A packaging apparatus

Abstract

There is provided a packaging apparatus for holding a surface coating, the packaging comprising a deformable body defining an internal volume for holding said surface coating, in use, the deformable body comprising: an access region configured to be opened by a user, in use, to access the internal volume of the body; and an inlet for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume of the body.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging apparatus for holding a surface coating.Background

[0002] Surface coatings, such as paint or varnish, are typically stored and housed in cylindrical tins and / or buckets. These typically have a removable lid that can be opened by a user to access the surface coatings. In some cases, the user can simply dip a paint brush (or other suitable tool) into the surface coatings within the tin and then apply it to the desired surface. However, the tins and / or buckets are typically too small to allow a roller to be easily inserted to easily pick up surface coating from the tin. As such, users may typically pour the surface coating into a tray and the user can then inserts the roller into the tray to pick up the surface coating. Providing an intermediary tray can be cumbersome and lead to additional mess and waste. In addition, paint contaminated water can be a problematic waste material.

[0003] In many territories there are strict disposal requirements for containers (such as the tins) that hold the surface coatings, as such the use of standard tins leads to the generation of a significant amount of waste that needs to be carefully disposed of. The disposal of used surface coating tins is becoming increasingly problematical and cost-intensive.

[0004] Alternatives to tins have been suggested, but these alternatives typically suffer from difficulties in ease of use for end users and difficulties in filling them.

[0005] It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned problems.Summary

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging apparatus for holding a surface coating, the packaging comprising a deformable body defining an internal volume for holding said surface coating, in use, the deformable body comprising: an access region configured to be opened by a user, in use, to access the internal volume of the body; and an inlet for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume of the body.

[0007] The provision of the inlet in addition to the access region provides an efficient and controllable mechanism to enable the packaging to be filled with surface coating. In use, a filling line may be coupled with the inlet to fill the packaging apparatus in an efficient manner. As such, there would require no modification of existing filling lines in order to provide the surface coating to the packaging apparatus.

[0008] The deformable body of the packaging apparatus generates significantly less waste when compared with standard tins.

[0009] In one example, the inlet comprises an inlet valve for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume and for preventing said surface coating from flowing out of the internal volume through the inlet valve.

[0010] That is to say that the inlet valve is a one-way valve for allowing surface coating flow in a single direction only. Surface coating flow is prevented from flowing out of the packaging apparatus due to the presence of the inlet valve.

[0011] In one example, the inlet comprises a cap to seal the inlet. The cap may have an internal thread configured to engage with an associated external thread on a body of the valve to hold the cap in position. The cap may be added after the surface coating has been provided through the inlet to prevent surface coating from flowing through the inlet.

[0012] In one example, the inlet has an internal diameter of from 20mm to 30mm, such as 22mm to 28mm, such as 24mm to 26mm, such as 25mm. Inlets of this size are suitable for use with existing filling lines.

[0013] The inlet may be positioned in a corner region of the deformable body adjacent to the access region. Positioning the inlet in a corner region of the internal volume allows easy access to the inlet from the outside, whilst also reducing the interference of the inlet after the access region has been opened.

[0014] The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access region comprises a weakened section relative to the deformable body. The weakened section is less resilient compared with the rest of the deformable body and so will be opened prior to the rest of the deformable body, in operation.

[0015] The access region may comprise a semi-permanent welding.

[0016] In one example, the access region is resealable after opening. This enables a mechanism to re-seal any unused surface coating within the deformable body such that it may be used in future.

[0017] The deformable body may be formed from a deformable plastic material. The deformable plastic material would not be likely to degrade over time which would mean that the surface coating would be retained in the internal volume until the deformable body is opened by a user.

[0018] In some examples, the deformable plastic material may comprise renewable plastic or bioplastic. In other examples, the deformable plastic may comprise traditional plastics such as PE / EVOH / PE.

[0019] The deformable body may comprise a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet and second sheet are bonded together around at least a portion of a periphery of the first sheet and the second sheet. Providing a first sheet and a second sheet that are bonded together in this way aims to secure against leakage and avoids breakdown of certain plastics.

[0020] The deformable body may comprise multiple bonded layers of material.

[0021] In one example, the packaging apparatus includes a support for holding the deformable body. The support enables a user to place a roller or paintbrush directly into the packaging apparatus to pick-up paint, whilst also having adequate support. This arrangement obviates the need to have to wash surface coating from a bucket as the surface coating is prevented from coming into direct contact with the support due to the deformable body. This arrangement effectively saves water because a user doesn't need to wash / clean the support after use. The support may be a bucket or resilient material that holds the deformable body. In one example, a part of the deformable body may be folded over the top of the support, in use, to allow easy access to said surface coating, in use.

[0022] In one example, the support comprises a box for holding the deformable body, wherein the box is openable to provide access to the deformable body, in use.

[0023] In one example, at least part of deformable body is configured to extend over an upper edge of the support in an open configuration in which the access region has been opened by the user.

[0024] Various combinations of the above referenced features are envisaged.Brief Description of the Figures

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a packaging apparatus; Figure 2 shows a schematic example of a packaging apparatus with a handle; Figure 3 shows a schematic example of an inlet; Figure 4 shows a schematic example of a packaging apparatus including a support in a first configuration; and Figure 5 shows a schematic example of a packaging apparatus including a support in a second configuration. Detailed Description

[0026] The present disclosure relates to packaging apparatus the holds surface coating material, such as paint. The packaging apparatus may be used during storage and during use of applying surface coating to surfaces. The packaging apparatus includes a deformable body that may easily be opened and held in an open position to enable a user to access the surface coating within the deformable body. As the body is deformable, it produces less waste when compared with traditional tins, whilst also providing easy access to the surface coating within the deformable body.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a packaging apparatus 100. The packaging apparatus 100 includes a deformable body 102 for holding a surface coating, such as paint, varnish, sealant or similar material. The surface coating is held within an internal volume 104 of the deformable body 102, in use.

[0028] The deformable body 102 is flexible such that it does not retain its shape under pressure, but rather deforms. This enables it to be discarded easily without taking up much space after use. The deformable body 102 includes an access region 104 that is configured to be opened by a user, in use, to access the internal volume 104. In one example, deformable body 102 is made from a deformable plastic material. The deformable plastic material would not be likely to degrade over time which would mean that the surface coating would be retained in the internal volume until the deformable body 102 is opened by a user. In some examples, the deformable plastic material may comprise renewable plastic or bioplastic. In one example, the deformably plastic material may be ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) based. For example, the deformable plastic material may be PE / EVOH / PE.

[0029] In one example, the internal volume 104 of the deformable body 102 is from 0.5 litres to 15 litres, or 1.5 litres to 13.5 litres, or 2.5 litres to 10 litres or 5 litres to 10 litres.

[0030] In one example, a lower surface of the deformable body 102 is flat (or level). This enables the lower surface of the deformable body 102 to sit in flush a support (described later) to enable a user to more easily access all of the surface coating, without putting additional stresses upon the deformable body 102.

[0031] The deformable body 102 may have a rectangular or square profile. That is, when referring to figure 1, the deformable body 102 has a width (horizontal dimension on the page) that is uniform and a height (vertical dimension on the page) that is uniform. Whilst not shown, the deformable bag may also have a depth that is uniform too. Figure 1 shows that the corners over the deformable body on a lower profile may be rounded, but in this example the lower profile is still flat and it is only the corners that are rounded.

[0032] In one example, the deformable body is formed of two sheet that are joined together around part of their periphery 108. For example, when referring to figure 1, the two sheets may be joined together at (or towards) the lower surface of the deformable body 102 and at the two, opposite sides of deformable body 102. The two sheets may be referred to as a front face and a rear face that are bonded together around at least part of their periphery. The two sheets may be identical. In figure 1, the front face can be seen and the rear face is behind the front face. The two sheets may be joined and fixed to each other along edges forming an inner space, both the sheet and the joined edges constitutes a vapor barrier for surface coating inside the deformable body 102. In one example, the two sheets extend beyond the access region 106. For example, the two sheets may continue beyond the access region 106 and the handle may be formed in this region beyond the access region 106. In one example, the two sheets each have a thickness of from 20µm and 100µm, such as from 30µm and 90µm such as from 45µm and 85µm. In one example, the two sheets may have a different thickness. For example, a first of the two sheets may have a thickness of 85µm and a second of the two sheets may have a different thickness of 45µm.

[0033] In one example, the two sheets are joined together via plastic welding, or similar procedure.

[0034] In one example, the deformable body comprises multiple bonded layers of material. That is to say that a first sheet (e.g. a front face) may be made of a plurality of layers of material and a second sheet (e.g. a rear face) may be made of a plurality of layers of material. The first sheet and the second sheet may define the inner volume with the bounded periphery and the access region 106.

[0035] The deformable body 102 includes an access region 106. The access region 106 is configured to be opened by a user to access the internal volume 104 of the deformable body 102. The internal volume 104 of the deformable body 102 may be bound by the access region 106 and the periphery of the deformable body on one side of the access region 106. That is to say, when referring to figure 1, in a standard orientation, the access region 106 is located above the internal volume 104.

[0036] Prior to opening, the access region 106 is impermeable to prevent surface coating from leaving the internal volume 104 of the deformable body 102.

[0037] The access region may comprise a weakened region of material relative to the rest of the deformable body 102. For example, the weakened region may comprise a semi-permanent welding. The semi-permanent welding is a welding which may be ripped open without destroying the sheets constituting the closure made by the semi-permanent welding, a semi-permanent welding may be provided by welding in a shorter time and / or at a lower temperature and / or at a lower pressure and / or applying a coating and / or other commonly known methods.

[0038] In this example, when a user applies a force to the deformable body 102 then the access region 106 would open prior to the deformable body 102 breaking. In some examples, the access region comprises a seal that is configured to be opened by a user. In one example, the access region 106 is resealable after opening. For example, the access region 106 may have adhesive properties such that a user can recreate a seal after opening. In this manner, any unused surface coating remaining within the internal volume 104 may be stored in a manner that may enable future use. The access region 106 may be opened by cutting, ripping or tearing.

[0039] In one example, the access region comprises a non-permanent welding that allows access to the internal volume when in an open configuration and prevents access to the internal volume 104 when in a closed configuration.

[0040] The deformable body 102 includes an inlet 110 for enabling the deformable body 102 to be filled with surface coating. The inlet 110 is distinct from the access region 106. The intended operation of the inlet 110 is for receiving surface coating and not for surface coating to leave the internal volume 104. The inlet 110 is situated on the deformable body 102 to allow surface coating to be provided to the internal volume 104 of the deformable bag. That is to say that the inlet 110 is located on the same side of the access region 106 as the internal volume 102. Looking at figure 1, in the standard orientation, the inlet 110 may be located below the access region 106. In one example, the inlet 110 is positioned at or towards a corner of the internal volume 104. That is to say that in one example, the inlet 110 may be positioned on the front face (or back face) of the deformable body 102 within 100mm of the access region 106. In one example, the inlet 110 is positioned at 60mm from the access region 106. The inlet 110 may also be positioned within 100mm of a periphery of the deformable body. In one example, the inlet 110 is positioned at 80mm from the periphery of the deformable body.

[0041] In one example, the inlet 110 comprises an inlet valve for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume and for preventing said surface coating from flowing out of the internal volume through the inlet valve. That is, the inlet valve only enables one way flow of surface coating and so surface coating can flow into the internal volume 104 and cannot flow out of the internal volume 104 through the inlet valve. In this example, the inlet may be considered to be a one-way inlet valve.

[0042] In one example, the deformable body 102 comprises a handle 112. Figure 2 shows an example of the deformable body 102 comprising the handle 112.

[0043] The handle 112 enables a user to conveniently hold the deformable body 102, in use. In one example, the handles 112 are formed by a cut-out region within the deformable body 102 which allows a user to grip the deformable body 102. The handle 112 is configured to be located on the other side of the access region 106 from the internal volume 104. That is to say that the access region 106 is located between the handle 112 and the internal volume 104.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an example of the inlet 110 comprises a cap 114 to seal the inlet. The cap 114 may comprise an internally threaded surface configured to engage with an externally threaded stem of the inlet 110 to retain the cap 114 in place. A user can screw or unscrew the cap 114 as desired. In the example shown in figure 3, the inlet 110 also includes a shoulder 116 configured to hold the inlet 110 in position against a surface of the deformable body 102. The shoulder 116 also acts as a stop for the cap 114. The stem 118 of the inlet may then extend within the inner volume of the deformable body 102.

[0045] The stem 118 includes an internal passage through which the surface coating may be received into the deformable body 102. In one example, the inlet 110 has an internal diameter of from 20mm to 30mm, such as 22mm to 28mm, such as 24mm to 26mm, such as 25mm. Inlets of this size are suitable for use with existing filling lines.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of the packaging apparatus 100 comprising a support 120. In this example, the packaging apparatus 100 is in a first configuration. That is, a user has not unsealed the access region 106. The support is an upwardly open container configured to hold the deformable body 102, in use. The support 120 may be box shaped. The support 120 is suitable for holding the deformable body 102, in use. That is to say that the deformable body 102 is sized to fit within an inside of the support 120. In some examples, the support 120 is formed of a cardboard material. In other examples, the support is a resilient plastic material. The support may be designed to enable the deformably body 102 to be located therein and allow a user to access the deformable 102 to open the access region to access the internal volume containing the surface coating.

[0047] In other examples, the support 120 has a length of from 150mm to 450mm, such as 250mm to 350mm, such as 300mm. The length is along the x-direction in Figure 4. The support 120 may have a width (along dimension y) of from 100mm to 300mm, such as 150mm to 250mm, such as 200mm. The support may have a height (along dimension z) of from 100mm to 400mm, such as 200mm to 300mm, such as 250mm.

[0048] In one example, the support 120 is openable to provide access to the deformable body, in use. Figure 4 shows an example of the packaging apparatus 100 in an unopened state. That is to say that the access region 106 has not yet been opened by a user (or the access region 106 has been resealed). Even though the support 120 is opened in this example, the access region 106 has not yet been opened so the packaging apparatus 100 is still considered to be in an unopened state.

[0049] Figure 5 shows an example of the packaging apparatus 100 in a second configuration. That is to say that the access region 106 has been opened. In this example, at least part of the deformable body 102 is configured to extend over an upper edge of the support 120 in an open configuration in which the access region has been opened by the user. In this example, the surface coating within the internal volume of the deformable body 102 is accessible to a user and a user may dip a paintbrush / rollerwithin the surface coating. In one example, a user may push a roller against a bottom of the deformable body and use the support 120 as a resilient backing during the process of picking up surface coating from the deformable body 102.

[0050] In one example, the packaging apparatus 100 includes the surface coating within the deformable body 102. The surface coating may have a viscosity at typical room temperature of from 10cps to 10000cps.

[0051] As reported herein, the viscosity was determined in accordance with DIN 53019 / 1 at a shear rate of 10 s -1< . All values for viscosity reported herein were measured in this way unless specified otherwise.

[0052] The surface coating may be liquid at the application temperature, T. By "liquid", and like terms as used herein, in relation to the composition is meant that the composition is a fluid that is able to flow freely and has a near constant volume at room temperature.

[0053] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. Also, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[0054] Singular encompasses plural and vice versa.

[0055] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of' as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of "comprising", the coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of".

[0056] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and / or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0057] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

[0058] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0060] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A packaging apparatus for holding a surface coating, the packaging comprising a deformable body defining an internal volume for holding said surface coating, in use, the deformable body comprising: an access region configured to be opened by a user, in use, to access the internal volume of the body; and an inlet for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume of the body.

2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises an inlet valve for receiving said surface coating into the internal volume and for preventing said surface coating from flowing out of the internal volume through the inlet valve.

3. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet comprises a cap to seal the inlet.

4. The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inlet has an internal diameter of from 20mm to 30mm.

5. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the inlet is positioned in a corner region of the internal volume adjacent to the access region.

6. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access region comprises a weakened section relative to the deformable body.

7. The packaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the access region comprises a semi-permanent welding.

8. The packaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the access region is resealable after opening.

9. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable body is formed from a deformable plastic material.

10. The packaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the deformable plastic material comprises PE / EVOH / PE.

11. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable body comprises a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet and second sheet are bonded together around a portion of a periphery of the first sheet and the second sheet.

12. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable body comprises multiple bonded layers of material.

13. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support for holding the deformable body.

14. The packaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the support comprises a box for holding the deformable body, wherein the box is openable to provide access to the deformable body, in use.

15. The packaging according to claim 14, wherein at least part of the deformable body is configured to extend over an upper edge of the support in an open configuration in which the access region has been opened by the user.

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