U.S. patent application number 10/269430 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for plastic container having a flexible section and method of manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eastman Kodak Company. Invention is credited to Corby, Kenneth D., Piccinino,, Ralph L. JR..
Application Number | 20040069800 10/269430 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32068780 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040069800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piccinino,, Ralph L. JR. ;
et al. |
April 15, 2004 |
Plastic container having a flexible section and method of
manufacture
Abstract
A plastic container and method of making the container. The
container comprises a rigid section, a collapsible section, and an
outlet provided in the rigid section for allowing the dispensing of
a liquid within the container, the rigid section providing rigid
support for the container when the container is filled with a
liquid.
Inventors: |
Piccinino,, Ralph L. JR.;
(Rush, NY) ; Corby, Kenneth D.; (Rochester,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Milton S. Sales
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Assignee: |
Eastman Kodak Company
|
Family ID: |
32068780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/269430 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/105 ;
222/107; 222/94; 222/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0055 20130101;
B65D 77/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/105 ;
222/094; 222/095; 222/107 |
International
Class: |
B65D 035/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plastic container having a rigid section, a collapsible
section, and an outlet provided in said rigid section for allowing
the dispensing of a liquid within said container, said rigid
section providing rigid support for said container when said
container is filled with a liquid.
2. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein a liquid stored
in said container is dispensed by gravity feed through said
outlet.
3. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein a liquid stored
in said container is dispensed by pumping said liquid through said
outlet.
4. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein a liquid
contained in said container is dispensed by applying a pressure to
said collapsible section so as to force liquid out of said
outlet.
5. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said rigid
section forms a bottom support wall.
6. A plastic container according to claim 5 wherein said bottom
support wall is configured such that said outlet is provided at the
lowest drainage point when in the dispensing position.
7. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said rigid
section comprises about one half or greater than the size of the
film container.
8. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said
collapsible section has a configuration that is a substantially a
mirror image of the shape of said rigid section.
9. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said
collapsible section collapses into said rigid section as a result
of liquid being dispensed from said container.
10. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said rigid
section is made up of a low density.
11. A plastic container according to claim 5 wherein said bottom
wall is provided with at least one supporting rib so as to provide
rigidity to said rigid section.
12. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said rigid
section terminates in an outer peripheral edge where said
collapsible section is secured.
13. A plastic container according to claim 12 wherein said
collapsible section is thermally bonded or any other bonding
technique known in the industry to said peripheral edge.
14. A plastic container according to claim 12 wherein said
collapsible section is adhesively bonded.
15. A plastic container according to claim 1 wherein said
collapsible section is made up of a low density polyethylene and
has a thickness no greater than about 3 mm preferably in a range of
1.5-3 mm.
16. A package assembly comprising: a plastic container having a
rigid section, a collapsible section, and an outlet provided in
said rigid section for allowing the dispensing of a liquid within
container, said rigid section providing rigid support for said
container when said container is filled with a liquid; a rigid
support structure having an internal chamber for receiving said
plastic container and an opening for receiving said outlet provided
on said plastic container for allowing the dispensing of liquid
therethrough.
17. A package assembly according to claim 16 wherein a plurality of
said chambers are provided in said rigid support structure, each
chamber designed to receive one of said plastic containers.
18. A container assembly according to claim 16 wherein said rigid
support structure having a top wall that is signed to be
substantially adjacent to the top of said rigid section and a
bottom wall designed to be adjacent to a bottom wall of said rigid
section and a side wall being positioned substantially adjacent
said side wall of said rigid section.
19. A method of manufacturing a plastic container having a rigid
section, a collapsible section, and an outlet provided in said
rigid section for allowing the dispensing of a liquid within
container, said rigid section providing rigid support for said
container when said container is filled with a liquid, comprising
the steps of: providing a plastic rigid section in a supporting
mold segment, said rigid plastic section having an outlet and a
peripheral outer edge that terminates in a ledge, said rigid
section comprising approximately half of the configuration of said
container; providing a thermoform sheet that covers said peripheral
ledge; applying a sufficient amount of force to said thermoform
sheet so as to cause said thermoform sheet to be drawn within the
internal configuration of said rigid section while the edge of said
sheet is maintained in firm contact with said ledge; and securing
the outer periphery of said thermoform sheet to said ledge.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said thermoform sheet is
heated at a temperature to assist in allowing said sheet to be
drawn within the internal cavity of said rigid section.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein said thermoform sheet
has a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of
said rigid section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a plastic container
having a collapsible section designed for allowing improved
delivery of a liquid contained therein. The container is
particularly useful in an environment where no vending of the
container is desired and where contamination or exposure to air of
the liquid is detrimental.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many situations when the dispensing of a liquid
from a container must be done in a manner so as to avoid any
potential contamination of the liquid and where liquid contained
must not be exposed to the external environment of the container.
In a photographic processor, it is often necessary to dispense a
processing solution for replenishing the processing solution within
a processing chamber. The processing solution may be for example, a
developer solution, that deteriorates quickly if exposed to the
outside air or environment. The exposure to air becomes even more
of a problem when certain types of processing solutions are used
for rapid processing of the photosensitive media.
[0003] Typically in a conventional photographic processor the
replenishment is dumped into a mixing tank and is later delivered
to the processing tank at the appropriate time. This results in a
relatively long exposure of the processing liquid to air. In other
systems, such as where the processing chemistry is supplied in
rigid plastic containers/bottles, often in a package containing a
plurality of rigid containers. Since there is typically no venting
of the container, pumps are required for dispensing of the liquid
contained therein.
[0004] There is also a need in the prior art to provide a container
and system for delivery of the system in a reliable manner. Quite
often, there are required special mechanisms and devices for
securely holding the container in position for proper dispensing of
the liquid contained therein.
[0005] Applicants have invented an improved container that
dispenses processing solution in an efficient manner while
minimizing or avoiding any potential contamination or premature
oxidation of the liquid contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided a plastic container having a rigid section, a
collapsible section, and an outlet provided in the rigid section
for allowing the dispensing of a liquid within the container, the
rigid section providing rigid support for the container when the
container is filled with a liquid.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided a package assembly comprising:
[0008] a plastic container having a rigid section, a collapsible
section, and an outlet provided in the rigid section for allowing
the dispensing of a liquid within container, the rigid section
providing rigid support for the container when the container is
filled with a liquid;
[0009] a rigid support structure having an internal chamber for
receiving the plastic container and an opening for receiving the
outlet provided on the plastic container for allowing the
dispensing of liquid therethrough.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a plastic
container having a rigid section, a collapsible section, and an
outlet provided in the rigid section for allowing the dispensing of
a liquid within the container, the rigid section providing rigid
support for the container when the container is filled with a
liquid, comprising the steps of:
[0011] providing a plastic rigid section in a supporting mold
segment, the rigid plastic section having an outlet and a
peripheral outer edge that terminates in a ledge, the rigid section
comprising approximately half of the configuration of the
container;
[0012] providing a thermoform sheet that covers the peripheral
ledge;
[0013] applying a sufficient amount of force to the thermoform
sheet so as to cause the thermoform sheet to be drawn within the
internal configuration of the rigid section while the edge of the
sheet is maintained in firm contact with the ledge; and
[0014] securing the outer periphery of the thermoform sheet to the
ledge.
[0015] These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will be more clearly understood and
appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments and appended claims and by reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention presented below, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a container made in
accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of
FIG. 1 illustrating the two sections of the container;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the container
of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the dispensing position that is filled with a
liquid to be dispensed;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the
container after the liquid contained therein has been fully
dispensed;
[0021] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a package containing a
plurality of containers of the type of FIG. 1 made in accordance
with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5b is a top plan view of FIG. 5a;
[0023] FIG. 5c is a cross section view of the package of FIG. 5b as
taken along line 5-5;
[0024] FIG. 5d is an exploded view of the package and containers of
FIG. 5a;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the package and
containers of FIG. 5c illustrating the package in the preferred
dispensing position;
[0026] FIG. 7a is a cross section view of one mold apparatus for
making the container of FIGS. 1-4 illustrating the first step in
producing the two part container;
[0027] FIG. 7b is a view similar to FIG. 7a illustrating the
container as fully formed in the mold apparatus; and
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a processing apparatus
incorporating a container of FIGS. 1-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a plastic
container 10 made in accordance with the present invention. The
plastic container 10 comprises a rigid section 12 and a flexible
collapsible section 14 integrally formed therewith. The rigid
section includes an outlet 16 through which a liquid 18 may be
placed into the container and/or dispensed at a later time. The
rigid section 12 is designed such that a sufficient degree of
support is provided to the container 10 such that it does not
collapse and is able to support the container 10 and the liquid 18
contained therein. Whereas the flexible collapsible section 14 is
designed to hold and assist in containing the liquid 18 within the
container 10 and which is also designed to collapse during
dispensing of a liquid 18.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the container 10 in the filled and
preferred dispensing position. It is to be understood that any type
of liquid 18 may be provided in container 10. In the particular
embodiment illustrated, the container 10 is designed to be used
with a photographic processor and thus contains a photographic
processing chemical, for example, but not limited to developer
solution, bleach solution, bleach fix solution, fix solution,
etc.
[0031] The rigid section 12 includes a base section 20 which in the
preferred embodiment illustrated is tapered toward the outlet 16
such that the outlet 16 is located at the lowest point of the base
section 20. Preferably the base section 20 when in the dispensing
position is positioned at an angle .alpha. with respect to the
horizon to allow easy flow of the liquid to outlet 16. In the
particular embodiment illustrated, the angle .alpha. is preferably
in the range of less 1.degree. to 5.degree.. However, it is to be
understood that angle .alpha. may be at any appropriate angle so
long as the liquid freely flows toward outlet 16. The rigid section
12 also has an upstanding support portion 22 which preferably
extends to the maximum height H of the container 10 and extends the
round for approximately half of the periphery of container 10. The
upstanding portion 22 preferably has a substantially zero height at
its lateral ends 17, 19 where it meets base section 20. Preferably
rigid section 16 has a height H that extends along the cross
sectional periphery of at least 1/4 of the periphery. Since the
container 10 in the embodiment illustrated is substantially
rectangular, the height H extends along one of the sides of the
container.
[0032] The outer end 21 of the rigid section 12 preferably
terminates in a peripheral flange 24 to which the flexible
collapsible section 14 is secured. The rigid section 12 may be made
out of any appropriate plastic and is of a construction design that
it can support the liquid contained therein. In a particular
embodiment illustrated, container 10 is designed to hold
approximately 1.5 liters and rigid section is made out of LLDPE
(Linear Low Density Polyethlyene) plastic having a thickness T of
about 2-3 mm. Since the rigid section 12 may contain a fairly large
amount of liquid optional supporting ribs 30 may be provided along
the base section 20 as illustrated by FIG. 5. In the particular
embodiment illustrated, four supporting ribs 30 are provided.
However, it should be understood that any appropriate desired
number of supporting ribs may be provided as needed or desired. The
size and shape of the ribs will vary depending on the size of
container 10 and the material from which the base section is
made.
[0033] The flexible collapsible section 14 is designed to be of
sufficient strength to hold the liquid 18 within container 10, yet
be of sufficient flexibility such that when the liquid 18 is
withdrawn from container 10 the section 14 will collapse to the
position as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the particular embodiment
illustrated, the flexible collapsible section 14 has a
configuration that is substantially the mirror configuration of the
rigid section 12 such that when it collapses it substantially
conforms to the inner configuration of the rigid section 12. In the
particular embodiment illustrated, the flexible collapsible section
14 is made out of LDPE (Low Density Polyethlyene) material and had
a thickness of about 1.5-3 mm. However, it is to be understood that
the flexible collapsible section 14 may be made of any appropriate
material. In the embodiment illustrated, the flexible collapsible
section 14 terminates in an outer peripheral flange 32 which
substantially matches in configuration the outer periphery of
flange 24 such that when rigid section 12 and flexible collapsible
section 14 are secured together between flanges 24 and 32
respectively a generally symmetrical container 10 is formed. As
previously noted and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the collapsible
configuration of section 14 is designed to substantially conform to
the inner periphery of the rigid section 12. In the preferred
embodiment illustrated, a slight bend 34 is provided at a location
such that it coincides with the outlet 16 so as to assist in
allowing of the liquid 18 to be dispensed.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 6, there is
illustrated a package/container 50 for containing a plurality of
containers 10 therein for dispensing a plurality of different
processing solutions to a photographic processor. In the particular
embodiment illustrated, three containers 10 are illustrated.
However, it is to be understood that the package 50 may be designed
to have any desired number of containers 10. The package 50
comprises a base section 52 having a bottom wall 53 and four
upstanding walls 54 that defined the periphery. The package also
comprises a top section 56 having a top wall 57 and side walls 59.
The top section 56 is designed to be placed over base section 52 as
illustrated. A pair of top members 67, 69 are provided for support.
The members each have cut out sections 72 designed to receive and
engage outlet 16 of containers placed within container 50. The
container 50 in the embodiment illustrated is divided up into two
retaining sections 58, and 60 each designed to retain a single
container 10. The top portion 57 and members 67, 69 are designed to
be substantially adjacent to the upper terminal end 70 of the rigid
section 12 of each container 10. The walls 54, 59, 57, 67 and 69
combine together to substantially hold each of the containers 10 in
a substantially vertical position. The outlet 16 of each container
is designed to extend through an associated opening 71 in top wall
57 and the cut out sections 72 formed in members 67, 69.
Preferably, as illustrated, the cut out sections 72 assist in
holding outlet 16. Package 50 is thus configured such that the
containers 10 will each be held in the appropriate dispensing
position for allowing dispensing of the liquid through the outlet
16. It is important that package 50 maintain the containers 10 in a
substantially confined position to avoid the containers from moving
and/or tipping while in package 50. Therefore, very little distance
D is provided between side 75 of the container 10 and adjacent
portions of the package. If different size containers 10 are placed
in each of the sections 58 and 60, appropriate spacers may be
provided that may be associated with the top portion 56 or
separately placed therein to assure that the container is
maintained in a stable position within its retaining section.
[0035] As illustrated by FIG. 6, containers 10 in package 50 is
illustrated in the preferred dispensing position such that liquid
18 may be dispensed by gravity feed. As liquid is dispensed, the
collapsible section due to its flexibility characteristic will be
drawn into rigid section 14. Thus, all that is necessary to allow
dispensing is a valve (connected to outlet 16 or to a conduit
connected to outlet 16) that opens and closes. If the container 10
is placed at a level above the tank to receive the liquid 18,
gravity may used for dispensing of the liquid 18 without the need
of any pumps. However, if desired and described later herein, pumps
may be used to dispense liquid from container 10.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, there is illustrated one
method in which a container 10 in the present invention may be
made. In particular, the rigid section 12 is first formed by a
separate molding process, for example, but not limited by mold
injection techniques as is well known in the art and then placed
into a mold assembly 80 having a base portion 82, a movable section
84 and a top assembly 86 for providing an appropriate sealing
pressure. Like numerals of rigid section 12 indicating like parts
as previously discussed. In this embodiment a sheet 88 is provided
in the mold assembly 80 for forming a collapsible flexible section
14 as illustrated by FIG. 7a. In this embodiment the sheet 88 is
held in position by a pair of clamps 90. Appropriate pressure and
heated air are provided for forming of sheet 88 into collapsible
flexible section 14 as illustrated by FIG. 7b. Thereafter,
appropriate trimming is provided at the end of flanges 24 of rigid
section. Thereafter, the integrally formed container 10 is removed
and filled as appropriate.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a processing apparatus 100
that incorporates use a package 50 containing a plurality container
10a, 10b, 10c and 10d into a replenishment delivery system. The
apparatus 100 includes a plurality of processing tanks 112, 114 and
116 each designed to hold a processing solution. A processing path
168 is defined which passes through tanks 112, 114 and 116 along
which a photosensitive media travels for processing of the media,
such as photographic film and/or paper. The apparatus 100 also
includes a dryer 120 wherein the media is dried. After the media
has been dried it is delivered outside of the apparatus 100 through
an appropriate outlet 122 as is conventionally done for further
treatment (for example, but not limited to scanning, cutting,
packaging, etc). In the particular embodiment illustrated, three
processing tanks are provided. Processing tank 112 being a
developer tank for containing a develop solution; tank 114 being
bleach/fix tank for containing a bleach/fix processing solution,
and processing tank 116 for holding a wash processing solution. It
is of course to be understood that any desired number of processing
tanks may be provided containing the appropriate processing
solutions as may be required by the photosensitive media being
processed.
[0038] A computer 124 is provided for controlling operation of the
apparatus 10 as is conventionally done. Thus, appropriate computer
programs are provided for controlling operations of the various
components that are provided in apparatus 100 and for controlling
the appropriate sequence of operation of the various components as
required for processing the particular photosensitive media being
processed including the replenishment system. As is typical with
photographic processors, media enters the apparatus 100 through
inlet 126 and is transported along the processing path 168 and
delivered outside of the apparatus 100 through outlet 122. The
transport mechanism may be of any type suitable for transporting of
the media, for example but not by way of limitation, roller
assemblies.
[0039] The apparatus 100 includes a replenishment and delivery
system 130 for providing replenishment solution to each of the
tanks 112, 114 and 116. The apparatus 100, in the embodiment
illustrated, is designed to receive a package 50 containing a
plurality of individual discrete containers 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d,
each containing an appropriate replenishment solution to be used to
replenishment the processing solution in each of the processing
tanks 112, 114 and 116. The containers 10a and 10b contain
processing solutions that are to be measured and forwarded to the
processing tank 112 whereas the processing solution in container
10c is to be provided to processing tank 114, and processing
solution in container 10d is to be provided to processing tank 116.
As can be seen, containers 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d each contain a
different amount of processing solution. This is because different
amounts of processing solution are required for processing a
predetermined amount of media that is being processed. Thus, the
size and quantity of these processing containers are designed such
that each will provide the appropriate amount for replenishment of
the respective processing solution for processing a predetermined
amount of media.
[0040] The package 50 is placed on an appropriate support surface
141 Each of the containers 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is provided with
an appropriate valve assembly or connection 142, 144, 146 and 148,
respectively, for allowing the processing solution to be emptied
from each of the containers. Computer 124 controls the appropriate
valves and other mechanisms necessary for dispensing and delivering
the processing solutions to the processing chambers/tanks. In the
particular embodiment illustrated, each container 10a, 10b, 10c,
and 10d is appropriately connected to respective pumps 150, 152,
154, and 156. Each of the pumps 150, 152, 154, and 156, through
respective appropriate conduits 158, 160, 162 and 164 are fluidly
connected to respective retaining vessels 170, 172, 174 and 176.
Valves 190, 192, 194, and 196 are provided such that one valve is
associated with the outlets 171, 173, 175, and 177 of each of the
retaining vessels 170, 172, 174, and 176, respectively. Pumps 151,
153, 155 and 155 are provided for pumping solution from the
metering retaining vessels 170, 172, 174, and 176, to its
associated processing tank 112, 114, and 116.
[0041] Each of the retaining vessels 170, 172, 174 and 176 are also
provided with an associated sensing system (not shown) for
determining when a predetermined amount of processing solution has
been supplied to the retaining vessel for use in controlling the
dispensing of a predetermined amount of processing solution from
the associated container to its respective associated processing
tank.
[0042] It is to be understood that various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention. The present invention being defined by the
claims that follow.
Parts List
[0043]
1 10 container 10a container 10b container 10c container 10d
container 12 rigid section 14 flexible, collapsible section 16
outlet 17 lateral ends 18 liquid 19 lateral ends 20 base section 21
outer end 22 upstanding portion 24 peripheral flange 30 supporting
ribs 32 outer peripheral flange 34 bend 50 container/package 52
base section 53 bottom wall 54 walls 56 top portion 57 top wall 58
section 59 side wall 60 section 67 members 69 members 70 terminal
end 71 opening 72 cut out section 75 side 80 mold assembly 82 base
84 movable section 86 top assembly 88 sheet 90 clamps 100 apparatus
112 processing tank 114 processing tank 116 processing tank 120
dryer 122 outlet 124 computer 126 inlet 130 delivery system 141
support surface 142 valve assembly/connection 144 valve
assembly/connection 146 valve assembly/connection 148 valve
assembly/connection 150 pumps 151 pumps 152 pumps 153 pumps 154
pumps 155 pumps 156 pumps 157 pumps 158 conduits 160 conduits 162
conduits 164 conduits 168 processing path 170 retaining vessels 171
outlets 172 retaining vessels 173 outlets 174 retaining vessels 175
outlets 176 retaining vessels 177 outlets 180 pumps 182 pumps 184
pumps 186 pumps 190 valves 192 valves 194 valves 196 valves D
distance H maximum height N terminal T thickness
* * * * *