Container for Bottle-In-Box Package

Abstract

Containers useful in bottle-in-box applications among others, including a blow molded portion and a non-blow molded portion integrally connected, wherein the blow molded portion includes: (i) at least one layer of polypropylene thermoplastic material having a flexural modulus (1% secant) of from about 140,000 psi to about 220,000 psi under ASTM D790; (ii) a containing volume of at least two liters suitable for containing a liquid or semi-liquid composition; and (iii) a containing volume to polypropylene thermoplastic material mass ratio of greater than 100 mL/gram; wherein the non-blow molded portion further includes an attachment means for connecting a dispenser.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 231,532, filed Aug. 5, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to plastic bottles fortified by and encompassed within cardboard boxes to form packaging useful for the storage, shipment and dispensing of liquid or gel products such as detergents and beverages.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Collapsible containers such as foil pouches and mono- or multi-layer thermoplastic laminate bags are well known for storing and dispensing a variety of compositions, particularly liquids and gels. For example, such containers may be used as liners for cartons / boxes for beverages, or may be used in bag-in-box applications. For instance, numerous consumer packaged goods such as wine and fruit juice are currently available on the market in bag-in-box containers. Such bag-in-box containers typically include the thermoplastic laminate bag as a liner and an oute...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It has now surprisingly been discovered that blow-molded polypropylene containers can provide desired flexibility for bottle-in-box applications while maintaining the structural stability preferable for the transportation and storage of flowable compositions, all while reducing cost and environmental impact.

Problems solved by technology

However, problems may exist with such thermoplastic laminate bag collapsible containers.

The seams where the sheets are joined together could leak and therefore be unsuitable for consumer use, particularly where there is a desire to protect consumers from the compositions contained therein.

Furthermore, the bags constructed from multiple layers of thermoplastic materials may be expensive to construct and it may be difficult to re-close the container once it is opened.

However, it has now been surprisingly discovered that such PET bottle-in-box containers are unsuitable for storing and shipping flowable compositions, particularly liquid laundry detergents.

When attempting to reapply such PET bottle-in-box container teachings to the storage and shipment of liquid laundry detergents, it was surprisingly found that when the “collapsible” blow-molded PET preform bottle containers were subjected to vibrational stress (such as during shipping), creasing in the walls of the PET container occurs and subjects the container to leakage.

Such leakage is entirely unacceptable both from a consumer standpoint and for safety considerations.

However, such walls are less flexible, negating the desired collapsibility, are more costly (additional materials needed), and are harmful to the environment by creating additional waste when the container is eventually disposed.

However, this solution creates new manufacturing difficulties for introducing the gas to the package as well as consumer suitability problems.

Further, when transporting through altitudes, pressure changes may occur and still allow creasing.

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