Device for Handling, Supporting, Carrying and/or Dispensing Flowable Agents

The present invention relates to the support, handling and/or dispensing of fluid from containers. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to flexible containers that are constructed from thin barrier films and that are preferably of bag format.

Containers such as bottles, card packs, and thin film stand up pouches are well known for containing, supporting and dispensing non-gassed flowable agents. The flowable agent may be a liquid, granular material, powder or the like and will hereinafter be referred to as a fluid. Also, the term 'bag' used herein is intended to refer to any flexible container including pouches, bags, sachets and the like that are used for the containing or carrying of fluids.

Prior art devices comprise secondary holders for containers as above described, such as: solid non-compressible jugs into which such bags can be inserted; boxes and containers that can be collapsible or foldable for disposal after use, for example a bag in box and carry bags. However, these devices are not adapted to change volume during use, or act as hand-held pouring vehicles, or grip and suspend the fluid filled pack. There are also prior art devices such as support stands, for example transfusion stands.

It has been recognised for many years to be most advantageous to use bags as primary containers for holding fluids so as to enable a maximum reduction in the cost and weight of the primary pack, especially if it has a once only use or is required to be recycled. This is especially true of larger volume FMCG liquid fluid packs.

The reduction of carbon footprint and streaming of materials for post use recycling and the safe transport of fluids in bags have been considerations for product design and the packaging industry for a number of years.

Transporting bags of fluid through the commercial system can be achieved efficiently by grouping them together in order to absorb impact shock and containing them in well fitting surrounding enclosures either of bag or box format. The problem of product integrity remains, at least perceptively for the consumer, for thinner filmed larger bags, of transporting these fluids from the shop to home or point of use.

The consumer uses many different types of fluid, such as milk and washing fluids that are more ergonomically poured or dispensed in other than tap delivered surface sitting formats, for example like a bag in box as used for wine.

There is a real and perceived problem of container integrity during transit of the thinnest film bags from factory to shop and especially shop to home, for example in the milk industry, and also a space accommodation problem for fridge stored fluids and for the carrying by the consumer of any secondary holder or support for a primary thin film bag containing especially liquid fluid.

Another aspect is that, from the retail industry point of view, shelf presence is important and floppy bags do not place easily or have an acceptable appearance. A filled bag presented in a box or holder that is possibly transparent, and that can be converted at home by the user into a pouring dispenser, and then at least in part is foldable for storage or transit back to shop, and that might reduce in size during use, and enable squeeze emptying of viscous fluids, and then be re-used or easily recycled, would be of great benefit and possibly also have an improved retail presence.

It is also important to allow the streaming of materials so that many of the components can be recycled. Releasably attachable components allow this. It is also important to be able to provide a cost reduction by the appropriate selection of materials and forming methods.

Currently various jugs for holding bags are available in a very limited manner in the milk industry but all of these have design deficiencies. Examples of these deficiencies are: excessive bulk, not easily transportable, inferior grip or handle, required cleaning, poor fluid pour dynamics, lack of fluid valves, residual fluid contents and so on.

Larger bags containing powder and granules also become difficult to pour from as they empty, for example cereals are held in stiff cardboard outer containers that surround the protective barrier bag. Some cartons are notoriously difficult to open when removing the secondary aluminium seal.

According to a first aspect of this invention there is provided a device in accordance with Claim 1. According to a second aspect of this invention there is provided a container assembly in accordance with Claim 22. According to a third aspect of this invention there is provided a device in accordance with Claim 32.

The device may comprise an assembly of parts that enables the user to carry or support fluid in a manner suitable for dispensing, the device comprises a holding means for the fluid or a holding means for a bag containing the fluid, the device preferably further comprises releasable attachment means for support of a fluid filled bag or support of a fluid filled bag contained there-in and further is configured or comprises means such that pressure can be brought to bear on to the fluid, from outside the walls of the holder of fluid which is either or both of the container in direct fluid contact or the holder for such a container.

Preferably the device supports and enables compression of the fluid and may support the body of the fluid by the holder or by the bag walls and/or by a structure external to the holder or bag walls, the device may comprise a full or part containment for the bag,

the device is preferably further characterised as being foldable or collapsible or compressible, preferably during use and/or transit.

The device may be a holder for a fluid filled bag, preferably formed as a pouch or gussetted bag, preferably comprising perforations to aid finger grip, and that enables protection for a fluid filled bag placed within, the device being shaped to co-operate or conform to a more substantial household holder, such that it may be inserted into the holder with the fluid filled bag located inside.

The aforesaid device may be large enough to hold variably useful amounts of fluid and preferably being rolled up from the base to be inserted into the household container device that preferably comprises a handle grip and valve.

Preferably the device comprises holding means for the fluid that enables the fluid to be held suspended or to have a stand up capability.

Optionally the holder walls are biased to open apart.

Optionally the holder is formed as a tube. Optionally the holder has no supporting floor at the base. Alternatively, a base may be attached to the holder formed as a tube.

Optionally the holder comprises means to enable attachment of a flexible bag that in turn supports the fluid filled bag contained inside.

Preferably the holder comprises means at or adjacent to the top of the side walls of its structure such that a bag may be suspended inside.

Preferably the device supports the material of the primary fluid containment such that the material is prevented from encroaching on a fluid exit pathway during fluid pour by the user.

Preferably the material that contains the fluid and preferably any associated fluid control valve are formed such that they do not interfere or encroach on the fluid pathway during pouring of the fluid.

Optionally the device comprises a foldable support for example a strap or a supporting container for example a jug, box or pouch, that acts as a secondary container for a fluid filled bag and that is compressible and provides either or both of a stand up capability or a suspended capability optionally providing lateral support while enabling lateral compression of the fluid filled bag preferably on being simply compressed without any prior unlocking action.

Preferably the device also comprises a suitable valve, suitable for both uses, such that the consumer can go to the shop with the secondary container, insert , for example, a bag of milk or a bag of shower gel and preferably secure it in place, then simply position it for use in the home.

The support for the fluid may be a holder in the form of a box or bag structure. The support for the fluid may comprise a strap or suspension means attached to a fluid holder such as a box or bag.

Preferably the device is further characterised as enabling the releasable application of a fluid valve to the fluid holder or bag.

Preferably the device comprises holding means that supports the fluid containing bag from its top.

Preferably the device comprises a valve.

Optionally the device is a fluid filled bag that is modified to be supported by the use of attached holding means, for example perforations.

Optionally the device is collapsible or foldable.

Preferably the device or the holder part of the device is collapsible and is enabled to change volumetric dimension on application of compressive pressure on its walls.

Optionally the device is a valve the members of which are enabled to support or compress, at least in part, the walls of a fluid filled bag.

Optionally the device is a valve the members of which are enabled to support or compress, at least in part, the walls of a fluid filled bag.

A supported structure for holding fluid may be achieved by the material of the bag enclosing the fluid or by an external holder for the bag or as aforesaid by an extension of a valve structure.

Optionally the valve is releasably applied to the bag.

A valve for the fluid filled bag is preferably characterised in that it is not permanently connected to the bag during manufacture but is preferably releasably attached to the bag material preferably by means of pressure members.

Optionally the holder containing flowable agent is a tube formed bag that is formed without an integral valve.

Optionally the bag containing flowable agent is a stand up pouch.

Optionally the bag containing flowable agent is any bag either formless or comprised of some structural form.

Preferably the fluid valve is attached to an external bag support and releasably applied to the bag.

Optionally the fluid valve is attached to the bag such that it remains attached when in the valve is in the open condition.

Preferably the device comprises attachment means such that the fluid valve maintains a constant positional relationship with the bag material during its use.

Preferably the device, at least in part, comprises means whereby it can change dimension or reduce in volume, during use, as the bag it supports reduces in volume.

Optionally the device is comprised of, at least in part, a suspension means or a frame means.

Optionally the device supports the bag by preferably releasable suspension means attached to the bag at the bag top.

Optionally the device comprises means to open the bag.

Optionally the opening means is a cutting means that runs in a slot or guide adjacent to where the bag is gripped or sealed closed by the device.

Optionally the cutting means is also a security catch means that functions to keep the valve closed securely.

Optionally the device comprises more than one part releasably attachable together such that the parts can be designed to have varying material qualities that can be varied to suit re-cycling or bag size or transport convenience.

Optionally the device comprises a foldable or compressible base or lower part that preferably confers a stand-up support, the base preferably being able to change dimension as the fluid in the fluid bag moves or is used up.

Optionally the floor of the aforesaid base comprises a material more flexible than the walls of the device.

Optionally the holder for a fluid filled bag is vertically rigid but laterally compressible and preferably comprises holding means to be held by the user, the aforesaid holding means preferably being simple perforations in the wall that enable vertical lifting.

Optionally the aforesaid holder also comprises means to be attached to a valve structure that co-operates with a bag and preferably also a handle designed to enable tilting the bag to pour fluid.

Preferably the device comprises at least two parts, one part being a releasably attachable handle portion that enables pour ergonomics such that the user can lift and pour the fluid from the fluid filled bag.

Optionally the device may comprise various components either fixed together or that are releasably co-operatively attachable.

Optionally the fluid filled bag comprises co-operative means to attach to the other components of the device.

Optionally the fluid filled bag is configured within size limitations in order to fit with the other components of the device.

Preferably a handle component provides preferably releasably attachable suspension support for the bag.

Preferably a compressible base provides lateral support for the bag but is freely moveable in dimension laterally on application of pressure during use, from outside its structure.

Optionally the device is wholly or partly a rigid frame.

Optionally the device comprises a compressible open ended tube.

Optionally a secondary holder base part is made from card or plastic with hinged folding sections.

A primary holder may be directly in contact with the contained fluid. A secondary holder may hold the primary holder.

Optionally the handling device is wholly or partly collapsible, foldable or compressible thus able to change its dimensions or volume preferably during use and without any unlocking action required.

Optionally the floor of such a base is made from a very flexible material, for example a woven cloth or very flexible film.

The base part may be designed to act as a protective transit box for a thin film bag and preferably convert to a jug when used by the user as opposed to current bag in boxes that are surface supported and that pour fluid, usually from a tap.

Optionally the box comprises means to convert or reduce its wall profile, by means of foldable or slidable means, e.g., concertina, or tearable sections, or by the geometric design of the top cover, such that the fluid is well clear of its structure on pouring.

Optionally the holder comprises means to direct fluid flow by grip attachment enabling means that enable orientation of the fluid portal with respect to gravity and preferably also with respect to the valve action.

The device may be designed as a free standing or a suspended device and in both cases when used with the valve described herein has the advantages of enabling complete emptying of fluid and of having no contact with the fluid.

Preferably the valve comprises pressure members placed in opposition on each side of the bag, outside the bag walls.

Preferably the valve comprises attachment means that enable the pressure members to keep a constant relationship regarding their operating contact position on the bag walls.

Preferably the valve is attached to the bag or a holder for the bag and is releasably applied to the bag.

The valve may be supported by the device, the user closing the pressure members to obstruct fluid flow.

The valve members may at least partially support the fluid filled bag.

Where the device is or comprises a valve the valve structure may contribute to holding the bag.

The valve may be biased to open or biased to close.

Preferably the valve, that has an integral bag cutting device, is operable to be closed while the bag primary, factory made seal remains intact.

Preferably the valve comprises means to be operated to be closed or open by application of compressive pressure on its members or extensions of its members.

Preferably the valve comprises pressure members on each of the bag sides positioned in opposition to each other and placed upstream of the primary bag seal.

A bag holding means may be any means that supports the bag.

Optionally a valve consisting of two or more pressure members, as before described, may comprise members that rotate about a common axis and be biased to close, being able to be pressured to open by compressive pressure on pressure member extensions upstream of the axis.

Such a valve may have pressure member extensions positioned such that the user is enabled to hold the device and activate the valve with one hand.

A valve as aforesaid may comprise members arranged about a rotational axis, that are configured on the under-surface such that when the bag fluid exit is opened on the downstream side of the axis ,fluid is pressured or energised on the upstream side.

The device may include a rigid or flexible strap which may be elastic or adjustable.

Optionally the device may comprise a hinged part integral to a pressure member such that an inside surface of the hinged part fully co-operates with the inside surface of the other member in a planar approximation thus completely expelling fluid.

This arrangement is especially useful as a suspended device where preferably the bag is suspended from its corner and the diametrically opposite corner is vertically below, with the valve members on each side of the bag material at the lower corner.

Optionally at least part of the device, preferably a wall or part of the holding structure, is moveable or collapsible as pressure is applied from outside the bag walls or outside the device structure such that fluid is pressured to move.

Optionally the device may be considered to include a flexible bag to hold fluid the bag preferably being adapted to fit or co-operate with the supporting part or the valve part of the device.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device comprising a base box structure and a releasably attachable handle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a device for suspension of fluid according to a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, figure 1 shows a flexible and sealed container or bag 1 which is contained in an enclosure or folding box 2. The box 2 comprises a base 3 and walls 4 that distort or bend or fold at folding means such as a fold line 4A when external pressure is applied, thus transmitting pressure to the bag 1 inside.

Area 5 of the box is shaped to enable pouring of fluid in direction 6 when the bag corner 7 is removed at cut line 8.

A handle 10 is sited at a corner of the box and the bag 1 is held preferably oriented across a diagonal of the box. The handle 10 may be vertically extendable, for example it may comprise telescopic means (not shown), such that the one device can hold or fit to different capacities of fluid holder bags 1. The handle 10 folds around a hinge 1OA such that it is easier to park in storage (not shown).

The handle 10 suspends the bag 1 by releasable suspension means 13 that applies a reactive upwards force in direction 13A to the bag top, thus maintaining the pour geometry and preventing spillage of fluid. The handle 10 is releasably attached to the box and comprises a catch means 9 hinged at 9A that operates through a window 9B in the corner of the box 2.

The box preferably folds to a flatter dimension parallel to its sides.

Handle 10 comprises loops 11 that enable the user to use a single finger lift or a tilting grip.

The device has attachment means or legs 12 that form pressure members on each side of the bag corner 7, the pressure members 12 being compressible together by the user. A catch 14 also operates by compressive pressure to open the legs.

The bag 1 is held by means 12A comprising a first portion or top section of the legs 12 such that a second portion or lower hinged section of legs 12 hinged at hinge means 19 operates independently of leg hinges 19, without releasing the bag 1, to enable opening and closing of the bag 1 once an opening cut has been made. Catch 20 slides or rotates in direction 15 to secure the top bag grip.

A cutter 17 slides in a slot 18 to cut off the bag corner 7 and may remain at the bottom of the legs 12 near catch 14 thus locking the legs together. The cutter is moved upwards above hinge 19 in order to open the legs 12 and release the fluid seal while the bag is being gripped, the position indicated by broken line 22, that is caused by the co- operative pressure of the inside leg surfaces on the bag 1. The cutter may return to rest in a position at the top of legs 12 above the hinge 21 and catch 13 such that the legs 12 are free to open for a new bag insertion.

The cutter 17 may be positioned such that the bag grip is secured while the legs are open for pouring of fluid.

On or adjacent to legs 12 bag grip enabling means are sited such that the bag is held on both sides of the cutting channel thus enabling grip and presentation of the edge of the bag (not shown) to the cutting blade such that it will cut.

The bag 1 is shown with hanging attachment means 16, suitable for use with the device of figure 2.

The box 2 comprises folds 4A that enable its folding and preferably the base has four cut away triangular sections 23 and 23A (broken line), two at the front and two at the rear to ease the folding process. The base has attached back and front at centre folds 24, possible reinforced by applied tape means.

The box 2 may accommodate different volumes by virtue of the grip 13 being vertically adjustable. The box 2 may comprise means to increase in volume by sliding or extending of one or more parts (not shown).

The folds on the box are preferably biased in a particular orientation for use.

The handle, box and valve and grip may all be one unit fixed together or with any or all of these components being releasably attachable together.

A handle and/or valve means may be fixed or releasably attachable to a base formed as a preferably planar frame that preferably has a lower part that provides lateral stand up support, the lower part being foldable or compressible for example a rotatable strut.

The bag may have a tear open facility that does not require the use of a cutter.

The fluid filled bag may comprise adhesive means on its outer surface to temporarily attach to the inner pressure member surfaces.

The box top (not shown) may be hinged or otherwise attachable to the box and be convertible to form the handle and top support for the bag 1. If there is a fluid valve optionally it may be independent of the structure or be fixed at the box/jug front 21.

On being pressured together by pressure at 14A the legs 12 perform the function of gripping the bag and causing a fluid seal. The legs 12 therefore provide valve means.

In figure IA, gripping and bag sealing means are shown. Bag 1 is seen with pressure member legs 12 on each side. Recess 26 is substantially wider than blunt ended protrusion 27 that fits into it and traps bag 1 in a chicane thus forming a fluid seal. Perforation 25 is substantially larger than blunt ended protrusion 28 that fits into it under pressure thus trapping and gripping the bag 1.

The box may be translucent or transparent and made from an easily recycled single material such as HDPE or PET, the polypropylene and metal parts of the device being re- useable.

The bags preferably are presented in a foldable shelf-ready multi compartment box that is designed to have a shelf presence.

The device may be used to contain or comprise of any flexible fluid holder. The device may all or in part, be comprised of a stand up pouch format. Optionally a box or holder of any format may be designed to include a valve or valves that enable an inserted fluid filled bag to be used either in a pouring mode or in a suspended mode as shown in figure 2. The valve of figure 2 is attached to the front of the base in order to accept a corner of the bag and the pouring handle is adaptable to be used as a hanging attachment. A possible secondary holder in such a case could be a flexible stand up pouch format with part of the base corner cut away to enable the configuration of the device in figure 2 to be included.

Optionally the walls of the secondary holder are sufficiently rigid to enable suspension of, and provide vertical support to, the fluid filled bag.

In use, the user places the bag 1 into holder 2 and swinging a leg 12 upwards pulls the bag corner 7 between pressure members 12 and preferably attaches clamp means 13 to

secure the bagl for transit. Clamp means 13 may be a rotational means as shown or a simple press catch means. The pressure members 12 are then fully closed by compressive pressure at 14A.

The fluid is preferably never in contact with any part of the device other than the disposable bag 1.

Any of the holders herein described may have attachment means to attach to and be located in a general purpose carrier bag that itself may have co-operative attachment means for the secondary holder 2.

Referring to figure 2, which shows a second embodiment of the invention, bag 1 is shown by the broken line on each side of which is a pressure member 12. The pressure members 12 are hinged on each side around axis 17 extending rearwards of the axis 17 to cover part of the body of bag 1 where integral flap members 27 hinged at broken line 19 are depressible by the user towards the body of the bag 1. Integral to members 12, flap members 27, on being approximated together, energise fluid to exit through opening 28. Forwards of the axis, extensions of members 12 co-operate to form a secondary seal on the bag, upstream of the primary seal 7A. Flap members 27 are configured to intimately co-operate so that the fluid is fully expelled.

Cutter 17 rests on a single member 12A enabling opening apart of the members 12 when the user (not shown) applies pressure rearwards of the axis 17. Cutter 17 slides along a slot 18 to cut part 7 off the bag 1, and can remain in the middle of the slot 18 to securely lock the secondary seal (not shown) on the bag 1.

The members 12 are biased to close by elastic means 29. Attachment means 30, on each side of the device, enables releasable attachment, preferably by clamp means (not shown) to the bag 1. Thus the device may be attached independently to the bag 1, the

whole assembly hanging from hanging means attached to the bag or the assembly may be suspended by being attached to hanging means 31 comprising releasable attachment means 32 and attachment means 33, hook clamp or other means, for the bag 1.

The hanging means 31 may be rigid or flexible and may have an elastic or other means (not shown) being length adjustable.

The device of figure 2 may also be attached to or operate on the corner of a fluid filled bag that is held in a stand up holder configuration of figure 1 and preferably comprises valve control extensions that are adjacent to the handle of the stand up holder and operable by the user while gripping the handle of the stand up holder, all preferably being achieved with one hand.

This arrangement would enable a low volume controlled fast delivery of viscous fluid, for example ketchup, as opposed to a high volume slower delivery for example milk.

In use, the consumer might carry the fluid filled bag from the point of sale and orient the corner that is to be opened and later become downstream, in the uppermost position, thus draining fluid from the area that will become the bag base. Then, while pressing on members 12 to only part open them, the bag corner can be fitted in between.

The bag is then suspended by whichever arrangement is available. In the case of there being a part 31, the bag is sized to fit the appropriate dimensions and may not require the use of attachments 30.

The bag 1 may be considered to be part of the device as it supports a body of fluid (not shown) and therefore the support for the fluid can be from either of the points 13A, as indicated in figure 2, and in both cases there is a foldable or compressible means that lends support to the fluid body.

Referring to figure 3, the bag holder 2 may comprise one part with a base 3 on which a fluid filled bag (not shown) may rest or may comprise two parts (an inner and outer member) in telescopic co-operation, as shown, the lower part 2A comprising the base 3. The parts 2 and 2A move vertically relative to each other to provide a variable volume opportunity for holding varying sizes of bags and are fixed in relation to each other by locking means 34.

The bag holder 2 is preferably made from one folded planar piece of material folded about integral hinge fold 4A, the folded ends being secured by securing means 35. The walls of the holder 2 are able to fold flat to become a planar form. Alternatively, the bag holder 2 could be formed as a tube with an open end. Hinge means 4A on the body of the bag holder 2 enables the contour of the walls of the containers to form a circular path thus increasing the volume in response to internal fluid pressure and pressure on the walls and base. The bag holder 2 naturally takes the shape, in cross section, of a narrow eliptic circle and can be closed to be flat.

The base 3 is preferably a planar rigid part, hinged in the middle at hinge 36, attached to the inside of the bag holder walls at 37, and foldable upwards to allow the bag holder walls to close. The base 3 opens to be planar under pressure in direction 38, such as when a fluid filled bag is supported on the base 3, thus moving the bag holder walls apart in direction 39.

The bag holder 2 could be adapted such that the holder walls are biased to open apart. This could be done using the reslience of the walls, such as if formed as a tube, or the base could be biased to pivot open about the hinge 36, or separate biasing means could be provided.

The bag holder 2 could include means to attach a flexible second container or flexible bag that in turn supports the fluid filled bag contained inside. In such a case, the second container provides the inner member.

The holder 2 could include means at the top of the side walls of its structure for releasably suspending the second container inside. The holder 2, whether formed from a planar material or a tube, could have no base and so the suspending means of the holder 2 provides all of the vertical support of the fluid filled bag. The second container could be formed from a relatively inexpensive material. This allows a user, for example in a supermarket, to purchase the bag of fluid and the inexpensive second container. The user can place the fluid bag within the second container for transporting home. At home, the fluid bag can either be removed from the second container and inserted in the holder 2, or the second container can directly be inserted into (and be suspended by) the holder 2.

There may be a locking means (not shown) on the undersurface of the base 3. When there is no locking action, as the weight of fluid decreases so the base, at hinge 36, will rise and the volume of the bag holder 2 will decrease as the walls move inwards. As squeezing pressure is applied to the bag holder 2, the walls will move together and the fluid will rise vertically. The bag holder 2 will expand on release of the pressure, for example on removal from a fridge shelf.

The lower bag holder part 2A may be used independantly of the upper part as bag carrier and may have perforated holding means 11 and match the contour of the upper part of part 2 at area 39. Handle 35 is preferably formed out of a similar blank as part 2 and comprises a recess 39 into which the handle connector 10 that preferably comprises the bag grip, bag seal and cutter, may be fixedly or releasably attached, preferably by a simple push fit.

The construction as decscribed enables a product with many features to be constructed from a minimum of parts, the collapsible jug being only three parts and the top grip seal device also possibly being one part plus two parts for the cutter.

Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.