TW201429827A - Substantially rigid foldable container - Google Patents

Abstract

A blow molded container having a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, allowing the container walls to flex along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and unfold along the fold lines to a shape of predetermined volume. The container includes four side walls, a top surface connected to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid, and a bottom surface connected to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular pyramid. A fitment may be positioned at the apex of the top surface. Two opposing side walls of the four side walls may each have a plurality of fold lines radially extending from a central region of the respective side wall. In one embodiment, the central region has a stress relief limiter.

Description

Substantially rigid collapsible container

This case is about the storage and distribution system. More particularly, the present invention relates to substantially rigid molded shrinkable containers having fold lines or folded patterns defining a shrink pattern and methods for making such containers.

It is necessary to store various materials and transport materials from one place to another. For example, materials in the food industry, such as condiments, must be shipped from the manufacturer to an end user, which may be, for example, a restaurant. Similarly, for example, many materials in the pharmaceutical industry, such as pharmaceuticals, liquids, and biological agents, must be stored and transported. Further, an acid agent, a solvent, a base, a photoresist, a slurry, a detergent, and a cleaning formulation, a dopant, an inorganic substance, an organic substance, a metal organic substance, a tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and a biological solution, DNA and RNA solvents and reagents, pharmaceuticals, hazardous wastes, radioactive chemicals and nanomaterials (including, for example, fullerenes, inorganic nanoparticles, sol-gels and other ceramics) can also be loaded and transported in one place to another A place to use.

Conventional storage/transport containers can include the following two general types: 1. Flexible liners that can be used with the outer package; and 2, rigid containers. The flexible pad may generally comprise a relatively thin walled plastic material such that the pad may be substantially flexible and non-independent. Therefore, for many uses, flexible liners may require an outer or outer package. The outer packaging in such systems can be a rigid container. In such systems, the liner can often be configured for single use while the outer package can be configured for single use or multiple use. The outer package may comprise: metal; relatively rigid and thick plastic; glass; wood; thick and durable fiber-based products such as paperboard; or some combination of the above. Because the flexible liners of such systems are typically not independent, the outer packaging and liner are often shipped together. On the other hand, in some cases, rigid containers may not be used with flexible liners. For example, for some applications, glass bottles or metal or plastic buckets or cans may not be used with the liner. Whether the flexible liner is used with the outer package or the rigid container is not used with the liner, for many applications, the material can be filled in one place and transported in a rigid container to another location for use.

This process typically can include two or three different transportation steps, each of which can be associated with transportation costs, which in turn can increase the cost of materials for end users and/or any other intermediaries. . Therefore, ideally, the costs associated with transportation should be minimized. Factors that may increase shipping costs in general may include the volume and/or weight of the items being transported. Thus, if the improved method of transport involves transporting the same amount of material in a smaller space and/or transporting the same amount of material in a package that weighs less than a conventional package, the shipping cost can be reduced for one or more of the transport steps. . In general, the three transport steps may include: 1. transporting the empty container from the container manufacturer to a chemical or other material supplier for filling; 2. at the supplier's request After filling the container, transporting the filled (or partially filled) container to the end user for dispensing; and 3. after the end user dispenses the material in the container, in some cases, the shipping is empty The container is transferred to another facility for processing, recycling, and/or sterilization and reuse.

Conventional rigid containers, including overpacks for flexible liners, can be disadvantageous because such rigid containers/overpacks typically have only a single static expansion state, so in this regard, whether the container is empty or full The containers have the same shape and therefore occupy the same amount of space. Thus, when an empty container is shipped from the container manufacturer to the supplier for filling, the container disadvantageously occupies the same shipping volume as the volume occupied when the container is full. Further, conventional rigid containers/overpacks are often generally cylindrical; for example, bottles, cans, and buckets can be generally cylindrical. Thus, even when a plurality of such rigid cylindrical articles are densely packed such that the articles are in close proximity to one another in an attempt to save as much space as possible, the cylindrical shape of the objects creates an empty wasted space between the cylinders. Many conventional rigid containers/outer packages cannot be shrunk to relatively small sizes when empty, and/or cannot be effectively packed together intensively to effectively use the shipping space to increase shipping costs and ultimately increase the cost of the material being transported.

Therefore, there is a need for containers that are more cost effective to transport than conventional containers. More specifically, there is a need for containers that are more cost effective to transport when empty and full. Various embodiments of the substantially rigid molded collapsible container of the present invention having a fold line or folded pattern may meet such needs.

This case relates to blow molded rigid shrinkable containers that are suitable for storing and dispensing systems of virtually any size. In some embodiments, the rigid collapsible container can be a separate container (eg, not used with an outer container) and the rigid collapsible container can be dispensed from a fixed pressure dispensing canister. The container may be blow molded into a single piece that may include folding or pre-folding that allows the container to retract into a relatively flat position. The seams and/or welds in the rigid collapsible container can be substantially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating problems associated with pinholes, weld cracks, and overflow.

According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a blow molded container having a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, the plurality of predetermined fold lines allowing the container walls to bend along the fold line to at least The partially contracted state and the container wall are allowed to expand along the fold line to a predetermined volume shape. The container wall can be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly(butyl 2,6-naphthalate). (poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate); PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polypropylene (PP). In one embodiment, the container includes: four side walls; a top surface coupled to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular cone; and a bottom surface coupled to each of the four side walls End and define a square or rectangular cone. The fitting can be positioned at the apex of the top surface At the office. Two of the four side walls may each have a plurality of fold lines that extend radially from a central region of the respective side wall. In one embodiment, the radially extending fold lines intersect at a central region, while in another embodiment, the central region has a strain relief limiter. The strain relief limiter can generally be a thinned region in the respective sidewalls in the form of a ring. However, other limiters are configured as appropriate. Each of the two remaining side walls can include a fold line that substantially divides the respective side walls into two portions, thereby allowing the two side walls to engage inwardly substantially along the fold line.

In an additional embodiment, the container can include an outer package having a base cup portion and a surrounding portion that is removably coupled to the base cup portion. The outer package can include a locking mechanism that couples the base cup portion and the surrounding portion in a fixed manner. In a further embodiment, the surround may be additionally removably coupled to at least one of the four side walls, as described above. In this regard, at least one of the four side walls can include a tab and the surrounding portion can include a recess for receiving the tab.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of transporting material to an end user process. The method can include providing a blow molded container having: four side walls; a top surface coupled to one end of each of the four side walls and defining a square or rectangular cone; and a bottom surface coupled to each of the four side walls The opposite end of one and defining a square or rectangular cone, the container further comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more of the four side walls, the fold lines permitting the side walls to bend along the fold line to at least The partially collapsed state and the shape along the fold line unfold to a predetermined volume, the container stores the material inside the container. The method may further comprise the steps of: coupling the connector to the magazine of the container, the connector being operatively coupled to the container to the end user process, and The connector dispenses material from the container and transports the material to the end user process. Material can be dispensed via pump dispensing, direct or indirect pressure assisted pump dispensing, or direct or indirect pressure dispensing.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description. The various embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various obvious aspects, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as

100‧‧‧ container

102‧‧‧ side

104‧‧‧ side

106‧‧‧ side

108‧‧‧ side

110‧‧‧ top

112‧‧‧ bottom

114‧‧‧埠

116‧‧‧Accessories

118‧‧‧Cap/Blocking Department

120‧‧‧Thread

201‧‧‧Folding line

202‧‧‧Folding line

203‧‧‧Folding line

204‧‧‧Folding line

205‧‧‧Folding line

206‧‧‧Folding line

208‧‧‧Central area

211‧‧‧Folding line

212‧‧‧Folding line

213‧‧‧Folding line

214‧‧‧Folding line

215‧‧‧Folding line

216‧‧‧Folding line

218‧‧‧Central area

220‧‧‧Folding line

222‧‧‧ upper part

224‧‧‧ lower part

230‧‧‧stress relief points or limiters

232‧‧‧Circular ring

233‧‧‧Concentric Ring

302‧‧‧ Container

304‧‧‧ Space

306‧‧‧ Container

400‧‧‧Overpack

402‧‧‧Base Cup

404‧‧‧ Surrounding

406‧‧‧Base wall

408‧‧‧ side wall

410‧‧‧ side wall

412‧‧‧ edge

414‧‧‧ tongue

416‧‧‧ Groove

418‧‧‧ edge

420‧‧‧Top hat

422‧‧‧ top wall

424‧‧‧ side wall

426‧‧‧ openings

500‧‧‧pressure vessels

502‧‧‧Slope

602‧‧‧ bottom side

604‧‧‧Surface area

702‧‧‧ bottom side

800‧‧‧ container

802‧‧‧Folding line

804‧‧‧Folding line

806‧‧‧Bumps

808‧‧‧External

810‧‧‧ Internal

812‧‧‧Bumps

814‧‧‧Arc-shaped protrusion

Apex of 816‧‧‧

818‧‧‧dump

902‧‧‧Folding line

904‧‧‧ Space

906‧‧‧Folding line

908‧‧‧ Space

1000‧‧‧ container

1002‧‧‧Fold limiter

1102‧‧‧Fold limiter

1104‧‧‧Folding line

1106‧‧‧Align or lock the notch

1108‧‧‧ Matching protrusions

1110‧‧‧Align or lock the notch

1112‧‧‧ Highlights

1200‧‧‧ container

1202‧‧‧Folding line

1204‧‧‧ Container

1206‧‧‧Folding line

1207‧‧‧ Container

1208‧‧‧Folding line

1210‧‧‧ side wall

1212‧‧‧ side wall

1214‧‧‧ Container

1216‧‧‧ side

1218‧‧‧ side

1220‧‧‧Folding line

1300‧‧‧ container

1302‧‧‧ side

1304‧‧‧ side

1306‧‧‧ side

1308‧‧‧ side

1310‧‧‧ top

1312‧‧‧ bottom

1314‧‧‧埠

1316‧‧‧ upper

Lower part of 1318‧‧

1320‧‧‧Folding line

1322‧‧‧Folding line

1400‧‧‧ container

1402‧‧‧ side

1404‧‧‧ side

1406‧‧‧ side

1408‧‧‧ side

1410‧‧‧ top

1412‧‧‧ bottom

1414‧‧‧埠

1416‧‧‧Accessories

1420‧‧‧Folding line

1421‧‧‧Folding line

1422‧‧‧Folding line

1423‧‧‧Folding line

1424‧‧‧Folding line

1426‧‧‧Triangular area

1428‧‧‧Triangular area

1430‧‧‧First trapezoidal area

1432‧‧‧Second trapezoidal area

1440‧‧‧Folding line

1442‧‧‧Folding line

1444‧‧‧ upper part

1446‧‧‧ lower part

1448‧‧‧ upper part

Lower part of 1450‧‧

1500‧‧‧ container

1600‧‧‧ container

1602‧‧‧ container wall

1604‧‧‧埠

1606‧‧‧Accessories

1608‧‧‧ top surface

1610‧‧‧Pre-folded

1612‧‧‧Pre-folded

1614‧‧‧Pre-folded

1616‧‧‧flattening state

1700‧‧‧Locking mechanism

1702‧‧‧With part

1704‧‧‧Locked section

1706‧‧‧Bending points/hinging points

1708‧‧‧ notch/keyway

1709‧‧‧ tongue/connecting element

1710‧‧‧ tongue/key

1712‧‧‧Bending points/hinging points

1800‧‧‧ container

1809‧‧‧Fixed components

1820‧‧‧Pre-folded

1900‧‧‧ Container

1901‧‧‧Folding line

1902‧‧‧Folding line

1903‧‧‧Folding line

1904‧‧‧Folding line

1905‧‧‧Folding line

1906‧‧‧Folding line

1920‧‧‧Folding line

1940‧‧‧ edge

Edge of 1941‧‧

1942‧‧‧ edge

1943‧‧‧ edge

1945‧‧‧ edge

1946‧‧‧ edge

1948‧‧‧ edge

1950‧‧‧ corner

1951‧‧‧ corner

1952‧‧‧ corner

1954‧‧‧ corner

1956‧‧‧ corner

1958‧‧‧ corner

1960‧‧‧Folding line

1961‧‧‧Folding line

1962‧‧‧Folding line

1964‧‧‧Folding line

1970‧‧‧ corner

1971‧‧‧ corner

1972‧‧‧ corner

1974‧‧‧ corner

1976‧‧‧ corner

1978‧‧‧ corner

1980‧‧‧ Ridge

1982‧‧‧ Ridge

1984‧‧‧ Ridge

1986‧‧‧ Ridge

1988‧‧‧ Ridge

1990‧‧‧ undulation

While the specification is to be considered as a part of the specific embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the claims is clearly defined, the present invention will be better understood from the following description together with the accompanying drawings, In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the container of Fig. 1.

Figure 2B is a side view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2C is a side elevational view of the container of Figure 1 illustrating the side of the container different from Figure 2A.

Figure 2D is a top view of the container of Figure 1.

Figure 2E is a close up view of the strain relief mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2F is a perspective view of a container having a strain relief mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2G is a cross-sectional view of the stress relief mechanism of the container of Figure 2F.

Figure 3 illustrates that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of conventional cylindrical rigid wall containers that can be transported in a given space is substantially cubic or rectangular prism shaped with a similar volume that can be transported in the same space. The difference between the number of pads loaded with other square or rectangular cross-sectional shapes.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of a container and an outer or outer package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4B is a perspective view of a container and an outer or outer package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a liner positioned inside a pressure vessel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

6A through 6C include perspective and side views of a container having a truncated rectangular cone bottom surface in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

7A through 7C include perspective and side views of a container having a circular bottom surface in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8A is a schematic illustration of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

8B through 8E include various cross-sectional views of a fold line on a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 9A through 9C include various cross-sectional views of the sides of the container folded at the fold line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a container having a fold limiter coupled to a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 11A through 11D include additional or alternative forms in accordance with the present case A cross-sectional view of a folding limiter of the embodiment.

Figures 12A through 12C include schematic views of containers having various aspect ratios in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 13A is a schematic illustration of a container having a plurality of horizontally oriented fold lines that allow a container having an aspect ratio greater than one to be substantially completely folded, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13B is a schematic illustration of a container having a fold line that allows a container having an aspect ratio greater than one to be substantially completely folded, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 14A is a perspective view of a container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14B is a perspective view of the container in a collapsed state in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 14A.

Figure 15A is a perspective view of a container in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15B is a perspective view of the container in a collapsed state in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 15A.

16A through 16B include perspective and top views of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16C is a perspective view of the container in a contracted state according to the embodiment of Figs. 16A to 16B.

17A through 17B are perspective views of an embodiment of a locking mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

18A to 18B are views of an embodiment of a container according to the present invention A perspective view in which the locking mechanism is in a locked position and an unlocked position.

19A through 19F are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the container of the present invention having features that minimize stress at the corners and/or along the fold lines or edges.

This case relates to novel and advantageous containers for storage and dispensing. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel and advantageous substantially rigid collapsible containers that may include fold lines or folded patterns that define a contraction pattern. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially rigid collapsible container having a molding of a fold line (including blow molding) that can be adapted to store and dispense a system of any size, from about 1 liter. Or less to about 200 liters or even about 20,000 liters or more. The substantially rigid collapsible container can be a separate container, for example, without the outer container, and the substantially rigid collapsible container can be dispensed by any suitable means, including by using a pump or a pressurized liquid or the like. Combination of people. Unlike certain prior art pads formed by welding a film together with the resulting seam, in some embodiments, the seam in the substantially rigid collapsible container can be substantially eliminated, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the needle Problems related to holes, weld cracks, gas saturation and overflow.

Examples of some types of materials that may be stored, transported, and/or dispensed using embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, ultrapure liquids (such as acid agents, solvents, bases, photoresists such as, but not limited to, i-Line photoresists) Agents, slurries, detergents, cleaning formulations, dopants, inorganics, organics, metalorganics, TEOS and biological solutions), DNA and RNA solvents and reagents, pharmaceuticals, printable electronics Inorganic and organic materials, lithium ion or other battery type electrolytes, nano materials (including, for example, fullerenes, inorganic nanoparticles, sol-gels and other ceramics) and radioactive chemicals; insecticides/fertilizers; paints /gloss/solvent/coating material, etc.; binder; powder rinse; for example, lubricants for use in the automotive or aerospace industry; foods (such as, but not limited to, condiments, cooking oils and soft drinks); for biomedical purposes Or reagents or other materials used in the research industry; for example, hazardous materials used in the military; polyurethanes; agricultural chemicals; industrial chemicals; cosmetic chemicals; petroleum and lubricants; sealants; health and oral hygiene products and Washing the product; or any other material that can be dispensed by, for example, pressure distribution. Materials that can be used with the embodiments of the present invention can have any viscosity, including high viscosity and low viscosity liquids. Those skilled in the art will recognize the benefits of the disclosed embodiments, and thus will appreciate the suitability of the disclosed embodiments for various industries and for the transportation and distribution of various products. In some embodiments, storage, transportation, and distribution systems are particularly useful in industries related to the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs, and solar panels, industries involving the application of adhesives and polyamines, industries using photolithographic techniques, or Shipping applications for any other important materials. However, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be used in any suitable industry or application.

As used herein, the term "rigid" or "substantially rigid", in addition to any standard dictionary definition, is also meant to include features of an article or material that are substantially when the article or material is in a first pressure environment. The shape and/or volume of the article or material is maintained, but wherein the shape and/or volume can be varied in a pressurized or reduced pressure environment. The amount of pressurization or decompression required to change the shape and/or volume of an item or material may depend on the application and roots required for the material or object. According to different application changes. Moreover, the term "substantially rigid" is meant to include a feature of an article or material that substantially maintains the shape and/or volume of the article or material, but after application of such pressurization or decompression, the feature tends to impart such But not limited to bending, bending, etc., rather than breaking.

Figures 1 through 2D illustrate one embodiment of a substantially rigid collapsible container 100 of the present invention. The container 100 can include a substantially rigid container wall that generally defines four sides 102, 104, 106, and 108, a top portion 110, and a bottom portion 112. As can be seen in Figures 1 through 2D, in some embodiments, the container 100 can generally define the four sides 102, 104, 106, 108 of a cuboid or rectangular prism shaped. The top 110 and bottom 112 surfaces may be substantially flat, and the top 110 and bottom 112 surfaces are in a vertically disposed plane relative to the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 when the container is in an expanded state, thereby defining the container 100. The shape is substantially cubic or rectangular prismatic. However, in other embodiments, as can be more specifically understood from Figures 2A through 2C, one or the other of the top 110 and bottom 112 sides or both may be substantially square or rectangular cones. The form is shaped to create a sloping surface at the top and/or bottom of the container 100. The square or rectangular cone forming the top surface 110 can have any suitable edge slope that defines a rectangular cone that produces a top surface having the desired slope. Generally, although not limited thereto, the top surface 110 may be inclined axially toward the central axis or other interior within the area defined by the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Likewise, the square or rectangular cone forming the bottom surface 112 can also have any suitable edge slope that defines a square or rectangular cone that produces a bottom surface having the desired slope. Usually, although not limited to this, the bottom The surface 112 may be inclined downward toward the central axis or other internal axial direction within the area defined by the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. The top and bottom surfaces need not have the same tilt and do not need to be tilted towards the same inner axis. However, in one embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces actually have substantially the same slope, and each is inclined toward a central axis defined by the four sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Of course, any of the corners and/or edges may be slightly curved, slanted, rounded, etc., if desired and for any purpose, such as for decoration or strength/rigidity purposes.

In other embodiments, as can be appreciated from Figures 6A-6C, one or the other of the top 110 and bottom 112 sides or both (eg, the bottom of Figures 6A-6C) The side 602) can be shaped generally in the form of a square or rectangular cone having a surface that is inclined toward a central or other internal axis as described above and at any suitable point prior to reaching the central or other internal axis, The surfaces are transformed into and combined to form a circular surface area 604. That is, the square or rectangular cone can be substantially truncated and rounded. The rounded bottom 604 can likewise form a suitably circular internal pit within the container 100. The square or rectangular cone surface forming a truncated square or rectangular cone may have any suitable or desired inclination to define a square or rectangular cone. Generally, although not limited thereto, the top surface may be inclined upward toward the central axis or other internal axis, and the bottom surface 602 may be inclined downward toward the central axis or other internal axis, as described above. However, the top and bottom surfaces need not have the same slope and the top and bottom surfaces need not be inclined toward the same inner axis, nor need to be converted into a circular surface, such as a circular surface area 604.

In a further embodiment, as can be from Figure 7A to Figure 7C Solved, one or the other of the top 110 and bottom 112 sides or both (eg, bottom side 702 in FIGS. 7A-7C) may be substantially circular or hemispherical with orientation The central shaft or other inner shaft is inclined or curved to form one or more curved surfaces to form a substantially circular bottom 702. The circular bottom 702 can likewise form a suitably circular internal crater within the container 100. The one or more curved surfaces forming the rounded bottom 702 can have any suitable or desired arc and height. Typically, although not limited thereto, the top surface may be curved toward the central axis or other internal axis, and the bottom surface 702 may be curved toward the central axis or other internal axial direction. However, the top and bottom surfaces need not have the same arc or height and do not need to be curved toward the same inner axis, neither need to form a circular surface. In fact, any of the above configurations (such as substantially flat, square or rectangular cones, truncated square or rectangular cones, or circles) can be used for either the top 110 or the bottom 112 sides, and the top and bottom sides It does not need to have the same configuration.

The container 100 can also include a crucible 114. Although not limited thereto, the crucible 114 is generally conveniently provided on the top surface 110 of the container. Likewise, the crucible 114 can generally be provided substantially at the apex of the square cone defining the top surface 110, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 2D. However, of course, the file 114 can be located on any suitable side and can be suitably positioned at any location on the side, as may be desired or required by the intended use. The cassette 114 may include or may be defined by an assembly that is configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispensing, for example, and/or with an optional cap or buckle 118 The cap or clasp 118 can be used during use, transportation, and storage. The fitting 116 can be welded to, attached to or otherwise by an adhesive Attached to the 埠 position 114. However, in other embodiments, as illustrated herein, the fitting 116 can be integrally formed with one of the sides, such as the top surface 110. The fitting 116 can include threads 120 or any other suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, a snap fit, a friction fit, a bayonet, etc. for operatively and removably attaching any such cap/slip Port 118 or a distribution connector. In one embodiment, the file 114 can be a conventional plug opening of any suitable or desired size, such as, but not limited to, a two-diameter plug opening.

The inclined top surface 110 of the container may advantageously concentrate any headspace gas (e.g., microbubbles created in the contents of the container due to transport movement) at or near the raised apex of the top surface of the interior of the container. In embodiments where the crucible 114 is disposed at or near the apex of the protrusion of the top surface, the microbubbles that may have been formed may thus be easily removed prior to dispensing, thereby reducing or eliminating any headspace gas within the vessel 100. For certain embodiments, the inclined bottom surface 112 of the container may advantageously serve as a pit, such as using a pump dispensing method and including the implementation of a dropper extending into the container and extending generally into the pit region formed by the inclined bottom surface. example. Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in relation to a container that is generally shaped as a cuboid or rectangular prism (defined by sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 and having sloping top 110 and bottom 112 surfaces), other container shapes are possible. And in the spirit and scope of the present invention, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, any other suitable container geometry may be utilized, which may have a generally rectangular or square cross section.

The container wall can generally be thicker than the walls of conventional flexible pad based systems. The increased thickness of the container wall and/or the composition of the film comprising the container 100 can increase the rigidity and strength of the container. In one embodiment, the container wall can be approximately 0.05 Mm to about 3 mm thick, desirably from about 1.0 mm to about 2 mm thick. However, the thickness can vary, such as, but not limited to, depending on the volume of the container, the intended content, the intended method of dispensing, or the intended application, and the like. In general, the container 100 can be sufficiently thick and sufficiently rigid to substantially reduce or eliminate the occurrence of pinholes. The thickness can be selected such that when a specified amount of pressure or vacuum is applied to the container 100, the container wall is collapsible according to one or more fold or shrink patterns to dispense liquid from the internal cavity. In one embodiment, the dispensability of the container 100 can be controlled based in part on the thickness selected for the container wall. That is, the thicker the wall of the container, the greater the pressure that would need to be applied to completely dispense the liquid from the internal cavity of the container 100.

As mentioned above, both the thickness of the container wall and the composition of the film comprising the container can provide rigidity to the container 100. In some embodiments, the container 100 can be fabricated using one or more polymers, including plastic, nylon, ethylene-ethenol (EVOH), polyolefins, or other natural or synthetic polymers. In a further embodiment, the container 100 can be fabricated using polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly(2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate). Alcohol ester) (PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polypropylene (PP) and/or fluoropolymers such as, but not limited to, polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). In some embodiments, one or more materials selected and materials or The thickness of these materials can determine the rigidity of the container 100. In other embodiments, to help make the containers described herein more tolerant, containers can be made using biodegradable materials or biodegradable polymers, including but not limited to: polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH); polylactic acid (PLA); Polybutylene succinate (PBS); polycaprolactone (PCL); polyanhydride; polyvinyl alcohol; starch derivatives; cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose, and above Derivatives (celluloid); and so on. Further examples of the types of materials that may be included in the container are disclosed in detail in "Substantially Rigid Collapsible Liner, Container and/or Liner for Replacing Glass Bottles, and Flexible Gusseted or Non-Gusseted Liners", filed on October 10, 2011. In International PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55558, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In a particular embodiment, the container wall of the container 100 is at least partially fabricated from HDPE. However, in other embodiments in which the flexibility provided by the HDPE is not required or required, for example, the container wall of the container 100 can be at least partially fabricated from LDPE. The LDPE can still provide sufficient rigidity to block the pinholes, block the formation of folds in the walls of the trappable gas container, avoid failures in the event of a pressure drop, and can be reproducibly folded (as will be described in more detail below). For example, unlike embodiments that consist primarily of HDPE, a more flexible container 100 comprising LDPE can, for example, improve the lower dispensing pressure. Distributive.

As previously discussed, for many applications, a container or liner-based storage system can be used to transport materials back and forth. Typical storage/transport containers include the use of rigid containers or overwraps that may or may not have a more flexible liner inside the rigid container. A standard shipping cycle for a container can include several different shipping steps. For example, the initial shipping step can include shipping one or more empty containers from a container manufacturer to a chemical or other material supplier for filling the desired contents. After the supplier receives and loads one or more containers, in a second shipping step, the supplier can transport the loaded one or more containers to the end user. Once the end user dispenses the contents of the container, in some cases, the third shipping step may require the end user to ship the used and empty one or more containers back to the supplier or to another location for use, for example. Treatment, sterilization or recycling. Thus, a standard shipping cycle can include the steps of transporting a container in an empty state (at least once) and transporting the container in a filled state. As explained above, each transport cycle has costs associated with this transport cycle, and such transport costs typically increase the cost of the material being transported. Factors that may affect transportation costs may include the volume and/or weight of the transported cargo. Containers that achieve similar volumes can be configured to occupy a smaller shipping space and/or less than the weight of conventional containers, can reduce shipping costs and, in some cases, can substantially reduce shipping costs.

Typical rigid containers and/or overpacks do not utilize these transport efficiencies in one or more ways. For example, conventional containers are often generally cylindrical. Due to the cylindrical shape of the container, a plurality of such containers densely arranged as close as possible to, for example, the pallet will not effectively use the pallet. There is a given space. As can be seen in detail in Fig. 3, for example, even when a plurality of rigid cylindrical containers 302 are densely packed such that the containers 302 abut each other, the cylindrical shape of the containers causes an empty space area 304 between the containers, as is familiar to the The technician will understand. Conversely, a plurality of similar volume containers 306 having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prismatic shape or other square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, such as those containers densely disposed on, for example, a pallet as described in this context, may Reduce or eliminate the amount of wasted space between containers. In particular, as seen in Figure 3, the containers 306 having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prismatic shape or other square or rectangular cross-sectional shape can generally be densely packed in close proximity to one another in a manner between adjacent containers. Do not leave or leave virtually no useless space. Thus, more such containers 306 can occupy the same or less space than a similar volume cylindrical container 302 because the wasted space 304 between the cylindrical containers can be substantially eliminated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, approximately 25 containers 306 having a generally cuboidal or rectangular prismatic shape or other square or rectangular cross-sectional shape may be assembled in approximately 16 cylindrical containers 302 of similar volume. On the same transport space.

As mentioned above, a portion of the cost of the shipping container can be related to volume. In some cases, the portion of the transportation cost can be large. To this end, the ability to transport more containers in the same amount of transport space can represent a significant improvement in shipping costs, including, but not limited to, up to about 37% of the loading of the container in this case compared to conventional rigid containers. Improvement in transportation costs.

However, simple rigid substantially cuboidal or rectangular prismatic cans or containers do not fully utilize the above transport efficiencies, as such containers may only help reduce transport when loading and transporting containers, such as illustrated in Figure 3. this. However, as described above, yet another way in which conventional rigid containers and/or overwraps do not fully utilize the above described transport efficiencies is that such conventional containers and/or overpacks typically only have a single static extended state, regardless of whether the container is empty or not. Or filled, the containers have the same shape and therefore occupy the same amount of space. Because conventional rigid containers can have only one static rigid shape, they are transported from the end user to the end when transporting the empty container (eg, from the container manufacturer to the chemical or other material supplier prior to filling, and/or after the content has been dispensed) Treatment/recycling/reuse position), transport space is not used effectively. Essentially, using conventional rigid containers, including any substantially rectangular prism shaped container, the paying person of the shipping cost pays for the transport air (i.e., the unfilled space inside the empty container). The total cost of transporting materials in conventional rigid containers may be unnecessarily high because the transport volume is not effectively considered.

Moreover, in pressure dispensing applications, a simple rigid substantially cuboidal or rectangular prismatic container tends to twist in an uncontrolled or uncontrolled manner when contracted under pressure. Thus, when the material in the container is dispensed under pressure, the material may require more energy (ie, pressure) to dispense the contents of the container, and the dispensability may be comparable to conventional cylindrical containers or flexibility. The dispensability of the liner is significantly reduced.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention may advantageously enable more efficient use of the transportation space by including the ability to contract in a predetermined manner when in an empty state and to expand to a substantially rigid independent state when ready to be loaded. This shrinkage capability allows for more and more empty containers to be transported in the same amount of space than conventional non-shrinkable rigid containers or overwraps. The extent to which more empty containers can be transported in the same or smaller space as conventional containers can be reduced Less and in some cases significantly reduced transportation costs, which may depend in part on volume. In some embodiments, by including a folded pattern in the rigid collapsible container 100 (the folded patterns may include one or more defined "pre-folded", "folded lines" or "folded areas"), The container can be configured to shrink.

Compared to conventional containers/overpacks, embodiments of the present invention including fold lines or folded patterns can be shrunk into a generally or relatively flat configuration that assists in dispensability and allows for more than conventional non-shrinkable containers. The empty shrink containers are transported in the same amount of space. An example of a substantial space saving advantage (and thus a cost saving advantage) of shrinking into a substantially or relatively flat configuration is an international PCT application entitled "Substantially Rigid Collapsible Container with Fold pattern" filed on August 22, 2012. Figure 3 of PCT/US12/51843 is described in detail herein by reference. In general, in some embodiments, a plurality of containers that are shrunk into a generally or relatively flat configuration can generally consume the same or a smaller amount of space as a single conventional container or overwrap because conventional rigid containers or overpacks are not It can be shrunk in a similarly predetermined manner. In some embodiments, potentially, significantly more empty shrink containers may be able to occupy the same shipping space as a single rigid container, depending on, for example, but not limited to, the material of the container and the thickness of the material, the folded pattern of the container, and/or Or when the container shrinks, the empty collapsible container is configured to be flat. This shrinkage capability can often result in substantial cost savings by allowing more empty containers to be transported in the same amount of space compared to conventional rigid containers.

As described above, in order to achieve a substantially or relatively flat contraction In some embodiments, some embodiments of the present invention may include one or more defined "pre-folded", "folded lines" or "folded areas". Folding lines or patterns or pre-folding can help the container shrink into a desired shape. Referring back to Figures 1 and 2A, in one embodiment, two opposing sides, such as sides 102 and 106, can each include a plurality of fold lines, such as fold lines 201-206, which are substantially Radially extending from the central region 208 of the respective sides to allow the sides 102 and 106 to contract inwardly along the fold line in a generally defined and controllable manner. While any number of fold lines can be included, in one embodiment, one or more fold lines can be included in a generally starburst-like configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In yet another embodiment, the one or more fold lines can be included in a configuration in which the fold line 201 can extend substantially radially from the central region 208 diagonally toward the lower left corner of the side; the fold line 202 can be substantially Extending radially from the central region 208 horizontally toward the left edge of the side; the fold line 203 can extend substantially radially from the central region 208 diagonally toward the upper left corner of the side; the fold line 204 can be substantially diagonally from the central region 208 toward the side The upper right corner extends radially; the fold line 205 can extend substantially horizontally from the central region 208 horizontally toward the right edge of the side; and the fold line 206 can extend substantially radially from the central region 208 diagonally toward the lower right corner of the side.

2B illustrates an alternate embodiment that illustrates a side (such as side 102 or 106) that includes a plurality of fold lines (such as fold lines 211 to 216) that are substantially from a central region of the respective sides The 218 extends radially to allow the sides 102 and 106 to contract inwardly along the fold line in a generally defined or controllable manner. Although any number of fold lines can be included, In one embodiment, the one or more fold lines can be included in a generally radial configuration that intersects at a central region 218 of the respective side, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. In yet another embodiment, the one or more fold lines can be included in a generally configured configuration: the fold line 211 can extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward the lower left corner of the side; the fold line 212 can be from the intersection center The region 218 extends radially horizontally toward the left edge of the side; the fold line 213 can extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward the upper left corner of the side; the fold line 214 can diagonally face the right upper corner from the intersecting central region 218 toward the side Extending; the fold line 215 can extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 horizontally toward the right edge of the side; and the fold line 216 can extend radially from the intersecting central region 218 diagonally toward the lower right corner of the side.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, each of the two remaining opposing sides, such as sides 104 and 108, can also include one or more fold lines, such as fold line 220. Although any number of fold lines can be included, in one embodiment, a single fold line 220 or a combination of linear fold lines can be included in a generally horizontal configuration that substantially divides the respective sides 104 or 108 into two One portion is an upper portion 222 and a lower portion 224. In yet another embodiment, the fold line 220 can divide the respective sides 104 or 108 into a plurality of substantially uniform sized portions. In still further embodiments, the fold line 220 can be generally horizontally aligned with the horizontal radial fold lines 202 (212), 205 (215) of the sides 102 and 106.

In the various configurations so described, to shrink the container 100, the sides 102 and 106 can be along each of the fold lines 201, 203, 204, and 206 (the fold lines 211, 213, 214, and 216 in Figure 2B). Inward (for example, Folding toward the interior of the container and folding along each of the fold lines 202 and 205 (folding lines 212 and 215 in Figure 2B) outward (e.g., toward the exterior of the container). Likewise, sides 104 and 108 can be joined inwardly along fold line 220 such that upper portion 222 and lower portion 224 are folded toward one another. As will be appreciated, for this purpose, the container 100 can be collapsed such that the top surfaces 110 and 112 of the container meet substantially in a parallel manner while the sides 102, 104, 106 and 108 are joined inwardly. Because the fitting 116 can be formed from a substantially rigid material or integrally defined as a substantially rigid portion of the container that may not be able to withstand the fold, the fitting can be positioned on the surface of the top 110 (or bottom 112) such that the fitting 116 is not on the fold line.

Of course, more pre-folded or folded lines than those illustrated in the discussion or drawings may be included, and as such, not all pre-folded or folded lines illustrated in the discussion or drawings need to be included in each embodiment. In fact, other pre-folded or folded lines of even other orientations, sizes, and configurations may be included, and for ease of illustration, only one example of some such pre-folded or folded lines has been described in detail herein. Similarly, although a particular pattern of pre-folded or folded lines in the drawings is illustrated, it will be understood that other patterns of fold lines are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly to help container 100 shrink into substantially or relatively Flat configuration pattern.

For example, in an alternative embodiment, the container can include one or more horizontal or vertical parallel fold lines on one or more sides 102, 104, 106, and 108. Parallel fold lines may allow for respective side fanfolding, with parallel fold lines alternating between inward and outward folds. To this end, the container can be shrunk and expanded in a manner similar to a bellows.

In some embodiments, particularly depending on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, the size of the container, and the like, the fold lines extending along the radial direction (such as fold lines 201 to 206 and fold lines 211 to 216). Shrinkage and, in particular, repeated shrinkage can cause the central region 208 to experience significant amounts of stress. For example, this time varying stress can cause the central region 208 to be weak and ultimately can cause a predetermined gasket failure, depending on the desired specifications. Thus, in some embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the central region 208 can include a stress relief point, a stress relief button, a stress limiter, or other similar mechanism 230 that can be configured to mitigate due to the container 100 The stresses experienced at the central region 208 are contracted and, in particular, repeatedly contracted along the radially extending fold lines (such as fold lines 201-206).

As more closely illustrated in FIG. 2E, the strain relief point or limiter 230 can generally be configured or behave as a button or one or more circular rings that are generally positioned at one or more of the circular rings Central area 208. As illustrated in FIG. 2E, in one particular embodiment, the strain relief point or limiter 230 can generally include a rounded ring 232 of thinned walls in the container such that the circular ring 232 has a larger portion than the container 100. Thicker thickness. 2F through 2G illustrate another embodiment of a strain relief point or limiter 230 that generally includes a plurality of concentric rings 233 at a central region 208. In at least one embodiment, each concentric ring can be different in width and thickness, or alternatively, each concentric ring can have the same width and thickness. 2F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stress relief point or limiter 230 and illustrates that the stress relief point or limiter 230 provides flexibility to allow the material to expand or contract as needed, as applied by the contraction or expansion force, dispersed at the central region 208. Stress. In other In embodiments, the strain relief point or limiter 230 can be any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, one or more rings of square, rectangular or other polygonal shape, or can have any other suitable configuration or appearance. And the stress relief points or limiters 230 are not limited by their configuration or appearance as illustrated in the drawings. In general, the strain relief point or limiter 230 can be configured to help prevent the radially extending wires from bonding at a central stress point. In this regard, the strain relief point or limiter 230 can generally be configured to dissipate the stress experienced at the central region 208 in a relatively large surface area as compared to a single center point.

In addition to the stress at the central region 208, in some embodiments, again, particularly depending, for example, only on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, the size of the container, and the like, along a fold line (such as fold line 201) Shrinkage and in particular repeated contraction to any of 206, fold lines 211 to 216 and fold line 220) can likewise cause the fold line itself and at least some of the container edges to experience significant amounts of stress. For example, depending on the desired specification, this time-varying stress can cause the fold line and/or the edge of the container to be weak and eventually cause a failure of the intended liner. Thus, in some embodiments illustrated in Figures 8A-8E, the fold line can be configured to promote proper folding/contraction and/or reduce stress at the fold line. In particular, for simplicity, Figure 8A illustrates a general schematic of a container 800 of the present invention having a fold line 802 and one or more fold lines 804, one or more folds The wire 802 is folded or engaged inwardly or toward the interior of the container after the container has been collapsed, the one or more fold lines 804 being folded or engaged outward or toward the exterior of the container after the container has been retracted. As illustrated in FIG. 8B (FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of fold line 802 along section line A-A), fold line 802 can be configured as container 800 An arcuate projection or projection 806 in the wall surface, the arcuate projection or projection 806 providing a pre-formed bend or bend point along which the container can be contracted and the pre-formed bend Or a bend point allows the fold line to better handle the stress of repeated shrinkage. In general due to the inherent flexibility in the curved portion of the bump structure, the bumps 806 can better handle the shrinkage of the container, which is created by additional material used to form the protruding arc. In Fig. 8B, the bumps 806 or pre-formed bend points are generally concave, as seen from the exterior 808 of the container 800, i.e., projecting into the interior 810 of the container. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 8C (FIG. 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of fold line 804 along section line BB), fold line 804 can be similarly configured as an arcuate protrusion in the wall surface of container 800. Or a bump 812 that provides a pre-formed bend or bend point along which the container can be collapsed and the pre-formed bend or bend point allows folding The line better handles the stress of repeated shrinkage. Again, generally due to the inherent flexibility in the arcuate portion of the bump structure, the bumps 812 can better handle the shrinkage of the container, which is created by the additional material used to form the protruding arc. In Figure 8C, the bumps 812 or pre-formed bend points are generally convex, as seen from the exterior 808 of the container 800, i.e., toward the exterior 808 of the container.

In still further embodiments, any given arcuate projection or bump forming the fold line (such as bumps 806 and 812) can be a combination of a plurality of arcuate projections 814, the plurality of arcuate projections 814 is combined in the same manner as a hand fan or accordion, thus including a plurality of vertices 816 and pits 818, as illustrated in Figure 8D. Generally attributed to a plurality of vertices 816 and pits 818 The inherent flexibility of the fold line with this configuration provides even further stress relief during shrinkage of the container. Figure 8E is a schematic cross-sectional view of how the fold line of Figure 8D can be folded over itself during shrinkage of the container 800, thereby illustrating the increased flexibility of the fold line. As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, the plurality of vertices 816 and pits 818 can be correspondingly co-contracted to effectively "squeeze" any material that may be trapped inside the fold line. Although the 8D diagram illustrates three curved bumps 814, it is understood that any given fold line may include any suitable number of curved portions 814 or corresponding vertices and pits, and the number of curved portions 814 is not It is limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8E.

In addition to the central region 208 and along any of the fold lines (such as fold lines 201-206, fold lines 211-216, and fold lines 220) and the potential stress of the container edge, in some embodiments, shrinkage and In particular, repeated shrinkage may also cause a significant amount of stress at the corners of the container 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the container wall thickness and robustness at the corners of the container 100 can be increased relative to the remainder of the container wall to better handle stresses in those areas. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the container at the corners may be about 0.005 inches and 0.012 inches thicker than the wall thickness of the remainder of the container (eg, the wall thickness of the sides 102, 104, 106, 108). Figures 19A through 19F provide a plurality of additional embodiments to minimize corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958 of the container 1900 and/or along the fold lines 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906 of the container. , 1920 and the edge 1940, 1942, 1946, 1948 stress. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19A, at least one additional fold line 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964 may be provided, the at least one additional fold line being parallel to the top and bottom edges 1940 of the container 1900, At least one of 1942, 1946, 1948. This extra fold line creates additional corners 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978. In this manner, during expansion or contraction, a single corner where each side intersects an adjacent side does not carry all of the stress, and alternatively, the stress can be, for example, at corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958, and corners 1970, 1971, Spread between 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19B, each of the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 can be molded into a concave ball shape to reduce stress concentrations at the corners. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19C, each of the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 can be molded into a convex spherical or bulbous shape to increase the material at the corners, thereby Goodly handle the stress in the area. In the 19D figure, instead of having square corners, the corners 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1958 may be circular, thereby reducing stress concentration at the corners. In some embodiments, the corners may have a radius between about 0.1 吋 and 1.0 ,, and the corners may depend, for example, on the overall size of the container. In a particular embodiment, the corners have a radius of about 0.5 。. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 19E through 19F, the container may have a plurality of ridges 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990 along at least a portion of the edges 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948 of the container. However, the ridges 1980 can be provided on any one or more of the edges and any combination of edges. In at least one embodiment, the ridges can be provided on one or more edges near the fold line (e.g., fold 1920) to facilitate folding along the edges and to relieve stress. In one embodiment, any given side, such as side 1904, may have ridges, for example, on four sides of the sides, such as edges 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948. However, various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this limitation. system. For example, alternatively or on other sides (such as side 1902), the sides may have ridges 1984, 1988 on only two edges, such as edges 1941, 1945. As noted above, the ridges 1980 can be provided on any one or more of the edges and any combination of edges. As illustrated in Figure 19F, the ridges 1980 have a plurality of undulations 1990 that provide flexibility to allow the material to stretch or contract as desired. Various methods for reducing the stress of the container wall (eg, at the central region 208, along the fold lines and edges of the container 100 and at the corners of the container) can help reduce undesired plastic deformation of the container wall. , creep, crack/rupture, and the potential for other identifiable faults in the container.

As described herein, shrinkage of the container 100 can help dispense material or liquid from the container. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in certain embodiments, again, depending on the type of material from which the container is made, the thickness of the container wall, the size of the container, and the like, due to, for example, the material of the container and/or Or the limitation of the thickness of the container wall, the folding at or along the fold lines (such as fold lines 201 to 206, fold lines 211 to 216 and fold line 220) may not necessarily result in a desired fold, such as illustratively The illustration is in the cross section of Figure 9A. Rather, in certain embodiments, the container can only be folded to a limited extent at or along the fold line (eg, fold line 902), wherein a small amount of space 904 inside the fold line can remain The material or liquid dispensed from the container can be trapped as illustrated by the cross section in Figure 9B. This can result in the loss of material or liquid that is wasted or lost inside the container, which can be further translated into monetary losses and potentially significant monetary losses. Thus, in some embodiments, the fold line 902 can be configured to allow gravity to cause any material or liquid to be released from the space 904 during or after shrinkage of the container. Specifically That is, as illustrated by the cross-section in Figure 9C, the fold line 906 can be configured such that when the container is collapsed or otherwise folded along the fold line 906, the fold line can be purposefully designed and configured in a predetermined manner. Folding so that the fold line moves inherently caused by shrinkage (as described above) to capture space 908 to a position in which gravity, represented as g in Figure 9C, can prevail and cause trapping space 908 interior Any material or liquid trapped flows downwardly and out of the trap space in the direction of the arrow in Figure 9C, and is suitably dispensed from the container.

In an additional embodiment, the spaces formed by the fold lines, such as space 904, can each be connected or guided toward a central drain line. The drain line may be in fluid communication with the bowl 114 of the container or otherwise configured to direct the material to the bowl 114 of the container.

In alternative embodiments, it may be desirable only in certain circumstances or at certain times to prevent the container from shrinking completely or comprehensively along the fold line. As an example, it may be desirable to prevent the container from completely or completely contracting along the fold line during dispensing to prevent the capture space (such as the capture space 904 described above) from occurring.

Additionally or alternatively, for example, for certain embodiments, the following may be desirable: limiting the amount by which the container may contract along the fold line during one or more initial transport steps to achieve subsequent filling and dispensing in the container The amount of stress experienced along the fold line is reduced prior to the step. As explained above, each transport cycle has costs associated with this and generally increases the cost of the material being transported. A container of similar volume can be configured to occupy a smaller transport space and/or less than the weight of a conventional container, reducing shipping costs and, in some cases, substantially reducing shipping costs. In this regard, various embodiments of the container of the present disclosure are Advantageously, the transport space is advantageously used more efficiently by including the ability to contract in a predetermined manner when in an empty state and to expand to a substantially rigid independent state when ready to be loaded, such that the container can, for example, initially be in the contracted space Empty state transportation, thereby reducing and in some cases significantly reducing transportation costs. However, depending on the environment, the stress along the fold line caused by shrinking the container for such initial shipping steps can reduce the container to an undesired extent, and thus weaken the effectiveness of the container during subsequent filling and dispensing steps. Thus, the following may be desirable: limiting the amount by which the container contracts along the fold line during such initial shipping steps.

Thus, in such cases where the container is prevented from completely or fully contracting along the fold line or otherwise limiting the extent to which the container can be retracted, some embodiments may include one or more configured to limit container shrinkage. Folding limiter. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10 (which illustrates the container 1000 in a partially collapsed state), the fold limiter 1002 can be a rigid or substantially rigid band or frame that is operatively Coupling with the container 1000, such as, but not limited to, by snap fit, and the strap or frame holds or confines the container to the most partially contracted state. In some embodiments, the fold limiter 1002 can be decoupled or otherwise deactivated from the container 1000 to subsequently allow the container to fully retract. This fold limiter 1002 prevents the fold line from being subjected to too much stress before the container reaches any subsequent filling and dispensing steps.

In additional or alternative embodiments illustrated in Figures 11A through 11D, the fold limiter 1102 can be provided proximate or adjacent to the fold line and configured to provide a stopping force (similar to a door stop) and to prevent folding lines Shrink completely. In particular, as illustrated by the cross-section of FIG. 11A, the fold limiter 1102 can be provided on one or both sides of the fold line 1104. Folding limiter 1102 It may be continuous and parallel to the fold line 1104 or may be comprised of one or more fold limiters that are periodically positioned next to the fold line. The fold limiter 1102 can generally be comprised of a projection extending from an interior or exterior surface of the container wall, the extension being foldable inwardly or outwardly depending on the fold line, as described above, for example, with respect to Figures 8A-8C . As can be appreciated from FIG. 11B, when the liner is collapsed and folded along the fold line 1104, the fold limiters 1102 can intersect and abut each other to limit the extent to which the liner can be folded at the fold line. Although illustrated by the fold limiter 1102 on each side of the fold line 1104 in Figures 11A-11B, in other embodiments, the fold limiter 1102 can be provided on only one side, and the fold limiter 1102 It may be configured to resemble the container wall on the opposite side of the fold line after the container is folded about the fold line 1104, thereby limiting the extent to which the pad can be folded at the fold line. In an additional embodiment of the fold limiter 1102 of Figures 11A-11B, the fold limiter may include one or more alignment or locking notches 1106 and matching projections 1108, as in Figures 11C through 11D. As illustrated, the alignment or locking notches and matching tabs help the fold limiters align with each other and/or provide a locking force that must be overcome to deploy or expand the container, and this locking force can provide additional rigidity to the partially contracted container. Likewise, in some embodiments, the fold limiter can include one or more alignment or locking notches 1110 and/or protrusions 1112, as also illustrated in Figures 11C through 11D, which are aligned or locked The recess and/or the projection may align and/or removably lock the fold limiter, wherein the mating recess and/or the projection are positioned adjacent to the folding limiter of the container (eg, in the expansion and/or filling of the container) State) to control the positioning of adjacent containers. The recess 1106 and the mating projection 1108, as well as the recess 1110 and the projection 1112 are operatively any suitable The manner of coupling includes, but is not limited to, a snap fit, a friction fit, and the like.

As described herein, in many container embodiments, the container can be configured for pressure dispensing or other dispensing, wherein the container shrinks after dispensing to force the material or liquid out of the container. In this regard, the fold limiter (such as the fold limiter 1102 described above and illustrated in Figures 11A through 11D) may become undesired during the dispensing step, although useful during the initial shipping step. The complete shrinkage or substantially complete shrinkage of the container during the dispensing step is desirable. Thus, in some embodiments, the fold limiter 1102 can be configured to break after applying a predetermined amount of force. As such, during dispensing of the container, when a predetermined amount of force or more is applied at or near the fold line or in the region of the fold limiter 1102, the fold limiter can be configured to break or otherwise release, thereby allowing The container continues to shrink further and in some cases shrinks to substantially full shrinkage and allows for dispensing of material.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the geometry of a container, such as the container described herein, can affect the volume of the container as well as the number of containers that can be easily transported together (such as on a pallet). Figure 12A illustrates a simplified cross-sectional schematic view of one embodiment of a container 1200 in an expanded or expanded state (left) and in a partially collapsed state (right) according to the present invention. The container of Figure 12A has an aspect ratio of about 1, which, as can be seen from the right side of Figure 12A, allows the container to be easily substantially fully collapsed along fold line 1202. Similarly, Fig. 12C illustrates a simplified cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the container 1204 in the expanded or expanded state (left) and in the partially contracted state (right) according to the present invention. The container of Figure 12C has a length and width of less than one In contrast, the aspect ratio (as can be seen from the right side of Figure 12C) also allows the container to be easily substantially fully collapsed along fold line 1206. However, for containers 1200 and 1204, the same footprint size is assumed (eg, to fit the same number of containers 1200 and 1204 to a pallet of the same size), container 1204 having a lower aspect ratio (and thus reduced height). It will also have a reduced volume compared to container 1200 and thus may be (but not necessarily) less desirable in certain applications.

However, if efforts are made to increase the height of the container, for example to increase the volume of the container without affecting/reducing the size of the footprint, the aspect ratio will increase accordingly. As illustrated in Fig. 12B, Fig. 12B illustrates a simplified cross-sectional schematic view of this embodiment of the container 1207 according to the expanded or expanded state (left side) and the partially contracted state (right side) of the present case, along with the length and width. After the ratio is increased, after the container is collapsed along the fold line 1208, the side walls 1210, 1212 can be resisted, thereby preventing the container from substantially contracting substantially, or at least preventing the container from shrinking to about as flat as the embodiment of Figure 12A, which in turn can cause It takes up more space during transportation and therefore causes more transportation costs, as discussed in detail above.

Thus, in some embodiments, such as where the aspect ratio of the container is greater than one, as illustrated in Figure 13A, the figure illustrates the expanded or expanded state (on the left side) and the partially contracted state according to the present invention (in A simple cross-sectional schematic view of this embodiment of the container 1214 on the right side, one or more sides (such as opposing sides 1216 and 1218) can include a plurality of fold lines 1220 that can allow opposing sides 1216 and The 1218 fan fold or accordion fold eliminates the interference between the side walls shown in Figure 12B. The fold lines 1220 allow the container 1214 to have the same aspect ratio but only A similarly sized container having a horizontal fold line is substantially flattened flat in opposite sides of the container.

Figure 13B illustrates a particular embodiment of the present invention having an aspect ratio greater than one, the particular embodiment being based on the embodiments described with respect to Figures 1 through 2E. The container 1300 of Figure 13B is similar in most respects to the container of Figures 1 through 2E having a substantially rigid container wall, top 1310 and bottom 1312 that generally define four sides 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308. And 埠 1314, the raft 1314 is typically, but not necessarily, positioned on the top surface. However, the container 1300 of FIG. 13B can include two sets of fold lines 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206 (or fold lines 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 and each of the sides 1302 and 1306). 216) (and optionally two stress relief points or limiters 230), one set of fold lines is vertically offset from the other set of fold lines. Likewise, the container 1300 can include two sets of substantially horizontal fold lines 220 on each of the sides 1304 and 1308, one set of fold lines being vertically offset from the other set of fold lines. The two sets of fold lines on each side generally form two portions of the container (e.g., upper portion 1316 and lower portion 1318), each of which is contracted as generally described above with respect to Figures 1 through 2E, Thereby the container 1300 is allowed to contract substantially completely into a flat state without substantial interference between the opposing side walls, as illustrated in a simplified schematic form in Figure 13A. The container 1300 can further include any additional fold lines between the upper portion 1316 and the lower portion 1318, such as fold lines 1320 on sides 1302 and 1306 and fold lines 1322 on sides 1304 and 1308 to allow upper and lower portions. Each operates individually as described generally above with respect to Figures 1 through 2E. It is recognized that the container 1300 can also include any other features described and/or illustrated herein. And / or change.

Still further embodiments of the container of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 14A through 15B. In particular, Figures 14A through 14B illustrate one embodiment of a container 1400 of the present invention that can be configured to define a "pre-folded", "folded line" or "folded area" along one or more. Folded and folded in the same predetermined manner as the paper shopping bag. The container 1400 can include a substantially rigid container wall that generally defines four sides 14012, 1404, 1406, and 1408; a top portion 1410; and a bottom portion 1412. As can be seen in FIG. 14A, in some embodiments, the container 1400 can be generally shaped to have four sides 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408 that define a cuboid or rectangular prism. The top 1410 and bottom 1412 surfaces may be substantially flat and in a plane in which the sides 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408 are vertically disposed when the container is in an expanded state, thereby completing the defined substantially cubic or rectangular prism of the container 1400. . However, in other embodiments, as described in detail above, one or the other or both of the top 1410 and bottom 1412 sides may be substantially shaped in the form of a square or rectangular cone or other variations as described in detail above, thereby An inclined surface is created at the top and/or bottom of the container 1400. In still further embodiments, the top 1410 and/or bottom 1412 surface may be a substantially flat surface, but inclined between any two opposing sides, such as between sides 1402 and 1406 or between 1404 and 1408, thereby One end of the top or bottom surface is raised relative to the other end. The angled top surface 1410 of the container 1400 can advantageously cause any headspace gas to collect at or near the raised end of the top surface of the interior of the container for ease of removal, as described above. In addition, if needed and for any purpose (such as for decoration or strength/rigidity purposes), the container Any of the corners and/or edges of the 1400 may be slightly curved, slanted, rounded, and the like.

Container 1400 can also include crucible 1414. Although not limited thereto, the crucible 1414 is generally conveniently provided on the top surface 1410 of the container. If the top surface 1410 is, for example, inclined or includes an inclined surface, the crucible 1414 can generally be provided substantially at or near the apex of the top surface 1410 or otherwise provided at or near a relatively higher end or portion of the top surface. . Of course, the crucible 1414 can be located on any suitable side and can be suitably positioned at any location on the side, as may be desired or required by the intended use. The crucible 1414 can include or be defined by a fitting that is configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispensing, for example, and/or with an optional cap or buckle. This cap or buckle can be used during transportation and storage. The fitting 1416 can be welded to, attached to, or otherwise attached to the ankle position 1414 by an adhesive. However, in other embodiments, as illustrated herein, the fitting 1416 can be integrally formed with one of the sides, such as the top surface 1410. The fitting 1416 can include threads or any other suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, a snap fit, a friction fit, a bayonet, etc. for operatively and removably attaching any such cap/fastening Or assign a connector.

As indicated above, in order to achieve a substantially or relatively flat contracted state, the container 1400 can be configured to be folded along one or more defined "pre-folded", "folded lines" or "folded areas" to shop with paper. The bag is folded in the same predetermined manner, wherein the top 1410 and bottom 1412 surfaces are folded over one side or opposite sides of the container (ie, sides 1402, 1404, Next to 1406, 1408). In particular, in one embodiment, two opposing sides, such as sides 1402 and 1406, can each include a plurality of fold lines, such as fold lines 1420 through 1424, configured to allow sides 1402 and 1406 along The fold line contracts inwardly in a generally defined and controllable manner. Although any number of fold lines can be included, in one embodiment, one or more fold lines can be included in a generally configured configuration: fold line 1420 can extend diagonally from the upper left corner of side 1402 and diagonally from The fold lines 1421 extending in the upper right corner of the side surface 1402 meet or intersect to form a first triangular region 1426 in the side surface 1402; the fold line 1422 can diagonally extend from the lower left corner of the side surface 1402 and diagonally extend from the lower right corner of the side surface 1402. The fold lines 1423 merge or intersect to form a second triangular region 1428 in the side 1402; and the fold line 1424 can extend generally perpendicularly between the intersection of the fold lines 1420 and 1421 and the intersection of the fold lines 1422 and 1423, thereby The formation of the first trapezoidal region 1430 and the second trapezoidal region 1432, which in some embodiments may be a regular trapezoidal region, is completed.

Still referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, each of the two remaining opposing sides, such as sides 1404 and 1408, can also include one or more fold lines, such as fold line 1440 and side 1408 on side 1404. The upper fold line 1442. Although any number of fold lines can be included, in one embodiment, on side 1404, a combination of a single fold line 1440 or linear fold line can be included in a generally horizontal configuration, positioned closer to top surface 1410 than bottom surface 1412 Thus, the side 1404 is substantially divided into two portions - an upper portion 1444 and a lower portion 1446. Likewise, in one embodiment, on side 1408, a combination of a single fold line 1442 or a linear fold line Included in a generally horizontal configuration, the bottom surface 1410 is positioned closer to the bottom surface 1412 such that the side 1408 is substantially divided into two portions - an upper portion 1448 and a lower portion 1450.

To shrink the container 1400, the sides 1402 and 1406 can be folded inwardly (eg, toward the interior of the container) along each of the fold lines 1420-1424, causing the sides 1402 and 1406 to engage inwardly. Side 1404 can be joined inwardly along fold line 1440 such that upper portion 1444 is folded toward lower portion 1446 and, in turn, top surface 1410 is folded down over upper portion 1444 and lower portion 1446 and eventually folded substantially parallel to side 1402 The contracted position of the lower portion is visible as shown in Figure 14B. Similarly, the side 1408 can be joined inwardly along the fold line 1442 such that the lower portion 1450 is folded toward the upper portion 1448 and, in turn, causes the bottom surface 1412 to fold in the direction of the lower portion 1450 and the upper portion 1448 and ultimately fold to substantially parallel The retracted position of the upper portion of the side 1408 can also be seen in Figure 14B. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, in one embodiment, the container 1400 can thus be folded in the same predetermined manner as the paper shopping bag, with the top 1410 and bottom 1412 surface folded alongside the opposite sides 1404 and 1408.

15A through 15B illustrate another embodiment of the container 1500 of the present case, which is similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figures 14A through 14B, except that the fold lines 1420 through 1424 are configured to allow The sides 1402 and 1406 contract outwardly along the fold line in a generally defined and controllable manner to produce a flattened state illustrated in Figure 15B, wherein the sides 1402 and 1406 extend outwardly.

Of course, as explained earlier, it may include more than Figures 14A through 15B. Any of the pre-folded or folded lines of the pre-folded or folded lines discussed or illustrated in the figures, and likewise not all of the pre-folded or folded lines discussed or illustrated in Figures 14A-15B need to be included in each In one embodiment. In fact, other pre-folded or folded lines may be included, even in other orientations, sizes, and configurations, and for ease of illustration, only one example of some such pre-folded or folded lines has been described in detail herein. Similarly, although the specific pattern of pre-folded or folded lines in Figures 14A through 15B is illustrated, it will be understood that other patterns of the fold line are possible and within the scope of the present invention, particularly to help the container shrink into a general body. Pattern on top or relatively flat configuration.

Moreover, the thicknesses, one or more structural materials, suitable dimensions, appropriate uses, or any other features or characteristics not explicitly discussed in the preceding paragraphs with respect to Figures 14A-15B may be related to Figures 1 through The features or features described in the embodiment of Figure 2E are the same or similar.

Containers 1400 and 1500 or any other embodiment herein may also include one or more handles 1460, as illustrated in Figures 14A-15B, which may be fabricated from any suitable material and by any suitable Means attached. The one or more handles can be of any shape or size and can be located at any suitable location on the container. Handle types may include, but are not limited to, handles at the top and/or sides; ergonomic handles; removable or detachable handles; handles that are molded into the container or provided after the container is manufactured (such as By snap fit, adhesive, riveting, screwing, bayonet fitting, etc.) and so on. Different handles and/or grip options may be provided and may depend, by way of example and not limitation, on the intended contents of the container, the application of the container, the size and shape of the container, the intended dispensing system of the container, and the like.

As briefly mentioned above, a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container may sometimes be beneficial because less than the shape of a conventional substantially rectangular container may be required for shape reasons. Energy (i.e., pressure) is used to dispense the contents of the substantially cylindrical container. In addition, a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container may provide a crater area at the bottom of the container, which crater area may be desirable in some circumstances. Thus, in a further embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 16A-16B, the container 1600 of the present invention may be more configured as a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container, or more specifically In terms of configuration, more are configured as cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical containers having a dome, a substantially dome or an almost dome end. As used herein, the term cylindrical or cylindrical variant is meant to include, but is not limited to, a cylinder (or substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical) and have a dome (or substantially or nearly circular). An embodiment of a cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical) end. Similar to the container 100, the container 1600 can include a substantially rigid container wall 1602 and a weir 1604 that can be located at or near the top and axially aligned with the axis of the rigid container wall. However, other 埠 positions may be appropriate. The cassette 1604 can include an assembly 1606 that can be adapted for use with a connector for dispensing, for example, and/or for use with a cap used during shipping and storage. The curved or sloping top surface 1608 can advantageously concentrate any headspace gas (e.g., microbubbles created in the contents of the container due to transport movement) within the container, near the axially aligned turns 1604. Thus, microbubbles that may have formed may thus be easily removed prior to dispensing, thereby reducing or eliminating any headspace gas inside the vessel 1600.

To help achieve a generally flat contracted state, the container 1600 (as previously described embodiments) may include one or more fold lines or fold patterns 1610. Folding lines, patterns or pre-folding 1610 can help the container shrink into a desired predetermined flattened shape or shrink in a desired predetermined manner. As generally seen in Figures 16A through 16B, in one embodiment, some of the pre-folding 1612 can be configured or oriented such that the pre-folding 1612 extends substantially or substantially vertically when the container 1600 is oriented vertically. . In other words, the pre-foldings 1612 can be oriented such that the pre-folded salient portions extend substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container 1600.

The pre-folding 1612 can be configured to be convex or concavely folded about the central axis of the container 1600. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16B, for example, the pre-folding 1612 can be alternately configured to be convexly or concavely folded about the central axis of the container 1600. Thus, a cylindrical, substantially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container 1600 can be generally axially contracted along the pre-folding 1612. Container 1600 can include any suitable number of such pre-folds, such as, but not limited to, 4 or more pre-folds. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the more such pre-folding there is, the more likely the expanded container 1600 will be close to a cylindrical shape. However, too much pre-folding can cause other structural problems and thus, in some embodiments, the number of pre-folds selected for the container 1600 may depend on, but is not limited to, the desired expanded shape of the container, the material of the container, and The thickness of the material, the intended use of the container, and the like.

Of course, it may include more pre-folded 1610 that are pre-folded than those discussed or illustrated in Figures 16A-16B, and likewise not 16A All of the pre-folding discussed or illustrated in Figure 16B needs to be included in each embodiment. For example, additional pre-folding 1614 (which may not be oriented substantially vertically) and additional pre-folding 1614 may be included to aid in axial contraction of the container 1600. Of course, other pre-foldings may be included, even in other directions, and for ease of illustration, only one example of some such pre-folding has been described in detail herein. Similarly, although the specific pattern of the fold lines in Figures 16A through 16B is illustrated, it will be understood that other patterns of fold lines are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure, particularly to help container 1600 shrink to be substantially flat. Shape pattern.

As illustrated in FIG. 16C, the container 1600 can be folded along the pre-folding 1610 to a substantially planarized state 1616. As described above, embodiments of the present invention that can be collapsed into a generally flat shape can assist in dispensability and allow more empty shrink containers to be transported in the same amount of space than conventional non-shrinkable containers. That is, the plurality of containers 1600 in the collapsed or flattened state 1616 can generally consume the same or a smaller amount of space as a single conventional container or overwrap, as conventional rigid containers or overwraps are not in a similarly predetermined manner. Contraction. In some embodiments, potentially significantly more empty shrink containers may be able to occupy the same transport space as a single rigid container, depending on, for example, but not limited to, the material and material thickness of the container, the folded pattern of the container, and/or The empty container is configured to be flat when the container is shrunk. This shrinkage capability can often result in substantial cost savings by allowing more empty containers to be transported in the same amount of space compared to conventional rigid containers.

While many of the above embodiments have molded a predetermined fold line into a plastic fold line, some embodiments may be in the absence of such a fold line. Shrink and expand. Specifically, in some embodiments, the container can be at least partially filled with hot liquid or otherwise heated and substantially contracted in a controlled manner. For example, in one embodiment, when the container is retracted, the container can be controlled to ensure that the top and bottom surfaces are aligned to shrink the container in a position that can be easily toteable. Once the container is retracted, the container can be cooled, such as by running the container under a cool or cold liquid or by any other suitable means, which can "freeze" the fold formed during the initial contraction. When expanded, the fold line can be substantially retained even if the fold line is not noticeable and although the fold line is not molded into place during manufacture. When vacuum is applied to the container, or when the container is otherwise contracted, the container can be refolded along the "frozen" in the fold line to mimic the initial contraction. In this regard, the material of the container can be used as a shape memory material to be refolded along the "frozen" in the line. Thus, in some embodiments, application of heat to the container and subsequent cooling in the collapsed state of the container may result in the container in the folded line guiding expanded state returning to the collapsed state.

In yet another embodiment, the container of the present invention can be sized, shaped, and generally configured to be "Folded Liner for Use With an Overpack and Methods of Manufacturing the Same" with the date of the international application dated February 1, 2013. The linings disclosed in PCT/US13/024324 are the same or similar, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In such embodiments, the folded pattern described therein can be implemented using pre-defined "pre-folded", "folded lines" or "folded areas" as described in detail herein to control shrinkage and folding of the container.

In additional embodiments, the container may include the outer or outer package 400 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. The outer package 400 can be made of one or more The connector assembly is operable and/or removable. Overpack 400 can be made using one or more polymers, including plastic, nylon, EVOH, polyolefin, or other natural or synthetic polymers, or other materials disclosed herein with respect to container 100. In a particular embodiment as illustrated in Figure 4A, the overwrap 400 can be fabricated as a multi-part blow molded HDPE (or other suitable polymer) part. In another embodiment, such as illustrated in Figure 4B, the overwrap 400 can be fabricated from corrugated HDPE sheets or corrugated polypropylene (PP). Each of the pieces of outer package 400 can be cut from, for example, a corrugated PP sheet and folded into shape; and each of the pieces of outer package 400 can be secured in a predetermined position if desired or desired. To maintain the shape of the fold. This design provides a strong and inexpensive outer package 400. This design may also allow for the flat transport of the separate components of the overwrap 400 in a sheet form as needed or desired for subsequent assembly. In addition, outer packaging made of corrugated HDPE or PP (or similar polymers) will not absorb water or other moisture and will not fall off like paper equivalents.

In one embodiment, the overwrap 400 can include a bottom base or base cup portion 402 and a container surround 404. The base cup portion 402 can be substantially rigid, and in one embodiment, the base cup portion 402 can include a bottom or base wall 406 and four side walls 408 that are from the base wall 406 The edge extends substantially vertically upwards by an appropriate distance. The base cup portion 402 can be generally configured such that the container 100 can be positioned on the base wall 406 while the side wall 408 surrounds at least a bottom portion of the container sidewalls 102, 104, 106, and 108. The sidewall 408 can extend upwardly any suitable distance along the container sidewalls 102, 104, 106, and 108; however, typically the pedestal cup portion 402 can be designed to have relatively short sidewalls such that the overall height of the pedestal cup portion is relatively short For the above reasons Allow efficient transportation. In some embodiments, the base cup portion 402 can be designed such that the expanded container 100 fits substantially tightly over the base wall 406, within the sidewall 408. The base cup portion 402 or base wall 406 can be shaped and configured to receive a square or rectangular cone shaped bottom surface without significantly affecting the pressure on the base cup portion 402 or the base wall 406. However, any desired assembly can be used.

In one embodiment, such as the molded embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the surround portion 404 can include four sidewalls 410 that are joined at the edge 412. In other embodiments, such as the corrugated HDPE or PP embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the surrounding portion 404 can include four sidewalls 410 that are integrally joined at the three edges 412 and joined after folding At the fourth edge 418. The two side walls 410 can be joined at the fourth edge 418 using any suitable joining method such as, but not limited to, adhesive, tacking, stapling, and the like. In one embodiment, the surround portion 404 can include an open top and a bottom, the openings in the top and bottom of the opening being defined by four sidewalls 410. The edge 412 of the connecting sidewall 410 can be at least somewhat flexible to allow the sidewall 410 to be folded into a generally planarized configuration that allows for efficient transport of the surround.

The container surround 404 can be removably coupled to the base cup portion 402 with one or more side walls 410 engaging and/or operatively coupled to one of the side walls 408 of the base cup portion. In one embodiment, due to the substantial rigidity of the base cup portion 402, when the surround portion 404 couples the base cup portion, the surround portion can be substantially locked in the deployed state. As such, the base cup portion 402 can substantially prevent the surrounding portion 404 from significantly bending or folding when the base cup portion is attached. If the shrinkage of the container surrounding portion 404 is desired, the base cup portion 402 can be removed, thereby allowing the circumference The circumference is contracted. When the base cup portion 402 is opened and coupled, the wall 410 of the surround portion 404 can be configured to receive the expansion container 100 therein, as will be understood from the illustrations of Figures 4A and 4B. The height of the side wall 410 of the surrounding portion 404 can generally correspond to the height of the container 100, and the outer package 400 is designed to receive the height of the container 100. That is, the side wall 410 can have a height that is about the same as the height of the container 100, or slightly higher than the height of the container 100, and the outer package 400 is designed to receive the height of the container 100. However, any suitable height of the sidewall 410 can be used and can vary depending on the intended purpose of the overpack 400. In some embodiments, the base cup portion 402 to which the surround portion 404 is attached can be designed such that the expanded container 100 fits substantially tightly over the base wall 406, within the sidewalls 408 and 410. However, any desired assembly can be used.

Although the base cup portion 402 and the surrounding portion 404 can be removably coupled only by a friction fit, in some embodiments, the locking mechanism or locking means can additionally or alternatively be used to substantially maintain the surrounding portion 404 removable. The base cup portion 402 is coupled to the ground. The locking mechanism can include means for attaching the base in a removable or non-removable manner such as, but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap fits, friction fits, bayonet, serrations, and the like. The cup portion 402 and any type of means that the surrounding portion 404 is held together.

In one embodiment, the container 100 can include a locking mechanism or locking means to operatively and/or removably couple the surrounding portion 404 to maintain the container 100 within the outer package 400 prior to requiring removal. The locking mechanism can include coupling the container in a removable or non-removable manner such as, but not limited to, adhesive, tongue and groove, snap fit, friction fit, bayonet, serration, and the like. 100 with any type of means surrounding the portion 404. At 4A In one particular embodiment illustrated by the figures, the container 100 can include tabs on one or more sides 102, 104, 106, 108 such as, but not limited to, elongate tabs 414. The surround portion 404 can include corresponding grooves on each of the corresponding side walls 410, such as, but not limited to, elongated grooves 416, each groove sized to receive a respective tab 414. Although illustrated as horizontal elongate tabs and grooves, it is recognized that the tabs and grooves can be oriented in any direction. Similarly, while the illustrated tabs are near the tops of the sides 102, 104, 106, and 108 and the grooves are near the top of the side walls 410, it is recognized that the tabs and grooves can be positioned along the wall at any suitable height. Still further, the container 100 can include a groove while the surrounding portion 404 can include a tab. Although the tabs and grooves are illustrated on all sides of the container and the surrounding portion, this is not required.

In addition to the base cup portion 402 and the surrounding portion 404, in some embodiments, the outer package 400 can include a top cap that can be configured similar to the base cup portion but configured to removably couple the surrounding portion The top of the 404. A locking mechanism or locking means can be used to substantially maintain the top cap removably coupled to the surrounding portion 404. The locking mechanism can include a top cap and a surrounding portion for removably (such as, but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap fits, friction fits, bayonet, serrations, etc.) 404 holds any type of means together. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the top cap 420 can be a generally "inverted" box top that is substantially rigid and includes a top wall 422 and four side walls 424, four of The side wall 424 extends substantially vertically upward from the edge of the top wall 422 by an appropriate distance. The top cap 420 can generally be configured such that the top cap 420 can be positioned over the container 100 within the surrounding portion 404 with the sidewall 424 of the top cap substantially fitting within the sidewall 410 of the surrounding portion. In this regard, The top cap 420 can be removably coupled to the container surround 404 while the one or more side walls 424 are engaged and/or operatively coupled to respective ones of the side walls 410 of the surround. Although the top cap 420 and the surrounding portion 404 can be removably coupled only by a friction fit, in some embodiments as described above, the locking mechanism or locking means can additionally or alternatively be used to substantially maintain the top cap 420 Removably coupled to the surrounding portion 404. The locking mechanism can include a top cap for removable or non-removable means such as, but not limited to, adhesives, tabs and grooves, snap fits, friction fits, bayonet, serrations, and the like. 420 and any type of means that are held together around the portion 404.

In some embodiments, the top cap 420 can include an opening 426 in the top wall 422 that is designed to align with the haptics 114 of the container 100 located within the outer package 400. The opening 426 allows the container raft 114 to protrude through the top wall 422 of the top cap for quick and easy access to the contents of the container 100 without removing the container from the outer package 400. In still further embodiments, the top wall 422 and/or the opening 426 can include a locking mechanism for retaining the jaw 114 or the neck of the armor fitting, for example, within the opening 426, which can help prevent the container 100 from prematurely The ground collapsed. However, in indirect pressure distribution applications, this locking mechanism may not always be desirable.

The overwrap 400 can be configured to provide substantial rigidity to the container 100. This rigidity can aid in various dispensing techniques and this rigidity can prevent or reduce damage to the container 100 from significant collapse.

In any of the embodiments described herein, one or more color and/or absorbent materials may be added to the construction of the container and/or overpack or any portion of the container and/or overpack during or after the manufacturing process. Material to help The contents of the container are protected from external environmental influences, decorative containers or indicators or identifiers used as contents within the container or otherwise distinguishing multiple containers and the like. Color can be increased using, for example, dyes, pigments, nanoparticles, or any other suitable mechanism. Absorbent materials can include materials that absorb ultraviolet light, infrared light, and/or radio frequency signals, and the like.

In particular, for example, in any of the embodiments described herein, any portion of container 100 and/or overpack 400 or container 100 and/or overpack 400 can be configured for ultraviolet (UV) protection. That is, the container 100 and/or overpack 400 can include a colorant, one or more UV protectants or UV protectant layers or other additives to protect the contents of the container 100 and/or the overwrap 400 from UV light. influences. In a particular embodiment, the UV protectant can be selected such that the resulting container and/or overwrap has a light transmission of less than 1% and preferably less than 0.1% over a wavelength range of from about 190 nm to 425 nm.

Various embodiments of the container of the present invention can be made by any suitable means, such as by molding the container as a single component, for example by using extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, rotation Molded (or rotary molded) and so on. Manufacturing processes using injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding or other similar molding techniques can allow the container to have a more precise shape than other manufacturing processes. By molding the container, the welds and seams in the container and the problems associated with the weld and seam can be substantially eliminated. For example, welds and seams can complicate manufacturing processes and weaken containers. In addition, some of the other materials preferred for use in certain containers are not capable of withstanding soldering.

In order to manufacture certain embodiments of a container having a folded line or folded pattern according to the present invention by blow molding, a manufacturing method may be included in the model. The blow molded container is molded at an intermediate state between the fully expanded state and the fully contracted state of the resulting container. Blow molding the container in a mold in this intermediate state can help form a fold line or pattern. After the molding process is completed, the blow molded container may be partially or fully contracted for transport and expanded along the fold line or pattern at the loading destination.

Although certain disadvantages of soldering have been described herein, in still other embodiments, the container can be manufactured by a suitable soldering method, such as by soldering two or more panels, such as molded panels, together. Become a container shape. In some welding embodiments, a fold line or pattern can be formed by welding a seam joining two or more panels. It is also recognized that any combination of any other method or method of forming a container having a fold line or pattern can be used.

The container may additionally utilize any other container features now known or later developed, by way of example only, including any of the locking mechanisms discussed in detail in International PCT Application No. PCT/US12/51843, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The way is incorporated herein. Such locking mechanisms can be fabricated from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, nylon or other natural or synthetic polymers, rubber, and the like. Moreover, although specific embodiments of the locking mechanism, device or feature are described herein, it will be appreciated that other locking mechanisms, devices or features may be suitably employed to help prevent the container of the present invention from significantly shrinking after filling (as desired) and other Locking mechanisms, devices or features are within the scope of this case.

For example, when preventing such shrinkage from being undesired, a locking mechanism can be included to prevent significant shrinkage of the container. 17A to 17B and 18A Figures 18B illustrate an embodiment of a locking mechanism 1700, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, in its entirety, in its entirety in the entire disclosure of the disclosure of the disclosure of the disclosure of the entire disclosure of the entire disclosure of the entire disclosure of the entire disclosure of the entire disclosure of the entire disclosure. As shown, the locking mechanism 1700 can include a strap portion 1702 and a locking portion 1704. The strap portion 1702 can include a living hinge that allows the strap portion to flex about a bend point or hinge point 1706. Additionally, the strap portion 1702 can include tabs or connecting elements 1709 that operatively or permanently engage features on the container 1800 to retain the locking mechanism 1700 on the container. The strap portion 1702 can further include a plurality of notches or keyways 1708 that can engage the tabs or keys 1710 of the locking portion 1704. The locking portion 1704 can further include a living hinge that allows the locking portion to flex about a bend point or hinge point 1712. Figure 17A illustrates the locking mechanism 1700 in the locked position. In the locked position, the strap portion 1704 is prevented from bending about the bend point or hinge point 1706 to "lock" or temporarily lock the flex point 904 of the living hinge in a straight or substantially linear position, thereby locking or temporarily locking the container in substantially open In the location. The locking portion 1704 is operable to rotate from the locked position (illustrated in Figure 17A) to the unlocked position (illustrated in Figure 17B). In the unlocked position illustrated in Figure 17B, the bend point or hinge point 1706 of the strap portion 1702 can substantially align with the bend point or hinge point 1712 of the locking portion 1704, allowing the locking mechanism 1700 to flex with the container and allow the container to contract.

FIGS. 18A to 18B illustrate one embodiment of the container 1800 of the present case to which the locking mechanism 1700 of FIGS. 17A to 17B is attached. Figure 18A illustrates the container 1800 with the locking mechanism 1700 in the "locked" position, thus preventing the container from substantially folding along the pre-folding 1820. However, in some In an embodiment, there may be some slight flexibility of the container when in the locked position. The locking mechanism 1700 can be attached to, molded to, or otherwise secured to the container 1800 using any suitable means. In at least the illustrated embodiment, the tongue or connecting element 1709 can operatively or permanently engage the securing member 1809 on the surface of the container 1800. Figure 18B illustrates the container 1800 with the locking mechanism 1700 in the "unlocked" position, with the locking mechanism 1700 in the "unlocked" position allowing the container 1800 to contract. In at least one embodiment, in the "unlocked" position, the locking mechanism 1700 remains attached, molded, or otherwise secured to the container 1800, and the locking mechanism 1700 can contract with the container. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 1700 (even in the unlocked position) may only allow the container 1800 to partially contract. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 1700 can be unlocked and completely removed to allow the container to fully retract. Although this merely shows one embodiment of the locking mechanism, the present invention can be expected to prevent the container from fully retracting when the locking mechanism is in the first position, and other embodiments that allow the container to at least partially contract when the locking mechanism is in the second position.

Although not required by any of the embodiments described herein, for example, where the container is fabricated from one or more relatively stiffer materials, any suitable locking mechanism can be used to help keep the container substantially when the locking mechanism is locked. Open the location. However, such locking mechanisms can be predetermined when manufacturing containers using relatively less rigid materials such as, but not limited to, LDPE. This softer or less rigid material may allow the container to expand and fill when used in the container wall, and then maintain the container itself in a substantially fully extended position solely due to hydrostatic pressure. That is, when a container made of a relatively hard material may have a tendency to return to a contracted state, or otherwise "cinch", Containers made from relatively soft materials, such as, but not limited to, LDPE, naturally tend to remain in an expanded state and avoid the tendency of the container to "cinch" when loaded. The collapsed state can reduce and sometimes significantly reduce the amount of overflow volume of the container. When the liner is "folded" after expansion and filling, there may be a risk that once opened, the contents of the container may be unintentionally discharged from the container due to the loss of the overflow volume. Using softer materials can help reduce or eliminate the effects of this “thumb”.

In use, the container can be filled or contain an ultrapure liquid (such as an acid, solvent, base, photoresist, dopant, inorganic, organic or biological solution), drug or radioactive chemical. It is also recognized that the container can be filled with other products such as, but not limited to, soft drinks, edible oils, agricultural chemicals, health and oral hygiene products, and shampoo products, or any other materials disclosed herein and the like. In some embodiments, the container can be configured for single use and processing, while in other embodiments, the container can be configured for one or more uses. The contents can be sealed under pressure if needed.

In some embodiments, the seal can include a break seal at the ankle. The break seal can be removed, pierced or otherwise broken to unseal the container and obtain the contents of the container. In an additional or other embodiment, the seals that may be used include the previously incorporated International PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55558, and filed on March 26, 2012, entitled "Closure/Connectors for The US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/615,709 to Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers, and the US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/718,545, entitled "Breakseal", filed on October 25, 2012. They sealed The applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In other embodiments, as exemplified in detail in the PCT Application No. PCT/US12/65515, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference in its entirety herein in its entirety, the disclosure may be incorporated in any suitable material or combination of materials, including but not limited to Plastic, rubber, elastomer or any other suitable material. The seal may be any suitable type of seal including, but not limited to, a seal that may be referred to as a flat seal in some embodiments or a seal that may be referred to as a blabber seal in other embodiments. The crap seal can be placed further downstream of the neck of the fitting of the container. The form of the seal may be adapted to the interior of the container or the interior of the assembly and the seal may be heat sealed, adhered or otherwise assembled to the interior of the liner or assembly. In other embodiments, the seal can be assembled to the top of the container or the top of the fitting.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a particular filling process can be used which generally degases the contents of the filled container at the loading location, and also before sealing or securing the filled container for shipping and/or storage. Remove substantially all of the headspace in the filled container. Limiting or substantially eliminating the headspace in the filled container may be advantageous as it may limit or substantially eliminate the risk of headspace gas contaminating the contents of the container, for example, when moving the container during transport.

As will be appreciated in the art, some materials may occupy more or less volume, i.e., some materials may expand or contract due to temperature changes. For example, if the contents of the container are filled at one temperature and the contents of the container are substantially sealed in the container and subsequently subjected to temperature changes during storage or transportation, then, for example, the contents of the container are expandable (concomitant Temperature increase) Or shrinkage (with temperature drop). For materials that tend to expand with temperature increase, there is a risk that thermal expansion of the material may stress to the walls of the vessel, potentially causing leakage of the container. This risk is more acute in the case of removing the headspace, because in such cases there is no space in the container that has not yet been occupied by the substance, and therefore if the substance expands (even if relatively small), the pressure may cause the wall of the container Damage and leakage.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the container can be filled with the desired substance, wherein the substance is heated and gas balanced as the substance is filled. For example, the substance can be heated as it is introduced into the container. In some embodiments, prior to dispensing (including during storage and transportation), the substance may be heated to the maximum temperature that the substance is expected to experience. In other embodiments, the substance can be heated to any suitable and desired temperature. In some embodiments, for example, during the filling process, the material can be heated to between about 40 ° C and 60 ° C. In other cases, the material can be heated to between about 50 ° C and 55 ° C. In other embodiments, any suitable filling temperature can be selected. In some embodiments, the container can be loaded to the top of the container, typically leaving no excess space for the headspace gas, while in other embodiments there may be some relatively small amount of space left at the top of the container. Once the container has been filled, the container can be sealed, secured, and/or capped by any suitable means of maintaining the contents of the container and minimizing or substantially eliminating the exposure of the substance to the exterior of the container. One or more seals, caps or other securing mechanisms may be gas impermeable. In some embodiments, some or any headspace may be removed after the cap or connector is secured to the container. In such embodiments, the container can be pressurized to compress the container wall inwardly, thereby forcing any headspace out of the container. However, it will be understood that any consideration for removing the headspace is considered. The method, and the methods are within the scope of the present case. For example, in some embodiments, a one-way valve or check valve is provided on a capable portion, connector or container through which headspace removal can be achieved, such as the PCT application The application is described in detail in PCT/US12/65515, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein. Alternatively, in some embodiments and applications, undesired flooding during removal of the headspace may advantageously be used to help seal the container for storage and/or transportation. For example, when the contents of the container are adhesives, and particularly reactive adhesives that require curing (eg, by ultraviolet light), the overflow can flow into the operatively coupled due to the headspace removal process. It is attached to the storage area of the cap of the container and can then be cured. Curing the overflow adhesive can cause a seal that ensures the contents of the container for storage and/or transportation. This method of sealing a container is described in further detail in PCT Application No. PCT/US12/65515, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. The contents of the container can then be allowed to cool to ambient room temperature. As the material cools, the material will generally become unsaturated with respect to room temperature, i.e., the material will substantially degas. Further, after the container is sealed, the substance tends to shrink as the substance cools to room temperature. The shrinkage material provides a small amount of void space in the filled and fixed container.

As noted above, during transport and/or storage, the contents of the container can undergo a temperature that is higher than the temperature after cooling the material after the hot-fill container. For example, the container may be transported through a portion of a country having a relatively high temperature, such as a desert, for example, the country portion may have a higher temperature than the room temperature of the filling location. Therefore, the material in the container generally expands with increasing temperature. As noted above, when the material is cooled after hot filling and sealing, the material shrinkage may also provide some additional space in the container. This additional space may be The material is then allowed to thermally expand without stressing the walls of the container. The loading methods described herein can advantageously allow the container to be substantially completely filled, leaving no headspace gas while still allowing for thermal expansion of the material, thereby significantly reducing or eliminating the potential for damage, contamination or leakage associated with thermal expansion. This method of filling is described in more detail in PCT Application No. PCT/US12/65515, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Once filled, if the container is allowed to partially collapse unintentionally due to some pre-existing pre-folding force, liquid may be forced to flow out of the spout when the cap is removed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In some cases, this may not cause significant problems; however, in other cases, if content is forced out in this manner, it may be detrimental to the user and/or result in costly content loss. Although in some embodiments, the material and material thickness selected for the container, the shape of the container, the size of the container, the number of prefoldings, and the configuration and/or other structural or design choices may be selected or may be sufficient to help prevent the container from being filled after filling Partial or significant contraction. However, in other embodiments, as described above, additional locking mechanisms, devices, or features may be included to prevent significant shrinkage of the container, such as those described in International PCT Application No. PCT/US12/51843, which is incorporated herein by reference. This document was incorporated herein by reference.

When the contents of the dispensing container are desired, the contents can be removed via the cartridge of the container. In some embodiments, the cassette of the container may include a connector and/or a cap for dispensing and/or shipping and storage. Examples of connectors and caps that can be used with the embodiments of the present invention are described in the following applications: International PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55558; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60, filed Jun. /813,083; filed on October 16, 2006 US Patent Application No. 60/829,623; International Application No. PCT/US07/70911, entitled "Liquid Dispensing Systems Encompassing Gas Removal", June 11, 2007, and January 30, 2007 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/887,194, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The contents of the container can be dispensed by any suitable method. For example, for some applications, the contents can be dispensed from the container using only any conventional manual or automatic pouring method to dispense the contents. For other applications, the contents of the container may be dispensed by direct or indirect pressure distribution, direct or indirect pressure assisted pump dispensing or pump dispensing, for example, including Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0973707 entitled "Apparatus for Supplying Fluid" Various embodiments of the disclosed reverse dispensing method are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In applications where direct pressure distribution is used, where the interior of the container 100 is pressurized to dispense the contents of the container, the substantial rigidity of the outer package 400 prevents the container 100 held in the outer package 400 from over-expanding, otherwise the over-expansion may This leads to a reduction in the dispensability of the container. In applications that use indirect pressure distribution or pressure assisted pump dispensing, the container 100 can contract after emptying the contents. In some cases, embodiments of the container of the present invention can be dispensed at a pressure of less than about 100 psi, or more preferably less than about 50 psi, and more preferably less than about 20 psi, and in some cases, The contents of the containers of some embodiments can be dispensed at significantly lower pressures. For example, in some embodiments, the fold lines in the container can be used as hinges that allow the container to contract under very low pressure. In some embodiments, the fold line can allow the container to be received at pressures as low as about 3 psi. Shrink. In some embodiments, the containers can achieve a dispensability of up to about 99.95%.

In indirect pressure dispensing applications, there will typically be a pressure vessel in which a container of the desired material is placed. The space between the pressure vessel and the container is filled with liquid or gas to apply pressure to the vessel and dispense the contents of the container. Conventional flexible pad based systems typically include a rigid outer wrap and are shipped using a rigid outer wrap that acts as a pressure vessel. Since such systems typically require the use of flexible liners for this type of outer packaging, transportation costs are increased due to the inefficiencies of conventional rigid outer packaging, as described in detail above. Advantageously, however, embodiments of the present invention do not require the pressure vessel to be transported with the container due to the rigidity and independence of the container. Therefore, it is desirable that the end user of the pressure distribution of the contents of the container of the present case does not have to bear the cost of transporting the expensive outer package. Instead, the end user can maintain one or more pressure vessels at the end user's facility, thereby creating only a single initial shipping cost for the pressure vessel and avoiding the need to transport the pressure vessel back and forth with the container. As can be readily appreciated, this can result in additional transportation efficiencies over conventional containers. Thus, in a particular embodiment using indirect pressure distribution, the rigid collapsible container can be transported without a pressure vessel, and then the rigid collapsible container can be placed in a pressure vessel at the receiving facility for pressure dispensing the contents of the container Things. Since some of the containers of this case may occupy an amount of space or occupy a smaller or smaller area than the conventional container in some embodiments, the currently used pressure vessel can be used with the container of the present case to distribute the content. Things.

In other embodiments, the pressure vessel can be specifically configured to be in the present case The embodiments of the container are used together. In a particular embodiment, such as seen in Figure 5, the container 100 of the present invention can be positioned in a pressure vessel 500 for pressure dispensing. As previously mentioned, because the container of the present invention does not require packaging for shipping, the filled container 100 can simply be placed directly into the pressure vessel 500 for dispensing. However, when the outer package 400 according to the present invention is included, both the container and the outer package are still positioned within the pressure vessel. In some such embodiments, the container system can be configured such that only the container 100 contracts during application of pressure while the outer package 400 maintains the rigidity of the outer package 400.

In some embodiments, the pressure vessel 500 can include a ramp 502 that can help position the container 100 inside the pressure vessel 500. In some embodiments, the ramp 502 can include a plurality of rollers that can further assist in positioning the container 100 within the pressure vessel 500. In this embodiment, any suitable number of rolls or rows of rolls can be used on the ramp. In some embodiments, the rollers can be placed in any suitable configuration on the top surface of the bevel. The ramp 502 can be removable, allowing the pressure vessel 500 to be closed. However, in other embodiments, the ramp 502 can be configured for storage (such as, but not limited to) in the pressure vessel 500 by folding into a pressure vessel.

Although not necessary or desirable in each embodiment, any container of the present invention may include a dropper to aid in dispensing. Further, any embodiment of the present disclosure can include any or any combination of features, enhancements or properties such as, but not limited to, features that prevent or reduce occlusion, can be included on one or more surfaces of the liner Surface features, including barrier layers, multiple layers of coatings and/or spray coatings, sleeves that can be assembled outside the container, labels, pressure or pressure assisted pump dispensing can help control shrinkage of the container in a specific manner during dispensing Each of the above may be further described in detail in the following application: PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55558; International Application Date: January 30, 2008 PCT Application No. PCT/US08/52506 entitled "Prevention Of Liner Choke-off In Liner-based Pressure Dispensation System"; the title of the application filed on October 10, 2011 is "Nested Blow Molded Liner and Overpack and PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55560 to Methods of Making Same; US Patent No. 7,172,096 entitled "Liquid Dispensing System", published on February 6, 2007; International Application Date, March 28, 2012 PCT Application No. PCT/US12/30821 entitled "Storage, Transportation, and/or Dispense Packaging"; international application dated November 16, 2012 entitled "Closure/Connectors for Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers" And Methods for Filling Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Containers" roving on one or more edges near fold lines,like fold 1920,to facilitat folding an d easeCT/US12/70866; PCT Application No. PCT/US07/70911, entitled "Liquid Dispensing Systems Encompassing Gas Removal", dated June 11, 2007; application filed on March 25, 2002 U.S. Patent No. 6,607,097, entitled "Collapsible Bag for Dispensing Liquids and Method"; U.S. Patent No. 6,851,579, entitled "Collapsible Bag for Dispensing Liquids and Method", filed on June 26, 2003; The title of the application filed on the day is "Method for Texturing a U.S. Patent No. 6,984,278, entitled "Method for Texturing a Film", filed on the 8th of June, and entitled "Method for Preparing Air Channel-Equipped Film for Use in Vacuum Package", filed on June 26, 2002. International Patent Application No. PCT/US11/64141, entitled "Generally Cylindrically-Shaped Liner for Use in Pressure Dispense Systems and Methods of Manufacturing the Same", filed on December 9, 2011, filed on Dec. 9, 2011; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/703,996, entitled "Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing Systems", filed on September 21, 2011; US Provisional Application titled "Liner-Based Dispenser" filed on March 29, 2011 International PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/061764, filed on November 22, 2011, and US Provisional Dispensing Systems, entitled "Liner-Based Dispensing Systems", filed on August 19, 2011 Application Nos. PCT/US2011/061771 to the International PCT Application No. PCT/US2011/061771, filed on November 22, 2011, filed on May 31, 2011 US Patent Application Serial No. 13/149,844, entitled "Fluid Storage and Dispensing Systems and Processes", filed on June 5, 2006, entitled "Fluid Storage and Dispensing Systems and Processes", U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 915,996; International Patent Application No. PCT/US10/51786, entitled "Material Storage and Dispensing System and Method With Degassing Assembly", filed on October 7, 2010; International PCT Application No. PCT/US10/41629 No. 7,335,721; US patent application U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/302,287; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US08/85264; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/745,605, filed on Feb. 15, 2011; US Provisional Application No. 61/605,011, entitled "Liner-Based Shipping and Dispensing System", filed on February 29, 2011; and titled "Closure/Connectors for Liner-Based" on November 18, 2011 U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/561,493, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety in its entirety. The container of the present invention may include any of the embodiments, features, and/or enhancements disclosed in any of the above-identified applications. Similarly, various features of the dispensing system disclosed in the embodiments described herein can be used in combination with one or more other features described in relation to other embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, one or more components of the container and/or overpack or container and/or overpack may be provided with different textures and finishes. Different textures or finishes can be used to differentiate the product to provide an indicator of the content provided within the container or to identify which application to use for the content, and the like. In one embodiment, the texture or finish may be designed to substantially slip the texture or finish, and the like, and including or adding such texture or finishing to the container, overpack or container, one or more components of the outer package may aid in improvement The gripability or grip of the container, and thereby reducing or minimizing the risk of falling. Texture or finishing can be readily accomplished during the manufacturing process by, for example, providing the surface of one or more components of the container, overwrap or container, overpack, with appropriate surface features. In other embodiments, the container, overpack or container, one or more components of the overwrap may be coated with a texture or finish. In some embodiments, the texture or finish can be raised Provided in one or more parts of the entire container or overpack or substantially the container or overwrap as a whole. However, in other embodiments, the texture or finish may be provided on only a portion of the container or overpack or a portion of one or more components of the container or overpack.

Similarly, in some embodiments, the outer and/or inner walls of the container, overpack or container, one or more components of the outer package can have any suitable coating layer provided thereon. The coating layer can increase material compatibility, reduce penetration, increase strength, increase pinhole resistance, increase stability, provide antistatic ability or otherwise reduce static electricity, and the like. Such coatings may include coatings of polymers or plastics, metals, glasses, adhesives, and the like, and such coatings may be preformed during use in, for example, application blow molding. The product is coated or can be applied after manufacture, such as by spraying, dipping, filling, and the like.

In some embodiments, the container can include a level sensing feature or sensor. Such level sensing features or sensors may use visual, electronic, ultrasonic or other suitable mechanisms to identify, indicate or determine the level of content stored in the container. For example, in one embodiment, a portion of the container or container can be fabricated from a substantially translucent or transparent material that can be used to view the level of content stored in the container.

As indicated above, for example, the crucible and/or fitting of the container of the present invention can be configured or adapted for use with a connector for dispensing the contents of the container. This dispensing connector can include any suitable features for dispensing the contents of the pad. In some embodiments, for example, assigning connector features may allow for dispensing using existing pressure distribution systems. In general, this pressure distribution distribution connection The appliance feature can include a pressurized gas inlet that generally allows the gas pressure line to be inserted or coupled to the dispensing connector via the dispensing connector and in fluid communication with the interior of the container, or, for example, using indirect pressure dispensing, the container can be positioned The pressure vessel and the gas pressure line are in fluid communication with the annular space between the vessel and the pressure vessel. In this system, a pressurized liquid, gas or other suitable substance can be introduced into the annulus causing the container to contract inside the pressure vessel, thereby pushing the contents of the liner away through the liquid outlet. In one embodiment, for example, in order to dispense the contents of the container, the annular space between the container and the pressure vessel can be pressurized, as further described in International PCT Application No. PCT/US11/55558, the application This is incorporated herein by reference.

Likewise, any snap or snap/connector assembly can be advantageously used and configurable for use with existing distribution systems used by end users and/or other existing (eg, in a given industry) Technical or machine compatible. Likewise, the advantages of the container embodiments disclosed herein can be achieved, for example, by using such a snap/connector assembly without requiring the end user to dispense technology or machine changes. An embodiment of such a snap-on/connector assembly that can be specifically configured for use in, for example, the food industry is described in PCT Application No. PCT/US12/65515, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, a flexible or substantially rigid shrinkable liner can be used in combination with the container of the present invention. Such a liner can be positioned in any of the container embodiments disclosed herein, and the construction and use of such a liner is described in further detail in PCT Application No. PCT/US12/70866, the disclosure of which The citations are incorporated herein.

In additional embodiments, various embodiments of the container of the present disclosure may be provided with sensors and/or RFID tags that may be used to track components and measure usage, pressure, temperature, Excessive shaking, disposal or any other useful information. The sensor or RFID tag can be active and/or passive. In one embodiment, a sensor or RFID tag can be used to store and track information about the container, including but not limited to, container source or destination, container content and container content source, total volume, and/or remaining content. Volume and so on. In other examples, strain gauges can be used to monitor pressure changes in the container. The strain gauge can be applied or bonded to any suitable component of the container. Strain gages can be used to determine the increase in pressure in aged products, but can also be used for general simple measurements of contents stored in containers. For example, a strain gauge can be used to alert the end user of any problems with the contents of the container or can generally be used as a control mechanism, such as in applications where the container can be used as a reactor or processing system. In embodiments where the sensitivity of the strain gauge is sufficiently high, it may be possible to provide control signals for the dispensed amount and flow rate.

Although certain shapes and configurations of containers have been described and illustrated herein, the various embodiments of the described containers may be configured in virtually any suitable shape. Containers of certain shapes or shapes may improve packaging density during storage and/or transportation and may reduce overall shipping costs. In addition, differently shaped containers can be used to distinguish the containers from one another in order to provide an indication of the contents provided within the container or to identify which application the content is for, and the like. In still further embodiments, the containers described herein can be configured in any suitable shape to "improve" the container using existing dispensing components or dispensing systems.

Moreover, although specific and advantageous embodiments have been described, The invention is not limited by this, and it is recognized that various features of the container have been disclosed in the various embodiments described herein, and that such features may be described in connection with one or more other embodiments described in relation to any one of the embodiments. Combination of features. That is, the container of the present disclosure can include any one or more of the features described herein, whether described as the same or another embodiment. Although some embodiments are specifically described as having one or more features, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not described, and such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention, wherein the embodiments include the features of the container described herein, Any one or more of the aspects, attributes, properties, or configurations, or any combination of the above.

In the above description, various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or changes are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to provide a description of the preferred embodiments of All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the scope of the appended claims.

100‧‧‧ container

102‧‧‧ side

104‧‧‧ side

106‧‧‧ side

108‧‧‧ side

110‧‧‧ top

112‧‧‧ bottom

114‧‧‧埠

116‧‧‧Accessories

118‧‧‧Cap/Blocking Department

201‧‧‧Folding line

202‧‧‧Folding line

203‧‧‧Folding line

204‧‧‧Folding line

205‧‧‧Folding line

206‧‧‧Folding line

208‧‧‧Central area

230‧‧‧Relief point/limiter

Claims (18)

A blow molded container comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more container walls, permitting the container walls to be bent along the fold lines to an at least partially collapsed state and along the folds The line expands to a predetermined volume shape. The container of claim 1, wherein the container walls comprise at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), poly (2, 6-). Butylene naphthalate) (PBN), polyethylene (PE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) And polypropylene (PP). The container of claim 2, wherein the container walls comprise: four side walls; a top surface coupled to one end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular cone; And a bottom surface coupled to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular cone. The container of claim 1 wherein each of the first pair of opposing side walls of the four side walls comprises a plurality of fold lines extending radially from a central region of the respective side wall. The container of claim 4, wherein each of the second pair of opposing side walls of the four side walls comprises a fold line, the fold line substantially dividing the each The sidewalls are two portions and allow the second pair of sidewalls to be joined substantially inward along the fold line. The container of claim 4, wherein the radially extending fold lines intersect at the central region. The container of claim 4, wherein the central region comprises a strain relief limiter. The container of claim 7, wherein the stress relief limiter comprises a thinned region in the form of a ring in the respective sidewall. A container as claimed in claim 5, the container comprising a fitting positioned at the apex of the top surface. The container of claim 9, the container further comprising an outer package having a base cup portion and a surrounding portion removably coupled to the base cup portion. The container of claim 10, wherein the base cup portion and the surrounding portion are made of at least one of corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) and corrugated polypropylene (PP). The container of claim 10, wherein the outer package comprises a locking mechanism for coupling the base cup portion and the surrounding portion in a fixed manner. The container of claim 10, wherein the surrounding portion removably couples at least one of the four side walls. The container of claim 13 wherein at least one of the four side walls comprises a tab and the surround portion includes a recess for receiving the tab. A method for transporting a material to an end user process, the method comprising the steps of: providing a blow molded container having: four side walls; a top surface coupled to the four side walls One end of each of and defining at least one of a square or rectangular cone; and a bottom surface coupled to the opposite end of each of the four side walls and defining at least one of a square or rectangular cone The container further includes a plurality of predetermined fold lines in one or more of the four side walls, allowing the side walls to be bent along the fold lines to an at least partially contracted state and along the Folding the wire to a predetermined volume shape, the container storing the material in an interior of the container; coupling a connector to a stack of the container, the connector operatively coupling the container to the terminal a user process; dispensing the material from the container via the connector and transporting the material to the end user process. The method of claim 15 wherein the material is dispensed by the pump via the connector. The method of claim 15 wherein the material is dispensed via the connector by direct pressure distribution. The method of claim 15 wherein the material is dispensed via the connector by indirect pressure distribution.