Dispensing package

Abstract

A seamless collapsible container has a molded finish, configured and adapted for sealing with a closure and, optionally, for attachment to a dispensing apparatus, and a seamless, blow molded body portion, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall, where the wall is sufficiently thin to allow the body portion to collapse, and the molded finish and at least an inner layer of the body portion together comprise a seamless, single piece of thermoplastic material. The seamless collapsible container may be used in such applications as a bag-in-box, a carton liner, and a beverage pouch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 741,847, filed on Dec. 19, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is directed to collapsible containers for packaging and dispensing fluids, particularly liquids and flowable powders. In particular, the present invention is directed to seamless thermoplastic containers for packages, such as a “bag-in-box” and beverage carton liners, and recyclable substitutes for beverage pouches and drink boxes. [0004] 2. Related Background Art [0005] Collapsible containers are used for storing and dispensing a variety of fluids, particularly liquids and flowable powders. For example, collapsible containers are used as liners for cartons used for storing beverages and other flowable materials. In addition, collapsible containers are used in “bag-in-box” (“BIB”) applications. A BIB is useful in a v...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Two particular problems exist with prior art collapsible containers.

This results in seams, where the sheets are joined and around the spout, that are prone to leakage.

This often results in waste, increasing the ultimate cost of the product to the consumer.

However, they all increase the complexity and cost of the collapsible container.

There is also no teaching or suggestion in either of the McCullough patents that the walls of the disclosed bags are sufficiently thin to allow the bag to collapse as its contents are removed through the spout.

Therefore, a smooth flow of fluid contents from a BIB having a non-collapsible bag is not possible, as the air that must enter the bag to replace the contents of the bag must bubble through the fluid as it passes through the spout.

With the exception of the McCullough patents and one embodiment of the Overman patents, each of the disclosed containers requires a separate web or dip strip to channel liquid to the spout of the container, increasing the cost and complexity of the container.

In addition, there is no suggestion in any of the patents discussed above of eliminating the seams between opposite sides of the containers and between the spout and the rest of the container to reduce the possibility of leakage.

Again, this adds to the cost and complexity of the container.

Similarly, beverage pouches typically comprise laminates of metal foil and plastic, where the edges of the foil and plastic edges are sealed to form the pouch, adding to the cost of the manufacture.

Both drink boxes and beverage pouches are intended to be disposable, and, thus, create a solid waste problem.

Unlike bottles for soda and other beverages that are formed from a recyclable plastic, such as PET, laminated drink boxes and beverage pouches are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle, due to the layers of different materials that must be separated.

The cost of recycling such containers can be prohibitive.

In addition, once a drink box or beverage pouch is opened, there is typically no way to re-close the container.

Therefore, if all of the beverage is not consumed after opening, a potential for spilling exists.

As a result, the container is often thrown away while it still contains beverage, increasing the unit cost of the beverage to the consumer, and further complicating recycling.

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