US2007217719A1PendingUtilityA1

Flexible plastic container

55
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Mar 16, 2006Filed: Mar 16, 2006Published: Sep 20, 2007
Est. expiryMar 16, 2026(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Mark A. Smith
B65D 2231/001B65D 77/065B65D 77/062B65D 33/01B65D 2231/002
55
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

A flexible polymeric container for storing and dispensing liquids includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are constructed of a coextrusion structure. The first sidewall and the second sidewall each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. A fitment is attached to an outer surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The fitment has an opening therethrough which has an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface. A pattern of protuberances on the inner surface of one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall defines a plurality of pathways having at least a first pathway and a second pathway intersecting one another. The protuberances facilitate evacuation of liquid when portions of the first sidewall and the second sidewall interlock during evacuation.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A flexible polymeric container comprising: 
 (a) a first and second sidewall connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween, with each sidewall having multiple layers having been coextruded with each other and having a series of protuberances on the sidewall in the fluid chamber to facilitate evacuation of liquids from the chamber; and    (b) a fitment attached to one of the sidewalls and having an opening therethrough through which liquid can be discharged from the fluid chamber.    
   
   
       2 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the sidewalls are multiple layers which have been blown to form multi-layer films.  
   
   
       3 . A container as defined in  claim 2  wherein at least one of the layers is formed of polyethylene.  
   
   
       4 . A container as defined in  claim 2  wherein at least one of the layers is formed of nylon.  
   
   
       5 . A container as defined in  claim 2  wherein the fitment includes two or more layers containing an adhesive layer therebetween.  
   
   
       6 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein at least one of the first and second sidewalls form creases as the container collapses during evacuation whereby liquid is evacuated from the container through such creases.  
   
   
       7 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the series of protuberances extends over at least one of the sidewalls as a pattern of such protuberances.  
   
   
       8 . A container as defined in  claim 7  wherein the pattern extends over the entire surface of both the first and second sidewalls.  
   
   
       9 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the protuberances are randomly positioned on at least one of the first and second sidewalls.  
   
   
       10 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the protuberances have an irregular shape.  
   
   
       11 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the protuberances are embossed after fabrication of the first and second sidewalls.  
   
   
       12 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the protuberances define a pathway therebetween and the depth of said protuberances varies over the pattern of protuberances.  
   
   
       13 . A container as defined in  claim 1  wherein the first and second sidewalls have no protuberances around their peripheral edges.  
   
   
       14 . A method for evacuating a fluid from a container comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a liquid-filled container having one or more sidewalls with an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface having a pattern of protuberances defining a plurality of miniature pathways to facilitate dispersion of liquid among the protuberances, said container also having a fitment with an opening therethrough; and    (b) permitting liquid to flow from the container through the fitment.    
   
   
       15 . A method as defined in  claim 13  wherein the liquid is pumped from the fitment.  
   
   
       16 . A method as defined in  claim 13  wherein the liquid is a soft drink syrup.  
   
   
       17 . A method as defined in  claim 13  wherein the liquid is substantially completely withdrawn from the container.  
   
   
       18 . A method as defined in  claim 13  wherein the container is positioned inside a corrugated box when liquid is drained from the container.

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