U.S. patent application number 10/145835 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-02 for pillow pouch packaging with reinforcing elements.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mars Incorporated. Invention is credited to Collins, Tom, Jurgensen, Don, Keen, Bruce, Kim, Kech-Meng.
Application Number | 20030002755 10/145835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26235103 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030002755 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim, Kech-Meng ; et
al. |
January 2, 2003 |
Pillow pouch packaging with reinforcing elements
Abstract
The present invention is a pouch, which is generally flat in
shape having two opposite side walls and reinforcing elements. The
reinforcing elements enable the pouch to stand up-right.
Inventors: |
Kim, Kech-Meng; (Ferolles,
FR) ; Keen, Bruce; (Chattanooga, TN) ;
Jurgensen, Don; (Easton, PA) ; Collins, Tom;
(Nazareth, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP
1301 MCKINNEY
SUITE 5100
HOUSTON
TX
77010-3095
US
|
Assignee: |
Mars Incorporated
McLean
VA
|
Family ID: |
26235103 |
Appl. No.: |
10/145835 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10145835 |
May 14, 2002 |
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10088934 |
Aug 22, 2002 |
|
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10088934 |
Aug 22, 2002 |
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PCT/FR00/02461 |
Sep 7, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/119 ;
229/117.27; 383/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5805 20130101;
B65D 75/54 20130101; B65D 33/004 20130101; B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 33/008 20130101; B65D 2575/586 20130101; B65D 33/007 20130101;
B65D 33/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/119 ;
383/200; 229/117.27 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/02; B65D
005/56; B65D 033/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A self-standing pouch comprising two opposing walls in sheet
form extending essentially parallel to a longitudinal median plane
and at least one reinforcement element, wherein the reinforcement
element enables the pouch to be self-standing.
2. The pouch of claim 1, wherein each opposing wall comprises a
top, bottom and coplanar side edges.
3. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch is a pillow pouch.
4. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch is retorted prior to
addition of the reinforcement element.
5. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement element wraps
around the entire pouch.
6. The pouch of claim 5, wherein the reinforcement element further
wraps around the bottom of the pouch.
7. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement element contains
printed graphics.
8. The pouch of claim 1, further comprising a second reinforcement
element.
9. The pouch of claim 8, wherein the first and second reinforcement
elements are attached to the two respective pouch walls and extend
essentially opposite each other across their associated pouch
wall.
10. A device for packaging products comprising at least one
flexible pouch, having two opposing walls extending essentially
parallel to a longitudinal median plane of the device, two
reinforcement elements respectively associated with the respective
pouch walls, the reinforcement elements extending at least
approximately opposite each other all the way across their
associated pouch wall, and means for fixing each reinforcement
element to its associated pouch wall at least in a median area of
the wall.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the means for fixing
compromises fixing the reinforcement element and its associated
wall in the vicinity of its lateral edges.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the means for fixing
compromises bonding the reinforcement element to the pouch
wall.
13. The device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement elements and
the pouch walls are bonded together at discrete bonding points.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the reinforcement elements and
the pouch walls are bonded together by at least one continuous
adhesive strip deposited between each reinforcement element and its
associated wall.
15. The device of claim 14, characterized in that at least one
continuous adhesive strip extends approximately all the way across
the wall.
16. The device of claim 10, wherein the means for fixing
compromises adjustments to the wall.
17. The device of claim 10, wherein the lateral ends of the
reinforcement elements are connected so as to surround the lateral
edges of the pouch.
18. The device of claim 10, wherein the lateral ends of the
reinforcement elements are not connected.
19. The device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement elements are
connected by a base located under the pouch.
20. The device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement elements
extend all the way up the pouch.
21. The device of claim 10, wherein the upper ends of the
reinforcement elements are connected by a top covering the
pouch.
22. The device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement elements
include a means to re-cover the top of the pouch once the upper
part has been torn.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the re-covering means includes
a tab made from the same material as one of the reinforcement
elements which engages with a slot of the other reinforcement
element.
24. The device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement elements are
printed on both their faces.
25. The device of claim 10, wherein at least one reinforcement
element includes a tear line along a desired path for opening the
device, extending opposite the means for fixing the pouch walls and
the reinforcement elements so as to guide the user in tearing the
pouch walls.
26. The device of claim 10, wherein the pouch comprises a means to
weaken its walls, located at the same level as the tear lines of
the reinforcement elements.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the weakness points of the
pouch walls are provided by notches on its lateral edges.
28. The device of claim 10, wherein distortion of the reinforcement
elements is obtained by arching these elements.
29. The device of claim 10, wherein distortion of the reinforcement
elements is obtained by folding these elements.
30. The device of claim 10 further comprising a second pouch.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/088,934, which was filed on Mar. 8,
2002 which was the National Stage of International Application
Number PCT/FR00/02461 filed on Sep. 7, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to packaging devices. More
particularly, the invention relates to a packaging device that
contains reinforced elements. The reinforced element enables a
flexible package to stand up-right.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Packaging devices may be classified into two types. One type
is a rigid packaging device, for example, tins, bottles, canisters,
cans, etc. Rigid devices require the same space when the device is
full or empty. Moreover, the cost to manufacture these devices,
which are often made of steel, glass or aluminum, is relatively
high.
[0004] A second type of packaging device is a flexible packaging
device, such as a pouch. Flexible pouches are generally constructed
of laminated plastic material. These pouches constitute a simple
and cost-effective packaging device. Additionally, flexible pouches
do not have the same space requirements when the pouch is full
compared to when the pouch is emptied.
[0005] Although flexible pouches are a simple, cost-effective
packaging device, flexible pouches pose several disadvantages. One
such disadvantage is that flexible pouches are not able to stand
up-right, which complicates storage and presentation of the
pouches. Also, once the pouch is opened, generally by removing the
top of the pouch, the flexibility of the sheets constituting the
pouch make it difficult to manipulate. In particular, it may be
difficult to keep the pouch open and to dispense the contents
properly. In order to solve this problem, some manufacturers have
used gussets to produce self-standing packages. A gusset can be
present in the side and/or bottom of the pouch. The gusset allows
the pouch to expand, thus covering a larger surface area and
allowing the pouch to be self-standing. Gusset pouches require an
increase in production time, thus, they are more expensive to
produce than flexible pouches. Another disadvantage of pouches is
that graphic printing on the external surface of pouches often
requires substantial printing machine setup time, which increases
the unit cost price of the pouches.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to produce a less expensive
self-standing package. The aim of the invention is to make it
possible to produce a flexible pouch, freed from the above
disadvantages of known flexible pouches.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is drawn to a flexible pouch which is
generally of a flattened shape and has two opposing walls in sheet
form extending approximately parallel to a longitudinal median
plane of the pouch. The pouch is able to be self-standing by
attaching reinforcement elements to the flexible pouch.
[0008] A specific embodiment of the present invention is a
self-standing pouch. The pouch includes two opposing walls in sheet
form extending essentially parallel to a longitudinal median plane.
The pouch includes at least one reinforced element. The reinforced
element enables the pouch to be self-standing.
[0009] Another embodiment is a device for packaging products. The
device is a single pouch that has two walls associated with two
respective reinforcement elements. The device may contain a second
pouch. The packaging device having two pouches is arranged such
that the walls of the pouches are aligned along a direction at
least approximately perpendicular to the median plane, and the
walls of two adjacent pouches of the unit are fixed together by
means such as one or more lines of adhesive.
[0010] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are respectively a longitudinal
transverse cross-section view and a side view of a first embodiment
of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are side views of alternative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are two diagrammatic views from the
device in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, shown in two respective operating
positions;
[0015] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are two diagrammatic views from above of
packaging devices according to the invention according to two
different embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are three longitudinal
transverse cross-section views of three embodiment variants of the
invention, able to be implemented with any one of the two
embodiments shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B;
[0017] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are a side view and a perspective view
of a packaging device according to the invention including a
flexible pouch reinforced by elements having an attractive visual
appearance;
[0018] FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D are four front views
of the device in FIGS. 6A and 6B according to an embodiment variant
including reclosure means of the device;
[0019] FIG. 8A is an elevation view of a device according to the
invention having an easy opening means;
[0020] FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are respectively a diagrammatic
representation of the upper part of the device in FIG. 8A, and a
view in partial vertical transverse cross-section of this
device;
[0021] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are two views according to two different
perspectives of an embodiment of the invention including two
flexible pouches;
[0022] FIG. 9C is a diagrammatic representation of the upper part
of the device in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, and
[0023] FIG. 9D and FIG. 9E are respectively a horizontal
cross-section view and a partial vertical transverse cross-section
view of the device in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] It is readily apparent to one skilled in the art that
various embodiments and modifications can be made to the invention
disclosed in this Application without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
[0025] As used herein, the use of the word "a" or "an" when used in
conjunction with the term "comprising" in the sentences and/or the
specification can mean "one," but it is also consistent with the
meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than
one."
[0026] As used herein, the term "vertical direction" is defined as
corresponding to the longitudinal direction of greatest elongation
of devices.
[0027] As used herein, the term "horizontal plane" is defined as
being the plane orthogonal to the vertical direction.
[0028] Referring to the figures, the pouch (10) is formed from a
flexible material, for example, but not limited to polyolefins
(oriented & cast polypropylene, low density polyethylene
(LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density
polyethylene (HDPE)), polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate
and glycol copolymer, paper, foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol,
poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinlidene chloride,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, cellulose acetate-butyrate,
casein, chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene-ethyl acrylic acid,
ethylene-methacrylic acid, ethylene-propylene polymer,
ethylene-vinyl acetate, linear low-density polyethylene,
polyethylene manufactured using metallocene catalysts,
polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polychlorotrifluoroethylene,
polystryrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, poly(vinyl
alcohol), or sytrene-acrylonitrile. In preferred embodiments, the
material used for the pouch may include, but is not limited to
polyolefins (oriented & cast polypropylene, low density
polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high
density polyethylene (HDPE)), polyamide (nylon), polyethylene
terephthalate and glycol copolymer, foil, ethylene vinyl alcohol,
poly(vinyl chloride), or polyvinlidene chloride. It is also
envisioned that these flexible materials can be used in combination
as laminations of two or more materials. All of these materials can
be retorted, using standard procedures, in order to sterilize the
contents of the pouch. Standard retorting processes are well known
in the art of pouch manufacturing. Yet further, the food item may
be a solid liquid or semi-solid food item examples include but are
not limited to confections, baked goods, pet food, fresh food,
snack food, etc.
[0029] The pouch may be formed using a processing line configured
for the formation of the pouches from a heat sealable, continuous
plastic film as is known to one skilled in the art of forming
pouches. In a typical pouch forming process known to one skilled in
the art, rolls of film are provided in which the film is fed
through a plow in order to fold the sheet of film. The vertical
sides of the folded film are sealed as well as the bottom of the
pouch if necessary. This process creates a continuous strip of
individual flexible pouches. Quick splicing techniques can be used
to change from one film to another film source. In specific
embodiments of the present invention, the film is not printed with
text or graphics. Alternatively, a portion of the continuous
plastic film can be printed with text and graphics that would be
appropriate for any variety of food item and a programmable high
speed printing system that imprints text on the front and/or back
of each of the pouches in the continuous strip can be used to print
specific text for any single variety or and single pet food
product. In another embodiment, the processing line can utilize
non-printed film in which the processing line would include the
programmable high speed printing system for imprinting the text and
graphics on the front and back of each of the pouches in the
continuous strip as it runs through the printing system portion of
the line.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1A, a pouch (10) is formed by joining two
flexible sheets (11 and 12) edge to edge to form a pouch. The pouch
can be any flexible pouch, for example, but not limited to a pillow
pouch or a flat pouch. Each pouch wall (as shown in the side view
of FIG. 11B) contains a top (110), a bottom (120) and coplanar
sides (130) edges. The top (110) and bottom (120) side edges have
transverse seals. The pouch edges are sealed using standard
techniques that are well known and used in the art of packaging.
All flexible films can be made heat sealable with coatings or
co-extrusion or naturally sealable (oriented & cast
polypropylene or LDPE). In specific embodiments, a horizontal heat
seal (not shown) extends along the top edge (110) of the pouch to
complete the sealing of the pouch. A nip (150) is provided at the
top (110) edge of the pouch (10). The nips are V-shaped cut-outs
extending horizontally from the top (110) edge of the pouch (10).
The nips are used to initiate tearing along a horizontal line of
weakness (not shown).
[0031] Reinforcement elements (21, 22) as shown in FIG. 1A, are
bonded onto the two opposing faces of the pouch (110, 120), one
opposite the other. These reinforcement elements are made of a
relatively rigid material, but the material has sufficient
flexibility for the elements to be distorted by the hand of a user.
In specific embodiments, the reinforcement elements (21, 22) may
for example be made of cardboard. Other materials may be used for
the reinforcements. Materials that may be used to form the
reinforced elements (21, 22) include, but are not limited to
polyolefins (oriented & cast polypropylene, low density
polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high
density polyethylene (HDPE)), polyamide (nylon), polyethylene
terephthalate and glycol copolymer, paper, foil, ethylene vinyl
alcohol, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinlidene chloride,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, cellulose acetate-butyrate,
casein, chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene-ethyl acrylic acid,
ethylene-methacrylic acid, ethylene-propylene polymer,
ethylene-vinyl acetate, linear low-density polyethylene,
polyethylene manufactured using metallocene catalysts,
polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polychlorotrifluoroethylene,
polystryrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, poly(vinyl
alcohol), or sytrene-acrylonitrile.
[0032] In specific embodiments, the reinforcement element (21)
extends around the pouch as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. The
reinforced elements can extend all the way across the pouch (10),
and extend beyond it on both sides. Specifically, the reinforcement
elements are used to provide stability to the flexible pouch so
that the pouch may stand up right once the the elements have been
attached to the pouch. It is envisioned that one or more
reinforcement elements may cover the entire outside of the pouch
(FIG. 2B) or only a portion of the outside of the pouch (FIG.
2A).
[0033] A specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, is that the
reinforcement element also covers the bottom of the pouch to enable
the pouch to be self-standing. The bottom of the reinforced element
(23) may be a gusset bottom. This embodiment is not limited to
having a gusset bottom, the bottom (23) may be in any shape that
enables the pouch to be self-standing, such as an oval, circular,
elliptical, or egg shape.
[0034] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate a pouch (10) which has been
torn open to provide access to its content. A user places its hand
on the reinforcement elements (21, 22) and moves them closer
together (shown in FIG. 3A). This movement results in distortion of
the reinforcement elements by arching them and separating them into
their respective median parts. The two opposing walls (110, 120) of
the pouch, which are bonded respectively to the median of the
reinforcement elements (21, 22), are separated by this action.
Thus, the distortion of the reinforcement elements of a torn
package results in an open package that can reliably be handled to
effectively dispense the contained item.
[0035] The reinforcement elements (21, 22) may be bonded to the
pouch walls by a continuous adhesive strip covering all or part of
the width of the pouch wall, or by the application at discrete
places or bonding points on the pouch walls. For example, bonding
points may be deposited in the median area or middle of each pouch
wall and/or on the lateral edges of each pouch wall. In every
circumstance, it is important according to the invention for at
least the median area of each pouch wall to be bonded to the
reinforcement element. In specific embodiments, each reinforcement
element can be bonded to its associated pouch wall at the level of
the two lateral edges of the pouch, in order to increase the
coherence of the unit and to make it even easier to open the pouch.
It is within the skill of one in the art to attach each
reinforcement element (21, 22) to its associated pouch wall by any
known means other than bonding, for example, the reinforcement
elements may be engaged in adjustments of the pouch walls, or the
elements may be welded together. Thus, it is envisioned that the
bonding of the reinforcement elements to the pouch walls may be by
any mechanical and/or chemical means, for example, but not limited
to heat seal, adhesives, extrusion laminate, ultrasonic seal,
static seal, staples, stitches, zip strip, clamps, mesh, or
punched.
[0036] It is also possible to provide in the reinforcement elements
(21, 22) folds, bellows or cuts in order to make possible the
manipulation described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B even in
the presence of a relatively rigid base and/or top.
[0037] It is also envisioned that the reinforcement elements, can
be used as a graphic surface to display information about the
product or promotional data. In this respect, it will be noted that
printing on a material such as cardboard requires an appreciably
smaller amount of machine adjustment time compared with the
synthetic films which usually constitute known pouches; it is thus
possible, in particular where the reinforcement elements (21, 22)
extend all the way up the pouch, not to print on the pouch wall,
but only on the reinforcement elements which surround it. It will
additionally be noted that it is possible to print on both faces of
each reinforcement element (21, 22), which considerably increases
the graphically usable service of the pouch.
[0038] FIG. 4A shows a diagrammatic view of a pouch (10) surrounded
by two reinforcement elements (21, 22), which are bonded to it.
Specifically, the two reinforcement elements (21, 22) are
disconnected, whereas FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment in
which the ends of the two reinforcement elements (21, 22) are
joined together. Thus, it is possible to associate the
reinforcement elements (21, 22) with the pouch (10) in the form of
two different flexible strips, or else of a single sleeve
surrounding the pouch without discontinuity.
[0039] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C show three embodiment variants, which are
capable of being implemented with each of the two embodiments shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0040] In FIG. 5A, the lower ends of the reinforcement elements
(21, 22) are located underneath the pouch and are joined together
by a horizontal base (23) made of the same material as the
reinforcement elements. This embodiment variant provides a stable
base so that the pouch is able to stand up-right. It will also be
noted that covering the pouch surface all the way up with the
semi-rigid frame formed by the reinforcement elements (21, 22)
makes it possible to offer to the hand of the user a "smoother"
contact surface than that of the "crude" pouch, which may be
required for some products.
[0041] In FIG. 5B, the reinforcement elements (21, 22) extend all
the way up the pouch, but their lower ends are disconnected. This
variant corresponds to the embodiment where the pouch is simply
"sandwiched" between two flexible sides (embodiment in FIG. 5A), or
surrounded by a sheath open at its two ends and the walls of the
pouch is are bonded (embodiment in FIG. 5B).
[0042] In FIG. 5C, the two reinforcement elements (21, 22) have
disconnected lower ends but their upper ends are covered by part
(24) made from the same material. Thus, according to the invention,
it is possible to completely surround the pouch with an embodiment
comprising a base and a top.
[0043] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a pouch or packaging device according
to the invention, corresponding to the configurations in FIG. 4B,
which illustrates that the lateral ends of the reinforcement
elements are joined together at specific points, and FIG. 5B, which
illustrates that the lower ends of the reinforcement elements are
joined together by a base. In specific embodiments, the
reinforcement elements have been cut so as to have a characteristic
appearance, for example, a cat head. Each upper corner of the
reinforcement element, which corresponds to a cat ear, is bonded to
the opposite reinforcement element to increase the rigidity of the
device. Other shapes can be used, for example, but not limited to a
dog, bird, or horse. Thus, it is envisioned that a package having a
specific shape appearance is used as a container for that specific
food item, such as a cat shaped container is used for cat food.
[0044] Yet further, it is possible to incorporate between the base
(23) and the pouch (10) an additional element (30). This additional
element (30) can be an advertisement or promotional item.
[0045] In embodiments where the reinforcement elements do not
completely enclose the pouch, the user is able to touch the pouch
directly and to tactilely feel the contained product in the pouch.
Thus, depending on the nature of the product and the required
marketing positioning, it is possible to choose a reinforcement
structure which is more open or less open to allow more direct
contact or less direct access to the product.
[0046] FIGS. 7A to 7D are four views of the pouch in FIGS. 6A and
6B once the top of the pouch has been cut.
[0047] In FIG. 7A, it will be seen that a part of the element (21)
has itself been cut out so as to constitute a tab (210). The tab
(210) is able to be set upright and folded back over the top of the
pouch, which can be engaged into a slot (220) of the opposing
reinforcement element (22) (FIG. 7B). Engaging tab (210) into slot
(220) results in a closing mechanism for the pouch.
[0048] FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D show the embodiments of the pouch once
the tab is engaged in the slot. This arrangement makes it possible
to re-close the pouch when only a part of its content has been
dispensed.
[0049] It will be noted that the pouch of the present invention may
be made in different sizes. In particular, it is possible to
provide large dimensional pouches which are manipulated with both
hands so as to separate the two reinforcement elements and open the
pouch. One such example, is a large pouch that may be used for dog
food.
[0050] An advantage according to the invention is that each
reinforcement element can contain a pre-cut tear line, given the
reference L in FIGS. 8A to 8C, at the same height that the
reinforcement elements (21, 22) are bonded to the pouch. Thus, the
adhesive may be deposited between each reinforcement element and
its associated pouch wall along two continuous lines C as shown in
FIGS. 8B and 8C. The continuous lines C may extend approximately
from one lateral edge to the other of their associated pouch wall.
Yet further, the continuous lines C may also be parallel to their
associated tear line L. It is envisioned that the tear line L runs
along the vertical direction between the two lines of adhesive C.
In this case, the pouch is opened by tearing off the upper part of
the reinforcement elements (21, 22) (and possibly the top
connecting these reinforcement elements). According to the
invention, tearing the upper part of the pouch is made easier and
more reliable by bonding the pouch walls to the support elements at
the same height as the tear lines of the reinforcement elements.
Indeed, this arrangement makes it possible to guide the tearing of
the pouch by hand, which results in an easy to open device.
[0051] Pouches may include opening means such as a weakening line
which might be made, for example, by laser beam etching of the
pouch sheet so as to reduce its thickness. It will be noted that
according to the invention two notches may be located on the
opposing edges of the pouch, at the same height as the weakening
lines of the reinforcement elements. Such notches E are shown in
FIG. 8B, in which the upper parts of each reinforcement element
(21, 22) have been shown diagrammatically with their weakening line
L surrounded by their two lines of adhesive C. This arrangement
makes it possible to remove one stage in the process of
manufacturing the pouch (such as a stage of etching the pouch walls
by laser beam), allowing the manufacturing cost per pouch to be
reduced.
[0052] It should also be noted that the two lines of adhesive C
constitute a "channel" which frames the desired place for tearing
the walls of the pouch, and thus, plays a part in guiding the
tearing of the two lines of adhesive by constituting obstacles to
the tear lines of the pouch walls.
[0053] The design of the pouch according to the invention may also
be adapted in such a way that the tear lines of the reinforcement
elements define the path for opening the pouch. For example, it may
be possible to have a rectilinear opening path, a curvilinear
opening path, or even a path according to any required design.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9E, shows a packaging device
containing two pouches (10, 10'). As shown particularly in FIG. 9C
and FIG. 9E, two pouches (10, 10') are bonded together by two lines
of adhesive C', which approximately cover the lateral extent of the
surface on which the two pouches are opposite one another. FIG. 9D
and FIG. 9E show the longitudinal median plane P of the device
where the pouches may be aligned approximately perpendicular to
this plane. The reinforcement elements are, as in the case of the
device with a single pouch, arranged symmetrically relative to the
plane P. It is understood that the embodiment in FIGS. 9A to 9E,
which includes two pouches can include any or all of the
embodiments that have been described for a single pouch. Yet
further, each pouch may be bonded to a reinforcement element
(element 21' for the pouch 10', 22' for the pouch 10) by two lines
of adhesive C. The bonding of the elements are similar to the
previous discussions of bonding, of which those discussions are
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0055] The pouches may be opened simultaneously or sequentially. To
prevent simultaneous opening of the pouches, the lateral edges of
the two pouches (10, 10') are not opposite one another, but are
offset as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9D. Thus, when opening the
device, only a single edge of the pouch is torn at one time. Yet
further, it is envisioned that pouches of different width may also
conceivable facilitate the opening of a single pouch. This
embodiment makes it possible to package in a single device products
with different characteristics. It will be possible, for example,
to package in one pouch pieces of meat with or without sauce, while
the other pouch contains rice or accompanying vegetables. Thus, the
possibility is offered for providing the consumer with several
products, constituting a combination dish, in a same device. Yet
further, it may also be possible to incorporate into the two
respective pouches food with different tastes, different textures,
or even two different functions (one pouch being able to contain a
food such as a complete cooked dish, the other pouch being able to
contain a product such as a medicine). And in a more general way,
the two (or more) pouches may contain products or chemical
compounds to be mixed before use,
[0056] Another advantage is that each product packaged separately
in a pouch may retain its intrinsic characteristics before the
pouch is opened and the respective products, which it contains, are
mixed together. In this respect, it will be noted that it is also
possible to subject a pouch containing a specific product and
having already been re-closed to different treatments
(sterilization, preservation treatments, etc.), and to join this
first pouch to a second pouch not having been subjected to the same
treatment so as to constitute a device such as shown in FIGS. 9A to
9E. This type of device may also be practical since it allows
different pouches to be opened at different times or the same time.
Yet further, this device also has a high degree of safety, since it
allows the manufacturer to incorporate in the different pouches the
exact quantities of product which are to be mixed together.
[0057] Also, this device is advantageous in terms of presentation
since it allows the respective products contained in the respective
pouches to be dispensed in the same receptacle. It is thus possible
depending to conceive of any number of pouches aligned in series
and bonded together in by their adjacent walls, preferably at the
same height as notches of their lateral edges, surrounded by two
reinforcement elements also bonded (or fixed to the pouches by any
other known means), the reinforcement elements being able to
comprise tear lines. The reinforcement elements may also in this
case not comprise tear lines, the pouches then being able to be
equipped with opening means such as weakening lines made by laser
etching.
[0058] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
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