Packaging with integrated tube and methods of manufacturing.

KEYWORDS

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the words spout, straw, tube, opening instrument have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these words or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the words like pouch/container/box/bottle/packaging/pack have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these words or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the words, and terms like hole/weak spot/aperture/opening place/pierceable spot have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these words or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the words cap/lid/closure/reclosure mechanism/(pull) tab have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these words or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the phrases like modification of machinery/retrofitting the production line/manufacturing by new equipment have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these terms or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the words foil/laminate/film has been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these words or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

Throughout the specifications of present invention, words like ‘fitment’ and its substitutes can mean any additional attachments or extension or part or foil or material or chemical that are added/attached/connected/extended to the primary part(s) of the present invention (e.g. pouch/box/container/bottle).

Throughout the specifications of present invention, the phrases like sealed/attached/added/glued/connected have been used interchangeably but just mentioning one of these terms or their synonyms/substitutes anywhere in the text can be a representative for the other ones as well.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to the pouches/containers for (but not limited to) liquid, fluid, oil, juice, sauce, beverage, gel, wine, detergent, hand wash, body wash, shampoo, washing machine and dishwasher products, cleaning products, fluid, salad dressing, grease, cream, and smoothies as well as powders and other products that are common in art to be packed in containers/pouch/bottle/box/bag. More particularly the invention relates to pouches with a mechanism for discharge like straw/spout/tube with or without cap or any other types of reclosure mechanism that is common in art that are tethered as well as other opening and closure mechanism and potential methods of manufacture thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers/pouches have been used for decades and their users mostly use straw or spout and cap to dispense the liquid or other forms of products common in art from them. The cap can be a loose part that is used to initially seal the packaging and act as a reclosure mechanism in between the uses. The loose cap can be choking hazard. Companies has made the cap significantly larger than its necessary size to counter the child hazard effect of a loose cap. Also, a packaging with a loose straw can be harmful for environment and be a sustainability threat. However, despite the encouragement of the packaging companies to recycle the cap and straw with the container after the use, there is no guarantee that the users do so and as a result there is a high risk that lots of loose caps and straws go to the environment and remain unrecycled. Recycling a single piece of cap or straw is hard, because they are too small and lightweight to be captured in recycling equipment, so they end up in trash and eventually land fields or oceans. This contributes to the worldwide problem of plastic pollution and littering.

The pouches/bags are made of plastic films/multi layer foils that are sealed at the surroundings/edges to form the shape of container. The spouted pouch has the spout sealed at the edge/perimeter of pouch. The shape of spout usually is like a tube that has extensions to act as its holder/neck and provide a mean for sealing of the spout to the pouch. Also, to prevent the collapse of spout and its holder by the sealing jaw, they are made of chunky/excessive amount of plastic or other similar material. The cap that fits the spout typically also is made of the similar measure and quantity of material. All of these result in large amount of plastic/material usage for production of pouches with spout sealed at the edge. Large amount of plastic pollution would be released to the environment if these pouches are not recycled. Also, the combination of different plastics in the packaging will make the recycling difficult and not efficient. Also, usage of excessive plastic and material can result in high energy consumption, carbon foot print and co2 emission which together can have negative consequences for companies that are involved in producing and selling these packaging.

Attachment of spouts to the pouches as currently it is common in art alter the shape of pouch. No matter where it is located, always it is considered as an extension. This makes packing the pouches together for transport and storage not efficient as if the spout extension didn't exist. The increased logistics' cost and fuel consumption are unavoidable for these types of packaging. Also, in case of straws, they can be lost in transport which result in the packaging being unusable for the consumers since the opening/drinking mechanism is lost in transport. This can itself result in food waste since user might throw away the packaging that is not consumable readily.

Plastic pollution and plastic littering are environmental issues that provoked governments around the world to bring new legislations to tackle them. These new legislations ban certain type of products and packaging to be made and distributed. Also, these regulations get tighter and tighter every year for forcing more recycling and sustainable packaging. For example, for some types of containers the cap cannot be loose and needs to become tethered based on new regulations in near future.

The method of sealing the spout at the edge to form the spouted pouches makes the chance of leakage high due to the variety of reasons. However, the chance of leakage is much less if the pouch is sealed flat around its boundaries.

Some spouted pouches are made for single use applications. In these cases, the cap is used inevitably for sealing of the spout and making the transport and storage of product possible. In fact, the cap has no reclosure benefits after the packaging is opened by the user, consequently extra and unnecessary amount of plastic/material is wasted.

Some professionals have previously attempted to solve some of these problems by attachment of straw/spout to the pouch/container/box/bottle by unconventional methods but existence of all or some of the following problems hindered their mass utilisation. Some of those solutions change the shape of pouch unfavourably in terms of user experience as well as logistics and manufacturing efficiency. User should tear part of the pouch for opening the packaging that is produced by means of application of some of those solutions. Tearing a pouch is difficult for users and could be damaging for environment due to littering. Some of those solutions has attached/sealed the straw or spout to the pouch/container at the edges and boundaries consequently the manufacturing and sealing of straw/spout are critically difficult and risk of malfunction is high. Some of those solutions has sealed the bare straw in between the layer of the pouch's foil, this is a very difficult to manufacture and unpleasant for users since they can't extend or pull the straw out of the pouch for enhancement of their convenience, also the chance of leakage at the time of storage is high. For manufacturing some of those solutions, the straw or spout should be attached on its own to the pouch at the time that the pouch is being or about to be sealed which isn't convenient in term of manufacturing. Previously proposed solutions are not compatible with the expectations of companies which should manufacture, distribute, and sell the final product and packaging. Consequently, there is a need for new solutions that don't have the aforementioned problems.

The present invention is intended to solve these problems by securely integrating/incorporating the spout/straw/tube and other fitments like cap to the packaging by means of appropriate manufacturing process in a novel method that uses less plastic and cause no littering. The pouch is sealed at its edges so securely and conveniently as if the spout didn't exist. As user wants to dispense the content of the pouch/container, the spout moves/passes through the packaging by for example piercing the pouch conveniently and make the use of packaging's content possible. The cap would be preferably smaller and fixed to the pouch to reseal the spout in between the uses if necessary. If the pouch is for single use application/product, then no unnecessary cap would be attached and the amount of plastic in packaging will be even less. Also, the sanitisation precautions are suggested for products like food and beverage.

The other solutions for having a container with integrated spout or straw or cap, mostly provide a complex mechanism and commonly by use of excessive material which makes both their usage and manufacturing difficult and costly, and these are probably some of the main reasons that why most of them did not make it into the market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to have a container (carton or box or pouch or bottle) that has tethered/integrated fitments like spout/straw/cap/lid which is made from the common material in most efficient/cost effective/environmentally friendly way and prevents tethered opening and closure like spout/straw/cap or any other common type of fitments from being fully detached from the container. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a container that lets the user enjoy using the content of it without risk of damaging environment, not being choking hazard, making it sustainable and easy to use. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have a container that is manufactured with usage of less plastic in most efficient way of production. Still, further, it would be desirable to have new methods/device/manufacturing process/machinery that provides a solution for packaging companies to continue making pouches without risk of damaging the environment. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a new packaging solution that can offer the functionality of spout or straw or any other type of conduit that let the user to move the opening and closure partially in relation to the container/pouch but not remove it totally. Similarly, it would be desirable to have associated techniques that prevent the need for recycling the straw/cap as a single piece. Similarly, it would be desirable to have a spout that is made of low amount of plastic. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a pouch with built in or tethered fitments that makes it possible to recycle the container like pouch and its fitment like spout/cap or any other type of closure common in art together as a single piece with lowest amount of plastic pollution. It's essential for sustainability benefits that the cap, straw, spout and pouch all can be processed in the same recycling stream. Consequently, it's preferable to make these parts of the similarly recyclable plastics in the manufacturing process of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide industries such as (but not limited to) food and beverage, pharmaceutical and medical, pet food and treat packaging, nutritional and nutraceutical, household products and chemical, oil and lubricants, personal care, cleaning detergent, washing products and cosmetics with a container or box or pouch with a means of discharge like spout or tube (straw) or any other common method in art that is tethered and secured with the container/pouch or box efficiently. The various parts and fitments like opening/closure can be made from various material common in art but it's preferable to make these parts of the similarly recyclable plastics for the purpose of manufacturing present invention as a sustainable packaging solution. By making it possible to become recycled together with the container or box or pouch, no littering such as small plastic fitment will go to the environment as a single piece. The anti-littering mechanism will prevent the damage caused by littering of small plastics such as cap and straw to the environment and oceans.

Disclosed is a packaging solution with a spout or tube (straw) being built into/onto the container or pouch. The spout/straw being used to pass through the packaging at the time of utilisation by means like piercing the pouch or its complimentary foil to provide a means of dispensing the content of the pouch/container, which is made up of the following components: the container, spout/tube/straw, opening place. These components are connected as follows: the spout is placed/attached/sealed directly or indirectly (by means of secondary foil or component/fitment) inside or outside the box/pouch. The attachments can be done before, after or at the time of manufacturing or filling the packaging (container/pouch). The spout/tube/straw has an end that is placed close to the opening hole/place or any other predetermined location. Spout would partially be moved to open the pouch. As an example, this can be associated with piercing by its (pointy) end and passing through the weak spot/foil covering the opening hole. Spout/straw is sealed/glued or attached to the pouch (directly or indirectly) or its extension like the secondary or tertiary foil with the essence of not letting the full detachment of it from the box or pouch/container. Heat sealing, induction sealing, and ultrasound sealing are examples of the sealing/attachment mechanisms. Hot bar welding and impulse welding are some examples of heat-sealing methods for thermoplastics that can be used for present invention. The heating time, dwell, pressure, and temperature are some of the parameters that should be adapted for the application of heat sealing method for present invention. The foil/part that is covering the opening place is made of material common in art that can seal the closure as well as being pierceable to let the spout or straw or other closures common in art pass through it. The alternative solution is to have the opening place attached to the spout and user pull it at the time of opening the packaging. The tube/straw/spout can have various shape, size, cross section and width, length, also it can have features like bend, corrugations and wide base to enhance the user experience. The sealing of spout/straw/tube to the pouch/secondary/tertiary can be safeguarded by making the attachment securely and fastened by common means in art like increase of surface area of sealing. The number of additional parts/foils isn't limited and as many as extra parts and extension in form of rigid material or flexible material can be used.

The core components of the invention are box or pouch or container, a place that spout/straw/tube pass through it at the time of opening, and spout/tube (straw), which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: the spout/tube (straw) is sealed/attached directly or indirectly to the inner or outer side of the container/pouch with its end in reach of/close to the opening place. The opening place of packaging is sealed until the user opens it by means such as piercing/penetrating/drilling/removing the foil with (preferably sharp end of) spout. The foil of opening place can be a continuum (part) of the pouch/container or a standalone/additional structure/foil. To make the opening place susceptible to piercing, some layers of packaging foil can be eliminated at a predetermined location it is also possible to remove the primary foil and replace it with secondary film. The other method of opening the pouch would be by removing a tab from the opening place of the pouch to let the spout/tube pass through the opening place. Consequently, it makes the usage convenient and sanitary for the user. The invention can be used to make sure that spout/straw or any other type of fitment/closure common in art would be manufactured, sealed and recycled together with the container, more environmentally friendly and preferably with less complications. Furthermore, preferably the spout can be made of lower amount of plastic compared to the existing spouted pouches. Furthermore, it should be noted that this configuration can be used for various size and shape of the boxes/pouches and parts/closures also it is compatible with different method of manufacturing and assembling of packaging. The present invention is compatible with aseptic packaging and the sanitation process for parts of the present invention is anticipated to be done as its common in art. Also, the present invention is compatible with various type of film/foil and pouch packaging in which the pasteurisation/sanitation and asepticity might be done before, during and after sealing or filling the package.

Another variation of disclosed invention is a straw/tube/spout built into/onto the box/container/pouch with the straw that is trapped inside or tethered to the outside which is made up of the following components: the container, straw, hindrance mechanism and opening lid. These components are connected as follows the straw is placed inside the box at the time of manufacturing the packaging (container). The straw/tube has been attached to the inner side of the opening lid or container. The opening area (hole) is sealed by opening lid. Opening lid will help the straw to be pulled out by the user. Straw would only partially come out of the box since hindrance mechanism prevent the full detachment. In case the spout/straw is attached to the outside, a film/foil can act as tethering mechanism.

It is a further object of the present invention to make suggestions for ways of fastening and stabilising the various part of present in relation to each other so the function and use of new packaging solution is possible and convenient. For example, in its essence the spout should not be separated from the rest of the packaging readily. User shouldn't be able to remove it as a standard usage. For example, the spout should be heat sealed to its place at the right temperature since sealing at lower temperatures will result in a poor weld that tends to peel, while overheating can result in degradation of the material consequently weak attachment. Also, it shouldn't be possible for spout/straw to accidentally be dropped back to the pouch. For example, relationship between diameters of opening place/aperture and spout be as such that although the spout or straw can pass through it conveniently but being tight fit for stabilising the spout or straw and preventing it from falling back into the pouch. Also, the content of pouch will be removed from outside of the spout/straw while it is passing through a tight aperture which is preferably made of flexible material/foil. Or some features/modifications like corrugations on the spout/straw can increase the resistance between spout and film of aperture consequently fasten it.

It is a further object of the present invention to make sure that the different embodiments of present invention are sealed as it is common by standards of packaging industry, and any dislocation or leakage is firmly prevented from the packaging before, during, and after the use as well as manufacturing and filling the packaging with intended product. Accordingly, the pouch/container can be opened only if it's intended and the integrity of the pack from filling machine to use for consumption remains intact. For example, in case of heat sealing, it is crucial to take into account the pace at which the materials melt, how long they remain at the melting point, and how quickly they cool. When heated too quickly, many materials can degrade. Particularly in materials with low melt viscosities, spending too much time “In the melt” often results in thinning. The materials should be cooled until they may be handled without tearing or stretching. Accordingly, the time duration for each step of heat sealing the different parts of the present invention together will vary based on the types and properties of the chosen materials. Also, primer can be applied in between the sealing layers to form a binding layer consequently better adhesion of fitments like spout to the film or higher quality of sealing.

It is a further object of the present invention to utilise some extension methods such as telescopic design or corrugation on the tube. Consequently, although the tube is sealed/fixed to the pouch or additional foil, but the corrugation helps with the extension of the tube at the time of use if needed.

It is a further object of the present invention to facilitate the function and enhance the user experience of new sustainable packaging that is proposed by present invention. For example, to help the user to pass the spout through the pouch it has been suggested to make a hole on the pouch where the user can push/pull the spout through it. It's not appropriate to leave the hole open since the content of pouch can leak through it during the transport as well as contamination being introduced into the pouch. So, the hole should be covered by an additional foil/part. The additional foil/part should be sealed all around the hole by standards that are acceptable in the related industries. Now, the hole is covered with foil the spout should be sharpened enough to be able to pierce through this additional foil and pass through it and consequently open the pouch. To help the piercing function and avoid a very sharp and hazardous spout/straw, it is advisable that the material of additional foil has the properties to be susceptible to piercing. This can be achieved by various means like use of less strong material in its layers. Also, the foil can be an extension of the primary foil of the pouch. It is possible that spout being attached to this additional foil to enhance the movement, or another additional foil being used solely for attachment of spout. These are just examples of how foils and spouts can be adapted to work together and make the user experience and manufacturing process easier. The other example of combination of additional foil and spout is to design the foil as a band that is sealed to the boundaries of the pouch as well as the around the hole. If the spout/straw is attached to the same foil, then band should be able to break/tear in some places to facilitate the movement of spout. Or the spout can be attached to another additional foil which is sperate from the foil that is covering the opening place.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide alternative execution methods for function of the spout. For example, the spout can be sealed below the hole on the band that is covering the opening place. Accordingly, the band is designed with a flap for providing an attachment place for the spout. As a result, the spout can be easily moved for opening the packaging by making a hole at the opening area and passing through it. Alternatively, the band is of constant width, wide enough to fit the spout below the hole and is weakened at one or two sides of the fitment such that it gives in/breaks when the spout/fitment is moved at the time of opening.

It is a further object of the present invention to eliminate the need for cap and similar closure mechanism for single use applications of packaging. This is achievable by attaching the spout into or onto the pouch consequently spout/tube doesn't connect inside of pouch to the outside unless it is applied by the user so no cap is needed to seal the spout from factory till reach the user. The elimination of cap will significantly reduce the plastic/material waste and makes the packaging more sustainable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods to help the user open the packaging easily. For example, the spout and/or its location can be visible through a clear foil/see-through film to assist the user find the spout/straw that is hidden inside the pouch and pierce the opening place conveniently while opening the packaging.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide various reclosure/reseal mechanisms for certain applications of present invention, where not all of the product/packaging content is consumed in one time. Consequently, it is essential to reclose the packaging in between the uses. A reclosure mechanism can be like a cap or any other additional pieces/fitments preferably attached to the pouch which can be sealed on or glued on or tethered by other methods common in art. In case of glue, the glue should be acceptable for the recycling stream of the pack as well as food safe if necessarily deemed needed. Also, the reclosure can be extension of the foil of the pouch or be made of additional foil(s). Cap can be covered by a barrier/cover/lid to prevent its contamination if it is exposed. The cover preferably needs to be of the same material family as the other parts of packaging (and be tethered) to enable recycling in the same recycling stream. Depending on the equipment that is used for making and filling the present invention, the reclosure mechanism (equipped with a protective cover or not) can be applied before, after or during pouch making or on the filler or when the product has already left the filling machine. Since the pouch is made of flexible material the reclosure mechanism can be adapted as such that folding part of the pouch bring it closer to the spout to cover it and close/seal it either from outside or inside.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the user with various means of dispensing and dosing mechanism. Some examples are squeezing the pouch, sucking from the straw, pouring through the spout, etc. These are only examples of dispensing/dosing methods and other common methods in art are intention of present invention too.

It is a further object of the present invention to take into account the properties of common thermoplastic materials like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) at the time of manufacturing and filling the present invention. For example, PP has higher melting temperature than PE which can affect various parameters of operations like heat sealing (the rate of heating, the time spent at the melting point, and the rate of cooling). Films, spout, and other fitments of the present invention can be made of both PP and PE as well as other common materials. It is important that the manufacturing of each part as well as the attachment of them together take detailed consideration of features of used material(s). The materials are characterized by their mechanical, thermal, physical, and electrical properties. Materials perform differently with respect to these properties.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide hygienic packaging for applications such as beverages and food grade contents as it is common in art. This means packages can be made in an aseptic environment and contamination of any form will be prevented/removed at the time of manufacturing, filling and assembly lines. Consequently, the present invention will remain aseptic and do not get contaminated at store shelves and all necessary parts of present invention like spout and cap are kept hygienic as deemed appropriate, especially for food products. Also, preferably user will not introduce contamination at the time of opening. The pasteurisation of the content is an alternative method for eliminating the contamination from the content as well as the packaging since they are all filled with hot liquid. Therefore, various methods of pasteurisation and sterilisation like retort can be used without damaging the present invention or the parts of packaging like the attachment of the spout to the pouch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging that is able to withstand and be compatible with methods and the special effects of pre and post processing of product. As well as during the processing itself. For example, bulking/ballooning effect of increased temperature on pouch should not cause the unintentional and damaging rupture or detachment of fitments of present packaging. Also, it is a further object of the present invention to make sure that attachments/connections/seals/glue/adhesive(s) be such as to be able to withstand/endure/tolerate the physical challenges of some intense processes of manufacturing the packaging and filling of it with the intended product or the erosion/destruction effect of some antiseptic chemical or some type of products like detergents as well as acidic beverages/smoothies.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging that remains as a single piece after being opened and opening of it will not produce any part that can result in littering. Preferably, all parts are kept together throughout the life cycle of the product. Consequently, packaging companies and related industries can make/sell present invention with anti-littering features/benefits (preferably by making its usage/return of it for recycling easier/more convenient for users/customers/recycling companies).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a solution for packaging companies to continue using straws, cap, spout, and any other type of closure that is not made of paper without risk of damaging the environment. Although this doesn't mean the present invention can't be beneficial for paper-based closures and fitments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide tamper evident method for present packaging solution. It can be done by either some or all the means like visually, physically, sound.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods to make the pouch/laminate easily/conveniently pierceable by the spout if necessary. Example of these methods can be, but not limited to, use of additive common in art for making the pouch susceptible to piercing, making the spot of piercing thinner than rest of pouch or reduction of number of layers of foil/film at the intended location or covering the opening place/hole by a secondary or tertiary foil from inside or outside. This additional foil is more vulnerable to piercing consequently opening the pouch from this place is more convenient compared to piercing the other parts of the pouch. Often such a ‘hole-cover-band’ is applied across the full width of a pouch, sealed around the hole, making it leakproof, and sealed-in at two perimeter seals that contribute to forming the pouch. However, if the end of spout/straw is sharp and pointy enough (e.g., inclined cut) to be able to pierce through the pouch then piercing can be possible with less need for weakening of opening place/pierceable spot. The additional foil can be the extension of foil that the pouch is made from only with some additional properties to make it compatible with its function.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide various means of manufacturing the present invention by attaching the spout/straw/tube to the inside and outside of the pouch directly or indirectly by means like a utilisation of an additional film or a flap or sticker to act as the intermediate part. At the time of use, the spout would be brought to the opening place which has properties to let the spout/straw pass through the pouch and consequently act as a conduit for dispensing the content of the pouch.

It is a further object of the present invention to be producible by means of new equipment as well as modification of existing equipment like pouch making or filling machineries. For example, where a conventional spout was sealed-in on an existing filler, the same station might be converted to attach the fitments of present invention. Another example is to modify FFS machines for attachment of fitments of present invention to the pouch which might be done before or after entering the filling part of the machine. Also, it is possible to use other equipment for fitting of some or all parts of present invention to the pouch before or after filling and sealing, even some parts of present invention can be added to the packaging after the sealed pack has left the filling machine. Different types of equipment may have different types of modification opportunities and these examples are not limiting the types of modifications that can be adapted for manufacturing present invention.

It is a further object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of transportation of packaging like spouted pouches by reduction of plastic and providing the possibility of more compact packaging of packs together. For example, as spout is built into the pouch consequently there's no protruding spout and cap that take extra space. This will also help with the compact storage of packs that are produced by present invention.

It is a further object of the present invention to take into account the considerations regarding effects and benefits of present invention in terms of logistic and transportation of final product as well as parts and fitments of the present invention. Some examples are as following: in case of pre-making the pouch by means of present invention and then transporting it to the filling place, pouch transport method might need to be adapted because the spout in present invention is attached directly or indirectly to the inside or outside of the pouch and the pouch is no longer fully flat. Also, in case of attachment of spout to a foil before or at the same time of manufacturing the pouch, it's important that the foil and its attached spout being handled correctly until it being fed into the pouch and sealed to it at the right place.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide various configurations for attachments and sealing of spout and other fitments to the pouch at the time production of present invention. In one configuration, the straw/spout is sealed onto the hole-cover-foil after fitting that foil in to the pouch. In another configuration, the fitment is sealed onto the foil before the foil is sealed into inside or on the outside of the pouch, in such a way that the tip of the spout/straw has the right position in relation to opening place of the pouch that is sealed-off with the foil. This sealing onto the foil/band can be on-or in-line with the pouch former or can fitted off-line and then brought to the manufacturing line as of band with straw/spout by means of packing them as rolls or any other format that is convenient for transport and handling on the pouch forming or the pouch forming part of the machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide sealing methods and features that are appropriate for attachment of various parts, fitments and foils of present invention together. For example, for making pouches from foils/films made of Polyethylene or Polypropylene as such that different density of material is used in the layers of the pouch material. This can be the case for other fitments like spout too. For example, but not limited to HDPE/LDPE or HDPP/LDPP. The difference in density of the materials, when well designed, allows for fitting/sealing while not losing the integrity of one or more of the components. Sealing methods commonly used in art are as following: heat sealing in one step with higher temperature differences, heat-sealing in more steps, with smaller temperature differences per step, heat-sealing with immediate cooling. Another sealing method common in the trade is ultrasonic sealing. For the purpose of this invention, sealing is not limited to the methods mentioned, any sealing method that fits the manufacturing of the present invention is acceptable can be applied. In case of ultrasound welding/sealing parts like spout and film should be kept held together in a jig while they are heated to create the necessary pressure.

It is a further object of the present invention to be manufactured by the application of required modifications/specifications for sealing jaws that are needed for sealing the various components of the present invention, taking into account the geometrical shapes and the materials choices and their embodiments as well as sealing times, pressure and temperature profiles.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide various methods and designs of attachment of different components of present invention in addition to sealing methods. For example, the spout/straw can be glued to the pouch directly or indirectly, with hotmelt or another relevant types of glue. This can be used for foil or cap as well. Considerations like compatibility with the type of the product that will be packed in the present invention should be taken into account for choice of the right glue. The tooling needed for the application of glue can be developed by using methods common in art.

It is a further object of the present invention that spout/straw and pouch foil material, and closure/cap and glue, if applicable, can be recycled in the same recycling stream.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide manufacturing methods with modifications compatible with pouch making machineries as well as methods for manufacturing by utilising new equipment(s) and machinery. For example, a stand-alone pouch maker that makes pre-made pouches can be retrofitted as such that the straw/spout can be fitted into the pouch. Then in the filling machine the pouch with built in spout is filled and sealed. The filler can be a single lane linear filler, rotary filler, a multilane linear or any other configuration that can be found in the trade (e.g., intermittent/continuous rotary, continuous motion filling and sealing packaging machine). Accordingly, adjustments should be made to filling machinery, so the filling process doesn't damage the fitments of present invention like built-in spout and vice versa. Another way of modification of machinery for manufacturing the present invention is retrofitting the filling machine that is used to fill the pre-made pouches. The machine is fed with pre-made pouches that do not have a straw/spout fitment fitted yet. The filling machine can be modified by various means, so the straw/spout is fitted before or after the filling. The filler can be a single lane linear filler or rotary filler or a multilane linear or rotary filler or any other configuration that can be found in the industry. In another machine arrangement, the straw/spout can be fitted to the pouch in a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine that forms pouches, fills them, and seals them. The attachment of spout or additional foils can be done before or after any stages of FFS. For example, the foil that cover the opening hole of the pouch can be sealed to the pouch at the pouch forming stage but the spout being added to it afterward directly or indirectly. The FFS can be of types that have horizontal or vertical pouch transport. For example, a special turret can be added or modified (by an existing or new module) in the machine for the attachment of spout or other fitments of present invention to the pouch.

It is a further object of the present invention to be compatible with quality control and checking methods for various stages of production/manufacturing and logistics/distribution of the present invention by employing application of sensors, electronics, image processing, etc. Also, new types of checking mechanism can be employed if deemed necessary. For example, to check if the spout is attached to the pouch as it should be.

It is a further object of the present invention that related mechanisms can act like a form of lever to make the piercing/opening of container by spout/straw easier.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tethering mechanism for spout/straw as well as other fitments of the present invention to be considered legitimately exempt from bans like one for single use plastic straws as well as the ban on loose/untethered caps. For example, the attachment should be able to resist a certain force threshold to meet the requirements.

It is a further object of the present invention to last longer than the shelf life of its containing product. Preferably, the choice of material and sealing methods for present invention should take this objective into account.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide solutions for packaging companies and related industries to make/sell mono material packaging (preferably based on plastics and their derivations) in territories that authorities have banned the items such as single use plastic straws. For example, a mono material plastic pouch with paper straw wouldn't be considered as a mono material packaging and because of new rules at some territories the companies can't sell the plastic straw. The present invention is intended to be made from single type of material.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide solutions and methods for sealing and attachment of various parts of the present invention in appropriate manner.

Other objects and the advantages will become readily apparent from a consideration of the following descriptions and drawings.

The present invention is unique when compared with other known containers with tethered spout or straw or cap because it provides containers like pouch with the hinderance mechanism or sealing of spout or straw or cap directly or indirectly to the container that are based on more efficient use of materials such as plastics and will result in less waste while the user experience, manufacturing and logistics efficiency are improved and enhanced. The present invention will not let the spout or straw or cap to be removed from the package completely and let the spout or straw or cap to be recycled together with container and makes the package safe for the environment. In addition, the disclosed manufacturing process of present invention is in line with existing and future manufacturing processes common in art specially packaging industry. The attention to environmental benefit as well as the user experience, the manufacturing process, transportation and storage advantage are parts of the core importance and uniqueness of the present invention.

The disclosed invention is unique in that it is structurally and functionally different from other known packaging solutions. More specifically, the present invention is unique due to its environmental benefits as well as manufacturing of it being compatible with many of present and future manufacturing processes and methods of making containers like boxes and cartons and pouches and preferably placement of the spout or straw or cap inside or outside the container (box or carton) can be achieved by means of many of existing and future manufacturing machinery and process with right adjustments. The present invention is compatible with aseptic packaging, pasteurisation and the sanitation process for various parts of the present invention has been proposed.

The disclosed invention is unique in that it is structurally different from other known pouches with built in spout/straw. This is achieved by improvement made regarding the design, function, manufacturing and etc. For example, the present invention is easy to open and convenient to use and manufacture because of providing an opening place (on the pouch/container) which is compatible with function of spout as opening instrument. Based on this example, present invention is unique from other known spouted pouches that the opening place isn't adapted for piercing. This is only one of the many examples of improvements in terms of design, function, manufacturing and etc that make the present invention unique.

The disclosed invention is unique in that it is different from other known solutions and manufacturing methods for building a pouch with spout or straw. Because the present invention can be manufactured without the need to involve the spout directly in sealing/closing of the pouch boundaries/edges. Closing and sealing of the pouch with an integrated straw/spout as presented in this invention, is a less demanding set-up and operation than sealing a spout in the closing seal of the pouch, before or after filling. Decoupling the process of fitting of the spout from closing/sealing the pouch will eliminate the risk of leakage related to that. In some variations of the present invention, the fitment/additional foil is sealed in when sealing/closing the pouch but such that the straw/spout itself is not sealed or glued into the perimeter of the pouch, and so does not protrude from the packaging.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The container with tethered fitment (spout or straw or cap) may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

The principles/details of present invention as well as different variations of present invention have been illustrated/described in drawings/specifications of present invention. These principles/details are interchangeable and can be exploited for different variations of present invention (whenever or wherever deemed appropriate) and are not limited to the version of present invention that is shown in the related figure. For example, if varieties of spouts are shown/described/mentioned in one of the figures/one of the sections of specifications then all the spouts that have been illustrated/shown/described/mentioned in all other figures and sections of specifications can have these varieties too. Similar logics apply to all other aspects of present invention that have been described/mentioned/illustrated in one or some of the figures/specifications but omitted in other ones to prevent repetition. Accordingly, the omissions must not be regarded as exclusion and any kind of combination of variations/methods/procedures/techniques/processes/systems can be utilised/exploited for present invention and its objectives.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1, a diagram is shown illustrating a variation of the present invention in which the tube 17 at location 14 is attached to the foil 18 at location 13.

FIG. 2, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the variations of the present invention. In here, a built-in/integrated tube/spout/straw 17 has passed through the opening area/hole 16 and is close to the reclosure mechanism such as a cap at any preferable location for example 23 and 25.

FIG. 3, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention. In here part of the straw/spout 17 is attached to the wall of the pouch/box (container) 15, by heat-sealing/ultrasonic welding/glue 31, or other means known in packaging industry.

FIG. 4, a diagram is shown a variation of the present invention as with FIG. 3.

FIG. 5, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention. In here a spout/straw 17 is attached to a foil/film 18.

FIG. 6, a diagram is shown illustrating other variations of the present invention. In here a spout/straw 17 is attached to a foil/film 72 which itself is sealed at location 73 to a pouch 15.

FIG. 7, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention in which the spout 17 is attached to the foil/film 18 that is covering hole 16 while being sealed to the pouch 15.

FIG. 8, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention that follows the principal of the variation illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of the methods that spout can be modified for enhancement of its function.

FIG. 10, a diagram is shown illustrating other variations of the present invention. The spout 17 is attached to the pouch by its flat part 113 to the pouch.

FIG. 11, a diagram is shown illustrating diagrams of a variation of present invention from different point of views.

FIGS. 12 and 13, some diagrams are shown illustrating potential interaction of the user with some variations of present invention.

FIG. 14 a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention in which the tube/spout 17 is attached to the foil 18 or 72.

FIG. 15, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention.

FIG. 16, a diagram is shown illustrating a built-in straw/spout 17 with corrugation 37 that has passaged through the opening place 16 to open the packaging 15.

FIG. 17, a diagram is shown illustrating a telescopic spout/straw 17 being built into the pouch 15.

FIG. 18, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of the present invention.

FIGS. 19 and 20, a diagram is shown illustrating the ways for manufacturing a part of the present invention by attachment/sealing of the spout 17 to foil 72 that will be sealed to the pouch and can be used for a range of potential manufacturing methods for the present invention.

FIG. 21, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the potential manufacturing methods for the present invention.

FIG. 22, a diagram is shown illustrating stages of another potential manufacturing method for the present invention.

FIG. 23A, a diagram is shown illustrating some of the examples of modifications that should be applied to various parts of a pouch making machine for retrofitting it.

FIG. 23B, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the potential variations and manufacturing methods for the present invention.

FIG. 24, a diagram is shown illustrating examples of filling and attachments of fitments of present invention to the premade pouch or as part of FFS.

FIG. 25, a diagram is shown illustrating examples of filling and attachments of fitments of present invention by a rotary machine to the premade pouch or as part of FFS.

FIG. 26, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of methods for attaching/sealing the spout to a foil or other components of packaging that is disclosed in present invention.

FIG. 27, multiple diagrams are shown illustrating some examples of transportation and guiding systems for spouts and foils and mechanisms that facilitate the handling of foil during the manufacturing of the present invention.

FIG. 28, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of attachment of spout/straw to the foil of spout holder.

FIG. 29, illustrating an example of user interaction with present invention.

FIG. 30, a diagram is shown illustrating a variation of the present invention where written instructions 310 on the container 15 is provided.

FIG. 31, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of spout that can be used for the present invention.

FIG. 32, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of container that can be used for the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagram is shown illustrating a variation of the present invention in which the tube 17 at location 14 is attached to the foil 18 at location 13. The opening place 16 is sealed by the foil 18. Foil 18 can also be sealed to the pouch at other predetermined locations such as the edges of the pouch. Preferably film 18 is not attached to the pouch at the location of the flap 13. Accordingly, flap 13 lets the spout 17 to be moved partially at the time of opening the pouch. The spout 17 can also be attached to the film 18 at other locations too. For example, the side of the opening place 16 consequently it can be helpful to weaken the foil 18 at appropriate places so the movement of spout by user is convenient. For example, optional perforation lines 12 can be used to make the foil 18 tear easily to increase the movement of tube 17 as the user open the packaging by means such as piercing the foil at the opening time. The arrangement and direction of tube, perforations and shapes and number of foils can be different than this representative diagram. The present invention is providing manoeuvrability and agility for the movement of tube/spout 17 at the time of piercing/opening while maintaining the anti-littering mechanism that prevents the full detachment of the various parts. The tube/spout 17 can have different width, length, and shape, also might have corrugation at various places and to increase the surface area for attachment can be flat at some points/sides. Foil 18 can be in various shapes and forms that cover two essential functions, providing a tethering mechanism for spout/tube 17 by being firmly attached to both the spout and the pouch as well as sealing the opening place of pouch with an easy to pierce function/role. These two properties can be achieved by two separate films too. Like other figures of present invention, shapes, and forms of the objects in this figure are as examples but these are not only limited to these shapes and forms and can be any shapes and forms commonly used in packaging or related industries. Although in here only one aperture is on the container but it is not limited to one and is possible to have two or more apertures on the container for placing the spout/straw into the box. Also, extra apertures can be used as an air passage to compensate the pressure. Piercing is an example of letting the spout pass through the packaging and other methods like removal of part of the foil by user can be used too. Another example is use of a lid or pull-tab. A reclosure mechanism like cap 19, can be added to packaging if preferred or appropriate like in case of multiple use packaging. For the applications that hygiene of product is important (like food, baby food and beverage industry), the reclosure/cap will have a means/method/part for being protected from dirt, dust, and any other inappropriate substance. For example, in here the cap 19 has a cover which can act as the barrier to keep it sanitary for food applications. In case of single use application there is no need for reclosure mechanism consequently the plastic reduction and environmental benefit of present invention will be amplified. An infographic/text or other methods of visualisation can be used to make the packaging usage fun and convenient/easy to understand/educative. For example, a picture of bait drawn on cap and a picture of fish on spout that wants to catch the bait. Or a combination of frog and fly. These can be used for all other variations of present invention too. The container/pouch can be made of a see-through foil/laminate partially or completely to enhance the visibility and manoeuvrability over the tube/spout/straw at the time of piercing/opening the packaging.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the variations of the present invention. In here, a built-in/integrated tube/spout/straw 17 has passed through the opening area/hole 16 and is close to the reclosure mechanism such as a cap at any preferable location for example 23 and 25. The spout 17 is attached/sealed to the additional foil (spout holder) 13 preferably at location 14. The same film 13 that holds the spout in place, or another separate foil/film is used to seal 29 the packaging at the opening place 16. The foil 13 can be an extension/part of the pouch's foil/film if preferred. In here the spout 17 is passed through the foil, consequently the container/pouch is open and is ready to pour its content through the tube/spout/straw 17. Spout 17 can also provide a passage for the content of pouch by other means like sucking other than pouring. The outer side of the wall of tube/spout/straw 17 is wiped as it has been passed through the opening hole 16. Preferably its diameter compared to the diameter of the hole 16 provides a tight fit 18 that can result in three but not limited benefits. First, the content cannot leak between the spout 17 and pouch when the packaging is in use. Second, the content is not dripping from the spout 17 as it comes out of the hole 16. The third benefit is stabilisation/fastening effect 18 to hold the tube/spout/straw 17 in place. Also, extra paddings/linings can be used to enhance these benefits and their related functions. These values/principles and their benefits can be applied to all other variations of the present invention.

By folding/flexing the pouch, the cap 25 or 23 can reclose/seal the tube/spout 17. This can be used for closing/sealing the spout in between the uses after the pouch is opened initially by for example piercing action of the spout or removal of film from the opening area 16 or by any other means. Caps 25 and 23 are examples of methods and means of reclosing the packaging and other ways of resealing/closing/reclosing and reopening are considered as part of present invention. For example, the foil of pouch or an additional foil can become a pocket/shell/casing to act as covering/concealing for spout and reclosure of pouch. Also, an instrument like clicking mechanism can be applied as an example of methods to inform the user that the spout is closed with the cap. In here, two caps 25 and 23 has been shown in two different locations to illustrate examples of various places that the reclosure mechanism can be applied. Same as cap the location of spout can also be anywhere of the container/pouch. Cap 23 itself is a variation of cap 25. Cap 23 is beneficial for certain applications in which the hygienic aspects are important like food and beverage packaging. As example, covering layer 26 will protect the cap from unwanted contaminations. The cover 26 is attached to the pouch permanently at location 24 to avoid littering if preferred/needed as well as being attached to and cover the cap 23 temporary. The user can remove the cover 26 from the cap 23 by moving/pulling the extension of the cover at location 27. The attachment of cap/closure/spout to the container/pouch can be direct or indirect (for example using a band or another foil) from any side or area by means of any attachment like heat sealing, glue, ultrasound sealing and induction sealing but not limited to these methods, also it's possible to form the tube with one side of it being flat for increasing the surface area of attachment. Also, it's possible to form the resin for fitments on-line/in line or just before or after the other steps of manufacturing. The broken line 21 is an indication that container can have various shapes to accommodate these components.

Attachments of various parts of present invention should be able to withstand/endure/tolerate the physical and chemical challenges of processes of manufacturing like the ballooning effect of hot bath for pasteurisation shouldn't cause the detachment of spout from the pouch. Attachments should be such as to be able to withstand/endure/tolerate the erosion/destruction effect of some antiseptic chemical or some type of products like acidic beverages/smoothies or destructing effect of some detergents. For example, right polyolefins materials can be chosen by their properties for the production of present invention to meet these requirements. As mentioned previously, the aforementioned principles can be applied to all variations of present invention whether they are shown in figures or not.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention. In here part of the straw/spout 17 is attached to the wall of the pouch/box (container) 15, by heat-sealing/ultrasonic welding/glue 31, or other means known in packaging industry. The container/pouch 15 is preferably flexible enough to be folded at the top 38. The spout/straw 17 preferably with the sharp end 35 can pierce the packaging to get out of/into the container/pouch 15 at the place of a hole 16 which is covered up by a pierceable film 18 which is sealed around it. The film 18 also can be attached/sealed to the container at other locations. The purpose of secondary film 18 is making the piercing action easier and more convenient and use of secondary film/foil/laminate is only as example, if the purpose is achievable by other means like addition of additive to the main foil of the pouch then that can reduce/eliminate need for secondary foil. The user can fold the container (near to the top 38), as a result the sharp end 35 of the straw 17 would be slightly folded and pushed against the film 18 and pierce the packaging. A variation to plastic film 18 can be a thinner wall than rest of the laminate of pouch/container 15 at the predetermined place of the container. However, using secondary film 18 can be a preferable method. The attachment 31 can be anywhere along the tube/straw/spout 17 and cover any length of it. The attachment 31 can be connection of tube 17 to the foil 18 instead of pouch 15, this will enhance the manoeuvrability without compromising the integrity of main foil of the pouch/container. The tube/spout/straw 17 might have different shape, for example having a square, rectangle, triangular or any other shape of cross-section. Location of the opening place/hole 16 can be anywhere on the pouch/container 15 and it may have a different shape for example having a square, rectangle, triangular or any other shape. The pouch container 15 might have different shape or form and can be made from material common in industry and packaging. Tube 17 can be having any shape common in food and beverage and packaging industry. Although in this figure the cross section of tube 17 is circular but it can have any shape or form. The length of tube 17 can be any appropriate length. The two ends of tube 36 can have any shape or form. The corrugated part of tube 17 can be eliminated or can cover any length of tube continuous or not continuous. A bend can exist in tube 17 to facilitate the function. The number of bends in tube 17 is not limited to one and can be more if needed or preferred. Either or both of the tube 17 and foil 18 can be placed inside or outside the pouch 15. The pouch 15 can have any shape that deliver the result. The pouch 15 can have a handle or other type of attaching/anchoring mechanism to enhance the handling of pouch while piercing it with tube/spout/straw. The pouch 15 can have a clear/see through window at appropriate location close to placement of spout to facilitate the detection of spout/straw for piercing the pouch. This can be done for example by addition of clarifying additives to the polyolefins. The pouch can be completely, or majority made of clear laminate/foil/film. The see-through part can be of an additional foil or be part of main laminate of the pouch. In applications that are deemed appropriate there can be a reclosure mechanism like cap to facilitate the reclosing of the packaging by obscuring the pathway of content of pouch. The tube can have deformation(s)/attachment(s) to facilitate its stabilisation before and after being used/deployed. Other preferred method of fastening/securing the tube/spout/straw 17 at the time of use is by making/constructing the dimension of hole/opening area 16 being tight fit/smaller/marginal to the dimension of part of the tube 17 passing through it. The edges of hole 16 can be made sticky/adhesive to increase the anchoring/fastening effect on the tube 17 at the time of use. Attachment 31 should be such as to be able to withstand/endure/tolerate the heat effect of some heat intense processes of manufacturing the packaging and product like pasteurisation and hot filling. Edges, curvature, boundaries and shape and form of the container/pouch 15 can be anything that deliver the purpose of present invention, the present drawing is the exemplary sketch. Head of tube 35 can be higher, level or lower in respect to the position of opening 16. The flexibility of pouch and tube can play role(s) in making the piercing, opening, closing, sealing, reclosing, resealing functions convenient, practical and easy. The infographic can be used to help the user to know how to open and reclose the packaging.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram is shown a variation of the present invention as with FIG. 3. However, in here the diagram shows the step where the straw 17 is slightly folded since the user has pushed down the head of tube/spout/straw 35 by folding the top 48. The head of the tube/spout/straw 17 would get to the place of opening/hole 16 which is covered by thin film (preferably easy to pierce) 18. As a result of pressure against thin plastic film 18, it become pierced and lets the tube/spout/straw to pass to/come out of the container 15 through the hole 16.

It is suggested for the spout 17 to be corrugated partially 37, to lets the tube spout straw to become extended after piercing and provide a more convenient user experience. The 31 can act as hindrance. So, the user can pull the tube 17 to drink easily but it wouldn't be detached completely from the pouch 15. Tube 17 can take/be made any shape either common or not.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention. In here a spout/straw 17 is attached to a foil/film 18. The foil is attached/sealed around an opening area 16 of a packaging 15.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a diagram is shown illustrating other variations of the present invention. In here a spout/straw 17 is attached to a foil/film 72 which itself is sealed at location 73 to a pouch 15. The other foil 18 is attached/sealed around an opening area 16 of the packaging 15.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention in which the spout 17 is attached to the foil/film 18 that is covering hole 16 while being sealed to the pouch 15. The user can open the pouch at location 82 by passing the spout 17 through hole 16 after piercing film 18. The opening of pouch is facilitated by perforation 12 which let the partial movement of spout through the hole 16. The tube 17 can have various shape size, cross section, and length, also it can have features like bend and corrugations. The perforation 12 is an example of mechanism that let the foil and tube attached to it together move easily if the film 18 is sealed at the edge(s) 85 of pouch 15. Other means of weakening the foil/film/laminate like use of additives can be employed too. The perforation 12 can be at various locations and in various directions and length. Foil 18 can be in various shape and form continuously or separated that cover two essential functions, providing a place for attachment of the tube 17 as well as sealing the opening of pouch 15 with an easy to pierce structure/properties.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention that follows the principal of the variation illustrated in FIG. 7. Straw 17 can be used for piercing the foil 18 at location 82 of the pouch 15 to pass through the hole 16. The straw 17 is attached/sealed to the film 18 at location 97. The foil 18 is sealed to the pouch 15 around the hole 16 as well as other places like its ends. Attachment of the straw 17 to the foil 18 restricts its movement consequently a weakening method like perforation 12 or use of additives instead can facilitate the function and movement of straw by loosening the connection of film 18 to the pouch 15 partially as straw is being employed by user for opening the pouch. Since straw is firmly attached to the foil 18 and the foil itself is attached to the pouch 15 consequently straw 17 is tethered to the packaging.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of the methods that spout can be modified for enhancement of its function. Part 104 increase the surface area of sealing and also act as hindrance to prevent spout 17 fall out/in. The naked cap 25 or covered cap 23 and the tube 17 itself can have different arrangement and placement regarding the pouch. The additional foil 72 can seal the hole 16 and hold the spout in place if the spout is not directly attached to the pouch. The film 72 can be divided to two separate films for its varied functions. The cap and tube 17 can have different shapes and sizes. As a reminder, like the other features that are described in other figures of present invention, the parameters and details can be adapted as it is required for convenient functionality/user experience and preferable manufacturing, transportation, storage, and marketing, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a diagram is shown illustrating other variations of the present invention. The spout 17 is attached to the pouch by its flat part 113 to the pouch. The flat part increases the attachment surface area 114. The corrugation 37 can make the spout/straw extendable at the time of use. The increase of surface area is only an example of methods for enhancement of the attachment of various fitments and parts of the present invention together. The other examples of considerations for this purpose are: choosing the material of the spout and film of the pouch or other attachment place to as such to melt and seal together if heat sealing method is used as for attachment. For example, they can have different layers with different melting points to let the sealing bar heats and melt the contacting layers (of spout and film) but leave the layer close to the heat bar intact. For example, this can be achieved by use of different density of same material. The other consideration for attachment is the melting point of the material used for packaging as of present invention and the other process for production of packaging. For example, PE has lower melting point than PP and if the product need pasteurisation at high temperature, then it should be made sure that right material is chosen for both the spout and its attachment place that the seal doesn't get damaged at the time of pasteurisation.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a diagram is shown illustrating diagrams of a variation of present invention from different point of views. In here, straw/spout/tube 17 is connected to the pouch 15 by foil/string/strap 72 to become tethered to the pouch. Accordingly, user can easily manoeuvre/move 136 the straw 17 to the point/position 138 that is necessary for opening and drinking/pouring from the pouch, but the straw/spout wouldn't be detached to cause problems like littering and don't damage the environment. Connections/attachments/seals of the foil/string 72 to the straw at exemplary location 135 and to the pouch at exemplary location 132 as well as the foil 72 itself are strong enough to withstand/endure/resist the force threshold that is part of the authorised requirement for a packaging to be considered tethered. The use of optional wrapper 131 which is attached to the pouch 15 is one of the ways that can keep the straw 17 sanitary before the use and make the present invention more suitable for some applications such as foods and beverages. The foil 72 is one of the variations of the foil/film that has sporadically been named spout holder foil in other parts of the specifications of present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, some diagrams are shown illustrating potential interaction of the user with some variations of present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 14 a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention in which the tube/spout 17 is attached to the foil 18 or 72. The end 35 pierce the foil to pass through the opening area/hole 16. Potential connector 216 can enhance the attachment/sealing between tube/spout/straw 17 and foil/laminate/film 72 or 18. Foil/laminate/film 72 can be extension of part 18 or extension of main pouch/container or a standalone foil/film. It can have various shape or forms. Either some or all of the parts can be placed inside or outside the container/pouch 15 for present invention. For example, spout/straw can be firmly attached to the outside of a pouch to become tethered spout/straw. User would be able to feed spout/straw into the pouch by various means such as extending it from its corrugated part or the spout/straw holder or flex the pouch to insert the spout into the pouch. There can be a reclosure mechanism as an optional extra enhancement for the packaging inside or outside.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a diagram is shown illustrating another variation of the present invention. The spout is executed and around its junction with pouch is tight as such to provide benefits like preventing the leakage.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a diagram is shown illustrating a built-in straw/spout 17 with corrugation 37 that has passaged through the opening place 16 to open the packaging 15. The corrugated part 37 is an example of ways to facilitate the extension of the spout 17. Tight opening place 16 is an example of fixing/fastening the spout/straw that is in use.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a diagram is shown illustrating a telescopic spout/straw 17 being built into the pouch 15. This type of spout has two main parts 255 and 254. One of them is sliding part and the other one is the part that is attached to the pouch or foil. This spout can be extended after being passed through the opening place 16.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a diagram is shown illustrating the ways for manufacturing a part of the present invention by attachment/sealing of the spout 17 to foil 72 that will be sealed to the pouch and can be used for a range of potential manufacturing methods for the present invention. As shown in this figure, the spouts 17 are placed and attached (using heat seal/glue etc.) to the foil/film/spout holder 72 at specific/predetermined locations. Preferably a weak part in form of perforation 302 is provided on the foil 72 between the places of spouts 17 to facilitate their separations during the manufacturing process. Manufacturing of this embodiment itself could be achievable for example by adapting the current heat-sealing jaws that are used as it is common in art. One part of the adjustment is to make one of the opposing jaws neutral in temperature so only one jaw heats up the (parts with lower melting point of) foil and spout to attach them together and the other jaw provide the support during the process. This embodiment is not limited to this exemplary sealing method and the shown associations between spout and foil.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the potential manufacturing methods for the present invention. In the first stage the top part of the pouch/container 312 is open, this allows the spout 17 to be placed inside the pouch preferably by means of the embodiment 72 or the other configuration as shown in FIG. 19 or similar intermediatory connection mechanism. On one side of the pouch, there is a hole 16 that has been covered and sealed preferably by using a band/foil 18, this is to create a weak spot on the pouch (other common methods in the art for creating weak spot on the pouch can also be used, also a sharper/pointy spout can be used instead of creating a weak spot) and facilitate the process of piercing the pouch using the spout 17 by the user. As the top part of the pouch 15 becomes closed and sealed preferably by using the appropriate types of sealing jaws common in the art. The top part of the spout holder 72 becomes sealed to the pouch 311 (this in essence attaches/tethers the spout indirectly to the pouch, any other methods common in the art can also be used for this purpose). The sealing can be done in more steps although in here a single drawing is used as example to illustrate the principles of it. For example, the spout holder 72 can be glued to the pouch preferably above the seal line just to be positioned and partially adhered inside/outside the pouch before being sealed properly at the next stage. after the top part of the pouch 15 became sealed at location 316 together with the top part of the spout holder. Although in here the spout holder is attached to the pouch at the top but this attachment is not limited to this edge and can be done at other locations too. Consequently, the spout holder can be sealed to the pouch during pouch making process. Accordingly, the direction of the spout on the foil in relation to the opening place of the pouch should be adapted.

The area under the dotted line 315 is an indicator that the shape of the container/pouch for the present invention can vary and is not limited to the one which is shown here. In another variation, the top part of the pouch/container can also be partially sealed in one stage/step and entirely sealed in another stage/stages (for example only one side of the top part of the pouch 312 can be sealed together with part of the spout holder and after the pouch is filled then the rest become sealed). The film/foil 18 can be sealed to the packaging before, after and during the stages that are shown in various figures of present invention, including this very figure. A guiding/transportation system could be used to bring the spout (and its attached foil) to the pouch and facilitate the sealing of it to the predetermined location.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a diagram is shown illustrating stages of another potential manufacturing method for the present invention from left to right. Initially, the top part of the pouch is open to allow the spout 17 to be placed inside the pouch, preferably by using the embodiments shown in FIG. 20 or other similar configurations. As of example, there are two suggested times for sealing of the spout 17 to the spout holder 72. The spout can already be attached to the film 72 and then be transported to be used as shown in this figure or the foil 72 and spout 17 can be transported individually and become attached together at or just before stage A. The hole 16 on the pouch will become covered by the spout holder 72 and around it will become sealed 321 using heat seal/ultrasound or other preferable methods common in the art that also can attach the film to the pouch. To make sure the sealing is done properly, considerations about types and properties of materials in different layers of the films or other fitments should be taken into account at the time of determining the temperature, pressure and direction of heating elements as well as size of the heated and adhesion places. These are only examples of parameters that should be evaluated for proper attachment of various parts of present invention together. At the next stage the top part of the pouch 312 is sealed (potentially together with the top part of the spout holder 316). In here the spout 17 is indirectly connected to the pouch by means of the spout holder 72 at location 321 (and potentially 312), however the number and position of places for attachment of spout holder 72 to the pouch 311 can vary for the present invention. Finally top part become sealed (partially or fully). The stages shown in here are exemplary to illustrate the principles of manufacturing of present invention which can also be done by involvement of more intermediatory stages. This is the case for other figures too, especially the ones for manufacturing process.

Referring now to FIG. 23A, a diagram is shown illustrating some of the examples of modifications that should be applied to various parts of a pouch making machine for retrofitting it or some details for how to make a brand-new equipment to manufacture pouches with spout/straw 17 as described in present invention. Modifications that are described here as well as other apparent modifications can be applied to other relevant stages of the pouch making line. Consequently, they are not limited to the stages as shown in this figure. The main foil of the pouch 15 has an opening place/hole 16 that is or will be covered by another (preferably weaker) foil 18 or have some additives for making the primary foil 331 weaker from inside or outside to facilitate the opening of pouch as described in present invention. The attachment of foil 18 can be done before, during, and after making the pouch. For example, relevant stages of pouch making machinery can be modified for attachment of the foil that covers the opening place. Rollers 334 will guide the foil 331 to be fed into the machine/line. The inside of foil 332 is exposed for attachment of the spout directly or indirectly. The spout/straw 17 is attached to the foil (spout holder) 72. Foil (spout holder) 301 is attached to the primary foil of pouch 15. The attachment of spout to the foil 72 can be independent from attachment of foil 72 to the foil 332. Accordingly, these two steps/attachments can be decoupled and happen before or after each other as well as at the same time. The purpose of this figure is illustrating one of the potential places for insertion and attachment of spout that is attached/will be attached to the additional foil as well as attachment and sealing of other parts like cap 19 and additional foils like 72 and 18. The similar methods can be adapted for insertion and attachment/sealing of these to the foil/packaging at other parts of machinery and stages of production line for making present invention. The individual pouch 15 is about to be made by being sealed at its sides while the spout and other fitments are attached or will be attached to it. Also, as shown in 23B the spouts and their foils (spout holders) can be sealed to the pouches at the same time their sides are being sealed to form the individual pouches. The other parts of machine-like part 337 should be designed/modified to facilitate the movement of foils/pouches that have spout/straw attached to their inside or outside. Potentially, at stage 333 the cap 19 can be attached to the pouch if needed with or without cover whichever deemed appropriate for the corresponding product. The attachment of cap or other reclosure fitments can be done at earlier or later stages of production and pouch making line/machinery. The pouch making machinery can be combined/integrated with appropriate filling stages or filling machinery (rotary/linear). The factors like variations in room temperature and ambient humidity during the production as well as the type of product will determine the details of necessary modifications like sealing pressure/temperature and duration. Consequently, the pouch making machine become a modified/new machinery commonly known as form fill seal (FFS). Filling of the pouch can be done before, after and during the modified stages that described for manufacturing of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 23B, a diagram is shown illustrating one of the potential variations and manufacturing methods for the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a diagram is shown illustrating examples of filling and attachments of fitments of present invention to the premade pouch or as part of FFS. In this figure two possible manufacturing methods is shown. These are examples of how other attachments and stages of production of present invention can be combined. The two methods of manufacturing are result of the change in sequence of priority of stations on the machine. In here two stations has been shown as examples of any number of stations that can be combined and adapted for manufacturing of present invention. If the pouch is moving in direction of arrow 373 that means initially the fitment 72 which is symbol of all other fitments of present invention is attached to the pouch 15 as its held open by 377. If the pouch is moving in direction of arrow 374 that means initially the pouch 15 is filled and then moved to the next station by 376 to be equipped with relevant fitments.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a diagram is shown illustrating examples of filling and attachments of fitments of present invention by a rotary machine to the premade pouch or as part of FFS. In this figure two possible manufacturing methods is shown. These are examples of how other attachments and stages of production of present invention can be combined. The two methods of manufacturing are result of the change in sequence of priority of stations on the machine. In here two stations has been shown as examples of any number of stations that can be combined and adapted for manufacturing of present invention. If the machine is revolving in direction of arrow 383 that means initially the fitment 72 which is symbol of all other fitments of present invention is attached to the pouch 15 as its held open by 387. If the machine is revolving in direction of arrow 384 that means initially the pouch 15 is filled by 388 and then moved to the next station by clamp/jaw/arm 386 to be equipped with relevant fitments.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of methods for attaching/sealing the spout to a foil or other components of packaging that is disclosed in present invention. For instance, the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 30 can be made by application of this method. Accordingly, the part 72 can be the film/foil for either the spout holder or the pouch or any other combinations. In here spouts 17 are stacked 461 over each other and moving in direction shown by arrow 463 to be fed into spaces 464 on the rotating wheel 465 which is revolving in the direction shown by arrow 466. Consequently, each spout 17 is attached to the foil 72 preferably by help of sealing jaw 469 which is moving back and forth in the direction shown by arrow 460. The sealing jaw 469 can act is heat bar to apply the appropriate temperature and pressure in case of heat sealing the film to the spout. The foil 72 can be provided in the form of roll 4671 which can be unwind as it rotates in the direction shown by arrow 468. In case of utilising heat-sealing as of attachment method, preferably the spout 17 or/and the film 72 can be made of multi layers as such that the layer(s) closer to the sealing point melt easier (lower melting point) than layer(s) closer to sealing jaw. Another example of considerations for enhancement of sealing the fitments and films together is: the spout 17 or/and film 72 can be pre heated to improve the sealing. Although, in here only one sealing jaw 469 is shown as example but it shouldn't be comprehended that the manufacturing of present invention is limited to application of only one sealing jaw, since other jaw or similar mechanism might be needed for purposes like cooling the material quickly after the heat sealing or applying pressure before it. The material for spout and other fitments of present invention should be chosen by taking into consideration the manufacturing of the packaging as well as the functions of the spout/fitment itself. For example, the material for spout/straw shouldn't be so soft that result in difficult piercing or too dense that result in difficulty for sealing in case of heat seal.

Referring now to FIG. 27, multiple diagrams are shown illustrating some examples of transportation and guiding systems for spouts and foils and mechanisms that facilitate the handling of foil during the manufacturing of the present invention; for example, feeding of the spout to the pouch as shown in other figures or other similar methods. In here holes 481 are located on spout holder (foil) 72. Sprocket 485 is rotating in direction of arrow 484 to engage its teeth with holes 481 to move the film 72 in direction of arrow 486. If it's needed to make the guiding and transportation process more stable, part/pin 487 can move in direction of arrow 488 to be engaged with hole 481 to preferably stretch the foil 72 as such to be ready for sealing process. Another example of stabilisation method is to use the handle/lever 489 to secure (push down) the spout 17 and consequently stretch the foil 72.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a diagram is shown illustrating an example of attachment of spout/straw to the foil of spout holder. In here spout 15 has been passed through the foil 72 and is sealed/attached to it at location 493.

Referring now to FIG. 29, illustrating an example of stages of user interaction with present invention for opening the container 15. As the user pushes the bottom part of the spout 14, the spout 17 pierces through the pierceable spot 16 and opens up the container. In here, the bottom part of the spout 14 has a diameter which is larger than pierceable spot 16, this prevents the spout 17 from fully leaving the container 15.

Referring now to FIG. 30, a diagram is shown illustrating a variation of the present invention where written instructions 310 on the container 15 is provided to guide the user about how to open the container 15.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of spout that can be used for the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a diagram is shown illustrating some variations of container that can be used for the present invention.

For the present invention in here the container shown as a common shape of juice/milk boxes/pouches, however the shape is not limited to this, and it can be of multiple shapes or forms etc. The straw/tube can also be of different forms or variations for example simple straight straw, corrugated, U-straw and etc. And also, for other parts of the present invention variations exist as mentioned before but not limited to them.

For the present invention in here the container shown as a common shape of containers like boxes/pouches/bottle, however the shape is not limited to this, and it can be of multiple shapes or forms etc.

The present invention could be interesting for kids as it does create a feeling as unwrapping a gift or create the sense of curiosity. To enhance on that, some gamification such as different colours of spout or straw can be used and then the user can guess the colour of straw and then see if he/she was right after the straw came out of the container.

This detailed and specific description refer to the accompanying drawing. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED TUBE may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.

The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the specification. Accordingly, it should be recognized that many other systems, functions, methods, and combinations thereof are possible in accordance with the present invention. Thus, although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments and figures thereof, the embodiments and figures are merely illustrative, and not limiting of the invention.

Packaging with integrated tube and methods of manufacturing.

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)