Patent Application
20160083161
N/A
1. Field of the Disclosure
The invention relates in general to flexible packaging, and more particularly, to a standup pouch which includes multiple plies. Such a standup pouch is configured for the storage and dispensing of various materials including foodstuffs and supplements, including materials in powder or granulated form. Of course, the standup pouch is not limited to such a use, and may be used with other materials, such as chemicals, fertilizers and the like.
2. Background Art
The use of flexible packaging is known in the art. Flexible packaging often comprises a film of material that is formed into a substantially fluid tight configuration. In some configurations, a gusset or the like may be provided. In such a case, the flexible packaging may take the form of a standup pouch. That is, the bag can stand on an edge thereof.
Such pouches are utilized for the storage and dispensing of various different materials. Among other uses, such pouches are often utilized for foodstuffs and supplements, and more particularly, for supplements in the form of powders that are added to fluids or other materials prior to consumption.
Problematically, such pouches are often relatively heavy and cumbersome. As a result, the pouches are damaged during shipment, transport and storage on store shelves and the like. In addition, such pouches are often damaged during use, as they typically include a substantial amount of servings (and, thus, are handled many times before being fully emptied).
It would be advantageous if such pouches were formed with increased durability which allows for the use thereof in applications fraught with circumstances that limit the life of such pouches.
The disclosure is directed, in one aspect, to a standup pouch. The standup pouch includesa front a back and a gusseted region. The front has a top edge, a first lower fold and opposing side edges. The back has a top edge and a second lower fold and opposing side edges. The front and back are joined together at a the opposing side edges by way of opposing side seals. The gusseted region includes a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel. The gusset panels are coupled together at an inner end at a gusset fold and extending outwardly to a respective one of the first and second lower folds. The gusseted region including a first gusset seal area joining the first gusset panel to the front, and a second gusset seal area joining the second gusset panel to the back. The first and second gusset seal areas being coupled together and to the opposing side seals so as to form a substantially fluid tight cavity therebetween. The standup pouch formed from a first ply and a second ply which are joined together at the side seals and the gusset seals.
In some configurations, the first ply comprises a multilayer laminate including an outer layer, a central layer and an inner layer. The layers are joined by way of an adhesive layer between the outer layer and the central layer and between the central layer and the inner layer.
In some configurations, the outer layer comprises a Matte OPP and the central layer comprises a MET PET layer.
In some configurations, the inner layer comprises PE. The second ply may also comprise PE.
In some configurations, the inner layer comprises a multilayer coextrusion.
In some configurations, the multilayer extrusion comprises a central layer of nylon having a PE layer on either side thereof.
In some configurations, the multilayer extrusion further includes a tie layer between the central layer and the PE layer on either side of the central layer.
In some configurations, the outer layer comprises PET and the central layer comprise a cavitated OPP.
In some configurations, the inner layer comprises a PE.
In some configurations, the inner layer comprises a multilayer coextrusion.
In some configurations, the multilayer extrusion comprises a central layer of nylon having a PE layer on either side thereof.
In some configurations, the multilayer extrusion further includes a tie layer between the central layer and the PE layer on either side of the central layer.
In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to a standup pouch. The standup pouch comprises a front, a back, a gusseted region and a zipper element assembly. The front has a top edge, a first lower fold and opposing side edges. The back has a top edge, a second lower fold and opposing side edges. The front and back are joined together at a the opposing side edges by way of opposing side seals. The gusseted region includes a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel. The gusset panels are coupled together at an inner end at a gusset fold and extending outwardly to a respect one of the first and second lower folds. The gusseted region includes a first gusset seal area joining the first gusset panel to the front, and a second gusset seal area joining the second gusset panel to the back. The first and second gusset seal areas are coupled together and to the opposing side seals so as to form a substantially fluid tight cavity therebetween. The zipper element assembly is spaced apart from the top edge and includes a first zipper element assembly on an inside surface of the front and a second zipper element assembly on an inside surface of the back. The zipper element is configured to selectively facilitate access to the cavity. The standup pouch is formed from a first ply and a second ply which are joined together at the side seals, the gusset seals and the zipper element assembly.
In some configurations, a seal extends across the top edge so as to seal the front to the back proximate the top edge.
In some such configurations, the first gusseted area is coupled to the second gusseted area at each side edge, in a position spaced apart from the gusset fold and the first and second lower folds.
In some configurations, at least one rip indent is positioned at one of the opposing side edges between the zipper element assembly and the top edge. Of course, other methods of providing for the removal of this portion, such as scoring, or perforating is likewise contemplated.
In some configurations, the first ply comprises a multilayer laminate including an outer layer, a central layer and an inner layer. The layers are joined by way of an adhesive layer between the outer layer and the central layer and between the central layer and the inner layer.
In some configurations, the outer layer comprises a Matte OPP and the central layer comprises a MET PET layer, and the inner layer comprises one of a PE and a multilayer extrusion.
In some configurations, the multilayer extrusion comprises a central layer of nylon having a PE layer on either side thereof.
In some configurations, the second ply comprises PE.
The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
a through 6c of the drawings are partial perspective views of the standup pouch of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, exemplary configurations of the gusset seals; and
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
The standup pouch 10 is formed from a blank 12 which is shown in
A plurality of folds are disposed along the blank, including, first lower fold 26, second lower fold 27 and gusset fold 28. In the configuration shown, the gusset fold 28 is generally positioned at the mid-point between the first top edge 22 and the second top edge 23, and generally parallel to each one. The first lower fold 26 and the second lower fold 27 are spaced apart, generally equally on either side of the gusset fold 28. In the configuration shown, the first and second lower folds 26, 27 are parallel to the gusset fold and spaced apart therefrom a distance that is substantially less than the distance between the respective lower fold and the respective top edge of the blank. For example, whereas the spacing between the gusset fold and a lower fold may be on the order of 60 mm, the spacing between the respective top edge and the lower fold may be on the order of 420 mm. Thus, the lower fold is substantially closer to the gusset fold than to the respective top edge.
A plurality of seals are defined about the first and second lower folds. These form the gusseted portion during assembly when the seals are formed. The seals include first side gusset outer seal area 30 and first side gusset inner seal area 31. The two first side gusset seal areas are generally symmetrical structures that are mirror images of each other about the first lower fold 26. In the configuration shown, each of the first side gusset seal areas combine to form an hourglass shape which is symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second side edges 20, 21. In other configurations, the first side gusset seal areas may comprise a plurality of discrete seal areas that are discontinuous, that is, a portion of the first lower fold may be free of any seal structure. The particular configuration of the seals can be varied. It will be understood that the configuration of the seals imparts different strength characteristics to the overall pouch, and also provides for a different standup configuration, among other differences. Examples of different configurations of the gusset seals is shown in
A substantially identical configuration of gusset seals are formed about the second lower fold 27. These seal areas comprise second side gusset outer seal area 32 and second side gusset inner seal area 33. The two gusset seal areas are mirror images of each other about the second lower fold 27. The shape of the second side gusset seal areas is substantially identical to the first side gusset seal areas in the configuration shown. Of course, these may be modified so as not to be substantially identical. Additionally, certain voids, such as voids may be present in the seal structures, that is areas that are configured to not be sealed together.
Spaced apart from the first top edge 22 is a first zipper element assembly 36, and spaced apart from the second top edge 23 is a second zipper element assembly 37. The two zipper elements cooperate to form a resealable sealing assembly which, when the bag is formed, can selectively seal the contents of the standup pouch. The zipper elements are spaced apart from the respective top edge a predetermined distance such that a grasping region and a sealing region exists between the zipper element and the respective top edge. A rip indent, such as first rip indent 50a may be defined along the first side edge 20. Other rip indents 50b, 52a, 52b, can be dispersed about the blank in a similar position along the side edges between the respective zipper element and the respective top edge. It will be understood that when the bag is formed, the user can rip the top portion of the bag by initiating the rip at the rip indent, to eventually create an opening at the top of the pouch and to gain access to the zipper element assembly. Of course, other methods of providing for the removal of this portion, such as scoring, or perforating is likewise contemplated. It will be understand that the zipper elements are substantially parallel to the top edges and generally perpendicular to the first and second side edges. It is likewise contemplated that the dipper elements may be eliminated from certain configurations.
The various folds, edges and elements define several regions of the blank. In particular, a first handle portion 40, a front panel portion 42, a first gusset panel 43, a second gusset panel 44, a back panel 46 and a second handle portion 47. The first handle portion is bound by the first top edge 22 and the first zipper element assembly 36 as well as by the first and second side edges 20, 21, to, in turn, define a generally rectangular configuration. The front panel portion 42 is defined by the first zipper element at one end and the first lower fold at the other end, and the side edges on either side thereof. The first gusset panel 43 is defined by the first lower fold 26 and the gusset fold 28, as well as by the side edges on either side thereof. The second gusset panel 44 is defined by the gusset fold 28 and the second lower fold 27, as well as by the side edges. The back panel 46 is defined by the second lower fold 27 and the second zipper element assembly 37 as well as by the side edges. The second handle portion is defined by the second top edge 23 and the second zipper element assembly 37 and by the side edges.
In the configuration shown, there are symmetries about the blank. That is, the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are substantially mirror images of each other about the gusset fold 28. Similarly, the front panel and the back panel are substantially mirror images of each other about the gusset fold 28. The first and second handle portions are substantially mirror images of each other about the gusset fold 28. It will further be understood that the rip indents 50a, 52a are configured to match upon formation of the pouch, as are rip indents 50b, 52b.
In addition, a tabbed portion can be removed from each of the first side gusset inner seal area 31 and the second side gusset inner seal area 33 along both the first side edge 20 and the second side edge 21 to form slots 53a, 53b and 54a, 54b. Additionally, the inner ply can be removed from an additional tabbed portions (leaving only the outer ply), to form slot regions 55a, 55b and 56a, 56b. It will be explained below that these slot regions allow for the inner surface of the first ply in the first side gusset outer seal area to be sealed to the second side gusset outer seal area.
The blank is shown in
The formed bag is shown in
Additionally, a seal extends across the top edges between the side edges. Such a top seal may be of varying thickness between the top edge and the zipper element assembly. It will be understood that openings, or handle regions may be extended through such a seal region, if desired.
The formed gussets are joined together at each of the slots 53a, 53b and 54a, 54b. Thus, while the gusset allows for the spreading of the first lower fold 26 relative to the second lower fold 27, the joining about the foregoing slots, provides a controlled relative movement of the gussets relative to each other.
With reference to
In the configuration shown, the inner layer comprises a coextruded multilayer film that includes five separate layers, a first layer 130, a second layer 132, a third layer 134, a fourth layer 136 and a fifth layer 138. In the configuration shown, the second and fourth layers comprise a tie layer. The first layer 130 and the fifth layer 138 each comprise a PE layer. The third layer comprises a nylon layer. While such a configuration has shown improved durability, especially through drop testing, it is understood that this multilayer film may be replaced with a single or multilayer film comprising PE.
Of course, these formulations of the different layers are exemplary, and utilized in the configuration shown. It will be understood that variations may be contemplated with the formulations that are utilized in the different layers. It will also be understood that the blank and each ply may be formed from a number of different films that are coupled together in an end to end fashion or a side to side fashion. That is, the front and the back may be formed from different films, and these films may be different than the films from which the gusset is formed. In addition, the gusset may be formed from a plurality of films, as may each of the back and front. The films may be similar or distinct. In addition, it will be understood that the same coupling of different films may be present with both the first ply and the second ply. It will also be understood that each panel may be formed from multiple different films that are coupled together.
In the configuration shown, the first ply and the second ply are coupled together (that is, welded together through different means, RF, heat, sonic, etc.) along the various seals, and along the zipper element assembly.
It has been found that a single ply standup pouch of varying construction, including the construction of the first ply has difficult maintaining integrity when drop tests are executed from a height of 0.5 meters. As such, the pouch is susceptible to damage (i.e., leaking, contamination, etc.) during shipping, displaying, or during use by a user. It has been found that the two ply structure of the present disclosure, is capable of easily surviving drop tests at the height of 0.5 meters. It has been additionally found that the two ply structure of the present disclosure is capable of surviving drops from two times that height (or 1.0 meter), and for drops up to 2.5 meters and, depending on the configuration, therebeyond. As a result, the standup pouch of the present disclosure has a greatly increased ability to survive without a loss of integrity, during shipping, display and use.
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.
