U.S. patent application number 10/871532 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for openable and re-closable container and method for making the container having contents stored therein.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fukoku Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Kawahara, Kouji, Matsuzawa, Yutaka, Morimura, Takashi, Suzuki, Tatsuo, Yoshida, Takao.
Application Number | 20050041888 10/871532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34189780 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050041888 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsuzawa, Yutaka ; et
al. |
February 24, 2005 |
Openable and re-closable container and method for making the
container having contents stored therein
Abstract
A storage section 18, a communicating section 22, an openable
section 20, and a discharged section are provided. Regions of
container walls 12a (12b) that form an opening 21 to be formed by
tearing the openable section 20 are approchable each other, and
regions of the container walls 12a (12b) that form the
communicating section 22 are approchable each other. When the
regions of the container walls 12a (12b) that form the opening 21
are separated from each other over the entire width thereof, the
regions of the container walls 12a (12b) that form the
communicating section 22 can be separated from each other. Seal
sheets 28a (28b) are respectively joined to the regions of the
container walls 12a (12b) that form the communicating section 22.
The seal sheets 28a (28b) are opposite each other and extend toward
the storage section 18. The seal sheets 28a (28b) include sealing
portions 32 that adhere to each other in a condition where they are
separatable from each other over the entire width of the
communicating section 18 from joined positions 30 thereof to
storage section 18. When the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets
28a (28b) are separated from each other and re-adhere to each
other, the opening 21 can be re-closed.
Inventors: |
Matsuzawa, Yutaka;
(Ageo-shi, JP) ; Yoshida, Takao; (Ageo-shi,
JP) ; Kawahara, Kouji; (Ageo-shi, JP) ;
Morimura, Takashi; (Ageo-shi, JP) ; Suzuki,
Tatsuo; (Ageo-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAAS & HALSEY LLP
SUITE 700
1201 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Fukoku Co., Ltd.
Saitama
JP
|
Family ID: |
34189780 |
Appl. No.: |
10/871532 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/9 ; 383/204;
383/211; 383/44; 383/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5855 20130101;
B65D 75/5805 20130101; B65D 75/5883 20130101; B65B 3/003 20130101;
B65D 75/566 20130101; B65D 2575/565 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/009 ;
383/204; 383/044; 383/211; 383/089 |
International
Class: |
B65D 030/24; B65D
033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2003 |
JP |
2003-202088 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An openable and re-closable container comprising: an internal
space formed by a container wall; said internal space having a
storage section, an openable section, and a communicating section
communicating with said openable section and said storage section;
said openable section being adapted to form an opening by tearing
said container wall of said container wall; said communicating
section being formed into a substantially flat-shape; and
re-closing means provided in said communicating section for
facilitating openable sealing of said communicating section to
close a side of said storing section that is adjacent to said
opening; said re-closing means comprising opposite seal sheets
disposed between opposite wall regions of said container wall which
positionally correspond to said communicating section; said
opposite seal sheets comprising: joined portions joined onto an
inner surface of one of said opposite wall regions and an inner
surface of the other of said opposite wall regions, respectively,
along the entire width of said communicating section; and sealing
portions extending from said joined portions toward said storage
section in unjoined conditions relative to said opposite wall
regions; at least parts of said sealing portions being opposite
each other so as to be adherable to each other and separable from
each other substantially along the entire width of said
communicating section.
2. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said opposite seal sheets are adapted to adhere to each
other by causing said opposite seal sheets to be pressed against
each other in a thickness direction.
3. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said sealing portions of said opposite seal sheets have
adhesion.
4. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 3,
wherein at least opposite surfaces of said sealing portions of said
seal sheets are formed of a mixture of thermoplastic resins and
adhesion-adding resins.
5. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 4,
wherein said thermoplastic resins comprise polypropylene and said
adhesion-adding resins comprise stereoregular and block copolymer
of polypropylene.
6. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 3,
wherein said seal sheets comprise adhesive layers forming opposite
surfaces thereof, and non-adhesive layers adjacent to said
container wall.
7. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 6,
wherein resin forming said adhesive layers have a melting point of
at least 100.degree. C. or higher.
8. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 6,
wherein resin forming said non-adhesive layers have a melting-point
of at least 100.degree. C. or higher.
9. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said container further includes a hanging means provided at
a side of said openable section which is adjacent to said storage
section, and a discharged means provided at a part of said
container wall which is located at a lowermost position when said
container is hung through said hanging means.
10. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 9,
wherein said hanging means is provided at a part of said container
wall which is adjacent to one of both sides of said openable
section, and said discharged means is provided at a part of said
container wall which is diagonal to said hanging means.
11. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said opening has the substantially same width as that of
the opening side of said communicating section.
12. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said opening has a width wider than that of the opening
side of the communicating section.
13. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said opposite seal sheets are joined at both side edges
thereof to both side edges of said opposite wall regions forming
said communicating section.
14. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said opposite seal sheets are at least partially joined to
each other at ends thereof which are adjacent to said storage
section.
15. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 2,
wherein at least one of said opposite wall regions of said
container wall is provided with a visual indicator means for
indicating said sealing portions of said seal sheets to be pressed
against each other, said visual indicator means being provided at
an area of the at least one of said opposite wall regions that
positionally corresponds to said seal sheets.
16. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 2,
wherein at least one of said opposite seal sheets is provided with
a visual indicator means for indicating said sealing positions of
said seal sheets to be pressed against each other, said visual
indicator means being capable of being visually perceived through
said opposite wall regions from the outside of said container
wall.
17. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said container further includes a chuck means for chucking
said container wall from both sides thereof to cause said sealing
portions of said seal sheets to be pressed against each other, said
chuck means being provided on said opposite wall regions forming
said communicating section and/or area of opposite wall regions
forming said storage section, which are adjacent to said
communicating section.
18. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said container further includes means for facilitating
folding of said container, said means for facilitating folding of
said container being provided at said communicating section and/or
a side of said storage section which is adjacent to said
communicating section.
19. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 18,
wherein said container further includes a stopper means for
stopping one part of a folded container with respect to the other
of said folded container, said folded container being folded
through said means for facilitating folding of said container.
20. An openable and closable container according to claim 1,
wherein said container has first contents preliminarily stored
within said storage section thereof, said container being adapted
to be used by tearing said area of said container wall to form said
opening, putting second contents into said storage section through
said formed opening and mixing said second contents with said first
contents.
21. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 20,
wherein said first contents comprise a concentrated substance, and
said second contents comprise a dilute liquid for diluting said
concentrated substance.
22. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 21,
wherein said concentrated substance comprises an enteral nutrient
or an inspissated liquid diet.
23. An openable and re-closable container according to claim 20,
wherein said container is designed in such a manner that an upper
surface of a mixture comprising said first and second contents is
located at a position lower than said seal sheets in a condition
where said opening and said communicating section are located at an
upper position.
24. An openable and re-closable container comprising: a container
wall having an internal space and shut at a periphery thereof; said
internal space having a storage section, an openable section, and a
communicating section communicating with said openable section and
said storage section; said openable section being adapted to form
an opening by tearing said container wall; said communicating
section being formed into a substantially flat-shape; and
re-closing means provided in said communicating section for
facilitating openable sealing of said communicating section to
close a side of said storage section that is adjacent to said
opening; said re-closing means comprising opposite adhesive seal
sheets that are disposed between opposite wall regions of said
container wall that positionally correspond to said communicating
section, and joined to said opposite wall regions of said container
wall, respectively.
25. A method for making the openable and re-closable container of
claim 1, said container having contents stored within said storage
section, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing said container
having a pouring-opening formed in a part of a periphery of said
container wall that is adjacent to said storage section; (b)
causing opposite surfaces of said sealing portions of said opposite
seal sheets to be brought to a protected condition where said
opposite surfaces of said sealing portions do not contact the
contents which are to be stored within said storage section; (c)
thereafter putting the contents into said storage section through
said pouring-opening; and (d) sealing said second opening.
26. A method for making the openable and re-closable container,
according to claim 25, wherein the step (b) comprises the step of
pressing a part of said container wall which positionally
corresponds to said communicating section and/or a part of said
container wall which positionally corresponds to said storage
section, from both sides of said container wall by damper means, to
thereby cause said sealing portions to be brought to the protected
condition.
27. A method for making the openable and re-closable container,
according to claim 25, wherein the step (b) comprises the step of
causing said container wall to be folded at a part of said
container wall which positionally corresponds to said communicating
section and/or a part of said container wall which positionally
corresponds to said storage section, to thereby cause said sealing
portions to be brought to the protected condition.
28. A method for making the openable and re-closable container,
according to claim 25, further including the step of turning said
container in such a manner that said seal sheets are located at an
upper position and said storage section is located at a lower
position, after the closing of said pouring-opening, and thereafter
causing opposite surfaces of said sealing portions to be released
from the protected condition.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a container that is freely
openable and re-closable, and a method for making a freely openable
and re-closable container having contents preliminarily stored
therein.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Hitherto, as a container for storing an enteral nutrient, an
inspissated liquid diet or the like, there was employed a container
made of resin and having a storage section, an openable section
disposed above the storage section and communicating with the
storage section, and a discharged section provided at a lower part
of the container.
[0005] The conventional container is hermetically sealed in a
condition where an enteral nutrient or an inspissated liquid diet
is preliminarily stored within the storage section. The use of the
container is carried out by tearing portions of container walls
that form the openable section, to thereby form an opening, pouring
a dilute liquid into the container through the formed opening,
causing the dilute liquid to be mixed with the stored contents to
thereby dilute the contents to the extent that the concentration of
the contents becomes suitable for a patient, and thereafter
administering the contents to the patient through the discharged
section.
[0006] The container can be used for many applications. For
example, the use of the container can be performed by causing a
portion or all of any solids, liquid or the like (except an enteral
nutrient or a inspissated liquid diet) to be stored within the
container at the time of the use of the container, and thereafter
causing the contents to be discharged out of the container.
[0007] Japanese laid-open patent publication No. Sho 57-86275
discloses a flat-shaped container that includes an openable and
re-closable pouring-spout provided at an upper end portion of the
container, a hanging means provided at the upper end portion of the
container, a conduit provided at a lower end portion of the
container, and a discharge connected to the conduit. In the
container, mating plastic chuck seals or cap is provided at the
pouring-spout. When the container is to be used, the pouring-spout
is widely broadened, any contents are poured into the container
through the opened pouring-spout and, thereafter, the pouring-spout
can be re-closed. This prevents any contaminant such as dust and/or
dirt from entering the container and prevents the stored contents
from spilling out of the container through the pouring-spout, at
the time of the use of the container.
[0008] Also, Japanese laid-open patent publication No. Hei
11-285518 and U. S. Publication No. US 2003/148004 A1 each disclose
a container that has a structure similar to the structure of the
above-mentioned container, and that further includes an easily
peelable partition wall disposed in proximity to a side of the
mating chuck seals that is adjacent to a storage section. In the
container, the provision of the chuck seals prevents any
contaminant such as dirt and/or dust from entering the storage
section and prevents stored contents from spilling out of the
container. Furthermore, the provision of the easily peelable
partition wall provides a virgin-proof function. When the easily
peelable partition wall is provided, the stored contents are
prevented from leaking from the mating chuck seals toward the
openable section of the container during the contents are stored.
Therefore, the contents do not attach to the opening that is formed
by tearing the portions of the container walls forming the openable
section, when the container is to be used, so that a person can
sanitarily handle the container without touching the contents at
the time of the use of the container.
[0009] However, with such conventional containers as discussed
above, it is necessary to form the openings as broadly as possible
and design the openings in such a manner that the openings can be
widely broadened, in order to facilitate pouring of the contents
into the container through the openings at the time of the use of
the containers. On the contrary, when the openings are formed more
broadly, the mating chuck seals are inevitably required to be
elongated. When the openings are to be re-closed, fitting of such
elongated mating chuck seals together must be carried out. This
takes a lot of labor. Particularly, when a lot of containers are
required to be prepared in a hospital or the like, the fitting of
the elongated mating chuck seals together is considerably
troublesome.
[0010] Furthermore, in a home medical treatment, it is
significantly hard for a patient whose eyesight fails and/or a
patient whose body is disabled, to cause the elongated mating chuck
seals to be completely fitted together.
[0011] If the mating chuck seals are incompletely fitted together
and parts of the chuck seals remain disengaged from each other, the
contents within the container will leak out of the container
through the parts of the mating chuck seals that are not fitted
together. Moreover, there is a possibility that the separation of
the mating chuck seals will start from the disengaged parts of the
mating chuck seals, whereby the chuck seals will be easily
disengaged from each other, and the contents within the container
will spill out of the container.
[0012] When such a container as discussed above is to be prepared,
the mating chuck seals that are formed independently from a
container body are respectively joined to opposite walls for the
container body by welding or the like. In order to prevent the
leakage of the contents after the preparation of the container and
at the time of the use of the container, it is necessary to design
the mating chuck seals in such a manner that the mating chuck seals
extends continuously from a tightly shut peripheral portion of the
container walls.
[0013] The tightly shut peripheral portion of the opposite
container walls is formed by causing a continuous sheet material
for the container walls to be folded or by welding opposite sheet
materials for the container walls together at the peripheries
thereof. The chuck seals comprise uneven fitting portions of
three-dimensional shapes and are different in form from the
container walls. Joining of the chuck seals to the container walls
is performed by welding the chuck seals to the container walls
while causing the members different in form from each other, to be
pressed against each other and crushed. Therefore, it is hard to
cause the chuck seals to be joined to the tightly shut peripheral
portion of the container walls in such a manner that the chuck
seals extend continuously from the tightly shut peripheral portion
of the container walls, without producing any clearance between the
chuck seals and the tightly shut peripheral portion of the
container walls. Therefore, the preparing of the container takes a
lot of labor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been made with a view to
overcoming the foregoing problems of the prior art containers.
[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an openable and re-closable container in which, at the time
of the use of the container, an opening of the container can be
widely broadened and easily re-closed, and which can be easily
produced.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for making an openable and re-closable container having
contents preliminarily stored therein.
[0017] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an openable and re-closable container. The
openable and re-closable container comprises an internal space
formed by a container wall, the internal space having a storage
section, an openable section, and a communicating section
communicating with the openable section and the storage section,
the openable section being adapted to form an opening by tearing
the container wall, the communicating section being formed into a
substantially flat-shape, and re-closing means provided in the
communicating section for facilitating openable sealing of the
communicating section to close a side of the storage section that
is adjacent to the opening. The re-closing means comprises opposite
seal sheets disposed between opposite wall regions of the container
wall that positionally correspond to the communicating section. The
opposite seal sheets comprise joined portions which are joined onto
an inner surface of one of the opposite wall regions and an inner
surface of the other of the opposite wall regions along the entire
width of the communicating section, respectively, and sealing
portions extending from the joined portions toward the storage
section in unjoined conditions relative to the opposite wall
regions. At least parts of the sealing portions are opposite each
other so as to be adherable to each other and separable from each
other substantially over the entire width of the communicating
section.
[0018] The container may comprise a container wall having an
internal space and shut at a periphery thereof, the internal space
having a storage section, an openable section, and a communicating
section communicating with the openable section and the storage
section, the openable section being adapted to form an opening by
tearing the container wall, the communicating section being formed
into a substantially flat-shape, and re-closing means provided in
the communicating section for facilitating openable sealing of the
communicating section to close a side of the storage section that
is adjacent to the opening, the re-closing means comprising
opposite adhesive seal sheets that are disposed between opposite
wall regions of the container wall that positionally correspond to
the communicating section, and joined to the opposite wall regions
of the container wall, respectively.
[0019] In the container, the opposite seal sheets comprise the
joined portions that are joined onto the corresponding inner
surfaces of the opposite wall regions forming the communicating
section, along the entire width of the communicating section, and
the sealing portions extending from the joined portions toward the
storage section in the unjoined conditions relative to the opposite
wall regions, and the at least parts of the sealing portions are
opposite each other so as to be adherable to each other and
separable from each other substantially over the entire width of
the communicating section, so that by tearing opposite wall regions
of the container wall, which form the opening, to thereby form the
opening, and causing the opposite wall regions forming the opening
to be separated from each other substantially over the entire width
of the openable section, to thereby cause the opposite wall regions
forming the communicating section to be broadly separated from each
other, the opposite seal sheets can be separated from each other
according to broadening of the communicating section. Therefore, by
merely causing the opening to be widely broadened at the time of
the use of the container, the communicating section can be widely
broadened and the seal sheets can be widely separated from each
other. It is possible to easily pour a dilute liquid or the like
into the storage section through the widely opened opening.
[0020] Furthermore, by causing the opposite wall regions forming
the communicating section to approach each other after the dilute
liquid or the like is poured into the storage section, the sealing
portions of the opposite seal sheets can be moved nearer to each
other and adhere to each other over the entire width of the
communicating section, whereby a side of the storage section that
is adjacent to the openable section is re-closed by the seal
sheets. Therefore, any contaminant such as dirt and/or dust hardly
enters the storage section through the opening. Also, even if the
upper surface of the contents is changed after the forming of the
opening, the contents are prevented from scattering out of the
container through the opening.
[0021] In addition, the seal sheets are planar and maintaining of
the three-dimensional shapes of the chuck seals which is required
in the conventional container after the joining of the chuck seals
to the container wall is not required for the seal sheets according
to the present invention. Therefore, the seal sheets can be easily
joined onto the container wall, and the container can be easily
made.
[0022] Furthermore, in a case where the container has contents
preliminarily stored within the storage section, when the opening
is broadened, the seal sheets which do not have such uneven fitting
portions as the conventional sealing means comprising the chuck
seals or the like has can be easily separated from each other,
since it is unnecessary for the seal sheets to apply force to the
fitting portions as in the conventional containers in order to
cause the fitting portions to be disengaged from each other.
Therefore, in the container according to the present invention,
there is no possibility that, when the opening is broadened, any
shock will be applied to the contents within the storage section,
and the contents are prevented from scattering out of the
container. In addition, the contents are prevented from flowing
toward the openable section by the sealing portions of the seal
sheets, to thereby prevent the contents from attaching onto an
inner surface of the container wall which is directly under the
openable section, so that a person can sanitarily broaden the
opening without touching the contents.
[0023] Furthermore, when the communicating section is to be
re-closed by the seal sheets to thereby bring a side of the storage
section, which is adjacent to the opening, to a closed condition,
the re-closing of the communicating section can be easily performed
since it is unnecessary to carry out such an additional operation
as the engaging operation of the fitting portions (uneven portions)
that is required for the chuck seals in the conventional
containers.
[0024] In the openable and re-closable container, the opposite seal
sheets may be adapted to adhere to each other by causing the
opposite seal sheets to be pressed against each other in a
thickness direction.
[0025] In this case, by causing the opposite seal sheets to be
pressed against each other from the outside of the container
through the opposite wall regions forming the communicating
section, the seal sheets can adhere to each other. Therefore,
re-closing of the communicating section by the seal sheets can be
easily performed.
[0026] In the openable and re-closable container, the sealing
portions of the seal sheets may have adhesion.
[0027] Moreover, at least opposite surfaces of the sealing portions
of the seal sheets may be formed of a mixture of thermoplastic
resins and adhesion-exhibiting resins.
[0028] Furthermore, the thermoplastic resins may comprise
polypropylene and the adhesion-adding resins may comprise
stereoregular and block copolymer of polypropylene.
[0029] In these cases, the sealing portions of the opposite seal
sheets have adhesion, so that adhering of the sealing portions
relative to each other after new contents such as dilute liquid are
stored in the storage section through the opening can be positively
achieved by causing the sealing portions to come into contact with
each other, whereby the side of the storage section that is
adjacent to the opening can be securely closed and the contents
within the storage section are positively prevented from moving
towards the opening.
[0030] In the openable and re-closable container, the seal sheets
may include adhesive layers forming opposite surfaces thereof, and
relatively non-adhesive layers adjacent to the container wall.
[0031] In this case, the seal sheets do not adhere to the container
wall that the seal sheets are adjacent, and the opposite sealing
portions of the seal sheets can be easily brought to an adhering
condition relative to each other due to the adhesion of the
adhesive layers.
[0032] It is preferable that resin forming the adhesive layers has
a melting-point of at least 100.degree. C. or higher. Also, it is
preferable that the resin forming the relatively non-adhesive
layers has a melting-point of 100.degree. C. or higher.
[0033] In the case where the resin forming the adhesive layers
and/or the resin forming the relatively non-adhesive layers each
have a melting point of at least 100.degree. C. or higher, when the
container is subjected to high pressure stream sterilization or
retort-sterilization, the seals sheets can be prevented from
melting.
[0034] The container may include a hanging means provided at a side
of the openable section that is adjacent to the storage section,
and a discharged means provided at a part of the container wall
which is located at a lowermost position when the container is hung
through the hanging means.
[0035] In this case, the container can be used while being hung
through the hanging means, and a portion of the stored contents
which may remain within the storage section after discharging of
the contents out of the container can be reduced in quantity as
less as possible, so that the container can be used
economically.
[0036] In the openable and re-closable container, the hanging means
may be provided at a part of the container wall which is adjacent
to one of both sides of the openable section, and the discharged
means may be provided at a part of the container wall which is
diagonal to the hanging means.
[0037] In this case, when the container is hung through the hanging
means after the forming of the opening, the container wall is
loaded by its own weight. As a result, the opposite wall regions
forming the communicating section hardly move in such a direction
as to be separated from each other, so that the sealing portions of
the opposite seal sheets are easily maintained in the adhering
condition relative to each other and the side of the storage
section that is adjacent to the opening is easily kept in the
closed condition.
[0038] In the openable and re-closable container, the opening may
have the substantially same width as that of the opening side of
the communicating section.
[0039] In this case, the opening and the communicating section can
be easily broadened widely, and new contents such as a dilute
liquid or the like can be easily put into the storage section
through the opening.
[0040] In the openable and re-closable container, the opening may
have a width wider than that of the opening side of the
communicating section.
[0041] In this case, the forming of the opening by tearing the
openable section can be easily carried out, and the communicating
section can be widely broadened through the container wall regions
forming the openable section, after the forming of the opening.
[0042] In the openable and re-closable container, the opposite seal
sheets may be joined at both side edges thereof to both side edges
of the opposite container wall regions forming the communicating
section.
[0043] In this case, any clearances will not be produced between
the both edges of the sealing portions of the seal sheets and the
both edges of the container wall regions forming the communicating
section, so that the side of the storage section that is adjacent
to the opening can be maintained in a securely closed condition by
the seal sheets. Also, the container can be easily produced, to
thereby enable the production cost of the container to be
reduced.
[0044] In the openable and re-closable container, the opposite seal
sheets may be at least partially joined to each other at ends
thereof which are adjacent to the storage section.
[0045] In this case, until the opening is broadened, for example,
at the time of producing of the container and safekeeping of the
container, the opposite seal sheets can be easily kept in the
adhering condition relative to each other.
[0046] In the openable and re-closable container, a part of the
container wall that positionally corresponds to the sealing
portions of the seal sheets may be provided with a visual indicator
means for indicating a position of the sealing portions to be
pressed against each other.
[0047] The sealing portions of the seal sheets may be provided with
the visual indicator means for indicating a position of the sealing
portions to be pressed against each other, which is adapted to be
visually perceived through the container wall from the outside.
[0048] In this case, the position of the sealing portions of the
seal sheets can be visually perceived from the outside of the
container, so that when the container is to be re-closed, areas of
the container wall which should be pressed against each other can
be easily identified. Therefore, the re-closing of the container
can be easily performed.
[0049] The container may include a chuck means for chucking the
opposite wall regions to cause the sealing portions of the seal
sheets to be pressed against each other from the both sides. The
chuck means is removably provided on the opposite wall regions
forming the communicating section and/or area of the opposite wall
regions forming the storage section, which are adjacent to the
communicating section.
[0050] In this case, when the chuck means is mounted on the
container wall, the sealing portions of the opposite seal sheets
can positively adhere to each other by chuck means, so that the
storage section can be securely sealed.
[0051] The container may include means for facilitating folding of
the container. The means for facilitating folding of the container
are provided at parts of the container wall which are adjacent to
the communicating section and/or areas of the storage section which
are adjacent to the communicating section.
[0052] In this case, when the container wall is folded at the
facilitating means, opposite wall regions of the folded container
wall can be deformed so as to approach each other, so that the
sealing portions of the seal sheets disposed between the opposite
wall regions adhere to each other and a space between the seal
sheets and the communicating section is closed. Therefore, the
contents can hardly contact the sealing portions of the seal sheets
and the side of the storage section that is adjacent to the opening
can be positively sealed.
[0053] The container may include a stopper means for stopping one
part of the container wall folded through the folding-facilitating
means, with respect to the other of the folded container wall. The
stopper means is provided at a part of the container wall.
[0054] In this case, the container wall can be kept in the folded
condition.
[0055] The container may have first contents preliminarily stored
within the storage section thereof. The container is adapted to be
used by tearing the portion of the container wall to form the
opening, putting second contents into the storage section through
the formed opening and mixing the second contents with the first
contents.
[0056] The first contents may comprise a concentrated liquid. The
second contents may comprise a dilute liquid for diluting the
concentrated liquid.
[0057] The concentrated liquid may comprise an enteral nutrient or
an inspissated liquid diet.
[0058] In these cases, the opening and the communicating section
are easy to be broadened widely and are easy to be re-closed, so
that the container is preferably applied to the use in which
putting of the second contents into the container is performed
after the opening is formed.
[0059] The container may be designed in such a manner that an upper
surface of a mixture comprising the first and second contents is
located at a position lower than the lower ends of the seal sheets
which are adjacent to the storage section, in a condition where the
opening and the communicating section are located at a position
above the storage section.
[0060] In this case, in a condition where the container is hung
through the hanging means, the seal sheets hardly contact the
contents within the storage section, the re-closing is easy to be
positively achieved, and the contents are prevented from scattering
out of the container and prevented from touching the person's
fingers.
[0061] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for forming an openable and re-closable
container having contents stored therein. The method comprises the
steps of preparing the container having a pouring-opening formed in
a part of a periphery of the container wall that is adjacent to the
storage section, causing opposite surfaces of the sealing portions
of the opposite seal sheets to be brought to a protected condition
where the opposite surfaces of the sealing portions do not contact
the contents which are to be stored within the storage section,
thereafter putting the contents into the storage section through
the pouring-opening, and sealing the second opening.
[0062] The method according to the present invention may comprise
the step of pressing a part of said container wall which
positionally corresponds to the communicating section and/or a part
of the container wall which positionally corresponds to the storage
section, from both sides of the container wall by damper means, to
thereby cause the sealing portions to be brought to the protected
condition.
[0063] The method according to the present invention may comprise
the step of causing the container wall to be folded at a part of
the container wall which positionally corresponds to the
communicating section and/or a part of the container wall which
positionally corresponds to the storage section, to thereby cause
the sealing portions to be brought to the protected condition.
[0064] In the method, the putting of the contents into the storage
section is carried out in the protected condition where the
opposite surfaces of the sealing portions do not contact the
contents, so that the contents hardly flow between the sealing
portions of the seal sheets at the time of putting of the contents
into the storage section, and hardly attach to the opposite
surfaces of the sealing portions and inner surfaces of the openable
section. Also, when the person performs the broadening of the
opening after the opening is formed by tearing the portion of the
container wall, the person can sanitarily handle the container
without touching the contents.
[0065] The method according to the present invention comprises the
step of turning the container in such a manner that the seal sheets
are located at an upper position and the storage section is located
at a lower position, after the closing of the pouring-opening, and
thereafter causing opposite surfaces of sealing portions to be
released from the protected condition.
[0066] In this case, even if the opposite surfaces of the sealing
portions of the seal sheets are released from the protected
condition, the contents hardly contact the seal sheets, and the
contents are positively prevented from flowing between the seal
sheets and toward the openable section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] These and other objects and many of the attendant advantages
of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals denotes the same parts
throughout the Figures and wherein:
[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0069] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the container;
[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of seal sheets employed
in the container;
[0071] FIG. 4a is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a condition where the seal sheets completely adhere to
each other;
[0072] FIG. 4b is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a state where the seal sheets are partially peeled from
each other at end portions thereof;
[0073] FIG. 4c is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a condition that the peeling of the seal sheets
progresses;
[0074] FIG. 5 is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a method for making the openable and re-closable
container;
[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0076] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0077] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0078] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0079] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged sectional view of a
communicating section of an openable and re-closable container
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention;
[0081] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to an eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0082] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of an openable and
re-closable container according to a ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0083] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of the openable and
re-closable container according to the ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0084] FIG. 15 is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a second embodiment of the openable and re-closable
container making method; and
[0085] FIG. 16 is a schematic view that is of assistance in
explaining a third embodiment of the openable and re-closable
container making method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0086] Embodiments according to the present invention will be
discussed hereinafter.
[0087] First Embodiment
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated an openable
and re-closable container according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a reference numeral 10 denotes
the openable and re-closable container that has a substantially
quadrilateral shape as viewed from the front side and is flat. The
openable and re-closable container 10 includes a pair of container
walls 12a, 12b that are opposite each other and formed of
thermoplastic resin. The container walls 12a, 12b are
liquid-tightly welded together at peripheries thereof to form a
welded portion 14 around the periphery of the container, whereby an
internal space 16 is defined within the container 10.
[0089] The internal space 16 is divided into three section, i.e., a
storage section 18 for the contents to be stored therein, an
openable section 20 disposed above the storage section 18 and
adapted to form an opening 21 by tearing the container walls 12a,
12b along a virtual line L shown in FIG. 1, and a communicating
section 22 occupying a space between the storage section 18 and the
openable section 20 and communicating with the storage section 18
and the openable section 20. The container walls 12a, 12b have
first opposite wall regions forming the openable section 20, second
opposite wall regions forming the communicating section 22, and
third opposite wall regions forming the storage section 18.
[0090] The openable section 20 has the substantially same width as
that of the opening side of the communicating section 22.
Therefore, the opening 21 that is to be formed by tearing the
container walls 12a, 12b along the virtual line L has the
substantially same width as that of the opening side of the
communicating section 22. The storage section 18 has a width wider
than those of the openable section 20 and communicating section 22.
Throughout this application, unless otherwise indicated, the term
"width" means a size measured in a crosswise direction of a sheet
of FIG. 1.
[0091] In the illustrated example, a concentrated liquid 34
comprising an enteral nutrient or inspissated liquid diet is
preliminarily stored within the storage section 18 as the contents,
and the openable section 20 is hermetically sealed in a condition
where the concentrated liquid 34 is stored within the storage
section 18.
[0092] At a part of the container that is upper than the storage
section 18 and adjacent to an edge of one of both sides of the
openable section 20, namely, in the illustrated embodiment, at a
region of the welded portion 14 that positionally corresponds to an
upper corner of the container 10, there is provided a hanging means
24 comprising a through-hole. Furthermore, at a region of the
welded portion 14 that is adjacent to an edge of the other of the
both sides of the openable section 20 that is remote from the side
at which the hanging means 24 is provided, there is formed a notch
25 for facilitating forming of the opening 21 by tearing the
container walls 12a, 12b.
[0093] At a lower location of the openable and re-closable
container 10 that is diagonal to the hanging means 24, there is
provided a discharged means 26 for allowing the storage section 18
to communicate with the exterior of the container 10. In a state
where the openable and re-closable container 10 is hung through the
hanging means 24, the discharged means 26 is located at the
lowermost position of the storage section 18. Although is not shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, a closing member for closing the discharged means
26, e.g., a cap or a sealing sheet, that is adapted to be removed
or peeled from the discharged means 26 at the time of the use of
the container, is provided at the discharged means 26.
[0094] The container walls 12a, 12b of the openable and re-closable
container 10 are formed of thermoplastic resin that is flexible to
such an extent that the first, second and third opposite regions of
the container walls 12a, 12b are separable from each other and
approachable each other. The material for the container walls 12a,
12b may be suitably selected for various applications. For example,
in the event that the contents are an enteral nutrient or food such
as a inspissated liquid diet, as the material for the container
walls 12a, 12b, there may be employed transparent or translucent
retort-sterilizable resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, vinyl chloride, polyester, or
nylon. As sheet materials for the container walls, there may be
employed laminated sheet materials in which sheet materials formed
of any of the above-mentioned materials are laminated to each
other, or laminated barrier sheet materials in which surface layers
or interlayers are formed from silica-deposited films,
alumina-deposited films, polyvinyl alcohol films or the like. As
the thermoplastic resin for the container walls, it preferably has
a melting point of at least 100.degree. C. or higher in order that
the container walls 12a, 12b are not fused even if the container is
subjected to retort-sterilization or high pressure stream
sterilization.
[0095] The container walls 12a, 12b are welded together at the
peripheral welded portion 14 in a face-to-face relation with each
other, so that when a person causes the container walls 12a, 12b to
be separated from each other by fingers and releases the container
walls 12a, 12b from the fingers, they can approach each other due
to a weak restoring force which will be produced because of the
physical property of the material for the container walls 12a, 12b,
the shape of the welded portion 14 or the like.
[0096] Between the second opposite wall regions of the container
walls 12a, 12b which form the communicating section 22 of the
openable and re-closable container 10, there are arranged a pair of
seal sheets which are opposite each other. The seal sheets 28a, 28b
serve as means to openably seal the communication section 22 and
serves to isolate the storage section 18 from the openable section
20 including the opening 21, when opposite surfaces of the seal
sheets 28a, 28b adhere to each other. The seal sheets 28aand 28b
are welded at upper parts or joined portions 30 thereof to one of
the second opposite wall regions of the communicating section 22
and the other of the second opposite wall regions, respectively,
along the entire width of the second opposite wall regions of the
communicating section 22. Furthermore, the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
welded together with regions of the welded portion 14 that are
adjacent to the both sides of the communicating section 22, with
edges of both sides of the seal sheets 28a, 28b being interposed
between peripheral regions of the container walls 12a, 12b when the
peripheral regions of the container walls 12a, 12b are welded
together to form the peripheral welded portion 14.
[0097] The seal sheets 28a, 28b have sealing portions 32 which
extend toward the storage section 18 from the joined portions 30
and are not welded to the container walls 12a, 12b. The seal sheets
28a, 28b separably adhere to each other. The seal sheets 28a, 28b
are joined at the joined portions 30 thereof to the second opposite
wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b, so that when the
second opposite wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b which
form the communicating section 22 are separated from each other,
the seal sheets 28a, 28b are also separated from each other
according to the separation of the second opposite wall regions of
the container walls 12a, 12b. Furthermore, when the second opposite
wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b that form the
communicating section 22 approach each other, the seal sheets 28a,
28b also approach each other according to the approaching of the
second opposite wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b
whereby the opposite surfaces of the sealing portions 32 come into
surface contact with each other.
[0098] The dimensions of the seal sheets 28a, 28b may be suitably
selected. However, in the case where the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
disposed along the entire width of the communicating section 22,
the ratio of the total width of the communicating section 22 to a
vertical length of the seal sheets 28a, 28b is preferably about
2:1-5:1.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 3, the seal sheets 28a, 28b may comprise
adhesive layers 29a having opposite surfaces, and relatively
non-adhesive base layers 29b that are laminated onto the adhesive
layers 29a and adjacent to the second opposite wall regions of the
container walls 12a, 12b that form the communicating section
22.
[0100] The adhesive layers 29a may be made by preparing a mixture
of thermoplastic resins and adhesion-adding resins and forming the
mixture into sheet-like forms. As the thermoplastic resin, there
may be employed polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer or the like. As the adhesion-adding resin, there may be
employed hydrogenated SBR, SEBC, CEBC, low-molecular weight
polypropylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-butene,
3-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene or the like, or aliphatic cyclic
hydrocarbon resin which is a suitable adhesion-adding
substance.
[0101] It is particularly preferable that polypropylene is employed
as the thermoplastic resin, and stereoregular and block-copolymer
of polypropylene is employed as the adhesion-adding resin.
[0102] A process to add adhesion to polypropylene is to, for
example, copolymerize polypropylene with .alpha.-olefin such as
ethylene or 1-butene, and reducing crystallinity to thereby
fluidize a resin surface. However, the adhesion-adding resin
prepared with such a process has a crystallization temperature that
tends to be lower. Therefore, where the adhesive layers 29a are
prepared by employing polypropylene as the thermoplastic resin and
causing polypropylene to be mixed with such an adhesion-adding
resin, the adhesive layers 29a of the seal sheets 28a, 28b opposite
each other may be unseparatable from each other due to blocking
occurring between the adhesive layers 29a after the container is
subjected to high pressure steam sterilization or
retort-sterilization.
[0103] Incidentally, stereoregular and block copolymer of
polypropylene that is prepared, for example, by copolymerize
isotactic polypropylene with atactic polypropylene has a
crystallization temperature that hardly lowers. Therefore, where
the adhesive layers 29a are prepared by employing such
stereoregular and block copolymer of polypropylene as the
adhesion-adding resin, blocking hardly occurs between the adhesive
layers 29a and the adhesion of the adhesive layers 29a can be
maintained after the container is subjected to high pressure steam
sterilization or retort-sterilization.
[0104] Incidentally, as one example of stereoregular and block
copolymer of polypropylene, copolymer of isotactic polypropylene
and atactic polypropylene is discussed above. However, such
stereoregular and block copolymer of polypropylene may contain
other elements.
[0105] The relatively non-adhesive base layers 29b may be formed of
such thermoplastic resin as similar to the thermoplastic resin for
the adhesive layers 29a, with which the adhesion-adding resin is
not mixed. Preferably, as the thermoplastic resin for the
relatively non-adhesive base layers 29b, there is employed the same
thermoplastic resin as the container walls 12a, 12b are formed
of.
[0106] It is preferable that at least one of the thermoplastic
resin and adhesion-adding resin forming the adhesive layers 29a of
the seal sheets 28a, 28b and the thermoplastic resin forming the
non-adhesive layers 29b of the seal sheets 28a, 28b has a melting
point of at least 100.degree. C. or higher and preferably both of
them have a melting point of at least 100.degree. C. or higher, in
order that the seal sheets 28a, 28b do not fuse even if the
container is subjected to high pressure steam sterilization or
retort-sterilization.
[0107] The adhesion of the seal sheets 28a, 28b to each other may
be exhibited to the extent that, when the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
pressed against each other by hand at a pressing force of about
0.1-2 Kg/cm.sup.2 in a condition where the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
brought into contact with each other, the seal sheets can adhere to
each other, and even after the pressing force is released, the
adhering condition of the seal sheets 28a, 28b can be
maintained.
[0108] In a state where the seal sheets 28a, 28b completely adhere
to each other due to the adhesion of the seal sheets 28a, 28b as
shown in FIG. 4a, when the container walls 12a, 12b are manually
separated from each other, regions of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
which are adjacent to the joined portions 30 are peeled or
separated from each other as shown in FIG. 4b. As the container
walls 12a, 12b are further manually separated from each other,
peeling of the seal sheets 28a, 28b progresses from the regions of
the seal sheets 28a, 28b toward the storage section along a
boundary 33 between adhering areas of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and
peeling areas of the seal sheets 28a, 28b as shown in FIG. 4c.
[0109] In the illustrated example, a color pigment may be mixed
with the material for one or both of the seal sheets 28a, 28b,
whereby the seal sheet 28a and/or 28b is colored and the colored
seal sheet 28a and/or 28b also serves as a visual indicator means
to allow the person to visually perceive the position of the seal
sheets 28a, 28b through the container walls 12a, 12b from the
outside of the container 10.
[0110] In order to use the openable and re-closable container 10
within which a concentrated liquid 34 such as an enteral nutrient
or inspissated liquid diet is preliminarily contained, tearing of
the regions of the first opposite wall regions forming the openable
section 20 is initially carried out along the virtual line L while
starting from the notch 25. The first opposite wall regions forming
the openable section 20 are opposite each other in an unjoined
condition, so that the opening 21 is easily formed by tearing the
regions of the container walls 12a, 12b.
[0111] After forming of the opening 21, the person inserts his
fingers between the first opposite wall regions of the container
walls 12a, 12b through the opening 21, causes the first opposite
wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b to be separated from
each other and opens the opening 21 along the entire width of the
opening 21, whereby the second opposite wall regions of the
container walls 12a, 12b which form the communicating section 22
are separated from each other according the separation of the first
opposite wall regions, the communicating section 22 is widely
broadened, and the seal sheets 28a, 28b joined to the second
opposite wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b are
synchronously separated from each other according to the separation
of the seal sheets 28a, 28b from each other.
[0112] The openable and re-closable container 10 of the present
invention does not have any fitting means comprising uneven
portions, such chuck seals as employed in the conventional
container, so that any force to cause the uneven portions to be
disengaged from each other is not required in order to broaden the
opening 21. Therefore, when the opening 21 is broadened, any shock
will not be applied to the concentrated liquid 34 within the
storage section 18 and it is possible to prevent the concentrated
liquid 34 from scattering out of the container 10. Also, the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b can prevent the
concentrated liquid 34 within the storage section 18 from flowing
towards the openable section 20, so that the concentrated liquid
does not attach onto inner surfaces of the first opposite wall
regions forming the openable section 20, and the person can
sanitarily broaden the opening 21 without touching the concentrated
liquid 34.
[0113] Incidentally, when the amount of the concentrated liquid 34
is previously controlled in such a manner that the liquid level of
the concentrated liquid 34 is located at a position below lower
ends of the seal sheets 28a, 28b in a condition where the openable
and re-closable container 10 is hung through the hanging means 24,
even if the opening 21 is broadened in the hung condition of the
openable and re-closable container 10, the seal sheets 28a, 28b do
not contact the concentrated liquid 34 within the storage section
18. This also prevents the scattering of the concentrated liquid 34
and the attaching of the concentrated liquid 34 to the person's
fingers.
[0114] In a condition where the opening 21 and the communicating
section 22 are widely broadened, pouring of a dilute liquid such as
water into the storage section 18 through the opening 21 is carried
out, to thereby dilute the concentrated liquid 34 which is
preliminarily stored within the storage section 18. The
concentration of the concentrated liquid 34 can be controlled by
controlling the amount of the dilute liquid so as to be suitable
for the patient.
[0115] When the opening 21 is released from the broadened state
after the dilute liquid is stored within the storage section 18,
the first and second opposite wall regions of the container walls
12a, 12b which form the openable section 20 and the communicating
section 22 are approached each other, and the sealing portions 32
of the seal sheets 28a, 28b which are opposite each other are also
approached each other, and brought into contact with each other,
whereby the sealing portions 32 adhere to each other. As a result,
the communicating section 22 is openably closed and the storage
section 18 is isolated from the opening 21.
[0116] At this time, when opposite areas of the container walls
12a, 12b that positionally correspond to the colored seal sheet 28a
and/or 28b also serving as the visual indicator means are pressed
against each other over the entire width of the communicating
section 22 from the outside of the container 10 by fingers, the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b can positively
adhere to each other and the communicating section 22 can be
openably closed. The openable closing of the communicating section
22 may be performed by interposing one side of the communicating
section 22 by the person's fingers, pressing the communicating
section 22 and causing the fingers to be slid on the communicating
section 22 toward the other side of the communicating section 22 in
the crosswise direction while still pressing the communicating
section 22.
[0117] After the concentrated liquid 34 is diluted to a suitable
concentration by the dilute liquid and the communicating section 22
is openably closed, whereby a finished container is prepared, the
openable and re-closable container 10 is hung through the hanging
means 24. In the hung condition of the container 10, the liquid
level of the contents within the storage section 18 is located
below the lower ends of the seal sheets 28a, 28b. Therefore, the
contents do not attach to the seal sheets 28a, 28b.
[0118] In the hung condition of the container 10, the use of the
container 10 is completed by opening the discharged means 26,
causing the contents to be discharged out of the container 10
through the opened discharged means 26, and supplying the contents
with the patient through a tube or the like (not shown) which is
connected to the discharged means 26 at the time of discharging of
the contents.
[0119] In the openable and re-closable container constructed as
discussed above, the seal sheets 28a, 28b which are opposite each
other and extend towards the storage section 18 are joined at the
joined portions 30 thereof to the inner surface of the one of the
second opposite wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b and
the inner surface of the other of the second opposite wall regions
of the container walls 12a, 12b, respectively, along the entire
width of the communicating section 22, and include the sealing
portions 32 which extend from the joined portions 30 toward the
storage section 18 and separably adhere to each other along the
substantially entire width of the communicating section 22.
Therefore, the separating of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b
together with the second opposite wall regions of the communicating
section 22 can be performed by causing the first opposite wall
regions to be separated from each other over the entire width of
the first opposite wall regions after the tearing the areas of the
first opposite wall regions of the openable section 20 along the
virtual line L, to thereby cause the communicating section 22 to be
broadened.
[0120] Thus, by simply causing the opening 21 to widely broadened
at the time of the use of the container, the communicating section
22 can be widely broadened and the seal sheets 28a, 28b can be
separated from each other, so that the dilute liquid can be easily
stored within the storage section 18 through the widely broadened
opening 21.
[0121] Furthermore, by causing the first and second opposite wall
regions forming the openable section 20 and the communicating
section 22 to approach each other after the storing of the dilute
liquid, at least parts of the sealing portions 32 of the opposite
seal sheets 28a, 28b opposite each other over the entire width of
the communicating section adhere to each other over the entire
width of the sealing portions 32, so that the communicating section
22 can be openably re-closed, to thereby cause the storage section
18 to be isolated from the opening 21. Therefore, any contaminant
such as dirt and/or dust hardly enters the storage section 18
through the opening 21. Furthermore, even if the liquid level of
the stored liquid is changed due to any cause after the forming of
the opening 21, the stored liquid can be prevented from scattering
out of the container 10 through the opening 21.
[0122] In addition, the hanging means 24 is provided at the region
of the container 10 which is above the storage section 18 and
adjacent to the side of the openable section 20, so that when the
container 10 is hung through the hanging means 24 after the forming
of the opening 21, the container 10 is loaded by its own weight. As
a result, the container walls 12a, 12b hardly move in such a
direction to be away from each other, so that the sealing portions
32 of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b which are opposite each
other are easily maintained in the adhering condition relative to
each other and the side of the communicating section 22 that is
adjacent to the openable section 20 is easily kept in the openably
sealed condition, whereby the storage section 18 is maintained in
an isolated condition from the opening 21.
[0123] Furthermore, the hanging means 24 and the discharged means
26 are disposed at the diagonal positions relative to each other,
and the discharged means 26 is located at the lowermost edge of the
storage section 18 in the hung condition of the container 10, so
that the stored liquid within the storage section 18 is easily
discharged out of the storage section 18 through the discharged
means 26 in the condition where the container 10 is hung, and a
portion of the stored liquid which may remain within the storage
section 18 after the discharging of the liquid can be reduced in
quantity as less as possible.
[0124] Furthermore, the opening 21 and the at least side of the
communicating section 22 that is close to the opening 21 have the
substantially same width, so that both of them can be widely
broadened to a substantially same size and any new substance such
as the dilute liquid is easily stored within the storage section 18
through the opening 21.
[0125] In addition, the sealing portions 32 of the opposite seal
sheets 28a, 28b have adhesion to each other, so that by causing the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b to contact each
other after any new substance such as the dilute liquid is stored
within the storage section 18, the sealing portions 32 of the seal
sheets 28a, 28b can positively adhere to each other, whereby the
side of the communicating section 22 that is adjacent to the
opening 21 can be easily re-closed. Therefore, for example, even if
the container 10 is laid with the opening 21 thereof facing
sideways, the storage contents can be prevented from flowing out of
the opening 21, so that it is possible to treat the container 10
significantly easy after the forming of the opening 21.
[0126] Furthermore, when the communicating section 22 is to be
re-closed in order to cause the storage section 18 to be isolated
from the opening 21, the isolating of the storage section 18 from
the opening 21 can be easily carried out, since it is unnecessary
to cause the fitting portions (uneven portions) such as the chuck
seal means to be engaged with each other as in the conventional
container.
[0127] In addition, the edge areas of the both sides of the
opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b are joined to the edge regions of the
both sides of the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22, so that any clearances will not be
produced between the edge areas of the both sides of the sealing
portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and the edge areas of the
both sides of the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22. Therefore, the communicating section 22
can be maintained in a securely re-closed condition by the seal
sheets 28a, 28b. Moreover, the container 10 can be easily produced,
to thereby enable the production cost of the container to be
reduced.
[0128] Incidentally, the edges of the both sides of the opposite
seal sheets 28a, 28b are not necessarily joined to the edges of the
both sides of the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22, and may be independent of the edges of
the both sides of the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22.
[0129] Furthermore, the material for the seal sheet 28a and/or 28b
is mixed with the color pigment and colored with the color pigment,
whereby the colored seal sheet 28a and/or 28b also serves as the
visual indicator means and can be visually perceived through the
container walls 12a, 12b from the outside of the container 10.
Therefore, the position of the seal sheets 28a, 28b can be visually
perceived from the outside of the container and when the sealing
portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b are to be separably joined
to each other by causing the second wall regions forming the
communicating section 22 to be pressed against each other from the
outside of the container, areas of the second wall regions forming
the communicating section 22 that should be pressed against each
other can be easily identified. Thus, the separable adhering of the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b can be easily
performed.
[0130] Incidentally, each of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b may
comprise a single layer having the adhesive layer 29a only.
[0131] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for preparing the openable
and re-closable container that is constructed as described above
will be discussed hereinafter.
[0132] In order to produce the openable and re-closable container,
an empty container 10a that is formed with a pouring-opening 40 at
an edge region adjacent to an edge region of the empty container
10a at which the discharged means 26 is to be provided is initially
prepared. As methods for preparing the empty openable and
re-closable container according to the present invention, there may
be employed various methods that can be suitably selected. For
example, such a method as discussed hereinafter can be
employed.
[0133] Initially, first sheet materials are prepared from the
above-mentioned material and formed into a predetermined shape for
the seal sheets 28a, 28b. Also, second sheet materials having the
same size as that of the container walls 12a, 12b, or a size more
than that of the container walls 12a, 12b are made of the
above-mentioned material for the container walls 12a, 12b.
[0134] While the process for preparing the first and second sheet
materials can be suitably selected, preparing of the seal sheets
28a, 28b is preferably performed by fusing edge regions of the
first sheet materials except regions of the first sheet materials
that correspond to the joined portions 30, in a condition where the
first sheet materials are opposite each other. When the seal sheets
28a, 28b are prepared in such a manner as described above, the
regions of the first sheet materials that correspond to the joined
portions 30 remain unjoined to each other and the edge regions of
the first sheet materials except the regions of the first sheet
materials that correspond to the joined portions 30 are brought to
a linearly welded condition.
[0135] The preparing of the empty container 10a is carried out by
forming the second sheet materials into a predetermined shape,
welding the regions of the first sheet materials that correspond to
the joined portions 30, to regions of the second sheet materials
that correspond to the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22, in a condition where any suitable
weld-preventing means such as a metallic plate is interposed
between the regions of the first sheet materials that correspond to
the joined portions 30, and thereafter welding peripheries of the
second sheet materials together in a condition where the discharged
means 26 is interposed between the edge regions of the second sheet
materials that correspond to the lower part of the container. When
the welding of the peripheries of the second sheet materials is
performed, the pouring-opening 40 is formed by causing edge regions
of the second sheet materials that are adjacent to the edge regions
of the second sheet materials between which the discharged means 26
is interposed, to remain unwelded. At this time, the hanging means
24 comprising the through-hole, and the notch 25 are formed at an
upper part of the empty container 10a.
[0136] When the concentrated liquid 34 is to be stored in the empty
container 10a prepared in such a manner as discussed above, the
second opposite wall regions forming the communicating section 22,
and the side of the third opposite wall regions of the storage
section 18 that is close to the communicating section 22, are
initially pressed against each other from the both sides thereof
over the entire width of the container by any suitable damper means
42 as shown in FIG. 5, to thereby cause opposite surfaces of the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b to adhere to each
other and bring the seal sheets 28a, 28b to a protected
condition.
[0137] Thereafter, pouring of the concentrated liquid 34 into the
container 10a is carried out utilizing any suitable filler 44 for
supplying the concentrated liquid 34 that has a nozzle 44a. More
particularly, the pouring of the concentrated liquid 34 into the
container 10a is carried out by inserting the nozzle 44a of the
filler 44 into the pouring-opening 40 and pouring the concentrated
liquid 34 into the storage section 18 from the nozzle 44a, in a
condition where the container 10a is turned upside down in such a
manner that the pouring-opening 40 is located at an upper position
and the seal sheets 28a, 28b are located at a lower position as
shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the concentrated liquid 34 poured
into the storage section 18 does not contact the opposite surfaces
of the seal sheets 28a, 28b that are brought to the protected
condition by the damper means 42.
[0138] After completing the pouring of the concentrated liquid 34
into the storage section 18, sealing of the pouring-opening 40 is
carried out by welding. Thus, a finished container 10 having the
concentrated liquid 34 stored therein as the contents is produced.
Thereafter, the finished container 10 is turned in such a manner
that the seal sheets 28a, 28b are located at the upper position and
the discharged means 26 is located at the lower position, and the
container 10 is then released from the damper means 42, whereby the
opposite surfaces of the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets
28a, 28b are released from the protected condition.
[0139] Incidentally, the preparing of the container 10 in such a
manner as described above is preferably carried out without causing
air to remain in the container 10a as less as possible.
[0140] In the method for making the container 10, the first sheet
materials for the seal sheets 28a, 28b that are thin and serve as
means to communicatably isolate the storage section 18 from the
openable section 20 are arranged between the second sheet materials
and merely joined to the regions of the second sheet materials for
the container walls 12a, 12b that correspond to the second opposite
wall regions of the communicating section 22. Therefore, according
to the method of the present invention, the joining of the first
sheet materials for the seal sheets 28a, 28b to the second sheet
materials for the container walls 12a, 12b can be easily carried
out, as compared to a method for preparing the conventional
container, in which attaching of the chuck seals to the container
is carried out while causing the three-dimensional shapes of the
chuck seals to be maintained.
[0141] Furthermore, the storing of the concentrated liquid 34 in
the empty container 10a that has the pouring-opening 40 formed at
the edge regions of the second sheet materials that are adjacent to
the edge regions of the second sheet materials between which the
discharged means 26 is interposed, is carried out in the condition
where the whole surfaces of the seal sheets 28a, 28b are pressed
against each other through the second wall regions of the
communicating section 22 from the both sides of the second opposite
wall regions by the damper means 42 whereby the seal sheets 28a,
28b are brought to the protected condition, and the container 10a
is turned upside down. Therefore, the pouring of the concentrated
liquid 34 into the storage section 18 can be carried out in the
condition where the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
adhere to each other.
[0142] The pouring of the concentrated liquid 34 into the storage
section 18 is performed in such a condition as described above, so
that the concentrated liquid 34 hardly flows between the sealing
portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and toward the openable
section 20 at the time of pouring the concentrated liquid into the
container, and the concentrated liquid 34 hardly attach to inner
surfaces of the first opposite wall regions of the openable section
20. Therefore, when the person forms the opening 21 by tearing the
regions of the container walls 12a, 12b along the virtual line L,
and is to widely broaden the opening 21 by the fingers, the person
can sanitarily handle the container 10 without touching the
concentrated liquid 34.
[0143] Furthermore, after the pouring of the concentrated liquid 34
into the storage section 18 is completed and the sealing of the
pouring-opening 40 is performed, turning of the container is
carried out in such a manner that the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
located at the upper position and the discharged means 26 is
located at the lower position, and thereafter the releasing of the
container from the damper means 42 is performed. Therefore, the
concentrated liquid can be positively prevented from flowing
between the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and
towards the openable section 20.
[0144] In this case, for example, if the container 10 is hung
through the hanging means 24 in such a manner that the seal sheets
28a, 28b are located at the upper position and the discharged means
26 is located at the lower position, during transporting and
preserving of the container 10 after the producing of the finished
container, the concentrated liquid 34 does not attach to the seal
sheets 28a, 28b, so that the hanging of the container is
preferable. Also, in the case where the container is hung, when the
opening 21 is to be formed, the openable section 20 is devoid of
the concentrated liquid 34, so that the person can sanitarily form
the opening 21 and pour the dilute liquid into the storage section
18 without touching the concentrated liquid 34.
[0145] Furthermore, the adhering of the seal sheets 28a, 28b to
each other is carried out by pressing the second opposite wall
regions of the communicating section 22 against each other from the
both sides of the container walls 12a, 12b utilizing the damper
means 42, so that the seal sheets 28a, 28b can easily and
positively adhere to each other.
[0146] Incidentally, while the embodiment of the present invention
has been described in connection with an openable and re-closable
container which has the contents preliminarily stored therein, a
container according to the present invention is not limited to such
a container. The invention may be applied to an empty container in
which the contents are not preliminarily stored. More particularly,
using of the empty container 10a may be performed by tearing the
parts of the first opposite wall regions of the openable section 20
along the virtual line L, to thereby form the opening 21, causing
the contents to be stored in the storage section 18 through the
opening 21 while manually causing the first and second opposite
wall regions forming the openable section 20 and communicating
section 22 to be separated from each other to thereby cause the
seal sheets 28a, 28b to be separated from each other, thereafter
releasing the first and second opposite wall regions from the
person's fingers to thereby allow the seal sheets 28a, 28b to
approach each other due to the restoring force thereof and to
thereby allow the seal sheets 28a, 28b to adhere to each other, and
discharging the contents out of the container through the
discharged means 26.
[0147] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a container
body is formed by causing two resinous sheet materials to be welded
together along the peripheries thereof. However, the container body
may be formed by using an inflation resinous sheet material of a
cylindrical shape or a blow-molded product and merely causing their
parts to be welded.
[0148] Furthermore, while the seal sheets 28a, 28b are formed of
adhesive material in the above-mentioned embodiment, the seal
sheets 28a, 28b may be formed of any material that is non-adhesive.
Even in a container having such seal sheets as formed of
non-adhesive material, the seal sheets can openably close the
regions of the second wall regions forming the communicating
section 22 which is adjacent to the openable section 20, thereby to
isolate the storage section 18 from the opening 21, can prevent any
contaminant such as dirt and/or dust from entering the storage
section 18 and can prevent the contents within the storage section
18 from spilling out of the container.
[0149] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the seal
sheet 28a and/or 28b is colored to thereby serve as the visual
indicator means. However, the visual indicator means may be
provided, for example, by printing or depositing any character,
mark, sign, symbol, diagram, figure or the like on the seal sheet
28a and/or 28b. Also, the container walls 12a, 12b and the seal
sheets 28a, 28b may be made of materials that are different from
each other in light transmittance. In this case, the seal sheets
can be visually perceived from the exterior of the container with
resort to the difference in light transmittance between the
material for the container walls 12a, 12b and the material for the
seal sheets 28a, 28b. Incidentally, the seal sheets 28a, 28b may be
made of resinous material that does not contain a color pigment and
may have no visual indicator means.
[0150] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a fluid
enteral nutrient or an inspissated liquid diet and a dilute liquid
are stored within the storage section 18 as the contents. However,
any liquid other than them may be stored within the storage section
18. Also, any solid or powder may be stored within the storage
section 18.
[0151] Second Embodiment
[0152] Referring to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0153] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that lower ends of the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
spot-welded together at, for example, three points 60 thereof along
a crosswise direction. The three spot-welded points 60 of the seal
sheets 28a, 28b are formed so as to easily allow the separation of
the seal sheets 28a, 28b from each other when the first opposite
wall regions of the container walls 12a, 12b that form the opening
21 are to be separated from each other whereby the seal sheets 28a,
28b are to be separated from each other.
[0154] The seal sheets 28a, 28b are welded together at the three
points 60 thereof by the spot-welding, so that until the opening 21
is broadened, for example, at the time of storing of the
concentrated liquid 34 and producing of the container, or during
the safekeeping of the container, the sealing portion 32 of the
seal sheets 28a, 28b are positively maintained in the adhering
condition.
[0155] Third Embodiment
[0156] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0157] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the seal sheets 28a, 28b are welded together
at lower ends thereof to form a welded portion 70 that continuously
extends in a crosswise direction of the seal sheets 28a, 28b. The
welded portion 70 can be formed, for example, by causing the seal
sheets 28a, 28b to be overlapped one over the other and fusing the
seal sheets 28a, 28b. The welded portion 70 is formed so as to
allow the seal sheets 28a, 28b to be easily separated from each
other when the first opposite wall regions of the container walls
12a, 12b that form the opening 21 is to be separated from each
other, whereby the seal sheets 28a, 28b are to be separated from
each other.
[0158] The welded portion 70 can cause the sealing portions 32 of
the seal sheets 28a, 28b to be positively maintained in the
adhering condition at the time of the preparing of the container or
during the safekeeping of the container.
[0159] Fourth Embodiment
[0160] Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0161] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the seal sheets 28a, 28b are formed of
transparent resin with which a color pigment is not mixed, and
visual indicator means 48 for indicating the position of the seal
sheets 28a, 28b is provided at one or both of the second opposite
wall regions forming the communicating section 22.
[0162] In this embodiment, the position of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
can also be visually perceived from the outside of the container,
so that when the isolating of the storage section 18 from the
opening 21 is to be carried out, the sealing portions 32 of the
seal sheets 28a, 28b can positively adhere to each other by causing
the seal sheets 28a, 28b to be pressed against each other from the
outside of the container.
[0163] Fifth Embodiment
[0164] Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0165] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the container of FIG. 9 includes chuck means
50 for chucking the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22 from the both sides, and causing the seal
sheets 28a, 28b to forcedly adhere to each other. The chuck means
50 has a substantially U-shape as viewed from the plane, has an
elastic property, and has an opening that substantially corresponds
in size to the sum of the thicknesses of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
and thicknesses of the second opposite wall regions forming the
communicating section 22.
[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing portions 32 of
the seal sheets 28a, 28b can be always pressed against each other
by the chuck means 50, so that the contents within the storage
section 18 can be easily prevented from flowing toward the openable
section 22 and the opening 21.
[0167] Incidentally, the shape and size of the chuck means 50 can
be suitably selected and may be designed so as to be capable of
chucking the entire second and third opposite wall regions forming
the communicating section 22 and storage section 18, or parts of
them. Furthermore, only the third opposite wall regions forming the
storage section 18 may be liquid-tightly chuck by the chuck means
50 in such a manner that the contents within the storage section 18
does not contact the seal sheets 28a, 28b.
[0168] Sixth Embodiment
[0169] Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0170] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the thicknesses of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
of this embodiment are increased as compared to those of the seal
sheets of the first embodiment.
[0171] In the case where the thicknesses of the seal sheets 28a,
28b are increased, a space 51 between the first opposite wall
regions forming the opening 21 becomes wider. Therefore, when the
opening 21 is to be broadened, the person can easily insert the
person's' finger into the space 51 and easily pick one of the
opposite container walls 12a, 12b. Thus, broadening of the opening
21 can be easily performed, so that the container can be easily
handled.
[0172] Incidentally, while each of the seal sheets 28a, 28b
comprises a single layer structure in the embodiment of FIG. 10, it
may have a laminated structure that comprises an adhesive layer and
a relatively row-adhesive layer.
[0173] Seventh Embodiment
[0174] Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
[0175] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the width of the communicating section 22 is
gradually decreased from the side of the communicating section 22
that is adjacent to the opening 21, to the side of the
communicating section 22 that is adjacent to the storage section
18.
[0176] When the side of the communicating section 22 that is
adjacent to the storage section 18 is decreased in width, the
contents can hardly flow towards the openable section 20 and the
opening 21 from the storage section 18.
[0177] Eighth Embodiment
[0178] Referring to FIG. 12, there is illustrated an openable and
re-closable container according to an eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0179] This embodiment is substantially similar to the first
embodiment except that the openable section 20 has a width wider
than a width which the side of the communicating section 22 that is
adjacent to the openable section 20 has, the width of the
communicating section 22 is gradually reduced from the side thereof
adjacent to the storage section 18 to the side thereof adjacent to
the openable section 20, two notches 25 for facilitating forming of
the opening 21 by tearing the areas of the first opposite wall
regions of the openable section 20 are formed in areas of the both
sides of the welded portion 14 that are adjacent to the both sides
of the openable section 20, and any hanging means and any
discharged means are not provided.
[0180] In this embodiment, the openable section 20 is designed so
as to have a wide width, so that the opening 21 is easily formed,
and when widely broadening of the communicating section 22 is to be
carried out while picking the first opposite wall regions forming
the openable section 20, it is possible to easily cause the
communicating section 22 to be widely broadened.
[0181] Ninth Embodiment
[0182] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated an
openable and re-closable container according to a ninth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0183] The container 10 of this embodiment is designed so as to be
twofoldable and flexible, and includes means 52 for facilitating
folding of the container 10. The folding-facilitating means 52
comprises recessed portions which are formed at regions of the both
sides of the welded portions 14 that are adjacent to the side of
the storage section 18 which is adjacent to the communicating
section 22, so as to be recessed into the storage section 18. Each
of the recessed portions has a depth shallower than the width of
the welded portion 14.
[0184] Incidentally, the folding-facilitating means 52 may be
formed at regions of the both sides of the welded portion 14 that
are adjacent to the communicating section 22 to which the seal
sheets 28a, 28b are joined.
[0185] Furthermore, the container 10 of this embodiment includes
cooperating means for maintaining the container in a folded
condition to thereby bring the seal sheets 28a, 28b to the adhering
condition relative to each other. The cooperating means comprises a
belt-like stopper 54 attached onto an outer surface of one of the
container walls 12a, 12b, and nicks 56 formed in the both sides of
the welded portion 14. More particularly, the belt-like stopper 54
is attached at both end portions thereof onto areas of the outer
surface of the one 12a of the container walls that are lower than
the recessed portions 52 and adjacent to the discharged means 26,
with an intermediate portion thereof being unjoined to the outer
surface of the container wall 12a. The nicks 56 are formed in the
areas of the both sides of the welded portions 14 that are upper
than the recessed portions 52 and adjacent to the openable section
20, and obliquely extend upwardly. This embodiment is substantially
similar to the first embodiment except the above-mentioned
construction of this embodiment.
[0186] In the container 10 of the ninth embodiment that is
constructed as described above, the container 10 can be maintained
in a folded condition by causing the container 10 to be folded at
the folding-facilitating means 52 in such a manner that a part of
the container which correspond to the communicating section 22 and
openable section 20 is overlapped onto a part of the container 10
which correspond to the storage section 18, causing the overlapped
part of the container 10 to be inserted into a space between the
belt-like stopper 54 and the outer surface of the container wall
12a, and causing the nicks 56 of the welded portion 14 to be
engaged with an edge of the belt-like stopper 54.
[0187] In this embodiment, when the openable section 20 and
communicating section 22 are folded relative to the storage section
18 at the recessed portions 52, the container walls 12a, 12b which
are opposite each other are deformed in such a direction as to
approach each other along an area thereof between the recessed
portions 52, whereby the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets
28a, 28b are pressed against each other and positively adhere to
each other and the seal sheets 28a, 28b isolate the great portion
of the storage section 18 from the openable section 20, so that the
contents can be prevented from attaching to the sealing portion 32
of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and can be prevented from flowing
toward the openable section 20 and the opening 21.
[0188] Tenth Embodiment
[0189] Referring to FIG. 15, another method for making an openable
and re-closable container having the contents stored therein will
be discussed hereinafter.
[0190] In this method, preparing of an empty container 10a that is
substantially similar to that of FIGS. 13 and 14 and has a
pouring-opening 40 is initially performed. Thereafter, the openable
section 20 and the communicating section 22 are folded over the
storage section 18 at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the
storage section at the recessed portions 52 in such a manner that a
surface of one of opposite wall portions including the first and
second opposite wall regions come into contact with a surface of
one of the third opposite wall regions, whereby the storage section
18 is closed at the side of the storage section 18 that is adjacent
to the communicating section 22, the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
pressed against each other, and the opposite surfaces of the
sealing portions 32 are brought to a protected condition.
[0191] Pouring of a concentrated liquid 34 into the storage section
18 is then carried out in a condition where the folded empty
container 10a is turned in such a manner that the pouring-opening
40 is located at the upper position. More particularly, the pouring
of the concentrated liquid 34 into the storage section 18 is
performed by causing the nozzle 44a of the filler 44 to be inserted
into the pouring-opening 40. At this time, the concentrated liquid
stored within the storage section 18 does not contact the sealing
portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b. The pouring-opening 40 is
finally sealed after the pouring of the concentrated liquid is
completed, whereby a finished container is produced.
[0192] Incidentally, maintaining of the container in the folded
condition may be performed by inserting the opposite wall portions
including the first and second opposite wall regions into a space
between the belt-like stopper 54 and the surface of the storage
section 18, and causing the nicks 56 to be engaged with an edge
region of the belt-like stopper 54. However, the maintaining of the
container in the folded condition may be performed utilizing any
suitable damper means.
[0193] In this method, the storing of the concentrated liquid 34
into the storage section 18 is carried out in the state where the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b are brought to the
protected condition, so that the contents do not enter between the
sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a, 28b, and the adhesion
between the sealing portions 32 hardly fall. Also, the contents
hardly flow between the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a,
28b, and hardly flow toward the openable section 20. Furthermore,
the contents hardly attach onto inner surfaces of the first
opposite wall regions forming the openable section 20, and inner
surfaces of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b. In addition, after
the opening 21 is formed by tearing the areas of the first opposite
wall regions forming the openable section 20, the person can
sanitarily handle the container without touching the contents when
the person is to cause the opening 21 to be widely broadened in
order to facilitate storing of any additional substance into the
storage section 18.
[0194] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned method, the openable
section 20 and the communicating section 22 are folded over the
storage section 18 at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the
storage section 18, whereby the storage section 18 is substantially
isolated from the communicating section 22. However, it is
unnecessary to always cause the openable section 20 and
communicating section 21 to be folded over the storage section 18
at an angle of about 180 degrees relative to the storage section
18.
[0195] Eleventh Embodiment
[0196] Referring to FIG. 16, still another method for making an
openable and re-closable container having the contents stored
therein will be discussed hereinafter.
[0197] In this method, preparing of an empty container 10a that is
substantially similar to that according to the first embodiment and
has a pouring-opening 40 is initially performed. Thereafter,
storing of the contents into the storage section 18 is carried out
utilizing any suitable receiving base means 80 that has a sloped
surface 81. More particularly, prior to storing of the contents
into the storage section 18, the container 10a is carried on the
sloped surface 81 of the receiving base means 80 with the
pouring-opening 40 being located at an upper position, with a
region of the storage section 18, which is slightly lower than a
substantially middle portion of the storage section 18, being
folded, and with the communicating section 22 being laid on the
sloped surface 81. In the condition where the container 10a is
carried on the sloped surface 81 of the receiving base means 80 in
such a manner as described above, the seal sheets 28a, 28b are
protected in such a manner that the concentrated liquid 34 does not
strike directly against the end portions of the opposite seal
sheets 28a, 28b which are adjacent to the storage section 18, when
the concentrated liquid 34 is poured into the storage section 18
through the pouring-opening 40 from the nozzle 44a of the filler
44.
[0198] In the condition where the container 10a is carried on the
sloped surface 81 of the receiving base means 80, the nozzle 44a of
the filler 44 is inserted into the pouring-opening 40, and the
pouring of the concentrated liquid 34 into the storage section 18
is performed using the filler 44. After the storing of the
concentrated liquid into the storage section 18 is completed, the
pouring-opening 40 is sealed, whereby a finished container is
produced.
[0199] In this method, the pouring of the concentrated liquid into
the storage section 18 is carried out in the condition where the
seal sheets 28a, 28b are isolated from the concentrated liquid to
be stored within the storage section 18 by causing the container to
be folded, and protected, so that there is no possibility that the
sealing portions 32 of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b will be
peeled or separated from each other due to any shock which is
applied to at the time when the concentrated liquid 34 supplied
from the nozzle 44a of the filler 44 drops within the container.
Therefore, the contents hardly attach to between the sealing
portions 32 of the opposite seal sheets 28a, 28b and the adhesion
between the seal sheets 28a, 28b hardly falls. Also, at the time of
pouring of the contents into the storage section 18, the contents
hardly flow between the sealing portions 32 of the seal sheets 28a,
28b and toward the openable section 20, and hardly attach to the
inner surfaces of the seal sheets 28a, 28b and the surfaces of the
first opposite wall regions forming the openable section 20.
Therefore, when the opening 21 is to be formed by tearing the
predetermined areas of the first opposite wall regions forming the
openable section 20, the person can sanitarily handle the container
without touching the contents.
[0200] The term and expressions which have been employed are used
as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any
equivalents of the features shown and described, or portions
thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are
possible within the scope of the invention claimed.
* * * * *