CA2035732A1 - Flexible pouch with folded spout - Google Patents
Flexible pouch with folded spoutInfo
- Publication number
- CA2035732A1 CA2035732A1 CA002035732A CA2035732A CA2035732A1 CA 2035732 A1 CA2035732 A1 CA 2035732A1 CA 002035732 A CA002035732 A CA 002035732A CA 2035732 A CA2035732 A CA 2035732A CA 2035732 A1 CA2035732 A1 CA 2035732A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spout
- pouch
- flexible
- fold assembly
- flexible pouch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
- B65D75/5861—Spouts
- B65D75/5866—Integral spouts
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S383/00—Flexible bags
- Y10S383/906—Dispensing feature
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A flexible pouch having opposed walls closed around their periphery to define a chamber for storing a product. The pouch has a self-opening spout formed in part by a fold assembly which expands and springs open when the sealed end of the spout is cut off. The fold assembly not only provides a large spout opening, but also provides a spring force which keeps the spout open so that all the product may be emptied from the chamber.
A flexible pouch having opposed walls closed around their periphery to define a chamber for storing a product. The pouch has a self-opening spout formed in part by a fold assembly which expands and springs open when the sealed end of the spout is cut off. The fold assembly not only provides a large spout opening, but also provides a spring force which keeps the spout open so that all the product may be emptied from the chamber.
Description
t ;i ~1 2~35732 . .
FLEgIBLF POUCU WITU FOLDED SPOUT
~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a flexible pouch constructed of laminated plastic material used for dispensing containers with ~ fluid product and in particul~r to a flexible ~
pouch having a novel self opening spout srrangement to facilitate ~;
pouring of all the product from the pouch. More particularly, this invention relates to dispensing containers which are used to refill other containers.
Conventional flexible pouches having a spout for pouring ;
liquid stored therein are disclosed in U.S. Pats. 3,171,S81, ~ ;
FLEgIBLF POUCU WITU FOLDED SPOUT
~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a flexible pouch constructed of laminated plastic material used for dispensing containers with ~ fluid product and in particul~r to a flexible ~
pouch having a novel self opening spout srrangement to facilitate ~;
pouring of all the product from the pouch. More particularly, this invention relates to dispensing containers which are used to refill other containers.
Conventional flexible pouches having a spout for pouring ;
liquid stored therein are disclosed in U.S. Pats. 3,171,S81, ~ ;
3,907,164 4,285,376, 4,332,344, 4,491,245, 4,578,813 and Re 24,251. While pouches of this type have become very popular, particularly for environmental considerations, they suffer a common disadvantage that the spout of those pouches has a tendency to close upon itself during the pouring operatlon which blocks the discharge of the liquid through the spout. As a result it is ~
difficult to empty all the liquid from the pouch. `
One attempt to overcome this problem is disclosed in U.S. Patent Applicstion Serial No. 327,659 filed on March a3, 1989 l~
and assigned to the same assignee as this application. The proposal set forth in that application represents a substantial ;~ ;
improvement over the prior art. In similar fashion the invention ~ ~
.
as set forth in this application and described below provides a novel self opening spout design hQving an enlarged pouring opening which stays open as the liquid is emptied from the pouch.
'- ' SUl~ARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of this invention resides in the -provision of a flexible pouch having a novel self opening spout that opens quickly and remains open as all the liquid is poured from the pouch.
-; '`'` .~ ~ ':'' ' The invention provides a flexible pouch comprising first and second opposed wall means closed together around their periphery to define a chamber for storing a product, said wall means having wall portions thereof forming spout means by - -which the product may be poured from said chamber, seal means normally closing said spout means, at least one of said wall ~
portions including a fold assembly maintained in a substantial- - -ly folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said fold assembly expanding and causing said spout means to open upon removal of said seal means.
The invention also provides a method for producing flexible pouches comprising passing a first web of a flexible plastic material over a shaping means to form the plastic material into an inverted U-shape, increasing the amount of plastic material forming the loop of the inverted U to provide for an excess of such material, folding said excess material in the loop of the inverted U-shape inwardly along the interior of the material of each leg of the inverted U-shaped plastic material and sealing the edges of said material to form a pouch.
The fold assembly provides a resilient spring -force for opening the spout when its sealed edge is cut. The spring force also keeps the spout open so that ail the liquid in the pouch may be emptied therefrom. Preferably a portion -of at least one of the walls of the pouch is doubled inwardly upon itself and forms part of the spoutj the portion springing ; ; -open when the front sealed edge of the spout is cut off to provide a large opening through which all the liquid in the pouch may be poured therefrom. The pouch may include a recess immediately below the spout, the recess facilitating the -pouring of the liquid through the spout into containers having 2~3~
62301-1.665 various neck diameters. :. :
These and other advantages will become apparent :
as the descrip-tion proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings.
: ... -. ...
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a flexible . . . ~; ..:
pouch illustrating a first embodiment of the novel pouring spout of the invention in its sealed closed condition; ~::
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". : ~
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., ~ ,.:
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.,:
,': ~
: .', . ' '",:, ~ ''. ~., ' ' ': '' ' '' "'' " ' - 2a - ~
. ~ .
~ s ~: 2~3~3~, Fig. 2 is a,fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustrating the spout of Fig. 1 in its open pouring condition;
Fig. 3A is a fragmentary side perspective view of the pouch illustrating the manner in which the liquid is poured into another rigid container;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a second embodiment of the folded pouring spout of the invention in a sealed condition;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustating the spout of Fig. 4 in an open pouring condition;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a third ;
embodiment of the folded pouring spout of the invention in a sealed condition;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustrating the spout of Fig. 7 in an open pouring condition;
Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a m~nufacturing process and equipment by which the pouch illustrated in Figs. 1-3 may be produced; ~ ;
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line -11-11 of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 10.
";, .';
'. "' 203~732~
DETAII,ED DESCRiPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Fig. 1 pouch 20 is formed from a single sheet of flexible plastic material folded over at its top end edge 22 to provide opposing front and back walls 24 and 26 sealed together peripherally along their side edges 28 and 30 and bottom edge 32 to form a closed inner chamber. The bottom edge of the -pouch is gussetted along contour 34 to enable the pouch to stand ~
upright when the inner chamber is filled with liquid. ;
The wall material is preferably transparent or translucent plastic of a type which will not react with the ingredients in the liquid to be stored in the pouch chamber. The peripheral edges of the material are bonded together by heat sealing, dielectric welding, sonic welding, adhesive, or other suitable means to form the closed inner chamber of the pouch.
The side edge 30 includes a recessed section 36 having an upwardly and inwardly inclined seQled edge 37 terminating in a lateral sealed edge 38 spaced below top edge 22 so that the upper portions of walls 24 and 26 between top edBe 22 and edge 38 define a pouring spout 40 at a corner of the pouch.
To pour the liquid from the pouch, the sealed edge 42 of spout 40 is cut off to form opening 43 and the spout is inserted into the open neck 44 of a rigid container 46 (Fig. 3A). Recess 36 conveniently accommodates container necks of different diameters and facilitates pouring of all the liquid from the pouch into the container. ~ ;
As discussed initially herein above, many prior spout designs have experienced a problem with blockage during the pouring process because the opening of the spout is too small and the walls of the spout tend to close upon themselves. The novel self opening spout 40 shown in Figs. 1-3 overcomes those problems and enables all the liquid to be poured from the pouch. Upper edge 22 constitutes a multiple or pleated fold assembly 50 formed . .
2~3~7~
by doubling the plastic material inwardly upon itself into generally V-shaped configuration to provide pleated sections 52 and 54 of substantially uniform depth and joined to each other and to walls 24 and 26 along fold lines 56, 58 and 60 which extend transversely across the total width of the pouch, the fold assembly forming the upper portion of spout 40. As shown in Fig.
1 sealed side edge 28 extends to the very top of edge 22 thereby sealing the back edge of fold 50. Similarly, the sealed front edge 42 of spout 40 closes opening 43 and the front edge of fold assembly 50. The one piece pleated fold sssembly 50 itself forms ~ -the seal across the top edge 22.
When it is desired to empty the liquid in pouch 20 into -a container, the sealed edge 42 is cut off and the spout opens immediately due to the expansion of and the reslllent spring force provided by fold assembly 50. As shown in Fig. 3 because of the excess fold material the opening 43 is large and the spring loaded fold assembly prevents the opening from closing as the liquid is ;~
poured from the pouch. Consequently, all the liquid in pouch 20 may be emptied into a container.
The pouch illustrated in Figs. 1-3 may be manufactured ;~
~ : , using bag making apparatus 100 shown schematically in Figs. 10-12.
The main body of pouch 20 is formed from a continous main web 102 of plastic material unrolled from a coil 104. The gusset 34 is formed from a second web 106 of plastic material unrolled from a coil 108. Web 106 is narrower in width than web 102. A drive roller assembly 110 intermittently advances the webs through the various operating stations of apparatus 100.
Web 102 is advanced from coil 104 to a tension roller assembly 112 which keeps the web taught so that an air actuated ~-male/female die punc~l assembly 113 can create top side seal holes - ~. ,,:
r::S. ' ~f 2!33~t~2 in the web by which the upper side edge of the pouch may be subsequently tacked. After web 102 leaves the last roller of assembly 112, it is drawn over a forming plow 114 which folds the web in half into an inverted U-shape open at the bottom. The tail edge of plow 114 enlarges into a flat section 116 (Fig. 11) to form a flat 118 on the top of the web and provide an excess of ;
material. The web is then advanced into another plow assembly 120 ;~
(Fig. 12) which doubles the flat 118 inwardly upon itself to form the V-shaped pleated fold assembly S0. Immediately upon leaving plow assembly 120, a heat sealing bar 122 tacks the fold assembly 50 at predetermined spaced intervals 124 to ensure that the assembly does not unfold.
The bottom edges of folded web 102 are spread open by a spreader bar assembly 126 to allow for the introduction and positioning of the bottom gusset. The gusset web 106 is passed through a die punch assembly 128, a tension roller assembly 130, and then over a foldlng plow 132 by which it is folded In half in a U-shape and posltioned vertically between the open bottom edges of folded web 102. The bottom gusset 34 is heat sealed at seal station 134 at the same time that edge 42 of the spout is sealed.
In the next station 136 the bottom gusset is cooled and the recess area 36 is die cut. The side edges 30 and 28 are then sealed and cooled at stations 138 and 140, and f;nally the web is cut at station 142 into individual pouches. Each pouch remains opén at recess 36 to permit subsequent filling.
The process and apparatus of Fig. 10 are related to other process and apparatus for producing pouches. However, the novel design of plow assemblies 114, 116, and 120 which cooperate to form the V-shaped fold assembly S0 along the top of the pouch is a distinct advance in the art.
Referring now to Figs. 4-6 a second embodiment of the invention includes a pouch 66 similar in construction to pouch 20 and having a recess 68 with sealed edges 70 and 72 and a spout 74 .
r .
having a sealed front edge 75. Pouch 66 however is tormed from two separate sheets 76 and 78 of flexible plastic material sealed together around their peripheral edges including their top edges 80 to form the closed chamber within the pouch. Below top edge 80 each sheet has a wall portion 82 and 84, respectively, folded outwardly and doubled back and under upon itself and extending across the width of the pouch to form a fold assembly 86 defining the upper portion of spout 74.
When the front sealed edge 75 is cut off, fold assembly 86 springs open and expands to the position of Fig. 6 providing a -~
large spout opening 88. During the pouring operation, the spring -~
force of fold assembly.86 keeps the spout open and enables all the liquid to be emptied from the pouch. ~ ~
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 7-9 ~;
is the same as that of Figs. 4-6 except that a fold assembly 90 is formed by doubling back upon itself a portion 92 of only one of the walls of the pouch. When the front sealed edge of the spout ;~
is cut off the fold assembly springs open to provide a large opening 94 as shown in Fig. 9.
The pouch embodiments of Figs. 4-6 and Figs. 7-9 may be manufactured by equipment similar to that of Fig. 10, but with properly designed plow assemblies to produce the desired folds. i;
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rsther than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within ~i the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
difficult to empty all the liquid from the pouch. `
One attempt to overcome this problem is disclosed in U.S. Patent Applicstion Serial No. 327,659 filed on March a3, 1989 l~
and assigned to the same assignee as this application. The proposal set forth in that application represents a substantial ;~ ;
improvement over the prior art. In similar fashion the invention ~ ~
.
as set forth in this application and described below provides a novel self opening spout design hQving an enlarged pouring opening which stays open as the liquid is emptied from the pouch.
'- ' SUl~ARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of this invention resides in the -provision of a flexible pouch having a novel self opening spout that opens quickly and remains open as all the liquid is poured from the pouch.
-; '`'` .~ ~ ':'' ' The invention provides a flexible pouch comprising first and second opposed wall means closed together around their periphery to define a chamber for storing a product, said wall means having wall portions thereof forming spout means by - -which the product may be poured from said chamber, seal means normally closing said spout means, at least one of said wall ~
portions including a fold assembly maintained in a substantial- - -ly folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said fold assembly expanding and causing said spout means to open upon removal of said seal means.
The invention also provides a method for producing flexible pouches comprising passing a first web of a flexible plastic material over a shaping means to form the plastic material into an inverted U-shape, increasing the amount of plastic material forming the loop of the inverted U to provide for an excess of such material, folding said excess material in the loop of the inverted U-shape inwardly along the interior of the material of each leg of the inverted U-shaped plastic material and sealing the edges of said material to form a pouch.
The fold assembly provides a resilient spring -force for opening the spout when its sealed edge is cut. The spring force also keeps the spout open so that ail the liquid in the pouch may be emptied therefrom. Preferably a portion -of at least one of the walls of the pouch is doubled inwardly upon itself and forms part of the spoutj the portion springing ; ; -open when the front sealed edge of the spout is cut off to provide a large opening through which all the liquid in the pouch may be poured therefrom. The pouch may include a recess immediately below the spout, the recess facilitating the -pouring of the liquid through the spout into containers having 2~3~
62301-1.665 various neck diameters. :. :
These and other advantages will become apparent :
as the descrip-tion proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawings.
: ... -. ...
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a flexible . . . ~; ..:
pouch illustrating a first embodiment of the novel pouring spout of the invention in its sealed closed condition; ~::
'': ', ~. .
'- ~', -' :' '; ~ .~ ;., .
''".' ~;~' .' ' :
". : ~
,, , - . . .
., ~ ,.:
:. .. .
:: ~ ' ' ' ' - ' :, , ", ~
.,:
,': ~
: .', . ' '",:, ~ ''. ~., ' ' ': '' ' '' "'' " ' - 2a - ~
. ~ .
~ s ~: 2~3~3~, Fig. 2 is a,fragmentary sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustrating the spout of Fig. 1 in its open pouring condition;
Fig. 3A is a fragmentary side perspective view of the pouch illustrating the manner in which the liquid is poured into another rigid container;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a second embodiment of the folded pouring spout of the invention in a sealed condition;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustating the spout of Fig. 4 in an open pouring condition;
Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a third ;
embodiment of the folded pouring spout of the invention in a sealed condition;
Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side perspective view illustrating the spout of Fig. 7 in an open pouring condition;
Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a m~nufacturing process and equipment by which the pouch illustrated in Figs. 1-3 may be produced; ~ ;
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line -11-11 of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 10.
";, .';
'. "' 203~732~
DETAII,ED DESCRiPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Fig. 1 pouch 20 is formed from a single sheet of flexible plastic material folded over at its top end edge 22 to provide opposing front and back walls 24 and 26 sealed together peripherally along their side edges 28 and 30 and bottom edge 32 to form a closed inner chamber. The bottom edge of the -pouch is gussetted along contour 34 to enable the pouch to stand ~
upright when the inner chamber is filled with liquid. ;
The wall material is preferably transparent or translucent plastic of a type which will not react with the ingredients in the liquid to be stored in the pouch chamber. The peripheral edges of the material are bonded together by heat sealing, dielectric welding, sonic welding, adhesive, or other suitable means to form the closed inner chamber of the pouch.
The side edge 30 includes a recessed section 36 having an upwardly and inwardly inclined seQled edge 37 terminating in a lateral sealed edge 38 spaced below top edge 22 so that the upper portions of walls 24 and 26 between top edBe 22 and edge 38 define a pouring spout 40 at a corner of the pouch.
To pour the liquid from the pouch, the sealed edge 42 of spout 40 is cut off to form opening 43 and the spout is inserted into the open neck 44 of a rigid container 46 (Fig. 3A). Recess 36 conveniently accommodates container necks of different diameters and facilitates pouring of all the liquid from the pouch into the container. ~ ;
As discussed initially herein above, many prior spout designs have experienced a problem with blockage during the pouring process because the opening of the spout is too small and the walls of the spout tend to close upon themselves. The novel self opening spout 40 shown in Figs. 1-3 overcomes those problems and enables all the liquid to be poured from the pouch. Upper edge 22 constitutes a multiple or pleated fold assembly 50 formed . .
2~3~7~
by doubling the plastic material inwardly upon itself into generally V-shaped configuration to provide pleated sections 52 and 54 of substantially uniform depth and joined to each other and to walls 24 and 26 along fold lines 56, 58 and 60 which extend transversely across the total width of the pouch, the fold assembly forming the upper portion of spout 40. As shown in Fig.
1 sealed side edge 28 extends to the very top of edge 22 thereby sealing the back edge of fold 50. Similarly, the sealed front edge 42 of spout 40 closes opening 43 and the front edge of fold assembly 50. The one piece pleated fold sssembly 50 itself forms ~ -the seal across the top edge 22.
When it is desired to empty the liquid in pouch 20 into -a container, the sealed edge 42 is cut off and the spout opens immediately due to the expansion of and the reslllent spring force provided by fold assembly 50. As shown in Fig. 3 because of the excess fold material the opening 43 is large and the spring loaded fold assembly prevents the opening from closing as the liquid is ;~
poured from the pouch. Consequently, all the liquid in pouch 20 may be emptied into a container.
The pouch illustrated in Figs. 1-3 may be manufactured ;~
~ : , using bag making apparatus 100 shown schematically in Figs. 10-12.
The main body of pouch 20 is formed from a continous main web 102 of plastic material unrolled from a coil 104. The gusset 34 is formed from a second web 106 of plastic material unrolled from a coil 108. Web 106 is narrower in width than web 102. A drive roller assembly 110 intermittently advances the webs through the various operating stations of apparatus 100.
Web 102 is advanced from coil 104 to a tension roller assembly 112 which keeps the web taught so that an air actuated ~-male/female die punc~l assembly 113 can create top side seal holes - ~. ,,:
r::S. ' ~f 2!33~t~2 in the web by which the upper side edge of the pouch may be subsequently tacked. After web 102 leaves the last roller of assembly 112, it is drawn over a forming plow 114 which folds the web in half into an inverted U-shape open at the bottom. The tail edge of plow 114 enlarges into a flat section 116 (Fig. 11) to form a flat 118 on the top of the web and provide an excess of ;
material. The web is then advanced into another plow assembly 120 ;~
(Fig. 12) which doubles the flat 118 inwardly upon itself to form the V-shaped pleated fold assembly S0. Immediately upon leaving plow assembly 120, a heat sealing bar 122 tacks the fold assembly 50 at predetermined spaced intervals 124 to ensure that the assembly does not unfold.
The bottom edges of folded web 102 are spread open by a spreader bar assembly 126 to allow for the introduction and positioning of the bottom gusset. The gusset web 106 is passed through a die punch assembly 128, a tension roller assembly 130, and then over a foldlng plow 132 by which it is folded In half in a U-shape and posltioned vertically between the open bottom edges of folded web 102. The bottom gusset 34 is heat sealed at seal station 134 at the same time that edge 42 of the spout is sealed.
In the next station 136 the bottom gusset is cooled and the recess area 36 is die cut. The side edges 30 and 28 are then sealed and cooled at stations 138 and 140, and f;nally the web is cut at station 142 into individual pouches. Each pouch remains opén at recess 36 to permit subsequent filling.
The process and apparatus of Fig. 10 are related to other process and apparatus for producing pouches. However, the novel design of plow assemblies 114, 116, and 120 which cooperate to form the V-shaped fold assembly S0 along the top of the pouch is a distinct advance in the art.
Referring now to Figs. 4-6 a second embodiment of the invention includes a pouch 66 similar in construction to pouch 20 and having a recess 68 with sealed edges 70 and 72 and a spout 74 .
r .
having a sealed front edge 75. Pouch 66 however is tormed from two separate sheets 76 and 78 of flexible plastic material sealed together around their peripheral edges including their top edges 80 to form the closed chamber within the pouch. Below top edge 80 each sheet has a wall portion 82 and 84, respectively, folded outwardly and doubled back and under upon itself and extending across the width of the pouch to form a fold assembly 86 defining the upper portion of spout 74.
When the front sealed edge 75 is cut off, fold assembly 86 springs open and expands to the position of Fig. 6 providing a -~
large spout opening 88. During the pouring operation, the spring -~
force of fold assembly.86 keeps the spout open and enables all the liquid to be emptied from the pouch. ~ ~
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 7-9 ~;
is the same as that of Figs. 4-6 except that a fold assembly 90 is formed by doubling back upon itself a portion 92 of only one of the walls of the pouch. When the front sealed edge of the spout ;~
is cut off the fold assembly springs open to provide a large opening 94 as shown in Fig. 9.
The pouch embodiments of Figs. 4-6 and Figs. 7-9 may be manufactured by equipment similar to that of Fig. 10, but with properly designed plow assemblies to produce the desired folds. i;
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rsther than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within ~i the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (23)
1. A flexible pouch comprising first and second opposed wall means closed together around their periphery to define a chamber for storing a product, said wall means having wall portions thereof forming spout means by which the product may be poured from said chamber, seal means normally closing said spout means, at least one of said wall portions including a fold assembly maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said fold assembly expanding and causing said spout means to open upon removal of said seal means.
2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, comprising recess means adjacent said spout means for accommodating the neck of a container as the product is poured from said spout means into said container.
3. The flexible pouch of claim 2, said pouch being generally rectangular in shape and having an end edge and side edges, said recess means being provided in one of said side edges and said spout means being formed at one corner of said pouch between said end edge and said recess means.
4. The flexible pouch of claim 3, said fold assembly being formed in said one wall portion adjacent said end edge.
5. The flexible pouch of claim 4, said fold assembly extending transversely between said side walls.
6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, said first and second wall means being formed from a single sheet of material bent upon itself along said fold assembly and closed around its peripheral edges, said fold assembly including portions of said material folded inwardly into generally V-shaped configuration and providing a resilient spring force which opens said spout means upon removal of said seal means.
7. The flexible pouch of claim 1, said first and second wall means being formed from two opposed sheets of material closed together around their peripheral edges.
8. The flexible pouch of claim 6, said fold assembly including outwardly folded sections of each of said sheets maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said sections expanding to open said spout means when said seal means is removed.
9. The flexible pouch of claim 6, said fold assembly including an outwardly folded section of at least one of said sheets maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed" said section expanding to open said spout means when said seal means is removed.
10. A flexible pouch comprising first and second opposed wall means of generally rectangular configuration closed together around their peripheral first and second side edges and top and bottom edges to define a chamber for storing a product, said wall means having wall portions forming spout means at one corner thereof defined by said top edge and said first side edge, seal means normally closing said spout means, at least one of said wall portions having a fold assembly located adjacent said top edge and maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said fold assembly expanding and causing said spout means to open upon removal of said seal means.
11. The flexible pouch of claim 10, comprising recess means in said first side edge adjacent said spout means for accommodating the neck of a container as the product is poured through said spout means into said container.
12. The flexible pouch of claim 10, said first and second wall means being formed from a single sheet of material bent upon itself along said fold assembly and closed around its peripheral edges, said fold assembly including portions of said material folded inwardly along said top edge into generally V-shaped configuration and providing a resilient spring force which opens said spout means upon removal of said seal means.
13. The flexible pouch of claim 12, said fold assembly being of substantially uniform depth and extending across said wall means to said second side edge.
14. The flexible pouch of claim 12, said first and second wall means being formed from two opposed sheets of material closed together around their peripheral edges.
15. The flexible pouch of claim 14, said fold assembly including outwardly folded sections of each of said sheets maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said sections expanding to open said spout means when said seal means is removed.
16. The flexible pouch of claim 15, said fold assembly being of substantially uniform depth and extending across said wall means to said second side edge.
17. The flexible pouch of claim 14, said fold assembly including an outwardly folded section of at least one of said sheets maintained in a substantially folded condition when said spout means is sealed, said section expanding to open said spout means when said seal means is removed.
18. The flexible pouch of claim 17, said fold assembly being of substantially uniform depth and extending across said wall means to said second side edge.
19. A method for producing flexible pouches comprising passing a first web of a flexible plastic material over a shaping means to form the plastic material into an inverted U-shape, increasing the amount of plastic material forming the loop of the inverted U to provide for an excess of such material, folding said excess material in the loop of the inverted U-shape inwardly along the interior of the material of each leg of the inverted U-shaped plastic material and sealing the edges of said material to form a pouch.
20. A method for producing flexible pouches as in claim 19, wherein the excess material folded inwardly along each leg of the inverted U-shaped plastic material is sealed so as to maintain said excess material in said folded orientation.
21. A method for producing flexible pouches as in claim 19, wherein after an excess of said flexible plastic material has been formed a second web of a flexible plastic material is fed to a shaping means to form a U-shape and passed into contact with the inner surface of the flexible plastic material with an inverted U-shape.
22. A method for producing flexible pouches as in claim 21, wherein after said inverted U-shaped flexible plastic material is contacted with said U-shaped flexible plastic material the sidewall seams and the bottom seams are sealed.
23. A method for producing flexible pouches as in claim 22, wherein after said seams are sealed the pouch is severed along at least one seam.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/478,882 US5059035A (en) | 1990-02-12 | 1990-02-12 | Flexible pouch with folded spout |
| US478,882 | 1990-02-12 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2035732A1 true CA2035732A1 (en) | 1991-08-13 |
Family
ID=23901761
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002035732A Abandoned CA2035732A1 (en) | 1990-02-12 | 1991-02-05 | Flexible pouch with folded spout |
Country Status (20)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5059035A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0442299B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH04215956A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR910015480A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE139744T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU643968B2 (en) |
| BG (1) | BG60907B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2035732A1 (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ284918B6 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69120435T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2091252T3 (en) |
| GR (1) | GR1001594B (en) |
| HU (1) | HU214458B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX166051B (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ236908A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL166843B1 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT96705B (en) |
| RO (1) | RO109181B1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU1838206C (en) |
| YU (1) | YU48584B (en) |
Families Citing this family (34)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5174658A (en) * | 1991-07-12 | 1992-12-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Self-expanding and reclosable flexible pouch |
| EP0586687A4 (en) * | 1992-03-25 | 1996-04-17 | Univ New York | Trans-sialidase and methods of use and making thereof |
| EP0654418A1 (en) * | 1993-11-15 | 1995-05-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Inflated, self standing flexible pouch |
| US5916685A (en) * | 1996-07-09 | 1999-06-29 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa | Transparent high barrier multilayer structure |
| JP3336878B2 (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 2002-10-21 | 花王株式会社 | Gazette bag |
| JP3608357B2 (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2005-01-12 | 凸版印刷株式会社 | Pouch with opening maintaining member |
| US6655837B2 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 2003-12-02 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd. | Pouch having a branched chamber |
| US6353215B1 (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 2002-03-05 | Eric Revels | Carrying case and a method of making thereof |
| USD418747S (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2000-01-11 | Recot, Inc. | Flexible package for snack foods or the like |
| JP3841648B2 (en) * | 2001-02-27 | 2006-11-01 | ジョンソン・プロフェッショナル株式会社 | Bag |
| EP1241112A3 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2003-02-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Flexible multiple compartment pouch |
| US6966697B2 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2005-11-22 | Pactiv Corporation | Trash bags with narrowing seals to facilitate gripping |
| JP4639688B2 (en) * | 2004-07-29 | 2011-02-23 | 凸版印刷株式会社 | Bag-like container with dispensing function |
| US20060165319A1 (en) * | 2005-01-21 | 2006-07-27 | Pactiv Corporation | Polymeric bags with narrowing seals |
| US7651290B2 (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2010-01-26 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Device with pull tab activation |
| US7604623B2 (en) * | 2005-08-30 | 2009-10-20 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Fluid applicator with a press activated pouch |
| US7565987B2 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2009-07-28 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Pull tab activated sealed packet |
| US7575384B2 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2009-08-18 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Fluid applicator with a pull tab activated pouch |
| US7950864B2 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2011-05-31 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Device with internal pull tab activation |
| US20070147942A1 (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2007-06-28 | Sojka Marci E | Water-dispersible device with pull tab activation |
| US8261953B2 (en) * | 2007-12-10 | 2012-09-11 | Mcsavaney Craig | Beverage container and closure |
| US20140061235A1 (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2014-03-06 | Vladimir Ankudinov | Package for paste-like products |
| US20100195937A1 (en) * | 2009-02-05 | 2010-08-05 | The Glad Products Company | Bag |
| JP5644066B2 (en) * | 2009-06-19 | 2014-12-24 | 凸版印刷株式会社 | Refill container |
| JP2011006122A (en) * | 2009-06-29 | 2011-01-13 | Daiwa Gravure Co Ltd | Liquid storage bag |
| JP2011031971A (en) * | 2009-08-05 | 2011-02-17 | Dainippon Printing Co Ltd | Spout-equipped pouch container |
| JP2011105363A (en) * | 2009-11-19 | 2011-06-02 | Howa Sangyo Kk | Packaging bag |
| WO2012015992A1 (en) * | 2010-07-28 | 2012-02-02 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Gusseted pouch with pinned gussets |
| US20160059998A1 (en) * | 2011-02-03 | 2016-03-03 | Vladimir Ankudinov | Package for paste-like products |
| JP6111631B2 (en) * | 2012-12-06 | 2017-04-12 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Pouch with opening / closing mechanism |
| WO2014124709A1 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2014-08-21 | Unilever N.V. | Method for emptying a flexible package |
| CN105705431B (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2018-02-23 | 宝洁公司 | Flexible container and the method for forming the flexible container |
| BR112017014422A2 (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2018-04-10 | Colgate Palmolive Co | devices and methods for producing a sterile bag. |
| CN112550953A (en) * | 2020-11-27 | 2021-03-26 | 江西捷美软包装有限公司 | High-temperature-resistant sterilization cooking bag |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE572976A (en) * | ||||
| US1787710A (en) * | 1929-11-11 | 1931-01-06 | Wilson Oscar | Folding closure for tobacco pouches |
| US2866488A (en) * | 1956-03-07 | 1958-12-30 | Harvey G Thompson | Container |
| US2998340A (en) * | 1957-04-04 | 1961-08-29 | Bemis Bro Bag Co | Bags |
| US2999627A (en) * | 1957-10-18 | 1961-09-12 | Fr Hesser Maschinenfabrik Ag F | Flat bag package and method for fabricating same |
| US3171581A (en) * | 1963-10-30 | 1965-03-02 | Kugler Emanuel | Dispensing flexible bag |
| US3318505A (en) * | 1965-04-09 | 1967-05-09 | Hedwin Corp | Plastic container with integral dispensing tube |
| FR1473132A (en) * | 1966-01-14 | 1967-03-17 | Sfim | Obstacle detector device for mobile moving on a railway track |
| US3473703A (en) * | 1967-12-18 | 1969-10-21 | Whittaker Corp | Package for storing and dispensing fluid materials |
| US3663239A (en) * | 1969-04-07 | 1972-05-16 | Nabisco Inc | Toaster packages having four spouts |
| EP0389258A1 (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1990-09-26 | Colgate-Palmolive Company (a Delaware corporation) | Flexible pouch contoured to facilitate pouring |
| US5005734A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1991-04-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Flexible pouch with reinforcement to facillitate pouring |
-
1990
- 1990-02-12 US US07/478,882 patent/US5059035A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-01-24 ES ES91100870T patent/ES2091252T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-24 AT AT91100870T patent/ATE139744T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-01-24 DE DE69120435T patent/DE69120435T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-01-24 EP EP91100870A patent/EP0442299B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-25 NZ NZ236908A patent/NZ236908A/en unknown
- 1991-01-25 AU AU70019/91A patent/AU643968B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-01-25 MX MX024294A patent/MX166051B/en unknown
- 1991-02-05 CA CA002035732A patent/CA2035732A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-02-08 PT PT96705A patent/PT96705B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-02-11 BG BG93813A patent/BG60907B2/en unknown
- 1991-02-11 PL PL91289029A patent/PL166843B1/en unknown
- 1991-02-11 HU HU91445A patent/HU214458B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-02-11 KR KR1019910002275A patent/KR910015480A/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-02-11 RU SU914894616A patent/RU1838206C/en active
- 1991-02-11 RO RO146905A patent/RO109181B1/en unknown
- 1991-02-11 YU YU23691A patent/YU48584B/en unknown
- 1991-02-12 CZ CS91342A patent/CZ284918B6/en unknown
- 1991-02-12 GR GR910100074A patent/GR1001594B/en unknown
- 1991-02-12 JP JP3018915A patent/JPH04215956A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0442299B1 (en) | 1996-06-26 |
| DE69120435D1 (en) | 1996-08-01 |
| KR910015480A (en) | 1991-09-30 |
| CZ284918B6 (en) | 1999-04-14 |
| YU48584B (en) | 1998-12-23 |
| ATE139744T1 (en) | 1996-07-15 |
| ES2091252T3 (en) | 1996-11-01 |
| GR910100074A (en) | 1992-06-30 |
| NZ236908A (en) | 1995-04-27 |
| YU23691A (en) | 1996-01-09 |
| US5059035A (en) | 1991-10-22 |
| DE69120435T2 (en) | 1997-02-20 |
| PT96705A (en) | 1991-10-31 |
| HU214458B (en) | 1998-03-30 |
| JPH04215956A (en) | 1992-08-06 |
| EP0442299A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 |
| HU910445D0 (en) | 1991-08-28 |
| PT96705B (en) | 1998-08-31 |
| BG60907B2 (en) | 1996-06-28 |
| PL166843B1 (en) | 1995-06-30 |
| CS9100342A2 (en) | 1991-11-12 |
| AU7001991A (en) | 1991-08-15 |
| AU643968B2 (en) | 1993-12-02 |
| RU1838206C (en) | 1993-08-30 |
| GR1001594B (en) | 1994-06-30 |
| MX166051B (en) | 1992-12-16 |
| RO109181B1 (en) | 1994-12-30 |
| HUT67781A (en) | 1995-04-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |