Patent Grant
11628997
The present invention relates generally to stand-up flexible pouches for packaging. More specifically, the present invention relates to gusseted stand-up flexible pouches with multiple compartments or chambers.
Various types of stand-up flexible pouches or packages are known in the art. These stand-up flexible pouches are widely used for packaging liquids, pastes, granulars, powders and the like. Stand-up pouches are designed to stand on their own once they are filled with product. The bottom gusset of the pouches expands when filled, which gives the pouch a solid base on which to stand. Manufacturers desire stand-up pouches because, when they are empty, they weigh very little and can be stored completely flat. Stand-up pouches also take up much less shelf space than traditional boxes, bottles or cans. Since space costs money, whether in inventory or in freight, stand-up flexible pouches assist in decreasing the costs associated with transportation and storage. The transportation and storage savings are further improved because using stand-up pouches eliminates or reduces the need for more containers and lids.
In recent times, beverage makers have begun to use stand-up pouches with gussets. And, unlike bottles and cans, nearly every single drop of liquid may be removed from a pouch. For food products that require cooking, stand-up pouches are desirable because they allow for the contents to be heated, re-heated or even cooked inside the stand-up pouch.
One potential drawback with stand-up pouches is the inability to form multiple compartments therein. The typical way of forming compartments in pouches without bottom gussets is by dividing the interior space by one of more heat seals. However, using one or more heat seals will likely damage and/or prevent the functionality of the bottom gussets of the stand-up pouches.
It would be desirable to provide a stand-up pouch having more flexibility with product packaging, especially in situations where a combination of products is offered.
According to one embodiment, a gusseted stand-up flexible pouch comprises a pouch-forming structure including first and second opposing body panels, first and second opposing side gussets, a bottom gusset and at least one interior gusset. The bottom gusset extends between the first body panel and the second body panel. Each of the first and second side gussets is joined to the first body panel and the second body panel. The at least one interior gusset is joined to the first body panel and the second body panel. The at least one interior gusset is located between the first side gusset and the second side gusset. The at least one interior gusset divides an interior of the stand-up flexible pouch into a plurality of compartments.
According to another embodiment, a gusseted stand-up flexible pouch comprises a pouch-forming structure including first and second opposing body panels, first and second opposing side gussets, a bottom gusset and a plurality of interior gussets. The bottom gusset extends between the first body panel and the second body panel. Each of the first and second side gussets is joined to the first body panel and the second body panel. Each of the plurality of interior gussets is joined to the first body panel and the second body panel. Each of the plurality of interior gussets is located between the first side gusset and the second side gusset. The plurality of interior gussets divides an interior of the stand-up pouch into a plurality of compartments.
According to one method, a gusseted stand-up flexible pouch is formed. A sheet of film having a first side and a second side is provided. The sheet of film is folded to form a bottom gusset. The sheet of film has an open end opposite of the bottom gusset. Side gusset-forming material and interior gusset-forming material are placed between the first and second sides of the sheet of film. The side gusset-forming material is cut to form first and second side gussets. The first and second side gussets are sealed to interior surfaces of the first side and the second side. The interior gusset-forming material is sealed to interior surfaces of the first side and the second side to form at least one interior gusset. After cutting and sealing, the at least one interior gusset divides an interior of the stand-up flexible pouch into a plurality of compartments.
The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
As shown in PRIOR ART
Referring now to the present invention,
The stand-up flexible pouch 110 includes a first or front body panel 112 (
The first and second body panels 112, 114 are desirably smoothly integrated with each other (i.e., without visible seaming). In such embodiments, this allows for high-quality graphics to be printed on the surfaces of the first and second body panels 112, 114 without significant distortion or unsightly seam lines.
The two side gussets 116, 118 of
The bottom gusset 120 extends between the first body panel 112 and the second body panel 114. The bottom gusset 120 allows the pouch to stand upright when it is filled with product. The bottom gusset 120 in the upright position forms a flat bottom in which the flat bottom has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each of the first and second side gussets 116, 118 is joined to the first body panel 112 and the second body panel 114. Each of the first and second side gussets 116, 118 is also typically joined to the bottom gusset 120.
As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
The interior gussets 222, 224 shown in
Each of the interior gussets 222, 224 is joined to the first body panel 212 and the second body panel 214. Each of the interior gussets 222, 224 is typically joined to the bottom gusset 220. As shown in
The arrangement of the interior gussets 222, 224 is desirable because it offers better separation between compartments, especially in the event that one of the two interior gussets 222, 224 is pierced, broken or has not been sealed properly to one of the surfaces.
Referring back to
It is contemplated that the stand-up flexible pouch may form a convenient handle to make it easier for consumers to carry the stand-up pouch with product. The handle of the stand-up flexible pouch may include one large opening that enables an entire hand to enter and subsequently assist in lifting the stand-up flexible pouch to be lifted. In another embodiment, the handle may include a plurality of finger holes to assist in lifting the stand-up pouch. It is also contemplated that straps and/or handles may be formed or attached to the stand-up flexible pouch at suitable locations to assist in lifting the stand-up pouch.
The stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention can be formed or fitted with various types of openings and closures. For example, the top portion 140 of the stand-up pouch 110 includes a line of weakness 144. The line of weakness desirably extends across the entire length of the stand-up flexible pouch such as shown in
The line of weakness 144 may be tear notches, pre-perforated tear strips, tear lines/strips. These lines of weakness may also be referred to as scored lines. The line of weakness is a feature typically located at the top portion to assist a user in opening the stand-up flexible pouch. It is also contemplated that the stand-up flexible pouch may be opened by cutting a top portion thereof in another embodiment.
The top portion may include a feature to open and close the stand-up flexible pouch. For example, the top portion 140 of the stand-up flexible pouch 110 includes a resealable fastener or zipper 146. The fastener 146 is attached between the first and second body panels 112, 114. The fastener 146 of
Referring back to
Referring now to
The stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be fitted with one or more translucent or see-through windows, which are desirably positioned on the first or second body panels. The at least one window is desirably configured such that at least one if not each individual inner compartment may be viewed. For example, each of the compartments may be visible through a respective window that enables the respective contents to be seen by a user. This is shown in
In addition to or instead of the above described openings and closures, the stand-up pouches of the present invention may be fitted with various types of pouring and/or dispensing mechanisms. Some non-limiting examples of pouring and/or dispensing mechanisms include, but are not limited to, spouts for liquids (with or without re-sealable caps), swing-out spouts for flowing powders, pump heads and/or trigger spray heads. It is contemplated that other pouring or dispensing mechanisms may be used in the stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention.
One non-limiting example of a stand-up flexible pouch with a pouring or dispensing mechanism is shown in
It is desirable for each compartment in the stand-up pouches of the present invention to have its own individual opening, closure, pouring and/or dispensing mechanism. But, it is contemplated that in other embodiments that the stand-up pouches may be fitted with just one common opening, closure, pouring and/or dispensing mechanism.
The stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be designed for mixing together the contents of its various inner compartments before use or dispensing (e.g., by providing a mechanism for breaking or piercing the interior gusset(s) before dispensing the contents out of the pouch). For example, the stand-up flexible pouches may include an internal valve that breaks or bursts in response to a user's pressure on the pouch. This breaking or bursting results in the different products of the compartments intermixing with each other. It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be used in the stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention.
It is contemplated that the stand-up flexible pouch may include more than two compartments for storing product. For example, the stand-up flexible pouch may include three compartments formed by two spaced apart interior gussets or two pairs of spaced apart interior gussets.
One non-limiting example of a three compartment stand-up flexible pouch is shown in
The top portion 540 of the stand-up pouch 510 further forms hanging apertures 542a, 542b, a line of weakness 544 and includes fasteners 546a-c, which are similar to the above described hanging apertures, line of weaknesses and the fasteners. The stand-up flexible pouch 510 also includes windows 550a-c and lines of weakness 560a, 560b as shown in
It is contemplated that a three compartment stand-up flexible pouch may be made from exactly two interior gussets.
It is contemplated that the number of compartments may be greater than the 2 or 3 shown in the non-limiting embodiments described above. For example, a stand-up flexible pouch may include 4, 5, 6 or even more compartments. It is contemplated that the compartments may have a similar or the same amount of interior space such as shown in
The stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be made with suitable materials. In one embodiment, the stand-up flexible pouches comprise a polymer material. Some non-limiting example of polymeric materials that may be used in forming the stand-up flexible pouches include linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), metallocene-catalyzed linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthlate (PET)), nylon, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that other polymeric materials may be used. The polymeric materials selected are typically heat-sealable polymeric materials.
The stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in a further embodiment. Such an embodiment typically uses a double-sided adhesive in constructing the stand-up flexible pouches.
The stand-up flexible pouches may comprise a single material or may comprise a plurality of materials. For example, the plurality of materials may be in a blended composition or a laminate. One non-limiting example of a flexible laminate material is a metallized PET. One non-limiting example of a metallized PET is aluminum and PET. Another embodiment is a metallized polyethylene such as a metallized LLDPE. It is desirable for the laminated polymeric material to be of a high grade that lends itself to custom printing. The stand-up flexible pouches may be made of other polymeric materials, polymeric composites and laminates, metal foil or combinations thereof.
The stand-up flexible pouches may also be made of biodegradable materials such as heat-sealable sugar cane. The stand-up flexible pouches may be made of other materials such as non-wovens. Although less desirable, it is contemplated that the stand-up flexible pouches may be made of materials such as cardboard, paper, rubber sheets and cloth in other embodiments.
It is contemplated that the above described materials may be used in various combinations in forming the stand-up flexible pouches. With regard to size, shape and dimensions, the stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be manufactured in various sizes and shapes suitable for storage, transport or retail selling.
It is contemplated that the stand-up flexible pouches may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within a material. The oxygen-barrier layer may be formed by materials that assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the stand-up flexible pouch. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-barrier materials may be used in forming the stand-up flexible pouch.
The multi-compartment stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention may be used for convenient packaging of any type of suitable content including commercial or industrial products. The product may be in the form of dry powders, granular products, flowable solids, liquids, paste, gases, etc. Typical non-limiting examples of such products are: sports/nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, beverages, foodstuffs, baby food, household (cleaners, detergents, softeners), dairy, pet food and motor oil. It is contemplated that other commercial or industrial products may be used in the stand-up flexible pouches of the present invention.
Due to the convenient combination of the at least two separate compartments within one single pouch, the stand-up pouch is uniquely suited for packaging and selling combos of two or more products that are normally sold together. These two or more products are typically used around the same time, mixed together at the point of use, or are combined in certain ratios and dosages.
Non-limiting examples of products include, but are not limited to: (1) shampoo and conditioner; (2) detergent and softener, detergent and bleach, or detergent and stain pre-treatment; (3) pre-workout and post-workout sport supplements; (4) combos of multi-flavored food or sport supplements or pet food; (5) fertilizer and pesticide, or seed and fertilizer; (6) milk and cereal, milk and cookies, or other matching snacks; (7) multi-component products that are supposed to be mixed together just before use (e.g. cake mixes, beverage mixes, two-component adhesives, effervescent mixes, powdered or concentrated baby formula with water, reactive components, base resin and activator, car engine oil, fuel and transmission oil additives, etc.); or (8) various small parts or components within the same kit, which desirably should not come in contact with each other before final assembly.
In one method, the various components used in forming the multi-compartment stand-up flexible pouch are heated sealed with each other. The heat sealing may be performed by heating or ultrasonic sealing. The stand-up pouches may be formed by other methods such as chemical bonding. It is contemplated that other methods of attaching the various components of the stand-up flexible pouch may be employed.
According to one process, a flexible film may be used for forming the first and second body panels of the stand-up flexible pouch. The film may be a single layer film or a multi-layered film such as discussed above. The first and second body panels may be formed from separate individual films, but are typically formed from one individual film sheet. The side and interior gusset-forming materials are made separately from the body panels. The side and interior gusset-forming materials are located in the interior of the film that is to eventually form the first and second body panels. The gussets are typically heat-sealed to respective interior surfaces of the film that will eventually form the first and second body panels.
One non-limiting example of a process for forming a stand-up flexible pouch is shown in
In another embodiment, the film 604 may be made of two separate individual films that are sealed together. In this embodiment, the bottom gusset-forming material may be formed separately from the first and second sides and later joined. In another embodiment, the bottom gusset-forming material is formed from the sheets after they have been sealed together.
To show the placement of interior gusset-forming material and side gusset-forming material with respect to the film 604, a plurality of bottom gusset-forming material 620a-c is depicted as being a transparent film. The pouch-forming material includes the bottom gusset-forming material 620a-c, side gusset-forming material 616a-d, and interior gusset-forming material 622a-c. The bottom gusset-forming material 620a-c extends or bridges the material that will eventually form the first and second body panels of a stand-up flexible pouch. The interior gusset-forming material 622a-c and the side gusset-forming material 616a-d are located between the first side 604a and the second side 604b of the film 604. The film 604 has an open end (end opposite from the bottom gusset-forming material 620a-c) that will eventually form a top portion of the stand-up flexible pouch. To form the stand-up flexible pouches shown above, the interior gusset-forming material 622a-c and the side gusset-forming material 616a-d will not extend vertically across the film to the opening end. Thus, the length of the interior gusset-forming material 622a-c and the side gusset-forming material 616a-d will be less than length L of the film 604. The gussets may be located in-line or across the web direction (such as shown in
The film 604 depicts a plurality of generally vertical lines 606a, 606b extending across the film. These vertical lines 606a, 606b indicate where the film 604 will be eventually cut in the process of forming the stand-up flexible pouches. The cutting may be done by a reciprocating knife or other cutting mechanisms. The cutting mechanism may also perform simultaneously heat sealing with respect to the side gusset-forming material and the film.
Referring to
The side gusset-forming material 616a-d is joined to the first and second sides 604a, 604b. The side gusset-forming material is also typically joined to the bottom gusset-forming material. The interior gusset-forming material 622a-c is also joined to the first and second sides 604a, 604b. The interior gusset-forming material is also typically joined to the bottom gusset-forming material. This joining of the side and interior gusset-forming materials to the first and second sides may be done as discussed above by techniques such as sealing or bonding.
In one method, the sealing of the side and interior gusset-forming materials occurs before the cutting of the first and second sides 604a, 604b. In another method, the sealing of the side and interior gusset-forming materials occurs after cutting the first and second sides 604a, 604b. In a further method, the cutting and sealing occurs at about the same time.
After the pouch-forming material is cut and joined (e.g., sealed), a stand-up flexible pouch is formed.
Another non-limiting example of a process for forming a stand-up flexible pouch is shown in
In another embodiment, the film 704 may be made of two separate individual films that are sealed together. In this embodiment, the bottom gusset-forming material may be formed separately from the first and second sides and later joined. In another embodiment, the bottom gusset-forming material is formed from the sheets after they have been sealed together.
To show the placement of interior gusset-forming material and side gusset-forming material with respect to the film 704, a plurality of bottom gusset-forming material 720a-c is depicted as being a transparent film. The pouch-forming material includes the bottom gusset-forming material 720a-c, side gusset-forming material 716a-d and interior gusset-forming material 722a-f. The bottom gusset-forming material 720a-c extends or bridges the material that will eventually form the first and second body panels of a stand-up flexible pouch. The interior gusset-forming material 722a-f and the side gusset-forming material 716a-d are located between the first side 704a and the second side 704b of the film 704. The film 704 has an open end (end opposite from the bottom gusset-forming material 720a-c) that will eventually form a top portion of the stand-up flexible pouch. To form the stand-up flexible pouches shown above, the interior gusset-forming material 722a-f and the side gusset-forming materials 716a-d will not extend vertically across the film to the opening end. Thus, the length of the interior gusset-forming material 722a-f and the side gusset-forming materials 716a-d will be less than length L2 of the film 704. The gussets may be located in-line or across the web direction (such as shown in
The film 704 depicts a plurality of generally vertical lines 706a, 706b extending across. These vertical lines 706a, 706b indicate where the film 704 will be eventually cut in the process of forming the stand-up flexible pouches. As discussed above, the cutting may be done by a reciprocating knife or other cutting mechanisms that may also perform simultaneously heat sealing with respect to the side gusset-forming material and the film.
Referring to
The side gusset-forming material 716a-d is joined to the first and second sides 704a, 704b. The side gusset-forming material is also typically joined to the bottom gusset-forming material. The interior gusset-forming material 722a-f is also joined to the first and second sides 704a, 704b. The interior gusset-forming material is also typically joined to the bottom gusset-forming material. This joining of the side and interior gusset-forming materials to the first and second sides may be done as discussed above by techniques such as sealing or bonding.
In one method, the sealing of the side and interior gusset-forming materials occurs before the cutting of the first and second sides 704a, 704b. In another method, the sealing of the side and interior gusset-forming materials occurs after cutting the first and second sides 704a, 704b. In a further method, the cutting and sealing occurs at about the same time.
After the pouch-forming material is cut and joined (e.g., sealed), a stand-up flexible pouch is formed.
If used in either of the processes described above with respect to
The pouches may be formed using a horizontal pouch-forming process or a vertical pouch-forming process.
In another method, the stand-up pouches may be manufactured by joining together two or more single-compartment pouches. This is less desirable because it results in a visible exterior seam where the joining occurs, but otherwise still exhibits the advantages of the present invention.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/155,492 filed on Oct. 9, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/667,329 filed on May 4, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210387782 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62667329 | May 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16155492 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Child | 17412848 | US |
