WO2011044575A2

WO2011044575A2 - Bag in box packaging having a tap articulating assembly having a pair of interlocking sub-assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2011044575A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/052297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon P. Edwards
Original assignee: Scholle Corporation
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2010-10-12
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: WO2011044575A3; AR079601A1

Abstract

A bag in box packaging comprising an outer box, an inner bag and a spout aligning assembly. The outer box defines a cavity, and includes a dispensing wall with an opening. The inner bag assembly has an inner bag and a spout. The spout aligning assembly has a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The inner bag assembly is operably coupled to the first sub-assembly so as to position the spout to be accessible from the dispensing opening, with the first sub-assembly being positioned within the outer box. The second sub-assembly is positioned on the outside of the outer box proximate the dispensing opening. The first sub-assembly is coupled to the second sub- assembly about the dispensing opening, so as to fix the position of each of the first and second sub-assemblies relative to the opening in the dispensing wall and so as to align the spout to the opening of the dispensing wall.

Description

TITLE

BAG IN BOX PACKAGING HAVING A SPOUT ALIGNING ASSEMBLY HAVING A PAIR OF INTERLOCKING SUB-ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0000] The present application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Serial

No. 61/278,631 filed October 9, 2010, entitled "BAG IN BOX PACKAGING HAVING A TAP ARTICULATING ASSEMBLY HAVING A PAIR OF INTERLOCKING SUBASSEMBLIES," the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001 ] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The disclosure relates in general to bag in box packaging, and more particularly, to a bag in box packaging that has a spout aligning assembly. The spout aligning assembly includes two sub-assemblies one of which is on the outside of the box and one of which is on the inside of the box. The two are locked together to retain the spout aligning assembly in the desired orientation relative to the box.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] The use of bag in box packaging is ubiquitous. In certain applications, a user can dispense flowable material through a tap directly from the bag in box packaging. One such application is wine dispensing, although, the invention is not limited to the same.

[0005] Conventionally, a bag having a fluid therewithin (such as, for example, wine) is provided. A tap is provided over a spout that is welded to the bag. The tap may comprise any number of different spouts that are conventionally used in such an application. The filled bag is dropped into an outer box. The outer box includes a removable portion which corresponds to the location of the tap within the outer box.

[0006] To access the tap, the user punctures the box proximate the removable portion and reaches into the box for the tap. The tap is then directed out of the box and one of the tap and the spout are coupled to the box. The tap can then be actuated to dispense product.

[0007] Problematically, for some users it is difficult to couple the tap to the outer box. Thus, the tap becomes difficult, if not impossible to use. In other instances, the tap may become dislodged from the outer box during use.

[0008] In addition, due to the manner in which the tap and bag are inserted into the outer box, there are many instances where the tap lies in an orientation which is difficult to reach. Furthermore, inasmuch as the opening in the box is typically used to secure the tap to the outer box, the opening is often too small to allow for a user to delve deeply into the outer box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is directed to a bag in box packaging comprising an outer box, an inner bag and a spout aligning assembly. The outer box defines a cavity, and includes a dispensing wall with an opening. The inner bag assembly has an inner bag and a spout. The spout aligning assembly has a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The inner bag assembly is operably coupled to the first sub-assembly so as to position the spout to be accessible from the dispensing opening, with the first sub-assembly being positioned within the outer box. The second sub-assembly is positioned on the outside of the outer box proximate the dispensing opening. The first sub-assembly is coupled to the second sub-assembly about the dispensing opening, so as to fix the position of each of the first and second sub-assemblies relative to the opening in the dispensing wall and so as to align the spout to the opening of the dispensing wall.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-assembly includes a first retaining structure and the second sub-assembly includes a second retaining structure. The first retaining structure engages with and retains the second retaining structure, to, in turn, couple the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly, with the outer box therebetween.

[0011] In one such preferred embodiment, the first retaining structure comprises a plurality of one of locking tabs and slot-like configurations and the second retaining structure comprises a plurality of the other of locking tabs and slot-like configurations. The locking tabs extend through the slot-like configurations to lockingly engage the slotlike configurations thereby coupling the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly.

[0012] In one such preferred embodiment, the plurality of one of the locking tabs and the slot-like configurations of the first retaining structure and the corresponding other one of the locking tabs and the slot-like configurations of the second retaining structure are spaced about the opening in the dispensing wall. In such a configuration, the retaining structure utilizes the opening of the dispensing wall to maintain the desired orientation.

[0013] In one such preferred embodiment, the first retaining structure comprises a plurality of locking tabs and the second retaining structure comprises a plurality of slotlike configurations.

[0014] In another such preferred embodiment, the second sub-assembly comprises a locking wall having an opening extending therethrough. The plurality of locking tabs depend from the locking wall and are spaced about the opening. The first sub-assembly comprises a dispensing wall engagement structure having a plurality of slot-like configurations corresponding to the locking tabs and spaced about the spout coupled thereto.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-assembly further includes a dispensing wall engagement structure having opposing sides. A longitudinal channel extends along opposing sides of the dispensing wall engagement structure. The resulting channels open in opposing directions and extend along a length thereof. In turn, such a configuration facilitates that slidable engagement of the first sub-assembly with an outside pair of spaced apart guide members. This facilitates installation of the first- subassembly in the proper orientation within the outer box.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-assembly comprises a front tap wall and the second sub-assembly comprises a locking wall. The locking wall includes an opening that is configured to substantially match the opening in the dispensing wall, when coupled the front tap wall overlies the locking wall.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first sub-assembly comprises a front tap wall which is coupled to the second sub-assembly and a back tap wall coupled to the front tap wall through a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the hinge assemblies has a first hinge panel and a second hinge panel. The first hinge panel is joined to the second hinge panel about an intermediate hinge fold at one end and joined to the back tap wall about an inner hinge fold. The second hinge panel is coupled to the first hinge panel at the intermediate hinge fold at one end and is joined to the front tap wall about an outer hinge fold. The hinge assemblies are structurally configured to move the front tap wall relative to the back tap wall between a shipping orientation wherein the inner hinge fold and the outer hinge fold are spaced apart and the front tap wall and the back tap wall are correspondingly spaced apart, to a dispensing orientation wherein the inner hinge fold and the outer hinge fold are brought toward each other so as to direct the front tap wall and the back tap wall into an adjoining configuration. This facilitates the placement of the spout relatively closer to the opening in the dispensing wall.

[0018] In one such embodiment, in each of the shipping orientation and the dispensing orientation, the back tap wall and the front tap wall are substantially parallel to each other.

[0019] Preferably, in a dispensing orientation, the outer hinge fold and the inner hinge fold are in substantial abutment and the back tap wall is substantially flush with one of the front wall and a front surface of the second sub-assembly.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the opening of the dispensing wall substantially matches the shape of the back tap wall. [0021] In a preferred embodiment, the inner bag assembly further includes a closure member, the closure member coupled to one of the first sub-assembly and the spout.

[0022] The disclosure is further directed to a method of assembling the bag in box packaging of the present disclosure comprising the steps of: coupling the inner bag assembly to the first sub-assembly; positioning the first sub-assembly into the desired orientation within the outer box relative to the opening of the dispensing wall; positioning the second sub-assembly into the desired orientation on an outside of the outer box proximate the opening of the dispensing wall; and coupling the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly about the opening of the dispensing wall so as to fix the orientation of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly relative to the opening of the dispensing wall, so as to provide access to the spout of the inner bag assembly through the opening of the dispensing wall.

[0023] Preferably, the first sub-assembly includes a first retaining structure and the second sub-assembly includes a second retaining structure. The step of coupling further including the step of: matingly engaging the first retaining structure engaging with the second retaining structure, to, in turn, couple the first sub-assembly to the second subassembly, with the outer box therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a bag in box package made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an exploded view of the sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly;

[0026] Figure 2 of the drawings is a back perspective view of a bag in box package made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an exploded view of the sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly;

[0027] Figure 3 of the drawings is a side elevational view of a bag in box package made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an exploded view of the sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 of the drawings is a top plan view of a bag in box package made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an exploded view of the sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly;

[0029] Figure 5 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a first sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly;

[0030] Figure 6 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a second subassembly of the spout aligning assembly;

[0031] Figure 7 of the drawings is a front perspective view of the joined first subassembly and second sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly;

[0032] Figure 8 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a second embodiment bag in box package made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an exploded view of the sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly;

[0033] Figure 9 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a first sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly;

[0034] Figure 10 of the drawings is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a second sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly; and

[0035] Figure 1 1 of the drawings is a front elevational view of the inner bag which is inserted into the outer box of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0036] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.

[0037] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0038] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, bag in box packaging is shown generally at 10. The bag in box packaging can be utilized in association with any number of different flowable materials. Inasmuch as one feature of the invention is the location of a tap, one use of the bag in box packaging is its use in association with wine products and the like. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to its use in association with wine products, and such use is described only for purposes of being exemplary. In other embodiments, other fluids can be utilized in its stead.

[0039] The bag in box packaging is shown in Figures 1-7 as comprising outer box

12, inner bag 14 (Figure 11), and spout aligning assembly 18. The outer box 12 comprises a generally rectangular cubic container (although variously shaped containers are contemplated for use). The outer box 12 includes first sidewall 20, second sidewall 22, front wall 24 (also referred to as the dispensing wall), back wall 26, top wall 27 and bottom wall 28. In the configurations shown, the first and second sidewalls have a larger surface area than the remaining walls. The front wall and the back wall comprise narrow, elongated wall structures. Again, a number of different shapes are contemplated, and the foregoing comprises a description of a preferred embodiment.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the outer box 12 may comprise a corrugated paperboard material. In other embodiments, the outer box may comprise a single or multiply paperboard material. In still other embodiments, corrugated polymer board, or polymer board may be utilized. Indeed, the invention is not limited to any particular material from which the outer box 12 is formed.

[0041] The dispensing wall 24 includes opening 30 at the lower end thereof. The opening is defined by perimeter edge 31. In the embodiment shown, the perimeter edge 31 comprises a arched shaped opening. Additionally, the opening may include a bottom wall opening as well, although, this may be omitted in certain embodiments. The opening is sized so as to permit a user to stick his or her hand through the opening and to retrieve the tap which is positioned within the outer box through the opening. A plurality of tab locating slots 33a through 33g are positioned in a spaced apart orientation about the perimeter edge 31. The tab locating slots correspond to the tabs of the spout aligning assembly and facilitate the correct relative positioning of the spout aligning assembly relative to the dispensing wall.

[0042] The inner bag 14 is shown in Figure 1 1 as comprising front panel 40, back panel 42, seals 44 and spout 46. The inner bag 14 is shown as comprising a conventional pillow-type container. In other embodiments, gusseted containers are likewise contemplated for use. The front panel 40 and the back panel 42 are generally coextensive and positioned in an overlying configuration. The two panels are joined together with seals, such as seals 44 which generally extend about the periphery of the two panels. The seals and the front and back panel cooperate to define cavity 45 which is a substantially fluid-tight cavity. Spout 46 provides ingress and egress of fluid into and from within the cavity 45. The spout typically includes a flange that is welded to the inside or the outside of the front panel, and includes a plurality of flanges disposed along the length thereof. The inner bag is sized so as to fit within the outer box.

[0043] A number of different closures 16 can be utilized in association with the present disclosure. Such closure members may comprise any number of different closure members, including but not limited to taps, caps, self-sealing caps, reusable and resealable caps, and the like. Indeed the invention is not limited to use in association with any particular closure structure or closure type. It will be understood that the closure member can be coupled to either one of the spout aligning assembly or the spout itself.

[0044] In one such example, the closure member may comprise a tap, such as tap

16 is shown in Figure 8. It will be understood that the tap is coupled to the spout 46 of Figure 1. The tap 16 may comprise any number of different types and styles of taps. For example, one such tap comprises the tap shown in any one of the following patents, namely, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,619,377 and 6,978,981 both of which are issued to Roos, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,045, 1 19; 6,296, 157 and 6,360,925 issued to Erb and PCT/US 10/41934 listing Bellmore as the Inventor thereof. The entire specification of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Of course, other taps are likewise contemplated.

[0045] As another example, the closure member may comprise caps, such as cap 16b shown in Figure 1, of the type, for example, that are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,387,220 issued to Verespej et al and 7,357,277 issued to Verespej, and WO 2010/047814 published to Scholle Corporation, the entire specification of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Of course, other caps, as well as other closure members are contemplated for use.

[0046] With the embodiment of Figures 1 through 7, the spout aligning assembly

18 includes a feature by which the spout can be recessed within the overall outer box. This is useful for embodiments that utilize, for example, a tap wherein, when not in use, the tap can be retracted within the overall outer box. In such a manner, damage to the tap can be avoided. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of Figure 8-10, the spout aligning assembly 18 can be stationary wherein the resulting spout remains stationary. In the particular embodiment shown, the spout and resulting closure extend beyond the outer box, whereas in other embodiments, the spout and resulting closure can be maintained in an orientation wherein they are permanently partially or entirely positioned within the overall outer box. Of course, it will be understood that in either embodiment, variations are contemplated.

[0047] In this embodiment, the spout aligning assembly 18 is shown in Figures 1-

7, collectively, as comprising a first sub-assembly that includes back tap wall 50, front tap wall 53, and at least two opposing hinge assemblies, such as hinge assemblies 51a, 51b and a second sub-assembly that includes locking wall 55. As will be explained the first sub-assembly is positioned within the outer box and the second sub-assembly is positioned on the outside of the outer box. The two sub-assemblies are then coupled together around the perimeter edge 31 of the opening 30 to locate and retain the spout aligning assembly 18 in the desired position relative to the outer box.

[0048] More specifically, the back tap wall 50 is shown in Figure 2 as comprising a substantially planar member having an opening 61 extending therethrough. The spout 46 is configured to extend through the opening 61, and the back tap wall 50 may be either mechanically or adhesively coupled to the tap, spout and/or inner bag. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of fingers 91 having hooks at the end thereof extend about the circumference of the opening so as to engage and retain the spout. Of course, the foregoing is exemplary only, and a number of different structures are contemplated.

[0049] The first hinge assembly 51a will be described with the understanding that the second hinge assembly 5 lb is a substantially identical mirror image of the first hinge assembly 51a. With reference to Figure 4, first hinge assembly 51a comprises first hinge panel 52, second hinge panel 54, inner hinge fold 57, intermediate hinge fold 58 and outer hinge fold 59. In the embodiment shown, there are additional hinge assemblies through which extend about the opening, whereas the hinge assemblies 51a, 51b are on opposing sides of each other.

[0050] The first hinge panel 52 of the opposing hinge assembly 51a is coupled proximate the inner hinge fold 57 to the back tap wall 50. The second hinge panel 54 is coupled to the first hinge panel 52 at the intermediate hinge fold 58. The second hinge panel 54 is coupled to the front tap wall 53 at outer hinge fold 59. Each of the hinge folds 57, 58 and 59 facilitate the first and second hinge panels to pivotably rotate relative to each other and relative to the tap wall and the front wall (or the side walls). The spout aligning assembly 16 allows for the movement of the tap from a shipping orientation wherein the tap is substantially fully contained within the confines of the outer box to a dispensing orientation wherein the tap is fully exposed and outside of the confines of the outer box. In the embodiment shown, the tap wall, in the deployed orientation, is substantially flush with the front wall 24.

[0051 ] In the embodiment shown, each of the hinge panels facilitate the centering of the tap so that the tap wall properly interfaces with the opening. In the embodiment shown, the tap wall substantially corresponds in configuration to the opening 30 in the front wall.

[0052] With reference to Figure 5, the front tap wall 53 further includes a dispensing wall engagement surface (in this embodiment, a wall-like structure that abuts the inside surface of the dispensing wall about the opening in the dispensing wall), and a retention structure which comprises a plurality of slot-like configurations, such as slotlike configuration 63a through 63g which are strategically positioned about the opening in the front tap wall 53. With reference to Figure 1, these slot-like configurations match up with the tab locating slots 33a - 33g of the outer box 12.

[0053] Additionally, and with reference to Figure 4, the front tap wall 53 includes opposing slots 67a, 67b that run the length of the side edges. These slots allow for the manipulation of the front tap wall 53 by outside equipment relative to the outer box. In particular, these slots allow for outside equipment to properly place and position the front tap wall 53 (and, in turn, the entire first sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly 18 within the outer box in the desired orientation). The configuration of the opening can be varied and it is contemplated that the opening 53 can be of any shape (i.e., circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal, arbitrary, and the like).

[0054] In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 8-10, a front tap wall 153 is provided to which the spout is coupled. The front tap wall integrates the features of the back tap wall and the front tap wall of the embodiment shown in Figures 1-7 and the resulting spout remains stationary relative to the front tap wall 153. In the particular example shown, the front tap wall is positioned such that the resulting closure member will extend outside of the cavity defined by the outer box and such that the resulting closure member is fixed to the outer box. In the embodiment shown, the closure member is configured so as to be attachable to the spout alignment assembly, however, it will be understood that the closure member can be attached to either one of the spout alignment assembly and the spout.

[0055] The locking wall 55 is shown in Figure 6as comprising front surface 71, back surface 73, retention structure in the form of a plurality of locking tabs 75a - 75g and opening 77. Opening 77 is surrounded by edge flange 79 which (and with reference to Figure 1), when inserted into opening 30 of the outer box 12 covers the corrugations or the edge of the paperboard about the perimeter edge 31 thereof. The retention structure comprises the engagement of the locking tabs 75a through 75g as they extend through the tab locating slots 33 a - 33 g of the outer box 12 and engage the slot-like configurations 63a - 63g of the front tap wall to lockingly engage the same. With reference to Figure 7 the locking tabs 75a - 75g are configured to extend past the slot-like configurations and engage the back side of the front wall. With such a configuration, the spout aligning assembly, through the retention structure is substantially located and locked relative to the opening 30. Additionally, the first sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly with the bag (filled or otherwise) can be introduced into the outer box through an opening in panels rather than through the opening 30. [0056] In operation, the tap, spout and/or bag are coupled to the back tap wall 50.

The bag can be filled prior to coupling and insertion into the outer box, or filled after being positioned within the outer box. Either way, the tap wall is configured into a shipping configuration so that the tap is fully contained within the confines of the spout aligning assembly. Next, the first sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly is inserted (with the tap and bag) into the outer box. Outside equipment can interface with the opposing channels 67a and 67b that extend along the side edges of the front tap wall to position the first sub-assembly in the proper orientation relative to the opening 30. It is envisioned that a pair of opposing rails can be inserted into the outer box and the first sub-assembly can be slid along the rails with the opposing channels 67a and 67b interfacing with the opposing rails.

[0057] Once inserted and properly positioned relative to the opening 30 of the outer box, the slot-like configurations 63 a - 63 g substantially correspond to the tab locating slots 33a - 33g. The second sub-assembly of the spout aligning assembly, the locking wall 55 is then provided. Specifically, the locking wall is directed toward the outer box 12 so that the locking tabs 75a through 75g extend through the opening and through the tab locating slots until they engage and lock with the slot-like configurations 63 a - 63 g. In such a configuration, the spout aligning assembly 18 is positioned in the desired orientation relative to opening 30, the edge flange 79 extends and covers the perimeter edge 31 and substantially precludes relative movement of the spout aligning assembly and the outer box, leaving the outer box sandwiched between the first and second sub-assemblies of the spout aligning assembly. Where the bag was not previously filled, a filling step can be undertaken. The bag in box packaging is then ready for shipment.

[0058] To dispense product, the user merely grasps the tap itself and pulls on the tap to withdraw the tap from the confines of the outer box 12. As the user pulls the tap, the tap wall begins to move forward. The spout aligning assembly then serves to guide the tap into the dispensing orientation from the shipping orientation. Specifically, once pulled, the hinge panels 51a, 51b rotate about the respective inner hinge fold 57, intermediate hinge fold 58 and outer hinge fold 59 until the tap is guided into the dispensing position. Once guided into the proper orientation, the tap is substantially precluded from further movement and the tap is maintained in the dispensing orientation.

[0059] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bag in box packaging comprising:

- an outer box defining a cavity, the outer box having thereof a dispensing wall with an opening;

- an inner bag assembly having an inner bag and a spout;

- a spout aligning assembly having a first sub-assembly and a second subassembly, the inner bag assembly operably coupled to the first sub-assembly so as to position the spout to be accessible from the dispensing opening, with the first subassembly being positioned within the outer box, and the second sub-assembly positioned on the outside of the outer box proximate the dispensing opening, the first sub-assembly coupled to the second sub-assembly about the dispensing opening, so as to fix the position of each of the first and second sub-assemblies relative to the opening in the dispensing wall, so as to align the spout to the opening of the dispensing wall.

2. The bag in box packaging of claim 1 wherein the first sub-assembly includes a first retaining structure and the second sub-assembly includes a second retaining structure, the first retaining structure engaging with and retaining the second retaining structure, to, in turn, couple the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly, with the outer box therebetween.

3. The bag in box packaging of claim 2 wherein the first retaining structure comprises a plurality of one of locking tabs and slot-like configurations and the second retaining structure comprises a plurality of the other of locking tabs and slot-like configurations, wherein the locking tabs extend through the slot-like configurations to lockingly engage the slot-like configurations thereby coupling the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly.

4. The bag in box packaging of claim 3 wherein the plurality of one of the locking tabs and the slot-like configurations of the first retaining structure and the corresponding other one of the locking tabs and the slot-like configurations of the second retaining structure are spaced about the opening in the dispensing wall so as to utilize the opening of the dispensing wall to maintain the desired orientation.

5. The bag in box packaging of claim 4 wherein the first retaining structure comprises a plurality of locking tabs and the second retaining structure comprises a plurality of slot-like configurations.

6. The bag in box packaging of claim 5 wherein the second sub-assembly comprises a locking wall having an opening extending therethrough, plurality of locking tabs depend from the locking wall spaced about the opening, and the first sub-assembly comprises a dispensing wall engagement structure having a plurality of slot-like configurations corresponding to the locking tabs and spaced about the spout coupled thereto.

7. The bag in box packaging of claim 1 wherein the first sub-assembly further includes a dispensing wall engagement structure having opposing sides, with a longitudinal channel extending along opposing sides of the dispensing wall engagement structure, the channels opening in opposing directions and extending along a length thereof, to, in turn, facilitate that slidable engagement of the first sub-assembly with an outside pair of spaced apart guide members, to, in turn, facilitate installation of the first- subassembly in the proper orientation within the outer box.

8. The bag in box packaging of claim 1 wherein the first sub-assembly comprises a front tap wall and the second sub-assembly comprises a locking wall including an opening that is configured to substantially match the opening in the dispensing wall, when coupled the front tap wall overlies the locking wall.

9. The bag in box packaging of claim 1 wherein the first sub-assembly comprises a front tap wall which is coupled to the second sub-assembly and a back tap wall coupled to the front tap wall through a plurality of hinge assemblies, each of the hinge assemblies having a first hinge panel and a second hinge panel, the first hinge panel joined to the second hinge panel about an intermediate hinge fold at one end and joined to the back tap wall about an inner hinge fold, the second hinge panel coupled to the first hinge panel at the intermediate hinge fold at one end and joined to the front tap wall about an outer hinge fold, the hinge assemblies structurally configured to move the front tap wall relative to the back tap wall between a shipping orientation wherein the inner hinge fold and the outer hinge fold are spaced apart and the front tap wall and the back tap wall are correspondingly spaced apart, to a dispensing orientation wherein the inner hinge fold and the outer hinge fold are brought toward each other so as to direct the front tap wall and the back tap wall into an adjoining configuration, thereby facilitating the placement of the spout relatively closer to the opening in the dispensing wall.

10. The bag in box packaging of claim 9 wherein in each of the shipping orientation and the dispensing orientation, the back tap wall and the front tap wall are substantially parallel to each other.

1 1. The bag in box packaging of claim 10 wherein in a dispensing orientation, the outer hinge fold and the inner hinge fold are in substantial abutment and the back tap wall is substantially flush with one of the front wall and a front surface of the second subassembly.

12. The bag in box packaging of claim 11 wherein the shape of the opening of the dispensing wall substantially matches the shape of the back tap wall.

13. The bag in box packaging of claim 1 wherein the inner bag assembly further includes a closure member, the closure member coupled to one of the first sub-assembly and the spout.

14. A method of assembling the bag in box packaging of claim 1 comprising the steps of:

- coupling the inner bag assembly to the first sub-assembly;

- positioning the first sub-assembly into the desired orientation within the outer box relative to the opening of the dispensing wall; - positioning the second sub-assembly into the desired orientation on an outside of the outer box proximate the opening of the dispensing wall; and

- coupling the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly about the opening of the dispensing wall so as to fix the orientation of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly relative to the opening of the dispensing wall, so as to provide access to the spout of the inner bag assembly through the opening of the dispensing wall.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the first sub-assembly includes a first retaining structure and the second sub-assembly includes a second retaining structure, the step of coupling further including the step of: matingly engaging the first retaining structure engaging with the second retaining structure, to, in turn, couple the first sub-assembly to the second sub-assembly, with the outer box therebetween.