CA2074480A1 - Sealed pouch having tear-open spout - Google Patents
Sealed pouch having tear-open spoutInfo
- Publication number
- CA2074480A1 CA2074480A1 CA002074480A CA2074480A CA2074480A1 CA 2074480 A1 CA2074480 A1 CA 2074480A1 CA 002074480 A CA002074480 A CA 002074480A CA 2074480 A CA2074480 A CA 2074480A CA 2074480 A1 CA2074480 A1 CA 2074480A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pouch
- fluid
- spout
- defines
- sealed
- 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
- 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
- B65D75/5816—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion
- B65D75/5822—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture for tearing a corner or other small portion next to the edge, e.g. a U-shaped portion and defining, after tearing, a small dispensing spout, a small orifice or the like
-
- 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
- B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
An improvement in a sealed pouch (20) made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins is disclosed. The pouch (20) defines a sealed cavity (22) for containment of a fluid ("F"). The pouch (20) also defines a sealed fluid-discharge spout (24) that is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity (22). The pouch (20) further defines a seam (26) disposed between the fluid cavity (22) and the spout (24). The improvement comprises at least three essential features. One such feature is that a portion of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end (36) of the spout (24) is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction. Another such feature is that a portion of the seam (26) defines a slit (30) disposed transverse to the preselected direction. Still another feature is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end (34) of the spout (24) defines a tear-initiating notch (32) oriented in the preselected direction.
Description
W~91/11366 PC~/US90/066~3 2~7~8~
SEALED POUCH HAVING TEAR-OPEN SPOUT
echnical Fleld Our invention relates, in general, to sealed pouches made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins.
Backqround Art Plastic film of, for example, polyethylene or l0 polypropylene is virtually impossible to tear directly along a straight or other regular line. This is due to the fact that two forces, when applied in opposite directions in shear or tension over an area of such a film or thin sheet, can cause the plastic film material to deform and stretch 15 plastically until its elastic limit is passed, whereupon a tear or separation starts. Such a tear can begin anywhere in the deformed, stretched area -- which is usually at the weakest point produced by the above-described thickness reduction -- and will not, in general, run normal to the 20 tearing forces being applied. Thus, ev n with evenly and carefully applied forces, it is not likely that a person will be able to tear a plastic film along a preselected straight or other regular line due to the stretchability of ~he film.
As a result of this, in order to open a plastic pouch, it is often necessary to employ a sharp tool or other instrument. The need for a separate cutting tool is obviously bothersome, and often such tools are not available.
One solution to the above problem has been to perforate or score a prescribed portion of the pouch or film. This allows for reasonably regular tearing of the plastic film material, but the film itself is'weakened. Further, perforations and the like tend to weaken the deslred seal, can thus cause leakage in a pouch containing a fluid, and may !~
thus limit the pràctical uti'lity of the pouch.
In a sealed plastic pouch for containment of a fluid and '~- hàving a spout for discharge of such a`'fluid,`'i'~would be desirable that such spout be readily openable without the use of tools or the need fbr scoring the plastic material.
-WO~1/11366 ~ PC~/US~0/06673 2~
Summary,Disclosure of Invention Accordingly, our invention, which is directed to animprovement in a sealed pouch, can be summarized as follows.
The sealed pouch is made of a molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins.
The pouch defines a sealed cavity for containment of a fluid.
The pouch also defines a sealed fluid-discharge spout that is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The pouch further defines a seam disposed between the fluid cavity and l0 the spout.
The improvement comprlses at least three essential features. One such feature is that a portion of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end of the spout is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction.
15 Another such feature is that a portion of the seam defines a slit disposed transverse to the preselected direction. Still another feature is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end of the spout defines a tear-initiating notch orlented along the preselected directionA
The foregoing as well as other features and advan~ages of our invention will become more readily understood by those skilled in the art after reading the best mode for carrying out the invention, discussed in detail hereinbelow, together 25 with reference to the drawing figures which we shall now briefly mention.
Brief_Descr,i~tion of the Drawings Figure l is a perspective view of one embodiment of our present invention.
30Figure 2 is a sectional view, taken along the plane 2-2 in Figure l, and slightly enlarged relative to Fiqure l.
Figure 3 is a fragmented sectional view, taken along the lines 3-3 in Fiyure 2 and on an enlarged scale.
Figure 4 is,"a fragmented sectional view of another embodiment of our present invention, illustrating the tear open spout. ~, , , ,, ,, , Figure 5 i5 a fragmented sectional view,, similar to Figure 4, but illustrating the now torn-open spout.
, " . ~, ' ' ~ ' ' : ,,:
., . :. ' - ~
, .', , .
,, Figure 6 ls a perspective view of still another embodiment of our present invention.
Figure 7 is a sectional view, taken along the plane 7-7 in Figure 6, and slightly enlarged relative to Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a fragmented sectional view, generally taken along the line 8 8 in Figure 7 and on an enlarged scale.
Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.
Best Mode for CarrYinq Out the Invention While our invention is suscept:ible to embodiment in various f'orms, there is shown in the above mentioned drawings and hereinafter described in detail several presently preferred embodiments of our invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considPred as merely an exempl~fication of our invention without limitation to the specific embodiments illustrated.
As those skilled in the art well know, edge margins of flexible plastic pouches can be joined continuously'utilizing such sealing methods as heat-and-pressure, radio-frequency 20 welding, induction heatiny, solvent joining, or an adhesive.
See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,429 to Fabisiewic~ et al.
Referring now to the drawings and initially to Figure l, ~ our improvement in a sealed container or pouch 20A will be 25 discussed in detail. ' `
The sealed pouch 2OA is made of a molecularly-orientable, flexible polymeric *ilm that is seal~d along peripheral edge margins.
' It is'well-known to those skilled in the art that 30 various thermoplastic sheek or film materials, typically used in making flexible pouches or containers, whether blown, rolled, cast, or di.e-extruded,-are molecularly directionally orientable to some degree. For example, certa.in ~thermoplastic'sheet or film materials'can be intentionally - 35~ oriented by stre1;ching in a predetermined direction. ~See, : e.g.-, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,~29 to Fabisiewicz et''al.' In this 1' regard, well-known molecularly~orientable materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. See, e.y., U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,8l5 to Bunch.
' . ~ .
. .
:~ ~ .,, ,;, . . ,, :
W0 91tl l366 ~ PCr/US90/06673 The pouch 20A defines a sealed cavity 22A for containment of a fluid "F". The pouch 20A also defines a sealed fluid~discharge spout 24A that is in fluid communication with th~ fluid cavity 22A.
The sealed spout 24A can be serpentine as shown in Figures 1 through 3; or, in the alternative, either a relatively straight, sealed spout 24B disposed at an acute angle relative to cavity 22B (Figure 4) or an elongated, sealed spout 24C having inwardly-dLisposed spout indents 25 (Figures 6-8) would be suitable for purposes of our present invention. The pouch 20A further de~ines a sealed seam 26A
disposed between the fluid cavity 22A and the spout 24A.
The improvement comprises at least three essential features.
One such feature is that a portion 28A of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end of the spout 24A is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction. Dashed lines are shown in Fiyures 1-3 (at portion 28A), in Figure 4 (at portion 28B), and in Figures 6-8 (at portion 28C), for 20 purposes of illustrating our preferred, preselected direction of molecular orientation in the polymeric film of the pouch of our present invention. Also, the polymeric ~ilm material that we prefer to use, for purposes of achieving this feature or aspect of our invention, is either molecularly-orientable 25 polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, film thickness is a matter of design choice, in view of factors such as economic considerations and fluids that are to be contained, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
Another such feature of our improved pouch is that a 30 portion of the seam 26A defines a slit 30A, which completely penetrates the film material and which is disposed transverse - to the preselected direction of molecular orientation of the polymeric film, such diraction of molecular orientation being illustrated by portion 28A at the discharge end of sealed 35 ~spout 24A. The--slit:30A can be straight,~as shown in-Figures 1 through 3; or the slit 30B can be arcuate, as shown in Figure 4. An elongated slit 30C, shown in Figures 6 through 8 and ~urther discussed hereinbelow, is still another embodiment.
. . . , , , , , - ~ - .
' ' ' ' . ' ' , . , ' , W~91/11366 PCT/U~)/06673 - 5 '~ $ ~
Still another feature of the improved pouch of our present invention is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end of sealed spout 24A defines a -tear-initiating notch 32A.
5 The notch 32A is located in the vicinity of that portion 28A
of the polymeric film which defines the fluid-discharge end of sealed spout 24A and is oriented in the direction of molecular orientation of the polymleric film. As a result, after grasping sealed edge margins on opposite sides of the 10 notch with the fingers of both hands, a user is readily able to tear the pouch edge margin, from the notch to the slit.
Because the orientation of the slit is transverse to the direction of molecular orientation in ~he polymeric film, the tear thus always terminates at the slit by our design. One end 34A of the slit 30A preferably extends so far inwardly into the seam 26A as to effectively terminate any tear initiating at notch 32A. A like arrangement is shown in ''' Figure 4 relative to notch 32B, slit 30B, slit terminal end 34B, and seam 26B. Further, as is shown in Figure 1, the 20 remainder of slit 30A can totally sever an edge margin of pouch 2OA, or as shown in Figure 4 can terminate in ~he edge margin just short of severing the same. Preferably, the amount of edge margin thus left unsevered is minimal, enabling the corner 38B (Figure 4) of'the pouch 20B to be 25 readily ramoved from the remainder of the pouch edge margin without causing und~sired fluid leakage from the cavity 22B
of the pouch 20B. Thus, in operation, propagation of the tear from the notch 32B to the slit 30B, and tearing away the removable corner 38B (Figure 4) from the edge margin of the 30 pouch 2OB, results in a pouch 2OB having a spout which, in turn, has an open discharge end 36B':(Figure 5).
Reference is next invited back to Figures 1 and 2 for purposes o~ discussing yet'another feature of`our present invention.~ Such an illustrated embodiment of our pouch 20A
includes cavity indents 40 and 41 defined'by the:pouch~edge margins and disposed inwardly into thé"cavity 22A.'' The cavity indents 40 and 41 are so located relative to the closed serpentine spout 24A, defined by upper edge margin ~2 of pouch 20A, as to enable a user to force fluid from cavity '' . ~ ~, , :: . . , : . . . :, . . . , : . ................... :
. . - " , . . ~ , .: - .- . . , . . .. : .. : .: .
W091/11366 ~ J 6 - PCI/US~O/Ob673 22A into serpentine spout 24A by e~ertiny pressure on the fluid contained in pouch 20A, via the pouch sidewalls, with minimal deformation occurring in upper margin 42. Those skilled in the art can appreciate t:hat deformation of upper 5 margin 42 would tend to restrict f]Low of fluid through serpentine spout 24A.
The indents 40 and 41 (Figures 1 and 2) are not an Pssential feature o~ our present invention, although inclusion of such are presently preferred by us.
10 Accordingly, as those skilled in the art can well appreciate, certain pouches incorporating the 1:hree above-discussed essential features of our invention, but not including the indents 40 and/or 41, can be manufactured if desired.
Reference is further invited to Figures 6 through 8 for purposes of discussing still another feature of our pr~sent invention. ~s is illustrated, tha spout 24C and searn 26C c~n each be elongated; and the slit 30C can be elongated and so inwardly disposed relative to the seam 26C as to locate the seam inner end 34C at a point that is effective for forming an upper edge margin flap 44 which defines the eionyated spout 24C. After the corner 38C is removed from pouch 20C, by initiating a tear in the spout end portion 28C from the notch 32C to the slit 30C in the manner described above, the flexible nature of the polymeric material of the pouch 20C
enables a user to flex the flap 44 out of a plane defined by the remainder of the sealed upper edge margin of the pouch 2 OC, to thus direct the flow of f luid through elongated spout 24C if desired.
~ha spout inden~s 25, mentioned above, i-f present, further control the flow of fluid through elongated spout 24C. The spout indents 25, like the elongated spout 24C, are defined by the se.aled, upper edye margin of pouch 20C. As is illustrated in Figures 6 through 8, the spout indents 25 are located on opposite inner sidewalls of elongated spout 24C.
35 One purpose-of the spout indents 25 is to provide a means for controlling fluid discharye~rate, within predetermined limits, when a user is intentionally forcilly fluid through the elongated spout 24C. Another purpose of tne spout indents 25 is to minimize fluid discharge rate when a user is - ~ - - - - . . .
.
: . i . , : ~ ~ :
WO91/1136f~ _ 7 2 ~ 7 ~ OPCT/~S9~/0667~
unintentionally forcing fluid through the elongatec1 spout ~4C, as happens when an open pouch is passed from one user to another. Still another purpose of the spout indents 25 is to restrict flow of fluid through the elongated spout 2~C when the pouch is no~ in use, as happens, for example, when the pouch is unintentionally left on its side. Achieving these various purposes will depend for example on the viscosity and surfare tension of the contained fluid, the axial and transverse dimensions of the elongated spout 24C, the relative number of spout indents 25 disposed along the axial direction of elongated spout 24C, and the spacing of oppositely disposed spout indents 25 with respect to the spout transverse direction.
What has been illustrated and described herein is an improvement in a sealed pouch made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film. While the improved pouch of the invention has been illustrated and described with reference to several preferred embodiments, our invention is not limited thereto.
On the contrary, alternatives, changes or modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. For example, while our pouch is shown as including an upstanding base (Figures l and 6), a flat-bottomed pouch of the type disclosed in V.S. Pat. No.
SEALED POUCH HAVING TEAR-OPEN SPOUT
echnical Fleld Our invention relates, in general, to sealed pouches made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins.
Backqround Art Plastic film of, for example, polyethylene or l0 polypropylene is virtually impossible to tear directly along a straight or other regular line. This is due to the fact that two forces, when applied in opposite directions in shear or tension over an area of such a film or thin sheet, can cause the plastic film material to deform and stretch 15 plastically until its elastic limit is passed, whereupon a tear or separation starts. Such a tear can begin anywhere in the deformed, stretched area -- which is usually at the weakest point produced by the above-described thickness reduction -- and will not, in general, run normal to the 20 tearing forces being applied. Thus, ev n with evenly and carefully applied forces, it is not likely that a person will be able to tear a plastic film along a preselected straight or other regular line due to the stretchability of ~he film.
As a result of this, in order to open a plastic pouch, it is often necessary to employ a sharp tool or other instrument. The need for a separate cutting tool is obviously bothersome, and often such tools are not available.
One solution to the above problem has been to perforate or score a prescribed portion of the pouch or film. This allows for reasonably regular tearing of the plastic film material, but the film itself is'weakened. Further, perforations and the like tend to weaken the deslred seal, can thus cause leakage in a pouch containing a fluid, and may !~
thus limit the pràctical uti'lity of the pouch.
In a sealed plastic pouch for containment of a fluid and '~- hàving a spout for discharge of such a`'fluid,`'i'~would be desirable that such spout be readily openable without the use of tools or the need fbr scoring the plastic material.
-WO~1/11366 ~ PC~/US~0/06673 2~
Summary,Disclosure of Invention Accordingly, our invention, which is directed to animprovement in a sealed pouch, can be summarized as follows.
The sealed pouch is made of a molecularly-orientable polymeric film that is sealed along peripheral edge margins.
The pouch defines a sealed cavity for containment of a fluid.
The pouch also defines a sealed fluid-discharge spout that is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The pouch further defines a seam disposed between the fluid cavity and l0 the spout.
The improvement comprlses at least three essential features. One such feature is that a portion of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end of the spout is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction.
15 Another such feature is that a portion of the seam defines a slit disposed transverse to the preselected direction. Still another feature is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end of the spout defines a tear-initiating notch orlented along the preselected directionA
The foregoing as well as other features and advan~ages of our invention will become more readily understood by those skilled in the art after reading the best mode for carrying out the invention, discussed in detail hereinbelow, together 25 with reference to the drawing figures which we shall now briefly mention.
Brief_Descr,i~tion of the Drawings Figure l is a perspective view of one embodiment of our present invention.
30Figure 2 is a sectional view, taken along the plane 2-2 in Figure l, and slightly enlarged relative to Fiqure l.
Figure 3 is a fragmented sectional view, taken along the lines 3-3 in Fiyure 2 and on an enlarged scale.
Figure 4 is,"a fragmented sectional view of another embodiment of our present invention, illustrating the tear open spout. ~, , , ,, ,, , Figure 5 i5 a fragmented sectional view,, similar to Figure 4, but illustrating the now torn-open spout.
, " . ~, ' ' ~ ' ' : ,,:
., . :. ' - ~
, .', , .
,, Figure 6 ls a perspective view of still another embodiment of our present invention.
Figure 7 is a sectional view, taken along the plane 7-7 in Figure 6, and slightly enlarged relative to Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a fragmented sectional view, generally taken along the line 8 8 in Figure 7 and on an enlarged scale.
Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.
Best Mode for CarrYinq Out the Invention While our invention is suscept:ible to embodiment in various f'orms, there is shown in the above mentioned drawings and hereinafter described in detail several presently preferred embodiments of our invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considPred as merely an exempl~fication of our invention without limitation to the specific embodiments illustrated.
As those skilled in the art well know, edge margins of flexible plastic pouches can be joined continuously'utilizing such sealing methods as heat-and-pressure, radio-frequency 20 welding, induction heatiny, solvent joining, or an adhesive.
See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,429 to Fabisiewic~ et al.
Referring now to the drawings and initially to Figure l, ~ our improvement in a sealed container or pouch 20A will be 25 discussed in detail. ' `
The sealed pouch 2OA is made of a molecularly-orientable, flexible polymeric *ilm that is seal~d along peripheral edge margins.
' It is'well-known to those skilled in the art that 30 various thermoplastic sheek or film materials, typically used in making flexible pouches or containers, whether blown, rolled, cast, or di.e-extruded,-are molecularly directionally orientable to some degree. For example, certa.in ~thermoplastic'sheet or film materials'can be intentionally - 35~ oriented by stre1;ching in a predetermined direction. ~See, : e.g.-, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,~29 to Fabisiewicz et''al.' In this 1' regard, well-known molecularly~orientable materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. See, e.y., U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,8l5 to Bunch.
' . ~ .
. .
:~ ~ .,, ,;, . . ,, :
W0 91tl l366 ~ PCr/US90/06673 The pouch 20A defines a sealed cavity 22A for containment of a fluid "F". The pouch 20A also defines a sealed fluid~discharge spout 24A that is in fluid communication with th~ fluid cavity 22A.
The sealed spout 24A can be serpentine as shown in Figures 1 through 3; or, in the alternative, either a relatively straight, sealed spout 24B disposed at an acute angle relative to cavity 22B (Figure 4) or an elongated, sealed spout 24C having inwardly-dLisposed spout indents 25 (Figures 6-8) would be suitable for purposes of our present invention. The pouch 20A further de~ines a sealed seam 26A
disposed between the fluid cavity 22A and the spout 24A.
The improvement comprises at least three essential features.
One such feature is that a portion 28A of the polymeric film which defines a fluid-discharge end of the spout 24A is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction. Dashed lines are shown in Fiyures 1-3 (at portion 28A), in Figure 4 (at portion 28B), and in Figures 6-8 (at portion 28C), for 20 purposes of illustrating our preferred, preselected direction of molecular orientation in the polymeric film of the pouch of our present invention. Also, the polymeric ~ilm material that we prefer to use, for purposes of achieving this feature or aspect of our invention, is either molecularly-orientable 25 polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, film thickness is a matter of design choice, in view of factors such as economic considerations and fluids that are to be contained, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
Another such feature of our improved pouch is that a 30 portion of the seam 26A defines a slit 30A, which completely penetrates the film material and which is disposed transverse - to the preselected direction of molecular orientation of the polymeric film, such diraction of molecular orientation being illustrated by portion 28A at the discharge end of sealed 35 ~spout 24A. The--slit:30A can be straight,~as shown in-Figures 1 through 3; or the slit 30B can be arcuate, as shown in Figure 4. An elongated slit 30C, shown in Figures 6 through 8 and ~urther discussed hereinbelow, is still another embodiment.
. . . , , , , , - ~ - .
' ' ' ' . ' ' , . , ' , W~91/11366 PCT/U~)/06673 - 5 '~ $ ~
Still another feature of the improved pouch of our present invention is that a portion of the sealed pouch peripheral edge margin in the vicinity of the fluid-discharge end of sealed spout 24A defines a -tear-initiating notch 32A.
5 The notch 32A is located in the vicinity of that portion 28A
of the polymeric film which defines the fluid-discharge end of sealed spout 24A and is oriented in the direction of molecular orientation of the polymleric film. As a result, after grasping sealed edge margins on opposite sides of the 10 notch with the fingers of both hands, a user is readily able to tear the pouch edge margin, from the notch to the slit.
Because the orientation of the slit is transverse to the direction of molecular orientation in ~he polymeric film, the tear thus always terminates at the slit by our design. One end 34A of the slit 30A preferably extends so far inwardly into the seam 26A as to effectively terminate any tear initiating at notch 32A. A like arrangement is shown in ''' Figure 4 relative to notch 32B, slit 30B, slit terminal end 34B, and seam 26B. Further, as is shown in Figure 1, the 20 remainder of slit 30A can totally sever an edge margin of pouch 2OA, or as shown in Figure 4 can terminate in ~he edge margin just short of severing the same. Preferably, the amount of edge margin thus left unsevered is minimal, enabling the corner 38B (Figure 4) of'the pouch 20B to be 25 readily ramoved from the remainder of the pouch edge margin without causing und~sired fluid leakage from the cavity 22B
of the pouch 20B. Thus, in operation, propagation of the tear from the notch 32B to the slit 30B, and tearing away the removable corner 38B (Figure 4) from the edge margin of the 30 pouch 2OB, results in a pouch 2OB having a spout which, in turn, has an open discharge end 36B':(Figure 5).
Reference is next invited back to Figures 1 and 2 for purposes o~ discussing yet'another feature of`our present invention.~ Such an illustrated embodiment of our pouch 20A
includes cavity indents 40 and 41 defined'by the:pouch~edge margins and disposed inwardly into thé"cavity 22A.'' The cavity indents 40 and 41 are so located relative to the closed serpentine spout 24A, defined by upper edge margin ~2 of pouch 20A, as to enable a user to force fluid from cavity '' . ~ ~, , :: . . , : . . . :, . . . , : . ................... :
. . - " , . . ~ , .: - .- . . , . . .. : .. : .: .
W091/11366 ~ J 6 - PCI/US~O/Ob673 22A into serpentine spout 24A by e~ertiny pressure on the fluid contained in pouch 20A, via the pouch sidewalls, with minimal deformation occurring in upper margin 42. Those skilled in the art can appreciate t:hat deformation of upper 5 margin 42 would tend to restrict f]Low of fluid through serpentine spout 24A.
The indents 40 and 41 (Figures 1 and 2) are not an Pssential feature o~ our present invention, although inclusion of such are presently preferred by us.
10 Accordingly, as those skilled in the art can well appreciate, certain pouches incorporating the 1:hree above-discussed essential features of our invention, but not including the indents 40 and/or 41, can be manufactured if desired.
Reference is further invited to Figures 6 through 8 for purposes of discussing still another feature of our pr~sent invention. ~s is illustrated, tha spout 24C and searn 26C c~n each be elongated; and the slit 30C can be elongated and so inwardly disposed relative to the seam 26C as to locate the seam inner end 34C at a point that is effective for forming an upper edge margin flap 44 which defines the eionyated spout 24C. After the corner 38C is removed from pouch 20C, by initiating a tear in the spout end portion 28C from the notch 32C to the slit 30C in the manner described above, the flexible nature of the polymeric material of the pouch 20C
enables a user to flex the flap 44 out of a plane defined by the remainder of the sealed upper edge margin of the pouch 2 OC, to thus direct the flow of f luid through elongated spout 24C if desired.
~ha spout inden~s 25, mentioned above, i-f present, further control the flow of fluid through elongated spout 24C. The spout indents 25, like the elongated spout 24C, are defined by the se.aled, upper edye margin of pouch 20C. As is illustrated in Figures 6 through 8, the spout indents 25 are located on opposite inner sidewalls of elongated spout 24C.
35 One purpose-of the spout indents 25 is to provide a means for controlling fluid discharye~rate, within predetermined limits, when a user is intentionally forcilly fluid through the elongated spout 24C. Another purpose of tne spout indents 25 is to minimize fluid discharge rate when a user is - ~ - - - - . . .
.
: . i . , : ~ ~ :
WO91/1136f~ _ 7 2 ~ 7 ~ OPCT/~S9~/0667~
unintentionally forcing fluid through the elongatec1 spout ~4C, as happens when an open pouch is passed from one user to another. Still another purpose of the spout indents 25 is to restrict flow of fluid through the elongated spout 2~C when the pouch is no~ in use, as happens, for example, when the pouch is unintentionally left on its side. Achieving these various purposes will depend for example on the viscosity and surfare tension of the contained fluid, the axial and transverse dimensions of the elongated spout 24C, the relative number of spout indents 25 disposed along the axial direction of elongated spout 24C, and the spacing of oppositely disposed spout indents 25 with respect to the spout transverse direction.
What has been illustrated and described herein is an improvement in a sealed pouch made of molecularly-orientable polymeric film. While the improved pouch of the invention has been illustrated and described with reference to several preferred embodiments, our invention is not limited thereto.
On the contrary, alternatives, changes or modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. For example, while our pouch is shown as including an upstanding base (Figures l and 6), a flat-bottomed pouch of the type disclosed in V.S. Pat. No.
3,510,054 to Sanni et al. would be an obvious modification of our present invention. Accordingly, such alternativeis, chang~is and modifications are to be considered as forming a part of our invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Indu~str_al AE~licability The pouch of the present invention can conta.in a variety of fluids such as shampoo and conditioner, shower and shaving gels, shower and bath oil, hand and body lotion, mo.isturizing cream, dish-washinq detergentj liquid hand soap, liquid laundry detergent and stain remover, liquid automotive 35 products such as windshield-washer fluid, catsup and mustard, salad dressing and jelly, liquid dairy products such as milk and yogurt, and various beverages such as fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water and the like. Further, we hereby deifine the term nfluid" broadly; and we, accordingly, W091/11366 ~ Pcr/us9o/o6673 contemplate utilizing our pouch to contain fluid-like, pourable powders such as laundry detergents, household cleaners, and the like.
!
' 1
Indu~str_al AE~licability The pouch of the present invention can conta.in a variety of fluids such as shampoo and conditioner, shower and shaving gels, shower and bath oil, hand and body lotion, mo.isturizing cream, dish-washinq detergentj liquid hand soap, liquid laundry detergent and stain remover, liquid automotive 35 products such as windshield-washer fluid, catsup and mustard, salad dressing and jelly, liquid dairy products such as milk and yogurt, and various beverages such as fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water and the like. Further, we hereby deifine the term nfluid" broadly; and we, accordingly, W091/11366 ~ Pcr/us9o/o6673 contemplate utilizing our pouch to contain fluid-like, pourable powders such as laundry detergents, household cleaners, and the like.
!
' 1
Claims (4)
1. In a pouch sealed along peripheral edge margins, wherein the pouch defines a sealed cavity for containment of a fluid, wherein a portion of the pouch edge margin defines a sealed fluid-discharge spout in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the fluid-discharge spout has a fluid-discharge end, and wherein another portion of the pouch edge margin defines a seam disposed between the fluid cavity and the spout, an improved pouch wherein the improvements are characterized as including the following:
wherein the pouch is made of a molecularly-orientable polymeric film;
wherein the pouch edge margin portion which defines the fluid-discharge end of the spout is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction;
wherein a portion of the seam defines a tear-terminating slit that is disposed transverse to the preselected direction; and wherein the pouch edge margin portion which defines the fluid-discharge end of the spout includes a tear-initiating notch oriented along the preselected direction, wherein the slit completely penetrates the polymeric film and is of a length that is effective for terminating any tear extending from the notch to the slit along the preselected direction.
wherein the pouch is made of a molecularly-orientable polymeric film;
wherein the pouch edge margin portion which defines the fluid-discharge end of the spout is molecularly-oriented in a preselected direction;
wherein a portion of the seam defines a tear-terminating slit that is disposed transverse to the preselected direction; and wherein the pouch edge margin portion which defines the fluid-discharge end of the spout includes a tear-initiating notch oriented along the preselected direction, wherein the slit completely penetrates the polymeric film and is of a length that is effective for terminating any tear extending from the notch to the slit along the preselected direction.
2. The pouch of claim 1 wherein the slit severs an edge margin of the pouch.
3. The pouch of claim 1 wherein the slit terminates in an edge margin of the pouch.
4. The pouch of claim 1 wherein the spout, the seam and the slit are each elongated, and wherein the elongated spout includes means for controlling fluid flow therethrough.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US47441490A | 1990-02-02 | 1990-02-02 | |
| US07/474,414 | 1990-02-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2074480A1 true CA2074480A1 (en) | 1991-08-03 |
Family
ID=23883424
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002074480A Abandoned CA2074480A1 (en) | 1990-02-02 | 1990-11-13 | Sealed pouch having tear-open spout |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0593445B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05503906A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1019374B (en) |
| AR (1) | AR247524A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE117959T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU6885091A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2074480A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69016679T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0593445T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2067772T3 (en) |
| GR (1) | GR3014945T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991011366A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA909746B (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6095689A (en) * | 1993-12-16 | 2000-08-01 | Socoplan S.A. | Flexible bag with incorporated opening line |
| US5411178A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1995-05-02 | Beeton Holdings Limited | Fluid dispenser pouch with venturi shaped outlet |
| US5906827A (en) * | 1994-06-03 | 1999-05-25 | Creative Biomolecules, Inc. | Matrix for the manufacture of autogenous replacement body parts |
| DE20106034U1 (en) | 2001-04-06 | 2001-07-05 | August Töpfer & Co. (GmbH & Co.), 20539 Hamburg | Packaging for bath salts |
| JP2006256627A (en) * | 2005-03-15 | 2006-09-28 | Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd | Packaging bag having self-closing spout |
| FR2898343B1 (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2008-05-02 | Acp Soc Par Actions Simplifiee | FLAT BAG FORMED BY TWO SIDED SIDES AND CONTAINING A PRODUCT SHEET |
| DE102009031391A1 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2011-01-05 | Huhtamaki Ronsberg, Zweigniederlassung Der Huhtamaki Deutschland Gmbh & Co. Kg | Tearable-free standing flat-ended bag for accommodating e.g. chips, has front and rear sides exhibiting position, where tear-preferred direction of position, direction of tear extension and tear-parallel line comprise specific degree |
| MX2015017834A (en) * | 2013-07-03 | 2016-04-15 | Procter & Gamble | Method of improving re-closure of oxidative hair colorant sachet with foldable re-closure device. |
| WO2015186251A1 (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2015-12-10 | 株式会社悠心 | Packaging bag |
| GB2539479A (en) * | 2015-06-17 | 2016-12-21 | Kazimierz Szymanek Dariusz | Sachet in which after opening one part of the sachet works as a narrow pouring nozzle or a narrow pipe |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2248266A (en) * | 1939-09-25 | 1941-07-08 | William C Abrams | Package |
| US2923404A (en) * | 1956-08-30 | 1960-02-02 | Adell Robert | Container for alcoholic beverages |
| US3179327A (en) * | 1962-05-24 | 1965-04-20 | Dow Chemical Co | Film tear line |
| GB1015383A (en) * | 1963-10-03 | 1965-12-31 | Arenco Ab | Improvements in or relating to easily openable bags |
| US3579397A (en) * | 1966-08-16 | 1971-05-18 | Windmoeller & Hoelscher | Process of manufacturing bags having tear strips and consisting of synthetic thermoplastics |
| US3510054A (en) * | 1968-07-23 | 1970-05-05 | Dino Di Carlo | Dispenser packet |
| US3616990A (en) * | 1969-05-01 | 1971-11-02 | Joseph J Powell | Easy-tear arrangement for stretchable plastic film |
| US3565328A (en) * | 1969-05-15 | 1971-02-23 | Bemis Co Inc | Multiwall pinch closure bag with opening feature |
| US3608815A (en) * | 1969-07-03 | 1971-09-28 | Dixie Wax Paper Co | Opening aid for packages |
| AU500105B2 (en) * | 1975-03-05 | 1979-05-10 | Milvik, Michael | One-piece letter sheet |
| US4491224A (en) * | 1982-03-05 | 1985-01-01 | C O D Inter Techniques Sa | Weldable tear-off capping film for sealing packages |
| US4519499A (en) * | 1984-06-15 | 1985-05-28 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Container having a selectively openable seal line and peelable barrier means |
| US4720011A (en) * | 1986-09-30 | 1988-01-19 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Package having tearstrip opener |
| US4838429A (en) * | 1986-10-10 | 1989-06-13 | Baxter International Inc. | Flexible thermoplastic pouches having easy-open tear strip means and apparatus for making same |
| US4834245A (en) * | 1988-08-05 | 1989-05-30 | Kabushiki Kaisha Hosokawa Yoko | Pouch having tearing zone for taking out content packed therein |
-
1990
- 1990-11-13 CA CA002074480A patent/CA2074480A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-11-13 ES ES90917441T patent/ES2067772T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-11-13 WO PCT/US1990/006673 patent/WO1991011366A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1990-11-13 AU AU68850/91A patent/AU6885091A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-11-13 JP JP3500574A patent/JPH05503906A/en active Pending
- 1990-11-13 DE DE69016679T patent/DE69016679T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-11-13 AT AT90917441T patent/ATE117959T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-11-13 EP EP90917441A patent/EP0593445B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-11-13 DK DK90917441.9T patent/DK0593445T3/en active
- 1990-11-27 AR AR90318479A patent/AR247524A1/en active
- 1990-12-03 CN CN90109625A patent/CN1019374B/en not_active Expired
- 1990-12-04 ZA ZA909746A patent/ZA909746B/en unknown
-
1995
- 1995-02-02 GR GR940403512T patent/GR3014945T3/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0593445A1 (en) | 1994-04-27 |
| ATE117959T1 (en) | 1995-02-15 |
| EP0593445A4 (en) | 1993-10-01 |
| CN1053774A (en) | 1991-08-14 |
| DK0593445T3 (en) | 1995-07-17 |
| JPH05503906A (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| AR247524A1 (en) | 1995-01-31 |
| CN1019374B (en) | 1992-12-09 |
| DE69016679T2 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
| DE69016679D1 (en) | 1995-03-16 |
| AU6885091A (en) | 1991-08-21 |
| GR3014945T3 (en) | 1995-05-31 |
| ES2067772T3 (en) | 1995-04-01 |
| WO1991011366A1 (en) | 1991-08-08 |
| ZA909746B (en) | 1992-04-29 |
| EP0593445B1 (en) | 1995-02-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |