Bag Cartridge with Anti-Torque Collar

Abstract

A collapsed bag cartridge ( 20 ) for Bag-in-Box (BIB) carton packaging, is configured for installation as a self-contained module in an aperture ( 24 ) in a pre-assembled carton wall; the bag cartridge features a collapsed bag in a compact folded format ( 21 ) with a locating and retention collar ( 12 ) upon a bag neck ( 13 ) of complementary profile to the carton aperture; with complementary inter-fitting ribs and slots ( 18 ), in collar aperture rim upstand ( 17 ) and bag neck ( 13 ) for closure anti-torque action.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . A bag cartridge insertable into an outer carton and deployable therein, the bag cartridge comprising:
 a collar having a base, a top surface and a bottom surface, a sidewall extending about the base away from the top surface, and a top flange extending from the sidewall opposite the top surface of the base, the base having an aperture extending therethrough;   at least one lug spaced apart from the top flange, the lug structurally configured to retain a portion of an outer carton between the top flange and the at least one lug;   a flexible bag defining a cavity;   a spout sealed to the bag and providing fluid communication with the cavity, the spout extending through the aperture of the collar, and   wherein the bag is placed in a collapsed orientation substantially positioned below the bottom surface of the base of the collar, and includes a frangible restraint tie maintaining the collapsed orientation.   
   
   
       22 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the spout and the collar are integrally molded. 
   
   
       23 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the at least one lug comprises a plurality of lugs extending from the sidewall or the top flange, each lug being movable so as to allow an edge of an outer carton to extend beyond the lug toward the top flange, whereupon extension beyond the lug captures the outer carton between the lug and the top flange. 
   
   
       24 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the collapsed orientation places a predominant portion of the bag within a footprint defined by the base of the collar. 
   
   
       25 . The bag cartridge of  claim 24  wherein the collapsed orientation comprises a compact format. 
   
   
       26 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the spout includes a first member which interfaces with a complementary second member on the aperture of the collar to limit the rotation of the spout relative to the aperture; 
   
   
       27 . The bag cartridge of  claim 26  wherein the first member of the spout comprises a protrusion and the complementary second member on the aperture comprises a plurality of serrations. 
   
   
       28 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the frangible restrain tie is selected from the group consisting of: a frangible paper outer shroud, a burstable enclosure, wrap or bag, a closure tie, tape, band, and cord, as well as combinations of the foregoing. 
   
   
       29 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the frangible restraint tie comprises a frangible paper outer shroud which extends about the bag in a collapsed configuration, the frangible paper outer shroud is fractured proximate the spout upon imparting of an inflationary or filling force upon the bag. 
   
   
       30 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the base has a front edge, at least a portion of the front edge being spaced apart from the side wall so as to define a tray. 
   
   
       31 . The bag cartridge of claim  10  wherein the front edge and the sidewall edges form a front edge, the top flange extending about at least a portion of the front edge. 
   
   
       32 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  wherein the bag is folded in a configuration such that upon filling the bag first extends in a downward direction away from the bottom surface of the base prior to extending in an outward direction. 
   
   
       33 . The bag cartridge of  claim 21  further comprising one of a snap-on and a threaded closure cap for sealing the spout. 
   
   
       34 . A bag in box container comprising an outer carton having a plurality of walls, an aperture positioned in at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the bag cartridge of claim  1  is positioned within the aperture, the collar of the bag cartridge configured so as to preclude rotation of the bag cartridge within the aperture. 
   
   
       35 . The bag in box container of  claim 34  wherein the aperture is positioned in the top wall and extends over a portion of the front wall. 
   
   
       36 . A method of forming a bag in box container comprising the steps of:
 providing the bag cartridge of  claim 21 ;   providing an outer carton having a plurality of walls and an aperture positioned in at least one wall;   inserting the bag cartridge into the aperture of the outer box.   
   
   
       37 . A method of filling a bag in box container comprising the steps of:
 providing the bag in box container of  claim 32 ;   breaking the frangible restraint tie of the cartridge;   filling the bag of the cartridge with a contents; and   sealing the spout of the bag.