CN105683059A - Containers having a product volume and a stand-off structure coupled thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides various containers having a product volume and one or more stand structures coupled to the product volume. The support structure is configured to protect the product volume. The standoff structure may, for example, prevent damage (e.g., denting, cracking, abrasion, etc.) of the product volume, such as markings or information provided thereon, when, for example, the container is dropped, dropped, placed with another Occurs when an object touches, or is placed in, an enclosed structure.

Description

Container with product volume and support structure coupled to it

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to containers, and in particular, to secondary structures for use with containers made of flexible materials, and secondary structures for use with containers made of rigid or semi-rigid materials.

Background technique

Flowable products include liquid products and/or pourable solid products. In various embodiments, a container can be used to receive, contain and dispense one or more fluent products. Also, in various embodiments, the container can be used to receive, hold and/or dispense individual articles or separately packaged portions of a product. A container may contain one or more product volumes. The product volume is configured to be filled with one or more fluent products. When filling the product volume of the container, the container receives the fluent product. Once filled to the desired volume, the container can be configured to hold the fluent product in its product volume until the fluent product is dispensed. The container holds the fluent product by providing a barrier around the fluent product. This barrier prevents the fluent product from escaping from the product volume. The barrier also protects the flowing product from the external environment of the container. The filled product volume is usually closed by a cap or seal. A container may be configured to dispense one or more fluent products contained within one or more product volumes thereof. Once dispensed, the end user may consume, administer or otherwise use the one or more fluent 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 constructed with sufficient structural integrity so that it can successfully receive, contain and dispense its fluent product or products as intended.

Containers for one or more fluent products can be handled, displayed for sale, and put into service. When preparing, filling, decorating, packaging, shipping and unpacking containers, they can be handled in many different ways. 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. These external forces may for example be constant forces, variable forces, impact forces or other forces. For example, external forces may include gravity, forces (applied by, for example, people or objects), and/or frictional forces. A container for one or more flowable products shall be constructed 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, without damaging the container, damaging the contents of the container, and/or damaging the decorative portion of the container when decorated.

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, logos, and/or other visual elements. The container may be configured to be displayed for sale while resting or standing upright on a store shelf, presented in a merchandising display, hung from a display hanger, or loaded in a display rack or vending machine. A container for one or more fluent products should be constructed 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 useful structural features such as handles (e.g., An integrally formed handle and/or a handle coupled to the product volume) and/or a gripping surface. The container may be resting or standing on a support surface, while being hung on or from a projection such as a hook or clip, or while being supported by a product holder, or (for refillable or refillable charging container) is stored while positioned in a refill or recharging station. The container may be configured to dispense one or more fluent products when in any of these storage positions or when held by a user. The container may be configured to dispense one or more fluent 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 fluent products should be constructed 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 flowable 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 flowable 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 types of manufacturing are energy-intensive processes that may require complex equipment.

Second, some conventional rigid containers for flowable products may require significant amounts 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 significant amount of material, which increases the cost of the container and makes its disposal difficult.

Third, some conventional rigid containers for flowable 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 used for flowable 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 cause loss of its flowable product.

Fifth, some runny products in conventional rigid containers can be difficult to dispense. When an end user squeezes a rigid container to dispense its fluent 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 than their desired amount of flowable product. 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 runny product than they desire.

Contents of the invention

The present 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 manufactured less expensively because the transformation of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished product) generally requires less energy and less complexity than the formation of rigid materials (from block form to finished product). Second, these containers can use less material because they are constructed with a novel support structure that does 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. Although fabricated from flexible materials, the container of the present disclosure can be constructed with sufficient structural integrity such that it can successfully receive, contain, and dispense one or more fluent products as intended. Additionally, these containers can be constructed with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully withstand external forces and environmental conditions from handling without damaging the container, damaging the contents of the container, and/or damaging the finish of the container when decorated department. In addition, these containers may be constructed to have a structure such that they can be successfully dispensed, displayed, and put into service as intended without damaging the container, damaging the contents of the container, and/or marring the decoration of the container when decorated department.

In particular, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of containers having a product volume and one or more stand structures coupled to the product volume. In some examples, the product volume may be a self-supporting product volume. The stand structure is configured to protect at least one outer surface of the product volume. The stand structure may, for example, help to protect or cushion product volumes and/or their contents. As another example, the standoff structure may, for example, prevent damage to the product volume, the contents of the product volume, and/or markings or information provided on the product volume (e.g., denting, breaking, abrasion, etc.), such as in the container Occurs when dropped, dropped, placed, or otherwise in contact with another object, or placed in an enclosed structure.

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.

FIG. 1E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A including a symmetrical structural support frame.

Figure IF shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure IA including an internal structural support frame.

FIG. 1G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A including an external structural support frame.

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 2E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 2A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

2F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 1A including an internal structural support frame.

2G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 2A including an outer structural support frame.

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 3E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 3A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

3F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A including an internal structural support frame.

3G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 3A including an outer structural support frame.

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 4E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 4A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

4F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A including an internal structural support frame.

4G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 4A including an outer structural support frame.

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 5E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 5A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

Figure 5F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 5A including an internal structural support frame.

5G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 5A including an outer structural support frame.

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 6E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 6A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

Figure 6F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 6A including an internal structural support frame.

6G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 6A including an outer structural support frame.

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 7E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 7A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

Figure 7F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 7A including an internal structural support frame.

Figure 7G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 7A including an outer structural support frame.

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 8E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of Figure 8A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

8F shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A including an internal structural support frame.

8G shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container of FIG. 8A including an outer structural support frame.

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.

9C shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

9D shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 9A including an internal structural support frame.

Figure 9E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of Figure 9A including an outer structural support frame.

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.

10C shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

10D shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A including an internal structural support frame.

10E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 10A including an outer structural support frame.

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.

11C shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A that includes a symmetrical structural support frame.

11D shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A including an internal structural support frame.

11E shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container of FIG. 11A including an outer structural support frame.

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 15A shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a stand structure coupled thereto.

Figure 15B shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a stand structure coupled thereto.

Figure 15C shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

Figure 15D shows a top view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume having an overall tetrahedral shape, such as a triangular prism, and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

Figure 15E shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a cylindrical self-supporting product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

Figure 15F shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a cuboidal self-supporting product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

Figure 15G shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a triangular self-supporting product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

Figure 15H shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a stand structure coupled thereto.

Figure 151 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting and pressurized product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto.

16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and indicia printed thereon configured to provide the appearance of a plurality of standoff structures coupled to the product volume.

Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of a method or process for preventing damage to a container.

18A-18L illustrate various embodiments of a first product container having a product volume and a plurality of stand structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with a stand structure of a corresponding second product container.

19A-19L illustrate various embodiments of a first product container having a product volume and a plurality of stand structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with a stand structure of a corresponding second product container.

20A-20L illustrate various embodiments of a first product container having a product volume and a plurality of stand structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with a stand structure of a corresponding second product container.

21A and 21B illustrate another implementation of a product container having a product volume and multiple stand structures coupled thereto and configured to interlock or nest with stand structures of another product container arranged in different orientations Program.

Figure 22 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a stand structure coupled thereto.

Figure 23 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of a flexible container having a self-supporting product volume and a stand structure coupled thereto.

Figure 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of the vessel, with the middle and bottom of the vessel free from the standoff structure.

Figure 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of a vessel, with the middle and bottom of the vessel free from the standoff structure.

Figure 26 shows an embodiment of different support structure configurations for a closed container.

detailed description

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of containers made of flexible materials as well as containers made of rigid or semi-rigid materials. Containers made of flexible materials may be less expensive to manufacture, may use less material, and may be easier to decorate when compared to conventional rigid containers, but facilitate the present invention used in conjunction with containers made of flexible materials. The disclosed secondary container structures may also be advantageously used in conjunction with containers made of rigid or semi-rigid materials. As containers made of flexible materials, first, these containers can be manufactured less expensively, because the transformation of flexible materials (from sheet form to finished product) generally requires less time than the formation of rigid materials (from block form to finished product). energy and complexity. Second, these containers can use less material because they are constructed with a novel support structure that does 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 allows their outer surfaces to deform and then bounce back when contacting surfaces and objects. Fifth, flowable 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. Alternatively, any embodiment of the flexible container may be configured to dispense the fluent product by pouring the fluent product out of its product volume, as described herein.

Even though certain containers of the present disclosure are made of flexible materials, they can be constructed with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully receive, contain, and dispense one or more fluent products as intended without damaging the container , and/or damage the contents of the container, and/or damage the decorative portion of the container during decoration. Additionally, these containers can be constructed with sufficient structural integrity such that they can successfully withstand external forces and environmental conditions from handling. In addition, these containers can be constructed to have a structure that allows them to be successfully displayed for sale and used as intended without damaging the container, and/or damaging the contents of the container, and/or damaging the container when decorated decoration department.

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. With respect to 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 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity in the range of 35% to 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. With respect to 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. +/- 15%) scope of 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 gsm to 1000 gsm, or any integer number of gsm from 10 to 1000 value, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as 20gsm-800gsm, 30gsm-600gsm, 40gsm-400gsm or 50gsm-200gsm, etc.

As used herein, when referring to a 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 "bottom" may be further limited by modifying the term bottom with a certain percentage value of less than 30%. With respect 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 overall height), the bottom 20% ( i.e. 0-20% of the overall height), bottom 15% (i.e. 0-15% of the overall height), bottom 10% (i.e. 0-10% of the overall height), or bottom 5% (i.e. 0-5% of the overall height %), or any integer percentage value between 0% and 30%. In some embodiments, the base may include one or more auxiliary structures coupled to (e.g., integral with, formed separately with, and then at least partially bonded to) the container, such as one or more legs, cups, gussets , pouch, base, foot, base, stand, seam, and/or other extensions. One or more auxiliary structures may be made of rigid material or one or more flexible materials.

As used herein, the term "floor" refers to a portion of the bottom of a container that is arranged to at least partially contact a horizontal support surface. The bottom surface may at least partially contact the support surface, eg when the container is standing upright on the support surface. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may include a support surface contacting portion and a portion in facing relationship but not in contact with the horizontal support surface. In another embodiment, substantially the entire bottom surface may contact the horizontal support surface. In embodiments where the bottom comprises one or more protrusions, the bottom surface refers to the portion of the one or more auxiliary structures that at least partially contacts the horizontal support surface.

As used herein, the term "branding" refers to a visual element intended to distinguish a product from other products. Examples of brand marks include any one or more of the following: trademarks, trade dress, logos, icons, etc. With respect 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, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination. One or more brand marks of shape or configuration.

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 respect 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 flowing product within 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 It 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 "coupled to" refers to an "indirect" connection between elements or a "direct" connection between elements.

As used herein, the term "decorative area" refers to a portion of the surface of a container that includes "indicia" in any combination, such as one or more letters, graphics, brand indicia, surface elements, or other visual elements. The decorative area may be located on the surface of the product volume, the surface of one or more support structures, or a combination thereof. The decorative area may be visible through a portion of the surface of the container and may be located on the surface of the product volume. Markings may be located on the outward or external surface of the flexible material of the product volume and/or support structure, embedded or sandwiched within the flexible material, on the inward or internal surface of the product volume and/or support structure of the flexible material, Or it may be on another surface of the flexible material, with the decorative area positioned between the other surface of the flexible material and a viewer outside the decorative area.

The decorative area may consist of a decorative area viewing portion having translucent to near or fully transparent visual properties that provide visual access to at least a portion of the product volume from outside the container. The product located inside the product volume is visible to the user or observer via the pathway. The trim area and trim area viewing portion may include the viewing of indicia when viewing a portion of a product volume or a product located within the product volume. The container may have multiple decorative areas or decorative area viewing portions.

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)). Elements may be integrally attached or integrally formed with each other, or may be formed separately and then at least partially attached to each other (eg, attached at one point, attached at multiple points, fully attached to each other).

As used herein, the term "dispenser" when referring to a container refers to a structure configured to dispense one or more fluent products from a product volume to the environment external to 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. Dispensers can be, for example, push-pull dispensers, dispensers with flip-top, dispensers with screw-on top caps, spouts, nozzles, swivel dispensers, dispensers with top caps, pump dispensing Dispensers, Pump Spray Dispensers, Trigger Spray Dispensers, Straw Dispensers, Flip Straw Dispensers, Straw Dispensers with Bite Valves, Batch Dispensers, etc. As another example, the 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: Published U.S. Patent Application 2003/2003 entitled "One-way valve for inflatable package". 0096068; US Patent 4,988,016, entitled "Self-sealing container"; and US 7,207,717, entitled "Packagehaving fluidactuated 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, the 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 in addition to one or more dispensers.

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

As used herein, the term "durable" when referring to a container refers to a container that can be reused more times than a non-durable container.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term "effective base contact area" means 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 a defined 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 implementations, the effective pedestal contact area may extend beyond the actual contact area.

The 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, protruding, concave, and concave should be understood from the point of view of points 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 tangent 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 embodiments of the containers disclosed herein can be configured to have a square centimeter (cm ² ), or any integer cm value between ¹ and 50,000 cm ² , or between any of the foregoing values. Form any range of effective base contact area, 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 300cm ² , 40 to 200cm ² , or 50 to 100cm ² , etc.

As used herein, the term "expanded" when referring to a flexible container means configured to form a structural support volume or support structure after the structural support volume or support structure has been made rigid or more rigid from one or more expandable materials The state of one or more flexible materials of the support structure. The expanded structural support volume/support structure has an overall width that is substantially greater than the overall thickness of its flexible material(s) before the structural support volume is filled with the expanded material(s). Examples of expanding materials include liquids (such as water), gases (such as compressed air, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide), flow products, foams (which can expand after being added to the structural support volume), co-reactive materials (which generate gases), or phase change materials (which may be added in solid or liquid form, but transform into a gas; e.g., liquid nitrogen, dry ice, or any suitable cryogenic fluid or solid (e.g., solid "dry ice" carbon dioxide, liquid helium, liquid argon, and combinations thereof ), preferably has a certain boiling point or sublimation point at one atmospheric pressure, so that the aforementioned low-temperature material is a phase change material in the gas phase at a temperature of about 50°C, 75°, or 100°C), or other suitable materials known in the art, or Combinations of any of them (eg, fluent 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, the one or more flexible materials thereof are expandable at various points in time corresponding to their manufacture, sale, and use, including, for example: at Before and after filling one or more of its product volumes with one or more fluent products, before and after shipping the flexible container to a vendor, and before and after the flexible container is purchased by an end user.

As used herein, when referring to the product volume of a container, the term "filled" means, under ambient conditions, when the product volume contains a quantity of one or more fluent products equal to the full capacity of the product volume (with top The state of the space margin). As used herein, the term "filled" may be modified by using the term filled with a specific percentage value, where 100% filled represents the maximum capacity of the product volume.

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

As used herein, the term "flexible container" refers to a container configured to have one or more product volumes, wherein one or more flexible materials form a three-dimensional space that defines the one or more product volumes at least a portion of the total surface area of the With regard to any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, the flexible container can be configured to have one or more product volumes, wherein the one or more flexible materials form a volume defining a three-dimensional space. A specified percentage of the total area of one or more materials, and said specified percentage is any integer percentage value between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of these values, such as: 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60%-100%, or 70%-100%, or 80%-100%, or 90%-100 %Wait. 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.

In some embodiments, the container may include one or more standoff structures made at least in part of a flexible material coupled to a rigid material such as injection-molded plastic, or a semi-rigid material such as thin-walled blow-molded plastic. The volume of the finished product. In other embodiments, the flexible container may include one or more stand structures at least partially formed of a flexible material coupled to a product volume at least partially formed of a flexible material. In another embodiment, the container may include one or more stand structures made of an inflexible material coupled to a product volume at least partially made of a flexible material.

With respect to any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, the middle of the flexible container (in addition to any fluid or non-flowing product masses) can be configured to have an overall middle mass in which one or more flexible materials form A specific percentage of said overall central mass, and said specific percentage is any integer percentage value between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 10-100% , 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 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 fluent product) can be constructed with an overall mass wherein one or more flexible materials form a specific percentage of said overall mass and said specific percentage is any integer percentage value between 0% and 100%, or within any range formed by any of the preceding values, such as: 10-100% , 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 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 1,000-2,500,000 N/m, or Any integer value of the flexibility factor, or a flexibility factor in 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), cavitated or foamed films, elastomers, foamed sheets, foils, fabrics (including woven and non-woven) wovens), biologically derived materials, and paper, which may be of any configuration, as one or more separate materials such as a single layer or one layer, or as one or more layers of a laminate, or as one of a composite or multiple parts, in a microlayer structure or a nanolayer structure, and in any combination, 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 all of the flexible material may be made from sustainable, biosourced recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials. Part, parts, or all of any of the flexible materials described herein may be partially or fully translucent, partially or fully transparent, or partially or fully 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 variety of joining or sealing methods 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 material's overall thickness (measured in meters).

As used herein, the term "flowable product" when referring to a container refers to one or more liquids and/or pourable solids, and combinations thereof. Examples of flowable products include any one or more of: food, small coins, creams, chips, chunks, crumbs, crystals, emulsions, hulled rice grains, flakes, gels, grains, granules, curds Glues, kibbles, liquids, liquid solutions, liquid suspensions, lotions, blocks, ointments, granules, granules, pastes, flakes, pills, powders, salves, flakes, crumbs, etc., in individual ground or in any combination. In this disclosure, the terms "flowable 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 of the fluent products disclosed herein or known in the art.

As used herein, when referring to a container, 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 "gap" refers to the space between support structures, or the space between a support structure and a product volume to which it is coupled.

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 respect 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, disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination. One or more figures of shape or construction.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term "height-to-area ratio" means the ratio of the container, in units per centimeter (cm ^-1 ), which is equal to the overall height value of the container (wherein its entire product volume is 100% filled water, and wherein the overall 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 wherein the effective base contact area is measured in square centimeters) . For any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible container can be configured to have 0.3 to 3.0 per centimeter, or between 0.3 and 3.0 per centimeter Any value in increments of 0.05 cm ⁻¹ , or height-area ratio within any range formed by any of the foregoing 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 0.9cm ^-1 etc.

As used herein, the term "horizontal support surface" refers to any surface having horizontal components and configured to support a container thereon. The horizontal support surface can be a shelf (e.g., in a grocery store), a ledge (e.g., a bathroom ledge), a base or floor surface, a base (e.g., a rigid base), a shopping cart or other surface that carries a member, or any other support surfaces. In some embodiments, the support surface has a completely horizontal orientation (ie, it is flat). In other embodiments, the support may include some depressions, ridges, rollers or other bearing surfaces, protrusions (e.g., regularly or irregularly shaped bumps), and/or pattern spacing, and as used herein, the term "horizontal" may Include a slope angle of not greater than 45°, as it should be considered that retail shelving may be sloped to facilitate the flow of inventory to the frontmost position in an effort to improve inventory turnover.

As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to one or more of characters, graphics, brand marks, surface elements (eg, three-dimensional surface elements), or other visual elements in any combination. For example, labeling may refer to product information such as ingredients, safety information, nutritional information, ingredients, etc. With respect to any of the container embodiments disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any surface of the container may comprise any size, shape, or configuration disclosed herein or known in the art, in any combination One or more tags for . Product volume and/or holder configurations may include markings. Indicia may be incorporated with either the outwardly or inwardly facing surfaces of the product volume and/or the support structure.

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 "integrally formed" refers to a configuration in which an element is formed continuously from a commonly used material (or materials).

As used herein, the term "joined" refers to a configuration in which elements are formed separately (ie, discontinuously) and then connected directly or indirectly. Elements that are "bonded" are not "integrally formed."

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 after the dash); for example, the first embodiment of the element in FIG. A second embodiment of elements in Figure 3B, identified as 320-b, is similarly numbered.

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, the term "middle" when referring to a container 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 embodiments of the flexible container 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 to the top as disclosed herein. Portions of the container between (in any combination) any specific percentage values disclosed for the bottom.

As used herein, the term "multi-dose" when referring to product volume refers to a product sized to contain a specified amount of product approximately equal to two or more units of typical consumption, administration, or use by the end user volume. Any of the container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to have one or more multi-dose product volumes. A container with 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. With respect to any of the 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 a container refers to a container that is temporarily reusable, or disposable, or single use.

As used herein, when referring to a flexible container, the term "non-structural panel" means one or more flexible materials and/or one or more of one or more flexible materials covering a product volume disposed within a flexible container. Various laminates. In various embodiments, such as those in which the container includes a structural support frame, the non-structural panels do not substantially add to the self-supporting properties of the container. In embodiments where the container does not include a structural support frame, non-structural panels may optionally increase the self-supporting properties of the container. In some embodiments, a non-structural panel may be a wall or panel of a product volume. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible container may include one or more non-structural panels. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a container may include a non-structural panel in the second portion of the first wall and a structural support member in the first portion of the first wall.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term "overall height" refers to the distance measured when the container is standing upright on a horizontal support surface, from the upper side of the support surface to the top of the container that is furthest from the upper side of the support surface. The far point is measured vertically. Any of the embodiments of the flexible container disclosed herein can 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 between any of the foregoing values. A total height within any range formed, 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 respect to any of the embodiments of the containers disclosed herein, in various embodiments, any of the flexible materials can be configured to have a Micron values, or overall 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 fluent products, wherein the space is defined by one or more materials forming a barrier that Prevent one or more flowable products from escaping the product volume. By directly containing one or more fluent products, the fluent 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 receiving volume" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning. Any of the 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, product volumes, or even more product volumes. 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. A product volume may be contained in a container with a structural support frame, and a product volume may be contained in a container without a structural support frame. In some embodiments, the product volume may be a self-supporting product volume. In some embodiments, the product volume can be pressurized or under vacuum, including when the product volume is sealed and contains the product.

As used herein, the term "reclosable" refers to the manner in which a product volume can be opened such that one or more fluent products within the product volume can be dispensed, and then closed again so that one or more fluent products within the product volume can again be blocked. or multiple fluent products escape the product volume. Any of the product volumes described herein may be reclosable.

As used herein, when referring to a product volume, the term "sealed" refers to the state of the product volume in which flowing 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 container means that the container includes a product volume and a structural support frame, wherein, in at least one orientation, the structural support frame is configured to Prevents the container from collapsing and produces 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 container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to be self-supporting.

As used herein, the term "self-supporting product volume" when referring to a container means a product volume having one or more walls and a bottom wherein, in at least one orientation, when the product volume rests on a horizontal support surface, The one or more walls and bottom are configured to resist collapse of the product volume and to give the product volume an overall height that is substantially greater than the total thickness of the materials forming the product volume, even when the product volume is not filled with flowing product. Any of the product volume embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the self-supporting product volume can stand upright (eg, the overall height of the product volume is greater than the width of the product volume). In other embodiments, the self-supporting product volume may not be considered upright. Self-supporting product volumes can be shaped such as cubes, cuboids, prisms (e.g., triangular prisms), cylinders, cones, pyramids (e.g., triangular pyramids), spheres, tetrahedrons, another type of polyhedron, or some other shape.

As used herein, the term "side" when referring to a container refers to the outer surface of the product volume or support structure. Sides may refer to surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces of a product volume or support structure. Additionally or alternatively, side may refer to the top or bottom surface of the product volume or support structure. Accordingly, any of the containers described herein may include a front side, left and right sides, a back, a top, a bottom, and/or other sides. In this disclosure, the terms "face" and "panel" may be used interchangeably with "side."

As used herein, the term "single use" when referring to a container means a closed container that is configured not to be reclosed after being opened by the end user. Any of the flexible container embodiments 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 unit of typical consumption, administration or use by the end user. Any of the container embodiments 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" and variations thereof when referring to a 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, a container is determined to be upright when the base structure rests on a horizontal support surface if the container has a clearly defined base structure configured for use on the bottom of the container . 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 container are 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, the term "upright container" when referring to a container means a self-supporting container in which the container has a height of 0.4 to 1.5 cm ^-1 when the container (its entire product volume is 100% filled with water) is upright area ratio. Any of the container embodiments disclosed herein can be configured as a stand-up container.

As used herein, when referring to a container, the term "standoff structure" refers to a protrusion, protrusion, tab, volume, chamber, blister, liner (e.g., bubbles), bumpers, fenders, or other discrete structural components. The support structure can be a fillable space made from one or more flexible materials, wherein the space can be configured to be at least partially formed from one or more expandable materials (e.g., one or more flowable materials )filling. For example, the space can be configured to be partially or completely filled with one or more expandable materials, which causes the standoff material to be in an expanded state, which in turn can create increased tension in the one or more flexible materials. The support structure may alternatively be pressurized with gas. The standoff structure may alternatively be a solid structure (ie, it has no fillable spaces) made of one or more inflexible (eg, solid, rigid) materials. One or more seat structures associated with a given container may be shaped or configured to cooperate with one or more seat structures of one or more other containers to selectively secure or interlock the containers with each other, said interlocking Linking may occur with each of the containers in the same orientation, with the containers in relative or otherwise rotated orientation with respect to each other (such as an upright container next to an inverted container), or there may be A plurality of containers interconnected by a stand structure such that some of the plurality of containers are in a first orientation and at least one other container in the plurality of containers is in a second orientation (such as upright-upside-down-upright, or upright-upright- upside down, upright - upside down - upright - upside down, upright - upside down - upside down - upside down, upright - upside down - upside down - upside down). Instead or in addition, one or more stand structures associated with a given container may be shaped or configured to interface with one or more of the carton, tote, package, bag, package, or box containing the container. One or more stand-off structures of the side walls, or one or more of the one or more spacer elements provided in the carton, tote, package, pouch, package, or box containing the container The support structure fits.

The support structure can be made of one or more materials with the same volume as the product. In some embodiments, the support structure and the product volume can be made from one or more of the same materials. The stand structure may alternatively be made of one or more materials different from the product volume.

The stand structure may be integrally formed with (eg attached to) the product volume. For example, the standoff structure and product volume may share a common material layer (eg, film layer) when formed. Alternatively, the support structure and the product volume may be formed separately and later joined together. In some embodiments, the stand-off structure may be a set of separate elements that are integrated with the container but connected to the container only at one or more locations such that the stand-off structure forms an external frame. Standoff structures can have a variety of shapes and sizes. A portion, portions, or all of the standoff structure may be straight, curved, angled, arcuate, segmented, or otherwise shaped, or a combination of any of these shapes. Part, parts or all of the support structure may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or any of these shapes. One of a kind combination. The standoff structure may have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex or concave, along part, parts or all of its length. The standoff structure can have a suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable overall width, any suitable overall length, and any suitable overall height, and can be positioned at any height. The support structure may be substantially uniform along a portion, portions, or all of its length, cross-section, and/or height, or may be substantially uniform along its length, cross-section, and/or height in any manner described herein. Changes in part, parts or all. For example, the cross-sectional area of a stand structure may increase or decrease along part, parts or all of its length and/or its height. As another example, the standoff structure may vary in height along a portion, portions, or all of the length. A portion, portions, or all of any of the embodiments of the standoff structure disclosed herein may be constructed according to 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 frame" when referring to a container means a rigid structure formed of one or more structural support members surrounding one or more sizable empty spaces and/or one or more non-structural panels are joined together and typically serve as the primary support for making the container self-supporting and/or upright.

As used herein, the term "structural support member" when referring to a vessel refers to a rigid physical structure comprising one or more expanding structural support volumes and which is configured for use in 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 two 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, some or all of some or all of the structural support volumes may be partially or completely interconnected. contact, be partially or fully directly connected to each other, and/or partially or fully engage with each other. As another example, a structural support member may be formed from a plurality of support volumes arranged side-by-side in parallel, wherein in various embodiments some or all of the structural support volumes may be partially or fully in contact with one another, partially or fully directly connected to each other, and/or partially or completely joined to 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 strengthening elements (e.g., support rods, collars, connectors, joints, ribs, etc.), which may be formed by one or more rigid ( For example solid) material.

Structural support members can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A portion, portions, or all of a structural support member may be straight, curved, angled, segmented, or otherwise shaped, or a combination of any of these shapes. Part, parts, or all of the structural support member may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, square, triangular, star-shaped, or modified versions of these shapes, or other shapes, or any of these shapes. A combination of shapes. The structural support member may have an overall shape that is tubular, or convex or concave, along part, parts or all of its length. Structural support members may have any suitable cross-sectional area, any suitable overall width, and any suitable overall length. A structural support member may be substantially uniform along a portion, portions, or all of its length, or may vary in any manner described herein along a portion, portions, or all of its length. For example, the cross-sectional area of a structural support member may increase or decrease along a portion, portions, or all of its length. A portion, portions, 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 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 expanding A material that creates tension in one or more flexible materials and forms an expanded structural support volume. One or more expanded structural support volumes may be 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 material configured not to be expanded by the expanded material (e.g., in structures configured as non-structural panels space in the structure). In this disclosure, the terms "structural support volume" and "expandable chamber" are used interchangeably and are intended to have the same meaning.

In some embodiments, a structural support framework may include 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 kinds 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 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. +/- 10% ) to the extent of disclosure.

As used herein, the term "temporarily reusable" when referring to a container means that the container is configured to be refilled with an additional quantity of product up to ten times after the product has been distributed to the end user, and the container is then subjected to conditions that render it unsuitable for use. Failure to receive, contain or distribute product. 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 up to six times Temporaries that are then invalidated are reusable by refilling up to four times and then invalidating, or by refilling up to two times and then invalidating, or by refilling any integer refill value between one and ten times and then invalidating. Any of the flexible container embodiments disclosed herein, and in particular any of the flexible container embodiments, can be configured to be temporarily reusable for the number of refills disclosed herein.

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

As used herein, the term "unexpanded" when referring to a container refers to the state of one or more materials configured to form a structural support volume, prior to the structural support volume being made rigid by the expanded material. The term "unexpanded" may also refer to the state of one or more materials configured to form a support structure.

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

Containers as described herein can be used for a variety of products across a variety of industries. For example, as described herein, any embodiment of the container may be used throughout the consumer products industry, including any of the following products, any of which may take the form of any feasible flowable product described herein or known in the art: Body care products (for example, soaps, shampoos and lotions); beauty care products (for example, shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, hair colorants) for cleaning, treating, beautifying and/or adorning human or animal hair , hair restoration products, hair growth products, hair loss products, hair minimization products, etc.); cosmetic care products intended to cleanse, treat, beautify and/or groom human or animal skin (e.g., soaps, body washes, body scrubs, facial cleansers agents, astringents, sunscreens, sunscreen lotions, lip balms, cosmetics, skin conditioners, cold creams, skin moisturizers, antiperspirants, deodorants, etc.); for cleansing, treating, beautifying and/or adorning humans or animals Beauty care products for nails (e.g., nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.); grooming products for cleaning, treating, beautifying, and/or adorning human facial hair (e.g., shaving products, pre-shave products, after-shave products etc.); health care products (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash, breath freshening products, antiplaque products, teeth whitening products, etc.) intended to clean, treat, groom, and/or decorate the oral cavity of humans or animals; intended to treat human and/or health care products for animal health conditions (e.g., pharmaceuticals, pharmacies, medicinal products, vitamins, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements (calcium, fiber, etc.), cough treatment products, cold medicines, lozenges, for breathing and/or or allergy symptoms, pain relievers, sleeping pills, gastrointestinal treatment products (for heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.); pet care products for feeding and/or caring for animals (e.g., pet food, pet vitamins, pet medications, chews, pet treats, etc.); fabric care products used to clean, condition, refresh, and/or treat fabrics, clothing, and/or laundry (e.g., laundry detergents, fabric conditioners , fabric dyes, fabric bleach, etc.); dish care products for domestic, commercial and/or industrial applications (e.g., dish soap and rinse aids for hand and/or machine washing); Cleaning and/or deodorizing products for commercial and/or industrial applications (e.g., soft surface cleaners, hard surface cleaners, glass cleaners, tile cleaners, carpet cleaners, wood cleaning, multi-surface cleaners, surface disinfectants , kitchen cleaners, bath cleaners (e.g., sink, toilet, tub and/or shower cleaners), appliance cleaning products, appliance treatment products, car cleaning products, car deodorizing products, air purifiers, air deodorizers, air disinfectants, etc.).

As another example, as described herein, any embodiment of the container may be used throughout an additional area, building and/or floor, construction and/or maintenance of a home, business and/or industry, including any of the following products, wherein Either can take any feasible flowable product form (e.g., liquid, granular, powdered, etc.) described herein or known in the art: for creating, maintaining, modifying, treating and/or improving lawns, gardens and/or subsurface products (e.g., grass seeds, vegetable seeds, plant seeds, bird food, other types of seeds, plant foods, fertilizers, soil nutrients, and/or soil conditions (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, lime, etc.) , soil fungicides, herbicides, weed control agents, insecticides, pest repellents, insecticides, insect repellents, etc.); products for garden use (e.g., topsoil, potting soil, all-purpose soil, mulch , wood chips, bark blocks, sand, various types of natural stone and/or rock (e.g. decorative stone, pea gravel, gravel, etc.), man-made compositions based on stone and rock (e.g. paving substrates, etc.); Products for starting and/or supporting combustion in grills, fire pits, fireplaces, etc. (e.g., fire logs, ignition blocks, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches, etc.); lighting products (e.g., light bulbs and Includes all of the following: incandescent, compact fluorescent, fluorescent, halogen, light-emitting diode); chemical products used in construction, maintenance, remodeling, and/or decoration (e.g., concrete, cement, mortar, mixed stains, Concrete Hardeners/Sealants, Concrete Protectants, Pointing Compounds, Blacktop Sealants, Crack Filling/Repair Products, Plasters, Joint Compounds, Primers, Paints, Stains, Finish Coats, Sealants, Caulks , adhesives, epoxies, pipe cleaning/dredging products, septic tank treatment products, etc.); chemical products (e.g., thinners, solvents, and stripping/removing agents including, ethanol, mineral oil, turpentine, linseed oils, etc.); water treatment products (e.g., water softening products such as salts, bacteriostats, bactericides, etc.); all products intended for use with/in/on wood, metal, plastics, concrete, concrete, etc. Types of fasteners (eg, screws, bolts, nuts, washers, nails, tacks, hangers, pins, nails, rivets, clips, rings, etc.); etc.

As another example, any embodiment of a container as described herein may be used throughout the food and beverage industry, including any of the following products, any of which may employ any feasible flowable product described herein or known in the art Form: Foodstuffs such as basic ingredients (e.g. grains rice, wheat, corn, beans, and derivative ingredients made from any of these, as well as nuts, seeds, and beans, etc.), culinary ingredients (e.g. sugar, spices such as salt and pepper, cooking oil, vinegar, tomato paste, natural and artificial sweeteners, flavorings, condiments, etc.), baking ingredients (such as baking powder, starch, shortening, syrup, food coloring, fillings, gelatin , chocolate chips and other types of chips, icing, sprinkles, toppings, etc.), dairy products (e.g., cream, yogurt, sour cream, whey, casein, etc.), spreads (e.g., jams, jellies, etc.), flavorings Sauces (e.g., barbecue sauce, salad dressing, ketchup, etc.), condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, etc.), processed foods (noodles and pasta, dry cereal, cereal mixes, pre-made mixes, snacks, snacks and various snack mixes, pretzels, crackers, cookies, candy, various chocolates, fudge, puddings, etc.); beverages such as water, milk, juices, flavored and/or carbonated beverages (e.g., soda ), sports drinks, coffee, tea, spirits, alcoholic beverages (such as beer, cider, etc.), etc.; and ingredients used to make or mix into beverages (such as coffee beans, ground coffee, cocoa, tea leaves, dehydrated beverages, powders for the preparation of beverages, natural and artificial sweeteners, flavors, etc.). Also, convenience foods, fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, pasta, microwaved and/or frozen meals, and fresh foods like produce, eggs, milk, etc. Any of the container embodiments disclosed herein may also be sterilized (eg, by treatment with an ultraviolet light source or a peroxide-based composition) to render the container safe for use in storing food and/or beverages. In any embodiment, the vessel can be configured for retort processing.

As another example, any embodiment of a container as described herein may be used throughout the medical industry, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and the medical field, including for receiving, containing, storing, and/or dispensing any of the following as known in the art Any of the liquid products in the form of: bodily fluids from humans and/or animals (e.g., amniotic fluid, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, bile, blood, plasma, serum, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, cerumen (ear wax), chyle chyme, endolymph (and perilymph), semen, loose stools, gastric acid, gastric juice, lymph, mucus (including nasal drainage and sputum), pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, pus, loose mucus, saliva, sebum (skin oils), semen, sputum, synovial fluid, tears, sweat, vaginal secretions, vomitus, urine, etc.); fluids for intravenous therapy of the human or animal body (e.g., volume expanders (e.g., crystalloids and colloids), blood-based products including blood substitutes, buffer solutions, liquid-based pharmaceutical products (which may include drugs), parenteral nutritional preparations (e.g. for intravenous administration where such preparations may include salt , glucose, amino acids, lipids, supplements, nutrients, and/or vitamins); for administration by any suitable method of administration (e.g. oral administration (in solid, liquid or pill form), topical administration, intranasal Administration, inhalation administration, or rectal administration) to other pharmaceutical fluids (eg, drugs, medicaments, nutrients, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, etc.) administered to the human or animal body. The containers disclosed herein can also be used Any of the embodiments are sterilized (eg, by treatment with an ultraviolet light source or a peroxide-based composition or by autoclave or retort methods) to render the container safe for use in a sterile medical environment.

Even as another example, any of the embodiments of the container as used herein may be used in any and all industries that use internal combustion engines (such as the transportation industry, electrical equipment industry, power generation industry, etc.), including for vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, automotive , ships, aircraft, etc., where such containers may be used to receive, contain, store and/or dispense any of the following fluent products in any form known in the art: engine oils, engine oil additives, fuel oils Additives, brake fluids, transmission fluids, engine coolants, power steering fluids, wiper fluids, products used in vehicle care (e.g., for bodywork, tires, wheels, windows, trim, interior trim, etc.), and One or more components configured to clean, penetrate, degrease, lubricate, and/or protect any and all types of engines, power equipment, and/or transportation vehicles.

Any of the embodiments of the container as described herein may also be used to receive, hold, store and/or dispense non-flowing products in any of the following categories: baby care products, including disposable wearable absorbent articles, diapers, training Pants, baby and child care wipes, etc.; beauty care products, including applicators, etc., for applying compositions to human or animal hair, skin and/or nails, etc.; home care products, including various cleaning Applied wipes and scrubbers, etc.; home care products including dry or wet toilet paper, facial tissues, disposable handkerchiefs, disposable paper towels, etc.; feminine care products including menstrual pads, incontinence pads, interlabial pads, panty liners, vaginal pads Suppositories, sanitary napkins, tampons, tampon applicators, wipes, etc.; health care products, including oral care products such as oral cleaning devices, dental floss, flossing devices, toothbrushes, etc.; pet care products, including grooming aids, pet Training aids, pet devices, pet toys, etc.; portable power supply products including electrochemical cells, batteries, battery current interrupters, battery testers, battery chargers, battery charge monitoring equipment, battery charge/discharge rate control equipment, " Smart" battery electronics, flashlights, etc.; small home appliances, including hair removal devices (including, for example, men's and women's electric foil razors, charging and/or cleaning stations, electric hair clippers, electric beard trimmers, electric epilator devices , cleaning fluid cartridges, shaving conditioners, shaving foils and blades); oral care appliances (including, for example, electric toothbrushes with batteries or batteries, refillable brush heads, interdental cleaners, tongue cleaners, charging stations , electric oral irrigators, and irrigator clips on injectors); small household appliances (including, for example, coffee makers, kettles, hand blenders, hand blenders, food processors, steamers, juicers, juicer , toasters, coffee or meat grinders, vacuum pumps, irons, steam press stations for irons and therefore generally without electronic accessories, hair care appliances (including, for example, hair dryers, hair stylers, curlers, straighteners , cordless gas heated stylers/therefore irons and gas cartridges, and air filter accessories); personal diagnostic equipment (including, for example, blood pressure monitors, ear thermometers, and therefore filters); clockwork equipment (including, for example, alarm clocks, Travel alarm clocks combined with radios, wall clocks, watches, and portable calculators), etc.

1A-1D show 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 relative 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. The lateral centerline 111 , longitudinal centerline 114 and third centerline 117 all intersect at the center of the container 100 .

The arrangement 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, 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 location is closer to the longitudinal centerline 114 than the second location, the first location is considered to be disposed laterally inboard 115 with respect to the second location. 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 made parallel to the third centerline 117 are referred to as thickness or depth. An arrangement 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. An arrangement in the direction of the third centerline 117 and towards the rear 102-2 of the container is referred to as reverse 119 or rearward.

As noted above, these terms for direction, orientation, measurement, and arrangement 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.

Container 100 includes top 104 , middle 106 , and bottom 108 , front 102 - 1 , back 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 middle portion 106 is separated from the bottom portion 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 runs around 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 fluent products. The dispenser 160 allows the container 100 to dispense the fluent product from the product volume 150 into the environment outside the container 100 through the flow channel 159 and then through the dispenser 160 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D , the dispenser 160 is positioned in the center of the uppermost portion of the top 104 , however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 160 can be positioned in the top 140 , middle portion 106 or any other location on the bottom 108 , including any location 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 fluent 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 either type of indicia. However, in various embodiments, a portion, portions, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of either or both of panels 180-1 and 180-2 One or more curved surfaces may be included. 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 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 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 fluent 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 about all, or about all, or substantially all, or Almost all, or all are 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 its ends curved slightly downward. 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 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 . Middle structural support member 146-1 is disposed in front portion 102-1, on left side 109; middle structural support member 146-4 is disposed in rear portion 102-2, on left side 109, on middle structural support member 146 After -1. 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 can be along a portion, or portions, or about 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 be along a portion, or portions, or about all, or about all, or substantially all, or Almost all, or all are directly connected and/or joined together.

Middle structural support member 146-2 is disposed in front portion 102-1, on right side 109; middle structural support member 146-3 is disposed in rear portion 102-2, on right side 109, at middle structural support member 146 After -2. 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 about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of their overall 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 about all, or about all, or substantially all, or Almost all, or all are 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 inward 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 may be 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 about all, or about all, or substantially all, or Almost all, or all are 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 the adjacent structural support members, its function and Connect as described in this article. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 140, one or more additional structural support members can be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 140, wherein the expanded structural support frame can effectively replace the structural The supporting frame 140, its function and connections are as described herein. 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 .

1E shows a perspective view of container 100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 100 of FIG. A second portion of volume 150-1a, and dispenser 160-1. The embodiment of FIG. 1E is similar to that of FIG. 1A in that like-numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that frame 140-1 extends around about half of container 100-1, directly supporting the A first portion of the product volume 150-1b and indirectly supports a second portion of the product volume 150-1a disposed on the outside of the frame 140-1. In various embodiments, any of the stand-up flexible containers of the present disclosure can be modified in the same manner such that: the frame only extends around a portion or portions of the container, and/or the frame extends relative to one or more centers of the container Line symmetry, and/or part or parts of the one or more product volumes of the container are disposed outside the frame, and/or part or parts of the one or more product volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.

1F shows a perspective view of container 100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 100 of FIG. 2. The embodiment of FIG. 1F is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A in that like-numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that frame 140-2 is inside product volume 150-2. In various embodiments, any upright flexible container of the present disclosure may be modified in a similar manner such that: part, parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of any structural support members forming the frame) Enclosed by one or more product volumes about, approximately, substantially, almost, or completely.

Figure 1G shows a perspective view of a container 100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand-up flexible container 100 of Figure 1A, including an outer structural support frame 140-3, a product volume 150-3, and a dispenser 160- 3. The embodiment of FIG. 1G is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A in that like-numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that product volume 150-3 is not integrally connected to frame 140-3 (i.e., is not simultaneously made of the same flexible material). fiber mesh), but the product volume 150-3 is prepared separately and then bonded to the frame 140-3. The product volume 150-3 may be joined to the frame in any conventional manner disclosed herein or known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 1G , product volume 150-3 is disposed within frame 140-3, but when compared to product volume 150 of FIG. 1A , product volume 150-3 has a reduced size and somewhat different shape. ; however, these differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the product volume 150-3 and the frame 140-3, and are not necessary. In various embodiments, any upright flexible container of the present disclosure may be modified in the same manner such that one or more product volumes are not integrally attached to the frame.

2A-8G illustrate embodiments of stand up flexible containers having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8B can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1B . Any of the elements of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G (eg, structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) may be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G show a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container can include multiple dispensers according to any of the embodiments described herein. Figures 2A-8G show 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 of the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G are adapted to display either indicia. Each of the side panels in the embodiments of Figures 2A-8G is configured as a non-structural panel covering one or more product volumes disposed within the flexible container, however, in various embodiments, any decorative or structural 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-8G , however, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G may be configured to include any structure or feature of the flexible containers disclosed herein . For example, any of the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-8G may be configured to include any of the types of 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 from structural support members disposed 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 the side panels 280-1, 280-2, 280-3, and 280-4 is approximately flat, however, in various embodiments, a portion, 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 fluent 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 provided at any other location on the top, side 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.

2E shows a perspective view of container 200-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 200 of FIG. A second portion of volume 250-1a, and dispenser 260-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 200. 2F shows a perspective view of container 200-2, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 200 . 2G shows a perspective view of container 200-3, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 200 of FIG. 2A, which includes an external structural support frame 240-3, a Non-integral product volume 250-3, and dispenser 260-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 200.

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 can be based on a cone with a different number of sides. The support frame 340 is formed from 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 the 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 300 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the dispenser 360 is positioned at the apex of the cone shape, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 360 may be positioned at any other location on the top, side, or bottom of the container 300. place. 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.

3E shows a perspective view of container 300-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 300 of FIG. A second portion of volume 350-1a, and dispenser 360-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 300. 3F shows a perspective view of container 300-2, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 300 of FIG. 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on a container 300 . 3G shows a perspective view of container 300-3, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 300 of FIG. 3A, including an internal structural support frame 340-3, a Non-integral product volume 350 - 3 , and dispenser 360 - 3 , which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 300 .

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 prisms are based on triangles. 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 about flat, 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 400 includes a dispenser 460 configured to dispense one or more fluent 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, the dispenser 460 may be disposed on the top, side, or bottom of the container 400. any other location. 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.

4E shows a perspective view of container 400-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 400 of FIG. A second portion of volume 450-1a, and dispenser 460-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 400. Figure 4F shows a perspective view of a container 400-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 400 of Figure 4A, including an internal structural support frame 440-2, a product volume 450-2, and a dispenser 460-2. 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 400 . FIG. 4G shows a perspective view of container 400-3, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 400 of FIG. 4A, including an external structural support frame 440-3, a Non-integral product volume 450-3, and dispenser 460-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 400.

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 prismatic shape 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 the 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 500 . In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the dispenser 560 is located in the center of the top panel 580-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 560 may be located on the top, side, or bottom of the container 500. any other location. 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.

5E shows a perspective view of container 500-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 500 of FIG. A second portion of volume 550-1a, and dispenser 560-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 500. 5F shows a perspective view of container 500-2, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 500 of FIG. 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 500 . 5G shows a perspective view of container 500-3, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 500 of FIG. 5A, including an outer structural support frame 540-3, a Non-integral product volume 550-3, and dispenser 560-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 500.

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, a portion, 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 600 . In the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the dispenser 660 is positioned in the center of the top panel 680-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 660 may be positioned on the top, side, or bottom of the container 600. any other location. 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.

6E shows a perspective view of container 600-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 600 of FIG. A second portion of volume 650-1a, and dispenser 660-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 600. Figure 6F shows a perspective view of a container 600-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand-up flexible container 600 of Figure 6A, including an internal structural support frame 640-2, a product volume 650-2, and a dispenser 660-2. 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 600 . 6G shows a perspective view of container 600-3, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 600 of FIG. 6A, including an outer structural support frame 640-3, a Non-integral product volume 650-3, and dispenser 660-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 600.

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 from 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, a portion, portions, or about 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 700 includes a dispenser 760 configured to dispense one or more fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 700 . In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the dispenser 760 is located at the apex of the cone, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 760 may be located at any other location on the top, side, or bottom of the container 700. Location. 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.

7E shows a perspective view of container 700-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 700 of FIG. A second portion of volume 750-1a, and dispenser 760-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 700. Figure 7F shows a perspective view of a container 700-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand-up flexible container 700 of Figure 7A, including an internal structural support frame 740-2, a product volume 750-2, and a dispenser 760- 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 700 . Figure 7G shows a perspective view of a container 700-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand-up flexible container 700 of Figure 7A, comprising an external structural support frame 740-3, a Non-integral product volume 750-3, and dispenser 760-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 700.

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, a portion, portions, 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 800 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the dispenser 860 is located in the center of the top panel 880-t, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 860 may be located on the top, side, or bottom of the container 800. any other location. 8B shows a front view of the container 800 of FIG. 8A , including exemplary additional/alternative locations (shown as dashed lines) for the dispenser, 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.

8E shows a perspective view of container 800-1, which is an alternative embodiment of stand-up flexible container 800 of FIG. A second portion of volume 850-1a, and dispenser 860-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1E, except based on container 800. Figure 8F shows a perspective view of a container 800-2, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of Figure 8A, including an internal structural support frame 840-2, a product volume 850-2, and a dispenser 860- 2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1F , except based on container 800 . Figure 8G shows a perspective view of a container 800-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand up flexible container 800 of Figure 8A, including an external structural support frame 840-3, a Non-integral product volume 850-3, and dispenser 860-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1G , except based on container 800.

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 relative 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 hold one or more fluent products. The dispenser 960 allows the container 900 to dispense these fluent products from the product volume 950 to the environment outside the container 900 through the flow channel 959 and then through the dispenser 960 . Structural support frame 940 supports the mass of one or more fluent 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. The upper structural support members 943-1, 945-1, 945-2, and 947-1 are disposed above and in contact with the lower structural support members 943-2, 945-4, 945-3, and 947-2, respectively. adjacent.

In various embodiments, adjacent upper structural support members and lower structural support members may be along a portion, or portions, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all, contact each other at one or more relatively small locations and/or at one or more relatively large locations, as long as there is contact between the structural support members 943-1 and 943-2 for flow passage A gap of 959 is enough. 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 structural support members and lower structural support members may be located along part, or parts, or about all, or about all, or substantially all of their total lengths. , or nearly 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 support members 943-2, 945- 3. The ends of 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 Figures 9A-9B may be joined together in any manner described herein or 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 the adjacent structural support members with functions and connections such as described in this article. In other alternative embodiments of the structural support frame 940, one or more additional structural support members can be added to the structural support members in the structural support frame 940, wherein the expanded structural support frame can effectively replace the structural support frame 940, its functions and connections are as described herein.

9C shows a perspective view of container 900-1, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 900 of FIG. A second portion of product volume 950-1a, and dispenser 960-1. The embodiment of FIG. 9C is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A in that like-numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that the frame 940-1 extends around about half of the container 900-1, directly supporting the A first portion of the product volume 950-1b and indirectly supports a second portion of the product volume 950-1a disposed on the outside of the frame 940-1. In various embodiments, any of the self-supporting flexible containers of the present disclosure can be modified in the same manner such that: the frame only extends around one or more portions of the container, and/or the frame extends relative to one or more portions of the container. The center line is symmetrical, and/or part or parts of the product volume or volumes of the container are disposed outside the frame, and/or part or parts of the product volume or volumes of the container are indirectly supported by the frame.

9D shows a perspective view of container 900-2, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 900 of FIG. -2. The embodiment of Figure 9D is similar to the embodiment of Figure 9A in that like numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that frame 940-2 is inside product volume 950-2. In various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure may be modified in a similar manner such that: part, parts, or all of the frame (including part, parts, or all of any structural support members forming the frame ) is approximately, approximately, substantially, nearly, or completely enclosed by one or more product volumes.

Figure 9E shows a perspective view of a container 900-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the stand-up flexible container 900 of Figure 9A, including an outer structural support frame 940-3, a product volume 950-3, and a dispenser 960- 3. The embodiment of Figure 9E is similar to the embodiment of Figure 9A in that like-numbered terms are constructed in the same manner, except that the product volume 950-3 is not integrally connected to the frame 940-3 (i.e., is not simultaneously made of the same flexible material). fiber web), but the product volume 950-3 is prepared separately and then bonded to the frame 940-3. Product volume 950-3 may be joined to the frame in any conventional manner disclosed herein or known in the art. In the embodiment of Figure 9E, the product volume 950-3 is disposed within the frame 940-3, but when compared to the product volume 950 of Figure 9A, the product volume 950-3 has a reduced size and somewhat different shape ; however, these differences are made to illustrate the relationship between the product volume 950-3 and the frame 940-3, and are not necessary. In various embodiments, any self-supporting flexible container of the present disclosure is modified in the same manner such that one or more product volumes are not integrally attached to the frame.

10A-11E illustrate embodiments of self-supporting flexible containers (which are not stand-up containers) having various overall shapes. Any of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E can be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, including the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9E . Any of the elements of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E (eg, structural support frames, structural support members, panels, dispensers, etc.) may be configured according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. While each of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E shows a container with one dispenser, in various embodiments, each container can include multiple dispensers according to any of the embodiments described herein. Part, parts, or about all, or approximately all, or substantially all, or nearly all, or all of each of the panels of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E are adapted to display either indicia. Each of the top and bottom panels in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-11E are configured as non-structural panels covering one or more product volumes disposed within a flexible container, however, in various embodiments, any 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 All, or almost all, or all. For clarity, not all structural details of these flexible containers are shown in FIGS. 10A-11E , however, any of the embodiments of FIGS. .

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 about 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 1000 . In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the dispenser 1060 is positioned in the center of the front, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1060 may be positioned anywhere else on the top, side, or bottom of the container 1000. Location. 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 .

10C shows a perspective view of container 1000-1, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. A second portion of product volume 1050-1a, and dispenser 1060-1, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9C, except based on container 1000. FIG. 10D shows a perspective view of container 1000-2, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 1000 of FIG. 10A , including internal structural support frame 1040-2, product volume 1050-2, and dispenser 1060. -2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of Fig. 9D, except based on the container 1000. Figure 10E shows a perspective view of a container 1000-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1000 of Figure 10A, including an external structural support frame 1040-3, joined to and disposed within the frame 1040-3 Non-integral product volume 1050-3, and dispenser 1060-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9E, except based on container 1000.

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 planar, however, in various embodiments, a portion, portions, or about 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 fluent products from one or more product volumes disposed within container 1100 . In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, the dispenser 1160 is located in the center of the front, however, in various alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1160 may be located at any other location on the top, side, or bottom of the container 1100. Location. 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 .

11C shows a perspective view of container 1100-1, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. A second portion of product volume 1150-1a, and dispenser 1160-1, is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9C, except based on container 1100. FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of container 1100-2, which is an alternative embodiment of self-supporting flexible container 1100 of FIG. 11A , including internal structural support frame 1140-2, product volume 1150-2, and dispenser 1160. -2, which is constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9D , except based on the container 1100. Figure 11E shows a perspective view of a container 1100-3, which is an alternative embodiment of the self-supporting flexible container 1100 of Figure 11A, including an external structural support frame 1140-3, joined to and disposed within the frame 1140-3 Non-integral product volume 1150-3, and dispenser 1160-3, which are constructed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 9E, except based on container 1100.

In additional embodiments, any self-supporting 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. For example, any self-supporting container with a structural support frame as disclosed herein may be configured to have a Combinations of any of the corresponding 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 12A shows an isometric view of a push-pull dispenser 1260-a. Figure 12B shows an isometric view of the dispenser 1260-b with a flip top. Figure 12C shows an isometric view of a dispenser 1260-c with a screw cap. Figure 12D shows an isometric view of a rotatable dispenser 1260-d. Figure 12E shows an isometric view of a nozzle-type dispenser 1260-d with a cap. Figure 13A shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser 1360-a. Figure 13B shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser 1360-b with a lid. Figure 13C shows an isometric view of the flip-up straw dispenser 1360-c. Figure 13D shows an isometric view of a straw dispenser 1360-d with a bite valve. Figure 14A shows an isometric view of the pump. Figure 14A shows an isometric view of a pump spray 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 trigger spray dispenser 1460-c.

15A-15I and 18A-23L illustrate various embodiments of containers having a product volume and at least one stand structure coupled to a portion of the product volume. The product volume of each of these containers is generally defined by at least one side. At least one seat structure of each of the containers is at least partially coupled to and at least partially coplanar with at least one side of the product volume. In each embodiment, at least one side of the product volume to which the stand structure is coupled is at least partially free from the stand structure. At least one side of the product volume to which at least one support structure is coupled may be 30% to 99% free from said at least one support structure. More specifically, at least one side of the product volume to which at least one support structure is coupled may be at least 30% free, at least 40% free, at least 50% free, at least 60% free, at least 70% free , at least 80% free, or in some cases at least 90% free from at least one support structure. These containers may also include a bottom that includes a bottom surface. At least a portion of the bottom surface is arranged to contact the horizontal support surface. Each of the at least one stand-off structure has a minimum width of at least 5 mm and is positioned at a minimum height of at least 3-5 mm relative to the horizontal support surface.

So arranged, the at least one standoff structure can avoid damage to the container, in particular the product volume and/or markings positioned (e.g. printed) thereon and/or attached thereto, and/or the contents of the container, such as abrasion , plastic deformation, cracking, fluffing, scratching and cutting, which can occur, for example, when a container is placed in close proximity to or in contact with one or more other objects (such as other containers), positioned in a confinement or enclosing structure (e.g., into a shopping cart or shopping bag or product tote in a distribution center), or dropped from a height above horizontal (e.g., into a shopping cart, from a shelf to the floor, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the at least one stand structure may also provide a raised gripping surface or handle for safer and more comfortable handling by a user of the container.

Figure 15A shows a first product container 1500 comprising a self-supporting product volume 1502 and a stand structure 1504 coupled thereto. Self-supporting product volume 1502 is defined by a first side 1506, a second side (not shown) opposite first side 1506, a top side (1508), and a bottom side (1510). As shown in Figure 15A, the first side 1506 has an outer surface 1512, and the bottom side 1510 includes a bottom surface 1514 that is arranged to contact a horizontal support surface 1516, but is not shown in this figure. . Standoff structure 1504 is a generally truncated C-shaped expandable structure that can be filled with one or more expandable materials. Standoff structure 1504 is coupled to, is coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from first side 1506 . The standoff structure 1504 includes a first end portion 1518 , a second end portion 1520 , and a middle portion 1522 disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion 1518 , 1520 . First end 1518 is coupled to exterior surface 1512 near or at the top 1508 of product volume 1502 and second end 1520 is coupled to exterior surface 1512 near or at bottom 1510 of product volume 1502 . Middle portion 1522 is partially coupled to outer surface 1512 between top 1508 and bottom 1510 of product volume 1502 . In this embodiment, at least a portion of central portion 1522 is not coupled to outer surface 1512 such that a gap or space is formed between product volume 1502 and stand structure 1504 . This gap or space may be used by a user of the container 1500 to retrieve, secure and/or move the container 1500 .

The stand structures 1504 of adjacent product containers 1500 can be in alternating or offset and complementary positions relative to each other so that the product containers 1500 can be packed more closely and even selectively interlock with each other, such as if multiple adjacent product containers are desired. The containers 1500 exist as a set, or more space-efficiently store or transport a set of containers with their interlocking or complementary standoff structures 1504 serving as means for engaging the product containers 1500 . For example, as shown in Figures 18A-20L, a first product container 1500a may contain a first personal hygiene product, such as shampoo, and a second product container 1500b may contain a second personal hygiene product, such as a conditioner, and the holder Structures 1504a and 1504b may interlock or nest with each other to selectively secure first product container 1500a and second product container 1500b to each other. A set of product containers need not be limited to two, but if it is desired to attach additional product containers 1500c, . . . , 1500n, they may be selectively secured to one or more other product containers 1500a, 1500b. The plurality of product containers 1500a, 1500b, 1500c, ..., 1500n need not be fixed to each other in a linear fashion, but may alternatively be fixed to each other so as to form a triangular or other polygonal distribution of connected product containers. Alternatively, the gap and standoff structure 1504 of a given product container may be arranged to connect only with those adjacent product containers that are oriented in a different orientation (eg, upside down). As shown in FIG. 21 , for example, the stand structure 1504 a of a product container 1500 a may be aligned with the stand structure 1504 b of an adjacent and inverted (i.e., upside down) product container 1500 b when arranged in a right-side-up or bottom-down orientation. Selective interlock.

As shown in FIG. 15A , the first side 1506 , specifically the outer surface 1512 is about 70-80% free from the standoff structure 1504 . In other words, standoff structure 1504 covers or covers only a small portion of first side 1506 and, more specifically, outer surface 1512 . Accordingly, container 1500 has a relatively large decorative area 1524 for positioning indicia such as a label (which may have indicia printed thereon) to be attached thereto and/or for indicia to be printed thereon and/or Where the indicia is positioned on an alternative surface inner surface or another material, such as another layer of material, that is viewable through the decorative area, the indicia is viewed through the transparent outer surface 1512 due to some translucency or transparency. Because the standoff structure 1504 extends outward toward the first side 1506 , and thus the trim area 1524 also extends outward toward the first side 1506 , the standoff structure 1504 is configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim area 1524 . Container 1500 also includes dispenser 1526 configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in product volume 1502 . To this end, dispenser 1526 includes fluid dispenser opening 1528 , and fluid dispense channel 1530 is in fluid communication with dispenser opening 1528 and the interior of product volume 1502 . Dispenser 1526 is disposed on top 1508 of product volume 1502 as shown in FIG. 15A .

Additionally, in the embodiment of Figure 15a, the decorative region 1524 includes a 2D geometric center 1550 of the first side 1506 enclosed by a 2D geometric center portion 1551 free from the standoff structure. The portion of the 2D geometric center free from the standoff structure may occupy at least 5% to 20% of the area of the first side 1506 .

The two-dimensional or 2D geometric center (sometimes may be called the centroid) in a region is informally the point at which the area cut out of cardboard can be perfectly balanced on the tip of a pencil (assuming uniform density and uniform gravity field). Formally, the 2D geometric center of a plan view or a two-dimensional shape is the arithmetic mean ("mean") position of all points in the shape of a region. For a container in which a side such as first side 1506 is not flat in a two-dimensional plane, the 2D geometric center corresponds to a 2D projection of a side such as 1506 onto a plane where the projected plane is about the same as the side. The width and length are approximately parallel, or the plane on which is projected, oriented to produce an approximately maximum or maximum area projection of the side. Alternatively, sides such as side 1506 may be separated from the container and unfolded as far as possible, wherein the projected shape on the unfolded plane is used to determine the corresponding 2D geometric center. Or, if substantially complete, the sides of the actual representation may be spread out as far as possible. During actual deployment execution, the material and/or gauge length may actually be changed such that the actual side is very soft during deployment execution.

The 2D geometric center portion includes the 2D geometric center and comprises about 5% to about 20% of the area of the first side, and any value in between, including any integer value from 5% to 20%. In some embodiments, the 2D geometric center portion is free from the standoff structures yet at least one standoff structure is coupled to a first side outside the 2D geometric center portion. The 2D geometric center portion can take different shapes as long as the portion is continuous and includes the 2D geometric center.

In other embodiments, the container 1500 may include a different size and/or shape of the product volume 1502 and/or a greater number of stand structures 1504 . For example, bottom 1510 may have gusset regions positioned on the bottom and/or top of container 1500 . Alternatively or additionally, standoff structure 1504 may have a different size and/or shape, cover a greater or lesser area, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 1502 (e.g., Two sides, top 1508, etc.) For example, as shown in FIG. As another example, as shown in FIG. 23 , two stand structures 1504 may be coupled to the bottom 1510 in the gusset region of the product container 1500 .

In some embodiments, the entirety of central portion 1522 may be coupled to outer surface 1512 such that no gap or space is formed between product volume 1502 and standoff structure 1504 . In some embodiments, central portion 1512 may span or extend the entire length and/or width of product volume 1504 . In some embodiments, central portion 1522 may be coupled to outer surface 1512 in more than two locations (eg, in three, four, five, etc. locations). In alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1526 may be positioned elsewhere, such as on the first side 1506 , the second side, or the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502 .

FIG. 15B shows a second flexible container 1600 , which is similar to flexible container 1500 described above, including a stand structure 1604 coupled to a self-supporting product volume 1502 . As with flexible container 1500 described above, flexible container 1600 includes dispenser 1526 configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in product volume 1502, as described above. Like support structure 1504, support structure 1604 may be filled with one or more expandable materials. However, unlike standoff structure 1504, standoff structure 1604 is generally D-shaped. Standoff structure 1604 is coupled to, is coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from first side 1506 of product volume 1502 . The stand structure 1604 includes an upper portion 1604a, a lower portion 1604b, and two middle portions 1604c, 1604d disposed therein. The upper portion 1604a is coupled to the top 1508 of the product volume 1502 or to the outer surface 1512 at the top, the lower portion 1604b is coupled to the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502 or to the outer surface 1512 at the bottom, and the middle 1604c, 1604d are respectively coupled to outer surface 1512 proximate or at an opposing perimeter of first side 1506 . Accordingly, the standoff structure protrudes from a majority of the outer surface 1512 of the product volume 1502 . However, as shown in FIG. 15B , the first side 1506 , specifically the outer surface 1512 is about 50-60% free from the standoff structure 1604 . In other words, standoff structure 1604 covers or conceals about 40% to about 50% of first side 1506 , and, more specifically, outer surface 1512 . Accordingly, container 1600 has a substantial decorative area 1624 for labeling. Because the standoff structure 1604 extends outward toward and around the trim area 1624 , the standoff structure 1604 is configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim area 1624 .

In other embodiments, container 1600 may include product volume 1502 and/or additional stand structures 1604 of different sizes and/or shapes. Alternatively or additionally, the stand structure 1604 may have a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 1502 (e.g., the second side, the top 1508, etc.), see Returning to FIGS. 18A-20L , the standoff structure 1604 can have, for example, a circular, oval, oval, rectangular, elongated, or irregular shape.

FIG. 15C shows a third flexible container 1700 , similar to flexible containers 1500 , 1600 described above, that includes a plurality of stand structures 1704 a - 1704 d coupled to a self-supporting product volume 1502 . As with flexible containers 1500 , 1600 described above, flexible container 1700 includes dispenser 1526 configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in product volume 1502 , as described above. As with standoff structure 1504, one or more of standoff structures 1704a-1704d may be filled with one or more expandable materials. Each of the standoff structures 1704d-1704d is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the first side 1506 of the product volume 1502. The standoff structures 1704a, 1704c are oriented generally longitudinally along or near a peripheral edge of the outer surface 1512 of the product volume 1502 . the stand-off structures 1704b, 1704d are oriented generally laterally along or near a peripheral edge of the outer surface 1512 of the product volume 1502, wherein the stand-off structures 1704b are disposed near or adjacent to the top side 1508 of the product volume 1502, And the stand-off structure 1704d is disposed near or adjacent to the bottom side 1510 of the product volume 1502 . As shown in Figure 15C, the first side 1506, specifically the outer surface 1512, is about 60%-70% free from the standoff structures 1704a-1704d. In other words, standoff structures 1704a - 1704d together cover or obscure about 30%-40% of first side 1506 and, more specifically, outer surface 1512 . Accordingly, container 1700 has a relatively large decorative area 1724 for indicia to be printed thereon. As shown in FIG. 15C , the standoff structures 1704a - 1704d extend outwardly toward the decorative area 1724 and together act to generally surround the decorative area 1724 . So arranged, standoff structures 1704a - 1704d are configured to protect and prevent damage to trim area 1724 . In other embodiments, the container 1700 may include a different size and/or shape of the product volume 1502 and/or more or less support structures 1704 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more of standoff structures 1704 may have a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 1502 (e.g., second side, Top 1508, etc.) In alternative embodiments, the dispenser 1526 may be positioned anywhere, such as on the first side 1506, the second side, or the bottom 1510 of the product volume 1502.

FIG. 15D shows a fourth flexible container 1800 comprising a self-supporting product volume 1802 and a plurality of stand structures 1804a - 1804e coupled to the product volume 1802 . Generally speaking, the self-supporting product volume 1802 has a shape like a triangular prism. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 1802 is composed of a first rectangular side 1806a, a second rectangular side 1806b adjoining the first side 1806a, a first triangular side 1806c adjoining the sides 1806a, 1806b, a second triangular side (not shown) out), a top edge 1806d formed by the intersection of four sides, and a bottom side (not shown). As shown in FIG. 15D , the first and second sides 1806 a , 1806 b each have an outer surface 1812 . Although not shown herein, the bottom side of the product volume 1802 includes a bottom surface arranged to contact a horizontal support surface. Each of the standoff structures 1804a-1804e has a generally irregular shape. One or more of the standoff structures 1804-1804e may be filled with one or more expandable materials. The standoff structures 1804a-1804c are fully coupled to, coplanar with, and extend or protrude outwardly from the outer surface 1812 of the first side 1806a of the product volume 1802. Standoff structures 1804d and 1804e are fully coupled to, coplanar with, and extend or protrude outwardly from an exterior surface 1812 of second side 1806b of product volume 1802 . As shown in Figure 15D, the first side 1806a to which the standoff structures 1804a-1804c are coupled is about 50-60% free from the standoff structure, and the second side 1806b to which the standoff structures 1804d, 1804e are coupled is about 50-60% free. 50-60% is free from the support structure. In other words, the standoff structures 1804a-1804c together cover or cover approximately 40-50% of the first side 1806a, and the standoff structures 1804d, 1804e together cover or cover 40-50% of the second side 1806b. Thus, the container 1800 has relatively large decorative areas 1824 for indicia to be printed thereon, one decorative area 1824 on the first side 1806a and the other decorative area 1824 on the second side 1806b. Standoff structures 1804a-1804e extend outwardly of decorative area 1824, as shown in FIG. 15D. So arranged, standoff structures 1804a - 1804e are configured to protect and prevent damage to trim area 1824 . In other embodiments, the container 1800 may include a different size and/or shape of the product volume 1802 and/or more or less support structures 1804 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more of standoff structures 1804 may be of a different size and/or shape (e.g., rectangular), and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 1802 (e.g., , third side 1806c, etc.)

FIG. 15E shows a fifth flexible container 1900 comprising a self-supporting product volume 1902 and a plurality of stand structures 1904a, 1904b coupled to the product volume 1902 . Generally speaking, the self-supporting product volume 1902 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, self-supporting product volume 1902 is defined by side or peripheral edges 1906 extending between a top side 1908 and a bottom side (not shown). Side 1906 has an outer surface 1912 as shown in FIG. 15E . Although not shown herein, the bottom side of the product volume 1902 includes a bottom surface arranged to contact a horizontal support surface. Each of the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b has a product volume 1902 as cylindrical and may be filled with one or more expandable materials. The standoff structures 1904a, 1904b are coupled to, are coplanar with, and extend or protrude outwardly from and around the outer surface 1912 of the first side 1906 . Standoff structure 1904a is coupled to exterior surface 1912 at or near top 1908 of product volume 1902 . Standoff structure 1904b is coupled to exterior surface 1912 at or near the bottom of product volume 1902 . As shown in Figure 15E, the sides 1906 are about 80%-90% free from the standoff structures 1904a, 1904b. In other words, standoff structures 1904a, 1904b together cover or cover only about 10%-20% of sides 1906. Standoff structures 1904, 1904b thus together define a relatively large decorative area 1924 on which indicia is to be printed. Because the standoff structures 1904a , 1904b extend outward toward the trim area 1924 , the standoff structures 1904a , 1904b are configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim area 1924 . In other embodiments, the container 1900 may include a different size and/or shape of the product volume 1902 and/or more or less support structures 1904 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more of standoff structures 1904 may be of a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 1902 (eg, top 1908 , etc.). )

FIG. 15F shows a sixth flexible container 2000 comprising a self-supporting product volume 2002 and a plurality of stand structures 2004a - 2004d coupled to the product volume 2002 . The self-supporting product volume 2002 has a generally rectangular shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 2002 is composed of a first rectangular side 2006a, a second rectangular side 2006b, a third rectangular side 2006c opposite the first side 2006a, a fourth rectangular side 2006d opposite the second side 2006b, a top A side 2008 and a bottom side 2010 are defined. Each of sides 2006a-2006d, 2008 and 2010 has an outer surface 2012. Each of the standoff structures 2004a-2004d has a generally rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more expandable materials. A standoff structure 2004a is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from, an outer surface 2012 of the first side 2006a, and the standoff structure 2004b is coupled to an outer surface 2012 of the second side 2006b, Coplanar with, and extending or protruding outwardly from, the outer surface, the standoff structure 2004c is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends from, an outer surface 2012 of the third side 2006c Extending or protruding outwardly, and the standoff structure 2004d is coupled to, is coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 2012 of the fourth side. The stand structures 2004a - 2004d are each coupled at or near the top 2008 of the product volume 2002 . Accordingly, standoff structures 2004a-2004d are configured to prevent damage to top 2008 (eg, in which the dispenser may be located), especially if container 2000 is tipped over. As shown in FIG. 15F, the sides 2006a-2006d to which the standoff structures 2004a-2004d are respectively coupled are each about 70-80% free from the corresponding standoff structure to which they are coupled. Thus, each of the sides 2006a-2006d has a relatively large decorative area 2024 on which the indicia is to be printed. Because the standoff structures 2004a - 2004d extend outward toward these trim areas 2024 , the standoff structures 2004a - 2004d are configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim areas 2024 .

In other embodiments, the container 2000 may include a different size and/or shape of the product volume 2002 and/or more or less support structures 2004 . For example, one or more of sides 2006a-2006d may not have standoff structure 2004 coupled thereto. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of standoff structures 2004 may be of a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 2002 (eg, bottom 2010 , etc.). )

15G illustrates a seventh flexible container 2100 comprising a self-supporting product volume 2102 and a plurality of stand structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c coupled to the product volume 2102. The self-supporting product volume 2102 has three-dimensional triangles. More specifically, the product volume 2102 consists of a first triangular side 2106a, a second triangular side 2106b adjacent to the first side, a third triangular side (not shown) adjacent to the first and third sides 2106a, 2106b, and a bottom side (also not shown) defined. Three sides converge at an apex or corner 2107 and an edge 2109 is defined between each adjacent side. Each of these sides has an outer surface 2112 . Standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are coupled to sides of product volume 2102 such that standoff structures are configured to extend over or across apex 2107 and edge 2109 to cover apex 2107 and edge 2109. In particular, a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 2112 of the first side 2106a, the portion of the standoff structure 2104a covering or covering the side 2106a , 2106b, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104a is coupled to, is coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the second side 2106a. Likewise, a portion of standoff structure 2104b is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from, an outer surface 2112 of a third side (not shown), and a portion of standoff structure 2104a covers or conceals An edge 2109 between the side 2106 and the third side, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104b is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 2112 of the first side 2106a. A portion of the standoff structure 2104c is coupled to, coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from an outer surface 2112 of a third side (not shown), and a portion of the standoff structure 2104a covers or covers the second An edge 2109 between the side and the third side, and a portion of the standoff structure 2104c is coupled to, is coplanar with, and extends or protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 2112 of the second side 2106b. By covering apex 2107 and edge 2109 in this manner, standoff structures 2104a - 2104c are configured to prevent damage to and/or caused by apex 2107 and edge 2109 . As shown in Figure 15G, the sides of the product volume 2102 to which the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are coupled are each approximately 80-90% free from the standoff structure to which they are coupled. Thus, each of the sides has a relatively large decorative area 2124 on which the indicia is to be printed. Because the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c extend outward toward these trim areas 2124, the standoff structures 2104a, 2104b, 2104c are configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim areas 2124.

In other embodiments, the container 2100 can include a product volume 2102 of a different size and/or shape, one or more or fewer stand structures 2104, and/or one or more stand structures 2004 can have different sizes and shapes. and/or shape (eg, circle). For example, one or more of the sides of product volume 2102 may not have a stand structure 2104 coupled thereto. In embodiments where the product volume 2102 has a different shape (eg, rectangular), the standoff structure 2104 can be reconfigured to cover the vertices and/or edges of the differently shaped product volume. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of standoff structures 2104 may be coupled to one or more different portions of product volume 2102 . For example, one or more of standoff structures 2104 may be directly coupled to apex 2107 and/or one or more edges 2109 . As another example, one or more of standoff structures 2104 may be positioned so as to be adjacent to, rather than covering, one of apex 2007 and/or edge 2009 .

15H shows an eighth flexible container 2200 comprising a self-supporting product volume 2202, a stand structure 2204 coupled to the self-supporting product volume 2202, and a container configured to dispense one or more fluent products provided in the product volume 2202. Dispenser 2226. Product volume 2202 is defined, at least in relevant portions, by front side 2206 and bottom 2210 . The front side 2206 has an outer surface 2212 and the bottom 2210 has a bottom surface 2214 arranged to contact a horizontal surface 2216 . The dispenser 2226 is disposed near or at the bottom 2210 of the product volume. The standoff structure 2204 has a generally rectangular shape and can be filled with one or more expandable materials. As shown in FIG. 15H , standoff structure 2204 is coupled to outer surface 2212 at or near bottom 2210 of product volume 2202 and adjacent or proximate to dispenser 2226 . As with the other standoff structures described above, standoff structure 2204 is coplanar with and extends outwardly from outer surface 2212 . So arranged, standoff structure 2204 is configured to protect and prevent damage to dispenser 2226 . At the same time, the stand structure 2204 does not interfere with the operation of the dispenser 2226 (ie, dispensing one or more fluent products). As shown in FIG. 15H , the front side 2206 , specifically the outer surface 2212 is approximately 90-100% free from the standoff structure 2204 . In other words, standoff structure 2204 covers or covers only a small portion of first side 2206 and, more specifically, outer surface 2212 . Accordingly, container 2200 has a relatively large decorative area 2224 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structure 2204 extends outward toward the trim area 2224 , the standoff structure 2204 is configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim area 2224 .

In other embodiments, container 2200 may include product volume 2202 and/or additional stand structures 2204 of different sizes and/or shapes. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2204 may have a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., closer to the dispenser 2226 etc.)

FIG. 151 shows a ninth flexible container 2250 that includes a product volume 2252 and a plurality of stand structures 2254 coupled to the product volume 2252 . The product volume 2202 in this embodiment is pressurized above atmospheric pressure. Product volume 2202 is defined, at least in relevant portions, by front side 2256 , top 2258 and bottom 2260 . Front side 2256 has an outer surface 2262 . The bottom 2260 has a bottom surface 2264 arranged to contact a horizontal surface 2266 . Standoff structures 2254 each have an elongated rectangle and may be filled with one or more expandable materials. As shown in FIG. 151 , standoff structures 2254 are coupled to outer surface 2262 and are spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of front side 2262 . As with the other standoff structures described above, standoff structure 2254 is coplanar with and extends outwardly from outer surface 2262 . So arranged, standoff structure 2254 is configured to protect and prevent damage to product volume 2252 . In particular, the standoff structure 2254 can prevent the product volume 2252 from rupturing, especially during high impact impacts. Depending on the contents of product volume 2252, standoff structure 2254 may also be configured to protect and prevent damage to the contents of product volume 2252, especially if the contents are fragile or brittle (eg, flakes, glass). As shown in FIG. 151 , the front side 2256 , specifically the outer surface 2262 is approximately 80-90% free from the standoff structure 2254 . In other words, standoff structure 2254 covers or conceals only a small portion of front side 2256 and, more specifically, outer surface 2262 . Accordingly, container 2250 has a relatively large decorative area 2274 for indicia to be printed thereon. Because the standoff structure 2254 extends around and outwardly toward the trim area 2274 , the standoff structure 2254 is configured to protect and prevent damage to the trim area 2274 .

In other embodiments, container 2250 may include product volume 2252 and/or additional stand structures 2254 of different sizes and/or shapes. For example, product volume 2252 may be a vacuum. When the product volume 2252 is a vacuum, the standoff structure 2254 prevents the product volume 2252, and in particular their contents, from being impacted. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the standoff structures 2204 may have a different size and/or shape, and/or may be coupled to one or more different portions of the product volume 2202 (e.g., closer to the dispenser 2226 etc.)

FIG. 16 shows a container 2300 comprising a self-supporting product volume 2302 and indicia 2305 printed onto a portion of the product volume 2302 . Self-supporting product volume 2302 has a generally rectangular shape. More specifically, the self-supporting product volume 2302 is composed of a first rectangular side 2306a, a second rectangular side 2306b, a third rectangular side 2306c opposite the first side 2306a, a fourth rectangular side 2306d opposite the second side 2306b, a top Side 2308 and bottom side 2314 define. The container 2310 is arranged to contact a horizontal support surface 2316 . Indicia 2305 are printed onto first side 2106a and, as shown in FIG. 16, are configured to provide one or more standoff structures (e.g., standoffs described in FIGS. 15A-H ) coupled to self-supporting product volume 2302. The appearance of one of the structures). Thus, the container 2300 gives a user of the container 2300 (eg, a consumer) the (false) impression that the container 2300 has one or more seat structures coupled to the product volume 2302 .

The support structures described above (e.g., support structures 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, etc.) When the container is stored, offered for sale, moved and/or used. The standoff structure is configured to prevent container (e.g. product volume, decorative area) damage, e.g. scuffing, denting, cracking, which occurs when e.g. container is placed in contact with other similar or dissimilar objects (e.g. other container ), placed in or on a constrained or enclosed structure (eg, grocery cart, shelf), or dropped from a height above the surface (eg, dropped from a shelf, dropped into a shopping cart, etc.).

17 illustrates an exemplary method or process 2400 for preventing damage to containers having self-supporting product volumes (eg, self-supporting product volumes 1502, 1602, 1702, 1802, 1902, 2002, 2102, 2202). The methods or processes are performed in the order shown or described herein, but may be performed in or according to any number of different orders. In other embodiments, the methods or processes may include additional, fewer, or different acts.

The method includes providing a self-supporting product volume (block 2404). A self-supporting product volume is defined at least in part by at least one side (eg, front side, back side, peripheral edge) and a bottom having a bottom surface for contacting a horizontal support surface. The method also includes providing a standoff structure, such as standoff structure 1504, 1604, 1704, 1804, 1904, 2004, 2104, 2204 (block 2408). The method also includes coupling a stand structure to and coplanar with a portion of the self-supporting product volume, the portion of the self-supporting product volume to which the stand structure is coupled is at least partially free Support structure (block 2412). Coupling may include integrally forming (eg, attaching to) the stand structure with a portion of the self-supporting product volume or forming the stand structure separately and then later joining the stand structure to the self-supporting product volume. In turn, the stand structure protects the self-supporting product volume when the container is at least one of dropped from a height above a horizontal surface or placed in contact with another object (eg, another container).

Figures 24 and 25 provide exemplary embodiments of at least one standoff structure coupled to the top of a vessel, the middle and bottom of the vessel being free from the standoff structure.

In FIG. 24 , container 3000 includes top 3004 , middle 3006 , and bottom 3008 . Top 3004 is separated from middle 3006 by reference plane 3005 , whereas middle 3006 is separated from bottom 3008 by reference plane 3007 . The container 3000 includes a first side 3106 , an outer surface 3112 , and a standoff structure 3104 coupled to the outer surface 3112 along with the top 3004 of the container 3000 . The middle 3006 and bottom 3008 of the outer surface 3112 of the first side 3106 are free from the standoff structure. The container 3000 may also include a dispenser 3160, which may be airtight, but when in an open state, the dispenser 3160 allows the container 3000 to pass through the flow channel 3159 and then through the dispenser 3160 to dispense a product, such as one or more Product is dispensed from product volume 3150 into the environment external to container 3000. Alternatively, standoff structure 3104 may extend only a portion of the width of first side 3106 of container 3000, and/or may comprise any shape, including rectilinear. Container 3000 may also include additional standoff structures in top 3004 . Additionally, the top perimeter of the top 3004 may comprise a straight line, arcuate or complex profile, and be oriented in a generally parallel or angled direction relative to the bottom of the container or a horizontal surface on which the bottom of the container may rest. The angle may be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 degrees or any integer value between 0 and 55 degrees relative to the bottom or horizontal surface. If the container 3000 includes multiple sides or exterior surfaces, at least two of those sides or exterior surfaces may each include at least one stand structure coupled to the side or exterior surfaces. In the exemplary stand-off structures, each stand-off structure is at least partially coplanar with the product volume. Each support structure may or may not be completely coplanar with the product volume.

In FIG. 25 , a closed container 4000 includes a self-supporting product volume 4015 , a top 4004 , a middle 4006 , and a bottom 4008 . The top 4004 is separated from the middle 4006 by a reference plane 4005 , whereas the middle 4006 is separated from the bottom 4008 by a reference plane 4007 . The container 4000 includes a first side 4106a, a first exterior surface 4112a, a second side 4106b, a second exterior surface 4112a, and a standoff structure 4104 coupled to the top 3004 of the container 3000 or along the top. External surface 4112. A standoff structure 4104 is coupled to a side of the product volume 4102 such that the standoff structure is configured to extend over or across an edge 4109 in the top 4004 of the container 4000 to at least partially cover the edge. The middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first side 4106a and/or the middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the first outer surface 4112a of the container 3000 are free from the support structure. Alternatively, the middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the second side 4106b and/or the middle 4006 and bottom 4008 of the second outer surface 4112b of the container 4000 are free from the standoff structure. Alternatively, the standoff structure 3104 may extend only a portion of the width of the first side 3106a, the second side 3106b, and the second outer surface 3112b of the top 4004 of the container 4000. Standoff structure 3104 may have any shape, including rectilinear. Although not described herein, the container 4000 can include in, on, or along the top 3004, on the first side 3106a, the first exterior surface 3112a, the second side 3106b, and/or the second exterior surface 3112b, and/or additional support structures in some other location. Additionally, the edge 4109 of the top 4004 may comprise a straight line, arcuate or complex profile, and be oriented in a generally parallel or angled direction relative to the bottom of the container or a horizontal surface on which the bottom of the container may rest. If the container 4000 has multiple sides or exterior surfaces, at least two of those sides or exterior surfaces may each include at least one stand structure coupled to the side or exterior surfaces. In the exemplary stand-off structures, each stand-off structure is at least partially coplanar with the product volume. Each support structure may or may not be completely coplanar with the product volume.

Multiple containers, such as an assembly of two, three or more containers, may be joined by at least one membrane containing the multiple containers and a flexible material. At least two of the containers in the container assembly include at least one stand structure at least partially coplanar with the product volume. The assembly may be arranged, for example, in a network or chain of packs joined bottom to top or side edge to side edge. The one or more films spanning between the containers may be marked with markers to allow a user to cut between the containers to separate the one or more containers. Alternatively, one or more lines of weakness may be provided across one or more membranes between adjacent containers, which advantageously enable the containers to be more easily separated by a user. The weakened line may for example comprise perforations, scores, serrations, serration seals, perforated lines or thermally weakened strips or segments of film.

The product volume may or may not be a self-supporting product volume. Both are contemplated herein.

The at least one seat structure of the container is at least partially coupled to the first side or the first lateral outer surface or side of the product volume of the container, yet the at least one seat is at least partially coplanar with the product volume of the container. The at least partially coplanar arrangement of at least one support structure may be about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, That arrangement in which 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the support structure is coplanar with one or more product volumes. In other words, the standoff structure can be coplanar with one or more product volumes from about 5% to 100%, or any value in between, including every integer value therein. Where the stand structure is coplanar with the product volume, the stand structure may be directly coupled to the side of the product volume, the side of the container, or the outer surface of the container itself at that point adjacent to the product volume and in contact with the product volume. The product volumes are coplanar. The support structure may, but need not, share a wall with the sides of the product volume.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a different support structure configuration for an airtight container 5000. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view through the container from edge 5001 to edge 5002 with product volume 5050 containing product 5060 . Container 5000 includes a first container side 5010 and a second container side 5020 . The first container side 5010 includes a wall 5052 constructed of membrane forming part of the product volume 5050 . The second container side 5020 comprises two walls of film comprising a wall 5054 forming part of the product volume 5050, and a coplanar wall of film 5056 which is the second side outer surface.

On the first side 5010 , a cross-section of the stand structure 5004 a is coupled to the wall 5052 . The support 5004a is completely enclosed by its own wall, which consists of a membrane, part of which is coupled to the wall 5052 . Furthermore, on the first side 5010 , a cross-section of the stand-off structure 5004 b is coupled to the wall 5052 . The support structure 500ba is completely enclosed by its own wall, which consists of a membrane, but also has side fins 5004x and 5004y which provide coupling contact to the wall 5052 .

On the second side 5020 , a cross-section of the standoff structure 5004c is coupled to the wall 5054 . The seat 5004c is completely enclosed by its two walls 5056 and 5054 which also form part of the product volume 5050 .

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 of the methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, as described in the following patents Disclosed in the application: (1) U.S. non-provisional patent application 13/888,679 filed on May 7, 2013 entitled "Flexible Containers" and published as US20130292353 (Applicant Docket No. 12464M); (2) May 2013 U.S. non-provisional patent application 13/888,721 (Applicant Docket No. 12464M2) filed on the 7th, entitled "FlexibleContainers" and published as US20130292395; (3) filed on May 7, 2013, named "FlexibleContainers" and published as US20130292415 (4) U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 13/888,756, filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers Having a Decoration Panel" and published as US20130292287 (Applicant Docket No. 12559M); (5) U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 13/957,158, filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Methods of Making Flexible Containers" and published as US20140033654 (Applicant Docket No. 12559M); and (6) August 1, 2013 (7) Filed on May 7, 2013 and named "Flexible Containers with Multiple Product Volumes" and published as US20130292413 U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 13/889,000 (Applicant Docket No. 12785M); (8) U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application 13/889,061 (Applicant Docket No. 12786M); (9) U.S. non-provisional patent application 13/889,090, filed May 7, 2013, entitled "Flexible Materials for Flexible Containers" and published as US20130294711 (applicant's case Docket No. 12786M2); (10) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/861,100, filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Disposable Flexible Containershaving Surface Elements" (Applicant Docket No. 13016P); (11) filed August 1, 2013, entitled U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/861,106 (Applicant Docket No. 13017P) for "Flexible Containers having Improved Seamand and Methods of Making the Same"; (12) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/861,118 (Applicant Docket No. 13018P) filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Methods of Forming a Flexible Container" (13) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/861,129, filed August 1, 2013, entitled "Enhancements to Tactile Interaction with Film Walled Packaging Having Air Filled Structural Support Volumes" (Applicant Docket No. 13019P); (14) filed October 11, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers Having a Squeeze Panel" Chinese Patent Application CN2013/085045 (Applicant Docket No. 13036); (15) Chinese Patent Application CN2013/085065 (Applicant Docket No. 13037) filed on October 11, 2013, entitled "StableFlexible Containers" (Applicant Docket No. 13037); (16) 2013 U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,450, filed November 6, entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Forming the Same" (Applicant Docket No. 13126P); (17) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/9, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Easy to Empty Flexible Containers" 900,488 (Applicant Docket No. 13127P); (18) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,501, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Containers Having a Product Volume and a Stand-Off Structure Coupled Thereto" (Applicant Docket No. 13128P); (19) November 2013 The 6th submission is titled "FlexibleContainersHavingFlex (20) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,514, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers with Vent Systems" (Applicant Docket No. 13130P); (21) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,765, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers for use with Short Shelf-Life Products and Methods for Accelerating Distribution of Flexible Containers" (Applicant Docket No. 13131P); (23) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,805, filed November 6, 2013, entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same" (Applicant Docket No. 13133P); (24 ) U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/900,810, entitled "Flexible Containers and Methods of Making the Same," filed November 6, 2013 (Applicant Docket No. 13134P); each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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 of the methods of making and/or using such flexible containers, as described in the following patents Disclosed in the application: U.S. Patent 5,137,154 filed on October 29, 1991 in the name of Cohen and entitled "Foodbag structure having pressurized compartments" on August 11, 1992; filed in the name of Prats (applicant Danapak Holding A/S) PCT International Patent Application WO96/01775 entitled "Packaging Pouch with Stiffening Air Channels" filed 5 July 1995 and published 26 January 1995; filed 8 July 1997 in the name of Naslund and published 5 January 1998 PCT International Patent Application WO98/01354 entitled "APackaging Containeranda Methodofits Manufacturing"; filed March 19, 1997 in the name of Lennartsson (applicant TetraLaval), authorized on October 5, 1999 under the title "Packagingmaterial web for a self-supporting packaging container wall, and packaging containers made from the web U.S. Patent 5,960,975 in the name of Naslund on July 8, 1997, and U.S. Patent 6,244,466 entitled "Packaging Containeranda Methodofits Manufacturing" issued on June 12, 2001; in the name of Rosen (applicant EcoLean Research and Development A/S) in 2002 PCT International Patent Application WO02/085729 entitled "Container", filed 19 April 2003 and published 31 October 2003; filed 20 July 2004 in the name of Masaki (applicant Toppan Printing), 2011 Japanese patent JP4736364 published on July 27, titled "Independent Sack"; submitted on November 3, 2004 in the name of FigolsGamiz (applicant Volpak, S.A.), and published on July 14, 2005, titled "Container of Flexible Material "PCT International Patent Application WO2005 /063589；以Heukamp的名义(申请人Menshen)于2005年1月17日提交的，名称为“Closedbagforreceivingliquids,bulkmaterialorobjectscomprisesabagwallwithtautfilledcushionsorbulgeswhichreinforcethewalltostabilizeit”的德国专利申请DE202005016704U1，其作为DE102005002301公开；以Shinya的名义(申请人ToppanPrinting)于Japanese Patent Application 2008JP-0024845, filed Feb. 5, 2008, titled "Self-standing Bag," published as JP2009184690; Patent application 10/312,176, published as US20040035865; U.S. Patent 7,585,528, filed Dec. 16, 2002, issued Sept. 8, 2009, in the name of Ferri et al., entitled "Packagehavinganinflatedframe"; in the name of Helou (application ,), U.S. Patent Application 12/794,286, filed June 4, 2010, entitled "Flexible to Rigid Packaging Article and Method of Use and Manufacturing," published as US20100308062; filed June 21, 2010 in the name of Reidl, granted September 24, 2013 , U.S. Patent 8,540,094, entitled "Collapsible Bottle, Method Of Manufacturing a Blank For Such Bottle and Beverage-Filled Bottle Dispensing System"; Pouch and Method of Manufacturing the Same" PCT International Patent Publication WO 2013/124201; each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the standoff structure may be formed from delaminated regions of the laminate film, as in WO96/01775 by DANAPAK. In addition to what is disclosed in this reference, the footing structure formed by the delaminated regions may form a structural support member or even a structural support frame.

In some embodiments, the standoff structure can fill the entire wall of the package, such as in US5960975 to TetraLaval. Apart from what is disclosed in this reference, the container may have fewer or more sides and be shaped in any other shape than a parallelepiped or a rectangular prism.

In some embodiments, a separate frame can be attached to the flexible container (either externally or internally), as in US20100308062 to Helou. The container may have a front and back, and any number of gussets, in addition to what is disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, a standoff structure may be formed by wrapping a defined product chamber with an additional web, as in WO2013/124201A1 to SealedAir. In addition to what is described in this reference, structures and supports may be incorporated into the packaging such that, for example, a structural support frame surrounds the product volume. Additionally, the overwrap may be added with or without a rigid member or any other type of stand structure, or in combination with, or secure the rigid member or any other type of stand structure to the product volume.

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

It should be understood that the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not intended to be 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 disclosed dimension of "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 a document incorporated 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, such 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 the claimed subject matter.

Claims (15)

1. a flexible container, including the self-supporting small product size limited by least one side, and is characterized in that described flexible container also includes:

Being connected to and the seat structure coplanar with at least one side of described self-supporting small product size, at least one side of the described self-supporting small product size being wherein connected to described seat structure is free on described seat structure at least in part; And

It is arranged to the bottom of exposure level stayed surface.

2. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, being additionally included in one or more position and be connected to the external frame of described self-supporting small product size, described external frame includes described seat structure.

3., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure is connected to and coplanar with the top of described self-supporting small product size.

4., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure is connected to and coplanar with the bottom of described self-supporting small product size.

5., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, at least one side of wherein said small product size includes the decorative zones for labelling.

6. container according to claim 5, wherein said seat structure surrounds described decorative zones at least partly.

7., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, at least one side at least 50% of the described self-supporting small product size that wherein said seat structure is positioned to is free on described seat structure.

8., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, at least one side at least 70% of the described self-supporting small product size that wherein said seat structure is positioned to is free on described seat structure.

9., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure is made up of flexible material.

10., according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure outwardly extends from the outside of described self-supporting small product size.

11. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure be integrally attached at least one side of described self-supporting small product size at least some of on.

12. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said seat structure includes the seat structure of fluid inflatable.

13. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein said container includes being connected to and the multiple seat structures coplanar with a side of described self-supporting small product size.

14. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, also include arranging the multiple holes by described seat structure.

15. according to container in any one of the preceding claims wherein, also include the multiple recesses being arranged in described seat structure.