configuration may provide even further stress relief during container collapse generally due to the inherent flexibility in the plurality of peaks 816 and valleys 818. FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of how such a fold line of FIG. 8D may fold in on itself during collapse of the container 800, thereby illustrating the increased flexibility of the fold line. As may be appreciated, in some embodiments, the multiple peaks 816 and valleys 818 may correspondingly mate on collapse, so as to effectively "squeeze" out any material that may be trapped within the fold line. While three arced bumps 814 are shown in FIG. 8D, it is understood that any given fold line may include any suitable number of arced portions 814, or corresponding peaks and valleys, and the number of arced portions 814 is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8E.

[072] In addition to the stress potential at the central region 208 and along any of the fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206, 211-216, and 220, and container edges, in some embodiments, collapsing, and particularly repeated collapsing, may also cause a not insignificant amount of stress at the corners of the container 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the thickness and robustness of the container wall at the corners of the container 100 may be increased relative to the remaining portions of the container wall, so as to better handle the stress in those regions. The wall thickness of the container at the corners, in some embodiments, may be between about 0.005 inches and 0.012 inches thicker than the wall thickness of the rest of the container, for instance the wall thickness of sides 102, 104, 106, 108. FIGS. 19A-19F provide a plurality of additional embodiments to minimize stress at the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958 of the container 1900 and/or along the fold lines 1901 , 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1920 and edges 1940, 1942, 1946, 1948 of the container. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 19A, at least one additional fold line 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964 may be provided parallel to at least one of top and bottom edge 1940, 1942, 1946, 1948 of the container 1900. This additional fold line creates additional corners 1970, 1971 , 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978. In this manner, a single corner where each side meets an adjacent side is not burdened with all of the stress during expansion or contraction, and instead the stress may be spread amongst, for example, the corners 1950, 1951 , 1952, 1954, 1958 and corners 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 19B, each of the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 may be molded as a concave spheroid shape to reduce the reduce the stress concentration at the corners. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 19C, each of the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 may be molded as a convex spheroid or bulbous shape to add material at the corners to better handle the stress in that region. In FIG. 19D, rather than having square corners, the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 may be rounded in order to reduce the stress concentration at the corners. In some embodiments, the corners may have a radius between about 0.1 inches and 1.0 inches, and may depend, for example, on the overall dimensions of the container. In one particular embodiment, the corners have a radius of about 0.5 inches. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19E-19F, a container may have a plurality of ridges 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990 along at least a portion of edges 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948 of the container. However, ridges 1980 may be provided on any one or more edges and on any combination of edges. In at least one embodiment the ridges may be provided on one or more edges near fold lines, like fold 1920, to facilitate folding and ease stress along the edges. In one embodiment, any given side, such as side 1904 for example, may have ridges on all four of its edges, such as edges 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, alternatively or on other sides, such as side 1902, a side may have ridges 1984, 1988 only on two edges, such as edges 1941 , 1945. As stated above, ridges 1980 may be provided on any one or more edges and on any combination of edges. As shown in FIG. 19F, the ridges 1980 have a plurality of undulations 1990, which provide flexibility to allow the material to stretch or contract as needed. Employing various methods for reducing stress of the container wall, for example stress at central region 208, along the fold lines and edges of the container 100, and at the corners of the container, can assist in reducing the potential for undesirable plastic deformation in the container wall, creep, crazing/cracking, and other identifiable failures in the container.

[073] As described herein, collapsing of the container 100 may aid in dispensing material or fluid from the container. However, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in certain embodiments, again likely depending on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, and the size of the container, etc., folding at and along a fold line, such as fold lines 201-206, 21 1-216, and 220, may not necessarily result in a perfect fold, such as that schematically illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 9A, due to, for example, the limitations of the material of the container and or the thickness of the container wall. Rather, in certain embodiments, the container may only be able fold at or along the fold lines, e.g., fold line 902, to a limited extent wherein a small amount of space 904 within the fold line may remain and wherein material or fluid being dispensed from the container may be trapped, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 9B. This can lead to wasted or lost material or fluid that is retained within the container, which further translates to a monetary loss, and potentially a large monetary loss. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the fold line 902 may be configured so as to permit gravity to cause any material or fluid to be released from the space 904, during or even after collapse of the container. Specifically, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 9C, a fold line 906 may be configured such that as the container collapses or is otherwise folded along fold line 906, the fold line may be purposefully designed and configured to fold in a predetermined manner so as to cause the fold line to shift the trap space 908, inherently resulting from the collapse, as described above, to a position wherein gravity, represented as g in FIG. 9C, can take over and cause any material or fluid trapped within trap space 908 to flow down and out of the trap space, in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9C, and be dispensed properly from the container.

[074] In still additional embodiments, the spaces created by the fold lines, such as space 904, may each be connected or directed toward a central drain line. The drain line may be in fluid communication with, or otherwise configured to direct material flow to, the port 114 of the container.

[075] In alternative embodiments, it may simply be desirable under certain conditions or at certain times to prevent the container from collapsing fully or completely along the fold lines. For one example, it may be desirable to prevent the container from collapsing fully or completely along the fold lines during dispense so as to prevent trap spaces, such as trap space 904 described above, from occurring.

[076] Additionally or alternatively, for example, with certain embodiments, it may be desirable to limit the amount the container can collapse along the fold lines during one or more initial shipping steps in order to reduce the amount of stress inflicted along the fold lines before the container reaches the later filling and dispensing steps. As explained above, each shipping cycle has cost associated therewith and typically increases the cost of the material being shipped. To the extent that containers of similar volume can be configured to take up less shipping space and/or weigh less than traditional containers, shipping costs may be lessened, and in some cases, substantially lessened. In this regard, various embodiments of containers of the present disclosure may advantageously make more efficient use of shipping space by including the ability to collapse in a predetermined manner when in an empty state and expand to a substantially rigid free-standing state when ready to be filled, so that they may be, for example, initially shipped empty in a collapsed space, thereby decreasing, and in some cases, significantly decreasing shipping costs. However, depending on the circumstances, stress along the fold lines caused by collapsing the containers for such initial shipping steps could weaken the container to an undesirable extent, and thus weaken performance of the container during the subsequent filling and dispensing steps. Accordingly, it may be desirable to limit the amount the container can collapse along the fold lines during such initial shipping steps.

[077] Accordingly, in such circumstances where it may be desirable to prevent the container from collapsing fully or completely along the fold lines or otherwise limit the extent to which the container may collapse, some embodiments may include one or more fold limiters configured to limit container collapse. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, which illustrates a container 1000 in a partially collapsed state, a fold limiter 1002 may be a rigid or substantially rigid band or frame that operably couples, such as but not limited to, by snap-fit, with the container 1000 and holds the container in, or limits the container to at most, a partially collapsed state. In some embodiments, the fold limiter 1002 may be decoupled from the container 1000, or otherwise deactivated, so as to subsequently permit full collapse of the container. Such a fold limiter 1002 can prevent the fold lines from being inflicted with too much stress prior to the container reaching any subsequent filling and dispensing steps.

[078] In additional or alternative embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 1 1 A-D, fold limiters 1102 may be provided near or adjacent a fold line and be configured to provide a stopping force, similar to a door stop, and prevent the fold lines from collapsing fully. Specifically, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 1 1 A, a fold limiter 1 102 may be provided on one or both sides of fold line 1104. The fold limiter 1 102 may run continuously and parallel next to the fold line 1 104 or may consist of one or more fold limiters positioned periodically next to the fold line. The fold limiter 1102 may generally consist of a protrusion extending out from the interior or exterior surface of the container wall, which may depend on whether the fold line folds inward or outward, as described above, for example, with respect to FIGS. 8A-C. As may be appreciated from FIG. 1 IB, as the liner collapses and is folded along fold line 1104, the fold limiters 1102 may meet and abut each other so as to limit how much the liner may fold at the fold line. While illustrated with a fold limiter 1102 on each side of the fold line 1 104 in FIGS. 11 A-B, in other embodiments, a fold limiter 1 102 may be provided on only one side, and may be configured, upon folding of the container about fold line 1 104, to abut against the container wall on the opposite side of the fold line, similar to a door stop, thereby limiting how much the liner may fold at the fold line. In additional embodiments of the fold limiters 1 102 of FIGS. 1 1 A-B, the fold limiters may include one or more alignment or locking notches 1 106 and mating protrusions 1 108, as illustrated in FIGS. 11C-D, that may help align the fold limiters with one another and/or provide a locking force that must be overcome in order to unfold or inflate the container and which may provide additional rigidity to the partially collapsed container. Likewise, in some embodiments, a fold limiter may include one or more alignment or locking notches 1 1 10 and/or protrusions 1112, as also illustrated in FIGS. 11C-D, that may align and/or removably lock the fold limiter with mating notches and/or protrusions positioned on a fold limiter of an adjacent container, for example in an expanded and/or filled state of the containers, to control positioning of adjacent containers. The notches 1106 and mating protrusions 1108, as well as the notches 1 1 10 and protrusions 11 12, may operably couple by any suitable manner, including but not limited to, snap-fit, friction-fit, etc.

[079] As described herein, in many container embodiments, the container may be configured for pressure dispense or other dispense, wherein the container is collapsed upon dispense so as to force material or fluid out of the container. In this regard, fold limiters, such as the fold limiters 1102 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 11A-D, while useful during an initial shipping step, may become undesirable during a dispense step where full collapse or substantially full collapse of the container is desirable. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the fold limiters 1102 may be configured to break upon application of a predetermined amount of force. As such, during dispense of the container, when the predetermined amount of force or more is applied at or near the fold line or in the area of the fold limiters 1 102, the fold limiters may be configured to break or otherwise release, thereby permitting the container to continue collapsing further, and in some cases, to a substantially complete collapse and dispense of material. [080] As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the geometry of a container, such as the containers described herein, can affect the volume of the container as well as how many may be readily shipped together, such as on a pallet. FIG. 12A illustrates simple cross-sectional schematics of one embodiment of a container 1200 in accordance with the present disclosure in an expanded or inflated state (on the left) as well as in a partially collapsed state (on the right). The container of FIG. 12A has an aspect ratio of about 1, which as can be seen from the right side of FIG. 12 A, permits the container to readily collapse substantially completely along fold lines 1202. Likewise, FIG. 12C illustrates simple cross-sectional schematics of another embodiment of a container 1204 in accordance with the present disclosure in an expanded or inflated state (on the left) as well as in a partially collapsed state (on the right). The container of FIG. 12C has an aspect ratio of less than 1, which as can be seen from the right side of FIG. 12C, also permits the container to readily collapse substantially completely along fold lines 1206. However, assuming the same footprint size for containers 1200 and 1204 (e.g., so as to fit the same number of containers 1200 and 1204 on the same-sized pallet), the container of 1204 having the lower aspect ratio (and thus decreased height) will also have a reduced volume as compared to container 1200, and thus may be, but is not necessarily, less desirable in certain applications.

[081] However, if efforts were made to increase the height of such a container, for example to increase the volume of the container without affecting/decreasing the footprint size, the aspect ratio will correspondingly increase. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, which shows simple cross-sectional schematics of such an embodiment of a container 1207 in accordance with the present disclosure in an expanded or inflated state (on the left) as well as in a partially collapsed state (on the right), as the aspect ratio increases, upon collapsing of the container along fold lines 1208, the side walls 1210, 1212 may interfere, thereby preventing the container from collapsing substantially completely, or at least from collapsing to about as flat as the embodiment of FIG. 12 A, which in turn could result in more space taken up during shipping, and thus more shipping cost, as discussed in detail above.

[082] Accordingly, in some embodiments, such as where the aspect ratio of the container is greater than 1, as illustrated in FIG. 13 A, which shows simple cross-sectional schematics of such an embodiment of a container 1214 in accordance with the present disclosure in an expanded or inflated state (on the left) as well as in a partially collapsed state (on the right), one or more sides, such as opposing sides 1216 and 1218 may include a plurality of fold lines 1220, which may permit the opposing sides 1216 and 1218 to fan fold, or accordion fold, thereby eliminating the interference exhibited in FIG. 12B between the side walls. These fold lines 1220 permit the container 1214 to fold substantially flatter than a similarly sized container with the same aspect ratio, but having only one horizontal fold line in its opposing sides.

[083] FIG. 13B illustrates a particular embodiment of the present disclosure having an aspect ratio greater than 1 that builds on the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 1-2E. The container 1300 of FIG. 13B is similar in most respects to the container of FIGS. 1-2E, having a substantially rigid container wall, generally defining four sides, 1302, 1304, 1306, and 1308, a top 1310, and a bottom 1312, and a port 1314 typically, but not necessarily, positioned on the top surface. However, the container 1300 of FIG. 13B may include two sets of fold lines 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206 (or 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216) (and optionally two stress relief points or limiters 230), one set vertically offset from the other, on each of sides 1302 and 1306. Likewise, the container 1300 may include two sets of substantially horizontal fold lines 220, one set vertically offset from the other, on each of sides 1304 and 1308. The two sets of fold lines on each side generally form two sections (e.g., an upper 1316 and lower 1318 section) of the container that each collapse as generally described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2E, thereby permitting the container 1300 to substantially fully collapse into a flattened state without substantial interference between opposing side walls, as illustrated in simple schematic form in FIG. 13 A. Container 1300 may further include any additional fold lines, such as fold lines 1320 on sides 1302 and 1306 and fold lines 1322 on sides 1304 and 1308, between the upper 1316 and lower 1318 sections so as to permit the upper and lower sections to each operate as separately as generally described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2E. It is recognized that container 1300 may also include any other features and/or variations described and/or illustrated herein.

[084] Still further embodiments of containers of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 14A-15B. Particularly, FIGS. 14A-B illustrate one embodiment of a container 1400 of the present disclosure that may be configured to fold along one or more defined "pre-folds," "fold lines," or "fold areas," to fold in a predetermined manner not unlike that of a paper grocery bag. Container 1400 may include a substantially rigid container wall, generally defining four sides, 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408, a top 1410, and a bottom 1412. As may be seen in FIG. 14 A, in some embodiments the container 1400 may be generally shaped with the four sides 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 defining a cube or a rectangular prism. The top 1410 and bottom 1412 surfaces may be generally flat and lie in perpendicularly disposed planes with respect to the sides 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408, when the container is in an expanded state, thereby completing the defined substantially cuboidal or rectangular prism shape of the container 1400. However, in other embodiments, as described in detail above, one or the other or both of the top 1410 and bottom 1412 sides may be generally shaped in the form of a square or rectangular pyramid, or other variation detailed above, resulting in a sloping surface at the top and or bottom of the container 1400. In still further embodiments, the top 1410 and/or bottom 1412 surfaces may be generally flat surfaces, but sloped between any two opposing sides (such as between sides 1402 and 1406 or between 1404 and 1408), thereby creating one end of the top or bottom surface that is elevated relative the other. A sloping top surface 1410 of the container 1400 may advantageously cause any headspace gas to collect in the interior of the container at or near the raised end of the top surface for easy removal, as discussed above. Additionally, any of the corners and/or edges of the container 1400 may be slightly curved, beveled, rounded, or the like as desired and for any purpose, such as for ornamentation or strength/rigidity.

[085] Container 1400 may also include a port 1414. While not limited as such, the port 1414 may typically be conveniently provided on the top surface 1410 of the container. If the top surface 1410, for example, is sloped or comprises sloping surfaces, the port 1414 may typically be provided substantially at or near the apex of the top surface 1410 or otherwise at or near the relatively higher end or portion of the top surface. Of course, the port 1414 could be located on any suitable side and may be suitably positioned at any location on that side, as may be desired or required by the intended use. The port 1414 may include a fitment 1416 or may be defined by a fitment configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispense, for example, and/or for use with an optional cap or closure, which may be utilized during shipping and storage. The fitment 1416 may be welded to, attached by adhesives, or otherwise attached with the port location 1414. In other embodiments, however, as illustrated herein, the fitment 1416 may be formed integrally with one of the sides, such as the top surface 1410. The fitment 1416 may include threads or any other suitable means of attachment, such as but not limited to snap-fit, friction-fit, bayonet, etc. for operably and removably connecting with any such cap/closure or dispense connector.

[086] As indicated above, to achieve a generally or relatively flat collapsed state, the container 1400 may be configured to fold along one or more defined "pre-folds," "fold lines," or "fold areas," to fold in a predetermined manner not unlike that of a paper grocery bag, wherein the top 1410 and bottom 1412 surfaces fold alongside one side or opposing sides (i.e., sides 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408) of the container. Specifically, in one embodiment, two opposing sides, such as sides 1402 and 1406, may each include a plurality of fold lines, such as fold lines 1420-1424, configured to permit the sides 1402 and 1406 to collapse inward in a generally defined and controllable manner along the fold lines. While any number of fold lines may be included, in one embodiment, one or more fold lines may be included in generally a configuration as follows: a fold line 1420 may extend diagonally from an upper left corner of side 1402 and meet up with, or intersect with a fold line 1421 extending diagonally from an upper right corner of side 1402 so as to form a first triangular region 1426 in side 1402; a fold line 1422 may extend diagonally from a lower left corner of side 1402 and meet up with, or intersect with a fold line 1423 extending diagonally from a lower right corner of side 1402 so as to form a second triangular region 1428 in side 1402; and a fold line 1424 may extend generally vertically between the intersection of fold lines 1420 and 1421 and the intersection of fold lines 1422 and 1423, thereby completing the formation of first 1430 and second 1432 trapezoid regions, which in some embodiments may be regular trapezoid regions.

[087] With reference still to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, the two remaining opposing sides, such as sides 1404 and 1408, may also each include one or more fold lines, such as fold line 1440 on side 1404 and fold line 1442 on side 1408. While any number of fold lines may be included, in one embodiment, on side 1404, a single fold line 1440, or a combination of linear fold lines, may be included in a generally horizontal configuration, positioned nearer the top surface 1410 relative the bottom surface 1412, thereby substantially dividing side 1404 into two sections - an upper section 1444 and a lower section 1446. Likewise, in one embodiment, on side 1408, a single fold line 1442, or a combination of linear fold lines, may be included in a generally horizontal configuration, positioned nearer the bottom surface 1412 relative the bottom surface 1410, thereby substantially dividing side 1408 into two sections - an upper section 1448 and a lower section 1450.

[088] To collapse container 1400, sides 1402 and 1406 may fold inward (e.g., toward an interior of the container) along each of the fold lines 1420-1424, causing sides 1402 and 1406 to gusset inward. Side 1404 may gusset inward along fold line 1440 such that the upper section 1444 folds toward lower section 1446, and in turn causes the top surface 1410 to fold downward over the upper 1444 and lower 1446 sections and ultimately to a collapsed position substantially parallel with the lower section of side 1402, as may be seen in FIG. 14B. Similarly, side 1408 may gusset inward along fold line 1442 such that the lower section 1450 folds toward upper section 1448, and in turn causes the bottom surface 1412 to fold upward over the lower 1450 and upper 1448 sections and ultimately to a collapsed position substantially parallel with the upper section of side 1408, as may also be seen in FIG. 14B. As shown therefore in FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, the container 1400 may thus fold in a predetermined manner not unlike that of a paper grocery bag, wherein the top 1410 and bottom 1412 surfaces fold alongside opposing sides 1404 and 1408.

[089] FIGS. 15A-B illustrate another embodiment of a container 1500 of the present disclosure, similar to the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 14A-B, except that the fold lines 1420-1424 are configured to permit the sides 1402 and 1406 to collapse outward in a generally defined and controllable manner along the fold lines, resulting in a flattened state illustrated in FIG. 15B, wherein the sides 1402 and 1406 are winged out.

[090] Of course, as stated previously, more pre-folds or fold lines than those discussed or shown in FIGS. 14A-15B may be included, and likewise, not all of the pre- folds or fold lines discussed or shown in FIGS. 14A-15B need be included in every embodiment. Indeed, even other pre-folds or fold lines of other orientations, dimensions, and configurations may be included, and only an example of some of such pre-folds or fold lines has been illustrated in detail herein for the ease of illustration. Similarly, while a specific pattern of pre-folds or fold lines in FIGS. 14A-15B is shown, it will be understood that other patterns of fold lines are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly patterns that may help the containers collapse into a generally or relatively flat configuration.

[091] Furthermore, the thickness, material(s) of construction, suitable sizes, suitable uses, or any other feature or characteristic not explicitly discussed with respect to FIGS. 14A-15B in the preceding paragraphs may be the same or similar to those features or characteristics described above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2E.

[092] Containers 1400 and 1500, or any other embodiments herein, may also include one or more handles 1460, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-15B, which may be manufactured from any suitable materials and attached by any suitable means. The one or more handles can be of any shape or size, and may be located at any suitable position of the container. Types of handles can include, but are not limited to, handles that are located at the top and/or sides; are ergonomic; are removable or detachable; are molded into the container or are provided after fabrication of the container (such as by, for example, snap fit, adhesive, riveting, screwed on, bayonet-fit, etc.); etc. Different handles and/or handling options can be provided and may depend on, for example but not limited to, the anticipated contents of the container, the application for the container, the size and shape of the container, the anticipated dispensing system for the container, etc.

[093] As briefly alluded to above, cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped containers can sometimes be beneficial in that less energy (i.e., pressure) may be required to dispense the contents of the generally cylindrical container due to the shape as compared to that of traditional generally rectangular containers. Additionally, a cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped container may provide a sump area at the bottom of the container, which may be desirable in some cases. Accordingly, in further embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-B, a container 1600 of the present disclosure may be configured in more of a cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped container, or more particularly, in more of a cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped container having domed, substantially domed, or nearly domed ends. As used herein, the term cylindrical or variations thereof are meant to include, although are not limited to, embodiments of a cylinder (or substantially a cylinder or nearly a cylinder) and a cylinder (or substantially a cylinder or nearly a cylinder) with domed (or substantially or nearly domed) ends. Similar to container 100, container 1600 may include a substantially rigid container wall 1602 and a port 1604, which may be located at or near the top and axially-aligned with the axis of the rigid container wall. However, other port locations may be appropriate. The port 1604 may include a fitment 1606 that may be adapted for use with a connector for dispense, for example, and/or for use with a cap used during shipping and storage. An arced or sloping top surface 1608 may advantageously cause any headspace gas, e.g., micro bubbles created in the contents of the container due to shipping movement, to collect in the interior of the container near the axially-aligned port 1604. Thus, micro bubbles that may have formed may therefore be easily removed prior to dispense, thereby reducing or eliminating any headspace gas within the container 1600.

[094] To help achieve a generally flat collapsed state, the container 1600, as with the previously described embodiments, may include one or more fold lines or fold patterns 1610. The fold lines, patterns, or pre-folds 1610 may help the container collapse into the desired predetermined flattened shape or in a desired predetermined manner. As may be generally seen from FIGS. 16A-B, in one embodiment, some of the pre-folds 1612 may be configured or oriented such that they run substantially or generally vertically when the container 1600 is vertically oriented. In other words, these pre-folds 1612 may be oriented such that a significant portion of the pre-folds runs substantially parallel with the axis of the cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped container 1600.

[095] The pre-folds 1612 may be configured to fold convexly or concavely with respect to the central axis of the container 1600. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-B, for example, the pre-folds 1612 may alternate from being configured to fold convexly or concavely with respect to the central axis of the container 1600. Accordingly, the cylindrically shaped, substantially cylindrically shaped, or nearly cylindrically shaped container 1600 may be generally axially collapsible along the pre- folds 1612. Container 1600 may include any suitable number of such pre- folds, such as but not limited to, 4 or more pre-folds. As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the more of such pre-folds there are, the more likely the expanded container 1600 will be closer to a cylindrical shape. However, too many pre-folds could introduce other structural problems, and thus, in some embodiments, the number of pre-folds selected for the container 1600 may depend on, but is not limited to, the desired resulting expanded shape of the container, the material of the container and the thickness of the material, the intended use of the container, etc.

[096] Of course, more pre-folds 1610 than those discussed or shown in FIGS.

16A-B may be included, and likewise, not all of the pre-folds discussed or shown in FIGS. 16A-B need be included in every embodiment. For example, additional pre-folds 1614 that are not substantially vertically oriented may be included, and may assist in the axial collapse of the container 1600. Of course, even other pre-folds of other orientations may be included, and only an example of some of such pre-folds has been illustrated in detail herein for the ease of illustration. Similarly, while the specific pattern of fold lines of FIGS. 16A-B is shown, it will be understood that other patterns of fold lines are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly patterns that may help the container 1600 collapse into a generally flat shape.

[097] As illustrated in FIG. 16C, a container 1600 may be folded along pre-folds

1610 to a generally flattened state 1616. As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure that may collapse into a generally flat shape can aid in dispensability as well as allow for more empty collapsed containers to be shipped than traditional non-collapsible containers in the same amount of space. That is, a plurality of containers 1600 in a collapsed or flattened state 1616, may generally consume the same or less amount of space as a single traditional container or overpack because traditional rigid containers or overpacks are not collapsible in a similar predetermined manner. In some embodiments, potentially significantly more empty, collapsed containers may be able to occupy the same shipping space as a single rigid container, depending on, for example but not limited to, the material of the container and the thickness of the material, the folding pattern of the container, and/or how flat the empty containers are configured to be when they are collapsed. Such collapsing capability may often result in substantial cost- savings by permitting more empty containers to be shipped in the same amount of space as compared to traditional rigid containers.

[098] While many of the above described embodiments have pre-determined fold lines molded into the plastic, some embodiments may collapse and expand without such fold lines. Rather, in some embodiments, the container may be at least partially filled with a warm liquid or otherwise warmed and collapsed, generally in a controlled manner. For example, in one embodiment, while the container is collapsing, it may be controlled to ensure that the top surface and the bottom surface are aligned in order to collapse the container in an easily toteable position. Once the container is collapsed, the container may be cooled, such as by running it under a cool or cold liquid or by any other suitable means, which may "freeze" in the folds created during the initial collapse. When expanded, the fold lines may essentially remain, even if not visible, and even though they were not molded in place during manufacture. When a vacuum is applied to the container, or the container is otherwise collapsed, the container may refold along the "frozen" in fold lines, thereby mimicking the initial collapse. In this regards, the material of the container may act like a shape memory material, refolding along the "frozen" in lines. Therefore, in some embodiments, applying heat to the container and then cooling the container in the collapsed state may create fold lines to guide the container in an expanded state back to the collapsed state.

[099] In yet another embodiment, a container of the present disclosure may be sized, shaped, and generally configured the same as or similar in respect to the liners disclosed in PCT/US 13/024324, titled "Folded Liner for Use With an Overpack and Methods of Manufacturing the Same," having an international filing date of February 1, 2013, and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In such embodiments, the fold patterns described therein may be achieved using the predefined "pre-folds," "fold lines," or "fold areas" described in detail herein in order to control collapsing and folding of the container.

[0100] In additional embodiments, the container may include an outer pack or overpack 400, illustrated in FIGS. 4 A and 4B. The overpack 400 may be made up of one or more operably and/or removably connected pieces. The overpack 400 may be manufactured using one or more polymers, including plastics, nylons, EVOH, polyolefins, or other natural or synthetic polymers, or other material disclosed herein with respect to container 100. In one particular embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the overpack 400 may be manufactured as a multi-sectional, blow molded HDPE (or other suitable polymer) part. In another embodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 4B, the overpack 400 may be manufactured from corrugated HDPE board or corrugated polypropylene (PP). Each of the pieces of the overpack 400 may be cut, for example from a corrugated PP sheet, folded to shape, and if required or desired, glued in predetermined locations to maintain the folded shape. Such a design can provide a strong and inexpensive overpack 400. Such a design may also permit the separate components of the overpack 400 to be shipped flat, in sheet form, for subsequent assembly when needed or desired. Additionally, an overpack manufactured from corrugated HDPE or PP (or similar polymers) should not absorb water or other moisture and will not shed as a paper equivalent would.

[0101] In one embodiment, the overpack 400 may include a bottom base or base cup 402 and a container surround 404. The base cup 402 may be substantially rigid, and in one embodiment, may include a bottom or base wall 406 and four side walls 408 extending substantially perpendicularly upward some suitable distance from the edge of the base wall 406. The base cup 402 may be generally configured such that the container 100 may be positioned upon the base wall 406 with the side walls 408 surrounding at least a bottom portion of the container side walls 102, 104, 106, and 108. The side walls 408 may extend upward along the container side walls 102, 104, 106, and 108 any suitable distance; however, typically the base cup 402 may be designed with relatively short side walls such that the overall height of the base cup is relatively short and permits efficient shipping, for reasons described above. In some embodiments, the base cup 402 may be designed such that an expanded container 100 fits on base wall 406 within side walls 408 substantially snuggly. The base cup 402 or base wall 406 may be shaped and configured so as to comfortably receive the square or rectangular pyramid shaped bottom surface without effecting too significant of a pressure thereon. However, any desired fit may be utilized. [0102] In one embodiment, such as a molded embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the surround 404 may include four side walls 410 connected at edges 412. In other embodiments, such as the corrugated HDPE or PP embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4B, the surround 404 may include four side walls 410 integrally connected at three edges 412 and connected at a fourth edge 418 upon folding. Two side walls 410 may be connected at fourth edge 418 using any suitable connection method, such as but not limited to, adhesives, tacking, stapling, etc. In one embodiment, the surround 404 may include an open top and bottom, the openings of which are defined by the four side walls 410. The edges 412 connecting the side walls 410 may be at least somewhat flexible so as to permit the side walls 410 to fold to a generally flattened configuration, which permits efficient shipping of the surround.

[0103] The container surround 404 may be removably coupleable with the base cup 402 with one or more of side walls 410 engaging and/or operably coupling with a respective one of the side walls 408 of the base cup. In one embodiment, due to the substantial rigidity of the base cup 402, when the surround 404 is coupled with the base cup, the surround may be substantially locked in an unfolded state. As such, the base cup 402 may substantially prevent the surround 404 from bending or folding significantly while the base cup is attached. If collapsing of the container surround 404 is desired, the base cup 402 may be removed, thereby permitting the surround to collapse. When opened and coupled with the base cup 402, the walls 410 of the surround 404 may be configured to receive an expanded container 100 therein, as will be appreciated from the illustration in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The height of the side walls 410 of the surround 404 may generally correspond to the height of the container 100 for which the overpack 400 is designed to receive. That is, the side walls 410 may be about the same height, or slightly taller than, the height of the container 100 for which the overpack 400 is designed to receive. However, any suitable height of side walls 410 may be utilized, and may vary depending on the intended purpose of the overpack 400. In some embodiments, the base cup 402 with surround 404 attached may be designed such that an expanded container 100 fits on base wall 406 within side walls 408 and 410 substantially snuggly. However, any desired fit may be utilized. [0104] While the base cup 402 and surround 404 may be removably coupled simply by friction fit, in some embodiments, a locking mechanism or locking means may be additionally or alternatively used to substantially maintain the surround 404 removably coupled with the base cup 402. The locking mechanism may include any type of means for holding the base cup 402 and surround 404 together in removable or nonremovable fashion, such as but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap-fit devices, friction fit devices, bayonet, sawteeth, etc.

[0105] In one embodiment, the container 100 may include a locking mechanism or locking means to operably and/or removably couple with the surround 404, thereby maintaining the container 100 within overpack 400 until removal is desired. The locking mechanism may include any type of means for coupling the container 100 with surround 404 in removable or non-removable fashion, such as but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap-fit devices, friction fit devices, bayonet, sawteeth, etc. In one particular embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4A, container 100 may include a tab, such as but not limited to, elongated tab 414, on one or more sides 102, 104, 106, 108. Surround 404 may include a corresponding groove, such as but not limited to, elongated groove 416, on each corresponding side wall 410, each groove sized to receive a respective tab 414. While illustrated as horizontal elongated tabs and grooves, it is recognized that the tabs and grooves could be oriented in any direction. Similarly, while illustrated with tabs near the top of sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 and grooves near the top of side walls 410, it is recognized that the tabs and grooves could be positioned at any suitable height along the walls. Still further, the container 100 may include the grooves while the surround 404 may include the tabs. Although tabs and grooves are illustrated on all sides of the container and surround, such is not required.

[0106] In addition to the base cup 402 and surround 404, in some embodiments, the overpack 400 may include a top cap, which may be configured similar to the base cup, but configured for removably coupling with a top end of the surround 404. A locking mechanism or locking means may be used to substantially maintain the top cap removably coupled with the surround 404. Such locking mechanism may include any type of means for holding the top cap and surround 404 together in removable fashion, such as but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap-fit devices, friction fit devices, bayonet, sawteeth, etc. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4B a top cap 420 may be a generally "inverted" box top being substantially rigid and including a top wall 422 and four side walls 424 extending substantially perpendicularly upward some suitable distance from the edge of the top wall 422. The top cap 420 may be generally configured such that it may be positioned over a container 100 that is positioned within the surround 404, with the side walls 424 of the top cap fitting substantially within side walls 410 of the surround. In this regard, the top cap 420 may be removably coupleable with the container surround 404 with one or more of side walls 424 engaging and/or operably coupling with a respective one of the side walls 410 of the surround. While the top cap 420 and surround 404 may be removably coupled simply by friction fit, in some embodiments, as described above, a locking mechanism or locking means may be additionally or alternatively used to substantially maintain the top cap 420 removably coupled with the surround 404. The locking mechanism may include any type of means for holding the top cap 420 and surround 404 together in removable or non-removable fashion, such as but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap-fit devices, friction fit devices, bayonet, sawteeth, etc.

[0107] In some embodiments, the top cap 420 may include an opening 426 in the top wall 422, designed to align with the port 114 of a container 100 positioned within the overpack 400. The opening 426 permits the container port 114 to protrude through the top wall 422 of the top cap for quick and easy access to the contents of the container 100 without removal of the container from the overpack 400. In still further embodiments, the top wall 422 and/or the opening 426 may include a locking mechanism for retaining the port 1 14, or for example the neck of a port fitment, within the opening 426, which can help prevent the container 100 from drooping prematurely. However, in indirect pressure dispense applications, such locking mechanism may not always be desirable.

[0108] The overpack 400 may be configured to provide substantial rigidity for the container 100. Such rigidity may aid in various dispensing techniques and may prevent or reduce the damage to the container 100 from significant drops.

[0109] In any of the embodiments described herein, one or more colors and/or absorbant materials may be added to the materials of construction for the container and/or the overpack, or any portions thereof, during or after the manufacturing process to help protect the contents of the container from the external environment, to decorate the container, or to use as an indicator or identifier of the contents within the container or otherwise to differentiate multiple containers, etc. Colors may be added using, for example, dyes, pigments, nanoparticles, or any other suitable mechanism. Absorbant materials may include materials that absorb ultraviolet light, infrared light, and/or radio frequency signals, etc.

[0110] Particularly, for example, in any of the embodiments described herein, the container 100 and/or the overpack 400, or any portions thereof, may be configured for ultraviolet (UV) protection. That is, the container 100 and/or the overpack 400 may include a colorant, one or more UV protectants or UV protectant layers, or other additives to protect the contents therein from UV light. In a particular embodiment, the UV protectants may be selected such that the resulting container and/or overpack has less than 1%, and preferably less than 0.1%, light transmittance in a wavelength range of about 190-425 nm.

[0111] The various embodiments of containers of the present disclosure can be manufactured by any suitable means for example by molding the container as a unitary component, by for example using extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, rota-molding (or rotational molding), etc. A manufacturing process utilizing injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding or other similar molding techniques can allow for containers to have more accurate shapes than other manufacturing processes. By molding the container, welds and seams in the container and issues associated with welds and seams may be substantially eliminated. For example, welds and seams may complicate the manufacturing process and weaken the container. In addition, certain materials, which are otherwise preferable for use in certain containers, are not amenable to welding.

[0112] In order to manufacture certain embodiments of containers having fold lines or fold patterns according to the present disclosure by blow molding, one manufacturing method may include blow molding the container in a mold that is modeled at some intermediate state between a fully expanded or fully collapsed state of the resulting container. Blow molding the container in a mold at this intermediate state may assist in the formation of the fold lines or patterns. After the molding process is completed, the blow molded container may be partially or completely collapsed for transport and expanded along the fold lines or patterns at the fill destination.

[0113] While certain disadvantages of welding have been described herein, in other embodiments, the containers may nonetheless be manufactured by suitable welding methods, such as by welding together two or more panels, such as molded panels, into the container shape. The fold lines or patterns may be formed, in some welded embodiments, by welding seams that join the two or more panels. It is also recognized that any other method of forming a container with fold lines or patterns, or any combination of methods, may be used.

[0114] The container may additionally take advantage of any other container features now known or later developed, including for example only, any of the locking mechanisms discussed in detail in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US 12/51843, which was previously incorporated herein by reference. Such locking mechanisms may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including but not limited to, plastics, thermoset plastics, nylons, or other natural or synthetic polymers, rubbers, etc. Furthermore, although specific embodiments of locking mechanisms, devices, or features are described therein, it will be understood that other locking mechanisms, devices, or features may be suitably utilized to help prevent the containers of the present disclosure from collapsing significantly once filled, if desired, and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] For example, a locking mechanism may be included to prevent the container from collapsing significantly, at times when preventing such collapse is undesirable, for example. FIGS. 17A-17B and FIGS. 18A-18B illustrate one embodiment of a locking mechanism 1700, in addition to those described in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US 12/51843, which was previously incorporated herein by reference. As shown, a locking mechanism 1700 may comprise a strap portion 1702 and a lock portion 1704. The strap portion 1702 may comprise a living hinge allowing it to flex around a flex point or hinge point 1706. In addition, the strap portion 1702 may comprise tabs or joining elements 1709 that operably or permanently engage with features on the container 1800 to hold the locking mechanism 1700 on the container. The strap portion 1702 may further comprise a plurality of notches or keyways 1708 that can engage with tabs or keys 1710 the lock portion 1704. The lock portion 1704 may further comprise a living hinge allowing it to flex around a flex point or hinge point 1712. FIG. 17A illustrates the locking mechanism 1700 in the locked position. In the locked position, the strap portion 1704 is prevented from flexing around the flex point or hinge point 1706 so as to "lock" or temporarily lock the flex point 904 of the living hinge in a straight or substantially straight position, thus locking or temporarily locking the container in a substantially open position. The lock portion 1704 may be operated to rotate from the locked position, illustrated in FIG. 17A, to the unlocked position, illustrated in FIG. 17B. In the unlocked position shown in FIG. 17B, the flex point or hinge point 1706 of the strap portion 1702 may be substantially aligned with the flex point or hinge point 1712 of the lock portion 1704, allowing the locking mechanism 1700 to flex with the container and the container to collapse.

[0116] FIGS. 18A-18B show one embodiment of a container 1800 of the present disclosure with a locking mechanism 1700 of FIGS. 17A-17B attached thereto. FIG. 18A illustrates the container 1800 with the locking mechanism 1700 in the "locked" position, thus preventing the container from substantially folding along pre-folds 1820 significantly. However, in some embodiments, there may be some slight flexibility for the container while in the locked position. The locking mechanism 1700 may be attached, molded to, or otherwise secured to the container 1800 utilizing any suitable means. In at least the embodiment shown, tabs or joining elements 1709 may operably or permanently engage with securement members 1809 on the surface of the container 1800. FIG. 18B illustrates the container 1800 with the locking mechanism 1700 in the "unlocked" position, which allows the container 1800 to collapse. In at least one embodiment, in the "unlocked" position, the locking mechanism 1700 is still attached, molded to, or otherwise secured to the container 1800, and the locking mechanism 1700 may collapse along with the container. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1700, even in an unlocked position, may only permit the container 1800 to collapse partially. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 1700 may be unlocked and removed entirely in order to permit full collapse of the container. Although this shows only one embodiment of the locking mechanism, other embodiments that prevent the container from fully collapsing when the locking mechanism is in a first position and allow the container to at least partially collapse when the locking mechanism is in a second position are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0117] Although not required for any embodiment described herein, any suitable locking mechanism may be utilized to help retain the container in a generally open position when locked, for example, where the container is manufactured from one or more relatively more stiff materials. However, such locking mechanisms could be foregone where relatively less stiff materials, such as but not limited to LDPE, are used to manufacture the container. Such softer or less stiff materials, when used in the container wall, may permit the container to be expanded and filled and subsequently maintain itself in a substantially fully expanded position simply due to hydrostatic pressure. That is, where a container made from relatively stiffer materials may have a tendency to want to return to a collapsed state, or otherwise "pucker," containers made from relatively softer materials, such as but not limited to LDPE, when filled, may naturally tend to stay in an expanded state and avoid the tendency of the container to "pucker." A puckered state can reduce, and sometimes significantly reduce, the amount of overflow volume of the container. Where "puckering" occurs after the liner is expanded and filled, there may be a risk that once opened, the contents of the container may be unintentionally expelled from the container due to the loss in overflow volume. The use of softer materials can help reduce or eliminate the effect of such "puckering."

[0118] In use, the container may be filled with, or contain, an ultrapure liquid, such as an acid, solvent, base, photoresist, dopant, inorganic, organic, or biological solution, pharmaceutical, or radioactive chemical. It is also recognized that the container may be filled with other products, such as but not limited to, soft drinks, cooking oils, agrochemicals, health and oral hygiene products, and toiletry products, or any of the other materials disclosed herein, etc. In some embodiments, the containers may be configured to be used a single time and disposed of, while in other embodiments the containers may be configured to be used one or more times. The contents may be sealed under pressure, if desired.

[0119] In some embodiments, a seal may include a breakseal at the port. The breakseal may be removed, punctured, or otherwise broken in order to unseal the container and access the contents therein. In additional or other embodiments, seals that may be utilized include those described, for example, in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US11/55558, previously incorporated, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/615,709, titled "Closure/Connectors for Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers," filed March 26, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/718,545, titled "Breakseal," filed October 25, 2012, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In still other embodiments, described for example in detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, the seal may be comprised of any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to plastic, rubber, elastomeric or any other suitable material. The seal may be any suitable type of seal, including but not limited to, what may be referred to as a flat seal in some embodiments, or what may be referred to as a blabber seal in other embodiments that may be placed further down the neck of the fitment of the container. The seal may be form fit to the interior of the port or fitment of the container, and may be heat sealed, adhered, or otherwise fitted to the interior of the port or fitment of the liner. In other embodiments, the seal may be fitted to the top of the port or fitment of the container.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a particular fill process may be utilized that may generally de-gas the contents of a filled container at the fill site while also removing generally all of the headspace in the filled container prior to sealing or securing the filled container for shipping and/or storage. Limiting or substantially eliminating headspace in a filled container may be advantageous because it may limit or substantially eliminate the risk of headspace gas contaminating the contents of the container, when for example, the container is moved during shipping.

[0121] As may be understood in the art, some substances may take up more or less volume, that is to say they may expand or contract, as a result of a change in temperature. For example, if the contents of the container are filled and generally sealed in the container at one temperature, and are then subjected to a change in temperature during storage or shipping, for example, the substance in the container may either expand (with an increase in temperature) or contract (with a decrease in temperature) as a result. For substances that may tend to expand with an increasing change in temperature, a risk exists that the thermal expansion of the substance may put stress on the container walls, potentially causing leaks in the container. This risk may be even more acute in cases where the headspace is removed, because in such cases there is no space in the container not already taken up with the substance, and so if the substance expands even a relatively small amount, the pressure may cause damage to the container walls and result in a leak.

[0122] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container may be filled with the desired substance wherein the substance is heated and gas- equilibrated as the container is being filled with the substance. For example, the substance may be heated when it is introduced into the container. In some embodiments, the substance may be heated to the maximum temperature the substance is expected to be subjected to prior to dispense, including during storage and shipment. In other embodiments, the substance may be heated to any suitable and desired temperature. In some embodiments, for example, the substance may be heated to about 40-60 °C during the fill process. In other cases, the substance may be heated to between about 50-55 °C. In still other embodiments, any suitable fill temperature may be selected. The container may be filled to the top of the container in some embodiments, leaving generally no excess space for headspace gas, while in other embodiments there may be some relatively small amount of space left at the top of the container. Once the container has been filled, the container may be sealed, secured, and/or capped in any suitable manner that keeps the substance within the container and minimizes or substantially eliminates exposure of the substance to contaminants outside of the container. The one or more seals, caps, or other securing mechanism may be gas impermeable. In some embodiments, some or any headspace may be removed after a cap or connector is secured to the container. In such embodiments, the container may be pressurized so as to compress the walls of the container inward, thereby forcing any headspace out of the container. It will be understood, however, that any suitable method of removing headspace is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, a one-way valve or check valve may be provided on the cap, connector, or container through which headspace removal may be effected, as described in detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, which was previously incorporated herein. Alternatively, in some embodiments and applications, overflow during headspace removal, which is typically undesirable, may advantageously be used to help seal the container for storage and/or transport. For example, where the contents of the container are an adhesive, and particularly a reactive adhesive that requires curing, for example by ultraviolet light, the overflow may be permitted to flow into a reservoir of a cap operably coupled to the container as a result of the headspace removal process, and then may be cured. Curing the overflow adhesive may result in a seal being created that may secure the contents of the container for storage and/or shipping. Such a method of sealing a container is described in further detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, which was previously incorporated herein. The substance in the container may then be allowed to cool to ambient room temperature. As the substance cools, the substance will generally become under-saturated with respect to room temperature, i.e., the substance will be substantially degassed. Further, as the substance cools to room temperature after the container has been sealed, the substance may tend to contract. The contracting substance may provide a small amount of void space in the filled and secured container.

[0123] As discussed above, during shipping and/or storage, the substance in the container may be subjected to higher temperatures than the temperature that the substance was cooled to after hot-fill of the container. For example the container may be shipped through a part of the country with relatively higher temperatures, such as the dessert, for example, that may be higher than room temperature at the fill site. Accordingly, the substance in the container may generally expand as the temperature increases. As described above, when the substance is cooled after being hot-filled and sealed, the substance contracting may also provide some additional space in the container that may allow the substance to later thermally expand without putting stress on the container walls. The fill method described herein may advantageously allow the container to be substantially completely filled, remain free of headspace gas, while still allowing for a degree of thermal expansion of the substance, thereby significantly reducing or eliminating the potential for thermal expansion related damage, contamination, or leaks. Such a fill method is described in further detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, which was previously incorporated herein.

[0124] Once filled, if the container is permitted to unintentionally partially collapse due to some pre-existing force of the pre-folds, liquid may be forced out of the spout when the cap is removed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In some cases, this may not pose a significant problem; however, in other cases, if contents are forced out in such a manner, it could be harmful to the user and/or result in a costly loss of contents. While in some embodiments, the selected material for the container and the thickness of the material, the shape of the container, the size of the container, the number and configuration of pre-folds, and/or other structural or design choices may be selected, or may be enough on their own, to help keep the container from partially or significantly collapsing after fill. However, in other embodiments, as described above, an additional locking mechanism, device, or feature may be included to keep the container from collapsing significantly, such as those described in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US 12/51843, which was previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] When it is desired to dispense the contents of the container, the contents may be removed through the port of the container. In some embodiments, the port of the container may include connectors and/or caps for dispense and/or shipping and storage. Examples of connectors and caps that may be used with the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US11/55558; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/813,083 filed on June 13, 2006; U.S. Patent Application No. 60/829,623 filed on October 16, 2006; PCT Application Number PCT/US07/7091 1, entitled "Liquid Dispensing Systems Encompassing Gas Removal," with an international filing date of June 11, 2007 and U.S. Patent Application No. 60/887,194 filed on January 30, 2007, each of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0126] The contents of the container may be dispensed by any suitable method.

For example, for some applications, the contents may be dispensed by simply pouring the contents out of the container using any traditional manual or automated pour methods. For other applications, the contents of the container may be dispensed by direct or indirect pressure dispense, direct or indirect pressure-assisted pump dispense, or pump dispense, for example, including various embodiments of inverted dispense methods disclosed in Korean patent registration no. 10-0973707, titled "Apparatus for Supplying Fluid," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In applications using direct pressure dispense, where the interior of the container 100 is pressurized to dispense the contents therein, The substantial rigidity of the overpack 400 may keep the container 100, held therein, from overly expanding, which could otherwise reduce dispensability of the container. In applications using indirect pressure dispense or pressure-assisted pump dispense, the container 100 may collapse upon emptying of the contents. Embodiments of containers of the present disclosure, in some cases, may be dispensed at pressures less than about 100 psi, or more preferably at pressures less than about 50 psi, and still more preferably at pressures less than about 20 psi, and in some cases, the contents of the containers of some embodiments may be dispensed at significantly lower pressures. For example, in some embodiments, the fold lines in the container may act like hinges that permit the container to collapse at very low pressures. In some embodiments, the fold lines may permit the container to collapse at pressures down to approximately 3 psi. In some embodiments, these containers may achieve up to about 99.95% dispensability.

[0127] In indirect pressure dispense applications, there will typically be a pressure vessel in which the container having the desired material is placed. The space between the pressure vessel and the container is filled with a fluid or gas in order to pressurize the vessel and dispense the contents of the container. Traditional flexible liner-based systems often include and are shipped with a rigid overpack, serving as the pressure vessel. Since such systems typically require that this type of overpack be shipped with the flexible liner, transportation costs are increased due to the inefficiencies of the traditional rigid overpacks, as discussed in detail above. Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure, however, do not require a pressurizing vessel to be shipped with the container because of their rigidity and their free-standing capability. Accordingly, an end user wishing to pressure dispense the contents of the containers of the present disclosure need not bear the cost of shipping an expensive overpack. Instead, the end user may keep one or more pressure vessels at their facility, thereby incurring only the single initial shipping cost for the pressure vessel, and avoiding the need to transport pressure vessels back and forth with the containers. As can be readily recognized, this may result in additional shipping efficiencies over traditional containers. In particular embodiments using indirect pressure dispense, therefore, a rigid collapsible container may be shipped without a pressure vessel and then placed in a pressurize vessel at the receiving facility in order to pressure dispense the contents of the container. Because the amount of space, or footprint, that may be taken up by some containers of the present disclosure may be the same or smaller than that of a traditional container in some embodiments, currently-used pressure vessels may be used together with the container of the present disclosure to dispense the contents.

[0128] In other embodiments, a pressure vessel may be specifically configured to be used with embodiments of containers of the present disclosure. In a particular embodiment, as may be seen in FIG. 5 for example, a container 100 of the present disclosure may be positioned in a pressure vessel 500 for pressure dispense. As stated earlier, because the containers of the present disclosure do not require an overpack for shipping, a filled container 100 may simply be placed directly into a pressure vessel 500 for dispense. However, where an overpack 400 according to the present disclosure is included, the container and overpack may nonetheless both be positioned within the pressure vessel. In some such embodiments, the container system may be configured such that only the container 100 collapses while the overpack 400 maintains its rigidity during pressurization.

[0129] In some embodiments, the pressure vessel 500 may include a ramp 502 that may aide in positioning the container 100 inside of the pressure vessel 500. In some embodiments, the ramp 502 may include a plurality of rollers that may further aide in positioning the container 100 inside of the pressure vessel 500. In such an embodiment, any suitable number of rollers, or rows of rollers may be used on the ramp. The rollers may be placed in any suitable configuration on the top surface of the ramp, in some embodiments. The ramp 502 may be removable permitting the pressure vessel 500 to be closed. However, in other embodiments, the ramp 502 may be configured for storage within the pressure vessel 500, such as but not limited to, by folding into the pressure vessel.

[0130] While not necessary or desirable in every embodiment, to aid in dispense, any of the containers of the present disclosure may include a dip tube. Further, any embodiments of the present disclosure may include any of, or any combination of, features, enhancements, or properties such as, but not limited to features to prevent or reduce choke-off, surface features that may be included on one or more surfaces of the liner, multiple layers including barrier layers, coatings, and/or sprays, sleeves that may fit over the exterior of the container, labels, features that may help control the collapse of the container during pressure or pressure-assisted pump dispense in a particular way, and/or handles for transportability, each of which may be further described in detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US1 1/55558; PCT Application Number PCT/US08/52506, titled, "Prevention Of Liner Choke-off In Liner-based Pressure Dispensation System," with an international filing date of January 30, 2008; PCT Application Number PCT/US 1 1/55560, titled "Nested Blow Molded Liner and Overpack and Methods of Making Same," filed October 10, 2011 ; U.S. Patent Number 7,172,096, entitled "Liquid Dispensing System," issued February 6, 2007; PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/30821, titled "Storage, Transportation, and/or Dispense Packaging," with an international filing date of March 28, 2012; PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, titled "Closure/Connectors for Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers and Methods for Filling Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers," with an international filing date of November 16, 2012; PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/70866, titled "Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Systems," with an international filing date of December 20, 2012; PCT Application Number PCT/US07/7091 1, entitled "Liquid Dispensing Systems Encompassing Gas Removal," with an international filing date of June 11, 2007; U.S. Patent No. 6,607,097, titled "Collapsible Bag for Dispensing Liquids and Method," filed March 25, 2002; U.S. Patent No. 6,851,579, titled "Collapsible Bag for Dispensing Liquids and Method," filed June 26, 2003; U.S. Patent No. 6,984,278, titled "Method for Texturing a Film," filed January 8, 2002; and U.S. Patent No. 7,022,058, titled "Method for Preparing Air Channel- Equipped Film for Use in Vacuum Package," filed June 26, 2002, International PCT Appl. No. PCT/US11/64141 , titled "Generally Cylindrically-Shaped Liner for Use in Pressure Dispense Systems and Methods of Manufacturing the Same," filed December 9, 2011 ; U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/703,996, titled "Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Systems," filed September 21, 2012; U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/468,832, titled "Liner- Based Dispenser," filed March 29, 201 1 and related International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US201 1/061764, filed November 22, 2011 ; U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 61/525,540, titled "Liner-Based Dispensing Systems," filed August 19, 2011 and related International PCT Appln. No. PCT/US2011/061771, filed November 22, 2011 ; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 13/149,844, titled "Fluid Storage and Dispensing Systems and Processes," filed May 31, 201 1 ; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 1 1/915,996, titled "Fluid Storage and Dispensing Systems and Processes," filed June 5, 2006; International PCT Appl. No. PCT US 10/51786, titled "Material Storage and Dispensing System and Method With Degassing Assembly," filed October 7, 2010; International PCT Appl. No. PCT/US 10/41629; U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,721; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 11/912,629; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 12/302,287; International PCT Appl. No. PCT/US08/85264; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 12/745,605, filed February 15, 2011 ; U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 61/605,01 1, titled "Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing System," filed February 29, 2012; and U.S. Prov. Appln. No. 61/561,493, titled "Closure/Connectors for Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers," filed November 18, 2011, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The containers of the present disclosure may include any of the embodiments, features, and/or enhancements disclosed in any of the above noted applications. Similarly, various features of dispensing systems disclosed in embodiments described herein may be used in combination with one or more other features described with regard to other embodiments.

[0131] For example, in some embodiments, the container and/or overpack or one or more components thereof may be provided with different textures or finishes. Different textures or finishes may be used to differentiate products, to provide an indicator of the contents provided within the container, or to identify for which application or applications the contents are to be used, etc. In one embodiment, the texture or finish may be designed to be a substantially non-slip texture or finish or the like, and including or adding such a texture or finish to the container, overpack, or one or more components thereof may help improve graspability or handling of the container, and thereby reduce or minimize the risk of dropping. The texture or finish may be readily accomplished during the fabrication process by, for example, providing a mold for the container, overpack, or one or more components thereof with the appropriate surface features. In other embodiments, the container, overpack, or one or more components thereof may be coated with the texture or finish. In some embodiments, the texture or finish may be provided on substantially the entire container or overpack or substantially the entirety of one or more components thereof. However, in other embodiments, the texture or finish may be provided on only a portion of the container or overpack or a portion of one or more components thereof.

[0132] Similarly, in some embodiments, the exterior and/or interior walls of the container, overpack, or one or more components thereof may have any suitable coating provided thereon. The coating may increase material compatibility, decrease permeability, increase strength, increase pinhole resistance, increase stability, provide anti-static capabilities or otherwise reduce static, etc. Such coatings can include coatings of polymers or plastic, metal, glass, adhesives, etc. and may be applied during the manufacturing process by, for example coating a preform used in blow-molding, or may be applied post manufacturing, such as by spraying, dipping, filling, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, the container may include level sensing features or sensors. Such level sensing features or sensors may use visual, electronic, ultrasonic, or other suitable mechanisms for identifying, indicating, or determining the level of the contents stored in the container. For example, in one embodiment, the container or a portion thereof may be made from a substantially translucent or transparent material that may be used to view the level of the contents stored therein.

[0134] As indicated above, the port and/or fitment of the containers of the present disclosure may be configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispensing the contents of the container, for example. Such a dispense connector may include any suitable features used to dispense the contents of the liner. In some embodiments, the dispense connector features may allow for dispense using existing pressure-dispense systems, for example. Generally, such pressure-dispense dispense connector features may include a pressurizing gas inlet that generally permits a gas pressure in-line to be inserted through or coupled with the dispense connector and be in fluid communication with interior of the container or, for example with indirect pressure dispense, the container may be positioned within a pressure vessel, and the gas pressure in-line may be in fluid communication with the annular space between the container and the pressure vessel. In such a system, a pressurizing fluid, gas, or other suitable substance may be introduced into the annular space, causing the container to collapse inside the pressure vessel, thereby pushing the contents of the liner out through a liquid outlet. In one embodiment, for example, to dispense contents of the container, the annular space between the container and pressure vessel may be pressurized, as is further described in International PCT Appl. No. PCT/US11/55558, which was previously incorporated by reference.

[0135] Likewise, any closure or closure/connector assembly may advantageously be used and may be configured to be compatible with existing dispensing systems used by end-users, and/or other existing technology or machinery that may be used, for example, in a given industry. As such, by using such closure/connector assemblies, advantages of the container embodiments disclosed herein may be realized without requiring a change in end-user dispense technology or machinery, for example. Embodiments of such closure/connector assemblies that may be particular configured for the food industry, for example, are described in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/65515, which was previously incorporated by reference.

[0136] In some embodiments, a flexible or substantially rigid, collapsible liner may be utilized in combination with the containers of the present disclosure. Such liners may be positioned within any of the container embodiments disclosed herein, and their construction and use are described in further detail in PCT Application Number PCT/US 12/70866, which was previously incorporated by reference.

[0137] In additional embodiments, the various embodiments of containers of the present disclosure may be provided with sensors and/or RFID tags, which may be used to track the assembly, as well as to measure usage, pressure, temperature, excessive shaking, disposition, or any other useful data. The sensors or RFID tags may be active and/or passive. In one embodiment, the sensors or RFID tags may be used to store and track information about the container, including but not limited to, its source or destination, its contents and the source thereof, the total volume, and/or the volume of contents remaining, etc. In other examples, strain gauges may be used to monitor pressure changes of the containers. The strain gauges may be applied or bonded to any suitable component of the containers. The strain gauges may be used to determine pressure build-up in an aging product, but may also be useful for a generally simple measurement of the contents stored in the container. For example, the strain gauge may be used to alert an end user as to any problems with the contents of the container or may be used generally as a control mechanism, such as in applications where the container may be used as a reactor or a disposal system. In embodiments where the sensitivity of the strain gauge is high enough, it may be able to provide a control signal for dispense amount and flow rate.

[0138] While certain shaped and configured containers have been described and illustrated herein, the various embodiments of containers described may indeed be configured in any suitable shape. Certain shaped or differently shaped containers can improve packing density during storage and/or transportation, and may reduce overall transportation costs. Additionally, differently shaped containers can be used to differentiate containers from one another, such as to provide an indicator of the contents provided within the containers or to identify for which application or applications the contents are to be used, etc. In still further embodiments, the containers described herein may be configured as any suitable shape in order to "retrofit" the containers with existing dispense assemblies or dispense systems.

[0139] Additionally, while specific and advantageous embodiments have been described, the invention disclosed is not so limited, and it is recognized that various features of a container have been disclosed in various embodiments described herein and may be used in combination with one or more other features described with regard to any of the embodiments. That is, containers of the present disclosure may include any one or more of the features described herein, whether or not described as the same or another embodiment. While some embodiments are particularly described as having one or more features, it will be understood that embodiments that are not described are also contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure, wherein those embodiments comprise any one or more of the features, aspects, attributes, properties or configurations or any combination thereof of containers described herein.

[0140] In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

Claims We claim:

1. A blow molded container comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, allowing the container walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume.

2. The container of claim I, wherein the container walls comprise at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly(butylene 2,6- naphthalate) (PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low- density polyethylene (LDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the container walls comprise four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular pyramid.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein a first two of opposing side walls of the four side walls each comprise a plurality of fold lines radially extending from a central region of the respective side wall.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein a second two of opposing side walls of the four side walls each comprise a fold line substantially dividing the respective side wall into two sections and permitting the second two side walls to substantially gusset inward along the fold line.

6. The container of claim 4, wherein the radially extending fold lines intersect at the central region.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein the central region comprises a stress relief limiter.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the stress relief limiter comprises a thinned region in the respective side wall in the form of a ring.

9. The container of claim 5, comprising a fitment positioned at the apex of the top surface.

10. The container of claim 9, further comprising an overpack having a base cup and a surround, the surround removably coupleable with the base cup.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the base cup and surround are manufactured from at least one of corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and corrugated

polypropylene (PP).

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the overpack comprises a locking mechanism for coupling the base cup and surround in a fixed manner.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein the surround is removably coupleable with at least one of the four side walls.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein at least one of the four side walls comprises a tab and the surround comprises a groove for receiving the tab.

15. A method of delivering a material to an end user process, comprising: providing a blow molded container having four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular pyramid, the container further comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more of the four side walls, allowing the side walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume, the container having the material stored in an interior thereof; coupling a connector to a port of the container, the connector operably coupling the container to the end user process; dispensing the material from the container via the connector and delivering the material to the end user process.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the material is dispensed via the connector by pump.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the material is dispensed via the connector by direct pressure dispense.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the material is dispensed via the connector by indirect pressure dispense.