CN104284844A - flexible container - Google Patents

Abstract

Non-durable self-supporting flexible containers.

Description

flexible container

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to containers, and in particular to containers made of flexible materials.

Background technique

Liquid products include liquid products and/or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, the container can be used to receive, contain and dispense one or more liquid products. Also, in various embodiments, containers may be used to receive, contain and/or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions of products. A container may contain one or more product volumes. The product volume is configured to be filled with one or more liquid products. The container receives the liquid product when filling its product volume. Once filled to the desired volume, the container can be configured to contain the liquid product in its product volume until the liquid product is dispensed. The container contains the liquid product by providing a barrier around the liquid product. The barrier prevents liquid product from escaping from the product volume. The barrier also protects the liquid product from the environment outside the container. The filled product volume is usually closed by a cap or seal. A container may be configured to dispense one or more liquid products contained in one or more product volumes thereof. Once dispensed, the end user may consume, administer or otherwise use the liquid product or products as appropriate. In various embodiments, the container can be configured to be refilled and reused or the container can be configured to be discarded after a single fill or even a single use. A container should be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that it can successfully receive, contain and dispense its liquid product or products as intended.

Containers for one or more liquid products can be disposed of, displayed for sale, and put into service. Containers can be handled in many different ways as they are prepared, filled, decorated, packaged, shipped, and unpacked. Containers experience a variety of different external forces and environmental conditions as they are handled by machines and people, moved by equipment and vehicles, and contacted by other containers and various packaging materials. A container for one or more liquid products should be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that it can be successfully handled as intended in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art.

The container can also be displayed for sale in a number of different ways when it is offered for purchase. The container may be sold as a single article, or the container may be sold packaged with one or more other containers or products which together form the article. Containers can be sold as primary packaging with or without secondary packaging. When the container is displayed for sale, the container may be decorated to display characters, graphics, indicia, and/or other visual elements. The container may be configured to be displayed for sale while resting or standing on a store shelf, displayed for sale, presented in a marketing display, hung from a display hanger, or loaded in a display rack or vending machine. A container for one or more liquid products should be configured with a structure that allows it to be successfully displayed as intended in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art.

Containers can also be put into service by their end users in many different ways. The container can be configured to be held or grasped by the end user so that it should be appropriately sized and shaped for the human hand; and to this end, the container can include available structural features such as handles and/or gripping surfaces . The container may be resting or standing on a support surface, while hanging on or from a projection such as a hook or clip, or while being supported by a product holder, or (for refillable or refillable recharging container) is stored while positioned in a refill or recharging station. The container may be configured to dispense one or more liquid products when in any of these storage positions or when held by a user. The container may be configured to dispense one or more liquid products by using gravity, and/or pressure, and/or a dispensing mechanism such as a pump or a straw, or by using other types of dispensers known in the art. Some containers may be configured to be filled and/or refilled by a seller (eg, a wholesaler or retailer) or by an end user. A container for one or more liquid products should be configured with a structure that allows it to be successfully put into service as intended in any of these ways, or in any other way known in the art. The container can also be configured to be discarded as waste and/or recyclable material in various ways by the end user.

One conventional type of container for liquid products is a rigid container made of one or more solid materials. Examples of conventional rigid containers include molded plastic bottles, glass jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes, and the like. These conventional rigid containers are well known and generally available; however, their design does present some significant difficulties.

First, some conventional rigid containers for liquid products can be expensive to manufacture. Some rigid containers are made from a process of shaping one or more solid materials. Other rigid containers are made by a phase change process in which the container material is heated (to soften/melt), then shaped, and then cooled (to harden/solidify). Both fabrications are energy-intensive processes that may require complex equipment.

Second, some conventional rigid containers for liquid products may require a large amount of material. Rigid containers designed to stand on a support surface require solid walls thick enough to support the container as it is filled. This may require a large amount of material which adds to the cost of the container and makes its disposal difficult.

Third, some conventional rigid containers for liquid products can be difficult to decorate. The size, shape (eg, curved surface) and/or material of some rigid containers make it difficult to print directly on their outer surfaces. Labeling requires additional materials and handling, and limits the size and shape of the decoration. Packaging provides a large decorative area, but also requires additional materials and handling, often at significant cost.

Fourth, some conventional rigid containers for liquid products may be prone to certain types of damage. If a rigid container is pushed against a rough surface, the container can experience abrasion which can blur the printing on the container. If a rigid container is pressed against a hard object, the container can become dented, which can make it look unsightly. And if the rigid container is dropped, the container may break, which can result in loss of its liquid product.

Fifth, some liquid products in conventional rigid containers can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid container to dispense its liquid product, the end user must overcome the resistance of the rigid sides to deform the container. Some users may lack hand strength to easily overcome the resistance; these users may dispense less liquid product than they desire. Other users may need to apply so much hand force that they cannot easily control the degree to which the container is deformed; these users may dispense more liquid product than they desire.

Contents of the invention

This disclosure describes various embodiments of containers made from flexible materials. Because these containers are made of flexible materials, these containers can be less expensive to manufacture, can use less material and can be easier to decorate when compared to conventional rigid containers. First, these containers can be less expensive to manufacture because the conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished product) generally requires less energy and complexity than the formation of rigid materials (from block form to finished product). Second, these containers can use less material because they are configured with novel support structures that do not require the use of thick core walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible containers can be easier to print and/or decorate because they are made of a flexible material, and the flexible material can be printed and/or decorated as a conformal web before it is formed into a container. Fourth, these flexible containers are less prone to wear, dents, and cracks because the flexible material allows their outer surfaces to deform and then bounce back when contacting surfaces and objects. Fifth, liquid products in these flexible containers can be more easily and carefully dispensed because the sides of the flexible container can be easily and controllably squeezed by human hands. Although fabricated from flexible materials, the containers of the present disclosure can be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully receive, contain, and dispense one or more liquid products as intended. Additionally, these containers can be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully withstand external forces and environmental conditions from processing. Additionally, these containers can be configured with structures that allow them to be successfully deployed and put into service as intended.

In one embodiment, the container has a first sheet assembly portion and a second sheet assembly portion. Each of the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion includes a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet joined to the flexible outer sheet to form at least one expansion chamber and a flexible inner sheet formed by the expansion chamber Defined multi-wall panels. The flexible outer sheet and the flexible inner sheet overlap each other in the multi-wall panel. Portions of the flexible outer panel and the flexible inner panel are spaced apart from each other to maintain an inflation chamber volume in the inflation chamber. The first sheet pack portion and the second sheet pack portion engage each other to at least partially form at least one product containing volume.

In another embodiment, a container includes a first sheet assembly portion and a second sheet assembly portion joined together to at least partially form a product containing volume. Each of the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion includes a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet joined to the flexible outer sheet to form an inflation chamber. Portions of the flexible inner panel and the flexible outer panel are spaced apart from each other to maintain the inflation chamber volume in the inflation chamber. The container also includes a product dispensing channel disposed between the expansion chamber chambers of the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion. the container also includes a reclosable opening coupled to one or more of the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion such that the reclosable opening is in fluid communication with the product containment volume through the product dispensing channel, and The reclosable opening provides selective closure of the product containment volume.

In another embodiment, a container includes a first wafer portion and a second wafer portion. Each of the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion includes a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet joined to the flexible outer sheet to form an inflation chamber. Portions of the flexible inner panel and the flexible outer panel are spaced apart from each other to maintain the inflation chamber volume in the inflation chamber. The first sheet pack portion and the second sheet pack portion engage each other to at least partially form a product containment volume. The flexible inner sheets of the first sheet pack portion and the second sheet pack portion are positioned inside the product containing volume. The reclosable opening is in fluid communication with the product containment volume. The expansion chambers contact each other at a point inside the product containing volume.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of a stand up flexible container.

Figure IB shows a side view of the stand up flexible container of Figure IA.

Figure 1C shows a top view of the stand up flexible container of Figure 1A.

Figure ID shows a bottom view of the stand up flexible container of Figure 1A.

Figure 2A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a frustum of a cone.

Figure 2B shows a front view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 2C shows a side view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 2D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a pyramid.

Figure 3B shows a front view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 3C shows a side view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 3D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 3A.

Figure 4A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a triangular prism.

Figure 4B shows a front view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 4C shows a side view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 4D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a quadrangular prism.

Figure 5B shows a front view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 5C shows a side view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 5D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a pentagonal prism.

Figure 6B shows a front view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 6C shows a side view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 6D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a cone.

Figure 7B shows a front view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 7C shows a side view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 7D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A shows a top view of a stand up flexible container with a structural support frame having an overall shape like a cylinder.

Figure 8B shows a front view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C shows a side view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 8D shows an isometric view of the container of Figure 8A.

Figure 9A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container having an overall shape like a square.

Figure 9B shows an end view of the flexible container of Figure 9A.

Figure 10A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container having an overall shape such as a triangle.

Figure 10B shows an end view of the flexible container of Figure 10A.

FIG. 11A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container having an overall shape such as a circle.

11B shows an end view of the flexible container of FIG. 11A.

Figure 12A shows an isometric view of a push-pull dispenser.

Figure 12B shows an isometric view of the dispenser with a flip top.

Figure 12C shows an isometric view of a dispenser with a screw cap.

Figure 12D shows an isometric view of a rotatable dispenser.

Figure 12E shows an isometric view of a nozzle-type dispenser with a cap.

Figure 13A shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser.

Figure 13B shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a lid.

Figure 13C shows an isometric view of the flip-up straw dispenser.

Figure 13D shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a mouthpiece valve.

Figure 14A shows an isometric view of a pump dispenser.

Figure 14B shows an isometric view of a pump spray dispenser.

Figure 14C shows an isometric view of a trigger spray dispenser.

Figure 15 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 16 schematically depicts a top view of an unfolded packaging pre-form of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 17 schematically depicts a perspective view of a center-folded packaging preform for a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 18 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 19 schematically depicts a top sectional view along line A-A of Figure 18 of a first sheet assembly portion of a container undergoing an assembly operation according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 20 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line A-A of Figure 18;

Figure 21 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line B-B of Figure 18;

Figure 22 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line C-C of Figure 18;

Figure 23 schematically depicts a top view of an unfolded packaging pre-form of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 24 schematically depicts a top view of an unfolded packaging pre-form of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 25 schematically depicts a hypothetical stress map for a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 26 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 27 schematically depicts a front view of a portion of a packaging preform prior to assembly into a film-based container, according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 28 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line G-G of Figure 27;

Figure 29 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 30 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 31 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 32 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 33 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line D-D of Figure 32;

Figure 34 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line A-A of Figure 18;

Figure 35 schematically depicts a front perspective view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 36 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line E-E of Figure 35;

Figure 37 schematically depicts a top view of an unfolded packaging pre-form of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 38 schematically depicts a top view of an unfolded packaging pre-form of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 39 schematically depicts a side perspective view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 40 schematically depicts a top cross-sectional view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein, along line F-F of Figure 39;

Figure 41 schematically depicts a side perspective view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 42 schematically depicts a side perspective view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 43 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 44 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Figure 45 schematically depicts a front view of a film-based container according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein;

Detailed ways

This disclosure describes various embodiments of containers made from flexible materials. Because these containers are made of flexible materials, these containers can be less expensive to manufacture, can use less material and can be easier to decorate when compared to conventional rigid containers. First, these containers can be less expensive to manufacture because the conversion of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished product) generally requires less energy and complexity than the formation of rigid materials (from block form to finished product). Second, these containers can use less material because they are configured with novel support structures that do not require the use of thick core walls used in conventional rigid containers. Third, these flexible containers can be more easily decorated because the flexible material can be easily printed on before it is formed into a container. Fourth, these flexible containers are less prone to wear, dents, and cracks because the flexible material deforms its outer surface and then bounces back when contacting surfaces and objects. Fifth, liquid products in these flexible containers can be more easily and carefully dispensed because the sides of the flexible container can be easily and controllably squeezed by human hands.

Although fabricated from flexible materials, the containers of the present disclosure can be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully receive, contain, and dispense one or more liquid products as intended. Additionally, these containers can be configured with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully withstand external forces and environmental conditions from processing. Additionally, these containers can be configured with structures that allow them to be successfully displayed for sale and put into service as intended.

As used herein, the term "about" modifies a particular value by referring to a range equal to plus or minus twenty percent (+/- 20%) of the particular value. For any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, any disclosure of a specific value is also understood to be a range equal to about the specified value (i.e. +/- 20 %) disclosure.

As used herein, the term "ambient conditions" refers to a temperature in the range of 15-35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity in the range of 35-75%.

As used herein, the term "about" modifies a particular value by referring to a range equal to plus or minus fifteen percent (+/- 15%) of the particular value. For any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, any disclosure of a specific value is also understood to be a range equal to approximately the specified value (i.e. +/- 15 %) disclosure.

As used herein, the term "basis weight" when referring to a sheet of material refers to a measure of mass per unit area in grams per square meter (gsm). With regard to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a basis weight of 10-1000 gsm, or any integer from 10-1000 gsm value, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 20-800gsm, 30-600gsm, 40-400gsm or 50-200, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "bottom" refers to the portion of the container that is located in the lowermost 30% of the overall height of the container (ie, 0-30% of the overall height of the container). As used herein, the term can also be further restricted by modifying the term bottom with a certain percentage value less than 30%. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, reference to the bottom of the container refers to the bottom 25% (i.e. 0-25% of the total height), the bottom 20% (ie 0-20% of the total height), bottom 15% (ie 0-15% of the total height), bottom 10% (ie 0-10% of the total height), or bottom 5% (ie 0-15% of the total height) 5%), or any integer percentage value between 0% and 30%.

As used herein, the term "marking" refers to a visual element intended to distinguish a product from other products. Examples of marks include any one or more of the following: trademarks, trade dress, logos, icons, etc. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container may comprise any of the dimensions, in any combination, disclosed herein or known in the art. One or more markers for a shape or construct.

As used herein, the term "character" refers to a visual element intended to convey information. Examples of characters include any one or more of the following: letters, numbers, symbols, and the like. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container may comprise, in any combination, any size, shape, or configuration disclosed herein or known in the art. one or more characters.

As used herein, the term "closed" refers to the state of a product volume in which liquid product in the product volume is prevented from escaping the product volume (e.g., by one or more materials forming a barrier, and by a cap), but the product volume does not Must be hermetically sealed. For example, a closed container may include a vent that allows the headspace in the container to be in fluid communication with the air in the environment outside the container.

As used herein, the term "directly connected" refers to a configuration in which elements are attached to each other without any intervening elements therebetween (other than any attachment means (eg, adhesives)).

As used herein, the term "dispenser" when referring to a flexible container refers to a structure configured to dispense one or more liquid products from a product volume and/or a mixing volume to outside the environment of the container. For any of the flexible containers disclosed herein, any dispenser may be configured in any manner disclosed herein or known in the art, including any suitable size, shape, and capacity. For example, the dispenser can be a push-pull dispenser, a dispenser with a flip cap, a dispenser with a screw cap, a swivel dispenser, a dispenser with a top cap, a pump dispenser, a pump spray dispenser, Trigger spray dispensers, straw dispensers, flip-up straw dispensers, straw dispensers with mouthpiece valves, feed dispensers, etc. The dispenser may be a parallel dispenser, providing multiple flow channels in fluid communication with multiple product volumes, wherein those flow channels remain separate up to the point of dispensing, thus allowing the liquid product from the multiple product volumes to be dispensed as separate liquid products, Allocate together at the same time. The dispenser may be a mixing dispenser, providing one or more flow channels in fluid communication with multiple product volumes, wherein the multiple flow channels combine prior to the point of dispensing, thus allowing liquid product from multiple product volumes to be mixed together as dispensing of liquid products. As another example, a dispenser may be formed from a frangible opening. As a further example, the dispenser may utilize one or more valves and/or dispensing mechanisms disclosed in the art, such as those disclosed in the following patent literature: U.S. Patent Publication entitled "One-way valve for inflatable package". Patent Application 2003/0096068; US Patent 4,988,016, entitled "Self-sealing container"; and US 7,207,717, entitled "Package having a fluid actuated closure"; each of these patent applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference . Additionally, any of the dispensers disclosed herein may be incorporated into a flexible container directly, or in combination with one or more other materials or structures, such as accessories, or in any manner known in the art. In some alternative embodiments, dispensers disclosed herein may be configured for both dispensing and filling, allowing one or more product volumes to be filled through one or more dispensers. In other alternative embodiments, the product volume may include one or more filling structures (e.g., for adding water to the mixing volume) in addition to or instead of one or more dispensers. ). Any location of the dispenser as disclosed herein may alternatively be used as a location for the filling structure.

As used herein, the term "disposable" when referring to a flexible container means that the container is not configured to be refilled with an additional quantity of product after distribution of the product to an end user, but is instead configured to be discarded ( That is, as waste, compost and/or recyclable material). Part, parts, or all of any of the flexible containers disclosed herein may be configured to be disposable.

As used herein, the term "durable" when referring to flexible containers refers to containers that are reused more times than non-durable containers.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "effective base contact area" refers to the area defined by the bottom of the container when the container (with 100% of its total product volume filled with water) is upright and its bottom rests on a horizontal support surface. Part of the defined specific area. The effective base contact area lies in the plane defined by the horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area is the continuous area bounded on all sides by the outer perimeter.

The outer perimeter is formed by the actual contact area and a series of projected areas from a defined cross-section taken at the bottom of the container. When defining an effective base contact area, the actual contact area is the portion or portions of the container bottom that contact the horizontal support surface. The effective base contact area includes all actual contact areas. However, in some embodiments, the effective pedestal contact area may extend beyond the actual contact area.

A series of projected areas is formed by five horizontal cross-sections taken at the bottom of the flexible container. These cross sections are taken at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% of the overall height. The outer extent of each of these cross-sections is projected vertically downward onto the horizontal support surface to form five (overlapping) projected areas which together with the actual contact area form a single combined area. This is not the sum of the values of these areas, but a single combined area comprising all these (projected and actual) areas overlapping each other, where any overlap only affects the single combined area once.

The outer perimeter of the active pedestal contact area is formed as described below. In the following description, the terms convex, protrusion, concave and concave should be understood from the point of view outside the combined area. The outer perimeter is formed by the combination of the outer extent of the combined region and any chords, which are straight segments constructed as described below.

For each successive portion of the combined area whose outer perimeter has a concave or concave shape, a chord is constructed across said portion. The chord is the shortest line segment that can be drawn tangentially to the combined area on both sides of the concave/concave portion.

For a discontinuous combined area (formed by two or more separate parts), one or more chords surround the outer perimeter of the combined area, spanning one or more discontinuous parts (openings provided between parts space) to construct. These chords are straight line segments drawn tangent to the outermost independent part of the combined area. These chords are drawn to produce the largest possible effective base contact area.

Thus, the outer perimeter is formed by the combination of the outer extent of the combined area and any chords constructed as described above, all of which together enclose the effective base area. Any chords and/or one or more other chords defined by the combined region are not part of the outer perimeter and should be disregarded.

Any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to have from 1 to 50,000 square centimeters (cm ² ), or any cm ² integer value between 1 and 50,000 cm ² , or any of the foregoing values An effective contact area within any range formed, such as: 2 to 25,000 cm ² , 3 to 10,000 cm ² , 4 to 5,000 cm ² , 5 to 2,500 cm ² , 10 to 1,000 cm ² , 20 to 500 cm ² , 30 to 300 cm 2 ² , 40 to 200 cm ² , or 50 to 100 cm ² , etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "expanded" refers to one or more flexible materials configured to form a structural support volume after the structural support volume has been made rigid by one or more expanded materials state. Before the structural support volume is filled with the one or more expandable materials, the expanded structural support volume has an overall width that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of its one or more flexible materials. Examples of expandable materials include liquids (such as water), gases (such as compressed air), liquid products, foams (which expand after being added to the structural support volume), co-reactive materials (which generate gas), or phase change materials (which can solid or liquid form, but converted to a gas; eg, liquid nitrogen or dry ice), or other suitable materials known in the art, or a combination of any of these (eg, liquid product and liquid nitrogen). In various embodiments, the expansion material may be added at atmospheric pressure, or at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or added to provide a material change that will increase the pressure to some pressure above atmospheric pressure. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, one or more flexible materials thereof can expand at various points in time corresponding to its manufacture, sale and use, for example: after using one or more Before and after the liquid product fills one or more of its product volumes, before and after the flexible container is shipped to a vendor, before and after the flexible container is purchased by an end user.

As used herein, when referring to the product volume of a flexible container, the term "filled" means, under ambient conditions, when the quantity of one or more liquid products is equal to the full capacity of the product volume (with headspace allowance) time status. As used herein, the term filled may be modified by using the term filled with a particular percentage value, where 100% filled represents the maximum capacity of the product volume.

As used herein, the term "flat" refers to a surface having no significant protrusions or depressions.

As used herein, the term "flexible container" refers to a container configured to have a product volume, wherein the one or more flexible materials form 50-100% of the total surface area of the one or more materials defining the three-dimensional space of the product volume. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible container can be configured to have a product volume in which the one or more flexible materials form one or more layers defining a three-dimensional space. a specific percentage of the total area of the material, and said specific percentage is any integer percentage value between 50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as: 60-100% , or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc. One type of flexible container is a film-based container, which is a flexible container made from one or more flexible materials, including a film.

With regard to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the middle of the flexible container (in addition to any liquid product) can be configured to have a total middle mass, one or more of which The flexible material forms a specific percentage of said total central mass, and said specific percentage is any integer percentage value between 50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 60 -100%, or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.

With regard to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the entire flexible container (except any liquid product) can be configured to have a total mass wherein one or more flexible materials forming a specific percentage of said total mass, and said specific percentage is any integer percentage value between 50% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 60-100% , or 70-100%, or 80-100%, or 90-100%, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "flexible material" refers to a thin, easily deformable sheet material having a flexibility factor in the range of 1,000-2,500,000 N/m. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a Any integer value of the flexibility factor, or a flexibility factor within any range formed by any of these values, such as 1,000-1,500,000N/m, 1,500-1,000,000N/m, 2,500-800,000N/m, 5,000-700,000N /m, 10,000-600,000N/m, 15,000-500,000N/m, 20,000-400,000N/m, 25,000-300,000N/m, 30,000-200,000N/m, 35,000-100,000N/m, 40,000-90,000N/m m, or 45,000-85,000N/m, etc. In this disclosure, the terms "flexible material", "flexible sheet", "sheet" and "sheet-like material" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Examples of materials that may be flexible materials include any one or more of the following: films (such as plastic films), elastomers, foam sheets, foils, fabrics (including wovens and non-wovens), materials of biological origin, and paper , which can be in any configuration, as one or more independent materials, or as one or more layers of a laminate, or as one or more parts of a composite material, in a microlayer structure or a nanolayer structure, and in any Combinations, as disclosed herein or known in the art. In various embodiments, a portion, portions, or all of the flexible material may be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed in any manner known in the art. In various embodiments, a portion, portions, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the flexible material may be recycled, recyclable, and/or all from sustainable biological sources or biodegradable materials. A portion, portions, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the flexible materials described herein may be partially or fully translucent, partially or fully transparent, or partially or completely opaque. The flexible materials used to make the containers disclosed herein can be formed in any manner known in the art, and can be joined together using any type of joining or sealing method known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g., conductive sealing, pulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, bonding, adhering, etc., and combinations of any of these.

As used herein, when referring to flexible containers, the term "flexibility factor" refers to a material parameter of a thin, easily deformable sheet material, wherein said parameter is measured in Newtons per meter and said flexibility factor is equal to the The product of the value of Young's modulus (measured in Pascals) and the value of the total thickness of the material (measured in meters).

As used herein, the term "liquid product" when referring to a flexible container refers to one or more liquids and/or pourable solids, and combinations thereof. Examples of liquid products include any one or more of the following: food, small coins, creams, chips, chunks, crumbs, crystals, lotions, flakes, gels, grains, granules, gels, kibble , liquid solutions, liquid suspensions, lotions, blocks, ointments, granules, granules, pastes, tablets, pills, powders, salves, flakes, granules, etc., singly or in any combination . In this disclosure, the terms "liquid product" and "flowable product" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein may be configured to include, in any combination, one or more of any liquid product disclosed herein or known in the art.

As used herein, when referring to flexible containers, the term "formed" refers to the state of one or more materials configured to form a product volume after the product volume has its limited three-dimensional space.

As used herein, the term "graphic" refers to a visual element intended to provide decoration or convey information. Examples of graphics include any one or more of the following: colours, patterns, designs, images, etc. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container may comprise any of the dimensions, in any combination, disclosed herein or known in the art. One or more figures of shape or construction.

As used herein, when referring to flexible containers, the term "height-to-area ratio" refers to the ratio of the container, in units per centimeter (cm ^-1 ), which is equal to the total height value of the container (wherein its total product volume is 100% filled with water, and where the total height is measured in centimeters) divided by the effective base contact area value of the container (where 100% of its total product volume is completely filled with water, and where the effective base contact area is measured in square centimeters ). With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible containers disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible containers can be configured to have an Any value in increments of 0.05 cm ⁻¹ , or height to area ratio within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 0.35 to 2.0 cm ⁻¹ , 0.4 to 1.5 cm ⁻¹ , 0.4 to 1.2 cm ^-1 , or 0.45 to 0.9 cm ^-1 , etc.

As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one or more of characters, graphics, trademarks or other visual elements in any combination. With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the flexible container may comprise any of the dimensions, in any combination, disclosed herein or known in the art. One or more markers for a shape or construct.

As used herein, the term "indirectly connected" refers to a configuration in which elements are attached to each other with one or more intervening elements therebetween.

As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a configuration in which elements are connected directly or indirectly.

As used herein, the term "lateral" refers to a direction, orientation or measurement parallel to the lateral centerline of a container when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. The lateral orientation may also be referred to as "horizontal" orientation, and the lateral dimension may also be referred to as "width."

As used herein, the term "like numbered" refers to similar alphanumeric designations for corresponding elements, as described below. Designations of like numbered elements have the same last two digits; for example, one element with a designation ending in the number 20 and another element with a designation ending in the number 20 are similarly numbered. Like-numbered elements may be identified with a different first numeral, where the first numeral matches its figure number; for example, an element of FIG. 3 labeled 320 is like-numbered an element of FIG. 4 labeled 420 . Designations for like-numbered elements may have the same or possibly different (e.g., consistent with a particular embodiment) suffix (i.e., the portion of the designation following the dashed symbol); for example, the first embodiment of the element in FIG. 3A identified as 320-a The second embodiment of elements in FIG. 3B identified as 320-b are numbered similarly.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction, orientation or measurement parallel to the longitudinal centerline of a container when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. The longitudinal orientation may also be referred to as a "vertical" orientation. When expressed relative to the horizontal support surface of the container, the longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as the "height" measured above the horizontal support surface.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "middle" refers to the portion of the container between the top of the container and the bottom of the container. As used herein, the term middle may be modified by describing the term middle with reference to a particular percentage value for the top and/or a particular percentage value for the bottom. With respect to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, references to the middle of the container refer to any particular percentage value for the top as disclosed herein and/or herein. The portion of the container between (in any combination) any particular percentage value disclosed for the bottom.

As used herein, the term "mixing volume" refers to a type of product volume configured to receive one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes and/or from the environment external to the container.

As used herein, the term "multiple dose" when referring to a product volume is a product volume sized to contain a specified amount of product approximately equal to two or more units typically consumed, administered or used by the end user. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers disclosed herein can be configured to have one or more multi-dose product volumes. A container having only one product volume (which is a multi-dose product volume) is referred to herein as a "multi-dose container"

As used herein, the term "nearly" modifies a particular value by referring to a range equal to plus or minus five percent (+/- 5%) of the particular value. For any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, any disclosure of a specific value is also understood to be equivalent to approximately the specified value (i.e. +/- 5%) scope of disclosure.

As used herein, the term "non-durable" when referring to flexible containers refers to containers that are temporarily reusable, or disposable, or single use.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "overall height" means the distance measured when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, from the upper side of the support surface to the upper side of the top of the container from the support surface The farthest point is measured vertically. Any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein may be configured to have any value between 2.0 cm and 100.0 cm, or between 2.0 and 100.0 cm in increments of 0.1 cm, or any value within the preceding values. Any one forms an overall height within any range, such as: 4.0 to 90.0 cm, 5.0 to 80.0 cm, 6.0 to 70.0 cm, 7.0 to 60.0 cm, 8.0 to 50.0 cm, 9.0 to 40.0 cm, or 10.0 to 30.0 cm, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a sheet of flexible material, the term "overall thickness" refers to the linear dimension measured perpendicular to the outer major surface of the sheet when the sheet is laid flat. With regard to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a micrometer (μm), or any integer between 5-500 Micron values, or total thickness within any range formed by any of these values, such as 10-500 μm, 20-400 μm, 30-300 μm, 40-200 μm, or 50-100 μm, etc.

As used herein, the term "product volume" refers to an enclosable three-dimensional space configured to receive or directly contain one or more liquid products, wherein the space is defined by one or more materials forming a barrier, the barrier Prevent one or more liquid products from escaping the product volume. By directly containing one or more liquid products, the liquid products are in contact with materials forming an enclosable three-dimensional space; there is no intermediate material or container preventing such contact. In this disclosure, the terms "product volume" and "product containment volume" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein may be configured to have any number of product volumes, including one product volume, two product volumes, three product volumes, four product volumes, five product volumes, Six product volumes, or even more product volumes. In some embodiments, one or more product volumes may be enclosed within another product volume. Any of the product volumes disclosed herein may have a product volume of any size, including 0.001 liters to 100.0 liters, or any value between 0.001 liters and 3.0 liters in increments of 0.001 liters, or between 3.0 liters and 10.0 liters in increments of 0.01 liters, or between 10.0 liters and 100.0 liters in increments of 1.0 liters, or within any range formed by any of the foregoing, such as : 0.001 to 2.2 liters, 0.01 to 2.0 liters, 0.05 to 1.8 liters, 0.1 to 1.6 liters, 0.15 to 1.4 liters, 0.2 to 1.2 liters, 0.25 to 1.0 liters, etc. The product volume can have any shape in any orientation. The product volume can be included in a container with a structural support frame, and the product volume can be included in a container without a structural support frame.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "resting on a horizontal support surface" means that the container rests directly on the horizontal support surface without other support.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term "sealed" refers to the state of the product volume in which liquid product within the product volume is prevented from escaping the product volume (e.g., by one or more materials forming a barrier, and by sealing pieces), and the product volume is hermetically sealed.

As used herein, the term "self-supporting" when referring to a flexible container means that the container includes a product volume and a structural support frame, wherein the structural support frame is configured in at least one orientation when the container rests on a horizontal support surface To prevent the container from collapsing and to produce an overall height of the container that is significantly greater than the combined thickness of the materials forming the container, even when the product volume is not filled. Any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to be self-supporting.

As used herein, the term "single use" when referring to a flexible container means that a closed container is not configured to be reclosed after being opened by a user. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers disclosed herein can be configured for single use.

As used herein, the term "single dose" when referring to a product volume is a product volume sized to contain a specified amount of product approximately equal to one typical unit of consumption, administration or use by the end user. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers disclosed herein can be configured to have one or more single-dose product volumes. A container having only one product volume, which is a single-dose product volume, is referred to herein as a "single-dose container".

As used herein, the terms "upright" and "erect" when referring to a flexible container refer to a particular orientation of a self-supporting flexible container when the container rests on a horizontal support surface. The upright orientation may be determined by structural features of the container and/or markings on the container. In the first determination test, if the flexible container has a clearly defined base structure configured for use on the bottom of the container, the container is determined to be erect. If the first test fails to determine an upright orientation, then in a second determination test, the container is determined to be upright when it is oriented to rest on a horizontal support surface such that the indicia on the flexible container is optimally positioned in a vertical orientation. If the second test fails to determine an upright orientation, then in a third determination test, the container is determined to be upright when it is oriented to rest on a horizontal support surface such that the container has a maximum overall height. If the third test fails to determine an upright orientation, then in a fourth determination test, the container is determined to be upright when it is oriented to rest on a horizontal support surface such that the container has a maximum height-to-area ratio. If the fourth test fails to determine an upright orientation, any orientation used in the fourth determination test may be considered an upright orientation.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "upright container" means a self-supporting container in which the container (whose entire product volume is 100% filled with water) has a 0.4 to 1.5 ^cm height to area ratio. Any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured as a stand-up container.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "structural support frame" means a rigid structure formed of one or more structural support members surrounding one or more sizable hollow The space and/or one or more non-structural panels are joined together and typically serve as the primary support for one or more product volumes in a flexible container and to make the container self-supporting and/or upright. In each of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the flexible container includes a structural support frame and one or more product volumes, unless otherwise specified, the structural support frame is considered to support the product volume of the container.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "structural support member" refers to a rigid physical structure comprising one or more expanding structural support volumes and which is configured for a structural support frame to carry loads across a span One or more loads (from flex containers). A structure that does not include at least one expanded structural support frame is not considered a structural support member as used herein.

The structural support member has two defined ends, a middle portion between the ends, and an overall length from one end thereof to the other end thereof. A structural support member may have one or more cross-sections, each of which has an overall width that is less than its overall length.

Structural support members can be constructed in a variety of ways. The structural support member may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six or more structural support volumes arranged in various ways. For example, a structural support member may be formed from a single structural support volume. As another example, a structural support member may be formed from a plurality of structural support volumes arranged end-to-end in series, wherein in various embodiments, a portion, portions, or about all, or About all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be partially or fully in contact with each other, partially or fully in direct connection with each other, and/or partially or fully bonded to each other. As another example, a structural support member may be formed from multiple support volumes arranged in parallel side by side, wherein in various embodiments, some or all of some or all of the structural support volumes are part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or Substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be partially or fully in contact with each other, partially or fully in direct connection with each other, and/or partially or fully engaged with each other.

In some embodiments, a structural support member may comprise a plurality of different kinds of elements. For example, a structural support member may include one or more structural support volumes together with one or more mechanical reinforcement elements (e.g., tie rods, collars, connectors, joints, ribs, etc.), which may be formed by one or more rigid (e.g., solid) material.

Structural support members can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A portion, portions, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the structural support member may be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or other shapes, or any of these shapes any combination. A portion, portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the structural support member may have any suitable cross-section, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped , or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or a combination of any of these shapes. The structural support member may have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex or concave along part, parts, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the length. Structural support members may have any suitable cross-section, any suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. The structural support member may be substantially uniform along a portion, portions, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of its length, or along a portion, portions, or About all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may vary in the manner described herein. For example, the cross-section of a structural support member may increase or decrease along a portion, portions, or all of its length. Part, parts, or all of any of the embodiments of the structural support members of the present disclosure may be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including any number of structures, features, materials of any of the embodiments disclosed herein and/or any feasible combination of connections.

As used herein, the term "structural support volume" when referring to a flexible container refers to a fillable space made of one or more flexible materials, wherein the space is configured to be at least partially filled with one or more An expanded material that creates tension in the one or more flexible materials and forms an expanded structural support volume. One or more expanded structural support volumes are configured to be included in the structural support member. Structural support volumes differ from structures that are constructed in other ways, such as: structures that do not have fillable spaces (e.g., open spaces), structures made of inflexible (e.g., solid) materials, structures that are not configured to be filled with Structures with spaces of expanded material (e.g., unattached areas between adjacent layers in a multilayer panel), and structures with flexible materials that are not configured to be expanded by the expanded material (e.g., in structures configured as non-structural panels space in the structure) In this specification, the terms "structural support volume" and "inflatable chamber" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.

In some embodiments, the structural support framework may comprise a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some or all of the structural support volumes are in fluid communication with each other. In other embodiments, the structural support framework may comprise a plurality of structural support volumes, wherein some or none of the structural support volumes are in fluid communication with each other. Any of the structural support frames of the present disclosure may be configured with any of the types of fluid communication disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term "substantially" modifies a particular value by referring to a range equal to plus or minus ten percent (+/- 10%) of the particular value. With respect to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, any disclosure of a specific value is also understood to be equivalent to approximately the specified value (i.e. +/- 10% ) to the extent of disclosure.

As used herein, the term "temporarily reusable" when referring to a flexible container means that after the product is distributed to an end user, the container is configured to be refilled up to ten times with an additional amount of product, and the container is then subjected to conditions such that it does not Invalidity Applicable to Receiving, Containing or Distributing Products. As used herein, the term temporarily reusable can be further limited by modifying the number of times a container can be refilled before experiencing such failure. With respect to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, reference to temporarily reusable means by refilling up to eight times and then failing, by refilling six times and then Temporarily reusable by invalidating, by refilling four times and then invalidating, or by refilling twice and then invalidating, or by refilling any integer refill value between one and ten times and then invalidating. Any of the embodiments of flexible containers disclosed herein can be configured to be temporarily reusable for the number of refills disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to the measurement parallel to the third centerline of the container when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, as described herein. Thickness may also be referred to as "depth".

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "top" refers to the portion of the container that is located in the top 20% of the overall height of the container (ie, 80-100% of the overall height of the container). As used herein, the term top can also be further limited by modifying the term top with a certain percentage value of less than 20%. With respect to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various alternative embodiments, reference to the top of the container refers to the top 15% (i.e., 85-100% of the total height), the top 10% (ie 90-100% of the total height), the top 5% (ie 95-100% of the total height), or any integer percentage value between 0% and 20%.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "unexpanded" refers to the state of one or more materials configured to form a structural support volume before the structural support volume is made rigid by the expanded material.

As used herein, when referring to the product volume of a flexible container, the term "unfilled" refers to the state of the product volume when it contains no liquid product.

As used herein, when referring to flexible containers, the term "unformed" refers to the state of one or more materials configured to form a product volume before the product volume has its defined three-dimensional space. For example, the article of manufacture may be a container blank having an unformed product volume in which sheets of flexible material (with portions joined together) lie flat relative to each other.

Flexible containers as described herein can be used for a variety of products across a variety of industries. For example, flexible containers as described herein can be used throughout the consumer product industry, including the following products: soft surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, wood cleaners, multi-surface cleaners , surface sanitizers, dishwashing compositions, laundry detergents, fabric conditioners, fabric dyes, surface protectants, surface sanitizers, cosmetics, face powders, body powders, hair treatment products (e.g., mousse, hair spray , styling gel), shampoo, hair conditioner (leave-in or rinse-off), nourishing hair water, hair dye, hair coloring products, hair highlighting products, hair oil, anti-frizz products, split-end repair products, Hair perm lotions, anti-dandruff preparations, body washes, shower gels, body washes, facial cleansers, skin care products (e.g., sunscreens, sunscreen lotions, lip balms, skin conditioners, cold creams, moisturizers), body sprays , Soaps, Body Scrubs, Exfoliating Creams, Astringents, Lotion Scrubs, Hair Removers, Antiperspirant Compositions, Deodorants, Shaving Products, Pre-Shave Products, After-Shave Products, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc. . As additional examples, flexible containers as described herein may be used in other industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, merchandise, industrial, medical, and the like.

1A-1D illustrate various views of one embodiment of a stand up flexible container 100 . FIG. 1A shows a front view of container 100 . The container 100 stands upright on a horizontal support surface 101 .

In FIG. 1A, coordinate system 110 provides a reference line for indexing directions in the figure. Coordinate system 110 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, where each axis is perpendicular to the other axes, and any two of the axes define a plane. The X-axis and Z-axis are parallel to the horizontal support surface 101 , and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 101 .

FIG. 1A also includes other reference lines for indexing orientation and position with respect to container 100 . The lateral centerline 111 runs parallel to the X-axis. The XY plane at the lateral centerline 111 divides the container 100 into a front half and a rear half. The XZ plane at the lateral centerline 111 divides the container 100 into upper and lower halves. The longitudinal centerline 114 runs parallel to the Y-axis. The YZ plane at the longitudinal centerline 114 divides the container 100 into left and right halves. The third centerline 117 runs parallel to the Z-axis. Lateral centerline 111 , longitudinal centerline 114 and third centerline 117 all intersect at the center of container 100 .

The configuration relative to the lateral centerline 111 defines what is a longitudinally inner side 112 and a longitudinally outer side 113 . When the first location is closer to the lateral centerline 111 than the second location is, the first location is considered to be disposed longitudinally inboard 112 with respect to the second location. Also, the second location is considered to be disposed longitudinally outward 113 from the first location. The term lateral refers to a direction, orientation or measure parallel to the lateral centerline 111 . The lateral orientation may also be referred to as horizontal orientation, and the lateral dimension may also be referred to as width.

The disposition relative to the longitudinal centerline 114 defines what is laterally inboard 115 and laterally outboard 116 . When the first position is closer to the longitudinal centerline 114 than the second position is, the first position is considered to be disposed laterally inboard 115 with respect to the second position. Also, it is considered that the second location is positioned laterally outward 116 from the first location. The term longitudinal refers to a direction, orientation or measurement parallel to the longitudinal centerline 114 . The longitudinal orientation may also be referred to as vertical orientation.

Longitudinal, orientation or measure may also be expressed relative to the horizontal support surface of the container 100 . When the first location is closer to the support surface than the second location, the first location may be considered to be disposed lower than, below, below or below the second location. Also, it is considered that the second position is disposed higher than the first position, above the first position, or disposed upward from the first position. The longitudinal measurement may also be referred to as the height measured above the horizontal support surface 100 .

Measurements taken parallel to the third centerline 117 are referred to as thickness or depth. The configuration in the direction of the third centerline 117 and towards the front 102-1 of the container is referred to as forward 118 or forward. The configuration in the direction of the third centerline 117 and towards the rear 102-2 of the container is referred to as reverse 119 or rear.

As noted above, these terms for direction, orientation, measurement, and configuration are used in all embodiments of the present disclosure, regardless of whether a supporting surface, datum line, or coordinate system is shown in the figures.

The container 100 includes a top 104 , a middle 106 and a bottom 108 , a front 102 - 1 , a rear 102 - 2 and left and right sides 109 . The top 104 is separated from the middle 106 by a reference plane 105 parallel to the XZ plane. The top 106 is separated from the bottom 108 by a reference plane 107 which is also parallel to the XZ plane. Container 100 has an overall height of 100-oh. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the front portion 102-1 and the rear portion 102-2 of the container are joined together at a seal 129 that surrounds the outer perimeter of the container 100, across the top 104, and toward the sides 109. extending downwardly and then splitting outwardly at the bottom of each side 109 to run around the outer extent of the front and rear portions of the base 190 along said front and rear portions.

Container 100 includes structural support frame 140 , product volume 150 , dispenser 160 , panels 180 - 1 and 180 - 2 , and base structure 190 . A portion of panel 180 - 1 is shown broken away to illustrate product volume 150 . Product volume 150 is configured to contain one or more liquid products. The dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense these liquid products from the product volume 150 to the environment outside the container 100 through the flow channel 159 and then through the dispenser 160 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D , dispenser 160 is positioned at the center of the uppermost portion of top 104, however, in various alternative embodiments, dispenser 160 may be positioned at top 140, middle portion 106, or Any other location on the bottom 108 , including on any of the sides 109 , on any of the panels 180 - 1 and 180 - 2 , and on any portion of the base 190 of the container 100 . Structural support frame 140 supports the mass of one or more liquid products in product volume 150 and allows container 100 to stand upright. Panels 180-1 and 180-2 are relatively flat surfaces that cover product volume 150 and are suitable for displaying any type of indicia. However, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or about all, or nearly all, or all of either or both of panels 180-1 and 180-2 may include one or more a curved surface. The base structure 190 supports the structural support frame 140 and provides stability to the container 100 when it is standing upright.

Structural support frame 140 is formed from a plurality of structural support members. Structural support frame 140 includes top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2, middle structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4, and bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2.

Top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are disposed on the upper portion of the top 104 of the container 100, wherein the top structural support member 144-1 is disposed in the front portion 102-1 and the top structural support member 144-2 is disposed in the rear. Section 102-2, after the top structural support member 144-1. Top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are adjacent to each other and may contact each other along laterally outer portions of their lengths. In various embodiments, the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 may be along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the total length thereof. , contact each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations, so long as there is a flow channel 159 between the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2, This allows container 100 to dispense one or more liquid products from product volume 150 through flow channel 159 and then through dispenser 160 . Top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternative embodiments, the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 may extend along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, of the total length thereof. Or nearly all, or all directly connected and/or joined together.

Top structural support members 144 - 1 and 144 - 2 are disposed substantially above product volume 150 . Generally, each of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 is oriented approximately horizontally, but has a slight downward curve at its ends. And, generally, each of the top structural support members 144-1 and 144-2 has a substantially uniform cross-section along its length; however, the cross-section at its ends is slightly larger than the cross-section in the middle.

Middle structural support members 146 - 1 , 146 - 2 , 146 - 3 , and 146 - 4 are disposed on left and right sides 109 from top 104 through middle 106 to bottom 108 . The middle structural support member 146-1 is disposed in the front portion 102-1, on the left side 109; the middle structural support member 146-4 is disposed in the rear portion 102-2, on the left side 109, on the middle structural support member 146- 1 later. Intermediate structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 are adjacent to each other and may contact each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the central structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 may be along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their total lengths. , contact each other at one or more relatively small locations and/or at one or more relatively large locations. Intermediate structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternative embodiments, the central structural support members 146-1 and 146-4 may extend along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, Or nearly all, or all directly connected and/or joined together.

The middle structural support member 146-2 is disposed in the front portion 102-1, on the right side 109; the middle structural support member 146-3 is disposed in the rear portion 102-2, on the right side 109, on the middle structural support member 146- 2 later. Intermediate structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 are adjacent to each other and may contact each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the central structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 may be along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their total lengths. , contact each other at one or more relatively small locations and/or at one or more relatively large locations. Central structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternative embodiments, the central structural support members 146-2 and 146-3 may be along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, Or nearly all, or all directly connected and/or joined together.

Central structural support members 146 - 1 , 146 - 2 , 146 - 3 , and 146 - 4 are disposed substantially laterally outward from product volume 150 . Generally, each of the central structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 are approximately vertically oriented, but slightly angled, with their upper ends laterally outward relative to their lower ends. And, generally, each of the central structural support members 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, and 146-4 has a cross-section that varies along its length, increasing in size from its upper end to its lower end. big.

Bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are disposed on bottom 108 of container 100, wherein bottom structural support member 148-1 is disposed in front portion 102-1 and bottom structural support member 148-2 is disposed in rear portion 102- 2, after the top structural support member 148-1. The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are adjacent to each other and may contact each other along substantially all of their lengths. In various embodiments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 can be positioned along a portion, or portions, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of the total length thereof. , contact each other at one or more relatively small locations and/or at one or more relatively large locations. The bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternative embodiments, the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 may extend along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, of the total length thereof. Or nearly all, or all directly connected and/or joined together.

Bottom structural support members 148 - 1 and 148 - 2 are disposed substantially below product volume 150 , but substantially above base structure 190 . Generally, each of the bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 is approximately horizontally oriented, but has a slight upward curve at its ends. And, generally, each of bottom structural support members 148-1 and 148-2 has a substantially uniform cross-section along its length.

In the front of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the top structural support member 144-1 is joined to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-1; the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-1 is joined to the lower end of the bottom structural support member 148-1. the left end; the right end of the bottom structural support member 148-1 is joined to the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-2; and the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-2 is joined to the right end of the top structural support member 144-1. Similarly, in the rear of the structural support frame 140, the left end of the top structural support member 144-2 is joined to the upper end of the middle structural support member 146-4; the lower end of the middle structural support member 146-4 is joined to the bottom structural support member 148 - the left end of 2; the right end of bottom structural support member 148-2 is joined to the lower end of middle structural support member 146-3; and the upper end of middle structural support member 146-3 is joined to the right end of top structural support member 144-2. In the structural support frame 140, the ends of the joined together structural support members are directly connected all around the perimeter of the structural support member walls. However, in various alternative embodiments, any of structural support members 144-1, 144-2, 146-1, 146-2, 146-3, 146-4, 148-1, and 148-2 One can be joined together in any manner described herein or known in the art.

In an alternative embodiment of the structural support frame 140, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can effectively replace adjacent structural support members, its function and connection as described in this article. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, one or more additional structural support members may be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 140, wherein an expanded structural support frame may effectively replace the structural support frame 140, Its function and connection are as described in this article. Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the flexible container may not include a base structure.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A .

Figure 1C shows a top view of the stand up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A.

FIG. 1D shows a bottom view of the stand up flexible container 100 of FIG. 1A .

2A-8D illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D may be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1D . Any of the elements of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D (eg, structural support frame frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) may be constructed according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D each show a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container may include multiple dispensers according to any of the embodiments described herein. 2A-8D illustrate exemplary additional/alternative locations for dispensers in phantom outline. Part, parts, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D are suitable for displaying either type of indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiment of Figures 2A-8D is configured as a non-structural panel covering one or more product volumes disposed in a flexible container, however, in various One or more elements (such as ribs protruding from the outer surface) may be joined to part, parts, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all of any of these side panels. All, or all. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 2A-8D , however, any of the embodiments in FIGS. 2A-8D may be configured to include any structure or feature of the flexible containers disclosed herein. For example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8D can be configured to include any of the base structures disclosed herein.

Figure 2A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 200 having a structural support frame 240 generally shaped like a truncated cone. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A , the frustum shape is based on a quadrangular pyramid, however, in various embodiments, the frustum shape can be based on a cone with a different number of sides, or the frustum shape can be based on a cone. The support frame 240 is formed of structural support members arranged along the edges of the frustum shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a rectangular top panel 280-t, trapezoidal side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4, and a rectangular bottom panel (not shown). Each of side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, portions, portions, or approximately all of any of these side panels , or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 200 includes a dispenser 260 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 200 . In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the dispenser 260 is disposed in the center of the top panel 280-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, according to any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein, the dispenser 260 may be positioned anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of container 200 . Figure 2B shows a front view of the container 200 of Figure 2A, including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser, any of which may also be applied to the rear of the container. Figure 2C shows a side view of the container 200 of Figure 2A, including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines), either of which may be applied to either side of the container. Figure 2D shows an isometric view of the container 200 of Figure 2A.

Figure 3A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 300 having a structural support frame 340 generally shaped like a cone. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pyramid shape is based on a quadrangular pyramid, however, in various embodiments, the pyramid shape may be based on a cone with a different number of sides. The support frame 340 is formed of structural support members disposed along the edges of the cone shape and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define triangular side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4, and a square bottom panel (not shown). Each of side panels 380-1, 380-2, 380-3, and 380-4 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, portions, portions, or approximately all of any of these side panels , or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 300 includes a dispenser 360 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 300 . In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the dispenser 360 is located at the apex of the cone shape, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 360 may be located anywhere else on the top, side or bottom of the container 300 . Figure 3B shows a front view of the container 300 of Figure 3A, including exemplary additional/alternative locations (shown as dashed lines) for the dispenser, either of which may also be applied to either side of the container. Figure 3C shows a side view of the container 300 of Figure 3A. Figure 3D shows an isometric view of the container 300 of Figure 3A.

Figure 4A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 400 having a structural support frame 440 generally shaped like a triangular prism. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the prismatic shape is based on a triangle. The support frame 440 is formed from structural support members disposed along the edges of the prisms and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a triangular top panel 480-t, rectangular side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3, and a triangular bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 480-1, 480-2, and 480-3 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, portions, portions, or approximately all, or approximately all of any of these side panels , or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 400 includes a dispenser 460 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 400 . In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the dispenser 460 is disposed in the center of the top panel 480-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, according to any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein, the dispenser 460 may be positioned anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of container 400 . 4B shows a front view of the container 400 of FIG. 4A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations (shown as dashed lines) for the dispenser, either of which may also be applied to either side of the container 400 . Figure 4C shows a side view of the container 400 of Figure 4A. Figure 4D shows an isometric view of the container 400 of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 500 having a structural support frame 540 generally shaped like a quadrangular prism. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the prism is based on a square. The support frame 540 is formed from structural support members disposed along the edges of the prisms and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a square top panel 580-t, rectangular side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, and 580-4, and a square bottom panel (not shown). Each of side panels 580-1, 580-2, 580-3, and 580-4 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, portions, portions, or approximately all of any of these side panels , or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 500 includes a dispenser 560 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 500 . In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the dispenser 560 is disposed in the center of the top panel 580-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 560 may be disposed on the top, side, or bottom of the container 500. any other place. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the container 500 of FIG. 5A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines), any of which may also be applied to either side of the container 500 . Figure 5C shows a side view of the container 500 of Figure 5A. Figure 5D shows an isometric view of the container 500 of Figure 5A.

Figure 6A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 600 having a structural support frame 640 generally shaped like a pentagonal prism. In the embodiment of Figure 6A, the prism is based on a pentagon. The support frame 640 is formed from structural support members disposed along the edges of the prisms and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a pentagonal top panel 680-t, rectangular side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5, and a pentagonal bottom panel (not shown) . Each of the side panels 680-1, 680-2, 680-3, 680-4, and 680-5 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, portions, portions, of any of these side panels , or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 600 includes a dispenser 660 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 600 . In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the dispenser 660 is disposed in the center of the top panel 680-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 660 may be disposed on the top, side, or bottom of the container 600. any other place. FIG. 6B shows a front view of the container 600 of FIG. 6A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines), any of which may also be applied to either side of the container 600 . Figure 6C shows a side view of the container 600 of Figure 6A. Figure 6D shows an isometric view of the container 600 of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 700 having a structural support frame 740 generally shaped like a cone. The support frame 740 is formed of curved structural support members disposed around the base of the cone and straight structural support members extending linearly from the base to the apex, where the structural support members are joined together at their ends. The structural support members define somewhat curved triangular side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3, and a circular bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 780-1, 780-2, and 780-3 is curved, however, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all, or about all of any of these side panels , or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 700 includes a dispenser 760 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 700 . In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the dispenser 760 is positioned at the apex of the cone, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 760 may be positioned at any other location on the top, side, or bottom of the container 700. place. Figure 7B shows a front view of the container 700 of Figure 7A. 7C shows a side view of the container 700 of FIG. 7A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines), any of which may also be applicable to either side panel of the container 700. Figure 7D shows an isometric view of the container 700 of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A shows a front view of a stand up flexible container 800 having a structural support frame 840 with an overall shape resembling a cylinder. The support frame 840 is formed of curved structural support members disposed around the top and bottom of the cylinder and straight structural support members extending linearly from the top to the bottom where the structural support members are joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a circular top panel 880-t, somewhat curved rectangular side panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4, and a circular bottom panel (not shown). Each of the side panels 880-1, 880-2, 880-3, and 880-4 is curved, however, in various embodiments, part, parts, or about all of any of these side panels Or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all may be approximately flat, substantially flat, almost flat, or completely flat. Container 800 includes a dispenser 860 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 800 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the dispenser 860 is disposed in the center of the top panel 880-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, according to any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein, the dispenser 860 may be positioned anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of container 800 . 8B shows a front view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines), any of which may also be applicable to either side panel of the container 800. Figure 8C shows a side view of the container 800 of Figure 8A. Figure 8D shows an isometric view of the container 800 of Figure 8A.

In additional embodiments, any upright flexible container with a structural support frame as disclosed herein can be configured to have an overall shape corresponding to any other known three-dimensional shape, including any kind of polyhedron, any kind of lateral triangle Platform, and any kind of prism (including right prism and uniform prism).

FIG. 9A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 900 having an overall shape such as a square. Figure 9B shows an end view of the flexible container 900 of Figure 9A. The container 900 rests on a horizontal support surface 901 .

In FIG. 9B, coordinate system 910 provides a reference line for indexing directions in the figure. Coordinate system 910 is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis and Z-axis are parallel to the horizontal support surface 901 and the Y-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal support surface 901 .

FIG. 9A also includes other reference lines for indexing orientation and position with respect to container 100 . The lateral centerline 911 runs parallel to the X-axis. The XY plane at the lateral centerline 911 divides the container 100 into a front half and a rear half. The XZ plane at the lateral centerline 911 divides the container 100 into upper and lower halves. The longitudinal centerline 914 runs parallel to the Y-axis. The YZ plane at longitudinal centerline 914 divides container 900 into left and right halves. The third centerline 917 runs parallel to the Z-axis. Lateral centerline 911 , longitudinal centerline 914 and third centerline 917 all intersect at the center of container 900 . In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, these terms for direction, orientation, measurement and arrangement are the same as the similarly numbered terms in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1D.

Container 900 includes top 904 , middle 906 and bottom 908 , front 902 - 1 , back 902 - 2 and left and right sides 909 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9B , the upper and lower halves of the container are joined together at a seal 929 that extends around the outer perimeter of the container 900 . The bottom of container 900 is constructed in the same manner as the top of container 900 .

The container 900 includes a structural support frame 940, a product volume 950, a dispenser 960, a top panel 980-t and a bottom panel (not shown). A portion of panel 980 - t is shown broken away to illustrate product volume 950 . Product volume 950 is configured to contain one or more liquid products. Dispenser 960 allows container 900 to dispense these liquid products from product volume 950 to the environment outside container 900 through flow channel 959 and then through dispenser 960 . Structural support frame 940 supports the mass of one or more liquid products in product volume 950 . The top panel 980-t and bottom panel are relatively flat surfaces that cover the product volume 950 and are suitable for displaying any kind of indicia.

Structural support frame 940 is formed from a plurality of structural support members. Structural support frame 940 includes front structural support members 943-1 and 943-2, intermediate structural support members 945-1, 945-2, 945-3, and 945-4, and rear structural support members 947-1 and 947- 2. Generally, each of the structural support members in container 900 is oriented horizontally. Also, each of the structural support members in container 900 has a substantially uniform cross-section along its length, although in various embodiments, this cross-section may vary.

Upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are provided in the upper portion of the middle portion 906 and in the top portion 904, while lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947- 2 are provided in the lower portion of the middle portion 906 and in the bottom 908. Upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed above and in contact with lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2, respectively. adjacent.

In various embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural support members may be along part, or parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their total lengths, at contact each other at one or more relatively smaller locations and/or at one or more relatively larger locations as long as there is a gap between the structural support members 943-1 and 943-2 contacting for the flow channel 959 That's it. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9B, the upper and lower structural support members are not directly connected to each other. However, in various alternative embodiments, adjacent upper and lower structural support members may be along a portion, or portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, of their total lengths. All, or all directly connected and/or joined together.

The ends of the structural support members 943-1, 945-2, 947-1 and 945-1 are joined together to form a top square extending outward from and surrounding the product volume 950, and the structural elements 943-2, 945-3 , 947-2 and 945-4 are also joined together to form a bottom square extending outwardly from and enclosing the product volume 950. In the structural support frame 940, the ends of the joined together structural support members are directly connected all around the perimeter of the structural support member walls. However, in various alternative embodiments, any of the structural support members of the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B may be joined together in any manner described herein and known in the art.

In an alternative embodiment of the structural support frame 940, adjacent structural support members can be combined into a single structural support member, wherein the combined structural support member can effectively replace adjacent structural support members, its function and connection as described in this article. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, one or more additional structural support members may be added to the structural support members of the structural support frame 940, wherein an expanded structural support frame may effectively replace the structural support frame 940, Its function and connection are as described in this article.

10A-11B illustrate embodiments of self-supporting flexible containers (which are not stand-up containers) having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B can be constructed in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B . Any of the elements of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B (eg, structural support frame frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) may be constructed according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B each show a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container may include multiple dispensers according to any of the embodiments described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11B are adapted to display either type of indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels in the embodiments of Figures 10A-11B are configured as non-structural panels covering one or more product volumes disposed in a flexible container, however, in various One or more of a decorative or structural element (such as a rib protruding from an exterior surface) may be joined to part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all of any of these panels , or almost all, or all. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 10A-11B , however, any of the embodiments in FIGS. 10A-11B may be configured to include any structure or feature of the flexible containers disclosed herein.

Figure 10A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 1000 (which is not a stand up flexible container) having a product volume 1050 and an overall shape such as a triangle. However, in various embodiments, the self-supporting flexible container can have an overall shape, such as a polygon with any number of sides. The support frame 1040 is formed from structural support members arranged along the edges of a triangle and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a triangular top panel 1080-t, and a triangular bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1080-t and the bottom panel are approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, a portion, portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all of any of these side panels All, or all, may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 1000 includes a dispenser 1060 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 1000 . In the embodiment of Figure 10A, the dispenser 1060 is positioned in the center of the front, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1060 may be positioned according to any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein Anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of the container 1000. Figure 10A includes exemplary additional/alternative locations for the dispenser (shown as dashed lines). FIG. 10B shows an end view of the flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10B resting on a horizontal support surface 1001 .

11A shows a top view of an embodiment of a self-supporting flexible container 1100 (which is not a stand up flexible container) having a product volume 1150 and an overall shape such as a circle. The support frame 1140 is formed from structural support members arranged around the circumference of a circle and joined together at their ends. The structural support members define a circular top panel 1180-t, and a circular bottom panel (not shown). The top panel 1180-t and the bottom panel are approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, a portion, portions, or approximately all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all of any of these side panels All, or all, may be approximately flat, substantially flat, nearly flat, or completely flat. Container 1100 includes a dispenser 1160 configured to dispense one or more liquid products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 1100 . In the embodiment of Figure 11A, the dispenser 1160 is positioned in the center of the front, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1160 may be positioned according to any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein Anywhere else on the top, sides or bottom of the container 1100. FIG. 11A includes exemplary additional/alternative locations for dispensers (shown as dashed lines). FIG. 11B shows an end view of the flexible container 1100 of FIG. 10B resting on a horizontal support surface 1101 .

In further embodiments, any self-supporting container with a structural support frame as disclosed herein may be configured to have an overall shape corresponding to any other known three-dimensional shape. For example, any self-supporting container with a structural support frame as disclosed herein may be configured to have a Combinations of either correspond to general shapes (when viewed from the top view).

12A-14C illustrate various exemplary dispensers that may be used with the flexible containers disclosed herein. Figure 12 shows an isometric view of a push-pull dispenser 1260-a. Figure 12B shows an isometric view of a dispenser with a flip cover 1260-b. Figure 12C shows an isometric view of a dispenser with a screw cap 1260-c. Figure 12D shows an isometric view of a rotatable dispenser 1260-d. Figure 12E shows an isometric view of a nozzle-type dispenser with a cap 1260-d. Figure 13A shows an isometric view of the flip-up straw dispenser 1360-a. Figure 13B shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a cap 1360-b. Figure 13C shows an isometric view of the flip-up straw dispenser 1360-c. Figure 13D shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser with a mouthpiece valve 1360-d. Figure 14A shows an isometric view of a pump dispenser 1460-a, which in various embodiments may be a foaming pump dispenser. Figure 14B shows an isometric view of a pump spray dispenser 1460-b. Figure 14C shows an isometric view of a trigger spray dispenser 1460-c.

Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, Fig. 15 generally depicts a film-based container for dispensing a flowable product. The container may comprise at least two sheet assembly portions assembled to form a product containing volume. Each sheet assembly portion may include a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet joined to the flexible outer sheet. At least a portion of the flexible outer sheet and the flexible inner sheet form an expandable chamber. The expandable chamber provides structure to the container when material is introduced into the expandable chamber to increase the volume of the expanded chamber. The container may take various forms, including tubes, cartons, thermoformed trays, foam packs, blister packs, etc., to contain the flowable material. The container will be described in more detail herein with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a front view of container 100 is depicted. The container 100 includes a first sheet assembly part 110 and a second sheet assembly part 120 . The first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 join each other to form a product containing volume 130 . A flowable product 90 (eg, a liquid or a flowable solid) may be introduced into the product containment volume 130 . In some embodiments, the flowable product 90 is dispensed from the container 100 by compressing the container 100 , thereby reducing the internal volume of the product-holding volume 130 and pressurizing the flowable product 90 . Pressurized flowable product 90 is directed along product dispensing channel 132 (see FIG. 22 ), which is in fluid communication with product containment volume 130 and product dispensing port 140 . In other embodiments, the flowable product 90 is dispensed from the container 100 by the user inverting the container 100 .

Referring now to FIGS. 16-22, an example of the container 100 during assembly is depicted. Referring to FIG. 16 , the container begins as a packaging preform 80 . The packaging pre-form 80 comprises a first sheet assembly part 110 and a second sheet assembly part 120 . The first sheet assembly portion 110 includes a flexible outer sheet 112 and a flexible inner sheet 114 . The flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 are joined to each other at an inner seam 118 and an outer seam 116 . One or more of the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 may include a seam opening 117 . Seam opening 117 interrupts interior seam 118 and/or exterior seam 116 to form a sealed volume between flexible outer panel 112 and flexible inner panel 114 . As depicted in Figure 16, seam opening 117 may take the form of a narrow elongated channel. Other embodiments of the seam opening 117 are contemplated, as described in further detail below. The interior seam 118 also defines the interior panel 102 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 .

Similar to the first sheet assembly portion 110 , the second sheet assembly portion 120 includes a flexible outer sheet 122 and a flexible inner sheet 124 . The flexible inner and outer flexible panels 124 , 122 of the second sheet assembly portion 120 are joined to each other at an inner seam 128 and an outer seam 126 . One or more of interior seam 128 or exterior seam 126 may include seam opening 127 . Seam opening 127 interrupts interior seam 128 and/or exterior seam 126 to form a sealed volume between flexible outer panel 122 and flexible inner panel 124 . The interior seam 128 also defines the interior panel 102 of the second sheet assembly portion 120 .

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16-22 , the inner panel 102 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 is a multi-wall panel 101 consisting of flexible inner sheets 114, 124 and flexible outer sheets. Sheets 112, 122 are formed. In this embodiment, the flexible outer panels 112 , 122 are disconnected from the flexible inner panels 114 , 124 at a location along the inner panel 102 inside the inner seams 118 , 128 . Additionally, the flexible outer sheet 112 and the flexible inner sheet 114 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 contact each other along substantially all of the interior panel 102 . Similarly, the flexible outer sheet 122 and the flexible inner sheet 124 of the second sheet assembly portion 120 contact each other along substantially all of the inner panel 102 . In some embodiments, the interior panels 102 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 may contain no expansion chambers, and thus be independent of expansion chambers. Other configurations for the interior panel 102 are contemplated, as will be discussed below.

In some embodiments, material may be interposed between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 that form the inner panel 102 . In some embodiments, the material may be a flowable substance present for consumer use or decorative purposes. In other embodiments, an article such as, but not limited to, a wipe or other dry or wet substrate may be present between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 . For embodiments having an article positioned between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114, there may also be a separate dispensing structure.

The flexible outer panels 112 , 122 and flexible inner panels 114 , 124 may be made from a variety of materials that will contain the flowable product that will be stored by the assembled container 100 . Such materials may include, for example and without limitation, polyethylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and the like. The flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 may be coated with dissimilar materials. The flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 may be a laminate structure of a plurality of different film layers, such that the flexible inner sheets 112, 122 and/or the flexible outer sheets 114, 124 are a composite structure. Such coatings include, but are not limited to, for example, polymeric coatings, metallized coatings, ceramic coatings, and/or diamond coatings. Such coating materials and/or laminate structures may reduce the permeability of the flowable product 90 stored in the container 100 and/or the materials in the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . The flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 may be plastic films having a thickness such that the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 are flexible and easily deformed by force applied by a person. In some embodiments, the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 may be approximately equal in thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the flexible outer sheet 112 , 122 may be greater or less than the thickness of the flexible inner sheet 114 , 124 . In another embodiment, the thickness of the flexible outer sheet 112 and the flexible inner sheet 114 of the first sheet assembly part 110 may be greater or smaller than the thickness of the flexible outer sheet 122 and flexible inner sheet 124 of the second sheet assembly part 120 .

In some embodiments, the material of the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 and the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 may be a film laminate comprising multiple layers of different types of material to provide desired properties, such as strength. , flexibility, bonding ability, impermeability to the flowable product contained in the assembled container 100, and the ability to accept printing and/or labeling. In some embodiments, the film material can have a thickness of less than about 200 microns (0.0078 inches). One example of a film laminate includes three layers of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/nylon/LDPE with a total thickness of 0.003 inches.

Other types of laminate structures may be suitable for certain embodiments. For example, a laminate formed by coextrusion of multiple layers or a laminate produced by adhesive lamination of different layers. Additionally, coated paper film materials may be used in some embodiments. Additionally, lamination of nonwoven or woven materials to film materials may be used in certain embodiments. Other examples of structures that may be used in certain embodiments include: 48ga polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ink/adhesive/3.5 mil ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-nylon film; 48gaPET/ink/ Adhesive/48ga MET PET/Adhesive/3mil PE; 48ga PET/Ink/Adhesive/.00035 Foil/Adhesive/3mil PE; 48ga PET/Ink/Adhesive/48ga SiOx PET/adhesive/3 mil PE; 3.5 mil EVOH/PE film; 48ga PET/adhesive/3.5 mil EVOH film; and 48ga MET PET/adhesive/3 mil PE.

The material of the flexible outer panels 112, 122 and the flexible inner panels 114, 124 may be made from sustainable, biosourced, recyclable, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials. As used herein, "sustainable" means a material that demonstrates greater than a 10% improvement in some aspect of a life cycle assessment or life cycle inventory when compared to relevant virgin petroleum-based materials that would otherwise has been used in manufacturing. As used herein, "Life Cycle Assessment" (LCA) or "Life Cycle Inventory" (LCI) refers to the investigation and evaluation of the environmental impacts caused or necessarily brought about by the existence of a given product or service. LCA or LCI may involve a "from beginning to end" analysis, which refers to the entire life cycle assessment or life cycle inventory from manufacture ("beginning") to the use phase and disposal phase ("end"). For example, high density polyethylene (HDPE) containers can be recycled into HDPE resin pellets, which are then used to form containers, films, or injection molded articles, eg, saving significant amounts of fossil-fuel energy. At the end of its life, polyethylene can be disposed of, for example by incineration. Consider all inputs and outputs for all stages of the life cycle. As used herein, an "end of life" (EoL) scenario refers to the processing phase of LCA or LCI. For example, polyethylene can be recycled, used for energy incineration (eg, 1 kg of polyethylene produces as much energy as 1 kg of diesel), chemically converted to other products, and mechanically recycled. Alternatively, LCA or LCI may involve "cradle-to-gate" analysis, referring to the analysis of the portion as pellets from manufacture ("cradle-to-gate") to the cradle-to-gate (i.e., before shipment to the customer). Product life cycle assessment. Alternatively, this second type of analysis is also referred to as "from beginning to end". The film-based containers of the present disclosure are also desirable because any virgin polymer used in the manufacture of the container can be derived from renewable resources, or can be made from petroleum-based polymers, recycled polymers (post-consumer or industrially recycled, including both petroleum polymers and renewable polymers), or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the prefix "biological" is used to designate materials that have been derived from renewable resources. As used herein, a "renewable resource" is a resource produced by natural processes at a rate comparable to its rate of consumption (eg, over a 100-year period). The resource can be replenished naturally or through agricultural techniques. Non-limiting examples of renewable resources include plants (e.g., sugar cane, sugar beets, corn, potatoes, citrus fruits, woody plants, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulosic waste), animals, fish, bacteria, Fungi and forestry products. These resources can be naturally occurring, hybrid, or genetically engineered organisms. Natural resources such as crude oil, coal, natural gas and peat take more than 100 years to form and are not considered renewable resources. Because at least a portion of the flexible barrier of the container of the present disclosure is derived from a renewable resource capable of sequestering carbon dioxide, use of the flexible barrier can reduce the potential for global warming and the consumption of fossil fuels. For example, some LCA or LCI studies on HDPE resins have shown that about one ton of polyethylene made from virgin petroleum based sources results in the emission of as much as about 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide into the environment. Since sugar cane, for example, can absorb carbon dioxide during growth, one ton of polyethylene made from sugar cane can remove up to about 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. Thus, using about one ton of polyethylene made from a renewable resource such as sugar cane reduces environmental carbon dioxide by up to about 5 tons compared to using one ton of polyethylene derived from petroleum-based resources.

Non-limiting examples of renewable polymers include: polymers produced directly from organisms, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., poly(β-hydroxyalkanoate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- Copoly-3-hydroxyvalerate, NODAX ^™ ), and bacterial cellulose; polymers extracted from plants and biomass, such as polysaccharides and their derivatives (e.g. gums, cellulose, cellulose esters, chitin, deacetylated chitin, starch, chemically modified starch), proteins (e.g. zeatin, whey, gluten, collagen), lipids, lignin, and natural rubber; and existing polymers and derivatives derived from natural monomers , such as biopolyethylene, biopolypropylene, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, nylon 11, alkyd resins, succinic acid-based polyesters, and biopolyethylene terephthalate.

The film-based containers described herein may be further desirable because their properties can be improved by altering the biomaterials and recyclable materials (post-consumer or industrially recyclable) used to form the components of the flexible barrier container. ) or the amount of reground material, or by introducing additives, fillers, pigments and/or dyes to adjust. For example, increasing the amount of biomaterial (when compared, eg, homopolymer to copolymer) at the expense of recyclable material tends to result in containers with improved mechanical properties. Increasing the amount of a particular type of recyclable material can reduce the overall cost of producing these containers, but at the expense of the desired mechanical properties of the container, since recyclable materials tend to be more brittle at lower moduli, so The lower modulus is due to the lower average molecular weight of the recycled material.

A suitable method for assessing materials derived from renewable resources is through ASTM D6866, which allows the use of radiocarbon analysis to determine the biobased content of materials by accelerator mass spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting, and isotopic mass spectrometry. Other techniques for assessing the biobased content of materials are described in US Patent Nos. 3,885,155, 4,427,884, 4,973,841, 5,438,194, and 5,661,299, WO2009/155086, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In terms of attracting consumers to purchase merchandise held in the container 100, the flexible outer and inner panels 112, 122, 114, 124 are provided in a variety of colors and designs. Additionally, the material forming the flexible outer and flexible inner panels 112, 122, 114, 124 may be dyed, tinted, transparent, translucent, or opaque. Such optical properties can be modified through the use of additives or masterbatches during film preparation. Additionally, other decorative techniques may be present on any surface of the sheet, such as lenses, holograms, security features, cold foils, hot foils, embossing, metallic inks, transfers, varnishes, coatings, and the like. The flexible outer and flexible inner sheets 112, 122, 114, 124 may include indicia so that a consumer interested in purchasing a product can easily identify the product contained in the container 100, as well as the manufacturer's brand name of the product contained in the container 100 name. Marks may contain decorative elements. Indicia may also provide instructions or instructions for using the product and/or container 100 . In particular, the interior panels 102 of the first and second sheet assembly portions 110, 120 may be substantially flat and without interruptions. Accordingly, a variety of brand indicia can be applied to the interior panel 102 of the container 100 for viewing by consumers.

The flexible film material forming the flexible outer and flexible inner panels 112, 122, 114, 124 may be colored or dyed. The flexible film material may also be preprinted with artwork, colors and/or indicia using any printing method (gravure printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, inkjet, laser printing, etc.) prior to forming the packaging preform 80. Additionally, assembled container 100 may be printed using digital printing after formation. Any and all surfaces of the flexible outer and flexible inner panels 112, 122, 114, 124 may be printed or left unprinted. Additionally, certain laminates of the laminate films forming the flexible outer and flexible inner sheets 112, 122, 114, 124 may be surface printed or reverse printed as is conventionally known. In some embodiments, the functional ink is printed on the flexible material. Functional inks are intended to include inks that provide decorative benefits, textured coatings, or other benefits including, for example but not limited to, printed sensors, printed electronics, printed RFID, and photosensitive die. Alternatively, or in an alternate form, a marker (such as, but not limited to, a flexible marker) or a heat shrink sleeve may be applied to the assembled container 100 to provide the desired visual appearance of the container 100 . Because in some embodiments the film can be printed flat and then formed into a three-dimensional object, the artwork conforms precisely to the container 100 .

As discussed above, the inner container panels 114 , 124 are joined to the flexible outer panels 112 , 122 at the inner seams 118 , 128 and the outer seams 116 , 126 . The inner and outer seams 118, 128, 116, 126 may be formed by a variety of conventional attachment, joining or sealing methods including, for example, but not limited to, using, for example, conductive sealing, pulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing or welding. Adhesion after heat sealing, mechanical crimping, sewing, and adhesive application.

16-17, the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 are formed using a continuous sheet of material defining the flexible outer sheets 112,122. It should be understood, however, that the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 may be discrete, non-continuous components that are joined to each other during assembly (ie, components that are independent of each other).

Referring now to FIG. 17 , the packaging preform 80 is depicted in an assembly operation wherein the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 "mate" with each other, transitioning from a flat laminate assembly to a packaging preform. 80, as depicted in FIG. 16 . As depicted in FIG. 17 , bringing the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 closer to each other allows the flexible outer sheets 112 , 122 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 to engage each other. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16-22 , the flexible outer sheets 112 , 122 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 are external to the respective first sheet assembly portion 110 and second sheet assembly portion 120 . The seams 116, 126 are joined to each other at locations other than the seams 116,126. Additionally, the gusset panel portion 105 formed in the flexible outer sheet 112, 122 between the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 is disposed such that the gusset panel portion 105 is positioned against the first sheet. The interior of the assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 . In other embodiments of the packaging pre-form, such as that depicted in Figure 38, the flexible inner panels 114, 124 may be formed from a continuous sheet of material. Additional material that joins the flexible inner panels 114 , 124 is incorporated into the gusset panel portion 105 when the container 100 is formed.

It should be understood that some embodiments of the container 100 may have the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 arranged in skewed alignment such that the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 are not relative to the symmetrical to each other. A container 100 having a first sheet assembly portion 110 and a second sheet assembly portion 120 arranged in skewed alignment may be referred to as "asymmetric". Such an asymmetric container 100 may have a three-dimensional shape that is contoured across a characteristic length range (eg, the container 100 includes a profile that extends along a substantial portion of the height, width, or thickness of the container 100).

Referring again to FIG. 17, the gusset panel portion 105 can increase the product holding volume 130 of the container 100, as described below. The gusset panel portion 105 also stabilizes the container 100 . While specific reference has been made herein to the position of the gusset panel portion 105 relative to the position of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120, it should be understood that any such gusset The board panel portion 105 may be positioned anywhere on the container 100 . It should be understood that gusset panels, pleats, or tucks may be incorporated into container 100 at various locations to create a particular design. Such gusset panels, pleats or tucks may be positioned along the sides or top of the container 100 .

Referring now to FIG. 18 , the encapsulating seam 104 is positioned to close the seam 104 around the outer seam 116 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 (eg, and around the outer seam 126 of the second sheet assembly portion 120 ). 110 and second sheet assembly portion 120 are engaged with each other to form a container 100 having a product containing volume 130 . The product containment volume 130 may thus be closed by the packaging seam 104 between the flexible outer sheets 112 , 122 and the gusset panel portion 105 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the container 100 also includes a product dispensing port 140 in fluid communication with the product containing volume 130 and the environment, thereby allowing a flowable product to be filled into the product containing volume 130 of the container 100 and to be received from the product containing volume of the container 100. Volume 130 dispenses a flowable product.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , a portion of the first sheet assembly portion 110 is depicted in cross-section. While FIG. 19 explicitly depicts the first sheet assembly portion 110, it should be understood that the second sheet assembly portion 120 may include corresponding components forming similar expansion chambers, as depicted in FIGS. 20-22. FIG. 5 depicts an expansion step in an assembly operation in which the region of the flexible inner panel 112 and flexible outer panel 114 positioned between the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 is expanded to form the expansion chamber 113 . As discussed above, fluid is introduced into the region between the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 through the seam opening 117 . At the location of the first sheet assembly portion 110 between the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 , the fluid increases the spacing between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 . The fluid introduced through the seam opening 117 thereby forms the expansion chamber 113 in the first sheet assembly portion 110 and maintains the expansion chamber volume in the expansion chamber 113 such that the expansion chamber volume is larger than when it collapses by itself (for example, when The cavity volume when configured as the packaging preform 80 of FIG. 17 ). Because of the narrow elongated shape of the seam opening 117, fluid introduced between the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 that separates the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 to form the inflation chamber 113 can be Flow out of the expansion chamber 113 is restricted. The restriction of fluid flow may allow for a subsequent sealing operation of the expansion chamber 113 that closes the seam opening 117 and maintains the shape of the expansion chamber 113 .

Various fluids may be introduced through seam opening 117 to form inflation chamber 113 . In some embodiments, the fluid is a gas that is introduced through seam opening 117 and maintains the fluid pressure in expansion chamber 113 greater than ambient pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure of the inflation chamber 113 is maintained after the inflation operation without connection to a pressure source. In these embodiments, the pressure source may be removed prior to closing the seam opening 117 . Seam opening 117 may be closed with minimal fluid spillage from expansion chamber 113 . In other embodiments, the pressure source remains in fluid communication with the expansion chamber throughout the operation of closing the seam opening 117 . In one embodiment, the gas in the expansion chamber 113 is maintained at a pressure of about 15 psi to about 18 psi above ambient pressure. In other embodiments, the fluid is a liquid introduced through seam opening 117 . The pressure of the fluid within the expansion chamber 113 is approximately equal to ambient pressure, and the increase in fluid density separates the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 from each other. In another embodiment, the fluid is a cured foam or other solid material that is introduced as a fluid through the seam opening 117 and hardens into a solid. In some embodiments, the foam may be an expandable foam that increases in volume as the foam cures. When cured, the foam separates the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 from each other. Examples of such foams include, but are not limited to, two-part liquid mixtures of isocyanates and polyols that, when combined under appropriate conditions, cure to form solid foams. In other embodiments, expansion chamber 113 may include a reinforcement (not shown) positioned between flexible inner sheet 112 and flexible outer sheet 114 . The reinforcing agent can modify the shape of the expansion chamber 113 and can provide additional structure to the assembled container 100 . Such reinforcements may be formed from a variety of materials and manufacturing methods, such as, but not limited to, plastic reinforcements made by injection molding or extrusion.

In another embodiment, expansion in expansion chamber 113 may be caused by a phase change of a liquid introduced between flexible inner sheet 112 and flexible outer sheet 114 . An example of a phase change may include injecting a quantity of cooling substance, such as but not limited to liquid nitrogen or dry ice, between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 . The pressure between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 can cause the flexible inner sheet 112 to The flexible outer panel 114 is separated between the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 to separate the flexible inner panel 112 from the flexible outer panel 114 to form the inflation chamber 113 . In another embodiment, a chemical reactive substance may be introduced between the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114, such as but not limited to a weak acid such as citric acid, to a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate. The chemically reactive species can react in the enclosed environment to separate the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 to form the expansion chamber 113 . Accordingly, it should be understood that with some embodiments of the container 100, seam openings may not be present.

In another embodiment, after the closed inner seam 118 and outer seam 116 that will later define the expansion chamber 113 are formed by introducing chemically reactive species that are stored independently of each other, it can be pointed at a later point in the assembly process. triggers the separation of the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114. When separation of the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 is desired, the chemically reactive species may be selected to be introduced into each other. In some embodiments, the chemically reactive materials may be separated from each other using a frangible seal that can break to cause a reaction that causes expansion of the expansion chamber 113 . In other embodiments, the chemically reactive materials may not react with each other under certain environmental conditions (eg, at certain temperatures). When separation of the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 is desired, the container 100 may be exposed to ambient conditions, such as by increasing ambient temperature, to cause the chemically reactive materials to react with each other causing expansion of the expansion chamber 113 . In another embodiment, the chemically reactive materials may be nonreactive to each other until they are subjected to electromagnetic energy including, for example, but not limited to, ultraviolet light energy or microwave energy. When separation of the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 is desired, the container 100 may be exposed to electromagnetic energy causing the chemically reactive materials to react with each other causing expansion of the expansion chamber 113 .

Still referring to FIG. 19, the introduction of fluid between the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 causes the first sheet assembly portion 110 to change shape in various directions. Introduction of the fluid causes the expansion chamber 113 to expand in a direction normal to the thickness of the first sheet assembly portion 110 . Expansion of the first sheet assembly portion 110 may cause the shape of the first sheet assembly portion 110 to change in an orientation transverse to the thickness of the first sheet assembly portion 110 . As depicted in FIG. 19 , expansion chamber 113 separates flexible inner panel 112 and flexible outer panel 114 from each other at a location between inner seam 118 and outer seam 116 . As the flexible inner panel 112 and flexible outer panel 114 flex away from each other, the expansion chamber 113 tends to stretch the outer seam 116 inwardly. Similarly, flexing of the expansion chamber 113 and the outer seam 116 tends to stretch the inner seam 118 outward. The approximate size of the expansion chamber 113 defined by the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 is dimension D, which is approximated by the following equation:

$\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; D.</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\frac{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 2</span>}}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&pi;</span>}}{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; D.</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 0</span>}}$

where D ₀ is the dimension between the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 before expansion. Stretching of the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 tends to introduce stress in one or more of the flexible inner panel 112 and the flexible outer panel 114 . In some embodiments, this stress increases the tension on the inner panel 102, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22 , cross-sectional views depict three vertical points of the container 100 depicted in FIG. 18 . Referring now to FIG. 20 , a cross-sectional view of container 100 at approximately mid-height is depicted. In the depicted embodiment, container 100 includes first sheet assembly portion 110 and second sheet assembly portion 120 joined to each other at packaging seam 104 . The packaging seam 104 maintains the positioning of the first sheet assembled portion 110 and the second sheet assembled portion 120 relative to each other. The packaging seam 104 also defines a product containment volume 130 of the container 100 .

As depicted in FIG. 20 , portions of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 formed by the flexible inner sheets 114 , 124 may contact each other at points within the product containment volume 130 . Additionally, the positioning of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 relative to each other may induce deformation in the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . This deformation may be limited to the point where the expansion chambers 113, 123 contact each other. This deformation of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may also contribute to stresses in the first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 . The stresses introduced into the first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 by the expansion chambers 113 , 123 are balanced in the container 100 . Thus, stresses introduced into the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 by the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may contribute to the structural strengthening of the container 100 .

As discussed above, the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 are mated with respect to each other. In the depicted embodiment, the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 differ from the inner seam 128 and the outer seam 126 of the second sheet assembly portion 120 when evaluated by the thickness of the container 100 . Roughly evenly positioned. Such paired positioning of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 can improve the symmetry of the final assembled container 100 because the stress introduced between the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 reacts uniformly. Otherwise, the surface of the container 100 may be non-uniform.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 20 , first sheet assembly portion 110 and second sheet assembly portion 120 include interior panel 102 . In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15-22 , the interior panel 102 is defined by expansion chambers 113 , 123 . The expansion chambers 113 , 123 extend continuously around the perimeter of the inner panels 102 such that all of the inner panels 102 are positioned inside the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . In some embodiments, the interior panel 102 may be partially defined by the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . In another embodiment, the interior panel 102 may be substantially defined by the expansion chamber 113 , 123 . Other embodiments of containers 100 having different configurations are described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , a cross-sectional view of the container 100 through the lower portion of the container 100 is depicted. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21 , gusset panel portion 105 is shown positioned between first sheet assembly portion 110 and second sheet assembly portion 120 . Consistent with the description regarding the container 100 of FIG. 20 , the expansion chambers 113 , 123 deform at the contact area between the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . Additionally, as described in FIG. 21 , the regions of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may be spaced apart from each other due to the stresses introduced into the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 . In the depicted embodiment, the spacing between the packaging seams 104 along opposite sides of the container 100 along with the shape of the expansion chambers 113, 123 may help to dissipate stress when evaluated in certain localized locations. Introduced into the first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 . Furthermore, although at the point corresponding to the cross-sectional view the expansion chamber 113, 123 does not include an interior seam, at a point away from the seam 116, 126 the expansion chamber 113, 123 is connected to the gusset panel portion 105 are spaced apart and spaced apart from each other.

Referring now to FIG. 22 , a cross-sectional view of the container 100 through the upper portion of the container 100 is depicted. Similar to the discussion regarding the container of FIG. 21 , the expansion chambers 113 , 123 deform at the contact area between the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . Additionally, as described in FIG. 22 , the regions of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may be spaced apart from each other due to the stresses introduced into the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 . In the depicted embodiment, the spacing between the packaging seam 104 and the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may facilitate the introduction of stress into the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 . Local stresses in the first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120, together with variations in the spacing between the encapsulation seam 104 and the expansion chambers 113, 123 may cause the expansion chambers 113, 123 to separate from each other. The separation of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may form the product dispensing channel 132 of the container 100 .

The container 100 may also include a product dispensing channel 132 through between the expansion chambers 113,123. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 22 , product dispensing channel 106 is in fluid communication with product containing volume 130 . When the flowable product is introduced into or dispensed from product containment volume 130, the flowable product passes through product dispensing channel 106 and product dispensing opening 140 (as depicted in FIG. 18).

Referring again to FIG. 15, some embodiments of the container 100 may dispense a flowable product upon manual application by a human user. The product holding volume 130 of the container 100 may be reduced by manual force applied by a human user. Manual application of force by a human user may also increase the pressure within the product containment volume 130 . In such embodiments, the inner panel 102 and inflation chambers 113, 123 may be sized to fit a human hand. In other embodiments, container 100 may dispense product with remote application of force, for example, when force is applied to interior panel 102 by a dispensing device as is conventionally known.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24 , other embodiments of seam openings 117 are depicted. Referring now to FIG. 23 , packaging preform 80 includes seam opening 117 , which is a gap formed in a discontinuous region of exterior seam 116 . Similar to the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 15-22 , fluid may be introduced through later joined seam opening 117 into the area defined by inner seam 118 and outer seam 116 .

Referring now to FIG. 24 , this embodiment of the packaging preform 80 includes a one-way valve 92 inserted into the seam opening 117 . An example of a suitable one-way valve 92 is, but not limited to, that described in US Patent Publication 2003/0096068. The one-way valve 92 may be coated with ink or other coatings that allow the one-way valve 92 to be heat-sealed to the flexible inner sheet 112 and flexible outer sheet 112 without closing the one-way valve 92 to seal. Sheet 114. Fluid is introduced into the area defined by the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 through the one-way valve 92 which prevents fluid from exiting the area defined by the inner seam 118 and the outer seam 116 and maintains the expansion chamber 113 shape. In some embodiments, the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 may engage each other around the one-way valve 92 to incorporate the one-way valve 92 into the container 100 . In other embodiments, the flexible inner sheet 112 and the flexible outer sheet 114 may engage each other at a location such that the one-way valve 92 is separated from the inflation chamber 113 . Excess material from the one-way valve 92 and the flexible inner panel 112 and flexible outer panel 114 may be trimmed away as scrap.

Referring now to FIG. 25 , a hypothetical stress diagram for one embodiment of a container 100 is depicted. The container 100 includes a first sheet assembly portion 110 having an interior panel 102 surrounded by an expansion chamber 113 . In FIG. 25 , the container 100 includes a plurality of stress indicators overlaid on portions of the container 100 . The stress indicator indicates the stress tensor of the container 100 introduced into the container 100 at various locations during assembly. The length of the stress indicator corresponds to the induced stress of the container 100 . As depicted in FIG. 25 , the stress tensor evaluated in the region corresponding to the expansion chamber 113 is greater than the stress tensor evaluated in the region corresponding to the inner panel 102 . The increased stress tensor in the position for the expansion chamber 113 is attributable to increased tension in the flexible outer sheet 112 . Thus, as depicted, the flexible outer sheet 112 forming the interior panel 102 has a different tension than the flexible outer sheet 112 forming the expansion chamber 113 .

The tension in the flexible outer sheet 112 at a point perpendicular to the inflation chamber 113 can be attributed to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the internal fluid pressure of the inflation chamber 113, the density of the fluid present in the inflation chamber 113 , the thickness of the flexible outer sheet 112 and the flexible inner sheet 114, or a combination thereof. Additionally, tension in the flexible outer sheet 112 at points perpendicular to the inner panel 102 may similarly be attributed to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the internal fluid pressure of the product containment volume 130 , the fluid pressure present in the product containment volume 130 The density of the flowable product, the thickness of the flexible outer sheet 112 and the flexible inner sheet 114, or a combination thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 15, embodiments of the container 100 may have a plurality of product dispensing ports 140 through which a flowable product may be filled and/or dispensed. In one embodiment, container 100 may include a user-selectable reclosable opening 142 . Such a reclosable opening 142 may include a threaded cap or a snap fit cap that allows the user of the container 100 to selectively open when the user desires to dispense a flowable product from the container 100, and to open it when the user does not wish to dispense the flowable product. closes when. Such reclosable openings 142 may comprise injection molded plastic components as are conventionally known including, but not limited to, fittings, flip-top snap closure fittings or threaded neck and nut covers, pressurized valves, child-resistant covers, precision Dosage tip, etc. In another embodiment, the container 100 may include a product dispensing nozzle that dispenses a flowable product from the container 100 when force is applied to the container 100 to increase the fluid pressure of the flowable product above the ambient pressure of the environment. product. In another embodiment, container 100 may include a serpentine flow closure element as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,988,016. Such serpentine flow closure elements comprise channels having a tortuous flow path of relatively narrow width. Because of the relationship between flowable product and viscosity and parameters of the flow path, the flowable product is only dispensed when the pressure of the flowable product is increased. In another embodiment, the container 100 may include a fluid actuated cover, as described in US Pat. No. 7,207,717 B2. In some embodiments, the container may also include a vent that equalizes the pressure between the container and the external environment.

Although the above discussion refers to positioning the product dispensing opening 142 along the top surface of the container 100, it should be understood that the product dispensing opening 142 can be located along any surface of the container 100 so that the flowable product held in the container can be dispensed in any direction and orientation. . In some embodiments, fittings may be secured into any seam of container 100 . In other embodiments, any surface of container 100 may be cut and fittings secured at the cut locations. In such embodiments, the fitting may include a gasket or seal that allows the fitting to provide a seal to the container 100 to control the dispensing of the flowable product from the container 100 . In other embodiments, other dispensing elements may be installed into the container 100 to provide the desired dispensing of the flowable product from the container 100 . Examples of such dispensing elements include, but are not limited to, pump heads, suction foamers, spray dispensers, dose control elements integrated into closure assemblies, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 26, another embodiment of a container 200 is depicted. The depicted container 200 is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15-23 and includes an indented portion 202 along one side of the container 200 . The zigzag portion 202 is formed in the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 together with the packaging seam 104 that seals the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 .

It should be understood that the shape and orientation of the interior seams 118, 128 and exterior seams 116, 126 may be modified to produce a container 100 having a desired shape of the interior panel 102, expansion chambers 113, 123 and encapsulation seam 104.

Referring now to Figures 27 and 28, another embodiment of a container 210 is depicted. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28 is similar to the embodiment of the container 100 depicted in FIGS. 15-22 , however, the flexible inner panel 114 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 has limited material positioned at the inner seam 118 . The flexible inner panel 114 includes a pressure relief region 115 located away from the outer edge of the flexible inner panel 114 . At points within the pressure relief zone 115, material of the flexible inner panel 115 is absent or removed. As depicted in FIG. 27 , pressure relief zone 115 is positioned within interior seam 118 between flexible outer panel 112 and flexible inner panel 114 . In the embodiment depicted in Figures 27 and 14, the inner panel 102 formed by the flexible outer panel 112 and the flexible inner panel 114 comprises a single wall along substantially all of the inner panel 102, so the flexible inner panel 114 does not extend beyond the pressure relief District 115.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-31 , embodiments of the container 400 , 410 , 420 may include a plurality of packaging seams 104 along the outer edge of the container 400 that extend beyond the outer seam 116 defining the expansion chamber 113 . Packaging seam 104 may serve a variety of functional and/or marketing purposes. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 29 , encapsulation seam 104 extends away from expansion chamber 113 to form marking area 402 . The marking area 402 can be separated from the expansion chamber 113 by a perforation 404 . One example, indicia may include a tear-off coupon that serves as a marketing offer to consumers.

Referring now to FIG. 30 , this embodiment of the container 410 includes excess material, described herein as an extension of the packaging seam 104 , that extends away from the expansion chamber 113 to form the handle region 412 . It should be understood that excess material may take a variety of forms, including multiple joined film layers and/or multiple overlapping and non-joined film layers, or a single layer of film. The handle region 412 may also include an expansion region to assist a user in gripping the container 410 . The handle region 412 may also include a through hole 414 through the handle region 412 that provides a finger hole for the user. Alternatively, through hole 414 may be used as a hanger for merchandising or consumer use. The handle region 412 and the through hole 414 may be positioned at any location and orientation along the container 100 .

Referring now to FIG. 31 , this embodiment of a container 420 includes a potting seam 104 that extends away from the inflation chamber 113 to form a decorative region 422 . The decorative area 422 can be printed according to the methods described above to provide a visually appealing container 420 to consumers in a retail environment.

Referring now to Figures 32 and 33, another embodiment of a container 220 is depicted. This embodiment of the container 220 is similar to the container 100 depicted in FIGS. An unjoined gap between the first sheet assembly part 110 and the second sheet assembly part 120 which is later joined. As depicted in FIG. 33 , the potting seam 104 is positioned adjacent the expansion chambers 113 , 123 and spaced from the general outer perimeter of the container 220 .

Referring now to FIG. 24, another embodiment of a container 230 is depicted. This embodiment of the container 230 is similar to the container 100 depicted in FIGS. . Similar to the container 100 depicted in FIGS. 15-22 , the first sheet assembly portion 110 includes a flexible outer sheet 112 and a flexible inner sheet 114 joined to each other at an outer seam 116 and an inner seam 118 . An expansion chamber 113 is defined by an outer seam 116 and an inner seam 118 . The second sheet 232 is secured to the first sheet assembly portion 110 at the packaging seam 104 and contacts at least a portion of the expansion chamber 113 .

Referring now to FIGS. 35-36, another embodiment of a container 300 is depicted. This embodiment of container 300 is similar to container 100 depicted in FIGS. 15-22 , however, container 300 includes first sheet assembly portion 110 , second sheet assembly portion 120, and a third sheet assembly portion 330. The third sheet assembly portion 330 includes a flexible outer panel 312 and a flexible inner panel 314 joined to each other at an outer seam 316 and an inner seam 318 . Flexible outer panel 312 and flexible inner panel 314 are separated from each other at a point between outer seam 316 and inner seam 318 to form inflation chamber 313 .

While FIGS. 35-36 depict an embodiment of a container 300 having three sides formed by sheet assembled portions, it should be understood that a variety of numbers of containers may be fabricated according to the techniques described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Any number of faceted containers, as further described in FIGS. 41 and 42 .

Referring now to Figures 37-38, further embodiments of packaging preforms 180, 280 are depicted. Referring to Figure 37, in this embodiment a packaging preform 180 comprises a first sheet assembly portion 110 and a second sheet assembly portion 120 having flexible outer sheets 112, 122 which are discontinuous sheets of material. In this embodiment, the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 of the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 are initially independent of each other and are joined to the gusset panel portion 105 and each other in an additional assembly operation. 38, in this embodiment, a packaging preform 280 includes a first sheet assembly portion 110 and a second sheet assembly portion 120, wherein the flexible outer sheets 112, 122 are continuous sheets of material, and wherein the flexible inner sheets 114, 124 For a continuous sheet of material. It should be understood that any configuration of packaging preforms 80, 180, 280 may be used to form a container without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 39-40 , another embodiment of a container 500 is depicted. In this embodiment, the container 500 has a generally cylindrical shape and is formed from a first sheet assembly 110 that is rolled to form the container 500 . Referring to FIG. 40 , an expansion chamber 113 is formed by a flexible inner panel 112 and a flexible outer panel 114 that are separated from each other between an inner seam 118 and an outer seam 116 . The flexible outer sheet 112 of the first sheet assembly 110 is joined to itself at an encapsulation seam 104 located along the side of the container 500 at a point between the inflation chambers 113 .

Referring now to FIG. 41, another embodiment of a container 600 is depicted. In this embodiment, the container 600 includes a first sheet assembly portion 110 , a second sheet assembly portion 120 , a third sheet assembly portion 330 , and a fourth sheet assembly portion 340 that engage each other to form the product containing volume of the container 600 . Referring now to FIG. 42, another embodiment of a container 700 is depicted. In this embodiment, the container 700 includes a first sheet assembly portion 120, a second sheet assembly portion 110, a third sheet assembly portion 330, a fourth sheet assembly portion 340, and a fifth sheet assembly portion 350 joined to each other to form The product holding volume of container 700 .

Referring now to FIGS. 43-45 , the expansion chamber 113 of the container 800 , 810 , 820 may be segmented such that the expansion chamber 113 is discontinuous around the perimeter of the container 800 , 810 , 820 . Referring now to FIG. 43 , an embodiment of a container 800 includes an expansion chamber 113 that extends along only a portion of the sides of the container 800 . Referring now to FIG. 44 , an embodiment of a container 810 includes a plurality of expansion chambers 113 positioned around the perimeter of the container 810 . The plurality of expansion chambers 113 discontinuously surround the inner panel 102 such that the plurality of expansion chambers 113 are spaced apart from each other along the first sheet assembly portion 110 . Referring now to FIG. 45 , this embodiment of container 820 includes a plurality of intermediate seams 119 positioned along inflation chamber 113 and extending between inner seam 118 and outer seam 116 . Intermediate seam 119 may change the shape of inflation chamber 113 compared to embodiments of containers that do not include intermediate seam 119 (ie, container 100 depicted in FIGS. 15-22 ).

It should now be appreciated that features of any of the embodiments discussed herein may be incorporated into containers 100, 200, 210, 220, 230, 300, 400, 410, 420, 500, 600 based on the requirements of a particular end user application , 700, 800, 810, 820 in any one. For example, the single-wall panels of container 220 depicted in FIG. 35 may incorporate at least one of first sheet assembly 110, second sheet assembly 120, or third sheet assembly 310 of the embodiment of container 300 depicted in FIGS. 34-35. middle. It should also be understood that in certain embodiments, there may be multiple chambers in the sheet assembly. Additionally, in some embodiments, a single container may contain multiple product volumes.

Containers according to the present disclosure can be manufactured according to a number of methods. In one embodiment, the container depicted in FIGS. 15-22 is assembled according to the method described below. The first film (flexible outer sheet 112, 122) and the second film (flexible inner sheet 114, 124) are superimposed on each other. Multiple seams are formed by heat sealing. The seams formed by the heat sealing operation define expansion chambers 113 , 124 . To further define the expansion chamber 113, the heat seal die included features forming a seal about 0.325 inches thick, the features arranged as follows: a first larger ellipse having a major axis of about 9 inches and a minor axis of about 4 inches ; a second smaller ellipse inscribed within the first larger ellipse creating a space of about 0.5 inches between the two ellipses. Later, the spacing between the two ovals will be enlarged to create the expansion chamber 113 in this embodiment.

Prior to heat sealing, the one-way membrane valve is placed between the first and second membranes such that the membrane valve spans where the outer oval seam will seal, but does not span the inner oval seam. One-way membrane valves are conventionally known and are described, for example, in US Patent Publication 2006/0096068. The one-way membrane valve may include an ink or polymeric material on at least a portion of the membrane valve that enables the membrane valve to seal into the seam created by the heat seal die, but does not seal the membrane valve closed. With the one-way membrane valve properly positioned, the elliptical chamber is defined by a heat-sealed mold.

The heat seal die was heated to a temperature of approximately 300°F and pressed into the first and second films at a pressure of 30 psi for 6 seconds to heat seal the two films together into the desired pattern, thereby defining the seam.

The first and second films are repositioned relative to the heat seal mold to define a second expansion chamber 123 . The second expansion chamber 123 is aligned with the first expansion chamber 113 and spaced about 3 inches apart, which is evaluated from the bottom of the first expansion chamber 113 to the bottom of the second expansion chamber 123 . The material of the first and second films between the expansion chambers 113 , 123 forms the gusset panel portion 105 of the package 100 .

After the heat sealing operation is complete, the materials of the first and second films are brought together and the material between the expansion chambers 113, 123 is folded inwards into a gusset. The sides of the first and second films were heat sealed together using a different heat seal die with features matching the outer curves of the expansion chambers 113,123.

As the container 100 is formed into the general shape of the container, air is injected through the one-way membrane valves of the first expansion chamber 113 and the second expansion chamber 123 to inflate the chambers. Air is introduced at a pressure of about 15 psig to about 18 psig to fully inflate the chambers 113, 123 without risk of rupture of the first and second membranes due to overpressure. As the container 100 is formed, a flowable product is introduced into the product containing volume 130 of the container. Fittings are fitted to the container 100 to capture the flowable product within the container.

The method of making the container 100 can be modified to accommodate a variety of container 100 shapes and configurations, as well as the films used to form the container 100 . As discussed above, in some embodiments, the few exterior seams 116 formed during the heat sealing operation remain unjoined, which provide openings for subsequent expansion of the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . As discussed above, in one embodiment, the expansion chambers 113 , 123 may be mated with each other prior to forming the packaging seam 104 . In some embodiments, the fold created between the first sheet assembly portion 110 and the second sheet assembly portion 120 does not intersect the expansion chambers 113 , 123 . As discussed above, in some embodiments, one or more of the flexible outer panels 112 , 122 and flexible inner panels 114 , 124 positioned between the expansion chambers 113 , 123 form a fold into the container 100 . The gusset panel area 105 of the gusset.

In some embodiments, multiple containers 100 may be formed from a larger continuous sheet of material. In such embodiments, containers 100 may be formed simultaneously. Excess material from the forming operation may be trimmed in a subsequent operation.

The industries listed above, among others, may employ a variety of container formats constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, including, for example, but not limited to, bottles, tubes, tottles, tin cans, cartons, cans, cartridges, flasks, vials, jugs , barrels, tanks, jars, boxes, clamshell packs, trays, blister packs, etc.

Part, parts or all of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with part, parts or all of other embodiments known in the art of flexible containers, including those described below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may use any and all of the embodiments of materials, structures, and/or features of flexible containers, and any and all methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, as described in the following U.S. Temporary Disclosed in the patent application: (1) Patent application 61/643813 named "Film Based Containers" filed on May 7, 2012 (applicant's case number 12464P); (2) May 7, 2012 Submitted patent application 61/643823 titled "Film Based Containers" (Applicant's case number 12465P); (3) Patent application 61 filed on July 26, 2012 titled "Film Based Container Having a Decoration Panel" /676042 (applicant's case number 12559P); (4) Patent application 61/727961 (applicant's case number 12559P2) filed on November 19, 2012, entitled "Containers Made from Flexible Material" (applicant's case number 12559P2); (5) Patent application 61/680045, filed on August 6, 2012, titled "Methods of Making Film Based Containers" (applicant's case number 12579P); (6) filed on March 13, 2013, titled "Flexible Containers with Multiple Product Volumes" patent application 61/780039 (applicant's docket number 12785P); and (7) a patent application titled "Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers" filed on March 15, 2013 (applicant's 12786P); each of these patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Part, parts or all of any one of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with part, part or all of other embodiments known in the art of containers for liquid products, so long as those embodiments are applicable to the present invention. A public flex container will do. For example, in various embodiments, the flexible container may include a vertically oriented transparent strip disposed on a portion of the container covering the product volume and configured to show the plane of the liquid product in the product volume.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the precise values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent publication, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any document disclosed or claimed herein or that it is presented alone or in any combination with any other reference or references, Any such embodiments are suggested or disclosed. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in any document incorporated herein by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document will control.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein, these aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of claimed subject matter.

Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. A non-durable self-supporting flexible container comprising:

product volume;

structural support volume;

It is characterized in that the flexible container also includes:

a structural support frame configured to support the product volume; and

A sheet assembly portion having a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet partially joined to the flexible outer sheet to form:

at least a portion of the structural support volume;

multi-wall panels; and

at least a portion of the product volume.

2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein the flexible outer sheet and the flexible inner sheet are independent of each other along the multi-wall panel.

3. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible outer sheet and the flexible inner sheet contact each other along substantially the entirety of the multi-wall panel.

4. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the multi-wall panels are free of structural support volume.

5. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the multi-wall panel is at least partly defined by the structural support volume.

6. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the multi-wall panel is entirely defined by the structural support volume.

7. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet assembly portion forms the entirety of the structural support volume.

8. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein:

The sheet assembly portion is a first sheet assembly portion;

The flexible container includes a second web assembly portion partially joined to the first web assembly portion to form at least a portion of the product volume.

9. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein the first sheet assembly portion and the second sheet assembly portion together define an overall product volume.

10. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein:

The sheet assembly portion is a first sheet assembly portion;

the flexible container includes a second sheet assembly portion having a flexible inner sheet; and

The flexible inner sheet is continuous.

11. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein:

The sheet assembly portion is a first sheet assembly portion;

the flexible container includes a second sheet assembly portion having a flexible outer sheet; and

The flexible outer sheet is continuous.

12. A flexible container according to any preceding claim, wherein:

The sheet assembly portion is a first sheet assembly portion;

The structural support volume is a first structural support volume;

the multi-wall panel is a first multi-wall panel;

the flexible container includes a second structural support volume; and

The flexible container includes a second sheet assembly portion having a flexible outer sheet and a flexible inner sheet partially joined to the flexible outer sheet to form:

at least a portion of the second structural support volume;

a second multi-wall panel; and

at least a portion of the product volume.

13. The flexible container of any one of claims 12, wherein the first structural support volume contacts the second structural support volume.

14. The flexible container of claim 13, wherein the first structural support volume contacts the second structural support volume inside the product volume.

Claims (15)

1. a non-durable self-supporting flexible cell, comprising:

Small product size;

Support structure volume;

It is characterized in that described flexible cell also comprises the chip module part with flexible outer plate and flexible internal sheet, described flexible internal sheet local engagement to described flexible outer plate, to be formed:

Described support structure volume at least partially;

Many Wall boards; With

Described small product size at least partially.

2. flexible cell according to claim 1, wherein said flexible outer plate and described flexible internal sheet are independent of each other along described many Wall boards.

3. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said flexible outer plate and described flexible internal sheet edge substantially whole described many Wall boards contact with each other.

4. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said many Wall boards are not containing support structure volume.

5. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said many Wall boards are limited by described support structure volume at least in part.

6. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said many Wall boards are limited by described support structure volume completely.

7. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said chip module part forms whole described support structure volume.

8. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein:

Described chip module part is first components;

Described flexible cell comprises the second chip module part, described second chip module part local engagement to described first components, to form described small product size at least partially.

9. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein said first components limits whole small product size together with described second chip module part.

10. the flexible cell according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein:

Described chip module part is first components;

Described flexible cell comprises the second chip module part with flexible internal sheet; And

Described flexible internal sheet is continuous print.

11. flexible cells according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein:

Described chip module part is first components;

Described flexible cell comprises the second chip module part with flexible outer plate; And

Described flexible outer plate is continuous print.

12. flexible cells according to the aforementioned claim of any one, wherein:

Described chip module part is first components;

Described support structure volume is the first support structure volume;

Described many Wall boards are Wall board more than first;

Described flexible cell comprises the second support structure volume; And

Described flexible cell comprises the second chip module part with flexible outer plate and flexible internal sheet, described flexible internal sheet local engagement to described flexible outer plate, to be formed:

Described second support structure volume at least partially;

Wall board more than second; And

Described small product size at least partially.

13. according to any one flexible cell according to claim 12, the described second support structure volume of wherein said first support structure volume contact.

14. flexible cells according to claim 13, wherein said first support structure volume is the second support structure volume described in the interior contact of described small product size.

15. flexible cells according to the aforementioned claim of any one, also comprise support structure framework, described support structure framework comprises described support structure volume, and wherein said support structure framework is configured to support described small product size.