The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to packages, and methods for manufacturing and using packages, having fluid actuated closures and secondary closures or seals.
Conventional flexible packages generally include external or integrated sliding means or other similar devices designed to allow a user to selectively gain access into the pouch or package. Traditionally, non-integrated, twist ties and other tying means have also been used to close an open-end portion of a flexible package. These devices often require the manufacturing of additional and often costly materials and/or devices into the packages.
Due to the problems associated with external closure devices for packages, the industry has developed integrated closeable devices. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,913,561, 5,692,837, and 6,186,663 disclose such packaging. Current typical reclosable devices, most commonly known as zippers, tend to be pre-made at separate manufacturing sites and then shipped to the site where the actual package is manufactured. The reclosable device is then introduced into the packaging machinery and typically heat sealed into or onto the package. These reclosable devices usually are comprised of two pieces that have been mated together by male and female interlocking members. The mating process is usually performed by either pinching the two interlocking members together (press-to-close mechanism) or sliding a mechanism (zipper mechanism) along the top of the reclosable device, which causes the two interlocking members to be interlocked. These press-to-close closure mechanisms are sometimes difficult to align when attempting to mate together, often causing a failure of a true closure. Furthermore, when a packager is filling the package through the press-to-close closure mechanism, and when the consumer is pouring the contents out of the package, small pieces of the product can get caught in tracks of the mating interlocking members, causing a breach across the interlocking components and hampering any positive seal. The compromise of the integrity of the seal between the mating locking components may also be caused by localized crushing (e.g., proximate side seal) of the interlocking members during manufacturing, shipping, handling, and use by the consumer. The localized crushing need only be enough to plastically deform either of the interlocking members to cause a leak.
Further, most zipper-type closure mechanisms merely serve to close off the top portion of the package by pulling or forcing together the top portions of the front and back panels of the package. This zipper-type closure mechanism has two significant drawbacks. First, it reduces the internal holding volume of the package since, in a closed position, side gussets of the package are forced to contact at an end proximate the access opening. Second, a space or gap can remain when the zipper-type closure mechanism is in its closed position. The gap permits air to flow in and out of the package. Although the zipper-type closures may be easier for some consumers to operate, and may have a more positive closure with respect to the press-to-close closure mechanism, they can be expensive and, like the press to close closure mechanisms, often do not create an ideal barrier after the package has been opened by the consumer for the first time.
Some designs of the zipper and press-to-close mechanisms are suitable for maintaining a water or liquid tight seal. However, the interlocking members of both the zipper and the press-to-close closure mechanisms may also allow for fluid leakage and they may undergo plastic deformation after repeated use that adversely affects the ability of the mechanism to seal fluids. Moreover, the zipper and press-to-close mechanisms may not be suitable for a gas tight seal.
Accordingly, the contents of the package are susceptible to oxidation and other air-borne problems, such as the release of odors.
As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that substantially solves the above-referenced problems with conventional package designs, configurations, and manufacturing methods.
One embodiment is directed to a flexible package for holding a fluid. The flexible package includes a flexible body defining an inner cavity and a throat portion. It also includes a fluid filled closure disposed in the throat portion that is configured to seal the inner cavity and defines an interface area therein. A metering chamber is provided that permits fluid communication from the inner cavity to the metering chamber via the interface area. The fluid communication is facilitated by an increase in pressure in the inner cavity.
Another embodiment is directed to a method of dispensing fluid from a flexible package. The method includes squeezing a body portion of a flexible package to force fluid contents in an inner cavity of the flexible package through a fluid filled closure provided to the body, thereby filling a metering chamber with at least some of the fluid contents.
Yet another embodiment is directed to a method of forming a flexible package. The method includes placing a tube between a bubble web and a first web to carry the air to inflate the bubble web. The bubble web is sealed to the first web, thereby trapping air in at least a portion of the bubble web.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, claimed embodiment or implementation of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments implemented for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes, hatching or shading in the figures is generally provided to demonstrate sealed or crushed portions and/or integrated devices for the package.
Referring generally to
The package panel portions 12-15 are generally constructed of a flexible sheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal foil, polypropylene, or polyethylenes laminated with other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To provide for higher barriers, embodiments can use combination layers of said materials and materials of the like. Generally, in such embodiments, a material having preferred sealing characteristics can be joined or bonded to a material having a different preferred characteristic (i.e., beneficial oxygen barrier properties). Preferably, the package of the present invention is to be formed into a stand-up pouch, but it could be a pouch that displays lying down, or in other package and pouch shapes and configurations known to one skilled in the art.
In one embodiment, the front panel portion 12 and the back panel portion 14 will be formed of one contiguous web material. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the panel portions 12-15 can be distinct web materials joined or sealed to other respective panel portions to form the package 10 of the present invention. For instance, the front panel portion 12 and the back panel portion 14 can be joined to each other from distinct non-contiguous web sheets of material, and one of said panel portions 12-14 can further extend to define the bottom panel portion 15. The bottom panel portion 15 in the various configurations forming a stand up pouch can include a gusset known to those skilled in the art to further promote operative expansion and contraction of the package 10 and its respective capacity in accordance with the receipt and removal of material within the package 10.
The front panel portion 12 generally includes a first front longitudinal edge 20 and a second front longitudinal edge 22. Both of said front panel longitudinal edges 20, 22 may be substantially parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal length of the front panel portion 12. Likewise, the back panel portion 14 generally includes a first back longitudinal edge 24 and a second back longitudinal edge 26, also substantially parallel to each other and spanning the longitudinal length of the back panel portion 14.
In one embodiment, the first front longitudinal edge 20 can be sealably joined to the first back longitudinal edge 24 along the length of the edges 20, 24 to form first side seal 16. Similarly, the second front longitudinal edge 22 can be sealably joined to the second back longitudinal edge 26 along the length of edges 22, 26 to form second side seal 18. These side seals 16, 18 generally define the side boundaries of the package 10 and can be sealably joined using heat, adhesive, and other bonding techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring to
The front 12 and back 14 panel portions and the first 32a and second 32b web barriers can define at least two fluid chambers or tubes 33a and 33b that extend generally along a long axis of the access opening 19, generally transverse to the side seals. In another embodiment, the fluid chambers 33a and 33b may be a laminate formed by trapping or positioning a barrier film between two layers of a sealant film, preferably a Nylon or EVOH barrier film co-extruded between two layers of polyethylene. The fluid chambers 33a and 33b are sealed into the top section of the package 10 where typically air, or gas, liquid, or a similar item, is introduced between the first web barrier 32a and the front panel portion 12 of the package 10 and between the second web barrier 32b and the back panel portion 14 of the package 10, or if using tubes, it will be introduced into the tubes. This will create one or more generally opposed balloon type bubbles in a top portion or section of the package 10. Further, the barrier or layers 32a, 32b and corresponding chambers 33a, 33b can be formed from a portion of the package 10, such as by folding a part of the package 10 or the respective panels 12, 14 over to create a fluid containable chamber or layer.
Each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b may include one or more reservoir or storage portions 34 having a nominal width 34.1 and a nominal height 34.2, as well as one or more closure portions 36 having a nominal width 36.1 and a nominal height 36.2 and in fluid communication with the reservoir portion 34 through a fluid regulator 40. As shown in the package 10 of
The fluid regulator 40 may be formed and/or disposed between the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36 of each of the chambers 33a and 33b to regulate the transfer and/or flow of fluid therebetween. The fluid regulator 40 may simply be a narrow channel 41 of two opposing but proximate film portions or materials, as depicted in the figures. The narrow channel 41 may be characterized by a length 40.1 and a throat major dimension 40.2. The two opposing film portions may also define a minor throat dimension (not depicted), or be in contact with each other to provide a restrictive flow passage. The fluid regulator 40 may also comprise various one-way or two-way valve devices, or a myriad of other known regulators or methods and techniques of regulating fluid flow through such channels known to one of ordinary skill in the art (not depicted). Generally, movement of the fluid from the reservoir portion 34 into the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b seals the access opening 19 of the package 10. The opening 19 is sealed due to the conforming abutment or seating of the inflated portions 36 against one another. Likewise, movement of the fluid from the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b into the reservoir portion 34 unseals the access opening 19 of the package 10.
In one embodiment of the invention, the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b may each be at least partially filled with fluid. In this particular state, the access opening 19 may be partially unsealed or opened, which would allow a user or packager to deposit a product or good into the interior of the package 10. To seal the access opening 19, a user may exert a force upon the reservoir portion 34, such as by a squeezing motion, to move generally all of the fluid from the reservoir portion 34 into the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b. Further, a plurality of generally distinct chambers 33a, 33b or bubbles/tubes can be implemented to achieve such partial closure or opening such that the access opening is opened or closed in steps according to the number or size of the chambers 33a, 33b. Such an embodiment can provide a plurality of bubbles or chambers that can provide progressive or stepped inflation or deflation and, thus, progressive or stepped opening or closing of the package at the access opening 19. As illustrated in
In another embodiment, the user may lightly pinch the end of the reservoir portion 34 that is near the side seal 18 between two fingers and slide the across the reservoir portion 34 towards the regulator 40, akin to a zipper-like action that one uses in sealing a zipper lock package. The action typically displaces the fluid from the reservoir portion 34 into the closure portion 36. Opening the closure portion 36 may be accomplished in the same manner by sliding a light pinching grip across the closure portion 36 to return the fluid to the reservoir portion 34.
In another embodiment, the fluid regulator 40 may be tailored to enable slow movement of fluid between the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36 without application of force. That is, the fluid regulator 40 may be configured to effectively provide a slow leak therethrough even when no external force is applied to one of the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36. An exemplary and non-limiting range of dimensions for the fluid actuated closure 30 that implements such a “slow pass” fluid regulator 40 may comprise the narrow channel 41 with a length 40.1 ranging from about 6-mm to about 50-mm (approximately ¼- to 2 inches) and the throat major dimension 40.2 ranging from about 2-mm to about 6-mm (approximately 1/16- to ¼-inch). Exemplary and non-limiting dimensions for the lengths 34.2 and 36.2 for the reservoir and closure portions 34, 36, respectively, may range from about 25- to 150-mm (approximately 1- to 6-inches), with heights 34.1 and 36.1 that may range from about 6- to 40-mm (approximately ¼- to 1½-inches). To facilitate opening and closing the package 10 with a zipper-like action, narrower heights for the 34.1 and 36.1 dimensions (on the order of 6- to 10-mm) may be preferred.
In operation, consider the “slow pass” fluid regulator 40 with, for example, a volume of air that has been manipulated to reside primarily in the reservoir portion 34. The presence of more air in the reservoir portion 34 may cause the air therein to expand against the wall of the reservoir portion 34 and thus be at a higher pressure than the air remaining within the closure portion 36. The bulk of the higher pressure air in the reservoir portion 34 may remain therein for a period long enough to enable a user to remove product from the flexible container 10 through the access opening 19 of the closure portion 36. Thereafter, the pressure difference between the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36 may slowly migrate back into the closure portion 36 as the two chambers 34 and 36 approach equalization. For an air volume that is properly sized, the closure portion 36 will be closed as the pressures approach equalization. In some embodiments, the pressure between the closure portion 36 and the reservoir portion 34 may not reach equalization but still function to effectively contain the product.
By this mechanism, the “slow pass” fluid regulator 40 essentially closes automatically over a period of time, thereby retaining product freshness should the user forget to reseal the bag. It is understood that the gradual migration between the reservoir portion 34 and the closure potion 36 may be overridden for a more rapid sealing by application of an external force, as described above.
To access the interior of the package 10 a user needs to move the fluid from the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b into the reservoir portion 34. To move the fluid from the closure portion 36 to the reservoir portion 34 a user exerts a force upon the closure portion 36 of each of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b, such as by a squeezing motion. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first 32a and second 32b barrier films, or the material defining the fluid regulator 40, can be made from a material having a high surface energy or static charge, such as saran polyvinylidene chloride or other like films and materials that have a tendency to adhere and/or cling to themselves or other objects. As such, the opposing chambers 33a, 33b are generally drawn in together when proximately positioned. In this embodiment, the combination of the inflation of the closure portion 36 of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b and the increased adhereability and/or clingability of the first 32a and second 32b barrier films ensures positive sealing of the package 10 when an object is disposed generally between the inflated closure portion 36 of the fluid chambers 33a and 33b. In another embodiment, the chambers can simply be strips 33c, 33d of such high energy material (not necessarily forming a chamber or tube) such that each strip 33c, 33d tend to cling or attract towards one another to provide a cling seal to provide for selective access into the package 10 and its contents. As such, the strips 33c, 33d draw toward one another to provide the seal, but can be easily removed or separated to provide access to the inner cavity 21. These strips 33c, 33d can run across the entire length of the top of the package 10, or just along a portion of the package 10 proximate the access opening 19. Other embodiments can utilize adhesives or other means of drawing or adhering the films or chambers together.
Referring to
In an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in
An intermediate seal 48 may be made just above and potentially just under the kink 46 and/or fluid restriction channel 44 in the fluid chambers 33a and 33b, as shown in
Referring to
In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in
In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in
In other embodiments of the invention, the fluid chambers 33a and 33b can include a series of smaller fluid chambers or bubbles, long skinny rows of bubbles, or shaped bubbles that compress and or interlock/nest against each other. Depending on the access opening 19 size, and the degree or progressive nature of the closure, different bubble shapes and configurations can be employed.
Although the descriptions noted above are typically for pre-made package formats, it is also envisioned that someone skilled in the art could use this same method on form, fill, and seal machinery, or other packaging machines known to one of ordinary skill in the art. This closure method can be used on virtually any style package; including side gusseted packages, or other packages with transversely applied access devices, tie slits, discrete compartments, and the like. Examples of such packages are taught in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/396,295, 10/456,971 and 10/954,153, which are co-pending applications of the Applicant and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. The tubes/chambers taught herein are generally envisioned for implementation during the manufacturing or forming of the package and/or during the packaging of the product. However, it is also envisioned that they could be preformed and introduced into the package during the manufacturing of the package and/or during the filling of the product into the package. The fluid chambers 33a and 33b or tubes can be pre-formed and/or pre-filled with air and could be pre-applied to the main package web or material either along or transversely to a machining or web direction of the package. In addition, the reservoir portions 34 and closure portions 36 can be provided along the side of the package, the bottom, the top, or a combination thereof. For instance, the reservoir portion 34 could be position along the side of the package proximate the longitudinal edges 20, 24, while the access opening 19 remains proximate the top of the package. Other variations and selective positioning for the portions 34, 36 are envisioned as well.
In one embodiment, the package 10 can include a pinching or closing-off device (not shown) positioned internally or externally to the package 10 to close off the fluid regulator 40 or its channel 44. Such a device can prevent fluid transfer between the reservoir 34 and closure 36 portions and can be actuated, engaged or otherwise utilized when it is necessary to prevent such fluid transfer during shipment, storage, use, etc. If, for instance, pressure is applied to the package 10 or its portions 34, 36 during shipment or storage, the fluid transfer will be restricted, thus preventing inadvertent opening of the package at the access opening 19. One exemplary embodiment includes an external clip device that will pinch the regulator channel 44 to close off fluid communication between the portions 34, 36 of the chambers 33a, 33b.
Additionally, various handles, valve devices, graphics or indicia, closeable and re-closeable devices, gusseted panels or portions, and like features or devices known to one skilled in the art are also envisioned for use with this invention and can be implemented without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All references to front, back, bottom, and the like are merely for demonstrative purposes and are not intended to limit the variations and positional references and orientations of the panels or the fluid actuated closure of the present invention.
Referring to
The fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b may be constructed of a suitable thin-walled elastic film known for retention or low permeability of gas, such as a polyethylene, a polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer or other suitable polymers.
In operation, the package is closed by joining interlocking members 55a and 55b, which also causes chambers 54a and 54b to contact each other and form an interface area 56 that extends the width of the package 10 or opening 19. The holding force of the interlocking members 55a and 55b causes a pressure at the interface area 56 to positively seal the inner cavity 21. By this arrangement, the package 10 is sealed not only by the closure of the interlocking members 55a and 55b, but additionally by the contact between the fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b which may enhance the integrity of the closure.
Referring to
Referring to
In operation, the package 10 is closed by pressing the flap portions 58a and 58b together and folding them downward to form a crease or bend 58d that runs the width of the package 10. The flap portions 58a and 58b are held in the creased positions by folding the ends of the tin-tie 58c over the folded flap portions 58a and 58b or over or around the package. The chambers 54a and 54b may be held in contact by the crease 58d and retention applied by the force of the tin-tie.
In the above-described embodiments depicted in
Referring to
Functionally, the interlocking of the fluid-filled chambers 59a, 59b serves to hold the fluid-filled chambers 59a, 59b in contact and thereby seal the package 10. In this embodiment, no additional structure is required to hold the fluid-filled chambers 59a, 59b in contact and maintain the seal. However, such closure structures as described herein could be implemented to further secure the contents of the package 10. For example, fastening means may be situated both above and below the fluid-filled chambers 59a, 59b to provide additional security while maintaining a symmetrical force on the interlocking fluid-filled chambers 59a, 59b (not depicted).
The embodiment of
Referring to
A top seal 64 may be integrally formed with side seals 16 and 18 to initially seal the package 10. The top seal 64 (
Referring to
Referring to
A protective film or flap 66.1 may be included that shrouds at least a portion of an exterior surface of the single fluid-filled chamber 54a and extends interstitially between the fluid-filled chamber 54a and the throat portion 62. Such a configuration would include two sealing surfaces 56—one between the flap 66.1 and the fluid-filled chamber 54a, the other between the flap 66.1 and the throat 62.
In other embodiments of the invention, a throat-shaped portion is not required and the interface area 56 can be configured for any known package 10 design to provide regulation of contents out of, or access into the package through the opening, whether by two opposing fluid chambers or by a single fluid chamber in cooperation with an opposing member.
In operation, the top seal 64 may provide a secure seal that ensures the retention of the contents and the integrity of package 10 during shipping and handling. The contents of package 10 may be extracted by tearing off or cutting off the top seal 64 (
When utilized, the flap 66.1 may serve to protect the fluid-filled chamber 54a against puncture when inserting the conduit 65 or against other elements that may puncture the fluid-filled chamber 54a.
The contact pressure of the interface area 56 may be tailored during the formation of the throat portion 62 and fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b so that the internal pressure required to separate the fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b meets a specified criterion. The pressure at the interface area 56 as formed above is a function of several parameters, including the pressure and compressibility of the fluid within the fluid-filled chamber(s) 54a, 54b, the dimension D of the protrusion away from the recesses, and the thickness and stiffness (modulus of elasticity) of the materials that comprise the throat portion 62 and the fluid-filled chamber(s) 54a, 54b. For example, the fluid-filled chamber(s) 54a, 54b may be filled with a compressible gas such as air and have a wall thickness from 0.002- to 0.004-inches. A non-limiting and representative dimension D is on the order of 0.25-in. Higher internal pressures and greater protrusions D may tend to increase the pressure of the interface area 56, as may greater thickness and stiffness of the throat portion 62 and the fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, the contact pressure may be tailored to enable flow of the contents due merely to the initial hydrostatic forces caused when the package 10 is tipped on end (i.e. with the throat portion 62 positioned below the contents of the package 10). In another embodiment, the contact pressure may be increased so that the interface area 56 is maintained regardless of the orientation of the package, thus requiring an additional pressure be applied to the inner cavity 21 for the contents to flow out, such as by squeezing or shaking the package 10.
The fluid-filled chamber(s) 54a and/or 54b may also be tailored to substantially provide a seal 67 between the inner cavity 21 and the exterior surface of the conduit 65. The conduit may be used to inject or extract the contents of the package 10. The seal 67 may limit leaking or spilling of the contents of package 10 through the throat portion 62, even when the conduit 65 is in place, for example in where the user is engaged in a rigorous activity (e.g. walking, biking or jogging) or in situations where the user is unskillful (e.g. a toddler, handicapped or aged person). The seal 67 may also limit exposure of the contents of the inner cavity 21 to the ambient atmosphere compared to a configuration where the throat is simply open to atmosphere. The fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b may also provide automatic sealing of the package 10 upon removal of the conduit 65, thereby limiting contamination and spilling of the contents of package 10 when the conduit 65 is not in place.
Referring to
In the depicted embodiment, a clip 78 can be placed over the top end 74 of the closed package 10 to maintain the fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b in the closed position. Other fastening means may be utilized, such as tape, tin ties or the like.
In the open position (
Functionally, the gusseted sides 70 provide a greater access opening to the internal cavity 21, enabling larger objects to be placed therein with greater ease, and full expansion of the package provided by the gussets. The interface area 56, when formed between the fluid-filled chambers 54a and 54b and between the fluid filled chambers 54a, 54b and the gusseted sides 70 in the pinched position, may isolate the cavity 21 from ambient atmosphere and prevent accidental spilling of the contents of the package 10.
Any of the fluid-filled chambers described herein can be constructed of multiple smaller pockets to define the larger chamber. Further, the fluid chambers can be separately applied to the package panels or integrally formed with the package (e.g., by folding a top or edge portion of the package onto itself), and could run the machine direction of the pouch or at other angles or directions. Additionally, the chambers and other devices could be applied during package formation or at any other time after the package is formed. Moreover, the fluid chambers may be applied to flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid packages, or a combination of such materials, to provide the sealing and closure structures and functions disclosed herein.
Referring to
In operation, the end user can open the entire or a substantial portion of the length of the opening 92 for placement of articles in the flexible package 90. After placement of the articles within the package 10, the end user can peal the release liner 96 off of the two-sided tape 94 and press the front and back panels 12 and 14 together causing the exposed inward face of the two-sided tape 94 to adhere to the reservoir portion 34 and the portion housing the restriction channel 44 or fluid regulator 40 of the fluid actuated closure 30. The two-sided tape 94 provides a seal between the front panel 12 and the reservoir portion 34/fluid regulator 44 portion. The fluid chamber 33b of the closure portion 36 may cooperate with the front panel 12 to provide a selective seal. The user can apply pressure to transfer the fluid between the reservoir portion 34 and the closure portion 36 to provide selective access into the cavity or to regulate material exiting or entering the package 10 through the access opening 92.
In another embodiment, designed to regulate material exiting or entering the package 10, the fluid may reside in the closure portion 36 only, confronting the opposing package side such as described attendant to
The two-sided tape 94 may include an aggressive adhesive that renders an essentially permanent seal between the two-sided tape 94 and the sealed portion of the fluid actuated closure 30. Alternatively, the adhesive may be less aggressive, enabling the user to re-open the opening 92 and refill the flexible package therethrough several times. Sealing means other than the two-sided tape 94 can also be used with the user filled flexible package 90, such as zippers, pinch locks, hook and loop materials (e.g. VELCRO) and other sealing means available to the artisan. Whatever sealing means is used could be applied during the manufacturing of the package, or as a side operation before being placed on the market. It may even be sold as a kit, compete with instructions provided on a tangible medium for the consumer to apply the sealing means to the package themselves.
Referring to
While
The user filled flexible packages 90, 97 can be sold to the consumer empty. The consumer could, as with user filled packages (e.g. ZIP-LOC packages), purchase a number of the flexible packages 90 to store whatever products or articles they wish.
Referring to
The metered compartment 104 is so named because it may be sized to contain a quantity of product to within a known or acceptable uncertainty. The main compartment 102 may neck down to a throat portion 110 at the passageway 105. A selectively sealable closure 114 such as a pinch-lock seal (depicted) may be located at a distal end portion 116 of the metered chamber 104. The metered chamber 104 may also include vents 118 such as slots or perforations that enable air to pass between the metered chamber 104 and the ambient surroundings.
In use, the user orients the metered flexible package 100 containing a product 120 so that the metered chamber 104 is below the main chamber 102 (
Passage of product between the chambers 102, 104 of the metered flexible package 100 fluids may also be accomplished by squeezing one of the chambers 102, 104 so as to transfer product in to the metered chamber 104. Such and approach would be particularly suitable where the squeezed chamber contains a liquid. The concept of the metered flexible package 100 may be extended to include mixing of products located in adjacent chambers and separated by the fluid chamber closure (e.g. mixing two liquids or mixing a liquid with a granular product).
Referring to
In use, a user can squeeze the body of the package 10 as shown in
The fluid in the metering chamber 123 does not flow back into the inner cavity 21 due to the sealing function of the fluid filled chambers 54a and 54b at the interface area 56. The user can open the re-sealable closure 124 and then consume, dispense or pour the metered amount of fluid from the package as shown in
In an additional embodiment, the flexible package may be provided with multiple inner chambers that are each in fluid communication with the metering chamber. In such embodiments, the contents of the chambers will mix in the metering chamber when pressure is applied to the package sufficient to force the fluid contents in the inner chambers up into the metering chamber.
The use of a re-sealable closure 124 has the additional benefit of reducing the likelihood that a user will over-fill the metering chamber 123 and spill the package contents. To employ this feature, the user fills the metering chamber 123 with the re-sealable closure 124 in the closed position. The re-sealable closure is then opened for dispensing or use.
The metering chamber 123 may be formed from the same material as the rest of the package, or of a different material. For example, the metering chamber 123 may be of a more rigid material that can hold a cup-like shape. Measurement markings or other indicia can also be provided to the metering chamber 123 to permit the user to dispense a measured quantity of package contents. Such markings are particularly useful for dispensing liquid medicines or liquids used in cooking. A conduit, indent or thermoformed portion (not shown) can also be provided at or proximate the interface area 56 with the present embodiment as described with regard to
Referring to
The web of material 200 is manipulated through the machinery to turn the sealant side of the structure inward, so the pouch material has the sealant side inside of the pouch for making heat seals later in the process. This can be done by slitting the film in the machine, and separating the front and back panel from each other prior to turning them with the sealant side facing inward, or by folding the web to accomplish this same result. Alternatively, the web materials can be selectively fed through the machine such that the sealant surfaces are generally facing one another.
The front and back web material is separated enough to allow the additional narrower web of material 212 to be directed in between them, preferably near the top of the pouch to be made. This narrower web will be used to form the fluid filled chambers or bubble-closure.
Referring to
A continuous flow of air is sent through the tube 218 to inflate the bubble material that has just been formed into a continuous tube down the length of the back panel. The long continuous bubble is then fed through a series of plates 220 that have a particular gap or spacing G between them which only allows an inflated bubble past them which is equal to greater than the height of the gap G between the plates. Any air that cannot fit between the plates is pushed back through the just formed bubble material and exits the pouch where the air-loaded tube 218 was fed in.
As the bubble exits the series of plates 220, one or more small seal bars 222 can seal the continuous bubble into segmented bubbles, if desired. In one embodiment, the otherwise continuous bubble can be sealed multiple times closer and closer to one of the edges, or the access opening area, to push the bubbled air and define the bubble at or proximate the access opening of the package. This will define the length or width of the bubble and can facilitate providing the bubble with the desired level of fluid and pressure therein. In some cases, a double seal is made so that two separate bubbles are made. In this case, one bubble can be deflated later in the process, leaving the defined bubble closure with the desired fluid and pressure. This is done when a certain minimal amount of air is required in order to regulate it properly with the plates.
The webs are then carried through a second longitudinal sealing section where yet another thin plate or other thin non-sealable material is placed between the front panel and the back and tube/bubble material near the top of the pouch section to keep them from sealing together. A longitudinal seal bar 224 is used to start to seal part of the newly formed bubble segments down, which will force the air from one side of the bubble to the other side. This process completely seals the narrow bubble material down to the back panel and creates a higher amount of air pressure in the section of the bubble that remains. This is done to end up with a narrower bubble than the total width of the completed pouch and to achieve the right amount of required pressure in the completed bubble to contain the product of the finished pouches. This also allows for a section, gap or opening along side of the formed bubble, for the product to be filled into the pouch without having to pass through the bubble section. An additional longitudinal seal bar 226 is used to seal the bottom of the pouch, or bottom gusset web, if a stand-up pouch is being made.
Referring to
Finally, the pouches pass through a guillotine knife system 230, or a die cutter system for shaped pouches, to cut each pouch off and separate them from the main web.
These pouches can have either mechanical perforations, slits, or preferably laser scores, along the tops of them, above the bubble, for the consumer to later tear off the top seal which is typically made after the pouch is filled with product.
Similar to the forming process of
The webs of material then pass through a cross-seal section of the machine where the side seals of the pouch are made. This is also the typical station where any shaped seals are made for shaped pouches.
Finally, the pouches pass through a guillotine knife system, or a die cutter system for shaped pouches, to cut each pouch off and separate them from the main web.
These pouches can have either mechanical perforations, slits, or preferably laser scores, along the tops of them, above the bubble, for the consumer to later tear off the top seal which is typically made after the pouch is filled with product.
Referring to
In use, a user can open the access closure 126 and introduce or fill the internal cavity 21 with a liquid, such as a lemonade, juices and other fluids, or solids, granular substances and the like. The access closure 126 is then closed. The user can then store the contents for later retrieval or consumption via the access opening 19. Squeezing or other pressure on the outside of the package can force the contents through the interface 56 at the bubble 54a. Alternatively, a straw (e.g., as detailed herein) can be inserted at the bubble 54a and the user can suck out fluids, gels, and the like. A separate zipper or closure can be provided at the top of the package proximate or adjacent the bubble to facilitate closing or accessing the entire package. In another variation the packages could be filled, or pre-filled, with granules for mixing to form consumables, for example, granules for making lemonade or other drinks. Flexible packages of this embodiment are suitable for dispensing in flat or roll forms, such as packaging for plastic sandwich bags available in a grocery store. The throat 129 of these and other embodiments can be defined at an edge (
Referring to
As shown in
In use, the package can be opened at the top of the package 10, preferably proximate the first extension portion 140 such that access through the opening is provided to the bubble closure 54a. Filling of the package, or other later consumer use or re-use of the package to fill contents into the package, can be accomplished through the access device 130, or its zipper members 142. Again, the package with a zipper and a bubble closure can be filled, used or formed as described in detail with the embodiments disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the extension portion 140 or other package 10 portion can, but is not required to, include a foldable or other extending portion that can define the top of the package. The package of
In various embodiments, the bubble 54a (e.g., solid or hollow fluid filled) can include one or more spaced and distinct bubble closures provided or pre-applied on a sheet or strip of material 150, such as those embodiments shown in
Any of the embodiments including the device 130 or strip 150 having the at least one bubble 54a (solid or fluid filled) can be included with or implemented to create the packages of various other embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., the metering packages) without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the device 130, with a bubble closure and access device, or the strip 150 with at least the bubble closure, can be fed into its position and orientation with the package during the package formation process. As such, forming, inflating, or otherwise defining the bubble closure can be performed prior to package formation, such that the material or strip (e.g., including the pre-formed bubble closure) is selectively fed in for attachment or sealing during the formation of the other panel or portions of the package.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Similarly, the above-described methods and techniques for forming the present invention are illustrative processes and are not intended to limit the methods of manufacturing/forming the present invention to those specifically defined herein. A myriad of various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed to create or form the inventive packages. Further, features and aspects of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to form additional embodiments within the scope of the invention even if such combination is not specifically described herein.
References to front, back and side panels for the package and package formation embodiments described herein are provided to facilitate an understanding of orientation and direction and are not intended to be limiting. For instance, the bubble or fluid chambers, or other structures or portions of the package, can be provided to or along any portion of the package regardless of the references herein to front, back, side, bottom and the like.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/175,961, filed Feb. 7, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/861,558, filed Aug. 23, 2010, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/116,726, filed May 7, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,547, issued Dec. 24, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/737,866, filed Apr. 20, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,268, issued Feb. 8, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/268,674, filed Nov. 7, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,717, issued Apr. 24, 2007, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/625,391, filed Nov. 5, 2004. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/116,726 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/916,442, filed May 7, 2007, to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/917,078, filed May 10, 2007, to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/952,311, filed Jul. 27, 2007, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/987,588, filed Nov. 13, 2007. The disclosures of each of the above-referenced applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60916442 | May 2007 | US | |
60917078 | May 2007 | US | |
60952311 | Jul 2007 | US | |
60987588 | Nov 2007 | US | |
60625391 | Nov 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14175961 | Feb 2014 | US |
Child | 15675606 | US | |
Parent | 12861558 | Aug 2010 | US |
Child | 14175961 | US | |
Parent | 11268674 | Nov 2005 | US |
Child | 11737866 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12116726 | May 2008 | US |
Child | 12861558 | US | |
Parent | 11737866 | Apr 2007 | US |
Child | 12116726 | US |