U.S. patent application number 12/850002 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for bag-in-box package with integrated cup.
Invention is credited to Joseph Craig Lester, Douglas Bruce Zeik, Kyle Vincent Zink.
Application Number | 20110031303 12/850002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43034325 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110031303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zink; Kyle Vincent ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
Bag-In-Box Package with Integrated Cup
Abstract
Fabric care products having a package useful for storing,
dispensing, and/or measuring flowable compositions, including at
least one inner container; an outer container at least partially
encompassing the inner container; a dispensing means operatively
attached to the inner container; and a vessel.
Inventors: |
Zink; Kyle Vincent; (West
Chester, OH) ; Lester; Joseph Craig; (Liberty,
OH) ; Zeik; Douglas Bruce; (Middletown, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
43034325 |
Appl. No.: |
12/850002 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61231541 |
Aug 5, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.35 ;
222/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/067 20130101;
B65D 77/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117.35 ;
222/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/56 20060101
B65D005/56; B65D 35/56 20060101 B65D035/56 |
Claims
1. A fabric care product comprising a package useful for storing,
dispensing, and/or measuring flowable compositions, said package
comprising; a. at least one inner container; b. an outer container
at least partially encompassing the inner container; c. a
dispensing means operatively attached to the inner container; and
d. a vessel.
2. A package according to claim 1 wherein the inner container is
selected from bags and bottles.
3. A package according to claim 2 wherein the inner container is
selected from monolayer thermoplastic bags, multilayer
thermoplastic bags, thermoplastic bottles and combinations
thereof.
4. A package according to claim 2 wherein the inner container is a
seamless thermoplastic bottle.
5. A package according to claim 4 wherein the thermoplastic bottle
comprises a molded finish, configured and adapted for sealing with
a closure.
6. A package according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing means is a
press tap closure.
7. A package according to claim 6 wherein the dispensing means is
externally visible through the outer container.
8. A package according to claim 1 wherein the outer container is
constructed of corrugated board.
9. A package according to claim 1 wherein the vessel is a metered
measuring cup.
10. A package according to claim 9 wherein the outer container is a
box.
11. A package according to claim 8 wherein the outer container is a
box and the package further comprises an integrated handle.
12. A package according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing means is
operatively attached to the inner container by a thermoplastic
collar operatively affixed to at least the outer container.
13. A package according to claim 12 wherein the thermoplastic
collar is operatively attached to the dispensing means, enabling
external visibility of the dispensing means.
14. A package according to claim 12 wherein the thermoplastic
collar further orients the measuring cup such that the cup holds
the flowable composition while the outer container is in the
dispensing position.
15. A package according to claim 12 wherein the thermoplastic
collar further couples the inner container within the outer
container and orients the dispensing means.
16. A package according to claim 1 wherein the vessel is releasably
stored in a cavity in the outer container.
17. A fabric care package, useful for storing flowable fabric care
compositions, wherein said package comprises: a) at least one inner
container comprising at least one thermoplastic material and having
a volume of from about 3 liters to about 10 liters and a volume to
weight ratio of greater than 50 mL per gram; b) an outer corrugated
board box container at least partially encompassing the bottle,
wherein the outer box container is generally of a cuboidal shape
comprising six sides: i) a front side; ii) a back side; iii) a top
side; iv) a bottom side; v) a left side; and vi) a right side; c) a
dispensing tap closure operatively attached to the inner container;
d) a vessel; and e) means for releasably storing a vessel.
18. A package according to claim 17 wherein the dispensing tap
closure and means for releasably storing a vessel are located on
the same side of the outer box container.
19. A package according to claim 18 wherein the dispensing tap
closure is a press tap closure.
20. A package according to claim 19 wherein the vessel is a
detergent measuring cup.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/231,541, filed on Aug. 5, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to bag-in-box or bottle-in box
packages for flowable compositions and methods of use thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Collapsible containers such as foil pouches and mono- or
multi-layer thermoplastic laminate bags are well known for storing
and dispensing a variety of compositions, particularly liquids and
gels. For example, such containers may be used as liners for
cartons/boxes for beverages, or may be used in bag-in-box
applications. For instance, numerous consumer packaged goods such
as wine and fruit juice are currently available on the market in
bag-in-box containers. Such containers typically include the
thermoplastic laminate bag as a liner and an outer container
(formed of for example, corrugated board) that provides structure
to the liner to allow for storage, shipment and/or dispensing of
the composition contained therein. Bag-in-box containers utilizing
a bag cartridge system with a locating collar for easy assembly are
disclosed in U.S. 2008/0267538 to Stephenson.
[0004] More recently, "collapsible" containers blow-molded from
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) preforms (such as those used for
making soft drink or juice containers) have been suggested as an
alternative to thermoplastic bag containers. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,676,883 to Hutchinson discloses such preforms and their
construction into articles. And in U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,950,
traditional bag-in-box applications have been modified by
substituting liners constructed by blow-molding PET thermoplastic
preforms for the traditional thermoplastic bags, resulting in what
may then be referred to as a "PET bottle-in-box" containers.
[0005] As more solutions become available for bag-in-box or
bottle-in-box containers, such containers have become somewhat more
sophisticated and have become acceptable containers for a variety
of products. Very recently, replacement of traditional "bulk" or
"club" size blown thermoplastic containers for liquid laundry
compositions with bottle- or bag-in-box containers have been
considered. Such bag- or bottle-in box containers may provide
benefits to the consumer such as reduced cost (as plastic costs are
significantly reduced), may be more environmentally friendly (use
of recyclable corrugated board and less use of petrochemical-based
plastics). However, such bottle- or bag-in-box containers have not
taken into account the particular needs and desires consistent with
a container for liquid laundry compositions. Further modifications
are necessary to ensure consumer acceptance of bottle or bag-in-box
containers containing laundry compositions.
[0006] Therefore, a need still exists for an improved bottle- or
bag-in-box container, particularly for liquid laundry
compositions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Without being limited by theory, it has now been
surprisingly found that by incorporating a means for releasably
storing a vessel (such as a measuring cup) within a bag- or
bottle-in-box container, consumer acceptance and usage of bottle-
or bag-in-box containers when combined with liquid laundry
compositions may be improved. Furthermore, such improved containers
can maintain structural stability as well as reduce the potential
package cost and environmental impact. Such containers may use
potentially up to 80%, 60%, 50%, and/or 40% less plastic than
industry standard blow molded polyethylene bottles.
[0008] The present invention therefore relates to products, such as
for example, fabric care products, including a package useful for
storing, dispensing, and/or measuring flowable compositions,
whereby the package incorporates at least one inner container; an
outer container at least partially encompassing the inner
container; a dispensing means operatively attached to the inner
container; and a vessel.
[0009] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the inner container is selected from bags and bottles.
[0010] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the inner container is selected from monolayer
thermoplastic bags, multilayer thermoplastic bags, thermoplastic
bottles and combinations thereof.
[0011] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the inner container is a seamless thermoplastic bottle.
[0012] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the thermoplastic bottle includes a molded finish,
configured and adapted for sealing with a closure.
[0013] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the dispensing means is a press tap closure.
[0014] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the dispensing means is externally visible through the
outer container.
[0015] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the outer container is constructed of corrugated board.
[0016] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the vessel is a metered measuring cup.
[0017] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the outer container is a box.
[0018] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the outer container is a box and the package further
comprises an integrated handle.
[0019] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the means for releasably storing a vessel is a
thermoplastic collar operatively affixed to at least the outer
container.
[0020] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the thermoplastic collar is operatively attached to the
dispensing means, enabling external visibility of the dispensing
means.
[0021] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the thermoplastic collar further orients the measuring cup
such that the cup holds the flowable composition while the outer
container is in the dispensing position.
[0022] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the thermoplastic collar further couples the inner
container within the outer container and orients the dispensing
means.
[0023] The present invention further relates to such products
wherein the means for releasably storing a vessel is a cavity in
the outer container.
[0024] The present invention further relates to a fabric care
package, useful for storing flowable fabric care compositions,
wherein said package includes at least one inner container
incorporating at least one thermoplastic material and having a
volume of from about 3 liters to about 10 liters and a volume to
weight ratio of greater than 50 mL per gram; an outer corrugated
board box container at least partially encompassing the bottle,
wherein the outer box container is generally of a cuboidal shape
comprising six sides: [0025] i) a front side; [0026] ii) a back
side; [0027] iii) a top side; [0028] iv) a bottom side; [0029] v) a
left side; and [0030] vi) a right side; a dispensing tap closure
operatively attached to the inner container; a vessel; and means
for releasably storing a vessel.
[0031] The present invention further relates to such packages
wherein the dispensing tap closure and means for releasably storing
a vessel are located on the same side of the outer box
container.
[0032] The present invention further relates to such packages
wherein the dispensing tap closure is a press tap closure.
[0033] The present invention further relates to such packages
wherein the flowable fabric care composition is a liquid laundry
detergent composition and the flowable composition is contained
within the inner container.
[0034] The present invention further relates to such packages
wherein the vessel is a detergent measuring cup.
[0035] The present invention further relates to such packages
wherein the means for storing a vessel is a cavity within a
thermoplastic collar operatively affixed to at least the outer
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a package with
integrated cup according to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of the package
shown in FIG. 1 as the package might appear on a store shelf;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Described herein are packages useful for the storing,
dispensing and/or measuring of flowable compositions. Such packages
include at least one inner container; an outer container at least
partially encompassing the inner container; a dispensing means
operatively attached to the inner container; and means for
releasably storing a vessel.
Outer Container
[0039] The outer container contains within the inner container and
composition. The outer containers of the present invention provide
the package with stability sufficient to store, stack and transport
the package when it contains a flowable composition. The outer
container at least partially encompasses the inner container.
[0040] Examples of outer containers include boxes. The boxes may be
of any size or configuration that partially encompasses the inner
container. The outer container may provide decorative features such
as integrated design elements and may also include additional
utilitarian features such as an integrated handle and/or integrated
means for releasably storing a vessel as a cavity within the outer
container.
[0041] In one embodiment, the outer container is constructed of
corrugated board. In one embodiment, the outer container is a box
and the package further comprises an integrated handle.
[0042] In one embodiment, the outer container is an outer
corrugated board box container at least partially encompassing the
bottle, wherein the outer box container is generally of a cuboidal
shape comprising six sides: a front side wall; a back side wall; a
top side wall; a bottom side wall; a left side wall; and a right
side wall.
Inner Container
[0043] The packages of the present invention include at least one
inner container suitable for containing a flowable composition.
Inner containers useful herein include those formed of any
traditional material that may be used to house or store flowable
compositions. In one embodiment, the inner containers are
constructed of a material selected from thermoplastics, metal,
glass, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the inner
container is selected from bags and bottles. In one embodiment, the
inner container is selected from monolayer thermoplastic bags,
multilayer thermoplastic bags, thermoplastic bottles, and
combinations thereof.
[0044] In one embodiment, the inner container is a seamless
thermoplastic bottle formed by injection stretch blow molding. The
thermoplastic bottle may then further comprise a molded finish,
configured and adapted for sealing with a closure. The
thermoplastic bottle may have a volume to weight ratio of greater
than about 50 mL per gram.
[0045] The inner container may have a volume of greater than about
2 liters, alternatively from about 1 liter to about 20 liters,
alternatively from about 3 liters to about 10 liters, alternatively
from about 5 liters to about 10 liters.
[0046] In one embodiment, the inner container has a height to width
ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:3, alternatively from about 2:1
to about 1:2 and still alternatively from about 1:1.
[0047] In one embodiment, the inner container is non-pressurized.
As used herein, "non-pressurized" means that that the containers
are not subjected to gas or other pressurization means that would
result in the increase of pressure inside the container vs. the
atmospheric pressure found outside the container when initially
filled. However, it is possible that after filling, pressurization
of these "non-pressurized" containers may naturally occur during
shipment due to changes in atmospheric pressure and/or reactions
within the formulation. In one embodiment, means for removing the
composition contained within the inner container is a gravity fed
means.
Composition
[0048] Packages herein are useful for storing, dispensing and/or
measuring flowable compositions. As used herein "flowable
compositions" refers to liquid compositions, gel compositions,
flowable powder compositions and combinations thereof.
[0049] In one embodiment, the flowable composition is a laundry
composition. Examples of laundry compositions useful herein include
liquid fabric softeners (such as Downy.RTM. commercially available
from Procter & Gamble); liquid laundry detergent compositions
(such as Tide.RTM. commercially available from Procter &
Gamble); flowable powder detergent compositions, liquid fabric
pre-treater compositions, gel fabric pre-treater compositions, gel
laundry detergents, fabric refreshers (such as Febreze.RTM.
commercially available from Procter & Gamble); and combinations
thereof. In one embodiment, the flowable composition is a laundry
care composition.
[0050] In one embodiment the flowable composition is a beverage
composition selected from wine, beer, soft drinks, juice and
combinations thereof.
Dispensing Means
[0051] The packages include a dispensing means operatively attached
to at least the inner container. Such dispensing means is useful
for allowing a consumer to retrieve a flowable composition from
inside the package. As used herein "dispensing means" refers to any
means for allowing a flowable composition held within the inner
container to evacuate the container. Dispensing means may therefore
include tubes, operable flip-tops, taps, spouts, valves, pumps,
spray nozzles, moveable diaphragms, and combinations thereof. In
one embodiment, the dispensing tap closure is a press tap
closure.
[0052] In one embodiment, the dispensing means is a press tap
closure. In one embodiment, the dispensing means is a self-venting
press tap closure. In one embodiment, the dispensing means is
externally visible through the outer container. Press tap closures
useful herein include those exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,744
B1 assigned to Unilever, U.S. Patent Application 2007/0290010
assigned to Vitop Moulding S.R.I., and PCT Publication WO
2007/108025 assigned to Vitop Moulding S.R.I.
[0053] An example of a press tap closure 11 useful herein is found
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Vessel
[0054] The package includes at least one vessel stored therein. As
used herein, "vessel" refers to a device generally operable to
measure and/or transfer the contents of the package from within the
package to another location, such as for use at that other
location. In one embodiment, the vessel is a metered measuring cup.
In another embodiment, the vessel is a metered measuring cup
wherein the cup includes visible lineations consistent with one or
more appropriate fill lines for use of a composition. In one
embodiment, the vessel is a laundry composition measuring cup, for
example, a laundry detergent composition measuring cup.
[0055] An example of a metered measuring cup vessel 12 useful
herein is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated, the cup 12
is releasably stored within the package 10 by a cavity within the
thermoplastic collar 13.
[0056] In one embodiment, the vessel is constructed of glass or
crystal. In one embodiment, the vessel is constructed as a beverage
glass, shot glass, or wine glass.
Means for Releasably Storing a Vessel
[0057] The packages herein include means for releasably storing a
vessel therein. Preferably the means for releasably storing a
vessel therein includes the ability to initially store the vessel,
remove the vessel (such as for measuring or collecting the package
contents), and then later replacing the vessel in the storing
means. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that a
consumer may dispense the flowable composition into the vessel, use
the composition, and then return the vessel back to the package in
a secure manner for storage purposes, with little or no mess.
[0058] The means for releasably storing a vessel may be integrated
into the package. In one embodiment, the means for releasably
storing is at least one cavity in the side wall of the outer
container. As used herein, "cavity" means an aperture, chamber,
groove, notch, slit, slot, opening, ridge or hole. In one
embodiment, the means for releasably storing a vessel is a cavity
in the outer container. The means for releasably storing the vessel
does not include a flat surface on which to rest the vessel such as
that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,744 assigned to Unilever.
[0059] Examples of means for releasably storing a vessel include a
constructed thermoplastic collar operatively affixed to at least
the outer container. Constructed thermoplastic collars such as
those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 2008/267538 A1 to
Stephenson may be modified and extended to incorporate a means for
releasably storing a vessel by expanding the collar to include a
cavity of size and orientation large enough to accept the vessel.
An example of such a modified and extended collar 13 useful herein
is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, the collar may
incorporate a shelf. Preferably, the cavity is a chamber and is of
orientation such that the vessel is held in an upright position
when the overall package is oriented for dispensing a flowable
composition. In one embodiment, the means for storing a vessel is a
chamber within a thermoplastic collar operatively affixed to at
least the outer container. In another embodiment, the thermoplastic
collar is operatively affixed to at least the outer container, the
means for storing a vessel is a chamber within the thermoplastic
collar, and the thermoplastic collar increases the structural
stability to the outer container.
[0060] The thermoplastic collar may further be operatively attached
to the dispensing means, thereby enabling the dispensing means to
be externally visible during normal dispensing operation.
[0061] In one embodiment, the package may include additional means
for holding the vessel in proper location for collecting the
dispensed flowable composition during dispensing. In a further
embodiment, the thermoplastic collar may contain a cavity that will
allow a consumer to orient the vessel such that the vessel holds
the flowable composition while the outer container is in the
dispensing position. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic collar
operatively couples the inner container within the outer container
and orients the dispensing means.
[0062] In one embodiment, the flowable composition is a liquid
laundry composition, the dispensing means is a press tap, the
vessel is a measuring and/or dosing cup, and the means for
releasably storing the vessel is a cavity within a thermoplastic
collar operatively affixed to at least the outer container.
[0063] In one embodiment, the dispensing tap closure and means for
releasably storing a vessel are located on the same side wall of
the outer container, such as, for example, on the front side wall
of the outer container.
Optional Finishes
[0064] The packages of the present invention may further include
one or more of the following optional finishes: one or more
handles, decorative cut-outs in one or more side walls, indication
means for observing the amount of flowable composition left within
the container during use, area of weakness for inserting a straw,
and combinations thereof.
Example I
Bag-in-Box Package for Laundry Detergent
[0065] A package 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having an outer
storage container 15, a press tap 11, a measuring cup vessel 12, a
thermoplastic collar 13 containing a cavity for releasably storing
a vessel and indicia for a laundry detergent 14 is shown. The
package further contains within a monolayer thermoplastic bag
having a capacity of five liters and containing approximately five
liters of a liquid laundry detergent composition commercially
available as Tide Ultra 2X.RTM..
Example II
Bottle-in-Box Package for Laundry Detergent
[0066] A package 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having an outer
storage container 15, a press tap 11, a measuring cup vessel 12, a
thermoplastic collar 13 containing a cavity for releasably storing
a vessel and indicia for a laundry detergent 14 is shown. The
package further contains within a thermoplastic bottle having a
capacity of five liters and containing approximately five liters of
a liquid laundry detergent composition commercially available as
Tide Ultra 2X.RTM.. The thermoplastic bottle has a molded finish
which is fixably attached to the press tap.
[0067] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0068] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0069] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *