Regulated fluid dispensing system packaging

A packaging container is used to package a regulated fluid dispensing system including a regulated fluid dispensing device and a beverage container. The packaging includes carry handles, and a perforation pattern that allows a front panel of the packaging container to be removed thus exposing working parts of the dispensing device. The dispensing system may remain housed within the packaging during use that assists in stabilizing and protecting the dispensing system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging for products, and more particularly, to a packaging container for a regulated fluid dispensing system wherein the packaging container is configured to expose a portion of the dispensing system during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paper or cardboard packaging for products remains a common way in which to protect products during shipment and storage. There is an extremely diverse number of packaging designs for products in different industries.

For beverages such as soda or malt beverages, many different packaging designs are available to store and ship such products, as well as to present them for display at retail locations. For larger bulk containers of beverages, such as kegs of beer, because of their size and the nature of the kegs, it is usually unnecessary to provide separate packaging. However, more recently, beverage containers have been developed that are larger than traditional beverage containers, but smaller than containers such as beer kegs. More specifically, in the malt beverage industry, intermediate sized containers have been used to dispense multiple servings of a beverage, such as six liters, therefore eliminating the need for separate single serving containers. These intermediate sized containers may include an integral source of pressurized gas so that the beverages within the containers may be kept at a desired pressure to prevent loss of carbonization.

One example of a regulated fluid dispensing system including the aforementioned intermediate sized container is disclosed in Applicant's co-pending patent application Ser. No. 12/123,262 filed on May 19, 2008, entitled “Regulated Fluid Dispensing Device and Method of Dispensing a Carbonated Beverage”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this fluid dispensing system, a container is provided that is connected to a pressurized source of gas, and an integral regulator maintains the beverage within the container at a desired pressure. The beverage container may have a cylindrical sidewall. For dispensing a beverage, the beverage container is placed on its side such that the cylindrical sidewall touches the surface upon which the system is mounted.

While traditional packaging may be adequate for standard beverage containers, there is a need to provide special packaging for a regulated fluid dispensing system having an attached container. More specifically, this system requires packaging to store the system, to protect it during shipment, as well as to allow the system to remain within the packaging during use that facilitates dispensing of the beverage when the beverage container is placed on its side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a packaging container or carton is provided that is especially adapted for housing a fluid dispensing system wherein the packaging container can be used to ship and store the system, as well as to allow the system to remain protected within the packaging during use. As discussed in more detail below, the packaging container includes a front panel that may be completely removed, thereby exposing the dispensing tap of the fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing system including the attached beverage container can remain within the packaging container, thereby providing a stable support for the beverage container such that it does not have a tendency to roll or shift during use. Breakaway flaps are also formed on upper and lower panels of the packaging container, which further assist the user in accessing the working parts of the dispensing system. More specifically, the breakaway flap on the top panel eases access to the tap handle, while the breakaway flap on the bottom or lower panel eases access to the removable cartridge housing which holds a cartridge containing a pressurized gas. Carry handles are also incorporated on the packaging, which enables a user to easily grasp the packaging for movement or transport of the fluid dispensing system.

In one aspect of the invention, it may be considered a packaging container. In another aspect of the invention, it may be considered a combination of a packaging device along with a regulated fluid dispensing system. Various other features and advantages will become apparent from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging container10of the present invention is illustrated. The exterior surface of the packaging is defined by an outer top panel20, an opposed bottom panel18, and an opposed pair of side panels, shown as first side panel14and second side panel16.

Referring also toFIG. 5, the plan view of the packaging container10illustrates each of the panels and flaps of the packaging container prior to assembly of the packaging. Referring specifically to thisFIG. 5, the packaging10further includes an inner top panel12, which resides under the outer top panel20when the packaging is assembled. Slot13of the inner panel12aligns with the slot21formed on the outer top panel20to form a top carry opening. The back or rear panel of the packaging includes a plurality of closing flaps, namely, a first rear side closing flap22, a rear bottom closing flap24, a second rear side closing flap26, and a top rear closing flap28. When the packaging is assembled, the closing flaps close the rear side of the package in a conventional manner wherein pairs of opposing flaps are rotated to close the rear side. The front panel21of the packaging also includes a plurality of closing flaps to include first front side closing flap30, front bottom closing flap32, second front side closing flap34, and the front closing flap36. Top front closing flap36includes a top front carry opening39. Each of the front closing flaps includes corresponding slots that form the front carry opening39, as well as a means to remove the front panel as discussed further below. These slots include first side slot31, bottom slot33, second side slot35, and top slot37. When the packaging is folded, the slots31,33,35and37align with one another as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2to form the front carry opening39.

FIG. 5illustrates further details to include the various fold lines56and58that allow the packaging to be folded in the configuration shown in the figures. As shown, the fold lines delineate the separation between the various panels and flaps.FIG. 5also illustrates other features of the packaging container to include various perforation lines that delineate additional flaps. More specifically, bottom panel18includes perforation line46that delineates a bottom breakaway flap60. A bottom hand pull-tab52is defined by (i) a portion of perforation line46, (ii) fold53that is spaced from perforation line46, and (iii) perforation lines59that interconnects fold53with perforation line46. The outer top panel20also includes a top breakaway flap62defined by perforation line44. A top hand pull-tab54is formed on the top panel20as is defined by (i) a portion of perforation line44, (ii) fold line57, and (iii) the pair of interconnection perforation lines55.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 4, when it is desired to access the interior of the packaging container, the user breaks the portion of the perforation line44located at the hand tab54, and breaks the interconnecting perforations55that therefore allow the hand to be inserted within the container. The user can then pull forward on the front panel, thereby separating the front panel such that the interior of the packaging is exposed. As shown inFIG. 2, the breakaway flap62, when separated from the top panel, forms a slot or notch in the top panel.

Referring toFIG. 5, the inner top panel12has a corresponding cutout40, as well as a slot50that underlie the breakaway flap62. As shown inFIG. 4, if it is desired to completely remove the front panel, the user may break the perforation line46at bottom tab52, and then pull such that the breakaway flap60is removed from the bottom panel18.

Referring toFIG. 3, an exemplary regulated fluid dispensing system is shown including a beverage container100having a cylindrical sidewall, which is connected to a regulated fluid dispensing device80. The fluid dispensing device80generally includes a regulator housing82, an outlet housing84, an outlet86, and an outlet tube88that carries the beverage to the outlet. A cartridge housing90attaches to the regulator housing82. The cartridge housing90houses a cartridge (not shown) containing a compressed gas, which is used to pressurize the beverage container100. A connection housing92interconnects a threaded neck102of the beverage container to the dispensing device80. A tap handle94is used to control the flow of beverage. An inlet tube104is used to draw the beverage through the dispensing device to the outlet tube88. A weighted tip106defines the distal or free end of the inlet tube104. Optionally, a plurality of feet108may be made integral with the beverage container sidewall, allowing a more stable surface for the beverage container to rest upon when the dispensing device is in use.

Referring specifically toFIG. 4, the fluid dispensing device80and beverage container100are shown within the packaging container10. The dispensing device80is exposed allowing a user to conveniently access the working parts of the dispensing device80. More particularly, the breakaway flaps60and62when removed from the packaging create gaps that more easily allow the user to gain access to the working parts, such as the tap handle94, and the cartridge housing90. Periodically, the compressed gas cartridge must be replaced by unscrewing the cartridge housing and placing a new cartridge in the housing. As shown inFIG. 4, the packaging provides additional support to the dispensing device and beverage container such that the dispensing device and beverage container may be conveniently stored on a horizontal surface such as a shelf.

FIG. 6illustrates an optional partition110that may be used to further stabilize the container within the packaging. As shown, the partition110extends across the front portion of the container and a slot112allows the fluid dispensing device to remain exposed, while the container is hidden on the opposite side of the partition. Accordingly, the slot112is formed to surround the neck of the container. The partition110includes a pair of side contacting flaps116that make contact with respective interior sidewalls of the container. Folds114can be positioned so that the partition110fits snuggly within the interior of the packaging.

By the foregoing, packaging is provided for a regulated fluid dispensing device and beverage container wherein the packaging conveniently allows for transport and storage, as well as use of the dispensing device without having to remove the dispensing device from within the packaging. The removable front panel enables access to the interior of the packaging, and to the various working parts of the dispensing device without destroying the basic integrity of the packaging.

Although the foregoing invention has been disclosed with respect to preferred embodiments, it shall be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made commensurate with the scope of the claims appended hereto.