US20080245817A1

US20080245817A1 - Flexible bag having a dispenser assembly

Info

Publication number: US20080245817A1
Application number: US11/732,829
Authority: US
Inventors: David J. Bellmore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Scholle IPN Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-04
Filing date: 2007-04-04
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: WO2008124106A1

Abstract

A container comprising a flexible bag and a dispenser apparatus. The flexible bag has walls and seals which cooperate to define a cavity. A spout is coupled to the walls and provides fluid communication with the cavity. The spout has an elongated opening terminating at an outer edge. The dispenser assembly has a cap member with a base and an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge. The cap member further has an elongated outlet extending from the base. The elongated outlet has an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet. A hose member has a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. An inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end. The hose member is formed from a polymer which is saturated, such as an SEBS material. The first end of the hose member is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated outlet of the cap member and biased thereagainst.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a flexible bag having a dispenser assembly, and more particularly, to a dispenser assembly which comprises a hose member which is structurally configured for radiation treatment, without substantial degradation.
2. Background Art
The use of flexible bags for the dispensing of different types of flowable material is well known in the art. For example, commercial dairy dispensers utilize flexible bags having dispensing hoses coupled thereto. Initially, the distal end of the dispensing hose is crimped. The user places the flexible bag in a specialized rigid container which includes a handle that can collapse the hose to preclude dispensing. Once positioned, the user cuts the distal end of the hose. As the user moves the handle, the hose is selectively collapsed and relaxed so as to selectively dispense flowable material contained in the flexible bag.
With the increasing requirement of aseptic filling of low acid products for extended shelf life, increasingly, containers are irradiated prior to filling. Such radiation of the containers has led to degradation of various components, including, predominantly the dispensing hose. Specifically, the hose material tends to crack and degrade, especially where the hose is stretched and coupled to the spout or a cap which includes the spout.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a hose member which is suitable for applications wherein irradiation is required.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a hose member which includes members to preclude the degradation of the hose material upon irradiation.
These objects as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a container. The container includes a flexible bag and a dispenser apparatus. The flexible bag has walls and seals which cooperate to define a cavity. A spout is coupled to the walls and provides fluid communication with the cavity. The spout has an elongated opening terminating at an outer edge. The dispenser assembly has a cap member with a base and an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge. The cap member further has an elongated outlet extending from the base. The elongated outlet has an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet. A hose member has a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. An inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end. The hose member is formed from a polymer which is saturated, such as an SEBS material. The first end of the hose member is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated outlet of the cap member and biased thereagainst.
In a preferred embodiment, the hose member comprises a styrene ethylene butylene styrene material.
In another such preferred embodiment, the hose member further comprises at least one of a low density polyethylene (LDPE), co-polymers (such as ethyl vinyl acetate, polyolefin elastomers (POE) and/or polyolefin plastomers (POP), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), homo or copolymer polypropylene (h or cPP), mineral oil, and stabilization additives. In any such embodiment, the styrene ethylene butylene styrene material comprises at least 10% of the overall material.
In another embodiment, a flowable material is positioned within the cavity. The flowable material comprises a dairy material, in such a preferred embodiment.
In another preferred embodiment, the hose member comprises an extruded member, the second end of which is crimped after extrusion.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a container. The container includes a flexible bag and a dispenser apparatus. The flexible bag has walls and seals which cooperate to define a cavity. A spout is coupled to the walls and provides fluid communication with the cavity. The spout has an elongated opening terminating at an outer edge. The dispenser assembly has a cap member with a base and an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge. The cap member further has an elongated outlet extending from the base. The elongated outlet has an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet. A hose member has a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. An inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end. The hose member includes means for minimizing the degradation of the hose material due to irradiation thereof. The first end of the hose member is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated outlet of the cap member and biased thereagainst.
In one such embodiment, the degradation minimizing means includes the forming of the hose member of at least 10% of styrene ethylene butylene styrene.
In another such embodiment, the degradation minimizing means comprises a saturated polymer comprising at least 10% of the material of the hose member.
The invention further comprises a method of forming a container comprising the steps of (a) providing a flexible bag defining a cavity and having a spout providing ingress into the cavity; (b) providing a dispenser assembly having a cap member hermetically sealed to the spout and a hose member coupled to the cap member and providing fluid communication with the cavity, wherein a second end of the hose member is crimped; (c) irradiating the flexible bag and dispenser assembly; and (d) minimizing the degradation of the hose material due to irradiation.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of minimizing further comprises the step of providing a hose member having at least 10% of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene material.
In another preferred embodiment, the step of minimizing further comprises the step of providing a hose member having at least 10% of a saturated polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of the container of the present invention;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of the container of the present invention, showing, in particular, the spout and the dispenser apparatus; and

FIG. 3 of the drawings is a cross-sectional configuration of the container of the present invention, showing, in particular, the spout and the dispenser assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, the container of the present invention is shown generally at 10. The container is configured for the storage, transport and dispensing of flowable material. Typically, such containers are placed in an outer box or other dispensing container. The flowable material may, for example, comprise a dairy product, such as milk, cream, or dairy drink, without limitation. Of course, other materials, such as, other liquids, syrups, gels, suspensions and the like of varying viscosity are likewise contemplated for use. The invention is not particularly limited to any class or type of flowable material.
More specifically, the container 10 includes flexible bag 12 and dispenser assembly 14. The flexible bag 12 includes a plurality of walls 20 which includes outer surface 26 and inner surface 28. The plurality of walls 20 are joined to each other with seals 22. The walls and the seals cooperate to define a substantially fluid tight cavity 25. In the embodiment shown, the flexible bag is typically referred to as a pillow container and includes two walls which have seals extending about the outer periphery of the walls to define a substantially flat and rectangular configuration.
In other embodiments, a greater number of walls and seals may be utilized. For example, the walls and seals may define a shaped bag having, for example, gusseted walls. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of walls can be formed from a combination of seals and folds, and certain walls may have seals extending thereacross. Indeed, the invention is not limited to any particular shape of the flexible bag.
Additionally, it will be understood that the bag may be formed from any number of different materials. For example, the bag may be formed from a single ply of material, or from multiple plies of material which are joined at the seals. Each ply of material may comprise a single substantially uniform material, or multiple different layers of material which may be co-extruded or laminated together. Additionally, while polymer materials are contemplated, including blends thereof, additional metallized layers may be present in the material, as well as oxygen scavenging layers. Indeed, the material from which the flexible bag is formed is not intended to be limiting.
The flexible bag contemplated for use in association with the present invention may be of varying size. In certain embodiments, the flexible bag may have a capacity of approximately five to thirty liters. Such a range of sizes is typical for use in association with commercial food service dispensers. Of course, other sizes are likewise contemplated, without limitation.
Spout 24 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3 as comprising base flange 30 and elongated opening 32 extending outwardly therefrom. The base flange includes top surface 37 and bottom surface 39. The top and bottom surfaces are substantially planar and define an outer flange edge 35. It will be understood that an opening is positioned on one of the walls 20. This opening corresponds to the elongated opening 32. The spout is positioned about this opening such that one of the top surface 37 and the bottom surface 39 is sealed to the wall immediately surrounding the opening.
In certain embodiments, the spout is positioned within the cavity 25 of the flexible bag and then the elongated opening is extended through the opening. Finally, the wall surrounding the opening is sealed to the top surface 37 of the base flange. In other embodiments, the flange is positioned on the outside of the flexible bag, and the area around the opening of the flexible bag is heat sealed to the bottom surface 39 of the base flange 30. In multi-ply environments, it is contemplated that the flange may be sealed to the inner layer or layers about the bottom surface 39 and to the outer layer or layers about the top surface 37.
The elongated opening 32 of spout 24 further includes outer surface 31 and inner surface 33. The two surfaces cooperate to define passage 61 which is substantially uniform and of a predominantly circular cross-sectional configuration. Outer surface 31 includes a plurality of coupling flanges 36 which facilitate attachment to filling equipment and/or outside structures typically found in dispensers. In certain embodiments, there may not be a coupling flange. The elongated opening 32 typically terminates with outer edge 34 which includes one or both of outer and inner flanges which are configured to receive and secure a cap member, such as cap member 40 with a hermetic seal. Certain other solutions may include a plurality of threads which are formed on one of the inside or the outside surfaces 31, 33, respectively. These threads are sized to matingly engage complementary threads positioned on a cap member.
While not required, the spout member is typically a molded polymer member made from a material which is compatible with the flexible bag. In other embodiments, the spout member can be formed from a plurality of members which are snapped so as to trap a flexible bag therebetween. In such an embodiment, the materials may not be compatible and heat sealable to each other. One such structure is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0110077 A1 entitled “Oxygen Impermeable Bag in Box Container and Method of Making,” assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The entire specification of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Dispenser assembly 14 is shown as comprising cap member 40 and hose member 50. The dispenser assembly 14 is configured for engagement with the spout 24 of flexible bag 12. The cap member 40 includes base 44, outer rim 46 and elongated outlet 48. The base 44 is typically formed in a substantially planar configuration. The outer rim 46 is configured to hermetically engage the outer edge 34 of the elongated opening 32 of the spout 24. The elongated outlet extends outwardly from a central region of the base 44. The elongated outlet 48 is typically of a substantially circular cross-section and concentric with the elongated opening 32. The elongated outlet is generally of a diameter which is smaller than the elongated opening 32. Elongated outlet 48 includes outer surface 47 and inner surface 49. The surfaces cooperate to define a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration for the elongated outlet.
Generally, the cap member comprises a molded member which is made from a material that is compatible with the spout 24 so as to insure a hermetic seal about outer edge 34. In certain embodiments, the spout member extends substantially perpendicular to the base 44. In certain embodiments, the cap member and elongated outlet may comprise two separate components which are coupled together. One such example is shown in U.S. Publication No. 2006/0043113 entitled “Cap Assembly and Container Used Therewith” also assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The entire specification of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Hose member 50 includes first end 52 and second end 54. The hose member has an outside surface 56 and an inside surface 58 which cooperate to define a substantially elongated passage with a circular cross-sectional configuration. During formation, the hose member is crimped at the second end 54 so as to substantially seal the second end. The hose member is typically extruded and cut to length.
The first end 52 is stretched over at least a portion of outer surface 47 of the elongated outlet 48. Generally, the central bore is of a smaller dimension than the outer surface of the elongated outlet 48 such that once positioned, the hose is biased outwardly, thereby exerting an inward force against the elongated outlet. The outer surface of the elongated outlet is configured so as to resist the slippage of the hose member thereagainst.
In use, one cuts the second end of the hose member 50 to eliminate the blocked second end 54 of the hose member. Thus, flowable material from within the flexible bag can be freely directed through the hose member. Typically, a valve member or crimp member can be utilized to selectively crimp the hose from the outside along the length thereof.
Problematically, the material from which the hose member is typically formed includes a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) material. While such a material has sufficient properties, there have been failures associated with the hose material when the hose material is exposed to radiation (commonly used during the packaging process). Such a material exhibits cracking and failure, especially proximate the stretched first end.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the use of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) material for the hose member is structurally configured to accept radiation without material degradation, even with irradiation in low acid aseptic applications (i.e., 3 to 5 Mrad, and beyond). Other materials that are saturated (i.e., possessing no double bonds) can be utilized as well with enhanced performance. Additionally, it is contemplated that low density polyethylene (LDPE), co-polymers (such as ethyl vinyl acetate, polyolefin elastomers (POE) and/or polyolefin plastomers (POP),linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), homo or copolymer polypropylene (h or cPP), mineral oil, and stabilization additives may likewise be incorporated so long as the hose material contains (i.e., greater than 10%) a SEBS material (typically SEBS is commercially available with the inclusion of stabilization additives and, for example, mineral oil). Essentially, the SEBS material forms a means for minimizing the degradation of the hose material due to irradiation.
With dairy applications, it has been found that irriadiated hose members of the present invention exhibit superior performance over SBS type hoses, and resist cracking after relatively high doses of radiation and after conditions which simulate extended shelf life conditions. Furthermore, the hose member of the present invention is capable of extrusion and end crimping during formation. Furthermore, degradation of taste parameters has not been found with the use of the present hose member.
In use, the flexible bag is first formed. In particular, a plurality of walls are provided and sealed by way of seals 20 to define cavity 25, for the retention of flowable material. Spout 24 is provided and coupled to one of the plurality of walls so as to provide fluid communication with cavity 25. In one embodiment, the seals may be formed through the application of heat, and the spout can be coupled to the walls with heat as well.
Next, the dispenser apparatus is formed. In particular, the cap member is molded and the hose member is extruded and crimped. Once the hose member is formed, the first end of the hose member is stretched and slid over the outer surface 47 of the elongated outlet 48 a desired distance. Typically, substantially all of the outer surface 47 is covered by the hose member 50 so as to maximize the interaction of the two components, thereby minimizing the tendency of the materials to separate.
Once coupled, the cap member is attached to the spout 24, wherein the attachment forms a hermetic seal. The flexible bag and dispenser apparatus are then irradiated. Depending on the application, the flexible bag and dispenser apparatus may be irradiated with more than 5 Mrads (while not limited thereto). Once irradiated, the bag can be filled in filling equipment which precludes the contamination of the cavity 25 after irradiation.
The filled container is then ready for transport dispensing and discarding. The particular configuration of the hose member facilitates the use of the container with low acid applications and for products which require an extended shelf life.
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a flexible bag having at least two walls and seals which cooperate to define a cavity, and a spout coupled to at least one of the two walls, the spout providing fluid communication with the cavity defined by the at least two walls and the seals, the spout having an elongated opening terminating at an outer edge;

a dispenser assembly having a cap member having a base with an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge, the cap member further having an elongated outlet extending from the base, the elongated outlet having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet, and a hose member having a first end and a second end opposite of the first end, a inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end, the hose member is formed from a polymer which is saturated, the first end thereof is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated outlet of the cap member and biased thereagainst.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the hose member comprises a styrene ethylene butylene styrene material.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the hose member further comprises at least one of a that low density polyethylene (LDPE), co-polymers (such as ethyl vinyl acetate, polyolefin elastomers (POE) and/or polyolefin plastomers (POP), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), homo or copolymer polypropylene (h or cPP), mineral oil, and stabilization additives, wherein the styrene ethylene butylene styrene material comprises at least 10% of the overall material.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein a flowable material is positioned within the cavity, the flowable material comprises a dairy material.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the hose member comprises an extruded member, the second end of which is crimped after extrusion.

6. A container comprising:

a dispenser assembly having a cap member having a base with an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge, the cap member further having an elongated outlet extending from the base, the elongated outlet having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet, and a hose member having a first end and a second end opposite of the first end, a inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end, the hose member including means for minimizing the degradation of the hose material due to irradiation thereof, and the hose member is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the elongated outlet of the cap member and biased thereagainst.

7. The container of claim 6 wherein the degradation minimizing means includes the forming of the hose member of at least 10% of styrene ethylene butylene styrene.

8. The container of claim 6 wherein the degradation minimizing means comprises a saturated polymer comprising at least 10% of the material of the hose member.

9. A method of forming a container comprising:

providing a flexible bag defining a cavity and having a spout providing ingress into the cavity;

providing a dispenser assembly having a cap member hermetically sealed to the spout and a hose member coupled to the cap member and providing fluid communication with the cavity, wherein a second end of the hose member is crimped;

irradiating the flexible bag and dispenser assembly; and

minimizing the degradation of the hose material due to irradiation.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of minimizing further comprises the step of providing a hose member having at least 10% of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene material.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of minimizing further comprises the step of providing a hose member having at least 10% of a saturated polymer.