Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6375037
-
Patent Number
6,375,037
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, October 10, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, April 23, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Derakshani; Philippe
- Bui; Thach H
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 222 1
- 222 478
- 222 107
- 222 565
- 206 439
- 383 102
- 383 103
- 383 106
- 383 209
-
International Classifications
-
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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