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Sommaire du brevet 2981721 

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Disponibilité de l'Abrégé et des Revendications

L'apparition de différences dans le texte et l'image des Revendications et de l'Abrégé dépend du moment auquel le document est publié. Les textes des Revendications et de l'Abrégé sont affichés :

  • lorsque la demande peut être examinée par le public;
  • lorsque le brevet est émis (délivrance).
(12) Demande de brevet: (11) CA 2981721
(54) Titre français: RECIPIENT SOUPLE AVEC DOUILLE
(54) Titre anglais: FLEXIBLE CONTAINER WITH FITMENT
Statut: Réputée abandonnée et au-delà du délai pour le rétablissement - en attente de la réponse à l’avis de communication rejetée
Données bibliographiques
(51) Classification internationale des brevets (CIB):
  • B65D 37/00 (2006.01)
  • B65D 75/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventeurs :
  • WILKES, KENNETH R. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • GASTON, RYAN S. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • BONEKAMP, JEFFREY E. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • TIWARI, RASHI (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
  • VANSUMEREN, MARK W. (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
(73) Titulaires :
  • DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
(71) Demandeurs :
  • DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Etats-Unis d'Amérique)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Co-agent:
(45) Délivré:
(86) Date de dépôt PCT: 2016-04-06
(87) Mise à la disponibilité du public: 2016-10-13
Licence disponible: S.O.
Cédé au domaine public: S.O.
(25) Langue des documents déposés: Anglais

Traité de coopération en matière de brevets (PCT): Oui
(86) Numéro de la demande PCT: PCT/US2016/026113
(87) Numéro de publication internationale PCT: US2016026113
(85) Entrée nationale: 2017-10-03

(30) Données de priorité de la demande:
Numéro de la demande Pays / territoire Date
62/146,021 (Etats-Unis d'Amérique) 2015-04-10

Abrégés

Abrégé français

La présente invention concerne un récipient souple. Selon un mode de réalisation, le récipient souple comprend (A) quatre panneaux, chaque panneau comprenant un film multicouche souple. Le film multicouche souple comprend un matériau polymère composé d'un matériau polymère. Les quatre panneaux forment (i) un corps, et (ii) un goulot. Le contenant souple comprend (B) une douille présentant une partie supérieure et une base. La douille est faite d'un matériau polymère. La base est scellée au goulot. La base présente (C) une forme de section transversale avec un diamètre (d), et la base présente une épaisseur de paroi (WT) La base présente un rapport d/WT, ledit rapport d/WT (en mm) allant de 35 à 800.


Abrégé anglais

The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) four panels, each panel comprising a flexible multilayer film. The flexible multilayer film includes a polymeric material composed of a polymeric material. The four panels form (i) a body, and (ii) a neck. The flexible container includes (B) a fitment having a top portion and a base. The fitment is composed of a polymeric material. The base is sealed in the neck. The base has (C) a cross-sectional shape with a diameter (d), and the base has a wall thickness (WT). The base has a d/WT ratio wherein the d/WT ratio (in mm) is from 35 to 800.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


CLAIMS
1. A flexible container comprising:
(A) four panels, each panel comprising a flexible multilayer film
comprising a
polymeric material, the four panels forming
a body, and
(ii) a neck;
(B) a fitment comprising a top portion and a base, the fitment composed of
a
polymeric material, the base sealed in the neck; and
(C) the base has a cross-sectional shape with a uniform diameter (d), the
base has a
wall thickness (WT), wherein the d/WT ratio (in mm) is from 35 to 800.
2. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional shape of
the base is
selected from the group consisting of circle and regular polygon.
3. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional shape of
the base is a circle.
4. The flexible container of claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional shape of
the base is a
square.
5. The flexible container of any of claims 1-4 wherein the diameter of the
base is greater
than the diameter of the top portion.
6. The flexible container of any of claims 1-5 wherein the diameter (d) is
from 10mm to
120mm.
7. The flexible container of any of claims 1-6 wherein the wall thickness
(WT) is from
0.15mm to 0.75mm.
8. The flexible container of any of claims 1-7 wherein the polymeric
material for the
fitment is selected from the group consisting of propylene-based polymer,
ethylene-based
polymer, polyamide, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyester, copolyester, cellulose
ester, and
combinations thereof.

9. The flexible container of any of the claims 1-8 wherein polymeric
material for the
fitment is an ethylene-based polymer having a 2% secant flexural modulus from
10 MPa to less
than 200 MPa.
10. The flexible container of any of claims 1-9 wherein the flexible
multilayer film has a
clarity greater than 80% and haze less than 20% (at 0.5mm thickness).
11. The flexible container of any of claims 1-10 wherein the polymeric
material for the
fitment has clarity greater than 80% and haze less than 20% (at 0.5mm
thickness).
12. The flexible container of any of claims 1-11 comprising a hermetic seat
between the
neck and the base.
41

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


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FLEXIBLE CONTAINER WITH FITMENT
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a flexible container with a
dispensing fitment
and a standup flexible container with a dispensing fitment in particular.
[0002] Flexible packaging is known to offer significant value and
sustainability benefits to
product manufacturers, retailers and consumers as compared to solid, molded
plastic
packaging containers. Flexible packaging provides many consumer conveniences
and benefits,
including extended shelf life, easy storage, microwavability and
refillability. Flexible packaging
has proven to require less energy for creation and creates fewer emissions
during disposal.
[0003] Flexible packaging includes 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 gussets are also
terminated at the top of
the container to form an open neck for receiving a rigid fitment and closure.
[0004] Conventional procedures for fabricating gusseted flexible containers
with a rigid
fitment have shortcomings. The fitment requires a material and a thickness
strong enough to
withstand the heat and compression force imparted by opposing seal bars during
the sealing
process. This requirement constrains the diameter of the fitment base. The
fitment material
must also be compatible with the container film material in order to form a
heat seal weld.
[0005] Fitments with a canoe-shaped base or a base with extended radial
fins oriented
1800 apart, are not practical for flexible containers with more than two
panels because the base
geometry of these fitments does not match the geometry of containers with
three, four, or
more panels.
[0006] A need exists for a gusseted flexible container having an enlarged
fitment base
diameter. A need further exists for a gusseted flexible container having a
thin-wall fitment,
alone or in combination with, an enlarged fitment base diameter.
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SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an
embodiment, the
flexible container includes (A) four panels, each panel comprising a flexible
multilayer film. The
flexible multilayer film includes a polymeric material. The four panels form
(i) a body and (ii) a
neck. The flexible container includes (B) a fitment having a top portion and a
base. The fitment
is composed of a polymeric material. The base is sealed in the neck. The base
has (C) a cross-
sectional shape with a diameter (d), and the base has a wall thickness (WT).
The base has a
d/WT ratio, wherein the d/WT ratio (in mm) is from 35 to 800.
[0008] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
improved seal
strength between the fitment and the flexible container panels.
[0009] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
a transparent
fitment through which the material being dispensed from the flexible container
can be seen.
[0010] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
a fitment made
with a reduced amount of polymeric material.
[0011] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
a thin-wall
fitment.
[0012] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
a flexible
fitment.
[0013] An advantage of the present disclosure is a flexible container with
a fitment made
from a polymeric material having a low modulus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. I is a front elevation view of a flexible container in a
collapsed configuration in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevation view of a panel sandwich.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the flexible container of FIG. I in
an expanded
configuration and in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,
[0017] FIG, 4 is a bottom plan view of the expanded flexible container of
FIG, 3 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG, 5 is a top plan view of the flexible container of FIG. 3.
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[0019] FIG, 6 is an enlarged view of Area 6 of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a fitment in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the fitment taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an
embodiment, the
flexible container includes (A) four panels. Each panel includes a flexible
multilayer film. The
flexible multilayer film includes a polymeric material. The four panels form
(i) a body and (ii) a
neck. The flexible container includes (B) a fitment. The fitment has a top
portion and a base.
The fitment is composed of a polymeric material. The base is sealed in the
neck. The base has
(C) a cross sectional shape with a diameter (d), and the base has a wall
thickness (WT).
1. Flexible Container
[0023] The flexible container includes panels, each panel composed of a
flexible
multilayer film. The flexible container can be made from two, three, four,
five, six, or more
panels. In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a collapsed
configuration (as shown in
FIG. 1) and has an expanded configuration (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5). FIG. 1
shows the flexible
container 10 having a bottom section I, a body section II, a tapered
transition section III, and a
neck section IV. In the expanded configuration, the bottom section I forms a
bottom segment
26, as shown in FIG. 4. The body section II forms a body portion. The tapered
transition section
III forms a tapered transition portion. The neck section IV forms a neck
portion.
[0024] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 is made from four
panels, as shown in
FIGS. 1-6. During the fabrication process, the panels are formed when one or
more webs of
film material are sealed together. While the webs may be separate pieces of
film material, it
will be appreciated that any number of the seams between the webs could be
"pre-made," as
by folding one or more of the source webs to create the effect of a seam or
seams. For
example, if it were desired to fabricate the present flexible container from
two webs instead of
four, the bottom, left center, and right center webs could be a single folded
web, instead of
three separate webs. Similarly, one, two, or more webs may be used to produce
each
respective panel (i.e., a bag-in--a--bag configuration or a bladder
configuration).
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[0025] FIG. 2 shows the relative positions of the four webs as they form
four panels (in a
one up" configuration) as they pass through the fabrication process. For
clarity, the webs are
shown as four individual panels, the panels separated and the heat seals not
made. The
constituent webs form first gusset panel 18, second gusset panel 20, front
panel 22 and rear
panel 24. The panels 18-24 are a multilayer film, as discussed in detail
below. The gusset fold
lines 60 and 62 are shown in FIGS, 1 and 2.
[0026] As shown in FIG, 2, the folded gusset panels 18, 20 are placed
between the rear
panel 24 and the front panel 22 to form a "panel sandwich." The gusset panel
18 opposes the
gusset panel 20. The edges of the panels 18-24 are configured, or otherwise
arranged, to form
a common periphery 11 as shown in FIG. 1. The flexible multilayer film of each
panel web is
configured so that the heat seal layers face each other. The common periphery
11 includes the
bottom seal area including the bottom end of each panel.
[0027] When the flexible container 10 is in the collapsed configuration,
the flexible
container is in a flattened state, or in an otherwise evacuated state. The
gusset panels 18, 20
fold inwardly (dotted gusset fold lines 60, 62 of FIG. 1) and are sandwiched
by the front panel
22 and the rear panel 24.
[0028] FIGS. 3-5 show flexible container 10 in the expanded configuration.
The flexible
container 10 has four panels, a front panel 22, a rear panel 24, a first
gusset panel 18 and a
second gusset panel 20. The four panels 18, 20, 22, and 24 form the body
section II and extend
toward a top end 44 and extend toward a bottom end 46 of the container 10.
Sections III
and IV (respective tapered transition section, neck section) form a top
segment 28. Section I
(bottom section) forms a bottom segment 26.
[0029] The four panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 can each be composed of a separate
web of film
material. The composition and structure for each web of film material can be
the same or
different. Alternatively, one web of film material 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.
[0030] In an embodiment, four webs of film material are provided, one web
of film for
each respective panel 18, 20, 22, and 24. The process includes sealing edges
of each film to the
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adjacent web of film to form peripheral seals 41 and peripheral tapered seals
40a-40d (40)
(FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5). The peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d are located on the
bottom segment 26
of the container, as shown in FIG. 4, and have an inner edge 29a-29f. The
peripheral seals 41
are located on the side edges of the container 10, as shown in FIG. 3.
Consequently, the
process includes forming a closed bottom section I, a closed body section II,
and a closed
tapered transition section III.
[0031] 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
tapered
transition section III, and the neck section IV. The top end 44 includes four
top panels 28a-28d
(FIG. 5) of film that define the top segment 28. The bottom segment 26 can be
defined by
extensions of the panels sealed together at the bottom section I. 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. 4.
[0032] The neck portion can be located at a corner of the body 47, or in
one of the four
panels. In an embodiment, the neck 30 is positioned at a midpoint of the top
segment 28. The
neck 30 may (or may not) be sized smaller than a width of the body section II,
such that the
neck 30 can have an area that is less than a total area of the top segment 28.
The location of
the neck 30 can be anywhere on the top segment 28 of the container 10.
[0033] In an embodiment, the neck 30 is formed from two or more panels. In
a further
embodiment, the neck 30 is formed from four panels.
[0034] In an embodiment, the neck 30 is sized to accommodate a wide-mouth
fitment. A
"wide-mouth fitment," is a fitment 70 having a diameter greater than 50mm.
[0035] Although FIGS. 1 and 3 show the flexible container 10 with a top
handle 12 and a
bottom handle 14, it is understood the flexible container 10 may be fabricated
without handles
or with only one handle. When the flexible container 10 has a top handle 12,
the neck 30 is
located centered on the top segment 28 between the handle bases to facilitate
easy pouring.
[0036] The four panels of film that form the flexible container 10 extend
from the body
section II (forming body 47), to the tapered transition section III (forming
tapered transition

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portion 48), to form a neck 30 (in the neck section IV). The four panels of
film also extend from
the body section II to the bottom section I (forming bottom portion 49). When
the flexible
container 10 is in the collapsed configuration (FIG. 1), the neck 30 has a
width, F, that is less
than the width of the tapered transition section III. The neck 30 includes a
neck wall 50. FIGS. 1
and 3 show the neck wall 50 forms an open end 51 for access into the flexible
container
interior. The panels are sealed together to form a closed bottom section I, a
closed body
section II, and a closed tapered transition section III. Nonlimiting examples
of suitable heating
procedures include heat sealing and/or ultrasonic sealing. When the flexible
container 10 is in
the expanded configuration, the open end 51 of the neck wall 50 is open or is
otherwise
unsealed. When the flexible container 10 is in the collapsed configuration,
the open end 51 is
unsealed and is openable. The open end 51 permits access to the container
interior through
the neck wall 50 and the neck 30 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3-4, 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. 4 shows four
triangle-shaped
bottom faces 26a-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.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows bottom segment 26. Each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 has a
respective
bottom face 26a-26d that is present in the bottom segment 26. Each bottom face
is bordered
by two opposing peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d. Each peripheral tapered seal
40a-40d
extends from a respective peripheral seal 41. The peripheral tapered seals for
the front panel
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22 and the rear panel 24 have an inner edge 29a-29d (FIG. 4) and an outer edge
31 (FIG. 6).
The peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d converge at a bottom seal area 33 (FIGS.
1, 4, 6).
[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 the inner
edge.
[0041] The apex point 35a is separated from the BDISP 37a by a distance S
from 0
millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0mm.
[0042] In an embodiment, the rear panel bottom face 26c includes an apex
point 35c
similar to the apex point 35c on the front panel bottom face 26a. 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 the inner edge. The apex point 35c is separated from
the BDISP 37c by
a distance T from 0 millimeter (mm) to less than 8.0mm.
[0043] It is understood the following description to the front panel bottom
face 26a
applies equally to the rear panel bottom face 26c, with reference numerals to
the rear panel
bottom face 26c shown in adjacent closed parentheses.
[0044] In an embodiment, the BDISP 37a (37c) is located where the inner
edges 29a (29c)
and 29b (29d) intersect. The distance S (distance T) between the BDISP 37a
(37c) and the apex
point 35a (35c) is Omm.
[0045] In an embodiment, the inner seal edge diverges from the inner edges
29a, 29b
(29c, 29d), to form an inner seal arc 39a (front panel) and inner seal arc 39c
(rear panel) as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. 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 Omm, or 0.5mm, or 1.0mm, or 2.0mm, or
2.6mm, or
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3.0mm, or 3.5mm, or 3.9mm to 4.0mm, or 4.5mm, or 5.0mm, or 5.2mm, or 5.3mm, or
5.5mm,
or 6.0mm, or 6.5mm, or 7.0mm, or 7.5mm, or 7.9mm.
[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 Omm to less than
6.0mm.
[0047] In an embodiment, the distance S (distance T) from the apex point
35a (35c) to the
BDISP 37a (37c) is from greater than Omm, or 0.5mm or 1.0mm, or 2.0mm to
4.0mm, or 5.0mm,
or less than 5.5mm.
[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 3.0mm, or 3.5mm,
or 3.9mm to
4.0mm, or 4.5mm, or 5.0mm, or 5.2mm, or 5.3mm, or 5.5mm.
[0049] In an embodiment, the distal inner seal arc 39a (39c) has a radius
of curvature
from Omm, or greater than Omm, or 1.0mm to 19.0mm, or 20.0mm.
[0050] In an embodiment, each peripheral tapered seal 40a-40d (outside
edge) and an
extended line from respective peripheral seal 41 (outside edge) form an angle
Z, as shown in
FIG. 1. The angle Z is from 40 , or 42 , or 44 , or 45 to 46 , or 48 , or 50
. In an embodiment,
angle Z is 45 .
[0051] The bottom segment 26 includes a pair of gussets 54 and 56 formed
there at,
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
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
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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.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. ¨4, 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.
[0053] The top handle 12 and the bottom handle 14 can comprise up to four
plys of film
sealed together for a four panel container 10. When more than four panels are
used to make
the container, the handles 12, 14 can include the same number of panels used
to produce the
container. Any portion of the handles 12, 14 where all four plys 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 multilayer handle. Alternatively, the
top handle 12 can
be made from as few as a single ply of film from one panel only or can be made
from only two
plies of film from two panels. The handles 12, 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 handles
12, 14 would
also have a rectangular shape.
[0054] Additionally, the bottom handle 14 can contain a handle opening 16
or cutout
section therein sized to fit a user's hand, as can be seen in FIG. 1. The
handle opening 16 can be
any shape that is convenient to fit the hand and, in one aspect, the handle
opening 16 can have
a generally oval shape. In another embodiment, the handle opening 16 can have
a generally
rectangular shape. Additionally, the handle opening 16 of the bottom handle 14
can also have
a flap 38 that comprises the cut material that forms the handle opening 16. To
define the
handle opening 16, the bottom handle 14 can have a section that is cut out of
the multilayer
bottom handle 14 along three sides or portions while remaining attached at a
fourth side or
lower portion. This provides a flap of material 38 that can be pushed through
the handle
opening 16 by the user and folded over an edge of the handle opening 16 to
provide a relatively
9

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smooth gripping surface at an edge that contacts the user's hand. If the flap
of material 38
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.
[0055] 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
bottom handle 14 to
consistently fold in the same direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The machine
fold 42 can
comprise a fold line that permits folding in a first direction X toward the
front panel 22 and
restricts folding in a second direction Y 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 X, than in an opposite direction, such as the second direction Y.
The machine fold 42
can cause the bottom handle 14 to consistently fold in the first direction X
because it can be
thought of as providing a generally permanent fold line in the bottom handle
14 that is
predisposed to fold in the first direction X, rather than in the second
direction Y. 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 X 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
bottom handle 14 to fold in the first direction X 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. 4. 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 bottom
handle 14 and
maintain the bottom handle 14 in the folded position in the first direction X.
As will be
discussed herein, the top handle 12 can also contain a similar machine fold
34a, 34b that also
allows it to fold consistently in the same first direction X as the bottom
handle 14.
[0056] 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 14
is sealed generally along its entire length extending between the pair of
gusset panels 18 and

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20, it can help to keep the gussets 54 and 56 (FIGS. 3, 4) together and
continue to provide
support to stand the container 10 upright, even as the container 10 is
emptied.
[0057] As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the top handle 12 can extend from the
top segment 28
and, in particular, can extend from the four panels 28a-28d that make up the
top segment 28.
The four panels 28a-28d of film that extend into the top handle 12 are all
sealed together to
form a multilayer 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 two
pairs of spaced
legs 13 and 15 extending therefrom. The pair of legs 13 and 15 extend from the
top segment
28, adjacent the neck 30.
[0058] A portion of the top handle 12 can extend above the neck 30 and
above the top
segment 28 when the top 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
neck wall 50 and
the top segment 28. The two pairs of legs 13 and 15 along with the upper
handle portion 12a
together make up the top handle 12 surrounding a handle opening that allows a
user to place
their hand therethrough and grasp the upper handle portion 12a of the handle
12.
[0059] As with the bottom handle 14, the top handle 12 also 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, as shown in FIG.
5. The machine
fold 34a, 34b can be located in each of the pair of legs 13, 15 at a location
where the seal
begins. The top handle 12 can be adhered together, such as with a tack
adhesive, for example.
The machine fold 34a, 34b in the top handle 12 can allow for the top handle 12
to be inclined to
fold or bend consistently in the same first direction X as the bottom handle
14, rather than in
the second direction Y. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the top handle 12 can
likewise contain a
flap portion 36 that folds upwards toward the upper handle portion 12a of the
top handle 12 to
create a smooth gripping surface of the top 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 top 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. 3, the bottom handle 14 can be folded
underneath the
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container 10 along the bottom machine fold 42 in the first direction X, so
that it is parallel to
the bottom segment 26 and adjacent bottom panel 26a, and the top handle 12
will
automatically fold along its machine fold 34a, 34b in the same first direction
X, with a front
surface of the top handle 12 parallel to a panel 28a of the top segment 28.
The top handle 12
folds in the first direction X, rather than extending straight up,
perpendicular to the top
segment 28, because of the machine fold 34a, 34b. Both handles 12 and 14 are
inclined to fold
in the same direction X, such that upon dispensing, the handles can fold the
same direction,
relatively parallel to its respective end panel or end segment, to make
dispensing easier and
more controlled. Therefore, in a rest position, the handles 12 and 14 are both
folded generally
parallel to one another. Additionally, the container 10 can stand upright even
with the bottom
handle 14 positioned underneath the upright container 10.
[0061] The material of construction of the flexible container 10 can
comprise food-grade
plastic. For instance, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene such as high density
polyethylene
(HDPE) and/or low density polyethylene (LDPE) may be used, as discussed later.
The film of the
plastic container 10 can have a thickness and barrier properties that are
adequate to maintain
product and package integrity during manufacturing, distribution, product
shelf life and
customer usage. In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film has a thickness
from 100
micrometers (p.m), or 200 p.m, or 250 p.m to 300 p.m, or 350 p.m, or 400 p.m.
In an embodiment,
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 films
can comprise an oxygen barrier film, such as a film having a low oxygen
transmission rate (OTR)
from greater than 0 to 0.4 cc/m2/atm/24 hrs at 23 C and 80% relative humidity
(RH).
Additionally, the flexible multilayer film can also comprise a water vapor
barrier film, such as a
film having a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from greater than 0 to
15 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. In an
12

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embodiment, the film can also be made of non-food grade resins for producing
containers for
materials other than food.
[0062] In an embodiment, each panel 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 18, 20, 22, 24 may be the same or different. For example, each
of the four
panels 18, 20, 22, 24 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 18, 20, 22, 24
can be the same structure and the same composition.
[0063] In an embodiment, each panel 18, 20, 22, 24 is a flexible multilayer
film having the
same structure and the same composition.
[0064] 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 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.
[0065] 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 ten,
or eleven, 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.
[0066] In another embodiment, the flexible multilayer film can comprise a
bladder,
wherein two or more films that are adhered in such a manner as to allow some
delamination of
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one or more plies to occur during a significant impact such that the inside
film maintains
integrity and continues to hold contents of the container.
[0067] The flexible multilayer film is composed of a polymeric material.
Nonlimiting
examples of suitable polymeric materials for the seal layer include olefin-
based polymer
(including any ethylene/C3-Cio 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 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 polyethylene
terephthlate
glycol-modified (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)
copolymer,
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) copolymer, glycidyl containing ethylene copolymers, propylene
and ethylene
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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) copolymer; and 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
oriented polypropylene (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 ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers, 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. 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 INTUNEN.
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 higher than the melting point of the polymer in the
seal layer, wherein
the outer layer polymer is selected from resins such as VERSIFYTM or
VISTAMAXTm, 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;

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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
and includes:
[0076] (i)
a seal layer composed of an olefin-based polymer having a first melt
temperature less than 105 C, (Tm1); and
[0077] (ii) an outer layer composed of a polymeric material having a second
melt
temperature, (Tm2),
[0078] wherein Tm2¨Tm1 > 40 C.
[0079] The term "Tm2¨Tm1" is the difference between the melt temperature of
the
polymer in the outer layer and the melt temperature of the polymer in the seal
layer, and is
also referred to as "ATm." In an embodiment, the ATm is from 41 C, or 50 C, or
75 C, or 100 C
to 125 C, or 150 C, or 175 C, or 200 C.
[0080] 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.
[0081]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and/or
laminated 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 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 an
outermost layer composed of a material selected from LLDPE, OPET, OPP
(oriented
polypropylene), BOPP, polyamide, and combinations thereof.
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[0082]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and/or
laminated 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
composed of a material selected from LLDPE, OPET, OPP (oriented
polypropylene), BOPP,
polyamide, and combinations thereof.
[0083]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded (or laminated)
five
layer film, or a coextruded (or laminated) 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.
[0084]
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. 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.
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[0085]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and/or
laminated five
layer, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven layer film having at least one
layer containing a
material selected from LLDPE, OPET, OPP (oriented polypropylene), BOPP, and
polyamide.
[0086]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded and/or
laminated five
layer, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven layer film having at least one
layer containing OPET
or OPP.
[0087]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a coextruded (or laminated)
five
layer, or a coextruded (or laminated) seven layer film having at least one
layer containing
polyamide.
[0088]
In an embodiment, the flexible multilayer film is a seven-layer coextruded (or
laminated) 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 106 C. The outer layer is a polyamide having a Tm from 170 C to
270 C. The film
has a ATm from 40 C to 200 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.
[0089]
FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the bottom seal area 33 (Area 6) of FIG. 1
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 Omm, or greater than Omm, or 0.5mm, or 1.0mm, or
2.0mm, or 3.0mm,
or 4.0mm, or 5.0mm to 12.0mm, or greater than 60.0mm (for larger containers,
for example).
In an embodiment, distance U is from greater than Omm to less than 6.0mm. FIG.
6 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 a
distance S having a length from greater than Omm, or 1.0mm, or 2.0mm, or
2.6mm, or 3.0mm,
or 3.5mm, or 3.9mm to 4.0mm, or 4.5mm, or 5.0mm, or 5.2mm, or 5.5mm, or 6.0mm,
or
6.5mm, or 7.0mm, or 7.5mm, or 7.9mm.
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[0090] In FIG. 6, an overseal 64 is formed where the four peripheral
tapered seals 40a-
40d converge in the bottom seal area 33. The overseal 64 includes 4-ply
portions 66, where a
portion of each panel 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 40a-40d converge that
is subjected to a
subsequent heat seal operation (and subjected to at least two heat seal
operations altogether).
The overseal is located in the peripheral tapered seals 40a-40d and does not
extend into the
chamber of the flexible container 10.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] The distance between the apex point 35a to the top edge of the
overseal 64 is
defined as distance W, shown in FIG. 6. In an embodiment, the distance W has a
length from
Omm, or greater than Omm, or 2.0mm, or 4.0mm to 6.0mm, or 8.0mm, or 10.0mm or
15.0mm.
[0094] 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.
[0095] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a vertical drop test
pass rate from
90%, or 95% to 100%. The vertical drop test is conducted as follows. The
container is filled
with tap water to its nominal capacity, conditioned at 25 C for at least 3
hours, held in upright
position from its top handle 12 at 1.5m height (from the base or side of the
container to the
ground), and released to a free fall drop onto a concrete slab floor. If any
leak is detected
immediately after the drop, the test is recorded as a failure. A minimum of
twenty flexible
containers are tested. A percentage for pass/fail containers is then
calculated.
[0096] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a side drop pass
rate from 90%, or
95% to 100%. This side drop test is conducted as follows. The container is
filled with tap water
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to its nominal capacity, conditioned at 25 C for at least 3 hours, held in
upright position from its
top handle 12. The flexible container is released on its side from a 1.5m
height to a free fall
drop onto a concrete slab floor. If any leak is detected immediately after the
drop, the test is
recorded as failure. A minimum of twenty flexible containers are tested. A
percentage for
pass/fail containers is then calculated.
[0097] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 passes the stand-up test
where the
package is filled with water at ambient temperature and placed on a flat
surface for seven days
and it should remain in the same position, with unaltered shape or position.
[0098] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 has a volume from 0.050
liters (L), or
0.1L, or 0.15L, or 0.2L, or 0.25L, or 0.5L, or 0.75L, or 1.0L, or 1.5L, or
2.5L, or 3L, or 3.5L, 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.
[0099] 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; syrup; beverages such as
water, juice, milk,
carbonated beverages, beer, or wine; animal feed; pet feed; and the like can
be stored inside of
the flexible container 10.
[00100] The flexible container 10 is suitable for storage of other flowable
substances
including, but not limited to, oil, paint, grease, chemicals, suspensions of
solids in liquid, and
solid particulate matter (powders, grains, granular solids).
[00101] 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.
2. Fitment
[00102] The present flexible container includes a fitment 70 inserted into
the neck 30 of
the flexible container 10. The fitment 70 includes a base 72 and a top portion
74, as shown in
FIG. 7. The fitment 70 is composed of one or more polymeric materials. The
base 72 and the
top portion 74 may be made from the same polymeric material or from different
polymeric

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materials. In an embodiment, the base 72 and the top portion 74 are made from
the same
polymeric material.
[00103] The top portion 74 may include threads 75 or other suitable
structure for
attachment to a closure. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fitments and
closures, include, screw
cap, flip-top cap, snap cap, liquid or beverage dispensing fitments (stop-cock
or thumb plunger),
Colder fitment connector, tamper evident pour spout, vertical twist cap,
horizontal twist cap,
aseptic cap, vitop press, press tap, push on tap, lever cap, conro fitment
connector, and other
types of removable (and optionally reclosable) closures. The closure and/or
fitment 70 may or
may not include a gasket. In an embodiment, the closure is watertight. In a
further
embodiment, the closure provides a hermetic seal to the container 10.
[00104] The base 72 has a cross sectional shape. The cross sectional shape
of the base 72
is selected from ellipse, circle, and regular polygon.
[00105] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the base 72 is an
ellipse. An
"ellipse," as used herein, is a plane curve such that the sums of the
distances of each point in its
periphery from two fixed points, the foci, are equal. The ellipse has a center
which is the
midpoint of the line segment linking the two foci. The ellipse has a major
axis (the longest
diameter through the center). The minor axis is the shortest line through the
center. The
ellipse center is the intersection of the major axis and the minor axis. As
used herein, the
diameter (d) for the ellipse is the major axis.
[00106] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is slightly elliptical
where the ratio of
major axis to minor axis is between 1.01 to 1.25.
[00107] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape for the base 72 is a
circle (or is
substantially a circle). A "circle," as used herein, is a closed plane curve
consisting of all points
at a given distance from a point within it called the center. The radius (r)
for the circle is the
distance from the center of the circle to any point on the circle. The
diameter (d) for the circle
is 2r.
[00108] in an embodiment, the cross sectional shape for the base is a
regular polygon. A
"polygon," as used herein, is a closed plane figure, having three or more
straight sides. The
point where two sides meet is a "vertex." A "regular polygon," as used herein,
is a polygon that
21

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is equiangular (all angles are equal in measure) and equilateral (all sides
have the same length.
The radius (r) for a regular polygon is defined by Formula (1) below.
[00109] Formula (I)
Tadkis
irtt,"
)
wherein
s is the length of any side;
n is the number of sides; and
sin is the sine function.
[00110] The diameter (d) for a regular polygon is 2(r) wherein the radius,
r, for the regular
polygon is determined by way of Formula (1). Nonlimiting examples of suitable
regular polygon
shapes for the cross-section of the base 72 include equilateral triangular,
regular square,
regular pentagon, regular hexagon, regular heptagon, regular octagon, regular
nonagon,
regular decagon, regular hendecagon, or regular dodecagon shape.
[00111] The cross-sectional shape of the top portion 74 may be the same or
different than
the cross-sectional shape of the base 72.
[00112] The cross-sectional shape of the base 72 may be circular, slightly
elliptical, or
regular polygonal. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the base 72
is circular, or
substantially circular, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[00113] The base 72 with a circular or regular polygon cross-sectional
shape is distinct from
fitments with a canoe-shaped fitment base or fitments with a base having
opposing radial fins.
In an embodiment, the fitment 70 excludes fitments that include a canoe-shaped
base, fitments
with a base that has radial fins, fitments with a wing-shaped base, and
fitments with an eye-
shaped base.
[00114] The outer surface of the base 72 may or may not include surface
texture. In an
embodiment, the outer surface of the base 72 has surface texture. Nonlimiting
examples of
surface texture include embossment, and a plurality of radial ridges to
promote sealing to the
inner surface of the neck wall 50.
[00115] In an embodiment, the outer surface of base 72 is smooth and does
not include
surface texture, as shown in FIG. 7.
22

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[00116] In an embodiment, the diameter of the base 72 is greater than the
diameter of the
top portion 74. FIG. 8 shows a base 72 with circle cross-sectional shape and
the diameter of
base 72 is G having a length that is greater than the length of the diameter
Q, the diameter of
the top portion 74. The fitment 70 with a base diameter G that is greater than
top portion
diameter Q advantageously promotes unimpeded pouring of content from the
flexible
container 10.
[00117] The base 72 is welded, or is otherwise heat sealed to the
multilayer film that forms
the neck 30. In other words, the base 72 is welded to the neck 30. Heat
sealing can be made
by means of hot bar, impulse seal, ultrasonic or in some cases by high
frequency (HF) sealing.
[00118] In an embodiment, the base 72 is welded to the neck 30 by way of a
mandrel with
an expandable collar as disclosed in co-pending case, USSN 62/146,002, filed
on 10 April 2015,
the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[00119] The fitment 70 is made from a polymeric material. Nonlimiting
examples of
suitable polymeric materials include propylene-based polymer, ethylene-based
polymer,
polyamides (such as Nylon 6; Nylon 6,6; Nylon 6,66; Nylon 6,12; Nylon 12; and
the like), cyclic
olefin copolymers (COC)(such as TOPAS"' or APELTm), polyesters (crystalline
and amorphous),
copolyester resin (such as PETG), cellulose esters (such as polylactic acid
(PLA)), and
combinations thereof.
[00120] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
propylene-based polymer. Nonlimiting examples of suitable propylene-based
polymer include
propylene homopolymer (hPP), impact copolymer polypropylene (ICP), random
copolymer
polypropylene (rPPO), propylene-based interpolymer both plastomers or
elastomers such as
VERSIFYTM (The Dow Chemical Company), syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP),
metallocene
polypropylene (mPP), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and combinations thereof.
[00121] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
blend of one or more propylene-based polymers, and a modifier containing a
block composite.
A "block composite," as used herein, is a block copolymer having from 70-99
wt% of
ethylene/propylene (EP) soft blocks (with 65 wt% of ethylene, based on the
total weight of the
EP block) and from 30-1 wt% of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) hard blocks that
is twin-screw
23

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WO 2016/164391 PCT/US2016/026113
compounded with the olefin modifier resin composition prior to blending with
the propylene-
based polymer. Suitable processes useful in producing the block composites may
be found in,
U.S. Patent Nos. 8,053,529, 8,686,087, and 8,716,400. The blend can contain
greater than
0 wt% to 40 wt% block composite. In a further embodiment, the blend includes
80 wt% of Pro-
fax RP448S rPP (available from LyondellBasell) and 20 wt% of the modifier. The
compounded
modifier includes 30 wt% block composite (The Dow Chemical Company), 50 wt%
AFFINITY"'
GA 1950 (available from The Dow Chemical Company) and 20 wt% ENGAGETM 8402
(available
from The Dow Chemical Company). The blend has a transparency of 99%, a haze of
11% at
(0.75mm) and an lzod Impact Strength @-20 C of 9 kJ/m2, measured according to
ASTM D256
on 0.75mm x 76mm x 76mm injection molded plaques.
[00122] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, an
ethylene-based polymer. Nonlimiting examples of suitable ethylene-based
polymer include
high density polyethylene ("HDPE"), medium density polyethylene ("MDPE"), low
density
polyethylene ("LDPE"), linear low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), ultra low
density
polyethylene ("ULDPE"), very low density polyethylene ("VLDPE"), single-site
LLDPE,
substantially linear, or linear ethylene alpha-olefin copolymers, including
polymers sold under
the trade name ENGAGETM elastomers, AFFINITY"' plastomers or ELITE"' Enhanced
Polyethylene
resins ("EPE") (all available from The Dow Chemical Company) for example,
ethylene-alpha-
olefin multi-block copolymer sold as INFUSETM Olefin Block Copolymers
(available from The Dow
Chemical Company), copolymers of polyethylene such as ethylene-vinyl acetate
("EVA")
polymer, ethylene ethyl acrylate ("EEA") polymer or ethylene methyl acrylate
("EMA") polymer
and combinations thereof.
[00123] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is formed from an ethylene-based
polymer
having a 2% secant flexural modulus (ASTM D790) of less than 200 megapascal
(MPa), or a 2%
secant flexural modulus from 10 MPa, or 25 MPa, or 50 MPa, or 75 MPa, or 100
MPa to
125 MPa, or 150 MPa, or 175 MPa, or 200 MPa. A nonlimiting example of an
ethylene-based
polymer with a 2% secant flexural modulus from 10 MPa to 200 MPa is
ethylene/alpha-olefin
multi-block copolymer sold under the tradename INFUSETM (available from the
Dow Chemical
Company) such as INFUSETM 9817.
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[00124] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
blend of one or more propylene-based polymers, alone, or in combination with
one or more
ethylene-based polymers. Nonlimiting examples of such blends include propylene-
based
polymer such as hPP or rPP or propylene based interpolymer (VERSIFYTM) that is
blended with
from 5 wt% to 30 wt% of ethylene based plastomers or elastomers such as
AFFINITY"' 1280,
AFFINITY"' GA1950, ENGAGETM 8100, ENGAGETM 8200, ENGAGETM 8401, ENGAGETM 8402
ENGAGETM 8411, ENGAGETM XLT 8677, INFUSETM 9817 olefin block copolymer resin,
VERSIFYTM
2400, VERSIFYTM 3401 or VERSIFYTM 4301, and combinations thereof.
[00125] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is formed from a compounded blend
containing
80 wt% of R751-12N rPP (available from Braskem) and 20 wt% ENGAGETM 8411
(available from
The Dow Chemical Company) with a transparency of 99.2+/-0.2%, a haze of 6.9+/-
0.4% at
0.5mm and a Gardner Impact @-29 C of 3.0 +1-0.7 J, measured in accordance with
ASTM
D5420GC at -29 C using standard ring in method with a 1.8 kg hammer on plaques
with the
following dimensions: 0.5mm x 60mm x 60mm.
[00126] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
polyamide. Nonlimiting examples of suitable polyamide include Nylon 6; Nylon
6,6; Nylon 6,66;
Nylon 6,12; Nylon 12 and the like.
[00127] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
copolyester. As used herein, the term "copolyester" is a polymer that contains
repeating units
of two or more different polyester monomers. Nonlimiting examples of suitable
copolyesters
include copolyesters formed from aromatic dicarboxylic acids, esters of
dicarboxylic acids,
anhydrides of dicarboxylic esters, glycols, and mixtures thereof. Suitable
partially aromatic
copolyesters are formed from repeat units comprising terephthalic acid,
dimethyl
terephthalate, isophthalic acid, dimethyl isophthalate, dimethyl-2,6
naphthalenedicarboxylate,
2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4 phenylene dioxydoacetic
acid, ethylene
glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol, 1,4-butanediol, and
neopentyl glycol
mixtures thereof.

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
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[00128] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of, or is otherwise
formed from, a
cycle olefin copolymer. Nonlimiting examples of suitable COC's include "COC",
such as TOPASTm
or APELTM.
[00129] In an embodiment, the copolyester includes polymerization units
derived from
terephthalic acid (TPA) and, optionally polymerization units derived from
cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and ethylene glycol (EG), and the copolyester
includes greater
than 50 mol% glycol polymerization units (such as PETG) or wherein the
copolymer includes
greater than 50 percent by mole of CHDM, such as glycol-modified
polycyclohexylenemethylene terephthalate, PCTG.
[00130] In an embodiment, the copolyester includes terephthalic acid, spiro
glycol, and
ethylene glycol known as SPG-PET available from Mitsubishi. Alternatively,
copolyesters can
include polymerization units derived from terephthalic acid,
cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM)
and isophthalic acid (IPA) such as used to produce PCTA resins.
[00131] In an embodiment, the copolyester is polyethylene terephthlate
glycol-modified
(PETG) such as Eastman's EastarTM copolyester 6763 with a haze of 0.8% or a
branched PETG
such as ProvistaTM copolymer MP002 with 1.3% haze and notched izod at -40 C of
0.63 J/cm, as
determined by ASTM D256.
[00132] In an embodiment, the copolyester is a PCTG such as Eastman's
EastarTM
copolyester DN010, with 1.4% haze and notched izod at -40 C of 0.77 J/cm, as
determined by
ASTM D4812
[00133] In an embodiment, the copolyester is a PCTA including DuraStarTM
polymer D52010
(available from Eastman) having haze of 0.3% and notched izod at -40 C of 0.6
J/cm, as
determined by ASTM D256.
[00134] In an embodiment, the copolyester is impact modified with from 5
wt% to 30 wt%
of one or more of the following nonlimiting modifiers: styrene-
ethylene/butylene-styrene block
copolymers (SEBS) which have been functionalized with maleic anhydride (such
as KRATON
FG 1901X supplied by the Shell Chemical Co.), ethylene methacrylic acid
copolymers (such as
SURLYN ionomer resins supplied by DuPont Polymer Products like SURLYN 1601-2
ionomer
resin), and butadiene/acrylic monomer shell core polymers (such as Paraloid
compositions
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WO 2016/164391 PCT/US2016/026113
based on butyl acrylate or methyl acrylate supplied by The Dow Chemical
Company like
Paraloid EXL-3361).
[00135] In an embodiment, copolyester has an intrinsic viscosity (IV) from
0.5 deca-liters
per gram (dl/g), or 0.6 dl/g, or 0.7 dl/g to 0.80 dl/g, or 0.85 dl/g, or 0.90
dl/g, or 1.1dI/g. The
copolyester IV is determined on a 0.5 gram sample in 100 ml of a by weight
solution of 60/40
phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25 C, as taught in U.S. Patent Publication
2003/0141625.
[00136] The polymeric material used to make the fitment 70 can include
additives such as
stabilizers (such as hindered phenol or phosphites or blends therein), slip
additives (such as
erucamide or polymethyl siloxane), antiblocking additives (such as synthetic
silica), process
aids, clarifiers, nucleators, crack stopping agents, 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
properties and can
impart benefit optical properties to the fitment.
[00137] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is formed from any of the
foregoing polymeric
materials, the polymeric material having one, some, or all of the following
properties:
[00138] a 2% secant flexural modulus (ASTM D790) from 10 MPa, or 25 MPa, or
50 MPa, or
75 MPa, or 100 MPa to 125 MPa, or 150 MPa, or 175 MPa, or 200 MPa;
[00139] a clarity from 80%, or 83%,or 85%, or 87%, or 89% to 90%, or 92%,
or 94%, or 96%,
or 98%, or 99%, or 99.5%; and
[00140] a haze from 0.3%, or 0.5%, or 1.0%, or 3.0%, or 5.0%, or 7.0%, or
9.0%, or 10%, or
11% to 13%, or 15%, or 17%, or 19%, or 20%.
[00141] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 is composed of a resin sold under
the
tradename ELITE"' Enhanced Polyethylene resin, such as ELITE"' 5230G
(available from The
Dow Chemical Company).
[00142] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 includes a polymeric composition
having an lzod
impact resistance from greater than 50 Joules (J)/meter (m), or 100 J/m, or
150 J/m, or 200 J/m,
or 250 J/m to 300 J/m, or 350 J/m, or 400 J/m, or 450 J/m, or 500 J/m. lzod
impact resistance is
measured in accordance with ASTM D 256. In a further embodiment, the fitment
includes a
27

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polyolefin having an lzod impact resistance from greater than 50 J/m, or 100
J/m, or 150 J/m, or
200 J/m, or 250 J/m to 300 J/m, or 350 J/m, or 400 J/m, or 450 J/m, or 500
J/m.
[00143] In an embodiment, the fitment 70 includes a polymeric composition
containing a
polyolefin with a melt temperature (Tm) greater than or equal to the melt
temperature of the
polyolefin present in the seal layer of the multilayer film used to make the
panels 18, 20, 22, 24.
When clamp heat sealing is utilized to form the seal between the base 72 and
the neck 30, a
nonlimiting example includes a fitment 70 composed of a HDPE having a Tm of
125 C and the
seal layer for the container 10 contains an LDPE with a Tm of 105 C. Another
nonlimiting
example is a fitment 70 composed of LLDPE with Tm of 120 C, and the container
10 has a seal
layer containing an ethylene/a-olefin copolymer (AFFINITY"' PL 1140G) with a
Tm 96 C.
[00144] In an embodiment, the flexible container 10 includes a hermetic
seal between the
neck 30 and the base 72.
[00145] In an embodiment, the polymeric material for the fitment 70 has a
haze as
determined by ASTM D1003 (method B) at 0.5mm thickness from 0.3%, or 0.5%, or
1.0%, or
3.0%, or 5.0%, or 7.0%, or 9.0%, or 10%, or 11% to 13%, or 15%, or 17%, or
19%, or 20% and
also has high clarity where the clarity is determined by ASTM D1746 and
clarity is from 80%, or
83%,or 85%, or 87%, or 89% to 90%, or 92%, or 94%, or 96%, or 98%, or 99%, or
99.5%.
[00146] In a further embodiment, the fitment 70 is made from a copolyester
resin having a
haze from 0.3% to 4% and a clarity from 80% to 90%.
[00147] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a diameter (d) and a wall
thickness (WT) as
shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the base 72 diameter (d) is shown as distance G
and the wall
thickness (WT) is shown as the distance H. The base 72 diameter (d) can be
uniform or can vary
along the length of the base 72. Similarly, the wall thickness (WT) can be
uniform or can vary
along the length of the base 72.
[00148] In an embodiment, the diameter of the base 72 is uniform along the
base length
and the wall thickness (WT) is uniform along the base length.
[00149] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a diameter (d) from 5mm, or 10mm
or 20mm,
or 25mm, or 30mm, or 35mm, or 38mm, or 40mm, or 45mm, or 47mm, or 50mm, or
60mm, or
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70mm, or 80mm, or 90mm to 100mm, or 110mm, or 125mm, or 150mm, or 175mm, or
200mm.
[00150] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a wall thickness (WT) from
0.15mm, or 0.2mm,
or 0.3mm, or 0.4mm, or 0.5mm, or 0.6mm, or 0.7mm, or 0.75mm, or 0.8mm, or
0.9mm, or
1.0mm to 1.3mm, or 1.5mm, or 1.7mm, or 1.9mm, or 2.0mm.
[00151] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a wall thickness (WT) from
0.15mm, or 0.2mm,
or 0.3mm, or 0.4mm to 0.5mm, or 0.6mm, or 0.7mm, or 0.75mm. As used herein, a
base wall
thickness (WT) with the foregoing wall thickness from 0.15mm to 0.75mm is a
"thin-wall."
[00152] The base 72 has a diameter to wall thickness ratio. The "diameter
to wall
thickness ratio" (denoted as "d/WT") is the diameter (d) of the base 72 (in
millimeters, mm)
divided by the wall thickness (WT), in mm, of the base 72. In an embodiment,
the base 72 has a
d/WT from 5, or 8, or 10, or 20, or 30, or 40, or 50, or 60, or 70, or 80, or
90, or 100, or 125, or
150, or 175, or 200 to 500, or 525, or 550, or 575, or 600, or 625, or 650, or
675, or 700, or 725,
or 750, or 775, or 800, or 825, or 850, or 875, or 900, or 925, or 950, or
975, or 1000, or 1100,
or 1200, or 1300, or 1400, or 1500, or 1600, or 1700, or 1800, or 1900, or
2000.
[00153] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a d/WT from 35, or 40, or 50, or
60, or 70, or
80, or 90, or 100, or 125, or 150, or 175 to 200, or 225, or 250, or 275, or
300, or 325, or 350, or
375, or 400, or 425, or 450, or 475, or 500, or 525, or 550 or 600, or 650, or
700, or 750, or 800.
[00154] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a d/WT ratio from 35 to 800, the
diameter (d)
is from 10mm, or 20mm, or 30mm, or 35mm, or 38mm, or 40mm, or 45mm, or 47mm,
or
50mm to 60mm, or 70mm, or 80mm, or 90mm, or 100mm, or 110mm, or 120mm; and the
wall
thickness (WT) is from 0.15mm, or 0.2mm, or 0.3mm, or 0.4mm to 0.5mm, or
0.6mm, or
0.7mm, or 0.75mm. Thus, the base 72 has a thin-wall structure.
[00155] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a d/WT ratio from 35 to 800 as
disclosed
above. The diameter (d) for the base 72 is from 47mm to 120mm. The wall
thickness (WT) for
the base 72 is from 0.15mm to 0.75mm. Thus, the base 72 has a thin-wall
structure.
[00156] In an embodiment, the base 72 has a d/WT ratio from 50 to 550 as
disclosed
above. The diameter (d) for the base 72 is from 10mm to 110mm. The wall
thickness (WT) for
the base 72 is from 0.2mm to 0.5mm. Thus, the base 72 has a thin-wall
structure.
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[00157] The fitment with a d/WT from 35 to 800 can include a base with a
thin-wall
structure. Thin-wall fitments advantageously reduce production costs, reduce
material cost,
and reduce the weight of the final flexible container 10.
[00158] The present flexible container may comprise two or more embodiments
disclosed
he
DEFINITIONS
[00159] 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.).
[00160] 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.
[00161] Clarity is measured in accordance with ASTM-D1746.
[00162] 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.
[00163] 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.
[00164] Density is measured in accordance with ASTM D 792.
[00165] An "ethylene-based polymer," as used herein is a polymer that
contains more than
50 mole percent polymerized ethylene monomer (based on the total amount of
polymerizable
monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.

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[00166] Haze is measured in accordance with ASTM D1003 (method B) and
noting the
thickness of the part.
[00167] 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/25.4mm). 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
(4.2mm/sec or
250mm/min).
[00168] Melt flow rate (MFR) is measured I accordance with ASTM D 1238,
Condition
280 C/2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).
[00169] Melt index (MI) is measured in accordance with ASTM D 1238,
Condition
190 C/2.16 kg (g/10 minutes).
[00170] 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.
[00171] An "olefin-based polymer," as used herein is a polymer that
contains more than 50
mole 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.
[00172] 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
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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.
[00173] A "propylene-based polymer" is a polymer that contains more than 50
mole
percent polymerized propylene monomer (based on the total amount of
polymerizable
monomers) and, optionally, may contain at least one comonomer.
[00174] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in
detail in the
following Examples.
EXAMPLES
1. Production of flexible container (no fitment)
[00175] Four panel flexible containers having a neck and a body as shown in
FIGS. 1-6 are
formed using the seven-layer film provided in Table 1. Each of the four panels
is made with the
seven-layer film shown in Table 1. The four-panel flexible containers are
produced with a
volume of either 3.875L or 20L and are produced by ISO Poly Films (Gray Court,
South Carolina).
The 3.875L flexible containers use a 150 micrometer ( m) film and the 20L
containers use both
150p.m and 250p.m film.
32

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391
PCT/US2016/026113
Table 1. Composition of flexible multilayer film for flexible container panels
(7 layer co-extruded flexible multilayer film)
Overall Description
%Thickness Weight% Layer Density
ULTRAMID C33L01 Nylon 6/66 viscosity number 195 cnn3/g (ISO
307 @ 0.5% in 96% H2504), melting point 13.0% 15.3% 1
1.12
196 C (ISO 3146)
AMPLIFY TY1352 Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene 0.922
g/cnn3; 1.0 MI @ 2.16 Kg 190 C, melting point 12.0% 11.6% 2
0.922
125 C
ELITE 5400G Polyethylene density 0.916 g/cnn3;
20.0% 19.2% 3 0.916
1.0 MI @ 2.16 Kg 190 C, melting point 123 C
AMPLIFY TY1352 Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene 0.922
g/cnn3; 1.0 MI @ 2.16 Kg 190 C, melting point 12.0% 11.6% 4
0.922
125 C
ULTRAMID C33L01 Nylon 6/66 viscosity number 195 cnn3/g (ISO
307 @0.5% in 96% H2504), melting point 6.0% 7.0% 5
1.12
196 C (ISO 3146)
AMPLIFY TY1352 Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene 0.922
g/cnn3; 1.0 MI @ 2.16 Kg 190 C, melting point 12.0% 11.6% 6
0.922
125 C
AFFINITY PF1146G Ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer 0.899 g/cnn3;
23.6% 22.3% 7* 0.899
1.0 MI @ 2.16 Kg 190 C, melting point 95 C
AMPACET 10090 Slip nnasterbatch available from Annpacet
1.0% 1.0% 7* 0.92
(S) Corp. containing LDPE
AMPACET 10063 Antiblock nnasterbatch available from
0.4% 0.4% 7* 1.05
(AB) Annpacet Corp. containing polyethylene
Total 100.0% 100.0%
* layer 7 is a 3-component blend, layer 7 is the heat seal layer (or seal
layer)
[00176]
Four panels made from the flexible multilayer film in Table 1 are heat sealed
together under the heat seal conditions provided in Table 2 (below) to produce
flexible
containers. The flexible containers are fabricated by KRW Machinery Inc
(Weaverville, North
Carolina). All heat seals in the flexible containers are made with one strike.
Tables 2A-2B. Heat Seal Conditions for multilayer films
Table 2A. Web Sandwich of 0.6mm, 4 ply, 150p.m panels
Seal Bar Platen Dwell
Overseal protrusion
Seals Temperature, Pressure,
Time, Seal Bar Dimensions
height, mm
C J/cm2 sec
10nnnn x perimeter for 3.875L
Peripheral 143 258 0.75 0
15nnnn x perimeter for 20L
3.2nnnnx 25.4nnnn (overseal
Overseal 182 258 0.75 0.30 bar, centered about
the apex
point, W=3.5nnnn)
33

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391
PCT/US2016/026113
Table 2B. Web Sandwich of 1.0mm, 4 ply, 250um panels
Seal Bar Platen Dwell
Overseal protrusion
Seals Temperature, Pressure,
Time, Seal Bar Dimensions
height, mm
C bar sec
10nnnn x perimeter for 3.875L
Peripheral 174 7.4 3.6 0
15nnnn x perimeter for 20L
3.2nnnnx 25.4nnnn (overseal
Overseal 185 7.4 3.6 0.5
bar, centered about the apex
point, W=3.5nnnn)
2. Fitment sealed to neck
using expandable mandrel
[00177] Fitments with different base diameters and different base wall
thicknesses are
inserted into the neck for respective flexible containers. The fitments are
made from the same
high density polyethylene (HDPE). The dimensions and surface texture of the
base for each
fitment are provided in Table 3 below.
Table 3. Fitment properties
Base Diameter, Base Wall Thickness' d/WT Fitment
outer
Fitment
(d) mm (WT) mm surface texture
HDPE 1 41 1.6 25.6 Ribbed
HDPE 2 41 0.75 54.7 Ribbed
HDPE 3 110 1.27 86.7 Smooth
HDPE 4 110 0.5 220 Smooth
HDPE 5 110 0.2 550 Smooth
INFUSETM 9817 41 1.6 25.6 Ribbed
[00178] The fitments are washed thoroughly in denatured alcohol and allowed
to dry to
prepare surfaces prior to heat sealing to the neck of the flexible container.
[00179] Two mandrels are used to heat seal fitments to the flexible
containers. A 38mm
diameter mandrel is used for the 3.875L flexible containers. A 110mm diameter
mandrel is
used for the 20L flexible containers. Each mandrel includes an expandable
collar. Each
expandable collar is made of Shore A 30 +/- 5 durometer FDA approved silicone
rubber.
Applicant discovered that silicone rubber is advantageous because of its heat
stability, softness
and durability.
[00180] Properties
for the expandable collars are provided in Table 4 below.
34

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391 PCT/US2016/026113
Table 4. Expandable Collar Properties
Expandable 38nnnn mandrel for 110nnnn mandrel for
Collar properties 3.875L flexible container 20L flexible
container
Center hole diameter (mm) 6.35 44.5
Relaxed diameter (mm) 29.4 97.1
Radially expanded diameter (mm)
44.6 (at 150% expansion, 110 psi) 118.3 (at 122% expansion, 75 psi)
[00181] For the 3.875L flexible containers, opposing seal bars each with a
length of 41mm
are used. The seal width for each opposing seal bar is 10.2mm. The seal bar
area for each
41mm seal bar is 0.0004907 m2.
[00182] For the 20L flexible containers, opposing seals bars each with a
length of 110mm
are used. The seal width for each opposing seal bar is 15.2mm. The seal bar
area for each of
the 110mm seal bars is 0.00179 m2.
[00183] The base of the fitment is heat sealed to the neck of the flexible
container using a
mandrel with an expandable collar as set forth in copending case, USSN
62/146,002, filed on 10
April 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
The heat seal
conditions for the fitment seal are provided in Table 5 below. Table 5 also
provides fitment seal
integrity data¨(i) burst test data and (ii) hang test data for the fitment
seal. In Table 5, "E"
denotes inventive example, "CE" denotes comparative sample, and "NS" denotes
not sampled.
3. Tests
[00184] Burst Test Procedure
[00185] Process:
1.) All flexible containers are numbered/tagged with testing number,
identifying film #, and
production set points (if necessary).
2.) All flexible containers are pre-inflated via manual inflation or
compressed air.
3.) Caps are applied tightly.
4.) Flexible containers are placed inside the vacuum pressure chamber and
lid is closed.
5.) Vacuum pressure is applied via vacuum pump. Pressure should be applied
slowly as
flexible container continues to inflate.
6.) Units of vacuum are recorded in (inHg). Exceptional results are 18
(inHG) held for 60
seconds. Passing is 12 (inHg).
7.) Any weak areas of seal will be exposed as leaks during the testing time
period. Bubbles
should be looked for and can indicate a weak area of the flexible container.
8.) The flexible container is filled completely with air and the closure on
the fitment is
tightened. Then, the flexible container is completely submerged in a water
bath. The
chamber over the water is then evacuated to create a vacuum. A "pass" score
for the
burst test is when there are no bubbles visually observed in the water bath
after 30
seconds at 40 kilopascals of vacuum.

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391
PCT/US2016/026113
[00186] Gravity Hang Test Procedure
[00187] Process:
1.) All flexible containers are numbered/tagged with testing number,
identifying film #, and
production set points (if necessary).
2.) All flexible containers are filled with room temp water to recommended
fill height.
3.) 3 drops of Methylene Blue die and 3 drops of surfactant (soap) are
added to each
flexible container and agitated.
4.) Closures are applied tightly to the fitment.
5.) Flexible containers are then hung both neck side down and neck side up
to test the
strength of both the neck seal and the caulk seal areas.
6.) Flexible containers are left hanging for 48 hours.
7.) Any weak areas of seal will be exposed as leaks during the testing time
period.
8.) A "pass" score for the hang test is hanging the flexible container for
48 hours without a
leak detected. Leaks are detected by visual identification of white paper
below the
flexible container to show any drops that have fallen. The water solution
added to the
flexible container contains a blue vegetable dye for aiding visual detection
of the leak.
The water solution also contains a drop or two of soap (Dawn dish soap) where
the soap
surfactant helps allow water to penetrate any gaps in seal that might be
present.
36

77546-WO-PCT
Table 5
Permanent
Base Wall Fitment Film Seal Seal
Seal Expandable
deformation Burst Hang
Example Fitment
Diameter, Thickness, d/WT outer thickness, Temperature, pressure, time,
Collar, 0
of fitment
Test Test
(d) mm (WT) mm surface um C bar
sec Expansionn.)
during sealing
o
1-,
o
1-,
177 2 5.5 0% No Fail - o
4=.
177 2 6 0% No Pass Pass o
1-,
CE1 HDPE1 41 1.65 24.8 Ribbed 150
177 2.2 NS 0% Yes - -
177 4.9 NS 0% Yes - -
HDPE1 41 1.65 24.8 Ribbed HDPE1 177 4.9 2
150% No Fail -
El HDPE1 41 1.65 24.8 Ribbed HDPE1 177 4.9 2.5
150% No Pass Pass
177 2 5 0% No Fail
177 2 6 0% Yes - -
CE2 HDPE2 41 0.75 54.7 Ribbed 150
P
177 2.2 NS 0% Yes - -
i.,
ix.
177 4.9 NS 0% Yes - - 1-
...i
i.,
HDPE2 41 41 0.75 54.7 Ribbed 150 177 4.9
2 150% No Fail -
ip
1-
...i
1
E2 HDPE2 41 0.75 54.7 Ribbed 150 177
4.9 2.5 150% No Pass Pass 1-
ip
i
177 1.3 10 0% No Pass Fail 0
i..
CE3 HDPE3 110 1.27 86.7 Smooth 250
177 1.3 20 0% No Pass Pass
E3 HDPE3 110 1.27 86.7 Smooth 250 177 1.3 7
116% No Pass Pass
CE4 HDPE4 110 0.5 220 Smooth 250 149 1.3 NS
0% No Fail -
E4 HDPE4 110 0.5 220 Smooth 250 149 1.3 10
116% No Pass Pass
CE5 HDPE4 110 0.5 220 Smooth 150 149 1.3 NS
0% No Fail -
'V
E5 HDPE4 110 0.5 220 Smooth 150 149 1.3 6
116% No Pass Pass n
1-i
CE6 HDPE5 110 0.2 550 Smooth 250 149 1.3 NS
0% No Fail -
ri)
n.)
E6 HDPE5 110 0.2 550 Smooth 250 149 1.3 9
116% No Pass Pass o
1-,
o
E7 HDPE5 110 0.2 550 Smooth 150 149 1.3 5
122% No Pass Pass -a--,
w
c7,
CE7 INFUSE.' 9817 41 1.6 25.6 Ribbed 150 177
4.9 NS 0% No Fail -
1-,
cA)
INFUSE' 9817 41 1.6 25.6 Ribbed 150 177 4.9
3 150% No Fail -
E8 INFUSE.' 9817 41 1.6 25.6 Ribbed 150 177 4.9
4 150% No Pass Pass
WHD/12358243.1 37

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391 PCT/US2016/026113
[00188] Applicant discovered that utilization of the mandrel with
expandable collar during
the fitment heat seal procedure advantageously enables the use of fitment base
having thin-
wall structure. Thin-wall or thin-walling is the reduction of the wall
thickness for the fitment
base. Examples E2, E4, E5, E6, and E7, show that fitments with d/WT ratio from
35, or 54.7
(thin-wall), or 86.7 to 220 (thin-wall), or 550 (thin-wall) (i) can be
successfully heat sealed to the
neck of the flexible container, (ii) avoid deformation, (iii) pass the burst
test, (iv) pass the hang
test, and (v) simultaneously fulfill each of (i) through (iv).
[00189] Utilization of the mandrel with expandable collar during the
fitment heat seal
procedure also enables the use of polymeric materials not previously suitable
for fitment
applications. The mandrel with expandable collar supports the fitment during
the sealing, and
prevents deformation. Thus, the mandrel with expandable collar enables
polymeric materials
previously either too soft or too rigid (cracking) to now be used as fitments
alone or thin-
walled. Example E8 (with expandable collar) shows that INFUSE 9817, an
elastomer, can be
used as a suitable fitment material. Whereas comparative sample CE7 (INFUSE
9817) sealed
without the expandable collar fails the burst test. Example E8 (i) is
successfully heat sealed to
the neck of the flexible container, (ii) avoids deformation, (iii) passes the
burst test, (iv) pass the
hang test, and (v) simultaneously fulfill each of (i) through (iv).
[00190] Utilization of the mandrel with expandable collar during the
fitment heat seal
procedure also enables shorter seal times without degrading seal strength.
Example E3 (with
expandable collar) yields an acceptable fitment seal (passing burst test and
hang test) with 7
seconds seal time while comparative sample CE3 (no expandable collar) requires
20 seconds to
produce an acceptable fitment seal.
[00191] The mandrel with expandable collar enables greater seal pressure to
be applied to
the fitment. Example E2 (with expandable collar) yields an acceptable fitment
seal (passing
burst test and hang test) at 4.9 seal bar pressure, whereas comparative sample
CE2 at 4.9 seal
bar pressure is permanently deformed.
[00192] Applicant unexpectedly found that the mandrel with expandable
collar enables the
production of a four-panel flexible container with a hermetically sealed
fitment wherein the
base wall thickness is from 0.2mm, or 0.5mm to 0.75mm (thin-wall base).
38

CA 02981721 2017-10-03
WO 2016/164391 PCT/US2016/026113
[00193] 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.
39

Dessin représentatif
Une figure unique qui représente un dessin illustrant l'invention.
États administratifs

2024-08-01 : Dans le cadre de la transition vers les Brevets de nouvelle génération (BNG), la base de données sur les brevets canadiens (BDBC) contient désormais un Historique d'événement plus détaillé, qui reproduit le Journal des événements de notre nouvelle solution interne.

Veuillez noter que les événements débutant par « Inactive : » se réfèrent à des événements qui ne sont plus utilisés dans notre nouvelle solution interne.

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , Historique d'événement , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

Historique d'événement

Description Date
Le délai pour l'annulation est expiré 2022-03-01
Demande non rétablie avant l'échéance 2022-03-01
Réputée abandonnée - omission de répondre à un avis relatif à une requête d'examen 2021-06-28
Lettre envoyée 2021-04-06
Lettre envoyée 2021-04-06
Réputée abandonnée - omission de répondre à un avis sur les taxes pour le maintien en état 2021-03-01
Représentant commun nommé 2020-11-07
Lettre envoyée 2020-08-31
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-08-19
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-08-06
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-07-16
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-07-02
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-06-10
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-05-28
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-05-14
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-04-28
Inactive : COVID 19 - Délai prolongé 2020-03-29
Représentant commun nommé 2019-10-30
Représentant commun nommé 2019-10-30
Requête pour le changement d'adresse ou de mode de correspondance reçue 2018-03-28
Inactive : Page couverture publiée 2017-10-30
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB en 1re position 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-27
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-22
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-22
Inactive : CIB enlevée 2017-10-22
Inactive : Notice - Entrée phase nat. - Pas de RE 2017-10-19
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Inactive : CIB attribuée 2017-10-13
Demande reçue - PCT 2017-10-13
Exigences pour l'entrée dans la phase nationale - jugée conforme 2017-10-03
Demande publiée (accessible au public) 2016-10-13

Historique d'abandonnement

Date d'abandonnement Raison Date de rétablissement
2021-06-28
2021-03-01

Taxes périodiques

Le dernier paiement a été reçu le 2019-03-08

Avis : Si le paiement en totalité n'a pas été reçu au plus tard à la date indiquée, une taxe supplémentaire peut être imposée, soit une des taxes suivantes :

  • taxe de rétablissement ;
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  • taxe additionnelle pour le renversement d'une péremption réputée.

Les taxes sur les brevets sont ajustées au 1er janvier de chaque année. Les montants ci-dessus sont les montants actuels s'ils sont reçus au plus tard le 31 décembre de l'année en cours.
Veuillez vous référer à la page web des taxes sur les brevets de l'OPIC pour voir tous les montants actuels des taxes.

Historique des taxes

Type de taxes Anniversaire Échéance Date payée
Taxe nationale de base - générale 2017-10-03
TM (demande, 2e anniv.) - générale 02 2018-04-06 2018-03-09
TM (demande, 3e anniv.) - générale 03 2019-04-08 2019-03-08
Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
JEFFREY E. BONEKAMP
KENNETH R. WILKES
MARK W. VANSUMEREN
RASHI TIWARI
RYAN S. GASTON
Les propriétaires antérieurs qui ne figurent pas dans la liste des « Propriétaires au dossier » apparaîtront dans d'autres documents au dossier.
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Description du
Document 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Description 2017-10-02 39 1 702
Abrégé 2017-10-02 1 75
Revendications 2017-10-02 2 49
Dessins 2017-10-02 4 136
Dessin représentatif 2017-10-02 1 27
Page couverture 2017-10-29 1 55
Avis d'entree dans la phase nationale 2017-10-18 1 194
Rappel de taxe de maintien due 2017-12-06 1 111
Avis du commissaire - non-paiement de la taxe de maintien en état pour une demande de brevet 2020-10-12 1 537
Courtoisie - Lettre d'abandon (taxe de maintien en état) 2021-03-21 1 553
Avis du commissaire - Requête d'examen non faite 2021-04-26 1 532
Avis du commissaire - non-paiement de la taxe de maintien en état pour une demande de brevet 2021-05-17 1 528
Courtoisie - Lettre d'abandon (requête d'examen) 2021-07-18 1 552
Rapport prélim. intl. sur la brevetabilité 2017-10-02 11 392
Rapport de recherche internationale 2017-10-02 3 86
Demande d'entrée en phase nationale 2017-10-02 3 87