Multi-layer receptacle and residue removal method therefor

Abstract

A receptacle is disclosed having an interior surrounded by a container body formed of two layers of different material. The inner layer is soluble in the presence of a selected solvent while the outer layer, which is supported by the inner layer, is formed of a material that is insoluble in the presence of the solvent. The inner layer may particularly be either hot or cold water soluble and may specifically be formed of polyvinyl alcohol. The outer layer may be in the form of frangible shell that is bonded to the inner layer and formed of a water insoluble material. The container body may further include a middle layer interposed between the inner and outer layers. A method of removing chemical residue from a container is also provided. The method comprises contacting the inner layer of the container body with sufficient quantity of water to dissolve the inner layer.

1 . A receptacle having an interior that is sized and adapted to receive and hold a selected substance, comprising a container body surrounding the interior and having a mouth in communication therewith, said container body including:
 (A) an inner layer formed of a first material that is soluble in the presence of a selected solvent, said inner layer having a first thickness; and   (B) an outer layer supported by said inner layer and formed of a second material that is insoluble in said selected solvent and having a second thickness.   
   
   
       2 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein the first thickness of said inner layer is greater than the second thickness of said outer layer. 
   
   
       3 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said inner layer is substantially continuous and surrounds a majority of the container interior. 
   
   
       4 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said inner layer is either hot water soluble or cold water soluble. 
   
   
       5 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said inner layer is formed of polyvinyl alcohol. 
   
   
       6 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said inner layer is impervious to hazardous substances. 
   
   
       7 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said outer layer is formed of polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. 
   
   
       8 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said selected substance is a liquid, hazardous material. 
   
   
       9 . A receptacle according to  claim 1  wherein said container body includes a middle layer interposed between said inner layer and said outer layer. 
   
   
       10 . A receptacle according to  claim 9  wherein said middle layer is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, ethylene polyvinyl acetate, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol. 
   
   
       11 . A container for the transportation and storage of a selected hazardous substance and having a container interior adapted to receive the hazardous substance, said container comprising:
 (A) an inner sidewall surrounding at least a majority of the container interior and formed of a water soluble material; and   (B) a frangible outer shell layer bonded to said inner sidewall and formed of a water insoluble material.   
   
   
       12 . A container according to  claim 11  wherein said selected hazardous substance is an agrochemical selected from the group consisting of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and bactericides. 
   
   
       13 . A container according to  claim 11  including a middle layer interposed between said inner sidewall and said outer shell. 
   
   
       14 . A method of removing chemical residue from the interior of a container wherein the container interior is surrounded by an inner sidewall layer formed of a water soluble material, said method comprising contacting the container interior with a sufficient quantity of water to dissolve said inner sidewall layer.