EP3036175A1 - Dispensing container and method - Google Patents
Dispensing container and methodInfo
- Publication number
- EP3036175A1 EP3036175A1 EP13759052.7A EP13759052A EP3036175A1 EP 3036175 A1 EP3036175 A1 EP 3036175A1 EP 13759052 A EP13759052 A EP 13759052A EP 3036175 A1 EP3036175 A1 EP 3036175A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- closure
- base
- cap
- panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 28
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 13
- 229940093470 ethylene Drugs 0.000 description 12
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 12
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 12
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920000092 linear low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000004707 linear low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 9
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 9
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 230000003746 surface roughness Effects 0.000 description 6
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N olefin Natural products CCCCCCCC=C JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000002453 shampoo Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241000219198 Brassica Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000003351 Brassica cretica Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000003343 Brassica rupestris Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000034 Plastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011127 biaxially oriented polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- QKSKPIVNLNLAAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide Chemical compound ClCCSCCCl QKSKPIVNLNLAAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000013409 condiments Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000008960 ketchup Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000012263 liquid product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006210 lotion Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010746 mayonnaise Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008268 mayonnaise Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001179 medium density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004701 medium-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010460 mustard Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000379 polymerizing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 2
- BLDFSDCBQJUWFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-(methylamino)-1,2-diphenylethanol Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1C(NC)C(O)C1=CC=CC=C1 BLDFSDCBQJUWFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004812 Fluorinated ethylene propylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010654 Melissa officinalis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000062730 Melissa officinalis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004909 Moisturizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000008452 baby food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006378 biaxially oriented polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N but-3-enoic acid;ethene Chemical compound C=C.OC(=O)CC=C DQXBYHZEEUGOBF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012611 container material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012792 core layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 1
- HQQADJVZYDDRJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethene;prop-1-ene Chemical group C=C.CC=C HQQADJVZYDDRJT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006228 ethylene acrylate copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004715 ethylene vinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000865 liniment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021056 liquid food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001912 maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001333 moisturizer Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920009441 perflouroethylene propylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005604 random copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000475 sunscreen effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000516 sunscreening agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012876 topography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/24—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat
- B65D47/241—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element
- B65D47/243—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with poppet valves or lift valves, i.e. valves opening or closing a passageway by a relative motion substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat the valve being opened or closed by actuating a cap-like element moving linearly, i.e. without rotational motion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
Definitions
- Liquid personal care products such as shampoo and liquid body washes (i.e., shower gels)
- liquid body washes i.e., shower gels
- a tottle package rests on its dispensing cap, thereby allowing gravity to pull the liquid composition towards the opening to facilitate easier dispensing when the package is opened for dispensing.
- a container for dispensing a liquid and method.
- a container is provided.
- the container includes a flexible body.
- the flexible body has a closed top and an open bottom.
- the body defines a chamber for holding a liquid.
- Attached to the open bottom of the body is a base.
- the base includes a floor and a peripheral rim extending below the floor.
- a nozzle extends from the floor.
- a closure slidingly engages with the nozzle.
- the closure includes a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid is dispensed.
- a method for dispensing a liquid includes providing a container.
- the container includes
- a closure slidingly engaged with the nozzle comprising a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid is dispensed.
- the method further includes placing a finger on a top surface of the panel-cap; pulling the panel-cap away from the body to open the aperture; and dispensing an amount of liquid from the container.
- the dispensing step includes squeezing the flexible body.
- the method includes placing the base on a support surface; and closing the closure.
- the weight of the container itself is sufficient to close the open closure, making the container a self-closing container.
- Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Figure 2 is an exploded view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of area A of Figure 2.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the closure of the container of Figure 1 in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the closure of the container of Figure 1 in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the base and closure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the container with the base and closure shown in dotted lines, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure provides a container for dispensing a liquid.
- the container includes a flexible body having a closed top and an open bottom. The body defines a chamber for holding a liquid.
- the container also includes a base attached to the open bottom of the body.
- the base includes a floor and a peripheral rim extending below the floor.
- the container also includes a nozzle extending from the floor.
- the container further includes a closure. The closure is slidingly engaged with the nozzle.
- the closure includes a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid is dispensed.
- the container is a bottom-dispensing container, also known as an inverted dispensing container.
- the present container includes a flexible body having a closed top and an open bottom.
- the body is constructed from a flexible film of polymeric material.
- the flexible film may be a monolayer structure or a multilayer structure.
- the body is resilient, flexible and deformable.
- the body defines a chamber for holding a liquid.
- the body can be made from a single film (a film folded over upon itself and peripherally sealed) or two films peripherally sealed along a common peripheral edge.
- the flexible film is sealed around the periphery to form a chamber for holding a liquid.
- the peripheral seal for the body can be a heat seal, an ultrasonic seal, or a radio frequency (RF) seal.
- RF radio frequency
- Each of the front film and the rear film is resilient, flexible and deformable.
- the body is resilient, flexible, and deformable. The body is flexible enough to deform, but also resilient enough to return to its original shape.
- the flexible film is made from one or more polymeric materials.
- suitable polymeric materials include olefin-based polymer, propylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, random copolymer polypropylene, homopolymer polypropylene, and propylene impact copolymer) and ethylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, high density polyethylene ("HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), and medium density polyethylene (“MDPE”)), olefin block copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), oriented polyethylene terephthalate (“OPET”), nylon, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), functionalized ethylene-based polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene, and ethylene acrylate copolymers, fluorinated ethylene-based polymer
- the flexible film has a thickness from 25 microns, or 50 microns, or 75 microns to 100 microns, or 125 microns, or 150 microns, or 200 microns, or 220 microns.
- the body is made from two films, each film made from a flexible polymeric material.
- the composition of each film may be the same or different.
- the body is made from two films, the films being made of the same material.
- the flexible film is a multilayer structure having an innermost seal layer, an outermost print layer and one or more optional intermediate layers sandwiched between the innermost layer and the outermost layer.
- the intermediate layers may include barrier layers, adhesive layers, and combinations thereof.
- the multilayer film may be produced by way coextrusion, lamination, and combinations thereof.
- the innermost layer is an ethylene-based polymer such as LLDPE and the outermost layer is selected from a polyester, a BOPP, OPET, and HDPE.
- the polyester allows for printing to be easily placed directly on the body because it does not stretch during the printing process.
- the innermost LLDPE layer allows for the formation of a peripheral heat seal that is hermetic, air-tight, and water-tight.
- the body is made from two flexible films of the same structure and the same composition.
- Each flexible film is a multilayer structure having an LLDPE sealant layer, an LDPE, LLDPE or HDPE intermediate layer, and a PET print layer.
- the LLDPE for the sealant layer has a secant flexural modulus from 20,000 psi to 50,000 psi as measured in accordance with ASTM D882.
- Each film has a thickness from 90 microns to 1 10 microns.
- Each film has a secant flexural modulus from 20,000 psi to 250,000 psi.
- the sealed flexible films produce a body (at seal area) that has a thickness from 180 microns to 220 microns.
- the hand-feel perception of the body is related to the surface roughness of the flexible film at the microscopic level.
- Surface roughness also known as surface profile, R a
- R a is a measurement of surface finish. It is topography at a scale that might be considered "texture" on the surface.
- Surface roughness is a quantitative calculation of the relative roughness of a linear profile or area, expressed as a single numeric parameter (R a ).
- the surface roughness of the container body can be measured with a confocal laser microscope, for example.
- a nonlimiting example of a suitable instrument for measuring surface roughness is a ZeMapper Optical Profiler, manufactured by Zemetrics, Inc., Tuscon, AZ, USA.
- the body has a surface roughness, Ra, from 0.2 to 0.8.
- the body includes an upper heat seal portion.
- the upper heat seal portion includes a hole.
- the hole is a cut-out area and may be formed by way of a die-cut process, for example.
- the hole enables hanging or suspension of the container from a support structure.
- support structures suitable for hanging the container include hook, hanger, door handle, faucet, bathroom fixture, plumbing fixture, door handle, and shower caddy.
- the present container includes a base attached to the open bottom of the body.
- the base includes a floor and a peripheral rim extending below the floor.
- the base is inserted into the open bottom of the body, and attached thereto to form a hermetic seal.
- Nonlimiting procedures for sealing the base to the body include heat seal, ultrasonic seal, Radio-frequency (RF) sealing, weld, adhesive seal, and combinations thereof. Attachment of the base to the body forms a closed and watertight chamber.
- the watertight chamber holds a liquid.
- suitable liquids include liquid personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, lotion, gel, cream, balm, and sunscreen.
- suitable liquids include household care/cleaning products and automotive care products.
- suitable liquids include liquid food such as condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) and baby food.
- the base is made of a rigid polymeric material.
- a polymeric material is formed into a rigid part resulting in the base.
- suitable polymeric materials include propylene-based polymer and high density polyethylene.
- the-polymeric material provides the base with (1) the structural integrity to support the body and the liquid in the chamber without leakage, and (2) the stability to stand on the peripheral rim without tipping over. In this sense, the container is a "stand-up" container.
- HDPE is injection molded and shaped into a rigid part to form the base.
- the cross-section of the body (at the greatest length) is greater than the cross-section of the base (taken at the greatest length).
- the peripheral rim defines a footprint for the container.
- the "footprint” is the bottommost surface of the peripheral rim that contacts a support surface when the container is placed upright on the support surface.
- the peripheral rim also defines a footprint area.
- the "footprint area,” as used herein, is the planar area under the base surrounded by the peripheral rim footprint.
- the peripheral rim contacts and supports the container along the footprint when the container is placed on a support surface. In the upright position of the container (base on bottom and supporting the body from below), the peripheral rim supports the container and the floor is located at a position above the support surface and not contacting the support surface. In this way, the peripheral rim forms the footprint for the container.
- the footprint can have a variety of shapes.
- suitable shapes for the footprint include circle, square, rectangle, triangle, ellipsoid, eye-shape, and teardrop.
- the footprint has an eye-shape.
- the present container includes a nozzle.
- the nozzle is annular in shape and extends from the floor.
- the nozzle is the dispensing opening for the container.
- the nozzle may be integral to the base.
- the nozzle can be a separate component that is attached to the base by way of heat seal or ultrasonic seal or welding, for example.
- the nozzle is integral to the base, the base (with nozzle) being formed from an ethylene-based polymer as a single integral component in an injection molding process.
- the nozzle is composed of HDPE.
- the nozzle is centrally located on the floor and is surrounded by the peripheral rim.
- the length of the nozzle is less than or equal to the length the peripheral rim. In this way, the nozzle tip may contribute to the container footprint.
- the present container includes a closure.
- the closure includes a panel-cap having an aperture through which the liquid in the chamber is dispensed.
- the closure includes an annular member that supports the panel-cap. The annular member operatively communicates with the nozzle by slidingly engaging the outer surface of the nozzle. The nozzle and the closure together form a push-pull closure assembly.
- panel-cap is a flat and extended structure, the panel-cap having an area at least 15% of the footprint area. In an embodiment, the panel-cap covers an area (or has an area) from 15%, or 18%, or 20%, or 25%, or 30%, or 35%, or 40% or 45% to 50%, or 55%, or 60% of the footprint area.
- the footprint area is from 2900 mm 2 , or 3000 mm 2 , or 3100 mm 2 to 3200 mm 2 , or 3300 mm 2 .
- the panel-cap has a surface area from 400 mm , or 450 mm , or
- the footprint area is from 3000 mm 2 to 3200 mm 2 and the panel- cap area is from 500 mm to 600 mm .
- the panel-cap has a thickness from 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, or 4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 6.0 mm.
- the panel-cap is made from a rigid polymeric material.
- suitable polymeric materials include propylene-based polymer and high density polyethylene.
- the closure (including the panel-cap) is made of the same material as the base and nozzle.
- the base, nozzle, and panel-cap each is made from the same rigid HDPE.
- the closure has a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the tip of the nozzle matingly engages with the aperture of the panel-cap and blocks fluid flow through the aperture. In the closed position, the panel-cap contributes to the container footprint when the container is placed on a support surface.
- the bottom surface of the panel-cap is coplanar with the bottom surface of the peripheral rim when the closure is in the closed position.
- the large surface area of the panel-cap i.e., at least 15% of the footprint area) advantageously contributes to the stability of the container when placed on a support surface.
- a user moves one or more fingers into the recess formed by the peripheral rim and the floor of the base.
- the user places the finger(s) on the top surface of the panel-cap and pulls the panel-cap away from the body.
- the pulling motion removes the nozzle tip from the aperture, creating a gap between the nozzle tip and the aperture, and thereby opening the aperture and permitting fluid flow from the chamber, through the nozzle, and through the aperture.
- the panel-cap defines a fingerhold for the user.
- the panel-cap When the closure is in the open position, the panel-cap extends beyond the peripheral rim. To close the opened closure, the user holds the container and pushes the panel- cap against an object.
- the large surface area of the panel-cap advantageously enables quick and easy closing of the closure.
- the object can be a flat surface (vertical or horizontal) such as a shower wall, a sink basin, a countertop, or the like.
- the object can be smaller than the panel-cap; such as an edge of a surface, or a plumbing fixture (such as a faucet handle). In this way, the large surface area of the panel-cap advantageously enables easy single-hand closing of the container.
- the container with closure in the open position is hanging from a support structure (by way of the hole in the upper heat seal portion of the body), the user can simply place her hand below the container, bring her hand in an upward motion to contact the panel-cap and close the closure.
- the panel-cap advantageously enables single-hand closing of the closure. This is advantageous in the shower, for example, when user may have only one hand available (one hand holding liquid product from the container or holding another object such as a bar of soap, for example) and/or eyes closed.
- the present container is advantageously "self-closing" such that the weight of the container itself is sufficient to close the open closure when the container is placed on a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) support surface. Further advantages of the present self-closing container include hands-free closing, reduction in leak, reduction in drip, and reduction in spill of liquid contents.
- the present container advantageously provides inverted dispensing without the use of a flip cap.
- the present container is hinge-free.
- the closure of the present container does not include a silicone valve (no silicone slit valve, for example). Consequently, the present container in silicone-free.
- the panel-cap can have a variety of shapes.
- suitable shapes for the panel-cap include circle, square, rectangle, triangle, ellipsoid, teardrop, and eye- shape.
- the shape of the panel-cap is the same as the shape of the footprint formed by the peripheral rim.
- the shape of the peripheral rim perimeter matches the shape of the perimeter of the panel-cap, or otherwise matches the shape of the peripheral rim.
- the container is made from 90 wt % to 100 wt % ethylene-based polymer— the body being composed of flexible multiple layer film with layer materials selected from ethylene-based polymer such as LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, and combinations thereof, and the base, nozzle and closure are composed of rigid HDPE.
- the container made from 90 wt % to 100 wt % ethylene-based polymer is advantageous as it is readily recyclable.
- the height of the container (in millimeters) is from 2 times (2x) to 4 times (4x) greater than the the length of the base. In a further embodiment, the height of the container is three times (3x) the length of the base.
- the container has a height from 200 mm, or 250 mm to 275 mm, or 280 mm, or 290 mm, or 300 mm.
- the base has a length from 70 mm, or 75 mm, or 80 mm to 85 mm, or 90 mm, or 95 mm, or 100 mm.
- the container has a height of 255 mm, the base has a length of 84 mm, and the container holds 355 milliliters (ml) (12 ounces) liquid.
- the container has a height of 280 mm, the base has a length of 84mm, and the container holds 592 ml (20 ounces) liquid.
- the height of the container is from 5 times (5x), or 10 times (lOx), or 15 times (15x) to 20 times (20x), or 25 times (25x), or 30 times (30x), or 35 times (35x) greater than the height of the base (in millimeters).
- the container has a body-to- base ratio from 5-35: 1.
- the present container has a body- to-base ratio from 15: 1 to 30: 1.
- This large body-to-base ratio demonstrates an advantage of the present container.
- the size of the base is minimized so as to maximize the container body volume and concomitantly maximize the amount of liquid contained in the body.
- the present container reduces the container material (thereby reducing production costs) to maximize liquid product content.
- the panel-cap with an area 15-50% the surface area of the footprint area provides unexpected stability and support to effectuate the large body-to-base ratio of 15-30:1 for the present container.
- the small presence of the base in the 15-30: 1 body-to-base ratio optimizes container design and configuration by (1) enabling complete, or substantially complete, dispensing of all liquid in the chamber; and (2) reducing the weight of the container.
- the container may be formed and filled by way of a vertical form, fill, and seal procedure.
- the body is formed first by heat sealing two flexible films along a common periphery. Liquid is subsequently introduced into the chamber through the open bottom of the body. The base is then sealed to the open bottom of the body, closing the chamber.
- the container is formed by sealing the base to the open bottom of the flexible body.
- the liquid is introduced through the open aperture through the nozzle, to fill the chamber.
- ranges containing values which are less than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.
- one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001 , 0.01 or 0.1, as appropriate.
- ranges containing single digit numbers less than ten e.g., 1 to 5
- one unit is typically considered to be 0.1.
- ranges containing explicit values e.g., 1 or 2, or 3 to 5, or 6, or 7
- any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).
- An "ethyl ene-based polymer,” as used herein is a polymer that contains more than 50 mole percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
- an "olefin-based polymer,” as used herein is a polymer that contains more than 50 mole percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on total amount of polymerizable monomers), and optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
- Nonlimiting examples of olefin-based polymer include ethylene-based polymer and propylene-based polymer.
- Polymer means a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a different type, that in polymerized form provide the multiple and/or repeating "units" or "mer units” that make up a polymer.
- the generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer, and the term interpolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from at least two types of monomers. It also embraces all forms of interpolymers, e.g., random, block, etc.
- ethylene/a-olefin polymer and "propylene/a-olefm polymer” are indicative of interpolymers as described above prepared from polymerizing ethylene or propylene respectively and one or more additional, polymerizable a-olefin monomer.
- a polymer is often referred to as being "made of one or more specified monomers, "based on” a specified monomer or monomer type, “containing” a specified monomer content, or the like, in this context the term “monomer” is obviously understood to be referring to the polymerized remnant of the specified monomer and not to the unpolymerized species.
- polymers herein are referred to has being based on “units” that are the polymerized form of a corresponding monomer.
- a "propylene-based polymer” is a polymer that contains more than 50 mole percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount of polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
- the term "tottle,” as used herein, is a package comprising a bottle and a closure attached to the bottle, wherein the package is designed to rest on its closure.
- Many shampoos, hair conditioners, shaving lotions, body washes, in-shower body moisturizers, and other products used in the shower or bath are contained in tottles.
- Many food condiments are also contained in tottles, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and the like.
- the present container is a tottle.
- Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of a container 10 for dispensing a liquid.
- Figure 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the container 10.
- the container 10 includes a flexible body 12 and a base 14.
- the base 14 includes a floor 16 and a peripheral rim 18 that extends below the floor.
- a nozzle 20 is centrally located on the floor 16.
- a closure 22 is slidingly engaged with the nozzle 20. The location of the nozzle on the floor keeps the liquid in a position to readily flow from body 12.
- the closure includes a panel-cap 24 and an aperture 25 through which the liquid is dispensed.
- a heat seal 26 extends along a common periphery of two flexible films.
- the heat sealed films forms the body 12 with a closed top and an open bottom.
- Each flexible film is a multilayer laminate composed of a PET print layer/tie/LDPE core layer/LLDPE seal layer.
- the sealed film structure has a thickness of 200 microns.
- a hole 15 is located at an upper heat seal portion of the body 12.
- the hole 15 is a cut out for hanging the container 10 from a support structure, such as a hanger, for example.
- the base 14 is made of rigid HDPE. As shown by arrow B in Figure 2, the base 14 is inserted into the open bottom of the body 12. The base 14 is then attached to the open end of the body 12 by sealing (heat seal, adhesive seal, or weld (ultrasonic or RF)) to form a hermetically-sealed chamber for holding a liquid.
- sealing heat seal, adhesive seal, or weld (ultrasonic or RF)
- the nozzle 20 is centrally located on the floor 16.
- the nozzle 20 extends downward and away from the floor 16.
- the closure is a push-pull closure.
- the closure includes the panel-cap 24 and an annular member 28.
- the annular member 28 slidingly engages along the outer surface of the nozzle 20 in a push-pull, or a back-and-forth, manner.
- the closure 22 slides along the nozzle 20 and moves between a closed position ( Figure 4) and an open position ( Figure 5).
- a lip 30 on the annular member 28 abuts a block rim 32 on the nozzle 20 (i) stopping extension of the closure 22 along the nozzle 20, (ii) defining the maximum extension of the closure 22 along the nozzle 20, and (iii) keeping the closure 22 attached to the nozzle 20 when in the open position.
- a nozzle tip 34 matingly engages with the aperture 25 and blocks, or otherwise prevents, liquid from flowing through the aperture 25.
- Bars 35 extend from the outer periphery of the nozzle 20 radially inward to support and maintain the nozzle tip 34 in the center of nozzle 20.
- a sleeve 36 extends from the floor 16 and receives the end of the annular member 28. In the closed position, the liquid is not dispensed from the closure 22.
- the peripheral rim 18 defines a footprint area 40.
- the footprint area 40 has a teardrop shape.
- the panel-cap 24 has a teardrop shape that matches the teardrop shape of the footprint area 40.
- the panel-cap has an area that is from 15% to 50% the area of the footprint area.
- the footprint area 40 is 3157 mm 2 and the panel-cap area is 572 mm 2 .
- the panel-cap area is 18% of the footprint area.
- the shape of the footprint area 40 formed by the peripheral rim 18 is an eye-shape.
- the shape defined by the panel-cap 24 is an eye-shape. In this way, the shape of the footprint area 40 and the shape of the panel-cap 24 are the same.
- the base 14 has a length indicated by distance C and a width indicated by distance D.
- the panel-cap 24 has a length indicated by distance E and a width indicated by distance F.
- the container 10 has a height indicated by distance G.
- the base 14 has a height indicated by distance H.
- the length of C is from two times (2x) to 3 times (3x) greater than the length of distance E.
- C is 84 mm and E is 31 mm.
- the length G is from 2 times (2x) to 4 times (4x) greater than the length of distance C (length of base 14). In an embodiment, distance G is three times (3x) greater than the length of distance C.
- the length of G is from 15 times (15x) to 30 times (30x) greater than the length of H.
- the present container 10 has a large body-to-base ratio, the body -to- base ratio being from 15:1 to 30: 1.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29/446,111 USD716668S1 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-02-20 | Flexible pouch |
PCT/US2013/055763 WO2014130079A1 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-08-20 | Dispensing container and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3036175A1 true EP3036175A1 (en) | 2016-06-29 |
EP3036175B1 EP3036175B1 (en) | 2018-05-16 |
Family
ID=49117946
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13759052.7A Active EP3036175B1 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-08-20 | Dispensing container and method |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | USD716668S1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3036175B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104981413B (en) |
AR (1) | AR092182A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015019935A2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2676705T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MX363945B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014130079A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140061250A1 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2014-03-06 | Robert Turcotte | Recessed Container Closure and Method of Increasing Advertising Space on a Container using a Recessed Container Closure |
USD764930S1 (en) | 2015-03-04 | 2016-08-30 | HEX Performance, LLC | Laundry detergent packaging bag |
TWI688524B (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2020-03-21 | 美商陶氏全球科技有限責任公司 | Flexible fitment for flexible container |
US11136166B2 (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2021-10-05 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Pouch with flexible self-sealing dispensing valve |
USD769130S1 (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2016-10-18 | Prime Resources Corp. | Dispenser |
JP6857326B2 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2021-04-14 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | bag |
PL3492400T3 (en) | 2017-11-30 | 2020-08-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | A liquid dispenser for an inverted container |
AU2017441071B2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2024-05-23 | Gbs Holdings Llc | Pouring spout fitment for flexible container |
AU2018101157A4 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2018-09-13 | Deks Industries Pty Ltd | Tap lubricant package |
EP4173991A1 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2023-05-03 | OP-Hygiene IP GmbH | Flexible mouth insert for pouch |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3191806A (en) * | 1963-10-30 | 1965-06-29 | American Can Co | Stand-up container |
US4732299A (en) * | 1986-02-10 | 1988-03-22 | Hoyt Earl E | Collapsible container |
US5307955A (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1994-05-03 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Flaccid bottom delivery package having a self-sealing closure for dispensing liquid materials |
ID25801A (en) * | 1997-08-21 | 2000-11-02 | Seaquist Closures | DISTRIBUTION PACKAGES AND METHODS TO MAKE EXTRACT PACKAGES |
JP2000309347A (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2000-11-07 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Self-supported bag with mouth plug |
JP2007197044A (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-09 | Bespack Kk | Self-standing container with spout |
US8459512B2 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2013-06-11 | Sports Pouch Beverage Co., Inc. | Re-sealable spigot for a collapsible beverage container |
CN102070115B (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2012-07-04 | 余姚市特力喷雾器有限公司 | Liquid distributor and container provided with same |
-
2013
- 2013-02-20 US US29/446,111 patent/USD716668S1/en active Active
- 2013-08-20 AR ARP130102951A patent/AR092182A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-08-20 BR BR112015019935A patent/BR112015019935A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2013-08-20 EP EP13759052.7A patent/EP3036175B1/en active Active
- 2013-08-20 CN CN201380072670.8A patent/CN104981413B/en active Active
- 2013-08-20 WO PCT/US2013/055763 patent/WO2014130079A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-08-20 MX MX2015010840A patent/MX363945B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2013-08-20 ES ES13759052.7T patent/ES2676705T3/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO2014130079A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN104981413B (en) | 2018-09-25 |
WO2014130079A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
EP3036175B1 (en) | 2018-05-16 |
AR092182A1 (en) | 2015-03-25 |
ES2676705T3 (en) | 2018-07-24 |
MX363945B (en) | 2019-04-09 |
BR112015019935A2 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
CN104981413A (en) | 2015-10-14 |
MX2015010840A (en) | 2016-07-08 |
USD716668S1 (en) | 2014-11-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9586740B2 (en) | Dispensing container and method | |
EP3036175B1 (en) | Dispensing container and method | |
US9567139B2 (en) | Flexible pouch and dock system | |
EP3283395B1 (en) | Flexible container with a spray valve | |
JP7154226B2 (en) | flexible container | |
CN110573435B (en) | Flexible container | |
US9090396B2 (en) | Pouch with metering handle for dispensing flowable products | |
JP2008285178A (en) | Spout auxiliary holder for pouch container | |
AU2018260612A1 (en) | Flexible container | |
JP6150227B2 (en) | Packaging bag for quantitative dispensing | |
EP3036174B1 (en) | Flexible pouch and dock system | |
EP1862395A1 (en) | Condiment dispenser with collapsible spout | |
US10597210B2 (en) | Flexible pouch with microcapillary dispensing system | |
JP3183512U (en) | Free-standing bag | |
JP6547267B2 (en) | Mouthpiece | |
CN112930309A (en) | Flexible container with dispensing pump | |
JPWO2018200351A5 (en) | ||
JP2022541149A (en) | flexible container | |
JP4967679B2 (en) | Stand pouch |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20160321 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20170310 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20171206 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602013037545 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 999331 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20180615 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2676705 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20180724 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20180516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180816 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180816 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180817 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 999331 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602013037545 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20190219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180820 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180831 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180831 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20180831 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180820 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180831 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180820 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180516 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20130820 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180916 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230526 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20230908 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230703 Year of fee payment: 11 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230627 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240627 Year of fee payment: 12 |