Bag construction for distributing material

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6375037
  • Patent Number
    6,375,037
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, October 10, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, April 23, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material includes first and second panel sections oriented juxtaposed to one another. In one end of the bag construction, a gusset with distribution apertures are provided. This permits distribution of a flowable material in the interior of the bag construction. At another end of the bag construction, a stand-up, solid, unperforated gusset is provided. This gusset permits the bag construction to stand in an upright position, for display and storage purposes. Methods of preparing and using such arrangements are described.
Description




TECHNICAL FIELD




This disclosure relates to bag or pouch constructions. In particular, it relates to an arrangement from which a flowable material can be readily distributed, conveniently, by a user. The disclosure also concerns methods for preparing such arrangements and methods of using such arrangements.




BACKGROUND




A wide variety of items include materials, which, in use, are dispersed or spread over an area. Many of these items are flowable material, such as dry powder or particulate materials. Examples of these materials include grass seed, plant nutrients, insect dust, salt pellets, and colored chalk.




In use, such materials are generally dispersed over some surface. For those materials that are dispersed over the ground or plants, sometimes mechanical spreading equipment is used. While the equipment can be quite effective, it is often large, bulky, and is generally only desirable if a relatively large amount of material is to be spread over a relatively large area.




In many instances, mechanical spreading equipment is not appropriate. In addition, mechanical spreading equipment may need to be thoroughly cleaned between uses, which can be inconvenient.




In some instances, spreading has involved either hand spreading or spreading with a hand-held scoop of some type. This can be inconvenient and messy.




Alternate arrangements for spreading materials have been desirable.




SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE




A pouch arrangement is provided. The pouch arrangement includes first and second opposed panel sections. In preferred embodiments, each of the panel sections has opposite first and second ends and first and second side edges extending between the first and second ends. Preferred arrangements include a first stand-up gusset fold member oriented between the first and second panel sections along the first and second panel section first ends. Preferred embodiments also include a second gusset oriented between the first and second panel sections along the first and second panel section second ends. The second gusset includes a distribution aperture arrangement. For example, the second gusset may include a plurality of holes or slits therein, to allow flowable material to pass therethrough, selectively, in use. Preferred embodiments also include a handle along the first and second panel section first ends.




Preferred methods of filling a pouch construction are provided. Preferred methods include providing a pouch construction having an interior, a first gusset fold member at a first end of the pouch construction, and a second gusset at a second end of the pouch construction. In preferred embodiments, the second gusset will include a plurality of apertures, and the second end of the pouch construction will have a seal therealong to block external access to the second gusset. Preferred methods will include a step of at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with a flowable material through an opening in the pouch construction. The opening may be adjacent to the first gusset fold member or between the first and second end.




In preferred methods, after the step of at least partially filling the pouch, the opening, either adjacent to the first gusset fold member or between the first and second end, will be sealed to close access to the pouch construction interior. In preferred embodiments, this step will transform the first gusset fold member into a closed, stand-up gusset or the opening between the first and second end into a side seal respectively. This will permit the pouch construction to be displayed in a stand-up orientation, resting upon the first gusset.




Preferred methods of using pouch constructions as described herein will include providing a pouch having an interior, a first end, and a second opposite end. Preferably, there will be a stand-up gusset at the first end, an end seal at the second end, and a flowable material in the pouch interior. Preferred methods will include removing the end seal from the pouch to expose a second gusset. The second gusset will preferably include a distribution aperture arrangement.




Preferred methods will also include a step of orienting the pouch such that the gusset having the distribution aperture arrangement is located below the stand-up gusset. In other words, in preferred embodiments, the pouch construction will be inverted to point the gusset having the distribution aperture arrangement toward the ground. In preferred methods, the pouch is then shaken to distribute the flowable material from the pouch interior through the aperture arrangement, by the use of gravity and through the second gusset. Preferred embodiments also include grasping the handle and shaking the pouch to distribute the flowable material.




The disclosure includes within its scope: empty pouch arrangements with an opening through the first stand-up gusset fold member to be filled with material; pouch arrangements with material filled and stored therein; pouch arrangements with the end seal adjacent to the second gusset torn therefrom, methods of distributing particulate material utilizing such pouch arrangements; methods of preparation of such pouch arrangements; and methods of displaying such pouch arrangements in a stand-up configuration.




In the detailed description, discussions of each of these items are provided.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bag arrangement oriented in a stand-up configuration, constructed according to principles of this disclosure;





FIG. 2

is a front elevational view of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3A

is a perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 1

during a filling operation through an opening in a stand-up gusset fold member;





FIG. 3B

is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 3A

after the filling operation and after the opening in the stand-up gusset fold member has been sealed;





FIG. 4

is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, during a step of tearing an end seal off of one end of the bag arrangement;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in

FIG. 4

, after a step of tearing off the end seal and exposing the perforated gusset for spreading material;





FIG. 6

is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken along the line


6





6


of FIG.


5


.





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bag arrangement; the bag being shown during a filling operation through an opening in a stand-up gusset fold member;





FIG. 8

is a fragmented, perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 7

after the filling operation and after the opening in the stand-up gusset fold member has been sealed;





FIG. 9

is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in

FIG. 8

, after a step of tearing off the end seal and exposing the perforated gusset for spreading material; a hand is shown holding the handle;





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 7

; the bag being shown during a filling operation through an opening in the side seal; and





FIG. 11

is a perspective view of the bag arrangement depicted in

FIG. 10

after the filling operation and after the opening in the side seal has been sealed.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION




A bag construction or pouch arrangement constructed according to principles of this disclosure is illustrated in

FIG. 1

generally at


10


. The particular arrangement


10


is shown as if prepared from substantially transparent materials. In this manner, internal detail can be readily seen. From descriptions below with respect to useful materials, it will be apparent that non-transparent materials may be utilized for constructions according to principles of this disclosure.




Referring still to

FIG. 1

, the pouch arrangement


10


depicted in

FIG. 1

is illustrated as it would generally appear after being filled with material


52


and before being opened for use. The configuration in

FIG. 1

is a stand-up configuration. That is, the pouch arrangement


10


in

FIG. 1

is shown as it would be displayed, for example, for sale on a store shelf.




Still referring to

FIG. 1

, pouch arrangement


10


includes first and second opposed sidewalls, panel sections or panels


12


,


14


. There is also a first gusset


16


at a first end


18


of the pouch arrangement


10


, and a second gusset


20


at a second end


22


of the pouch arrangement


10


. In

FIG. 1

, the first gusset


16


is shown in an expanded configuration, to permit the pouch arrangement


10


to stand-up and rest upon the first end


18


. As such, the first gusset


16


may also be referred to as a “stand-up gusset.” The first end


18


of the pouch arrangement


10


corresponds to the bottom


24


of the pouch arrangement


10


, when the pouch arrangement


10


is in a standing configuration.




In

FIG. 1

, the second gusset


20


is shown in a stored or nonexpanded position. The second gusset is not accessible from the exterior of the pouch arrangement


10


, due to an end seal


26


securing the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


together and blocking access to the second gusset


20


. The second end


22


, in

FIG. 1

, also corresponds to a top


28


of the pouch arrangement


10


, when the pouch arrangement


10


is in its stand-up configuration.




The second gusset


20


includes a distribution aperture arrangement


30


to allow for desirable passage of particulate or flowable material therethrough to facilitate distribution.




A typical operation of pouch arrangement


10


will be apparent from review of FIG.


1


. In use, the pouch arrangement


10


is displayed in a stand-up configuration resting on bottom


24


with the first gusset


16


expanded to support remaining portions of the pouch arrangement


10


. The second gusset


20


is secured inside of the pouch arrangement


10


by the end seal


26


. When it is desired to use the pouch arrangement


10


for distribution, the end seal


26


is removed from remaining portions of the pouch arrangement


10


, and the second gusset


20


is exposed. Pouch arrangement


10


is then inverted, such that the second gusset


20


is located downwardly relative to the first gusset


16


. If the user then shakes the pouch construction


10


, flowable particulate material within the pouch arrangement


10


will be dispensed through the distribution aperture arrangement


30


in the second gusset


20


. The user can readily control distribution, by simply orienting the arrangement


10


above the object or area over which distribution of the particulate material is desired and shaking the bag appropriately.




Still referring to

FIG. 1

, the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


are secured, and preferably sealed, to one another, along side seals


32


,


34


. Seals


32


,


34


, in preferred embodiments, are heat seals. They may be formed in a manner conventional for pouch constructions. As can be seen in

FIG. 1

, side seals


32


,


34


extend between the top


28


and bottom


24


of the pouch construction


10


. In some embodiments, the side seals


32


,


34


may include a plurality of spaced, inwardly extending projections to help support the pouch arrangement


10


in a standup configuration, without bending or yielding. This is described more fully in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,613, which patent is incorporated by reference herein.




Each of the first and second gussets


16


,


18


are also secured, preferably by heat seals, to the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


. In reference to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the first gusset


16


is secured to panels


12


,


14


at seal regions


35


,


36


,


37


,


38


. These seals may be conventional, for the formation of standup pouch constructions, such as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,059,036; 5,147,272; and 5,254,073, incorporated herein by reference. The standup gusset


16


, when the pouch arrangement


10


is in a final, assembled form, is also secured to each of the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


along end seals


40


,


42


. Specifically, end seal


40


secures, preferably by heat seal, the first panel section


12


to the first gusset


16


along the edges of the first end


18


. The end seal


42


secures the second panel section


14


to the first gusset


16


along the end edges of the first end


18


of the second panel section


14


. As will be described in further detail below, the end seal


42


is preferably applied after the pouch arrangement


10


is filled with material.




The second gusset


20


is also secured to the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


. Preferably, the second gusset


20


is secured to the panel sections


12


,


14


by way of heat seals


44


,


46


(FIGS.


4


and


6


). Preferably, the seals


44


,


46


extend between the side seals


32


,


34


.




In general, panels


12


,


14


define pouch interior volume


50


, generally defined by side seals


32


,


34


, first gusset


16


and second gusset


20


. Interior volume


50


is used for holding or containing flowable particulate material


52


for distribution through the aperture arrangement


30


in the second gusset


20


.




On a side


54


of the seals


44


,


46


opposite from the internal volume


50


, panels


12


,


14


define a tab


56


sealed along an end seal


58


. The pouch arrangement


10


may include an alternate weakened transverse tear line to facilitate removal of the tab


56


, when desired. The score or perforated line may extend transversely across tab


56


from side seal


32


to side seal


34


. Pouch arrangement


10


may also include tear notches


60


,


62


to facilitate removal of the tab


56


. In constructions where a perf or score line is used, the notches


60


,


62


will be in alignment. In general, tab


56


should be sized appropriately so that tab


56


can be readily torn from arrangement


10


by hand. Alternatively, the tab


56


can be sized such that it is removed from the pouch arrangement


10


by cutting with a scissors.

FIG. 4

shows the tab


56


partially removed from the pouch arrangement


10


.




Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 3A-6

. From a review of these figures, further regarding assembly and operation of arrangements, such as pouch arrangement


10


, will be understood.




Referring to

FIG. 3A

, the first gusset


16


is shown in a stage before being completely sealed or secured to the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


. In particular, in

FIG. 3A

, the first gusset


16


is shown with a first gusset section


64


secured to the first panel section


12


along end seal


40


, while a second gusset section


66


has a portion


68


that is unsecured to either of the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


. As can be seen in

FIG. 3A

, the first gusset section


64


and the second gusset section


66


are preferably a single piece of material joined along gusset fold


70


. The second gusset section


66


and the first and second panel sections


12


,


14


define an opening or slit


72


therebetween. The opening


72


provides access to the pouch interior


50


.




Thus, it can be appreciated that the pouch arrangement


10


may be filled with material


52


through the opening


72


. After filling the pouch arrangement


10


with material


52


, the opening


72


may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is, gusset


16


). In

FIG. 3B

, the gusset


16


is shown after the opening


72


has been closed. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the opening


72


is closed by way of end seal


42


, preferably by heat, by securing portion


68


to panel section


14


. After forming the end seal


42


, the pouch arrangement


10


is in a condition to be turned to rest on the bottom


24


and stand-up on its first gusset


16


.




Referring to

FIG. 4

, pouch arrangement


10


is illustrated during a step of removing tab


56


therefrom, in order to allow for the opening of second end


22


. Tab


56


is shown being torn from the pouch arrangement


10


, and in some embodiments, along a score line or perforated line. In some embodiments, the tab


56


is removed by cutting with a scissors, for example.




Once tab


56


has been completely removed from the pouch arrangement


10


, the material


52


may be distributed through the second gusset


20


. This may be accomplished by inverting the pouch arrangement


10


from the orientation shown in FIG.


1


and

FIG. 4

, to the orientation shown in FIG.


5


. That is, the pouch arrangement is turned upside down, such that the first end


18


is oriented over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement


10


, while second end


22


is oriented below all other portions of the pouch arrangement


10


. Typically, the pouch arrangement


10


is grasped along some combination of the sides


32


,


34


and first end


18


and shaking.




After a selected amount of particulate material


52


has been distributed, the arrangement


10


can be stored by inverting the pouch arrangement


10


, to stand on its stand-up gusset


16


. That is, the pouch arrangement


10


is turned such that the second end


22


is oriented over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement


10


, while first end


18


is oriented below all other portions of the pouch arrangement


10


. The stand-up gusset


16


permits the pouch arrangement


10


to be stored in a stand-up, upright position, and without the loss of material


52


within.




Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 7-9

. From a review of these figures, a further embodiment will be understood regarding placement, construction and use of a handle


180


on a pouch arrangement


110


.




Referring to

FIG. 7

, the first gusset


116


is shown in a stage before being completely sealed or secured to the first and second panel sections


112


,


114


. In particular, in

FIG. 7

, the first gusset


116


is shown with a first gusset section


64


secured to the first panel section


112


along end seal


140


, while a second gusset section


66


has a portion of


168


that is unsecured to either of the first and second panel portions


112


,


114


. As illustrated in

FIG. 7

, the first gusset section


164


and the second gusset section


166


are preferably a single piece of material joined along gusset fold


170


. The second gusset section


166


and the first and second panel sections


112


,


114


define an opening or slit


172


therebetween. The opening


172


provides access to the pouch interior


150


. A handle


180


is disposed between the first gusset section


164


and the second gusset section


166


. The handle


180


extends between the side seals


132


,


134


. The handle


180


is fixed at the side seals


132


,


134


by any conventional means such as heat sealing for example.




The handle


180


can be constructed of any conventional material. Preferably, the handle is constructed of polymeric materials and may include reinforcing materials such as polymers, fibers, metal and the like. The handle


180


is affixed to side seals


132


,


134


so that the handle


180


and side seals


132


,


134


support the weight of the pouch arrangement and flowable material


152


held within the pouch arrangement


110


.




The handle


180


should be wide enough so that when a user holds the handle


180


, the handle


180


does not “cut in” to the user's hand causing the user pain. However, the handle


180


should not be so wide that the width of the handle prevents the side seals


132


,


134


from sealing completely. The handle


180


, may be, for example, about a 0.25 to 2 in., preferably, 0.5 to 1.5 in. wide.




The handle


180


should also be strong enough to support the weight of the pouch arrangement


110


and material


152


held within the pouch arrangement


110


. The handle


180


may have a plurality of reinforcing strips running along the length of the handle providing the handle


180


with the necessary strength to support the pouch arrangement and material held within.




The pouch arrangement


110


maybe filled with flowable material


152


through the opening


172


. After filling the pouch arrangement


110


with the flowable material


152


, the opening


172


may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is gusset


116


). In

FIG. 8

, the gusset


116


is shown after the opening


172


has been sealed. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the opening


172


is closed by way of end seal


142


preferably by heat, by securing portion


168


to panel section


114


. Handle


180


is connected at side seals


132


,


134


and disposed between first gusset section


164


and second gusset section


166


. After forming the end seal


142


, the pouch arrangement


110


is in the condition to be turned to rest on the bottom and stand-up on its first gusset


116


.




As discussed above,

FIG. 4

illustrates a step of removing tab


56


from the pouch arrangement


10


in order to allow for the opening of the second end


22


. This step applies to this embodiment also. Once tab


156


has been completely removed from the pouch arrangement


110


, the material


152


may be distributed through the second gusset


120


. This may be accomplished by inverting the pouch arrangement


110


from the orientation shown in

FIGS. 1 and 4

to the orientation shown in FIG.


9


. That is the pouch arrangement is turned upside down, such that first end


118


is orientated over or above all other portions of the pouch arrangement


110


, while second and


122


is orientated below all other portions of pouch arrangement


110


.

FIG. 9

illustrates the pouch arrangement


110


grasped by the handle


180


by a hand. After a selected amount of particular material


152


has been distributed, the arrangement


110


can be stored by inverting the pouch arrangement


110


as described earlier.




Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 10-11

. From a review of these figures, further understanding regarding assembly and operation of arrangements, such as pouch arrangement


10


, will be understood.




Referring to

FIG. 10

, the side seal


232


is shown in a stage before first and second panel sections


212


,


214


are completely sealed to form the side seal


232


. The pouch arrangement


210


is filled with material


252


through an opening or slit


274


where a side seal


232


is subsequently formed as described later.

FIG. 10

shows the opening


274


extending between the first end


218


and second end


222


of the pouch arrangement


210


. The first and second panel sections


212


,


214


define an opening or slit


274


therebetween. The opening


274


provides access to the pouch interior


250


.




Thus, it can be appreciated that the pouch arrangement


210


may be filled with material


252


through the opening


274


. After filling the pouch arrangement


210


with material


252


, the opening


274


may be closed, in order to provide a closed, stand-up gusset (that is, gusset


216


). In

FIG. 11

, the side seal


232


is shown after the opening


274


has been closed. In a particular embodiment illustrated, the opening


274


is closed by a way of side seal


232


, preferably by heat, by securing first and second panel sections,


212


,


214


. After forming the side seal


232


, the pouch arrangement


210


is in a condition to be turned to rest on the bottom


224


and stand-up on its first gusset


116


.




It should be understood that, in some embodiments, there may be a zipper closure arrangement along the seals


44


,


46


,


144


,


146


,


244


and


246


to permit selective opening and re-closing of the perforated, second gusset


20


,


120


and


220


. Such an arrangement is described fully in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,479, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.




While a variety of methods may be utilized to prepare arrangements according to

FIGS. 1-11

, herein a preferred convenient method is described.




According to the method, two webs of material, each preferably being of approximately the same width and preferably continuous are provided. During the process, the two webs are brought together, in opposition to one another. It is these two webs, when cut in sections that form the opposite panels, for example panels


12


and


14


of the arrangement


10


.




In a follow-up step, the two webs are brought together in opposition, ultimately to comprise panel sections


12


and


14


. During the step of bringing the webs together, a continuous strip of gusset material is preferably fed there between along each of the appropriate edges. The gusset material forming the second gusset


20


may be pre-punched to include the distribution apertures. Alternatively, the punching operation may take place after the trimming and sealing steps. The gusset material forming the first gusset


16


is also provided along the appropriate edge.




In later steps of the process, a continuous composite that preferably comprises: a first web; a second web opposed to the first web; a first continuous gusset web; and a second continuous gusset web; is cut, trimmed, and sealed, preferably by heat sealing, into a pouch arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of

FIG. 3A

with opening


72


. Embodiments that include a handle


180


,


280


, may include the handle in the continuous composite. The continuous composite that includes the handle


180


,


280


, can then be further processed as described above into a pouch arrangement


110


,


210


corresponding to the arrangements of

FIGS. 7-11

with opening


172


located along the first gusset


116


as show in

FIGS. 7-9

or alternatively located along side seal


232


,


234


as illustrated in

FIGS. 10 and 11

. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, all the seals may be formed and the opening


72


,


172


and


272


cut in a subsequent step.




In some applications, it may be desirable to form the two webs from a single roll or web of material. This can be done, for example, by providing a primary web that is split in half, longitudinally, to form two webs. These webs can then be utilized as the two webs in the process.




Pouch arrangements as described herein may be provided with a variety of outer dimensions, depending upon the intended use. Example sizes include widths of at least 4 inches, no greater than 20 inches, and typically 6-18 inches; heights of at least 6 inches, no greater than 30 inches and typically 12-24 inches. The pouch arrangements


10


can be constructed to hold material


52


,


152


and


252


of substantial mass, for example, 3-10 pounds, and in some cases, up to 30 pounds.




Pouch arrangements according to this disclosure may be manufactured from a variety of materials. Example materials include polyester biaxially oriented nylon linear low-density polyethylene (PET/BON/LLDPE) film.




The flowable material


52


,


152


and


252


may be in a variety of forms including, for example, pellets, grains, seeds, or powders. In particular, materials


52


,


152


and


252


can include salt pellets, grass seed, or plant nutrient. In general, the maximum average dimension of the flowable particulate material


52


,


152


and


252


should be sufficiently smaller than the average size of the apertures in the base gusset member, to facilitate distribution. A variety of patterns of holes or apertures in the second gusset


20


,


120


and


220


, shapes of such apertures, sizes of such apertures, and population density of such apertures may be used. For example, in some arrangements, the distribution apertures will be approximately round, at least 1 mm in diameter, no greater than 8 cm. in diameter, and in some instances 1-6 cm. in diameter. For grass seed, for example, a diameter of about 2 cm. is convenient.




The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.



Claims
  • 1. A pouch arrangement comprising:(a) first and second opposed panel sections each having: opposite first and second ends; and first and second side edges extending between said first and second ends; said first side edge of first and second opposed panel sections define an opening therebetween providing access to an interior of the pouch arrangement; (b) a first stand-up gusset fold member oriented between said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section first ends; and (c) a second gusset oriented between said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section second ends; (i) said second gusset having a distribution aperture arrangement.
  • 2. A pouch arrangement according to claim 1 further including:(a) an end seal adjacent to said second gusset; said end seal securing together said second ends of said first and second panel sections wherein said end seal is constructed and arranged to be removable from remaining portions of the pouch arrangement.
  • 3. A pouch arrangement according to claim 2 further including:(a) a pair of tear notches adjacent to said end seal.
  • 4. A pouch arrangement according to claim 1 further comprising:(a) first and second side seals securing said first and second panel sections together along said first and second side edges; (i) said first and second panel sections comprise two separate pieces of material; and (ii) said first stand-up gusset fold member is secured to each of said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section first ends to provide a pouch arrangement having a completely closed, stand-up, bottom gusset.
  • 5. A pouch arrangement according to claim 4 further including:(a) flowable particulate material positioned in said pouch arrangement and located, at least in part, between said closed, stand-up, bottom gusset and said second gusset; (i) said distribution aperture arrangement includes a plurality of distribution apertures; and (ii) said flowable particulate material having a maximum average dimension that is sufficiently smaller than an average size of said distribution apertures in said second gusset, so that said flowable particulate material can be readily, selectively, distributed through said second gusset.
  • 6. A pouch arrangement according to claim 5 wherein:(a) said distribution apertures are generally circular with a diameter of between 1 cm and 6 cm; and (b) said flowable particulate material is selected from the group consisting of pellets, grains, powders, seeds, plant nutrient, insect dust, and chalk.
  • 7. A pouch arrangement according to claim 2 further comprising:(a) a handle to permit a user to selectively carry and manipulate the pouch arrangement.
  • 8. A pouch arrangement according to claim 4 further including:(a) a handle fixed to said first and second side seals and extending along the first ends of said first and second panel sections.
  • 9. A method of filling a pouch construction; the method comprising:(a) providing a pouch construction having an interior, a first gusset fold member at a first end of the pouch construction, and a second gusset at a second end of the pouch construction; (i) the second gusset including a plurality of apertures; (ii) the second end of the pouch construction having a seal therealong to block external access to the second gusset; and (b) at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with a flowable material through an opening in the pouch construction; (i) the step of at least partially filling includes filling the pouch construction through an opening in the pouch construction between the first end of the pouch construction and the second end of the pouch construction.
  • 10. A method of filling according to claim 9 wherein:(a) after said step of the least partially filling, sealing the opening to close access to the pouch construction interior and transform the opening into a side seal; and (b) after said step of sealing the opening, orienting the pouch construction into a standing configuration to stand on the closed, stand-up gusset.
  • 11. A method of filling according to claim 9 wherein:(a) said step of at least partially filling includes at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with one of pellets, grains, powders, seeds, plant nutrient, insect dust, and chalk.
  • 12. A method of filling according to claim 10 wherein:(a) said step of at least partially filling includes at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with one of pellets, grains, powders, seeds, plant nutrient, insect dust, and chalk.
  • 13. A method of using a pouch; the method comprising:(a) providing a pouch having first and second opposed panel sections defining an interior; a first end; and second, opposite end; (i) a stand-up gusset at the first end; the stand-up gusset being material extending between the first and second opposed panel sections; (ii) an end seal at the second end; (iii) a flowable material in the pouch interior; and (b) removing the end seal from the pouch to expose a second gusset extending between the first and second opposed panel sections; (i) the second gusset having a distribution aperture arrangement.
  • 14. A method of using a pouch according to claim 13 further including:(a) grasping a handle at the first end.
  • 15. A method of using a pouch according to claim 13 further including:(a) orienting the pouch such that the second gusset is located below the stand-up gusset; (b) shaking the pouch to distribute the flowable material from the pouch interior through the aperture arrangement in the second gusset; (c) after said step of shaking the pouch to distribute flowable material, orienting the pouch such that the stand-up gusset is located below the second gusset; and (d) standing the pouch in a stand-up configuration on the stand-up gusset.
  • 16. A method of using a pouch according to claim 4 further including:(a) orienting the pouch such that the second gusset is located below the handle and stand-up gusset; (b) grasping the handle; and (c) shaking the pouch to distribute the flowable material from the pouch interior through the operative arrangement in the second gusset; (d) after said step of shaking the pouch to distribute flowable material, orienting the pouch such that the stand-up gusset is located below the second gusset; and (e) standing the pouch in a stand-up configuration on the stand-up gusset.
  • 17. A pouch arrangement comprising:(a) first and second opposed panel sections each having: opposite first and second ends; and first and second side edges extending between said first and second ends; (b) a first stand-up gusset fold member being an extension of material oriented between said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section first ends; and (c) a second gusset being an extension of material oriented between said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section second ends; (i) said second gusset having a distribution aperture arrangement.
  • 18. A pouch arrangement according to claim 17 wherein:(a) said first stand-up gusset fold member and one of said first and second panel sections define an opening therebetween providing access to an interior of the pouch arrangement.
  • 19. A pouch arrangement according to claim 17 further including:(a) an end seal adjacent to said second gusset; said end seal securing together said second ends of said first and second panel sections wherein said end seal is constructed and arranged to be removable from remaining portions of the pouch arrangement.
  • 20. A pouch arrangement according to claim 19 further including:(a) a pair of tear notches adjacent to said end seal.
  • 21. A pouch arrangement according to claim 17 further comprising:(a) first and second side seals securing said first and second panel sections together along said first and second side edges; (i) said first and second panel sections comprise two separate pieces of material; and (ii) said first stand-up gusset fold member is secured to each of said first and second panel sections along said first and second panel section first ends to provide a pouch arrangement having a completely closed, stand-up, bottom gusset.
  • 22. A pouch arrangement according to claim 21 further including:(a) flowable particulate material positioned in said pouch arrangement and located, at least in part, between said closed, stand-up, bottom gusset and said second gusset; (i) said distribution aperture arrangement includes a plurality of distribution apertures; and (ii) said flowable particulate material having a maximum average dimension that is sufficiently smaller than an average size of said distribution apertures in said second gusset, so that said flowable particulate material can be readily, selectively, distributed through said second gusset.
  • 23. A pouch arrangement according to claim 17 further comprising:(a) a handle to permit a user to selectively carry and manipulate the pouch arrangement.
  • 24. A pouch arrangement according to claim 23 further including:(a) a handle fixed to first and second side seals and extending along first end of first and second panel sections.
  • 25. A method of filling a pouch construction; the method comprising:(a) providing a pouch construction having first and second opposed panel sections defining an interior; a first gusset fold member being material oriented between the first and second opposed panel sections at a first end of the pouch construction; and a second gusset being material oriented between the first and second opposed panel sections at a second end of the pouch construction; (i) the second gusset including a plurality of apertures; (ii) the second end of the pouch construction having a seal therealong to block external access to the second gusset; and p1 (b) at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with a flowable material through an opening in the pouch construction.
  • 26. A method of filling according to claim 25 wherein:(a) the step of at least partially filling includes filling the pouch construction through an opening in the pouch construction adjacent to the first gusset fold member; (b) after said step of at least partially filling, sealing the opening to close access to the pouch construction interior and transform the first gusset fold member into a closed, stand-up gusset; and (c) after said step of sealing the opening, orienting the pouch construction into a standing configuration to stand on the closed, stand-up gusset.
  • 27. A method of filling according to claim 26 wherein:(a) said step of sealing includes securing a portion of the first gusset fold member to one of the first and second panel sections.
  • 28. A method of filling according to claim 26 wherein:(a) said step of at least partially filling includes at least partially filling the pouch construction interior with one of pellets, grains, powders, seeds, plant nutrient, insect dust, and chalk.
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