FLEXIBLE PLASTIC CONTAINER

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a flexible plastic container in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 and more particularly to a flexible container for directing a flowable material contained therein to a fitment of the container and dispensing the flowable material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Collapsible plastic bags are often used to store liquid products such as chemicals, soft drink syrup, fruit juices and food condiments. The plastic bags are typically housed in a corrugated paperboard box to aid in the transporting, handling and dispensing of the product Such packaging systems are commonly referred to as "bag-in-box" packaging systems.

[0003] The plastic bags typically have sidewalls sealed along a peripheral seam to define a fluid containing chamber. A spout or a fitment provides access to the fluid chamber for filling and dispensing the product within the bag. Vacuum pump systems are sometimes connected to the container to assist in draining fluid from the container. Both gravity dispensing bags and vacuum pump systems suffer from the common drawback that fluid may become trapped within the folds of the bag during draining. Because of this, evacuation channels are often placed within the bag. Evacuation channels are typically elongate cylindrical tubes or flat strips with protruding ribs defining grooves. Typically, one end of the evacuation channel is disposed transverse to, or is connected to the spout, and the other end of the evacuation channel extends into the fluid containing chamber of the bag. As the bag is emptied by the force of the vacuum pump, or by the force of gravity, portions of the bag collapse unevenly, tending to leave pockets of product, typically liquid, which may become isolated from the rest of the liquid in the container. The evacuation channel, however, forms a conduit which cannot be closed off by the folds created in the bag. In this manner the entire chamber of the flexible bag remains in communication with the spout at all times during the dispensing such that all product within the bag can be removed.

[0004] Prior attempts to provide such bags are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,601,410; 5,647,511 and 5,749,493. United States Patent Nos. 4,601,410 and 5,647,511 disclose a liquid container with an evacuation unit. In both the '410 and '511 patents, the evacuation unit is shown attached directly to the spout by a mounting ring. Several problems have been encountered with these types of evacuation units. For example, during the filling process, which is typically done in a high speed and high pressure process, the evacuation unit is susceptible of being dislodged from the spout thereby rendering the evacuation unit inoperative. Also, the attaching ring can impede the flow of liquid during the filling process thereby slowing the filling process.

[0005] United States Patent No. 5,749,493 discloses an evacuation unit positioned within a bag and transverse and perpendicular to a spout in the bag. Because the evacuation unit is positioned in a location that is in line with the incoming fluid during the filling process, it is susceptible of being dislodged from its mounting to the container thereby rendering it ineffective. The '493 Patent also discloses extruding a pair of ribs or a single rib or protuberance extending the length of the container.

[0006] Many of the designs which utilize an evacuation unit positioned within the bag require that the unit be placed into the bag after the bag has been substantially constructed. This is highly undesirable because it adds another step to the manufacturing process and increases the labor costs.

[0007] United States Patent No. Re. 34,929 (reissue of US 4756422) discloses a plastic bag having interconnected air channels on its inner surface for the vacuum packaging of perishable items. The air channels are formed by the spaces between a plurality of raised protuberances having uniform thickness and formed in a generally regular and waffle-like pattern. The protuberances prevent the total collapse of the bag during air evacuation. There is no disclosure to utilize a fitment to provide access to the contents of the container. There is also no disclosure of removing the stored contents of the bag, but, rather only removing air from the package to prevent spoilage of the perishable item contained therein.

[0008] EP 0 251 812, which accords with the preamble of claim 1, discloses flexible containers suitable for dispensing liquid contents by evacuation. The inner surface of the container wall is perforated or embossed in an attempt to avoid the need for an insert to assist with dispensing when a flexible container collapses due to evacuation of the content.

[0009] US 3,081,911 relates to a drainage fitting for flexible collapsible containers for liquids. An outlet attached to the container is provided with inwardly projecting fingers which prevent blocking of the outlet by the walls of the flexible container when the liquid is drained.

[0010] WO01/36276 discloses collapsible bags for dispensing liquids. In addition to the use of inserts provided in the container and shapes provided on the inner surface of the walls of the container, this document discloses the use of various drainage channels formed on the inner flange of the outlet to prevent blocking of the outlet by the walls of the container when the liquid is drained.

[0011] United States Patent No. 2,778,171 discloses the production of airtight packages for packaging perishable items such as food. Projections are provided near an opening of the airtight package for keeping sidewalls of the container from fally collapsing against one another while air is being evacuated from the container. There is no disclosure of evacuating a stored product from the container and no disclosure of providing a fitment with the bag to provide access to the stored contents.

[0012] United States Patent No. 5,728,086 discloses a flexible container having multiple access ports and particularly discloses a container for storing fluids for parenteral administration to a patient. An inner surface of a sidewall of the container can have various patterns embossed thereon to assist in draining the contents of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present invention, there in provided a flexible polymeric container in accordance with claim 1.

[0014] The present invention provides a flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids. The container has a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the first sidewall and the second sidewall each having an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface and an access member for accessing the fluid chamber. A plurality of a first set of objects having a first shape is positioned on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. A plurality of a second set of objects having a second shape different from the first shape is positioned on the inner surface of one of the fist sidewall or the second sidewall wherein the first set of objects and the second set of objects are on the same sidewall

[0015] There is also descibed herein a method for evacuating a fluid from the container. The method, which does not form a part of the invention, includes the steps of (1) providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (2) providing a plurality of objects on the inner surface of the sidewall to define a plurality of pathways having at least a first channel and a second channel interjecting one another; (3) providing a fitment attached to the outer surface, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid from the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container having a fitment;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the container of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sidewall of the container of Fig. 1 having objects having varying shapes;

Fig. 4 is a sidewall of the container of Fig. 1 having a plurality of regularly spaced rectangular protuberances to define a checkerboard pattern; and

Fig. 5 is a sidewall having circular protuberances together forming a circular pattern with a series of X-shaped protuberances forming S-shaped lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, herein will be described in detail with the accompanying figures, a preferred embodiment of the invention. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described.

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 show a flexible container assembly 10 having a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall 13 attached at peripheral edges 14 to define a fluid tight chamber 16. A spout 18 is attached to an outer surface of the sidewall 12 and provides fluid flow access to the chamber 16. In a preferred form of the invention, the first and second sidewalls 12 and 13 are a flexible polymeric material having a modulus of elasticity of less than 345 mPa (50,000 psi). The sidewalls preferably are made from materials such as homopolyners and copolymers of polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters or other material that are capable of being sealed using industry standard sealing techniques. These techniques include, but are not limited to, heat sealing, radio frequency welding, and ultrasonic sealing. The sidewalls may be multilayered or single layered and may be fabricated from any suitable polymer processing technology including extrusion, coextrusion, extrusion lamination, lamination or other. The container can be made from individual sheets placed in registration and sealed along the periphery 14 or can be made from a blown film process where only opposing ends of a tube need be sealed to complete the container 10.

[0019] Figure 3, this example not forming a part of the invention, shows a plurality of objects 20 on the sidewall 12. The objects 20 can be positioned on a single sidewall or both. The objects, in a preferred form of the invention, are provided over an entire surface of the sidewall but could be provided only in select areas of the surface. Providing objects over the entire sidewall surface eliminates the need for registration of the sidewalls. Moreover, providing objects over the entire surface ensures that fluid is evacuated from all parts of the container, including corner regions. The objects can be of any shape including regular shapes such as circular, polygonal, straight or curved lines, symbols or the like. The objects can also be irregular shaped. These objects 20 assist in draining fluid from the chamber 16. The objects 20 can be raised protuberances or indentations in these shapes. The objects can be all of the same shapes or be of a combination of shapes. The objects can be of varying sizes provided the objects are effective to provide fluid pathways through the container when the fluid or particulate contents of container is being evacuated.

[0020] The objects 20 on the sidewall 12 provide an advantage over prior art containers having an evacuation unit positioned within and attached to an inside surface of the container. The evacuation unit is typically made from a polymer material, and is heat sealed or welded to the inside of the container. The weld area, in such containers, contacts the contents of the container. The weld area may have an undesired organoleptic effect on the container contents. Providing objects directly on the sidewall eliminates any organoleptic residue arising from heat sealing the evacuation unit in the container. Moreover, the evacuation unit is typically a rigid member. The present invention eliminates the rigid member resulting in a bag having a thinner profile, thereby reducing shipping and storage volume. Also, the rigid member type evacuation unit is not entirely effective in evacuating fluid from comes of the container. The present invention removes fluid that would otherwise remain in the corners.

[0021] The objects 20 can form a regular pattern or an irregular pattern. The regular pattern includes objects being placed at the same or essentially the same spacing or a repeating sequence of spacings. The irregular pattern is one where the objects are generally randomly distributed.

[0022] In a comparative example, not forming a part of the invention, as shown in Figure 4, there is a regularly spaced pattern of rectangular-shaped objects 30 having pathways 32 defined therebetween. This checkerboard pattern has at least a first pathway 33 intersecting a second pathway 34. In a preferred form the pathways intersect at substantially right angles to one another. However, it is contemplated that the intersection of pathways 32 can form various angles.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a preferred form of the invention having a series of circular protuberances 40 together with X-shaped protuberances 44. The circular protuberances 40 define a circular shape 42. The X-shaped protuberances 44 define a S-shaped pattern 46. Of course it is contemplated that any combination of shapes of protuberances can be used and that more than two different shapes can be used. The present invention hither contemplates that the individual protuberances can form varying indicia such as a trademark, tradename, logo, instructions for use or other identifying or useful information or advertising that can be viewed through the sidewall 12 or 14 or both.

[0024] The objects can be formed on the inner surface of sidewall 12 or sidewall 14 by techniques well known in the art including embossing during the fabrication of the sidewall, or embossing afterwards. The pattern can also be applied by an extrusion coating process or similar process. The objects can be pressed into the sidewall with a shaped die. Numerous other mechanisms and processes come to mind for forming the objects which are well known in the art and the present invention should not be limited to these processes recited. The pathrways of the pattern are preferably of a depth of greater than or equal to 25.4 µm (1 mil), or less than 203 µm (8 mils), and even more preferably less than 127 µm (5 mils). Most preferably, the pathways will have a depth of from about 25 µm (1mil) to about 102 µm (4 mils) for fluids having the viscosity of a soft drink syrup. For fluids having a greater viscosity a greater depth will be necessary to provide adequate flow of the fluid through the pathways to evacuate the fluid from the container assembly.

[0025] The fitment 18 has an opening 50 having an axis essentially perpendicular to a panel surface of sidewall 12 of the container. It is contemplated the fitment 18 can be mounted at various angles to the sidewall without departing from the present invention. The fitment 18 provides fluid access to the contents of the chamber 16. Typically, container 10 is used for housing liquids such as soft drink syrup which are withdrawn from the container with a hose and mixed at a fountain with a diluent such as soda water. The hose (not shown) has an attachment for connecting to the fitment in a fluid and airtight arrangement. A vacuum is applied to the fitment 18 through the hose to withdraw fluid from the container. The vacuum creates a pressure difference to initiate a fluid flow. Of course, the fitment 18 maybe attached to the first or second sidewall 12, 13 or both and may be located, at any location thereon.

[0026] The method for evacuating a fluid from the container, such method not forming a part of the invention, comprises the steps of: (1) providing a liquid filled container having a sidewall having an inner surface; (2) providing a plurality of objects on the inner surface of the sidewall to define a plurality of channels having at least a first channel and a second channel intersecting one another; (3) providing a fitment attached to an outer surface of the sidewall, the fitment having an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface; and (4) applying a suction to the fitment to draw fluid from the container.

[0027] While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A flexible polymeric container (10) for storing and dispensing liquids comprising:

a first sidewall (12) and a second sidewall (13) connected together to define a fluid chamber (16) therebetween, the first sidewall (12) and the second sidewall (13) each having an inner surface facing the fluid chamber (16) and an opposed outer surface;

an access member (18) for accessing the fluid chamber (16) and

characterized in that the container (10) further comprises a plurality of a first set of objects (40) having a first shape and a plurality of a second set of objects (44) having a second shape different from the first shope, wherein the first set of objects (40) and the second set of objects (44) are on the inter surface of the some side wall, being an either the first side wall (12) or the second side wall (13), and wherein the objects (40,44) are of regular or irregular shape with raised protuberances or indentations.

2. The container (10) of claim 1 wherein the first set of objects (40) has a plurality of spaced protuberances.

3. The container (10) of claim 1 wherein the access member (18) is a fitment attached to an outer surface of the first sidewall (12) or the second sidewall (13).

4. The container (10) of claim 1 wherein the fitment (18) has an opening (50) with an axis substantially perpendicular to the sidewall.

Ansprüche

1. Flexibler polymerer Behälter (10) zum Aufbewahren und Abgeben von Flüssigkeiten, umfassend:

eine erste Seitenwand (12) und eine zweite Seitenwand (13), die miteinander verbunden sind, um dazwischen eine Fluidkammer (16) zu definieren, wobei die erste Seitenwand (12) und die zweite Seitenwand (13) jeweils eine innere Oberfläche, welche der Fluidkammer (16) zugewandt ist, und eine entgegengesetzte äußere Oberfläche aufweisen;

ein Zugriffsglied (18) zum Zugreifen auf die Fluidkammer (16); und

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (10) ferner mehrere aus einer ersten Menge von Gegenständen (40) mit einer ersten Gestalt und mehrere aus einer zweiten Menge von Gegenständen (44) mit einer zweiten Gestalt, die sich von der ersten Gestalt unterscheidet, umfasst, wobei die erste Menge von Gegenständen (40) und die zweite Menge von Gegenständen (44) an der inneren Oberfläche derselben Seitenwand sind, wobei sie entweder an der ersten Seitenwand (12) oder der zweiten Seitenwand (13) sind, und wobei die Gegenstände (40, 44) eine regelmäßige oder unregelmäßige Gestalt mit erhabenen Vorsprüngen oder Vertiefungen aufweisen.

2. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erste Menge von Gegenständen (40) mehrere beabstandete Vorsprünge aufweist.

3. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Zugriffsglied (18) ein Anbauteil ist, das an einer äußeren Oberfläche der ersten Seitenwand (12) oder der zweiten Seitenwand (13) befestigt ist.

4. Behälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Anbauteil (18) eine Öffnung (50) mit einer Achse, die im Wesentlichen im rechten Winkel zu der Seitenwand verläuft, aufweist.

Revendications

1. Récipient polymère flexible (10) permettant de stocker et distribuer des liquides comprenant :

une première paroi latérale (12) et une seconde paroi latérale (13) raccordées ensemble pour définir une chambre de fluide (16) entre elles, ladite première paroi latérale (12) et ladite seconde paroi latérale (13) ayant chacune une surface interne en regard de la chambre de fluide (16) et une surface externe opposée ;

un organe d'accès (18) permettant d'accéder à la chambre de fluide (16) ; et caractérisé en ce que le récipient (10) comprend en outre une pluralité d'un premier jeu d'objets (40) ayant une première forme et une pluralité d'un second jeu d'objets (44) ayant une seconde forme différente de la première forme, où le premier jeu d'objets (40) et le second jeu d'objets (44) sont sur la surface interne de la même paroi latérale, étant sur la première paroi latérale (12) ou la seconde paroi latérale (13), et où les objets, (40, 44) sont de forme régulière ou irrégulière avec des protubérances ou indentations surélevées.

2. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier jeu d'objets (40) comporte une pluralité de protubérances espacées.

3. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'organe d'accès (18) est un accessoire attaché à une surface externe de la première paroi latérale (12) ou de la seconde paroi latérale (13).

4. Récipient (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'accessoire (18) comporte une ouverture (50) avec un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à la paroi latérale.

Drawing