BACKGROUND

[0001] Fluids such as ink typically are held in containers configured both to contain the fluid and to protect the surrounding environment. During distribution, such fluid containers may be placed in packaging called upon to meet containment criteria set by a transport carrier and/or by a regulatory body. For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) specifies that some fluids are to remain contained throughout a hydrostatic pressure test intended to simulate conditions that may be encountered during air transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical elements.

[0003] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fluid container, the fluid container being fitted with a protective cover used in packaging the fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the assembled fluid container and protective cover of FIG. 1 , the assembled fluid container and protective cover being placed in an inner box used in packaging the fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the inner box of FIG. 2 after placement of the fluid container in the inner box, the inner box having been placed in an outer bag, and packaging inserts being configured for placement around the inner box used in packaging the fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0006] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the inner box after placement of the packaging inserts as indicated in FIG. 3, the covered inner box being placed in an outer box used in packaging the fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer box sealed to enclose the fluid container, thus packaging the fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5 to show a composite package with layers of packaging surrounding a fluid container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 7 is a somewhat schematic view of a composite package including a fluid container, illustrating frictional interaction between packaging layers to assist in containing fluid within the in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00010] As noted above, fluids may be held in fluid containers configured to contain the fluid and protect the surrounding environment. Such containers, however, may not be entirely suitable for use in all conditions, at least not without some additional packaging.

[00011] Printing fluids such as ink may be stored in flexible containers suited for use in delivering the fluid to a printing system upon collapse of the fluid container. Such flexible fluid containers, however, may not be well suited for situations that call for a more robust containment scheme. For example, air transport may demand containment of some printing fluids according to exacting standards established by the carrier and/or a regulatory body. In particular, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) specifies that Dangerous Goods (DG), which may include some printing fluids, are to remain contained for 30 minutes under a pressure of 95 kPa (approximately 13.77 psi).

[00012] Many flexible fluid containers will not withstand 95 kPa for 30 minutes. Flexible fluid containers thus may be packaged to enhance structural integrity, for example, by placement of the flexible container within a more rigid box. In such an arrangement, the box is intended to resist expansion of the flexible container, which might otherwise cause the flexible container to rupture.

[00013] Even so, boxes made from conventional packaging materials such as cardboard may still offer insufficient support to withstand the IATA hydrostatic pressure test. Such boxes typically are assembled from a single piece of material, and generally employ an adhesive to hold the box closed. The adhesive joint can tend to be a weak point in the structure, and may fail under an expansion force of the flexible fluid container, particularly where the adhesive joint coincides with a nozzle (or other more rigid structure) on the flexible fluid container, as is often the case.

[00014] Examples set forth herein illustrate protective packaging that may be employed to contain the flexible fluid container, and more particularly, to enhance structural integrity of the flexible fluid container via concentric boxes interposed by one or more frictional inserts. As described below, the inserts may be configured both to cover weak joints in boxes, and to oppose movement of packaging layers by tangential frictional contact between the inserts and one or more sides of the concentric boxes. A snug fit between packaging layers thus may enhance structural integrity of the packaging and fluid container.

[00015] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a fluid container 10 is shown, the container being configured to hold a volume of fluid such as printing fluid F. Fluid container 10 may take the form of a flexible bag 12 (also referred to as an inner bag) having sidewalls that expand or contract with varying pressure (internal and external) and fill level of the bag. Inner bag 12 may be formed of resilient plastic, and may take any of a variety of forms, including the generally rectangular form shown in FIG. 1.

[00016] In some examples, inner bag 12 may include a rigid nozzle or spout 14. Spout 14, in turn, may be employed to deliver fluid to a user, or to a system such as a printing system when the container is in use as an ink supply or the like. Various spout configurations are possible, depending on the contents of the bag and the particular application in which the bag is to be used. In FIG. 1, spout 14 is closed to form a first sealed bag so that printing fluid does not pass through the spout during storage and/or transport. [00017] Where spout 14 protrudes from inner bag 12, a protective cover 20 may be applied to fluid container 10 so as to prevent damage to spout or bag. As indicated, the protective cover may be constructed in part from a foldable sheet 22. Sheet 22, in turn, may be formed from a relatively rigid packaging material such as cardboard. Foldable sheet 22 may be folded (e.g., along dashed fold lines in FIG. 1 ) to form protective flaps 24 that define a chamber 25 around spout 14 (see FIG. 2). In FIG. 1 , the sheet defines an opening 26 through which spout 14 may be inserted. A shim 28 may be applied to hold the protective cover in place.

[00018] The protective packaging also may include a relatively rigid inner box 30 (also referred to as a first box) into which fluid container 10 is placed. Inner box 30 may be formed of a packaging material such as "C" flute corrugated cardboard, and may define an opening 32 to an inner box cavity sized to closely receive fluid container 10 (and protective cover 20). As shown, inner box 30 may include cover flaps 34, which fold down to close opening 32, thereby defining a top wall of inner box 30. In some examples, upon closing the inner box, cover flaps 34 may interact with one or more of protective flaps 24, thereby reinforcing an upper surface of inner box 30. An adhesive 36 may be applied to regions of the cover flaps and/or protective flaps so as to secure the flaps in place when inner box 30 is closed. In other examples, adhesive tape and/or other closure mechanisms may be employed. In any event, the adhesive joints may not be as strong as other portions of inner box 30.

[00019] As indicated generally in FIG. 2, the adhesive joints between the cover flaps and/or protective flaps may coincide with spout 14. Accordingly, when there is a pressure change that causes fluid within inner bag 12 to expand (as may occur during air transport), spout 14 may engage the inner box along the adhesive joints in a manner similar to a piston, placing significant strain on the adhesive joints. In some instances, the adhesive joints may not be configured to alone withstand the force applied by spout 14 upon expansion of the fluid during air transport.

[00020] In some examples, inner box 30 also may define a punch section 38, which also may coincide with spout 14. Punch section 38 may be configured (with perforated lines or the like) for removal to expose spout 14, and may be removable by applying a relatively small force to the punch section so as to tear it away from the remainder of inner box 30. In some instances, the force required to remove punch section 38 may be less than the force applied by spout 14 upon expansion of the fluid during air transport (absent use the protective packaging described below).

[00021] Referring now to FIG. 3, the assembled inner box 30 is shown as being placed in a packaging bag 40 (also referred to as an outer bag). Outer bag 40 also may be flexible (similar to inner bag 12), and may be formed of resilient plastic. The outer bag may take any of a variety of forms, including the loose-fitting form shown in FIG. 3. As indicated, where outer bag 40 is not fitted, the outer bag may be folded around inner box 30 and sealed (e.g., via seal mechanism 42) so as to form a second sealed bag to contain the fluid in the event such fluid escapes from the inner bag 12. Although the outer bag 40 is shown as transparent in FIG. 3, the bag may be transparent, opaque or translucent.

[00022] As also indicated in FIG. 3, the inner box may be fitted with one or more packaging inserts 50, 60, typically over outer bag 40 so as to establish frictional exterior surfaces 52, 62 at least partially surrounding inner box 30. Packaging inserts 50, 60 each may be formed from a sheet of single wall "C" flute corrugated cardboard with fold lines defined to correspond to the dimensions of inner box 30. The cardboard sheets may be folded along the fold lines to form generally U-shaped structures that closely fit around the top and bottom of the inner box in complementary fashion so as to substantially cover inner box 30 (see FIG. 4).

[00023] Upper packaging insert 50 includes a central reinforcement segment 54 flanked by opposite side segments 56a, 56b. In FIG. 3, each segment of upper packaging insert 50 has a width w1 that is substantially equal to a width W of inner box 30. Central segment 54 has a length a1 that is substantially equal to a depth D of inner box 30. Side segments 56a, 56b each has a length a2, a3 (respectively) that is substantially equal to a height of inner box 30. Upper packaging insert 50 thus substantially completely covers the top wall and a first pair of opposite side walls of upper box 30 (see FIG. 4). Upper packaging insert 50 thus may serve to reinforce punch section 38 and the adhesive joint 39 established by the cover flaps (and/or protective flaps) of inner box 30.

[00024] Lower packaging insert 60 is rotated 90 degrees relative to upper packaging insert 50. Lower packaging insert 60 thus includes a central segment 64 flanked by opposite side segments 66a, 66b. Again referring to FIG. 3, each segment of lower packaging insert 60 has a width w2 that is substantially equal to a depth D of inner box 30. Central segment 64 has a length b1 that is substantially equal to a width W of inner box 30. Side segments 66a, 66b each has a length b2, b3 (respectively) that is substantially equal to a height of inner box 30. Upper packaging insert 50 thus substantially completely covers the bottom and a second pair of opposite side walls of upper box 30 (see FIG. 4).

[00025] As best shown in FIG. 4, upper and lower packaging inserts 50, 60 thus substantially cover the entire exterior of inner box 30. However, in some examples, inner box 30 may be covered with only a single packaging insert. In particular, where inner box 30 does not include adhesive seams or punch sections other than on the top of the inner box, upper packaging insert 50 alone may provide sufficient reinforcement of the inner box. Furthermore, although rectangular packaging inserts are shown, other shape inserts are contemplated, including oval inserts having fold lines configured to provide insert segments covering only portions of the top and opposing sides of the inner box

[00026] In FIG. 4, inner box 30 is covered by upper and lower packaging inserts 50, 60 (respectively), and is positioned for placement into outer box 70. Outer box 70 may be formed of a packaging material such as "C" flute corrugated cardboard, and may define an opening 72 to an outer box cavity sized to closely receive inner box 30 once the inner box is covered with the upper and lower packaging inserts. As shown, outer box 70 may include outer flaps 74, which fold down to close opening 72, thereby defining a top wall of outer box 70. Once the covered inner box is inserted, the upper and lower packaging inserts frictionally engage an interior surface 75 of one of more side walls 76 of outer box 70, thereby opposing movement of the upper and lower packaging inserts within outer box 70.

[00027] In Fig. 5, outer box 70 is closed and an adhesive tape 80 is applied over outer flaps 74 so as to secure the outer flaps in place when outer box 70 is closed. Adhesive tape 80 and outer flaps 74 define an outer adhesive joint that coincides with spout 14, and with the inner adhesive joint (of inner box 30). However, the resulting composite package 100 provides sufficient protective packaging to contain fluid F (in fluid container 10) for at least 30 minutes at 95 kPa. Composite package 100 thus meets or exceeds the standards called for by the International Air Transport Association (I ATA) for transport of Dangerous Goods.

[00028] Referring now to FIG. 6, composite package 100 is shown in cross section. As indicated, composite package 100 carries a fluid container 10 in the form of an inner bag 12 having a spout 14. In FIG. 6, a protective cover 20 surrounds spout 14, but such protective cover need not be included in all examples. Fluid container 10, in turn, is held within an inner box 30 having cover flaps 34 that close over spout 14. Inner box 30 (which may be further contained within an outer bag 40) is covered by complementary packaging inserts 50, 60, and placed within an outer box 70. Outer box 70 has outer flaps 74 that close over covered inner box 30, and are secured via adhesive tape 80 or the like.

[00029] As shown, packaging inserts 50, 60 are closely received within outer box 70 such that exterior surfaces of the packaging inserts 50, 60 are disposed between inner box 30 and outer box 70 and frictionally engage interior surfaces of at least outer box 70. More particularly, outer surfaces of side segments 56a, 56b of upper packaging insert 50 frictionally engage inner surfaces of outer box sidewalls 76 to oppose movement of packaging insert 50 toward outer flaps 74. Furthermore, central segment 54 of packaging insert 50 reinforces the top of outer box 70.

[00030] Upon a change in pressure such as that experienced during air transport, inner bag 12 will tend to expand to fill available space within inner box 30. Beyond that, inner bag 12 will exert a force on the walls of inner box 30, and more particularly, on the wall including adhesive joint 39 (see FIG. 3). This force may be directed to a relatively small area of the adhesive joint due to the presence of spout 14 in alignment with the adhesive joint.

[00031] However, the adhesive joint is reinforced by central segment 54 of packaging insert 50. Stress communicated through the top of inner box 30 thus is distributed across central segment 54 of packaging insert 50, rather than being applied in a more focused manner to outer flaps 74 of outer box 70 as would otherwise occur. Correspondingly less stress is applied to the adhesive joint defined by adhesive tape 80. Adhesive tape 80 thus is less likely to fail, and the inner bag is more likely to be contained.

[00032] Flanking side segments 56a, 56b resist floating of packaging insert 50 within outer box 70 due to friction between outer surface 52 of side segments 56a, 56b and inner surface 75 of outer box side walls 76. More particularly, frictional forces between packaging insert outer surface 52 and outer box inner surface 75 resist movement of packaging insert 50 against the cover flaps of outer box 70. Packaging insert 50 thus also resist expansion of inner box 30, which would tend to move packaging insert 50 against the cover flaps of outer box 70. Correspondingly, because expansion of inner box 30 is resisted, expansion of inner bag 12 (within inner box 30) also is resisted. Fluid within inner bag 12 thus may be contained.

[00033] FIG. 7 is a somewhat schematic representation of an example composite package 200 employing the principles described above. As indicated, the composite package is configured to contain fluid F within a fluid container 210. During changes in environment (e.g. pressure changes as may occur during air transport), fluid F may tend to expand, as indicated by arrows 220. Fluid container 210 is held within an inner box 230, which resists expansion of the fluid container during environmental changes that tend to cause expansion of fluid F. Inner box 230, in turn, is contained within an outer box 240, which resists expansion of the inner box (caused by expansion of fluid F and fluid container 210). A packaging insert 250 is placed intermediate the inner box 230 and outer box 240. Packaging insert 250 serves to reinforce the inner box, redistribute stress applied to the outer box, and reduce the space for expansion within the composite package.

[00034] As indicated in FIG. 7, the inner box 230 may include a seam 232 corresponding to the opening through which fluid container 210 is inserted. Such seam may be a weaker region in the inner box, even when sealed with an adhesive or the like. Packaging insert 250 includes a reinforcement segment 252 that covers seam 232, thereby reinforcing the inner box in the potentially weaker region. Outer box 240 similarly may include a seam 242 corresponding to the opening through which inner box 230 is inserted. Reinforcement segment 252 of packaging insert 250 also may serve to reinforce the outer box in a potentially weaker region corresponding to seam 242.

[00035] Packaging insert 250 also may include one or more side segments 254 configured to frictionally engage corresponding side walls 244 of the outer box (and/or side walls 234 of the inner box) to resist relative movement between the packaging insert and the outer box 240 (and/or inner box 230). Expansion of the fluid container within the inner box 230 may tend to enhance the frictional relationship between the packaging inserts and the outer box. Such frictional relationship is indicated in FIG. 7, for example, by opposite arrows along the side walls of the outer box and side segments of the packaging inserts.

[00036] A fluid container such as a printing fluid container thus may be packaged by a method which includes inserting the printing fluid container in an inner box having a top wall and a pair of opposed side walls, covering the inner box with a packaging, the packaging insert including a central segment overlying the top wall of the inner box and a pair of flanking side segments overlying the opposed side walls of the inner box, and inserting the inner box into an outer box through an opening in the outer box, with the flanking side segments frictionally engaging interior side surfaces of the outer box to contain the inner box within the outer box.

[00037] Although side segments are shown extending along opposite side walls of the outer box in FIG. 7, packaging insert side segments may be employed along one, two, three or four side walls. As noted above in connection with the example shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, a pair of complementary U-shaped packaging inserts 50, 60 are employed, one packaging insert 50 being inverted and rotated 90 degrees relative to another packaging insert 60 so as to provide reinforcing segments that cover both the top and bottom of the inner box, and side segments that frictionally engage all four sides of the outer box. Despite the reinforcement offered by reinforcement segment 252, expansion of fluid container 210 may still reinforcing the inner box in the potentially weaker region.

[00038] The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments and examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.