CONTAINERS HAVING A PRODUCT VOLUME AND A STAND-OFF STRUCTURE COUPLED THERETO

Abstract

Various containers are provided that have a product volume and one or more standoff structures coupled to the product volume. The standoff structures are configured to protect the product volume. The standoff structures may, for example, prevent damage (e.g., denting, rupture, scuffing, etc.) to the product volume, such as to indicia or information disposed on the product volume, that occurs when, for example, the container is dropped, falls, is placed into contact with another object, or is placed into a confined structure.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to containers, and in particular, to auxiliary structures employed in conjunction with containers made from flexible material, as well as auxiliary structures employed in conjunction with containers made from rigid or semi-rigid materials.

BACKGROUND

Fluent products include liquid products and/or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain, and dispense one or more fluent products. And, in various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain, and/or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions of a product. A container can include one or more product volumes. A product volume can be configured to be filled with one or more fluent products. A container receives a fluent product when its product volume is filled. Once filled to a desired volume, a container can be configured to contain the fluent product in its product volume, until the fluent product is dispensed. A container contains a fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent product. The barrier prevents the fluent product from escaping the product volume. The barrier can also protect the fluent product from the environment outside of the container. A filled product volume is typically closed off by a cap or a seal. A container can be configured to dispense one or more fluent products contained in its product volume(s). Once dispensed, an end user can consume, apply, or otherwise use the fluent product(s), as appropriate. In various embodiments, a container may be configured to be refilled and reused or a container may be configured to be disposed of after a single fill or even after a single use. A container should be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can receive, contain, and dispense its fluent product(s), as intended, without failure.

A container for fluent product(s) can be handled, displayed for sale, and put into use. A container can be handled in many different ways as it is made, filled, decorated, packaged, shipped, and unpacked. A container can experience a wide range of external forces and environmental conditions as it is handled by machines and people, moved by equipment and vehicles, and contacted by other containers and various packaging materials. These external forces can, for example, be constant forces, variable forces, impact forces, or other forces. For example, the external forces can include the force of gravity, an applied force (applied by, for example, a person or object), and/or a frictional force. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that it can be handled in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without failure, damage to the container, damage to the contents of the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container when decorated.

A container can also be displayed for sale in many different ways as it is offered for purchase. A container can be offered for sale as an individual article of commerce or packaged with one or more other containers or products, which together form an article of commerce. A container can be offered for sale as a primary package with or without a secondary package. A container can be decorated to display characters, graphics, branding, and/or other visual elements when the container is displayed for sale. A container can be configured to be displayed for sale while laying down or standing up on a store shelf, while presented in a merchandising display, while hanging on a display hanger, or while loaded into a display rack or a vending machine. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured with a structure that allows it to be displayed in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without failure.

A container can also be put into use in many different ways, by its end user. A container can be configured to be held and/or gripped by an end user, so a container should be appropriately sized and shaped for human hands; and for this purpose, a container can include useful structural features such as a handle (e.g., a handle integrally formed with the product volume and/or a handle coupled to the product volume) and/or a gripping surface. A container can be stored while laying down or standing up on a support surface, while hanging on or from a projection such as a hook or a clip, or while supported by a product holder, or (for refillable or rechargeable containers) positioned in a refilling or recharging station. A container can be configured to dispense fluent product(s) while in any of these storage positions or while being held by the user. A container can be configured to dispense fluent product(s) through the use of gravity, and/or pressure, and/or a dispensing mechanism, such as a pump, or a straw, or through the use of other kinds of dispensers known in the art. Some containers can be configured to be filled and/or refilled by a seller (e.g. a merchant or retailer) or by an end user. A container for fluent product(s) should be configured with a structure that allows it to be put to use in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art, as intended, without failure. A container can also be configured to be disposed of by the end user, as waste and/or recyclable material, in various ways.

One conventional type of container for fluent products is a rigid container made from solid material(s). Examples of conventional rigid containers include molded plastic bottles, glass jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes, etc. These conventional rigid containers are well-known and generally useful; however their designs do present several notable difficulties.

First, some conventional rigid containers for fluent products can be expensive to make. Some rigid containers are made by a process shaping one or more solid materials. Other rigid containers are made with a phase change process, where container materials are heated (to soften/melt), then shaped, then cooled (to harden/solidify). Both kinds of making are energy intensive processes, which can require complex equipment.

Second, some conventional rigid containers for fluent products can require significant amounts of material. Rigid containers that are designed to stand up on a support surface require solid walls that are thick enough to support the containers when they are filled. This can require significant amounts of material, which adds to the cost of the containers and can contribute to difficulties with their disposal.

Third, some conventional rigid containers for fluent products can be difficult to decorate. The sizes, shapes, (e.g. curved surfaces) and/or materials of some rigid containers, make it difficult to print directly on their outside surfaces. Labeling requires additional materials and processing, and limits the size and shape of the decoration. Overwrapping provides larger decoration areas, but also requires additional materials and processing, often at significant expense.

Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for fluent products can be prone to certain kinds of damage. If a rigid container is pushed against a rough surface, then the container can become scuffed, which may obscure printing on the container. If a rigid container is pressed against a hard object, then the container can become dented, which may look unsightly. And if a rigid container is dropped, then the container can rupture, which may cause its fluent product to be lost.

Fifth, some fluent products in conventional rigid containers can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid container to dispense its fluent product, the end user must overcome the resistance of the rigid sides, to deform the container. Some users may lack the hand strength to easily overcome that resistance; these users may dispense less than their desired amount of fluent product. Other users may need to apply so much of their hand strength, that they cannot easily control how much they deform the container; these users may dispense more than their desired amount of fluent product.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of containers made from flexible material. Because these containers are made from flexible material, these containers can be less expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers. First, these containers can be less expensive to make, because the conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods). Second, these containers can use less material, because they are configured with novel support structures that do not require the use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible containers can be easier to print and/or decorate, because they are made from flexible materials, and flexible materials can be printed and/or decorated as conformable webs, before they are formed into containers. Even though the containers of the present disclosure are made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure. Also, these containers can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and environmental conditions from handling, without failure, damage to the container, damage to the contents of the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container when decorated. Further, these containers can be configured with structures that allow them to be distributed, displayed and put into use, as intended, without failure, damage to the container, damage to the contents of the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container when decorated.

In particular, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of containers having a product volume and one or more standoff structures coupled to the product volume. The product volume can, in some examples, be a self-supporting product volume. The standoff structures are configured to protect at least exterior surface of the product volume. The standoff structures may, for example, help protect or cushion the product volume and/or the contents thereof. The standoff structures may, as another example, prevent damage (e.g., denting, rupture, obscuring, and scuffing, etc.) to the product volume, to the contents of the product volume, and/or to indicia or information disposed on the product volume, that occurs when, for example, the container is dropped, falls, is placed or otherwise comes into contact with another object, or is placed into a confined structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a stand up flexible container.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a frustum.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 2A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 2A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a pyramid.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 3G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a trigonal prism.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a tetragonal prism.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 5F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a pentagonal prism.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 6F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 6G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a cone.

FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 7F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 7G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 7A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a stand up flexible container having a structural support frame that has an overall shape like a cylinder.

FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the container of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 8F illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 8G illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a square.

FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a triangle.

FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 10D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 10E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container, having an overall shape like a circle.

FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A, including an asymmetric structural support frame.

FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A, including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 11E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A, including an external structural support frame.

FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type dispenser.

FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a flip-top cap.

FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a screw-on cap.

FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable type dispenser.

FIG. 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type dispenser with a cap.

FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser.

FIG. 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with a lid.

FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw dispenser.

FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with bite valve.

FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type dispenser.

FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump spray type dispenser.

FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray type dispenser.

FIG. 15A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.

FIG. 15B illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.

FIG. 15C illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.

FIG. 15D illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto, the product volume having an overall pyramidal shape like a trigonal prism.

FIG. 15E illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a cylindrically-shaped self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.

FIG. 15F illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a cuboid-shaped self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.

FIG. 15G illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a triangularly-shaped self-supporting product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.

FIG. 15H illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.

FIG. 15I illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting and pressurized product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and indicia printed thereon, the indicia configured to provide an appearance that a plurality of standoff structures are coupled to the product volume.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a method or process for preventing damage to a container.

FIGS. 18A-18L illustrate various embodiments of first product containers having a product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product containers.

FIGS. 19A-19L illustrate various embodiments of first product containers having a product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product containers.

FIGS. 20A-20L illustrate various embodiments of first product containers having a product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with standoff structures of corresponding second product containers.

FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate another embodiment of a product container having a product volume and a plurality of standoff structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with standoff structures of another product container arranged in a different orientation.

FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.

FIG. 23 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a standoff structure coupled thereto.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the middle and bottom of the container are free of standoff structures.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the middle and bottom of the container are free of standoff structures.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of different standoff structure constructions with a closed container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of containers made from flexible material as well as containers made of rigid or semi-rigid materials. Containers are made from flexible material can be less expensive to make, can use less material, and can be easier to decorate, when compared with conventional rigid containers, but the auxiliary container structure of the present disclosure that is beneficial for use in conjunction with containers made of flexible material may also be beneficial for use in conjunction with containers made of rigid or semi-rigid material. As to containers made from flexible material, first, these containers can be less expensive to make, because the conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished goods) generally requires less energy and complexity, than formation of rigid materials (from bulk form to finished goods). Second, these containers can use less material, because they are configured with novel support structures that do not require the use of the thick solid walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible containers can be easier to decorate, because their flexible materials can be easily printed before they are formed into containers. Fourth, these flexible containers can be less prone to scuffing, denting, and rupture, because flexible materials allow their outer surfaces to deform when contacting surfaces and objects, and then to bounce back. Fifth, fluent products in these flexible containers can be more readily and carefully dispensed, because the sides of flexible containers can be more easily and controllably squeezed by human hands. Alternatively, any embodiment of flexible containers, as described herein, can be configured to dispense fluent products by pouring the fluent products out of its product volume.

Even though certain of the containers of the present disclosure are made from flexible material, they can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can receive, contain, and dispense fluent product(s), as intended, without failure, damage to the container, and/or damage to the contents of the container, and/or damage to the decoration of the container when decorated. Also, these containers can be configured with sufficient structural integrity, such that they can withstand external forces and environmental conditions from handling, without failure. Further, these containers can be configured with structures that allow them to be displayed for sale and put into use, as intended, without failure, damage to the container, and/or damage to the contents of the container and/or damage to the decoration of the container when decorated.

As used herein, the term “about” modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+/−20%). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that particular value (i.e. +/−20%).

As used herein, the term “ambient conditions” refers to a temperature within the range of 15-35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity within the range of 35-75%.

As used herein, the term “approximately” modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus fifteen percent (+/−15%). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e. +/−15%).

As used herein, when referring to a sheet of material, the term “basis weight” refers to a measure of mass per area, in units of grams per square meter (gsm). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a basis weight of 10-1000 gsm, or any integer value for gsm from 10-1000, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 20-800 gsm, 30-600 gsm, 40-400 gsm, or 50-200, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “bottom” refers to the portion of the container that is located in the lowermost 30% of the overall height of the container, that is, from 0-30% of the overall height of the container. As used herein, the term bottom can be further limited by modifying the term bottom with a particular percentage value, which is less than 30%. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, a reference to the bottom of the container can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the bottom 25% (i.e. from 0-25% of the overall height), the bottom 20% (i.e. from 0-20% of the overall height), the bottom 15% (i.e. from 0-15% of the overall height), the bottom 10% (i.e. from 0-10% of the overall height), or the bottom 5% (i.e. from 0-5% of the overall height), or any integer value for percentage between 0% and 30%. In some embodiments, the bottom can include one or more auxiliary structures, such as one or more legs, cups, gussets, pouches, pedestals, feet, bases, standoff structures, seams, and/or other extensions, coupled to (e.g., integral with, separately formed and then at least partially joined thereto) the container. The one or more auxiliary structures can be made of rigid materials or made from one or more flexible materials.

As used herein, the term “bottom face” refers to a portion of the bottom of the container that is arranged to at least partially contact a horizontal support surface. The bottom face can at least partially contact the support surface when, for example, the container is standing upright on the support surface. In some embodiments, the bottom face can include a support surface contacting portion and a portion that is in facing relationship, but not in contact with the horizontal support surface. In other embodiments, substantially the entirety of the bottom face can contact the horizontal support surface. In the embodiments in which the bottom includes one or more extensions, the bottom face refers to the portion of the one or more auxiliary structures that at least partially contact the horizontal support surface.

As used herein, the term “branding” refers to a visual element intended to distinguish a product from other products. Examples of branding include one of more of any of the following: trademarks, trade dress, logos, icons, and the like. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can include one or more brandings of any size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination.

As used herein, the term “character” refers to a visual element intended to convey information. Examples of characters include one or more of any of the following: letters, numbers, symbols, and the like. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can include one or more characters of any size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination.

As used herein, the term “closed” refers to a state of a product volume, wherein fluent products within the product volume are prevented from escaping the product volume (e.g. by one or more materials that form a barrier, and by a cap), but the product volume is not necessarily hermetically sealed. For example, a closed container can include a vent, which allows a head space in the container to be in fluid communication with air in the environment outside of the container.

As used herein, the term “coupled to” refers to an “indirect” connection between elements or a “direct” connection between elements.

As used herein, the term “decoration area” refers to a portion of the surface of the container that includes “indicia,” such as one or more characters, graphics, branding, surface elements, or other visual elements, in any combination. The decoration area can be located on a surface of the product volume, a surface of one or more standoff structures, or a combination thereof. The decoration area may be viewable through a portion of the surface of the container and can be located on a surface of the product volume. The indicia may be located on the outward or external surface of the flexible material of the product volume and/or the standoff structures, embedded or sandwiched within the flexible material, on the inward or interior surface of the flexible material of product volume and/or the standoff structures, or may be located on another surface or flexible material where the decoration area is positioned between the another surface or flexible material and the viewer located external to the decoration area.

The decoration area can consist of a decoration area viewing portion that has a translucent to a near or fully transparent visual property which provides a vision pathway from outside the container into at least a portion of the product volume. Product located inside the product volume may be visible to a user or viewer via the pathway. The decoration area and decoration area viewing portion may include the viewing of indicia while viewing a portion of the product volume or product located within the product volume. A container may have a plurality of decoration areas or decoration area viewing portions.

As used herein, the term “directly connected” refers to a configuration wherein elements are attached to each other without any intermediate elements therebetween, except for any means of attachment (e.g. adhesive). The elements can be integrally attached to or integrally formed with one another or can be separately formed and then at least partially attached to one another (e.g., attached at one point, attached at several points, fully attached to one another).

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “dispenser” refers to a structure configured to dispense fluent product(s) from a product volume to the environment outside of the container. For any of the flexible containers disclosed herein, any dispenser can be configured in any way disclosed herein or known in the art. For example, a dispenser can be a push-pull type dispenser, a dispenser with a flip-top cap, a dispenser with a screw-on cap, a spout, a mouth, a rotatable type dispenser, dispenser with a cap, a pump type dispenser, a pump spray type dispenser, a trigger spray type dispenser, a straw dispenser, a flip up straw dispenser, a straw dispenser with bite valve, a dosing dispenser, etc. As another example, a dispenser can be formed by a frangible opening. As further examples, a dispenser can utilize one or more valves and/or dispensing mechanisms disclosed in the art, such as those disclosed in: published US patent application 2003/0096068, entitled “One-way valve for inflatable package”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,016 entitled “Self-sealing container”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,717, entitled “Package having a fluid actuated closure”; each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Still further, any of the dispensers disclosed herein, may be incorporated into a flexible container either directly, or in combination with one or more other materials or structures (such as a fitment), or in any way known in the art. In some alternate embodiments, dispensers disclosed herein can be configured for both dispensing and filling, to allow filling of product volume(s) through one or more dispensers. In other alternate embodiments, a product volume can include one or filling structure(s) in addition to one or more dispenser(s).

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “disposable” refers to a container which, after dispensing a product to an end user, is not configured to be refilled with an additional amount of the product, but is configured to be disposed of (i.e. as waste, compost, and/or recyclable material). Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be disposable.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “durable” refers to a container that is reusable more than non-durable containers.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “effective base contact area” refers to a particular area defined by a portion of the bottom of the container, when the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water) is standing upright and its bottom is resting on a horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area lies in a plane defined by the horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area is a continuous area bounded on all sides by an outer periphery.

The outer periphery is formed from an actual contact area and from a series of projected areas from defined cross-sections taken at the bottom of the container. The actual contact area is the one or more portions of the bottom of the container that contact the horizontal support surface, when the effective base contact area is defined. The effective base contact area includes all of the actual contact area. However, in some embodiments, the effective base contact area may extend beyond the actual contact area.

The series of projected area are formed from five horizontal cross-sections, taken at the bottom of the flexible container. These cross-sections are taken at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the overall height. The outer extent of each of these cross-sections is projected vertically downward onto the horizontal support surface to form five (overlapping) projected areas, which, together with the actual contact area, form a single combined area. This is not a summing up of the values for these areas, but is the formation of a single combined area that includes all of these (projected and actual) areas, overlapping each other, wherein any overlapping portion makes only one contribution to the single combined area.

The outer periphery of the effective base contact area is formed as described below. In the following description, the terms convex, protruding, concave, and recessed are understood from the perspective of points outside of the combined area. The outer periphery is formed by a combination of the outer extent of the combined area and any chords, which are straight line segments constructed as described below.

For each continuous portion of the combined area that has an outer perimeter with a shape that is concave or recessed, a chord is constructed across that portion. This chord is the shortest straight line segment that can be drawn tangent to the combined area on both sides of the concave/recessed portion.

For a combined area that is discontinuous (formed by two or more separate portions), one or more chords are constructed around the outer perimeter of the combined area, across the one or more discontinuities (open spaces disposed between the portions). These chords are straight lines segments drawn tangent to the outermost separate portions of the combined area. These chords are drawn to create the largest possible effective base contact area.

Thus, the outer periphery is formed by a combination of the outer extent of the combined area and any chords, constructed as described above, which all together enclose the effective base area. Any chords that are bounded by the combined area and/or one or more other chords, are not part of the outer periphery and should be ignored.

Any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to have an effective base contact area from 1 to 50,000 square centimeters (cm²), or any integer value for cm² between 1 and 50,000 cm², or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 2 to 25,000 cm², 3 to 10,000 cm², 4 to 5,000 cm², 5 to 2,500 cm², from 10 to 1,000 cm², from 20 to 500 cm², from 30 to 300 cm², from 40 to 200 cm², or from 50 to 100 cm², etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term “expanded” refers to the state of one or more flexible materials that are configured to be formed into a structural support volume or a standoff structure, after the structural support volume or the standoff structure is made rigid or more rigid by one or more expansion materials. An expanded structural support volume/standoff structure has an overall width that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials, before the structural support volume is filled with the one or more expansion materials. Examples of expansion materials include liquids (e.g. water), gases (e.g. compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide), fluent products, foams (that can expand after being added into a structural support volume), co-reactive materials (that produce gas), or phase change materials (that can be added in solid or liquid form, but which turn into a gas; for example, liquid nitrogen, dry ice or any suitable cryogenic fluid or solid (e.g., solid ‘dry ice’ carbon dioxide, liquid helium, liquid argon, and combinations thereof), preferably one that has a boiling point or sublimation point at one atmosphere of pressure such that the previously cryogenic material is in a gas phase at temperatures above 50 C 75°, or 100 C), or other suitable materials known in the art, or combinations of any of these (e.g. fluent product and liquid nitrogen). In various embodiments, expansion materials can be added at atmospheric pressure, or added under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase pressure to something above atmospheric pressure. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, its one or more flexible materials can be expanded at various points in time, with respect to its manufacture, sale, and use, including, for example: before or after its product volume(s) are filled with fluent product(s), before or after the flexible container is shipped to a seller, and before or after the flexible container is purchased by an end user.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a container, the term “filled” refers to the state when the product volume contains an amount of fluent product(s) that is equal to a full capacity for the product volume, with an allowance for head space, under ambient conditions. As used herein, the term filled can be modified by using the term filled with a particular percentage value, wherein 100% filled represents the maximum capacity of the product volume.

As used herein, the term “flat” refers to a surface that is without significant projections or depressions.

As used herein, the term “flexible container” refers to a container configured to have one or more product volumes, wherein one or more flexible materials form at least a portion of the overall surface area of the one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space of the one or more product volumes. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible container can be configured to have one or more product volumes, wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the overall area of the one or more materials that define the three-dimensional space, and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. One kind of flexible container is a film-based container, which is a flexible container made from one or more flexible materials, which includes a film.

In some embodiments, the container can include one or more standoff structures at least partially made of a flexible material and coupled to a product volume made of a rigid material, such as injection-molded plastic, or a semi-rigid material, such as a thin-walled blow molded plastic. In other embodiments, the container can include one or more standoff structures at least partially made of a flexible material and coupled to a product volume at least partially made of a flexible material. In further embodiments, the container can include one or more standoff structures made of a non-flexible material and coupled to a product volume at least partially made of a flexible material.

For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, the middle of the flexible container (apart from any fluent or non-fluent product mass) can be configured to have an overall middle mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the overall middle mass, and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.

For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the entire flexible container (apart from any fluent product) can be configured to have an overall mass, wherein one or more flexible materials form a particular percentage of the overall mass, and the particular percentage is any integer value for percentage between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term “flexible material” refers to a thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, having a flexibility factor within the range of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a flexibility factor of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or any integer value for flexibility factor from 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000 N/m, 1,500-1,000,000 N/m, 2,500-800,000 N/m, 5,000-700,000 N/m, 10,000-600,000 N/m, 15,000-500,000 N/m, 20,000-400,000 N/m, 25,000-300,000 N/m, 30,000-200,000 N/m, 35,000-100,000 N/m, 40,000-90,000 N/m, or 45,000-85,000 N/m, etc. Throughout the present disclosure the terms “flexible material”, “flexible sheet”, “sheet”, and “sheet-like material” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Examples of materials that can be flexible materials include one or more of any of the following: films (such as plastic films), cavitated or foamed films, elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (including wovens and nonwovens), biosourced materials, and papers, in any configuration, as separate material(s) such as single layer or mono-layer, or as layer(s) of a laminate, or as part(s) of a composite material, in a micro-layered, bi-layered, or nano-layered structure, and in any combination, as described herein or as known in the art. In various embodiments, part, parts, or all of a flexible material can be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed, in any manner known in the art. In various embodiments, parts, parts, or all of a flexible material can made of sustainable, bio-sourced, recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable material. Part, parts, or all of any of the flexible materials described herein can be partially or completely translucent, partially or completely transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible materials used to make the containers disclosed herein can be formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together using any kind of joining or sealing method known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g. conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, bonding, adhering, and the like, and combinations of any of these.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term “flexibility factor” refers to a material parameter for a thin, easily deformable, sheet-like material, wherein the parameter is measured in Newtons per meter, and the flexibility factor is equal to the product of the value for the Young's modulus of the material (measured in Pascals) and the value for the overall thickness of the material (measured in meters).

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “fluent product” refers to one or more liquids and/or pourable solids, and combinations thereof. Examples of fluent products include one or more of any of the following: bites, bits, creams, chips, chunks, crumbs, crystals, emulsions, kernels, flakes, gels, grains, granules, jellies, kibbles, liquids, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions, lotions, nuggets, ointments, particles, particulates, pastes, pieces, pills, powders, salves, shreds, sprinkles, and the like, either individually or in any combination. Throughout the present disclosure the terms “fluent product” and “flowable product” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein can be configured to include one or more of any fluent product disclosed herein, or known in the art, in any combination.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “formed” refers to the state of one or more materials that are configured to be formed into a product volume, after the product volume is provided with its defined three-dimensional space.

As used herein, the term “gap” refers to a space between standoff structures or a space between a standoff structure and the product volume to which it is coupled.

As used herein, the term “graphic” refers to a visual element intended to provide a decoration or to communicate information. Examples of graphics include one or more of any of the following: colors, patterns, designs, images, and the like. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container can include one or more graphics of any size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “height area ratio” refers to a ratio for the container, with units of per centimeter (cm⁻¹), which is equal to the value for the overall height of the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water, and with overall height measured in centimeters) divided by the value for the effective base contact area of the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water, and with effective base contact area measured in square centimeters). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible containers, can be configured to have a height area ratio from 0.3 to 3.0 per centimeter, or any value in increments of 0.05 cm⁻¹ between 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.35 to 2.0 cm⁻¹, from 0.4 to 1.5 cm⁻¹, from 0.4 to 1.2 cm⁻¹, or from 0.45 to 0.9 cm⁻¹, etc.

As used herein, the term “horizontal support surface” refers to any surface that has a horizontal component and is configured to support a container thereabove. The horizontal support surface can be a shelf (e.g., at a grocery store), a ledge (e.g., a shower ledge), a ground or floor surface, a base (e.g., a rigid base), a surface of a cart or other carrying means, or any other support surface. In some embodiments, the support surface has an entirely horizontal orientation (i.e., it is flat). In other embodiments, the support can include some depressions, ridges, roller-type or other bearing surfaces, projections (e.g., bumps of regular or irregular shapes), and/or pattern spacing, and as used herein, the term “horizontal” may include inclined angles of not greater than 45°, as it is recognized that retail shelving may be inclined to promote inventory flow to a front-most position in an effort to improve inventory turnover.

As used herein, the term “indicia” refers to one or more of characters, graphics, branding, surface elements (e.g., three-dimensional surface elements), or other visual elements, in any combination. For example, indicia can refer to product information, such as ingredients, safety information, nutritional information, ingredients, etc. For any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the container can include one or more indicia of any size, shape, or configuration, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination. A product volume and/or a standoff structure can include indicia. The indicia can be associated with any of the outward or inward facing surfaces of the product volume and/or the standoff structure.

As used herein, the term “indirectly connected” refers to a configuration wherein elements are attached to each other with one or more intermediate elements therebetween.

As used herein, the term “integrally formed” refers to a configuration wherein elements are continuously formed with a common material (or common materials).

As used herein, the term “joined” refers to a configuration wherein elements are formed separately (i.e., not continuously) and then directly connected or indirectly connected. Elements that are “joined” are not “integrally formed.”

As used herein, the term “lateral” refers to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to a lateral centerline of a container, when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. A lateral orientation may also be referred to a “horizontal” orientation, and a lateral measurement may also be referred to as a “width.”

As used herein, the term “like-numbered” refers to similar alphanumeric labels for corresponding elements, as described below. Like-numbered elements have labels with the same last two digits; for example, one element with a label ending in the digits 20 and another element with a label ending in the digits 20 are like-numbered. Like-numbered elements can have labels with a differing first digit, wherein that first digit matches the number for its figure; as an example, an element of FIG. 3 labeled 320 and an element of FIG. 4 labeled 420 are like-numbered. Like-numbered elements can have labels with a suffix (i.e. the portion of the label following the dash symbol) that is the same or possibly different (e.g. corresponding with a particular embodiment); for example, a first embodiment of an element in FIG. 3A labeled 320-a and a second embodiment of an element in FIG. 3B labeled 320-b, are like numbered.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to a longitudinal centerline of a container, when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. A longitudinal orientation may also be referred to a “vertical” orientation. When expressed in relation to a horizontal support surface for a container, a longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as a “height”, measured above the horizontal support surface.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “middle” refers to the portion of the container that is located in between the top of the container and the bottom of the container. As used herein, the term middle can be modified by describing the term middle with reference to a particular percentage value for the top and/or a particular percentage value for the bottom. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, a reference to the middle of the container can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the portion of the container that is located between any particular percentage value for the top, disclosed herein, and/or any particular percentage value for the bottom, disclosed herein, in any combination.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term “multiple dose” refers to a product volume that is sized to contain a particular amount of product that is about equal to two or more units of typical consumption, application, or use by an end user. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein, can be configured to have one or more multiple dose product volumes. A container with only one product volume, which is a multiple dose product volume, is referred to herein as a “multiple dose container.”

As used herein, the term “nearly” modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus five percent (+/−5%). For any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e. +/−5%).

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “non-durable” refers to a container that is temporarily reusable, or disposable, or single use.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term “nonstructural panel” refers to flexible material(s) and/or laminate(s) of flexible material(s) which overlay a product volume disposed within the flexible container. In various embodiments, for example, embodiments in which the container includes a structural support frame, the nonstructural panel does not substantially add to the self supporting nature of the container. In embodiments in which the container does not include a structural support frame, the nonstructural panel may optionally add to the self supporting nature of the container. In some embodiments, the nonstructural panel can be the wall or panel of the product volume. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the flexible container can include one or more nonstructural panels. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the container can include a nonstructural panel in a second portion of the first wall and a structural support member in a first portion of the first wall.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “overall height” refers to a distance that is measured while the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, the distance measured vertically from the upper side of the support surface to a point on the top of the container, which is farthest away from the upper side of the support surface. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to have an overall height from 2.0 cm to 100.0 cm, or any value in increments of 0.1 cm between 2.0 and 100.0 cm, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 4.0 to 90.0 cm, from 5.0 to 80.0 cm, from 6.0 to 70.0 cm, from 7.0 to 60.0 cm, from 8.0 to 50.0 cm, from 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or from 10.0 to 30.0, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a sheet of flexible material, the term “overall thickness” refers to a linear dimension measured perpendicular to the outer major surfaces of the sheet, when the sheet is lying flat. For any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have an overall thickness 5-500 micrometers (μm), or any integer value for micrometers from 5-500, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 10-500 μm, 20-400 μm, 30-300 μm, 40-200 μm, or 50-100 μm, etc.

As used herein, the term “product volume” refers to an enclosable three-dimensional space that is configured to receive and directly contain one or more fluent product(s), wherein that space is defined by one or more materials that form a barrier that prevents the fluent product(s) from escaping the product volume. By directly containing the one or more fluent products, the fluent products come into contact with the materials that form the enclosable three-dimensional space; there is no intermediate material or container, which prevents such contact. Throughout the present disclosure the terms “product volume” and “product receiving volume” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can be configured to have any number of product volumes including one product volume, two product volumes, three product volumes, four product volumes, five product volumes, six product volumes, or even more product volumes. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein can have a product volume of any size, including from 0.001 liters to 100.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.001 liters between 0.001 liters and 3.0 liters, or any value in increments of 0.01 liters between 3.0 liters and 10.0 liters, or any value in increments of 1.0 liters between 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: from 0.001 to 2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6 liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters, 0.2 to 1.2 liters, 0.25 to 1.0 liters, etc. A product volume can have any shape in any orientation. A product volume can be included in a container that has a structural support frame, and a product volume can be included in a container that does not have a structural support frame. In some embodiments, a product volume can be a self-supporting product volume. The product volume can, in some embodiments, be pressurized or under vacuum, including when the product volume is closed and contains product.

As used herein, the term “reclosable” refers to how the product volume can be opened, such that fluent product(s) within the product volume can be dispensed, and then closed again, such that fluent product(s) within the product volume can again be prevented from escaping the product volume. Any of the product volumes described herein can be reclosable.

As used herein, the term “sealed,” when referring to a product volume, refers to a state of the product volume wherein fluent products within the product volume are prevented from escaping the product volume (e.g. by one or more materials that form a barrier, and by a seal), and the product volume is hermetically sealed.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “self-supporting” refers to a container that includes a product volume and a structural support frame, wherein, when the container is resting on a horizontal support surface, in at least one orientation, the structural support frame is configured to prevent the container from collapsing and to give the container an overall height that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of the materials that form the container, even when the product volume is unfilled. Any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be self-supporting.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “self-supporting product volume” refers to a product volume that has one or more walls and a bottom, wherein, when the product volume is resting on a horizontal support surface, in at least one orientation, the one or more walls and the bottom are configured to prevent the product volume from collapsing and to give the product volume an overall height that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of the materials that form the product volume, even when the product volume is unfilled with a fluent product. Any of the embodiments of product volume disclosed herein, can be configured to be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the self-supporting product volume can stand up (e.g., the overall height of the product volume is greater than the width of the product volume). In other embodiments, the self-supporting product volume may not be considered as standing up. The self-supporting product volume can be shaped like a cube, a cuboid, a prism (e.g., a triangular prism), a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid (e.g., triangular pyramid), a sphere, a tetrahedron, another type of polyhedron, or some other shape.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “side” refers to an exterior surface of the product volume or the standoff structure. A side can refer to the surface that connects the top and the bottom surfaces of the product volume or the standoff structure. Additionally or alternatively, a side can refer to a top or bottom surface of the product volume or the standoff structure. Thus, any of the containers described herein can include a front side, left and right sides, a rear side, a top side, a bottom side, and/or other side. Throughout the present disclosure, the terms “face” and “panel” may be used interchangeably with “side.”

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “single use” refers to a closed container which, after being opened by an end user, is not configured to be reclosed. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to be single use.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term “single dose” refers to a product volume that is sized to contain a particular amount of product that is about equal to one unit of typical consumption, application, or use by an end user. Any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, can be configured to have one or more single dose product volumes. A container with only one product volume, which is a single dose product volume, is referred to herein as a “single dose container.”

As used herein, when referring to a container, the terms “stand up,” “stands up,” “standing up”, “stand upright”, “stands upright”, and “standing upright” refer to a particular orientation of a self-supporting flexible container, when the container is resting on a horizontal support surface. This standing upright orientation can be determined from the structural features of the container and/or indicia on the container. In a first determining test, if the container has a clearly defined base structure that is configured to be used on the bottom of the container, then the container is determined to be standing upright when this base structure is resting on the horizontal support surface. If the first test cannot determine the standing upright orientation, then, in a second determining test, the container is determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the indicia on the container are best positioned in an upright orientation. If the second test cannot determine the standing upright orientation, then, in a third determining test, the container is determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the container has the largest overall height. If the third test cannot determine the standing upright orientation, then, in a fourth determining test, the container is determined to be standing upright when the container is oriented to rest on the horizontal support surface such that the container has the largest height area ratio. If the fourth test cannot determine the standing upright orientation, then, any orientation used in the fourth determining test can be considered to be a standing upright orientation.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “stand up container” refers to a self-supporting container, wherein, when the container (with all of its product volume(s) filled 100% with water) is standing up, the container has a height area ratio from 0.4 to 1.5 cm⁻¹. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can be configured to be stand up containers.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “standoff structure” refers to a projection, protrusion, tab, volume, chamber, blister, dunnage (e.g., an air bubble) bumper, fender, or other discrete structural member coupled to a product volume (e.g., a self-supporting product volume). The standoff structure can be a fillable space made of one or more flexible materials, wherein the space can be configured to be at least partially filled with one or more expansion materials (e.g., one or more flowable materials). For example, the space can be configured to be partly or fully filled with one or more expansion materials, which results in a standoff structure in an expanded state and, in turn, can create creates increased tension in the one or more flexible materials. The standoff structure can alternatively be pressurized with a gas. The standoff structure can alternatively be a solid structure (i.e., it does not have a fillable space) made of one or more inflexible (e.g., solid, rigid) materials. One or more standoff structures associated with a given container may be shaped or configured to cooperate with one or more standoff structures of one or more other containers to selectively secure or interlock the containers to one another, which interconnection may occur with each of the containers in the same orientation, with the containers being in opposing or otherwise rotated orientations relative to one another (such as an upright container next to an inverted container), or there may be a plurality of containers interconnected by their respective one or more standoff structures such that some of the plurality of the containers are in a first orientation and at least one other of the plurality of containers is in a second orientation (such as upright-inverted-upright, or upright-upright-inverted, upright-inverted-upright-inverted, upright-inverted-inverted-upright, upright-inverted-inverted-inverted). Instead or in addition, one or more standoff structures associated with a given container may be shaped or configured to cooperate with one or more standoff structures of one or more sidewalls of a carton, tote, package, bag, wrap, or box containing the container, or with one or more standoff structures of one or more spacer elements provided in a carton, tote, package, bag, wrap, or box containing the container, wherein such spacer elements are provided to separate individual containers from one another, and/or to separate individual containers from the wall of a carton, tote, package, bag, wrap, or box containing the container.

The standoff structure can be made of one or more of the same materials as the product volume. In some embodiments, the standoff structure and the product volume can be made of the same material(s). The standoff structure can alternatively be made of one or more different materials than the product volume.

The standoff structure can be integrally formed with (e.g., attached to) the product volume. For example, the standoff structure and the product volume can, as formed, share a common material layer (e.g., a film layer). Alternatively, the standoff structure and the product volume can be separately formed and later joined together. The standoff structure can, in some embodiments, be a separate set of elements associated with the container but connected to the container at only one or more locations, such that the standoff structure forms an external frame. Standoff structures can have various shapes and sizes. Part, parts, or all of a standoff structure can be straight, curved, angled, arcuate, segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or all of a standoff structure can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, elliptical, square, triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. A standoff structure can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave, along part, parts, or all of a length. A standoff structure can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable overall width, any suitable overall length, and any suitable overall height, and can be positioned at any elevation. A standoff structure can be substantially uniform along part, parts, or all of its length, cross-section and/or its height, or can vary, in any way described herein, along part, parts, or all of its length, cross-section and/or its height. For example, a cross-sectional area of a standoff structure can increase or decrease along part, parts, or all of its length and/or its height. As another example, a height of the standoff structure can vary along part, parts, or all of the length. Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments of standoff structure of the present disclosure, can be configured according to any embodiment disclosed herein, including any workable combination of structures, features, materials, and/or connections from any number of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “structural support frame” refers to a rigid structure formed of one or more structural support members, joined together, around one or more sizable empty spaces and/or one or more nonstructural panels, and generally used as a major support in making the container self-supporting and/or standing upright.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “structural support member” refers to a rigid, physical structure, which includes one or more expanded structural support volumes, and which is configured to be used in a structural support frame, to carry one or more loads (from the flexible container) across a span. A structure that does not include at least one expanded structural support volume, is not considered to be a structural support member, as used herein.

A structural support member has two defined ends, a middle between the two ends, and an overall length from its one end to its other end. A structural support member can have one or more cross-sectional areas, each of which has an overall width that is less than its overall length.

A structural support member can be configured in various forms. A structural support member can include one, two, three, four, five, six or more structural support volumes, arranged in various ways. For example, a structural support member can be formed by a single structural support volume. As another example, a structural support member can be formed by a plurality of structural support volumes, disposed end to end, in series, wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly or fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each other. As a further example, a structural support member can be formed by a plurality of support volumes disposed side by side, in parallel, wherein, in various embodiments, part, parts, or all of some or all of the structural support volumes can be partly or fully in contact with each other, partly or fully directly connected to each other, and/or partly or fully joined to each other.

In some embodiments, a structural support member can include a number of different kinds of elements. For example, a structural support member can include one or more structural support volumes along with one or more mechanical reinforcing elements (e.g. braces, collars, connectors, joints, ribs, etc.), which can be made from one or more rigid (e.g. solid) materials.

Structural support members can have various shapes and sizes. Part, parts, or all of a structural support member can be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or all of a structural support member can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or combinations of any of these shapes. A structural support member can have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex, or concave, along part, parts, or all of a length. A structural support member can have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. A structural support member can be substantially uniform along part, parts, or all of its length, or can vary, in any way described herein, along part, parts, or all of its length. For example, a cross-sectional area of a structural support member can increase or decrease along part, parts, or all of its length. Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments of structural support members of the present disclosure, can be configured according to any embodiment disclosed herein, including any workable combination of structures, features, materials, and/or connections from any number of any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “structural support volume” refers to a fillable space made from one or more flexible materials, wherein the space is configured to be at least partially filled with one or more expansion materials, which create tension in the one or more flexible materials, and form an expanded structural support volume. One or more expanded structural support volumes can be configured to be included in a structural support member. A structural support volume is distinct from structures configured in other ways, such as: structures without a fillable space (e.g. an open space), structures made from inflexible (e.g. solid) materials, structures with spaces that are not configured to be filled with an expansion material (e.g. an unattached area between adjacent layers in a multi-layer panel), and structures with flexible materials that are not configured to be expanded by an expansion material (e.g. a space in a structure that is configured to be a non-structural panel). Throughout the present disclosure the terms “structural support volume” and “expandable chamber” are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.

In some embodiments, a structural support frame can include a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some of or all of the structural support volumes are in fluid communication with each other. In other embodiments, a structural support frame can include a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some of or none of the structural support volumes are in fluid communication with each other. Any of the structural support frames of the present disclosure can be configured to have any kind of fluid communication disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “substantially” modifies a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus ten percent (+/−10%). For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to approximately that particular value (i.e. +/−10%).

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “temporarily reusable” refers to a container which, after dispensing a product to an end user, is configured to be refilled with an additional amount of a product, up to ten times, before the container experiences a failure that renders it unsuitable for receiving, containing, or dispensing the product. As used herein, the term temporarily reusable can be further limited by modifying the number of times that the container can be refilled before the container experiences such a failure. For any of the embodiments of flexible containers, disclosed herein, a reference to temporarily reusable can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to temporarily reusable by refilling up to eight times before failure, by refilling up to six times before failure, by refilling up to four times before failure, or by refilling up to two times before failure, or any integer value for refills between one and ten times before failure. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein, and, particularly, any of the embodiments of flexible containers, can be configured to be temporarily reusable, for the number of refills disclosed herein.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “thickness” refers to a measurement that is parallel to a third centerline of a container, when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. A thickness may also be referred to as a “depth.”

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “top” refers to the portion of the container that is located in the uppermost 20% of the overall height of the container, that is, from 80-100% of the overall height of the container. As used herein, the term top can be further limited by modifying the term top with a particular percentage value, which is less than 20%. For any of the embodiments of containers, disclosed herein, a reference to the top of the container can, in various alternate embodiments, refer to the top 15% (i.e. from 85-100% of the overall height), the top 10% (i.e. from 90-100% of the overall height), or the top 5% (i.e. from 95-100% of the overall height), or any integer value for percentage between 0% and 20%.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term “unexpanded” refers to the state of one or more materials that are configured to be formed into a structural support volume, before the structural support volume is made rigid by an expansion material. The term “unexpanded” can also refer to the state of one or more materials that are configured to be formed into a standoff structure.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume of a container, the term “unfilled” refers to the state of the product volume when it does not contain a fluent product.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term “unformed” refers to the state of one or more materials that are configured to be formed into a product volume, before the product volume is provided with its defined three-dimensional space. For example, an article of manufacture could be a container blank with an unformed product volume, wherein sheets of flexible material, with portions joined together, are laying flat against each other.

Containers, as described herein, may be used across a variety of industries for a variety of products. For example, any embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across the consumer products industry, including any of the following products, any of which can take any workable fluent product form described herein or known in the art: baby care products (e.g. soaps, shampoos, and lotions); beauty care products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal hair (e.g. hair shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, hair colorants, hair repair products, hair growth products, hair removal products, hair minimization products, etc.); beauty care products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal skin (e.g. soaps, body washes, body scrubs, facial cleansers, astringents, sunscreens, sun block lotions, lip balms, cosmetics, skin conditioners, cold creams, skin moisturizers, antiperspirants, deodorants, etc.); beauty care products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal nails (e.g. nail polishes, nail polish removers, etc.); grooming products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human facial hair (e.g. shaving products, pre-shaving products, after shaving products, etc.); health care products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or decorating human or animal oral cavities (e.g. toothpaste, mouthwash, breath freshening products, anti-plaque products, tooth whitening products, etc.); health care products for treating human and/or animal health conditions (e.g. medicines, medicaments, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, nutraceuticals, nutrient supplements (for calcium, fiber, etc.), cough treatment products, cold remedies, lozenges, treatments for respiratory and/or allergy conditions, pain relievers, sleep aids, gastrointestinal treatment products (for heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.), purified water, treated water, etc.); pet care products for feeding and/or caring for animals (e.g. pet food, pet vitamins, pet medicines, pet chews, pet treats, etc.); fabric care products for cleaning, conditioning, refreshing and/or treating fabrics, clothes and/or laundry (e.g. laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric dyes, fabric bleaches, etc.); dish care products for home, commercial, and/or industrial use (e.g. dish soaps and rinse aids for hand-washing and/or machine washing); cleaning and/or deodorizing products for home, commercial, and/or industrial use (e.g. soft surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, ceramic tile cleaners, carpet cleaner, wood cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, surface disinfectants, kitchen cleaners, bath cleaners (e.g. sink, toilet, tub, and/or shower cleaners), appliance cleaning products, appliance treatment products, car cleaning products, car deodorizing products, air cleaners, air deodorizers, air disinfectants, etc.), and the like.

As further examples, any embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across additional areas of home, commercial, and/or industrial, building and/or grounds, construction and/or maintenance, including any of the following products, any of which can take any workable fluent product form (e.g. liquid, granular, powdered, etc.) described herein or known in the art: products for establishing, maintaining, modifying, treating, and/or improving lawns, gardens, and/or grounds (e.g. grass seeds, vegetable seeds, plant seeds, birdseed, other kinds of seeds, plant food, fertilizer, soil nutrients and/or soil conditions (e.g. nitrogen, phosphate, potash, lime, etc.), soil sterilants, herbicides, weed preventers, pesticides, pest repellents, insecticides, insect repellents, etc.); products for landscaping use (e.g. topsoils, potting soils, general use soils, mulches, wood chips, tree bark nuggets, sands, natural stones and/or rocks (e.g. decorative stones, pea gravel, gravel, etc.) of all kinds, man-made compositions based on stones and rocks (e.g. paver bases, etc.)); products for starting and/or fueling fires in grills, fire pits, fireplaces, etc. (e.g. fire logs, fire starting nuggets, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches, etc.); lighting products (e.g. light bulbs and light tubes or all kinds including: incandescents, compact fluorescents, fluorescents, halogens, light emitting diodes, of all sizes, shapes, and uses); chemical products for construction, maintenance, remodeling, and/or decorating (e.g. concretes, cements, mortars, mix colorants, concrete curers/sealants, concrete protectants, grouts, blacktop sealants, crack filler/repair products, spackles, joint compounds, primers, paints, stains, topcoats, sealants, caulks, adhesives, epoxies, drain cleaning/declogging products, septic treatment products, etc.); chemical products (e.g. thinners, solvents, and strippers/removers including alcohols, mineral spirits, turpentines, linseed oils, etc.); water treatment products (e.g. water softening products such as salts, bacteriostats, fungicides, etc.); fasteners of all kinds (e.g. screws, bolts, nuts, washers, nails, staples, tacks, hangers, pins, pegs, rivets, clips, rings, and the like, for use with/in/on wood, metal, plastic, concrete, concrete, etc.); and the like.

As further examples, any embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across the food and beverage industry, including any of the following products, any of which can take any workable fluent product form described herein or known in the art: foods such as basic ingredients (e.g. grains such as rice, wheat, corn, beans, and derivative ingredients made from any of these, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes, etc.), cooking ingredients (e.g. sugar, spices such as salt and pepper, cooking oils, vinegars, tomato pastes, natural and artificial sweeteners, flavorings, seasonings, etc.), baking ingredients (e.g. baking powders, starches, shortenings, syrups, food colorings, fillings, gelatins, chocolate chips and other kinds of chips, frostings, sprinkles, toppings, etc.), dairy foods (e.g. creams, yogurts, sour creams, wheys, caseins, etc.), spreads (e.g. jams, jellies, etc.), sauces (e.g. barbecue sauces, salad dressings, tomato sauces, etc.), condiments (e.g. ketchups, mustards, relishes, mayonnaises, etc.), processed foods (noodles and pastas, dry cereals, cereal mixes, premade mixes, snack chips and snacks and snack mixes of all kinds, pretzels, crackers, cookies, candies, chocolates of all kinds, marshmallows, puddings, etc.); beverages such as water, milks, juices, flavored and/or carbonated beverages (e.g. soda), sports drinks, coffees, teas, spirits, alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, wine, etc.), etc.; and ingredients for making or mixing into beverages (e.g. coffee beans, ground coffees, cocoas, tea leaves, dehydrated beverages, powders for making beverages, natural and artificial sweeteners, flavorings, etc.). Further, prepared foods, fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, pastas, microwavable and or frozen foods as well as produce, eggs, milk, and other fresh foods. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can also be sterilized (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or peroxide-based compositions), to make the containers safe for use in storing food and/or beverage. In any embodiment, the containers can be configured to be suitable for retort processes.

As still further examples, any embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across the medical industry, in the areas of medicines, medical devices, and medical treatment, including uses for receiving, containing, storing and/or dispensing, any of the following fluent products, in any form known in the art: bodily fluids from humans and/or animals (e.g. amniotic fluid, aqueous humour, vitreous humour, bile, blood, blood plasma, blood serum, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen (earwax), chyle, chime, endolymph (and perilymph), ejaculate, runny feces, gastric acid, gastric juice, lymph, mucus (including nasal drainage and phlegm), pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pus, rheum, saliva, sebum (skin oil), semen, sputum, synovial fluid, tears, sweat, vaginal secretion, vomit, urine, etc.); fluids for intravenous therapy to human or animal bodies (e.g. volume expanders (e.g. crystalloids and colloids), blood-based products including blood substitutes, buffer solutions, liquid-based medications (which can include pharmaceuticals), parenteral nutritional formulas (e.g. for intravenous feeding, wherein such formulas can include salts, glucose, amino acids, lipids, supplements, nutrients, and/or vitamins); other medicinal fluids for administering to human or animal bodies (e.g. medicines, medicaments, nutrients, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, etc.) by any suitable method of administration (e.g. orally (in solid, liquid, or pill form), topically, intranasally, by inhalation, or rectally. Any of the embodiments of containers disclosed herein can also be sterilized (e.g. by treatment with ultraviolet light or peroxide-based compositions or through an autoclave or retort process), to make the containers safe for use in sterile medical environments.

As even further examples, any embodiment of containers, as described herein, may be used across any and all industries that use internal combustion engines (such as the transportation industry, the power equipment industry, the power generation industry, etc.), including products for vehicles such as cars, trucks, automobiles, boats, aircraft, etc., with such containers useful for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing, any of the following fluent products, in any form known in the art: engine oil, engine oil additives, fuel additives, brake fluids, transmission fluids, engine coolants, power steering fluids, windshield wiper fluids, products for vehicle care (e.g. for body, tires, wheels, windows, trims, upholsteries, etc.), as well as other fluids configured to clean, penetrate, degrease, lubricate, and/or protect one or more parts of any and all kinds of engines, power equipment, and/or transportation vehicles.

Any embodiment of containers, as described herein, can also be used for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing, non-fluent products, in any of the following categories: Baby Care products, including disposable wearable absorbent articles, diapers, training pants, infant and toddler care wipes, etc. and the like; Beauty Care products including applicators for applying compositions to human or animal hair, skin, and/or nails, etc. and the like; Home Care products including wipes and scrubbers for all kinds of cleaning applications and the like; Family Care products including wet or dry bath tissue, facial tissue, disposable handkerchiefs, disposable towels, wipes, etc. and the like; Feminine Care products including catamenial pads, incontinence pads, interlabial pads, panty liners, pessaries, sanitary napkins, tampons, tampon applicators, wipes, etc. and the like; Health Care products including oral care products such as oral cleaning devices, dental floss, flossing devices, toothbrushes, etc. and the like; Pet Care products including grooming aids, pet training aids, pet devices, pet toys, etc. and the like; Portable Power products including electrochemical cells, batteries, battery current interrupters, battery testers, battery chargers, battery charge monitoring equipment, battery charge/discharge rate controlling equipment, “smart” battery electronics, flashlights, etc. and the like; Small Appliance Products including hair removal appliances (including, e.g. electric foil shavers for men and women, charging and/or cleaning stations, electric hair trimmers, electric beard trimmers, electric epilator devices, cleaning fluid cartridges, shaving conditioner cartridges, shaving foils, and cutter blocks); oral care appliances (including, e.g., electric toothbrushes with accumulator or battery, refill brushheads, interdental cleaners, tongue cleaners, charging stations, electric oral irrigators, and irrigator clip on jets); small electric household appliances (including, e.g., coffee makers, water kettles, handblenders, handmixers, food processors, steam cookers, juicers, citrus presses, toasters, coffee or meat grinders, vacuum pumps, irons, steam pressure stations for irons and in general non electric attachments therefore, hair care appliances (including, e.g., electric hair driers, hairstylers, hair curlers, hair straighteners, cordless gas heated styler/irons and gas cartridges therefore, and air filter attachments); personal diagnostic appliances (including, e.g., blood pressure monitors, ear thermometers, and lensfilters therefore); clock appliances and watch appliances (including, e.g., alarm clocks, travel alarm clocks combined with radios, wall clocks, wristwatches, and pocket calculators), etc. and the like.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrates various views of an embodiment of a stand up flexible container 100. FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of the container 100. The container 100 is standing upright on a horizontal support surface 101.

In FIG. 1A, a coordinate system 110, provides lines of reference for referring to directions in the figure. The coordinate system 110 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, wherein each axis is perpendicular to the other axes, and any two of the axes define a plane. The X-axis and the Z-axis are parallel with the horizontal support surface 101 and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 101.

FIG. 1A also includes other lines of reference, for referring to directions and locations with respect to the container 100. A lateral centerline 111 runs parallel to the X-axis. An XY plane at the lateral centerline 111 separates the container 100 into a front half and a back half. An XZ plane at the lateral centerline 111 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A longitudinal centerline 114 runs parallel to the Y-axis. A YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 114 separates the container 100 into a left half and a right half. A third centerline 117 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral centerline 111, the longitudinal centerline 114, and the third centerline 117 all intersect at a center of the container 100.

A disposition with respect to the lateral centerline 111 defines what is longitudinally inboard 112 and longitudinally outboard 113. When a first location is nearer to the lateral centerline 111 than a second location, the first location is considered to be disposed longitudinally inboard 112 to the second location. And, the second location is considered to be disposed longitudinally outboard 113 from the first location. The term lateral refers to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to the lateral centerline 111. A lateral orientation may also be referred to a horizontal orientation, and a lateral measurement may also be referred to as a width.

A disposition with respect to the longitudinal centerline 114 defines what is laterally inboard 115 and laterally outboard 116. When a first location is nearer to the longitudinal centerline 114 than a second location, the first location is considered to be disposed laterally inboard 115 to the second location. And, the second location is considered to be disposed laterally outboard 116 from the first location. The term longitudinal refers to a direction, orientation, or measurement that is parallel to the longitudinal centerline 114. A longitudinal orientation may also be referred to a vertical orientation.

A longitudinal direction, orientation, or measurement may also be expressed in relation to a horizontal support surface for the container 100. When a first location is nearer to the support surface than a second location, the first location can be considered to be disposed lower than, below, beneath, or under the second location. And, the second location can be considered to be disposed higher than, above, or upward from the first location. A longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as a height, measured above the horizontal support surface 100.

A measurement that is made parallel to the third centerline 117 is referred to a thickness or depth. A disposition in the direction of the third centerline 117 and toward a front 102-1 of the container is referred to as forward 118 or in front of. A disposition in the direction of the third centerline 117 and toward a back 102-2 of the container is referred to as backward 119 or behind.

These terms for direction, orientation, measurement, and disposition, as described above, are used for all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether or not a support surface, reference line, or coordinate system is shown in a figure.

The container 100 includes a top 104, a middle 106, and a bottom 108, the front 102-1, the back 102-2, and left and right sides 109. The top 104 is separated from the middle 106 by a reference plane 105, which is parallel to the XZ plane. The middle 106 is separated from the bottom 108 by a reference plane 107, which is also parallel to the XZ plane. The container 100 has an overall height of 100-oh. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the front 102-1 and the back 102-2 of the container are joined together at a seal 129, which extends around the outer periphery of the container 100, across the top 104, down the side 109, and then, at the bottom of each side 109, splits outward to follow the front and back portions of the base 190, around their outer extents.

The container 100 includes a structural support frame 140, a product volume 150, a dispenser 160, panels 180-1 and 180-2, and a base structure 190. A portion of panel 180-1 is illustrated as broken away, in order to show the product volume 150. The product volume 150 is configured to contain one or more fluent products. The dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense these fluent product(s) from the product volume 150 through a flow channel 159 then through the dispenser 160, to the environment outside of the container 100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D, the dispenser 160 is disposed in the center of the uppermost part of the top 104, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 160 can be disposed anywhere else on the top 140, middle 106, or bottom 108, including anywhere on either of the sides 109, on either of the panels 180-1 and 180-2, and on any part of the base 190 of the container 100. The structural support frame 140 supports the mass of fluent product(s) in the product volume 150, and makes the container 100 stand upright. The panels 180-1 and 180-2 are relatively flat surfaces, overlaying the product volume 150, and are suitable for displaying any kind of indicia. However, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of either or both of the panels 180-1 and 180-2 can include one or more curved surfaces. The base structure 190 supports the structural support frame 140 and provides stability to the container 100 as it stands upright.

The structural support frame 140 is formed by a plurality of structural support members. The structural support frame 140 includes top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2, middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4, as well as bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2.

The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are disposed on the upper part of the top 104 of the container 100, with the top structural support member 144-1 disposed in the front 102-1 and the top structural support member 144-2 disposed in the back 102-2, behind the top structural support member 144-1. The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along the laterally outboard portions of their lengths. In various embodiments, the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 can be in contact with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths, so long as there is a flow channel 159 between the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2, which allows the container 100 to dispense fluent product(s) from the product volume 150 through the flow channel 159 then through the dispenser 160. The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternate embodiments, the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 can be directly connected and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths.

The top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are disposed substantially above the product volume 150. Overall, each of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 is oriented about horizontally, but with its ends curved slightly downward. And, overall each of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform along its length; however the cross-sectional area at their ends are slightly larger than the cross-sectional area in their middles.

The middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are disposed on the left and right sides 109, from the top 104, through the middle 106, to the bottom 108. The middle structural support member 146-1 is disposed in the front 102-1, on the left side 109; the middle structural support member 146-4 is disposed in the back 102-2, on the left side 109, behind the middle structural support member 146-1. The middle structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the middle structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 can be in contact with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. The middle structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternate embodiments, the middle structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 can be directly connected and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths.

The middle structural support member 146-2 is disposed in the front 102-1, on the right side 109; the middle structural support member 146-3 is disposed in the back 102-2, on the right side 109, behind the middle structural support member 146-2. The middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 can be in contact with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. The middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternate embodiments, the middle structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 can be directly connected and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths.

The middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are disposed substantially laterally outboard from the product volume 150. Overall, each of the middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 is oriented about vertically, but angled slightly, with its upper end laterally inboard to its lower end. And, overall each of the middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 has a cross-sectional area that changes along its length, increasing in size from its upper end to its lower end.

The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are disposed on the bottom 108 of the container 100, with the bottom structural support member 148-1 disposed in the front 102-1 and the bottom structural support member 148-2 disposed in the back 102-2, behind the top structural support member 148-1. The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are adjacent to each other and can be in contact with each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 can be in contact with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths. The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternate embodiments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 can be directly connected and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths.

The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are disposed substantially below the product volume 150, but substantially above the base structure 190. Overall, each of the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 is oriented about horizontally, but with its ends curved slightly upward. And, overall each of the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform along its length.

In the front portion of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the top structural support member 144-1 is joined to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-1; the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-1 is joined to the left end of the bottom structural support member 148-1; the right end of the bottom structural support member 148-1 is joined to the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-2; and the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-2 is joined to the right end of the top structural support member 144-1. Similarly, in the back portion of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the top structural support member 144-2 is joined to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-4; the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-4 is joined to the left end of the bottom structural support member 148-2; the right end of the bottom structural support member 148-2 is joined to the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-3; and the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-3 is joined to the right end of the top structural support member 144-2. In the structural support frame 140, the ends of the structural support members, which are joined together, are directly connected, all around the periphery of their walls. However, in various alternative embodiments, any of the structural support members 144-1, 144-2, 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 148-1, and 148-2 can be joined together in any way described herein or known in the art.

In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can effectively substitute for the adjacent structural support members, as their functions and connections are described herein. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, one or more additional structural support members can be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 140, wherein the expanded structural support frame can effectively substitute for the structural support frame 140, as its functions and connections are described herein. Also, in some alternative embodiments, a flexible container may not include a base structure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom view of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 140-1, a first portion of the product volume 150-1b, a second portion of the product volume 150-1a, and a dispenser 160-1. The embodiment of FIG. 1E is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the frame 140-1 extends around about half of the container 100-1, directly supporting a first portion of the product volume 150-1b, which is disposed inside of the frame 140-1, and indirectly supporting a second portion of the product volume 150-1a, which is disposed outside of the frame 140-1. In various embodiments, any stand-up flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: the frame extends around only part or parts of the container, and/or the frame is asymmetric with respect to one or more centerlines of the container, and/or part or parts of one or more product volumes of the container are disposed outside of the frame, and/or part or parts of one or more product volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.

FIG. 1F illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an internal structural support frame 140-2, a product volume 150-2, and a dispenser 160-2. The embodiment of FIG. 1F is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the frame 140-2 is internal to the product volume 150-2. In various embodiments, any stand-up flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: part, parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of one or more of any structural support members that form the frame) are about, approximately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed by one or more product volumes.

FIG. 1G illustrates a perspective view of a container 100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A, including an external structural support frame 140-3, a product volume 150-3, and a dispenser 160-3. The embodiment of FIG. 1G is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the product volume 150-3 is not integrally connected to the frame 140-3 (that is, not simultaneously made from the same web of flexible materials), but rather the product volume 150-3 is separately made and then joined to the frame 140-3. The product volume 150-3 can be joined to the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 1G, the product volume 150-3 is disposed within the frame 140-3, but the product volume 150-3 has a reduced size and a somewhat different shape, when compared with the product volume 150 of FIG. 1A; however, these differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the product volume 150-3 and the frame 140-3, and are not required. In various embodiments, any stand-up flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that one or more the product volumes are not integrally connected to the frame.

FIGS. 2A-8G illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1G. Any of the elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G, can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G illustrates a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container can include multiple dispensers, according to any embodiment described herein. FIGS. 2A-8G illustrate exemplary additional/alternate locations for dispenser with phantom line outlines. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G is suitable to display any kind of indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G is configured to be a nonstructural panel, overlaying product volume(s) disposed within the flexible container, however, in various embodiments, one or more of any kind of decorative or structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an outer surface) can be joined to part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of these side panels. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 2A-8G, however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured to include any structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein. For example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G can be configured to include any kind of base structure disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 200 having a structural support frame 240 that has an overall shape like a frustum. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the frustum shape is based on a four-sided pyramid, however, in various embodiments, the frustum shape can be based on a pyramid with a different number of sides, or the frustum shape can be based on a cone. The support frame 240 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the frustum shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a rectangular shaped top panel 280-t, trapezoidal shaped side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4, and a rectangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4 is about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 200 includes a dispenser 260, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the dispenser 260 is disposed in the center of the top panel 280-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 260 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 200, according to any embodiment described or illustrated herein. FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the container 200 of FIG. 2A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser, any of which can also apply to the back of the container. FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the container 200 of FIG. 2A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can apply to either side of the container. FIG. 2D illustrates an isometric view of the container 200 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of a container 200-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 240-1, a first portion of the product volume 250-1b, a second portion of the product volume 250-1a, and a dispenser 260-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 200. FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of a container 200-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2A, including an internal structural support frame 240-2, a product volume 250-2, and a dispenser 260-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 200. FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of a container 200-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2A, including an external structural support frame 240-3, a non-integral product volume 250-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 240-3, and a dispenser 260-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 200.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 300 having a structural support frame 340 that has an overall shape like a pyramid. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pyramid shape is based on a four-sided pyramid, however, in various embodiments, the pyramid shape can be based on a pyramid with a different number of sides. The support frame 340 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the pyramid shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define triangular shaped side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4, and a square shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4 is about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 300 includes a dispenser 360, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 300. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the dispenser 360 is disposed at the apex of the pyramid shape, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 360 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 300. FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the container 300 of FIG. 3A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container. FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the container 300 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D illustrates an isometric view of the container 300 of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of a container 300-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 300 of FIG. 3A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 340-1, a first portion of the product volume 350-1b, a second portion of the product volume 350-1a, and a dispenser 360-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 300. FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of a container 300-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 300 of FIG. 3A, including an internal structural support frame 340-2, a product volume 350-2, and a dispenser 360-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 300. FIG. 3G illustrates a perspective view of a container 300-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 300 of FIG. 3A, including an external structural support frame 340-3, a non-integral product volume 350-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 340-3, and a dispenser 360-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 300.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 400 having a structural support frame 440 that has an overall shape like a trigonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the prism shape is based on a triangle. The support frame 440 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a triangular shaped top panel 480-t, rectangular shaped side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3, and a triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3 is about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 400 includes a dispenser 460, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 400. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the dispenser 460 is disposed in the center of the top panel 480-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 460 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 400. FIG. 4B illustrates a front view of the container 400 of FIG. 4A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container 400. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the container 400 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D illustrates an isometric view of the container 400 of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E illustrates a perspective view of a container 400-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400 of FIG. 4A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 440-1, a first portion of the product volume 450-1b, a second portion of the product volume 450-1a, and a dispenser 460-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 400. FIG. 4F illustrates a perspective view of a container 400-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400 of FIG. 4A, including an internal structural support frame 440-2, a product volume 450-2, and a dispenser 460-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 400. FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of a container 400-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400 of FIG. 4A, including an external structural support frame 440-3, a non-integral product volume 450-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 440-3, and a dispenser 460-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 400.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 500 having a structural support frame 540 that has an overall shape like a tetragonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the prism shape is based on a square. The support frame 540 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a square shaped top panel 580-t, rectangular shaped side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, and 580-4, and a square shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, and 580-4 is about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 500 includes a dispenser 560, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 500. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the dispenser 560 is disposed in the center of the top panel 580-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 560 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 500. FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the container 500 of FIG. 5A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container 500. FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the container 500 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D illustrates an isometric view of the container 500 of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of a container 500-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 500 of FIG. 5A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 540-1, a first portion of the product volume 550-1b, a second portion of the product volume 550-1a, and a dispenser 560-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 500. FIG. 5F illustrates a perspective view of a container 500-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 500 of FIG. 5A, including an internal structural support frame 540-2, a product volume 550-2, and a dispenser 560-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 500. FIG. 5G illustrates a perspective view of a container 500-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 500 of FIG. 5A, including an external structural support frame 540-3, a non-integral product volume 550-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 540-3, and a dispenser 560-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 500.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 600 having a structural support frame 640 that has an overall shape like a pentagonal prism. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the prism shape is based on a pentagon. The support frame 640 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the prism shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a pentagon shaped top panel 680-t, rectangular shaped side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5, and a pentagon shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5 is about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 600 includes a dispenser 660, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 600. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the dispenser 660 is disposed in the center of the top panel 680-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 660 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 600. FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the container 600 of FIG. 6A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side of the container 600. FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the container 600 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D illustrates an isometric view of the container 600 of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E illustrates a perspective view of a container 600-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 600 of FIG. 6A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 640-1, a first portion of the product volume 650-1b, a second portion of the product volume 650-1a, and a dispenser 660-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 600. FIG. 6F illustrates a perspective view of a container 600-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 600 of FIG. 6A, including an internal structural support frame 640-2, a product volume 650-2, and a dispenser 660-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 600. FIG. 6G illustrates a perspective view of a container 600-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 600 of FIG. 6A, including an external structural support frame 640-3, a non-integral product volume 650-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 640-3, and a dispenser 660-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 600.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 700 having a structural support frame 740 that has an overall shape like a cone. The support frame 740 is formed by curved structural support members disposed around the base of the cone and by straight structural support members extending linearly from the base to the apex, wherein the structural support members are joined together at their ends. The structural support members define curved somewhat triangular shaped side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, is curved, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 700 includes a dispenser 760, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 700. In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the dispenser 760 is disposed at the apex of the conical shape, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 760 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 700. FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side panel of the container 700. FIG. 7D illustrates an isometric view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E illustrates a perspective view of a container 700-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 700 of FIG. 7A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 740-1, a first portion of the product volume 750-1b, a second portion of the product volume 750-1a, and a dispenser 760-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 700. FIG. 7F illustrates a perspective view of a container 700-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 700 of FIG. 7A, including an internal structural support frame 740-2, a product volume 750-2, and a dispenser 760-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 700. FIG. 7G illustrates a perspective view of a container 700-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 700 of FIG. 7A, including an external structural support frame 740-3, a non-integral product volume 750-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 740-3, and a dispenser 760-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 700.

FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of a stand up flexible container 800 having a structural support frame 840 that has an overall shape like a cylinder. The support frame 840 is formed by curved structural support members disposed around the top and bottom of the cylinder and by straight structural support members extending linearly from the top to the bottom, wherein the structural support members are joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a circular shaped top panel 880-t, curved somewhat rectangular shaped side panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, is curved, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 800 includes a dispenser 860, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 800. In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the dispenser 860 is disposed in the center of the top panel 880-t, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 860 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 800. FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A, including exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines), any of which can also apply to any side panel of the container 800. FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D illustrates an isometric view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E illustrates a perspective view of a container 800-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of FIG. 8A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 840-1, a first portion of the product volume 850-1b, a second portion of the product volume 850-1a, and a dispenser 860-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on the container 800. FIG. 8F illustrates a perspective view of a container 800-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of FIG. 8A, including an internal structural support frame 840-2, a product volume 850-2, and a dispenser 860-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F, except based on the container 800. FIG. 8G illustrates a perspective view of a container 800-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of FIG. 8A, including an external structural support frame 840-3, a non-integral product volume 850-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 840-3, and a dispenser 860-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G, except based on the container 800.

In additional embodiments, any stand up flexible container with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be configured to have an overall shape that corresponds with any other known three-dimensional shape, including any kind of polyhedron, any kind of prismatoid, and any kind of prism (including right prisms and uniform prisms).

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 900, having an overall shape like a square. FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 900 of FIG. 9A. The container 900 is resting on a horizontal support surface 901.

In FIG. 9B, a coordinate system 910, provides lines of reference for referring to directions in the figure. The coordinate system 910 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis and the Z-axis are parallel with the horizontal support surface 901 and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 901.

FIG. 9A also includes other lines of reference, for referring to directions and locations with respect to the container 100. A lateral centerline 911 runs parallel to the X-axis. An XY plane at the lateral centerline 911 separates the container 100 into a front half and a back half. An XZ plane at the lateral centerline 911 separates the container 100 into an upper half and a lower half. A longitudinal centerline 914 runs parallel to the Y-axis. A YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 914 separates the container 900 into a left half and a right half. A third centerline 917 runs parallel to the Z-axis. The lateral centerline 911, the longitudinal centerline 914, and the third centerline 917 all intersect at a center of the container 900. These terms for direction, orientation, measurement, and disposition, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B are the same as the like-numbered terms in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.

The container 900 includes a top 904, a middle 906, and a bottom 908, the front 902-1, the back 902-2, and left and right sides 909. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the upper half and the lower half of the container are joined together at a seal 929, which extends around the outer periphery of the container 900. The bottom of the container 900 is configured in the same way as the top of the container 900.

The container 900 includes a structural support frame 940, a product volume 950, a dispenser 960, a top panel 980-t and a bottom panel (not shown). A portion of the top panel 980-t is illustrated as broken away, in order to show the product volume 950. The product volume 950 is configured to contain one or more fluent products. The dispenser 960 allows the container 900 to dispense these fluent product(s) from the product volume 950 through a flow channel 959 then through the dispenser 960, to the environment outside of the container 900. The structural support frame 940 supports the mass of fluent product(s) in the product volume 950. The top panel 980-t and the bottom panel are relatively flat surfaces, overlaying the product volume 950, and are suitable for displaying any kind of indicia.

The structural support frame 940 is formed by a plurality of structural support members. The structural support frame 940 includes front structural support members 943-1 and 943-2, intermediate structural support members 945-1, 945-2, 945-3, and 945-4, as well as back structural support members 947-1 and 947-2. Overall, each of the structural support members in the container 900 is oriented horizontally. And, each of the structural support members in the container 900 has a cross-sectional area that is substantially uniform along its length, although in various embodiments, this cross-sectional area can vary.

Upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed in an upper part of the middle 906 and in the top 904, while lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2 are disposed in a lower part of the middle 906 and in the bottom 908. The upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed above and adjacent to the lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2, respectively.

In various embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural support members can be in contact with each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths, so long as there is a gap in the contact for the flow channel 959, between the structural support members 943-1 and 943-2. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B, the upper and lower structural support members are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternate embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural support members can be directly connected and/or joined together along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall lengths.

The ends of structural support members 943-1, 945-2, 947-1, and 945-1 are joined together to form a top square that is outward from and surrounding the product volume 950, and the ends of structural support members 943-2, 945-3, 947-2, and 945-4 are also joined together to form a bottom square that is outward from and surrounding the product volume 950. In the structural support frame 940, the ends of the structural support members, which are joined together, are directly connected, all around the periphery of their walls. However, in various alternative embodiments, any of the structural support members of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B can be joined together in any way described herein or known in the art.

In alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can effectively substitute for the adjacent structural support members, as their functions and connections are described herein. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, one or more additional structural support members can be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 940, wherein the expanded structural support frame can effectively substitute for the structural support frame 940, as its functions and connections are described herein.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 900 of FIG. 1A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 940-1, a first portion of the product volume 950-1b, a second portion of the product volume 950-1a, and a dispenser 960-1. The embodiment of FIG. 9C is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the frame 940-1 extends around about half of the container 900-1, directly supporting a first portion of the product volume 950-1b, which is disposed inside of the frame 940-1, and indirectly supporting a second portion of the product volume 950-1a, which is disposed outside of the frame 940-1. In various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: the frame extends around only part or parts of the container, and/or the frame is asymmetric with respect to one or more centerlines of the container, and/or part or parts of one or more product volumes of the container are disposed outside of the frame, and/or part or parts of one or more product volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 900 of FIG. 9A, including an internal structural support frame 940-2, a product volume 950-2, and a dispenser 960-2. The embodiment of FIG. 9D is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the frame 940-2 is internal to the product volume 950-2. In various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that: part, parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of one or more of any structural support members that form the frame) are about, approximately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed by one or more product volumes.

FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of a container 900-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 900 of FIG. 9A, including an external structural support frame 940-3, a product volume 950-3, and a dispenser 960-3. The embodiment of FIG. 9E is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A with like-numbered terms configured in the same way, except that the product volume 950-3 is not integrally connected to the frame 940-3 (that is, not simultaneously made from the same web of flexible materials), but rather the product volume 950-3 is separately made and then joined to the frame 940-3. The product volume 950-3 can be joined to the frame in any convenient manner disclosed herein or known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 9E, the product volume 950-3 is disposed within the frame 940-3, but the product volume 950-3 has a reduced size and a somewhat different shape, when compared with the product volume 950 of FIG. 9A; however, these differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the product volume 950-3 and the frame 940-3, and are not required. In various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure can be modified in a similar way, such that one or more the product volumes are not integrally connected to the frame.

FIGS. 10A-11E illustrate embodiments of self-supporting flexible containers (that are not stand up containers) having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9E. Any of the elements (e.g. structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E, can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E illustrates a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container can include multiple dispensers, according to any embodiment described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E is suitable to display any kind of indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E is configured to be a nonstructural panel, overlaying product volume(s) disposed within the flexible container, however, in various embodiments, one or more of any kind of decorative or structural element (such as a rib, protruding from an outer surface) can be joined to part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of these panels. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 10A-11E, however any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E can be configured to include any structure or feature for flexible containers, disclosed herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 1000 (that is not a stand up flexible container) having a product volume 1050 and an overall shape like a triangle. However, in various embodiments, a self-supporting flexible container can have an overall shape like a polygon having any number of sides. The support frame 1040 is formed by structural support members disposed along the edges of the triangular shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a triangular shaped top panel 1080-t, and a triangular shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1080-t and the bottom panel are about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 1000 includes a dispenser 1060, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 1000. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the dispenser 1060 is disposed in the center of the front, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 1060 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 1000. FIG. 10A includes exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines). FIG. 10B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10B, resting on a horizontal support surface 1001.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a container 1000-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 1040-1, a first portion of the product volume 1050-1b, a second portion of the product volume 1050-1a, and a dispenser 1060-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9C, except based on the container 1000. FIG. 10D illustrates a perspective view of a container 1000-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A, including an internal structural support frame 1040-2, a product volume 1050-2, and a dispenser 1060-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9D, except based on the container 1000. FIG. 10E illustrates a perspective view of a container 1000-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A, including an external structural support frame 1040-3, a non-integral product volume 1050-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 1040-3, and a dispenser 1060-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9E, except based on the container 1000.

FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 1100 (that is not a stand up flexible container) having a product volume 1150 and an overall shape like a circle. The support frame 1140 is formed by structural support members disposed around the circumference of the circular shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a circular shaped top panel 1180-t, and a circular shaped bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1180-t and the bottom panel are about flat, however in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of any of the side panels can be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. The container 1100 includes a dispenser 1160, which is configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within the container 1100. In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the dispenser 1160 is disposed in the center of the front, however, in various alternate embodiments, the dispenser 1160 can be disposed anywhere else on the top, sides, or bottom, of the container 1100. FIG. 11A includes exemplary additional/alternate locations for a dispenser (shown as phantom lines). FIG. 11B illustrates an end view of the flexible container 1100 of FIG. 10B, resting on a horizontal support surface 1101.

FIG. 11C illustrates a perspective view of a container 1100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A, including an asymmetric structural support frame 1140-1, a first portion of the product volume 1150-1b, a second portion of the product volume 1150-1a, and a dispenser 1160-1, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9C, except based on the container 1100. FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of a container 1100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A, including an internal structural support frame 1140-2, a product volume 1150-2, and a dispenser 1160-2, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9D, except based on the container 1100. FIG. 11E illustrates a perspective view of a container 1100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A, including an external structural support frame 1140-3, a non-integral product volume 1150-3 joined to and disposed within the frame 1140-3, and a dispenser 1160-3, configured in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9E, except based on the container 1100.

In additional embodiments, any self-supporting container with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be configured to have an overall shape that corresponds with any other known three-dimensional shape. For example, any self-supporting container with a structural support frame, as disclosed herein, can be configured to have an overall shape (when observed from a top view) that corresponds with a rectangle, a polygon (having any number of sides), an oval, an ellipse, a star, or any other shape, or combinations of any of these.

FIGS. 12A-14C illustrate various exemplary dispensers, which can be used with the flexible containers disclosed herein. FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric view of push-pull type dispenser 1260-a. FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a flip-top cap 1260-b. FIG. 12C illustrates an isometric view of dispenser with a screw-on cap 1260-c. FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric view of rotatable type dispenser 1260-d. FIG. 12E illustrates an isometric view of nozzle type dispenser with a cap 1260-d. FIG. 13A illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser 1360-a. FIG. 13B illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with a lid 1360-b. FIG. 13C illustrates an isometric view of flip up straw dispenser 1360-c. FIG. 13D illustrates an isometric view of straw dispenser with bite valve 1360-d. FIG. 14A illustrates an isometric view of pump type dispenser 1460-a, which can, in various embodiments be a foaming pump type dispenser. FIG. 14B illustrates an isometric view of pump spray type dispenser 1460-b. FIG. 14C illustrates an isometric view of trigger spray type dispenser 1460-c.

FIGS. 15A-15I and 18A-23L illustrate various embodiments of containers having a product volume and at least one standoff structure coupled to a portion of the product volume. The product volume of each of these containers is generally defined by at least one side. The at least one standoff structure of each of these containers is at least partially coupled to and at least partially co-facial with at least one side of the product volume. In each embodiment, the at least one side of the product volume to which the standoff structure is coupled is at least partially free of the standoff structure. The at least one side of the product volume to which the at least one standoff structure is coupled can be between 30 and 99% free of the at least one standoff structure. More specifically, the at least one side of the product volume to which the at least one standoff structure is coupled can be at least 30% free, at least 40% free, at least 50% free, at least 60% free, at least 70% free, at least 80% free, or, in some cases, at least 90% free of the at least one standoff structure. These containers also include a bottom that includes a bottom face. At least a portion of the bottom face is arranged to contact a horizontal support surface. Each of the at least one standoff structures has a minimum width of at least 5 mm and is positioned at a minimum elevation, relative to the horizontal support surface, of at least 3-5 mm.

So arranged, the at least one standoff structure can protect the container, particularly the product volume and/or indicia positioned (e.g., printed) thereon and/or adjacent thereto, and/or the contents of the container from damage, such as scuffing, plastic deformation, rupture, obscuring, scratching, and cutting, which may, for example, occur when the container is placed in close proximity to or in contact with one or more other objects (e.g., other containers), is positioned within a confining or enclosing structure (e.g., a shopping cart or a shopping bag or product tote such as in a distribution center), or drops from a height above a horizontal surface (e.g., dropped into a shopping cart, falls off a store shelf onto a floor, etc.) The at least one standoff structure can also, at least in some embodiments, provide an elevated gripping surface or handle for more secure and comfortable handling by a user of the container.

FIG. 15A illustrates a first product container 1500 that includes a self-supporting product volume 1502 and a standoff structure 1504 coupled thereto. The self-supporting product volume 1502 is defined by a first side 1506, a second side (not shown) opposite the first side 1506, a top side 1508, and a bottom side 1510. As shown in FIG. 15A, the first side 1506 has an exterior surface 1512, and the bottom side 1510 includes a bottom face 1514 arranged to contact a horizontal support surface 1516, but not shown in contact with the horizontal support surface 1516 in this figure. The standoff structure 1504 is a substantially truncated C-shaped expandable structure that can be filled with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structure 1504 is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the first side 1506. The standoff structure 1504 includes a first end 1518, a second end 1520, and a middle portion 1522 disposed between the first and second ends 1518, 1520. The first end 1518 is coupled to the exterior surface 1512 near or at the top 1508 of the product volume 1502 and the second end 1520 is coupled to the exterior surface 1512 near or at the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502. The middle portion 1522 is partly coupled to the exterior surface 1512 between the top 1508 and the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the middle portion 1522 is not coupled to the exterior surface 1512, such that a gap or space is formed between the product volume 1502 and the standoff structure 1504. This gap or space could be used by a user of the container 1500 to retrieve, hold, and/or move the container 1500.

The standoff structures 1504 of adjacent product containers 1500 may be at alternating or offset and complementary locations with respect to one another, such that the product containers 1500 may be more closely packed, and even selectively interlock with one another, such as if desired to present multiple adjacent product containers 1500 as a set, or more space-efficiently store or ship a set of containers with their interlocking or complementary standoff structures 1504 employed as a means for engagement of the product containers 1500. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 18A-20L, first product container 1500a may contain a first personal hygiene product, such as shampoo, and a second product container 1500b may contain a second personal hygiene product, such as conditioner, and the standoff structures 1504a and 1504b may interlock or nest with one another to selectively secure the first product container 1500a and second product container 1500b to one another. A set of product containers need not be limited to two, but rather, if it is desired to link yet additional product containers 1500c, . . . , 1500n, they could be selectively secured to one or more of the other product containers 1500a, 1500b. Multiple product containers 1500a, 1500b, 1500c, . . . , 1500n need not be secured to one another in a linear fashion, but could alternatively be secured to one another so as to form a triangular or other polygonal distribution of linked product containers. Alternatively, the gaps and standoff structure 1504 of a given product container may be arranged so as to only link with those of adjacent product containers oriented in a different, for example inverted, orientation. As shown in FIG. 21, for instance, when arranged in a rightside-up or bottom-down orientation, the standoff structure 1504a of product container 1500a may be selectively interlocked with the standoff structure 1504b of an adjacent, and inverted (i.e., upside-down) product container 1500b.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the first side 1506, particularly the exterior surface 1512, is approximately 70-80% free of the standoff structure 1504. In other words, standoff structure 1504 covers or overlies only a small portion of the first side 1506, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the container 1500 has a sizable decoration area 1524 for positioning indicia such as a label (which may have indicia printed thereon) to be attached thereto and/or for indicia to be printed thereon and/or to view indicia through an exterior surface 1512 that is not opaque, with some translucent or transparent property, where the indicia are positioned on an alternate surface interior surface or another material, such as another layer of material, that can be viewed through the decoration area. Because the standoff structure 1504 extends outward of the first side 1506, and, thus, the decoration area 1524, the standoff structure 1504 is configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1524. The container 1500 also includes a dispenser 1526 configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume 1502. To this end, the dispenser 1526 includes a fluid dispenser opening 1528, and a fluid dispensing path 1530 is in fluid communication with the dispenser opening 1528 and an interior of the product volume 1502. As shown in FIG. 15A, the dispenser 1526 is disposed on the top 1508 of the product volume 1502.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 15a, the decoration area 1524 includes the 2D geometric center 1550 of the first side 1506 enclosed by the 2D geometric center portion 1551 which is free of standoff structures. The 2D geometric center portion which is free of standoff structures may comprise at least 5% to 20% of the area of first side 1506.

The two-dimensional or 2D geometric center, which can sometimes be referred to as the centroid, of a region is, informally, the point at which a cardboard cut-out of the region could be perfectly balanced on the tip of a pencil (assuming uniform density and a uniform gravitational field). Formally, the 2D geometric center of a plane figure or two-dimensional shape is the arithmetic mean (“average”) position of all the points in the shape of a region. For containers where the side, such as first side 1506, is not flat in a two-dimensional plane, the 2D geometric center is that corresponding to a 2D projection of the side, e.g. 1506, onto a plane where the projected-upon plane is substantially parallel with the general width and length of the side—or—the projected-upon plane is oriented to result in about the or the largest area projection of the side. Alternatively, the side, e.g., the side 1506, may be separated from the container and flattened out as best as possible where the projection of the resulting shape onto the plane being flattened upon is used to determine the corresponding 2D geometric center. Or, if completed virtually, a virtual representation of the side may be flattened out as best as possible. During the virtual flattening exercise, the material and or gauge may be virtually altered to allow the virtual side to be very flexible during the flattening out exercise.

The 2D geometric center portion includes the 2D geometric center and comprises between about 5% to 20% of the area of a first side, and any value in-between, including any integer value from 5 to 20%. In some of the embodiments, the 2D geometric center portion is free of standoff structures while at least one standoff structure is coupled to the first side outside the 2D geometric center portion. The 2D geometric center portion may take on different shapes as long as the portion is contiguous and encompasses the 2D geometric center.

In other embodiments, the container 1500 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 1502 and/or a greater number of standoff structures 1504. For example, the bottom 1510 can have a gusset region located on a bottom and/or top of the container 1500. Alternatively or additionally, the standoff structure 1504 can have a different size and/or shape, cover more or less area, and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.) For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the standoff structure 1504 can be coupled to the top 1508 in a gusset region of the product container 1500. As another example, as shown in FIG. 23, two standoff structures 1504 can be coupled to the bottom 1510 in a gusset region of the product container 1500.

In some embodiments, the entire middle portion 1522 can be coupled to the exterior surface 1512, such that no gap or space is formed between the product volume 1502 and the standoff structure 1504. In some embodiments, the middle portion 1512 can span or extend the entire length and/or width of the product volume 1504. In some embodiments, the middle portion 1522 can be coupled to the exterior surface 1512 in more than two places (e.g., in three, four, five, etc., locations). In alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1526 can be disposed elsewhere, such as, for example, on the first side 1506, the second side, or the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502.

FIG. 15B illustrates a second flexible container 1600, similar to the flexible container 1500 described above, that includes a standoff structure 1604 coupled to the self-supporting product volume 1502. As with the flexible container 1500 above, the flexible container 1600 includes the dispenser 1526, which, as noted above, is configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume 1502. Like the standoff structure 1504, the standoff structure 1604 can be filled with one or more expansion materials. Unlike the standoff structure 1504, however, the standoff structure 1604 is substantially D-shaped. The standoff structure 1604 is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the first side 1506 of the product volume 1502. The standoff structure 1604 includes an upper portion 1604a, a lower portion 1604b, and two middle portions 1604c, 1604d disposed therebetween. The upper portion 1604a is coupled to the exterior surface 1512 near or at the top 1508 of the product volume 1502, the lower portion 1604b is coupled to the exterior surface 1512 near or at the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502, and the middle portions 1604c, 1604d are coupled to the exterior surface 1512 near or at opposing perimeter edges, respectively, of the first side 1506. Accordingly, the standoff structure extends prominently from a significant portion of the exterior surface 1512 of the product volume 1502. Nonetheless, as shown in FIG. 15B, the first side 1506, particularly the exterior surface 1512, is approximately 50-60% free of the standoff structure 1604. In other words, the standoff structure 1604 covers or overlies between approximately 40% and 50% of the first side 1506, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the container 1600 has a sizable decoration area 1624 for indicia. Because the standoff structure 1604 extends outward of and surrounds the decoration area 1624, the standoff structure 1604 is configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1624.

In other embodiments, the container 1600 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 1502 and/or additional standoff structures 1604. Alternatively or additionally, the standoff structure 1604 can have a different size and/or shape, and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.) With reference back to FIGS. 18A-20L, the standoff structure 1604 can, for example, have a circular, elliptical, oval, rectangular, elongated, or irregular shape.

FIG. 15C illustrates a third flexible container 1700, similar to the flexible containers 1500, 1600 described above, that includes a plurality of standoff structures 1704a-1704d coupled to the self-supporting product volume 1502. As with the flexible containers 1500, 1600 above, the flexible container 1700 includes the dispenser 1526, which, as noted above, is configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume 1502. Like the standoff structure 1504, one or more of the standoff structures 1704a-1704d can be filled with one or more expansion materials. Each of the standoff structures 1704d-1704d is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the first side 1506 of the product volume 1502. The standoff structures 1704a, 1704c are oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction along or near a perimeter edge of the exterior surface 1512 of the product volume 1502. The standoff structures 1704b, 1704d are oriented in a substantially lateral direction along or near the perimeter edge of the exterior surface 1512 of the product volume 1502, with the standoff structure 1704b disposed adjacent or proximate to the top side 1508 of the product volume 1502, and the standoff structure 1704d disposed adjacent or proximate to the bottom side 1510 of the product volume 1502. As shown in FIG. 15C, the first side 1506, particularly the exterior surface 1512, is approximately 60%-70% free of the standoff structures 1704a-1704d. In other words, the standoff structures 1704a-1704d together cover or overlie between approximately 30-40% of the first side 1506, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 1512. As such, the container 1700 has a sizable decoration area 1724 for indicia to be printed thereon. As shown in FIG. 15C, the standoff structures 1704a-1704d extend outward of, and together serve to substantially surround, the decoration area 1724. So arranged, the standoff structures 1704a-1704d are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1724. In other embodiments, the container 1700 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 1502 and/or more or less standoff structures 1704. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structure 1704 can have a different size and/or shape, and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.) In alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1526 can be disposed elsewhere, such as, for example, on the first side 1506, the second side, or the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502.

FIG. 15D illustrates a fourth flexible container 1800 that includes a self-supporting product volume 1802 and a plurality of standoff structures 1804a-1804e coupled to the product volume 1802. Overall, the self-supporting product volume 1802 has a shape like a trigonal prism. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 1802 is defined by a first rectangular shaped side 1806a, a second rectangular shaped side 1806b contiguous with the first side 1806a, a first triangular shaped side 1806c contiguous with the sides 1806a, 1806b, a second triangular shaped side (not shown), a top edge 1806d formed by the intersection of the four sides, and a bottom side (not shown). As shown in FIG. 15D, the first and second sides 1806a, 1806b each have an exterior surface 1812. Although not depicted herein, the bottom side of the product volume 1802 includes a bottom face arranged to contact a horizontal support surface. Each of the standoff structures 1804a-1804e has a generally irregular shape. One or more of the standoff structures 1804-1804e can be filled with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structures 1804a-1804c are entirely coupled to, co-facial with, and extend or project outward from the exterior surface 1812 of the first side 1806a of the product volume 1802. The standoff structures 1804d and 1804e are entirely coupled to, co-facial with, and extend or project outward from the exterior surface 1812 of the second side 1806b of the product volume 1802. As shown in FIG. 15D, the first side 1806a, to which the standoff structures 1804a-1804c are coupled, is approximately 50-60% free of the standoff structures, and the second side 1806b, to which the standoff structures 1804d, 1804e are coupled, is approximately 50-60% free of the standoff structures. In other words, the standoff structures 1804a-1804c together cover or overlie between approximately 40-50% of the first side 1806a, and the standoff structures 1804d, 1804e together cover or overlie between 40-50% of the second side 1806b. As such, the container 1800 has sizable decoration areas 1824 for indicia to be printed on, one decoration area 1824 located on the first side 1806a and another decoration area 1824 located on the second side 1806b. As shown in FIG. 15D, the standoff structures 1804a-1804e extend outward of the decoration areas 1824. So arranged, the standoff structures 1804a-1804e are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration areas 1824. In other embodiments, the container 1800 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 1802 and/or more or less standoff structures 1804. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structure 1804 can have a different size and/or shape (e.g., a rectangular shape), and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1802 (e.g., the third side 1806c, etc.)

FIG. 15E illustrates a fifth flexible container 1900 that includes a self-supporting product volume 1902 and a plurality of standoff structures 1904a, 1904b coupled to the product volume 1902. Overall, the self-supporting product volume 1902 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 1902 is defined by a side or circumferential edge 1906 that extends between a top side 1908 and a bottom side (not shown). As shown in FIG. 15E, the side 1906 has an exterior surface 1912. Although not depicted herein, the bottom side of the product volume 1902 includes a bottom face arranged to contact a horizontal support surface. Each of the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b has a cylindrical shape like the product volume 1902 and can be filled with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structures 1904a, 1904b are coupled to, co-facial with, and extend or project outward from and circumferentially along the exterior surface 1912 of the first side 1906. The standoff structure 1904a is coupled to the exterior surface 1912 at or near the top 1908 of the product volume 1902. The standoff structure 1904b is coupled to the exterior surface 1912 at or near the bottom of the product volume 1902. As shown in FIG. 15E, the side 1906 is approximately 80%-90% free of the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b. In other words, the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b together only cover or overlie approximately 10%-20% of the side 1906. The standoff structures 1904, 1904b thus together define a sizable decoration area 1924 for indicia to be printed on. Because the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b extend outward of the decoration area 1924, the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 1924. In other embodiments, the container 1900 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 1902 and/or more or less standoff structures 1904. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 1904 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1902 (e.g., the top 1908, etc.)

FIG. 15F illustrates a sixth flexible container 2000 that includes a self-supporting product volume 2002 and a plurality of standoff structures 2004a-2004d coupled to the product volume 2002. The self-supporting product volume 2002 has a generally rectangular shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 2002 is defined by a first rectangular shaped side 2006a, a second rectangular shaped side 2006b, a third rectangular shaped side 2006c opposite the first side 2006a, a fourth rectangular shaped side 2006d opposite the second side 2006b, a top side 2008, and a bottom side 2010. Each of the sides 2006a-2006d, 2008, and 2010 has an exterior surface 2012. Each of the standoff structures 2004a-2004d has a substantially rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more expansion materials. The standoff structure 2004a is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of the first side 2006a, the standoff structure 2004b is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of the second side 2006b, the standoff structure 2004c is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of the third side 2006c, and the standoff structure 2004d is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2012 of the fourth side 2006d. The standoff structures 2004a-2004d are each coupled at or near the top 2008 of the product volume 2002. Accordingly, the standoff structures 2004a-2004d are configured to prevent damage to the top 2008 (where, for example, a dispenser might be located), particularly in the event that the container 2000 falls over. As shown in FIG. 15F, the sides 2006a-2006d, to which the standoff structures 2004a-2004d are respectively coupled, are each approximately 70-80% free of the respective standoff structure coupled thereto. As such, each of the sides 2006a-2006d has a sizable decoration area 2024 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structures 2004a-2004d extend outward of these decoration areas 2024, the standoff structures 2004a-2004d are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration areas 2024.

In other embodiments, the container 2000 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 2002 and/or more or less standoff structures 2004. For example, one or more of the sides 2006a-2006d may not have standoff structures 2004 coupled thereto. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2004 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2002 (e.g., the bottom 2010, etc.)

FIG. 15G illustrates a seventh flexible container 2100 that includes a self-supporting product volume 2102 and a plurality of standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c coupled to the product volume 2102. The self-supporting product volume 2102 has a three-dimensional triangular shape. More specifically, the product volume 2102 is defined by a first triangular shaped side 2106a, a second triangular shaped side 2106b adjacent to the first side, a third triangular shaped side (not shown) adjacent to the first and third sides 2106a, 2106b, and a bottom side (also not shown). The three sides converge at a vertex or corner 2107 and an edge 2109 is defined between each of the adjacent sides. Each of these sides has an exterior surface 2112. The standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are coupled to the sides of the product volume 2102 such that the standoff structures are configured to extend over or across, and, thus, cover, the vertex 2107 and the edges 2109. Specifically, a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the first side 2106a, a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers or overlies the edge 2109 between the sides 2106a, 2106b, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface of the second side 2106b. Likewise, a portion of the standoff structure 2104b is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the third side (not shown), a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers or overlies the edge 2109 between the side 2106 and the third side, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104b is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the first side 2106a. A portion of the standoff structure 2104c is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the third side (not shown), a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers or overlies the edge 2109 between the second and third sides, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104c is coupled to, co-facial with, and extends or projects outward from the exterior surface 2112 of the second side 2106b. By covering the vertex 2107 and the edges 2109 in this way, the standoff structures 2104a-2104c are configured to prevent damage to and/or caused by the vertex 2107 and the edges 2109 As shown in FIG. 15G, the sides of the product volume 2102, to which the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are coupled, are each approximately 80-90% free of the standoff structures coupled thereto. As such, each of the sides has a sizable decoration area 2124 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c extend outward of these decoration areas 2124, the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration areas 2124.

In other embodiments, the container 2100 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 2102, one or more or less standoff structures 2104, and/or one or more of the standoff structures 2004 can have a different size and/or shape (e.g., a circular shape). For example, one or more of the sides of the product volume 2102 may not have standoff structures 2104 coupled thereto. In embodiments in which the product volume 2102 has a different shape (e.g., a rectangular shape), the standoff structures 2104 may be reconfigured so as to cover the vertices and/or edges of this differently-shaped product volume. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2104 can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2102. For example, one or more of the standoff structures 2104 can be directly coupled to the vertex 2107 and/or the one or more edges 2109. As another example, one or more of the standoff structures 2104 can be positioned so as to be proximate to, rather than cover, the vertex 2007 and/or one of the edges 2009.

FIG. 15H illustrates an eighth flexible container 2200 that includes a self-supporting product volume 2202, a standoff structure 2204 coupled to the self-supporting product volume 2202, and a dispenser 2226 configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume 2202. The product volume 2202 is defined by, at least in relevant part, a front side 2206 and a bottom 2210. The front side 2206 has an exterior surface 2212, and the bottom 2210 has a bottom face 2214 arranged to contact a horizontal surface 2216. The dispenser 2226 is disposed near or at the bottom 2210 of the product volume. The standoff structure 2204 has a generally rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more expansion materials. As shown in FIG. 15H, the standoff structure 2204 is coupled to the exterior surface 2212 at or near the bottom 2210 of the product volume 2202 and adjacent or proximate to the dispenser 2226. As with the other standoff structures described above, the standoff structure 2204 is co-facial with and extends outward from the exterior surface 2212. So arranged, the standoff structure 2204 is configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the dispenser 2226. At the same time, the standoff structure 2204 does not interfere with the operation of the dispenser 2226 (i.e., dispensing of the one or more fluent products). As shown in FIG. 15H, the front side 2206, particularly the exterior surface 2212, is approximately 90-100% free of the standoff structure 2204. In other words, the standoff structure 2204 covers or overlies only a small portion of the first side 2206, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 2212. As such, the container 2200 has a sizable decoration area 2224 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structure 2204 extends outward of the decoration area 2224, the standoff structure 2204 is configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 2224.

In other embodiments, the container 2200 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 2202 and/or additional standoff structures 2204. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2204 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., more proximate to the dispenser 2226, etc.)

FIG. 15I illustrates a ninth flexible container 2250 that includes a product volume 2252 and a plurality of standoff structures 2254 coupled to the product volume 2252. The product volume 2202 in this embodiment is pressurized above atmospheric pressure. The product volume 2202 is defined by, at least in relevant part, a front side 2256, a top portion 2258, and a bottom portion 2260. The front side 2256 has an exterior surface 2262. The bottom portion 2260 has a bottom face 2264 arranged to contact a horizontal surface 2266. The standoff structures 2254 each have an elongated, rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more expansion materials. As shown in FIG. 15I, the standoff structures 2254 are coupled to the exterior surface 2262 and are spaced apart from one another along a perimeter of the front side 2262. As with the other standoff structures described above, the standoff structures 2254 are co-facial with and extend outward from the exterior surface 2262. So arranged, the standoff structures 2254 are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the product volume 2252. Specifically, the standoff structures 2254 can protect the product volume 2252 from bursting, particularly during a high-force impact. Depending upon the contents of the product volume 2252, the standoff structures 2254 can also be configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the contents of the product volume 2252, particularly if the contents are fragile or brittle (e.g., chips, glass). As shown in FIG. 15I, the front side 2256, particularly the exterior surface 2262, is approximately 80-90% free of the standoff structures 2254. In other words, the standoff structures 2254 cover or overlie only a small portion of the front side 2256, and, more particularly, the exterior surface 2262. As such, the container 2250 has a sizable decoration area 2274 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structures 2254 surround and extend outward of the decoration area 2274, the standoff structures 2254 are configured to protect, and prevent damage to, the decoration area 2274.

In other embodiments, the container 2250 can include a different sized and/or shaped product volume 2252 and/or additional standoff structures 2254. For example, the product volume 2252 can be vacuumed. When the product volume 2252 is vacuumed, the standoff structures 2254 can protect the product volume 2252, particularly the contents thereof, from impact. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2204 can have a different size and/or shape and/or can be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., more proximate to the dispenser 2226, etc.)

FIG. 16 illustrates a container 2300 that includes a self-supporting product volume 2302 and indicia 2305 printed on a portion of the product volume 2302. The self-supporting product volume 2302 has a generally rectangular shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 2302 is defined by a first rectangular shaped side 2306a, a second rectangular shaped side 2306b, a third rectangular shaped side 2306c opposite the first side 2306a, a fourth rectangular shaped side 2306d opposite the second side 2306b, a top side 2308, and a bottom side 2314. The bottom side 2310 is arranged to contact a horizontal support surface 2316. The indicia 2305 is printed on the first side 2106a and, as shown in FIG. 16, is configured to provide the appearance of one or more standoff structures (e.g., one of the standoff structures described in FIGS. 15A-H) being coupled to the self-supporting product volume 2302. Thus, the container 2300 gives a user (e.g., a consumer) of the container 2300 the (false) impression that the container 2300 has one or more standoff structures coupled to the product volume 2302.

The above-described standoff structures (e.g., the standoff structures 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, etc.) are configured to protect the containers to which they are associated (e.g., the containers 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, etc.) when these containers are stored, offered for sale, moved, and/or used. The standoff structures are configured to prevent damage, such as, for example, scuffing, denting, rupturing, to the containers (e.g., the product volume, the decoration area), that occurs when, for example, the containers are placed into contact with other similar or dissimilar objects (e.g., other containers), are disposed within or on a confining or enclosing structure (e.g., a grocery cart, a shelf), or fall from a height above a surface (e.g., fall from a shelf, are dropped into a cart, etc.).

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary method or process 2400 for preventing damage to a container having self-supporting product volume (e.g., the self supporting product volume 1502, 1602, 1702, 1802, 1902, 2002, 2102, 2202). The method or process is performed in the order shown and described herein, but may be implemented in or according to any number of different orders. In other embodiments, the method or process may include additional, fewer, or different acts.

The method includes providing the self-supporting product volume (block 2404). The self-supporting product volume is at least partially defined by at least one side (e.g., a front side, a rear side, a circumferential edge) and a bottom, the bottom having a bottom face for contacting a horizontal support surface. The method also includes providing a standoff structure, such as, for example, the standoff structure 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, 2104, 2204 (block 2408). The method further includes coupling the standoff structure to, and co-facially with, a portion of the self-supporting product volume, the portion of the self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is coupled being at least partially free of the standoff structure (block 2412). The coupling can include integrally forming (e.g., attaching) the standoff structure to the portion of the self-supporting product volume or separately forming the standoff structure and then later joining the standoff structure to the self-supporting product volume. In turn, the standoff structure protects the self-supporting product volume when the container is at least one of dropped from a height above a horizontal surface or placed into contact with another object (e.g., another container).

FIGS. 24 and 25 provide exemplary embodiments of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of a container and the middle and bottom of the container are free of standoff structures.

In FIG. 24, the container 3000 includes a top 3004, a middle 3006, and a bottom 3008. The top 3004 is separated from the middle 3006 by a reference plane 3005, while the middle 3006 is separated from the bottom 3008 by a reference plane 3007. The container 3000 includes the first side 3106, the exterior surface 3112, and a standoff structure 3104 which is coupled to the exterior surface 3112 with the top 3004 of the container 3000. The middle 3006 and bottom 3008 of the exterior surface 3112 of the first side 3106 are free of standoff structures. The container 3000 may also include a dispenser 3160, which can be closed, but when in the open state the dispenser 3160 allows the container 3000 to dispense product, such as one or more fluent product(s), from the product volume 3150 through a flow channel 3159, then through the dispenser 3160, to the environment outside of the container 3000. Alternatively, the standoff structure 3104 may only extend part of the width of the first side 3106 of the container 3000 and/or may comprise any shape including a linear shape. The container 3000 can also include additional standoff structures in the top 3004. Further, the top perimeter of the top 3004 may comprise a straight line, arcuate, or complex outline, as well as be oriented in a generally parallel or angled direction relative to the bottom of the container or a horizontal surface upon which the container bottom may rest. The angle may be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 degrees or any integer value between 0 to 55 degrees with respect to the bottom surface or a horizontal surface. If the container 3000 includes multiple sides or exterior surfaces, at least the two of those sides or exterior sides may each include at least one standoff structure coupled to the side or exterior surface. In the example standoff structures, each standoff structure is at least partially co-facial with a product volume. Each standoff structure may or may not be fully co-facial with a product volume.

In FIG. 25, the closed container 4000 includes a self-supporting product volume 4105, a top 4004, a middle 4006, and a bottom 4008. The top 4004 is separated from the middle 4006 by a reference plane 4005, while the middle 4006 is separated from the bottom 4008 by a reference plane 4007. The container 4000 includes the first side 4106a, the first exterior surface 4112a, the second side 4106b, the second exterior surface 4112a, and a standoff structure 4104 coupled to the exterior surface 4112 on or along the top 3004 of the container 3000. The standoff structure 4104 is coupled to the side of the product volume 4102 such that the standoff structure is configured to extend over or across, and, thus cover, at least in part, the edge 4109 located in the top 4004 of the container 4000. The middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first side 4106a and/or middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first exterior surface 4112a of the container 3000 are free of standoff structures. Additionally, the middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the second side 4106b and/or middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the second exterior surface 4112b of the container 4000 are free of standoff structures. Alternatively, the standoff structure 3104 may only extend part of the width of the first side 3106a, the first exterior surface 3112a, the second side 3106b, the second exterior surface 3112b of the top 4004 of the container 4000. The standoff structure 3104 may have any shape including a linear shape. The container 4000 can, though not depicted herein, include additional standoff structures in, on, or along the top 3004, on any of the first side 3106a, the first exterior surface 3112a, the second side 3106b, and/or the second exterior surface 3112b, and/or in some other location. Further, the edge 4109 of the top 4004 may be a straight line, arcuate, or complex outline, as well as be oriented in a generally parallel or angled direction relative to the bottom of the container or a horizontal surface upon which the container bottom may rest. If the container 4000 has multiple sides or exterior surfaces, at least the two of those sides or exterior sides may each comprise at least one standoff structure coupled to the side or exterior surface. In the example standoff structures, each standoff structure is at least partially co-facial with a product volume. Each standoff structure may or may not be fully co-facial with a product volume.

An assembly of a plurality of containers, such as two, three or more containers, may be associated via at least one film or flexible material comprising the multiple containers. At least two of the containers of the assembly of containers include at least one standoff structure which is at least partially co-facially with a product volume. The assembly may be arranged in a a web or string of packages, such as, for example, joined bottom to top or side edge to side edge. The film or films that span between containers may be marked with indicia for a user to cut between the containers to separate one or more containers. Alternatively, the film or films that span between adjacent containers may provide one or more weakening lines which advantageously enable easier separation of the containers by the user. The weakening lines can for example comprises a perforation, score, serration, a serrated seal, aperture line, or a heat weakened band or sections of film.

The product volume may be a self-supporting product volume or may not be a self-supporting product volume. Both are contemplated herein.

The at least one standoff structure of a container is at least partially coupled to the first side or the first side exterior surface or the side of the product volume of the container while the at least one standoff is at least partially co-facial with the product volume of the container. The at-least partially co-facial arrangement of the at least one standoff structure can be such that about 5%, 10, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the standoff structure is co-facial with the one or multiple product volumes. Stated differently, the standoff structure may be co-facial with between about 5% to 100% of the one or multiple product volumes, or any value therebetween, including each integer value therein. Where the standoff structure is co-facial with a product volume, the standoff structure may be coupled directly to the side of the product volume, a container side, or an exterior surface of the container which itself is adjacent and co-facial with the product volume at that point. The standoff structure may, but need not, share a wall with the side of the product volume.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of different standoff structure constructions with closed container 5000. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view through the container from edge 5001 to edge 5002 with product volume 5050 containing product 5060. The container 5000 comprises first container side 5010 and second container side 5020. First container side 5010 comprises wall 5052, constructed of film, which forms part of the product volume 5050. Second container side 5020 comprises two walls, comprised of film, including wall 5054, which forms part of the product volume 5050, and a co-facial wall 5056, comprised of film, which is the second side exterior surface.

On the first side 5010, the cross-section of standoff structure 5004a is coupled to wall 5052. The standoff 5004a is fully enclosed by its own wall, comprised of film, to which a portion is coupled to the wall 5052. Also on the first side 5010, the cross-section of standoff structure 5004b is coupled to wall 5052. The standoff 500ba is fully enclosed by its own wall, comprised of film, but also has side fins 5004x and 5004y which provide the coupling contact to the wall 5052.

On the second side 5020, the cross-section of standoff structure 5004c is coupled to wall 5054. The standoff 5004c is fully enclosed by its both the wall 5056 and the wall 5054 which also forms that portion of the product volume 5050.

Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with part, parts, or all of other embodiments known in the art of flexible containers, including those described below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can use any and all embodiments of materials, structures, and/or features for flexible containers, as well as any and all methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, as disclosed in the following patent applications: (1) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,679 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers” and published as US20130292353 (applicant's case 12464M); (2) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,721 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers” and published as US20130292395 (applicant's case 12464M2); (3) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,963 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers” published as US20130292415 (applicant's case 12465M); (4) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/888,756 May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers Having a Decoration Panel” published as US20130292287 (applicant's case 12559M); (5) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/957,158 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Methods of Making Flexible Containers” published as US20140033654 (applicant's case 12559M); and (6) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/957,187 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Methods of Making Flexible Containers” published as US20140033655 (applicant's case 12579M2); (7) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/889,000 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers with Multiple Product Volumes” published as US20130292413 (applicant's case 12785M); (8) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/889,061 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers” published as US20130337244 (applicant's case 12786M); (9) U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/889,090 filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers” published as US20130294711 (applicant's case 12786M2); (10) U.S. provisional application 61/861,100 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Disposable Flexible Containers having Surface Elements” (applicant's case 13016P); (11) U.S. provisional application 61/861,106 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers having Improved Seam and Methods of Making the Same” (applicant's case 13017P); (12) U.S. provisional application 61/861,118 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Methods of Forming a Flexible Container” (applicant's case 13018P); (13) U.S. provisional application 61/861,129 filed Aug. 1, 2013, entitled “Enhancements to Tactile Interaction with Film Walled Packaging Having Air Filled Structural Support Volumes” (applicant's case 13019P); (14) Chinese patent application CN2013/085045 filed Oct. 11, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers Having a Squeeze Panel” (applicant's case 13036); (15) Chinese patent application CN2013/085065 filed Oct. 11, 2013, entitled “Stable Flexible Containers” (applicant's case 13037); (16) U.S. provisional application 61/900,450 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers and Methods of Forming the Same” (applicant's case 13126P); (17) U.S. provisional application 61/900,488 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Easy to Empty Flexible Containers” (applicant's case 13127P); (18) U.S. provisional application 61/900,501 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Containers Having a Product Volume and a Stand-Off Structure Coupled Thereto” (applicant's case 13128P); (19) U.S. provisional application 61/900,508 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers Having Flexible Valves” (applicant's case 13129P); (20) U.S. provisional application 61/900,514 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers with Vent Systems” (applicant's case 13130P); (21) U.S. provisional application 61/900,765 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers for use with Short Shelf-Life Products and Methods for Accelerating Distribution of Flexible Containers” (applicant's case 13131P); (22) U.S. provisional application 61/900,794 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers and Methods of Forming the Same” (applicant's case 13132P); (23) U.S. provisional application 61/900,805 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same” (applicant's case 13133P); (24) U.S. provisional application 61/900,810 filed Nov. 6, 2013, entitled “Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same” (applicant's case 13134P); each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can use any and all embodiments of materials, structures, and/or features for flexible containers, as well as any and all methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, as disclosed in the following patent documents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,154, filed Oct. 29, 1991, entitled “Food bag structure having pressurized compartments” in the name of Cohen, granted Aug. 11, 1992; PCT international patent application WO 96/01775 filed Jul. 5, 1995, published Jan. 26, 1995, entitled “Packaging Pouch with Stiffening Air Channels” in the name of Prats (applicant Danapak Holding A/S); PCT international patent application WO 98/01354 filed Jul. 8, 1997, published Jan. 15, 1998, entitled “A Packaging Container and a Method of its Manufacture” in the name of Naslund; U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,975 filed Mar. 19, 1997, entitled “Packaging material web for a self-supporting packaging container wall, and packaging containers made from the web” in the name of Lennartsson (applicant Tetra Laval), granted Oct. 5, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,466 filed Jul. 8, 1997, entitled “Packaging Container and a Method of its Manufacture” in the name of Naslund, granted Jun. 12, 2001; PCT international patent application WO 02/085729 filed Apr. 19, 2002, published Oct. 31, 2002, entitled “Container” in the name of Rosen (applicant Eco Lean Research and Development A/S); Japanese patent JP4736364 filed Jul. 20, 2004, published Jul. 27, 2011, entitled “Independent Sack” in the name of Masaki (applicant Toppan Printing); PCT international patent application WO2005/063589 filed Nov. 3, 2004, published 14 Jul. 2005, entitled “Container of Flexible Material” in the name of Figols Gamiz (applicant Volpak, S. A.); German patent application DE202005016704 U1 filed Jan. 17, 2005, entitled “Closed bag for receiving liquids, bulk material or objects comprises a bag wall with taut filled cushions or bulges which reinforce the wall to stabilize it” in the name of Heukamp (applicant Menshen), laid open as publication DE102005002301; Japanese patent application 2008JP-0024845 filed Feb. 5, 2008, entitled “Self-standing Bag” in the name of Shinya (applicant Toppan Printing), laid open as publication JP2009184690; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/312,176 filed Apr. 19, 2002, entitled “Container” in the name of Rosen, published as US20040035865; U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,528 filed Dec. 16, 2002, entitled “Package having an inflated frame” in the name of Ferri, et al., granted on Sep. 8, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/794,286 filed Jun. 4, 2010, entitled “Flexible to Rigid Packaging Article and Method of Use and Manufacture” in the name of Helou (applicant, published as US20100308062; U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,094 filed Jun. 21, 2010, entitled “Collapsible Bottle, Method Of Manufacturing a Blank For Such Bottle and Beverage-Filled Bottle Dispensing System” in the name of Reidl, granted on Sep. 24, 2013; and PCT international patent application WO 2013/124201 filed Feb. 14, 2013, published Aug. 29, 2013, entitled “Pouch and Method of Manufacturing the Same” in the name of Rizzi (applicant Cryovac, Inc.); each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, standoff structures can be created from delaminated regions of a laminate film as in WO 96/01775 from DANAPAK. Beyond what is disclosed in this reference, the standoff structures formed from delaminated regions could form structural support members or even a structural support frame.

In some embodiments, standoff structures can fill an entire wall of a package, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,975 from Tetra Laval. Beyond what is disclosed in this reference, the containers could have fewer or more sides and be shaped in any other shapes beyond parallelepiped or rectangular prisms.

In some embodiments, a separate frame may be attached to a flexible container (external or internally attached) as in US20100308062 from Helou. Beyond what is disclosed there, the containers may have a front and back face and any number of gussets.

In some embodiments, standoff structures can be created by overwrapping a defined product chamber with an additional web as in WO 2013/124201 A1 from Sealed Air. Beyond what is in this reference, structure and standoffs can be added into the package such as for example, a structural support frame surrounding the product volume. Additionally, the outerwrap can be added with or without, or in combinations with, or to secure rigid elements or any other types of standoff structures to a product volume.

Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments disclosed herein also can be combined with part, parts, or all of other embodiments known in the art of containers for fluent products, so long as those embodiments can be applied to flexible containers, as disclosed herein. For example, in various embodiments, a flexible container can include a vertically oriented transparent strip, disposed on a portion of the container that overlays the product volume, and configured to show the level of the fluent product in the product volume.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent publication, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any document disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A flexible container, comprising: a self-supporting product volume defined by at least one side;a standoff structure coupled to and co-facial with the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume, wherein the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is coupled is at least partially free of the standoff structure; anda bottom arranged to contact a horizontal support surface.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising an external frame coupled to the self-supporting product volume at one or more locations, the external frame comprising the standoff structure.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is coupled to and co-facial with a top of the self-supporting product volume.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is coupled to and co-facial with a bottom of the self-supporting product volume.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the product volume includes a decoration area for indicia.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the standoff structure at least partially surrounds the decoration area.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is located is at least 50% free of the standoff structure.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is located at least 70% free of the standoff structure.

9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser configured to dispense product and a fluid dispensing path in fluid communication with the dispenser and an interior of the self-supporting product volume.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is made of a flexible material.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure extends prominently outward from of an exterior of the self-supporting product volume.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure is integrally attached to at least a portion of the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the standoff structure comprises a fluid-expandable standoff structure.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein a gap exists between at least a portion of the standoff structure and a portion of the at least one side of the self-supporting product volume to which the standoff structure is coupled, such that the standoff structure provides a gripping surface for the container.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a plurality of standoff structures coupled to and co-facial with one side of the self-supporting product volume.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein the self-supporting product volume is defined by at least first and second contiguous sides, and wherein the container comprises a plurality of standoff structures, a first of the standoff structures being coupled to and co-facial with the first side of the self-supporting product volume and a second of the standoff structures being coupled to and co-facial with the second side of the self-supporting product volume.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein the self-supporting product volume is at least partially defined by first and second opposing sides, and wherein the container comprises a plurality of standoff structures, a first of the standoff structures being coupled to and co-facial with the first side of the self-supporting product volume and a second of the standoff structures being coupled to and co-facial with the second side of the self-supporting product volume.

18. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of holes disposed through the standoff structure.

19. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of recesses disposed in the standoff structure.