Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLEXIBLE CONTAINER
BACKGROUND
[0001] The
present disclosure is directed to a flexible container for dispensing a
flowable material.
[0002]
Known are flexible containers with a gusseted body section. These gusseted
flexible containers are currently produced using flexible films which are
folded to form
gussets and heat sealed in a perimeter shape. The gusseted body section opens
to form a
flexible container with a square cross section or a rectangular cross section.
The gussets are
terminated at the bottom of the container to form a substantially flat base,
providing
stability when the container is partially or wholly filled. The flat base
yields a self-standing
flexible container, otherwise known as a stand-up pouch, or "SUP."
[0003]
Performance attributes for SUPs include vertical aspect ratio, stability, and
drop
strength. The aspect ratio is the relationship between the container height
and the
container width. The stability of the SUP is the ability of the filled
flexible container to stand
upright without tipping or leaning. Drop strength is the resistance of the
filled flexible
container to breakage or leakage when dropped. Increasing drop strength
oftentimes
allows for downgauging of film thickness for a reduction of material cost per
container. A
larger aspect ratio (i.e., a taller flexible container) is oftentimes
desirable in the retail
setting, for example, because a larger aspect ratio translates into effective
shelf space
utilization and increased container advertising area, drawing consumer appeal
to the SUP.
However, as aspect ratio increases, SUP stability and/or SUP drop strength
generally
decreases. Maximizing SUP performance is characterized by these relationships,
[0004] The
art recognizes the need for self-standing flexible containers (SUPs) with an
increased aspect ratio without degradation to stability and/or without
degradation to drop
strength. Further desired in the art is an SUP with increased aspect ratio and
sufficient drop
strength to operate in the retail, commercial, industrial, and/or household
environments.
SUMMARY
[0005] The
present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the
flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted
side panel, and a
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second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel
and the rear
panel along peripheral seals to form a chamber. (B) Each peripheral seal has
(i) an arcuate
body seal inner edge (ABSIE) with opposing ends, (ii) a
tapered seal inner edge (TSIE)
extending from each end of the body seal, and (iii) a corner arc where each
tapered seal
inner edge extends from a respective ABSIE end. (C) The flexible container
includes at least
one corner arc having a radius of curvature, Rc, from 1.0 mm to 300.0 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filled self-standing flexible
container having top
and bottom flexible handles in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the flexible container of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the bottom seal area of FIG. 5.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the flexible container of HG. I.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in a
collapsed configuration.
[0011] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of Area 5A of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 5,
partially expanded
to show the corner arcs.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. 5,
next to a prior art
flexible container.
DEFINITIONS AND TEST METHODS
[0014] The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and
including, the
lower value and the upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g.,
1, or 2, or 3 to
5, or 6, or 7) any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g.,
1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5
to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).
[0015] Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or
customary in the art,
all parts and percents are based on weight, and all test methods are current
as of the filing
date of this disclosure.
[0016] The term "composition," as used herein, refers to a mixture of
materials which
comprise the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition
products formed
from the materials of the composition.
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[0017] The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and their
derivatives, are not
intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or
procedure, whether
or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all
compositions
claimed through use of the term "comprising" may include any additional
additive,
adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the
contrary. In
contrast, the term, "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of any
succeeding
recitation any other component, step or procedure, excepting those that are
not essential
to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step or
procedure not
specifically delineated or listed.
[0018] An "ethylene-based polymer," as used herein is a polymer that
contains more
than 50 weight percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount
of
polymerizable monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
[0019] The term "heat seal initiation temperature," is minimum sealing
temperature
required to form a seal of significant strength, in this case, 2 lb/in
(8.8N/25.4 mm). The seal
is performed in a Topwave HT tester with 0.5 seconds dwell time at 2.7 bar (40
psi) seal bar
pressure. The sealed specimen is tested in an lnstron Tensiomer at 10 in/min
(4.2 mm/sec
or 250 mm/min).
[0020] Tm or "melting point" as used herein (also referred to as a melting
peak in
reference to the shape of the plotted DSC curve) is typically measured by the
DSC
(Differential Scanning Calorimetry) technique for measuring the melting points
or peaks of
polyolefins as described in USP 5,783,638. It should be noted that many blends
comprising
two or more polyolefins will have more than one melting point or peak, many
individual
polyolefins will comprise only one melting point or peak.
[0021] Moisture permeability is a normalized calculation performed by first
measuring
Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) of the film and then multiplying WVTR by
the film
thickness (usually thickness in units of mil). WVTR is measured at 38 C, 100%
relative
humidity and 1 atm pressure with a MOCON Permatran-W 3/31. For values of WVTR
at
90% relative humidity the measured WVTR (at 100% relative humidity) is
multiplied by 0.90.
The instrument is calibrated with National Institute of Standards and
Technology certified
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25 p.m-thick polyester film of known water vapor transport characteristics.
The specimens
are prepared and the WVTR is performed according to ASTM F1249. WVTR units are
g/m2/24hr.
[0022] An "olefin-based polymer," as used herein is a polymer that contains
more than
50 weight percent polymerized olefin monomer (based on total amount of
polymerizable
monomers), and optionally, may contain at least one comonomer. Nonlimiting
examples of
olefin-based polymer include ethylene-based polymer and propylene-based
polymer.
[0023] Oxygen permeability is a normalized calculation performed by first
measuring
Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) for a given film thickness and then multiplying
this
measured OTR by the film thickness (usually thickness in units of mil). OTR is
measured at
23 C, 50% relative humidity and 1 atm pressure with a MOCON OX-TRAN 2/20. The
instrument is calibrated with National Institute of Standards and Technology
certified Mylar
film of known 02 transport characteristics. The specimens are prepared and the
OTR is
performed according to ASTM D 3985. Typical OTR units are cc/m2/24hr/atm.
[0024] A "polymer" is a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether
of the
same or a different type, that in polymerized form provide the multiple and/or
repeating
"units" or "mer units" that make up a polymer. The generic term polymer thus
embraces
the term homopolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers prepared from only
one type
of monomer, and the term copolymer, usually employed to refer to polymers
prepared
from at least two types of monomers. It also embraces all forms of copolymer,
e.g.,
random, block, etc. The terms "ethylene/a-olefin polymer" and "propylene/a-
olefin
polymer" are indicative of copolymer as described above prepared from
polymerizing
ethylene or propylene respectively and one or more additional, polymerizable a-
olefin
monomer. It is noted that although a polymer is often referred to as being
"made of" one
or more specified monomers, "based on" a specified monomer or monomer type,
"containing" a specified monomer content, or the like, in this context the
term "monomer"
is understood to be referring to the polymerized remnant of the specified
monomer and not
to the unpolymerized species. In general, polymers herein are referred to has
being based
on "units" that are the polymerized form of a corresponding monomer.
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[0025] A
"propylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more than 50 weight
percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount of
polymerizable
monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The
present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the
flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted
side panel, and a
second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel
and the rear
panel along peripheral seals to form a chamber. (B) Each peripheral seal has
(i) an arcuate
body seal inner edge (ABSIE) with opposing ends, (ii) a tapered seal inner
edge (TSIE)
extending from each end of the body seal, and (iii) a corner arc where each
tapered seal
inner edge extends from a respective ABSIE end. (C) The flexible container
includes at least
one corner arc having a radius of curvature, Rc, from 1.0 millimeter (mm) to
300.0 mm.
[0027]
FIGS. 1-2 show a flexible container 10 having four panels, a front panel 22, a
back
panel 24, a first gusset panel 18 and a second gusset panel 20. The four
panels 18, 20, 22,
and 24 extend toward a top end 44 and a bottom end 46 of the flexible
container 10 to
form the top segment 28 and bottom segment 26, respectively. When the flexible
container 10 is inverted, the top and bottom positions in relation to the
container 10
change. However, for consistency the handle adjacent the spout 30 will be
called the top or
upper handle 12 and the opposite handle will be called the bottom or lower
handle 14.
Likewise, the top segment will be the surface adjacent the spout 30, and the
bottom
segment will be the surface opposite the top segment.
[0028] The
four panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 each can be composed of a separate web of
film. The composition and structure for each web of film can be the same or
different.
Alternatively, one web of film may also be used to make all four panels and
the top and
bottom segments. In a further embodiment, two or more webs can be used to make
each
panel.
[0029] In
an embodiment, four webs of multilayer film are provided, one web of
multilayer film for each respective panel 18, 20, 22, and 24. The edges of
each multilayer
film are sealed to the adjacent web of film to form peripheral seals 41 (FIG.
1). Peripheral
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tapered seals 40a-40d are located on the bottom segment 26 of the container as
shown in
FIG. 2. The peripheral seals 41 are located on the side edges of the container
10. The sealed
panels 18, 20, 22, 24 from an interior chamber.
[0030] To
form the top segment 28 and the bottom segment 26, the four webs of film
converge together at the respective end and are sealed together. For instance,
the top
segment 28 can be defined by extensions of the panels sealed together at the
top end 44
and when the flexible container 10 is in a rest position it can have four top
panels 28a-28d
(FIG. 4) of film that define the top segment 28. The bottom segment 26 can
also have four
bottom panels 26a-26d of film sealed together and can also be defined by
extensions of the
panels at the opposite end 46 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] In
an embodiment, a portion of each of the four panels 18, 20, 22, 24 (front
panel, rear panel, first gusseted side panel, second gusseted side panel) form
the top
segment 28 and terminate at a neck 27. In this way, each panel extends from
the bottom
segment to the neck 27. At the neck 27, a portion of a top end section of each
of the four
panels 18, 20, 22, 24 is sealed, or otherwise is welded, to a spout 30 to form
a tight seal.
The spout 30 is sealed to the neck 27 by way of compression heat seal,
ultrasonic seal, and
combinations thereof. Although the base of spout 30 has a circular cross-
sectional shape, it
is understood that the base of spout 30 can have other cross-sectional shapes
such as a
polygonal cross-sectional shape, for example. The base with circular cross-
sectional shape
is distinct from fitments with canoe-shaped bases used for conventional two-
panel flexible
pouches.
[0032] In
an embodiment, the outer surface of the base of spout 30 has surface texture.
The surface texture can include embossment and a plurality of radial ridges to
promote
sealing to the inner surface of the top segment 28.
[0033] In
an embodiment, the spout 30 excludes fitments with oval, wing-shaped, eye-
shaped, or canoe-shaped bases.
[0034]
Furthermore, the spout 30 can contain a removable closure 32. Alternatively,
the spout 30 can be positioned on one of the panels, where the top segment
would then be
defined as an upper seal area defined by the joining together of at least two
panel ends. In
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a further embodiment, the spout 30 is positioned at generally a midpoint of
the top
segment 28 and can be sized smaller than a width of the container 10, such
that the spout
30 can have an area that is less than a total area of the top segment 28. In
yet a further
embodiment, the spout area is not more than 20% of the total top segment area.
This can
ensure that the spout 30 will not be large enough to insert a hand
therethrough, thus
avoiding any unintentional contact with the product 58 stored therein.
[0035] The
spout 30 can be made of a rigid construction and can be formed of any
appropriate plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density
polyethylene
(LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and combinations thereof. The location of the
spout 30 can be
anywhere on the top segment 28 of the container 10. In an embodiment the spout
30 is
located at the center or midpoint of the top segment 28. The closure 32 covers
the spout
30 and prevents the product from spilling out of the container 10. The closure
32 may be a
screw-on cap, a flip-top cap or other types of removable (and optionally
reclosable)
closures.
[0036] In
an embodiment, the flexible container does not have a rigid spout and the
panels are sealed across the neck, by way of a releasable seal (tear seal),
for example.
[0037] As
shown in FIGS. 1-2, the flexible bottom handle 14 can be positioned at a
bottom end 46 of the container 10 such that the bottom handle 14 is an
extension of the
bottom segment 26.
[0038]
Each panel includes a respective bottom face. FIG. 2 shows four triangle-
shaped
bottom faces 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, each bottom face being an extension of a
respective film
panel. The bottom faces 26a-26d make up the bottom segment 26. The four panels
26a-
26d come together at a midpoint of the bottom segment 26. The bottom faces 26a-
26d are
sealed together, such as by using a heat-sealing technology, to form the
bottom handle 14.
For instance, a weld can be made to form the bottom handle 14, and to seal the
edges of
the bottom segment 26 together.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable heat-sealing
technologies include hot bar sealing, hot die sealing, impulse sealing, high
frequency
sealing, or ultrasonic sealing methods.
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[0039] FIG. 2 shows bottom segment 26. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 has a
respective
bottom face 26a, 26b, 26c,26d that is present in the bottom segment 26. Each
bottom face
is bordered by two opposing peripheral tapered seals 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. Each
peripheral
tapered seal 40a-40d extends from a respective peripheral seal 41. The
peripheral tapered
seals for the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24 have an inner edge 29a-29d
(FIG. 2) and
an outer edge 31 (FIG. 3). The peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d converge at a
bottom seal
area 33 (FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5).
[0040] The front panel bottom face 26a includes a first line A defined by
the inner edge
29a of the first peripheral tapered seal 40a and a second line B defined by
the inner edge
29b of the second peripheral tapered seal 40b. The first line A intersects the
second line B
at an apex point 35a in the bottom seal area 33. The front panel bottom face
26a has a
bottom distalmost inner seal point 37a ("BDISP 37a"). The BDISP 37a is located
on an inner
seal edge defined by inner edge 29a and inner edge 29b.
[0041] The apex point 35a is separated from the BDISP 37a by a distance S
from 0
millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0 mm.
[0042] In an embodiment, the rear panel bottom face 26c includes an apex
point similar
to the apex point on the front panel bottom face. The rear panel bottom face
26c includes
a first line C defined by the inner edge of the 29c first peripheral tapered
seal 40c and a
second line D defined by the inner edge 29d of the second peripheral tapered
seal 40d. The
first line C intersects the second line D at an apex point 35c in the bottom
seal area 33. The
rear panel bottom face 26c has a bottom distalmost inner seal point 37c
("BDISP 37c"). The
BDISP 37c is located on an inner seal edge defined by inner edge 29c and inner
edge 29d.
The apex point 35c is separated from the BDISP 37c by a distance T from 0
millimeter (mm)
to less than 8.0 mm.
[0043] It is understood the following description to the front panel bottom
face applies
equally to the rear panel bottom face, with reference numerals to the rear
panel bottom
face shown in adjacent closed parentheses.
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[0044] In an embodiment, the BDISP 37a (37c) is located where the inner
edges 29a
(29c) and 29b (29d) intersect. The distance between the BDISP 37a (37c) and
the apex point
35a (35c) is 0 mm.
[0045] In an embodiment, the inner seal edge diverges from the inner edges
29a, 29b
(29c, 29d), to form a distal inner seal arc 39a (front panel) a distal inner
seal arc 39c (rear
panel) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The BDISP 37a (37c) is located on the inner
seal arc 39a
(39c). The apex point 35a (apex point 35c) is separated from the BDISP 37a
(BDISP 37c) by
the distance S (distance T) which is from greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0
mm, or 2.6
mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm, to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2
mm, or 5.3
mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or 7.9 mm.
[0046] In an embodiment, apex point 35a (35c) is separated from the BDISP
37a (37c)
by the distance S (distance T) which is from greater than 0 mm to less than
6.0 mm.
[0047] In an embodiment, the distance from S (distance T) from the apex
point 35a
(35c) to the BDISP 37a (37c) is from greater than 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm,
or 2.0 mm to
4.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or less than 5.5 mm.
[0048] In an embodiment, apex point 35a (apex point 35c) is separated from
the BDISP
37a (BDISP 37c) by the distance S (distance T) which is from 3.0 mm, or 3.5
mm, or 3.9 mm
to 4.0 mm, or 4.5 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.3 mm, or 5.5 mm.
[0049] In an embodiment, the distal inner seal arc 39a (39c) has a radius
of curvature
from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 1.0 mm to 19.0 mm, or 20.0 mm.
[0050] The bottom segment 26 includes a pair of gussets 54 and 56 formed
thereat,
which are essentially extensions of the bottom faces 26a-26d. The gussets 54
and 56 can
facilitate the ability of the flexible container 10 to stand upright. These
gussets 54 and 56
are formed from excess material from each bottom face 26a-26d that are joined
together to
form the gussets 54 and 56. The triangular portions of the gussets 54 and 56
comprise two
adjacent bottom segment panels sealed together and extending into its
respective gusset.
For example, adjacent bottom faces 26a and 26d extend beyond the plane of
their bottom
surface along an intersecting edge and are sealed together to form one side of
a first gusset
54. Similarly, adjacent bottom faces 26c and 26d extend beyond the plane of
their bottom
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surface along an intersecting edge and are sealed together to form the other
side of the
first gusset 54. Likewise, a second gusset 56 is similarly formed from
adjacent bottom faces
26a-26b and 26b-26c. The gussets 54 and 56 can contact a portion of the bottom
segment
26, where the gussets 54 and 56 can contact bottom faces 26b and 26d covering
them,
while bottom segment panels 26a and 26c remain exposed at the bottom end 46.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the gussets 54 and 56 of the flexible
container 10 can
further extend into the bottom handle 14. In the aspect where the gussets 54
and 56 are
positioned adjacent bottom segment panels 26b and 26d, the bottom handle 14
can also
extend across bottom faces 26b and 26d, extending between the pair of panels
18 and 20.
The bottom handle 14 can be positioned along a center portion or midpoint of
the bottom
segment 26 between the front panel 22 and the rear panel 24.
[0052] The bottom handle 14 can comprise up to four layers of film (one
layer for each
panel 18, 20, 22, 24) sealed together when four webs of film are used to make
the container
10. When more than four webs are used to make the container, the handle will
include the
same number of webs used to produce the container. Any portion of the bottom
handle 14
where all four layers are not completely sealed together by the heat-sealing
method, can be
adhered together in any appropriate manner, such as by a tack seal to form a
fully-sealed
multi-layer bottom handle 14. The bottom handle 14 can have any suitable shape
and
generally will take the shape of the film end. For example, typically the web
of film has a
rectangular shape when unwound, such that its ends have a straight edge.
Therefore, the
bottom handle 14 would also have a rectangular shape.
[0053] Additionally, the bottom handle 14 can contain a handle opening 16
or cutout
section therein sized to fit a user's hand. The opening 16 can be any shape
that is
convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the opening 16 can have a
generally oval
shape. In another aspect, the opening 16 can have a generally rectangular
shape.
Additionally, the opening 16 of the bottom handle 14 can also have a flap 38
that comprises
the cut material that forms the opening 16. To define the opening 16, the
handle 14 can
have a section that is cut out of the multilayer handle 14 along three sides
or portions while
remaining attached at a fourth side or lower portion. This provides a flap of
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that can be pushed through the opening 16 by the user and folded over an edge
of the
opening 16 to provide a relatively smooth gripping surface at an edge that
contacts the
user's hand. If the flap of material were completely cut out, this would leave
an exposed
fourth side or lower edge that could be relatively sharp and could possibly
cut or scratch the
hand when placed there.
[0054] Furthermore, a portion of the bottom handle 14 attached to the
bottom
segment 26 can contain a dead machine fold 42 or a score line that provides
for the handle
14 to consistently fold in the same direction, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The
machine fold 42
can comprise a fold line that permits folding in a first direction toward the
front side panel
22 and restricts folding in a second direction toward the rear panel 24. The
term "restricts"
as used throughout this application can mean that it is easier to move in one
direction, or
the first direction, than in an opposite direction, such as the second
direction. The machine
fold 42 can cause the handle 14 to consistently fold in the first direction
because it can be
thought of as providing a generally permanent fold line in the handle that is
predisposed to
fold in the first direction. This machine fold 42 of the bottom handle 14 can
serve multiple
purposes, one being that when a user is transferring the product from the
container 10 they
can grasp the bottom handle 14 and it will easily bend in the first direction
to assist in
pouring. Secondly, when the flexible container 10 is stored in an upright
position, the
machine fold 42 in the bottom handle 14 encourages the handle 14 to fold in
the first
direction along the machine fold 42, such that the bottom handle 14 can fold
underneath
the container 10 adjacent one of the bottom segment panels 26a, as shown in
FIG. 2. The
weight of the product can also apply a force to the bottom handle 14, such
that the weight
of the product can further press on the handle 14 and maintain the handle 14
in the folded
position in the first direction. In an embodiment, the top handle 12 can
contain a similar
machine fold 34a-34b that also allows it to fold consistently in the same
first direction as
the bottom handle 14.
[0055] Additionally, as the flexible container 10 is evacuated and less
product remains,
the bottom handle 14 can continue to provide support to help the flexible
container 10 to
remain standing upright unsupported and without tipping over. Because the
bottom handle
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14 is sealed generally along its entire length extending between the pair of
side panels 18
and 20, it can help to keep the gussets 54 and 56 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2) together
and continue to
provide support to stand the container 10 upright even as the container 10 is
emptied.
[0056] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the top handle 12 extends vertically, or
substantially
vertically, upward from the top segment 28 and, in particular, can extend from
the four
panels 28a-28d that make up the top segment 28. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the
four
panels 28a-28d of film that extend into the top handle 12 are all sealed
together to form a
multi-layer top handle 12. The top handle 12 can have a U-shape and, in
particular, an
upside down U-shape with a horizontal upper handle portion 12a having a pair
of spaced
legs 13 and 15 extending therefrom. The legs 13 and 15 extend from the top
segment 28,
adjacent the spout 30 with one leg 13 on one side of the spout 30 and other
leg 15 on the
other side of the spout 30, with each leg 13, 15 extending from opposite
portions of the top
segment 28.
[0057] The bottommost edge of the upper handle portion 12a when extended in
a
position above the spout 30, is tall enough to clear the uppermost edge of the
spout 30. A
portion of the top handle 12 can extend above the spout 30 and above the top
segment 28
when the handle 12 is extended in a position perpendicular to the top segment
28 and, in
particular, the entire upper handle portion 12a can be above the spout 30 and
the top
segment 28. The two pairs of legs 13 and 15 along with the upper handle
portion 12a
together make up the handle 12 surrounding a handle opening that allows a user
to place
her hand therethrough and grasp the upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12.
[0058] In an embodiment, the top handle is a stand-up top handle 12 as
shown in FIG.1.
A "stand-up top handle," as used herein, is a top handle formed from the four
panels and is
fabricated (sealed) such that upper handle portion 12a is above the spout 30
when flexible
container 10 is in the expanded configuration. The stand-up top handle 12 is
formed to
stand, or otherwise to extend vertically, or substantially vertically, upright
from top
segment 28 such that the horizontal upper handle portion 12a is positioned
above the
spout 30 without manipulation by a person. In this sense, the stand-up top
handle is "self-
standing."
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[0059] In an embodiment, the top handle 12 can have a dead machine fold 34a-
34b that
permits folding in a first direction toward the front side panel 22 and
restricts folding in a
second direction toward the rear side panel 24. The machine fold 34a-34b can
be located in
each leg 13, 15 at a location where the seal begins. The handle 12 can be
adhered together,
such as with a tack adhesive, beginning from the machine folded portion 34a-
34b up to and
including the horizontal upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12.
Alternatively, two
machine folds 34a-34b in the handle 12 can allow for the handle 12 to be
inclined to fold or
bend consistently in the same first direction as the bottom handle 14, rather
than in the
second direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 12 can likewise contain a
flap portion 36,
that folds upwards toward the upper handle portion 12a of the handle 12 to
create a
smooth gripping surface of the handle 12, as with the bottom handle 14, such
that the
handle material is not sharp and can protect the user's hand from getting cut
on any sharp
edges of the handle 12.
[0060] When the container 10 is in a rest position, such as when it is
standing upright on
its bottom segment 26, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom handle 14 can be folded
underneath
the container 10 along the bottom machine fold 42 in the first direction, so
that it is parallel
to the bottom segment 26 and adjacent bottom panel 26a, and the top handle 12
extends
straight up, with horizontal handle portion 12a above the spout 30. The
flexible container
can stand upright even with the bottom handle 14 positioned underneath the
upright
flexible container 10.
[0061] In an embodiment, the flexible container can contain a fitment or
pour spout
positioned on a sidewall, where the top handle is essentially formed in and
from the top
portion or segment. The top handle can be formed from the four panels 18, 20,
22, 24,
each panel extending from its respective sidewall, extending into a sidewall
or flap
positioned at the top end of the container, such that the top segment of the
container
converges into the handle and they are one and the same, with the spout to the
side of the
extended handles, rather than underneath.
[0062] The material of construction of the flexible container 10 can
comprise a food-
grade plastic. For instance, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene such as high
density
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polyethylene (HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE) may be used as
discussed
later. The film of the flexible container 10 can have a thickness that is
adequate to maintain
product and package integrity during manufacturing, distribution, product
shelf life and
customer usage. In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film for each panel
has a
thickness from 100 micrometers, or 200 micrometers, or 250 micrometers to 300
micrometers, or 350 micrometers, or 400 micrometers. The film material can
also be such
that it provides the appropriate atmosphere within the flexible container 10
to maintain the
product shelf life of at least about 180 days. Such multilayer films can
comprise an oxygen
barrier film, such as a film having a low oxygen transmission rate (OTR) from
0, or greater
than 0 to 0.4, or 1.0 cc/m2/24 hrs/atm) at 23 C and 80% relative humidity
(RH).
Additionally, the flexible multilayer film that forms each panel can also
comprise a water
vapor barrier film, such as a film having a low water vapor transmission rate
(WVTR) from 0,
or greater than 0, or 0.2, or 1.0 to 5.0, or 10.0, or 15.0 g/m2/24 hrs at 38 C
and 90% RH.
Moreover, it may be desirable to use materials of construction having oil
and/or chemical
resistance particularly in the seal layer, but not limited to just the seal
layer. The flexible
multilayer film can be either printable or compatible to receive a pressure
sensitive label or
other type of label for displaying of indicia on the flexible container 10.
[0063] In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is made from a flexible
multilayer
film having at least one, or at least two, or at least three layers. The
flexible multilayer film
is resilient, flexible, deformable, and pliable. The structure and composition
of the flexible
multilayer film for each panel may be the same or different. For example, each
of the four
panels can be made from a separate web, each web having a unique structure
and/or
unique composition, finish, or print. Alternatively, each of the four panels
can be the same
structure and the same composition.
[0064] In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayer
film having
the same structure and the same composition.
[0065] The flexible multilayer film may be (i) a coextruded multilayer
structure or (ii) a
laminate, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). In an embodiment, the
flexible multilayer film
has at least three layers: a seal layer, an outer layer, and a tie layer
between. The tie layer
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adjoins the seal layer to the outer layer. The flexible multilayer film may
include one or
more optional inner layers disposed between the seal layer and the outer
layer.
[0066] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film
having at least
two, or three, or four, or five, or six, or seven to eight, or nine, or 10, or
11, or more layers.
Some methods, for example, used to construct films are by cast co-extrusion or
blown co-
extrusion methods, adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, thermal
lamination, and
coatings such as vapor deposition. Combinations of these methods are also
possible. Film
layers can comprise, in addition to the polymeric materials, additives such as
stabilizers, slip
additives, antiblocking additives, process aids, clarifiers, nucleators,
pigments or colorants,
fillers and reinforcing agents, and the like as commonly used in the packaging
industry. It is
particularly useful to choose additives and polymeric materials that have
suitable
organoleptic and or optical properties.
[0067] Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the seal
layer include
olefin-based polymer (including any ethylene/C3-C10 a-olefin copolymers linear
or
branched), propylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, random
propylene copolymer, propylene homopolymer, and propylene impact copolymer),
ethylene-based polymer (including plastomer and elastomer, high density
polyethylene
("HDPE"), low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), linear low density polyethylene
("LLDPE"),
medium density polyethylene ("MDPE"), ethylene-acrylic acid or ethylene-
methacrylic acid
and their ionomers with zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium, magnesium salts,
ethylene vinyl
acetate copolymers and blends thereof.
[0068] Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric material for the outer
layer include
those used to make biaxially or monoaxially oriented films for lamination as
well as
coextruded films. Some nonlimiting polymeric material examples are biaxially
oriented
polyethylene terephthalate (OPET), monoaxially oriented nylon (MON), biaxially
oriented
nylon (BON), and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). Other polymeric
materials useful
in constructing film layers for structural benefit are polypropylenes (such as
propylene
homopolymer, random propylene copolymer, propylene impact copolymer,
thermoplastic
polypropylene (TPO) and the like, propylene-based plastomers (e.g., VERSIFYTM
or
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VISTAMAXN), polyamides (such as Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Nylon 6,66, Nylon 6,12,
Nylon 12
etc.), polyethylene norbornene, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyacrylonitrile,
polyesters,
copolyesters (such as PETG), cellulose esters, polyethylene and copolymers of
ethylene
(e.g., LLDPE based on ethylene octene copolymer such as DOWLEXTM, blends
thereof, and
multilayer combinations thereof.
[0069] Nonlimiting examples of suitable polymeric materials for the tie
layer include
functionalized ethylene-based polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate ("EVA"),
polymers
with maleic anhydride-grafted to polyolefins such as any polyethylene,
ethylene-
copolymers, or polypropylene, and ethylene acrylate copolymers such an
ethylene methyl
acrylate ("EMA"), glycidyl containing ethylene copolymers, propylene and
ethylene based
olefin block copolymers (OBC) such as INTUNE"' (PP-OBC) and INFUSETM (PE-OBC)
both
available from The Dow Chemical Company, and blends thereof.
[0070] The flexible multilayer film may include additional layers which may
contribute
to the structural integrity or provide specific properties. The additional
layers may be
added by direct means or by using appropriate tie layers to the adjacent
polymer layers.
Polymers which may provide additional mechanical performance such as stiffness
or
opacity, as well polymers which may offer gas barrier properties or chemical
resistance can
be added to the structure.
[0071] Nonlimiting examples of suitable material for the optional barrier
layer include
copolymers of vinylidene chloride and methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate or
vinyl
chloride (e.g., SARAN resins available from The Dow Chemical Company);
vinylethylene vinyl
alcohol (EVOH), metal foil ( such as aluminum foil). Alternatively, modified
polymeric films
such as vapor deposited aluminum or silicon oxide on such films as BON, OPET,
or OPP, can
be used to obtain barrier properties when used in laminate multilayer film.
[0072] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film includes a seal layer
selected from
LLDPE (sold under the trade name DOWLEXTM (The Dow Chemical Company)), single-
site
LLDPE (substantially linear, or linear, olefin polymers, including polymers
sold under the
trade name AFFINITY"' or ELITE"' (The Dow Chemical Company) for example,
propylene-
based plastomers or elastomers such as VERSIFYTM (The Dow Chemical Company),
and
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blends thereof. An optional tie layer is selected from either ethylene-based
olefin block
copolymer PE-OBC (sold as INFUSETM) or propylene-based olefin block copolymer
PP-OBC
(sold as INTUNE"'). The outer layer includes greater than 50 wt% of resin(s)
having a
melting point, Tm, that is from 25 C, to 30 C, or 40 C or higher than the
melting point of the
polymer in the seal layer wherein the outer layer polymer is selected from
resins such as
VERSIFY or VISTAMAX, ELITETm, HDPE or a propylene-based polymer such as
propylene
homopolymer, propylene impact copolymer or TPO.
[0073] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is co-extruded.
[0074] In an embodiment, flexible multilayer film includes a seal layer
selected from
LLDPE (sold under the trade name DOWLEXTM (The Dow Chemical Company)), single-
site
LLDPE (substantially linear, or linear, olefin polymers, including polymers
sold under the
trade name AFFINITY"' or ELITE"' (The Dow Chemical Company) for example,
propylene-
based plastomers or elastomers such as VERSIFYTM (The Dow Chemical Company),
and
blends thereof. The flexible multilayer film also includes an outer layer that
is a polyamide.
[0075] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film,
the seal layer
is composed of an ethylene-based polymer, such as a linear or a substantially
linear
polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of
ethylene and an
alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, having a Tm from
55 C to
115 C and a density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm3, or from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm3,
or from 0.888
to 0.900 g/cm3 and the outer layer is composed of a polyamide having a Tm from
170 C to
270 C.
[0076] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film
having at least
five layers, the coextruded film having a seal layer composed of an ethylene-
based polymer,
such as a linear or substantially linear polymer, or a single-site catalyzed
linear or
substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer such as
1-butene,
1-hexene or 1-octene, the ethylene-based polymer having a Tm from 55 C to 115
C and
density from 0.865 to 0.925 g/cm3, or from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm3, or from 0.888
to 0.900
g/cm3 and an outermost layer composed of a polyamide having a Tm from 170 C to
270 C.
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[0077] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded film
having at least
seven layers. The seal layer is composed of an ethylene-based polymer, such as
a linear or
substantially linear polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear or
substantially linear polymer
of ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-
octene, the
ethylene-based polymer having a Tm from 55 C to 115 C and density from 0.865
to 0.925
g/cm3, or from 0.875 to 0.910 g/cm3, or from 0.888 to 0.900 g/cm3. The outer
layer is a
polyamide having a Tm from 170 C to 270 C.
[0078] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film includes a seal layer
composed of
an ethylene-based polymer, or a linear or substantially linear polymer, or a
single-site
catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of ethylene and an alpha-
olefin monomer
such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, having a heat seal initiation
temperature (HSIT)
from 65 C to less than 125 C. In a further embodiment, the seal layer of the
flexible
multilayer film has an HSIT from 65 C, or 70 C, or 75 C, or 80 C, or 85 C, or
90 C, or 95 C, or
100 C to 105 C, or 110 C, or 115 C, or 120 C, or less than 125 C. Applicant
discovered that
the seal layer with an ethylene-based polymer with a HSIT from 65 C to less
than 125 C
advantageously enables the formation of secure seals and secure sealed edges
around the
complex perimeter of the flexible container. The ethylene-based polymer with
HSIT from
65 C to less than 125 C is a robust sealant which also allows for better
sealing to the rigid
fitment which is prone to failure. The ethylene-based polymer with HSIT from
65 C to
125 C enables lower heat sealing pressure/temperature during container
fabrication.
Lower heat seal pressure/temperature results in lower stress at the fold
points of the
gusset, and lower stress at the union of the films in the top segment and in
the bottom
segment. This improves film integrity by reducing wrinkling during the
container
fabrication. Reducing stresses at the folds and seams improves the finished
container
mechanical performance. The low HSIT ethylene-based polymer seals at a
temperature
below what would cause the outer layer to be compromised.
[0079] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded five
layer film, or a
coextruded seven layer film having at least two layers containing an ethylene-
based
polymer. The ethylene-based polymer may be the same or different in each
layer.
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[0080] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded five
layer, or a
coextruded seven layer film having at least two layers containing a polyamide
polymer.
[0081] In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a seven-layer
coextruded film
with a seal layer composed of an ethylene-based polymer, or a linear or
substantially linear
polymer, or a single-site catalyzed linear or substantially linear polymer of
ethylene and an
alpha-olefin monomer such as 1-butene, 1-hexene or 1-octene, having a Tm from
90 C to
104 C. The outer layer is a polyamide having a Tm from 170 C to 270 C. The
film has an
inner layer (first inner layer) composed of a second ethylene-based polymer,
different than
the ethylene-based polymer in the seal layer. The film has an inner layer
(second inner
layer) composed of a polyamide the same or different to the polyamide in the
outer layer.
The seven layer film has a thickness from 100 micrometers to 250 micrometers.
[0082] Flexible container 10 has an expanded configuration (shown in FIGS.
1-4) and a
collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 5. When the container 10 is in the
collapsed
configuration, the flexible container is in a flattened, or in an otherwise
evacuated state.
The gusset panels 18, 20 fold inwardly (dotted lines of FIG. 5) and are
sandwiched by the
front panel 22 and the rear panel 24.
[0083] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the bottom seal area 33 of FIGS. 3
and 5 and
the front panel 26a. The fold lines 60 and 62 of respective gusset panels 18,
20 are
separated by a distance U that is from 0 mm, or 0.5 mm, or 1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm
to 12.0 mm,
or 60 mm, or greater than 60 mm. In an embodiment, distance U varies based on
the size
and volume of the flexible container 10. For example, the flexible container
10 may have a
distance U (in mm) that is from greater than 0 mm to three times the volume
(in liters) of
the container. For example, a 2-liter flexible container can have a distance U
from greater
than 0 mm to less than or equal to 6.0 mm. In another example, a 20-liter
flexible container
has a distance U that is from greater than 0 mm to less than or equal to 60
mm.
[0084] FIG. 3 shows line A (defined by inner edge 29a) intersecting line B
(defined by
inner edge 29b) at apex point 35a. BDISP 37a is on the distal inner seal arc
39a. Apex point
35a is separated from BDISP 37a by distance S having a length from greater
than 0 mm, or
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1.0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 2.6 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 3.5 mm, or 3.9 mm to 4.0 mm, or
4.5 mm, or
5.0 mm, or 5.2 mm, or 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm, or 6.5 mm, or 7.0 mm, or 7.5 mm, or
7.9 mm.
[0085] In FIG. 3, an overseal 64 is formed where the four peripheral
tapered seals 40a-
40d converge in the bottom seal area. The overseal 64 includes 4-ply portions
66, where a
portion of each panel (18, 20, 22, 24) is heat sealed to a portion of every
other panel. Each
panel represents 1-ply in the 4-ply heat seal. The overseal 64 also includes a
2-ply portion
68 where two panels (front panel 22 and rear panel 24) are sealed together.
Consequently,
the "overseal," as used herein, is the area where the peripheral tapered seals
converge and
that is subjected to a subsequent heat seal operation (and subjected to at
least two heat
seal operations altogether). The overseal 64 is located in the peripheral
tapered seals and
does not extend into the chamber of the flexible container 10. Each panel 18,
20, 22, 24
extends from the bottom seal area 33 to the neck 27, each panel sealed to the
spout 30. In
an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 extends from the overseal 64 to the
neck 27,
each panel sealed to the spout 30.
[0086] In an embodiment, the apex point 35a is located above the overseal
64. The
apex point 35a is separated from, and does not contact the overseal 64. The
BDISP 37a is
located above the overseal 64. The BDISP 37a is separated from and does not
contact the
overseal 64.
[0087] In an embodiment, the apex point 35a is located between the BDISP
37a and the
overseal 64, wherein the overseal 64 does not contact the apex point 35a and
the overseal
64 does not contact the BDISP 37a.
[0088] The distance between the apex point 35a to the top edge of the
overseal 64 is
defined as distance W shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the distance W has a
length
from 0 mm, or greater than 0 mm, or 2.0 mm, or 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm, or 8.0 mm, or
10.0 mm
or 15.0 mm.
[0089] When more than four webs are used to produce the container, the
portion 68 of
the overseal 64 may be a 4-ply, or a 6-ply, or an 8-ply portion.
[0090] The gusseted side panels 18, 20 adjoin the front panel 22 and the
rear panel 24
along peripheral seals to form a chamber.
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[0091]
Each peripheral seal has (i) an arcuate body seal inner edge (ABSIE) with
opposing ends, (ii) a tapered seal inner edge (TSIE) extending from each end
of the body
seal, between each ABSIE and TSIE. Each TSIE extends from a respective ABSIE
end. A
corner arc is present between each ABSIE and TSIE. The flexible container
includes at least
one corner arc having a radius of curvature, Rc, from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or
5.0 mm, or 10.0
mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0mm, or
200.0
mm, or 250.0mm, or 300.0 mm.
[0092] The
peripheral seals 41 shown in FIG. 1 are described in further detail in FIGS.
5,
5A, and 6. In FIGS. 5, 5A, and 6, the peripheral seals 41 of FIG. 1 are
identified individually
as peripheral seals 132a, 132b, 132c, and 132d. Each peripheral seal 132a-132d
has
opposing ends, a top end and a bottom end. Each peripheral seal 132a-132d
includes a
respective arcuate body seal inner edge (ABSIE) 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d.
Each
peripheral seal 132a-132d further includes a respective tapered seal inner
edge (TSIE)
extending from the bottom end and from the top end of each respective ABSIE.
TSIEs 136a,
136b, 136c, 136d extend from the bottom end of each respective ABSIE 134a-134d
and are
hereafter collectively referred to as "b-TSIE." TSIEs 138a, 138b, 138c, and
138d extend from
the top end of each respective ABSIE and are hereafter collectively referred
to "t-TSIE."
[0093] A
corner arc 140a-140h (or "CA 140a-140h ") extends between each ABSIE and
TSIE to connect, or otherwise adjoin, each TSIE to its respective ABSIE end
(top end or
bottom end). The flexible container 10 has eight corner arcs (or CAs), 140a-
140h. As best
shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, CA 140a extends between BSIE 134a and b-TSIE 136a. CA
140a
connects BSIE 134a to b-TSIE 136a. It is understood that CAs 140b-140h connect
respective
ABSIEs and TSIEs in a similar manner as shown and described with respect to CA
140a. It is
further understood that corner arcs 140a-140h are distinct from the distal
inner seal arcs
39a, 39c in the bottom seal area.
[0094]
Each corner arc defines a radius of curvature, Rc. As flexible container 10
has
eight corner arcs (CAs 140a-140h), the flexible container 10 has eight corner
radii of
curvature, Rc. The radii of curvature for the CAs may be the same or
different.
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[0095] The "radius of curvature," or "Rc," as used herein, is the radius of
a circular arc
which best approximates the curve at a given point. The radius of curvature is
measured
when the flexible container 10 is in its collapsed configuration. As best
shown in FIG. 5A,
corner arc 140a has a radius of curvature, Rc. It is understood that CAs 140b-
140h each has
a similar respective radius of curvature, Rc, as described for corner arc
140a.
[0096] In an embodiment, at least one of the corner arcs 140a-140h (CAs),
has a radius
of curvature from 1.0 millimeter (mm) to 300.0 mm. In a further embodiment, at
least one
of the CAs has a radius of curvature, Rc, from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm,
or 10.0 mm, or
20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0
mm, or
250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm.
[0097] In an embodiment, at least two of the inner arcs 140a-140h have a
radius of
curvature from 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, to 50.0
mm, or
75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm.
[0098] Corner arcs 140a-140d are hereafter collectively referred to as
bottom corner
arcs, or "b-CAs." Corner arcs 140e-140h are hereafter collectively referred to
as top inner
arcs, or "t-CAs."
[0099] In an embodiment, at least one b-CA and at least one t-CA has a
radius of
curvature from 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, to 50.0
mm, or
75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm.
[00100] In an embodiment, each of the four b-CAs of flexible container 10
(CAs 140a-
140d) has a radius of curvature from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm,
or 20.0
mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm,
or
250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm. In a further embodiment, each of the four b-CAs has the
same
radius of curvature in the range from 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0
mm, or 25.0
mm, to 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm.
[00101] FIG. 6 shows top corner arcs, t-CAs 140e-140h. In an embodiment,
each of the
four t-CAs of flexible container 10 (CAs 140e-140h) has a radius of curvature
from 1.0 mm,
or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0
mm, or
100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm. In a further
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embodiment, each of the four t-CAs have the same radius of curvature in the
range from
3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, to 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm,
or 100.0
mm.
[00102] In an embodiment, each of the four b-CAs and each of the four t-CAs
of flexible
container 10 (CAs 140a-140h) has a radius of curvature from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm,
or 5.0 mm,
or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to
150.0 mm,
or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm. In a further embodiment, each of the
four b-CAs
and each of the four t-CAs has the same radius of curvature in the range from
1.0 mm, or
3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm,
or 100.0
mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm.
[00103] The flexible container 10 has ABSIEs 134a-134d. Each ABSIE has a
radius of
curvature, Rc. The Rc for each ABSIE may be the same or may be different. Each
ABSIE
134a-134d has a radius of curvature from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0
mm, or
20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0
mm, or
250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm. In an embodiment, the Rc for each ABSIE 134a-134d is
the same
and is from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm,
or 50.0
mm, or 75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0
mm.
[00104] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has an aspect ratio
from 1:1 to
3.0:1. The "aspect ratio," as used herein, is the height of the flexible
container divided by
the width of the flexible container. The aspect ratio is measured when the
flexible
container is in an expanded and stand-up configuration (when the container is
filled with
product, for example) as shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, flexible container 10 is
in the expanded
and stand-up position. Distance H is the height of the flexible container 10
and distance I is
the width of the flexible container 10. The aspect ratio is distance H divided
by distance I.
[00105] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has an aspect ratio
from 1:1, or
1.2:1, or 1.5:1, to 2.0:1, or 2.5:1, or 3.0:1.
[00106] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has one, some or all of
the following
properties:
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[00107] (i) eight corner arcs (140a-140h), each corner arc having the same
Rc from 1.0
mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0 mm, or
75.0 mm,
or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm; and/or
[00108] (ii) four ABSIEs (134a-134d), each ABSIEs having the same radius of
curvature
from 1.0 mm, or 3.0 mm, or 5.0 mm, or 10.0 mm, or 20.0 mm, or 25.0 mm, or 50.0
mm, or
75.0 mm, or 100.0 mm to 150.0 mm, or 200.0 mm, or 250.0 mm, or 300.0 mm;
and/or
[00109] (iii) an aspect ratio from 1:1, or 1.2:1, or 1.5:1, or 1.8:1 to
2.0:1, or 2.5:1, or 3.0:1.
[00110] Container 10 with ABSIEs 134a-134d exhibits a greater aspect ratio
compared to
the aspect ratio of a similar prior art four panel stand-up flexible container
210. Flexible
container 210 has a width I that is the same length as the width I of
container 10. Container
210 has a height J that is less than the height H of container 10. The aspect
ratio H/I of
container 10 is greater than the aspect ratio J/I of prior art container 210.
[00111] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a volume from 0.25
liters (L), or
0.5L, or 0.75L, or 1.0L, or 1.5L, or 2.5L, or 3L, or 3.5L, 3.78L or 4.0L, or
4.5L, or 5.0L to 6.0L,
or 7.0L, or 8.0L, or 9.0L, or 10.0L, or 20L, or 30L.
[00112] The flexible container 10 can be used to store any number of flowable
substances therein. In particular, a flowable food product can be stored
within the flexible
container 10. In one aspect, flowable food products such as salad dressings,
sauces, dairy
products, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, other condiments, beverages such as
water, juice,
milk, or syrup, carbonated beverages, beer, wine, animal feed, pet feed, and
the like can be
stored inside of the flexible container 10.
[00113] The flexible container 10 is suitable for storage of other flowable
substances
including, but not limited to, oil, paint, grease, chemicals, cleaning
solutions, washing fluids,
suspensions of solids in liquid, and solid particulate matter (powders,
grains, granular
solids).
[00114] The flexible container 10 is suitable for storage of flowable
substances with
higher viscosity and requiring application of a squeezing force to the
container in order to
discharge. Nonlimiting examples of such squeezable and flowable substances
include
grease, butter, margarine, soap, shampoo, animal feed, sauces, and baby food.
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[00115] It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be
limited to the
embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of
those
embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements
of
different embodiments as come with the scope of the following claims.
