Bag-in-box dispensing system and related methods

Abstract

A bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) comprising an outer box (1101) enclosing an inner flexible container (1103), the outer box having a top panel (1107), a bottom panel (1105), a first side panel (1125), a second side panel (1127), and at least one front panel configured to allow a user to detach a portion of the front panel, expose the dispensing system, and secure a portion of the dispensing system within the first front panel. A bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) is provided that includes a first front panel (231, 329) including a first perforation (233, 331), and a second front panel (243, 343) positioned adjacent to the first front panel and forming an outer surface of the box, the second front panel including a perforation extending from an edge of the second front panel that allows a portion of the second front panel to be removed, thereby exposing at least a portion of the first front panel.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 928,850, filed October 31, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to dispensing systems, and more particularly, to bag-in-box dispensing systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Bag-in-box systems are used in a variety of industries because they are often easier to ship than flexible or molded rigid containers. However, these bag-in-box systems typically have a simple spout dispenser and can only dispense liquid by placing the spout directly over the location where the liquid needs to be dispensed, limiting the use of these containers. To expand the usefulness of this type of packaging for other types of fluids, such as motor oil, some bag-in-box systems are shipped with an additional external spout. However, this external spout is often damaged during shipping and is a target for theft once the package is placed on a store shelf.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved bag-in-box dispensing system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a bag-in-box dispensing system includes an outer box enclosing an inner flexible container including a fixture, the outer box having a top panel, a bottom panel opposite the top panel, a first side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, the second side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, and configured to allow a user to tear away a portion of the front panel to expose the dispensing system and secure a portion of the dispensing system within the first front panel. In one embodiment, a bag-in-box dispensing system includes a first front panel having at least one front perforation extending therethrough, a second front panel disposed adjacent to the first front panel thereby forming an outer surface of the box, the second front panel having a perforation extending from an edge of the second front panel and configured to enable a portion of the second front panel to be removed thereby exposing at least a portion of the first front panel, and a first rear panel opposing the first and second front panels.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of using a bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that includes: separating one or more handle perforations; separating perforations in the second front panel to expose a portion of the first front panel; separating a substantially circular perforation in the first front panel; separating first and second flap perforations in the first front panel; removing a flexible container retainer from an outer box and installing the retainer in the substantially circular perforations; rejoining the first and second flap perforations so that the substantially circular perforations are operable to keep the retainer secured within the outer box; and dispensing an injectable material through the retainer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a closed bag-in-box dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1 with the second front panel opened to expose the first front panel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1 with the second front panel open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1 with the first and second front panels open. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1 with the first and second front panels closed and the perforations in the second front panel partially cut away. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1 with the first front panel and the second front panel closed and the perforations in the second front panel completely cut away. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 6 having a substantially circular perforation that is completely cut off. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 7 with the first flap perforation and the second flap perforation separated. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 8 with a portion of the injection spout fixture extending from the first front panel and the second front panel. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 9 with the first flap perforation and the second flap perforation rejoined. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 10 in use, with the removable lid removed and the distal end of the extendable spout extended. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the outer box of the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pouring spout fixture disposed within a flexible container that may be used in embodiments of the bag-in-box dispensing system disclosed herein. [Figure 13A] 14 is a cross-section of the pour spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. 13 taken along line AA. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the pouring spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13A is a cross-section of the pour spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. 13, with the extendable spout shown in a retracted position. [Figure 16] 14 is a cross-sectional view of a one-piece embodiment of the injection spout fixture of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a friction pour spout fixture disposed within a flexible container. [Figure 17A] 18 is a cross-section of the pour spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. 17 taken along line AA. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pouring spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. [Figure 19] 17A is a cross-section of the pour spout fixture and flexible container of FIG. 17, with the extendable spout shown in a retracted position. [Figure 20] 18 is a cross-sectional view of a one-piece embodiment of the injection spout fixture of FIG. 17. [Figure 21] 1 is another embodiment of a pouring spout fixture and a flexible container. [Figure 21A] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the injection spout fixture of FIG. 21. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an exploded outer box of a one gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the outer box of FIG. 21 with a number of handle perforations cut away. [Figure 24]22 is a perspective view of the outer box of FIG. 21 with the multiple handle perforations cut away, a portion of the second front panel cut away at the perforations, and a portion of the first front panel cut away at the substantially circular perforations, as well as the first and second flap perforations. [Diagram 25] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the outer box of FIG. 21 with the substantially circular perforations cut away and all of the front panels in an open configuration. [Figure 26] 1 is an exploded outer box of a 2.5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 27 is a view of the outer box of FIG. 26 with the perforations in the second front panel partially cut away, the circular perforations in the first front panel completely cut away, and the handle perforations in the first side panel cut away. [Figure 28] 28 is a view of the outer box of FIG. 27 with the perforations in the second front panel completely torn off, the first and second flap perforations in the first front panel torn off, and the handle perforations in the second front panel torn off. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is a view of the outer box of FIG. 26 with the first front panel, the second front panel, the third front panel, and the fourth front panel open. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is an exploded outer box of a 5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the assembled outer box of FIG. 30 with the handle perforations in the second front panel and the second side panel cut away. [Diagram 32] 32 is a view of the assembled outer box of FIG. 31 with the perforations in the second front panel partially cut away, the substantially circular perforations in the first front panel completely cut away, and the handle perforations in the second side panel cut away. [Diagram 33]33 is a view of the outer box of FIG. 32 with the perforations in the second front panel completely torn off, the first and second flap perforations torn off, and the handle perforations in the first front panel torn off. [Diagram 34] FIG. 31 is a view of the outer box of FIG. 30 with the first front panel, the second front panel, and the third front panel open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Provided herein is an improved bag-in-box dispensing system and methods for its use. In some embodiments, a bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that includes an outer box enclosing an inner flexible container including a fixture, the outer box including a top panel, a bottom panel opposite the top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a first front panel with at least one front perforation configured to allow a user to tear away a portion of the front panel to expose the dispensing system and secure a portion of the dispensing system within the first front panel, a second front panel disposed adjacent to the first front panel thereby forming an outer surface of the box, the first front panel including a perforation extending from an edge of the second front panel and configured to allow a portion of the second front panel to be removed to thereby expose at least a portion of the first front panel, and a first rear panel opposite the first and second front panels.

[0009] In some embodiments, a method of dispensing injectable material from a bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that includes: separating one or more handle perforations; separating perforations in the second front panel to expose a portion of the first front panel; separating a substantially circular perforation in the first front panel; separating first and second flap perforations in the first front panel; removing a retainer of a flexible container from an outer box and installing the retainer in the substantially circular perforations; rejoining the first and second flap perforations so that the substantially circular perforations are operable to keep the retainer secured within the outer box; and dispensing the injectable material through the retainer.

[0010] As used herein, "perforation" is used broadly to refer to a series of perforations, a single cut, or any combination thereof.

[0011] As used herein, "about" is used broadly to refer to an amount that is within + / - 10% of a given value, e.g., within 1% of a given value, within 2% of a given value, within 3% of a given value, within 4% of a given value, within 5% of a given value, within 6% of a given value, within 7% of a given value, within 8% of a given value, within 9% of a given value, within 10% of a given value, or any range therebetween.

[0012] As used herein, panels are described as being disposed "adjacent" to one another if they are substantially parallel to one another and either directly contact one another or are connected by one or more additional adjacent panels. For example, a first front panel and a second front panel described herein are adjacent to one another if they are connected by a third front panel and a fourth front panel that are disposed substantially parallel between the first and second front panels.

[0013] The outer box may be made of any suitable material that can be separated by perforations. For example, the outer box may be made of corrugated cardboard, paperboard, aluminum, plastic, etc.

[0014] Without limitation, the use of relational terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "lower," "upper," "side," and the like, are used in the written description for clarity when specifically referring to the figures or to refer to relative placement of panels of a box, and are not intended to further limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. For example, "top" and "bottom" are used to refer to panels that oppose one another, "front" and "back" are used to refer to panels that oppose one another, and "first side" and "second side" are used to refer to panels that oppose one another.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flexible container includes a pour spout fixture. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible container includes a pour spout fixture as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0168929, WO 2019 / 108872, WO 2019 / 108870, or International Application No. PCT / US2018 / 055627, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the flexible container may be a flexible liner for a FIBC or bag-in-box container system as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,346,612.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bag-in-box dispensing system is an e-commerce-ready package. That is, in some embodiments, the bag-in-box dispensing system may be shipped to an end consumer without a separate shipping container. In some embodiments, the bag-in-box dispensing system may be stacked on a standard shipping pallet and stacked in multiple layers. Advantageously, the bag-in-box containers, being substantially rectangular in shape, may be placed very closely together on the shipping pallet and on the store shelf. As a result, more bag-in-box dispensing systems may fit within a given area than conventional rigid bottles. Furthermore, because the bag-in-box dispensing system includes an outer box, the bag-in-box dispensing systems may advantageously be stacked on top of each other without the need for intermediate materials that would be required when stacking conventional rigid bottles or flexible containers. Furthermore, the bag-in-box dispensing system including the pouring spout fixture detailed herein may advantageously include the pouring spout fixture sealed within the outer box, such that it cannot be intentionally or inadvertently removed during shipping or by the end consumer prior to purchase.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outer box further includes at least one handle perforation in one or more of the first top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the first front panel, or the second front panel. For example, in some embodiments, the outer box includes a series of perforations in the second front panel and a corresponding cut in the first front panel, such that the series of perforations can be cut away from the second front panel to form a handle that extends into the interior of the outer box. In some embodiments, the outer box includes one or more handle perforations in each of the top panel and the second side panel. In some embodiments, the outer box includes one or more handle perforations in each of the first side panel and the second side panel. In some embodiments, the outer box includes one or more handle perforations in each of the first top panel and the second top panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge. In some embodiments, the second side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge. In some embodiments, the first bottom panel is connected to the bottom edge of the second side panel, the first front panel is connected to the front edge of the first side panel, the second front panel is connected to the front edge of the second side panel and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel, and the first back panel is connected to the first side panel at the back edge of the first side panel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the outer box further includes a second back panel connected to the second side panel at a back edge of the second side panel, and a second bottom panel connected to a bottom edge of the first side panel and adjacent to the first bottom panel. In some embodiments, the outer box further includes a third back panel connected to the top panel at a back edge of the top panel, and a fourth back panel connected to the bottom panel at a back edge of the top panel. In some embodiments, the second bottom panel is adjacent to the first bottom panel, and the third and fourth back panels are adjacent to the first and second back panels.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the second side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the first bottom panel includes a front edge and a back edge, the first top panel includes a front edge and a back edge, the first bottom panel is connected to the bottom edge of the second side panel and connected to the bottom edge of the first side panel, the first top panel is connected to the top edge of the second side panel, the first front panel is connected to the front edge of the first bottom panel, the second front panel is connected to the front edge of the top panel and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel, and the first back panel is connected to the first bottom panel at the rear edge of the first bottom panel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer box further includes a second back panel connected to the top panel at a back edge of the first top panel, and a second top panel connected to the top edge of the first side panel and adjacent to the first top panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer box further includes a third back panel connected to the first side panel at a back edge of the first side panel and a fourth back panel connected to the second side panel at a back edge of the second side panel, In some embodiments, the second top panel is adjacent to the first top panel, and the third and fourth back panels are adjacent to the first and second back panels.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first side panel has one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels including a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, the second side panel has one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels including a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, the first bottom panel has one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels including a front edge and a rear edge, and the first top panel has one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels including a front edge and a rear edge. The t-shirt has one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels, including an edge and a rear edge, a first bottom panel is connected to the bottom edge of the second side panel and connected to the bottom edge of the first side panel, a first top panel is connected to the top edge of the first side panel, a first front panel is connected to the front edge of the first bottom panel, a second front panel is connected to the front edge of the top panel and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel, and a first rear panel is connected to the first bottom panel at the rear edge of the first bottom panel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the outer box further includes a second back panel connected to the top panel at a rear edge of the first top panel, and a third side panel connected to a second side edge of the first top panel and adjacent to the second side panel. In some embodiments, the outer box further includes one or more handle perforations in each of the first and second side panels, a third back panel connected to the first side panel at a rear edge of the first side panel, and a fourth back panel connected to the second side panel at a rear edge of the second side panel. In some embodiments, the third and fourth back panels are adjacent to the first and second back panels.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the second side panel includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the first bottom panel includes a front edge and a back edge, the first top panel includes a front edge and a back edge, the first bottom panel is connected to the bottom edge of the second side panel and to the bottom edge of the first side panel, the first top panel is connected to the top edge of the first side panel, the first front panel is connected to the front edge of the first bottom panel, the second front panel is connected to the front edge of the first top panel and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel, and the first back panel is connected to the first bottom panel at the rear edge of the first bottom panel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the outer box includes a second back panel connected to the top panel at a back edge of the first top panel, and a second top panel connected to the top edge of the second side panel and adjacent to the first top panel.

[0027] In some embodiments, the outer box includes a third rear panel connected to the first side panel at a rear edge of the first side panel and a fourth rear panel connected to the second side panel at a rear edge of the second side panel, hi some embodiments, the third rear panel and the fourth rear panel are adjacent to the first rear panel and the second rear panel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the outer box includes a third front panel connected to the first side panel at a front edge of the first side panel and a fourth front panel connected to the second side panel at a front edge of the second side panel, in some embodiments, the third front panel and the fourth front panel are adjacent to the first front panel and the second front panel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inner flexible container contains a pourable material, e.g., a liquid of a pourable powder. In some embodiments, the inner flexible container includes a pouring spout fixture attached to the flexible container. For example, in some embodiments, the pouring spout fixture includes: (1) a hollow rigid member having a top end with a discharge opening and a base end with a base end opening, an inner surface defining an interior space extending between the discharge opening and the base end opening, and an outer surface; (2) an extendable spout disposed at least partially within and connected to the hollow rigid member, the extendable spout having a proximal end and a proximal opening, the proximal end being connected to the base end of the hollow rigid member, and a distal end and a distal opening, the distal end being connected to the hollow rigid member. The infusion spout fixture includes a distal end and a distal opening extending from the rigid member and configured to be at least partially retracted into the hollow rigid member, a discharge passage extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening, and a duckbill valve disposed within the discharge passage, the extendable spout is configured to dispense a pourable material from a container through the distal opening when the hollow rigid member is attached to the friction-fit opening, and the perforations are configured to allow a user to remove at least a portion of the infusion spout fixture such that the perforations extend beyond the front panel. In some embodiments, the substantially circular perforations are configured to secure a portion of the hollow rigid member to the infusion spout fixture.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer box may be constructed such that the panels forming the interior surface of the box are as large as possible to minimize the number of sharp edges that may contact the inner flexible package. For example, each of the first and second front panels may be approximately the same size such that the edges of the first front panel substantially contact the interiors of the first top, first side, second side, and first bottom panels. Similarly, the third and fourth front panels may be attached to the exterior surface of the first or second front panels such that the edges of neither the third or fourth front panels may contact the inner flexible package.

[0031] In some embodiments, the various panels of the outer box may be joined together without blocking any of the aforementioned perforations with an adhesive material. For example, in some embodiments, the third and fourth front panels are smaller than the first or second front panels and do not obstruct access to the perforations in the second front panel.

[0032] In some embodiments, a one gallon bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that is optimized for shipping on a standard 48" x 48" shipping pallet. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first and second side panels may be about 10 5 / 8" x 7 1 / 4", the top panel may be about 10 5 / 8" x about 4 3 / 4", the bottom panel may be about 4 5 / 8" x about 10 5 / 8", and the first and second front and rear panels may be about 7 1 / 4" x about 4 1 / 2". In some embodiments, the first front panel may be slightly smaller than the second front panel so that it will fold more easily to form the interior surface of the outer box. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first rear panel may be slightly smaller than the second rear panel so that it will fold more easily to form the interior surface of the outer box. Advantageously, a one gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to this embodiment can accommodate 240 boxes per pallet compared to only 144 for a comparable one gallon rigid package. In other words, use of the one gallon bag-in-box dispensing system described herein increases the capacity of a single pallet by 40%, resulting in 40% less warehouse space required to store the same volume of pourable material.

[0033] In some embodiments, a 2.5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that is optimized for shipping on a standard 48" x 48" shipping pallet. Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom panel and second side panel are each about 7 3 / 4" x 12 9 / 16", the first side panel is about 7 13 / 16" x 12 13 / 16", and the second side panel is about 7 9 / 16" x 12 3 / 16". The first front panel, second front panel, first rear panel, and second rear panel are each about 7 1 / 2" x about 7 1 / 2". In some embodiments, the first front panel can be slightly smaller than the second front panel so that it will fold more easily to form the interior surface of the outer box. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first rear panel can be slightly smaller than the second rear panel so that it can be more easily folded to form the interior surface of the outer box. Advantageously, a 2.5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to this embodiment can accommodate 120 boxes per pallet, compared to only 80 for a comparable 2.5 gallon rigid package.

[0034] In some embodiments, a 5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system is provided that is optimized for shipping on a standard 48" x 48" shipping pallet. Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom panel is approximately 12 3 / 4" x 9 13 / 16", the first top panel is approximately 13 3 / 8" x approximately 9 7 / 8", the first side panel is approximately 11 1 / 8" x 13 3 / 8", and the second side panel is approximately 10 15 / 16" x 12 3 / 4". The first and second front panels are each approximately 10 7 / 8" x 9 13 / 16", and the second front and second back panels are each approximately 10 7 / 8" x 10 7 / 8". Advantageously, a 5 gallon bag-in-box dispensing system according to this embodiment can accommodate 30 boxes per pallet, compared to only 20 for a comparable 5 gallon rigid package.

[0035] Illustrated embodiments Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the figures which are described in more detail below.

[0036] Bag-in-box dispensing system and method 1-12 illustrate one embodiment of a bag-in-box dispensing system 1100 in various views. The dispensing system 1100 includes an outer box 1101 and an inner flexible container 1103. The outer box 1101 includes a bottom panel 1105, a first top panel 1107, a first side panel 1125, and a second side panel 1127. The top panel 1107 has a handle perforation 1109, a front edge 1111, a rear edge 1113, and a first side edge 1115. The bottom panel 1105 has a front edge 1117, a rear edge 1119, a first side edge 1121, and a second side edge 1123.

[0037] The outer box 1101 further includes a second top panel 1129 including a handle perforation 1109 and a second side edge 1183. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer box 1101 further includes a first front panel 1185 including a first flap perforation 1187 and a second flap perforation 1189 that can be separated together to form a removable flap to allow for the passage of a dispensing system. As shown in FIG. 7, the first flap perforation 1187 and the second flap perforation 1189 are each connected to a substantially circular perforation 1191 that is configured to be separated such that a portion of the first front panel 1185 surrounded by the substantially circular perforation 1191 can be completely removed from the first front panel 1185. In this manner, the substantially circular perforation can receive the pouring spout fitting 131 of the inner flexible container 1103, as shown in FIG.

[0038] Thus, to dispense an injectable material using the bag-in-box dispensing system of FIGS. 1-12, the perforations 1195 in the second front panel 1193 may first be torn off, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When fully torn off, this exposes the first front panel 1185 including the substantially circular perforations 1191 and the first and second flap perforations 1187, 1189, as shown in FIG. 6. The substantially circular perforations may then be torn off, such as by pushing towards the inner flexible container to expose a portion of the pour spout fixture 131, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first and second flap perforations 1187, 1189 may be torn off to further expose the pour spout fixture 131, which may be placed within the substantially circular perforations, as illustrated in FIG. 9. First flap perforation 1187 and second flap perforation 1189 can then be rejoined to hold pour spout fixture 131 within the outer box, as illustrated in Figure 10. The pour spout fixture can then be used to dispense the pourable material, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0039] inner flexible container 13-17 depict exemplary embodiments of pour spout fixtures for use with flexible packages of various configurations.

[0040] 13 and 13A illustrate a pour spout fixture 131a for a flexible container 103 including a hollow canoe portion 165 having a body including an inner surface 167 defining a passageway extending through the body, with an outer surface configured to be attached directly to the inner surface of the flexible container 103. FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the pour spout fixture 131a and flexible container 103 of FIG. 13. For example, the hollow canoe portion 165 may be welded to the inner surface of the flexible container. The pour spout fixture further includes an extendable spout 145 at least partially disposed within and connected to the hollow canoe portion 165. The extendable spout 145 includes a proximal end 147 and a proximal opening 149, a distal end 153 and a distal opening 155, and a discharge passageway 157. The proximal end 147 is connected to the hollow canoe portion 165, the distal end 153 is configured to extend from and be at least partially retracted into the hollow canoe portion 165, and the discharge passage 157 extends from the proximal opening 149 to the distal opening 155. The extendable spout is configured to extend between an extended position where the distal end 153 extends from a top end of the hollow canoe portion 165 and a retracted position where the distal end 153 is at least partially retracted into the hollow canoe portion 165. The extendable spout 145 is configured to dispense an injectable material from the flexible package 103 through the distal opening 155 when the hollow canoe portion 165 is attached to an inner surface of the flexible package 103. FIGS. 13 and 13A illustrate the extendable spout in an extended configuration. The pour spout fitting 131 a further includes a removable lid 175 that is attached to the top end of the hollow canoe portion 165 by threads 173 .

[0041] The removable lid 175 is hingedly movable between an open position and a closed position, the removable lid covering the distal end 153 of the extendable spout 145. The removable lid 175 further includes a first seal flange 177 and a second seal flange 179, both of which extend inwardly of an inner surface of the removable lid 175. The first seal flange 177 is configured to engage the top end of the hollow canoe portion 165 when the removable lid 175 is in the closed position. The second seal flange 179 is configured to engage the distal end 153 of the extendable spout 145 when the removable lid 175 is in the closed position. The second seal flange 179 is disposed inwardly of the first seal flange 177, and the pour spout fixture further includes a rail grabber portion consisting of two flat protrusions 181. These protrusions are configured to allow fixture 131a and flexible package 103 attached to fixture 131a to be easily transported along a typical manufacturing facility according to methods known in the art.

[0042] 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pour spout fixture 131a. This embodiment includes the hollow canoe portion 165, rail grabber portion 181, and extendable spout 145, as described above. However, in this embodiment, the lid 175 is integral with the remainder of the fixture 131a. In this embodiment, the lid 175 may be formed in a single injection molding step and is hingedly connected to the hollow canoe portion 165 and the rail grabber portion 181.

[0043] 17-20 depict exemplary embodiments of pouring spout fixtures having friction fit attachment means for use with flexible packages of various configurations.

[0044] 17 and 17A illustrate a pour spout fixture 131b for a flexible container 103. FIG. 17A depicts a cross-sectional view of the pour spout fixture 131b of FIG. 17 taken along line AA. The pour spout fixture 131b includes an extendable spout 145 disposed at least partially within and connected to a hollow rigid member 161. The extendable spout 145 includes a proximal end 147 and a proximal opening 149, a distal end 153 and a distal opening 155, and a discharge passage 147. The proximal end 147 is connected to the hollow rigid member 161, the distal end 153 is configured to extend from and retract at least partially within the hollow rigid member 161, and the discharge passage 147 extends from the proximal opening 149 to the distal opening 155. The extendable spout is configured to extend between an extended position in which the distal end 153 extends from the top end of the hollow rigid member 161 and a retracted position in which the distal end 153 is at least partially retracted within the hollow rigid member 161. The extendable spout 145 is configured to dispense injectable material from the flexible package 103 through the distal opening 155 when the hollow canoe portion 161 is attached to an inner surface of the flexible package 103 by a frictional fastener 163. Figures 17, 17A, and 18 illustrate the extendable spout in the extended configuration.

[0045] The pouring spout fixture 131b further includes a rail grabber portion having a single protrusion 181 configured to allow the fixture 131b and the flexible package 103 attached to the fixture 131b to be easily transported along a typical manufacturing facility according to methods known in the art. The pouring spout fixture 131b further includes a removable lid 175 attached to the top end of the hollow rigid member 161 by screw threads 173.

[0046] The removable lid 175 can be hinged between an open position and a closed position, where the removable lid covers the distal end 153 of the extendable spout 145. The removable lid 175 further includes a first seal flange 177 and a second seal flange 179. The first seal flange 177 is configured to engage the top end of the hollow rigid member 161 when the removable lid 175 is in the closed position. The second seal flange 179 is configured to engage the distal end 153 of the extendable spout 145 when the removable lid 175 is in the closed position. Both the first seal flange 177 and the second seal flange 179 extend inwardly from an inner surface of the removable lid 175. The second seal flange 179 is disposed inwardly of the first seal flange 177.

[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross section of the pour spout fixture 131b of FIG. 17 and the flexible package 103 shown in FIG. 17A, with the extendable spout shown in a retracted position.

[0048] 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the pour spout fixture 131b. This embodiment includes the hollow rigid member 161, rail grabber portion 181, and extendable spout 145, as described above. However, in this embodiment, the lid 175 is integral with the remainder of the fixture 131b. In this embodiment, the lid 175 may be formed in a single injection molding step and is hingedly connected to the hollow rigid member 161 and rail grabber portion 181.

[0049] 21 and 21A illustrate a pouring spout fixture 131c for a flexible container 103. FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pouring spout fixture 131c of FIG. 21 taken along line AA. The pouring spout fixture 131c includes a hollow rigid member 161. The pouring spout fixture 131c further includes an extendable spout 145 disposed at least partially within and connected to the hollow rigid member 161. In this embodiment, the extendable spout is connected to a bottom end of the hollow rigid member. The extendable spout 145 includes a proximal end 151 and a proximal opening 149, a distal end 153 and a distal opening 155, and a discharge passage 147. The proximal end 151 is connected to the hollow rigid member 161, the distal end 153 is configured to extend from and be at least partially retracted within the hollow rigid member 161, and the discharge passage 147 extends from the proximal opening 149 to the distal opening 155. The extendable spout is configured to extend between an extended position where the distal end 153 extends from a top end of the hollow rigid member 161 and a retracted position where the distal end 153 is at least partially retracted within the hollow rigid member 161. The extendable spout 147 is configured to dispense an injectable material from the flexible package 103 through the distal opening 155 when the hollow canoe portion 161 is attached to an inner surface of the flexible package 103. FIGS. 21 and 21A illustrate the extendable spout in an extended configuration.

[0050] The pouring spout fitting 131 c further includes a removable lid 175 that is attached to the top end of the hollow rigid member 161 by threads 1624 .

[0051] 1 gallon boxes optimized for pallet shipping 22-25 illustrate a one gallon outer box for a bag-in-box dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer box 201 includes a first bottom panel 205 having a front edge 267 and a rear edge 269, and a second bottom panel 207, which are designed to be adjacent to one another when the outer box 201 is assembled. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second bottom panel 207 is configured to be glued to the first bottom panel 205, such that the first bottom panel 205 forms the inner surface of the outer box, and the second bottom panel 207 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer box 201. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the number of sharp edges on the interior of the outer box is minimized. The outer box 201 further includes a top panel 209 having a front edge 263 and a rear edge 265.

[0052] The outer box 201 further includes a first side panel 211 having a top edge 213, a bottom edge 215, a front edge 217, and a rear edge 219. The outer box 201 further includes a second side panel 221 having a top edge 223, a bottom edge 225, a front edge 227, and a rear edge 229.

[0053] The outer box 201 further includes a first front panel 231 having a first flap perforation 233 and a second flap perforation 235, each connected to a substantially circular perforation 237 that includes a cut 239 forming a hole 241. In use, a user can insert a finger into the hole 241 to separate the substantially circular perforation 237 and then lift the flap by separating the first flap perforation 233 and the second flap perforation 235. A fastener of a flexible package can then be secured within the circular perforation 237 (not shown) for removal and dispensing through the flap.

[0054] The outer box 201 further includes a second front panel 243 having perforations 247 extending from an edge 247 of the second front panel 243. When assembled, the second front panel 243 is adjacent to the first front panel 231 such that the second front panel 243 forms an outer surface of the assembled outer box 201. Thus, a user can remove a portion of the second front panel 243 by tearing away the perforations 245, thereby exposing a portion of the first front panel 231 including the first and second flap perforations 233, 235, the substantially circular perforation 237, the cut 239, and the hole 241.

[0055] The outer box 201 further includes a first rear panel 249, a second rear panel 251, a third rear panel 253, and a fourth rear panel 255. When assembled, all of the rear panels 249, 251, 253, and 255 may be adjacent or parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the first rear panel 249 or the second rear panel 251 form an inner surface of the outer box 201, which can advantageously minimize the number of sharp edges that may contact the inner flexible package.

[0056] The outer box 201 further includes a number of handle perforations 257 configured to be partially or completely removed by a user, thereby allowing the user to insert their fingers therethrough. The outer box 201 further includes a third front panel 259 and a fourth front panel 261. In some embodiments, when assembled, the third front panel 261 and the fourth front panel 259 are disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the second front panel 243. This advantageously leads to further stability of the second front panel 243 when the perforations 245 are torn away, and minimizes the number of sharp edges that may contact the inner flexible package.

[0057] 22, the first side panel 211 is connected to the front panel 231 at a front edge 217, to the first back panel 249 at a rear edge 219, to the top panel 209 at a top edge 213, and to the second bottom panel 207 at a bottom edge 215. Specifically, the front panel 231, the top panel 209, the second bottom panel 207, and the first back panel 249 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 217, the rear edge 219, the top edge 213, and the bottom edge 215 of the first side panel 211. Similarly, the top panel 209 is connected to the second side panel 221 at a top edge 223, to the third front panel 259 at a front edge 263, and to the third back panel at a rear edge 265. Specifically, the top panel 209, the second side panel 221, the third rear panel 253, and the third front panel 259 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the top edge 223, the rear edge 265, and the front edge 263.

[0058] Similarly, the second side panel 221 is connected to the second front panel 243 at a front edge 227, to the second back panel 251 at a rear edge 229, and to the first bottom panel 205 at a bottom edge 225. Specifically, the second side panel 221, the second front panel 243, the second back panel 251, and the first bottom panel 205 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 227, the rear edge 251, and the bottom edge 225. Finally, the first bottom panel 205 is connected to the fourth front panel 261 at a front edge 267 and to the fourth back panel 255 at a rear edge 269. Specifically, the first bottom panel 205, the fourth front panel 261, and the fourth back panel 255 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 267 and the back edge 267.

[0059] One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the relative panels described herein may be arranged in a variety of ways to arrive at a one gallon box having the first and second front panels, top panel, bottom panel, and first and second side panels described herein, that is, in some embodiments, the panels may be connected to one another in different configurations than illustrated in Figures 22-25.

[0060] The boxes illustrated in Figures 22-25 may be optimized for pallet shipping. That is, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to maximize the number of 1-gallon boxes that can be placed on a standard shipping pallet. For example, up to 240 of these boxes can be shipped on a single pallet (40% more units per pallet than a standard rigid 1-gallon container). To achieve this optimal packing efficiency, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to allow an integral number of boxes to fit both the width and depth of a pallet, and the boxes may be made from materials that allow the boxes to be stacked on top of each other. As a result of this optimal packing, these 1-gallon containers require 40% less warehouse space than a comparative 1-gallon rigid container. Additionally, the use of a flexible bag-in-box design results in a reduction of approximately 48.6% less plastic than is used in a comparative rigid 1-gallon container, and requires approximately 87.6% fewer pallets for the same volume of product than a comparative rigid 1-gallon container. Specifically, the outer box may have dimensions of 10 5 / 8 inches by 7 1 / 4 inches by 4 1 / 2 inches for efficient packing onto a standard 48 inch by 48 inch pallet.

[0061] 2.5 gallon boxes optimized for pallet shipping 26-29 illustrate a 2.5 gallon outer box for a bag-in-box dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Outer box 301 includes a bottom panel 305 having a front edge 313 and a rear edge 315, and a first top panel 307 having a front edge 321, a rear edge 323, a first side edge 325, and a second side edge 327. Outer box 301 further includes a first side panel 309 having a front edge 349, a rear edge 351, and a top edge 353, and a second side panel 311 having a front edge 355 and a rear edge 357.

[0062] The outer box 301 further includes a first front panel 329 having perforations 331 including a first flap perforation 333 and a second flap perforation 335, each connected to a substantially circular perforation 337 including a cut 339 forming a hole 341. In use, a user can insert a finger into the hole 341 to separate the substantially circular perforation 334 and then lift the flap by separating the first flap perforation 333 and the second flap perforation 335. A fastener of a flexible package can then be secured within the circular perforation 337 (not shown) for removal and dispensing through the flap.

[0063] The outer box 301 further includes a second front panel 343 having a perforation 345 extending from an edge 347 of the second front panel 343. When assembled, the second front panel 343 is adjacent to the first front panel 329 such that the second front panel 343 forms an outer surface of the assembled outer box 301. Thus, a user can remove a portion of the second front panel 343 by tearing away the perforation 345, thereby exposing a portion of the first front panel 329 including the first and second flap perforations 333, 335, the substantially circular perforation 337, the cut 339, and the hole 341.

[0064] The outer box 301 further includes a second top panel 359 designed to be adjacent to the first top panel 307 when the outer box 301 is assembled. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first top panel 307 is configured to be glued to the second top panel 359, such that the first top panel 307 forms the inner surface of the box and the second top panel 359 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer box 301. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the number of sharp edges on the interior of the box is minimized.

[0065] The outer box 301 further includes a third front panel 361 and a fourth front panel 363. When assembled, all of the front panels 329, 343, 361, and 363 may be adjacent or parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the first front panel 329 or the second front panel 343 form the inner surface of the outer box 301, which can advantageously minimize the number of sharp edges that may contact the inner flexible package.

[0066] The outer box 301 further includes a number of handle perforations 373 configured to be partially or completely removed by a user, thereby allowing the user to insert their fingers therethrough.

[0067] 26, the first top panel 307 is connected to the second front panel 343 at a front edge 321, to the second side panel 311 at a side edge 327, and to the second back panel 367 at a rear edge 323. Specifically, the first top panel 307, the second front panel 343, the second side panel 311, and the second back panel 367 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 321, the side edge 327, and the rear edge 323. Similarly, the bottom panel 305 is connected to the first front panel 329 at a front edge 313, to the first back panel 365 at a rear edge 315, to the first side panel 309 at a first side edge 317, and to the second side panel 311 at a second side edge 319. Specifically, the bottom panel 305, the first front panel 329, the first rear panel 365, the first side panel 309, and the second side panel 311 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 313, the first side edge 317, the second side edge 319, and the rear edge 315.

[0068] Similarly, the first side panel 309 is connected to the third front panel 361 at a front edge 349, to the second top panel 359 at a top edge 353, and to the third back panel 369 at a rear edge 351. That is, in some embodiments, the first side panel 309, the second top panel 359, the third front panel 361, and the third back panel 369 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 349, the first side edge 353, and the rear edge 351. Finally, the second side panel 311 is connected to the fourth front panel 363 at a front edge 355 and to the fourth back panel 371 at a rear edge 357.

[0069] One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the relative panels described herein may be arranged in a variety of ways to arrive at a one gallon box having the first and second front panels, top panel, bottom panel, and first and second side panels described herein, that is, in some embodiments, the panels may be connected together in different configurations than those illustrated in Figures 26-29.

[0070] The boxes illustrated in Figures 26-29 may be optimized for pallet shipping. That is, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to maximize the number of 2.5 gallon boxes that can be placed on a standard shipping pallet. For example, up to 120 of these boxes can be shipped on a single pallet (33% more units per pallet than a standard 2.5 gallon rigid container). To achieve this optimal packing efficiency, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to allow an integral number of boxes to fit both the width and depth of a pallet, and the boxes may be made from materials that allow the boxes to be stacked on top of each other. As a result of this optimal packing, these 2.5 gallon containers require 33% less warehouse space than a comparable 2.5 gallon rigid container. Additionally, the use of a flexible bag-in-box design results in a reduction of approximately 69% less plastic than is used in a comparable rigid 2.5 gallon container, and for the same volume of product, requires approximately 67.7% fewer pallets than a comparable rigid 2.5 gallon container. Specifically, the outer box may have dimensions of 7 13 / 16 inches by 7 1 / 2 inches by 12 3 / 16 inches for efficient packing onto a standard 48 inch by 48 inch pallet.

[0071] 5 gallon boxes optimized for pallet shipping 30-34 illustrate a 5 gallon outer box for a bag-in-box dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer box 401 includes a bottom panel 405 having a front edge 413, a rear edge 415, a first side edge 417, and a second side edge 419. The outer box 401 further includes a top panel 407 having a front edge 421, a rear edge 423, a first side edge 425, and a second side edge 427. The outer box 401 further includes a first side panel 409 having a front edge 449, a rear edge 451, and a top edge 453, and a second side panel 411 having a front edge 455 and a rear edge 457.

[0072] The outer box 401 further includes a first front panel 429 having perforations 431 including a first flap perforation 433 and a second flap perforation 435, each connected to a substantially circular perforation 437 including a cut 439 forming a hole 441. In use, a user can insert a finger into the hole 441 to separate the substantially circular perforation 434 and then lift the flap by separating the first flap perforation 433 and the second flap perforation 435. A fastener of a flexible package can then be secured within the circular perforation 437 (not shown) for removal and dispensing through the flap.

[0073] The outer box 401 further includes a second front panel 443 having a perforation 445 extending from an edge 447 of the second front panel 443. When assembled, the second front panel 443 is adjacent to the first front panel 429, such that the second front panel 443 forms an outer surface of the assembled outer box 401. Thus, a user can remove a portion of the second front panel 443 by tearing away the perforation 445, thereby exposing a portion of the first front panel 429, including the first and second flap perforations 433, 435, the substantially circular perforation 437, the cut 439, and the hole 441.

[0074] The outer box 401 further includes a third side panel 459 designed to be adjacent to the second side panel 411 when the outer box 401 is assembled. Specifically, in some embodiments, the third side panel 459 is configured to be glued to the second side panel 411, such that the second side panel 411 forms the inner surface of the box and the third side panel 459 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer box 401. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the number of sharp edges on the interior of the box is minimized.

[0075] The outer box 401 further includes a third front panel 461 and a fourth front panel 463. When assembled, all of the front panels 429, 443, 461, and 463 may be adjacent or parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the first front panel 429 or the second front panel 443 form the inner surface of the outer box 301, which can advantageously minimize the number of sharp edges that may contact the inner flexible package.

[0076] The outer box 401 further includes a number of handle perforations 473 configured to be partially or completely removed by a user, thereby allowing the user to insert their fingers therethrough.

[0077] 30, the first top panel 407 is connected to the second front panel 443 at a front edge 421, to the first side panel 409 at a side edge 425, to the third side panel 459 at a second side edge 427, and to the second back panel 467 at a rear edge 423. Specifically, the first top panel 407, the second front panel 443, the first side panel 309, the third side panel 459, and the second back panel 367 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 421, the first side edge 425, the second side edge 427, and the rear edge 423. Similarly, the bottom panel 405 is connected to the first front panel 429 at the front edge 413, to the first back panel 465 at the rear edge 415, to the first side panel 409 at the first side edge 417, and to the second side panel 411 at the second side edge 419. Specifically, the bottom panel 405, the first front panel 429, the first back panel 465, the first side panel 409, and the second side panel 411 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 413, the first side edge 417, the second side edge 419, and the rear edge 415.

[0078] Similarly, the first side panel 409 is connected to the third front panel 461 at a front edge 449 and to the third back panel 469 at a rear edge 451. That is, in some embodiments, the first side panel 409, the third front panel 461, and the third back panel 469 are formed from one continuous piece of material at the front edge 449 and the rear edge 451. Finally, the second side panel 411 is connected to the fourth front panel 463 at a front edge 455 and to the fourth back panel 471 at a rear edge 457.

[0079] One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the relative panels described herein may be arranged in a variety of ways to arrive at a one gallon box having the first and second front panels, top panel, bottom panel, and first and second side panels described herein, that is, in some embodiments, the panels may be connected to one another in different configurations than illustrated in Figures 30-34.

[0080] The boxes illustrated in Figures 30-34 may be optimized for pallet shipping. That is, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to maximize the number of 2.5 gallon boxes that can be placed on a standard shipping pallet. For example, up to 64 of these boxes can be shipped on a single pallet (25% more units per pallet than a standard 5 gallon rigid container). To achieve this optimal packing efficiency, the outer dimensions of the box may be configured to allow an integral number of boxes to fit both the width and depth of a pallet, and the boxes may be made from materials that allow the boxes to be stacked on top of each other. As a result of this optimal packing, these 5 gallon containers require 25% less warehouse space than a comparable 5 gallon rigid container. Additionally, the use of a flexible bag-in-box design results in a reduction of approximately 85.3% less plastic than would be used in a comparable rigid 2.5 gallon container, and for the same volume of product, requires approximately 57.7% fewer pallets than a comparable rigid 2.5 gallon container. Specifically, the outer box may have dimensions of 11 1 / 8 inches by 9 13 / 16 inches by 13 3 / 8 inches for efficient packing onto a standard 48 inch by 48 inch pallet.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described herein, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Thus, the present invention should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bag-in-box dispensing system (1100), comprising: an outer box (1101) enclosing an inner flexible container (1103), said inner flexible container (1103) containing a pourable material and including a pouring spout fitting (131) attached to said inner flexible container (1103); The outer box (1101) a first top panel (1107) having a rear edge (1113), a front edge (1111), and a first side edge (1115); a bottom panel (1105) opposite said first top panel (1107); a first side panel (1125) having a front edge (1207) and a rear edge (1215); a second side panel (1127) opposite the first side panel (1125), the second side panel (1127) having a front edge (1209) and a rear edge (1217); a first front panel (1185) having at least one front perforation (1187) and a circular perforation (1191) configured to allow a user to tear off a portion of the first front panel (1185) to expose the dispensing system (1100), secure the portion of the dispensing system (1100) within the first front panel (1185), and retain the portion of the dispensing system (1100) within the first front panel (1185) by rejoining the at least one front perforation (1187); a second front panel (1193) disposed adjacent to said first front panel (1185) thereby forming an outer surface of said outer box (1101), said second front panel (1193) comprising perforations (1195) extending from an edge (1197) of said second front panel (1193), said perforations (1195) configured to enable a portion of said second front panel (1193) to be removed, thereby exposing at least a portion of said first front panel (1185); a first rear panel (1199) opposite said first front panel (1185) and said second front panel (1193); The injection spout fixture (131) (1) a hollow rigid member (161) having a top end with a discharge opening and a base end with a base end opening, an inner surface (167) defining an interior space extending between said discharge opening and said base end opening, and an outer surface; (2) an extendable spout (145) disposed at least partially within and connected to said hollow rigid member (161); The extendable spout (145) a proximal end (147) and a proximal opening (149), said proximal end (147) being connected to said base end of said hollow rigid member (161); a distal end (153) and a distal opening (155), said distal end (153) extending from and configured to be at least partially retracted within said hollow rigid member (161); a drain passage (157) extending from said proximal opening (149) to said distal opening (155); a duckbill valve disposed in the discharge passage (157); the extensible spout (145) is configured to dispense the injectable material from the inner flexible container (1103) through the distal opening (155) when the hollow rigid member (161) is attached to an inner surface of the inner flexible container (1103); the perforations are configured to allow a user to remove at least a portion of the pouring spout fixture (131) so that it extends beyond the first front panel; the pouring spout fitting (131) is configured to be inserted into the circular perforation (1191) in the first front panel (1185); Bag-in-box dispensing system (1100).

2. 2. The bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) of claim 1, wherein the outer box (1101) further comprises at least one handle perforation (1109) in one or more of the first top panel (1107), the first side panel (1125), the second side panel (1127), the first front panel (1185), or the second front panel (1193).

3. The outer box (1101) a second back panel (1201) connected to the back edge (1113) of the first top panel (1107); a third rear panel (1211) connected to the rear edge (1215) of the first side panel (1125); 10. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth rear panel connected to the rear edge of the second side panel.

4. 2. The bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) of claim 1, wherein the outer box (1101) further comprises a third front panel (1203) connected to the front edge (1207) of the first side panel (1125) and a fourth front panel (1205) connected to the front edge (1209) of the second side panel (1127).

5. 4. The bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) of claim 3, wherein the third rear panel (1211) and the fourth rear panel (1213) are positioned adjacent to the first rear panel (1199) and the second rear panel (1201).

6. 5. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the third front panel (1203) and the fourth front panel (1205) are positioned adjacent to the first front panel (1185) and the second front panel (1193).

7. 1. A bag-in-box dispensing system comprising: an outer box (201) enclosing an inner flexible container (1103), said inner flexible container (1103) containing a pourable material and including a pouring spout fitting (131) attached to said inner flexible container (1103); The outer box (201) a top panel (209) having a rear edge (265) and a front edge (263); a first bottom panel (205) and a second bottom panel (207) opposite said top panel (209); a first side panel (211) having a top edge (213), a bottom edge (215), a front edge (217) and a rear edge (219); a second side panel (221) opposite the first side panel (211), the second side panel (221) having a top edge (223), a bottom edge (225), a front edge (227) and a rear edge (229); a first front panel (231) having at least one front perforation (233) and a circular perforation (337), the at least one front perforation (233) and the circular perforation (337) configured to allow a user to tear away a portion of the first front panel (231), expose the dispensing system, and secure a portion of the dispensing system within the first front panel (231); a second front panel (243) disposed adjacent to said first front panel (231) thereby forming an outer surface of said outer box (201), said second front panel (243) comprising perforations (245) extending from an edge (247) of said second front panel (243), said perforations (245) configured to allow a portion of said second front panel (243) to be removed, thereby exposing at least a portion of said first front panel (231); a first rear panel (249) opposite said first front panel (231) and said second front panel (243); The injection spout fixture (131) (1) a hollow rigid member (161) having a top end with a discharge opening and a base end with a base end opening, an inner surface (167) defining an interior space extending between said discharge opening and said base end opening, and an outer surface; (2) an extendable spout (145) disposed at least partially within and connected to said hollow rigid member (161); The extendable spout (145) a proximal end (147) and a proximal opening (149), said proximal end (147) being connected to said base end of said hollow rigid member (161); a distal end (153) and a distal opening (155), said distal end (153) extending from and configured to be at least partially retracted within said hollow rigid member (161); a drain passage (157) extending from said proximal opening (149) to said distal opening (155); a duckbill valve disposed in the discharge passage (157); the extensible spout (145) is configured to dispense the injectable material from the inner flexible container (1103) through the distal opening (155) when the hollow rigid member (161) is attached to an inner surface of the inner flexible container (1103); said perforations (245) and first front perforations (233) are configured to allow a user to remove at least a portion of said pour spout fixture (131) so that it extends beyond said front panel; the pouring spout fitting (131) is configured to be inserted into the circular perforation (337) in the first front panel (231); Bag-in-box dispensing system.

8. the first bottom panel (205) is connected to the bottom edge (225) of the second side panel (221); the first front panel (231) is connected to the front edge (217) of the first side panel (211); the second front panel (243) is connected to the front edge (227) of the second side panel (221) and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel (231); 8. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the first rear panel (249) is connected to the first side panel (211) at the rear edge (219) of the first side panel (211).

9. 8. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the outer box (201) comprises one or more handle perforations (257) in each of the top panel (209) and the second side panel (221).

10. said bottom panel (1105) having a front edge (1117) and a rear edge (1119); said first top panel (1107) having a front edge (1111) and a rear edge (1113); the bottom panel (1105) is connected to the second side panel (1127) at a second side edge (1123) and to the first side panel (1125) at a first side edge (1121); the first top panel (1107) is connected to the first side panel (1125) at a first side edge (1115); the first front panel (1185) is connected to the front edge (1117) of the bottom panel (1105); the second front panel (1193) is connected to the front edge (1111) of the first top panel (1107) and is disposed adjacent to the first front panel (1185); 2. The bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) of claim 1, wherein the first rear panel (1199) is connected to the bottom panel (1105) at the rear edge (1119) of the bottom panel (1105).

11. The outer box (1101) a second back panel (1201) connected to the first top panel (1107) at the back edge (1113) of the first top panel (1107); 11. The bag-in-box dispensing system (1100) of claim 10, further comprising: a second top panel (1129) connected to a top edge (1219) of the second side panel (1127) and adjacent to the first top panel (1107).

12. 12. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the outer box (1101) comprises one or more handle perforations (1109) in each of the first top panel (1107) and the second top panel (1129).

13. The outer box (201) a second rear panel (251) connected to the second side panel (221) at the rear edge (229) of the second side panel (221); 8. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 7, further comprising: the second bottom panel (207) connected to the bottom edge (215) of the first side panel (211) and adjacent to the first bottom panel (205).

14. 8. The bag-in-box dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the second bottom panel (207) is disposed adjacent to the first bottom panel (205), and a third rear panel (253) and a fourth rear panel (255) are disposed adjacent to the first rear panel (249) and second rear panel (251).

Images