U.S. patent application number 12/266635 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-13 for bag-in-box assembly.
Invention is credited to Stephen E. Stalions.
Application Number | 20100116824 12/266635 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41698447 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100116824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stalions; Stephen E. |
May 13, 2010 |
BAG-IN-BOX ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A bag-in-box assembly for receipt of a flowable product has a
fitment that defines a dispensing outlet and an interfit portion
having a hex-shaped periphery. Also included is a plastic bag which
is constructed and arranged to receive the flowable product. The
bag includes an opening that is defined by a surrounding lip
portion. The surrounding lip portion is conduction welded to a
flange surface of the fitment. The box includes a plurality of
panels and a plurality of fold-over flaps. One fold-over flap
includes an opening and the opening is defined in part by a shaped
edge having four of the hex flats. This shaped edge is constructed
and arranged to receive the interfit portion of the fitment and
secure the fitment in a fashion such that rotation of the fitment
relative to the box is restricted.
Inventors: |
Stalions; Stephen E.; (Ft.
Wayne, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODARD, EMHARDT, MORIARTY, MCNETT & HENRY LLP
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 3700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
41698447 |
Appl. No.: |
12/266635 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/067
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.06 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Claims
1. A bag-in-box assembly for receipt of a flowable product
comprising: a fitment defining a dispensing outlet for said
flowable product and including an interfit portion having a polygon
periphery; a bag constructed and arranged to receive said flowable
product, said bag including an opening defined by a lip portion,
said lip portion being attached to said fitment; and a box
including a plurality of panels and a plurality of fold-over flaps,
one fold-over flap of said plurality of fold-over flaps including
an opening, said opening being defined in part by an edge having a
polygon shape, said edge being constructed and arranged to receive
said interfit portion.
2. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 1 wherein the fitment includes
a radial flange that is axially adjacent said interfit portion.
3. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 2 wherein said radial flange
includes a depending rib that is constructed and arranged for
engaging a fold-over flap.
4. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 3 wherein another fold-over
flap of said plurality of fold-over flaps includes a contoured edge
having a polygon shape.
5. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 4 wherein said one fold-over
flap and said another fold-over flap are constructed and arranged
to fold together to define a polygon-shaped opening corresponding
to the polygon periphery of said interfit portion.
6. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 5 wherein said polygon
periphery of said interfit portion is a hexagon with six flats.
7. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 6 wherein said polygon-shaped
opening as defined by the combination of said one fold-over flap
and said another fold-over flap is a hexagon with six flats.
8. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 7 wherein said one fold-over
flap provides four of said six flats for the hexagon-shaped
opening.
9. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 1 wherein another fold-over
flap of said plurality of fold-over flaps includes a contoured edge
having a polygon shape.
10. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 9 wherein said one fold-over
flap and said another fold-over flap are constructed and arranged
to fold together to define a polygon-shaped opening corresponding
to the polygon periphery of said interfit portion.
11. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 10 wherein said polygon
periphery of said interfit portion is a hexagon with six flats.
12. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 11 wherein said polygon-shaped
opening, as defined by the combination of said one fold-over flap
and said another fold-over flap, is a hexagon with six flats.
13. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 12 wherein said one fold-over
flap provides four of said six flats for the hexagon-shaped
opening.
14. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 1 wherein said polygon
periphery of said interfit portion is a hexagon with six flats.
15. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 1 wherein said bag is attached
to a flange of said fitment by a conduction weld.
16. The bag-in-box assembly of claim 15 wherein said bag is a
lamination of three layers.
17. A fitment for a bag-in-box assembly comprising: a body defining
a hollow interior and including an end defining a dispensing
opening; an upper flange; a lower flange; and an interfit portion
having a polygon periphery and being axially located between said
upper flange and said lower flange.
18. The fitment of claim 17 wherein said polygon periphery is a
hexagon.
19. The fitment of claim 18 wherein said upper flange includes a
plurality of depending ribs.
20. A method of fabricating a bag-in-box assembly for the receipt
of product, said method comprising the following steps: providing a
fitment with a polygon portion and an adjacent flange; providing a
bag; providing a box having a plurality of panels and a plurality
of fold-over flaps, one of said fold-over flaps having an opening
that is defined in part by an edge with a polygon shape; attaching
said bag to said flange; inserting the polygon portion of said
fitment into said flap opening; and folding together said plurality
of fold-over flaps to complete the closure of said box.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Bag-in-box (BIB) constructions for pourable liquids and
flowable products are now being used as a replacement for more
rigid packaging for a variety of products, including those
typically provided in bulk packaging. For example, bag-in-box
constructions are now being used for food and beverage products,
chemicals, cosmetics, inks, paints, and coatings. Some of the
existing product advertising for bag-in-box constructions list, as
one of the benefits of this construction concept, being suitable
for use with manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic fill
lines. Other listed benefits include using less plastic than
similar capacity rigid containers, such as plastic pails and
cube-shaped containers. The cube-shaped box or container for BIB
constructions minimizes dead space during transport and storage,
allowing more product per pallet. Prior to filling, the box is
collapsed into flat form and the bag is collapsed as well, thereby
minimizing shipping and warehouse space requirements, even when a
spout or fitment is already assembled with the bag. Many of the
prior art bag constructions are constructed and arranged for
filling of the bag prior to box assembly. Accordingly, the bags are
constructed with sufficient material thickness and rigidity at the
edges and seams so as to be able to be handled and transported as
part of the automated boxing steps.
[0002] When the bag is constructed and arranged to be filled before
being placed in the box, there are additional requirements on the
bag construction. The overall shape of the bag when filled and the
material selected must be factored into the fabrication and
assembly requirements for the bag. The spout construction is also a
consideration. Not only must the spout have a clearance opening in
the box, but the box flaps have to be configured and folded in a
particular way to be able to receive the spout during the automated
assembly of the filled bag into the box. Different considerations
are at issue when the bag is assembled into the box first and then
filled with the selected product. Under these circumstances,
greater attention must be paid to the construction of the fitment
(or spout) and its relationship to the box.
[0003] The wide range and variety of prior art constructions for
bag-in-box (BIB) products suggests that there are a variety of ways
to arrange and fold the box as well as a variety of suitable bag
configurations. While the box is typically of a corrugated
cardboard construction, the bag material or materials are selected
based in part on the product to be contained and based in part on
the level of barrier desired. Further considerations with regard to
the bag material or materials depend on the container size and the
type or manner of handling. Bag material is a further variable that
can be selected from a range of options, depending on the desired
result. Suitable bag materials include polyethylene and
oriented-nylon for standard barrier requirements. For high barrier
requirements, a co-extruded nylon/EVOH is a bag material
option.
[0004] The third primary component as part of many bag-in-box
constructions is a spout or fitment that provides the access port
for both filling the bag and dispensing product from the bag. The
fourth primary component for these construction is a closing cap or
lid of some type that is compatible with the style of fitment for
closing the dispensing outlet opening or open end of the fitting.
If a separate fitment is not used as a part of the construction,
the most likely construction uses a reinforced fill and discharge
port. This type of bag is able to be sealed upon filling and
incorporates a puncturable seal that is penetrated by insertion of
a discharge spout when dispensing.
[0005] When a separate fitment and closing cap are used, the
fitment often includes a surface, such as a flange, for attachment
of the bag by either adhesive or welding. Frequently, based on
prior art examples, the bag with the fitment welded into position
is filled and then boxed. Since a dispensing portion or outlet of
the fitment extends outwardly from the surface of the bag, an
opening in the box flap or flaps needs to be provided for a portion
of the fitment to be received therein. The typical prior art
examples include a couple of common forms for receiving the
protruding end of the fitment. One form is a circular opening in a
box panel or flap for the protruding fitment end to extend through.
Installation requires movement of the fitment in a generally
perpendicular direction relative to the planar surface of the box
panel or flap. Another form is a slot opening with a part circular
end. In order to install the fitment or spout, it needs to be moved
into the slot in a generally parallel direction relative to the
planar surface of the box panel or flap.
[0006] When the nature of the packaging and the product make it
acceptable to fill the bag before being boxed, the focus is on the
movement of the bag into the box. Less attention is likely directed
to the spout or fitment since it merely needs to extend through a
clearance opening in the box.
[0007] When it is desired to fill the bag and fitment subassembly
after assembly into the box, the fitment (or spout) and its
assembly with or into the box take on added importance. One aspect
of importance is that after filling the bag, the fitment opening
must be closed in some fashion. Automated capping equipment for the
closing cap onto the fitment generates a turning torque on the
fitment and at least some component of that torque is transferred
to the interface between the fitment and the box. An axial force is
also introduced as the closing cap is pushed in a downward axial
direction as part of the capping procedure.
[0008] The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to addressing
these considerations for the fitment, cap, and box construction.
The relationships between these components and how they function
and cooperate during the boxing, filling, and capping phases are
disclosed as well as their novel and unobvious constructions.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] A bag-in-box assembly for receipt of a flowable product has
a fitment that defines a dispensing outlet and an interfit portion
having a polygon periphery. Also included is a bag which is
constructed and arranged to receive the flowable product. The bag
includes an opening that is defined by a surrounding lip portion.
The surrounding lip portion is attached to a portion of the
fitment. The box includes a plurality of panels and a plurality of
fold-over flaps. One fold-over flap includes an opening and the
opening is defined in part by an edge having a polygon shape. This
polygon shaped edge is constructed and arranged to receive the
interfit portion of the fitment and secure the fitment in a fashion
such that rotation of the fitment relative to the box is
restricted.
[0010] One object of the present disclosure is to describe an
improved bag-in-box assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bag-in-box assembly
according to the disclosed embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the FIG. 1 bag-in-box
assembly with the threaded closing cap removed.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a fitment comprising a
component part of the FIG. 1 bag-in-box assembly
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 3 fitment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the FIG. 3 fitment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 3 fitment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the
FIG. 3 fitment as viewed along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the FIG. 3 fitment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a partial, front elevational view of a fitment
(FIG. 3) and bag subassembly, the bag comprising a component part
of the FIG. 1 bag-in-box assembly.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a partial, side elevational view of the FIG. 9
subassembly.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a partial, top plan view of the FIG. 9
subassembly.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a partial, perspective view of the FIG. 9
subassembly.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the FIG. 9
subassembly with a threaded closing cap applied.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 13 bag,
fitment, and closing cap assembly.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the FIG. 13 assembly.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the
FIG. 13 assembly, as viewed along line 16-16 in FIG. 15.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the FIG. 13 assembly.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an open box comprising a
component part of the FIG. 1 bag-in-box assembly.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the FIG. 18 box with the
FIG. 9 fitment and bag subassembly installed.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the FIG. 19 combination
with the two interior flaps folded together.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the FIG. 19 combination
with two outer flaps folded into a closing position.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the FIG. 19 combination
with one of the last two outer flaps folded into a closing
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such
alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and
its use, and such further applications of the principles of the
disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure
relates.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a
bag-in-bag box assembly 20 according to the present disclosure that
includes a box 21, bag 22, fitment 23, and threaded closing cap 24.
Box 21 is a corrugated cardboard box with a plurality of panels and
a plurality of fold-over flaps that are constructed and arranged to
create the illustrated box construction. Panel 27 represents the
front of the box in terms of marking and product presentation.
Oblong opening 28 extends through the corresponding defining flaps
of box 21 to the open interior of the box 21 that receives the bag
22. This oblong opening 28 provides a hand hold to assist in
lifting and moving the assembly 20. This hand hold opening 28 also
assists in handling the box when pouring contents out of the bag
via the outlet opening 29 of fitment 23. The box 21 construction
and the sequential steps of box assembly are illustrated in
drawings FIGS. 18-22. The final step to get from FIG. 22 to FIG. 2
in terms of the box construction is to fold over top flap 30 and
glue it into position. In going from FIG. 2 to FIG. 1, closing cap
24 is added.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the details of fitment 23 are
illustrated. Fitment 23 is a unitary, molded plastic component with
a body defining a hollow interior and a dispensing opening 29
defined by the externally-threaded end 33 of fitment 23. Fitment 23
is constructed and arranged with an upper flange 34, a lower or
base flange 35, and a recessed hex (wall) portion 36. These two
flanges 34 and 35 are each axially adjacent portion 36. Portion 36
constitutes the interfit portion for assembly into the box, as will
be described in greater detail herein, and in addition to the
illustrated hex shape, interfit portion 36 can have a variety of
polygon periphery shapes. Fitment 23 is a generally uniform and
symmetrical annular form about axial centerline 37. Cutting plane
7-7 in FIG. 5 provides the section view of FIG. 7.
[0036] With continued reference to FIGS. 3-8, externally-threaded
end 33 extends for approximately two-thirds of the overall axial
height at which location (the lower edge of end 33), flange 34 is
positioned. In terms of axial directions and structural locations
as used herein, "lower" means closer to the bag. "Upper" means
farther away from the bag. "Inwardly" means closer to and in the
direction of the bag. "Outwardly" means farther away from and in a
direction away from the bag. Moving axially inwardly, the next
section or portion is hex interfit portion 36, followed by the
lower flange 35. Flange 34 has a generally hex shape with the hex
"points" 40 being smoothly rounded. These hex "points" 40 are
generally aligned (i.e., centered on the same radial line) with the
hex points 41 of the hex interfit portion 36. The flats 42 of
flange 34 are generally aligned with the flats 43 of the hex
interfit portion 36. The lower flange 35 has a generally
cylindrical shape and an outside diameter dimension such that its
outer edge 44 extends beyond the outermost portions of upper flange
34. The hex interfit portion 36 is radially inset or recessed
relative to both flanges 34 and 35. The inside diameter of end 33
has a smooth, straight, cylindrical form.
[0037] On the underside surface 47 of upper flange 34, there are
integrally molded six depending ribs 48, extending away from flange
34 in the direction of flange 35. These ribs 48 are constructed and
arranged to press into the corrugated cardboard box flap to assist
in preventing or at least limiting bag 22 and fitment 23 shifting
during filling and handling. Each protruding rib 48 extends
longitudinally in the generally same direction so as to be
substantially parallel to each other. This arrangement enables the
ribs 48 to be straight pulls from the two clamshell halves of the
mold cavity.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, fitment 23 is illustrated as
assembled with bag 22. The bag 22 is a plastic bag with the bag
material or materials selected in part based on the contents to be
filled and in part on the strength required and in part on the size
or capacity. In the preferred and exemplary embodiment, the
bag-in-box assembly 20 is used for paint and the bag 22 is a
three-layer lamination of different polymers. While these
bag-in-box constructions would typically be used for capacities in
the five liter to twenty liter range, the preferred embodiment, as
used for paint, is a twenty liter capacity.
[0039] With regard to the three-layer lamination of different
polymers, the inner or interior layer 50 is selected to be
compatible with the product and the chemistry of the product that
is filled into the bag. The material selection also needs to be
compatible for welding of the material to the upper surface 51 of
the lower flange 35 of fitment 23. The middle or intermediate layer
52 provides barrier properties to the lamination to prevent ingress
and egress of oxygen, moisture vapor, etc. The outer layer 53 is
fabricated out of a tougher polymer for providing resistance to
puncture and abrasion. While variations to this laminated structure
are contemplated, the only layer that might be considered as
"optional" is the intermediate layer if a barrier is not required,
considering the contents to be filled in the bag.
[0040] Bag 22 includes an upper or top generally circular opening
56 whose diameter is just slightly larger than the dimension across
the hex "points" 40 of the upper flange 34. This particular sizing
leaves an annular lip 57 with a radial width or spacing of between
1 mm and 4 mm from the opening edge 58 to the outer circular edge
59 of lower flange 35. This annular lip 57 can be thought of as
actually defining circular opening 56.
[0041] Lip 57 is conduction welded onto the upper surface 51 of
lower flange 35 so as to create a continuous circular seal
completely around the hex portion 36 of fitment 23 on the upper
surface 51. The nature of the conduction weld also securely
attaches the bag 22 to fitment 23 with the requisite structural
integrity and strength for the intended function.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, the assembled combination of
the bag 22, fitment 23, and threaded closing cap 24 is illustrated.
It is assumed for these drawings that the bag 22 is conduction
welded to the upper surface 51 of the lower flange 35 as already
described for drawing FIGS. 7-12. The bag 22 and fitment 23
subassembly, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, remains the same for
FIGS. 13-17. The only change is the addition of internally-threaded
closing cap 24 which is fully threaded onto the externally-threaded
end 33 of fitment 23. As would be understood, it is common for the
closing cap 24 to be applied to fitment 23 only after the bag has
been filled with the desired product. This in turn would mean that
at the time of filling, and prior to attaching closing cap 24, the
fitment 23 and bag 22 are assembled into the box. However, for
these drawing figures, the box 21 has been eliminated as a way to
more clearly illustrate the relationship between the bag 22, the
fitment 23, and the closing cap 24. In this regard, the section
view of FIG. 16 is based on the 16-16 cutting plane of FIG. 15.
[0043] Closing cap 24 is a unitary, molded plastic component that
includes a generally cylindrical body 62, substantially flat
circular to panel 63, and a pair of opposite-disposed protrusions
64 and 65. The generally cylindrical body 62 is internally-threaded
and is formed with a closely spaced series of axial ribs 66 on the
outer surface. The inner surface 63a of top panel 63 is formed with
a depending revolved protrusion 67 that plugs the inside diameter
surface 68 of end 33. The annular, depending construction and
arrangement of protrusion 67 is spaced radially inwardly from the
wall defining cylindrical body 62 so as to create an inverted
annular channel 69 for receipt of the upper edge 70 of end 33. The
upper edge 70 seats into the base of channel 69 before the lower
edge 71 bottoms out against the upper surface 72 of flange 34.
[0044] The pair of protrusions 64 and 65 provide additional
leverage for generating removal torque. These protrusions 64 and 65
can also be utilized as part of the fixturing for automated
handling and capping equipment. The radial extent of each
protrusion does not extend beyond the outer edge of the flats 42 on
upper flange 34.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 18-22, the box assembly steps for
receiving the bag 22 and fitment 23 and for completing the
construction of the box are illustrated. Box 21 begins with a
construction that provides four sidewalls or panels 27, 76, 77, and
78 surrounding a bottom panel 79. It should be understood that
prior to the FIG. 18 illustration, box 21 would be in a flat form
and folded into the illustrated construction with the bottom panel
79 typically being formed from adjoined flaps that are glued
together.
[0046] Included as a part of the box 21 construction are four top
flaps 30, 80, 81, and 82. These four top flaps are outer or
exterior flaps and complement the two interior or inner flaps 83
and 84. The specific construction in terms of how the panels and
flaps are shaped, cut, and folded is to some degree optional, so
long as a structurally sound box is able to be constructed and
includes the four top flaps 30, 80, 81, and 82 and the two inner
flaps 83 and 84. It is also to be understood that the overall
construction of box 21 is selected such that it has an interior
volume suitable for holding bag 22 as filled with the desired
product and the desired volume or quantity of product.
[0047] Given the fact that the four side panels 27, 76, 77, and 78
and the bottom panel 79 can be configured and secured together in a
variety of ways, the focus in terms of the assembly sequence is on
the top flaps 30, 80, 81, and 82 and the two inner flaps 83 and 84.
Flap 83 includes a notched out opening 88 that has a part-hex edge
shape including four (88a, 88b, 88c, and 88d) of the six flats for
a full hex contour. Flap 84 defines oblong opening 28 and the inner
edge 89 of flap 84 is constructed and arranged with the other two
flats 89a and 89b for the full hex contour. The size, shape, and
location of flaps 83 and 84 is such that when these two are folded
flat, they cooperate to define a full hex contour for the resulting
opening. Flap 30 includes a clearance opening 90 that overlaps and
generally concentrically surrounds the hex opening formed by the
folded together combination of flaps 83 and 84. The four top flaps
and the two inner flaps are all considered to be fold-over flaps in
terms of their use, construction, and the manner in which they are
manipulated to complete the box construction as disclosed
herein.
[0048] Starting with the FIG. 18 box construction status, the bag
22 and fitment 23 subassembly, as a welded combination as
illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 and without the closing cap 24 threaded
on, is installed, see FIG. 19. In order to achieve the FIG. 19
assembly, the partial hex form of opening 88 receives the hex shape
of interfit portion 36. As described, interfit portion 36 is
identified in this manner since this is the portion that fits into
the opening in flap 83. While the hex shape of interfit portion 36
matches the part-hex shape of the opening in flap 83 when flap 84
is closed into position, those two flaps 83 and 84 cooperate to
define a hex opening that closely matches the hex periphery of
interfit portion 36. The close cooperating fit of the box hex
opening around interfit portion 36 secures the fitment so that it
does not rotate or spin relative to the box when the closing cap is
applied. The upper flange 34 is positioned on top of flap 83 and is
in direct contact with the upper surface 91 of flap 83 such that
the depending ribs 48 are able to press into the corrugated
cardboard surface 91 of flap 83 to assist in preventing, or at
least limiting, any bag 22 and fitment 23 shifting during filling
and handling. When flap 84 is closed into position, the portions of
the ribs 48 contacting the upper surface of flap 84 press into that
corrugated cardboard surface. The upper surface 51 of flange 35 is
positioned in direct contact with the underside (interior) surface
of flap 83 and of flap 84.
[0049] After the bag 22 and fitment 23 subassembly is fitted into
the partial hex form of opening 88, as illustrated in FIG. 19, flap
84 is folded into position in order to complete the hex shape of
the receiving opening and thereby completely capture the hex
interfit portion 36 of fitment 23 (see FIG. 20). This assembly of
the fitment (and bag) into the cardboard flaps 83 and 84 is
achieved without the need for any glue or adhesive and without the
need for any mechanical fasteners. The hex-to-hex interfit in
combination with the upper and lower flanges 34 and 35 is
sufficient to lock the fitment 23 into the matching hex opening
defined by the combination of cardboard flaps 83 and 84. The mating
form of flap 84 that completes the hex shape for the opening is
positioned as part of center portion 92. Slits 93 and 94 separate
the sides of portion 92 from the remainder of flap 84. These slits
93 and 94 provide added flexibility to portion 92 in order to
facilitate its movement into position against interfit portion
36.
[0050] Following the assembly stage represented by FIG. 20, flaps
80 and 82 are folded over to partially close the top of the box and
these two flaps are glued in position, as is illustrated in FIG.
21. The next step is to fold over and glue flap 81, as illustrated
in FIG. 22. The final stage in completing box 21 is to fold over
and glue flap 30. This results in the final construction, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. The next step is to fill the bag with the
desired product in the desired volume or quantity and thereafter
apply closing cap 24 in order to complete and create the FIG. 1
structure.
[0051] As described, fitment 23 slides into the partial hex form of
flap 83 without the use of glue or adhesive. Further, no portion of
bag 22 is adhesively attached to any portion of the box. After the
bag and fitment are assembled and the box construction completed,
the bag is filled, in this embodiment with paint, then capped using
closing cap 24, and is ready to be shipped. The matching hex shapes
of the portion 36 periphery and of the edge for the opening defined
by flaps 83 and 84 prevents rotation of the fitment 23 relative to
the box in either direction during capping, removal, and recapping.
The upper and lower flanges 34 and 35 prevent axial movement of the
fitment 23 relative to the box flaps, in either direction, as the
bag 22 is filled and the assembly handled.
[0052] While portion 36 is described as preferably having a hex
peripheral shape that matches the hex opening defined by flaps 83
and 84, other shapes are contemplated, so long as the anti-rotation
feature and relationship between fitment 23 and the opening in
flaps 83 and 84 is maintained. For example, an octagon shape can be
provided as another polygon periphery for portion 36 and similar
changes would then be made to the opening defined by the
combination of flaps 83 and 84. If an octagon is selected for the
polygon periphery of portion 36, then flap 83 would typically
include five of the eight flats while flap 84 would complete the
matching octagon shape by providing the other three flats. Since
the selected shape can be any one of a variety of polygons, that
becomes one way to describe the peripheral shape of portion 36 as
well as describing the matching opening defined by flats 83 and 84.
The portion 36 has a polygon periphery, with the number of flat
sides selected to lock into a matching opening so as to create a
non-rotational relationship for the fitment 23 relative to the
receiving flaps of box 21. The upper and lower flanges 34 and 35
cooperate with this overall construction so as to prevent any
noticeable axial movement of the fitment 23 relative to flaps 83
and 84.
[0053] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing
description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive in character, it being understood that all changes and
modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are
desired to be protected.
* * * * *