CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/375,120, filed September 9, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated liquid container system and a method of assembling the same. The integrated liquid container system is configured to allow storing and transporting liquids, such as edible oil, including fresh cooking oil.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Integrated liquid container systems, which include a housing and a liquid delivery container, are used to store and transport edible oil. These integrated liquid container systems are typically disposable plastic jugs-in-boxes (“JIBs”).

SUMMARY

[0004] Various features of the disclosure are described below with regard to certain examples and aspects, which are intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure. Although the examples and aspects described herein may focus on, for the purpose of illustration, specific systems and processes, one of skill in the art may appreciate the examples are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0005] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, an integrated liquid container system is disclosed. The integrated liquid container system includes a housing and a liquid delivery container. The housing includes a housing top portion having a neck aperture, a housing bottom portion opposite the housing top portion, and a housing body portion extending between the housing top portion and the housing bottom portion and defining a housing inner cavity. The housing body portion includes a first surface and at least one aperture extending through the first surface of the housing body portion. The liquid delivery container includes a container top portion having a neck, a container bottom portion opposite the container top portion, and a container body portion extending between the container top portion and the container bottom portion to define a container inner cavity that stores liquid. The liquid delivery container being able to be received within the container inner cavity such that the neck aperture of the housing top portion circumferentially extends around the neck of the container top portion. The container top portion, the container bottom portion, and the container body portion each include a thermoplastic polymer.

[0006] In an example aspect, the housing top portion, the housing bottom portion, and the housing body portion include corrugated cardboard.

[0007] In another example aspect, the neck includes a neck top portion having a support ring and a threaded portion and a neck bottom portion having a straight portion below the support ring. The integrated liquid container system further includes a cap that is selectively attachable to and detachable from the neck top portion. When the cap is attached to the neck top portion by engagement with the threaded portion, the liquid delivery container is in a closed state, and when the cap is detached from the neck top portion, the liquid delivery container is in an open state. The integrated liquid container system further include a container handle proximate to the neck bottom portion.

[0008] In another example aspect, the housing bottom portion includes a pouring aperture and the container bottom portion includes a pouring indent. The pouring indent at least partially faces the pouring aperture.

[0009] In another example aspect, housing top portion further includes a first handle aperture.

[0010] In another example aspect, the housing body portion includes a second surface and a second handle aperture extending through the second surface of the housing body portion.

[0011] In another example aspect, the housing further includes a housing handle The housing handle is coupled to the housing top portion.

[0012] In another example aspect, the housing handle includes paperboard or corrugated cardboard.

[0013] In another example aspect, the neck is disposed either (i) along a center axis of the liquid delivery container, or (ii) off-axis of the center axis of the liquid deliver}' container. [0014] Tn another example aspect, the neck includes a first surface having a substantially constant circumference such that an outermost portion of the first surface of the neck is equidistant from a center axis of the neck. The first surface of the neck is structured without protuberances extending circumferentially therefrom.

[0015] In another example aspect, the container top portion includes a first portion parallel to the housing top portion. The container top portion further includes a second portion inclined with respect to the first portion of the container top portion. The neck is disposed along the second portion of the container top portion.

[0016] In another example aspect, the at least one aperture is provided proximate to a plurality of indicia indicating a fill level.

[0017] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.70 dl/g to about 0.90 dl/g.

[0018] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.72 dl/g to about 0.86 dl/g.

[0019] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has a melting temperature in a range of about 230°C to about 270°C.

[0020] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer further includes a b* value of a CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer of about -3.5 to about 2.5.

[0021] In another example aspect, the b* value of the CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer is in a range of about -1.5 to about 1.5.

[0022] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes bioplastics, copolymers, or combinations thereof.

[0023] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), or mixtures thereof. [0024] Tn another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and combinations thereof.

[0025] Tn another aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0026] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an integrated liquid container system including a liquid delivery container within a housing is disclosed. The method includes assembling a corrugated cardboard template into the housing. The housing being dimensioned to house the liquid delivery container The housing includes a housing top portion having a neck aperture, a housing bottom portion opposite the housing top portion, and a housing body portion extending between the housing top portion and the housing bottom portion to define a housing inner cavity. The housing body portion includes a first surface and at least one aperture extending through the first surface of the housing body portion. The method further includes arranging the liquid delivery container within the housing inner cavity. The liquid delivery container includes a container top portion having a neck, a container bottom portion opposite the container top portion and having a pouring indent, and a container body portion extending between the container top portion and the container bottom portion to define a container inner cavity. The liquid delivery container top portion, the liquid delivery container bottom portion, and the liquid delivery container body portion have a thermoplastic polymer. Arranging the liquid delivery container within the housing inner cavity includes orienting the liquid delivery container such that the neck aperture of the housing top portion circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the neck of the container top portion. The method further includes securing the liquid delivery container in the housing.

[0027] In an example aspect, the method includes assembling a plurality of integrated liquid container systems together. The plurality of integrated liquid container systems include a first integrated liquid container system and a second integrated liquid container system. Assembling the plurality of integrated liquid container systems includes arranging the first integrated liquid container system such that the pouring indent of the first integrated liquid container system receives at least a portion of the neck of the second integrated liquid container system. [0028] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.70 dl/g to about 0.90 dl/g.

[0029] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer has a melting temperature in a range of about 230°C to about 270°C.

[0030] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer further includes a b* value of a CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer of about -3.5 to about 2.5.

[0031] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes bioplastics, copolymers, or combinations thereof.

[0032] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), or mixtures thereof.

[0033] In another example aspect, the thermoplastic polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0034] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an integrated liquid container system is disclosed. The method includes providing an outer portion of the integrated liquid container system. The outer portion includes a box template. The method further includes providing an inner portion of the integrated liquid container system. The inner portion having a bottle. The bottle includes a bottle top portion having a neck, a bottle bottom portion opposite the bottle top portion, and a bottle body portion extending between the bottle top portion and the bottle bottom portion to define a bottle inner cavity. The bottle top portion, the bottle bottom portion, and the bottle body portion include a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), or mixtures thereof. The method further includes wrapping the box template around the bottle and assembling the box template into a box. The box includes a box top portion having a neck aperture, a box bottom portion opposite the box top portion, and a box body portion extending between the box top portion and the box bottom portion to define a box inner cavity. The box body portion having a first surface and at least one aperture extending through the first surface of the box body portion. Each of the box top portion and the box bottom portion including a portion having double-walled corrugated cardboard. [0035] Tn an example aspect, providing the outer portion of the integrated liquid container system includes providing a first liner sheet, a second liner sheet, and a corrugated sheet medium. The corrugated sheet medium having a first side and a second side. Providing the outer portion of the integrated liquid container system further includes coupling the first liner sheet to the first side of the corrugated sheet medium and the second liner sheet to the second side of the corrugated sheet medium, such that combination of the first liner sheet, the second liner sheet, and the corrugated sheet medium defines a board. Providing the outer portion of the integrated liquid container system further includes cutting and scoring the board and configuring the board into the box template.

[0036] Iproviding the inner portion of the integrated liquid container system includes injecting the thermoplastic polymer resin and molding a preform, heating the preform, and stretch blow molding the preform into the bottle.

[0037] In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a bottle is disclosed. The bottle includes a bottle top portion having a neck. The neck includes a continuous inner surface portion equidistant from a center axis of the neck. The neck further includes a neck top portion and a neck bottom portion. The neck is positioned at an axial center of the liquid delivery container. The bottle further includes a bottle bottom portion opposite the bottle top portion. The bottle bottom portion having a pouring indent. The pouring indent is a substantially curvilinear recess formed in an underside of the bottle bottom portion. The bottle further includes a bottle body portion extending between the bottle top portion and the bottle bottom portion to define a bottle inner cavity. The bottle top portion, the bottle bottom portion, and the bottle body portion consists of a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and combinations thereof. The bottle further includes a cap that is selectively attachable to and detachable from the neck top portion. When the cap is attached to the neck top portion, the bottle is in a closed state. When the cap is detached from the neck top portion, the bottle in an open state. The bottle further includes a plastic bottle handle having a first portion proximate the cap.

[0038] In an example aspect, the bottle handle extends from an uppermost surface of the bottle to a recess in a side surface of the bottle, such that at least a second portion of the bottle handle is configured to be stowed in the recess. [0039] Tn another example aspect, the bottle top portion includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.5 mm, the bottle body portion includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.15 mm and approximately 0.5 mm, and the bottle bottom portion includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.15 mm and approximately 0.5 mm.

[0040] In another example aspect, when the cap is attached to the neck top portion, the cap and the neck top portion create a plug-seal.

[0041] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, aspects, and features described above, further aspects, aspects, and features may become apparent by reference to the following drawings and the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise indicated, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an integrated liquid container, according to an aspect;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the integrated liquid container system of FIG. 1, according to an aspect;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the integrated liquid container system of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an aspect;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of yet another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of yet another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect; [0049] FTG. 7 is a rear perspective view of yet another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect:

[0050] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of yet another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect;

[0051] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of yet another integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect:

[0052] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a liquid delivery container, according to an aspect;

[0053] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of another liquid delivery container, according to an aspect;

[0054] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of yet another liquid delivery container, according to an aspect;

[0055] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of yet another liquid delivery container, according to an aspect;

[0056] FIG. 14 is a depiction of the liquid delivery container of FIG. 11 including a cross- sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 11, according to an aspect;

[0057] FIG. 15 is a view of Detail A in FIG. 14, according to an aspect;

[0058] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a method for assembling an integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect;

[0059] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of another method for assembling an integrated liquid container system, according to an aspect;

[0060] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a process of manufacturing the outer portion of the integrated liquid container system of FIG. 17, according to an aspect; and

[0061] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of providing the inner portion of the integrated liquid container system of FIG. 17, according to an aspect. [0062] It will be recognized that the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that the Figures will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and for providing an integrated liquid container system. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

I. Overview

[0064] Integrated liquid container systems, which include a housing and a liquid delivery container, are used to store and transport liquids, such as edible oil.

[0065] As used herein, the term “edible oil” refers to a fat or oil that is suitable for human consumption. Edible oils are typically compositions including triacylglycerols (“TAG”). The edible oils may be obtained from plant (e.g., vegetable), animal, or microbial sources. By way of illustration, the edible oils, as described herein, include cooking oils (such as fresh and/or used cooking oils). The oil may include, but is not limited to, sunflower oil, citrus oil (such as lemon oil, orange oil, and the like or mixtures thereof), grape seed oil, sesame oil, peanut oil, mustard oil, nut oil (such as almond oil, cashew oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil, macadamia oil, or mixtures thereof), com oil, wheat kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, marine oil (such as fish oil, algal oil, fungal oil, or mixtures thereof), rice bran oil, olive oil, or mixtures of two or more thereof. The edible oil may be a high oleic edible oil, such as high oleic sunflower oil, high oleic citrus oil, high oleic grape seed oil, high oleic sesame oil, high oleic peanut oil, high oleic mustard oil, high oleic nut oil, high oleic com oil, high oleic wheat kernel oil, high oleic rapeseed oil, high oleic safflower oil, high oleic flaxseed oil, high oleic soybean oil, high oleic canola oil, high oleic cottonseed oil, high oleic marine oil, or mixtures of two or more thereof. [0066] Edible oils as described herein can also be fats, including but not limited to, butter, lard, tallow, butter oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, shea butter, milk fat, coconut oil, palm oil, palm olein, palm kernel oil, shea oil, illipe oil, sal oil, kokum gurgi oil, mango kernel oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil (such as hydrogenated fractionated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated canola oil, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, and the like or mixtures thereof), hydrogenated fish oil, or mixtures of two or more thereof. As used herein, “vegetable oils” refers to oils derived from vegetables and/or oil seeds. The edible oils as described herein may also be a hydrogenated edible oil, a chemically or enzymatically interestenfied edible oil, a fractionated edible oil, or mixtures thereof.

[0067] During storage and transportation, integrated liquid container systems are often stacked on top of each other vertically. Thus, the integrated liquid container system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is designed to have a suitably strong and durable structure.

[0068] A typical integrated liquid container system in the form of a JIB has a volumetric capacity of about 4.5 gallons. A liquid delivery container of atypical integrated liquid container system is made of High Density Polyethylene (HOPE) and a neck of the liquid delivery container includes a lip that attaches to a foil seal (e.g, heat seal) to seal the liquid delivery container.

[0069] Implementations herein are related to an integrated liquid container system having a housing and a liquid delivery container configured to be received within the housing. In some aspects, the housing is made of corrugated cardboard and the liquid delivery container is made of a thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polymer, etc.), preferably having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.70 dl/g to about 0.90 dl/g and a melting temperature in a range of about 230°C to about 270°C. Suitable thermoplastic polymers having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.70-0.90 dl/g and melting temperature of about 230-270°C may include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is PET. In some aspects, the liquid delivery container is made of 0% to 100% recycled plastic. For example, the liquid delivery container may be made of 15% to 95% of recycled plastic, 25% to 85% recycled plastic, or 45% to 75% recycled plastic. In some aspects, the liquid delivery container is made from virgin plastic (e.g., pure-form polymer, 0% recycled plastic, etc.). In other aspects, the liquid delivery container is made from a mixture of recycled plastic and virgin plastic. In yet other aspects, the liquid delivery container is made completely or nearly completely from recycled plastic (e.g., more than 90% recycled plastic, or 100% recycled plastic, etc.).

[0070] The material properties of PET with respect to forming molded materials allows for the liquid delivery container to be manufactured with tight tolerances, removing a need for a foil seal (e.g., heat seal, etc.) to be used on the liquid delivery container. With the tight tolerances associated with PET, the liquid delivery container can be designed to properly seal simply by attaching to a cap. Thus, a so-called “plug-seal” may be achieved which allows for the cap to re-seal the liquid delivery container, when the cap is detached from liquid delivery container and re-attached to the liquid delivery container. In addition to reducing costs of materials and manufacturing by removing the need for the foil seal, other features of traditional containers may be omitted or modified as well. For example, a lip within a neck of the liquid delivery container, which is required for the foil seal, may be omitted. Removing the lip allows for liquid to exit the liquid delivery container via the neck with laminar or transitional flow characteristics rather than turbulent flow characteristics. Laminar and/or transitional flow generally reduces a possibility of the liquid splashing when passing through the neck.

[0071] Additionally, thermoplastic polymers as described herein (e.g., PET, PLA, PE, PP, PHA, or combinations thereof) are strong and flexible, thereby reducing a risk of the liquid delivery container cracking or breaking. Furthermore, PET is generally cost-effective, sustainable, and lightweight. PET is 100% recyclable (e.g., fully recyclable, etc.), allowing for the liquid delivery container to meet guidelines set by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) regarding recyclability of plastics. In contrast, the liquid delivery container of the typical container system in the form of a JIB, which is made of HDPE, does not meet the guidelines set by the APR regarding recyclability due to the container having a foil seal and, typically, a polypropylene cap. PET can be formed to be at least partially transparent. The transparent characteristic of the thermoplastic polymers as described herein (e.g., PET) allow for an amount of the liquid within the liquid delivery container to be visually ascertained.

II. Overview of Example Integrated Liquid Container System

[0072] FIGS. 1-9 depict various aspects of an integrated liquid container system 100 including a housing 102 and a bottle, e.g., liquid delivery container 104. The liquid delivery container 104 is configured to be received within the housing 102. [0073] The housing 102 includes a housing top portion 200 and a housing bottom portion 202 opposite the housing top portion 200. The housing top portion 200 includes a neck aperture 204. The housing 102 also includes a housing body portion 206 that extends between the housing top portion 200 and the housing bottom portion 202. The housing body portion 206 defines a housing inner cavity 208 configured to receive the liquid delivery container 104. The housing body portion 206 includes a first surface 210 and an at least one aperture 212 that extends through the first surface 210 of the housing body portion 206. In some aspects, the housing top portion 200, the housing bottom portion 202, and the housing body portion 206 are made of (e.g, manufactured from, out of, etc.) corrugated cardboard. In other aspects, the housing top portion 200 and/or the housing bottom portion 202 include at least one portion having double-walled corrugated cardboard. In some aspects, the double-walled corrugated cardboard includes two single-walled corrugated cardboards in contact with one another. In other aspects, the double-walled corrugated cardboard is a single piece of corrugated cardboard that is manufactured to include double walls.

[0074] The liquid delivery container 104 includes a container top portion 300 and a container bottom portion 302 opposite the container top portion 300 (aspects of which are shown in FIGS. 10-14). The container top portion 300 includes aneck 304. The liquid delivery container 104 also includes a container body portion 306 that extends between the container top portion 300 and the container bottom portion 302. The container body portion 306 defines a container inner cavity' 308 configured to store contents (e.g. , edible oil, etc.). When the liquid delivery container 104 is received within the housing 102, the neck aperture 204 of the housing top portion 200 circumferentially extends around the neck 304 of the container top portion 300. In some aspects, the container top portion 300, the container bottom portion 302, and the container body portion 306 are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While specific reference to PET is made throughout the description of the figures, the liquid delivery container may include other thermoplastic polymers including but not limited to bioplastics, co-polymers (block or random), or combinations thereof exhibiting properties comparable to PET (e.g., intrinsic viscosity, melting temperature, and the like). For example, in any aspect described herein, the container top portion 300, the container bottom portion 302, and the container body portion 306 may be made of thermoplastic polymers, including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA), or combinations thereof. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is PET. [0075] In any aspect, the thermoplastic polymer as described herein may have an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.70 dl/g to about 0.90 dl/g. As used herein, the term “intrinsic viscosity” refers to the measure of a polymer’s ability to increase the viscosity of a solvent. For example, the intrinsic viscosity' may be in a range selected from about 0.70 dl/g to about 0.90 dl/g, about 0.72 dl/g to about 0.86 dl/g, or about 0.74 dl/g to about 0.84 dl/g. In any aspect, the intrinsic viscosity may be about 0.70 dl/g, about 0.72 dl/g, about 0.74 dl/g, about 0.76 dl/g, about 0.78 dl/g, about 0.80 dl/g, about 0.82 dl/g, about 0.84 dl/g, about 0.86 dl/g, about 0.88 dl/g, about 0.90 dl/g, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0076] In any aspect, the thermoplastic polymer may have a melting temperature of about 230°C to about 270°C. Suitable melting temperatures may include about 230°C, about 235°C, about 240°C, about 245°C, about 250°C, about 255°C, about 260°C, about 270°C, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values. Preferably the thermoplastic polymer may have a melting temperature in a range of about 235°C to about 270°C, or more preferably in a range of about 235°C to about 255°C.

[0077] In any aspect, the thermoplastic polymer may further be transparent, or at least partially transparent For example, the thermoplastic polymer may have a b* value of a CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer in a range of about -3.5 to about 2.5. For example, the b* value of a CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer may be about -3.5, about -3.0, about -2.5, about -2.0, about -1.5, about -1.0, about - 0.5, about 0.0, about 0.5, about 1.0, about 1.5, about 2.0, about 2.5, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values. In any aspect, the b* value of a CIEL*a*b* color measurement of the thermoplastic polymer may be in a range of about -3.5 to about 2.5, preferably about -3.0 to about 2.0, more preferably about -2.0 to about 2.0, and most preferably about -1.5 to about 1.5.

[0078] Manufacturing parts of the liquid delivery container 104 (e.g., the container top portion 300, the container bottom portion 302, and the container body portion 306) using PET allows relatively tight manufacturing tolerances to be obtained. In particular, the moldability of PET is such that a design of the liquid del i\ ery container 104 may be approximately equivalent in dimensions to a manufactured product of the liquid delivery container 104 based on that design. With tight tolerances, strong sealing performance can be obtained. Thus, the need for an additional component for sealing may be omitted. In particular, in at least one aspect, a foil seal may be omitted as there is no need for the neck 304 of the container top portion 300 to couple to the foil seal (e.g., heat seal, etc.). Proper sealing of the container inner cavity 308 of the liquid delivery container 104 is achieved without such a component, according to at least one aspect. Further, proper sealing of the container inner cavity 308 allows for the liquid delivery container 104 to be stored in any orientation, vertically or horizontally, without any leaking of fluid. Additionally, proper sealing of the container inner cavity 308 may be maintained even after the initial opening of the liquid delivery container 104 proximate the neck 304 (e.g., a first time the liquid delivery container 104 is opened, etc.). Furthermore, PET, as compared to HDPE, is relatively strong and flexible, reducing a risk of the liquid delivery container 104 cracking or breaking. Furthermore, PET is cost-effective, sustainable, lightweight, and can be manufactured to be at least partially transparent (e.g., clear, etc.). In any aspect, the liquid delivery container does not include HDPE.

[0079] In some aspects, illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the at least one aperture 212 is provided proximate to a plurality of indicia indicating a fill level (e.g, capacity level, etc.) of the liquid delivery container 104. The at least one aperture 212 provides access to an outside surface of the container body portion 306. Assuming the container body portion 306 is made of PET, and is therefore at least partially transparent, the fill level of the liquid delivery container 104 can be determined visually via the plurality of indicia and the least one aperture 212. This removes a need to weigh the liquid delivery container 104, or other similar methods (e.g., weighing the integrated liquid container system 100, removing all of the liquid within the container inner cavity 308, etc.), in order to determine the fill level of the liquid delivery container 104.

[0080] The neck 304 of the container top portion 300 further includes a neck top portion 310 and a neck bottom portion 312. The neck top portion 310 includes a support ring and a threaded portion in the form of a finished thread. The neck bottom portion 312 includes a relatively smooth straight portion that is disposed beneath the threaded portion. The integrated liquid container system 100 further includes a cap 400 that is selectively attachable to and detachable from the neck top portion 310 such that (i) when the cap 400 is attached to the neck top portion 310, the liquid delivery container 104 is in a closed state, and (ii) when the cap 400 is detached from the neck top portion 310, the liquid delivery container 104 is in an open state. More particularly, the cap 400 is configured to be threaded to the threaded portion.

[0081] With the tight tolerances available with using PET to manufacture the liquid delivery container 104, the liquid delivery container 104 can be designed to properly seal simply by attaching the cap 400 to the neck top portion 310. This type of seal is referred to as a plug-seal. The plug-seal allows for the cap 400 to re-seal the liquid delivery container 104, when the cap 400 is detached from liquid delivery container 104 and re-attached to the liquid delivery container 104.

[0082] In some aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the integrated liquid container system 100 also includes a bottle handle, e.g., container handle 402 disposed proximate to the neck bottom portion 312. The container handle 402 is configured to be gripped by a user (i) to move, vertically and/or laterally, the integrated liquid container system 100, or (ii) to pour out (e.g., remove, etc.) liquid within the container inner cavity 308. In some cases, movement and pouring may occur simultaneously.

[0083] In some aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the container handle 402 includes a first portion 404, proximate the cap 400, and a second portion 406 extending outwardly from the first portion 404. The liquid delivery container 104 includes a side surface 314 and a recess 316 extending inwardly within the side surface 314 of the liquid delivery container 104. The container handle 402 is configured to extend from an uppermost surface of the liquid delivery container 104 (e.g., container top portion 300) to the recess 316, such that at least the second portion 406 of the container handle 402 is configured to be stowed in the recess 316.

[0084] In some aspects, illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing bottom portion 202 includes a pouring aperture 214 and the container bottom portion 302 includes a pouring indent 318. In some aspects, the pouring indent 318 is a substantially curvilinear recess formed in an underside of the container bottom portion 302. The pouring indent 318 of the container bottom portion 302 is configured to at least partially face the pouring aperture 214 of the housing bottom portion 202. In these aspects, the pouring indent 318, accessible to a user via the pouring aperture 214, allows the user to grip the integrated liquid container system 100 from below. This provides the user with a better grip (e.g., handle, etc.) on the liquid container system 100 and improves the user’s control of the liquid container system 100 when pouring out liquid within the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304.

[0085] In some aspects, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the housing top portion 200 further includes a first handle aperture 216 extending through the housing top portion 200. The housing body portion 206 further includes a second surface 218 perpendicular to the first surface 210 and a second handle aperture 220 extending through the second surface 218 of the housing body portion 206. The first handle aperture 216 and the second handle aperture 220 are configured to be gripped by the user, by receiving at least a portion of a hand from the user, (i) to move, vertically and/or laterally, the integrated liquid container system 100, or (ii) to pour out liquid within the container inner cavity 308. In these aspects, the liquid delivery container 104 includes the recess 316, which eases gripping the integrated liquid container system 100 via the first handle aperture 216 and/or the second handle aperture 220. In other aspects, the integrated liquid container system only includes one of (i) the first handle aperture 216 of the housing top portion 200 and (ii) the second handle aperture 220 of the housing body portion 206.

[0086] In some aspects, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing 102 includes a housing handle 222 coupled to the housing top portion 200. In some aspects, illustrated in FIG. 7, the housing handle 222 is made of paperboard. In other aspects, illustrated in FIG. 8, the housing handle 222 is made of corrugated cardboard.

[0087] The liquid delivery container 104 includes a center axis 320 (e.g. , axial center, etc.). In some aspects, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the neck 304 is disposed along the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104. The neck 304 includes a center axis 322. In these aspects, the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 coincide. These aspects provide some protection against unintentional pours. For example, if the integrated liquid container system 100 is tipped such that the second surface 218 of the housing body portion 206 is facing downwards (e.g, towards the ground, etc.) and the cap 400 is detached from the neck top portion 310, the liquid within the container inner cavity 308 will pour out via the neck 304 until the liquid within the container inner cavity 308 reaches a level that is approximately below the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104. This prevents more of the liquid within the container inner cavity 308 from pouring out unintentionally.

[0088] In some aspects, illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the neck 304 is disposed off-axis of (e.g, away from, not along, etc.) the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104. In these aspects, the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 are parallel. These aspects ease (e.g., simplify, etc.) pouring the liquid out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304. For example, assuming the integrated liquid container system 100 is intentionally rotated by the user in a direction pointing from the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 towards the center axis 322 of the neck 304, the liquid will begin to pour out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304 at a first pouring angle. Tn some aspects, the first pouring angle is between approximately 40 degrees to approximately 55 degrees. For example, the first pouring angle may be approximately 45 degrees to approximately 55 degrees, or approximately 47 degrees to approximately 53 degrees, approximately 49 degrees to approximately 51 degrees. The first pouring angle is smaller than a second pouring angle, where the second pouring angle is where the liquid begins to pour out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304 for the integrated liquid container system 100 with the neck 304 disposed along the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 (aspects shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). In some aspects, the second pouring angle is between approximately 55 degrees to approximately 70 degrees. For example, the second pounng angle may be approximately 56 degrees to approximately 68 degrees, approximately 54 degrees to approximately 66 degrees, approximately 59 degrees to approximately 66 degrees, or approximately 61 degrees to approximately 64 degrees, for example.

[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the neck 304 comprises a continuous inner surface, e.g., first surface 324. The first surface 324 has a substantially constant circumference, such that an outermost portion of the first surface 324 is equidistant from the center axis 322 of the neck 304. The first surface 324 of the neck 304 is structured without protuberances extending circumferentially therefrom (e.g., the first surface 324 of the neck 304). The lack of protuberances on the first surface 324 of the neck 304 allows the first surface 324 of the neck 304 to be substantially level (e.g., smooth, flat, etc. . This allows the liquid pouring out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304 to exit the neck 304 having flow characteristics similar to that of a laminar flow or a transitional flow. This reduces a risk of the liquid splashing unintentionally and improves control of pouring via the user when pouring the liquid out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304, in contrast to the liquid pouring out of the container inner cavity 308 having turbulent flow characteristics. Assuming the liquid flows through the neck 304 such that the entirety of the first surface 324 of the neck 304 is in contact with the liquid, characterizing the liquid passing through the neck 304 as pipe flow (e.g., closed conduit flow, etc.), the Reynolds number range for laminar flow is approximately 0 to approximately 2000 and the Reynolds number range for transitional flow is approximately 2000 to approximately 4000. Assuming the liquid flows through the neck 304 such that only a portion of the first surface 324 of the neck 304 is in contact with the liquid, characterizing the liquid passing through the neck 304 as open channel flow, the Reynolds number range for laminar flow is approximately 0 to approximately 500 and the Reynolds number range for transitional flow is approximately 500 to approximately 1000. [0090] Furthermore, the first surface 324 of the neck 304, as described above, allows for an increase in a pour rate of the liquid delivery container 104, where the pour rate is a mass flow rate of the liquid within the container inner cavity 308 flowing out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304. In some aspects, at the first pouring angle, where the neck 304 is disposed off-axis of the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 (aspects shown in FIGS. 12 and 13), the pour rate is between approximately 3.4 pounds/second to approximately 5.4 pounds/second, e.g, 4.4 pounds/second. In other aspects, at the second pouring angle, where the neck 304 disposed along the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 (aspects shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), the pour rate is between approximately 4.0 pounds/second to approximately 6.0 pounds/second, e.g., approximately 5.2 pounds/second, approximately 5.4 pounds/second, approximately 5.6 pounds/second, or approximately 5.8 pounds/second. In contrast, a typical container system in the form of a JIB at a typical pouring angle has a pour rate of between approximately 2.2 pounds/second and 4.2 pounds/second. The typical pouring angle is between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. As such, an integrated liquid container system according to the exemplary aspects discussed herein may be constructed such that where the neck 304 is disposed off-axis of the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104, the pour rate of the liquid delivery' container 104 may be approximately 40% larger than the pour rate of the typical container system in the form of a JIB. Additionally, where the neck 304 disposed along the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104, the pour rate of the liquid delivery container 104 may be approximately 60% larger than the pour rate of the typical container system in the form of a JIB.

[0091] In some aspects, illustrated in FIG. 9, the container top portion 300 includes a first portion 326 parallel to the housing top portion 200 and a second portion 328 inclined with respect to the first portion 326 of the container top portion 300. According to this aspect, the neck 304 is disposed along the second portion 328 of the container top portion 300, such that the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 intersect. These aspects ease pouring the liquid out of the container inner cavity 308 via the neck 304. For example, assuming the integrated liquid container system 100 is intentionally rotated by the user in the direction pointing from the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 towards the center axis 322 of the neck 304, the liquid will begin to pour out of the container inner cavity 308 at a third pouring angle, where the third pouring angle is smaller than both the first pouring angle and the second pouring angle. [0092] The following dimensions are presented as examples of the aspects discussed in this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting to such aspects: a length between the neck top portion 310 and the container bottom portion 302 is between approximately 390 mm to approximately 400 mm. For example, the length between the neck top portion 310 and the container bottom portion 302 may be approximately 390 mm to approximately 400 mm, approximately 392 mm to approximately 398 mm, approximately 393 mm to approximately 397 mm, or approximately 393.5 mm to approximately 395.5 mm. In some aspects, the length between the neck top portion 310 and the container bottom portion 302 is preferably approximately 394 mm, or more preferably approximately 394.6 mm. A length of the neck top portion 310 is between approximately 10 mm to approximately 25 mm, e.g., approximately 17 mm. The length of the neck top portion 310 may be between approximately 15 mm to approximately 25 mm, approximately 20 mm to approximately 24 mm, or approximately 21 mm to approximately 23 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the length of the neck top portion 310 may be approximately 22 mm. A length of the neck bottom portion 312 is between approximately 6 mm and approximately 13 mm; for example, the length of the neck bottom portion 312 may be approximately 6 mm to approximately 13 mm, approximately 8 mm to approximately 11 mm, or approximately 8.5 mm to approximately 10.5 mm. A length between the container top portion 300 and the container bottom portion 302 is between approximately 325 mm to approximately 365 mm. For example, the length between the container top portion 300 and the container bottom portion 302 may be between approximately 325 mm to approximately 365 mm, approximately 335 mm to approximately 365 mm, or approximately 355 mm to approximately 360 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the length between the container top portion 300 and the container bottom portion 302 may be between approximately 359.3 mm to approximately 355.3 mm.

[0093] Further, the following dimensions are presented as additional examples of the aspects discussed in this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting to such aspects: an outer diameter of the neck 304 is approximately 60 mm to approximately 65 mm. For example, the outer diameter of the neck 304 may be between approximately 60 mm to approximately 65 mm, approximately 61 mm to approximately 64 mm, or approximately 62 mm to approximately 63 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the outer diameter of the neck 304 may be approximately 61.6 mm. A depth of the pouring indent 318 is between approximately 17 mm to approximately 37 mm. For example, the depth of the pouring indent 318 may be between approximately 17 mm to approximately 37 mm, approximately 20 mm to approximately 34 mm, approximately 23 mm to approximately 33 mm, approximately 26 mm to approximately 30 mm, or approximately 32.5 mm to approximately 34.5 mm. A width of the pouring indent 318 is between approximately 50 mm to approximately 120 mm. For example, the width ofthe pouring indent 318 may be between approximately 50 mm to approximately 120 mm, approximately 60 mm to approximately 110 mm, approximately 70 mm to approximately 100 mm, approximately 80 mm to approximately 90 mm, or approximately 75.5 mm to approximately 85.5 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the pouring indent 318 may be 75.8 mm. A length of the pouring indent 318 is between approximately 110 mm to approximately 140 mm. For example, the length of the pouring indent 318 may be between approximately 110 mm to approximately 140 mm, approximately 115 mm to approximately 135 mm, approximately 120 mm to approximately 130 mm, or approximately 122.5 mm to approximately 127.5 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the length of the pouring indent 318 may be between approximately 114 mm to approximately 132.5 mm. A width of the liquid delivery container 104 is between approximately 220 mm to approximately 250 mm. For example, the width of the liquid delivery container 104 may be between approximately 220 mm to approximately 250 mm, approximately 225 mm to approximately 245 mm, approximately 230 mm to approximately 240 mm, or approximately 232.5 mm to approximately 237.5 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the liquid delivery container 104 may be between approximately 229 mm to approximately 242 mm.

[0094] Additionally, the following dimensions are presented as still further examples of the aspects discussed in this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting to such aspects: a fill point volume capacity (e.g, a safe liquid carrying capacity, not a maximum liquid capacity, etc.) of the liquid delivery container 104 is between approximately 15,000 ml to 20,000 ml. For example, the fill point volume capacity of the liquid delivery container 104 may be between approximately 15,000 ml to approximately 20,000 ml, approximately 16,000 ml to approximately 19,000 ml, or approximately 17,000 ml to approximately 18,000 ml. Preferably, in any aspect, the fill point volume capacity of the liquid delivery container 104 may be between approximately 17,210 ml to approximately 17,450 ml. A mass of the liquid delivery container 104 is approximately 150 grams to approximately 200 grams. For example, the mass of the liquid delivery container 104 may be between approximately 150 grams to approximately 200 grams, approximately 160 grams to approximately 190 grams, approximately 165 grams to approximately 185 grams, or approximately 178.5 grams to 183.5 grams. Preferably, in any aspect, the mass of the liquid delivery container 104 may be approximately 180 grams. In any aspect, the neck may be manufactured to reduce the mass thereof A mass of the neck 304 is approximately 5 grams to approximately 25 grams. For example, the mass of the neck 304 may be between approximately 5 grams to approximately 25 grams, approximately 8 grams to approximately 22 grams, approximately 12 grams to approximately 18 grams or approximately 13 grams to approximately 16 grams. Preferably, in any aspect, the mass of the neck 304 may be approximately 22 grams. In a configuration where the neck 304 is disposed off-axis of the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104, a distance between the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 is approximately 25 mm to approximately 35 mm. For example, the distance between the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 may be between approximately 25 mm to approximately 35 mm, approximately 27 mm to approximately 33 mm, approximately 28 mm to approximately 32 mm or approximately 29 mm to approximately 31 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the distance between the center axis 320 of the liquid delivery container 104 and the center axis 322 of the neck 304 may be approximately 30 mm.

[0095] The following dimensions are also presented as examples of the aspects discussed in this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting to such aspects: a length between the housing top portion 200 and the housing bottom portion 202 is between approximately 400 mm to approximately 420 mm. For example, the length between the housing top portion 200 and the housing bottom portion 202 may be between approximately 400 mm to approximately 420 mm, approximately 405 mm to approximately 415 mm, or approximately 408 mm to approximately 412 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the length between the housing top portion 200 and the housing bottom portion 202 may be between approximately 407 mm to approximately 413 mm. A width of the at least one aperture 212 is approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm. For example, the width of the at least one aperture 212 may be between approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm, approximately 22 mm to approximately 28 mm, or approximately 23 mm to approximately 27 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the at least one aperture 212 may be approximately 25 mm. A height of the at least one aperture 212 is between approximately 110 mm to approximately 130 mm. For example, the height of the at least one aperture 212 may be between approximately 110 mm to approximately 130 mm, approximately 115 mm to approximately 125 mm, approximately 117 mm to approximately 123 mm, or approximately 119 mm to approximately 121 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the height of the at least one aperture 212 may be approximately 124.75 mm. A width of the second handle aperture 220 is between approximately 90 mm to approximately 1 10 mm For example, the width of the second handle aperture 220 may be between approximately 90 mm to approximately 110 mm, approximately 92 mm to approximately 108 mm, approximately 95 mm to approximately 105 mm, or approximately 97.5 mm to approximately 102.5 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the second handle aperture 220 may be approximately 100.2 mm. A height of the second handle aperture 220 is between approximately 40 mm to approximately 50 mm. For example, the height of the second handle aperture 220 may be between approximately 40 mm to approximately 50 mm, approximately 42 mm to approximately 48 mm, approximately 43 mm to approximately 47 mm, or approximately 44 mm to approximately 46 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the height of the second handle aperture 220 may be between approximately 41 mm to approximately 45 mm. A width of the second surface 218 of the housing body portion 206 is between approximately 220 mm to approximately 250 mm. For example, the width of the second surface 218 of the housing body portion 206 may be between approximately 220 mm to approximately 250 mm, approximately 225 mm to approximately 245 mm, approximately 230 mm to approximately 240 mm, or approximately 232.5 mm to approximately 237.5 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the second surface 218 of the housing body portion 206 may be between approximately 227 mm to approximately 241 mm. A width of the neck aperture 204 is between approximately 100 mm to approximately 120 mm. For example, the width of the neck aperture 204 may be between approximately 100 mm to approximately 120 mm, approximately 102 mm to approximately 118 mm, approximately 105 mm to approximately 115 mm or approximately 108 mm to approximately 112 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the neck aperture 204 may be between approximately 104.5 mm and approximately 112.5 mm. A width of the pouring aperture 214 is approximately 105 mm to approximately 1 15 mm. For example, the width of the pouring aperture 214 may be between approximately 105 mm to approximately 115 mm, approximately 107 mm to approximately 113 mm, approximately 108 mm to approximately 112 mm or approximately 109 mm to approximately 111 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the width of the pouring aperture 214 may be approximately 111.3 mm. A length of the pouring aperture 214 is approximately 125 mm to approximately 150 mm. For example, the length of the pouring aperture 214 may be between approximately 125 mm to approximately 150 mm, approximately 130 mm to approximately 145 mm, approximately 132 mm to approximately 143 mm, or approximately 135 mm to approximately 140 mm. Preferably, in any aspect, the length of the pouring aperture 214 may be approximately 129.5 mm. The housing top portion 200 includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.3 mm and approximately 0.5 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the housing top portion 200 may be between approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 0.32 mm to approximately 0.48 mm, approximately 0.35 mm to approximately 0.45 mm or approximately 0.375 mm to approximately 0.435 mm. The housing body portion 206 includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.5 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the housing body portion 206 may be between approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 0.45 mm, approximately 0.28 mm to approximately 0.42 mm or approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.4 mm. The housing bottom portion 202 includes a wall thickness between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 0.5 mm. For example, the wall thickness of the housing bottom portion 202 may be between approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, approximately 0.15 mm to approximately 0.45 mm, approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.4 mm, or approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 0.35 mm. It should be appreciated that all foregoing ranges of dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting.

III. Overview of Example Assembling Methods

[0096] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate flow diagrams of various methods of assembling the integrated liquid container system 100. FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of the first method 500 of assembling the integrated liquid container system 100.

[0097] At a first step 502 of the first method 500, a corrugated cardboard template is assembled into the housing 102, where the housing 102 is dimensioned to house the liquid delivery container 104.

[0098] At a second step 504 of the first method 500, the liquid delivery container 104 is arranged (e.g., received, etc.) within the housing inner cavity 208 such that the neck aperture 204 of the housing top portion 200 circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the neck 304 of the container top portion 300.

[0099] At a third step 506 of the first method 500, the liquid delivery container 104 is secured to the housing 102. In some aspects, the liquid delivery container 104 is secured to the housing 102 via press-fit (e.g., friction hold, etc.) within the housing inner cavity 208 such that inner dimensions of the housing inner cavity 208 equal or approximately equal outer dimensions of the liquid delivery container 104. In other aspects, the liquid delivery container 104 is secured to the housing 102 via tabs within the housing 102 that press-fit the liquid delivery container 104. In yet other aspects, the liquid delivery container 104 is secured to the housing 102 via adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, etc.).

[0100] At a fourth step 508 of the first method 500, a plurality of integrated liquid container systems are assembled together. The plurality of integrated liquid container systems include a first integrated liquid container system and a second integrated liquid container system that are arranged such that the pouring indent 318 of the first integrated liquid container system receives at least a portion of the neck 304 of the second integrated liquid container system.

[0101] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram of the second method 600 of assembling the integrated liquid container system 100. At a first step 602 of the second method 600, an outer portion of the integrated liquid container system 100 is provided. The outer portion of the integrated liquid container system 100 includes a box template.

[0102] At a second step 604 of the second method 600, an inner portion of the integrated liquid container system 100 is provided. The inner portion of the integrated liquid container system 100 includes a bottle (e.g, liquid delivery container 104).

[0103] At a third step 606 of the second method 600, the box template is wrapped around the bottle. At a fourth step 608 of the second method 600, the box template is assembled into a box (e.g., housing 102).

[0104] FIG. 18 illustrates a flow diagram detailing the first step 602 of the second method 600, e.g., providing the outer portion of the integrated liquid container system 100. At a first step 610 of providing the outer portion, a first liner sheet (e g., paper liner, cover, etc.), a second liner sheet, and a corrugated sheet medium (e.g., fluting medium, core, etc.) are provided. The corrugated sheet medium having a first side and a second side. At a second step 612 of providing the outer portion, the first liner sheet is coupled to the first side of the corrugate sheet medium and the second liner sheet is coupled to the second side of the corrugated sheet medium. A combination of the first liner sheet, the second liner sheet, and the corrugated sheet medium defines a board (e.g., corrugated cardboard). At a third step 614 of providing the outer portion, portions of the board are cut and/or scored (e.g., indented, etc.) such that the portions can be easily bent. At a fourth step 616 of providing the outer portion, the board is configured into the box template. [0105] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram detailing the second step 604 of the second method 600, e.g., providing the inner portion of the integrated liquid container system 100. At a first step 620 of providing the inner portion, resin of a thermoplastic polymer as described herein (e.g., PET, PL A, PE, PP, PHA, or combinations thereof) is injected into a mold and a preform is molded. In any aspect, the thermoplastic polymer resin is preferably a PET resin. At a second step 622 of providing the inner portion, the preform is heated to a desirable temperature. At a third step 624 of providing the inner portion, the preform is stretch blow molded into the bottle. In contrast, in some aspects, the second step 622 is omitted such that the second method 600 includes only the first step 620 followed by the third step 624. In such aspects, the preform is injected using an apparatus and then later blow molded using the same apparatus.

IV. Configuration of Example Aspects

[0106] Various numerical values herein are provided for reference purposes only. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of properties, parameters, conditions, and so forth, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations. Any numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. The term “approximately” when used before a numerical designation, e.g., a quantity and/or an amount including range, indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 10%, 5%, or 1%.

[0107] As will be understood by one of skill in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. [0108] It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describe various aspects is intended to indicate that such aspects are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible aspects (and such term is not intended to connote that such aspects are necessarily extraordinary' or superlative examples).

[0109] As utilized herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0110] The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Coupling may be electrical, mechanical and/or fluidic. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[OHl] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary aspects are illustrative only. Although only a few aspects have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e g, variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. ) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary aspects without departing from the scope of the aspects described herein. [0112] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0113] Also, the term “or” is used, in the context of a list of elements, in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain aspects require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.