Flexible stand-up pouch constructions for dispensing liquids

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6485177
  • Patent Number
    6,485,177
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, March 7, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 26, 2002
    22 years ago
Abstract
A pouch construction has a flexible stand-up pouch having first and second opposite panels and a bottom or base gusset. The flexible pouch has a seal perimeter surrounding an open interior. In a portion of the seal perimeter, there is provided a peel seal region. The flexible pouch construction has an unsealed region, along a perimeter edge, spaced from the interior of the pouch by the peel seal region. As a result, in the unsealed region, the pouch panels can be spread apart allowing a straw or similar member to be pushed between the panels, in the region of the peel seal, to open the pouch for access to a drink contained inside. Methods of constructing such arrangements, and preferred pouch blanks that can be filled to form such arrangements are described.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates to flexible pouch constructions. The invention particularly concerns bottom gusseted pouch constructions arranged to: receive and contain fluids; and, to stand up when filled with fluids. Specifically of concern is providing preferred methods and features to facilitate dispensing of drinking fluids from pouch constructions.




BACKGROUND




Stand-up flexible pouch constructions containing drinking fluids, i.e. juices etc., have become popular consumer items, and a variety of such constructions are known. One type is a pouch construction sold under the trade designation Capri Sun and containing fruit drink. The Capri Sun products, and similar constructions, generally are pouches that comprise flexible front and back panels, sometimes with a flexible bottom or base gusset. In one of the panels, there is typically provided an aperture covered by frangible membrane. In use, one punches a sharpened straw through the aperture and into the pouch. The liquid is then dispensed through the straw to the drinker.




Pouch constructions which are used in this way are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,656; 5,997,177 and 5,425,583, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.




A second type of pouch construction for dispensing fluids such as drinks is described in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/661,643, filed Sep. 13, 2000 assigned to the Assignee of the present application, Kapak Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn. In this type of arrangement, a protuberance or tab is provided on the pouch, which can be torn off to allow access to the contained liquids. When used with a contained drink, typically one either tears off the tab to open a hole between the panels and drinks directly from the package; or, after the tab is torn off, inserts a drinking straw through the open hole. In U.S. design application Design Pat. No. 29/136,872 filed Feb. 8, 2001, also owned by Kapak Corporation, an arrangement using the principles of U.S. Ser. No. 09/661,643 is depicted. The complete disclosures of U.S. Ser. No. 09/661,643 and 29/136,872 are incorporated herein by reference.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




A flexible pouch construction is provided. The flexible pouch construction includes first and second opposed panel sections and a bottom or base gusset, secured together to form a stand-up flexible pouch which can be used to contain liquid. The pouch generally has an outer perimeter edge, defined by the two panel sections and the base gusset. In general, a seal arrangement or region is provided along an outer perimeter portion, to secure the two panel pieces and the base gusset together defining a pouch construction open interior surrounded by seal. Preferably, in an upper region of the pouch construction, adjacent an outer or perimeter edge portion between the first and second opposed panel sections, an unsealed perimeter edge region or space is defined. A peel seal region is provided between the unsealed perimeter edge region and the interior volume of the pouch construction. The peel seal region can be forced open, under hand pressure, to obtain access to the interior of the pouch. Preferably, the peel seal is such that it can be opened by forcing a drinking straw between the two panel sections, in the region of the peel seal.




In preferred constructions, the seal material along the outer perimeter region, is configured to define the unsealed perimeter space in the form of a V construction, in some instances specifically a truncated V construction, with an apex region directed toward the pouch construction interior. Such an arrangement is convenient for insertion of a straw. In preferred arrangements, the unsealed V-shaped region projects inwardly from either a top edge of the pouch construction, or from an upper comer.




In selected embodiments, one of the panels, in the area of the unsealed perimeter space, includes an access notch therein, to facilitate manually spreading the panel sections apart in this region, and thus to facilitate opening of the pouch construction.




A preferred method of constructing such an arrangement in a form of a pouch containing liquid, is provided. In addition, preferred methods of using such a construction are provided.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a schematic plan view of a pouch blank which, according to the principles described herein, can be filled with liquid and be provided with a preferred seal definition in a first embodiment according to the present invention.





FIG. 2

is a schematic, fragmentary plan view of a portion of the arrangement shown in

FIG. 1

, depicted after being sealed to define a preferred sealed region and unsealed region in accord with a first embodiment of the present invention.





FIG. 3

is a schematic, fragmentary plan view analogous to

FIG. 2

, but depicted after a step of inserting a drinking straw through a portion of the arrangement, for access to contained liquid.





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of the arrangement depicted in

FIGS. 1-3

, filled with liquid, in a standing orientation, prior to insertion of a drinking straw and showing an unsealed region flared, for clarity.





FIG. 5

is a side elevational view of the arrangement depicted in

FIG. 4

, but not depicting a flare in the selected unsealed region.





FIG. 6

is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a pouch construction, depicted from a viewpoint analogous to the view of

FIG. 1

, for the first embodiment.





FIG. 7

is a fragmentary schematic view of the arrangement of

FIG. 6

, depicted after having been sealed with a sealed region and an unsealed region according to the present invention.





FIG. 8

is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention; the third embodiment of

FIG. 8

being depicted in the analogous form of that depicted in

FIGS. 1 and 6

for the first and second embodiments; i.e. before sealing.





FIG. 9

is a fragmentary schematic view of the arrangement shown in

FIG. 8

, after filling with liquid and sealing to form a sealed region and an unsealed region according to the present invention;

FIG. 9

generally being a view of the preferred embodiment analogous to the view shown in

FIGS. 2 and 7

for the first and second embodiments respectively.





FIG. 10

is a schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention depicted from a view point analogous to those shown in

FIGS. 1

,


6


and


8


for the first, second and third embodiments respectively.





FIG. 11

is a fragmentary schematic view of the arrangement shown in

FIG. 10

after having been filled with liquid and sealed to form a sealed region and an unsealed region according to the present invention; the arrangement of

FIG. 11

being of the fourth embodiment from a view point analogous to that used for

FIGS. 2

,


7


and


9


of the first, second and third embodiments respectively.





FIG. 12

is a fragmentary schematic view of a portion of one of several types of peel seal constructions useable in arrangements according to the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION




I. Further Regarding Existing Flexible Pouch Drink Containers




A. Drink containers in Which a Straw is Poked Through a Sidewall of the Pouch




Selected issues with respect to products in which a straw is poked through an aperture covered by a membrane of, or on, a sidewall of a pouch, concern the following:




1. A straw of the type typically used for this purpose, can be inadvertently thrust completely through an opposite wall due to: the force required to punch the membrane through the aperture in the first panel; the fact that the straw is typically directed at an angle toward the opposite wall panel as it is punched through the first panel; the fact that often a sharpened straw is used; and, the fact that users (especially children) may not be adept at managing both the punching force and the punching direction to prevent such accidents from occurring.




2. If the flexible pouch construction is squeezed during the punching effort, liquid can be squirted (leaked) back out through the aperture either by passage through the straw or through the opened aperture and around the straw.




Also, such pouch constructions or arrangements can be inconvenient once the straw is punched through a sidewall of the pouch construction. For example, the straw projects outwardly from one of the side panels as opposed to the top of the pouch construction. This means that the squeeze pressure applied by a hand holding the pouch construction, is more likely to squeeze liquid up as high as the aperture, especially if the pouch construction is tipped, since the aperture is not located at or near the top of the pouch construction. Also, the pouch construction is less convenient to handle because the straw projects from a side as opposed to the top.




A problem with the use of a membrane over an aperture to provide for a region to punch, is the provision of a membrane and seal which are both adequately impervious to passage of air and/or moisture to provide for a good seal. Also, a manufacturing step of applying and sealing the membrane is required.




Such drawbacks as those characterized in this section with respect to prior pouch constructions are typically a direct result of the utilization of configurations in which a punching operation through an aperture in a side panel is required.




B. Pouch Arrangements in Which a Tab or Top is Torn Off, to Open the Pouch.




Many of the shortcomings characterized above with respect to the punch through type arrangements, are addressed by an arrangement in which a tab is torn from the top of the package, as described in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/661,643, discussed briefly above. However, if the arrangement is one such that the tab is completely torn off, the user is faced with an issue of throwing away the tab, immediately upon opening of the package, as opposed to when the entire package is discarded. As with removable pop tabs on cans, or non-replaceable bottle caps, users may be inclined to throw these away as they begin to drink, without proper refuse disposal.




In addition, the tearing operation required can be difficult for children and others who have less fine control of their motor skills; or, who have been involved in activities making them less careful at controlling the amount of force used when the drink is opened, for example, when they have been involved in active play or sports activities.




Also, the arrangement of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/661,643, requires that a tab be provided, on the construction, in a portion that can be readily torn off. This provides some limit to the configurations of, and materials useable in, pouches with which such an approach can be applied.




II. Improved Drinking Pouch Constructions




In

FIGS. 1-11

, improved drinking pouch constructions according to the present invention are depicted. As will be understood from the following detailed characterizations, a number of alternate embodiments are shown, and many others are possible. In general, a common feature for the various embodiments is the provision of a region of peel seal in an upper portion of the pouch, in many instances along or adjacent an upper most surface, through which a straw is inserted between panel sections instead of through one of the panel sections, to open the pouch construction and to obtain access to the interior contents. In this context, the term “peel seal” is meant to refer to a seal which is established via heat and/or pressure in a selected region of the pouch and which is also of a strength and type such that it can be readily peeled apart or forced apart through hand manipulation, typically either by the fingers grasping opposite sides of the pouch in the region adjacent the peel seal and peeling the pouch panels apart at the seal; or, preferably, by forcing a straw or similar construction between the pouch panel sections secured together by the peel seal, thus forcing the peel seal to peel open. Of course, the peel seal also should be of adequate strength to remain closed and to contain liquid without leakage, during normal storage and handling of the pouch construction prior to intended opening.




In this context the term “upper portion” is meant to typically refer to a location above a normal uppermost level of contained liquid.




In general, it is foreseen that a pouch construction would typically be prepared by a pouch manufacturer and be provided in a form having an open filling section. The pouch construction would then be provided to a drink packager, who would fill the pouch with drinking fluid and seal the pouch along the filling portion, with an appropriate peel seal. Typically, a straw would be packaged with the pouch construction, and the packaged drink would be distributed for use. When so packaged, the end user would take the straw, and insert it as directed through a peel seal portion of the pouch construction, and between the panels, to obtain convenient access to the contained drink.




Typically, the pouch construction will be provided by the pouch manufacturer to the drink packager as a blank which is “peel seal ready”. By this it is meant that the arrangement is provided in a form such that by application of heat and pressure, an unsealed peel seal region can then be sealed. That is, the drink packager would not apply the peel seal, but merely would utilize equipment to seal a peel seal ready portion of the arrangement closed. The peel seal ready portion arrangement would be, typically, regions left open, for filling with liquid during the packaging operation. However, it is foreseen that alternatives may be practiced. For example, in some arrangements the pouch manufacturer may provide for the peel seal in a closed state, while leaving a portion of the arrangement open to be sealed by the package manufacturer with a permanent seal.




A. The Embodiment of

FIGS. 1-5






Attention is first directed to

FIGS. 1-5

. In

FIG. 1

, a schematic plan view of a flexible pouch construction useable according to the techniques described herein is shown, collapsed and prior to being filled with liquid. In

FIG. 2

, a fragmentary schematic depiction is shown of the pouch construction


1


of

FIG. 1

, after the pouch construction


1


has been filled with liquid and been sealed by a peel seal. In

FIGS. 4 and 5

, the pouch construction


1


is depicted filled with liquid and prior to being opened with a drinking straw. In

FIG. 3

, a fragmentary schematic depiction of the pouch construction


1


is shown, with a straw


26


inserted through a portion of peel seal, to obtain access to contained drink.




In

FIG. 1

, the pouch construction


1


is depicted, schematically, in the manner it would appear when provided in a collapsed form, from the pouch


10


manufacturer to the drink packager, for filling. Referring to

FIG. 1

, the pouch construction


1


comprises first and second, opposite or opposed, flexible panels


3


and


4


, and a flexible bottom or base gusset


6


. The panels


3


,


4


and base gusset


6


can be generally as described in U.S. Ser. No. 09/661,643, incorporated herein by reference, except as modified to accommodate a peel seal opening arrangement as opposed to a tear tab opening. The panels


3


,


4


and base gusset


6


define outer edges


7


to the construction


1


.




Permanent seals in the pouch construction


1


are depicted in the stippled regions designated at


8


in FIG.


1


. The permanent seals


8


are generally formed by adequate heat and pressure to permanently secure the various engaged pieces to one another. Regions


9


, which are unsealed, facilitate spreading the pouch construction open when standing it up. The permanent seals in regions


11


provide for appropriate attachment of the two panels to the internally received gusset


6


, so that the gusset can be expanded open when the package is filled and stood up. Permanent seals in regions


12


generally comprise perimeter edge seals or side seals at which the front and back panels


3


and


4


are secured directly to one another. Herein the term “permanent” and variants thereof is meant to refer to a seal which is not constructed to be readily opened by hand pressure, and which is intended to remain sealed during normal product use.




As will be understood from the following descriptions, in general, the panel section


3


and


4


, along with the bottom gusset


6


, define a package construction having an outer perimeter


13


and an open interior


14


. After being filled with liquid, a perimeter seal pattern is provided to define and completely surround an open pouch interior which contains the liquid. In at least one portion of the arrangement, the perimeter seal is a peel seal, for advantages described below. Herein the perimeter seal may be referred to as “closed” when the seal completely closes off the interior


14


and as “open” when it has not yet been completely closed, or after it has been opened to allow access to contained liquid. Thus, when open, the perimeter seal allows fluid flow between the pouch construction interior


14


and the environment, but no such communication is allowed when the perimeter seal is closed.




Edge


15


of the pouch construction defines the top


16


, when the construction


1


is filled and stood. For the particular pouch construction


1


depicted, edge


15


is partially sealed by the pouch manufacturer in region


17


, but is left unsealed in region


18


. Thus, at region


18


an opening between the first and second panels


3


and


4


is provided, to allow for filling of pouch construction


1


with liquid, by a drink packager. After the pouch arrangement


1


is filled by the drink packager, region


18


is sealed closed completing the perimeter seal around the open interior


14


; and, allowing the pouch construction


1


to be stood up, stored and handled without leakage. For the particular arrangement shown, region


18


is peel seal ready. That is, it is constructed such that after the drink manufacturer fills the pouch construction appropriately with drinking fluid, when the seal is formed at region


18


, it is formed as a peel seal. The term “peel seal ready” is meant to refer to the materials in the region of the eventual peel seal as being able to form a peel seal under appropriate heat and pressure, without more.




In

FIGS. 4 and 5

, the pouch construction


1


is depicted filled with liquid, sealed completely around its interior


14


and stood up. That is, in

FIGS. 4 and 5

the perimeter seal is depicted closed. Referring to

FIGS. 4 and 5

, for the pouch construction


1


depicted, the front and back panels


3


and


4


are readily viewable, spread by the contained liquid in a manner such that along base region


20


, the base gusset


6


is opened to support the standing orientation. As a result, the pouch construction


1


includes or defines a pouch top edge


22


along the tops of the panel sections


3


,


4


.




Referring specifically to

FIG. 4

, in region


24


a seal


25


is provided, to secure the first and second panels


3


and


4


to one another; seal


25


having been provided by the drink package manufacturer after liquid had been placed within the pouch construction


1


. At least a portion of the seal


25


in region


24


is preferably a peel seal


19


of the type characterized herein. As a result, in at least a portion of the region


24


, the panels


3


and


4


can be readily forced apart by a user, using hand pressure or preferably a straw, to obtain access to the contained drinking liquid.




With respect to this, attention is directed to

FIGS. 2 and 3

in which region


24


the pouch construction


1


is depicted in fragmentary schematic view. In

FIG. 2

, region


24


is depicted prior to being opened by a straw; and in

FIG. 3

, region


24


is depicted with a straw


26


inserted therethrough, to open the perimeter seal for access to the drinking fluid contained within the pouch construction


1


. The straw


26


depicted has a sharpened end


41


to facilitate opening.




Referring to

FIG. 2

, in which seal region


24


is depicted, by stippled region


27


, preferably peel seal


19


is used at least where the straw


26


is to be inserted.




In region


28


, however, there is provided an unsealed perimeter edge region or portion between panel sections


3


,


4


at which the first and second panel sections


3


,


4


are not secured to one another. For the particular pouch construction


1


depicted, the unsealed perimeter edge region


28


is positioned with one side thereof defined along the pouch upper or top edge


22


.




From a review of

FIGS. 1 and 2

, then, it will be understood that, in general, for the preferred embodiment shown, the perimeter seal of the construction


1


, when completely closed or sealed after the drink packager has used the construction


1


, completely surrounds or circumscribes the interior portion


14


of the pouch construction


1


, and at all locations also preferably borders the actual outside edges


7


, except in the region of the unsealed perimeter edge portion


28


. In the region of unsealed perimeter edge portion


28


, the preferred perimeter seal extends at a location positioned between unsealed perimeter edge region


28


and the pouch construction open interior


14


, and thus is spaced from region


28




a


of edge


7


. The particular unsealed perimeter edge portion or region


28


depicted comprises an unsealed access region between the opposite panels


3


,


4


bordered by edge region


28




a


on one side and by seal on three sides: i.e. first and second opposite lateral seal borders


29


and


30


and base seal border


31


. Herein the term “base seal border”, “base border” and variants thereof when used in this context, is meant to refer to a region of peel seal through which a straw is directly forced, when opening the package


1


. The base border


31


is generally located on the shortest line extending directly between a package innermost portion


32


of the unsealed region


28


, and the open interior


14


of pouch construction


1


. The base border


31


is generally of limited width, in the direct direction from region


28


into the interior


33


, most preferably not more than 6 mm, and typically 1.5 to 4.5 mm. The material in regions


29


and


30


may comprise a permanent seal, provided an adequate peel seal is provided at or near base border


31


to provide convenient opening. Of course, the peel seal may extend along regions


34


at locations in addition to the base portion or base border


31


. The dimensions given for preferred base borders for the embodiments described herein, are meant to refer to a region adequate to accommodate a typical drinking straw, under hand pressure, as would be utilized to open the preferred pouch construction.




A variety of configurations can be utilized for unsealed perimeter edge region


28


. In general, preferred configurations have a generally V-shape, with the apex of the V directed toward the pouch interior


33


. The particular region


28


depicted has a type of V configuration referred to herein as a “truncated V”. By the term “truncated V” in this context, it is meant that the region


24


has, projecting from edge


36


, first and second sides


37


and


38


directed in a V pattern to a flat or a truncated apex indicated at


39


. When a truncated V is used, preferably the truncated apex


39


has a width between sides


37


and


38


of no greater than 6 mm and typically 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm.




It is foreseen that the sides


37


and


38


for typical embodiments will be mirror images of one another oriented to extend inwardly at an angle, toward one another relative to edge region


28




a


, within the range of 25° to 70°. The particular ones depicted extend at an angle of about 50°-60°.




Again, it is noted that a variety of alternate configurations may be chosen, including ones that are not V-shaped, and/or in which there is no symmetry. Indeed, nonlinear sides to the region


28


can be used.




Preferably, the region


28




a


has a width, when oriented along a single edge


36


, in which the first and second panels


3


,


4


are not sealed to one another, preferably extending over a distance of at least 5 mm, but preferably not more than 40 mm, and typically, depending on the embodiment, within the range of 8 mm to 35 mm. For an embodiment using a top tab portion


35


such as the embodiment shown in

FIGS. 1-5

, typically an unsealed edge region


28




a


of 8 mm to 15 mm will be used.




Use of unsealed region


28


in combination with the peel seal base border


31


, to obtain access to fluid within the pouch construction


1


, is demonstrated in FIG.


3


. Specifically, in

FIG. 3

drinking straw


26


is shown having been inserted between the panels


3


and


4


in region


28


, and then forced through base border


31


, opening the peel seal


19


in this region. Typically, the drinking straw


26


used will have sharpened or truncated tip


41


, to facilitate sliding the straw


26


between the panels


3


,


4


, forcing the peel seal base border


31


open.




For typical preferred embodiments, the unsealed region


28


defines a perimeter area of at least 20 sq. mm, and, depending on the embodiment, typically within the range of 30-200 sq. mm. The term “perimeter area” is meant to refer, in this context, to the area defined by the perimeter of the unsealed region


28


, including for the particular embodiment depicted in

FIG. 1

, edge


28




a


, sides


29


,


30


and apex edge of base border


31


. When the embodiment uses a top tab portion


35


, typically the perimeter area of the unsealed region will be within the range of 30-60 sq. mm.




Referring again to

FIGS. 1

,


4


and


5


, the pouch construction


1


depicted has a unique, ornamental, outside configuration. It is foreseen that a variety of alternate outside configurations for the pouch construction


1


can be utilized in association with the principles described hereinabove, for provision of access to internally received liquids. This will in part be demonstrated by certain alternate embodiments described below.




B. The second embodiment depicted in

FIGS. 6 and 7






Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 6 and 7

. In

FIG. 6

, an alternate pouch construction


55


is depicted again as it could be made to appear prior to being filled with liquid and sealed by a drink packager. The pouch construction


55


depicted generally has first and second opposed panel sections


56


,


57


, bottom or base gusset


58


, and permanent seal regions


59


and


60


. Along top edge


62


, however, the pouch construction is not sealed. Thus, along edge


62


panels


56


,


57


can be spread apart, so that the ouch construction


55


can be filled with liquid. A narrower region along edge


62


, for filling with liquid, can be provided, for example, by allowing permanent seals to extend into regions


64


and


65


, without sealing completely across edge


62


prior to filling.




Attention is directed to cut-away portion


67


in one of the panels


56


. Cut-away portion


67


provides an access notch


68


to help a user spread the panels


56


,


57


apart at this location during a pouch opening operation. This will be understood better, in connection with the description of

FIG. 7

below.




Still referring to

FIG. 6

, it is noted that the outside perimeter of


71


of pouch construction


1


differs from that shown for the arrangement of

FIGS. 1-5

, thus indicating that the techniques described herein can be utilized with alternate configurations of pouch constructions.




Referring to

FIG. 7

, a fragmentary schematic view is presented of pouch construction


55


after being filled with liquid and completely sealed, i.e. with the perimeter seal closed. At region


73


, by stippling, a peel seal is shown. Along edge


62


, there is provided unsealed region


74


which, among other things, surrounds access notch


68


. The unsealed region


74


defined by edge portion


75


, sides


76


,


77


, and bottom edge


78


, defines a preferred, truncated V pattern. In this instance, again a symmetrical pattern is shown, this time with the angle


80


being about 35°, to accommodate notch


68


having a dimension in extension along edge


62


of about 18 mm, and a width of extension into panel


56


from edge


62


, of about 4 mm. Typically, depending in part on the embodiment selecting the notch


68


will be provided with a width of extension along an adjacent edge of at least 10 mm, for example 14 mm-22 mm, and a depth of extension in from the adjacent edge of at least 2 mm, typically 2 mm-7 mm.




A typical preferred arrangement the size of notch


68


will be selected such that a perimeter area defined by the notch, i.e., by the edges of the notch


68


, is within a range of 1.5 sq. mm to 12.0 sq. mm; typically 40 sq. mm-80 sq. mm and, such that when used with a notch, the perimeter area of the unsealed region


74


is within a range of about 100 sq. mm to 200 sq. mm, and is preferably at least 50% larger in area than the notch.




As preferred with the first embodiment of

FIGS. 1-5

, the arrangement of

FIGS. 6 and 7

, when sealed closed, preferably includes a peel seal base border


83


or apex having a width of preferably no more than 6 mm and typically 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm and a depth, i.e. dimension directly toward interior


85


, of preferably no more than 6 mm and typically within the range of 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Thus, during use, pouch construction of

FIG. 7

can be readily opened by inserting a straw between panel sections


56


,


57


to force the peel seal


73


in the region


73




a


of base border


83


open. The notch


68


, again, facilitates spreading the panels


56


,


57


apart, to get the insertion of the straw started.




From a review of

FIG. 7

, benefit provided by the access notch


68


should be apparent. As a result of the notch


68


, surface


86


of panel


57


is exposed. A user can place a finger or thumb on the region


87


to spread panels


56


,


57


apart at those locations, to facilitate opening.




It is noted that for the embodiment of

FIGS. 6 and 7

, the unsealed perimeter region


74


is centered along edge


62


between opposite sides,


88


,


89


of the pouch construction


55


.




C. The Third Embodiment of

FIGS. 8 and 9






Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 8 and 9

, in which a third embodiment is depicted. Referring to

FIG. 8

, it is noted that the pouch construction


90


depicted has an outer perimeter


91


of the same general configuration as the arrangement


55


depicted in

FIGS. 6 and 7

; the outer perimeter having an upper edge


92


having first and second comers


92




a,




92




b


defined by opposed panel sections


110


,


111


. However, for the arrangement of

FIGS. 8 and 9

, a different peel seal arrangement is utilized, during closing by the drink manufacturer, to allow for comer entry. Referring to

FIG. 9

, the peel seal region is indicated at


95


, with the perimeter seal closed. The peel seal region at


95


defines a comer unsealed region


96


having, coming in from the comer


97


, a V-shape at edge


97




a,


and defining base peel seal portion


98


, between apex


99


, defined by seal sides


100


,


101


, and interior


104


. In

FIG. 9

, the peel seal


95


is shown defining an optional second comer unsealed region or opening


105


at opposite comer


92




b,


again defining a V pattern


107


having apex


108


and sides


109


. The arrangement


90


could be provided with either one or two corner access openings or unsealed regions


96


,


105


, as selected by the drink packager. Inserting a straw to the interior to the package, would be generally as described above with respect to the previous embodiments of

FIGS. 1-7

, i.e. the opposed, flexible, panel sections


110


,


111


, are spread apart at one of the unsealed regions


96


,


105


, and the straw is forced through the peel seal


95


in the relevant base peel seal portion


98


. As with the previous embodiments, preferably the base peel seal portion


98


has a minimal thickness in direction toward interior


104


, typically on the order of 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and preferably not more than 6 mm.




It will be apparent from review of the embodiment depicted in

FIGS. 8

,


9


that if desired more than one straw can be inserted, one through each corner, to allow dual access if desired. In general, when the unsealed region corner unsealed regions such as unsealed regions


96


,


105


, it is foreseen that the perimeter area of the region will be relatively large, by comparison to edge or edge type unsealed regions such as those for the first and second embodiments depicted above. Corner unsealed regions such as unsealed regions


96


,


105


, will typically have perimeter areas on the order of 150 sq. mm-600 sq. mm, the particular ones depicted being convenient for arrangements having an unsealed portion perimeter area, for each corner, on the order of 350-450 sq. mm.




The configuration results from an extension along the top edge, for the unsealed area, of about 10 to 30 mm, for the similar extension along the adjacent side edge.




D. The fourth embodiment of

FIGS. 10 and 11






Attention is now directed to

FIGS. 10 and 11

. In

FIG. 10

, a pouch construction


120


is depicted. The pouch construction


120


has an outside perimeter


121


similar to that to the arrangement depicted in FIG.


6


. Indeed, arrangement


120


is analogous to the arrangement


55


of

FIG. 6

, except the arrangement


120


does not have a notch, where notch


68


is depicted in the arrangement of

FIGS. 6 and 7

. Referring to

FIG. 11

, in which the pouch construction


120


is depicted with the perimeter seal closed. The unsealed region


123


, in this instance is depicted as a truncated V, surrounded by seal


124


, and defining peel seal base portion


125


, with sides


127


and


128


extending at a greater angle relative to edge


130


, then the sides of the arrangement shown in

FIGS. 6

and


7


, since the width of a notch does not need to be accommodated. It is noted that in

FIG. 11

, the unsealed perimeter region


123


is shown flared, for clarity.




III. Formation of the Peel Seal.




Provision of peel seals between flexible members, for example the plastic panels of a flexible pouch, is known. Attention is directed for example to: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5832570; 5604000; 5538345; 5470156; 5474382; 5464969; 5425825; 4782951; 5330269; 5005707; 4966470; 4925318; and 4823961, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is foreseen that the peel seals of the general type described in these references, can be utilized in association with arrangements according to the present invention.




A variety of techniques can be utilized for the formation of the peel seal. Two general techniques useable are:




1. Utilization for the panel materials, a plastic film material having an appropriate coating thereon to allow for activation by selected heat and pressure to generate a peel seal, as opposed to a permanent seal, if desired. It is foreseen that if such material is utilized, it would be of a type for which if an alternate pressure/heat combination is selected, a permanent seal can be provided, as is desired in other portions of the construction. Useable materials, for example, include substrates of polyester, nylon, and polypropylene (available from Dupont or Unitika) laminated together using conventional lamination techniques. In some instances, a layer of aluminum foil is added in the lamination to provide for an attractive appearance. The lamination may include peel seal constructions as described above, including a polypropylene sealant comprising dissimilar materials. Examples include the peel seal constructions described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,318, incorporated herein by reference. Further, a resin formulated to result in a peel seal may be added.




Example resins are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,470,156 and 5,474,382, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.




2. Utilization of a peel seal tape, permanently secured to the panels.




Attention is directed to

FIG. 12

with respect to this second variation. For this variation, a two-layer peel seal tape is permanently secured to the panels. Referring to

FIG. 12

, opposite panels are depicted at


150


and


151


, with the layers of the tape indicated at


153


and


154


. Each tape layer


153


,


154


has a peel seal side and a permanent seal side. Peel seal side is oriented toward the opposite peel seal tape layer, and the permanent side is permanently sealed to the panel film. The peel seal can be readily formed by applying appropriate heat and pressure to direct panel sections


150


,


151


together in the region of the peel seal tape with heat and pressure applied in other portions of the arrangement where the panel sections


150


and


151


do not have peel seal tape therebetween, to form permanent seals. Peel seal tape is commercially available from such sources as Minigrip (ITW), and is readily adaptable for utilization in arrangements according to the present invention. A peel seal tape is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,570, incorporated herein by reference.




IV. Manufacture and Use




Pouch constructions according to the present invention are readily manufacturable using high speed manufacturing line techniques. With such techniques, typically gusset members will be brought in line, between two elongate webs. Heat seal bars and cutters, can be used to form the particular configuration of pouch construction chosen, including for example those depicted in the figures. The heat seal bar can specifically be prevented from encountering the pouch construction and causing sealing, in the regions that are to be left open for pouch filling. Typically, the region left over for pouch filling will also be a “peel seal ready” region, to be sealed by the drink packager.




The drink packager then receives the pouch, dispenses liquid into the pouch through the unsealed portion; i.e. through an open unsealed perimeter edge portion. If the unsealed portion was also the “peel seal ready” portion, the drink packager would then form the peel seal in this region, i.e. close the region, preferably providing for the preferred configuration of unsealed region as characterized herein. That is, the closing operation would include a step of forming a peel seal extending across the previously opened unsealed perimeter edge region.




If a notch is used, it can be provided in a die cutting operation either by the pouch manufacturer or the drink packager, but typically it would be preferred that it be provided in the collapsed pouch blank provided to the drink packager, from the pouch manufacturer. In order to ensure appropriate peel seal, in general, it will be preferred to:




(a) utilize a peel seal ready material region where the peel seal is to be formed; and,




(b) use an appropriately configured seal bar and an appropriate amount of heat and pressure, to allow for the generation of a peel seal as opposed to a permanent seal and the location.




Techniques to accomplish both of the above, are well known from the peel seal art and are adaptable to the present application.




It is foreseen that in typical applications, the drink packager will package the drink for retail sale, along with an appropriate straw, preferably a straw having a sharpened end. The user will then open the arrangement by inserting the straw into the unsealed perimeter edge region and through the peel seal between the two panels, to project into the interior of the pouch. The operation does not involve punching or piercing any of the panels, nor does it involve projection of the straw through any of the panels or gusset materials. Thus it is a “non-punch” operation, or a peeling operation.




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



Claims
  • 1. A pouch construction comprising:(a) first and second, opposed, panel sections; (b) a base gusset positioned between the first and second panel sections; (i) the first and second panel sections and base gusset each comprising flexible film material and together forming a stand-up pouch having a perimeter edge, a closed perimeter seal defining and surrounding an open, interior, volume; (c) an unsealed perimeter edge region between the first and second panel sections in a region adjacent to a perimeter edge of the pouch construction whereat the first and second panel sections can be partially spread apart; (i) the unsealed perimeter edge region defining a perimeter area of at least 20 sq. mm; (ii) the unsealed perimeter edge region being defined by a seal region to have a V-shaped edge with an apex region directed toward the pouch interior; (A) the V-shaped edge having a truncated V-shaped apex with an apex edge thereof positioned spaced no more than 6 mm from the pouch interior; and (d) a peel seal region adjacent to the unsealed perimeter edge region and defining a base portion between the unsealed perimeter edge region and the pouch construction open interior volume.
  • 2. A pouch construction according to claim 1 wherein:(a) the first and second panel sections define a pouch top edge opposite the base gusset; and (b) the pouch top edge defines a side of the unsealed perimeter region.
  • 3. A pouch construction according to claim 2 wherein:(a) the unsealed perimeter edge region extends for a distance within the range of 5 mm to 40 mm, along the pouch top edge.
  • 4. A pouch construction according to claim 2 wherein:(a) the first panel section includes an access notch positioned in the unsealed perimeter edge region and adjacent to the pouch top edge.
  • 5. A pouch construction according to claim 4 wherein:(a) the notch defines a perimeter area within the range of 40 to 80 sq. mm.
  • 6. A pouch construction according to claim 2 wherein:(a) the unsealed perimeter edge region is centered along the pouch top edge.
  • 7. A pouch construction according to claim 1 wherein:(a) the first and second, opposed, panel sections define an upper pouch perimeter edge having at least a first comer; and (b) the unsealed perimeter edge region is positioned between the first and second panel sections at the first comer.
  • 8. A pouch construction according to claim 7 wherein:(a) the first and second panel sections define a second comer along the upper pouch perimeter edge; and (b) the pouch construction further includes a second unsealed perimeter edge region positioned between the first and second panel sections at the second comer.
  • 9. A pouch construction comprising:(a) first and second, opposed, panel sections; (b) a base gusset positioned between the first and second panel sections; (i) the first and second panel sections and base gusset each comprising flexible film material and together forming a stand-up pouch having a perimeter edge, a closed perimeter seal defining and surrounding an open, interior, volume; (ii) the first and second panel sections defining a pouch top edge opposite the base gusset; (c) an unsealed perimeter edge region between the first and second panel sections in a region adjacent to a perimeter edge of the pouch construction whereat the first and second panel sections can be partially spread apart; (i) the unsealed perimeter edge region being defined by a seal region to have a V-shaped edge with an apex region directed toward the pouch interior; (A) the V-shaped edge having a truncated V-shaped apex with an apex edge thereof positioned spaced no more than 6 mm from the pouch interior; (ii) the pouch top edge defining a side of the unsealed perimeter edge region; and (d) a peel seal region adjacent to the unsealed perimeter edge region and defining a base portion between the unsealed perimeter edge region and the pouch construction open interior volume.
  • 10. A pouch construction according to claim 9 wherein:(a) the unsealed perimeter edge region extends for a distance within the range of 5 mm to 40 mm, along the pouch top edge.
  • 11. A pouch construction according to claim 10 wherein:(a) the first panel section includes an access notch positioned in the unsealed perimeter edge region and adjacent to the pouch top edge.
  • 12. A pouch construction according to claim 11 wherein:(a) the notch defines a perimeter area within the range of 40 to 80 sq. mm.
  • 13. A pouch construction according to claim 12 wherein:(a) the unsealed perimeter edge region is centered along the pouch top edge.
  • 14. A pouch construction according to claim 13 wherein:(i) the unsealed perimeter edge region defines a perimeter area of at least 20 sq. mm.
  • 15. A pouch construction comprising:(a) first and second, opposed, panel sections; (b) a base gusset positioned between the first and second panel sections; (i) the first and second panel sections and base gusset each comprising flexible film material and together forming a stand-up pouch having a perimeter edge, a closed perimeter seal defining and surrounding an open, interior, volume; (ii) the first and second panel sections defining a pouch top edge opposite the base gusset; (c) an unsealed perimeter edge region between the first and second panel sections in a region adjacent to a perimeter edge of the pouch construction whereat the first and second panel sections can be partially spread apart; (i) the unsealed perimeter edge region being defined by a seal region to have a V-shaped edge with an apex region directed toward the pouch interior; (d) an access notch defined by the first panel section and positioned in the unsealed perimeter edge region adjacent to the pouch top edge; (i) the notch defining a perimeter area within the range of 40 to 80 sq. mm.; and (e) a peel seal region adjacent to the unsealed perimeter edge region and defining a base portion between the unsealed perimeter edge region and the pouch construction open interior volume.
  • 16. A pouch construction according to claim 15 wherein:(a) the unsealed perimeter edge region is centered along the pouch top edge.
  • 17. A pouch construction according to claim 16 wherein:(a) the V-shaped edge having a truncated V-shaped apex with an apex edge thereof positioned is spaced no more than 6 mm from the pouch interior.
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Number Name Date Kind
3051368 Schneider et al. Aug 1962 A
3316950 Fleischer et al. May 1967 A
3471005 Sexstone Oct 1969 A
3791570 Hopkins Feb 1974 A
3799914 Schmit et al. Mar 1974 A
4484904 Fowler Nov 1984 A
4759472 Strenger Jul 1988 A
4762514 Yoshida Aug 1988 A
4786190 Van Erden et al. Nov 1988 A
4806021 Koudstaal et al. Feb 1989 A
4810844 Anderson Mar 1989 A
4925316 Van erden et al. May 1990 A
5330269 Kamada et al. Jul 1994 A
5392589 Buchman Feb 1995 A
5425583 Wild Jun 1995 A
D362618 Paling et al. Sep 1995 S
5716473 Gordon et al. Feb 1998 A
5873656 Arkins et al. Feb 1999 A
5941643 Linkiewicz Aug 1999 A
5997177 Kaufman Dec 1999 A
6023914 Richison et al. Feb 2000 A
6047817 Taylor et al. Apr 2000 A
6176615 Leimkuehler Jan 2001 B1
6213645 Beer Apr 2001 B1
6224528 Bell May 2001 B1
6270255 Kaufman et al. Aug 2001 B1
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Number Date Country
2647399 May 1977 DE
1128387 Jan 1957 FR
0980859 Jan 1965 GB
WO 9523742 Sep 1995 WO