CA1117487A

CA1117487A - Collapsible solution container having rectilinear shoulder

Info

Publication number: CA1117487A
Application number: CA000365824A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jerry D. Martin; Stephen J. Pearson; Gary A. Ward; David A. Winchell
Original assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Baxter International Inc
Priority date: 1979-04-09
Filing date: 1980-11-28
Publication date: 1982-02-02
Also published as: FR2453785A1; NL8001978A; GB2047653A; ES249849Y; GB2047653B; DK150080A; BE882677A; IE49673B1; GB2076774A; GB2076774B; AU5720580A; DE3013527A1; BR8002114A; ES249849U; IE832017L; CA1118389A; NO801005L; SE8002610L; US4308904A; IE800722L

Abstract

A B S T R A C T

The specification describes a molded, collapsible solution container which defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof, the shoulder portion defining opposed shoulder edges and a pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness defined in the collapsible solution container and exhibiting a cross section which extends in-wardly of the container, the opposed lines of flexing weakness being positioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to the opposed shoulder edges and longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges by a distance which is proportioned to cause the opposed lines of flexing weakness to enter into abutting relationship with one another as the container collapses inwardly about the opposed shoulder edges whereby the abutting lines of flexing weakness inhibit further collapse of the container under the pressure of suction, to slow the rate of subsequent collapse.

Description

l~i7487 This is a division of copending Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 349,326, filed April 8, 19~0, entitled "Collapsible Solution Container E~aving Rectilinear Shoulder"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In U.S. Patent Nos. 4,049,033 and 4,088,166 issued on September 20, 1977 and on May 9, 1978 respectively and assigned to the present assignee, among others, a molded collapsible solution container is disclosed which collapses relatively easily under low suction pressures, and thus finds particularly desirable use as a container for parenteral s~lutions.
It is particularly desirable for the collapsibility of the container to be as complete as possible at the low suction pressures generated by, for example, a two to three foot suction head of water or a desired parenteral solution, even when the container is made of a relatively stiff polyole-fin plastic or the like which customarily has not been thought of being useful for making a container which completely col-lapses under such a low suction pressure hèad.
In accordance with this invention, an improved con-tainer is provided exhibiting improved and more complete col-lapsibility at lower suction pressures than previous designs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, there is provided a molded, collapsible solution container which defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof. The shoulder portion defines opposed shoulder edges. A pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness are defined in the collapsible

2-11~74B7 solution container and exhibit a cross section which extends inwardly of the container. The opposed lines of flexing weakness are positioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to the opposed shoulder edges and are longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges by a distance which is proportioned so as to cause the opposed lines of weakness to enter into abutting relationship with one another as the container collapses inwardly about the opposed shoulder edges, whereby the abutting lines of flexing weakness inhibit further collapse of the container under the pressure of suction, to slow the rate of subsequent collapse.
As a specific, potentially useful characteristic of the container of this invention, when it has collapsed to its almost completely collapsed configuration, the rate of draining of the container at a constant suction pressure head decreases substantially, but does not completely terminate, for a signifi-cant period of time. Accordingly, the container may be designed dm: ~ ~3~

1~7487 for parenteral solution therapy with the 1000 ml. or other desired dosage capacity, but also with a small amount (for example 50 cc.) of extra capacity of parenteral solution.
Accordingly, the bag can be designed so that about 900 cc. of parenteral solution can be administered normally, but in the event that the nurse does not arrive at that time, the adminis-tration flow does not altogether cease, but merely slows down for the last 150 cc. or so, with the result that clotting of the needle is prevented, as takes place when no flow is passing L0 through the admini5tration set. At the same time, because of the reduced flow following the administration of the basic amount of solution, there is no serious overdose of the patient.
Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevational view of the container of this invention shown in its mold halves L5 which form it, with portions of the nearer mold half being bro-ken away.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of this invention in collapsed configuration.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the container of this inven-tion in its initial, unstressed configuration.
Figure 4 is an elevational view of the container of this -invention in its initial, unstressed configuration.
Figure 5 is an ~levational view similar to Figure 4, showing the container in partially collapsed configuration as liquid is removed through the neck of the container.
Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the con-tainer of thi5 invention, showing it in essentially completely collapsed configuration, as the last of the liquid contents is being drained from it.

~ 1~7~UY~
Fi~ul-e ~ is an elevaLional view, rotatec3 9~n ~bout ~he lon~itudinal a.~:is frorr. the view of ~igure 6, showin~ the con-tainer of this invention in cssenti~llv cor,~ple~ely ~-:ol~.?Z~.sed configuration.
~ Figure 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 5--8 of Figure 4.
Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 4.
Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Figure 4.
~igure 11 is a transverse sectional view talcen along line 11-11 of Figure 4.
Figure 12 is an elevational view of the container of this invention in its initial, as-molded, unstressed configura-tion.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 13.
Figure lS is a sectional view'taken along line 5-5 of Figure 15.
Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the con-tainer of Figures 12 and 13, showing the container in almost completely drained configuration.
~5 Figure 17 is an elevational view of.the container of : Figures 12 and 13 showing it in completely drained configuration.
Referring to the drawings, the molded, collapsible solution container 10 of this invention is shown positioned within the pair of mold halves 12, 14 which are used in conjunc-~0 tion with conventional blow-molding apparatus for the manufacture af the contai.ners of this invention.
Container 10 has a chamber-defining body portion wall 16, and an integral neck portion 18 adapted for receving a con-ventional sterile-seal closure for parenteral solution containers, and a shoulde~ portion 20.

_5_ 111~7 As in the previously cit~d patents, the container may ,~fine, in its nor~al, unstressed state, a transver~e cross-:rction which tapers from the sho~lder portion 20, as stlown for example in Figure 4, progressively along a major portion of its length to a flat, sealed end portion 22 at the end of the con-tainer opposite to the one end which carries the shoulder por-tion. Preferably, the ta~ering begins at the shoulder portion 20, and proceeds in generally continuous manner to the sealed end 22.
The specific design of sealed end 22 may be in accord-dance with the method and design described in U.S. patents 4,105,730 and/or 4,076,063, or a simple double bar end seal may be used.
End 22 of container 10 further defines a convex, ar-cuate seal line 24, adjacent to and as part of the flat, sealed end 22. The convex, arcuate configuration of the seal line 24 provides improved strength to the seal, which is particularly desirable as in the specific embodiment involving thin sheets of preferably oriented plastic material, which is generally dif-ficult to seal in a reliable and strong manner.
The wall thickness of the container of this applica-tion may preferably be about 0.01 to 0.02 inch in thickness, and is generally uniform about the entire chamber-defining body portion 16 of the container, while the neck portion 18 is typically of greater wall thickness so as to be relatively stiff. Shoulder portion 20 is desirably as thin as body portion 16 about its edges, and is thicker at central portions thereof, for example about 0.03 inch thick.
A thin line of flexing weakness 26 of arcuate cross-~0 section may be defined in opposed relation along the longitudinal ed~es of the container, as shown in the drawings, to facilitate the flat collapse along the length of the bag.
The flat end 24 defines a flat extension 28 which may be utilized as a hanger member, as shown in Figure 2, for example.
In accordance with this invention, the shoulder portion 11~7487 r~ ~ta ~1 g ~ 1G r 20 ~ay be rcct-ilinc~r- in shape. Further~ore, as specifically hown in Figure 7, the various transverse cross-sections exem-plified at 30 of the container exhibit wall circumferellces which progressively decrease in length along the container from adjacent S the shoulder portion 20 toward the opposite end 22 thereof. Accord-ingly, the collapsed container exhibits a taper from the shoulder to the other end which has been found to be beneficial in provid-ing a flat, planar collapse, rather than collapsing flat to a generally non-planar, slightly buckled structure, as in the prior art.
This provides a significant advantage of permitting the collapsed bags, prior to filling, to receive printing on the face of the bag itself to function as a label, with volume indicia for indicating the amount of liquid withdrawn from the bag, or any other desired information.
L5 As a further contribution to the planar configuration that most of the bag can occupy, (with the exception of the shoulder and neck portions and end 22) in its collapsed configuration, the bag tapers uniformly from the shoulder end 20 to the tail end 24 without the use of a non-tapered section in body wall portion 16, ~0 as has been shown in the prior art.
Other examples of the tapered cross-section are shown in Figures 2 through 11.
The collapsible container of this invention may also define gusset portions 32, 34, which facilitate the outward spread-'5 ing of the contalner wall adjacent shoulder 20 on the axis between the gussets (as shown in Figure 7), while the container simultane-ously coIlapses inwardly from the viewpoint of the axis perpen-dicular to the axis between the gussets 32, 34 (as shown in Figure ~0 The gussets 32, 34 are positioned in opposed relation to each other on opposite side of the bag adjacent the shoulder portion, at opposed ends thereof. The gusset portions 32, 34 include lines of weakness to facilitate the collapse of the ~1~74~7 container adjacent the shoulder portion as the contents are withdrawn. These lines include lines 36 and 38 which may be lines of arcuate cross-sectlon, similar to lines 26, to facil-itate flexing.
Each gusset portion 32, 34 is a triangular structure defining three sides, i.e., sides 36, 38 and 40, side 40 of the gusset defining a line which is parallel to the corresponding shoulder edge 42 and preferably, as shown, is coextensive with shoulder edge 42.
) Shoulder edge 42 may alternatively define the shape of an enlarged, generally cylindrical section to permit flexing motion of its associated gussets 32, 34 into the outspread re-lationship of the gussets to the shoulder 20 as shown in Figure 7. However, as shown, shoulder edge 42 simply defines an angled line surface to form a relatively sharp corner.
Shoulder 20 also defines a second pair of opposed shoulder edges 44, which may preferably be of relatively enlarged, generally cylindrical section construction, typically of 0.05 to 0.3 inch diameter, extending between the gussets.
The above fold lines of the shoulder edges, the gussets, and elsewhere may specifically be of the cross-sèctional shape as defined in U.S. Patent No. 4,090,541 for desired flex-ing characteristics.
A pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 is de-fined inthe container of this invention. Lines 46 exhibit an arcuate cross-section to facilitate flexing of the material, the cross-sectional diameter of said lines being preferably from 0.05 to 0.2 inch and specifically about 0.1 inch.

1~7487 The opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 are positioned on each side of the container in parallel relation to the second pair of shoulder edges 44, being preferably spaced from the shoul-der edges in the direction of the flat, sealed end portion by a distance of one sixteenth to one quarter of the length of the container, as measured from the shoulder portion 20 to the flat, sealed end portion 22 and preferably adjacent to but typically about 0.05 to 0.2 inch displaced toward end 24 from a line extend-ing ~etween the apexes of each gusset 32, 34, typically being so displaced about 0.1 inch. For a container which measures about 10 inches between the shoulder edges 42 and the beginning of the flat, sealed end portion 22, opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 may be positioned about 1 or 2 inches from the shoulder edges 44, and specifically about 1.3 inches.
Preferably, each of the second shoulder edges 44 and its associated parallel line of flexing weakness 46 defines an area 48 between them in the container which is essentially planar in the original, unstressed, as-molded condition of the container.
Each planar area 48 may be roughly rectangular in shape in the embodiment as shown, in which the lines of folding weakness 46 are each positioned centrally and transversely on the container, and are of approximately equal length to shoulder edges 44.
In other words, line 46 is positioned at approximately the same axial position of bag 10 as the apexes 47 of each gus-set. Also, preferably, line 46 is of a length corresponding toedge 44 of shoulder 20 so as to define the rectangular planar area 48, and also to define triangular areas 49 on each side of each rectangular area 48, which are each of a shape and area equal to a triangular half 51 of its adjacent gusset 32, 34 as .. _ g _ , 11~'7487 shown for example in Fi~ure 3. Accordingly, when the container folds, each triangular area 49 can fold up against one half of its adjacent gusset 32, 34 for a flat, efficient fold.
Furthermore, in the collapsed condition as shown in Figure 7, the distance between apexes 47 of the gussets is pre-ferably equal to one half of the circumference of body 10 in the cross section that defines the two apexes 47. This further fac-ilitates flat folding.
Also, it should be noted that line of weakness 46 de-fines an inwardly extending arc, while the other lines of weak-ness in the container preferably define outwardly extending arcs.
Referring specifically to Figures 8 through 11, the tapering cross section of the container of this invention, in its as-molded, original, unstressed configuration can be seen.
Specifically, it can be seen that along the majority of the length of the container, beginning adjacent the shoulder portion, the cross sections ~specifically the cross sections of Figures 8 through 10) exhibit mutually perpendicular major axes 60 and minor axes 62 in which the major axes are longer than the minor axes. In each cross section, there is seen a pair of opposed, outwardly angled wall portions each of which define a generally acutely angled apex 64, 66 molded into the bag, which facilitates the flat collapse of the bag. The two apexes 64, 66 are both positioned on major axis 60.
z5 Furthermore, the majority of transverse cross sec-tions (as shown in Figures 8 through 10) exhibit generally plan-ar central areas 68, 70 adjacent the minor transverse axes 62.
At the generally lateral portions of the bag, curved portions 72 are defined between the generally planar portions 68, ~74~7 70 and apexes 64, 66 of the general shape as shown in the drawings.
The tail end of bag 10, as shown in Figure 11, may exhibit more rounded peripheral areas 74, 76 adjacent major axes 60 if desired. Alternatively, the apexes 64, 66 may con-tinue the entire distance to the seal line 24.
It should also be noted that apexes 6~, 66 define the thin lines of flexing weakness 26 described previously and shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 2.
The above configuration shown in Figures 8 through 11 further facilitates the flat collapse of the container which permits, for example, the direct printing of a label on the con-tainer prior to filling.
The container of this invention may be filled with parenteral solution and sealed with a conventional sterile seal which is typified by sterile seal 48 as shown, having a sealing cover 53 and tubular access member or members 50, generally with a piercable diaphragm within the access member.
A conventional solution set 52, having a piercing spike 54, may penetrate the tubular access member 50 for access to the container, which container may be placed upon a hanger 56, for example an IV pole or the like.
As in conventional IV soiution therapy, container 10 may be hung in inverted position, approximately two to three feet or more above the patient, to provide sufficient gravity pressure to administer the solution and also to cause the col-lapse of the container as the solution is drained. Figure 5 shows the partial collapse of the container, with the walls of the container flexing into flat configuration along lateral 1 1 ~7 lines of weakness 26.
As the container is completely drained, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, guss~ts 32, 34 fold outwardly while central portions 58 of the bag wall collapse inwardly, with the lines of flexing weakness 36, 38 and shoulder edges 42, 44 flexing to pe:rmit this motion.
Further in accordance with this invention referring to Figures 12 through 17, a molded, collapsible solution container defining a chamber-defining body portion ~iall has an integral neck portion 18 and a shoulder portion 20 at one end thereof.
The container may also define, if desired, a pair of opposed gusset portions 32, 34 adjacent the shoulder portion and at opposite ends of the shoulder portion. The shoulder portion de-fines opposed shoulder edges 44 extending between the gusset portions, when present, and a pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 defined in the collapsible solution container and exhibiting an arcuate cross section which extends inwardly of the container.
The opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 are positioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to the opposed shoulder edges. The opposed lines of flexing weakness 46 are longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges 44 by a distance which is proportioned to cause the opposed lines of flexing weakness to enter into abutting relationship with one another as the container collapses inwardly about the opposed shoulder edges.
As the result of this, the abutting lines of flexing weakness inhibit further collapse of the container under the pres-sure of suction, to slow the rate of subsequent collapse.
Accordingly, the container may be used as a container for parenteral solution, being hung on an IV pole in conventional manner and communicating through a parenteral solution administra-tion set and an IV needle to the venous system of a patient. As the container collapses, the walls rotate inwardly about the ' ~ 17487 opposed shoulder edges until the orposed lines of flexing w~k-ness 44 enter into their abutting rela~ionship. Following this, the container is capable of further collapse, but, due ~o the resistance provided by the abutting lines of flexing weakness, the rate of collapse at an essentially unchanged suction head imparted by parenteral solution in the set below the container is substantially reduced, providing the desired effect of reduced but positive liquid flow out of the container, as described above.
The distance between each opposed shoulder edge 44 and L0 the respective lines of flexing weakness 46 must be more than one half of the distance between the opposed shoulder edges, so that it is possible for the lines of flexing weakness to enter into abutting relationship as the container collapses. Preferably, the distance between each opposed shoulder edge and its associated line of flexing weakness should be less than the spacing between the opposed shoulder edges. Typically, the spacing is substan-tially less, for example, no more than 60 percent of the spacing between the opposed shoulder edges.
Specifically, the distance from the center of line of ~0 flexing weakness 46 to the center of its associated shoulder edge 44 may be about 1-5/6 inches. On the other-hand, the dis-tance between the respective shoulder edges 44 may be about 2-1/2 inches. As the result of this, as shown in Figure 8, as the solution container collapses, lines of flexin~ weakness 46 enter ~5 into abutting relationship with each other, while a certain amount of liquid volume 53 and air volume 55 remains in the almost-collapsed container. It is at this point that the flow rate out of the container at essentially unchanged level of suction pressure is substantially diminished, but still remains a positive flow rate ~0 of a few cc. per hour, so that the IV needle is not clotted, but at the same time, the patient is not overdosed.
Lines 46 have an inwardly extending cross section,to abut each other as the container collapses, impelled by the liquid 1~7487 ~ cti~n head in administration s~t 56, ~hich may be connected at its other end to the venous syste~ of a patient.- Also, lines 46 preferably occupy only a central portion of the container, as shown in Figure 12, being laterally spaced from each apex 47 of the gussets 32, 34.
Ultimately as shown in Figure 17, the container can completely drain to flat configuration, and the flow stops, but, due to the resistance imparted by the abutting, in-wardly èxtending lines of flexing weakness 46, a consider-0 able period of time takes place with low flow rate, sufficientto prevent clotting in the intravenous solution needle, until the supply of solution in the container is exhausted. This gives the nurse added time to check the patient and to replace the container with a new, filled container. If the needle be-comes clotted, it must be removed, and a new intravenous punc-ture must be made with a fresh set.
The curved portions 72, 72' (Figures 14 and 15) de-fined between the generally planar portions 68, 70 and the apexes 26 defining the longitudinal edges of the container de-~o fine a curved surface. The curved surface is of a shape whichis definable by a series of diverging, non-int~rsecting straight lines 74. Also, the curved surfaces are of such a shape that straight lines of intersection are formed between curved sur-faces 72,72' and a series of parallel planes 80 positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 76 of the container and perpendicular to the major transverse axis of the container as illustrated for example by axes 60 of Figures 14 and 15.
In other words, the planes are parallel to the various axes 62 of the same figures. This particular type of curved surface provides improved collapsibility at low suction pressure for the container into a flat configuration as illustrated by Figure 17.
The improved mode of collapse of the container of this application permits the use of less air in the container .

.
~.

o provide a meniscus to read the remainin~ liquid le~el in the container.
The above has been offered for illustrative purposes only, and is not inten~ed to limit the invention of this appli-S cation, which is as defined in the claims below.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. In a molded, collapsible solution container, which container defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof, said shoulder portion defining opposed shoulder edges and a pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness de-fined in said collapsible solution container and exhibiting a cross section which extends inwardly of said container, said opposed lines of flexing weakness being positioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to said opposed shoulder edges, said opposed lines of flex ing weakness being longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges by a distance which is proportioned to cause said opposed lines of flexing weakness to enter into abutting relationship with one another as the container collapses in-wardly about said opposed shoulder edges, whereby the abut-ting lines of flexing weakness inhibit further collapse of the container under the pressure of suction, to slow the rate of subsequent collapse.

2.The container of Claim 1 in which the distance between each opposed shoulder edge and its associated line of flexing weakness is more than one half of but less than the spacing between the opposed shoulder edges.

3. The container of Claim 2 in which said distance is no more than 60 percent of the spacing between the opposed shoulder edges.

4 . The container of Claim 2 in which said opposed lines of flexing weakness define a cross sectional diameter of from 0.05 to 0.2 inch.

5. The container of Claim 2 which defines, in its normal, unstressed state, a transverse cross section which tapers from the shoulder portion progressively along a major portion of its length to a flat, sealed end portion at the end of said container opposite to the one end.

6 The container of Claim 5 in which the shoulder portion is rectangular in shape, with the wall circumferences of the transverse cross sections of the body portion progres-sively decreasing in length from adjacent the shoulder por-tion toward the opposite end.

7 The container of Claim 6 in which said flat, sealed end defines a convex, arcuate seal line.

8. In a molded collapsible solution container, which container defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof, and tapering from said shoulder portion progressively along a major portion of its length to a flat, sealed end portion at the end of said container opposite said one end, said container also defining a pair of opposed gusset portions adjacent said shoulder portion at opposite ends of said shoulder portion, said shoulder portion defin-ing opposed shoulder edges extending between said gusset portions, and a pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness defined in said collapsible solution container and exhibit-ing an arcuate cross section which extends inwardly of said container, said opposed lines of flexing weakness being posi-tioned on each side of the container in generally parallel relation to said opposed shoulder edges, said opposed lines of flexing weakness being longitudinally spaced from the shoulder edges by a distance which is proportioned to cause said opposed lines of flexing weakness to enter into abut-ting relationship with one another as the container collapses inwardly about said opposed shoulder edges, said distance between each opposed shoulder edge and an associated line of flexing weakness being more than one half of but less than the total spacing between the opposed shoulder edges, whereby the abutting lines of flexing weakness inhibit further collapse of the container under the pressure of suction, to slow their rate of subsequent collapse.

9. The container of Claim 8 in which said distance is no more than 60 percent of the spacing between the opposed shoulder edges.

10. In a molded, collapsible solution container, which container defines a chamber-defining body portion wall having an integral neck portion and a shoulder portion at one end thereof, and defining, in its normal, unstressed state, a transverse cross-section which tapers from said shoulder portion progressively along a major portion of its length to a flat, sealed end portion at the end of the container oppo-site one end, said container also defining a pair of opposed gusset portions adjacent said shoulder portion at opposite ends thereof, said gusset portions including lines of flexing weakness to facilitate collapse of container adjacent said shoulder portion as the contents thereof are withdrawn, said gusset portions each defining three sides in triangular rela-tion, the improvement comprising, in combination: one of said sides of each gusset portion being positioned at one of a first pair of opposed shoulder edges, and defining an apex opposed to said one side, said shoulder portion being rectangular in shape and defining a second pair of opposed shoulder edges in generally normal relation to the opposed shoulder edges which are parallel to the gusset portions, and a pair of opposed lines of flexing weakness defined in said collapsible solution container and exhibiting an arcuate cross-section, said opposed lines of flexing weakness being positioned on each side of said container in parallel relation to said second pair of shoulder edges and spaced from said shoulder edges in the direction of the flat, sealed end portion by a distance essentially equal to the distance of each apex from the shoulder.

11. The container of Claim 10 in which each of said second shoulder edges and a parallel line of weakness define respective areas between them in the container wall which are essentially planar in their original, unstressed condition.

12. The container of Claim 11 in which said parallel lines of folding weakness are positioned centrally and trans-versely on said container and are of essentially equal length to the second pair of shoulder edges, said planar area defined between each of the second shoulder edges and its associated line of folding weakness being essentially rectilinear in shape.

13. The container of Claim 12 in which said line of folding weakness defines an arcuate cross-section having a width of 0.05 to 0.2 inch.

14. The container of Claim 13 in which said container defines transverse cross-sections having wall circumferences which progressively decrease along said container from adjacent said shoulder portion toward said opposite end.

15, The container of Claim 14 in which said wall circumferences decrease in a generally uniform manner along said container.

16. The molded, collapsible solution container of Claim 15 in which, adjacent each side of said planar area, there is defined between said planar area and a side of each gusset a triangular area which is essentially equal in shape and size to a half-triangular portion of said gusset.

17. The container of Claim 16 which defines a convex, arcuate seal line adjacent its flat, sealed end.